Unframe Jesus

 

Insulated against social issues

 In quite a few of our Province discussions and meetings, there is a small group of individuals who point out that most of all we do, say and think about is inward looking!  In other words, what happens in the country or even beyond our gates hardly makes an impact on us or on any of our interventions.  We consciously keep ourselves away from anything social or humane matters.  We say all the right things, but still be comfortably untouched by the socio-political-justice dimension of our wider society. 

It is not a matter of jumping into politics or dabbling with political matters.  It is more about looking at those oppressed and marginalised as my brother and sister, because we have One Father.  

My personal take on this conscious denial of the fact is that we have always been - and prefer to continue being - an inward looking, in-house focused congregation and Province.  We set up base and wait for people to come to us.  One of the first things we do when we go to a new place and buy or get a plot of land, is to put up a compound wall.  The wall not only is to prevent others from coming in, but also from letting us move out! We stay insulated.  We build and then spend the rest of our lives and energies safeguarding what we built!  

There is also the fear of safeguarding our FCRA, society status, or our built up image of 'spiritual leaders'! Not that we do not do good work or noble apostolate; but only those who come to us get that assistance.  The wider reality of the society and nation is not our concern!  Living ministry outside our walls is something we dare not venture out for! 

Round table of apostolate

 There is a great temptation in our apostolate to view one better or greater than the other.  Not maliciously but mostly out of misplaced fervour. But the fact is that there is no hierarchy of ministries.  There is only a round table of apostolate.  Just like at a round table, there is no one greater or higher.  We are all at the same level, face to face with one another and on an equal footing. 

The hierarchical or pyramidal view of the types of apostolate arises when one views 'pastoral work' as true religious apostolate (top of the pyramid) and other works among civil groups or human rights based activity as 'social work' (bottom of the pyramid). 

The criteria then is not what we do, but with what Spirit we do what we do.  By that criteria, where, who, when does not matter.  'Why' is of primary importance.  Therefore, if love of God is what urges us to a particular activity or service, then it is an apostolate.  If love of the Father does not drive one to clean the sacristy then that service is no better than a protest march carried out on behalf of our brothers and sisters for a just cause, even though the sacristy is closer to the altar! 

Chandur history (early years) - updated

 Chandur land near PHC (acres 6.19 guntas; Sy no. 39) 

 A brief history (as of 20 September 2026) 

 The Salesians were welcomed into the Diocese of Nalgonda by it first Bishop, Rev. Mathew Cheriankunnel in the year 1979. By then there was an informal presence of the Salesians in the diocese for pastoral and social apostolate already. Later Fr Koshy Thomas and Fr Muthalakhuzhiyil Sebastian, arrived in the Diocese of Nalgonda in 1981. They were based in the Parish of Bhimanapally. In 1979 itself the Salesians were requested to start a college for the young people of the Nalgonda diocese near Chandur. All that existed in the locality of Chandur was a government school and no institute of higher education. To this end, the Salesians were offered a plot of land (Plot A), measuring acres 6.19 guntas, near the town of Chandur. This plot was bought by the then Bishop Bp Mathew Cheriankunnel on 01 March 1979 (Saledeed 272 of 1979, Nalgonda). 

 When the Salesians wished to start the construction of the college on the proposed site, there was no water source found on location. Hence another plot of land (Plot B) close by was finalised and officially transferred to the Salesians in 1985 [Transfer deed 1848 of 1985, Nalgonda]. The transfer deed was necessitated and fast-tracked to procure permission for the college. This 10-acre plot is where the Salesians eventually built their residence, boarding and the college. The formal community was set up in the first half of 1985 (Fr Malayaty Jacob and Fr Koonananickal Jose). The identification and finalisation of both the plots of land was done through the kind favour and support of Fr Casiraghi, at the behest of Bp Mathew Cheriankunnel. 

 Plot A has been with the Salesians since 1981. The site was shown by the Bishop himself to Fr UV Mathew (Economer of the undivided Bangalore Province), Fr John Lens (Provincial Councillor) and Fr Emprayil Mathew (based in Vijayawada), already in 1980. This site was close to the Chandur bus stand. Later the Public Health Centre (PHC) was built nearby. This was the plot of land that was offered to us Salesians even before we set foot in Chandur [Appendix 1: Invitation Letter of Bp Mathew Cheriankunnel dated 05.09.1981]. All along the land has been in our possession and under our care. It was cultivated from time to time, and taken care of by the Salesians, especially because there were constant attempts at encroachments from the neighbours. 

 Over the years, especially during the time of Fr Malayaty Jacob and Fr Garlapati Kishore, former Rectors, attempts were made to register the land in our name. To this end, letters were issued by the then Bishops. Bp Mathew Cheriankunnel during his tenure as Bishop of Nalgonda itself issued the first letter [Appendix 2: Bhudana patram dated 08.12.1985]. The original sale deed of the land (Saledeed 272 of 1979) too was handed over to us to complete the formalities at the Registrar’s office. Later again a letter of intent was issued by Bp Govindu Joji [Appendix 3: Letter of Bp Govindu Joji dated 06.05.1998]. However, due to various factors the registration process was never properly completed. When we initiated the attempt again in 2011, a fresh letter was again obtained from Bp Mathew Cheriankunnel, who was at that time residing in Eluru [Appendix 4: Bp Cheriankunnel typed letter dated 08.11.2011]. This time only the passbook was processed, but in the name of Fr Pandicherry Joseph. Riding on the assurance of the Bishops over the years that the land was long given to the Salesians, the formal registration was never properly pursued till the end. 

 Sometime in 2008 or 2010, the road was laid out to the PHC. Till then there was no official path or road as such. And that whole area was an open ground. That formal road split Plot A into two portions: one of acre 5.11 guntas and the other of the remaining smaller portion (approx. 1 acre). Around 6 guntas was lost to the road and road-widening. 

 In the year 2019 the Salesians confirmedly decided to complete the registration of the land bit and approached the local leaders for assistance. In that process, a local politician was contacted to facilitate the completion of the registration of the land [Appendix 5: Passbook 1 (Acres 6.19 guntas)]. The smaller portion (approx. 1 acre) was given to the politician instead of financial remuneration/fees (including formal and unofficial expenses) for this registration process and to ensure that all encroachments were cleared. Besides he was to build a compound wall around the plot. The larger portion of acres 5.11 guntas continues to be with us Salesians [Appendix 6: Passbook 2 (Acres 5.11 guntas)]. And there is no intention of selling or disposing off that land as of date.

Weekend service: Beyond heaven

 A renowned Master who was a holy person was going out of the monastery every Saturday evening and returning late on Sunday.  The disciples began to talk and discuss about it on a regular basis. All of them believed that their Master was going up to heaven every Saturday evening, meeting God and returning on Sunday.  This was happening for a long time.  

One curious disciple wanted to verify.  So one Saturday evening he shadowed the master as he left the monastery, without the knowledge of the master.  He noticed the master going out of the village and entering an old dilapidated hut.  He went close and peered in.  

The disciple saw the master having a conversation with an elderly bed-ridden woman.  Later, he was shocked to notice the master sweeping the house, scrubbing the floor, washing her clothes and even giving her a bath. He spent the night talking to her calmly.  He even cooked some food for her for the week.  The next day he did a few other odd jobs in her house and then returned to the monastery. Before the master could return the disciple sneaked in to the monastery. 

The other disciples soon gathered round the disciple and asked: "Did our master go up to heaven?"  The disciple replied, "Our master did not go up to heaven. He went beyond heaven!"

Passion meets opportunity

 I am at Mariapuram today and was pleasantly surprised to see all the 23 boarders and one girl (daughter of one of the school helpers) making an all out effort to speak in English.  They recited the whole Rosary in English, perfectly well!  The little girl led the night prayers as well. And although she was reading out the text, her English was far FAR better than some of our Brothers and even Priests!! 

I think this is what happens when passion meets opportunity.  These children may not be the brightest of all in the school or the vicinity. But when provided with an opportunity to speak in English they have grasped it with both their hands.  

I would be a fool to believe that all 24 of them are equally passionate or motivated. But it certainly looks that most are!  They haven't had any language labs or special English tutors.  No professional help or assistance either.  It is pure old school insistence, practice, follow up and encouragement.  Much credit goes to the boarding master (an ex-Salesian himself, who I guess is keen to make an impression, to work a comeback! No harm, given the beneficiaries are the boarders!). 

The statue of Mother Mary, in front of the Church at Mariapuram, against the evening sunset backdrop

Education and emotions

 Reflecting on the Teacher's day and the Salesian method of education, a legacy left behind for us by Don Bosco, it occurred to me that for us Salesians, education is more than studies. It is more than mere subjects or lessons. It is basically about the whole person. It is about the whole life.  

But that's also the same of every genuine and loving teacher.  The Salesian slogan of 'education is a matter of the heart' is applicable to every teacher who truly inspires.  They inspire not because they taught well. But because they pour themselves out for their pupils.  

Teachers whom we remember affectionately are those who did more than merely covered the syllabus. In fact, one hardly remembers the content of their teaching.  But they are remembered because how they made us feel about ourselves.  The same can be said about those teachers whom we would like to forget.  They may have been the best 'teachers', content and delivery wise. But if they did not help us see ourselves in any way better than how we saw ourselves, we'd not remember them much.  

Leadership

Another characteristic of a good and noble leader... 

A true leader always stands in front during failure and stands behind during success. 

Switching on for years!

 The other day I had to change the switches in my office.  They were put in there less than 6 years ago, by my predecessor.  I guess the old switchboard and the switches were replaced as part of some renovation carried out in the office.  

On the other hand, I see the switches of the rest of the house.  They were the original switches put in place, when the Provincial house was built and ready in 1995.  They have been operational and functional for 31 years! And still going strong! 

The ones put in 1995 were of Anchor company and these have lasted for three decades. Not just intact, but fully and perfectly operational! Hats off to such products and their manufacturers.  They were build to last... unlike new products which appear fancy, but built to last the least amount of time!

The phrase, 'Old is gold' hold a great amount of truth in it.  

Attract rather than chase

 One of the only quotes I've ever had as a desktop wallpaper was the following quote: 

Of late I've realised it a perfect summary of what I've been trying to tell for quite sometime about the way we operate and seek funds. Most of us seek funds with only a concept in mind - never tested, never really the need (that's the real sin!) and never out of genuine concern for the poor but mostly to fan our desire to 'work'.  Instead of that, the best and the proper way is to identify the need, and start with something small, with whatever is at hand!  Let others see that noble and qualitative work you do, with the meagre resources you have and then they'll naturally pitch in!  If not with tons of financial resources, with what they have or can.  Most importantly, people for and WITH whom you are doing this apostolate will own it. 

Attract rather than chase!!!