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2 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 www.the-examiner.org

A CATHOLIC NEWSWEEKLY - Est 1850 • 171 years of publication • MUMBAI • Vol. 64 No. 12 • MAR 21 - 27, 2020 • Rs. 15/-

Editor-in-Chief Fr Anthony Charanghat 5 FATHERHOOD OF GOD’S FAMILY EDITORIAL BOARD: Editorial Managing Editor: Fr Joshan Rodrigues Members: 6 CHARISMS IN UNITY Adrian Rosario Fr Aniceto Pereira Carol Andrade Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala 8 CALLED IN GRACE, FORMED IN LOVE, ASST EDITOR: Fr Nigel Barrett SENT TO SERVE

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CONTENTS 11 JOURNEYING BEYOND BELIEF ELECTRONIC MEDIA: Neil D'Souza TO FAITH Christopher Mendonca ADVERTISING: John Braganza PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY : 12 SALT AND LIGHT IN THE TIME Fr Anthony Charanghat for the Owners, OF CORONAVIRUS The Examiner Trust, Eddy D'Sa Regn. No. E 10398 Bom. under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950. 13 TOUCH ME NOT Chhotebhai AT: ACE PRINTERS 212, Pragati Industrial Estate, Delisle Road, Lower Parel, 15 THAT ALL MAY BE ONE Mumbai 400013 Tel.: 2263 0397 Rose Aloysius

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(Courier surcharge for individual OOFFICIALFFICIAL 4 copies outside Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane @ Rs. 15/-) EENGAGEMENTSNGAGEMENTS 4 SUBSCRIPTION RATES-ANNUAL Inland : Rs. 750/- YYOUTHOUTH PPAGESAGES 2200 (Addl. Rs. 70/- for Postage - All India. Rs. 350/- for Courier Charges for 22 COVER - composed by Rosetta Martins Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane NNOTESOTES & COMMENTSCOMMENTS Dist Rs. 1000/- for others.) The six young men to be ordained priests for the (Rs. 1750/- for Speed Post charges LLOCALOCAL NEWSNEWS 24 Archdiocese of Bombay are called to share in the role of in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai and Rs. 2775/- for Speed Post charges 'spiritual fatherhood', becoming living channels for their outside Mumbai) NNATIONALATIONAL NNEWSEWS 26 people to experience God as a loving Father. Rooted and 28 nurtured in their own families, they are now entrusted Airmail: Rs. 4250/- IINTERNATIONALNTERNATIONAL NNEWSEWS the responsibility of shepherding God's Family. (Incl. Postage) LLETTERSETTERS 3300 ONLINE E-PAPER: Rs. 610/- www.examiner.in Total Pages Including Cover: 36

Website: www.the-examiner.org THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 3 OFFICIAL

CORONAVIRUS

The coronavirus has shown no sign of aba ng. As of today, 1,85,000 cases have been reported worldwide with 7,100 deaths. Every day, news is received of more cases and more deaths. In order to combat the crisis, there is a need to minimise large gatherings of people and social contacts. The Government has also issued advisories in this regard.

Keeping the above in mind, the following temporary provisions are made: I am hereby exemp ng all our faithful in the Archdiocese of Bombay from the obliga on to a end Mass on Sundays ll March 31, 2020. I urge all who are sick, or having a weakened medical condi on, not to come to church for Sunday Mass. Similarly, anyone who has fever, cough and cold is urged not to come to church for Mass. I advise all those above 60 years of age not to come for Mass, since according to medical experts, those of this age group are more vulnerable. Sunday is the Day of the Lord, and we are encouraged to keep it sacred. Besides, we are in the season of Lent, when we are invited to pray more. Hence: Par cularly on Sundays, the family should pray together the family Rosary, or make the Way of the Cross, or have a medita ve reading of the Bible for 15 minutes. I am asking the Liturgical Commission to prepare a Liturgy of the Word which you can use at home. If it is convenient to you, follow the Eucharist on YouTube; a Mass oﬀ ered by me will be available on Sundays on the Archdiocese of Bombay website.

These norms will be revised in early April, and further direc ons will be given. In the mean me, you are earnestly advised to reduce socialising, and stay at home as much as possible. Do use this opportunity to bond more with the family and to listen to the Lord in silence and prayer.

We pray that with the collec ve eﬀ ort of all, the threat will diminish and disappear, and life will come back to normal. All of us pray ardently for this inten on.

Wishing you a frui ul and grace-ﬁ lled season of Lent.

? Oswald Cardinal Gracias March 17, 2020 Archbishop of Bombay

ENGAGEMENTS

CARDINAL OSWALD GRACIAS

Sat Mar 21 6:30 p.m. Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate, Holy Name Cathedral, Fort Tue Mar 24 10.30 a.m. Meeting of Council of Deans, Archbishop's House, Fort 4:00 p.m. Bishops' Team Meeting, St Pius X College, Goregaon Sat Mar 28 6:00 p.m. Ordinations to the Priesthood, St Pius X College, Goregaon

4 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 Fatherhood of God’s Family

wo Sacraments – that of Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders – distinguish the vocation of priest and biological father in the minds of Christians. As Roman Catholics, we are accustomed to our priests T being celibate; they do not marry, or seek the things that belong properly to married life. Children are told in catechism classes that though there are seven Sacraments, they will normally receive only six

in their lifetime. Yet, paradoxically, we address our priests as "Fathers", following a Christian custom that EDITORIAL goes back to ancient times. This is because the relationship between priesthood and fatherhood goes back to the beginning of Creation. God creates Adam, the father of the human race, and gives him 'dominion' over the earth and all living creatures. "Be fruitful and multiply and fi ll the earth and subdue it" (Gen 1:28) The Lord then places Adam in the garden of Eden "to till it and guard it" (Gen 2:15). In this, we discover the purpose of man's creation. God called Adam to be a provider, a protector, a progenitor and a guardian. In short, God made him to be a father. Yet, for ancient Israelites, Adam's paternity was not reducible only to his biological fatherhood. Nor was it a sum total of regular fatherly duties. Scripture points to Adam's fatherhood to be, above all else, a priesthood. The Hebrew words for Adam's mandate in the garden "to till it and keep it" – abodah and shamar – appear together elsewhere in the Pentateuch (the fi rst fi ve books of the Bible) only to describe the ministry of the priests and the Levites in the holy sanctuary (Num 3:7-8; 8:26; 18:5-6). This shows that God intended Creation to be a royal temple built by a heavenly king and served by a priest, a divinised creature, who through his holy work, is also a co-creator with God. This was the primary work of the Patriarchs (or "Fathers") after Adam. They fulfi lled the priestly role within their families. It was Noah who built an altar and off ered sacrifi ce on behalf of the household. So did Abraham, so did Jacob. They were mediators for their tribe, ministers of sacrifi ce, custodians of the covenant with God. By means of their blessing, they passed their priesthood on to their fi rst-born sons. From the priesthood belonging to every father of the family, the ministerial priesthood passes on to one clan, the family of Aaron and his sons, to serve the nation of Israel as priests, after the Israelites' shameful act of idolatry in the desert. Growing impatient with Moses and Aaron, the Israelites turn to the worship of an Egyptian idol, a golden calf. As Adam had forfeited his priesthood through his act of disobedience, the family patriarchs also forfeit their own. The only tribe that did not participate in this shameful act was the tribe of Levi. And so God gave the priesthood to this tribe, who went on to fulfi l that role in Israel for a millennium and a half. With the coming of the New Covenant, Jesus restores the original, natural priesthood of Adam to all those who receive Baptism and a new life in Him. Christians are a kingdom of priests, and Christ is the new Adam. Yet, Jesus also established an order of priests to serve His Church through sacramental ministry. St Paul considers himself a priest and a spiritual father – "For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel." (1 Cor 4:15-16) Hence, acting in the person of Christ, the ordained priest is the image of the Heavenly Father. In the priest, we see a fatherhood that goes beyond the biological dimension. A priest's life, like Adam's, is intended to be an act of total self-giving. He holds nothing back, just as Christ gave His life for His Church. That is the reason for the priest's celibacy. The six young men to be ordained for the Archdiocese of Bombay on March 28, are called to be "Fathers" in this sense—spiritual fathers to the people they will serve, becoming living channels for God's people to experience the loving 'Fatherhood' of God. To be faithful to this role, priests must keep themselves close to Mary, the new Eve, the "mother of all the living" (Gen 3:20). The sacred Ordination of a priest in a diocese is a sign of new life and the perpetuation of God's Fatherly love and care for His children. Just as there is great rejoicing in a home with the birth of a child, the Church in Mumbai will erupt with gladness when these six young men rise as God's holy priests, uniting themselves in spirit to the Fathers right from the dawn of Salvation History. (with excerpts from Scott Hahn's 'Many are Called' (2010)) Fr Joshan Rodrigues is on The Examiner Editorial Board, with the additional duty of Managing Editor.

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 5 FFRR AANICETONICETO PPEREIRAEREIRA lay faithful will fi nd, guided by the Holy Spirit, many more avenues for involvement in the mission of Jesus Christ. And the same Spirit will lead us to be amazed at the much wider variety of gi s that He bestows on all Charisms in Unity the members of the Church. In recent mes, including in the experiences shared by the par cipants of the Synod he Archdiocese of Bombay is rejoicing at God's gi of six priests who will on Amazonia, we are seeing how the be ordained by our Archbishop, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, on Saturday, Holy Spirit is indeed revitalising the March 28, 2020: Fr Cedric Rosario, Fr Cli on Mendonca, Fr Frankie Crasto, Church, by inspiring the religious to be T Fr Godfrey Malu, Fr Joseph David and Fr Kelvin San s. It is yet another involved in many new ministries, as tes mony to us that God is taking care of our local Church, invi ng young men to well as lay persons, especially women become labourers in His vineyard, guiding them through the thick and thin of the and youth, to take up the challenge of eight long years of seminary forma on, and enabling the community to welcome engagement in transforming society. the newly ordained as they enter into ordained ministry. By making a distinction between Even though we have the 'hierarchical' gifts of the ordained six new priests this ministers and the 'charismatic' gifts year, we surely share (charisms) of the religious and the lay the concern of the faithful, the Church's magisterium has Church universal that definitively placed the responsibility is lamen ng the lack for animating the religious and of voca ons that are the lay faithful in the hands of the actually needed for the ordained ministers; the hierarchical comprehensive mission gifts are to be at the service of the of the Church. In the charismatic gifts. As the Holy Father recently concluded explains: "The one who presides at Synod of the Bishops of the Eucharist must foster communion, the Amazonian region, which is not just unity, but one that we were made aware welcomes the abundant variety of of the fact that the gifts and charisms that the Spirit number of priests is so pours out upon the community". low that some Chris an (QA, No. 91) In other words, it is the communi es in that priests' responsibility to harness the region can celebrate the charisms of the women religious, as Holy Eucharist only once well as the lay faithful, specifically a year! Wherefrom came women who have a unique charism. the very controversial All priests, including our newly discussion about the ordained, are therefore challenged to possibility of ordaining well-tested married men to the priesthood. In his recently understand their sacerdotal ministry, published post-synodal exhorta on Querida Amazonia, as we all know, the not as a blossoming of personal Holy Father not only laid the controversy to rest, but has challenged us not to talents, however phenomenal they look for quick solu ons. He invites us to see rather the greater opportunity this may be. The sacramental priesthood situa on opens up before us, to harness the charisms that the Spirit is generously has for its principal objec ve to bestowing on everyone else in the Church, besides the ordained ministers. "Priests be at the service of the bap smal are necessary," the Pope explains, "but this does not mean that permanent priesthood, helping the religious and deacons, religious women and lay persons cannot regularly assume important lay faithful nurture their charisms. responsibili es for the growth of communi es, and perform those func ons ever Priests need to be happy when other more eff ec vely with the aid of a suitable accompaniment. Consequently, it is not members of the fl ock of Christ shine simply a ques on of facilita ng a greater presence of ordained ministers who can with their God-given talents, and celebrate the Eucharist. That would be a very narrow aim, were we not also to also to be sad when they fail to be strive to awaken a new life in communi es." (QA, Nos. 92-93). catalysts of God's project of showering With a decrease in the number of priests, the religious, and defi nitely, the everyone with missionary graces! As a fi nal phase of their forma on, Fr Aniceto Pereira is Rector, St Pius X College (Archdiocesan Seminary), our newly ordained were deputed to Goregaon East. reside in parishes and serve as deacons.

6 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 At the end of the four months of intensive diaconate ministries, they had lots to share about their pastoral experiences. Yes, they did ﬁ nd the tasks of preaching and PPriestsriests needneed toto bebe happyhappy wwhenhen ootherther assis ng at sacramental rites daun ng, constantly comparing their own abili es with those of the senior clergy in the mmembersembers ofof thethe fl oockck ooff CChristhrist s hshineine presbyteries. But what gripped their a en on most was the wwithith ttheirheir GGod-givenod-given talents,talents, andand alsoalso dexterity with which the senior priests had to handle various situa ons, day in and day out, some very simple issues, ttoo bebe ssadad wwhenhen ttheyhey failfail toto bebe catalystscatalysts and others highly complex problems needing solu ons. They realised that priests need to be able to use a variety ooff GGod'sod's projectproject ofof sshoweringhowering eeveryoneveryone of so skills to deal with the non-ordained - lay faithful and religious. Failure in this regard, they no ced, leads to wwithith missionarymissionary graces!graces! a lot of frustra on about the Church and its ministers, and

explains boldly, "Authen c solu ons are never found by dampening boldness, shirking concrete demands or assigning blame to others. On the contrary, solu ons are found by 'overfl ow', that is, by transcending the contraposi on that limits our vision and recognising a greater gi that God is off ering." (QA 105) Sacerdotal ordina on is indeed going to give our six ordina a very sacred power— that of becoming an authority in the community. May the words of Pope Francis, once again, always remind them that, some mes even about God. "although the priesthood is considered hierarchical, this Furthermore, since the priests, religious and lay faithful func on is not meant to be superior to others, but rather is work at close quarters to fulfi l the mission of the Church, totally ordered to the holiness of Christ's members. When there are bound to be moments of confl ict, which, when the priest is said to be a sign of 'Christ the head', this refers appearing on social media, tend to scandalise. Unavoidable principally to the fact that Christ is the source of all grace: as confl icts surely are, they can be transformed into He is the head of the Church because He has the power of opportuni es for the growth of the community, guided by pouring out grace upon all the members of the Church." the Spirit. For this to happen, rather than dig in their heels, (QA 87) all the diff erent stakeholders need to expand their mental and spiritual horizons beyond the confl ict. As Pope Francis

Do you Wish to Give your Life in Service?

Young men eager to serve Christ and the Church may contact the Rector or the Voca ons Director of St Pius X College, Aarey Road, Goregaon (East), Mumbai 400063 at the earliest. Before beginning seminary studies, candidates normally must complete gradua on, though excep ons are permi ed, especially in the case of mature candidates with work experience. Those who have not yet completed their studies and who have the desire to become priests could also contact the Voca ons Director, Fr Godwin Fernandes. The Voca on Centre conducts special programmes designed to help such candidates make a right decision regarding their future way of life. Those who intend presen ng themselves for an interview should ﬁ rst meet their Parish Priest and get a le er of recommenda on from him. Fr Aniceto Pereira, Rector, St Pius X College, Aarey Road, Goregaon (E)

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 7 Called in Grace, Formed in Love, Sent to Serve SSixix newnew ppriestsriests ttoo bbee oordainedrdained fforor BBombayombay ArchdioceseArchdiocese byby HisHis Eminence,Eminence, CardinalCardinal OOswaldswald GGracias,racias, oonn MMarcharch 28,28, 20202020 aatt tthehe DDiocesaniocesan SSeminary.eminary.

Cedric Rosario Parents: Calist and Rosy Rosario Parish: Our Lady of the Visita on Church, Nerul, Navi Mumbai Mo o: To love to the end (cf. John 13:1b)

It would be impossible for me to iden fy the precise moment when I felt God calling me to be His priest, since the person of the priest has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I was raised in a very prayerful atmosphere by my parents who ensured that even though I was their only child, I was never pampered. By their life and conduct, they tried to ins ll sound values in me, and through their devout disposi on, cul vated a God-fearing a tude in me. Since my childhood, I have always been close to the Church; as a child, I was drawn to serve the Lord as an altar boy, as a youngster to be involved in the Youth Group, the choir and the SCC. The lives of the priests and religious in the parish and in my family also mo vated me to consider dedica ng my en re life in service in the Lord's vineyard. Seminary life, too, has been a memorable experience. It was totally unlike the strict cloister that I had conceived it to be. I am grateful to the Seminary staﬀ for moulding me into the person that I am today. They have been instrumental in iden fying my strengths and providing me with avenues for growth, and I am truly blessed to have spent eight fulﬁ lling years in St Pius X College. I am equally grateful to the many priests who have assisted in my forma on in the many parishes where I had the good fortune of rendering service. The years of forma on have indeed passed by so quickly, that it is hard to believe that the day of ordina on is soon to dawn upon me. My only prayer is that despite my limita ons, the good Lord may enable me to reach out in loving service to His people to the end, both in me and measure.

Cli on Mendonca Parents: Joseph & Gladys Mendonca Parish: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Orlem, Malad West Mo o: In Search of the Lost (Luke 15)

O en in life, impulses move us. As a kid, my impulse gravitated towards astronauts and priests. I wanted to be either one, or both, if I could manage it. I used to love playing 'Mass-Mass' with my brother, while daydreaming of hitching a one-way ride to the stars. I had to give up both these impulses by the me I reached college. The former, because there was no course for becoming an astronaut, and the la er, because college life convinced me that the three priestly vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience were not my cup of tea, or coﬀ ee or anything. And so, since the Kingdom of the Stars, and of God, were out of my reach, I se led down for the earthly kingdom. I pursued studies in Mechanical Engineering, and by 21, I had a Bachelor's degree, an emigra on to a First World country, a job in tool and die design, and a bright future. Honestly, I felt I had 'everything'. But deep down, there was this uneasiness; an intui on that this cannot be what my life is all about. And so I quit. Almost overnight, I came back home, convinced of my decision; yet, quite lost. All this wasn't part of my original plan. I didn't know the way ahead any more. Once I had 'everything', and now, nothing. But it is at our 'nothing' that God does His best work. I began to see the Priesthood anywhere and everywhere. It got frustra ng, and I wanted it to stop. So I made an impossible prayer (though secretly hoping it would come true!). I had never told my mother anything ever about the priesthood. So I prayed that God show it to my mother in her prayer me, that I must become a priest. Everything suddenly went quiet and blank. For three months, there was absolute silence on God's part. Then one morning, my mother felt that God had told her something. And she told me those exact words. A month later, I joined the Goregaon Seminary. We are 'in the world, but not of it,' and o en, we get lost in this dual ci zenship. Yet, each me, the Lord searches us out from the deepest recesses and farthest places. His search may seem unproﬁ table, imprac cal and pointless to us. Yet, God's silly, lavish and prodigal love overcomes a life me of incomplete impulses.

8 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 Frankie Mathias Crasto Parents: Elias & Gladys Crasto Parish: Our Lady of Mercy Church, Pokhran, Thane Mo o: "Go...make disciples of all na ons...bap sing them...teaching them...I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Ma hew 28:19-20)

The fi rst seeds of faith and love for God and our Blessed Mother Mary were sown by my parents, especially my mother. These ini al seeds of faith, hope and love were then nurtured and nourished further by some good priests and Sunday School teachers. However, as I grew up into the teens and beyond, God and the Faith were reduced to the level of a superfi cial and social obliga on. Grave sin and darkness too entered certain areas of my life. There was also a lot of pent-up pain and anger too about certain harsh experiences of life, such as the closure of my dad's company and the complica ons that followed. Then, at the threshold of youth, there occurred a key experience that I count as divine interven on. At a prayer mee ng, I was graced with a beau ful and powerful experience of God's grace in the me of preaching and subsequent me of prayer. The God-Experience that began that day, and con nued therea er, was the beginning of a renewed spiritual journey that was to fi nally culminate in the experience of God's Call to the Priesthood. Through the Eucharist increasingly, I began to experience a deep longing and desire in the direc on of the Priesthood. I would feel and think, "I wish God would give me too the gi of the Priesthood, to celebrate the Eucharist and bring God to His children." Having reached a crisis of meaning, purpose and clarity (which had aff ected my work as a teacher, as well as my spiritual life), I experienced once again the hand of God, in the form of the enlightened counsel of a priest. Through him, God revealed to me that the crux of my diffi cul es was my not being in the right place. I was indeed happy to be able to see and respond to God's Call fi nally, and join the Bombay Archdiocesan Seminary, St Pius X College, in June 2011. On account of this experience of God's Call, I've felt inspired to take as my mo o, Christ's Great Commission to share the Good News of God's matchless Grace, Love and Mercy in Christ Jesus. It is now my responsibility to not just keep Him to myself, but to share Jesus, the Pearl of Great Price, with whosoever would like to hear of Him and receive Him.

Godfrey Francis Malu Parents: (Late) Francis and (Late) Greta Malu Parish: Our Lady of the Sea Church, U an Mo o: "It is I; do not be afraid" (John 6:20)

In a world where there is so much inclina on to make money, fi nd good jobs, become professionals, I suddenly realised that these material things did not bring the kind of happiness that my soul desired. The call to priestly voca on began when God gave me the gi of faith at a very young age, through trials that made me discern my calling to the priesthood. When I was in Std V, my dad passed away. Being very close to him, I felt a vacuum in my life. With no one to support us fi nancially, my mother wanted me to drop out of school and help her. But I refused to do so. At that me, my friends encouraged me to join the altar servers. I loved to serve Mass regularly. The closer to the tabernacle, the more comfortable I felt. In fact, I began to realise that I felt more happy and peaceful in the church than at home. At one altar servers' mee ng, I felt this strange desire of mee ng the priest in charge, and sharing all my problems with him. A er a session of counselling and guidance, the priest off ered to let me stay in the parish. My joy knew no bounds, because through Jesus and with Jesus, my needs were being taken care of. I was in the company of priests; I served Mass regularly, and loved to observe their pastoral work and help them. A very senior priest helped me discover my voca on. In his free me, I would always ask him about the priesthood, and he would tell me, "It is not easy, but when God calls, He will take you through." It was the lifestyle of this priest, his guidance and support that inspired me to be a priest. Five years into seminary life, I found it diffi cult to pursue my voca on. I felt I was not as good as my batch-mates in academics, and I thought I would never make it to the priesthood. I was beginning to lose confi dence in myself. To add to the exis ng diffi cul es, I lost my mother (my only strength and support a er dad) to ovarian cancer. With no one to look a er the family aff airs, I almost decided to leave the seminary to look a er my family. Today, when I look back on those days of indecisiveness, I am happy I listened to the voice of God who said, "It is I; do not be afraid." Throughout my seminary forma on, I have no ced the hand of God holding me steadfast. As I prepare to shepherd the fl ock of Christ through my ministry, my words and ac ons and my personal experience, I want to reach out to the broken families, and especially the youth who need to be made strong in their faith and realise that Jesus is their pillar of strength. To reach out to them and reassure them in the words of Jesus—"It is I; do not be afraid." (Jn 6:20)

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 9 Joseph David Parents: Mary and (late) David Parish: Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Goregaon (West) Mo o: 'It Is More Blessed to Give than to Receive' (Acts 20:35)

Saint Pope John Paul II expressed it well when he said that Priesthood is both a gi and a mystery. It is a gi because it powerfully unites us to the saving work of Jesus, and a mystery because, through ordina on, a priest is united to the very Priesthood of Jesus Himself! When I think about my voca on, I can say confi dently that my voca on is a combina on of both these aspects—a gi that I received and a mystery that matured within me, through a loving Catholic family experience. It was here, in my family se ng, that I came to know that God loves me, and I learned how to love Him. Growing up, I always a ended Mass with my grandparents. From an early age, my parents taught me that loving and serving God was the most important part of life. I completed B.Com. and worked in the Customer Service fi eld for 13 years. Through this period, I learned how to struggle and grow in my faith in a secular environment, while I put priestly discernment on hold, and focused on performing well in the world. And fi nally, today, when I look back, I certainly see how God was plan ng seeds of my voca on from my young age. If someone would ask me to describe my seminary journey using a single word, then my response will be "Cool!", meaning I feel blessed! I have learned a lot of diff erent things over the years, both intellectually and emo onally. The most important thing I've learned is that God is faithful. He knows the desires of our hearts, and He doesn't place a call there, and then just leaves us to our own devices. If we are earnestly seeking Him out every day, He's going to give us the grace and strength, and even the direc on to grow in that call and live it out. And so it's been a blessing to both learn and experience that. And I have also been blessed by the fraternity of my fellow seminarians, as we walk this journey towards the priesthood together. Now, certainly, in the Seminary, there were challenges too, all stemming from the fact that I had to confront myself fully, including my many weaknesses, faults and sins. Confron ng these things meant dying to myself and pu ng my confi dence in the saving power and mercy of Christ. This was not easy, nor did it happen overnight as a painless undertaking. However, eventually, the ul mate desire is to love and serve Jesus Christ. I have chosen the mo o from Acts 20:35, because it is the a tude of giving that gives life to our voca on, and makes it bear fruit.

Kelvin San s Parents: Anthony & Lorina San s Parish: St Vincent Pallo Church, Marol Mo o: Let your light shine (Ma hew 5:16)

I was fortunate to be raised in a loving, close-knit family; having a family like that was my idea of a happy life. My parents, grandmothers and sisters ins lled in me virtues that forever shaped my life and moulded me into the person I am today. The church ground at St Vincent Pallo , Marol was my second home; I remember playing there very o en, and especially those moments when priests from my parish joined us. These priests were the Voca on Promoters who spoke much through their ac ons. A er I fi nished my Class X exam, I was invited to a end a Youth Camp, organised by the Youth for Christ (now known as MFC Youth), where I fi rst encountered the love of Jesus. But as a teenager, studies, a en on from girls, sports seemed more a rac ve than this experience of God. I was consistent with my commitment to the Youth for Christ, primarily because of my friends. But slowly, over me, this experience of God's love started deepening. I s ll did not think of the priesthood as an op on, because giving up my current life seemed too radical, although I wanted to give God the best years of my life and reach out to other youth. So I volunteered to become a full- me pastoral worker (FTPW) with the Couples for Christ Movement. As an FTPW, my fi rst mission trip was to the North-East, where I had to conduct a series of forma on programmes. Living with people who were in abject poverty changed my life forever. They were completely rejected by society, but the joy in their heart made me ques on my priori es. At one Eucharis c celebra on (which used to take place once a month, due to shortage of priests and distance from the Church) during the off ertory, I felt God asking me, "What more can you do for me?" And the only response I had at that moment was to be a priest, so people never have to wait to celebrate the Eucharist. I had many ques ons in my mind, but I knew for sure that God will never abandon me. My mind was fi lled with ques ons, but my heart was sure of God's presence. As I stand at the threshold of the priesthood, I know that I s ll don't have answers to many of life's ques ons today. What I know for sure, and what I experience each me I sit before God, is that assurance which gives me hope – God is always present with me, and He will never abandon me. I have chosen my mo o from Ma hew 5:16—'Let your light shine' because I see that God is glorifi ed not by my great work, but in my being 'good'. I am just a refl ec on of that great Light who helps me walk the journey of life, so that when people interact with me, they encounter Jesus through me, and I (through my ministry) can keep the fl ame of Jesus' love burning in them.

10 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 CCHRISTOPHERHRISTOPHER MMENDONCAENDONCA I had been born blind, so that the glory of God might be displayed.1

How could what was considered a 'punishment' Journeying beyond be the source of a revela on of God's glory? I wasn't expec ng a cure, Belief to Faith nor had it crossed my mind to pray for one. Perhaps, this is what intrigued the Pharisees, TThehe mmanan bbornorn bblindlind that I could fi nd joy in living, simply because ((aa fi rrst-personst-person account)account) I had not allowed my blindness to defi ne me. Job ini ally allowed his suff ering and misfortune to defi ne him and his rela onship with the LORD. was born blind, and my parents considered it unfortunate. It all changed when, in a moment of 'insight', While they did their best to cope with the social s gma beginning to see with the inner eye of the heart, thrust upon them through no fault of theirs, he realised that he had obscured the LORD's designs there were circumstances beyond their control. with empty-headed words, IFor one, I would have to earn my living by begging. holding forth on ma ers he could not understand, "Nature" with its capacity for self-healing marvels beyond his knowledge. 2 has its way of compensa ng, of course. Together with the 'nurture" that my parents provided, The fran c search for a cure may o en mask I developed a sense of hearing and sensi vity our reluctance to be inwardly healed; which I could only count as part of the many blessings happy only if we have our self-image restored. that balanced the 'perceived' misfortune. The ability to see is no guarantee My early childhood learning ensured that we will "recognise" the LORD when He comes. that though I was born blind and could not perceive colour, The a tude of the Pharisees was enough evidence I was able to react to it, albeit diff erently. that this is o en the case. I felt a soothing calmness By the me my sight was restored, in the presence of blue and green; Jesus had gone elsewhere. the orange-coloured horizon of a sunset I would have loved Him to be the fi rst person I saw, provided its own unique warmth. as my eyes slowly began to take in the light for the fi rst me. Highly sensi ve to sound and touch, Instead, I found myself at the centre of a controversy; making my way from one place to another, my parents being dragged into it as well. I became increasingly sensi ve to "vibra ons" It ended by my being thrown out. and the special sense of "presence" And for the fi rst me, I felt alone, yet unafraid. that each individual exudes. Beyond the tenets of belief, I was now being called to Honing my listening skills, have faith. I became adept at picking up not only what was said, Faith gives us an iden ty, because it is personal. but what was intended, and o en le unsaid. Beliefs, on the other hand, may reduce us to anonymity My responses in a conversa on with others and close the eye of the heart, so that while we claim to see, were not determined by the looks on their faces. we remain inwardly blind. I could more easily pick up the pain of others Hearing that I had been turned out, Jesus found me. and was able to take inward delight Now I saw Him for who He truly was, in the joys that others shared. beyond the projec ons of a belief system But my increased sensi vity also picked up that are o en thrust on us. the sarcasm in people's remarks, Symbolically washing the mud paste off my eyes, and in my par cular case, pain and hurt. not only had my eyesight been restored, but So when I heard the disciples ask Jesus I found myself seeing with the eye of the heart as well. whether my sin or that of my parents "Do you have faith?" may be be er understood as was the reason for my being born blind, "Who do you say I am?" I secretly hoped that this man As I knelt down before Him, I understood who many considered a prophet that we know we have faith, would throw light on the subject. only when in answering that ques on, I was not to be disappointed, we go by default beyond appearances, but His answer le me curious. and see with the eye of the heart. References: 1. John 9:3 2. Job 42:5 Christopher Mendonca is a feature columnist on themes of special liturgical seasons of the year.

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 11 EEDDYDDY DD’SA’SA we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his Salt and Light in the purpose.' That's something we need to stay our minds on, if we want to time of Coronavirus know perfect peace. God knows what He is doing—and what He is doing elf-isola on, social distancing, and hours of Bible study and reading. is working all things for His people's pandemic, super spreader, We believe, for example, in the good. We may not always understand coronavirus, COVID-19. Just sovereignty of God. That's something the details of God's plan, but we know a few of the words that have we need to remind ourselves of, as that it is perfect. Who knows how the Sbecome part of everyday conversa on this virus spreads to every country Lord will use this disease in China, in the weeks since the fi rst outbreak and comes closer to our doorstep. We for example, where the Chris ans of of the novel coronavirus reported believe that the Lord is King over all Wuhan and many other places have from Wuhan, China on December 31, the forces of Nature. Psalm 29 tells us put themselves in harm's way to show 2019. As of wri ng this ar cle, there that the Lord sends forth His voice (as prac cal love and help to the sick are 182,834 confi rmed cases, out of He did in the beginning at Crea on) people of their city. This comes at just which 7,174 have died and 79,885 have and Nature obeys. Verse 10 says he sits the me when the Chinese authori es recovered, although these numbers are enthroned over the fl ood; the Lord sits are cracking down on Chris ans. constantly being updated. Of course, enthroned as king forever. The word New regula ons came into force on there is reason for concern, but how for 'fl ood' is the word used of the great January 1, 2020 which 'will require should we as Chris ans respond to an fl ood in Noah's day — a fearful disaster religious leaders and organisa ons event like this? Ma hew 5:13-14 says, that engulfed every na on and every to display complete devo on to the "You are the salt of the earth…You are creature with the breath of life in its Chinese Communist Party.' the light of the world." How can we be nostrils. Yet, the Lord was in control of We know too that the Lord has salt and light to the world in the me of that, bringing His good and righteous ordained the exact number of our COVID-19? purposes to pass. As the Lord asked days. Ps. 139:16, '. . in your book were Job (38:8-11) "…who shut in the sea wri en, every one of them, the days with doors when it burst out from the that were formed for me, when as womb, when I made clouds its garment, yet there was none of them.' Nothing and thick darkness its swaddling band, in all Crea on can alter the me and and prescribed limits for it and set bars the manner of our death; it will be and doors, and said, 'Thus far shall you whatever the Lord in His sovereign, come, and no farther, and here shall wise and gracious will has ordained. your proud waves be stayed?'" God It cannot be brought by 'bad luck' sets limits not just for the waves, but causing us to get infected and die for everything in the universe. The 'before our me'. We are immortal, waters of the fl ood are o en a symbol un l our work is done. So Jesus tells us We should bear witness to the Peace in Scripture for evil — but they are not not to worry, because it will not add a of God. Chris ans are to be known for outside of the Lord's will. Viruses, no single hour to our lifespan (Mt 6:27). their inner peace in the face of anxious less than the waters, are subject to This implies that we must be cau ous, circumstances. Is 26:3-4 — "You keep His mighty will. As R. C. Sproul used to but not over-anxious. him in perfect peace whose mind is say, there cannot be a single maverick We should bear witness to the stayed on you, because he trusts in you. molecule anywhere in the universe that coming judgment of God. Pes lences Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is outside of God's sovereignty. are one of the 'signs of the mes', Jesus God is an everlas ng rock." Where does Not only is the Lord sovereign, men ons in Luke 21:10-11, 'Na on the Chris an's peace come from? From but He is infi nitely wise. Romans will rise against na on, and kingdom focusing our minds on God and trus ng 11:33—'Oh, the depth of the riches against kingdom. There will be great in Him. Whenever trouble threatens, and wisdom and knowledge of God! earthquakes, and in various places, we need to keep our mind on the Lord. How unsearchable are his judgments famines and pes lences. And there We need to remind ourselves of the and how inscrutable his ways!' That will be terrors and great signs from many great truths about Him that we means not only that He knows what is heaven.' These things will characterise have learnt through countless sermons best, but that He knows the best way the approach of the return of Christ. of bringing about what is best. Of course, these things have always Eddy D’Sa is a Marine and Offshore The Lord is also gracious. He is been true of human history, but in the Engineer who works with the lesser sovereignly working all things for the parallel passage in Ma hew 24:8, Jesus privileged at YMCA Boys Home, Andheri. good of his people. Romans 8:28—'And (Contd on Pg 14)

12 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 CCHHOTEBHAIHHOTEBHAI believe—the fundamentalist evangelicals, or the voices of reason, as expressed by the cardinal? Touch Me Not Before rushing to conclusions, let us examine some more historical ertain fl owers and offi ce of sanc fying in a that "these are the signs facts. Two sisters of the shrubs immediately special way in the sacred that will be associated with SCJM congrega on were clam up when liturgy, which is an exercise believers … they will pick distribu ng communion C touched, so they of the priestly offi ce of up snakes in their hands on December 26, 2004 in are called "Touch Me Nots". Jesus Christ" (Can. 834§1). and be unharmed should Sri Lanka, when they were It is a natural self-defence We could also ques on they drink deadly poison" swept away by the tsunami. mechanism seen also in why Holy Water should be (Mk 16:17-18). Ironically, the elephants in tortoises, who withdraw Sri Lanka sensed something into their shells. Post the wrong, and rushed to the coronavirus pandemic, a safety of higher ground. lot of people have stopped Tilly Smith, a ten-year-old touching, or don't allow school girl from Surrey, others to touch them. The England, was holidaying Government is also pushing with her family at Maikho for the untouchability of Beach at Phuket Island, unnecessary things as a Thailand, when she saw the precau onary measure. sea water withdraw. She Perfectly legi mate. recognised it as a prelude So what do we make of to the tsunami, and saved a pastoral le er issued by sprinkled on the faithful Is the cardinal's her family and many others. Cardinal Oswald Gracias on during the Peniten al Rite, exhorta on then contrary She was renamed 'Angel March 5, that advocates the if it cannot even counter to Church teachings and of the Beach'. Similarly, same vis-à-vis the sacred the coronavirus? Devotees prac ce, or what we are Morgin gypsies on Surin liturgy? The le er inter alia take Holy Water home in told in sacred scripture? Is Island recognised the signs, states that: 1. The faithful bo les to be used in mes this indica ve of weak faith? and escaped in me. These should not shake hands of sickness. Such water When Pope Francis recently incidents teach us that faith while off ering the sign of is also collected from contracted a sniffl e and must be complemented peace, and should join their pilgrimage centres like the avoided public engagements, by reason and a scien fi c hands in a namaste instead. Jordan River, Lourdes or some comments on a temper. I shall now quote 2. Communion should be Vailankanni. Muslims bring renowned TV website asked, another popular text used administered only in the sacred Zamzam water from "Now where are all those every Advent season to hand. 3. This coming Good Mecca that they believe evangelists who claim to herald the coming of the Friday, the faithful should sprang from the rock struck perform miracles in the Messiah. "The wolf will lie not kiss the Cross, but just by Ishmael, the son of name of Jesus?" Similar with the lamb; the panther bow before it in venera on. Abraham. Hindus believe sarcas c sniggers were made lie down with the kid, calf, 4. The priests should wash/ that the waters of the Ganga when the diocese of Rome lion and fat-stock beast sani se their hands before and other rivers are sacred suspended public Masses for together, with a li le boy to distribu ng Communion. and purifying, no ma er a month. lead them. The cow and the 5. Holy Water receptacles how polluted. The Sikhs At the other end of the bear will graze; their young should be drained off . also believe that when Guru spectrum, we have cases of will lie down together. The Would this actually be Nanak struck the ground at fundamentalist preachers lion will eat hay like the ox. a denial of the effi cacy of Panja Sahib (now in Hasan in Africa. Scores of people The infant will play over the the Sacraments, by which Abdal district of Pakistan), died in a stampede to collect den of the adder; the baby the Catholic Church in water emerged and blessed oil. In another will put his hand into the par cular, lays much stress? s ll fl ows. recent case, a pastor told viper's lair. No hurt, no harm Canon Law states that Before His Ascension, his followers to consume rat will be done on all my holy "The Church carries out its Jesus assured His disciples poison, and nothing would mountain for the country happen to them because of will be full of knowledge of Chhotebhai has written several books and articles on the their faith. They died. Yahweh, as the waters cover Christian faith. Whom should we the sea." (Is 11:6-9)

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 13 We devoutly read this the gospel reading of the counters were all from the the Son of God, come down passage every year. Has it tempta on in the desert Book of Deuteronomy when from the Cross." It was the actually happened? Have (cf Lk 4:1-13). There is an the Israelites were struggling devil's last desperate gamble swords been turned into interes ng ba le of wits in the desert. So Jesus to stop Jesus from dying. ploughshares and spears between Jesus and the Himself had contextualised Here too, Jesus resorted to into pruning hooks, as devil. The fi rst tempta on scripture. How much more scripture, crying aloud, "Eli, another popular text from is elementary – to change should we! Eli, lama sabachthani"—a Isaiah claims? Should we stones into bread. Jesus Remember that it was quote from Psalm 22. then conclude that biblical counters this by quo ng the devil who knew Jesus' In the light of the above, I prophesies have remained scripture, that man does true iden ty and mission. would rather learn from the unfulfi lled, or scriptural not live by bread alone, but That is why he wanted to example of Jesus Himself. assurances ineff ec ve? from every word that comes scu le the game plan by That is why I would wholly The danger lies in reading from the mouth of God ge ng Jesus to make a false endorse Cardinal Gracias' scripture in isola on, or (cf Deut 8:3). or premature move. What exhorta on. It is be er to be out of context. Even in the Jesus faces the next would have happened had safe than sorry. As the adage above, there is a qualifying tempta on of power by Jesus accepted the devil's goes, God helps those who punch line – "No hurt, again quo ng scripture— dare to jump from the help themselves. no harm will be done on that homage may be made pinnacle of the Temple? He We would also do well all my holy mountain, for to God alone (cf Deut 6:13). would probably have died. to recall that the offi cial the country will be full The devil now turns Jesus' Even if He had risen again, Catechism of the Catholic of knowledge of Yahweh defence on its head. He too it would have passed off as Church says that the sin of as the waters cover the quotes scripture to his own an eerie miracle, and would presump on is when one sea!" The message is clear. advantage, saying, "He has have defeated His salvifi c "presumes upon God's Transforma on is dependent given his angels powers over mission. A er most of His almighty power or mercy on the fullness of knowledge you, to guard you … They miracles, Jesus would warn … and glory without merit" of God. It is not something will carry you in their arms in people not to speak of them. (CCC 2092). So let us not that automa cally occurs. It case you trip over a stone" But the devil was constantly presume anything or take has to be strived for. (cf Ps 91:11-12). Jesus fi ghts needling Jesus by calling Him God's mercy for granted. The most telling example back again with scripture, the Son of God. It was a cat In the onslaught of the is of Jesus Himself. We are "Do not put the Lord your and mouse game, all the way coronavirus, I choose to be a in the season of Lent and God to the test" (cf Deut to Calvary. There too, the 'Touch Me Not'. I'd rather be would have surely heard 6:16). No ce that Jesus' tempta on was, "If you are like Tilly, not silly.

SALT AND LIGHT IN THE TIME... (Contd from Pg 12) describes these things as pes lence, whether a It is striking how those who do will not die the beginning of the birth localised epidemic or a frightened so many people from it. How much more pains. As a birth approaches, global pandemic, should are by this virus. It has terrifi ed should people be the contrac ons are closer remind us of the Lord's shaken the world, perhaps of the judgment of God, together, more intense, words, and force the especially the economically when it sweeps over them more painful. Isn't that ques on upon us, 'Am I developed na ons of the suddenly, unstoppably, the point about the signs ready for Christ's return? world, where people feel aff ec ng every person who of the mes? As we draw Have I bowed the knee to immune and secure against has ever lived, no ma er closer to the Lord's return, Jesus as Lord? Am I living so many dangers. But now where in the world they these things become more the faithful, godly life He has they are confronted by a are! This pandemic (and frequent, more intense, called me to? Will I be put force that their wealth and every pandemic) is a small, more painful. So we are kept to shame at His appearing?' medical advances cannot pale shadow of the ul mate alert, in a constant state The coronavirus should save them from; there is judgment of God. And yet, of readiness for the Lord's impress upon us afresh that no vaccine at present, nor there is a vaccine for God's return, without ever being this world is passing away, is there likely to be any judgment. There is a cure. able to predict a specifi c that history is not going me soon. This virus is no But it is only found in Jesus date. It is always imminent, round in circles, but heading respecter of persons. It Christ, who bore the full but never predictable. Every towards a great and terrible cannot be contained. The eff ects of the virus of our sin genera on will think, with Day of Judgment. It should world is at its mercy. And to deliver that cure. genuine cause, 'It could drive us to pray and to yet, the vast majority of happen in my life me.' witness to the lost around us people will not contract this Every outbreak of with ever greater urgency. disease, and the majority of

14 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 RROSEOSE AALOYSIUSLOYSIUS That All May be One

CCentenaryentenary ooff tthehe bbirthirth ooff CChiarahiara LLubich,ubich, ffounderounder ooff tthehe FFocolareocolare MMovementovement

he Focolare Movement, offi cially known as the Work and choose, among the suff erings of Jesus, the one most of Mary, was approved by the Catholic Church in hidden and interior, that of being forsaken by the Father He 1962. It is now present in 182 na ons and more than s ll knew with absolute certainty to be Love, when he cried T two million people share closely in its life and work— out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" people of all ages, from small children to adults, people On making this discovery, Chiara did not hesitate: "If Jesus belonging to various religious expressions, consecrated loved us this much, to the point of feeling abandoned by and lay people, as well as people with no specifi c religious the Father to reunite us to Him, then this cry, this face of belief. Each one adheres to the Movement's goal and spirit, Jesus as the Forsaken One will be the one ideal of our lives!" while faithfully following the precepts of one's own faith and Jesus' word, 'May they all be one' then found the secret of its conscience. fulfi lment in His cry of forsakenness. "Love must be dis lled to the point of being only the Holy Spirit," writes Chiara. "It Two sides of the coin—Unity and Jesus Forsaken is dis lled when it passes through Jesus forsaken. Thanks to When rela ng her personal experience, Chiara used to say Jesus forsaken, recognised and welcomed as the one and that when God chooses a person for one of His projects, only good, unity is no longer a utopia; it becomes history, that person is like the brush in an ar st's hand or the pen humanity's real history." between a poet's Chiara described Unity and Jesus forsaken as the faces of fi ngers. She always the same coin, and the thickness of the coin would be all the felt she was simply words of the Gospel that we are to live by. an instrument to The spirituality of unity springs forth from this free, fulfi l God's plan. exclusive choice of Jesus forsaken, the same choice that Chiara and her allowed Jesus to pour into Chiara's heart streams of living fi rst companions water and light which He wanted to communicate in their found in the Gospel fullness to all. Indeed, in its early years, in 1949, the story of the meaning of Chiara Lubich and her work went through a period of intense their life, words illumina on. Chiara herself wrote: "It seemed that God to live by, day by wanted to give us an intui on of some of His plans for our day. One phrase Movement. We also understood be er many truths of our deeply struck faith, par cularly who Jesus forsaken was for humanity and them: "Father, may for Crea on – He who summed up all things in Himself." they all be one" (Jn 17:21). They felt Going to God together: a collec ve spirituality they were born for One fact is truly original in the experience of the Focolare those words. They Movement, at least in the degree of its intensity and in its understood that specifi c fruits; this experience is radically a shared one. It when Jesus made is about going to God together. In living this spirituality of this prayer to His Father, He showed us a fundamental truth: communion, we understand that we have to live as persons God is our Father, and we are all brothers and sisters. Unity ever in rela onship with others, not as individuals who are in all its possible nuances became the only purpose of their detached from others. During his pastoral visit in May 2018 lives, and of those who soon joined them. to Loppiano, Italy, one of the small towns of the Movement, A few weeks a er Chiara's consecra on to God, together Pope Francis underlined this characteris c of the Focolare. with her fi rst few companions, she was guided to discover "The charism of unity", he said, "is a providen al s mulus and a powerful aid in living this evangelical mys cism of 'we' (as opposed to 'I'), that is, walking together in the history of Rose Aloysius, a member of the Focolare, is deeply passionate men and women of our me as of 'one heart and one soul'." about the culture of unity and universal brotherhood promoted Pope Francis said that this is not just a spiritual fact. Jesus by the Focolare Movement. She is very active in formation did not only redeem us as individuals, but He also redeemed programmes for teens and youth. (Contd on Pg 17)

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 15 VVERAERA AALVARESLVARES World Water Day - Water and Climate Change NO-designated 'World Water contamina ng them permanently. Day' is celebrated on March Many precious water bodies - casual es 22 with a view to crea ng of our unplanned and haphazard awareness of the importance development - can no longer supply Uof water to life on Earth. Each year, fresh potable water to us. ac vi es focusing on a theme relevant When development fails to take into to the prevailing environmental account the value of natural resources, are closely connected to one another, condi ons that need the world's the juggernaut of progress squashes and if one of them is in peril, tremors immediate a en on are planned. So everything in its path, the consequence are felt all over! this year, predictably, the theme is of which changes the face of the Deforesta on and contamina on of 'Water and Climate Change'. Water Earth. We are only the custodians of water sources are the major causes of being the lifeline of all Crea on, we the natural resources on this Earth, water deple on on Earth. Deforesta on need to advocate conserva on of water and have been entrusted the duty results in the destruc on of natural bodies and sustainable management of of safeguarding this planet for our water catchment areas, increasing water available to us. Next to air, water children and genera ons to come. As the risk of water shortage. Drinking is the most important cons tuent of caretakers of all Crea on, do we have water shortage results in diseases, our life-support system. the right to destroy it? epidemics and contributes to famine Hopefully, raising awareness As the younger genera on from and food insecurity. Approximately about the vital importance of water the surrounding villages gave up 18 million acres of forest cover is to safeguard human security and farming to migrate to towns and ci es, destroyed annually for agriculture and maintain the health of the planet's the demand for housing suddenly for housing. This means that half of ecosystems will contribute to collec ve escalated. The new harbour, industries the world's natural forest cover has ac on. Climate change—visible and infrastructure brought migrants, already been cleared by man, and more through unprecedented condi ons and the li le pastoral town crawled is destroyed by forest fi res caused by such as soaring temperatures, along the coast, over hills and dales to high ground temperatures. With the diminishing and unseasonal rainfall, become a metropolitan city. destruc on of forests, catchment areas cyclones and forest fi res, fl oods and It has been argued that natural have vanished, ground water levels droughts—is the result of human resources should be consumed have fallen, and water bodies have greed and exploita on of the natural judiciously, giving Earth me to dried up! resources. The impact of climate renew and regenerate them. But If we are aware of the consequences change and the rapid contamina on what is the ground reality? To meet of our ac ons, we can adopt a and deple on of water bodies has to the needs of unchecked urbanisa on sustainable lifestyle to conserve all be tackled with utmost urgency. and growing popula on, land is the natural resources. Avoid wastage Water is a precious natural resource. being reclaimed from seas, rivers of food, water, fuel and electricity. In We depend on water for irriga on, and forests everywhere. Mangroves rural areas, wells and ponds should be industry, domes c needs, sanita on and wetlands have fallen prey to the periodically cleaned, and maintained and for disposal of waste. Most of the expanding network of roads and other with care. Ci es which are paved leave water bodies such as ponds, lakes, infrastructure. Huge tracts of land no open ground for percola on of streams, rivers, seas, oceans have have turned barren due to mining, and rainwater, which fl ows into the drains, become polluted due to industrial leave gaping wounds on the surface of and ul mately into the sea, unu lised growth, urbanisa on and other the Earth. The waste generated at the and wasted. Use of alterna ve forms of ac vi es of human development. mines poisons not only ground water, energy, harves ng rainwater, plan ng A heavy fl ux of sewage, domes c but also the soil that refuses to yield saplings can revitalise nature and waste, industrial effl uents and crops. Factories and mills spew out possibly reverse the trend of Climate agricultural waste is discharged into harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, Change. Above all, we need to be rivers and water bodies of the world, pollu ng the air and making it unfi t for convinced that a conscious eff ort to breathing. Packaging of fancy consumer care for Crea on is no more an op on, Vera Alvares is a regular contributor goods adds to the mounds of waste but an obliga on! to The Examiner. generated. All the elements in Nature

16 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 THAT ALL MAY BE ONE... (Contd from Pg 15) social rela onships. Together, we can forge a new face to the spirit of the Movement and collaborate for its goals, in the city of mankind, according to the plan of love of God. belief that all humanity should live as one family, and that, in all religions, there is the presence of the Holy Spirit. 360° Dialogue This experience of deep inter-religious dialogue brought To achieve the goal of universal brotherhood, the people Chiara Lubich to visit India twice: in 2001 and 2003. On her of the Movement engage in various forms of dialogue and fi rst visit, she was awarded the 'Defender of Peace Award' by are commi ed to building bridges of fraternal rela onships the Gandhian Shan Ashram of Coimbatore. Upon receiving among individuals, between cultural groups, and in every the award, Chiara Lubich said, "I will honour this recogni on area of society. you have given me by working even harder, as long as God The Focolare is deeply commi ed to live and promote gives me life, to revive unity in the people and groups I meet, inter-religious dialogue, and strives to witness that religious in the ci es and na ons I visit; unity, the specifi c charism of pluralism should not be a cause of division and war, but my Movement, which is a guarantee of peace." should contribute to the building of brotherhood and world This is the legacy she le , which is now taken ahead by the peace. Various faithful from diff erent religions share in the members of the Focolare in India.

Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee of Rev. Fr Oscar Rozario, SJ

The comple on of 50 years of priesthood, on Saturday, March 14, 2020 was indeed a glorious milestone in the life of Rev. Fr Oscar Rozario, SJ. The day began with the celebra on of the Holy Eucharist at St Michael Church, Manickpur, Vasai (West) at 11 a.m. Archbishop Felix Machado of Vasai, accompanied by the jubilarian and Rev. Fr Neelam Lopes, Rector of St Michael Church, were the celebrants. In his homily, Archbishop Felix spoke in glowing terms about Fr Oscar's un ring and selﬂ ess dedica on in all the assignments he was entrusted with — Pastor, Rector of the Bombay Diocesan Seminary and trainer. He recalled his personal encounters with Fr Oscar with a sense of nostalgia. Besides family members and rela ves, the congrega on comprised of a number of priests, religious and parishioners of Manickpur. Oscar was born to Angelo and Bea ce Rozario of Holy Cross Parish, Kurla on October 15, 1942. Together with their other three children—Barbara (the eldest), Hyginus and Errol—the family was well known as a devout family, taking an ac ve part in Church ac vi es. Daily, the three brothers would rise early to rush to church to serve Mass. Oscar was a brilliant student at Holy Cross High School, and excelled in elocu on compe ons, debates and poetry recita on. Li le wonder that he passed the SSC examina ons with ﬂ ying colours! At the age of 14, Oscar heard God calling him to be a priest. He decided to join the Society of Jesus. It was with some hesita on, rather reluctance, that the Parish Priest gave his nod to Oscar, who he hoped would join the Diocesan Seminary. A few years later, the self-same Parish Priest would commend Fr Oscar for the inspira on behind his brother Errol's voca on, choosing to become a Diocesan priest! At the seminary, he had to wait un l he was 17 for his cassock; size ma ered! He was ordained on March 14, 1970 at St Anne Church, Mazagaon. A labourer in God's Vineyard, his priestly ministry gave him an opportunity to give of his best in whichever parish or ins tu on he was appointed. In Manickpur, Vasai and Nashik, he would a end court proceedings to acquire be er knowledge of Marathi, especially legal terms. Among his various appointments, he served as Rector of St Mary's School, Mazagaon for a two-year term, was appointed Rector at the Diocesan Seminary (1982-1997) in Belgaum, and in parishes – St Peter Church, Bandra, St Michael Church, Manickpur, Vasai (a total of 14 years, two terms as Rector). With his experience as Rector, he was chosen to train seminarians in Sri Lanka for a couple of years. Above all, wherever he went, the people of the area anxiously longed to greet him, to see the radiant smile on his face and take his blessings. Summing up, at the end of the day, he would pray: I did it for the Greater Glory of God! (Presently, Fr Oscar resides at St Michael Church, Manickpur, Vasai.) J.P. Barre o With inputs from Mr Hyginus Rozario, Kurla

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 17 EEDENDEN FFERNANDESERNANDES

Boost your Lent-o-Meter using Social Media

an is a social using your social media apps animal," in a posi ve, life-affi rming said the manner this Lent: Greek ""Mphilosopher,M Aristotle, 1) Share meaningful content centuries ago. We are ge ng Whenever you see a quote more and more social as the that inspires you, an image decades pass by; maybe man that brightens your day, is a social media animal now. or a joke that makes you Instagram, Facebook, Twi er laugh, share it. Chances have become normalised are, it can make someone words that are ingrained in else's day too. There is so our daily vocabulary. Who much nega vity in the world 3) Spread updates, Don't forget to celebrate would have thought that we and on the news; sharing share news your own success too. It could let people at the other posi ve content can change Social media is the fastest keeps people updated about end of the earth know about the way people see the way to spread news and your life, and gives them a our opinion on poli cs or world, and the way they updates that will be helpful chance to be part of your what food we like at the click see themselves. Op mism and informa ve to people. In happy moments. of a bu on. Endless scrolling always goes a long way. Let's our genera on, most people and pos ng pictures are part fl ood the digital world with don't have me to read the 5) Seek help and help of our everyday rituals. But life-enhancing posi vity. news. So when they see others too what if we used these tools Instagram stories or posts Some mes, there's nowhere in order to be er the world? 2) Follow inspiring pages about a certain news item, to go and no one to turn Social media is such a We all love to follow funny they will be thankful for it. to. There are people who powerful tool that it can meme pages and some mes We have a responsibility are looking for help and make or break people. 'infl uencers' who don't here. Call out false and compassion on social media, Spreading posi ve content always infl uence us in the fake news, and resist when they are going through can brighten up someone's right way. We need to adding to the avalanche of personal and emo onal day; you could be an rethink what we want to be informa on that inundates turmoil. It's a place for infl uencer of good in your infl uenced by. It can help us our cellphones. Share news such people to unite and own right. The term 'Social grow into be er individuals. only if it passes Socrates' help each other. You can Media Fast' is o en bandied 'TobyMac #SpeakLife' is one triple fi lter test: Is it true? Is do your part by lending a about during Lent, but we such posi ve handle we it good? Is it useful? helping hand to others and also tweak the way we use it, can follow on Instagram. listening to their problems. regulate the me we spend The reason simply being 4) Celebrate success On the fl ip side, if you have online, and also make social that reading their content When you see celebratory a problem, you can share it media a highly eff ec ve tool will help you view life in a posts from your friends, too, but never give out too to spread the spirit of the diff erent light, a be er light. take me and celebrate with many personal details. Once Lenten season. them by re-pos ng or by you have connected online, Here are ten ways for replying to their posts. Some pick up the phone and talk friendships and bonds are to each other, or be er yet, Eden Fernandes is currently doing her internship maintained virtually, and we meet up in person. at The Examiner. need to adjust to this too.

18 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 6) Beware of too those who cannot raise it for followers will talk about their likes, shares, comments, many selfi es themselves. Raise your voice faith too, if they see you everything. Take a break Clicking and sharing too to educate, to inspire, to taking the lead. and engage in a hobby, or many selfi es is an indulgent upli . Always remember that explore the world around act of vanity. There's no need your voice is powerful, and 9) Share posi ve images you. Spend me talking to seek valida on about your it needs to be heard, even We are visual creatures; to your family, or go beauty from others; instead, virtually. You have an impact that's why books turn into visit someone. we should be more worried on the world. Words need to fi lms, and songs turn into Social media is a gi of about our beauty inside. be used with care. Use them pain ngs. When we see, the modern world. It is Do we use social media for for good. we believe. So if the sky o en condemned as bad good? to help others? To looks pre y or if you see and addic ve, but goodness mo vate and affi rm one 8) Share your faith something funny, share it. and badness comes from another? To promote a "Let faith be the bridge People love to see posi ve the human heart. We can posi ve body image? These you build to overcome and inspiring things as they convert anything into a are ques ons we really need evil and welcome good." - scroll. You can either share powerful force for good. to ask ourselves. Maya Angelou or create your own images, Begin today. Make someone When you share your faith and spark joy in the lives of smile, share good news, 7) Raise your voice online, others are inspired by others. celebrate success and detox "Our lives begin to end the your story. There's no be er yourself too. day we become silent about gospel than the tes mony 10) Detox yourself things that ma er." - Dr of a good Chris an life. It's Take a break. We all need Mar n Luther King, Jr a way of giving hope to it, but we some mes don't Raise your voice in support the world, spreading the admit it. Too much social of others, in the celebra on good news. Faith is a scarce media can tear you down of life, as an advocate for all resource, and it needs to be and you really need a that you believe in, for all nurtured. Your friends and detox from all the posts,

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 19 cultures they work with, while living out their voca on in the service of others. The Carmelite Cloistered nuns were my personal favourite. I had only heard of them as nuns isolated from the world behind grilles. But this mental picture I had of them Youthful and Faithful completely changed on interac ng with them! No one would say that these nuns are upset about being behind grilles. The joy within them and the constant smile on their faces took me FPL - A Study Tour by surprise. I marvelled at how they could be so happy with Fast, Pray, Learn (FPL) was a Study Tour to learn more about limited communica on during the day, secluded from the the diﬀ erent religious congrega ons - a unique ini a ve by world behind those grilles, and yet be so updated on current the PYC of our parish. As Youth, we know so li le about the happenings around the world. Sharing their voca on stories func oning of these congrega ons and the missionary work with us, they told us what kept them so happy; all of them they carry out. Our aim was to interact with the diﬀ erent had just one response—"it's only because of Jesus that we are religious congrega ons across the Archdiocese to express our so happy." We also visited the Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of gra tude for the work they do. the Immaculate Concep on, the Canossians, Daughters of the Recently, two of the priests in our parish passed away, so Cross and the Redemptorists - all working in their own ways we encouraged the Youth on this Study Tour to pray and fast to serve the Lord. the en re day for the well-being of all priests and nuns serving We also learnt of the priests belonging to the Archdiocese in our Archdiocese. We ended our fast with a special Mass for of Bombay and how their charism was mainly to serve in our priests and nuns. parishes in the archdiocese. We found this study tour very interac ve, informa ve and enriching, as it gave us a holis c understanding of the various religious orders in the Roman Catholic Church. We con nue to pray for every religious congrega on that we visited on this trip.

Cynera Rodricks, IC Church PYC, Borivli

Service with no strings attached March 1, 2020 was a red le er day for the St Peter's Youth Social Service, popularly called the YSS, as it completed 50 years of commendable service to the parishioners of St Peter's Church and the residents of Bandra. The fi rst house we visited was Vinayalaya, to meet the The YSS was founded on March 1, 1970 by Fr Douglas Rowe, Jesuits. Listening to how this congrega on was established SJ, along with a handful of dedicated youth with the objec ve is a story in itself. According to me, the Jesuits are ever so of implemen ng ac vi es with the mo o 'We Serve Others To dynamic in the work they do; they truly model their mo o - Show We Care'. ‘For the Greater Glory of God’ - because they are always ready The fi ve founder members—Clarence Gomes, Fr Richard to extend their hand to help and serve whoever requires D'Souza, late Claude Barre o, late Jimmy Machado, and late it. The same quality was seen in the Salesians, who were Benjamin Saldanha—opened a bank account by inves ng Re extremely welcoming and really happy to have us visit their 1/- each. However, with the purpose of having a long las ng congrega on to throw light on their charisms. The Don Bosco organisa on, youth of various castes and creeds studying in Church and School at Matunga and the Provincial House are colleges have been a strong backbone that has helped the YSS extraordinary examples of the charism of the Salesians in to achieve this milestone. fulfi lling their mission to help those who are poor and needy The ac vi es and projects that are being implemented by and promote the integral growth of the young, primarily in the St Peter's YSS are: the fi eld of educa on. The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) Summer Holiday Club - Organised during the month of May is another congrega on that carries out missionary work since the past 50 years for children whose parents cannot that is not limited to any country; they preach the Word of aff ord to take them out for summer holidays stay occupied God, and work with primi ve tribes all over the world to help with healthy recrea onal ac vi es. them create an iden ty for themselves. This congrega on has Parish Library - With its rich and varied selec on of books and something unique compared to the others. They promote having very nominal fees, the library a racts readers from all performing arts like music, dance, etc. They appreciate all the over Bandra.

20 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 Free Textbook Distribu on Scheme – At the commencement of the academic year, poor and deserving students from all over Bandra, irrespec ve of caste and religion, are given textbooks and other sta onery items. Parish Christmas Tree – During the season of Christmas, a Christmas Tree Party is held for all children who reside in Youthful and Faithful Bandra. Children from various orphanages are also invited for a grand celebra on. Medical and Blood Dona on Camps – Annual blood dona on camps are organised to donate blood to the poor and needy residents of Bandra. Medical Camps for pa ents suff ering from cancer, cardiac ailments, and ophthalmic issues are also regularly organised. Employment Bureau – During the forma on period of the YSS, there were many dropouts and neglected youth who had gone astray. Keeping this in mind, the YSS established the Employment Bureau for those who were not so educated by placing them in offi ces, factories, and even opening up opportuni es abroad. Sports Tournaments – To keep the youth occupied with healthy recrea onal ac vi es, and also to encourage local talent, the YSS has regularly been organising tournaments for girls and boys in Football, Hockey, Volleyball, Football-Cricket Gomes, President of the YSS, who elaborated on the need- and Throwball. Hundreds of sportspersons were employed in based projects implemented by the YSS, for not only the reputed companies. residents of Bandra, but also for many of the unemployed Civic Awareness Programmes – To enlighten the youth and youth who used to visit the St Peter's Employment Bureau to their parents on civic issues and law and order problems, seek jobs in factories, offi ces and also abroad. regular interac on mee ngs were held in the YSS Conference Fr Frazer Mascarenhas praised all the former and new Room with the police and municipal authori es. members of the YSS for the service they were daily rendering Counselling Cell – In order to help and assist parishioners and to the poor and needy persons of the suburbs. local residents with various problems, free consulta on and Mr John Murzello, Hon. Secretary of the YSS, proposed counselling services were provided. the Vote of Thanks to all the dignitaries, sponsors and well- Besides the above projects undertaken by the YSS, we wishers who had contributed in a very big way towards the would like to pay homage to all the hardworking YSS members growth and progress of the YSS ll date. who have supported and given their me, energy and A Golden Jubilee March was conducted by the compere, resources to the organisa on, and are now res ng in eternal Mr Darryl Loyola, which culminated in a game of 'Bombing peace. Furthermore, it is our honour and pride that a few of the Years'. There was a dance performed by the girls of the our members have chosen to serve the Lord in his vineyard: Summer Holiday Club cap oned 'Years may come, years Fr Richard D'Souza SJ, Fr Conrad Pesso SJ, Sr Lavinia Almeida may go', choreographed by the talented Shivraj, which DOC, and Deacon Navin D'Silva. Not forge ng those members was appreciated by the audience. To crown it all, this was who have been employed in reputed NGOs and other social followed by a Fashion Show designed by Deurell Fernandes, service organisa ons in the city of Mumbai. bringing back memories of the Golden Jubilee Era i.e. from On Sunday, March 8, 2020, a concelebrated Mass was 1970 to 2020. held at 6.00 p.m. at St Peter's Church, with the presence of Later, a lively sing-song of old party songs was sung by Mr Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, Bishop John Rodrigues Lawrie D'Souza. During the func on, many past and present and eight other priests who were closely associated with eminent members who had done commendable service to the organisa on. The Holy Eucharist was well a ended by the organisa on were honoured and felicitated with gi s. The all members from Mumbai, and abroad. The concluding event ended with the Grace before Meals, led by Sr Lavinia Thanksgiving Prayer was presented by Mr Michael Gonsalves, Almeida, one of our former YSS members. All those present who is associated with the YSS Library. relished the delicious snacks donated by The Ambassador Therea er, a grand Golden Jubilee celebra on was held at Hotel through the good offi ces of Mr Aniceto Gomes, and the St Peter's Square and the two Golden Jubilee Cakes were cut sumptuous dinner sponsored by various renowned caterers by Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, Fr Frazer Mascarenhas, of Bandra. Every guest present was presented with the Parish Priest and other senior members of the organisa on. Golden Jubilee souvenir i.e. a keychain given by Mr. Angelo One of the cakes was made by a YSS member, Denver Coelho. Mascarenhas and family. The Welcome Address was presented by Mr Clarence A. Clarence A. Gomes

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 21 the authori es; they must decide … on measures that people do not like. But it is for our sake ... We pray for our rulers who NOTES COMMENTS must make the decision on these measures that they feel accompanied by the prayers of the people," the Pope said.

Pope Francis: Do not Public Mass ban in Italy forget the poor during the leads to new focus on coronavirus pandemic 'spiritual Communion' CCOURTNEYOURTNEY MARES,MARES, CNACNA CCINDYINDY WWOODEN,OODEN, CNSCNS The suff ering of the poor cannot be ignored during the coronavirus pandemic. "Worried about my things, we forget Public Masses are banned throughout Italy, but literally the hungry children," Pope Francis said March 12 in his thousands of Masses are celebrated each day, and in televised morning homily from Casa Santa Marta. addi on to watching them on television or computer screens, the faithful can receive "spiritual Communion." A er the World Health Organiza on declared the global COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, the Italian Prime Pope Francis, a er reci ng a livestreamed Angelus Minister Giuseppe Conte introduced further restric ons, prayer March 15, told people, "United to Christ, we are forcing all non-essen al businesses, restaurants and cafes in never alone, but instead form one body, of which He is the country to close. the head. It is a union that is nourished with prayer and also with spiritual communion in the Eucharist—a prac ce Pope Francis put these limita ons into perspec ve: "Maybe that is recommended when it isn't possible to receive today, here in Rome, we are worried because 'it seems that the sacrament." the shops are closed, I have to go buy that, and it seems that I cannot go for a walk every day, and it seems this …' We forget The idea of "spiritual Communion" — invi ng Jesus into those poor people who are on the borders of countries, one's heart and soul when receiving the actual sacrament looking for freedom, these forced migrants who fl ee from isn't possible — is part of Catholic tradi on. hunger and war only to fi nd a wall, a wall made of iron, a wall In the 1700s, St Alphonsus Liguori wrote a special prayer of barbed wire, but a wall that does not let them pass," Pope for spiritual communion: "My Jesus, I believe you are Francis said in Casa Santa Marta. really here in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you more than The Pope said that there is an abundance of informa on anything in the world, and I hunger to receive you. But since in our newspapers about the suff ering of children who I cannot receive Communion at this moment, feed my soul are hungry and who do not have necessary medical or at least spiritually. I unite myself to you now, as I do when I educa onal resources, yet people remain indiff erent. He actually receive you." called it "the drama of informa on that does not go to the Auxiliary Bishop Paolo Ricciardi of Rome, wri ng in the heart", in which "the heart is detached from the mind." Va can newspaper March 11, said, "This month, all priests Pope Francis compared this indiff erence to the Gospel will con nue to celebrate Masses, and even if they cannot parable of Lazarus and the rich man. He said the rich man par cipate, Chris ans will con nue to carry into the world knew Lazarus' name, but ignored his needs, crea ng an the grace of years of abundance to face these weeks "abyss" between them, both in life and in death. He noted of famine." that Christ calls the poor man in the parable by name, but The bishop prayed that acts of spiritual Communion describes the rich man only with adjec ves. would help people "joyfully rediscover all of the good "This is what selfi shness does in us—it makes us lose our that the Eucharist has given us from the day of our real iden ty," he said. "We have fallen into the culture of fi rst Communion." adjec ves, where your value is what you have, what you In countries where Catholics can and do receive the can do." Sacrament frequently, they do not hear the term "spiritual "Today, we ask the Lord for the grace not to fall into Communion" very o en, but it has been men oned even in indiff erence, the grace that all the informa on we have about recent Church documents. human suff ering will go down into the heart and move us to The Vatican's preparatory document for the 2012 do something for others," said Pope Francis. International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin said those "We con nue to pray together, in this moment of who cannot receive the Eucharist can have spiritual pandemic, for the sick, for family members, for parents with Communion, declaring their desire to receiving the children at home," Pope Francis said at the beginning of Mass Eucharist and uniting "their suffering of that moment with on March 12. "But above all, I would like to ask you to pray for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ."

22 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 The working document for the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist in 2005 addressed the idea of off ering up the sacrifi ce of being unable to receive Communion. It said: NOTES COMMENTS "Spiritual Communion, for example, is always possible for elderly persons and the sick who cannot go to church. In manifes ng their love for the Eucharist, they par cipate She also suggested Catholics can make the prac ce of in the communion of saints with great spiritual benefi t for handwashing an opportunity for prayer. For example, she themselves and the Church. By off ering their suff erings to said washing hands while saying a Hail Mary takes about 20 God, the Church is enriched." seconds, the expert-recommended amount of me at the sink. In Sacramentum CaritaƟ s, the document that Pope Benedict Lynch also said anyone can benefi t from refl ec ng on XVI issued in 2007 refl ec ng on the synod, he cau oned people how they've already conquered anxiety, and then prac sing against thinking they had "a right or even an obliga on" to calming rou nes that have worked in the past. "It's a very receive the Eucharist every me they went to Mass. normal reac on to be fearful or concerned…[but] you don't "Even in cases where it is not possible to receive want to fan the fl ame of that fear. So what are the steps that sacramental Communion, par cipa on at Mass remains you can take, knowing yourself?" she asked. necessary, important, meaningful and frui ul. In such In general, Lynch said, people can benefi t from breathing circumstances, it is benefi cial to cul vate a desire for techniques, which help equalise the body and reduce anxiety. full union with Christ through the prac ce of spiritual "Breathing is one of the best self-calming tools we can have. Communion," wrote Pope Benedict. You know, just relaxing and crea ng a habit twice a day to just take some deep breaths, close our eyes, hold our breath and exhale… You [may] pray a Hail Mary while you're holding your Anxious about the global breath, and then you calmly exhale." Lynch said there are also plenty of spiritual prac ces to help pandemic? Advice from a Catholics handle anxiety. Lynch suggested Catholics look up the devo onal prac ces recommended by their local diocese. Even Catholic psychologist if churches have cancelled their Masses, she said, Catholics can PPERRYERRY WEST,WEST, CNACNA also watch the Mass on channels like EWTN, or online. While the coronavirus has Americans scrambling for canned "We're so blessed to have our faith, the Catholic faith, goods, respirator masks, and especially toilet paper, one because we have so many tools from a spiritual perspec ve. Catholic psychologist has encouraged people to take deep I think this is a great opportunity, because we're so busy in breaths and remain calm. our daily life that we can use this to actually develop some spiritual habits, and incorporate them in this a empt to Dr Chris na Lynch, a supervising psychologist for Denver's reduce our anxiety." St John Vianney Theological Seminary, told CNA that fear of the pandemic is normal. But even in the global health crisis, "Maybe develop a habit of just spending fi ve to 15 minutes she said, peace is not beyond our reach. "Being frightened every morning when you fi rst get up. Maybe get up a li le bit about something that we don't understand is normal. I think earlier and just pray, whether it's silent … read[ing]scripture … the fi rst thing we have to do is normalise our emo ons and or pray[ing] a decade of the Rosary," she said. realise it's okay. We are all uncertain. We don't know what Lynch urged people to monitor their intake of media, the future holds," she said. "We fear the unknown. We want especially news sources that have poli cised the virus or to be in control." promoted fear. "Some of the things that we know we can do to Coronavirus expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, said the situa on counteract fear is limit your media coverage from sources that will worsen, no ng that the pandemic will last for several want to ins ll fear. Like those that poli cised the virus or those months. The op on of a complete social shutdown is not off that only focus on the bad stuff that's happening with the virus the table for Americans, he said. Amid the anxiety, people or what could happen, rather than the facts," Lynch advised. have rushed to local supermarkets to stock up on medicine, She acknowledged that the virus is likely to spread, and hand sani zer, and curiously, toilet paper. there is a chance that many people will be impacted. She Dr Lynch off ered a few techniques to help quell rising emphasised the value of taking prac cal steps in being anxiety levels. She encouraged people prone to anxiety to prepared for self-quaran ne. pay close a en on to expert advice on avoiding the virus, And Lynch encouraged Catholics to see the spiritual like washing hands, wiping down surfaces, and limi ng opportunity in the weeks ahead. "We're so used to being interac ons with large crowds. She said that for most people, in control. This is a great opportunity to know that God's in following substan ated advice will help diminish any sense control, and to just give Him more control and pray a prayer of of panic and worry. trust to God every day."

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 23 share the new initiatives taken by their parishes, and to NNEWSEWS · LOCAL have His Eminence in their midst. The journey to visit the parishes began soon after breakfast, and ended with dinner. Whilst relessly reaching out to everyone, His Eminence always had a smile on his Basic Liturgy Ministry Course face. Every parish made it a point to have some felicita on for His Eminence and Bp Allwyn. It was a heart-warming 2020-21 experience and joyful moment for many. The Archdiocesan Basic Liturgy Ministry Course for the year Fr Henry D'Souza, Dean of Navi Mumbai 2020-21 will commence from July 19, 2020 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Bandra. For registration, kindly contact: Office Tel: 2655-5500/2642/2556, Maxim: 98191 83369; Brenda 98203 40173 (Diocesan Liturgy Centre). Women's Day at Raigad "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to Diocesan Events cancelled in the collec ve eﬀ orts of all who care about human rights" (Gloria Steinem). The world has seen unprecedented light of the Coronavirus threat advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. A number of diocesan-level programmes and events The alarming fact is although academic education is that were slated to be held in the coming days have expanding to newer horizons, our treatment of women been either cancelled or postponed till further notice, s ll remains entangled in the dominant roots of patriarchal for reasons of caution in the face of the coronavirus percep on and upbringing. pandemic, and respecting the directives of the civil The Sisters and Fathers at the Raigad Mission work administration. Some of the events that have been put vigorously towards the empowerment of women from the off for the time-being are as follows: lower socio-economic backgrounds, with a speciﬁ c focus on 1. Pro-Life Day Mass and Rally which was scheduled to Katkari tribals. They reach out to them through various means be held on Sunday, March 29 at St Michael Church, such as educa on, Self Help Groups, livelihood programmes, Mahim (postponed). leadership training, capacity building programmes, etc. With 2. 32nd All-Mumbai Walking Pilgrimage for Peace from the desire to intensify the campaign towards gender equality Cross Maidan to Mt Mary Basilica, Bandra, which was in Raigad, we organised a Women's Day celebra on for all to be held on March 28, 2020 (cancelled). women from the parishes and women of other faiths. It was a great experience to see the women of all faiths coming 3. OPTIONS – Career seminar for students completing together under one banner - 'WOMEN FOR EQUALITY' - on Std 10 and 12, which was to be held on March 22 and March 11, 2020 at Mount Carmel Church,Korlai. April 14 at St Pius X College, Goregaon (cancelled). 'Towards An Equal World' was the theme and mantra 4. Lenten Recollections for Lay Leaders (Salvation Seva that was highlighted and reinforced through the talks, Kendra Hall, Dadar) and for married men and women discussions, etc. The Chief Guest was the feminist scholar (St Michael Church, Mahim) to be held on March 21- and "social change maker" Dr Vaishali Pa l, founder and 22 (cancelled). Director of Ankur Trust, Pen. She spoke from her heart on equality in the life of women, on trea ng women with respect and dignity, about the potential and unending Cardinal's Pastoral Visit to possibilities they hold within them. Dr Patil stirred them to talk from the depth of their hearts without fear and Navi Mumbai Deanery with freedom, ins lling a passion to rise above their "self- The Navi Mumbai Deanery (NMD) comprises of 12 imposed" slavery chains. parishes, from Airoli to Panvel, Rasayani and Uran. We The 270+ women met in groups for discussion; for them, were very privileged to have His Eminence, Cardinal equality was not only about mutual acceptance, respect Oswald Gracias and our Zonal Bishop, Allwyn D'Silva and dignity, but also equality at work, social contribu on, visiting our deanery from March 6-8, 2020, giving their at religious ins tu ons, and above all, the freedom to be time and blessings, conducting benediction, celebrating who they are and to do what they can, without narrow the Eucharist and meeting all the Priests, Religious and percep ons and inhibi ons. the laity. As one lay person put it beautifully, "It was an enriching experience to interact with the Cardinal." The A er this enlightening phase, there was a lot of life and laity were thrilled to express their joys and sorrows, laughter shared through the crea vity of women through

24 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 dances, songs and plays put up on stage. The host parish, Mount Carmel Church, provided excellent hospitality, and the Core Committee from among the members of the NNEWSEWS · LOCAL Raigad Janhit Manch did their best to make it a memorable experience for the women. We were blessed by the presence of Bishop Allwyn D'Silva who spoke to the women, and joined in their happiness. Raigad Dean, Fr Joe Borges, took pains to coordinate the programme, while Srs Rima and FORTHCOMING EVENTS Jyotsna guided the people throughout the day. The Sisters "Into Your Hands": A Holy Week Retreat and Priests deserve special apprecia on for suppor ng and The Jesuit Team at Vinayalaya is offering a Retreat of prayer, accompanying the women. silence, and instruction to enrich your experience of Our Lord's Passion in the silence and serenity of Vinayalaya Retreat House, Sr Bridget ACI, Convenor - Raigad Janhit Manch Andheri (E), from Wednesday, April 8 (7 pm) to Saturday, April 11 (5 pm). For details and registration, contact Vinayalaya Retreat House Ofﬁ ce at 2687 1975/2687 2194 or [email protected]. Bible Quiz Finals at IC Don Bosco Summer Camps 2020 Youth Pasch at Lonavla for Std. XII and above & Working Youth The Bible Cell (with their Spiritual Director, Fr Gnana Jothi) (Boys And Girls) - April 08 to 12, 2020 organised a Bible Quiz on two books – Exodus and the Acts Vocation Camp at Lonavla for Std. VIII to XII and above (Boys only) - of the Apostles – on March 8, 2020 at St Pope Paul VI Hall.. May 02 to 12, 2020 The evening began with a prayer by Fr Harry Vaz, our Parish Contact Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS), Matunga Priest. The quiz was conducted by Quiz Master Bro. Lawrence Tel: 2410 0633 W/A 99205 88382 E-mail: [email protected] from Goregaon, who will be ordained a permanent deacon on March 21. This was the 111th Bible quiz he has conducted.

There were 17 teams from different sectors who He even mastered Spanish at Mexico City which helped par cipated in the Grand Finale of the Bible quiz. There were him successfully interact with the local people at the PIME six rounds; a er the third round, nine teams were eliminated. Missions there. In 2010, he took over as the Parish Priest of There were ques ons for the audience too, with prizes for St Francis D'Assisi Church and St Hedwig Parish, Detroit, USA. the correct answer. There was a lot of enthusiasm among Five years later, he came back to India. In 2016, he the participants and the audience. The event ended with was appointed the Warden of St Xavier's Orphanage and felicita ng the winning teams. Boarding Home, a er which he was appointed Administrator Shalini D'Souza, IC Church, Borivli of PIME Regional House. He then served as the PIME Proper es in-charge. A er successfully discharging his du es at various levels, he was entrusted with the all-important Irla PP elected Regional post of Treasurer, PIME-India. His hard work and sincerity was rewarded when he was Superior of PIME India elected as the PIME Regional Councillor. Due to the sudden Rev Fr Ravi Thanaiah Marneni, Parish Priest of Our Lady and sad demise of Rev. Fr Augus ne Pale , Parish Priest of of Health of Velankanni Church, Irla, was elected Regional Our Lady of Velankanni Church, Irla, he was requested to Superior of PIME India on February 28, 2020. shoulder the additional responsibility as the Parish Priest there. Fr Ravi's recent elevation as Regional Superior of Fr Ravi was born in a remote village in Bhimanapelly PIME, India attests to his strong character and discipline, in Telangana State on January 5, 1972. He graduated while he uses his many talents and gi s with generosity and in Psychology from Madras University, Chennai. On faithfulness in serving God and his fellow priests of PIME. completing his training at the PIME Seminary in Eluru, he was ordained a missionary priest on May 7, 2003. He went on to complete his studies in Philosophy at PIME Vidya Bhavan, Pune and Theology in Divine Word in the Philippines. Fr Ravi started his service in the Lord's ministry The Examiner E-paper as a Vocation and Mission Animator at the PIME study The Examiner is available online at house, and con nued for four years. www.examiner.in The subscrip on cost is Rs 610/-. Despite knowing various languages like Telugu, Tamil, For details contact us on 2202 0221 English and Hindi, his desire to learn foreign languages led or [email protected] him to Rome, where he learnt Italian and gained an in- depth knowledge about the origin of the PIME Missions.

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 25 KERALA NNEWSEWS · NATIONAL CMI elects new Prior General Fr Thomas Chathamparampil, former Vice Chancellor of Christ University in Bengaluru, was on March 13 elected KARNATAKA the Prior General of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), a Kerala-based congregation. He succeeds Fr Noted journalist urges women Paul Achandy. to ﬁ ght for equality Fr Chathamparampil, who will hold the office for six years, was born in 1953 in Pulincunnoo, Alappuzha, and Women want equal opportunities, equal wages, equal was ordained a priest in 1983. He has a doctorate degree respect and dignity, even if it is for one day of the year. and authored a book "Organisational Commitment of They can achieve this only if they stand up together. Teachers of Higher Education" based on his doctoral This was asserted by noted television journalist, Faye study. The Union Ministry of Defence awarded him the D'Souza, during Bangalore archdiocese's celebra ons of rank of Honorary Colonel in 2012, when he was the Vice the Interna onal Women's Day. Around 400 women from Chancellor of Christ University, a post he held until 2019. various parishes of the archdiocese collaborated with its The CMI is the first indigenous religious congregation Women's Commission to organise the celebrations on in the Catholic Church of India. It was founded in 1831 by March 8 at Palana Bhavan in Bengaluru. Frs Thomas Palackal and Thomas Porukara, along with St Faye D'Souza, the keynote speaker, spoke on the topic 'New Kuriakose Chavara. Initially, the congregation was known Age Woman.' She said society gives freebies to women one as Servants of Mary Immaculate. The CMI priests work in day, but forgets about them the rest of the year. Women, she various parts of India and abroad. It has 3000+ members. said, are always in service of others at home, outside and in ...... MATTERSINDIA the communi es. However, when it comes to their issues, society expects women to stand up for themselves. Both men and women should engage in the struggle for gender equality, MIZORAM she added. She also said that women should support other Coronavirus: Churches to seek women to achieve the objec ve. divine intervention Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, who led the opening Mass and chaired the celebra ons, said women's A conglomerate of 15 major churches of Mizoram has asked strength is immeasurable; he urged them to continue to its constituents to seek divine intervention to contain the coronavirus pandemic, a church leader said. Member churches stand with the Church to work for the less privileged, the of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Commi ee were asked to needy and those in prison. The prelate urged women to seek God's interven on so that the state remains safe from improve their presence and involvement in all spheres of life novel coronavirus a ack and the global pandemic is contained, and achieve equality. The archbishop also apologised for the MKHC general secretary Rev Lalrinsanga said. wrongs done to women in the Church. "All the member churches across the state will hold Donna Fernandez, who spoke on 'Each for Equal,' stressed congregational prayer during church services, as per their the struggles of women and referred to the present scenario convenience," Lalrinsanga told PTI. "We have appealed to the across the country. According to her, the Citizenship people to follow the dos and don'ts set by the government in Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens order to prevent the spread of coronavirus," the church leader (NRC) would become most challenging for women — said. The church leader also said that the commi ee held a widows, separated and unmarried — along with orphans. mee ng in Aizawl recently during which it expressed concern She urged all present to join the march and fight for about alleged hoarding of essen al commodi es. "The church women's presence and iden ty. commi ee appeals to the people not to hoard commodi es and hike prices at the me of global crisis," he said. Msgr S Jayanathan, Vicar General of the archdiocese, described Jesus Christ as the foremost proponent of equality, ...... OUTLOOKINDIA referring to the woman at the well in Samaria in the New Testament. Jesus instructed the Samaritan woman to break stereotypes and made her the ﬁ rst woman evangelist who Please send your ar cles and reports with your name, brought her entire village to listen to Jesus. The priest address, contact number, author byline and relevant pictures asserted that the Church has no existence without women. to [email protected] ...... MATTERSINDIA

26 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 NEW DELHI Church dismay over report on NNEWSEWS · NATIONAL Indian education Church leaders and educa onists have raised alarm over a survey by a Parliamentary panel on educa on which found UTTAR PRADESH that over 40 per cent of Indian government-run schools do not have electricity and playgrounds. In its report tabled in Media conference addresses the Upper House, the Parliamentary Standing Commi ee on Human Resource Development (HRD) says that it is not just contemporary challenges about electricity, playgrounds and boundary walls, no ng that The National Institute of Social Communication government schools lack infrastructure—classrooms, libraries Research and Training (NISCORT) organised a national and laboratories. media conference on March 13 to address the theme "It is a major setback for the government, which is trying 'Contemporary Media Landscapes: Challenges and to provide education for all under the Right to Education Opportuni es.' scheme, because if the infrastructure is not in place, then the The conference was part of the annual alumni gathering targeted project will not be fulfi lled," Fr Joseph Manipadam, of the Ins tute that func ons under the Catholic Bishops' secretary of the Indian Catholic bishops' Offi ce for Educa on, Conference of India. The ins tute is located at Vaishali in the told UCA News. Ghaziabad district of U ar Pradesh, bordering New Delhi. "At least now, the government is acknowledging that there Inaugurating the two-day event, Sarah Jacob, senior is a problem, and it has to solve it as soon as possible because editor and anchor of the popular TV show 'We the People' the government has repeatedly neglected education for at NDTV, highlighted the contemporary media landscapes unknown reasons. Every year, the government earmarks a and its various challenges. She invited the par cipants to huge amount of money for educa on, but unfortunately the funds do not reach the persons concerned. Very o en, the transform the challenges into unique opportuni es to bring funds are misused or underused, but with the new fi ndings, about a posi ve diff erence to the polarised society in India. we hope things will improve." Addressing the media students, she advised them to have courage to face the challenges and to stand up for the truth. The Commi ee said budgetary alloca ons saw a 27 per cent drop from proposals made by the School Education Vinod K Jose, Executive Editor of Caravan, and R. J. Department. Although a proposal for Rs 826 billion (US$11.2 Simran, founder-Editor of Speak for Change Foundation, billion) had been made, only Rs 60 billion were allocated. spoke at the panel discussion, moderated by Fr Stanley According to the Unified District Information System for Kozhichira, the president of SIGNIS India. Educa on survey for 2017-18, only 56 per cent of schools In their presentation, Jose listed the ownership of have access to electricity, with the lowest rates in Manipur and Madhya Pradesh, where less than 20 per cent have the media houses, digital advertising and authoritative access to power. government as the three main challenges of the contemporary media, and Simran highlighted the poten al The panel recommended that the HRD Ministry collaborate of community radio in the present day context. with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to construct boundary walls, and work The research work on the 'Paradigm shi among brands with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to provide from tradi onal to new media for promo on and marke ng' solar energy and other renewable energy sources to ensure by Jolly Jain, a doctorate scholar at the Interna onal College electricity for all schools. for Girls, Jaipur, won the Best Research Paper Award among The panel also criticised the government for its dismal the four papers presented in the second edition of the rate of progress in building classrooms, labs and libraries to Na onal Media Conference. strengthen state-run higher secondary schools. Of the 2,613 Speaking at the valedictory func on, K. G. Suresh, founder sanc oned projects for 2019-20, the panel found only three Dean of School of Modern Media, Dehradun, invited the had been completed during the first nine months of the par cipants to be crea ve and imagina ve to be successful fi nancial year, warning that such delays will alienate students media professionals. from government schools. Although 1,021 additional classrooms had been sanc oned for the 2019-20 fi nancial Certificates of excellence for different categories were year, not even one was built during this period. also presented at the conference...... UCANEWS ...... MATTERSINDIA

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 27 Pope donates 100,000 euros NNEWSEWS · INTERNATIONAL to Italian Caritas Italy con nues to be the country with the highest number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Europe. The Italian ITALY government further ghtened restric ons by ordering the closure of all shops, except pharmacies and food stores. Pope makes mini-pilgrimage In this atmosphere of growing concern, Pope Francis outside Vatican to pray for end has sent a contribution of 100,000 Euros to Italian Caritas. He made the donation through the Dicastery for of pandemic Integral Human Development, whose mission is, among Pope Francis walked through Rome's deserted streets to other things, to promote solidarity with those who are pray for an end to the coronavirus, as the Va can said his most vulnerable. Easter services will be held without the public for the fi rst me. He le the Va can unannounced on March 15 to pray On March 10, the Dicastery issued a statement explaining at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and then walked how the gi is an expression of the Holy Father's "spiritual along one of Rome's main streets to visit the church of San closeness and paternal encouragement to people suff ering Marcello al Corso to pray before a wooden crucifi x said to from the current epidemic, and to all those caring for have protected Rome from a great plague in 1522. them." The money is meant to assist Italian Caritas in providing essential services in favour of the poor and The Pope prayed for an end to the pandemic and for the most vulnerable members of society. Diocesan and parish sick, their families and health providers and workers keeping Caritas centres in Italy run soup kitchens, homeless shelters, pharmacies and food stores open amid Italy's national dormitories, and more. lockdown. The Pope and a few security officers walked down an empty Via del Corso, which is usually jammed with Italian Caritas, along with the Sant'Egidio Community, shoppers and people taking strolls on Sunday. have both launched appeals not to abandon the poor and those who are at risk, especially at this me. Echoing the The 83-year-old Pope, who has been suff ering from a cold, words of Pope Francis, they are calling for "far reaching" decided to walk through the streets "as if on a pilgrimage," support that includes the psychological and spiritual Va can spokesman Ma eo Bruni said. "With his prayer, the dimension, aside from material and economic help. Holy Father pleaded for an end to the pandemic that has ...... VATICANNEWS struck Italy and the world," Bruni said. "He also implored the healing of the many sick people, remembered the numerous vic ms of these past days, and Rome's parish churches reopen asked that their families and friends might fi nd consola on After a brief closure, Rome's parish churches are once and comfort. His prayer intention was also extended to again open to the faithful. The reopening came less than healthcare workers, doctors, nurses and all those working in one full day a er Rome's Cardinal Vicar, Angelo De Dona s, these days to guarantee the smooth func oning of society." ordered every church in the diocese closed. The emergency The Pope's walkabout came just hours after it was closure was billed as part of measures to slow the spread announced that the Va can's Holy Week ceremonies will go of the novel coronavirus that has strained Italy's healthcare ahead behind closed doors, so as not to accelerate Italy's system, and caused widespread disrup on to ordinary life. devasta ng infec on rate. Chapels, shrines and other worship spaces are to In his weekly address, delivered from the Papal Library, remain shuttered, but parish churches and mission seats the Pope praised priests for their "creativity" in tending are once again open to the faithful for private prayer and to their fl ocks, especially in the Lombardy region, where devotion.The reopening came March 13, shortly after thousands have been hospitalised or are in quarantine. Pope Francis urged pastors not to abandon the faithful in Pope Francis said their eff orts demonstrated there are "a this time of crisis. thousand ways to be near" to the faithful, if not physically. "Let us unite ourselves in these days with the sick, [and] Although some Italian churches are being allowed to stay with families suff ering in the midst of this pandemic," Pope open for individual prayer, all public Masses are forbidden Francis prayed at the start of daily Mass in the chapel of the during Italy's lockdown. The Va can said the Pope's Holy Domus Sanctae Marthae on the morning of Friday, March Week and Easter services next month will be held without 13, the seventh anniversary of his elec on to the See of public par cipa on. Peter. "I would like, today, to pray for pastors as well," said ...... UCANEWS Pope Francis, "who must accompany the People of God in

28 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 this crisis—that the Lord give them the strength and the wherewithal to choose the best means for helping." NNEWSEWS · INTERNATIONAL "Dras c measures," Pope Francis went on to say, "are not always good."

The Pope asked the Holy Spirit to give pastors the capacity of her death, Karol Jr. was a month away from his ninth — the "pastoral discernment" in his precise words — "in birthday. "Emilia Wojtyła graduated from the monastery order that they adopt measures that do not leave God's school of the Sisters of Divine Love. With full dedica on and holy and faithful people without assistance." He went love, she ran the house and looked a er the sons Edmund on to specify: "Let the people of God feel themselves and Karol," the conference said. accompanied by their pastors: by the comfort of the Word of God, the Sacraments, and of prayer." His father raised his sons alone un l his death 12 years later. According to Catholic Online, Karol was a prayerful Pope Francis' almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, was man, and pushed Karol Jr. to be hardworking and studious. ahead of the Pope's Vicar for the Rome diocese. Cardinal The father also took on family chores such as sewing his Krajewski had opened the doors to his titular church of son's clothes. "Karol Wojtyła senior, as a father, was a Santa Maria Immacolata on the Esquiline Hill between deeply religious, hard-working and conscien ous man. John Piazza Vittorio and the Basilica of St John Lateran, in Paul II repeatedly men oned that he had seen his father defi ance of the Cardinal Vicar's order to shu er churches. kneeling and praying, even at night. It was his father who "It is an act of disobedience; yes, I myself put the Blessed taught him the prayer to the Holy Spirit which accompanied Sacrament out and opened my church," Cardinal Krajewski him to the end of his life," the conference said. told Crux on March 13. He also said he would keep his ...... CNA church open, and the Blessed Sacrament exposed for adora on, on Friday and during regular hours on Saturday. "It did not happen under Fascism; it did not happen under NEW ZEALAND the Russian or Soviet rule in Poland; the churches were not closed," he said. "This is an act that should bring courage to Deacon takes part in episcopal other priests," he added. ordination of son ...... CATHOLICHERALD.CO.UK A permanent deacon has taken part in the episcopal ordination Mass of his own son. More than 3,000 people POLAND from across New Zealand a ended the ordina on Mass of Krakow archbishop opens Bishop Michael Gielen (48) as an auxiliary bishop of Auckland. Deacon Henk Gielen took part in the Mass, which had beatifi cation causes of St John strong Maori and Pasifi ka cultural elements. Deacon Gielen, Paul II's parents from the Papamoa Coast, said he is very proud of his son – the oldest of six children in his family. Archbishop Marek Jędraszewski of Krakow announced that, having obtained the approval of the Congregation for the He said the news that his son was to be a bishop came Causes of Saints, the archdiocese has opened beatification as something of a shock, and he is s ll ge ng used to the processes for the parents of Saint John Paul II. The Archdiocese idea. But he thinks God called Bishop Gielen to this ministry, of Krakow publicly made the announcement March 11, se ng because "Michael has a heart for the less privileged and a in mo on the bea fi ca on causes of John Paul II's father, Karol heart of compassion." Deacon Gielen thinks there probably Wojtyła, and mother, Emilia nee Kaczorowska. are other instances in the Church where a permanent deacon has a son who is a bishop, but this is the fi rst me it Karol, a Polish Army lieutenant, and Emilia, a school teacher, has happened in New Zealand. were married in Krakow on Feb. 10, 1906. The Catholic couple gave birth to three children—Edmund in 1906; Olga, who died In his words of thanksgiving at the end of the Mass, shortly a er her birth; and Karol Junior in 1920. The family Bishop Gielen thanked his mother and his father, and all his was known to be faithful Catholics and rejected the increasing "precious family" for "your unwavering love, your challenges anti-Semitism of the time. "The immediate family strongly and your encouragement." infl uenced the spiritual and intellectual development of the When NZ Catholic asked Deacon Gielen what fi nal word future Pope," the bishops' conference said. of fatherly advice he might have for his son as a new bishop, Emilia had received a formal religious educa on. Before he said: "Be a man of prayer, be humble, be compassionate, she died of a heart attack and liver failure in 1929, the and learn from Bishop Pat." mother was a staple of faith for the house. At the time ...... THETABLET.CO.UK

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 29 their hands as per guidelines given by doctors? Some of them TTOO carry the Eucharist to 5-10 people on a trip. Should they repeat LETTERS TTHE H E EDITOR the procedure every me? Also, these sick people have a very low immunity level, so one has to be careful. Just a few points to ponder! Go and Tell others Julius D'Souza, Worli Sir, The editorial 'Thirst for Living Waters' rightly makes it incumbent on those who have met Jesus and believed in Him, Global fi ght against COVID-19 not to keep this belief to ourselves, but to go and tell others. Not merely by words, but also by our ac ons. We must ask ourselves: Sir, Most of us may have never experienced during our life me the are our ac ons convincing enough for people to respond to occurrence, spread and devasta on caused by a virus as deadly as 'Come and see'? The reac ons of the believers in Samaria too the coronavirus (COVID-19), which, in the short span of a month or have a message for us. Can we truly say we believe in Jesus, not so, has created worldwide panic, and spread like wild fi re, infec ng because we have been told so by parents, teachers, priests and millions and killing thousands in several countries. While most the Church, but because we have experienced Him ourselves? countries have heeded the alarm bells and responded posi vely How many of us can honestly claim this? to contain the spread of the killer virus a er the World Health Organisa on (WHO) declared the virus to be pandemic, there Anthony Henriques, Malad appears to be li le hope of the virus loosening its stranglehold on humans or making a quick exit. Scien sts are s ll working round COVID-19 threat: Taking the clock to combat the strain of the new virus, but have yet to develop a full-fl edged vaccine. As of now, the situa on worldwide precautions in Church is both fl uid and serious, even as several analysts have diagnosed Sir, The Official circular by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, giving the situa on as a 'doomsday'- like scenario with catastrophic and guidelines to help prevent the coronavirus, was mely, prompt disastrous consequences for public health, loss of lives and the and to the point. I thank His Eminence for the guidelines inevitable collapse of the world economy and mega recession. men oned therein. This change in lifestyle will go a long way As helpless mortals then, we can only hope and pray that the in helping us parishioners to a great extent. It's impera ve to tsunami-like catastrophe will abate soon, and Nature will come avoid close human contact, which is the conduit so far for the to the rescue by restoring the equilibrium of the devastated and prolifera on of the virus. polluted environment soon, and without adverse eff ects. What I suggest is also a temporary restric on on the sharing A. F. Nazareth, Goa of clothing material between parishioners, like the capes worn by Lectors and Eucharis c Ministers. In ordinary mes, it is an accepted prac ce, but now, it is suspect because these capes Spread awareness, not panic are shared between lectors, without following any fumiga on or Sir, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay, in steriliza on procedures. The storage of these capes is also suspect, his le er to all the churches, has asked Catholics not to kiss being kept in drawers and confi ned spaces. I would not go so far the statue of Our Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday as per the as to include albs, chasubles and stoles (shared by the clergy) in custom, either by hand or with the lips, and not to receive Holy this lis ng, but one can surely give it a thought. Communion on the tongue; this is laudable. Taking precau ons Secondly, the suggested restric on on the receiving of Holy in order to stop the spread of coronavirus is be er than catching Communion on the tongue is causing heartburn among a few the disease and regre ng it later. Coronavirus is a deadly Catholics who are not accustomed to receiving communion in the disease and spreads rapidly. So one has to be careful and take hand. I know of a very devout family that has stopped receiving precau ons so that the virus does not spread to other people. Holy Communion at Holy Mass, because the priests refuse to Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai give it to them on the tongue, and understandably so. It is rather painful to see these devout parishioners who desire receiving Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, at Holy Mass, but are helpless COVID-19 & Culture of Life about what to do. Empathising with these parishioners, can a Sir, Our beloved Cardinal Oswald Gracias has given us Pro-Life middle path be suggested? guidelines on how to tackle the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus, Finally, what about Eucharistic Ministers who carry Holy especially for the Good Friday services. Now Italy has become Communion to sick/homebound parishioners? Any special the European epicentre of this modern-day 'plague'! As of guidelines for them? You have these ministers who walk the March 16, 2020, there have been 1,84,134 confi rmed cases, streets, passing/encountering people, before they reach the and 7182 deaths. Italy is under lockdown, and has declared a home of the communion recipient. Are they supposed to wash state of emergency.

30 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who runs the Rome-based charitable offi ce and is close to Pope Francis, has revealed, TTOO "COVID-19 has all of a sudden changed the way we care for life. LETTERS TTHE H E EDITOR We have become lovers of life, and ceased to represent the culture of death that Pope John Paul II spoke of." "No one is having discussions about the living right of Down 'And Then There Were None' was a great pla orm in giving Syndrome pa ents, or whether it is up to the expectant mother to these youngsters from all backgrounds the exposure they abort her live foetus. Neither are Italians talking about euthanising truly deserve. the elderly. Rather today, we are looking for vaccines, and taking Aloma Carolina Pereira, Andheri (E) precautions to save lives through quarantine. Everybody is choosing life today, beginning with the media!" Coping with Job Loss "God loves the 'culture of life'. He does not want the death of Sir, The note on 'Coping with the Job Loss Scenario' by Vincent the sinner, but desires the sinner to convert and accept eternal D'Silva (The Examiner, March 07-13) was an eye-opener on life. These 40 days of Lent are also about choosing life over death, the current employment scenario in the country, and was very through three medicines that allow us to choose the freedom of well ar culated and presented. It was also nice to read about the resurrec on of life. The fi rst medicine - 'silent deeds of mercy' the crea ve approaches to dealing with redundancy that were always focused on the other person. The second - 'prayers' for the sought by the Archdiocesan Labour Commission (ALC) at the salva on of sinners. The third is 'fas ng', like giving up a dessert or a cappuccino, and dona ng the money to charity!" public mee ng that was well a ended on February 29. Hope we are able to implement some of the sugges ons noted down Dr Hazel Colaso, Bandra (W) by the ALC. Leveraging Christian corporates and hoping for priority status in recruitment may be diffi cult, since some of our And Then There Were None ins tu ons are averse to hiring people from our own community, because we o en work with an a tude of en tlement, instead Sir, In today's materialistic and technological scenario, of commitment. voca ons to the Religious Life are few and far between. Hence, my deep appreciation for the painstakingly staged Jesuit Many organisa ons run Assessment Centres to check the Juniorate's classic 'And Then There Were None' presented current competency levels of the mid-level managers, and see if recently, which boosted their morale and made them aware they are suitable for their current and future roles. Those who fail that the world appreciates and lauds their latent talents. the test are forced to move out and face an uphill task of ge ng another job, because of the age factor. Could the ALC organise English writer Agatha Chris e's psychological thriller 'And low-cost competency building workshops that would proac vely Then There Were None' was published in the UK on November help people stay relevant and cope with the changing demands 6, 1939 with the original tle '10 Li le Niggers' a er the of the corporate job? The scenario is only going to get tougher ministrel's song. Later, it was changed to '10 Li le Indians'. in the coming months. The present tle is taken from the last fi ve words of the song. This mystery novel was described by her as the most diffi cult Nancy Fernandes, Bandra (W) to write. The best-seller was made into a fi lm that topped the charts. 'And Then There Were None' was presented on February 28, Booking of Adver sements 2020; the script was somewhat adapted, as it had no female characters (the original had three). The per nent fact is that for the all the actors and produc on team were Jesuit novices from all over India, including Nepal. It's apparent that teamwork made Easter Special this dream work. A dream which took shape with polishing, chiselling, extrac ng, drilling and training—right from the issue dated April 11, 2020 has already actors to the prompters, music coordinators, vocalists, as well begun. Kindly contact the Adver sing as hall and backdrop arrangers. Department It was no small feat by newcomers who presented on themselves like veterans to stage such an intricate piece of work. This year, the standard of produc on was a few notches 22020221/ 22886585 higher compared to the previous years. or e-mail us at No one would even guess that these guys were fi rst- mers; each thespian held his own, in voice, delivery and mannerisms. [email protected] Director Conan Pereira can take some of the credit for this.

THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 · 31 rd 3 Death Anniversary IN LOVING MEMORY Month's Mind OF

Chris Eugene Reddy Date of Birth 31st May 1999 Capt. Ramsay Joseph Died: 20th March 2017 Fernandes 19 years

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32 · THE EXAMINER · MAR 21 - 27, 2020 6th Anniversary In Loving Memory of

FR. AUSTIN ALMEIDA Ordination: 16 April 1977 (22 June 1946 – 24 March 2014) “See, I have come to do your Will” Hebrews: 10-9 A Tribute of love from Fr. Bonaventure Nunes & Nunes Fly.

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