WHY DID SHE KILL HERSELF?

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

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

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…

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.