preview

Poikilo is a Greek word that means ‘varied’ or ‘many-colored.’ Here I introduce a new phobia termed as ‘Poikilophobia’, to mean the ‘fear of accepting diversities’. This article is an attempt to prove that synodality or the synodal way of life proposed by the Church is the medicine for poikilophobia.

In fact, biologically ‘each person is a celebration of diversities.’ Even though one’s eyes seem similar, some scientific studies say that the right eyeball is slightly smaller than the left one! It is even said that almost everyone has a dominant eye, even if the difference between the two eyes doesn’t feel that stark! We are surprised to understand that fingerprints also vary among one’s own fingers, this means to say that a person has unique print on each finger. It is also notable that ‘humankind itself is a celebration of diversities.’ An easy way to understand this is to know that no two people have ever been found to have the same fingerprints – including identical twins!

Of course, the Creator of human beings loved the diversity in a person and among persons. The Creator believed in the integral unity in a human being.  The Creator has ‘decorated the unity of humanity with diversity.’ However, many seek a ‘fake unity’ saying that ‘we look alike, or we follow the same tradition, or we have the same religious belief’ etc. Seeking unity does not mean to gather a group of people who seem to think, act and speak the same things. This is a challenge to the Creator who loves diversities! Therefore, let us say that the ‘fake unity’ is the result of human ego and fear of existence. Here comes the relevance of the Synod, which calls for sharing, listening to and reflecting on diversities.

Fr Binny Mary Das

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of human differences. This can include – albeit not limited to – race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, and political beliefs. Although the world boasts a remarkable richness of diversity, India stands out as one of the most diverse countries on the planet. India wears its diversity like a vibrant, woven tapestry. But here’s the amazing thing: this diversity isn’t just tolerated; it’s celebrated! India’s diversity is beautifully woven with cultures, traditions, languages, and religions, showcasing millennia of rich history. From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched shores of Kanyakumari, India’s panorama exudes a spectrum of colours, with each region presenting its own distinct essence. This multifaceted terrain cultivates an atmosphere where unity harmonizes with a myriad of identities. Let us briefly delineate some prominent ones.

Indian Diversity. (i) Indian Cultural Kaleidoscope dazzles with diversity, spanning classical dances, musical melodies, literary treasures, artistic wonders, architectural marvels, linguistic nuances, religious vistas, culinary delights, and cherished traditions. (ii) Festive Splendour of India echoes throughout the year, each one rich in unique lore and rituals – crossing religious and regional boundaries.

(iii) Spiritual Harmony: India hosts a mosaic of religious traditions, fostering an ethos of tolerance and reverence. (iv) Linguistic Flourish: With over 1,600 languages and dialects, India stands as a testament to linguistic diversity – each tongue is a vessel of cultural legacy. (v) Culinary Odyssey of India unfolds an array of flavours, textures, and aromas, each region boasting its own signature.

Fr Arnald Mahesh SDB

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

During a journey aboard the Coromandel Express from Chennai to Kolkata (when it wasn’t as overcrowded as it is nowadays), I realized that the middle-aged man sitting in front of me was reading from a Bengali New Testament. It was one of those blue-covered books with the distinctive mark of a two handled pitcher and torch so typical of the Gideons International. I mastered some courage and with my rudimentary broken Hindi, I inquired if he was a Christian, to which he answered that he was a Hindu. When he perceived my surprised reaction, he continued that from all the human gods, he loved Jesus. I was struck with awe at his honesty and faith; and I was immediately reminded of a passage from Raimon Panikkar’s book The Unknown Christ of Hinduism suggesting Jesus Christ was the meeting point of Hindus and Christians (and other religions) because He came for everyone.

And that is exactly what we Christians believe: that Jesus Christ transcends boundaries, embracing all especially the poor— be they hungry, afflicted by sickness, leprosy, AIDS, possessed by demons, locked up in prison, entangled in prostitution, caught in adultery and all those who need and yearn to hear his message. Recently, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles held a memorial service honouring the homeless who died unnoticed on the streets of the city. Indeed, a beautiful gesture from the Church authorities! Yet, what lies behind this poignant gesture is another reality: no homeless man or woman is ever permitted to enter the Cathedral, promptly they are turned away at the entrance by security guards. Even access to the bathroom facilities in the parking lot is restricted lest the homeless patronize them and dirty them. (A Brother in my community was once turned away because he was mistaken for a homeless man).

Br Carmel Duca MC

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

Yesterday evening Miss X (name changed) approached my office, alleging harassment by her employer at her workplace. The right to work with dignity is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. In the case of Union of India and Ors vs. Mudrika Singh, the Supreme Court affirmed that the right against sexual harassment is inherent in the right to life and dignity under Article 21. Additionally, in Aureliano Fernandez vs State of Goa and others, decided on May 12, 2023, the Supreme Court observed, “However salutary this enactment may be, it  will never  succeed in providing dignity  and respect that women deserve at the  workplace unless there  is strict adherence to the enforcement  regime and proactive  approach by all State and Non State  actors.”

Why does harassment take place?

Experiences demonstrate that sexual harassment takes place where there is an abuse of power, particularly in situations where individuals exert control over others especially women. The harasser   can be    any one:   a co-worker, class mate, teacher, professor, principal, priest,   spiritual guide, research guide and so on. Unfortunately, women who are victims of sex abuse in the church are reluctant to report it. Most often the authorities try to cover it up, for the fear   of   consequences.  It is said that   if the predator is a clergy member taking action against him could create   other repercussions such as   denial of Sacraments or other forms of retaliation. Consequently, the majority of such incidents go unreported, leaving the perpetrator unpunished while the victim suffers silently.

Sr Adv Mary Scaria SCJM

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

1. Shift in Consciousness: Creating new narratives as Religious (Mt 9:17 – New wine into new wineskins)

The concept of a “shift in consciousness” can be interpreted in various ways, but generally, it refers to a fundamental change in the way individuals or societies perceive and interact with the world. It implies a transformation in how people understand and practice their faith.

Creating new narratives within a religious framework involves reinterpreting or expanding upon established beliefs, practices, and traditions. This process is driven by various factors, including cultural changes, scientific discoveries, philosophical insights, or the influence of other belief systems.

2. Resilience in adversity: Community and Solidarity (Is 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”)

Exploring how individuals and Religious Communities navigate challenges with hope as a guiding force, and how their resilience can inspire others to do the same.

3. Hope as a catalyst for change: a cultural perspective (Rom 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”)

Discussing how hope can serve as a catalyst for positive transformation at personal, societal, and global levels, and the responsibilities that come with it.

4. Relentless pursuit for relevance in our Indian context as religious. (Mt 5:13- 16 – “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”)

Investigating how hope is perceived and expressed across different cultures and societies, and the potential for cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in the face of challenges.

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

The CRI Kannur unit in Kerala region is a lively group of dedicated individuals, both men and women religious, who have actively engaged with contemporary challenges. Through advocacy, protests, and spiritual renewal, they have responded dynamically to the needs of the community and society. Their activities range from raising awareness on pressing issues to participating in peaceful demonstrations, all while nurturing their spiritual growth through prayer and reflection. This group embodies a spirit of commitment and action, embodying their faith through service and engagement with the people around them.

The following are some of the activities of the recent past:

1. The Kannur CRI unit has shown unwavering solidarity with people, particularly farmers and the fishing community at Vizhinjam, in their struggles and challenges. Through various initiatives and actions, they have stood alongside these groups, offering support, advocacy, and resources to address their needs. Whether it is raising awareness about the issues facing farmers or advocating for fair treatment and better working conditions for the fishing community, the CRI Kannur unit has been at the forefront of championing their cause. By fostering a sense of unity and collaboration, they have worked to ensure that the voices of these marginalized groups are heard and their rights are protected. This solidarity reflects the unit’s deep commitment to social justice and their willingness to stand up for the rights and dignity of all people, especially those most vulnerable in society.

To subscribe to the magazine, click Subscribe

I Felt Only Love

Pope Francis gave him a long loving embrace! During his general audience at St. Peter’s Square on 6 November, 2013 Pope Francis embraced Riva Vincenzo! Riva was a special person with a disfigured face due to a rare disease, causing neuronal tumors. During his life Riva endured rejection and isolation because of his appearance. That embrace of the Pope transformed him to regain his dignity and communion with humanity. ‘I felt only Love’ were words of Riva, in an interview. The transforming encounter with Pope Francis was an experience of Resurrection for him. On 10 January, 2024 at the age of 58, Riva died a healed, liberated and grateful person. The encounter with Pope Francis was life changing for Riva; so also it was for the viewers of the photograph of this compassionate gesture. By embracing Riva, Pope touched the world. Many were inspired to shed their prejudices! How many of our brothers and sisters experience rejection, exploitation and helplessness; they grope in the ‘shadow of death’! They wait for someone, for a long loving embrace so that they may reclaim their dignity and enter into New Life.

Encountering Kamati

Some 28 years ago, accompanied by my Community Sister and a native, I was exploring the reserved forests of Wayanad, Kerala. Though a lover of elephants, I was afraid there would be one hiding somewhere and might attack us. Instead of the elephant, I was surprised to find two little huts, just 20 feet ahead of us, close to the electric fence fixed to prevent attack of elephants. We wondered if anyone lived there. Hearing us an indigenous Pania woman, feeble, anemic, small in stature and clad in minimum clothes came out. Her name was Kamati.  Through her, we learned that she had given birth to her baby just five days earlier.  Her husband had gone out looking for work. She was there alone with her newborn baby in the forest with the threat of wild animals. Kamati told us that she had rice and chilly ‘chutney’ for breakfast. She was suffering from fever. Instinctively, I touched her forehead to check her temperature; and I felt the heat. I thought to myself, if only I had a paracetamol tablet! I was struck down by helplessness. I called her to come and both of us sat on the stones there. She said that she couldn’t go with us to the town to get medicine. I was shocked to hear that she had never gone to the town or gotten into a bus.

Sr Dr Shalini Podimattam RGS

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

Pain and suffering are inevitable in our lives and are integral to our humanity. Tal Ben-Shahar, an American and Israeli author and Professor at Harvard University, states in an excerpt from his book, ‘Being Happy: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Lead a Happier, Richer Life,’ posted on his organization’s website Whole Being Institute.com, that pain and suffering are important for humanity. He says, “While it is part of our universal nature to seek pleasure and avoid pain, culture plays a central role in how we deal with suffering. We in the West generally reject suffering. We see it as an unwelcome interruption of our pursuit of happiness. So, we fight it, repress it, medicate it or search for quick fix solutions to get rid of it. In some cultures, especially in the East, suffering is acknowledged for the important role it plays in people’s lives in the meandering path towards enlightenment.”

What is the theology of pain and suffering in the Christian perspective? We as Christians believe that human pain and suffering are transformed from something negative into something positive that becomes a source of life because it is redemptive. Each person in his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ and thus this suffering mysteriously becomes a source of life and resurrection. St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans Chapter 5: 3-5 says: “Not only that, we also boast even in trials, knowing that trials produce patience, from patience comes merit, merit is the source of hope and hope does not disappoint us because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of God”.

Janina Gomes

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

Bird watching is fascinating. This is something that has been happening in my sister’s house in Chennai. Every day a crow perches itself on her kitchen window. Not for his day’s share of cooked food or bird’s feed, but for his delicacy mixture (a common spicy snack). When others try to offer the bird’s feed, it doesn’t interest him. He demands only mixture. So, the mixture finds its rightful place in the weekly grocery list. “If you want to form a bond with a crow, be consistent in rewarding them,” says John Marzluff, a professor of Wildlife Science. It is not about buying their attention or love but about establishing a relationship with what we can offer.

To our surprise, this intelligent being reciprocates with gifts too. Gabi Mann is from Seattle, USA. As a small girl, she used to drop snacks while eating outside her home, and immediately the crows would alight and eat them. As she grew older, she started to reward their attention by sharing her lunch on the way to school. Gabi’s hospitality went from being accidental to purposeful because the family got together and started placing food and water in their backyard. Gabi is luckier because she gets gifts from her feathered allies in return. The gifts include shiny ornaments, rusty screws, a black button, a blue paper clip, a yellow bead and the like. For Gabi these things are more valuable than gold.

Fr Ricopar Royan SDB

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

We can use a knife to cut something or it can cut us, depending on how we hold the knife, by the handle or by the blade.  Similarly, we can be touched and transformed by what we encounter depending on our open disposition or the lack of it, it is a question of perspective.

A Resurrection Moment

In 1989, during my regency with the Missionaries of Charity in the “City of Joy,” Calcutta, I often had to commute via the overcrowded local trains. Once, while hanging onto a running train for dear life, I found myself leaning outward in search of some breathing space—shoulders away from the rest, balancing on my toes at the very edge, and clinging on with one hand. During this precarious journey, amidst the chaos of passengers hanging out from the bogies behind me, there was a sudden eruption of screams and yells. Being new to the city, I couldn’t comprehend a word of Bengali and wondered what it was all about. Then, a fellow passenger beside me put his free arm around my neck and pulled me close to himself. In that split second, I noticed from the corner of my eye just how dangerously close an electric post was to my head. The speeding train passed by, and with it, the screaming and yelling ceased, replaced by a palpable silence—a collective sigh of relief from those behind me who had glimpsed the impending disaster.  When the train stopped at the next station, all of us who had been leaning out of the door disembarked. My eyes and ears scanned the crowd, searching for the face of the person who had saved me and the faces and voices of those behind me, so that I could shake their hands and express my gratitude with a smile. It would have been instant death if he had not pulled me close to him—it was a moment of resurrection and new life. Though 35 years have passed, I still get goosebumps as I write this. I cherish that ‘thank you’ and that smile in my heart for all those gentle souls because of whom I am still alive.

Fr. Babu Jose Pamplany OFM

To read the entire article, click Subscribe