editorial

On page 28, you will find the moving words of a loving man who knew he might face a violent death. He sees his life as “given,” not as “taken,” and prays for the “brother” through whom his death might come. His true story is also the backbone of a movie reviewed this month. It left viewers in tears.
Unless we find loving answers to hatred and indifference, there is no hope for the world. Jesus taught this. He lived this truth. It may look foolish and powerless, but it is the most transforming attitude in human life.
What we call “religious” or “consecrated” life is meant to be a FORM OF RADICAL LOVE. It is not simply a way of herding some youngsters into a controlling structure, providing everything they need and want, and asking them to do jobs which most people can do without these structures. If it were reduced to that, this form of life would be a monument to mediocrity.
Instead, it is a call of love—God’s heart reaching out to the suffering of His children (most of it of human making) and inviting earnest lovers to join hands with Him to heal the world. Once this vision is caught, it is a passionate adventure. We throw calculation to the wind, trust God’s wisdom and love, and rush where the worldly-wise dare not go. Then you get a Paul, an Augustine, a Francis, a Teresa, an Ignatius, a Damien, a Don Bosco, a Mother Teresa, a Charles de Foucauld—and their followers who caught the same “contagion” of goodness.
“Religious” or “Consecrated” Life—there is a Conference in Rome on it on May 2-6—makes sense if its innards are in order and it makes a difference to the least and the lost. If not, it can degenerate into an effeminate enterprise in mediocrity, or a set of power-games played by self-seeking little men and women.
What is it for you? Read our cover story and see.

Since a number of us will make RETREATS this month, we have three articles on that—the transforming power of retreats that a married woman experienced, the meaning of a retreat explained under Life Skills, and the touching, honest story of a wounded priest who found deep healing through dreams.

You will notice SOMETHING NEW in this issue: a number of ads by religious orders. This is not only a way of supporting MAGNET. It is an invitation to get more familiar with other religious orders, their vision, and the fantastic services they offer. There is so much we can learn from one another. We invite more of you to share your story with the rest of us.

The TRIENNIAL ASSEMBLY OF MAJOR SUPERIORS will take place in Chennai on May 27-30. Major Superiors who have not yet registered are asked to RUSH and do it. Let us not miss this unique chance to learn from inspiring experts and from one another.


Fr Joe Mannath SDB
Editor