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VERY RELEVANT AND TIMELY

The May Edition of Magnet was timely and as relevant as it could get! I have always wondered what “the call” meant. I grew up near a church and most of my weekends were spent helping the sisters at my parish. And I was always told about “the call” and how only a chosen few received it. Consequently, I grew up with a very narrow view of spiritual life which included the ones who received the call (the religious) and the others—like me! It was only recently that I realized how I too have the call—the one I share my spiritual life with another person, called to share the love of Christ in my aggressively secular surroundings.

The inclusion of Pope Francis’ letter on St. Joseph in this edition, hence, was very meaningful to me.  I have often wondered what the future of our religious is going to look like. And this edition of Magnet asked all the questions that were brewing in my mind—the  decline of religious vocations, the future, the jaded next generation, the ways to re-engage with the youth and inspire more “calls.” The seven vocation stories were immensely powerful—not only were they inspiring confidence in our future, they also reminded me of the reason why we are Christians. As a married Catholic, I find the inclusion of stories from families very inspiring. I would like to share my appreciation for Mr Olympio D’Mello’s story of living his vocations truthfully. Such stories seldom get heard in our communities and it was very thought-provoking and uplifting. I wish team Magnet all the success and look forward to reading more wonderful stories!

Anjana George, New Jersey, USA

THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED

Having known Fr. Joe Mannath for a number of years, I am not surprised that Magnet is such a great success. Joe has a passion for whatever he does. Anything he undertakes is par excellent; that is due to his hard work, meticulous planning, spending hours and hours going through articles until it has his level of perfection, his ability to get very good and talented writers and above all his objectivity. Joe is also ready to welcome constructive criticism.

I have been reading Magnet from the beginning and I look forward to each issue.  It contains a wide range of topics which are very interesting, relevant and informative. I like the fun page too and the book and movie reviews.

I like what Henri Nouwen has to say, “Writing is like giving away the few loaves and fishes one has, trusting that they will multiply in the giving. Once we dare to ‘give away’ on paper the few thoughts that come to us, we start discovering how much is hidden underneath these thoughts and gradually come in touch with our own riches.”

I hope that the high standard of Magnet will continue in the years to come. Magnet is the best thing that has happened during my lifetime! Please accept my thanks and congratulations on its success.

Sr Margaret Power, Presentation Convent, Vepery, Chennai

WARM, GENTLE TONE

A big congrats to Fr Joe and his team, Magnet is a magazine that is sure to change a lot of people’s lives. The articles are written in a warm, gentle tone with straight forward prose that anyone can understand. A stimulating exploration of contemporary issues through the deep, broad, and inclusive lens of religious life. I gain a lot from reading it. Magnet is definitely a great blessing.

Sathish Paul SDB, Ratisbonne Monastery, Jerusalem, Israel

STIMJULATING READ

Thank you so much for MAGNET As always, it made for a stimulating read. Reaching out to interested people through the editorial to take over from you was very nice and hopefully there will be many applicants whom you will see fit to take your stupendous efforts forward. Hope you are keeping well and safe.

Captain Arun M., Bangalore 560001

LIKE A NOURISHING TABLET

When “Magnet” is not around for reading, I miss it a lot. The magazine is like a condensed tablet that will sustain one for days. Its contextualized articles, well written in simple and logical way, are a delight to read. In the June issue, reading about the struggles many had to go through during the Covid 19 Pandemic, and equally matching generous service of the medical persons and others—this was heart-rending. I like the inspirational quotes found  on page 2.They are very catchy and profound. I found this monthly column very useful—Tips for Superiors. Whether formally named superior or not, one has to play that role  on and off. I wish the magazine Team all the best and hope many will read and benefit from it.

Sr. Marian Mathew PBVM, Kanjoor 683575, KERALA

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“Do not regret growing old. It is a privilege denied to many.”

“Years may wrinkle the skin; giving up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”

“The best part of the art of living is knowing how to age gracefully.” (Eric Hoffer)

“Aging is not ‘lost youth,’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” (Betty Friedan)

“It is important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle.”

“Forget about aging gracefully; focus instead on aging gratefully.”

“Growing older is automatic; growing up requires wise choices.”

“None are so old as those who have outlives enthusiasm.” (Henry David Thoreau)

“To care for those who once cared for us is one of life’s highest honours.” (Tia Walker)

“The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” (Andy Roony)

“Care-givers go through more than they tell you. They give up a lot. They can get sick and worn out. You will never know until you walk the same road.”

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Pope Francis, a super-senior himself and an exemplary human being, has chosen the fourth Sunday of July as the day of Grandparents and Elders. (Reason for the date: close to the feast of Saints Joaquim and Anne). We, therefore, dedicate this July issue to Seniors.

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At retreats for college students, I used to ask them, “Do you love your parents?” They would reply in a loud chorus: “Yes!”

“It is too early to say, “I would tell them. “Right now, you need them. They are paying for your studies. They are the ones who will see to your marriage arrangements. You want them alive and healthy right now. Tomorrow, when you do not need them, when they are weak, and you are strong, we shall see who among you all love your parents.”

Agree?

During those retreats, we would take them to the home for the aged run by the Missionaries of Charity. Each student would spend an hour or so talking with one of the inmates. The meeting moved a number of them. The students realized that several of those seniors had grown up sons or daughters living in the same city, but who hardly ever visited them.

What about us, religious and priests?

The reality is, here again, mixed. Some are lovingly looked after, others less so.

A Catholic laywoman who is active in the church once told me, “Whenever I visit the home for our retired priests, I cry. These are men who have worked for us all for years. Now, in their old age, many are neglected. The home itself is not maintained well.”

There are also excellent examples of care.  (See the articles that follow.)

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In the nineteenth century, the average lifespan was very low. Example: In Don Bosco’s time, the average lifespan in Turin (the city where he lived) was just thirty-five years.

Lifespan worldwide rose to some fifty-two years by the beginning of the last century. It shot up during the last hundred years, as nutrition and medical care improved—at least for a part of the world population.

Now, thanks to better food, antibiotics, vaccinations, hospitals and better hygiene, we live longer.

So, the proportion of older persons in society has grown.

In some countries, the government provides financial support for them (pension, medical insurance, etc.). Elsewhere, seniors depend almost entirely on their family—or on charity.

In India, some seniors live at home. Others (who can afford it) live in homes for the aged on payment. A few, who are destitute, are looked after by charitable organizations.

Some need financial support. All need love and care.

This issue looks at this situation. The first article is by a journalist who lives in a Catholic home for the aged. She helps us look at the some of the issues seniors face today. Next, we listen to two Sisters (SD and LSP)  whose congregations are devoted to caring for the elderly, especially the poor. We also listen to a superior who has been caring for sick and aged religious. And interview a senior priest noted for his joyful and open spirit.

In “They Cared,” you will meet good people from different backgrounds whose compassion speaks volumes.

An issue not addressed here is the care of elderly religious and priests. This is a huge issue in the so-called “first world,’ where the majority of church personnel are senior. The average age of Sisters in Europe and North America is in the mid-seventies. We can learn from their experience, and prepare for a future when we too will be facing similar demographics. Right now, that is not a pressing issue for most religious orders or dioceses in India.

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You will notice three new columns: ONE: Tips for Teachers” (launched in the last issue), which, hopefully, will help the many who are teachers and help superiors to animate teachers; TWO: “Help Me Grow Up!” (starting this month), which is aimed at formees and other young people (since India has the world’s largest number of seminarians and young religious); and THREE: Interviews with Nurses, since all of us need to understand their service  and appreciate them a lot more.

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With the current improvements in medicine, many of today’s youth may live to be one hundred. Science can add years to our life; it is up to us to add life to our years.

May we all add life to our years, and help those who are in the final stages of life to have a meaningful, peaceful and well-supported period of life.

Whatever we have become or claim to have achieved, was done with the help of many good and caring people. We did not create things from scratch. We built on others’ achievements.

We need to care for those who cared for us—and for those for whom no one seems to care.

We owe them much. They need us now.

Happy Elders’ Day!

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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Lateral thinking: Creativity Step by Step

By Edward De Bono (1970)

Edward de Bono proposes his idea of lateral thinking as complement to traditional education methods which, he says, “emphasises vertical thinking which is effective but incomplete.”  The conventional, standard ways of thinking sees creativity as “vertical.” It is the straight logical method that we learn to solve problems. But lateral thinking challenges us to “think outside the box” and approach problems in an indirect, creative manner and even with a sense of humour.. Lateral thinking focuses on the “movement value” of ideas; that is, the thinker is able to use the method to move from one known idea to new ones. The unexpected and fresh approaches to problem-solving provide moments of surprise, laughter and new insight, facilitating the ability to see a pattern of thought which may not be obvious in the beginning.

Lateral thinking means to apply our imagination to approach a problem in a fresh way and find new and more effective solutions. This involves a set of techniques that stimulate imagination. Our brain could be   trained in this way. Lateral thinking is effectively applicable in private and professional life.

According to De Bono, there are four methods involved. – awareness, random stimulation, alternatives and alteration. Awareness means to train ourselves to be aware of how the mind works with problem solving. This helps to set aside conventional patterns and develop innovation. The problem-solving method adopted by King Solomon when two women claim a child is cited as an example of lateral thinking. De Bono defines four types of thinking tools: 1. idea-generating tools used to conventional thinking patterns 2. Focus tools that help to broaden areas to search for new ideas 3. Harvest tools that are meant to ensure value enrichment received from idea generating output 4. Treatment tools that help to look at real-world constraints, resources, and support. The author provides interesting examples of how the lateral thinking methods are worked out.

De Bono’s ideas have a wide range of applications – from education to various forms of leadership.

Healing Power of Words: Learn to Heal Yourself

by Rev J Martin (2018).

Rev J Martin speaks from his experience as a spiritual counselor and pastor how our words can heal us and those around us.  When life is comfortable, everything seems easy. When life is difficult, everything seems hard. The question is how to get out of the “all bad” faster, next time we get trapped in this mindset. We can help ourselves and others by learning the healing power of words. Words have great power. Healing words can come in many different forms; you can say them, read them, or have them said to you. This book discusses each of the three with anecdotes from the author’s experience and also magnifies them in light of the Gospels. The ideal way as the author has known from experience is “to pray more intensely, read motivational books, cultivate solitude.” These help to look into methods that help to get out of negativism. When we are unable to get out of a negative mood, it helps to write down so that it gets out.  The author’s favourite quote is “This too will pass.” Words of appreciation should always come out of us, starting with our own family members. Such words boost self-confidence, restore lost spirit, cultivate and strengthen relationships. Doing God’s work does not need special skills or training. The philosophy of the healer means healing people with our words, encouraging, motivating and enlightening them, and letting everyone know that you care. This means a lot in the context of modern society, filled with negativity spread through the media. People of all ages need healing words more than ever. We should speak blessings to people around us every day so that they will now what they mean to you that you care for them and let them know what they can achieve. Such words are the essential nourishment that we can give and help people grow. Instead of saying hurtful things we need to consciously cultivate the habit of good words.

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Prof Gigy Joseph

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MAY 1

MAY DAY: WORKERS’ DAY

Called Labour Day or Workers’ Day, this day celebrates the contribution of workers to the lives of all of us. [The church added a liturgical feast to celebrate this day: St Joseph the Worker.] They are the first and the worst affected in any disaster or pandemic or lockdown. Pathetic proofs are all around us.

How do we treat the so-called lower sections of our society—manual labourers (cleaners, gardeners, construction workers, …) drivers, cooks, …? How they are treated in India is (sadly) very, very different from how a worker is treated (and paid) in Europe or America.

We show our character (whether noble or mean) more by the way we treat those “below” us than by how we deal with those “above” us.

Since the readers of MAGNET are likely to be employers rather than employees, may I remind all of us to treat our employees with dignity and respect. And, if we believe in Jesus, we know that one day we will be judged on how we treated the “least,” not by how we bowed before the big shots.

MAY 9:

MOTHER’S DAY

It is observed on the second Sunday in May.

A mother’s love and countless sacrifices are priceless gifts most of us take for granted. I used to ask college students during retreats, “Do you love your parents?” They would all shout, “Yes!” I would tell them: “It is too early to say who among you really love your parents. Right now, you need them. They are paying for your studies, and will continue doing much for you. Later, when you are strong and they are weak, and you do not need them, we will see who among you truly love your parents.”

Agree?

Do you really treasure your mother and what she has done for you? It is certainly more than we know or realize. Why not use Mother’s Day to do something to make her happy? What is it she needs most right now? Do it before it is too late.

MAY 12

NURSES DAY

Reason for the date: the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who transformed the care of the sick. When she went to look after British soldiers wounded in the Crimean War, she found the conditions appalling—dirty, unhealthy, without proper food and medicines. She changed all that. Her approach transformed the whole practice of nursing.

Nurses do an absolutely necessary, demanding and heroic service. Yet, in India, nurses are often not treated with respect, nor paid well.

I once asked an Indian nurse working in New York, “What do you like about living in the US?” Without any hesitation, she replied, “I feel respected as a woman and as a professional, both of which I did not get in India.”

Have you thanked the nurses who looked after you and your family members during illness? If not, why not do it today? Think of the thousands of nurses doing a fantastic service and see how you can appreciate their service.

MAY 15

DAY OF FAMILIES

Family can be the best and most beautiful experience of life—or the most miserable.

Mother, father, sisters, brothers, grandparents, grandchildren—what would life be without such close ties?

We often take our family for granted. Do we use birthdays and similar occasions to show our love for one another? Family members give us much, and need our affirmation and support.

Preachers and teachers matter; but they cannot match the influence of family.

Do you pray for your family members every day? If you are well-off, do you help poorer relatives? Is your home open to your family members? (Sadly, so many siblings become rivals and enemies, fighting over property, money and real or imagined hurts.)

Your family is not perfect; you don’t have to pretend it is. Further,  a large dose of forgiveness is essential for a happy family life.

Celebrate family. Treat your aging parents well. Help those in need. Let your children learn from your behaviour how to care for family members.

And, if you are a religious or priest, do your best to create a family atmosphere (of love, welcome, mutual help and joy) in the institutions you run. About a good seminary or religious house, those who lived there will say, even years later, “It was a home of love.”

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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 I apologize for speaking of my own congregation and province. This is not for boasting. I could get the exact details, and also know that whatever is published is being done. Many other religious, too, have been doing commendable work. We can all learn from one another, and support one another. Here is what the Salesian Province has been doing these past months to help those affected by Covid and by the lockdown. – Joe Mannath SDB

The Don Bosco Relief Services coordinate two types of activities.

1. A Helpline in every region and, if necessary, in every house. It will have a complete data of the nearby hospitals, with beds available, oxygen facility, etc., and help people to reach there.
   1. To provide relief services, namely: (a) Health Hygiene Kit; (b) Medical Kit; (c) Dry Ration; (d) Facilitating Vaccination Drive; (e) Counselling Help; (f) Care for Orphans and Semi Orphans of the Covid patients.

Four Regional Coordinators have been appointed in Chennai, Pondy, Vellore and Tirupattur to monitor the situation. The Director of Migrant Ministry is reaching out to the Migrants.

Aspects of our Intervention

1. Immediate attention is given to the medical needs of the infected (connectivity to the hospital & providing health care). For this, we have temporarily offered our infrastructure to the Government to provide medical care or to enable Covid Care Centre.
2. We are happy that Don Bosco School in Egmore-Chennai, Don Bosco School in Perambur, Sagayathottam Agricultural College, Sacred Heart College and Dominic Savio School in Tirupattur, Don Bosco College in Dharmapuri, Don Bosco School in Thalwadi, Dispensary at Vyasarpadi and Dispensary at Pope John’s Garden in Chennai have allotted certain areas for this purpose.
3. Don Bosco School in Katpadi, Vellore have permitted the vegetable market in the school campus.
4. Don Bosco School in Egmore, in Collaboration with the Greater Chennai Corporation, offers Covid Care Hospital services to the patients. It provides 104 beds with Oxygen Concentrators facility. This facility is a stepdown referral Covid care hospital attached to Government Kilpauk Medical College. Treatment at this centre is free of Charge. Some doctors of Egmore Don Bosco School Past Pupils Unit have come forward to treat the patients and other Past pupils are raising funds for other expenses for the medical team. The Government provides medicine, beds, food, sanitation, ambulance service, etc. It is a unique model wherein the entire medical personnel are provided by a private agency to address the needs of the patients.
5. Similarly, preparations are on in Don Bosco School in Perambur-Chennai with the help of the Greater Chennai Corporation to facilitate a Covid Care Hospital in the School premise with 70 Beds and Oxygen facilities.
6. Sacred Heart College in Tirupattur offers Siddha Covid Care Centre in collaboration with the Tirupattur District Collectorate. We are taking care of more than 250 patients.
7. All the medical services in other dispensaries are executed with the permission of the local Government authorities.
8. The Local Youth Service Coordinators together with a team of local volunteers, likeminded people, local CRI, etc. are executing the relief service to the needy.
9. As the Prevention measures are equally important, longtime intervention is taken along with the Government and with the help of the Educative Pastoral council members in each of the Salesian presence. Meticulous planning is underway to facilitate vaccination drive and will be organized wherever possible with help of Private and Government Hospitals particularly in the Rural Presences.
10. Don Bosco NIRAIVAGAM, the Centre for Psychological Services, is offering online counselling services in five regional languages, with help of trained Psychologists.
11. The Domestic staff and other immediate associates of our local mission are given special priority in these relief services.
12. If any of our staff gets infected, we provide them the necessary medical leave and the full salary and, if necessary, monetary help.

The above are the some of the interventions made from the Salesian Province of Chennai. The CRI salutes all other religious too who are offering similar services to the sick and to those affected by the lockdown.

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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I faced death recently. I gave away all my possessions. Corona hit me hard, and seemed to win. Today, I am so grateful to be alive. I had never appreciated the preciousness of life as I do today.

I am thirty-three years old. I am a tribal young man from Odisha. Today, I am a social worker living in Delhi. I live alone in an apartment. As the second wave of the pandemic hit the nation, I was also one among the thousands who were affected by the Corona virus. Today, as I speak about my experience, I feel so grateful to be alive.

I started developing symptoms in the first week of April 2021. I went to a government dispensary near my office.  They did an RTPCR. The results were getting  delayed so much that I decided to get a Rapid Antigen Test. I tested positive. The people at the dispensary asked me and some other patients to wait in a corner. There were no chairs and I was tired of standing, so I just sat on the floor. As time passed, I started feeling weak but there was no response from the authorities

Staying at a rented place, I did not tell anyone about my condition. I was afraid I would be asked to vacate the room. Managing alone was really tough. I was dead tired, with a fever of 102 to 103 degrees. In this condition I could not ask anyone to come over.

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Bijay Kumar Hembram

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Every time I heard the siren of an ambulance, I thought that it was for somebody else, till I had to be in one of them for four long hours. Having recovered from a serious attack of Covid-19, I see life with all that it has to offer, with a new meaning. There is something in me triggering with a happy feeling. What has caused this?

I was very cautious and careful to avail Covaccine in the second week of April 2021. Later, when the fever developed during the third week, we were told by the local health workers that it is normal for some people to get high fever  the after vaccination; so, there was no reason to be anxious.

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Sr Marian Mathew PBVM

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This year’s personal experience of being a person diagnosed “Covid Positive” has been one that I cannot forget and thank God for.  For eight or nine months we watched the news, agonized over the spike in cases, joined the Holy Father in his Urbi et Orbi for the world – but as the months passed, I began to say to myself – “lakhs of people are infected, but half of them survive and get cured.” It is only when you yourself are among the infected people that the picture changes – you cannot be sure if you will be among those who go home cured or reach the other shore.

The grace of this time has been one of faith – and being carried by those who love and care for you – a time of knowing that your life is precious and that everything possible will be done to save it. The constant checking of my health status by the Provincial and my family left me assured that I did not have to worry. All that was needed would be taken care of. The prayer of so many people—my family, my sisters in the Society and so many others associated with me—carried me during days when I was not able to pray. It reminded me of the man who was let down through the roof for the Lord to heal. Seeing the efforts and faith of the companions, Jesus worked the miracle.

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Sr Pratibha Pinto RSCJ

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THEY DESERVE MORE RESPECT & GRATITUDE

Nurses are doing a very important service to people, especially during our weakest moments—treatments for illness and accidents, pregnancy and childbirth, etc. It is a service that demands much sacrifice and love. There will be times when they are tired, even exhausted, and other times, like the present pandemic, when they feel nervous and scared and even rejected. They will also have moments of deep joy and satisfaction.

I once asked an Indian nurse working in New York, “You seem to be happy in the US. What do you like about America?’ She replied, firmly and without the least hesitation, “I feel respected as a woman and as a professional, both of which I did not get in India.”

We want to highlight the essential, courageous and wonderful services our nurses are doing. We owe it to them that they be treated with respect and gratitude.

We start this feature with an interview with Mrs Jeena Jose, Nursing Superintendent at Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi.

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Mrs Jeena Jose

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