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I write this article while on holiday in my native country. I haven’t been back to Malta in five years, and obviously I do notice a lot of changes—more vehicles, more flyovers, more high-rise flats, more trees are cut and destroyed, more pollution, and . . . . more money in the hands. There are more African immigrants sweeping the streets or hanging on scaffolding at construction sites for a pittance, more Indians and Filipinos slaving themselves as care workers or nurses (without being represented by any union), more Italians running coffee shops, more Eastern Europeans involved in what seems to be shady businesses, more Maltese politicians involved in corruption and money laundering, and . . . . more money in the hands of natives. Some people are making more and more money (irrespective of its origin), and all this against the backdrop of the pandemic. For the past month, all non-essential shops and churches were closed, we could only walk two by two on the streets and we could barely meet in each other’s houses. Police and other authorities can, if they want, inspect our homes to see that we are abiding by their directives. More and more instructions are being issued on a daily basis. But at least, the number of infected people is finally going down. It is really a strange time to take a holiday.

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Bro Carmel Duca MC

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Mother Teresa attended a prayer session conducted by Father Sebastian Champanil, a Salesian priest. She requested him to preach a retreat to the MC sisters.  Fr Sebastian told her, “Mother, I am not a scholar.”  Mother said, “I am not looking for scholars.  I am looking for holy people.”  Fr Sebastian objected, “Mother, I am not a holy person to preach to the sisters.”   Mother Teresa replied, “Then, become holy!”  All that Fr Sebastian could do was to give her a smile of surrender.

What can we do to become holy? Here are steps we need to take.

1. Be Your True Self

Thomas Merton said, “For me, to be a saint means to be myself.”

What did he mean?  He says that we need to make a distinction between our “true self” and the “false self.”

We may say that the “false self” is made up of two aspects—the roles we play in life and the image we present to others.

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Fr Jose Kuttianimattathil SDB

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Fr Joseph Murphy SDB was principal of Sacred Heart College, Tiruppattur, Tamilnadu. If you were to ask anyone who was a student or faculty member in those years, “Whom do you recall with the greatest admiration?” the name that would come up most frequently was that of Fr Murphy.

Why? Why did and why do people remember him with so much admiration?

Three reasons, as far as I know.

One: Willingness to apologize.

Fr Murphy was strict. And he was hot-tempered. But, if he lost his temper with anyone, whether a staff member or student, he would go to that person the same day, and say, “Sorry I lost my temper with you today.” I have seen this happen.

How many teachers and principals would do the same?

Two: Kindness.

One day, a boy reached the college drenched to the skin. It was raining heavily, and he did not have an umbrella. Fr Murphy saw him from his office upstairs. He came down, and asked a group of us who were boarders, “Can one of you please go to the dormitory and get a dry shirt for that boy?” He did not want the young man to spend the day wearing a wet shirt.

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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KEVIN

When Crystal and I wrote the article last month on motherhood, I recall admitting that I had never really appreciated the great gift of my own mother and the impact that she had on my life. Providentially, it was only a mater of a few days before I was given the opportunity to reflect further on that as we prepared for her funeral Mass. She passed at the age of eighty-nine after several years of declining physical and mental health. It was a powerful and beautiful time made ever more precious by hearing so many friends and family members sharing tributes of her grace and beauty in their lives. Each remembrance evoked my own memories of the times when I witnessed her loving dedication and faithfulness that she so generously shared with family, friends and her faith community. I couldn’t help but see that much of what is good in me now is a result of the unwavering model of my mother’s love that she so graciously shared with me and my eight brothers and sisters. Because of her loving and faith-filled example, I have become better able to step into my own spiritual life and better reflect on and appreciate the joy and peace that God has in mind for all of us.

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Crystal and Kevin Sullivan

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I am Sr Cyriaka, Major Superior of a congregation. Sr Humilis, a member of our congregation, was sent for study. But, after the study, she did not return to the community. We tried many ways to contact her, but we could not get to her. We also contacted her family members. They knew her whereabouts, but did not want to reveal it. We have had no contact with Sr Humilis for seven months. What canonical action could be taken in this situation?

First of all, the immediate Major Superior should verify the reason for the abrupt departure of this member. Talk first with the person’s community members. Next, try to persuade the family members to bring the sister for an amicable dialogue. If the member does not want to live in a particular community, then the Superior should look for possible options such as a transfer, admonition or facilitate the living situation in a place other than the community for some time, for example, a retreat house, a retirement home, etc.

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Sr Navya Thattil OSF

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The last day of the month of April this year turned out to be a joy-filled day all over Venezuela. On that day the people of Venezuela forgot their many problems and pain and celebrated the honour accorded to a person whom they had loved and revered for years – Dr. José Gregorio Hernández.  He was beatified that day by the Catholic Church.

But long before the Church decided to officially declare him a ‘Blessed,’ Venezuelans had been praying to this ‘Doctor of the Poor.’ Writing in America magazine (07 May 2021), Luz Marine Diaz, a Venezuelan herself, says, “When Venezuelans get sick, it is typical for us to ask José Gregorio Hernández to intercede for us. From our youngest days, we are told about how this good and generous doctor showed special care for the poorest in our society.”

Hernández was born on 26 October 1864 in a village in the state of Trujillo in Venezuela. When he was just 12 years old, he came up with a booklet titled, Short and Easy Way to Hear Mass with Devotion. His favorite books included Thomas of Kempis’s The Imitation of Christ and a biography of Saint Teresa of Ávila. Although he nursed a desire to become a monk, he studied medicine at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas, the country’s capital. After completing his studies, he went back to Trujillo to work as a physician. A government grant enabled him to go to Paris for further studies in medicine. He travelled also to Berlin, Madrid and New York to study other fields of medicine, such as experimental physiology and bacteriology.

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Fr M A Joe Antony SJ

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Here is medical information from an authoritative source.

(The lockdown delayed the publication of this issue. That is why an interview done in July is quoted in the June issue of this magazine!)

In an interview published in The Hindu newspaper of July 15, Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bangalore), speaks of the neurological and emotional fallout of Covid.

Dr Murthy speaks of the change in awareness. When COVID first hit, people were afraid of contracting it from objects, touch, etc. They would wash groceries before cooking, and avoid touching things. Later, this fear was seen as largely unfounded.

Keeping physical distance from people, especially dear ones, has had serious consequences. Doctors find that a number of survivors of COVID, having been deprived of human contact during their bout of illness, suffer repeated panic attacks.

In some ways, children adjusted better than adults, since they are used to change. But if the lack of contact was prolonged, it had consequences on their psyche.

Deprived of normal physical contacts in school, home and neighborhood, children often ended up with excessive access to social media. Some of them have been negatively influenced—by gaming, gambling and pornography.

Lack of real life contacts and physical movement can also affect their physical and cultural development.

Asked about the possible long-term impact of Covid, Dr Murthy replied, “Yes, it can have long-term implications. We are seeing cases where people are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can persist for long time. Then, on people with pre-existing mental health problems, the stress, anxiety, and grief could have a compound effect.”

So, too, when a person’s brain is affected, it can damage their mental health.

One issue is: People are not used to talking about their mental health problems or seeking help. We need to integrate our mental and physical health. Stress and other mental health problems can severely affect our physical health. It is not enough to care for our body. Since there is need of support and help, NIMHANS is offering online help. It is offered by qualified personnel, and is available 24 hours, seven days a week.

Some professionals, especially those in medical work, face lots of stress. To manage this, a person needs to focus on both one’s positive and negative experiences. Thus, for instance, a doctor should not recall only the patients who died, but remember those who got better and those who died. If he were to focus only on the deaths, he will under tremendous stress.

Dr Pratima Murthy’s suggestions are worth taking into account. We all need to focus on our integral well-being—physical, emotional, social, spiritual—for we human beings are a complex unity. This will help us also to understand the emotional ups and downs of actual or recovered Covid patients, and to give them the support they need. If we cannot do it ourselves, we will do well to seek professional help—be it for ourselves or for those in our care.

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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FEELING BLESSED

I am blessed to receive a copy of your May 2021 Issue, Volume 5.

A soft copy the same was forwarded to me by a friend.

It is rightly said that “first impression is last impression.”  “The Editorial” is very, very well written, beautifully explained what is to follow in the following pages.

More important the topic of VOCATION very properly explained. I am short of words to pay my complements, my hats off to your writing. God Bless you.

As regards the other contents, I have still to go through completely, each article is impressive. What to say – no words – my folded hands to the writers.

Regards

Alexander, ALEXANDER ENTERPRISES, Visa Consulting , New Delhi

 MANY WILL BENEFIT

Many thanks for your gift of three bound volumes of MAGNET (Volumes 2, 3, & 4) to our NVSC Library.

The Staff, Diploma Trainees, and other participants who come here for refresher courses will definitely benefit from the acclaimed magazine MAGNET.

I have already began reading the articles in MAGNET and I will be quoting from your article ‘Time Management: Getting our Priorities Right’ in my address tomorrow to our thirty-seven, trainees who are here for their Diploma program in Counselling and Integral Formation. Your thoughts are practical and action-oriented, giving meaning to life. Thank you.

May God protect you and all your staff in your community to continue the good work inspiring millions through MAGNET.

Fr. Alex Clement, Director, National Vocation Service Centre, Pune

 Honouring a former National Secretary of CRI

 Sr Dolores Rego FMM

Sr. Dolores Rego was born in Mangalore on 12^th September 1932 as the eldest daughter of Lucy and John Joseph Rego. She entered the Institute of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary on 14^th June 1962 in Ketti, Nilgiris. She made her first profession in Maria Assunta Convent, Pune, in 1964. Soon after her first profession, she was sent to the Generalate house in Rome to help in the General Treasurer’s office for two years. She made her Final Profession in 1970. From 1966 to 1973, she assisted the Provincial treasurer at St Thomas Convent, Mylapore. From 1973 to 1978 she was the Provincial treasurer of Ootacamund province.

She attended Theological course in Mater Dei Institute, Goa, from 1978 to1980. In 1980 the five provincials of India had a new venture and needed a common Secretary for the five Provinces and Sr Dolores was chosen as the Common Secretary. In 1986 Dolores was appointed as the local superior of Maris Stella Convent, Vijayawada. In 1990 she was transferred to St. Anthony’s Home, Mumbai, where she was in charge of the orphans and the crèche.

In 1996 she was selected as the National Secretary of the Conference of Religious, India (CRI). She accomplished this task for eight years with great determination, efficiency and enthusiasm. In the year 2000, Sr Dolores was appointed as the Executive Secretary of AMOR (Asia-Oceania Meeting of Religious). As the National Secretary of CRI, Sr Dolores organized Annual Conferences, Assemblies for the Major Superiors of India. She authored a booklet, Religious life in the New Era and also contributed an article in the book “Women’s Development in India.”

In 2006, Sr Dolores was entrusted with the work of the History of the FMM Mumbai Province. Music was her delight, she used to play violin, guitar and the keyboard.  She loved children, was fun-loving, and above all she loved the poor and the orphans. Sr Dolores enjoyed life and celebrated it to the full, be it with her family or friends or with her sisters in the community. She had many friends and acquaintances all over the world and kept in touch with them till the end.

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THEY SEE IT AS “ONE OF THE BEST MAGAZINES THEY KNOW.”

We published a Feedback Form in the April Issue of MAGNET, asking for the readers’ frank views about the magazine.

We tabulated the first thirty-five responses we received.

Here are the results—extremely affirming, to say the least

This is how our readers rate various aspects of the magazine on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest score and 1 is the lowest:

1. RATING OF CONTENTS, STYLE, DESIGN, PRINT:

Please rate the following aspects of MAGNET, by circling the appropriate number against each item. (5 shows the highest appreciation and 1 shows the least.)

We give the average rating of each item (out of a maximum of 5)

4. Contents: 4.65
5. Language and presentation:8
6. Visual appeal (artwork, photos, design): 71
7. Quality of the paper and printing: 88
8. Does MAGNET appeal to most priests and religious? To most: 29; to many: 5
9. Does it attract educated lay persons? The vast majority said Yes.
10. How many of the articles do you usually read?

All: 15; most: 7; half: 2

1. h) Do you prefer a magazine produced: (i) on good paper with art work and colour pages (as we are doing now), or (ii) on cheaper paper with less attractive presentation (and hence lower cost)?

Responses: 34 out of 35 said  they prefer the magazine as it is now, printed in colour on art paper. Only 1 respondent would prefer the use of cheaper paper.

2. OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF MAGNET (Please circle or underline one alternative):

(5) Excellent! One of the best magazines I know: 26 ticked this option

(4) A good magazine. Worth reading: 9 chose this option.

No one ticked the other options.

(3) Average. With good and bad elements.

(2) Not enthusiastic about it.

(1) Poor in contents and presentation

Thank you, readers for giving us such a superlative feedback!

You have given us a real boost with your enthusiastic YES.

We find that it is worth aiming high and taking the trouble to maintain quality—in contents, style, language, design and print.

You are telling us that our huge investment in time, meticulous search for quality and minute attention to details have been worth it.

We shall continue along the same lines.

Feel free to give us your frank feedback any time—both bouquets and brickbats. Help us by suggesting new topics, columns, features or writers.

And help us to reach more readers who look for a magazine that promotes personal, spiritual and social awareness and integration—and do it with accuracy and grace.

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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The Miracle Worker

Director: Arthur Penn *  Cast: Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke,   Victor Jory , Inga Swenson , Andrew Prine. 1962. 106 minutes.

This is a dramatization of the relationship between two remarkable women—Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller—whose lives have inspired generations. It presents how the unique relationship between a teacher and a pupil develop.   Young Helen, the daughter of the Southern aristocrat, becomes blind and deaf after an attack of scarlet fever in her infancy. Totally unable to communicate with anyone, Helen grows into physically robust girlhood, frustrated, unruly and occasionally violent. She once even throws her baby sister out of the cradle.  The parents contact the Perkins School for the Blind for help. Twenty-year old Anne Sullivan—a  partially blind former student of the school—is offered as a home tutor for Helen. Annie has to overcome the barriers of prejudice and hopelessness from the family and has sometimes to physically battle with the unruly child who would explode at the slightest discomfort.  Arthur Keller is initially not well disposed to Annie. During the first meeting, Annie   recognizes Helen’s intelligence and curiosity. She gifts her pupil a doll. Responding to the child’s love of the doll, Annie tries to introduce Helen to the finger alphabet by spelling the word “doll” on Helen’s palm. Helen learns it but rebels when the doll is taken away from her. Annie refuses to give up and persistently tries to reach the child’s heart and make her learn sign language by touch. She demands that the girl be set up in a separate house with herself to teach her good manners and upkeep.  Persistence, strictness and genuine love win out. Finally, she is able to make Helen connect the hand signs with things. This leads to a rebirth in Helen and a discovery of herself which is the beginning of her journey of education through which the world famous Helen Keller was made. The climactic point is when Helen is able to partially articulate the word “Water” with her mouth when Annie takes her to a water pump and spells it on her palms. Love and patience have triumphed.

The Social Dilemma

Director: Jeff Orlowski * Cast:  Tristan Harris,  Aza Raskin, Justin Rosenstein,  Shoshana Zuboff,   Jaron Lanier, Skyler Gisondo, Kara Hayward, Vincent Kartheiser, Anna Lembke. 2020. 94 minutes.

This docu-drama is about a crisis that today’s world faces—the issue of online life and the hidden and overt threats that it poses for mankind.   The cell phone affects family and professional life.  The film provides commentaries by experts highlighting the challenges that it poses to civilization.  The IT companies of today are the wealthiest in history.  Their method of operation raise ethical questions on an unprecedented scale. There are no effective methods of putting them in check. The film explores how addiction and privacy breaches are features, not exceptions, in social media platforms, how much power a handful of tech companies have on the public experts and how they invisibly control individual lives. The fact is that media platforms and the manner of their design and operations are meant to cultivate and foster addiction, manipulate individual lives and governments, and spread fake news. Conspiracy theories and disinformation have become the staple of online discourses. Interviews and commentaries involving prominent tech experts are provided. These experts were former employees, executives, and other professionals from high profile tech companies and social media platforms such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Mozilla. Platforms like Wikipedia are neutral by showing all users the exact same information without curating or monetizing it. The commentators are agreed on the need for some serious changes in approach to the use of artificial intelligence in social media. The worst part is the increased mental illnesses (depression and suicidal tendencies) related to the social media. Social media addiction has led to an unprecedented increase in depression in recent decades among the youth; and the worst affected are preteens who are tied to their cell phones. A 62% increase in hospitalizations for American females aged 15–19 and a 189% increase in females aged 10–14 due to self-harm, beginning in 2010–2011.   A 70% increase in suicide for females aged 15–19 and a 151% increase in females aged 10–14, beginning when social media was first introduced in 2009.

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Prof Gigy Joseph

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