MNL (For Private Circulation) Fr. LouisMarieLéveil MNL willcontinue tobeavailable toourCENbrethren in socialmedia In February2020, ChennaiProvince willcomeoutwith its ownNewsletter. (WhatsApp), in emailsoftcopy aswellhard copy.Editor. Happy NewYear!Pongal!! Madurai Jesuits’Newsletter JANUARY 2020 CEN PROVINCIAL’S PROGRAMME JANUARY 2020 28-30 Maduralaya 25 23-24 22-23 21 19 17-18 12 04-11 Retreat 23-1 Mar 18 15 12-13 10-11 08-09 06-07 Vadamelpakkam 03 Tiruchi 02 FEBRUARY 2020 Visitation: Kuppayanallur CEN-MDU Joint Consult (Forenoon), PAATHAI,Visitation: Vallam LAV,Visitation: Vadamelpakkam Massfor theLoyola Campus, Chennai Convocation, Loyola College, Vettavalam JAAI Congress, SJC, Tiruchi Veethi ViruthuLoyola,Chennai Vizha, JCSA Meeting, Kathmandu CEN- MDUJoint Consult –Maduralaya with Co-workers &Collaborators) Pilgrimage to Konankuppam (allCENJesuits Visitation: LCM, Mettala Visitation: Harur Meeting ofOrdination companions LCV,Visitation: Vettavalam visitors,Meeting withGerman LAV, Mass, Feast Lady ofLourdes, ofOur SJC, Fr.Pedro Arrupe Province Assembly: Text of Fr. General’s Video Address Dear brothers and friends in the Lord, I am delighted to address you all gathered in Chennai for a very special Province Assembly. Today, you formally inaugurate the Province of Chennai which I have created through a decree dated 3rd December 2019. It may be good to look at a bit of history. Madurai Province traces its origins to St. Francis Xavier himself and has had a long succession of Jesuit pioneers such as the Society’s Proto-martyr Antonio Criminali, Robert de Nobili, St. John de Britto, Constantine Joseph Beschi who laboured tirelessly for the spread of the gospel adopting and advocating a thoroughly inculturated approach to life and mission. The transition from the Old Madurai Mission to the New Madurai Mission was swift, spontaneous and smooth. After the Restoration of the Society of Jesus, with renewed vigour, Jesuit pioneers resumed their work, establishing and consolidating mission stations, parishes and dioceses. Educational institutions and other works were started one after the other to empower the people. For greater apostolic effectiveness and administrative convenience, new entities had to come into existence -- the dependent Jesuit Malabar Region in 1956 which became Kerala Vice-Province in 1960 and Province in 1983 and the dependent Jesuit Andhra Region established in 1972 which became Andhra Province in 1988. After GC 32, there were consensus efforts in Madurai Province to work for the liberation of the poor, especially the Dalits, the Tribals, and other marginalised to live in dignity. Establishing a new Chennai entity to further enhance our mission, was a long cherished dream of the Madurai Province, repeated in the Postulates of successive Province Congregations. Immediately after GC 36, I responded positively to your request and asked for a discernment process to get underway. I am extremely happy with the discernment process that happened here through Spiritual Conversation, involving the entire Province. In the context of the restructuring that has been going on in the South Asian Assistancy and in the light of the UAPs, I am very happy to establish the new Jesuit Chennai Province and appoint Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj as its first Provincial, to further sharpen our mission for greater apostolic effectiveness. Please remember the Chennai Province needs to: • Ensure the sustainability of the existing and proposed new initiatives; • Promote quality vocations to meet the Jesuit personnel needs in Chennai itself and the universal Society; • Strengthen union of hearts and minds to work together as companions of Jesus; • Train our men for a wide variety of ministries with competence, commitment, and spiritual depth. I encourage the two Provinces to develop collaboration and engage in joint apostolic planning and sharing of personnel and material resources in areas that are or may become apostolically fruitful. May God, through the intercession of our Lady of the Way, and that of St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier and St. John de Britto abundantly bless all the members of both the Provinces, especially the new Chennai Province that is being established, their partners in Mission and the people they serve. The motto of the Loyola Chennai Campus where this Province Assembly is held is Luceat Lux Vestra. Let your light shine. Let each one be the “fire that kindles other fires.” Let me conclude my video address by repeating the Theme of this Province Assembly: “Rooted in Mission, Rejoice and Shine!” God bless you all!
CEN Provincial’s Mailing Address
Fr. L. Jebamalai Irudayaraj, S.J., Provincial, Jesuit Chennai Provincialate, Loyola College Campus, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034, Tamil Nadu (India) Fax: 91-44 28173411 / Email: [email protected], Tel: 91-44 28178411, Official Email : [email protected], Personal Email : [email protected]
2 Rooted in Mission, Rejoice and Shine Province Assembly and Inauguration of Chennai (CEN) Province (28 – 29 December) 2019
On December 28th, about 350 Jesuits assembled in front of the Main Block of Loyola College, Chennai, to offer a floral tribute to the statue of St. Ignatius before going in a procession, with Paraiyattam and folk dance, to the college church for the inauguration of the Jesuit Chennai (CEN) Province. Fr. Danis Ponniah, Provincial (MDU) was the main celebrant of the concelebrated Eucharist and with him were Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj, Provincial Designate (CEN), Fr. George Pattery, POSA, Fr. Jerome Stanislaus D’Souza (KAR), Fr. Amalraj Paramasivam (AND), Fr. Mathew Elanjipuram (KER), Fr. Dexter Gray (SRI) and Fr. Abraham Stanislaus Koppala, Provincial Designate (AND). During his homily, Fr. Danis retraced the labour pains of the past years which resulted in the happy delivery of the newborn Chennai Province. He drew a beautiful analogy of M & C (Mother-Madurai) and C (Child-Chennai). After the two Decrees of Fr. General establishing the new Chennai Province (CEN) and appointing Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj L. as its first Provincial, were read, Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj switched roles with Fr. Danis Ponniah and, as the Main Celebrant, continued with the Mass after washing the feet of two lay collaborators to symbolically represent our service for the marginalized. At the start of the formal sessions of the Province Assembly in Betram Hall, Fr. P. Francis Xavier, Rector of Loyola, Chennai, and Convener of the Province Assembly PrepCo, welcomed the gathering and spelled out the dynamics of the day. A video address of Fr. Arturo Sosa, our Superior General, was screened (see p.2 for the full text of the address). Fr. L. Yesumarian who had been the first Chengai Mission Animator spoke on the initial work of animation and coordination of the Mission work. Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj gave a detailed account of how the dream of Chennai Province was realized with the starting of many apostolic ventures. He recalled important milestones in Chennai Mission history and gratefully remembered how the previous Chennai Mission Assemblies contributed to the growth and development of this independent Province. He listed the various apostolic activities through which we reach out to the most marginalized people: Dalits, Tribals, Migrants, Youth, Children and Women. He also presented the future plans and new initiatives for further development and expansion of the new Province. The JCSA South Zone Provincials were honored by both the CEN and MDU Provincials. Each of them, in turn, offered their felicitations and prayers for the development of the new Chennai Province. After a delicious meal in the Loyola Hostel, all those present gathered once again in Betram Hall to listen to the lay collaborators and beneficiaries from various Mission Stations of the Chennai Province. All those who shared about the contributions of the Jesuits remembered with gratitude the significant works done by Jesuits in their respective places. It was an informal sharing but the sentiments of gratitude they expressed came from the depths of their hearts.
3 NEWS DIGEST
Fr. C. Amalraj shared on the contributions of Madurai Jesuits to Myanmar and he extended a warm welcome to missionaries from the newborn Chennai Province. In the evening, Fr. A. Irudayaraj coordinated a tasteful cultural programme from various mission centers of the Chennai Province. Cultural troupes from JESIM, PAATHAI, AHAL, Harur and the Dream Team of Loyola staged colorful and meaningful performances thoroughly enjoyed by all the Jesuits and lay collaborators present in the hall. On the second day, the official group photo of the Province Assembly was taken in the college football ground before the formal sessions began in Betram Hall with a short prayer service conducted by the Arul Kadal scholastics. By way of recognizing the apostolic achievements within Chennai Province area, all the former Provincials of Madurai Province and the Animators, Superiors and Treasurers of Chennai Mission were honored with mementos. Jesuits have been working in Chennai Mission but, some having gone to their eternal reward, are not with us at the dawn of the new Chennai Province. Their portraits were prominently displayed on the stage and floral tributes were offered to them by both the Provincials. Also, two trees were planted in their memory by the two Provincials and watered by senior Jesuits in front of Betram Hall. The Province Assembly came to a grand finale with a concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving presided over by Fr. Danis. In his homily, Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj shared his expectations and dreams for the future of the new Chennai Province. Fr. Darwin, Superior of Dhyana Ashram, wholeheartedly thanked all those who made this two-day Province Assembly a grand success. After a sumptuous LOHO (Loyola Hostel) meal, the participants of the Assembly departed as members of two Provinces talking lightheartedly about “ours and yours,” the reason being that the list of members of MDU and CEN were out in digital form on the first day evening. It was indeed a historic and memorable Assembly in the annals of Madurai and Chennai Provinces of the Society of Jesus. A.Irudayaraj, Pugal and Viji Bose
4 Total Membership of Chennai (CEN) Province
Total Membership of CEN 173 With Final Vows – Priests 66 Without Final Vows – Priests 48 With Final Vows – Brothers 2 Scholastics 57 Total CEN 173
1 P Alangaram Arockiam 40 P Louie Albert A 79 P Ignacy Arockiasamy 2 P Albert Joseph S 41 P Louis Adaikalaraj 80 P Infant Kingsley A 3 P Albert William M 42 P Louis Arockiaraj A 81 P James Antonyswamy 4 P Alexis Premkumar 43 P Lourduraj Arokiasamy 82 P James Raja P 5 P Alphonse Manickam 44 P Maria Arul Raj A 83 P John Michael V 6 P Amaladass Anand 45 P Maria Augustine Sundarraj A 84 P John Paul K 7 P Amaladoss Michael 46 P Maria Joseph M. Mahalingam 85 P Joseph Antony Jacob M S 8 P Andrew Francis 47 P Maria Wenisch S 86 P Joseph Ignaci G 9 P Arul P Stanislaus 48 P Marianathan Chinnasamy 87 P Justin Prabhu A 10 P Britto Vincent 49 P Mark Stephen S M 88 P Leo Anand M A 11 P Darwin S Michael 50 P Masillamani D. Antonimuthu 89 P Mag Bay De Lawrence A 12 P Devadhas Muthiah 51 P Raj Irudaya 90 P Maria Felix Kennedy M 13 P Devasagayam Manickam 52 P Rajanayagam Saleth 91 P Maria Packiam S 14 P Dhanapalan Rayer 53 P Rajarathinam Rathinam 92 P Maria Viyahappan Gladwin A 15 P Dominic Jayakumar M 54 P Robin Sahaya Seelan S 93 P Michael Panimaya Raj T 16 P Dunstan Vinny Joseph 55 P Rodrigues James 94 P Michael Pugazhendhi A 17 P Eugine Sebastine Rosario A 56 P Samuel Jeyaseelan S 95 P Packiaraj Soosai 18 P Fernando Wellington G 57 P Savarimuthu Xavier 96 P Parthasarathi Narayanaswamy 19 P Francis Xavier Perianayagam 58 P Sebasti L. Raj 97 P Paul Benedict S 20 P Frederick Xavier Joseph S 59 P Sebastian Soosai 98 P Philip Kumar G 21 P Gaspar Leonard A 60 P Selvanayakam Diraviam 99 P Poondy Rajan Y 22 P George C Joseph 61 P Selvaraj Arulnathan 100 P Prabu Francis 23 P Gerlin Amaladoss 62 P Soosai Raj A 101 P Rayappan Innasi 24 P Gnanasekaran Xavier 63 P Vedanayagam Ignatius 102 P Richard Hiruthyaraj John 25 P Gunasekaran Rajaiah 64 P Xavier Alphonse S 103 P Richard Lourdhu Dass A 26 P Ignatius Viagappa 65 P Xavier Rajan 104 P Robinson Antony 27 P Ilanko Xavier M 66 P Yesumarian Lourdunathan 105 P Sahayaraj Vijayan 28 P Irudaya Raj A 67 P Antony Anand S 106 P Sathayabalan Arockiasamy 29 P Jebamalai Irudayaraj L 68 P Antony Markus 107 P Sebastian Crossian 30 P Jerry Rosario 69 P Antony Robinson J 108 P Swaminathan Krishnamurti 31 P Jesudoss Irudayam 70 P Arockia Alton S 109 P Vasanthakumar Irudayaraj 32 P Jeyaraj Boniface 71 P Arockia Dass J 110 P Velankanni Arockiasamy S 33 P Joe Arun C 72 P Arockia Selvam M 111 P Victor Roch G 34 P John Irudaya Kumar K 73 P Arockiasamy Antony S 112 P Viji Bose V 35 P John Peter Bellarmine 74 P Arul Henry William A 113 P Vino Selukas A 36 P Joseph Michael 75 P Baskar Antony S 114 P Wenishraj Rayappan 37 P Josephraj Savarimuthu 76 P Benedict Santosh V 115 F Antony Sinnamuthu 38 P Justine Yasappan Emmanuel 77 P Britto Arockiam 116 F Sathanandam Rajasekaran R 39 P Lawrence Amalraj G 78 P Christu Raja M 117 S Albinus Martin
5 118 S Alex Exroen A 137 S Infant Valan S 156 S Prince Wilfred J 119 S Alexander Gnanapragasam 138 S Jacob Prakasam 157 S Prithivi Kumar A 120 S Anthony David M 139 S Jayanth Frankly R 158 S Raja Jesu Raj 121 S Anthony Rex Kumar A 140 S Jayaraj Selvaraj 159 S Ronald Antony 122 S Anto Arputha Raja P 141 S Jeyasachin Jeyaseelan 160 S Rubistan Maria Joseph 123 S Antony Donic Raja A 142 S Jeyaseelan Saminathan 161 S Samroy Terrence G 124 S Arockia Anand A 143 S John Vimal Felix J 162 S Theophine Michael Raja P 125 S Arokia Sundar M 144 S Joseph Vedanayagam 163 S Thomas Alwa Edison D 126 S Baptist Kumar 145 S Kiran Joseph P 164 S Titus Gnanaprakasam 127 S Berkmans Kasparaj 146 S Lazar John 165 S Udaya Prakash R 128 S David Francis A 147 S Manickam Periyanayagaraj S 166 S Vijayasadhu Subramanian 129 S Dhanaventhar Nazreth Raj 148 S Manojkumar Tharmam 167 S Vimal Robin R 130 S Earnest Stalin J 149 S Maria Then Amirtharaj G 168 S Vineshragul Munivel 131 S Franklin Micheal Raj 150 S Michael Sudherson M 169 S Vivekraj Amulraj 132 S Franklin Peter Rex 151 S Milton Mervin Raj C 170 S Williams Charles 133 S Fredrick Wilson S 152 S Naveen Kumar A 171 S Xavier Samuvel J 134 S Gopi Santhosam 153 S Pon Ruban C 172 S Yowan Cyril L 135 S Hansel Arokiasamy 154 S Praveen Kumar I 173 S Zenith Lawrence M 136 S Immanuel Sharon Chakravarthy S 155 S Praveen Kuzhandhairaj S MDU Average age before bifurcation: 50.93 Average age as on 28-12-2019 Chennai Province 44.47 Madurai Province 54.36
MDU PROVINCIAL’S PROGRAMME ANNOUNCEMENTS JANUARY 2020 TRANSFERS Fr. Arulanandam Arockiam, after his brain surgery 01-04 Province Office at Apollo, Chennai, continues his convalescence at 05-06 Visitation: De Britto, Devakottai Beschi Illam, Dindigul. 07-08 Visitation: St. Arulanandar, Oriyur 09-11 Visitation: Vidyajyoti, Delhi Fr. Rex A. Pai, who has been convalescing at Beschi 12-13 Visitation: SatyaNilayam, Chennai Illam, Dindigul, becomes a member of that community (Mobile: 94889-87316 Email: [email protected]). 14-15 Visitation: Arul Kadal, Chennai 17-18 JAAI Congress, SJC, Tiruchi 19 Visitation: Clive House, Tiruchi Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN) 20-24 Visitation: SJC, Tiruchi Promotion of World Peace 25 CEN-MDU Joint Consult (Forenoon), Maduralaya In January 2020, we pray with Pope Francis 25-27 Visitation: St. Mary’s, Dindigul that Christians, followers of other religions, and 28-31 Visitation: AAC, Karumathur all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world. FEBRUARY 2020 01-04 Visitation: St. Mary’s, Madurai 05-07 Visitation: Xaveriana, Thoothukudi Province Retreat 08-13 Visitation: St. Xavier’s, Palayamkottai Dates: 02 (evening) -10 (afternoon) May 2020 14-15 Visitation: Thozhamai Illam, Kanyakumari Venue: Arrupe Illam, St. Joseph’s Retreat Centre, 16-17 Visitation: Carmel, Nagercoil Kallar PO, Mettupalayam - 641305, Coimbatore Dt. 18 CEN-MDU Joint Consult – Maduralaya Director: Fr. Francis Pudhicherry (GUJ) 19 Province Consult – Maduralaya Contact Person: Fr. Devadhas Muthiah (80566- 20-21 Visitation: DACA, Madurai 62524 [email protected]) 23-1 Mar JCSA Meeting, Kathmandu
6 Young Priests’ Retreat Br. Alpesh Chauhan, then divided the brothers into five Dates: 13th (evening) to 21st (afternoon) May 2020 groups. They were requested to take up the matter for Venue: JMJ Retreat House, Sirumalai, Dindigul prayer. “ Brothers by the uniqueness of our vocation are in a Director: Fr. Errol Fernandes (BOM) unique position to implement the UAPs. The vocation of Contact person: Fr. Stephen Lourdu Pragasam a brother is blessed with spiritual freedom; the freedom (94869-48518 [email protected]) from worldly pride and titles. This freedom allows the Summer Camps 2020 Jesuit brother to be sent on any mission. This is the Superiors, Team Leaders and Directors of Work who orientation for walking with the poor and the displaced, require scholastics for organising / assisting in the accompanying the youth, protecting our common home summer camps in your respective ministries kindly as well as promoting the spiritual exercises. contact Fr. Stephen L. Pragasam, PCF (pcf@mdusj. Brothers, often perceived by the laity as down-to- earth and simple persons are easily approached by org) by 30.01.2020. the poor and the youth. Many brothers lend a listening ear to the youth and provide advice without alienating NEWS DIGEST the youth.” Fr. C. Amalraj addressed the Province Assembly In the evening, after a short break, the brothers on December 28th and shared on the contributions gathered in the chapel to celebrate the Eucharist with Fr. Marianus Kujur, Provincial of Ranchi. He acknowledged of Madurai Jesuits to Myanmar and Myanmar’s the unique and indispensable contributions of the contribution to Madurai Province as no fewer than brothers and exhorted them to continue the excellent three Provincials of Madurai (Frs. D. Jeyaraj, Aloysius service they are rendering to the Society. Irudayam and Sebasti L. Raj) were born in Myanmar. On Day 2, Br. Siluvainathan was elected unanimously Amal extended a warm welcome to missionaries from to continue as the Assistancy Coordinator for the the new-born Chennai Province to Myanmar failing to Brothers. The brothers were not in favour of the note that one CEN missionary (Fr. M.S. Joseph Antony proposed amalgamation of the Brothers’ Commission Jacob) is already in Myanmar. with the Formation Commission for the following On January 8th, he writes: “After a soul-stirring sojourn reasons: of 75 days in the one and only Madurai Province l returned • Brothers’ Commission is unique and if merged to Myanmar. By the time I left Chennai on December with the Formation Commission Brothers will lose 29th, there were two Provinces and two Provincials. their identity. It was a joy-filled historic movement when 173 MDU • Brothers’ commission is the only forum where men suddenly acquired a CEN identity. Much to savor! brothers are able to deliberate freely and decide Personally I met many of my Jesuit companions after a on issues concerning their life and mission. long time. Loyola hosted me with grace opening many a • Formation commission deals primarily with the medical portal. Jesuits showed deep concern. Doctors priestly formation and hence brothers’ concerns get ignored. divined more illnesses, dispensed more medicines. I • As most of the brothers are not directly involved in survived all and now I am back. It was a conspiracy of formation, their ongoing formation could be better grace that brought me to witness history being made addressed by the Brothers’ Commission as two Provinces came into existence from one entity. Having said this, those present at the meeting felt I thank the Provincial and Socius who offered me this that a brother should be a member of the Formation golden opportunity.” Commission at the Province as well as Assistancy levels. A brother must also be a member of the Vocation Assistancy Brothers’ Meeting, Promotion Commission/Team at the Province level. December 4-6, 2019 The next annual Assistancy Brothers’ Meeting will be The meeting began on December 4th in Ranchi with an held at Mumbai in November 2020. The theme/topics/ invocation to the Almighty by Br. James Barla, Brothers’ inputs for the meeting could be: Coordinator of Ranchi Province. The South Asian 1. Pedro Arrupe and Challenges of Religious Assistancy Brothers’ Coordinator, Br. Siluvai Nathan, life in the present context then introduced the Resource Person, Fr. Sunny Jacob, 2. Indian Politics and Church JEA Secretary, who took the brothers on a delightful 3. Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults journey through the UAPs. The Chairperson for the day,
7 of the challenges we face in implementing the PAPs and Six brothers from Madurai Province participated take the necessary corrective action. He also invited in the meeting and they returned in time for the South us to pay more attention to resource mobilization and Zone Brothers retreat on UAPs that started on December professionalization of our financial management. 9th guided by Fr. Maria Arul Raja in Dhyana Ashram, The second day was completely set aside for input Chennai. sessions. Fr. Joe Arun introduced to us the guest Note: Fr. Arturo Sosa, General of Society of Jesus, speakers. We had three sessions on three different released a draft book on the profile of the brothers in themes: 1. Practical Methods for Generating More South Asia in March 2019. Income by Mr. Joby, 2. Effective Financial Management P. Arockiasamy by Dr. Pandikumar, and 3. Statutory Compliances for Registered Societies by Dr. Lakshmi Narayanan. Most GBM: Finance Commission of us found these sessions useful and relevant for our We, the campus treasurers of our communities work as treasurers. The speakers were quite competent, and the members of the Finance Commission had our welcomed questions from us, and clarified our doubts General Body Meeting on December 4th and 5th at regarding the rules and regulations of financial LIBA, Chennai. We started the first day with a Eucharist management. Before lunch, we had the Eucharist in presided over by Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj. In his LIBA itself, celebrated by Fr. Sahayaraj Vijayan. At the homily, taking a cue from the first reading of the day, end, Fr. Maria Joe proposed a vote of thanks to Frs. he said that we need to remove the veils oppressing the Danis, Jeba and Joe Arun. He also thanked the local poor and the veils preventing us from being transparent organizing team comprising Frs. Andrew, Igni, Roch and accountable in financial matters. Fr. Maria Joe, and Robinson for their cooperation and support. Province Treasurer, not only welcomed the gathering M. A. Selvam but also gave us the dynamics of the two-day meet. Chennai: Arul Kadal Aiming at a focused sharing on the implementation We, the Arulkadalites, attended and added cheer to the of the Province Apostolic Plans (PAPs) pertaining to the Christmas programme hosted by the tuition centers of our Finance Commission, Fr. Joe Arun spoke to us about the neighbourhood ministry at Srinivasapuram on December concept of MMA (Mission-Money-Accountability) from 18th. Presentation of the first semester integration one of the writings of Fr. Kolvenbach and requested papers on the various themes related to the poor and all of us to keep this in mind while sharing about marginalized was the crowning event of our first semester. our implementation of the PAPs. He also asked us to The students of 100-hour Laity Theology Programme had base our sharing on the following questions: 1) What their Christmas celebration in Arul Kadal on December progress have we made so far in the implementation 21st. Arul Kadal community made this year’s Christmas of PAPs? 2) What challenges did we face during the celebration very meaningful by sharing food packets and implementation? 3) What impact did the PAPs make blankets with 200 people including pavement dwellers, on the way we managed our finances? beggars and the uncared for in the neighbouring area. Addressing the participants in the afternoon, Fr. Aikiya Alayam celebrated the Interreligious Festival of Danis sincerely thanked and genuinely appreciated Light gy; rka xsp tpoh in a fruitful way. Representatives all treasurers for actively participating in the GBM. from Isalm, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikism and He urged that that all our ministries hereafter should Christianity came, sang and shared the significance of somehow come under these five PAPs. Though it is light in their respective religions. Colourful dances by students from neighbouring schools and slums made the quite early to evaluate what we have implemented in event very joyful. hardly five months, we still need to stop and take stock T. Manojkumar 8 Chennai: Dhyana Ashram Fr. Louis Adaikalaraj directed a one-month retreat of 16 CIC Silver Jubilarian sisters at Mount St. Joseph, Bengaluru, from November 16th to December 16th. The Archdiocese of Pondicherry invited Jerry to address its Extraordinary Synod (taking place after 175 years) on the demanding role expected of the Church in the political arena. At the invitation of Mannar Diocese, he had been to Sri Lanka for over 13 programs, during the second fortnight of November, meant for clergy, religious, lay leaders, government was the resource person. An awareness programme on officials and political leaders in the light of the recently “Kavalan SOS App” which was organized by the Forum concluded Presidential Election. At Nagpur, he was for Loyola Women Students (FLOWS) was inaugurated by the resource person for a 3-day orientation toward Shri. A.K. Viswanathan, I.P.S., Commissioner of Police. a new Franciscan (OFM) Province. Earlier, he had On the International Migrants’ Day (18.12.2019), animated a 5-day retreat for an inter-congregational the Sociology Department and the Jesuit Migrants Service group of brothers, organized by the CRI at Bengaluru. (JMS) organized a poster competition on the upliftment He also gave sessions at Vailankanni on the Cosmo- of the unrecognized migrants. Societal Spirituality of Pope Francis for 175 Superiors PU-LCS Graduation Day 2019: The Pondicherry and Formators of the Franciscan Association of India Central University and Loyola College Society (PU- (AFFI). LCS) conducted their 17th Graduation Day in which At Dhyana Ashram, Jerry conducted two special retreats, one for Principals and another for young religious focusing on current challenges in India. At Bede’s Academy of Santhome, he addressed 260 Catholic teachers working in the Madras Archdiocese on the Cultural - Familial Perspectives of Eucharist. He had an animation program from December 04-07 for 15 married Deacons of Mumbai Archdiocese. He also had two DHANAM - programs promoting human organ donations in the Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese of Goa. Lawrence Amalraj 1,450 candidates received their MBA degree on 17 Chennai: Loyola College November 2019. Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Vice – Chancellor, A seminar on “Emerging Technologies in Biomedical Pondicherry University, was the Chief Guest. Engineering Aiding Diagnostics Development” was Christmas: The Loyola Campus Ministry team in organized by LCS and Shbaura Institute of Technology collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students (SIT), Tokyo, Japan and Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative conducted Carol competition, Crib-making Competition Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, on December 4th. and Quiz for staff and students from December 16th to A lecture on “Rights of Differently Abled” for 18th. There was a campus Christmas get-together for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy was all the staff (both academic and administrative from organized in the Department of Sociology on December LCAS, LIBA, LICET, LCE, IDCR) on December 19th. 6th. Loyola students Union organized a conference on the Rev Dr. Sundar Wilson OFM delivered a thought- topic “Constitutionalism among Youth in Contemporary provoking Christmas message. Fr. Francis P. Xavier India” on 9.12.2019. Mr. Ramasubramanian and Dr. delivered the Christmas Message to the CRI in the city M. Victor Louis Anthuvan were the chief guests who and he conducted an orientation program for the Province delivered the lectures. Chapter of the Sisters of St. Ann at Chengalpet . The Loyola Campus Ministry with Loyola Counseling Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, has appointed Centre conducted an awareness program on “Mind Fr. S. Maria Packiam as Theologian for the Institutional Education” on December 18th. Mr Jang Young Cheoi, Ethics Committee-Biomedical and Health Research (IFC- Director for Character Education Research, Korea, BMHR) for a term of 3 years. 9 LICET It is a proud moment for LICET as it received NBA accreditation for all its five departments. Fr. Maria Arul Raja conducted a one-day Spiritual Animation Programme on November 26th for all the teaching staff members of LICET. Sixteen French students of ICAM Exchange Programme bid adieu on November 9th in a formal farewell program with the farewell address by Fr. Francis P. Xavier. Mr. Eric Perrotel, Attaché for Promotion of French Language and Cultural Cooperation at the French Consulate, was the Guest of Honour. The Women Cell of LICET - ‘SHE’ organized a wellness programme for all the teaching and non-teaching women staff members on “Women and Wellness”. Dr. Meera Ragavan, Uro-gynaecologist and Robotic Surgeon was the resource person. She interacted with the staff to know the common problems faced by different age groups of women and gave a clear and lucid explanation for the cause and the solution for those problems. The session both the hostels. On December 22nd, we distributed gifts gave valuable insights into healthy lifestyle, work-life and served a delicious lunch to the widows and elderly balance and a positive approach in life. people of parish. The Christmas celebration for the co- ICT14 - Control and Automation: A five-day ICT- workers was organized in the evening. On December mode STTP on Control and Automation was organized 23rd, Christmas was celebrated in the primary school by the Department of EEE in association with NITTTR in the morning, with the school staff at noon, and with - Kolkata from 18th to 22nd November 2019. Faculty pavement dwellers and abandoned people in the evening. members from EEE, Mechanical Engineering and ECE On December 25th, we celebrated the birth of Jesus in departments attended the programme. Dr. Sagarika Pal, the parish arranging the liturgy creatively. About 42 Department of Electrical Engineering, NITTTR, was the people from Harur including students participated in resource person. the Province Assembly on December 28th and were Justin Prabhu taken up with our preferential option for the poor and Harur: Arulagam marginalized and our way of proceeding. Loyola evening study centres efficiently organized Anto S.A. elocution competition in the month of October. For the final, all came together at Allalapatti on November 24th Kuppayanallur: Loyola and successfully completed the competition. Nearly Hostel Day preparations got underway on December 240 students and their animators benefited from the 1st. Different games and cultural competitions were competition. On December 10th, to commemorate the conducted for both boys and girls. On December 21st, World Human Rights Day, human hand chain formation Christmas was celebrated in Loyola Higher Secondary School. Our teaching and non-teaching staff selected as a sign of solidarity and equality was made by the 36 students from different classes who are orphans students of our higher secondary school. A meaningful and semi-orphans and gave them Christmas gifts. The Christmas celebration with no less than 30 Santa Clauses Christmas assembly was concluded with an examen on took place on December 20th in the higher secondary gratitude. school where the students came bringing gifts for their On the same day, we had Christmas celebration for poor classmates and shared the joy of Christmas. Fr. I. our domestic and hostel staff. Students of our hostels Vasanthakumar and our German friends Erinc Mary, exhibited their talents in the form of singing and dancing Turgay and Hannah were the chief guests. They laid the during the celebration. Students also shared their foundation stone for the construction of the first floor Christmas gifts with their Christmas friends. of the Girls’ Hostel. On that day, our parish choir went On December 23rd, Fr. Antony Samy, Kuppayanallur to Loyola College, Mettala, to participate in the choral Parish Priest, collected and distributed saris and dhotis singing competition in which 16 parishes participated. to the widows and the elderly of our parish as Christmas On December 21st, we celebrated the birth of Jesus in gifts. 10 Career guidance and motivational sessions were Kadambur, Pasuvanapuram and Gundri parishes and given to the X and XII students by the NGO, MAGIC convents and on December 26th, we went for carol singing BUS on December 27th. They instilled in the students to houses in Makkampalayam . the needed motivation through games and video On December 24th, Fr. Sathyabalan celebrated the presentations. Christmas Midnight Mass during which the Nativity of Amal Bosco Jesus Christ was enacted by children. After the Mass, we Kilpennathur: AHAL had special Christmas cultural celebration with Urali Folk From December 9th to 12th, a cadre formation and dance. capacity building workshop on women and gender On 26th and 27th, twelve students from our Study equality was organized by AHAL and ISI, Bangalore, Centers came for a two-day residential training on Study for the cadres of AHAL, JESIM and TLM. Sr. Rosy Skills and Methods. On December 27th, we organized an from Kangeyam was specially invited as resource orientation-cum-training programme for eight college person to enlighten our cadres. From December going Tribal students at Kadambur. 9th to 15th, awareness on local body elections was Naveen Kumar systematically given in Alaganandhal, Su.Pappambadi, Vadamelpakkam: Loyola Academy Kacharapattu and Keekalur to ensure representation On December 7th, the ‘Run Loyola Run’ Marathon of Arunthathiyars in all possible wards. On December was organized by the school for highlighting the dangers 19th, a general orientation was given by the ICRDCE of Pollution, Climate Change and Global Warming team to the students and trainers of AHAL Skill in Maraimalai Nagar. It was an open-to-all event in Development Centre. which nearly 1,100 school students, both boys and girls, M.S. Amalraj participated. Cash awards were given to winners in five Makkampalayam: PARAN different categories. Posters, hand bills and placards On December 8th, we brought all the Evening with appropriate slogans, were displayed, distributed Study Center staff from Thalawadi, Gundri, Sathy and and carried by volunteers. Campaigns like this, meant Kadambur zones together at Kadambur for a training to create awareness of environmental degradation and programme and Christmas celebration. Mr. Siruvadiu ways to safeguard environment and save Mother Earth, and Sch. Naveen talked on Women and Gender are part of the Province Apostolic Preferences that mirror Equality. The Province Apostolic Plans were introduced the Society’s UAPs and are reflected in our school’s action to them and news of the impending bifurcation of plans. Madurai Province was shared with them. Christmas On December 21st, we had the Christmas celebration in gifts were distributed to all the staff. On December 12th, the school in the morning with Fr. Paul John, the Parish we organized a meeting for 170 members of women’s Priest of Maraimalai Nagar, presiding and delivering the groups at Kadambur. ‘PARAN Revolving fund’-plan Christmas message. The students came up with some was introduced to them in order to take the activities scintillating dances, inspiring skits and elevating carol of women’s groups to the next level. singing. In the evening we had the gathering of all the families of staff members in our quadrangle to celebrate Christmas with a lot of dancing, singing, giving of gifts by Chris Ma to Chris Child and the Management showing their appreciation of the staff’s co-operation by giving them gifts. This event may not be unique to our school but the Chris Ma – Chris Child practice seems to be unique. It is through lots that the Chris Child is chosen and kept secret till the function. In the meantime, the Chris Ma is expected to pray for the Chris Child all through Advent. On January 3rd we reopened school. We are busy preparing for the School Day scheduled for 25 January ANBIAM meetings are regularly organized and 2020. ANBIAM Mass is celebrated regularly in the houses of Jayanth Frankly the Parish. This helps the parishioners to grow in unity. Vettavalam: Loyola College On December 15th, we helped community leaders and The College campus was a beehive of activity in the members of women’s groups at Kilathur to establish a month of December. On December 3rd, nearly 800 XII branch of the Urali Makkal Sangam by unveiling the Standard students from eight neighborhood government Sangam’s name board in their village. and private schools attended a one-day orientation On December 21st, we went singing carols to programme in Arulalaya under the title Vetriyalar. 11 Professors from the Department of English and Mathematics along with some school teachers served as resource persons and motivated the students to prepare well for the annual examinations. Fr. Albert William took the lead in mobilizing the students for this innovative event. The following day Fr. Maria Joseph Mahalingam organized a one-day seminar on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Thoughts for Societal Transformation. Mr Vadivel Ravanan, author of the book Viduthalai Veerar Ambedkar, highlighted the innumerable contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to Indian society. A day later, the students, professors and Jesuits paid floral tribute to him on his 63rd death anniversary. On December 5th, Fr. A. Selvaraj, Director of LiSOR, organized a one-day seminar on Locus of Power and Progress of Development. Twenty year novices. We had two input sessions and Eucharistic social activists and interventionists pointed out the social, celebration and in the afternoon, the novices gave a economic, political and cultural situation in Northern splendid cultural programme at the end of which the part of Tamil Nadu which calls for our immediate parents assured us to co-nurture the Jesuit vocation attention and intervention. We organized a short function of their sons. As Christmas gifts, the family members on December 12th to commemorate the International carried home plant saplings. From December 15th to Human Rights Day in which Fr. Rajaratinam traced its 17th, Fr. Emmanuel Arockiam, Director, JESSCO, gave historical background and sociological importance. On guidance and counselling to the novices and motivated December 14th, as the President of CRI-Vellore Diocese, them. On December 19th, at the invitation of St. Mary’s, Fr. Maria Joseph Mahalingam organized a combined Dindigul, the novices accompanied by Frs. Michael celebration of Christmas and the Golden Jubilee of Doss, Yagoo, Inigo and Swaminathan went to Amali the Religious Profession of Bishop Soundararaju Farm, Ayyampalayam, for dinner and performed a few SDB at Vellore. Prof. Sridhar, Department of Botany, cultural items. On December 22nd, we had Christmas Tiruvannamalai Government Arts and Science College, celebrations with our co-workers and their family helped identify 93 varieties of plants in the College members. Fr. Fidelis Jayabalan (AND), the chief guest, campus and plates, carrying their botanical, English gave a captivating Christmas message and distributed and Tamil names, were attached to them. On December gifts to our co-workers. A joint cultural programme 20th and 21st, Loyofest was organized around the theme by our co-workers, their children and our novices was Thirukkural as directed by Thiruvalluvar University. Mr. enjoyed and much appreciated by all. On December Nassar, actor and film director, and Mr. Pava Chelladurai, 22nd and 23rd, the novices went round singing carols popular short story writer, were the chief guests for in Maduralaya, Domestic Workers’ Quarters, Valanagam the inaugural and valedictory functions, respectively. and Apostolic Home enhancing thus the seasonal joy of The students exhibited amazingly their extraordinary all in Beschi campus. On December 26th, they gave a talents around various themes of Thirukkural. Although cultural programme and shared their Christmas joy with the Government declared holiday on December 21st, the students, staff and ICM sisters at St. Joseph Hospital, the students thronged Arulalaya for the second day of Dindigul. From December 26th to 31st, 29 sisters of Loyofest. After the valedictory function, we celebrated the Irish Presentation Congregation made their annual Christmas and distributed New Year calendars to all the retreat at CIS guided by Fr. George Beck from DNC, Pune. students. Hostellers, academic and administrative staff members had their separate Christmas celebrations. JRS-TN: From December 1st to 7th, Fr. Leo Pereira and Much to the satisfaction and joy of the co-workers, Jesuit Sch. Manickam visited Vavunina, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Management distributed useful gifts to them. Samboor, Muthoor, Paeyasalai,Vangavalai, Mannar, Maria Joseph Mahalingam Mulaitheevu and Mulivaikal in Sri Lanka to study the actual state of the Tamil repatriates. Their study revealed Dindigul: Beschi Illam the gratefulness of the repatriates to JRS-TN for its On December 7th, led by Frs. Michael Doss and accompaniment, service and advocacy, and the ongoing Swaminathan, seven novices participated in the Dindigul struggles of the Tamil minority scattered across the post- Ecumenical Christmas Carols 2019 and sang “Joy to the war Sri Lanka. On December 19th, Fr. Leo participated in World.” On December 14th, we celebrated the Family a consultative workshop conducted by UNHCR regarding Day 2019 with the family members of all the 12 first- the refugees’ voluntary repatriation, local integration and 12 resettlement in other countries. On December 22nd girls from 10 different schools around Dindigul. He and 23rd, JRS-TN had a fruitful discussion with the released Fr. Britto Bonaventure’s 3-volume magnum staff members from LIBA, Chennai, Dr. Veni and Dr. opus The Flora of Central and North Tamil Nadu. On Siluvai Raja. The duo interviewed the JRS staff and December 20th, Christmas celebration was held in the guided JRS-TN to work on its documentation. On Primary and Higher Secondary Schools. Fr. Mahesh, December 23rd, there was a Christmas celebration SDB, Parish Priest of Savariyar Palayam, gave the at the Girihini Centre, Nilakottai. From December Christmas message to the staff and Sr. Savari, CIC, 23rd to 25th, Sch. Manickam stayed at St. John’s gave Christmas message to all the boys. Hospital, Bengaluru, taking care of a seven-year- On December 22nd, St. Mary’s Hostel celebrated old boy Ruthrangan from Thoopukollai refugee Christmas and on the same day, its Annual Magazine camp. Financially supported by JRS-TN, the boy “ePhpd;wp mikahJ cyF” was released by Fr. V. underwent successfully the first phase of his surgery George and received by Fr. P. Joseph Xavier. on his deformed limbs. From December 27th to 31st, Joemarsh 15 youth from our refugee camps participated in Karumathur:AAC a workshop on counselling organized at Ashirvad, Women’s Study Centre organized an awareness Bengaluru, by JRS-RO, New Delhi. programme for all the girl-students of our college After celebrating Eucharist in R.S. Mangalam on November 27th. Advocate S. Selva Gomathi on January 1st, on his way back to Paramakudi, Fr. from SOCCO Trust spoke on the legal rights of Leo Pereira, fell off his motorbike at Thadikomban women. A Mega Signature Campaign and Open around 11.15 a.m. He received first aid at Ilayaankudi Painting Event, held on November 29th to mark the Government Hospital and was brought to St. Joseph International Solidarity Day, drew a good response Hospital, Dindigul, around 5:30 p.m. On January from the students. The AICUF unit joined hands with 3rd, he underwent an open reduction internal fixation Marupakkam to coordinate a Documentary Film Fest of left orbit bone with titanium mesh repair wound between December 6th and 10th attended by R.P. debridement successfully. He was discharged from Amudhan and Bhaskar, short film makers, and there the hospital on January 7th and, presently, he is convalescing at Beschi Illam. Swaminathan Dindigul: St. Mary’s On December jpUtUl; Nguit and the Diocese of Dindigul jointly organized Inter-Religious Christmas celebration at St. Mary’s. Officials, dignitaries, People from all the religions participated and it was a very meaningful celebration. “mwptpay; mwpNthk;” function was held at St. Mary’s. Dr. Mayilsamy Annadurai, Scientist, ISRO, was the chief guest. He interacted with 600 boys and was screening of short films on social issues. The 2001 batch of RADAR students gathered on December 15th and gratefully recalled their formative time in the campus. The Department of Chemistry organized CHEMFEST 2K19, an inter-collegiate event featuring numerous competitions on December 19th. The event drew 312 student-participants from 24 colleges in Tamil Nadu; Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College from Sivakasi bagged the over-all championship. The inter-departmental tournament conducted by the Physical Education Department
13 between December 8th and 20th added flavor to of Veeramamunivar. The campus ministry team the season. ARISE, the extension unit of the college, organized several activities that brought Christmas organized a bicycle rally to create awareness among cheer to the campus. JIM launched the ‘Joy of Giving people of the region about epidemics during the rainy Week’ with a blood donation camp. A Christmas season. gathering on December 20th of the families of JIM The College Christmas Celebration wore an staff became a memorable event. The students collected interreligious colour with Sr. Lowrencia, Mr. Muthukannan and Mr. Nizamuthin, representing Christianity, Hinduism and Islam respectively speaking on unity in diversity. The Department of Human Excellence conducted two seminars for the UG students, one on Human Rights and the other on Religions, Peace, and Reconciliation. The orientation on Social Analysis given by Fr. Jayaseelan (AND) to the staff of the Department was much appreciated. Fr. Vincent Sekhar participated in the Fifth Annual Vaishnava-Christian Dialogue in ISKCON, Chennai on 16-18 December and conducted the Advent prayer. He also addressed the Scholastics in Pune and Chennai on the Society’s Mission of Interreligious Dialogue. Earlier, Fr. Paul Pragash presented two research papers on Post-methods and English for Holistic Personality respectively in two recent international conferences in Delhi and Trivandrum. money, clothes and other useful materials and donated them to the people of Panjepur, a leper colony on Paul Pragash December 21st. JIM students had very stimulating Palayamkottai: St. Xavier’s JCERT organized science motivation classes for VI courses on ‘Creativity and Innovation using Design Standard students on the theme ‘Science is fun’ and Thinking’ by Mr. P.S. Lakshmanan and on ‘Quality life motivation classes for X and XII students on the and Six Sigma’ by Mr. K. Srinivasan. The second year theme ‘you can win’ from 25th to 29th November at students had a short course on ‘Business to Business St. Xavier’s School. Dr. Ponnambalam, a renowned Marketing’ by Mr. Mohan Kuruvilla. physicist, was the resource person for both. On December 20, JIM organized a National John Kennedy Symposium on ‘Current Economy- The Way Forward.’ Tiruchi: SJC About 116 students from all over India presented St. Joseph’s College conducted a one-day faculty papers, spelling out their ideas and suggestions on development programme for 20 young staff at the current economic crisis in India. In the evening, Sashthra University, Tanjore and NIT, Tiruchi, on there was a panel discussion with Dr. Arun Kumar December 2nd. A national level debate on ‘Climate from Indian Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, Emergency’ was held on December 5th and 6th. Dr. Sudarshana Nachiappan representing the Congress The event drew 28 teams of student thinkers from Party, Mr. Raghavan representing the BJP and Mr. colleges across the country to voice their concerns Baalakrishnan representing the common man. The on environmental protection. Mr. Thirunavukarasu participants missed Mr. Seetharam Yechury, the MP chaired the valediction and distributed prizes General Secretary of CPI (M), who could not participate to the participants and 10,000 tree saplings to since he was detained for protesting against the the representatives of villages covered by the Citizenship Amendment Act. SHEPHERD programme. Madha TV has telecast a series of talks given by Fr. The family of former MLA, Arockiasamy (ASA) S. M. Selvaraj on the Rosary, St. Francis Xavier and has instituted an endowment fund of Rs. 4 Lakh Christmas. for organizing annual literary events in honor Leolin Arockiadass 14 Vilangudi: VMI A sharing by Fr. Sarathi on December 4th on Youth With the theme “Flames of Love” VMI and Ministry gave our Pre-novices an idea of the Society’s JPLI had the community day celebrations. We had work among young people. The second term exams were healthy competitions in groups. Through literary conducted from 16th to 20th, followed by an evaluation and cultural events, indoor and outdoor games, our of the term. On 21st, we had a simple, but meaningful Pre-novices had plenty of opportunities to realize Christmas celebration during which we exchanged gifts and express their hidden potentials. A course on with our Christmas friends and sang carols. On 22nd, ‘Human Sexuality’ by Sr. Jacqueline, FMM, was we made a bicycle pilgrimage to Poondi to receive Our organized which helped them to have a right outlook Lady’s blessings. of human sexuality and thus lead an integrated Rex Reuban religious life. Thiruvananthapuram: Vidyaniketan A five-day course on Social Analysis by Fr. Philip We were lucky to have the course on Media Education made a remarkable impact on the Pre-novices, by Fr. George Sabastian (KER) from December 2nd to motivating them to critically look at the events that 4th. It helped us to understand media as a platform to are happening across the country. On December 1st, share our faith with people. We also learnt to use media the parents and family members of the Pre-novices critically. We celebrated the feast of St. Francis Xavier were present with us. Through this coming together, with the members of the community of St. Xavier’s we let them know of the Society’s way of life and of College and we had our 2nd term exams from December their responsibility to nurture the vocation of their 16th to 20th before entering the festive season of sons. Christmas joyously. Jefrin
FR. FIDELIS JAYABALAN, S.J. (AND) Fr. Fidelis Jayabalan (71/55 AND) passed away unexpectedly on December 26th at St. Joseph Hospital, Dindigul, because of severe heart congestion. Ordained in 1977, his active life as a priest has been in both Madurai and Andhra Provinces. A multilingual person, he was good in Tamil, Telugu and English. His recent works were a novel in Telugu. Na Thone Nuvvu, book on Meditation Dhyanam in Tamil, and a well-researched work on the Lamb of God in the Bible which may be published posthumously in Tamil. The well-attended Funeral Mass was presided over by Fr. P.S. Amalraj, Provincial (AND), in the domestic chapel of Beschi Illam, on 27 December 2019 followed by burial in the Beschi cemetery. RIP. Vincent Amalanathan
Abide with the Lord Fr. Edwin A. Sumit Menezes (68/47 PAT) passed away on 18.12.2019 at Bodhgaya. Fr. Civiac Joaquin (87/68 GUJ) passed away on 27.12.2019 at Vadodara, Gujarat. Br. Pascoal Colaco (78/55 BOM), passed away on 30.12.2019 at Shirpur. Fr. Errol D’Lima (BOM) 77/61, passed away at Mumbai 05.01.2020. Mrs. Savariammal (93), mother of Fr. Thomas Amirtham, passed away on 03.01.2020 in Chennai.
15 ARCA-SERIES: 04 THE ARRUPEAN QUALITY I LOVE
Fr. Pedro Arrupe is a legend still living vibrantly in and through the radiance of his radical holiness lived out in our modern world. I was just five years old when this great Jesuit had ended his earthly pilgrimage and entered into his heavenly abode. I couldn’t have known him then but, after joining the Society, I have heard and read about him, reflected on his life and have been renewed by this great Jesuit who continues to inspire me in innumerable ways. Though I love many qualities of Fr. Arrupe, I would like to reflect on one of his qualities that has touched me deeply. He was a man of depth. In a world, which gloried in shallow success, he lived and inspired his men to live as men of depth, who would delight not in shallow successes but in a deep-rooted and determined way of falling in love and staying in love. He was a man of spiritual depth. Every time, I see that graceful picture of Fr. Arrupe praying on his knees, I could only delight in his spiritual depth, the way he found God in the depth of spiritual delight and the way he radiated that spiritual depth in every sphere of his life as a Jesuit. He wanted us Jesuits to be men of depth-spiritual, intellectual, apostolic- in a holistic kind of way. Very often, I tend to go with the current and forget the importance of depth. Fr. Arrupe is a steady light shining in my heart to make me realize the importance of growing to be a man of depth. Our world is filled with many things that offer us instant gratification and we at times tend to move with the world. Fr. Arrupe inspires us all to forswear the worldly spirit of instant and momentary gratification and accept the Lord’s invitation to “row into the deep.” May this saintly Jesuit deepen our desire to live a life of depth! Thayriam
Leonard Fernando, S.J. Francis P. Xavier, S.J. Robert de Nobili, S.J. Jesuit Contribution to Nation Creating the 25th Hour Standing up to Truth Tusana Building in South Asia ATC Publishers Tikkaram from the Nineteenth Century Bengaluru Trans. Ed. by Anand Amaladass, S.J. till Today Tamil Ilakkiya Kazhaham Gujarat Sahitya Prakash 2019 Tiruchirappalli Anand, Gujarat 2019 2019
16