Lovely lilies in the chapel...
22 June 2017
Living tombstones
The other day I took a walk to the cemetery and also to check if the undertakers had completed their restoration work of the two plots of deceased Salesians. They indeed did a decent job and was happy to note the names of the second plot, the slab of which had fallen and I couldn't get it up to read the names of those buried therein.
British summer
After more than four days of "intense heat" - by any British standards! - today is quite cool. Cloudy and cold wind. The maximum temperatures touched 33 C. It is said that the country did not have such a heatwave since 1976. Even I too felt the heat! Of course, it may be that I am getting pampered by the luxurious weather of the place and hence 'feeling the heat'.
Another factor, I realised is that the houses here in UK are all built to retain heat. Hence when the temperature is hot outside, the interior of the house gets hotter! From my window I can see men walking around in the streets shirtless and in shorts. Some of the Britishers are not complaining of the heat as they feel happy to experience it in their own backyard rather than on an expensive holiday trip to Spain or Italy! Either way, life goes on.
Another factor, I realised is that the houses here in UK are all built to retain heat. Hence when the temperature is hot outside, the interior of the house gets hotter! From my window I can see men walking around in the streets shirtless and in shorts. Some of the Britishers are not complaining of the heat as they feel happy to experience it in their own backyard rather than on an expensive holiday trip to Spain or Italy! Either way, life goes on.
13 June 2017
Middle path?
Trying to find the mean or the common denominator in all instances of life is not always the best way of dealing with every situation. There are instances in life where we are forced to take a side or make a stand. It could be with simple or even life-changing matters. However, human as we are, we tend to find a 'peaceful' solution to every issue. By that, I mean, a comfortable way out for us, at that time!
Statistics do help in arriving at a decision but can never be totally reliable. After all, if one is to believe statistics, if one places ones head in an oven and the feet in a fridge, on average one should be perfectly comfortable.
I am not sure even that 'middle path' that Buddha sought and taught, is really possible. From experience we know that we are always biased, for good or for bad. There is never truly an unprejudiced mind. It is another fact that most often we are unaware of it or even have the courage to acknowledge it. But the fact is that we are biased. So is it truly possible to attain that 'neutral' view? I guess each situation and context varies and so does the possibility. But I guess nothing wrong in trying if that is the best solution, that is for everyone involved.
Statistics do help in arriving at a decision but can never be totally reliable. After all, if one is to believe statistics, if one places ones head in an oven and the feet in a fridge, on average one should be perfectly comfortable.
I am not sure even that 'middle path' that Buddha sought and taught, is really possible. From experience we know that we are always biased, for good or for bad. There is never truly an unprejudiced mind. It is another fact that most often we are unaware of it or even have the courage to acknowledge it. But the fact is that we are biased. So is it truly possible to attain that 'neutral' view? I guess each situation and context varies and so does the possibility. But I guess nothing wrong in trying if that is the best solution, that is for everyone involved.
To the dogs!
In The Times of today there is an article of a man building a kennel for his dogs that cost him £1,70,000! Not only that but there is a booming market and there are builders exclusively catering to this demand.
Huh! I'm sure it makes no difference for the dogs! And the best I can think of (but not put down here) is some terms in pure Hyderabadi language!
Huh! I'm sure it makes no difference for the dogs! And the best I can think of (but not put down here) is some terms in pure Hyderabadi language!
Evolving understanding of 'community'
During the meeting for the revision of the Salesian rector's manual, there was a suggestion that prior to laying down the guidelines for the Salesian Rector, it is necessary to redefine 'community'. Perhaps if I were in India, I would not have understood or taken this insight too seriously. Having spent more than 7 months here in the UK and observing the Salesian style of functioning here, I cannot but agree with this suggestion.
When I was in the initial formation, the word 'community' only meant those professed or the 'staff' of the community. The rest of us were present in the house. I do not say that we were ill-treated or anything. Absolutely no. But the understanding, even among us boys and youngsters, was that only the professed Salesians or the staff members were 'community'.
Later my understanding of the community grew a bit wider, especially during my work in Kondadaba, wherein all those in the house, even the non-Salesian Brothers were part of the 'community'. Even those who worked in the seminary, the 7 support staff, I counted them in as members of the 'community'.
Living here in the UK, I sense my own understanding of the word 'community' has grown to be more inclusive. That's primarily because, the work of the Salesian charism is not carried out only by the professed Salesians. It is equally and at times, even mostly carried out by non-professed members in the society. I'm beginning to see the worth and the quality of partnership we professed Salesians have with the non-professed.
How I wish this level of collaboration and understanding was real even in India. Most certainly, we would hear the 'no personnel' antiphon less often. Much more could be achieved by way of outreach and professed Salesians would thereby focus their energy and resources on priorities and not doing everything all by ourselves. But alas, I guess we are not very good learners! It may not be till numbers drastically reduce that we begin to see the worth and need of genuine partnership with the laity. Perhaps only then we will realise that we are not the sole inheritors of the Salesian legacy.
When I was in the initial formation, the word 'community' only meant those professed or the 'staff' of the community. The rest of us were present in the house. I do not say that we were ill-treated or anything. Absolutely no. But the understanding, even among us boys and youngsters, was that only the professed Salesians or the staff members were 'community'.
Later my understanding of the community grew a bit wider, especially during my work in Kondadaba, wherein all those in the house, even the non-Salesian Brothers were part of the 'community'. Even those who worked in the seminary, the 7 support staff, I counted them in as members of the 'community'.
Living here in the UK, I sense my own understanding of the word 'community' has grown to be more inclusive. That's primarily because, the work of the Salesian charism is not carried out only by the professed Salesians. It is equally and at times, even mostly carried out by non-professed members in the society. I'm beginning to see the worth and the quality of partnership we professed Salesians have with the non-professed.
How I wish this level of collaboration and understanding was real even in India. Most certainly, we would hear the 'no personnel' antiphon less often. Much more could be achieved by way of outreach and professed Salesians would thereby focus their energy and resources on priorities and not doing everything all by ourselves. But alas, I guess we are not very good learners! It may not be till numbers drastically reduce that we begin to see the worth and need of genuine partnership with the laity. Perhaps only then we will realise that we are not the sole inheritors of the Salesian legacy.
12 June 2017
Remembering Fr Panampara
Yesterday was the fifth death anniversary of Fr Panampara Abraham.
I'd known him only as a fervent missionary who was often fooled by confreres for being a 'hose-pipe missionary'... the sort who believes in merely baptising everyone whom he comes across within the first day of meeting the person and not bothering about them later on!
However, I'm also aware of what he was before he consciously opted to be part of Hyderabad Province and this radical evangelization mode. He was the one who threw open the doors of Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, the then largest institute of higher education in Salesian India, to the poor and the dalits. It was Fr Panampara who took that bold and radical step of making higher education possible and feasible for the dalits. Many of those who were the initial beneficiaries of this decision of his, were in touch with him even till the end of his days (read this news bit on donboscoindia). They attributed their present well being in society to his generous and visionary personality. He always had a standing and open invitation to the past pupils meet. All his trips were sponsored and he always returned with gifts... one of which was a laptop, which I was helping him learn to use (that was when I was in the Provincial house in 2008)!!
Of course, later on in years, he totally gave up the education field he was initially involved in and was a fervent advocate of direct evangelisation. He would not spare any occasion or anyone, when it came to 'preaching Christ!' He wrote books on catechism and sacraments, was the first to bring out Telugu hymn cassettes (Stuthigeethalu), printed telugu hymnals, started the catechists training centre at Ponnur... never one to back off from a challenge. Most of us youngsters loved pulling his leg and he loved it too.
So on this day would like to remember him and thank him specially for his legacy of hard work, dedication and commitment to live and work for the poor and those really on the margins of society.
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| that's him with his worn out multi-purpose towel! |
However, I'm also aware of what he was before he consciously opted to be part of Hyderabad Province and this radical evangelization mode. He was the one who threw open the doors of Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, the then largest institute of higher education in Salesian India, to the poor and the dalits. It was Fr Panampara who took that bold and radical step of making higher education possible and feasible for the dalits. Many of those who were the initial beneficiaries of this decision of his, were in touch with him even till the end of his days (read this news bit on donboscoindia). They attributed their present well being in society to his generous and visionary personality. He always had a standing and open invitation to the past pupils meet. All his trips were sponsored and he always returned with gifts... one of which was a laptop, which I was helping him learn to use (that was when I was in the Provincial house in 2008)!!
Of course, later on in years, he totally gave up the education field he was initially involved in and was a fervent advocate of direct evangelisation. He would not spare any occasion or anyone, when it came to 'preaching Christ!' He wrote books on catechism and sacraments, was the first to bring out Telugu hymn cassettes (Stuthigeethalu), printed telugu hymnals, started the catechists training centre at Ponnur... never one to back off from a challenge. Most of us youngsters loved pulling his leg and he loved it too.
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| the province pioneers: Br Gabriel, Fr Benji, and Fr Panampara |
Abridged formation course
This province of Great Britain does not have any initial formation house. The only formation house that it can speak of is that of Battersea where there are three clerics staying and attending college at St Mary's studying theology. So unlike most Indian provinces it has neither an aspirantate, pre-novitiate, philosophate, nor any house of specific formation. I was thinking that's a huge reduction on expenditure. For I know that most of my province's expenditure is on formation and formation houses. (Perhaps that's the only advantage, if one can speak of at all... for not having vocations is perhaps an absolute loss!)
However, this particular trip to Turin with 9 of us is perhaps an investment in formation... formation of lay collaborators. Much more than me, a professed Salesian, this visit would throw up for the collaborators many more views and options and messages and most importantly, questions about the Salesians and Don Bosco. Some of them have been working with the Salesians for years and some are new but all the same their love for the Salesians is great. This guided tour certainly offers them a great possibility of deepening their love for Don Bosco and a unique flavour to their Salesian ministry.
For me, it offered a great chance to meet and interact with these individuals. Each of them unique, different and greatly experienced in their own field of work. Besides their work ethic I admire their fidelity to their Catholic faith. For them the latter is not something pietistic or ritual, it is something that enthuses them and something they are very convinced of passing on... not only for their families but for young people whom they teach. Best of all, it was not as if I was or for that matter even Fr John was, 'better off' than them merely because we were 'SDBs'. We walked, talked and shared life and mutually enriched one another!
I'm sure if I were to have come here with a group of (professed) Salesians only, it would have been very different. But thanks to the unique composition of this group and the slant of Fr John's explanations, I can boldly say that this 'formation course' is more holistic and meaningful than the decades of 'cloistered formation' we Salesians often insist on.
However, this particular trip to Turin with 9 of us is perhaps an investment in formation... formation of lay collaborators. Much more than me, a professed Salesian, this visit would throw up for the collaborators many more views and options and messages and most importantly, questions about the Salesians and Don Bosco. Some of them have been working with the Salesians for years and some are new but all the same their love for the Salesians is great. This guided tour certainly offers them a great possibility of deepening their love for Don Bosco and a unique flavour to their Salesian ministry.
For me, it offered a great chance to meet and interact with these individuals. Each of them unique, different and greatly experienced in their own field of work. Besides their work ethic I admire their fidelity to their Catholic faith. For them the latter is not something pietistic or ritual, it is something that enthuses them and something they are very convinced of passing on... not only for their families but for young people whom they teach. Best of all, it was not as if I was or for that matter even Fr John was, 'better off' than them merely because we were 'SDBs'. We walked, talked and shared life and mutually enriched one another!
I'm sure if I were to have come here with a group of (professed) Salesians only, it would have been very different. But thanks to the unique composition of this group and the slant of Fr John's explanations, I can boldly say that this 'formation course' is more holistic and meaningful than the decades of 'cloistered formation' we Salesians often insist on.
In Turin
Some other photos I clicked with my phone... could not click as many as I wanted because the charger I took wasn't fitting the socket and had to save my phone battery because my boarding pass was on my mobile app!
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| the chapel of St Francis of Sales |
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| the waterfont which was part of the original Pinardi shed |
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| Near the rooms of Don Bosco listening to the story of Grigio |
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| Our Lady's statue at the reception |
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| one of the streets of Chieri and the impressive tower in the background |
Around Valdocco
On the second day of our stay in Turin, we walked around Valdocco visiting places related to Don Bosco's initial work with the boys. Among the places Fr John showed and explained to us, I felt greatly pleased to visit the relics of St Joseph Cafasso in the church of Our Lady of Consolata. This was the Church Don Bosco frequented when he was a young priest and is specially mentioned when Mamma Margaret died, and Don Bosco prays specially to Mother Mary at this Church.
For me, the person of Fr Cafasso represents the person of the spiritual director, the guide. It was this person's great advice that moulded many of Don Bosco's decisions, especially in his early years as a seminarian and as a young priest. To truly find someone of that kind, to be able to able to open up and follow the advice of such a person of depth is a rare honour.
We also visited (from the outside) the Refuge, the Marchioness Barolo's palace, the place where Don Bosco studied pastoral theology for two years after ordination, the institutions started by the Marchioness Barolo for the education of children, the unwed mothers and young women, the church of St Laurence (beside the Royal palace), the cathedral of Turin (the one of the Holy Shroud and the only austere Church of all the churches I've entered in Italy!!), the marketplace (most colourful and fragrant and very orderly!)
For me, the person of Fr Cafasso represents the person of the spiritual director, the guide. It was this person's great advice that moulded many of Don Bosco's decisions, especially in his early years as a seminarian and as a young priest. To truly find someone of that kind, to be able to able to open up and follow the advice of such a person of depth is a rare honour.
We also visited (from the outside) the Refuge, the Marchioness Barolo's palace, the place where Don Bosco studied pastoral theology for two years after ordination, the institutions started by the Marchioness Barolo for the education of children, the unwed mothers and young women, the church of St Laurence (beside the Royal palace), the cathedral of Turin (the one of the Holy Shroud and the only austere Church of all the churches I've entered in Italy!!), the marketplace (most colourful and fragrant and very orderly!)
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| the royal palace and the square |
At Colle Don Bosco
On the first day of our trip to Turin we visited Colle Don Bosco, the birth place of Don Bosco.
The main church was so huge!! Moreover being on a hill it looked imposing. And it had not one but two large churches within: one called the lower church and the other the upper church. Both are modern churches with the upper being the main one, with lots of wood work.
We also had a look at the original house of Don Bosco, the house where he lived as a boy, the room of Mamma Margaret, Joseph's house... We did not go into all of the different places there but spend time mostly in the house of Johny Bosco and the church.
The whole place is 96 acres! The Salesian community consists of 28 Salesians of whom 18 are Brothers. Unfortunately only three of the total are below the age of 56. All the others are over and above 70. There was a time when the Brothers took care of the estate and farm all by themselves, but not any more.
More unfortunate than that was the fact that there is hardly anyone there!! In sharp contrast to its large and wide space, there are no resident youth, no boarding, vocational training centre, nothing! The only youth seen around are the visitors. Of course, being totally in a far off rural area there is no real local population either. But why then did they build such huge churches is a mystery to me! Can they not make use of the existing structures more wisely, meaning for young people? After all it is sacred ground for us Salesians and to see it bereft of life and activity was very painful. As one Salesian visiting the place seems to have said, "If only I'd known that it is so desolate, I would never have come here to visit. I had such a glorious vision of this place before coming here. And now that I've seen it, I feel my glorious vision shattered."
The main church was so huge!! Moreover being on a hill it looked imposing. And it had not one but two large churches within: one called the lower church and the other the upper church. Both are modern churches with the upper being the main one, with lots of wood work.
We also had a look at the original house of Don Bosco, the house where he lived as a boy, the room of Mamma Margaret, Joseph's house... We did not go into all of the different places there but spend time mostly in the house of Johny Bosco and the church.
The whole place is 96 acres! The Salesian community consists of 28 Salesians of whom 18 are Brothers. Unfortunately only three of the total are below the age of 56. All the others are over and above 70. There was a time when the Brothers took care of the estate and farm all by themselves, but not any more.
More unfortunate than that was the fact that there is hardly anyone there!! In sharp contrast to its large and wide space, there are no resident youth, no boarding, vocational training centre, nothing! The only youth seen around are the visitors. Of course, being totally in a far off rural area there is no real local population either. But why then did they build such huge churches is a mystery to me! Can they not make use of the existing structures more wisely, meaning for young people? After all it is sacred ground for us Salesians and to see it bereft of life and activity was very painful. As one Salesian visiting the place seems to have said, "If only I'd known that it is so desolate, I would never have come here to visit. I had such a glorious vision of this place before coming here. And now that I've seen it, I feel my glorious vision shattered."
Dog in a suitcase!
While on our trip to Turin, Dave narrated this particular incident which he heard from one of his colleagues. This particular friend of his was narrating of the experience of his ex-girlfriend. She was asked to look after the dog of her parents or neighbours while they were away for a holiday. Two days after their departure the dog died! So she called up the owners and with great remorse told them about the death of the dog. The owners took it in their stride and told her to get the dog to the vet to certify its death. Unfortunately she did not know to drive and hence had to take the dead dog by train. So she put him in a suitcase and took him to the station. Being a labrador, the dog was heavy and she was struggling to carry it along. A gentleman seeing her struggle offered to help. Out of curiosity he asked her, what heavy stuff was she carrying? Surely she could not say that it was a dead dog, so she told him that it is some computer parts. They got on the train and she settled down. But when the train moved, she was horrified to find the suitcase missing... and so was the man who had helped her! He stole the suitcase!!
We were all laughing our heads off, imagining what would be his expression when he opens the suitcase to find out the remains of a dead dog than computer parts!!
We were all laughing our heads off, imagining what would be his expression when he opens the suitcase to find out the remains of a dead dog than computer parts!!
Prayerful Bascilica
During our visit to Turin, I did spend some time by myself in the basilica of Mary Help of Christians. And I don't think I would be blamed of prejudice to say that it was a prayerful place. Unlike other mega-churches that I visited last week in Rome, this place was peaceful, silent and had a very prayerful ambiance about it. There were no people clicking photos, no chit-chats and talking, plenty of people sitting down and praying...
Perhaps the only commonality with the other churches was the grandeur of the structure. Huge and highly ornate. Apart from that it was every bit a place of worship and peace.
The other thing that I liked about this church was that it was very much alive. There were hundreds of people, most of whom were visitors on the first day that we were there. The second day there was the diaconate ordination and it was packed. Even after the diaconate Mass the Sunday vigil Mass also saw the Church filled to its capacity. In that sense it was good to see it more as a place teeming with people and activity rather than a historical ruin or a museum piece on exhibition.
Perhaps the only commonality with the other churches was the grandeur of the structure. Huge and highly ornate. Apart from that it was every bit a place of worship and peace.
The other thing that I liked about this church was that it was very much alive. There were hundreds of people, most of whom were visitors on the first day that we were there. The second day there was the diaconate ordination and it was packed. Even after the diaconate Mass the Sunday vigil Mass also saw the Church filled to its capacity. In that sense it was good to see it more as a place teeming with people and activity rather than a historical ruin or a museum piece on exhibition.
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| the sanctuary and the backdrop |
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| the side altar of Don Bosco, containing his relics |
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| the rooms of Don Bosco |
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| the view of the basilica from the piazza Maria Ausciliatrice |
At Casa madre of SDBs
I returned yesterday afternoon from Turin along with Fr John. We had been on a two day trip to Turin along with 7 collaborators from the various Salesian houses in Great Britain. There was Laurence from Egham, Anne from Farnborough, Pauline from Bolton, Sophie from Liverpool, Sophie, Kate and Dave from Chertsey. More than the places we visited and spent time at, it was the company of the group that I enjoyed most.
On Friday we went to Colle Don Bosco and spent most of the afternoon there. Had the opportunity to meet and speak with Kalyan for sometime. Visited sections of Chieri and returned to Valdocco for the night. On Saturday we took a walk around Valdocco, visiting most of the places related to Don Bosco's initial work with the boys in Turin. In the afternoon we spend time in the mother house, casa madre of the Salesians! The bascilica of MHC, Pinardi Chapel, Church of St Francis de Sales, Rooms of Don Bosco... We had Mass in the Pinardi Chapel and it was good. Later in the night we had a long meal in one of the restaurants down the street.
There are many things that stand out of this quick but meaningful two day trip. One certainly is the expertise and competence of Fr John in weaving history, context, meaning and prayer. If not for that it would have been a walk through buildings and places. His ability to be able to present a picture of the whole scenario and try to seek relevance for us today, especially for our Salesian work in the UK, made a big difference. For me, those names and places which were only in books came to life in a totally different perspective.
Fr John did not paint a very emotional or pious picture of Don Bosco and his works. He sketched a very down to earth, critical portrait of Don Bosco, his formation, the educative method and the early stages of the Oratory. Of the several insights I gained, what really hit me hard was the notion of 'seminary' for Don Bosco. He was not very happy with the mode of seminary formation being 'doled out' in his days. He resisted it and this is seen in his own valiant efforts not to put his own 'Salesians' through it. The notion of being closed up within the seminary cut off from the rest of the world, the purely theoretical input without much of practical experience to ferment reflection, the strict adherence to practically all the diktats of ecclesial authorities...
It was interesting to note that an elderly ex-priest was sharing his experience of the rigid hierarchical structure that existed in his times. I thought he was speaking of the present times!! I had to acknowledge that in most cases, it still is the same. Post-Vatican II's radical thoughts, did not really percolate the mindset and practical living of the Church and especially formation paradigms.
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| At the waterfont (the one surviving since Don's Bosco's time at the Pinardi shed) in Valdocco L-R: Pauline, Anne, Sophie, Laurence, Kate, John, Sophie and Dave |
There are many things that stand out of this quick but meaningful two day trip. One certainly is the expertise and competence of Fr John in weaving history, context, meaning and prayer. If not for that it would have been a walk through buildings and places. His ability to be able to present a picture of the whole scenario and try to seek relevance for us today, especially for our Salesian work in the UK, made a big difference. For me, those names and places which were only in books came to life in a totally different perspective.
Fr John did not paint a very emotional or pious picture of Don Bosco and his works. He sketched a very down to earth, critical portrait of Don Bosco, his formation, the educative method and the early stages of the Oratory. Of the several insights I gained, what really hit me hard was the notion of 'seminary' for Don Bosco. He was not very happy with the mode of seminary formation being 'doled out' in his days. He resisted it and this is seen in his own valiant efforts not to put his own 'Salesians' through it. The notion of being closed up within the seminary cut off from the rest of the world, the purely theoretical input without much of practical experience to ferment reflection, the strict adherence to practically all the diktats of ecclesial authorities...
It was interesting to note that an elderly ex-priest was sharing his experience of the rigid hierarchical structure that existed in his times. I thought he was speaking of the present times!! I had to acknowledge that in most cases, it still is the same. Post-Vatican II's radical thoughts, did not really percolate the mindset and practical living of the Church and especially formation paradigms.
08 June 2017
God so loved the world...
Having been involved in meetings and organising some, I know the pain of getting everyone on board. It is far easier to work with individuals directly than get a group going! Today found a theological (or Biblical?) proof for this idea!
God so loved the world that he did not send a committee.
Apostolic succession
A particular priest was so vexed with his Bishop that he finally exclaimed,
Now I firmly believe in the apostolic succession. There is no other way of making sense of my Bishop, other than belonging to the lineage of Judas Iscariot!I guess that could be said of quite a few bishops!
Politic in the order of the universe
Politics has never been my cup of tea. I never found anything worth my attention in it. So was very happy when I came across this sketch in the book titled Rolling in the aisles (p. 73)...
Sedentary exercises
Struggling with my present sedentary life as a student, I came across this amusing quote in a book
The only exercise some people get is jumping to wrong conclusions, running down their friends, sidestepping responsibility and pushing their luck!I distinctly remember asking Tanuj, a little boy who had come with his mum seeking admission to our school and boarding at Punganur. He was about 7 years and was certainly not thrilled about being away from his mum. Intending to cheer him up, I asked him if he liked games. His eyes lit up and he nodded in agreement. I then asked him which games? Pat came the reply, "Computer games!"
06 June 2017
Good example. Any takers?
Among those nations which today boast of nuclear warheads, South Africa is the only nation to have renounced it. As of this date 2017 there are ten nations which have nuclear weapons.
South Africa ended its nuclear weapons programme in 1989. All the bombs (six constructed and one under construction) were dismantled and South Africa acceded to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons when South African Ambassador to the United States Harry Schwarz signed the treaty in 1991. On 19 August 1994, after completing its inspection, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that one partially completed and six fully completed nuclear weapons had been dismantled. As a result, the IAEA was satisfied that South Africa's nuclear programme had been converted to peaceful applications. Following this, South Africa joined the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as a full member on 5 April 1995. South Africa played a leading role in the establishment of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (also referred to as the Treaty of Pelindaba) in 1996, becoming one of the first members in 1997. South Africa also signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in 1996 and ratified it in 1999. [From wikipedia]Whatever the political reasons, acknowledged or hidden, behind this voluntary disarmament, it is surprisingly to know that this is a reality, a possibility for others to emulate. May have slowed down the race to make nuclear warheads, but didn't inspire those already equipped to give them up. Makes me wonder if the notion of 'good example being inspirational' is true at all!
Lapsus lingua
I remember this particular Latin phrase from the many Fr Master would often repeat during our novitiate: lapsus lingua... slip of the tongue.
Came across the following humorous slip of tongue moments among Church members.
A parishioner to his priest after his sermon: "You'll never know what your sermon meant to me. It was like water to a drowning man!"
An Anglican bishop received an ambiguous letter from one of his clergymen: "Dear Bishop, I regret to inform you that my wife has died. Could you please send me a substitute for the weekend?"
The vicar is on holiday until the 27th. Local clergy will be celebrating on the Sundays when he is away.
"Father," beamed the old lady appreciatively, "we didn't know what sin was until you came to this parish!"
Came across the following humorous slip of tongue moments among Church members.
A parishioner to his priest after his sermon: "You'll never know what your sermon meant to me. It was like water to a drowning man!"
An Anglican bishop received an ambiguous letter from one of his clergymen: "Dear Bishop, I regret to inform you that my wife has died. Could you please send me a substitute for the weekend?"
The vicar is on holiday until the 27th. Local clergy will be celebrating on the Sundays when he is away.
"Father," beamed the old lady appreciatively, "we didn't know what sin was until you came to this parish!"
Tobit's duplicity
In the first reading of the day, Tobit does not complaint or grumble against God for the loss of his eyesight. He takes it in his stride. On the other hand, he is grateful and appreciate of Ahikar and his wife Anna for taking care of him, especially in and through his disability.
However, it is surprising that he, who trusts and believes in God so much, doubts his wife's honesty. When she tells him that the kid in their courtyard is a gift, he does not believe her. Even when she reiterates this fact, he sternly tells her to return it to its owner.
Now that's a bit odd: how come one can trust God so deeply and be so highly suspicious of a fellow human being, that too one who has been so kind and helpful to him? It was good that she gives him a piece of her mind! He needed that to show the shallowness of his ability to trust.
However, it is surprising that he, who trusts and believes in God so much, doubts his wife's honesty. When she tells him that the kid in their courtyard is a gift, he does not believe her. Even when she reiterates this fact, he sternly tells her to return it to its owner.
Now that's a bit odd: how come one can trust God so deeply and be so highly suspicious of a fellow human being, that too one who has been so kind and helpful to him? It was good that she gives him a piece of her mind! He needed that to show the shallowness of his ability to trust.
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| A painting by Rembrandt. He was hardly twenty years old when he painted this small but impressive panel of Tobit, Anna and the kid. |
05 June 2017
Mediocre portrayal of love and life
Yesterday watched a telugu movie online, Nenu Local.
I generally like Nani's acting. Rather light and offering some message. However, this one was a real seat-squirmer!
For one, the whole movie seems to endorse the equation beauty = appearance. Someone falls in love because the girl is 'beautiful'. The family approves and endorses this, on the sole quality of her being 'beautiful'.
Most annoying aspect of the movie is this notion of 'disturbing'! Every hero thinks, just because he is in love with a girl, by her following her - or aptly speaking stalking her - she will eventually 'fall in love' with him! How idiotic. There is absolutely no consideration for what the girl goes through. What her family goes through, merely because a boy thinks stalking her day and night, every where and all the time will make the girl fall for him.
Then there is this whole aspect of studies and getting a decent education. Studies are always portrayed as something cumbersome and optional. What matters, at least for winning a girl's heart is bashing up the goons! The hero is no good for studies. With great difficulty (copying in the exam!) he passes the engineering course. When he sees the girl he follows her into a posh MBA institute, gets enrolled and "studies" MBA. He has no respect for professors. The latter are real caricatures too! No idea what he studies but by the end of the movie he is married to the heroine. What happened to their studies??
Then there is other guy who, in order to ask for the girl's hand, disappears for four years, makes great effort and becomes a police inspector. His character, however impressive, persevering and committed, is discounted for the 6 months since the hero 'saw' the heroine and 'fell in love' with her.
There are many many more annoying aspects, not limited to merely this movie, but characteristic of almost every regional movie... too many to enumerate here. One last comment though: heroines in our movies are always dumbos! Their character may be more intelligent, educated and smart than the hero, but all that is brushed aside and thrashed in comparison to physical masochism of the hero!
I generally like Nani's acting. Rather light and offering some message. However, this one was a real seat-squirmer!
For one, the whole movie seems to endorse the equation beauty = appearance. Someone falls in love because the girl is 'beautiful'. The family approves and endorses this, on the sole quality of her being 'beautiful'.
Most annoying aspect of the movie is this notion of 'disturbing'! Every hero thinks, just because he is in love with a girl, by her following her - or aptly speaking stalking her - she will eventually 'fall in love' with him! How idiotic. There is absolutely no consideration for what the girl goes through. What her family goes through, merely because a boy thinks stalking her day and night, every where and all the time will make the girl fall for him.
Then there is this whole aspect of studies and getting a decent education. Studies are always portrayed as something cumbersome and optional. What matters, at least for winning a girl's heart is bashing up the goons! The hero is no good for studies. With great difficulty (copying in the exam!) he passes the engineering course. When he sees the girl he follows her into a posh MBA institute, gets enrolled and "studies" MBA. He has no respect for professors. The latter are real caricatures too! No idea what he studies but by the end of the movie he is married to the heroine. What happened to their studies??
Then there is other guy who, in order to ask for the girl's hand, disappears for four years, makes great effort and becomes a police inspector. His character, however impressive, persevering and committed, is discounted for the 6 months since the hero 'saw' the heroine and 'fell in love' with her.
There are many many more annoying aspects, not limited to merely this movie, but characteristic of almost every regional movie... too many to enumerate here. One last comment though: heroines in our movies are always dumbos! Their character may be more intelligent, educated and smart than the hero, but all that is brushed aside and thrashed in comparison to physical masochism of the hero!
Kids and Catechism
Some of the re-tailored doctrines in the process of teaching catechism to kids...
A conversation between a mother and her little daughter:
Mummy, who made me?
God did.
Who made you?
God did.
Who made grandma?
God did.
(after a pause) He's improved a lot since he made grandma.
Who was most unhappy when the prodigal son returned home?
The fatted calf.
What does the story of Goliath teach us?
To duck!
Soon after the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered, a small boy was listening to the radio. He looked at his father anxiously: "I hope they haven't found any more commandments."
"Daddy, what's that?" said the little boy, looking up from their pew at the memorial plaque on the wall. "That's in memory of all the brave men who died in the services." The little boy scanned the long list of names and asked: "Did they die in the morning or evening services?"
A conversation between a mother and her little daughter:
Mummy, who made me?
God did.
Who made you?
God did.
Who made grandma?
God did.
(after a pause) He's improved a lot since he made grandma.
Who was most unhappy when the prodigal son returned home?
The fatted calf.
What does the story of Goliath teach us?
To duck!
Soon after the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered, a small boy was listening to the radio. He looked at his father anxiously: "I hope they haven't found any more commandments."
"Daddy, what's that?" said the little boy, looking up from their pew at the memorial plaque on the wall. "That's in memory of all the brave men who died in the services." The little boy scanned the long list of names and asked: "Did they die in the morning or evening services?"
Eternal peace?
From a school girl's essay:
Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and since then we have had two minutes of peace every year.
Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and since then we have had two minutes of peace every year.
03 June 2017
Relic stolen
Just read the news about the relic of Don Bosco being stolen from Colle Don Bosco, Asti on ANS.
Well one way of viewing it is that it is saddening. Another perspective could be that of security and vigilance. I'm however thinking of the one who stole it. I'm sure it is no full time thief but a sincere devotee of Don Bosco who desperately needs Don Bosco to work some miracle for someone else who couldn't or cannot make it to the 'frozen' and 'protected vault' where the relic was preserved. Perhaps Don Bosco is needed more there than in the glass case, preserved under lock and key.
And of course, Don Bosco, I'm sure would not mind!
Well one way of viewing it is that it is saddening. Another perspective could be that of security and vigilance. I'm however thinking of the one who stole it. I'm sure it is no full time thief but a sincere devotee of Don Bosco who desperately needs Don Bosco to work some miracle for someone else who couldn't or cannot make it to the 'frozen' and 'protected vault' where the relic was preserved. Perhaps Don Bosco is needed more there than in the glass case, preserved under lock and key.
And of course, Don Bosco, I'm sure would not mind!
Language
What exactly is language? What does it do? Is the intention of language to 'get the world right'? Or is that an exaggerated demand on language?
While some would consider language and thought as 'capturing' the reality. I would look at it as a means of viewing reality. Just like a lens or glass in a pair of specs. Human as we are, we cannot understand the whole of reality in one gulp. We take in bits and pieces. Those bits and pieces are then stitched together in our mind. But we also need to acknowledge that the means of taking in these bits and pieces is not always perfect. It can never be. And that's the beauty of it.
Why is there such a pressure to be always right about everything? And like Aristotle said, no one is bad as such, even the evil that one intends to carry out is chosen for the good seen in it. No one chooses evil for itself! So too no one chooses to be wrong about a particular conception. Even if one does it is because it helps in the overall view of building a weltanschauung.
Language has the capacity to enamour, bewitch, help us 'see' things in totally startling creative ways. One cannot really have a perfect language. Even if we did, it would be as dead as it can be. It will never be able to convey anything new, different, creative.
Why is there such a pressure to be always right about everything? And like Aristotle said, no one is bad as such, even the evil that one intends to carry out is chosen for the good seen in it. No one chooses evil for itself! So too no one chooses to be wrong about a particular conception. Even if one does it is because it helps in the overall view of building a weltanschauung.
Language has the capacity to enamour, bewitch, help us 'see' things in totally startling creative ways. One cannot really have a perfect language. Even if we did, it would be as dead as it can be. It will never be able to convey anything new, different, creative.
Another day in paradise
Another day in Paradise (Phil Collins)
She calls out to the man on the street
'Sir, can you help me?
It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep,
Is there somewhere you can tell me?'
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there
Oh think twice, it's another day for you and me in paradise
Oh think twice, 'cause it's just another day for you,
You and me in paradise, think about it
She calls out to the man on the street
He can see she's been crying
She's got blisters on the soles of her feet
She can't walk but she's trying
Oh think twice, 'cause it's another day for you and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
You and me in paradise, think about it
02 June 2017
Mission and work
One of the things that Fr Ivo, during the meeting in Rome, repeated more than a couple of times was the distinction between mission and work. He categorically denied that both are the same. He would say that our mission is not to be equated to work or the activities that we carry out in our communities as individuals or as a group.
Our mission is to be signs and bearers of God's love. What we do, through our activities is give expression to this. But to say that our activities is the mission is being naive. Hence even a confrere who is aged or ailing, can still be actively engaged in the mission of being a sign and bearer of God's love, wherever or however bad a physical situation he may be in.
I found this distinction interesting and insightful. Coming from a background where ceaseless activities characterises any given day and presently in a context where am not engaged in such a 'torrential' active work, it makes sense to discover what it means to be a consecrated person with a mission. To be patient and consistent with the discovery of who one is rather than a frenzied round of activity, and always joyful and never giving in to discouragement mode, is perhaps one of the characteristic of religious life.
Our mission is to be signs and bearers of God's love. What we do, through our activities is give expression to this. But to say that our activities is the mission is being naive. Hence even a confrere who is aged or ailing, can still be actively engaged in the mission of being a sign and bearer of God's love, wherever or however bad a physical situation he may be in.
I found this distinction interesting and insightful. Coming from a background where ceaseless activities characterises any given day and presently in a context where am not engaged in such a 'torrential' active work, it makes sense to discover what it means to be a consecrated person with a mission. To be patient and consistent with the discovery of who one is rather than a frenzied round of activity, and always joyful and never giving in to discouragement mode, is perhaps one of the characteristic of religious life.
Time and trust
Tomorrow is June 3. It is exactly seven months ago that I set foot in Britain. Back in the Province an academic year has passed and the new already kicked in. So technically speaking have completed a year - can say the second sabbatical year! In other words, high time that I get serious about my intended purpose of moving out of the province and working towards getting back, having fulfilled my responsibilities.
Trust of people, especially those close and dear, is a very demanding motivation. So are one's own principles and guiding factors which govern or dictate interaction with others. To measure oneself by the same - if not, more - demanding standards expected of others can sometimes be frightening. But that's the path of living integrally. I've always been strict with my students, especially about their academic requirements. To be lenient to myself would certainly be outright wrong.
So, help me God!
Trust of people, especially those close and dear, is a very demanding motivation. So are one's own principles and guiding factors which govern or dictate interaction with others. To measure oneself by the same - if not, more - demanding standards expected of others can sometimes be frightening. But that's the path of living integrally. I've always been strict with my students, especially about their academic requirements. To be lenient to myself would certainly be outright wrong.
So, help me God!
Duel reminder
I reached the Pisana on Sunday night and having something to eat, meeting some eminent Salesians and helping Fr Silvio retired to my room for the night. It was quite warm and hence opened the sliding window panes and even rolled up the shutters. Exactly at 4 am was woken up by a single mosquito singing! Just couldn't lay my hands on him. Must have been quite a tactful dodger! Tried all known tactics but this one was surely a seasoned one!
It was the first time after seven months outside India that I was fighting a mosquito - the only other time I was 'defeated' by it in absentia was when I volunteered to donate blood here in Chertsey but was turned away because I had recently arrived from a malaria prone area of the world!
This duel with the mosquito was a good reminder of days back in the Province and a gentle reminder of taking for granted the luxurious blessings of the present place!
It was the first time after seven months outside India that I was fighting a mosquito - the only other time I was 'defeated' by it in absentia was when I volunteered to donate blood here in Chertsey but was turned away because I had recently arrived from a malaria prone area of the world!
This duel with the mosquito was a good reminder of days back in the Province and a gentle reminder of taking for granted the luxurious blessings of the present place!
01 June 2017
Holy tourism?
I had no plans to go visiting all the churches in Rome! In fact, had booked my return ticket on the same day the meeting concludes. However, did the mistake of not really noticing that the meeting ends on Wednesday and not on Thursday. Even then I was not keen on running around in Rome. Was only keen on meeting Fr Joshtrom. Most of the confreres were quite surprised that I was not going to visit the Vatican... as if Pope Francis had cancelled all his appointments to meet me!
Anyway, Fr Joshtrom and Anthaiah and Prakash said that since I had practically a whole day, I should go and see at least St Peter's basilica. And so Anthaiah and Prakash 'took' me to the place. We stood in the queue for a little more than an hour just to get in the basilica.
First impression: Too beautiful! Magnificent!
Second impression: So beautiful that it serves better as a tourist spot than a place of worship!
Anyway, spent some time in prayer and some in seeing the grandeur of the church.
From there visited a few other churches, the Pantheon (great architecture of the early AD dedicated to the 'gods', later converted into a church!), went hunting for the skull of St Agnes and Augustine! Found the former but only in time to be told that the Church was closing! Except the basilicas most churches are closed for 'lunch break' in Rome. The latter we never found. That meant quite some walking along the Roman cobblestone pavements! Had lunch at an Indian restaurant run by Bangladeshis! Took a quick walk through Termini, the central bus and train station of Rome before boarding the bus to return to UPS.
Anyway, am really grateful to Anthaiah and Prakash for spending the whole day for and with me!
Anyway, Fr Joshtrom and Anthaiah and Prakash said that since I had practically a whole day, I should go and see at least St Peter's basilica. And so Anthaiah and Prakash 'took' me to the place. We stood in the queue for a little more than an hour just to get in the basilica.
First impression: Too beautiful! Magnificent!
Second impression: So beautiful that it serves better as a tourist spot than a place of worship!
Anyway, spent some time in prayer and some in seeing the grandeur of the church.
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| That's Anthaiah and Prakash |
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| Don't know what that is but found it amusing while waiting for a traffic signal to cross the road |
Anyway, am really grateful to Anthaiah and Prakash for spending the whole day for and with me!
Pisana Chapels
Some pics of the Pisana Chapel. Though we never had any service or Mass in his Chapel, I did spend some time by myself after the meeting in this Chapel.
During our meeting we were using the chapel above this one, the Chapel of St Francis of Sales, the 'African chapel' (as Ivo said). The pictures, icons and props adoring the chapel were all from Africa. Except for the big crucified Christ behind the altar, every other statue and picture represented Africa. Was told that there is another chapel right below the main chapel...three chapels one above the other. However did not visit that one in the basement!
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