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The tragedy that struck Wayanad on the night of July 30, 2024, was nothing short of catastrophic. A devastating landslide triggered by relentless monsoon rains and a sudden cloudburst claimed over 415 lives, with more than 200 people still missing. The once picturesque district of Kerala, known for its lush hills and valleys, now bears the scars of unimaginable loss and destruction.

We friars, with our friary located within a 20-kilometer radius of the disaster, witnessed firsthand the horror and devastation that unfolded. Many of those who survived had nothing but the soaked and tattered clothes on their backs as they scrambled for safety in the dark, cold, and rain. They sought refuge in the hills and woods, amidst the very real danger of wild elephants, clinging to life with fear in their hearts and tears in their eyes. Entire families, including migrant workers, lost loved ones as the landslides reduced homes, schools, places of worship, and vital infrastructure to rubble. The once-gentle Chaliyar River and the beautiful streams of Chooralmala hill turned into torrents of destruction, leaving behind a landscape of despair.

Wayanad, one of the most underdeveloped districts in Kerala, is a region of breathtaking natural beauty but limited infrastructure. The area has no train or flight services, with the nearest railway station or airport located about 100 kilometers away. Our friary, Prakruthi Mithra—meaning “Friend of Nature”—is nestled in the remote village of Meppadi Panchayat, surrounded by marginalized communities, including tribal hamlets, tea garden workers, and settlers from various cultures and religions. Here, we strive to promote a harmonious relationship with nature, respecting, protecting, and sustaining the environment.

Fr. Babu Jose Pamplany OFM

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The idea that being celibate is more spiritual or holy than being sexually active is becoming more questionable, especially in a world where many married people are deeply involved in important causes like peace, ecology, feminism, social justice, and Church ministries. For them, marriage enhances their commitment to these efforts rather than limiting it.

A RETHINK NEEDED

The vows of poverty and obedience seem relevant in today’s world. As environmental crises intensify, the call to live simply and sustainably becomes a rational choice. Amid political chaos, obedience underscores the urgent need for mutual collaboration.

In contrast, the vow of chastity or celibacy perplexes many today. In a world longing for love and intimacy, where healthy psychosexual expression is desperately needed, choosing to abstain can seem like a deeply irresponsible and bewildering choice.

 If chastity merely suppresses sexuality for its own sake, it’s not what the world needs. Suppression only hides simmering volcanoes, ready to erupt. Barbara Fiand opines, “Perhaps our celibate chastity has never been lived. It may have been avoided instead. Propriety rather than passion was our guiding principle.”

To this day, Mount Athos in Greece forbids female animals, fearing that their natural behaviours might provoke sexual responses among the monks within the Orthodox monastery. Historically, the discipline of chastity often caged individuals in systems that stifled love. The approach was to confine people until the hormones faded, leaving people as desiccated individuals.

If our lives are to serve as public witnesses, it’s time to have open conversations with the wider Church and society on living sexuality in a way that upholds human dignity. We also must thoughtfully engage with the expanding literature on human sexuality from all disciplines. To make religious life relevant today, we must rethink the vow entirely and even rename it to something more relevant – THE VOW FOR RELATEDNESS. Here are six touchstones of this revisited commitment.

Br. Sunil Britto CFC

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In this short write-up, we delve into the profound teachings and virtues emanating from the Eucharist. We consider how the tangible presence of Jesus in the Eucharist empowers us to embody love, empathy, communion, solidarity, justice, inclusivity, acceptance, and upliftment for those on society’s margins. Together, let us uncover the trans-formative power of the Eucharist and become the living aroma of bread, spreading life, love, and hope.

The Aroma of Bread. During the liturgical Solemnity of Corpus Christi on June 2^nd, 2024, Pope Francis emphasized that the Eucharist symbolizes God’s presence in the world. It serves as an invitation for the faithful to imitate Him by bringing hope to others through acts of loving service. Reflecting on our current context, he lamented the transformation of once vibrant streets – filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread – into ruins due to war, selfishness, and indifference. The Pope urgently called for restoring the fragrant essence of love, tirelessly rebuilding what hatred has destroyed.

Essential Aspects. The three core aspects of Catholic Eucharistic devotion: thanksgiving, remembrance, and divine presence. Each Mass provides an opportunity for the faithful to bring all their daily experiences to the altar. Gratitude for God’s gifts should not be squandered; forgiveness and support are essential for those who stumble. Every good deed, no matter how humble, is sacred in God’s eyes. God values small actions that allow us to appreciate the significance of the Eucharist, without requiring grand gestures.

Fr Arnald Mahesh SDB

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In this cover story, we delve into Mary’s life and the profound lessons from her Assumption. We explore how Mary’s journey from the Annunciation to the Assumption exemplifies the transformation of the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Mary: An Ordinary Woman Blessed to be Extraordinary

In the bustling town of Nazareth, nestled within the quiet corners of Galilee, lived a young woman named Mary—a figure both revered and misunderstood across cultures and centuries. Her story, recounted in the annals of Christian faith, begins not with pomp and grandeur but with the simple humility of an ordinary life.

Mary: The Outsider

In ancient Judea’s strict society, Mary faced challenges. She was from Nazareth, a town often looked down upon. When she became pregnant without being married, people judged her harshly. This brought her great pain and made her an outcast. But despite this, Mary found strength in her faith. She bravely accepted the extraordinary role given to her by God. Authors like Joan Chittister and Elizabeth Johnson talk about Mary’s bravery. They say her story challenges how power and authority are usually seen. Mary’s courage, even though she was not powerful in society’s eyes, shows us the importance of faith and standing up for what we believe in.

Think about someone who stands up for what’s right in school or at work, even if others disagree. That person might not have the most influence or popularity, but their courage to do what’s right echoes Mary’s bravery in ancient times.

Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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India’s Independence Day on August 15th reflects a journey of ordinary acts of courage, perseverance, and unity leading to extraordinary change. Throughout India’s struggle for freedom, countless unnamed heroes—from farmers and teachers to students and workers—made significant contributions, illustrating the power of unity and perseverance in achieving monumental outcomes. In 2024, India’s elections underscored the importance of democratic values in recovering and strengthening freedom. Grassroots stories from this election highlight the “aroma” of democracy in action, with ordinary citizens advocating for their communities and driving meaningful change. These narratives not only celebrate India’s enduring spirit but also impart valuable lessons on unity, courage, and collective action in shaping a better future.

1. The Legacy of Courageous Acts: From the Sepoy Mutiny to the Quit India Movement

The celebration of Indian Independence is inseparable from the procession of memories, resonating with inspiring stories of men and women who pushed the frontiers of human endurance to the edge of possibility. India’s journey to independence was a remarkable transformation, akin to a caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly. Spanning over two centuries, the freedom struggle was a saga of relentless determination, marked by rare and irrepressible resilience. The stories of forgotten freedom fighters who contributed to India’s independence create a moving narrative, bridging the gap between well-known and unknown heroes. This sea of stories swells with rising waves and high tides each August, leaving every Indian with a patriotic euphoria.

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Mother Eliswa Vakayil, the foundress of the Congregation of the Teresian Carmelites (CTC), was honoured as Venerable by Pope Francis in November 2023. Born in 1846 in Kerala, Eliswa’s life was marked by deep spirituality and compassion for the poor. After her husband passed away two years after their daughter Anna was born, Eliswa dedicated her life to prayer and service. With support from Rev. Fr. Leopold Beccaro OCD and Archbishop Bernardine Baccinelli OCD, she, her daughter Anna, and her sister Thresia joined the Carmelite Order, establishing Kerala’s first order for consecrated women. Her recognition as Venerable highlights her faith, resilience, and pioneering role in advancing women’s causes.

Venerable Mother Eliswa: My Inspiration

As the foundress of my own congregation, I have always felt a deep connection to Venerable Mother Eliswa. Her very life, deep communion with Jesus, love for the poor, and ability to forgive without counting the cost have inspired me greatly. In today’s world, where the true spirit of religious life can sometimes get lost, her life reminds me of what is truly important. Mother Eliswa’s dedication and love for God and others continue to touch my heart and strengthen my own faith. Mother Eliswa faced many painful experiences as the foundress of the Congregation. On the evening of Tuesday, September 16, 1890, a significant leadership change occurred due to the division of Rites in the Archdiocese of Verapoly.  All the sisters who were in leadership, including Mother Eliswa, the foundress, were unexpectedly removed from their positions and replaced by others.  Despite the deeply humiliating circumstances, Mother Eliswa chose to transcend human sentiments and responded with spiritual maturity. With quiet dignity and unwavering faith, she and her companions shifted to a small house on the convent campus the next morning, placing their future entirely in God’s hands.

SR ASHITA CTC

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St. Ignatius of Loyola was the youngest son in a noble family of thirteen children in Navarre, Spain (1491-1556). He began his “worldly” career as a courtier, gentleman, and soldier. In 1521, he suffered a severe leg wound while defending a fortress against French forces at Pamplona, Spain. During his recuperation, the thirty-year-old soldier experienced a profound religious conversion through extraordinary experiences of the Trinity, Christ, and Our Lady, manifested in visions and other mystical phenomena. God purified, illuminated, and transformed Ignatius from a knight in the service of a temporal lord to a knight under Christ’s banner in the service of the Trinity.

Conversion and Spiritual Exercises

During his recovery, Ignatius asked for some books to read. The only books that could be found were the life of Christ and the lives of the saints. Reading and reflecting on these lives deeply disturbed him at first, but gradually, he was transformed into a new person. He began to think deeply about his own life. Later, he spent several days in prayer at a Benedictine monastery, where he hung his sword before a portrait of Mary. From there, he journeyed to Manresa, near the shrine of Montserrat, where he led a rugged life for about a year. During this time, he began taking notes on his experiences, which formed the earliest stages of what would eventually become the famous handbook known as the “Spiritual Exercises.”

Fr Richard Mascarenhas, SJ

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Having cleared all the payments for my new apartment, I entered my room for the first time, and what made me leap with joy was a huge mirror on the wall. It immediately caught my attention. As life gained momentum with a busier schedule due to my taxing responsibilities, the mirror went unnoticed. However, one fine morning, I suddenly realized that the mirror on the wall had collected a lot of dirt. While cleaning my room, I thought of cleaning the mirror too. As I wiped down this life-sized mirror, my tangled mind started to unravel, leading to an unbiased analysis of my own life. I share these reflections with candidness, hoping you too may connect them to your own life.

“Behold the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.” (Isaiah: 42: 9)

The world is rapidly changing everything in and around us. From the time of our birth until now, the world has been in constant flux. We have witnessed a paradigm shift in technology: from small transistors that attracted crowds to paan shops during India vs. Pakistan cricket matches, to black and white TV sets in our locality, and now to colourful TV sets. We’ve moved from landlines to mobile phones, and from typewriters to computers and laptops in every house. Today, the information of the entire world is at our fingertips—we just need to google it, and we have it. The advancements in technology have made it possible for us to communicate with everyone, regardless of distance.

SR POONAM CJ

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The world is broken, countries are fractured, families are torn apart, and individuals are left shattered. We witness violence permeating our society, and the dehumanization of individuals is all too common. Why does violence persist in our society? Why are human beings not treated with the dignity they deserve?

Throughout history, we read about ordinary people performing revolutionary and courageous acts. These individuals stood by their values, fought for the rights of the innocent, and never expected anything in return. Today, how many of us can genuinely be ourselves, take responsibility, and honour our commitments to uphold the truth, even if it means challenging the status quo?

When we stand for a cause, nothing should deter us. In whatever small way we can bring justice to an individual or society, we must find the courage to act. Courage is what empowers us to stand up and speak out. Let us not remain passive members of an audience, content with simply clapping from the sidelines. Instead, let us take our place on the podium, boldly proclaiming truth and justice. Regardless of the obstacles, truth will always prevail.

Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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“A good priest, sister or nun must above all else be a man or woman who is formed and shaped by the Lord’s grace, … they must be people who are aware of their own limitations and willing to lead a life of prayer, and dedicated witness to the Gospel.”

– Pope Francis

This article highlights the relevance and necessity of ‘reconciliation-centered’ formation process for Catholic priests and nuns.

As we know, 3D or three dimensional, refers to the three spatial dimensions of width, height and depth. The title of the article, ‘3D formation’, refers to a new perspective of the ‘reconcilation-centered formation’ process from three dimensions. In other words, a ‘reconciliation-centered formation’ requires the width of relationship, the height of love and the depth of compassion.   

The integral aim of the formative process is to help one to configure oneself to Christ. This configuration-process happens when one tries to answer the question, ‘why reconcile with someone’?  In fact, one reconciles to relate better. What is the outcome of a deeper relationship? Efforts to relate well increases the capacity to love. Once the capacity to love increases, a person becomes a more compassionate person, because one cannot be compassionate without love, and one cannot be lovable without compassion. In short, ‘reconciliation-centered formation’ needs to highlight awareness of relationship, love and compassion. To create this awareness in the formation process through various ways is the first step of a ‘reconciliation-centered formation’ process.

Fr Binny Marydas

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