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As an educator, I always knew that my role extends far beyond the academic realm. I found myself woven into the lives of my students, sharing in their joys, triumphs, and, at times, their deepest sorrows. One such poignant tale etched in my memory comes from Ruchika, a former student who reached out to me in a moment of profound despair.

I had known Ruchika’s husband even as a young boy for he too had been my student. The connection they shared was palpable, evident in the simple gestures that unfolded during their school days. Fast forward to the present, and Ruchika found herself grappling with an unexpected and heart-wrenching loss.

All of a sudden, I received an email from Ruchika. As I looked at her facebook photo, I realized she was looking miserable. Immediately I sorted out the phone number and called her up, only to hear her sobbing endlessly.

Sr Mariella CTC

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The Tamil Nadu Conference of Religious in India (TNCRI) is an association of 75 congregations, encompassing 9 brothers’ congregations, 19 fathers’ congregations, and 47 sisters’ congregations, with a current count of 119 major superiors. Dedicated to fostering collaboration among religious orders in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, especially during challenging times, TNCRI prioritizes the pastoral vision and specific needs of the Church in the region. Acting as a crucial link between local units and the National Conference of Religious in India (CRI), TNCRI implements regional-level decisions and provides essential services to local units. This report outlines the main activities and accomplishments of TNCRI during the past two years.

Constitutional Rights Education:

• Constitutional Rights Education (CRE) is a crucial initiative undertaken by the TNCRI. Rev. Bro. M. Velankanni SHJ, the former President, emphasized the enduring relevance of the Constitution, drawing on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s insights into values such as equality, fraternity, and democracy. He stressed that safeguarding these principles is a collective responsibility that requires constant vigilance.

SR SHEEBA THOMAS MSI

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We need more feet washing Jesus’ (Jn:13.5) than hand washing Pontius Pilates (Mt:27.24).

It was in the year 2013 that we received the first Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium by Pope Francis. Through this exhortation the Holy Father encouraged us to embark upon a new way of life marked by the joy that is born out of an encounter with the Jesus of the Gospel. And he assures us that with Christ, joy is constantly born anew and affirms that a joy which is shared is a joy ever new. 

Since then for the last ten years all the Apostolic Exhortations and Encyclicals of Pope Francis have been focusing on the joys, values and virtues of a Gospel way of life centered on Jesus the merciful Saviour, inviting us all to thank and praise God, and to learn from Jesus, to cultivate a loving and faithful, compassionate and caring heart that respects nature and all its creatures in our common home. The pope encourages us to be alive and active, giving thanks and praise to God and praying and forgiving like Jesus, so that we may know how to suffer with those who suffer, to rejoice with those who rejoice and be humble and Joyful like Jesus. Just a perusal glance at these documents makes it obvious that, all that is enshrined in them are the mind of Christ and the mind of the Church and are helpful in knowing God’s Will and doing it well.

Fr. Babu Jose Pamplany OFM

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Religious life grapples with an array of challenges in the contemporary world, which reflect the seismic shifts in social, cultural, and technological landscapes that have up-heaved the established global order. The intricate and multifaceted context, characterized by secularization, pluralism, diversity, social media, evolving moral values, scandals, credibility issues, youth disengagement, political entanglement, economic pressures, and environmental concerns, intensifies the complexities faced by religious communities. This dynamic reality underscores the interplay between tradition and transformation, as age-old structures, values, and institutions adapt to the forces progressively secularizing religious life.

Fr Jayaseelan Savariarpitchai SDB

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While studying Theology, I took the initiative to experience the pain that a beggar undergoes. For this purpose, I dressed myself as a beggar and sat on one of the busy footpaths of Pondicherry. It took nearly fifteen minutes to gather the courage to raise my hands and seek money from passersby, as I grappled with emotional pain and shame. Even though I spent an hour in that situation, unfortunately, no one offered me a coin. Seated on that footpath, I could sense the frustration, pain, hunger, and neglect that a beggar often endures. It is a reality that every encounter with the poor deepens our love and compassion for their struggles. In this context, the term ‘encounter’ is used to denote a casual or unexpected meeting with a person, thing or event that leads to a trans-formative experience for both parties involved.

Refrigerator Syndrome

What do we mean by the Refrigerator Syndrome in a religious community? It means that the atmosphere of the life in a community of a religious institute may create a ‘fake-spiritual ambience’ that seems very cool and comfortable like the ambience of a closed refrigerator. This is an ‘artificial coolness of religious life’ and those who live in this ‘comfort cool zone’ feel that they would be affected if they encounter the challenging realities of the poor and needy outside. Unfortunately, at times consecrated life misses or deliberately avoids opportunities to encounter the poor.

Fr Binny Mary Das

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A Civilization of Love: What Every Catholic Can Do to Transform the World

Carl Anderson

In this book, Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, emphasizes the need for Catholics to counter destructive secular ideologies with a vision rooted in love and goodness. Anderson challenges the modern misunderstanding of love as mere romance, advocating for a Christian love that emphasizes self-responsibility, self-denial, hard work, unconditional generosity, and devotion to others. He argues that this love, grounded in the Gospel, can build a civilization rooted in the love of God. Anderson highlights the misconception of identity with Descartes’ “I think therefore I am” and proposes a deeper insight: “I love therefore I am,” emphasizing that human identity is rooted in being loved by God. He stresses the importance of the ‘other’ in divine love and the necessity of freedom, values, equality, and human dignity for its existence. Drawing inspiration from Mother Teresa’s acts of charity, Anderson emphasizes the perseverance and selflessness required in building a civilization of love.

Making a reference of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum novarum, Anderson underscores the idea that obedience to natural law renders complex laws and governments irrelevant. He criticizes the limitations of state welfare in caring for the poor, noting the effectiveness of private charities and voluntary organizations. Echoing Pope Benedict XVI, Anderson warns against complete dependence on state provisions, as it may degrade human dignity and society. He cites Vaclav Havel’s insights on the demoralization of Czech society during the communist era, attributing it to the loss of love, compassion, humility, and forgiveness when humans were reduced to mere forces of production.

La Salle, Patron of All Teachers

Edward Fitzpatrick

This book is a study of the life and contributions of St Jean Baptiste de La Salle, an 18th-century French educational reformer and founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Celebrated as the patron saint of youth educators, La Salle’s pioneering work in modern education for the poor had been overlooked for centuries. Fitzpatrick aims to rectify historical inaccuracies and conflicting interpretations surrounding La Salle’s legacy. The book begins by highlighting La Salle’s life and his role as an educator, shedding light on the vision behind his educational contributions. Living in a time when formal education was not prioritized by society, La Salle envisioned reaching the common people, especially the downtrodden. Despite facing numerous challenges, he championed the idea that even children of the common people deserve quality education. La Salle’s educational services expanded across many French cities, establishing the first training colleges for secular teachers, reformatory schools, and schools for various subjects. Pioneering modern educational methods, La Salle advocated for teaching in the mother tongue, promoted the presence of good libraries, and organized classrooms efficiently. Guided by the image of Christ as a teacher, he emphasized that teachers should be models and “ambassadors of Christ in the profession of teacher.” La Salle’s impact extended through the society of religious teachers he founded, which continues to thrive. Despite stepping down as the head of the Christian Brothers in 1717, he served as a brother until his death at the age of 68. Canonized in 1900, La Salle’s work remains influential in the realm of education.

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Fr Vincent Cimatti SDB led the first Salesian expedition to Japan. He did a fantastic service as pioneer and then as Provincial in that country. Today, he is a Servant of God.

Before going to Japan as a missionary, Fr Cimatti was the rector of a well-known junior college in North Italy. The incident I am going to mention happened in that college.

On what we call “college day” or school day, with a large crowd present, one of the outgoing students had been appointed to give a speech. What he did shocked everyone. He went up, and stood on the stage and criticized the Salesians in public. There was pin-drop silence in the hall and much uneasiness. Everyone’s eyes went to Fr Cimatti, since he was the head of the institution. They wondered what he would do.

This is what Fr Cimatti did.

Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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You have certainly heard that human beings are the image of God, right? What does this mean to you?

Let me tell you how one exceptionally brilliant man interpreted this Bible teaching. When I first heard it in a philosophy class in Rome decades ago, I was impressed. And it has remained in my mind.

I am referring to the interpretation given to this doctrine by Thomas Aquinas, an exceptional intellectual and a deep mystic.

We, humans, are the image of God.

You. Me. Everyone around.

What does it mean to be the image of God?

You can click a photo and see what someone looks like. We do not have a photo of God. How do we “picture” God?

This is where Aquinas applied his creative intelligence.

By “God” we mean the creator of all. This whole complex and beautiful universe is all God’s work. Far, far larger and more complex than what our small minds can grasp.

To be God’s image means this: To be like the supremely creative being.

In other words, the more creative you are, the more you are like God!

Just think!

Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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True Spouse of Jesus Christ: or the Nun Sanctified By the Virtues of Her State

St Alphonsus M Liguori

This work is a profound reflection on the ideals of monastic life. Written in the 18th century, Alphonsus Liguori, a doctor of the Church and founder of the Redemptorists, provides guidance for nuns, but emphasizes its relevance for all seeking deep spirituality and adherence to religious vows. Divided into 24 chapters, the book covers various aspects of religious life, including the excellence of consecrated virginity, the advantages of a religious state, self-denial, interior and external mortification, humility, fraternal charity, patience, and more. Liguori emphasizes that love in the science of the saints produces knowledge. The final chapter presents the ‘Rule of Life for a Religious Who Desires to Become a Saint,’ outlining virtues essential for aspiring saints. Additionally, two letters are included—one addressed to a novice, urging gratitude for choosing a happier existence as Jesus’ spouse, and another to a woman in doubt, encouraging her to consider the blessedness of renouncing the world. Overall, Liguori’s work combines deep reflection with devotional aspects, offering valuable insights for both religious and secular individuals seeking a life of profound spirituality and virtue.

The Mystical City of God –

Venerable Mary of Agreda.

This is a four-volume work offering private revelations approved by the Church. Venerable Mary, a Franciscan Abbess, experienced visions from the Blessed Virgin, providing insights into the hidden life of Mary and events not covered in the Gospels. The book, a classic of Marian mysticism, details five segments of Mary’s life: the Conception, Incarnation, Transfixion, and Coronation. Despite doubts and controversies, the work was eventually published after a lengthy process, including doubts, investigations, and theological debates. Mary of Agreda’s bilocation reports in the 1620s, particularly among the Jumano tribe in New Mexico and Texas, inspired Franciscan missionaries. The narrative spans from the Virgin’s Immaculate Conception to her Assumption and Coronation, presenting Mary as Co-Redemptress alongside Jesus. Thematically divided into three parts, the book covers Mary’s life including the Annunciation, Christ’s entire life and Mary’s role in salvation, and finally, Mary’s life after Christ’s Ascension to her transition, Assumption, and Coronation as the Empress of Heaven. Commended by popes, cardinals, and theologians, it remains a contemplative journey through biblical events from the perspective of the Mother of God.

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If you want to see a candle and its light, you should have eyesight. You must be able to see. For the ‘candle’ for the first month of a new year, let me hold aloft the life of a man who helped tens of thousands of people see. He died on 21 November 2023, but the institutions he created with a far-reaching vision are continuing to help millions receive or recover their eyesight.

S.S. Badrinath (Sengamedu Srinivasa Badrinath) was born in Triplicane, a traditional, well-known area in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on 24 February 1940.  His father, S. V. Srinivasa Rao, was an engineer in government service. His mother, Lakshmi Devi, was the daughter of an advocate in Nerur, Tamil Nadu.  An illness forced Badrinath to begin his school education a little late at the age of 7. He studied at P.S. High School, Mylapore, and Sri Ramakrishna Mission High School, Chennai. Sadly, when he was just 11, his mother died and eight years later his father too passed away.

Fr M.A. Joe Antony, SJ

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