Vol 134 No. 11 JuNe 1-15, 2021 ` 25

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2 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 In My View

Beyond the Horizon

he novel Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) become a potential tool for danger and disaster. Thas been declared by the World Health Digital learning has become the new normal Organization (WHO) as an international public health situation for the students. In the villages, the scenario emergency. Owing to its high infectivity and consequent may be different. Millions of students are denied of health danger including death, countries all over the education. Their future is under great risk as they are world implemented nationwide lockdowns and other not given the basics of education. measures with the hope of flattening the epidemic curve. This situation may continue for some more time. The second wave of Covid-19 in India is making But there is greater awareness among people about this its dangerous spell on the people. Infection has spread pandemic. Further, we are having access to vaccine in its shadow on human lives even in the nook and corner order to protect ourselves from this deadly virus. Digital of every village in some States. One more state-wide learning may be the way of learning in the coming days. lockdown has been imposed in and few How are we going to help our children to stay protected other states of the country, forcing us to remain indoors and keep learning while staying at home? and work from home. Institutions small and big have In the cover feature, “Beyond Digital Learning,” to struggle in order to keep going. Labourers in the Cyril, SJ, presents both positive and negative elements unorganized sectors and daily wage earners have to face of digital learning (see p. 10). He says that “the poor tough time having no income. The poor have to struggle have neither access to proper internet services nor in order to survive during this challenging time. computers to follow online classes. Out of 1.6 million I could hear these days incessant sound of schools across the country, not even 10 percent can ambulances rushing to hospitals; I could see many afford digital learning.” thousands of deaths due to Covid-19; I could painfully “Digital learning cannot replicate the chalk and observe the suffering of patients who are unable to find talk pedagogy that we normally follow in the teaching- beds in the health centres and hospitals, who die due learning system. The lockdown experience for children to lack of oxygen facilities and absence of medicines; I is unusual and it is common for behavioural issues to be could experience the griefs and sorrows of the families exacerbated by the strangeness, and stresses of being which have lost their dear ones. We all would have lost confined to their homes.” The writer emphasises the our dear ones due to coronavirus disease. importance of social interaction for children even while I do not want to go into the details regarding the being confined at home. We need to be innovative in number of deaths occurred due to Covid-19. However, educating children towards integrated growth. The we must do everything that is necessary to stop this impact of this lock-down situation will be seen even pandemic and we need to get back to normal life, even after things become normal. finding ways to live while fighting this virus. While the current scenario has brought in fear, This pandemic has affected the children more anxiety, worry and pain, we are also learning many than any other section of the society. More than a year, things from this new situation. We witness every day children are unable to have their usual school learning the sacrifice of doctors and nurses who risk their lives and the related activities. Glued to mobile phones, in order to save the lives of many. We come across many children are compelled to learn something. In the Good Samaritans who have shown great courage in villages, even this facility is denied to them. Lock-down reaching out to the patients who are in need. We hear situations force them to remain at home, the impact is of so many volunteers who go out of the way to offer beyond description. help to the critical patients, and extend assistance for Recently in one of the schools in Chennai, a teacher decent burials etc. has been arrested for his inappropriate behaviour while Education is not only about acquiring skills taking online classes. Sending improper messages, and abilities, it is more about learning to be human. taking advantage of the position as teacher, he has Children, who are the future, need to be protected. We misbehaved with many students. Digital platform is need to go beyond digital learning and grow along with like Pandora’s box which contains evil in great measure. children who are our real wealth. There is a rainbow in Unless we are vigilant and alert, online portal can the eastern sky, seen beyond the horizon. 3 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Contents NEW LEADER

Editor Fr Antony Pancras

Magazine Staff W. Morise Fathima S. Carolin Mary L. Alina S. Arputhanathan N.A. Madhu M.S. Kumar 10 NL Foundation Abp George Antonysamy Regulars Fr Stanley Sebastian

Conversation 5, 6 Managerial Board Life’s Best Lessons 7 Mr V. A. George Theology & Life 9 Fr Vincent Chinnadurai Sunday Reflections 20, 22 Law and Rights 25 Editorial Board Ms Felicity Saldanha From Our Garden 26 Ms Jennifer Arul Faith Express 27 Fr Jerry Rosario, SJ Kaleidoscope: Psycho-Spiritual Refractions 29 Fr Joe Mannath, SDB Family Matters 33 Fr Joseph Fernandes, SDB ESP 35 Mr Bernard D’Sami Eco - Spirituality 36 Laughtonic 38 Advisor Nirmal R. Sanjeevi Features Issues - Spirit 15 The New Leader Pentecost 17 64, ARMENIAN STREET Farm Laws 19 CATHOLIC CENTRE, II FLOOR Issues - Living 21 CHENNAI - 600 001, INDIA Sacred Heart of Jesus 23 PH: (044) 2536 2371 Blessed Alberione 31 MOBILE: 73054 00596 e-mail: [email protected] Tribute 37 www.thenewleader.in News Vatican 8 Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter

World 16 All disputes to be settled in Madras Courts only. Asia 24 The views expressed by the writers in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views Nation 28, 34 or policies of The New Leader fortnightly or Editor.

4 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Conversation To See All Things Sad Demise New in Christ: Rev. Fr. S.J. Anthonysamy, former Vicar Ignatian Year General of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore Just now the Society of and The New Leader Bible Columnist for the past Jesus (Jesuits) all over the world is celebrating the year of St Ignatius from 32 years, passed away on 28 May 2021. Deeply 20 May 2021 until 31 July 2022. It is mourned by the Members of NL Foundation, to commemorate the fifth centenary Managerial and Editorial Boards, Readers, of the wound suffered by Ignatius of Writers, and Staff of the New Leader. - Editor Loyola in the battle of Pamplona on 20 May 1521, the wound that opened for him the opportunity for a radical of the genuine heart. It is therefore Covid-19 Warriors conversion in his life. once again a call to love and serve The Jesuits foresee this Ignatian the humanity for the Greater Glory We’ve just concluded the month Year with a special moment on 12 of God. Here it is worth recalling that of May and celebrated 1st May as a March 2022, the fourth centenary St Ignatius was declared patron of day dedicated to St Joseph the patron of the canonization of Ignatius of Spiritual Exercises and Retreats by saint of workers and labourers. Let us Loyola together with Francis Xavier, Pope Pius XI in 1922 – exactly a pray for all those front line warriors (also Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri) century ago. involved in the COVID 19 battle - the by Pope Gregory XV on 12 March “The worldwide doctors, nurses, health care workers, 1622. seeks to accompany the process ambulance drivers, lab technicians, “To see all things new in Christ” of internalization of the Universal officials, policemen, corporation is the theme for the Ignatian Year Apostolic Preferences (UAP), a volunteers who check on covid patients (20 May 2021 – 31 July 2022). process that will bring to personal, sanitizing their homes and collecting The Ignatian Year is a New Call to communal and institutional conversion garbage, the migrants, jobless draw inspiration from Ignatius, the all those who have found the meaning labourers and all the unsung heroes of pilgrim. In the Spiritual Exercise of of their lives in the Mission of the this pandemic. Not to forget all those St Ignatius, the saint says that there Society of Jesus”- says Very. Rev. who help by providing food for the are two responses to God’s call. One Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, the 31st Superior poor, abandoned and homeless. May response comes from the reasonable General of the Society of Jesus. St Joseph bless them and give them person. The second response is AMDG. courage and strength in this heroic from the generous or magnanimous - Richard Mascarenhas, SJ battle. - Mrs Sashikala Chandran person. One might call it the response Bidar, Karnataka Chennai, T.N.

Shakespeare Pearls 48. Nursing Old Injuries Brings On New Ones

‘To mourn a mischief that is past and gone / Is the next way to draw new mischief on.’ (From the tragedy of ‘Othello’) Brabantio, the Numero Uno of Venetian aristocracy was deeply hurt at the marriage of his fair daughter Desdemona, to black gentile Othello. The Duke of Venice who heard his appeal advised him to put this embarrassment behind him and move on gracefully in life. What is over and done should be left in peace when it cannot be undone. Otherwise we will unwisely invite more problems and hurts into our lives. We should not futilely rebel against the past. There are some things that have taken place in the past that have irrevocable. They cannot be undone however much they may be distasteful to us. If they are legal acts, we waste our energies by fighting them. It is better to accept such situations gracefully than dissipate our resources fighting against them like Don Quixote fighting the wind mills. Refusing to let go of the past compromises our prospects for the future and brings on more hurts and problems. Festering memories and unpleasant grudges only spoil our peace of mind and turn our lives sour. They add to and multiply our troubles and complicate our life. Our life becomes hostage to our unalterable past. - Fr Matthew Adukanil, SDB

5 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Conversation Subscription rates 1 year : ` 550 Jesus the Liberator The First Christian 2 years : ` 1050 Single copy: This refers to the article, 3 years : ` 1550 Missionary of Madras ` 25 “Resurrection as Liberation,” by Swami Inland 5 years : ` 2550 I refer to the article ”The first Vikrant, SDB (NL, April 1-15, ‘21). The 10 years: ` 5000 article gives us a real idea of liberation Christian missionary of Madras,” during Easter session. Jesus Christ is by Fr A. Thainis, OFM Cap., (NL, Airmail risen not only on Easter day but every April 16-30, ‘21). The author, being 1 year : ` 2500 $ 120 day. is bringing fresh air a scholar and professor of Church 2 years: ` 4500 $ 200 History, has taken pains and efforts 3 years: ` 6500 $ 300 into our mother Church. Jesus was to underline the enthusiastic zealous 5 years: ` 11000 $ 500 compassionate but he was convinced pioneering missionary activities of SAARC Countries 10 years: ` 22000 $ 1000 of the kingdom values and stood for Fr Ephrem, OFM Cap. We place on 1 year : ` 3500 $ 150 the cause of the poorest of the poor. record our heartfelt thanks and praise 2 years: ` 6500 $ 250 Today values are compromised, and appreciation to the author. In his 3 years: ` 9500 $ 350 misused, misinterpreted. scientific research he has noted so 5 years: ` 15500 $ 550 Due to the pandemic we are 10 years: ` 31000 $ 1050

well the multifarious activities of the Other Countries not able to meet each other as great missionary, Fr. Ephrem, OFM believers, but scared of one another, Advertisement rates Cap., It is also enlightening to know Back cover Full page ` 15000 relationships are broken. When Jesus that this Capuchin missionary was met the Samaritan woman he said, Inner Back cover Full page ` 11000 the first one to open the first English Inner Back cover Half page ` 8000 ‘woman we worship God neither on Medium School in our country, India. Inner Front cover Full page ` 12000 this mountain nor in the temple, but So, he was a man who read the Inner Front cover Half page ` 9000 in spirit and truth. We are already signs of the time and thus became a Inside pages Full page ` 8000 experiencing this truth as our homes relevant and up-to-date missionary. Inside pages Half page ` 5000 and chapels are the place of worship, The missionary life of Fr Ephrem Inside pages Quarter page ` 3000 our place of work and our daily path is also a lesson for the present Centre Spread ` 20000 ways are places of worship, our fears Matrimonials, Thanksgiving, In-Memoriam missionaries working in different parts advts: ` 2000 (5 cms * 2 Col; max: 70 words) and struggles of life are the temples of our country. Now it is hoped that our of worship, the deaths of relatives and Fr Thainis, the author of this article will Subscription in foreign currency friends, sickness and worries have use his expertise and erudition and Subscribers who live abroad and pay the become our daily bread. In this great study in Church History to unearth airmail subscription in foreign currency are requested to please make the payment pain and agony Jesus is still with us and present to our country the rich in Telegraphic fund Transfer (T.T.) mode as the liberator to set us free. contribution made by Capuchin Friars through your bank. The details: - Hrudaya A. JMJ in India. - D.Jesudas, OFM Cap Name of our Bank : Union Bank of India , Karnataka Coimbatore, T.N. Name of the Branch : G.T. Chennai Address of the Bank : No. 49 Armenian Street, P.B. No 237, George Town, Chennai - 600 001, India A/c Name : The New Leader A/c No & RTGS/NEFT/ECS code : 520101256776527 During IFSC code : UBIN0900052 World War II, thousands were injured and hospitalized in Please Note Italy. Sr. Bertilla, a Catholic nurse worked Writers: Please keep a copy of in a hospital that overflowed with injured whatever you send to the NL for people. Henry, an Italian soldier was shot in his publication. We regret we cannot knees and spent his days cursing everyone. The patients received return unsolicited articles and one egg each for breakfast. One day when Sr. Bertilla brought an photographs. All material may be edited for the sake of space, clarity egg to Henry, he yelled, throwing the egg straight at Sr. Bertilla! or policy. If your article is chosen for Not losing her composure, Sr. Bertilla went away publication, you will hear from us. and came back to Henry with a cup of soup. The gesture Readers: Letters to the editor moved Henry. He wept like a child and begged pardon of and questions for the Health, Sr. Bertilla, and remained one of Sr. Bertilla’s closest friends. Psychology and Bible columns, We too can use the magic Sr. Bertilla played on and articles on spirituality, self- Henry and convert enemies into friends. Pope help, family and social concerns are welcome. For renewal of John XXII canonized Sr. Bertilla in subscription, use the renewal form the year 1961. - Percy Motivation - 3 that is sent to you. - Manager 6 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Life’s Best Lessons fter the terrible years of World War II and Athe genocide of six million Jews and smaller 20. Our Family numbers of others by the Nazi government in Germany, the systematic cruelty and mass murder they committed came to light. At the same time, heroic examples of Impacts Us Most compassion and helping were discovered too. There were good people who took Text and Drawings extraordinary risks to help Jews. Many of By Joe Mannath, SDB them paid for it with their lives. How did some people find the courage and love to stay for years in a new setting (convent, take huge risks and help others? priesthood, marriage or a profession), but Did the Helpers come from more not really grow up. We may simply and “religious” families? Studies did not find blindly repeat the blunders our parents this to be the decisive factor. made. Did the Helpers belong to any particular religious Sr Lucia has struck those who know her as a group? For instance, were Catholics more helpful than wonderful human being. Wherever she has lived, Protestants or vice-versa? No. especially as superior, the girls in the kitchen would cry What the studies found was this: Those who took when she was transferred. They found in her a humble risks and helped the Jews came from families where and loving elder sister, who was the first to help them children had grown up seeing their parents help others. when there was extra work. When she was about to be Our family upbringing—including, above all, the transferred from a school, many of the parents pleaded example of our parents—has the most powerful impact with her not to go. “Your presence has made such a lovely on our later conduct. difference to the students and teachers,” they said. I am not saying that the children of a generous What Our Behaviour Shows person will be automatically generous, or that the children While community members and employees wept of drunkards will necessarily be drunkards. when Sr Lucia was transferred, there was another Sister But, in most cases, we pick up the character traits in the same community whose rude behaviour made the and values of our families, especially of our parents. workers cry. She would shout at the driver using offensive In the touching movie, Sophie Scholl: The Final words, get the young women in the kitchen to do extra Days, based on the true story of a two young people—a work, which she herself was supposed to do, and then be sister and brother—who took a stand against the inhuman harsh with them. policies of the Nazi government, and paid a heavy price for “What to do!” Lucia said, “Each of us shows, by the it (they were beheaded!), one of the heart-breaking scenes way we behave, how we were brought up at home.” is their last meeting with their parents. The father tells So true. While there are things we learn after joining his children, Sophie (aged 21) and Hans (aged 23), “I am religious life or a seminary or our place of work (or after proud of both of you. You did the right thing.” Hugging our marriage), our core values and behaviours—how we them, their mother tells them, sobbing, “You will not walk see people, how we use money and things, the way we in through our door again. We shall meet in heaven, with respond (or do not) to others’ needs and sufferings—all Jesus.” Good people worth more than their weight in gold! this was largely learnt at home. I have seen this repeatedly Our Main Formators: We will do well to in grown-ups, including priests and religious, who receive remember, especially if we are teachers, religious superiors so many years of structured “formation.” or formators. The main formators of our seminarians, Parents: You are the main formators of your young religious and students are their families, especially children. Neither the parish priest nor the headmistress their parents. If we want to understand our candidates, can match your influence. May it be life-giving. we need to get to know their families. Our deepest lessons Religious and Priests: When (at jubilee were learnt at home—how to treat people; how to speak celebrations or similar occasions) we thank those who with and about others; how to spend, save and share have “formed” us, may we put our parents in the first money and other resources; how to handle hardships place. Let us also be aware that, however long our efforts and stress; how to be grateful and joyful; what place God at helping or forming people, we are not Number One in has in our life; … You may call yourself a Franciscan or their lives. We have added something to what they received Carmelite, and I am a Salesian. But, more truly and deeply, at home (or, perhaps, corrected and improved it), but we each of us is the product of our families. do not have, in the lives of our formees or parishioners or As adults, we need to look at our family training students, the indisputable first place that parents occupy. critically. We have to discern what to keep, what to To quote just one person I have heard much about, change, and what to give up altogether (because they are Don Bosco was certainly more influenced by his semi- destructive habits, such as, alcoholism, gossip, ethnic literate mother, whom everyone called Mamma Margaret, prejudice or telling lies). For this, we need help—especially than by his seminary formators. Hats off to all the Mamma the example and guidance of wise and good people. Margarets around us! Without such help, and the desire to change, we can (Your feedback is most welcome: [email protected]) 7 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 News Vatican

Pope institutes new Guidelines for News - Vatican Capsules ministry of catechist diocesan WYD celebrations Revised canon law on The Dicastery for Laity, Family crimes, penalties almost and Life held a press conference on 18 May to present some “Pastoral ready for publication Guidelines for the Celebration of The revised section of the Code World Youth Day in the Particular of Canon Law dealing with crimes and Churches.” The guidelines, according penalties, including those related to to the Dicastery, are “intended to be clerical sexual abuse, should be ready a resource that presents the ideal for publication soon, said the secretary Pope Francis issued an motivations and possible practical of the Pontifical Council for Legislative apostolic letter on 11 May formally implementations that will allow a Texts. Juan Ignacio Arrieta, instituting the new lay ministry of diocesan/eparchial WYD to be an who spearheaded the project. - CNS catechist. The Vatican released the opportunity to bring out the potential papal letter, Antiquum ministerium for good that is in each young person, “May the Ignatian Year (“Ancient ministry”), on 11 May in with their generosity, thirst for authentic eight languages, including Italian values and great ideals.” help us see all things new” Sign Language. The Pope said that The event, streamed live In his video message to the the institution of the new lay ministry from the Press office, participants, the Pope said that would “emphasize even more the featured several speakers including the online prayer initiative is being missionary commitment proper to Fr Alexandre Awi Mello and and Fr celebrated as an opportunity to mark every baptized person, a commitment João Chagas, the Secretary and head the 500th anniversary of the conversion that must however be carried out in a of the Youth office of the Dicastery of Saint Ignatius of Loyola who went fully ‘secular’ manner, avoiding any respectively, among others. on to found the Society of Jesus. The form of clericalization.” - CNA - www.en.radiovaticana.va launch of the Ignatian year offers a time to be renewed, become pilgrims with Ignatius, and see all things new Pope appeals for Interact with “head,” in Christ. - www.en.radiovaticana.va peace in Holy Land “hands” and “heart” Pope makes donation The injury and death of so many to women’s healthcare innocent people, especially children, centre in India caused by escalating violence Pope Francis has made a between Israel and the Gaza Strip is donation of approximately 20 thousand “terrible and unacceptable,” putting euros in support of the Shanti Ashram the area at risk of sinking into “a women’s health and social centre spiral of death and destruction,” Pope in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Francis said. The pope launched an Through a food bank and medical appeal for calm and asked leaders of Pope Francis on 22 May met assistance and training facilities both sides “to put a stop to the roar for female entrepreneurs, Shanti of weapons and to follow the paths a delegation from Ambrosoli Institute Ashram assists 50,000 children and of peace, even with the help of the of Codogno, in northern Italy, which international community,” he said became the first epicentre of Europe’s their families in the villages around on 16 May after reciting the “Regina outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic Coimbatore. - www.en.radiovaticana.va Coeli” prayer with hundreds of people last year. With schools reopening after in St. Peter’s Square. “Many people long months of lockdown and distance Keep focused on peace, have been injured and many innocent learning due to the pandemic, students unity: Pope people have died. Among them are should avoid isolating themselves Celebrating a Mass for peace even children, and this is terrible and in the digital world and rebuild real in Myanmar, Pope Francis urged unacceptable. Their death is a sign relationships using the head, hands the country’s Catholics to “keep the that one does not want to build the and the heart. future, but wants to destroy it,” he Pope Francis offered the faith.” “To keep the faith is to keep said. The growing hatred and violence exhortation to a delegation of students our gaze lifted up to heaven, as “is a serious wound to fraternity and staff from the Ambrosoli Institute of here on earth, battles are fought and and to peaceful coexistence among Codogno, a small northern Italian town innocent blood is shed,” he said at citizens,” the Pope said. - CNS of some 15,000. - www.en.radiovaticana.va the Mass on 16 May. - CNS 8 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Theology & Life St. Joseph, Patron of Migrants and Refugees By Michael Amaladoss, SJ

migrant is a person who moves from one order. Certainly it was not just for counting numbers. A place to another either within the country or They may have had some other plans. We need not to another country. He may not necessarily be a poor speculate on that. But Joseph was a migrant. He was not person. But he is going elsewhere from his native place running away from his village because of a war or other looking for better opportunities in life. He goes with natural calamity. He had been working as a carpenter in his skills. He may also go with some financial means to Nazareth and may have had some savings to tide over a support himself at least for a period until he can find certain period till he can settle down in the new place. some way of surviving in the new place. Or he may go to He may have had some links with some ancestors, who a particular place because there are people there known were not however very welcoming, probably, so that he to him or related to him from whom he can expect some had to find refuge in a manger meant for cattle, in which support till he can find a means of livelihood. People can Jesus was born. The poor shepherds, who came to visit also go to a new country because there is a promise of the new-born baby Jesus, must have found some place work. Starting in the 15-16 hundreds of the common era for the family in the village. Joseph must have stayed when Columbus ‘discovered’ the Americas and Vasco da there for more than a year, since the three kings from Gama discovered a sea route to Asia round the cape of the East must have taken some time to travel and reach good hope a lot of people migrated to the Americas and Bethlehem. When they leave, without going back to visit Asia/Africa from Europe looking for lands to occupy Herod, he orders all the children below two years to be and cultivate. Eventually these migrant groups took killed. By his calculation, Jesus must have been more over these regions politically and made them colonies than a year old! to produce goods to sell back in their native lands. We do not know how long Joseph would have They even populated countries like Australia which till had to stay in Bethlehem till the census was over. So then were sparsely populated. The migrants normally Joseph was staying there as a migrant, hoping someday dominate the poor native peoples because they are to return to Nazareth. After the three kings leave, Joseph technologically more advanced than the local people with Mary and Jesus had to run away to Egypt, warned and they may have continued military support from by an angel regarding a possible danger to the child the countries they come from. Indians too migrated to Jesus from Herod. Now the Holy Family becomes a these new lands seeking to earn their livelihood. Today refugee family. The Jews were great migrants and there we can find Indians a little all over the world. must have been small Jewish communities in Egypt. A refugee is a person who is forced to leave his Joseph must have found some help from them as he native place because of persecution, which can be ethnic reaches Egypt. Of course, he was a carpenter, that is, or religious, often following a war or a war-like situation. a skilled labourer. So he may have found it easy to get They come without financial resources and have to find a job and slowly settle down till, once again warned by means of livelihood in the place they go to. They will an angel, he returns to Palestine and to Nazareth, his have to find some kind persons in the new place who original village, after the death of Herod. will support them in some way, offering them work, for So Joseph was both a migrant to Nazareth and example, till they can stand on their own legs and get a refugee to Egypt. He was aware, thanks to the angel integrated into the local community, often as a distinct who warned him when Mary became pregnant, that group, because they come from a different culture. he was playing a role in God’s plan. The angels guide I think that we can say that Joseph was both a him to Egypt and back to Palestine. He had a skill as migrant and a refugee. When he came from Nazareth, a carpenter. So he was able to earn his livelihood and his and Mary’s native place, to Bethlehem, he came as support Mary and Jesus. He was creative enough to a migrant. He was not running away from Nazareth adapt himself to new situations in Bethlehem and because of any political or religious persecution. He, Egypt. He was faithful to the main goal of bringing up with Mary, had to go to Bethlehem, because of the Jesus and protecting him from any harm. He does this Roman colonial government which had ordered the with dedication and commitment, under the direction people who may have earlier migrated to different parts of God. He is obedient, without any selfishness. He is of the country from the place of their origin for whatever certainly a model for us in encountering new situations reason. We do not know the reasons behind the colonial in the service of God. 9 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Cover Feature

By A. Cyril, SJ

urrently a Cglobal war is going on against Corona Virus. The pandemic has unsettled the normal rhythm of human lives all over the world. It has affected people from all walks of life and of different age-groups including children. However, it is the poor, marginalized and migrants who bear most the brunt of this ravaging disease. The pandemic has paralyzed global economy and left many jobless. As a consequence, people have started experiencing poverty and economic insecurity more than ever. Conservative estimations maintain that the pandemic has claimed close to four million lives around the world, thereby creating fear of death, anxiety, sadness, sufferings and discomfort in the lives of many. It has challenged our modern way of life, the functioning of our socio-economic and political systems, the approach to development, the perception towards ecology and environment, our immunity system, our food habits and our education system. It has almost turned our lives upside down. Many have started reflecting and searching for new ways Beyond of living. No doubt, the crisis is an opportunity for reset, recalibration and rethink. The raging pandemic has impacted education of several millions of children around the world. According to UNESCO, the pandemic related lockdowns have pushed Digital about 290 million students out of school across the world. The UNICEF calls upon the governments to implement a six-point plan to secure the future of children, which include bridging the digital divide to ensure that all children are able to access school learning and guaranteed nutrition and health services. Learning It also appeals that measures be taken to curb rise in child poverty. In India, the pandemic has affected access to nutritious food as a large number of children has been depending on the mid-day meals provided in schools.

10 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Cover Feature

Digital Learning Pedagogy With the lockdown The pandemic has forced the teaching and learning process to migrate to the digital continuing, it is important mode, thereby impacting the education system to face an upheaval like never before. for students to be engaged For most teachers and students, shifting to online classes was rather new and sudden. This has posed several challenges to teachers in meaningful and students. Some students have taken to digital learning with ease and comfort like and productive fish swimming in the water. But for many, it has been a long struggle, stress and strain ways. because of many factors. Online classes have both bright dimensions as well as dark shades. Schools that are able to provide online classes along with co-scholastic activities and regular peer- to-peer interaction have seen better mental health situation among students. For others, it has become monotonous, and this has led to a rise in anxiety and hyperactivity among children. In traditional education, students have a limited syllabus, whereas in online learning students have a vast choice of the syllabus. children may be lacking the motivation to Through online classes, students can learn learn, as they don’t have any of the social more things outside of their syllabus, which interaction or live engagement that they become very useful for their future. Digital usually get in a school environment. Add platforms provide unlimited paths with a to this the complex interplay of reduced wide range of choices. Students can study instruction time, lack of direct context and anything they want to learn at any level. contact between students and teachers, From learning a new language to building and other myriad challenges with online a website, students can learn each and learning. The cumulative effect of all this is everything from online classes. a learning gap between what students would Online learning saves the time and have typically learned and what they have money of travelling. It also offers a flexible actually learned. schedule that permits students to study at One must remember online learning their own convenience. Students can gain is possible where the internet services are knowledge by watching the videos of any robust. Online education is still a dream in subjects at any time. villages where internet services are poor. The other side of online learning is The poor have neither access to proper that children are inevitably spending more internet services nor computers to follow time in front of a screen. The exposure to online classes. Infrastructural facilities such blue light from the screen can put heavy as computer with internet are expensive, strain on their eyes, causing itching, dryness and even mobile phone costs Rs.10,000 and burning sensations. Medical experts to Rs.15,000. Out of 1.6 million schools recommend the 20-20-20 formula, which across the country, not even 10 percent can involves a 20 second screen break, every afford this. So, what we must understand 20 minutes. Poor posture such as slouching and accept is that it might work for only a at a desk for long periods puts pressure on small percentage of elite institutions and the back muscles and ligaments triggering communities. If India believes that online neck aches, back pain and headaches. Some learning is the way forward, then 90% of the 11 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Cover Feature

current panacea, there should be efforts to Using their imagination expedite other modes of learning. Research and development must work rigorously and creativity, the children on alternatives to conventional and online learning. must be helped by parents The vast majority of schoolchildren have not entered a classroom for almost 16 months and the pandemic may prolong to share ideas and innovate for another 6 to 8 months. In the current situation students are confined to home and so as to find solutions all activities are restricted. As online classes pick up steam, conventional study patterns to break are likely to suffer and it will need a special impetus to put students back on track. With the lockdown continuing, it is important for the monotony students to be engaged in meaningful and productive ways. The lockdown experience of lockdown. for children is very unusual and it is common for behavioral issues to be exacerbated by the strangeness, stagnation and stresses of being confined to their homes. As the pandemic drags on, it’s clear that not all children are going to be alright. According to a survey by Gallup, nearly 3 in 10 parents said their child is experiencing emotional or mental anxiety because of social children are not a part of it. If education is a distancing and school closures. Learning fundamental right, then the right to device is is the core element of education system. included in that. On the one hand we can’t Learning can take place anywhere – maybe rely only on online education at this time at home, street, school, and neighborhood. because most of our Indian children live in Learning is not only about book knowledge, poor condition; more number of people at but also the physical, emotional, social and home, the joint family system and less living mental wellbeing of the child. space at home affect the learning ability of Parent Child Interaction children. On the other hand, we must gear up our efforts making sure that online education The lockdown scenario is a sort of is accessible to all children as a matter of blessing in disguise because children and fundamental right. Bridging the digital divide parents are forced to spend more time with is a serious human rights concern. each other. Parents can support their children by actively listening, creating new routines Beyond Digital Learning Pedagogy that produce a feeling of predictability in an The school education system needs uncertain world and nurturing self-esteem a hybrid solution. Digital learning cannot and self-care by playing, talking and eating replicate the chalk and talk pedagogies that with them. Collaboration between schools, we normally follow in the teaching-learning families, community leaders and health system. However, innovation in pedagogy officials will be even more critical to support is the key to effective learning. It has to be children’s needs in and out of school as the recalled that even before the pandemic a world grapples with controlling the virus. change of pedagogy was under discussion The child’s creative side is developed and this was emphasized in the National outside the school, from her/his interactions Curriculum Framework of 2005. This would at home, with friends and peers, from the bring change and make learning more activities they are involved in. Children learn for children. While online learning is the by touch, feelings, painting and in moments 12 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Cover Feature of inquisitiveness. It is also important for The teachers parents to communicate with their children. ‘Speak to them openly and try to understand their needs and how they are feeling in day- have to be connected to-day life.’ It might involve the parents needing to be more tolerant, given that this with their children. is a reaction to a very abnormal situation. They should also accept their children’s The best way unhappiness and disappointment, but hold up hope. ‘Show points of light by breaking the negative with spontaneous fun and is one-to-one family activities.’ Using their imagination and creativity, the children must be helped personal by parents to share ideas and innovate so as to find solutions to break the monotony of contact. lockdown. Social distancing is likely to detract from the spontaneity of being a child and interacting freely with other children. Parents must use this time to build relationships at home and try to provide as many opportunities for social engagement as possible, be it an online quiz with friends or a Zoom call with the family you want with their peers which is an important part of development for children. Children are usually very resilient - teachers have to be connected with their they should be perfectly able to adapt and children. The best way is one-to-one personal make a full recovery from any impact of contact – through sharing, talking, giving lockdown without it causing any lasting tips, and counseling– which puts children psychological changes. on right mood and track. Looking Ahead Teachers visiting children in their respective homes and making them come Building friendships is very important, together in a common place will create an especially in the lower age groups, which opportunity for interaction. gives them security and self-esteem and Sports authorities need to work out a this gives them a sense of belonging. The formula for educational institutions on how neighborhood children coming together to to cope with the current pandemic crisis learn and play in the areas where pandemic while giving equal importance to sports is absent must be encouraged. and games, including yoga and healthy food We can create a game-based digital habit, as these are crucial to the health of platform that enables the teacher and the students. child to stay connected through a virtual The role of teacher is going to be vital classroom, even after school. when schools open. They should learn the The digital platform should not be most effective way of teaching. Teachers used for teaching, rather inducing interest should be trained on the ‘how’ of teaching in learning even at home. The prime aspect and offered innovative and creative teaching– of learning begins with igniting the desire learning materials to make teaching easy and to learn. learning fun. Teachers must focus on the The school administration must ‘how’ of teaching rather than just the ‘what’ facilitate and inspire teachers to get involved of teaching. in motivating children. In the regular situation, children come to teachers whereas Dr. A. Cyril SJ, is Director, Gandhian Society now the teachers have to go to children. The Villages Association & Human Rights Educationist. 13 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 At Friendship House in Mangalore There is hope for a suffering alcoholic priest or brother to recover from the deadly disease of alcoholism

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14 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Issues - Spirit

and for such thinkers, God is a the people of Israel. However, we psychological fabrication to soothe often forget the other side of the distress, ease trauma, and provide coin: Yahweh is revealed also as companionship in the face of the God of justice. Prophet Amos suffering. Is this our God? expounds mainly God’s social God of Selfishness!: Karl justice. In our distress and draconic By Bp A. Peter Abir Marx, in his historical context pandemic, we turn to God’s mercy claimed that “Religion is the opium but conveniently forget that the ineetha Mokkil penned of the people.” He saw religion was same God requires us to be just Van open letter on 5 May the sign of oppression. Nietzsche, in our dealings with others also 2021 to the American Bhakts of EVR Periyar and other ‘atheists’ (cf. Mic 6:8). These OT records Indian leadership, narrating who do oppose God, not because God are not human fabrication of God was their God. Moses warned the does not exist but because of but living experience of the people Israelites that when they entered atrocities done in the name of (Deut 6: 4-9). the promised land they would serve God by so-called religious people Jesus my God!: The Judean the gods “made by human hands, (Jerry Rosario, Manitham, 9). experience of God, as noted above, objects of wood and stone that Most people in India believe in is undoubtedly revealed in Jesus neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor a God who ‘saves’ them from all Christ who is “My Lord and my smell” (Deut 4:28). Isaiah spoke evils. They are ready to accept God” (Jn 20:28). Jesus told his elaborately about the absurdity of anyone as God who appears ‘more disciples: “The Father and I are idol worship (Is 44:9-20). We have than the normal size’ in power one” (Jn 10:30) and “whoever has to face facts. We have to sincerely and money. We do not hesitate seen me has seen the Father” (Jn ask who our ‘God’ is. In this global to worship ‘mammon,’ power 14:9).It is evident, therefore, that pandemic calamity, people seek and fame. Powerful leadership we come to know of God in Jesus. various gods for their salvation. allures the general masses to one’s In his Sermon on the Mount and Nevertheless most people are led own ideology and to boost one’s in many of his parables he revealed conveniently by their own gods own ego. Political and religious that God is loving, merciful and and it is high time we hold on to gatherings critically affect the health forgiving. So also Jesus is a merciful the true God. of millions of people. Spending on Saviour. God: Human lower-priority initiatives continue Jesus’ mercy can be summed Fabrication?: Atheists, like as lakhs of people die due to lack up in his words: “Come to me, all Friedrich Nietzsche did not subscribe of oxygen and vaccines. People you that are weary and are carrying to the existence of God. The death are misled by falsehood, leading heavy burdens and I will give you of God theology emerged, meaning to endless suffering. Negligence that the Christian God, who had existed at one point, ceased to exist. We cannot close our eyes to the reason for this view. From antiquity till today most people turn to God when awful tragedies happen, for of following Covid-protocol or rest” (Mt 11:28). In his salvific example, when loved ones die of lock-down regulations is common, sacrifice, we are told, God proves his COVID-19, or are trapped in cities causing havoc to society. In all love for us even though we despise bombarded by hurricanes, or are this, selfishness is the God people him by our sins (Rom 5:8). While diagnosed with cancer. For many, worship. he presented the prodigal father belief in God provides strength The God of Israel!: Much is (Lk 15) he did not evade warning to endure such misery, provides seen in the Bible about the Judeo- against wickedness and hypocrisy hope that when our loved ones Christian belief/experience of (Mt 23). While he will vindicate the pass away, we can live with them God. God is holy, loving, merciful innocent, he will also punish the again for eternity and ensures that and fatherly, but will not tolerate guilty. Much of his life and teaching no loss is inconsolable, no injustice evil. The Exodus and the post- underlined social justice. Very unrequited, and we can finally have exilic events clearly substantiate vividly he showed that religious everlasting peace, no matter the Yahweh’s protective care and mercy commitment and social justice go misery gone through to get there. (Is; 49:15; Eze 36:16-33). In fact, hand in hand (Mt 5; Lk 10). Concern In such cases, for Nietzsche, for the Psalms are the compendium for others is the mandate of Jesus Periyar EV Ramasamy (+ 1973) of the nature of God revealed to who is my God! 15 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 News World

News - World International U.S. pray Capsules Eucharistic for peace The U.S. bishops’ conference Congress to open offered prayers for peace in the Virtual library boosts The International Eucharistic Holy Land on 13 May, as conflict seminarians’ access Congress in Budapest, Hungary, will between Israel and Hamas flared up open this September with a 1,000- this week. “We are greatly saddened to essential texts strong choir and a “vast” number of that simmering tensions erupted into Sharing the Word is a virtual First Communions. The organizers violence in the Holy Land this week,” library founded in 2013 and funded by of the 52nd International Eucharistic stated Bp David Malloy of Rockford, the Pontifical Society of St Peter the Congress made the announcement chair of the U.S. bishops’ international Apostle (POSPA). It is a tremendous as they released new details of the justice and peace committee. “It is a help to seminarians, clergy, and packed program for the 5-12 Sept cycle we have unfortunately witnessed pastoral workers who are not able event. At a 13 May press conference and spoken out against many times, to afford hard copy texts essential in the Hungarian capital, the hosts but because of our great love in for their ministry. It is the brainchild emphasized the significance of Pope Christ Jesus, we remain ever present of Hans Arns, a former librarian at Francis’ decision to celebrate the and close to the people of this land the Veech Library in Sydney, who event’s closing Mass in the city’s until the Peace of God reigns in its continues to coordinate the project. Heroes’ Square. The congress was fullness forever,” Bp Malloy stated. - www.en.radiovaticana.va originally scheduled to take place 83 have died in Gaza this week as a in 2020 but was postponed to 2021 result of conflict between Israel and due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hamas, the Islamic militant group Course to help priests They noted that the congress will that rules Gaza. Hamas has fired avoid financial scams begin at 3 p.m. local time on 5 Sept, rockets at Jerusalem and other cities After an octogenarian priest was in Heroes’ Square with an opening in Israel, while the Israeli military has swindled out of more than $450,000 ceremony including a performance conducted airstrikes on Gaza, including over a two-year period and threatened by a choir of 1,000 singers. - CNA on residential buildings. - CNA when he stopped giving the “family” money, the Diocese of Padua, Italy, launched a continuing formation Argentine parish Ignatian year program for priests focused on financial accountability and avoiding scams. receives relic of Bl Starting from Italy’s finance police announced on May 2021 until the 18 May that they had arrested 11 Carlo Acutis end of July 2022, people in connection with the long- t h e S o c i e t y o f term scam of the elderly priest, who Jesus celebrates ran a charitable foundation. - CNS the Ignatian year to remember the life of St. Ignatius of Founder of the Salvatorians Loyola, the founder beatified in of the Jesuits. “The charismatic intuition of Blessed Carlo Acutis The year will open on 20 May which commemorates the 500th Blessed Francis has guided many On the 29th anniversary of anniversary of St. Ignatius’s injury women and men of different nations the first Eucharistic miracle that during the Battle of Pamplona on 20 and languages to following the took place in the Archdiocese of May 1521. While defending the citadel Gospel and thanks to the work of the Buenos Aires’ Santa María parish, of Pamplona against French forces, Salvatorian family has contributed to the community received a first class St. Ignatius was seriously injured after the spread of the message of salvation relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Three being struck by a canon ball. This led to in more than 50 countries.” Cardinal Eucharistic miracles have taken a long period of convalescence which Vicar of Rome place in this parish, in May 1992, July began his conversion and subsequent underscored this point during the 1994, and August 1996. The history transformation from soldier to saint. Mass celebrated in the Basilica of and investigation of these events are During this year themed “to see all Saint John Lateran with the Rite of included in the Eucharistic Miracles things new in Christ”, the Jesuits Beatification of Father Francis Mary of the World exhibition designed and will also mark the 400th anniversary of the Cross , founder of the created by Bl. Carlo Acutis.The relic of the canonization of St. Ignatius Society of the Divine Saviour and the was received at a Mass on 8 May. and St. Francis Xavier on 12 March Congregation of the Sisters of the - CNA 2022. - www.en.radiovaticana.va Divine Saviour. - www.en.radiovaticana.va 16 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Pentecost

as Pentecost 2021 come I go away, for if I do not go away, By Fio Mascarenhas, SJ Hand gone? Yes, it came the Paraclete will not come to you” 9 days ago on 23 May, but it has (Jn 16:7). not gone! It is a perennial reality, The best translation therefore a daily event, just like Easter! The of Paraclete is, “Encourager!” This puts it well: “And that we might fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, “I is his all-embracing role; “called live no longer for ourselves but for will pray the Father, and he will to our side in order to encourage him, he sent the Holy Spirit as his give you another Paraclete, to be us” is the essential 24x7 job of the first gift to those who believe …” with you forever…” (Jn 14:16), is Holy Spirit, to empower us to truly This is the be-all and end-all meant to be an ongoing reality in be disciples of Christ in our post- of Christian life, to live selfish lives our daily lives. No person can be a modern world. (The opposite role no longer, but Christ-centered lives! of the Evil Spirit is to discourage us That is why Pentecost is not just from being praying-forgiving-and- another feast, to be commemorated serving Christians). and then forgotten until it comes The great Jesuit poet, Gerard around again a year later, but it is Manley Hopkins, taught this in the wellspring of daily Christian life. a Pentecost homily: “We usually St Paul puts it lucidly and translate Paraclete as Comforter, strongly: “Now the Lord is the but a Paraclete does more than Spirit, and where the Spirit of the comfort. The word is Greek; there Lord is, there is freedom. And we is no one English word for it, all… are being changed into his Comforter or Advocate is not likeness from one degree of glory enough. A Paraclete is one who to another; for this comes from comforts, but also one who cheers the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2Cor the human spirit, who encourages, 3:18). who persuades, who exhorts, who Pope Francis too keeps on stirs up, who urges forward, who exhorting us: “Who gives us joy? calls us on to good, all zealous that The Holy Spirit! He is the great Has we should do something, and full forgotten in our lives! May the of assurance that if we will we can, Lord give us this grace to always Pentecost crying to our ears or heart: This be aware of the Holy Spirit in us, way to do God’s will, this way to the Spirit who teaches us to love, (new life), come on, come on!” and fills us with joy” (Homily at Come St. John Paul II taught that Santa Marta, 22 May, 2014). the Holy Spirit is not just some Truly, the Church is in blessing sent from God but “God’s perennial need of the Holy Spirit, and Gone? new, salvific, self-gift to those and very especially at this urgent baptized in Christ” (DeV, 11), moment of history. fervent disciple of Jesus in today’s and that now, “all the blessings Hence, daily we must do secular world without the constant of the Redemption have been what the Apostles and Mary did infilling of God’s, and Jesus’ Holy handed over to the Holy Spirit, (it was the very first Novena in the Spirit, rightly called by the Church: to distribute as he wills!” That is history of Christianity): pray with “The Lord and Giver of Life.” why he, and now Pope Francis too, expectant faith for “transforming Paraclete (Greek) means, “to asks all Christians to foster “a vivid power from on high.” Jesus himself call to one’s side.” Hence the Holy devotion to the Holy Spirit,” assures us, “…how much more Spirit’s mission is “to be at our side” Let me clarify, however, that will the heavenly Father give the continuously and permanently. But whereas for many Christians, the Holy Spirit to those who ask” (Lk why do we need such intense divine focus of Pentecost is the gift of 11:13). companionship? Translations like power expressed in charisms and “Advocate,” “Comforter,” etc., are bold preaching with signs and Dr Fio Mascarenhas, SJ, is too limited. Jesus intended a far wonders, in fact the Holy Spirit is Chairman of the Catholic Bible Institute, more important role for the Holy given to us mainly to help us live , and former Chairman of the Spirit in our lives: “I tell you the Christ-centered lives! The Third National and International Service Teams truth: it is to your advantage that Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. 17 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 WELCOME to the 39th Diploma Course by THE INSTITUTE FOR FORMATORS, Bangalore

(For Sisters, Pastors, Brothers, Priests who are keen on forming a holistic vision for Formation and acquiring skills to be Formators, Community Leaders, Counsellors and Retreat Guides) The Course has three Components 1. Theoretical Inputs: over three summers - 7 weeks each summer - during April and May. This offers the advantage of doing the course side by side with another full time ministry. The Venue for this part is AVP, Carmelaram, Bangalore. 2. Practicals during the year (assignments, personality assessments). 3. Vocational Growth Sessions (Personal Formation) for three years with one of eth staff members; weekly sessions, 30-40 per year (This is a unique feature of the course for facilitating personal integration). REQUIREMENTS • Age: 25-40 Years and proficiency in English. • Graduate level (or equivalent) of studies. • Readiness to undergo VGS sessions for three years with one of the staff of the Institute. • A written commitment from the Major Superior/Bishop that the trainee will be assured three years to complete the course.

COURSE CONTENT • Anthropology of Christian Vocation • Religious Life: discernment of spirits, spiritual guidance • Theories of Personality • Canonical Issues in Formation • Human Development • Attachment Styles in Formation • Abnormal Psychology, Personality • Helps for Spiritual Growth disorders • Mysticism • Assessment of Personality • Counseling Skills • Family and Group Dynamics • Leadership • Retreat Direction + Directed retreat • Group Therapy • Basic Skills in AMR, REBT and NLP • Positive Psychology • Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults

Short - term Course for the Formators As there is an increasing demand for formators’ courses, the institute is offering now a Short-Term Program for the Formators: One Year Program. Classes for this course will be only during April, May and June in Bangalore; but the student must have completed one year of above-mentioned Intensive VGS (2 sessions per week) before one attends the summer school. Except for the duration of the course (one year), all other requisites are the same as for the three-year program. For the short term course, some of the courses will be online during the year. Please contact: Director, Institute for Formators BOOK YOUR PLACE FOR 2022 - 2023 latest by July 15, 2021 Adhyatma Vidya Peetham (A. V. P), Carmelaram, Bangalore - 560 035 For further details regarding both the course and Mobile:+91 92416 50672; 78929 61532; to locate the guides for VGS, etc. E-mail: [email protected]

18 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Farm Laws

Act; and The Farmers (Empowerment Nearly a dozen rounds of talks between and Protection) Agreement on Price the 30-odd farmer unions and the Assurance and Farm Services Act. government have yielded no results. The three contentious laws Pro-reform economists have largely that will change the way India’s welcomed the move, saying the new farmers conduct business have laws will help improve farm incomes, sparked one of India’s biggest protests attract investment and technology, By J. Felix Raj, SJ and a continuous standoff with the and increase productivity. But angry government. and worried farmer groups see the griculture is the mainstay of How many farmers are there in laws as unfair and exploitative. Athe Indian economy, India? This is an enduring question They are worried about the contributing about 21% of the national with no definite answer. There are Minimum Support Price (MSP) Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Around multiple estimates, by the government assurance. The MSP assurance has 60% of India’s population depends on and by private bodies, depending on emerged as the main sticking point in agriculture, and about 41% of the policy implications and government their protest. There is total labour force is associated with it. schemes. In a speech in September an apprehension Agriculture ensures food 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi among them security for the country and also noted that 85% of India’s farmers provides raw materials to industries. own small tracts of land. India earns substantial foreign Modi was exchange by exporting agricultural defending the new products. Agricultural development controversial farm laws is, therefore, a precondition for our and trying to make a national development. If schools and larger point on why colleges are the temples of knowledge collective contract and wisdom, villages are the temples farming – which, one of prosperity. of the three laws seek Our Farmers, who are the to allow – would be backbone of our nation’s welfare, beneficial for India’s are facing various problems in their farmers. F farming activities like Low income But, if one were arm Laws and due to the absence of organised to ask the government India markets, inadequate transportation about the number of and storage facilities, scattered and farmers or the translation ’s new Reforms small landholdings and so on. These of 85% into numbers, one problems have forced them into may not get an easy answer. This frequent protests and often resorting is because the Indian government to suicides. itself does not quite know how many t h a t According to the National farmers are there in India, or indeed, allowing Crime Records Bureau, the number who really is a farmer. outside- of suicides committed by farmers When a pertinent question A g r i c u l t u r a l and farm labourers stood around was posed in the Rajya Sabha by BJP Produce Marketing 12,000 per annum prior to 2015. Data MP Ajay Pratap Singh in November Committee (APMC), trade of on farmers’ suicide have not been 2019, the Agriculture and Farmers’ farm produces would lead to lesser published since 2015.Their suicide Welfare Minister, Narendra Singh buying by the government agencies in rate accounts for 10% of the total Tomar responded not by providing the the approved mandis. suicides committed in India. number of farmers but by providing While the government says the As many as 248 Indian farmers data for the number of operational farm laws open up new avenues for the have died during their recent protests landholdings in the country. The farmers to increase their income, the in and around Delhi, according to government’s ambiguity has serious protesting farmers say the new laws the data collected by Sanyukat Kisan implications for the design and will make them vulnerable to private Morcha (SKM). The 2020–2021 beneficiaries of the schemes meant traders. The protesting farmers say the farmers’ protest is an ongoing protest to help them, including its flagship new laws would thus make the MSP against the three farm laws, which PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan system irrelevant and they would not were passed by the Parliament Samman Nidhi). have any assured income from their of India in September 2020. Since September 2020, tens of farming. The laws are: The Farmers’ thousands of protesting farmers have Produce Trade and Commerce been demanding the repeal of the Rev. Fr. J. Felix Raj, SJ, is Vice- (Promotion and Facilitation) Act; The laws. They have been camping out Chancellor, St. Xavier’s University, Essential Commodities (Amendment) on highways in the outskirts of Delhi. Kolkata. 19 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Sunday Reflections Lead Kindly Light

Twelfth Sunday in OT - Cycle B - 20 June 2021 By Georgie Job 38: 1, 8-11; 2 Cor 5: 14-17; Mk 4: 35-41

our men are in the hospital are not known to wear their hearts Fwaiting room. They are on their sleeves, not very expressive anxious because their wives are when it comes to emotions. They, having babies. Soon, a nurse comes nevertheless, are worth our love and out of the labor room, goes to the first appreciation. man and tells him, “Congratulations, The fourth in the Ten Sir! Your wife has given birth to twin Commandments says: “Honour your babies.” father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). The man says, “Alleluia! Praise On the twelfth Sunday of the the Lord! I work for the Two Parrots Ordinary Time, the prescribed gospel matchbox company, and God has passage, Mk 4: 35-41 discusses the given me two babies.” event of Jesus calming down a storm A while later, the nurse comes and saving the apostles who feared out of the labor room and tells the they were going to drown and die. It second guy, “Congratulations! Your is both a nature and rescue miracle. In Mark 4: 35-41, Jesus’ rebuke wife has given birth to triplets!” The narrative clearly shows Jesus’ appears twice: first he rebukes the The man says, “Alleluia! Praise dominance over the forces of nature. storm (V. 39) as though it were a the Lord! I work for the Three Roses The miracle is similar to the one we real person; second time he rebukes tea company and God has given me read in Jonah 1: 1-16, where God the apostles (V.40) for their lack of three babies.” Yahweh is shown handling nature at faith. The faith Jesus expected from A while later, the nurse comes his will – both creating and quelling a the apostles was not so much in his out of the labor room and tells the third storm with no effort. Psalm 107: 23- power to perform a miracle as in the guy, “Congratulations Sir! Your wife 32 speaks poetically about how those providence of the God. This is the has given birth to four babies!” who do business in sea waters rely most important lesson of this passage The man says, “Alleluia! Praise sole on the mercy of God for their life – trust in God. In the midst of the the Lord! I work for the Four Seasons - for he can make the waves go up storm, Jesus was the only one who hotel and God has given me four or make them stand still. That is what remained calm, because his trust in babies.” happens here in Mk 4: 35-41 too. More God is strong. Now, the fourth man faints and than a miracle, it is a theophany – in In Christian vocation, we are not falls down to the ground. They sprinkle the demonstration of his powers over promised a problem-free life. We will water on his face and wake him up and nature is revealed Jesus’s godliness. face storms, crises and issues which ask him, “What is the matter? Why did Like Yahweh, Jesus is also Lord over may seem life threatening like the you faint?” nature. one the apostles encountered in the He tells them, “I work for the 7 The passage presents God as Sea of Galilee. But we are promised Up company! That is the reason.” a loving father who always cares for the constant accompaniment and It does not matter how many his children. It is interesting what the providence of a loving father, who children. It is a challenge to be a father. apostles say to Jesus after waking would eventually redeem us and give Father’s Day, celebrated in America him up: “Teacher, we are going to us life. In the beautiful poem “Lead and in many other countries on the perish. Do you not care for us?” (4: Kindly Light,” Cardinal Newman prays: third Sunday of June, recognizes and 38). It beats our imagination how the Lead, kindly Light, amidst the honors fathers for the pivotal role apostles could say a thing like that to grey and gloom they play in the building of a family, Jesus. Jesus is our God 24/7. He may The night is long and I am far their paternal care for children, and seem asleep. He may seem distant. from home their contribution to the society in He may seem silent. But he cares for Here in the dark, I do not ask general. In a culture like ours, fathers us. He would not let us perish. That is to see are mostly taken for granted. While the lesson the gospel gives us. Later, The path ahead-one step there is an abundance of literature that St Peter in his first epistle, beautifully enough for me glorifies – sometimes, even divinizes- would say, “Throw all your cares upon Lead on, lead on, kindly Light. mothers, there isn’t much that speaks the Lord because the Lord cares for May the light kindly lead us from of fathers. Fathers are, of course, you” (5: 7). fear to faith and from doubt to trust! 20 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Issues - Living

orking from home (WFH) developers, consultant of companies, Wis a new trend, especially accountants, travel agents, reporters, in Covid 19 era. The history of working photographers ,telemedicine By Dr Jose Vattakuzhy from home isn’t recent one due to practitioners, psychotherapists, corona and lockdown as many may designers, social media managers and protection and social security net. believe. It has a longer past. From a data entry operators etc., are finding Remote working, virtual view of history, working from home an excess of working opportunities at meetings, sharing an office, contingent has always been a reality. However, online platforms. workers, cost-saving measures, unfortunately from the very beginning The Upwork.com, Zirtual. switched and mixed occupations home-related work was defined as com, Freelancer.com, Media Bistro, are new terms in the labour market home based work and such jobs implyHired.com, Monster.com, Indeed. and workplace. But a big question are not included in any labour laws com, Guru.com, iFreelance.com, is whether the nation including and social security schemes. Due Imagesbazaar.com, Shutterstock. employers, employees, human to Corona virus pandemic, social com, Gettyimages.com, Stock.adobe. resources team, trade union are distances and the lockdowns forced com, and career sites are some prepared for it. For this it will be a the employers in various countries which would facilitate various types of big no. IT service is unprepared for including India to adopt work-from- work from home online . Eduwizards. work from home. It was very clear home policy. As per reports, the com, Tutorvista.com, Chegg.com, indication that IT industry leaders lockdown enforced in India has made Myschoolpage.com, and Amazetutors. through Nasscom, in the month of more than 4 million IT workers to be com, would help one to teach students May 2020 demanded amendments of shifted into the mode of working from based in the UK, the US, Canada and IT Act 2000 as if WIF set to become home. In addition to the government, Australia. Udemy.com, Lynda.com, the rule. This move promoted them private sectors employers have also and Edx.org are available to learn the due to the hesitations of employees. been advocating the employees to basics how to enter online work. Recently their study showed that work from home, this situation will Simultaneously, the tasks of the 60 per cent of employees found continue in second or third waves of WFH are also high. Not enough working from home as being of social virus period. In fact, besides IT and infrastructures like 24x7 internet isolation, difficulties in adjusting the net based service sectors’ workers, connectivity, undisturbed power private and professional aspects of there are other options for workings supply, sufficient office space, clear their lives, unskilled moods and they from home. In those categories one cut government policies, definite are too foreseeing the fears of hire- would do what he/she wishes or as labour law with definition on terms and-fire rules and the lack of chance per skills would get income without of workplace and workers for easy for promotions. going out of the house. employee’s rights protection, the Today there are only a few Self- cyber security protocols, countries like Philippines, Australia, entrepreneurship is maintain productivity and England have a legal structure growing at a steady An and employee’s morals governing for WFH. But India is speed today. From are the major challenges in urgent need of policy on WFH, online teachers, virtual of working from home. that could have the facilities where assistants to content Opening, Mainly in the employers would require setting up writers, translators absence of a national to integrate work hours, different to Web WFH policy in the workplaces, skill upgrading system, than a country, the employees the rate of work tools, occupational who are working from safety and health, applicable benefits home would end up and observance of data privacy with Solution with discriminatory support of labour laws and social of working, security as decent works. So since lack of productivity the pandemic has been reshaping a checking system, new employment scenario, the human u n h e a l t h y resources managers, employers, r e l a t i o n s h i p governments, employees and their between employer organisations – trade unions should a n d e m p l o y e e , come together to explore a new regular overtime planning, management and strategies w o r k i n g h o u r s , of WFH, which is a new great opening non–reimbursements than a solution. of office expense, n o n - o u t l o o k f o r Dr Jose Vattakuzhy, is Founder occupational safety Director of Workers’ India Federation. and lack of labour law (WIF) [email protected] 21 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Sunday Reflections Sleeping and Waking

Thirteenth Sunday in OT - Cycle B - 27 June 2021 By Georgie Wis 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24; 2 Cor 8: 7, 9, 13-15; Mk 5: 21-43

wife took her husband to Sleep is used here figuratively A the doctor. He was not to refer to death. We see this keeping too well lately. The doctor technique employed in a few other examined the husband and said, biblical passages as well. Acts 7:60, “I am sorry to inform you Sir, but narrating the martyrdom of Stephen, a severe disease has struck you. says, “Then he fell on his knees and There is no cure for it. By tomorrow cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, morning, you will be dead.” do not hold this sin against them!’ They both were very sad. Having said this, he fell asleep.” The husband had only a few Writing to the Thessalonians about hours left. He wanted to use the time the hope of resurrection, St Paul to eat some good food. So, as soon says: “ For we believe that Jesus died as they got home, the husband said healing of a woman suffering from and rose again, and so we believe to the wife, “Would you prepare for flow of blood and the miraculous that God will bring with Jesus those me a mutton biriyani? I don’t know raising of Jairus’ daughter from who have fallen asleep in him.” Then if they give biriyani up there. You death; the shorter version (Mk 5: 21- there is this famous line of Jesus know I like it very much. So I will 24; 35-43) contains only the raising about Lazarus: “Our friend Lazarus eat it and die happily.” The wife, with story. We shall look at the latter in has fallen asleep; but I am going so much sadness, prepared spaghetti some detail. that I may awaken him from sleep.” and meat balls. The husband ate In Mk 5: 39, Jesus tells (John 11:11). all of it. the lamenting crowd: “Why this Death is generally thought of Around 8 ‘o clock in the commotion and weeping? The child as a never-ending sleep. Jesus does evening, the husband again said to is not dead but asleep.” not think so. For Jesus, it is just a his wife, “Would you please make When Jairus came to Jesus slumber from which he could gently some payasam for me? I will drink it asking for help (in Verse 3), his wake anyone up – as proven in the and die happily.” The wife could not daughter was only at the point of case of Jairus’ daughter here in Mark say no. Even though she was tired, death. By the time Jesus arrived 5, or in the cases of Lazarus (Jn 11: she prepared it. Like the last time, at the house of Jairus (in Verse 1-44) and the Nain widow’s only son the husband finished of it. 38) – delayed as he was by the long (Lk 7: 11-17) elsewhere. Around 12 o clock in the walk and the events surrounding Between Jairus asking Jesus midnight, he woke up his wife and of the healing of the woman with for help (Verse 3) and Jesus arriving said, “Would you lease prepare for hemorrhage, the little girl had very at the house (Verse 38), as many me that apple juice I like very much? much died. A crowd had collected as 35 verses and a lot of time had I will drink it and die happily.” in front of the house of Jairus. A passed. But, that did not hamper This time around, the wife full-blown mourning was under the power of Jesus in any way. In was really annoyed. She said to the way. Poor families hired at least two Verse 41, Mark says that Jesus took husband, “Please, why don’t you flute players to participate in the the child by the hand and raised let me have some sleep. Tomorrow mourning. Jairus, being a synagogue to her life, turning mourning into morning, I have plenty of work to official, was not poor. There was a laughing, grief into joy, and sleep do. I have to inform all the relatives. likely big gathering. A young girl’s into wakefulness. I have to tell the parish priest. I have death should have inflicted a lot of All it took was an unwavering to order flowers. I have to arrange for grief on the neighborhood. trust in Jesus. Fortunately for the the ice-box. And you .. you don’t have To those who mourned the little girl, Jairus had plenty of it. to get up. You will royally be sleeping.” misfortune of a little girl dying while May the Lord, by his powerful On the thirteenth Sunday of the at the threshold of youth, Jesus says: touch, wake us from our spiritual Ordinary Time, the longer version of “Why this commotion and weeping? slumber and make us into “men the prescribed gospel passage (Mk The child is not dead but asleep” and women who are fully alive and 5: 21-43) contains two miracles: the (Mk 5: 39). active.” 22 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Sacred Heart of Jesus

pirituality is a way of life. rendered to the chosen heart beat matches His SSacred Heart of Jesus ones, who will benefit Heart beat, in unison Spirituality is the way of the heart one in return? Does will one be able to -- the path of unconditional love. one have the Bania/ experience reality To follow in the footsteps of the Do ut des Mentality - with His Heart and Master, one has to study the interior “I give, so that you may His Mind. Only then, dispositions of Jesus’ heart and give”? Or does one give of will one be able to grow learn to love whole heartedly and oneself generously to all God’s oneself on the model of His unconditionally. To make this a creatures, irrespective of which Love, Heart and Mind. reality in one’s life, one needs to creature? By contemplating reality with have a tête-à-tête with Him daily, Actions speak louder than His Sacred Heart, one becomes a spending quality time and energy, words and are the acid test. Is one powerful force of conversion and in quiet prayer and contemplation. other-centered as Christ was? Does transformation. One has to break Observing, imitating and making one experience pain when injustice one’s body and lay down one’s life for one’s own, the different nuances of is meted out to ones neighbour? Or is Jesus daily, so that others may have His sensitivity and unique touch in one apathetic and not wanting to burn life and have it to the fullest. One ones fingers, has to stick one’s neck out and pay or get the price as living saints like Fr Stan involved? Swamy, SJ, and those languishing Sacred Heart Does one in jail are presently paying. Many take Mother courageous martyrs have died for a Earth for cause. Is one willing to lay down one’s Spirituality granted, life joyfully, go against the grain, unconcerned worldly ways and stereotypes, and By Mudita Menona Sodder, RSCJ about her be beaten up, incarcerated or even depleting natural killed; as Jesus was? Or does one use resources? If, one is one’s congregation as one’s shield; a disciple, bride or spouse not wanting to get into a controversy one’s own life during the of Christ, then authentic love must or tarnish its good name? day, one must be aware that permeate and soak ones whole being. To grow in one’s interior we are all made of clay. He lovingly This will demand hard decisions and life and glorify the Sacred Heart, moulds us, firing us with His love to a heavy price as a consequence. prolonged times of prayer, meditation strengthen us. Unconditional love is and contemplation are necessary. Having observed the Trinitarian - given by the Father to Reading/studying scripture, preferences of His Heart, one needs the Son and through the Spirit. One reflection/daily Examen, periodic to choose like Him, the poor and the needs to imbibe it the hard way - by renewals, days of recollection, annual under-privileged. This must reflect trying, experimenting, succeeding at retreat/triduum etc. can facilitate in one’s life - the friends one has, times and failing often. One needs this spirituality. Spiritual direction, the choices one makes when one to live and abide in His love i.e., reflection with another RSCJ/friend, visits people, the things one chooses accepting His generous love given help from the community, time and to do and how one does them. In freely in abundance and sharing it space for prayer are aids that make order to discover Jesus’ Heart, one with all around. One can only give the journey easier. Rosary, Marian needs to contemplate His words, what one has. One’s love must flow devotions, community prayer, His attitudes, His relationships, His out from within. Superficiality has reconciliation are further add-ons. way of relating to all His creatures, no place in Sacred Heart Spirituality. However, the epitome of Sacred thus understanding and grasping The world and its ways are superficial Heart Spirituality is the Eucharist. the art of putting flesh on to His and passing. Money, power, status, Receiving the Body /Blood of Christ, words in scripture, living it in one’s ego are transient. What is one’s inner one is blessed with grace, capacity to life and making it come alive in one’s treasure trove filled with? lay down one’s life, be broken, even encounters with others. To keep one’s antennae in killed if need be, so that new life, new Unconditional love is very tune with the stirrings of the Spirit, humanity and a new birthing can take demanding. Does one relate with one needs to be open and alive. The place. Are you ready for this painful equanimity and magnanimity with Spirit speaks loudly at times, but birth? all, or does one have reservations most often softly and gently. Jesus Dr (Sr) Mudita Menona Sodder is and treat people differently? Does is already present within, at every a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus- one dispense with one’s time, energy, moment of one’s life. But it is the (RSCJ in French). She is an Eco-Spiritualist gifts and talents freely or are they at Spirit who unites and conforms who lives on the Sophia College Campus, the service of the select few, partially one to His Heart. Only when one’s Mumbai. 23 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 News Asia

News - Asia Jesuits kick off Situation in Gaza Capsules Ignatian Year “desperate” and “terrifying” Appointment of bishop of Hong Kong Caritas Jerusalem, the charity arm of the in the The Holy Father has appointed Palestinian territories, says that with as bishop of the diocese of Hong Kong, Fr Benedictus Hari Juliawan extremely heavy bombing by Israel, China, the Reverend Fr Stephen Chow almost round-the-clock, it is impossible Sau-yan, SJ, until now provincial of Jesuits in Indonesia have to deliver aid to the people in Gaza. the Chinese Province of the Society launched a special year of celebrations Despite mounting pressure from the of Jesus. Msgr. Stephen Chow Sau- yan, SJ, was born on 7 August marking the 500th anniversary of the United States to de-escalate, Israel is 1959 in Hong Kong. - Fides News conversion of their founder St. Ignatius continuing its deadly offensive against of Loyola with a Mass at Sanata Hamas in Gaza. Another heavy Macau honors Our Lady Dharma University in Yogyakarta. barrage of airstrikes and artillery Under the theme “To See All early 20 May morning killed at least of Fatima with postal stamps Things New in Christ,” the Ignatian one Palestinian and wounded several Authorities in Macau have Year, which ends on 31 July next year, others in the densely populated decided to publish postal stamps celebrates the day when Ignatius, enclave, from where Hamas militants of Our Lady of Fatima to honor the the Spanish soldier, was struck by a have fired thousands of rockets into long-held tradition of devotion to French cannonball during the Battle of Israel. Mary by Catholics in the Chinese- Pamplona on 20 May 1521, beginning With the war between Israel and ruled territory. The Directorate of his transformation into Ignatius the Hamas in Gaza showing no signs of Postal and Telecommunications pilgrim. Fr Benedictus Hari Juliawan, abating, people in the densely enclave Services will launch a set of two the provincial of the Indonesian Jesuit are desperate and the situation stamps and a block featuring the Province, led the concelebrated Mass is terrifying, according to Caritas traditional, decades-old Procession of Our Lady of Fatima in Macau on on 20 May. - http://www.ucanews.com Jerusalem. - www.en.radiovaticana.va 13 May. - http://www.ucanews.com Malaysian archdiocese Teaching online Catechists raises money for India catechism on bicycles Kuching Archdiocese in Malaysia has launched a fundraising campaign to help pandemic-hit India. Simon Poh of Kuching has urged Catholics in Sarawak state and other parts of Malaysia to donate money and pray for people in India where millions are struggling to survive as thousands die each day because of Alberto Saldajeno uses puppets to teach “Most catechists preach the the Covid-19 catastrophe. catechism and voice social concerns - http://www.ucanews.com Gospel without being paid for their Filipino catechist Alberto work. Some of them receive a minimal Digital app mandatory Saldajeno uses puppets to teach refund. We hope that with this small gift catechism and voice social concerns of a bicycle, a small recognition from for entering churches in Philippine society. the Church, they will be encouraged to Singapore Archdiocese has A catechist in the Philippines be catechists-missionaries”: thus, on made the use of a government- has started teaching catechism and the occasion of the publication of Pope mandated digital app compulsory commenting on social issues to young Francis’s “Antiquum for entering churches to accelerate Catholics on social media using ministerium”, with which Pope Francis contact tracing to curb the spread puppets and theater. establishes the ministry of catechists, of Covid-19. With effect from 17 Alberto Saldajeno is posting Msgr. Sebastian Tudu, Bishop of the May, only the TraceTogether token five-minute video clips on YouTube diocese of Dinajpur, tells Fides of his or app will be accepted for entry called Kwentismo, or “storyism,” gesture of donating 45 bicycles among into churches and the SafeEntry aimed at making the Catholic faith catechists, men and women, for app or Singpass will no longer be interesting and appealing to mostly pastoral work in the parish of Ruhea in used, the communication office of Singapore Archdiocese announced children studying online. Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. on 14 May. - http://www.ucanews.com - www.en.radiovaticana.va - Fides News 24 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Law and Rights 11. Religious and Charitable Buildings- Exempted from Income Tax - Supreme Court By Jessy Kurian, SAP

onsidering various Appeals from Kerala, the Appeal No. 202 of 2012) .The Supreme Court upheld the CSupreme Court concluded that the buildings of decision of the Kerala High Court. Points settled are as follow: religious and charitable activities are entitled for tax exemption. l If the activities that are going on in the convent For paucity of words, I state here only the crust of the matter are predominantly religious, then, normally, buildings of the and for further clarification you may contact to the e-mail convent used for the said purpose should also qualify for given below. exemption. Section 3(1)(b) of the Kerala Building Tax Act,1975 l If any particular building is used for any commercial states, “the buildings that are used principally for religious, activity, such buildings could be segregated. charitable or educational purposes or as factories or l It is undisputed that a Chapel is used for religious workshops are exempted from building tax”. purposes. However, the Government of Kerala passed an order l Attached to the chapel there may be a room for the that, the building in Survey No.206 Thodupuzha village, Chaplain for taking rest, is also for religious purpose. Thodupuzha Taluk having plinth area of 903.24 M2 owned l If the buildings of convents are generally used for by the Adoration Convent, Shanti Bhavan, Thodupuzha is not religious purposes and one of the buildings used for residence eligible for exemption under Section 3 (1)(b)of the said Act. of an inmate there, it shall also be treated as one, used for The contention of the Government was that no religious purposes. exemption should be granted as residential accommodation l The buildings, used for the residence of the nuns for nuns would be for residential, as apart from religious, or in a convent, is principally used for religious and charitable educational purposes and would not therefore be covered by purposes and therefore, should also qualify for exemption. the exemption contained in Section 3(1)(b) of the Act. l If the convent is running a commercial or industrial Against the said order of the Government dated unit, the building housing that establishment will not qualify 14.3.2002, the Mother Superior filed a petition (O.P.No .11246 for exemption. of 2002) in the High Court of Kerala. A Single Bench, quashed l Wherever hostel is compulsory for approval of a the order of the Government dated 29.5.2002 and directed the course study or an educational institution by the regulatory Tehsildar to refer the case to the Govt for its decision. body for the accommodation to student for educational Thereafter the Mother Superior made a representation purpose then the hostel building qualifies for exemption from to the Government on 10.2.2004 building tax. In the representation the Mother Superior made clear l Hostel facility provided to students for accommodation certain matters that: by other educational institutions, which are not compulsorily l There are 8 sisters staying in the convent and are required under the educational regulations also will qualify deputed to render services in religious as well as charitable for tax exemption if an educational institution has students needs of the Vinjan Matha Church, East Thodupuzha and the from different parts of the State, and Non Resident Indians people around the Church irrespective of caste, creed and sending their children for studies (any state) necessarily the community. educational institution has to provide hostel facility to the l That the building is also intended for accommodating students. In fact, without hostel facility, many educational the junior sisters who are undergoing their college education institutions will not have required number of students to run it. in the nearby Newman College, Thodupuzha, thus there are In such case, accommodation is a necessary facility. So long 8 students too in the building. as the purpose of stay of students in the hostel is to study l That the building is not at all given for amount at in the educational institution, the purpose of such building, any time, and it will not be given so in the future also. It will which is used for accommodation of students, qualifies as be used only as a religious house etc.. educational purpose. Though the Govt examined the matter in detail, it turned l A lodge building constructed in the campus of down the representation. the educational institution will not qualify for tax exemption. Thereafter the petitioner approached Kerala High Court Because it cannot be considered as a hostel accommodation. by a Writ petition and the learned Single Judge referred the It is to rent out to students studying in such educational matter to the Division Bench. institutions. Letting out of buildings by private agencies is a After examining various factors the Division Bench commercial activity whether tenants are students or not. concluded that the said disputed building is entitled to tax However, the underlining point in the judgement calls exemption. Aggrieved by the order, the Kerala Government for rendering charity to the people around. A building, whether filed an Appeal before the Supreme Court (Government of a convent, seminary, juniorate, novitiate etc., should render Kerala&Anr vs. Mother Superior Adoration Convent, Civil religious and charitable service.

Sr Jessy Kurian, SAP, is Advocate, Supreme Court. To contact: [email protected]

25 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 From Our Garden

By Matthew Adukanil, SDB

Hospitals frantically call for oxygen cylinders But Central vista project is firing on all cylinders Doctors baulk at gasping oxygen deprived patients And dazed by trauma, shut doors on new cases.

Proud Patel statue towers high in the sky Precision-moon-landing rockets roar high Bloated decomposing bodies float on holy Ganga Faint Howde Modi cheers ebb from distant shores.

Dreams of a landslide win warm the leader’s heart Buoyed up by swelling crowds at Bengal polls rallies Devotion flows unhindered at milling Kumbh baktas As at overworked cremation yards bodies pile up high.

Can dream bullet trains complement scarce ambulances To rush desperate Covid victims to exhausted medicos? ‘No admission to patients without oxygen cylinders’ Declare exasperated, weary, oxygen undersupplied hospitals.

With ever mounting shortage of drugs and medicines Can doctors prescribe a Gujarat style cow dung bath? Announcement ‘Vaccination for all above 18 from May 1’ Got a billion plus nation on a frantic futile jab run.

‘The pharmacy of the world‘ generously donated And exported vaccines far and near with much fanfare But with acute vaccine shortage and unrelenting deaths Soon we had to send out Mayday call all over the globe.

26 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Faith Express 48. Two ways of praying amid the pandemic

By John Alexander, SDB

evout men and women pray in good and the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge until the Dbad times, and “pray without ceasing” (1 destroying storms pass by” (Ps 57:1). Thess 5:17). Most of us pray devoutly in times of need A God Who Suffers and crisis. But how do you pray in times such as this, There is, however, another tradition of prayer when we are surrounded by deaths, sickness, suffering, in the Bible, called lamentation, which goes beyond loneliness and fear during this pandemic? Two weeks mere let up of emotions and frustrations. Lament is ago, a young woman who tragically lost her mother to what happens when people ask “why” and do not have Covid wrote this to me: “I want to tell you that I never an answer or justification. If this pandemic was meant cried when I saw my mother’s body in the mortuary, I to “purify” a sinful world, as some proclaim, why are am unable to cry. I have become numb, seeing too much then so many good people dying and suffering from deaths, and bodies, suffering, and families shouting out this virus, not merely the sinners and criminals? Two their pain for their loved ones, in helplessness.” We staff members of our college, Siva Kumar (40 years), do not know how this woman and thousands of other father of three daughters and Kalaiarasi (32 years), people and families in such conditions will come to mother of a 5-year-old daughter, succumbed to Covid, terms with the loss and uncertain future. as I wrote this. How are we going to care God’s people in the Bible were no for these and other millions of Covid- strangers to deep crisis. They too had orphans and Covid-widows in the world, their Covid-19. Floods, famines, plagues, and possibly tell them about a God who earthquakes and wars were part of the cares and heals? history of the people of Israel. How did Lamentation is also weeping with they pray in these extremely difficult those who weep in solidarity. The Book times? They trusted in the power and of Lamentation in the Old Testament mercy of God to save them from their perils is typically a “communal lament” – a while they, at the invitation of prophets, community and nation mourning for the also introspected and renewed their faithfulness to God. destroyed city in the hope that God will act on their During the period of exile, for example, when the people behalf: “My eyes fail from weeping, I am in torment of Israel complained against God, they were bitten by within; my heart is poured out on the ground because poisonous snakes and died. It was at their repentance my people are destroyed, because children and infants that God asked Moses to make a bronze serpent and faint in the streets of the city” (Lam. 2:11). This means put it on a pole. All who looked at it were healed (Num that in face of any crisis we move beyond our egoism and 21:1-9). Years later, Jesus declared this as a symbol of self-pity, and look more broadly at the suffering world, His death on the cross: “Just as Moses lifted up the and see in what way we can bring about healing and serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be consolation. The “scandalous mystery” of the Bible is lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal that God too laments. He does not just watch and control life” (John 3:14-15). from a distance. God Yahweh was heart-broken, when God’s promise to king Solomon during the his own bride, the people of Israel, turned away. Jesus consecration of the Temple makes this form of prayer wept at the tomb of his friend, Lazarus, and resorted even more explicit and praiseworthy: “When I shut up to the prayer of lament on the cross by using Psalm 22, the heavens so that there is no rain… or send pestilence “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” among my people, if my people who are called by my Rabindranath Tagore was not a Christian, but he name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn wanted everyone to grow in devotion to a God who is from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, bound with the struggling world. In Gitanjali, he wrote: and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron “Open thine eyes and see thy God, not before thee! He 7:13-14). No doubt, the suffering caused by the virus is is there where the tiller is tilling the hard ground and enormous. And yet what will prevail is our trust in the where the path-maker is breaking stones …” When we Lord that He will deliver us from this disaster, and our lament in prayer, weep with those who weep, we too readiness to deepen our relationship with Him. We can recognize God in all who are wounded during this pray with the psalmist, “Be merciful to me, O God … in pandemic. 27 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 News Nation

New ministry Church extends News - Nation for catechists hand to ease Capsules Indian Catholics have welcomed pandemic crisis Fr Siby M. appointed as the news that Pope Francis has created a lay ministry to encourage C a r d i n a l Bishop in Papua New greater participation of men and P o p e F r a n c i s women in spreading the Catholic faith. explains how the has appointed Fr Siby The papal letter, Antiquum Church’s social Mathew Peedikayil Ministerium (Ancient Ministry) a r m a n d i t s (50) the member of the was released on 11 May in eight healthcare sector Heralds of Good News Fr Siby languages. Card. Oswald Gracias are responding as the bishop of Aitape, “We wholeheartedly thank the to the critical a diocese in Papua New Guinea, a Holy Father and welcome the gesture emergency of the nation under massive country in Oceania on 13 May 2021. by him for recognizing our foot soldiers waves of Covid-19 cases and deaths. He is currently the of who are the actual personnel helping The Catholic Church of India has the diocese of Vanimo in Papua New in evangelization and spreading the made available some 60,000 beds of Guinea. - Dr Stephen Alathara Good News of the Church,” Bishop its healthcare facilities in the country’s Gerald John Mathias of Lucknow told battle against Covid-19 pandemic. Fr Baptist Pais appointed UCA News. More than 50,000 nuns normally as Ecumenism Commission Bishop Mathias, a member of work at these facilities, a thousand the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of whom are qualified doctors, Secretary of India’s laity commission, said said Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Fr Baptist Pais, that “by constituting the ministry of Bombay, the president of the Catholic SVD (61) from the India- catechist, Pope Francis has given Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). Mumbai Province of the them full authority to go out without “India’s Catholic Church is doing its Society of Divine Word any hindrances and proclaim the utmost to help all those suffering, was appointed as the Fr Baptist Gospel.” - www.mattersindia.com he said. - www.en.radiovaticana.va Executive Secretary to Pais, SVD the CCBI Commission for Ecumenism. The appointment was made by the Father Stan rejects Court favors nun’s CCBI Executive Committee in its virtual meeting held on 14-15 May hospitalization, petition to ban 2021. - Dr Stephen Alathara demands bail offensive movie NE Church forms core team D e l h i to respond to Covid High Court In the wake of rising number has directed of Covid cases in North East India, the Central the Catholic Church of the region Information has formed a core team to respond a n d to the crisis. The primary task of the Fr Stan Swamy Broadcasting team, set up during an online meeting Ministry to on 18 May, is to coordinate the Fr Stan Swamy on 21 May expeditiously consider a Catholic Catholic Church’s various activities rejected a proposal to admit him in nun’s demand to ban a movie in the region. - www.mattersindia.com a hospital but demanded interim bail accused of portraying priests and India’s “tree hugging” to return to his residence in Ranchi, nuns as “sex maniacs”. The direction eastern India. The 84-year Jesuit from the state court of the national environmentalist dies tribal activist made the demand capital came on 17 May while it was Veteran environmental activist during a video conference with the hearing a petition from Sr Jessy Sunderlal Bahuguna died on 21 Bombay High Court from the Taloja Mani, a member of the indigenous May at All India Institute of Medical Jail near Mumbai where has been Sacred Heart Congregation. The Sciences in Rishikesh. He was lodged since 9 Oct 2020. Justice nun petitioned the court seeking to 94. Bahuguna was admitted to the Kathawalla of the court interacted ban Aquarium, a movie made in the hospital on 8 May after testing Covid- directly with Father Swamy and asked Malayalam language. Kerala High 19 positive. ourning the death, Prime many questions. He further told the Court stayed its release on 12 May Minister Narendra Modi said in a court, “Only one thing that I would for two weeks, accepting a petition tweet, “Passing away of Shri Sunderlal request the judiciary is to consider my by two nuns to ban it permanently. Bahuguna Ji is a monumental loss interim bail.” - www.mattersindia.com - http://www.ucanews.com for our nation. - www.mattersindia.com 28 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Kaleidoscope: Psycho-Spiritual Refractions 72. Building Resilience

By Hedwig Lewis, SJ

imes are such that more than ever before greater clarity about your reactive patterns and how they Twe are all facing a barrage of “stressors” in may be negatively impacting your life. Finding good varied and unpredictable forms. Stressors are whatever resources to change habitual, limiting patterns will not causes physical, emotional, or mental stress. When we only transform your life, but it will provide you with get entangled in the web of stressors in life, our inborn effective life skills to draw upon in difficult times. power of resilience begins to weaken. We become A third approach in your efforts to strengthen increasingly sensitive, over-reactive, and emotionally your power of resilience is to shift your perspective unbalanced. Even a little change of plans can leave us from yourself and your problems. For instance, you in a state of anxiety and panic. Effectively coping with may observe those in a worse situation and determine stress contributes directly towards building resilience. how you would make sense of it if you were in it. Or, Resilience is the best antidote to stress. Resilience visualize yourself consoling the distressed persons by implies bouncing back from these trying circumstances. assuring them that some good can actually come out of Resilience means having the ability to respond to this ‘tragedy’ in the long run. This is not about denial change or adversity proactively and resourcefully. of what happened to you, nor putting an unrealistically It involves a process of consciously drawing on the positive spin on things but, where possible, trying to beliefs, behaviours and skills that can help you respond find some good from negative events can be a healthy to challenges effectively, and move beyond them as a coping strategy. stronger person. Change is part of the human condition and no one Findings from psychological surveys conducted is exempt from emotional pain and adversity. Developing by researchers have revealed that resilient people did resilience is a critical key to not only accepting and not passively react to negative life circumstances, but meeting a life challenge head on, but being able to get proactively took action to achieve positive outcomes. to the other side of it with greater wisdom and strength. Instead of staying stuck in feelings of anger, fear, or Following is a quote from Marianne Williamson’s, anxiety, they stepped back and asked themselves: “What “A Return to Love” for those seeking inspiration and reaction am I having, how do I want to respond, and courage to develop the power of resilience. what outcomes do I want?” Next, they brainstormed “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. possible courses of action, determined those most likely Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. to produce desired outcomes, prioritized their action It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. steps, then moved into action. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, One effective approach to managing stressors is to talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You ‘reframe’ your idea of change as being a threat to being are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the a natural part of life. Instead of resisting change, you world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so must embrace it as a natural progression of life. Every that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We time you find yourself holding on to what was, you are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to must say to yourself, “I release the past, cooperate fully make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s with today and enthusiastically embrace tomorrow.” not just in some of us. It’s in everyone. And as we let The foundation of resilience is accepting change as an our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people inevitable part of life. Fighting it not only produces permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our frustration, but keeps you from taking action and own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” moving forward. When you are living a resilient life, you are living Another approach is to develop greater awareness a fulfilled life, where you know who you are and you and self-mastery. The more awareness and self- know what is important to you. You have a plan as to mastery you have, the greater your resilience. Personal where you are going and you know where you should development has many benefits, one of which is gaining be investing your time and energy.

Hedwig Lewis, SJ, is an author and a writer. Contact: [email protected]

29 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 THE NEW LEADER India’s Leading Catholic Magazine since 1887 The New Leader brings you news you’ll not get in any other journal - news about the Pope, Vatican, of Catholicism and Christian Churches in various parts of the world and our own country. It carries regular columns written by well-known writers and other articles written by specialists. It gives awareness to Christian Community for unity and nurtures Christian faith. It brings you regularly homily notes and replies from experts to questions on Bible, Psychology and Health. When you want to give your friends/relatives a gift, you could give them a gift subscription of The New Leader, so that it can enrich their minds and souls throughout the year. Subscribe Today  I want to subscribe / give a gift subscription for ...... year/s to Subscription Rates

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30 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Blessed Alberione

lessed James Alberione, should be enabled to hear the Word By Thomas Muthirakalayil, SSP Bthe Founder of the of God, that the Gospel should Pauline Family consisting of 5 enter every family, that it should Eucharist with the Word of God: Religious Congregations: the be the model and inspiration of one integrating the other. He Society of St Paul, the Daughters every book and that the Gospel wrote: “The Eucharist and the of St Paul, Sister Disciples of should be held in veneration (Cf. Bible are very much in harmony the Divine Master, Sisters of the Ad Gentes, 35). Alberione set forth with each other, and so it is with good Shepherd, the Sisters of the to preach the Word of God through the apostolate of the Press and the Queen of Apostles and 5 Aggregate the powerful means of Mass Media, Eucharist. In the Bible we find Institutes, passed into eternity on giving this exclusive mission to the the Wisdom of God; hence the November 26, 1971. His 50th Death first two Religious Congregation he Eucharist and the Bible complete Anniversary falls on November 26, founded, the Society of St Paul each other.” 2021. and the Daughters of St Paul For Fr Alberione, the Bible Alberione was a great lover asking also other Congregations was the ‘pure bread’, and his great and promoter of the Word of God. and secular Institutes to collaborate desire was that others, too, nourish His greatest desire and dream was in this mission. He had such a love themselves on this ‘bread’. He said, to see the Bible placed in the hands for and devotion to the Word of “This is my wish for you: nourish of everyone across the globe! While God that “for thirty-two years he yourselves on pure bread, the he was alive, he did everything carried the Bible with him; it was best bread (the Bible). He had an possible to see this dream come for him truly an efficacious prayer”. intuition that the Bible must have Alberione at the Service a genuine respect paid to it, side of the Word of God by side with the Eucharist. This is F o r F r very clear from his writings and Alberione, Bible is the works. the truth which During the night adoration God wants to between December 31, 1900 and teach men, it is January 1, 1901, which was very also God’s letter crucial to him, Alberione clearly of invitation to understood the connection between heaven. It is the the Eucharist, the Gospel, the new way to salvation Century, new means of apostolate H e h a s t r a c e d and new apostles: Bl. James Alberione and the Bible true, and he ardently desired that for men. The Bible brings the Biblical Vocation of Fr his spiritual sons and daughters “words of eternal life” to men Alberione give maximum importance to and communicates to them an Alberione was a man of the spreading of the Bible and interior divine force. Hence he deep faith, one who accepted the its message in their apostolic wanted the Bible, and the Gospel in Word of God wholly and acted in activities. So it is with great joy and particular, to reach everyone, and perfect obedience to it with total passion that the Paulines keep the the diffusion of it is the essential dedication, no matter whatever year starting from 26th November duty of everyone who dedicates the risk involved or the sacrifices 2020 to 26th November 2021 as the himself to the apostolate of the required. He had understood the Pauline Bible Year to coincide with Press. He insisted that the biblical importance of the Word of God his 50th Death Anniversary. apostolate is very necessary for our from his Seminary days, at the Alberione loved the Word mission and cannot be substituted “school” of St Paul who was “set of God; spent several hours a day by anything however good it is. apart” for the Gospel and sent to praying, reflecting and meditating “The finality of our apostolate,” announce it to all the peoples. on the Word of God; he venerated he said, “is to bring the Gospel He firmly believed that the it and lived according to it, and to all the people of all times.” Bible was the Book for all humanity. wanted it to reach everyone in the T h e B i b l e a n d t h e He knew that his vocation was to shortest time and quickest way Eucharist spread the Word of God. Hence possible. He wanted that everyone Fr Alberione associated the he wanted the Bible to reach 31 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Blessed Alberione everyone, everywhere. He strongly distributed all over the world by the Bible in Every Family believed that the Gospel should sons and daughters of Fr Alberione. Bible brings the “words enter every family, combined with He also promoted the Bible in of eternal life” to men and Catechism. The Gospel is to be pictures, illustrated editions, films, communicates to them an interpreted according to the mind and cassettes. Fr Alberione was the interior divine force. Hence of the Church, i.e., with fully spelt- first to produce the entire Bible in Alberione categorically said the out catechetical notes under the colour, by the San Paolo Films he most important goal of all the headings: faith, morals and cult; founded. activities of the Pauline Family that the Gospel should be the model In 1924, in the diocese of should be the distribution of the and inspiration for every book and Alba, Fr Alberione started the Bible. In November 1923, he wrote publication; that the Bible should Catholic Bible Society with the help in the bulletin of Cooperators, be held in great veneration. of the Pauline Cooperators, which Cooperatore Paolino, an editorial I n 1 9 0 3 , a m o n g t h e Bishop Re of Alba approved in the entitled “The Gospel in Every seminarians of Alba, the work of same year, and Pope John XXIII Family”. Where he called the spreading the Bible was initiated, erected it as a Primary Union on Gospel the fount of all good things and there was a great diffusion of October 14, 1960. for the family, and wanted it to be the Vatican edition of the Gospel. To the Pauline Cooperators present in every family, library, Great fervour was also aroused he proposed the study and school and business Centre, and among the Seminarians, and the meditations of the biblical texts, announced that the Society of St first “Gospel Days” were held. and collaboration in the diffusion Paul would distribute it at the At around the same time of the Bible. nominal price of one Lira per copy. Alberione wrote a brief dissertation Around the same time he He also suggested ways to realize on the Bible, considered as the started organizing Bible Weeks. this end: Book of humanity and the Book Later on he promoted the Groups - Preaching on the Gospel and of God. He dedicated himself to of the Gospel in collaboration keeping a collection box at the end Bible study and all the more so as in with non-Catholics, the Biblical- of the Church; 1906 Pius X had made it obligatory liturgical Vigils and Biblical - Giving the Gospel as prize to for seminarians to study sacred Correspondence Courses, prepared children who excel in Catechism; Scripture. by the organization UT Unum Sint - Offering the Gospel as In those years, he received for the unity of Christians. Christmas and New Year and clearer light about a great treasure For Alberione, the biblical Birthday gifts; the Lord wished to grant to the mission was a real obsession: in the - Suggesting to the directors Society of St Paul: the diffusion twenties the Gospel for one Lira, in of companies and workshops that of the Gospel. In August 1907, he 1927 the Congress on the Gospel in they offer the Gospel as gift to their held three Bible Sundays during Alba, in the fifties Bible in film, in employees; which the Bible was presented the sixties the ‘Bible in every family’ - Finding generous persons in catechetical form and with at 1000 Lire and successively Bible who will pay for a copy of the Gospel catechetical applications. He felt in discs. Simultaneously, he set for a poor family or someone who that it was necessary to explain aside a modern printing machine could not pay; the Gospel during the Mass, every in his press only to print different In December 1965, Alberione Sunday. This is what he did on editions of the Bible and the New wrote an article entitled “The Bible Sundays in the Cathedral. Soon Testament. in Every Family”, exhorting the the custom spread to many other In Italy alone, from 1931 until Paulines to facilitate the diffusion parishes, as well. 1990,the Paulines have distributed of the Bible by keeping its price as He soon prepared the Gospel at least 15 million copies of the low as possible. and Bible editions for every category Bible in 90 editions. He concluded the article of persons in order that the Word The Paulines, today, are saying: “the essential activity of of God could reach everyone, in publishing annually, in various the Apostolate of the Press is the keeping with his motto: “The Bible languages, around two million distribution of the Bible, to see that in every family” and “the Bible for copies of the Bible. Added to this are the Bible reach every family.” He all categories of persons.” numerous biblical works published, wanted the Gospel to enter every It is impossible to calculate meeting only a small portion of the family, especially of which people the millions of copies of Gospels ever increasing demand, across the do not go to hear it read in the and the Bible in many languages world. church.” 32 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Family Matters

133. Plenty of deaths, Subscribers, no mourning! please note  Please address all correspondence on subscriptions, By M.K. George, SJ receiving your copy etc to the Manager, (not Editor) New Leader. Always quote your 5 ovid-19 virus is taking Unfortunately, this is what Ca w a y h u m a n l i v e s . Corona-19 virus is denying us. Our digit subscriber number which is Thousands, every day. Tragically, dear ones pass on. We cannot give mentioned above your address the dear ones cannot even mourn the them a hug; sometimes not even see in the mailing label. bereavement. Without mourning, their faces.  Please make your payments deaths become such heavy burden “Sadness and bereavement by M.O. or D.D, payable to The on the survivors. can leave us listless, withdrawn and Manager, The New Leader, awake all hours of the night. Chennai. While sending the Sometimes, we may physically M.O. please mention your ache for our lost loved one … a condition called “complicated subscriber number, your name grief,” in which these symptoms and address in the space allotted last much longer than expected. for communication in the M.O. And then there’s broken- form. Use BLOCK LETTERS for hearted syndrome, where stress addresses. If you are sending hormones may cause the heart money for a new subscription, to beat irregularly, mimicking mention clearly it is for a new a heart attack”, says Katherine subscription. Ellen Foley.  Those who pay the Here is the challenge! Can we find ways of mourning subscription through NEFT Even as a child, I had come to and grieving our Covid-19 related transfer are requested to inform know the value of mourning. It was deaths? First thing to do is to be us about the transaction along in a strange kind of way, though. I aware of the terrible trauma that with your subscription number used to observe relatives groaning, a lack of proper grieving creates in / postal address by e-mail: wailing, and weeping bitterly over the survivors, be it family members, [email protected] or the dead body of the dear ones. friends or even just acquaintances. phone 044-2536 2371. But, within an hour of the funeral, Once we are aware we can look for  Four reminders for renewal are I would see them smiling and some innovative ways of grieving. of them even laughing. I wondered, Who should take the initiative? mailed at regular intervals. Please why? Today I know better. It was the The Church can. Family can. Friends ensure that your renewal order is crying, the wailing and the drama, can. Even arranging a zoom meeting sent as soon as you receive the which healed them. They needed and live streaming of the funeral first or second reminder itself, so to do that in order to continue a ceremonies can make a difference. that you continue to receive the normal living. Ultimately, of course, the crucial New Leader without a hitch. “Grieving human losses step is to set up a space for sharing  For change of address please is important because it allows us the pain. make sure that the new address is to ‘free-up’ energy that is bound Grieve we must. How to do to the lost person, object, or it in these constraining times is a given to us well in advance along experience—so that we might re- question for all of us. with your subscriber number and invest that energy elsewhere. ... “It takes strength to make old address. Healthy grieving results in an your way through grief, to grab  If you do not receive a ability to remember the importance hold of life and let it pull you particular issue, please write to us of our loss—but with a newfound forward.” - Patti Davis within 3 weeks of the publication sense of peace, rather than searing of the issue. pain”, observe psychologists. (feedback to [email protected]) - Manager 33 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 News Nation

St John’s guides Caritas India News - Nation Odisha diocese on launches multi-level Capsules Covid-19 treatment centers Percival Holt appointed to S t J o h n ’ s Commission on Methodology National Academy of Health Sciences, for Synod 2023 a p r e s t i g i o u s P e r c i v a l H o l t Church institution from the Archdiocese in Bengaluru, has Caritas India has begun setting of Delhi was appointed begun guiding a Dr Bobby Joseph up Covid treatment centers in 14 by Mario diocese in Odisha in Covid protocol Cardinal Grech, the states with high prevalence as part Percival Holt behavior. “My diocese is grateful to St. of its continued efforts to save people G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r y John’s Medical College helping us to from the deadly disease. The second to the Synod of Bishops to the deal with the present crisis due to the wave of Covid-19 has wreaked “Commission on Methodology” for coronavirus pandemic,” Bp Niranjan the healthcare system and related the planning and implementation of Sualsingh of Sambalpur told Matters infrastructure in the country. The the next Synod of Bishops in 2023. India on 25 May. The academy on 24 Caritas plan is to set up First Level - Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara May organized a two-hour webinar for Treatment Centers for patients with priests, nuns, Brothers, and lay people mild symptoms who require a place NE Church marks World on how to follow daily pandemic for quarantine. Fr Paul Moonjely, Communication Day protocol behaviors. Around 45 people executive director of Caritas India, attended the first virtual conference says the first level centers aim to The Catholic Church’s on professional medical guidance on reach out to the larger population North East Social Communication Covid-19 conducted by Doctor Bobby and at the same time reduce the (NESCOM) on 16 May organized a Joseph, St. John’s Medical College, surmounting pressure on health webinar on Pope Francis’ message for the World Communication Day 2021. Bengaluru. - www.mattersindia.com institutions. - www.mattersindia.com Addressing 27 delegates representing various media department of the Church in the region, Salesian Fr Goa archdiocese George Plathottam, discussed the Cyclone kills 50, theme for the day: Come and See. damages thousands opens renewal - www.mattersindia.com of homes in India center for people’s Church launches home care Cyclone Tauktae has killed self-quarantine program for Covid patients more than 50 people in Gujarat and The Catholic Bishops’ left a trail of destruction, damaging The archdiocese of Goa-Daman Conference of India’s (CBCI) Office for several buildings including several plans to open one of its spiritual Health has launched a parish-based church institutions. High winds of up renewal centers for people who home care program for Covid-19 to 100kph battered 12 districts of the require self-quarantine during this patients in seven states. The project state on 18 May, uprooting trees, coronavirus pandemic time. launched on 13 May at regional offices electrical and telecommunication polls Fr Savio Fernandes, assistant in Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, and blowing roofs off several houses. director Caritas-Goa, says they have Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh Officials said at least 50 people are sent five nurses to undergo training in and Tamil Nadu cares for victims of the dead and some 40 are missing. Most Heathway Hospital to take charge of pandemic. - http://www.ucanews.com people died of electrocution or when the service in St Joseph Vaz Spiritual the walls of their homes collapsed. Renewal Centre in Old Goa. “We are Church mourns death “We have suffered huge damage to beginning with 40 beds, including 10 of Vincentian missionary our institutions, but there is no report with oxygen facility,” the priest told of any casualty among Christians,” Matters India. According to him, many The Church in northern India said Bishop Jose Chittooparambil religious responded to Abp Filippe has mourned the death of a Vincentian of Rajkot, which covers the worst- Neri Ferrao’s request. priest who opened new mission areas affected Amreli and Bhavnagar “We require nurses who have in Agra archdiocese and Meerut districts. The bishop said he was completed two doses of vaccination. diocese in Uttar Pradesh state. Fr unable to connect with many priests We need many nurses to work in Thomas Emprayil died of Covid-19 on 8 May in St Joseph’s Hospital and nuns because of disruption to shifts. Our service may go on for in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. He communications. a month or more as per the need,” was 79. - www.mattersindia.com - http://www.ucanews.com he said. - www.mattersindia.com 34 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 ESP - 51 “Worst crisis in living memory”

By M.A. Joe Antony, SJ

he WHO (World Health Organization) looked Even those who clearly understand the pandemic’s Tlike a pathetic, helpless bystander when COVID impact on lives and livelihood do not see how it has 19 spread and ravaged country after country. Some reports affected several other aspects of our lives. “At its highest made you even suspect if it was a neutral, effective body, point in 2020, 90% of school children were unable to capable of protecting the world from such grave threats attend school.. Perhaps 11 million of the poorest girls in to global health. the world may never go back to the classroom.” Many But its one good, commendable initiative was the would not be aware that “10 million more girls are at risk of establishment of a panel of experts called the Independent early marriage because of the pandemic.” There has been Panel. Its full name is the ‘Independent Panel for Pandemic fivefold increase in demands for protection and support Preparedness and Response.’ The Panel was asked to from women who have been the victims of violence. provide “an evidence-based path for the future, grounded “It has shown so clearly the gravity of the threat to in lessons of the past and present, with the aim of ensuring our health and well-being… This pandemic has shaken countries and global institutions, including WHO, some of the standard assumptions that a country’s wealth effectively address health threats.” Based on insights and will secure its health. Leadership and competence have lessons learned from the health response to COVID-19, counted more than cash in pandemic responses.” the Panel was expected to provide a fresh assessment SARS, which broke out and shook the world in of the challenges ahead with regard to global health. 2003, travelled rapidly to 29 countries, territories and The Independent Panel was co-chaired by two areas, and debilitated health systems, with many health brilliant women - Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of workers being infected. But the epidemic only lasted New Zealand, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President some six months and was responsible for 8096 cases of . The Co-Chairs selected 11 Panel members, from and 774 deaths. The SARS epidemic was followed by the a long-list of more than 120 experts, suggested by Member 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the 2014–2016 Ebola States. They made their selection on the basis of expertise outbreak in West Africa, Zika and other disease outbreaks, on infectious disease, outbreak response, management of including another new coronavirus, called Middle East national health systems, and socio-economic analytical respiratory syndrome (MERS). Since then experts have capabilities. kept warning us about another more deadly pandemic, The Panel began its review, supposed to be if we don’t change our ways. But our leaders ignored the “impartial, independent and comprehensive” in September warnings. Our world was not prepared. This is why COVID 2020. It invited submissions from all over the world on 19 has become such a devastating pandemic. all aspects of the deadly pandemic. A few days ago it “It has caused a crisis so deep and wide that submitted its report. presidents, prime ministers and heads of international How grave is this crisis? “In less than a year and a and regional bodies must now urgently accept their half, COVID-19 has infected at least 150 million people and responsibility to transform the way in which the world killed more than three million. It is the worst combined prepares for and responds to global health threats.” The health and socio-economic crisis in living memory, and a Panel calls on political decision-makers at every level catastrophe at every level… At least 17, 000 health workers to champion major change and to make available the died from COVID-19 during the pandemic’s first year.” resources to make it effective. What about the economic impact? “115–125 million One of its major recommendations urges wealthy people have been pushed into extreme poverty. US $ countries to help other countries. “High income countries 10 trillion of output is expected to be lost by the end of with a vaccine pipeline for adequate coverage should 2021.” The panel calls this ‘the deepest shock to the global commit to provide to the 92 low and middle income economy since the Second World War and the largest countries at least one billion vaccine doses no later than simultaneous contraction of national economies since 1 September 2021 and more than two billion doses by the Great Depression of 1930–32.” mid-2022.”

M.A. Joe Antony, SJ, former editor of The New Leader and Jivan, now resides at St Joseph’s College, Trichy, teaching, writing and directing retreats and seminars. He can be contacted at: [email protected] 35 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Eco - Spirituality The Role of ‘The New Leader’ The ‘New Leader’ leading our Faith to the evolving life and culture

here was a time when newsmen/women searched, Tcollected, selected, processed, produced, … and circulated news through different Media. Now anyone can gather or ‘produce’ news and circulate it widely. There is no guarantee that the printed or electronically circulated news that reaches us is true or false. The burden of ascertaining the veracity of the news falls on the ‘consumer’ of the news. It is a very difficult task, considering the volume, diversity and the logistics of verifying every news. Giving news has become a highly profitable business today. The timing of the news (‘Breaking News’), bad news, shocking news, violent news, ‘paid’ news, etc…. determine the profitability of the news. Newsgathering and its objective presentation and dissemination was considered a noble profession once. Total objectivity in any news reported is next to impossible; the subjectivity of the news gatherer, reporter, editor, etc. of the news could, however, be minimized. Over a period of time, the relative objectivity of different sources of news and articles could be gauged. “The New Leader” (NL) is a National Catholic Fortnightly in India. It brings us news about the Pope, Vatican, of Catholicism and Christian Churches in various parts of India, Asia and the world. It carries regular columns by well-known writers, and articles by specialists in Sacred Scripture, Liturgical readings and on various aspects of Christian life today, within the Church and in the country. It strives to share such news and views with Christians to form and transform them into a more mature and balanced body of believers. Our Pope Francis of Assisi through his letter, “Laudato Si,” has incorporated some epochal innovations to our Faith. Prior to the Second Vatican council Catechism taught us that Christian Faith is founded on ‘Love of God and love of neighbour’. “Laudato Si” has added another Foundational Pillar to our Faith – love of Nature. “..human life is grounded in three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbour and with the earth itself..” (LS 66). The overuse, misuse, abuse, and destruction of Mother Earth, with far-reaching consequences to all creation, goes against God’s creation entrusted to our care. Even five years after “Laudato Si”, a mature ‘loving relationship with Mother Earth’ has not quite been integrated into the living Faith by most Christians. Not only Christians, Pope Francis actually invites all people of ‘goodwill’ to integrate such a loving relationship with Mother Earth.- The NL has started a series of articles, entitled “Eco Spirituality” highlighting how ‘people of goodwill’ across India are trying to love, care and nurture Mother Earth, with originality and creativity. A loving relationship with Mother Earth could then become an integral part of all human relationship with the divine. Such a symphony of the Creator, human beings and all Creation could result in a harmonious evolution of the whole Creation. Rappai Poothokaren, SJ 36 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Tribute

By Bp A. Peter Abir providence and mercy of God. His strong faith, as he often expressed, rchbishop Antony ‘even if we forget God, He will not AAnandarayar (75), forget us’ (Is 49:15). He was a simple, Emeritus Archbishop of Pondicherry- holy and loving Shepherd to his Cuddalore passed away on Tuesday 4 May 2021 at 9.30pm at St. Thomas Hospital, Chennai. He was admitted in the hospital for Covid treatment on 24 April and his health condition deteriorated day by day as the oxygen saturation level was very low. When he died his was tested negative of Covid. The sisters in St. Thomas hospital ensured that he got the best care in consultation with the experts from Apollo Hospital, Chennai. people and priests, putting up Requiem Mass and funeral service with a lot of suffering. He did were held on Wednesday 5 May 2021 not cherish anyone praising him at 4 pm at Immaculate Conception and he never even took credit for his our witness to Faith. He believed Cathedral, Pondicherry. Even in the achievements; his strong belief was that priests are the backbone of the context of Covid protocol thousands that ‘everything is the hand of God.’ mission of the Church and so, in his of people, individually, paid loving His simplicity was manifested in his tenure as Archbishop, he ordained homage to the Archbishop in the words, behavior, lifestyle and his 100 priests to the Archdiocese and Cathedral. dealings with people. sent many for higher studies, both Man of the Church! Man of the Poor! ecclesiastical and secular, for the Archbishop Antony A poor Archbishop, but, rich growth of the Christian witness. Anandarayar, born in 1945, was in his concern for the deprived, he A Fitting Tribute! ordained a priest of the Archdiocese could enrich many downtrodden. Within three months of handing of Pondicherry-Cuddalore in He was a great lover of the poor. We over his office as the Archbishop God 1971; after some initial ministries all know that he helped hundreds has called him to his eternal reward. in the Archdiocese, was sent to of poor youngsters in the diocese Indeed, it is a great shock to every Rome for higher studies. He did of Ooty and in the Archdiocese of one of us and to all those who knew his double doctorate in Canon Pondicherry-Cuddalore. He has no him. Nevertheless, he has left to Law and Missiology and returned personal monetary savings, but saved us a life of piety, simplicity, hard to be the Professor of St. Peter’s the life of thousands of poor students. work, sincerity and love for suffering Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore, in It was not just a marginal one-time humanity. If we try to take up these 1981. Before his appointment as the help, but sponsorships that lasted virtues seriously and live them, then, bishop of Outacamund, Tamilnadu for years, till the youngsters, boys this would be a fitting tribute to our in 1997, he held various positions and girls, completed a course that beloved Archbishop. in St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary: enabled them to find a job and settle I would like to end up this Professor of Canon Law and down in life. grateful remembrance of our Missiology, Vice-, President A loving Pastor! Archbishop Antony Anandarayar of Pontifical Institute and Rector. A sincere and a committed with the words of St. Paul: “I have He was appointed the Archbishop pastor, as Archbishop in our soil, he fought the good fight, I have finished of Pondicherry-Cuddalore in 2004. was a loving and attentive Shepherd the race, I have kept the faith. From He is a priest for 50 years and a to his priests, the religious, the faithful now on there is reserved for me bishop for 24 years. A great son of and to all around. Faith-building was the crown of righteousness” (2 Tim the Church he cherished and guarded close to his heart. His earnest desire 4:7-8).If we observe the life and the holy traditions and teachings of was that ‘Christ needs to be made mission of our saintly Archbishop, the Church. visible in the area where Christ is the above words are truly fitting to Man of God! absent, but needed.’ He promoted him. May his soul rest in peace! Archbishop Anandarayar was many vocations to priesthood and a pious and prayerful person, very religious life particularly from among committed to his breviary and daily the poorer sections of the society. Most Rev Antonysamy Peter Abir, Rosary, lived as a suffering servant of In the Archdioceses he developed is Bishop of Sultanpet & Apostolic the God. His personal and pastoral numerous infra-structures, intuitions Administrator, Archdiocese of life was rooted in his deep faith in the and parishes in order to strengthen Pondicherry-Cuddalore. 37 The New Leader, June 1-15, 2021 Laughtonic

In service when idle Courtesy: www.timesofindia.com MRS & MR SYLVESTER

“I hate you.”

“What a coincidence!”

Printed by Fr Harris, SDB, at Salesian Institute of Graphic Arts (SIGA), 49, Taylors Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010 Published by Fr Antony Pancras on behalf of The New Leader Foundation, and Printed at Salesian Institute of Graphic Arts (SIGA), 49, Taylors Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010 and Published at 64, Armenian Street, Chennai - 600 001, Tamil Nadu.

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