JESUS the FARMER Chief Editor Fr

And Happy New Year

JESUS THE FARMER Chief Editor Fr. P.R John SJ (Principal) Sch. Rajeev Ranjan SJ Dear Staff, students, well-wishers, benefactors, readers of Vidya- jyoti Today, wishes of the season and Happy New Year 2021. In Editors and around Delhi, since 26 November 2020, tens of thousands of Sch. Nikhil George SJ farmers are protesting against the three draconian laws passed in Sch. Parciush R Marak SJ September 2020 by the NDA government. Farmers are demand- Sch. Jaya Prakash SJ ing that the government to repeal FPTC Act - Farmers’ Produce Sch. Louis Xavier Lobo SJ Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation), and FEPA Act – Farmers’ Empowerment and Protection Agreement (Price Assurance and Farm Services), which are a bone of contention. Layout & Design These three ‘Acts’ rob of the fundamental respect and dignity of Sch. Tinto CST an Indian farmer who tills the land, sows the seed and cultivates the produce. “The farmer governs the sprouting of the field,” says St. Thomas Aquinas (Disputed Questions on Truth I, q. 5, art. 8). A farmer is entitled to the fruit of his labor and he/she ought not to surrender his/her hard labor to the mercy of private (politico-cor- Courses offered in porate) forces. Vidyajyoti College of Theology In a context like this, how are we to draw the significance of Christmas? Who is Jesus? Where is He? Is He somewhere hiding B.Th. (Degree) in the midst of the protesting farmers? Can we identify ourselves B.Th. (Certificate) with him at the Tikri, Singhu, Gazipur, Chilla and Noida borders of M.Th (Two Year) Delhi? Did Jesus ever speak in agrarian language, when confront- Doctorate in Theology & DEPTh ed with the “savage” political and corporate powers? What should be our response, the response of the Church at the plight of the 4A Rajniwas Marg, Delhi - 110054 farmers? What is the meaning of the celebration of the Eucharist? Email: [email protected] Web: www.vidyajyoticollege.in The New Testament narrates that Jesus spoke the divine language Mobile: 8800652710 of the Kingdom of God expressed in agrarian language: vine and vineyard, fig tree, sycamore tree, fruit and root, digging and prun-

3 ing, seed, sowing, generation, barn,

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O e bird, the dog, the viper, the wolf, the

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c es of the animal world. Stones, caves,

o sand and wilderness, the river, the sea, grass, reeds, foxholes, flowers, nest- ing, watering, sun, moon, stars, the clouds, the wind, the lighting and the rain are the images of the cosmic and natural world. He sought to share with them his vision of a New Humanity and issued the call to struggle for a New Earth. His stories and manner upset the existing social order, questioned the moral basis of all systems then held sacred and provoked angry reactions. At the end, he was caught and killed. Therefore, he has become a song of revolt (Samuel Rayan, “Prophet and Poet in One”).

In the daily eucharist, we pray the words: “Blessed are you Lord, God of all creation, through your good- ness, we have this bread/wine to offer; which earth has given and human hands have made; it will become the bread of life”. ‘Bread’ and ‘wine’ symbolize the Lord’s blessings and human hard work. Lord’s blessings and hard work have to be respected and shared by all in an atmosphere of ‘justice’. Justice has to be exercised at all levels: the farmer who produces the wheat/rice, the science and technology involved in transporting and making the bread, the business people who bought it from the farmer to market.

To conclude, until the ‘justice’ is realized and shared, the right to dissent – ‘protests’ - will continue as envisaged by Jesus the Farmer: Come Holy Spirit, show us your beauty, reflected in all the peoples of the earth, So that we may discover a new that all are different faces of the one humanity That God so loves” Amen. (Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti)

A New Hope in Corona Times

BABY JESUS A SIGN OF HOPE IN CORONA TIMES Amul .Jacob SJ (I B.Th)

The present year has been a year of diffrent experiences, feelings, and emotions for human beings. The year 2020 stands apart from the recent past years for its own reasons beginning with the corona pandemic. There has been a sudden pause and up-side-down life experiences. The effect of corona has shattered humans and left us handicapped with our usual life activities. Life has been through a lot of dark and grave faith shaking experiential events. The continual corona pandemic effect has left an unusual void in people`s life. We are currently people of sorrow, fear, anger, pain, hopelessness, and emptiness. We need a reason to overcome these struggles and sufferings to rejoice life to the fullest. Life needs a break from these severe excruciating moments. Life needs someone or something to be the beacon of hope and joyfulness. Watching supernatural movies reminds me of superheroes playing the role of saving the poor from the evil doers. The superheroes are the saviours and redeemers of the sufferers who are unjustly wounded, inflicted, and broken by the evil. To us the Christians and the human beings A G E - 0 2 P Wishing youaHappyBirthday, DearJesus,theHope. in believingsothatyoumayaboundhopebythe poweroftheHolySpirit”(Rom15:13). I would like to conclude with the words of St. Paul, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace to thehopeless. troubled the Hope a being and to works, hard unnoticed the recognising ears ones, punished unjustly the supporting our hearts, lending roads, the on stomachs hungry the Feeding actions: our by others to As we are celebrating the birth of Hope, we, the followers of Christ, must be a torch-bearer of that Hope and healingministryenableustofollowhimmaketheworldabetterplace. Jesus’through and despair,in and world God’steachings hardship Similarly,the the for of love spite in flower.beautiful a blooming helps and plant a to life gives still it bloodsheds, and tears of millions and lieves in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16). Though the earth has seen millions 2:10-11). (Luke Lord” the Messiah, the is who Savoir, a David of city the in day this born is you to people: the “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all

merely a breath nothing else. Furthermore, God put this human being in the garden of Eden to till to Eden of garden the in being human this put God Furthermore, else. nothing breath a merely is who human mortal the to life gives God 2:7). (Gen: being”. living a became man the and life; of breath the nostrils his into breathed and ground, the of dust the from man formed God Lord “The h brh of birth The

LET THE HEARTS THAT SEEK THE LORD REJOICE hit s nothing is Christ THE BIRTH OF CHRIST THE BIRTH OF HOPE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST BIRTH OF THE

sign ofGod`sactivepresenceinus. a is abundance in Life abundance. in life is God in Belief emptiness. and sorrows, fears, doubts, our dispel to surroundings and hearts our in peace and joy hope, of candles the light us Let joyful. and hopeful be to us become virtual mass attenders. Here is born a new Baby Jesus inviting gatherings. Wereligious all from have also but another one from only not distanced are we corona, to Owing future. hope-filled a to way the of Baby Jesus is a revelation of God`s unconditional love for us. He is birth The dawn. new a for hope new a of sign the assures Jesus Baby existential beings due to the corona effect. However, the coming of the born as a child into the is world. Wewho Christ are broken, wounded, Jesus and struggling is saviour the situation, pandemic corona this at Mallavalli Srinu ADL (Christu)(I B.Th) J ohn PaulSJ(IB.Th) but the birth of Hope. Jesus was born in the times of dark- of times the in born was Jesus Hope. of birth the but be more meaningful than ever. Though the presence of presence the Though ever. than meaningful more be this time of uncertainty, sufferings, and self-isolation can there is light despite all of the darkness. “Hope is such a emn Tt sy, Hp i big be o e that see to able being is “Hope says, Tutu Desmond bring Hope to the hopeless. And celebrating his birth at powerful tool at this Pandemic to undergoto Pandemic this at tool hardship powerful the the dangerous virus rampant in the world and continue and rampant intheworld virus the dangerous to Saviour a as born was He upheaval. and fear, ness, of today to live a better life of tomorrow.of Christ- life And better a live to today of us andtotheworldatlarge. that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who be- who everyone that so Son, only his gave he that mas bringsthatHope:“ForGodsolovedtheworld in hope bring must celebration our suffering, cause to

VJ TO DAY -11 PAGE - 03 oct - Dec 2020/03 seek thecomingofinfantJesusandrejoice. hearts our let hope, Withhuman. full the of salvation the for Jesus Child the bring to God of plan the to at close is God’s falls. aid man’shand”. It is the When time for us to God. look at the coming of in Immanuel into the world as hope Mother Mary who obeyed must we more the seem, things desperate more pandemic. In this regard, I would like to recall the gracious words spoken by St. Ignatius of Loyola, “The ongoing the to remedy a find to vain in is intellect human so-called earth. the and As heaven the created prick up his conscience and mend his ways and turn to the Lord God who to beings human the for time the is It terrific. are consequences the result a as and nature the damaged jealousy and authority being’sunconditional selfish growth and greed. Human intellect has set the earth on fire and human life andmakeusunitedinonemindheart makeusGod’s children. crimination and stand for justice and peace. May the birth of our Lord lead us from this chaos to peaceful the social distance with love. Through this, we may break away from the notion of social distance of dis- Him in our hearts? It is time to unmask our inhumanness, to sanitize ourselves with forgiveness and receive to fill to ourselves preparing we are How hearts? our in him accept to ready we are However, homes. Nevertheless, this pandemic has opened many Churches at our homes and now it is bringing Jesus to our us tostrengthenus,raisevoiceagainstinjustice; and assistthepoor our unmask to ready we COVID-19. Are this in him embrace to and him, touch to him, kiss to saviour our of birth the for awaiting are we yet distance social and sanitizer mask, amidst Welive to attuned are PAGE - 04 VJ TO DAY -11

one’s faith and conviction that the creator God comes to the Earth born as a human being to live to being human a as born Earth the to comes God creator the that conviction and faith one’s The Nativity of our Lord is not just a day to recall a historical event. However, it is a day celebrating oct - Dec 2020/03 ian to look after the creation, human used their intelligence for one’s own guard- faithful a be to human wanted who God, of purpose the to Contrary human beings. fel- the and nature the treat to dam- humans wanted God way without the is This nature. happy the be to beings human fellow the help to sciences and arts ad- to is intellect human of purpose The steward. compassionate a but dictator world to master and secrets nature’s the unlock to should mind and human strength physical the that wished God likeness. and image own their in are who is that creation own His of liberty and will free the respected God it. keep and it EMMANUEL GOD IS WITH US deem and save the people. Today, we are awaiting for that saviour amidst re- to ago years 2000 born was Jesus alone. cassettes and laptop mobile, of our lives. Mask and social distance have made us aloof and left us with clutches all from and us, from nationality linguistic, race, caste, of tance dis- social endless the away break and unmask to pandemic this from us from one another. At this juncture, we await our saviour who can redeem ourselves distance to and mask to Wepeople. forced the are of sentative passed in the Parliament without the consent of the people and the repre- still. The fundamental rights have frozen or made to freeze. Few bills are stand- a to come have religion any practice to freedom and expression of freedom politically,speech, also religiously,socially.of and Freedom but corona only not of because masked are we scenario, present this In ambiance? this in embrace and kiss a with Lord our welcome to selves A LIGHT IN DARKNESS G eorge Victor SJ(IB.Th) Jenitta FMM(IB.Th) , marginalized, anddowntrodden. h humans the s their use o a a as not vance in aging low - gles are all those who served food, gave shelter and assured safety on their destinations. Shepherds destinations. their on safety assured and shelter gave food, served who those all are gles Innkeepers are all those who remained comfortably at home and ignored the adversity of people. An- which a 15-year-old girl with her wounded father, cycled for a week from Delhi to Darbhanga, Bihar. on bicycle the is Joseph and Mary mother carried that donkey the for analogy best Joseph. The ther fa- foster of images the were needy the support and help to out came attitude humanitarian of sense the with people Many lockdown. the to due home their to return the during baby a expecting were who Mary,Mother resemble women power.those in All government present the been have would Augustus Caesar emperor Roman visualize, to try us Let situation? chaotic a such in Jesus of birth the about How way. others faced death on different accidents and hunger on the was much agonising scene. Many reached home safely and ing back towards their home town from metropolitan cities The numerous migrant workers’ hustle and bustle for mov- labourers. migrant the of distress and suffering the to rise gave It Lockdown. the was nation our of people of number vast time. the the to of misery fatality added and what And fear such by untouched not was India virus. the by caused deaths about updating us kept channels news national and COVID-19. international by All caused pandemic the with The whole world was alarmed and in pandemonium; shaken Behold Imakeallthingsnew”(Rev21:4). “There will be nomore death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order ofthings has passedaway. that the love, peace and joy may so abound. May one the every New-born of Baby accomplish hearts what the was said in in born the be Bible, Christ let Therefore, Lord. our of Nativity the with linked mately inti is joy implausible, seem may joy pandemic, the of experiences the of because though present, At the darknessdidnotovercomeit”(John1:4-5). and darkness, the in shines light The people. all of of light the was life experience the and life, the was him “In everyone. be could it addition, In life. of promise the is him In despair. and suffering of midst the in even tranquillity and joy of assurance is there him In us. with walks who Lord the in trust to age So, while the pandemic rages on in the world, the message of the New-born Baby calls us to a new cour uel- Godiswithus.”Hecomestoguide,encourage,love,healandsave. Nativity of our Lord invites the humanity to a greater hope. A hope that is nothing less than the “Emman the Nevertheless, death. of fear and despair hopelessness, anxiety,fear,uncertainty,loneliness, brought be unique and extraordinary because the world is shaken and shattered by the Covid-19 Pandemic. It has sac- God them, for love his express to them among one became and humanity the created God among humankindwiththeaimtoguideandsavehumanity. THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD JESUS IN CORONA TIMES Cyril Lakra,S.J(IIB.Th) ed this year? This year the Nativity celebration will celebration Nativity the year year? This this ed questions, how would the Birth of Jesus be celebrat are some of the questions among people. With these These pandemic? this is why then forgiving, most the merciful, most the be to supposed is God you? would the One who loves you so much punish Why humanity. the punishing God as world, the over all spreads it When doers. wrong the punish to way God’s is it that people saying started people, killing and on the infecting scene, arrived first virus corona the fromsin. When them save to Son only his rificed - PAGE - 05 - - - VJ TO DAY -11 oct - Dec 2020/03

3 are the healthcare professionals who took care of the Corona patients and all those who provided se-

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c whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine you did it for me.” (Mt. 26:40) o NATIVITY IN CORONA Sunil Gaikwad SJ (II B.Th)

The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ is a joy of new life, the hope of a new world and the beginning of new creation that ever grows to the fulness and perfection which God promised in His only Son. God became man so that we may again rejoice in His presence, live in His Holiness and grow in His love and peace. The most beautiful and creative action of God comes to our aid to free us from all that separates us from becoming His children. Though there has been increased suffering, uncertainty and fear in the world due to COVID -19, but the growth in our faith of God’s providence is undeniable. Can this pandemic of COVID-19 hinder our growth in coming more closer to God? It can’t. Because the Saviour is born. His birth brings us ‘life in fulness’ (John10:10), and ‘in Him, we live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17:28). COVID-19 cannot halt the ‘King- dom of God’ from its spreading but it enables us to be strong ‘to fight the good fight’ by uniting ourselves with our New-born King. As we prepare ourselves to receive Child Jesus in our hearts, be sure of His transforming love that would lead us to the Father. We believe that the pandemic is not as great as God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. Therefore, it can’t separate us from His unconditional love. St. Paul reminds us, “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:38-39). Our world and our life belong to God. God shows His solidarity with us by becoming human. His ‘humanness’ gives us the energy to stand firm in faith and face all the challenges of life knowing that ‘God is with us’. The purpose of ‘Word becoming flesh’ is profoundly visible in Jesus’ life and mission. By believing in the ‘Good News’ we participate in God’s mission of salvation for all humanity. This salvific mission of Christ our Lord should disturb us inwardly so that we can be active and authentic in our ‘love and service’. The Christmas brings us closer to the mystery of salvation and helps us to see, feel and touch the world with the eyes, heart and hands of Jesus. The Nativity this year in the period of COVID - 19, brings us the same experience, as the experience of old, where all were waiting in hope for the coming of the Saviour. Mother Mary is that symbol of hope and courage, on receiving the baby Jesus in her womb reached out to Elizabeth with joy and gladness. May this joy of Christmas fill us with the same spirit of hope, courage, love, compassion and mercy to meet Baby Jesus, in all who are in need of our kindness, generosity and support. A G E - 0 6 P REFLECTION ON THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD JESUS IN THE CORONA TIMES surrender oneselftotallyintothehandsofGod. giving oneself to others for service, which is centered in and around Jesus. It is also the time for us all to is that thing same the us to communicates Jesus of birth The people. of majority captivated really have life human of aspects these and others for oneself of giving selfless sensitivity,and passion, availability com- service, love, of terms reality,in the to outlook human relationship, human in transformation the is history.transformation human The in place taking is transformation a corona humanity.this Through suffering the with suffers who God the is God Our us. for hope great the is which word, final the is tion is suffering, and the suffering is not the end of everything, it is not the final word of life but the resurrec- and resurrection and through this, death victory over sin passion, and death. his Therefore, in today’sthrough sufferingis humanity,saving Christ of way his but tribes nations, people, over victory and power birth the of message the time corona this In shepherd. the to angel the of message the is you to born is Jesus. of birth Athe during shepherds saviour the to given people, the all for joy great of message the was It debaucheries. our from us save to us with is God that message us gives family poor the Nativity. Twoin humanhistory.Son sent his ago God thousand twentyyears in Jesus The birthof In this time of helplessness, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, uncertainty we have a great message in the inside. remain everything made and everything down shut simply has It affected. and infected are Corona is a pandemic. It has affected the whole world. Lakhs of people have lost their lives. Many years ago. He was born in the dualistic world, light and darkness, death and life, sickness and thousand health two purpose particular a for place and time definite a at place took Jesus of Nativity The people. Butdefinitely, theNativityofJesushasanswersin timesofcoronaalso. to suffice will that today’s situation to answers scientific give not may we not, Certainly dark? and to people when the whole world seems to be in blink answer intellectual an give to possible it Is corona. Nativity of our Lord Jesus will take place in times of the whether hearts and minds our in the arises question pandemic a with faced are all we when today, But nature. sinful from humanity of whole the deem re- to came Jesus also. time corona amid born be to whether it is corona time or wartime. Jesus continues circumstances, the all in happening is Jesus of tivity day.every born being is cross the Na- the Therefore, on died who Christ the but ago, years thousand Jesus two historical the in fulfilled was prophecy This means, which Emmanuel,” him “Godiswithus”. name shall they and son, a bear and conceive shall virgin the “Look, BIRTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN CORONA TIMES Nirmal KulluSJ(IIB.Th) J ayanthi SJ(IIB.Th) way the world expected, through his mighty the not is saving of way His beings. human all saves born is who Christ Jesus saviour, and for the salvation of whole creation. This salvation our for us, for Son his gave who and everything, created who God in is faith wickedness. We Christians live by faith. Our born to us to be with us and to save us from is saviour the because joy great of message a is that – active remains Jesus Lord our of -

PAGE - 07 VJ TO DAY -11 oct - Dec 2020/03 serving, andlovingoneanother. helping, by Emmanuel, the - us with is who One the Him, follow we when insignificant be and smaller look would suffering and pain the All you. loved have I as another one Love commandment, love His till end of time” (Mt. 28:20b). Now, it is our responsibility to do God’s will in our daily lives by following tivists, the people of good will, and us. He will be with us till the end of the age. “Behold, I am with you this Covid-19 pandemic. He is there in the form of scientists, doctors, health workers, helpers, social ac- God is not only for us, but also with us always. Therefore, we can be sure that God is with us even during be. situation the may whatever in us with always is God that indicates us’. This with is ‘God is it rather us’, with be will us’‘God with or was ‘God mean not did Emmanuel tense. future the in nor tense past the us.’in with neither is is ‘God It tense. present carefully,the observe in we is When it that realize we means Emmanuel 1:23b). Mt (cf Emmanuel called is God of Son the that know to come Matthew,we to according Gospel the From us. for God’slove of us reminds Jesus Lord our of birth the Celebrating you can’t getaroundit,sodeepyoucan’t getunderit”. wide so it, over get can’t you high, so wonderful, so “God’sis hymn love the in expressed well very so times of joy and suffering. He loves His people as His very own children. His love is immeasurable. It is people. He delivered them from their bondage. Thus, we know that God has been with His people in their They suffered, mourned, wept for three centuries plus under Egyptian captivity. God heard the cry of His people. God’s chosen Israelites, the of experience the been already had pain and suffering of kind This lost their faithinGod.PeoplehavebeguntoaskwhetherGodexists! have others Many hope. lost have people Many suffering. atmosphere untold and weeping by an marked gloom, of lot a been has there this to Due not. or virus Corona the by fected in- were they whether out find to up check a for go to even afford not could many ones, dear and to meet the staggering medical bills of their near attempting in despair sheer in were others many classes online for go to them for to expenses meet inability family’s their of because colleges and schools of out dropped others some hood, liveli and jobs their lost others died, have people countless result a time. As no within world the over all spread has It contagious. so is it because terrifying, been has pandemics, other the unlike pandemic, fear.This with grapple to people made and pandemic Covid-19 by knees its to down brought been has world whole the as people many of questions the been have sleeping?” God our “Is exist?”, God “Does PAGE - 08 VJ TO DAY -11

The background to the Nativity of Nativity the to background The oct - Dec 2020/03 is theassuranceofNativityourLordthatHewillremainwithusintimessuffering. will take birth in times of corona to strengthen our faith in the lockdown of our hearts and mind. It Lord is with us in every moment of our lives, though we are surrounded by fear and uncertainty. manner, same the He In people. few a for place and time definite a at healed He but hand, His lifting world? by the day heal one to in time Israelites own the His heal take not did He that know we As He will or doctor a of emergency an if as COVID-19 of world the heal WillHe corona? of times in place takes Lord our of Nativity the if be it will how question, a assume to need we Here sible? pos- it is can how Then Christ. Jesus of resurrection and death the by redeemed already is world the but situation, same the in place takes Jesus Lord our of Nativity Todaythe on. so and iness, THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE NATIVITY IN CORONA TIMES THE NATIVITY OF LORD JESUS C abe Jesus at this time of Covid-19 resembles the real event real the resembles Covid-19 of time this at Jesus Babe A ajetan SJ(IIB.Th) rul G.SJ(IIIB.Th) - of justice than working for rich. The victims of corona, through their suffering and death have taken rificed their precious life for the sake of saving Jesus and have warned world leaders to take the side sac- who children innocent like are corona of victims oppressed. The the neglecting for humiliation poor the of liberation the marginalizedfor sections of the people work all over the world. and The world should enter into simple the experience of humble, become to world the challenges Jesus of weak and feeble child who cries for milk represents, and reciprocates the cry of the poor. This incarnation ployed youthbydisclosingthevestedinterest of thepoliticians, policy makers andcorporates. Jesus asa Corona is one of the incarnations that exposed the hue cry of poor, migrants, women, children, and unem- the lifeeventsofpoorwholongfordecentanddignified life. in continues incarnation his but once, only for was Jesus of incarnation bodily The world. the redeem to in time view offightingforjustice,peaceandgoodgovernance. this of prophets the by spearheaded and initiated world throughout occurred have protests and contrary,the On up. rallies widen demonstrations, to continue poor and rich the between gap Dalits. The and migrants, Adivasis marginalized,poor, the of interests the neglecting in wilfully by work rich the world of the favour of leaders the and pride of towers babel contemporary builds capitalism crony The whims andfancies. its to according nature the over lord to wishes categorically and religions diverse of gods to conditions and terms dictates It developments. its on standing by destiny own its of god the become has world The Jesus becometheresplendentstarofhopetoallpeople. Baby our May pandemic. the for vaccine of form the in is Jesus babe of birth the that hope with expect also us Let peace. and joy of emotions transcendent of rainbow a refracting light divine glorious the by expected the Lord with hope. When they found the babe in the manger, the prism of their life was radiated The Nativity invites us to seek out joy and hope amidst prickles of intricacy at this difficult time. The Magi CONTEXTUAL INCARNATION AT THE TIME OF CORONA Jayaraj Selvaraj(IIIB.Th) span oftime. short a in ones loved their of many lost have people as lamentations of backdrop World”the the to against “Joy sing to tough be would It cries? amidst joys of songs the sing we can But, love. and joy,peace with synonymous is Christmas However, living. daily their for struggles with fraught are People situation. this at mysterious be to seems life of Uncertainty Herod. King by babes cent inno- of holocaust the replicates deaths pandemic the to of owing Millions ago. years thousand two happened baby Jesus. This is what God has willed as a plan provide a dignified, decent place for the new born the part of the migrant parents who on are not able humiliation to sheer a is feeble It cowshed. vulnerable, a in poor, child a as born be to Jesus Son his family.sent powerful all is who God But their in born be to Messiah the expecting were community Jewish of rulers and kings The vant. rele and meaningful stands Jesus of incarnation the of commemoration the uncertainty, of riod pe- this At structures. governance and proaches andap- affirmations ideologies, its of rification pu- and renovation for indefinitely down locked is community.world human The of vulnerability and nature transitory the out brought has Corona

VJ TO DAY -11 PAGE - 09 - oct - Dec 2020/03 OUR RESPONSE TO CORONA healer tohealandrestoretheworld. Wish youallMerryChristmas. this pandemic. While experiencing the inner joy of Christmas amidst Covid-19, let us welcome Jesus, the of face the in faith our showing in instrumental be us world. let the Therefore, save to powerless, comes be- powerful the where event an is it Christ, of birth the remember we When us. save and heal to ready and us in interested still is God that day the is it that mind in bearing in inherent is Christmas of joy real The Christmas. of joy the and meaning hidden real the realize to us invites Covid-19, way,the a in So, an again. it renew and is heal to today Christmas of world day.the in intervention every his for earnestly Jesus us to pray to occasion within birth taking is Jesus celebration. outward an merely not is mas Christ- of message the But discouraged. are celebrations of kinds all Covid-19, pandemic of time this In competition, mid-nightmassandvisittorelatives’ housesaresomememoriesevergreen withinme. making friends. crib non-Christian singing, my carol with of experience even The meal agape enjoy and dress new wear to used friends, and family my with Christmas celebrated I happiness. and joy of day God. It is the day that, the promise of God about the Messiah, who would be the saviour of the world, got us “partakers of the divine nature” (CCC 460). It is the day of fulfilment of all prophesies and promises of us of that great day when the Invisible became Visible. It is the day when the Word became Flesh to make reminds It children. His towards flows continuously that God of love the of us reminds Christmas Every PAGE - 10 VJ TO DAY -11

hold atheart: toserveGodandourneighbour evenindifficult momentslikeCovid-19 Pandemic. we what fully live to is joy greatest Our mission. universal of needs the to respond and gospel the Mary.of Missionaries proclaim to disciples the like Sent, are we as vocation our echo words These Franciscan the of foundress Passion the of Mary Blessed said homeland” our is world whole “The oct - Dec 2020/03 any naturalcalamity. and drought disease, it be life, in situations any against fight to them help life. would their This of work not only to overcome epidemics and pandemics rather strive to empower the poor in all walks to stare at their vanity. All its mighty strengths have come to confront their frailty. The world should juncture. this at moment kenotic movies. a and through going is world The come have glories All necessity of the scavengers, as opposed to the people who constantly entertained us through sports The world is incarnated into the world of the periphery. People suddenly realize the importance and part intheredemptiveworkofJesus.Godspeaksthroughcoronatoworldmenditsways. TINY CORONA VIRUS! -THE DOOR TO ENTER THE PATH OF NEW LIFE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS IN THE TIME OF COVID Noble BabyCST(IIIB.Th) Jenitta MaryF.M.M (IB.Th) me taking me back to the gracious fact that it is a is it that fact gracious the to back me taking me to chord a strike always memories childhood My lighting inusabeaconofHope. this proclamation becomes very relevant to all of us, Christ the lord (Lk. 21:10,11). During this pandemic David there has been born foryoua saviour, whois of city the in today for people; the all for be shall which joy great a of news good you bring I behold, for afraid, be not “Do announced angels The every Christmasnightbutdayofourlives. on the first Christmas night is to be ours not only on joy. The angels announced that joy to the shepherds ofgreat day a becomes Christmas Thus, fulfilled. “renewed sensingofourcontext”forconvertingcrisisintoanopportunity a to us margins.calls the reality at painful live This who those for future safe Inter-faithand communion freedom, wellness, solidarity,ecological of justice, oil and of peace horn the and meal of jar the share to awaits still Love of God The within. from us stirred has and questions deep raised has retrospection and realized that the need is more, and what we are doing is just a small tiny society.fragment. The times in of reflection We’ve livelihood find and dignity them give will that life-style alternative an want they that online had also We meetings covid-19. with transgenders, which during helped us Transgenderto know for their expectations from care us and they psychological expressed freely on webinar a organized We of the Transgender anddistributedsomebasicprovisionstothem. along with some of our community sisters made the necessary arrangements. We visited the housing area provincial of help the Sr.Balthazar,with Stella survive. to them for difficult very things made has situation pandemic This work. sex into ter en- or beg they survive to order in so and tion now). Some of the transgenders have no educa- changing slowly is it (but life family normal a living from deprived are and stigma social as by considered are They abandoned society. and family their generally are Transgenders imbatore. women who live in the northern suburbs of Co- trans- some to out reached we community my the Transgenders.in namely sisters society the the Withof by help recognized the hardly is which group a help to inspired got I situation, present of context the studied I situation. As pandemic this with up cope to struggling were who women single and widows and schools our of students poor ers, taking relief action measures. Our community swift decided to reach into out to the involved marginalized like sanitary got work- sisters young many and Provincial our FMM, Balthazar Stella Sr. suffer mostlyduetolackoffoodandotherresourcesforsurvival. tion through prayers and reflection. This enabled us to reach out to the poor, the less privileged who restrictions, the sisters of Ootacamund, Province, Tamil Nadu entered into a journey of transforma the of its and and pandemic Covid-19 interdependence the Withenvironment. the our and others of with relationship life, of importance of values the of aware more us makes crisis actual The and basic meals. It was amazing to see generous people in the silence of the night coming out to feed RESPOND TO REVEAL THE FACE OF GOD LOVE 'S Angela MaryFMM(IB.Th) hood and the widows by providing them with groceries with them providing by widows the and hood ders, pavement dwellers, poor families in our neighbour transgen- workers, sanitary the to out reaching by ities, Lord. Wemerciful the activ to outreach in involved got fering humanity with our prayers especially offering everyone suf- the with solidarity in live Coimbatore) convent, ception Con- (Immaculate Mary of Missionaries Franciscan We,the ginalized aroundus. mar and poor the of needs the sense to and presence God’s touch to journey inner an take to us enabled has normal new which has changed the normal life of most human beings. The lives of people. Unimaginable things are happening in society the in change drastic a about brought pandemic has Covid-19 my familyyoudidittome”(Mt25:40). “Just as you did it to one of least of these who are members of . - - - VJ TO DAY -11 PAGE - 11 - oct - Dec 2020/03 and cooperationwithoneanother. kindness, love, on based actions our choose may we that so Divine, the with connect to remember to job our is it existence, happy and harmonious more a experience to wish we If lives. daily our of commotion realized that when we are connected with God, we can hear have the wisdom I of Divine. our spirit the through with the noise connect and to opportunity an me gave pandemic) (Covid-19 moments crisis These desire toattendHolymassandreceiveCommunion. earnest was there lockdown, the during However, Eucharist. the attending not for excuses petty made I available, was mass daily before when pandemic, day.the whole Before prayed the We for turns in materials. Sacrament Blessed the essential other and oil, rice, distribute to villages the to went Sisters Our cried out to the Lord for aid. members My congregation sisters came forward to help the migrants in various ways. community My nation. whole the shook cities big from migrants, of crisis the Unexpectedly each other. with reconcile to grace us on bestowing for God thank we But disdain. with other each at look to began Werepercussions. occasionally inconvenient some caused had also However,it one’slife. each of good denly quiet. It was an anguishing experience. We were strictly forbidden to go out or meet anyone, for the and sadness. Joy, because it was like a retreat. I had time to be alone with God and myself. It helped me to joy of feeling mixed a was days. There 14 for quarantined was I Delhi, from place my reached I as soon humanity.on attack vengeful its started has virus As corona the since months, abruptly.eight been has It down shut to forced was College us. Vidyajyoti of one each of life the affected has Pandemic Covid-19 PAGE - 12 VJ TO DAY -11

remain seated in your houses in India, but go to the huts of the natives into streets and lanes, and lanes, and streets into natives the of huts the to go but India, in houses your in seated remain not Do Christ. Jesus of news Good the nations all teach and world whole the into out “Go tation. quo- scripture above the from inspiration draws Fr.Bodewig founder our of dream VisionThe and “Go intoalltheworldand proclaimtheGoodnewstowholecreation.” (Mk16:15) oct - Dec 2020/03 merciful faceofJesus. the known make to order in are, we wherever responsibility of sense our strengthen love merciful we are in service of our fellow beings, we are in the service of the Lord. Let the abundance of God’s person.” When excluded every “Weof says, face ‘love’the develop in must Christ recognizes that encyclical his in Francis another.Pope one for concern show to spiritual opportunities providing and by emotional sense an in people united has it that is situation current this of side bright The the hungryandcloththem.ItremindsuswordsofSt.Paul,“Godlovescheerfulgiver AN OPPORTUNITY TO AWAKEN OUR SPIRITUAL NATURE IN THE SHOES OF OUR FOUNDER FR FOUNDER OUR OF SHOES THE IN Rose UshaKujurOSU(IIIB.Th) Cecilia BilungS.R.A (I B.Th) COVID -19 PANDEMIC atmosphere (people, nature, creatures) became sud- The next? be to going is What doubt. anxiety,and uncertainty,fear, with wall the inside members 45 going through the pandemic crisis. We were around was which world, entire the for specially praying provincial the in house, where I spent my valuable time with sisters, was I months, two For books. insightful few a read I life. my in decisions icant signif- some make me helped days fourteen These of life.Icameintouchwithmyinnerworld. aspects negative and positive my and feelings, my thoughts, my over ponder to myself into deeper go , . BODEWIG .” that wearebrothers andsistersofone another.” another,one of part are we that awareness with us blessed and lives our around constructed had we beliefs false those and vulnerability our uncovered that history human in moments poignant of many one is pandemic Covid-19 friendship. social and fraternity create to want we if choice radical a is HOPE; renewed with realities at look to one invites and humanity of spirit the challenges TUTTI” “FRATELLI Francis Pope of Encyclical recent the on Reflections threat. as and suspicion with other in one and same dwelling, origin and destination regardless cast, creed, gender; yet look at one’s own image We,have who we, boundaries; and distance of irrespective Sun, same and one the from light Share who ReflectiononFratelli Tutti geously continuetostriverevivethemissionarysociety. coura- we as hearts our in resound to continues Fr.Bodewig of voice better.The for changed been has As rights. their years have passed by, for we can see the results produced by our ministries. Standard of life of these people justice demand to confidence and courage find they support this With talents. and women in self-help programs to raise economic support; women are educated to recognize their abilities women and children. Efforts are beingespecially made tomarginalized help women inthe distress. Opportunity isand provided for rural trodden down the to out reach to try we sector socio-economic the In tion tobuildaninclusiveandjustsociety. for the education of the poor and the marginalized in our institutions, as an essential part of our contribu the full development of the person in their individual and social dimension. We assume the responsibility at aimed growth of dynamism it make that characteristics with movement, of kind peculiar a is It light. the to people brings that movement a is it reality; dynamic a is Education Francis, Pope to According socio-pastoral Apostolate, youthandwomenindistressprisonministry. Education, Evangelization, indirect and direct like ministries different in Weinvolved purpose. are ical council them for their wellbeing. We also try to help them financially if required for education and med- and problems their to listen families, the visit we mission his for apart set and God of ones chosen As effective one.(EvangeliiNuntiandi21) and powerful very seen. a indeed and news Good the not of proclamation silent a already is is witness a Such that something in hope and values current the beyond go that values in is faith Our way.unaffected and simple a in radiating people, with solidarity and sharing presence, our around sionate love has been manifested in His life, death God’scompas- and that resurrection. News, The Good witness the mankind of our with life sharing involves by Jesus, of mission and life the into drawn is charism Our task. principal our is news Good the of proclamation The proclaim. and go As Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles, we have received this command of the Lord to ages.” proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all creatures. Pay special attention to the schools and orphan- A REFLECTION ON FRATELLI TUTTI Stella PR,CHF(IIIB.Th) with the people whom we work with. work we whom people the with ourselves identify we News, Good the “All became proclaim to order in men” all who to things Paul St. of spirit the In 35). 9: (Mt. infirmity every and disease every healing kingdom, the of Gospel the preaching and synagogues the cities and villages, teaching in their all about went Jesus creed. and status, social race, colour, caste, of respective ir people, all to extends love Christian - PAGE - 13 - VJ TO DAY -11 oct - Dec 2020/03 an idealworldoffraternityinwhichallcountriescanbeparta“lar proposes and problems, economic and social contemporary on focuses document constructed. The have we that walls the beyond from voice every and hand, every face, every – participate Weto celebrated. everyone and need encouraged accepted be to richness a become division of cause a being of instead differences together. We need one another if we are to rebirth the human family. live Our should we how about home common a in living family single a as radical changeinthelives ofthepoor. a bring to fighting are who activists right human the of many of lives the in incarnated was invitation to bring about whatever they and their nations need for the sake of their development” (FT, 185).This “For when the good of others is at stake, good intentions are not enough. Concrete efforts must be made lishing theparadigmsoffraternity. racist, fascist,casteist,fundamentalist,communalist, xenophobicandpatriarchal tendencies for estab- fight to needs accompaniment or love This troublingone. a becomes Francis Pope of conviction tioned 64). If the only commandment by Jesus was to love God through the love of neighbour, the above-men- panying, caringfor, andsupportingthefrailest and vulnerable members ofourdeveloped societies” (FT, “Let usadmitthat, for all the progress we have made, we are still “illiterate” when it comes to accom- FT, 115). (Cf. suffering their in even other the with closeness the sensing and flesh the touching faces, at looking of all the creation, Fratelli Tutti speaks of fraternity and interconnectedness. It is an invitation to service brothers) canberead incontinuation with the LaudatoSi.WhenSispeaksofintrinsic value “Pope Francis’ new addition to the corpus of Social Teaching of the Church called Fratelli Tutti (Dear PAGE - 14 VJ TO DAY -11

of water, forest and land.Following his footsteps, hundreds ofgrassroot level workers andactivists tivist Dayamani Barla said in a Hindu article, “Father Stan Swamy had been fighting for protection said “She is not just our lawyer or union colleague. For us,SudhaDidi (elder sister) isfamily”. Ac- ha Bharadwaj(oneofthe arrested activists), as thepolice brought hertocourtforahearing,andhe Rajkumar Sahu made a 1,000-km journey from Chhattisgarh to Pune for a fleeting meeting with Sud - oct - Dec 2020/03 to examine the meaning of our existence and to dream together dream to and existence our of meaning the examine to Wethe TASTElost have FRATERNITY.of us requires Fraternity or closenessandencounter. indifference and isolation between choose to We have ourselves. row compounds and reduces out horizons and we can’t see beyond nar own our within slave us make us; to different are who those exclusion; that which prevent encounters with other cultures, with of walls the within confined be to continue we if that courage ic prophet- with us warns encyclical the in used walls of image The (Arun PhilipSimonSJ(BOM))collectedbyLouisLoboIB.Th INCARNATING FRATERNITY forms thebasisofequalityandliberty. to oneoffraternity.digms Thisfraternityalone from neo-liberal ornarrow nationalistic para- gral ecology in Laudato Si,andaconversion technocratic paradigm toaofinte a concrete response: aconversionfrom the give another warningsignal.Francisdemands for thepoor, theelderly, migrantsandrefugees away culture exposedbyCOVID-19especially the humanity, wedidn’t heedtoit.Thethrow sion of2008asonethewarningsignalsto Pope Francis points to the economic depres- ger humanfamily. - - scripture, politics,andwell-beingofcreation.) theology, philosophy, in writer, interested proficient a is He Paris. Sèvres, Centre at student B.Th. year second a is He Province. Bombay to belonging Jesuit a is SJ, Simon Philip (Arun incarnated intheparadigmoffraternity.” incarnations are notenough;weneedthemightyChurch alongwithallpeopleofgoodwilltobe the idealsofFratelliTutti intheirlives,whichisnothingmore thanincarnationsofgospel. A few solidly behindFr. StanSwamy.” Thesequotesreveal thatpeoplelikeFr. StanandSudhaincarnated people’sdifferent standing are of movements Activists villages. in work same the doing been have laity.opportu - golden a got we where personnel media the by conducted interviews also were There the as well as religious included protest This cause. same the for participants the among excitement of lot was There distance. social the maintaining and masks on putting by virus corona pandemic 12th October 2020 was observed as solidarity day to protest the falsely accused arrested Human Right De- our countrywhoareworkingforthewelfareofnation. WorkersSocial of the harass to not clearly it telling Government Central the at straight nail the hit also protest the Besides, arrested’. and accused falsely been have who workers social other and Swamy Stan san priests and religious. The main focus of the protest was ‘forcing the Central Government to release Fr. dioce some also were There one. meaningful a protest the made scholastics and priests Jesuit our of presence The city. the from will good of citizens the by organized was protest This Swamy. Stan Fr. of arrest arbitrary the against protest’ to call ‘Citizen’s On the 11th October, in Sakchi Golchakkar, Jamshedpur there was his enthusiasminmissionduringtheprayerservice. Jharkhand for a few decades. We recalled his missionary spirit and of belt Chotanagpur the in Tribalsthe of welfare the for working been has Stan Fr. NIA. by arrested and accused falsely been has who Swamy Stan Fr for way special a in pray to conducted was service prayer Jamshedpur.This Chapel, Novitiate the at service On 10th October, we, the scholastics of Jamshedpur province along with our novices, conducted a prayer STANDING BY STAN REPORT ON THE PROTEST IN JAMSHEDPUR IN – PROTEST THE ON REPORT ARREST OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS RIGHTS HUMAN OF ARREST A DAY OF PROTEST AGAINST THE STANDING WITH FR STAN Cajetan Anthony SJ(IIB.Th) Ajay Bara,S.J(IIB.Th) test, we abided by the protocol of the ongoing the of protocol the by abided we test, pro- through whole PakargaonDuring Chowk. es: Indira Chowk, Kerakchhar (Bulcan) Chawk and plac different three at simultaneously (C.G.) gaon banner of ST, SC, OBC (minorities) Manch, Pathal the under organized was protest This arrested. and accused falsely are Defenders/ who Right Activists Human other and Activist) Right Tribal/Adivasi’s (the Swami Stan Fr. of release the thereby and act baseless the condemn to move, the oppose to and fenders by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) -

PAGE - 15 - - VJ TO DAY -11 oct - Dec 2020/03 the issue and to the local administration for granting permission and the media for giving wide coverage. rest of falsely accused arrested Human Right Defenders. Thanks to those who stepped out to be the part of wonderful experience of boldly stepping out of my comfort zone to witness and voice out against the ar a was it day.Indeed, this to perspective wider a give to cause the for included were demands these All xii) Declareminimumsupportpricetoallagriculturalproduce xi) Stopunsustainableuseofnaturalresources x) “JatiPramanptramedhandhalibandkaro” ix) “HanthiBhagao, Aadmi Bachao” viii) Stopprivatizationandcommunalization vii) Punishtherapists vi) “BetiPadhao,BetiBadhaoNahinPahleBachao” was saying, “Brothers and sisters if you and I and you if sisters and “Brothers saying, He was audience. the of heart the touched which speech beautiful a gave and forwards came Pas- tor Baptist the of One solved”. be not will injustices of problems the country our in tice jus- don’t for I stand and you If suffering. been have might he much how know I activist, an is, but I know that he is an activist. As I am also Fr.Stan who know don’t “I saying, us dressed ad- He Christian. a not was he that expressing was he as speakers the of one by touched was I street. the in talk giving us seeing by one by one programme the to entering started people on going was programme the As day. that on speakers main four were There event. this in for the upliftment of the poor in Jharkhand. Jesuits from the Khasi-Jaintia Hills districts actively took part working was he because authority the Fr.by with wrongly Solidarity accused the was out who ried Stan although not in large numbers, made their presence felt. In spite of the Lockdown and Pandemic we car procession. There was participation from across denominations. The Religious and clergy the from Shillong, in part took people many drizzle, gentle the Despite organizers. main the were Syiemiong Richard Mr.and Dr.Kharbihthai Jesuits. Moses the of friends the by 2020 Oct, 12th on Meghalaya, Shillong, in The slogan “Shillong Stands with Father Stan”, was one of the heart touching phrases of the people here PAGE - 16 VJ TO DAY -11

Rights of the poor, who were exploited by the rich and powerful we also need to join hands in fight- result”. As Fr. Stan SJ stands for the poor people in the mainland India, in Jharkhand, fighting for the family. Weevil. this overcome never will We the see would we and together fight and work to have one as together come to able be not will we then injustice, is there where hands our joining not are oct - Dec 2020/03 v) Respectgirlsandwomen iv) Withdrawal ofthe Acts passedagainstthefarmers iii) Stopharassmentofjournalists ii) Demandofjusticeforhumanrightactivists 14 others i) ing urgent andburningissuesdemandsofthetime: follow- the mentioning placards and banners holding all-around silently stood Pathalgaon Chowk, Indira at participants the cause. All same the on weightage put and out voice to platform and nity Release of Fr. Stan Swamy, the Tribal Right Activist, Sudha Bhardwaj human right activist and activist right Fr.Swamy,human of Stan Bhardwaj Tribalthe ReleaseRight Sudha Activist, SHILLONG STANDS WITH FR. STAN James ChinSJ(IIIB.Th) - - the oppression and fought the legal battles to let the Adivasi youth be freed from prisons. As Moses fight to Jharkhand in Adivasis the united he struggle, their in poor the accompanied he Therefore, Stan of support in him. upon was Lord the of Spirit the come that testify Stan about spoken highly have who have people the and that testimonies The 4:18).” (Lk me…” upon is Lord the of Spirit Fr.that sure quite are we and God of word same “The words, these by gripped been have might too Stan this living and reading by ministry his begins call Jesus God. the of word was dynamic the it and Obviously,King Eternal it? the of of consequences the knowing this do to Stan motivated what wonder, I nity thatviolatehumanrights,destroyenvironment tofilltheirtreasures. Stand to Jesuits Indian the to so, especially but, all to call wake-up a surely is It rights. human damental the process of doing so, being branded as ‘anti-national’ or ‘Urban Naxal’in because they And stood discrimination. for the fun- of victims and justice of deprived marginalized, poor, of rights the for standing is today normal new on. The operate to try normally we that model” “charity the beyond moving means today normal new the living that realized world the over all Jesus of Society The all. us shook arrested that are not NORMAL. The arrest of Fr. Stan Swamy and greater awareness about those who are already events to strive to have would we normal, new this to adjust could we before even that thought had us now. till doing been have we that ministries different doing of ways new - NORMAL: THE of none Yet, NEWWAY the exploring were provinces the in and LIVING communities OF Jesuit our in us of Many them, themoreyouunderstandfeelingsofpeople. sort of solidarity plays a very important role in society. The more you are close to the people and listen to essential. very This is people the observing and to listening and people among and with being but much The GC 32 spoke about option for the poor and the downtrodden. Though you may not be able to do Through collaboration many people come to know the Jesuits, our congregation and our way of life. crucial. is places mission our in people the with collaboration of importance you. The support will that you may not know the language of the people but if you are able to stand with the people, they was vigil light candle this from learnt Jesuits. have the I about What town Shillong the around and evangelization about the Jesuits who the Jesuits are. On that day on, the news spread far and wide in of works the of one became also protest villages. This the in people poor the with working mostly are we as city main the in known much not 83. are is Jesuits age The whose man, old- the arrest to ing for the cause. One of the main points repeated by all the speakers was that, why the authority has NEW WAY OF LIVING NORMAL : #STANDWITHSTAN Wellington PatilSJ(IIIB.Th) and even spoke against capitalist commu means to fight the fascist ruling structures only his as Constitution Indian the used and values gospel the practices He dia. In- of Constitution the to fidelity showed he because NIA by arrest under is Stan Today,Fr. rights. constitutional their for imprison them only because they demand and youth Adivasi poor the implicate ly false- that laws the questioned He forest. and water land, their from sisters and ers broth- Adivasi the alienate that policies government the questioned and Cross the of Banner the Under fought he because bars the behind put is Stan brother Our to doforChrist?” time to answer the question “what I ought the is It Cross. the of Banner the Under

PAGE - 17 - VJ TO DAY -11 oct - Dec 2020/03 be opentotherealityofpresentsituationand actaccordingtoitrelevantlyandadequately called for a candle light protest on 16 November, 2020 at Kargil Chawk, Patna. These protests helped us government is misusing the institutions like NIA, CBI, ED and judiciary. Nagarik Adhikar Munch, Bihar students of St. Xavier’s College, Patna performed a nukkad to bring awareness among people as how the the government for arresting the people who speak against the unlawful activities of the government. The there was one more protest at Buddha Smriti Park called by PUCL. This protest gave a strong message to October, 18 On 2020 protest. the in seen be organizations could social different from People others. and Fr.Stan of arrest the against voice their raise to protest this in participated men and women religious al UAPA as per the government’s wish. The present government feels that the intellectuals and human right the NIAusing like been institutions have puppet the of Some activists. right human innocent many ized The arrest of Fr. Stan baffled several people and organizations. The unlawful usage of UAPA has victim by opposingthatwhichisnotnormal! generous souls have done as Fr. Stan and other activists are doing. So, friends, let us live the new normal (1Cor. 11:1). We become imitators of Christ by becoming immersed in His movement as many good and generated a new movement or a ‘new normal way of living.’ In St. Paul’s words “Be imitators of Christ” where Jesus opposed several laws and practices which were thought to be “normal” and by doing that, he gospels the in passages several are There capitalism. unhealthy and fanaticism injustice, practices, tory discrimina the all for world cross. the the challenge Aof to banner call the under stand to King Eternal the from call a Jesuits the to especially and us of one each gives #standwithstan movement current The evil thathappensaroundus. tices which the society has normalized; to take an unambiguous stand so that we do not normalize all the PAGE - 18 VJ TO DAY -11

ing for the basic human rights (fundamental right) of the neglected people of our nation. Fr.nation. our of people neglected the of right) is (fundamental Stan rights human basic the for ing Fr. Stan Swamy is a voice for the voiceless. He is a hope for the hopeless. He has always been stand- oct - Dec 2020/03 oppressive structure that the society has normalized; to show your dissent for discriminatory prac- For, Fr. Stan living the new normal is to oppose that which is not normal, to raise your voice against way tochangethelegacyoflivingpriesthoodorreligiouslifeinIndia. Fr.Israel. of his on is he and qualities prophetic and leadership biblical those of all combines Stan and identity. The biblical books talk about leaders and prophets who changed the face of the history resources forest land, their for fight could they that so masses these empowered slowly He tution. Consti- Indian the in enshrined rights the and rights fundamental their of aware people making on mighty Egypt, he had to convince the people about their right to live with dignity. Fr. Stan focused was sent to the Israelites so was Fr. Stan to people in Jharkhand. Before Moses could challenge the WE STAND BY YOU, STAN A VOICE IN THE STREET Rajeev Ranjan(IIIB.Th) KP Saji GeorgeSJ(IIIB.Th) Many people came in support of this protest. Sever dha Smriti Park organized by Mahila Vikas Bud- Munch. at 2020 October, 12 on protest There another was protest. this in hands joined collaborators our and laities Many activists. right human other and Stan Fr. of release immediate demanding and Dak Bungalow Chowraha, Patna to show solidarity at October,2020 10 on protest peaceful a in ipated tuals including Fr. Stan. Hence, Patna Jesuits partic arrested more than a dozen of activists and intellec it Therefore, India. New the to thereat are activists . - - - - -

not only known to ordinary people for his action but also people of all sorts such as human right 3 0 activists, writers, thinkers know him well. But it has now taken on a new emphasis and a fabricated /

1 0

- poignancy in recent times, approaching him from diverging perspectives: historical, existential, 2

political as well as secular. It is precisely in this context that we have to look at this problem (his 2

c D

O arrest). It is important to call to mind the fact that all we hear about Fr. Stan is coupled with politi- e

T D

cal motive and contemporary social ethics. As a prophet of cosmic involvement, he has to give his J

voices to the unjust life of the Adivasis. The overall picture of this mission of Fr. Stan I would very t c well call FREEDOM. And so, thinking that the arrest of Fr. Stan and other human rights activists o will curtail this freedom, the government is wrong.

However, it is unjust that NIA has arrested an octogenarian. I wish to know from the higher authority of India (Prime Minister), what wrong had my brother Stan done to our nation in the past? Sir, some gentlemen accuse him that he is anti-national who does not abide by the law of the land. When did he become anti-national? The history of our nation will talk volumes about the valuable contributions of people like this. Is arrest going to help at all? I don’t think that fleets and armies are necessary for the work of love and reconciliation. Are we so unwilling to be reconciled? Do you need to use force to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves. May I ask those gentlemen, what is the use of brute force if it does not create harmony in our country? He does not have an internal enemy. It is some handful people who create internal animosity on the basis of caste and creed to secure political power. The gentlemen are trying to shackle him and others with the same chains, which the Nazis used not so long ago. They have been trying that for the last several years. We, the supporters of Stan have petitioned; we have taken out demonstrations; we have made supplications; we have even prostrated ourselves before the throne to arrest the tyranny by the government and the Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our supplications have been disregarded; we have been spurned at the foot of the throne. Many may consider that every effort has been in vain and it is fool- ish to indulge any longer the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. But I don’t think so. There is always room for hope. Fr. Stan is that hope in deep hopelessness. He is that hope which encourages us to struggle against the injustice meted out to our people. His arrest has not discouraged us but it has revitalized our struggle to stand by the downtrodden. Millions of people have sacrificed their lives for justice. They will not keep quiet as long as the people of this nation are not respected. Fr. Stan is the best example for all of us. Even in his advanced age, he stands tall amidst your tyrannical policies. A G E - 1 9 P Dear Stanwestandbyyou. establishing the Kingdom of God but it will facilitate us to work for the Kingdom. God is standing by him. Vikas Andolan, and Singhbhum Adivasi Samaj, Sajha Kadam participated in the protest rally.a protest Through the in Jan participated Kadam Sajha VikasVirodhiSamaj, Singhbhum VishapanAdivasi and Andolan, Campaign, Food to Right Movement, Workers Domestic National Ekta, naveey organisationsand Sangharsh (ML) Mukti CPI Jan Mahasabha, Janadhikar Jharkhand as such Vahini,Ma - and CPI Morcha, Mukti Jharkhand the including parties Political Bhawan. Raj culminated of front and in dharna School a with Zilla the from started March Nyay titled march The part. took RTC from staff and students some also Swamy.Fr.Here Stan of release immediate the demanding Ranchi, in streets the on march the took October,2020 17 Saturday on activists social and parties political non-BJP major All as terrorists”and“ReleaseStanSwamythevoice oftheoppressed”. them branding stop rights, human has “Everyone terrorist”, a not and and Dalit rights for Adivasi worker a is “Stan activists”, terrorizing “Stop were posters on printed slogans justice”. other demand the Among Pari- Koregaon-Elgar Bhima in links, Maoist alleged and arrest false his for SJ, Swamy Fr.Stan activist rights tribal and priest Jesuit octogenarian with solidarity express to 2020 October, Friday,16 on Road, Main to Mary’sChurch St. from starting Ranchi, in chain human 4km a formed people 5,000 than More PAGE - 20 VJ TO DAY -11

Indian Penal Code,Unlawful Activities Preventions Act (UAPA) andNational Security Act (NSA). the of defamation) (Criminal 499 124Aand sections (sedition) repeal and cases riot Delhi to related cases false of withdrawal and case Bhima-Koregaon of closure prisoners, political all and Swamy memorandum addressed to Governor Draupadi Murmu, they demanded immediate release of Fr. Stan oct - Dec 2020/03 I am certain that Stan will get a hundredfold reward for his noble task. His arrest is not the end in end the not is arrest His task. noble his for reward hundredfold a get will Stan that certain am I for theirsisthekingdomofheaven”(Mt.5:9-10). for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, persecutions. God always takes the side of those who work for peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, of kinds all and imprisonment lives, their of sacrificing be will prophecy their of repercussions The world. whole the to peace prophesy who voice prophetic are Fr.Swamy fear.like Stan ates People sense ofmorality. Inhistorywarnevercreatedpeaceorharmony. Italwaysdestroyspeaceandcre- His way was the way of peace. When you feel that the way of peace is disastrous, you have lost your SOLIDARITY WITH FR SWAMY. STAN S andeep KujurSJ(IIIB.Th) op’ bne ra: “We read: banner Toppo’s Felix Ranchi of Archbishop actively intheprotest. participated also RTC, from staff and students the We, Mascarenhas. Theodore bishop auxiliary and Toppo Felix Ranchi of Archbishop by various groups, was led by protests ongoing of part tion, congrega- Friday’s activists. rights human in- and tellectuals silence to attempts the against hope of symbol a it light vigil and protest terming candle silent a held Nuns lic Catho- priests, se- Catholic nior and Catholics Society, Civil of Members case. shad

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FR STAN THE VOICE OF PERIPHERY TO PRIMARY 1

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Manickam SJ (III B.Th) Y 2

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On 14 October, 2020, Theologians belonging to both Madurai and Chennai Jesuit provinces par- D

ticipated in the protest condemning the arrest of Fr. Stan Swamy SJ and demanding his release and V t

other activists. It was well-organized by Christava Nallina Iyyakam (CNI) at Santhome Higher c o secondary school, Chennai. Though the pandemic is engulfed all over the world, still people from different religious orders, religions, Social activists, political parties, and movements converged together to express their solidarity in humanity in releasing Fr. Stan and his colleagues. Mr. Peter Alphonse, the former congress member of parliament, addressed the spectators and shared the ardent, com- mitted, and unceasing spirit of missionary Fathers who transformed, empowered and conscientized the poor people in India. Followed by, Kani- mozhi Karunanithi, the member of parliament, strongly opposed the arrest of Fr. Stan and promised to take up the issue to the Parliament. Besides them, a few prominent leaders from different fields have extended their fullest support through social media and have been standing in solidarity throughout. “When I feed the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Com- munist” says, Archbishop. Helder Camara, the great Liberation Theologian. The powerful words of Hel- der Camara fitting aptly to the present situation of Fr. Stan. When Fr. Stan asked why the poor Adivasis and Dalits are falsely charged and jailed, they jailed him as an anti-national activitivist. He stood up for the rights of the deprived and spoke against the exploitation of Adivasis is seen today as terrorist activi- ty. In the recent past, we have witnessed how human Social activists are being cornered and tortured by the repressive and power-mongering government, joining hands with greedy businessmen. But Fr. Stan, following the footsteps of his master, Jesus Christ, determined to bring the periphery to the primary and ever ready to march with the marginalized that led Fr. Stan to witness the reign of God amidst struggles. Being an elder brother of the society of Jesus, full of exuberance, he lives out the Jesuit hall- mark-faith that does Justice. His prophetic responsibility for the poor and the down-trodden challenges all of us to care for the poor brethren in need. As Mother Teresa said, “Hands which help are holier than lips that pray.” He, at the age of 83, never confined himself rather extended his helping hand to reach out to the unreachable at large. He sets an exemplary life as a beacon of hope for the hopeless and dawn to the downtrodden of the modern prophet. Let us wish and pray the voice of virtue is a spark that kindles the fire of others to stand for Justice with Fr. Stan SJ.

IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE UNJUSTLY ACCUSED AT NASHIK AND MUMBAI Wesley D’Costa SJ (III B.Th)

On 16 October, 2020, we the students of Vidyajyoti College of Theology belonging to the Bombay province of the Society of Jesus, participated in a silent protest organised in solidarity with Fr. Stan Lourduswamy SJ and other defenders of human rights who have been detained under the UAPA law. A G E - 2 1 P Virtual classes are one of the fascinating trends of the corona pandemic situation. A few months ago, months few A situation. pandemic corona the of trends fascinating the of one are classes Virtual Our Experiencesof Theological Classes stood insupport. and collaborated also parishes from people Many distributed. was information relevant giving Pamphlets silent solidarity displaying placards and posters in that had stood the relevant groups information expressing respective our The concerns. Station. Andheri at was group another and Bandra Church, Peters St. at stationed was group one St. Mazgaon, Anne’sat Church, was group another Fort, at School Xavier’s St. in Mumbai. There were four major areas in which the movement was organised. One group stood outside locations different at held was This activist. rights Human Other the and Stan for movement Solidarity a lege of Theology belonging to the Bombay province of the Society of Jesus organised and participated in of Vidyajyotistudents the Col- we Saints, all of feast the celebrated Church the November,day 1 the On the memorandumforreleaseofFr. Stan. Mr.collector honourable the met protest the in him participating handed tions and (IAS) Mandhare Suraj organisa- various the representing members of delegation A activist. rights human other the and Stan Fr. of release the for demands the and situation present the about concerns the stating poster or placard a ing hold- was one Each followed. were norms distancing social All Nashik. PAGE - 22 VJ TO DAY -11

Theology classes are teaching me to look at things positively and with the Christian view of being of view Christian the with and positively things at look to me teaching are classes Theology time. The the of demands the to adapt to us for adventures questions new are classes online The answers. of and process the during party both by strengthened and confirmed further is faith This ly. patient and attentively professor the to listening is video muted the behind though student the that oct - Dec 2020/03 District Collectors office at office Collectors District The group stood in front of the movement. Manmad solidarity this of part all were Sisters, centian Cross Sisters, Nashik and Vin- the faithful, of Tilloli,Sisters lay Daughters Assumption will, good of People’speople Movement, of National Alliance with collaboration in Manmad, Cross Ambatha] Jesus, Infant the of Holy Shrine Church, (MPSM), Mandal Seva Prabodhan [Maharashtra Nashik of communities Jesuit The A mul JacobSJ(IB.Th) MUTED IN FAITH experience between the Professor and the student the and Professor the between experience sharing faith a is There classes. online the during all us by experienced is experience faith very This faith`. by guided is `Theology faith. to equivalent is Theology houses. religious and provinces of es plac different from Theology doing Theologians the of situation the is also, So schools. at hibited become mobiles and laptops which were once pro- online classes. The medium of study at present, has and now they are using the mobiles and laptops for classes for books the carrying busy were students - -

hopeful even at difficult times. The daily mass attenders in the church have become online mass 3

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attenders having and cherishing the same level of faith. The tragedy of migrant workers is more hor- 1 0

- rific and terrific than the actual corona pandemic effects. Their faith in God and human beings has 2

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been shaken and torn apart but not ended. The victims surely had a thin degree of faith in God and A

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and hardships, they could reach their hometowns safe and alive. As failures are the steppingstones J

of success so also are sufferings and tragedies the pillars of human`s faith. Faith is a response to God t c by human beings at different situations of life. o

WE NEED GOD NOW MORE THAN EVER Cecilia Bilung SRA (I B.Th)

If our memory has not failed us, I am sure we can count them one by one, the marvelous works of the Lord in our life. Sometimes it is very painful and other times it is indescribable. Both are the works of the one who believes in the presence and power of a living God in our life. In the midst of great silence all over the world, where people are suffocated by the extreme fear of death caused by the pandemic, we the people of Hope and of strong Faith in the Lord, still see a ray of light peeping through. Therefore, we wait for a better tomorrow. We hope for a better life where the reign of peace and prosperity is experienced all over. This hope forces us to reach out to be agents of Hope and life givers. In the present situation each of us need to make a U turn in life. No more isolated but connected. No more selfish but reaching out to others. No more only humans but searching the Divine within. No more finding God in happiness but finding Him in struggle and in the suffering. More than ever, now we are challenged to find the Divine deep within and others as well. Finding Him in the Sacred Scriptures we turn towards Him for our safety and security. In all sensitivity, we are invited to see Him in all his creatures in whom we find the touch of the Divine because everything is created in the image and likeness of God.

STUDYING GOD VIRTUALLY Rajesh Katru, SJ (I B.Th)

I have come a long way up to here. Just a few more years away from reaching the milestone. Saying yes to the Lord and voyaging in the sea of troubled waters yet walking closely and indefatigably in his path as a religious and now more precisely as a theology student fills me with an abundance of joy. Theology is a stage where I come into a close encounter with the Lord and thus, I get to Know Him more, Love Him more and follow Him more. As I step into this unfathomable om- niscience of Theology, the Study of God, all that I want to say is that my heart is thriving and striving for more and accelerating my soul to get deeper into mysterious and insightful knowledge and a personal experience of God. My journey at Vidyajyothi, the temple of the Knowledge of God, begins with my other 25 classmates coming from different congregations, dioceses including my Jesuit companions from various provinces. When we are open to God and surrender ourselves to A G E - 2 3 P 2020. The concept ‘inclusiveness’ which Pope Francis very well describes in the encyclical echoes in echoes encyclical Indian Sanskrittext the in describes well very Francis Pope which ‘inclusiveness’ concept The 2020. Francis signedyetanotherencyclical Pope ‘Fratelli Tutti’-October 3 Fraternityand Social Friendshipon vocation in the Society of Jesus. Now I am completely into the classes with great enthusiasm and interest. hope that I can do my best to gain more and more from different classes in order to strengthen my faith and was challenge the that felt I began, classes and passed days the As next. learn and would curious I what was of I unsure Vidyajyoti. at classes online joined I when surprised and astonished was I Initially, of God, VJ, Delhi.Distantorclose,allofuseagerlywaitingtojointhe VJ family. I am hopeful that this pandemic too will pass and take us to the new horizon of great and immense learning Almighty through Church and the Scripture. As St. Augustine says, ‘Grace is a gratuitous gift of God” and and Revelation and at the threshold of acquiring a deeper sense of exploring and assimilating more of the Faith through God of knowledge experiential our recalled we realm the in We are learning. of exercise good a classes the making understanding and open are they that is far so experience my and teaching in row-minded. Forthemagnanimous-hearts however, theentireearthisbutafamily. कुटुम्बकम् चेतसाम् लघु वसुधैव तु गणना वेति परो उदारचरितानां निजः अयं PAGE - 24 VJ TO DAY -11 of immanence. of also but transcendence of only not God making eyes- open the of mysticism the of example the as Samaritan good the of parable the utilizes He world. suffering a to response Christian proper a as it eye.’open the of elucidates ‘mysticism He term- the coins Metz Baptist Johann theologian German compassion and mercy`; responding in its climate change, in its suffering humanity, in restoring and oct - Dec 2020/03 ies. I know, even for them too it’s a never before experience of engaging us through virtual format virtual through know,us I engaging it’sies. of too experience them before for never even a to helpandguideusinimparting the knowledgeof coming outoftheirways Theological stud- era and interacting with each other. However, I am really inspired by the way VJ and our professors many theological discussions among us the students and we still feel strange and shy not in facing experiences, cam classroom first-hand no are there that fact the to due challenging quite are today attend we that classes virtual The us. inspire and us guide to continues God provinces, respective own our in ourselves isolating of situation bizarre a into us pushed has Covid-19 the that fact the my so far personal experience as I travel ahead in my formation as a Jesuit Scholastic. Now, despite his Will, I am sure He will be there always in extending his hand in leading and guiding us. This is Theological Reflection FORGET NOT "IMMANUEL Hitopadesha- वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम वसुधैव MY EXPERIENCES OF THEOLOGY CLASSES THEOLOGY OF EXPERIENCES MY This is my own and that a stranger’ – is the calculation of the nar the of calculation stranger’the a is that – and own my is || This Cyprian SorengSJ(IB.Th) Hitesh ParmarSJ(IB.Th) ् means seeing the world with open eyes and responding to it with it to responding and eyes open with world the seeing means | lenged me to ponder and reflect on my upcoming studies. I chal has phrase particular This theologian. full-fledged a become to ones” half-baked “not phrase the Vidyajyoti on insisted of rector the students, the addressing While and reflect on a deeper level to become a good theologian. understand to able now am I Gradually, large. the at and church Christ Jesus Bible, the about teachings various concepts. Right from my childhood I was bombarded with religious various assimilate and learn understand, to ence cal phenomenon. Now, for me it is an eye-opening experi theologi the of aspects important various understand to " -GOD IS WITH US” - - - - - The three dimensions of faith: confession, commitment and confidence. On reflecting on the three the on reflecting On confidence. and commitment confession, faith: of dimensions three The ence Godand transmitittoothers. Faith is a human response to what God communicates. It is a direct and inter-personal contact. Faith makes the wordofGodandtasteDivinewithin. for more quest to us help teachings The relationship. personal and faith in God encounter to perspective and awareness new a us give classes theological knowledge. The and experiences astute their from share of the new methods of teaching, I enjoy the classes and there is a lot more to learn from the professors who As a beginner it is my profound joy to share my experiences and insights on Faith and Revelation. In spite The restsitroundandpluckblackberries.” But onlyhewhoseestakesoffhisshoes; And everycommonbushafirewithGod, Earth’s crammedwithheaven, keep oureyesopentoseehimasadventisapproaching. Let’s28:20). (Mt always us with is God ‘Emmanuel’- Forgetnot us. for working and labouring still God find and inclusiveness of vision the develop eyes, our open us help poem Browning’s Barrett Elizabeth tribute todevelopthismysticismofopeneyes? find meaning, find fulfilment in studying theology in this time of crisis? How will my doing theology con- in year academic Vidyajyotithis for theme The Pilgrimaging Corona is in Theologically Times.still I Do indeed! etc. crisis vocation or faith the Adesolation, the soul, time challenging the really of night dark the realm- virus carrier. Such alienation may add up to depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies etc. put it corona a in being of a suspicion religious the with residence the enter to allowed not neighbourhood. is the AJesuit to sider into the village. In cities, many times the neighbours complained to police of any new foreign arrivals out- any of entry barring sign a bore Gujarat in here villages another.many one pandemic corona During from us alienated has pandemic The out. way Wereligious. the we not including know people the fected FAITH AS MY RESPONSE TO THE REVELATIONS THE GOD TO OF RESPONSE MY , AS Prerna DhurweyHCM(IB.Th) hl big n i uiis hm Iexperi- them. unifies it the and being whole involves Experience experiences. by shaped is Life am’. I what or ‘who me tells rience. It is this experience that discloses life and expe- through only revelation that grasp can I it. receive I it, to disposed am I when and time the all communicates He are. we who us to reveals and is God who communicates God Revelation: through personalprayer. happens This contact. continuous by sustained be to needs it and me, and God between bond a the side effects of corona have drastically af- say better still corona, of after-effects The in thesufferingfaceofhumanity. creation, in things, all in God finding eyes; open of mysticism a is primarily mysticism Ignatian humanity. of face suffering the in Christ ognizing rec- hope- of heralds the Samaritans- good the be- to us calls encyclical his in Pope what is This God. of likeness person who is created in the human image and the of dignity the preserving

PAGE - 25 VJ TO DAY -11 oct - Dec 2020/03 ence inmylife. to pursueinourlifejourney. cult to predict the end of this pandemic, there is a rejuvenating hope that is beyond the context guiding us gospel instilled within us a deep hope to operate from a greater level and consciousness. Though it is diffi- situation to carry forward the mission of the Church. The concept of the Kingdom of heaven in Mathew’s current the from raise should we that revival and downfalls its from lessons us taught Church the of tory His- strength. and identity their find Christians cross the on is It victorious. emergeas and hardships face to have a renewal of our minds and hearts. Missionary journeys of Paul equipped us with inner strength to tion of human beings. It assured us to trust in the fullness of life found in Jesus. Pauline letters enabled us evolu- the throughout hand guiding his and God of ever-abidingpresence the indicating us of all in hope places. The presentcontextseems tobebringinginlotsofworries,anxietiesandfear. many at disturbances up prop religion to related aspects of defeat. Abuse their concede to refuse ticians Poli- category. dominant of hands the in suffer to continue people marginalized and Innocent mandate. outrageous infection. this of cause the is exuberance human of attitude the that opinion the express people Some this. to exception an life religious is way no In of this?” and “When does this come to an end?” rid get to “How and come?” pandemic this has ple started posing different questions like, “Why Peo- levels. various at beating re- severe a ceived system Education changing. keep people of schemes and Plans breakdown. economic of corners. many Wefrom heard is signs many see vaccine regarding News pandemic. this of out day by day. People are eagerly waiting for a way ing jobs and their hope seems to be deteriorating los- are People precarious. and unclear is ahead loved ones’virus, lives corona are lost and novel livelihoods are threatened, the ways of living by are upended, and wrought the ‘new normal’upheaval the In communities. and families for life of aspects all on The present situation is extremely painstaking. The COVID-19 global pandemic has had profound effects PAGE - 26 VJ TO DAY -11

In corona times: Every crisis, felt in personal life, in a community or at the global level, has a mes- a has level, global the at or community a in life, personal in felt crisis, Every times: corona In oct - Dec 2020/03 fellow beings. As I journey in my faith experience, I become more and more aware of God’sof pres- aware more and more become I experience, faith my in journey beings. I fellow As my with relationship and commitment my through manifested is faith This God. with relationship me grow in confidence in my faith. The deeper I dwell in it, the more intimate I grow in mymakes personal response My God’srevelation. to respond I faith through that acknowledge to come have I a new normal, I have confidence of my faith which instils in me a new hope that I can rely on God. munity. It is my faith that drives me to be a loving person. In this pandemic which has now become com- the of needs the to commitment my in meaning find I and upon reflected never or aware not was I which of reflect and relate to able am I confess. I what practice and others to out reaching in dimensions of faith, it dawns to me that, it is my confession of faith that helps me to commit myself Yet, God is calling us for a hope that is beyond this context. The course on John’s gospel sprung John’sgospel on course The context. this beyond is that hope a for us calling Yet,is God people’s winning by hand upper their gain forces fundamentalist and fanatic hand, other the On By SebastianPainadathSJ,Sameeksha, Kalady(collectedbyNikhilGeorgeSJ,IIB.Th.) LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS TELLING HOPE AND BEYOND THE CONTEXT HUMANS IN THIS CORONA-CRISIS Praveen PolankiSJ(IIB.Th) tween the rich and the poor. On the other hand, all religious Scriptures advocate a life of simplicity in Life. of Simplicity 5. them. in Spirit divine the of presence abiding the experience and relations family of sacredness the realise to religions all of believers forced period Corona The nation. a of cell living the as family and 11) LG. (VatChurch” “domestic II. the as home perceive to time a was for.It cared and loved is one much how way.unprecedented an in realised another They one to listen and speak to leisure and time enjoyed dren 4. The Domestic Church. have anopportunitytodiscoverthetransforming dynamicsofspirituality religions all of believers period, Corona this in situation home to Restricted II). Paul (John co-pilgrims” est Deus, Sermo 117). In this spiritual search for the Beyond followers of different religions are “Spiritual semper major. Augustine warns all theologians: “If you know God it is not God” (Si comprehendis, non- Deus mystery: incomprehensible as Divine the of pursuit in forms and names all beyond go to mystics the call of the to open be should we But representing God. symbols religious need do we relationssocial and body with persons human God. As and Divine the between distinction consistent a make traditions symbols. Spirituality personified has a in universal dynamism; God religion addresses a encounter particular community.to believers Mystics helps of all religious Religion creation. in Divine the of manence im- vibrant the to awakening the is Spirituality community. and code cult, creed, in experience that of articulation the is Religion movement. as vibration, as Spirit, as Divine the of experience the is ituality spirituality.Spir of dynamics the discover to time a was It temples. and Churches in faith of pressions ex- public on restrictions of lot a worldwide in brought Reli- giosity. and Spirituality 3. nature. material of sacredness the munities are forced to reflect com- religious All si). dato (Lau- creation” in things all of “interconnectedness the experience to call the cern dis- and nature, of protest the detect could one virus, Corona the of outbreak the In crisis. ecological global a to led has earth) the of (and humanity of future the for concern a without resources sequence is an unbridled exploitation of the earth. The way humans exploited in recent decades the natural 2. Return to Nature. points tothelimitationsofreligionsinguidingspiritualseekers. factor third The liberation. final to leads religion (iii) and secure, life makes wealth all (ii) problems, to answers give will science (i) assumptions: three in trust this blind our of broken source has the it pandemic, be Whatever humanity. entire the of wellbeing the for concern and solidarity global of sense a promoted has This pandemic. of time this at as enemy common a against united itself found humanity entire the has before ethnicity.Never and language culture, and religion of Solidarity. Global 1. Spirit. Fivereflectionsinthisregard: divine the of movements the discern and nous of eye mystical the with deeper look to has one this (Rev.community” sage. the telling is Spirit the what to “listen to need we Christians As For 2:29). h Crn period Corona The There is a tendency in humans to think that they are the crown of creation. The con- A consumerist culture was rampant in the world causing a global divide be- divide global a causing world the in rampant was culture Aconsumerist h Crn-iu hs ruh pol o al ain tgte irrespective together nations all of people brought has Corona-virus The People worldwide got confined to their homes. Parents, grandparents and chil . - PAGE - 27 - VJ TO DAY -11 oct - Dec 2020/03 As Fr. P.R. John S.J expressed in his condolence speech during the funeral Mass of Fr. Jerome, he was he Jerome, Fr. of Mass funeral the during speech condolence his in expressed S.J P.R.Fr.John As “God stilllovestheworld”,whichcontinuestoresonates inourhearts. which hetaughtandsungwith all of us(justsixdaysbeforehedeparted to hisloving God” the song was song last the and heritage cultural and theology explaining of ways his in evident more was it languages, Classical and Music Hindustani for passionate was humility.He us teach to sorry asked gently times at cern in the growth of brothers, even if he corrected anyone, he would call personally to talk friendly even con- and care utmost took who man a was he vibrant, and alive more life our made which cards, playing and jokes, cracking brothers, of company the in him found often I brothers. to companion good a was he become their intercessor in His beatific vision). Besides, his responsibilities and unstable health conditions ter when he was about to collapse and in whose shoulder he breathed his last (we pray that Fr. Jerome may them the modern technology and their functions in the cars, those two brothers feel blessed for giving wa- hands ofHeavenlyFather)despitehisdeteriorated health issuesandbreathlesscoughing,heexplained to the to way the became ultimately (which hospital the to way his on preparation, seminar the for students growth. On the eve of succumbing into the hands of heart attack, he had distributed study materials to the in teaching, genuine interest in brothers’ memories to comment on his dedication many cherished had us of all cifically spe- nostalgia, of treasures had eryone in our life and to console each other, ev- significance Jerome’s Fr. acknowledge to gathered fathers IMS few with along two formators and brothers fifteen community of small our When itanism. Cosmopol- Religious and Movement ta Kristhabhak of experiences and ciency profi- his by seminarians of veins the into Churches Indian North the for love He was a great thinker, who instilled the It wasachallengeforalltoaccepthisdeath. longed, without conducting any exams, perhaps each one has to answer personally as we journey ahead”. be- he where to departure unexpected his through theology greatest the taught “He me, told companions his lastlecture that we areattending and nowleaving us shattered as heislaidinthegrave. As oneofmy is it knowing not before day a lecturers gave Fr.who buried Jerome, have we and consummated is thing every- nightmare, of sort Fr.a of was absence It the Jerome. in life our of state the and anguish our press ex- to sorrow of time present in me fails language my of inadequacy The 27-10-2020. on IMS Sylvester Fr.dean Jerome our of demise unexpected the experience to uprooting and devastating absolutely was It PAGE - 28 VJ TO DAY -11

He found him as “Arul Anbu – Grace and Love”, as he often emphasized in the classes and printed and classes the in emphasized often he as Love”, and Grace “Arul – as Anbu and him found He Gospel of light the by them cleanse to ultimately and lives their in exclusion and victimhood of forms all deploring dignity and emancipation and meaning, bring folks to ordinary care, pastoral with and Kristbhaktas interaction constant and teachings writings, his through Christ, a for ing search- Kristbhaktas, the with journey a on was Wordhe the Flesh”, at made “gazing living always oct - Dec 2020/03 with theneedywhatwehave. sharing compassionately life of way simpler a with experiment to us teaches period Corona The together.go not do “Youus: warned Jesus 16:13). (Lk. God” and money masters, two cannot serve spirituality and Consumerism becomes. one free more the possesses one less the nature: with tune Obituary GYAN BHARATI GURUKUL, VARANASI THE THEOLOGIAN OF ARUL OF THEOLOGIAN THE - ANBU (GRACE-ANBU AND LOVE) And gives rest to winds (of life) He storm calms the (of life) But inHis is restored name, everything (healing) 2. Whether corona or any pandemic comes He comforted poor, the and delivered sick the He came to restore everything. 1.The world was sick, world was sinful to teach lesson the of love. He was of born aVirgin Mary To everyone save sonThecame God downfromof heaven Translation ofthehymn1 LoxZ lsmrjk… rqQkuks dksoksnsrkfojke vka/kh dksoksdjrk‘kk¡r mlds ukelslcfeVtk;s&„ „- dksjksukvk;segkekjhvk; LoxZ lsmrjk… jksxh dkmRFkkufd;k xjhcksa dksfnyklkfn;k] ge lcdkscpk;kmlus&„ ƒ- jksxhFkhnqfu;k]ikihnqfu;k i<+kus çsedklkj tUek dqaokjhefj;elsoks djus lcdkm/kkj LoxZ lsmrjkbZ’ojdkcsVk] Hymn 1 Om Shanthi! his soulrestinpeace. Father. loving May our of bosom the in reward the find may gospel of path the in walked he which with the faith share the Arul to and theology Anbu his of Weaim sprouting. the the that began pray already it as fruits much bear will contexts different in theologizing of legacy the but More, No is Fr.Jerome that significant part, and very especially to the people in whose life he brought Christ, to accept the fact North India and to the Church at large. It will be difficult to GBG family in whose life he became a of people the to and seminarians of life the in significance and contribution his all for IMS vester Fr.Syl- to Jerome indebted be will general in congregation IMS the and particular in family GBG he sowedinfaithmaysproutChristeverybody’s lifeandhistory. systems. Webelief and practices religious seed other the that the pray on comments impetus made siah. He had a deep respect for people of other religions, he used to strongly admonish us when we ‘Ishtadevata’- Personal deity, Baba, gradually moving into higher realms to experience him as Mes- as Kristbhaktas to him showed also class), the in (Shared card invitation ordination priestly his in (Lyrics andCompositionbytheSecond Year Theologians,GyanBharatiGurukul,Varanasi) NEW CHRISTOLOGICAL HYMNS CHRISTOLOGICAL NEW he dwells inme. He is alive eventoday but Ididnot know that 3. Jesus and was risen he taught me to live that he dwells inme. In His name is salvation the but Ididnot know 2. We Him rejected but he accepted us in me. He is resurrected but Ididnot know that he dwells And found Him the crosson crucified 1. Iwas wandering streets inthe I didnot know my Jesus Messiah the dwells inme Translation ofthehymn2 esjk ;slqelhg---- eq>s irkupyk og vktHkhthforgS] eq>dks thukfl[kkx;k&„ …- ;slqiquthZforgksx;k esjk ;slqelhg------eq>s irkupyk2 ;slq ukeesaeqfä] ;slq usgesviuk;k-2 „- nqfu;kusmlsBqdjk;k] esjk ;slqelhg---- og ftUnkgqvk]eq>sirkupyk2 mls ØwlijV¡xk;kx;k ƒ-esa xyh?kwerkjgk esjk ;slqelhgesjschpvkx;kA eq>s irkupyk Hymn 2

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First Year, Gyan Barathi Gurukul, Varanasi

Second Year, Gyan Barathi Gurukul, Varanasi

Dear Brothers, Vidyajyoti welcomes you...... A G E - 3 0 P

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Art by Bala Praveen Pasupuleti SJ, I B. Th J

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Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus ap- t c

pointed Rev. Fr. Jerome Stanislaus D’SOUZA, SJ (KAR) as the new o President of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia on 10 October, 2020. He is also the new Vice- Chancellor of Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi. VJ Family congratulates and welcomes our new President and Vice- Chancellor Rev. Fr. Jerome Stanislaus D’Souza, SJ. We assure of our prayerful support and cooperation to him. We thank Fr. George Pattery SJ for his guidance and support to VJ.

The Congregation for Catholic Education (Vatican, Rome) has confirmed me for a second term of office as Principal of Vidyajyoti College of Theology. I thank Fr. J. Stanislaus D’Souza SJ, President JCSA and Vice-chancellor of Vidyajyoti College of Theology for his prayerful support and best wishes.

VJ Family congratulates Fr. P. R. John SJ for being confirmed as the Principal of Vidyajyoti College of Theology for a second term of office. We assure of our prayerful support and cooperation to him.

IN SOLIDARITY WITH FARMERS A G E - 3 2 P

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