Companion december 2010

COMPANION
National Fortnightly for Christian Leadership December 2010 Vol.1 No.4 ` 15

SMART

INDIA

In the shoes of the fIsherman

VatIcan slams nobel for art

funerals wIth out coffIns

church & PsYcholoGY

Growing Pains
of GenNext
Spirituality is the fizz Smart Companion India | July 2010 1

c

2 Smart Companion India | July 2010

Editorial

Birth of a Saviour
Paradox of the “more” in the “less”

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel of the Lord
announced to the shepherds, “Today a Saviour is born to
you in Bethlehem” (Lk 1:11).
Among them, was a small boy. When the angel returned to
heaven, he said to himself, “Let me also go over to Bethle-
hem and worship the Saviour”
He took along with him his little pet lamb, his buddy. He
often felt sad as he was extremely poor. Even when he set
out to Bethlehem he was disturbed in his thoughts: “How
can a babe born in a manger be a Saviour to me?”
When he reached the stable, he found a little baby in a
miserable, shabby manger. He thought to himself, “What,
someone poorer than me!”
He was so taken up with concern and was moved with
compassion. He took out his rag to cover the baby shivering
in the cold. Not knowing what more to do, he removed the
bell hung on the neck of his little lamb and placed it lovingly
in the tiny hands of baby Jesus, saying to himself, “What a
pity! He doesn’t have even a small toy.”
As soon as his hand touched that of the babe in the manger
the bell turned gold! That sparked a new light in his heart as
well. He was convinced, “This is the Saviour born for me.”
The birth of the Saviour takes place in the paradox of the
“more” (infinite God) in the “less” (the least). This is the
amazing miracle of Christmas, God becoming man!
May the miracle of Christmas become a reality for each
one of us, as it was for the shepherd boy. We wish all the
readers of ‘Companion’ a very Happy and Holy Christmas
and a grace-filled New Year 2011.

Dr. Jacob Naluparayil

Smart Companion India December2010 33
Smart Companion India | July 2010

COMPANION
National Fortnightly for Christian Leadership October 2010 Vol.1 No.4 ` 15

PATRONS
SMART

INDIA

Vol.1 No. 4 December 2010
Managing Editor Dr. George Therukattil
Chief Editor Dr. Jacob Naluparayil
Executive Editor Sr. Leela Jose
Cardinal Cardinal
Sub Editor Sr. Sheela FS Telesphore Toppo Oswald Gracias

Contributing Editors
Allwyn Fernandes (Crisis Communications,
Mumbai), Cyril D’Souza SDB (Religious
Education, Rome), Felix Raj SJ (Education,
Kolkatta),Francis Gonsalves SJ (Contextual
Theologies, Delhi),Godfrey D’Lima SJ (Social
Activism, Maharashtra), Jacob Parappally MSFS Catholicos Cardinal
Baselios Mar Cleemis Varkey Vithayathil
(Dogmatic Theology, Bangaluru), Joe Andrew
SDB (Media, Chennai), John Dayal (Human
Rights Journalist, Delhi), Subhash Anand (Indian
Philosophy and Religions, Udaipur), Virginia
Saldanha (Women’s Issues, Mumbai)

Proofing Sr. Virginia BS
MCBS Provincial
Design Cibin Moothedam Francis Kodiyan
Photo Nias Marikar
Illustrations Sathish Krishna
Advisory Board
Circulation Thomas Vaniyapurakal
Rev. Henry D’Souza
Advertisement Shibu John (Bishop, Bellary)
Rev. Steven Rotluanga
(Bishop, Aizawl)
Regional Correspondents
Rev. Felix Toppo
Adolf Washington (Bangaluru), Joseph S. (Varanasi), (Bishop, Jamshedpur)
Ivan D’Silva SVD (Arunachal , Santosh Digal (Orissa), Sr. Santan Nago FS
Santosh Sebastian (Gorakhpur), Shane Alliew (Kolkatta) (Superior General, Fatima Sisters, Pune)
George Plathottam SDB
(CBCI Media Commission)
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Felix Wilfred
DR. JACOB SRAMPICKAL SJ (Asian Centre for Cross Cultural Studies, Madras)
Jose Kavi
Editorial Office (UCAN, Delhi)
SMART COMPANION INDIA
Kalpaka Bungalow
Perumanoor P.O.
Thevara, Kochi - 680 215
Kerala, INDIA.
COMPANION
National Fortnightly for Christian Leadership December 2010 Vol.1 No.4 ` 15

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website : www.smartcompanion.in
Contact : 0484 - 2334766, 09847335911

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cated to providing useful and well researched pieces of information. FUNERALS WITH OUT COFFINS

CHURCH & PSYCHOLOGY

However readers are advised to consult prior to acting on it. The views Growing Pains
expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the of GenNext
views of the editor or publisher of the magazine. Smart COMPANION
Spirituality is the fizz Smart Companion India | July 2010 1

does not accept any liability for errors or redundancies of any nature
whatsoever. All disputes are subject to the Cochin jurisdiction only. Cover Photo : by Nias Mrakar

4 4 Smart Companion India | July 2010
Smart Companion India December 2010

CONTENTS December 2010

FOCUS 2
12 l chrIstmas
What does it signify to
you and me, to the people
world over? The peace
of Christmas is what the
world longs for. Read on...

FOCUS 1
18 l GROwiNG PaiNS OF GeNNexT
Youth is a stage to stabilize life’s goals, to discover meaning in
life. Faith adds a significant mileage in this task.

FOCUS 3 NewS & ViewS iNTeRView
26 l ReD CLOak OF TeRROR 10 l TOP TeN 9 l TeN QUeSTiONS
Naxal terror is destabilis- Glimpses of top Christian Silver Jubilarian Cardinal
ing the country’s peace. The news from around the world. Telesphore Toppo speaks to
causes and plausible rem- 42 l FiNaL CUT Companion
edies... Lessons that can be learned 30 l LUMiNaRieS
from Chile mine rescue “A culture-sensitive exposure
LeaDeR MOULDS 36 l TOP FiVe to psychology is both eye-
Important news from the Na- opening and therapeutic for
34 l PaSTORaL COMMUNiCa all”, says Dr.Peter Lourdes
tional Christian scenario
TiONS SDB
On the use and modality of FaiTH MaTTeRS MeDia
Parish Pastoral Councils 32 l FRaNCiS LObO 37 l “LOURDeS”
22 l YOUTH MiNiSTRY A sharing of his experience A film handles the perennial
How can the Church chan- of finding God in life questions of faith, miracles
nelize youth energies and and grace
talents? 40 l LOGOS
A simple and unique exegetic 38 l iNSPiRiNG bOOkS
8 l STRaiGHT TaLk Three books that can make
Pope puts his heart out in journey through the Sunday
life richer
his latest book “Light of the Gospels.
39 l CHRiSTiaN webSiTeS
World” 24 l VaTiCaN ON NObeL PRize
UCAN is India’s most visited
16 l GOSPeL iN aCTiON FOR MeDiCiNe and used news agency for
Fr. Tom Kocheri’s struggle for Dr.Felix Podimattam and Christian news
Fisher people for the past 3 Dr.George Therukaattil com-
decades and more. ment

Smart Companion India December 2010 5
Smart Companion India | July 2010 5

READERS
rEadErS’ VoiCES

W e thank our readers for the encouraging response to
Companion. Due to limitation of space we are un-
able to publish all comments. We select some representing
different areas and topics. Please continue to get back to
us with your ‘voices’ and suggestions. Thanks
editor

best wishes on Pope Benedict XVI. Pity the Companion leads the reader to
Congratulations on the good editor didn’t give Gregory Erland- the challenge of living a true
work. Companion is attractive, son credit for authorship of the Christian life. It is indeed a very
very readable and will appeal to second. I was also delighted to see simple and creative way of keep-
readers. Keep it up! Best wishes you give dear Pierre Babin hon- ing in touch with Christianity and
for this very worthwhile initia- ourable mention in the article on helping those experiencing “dark
tive. faith education. I honestly believe night of the soul” in their lives.
Joe Mannath SDB, Madras we have still to fully appreciate I would suggest those skimming
excellent attempt the extent of his prophetic media through the pages of Companion
Companion looks great. Your vision. to ask friends to subscribe for
attempt to bring together all Sean-Patrick Lovett, their families.
rites, several religious congrega- Professor, Head, One-o-Five, Radio Romero D’Souza, SDB
tions and dioceses in the produc- Vatican, Rome http//www.romerosdb.blogspot.com
tion team, adding an ecumenical Guide to Faith Light a Spark
dimension, is indeed praise- I would like to address Com- Whatever happens in our coun-
worthy. I have not yet come panion not as a magazine but as try does not happen by chance;
across among Christians such a a Guide to Christian Faith. It the politicians, politics, econom-
professional attempt. The issues offers steps to walk the Christian ics, justice, caste rivalry, dalit
treated are relevant and the style Life in Faith. There’s transparency bashing …all happen somewhere,
of writing captures. I hope as well as openness in bring- sometimes with full knowledge
church authorities “encourage” ing the reality of life to the fore of the people around. We are like
this in their communities. through genuine explanations.
Dr.John D’Sa, Bangalore.
well Designed balanced Views
I enjoyed reading Companion. Companion is inter-
Well edited with lots of content esting and informative. I
and formulations. like specially that you are
S.M. Michael SVD, Mumbai bold enough to deal with
Very informative the sexual abuse cases,
I read through Companion the Ayodhya verdict, the
with much interest. It is graphi- continuing persecution
cally enticing, reader-friendly and in Orissa and Karnataka.
extremely varied in the topics it Instead of adopting the
covers: religious, cultural, social, ‘conspiracy’ of silence, has mustered enough courage to directly
political...If your project is to which is often presented address the issues. The views are balanced
bring theology closer to the as ‘prudence’ (!), al- to too. Congrats and best wishes!
masses then thumps up to you. though will not resolve Dr Shaji Kochuth CMI,
I was particularly interested to anything, Companion Asian Horizons, Bangalore.
see the selection of the 2 books

S’ V oICES
the priest, Pharisee, the oth-
ers who never bothered to take
care of the suffering victim of
the bandit attack in the gospel
Challenging
The article on ‘Faith educa-
tion today’ suggests drastic
parable. If we dare to take a
structural changes. We need
stand then there will surely be
a new brand of well trained
many who will follow suit. As
faith educators. Church must
Christians we are having many
wake up to this reality or else
opportunities to contribute our we will soon have empty
mite. We are first to come out churches as in Europe and
when appeal is made to give the US. The children are to
donation. What about the evils
be engaged’ through interesting ways and not just be passive receivers
prevalent in our country? Shall
we unite to eradicate them? Sabina Fernandez, Goa
I support Companion in the
mission of conscientising the
Christian community. Congratu- category. Congrats to the hands audience which has an escapist
lations to the staff dedicated to and heads behind it. psyche in general take to this sport
bring their best. Aloysius Saldanha, Karwar madly. Just as lottery is the popu-
lar pastime in poorer countries, a
Fr. Juze Vaz, Mangalore Right to education luck based game gains popularity
More stories, please Norbert Menezes’ article on
in India.
Thank you for the e-informa- Right to Education very well
Another area also mentioned
tion regarding the launching of captures the situation Chris-
but not elaborated enough is the
COMPANION. tian educators are in. It was a
colonial left over angle…and how
I have about 600+ readers. pity that a number of regional
we have lost our own game…
I hope to, with your presumed Episcopal conferences expressed
hockey. Stars are being made and
authorization, publicize the concern and dissent regarding
money rules the players and the
magazine among them. I find an this bill. In fact, Church must
betting mafia take over. It is also
excellent array of topics catering go with it and get the maximum
a game played by the rich and
every one. I liked the stories, the good for the people.
famous, unlike hockey or football..
2 interviews in particular. Please Jerome Francis, Asansol Star worship is popular form of
go for more “theological stories”
and inspiring parables.
behind cricket pastime in poorer countries where
Thanks for the article on crick- the underlings adore the rich,
Gitanjali A.B, New York et. As a whole it was thought famous and capable. I see cricket
Team spirit in cricket provoking. Only a real patriot as a game that perpetuates the
A point missed in the article could have done that article. One status quo, not allowing India to
on cricket is the team spirit in point missing is the unpredict- develop. The IPL is a clear case.
cricket. It comes from the fact ability factor, especially in Indian It has made a lucrative cocktail of
that the batsmen play their natu- cricket. The writer mentions it cronyism, nepotism and corrup-
ral game and if one fails another but it needed to be treated as tion in India, politics, business,
takes over. So dependence on a major point. It seems anyone entertainment and cricket merging
each other comes in, be they can win in cricket; luck seems in.
batsmen or bowlers. more important than skill. This Anjaan Fernandez, Calcutta
Stanislaus Xess, Ranchi element has made the Indian COmP
On Mother Teresa
It was a creative concept to get Send your Letters to: contact: companionindia@yahoo.com
youth, including non Christians,
to reflect on Mother Teresa. I SmART COmPANION INDIA
liked the ‘youth voices’ heard in Kalpaka Bungalow Perumanoor P.O.
the magazine. Such initiatives Thevara Jn. Kochi Kerala - 680 215, India.
assign this magazine to a special
Call & SMS 094476 79783/ 097452 15467

VatiCaN trENdS

Straight
Talk
T he new book by Pope Bene-
dict XVI titled “Light of the
World: The Pope, the Church and
under the suspicion of
being one like that too.”
.....“ in mid sixties the
endure the difficult situation. One can
resign at a peaceful moment or when
one simply cannot go on.
the Signs of the Times,” hit the stalls prevailing mentality was On the Church’s position
on Wednesday Nov. 24, 2010. The that the Church must not on women priests
219-page book is the compilation of be a Church of laws but, “The Church has no authority to
weeklong interviews of the Pope by rather, a Church of love; ordain women. The Lord gave the
the German journalist Peter See- punishment was no more Church a form with the twelve (male
wald. All through the book the Pope seen as an act of love. apostles) and, as their successors, with
exhibits unprecedented spontaneity This led to an odd dark- the bishops and the presbyters, the
and openness regarding vital issues ening of the mind, even priests. It is how He constituted the
that rock the Church. Some striking in very good people... “ Church”.
moments from the interviews follow: On the care of On homosexuality
On condoms to fight the abuse victims “The issue at stake here is the
spread of aiDS “It is important that intrinsic truth of sexuality’s signifi-
“There may be a basis in the case we first take care of the cance in the constitution of man’s
of some individuals, as perhaps when victims and do every- being. If someone has deep-seated
a male prostitute uses a condom, thing that we can to help, homosexual inclinations....they have
where this can be a first step in the support, and heal them; the power over him, this a great trial
direction of a moralisation, a first as- secondly, ...by the proper for him, just as other trials can afflict
sumption of responsibility.... Only a selection of candidates other people. But this does not mean
humanisation of sexuality can reduce for the priesthood, as that homosexuality thereby becomes
HIV. “She (the Church) does not re- much as possible; and morally right.”
gard it (the use of condoms) as a real thirdly that the perpetra- On the appointment of
or moral solution but, ....a first step tors be punished...” close collaborators
in a movement toward more human On the possibility “Personnel decisions are difficult,
way, of living sexuality”. of his resignation because no one can look into another
On sexual abuse crisis in “When the danger is person’s heart and no one can be
the Church great one must not run certain of not being deceived. For
“Yes, it is a great crisis, we have away. For that reason, this reason, I am more cautious, more
to say that. It was upsetting for all now is certainly not the anxious in this area”....
of us. Suddenly so much filth...the time to resign. Precisely The Pope concludes saying that
priesthood suddenly seemed to be a at a time like this one that it is urgent to “bring the question
place of shame and every priest was must stand fast and about God back into the centre....” COmP

10 Questions
ShEphErd’S VoiCE

Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo is the first tribal Cardinal of India. Born on 15 October
1939 in Chainpur, he was ordained a priest on 3 May 1969; Made Bishop of Dumka on
7 October 1978 and Archbishop of Ranchi on 7 August 1985. President of the CBCI
from 2004 to 2008 and President of the CCBI from 2003 to 2005. In 2002 he received the
Jharkhand Ratan Award for distinguished social work done in Jharkhand.

1.How do you assess your
journey, as a simple boy of 4.What is your greatest
Chainpur to a Cardinal ? strength?
I see God’s protection and provi- I am convinced that Jesus in
dence in every detail of my life. the Eucharist is my strength. I
At my birth it seems I did not cry rely totally on Him, each day.
as do newborn babies. Traditional 5.If I may ask you, what is
Cardinal Telesphore Toppo
tricks from the simple women your weakness, Cardinal?
of my village came to my rescue. I feel restlessness and anxious ance among religions. In today’s
But the greater miracle followed. when there is a sense of ur- world, unity in diversity is the only
Usually we have mass in our village gency in matters regarding the way to prosper. We need to accept
only on Sundays and that too not people, and when others do not one another, and recognize the
regularly. I was born on a Sunday collaborate with the same sense faith and practices of everyone. We
late night. Fortunately the priest of urgency. Again, I have yet also have to mutually help to grow
who had come for the Sunday to capitalize the human re- in harmony. We should believe that
Mass happened to stay back and sources within the Archdiocese. the truth will prevail.
I could receive baptism within 8 Another weakness is that as a 8.How do you see`the re-orga-
hours! pastor I find it difficult to say nization’ of CBCI progressing?
2.Your vision for the inte- `no’, to people, when needed. The role of CBCI today is to
grated growth of the Archdio- 6.How do you see the fu- coordinate in the national level the
cese”? ture of Jharkhand? common concerns that go beyond
Twenty five years ago when I They rejoiced when the three individual churches. The
took charge as the Archbishop Jharkhand was formed in 2000 CBCI has to motivate and mobilize
of Ranchi I framed three words as a tribal majority State. But their active participation so that as
to denote my vision for future, ie; with rampant corruption, lack a community we are relevant, vi-
“Animation, Consolidation and of good political leadership, brant and work together nationally.
Expansion”. For example, `Anima- mismanagement of the state 9.How do you see Benedict
tion’ implies also faith formation, exchequer, internal threats like XVI as the “pope of the pres-
and faith is life that is to be animat- Naxalism, Maoism, etc., the ent times”?
ed and lived. With the momentum progress has been slow. What Pope Benedict XVI is the man
of `expansion’ we could form 3 has been achieved in the last 10 for today. The Holy Spirit gives the
new Dioceses, enhancing pastoral years in Jharkhand has not been right leader for the Church at the
availability to people. satisfactory. As a man of God, right moment. He has been also a
3.What inspired you to choose my role is to give the people a `martyr’ in a different way faced
your motto: “Prepare the way sense of hope in this resource- with too many challenges. Some-
of the Lord”? ful State, and motivate them to times the media misunderstood
I was nominated as Bishop of work for the integral develop- him, misinterpreted him. Recently
Dumka just 9 years after I became ment of all. The formation of a it was about the case of using con-
a priest. I prayed a lot, and with the new state itself was the begin- doms for HIV prevention.
words of St. Paul I was consoled, ning of a new journey. 10.How do you look at the
`My grace is sufficient for you!” I 7.Why is this growing future as a shepherd of the
had to send a letter of acceptance violence to the Christian people?
to Rome, which I posted on June community? God has made me an optimist.
24th, on the birthday of St. John, At the wake of Christian per- So, I move forward with hope.
the Baptist, who came `to prepare secution in Kandhamal in Oris- The shepherds and leaders cannot
the way of the Lord’. I think that sa, I visited the affected people be dormant. Together with the
the task of a bishop is similar to there. I also made appeal to the people, we need `to prepare the
that of John the Baptist. So, this President and Prime Minster of way of the Lord’, the way of love
motto has been very significant in India, for justice. What I realize and fellowship. I need to strive for
my ministry. is that there is growing intoler- this mission till my last breath. COmP

iNtErNatioNal NEwS

1 2 3 4

1
abp. Dolan to Lead US bishops
New York
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, 60, of New York
was elected as the new president of the Confer-
ence of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Nov. 16. He set
a new record by defeating the Conference’s sitting

4
Vice President, Gerlad KIcanas of Tucson. He won
54 percent of votes in the third round of voting baghdad Church killing
against the 46 percent recorded for Bishop Kicanas. iraq
Dolan had served as Chairman of Catholic Relief
Fr. Wassim Sabih (27) and Fr. Thaer (32) were killed
Services for three years before becoming the Arch-
in the attack on Our Lady of Salvation Syrian Catho-
bishop of Milwaukee (2002) and New York (2009).

2
lic Church in Bagdad, on Oct.31. The attack took
Twitter ‘Street Retreat’ place during Mass on Sunday evening. The priests sur-
rendered to the Al-Qaeda militants and begged them
korea to spare the lives of the faithful. But the enraged ter-
Korean Jesuit Father Albert Cho In-young takes
retreats to the people, with the help of Twitter. “For
Catholics, going on retreat usually means coming She commented their family life as ‘an amazing ride’.
away to a remote place to meet God. But if we For her, 33 miners pulled up alive from their potential
spare a little of our time, we can also meet God tomb, reminds the years Jesus lived on earth. “Yes, his
in the midst of our busy everyday life, even while death and resurrection has not been lost on us”, she said.

5
walking on the street,” said Father Cho. Hence Pope for Talks with iran
the name, ‘Street Retreat’. Simplicity and interac-
tive communication characterises this ‘retreat’. Vatican
Each week, Father Cho tweets 140 word Bibli- “I am convinced that the launch of a bilateral com-
cal phrases to the participants. Twitter’s interac- mission would be especially helpful in addressing
tive nature enables people to meet online for their questions of common concern, including that of the
spiritual journey without worrying about finding a juridical status of the Catholic Church in the coun-
place. The participants are encouraged to take pic- try,” wrote Pope Benedict XVI on Nov. 11, in a let-
tures during their retreat and share them online with ter to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, on
their comments. Launched on Sept. 6, the experi- the status of the Catholic Church there. The Vatican
ence is open to Christians of any denomination. as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran are theocrat-

3
ic states. The Catholics in Iran - about 10,000, enjoy
Mine Rescuer to Deaconhood freedom of worship. However, the Iranian Bish-
Chile ops’ Conference is not granted official status yet.

6
Greg Hall, Chilean Mine Rescuer is training to
become a deacon in the Archdiocese of Galveston- asian to Head De Paul Society
Houston, next February. 33 miners were trapped un-
derground in Chile on 13 October 2010. Greg Hall Malaysia
volunteered his expertise, worked and prayed to drill Micael Thio, 66, of Salamanca, assumed office the 15th
a larger opening that led to the historic escape. “God President General of the International Confederation
uses ordinary people. He’s kind of a take-action of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), on Sept.
guy”, said Angelica, wife of Greg Hall. The same 27, the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. The Society was
risk-taking spirit is leading him to become a Deacon. founded in 1833, in Paris, by blessed Frederick Ozanam,

10 Smart Companion India December 2010

5 6 7 8 9 T P
10
8 Vatican Objects Chinese bishop
China
China’s government-backed Catholic Church,
ordained Rev. Guo Jincai as bishop on Nov. 20, in
Chengde, without the approval of Pope Benedict
XVI. Communist China forced its Roman Catholics
to cut ties with the Vatican, in 1951. Worship is al-
lowed only in State-backed churches. Guo was the
Deputy Secretary of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic
Association, the State-controlled group that runs
rorists killed all people even the children who were Catholic churches in China. Now, this ordination
present. The assault reports at least 63 dead and without the papal consent has hurt the relations with
120 wounded. Iraqi Christians were under attack the Vatican. However, eight Vatican-approved bish-
since the fall of the Saddam Hussain regime in ops participated in the ceremony, three of them be-
2003. Thousands have been killed, and more than ing Monsignors - Jei Junmin of Liaoning, Li Liang-
gui of Cangzhou and Feng Xinmao of Hengshui.

9
60 churches, monasteries were bombed. Two-thirds
of Iraq’s Christians have left the country since Request to Defend Christians
then, leaving fewer than 500,000 Christians re-
maining in Iraq, who live in constant fear for life. Vatican
“Eastern Christian presence, which works and acts
with Muslims, is a Christian as well as an Islamic
Vincent de Paul being the patron. Michael Thio is the need. To maintain the presence of Christians is a
first Asian and non-European to head this position common Islamic duty as well as a common Christian
since its formation in 1833. This Singaporean was a duty”, said Mr. Muhammad Al-Sammak, a Sunni, po-
former Managing Director of BT (British Telecom) litical adviser to the Mufti of the Republic of Leba-
and a member of the Society for over 40 years. SSVP non. He was one of the two special representatives
serves in 147 countries operating under eight regions, at the Synod of Bishops held at Vatican from10-24
with its headquarters in Paris. It has 51,000 conferences Oct. 2010. The Christians form a minority in the 21
worldwide, composed of 750,000 members and more Middle East countries. Algeria and Iran have less
than 1,500,000 beneficiaries. India has 6543 Confer- than 1%, Egypt and Palestine has 6%, in Iraq it is
ences with a membership of 59,516. The Society re- less than 3%, Lebanon scores 30%, Syria above 10%,
spected globally for its inspiring apostolate of charity.

10
Sudan 5% and Saudi Arabia records the least, 0.5%.

7
anglican bishops Join RC Church US bishops for DReaM act
england Los angeles
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles has ar-
Five bishops from the Church of England have ticulated the U.S. bishops’ support for the DREAM
joined the Roman Catholic Church - Andrew Burn- Act, a proposal to grant citizenship to the children
ham of Ebbsfleet, Keith Newton of Richborough, brought by parents to the U.S. illegally. As the Chair-
John Broadhurt of Fulham, Edwin Barnes emeri- man of the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops’
tus of Richborough, and David Silk an emeritus Committee on Migration, he described the DREAM
assistant bishop of Exeter. The announcement of act as “a practical, fair, and compassionate solution
their resignation came on November 8, and will for thousands of young persons” who had not vol-
come into effect from 31 Dec.2010. “The Anglican untarily broken the law. It would allow te young who
Church promotes the ordination of female bishops entered the U.S before the age of 16 to apply for le-
and other liberal innovations. It is Contradictory to gal permanent residence and eventual citizenship, as
our vocation of Anglicanism in faith and order,” long as they completed two years of higher educa-
quoted the bishops as their reason for resignation. tion or military service and have no criminal record.
COmP

faith mattErS

Christmas
What does Christmas mean and how should it become a
daily reality? Companion rummages around the message,
symbols and customs of the celebration.

their Gospels with the ministry
Theologically, Christmas is the of John the Baptist, some 30
celebration of the incarnation of years after Jesus’ birth.
God in Jesus Christ. Due to differ- Mathew tells the story from
ent calendars in use, some cultures the perspective of Joseph, and
and church traditions celebrate his deliberations about what he
Christmas on January 6. should do with his pregnant wife-
Origin of Christmas to-be. The story unfolds with
The origin of the celebrations reassurance from God’s mes-
of Christmas and Epiphany, as senger that God is at work in this
well as the dates on which they extraordinary circumstance. It is
are observed, are rooted deeply Mathew who introduces the Isa-
in the history of the early church. iah quote of Emmanuel. How-
We do not know exactly when ever, Mathew gives us no details
Jesus was born. The best estimate about the actual birth of Jesus,
is that Jesus was probably born only a few events leading up to
in the springtime, somewhere the birth, and then an account of
between the years of 6 and 4 BC. what happened “after Jesus was
The lack of a consistent system of born” (Mt 2:1).
timekeeping in the first century, However, it is from Mathew
mistakes in later calendars and that we learn of the visit of the
calculations, and lack of historical Magi (“wise men”) and the mi-
details to cross reference events raculous star in the East that led
have led to this imprecision in them to Jesus. The biblical nar-
fixing Jesus’ birth. So, Christmas rative never says how many wise
celebration is not an exact obser- men came. Mathew recounts
vance of a historical date, but a God’s warning to Joseph, to flee
commemoration of the event in to Egypt with Mary and the child
terms of worship. to escape the wrath of Herod.
Most historians agree that the He also tells of the slaughter of
celebration of Christmas after the the Holy Innocents in Bethlehem
fourth century. The most com- by the irate Herod. In Mathew, a
monly accepted version is that messenger from God directs the
Christmas originated in Roman Holy Family to settle in Naza-
culture as the winter solstice on reth.
December 25 - a pagan celebra- The nativity narratives with
tion of the birth of the sun (Na- which we are most familiar come
talis Solis Invicti ). In 4th century, from Luke’s Gospel. Luke’s
Christians adapted this pagan account tells the story from
festival to celebrate the birth of the perspective of Mary. Luke
the Eternal Son. actually begins his narrative with
There are different traditions the miraculous birth of John
prevailing in the celebration. The the Baptist and the disbelief of
crib, gifts of Magi, hanging stars his father Zechariah. The entire
(biblical in origin), Santa Claus giv- narrative places two women,
ing gifts, Caroling, etc (historical), Elizabeth and Mary, at the center

C hristmas is still the most
observed and popular
among the Christian celebrations
are most common. Others such
as elves, the North Pole, etc., have
largely secular origins.
of the story. Angel Gabriel plays
an important role announcing the
births of both John and Jesus.
and it is surrounded by the im- Nativity Narratives Luke incorporates the bless-
ages of angels, a young mother, Even though Christmas is the ing of Elizabeth on Mary (used
of shepherds, a stable, of wise most popular of Christian celebra- in Hail Mary), the song of Mary
men and royal intrigue. Histori- tions, Gospel accounts regarding (the Magnificat), Zechariah (the
cally, Christmas commemorates this are minimum. Nativity nar- Benedictus), Simeon (the Nunc
the birth of Jesus of Nazareth ratives are conspicuously absent Dimittis), and the praises of
to a young woman from Galilee. in both Mark and John who begin Anna. He places the story in


Silent night, holy night, birth that we are caught unaware,
All is calm, all is bright, and so are left with wonder at the
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, simplicity of its expression in this
Holy Infant so tender and mild infant child. It is a possibility that
Sleep in heavenly peace is easily symbolized by a helpless
Sleep in heavenly peace infant that has nothing of its own
Silent night, holy night! by which to survive; yet an infant
Shepherds quake at the sight that, because he is Emmanuel
Glories stream from heaven afar - “God with us”- will forever
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! change the world and humanity. It
Christ, the Saviour is born is this same God who has prom-
Christ, the Saviour is born ised to be with us, with the church
and with us individually, as we live
Silent night, holy night
as his people in the world.
Son of God, love’s pure light
It is hope incarnated into flesh,
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
a hope that can be held in a moth-
With the dawn of redeeming grace
er’s arms, a hope that expresses a
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
reality that will live beyond death.
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth”
It is the hope, the possibility,
Story of “Silent Night’’ that springs from impossible and
insignificant beginnings, infused
“Silent Night” (German: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) is a popular with the power of God through
Christmas carol. The original lyrics of the song ‘Stille Nacht’ were the Holy Spirit, that will blossom
written in Austria by Fr. Joseph Mohr and the melody was composed into a light to the Nations. It is
by Ranz Xaver Gruber, an Austrian Headmaster. In 1859, John this possibility, this God, that we
Freeman Young (Second Bishop, Diocese of Florida) published the celebrate at Christmas!
English translation that is most frequently sung today. The carol was Christmas is joy, it is sharing, it
first performed in the Nikolaus-Kirche (Church of St. Nicholas) is the celebration of the impos-
in Oberndorf, Austria on December 24, 1818. The carol has been sible (God becoming man!), it
translated into over 44 languages. “Silent Night” is quiet and reflec- is God’s compassion in human
tive, calling us to meditate on the scene of Nativity. It is the ambience form. “How do I remember my
conveyed by both the gentle words and melody that create from this best Xmas?”. While you try to
carol an oasis of peace. It calls us to dwell on the Madonna and Child come out with an answer, listen to
-- “Round yon Virgin, mother and Child”, - “Christ, the Savior is these people . First let us listen to
born!” Dayabhai who works with tribals
in M.P.
the context of Roman taxation daily basis as the people of God? “I joined a convent in 1958.
and tells of the journey from Perhaps for an answer, we need to On the Xmas eve of that year
Nazareth to Bethlehem. From return to the biblical narratives. At I saw crowds of tribals from
Luke we learn of the visit of the the heart of the nativity narra- far away villages flocked in the
shepherds, and the Angels’ an- tives in both Matthew and Luke, convent campus. In their scant
nouncement. Luke also describes is a simple fact: the struggle of a clothing they were shivering with
the ritual circumcision after people who had longed for 500 cold. Instead I had good woollen
eight days. Mathew and Luke are years that God acts in the world clothes to keep me warm. That
different in narrating because in new ways. God came to be with experience shattered me. I decided
they wrote for different purposes. them in a way that totally identi- to leave the convent and live with
Meaning of Christmas fied Himself with us, as human these people. My unforgettable
What is the true meaning of beings. Xmas!. There started my search
Christmas? Perhaps we continue I think that the true meaning of for the Lord among the poorest
to ask the question for fear that Christmas is about possibility in of tribals. Christmas for me is
the answer will be lost, or already the midst of the impossible. It is sharing their life, becoming small
is lost, in the market shuffle. possibility that comes solely from and insignificant among people
Christmas celebrates the God who comes into our own hu- who are insignificant. The Son
birth of Jesus. How does, or man existence to reveal Himself of God was born in miserable
how should, the meaning of and call us to Himself. It is a pos- situations. I strive to find Him in
Christmas impact our lives on a sibility that is so surprising at its the miserable lives of the tribal

people. I spend my time
fighting the evil in society
in different forms – tuber- Christmas Crib
culosis, cholera, smallpox,
and of course injustice and The Christmas Crib (crèche)
poverty. That is my way of dates back to St. Francis of
living Christmas, of making Assisi, on the Christmas of
it a daily reality. The Son 1293, celebrated in the woods
of God identifies Himself of Greccio near Assisi. A
with poorest of the poor pious man of the town, John
and in them I find the Sav- made the first crib at the
iour of the world.” request of Francis. Hay was
Fr. Christudas from brought, the ox and the don-
Bihar narrates his experi- key were led to the spot.
ences with leper patients The monks and people gathered and rejoiced in the celebration with
as follows: “They were not lit candles. Staged in a cave near Greccio, St. Francis’ nativity scene was a
normal people about 500 living one with humans and animals cast in the Biblical roles. Pope Hono-
of them, men, women, and rius III gave his blessing to the exhibit. Such pantomimes became hugely
children who were cut away popular and spread throughout Christendom. Within a hundred years ev-
from the society, kicked ery church in Italy was expected to have a nativity scene at Christmastime.
and thrown out from their Eventually, statues replaced human and animal participants.
homes and villages because
they were afflicted with the
dreadful disease Leprosy. into the hut. Candles were lit; all the Christmas day till today three
When I arrived in Novem- people of the colony Hindus and Mus- hundred destitute patients in our
ber 1981, to be with them, lims came and in the hut we celebrated Hospital and their children in the
they were so generous to the Christmas mass. In the past I had school are fed thrice daily and
give me a vacant hut for participated in so many Christmas cumulatively 9526500 meals were
me to stay. There was no Celebrations. But this Christmas was so far served during the last 29
Church, no Chapel not so very special, so very touching . The years. From where all this food
a single Christian. In the faith of the participants Hindus and all this money pour in to care for
leprosy colony we found Muslims was so very intense deep and them I don’t know. Baby Jesus
a newly born baby boy. At genuine the baby Jesus in the manager of 1981 knows.”
Xmas, he was brought in was definitely touched. Then During For Fr. Mihir from Orissa a
into a vacant mud hut. His the day, we had an agape – a shared childhood Christmas experi-
parents were also brought meal with a heavenly bliss. From that ence reorinted his life itself. “My
home was next to a Lutheran
Church. There Xmas celebra-
tions would start at 7p.m instead
Santa Claus For many, Christmas is unthinkable
without Santa Claus. Origins of Santa of midnight for us. Invited by
Claus are influenced by the customs and my friends I joined in the recital
cultures of many countries, beginning in of Bible verses in the Lutheran
Asia Minor sometime around the 4th cen- Church. An additional reason for
tury AD. It was here that Bishop Nicho- my joining was that the Pastor, a
las became renowned for his exceptional very warm person, used to play
generosity, especially to the very young. with us young people of the
Many years later he became known as Saint locality. That day, I reproduced
Nicholas, the patron saint of children. verses like “God so loved the
From the 16th century the Dutch kept the world that He gave His only
legend of Saint Nicholas alive. The children Son..., in my local language and
of Holland would put their shoes by the fire I won the prize. The Word be-
in hopes for a gift from Saint Nicholas, who came flesh in my life. Christmas
was known by the Dutch as “Sint Niko- is God entering our ordinary
laas.” Over time the name became “Sinterk- lives”.
lass,” and later the present “Santa Claus”. Sr. Sheela FS
COmP

goSpEl iN aCtioN

In the Shoes of the
fisherman

Father Thomas Kocherry is a Redemptorist priest, a lawyer, trade union leader, human rights activist,
crusader for Fisher people, and for environment. He is based in Kanyakumari, T.N. He has been the
leader of India’s ten million fisher people for whom he struggled for more than 3 decades. As Chair-
man of National Fish workers Forum and a member of the India’s Coastal Zone Management
Authority, he succeeded to network with NGOs, Executives, Judiciary and media to get the rights of
Fisherpeople accepted.

“J esus was crucified for his
commitment to the King-
dom and to the poor. Everyone
High School and at St Berchman’s
College provided him not only
knowledge but also values for
team of Medical Mission Sisters”.
Sr. Philomine Mary, a Medical
Mission sister who worked with
must go through the passion of life. He received his Law degree Fr. Kocherry for almost 30 years
the cross if they are committed from Kerala University. “I had a recalls the Hunger strike of 1984
to this mission. Only then is the staunch Catholic family that saw at poothura as a ‘struggle against
resurrection possible. There are to my faith formation that in- trolling’. “There were many of
no short cuts,” says Fr. Thomas spired me to embrace priesthood. us who joined in the fast unto
Kocherry who is advised Medical In the college, Fr. John Antony, a death. After 23 days we were
rest after a massive heart attack. Redemptorist encouraged me to hospitalised. Still we did not give
He was Champion of the struggle take up the challenge of serving in. The strike created great aware-
for Fisher People’s advancement the poor. After my ordination ness among the Fisher people
from the early 70s. in 1971, my first mission was about their rights. Even today we
Tom was born in Changa- among the Bangladeshi refugees continue the struggle. In fact, Fr.
nasserry, Kerala, in the south- in Raigunj of West Bengal. Later Kochery undertook such hunger
west of India, in 1940, as the I came down to Trivandrum in strikes in many places across
fifth in a family of 11 children Southern India to work among the India’s coastal region.” While
– seven boys and four girls. His fisher folk. From 1972-79, I was there are people who say that
father worked as a journalist on involved with people in the village this struggle was suppressed by
a Catholic newspaper. Schools of Poothura where I was joined the establishment – the official
in his hometown - St Anne’s by two companions from the Church and the Government, Fr.
Convent School, St Berchman’s Redemptorist congregation and a Kocheri does not share that view.


“ The basic needs of all
must be met before
catering to the greed

“
of the rich.

According to him the benefits involvement of Sun Oil Co in With his capable and empower-
that Fisher people enjoy today polluting the Venezuela sea and ing style, in 1997, he succeeded
are the aftermath of the long the Amazon through Oil drilling. to bring together 10 million
stretched struggles. As a result, Venezuelan President fisher people demanding specific
Tom was the elected Chairman Hugo Chaves took up a major rights of theirs - prohibit trolling,
of National Fish workers Forum, fight against Sun Oil Co. With restrict foreign fishing vessels,
a position he held until 1996. and the Foundation amount we would Protect waters, protect life from
a member of the India’s Coastal not reach the extent of awareness pollution - fish resources, and
Zone Management Authority building that the media did after I coastal zone regulation. As a
and the World Forum of Fish rejected it.” result of his actions, fishermen
Harvesters and Fish Workers. A But for the concerted ‘fight’ were given representation in the
crusader against coastal pollution, for their rights, Fisher people Murari High Power Committee
he was one of the organisers of would have been displaced and appointed by the Indian Gov-
India’s biggest coastal environ- wiped out by big vessels and ernment to study and to make
ment protest, the Kanyakumari globalisation. After four decades recommendations regarding deep
March of 1989, in collaboration of constant vigil against injustice sea fishing policy. “All along the
with many non-government and exploitation of the poor, way, I enjoyed the support and
organisations. especially those in coastal areas, cooperation of a lot of people
The march began on 2nd Tom looks back with a sense of with goodwill.’’.
April in the West Coast and on gratitude to all who generously For almost 40 years, he worked
3rd April in the East Coast. It collaborated with him. “My mis- with fishing communities in
converged in a small town of sion is for the humanity. This India and elsewhere, including
Kanyakumari on May 1st, Labour mission (of Christ) is people’s Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Day. It mobilised about 25,000 movement oriented towards seek- South Africa, Spain, Canada,
people gathered from all over ing the kingdom of justice. Land Malaysia, Indonesia and Thai-
India, to fight against destructive is for all and not for a few. Land, land. His 70 year old heart holds
fishing gears and water pollution. water, air etc., are for all,” he says. the dream of an inclusive society
It was an interaction of cultures, He indeed has been a phenom- where all love and respect each
arts, fishing gears; a massive show enon in his various identities - a other as Children of God, a bar-
of strength and solidarity. Christian by birth, a Redemptorist rier-free society that strives for
“In 1997, I was awarded priest by vocation, a lawyer by peace and harmony. “Religions,
150,000 USD Pew Foundation training, and by mission, a trade humans and God must meet and
award. It was given for Marine union leader, co-ordinator of the that is Kingdom of God.’’ Tom
Protection Activities. The Foun- National Fish workers Forum and his collaborators – they came
dation was formed with the help and of the National Alliance from different streams - were not
of Sun Oil Company, the biggest of Peoples’ Movements. He is always understood and accom-
marine polluter in the World. So I also the Rector of the Periyavil- modated by traditional sectors.
was advised to reject the award. In lai Redemptorist Community in But they stood by the passion
fact, the news of rejection created the south-eastern State of Tamil Jesus had for the poorest of the
more waves across the country Nadu. The greatest achievement poor and won the cause adopt-
and abroad. It became big news. of this multifaceted man may be ing the peaceful struggle method
News papers like Guardian, NY his magnetic leadership that could advocated by the Mahatma.
Times, Boston Times conducted pull in all sections of people Sr. Leela Jose
a study, and they published the towards a worthy cause. COmP


foCuS NatioNal

Grow
of

“
“T here is so much hap-
pening in my life, but
I am not sure what to do. Yes,

A peep into youth
I have finished my studies and
am now earning. I have found a
freedom like never before. Yet I’m
concerns and their unhappy, I don’t know why… I
feel there is something amiss with
search for God
“
my life,” Cadencia, a young lady
who’s just graduated and stepped
into one of the many rapidly
mushrooming BPOs in Mumbai is
confused.
So is Raphael, a young man in
his early 20s who bemoans the life
he leads. “I am lost. I don’t know


wing Pains tough for a young boy or girl who
is just trying to understand one’s
own physical and psychological
make-up. Emotional upheavals,

f GenNext
peer-pressure, authority-defiance,
contrasting ideologies, conflicting
solutions, visual media impact,
cheap literature....the list contin-
ues.
The sufferings of the rural
youth are doubled by class-caste
discriminations, employment
crisis and despair resulting in
indiscipline while urban youth are
into ambitions, one-upmanship,
values/ spirituality crises, bad
company and drugs abuse. But
both the groups suffer from
severe identity crisis. This is where
Victor Frankl’s “Meaning of Life”
can help.
Everyone has to discover a
meaning for their life. A sense
of purpose, identity and sense
belonging, coupled with the
desire to conform to traditions,
customs and practices is much
more difficult now than in bygone
days. The mediated image of the
upswing youth is excessively con-
fident, elegant, suave, financially
independent and upward moving.
Trendy, fashionable and cool is
the in-thing. Limitless expenditure
and thoughtless splurging seem
to be the rage, especially amongst
those who have moved up the IT
ladder. Deeply sucked into this
cess-pool of dizzying success, the
mantra seems to be ‘work hard;
what to do. I am bored of life. And Eustace, Accounts Man- party harder.’ In their popular
Sometimes I just don’t know ager at a well-established bank parlance it translates as: ‘slog your
why I feel that way. Everything quips “My life makes meaning a#*^ and go for the crack!’
seems so ridiculous.” In fact he when I spend sometimes in what exactly makes the
is no idler. Actively involved in personal prayer. Every moment difference?
youth groups, studying to be an I spend in silence meditating Camilla had the experience of
electronics engineer and a com- on God’s Word helps me calm attending a 5-days retreat at a
mitted Church-goer, Raphael down, relax and optimize my centre, with her parents who are
yearns for something more. performance at work.” devout Catholics from Goa. The
On the other hand… there’s Not all youth are the same. experience of seeing people testi-
Camilla, Programme Co- The first two are seeking, search- fying to their healing experiences
ordinator for a thriving NGO, ing, groping, yearning and pon- touched her. For a week, after the
“There is no better way than to dering. The latter two are at-ease, retreat, she lived on clouds. After
let go and let God. I find peace, comfortable with life as it is, and a month she was back on ground,
solace and comfort when I allow have discovered the meaning but convinced. She says, “I have a
God to do as He wills.” for life. It can be excruciatingly God-given life, he expects me to


make a positive contribution with the underprivileged kids. Playing, hope.”
my life. I cannot not idle it away.” teaching, joking… one would Those youngsters, who have
Eustace has another story to think he is crazy. But Eustace had a personal experience of
tell. His father used to work in says “I want to tell youngsters God sometime in their lives,
small restaurant earned hardly not to give up on God. Here, in survive problems with greater
enough money to educate the the midst of these boys, I know ease. Spirituality does not mean
three children. When Eustace was there are many who have run just traditional religion. In fact,
16, his mother met with a major away from home, have tried to spirituality transcends religion. It
accident while crossing a street. kill themselves and many of them is more than rituals and chanting
Sitting at his mother’s death-bed, have suffered severe physical of incoherent prayers (why do we
he prayed, may be for the first abuse. I want to help them to have to mumbo-jumbo? Can’t we
time in his life, “Lord do you re-
ally want to take my mother away?
Who will look after my two little Dynamic Spirituality
sisters?” And he repeated that Word of God which addresses
several times that week from the
depth of his heart. His mother Jerome Vallabharaj SDB humans in their context. Likewise
Youth Pastoral, Salesianum, is the need to evaluate the words
survived. Today he knows, God of humans about God. These are
Rome
listens to him and guides him. attempts to understand, follow
Camilla is an active member Catholic spirituality in its and realize the implications of
of her parish youth group now, dynamic originality is manifested the self-communication of God
a regular in the parish choir and through a life of faith. That in Jesus Christ. The disciples are
also aspiring to become a lay involves entrusting oneself to to decipher the significance of
consecrated. She wants to give her Jesus Christ. He has to become Christ’s presence in their midst.
life totally to God, but while en- give meaning and value in every This pilgrim-process has to
gaged in her business enterprise. dimension of life. It is expressed become a life-style. It involves a
“I could have become a nun, but I in genuine commitment. Such dialogical dimension - a continu-
want to be an exemplary Chris- spirituality has a «wayfaring» di- ous interaction of committed
tian in my working sphere. I can mension; it involves an ongoing disciples with Jesus, with fellow
inspire and radiate the love and articulation of a disciple’s faith, humans and with the world. This
peace of Christ as an ordinary journeying within the Christian is the spirituality that can sustain
human.” community. In this journey one our growing generation against
Eustace has his hands full. has to confront oneself with the the challenges of the day.
Come Sunday, he is out there with

just say what I like in the manner
I like?). It is definitely beyond Paradigm shift in formation
the ‘we-say-so-hence-it-is right’
control. sales executives or receptionists.
Fr. Stanley K, We have tremendous openings
Godfrey D’Sa, a prominent
Former Youth Director and enviable facilities in our youth
youth-activist and psychiatrist Delhi Archdiocese
adds “Every day I deal with so forums which if put to intelligent
many youth who wish to kill The meetings, workshops, and committed use can empower
themselves. Emotional upheav- and celebrations we organize them as efficient citizens. We need
als, peer-pressure, authority- for youth usually concentrate a paradigm shift in formation.
defiance, contrasting ideologies, on psychological and spiritual Our youth have to be trained to
conflicting solutions, visual dimensions. There is a temp- relate spirituality and dreams with
media impact...Indeed a very dif- tation for them to get stuck the reality of daily life where Jesus
ficult era to be a youth. Add to here. Our youth must excel in ‘walks ahead of them’ and ‘with
this the complexity of facing up academics and engage in civil them’. They need not be offered
to familial pressures and agonis- activities as well. Christians are a watertight spirituality that has
ing situations.” far behind the rest of the com- no relevance to their life. They
Youth groups have been at- munities when it comes to civil need to be involved in the local
tempting to help youngsters face services. Our youth who speak socio-cultural and developmental
the challenges and find meaning good English mostly end up as activities.
to their lives. Jesus Youth, CBCI ships (To whom do I belong?),
commission for youth, religious of Christ, through rocking music,
vibrant sessions and beautiful purpose (What am I here for?)
congregations’ youth wings, and destiny (Where am I going?).
AICUF, YCSYSM (Young choreographies” says Binu an
active Jesus Youth. CAMPUS- Being actively involved in educa-
Christian Students & Young tion at all levels, the Church can
Students’ Movement). CYM MEETS are held all over the
country for this purpose. Num- be a major player in their forma-
(Catholic Youth Movement) etc., tion.
have been in the forefront. berless youth, during the past 25
years of its service have found “What is needed today is a
The NATIONAL CAMPUS church which knows how to
MINISTRY of the Jesus Youth hope and meaning for their lives
through Campus Ministry. As respond to the expectations of
aims to touch and transform young people. Jesus wants to
the lives of youth in institutions silver bells chime, Jesus Youth is
present in 29 countries. enter into dialogue with them
of higher Education. In the and, through his body, which is
campus Jesus Youth members Their Media Ministry - JOYN-
RET is a social network of the church, to propose the pos-
present themselves as vibrant, sibility of a choice, which will
friendly guys. They strike friend- young people who are interested
to discover meaning (Jesus) in require a commitment of their
ship with all and communicate lives. As Jesus with the disciples
with warmth. They, especially their life. Besides, they also have
a website that keeps informing of Emmaus, so the Church must
befriend those persons who they become the traveling companion
sense need a way out. They get and interacting with youth. Short
messaging to groups is yet an- of young people...” (John Paul II
closer to them, talk to them, World Youth Day 1995, Manila,
take short walks with them, and other way of spreading the Good
news among the youth. Philippines)
gently lead them to personal Youth are like dynamites. They
reflection and prayer. Once they “Any youth group worth its
name”, adds Eustace, “must carry tremendous energy within.
get an insight about self and life, Only love and understanding
Jesus is introduced to them as a strongly root itself in a close
relationship with Jesus that can release and channelize it. An
person who loves them and cares incarnational spirituality that is
for them. If they show interest, should urge them to get involved
in the local socio-cultural and rooted in reality, reaching out to
they are given more opportuni- God and others is the maxim they
ties to know Jesus and His life justice issues in an organized and
collective manner. This can give need to aspire for.
giving Word. Gradually they are
invited to the weekly JESUS meaning to life.”
YOTH prayer sessions. “One Young people of India com- Chris Valentine SDB
of the ways, and the easiest, to prise 60% of its population. Asian School of Journalism
reach out to the young is to fill Questions they ask are about Chennai
their lives with the peace and joy identity (Who am I?), relation-
COmP


pr maNagEmENt

Youth Ministry
Need of the Hour
Our youth are a resource for the
Church waiting to be tapped

O ne of India’s biggest chal-
lenges today is managing
its youth. Population experts tell
chasing them instead of the other
way around. They earn more at
the start of their careers than their
us that there is a net addition parents do at retirement.
of 18 m to the population each They have never been to an
year, 460 million Indians today employment exchange -- they
are between 13 and 35 years of post their CVs on www.jobs.com
age and 333 million of them are and www.monster.com and find
literate. Another commonly cited life partners on shaadi.com or
statistic is that 70 per cent of communitymatrimony.com, not
India’s population is below the through marriage bureaus or pa-
age of 35 and that 80% of them rental connections. If we had only
are literate. one TV channel to watch, they’ve
Clearly, the figures above grown up with 500 channels and
cannot be very different for the plenty of choice in almost every and Sriperambudur (the Detroit
church in terms of Christian area of life. Entertainment has a of the south), as much as those in
youth. But how well do our whole new meaning for them in Mumbai or Delhi.
priests know this generation terms of music, films, gaming, Many of our priests are afraid
and how well trained are they to IPLs or even eating out – a must of these youth or simply baffled
minister to them? compared to earlier times when by them! They know very few of
This is a different generation eating out was frowned on. them, only the ones who come
from ours. In fact, I hear 35- They are the digital generation. to the official parish groups. The
year-olds complaining about how They talk a language that many vast majority are out there, left to
difficult it is to manage them. of us do not understand. Most fend for themselves. The forma-
Communicating with them is a speak English better than local tion in our seminaries has resulted
whole new specialized field. This languages because it helps them in even priests ordained in the last
is a “never had to wait” genera- get better jobs. They are faster 10-20 years unprepared for this
tion. They believe in Nike’s “just using their thumbs texting out an new breed. Those willing to take
do it” and “I want it and I can SMS on a cellphone than you can on the challenge run into prob-
get it now” attitude. They never articulate it orally. They are not lems with the parish priests!
had to wait 12 years for a tele- as abashed in the presence of the This is a generation used to
phone at home like their parents, opposite sex as we were. In fact, interactive communication and
six years for a scooter, or aspire they’ve found it easier to com- talking back. But enter the church
all their lives for a motorbike or municate with the opposite sex compound and talk back or ask
a car. Many of them have grown thanks to the ease and conve- a question and your get a glare in
up in a fast-growing market nience cellphones and mobility response. These young people are
economy offering jobs through on motorbikes provide. All this looking for a spiritual experience,
“walk-in interviews”, with jobs applies to youth in Gumidipoondi not doctrine or dogma. They are


looking for priests and nuns (yes, have books like “One Night @ If I were a priest in a parish
50% of the work force in the IT The Call Center” by a new genre today, I would hover round the
industry is young women) who of Indian authors like Chetan doorways of the church and
can simply be with them, not Bhagat? It should be must read- make friends with those lounging
preach or pontificate, least of all ing for every priest interested in around the church doors, saun-
judge them as they explore their parish work in a county where 70 tering out during the sermon!
own solutions. per cent of the people are below That interaction may give them
They don’t want to be told that 35! more of a spiritual experience
friendship with the opposite sex How many of our priests know than the homily being droned
till they are ready for marriage youth in their parishes, locals or from the pulpit! Clearly, we need
is to be avoided or discouraged. migrants, who are into new and assistant parish priests and nuns
But many priests and nuns come unusual jobs, the large numbers capable of spending time with
from formation programmes that who are branching into self- young people, assisting in their
discourage such interactions. This employment rather than a regular faith formation in a manner
in an age of live-in relationships, job? Do they find a welcoming adapted to their upbringing and
especially in the IT/BPO sectors, atmosphere or a smiling face present upbringing. Parish priests
the I-Pill or the “morning after that would induce them to come just have to find them if they do
Pill” freely advertised on TV and again to church? Or someone not want to lose the future of the
odd working hours and strange who can engage in a meaning- Church in India
jobs that require them to as- ful conversation about the work
similate other cultures and take on place, entertainment, social
other identities at the work place! behaviours? Allwyn Fernandes
Crisis Communications
It would be interesting to find Our youth are a resource for Professional
out how many of our seminaries the church waiting to be tapped. Mumbai
COmP


CroSS CurrENtS

Vatican Slams
Nobel Win
Robert Edwards has won the Nobel Prize for Medicine. The No-
bel committee hailed his work (IVF). But Vatican’s response was
one of apprehension. Two moral theologians analyze this issue.

O n 18 October 2010, Ig-
nacio Carrasco de Paula,
head of the Pontifical Academy
of the Vatican. In a second state-
ment on the same day, he said that
the choice of Edwards was under-
gratulated Edwards. “It’s fantastic
news. Me and mum are so glad
that one of the pioneers of IVF
for Life, which speaks for the Vati- standable and the scientist should has been given the recognition he
can on medical ethical issues, told not be underestimated. What fol- deserves….,” said Louise Brown.
ANSA news agency: “I find the lows is my reaction to de Paula’s Second, de Paula gave the im-
choice of Robert Edwards com- personal statement and not to the pression of faulting the Nobel
pletely out of order.” He also add- Vatican statement. I find his state- committee for not adhering to
ed that “Without Edwards, there ment unkind and inconsiderate. the official Catholic teaching on
would not be a market on which First of all, de Paula acted ex- Artificial Reproductive Technolo-
millions of oocytes are sold ... and ceeding his brief, his official space gies. It is to be mentioned that
there would not be a large number which was limited to medical ethi- even Catholic bishops and theo-
of freezers filled with embryos in cal issues alone. As such, he was logians, many in number, differ
the world…. In the best of cases not entitled to pronounce on non- from the Church’s official teach-
they are transferred into a uterus, ethical issues such as the confer- ing on IVF. To exemplify, Bishop
but most probably they will end ral of a Nobel Prize which was Augustine Harris, President of
up abandoned or dead, which is purely a technical matter. What the Social Welfare Commission
a problem for which the new No- is ethically wrong in bestowing a of the English and Welsh Catho-
bel Prize winner is responsible.” prize on an expert for his exper- lic Bishops’ Conference and aux-
At the outset, I wish to caution tise? Whether de Paula morally iliary bishop of Liverpool, stated:
the readers that the above state- approves the content of the ex- “Some couples have a deep desire
ment of Ignacio Carrasco de Paula pertise is another matter. Nota- for children but are unable to con-
is a personal statement and does bly, the first test tube baby Louise ceive. Science can support the
not represent the official statement Brown was among those who con- loving and natural ambitions of

Companion december 2010

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