MATT MUSES...

LET ME START AGAIN - a song for a new beginning

2011-12-31T01:54:00.000-08:00

This song for a new beginning asks for the Lord's blessings on the New Year - God bless all of us as we start again - Alleluia...Come Lord Jesus!!!

O Holy Night by Susan Boyle

2011-12-24T04:52:00.000-08:00

As we prepare for that most Holy of Nights - May we enjoy true and lasting peace in our world, our nations, our cities, our homes and our hearts...Happy Christmas to all of you...

A LETTER TO JESUS AT CHRISTMAS - DON IVAN MANZONI

2011-12-22T00:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Jesus,

Now that you are going to be born again at Christmas allow me to give you some advice:

Please do not be born in Europe because:

They will put you before a TV screen and fill you up with popcorn and junk food, they will teach you to be competitive, a “person of power and success”; to disregard other children from Africa, Latin America and Asia.

And we call you the Lamb of Service…

Please do not be born in North America…

They will teach you that you are superior to other children, that time is money, that time is money, that everything hinges on business – even nature, that every person has a price, that everyone can be brought or corrupted; they will teach you how to use missiles and how to set up embargos thus keeping medicine and food away from other children in poor countries.

And yet we call you the Prince of Peace…

Avoid Africa…

You could be born with AIDS and die of diarrhea as a baby, or you could end up a refugee in a foreign country as you escape from conflict in your own country.

Yes we continue to call you the Lord of Life…

Also it may be better to avoid Central and South America…

You could end up a street child, you could be forced to cut cane sugar, to collect coffee and cocoa for children in First World countries without ever tasting a spoon of sugar or a bar of chocolate.

We claim that you are the Lord of Creation…

Avoid Asia also…

They will set you to work in a factory 14 hours a day at making carpets, shoes, footballs and toys for rich children in the developed countries while you will have to go around barefoot and use a sockball to play football.

We call you Master of the World…

Above all avoid Palestine for the second time…

Some will put a gun into your hands others a stone teaching you to hate your brothers (after all Jews, Christians and Muslims) have the same Father.

We know that you come each year to give us mercy and love…

Actually Lord – you should be born again in all these places but not in the hearts of children or of poor and weak people. You are present there already. How about choosing to be born in the hearts of the strong, the rich and the powerful so that as you who are Almighty and Powerful became a simple, weak and powerless child – they too can be reborn – small innocent and at last WEAK…

Don Ivan Manzoni

Salesians of Don Bosco Malta - Christmas E-Card 2011

2011-12-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

A Christmas wish from Malta - as we enter the octave of preparation...

BECKY KELLY - WHERE'S THE LINE TO SEE JESUS

2011-12-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a music video worth the watch in this Advent season that is almost swamped by Christmas celebrations...

So sit back and enjoy the song - It could perhaps be just the thing we need to kickstart the "interior" preparations for Christmas...

Happy Advent one and all!!!

MAKING AIDS ZERO IS IN OUR HANDS!!! - You can make it happen.

2011-11-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

YES WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE...

BHUPEN HAZARIKA IS NO MORE...

2011-11-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a tribute to the great Indian balladeer - Bhupen Hazarika - popularly known as Bhupenda...His music has fallen silent but he lives on in the lilting and haunting melodies he gifted the world with.

Here is one of his hits - Dil hun hun kare - from the movie: Rudaali.

Thank you for the music Bhupenda...

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF "ALL SOUL'S DAY"

2011-11-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

(From a homily given on All Soul's Day)

I want to take a look at the significance of All Soul's Day with you - an annual occurence that seems to be a little out of tune with our regular Christian emphasis on the resurrection.

Well in the first place let us speak about the traditional meaning of All Soul's Day which is undeniable today. We believe that when we die we will be judged on our life by a loving God. The harmful choices that we have made while we lived may lead to us experiencing deep pain at our not having chosen the way of love, the way of Jesus. When this has been set right by our sorrow for missing the mark and our desire to be always with the Lord - we enter heaven. Now purgatory can last for a moment but it may seem like eternity. So we have very little knowledge of how long our loved ones are away from the Lord. We only know that they have died and that they will be purified before being ultimately admitted to God's presence. So our prayers are always for this purpose to help them experience in the shortest possible time the bliss of heaven.

There is another way of looking at All Soul's Day. We can see in it an opportunity all of us receive to remember and recall our loved ones who are no more with us. Allow me to use a personal experience. About a decade ago my grandfather died. I missed being with him in his last moments as I was traveling from Bhopal. But by the time I reached his house the body was already in the coffin and we were a good group of family members praying and singing hymns. Finally after all the rest had gone and only the immediate family were left we began an interesting conversation. One of my uncles suggested that we recall some really funny events of my grandpa - Papa - as we fondly called him. Well needless to say with my Papa having lived to the ripe age of 80+ there was much to recall and fond memories began to emerge. There was no attempt to hide his faults and foibles but emerging from it all was memories of good times and not so good times which were now being seen through the prism of hope and joy. It went on and on - and even my grandma who was for certain the most hard hit at his death slowly began to cease her sobbing and to snicker at some of the stories - all true and all so characteristic of this multi-faceted man. I would like to think that we would all do well to spend All Soul's Day in like manner, recalling the happy and funny memories of our loved ones who are now with God in the hereafter.

I would also liken All Soul's Day to what many boarders call "Parlour Sunday"...the one Sunday in the month when their parents are allowed to visit them. They long for the day because they know that their parents are going to bring them all the things of home they miss - the food and sweets that will sustain them in the weeks ahead. But above all they know that they will be seeing face to face their parents whom they love so much and miss so much. On All Soul's Day we have a chance to meet our loved ones - not face to face but in our memories. So as we recall them and all the wonderful times we have spent together - the predominant metaphor is not one of sorrow and morbid thanato-philia but one of joy, good cheer and love. We lived with them - they are not with us anymore - but we remember them and know that we will be united with them at the end of time.

That is why I have chosen all the readings that speak of the hereafter - in the first reading from Isaiah we hear of the Messianic banquet - prepared for all of us at the end of time - every tear will be wiped away. And in the Gospel - Jesus reminds Martha and Mary that their brother Lazarus will enjoy everlasting life. So when we recall that the present time is but a painful separation and that at the end of time we will be close to all our loved ones forever then we have the strength to bear the pain of separation and in enjoying happy memories we will remember them and spend All Soul's Day with joy and Christian optimism. For our departed loved ones life is changed not ended. We will be with them forever - soon.

GIVE THEM ALL TO JESUS - EVIE

2011-10-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

A wonderful song - Give all your troubles to Jesus and He will turn your sorrows into joy...

FAREWELL STEVE JOBS...

2011-10-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Found these two interesting tributes to the man who showed us that 'A' for apple does not only refer to the 'blessed fruit' that caused 'original sin'.

So to all users of the 'I' series (I-mac, I-pad, I-phone, I-pod) Remember: you may have lost a great mind on earth but God is the richer for that...

ANNA MARIA BIANCHI

2011-10-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

I received today some sad news - the passing away of Anna Maria Bianchi (seen in the picture holding her niece Maria Eleonora) - one of my good friends from Maccio in Italy. She was the niece of Fr. Mario Bianchi, one of the Salesian missionaries in North-east India. She always had a special place in her heart for Shillong and the people of the North-east where her uncle had laboured so valiantly. She had fought a long battle with cancer for five years. Here is the letter sent to her relative Cristina Vimercati...

Dear Cristina

Thank you for so promptly informing me of the sad demise of dear Anna Maria.

My heartfelt sympathies to all of you her relatives and friends who will miss so much her kind and caring ways. I am sure the Lord will take her to Himself with great joy seeing that she was truly his messenger of peace and joy to people. She has gone home on the Feast of the Guardian Angels perhaps because she was sent as an angel, a messenger of God's love to all of us...maybe also to teach us to care for and to love one another.

As you mentioned she fought the good fight against cancer and she won the battle with her spirit of serenity and calmness in the midst of much pain and hardship. That can be considered a grace from the Lord who surely accompanied her in moments of discouragement and difficulty. The birth of Maria Eleanora and Giulia surely brought her great joy and we could consider that as the Lord's reward for all her sacrifice on behalf of your family.

I have benefited much from her kindness in the years I would come to Maccio (2002-2006). She was a great source of encouragement and a generous benefactor...She always had something interesting to say about the faith, about the Church and about the mission...I have been enriched in many ways by knowing her.

I will offer a special mass for her tomorrow - another wonderful feast when the Catholic Church recalls the Poverello of Assisi - Francesco - who transformed the Church by his simplicity and holiness. Anna Maria was so like him in many ways.

Please pass on my condolences and sympathies to Peppino and Alfonsina, and to all the members of your family. The people of Shillong have lost a great support on earth but I am sure Anna Maria will continue to help spiritually the work of the mission and the growth of the faith in North-east India.

With prayers and wishes in this moment of grief,

Don Matthew Coutinho sdb

CREATION OF WOMEN AND MEN

2011-09-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

I was interacting with a group of students today and one of the questions they posed was: "Why is God partial to man that he made woman from man and not the other way round?"

Well, I was reminded of these beautiful lines from Matthew Henry that are often quoted in wedding sermons:

Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled on by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, from under his arm to be protected by him, and from near his heart to be loved by him.

And then again what came to my mind was the quip of a woman libber made some years ago:

God first created man...Then he said: "I can do better!". Then he created woman and it was so.

Yes, we are created equal - men and women - and we must live that out as a reality. And as the image above shows we can make one heart to love all humanity...

AN EXTRACT OF MY DOCTORAL THESIS

2011-06-30T11:42:00.001-07:00

Five years after defending my doctoral thesis at the Alfonsianum (Rome) I have had the extract printed here in Shillong at Don Bosco Press. They have done a good job at the layout and the quality. Thanks to one and all who helped me during the years of my study and then during the years of my teaching...God bless you all!!!

LEARNING FROM SNAILS

2011-06-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

One fine beautiful morning, a chirpy sparrow flew out of his cozy nest and  sat  near the apple tree. As he surveyed the world around him, his eyes fell on  a small snail. The little snail unaware of anyone watching him, was  painstakingly trying to climb the tree. The sparrow flapped his wings to catch  the snail’s attention but in vain.

Then in a sarcastic tone he said. “Don’t you know, friend that it is not  the season for apples?”

The snail replied.“True, my dear friend, but it will be, by  the time I get there." 

And the little snail continued his  effort in climbing the tree.

(From the assembly of Dominic Savio High School, Andheri)

WHERE GOOD IDEAS COME FROM by Steven Johnson

2011-06-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

Lovely presentation of the source of good ideas...(Thanks Glenn!!!)

CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND

2011-06-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Two little children (a boy and a girl who are siblings) were left behind after school yesterday. School ended by 3 pm. When no one had come to fetch them by 4 pm, the school authorities began calling the numbers given in their handbook. The teachers and school authorities found that the phone numbers in their handbook were not in service. And so the teachers waited and the children waited. Fortunately, there is a boarding attached to the school and the sisters were able to take care of the children. Also, being brother and sister they were supportive of each other. The parents came looking for the children after 11:30 pm by which time all gates were closed and lights were out.

I met the children this morning after my mass. They were rather quiet but did not seem too perturbed exteriorly. However, the other children who were with them told me another story. Both of them were sad and hurt that their parents and grandparents had not come for them. They had put up a brave front but I guess they were traumatised by this "abandonment".

While we may not pass judgment on the parents, who I am told are busy running two businesses, my concern is for the children. What are they feeling right now and how is this going to affect their relationship with their parents in the future? Lessons aplenty to be learned for all of us - parents, teachers, school authorities and those who care about what is happening in our society today...

CREATING A GREEN AND HARMONIOUS WORLD

2011-06-10T03:20:00.000-07:00

Some years ago I read the story of an old man who was planting an apple tree. Seeing him undertake this exercise a friend commented: "But aren't you doing this a bit late in life? You are never going to eat apples from this apple tree." The man replied: "It does not matter, all my life I have eaten apples from trees I never planted. Those were planted by people who came before me. I am planting for those who come after me."

Well, that is the key to understanding the ecological crisis of our day. It helps us to see what we need to do in order to make a clean, green and harmonious world. God created this world a beautiful place with all the things we need to have a joyful and comfortable life. If, we still enjoy the world and all that it offers it's thanks to all those who came before us. They cared for this gift of God, preserved it and even did their bit to make it a little better than they found it. But, we cannot ignore others who did not care much for the earth, who thought that they were the owners of the world, that they could do whatever they pleased and so destroyed the forest cover, polluted the water bodies and depleted the ozone layer. They ate the apples and never thought of leaving some for those who came after them.

It is our decision about which of these two groups we are going to follow. Are we ready to care for Planet Earth, treat it well, use its resources wisely and leave things better than we found it. Or, will we join the selfish people who think that everything is meant for "ME"?

We would all love to live in a world that affords us peace, that is clean - green and full of every good thing. Why we would also love to enjoy apples. So we are encouraged to remember the people who come after us - our children and their children. They would love to eat apples, too.

PROMOTING INTER-RELIGIOUS HARMONY

2011-05-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

This picture that I found on a friend's Facebook page contains a very pithy message...

SR. PRISCA THANGKHIEW FMA - THE SMILING NUN

2011-05-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we laid to rest Sr. Prisca Thangkhiew FMA. She passed away on 6 May 2011 - the Feast of St Dominic Savio and the First Friday of the month of May. Her last words were: "Thank you". She was a perfect example of one who always lived up to her name, expressing her gratitude for every little favor done to her.

She had an angelic smile and a very kind heart. Perhaps the current "greeter and smile-giver" at the Pearly Gates asked the Lord for some help and assistance. Seeing the "crying need" the Lord decided that Sr. Prisca was the best person for the job. And then recently she had been suffering much - a fall and some broken bones taking a heavy toll on her. So, a two-in-one solution was found. Freeing Sr Prisca from all her earthly ailments and helping the good souls entering Heaven to feel welcome.

Thank you Lord for giving us Sr Prisca - thank you also for taking her away from suffering and pain. But honestly Lord you could have warned us that you were taking her. Yet, we surrender to Your Will and we know that She will be at peace in heaven and bring much joy and happiness there with her smiling kind ways. We will miss you much Sr Prisca...but we will try to give more smiles and express more kindness and gratitude to others in tribute to you. Adieu till we meet again!!!

Men's and women's brains

2011-04-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious - but so true!!!

PREPARING FOR A ‘GOOD LENT'

2011-03-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

It’s Lent again! So what, it’s going to be the same thing all over again. I will go to Church on the days required (as if I had a choice) and do a bit of fasting (imposed on me by others) and praying and some almsgiving and soon – real soon it will be Easter (wow!). But wait a minute. Can I make this Lent different? I know it is not going to be different unless I make some effort towards that. What can I do to make it different? Maybe I should just for once open myself to “What God wants to give me”. After all He is giving me all the time and I am deaf and blind to His actions.

So I am going to just begin the process of preparation from now – a few days before Ash Wednesday. Anticipation increases the excitement. Yes together with my friends and community I am going to prepare for a good Lenten Season, knowing that it will culminate in Easter and the beautiful season of Spring. All that I need to do is to desire it and focus on it.

How about beginning each day by the edge of our bed (as we look for our slippers) and asking the Lord for the grace to be open to His action in our lives? And then we could also close the day at the edge of our bed, thanking Him for all that has happened during the day gone by (once again in those few moments it takes to get out of our slippers and into bed). This simple pattern (at the start and end of each day) can stir our hearts to look forward to each day of the Lenten season with anticipation and to allow God to change us gradually and gently.

This Lent could also be a time to practice new patterns; new patterns of prayer, eating, generosity, and of life in general. I could, for instance, start giving more time to God in my daily life – a short time for personal prayer, the daily reading of a few verses from the Bible, attending mass with greater attention. The idea is to start something that is good and continue it even after the ‘penitential’ part of the season is over. In the area of eating – I may be able to think of some dietary habits I have that are doing me more harm than good. I need to discipline myself and this Lent could provide me with the perfect opportunity and the good feeling of being more in control of my eating. In the general tenor of my life, too, I can make many changes. Maybe I spend too much time in one particular activity that is not doing anything good for me. Anything that does not contribute to my general well-being (physical, spiritual, emotional, professional) needs to be seriously questioned and in time changed.

The Lord invites me at Lent to “COME BACK” to Him. This return can be in myriads of ways. All that it takes is the first step – which as all of us know is the hardest. Lent can provide each of us with that impetus to get back on track, to ‘return to the Lord’ and to journey to a better more committed life as a Christian. I will surely ‘rise again’ at Easter, if I have taken the journey seriously. And, what can be better than feeling that I have grabbed a wonderful opportunity to grow and be a better person. Conversely, how sad it will be if I ‘miss out’ once again on a chance to make a new start.

“He is Waiting” – “Are you ready to return?”

THE SILENT INDIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

2011-02-18T01:41:00.000-08:00

This was shot at Don Bosco School, Matunga and directed by Amit Sharma of Chrome Pictures. Released on January 26, this video is flashed across screens in all the BIG Cinemas, before a film commences.

“The idea is to urge Indians to rid themselves of prejudices against those who are different from us,” says Bobby Pawar, chief creative officer of the Mudra Group.

Words are inadequate to express the sentiments this arouses - just go ahead and watch it>>>

WE CALL DON BOSCO...

2011-01-31T20:05:00.000-08:00

We need someone who can lead us...so we call on Don Bosco - to lighten our burdens and guide us on the path of Jesus...

THE WORDS OF MAHATMA GANDHI

2011-01-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE "FATHER OF THE NATION"

2011-01-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

We pay tribute to the Father of the Nation - a man of deep integrity...who taught us to conquer violence with non-violence...His inspiration leads many today all over the world - Thank you Bapu...

THE MAGIC OF INDIA...

2011-01-25T21:50:00.000-08:00

(Des Rangila - from the movie Fanaa)

Happy Republic Day - May each Indian work for a better nation and a better world !!!

I BELIEVE - A SONG FOR PEACE AND HARMONY

2011-01-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

A beautiful duet sung by Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins - a song of hope that all people will live in peace...We need this more than ever today in a world torn apart by division and violence...

May our prayers be heard and may we work to bring our dreams to fulfillment!!!

YOU RAISE ME UP

2011-01-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

WISHING YOU "A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011"

2010-12-31T04:04:00.000-08:00

This beautiful song from ABBA - perennial favourite...

"Happy New Year, Happy New Year
May we all have a vision now and then
Of a world where every neighbour is a friend.

Happy New Year, Happy New Year
May we all have our hopes, our will to try
If we don’t we might as well lay down and die
You and I"

SPREADING CHRISTMAS JOY TO ALL

2010-12-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

One of those great songs that sum up what Christ meant by coming into this world...He came to bring joy to all...yes 'to all'...

So to all my friends and family - Have a Great Christmas sharing joy and love with all especially those who are alone and sad...poor and on the margins of this world!!!

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY 9

2010-12-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY 8

2010-12-23T08:06:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY 7

2010-12-22T01:06:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY 6

2010-12-21T20:36:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY 5

2010-12-20T22:40:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY 4

2010-12-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY 3

2010-12-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY 2

2010-12-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

The second day of the novena - He is Coming! Let us prepare for His coming...

CHRISTMAS NOVENA - DAY ONE

2010-12-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

A beautiful way to prepare for this wonderful feast of the Lord's coming - we celebrate and recall the first even as we prepare for the second and continue to welcome Him every day...

Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus...

A SALESIAN ‘LEGEND’ IS NO MORE

2010-12-15T03:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we laid to rest a Salesian who truly lived his life for others big time…and he was not a priest. In fact, his being a ‘simple brother’ is what made the difference to all he did. As I participated in the funeral rites my mind went back to my encounters with this great man.

My first memories of Br. P.M. Thomas (or ‘Br. PM’ as he was fondly called) goes back to the earliest days I spent in Don Bosco Lonavla. He was the Principal of a really small school – just classes 8, 9, 10 and 11 – with a total strength of not more than 120 boys. He was a tough disciplinarian pushing all of us to greater heights and motivating us to achieve more. He had a wonderful gift of communicating his ideas forcefully and persuasively. In the four years he was at the head of our school there were many changes. For one our school moved to new premises, it opened a junior college and admitted girl students, and his pet subject – mathematics – became something that we feared less and learned to love. The latter was inculcated in his characteristic. It entered your head when you paid close attention and woe to you if you did not for out of nowhere your shin would feel the lasting impact of a well-delivered kick.

My next chance to meet Br. PM was during my practical training at Salesian Training Institute (novitiate). Here I encountered another facet of the person. He was Prefect of Studies and also professor of Psychology in Divyadaan. I was often amazed at his prime focus – an unrelenting desire to communicate values to the young novices and students of philosophy. He was keen that they should be ‘good Salesians’ and he spared no efforts to realize this goal. He was always ‘present’ be it in the chapel, the classroom or the football and hockey grounds. He brought intensity to all he did. There were no ‘bad novices’ just some who were not sufficiently motivated and he did his best to correct that error.

In the years after my ordination I often had opportunities to meet and discuss issues with Br. PM. The years did not dim his enthusiasm for life and his vocation. On the contrary, they just made him even more committed to his passion. He showed in myriads of ways his joy at being a consecrated person, his love for Don Bosco and the congregation, and his desire to encourage many others to follow religious life. And what was even more admirable was his love for people, in a special way the relatives of his brother Salesians. Whenever parents visited the community he was the first to greet them, to set them at ease and to make their stay comfortable. It did not matter that he did not speak their language. For him all that mattered was that they had generously offered their son to God and that made them special.

I was the beneficiary of Br. PM’s Salesian spirit. In 1996 he was the pioneer principal of Don Bosco School Nashik. The school began with a few students in very difficult circumstances but that did not prevent him from initiating some very beautiful practices. He would be there every morning to shake the hand of each child, he created a warm and loving camaraderie among the staff, he made sure that the poor students were never discriminated against and he never stopped speaking about God and inculcating the spirit of prayerfulness. Years later, it was so beautiful to be on the staff of the school which has become a living testimony to the greatness of Br. PM. Don Bosco School Nashik has to this day a sound tradition rooted in the spirit of Don Bosco which exudes joy and optimism, family spirit and striving for excellence.

Br. PM will never die in the memories of us - his ‘students’. We will always have to return to the ‘lessons he taught’ and ‘replenish our enthusiasm with his infectious zeal for the young and the poor’. Adieu Br. PM – Intercede with the Master for us who seek to follow your example of dedication, love and excellence.

ADVENT VIRUS

2010-12-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

(I could not resist posting this from an email sent by a friend...Happy Advent folks...)

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
A loss of interest in judging other people.
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
A loss of interest in conflict.
A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
Frequent attacks of smiling.
An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

THE HIV PANDEMIC: CURRENT SCENARIO

2010-12-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

" On the cusp of the fourth decade of the AIDS epidemic, the world has turned the corner - it has halted and begun to reverse the spread of HIV. The question remains how quickly the response can chart a new course towards UNAIDS’ vision of zero discrimination, zero new HIV infections, and zero AIDS-related deaths through universal access to effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

Since 1999, the year in which it is thought that the epidemic peaked, globally, the number of new infections has fallen by 19%. Of the estimated 15 million people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries who need treatment today, 5.2 million have access - translating into fewer AIDS-related deaths. For the estimated 33.3 million people living with HIV after nearly 30 years into a very complex epidemic, the gains are real but still fragile. Future progress will depend heavily on the joint efforts of everyone involved in the HIV response.

At a time of financial constraint, good investments are more important than ever. The evidence supporting increased investment in the HIV response has never been clearer or more compelling. New data from 182 countries, along with extensive input from civil society and other sources, clearly show that steady progress is being made towards achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. HIV prevention is working. Treatment is working.

Increasing evidence definitively demonstrates that investments in the HIV response can lead to clear reductions in discrimination and stigma, help people in accessing information and services to reduce their risk of HIV infection, and deliver the treatment, care, and support that will extend and improve the lives of people living with HIV.”

(Taken from UNAIDS, Global report: UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic 2010, Geneva: UNAIDS, 2010, 7.)

BR. LUDVIK ZABRET GOES HOME TO GOD!

2010-10-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

Just got this in a mail today:

Today in the Salesian community of Trstenik (Slovenia) passed away our confrere, Salesian Brother Ludvik Zabret (87), missionary in India for almost 60 years (1947-2005).

A couple of weeks ago he suffered a light stroke and he was confined to bed, but till the last moments he was conscious.

The funeral will take place in the Salesian parish church of Trstenik (see: http://www.donbosko.si/trstenik/?q=node/53) on November 3, 2010 at 3 PM. The interment after the funeral mass in the salesian tomb in Trstenik.

R. I. P.

Marjan Lamovsek

Provincial Secretary

Ljubljana, Slovenia: Oktober 30, 2010

I have some good memories of this hardy Salesian brother - tough as nails and gentle of heart...and have had the wonderful privilege of experiencing both. Here is one of his typical witty quips: "When I was young and joined religious life it was 'night prayers' and 'lights out' - Unfortunately today for some it is 'light prayers' and 'nights out'!!!"

We will miss you Br. Ludvik. May the Master always have you by his side to keep the heavenly banquet well-replenished. May you continue to bring mirth and good cheer to His Kingdom...Hurry now it's time to get things ready for the big "All Saint's banquet"

MEMORIES OF THE EIGHTH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION

2010-10-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some thoughts that came to my mind after being present for the unforgettable closing ceremonies of NYC-8 here in Shillong...

The numbers were stunning - a vast ocean of humanity congregated in the area around Calvary, near the grotto, around the Cathedral, on the roads and in the gardens, along the hill-side and any which way you looked...but for those who have attended the Annual Eucharistic Procession here in Shillong, most present were witnessing for the first time such a massive crowd for a Eucharistic celebration...
As usual the general tenor of devotion and recollection was never lost - there was a variety of dances and the cultural diversity of the North-east was aptly on display - but nothing could take away from the solemnity and decorum that befits the celebration of the Eucharist...
An outstanding choir bridged the gap between contemporary music and the rendering of some classical Latin chants (in their English equivalents)...
The apostolic nuncio Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio spoke beautifully in his homily inviting the youth and all present to be "grounded in faith" that is "nourished by prayer" in order to be "witnesses to the world". He definitely hit the right notes judging from the impact his words had on the young people gathered for the Eucharist...
The weather was fantastic - a cloud cover ensured that none would be tortured under the burning sun...and in the afternoon when nothing could dampen the spirits - the heavens poured out their cooling showers...
The cultural extravaganza that followed the lunch was a veritable feast for the eyes and the heart...The different north-eastern states provided glimpses of their rich heritage...There were speeches, too, and among the more memorable was that of Smt. Agatha Sangma, one of the youngest ministers of the Union Cabinet, who exhorted her contemporaries to a lived faith which would lead to making India a better place...
The crowd remained rooted to their places till the very end of the program which culminated in a prayerful benediction service and the handing over of the Cross to the Diocese of Jullunder - hosts of the next youth gathering...
I am certain that the entire concluding ceremony will be remembered fondly by all those present for a long time to come...It was testimony to a faith that has transformed the world based on the person of Jesus Christ...and the story goes on as the young people of today carry forward the mission of liberating the world...
Needless to say - we raise a prayer of thanks to God for this fantastic experience we have had and give a rousing applause to all those who made it all happen...
God bless all of you! ------- Kublei shibun!!!

YOUTH AND FUN - PART TWO

2010-10-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

On 19 September we had another Youth Fest - this time for the other tribes of the Northeast - many of whom interact with our brothers every Sunday. Another wonderful time of togetherness when we reflected together on how God's word can make a difference in our lives...Here is a detailed report and here are some pictures of the event...

THE FACE OF THE ‘MISSION’ TODAY…

2010-09-26T02:20:00.001-07:00

What is the mission in the North-east really like? That is a question I have been longing to seek an answer to. When one looks at the institutional development in a city it is hard to fathom what the reality was before the missionaries came. Well, yesterday I had a chance to see first-hand what it must have been like as I took a trip to one of the oldest mission stations of Meghalaya – Mawkyndeng. The journey began early (5:30 am) and luck was on our side as the traffic was light on an otherwise busy road. We were in Jowai by 7:30 and at our destination by 8:15 – The regulars were shocked at how little time it had taken us to reach. They are used to more like 5 hours on the road.

The 'mission' compound is almost a self-contained unit, centred on education with a plethora of schools both formal and non-formal. The parish church is at the very centre of things (literally and metaphorically). There are two large boardings (one for girls run by the FMAs and the other for boys under the care of the SDBs). The school buildings give one the impression of solidity and seriousness. Even though it was a school holiday, one could see many children around the place. There is also a little pond and other structures that ensure safety and security to the compound. The greenery all around bears witness to a native ecological sensitivity that pre-dates our own feeble efforts on the issue today.Being at the mission to animate a recollection, I did not have much time to go around but I was impressed by the pioneering vision of those who chose this rather isolated and difficult terrain as the locus of a new 'kingdom'. They brought well-being and peace, they brought education and development. They strove hard in the face of unimaginable difficulties but never gave up. God bless them for their courage and God bless those to who continue the 'mission' there (and in other territory) that would daunt the faint-hearted.

Returning back after sunset on the journey home, I was lost in thought and my mind was filled with gratitude for the work done. So many sons and daughters of the soil now labor to bring the same message of peace and development, of well-being and education in other parts of the state of Meghalaya, in other parts of India and some even in other areas of the world. The fire that has been lit in 1882 now burns on - not just in the physical structures, but more especially in the hearts and minds of those who have been 'lit' and now carry the light onward.

YOUTH AND FUN…

2010-09-13T21:05:00.001-07:00

This certainly seems to be a strange title to a blog entry but I could not help thinking that the two have come to be linked inextricably. And this Sunday it was played out before my eyes, when we had about 700 young people on our campus to celebrate the Annual Youth Fest that is hosted by our students of theology. These young people ranging in age from 15 to 25, are part of the 21 parish youth groups animated by our brothers every sunday. They are in college or working or somewhere in between these two phases. Many were here for the first time and it was evident that they had a good time.

At the inaugural session the Bible was enthroned and they were exhorted to "Live the Word – Liberate the World" both by the Word itself and then by our own local MLA and Minister of Urban Affairs – Mr. Founder Cajee. The latter, though not a Catholic, spoke in glowing terms of what he had learned from the Catholic Church, exhorting the youth to courageously live the values they are being taught. Then followed an interesting audio-visual presentation on some youth problems viz. drug addiction, sexual permissiveness and media indoctrination. Each young person present was challenged to bring light to the world rather than to curse the darkness. By mid-morning we were ready to enter into the Eucharistic celebration that was presided over by Fr. Sylvanus Nongkindrih. He used some real life situations to bring home the need that all Christians have to encounter the Word of God especially by reading and studying the Bible. After much food for thought – it was time to give some food to the bodies and so the youth gathered in different parts of the campus to enjoy a tasty meal prepared by some of the brothers along with the help of some volunteers.

During lunch many also had an opportunity to look at some of the interesting charts prepared on the theme: "Live the Word – Liberate the World". Some had also participated in an essay competition and submitted their entries which were evaluated and honoured with prizes. With a hectic morning over it was time to move to the more evidently fun part – the cultural program. It was now the turn of the youth to share with their peers their 'take' on the theme. And so they used song and dance to present the relevance of the theme to their lives and to simultaneously showcase their abundant talent. This was duly noted and complimented by our two important guests - Mr. Bindo Lanong (Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya) and Mr. A Hek (MLA) - both of whom encouraged the young to build their own future with hard work and social commitment.

While a great deal happened on the stage, it was evident that there was also another very enthusiastic group keeping the young people rocking as they swayed to the rhythm of the music between the various items. It was fun time and dance time…and it made the 4 hour-cultural pageant pass by in a breeze.

Before we knew it was time to close shop and to part ways. But not before we had time to share a few words to tell each other how much we had learned during the day and to promise our presence next year for the next youth fest. The brothers had a tiring day – on their feet coordinating the various parts of the program and looking after all the logistics that come with keeping a crowd of 700 alive, active and enthusiastic. That their efforts were well-rewarded was borne out by the happy and grateful faces of the young people who had enjoyed some fun moments and been motivated to 'live the Word and liberate the world' around them.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE

2010-08-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

We dedicated our evening prayer yesterday to remembering and praying for our two young men who died tragically in the accident near Boko, Assam - Fr. Rajesh Ekka and Cl. Vijay Toppo. The service presided over by Fr. George Maliekal, our Rector included some very poignant moments. The reading from the Book of Wisdom seemed to take on a life of its own when we listened to the words:

"The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect."

There were also some touching testimonies of two brothers who had lived with Rajesh and Vijay. They noted Rajesh's deep commitment to his vocation and his determination to serve the Lord "come what may" and Vijay's "transparency" before God and man. Hymns like "Abide with me" and "God be with you till we meet again" were sung by our community as we recalled these two brothers, now resting in the Lord.

Truly we are shocked and now all that remains is to wait in silence on the Lord as he comforts us in our deep sorrow. He, who commended himself to the Father as he hung upon the cross, is challenging us to commend our brothers to his care. "Lord, help us surrender to you always, even when our reason tells us it is pointless. You are the true meaning of all our lives. In you alone we will find fulfillment and true joy."

THE LORD HAS TAKEN TWO MORE TO HIMSELF

2010-08-29T05:42:00.001-07:00

It has been another very sad day for us here at SHTC, in the province of Guwahati and for all SDBs the world over.

Late last night two young SDBs – Fr. Rajesh Ekka (ordained in January this year) and Cl. Vijay Toppo (perpetually professed on 23 May this year) along with two others were killed in a tragic accident on their way from Guwahati to Tura (the community to which they belonged). Few details are available about what exactly transpired.

The shock is palpable among the Salesians of SHTC, Mawlai. Both, Rajesh and Vijay have companions among our 90 odd brothers. They had lived with each other in the past years in different communities and everyone has a touching story to tell.

For now we can only surrender in faith to the Will of God. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away – Blessed be the name of the Lord…

WHY DID SHE KILL HERSELF?

2010-07-24T05:31:00.001-07:00

Today was one of those days I would love to forget. We went to visit the family of a young woman who had committed suicide early this morning. It is hard to fathom why a person would resort to this drastic act in a tribal culture where the family support system is still strong.

Could it be the influence of an all-pervasive media that has 'normalised' this behavior (suicide is less reprehensible than homicide?) or is it the downside of urbanization making its way into a well-knit society and sorely testing the coping skills of everyone? Hard to say but the look on the faces of her father and mother, her brothers and sisters, her nieces and nephews shows incomprehension and deep pain.

We need to sit down and examine what is going wrong, before we help one another by providing the suitable ambient to discuss and handle tension and distress in ways that are growth-enhancing, responsible and effective. Faith and already existing support systems can help.

SACRED HEART THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE, 2009-2010

2010-07-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of our community taken on the occasion of the Rector Major's visit in November last year.

It is posted here as a tribute to all those who made the last year memorable for us.

The fourth years were not here for a long time but when they were they shouldered their responsibility admirably. The third years were the 'go-fer' guys...always stepping in to help smooth things along. The dedication of the four house capos will be hard to emulate. The second year students were also able to do their bit. Finally, the first years - 'benjamins' proved to be able to handle their share of community chores well.

It's upto someone else to speak about the staff but without boasting I think it fair to say that led by the rector, it was a well-knit team that carried and animated the community challenging each to give their best. Au revoir, Arrivederci...Godspeed to those who have moved on...Till we meet again: Go with God...

SOME PICTURES OF THE DIACONATE

2010-07-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

The imposition of hands...we pray in silence for an outpouring of the Spirit...

Calling on God, the angels and the saints to intercede for his chosen ones..."Bless these chosen ones, make them holy and set them apart for sacred ministry..."

THE PENULTIMATE STEP…

2010-07-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day of great importance to our community. Not only is the First of July the mid-year point (half the year is over and one half remains of 2010), but here in Sacred Heart College, it is the day of the diaconate. 19 of our brothers entered into the Sacrament of Holy Orders as they were ordained deacons in preparation for their priestly ordination. More on the ceremony can be gleaned from this article posted in BIS.

Personally I was touched by the words that the bishop pronounces when he gives the book of the Gospels to each deacon. He says: “Believe what you read, Teach what you believe and Practice what you teach…” Four steps in our ministry of the word: Reading, Believing, Teaching and Practicing. This serves as a reminder to all of us who are called to be ministers of the word…

We pray for our 19 brothers and all those being ordained deacons in preparation for the priesthood…that they will truly be able to fulfill this mission entrusted to them with fidelity and dedication.

HITTING THE REWIND BUTTON ON LIFE…LOOKING FORWARD

2010-06-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am reading entries from my diary made exactly a year ago. Well what a discovery – above all what a wondrous way to look at life – after all we live it forwards but understand it backwards. My life runs into ‘replay’ mode. I relive experiences. I feel pain again when I recall the death of two good people – they are not physically present but they live on in my memories. I feel joy when I relive meetings with friends and family – the meals shared, the stories recounted, the songs we sung all come back to mind. What a great ‘pick-me-up’ this time has been. Coming to think of it – NOSTALGIA is not such a bad thing after all. Memories of the past can boost the present. Looking back at where my life is right now – I realize that I have come a long way…but much remains to be done.

And in an hour we will celebrate the farewell of some of our ‘brothers’ who leave on new assignments. How can we celebrate when sadness invades some part of our minds and hearts? We will try to because we also realize that life is all about growth and ‘moving on’. So we let them go – knowing that it will help them stretch beyond their comfort zones. It means that we will experience discomfort – because they go and because we have to learn to live with new ‘brothers’. Life moves on endlessly – we change, we grow and we help others grow…But, the bonds of friendship and love will not be broken just because a thousand miles separate us. Absence will not make our heart to wander – it will surely make our heart GROW STRONGER.

LAYING TO REST A MARTYR FOR THE FAITH

2010-06-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

The funeral of Bishop Luigi Padovese took place in the Cathedral of Milan - the Duomo – on Monday morning. The mass was presided by Cardinal Tettamanzi – Archbishop of Milan – and concelebrated by 27 bishops and 350 priests along with 5.000 faithful. In the first row were the relatives of Bishop Padovese and also representatives from the Church in Anatolia – a minority community facing much suffering.

Cardinal Tettamanzi called Msgr Padovese, a real disciple of Christ who has given his life to announce the gospel and for the life of others. He was a man seeking to open a space for dialogue, for interaction between cultures and religions. He was a meek and wise bishop, a builder of peace and reconciliation.

Four key messages were noted by one of those present at the funeral. The first was a cry to media not to abandon the Church in Turkey. Msgr. Franceschini, the archbishop of Smirne and now nominated apostolic administrator by the pope in place of Msgr. Padovese at Anatolia implored: "We have a plea for the media: Please keep a window open on our land, and on the pain of the Church living in Turkey. You are the voice of those who do not have the freedom to cry out their pain. The truth is justice and is beyond all human considerations."

The second was for Christians to follow the testimony of Msgr Padovese and live their lives authentically. The words of Cardinal Tettamanzi were: "We wish to hear your cry, or rather your lament, coming from your land and your people. It calls each of us Christians to face the challenge of consciously becoming aware of our Christian identity. We need to offer fearlessly, always and everywhere, the witness of a life lived in evangelical authenticity: loving Christ and every human person to the very end."

Then there were the prescient words pronounced by Msgr Padovese on 20 October 2009, who compared the Old Covenant and the New Covenant: "The covenant of the blood of Christ is totally different from the ancient religions. For Christians, life does not come from the sacrifice and death of others but from the sacrifice of one's own life for others. This is the end of violence! It is a voluntary sacrifice! It is a time of solidarity for others".

Finally, there was the appeal for a new missionary style, which could lead to more death but is certain to bear divine fruit. Once again from words pronounced by Msgr Padovese in October 2006: "In an age of pluralism the missionary has to renounce an attitude of domination in order to be successful. He must live the attitude of Christ who came to serve and thus bring salvation to the world."

During the mass, a telegram coming from Cardinal Bertone sent on behalf of the Holy Father was read. It recalled the "generous witness" of Bishop Padovese. Among the many present were also political figures like the mayor of Milan, and the President of the Lombardy region. In their interventions after the mass they made a call for an honest inquiry into the exact motives of the assassin and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The ex-nuncio to Turkey Msgr. Farhat said at the end of the mass: "This is the way it always happens. They kill the doves, the men and women of peace and dialogue…"

Our wish and prayer continues to be – "May he not have died in vain!"

SHOCKING END OF A GOOD MAN…

2010-06-03T11:00:00.001-07:00

This blog entry is in tribute to Bishop Luigi Padovese OFM cap, who was stabbed to death allegedly by his driver, today in Turkey. I have fond memories of Mgr Padovese from my first days at the Alfonsianum in October 1997. His was the first course I registered for in my Master's program. He was a kind and affable man and his classes were very interesting. But what really drew many of us to register was the clarity of his Italian. He spoke clearly enunciating the words and it was so easy to both understand and note down his inputs. His course entitled: Christianity and Politics in the First Four Centuries, took us through new terrain. He meticulously examined texts from the New Testament, the Early Church, and the Fathers indicating the challenges faced in the encounter of the 'new faith' with political power.

He was ordained bishop on 7 November 2004 in Iskenderun—ancient Alexandretta—in Southern Turkey. He was appointed the Vicar Apostolic in Anatolia. He was known to be a good pastor and had won laurels for making overtures to the majority Muslim community of his diocese. He was the ordinary of Don Andrea Santoro, another missionary priest who was stabbed in his church in 2006.

Speaking during the memorial Mass for Don Santoro, Mgr Padovese said, "we forgive whoever carried out this act. It is not by destroying someone who holds opposing views that conflicts can be resolved. The only path that must be taken is that of dialogue, of reciprocal recognition, of closeness and friendliness. But as long as television programs and newspaper articles produce material that shine a bad light on Christians and show them as enemies of Islam (and vice versa), how can we imagine a climate of peace?" Always talking about Fr Santoro, he added, "Whoever wanted to erase his physical presence does not know that his witness is now even stronger."

Reacting to the death of Bishop Padovese, Fr Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, said, "What has happened is terrible. . . Let us pray that the Lord may reward him for his great service to the Church and that Christians not be discouraged," but instead "follow his strong witness and continue to profess their faith in the region."

He will be sorely missed. We trust that his death will not be in vain.

FINAL COMMITMENT OF SHTC STUDENTS

2010-05-24T04:20:00.001-07:00

Yesterday many of us witnessed a very moving ceremony at which 8 of our students made their final religious commitment as SDBs. Here is a news report of the ceremony. Congrats to you dear brothers: George D`Abreo (INB), Pratap Damor (INB), Niroshan Jayasuriya (LKC), Linson Louise (IND), Jossy Mathews (IND), Rajesh Tirkey (IND), Robin Fernando (LKC), and, Viyan Coonghe (LKC). And here is another picture of all the brothers who made their commitment with Fr. Provincial and the other celebrants.

WISHING YOU ‘THE EYES OF EASTER’

2010-04-04T04:20:00.000-07:00

I WISH YOU THE EYES OF EASTER

EYES THAT CAN ...

...LOOK PAST DEATH AND SEE LIFE

...LOOK PAST BLAME AND SEE PARDON

...LOOK PAST DIVISION TOWARDS UNITY

...LOOK BEYOND UGLINESS AND SEE SPLENDOR

...LOOK INTO MAN AND SEE GOD

...LOOK INTO GOD AND SEE MAN

...LOOK PAST 'I' AND SEE 'YOU'...

(from a poem by KLAUS HEMMERLE)

RECENT EVENTS

2010-03-15T06:45:00.001-07:00

The recent weeks have been busy ones here at Sacred Heart Theological College…

Towards the end of February and in early March, we were privileged to have the visits of many bishops and other officials attending the CBCI meet in Guwahati. (Our own brothers – eight of them – were at hand to render yeoman service in the organization of the meeting.) All the visitors to Don Bosco museum were left spell bound by their experience. The brief glimpse that the museum offers of the richness of North-East India left their jaws dropping in sheer wonder and admiration.

On 3 March we were happy to have an extension lecture on "Inter-religious Harmony" by Dr. M.D. Thomas National Director, Commission for Religious Harmony, New Delhi. Presenting a vision for harmony he elucidated different dimensions that it comprises like communal harmony - between all communities; inter-religious harmony – between different religious creeds; social harmony - integration of all in equality and justice; and, national integration – wherein all Indians are affirmed as members of the wonderful unity that is India. The talk was followed by a very lively discussion that clarified many misconceptions and challenged the audience to a new vision of peace and harmony.

5 March was a red-letter day in the history of Don Bosco Museum, with the visit of Smt. Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of the UPA. What made this visit notable - in addition to the person of Smt. Gandhi - was the stringent security arrangements made in anticipation. Not all of us were fortunate to listen to her but we were proud to read her comments in the visitors book: "I have travelled and been to museums in different parts of the world, but I have never visited such a detailed and spectacular collection of tribal art and culture. I am truly impressed and I offer my compliments to all those who have worked to set up this museum." Some pictures of the visit are also available here.

Life goes on with its fair share of ups and downs. We've had our fair share of quakes and tremors – three in the last 3 weeks. While none of them come anywhere near the intensity of what hit Haiti and Chile, let us say, they do remind us of our being in a high-risk zone as far as earthquakes are concerned.

And before I forget we cannot fail to mention the noise that has become part of our lives. From 25 February we have begun the process of repairing the oldest building of our complex – which houses the offices, class rooms and reception area. Having stood the test of time for 72 long years there was a growing awareness that it needed major maintenance work. While we put up with the noise and the dust for now, we realize that it is going to pave the way for a better and brighter tomorrow as far as the facilities our college will offer by way of academic infrastructure and aesthetic beauty to the surroundings.

And just yesterday – 14 March – we celebrated our parish feast. Sacred Heart Parish, Mawlai is one of the biggest in the archdiocese of Shillong. About 10,000 people gathered for the Eucharistic celebration at 10 am presided over by our Archbishop Dominic Jala – who hails from the parish. At the eucharist we were also privileged to participate in the sacerdotal ordination of Deacon Phramsingh, a member of the Claretian congregation. He is the latest in the long line of priests and religious that our parish has offered to the service of the Church. At 2 pm 8,000 of the faithful took part in the Eucharistic procession that wended its way through the streets of the parish. Singing devotional hymns and joining in litanic prayer, assisted by a beautiful choir and the Savio Juniorate band, many of the first timers (like this blogger) were edified at the faith and deep devotion of the participants. Well, that's it for now…till the next posting, "Keep well and enjoy the Lenten season"…

TEMPTATIONS…

2010-02-21T21:51:00.001-08:00

The Gospel on the First Sunday in Lent highlights Jesus' temptations. I came across this little reflection on the internet and found it very salutary. So I'd like to share it here:

Temptation is a reality of the Christian life. It is there for two reasons.

The first reason is this: Satan does not want us to succeed at being God's people.

I mean imagine a world where Christian's actually lived like Christ? And did what he did? All the time! This is not a pleasant thought for those who love darkness. And it leads to a spiritual principle that I really want you to take note of - and that is this: THE CLOSER YOU GET TO GOD - THE STRONGER THE TEMPTATIONS YOU WILL FEEL. Or to put it another way: "The devil never attacks those who are already on his side".

The second reason for temptation is this: God wants us to choose Him freely.

God does not want you or anyone else to be obedient 'robots', he wants us to be whole human beings who freely love him and others; to be people who in every way are made in His Image. God places before us the possibility of different actions – some good for us and others detrimental to our growth. And that requires something for us to choose, something for us to do, something for us to believe. This possibility to choose can be challenging and tiresome but then "no pain – no gain".

EDUCATING FOR A HAPPY LIFE IN “DON BOSCO’S WAY”

2010-01-25T04:00:00.001-08:00

Just came upon a wonderful resource for all educators and anyone who has anything to do with the young. It is easy to use and just the thing to make you reflect on what is happening in your interactions with the young. Check it out! Here is its scope and goal in the words of the team behind it!!!

This website is an attempt to present Don Bosco's Way to the multi-religious, multi-cultural population of South Asia and beyond. It offers educators, parents, social workers and youth leaders the opportunity to be enriched by the genius of Don Bosco and his educational method, even though they may not share his beliefs, or accept his original writings that are clothed in cultural and religious vocabulary.

THE TRAGEDY IN HAITI – GLIMMERS OF HOPE!!!

2010-01-17T20:51:00.001-08:00

Even as we speak the tragedy of Haiti continues to unfold in ways that are surreal. It has all the ingredients of a doomed humanitarian aid project. Tremendous destruction and loss of lives, very poor infrastructure and desperate poverty suffered for decades amidst ethnic and political unrest. As someone said: "It would be very hard to find a worse place for a tragedy of this magnitude!"

But, even in this situation one cannot but notice signs of hope. The way the world is waking up led by many NGOs and FBOs (faith-based organizations) is amazing. My very own Salesian family is doing its best to reach out to those afflicted by the tragedy. Undaunted that the hardwork to build structures for education and human development - begun from 1935 - may have just been razed to rubble, the work for a new beginning is on.

Well, first here is a tribute to some who may have lost their lives. Here is a beautiful video of the children from the SDB ""National School of Arts and Trades" singing in happier times. At least 200 of them are among those not accounted for. We raise a prayer for the dead and pledge to do what we can for the living.

SOME PICTURES FROM EARLY TIMES…

2010-01-02T22:36:00.001-08:00

I have posted some pictures from my childhood on Facebook and got some comments. This is my response to one who commented on how cute we all look when we are young.

Guess there is a little bit of angelic greatness in all of us. Sadly sometimes the winds of change and the sands of time obscure that. Its good to go back to the past and maybe recover something for the present and the future. May the past be the impetus we need to build a wonderful future. Happy New Year again…

ANOTHER TRAGIC DEATH

2010-01-01T09:39:00.001-08:00

My first post in the New Year 2010 comes with some sad news. I just read about the tragic death in a car accident of one of my theology companions in Kristu Jyoti College. Fr. Nicholas Lakshman SDB, known as Nethasinghe, was the vicar to the Superior of the Vice-Province of Sri Lanka. In the last few months I have often remembered him in my conversations with the theology students from his Vice-Province who study in Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai. Fond memories remain of a dedicated and convinced religious who was always cheerfully going about his business of personal formation. There is a report of his accident here.

For now the least we can do is to whisper a prayer and ask the Lord to welcome Nethasinghe into His Heavenly Abode.

THE TRIP TO MIZORAM - 4

2009-12-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

It dawned bright and clear on Monday 14 December and once again we joined the eucharistic celebration of the community in Silchar. We had a sumptuous breakfast with the community and left for Shillong by 9 am. The first part of the journey was what we were anticipating with foreboding, for we would have to traverse the same dirt track that had horrified us on the first day. After negotiating the rest of the road which was not too good we arrived by 10:30 am at Kalani and then moved onwards slowly towards the border of Meghalaya. The daytime crossing proved to be a mite easier than expected. But truth to tell the sorry excuse for a road seemed interminable. One also wonders how such roads can continue to exist in this day and age, where roadmaking has taken giant strides of progress. One only wonders at the governmental ineptitude that allows roads to deteriorate to this condition.

Once the dirt track was over the going proved to be very easy even though it was a climbing path we were on. The kilometers flew by and by 1 pm we found ourselves once more at the outskirts of Klehriat. We decided to dine at a small restaurant just outside the campus, since we had not been able to inform the community of our arrival. The food was delicious and we also had some time to meet the confreres and to freshen up for the last lap of the journey.

Leaving Klehriat at 3 pm we continued our journey passing the infamous Ladrymbai - a shanty town that has sprung up overnight along the road with very poor facilities of hygiene and a worn out road. From there it was quick time to Jowai where the traffic was intense. The light was fading and the line of trucks going on our way was interminable but Ajay was able to maneuver skillfully and by 6 pm we entered Shillong. Of course the evening traffic made further progress difficult and we reached SHTC only at 6:45 pm. It was the end of our trip - hectic, enjoyable and safe. We raised our minds and hearts to God in gratitude for taking us on the long journey without any major hurdles and for returning us safely home without too many aches and pains.

THE MIZORAM TRIP - 3

2009-12-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

D-DAY arrived on Sunday 13 December. After an early wake up and a quick breakfast we made our way to Seling where the ordination was to be held. Our journey which began at 7:15 am came to an end an hour and a half later. The road was smooth and the going easy. Actually Aizawl is not very far from Seling. It is just the next hill but the time of travel is all about descending from one hill and climbing up the next. When we arrived hectic preparations were on to get the last-minute arrangements into place. We had a chance to take a quick peek at the work done by the SDBs especially the school and the church. The ordination ceremony began at 10:30 am and it has been described earlier. After the mass we had time to greet some old friends - SDBs and other religious before moving to the parish house for a quick festive lunch.

By 1:30 pm we were ready to travel again, this time retracing our steps on our homeward journey. Fr. John Zosiama stayed behind for various pastoral services that he will render in his native land. He will also spend some time with his loved ones before returning to SHTC in late January. We had two new travelling companions - Srs. Nildalin and Janicia - both FMAs travelling to their convent in Vairengte. We had a brief stopover for tea at Peace Home where we also picked up some quilts for our community.

By 4 pm we began the descent. This time the going was fast and by 7:45 pm we had covered the journey to Vairengte. Sr. Celestine Thyrniang fma awaited us with a lovely supper to replenish our tired bodies. She was also happy to see her two community members - they had provided some very interesting company for the first leg of the journey. After supper we continued towards our final destination for the day - Don Bosco Silchar.

Leaving Vairengte at 9 pm we arrived at Silchar at about 10:45 pm where Fr. Sebastian Palatty - the Rector and Headmaster awaited us with the keys to our rooms and we needed just a few minutes to bathe and retire into dreamland.

THE MIZORAM TRIP - 2

2009-12-15T00:13:00.000-08:00

We rose early on Saturday 12 December to join the Silchar community for the eucharist at 7 am. The prayerful and devout participation of the hostelites (boys and girls) led us to think that they were all Christians, and it was only at the time of receving communion that we realised only a few of them were Catholics. Soon after breakfast we took a walk around the campus visiting the school and the technical institute and admiring the work being done in this corner of India.

By 9:15 am it was time to hit the road again and to begin our climb into Mizoram. The last part of the Assam road is still being done up - a four-lane highway is in the pipeline, which means the current state of the road is far from satisfactory. In an hour we found ourselves climbing into Mizoram. One of the unique features of the state is that houses are built along the road - often with very little other free space available. This also means that the road is the centre of business, the playground, the place for socializing etc. Drivers beware! The drive was cool and pleasant, the road till Kolasib was smooth in general.

We halted for lunch at Kolasib by about 1 pm. Most of the town had gathered in the centre to welcome and felicitate 3 wrestlers from the area who had won laurels in recent competitions. So security was tight and we heard the program begin with a prayer - not surprising if one remembers that Mizoram is one of the states with the highest percentage of Christians in India. One young man belted out with amazing talent "We are the Champions" ala Freddie Mercury from Queen. Well we had to tear ourselves away from the function for the road beckoned us onwards. The section from Kolasib to Aizawl was rough in parts and the last 20 kms were on a very narrow and winding road. It called for the driver's utmost concentration.

Starting at about 2 pm we reached the outskirts of Aizawl by about 4:30 pm and our first stop was at the home of the sisters of Fr. John Zosiama. We were welcomed by a cup of hot tea and met some of the other family members of Fr. John. We then drove on into the city of Aizawl and took in the various sights ending our tour at the Cathedral - a beautifully constructed Church, with taste and artistic value.

Finally we drove back to Durtalang where we turned into "Peace Home" - a centre for women who seek detoxification from addictions - belonging to the MSMHC sisters. We were welcomed by Sr. Rose Pythei and her team. After a quick wash we sat down to an enjoyable supper. After supper and a long chat with the sisters we retired to our room for the night. Our beds were made with quilts and blankets for unlike Silchar, Aizawl and its environs get pretty cold at night. After a long chat with Fr. Mattachan who had also come in for the ordination we hit the sack.

THE MIZORAM TRIP - 1

2009-12-14T05:09:00.000-08:00

Just back from a tiring but enjoyable trip to Mizoram - one of the easternmost states of India. We were there to witness the priestly ordination of our SHTC student Deacon Dominic Thuan. A goodly crowd of about 1000 people had gathered to participate in the service which was presided over by Bishop Stephen Rotluanga of Aizawl. The service was held in Mizo and moved smoothly. It was a touching ceremony with moments of deep significance like the prostration of the deacon for the litany of the saints and the silent laying on of hands by the bishop followed by all the concelebrating priests. After the service there was a felicitation program for the newly ordained priest.

Well the journey to and fro was pretty eventful - and we did it in 4 days...albeit with many stops and at a leisurely pace. We began from SHTC on Friday 11 December morning - the original group consisted of Fr. George Maliekal - Rector of SHTC, Fr. John Zosiama - Registrar of SHTC, Ms. Blandina Lamare - a friend and collaborator in Salesian work in Shillong and yours truly. Of course not to be forgotten was our driver Ajay Tirkey. The first leg was through the Khasi hills into the Jaintia hills. We passed through the town of Jowai - part of the coal belt that has grown phenomenally rich due to the 'black gold' that is being mined constantly with all the repercussions that this entails. We paused for a solemn lunch at the Don Bosco centre in Khleriat. The Salesians here run a parish, a couple of schools and other youth activities. In the pipeline is a mini-stadium that is being completed. The MSMHC sisters are close collaborators in the work. Frs. John Mathew, Marius and Kenny were on hand to welcome us and treat us to lunch prepared with much care. We took a look round the campus and soon bid goodbye to our kind hosts and get back on the road.

At 2:30 pm we were moving on towards the border of Meghalaya and on into Assam towards the town of Silchar which was to be our night halt. The road was smooth and the going was good until we crossed into Assam at about 5:30 pm. Then began an ordeal that words cannot describe. The road seemed to vanish into a cloud of thick dust. By then the darkness was thick and the only thing that kept us going along that bouncy dirt track - which is officially part of the National Highway connecting Meghalaya with Mizoram and Tripura - was the procession of vehicles trudging relentlessly along the same path. This section seemed unending and at about 6:30 when the worst seemed over we paused for a tea halt. Unfortunately the place we chose served no tea just some 'chana'. So after the pause we took to the road again. This time the road was better but still very rough. Two level crossings also kept us from speeding to our destination.

Finally, at about 7:45 pm we sighted Silchar and our relief almost led us to miss the turning to our Don Bosco centre. Thanks to some very good lighting we sighted the centre and entered to enjoy the warm welcome of the confreres and the technical students who reside in the hostels. We were eager to get to the rooms prepared for us and to get the dirt, grime and most of all the memories of the torrid time we had endured out of our systems. By 8:30 pm we were in the refectory for a leisurely chat and supper with the confreres of the community - Frs. Sebastian Palatty, Ignatius Sangma and Br. Regi. They shared with us information about the centre and its activities - principally the school and technical institute. After supper we soon hit the sack and enjoyed the restful bliss of warm beds. It was a very consoling end to a day that had been fairly up and down.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE...

2009-12-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

We broke up for the winter vacation on 5 December. And our community has moved to different parts of India and some overseas too. It is time for winter camps, for mission experiences, for village visits, for time spent at home with family and friends.

Here in Shillong the mercury keeps dipping and what is more alarming is the level of ailments reported by the common man. Normally they say that winter is the healthiest time but this year things are not going too well.

Yesterday - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - many of us were present for the first religious profession of 15 MSMHC novices. What a beautiful ceremony and for many of us it was a time to recall our first steps in religious life as we rededicated ourselves to the mission we undertook years ago.

So happy Advent to all. We await his coming into our hearts and we prepare to welcome him in the poor, the suffering and the weak...He comes, He comes, He ever comes...

MARRIAGE AND METAMORPHOSIS

2009-11-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent pictures of the wedding of Janice and Nigel which I was fortunate to attend. Interestingly the symbol of the butterfly was chosen to highlight the need for a metamorphosis in marriage. Here is part of the "offertory prayer" explaining this symbolism:

"God our loving Father among the many wonders of your creation is the butterfly. The butterfly stands for pleasant change because of its metamorphosis from a less attractive, crawling caterpillar to a beautiful, soaring butterfly. It symbolizes the ending of one life for Nigel and Janice and the beginning of another. Nigel and Janice are essentially morphing in the same way that a butterfly does. Their single lives are over even as they remain individuals and together they are starting a new life. The butterfly also expresses the beauty of the eternal love and commitment that Nigel and Janice have pledged to each other."

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST WEEK...

2009-11-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

The time just flies by...

Just the month of November seen us enjoy fantastic music from the Rexband on All Saints Day...a massive crowd of about 15,000 were on hand for the show. It took place at Calvary - Shillong with the beautifully lit Cathedral in the foreground...On All Soul's Day we made our way to the cemetery for a very meaningful eucharist once more attended by a large crowd of people. This year the crowd was not as large - primarily because it coincided with a big football match pitting the local heroes "Lajong Sports Club" and "Salgaocar Goa"...To me the beautiful decoration of the graves was a very moving sight...And then the faith that brings so many to pray for loved ones who have passed on to the Lord...

We attended a big "Green Festival" on Friday (7 November) at which most of the schools from the city came together to speak for the environment and take pledges to preserve it. From the various presentations one could note a new awareness of the urgency to redress consumerism and work for ecological balance.

LISTENING AND HEARING - THE DEAF WAY

2009-09-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I find myself hearing someone talk (a sermon or a conversation) but not listening. As a priest for some years now I have had the odd occasion when I truly felt like I was talking to deaf people during the homily. Most of them were people with perfect hearing but the absence of any will to listen.

But this Sunday I had a truly amazing experience. I concelebrated mass with 12 other priests for a group of about 60 children in a school for those with hearing and speech difficulties. I have never seen such an eager group of listeners. Some had their eyes glued to the celebrant's lips (as they lip read his words) and others concentrated totally on the sister who was "signing" the words of the liturgy. What rapt attention! What total concentration! When the time came to sing they belted out the songs with deep conviction many of them also signing the words with their hands.

And I prayed the Lord to open my ears to listen better to all the wonderful messages that I hear daily.

A FRIGHT OF OUR LIVES

2009-09-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

It quaked again - so what's new - it has been doing this frequently since I got here. For one thing, if this was the end for me it could not have come on a better day. I would have come into this world and gone out the same day just 48 years apart. But, I live to tell the tale, even as we remembered all those who lost their lives.

Here is one news report and it ends with a recap of the major quakes in the last two months...quite a list there...

Tremor rocks the north-east

TNN 21 September 2009, 10:11pm IST

GUWAHATI/KOKRAJHAR/SHILLONG/ITANAGAR: For a fifth time in 40 days, an earthquake rocked the North-East on Monday afternoon and claimed at least three lives in its epicentre, Bhutan.

Measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale, this was the strongest of the nine tremors that rocked the region this year.

Bhutanese officials confirmed that three persons died at Mongar, about 180 km east of Thimpu, and five were injured. Sources said the victims were believed to be labourers from Assam's Baksa district. Some unofficial reports, however, put the toll at seven.

Kunjang Wangdi, the deputy commissioner of the Bhutanese district of Sarpang, said some of the victims were Indian workers and they died in the Gyalposhing area when a building collapsed. He, however, could not provide the exact toll. Bhutanese website Kuensel Online quoted government officials as saying that reports of damage poured in from eastern Dzongkhags.

In the northeastern region of India, Monday's tremor triggered a widespread panic across Assam with hundreds of people seen running out of their houses in sheer desperation, frantically looking for safer places.

According to the Borjhar-based Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati, the earthquake occurred at 02.23 pm with an epicenter in Bhutan between 27.3? North latitude and 91.5 ? East longitude.

"This was the strongest quake in the North-East this year," RMC director D K Handique said.

Even as officials of the state disaster management department claimed no casualty or damage to property was reported, TOI found some highrises in Guwahati developing cracks. A seven-storey building in the city's Bhangagarh area tilted and touched another apartment. A witness said people staying in the two buildings ran out of their houses. "All 72 families staying in flats were scared," said a member of the apartment society.

Kamrup (Metro) deputy commissioner Prateek Hajela said he had got news about some buildings developing cracks and asked his officers to verify the reports. The lower Assam districts of Nalbari, Baksa, Kamrup and Kokrajhar bordering Bhutan were also jolted by the quake.

Hitesh Das, the deputy secretary of the state disaster management department, said they had verified reports from eights districts. "So far, no casualty was reported. We are awaiting reports from other districts. We have already put all district administrations on high alert," he said.

State revenue and disaster management minister Bhumidhar Barman has convened an emergent meeting on Tuesday to assess the situation.

Met officials in Shillong said there was no immediate report of any damage to life or property in Meghalaya. Tawang, the Buddhist monastery town in Arunachal Pradesh, too, experienced the quake for about seven seconds. Sources said there was no report of any damage.

Incidentally, the North-East is located in the seismically active Zone V, making the region one of the most quake-prone areas in the world. Assam had already experienced two high-intensity earthquakes one in 1897 and the other in 1950. The two tremors had triggered some topographical changes in Assam and changed the courses of a number of mighty rivers, including the Brahmaputra.

2009 Quakes

Sept 4: 21:08 am Indo-Myanmarese border M 5.9

Aug 31: 12:57:44 am Manipur-Nagaland region M 5.3

Aug 19: 4:15:15 pm Sonitpur M 4.9

Aug 11: 3:13:39 am Manipur M 5.6

WE CHOOSE WHAT WE WANT TO BECOME

2009-09-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

I was sent this story some time ago taken from Shiv Khera's bestseller You Can Win, and I shared it with the community today.

When I was in Toronto, I heard a story of two brothers. One was a drug addict and a drunk who frequently beat up his family. The other one was a very successful businessman who was respected in society and had a wonderful family.

Some people wanted to find out why two brothers from the same parents, brought up in the same environment, could be so different. The first one was asked, "How come you do what you do? You are a drug addict, a drunk, and you beat your family. What motivates you?" He said, "My father." They asked, "What about your father?" The reply was, "My father was a drug addict, a drunk and he beat his family. What do you expect me to be? That is what I am."

They went to the brother who was doing everything right and asked him the same question. "How come you are doing everything right? What is your source of motivation?" And guess what he said? "My father. When I was a little boy, I used to see my dad drunk and doing all the wrong things. I made up my mind that that is not what I wanted to be."

Both were deriving their strength and motivation from the same source, but one was using it positively and the other negatively.

(Shiv Khera, You Can Win, New Delhi: MacMillan India Ltd., 1998, 102-103)

In life we meet all kinds of people, some appreciate and help us grow modeling good values. Others put us down, cause us suffering, and are poor role models. What we become is not about them but about us. We can draw good from both types of people deciding the kind of people we want to become. The choice is ours and we cannot blame others for what we make of our lives.

FAMILY REUNION

2009-09-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Much time has passed since the last posting. The class schedule is getting hectic. And then for a week I was away in Mumbai at a family reunion. It was great to spend time together with most of my family - all three living generations of it - after a long gap. Besides the good food and drink, we spent some quality time together. Each of us had chances to recount the good times, to evaluate things that had not gone the way we would have liked them to, and to receive counsel for the days ahead. Well as they say good advice is cheap - what really matters is putting some of that to good use.

The occasion was Dad's 80 birthday. Here are some pics posted by my cousin Roymario of the party we had.

Greetings and prayers to all...

AND IT QUAKED AGAIN!!!

2009-08-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Guess what - we had another quake! It happened (Wednesday) exactly a week after the first at 4:15 in the evening. At first it seemed like some heavyweight was rushing down the corridor to my room. But, it was soon clear that this was another quake. This time I sat still in my chair and before I knew it all was back to normal again. My insertion is becoming a reality. No one else took serious note of the quake...it was taken in stride.

THE EARTH QUAKED

2009-08-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Early this morning at 3:18 am - to be precise - we had some "rock and roll"...not the harmonious musical kind - but the shake, rattle and roll of a small earthquake. At the time of writing we are still awaiting news of how strong the quake was and reports of damage if any. We are all safe but for those among us who had their first quake experience, you can tell that it was an 'unforgettable' experience.

So while we pray that all those injured will be restored to good health, we also pray for those who may have to bear the loss or destruction of property. The earth is still settling down and that is what causes earthquakes - we hope to be able to settle down without causing quakes.

GOD IS WITH US - ZEROES OR HEROES!

2009-08-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

(Reflections on the readings of 19 Sunday in Ordinary Time)

As a young boy, I have indelible memories of a good lady - a family friend - who loved to sing a song called "Johnny Zero". It was the story of a boy who did not do too well in school and was nicknamed Johnny Zero. Well, with due encouragement he slowly turned his academic performance around and one day the teacher was proud to announce that "Johnny Zero had become Johnny Hero".

Reading through the experience of the prophet Elijah we could note a similar trajectory but in reverse. From being the great hero of Yahweh who had the courage to take on the prophets of Baal who enjoyed the patronage of Queen Jezebel, in this Sunday's pericope he is almost a zero - running from a band of assassins out to kill him. He is broken, discouraged and gives up. And it is Yahweh who sends him food and drink to strengthen him along his journey.

In today's Gospel we see Jesus present to us the Eucharist - His Body as food for nourishment. In the face of criticism and opposition - he is unfazed and goes on to present the meaning of Eucharist. The "Bread of Life" discourse is a message of hope. The reading suggests the bread of life, the Eucharist, as the breaf for the journey of faith as we journey up the mountain of God.

Our lives are very often roller-coaster rides - sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down and very often we are somewhere in between. Zeroes to Heroes thats the way it goes. But, what remains certain is that we have a loving God who cares for us and will not leave us alone. He comes to be with us.

God provides a mysterious food called manna for the Israelites in the desert. However, they were told not to stockpile the manna, but to gather only what they needed for one day. Jesus told his disciples not to worry about tomorrow. He said, when you pray to your heavenly Father, you are to say, “Give us this day our daily bread.” No matter how difficult life may be, for those who trust in God, and who live one day at a time, the manna falls every day. We are not told to pray: "Give us today our weekly rations," but "Give us this day our daily bread."

So in the face of problems and difficulties - the message is clear. Jesus is not necessarily going to remove those blocks and obstacles, but he is surely the one who is going to be with us, strengthening and nourishing us with the Bread of Life.

NEW BEGINNINGS WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD

2009-08-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

(D. Maria Gerald sdb)

The inauguration of the Academic year 2009-2010 of Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong on 6 August 2009 commenced with the Eucharist at 8:30 am which was presided over by Most Rev. Dominic Jala sdb, Archbishop of Shillong. Among the concelebrants were Rev. Fr. Francesco Cereda, Salesian General Councillor for Formation, and the Salesian provincials of Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi and Dimapur. In his sermon, Archbishop Jala invited the students to an experience of God drawing a parallel to the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. He exhorted one and all - staff and students -to an experience of the transfigured Lord which would result in proclaimingHim to others. The mass was followed by a break for refreshments. By 10:15 am. all had taken their seats in the College Auditorium for the commencement of the Inaugural Function.

Among the highlights of this annual academic event was the keynote address delivered by Fr. Cereda entitled: "To Do and Study Theology after the Synod of Bishops on the Word of God". The ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops held at Rome from October 6-26, 2008 examined the theme of "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church". It underscored the division that had crept in between exegesis and theology. Fr. Cereda indicated ways in which this could be remedied using the insights of Dei Verbum, establishing a new rapport between exegesis and theology, and through the practice of Lectio Divina. The presentation of the Academic Report took the audience down memory lane recalling salient events of the year gone by, while presenting the new avenues opening up in the year ahead. Each of the provincials present also had a chance to share their views on the college and indicate ways in which all could use the new year and its possibilities to grow in their faith and knowledge. The release of three books (two in English and one in Khasi) that have been authored by professors of the college was done by Archbishop Jala. The two in English are entitled: Salvatorians among the Khasis by Dr. Aloysius Hemrom sdb and Contextual Theology by Dr. Barnes Mawrie sdb.

The Academic Function was followed by time for the students to get acquainted with the program of the new semester and to elect their representatives. This year the college has about 130 students in the various programs it offers. They hail from different parts of India as well as from Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The faculty has 22 professors (of whom 12 are in residence) on the permanent teaching staff, with another 27 visiting professors. The year ahead holds great promise for growth in knowledge and holiness, two pillars of Christian life and ministry.

MINISTERS OF THE WORD AND THE ALTAR

2009-08-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

The worldwide celebrations on 4 August in honor of St. John Marie Vianney, the patron of priests took on added significance in Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong where 52 clerics took another step in their proximate journey to the priesthood. At the solemn Feast Day eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. Francesco Cereda, General Councillor for Formation, 26 brothers received the ministry of lector and another 26 were instituted into the ministry of acolyte. They hail from 9 of the 10 Indian provinces, from the vice- provinces of Myanmar and Sri Lanka, with a few belonging to some of the other congregations studying in the college.

In his homily, Fr. Cereda exhorted the young clerics to root themselves in the Word and the Eucharist in preparation for their priestly ministry. Cls. Pratap Damor and George Dabre from the Mumbai province were among those who received the ministry of lector.

This important celebration was preceded by the annual spiritual retreat animated by Fr. Tom Polackal, the Spiritual Father of the community, who led the students to reflect more deeply on their experience of God and their call to ministry. Our prayers continue for all these young men as they move forward in their vocational journey preparing themselves to be dedicated ministers in the Lord's vineyard.

TO ELEPHANT FALLS

2009-08-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

On a promising and sunny afternoon, it was an invitation I could not refuse - Come along and view some of the sights of the city of Shillong. So we set out to see among other things - Elephant Falls. A large cloud cover over the city did not deter us from making the trip. We had barely purchased our tickets for the visit and made our way into the parking lot when the heavens literally opened in a torrential downpour. After a patient wait of 45 minutes we decided that rainfall or not we were going to have a look at the falls. So with water falling all around us, we made our way carefully to the falls. Fortunately there were rather comfortable steps to descend and good safety railings.

So sheltered by our umbrellas we made our way down. What followed was some truly breathtaking sceneries. Here are a couple of pictures (taken from someone else's camera) - to give you a glimpse of what we saw. Our companions - two visitors from Italy - were left gaping at the beauty of the waters rushing down the moutains.

Suffice it to say that what we saw was worth the drenching we received in the bargain.

COMING TOGETHER

2009-07-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

After a couple of weeks of 'holiday time' atmosphere we are getting back to business. Actually there was no real holiday because when some went for their holiday ministry others were at their MA exams and right through July there was a Khasi course for the newly arrived brothers and a few others.

Now the gang is back - almost all of the 85 odd brothers and most of the staff. Truly there is never a dull day - today began the annual retreat animated by Fr. Tom Polackal - our in-house spiritual father. That assures us of 6 days of spiritual renewal in an atmosphere of silence and prayer.

In the meantime we have among others an interesting project happening in our campus (in truth this is just one of the many things on hand). Fr. Gravier Augustine, Fr. Nazarius Lakra sdb and Sr. Jancy SMI are with us as they team up to prepare Catechetical material for the students of the 10th, 11th and 12th Standards. They are convinced that the synergy created by their praying, studying and working together on the texts along with the availability of phenomenal library resources in our college will help them achieve their goals expeditiously. Add to that the serene ambience of a theologate and one can see that they have their priorities in place. We assure them of our prayers for the successful completion of this project.

WIKIMAPIA AND SACRED HEART THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

2009-07-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

This evening I was looking at Wikimapia to locate Shillong and my new community on the map. I intended to pinpoint my exact location for family and friends over the continents who would like to see the place where I now live. I was amazed at how easy it is to find one's location. In truth it is also just a wee bit frightening. All one needs is to look for another famous/familiar landmark nearby and then lo and behold one can trace the place one lives in.

I began with Savio Juniorate (already marked on Wikimapia) which is quite close and then slowly made my cyber journey to our house, discovering enroute that someone has already identified Sacred Heart Theological College. The map seems to be recent with the new annexe clearly visible.

So, this is one more step before I can post some recent pictures of the wonderful campus I am blessed to live in. Welcome to my world!!!

FROM A NEW LOCATION

2009-07-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

My long silences have become so common that you could be forgiven for thinking that this blog has now been discontinued. Well this time too I have the perfect excuse for the delay in posting.

I have been moving to a new location - to take up a new job and face new challenges. The old remains an indelible memory and yet one moves on to be enriched by the newness that life brings...

I now belong to a new community in a new province. Sacred Heart Theological College is situated in North East India in the state of Meghalaya (the land of the clouds). This community is part of the Salesian province of Gauhati.

Till there are pictures to post or ideas that coalesce for sharing check out the link in the previous paragraph. Here's assuring all of you that this blog will continue and hopefully be updated more regularly...

SOME SAD EVENTS

2009-05-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

The last weeks have seen a string of deaths among people known to me...

On 15 May Fr. Maurice Figueiredo succumbed to his injuries sustained in a road accident in Goa...a tragic end for a dedicated catechist and pastor...
On 22 May it was Archie Braganza - the grand old man of our parish who went on to his heavenly reward after suffering much in the last few months...
On 23 May Marcus Brahmane - also a senior in our parish went home to the Lord... a good Christian who made many sacrifices for the education of his children...
Then yesterday we received the sad news of the death of Fr. Giuseppe Moja in Italy...a true son of Don Bosco - albeit 'tough as nails' and 'quick of tongue'...
Today it was the turn of the good lady Magdalene D'Souza(popularly known as "Maggie") from Nirmala Home who passed away...a quiet soul who served faithfully and without too much of a fuss...

All of them are sorely missed....

The Easter Season is as good a time if any to recall that for Christians death is not the end but the beginning of a new and everlasting life...

Eternal rest grant to all these good people Lord and may your light shine upon them and all of us...May we know your true peace!!!

FAITH NEEDS SIGNS...

2009-05-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

It has been sometime since the last post and once again tragedy seems to make the pen move.

I received news a couple of days ago that a good friend has been diagnosed with cancer. She says she knew it was coming, but with the load of other responsibilities just kept putting off the visit to the doctor. Well now her worst fears have been confirmed.

I would like to share with all the readers of this blog her words - some of the most beautiful I have heard in a long time inspired by Mark 4:35-41. She will I hope pardon my use of them, realizing that they can bring solace to many in pain whose faith does not pre-empt worry, anger, frustration and depression. She writes:

"Having the Lord in the boat does not give us the guarantee that storms will not come our way. The only thing we know for certain is that He will get up from his sleep before we sink. The problem for me is that I don't want Him to sleep even for a second!"

So don't be too upset if in facing the problems of life your faith does not seem powerful enough to remove anxiety and worry. You, too perhaps wish that He does not sleep even for a second on His watch.

Good news - He never sleeps.

ADIEU FR. VINCENT VAZ

2009-04-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of the farewell mass celebrated for Fr. Vincent Vaz in the Divyadaan chapel a few hours after his demise last Sunday 19 April, a little before his mortal remains were transferred to Mumbai for burial...

GOODBYE FR. VINCENT...

2009-04-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

With a heavy heart we carry the sad news of the sudden passing of our dear Fr. Vincent Vaz. Like a good son of Don Bosco - he died working. He celebrated mass this morning for the inmates of the Nirmala Home and then returned to the community. He was last seen quietly praying his breviary. Br. Sredny took him his regular glass of juice and then left. At lunch time he did not show up and then when he would not respond to the knocks on the door, Fr. Savio and other confreres forced the door open only to find him slumped in the washroom. He had passed away sometime earlier.

After his body had been prepared, a requeim mass was celebrated in the Divyadaan chapel by Fr. Savio the rector of Divyadaan and other priests of the campus. Many religious and parishioners turned up at short notice to bid a fond and tearful farewell to Fr. Vincent who had been confessor, confidante, professor and many other things to all present at the eucharist.

We will miss him - his uprightness and discipline, his pastoral availability and his total dedication to work and study. We are sure he has entered into the eternal peace of the Divine Master whom he so joyously and zealously served in his 74 years of life, 58 years of profession, and 45 years of ordination. May his soul rest in peace.

FACING TERMINAL ILLNESS

2009-04-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

The last few days have not been among the best ones I have lived. Two days ago I was called to the bedside of a parishioner - Theresa - who is now in the terminal stages of cancer. She thought she had conquered the big, bad 'C' with chemo and radiation but 'C' returned and is now gradually taking control of her body. Theresa is a fighter and many of us who know her are certain that she is not going without a fight. Yet, it is so sad to see her body wasting away.

She told me that she was not afraid to die - and her voice had deep conviction when she said it soon after she had received the Sacrament of Anointing and the Viaticum. But, she is sad and terrified at leaving behind her young son - Vivek - who is 10 and her doting husband - Valerian. She kept repeating to all of us present - "Take care of my Vivek and my Valerian."

Yesterday she was moved to a hospice for the terminally ill where I am told she is at peace with some top-class palliative care. She is relaxed and peaceful, feeling much better and stronger. But we know it is a matter of time.

Questions keep cropping up - the regular kind that afflicts the human mind when faced with innocent suffering and premature death. "WHY LORD?"

For now there are no answers - we can just live the questions...and in the meantime here is a beautiful poem that was sent to me...Yes, He who walks on water can calm the stormy seas of our life. Amen.

THE BEAUTIFUL HANDS OF A PRIEST

2009-03-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today marks 19 years to the day God was gracious to share the gift of the priesthood with me. It is both a humbling and exhilarating moment. I feel humbled by what the Lord has been able to do inspite of my unworthiness and weakness. I also feel thrilled that I have been blessed in so many ways as I share the gifts God had given me to serve his people. And here is my all-time favorite poem on the priesthood: "The Beautiful Hands of a Priest"

We need them in life's early morning,
We need them again at its close;
We feel their warm clasp of true friendship,
We seek it while tasting life's woes.

When we come to this world we are sinful,
The greatest as well as the least.
And the hands that make us pure as angels
Are the beautiful hands of a priest.

At the altar each day we behold them,
And the hands of a king on his throne
Are not equal to them in their greatness
Their dignity stands alone.

For there in the stillness of morning
Ere the sun has emerged from the east,
There God rests between the pure fingers
Of the beautiful hands of a priest.

When we are tempted and wander
To pathways of shame and sin
'Tis the hand of a priest that absolve us.
Not once but again and again.

And when we are taking life's partner
Other hands may prepare us a feast
But the hands that will bless and unite us,
Are the beautiful hands of a priest.

God bless them and keep them all holy,
For the Host which their fingers caress,
What can a poor sinner do better
Than to ask Him who chose them to bless

When the death dews on our lids are falling,
May our courage and strength be increased
By seeing raised o'er us in blessing
The beautiful hands of a priest.

COMPASSION AND MERCY – THE HEART OF CHRISTIAN LIVING

2009-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Some days ago I was reading about a very tragic case that occurred in Brazil. A young nine-year old girl who had been repeatedly raped by her step-father, was found pregnant with twins. The doctors judging that carrying the pregnancy to term would almost certainly jeopardize the life of the child-mother, performed an abortion. On hearing of this the Archbishop of Olinda and Recife, Jose Cardoso Sobrinho was quick to point out to the automatic excommunication incurred by the doctors and the mother. His tone came across as harsh, unfeeling and legalistic. Something did not ring true about this approach but there was no gainsaying its orthodoxy. While deep within myself I felt very uncomfortable. I just could not put my finger on the reasons.

Then yesterday I read something that brought home the reason for my discomfort, and made me feel a little less alone (I was in some very esteemed company when I felt unhappy with Archbishop Sobrinho’s reaction). Here are the views on this issue of Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life. He took a personal approach. The girl “in the first place should have been defended, hugged and held tenderly to help her feel that we were all on her side” he wrote in the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, March 15.

The perspective is clear and is the truly Christian approach. It reflects the words of Jesus: “Be ye merciful as thy Father in heaven is merciful.” Would that my entire approach to life and people is marked by this same mercy and compassion, and especially when it concerns the weak and the helpless, who feel condemned already and have no need to be consigned to some deeper abyss of denigration.

Lord make us all merciful and compassionate!!!

3-MINUTE RETREAT ONLINE

2009-03-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

(I received this in an e-mail today and wish to share it with all who read this blog...)

Try this 3-minute retreat as you sit before your computer today...it will certainly help you have a better day...

Happy Lent!!!

TRUTH TELLING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

2009-03-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

(Reflections on the scripture readings of Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent)

Jer. 18,18-20
Mt 20,17-28

I was reflecting on today's Gospel where Jesus warns his disciples to expect mockery, ridicule and persecution when they proclaim the Good News. In the first reading - Jeremiah is lamenting similar happenings in his life. This brought to mind instances in the recent past when the same seems to take place with disheartening regularity. We have the persecution of persons in our own land - India - whose only crime is to work for the upliftment of their needy brothers and sisters. They are opposed by fascist forces who do not want any selfless service for the underpriviledged or the downtrodden. When the message is not palatable the easiest way out is to "shoot the messenger".

But here is a personal experience that turned out positively. I was once asked by a relative to communicate a rather unpalatable truth to his father. This was the cause of much heartburn and pain in the life of the family. Well, living 2,000 kms away this seemed a rather easy task. Needless to say it was not so. Once the truth was told in as charitable a manner as possible, the recipient went into typical "attack is the best form of defence" mode. I was at the receiving end of some choice epithets maligning my vocation and intentions. Well, that was the last I wanted to hear of this case and the good news was that I lived far from the said family. But a couple of months later I received a letter from family thanking me profusely for my intervention. In the course of time, my relative had begun to take the suggestion seriously and work on his behaviour making himself less obnoxious and more a pleasure to live with.

So when they mock and ridicule and persecute you for telling the truth just remember that always the message gets home: a bit later from our perspective but in God's perfect time.

GIVING DREAMS WINGS

2009-02-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

Parents and well-wishers of Don Bosco School Nashik gathered to witness the 14th Annual Day of the school on 20 February 2009. The program was replete with the trademark dance, drama and song that have come to characterise this annual event.

The Chief Guest for the evening was Mr. Nitin Upasani, the Secretary of the SSC and HSC Board (Nashik Division), a person who combines exquisitely a vision for education with excellent administrative skills. In his keynote address he shared with the parents some insightful words on educating children in the current socio-cultural milieu. "Giving their dreams wings is more important than getting them to live your unfulfilled dreams," he said. He also pointed out lacunae in our current education system and noted the need for a more mature use of the mass media among the younger generation. The school annual report was an eye-opener to many of the parents for it highlighted the accomplishments of the students in the curricular and co-curricular fields with some of the more intrepid among them receiving recognition at the national and international level. Mrs. Manjula Upasani did the honours of awarding the prizes and certificates to the successful students of the last academic year. The various items portrayed the cultural diversity of India threatened as it is by the divisive forces of corruption and communalism. A strong patriotic message was also delivered - as a fitting response to the recent terrorist attack in Mumbai in 26/11/2008.

They said it in words, they said it in rhyme, they said it in dance and they said it in mime. The bottom line was clear - with a vast collaborative effort involving teachers, parents and the budding stars - the sky is the limit. Dreams need wings but they also need a strong moral compass to ensure the journey reaches its true destination, and Don Bosco's vision provides just the right dose of each.

THE POWER OF HUMAN TOUCH

2009-02-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

As we reflected on the scripture readings of today (Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B) - for me the theme that kept leaping out of the readings was "UNTOUCHABILITY". We in India have wide experience on what this means. We had a whole section of society considered "not touchable" for they had the power to contaminate and corrupt all that they touched. In the gospel of today - Jesus breaks the barriers that separate the touchable from the untouchable.

I remember this story narrated to us by the retired Archbishop of Bangalore - Alphonse Mathias - many years ago. While a student in Rome he was travelling with one of his priest companions (an African) by the local transport. Shockingly a lady on the bus (she was white) kept looking pointedly at the African priest - staring actually. This was rather disconcerting. The last straw was reached when she reached out and rubbed the skin of his hand, checking to see if the black colour rubbed off or was real. The priest had a good sense of humour and a good dose of self-esteem. As if by reflex, he reached out similarly and rubbed the face of the lady's baby checking if the white colour was real...or if it was just make-up.

How often our touch kills and destroys people - and by touch I mean not only the physical touch but all the ways in which we interact with others. If only each of us could use our 'touch' to build up and heal rather than to 'divide and kill'. Ample opportunities to break down the barriers of untouchability present themselves to us daily...if only we use them to break walls - then the healing of the leper by Jesus can become a paradigm for a world of love, of the healing touch, and joyful interaction.

(Image taken from The Change Blog)

MAKING POWERPOINT MORE POWERFUL AND POINTED!!!

2009-01-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

If you have felt this way after seeing a powerpoint presentation - you are not alone...

I was reading an interesting piece on the web about making powerpoint presentations more effective and would like to share it with all of you...Here is the kernel....

In his recent book, Clear and to the Point, Stephen Kosslyn explains that the four rules of PowerPoint are: The Goldilocks Rule, The Rudolph Rule, The Rule of Four, and the Birds of a Feather Rule. Here's how they work.

The Goldilocks Rule refers to presenting the "just right" amount of data. Never include more information than your audience needs in a visual image. As an example, Kosslyn showed two graphs of real estate prices over time. One included ten different numbers, one for each year. The other included two numbers: a peak price, and the current price. For the purposes of a presentation about today's prices relative to peak price, those numbers were the only ones necessary.

The Rudolph Rule refers to simple ways you can make information stand out and guide your audience to important details — the way Rudolph the reindeer's red nose stood out from the other reindeers' and led them. If you're presenting a piece of relevant data in a list, why not make the data of interest a different color from the list? Or circle it in red? "The human brain is a difference detector," Kosslyn noted. The eye is immediately drawn to any object that looks different in an image, whether that's due to color, size, or separation from a group. He showed us a pizza with one piece pulled out slightly, noting that our eyes would immediately go to the piece that was pulled out (which was true). Even small differences guide your audience to what's important.

The Rule of Four is a simple but powerful tool that grows out of the fact that the brain can generally hold only four pieces of visual information simultaneously. So don't ever present your audience with more than four things at once. This is a really important piece of information for people who tend to pack their PowerPoint slides with dense reams of data. Never give more than four pieces of information at once. It's not that people can't think beyond four ideas — it's that when we take in the visual information on a slide we start to get overwhelmed when we reach four items.

The Birds of a Feather Rule is another good rule for how to organize information when you want to show things in groups. "We think of things in groups when they look similar or in proximity to each other," Kosslyn pointed out. Translation into PowerPoint? If you want to indicate to your audience that five things belong in a group, make them similar by giving them the same color or shape. Or group them very close together. This sounds basic, but it often means taking your data apart and reorganizing it. Kosslyn's co-panelist, Stanford psychologist

Barbara Tversky, explained that one of the fundamental principles of data visualization is, ironically, misrepresentation in order to get at the truth.
Even these goofy names for each rule of PowerPoint follow a principle from cognitive science: it's always easier to remember an unfamiliar idea if it's named after something familiar.

the rest can be read at

How Cognitive Science Can Improve Your PowerPoint Presentations