Passion for the young

 I just visited a community in the province and have been closely observing its changing scenario over the last 4 years. 

Initially the place was abuzz with young people and life. There was real life with these young people passionately involved in learning and growing. The ambience was very cordial but there was discipline. I could FEEL the place alive. 

Now, there are relatively fewer young people. More Salesians. More staff members. There is better organisation and more facilities than before. But that has not added life to the whole setting. The place seems distant and lost. 

One clear cause making all the difference: Salesian involvement based on one's passion for their growth.

Cell phone and toddlers

 I've been on the road for a week now and have travelled by every means available, bus, car, auto, bike, train. One thing that has stood out for me, as I observed people all along, is the cell phone addiction among children, even toddlers!

Children easily tend to get bored when travelling and smaller children can turn irritable. The easiest way out of this challenging situation for the parents is to thrust a cell phone into the hands of the child. The phone literally works magic. The moment a child lays hands on a mobile the whole mood changes instantly. One does not even need to open an app or at times, even the screen lock. Children manouver to their desired location and become totally oblivious to everything and everyone around. 

The last child I encountered just needed to see the changing screen. So he kept flicking. The mother informed that the toddler was familiar with the camera app and knew how to click videos and photos. And he was yet to start learning to talk!!! 

Dishonest debtors

 In the Gospel of the day we hear of the shrewd steward who, realising that his master is terminating his services, curries favour with the master's debtors by downsizing their debts.  

We easily blame the steward for being shrewd and dishonest.  However, nothing is said about the debtors!  If they were honest people, they would have turned down the offer of the steward or approached the master to confirm this deduction in their debt.  Nothing of that is mentioned.  I guess, they either believed that the master truly wrote off part of their debt or realised that the steward is mismanaging the master's account.  Yet, they never backed out.  They opted in.  They chose to cheat rather than repay their due.  

Another perspective the debtors should understand: The steward trying to win their favour by reducing their debt, will certainly approach them for a favour for himself sooner than later.  Even if they did employ him once he was out of work, they would have to be extra careful because if the steward could betray his master, what guarantee that he would not repeat the same with them? 

Efforts count

 

Sometimes we make returning harder than getting lost.

And some want to ever stay lost.

But anyone making efforts, even without achieving success, is truly eligible for support and accompaniment.

Reliving Kondadaba experiences

 This afternoon I reached Kondadaba, a place where I lived and worked for three years.  The place is the same.  The town of Kothavalasa is the same!  Of course, miss the adventure of pushing the bike under the railway crossing barricades.  With the underpass in place, no such adventures or risks!! The shops on either side of the main road both in the town centre and on the way to Kondadaba are still the same - rickety, stacked close and packed to the brim!  

Rajapatrunipalem has indeed expanded towards Kondadaba.  And Gollelapalem too seem to have come closer to the Seminary! The seminary, as such, remains exactly the same.  Of course, a few of the huge old mango trees are gone within the campus.  The circular drive has more potholes than ever.  And the number of students is a meagre 26.  

Walking around the campus I was recollecting the three glorious years I spent here.  It was tough.  But very VERY fulfilling apostolate, especially among the diocesan Brothers.  This place is quite close to my heart for a couple of reasons: 

• the dedicated staff of the place - like none other.  No where else in the Province have I seen such dedication.  Of course, there are individuals who are all for the apostolate, but in general, each one of the staff being fully for the institution, I noticed it here at Kondadaba
• I did my first year of practical training here.  I distinctly still remember the first class I took after I finished my MPh at Nashik, here in Kondadaba.  It was on the drive - since that first day of class there was no electricity.  I was handling Indian Philosophy.  I had prepared well.  And I did deliver a good lecture as well.  But half way through the class I could not but notice the look on the faces of the Brothers.  They were all lost.  That's when I stopped and promised them - and myself - that I'd teach for them to learn, not just for myself to teach!  I'll never forget that first experience of teaching a philosophy class. 
• The next time I came to Kondadaba was as Dean of studies and eventually was asked to take up administration as well.  That year was tough. Crisis in the community.  Lack of financial resources.  Short on teaching personnel.  But the three of us Salesians were hard working and passionate.  We were with the Brothers round the clock.  The Brothers too gave their very best in every field.  That year was truly a memorable experience - very very tough but highly satisfactory and meaningful.  Riding on that experience and of later years, I grew in the conviction that more the difficulties and challenges, the greater the opportunities to grow and carve out meaning.  The greater the comforts, the lessor the growth.  

Disappearing names

 More than a decade ago, when cell phone GPS and Google maps were not so prevalent, getting directions to reach a place or even to identify the location one found oneself at, during the course of a journey was a not so complicated procedure. 

The time-tested approach of asking a passerby or an auto-rickshaw guy for directions was the most reliable one.  I did not travel much but all I needed to know where I have reached during the journey involved merely looking out at the town or city shops.  The name board, besides the prominent display of the name of the shop, also contained the full address.  Practically most shops had the address of the locality, clearly printed and displayed.  Not any more!! 

Over the years, I've tried to had recourse to my old habit of looking out of a moving vehicle to read the address on the shop name boards - all in vain.  There are hardly a few, spread far and wide, who actually print out or display the name of the locality and the address of the location on their name boards.  Added to that my deteriorating eye sight makes things all the more difficult for me to read, even the few who display the location names.  

Sarabaites, Landlopers and Gyrovagues

 This evening for our reading we were reflecting on an article by Mahimai Dass on sheep becoming shepherds, in the context of the Salesian history.  Boys who grew up at the Oratory of Don Bosco went on to become the cornerstones of the Salesian congregation.  It did not happen by chance.  This was something Don Bosco made happen.  Rather than look for people from outside to assist his work, he built up his followers from within his boys.  But interestingly Don Bosco was very VERY clear about the purpose of the congregation: NOT to carry further his works, but the salvation of one's own soul!! 

Don Bosco was very clever and astute. He was well aware and deeply conscious that he did not initiate his activities in response to a need, but to a call!  He was only responding to a divine invitation directed towards the poor young.  Without that divine dimension, he would have done some good, but not the great wonders he achieved - some of which still continue to unfold!  

However, what struck me most was the concluding part of the article: Some Salesians have nothing of the Salesian spirit!!! The whole point of being eager to ensure that our names are recorded not just in the Province directory, not even in the necrology, but in heaven!!  In this context and in the light of some confreres getting on my nerves in the last couple of days (purely because of their lethargy and absolute laziness - and 'acting' sick), I couldn't agree more with that statement of some Salesians have absolutely no Salesian spirit.  Leave alone Salesian spirit, they have neither the religious spirit nor do they make the least effort at acquiring the human spirit!  

Interestingly St Benedict too was plagued by some such characters, whom he called Sarabaites and Landlopers and Gyrovagues. The Sarabaites were those monks who followed no Rule.  They lived in their own world, and believed that what they lived by as the values. The gratification of their desires was law unto them.  Whatever they chose, they called holy. The Gyrovagues were the wanderers.  Never settling down. Always on the move.  Whom Fr Albert Johnson, during his recent retreat talk, referred to as 'mayors' (a spin off on the Tamil word for 'grazers'). Never for any in depth or substantial effort.  Merely skimming the surface.  

Dry humour

 I was reminded of a word which I haven't used in my conversations or writings for a long long time... although, those who know me will confirm that this is what I engage in often: dry humour! 

Those who get it right, it makes a big impression.  To those who don't really get it, the expression appears as if the speaker has made a vague statement - totally inconsequential and bland. In short, it is an art! 

The lethargic!

 What to do if a member of the province or the community is living off on the sweat and blood of the benefactors and others in the community, contributing not an iota but sapping all energy and resources, and still feeling that others should be more sensitive to him?  

My simple and direct answer: Set his arse on fire! Time and again! 

The womb and the tomb

 Today as we commemorate all the deceased, we thank God for their presence and influence in our lives. 

 Last night I read a rather interesting analogy to the whole notion of death, as viewed from the Christian perspective.  Death is viewed as the parting of the twins in the womb.  For the one still in the womb, watching his/her twin leave the womb is a sad moment of separation.  The one left behind feels lonely, abandoned, especially after spending months together, in such proximity.  However, what he/she does not know is that there is a whole new life awaiting his/her twin outside.  Moreover, he/she will soon be united with the sibling. Life is not ended, but there is only a change of mode. 

Our whole life does not end here on earth, but through death and resurrection, continues to be in a different realm and mode.  

That's one analogy people can relate to and understand! 

Sanctity

The feast of all Saints reminds us of all those who have been canonised AND all those who have made valiant efforts, but not yet recognised or forgotten.  Without the latter, the commemoration loses its essence.  Not often does every act of kindness or every deed towards goodness gets recognised.  That does not negate its occurrence or existence! 

Most genuine acts of virtue often go unnoticed or unheard of.  All those behind those repeated acts of virtue are indeed saints, even if no one notices or writes or speaks about them.  

Then, of course, there is the actual challenge of this feast...

Learning of the day: PS/2 devices

 Learning of the day: 

On a rather old computer/desktop, if you are connecting a PS/2 device, the BIOS will recognise it only at the time of boot.  So if you connect the device after the system has booted, the system will not recognise the device. Unlike USB devices which are detected immediately after insertion, the PS/2 devices are recognised only at the boot/reboot. 

So if you are testing a PS/2 device (keyboard or mouse) make sure it is already connected before you push the power button. 

Not a random photo, but a memory

 This morning Mummy posted a photo of the neighbouring paddy field.  The field is owned by a school and they use it to cultivate crops and this time round they cultivated paddy. Every other day one class of students are brought to the field and they get to 'get their hands dirty'! Literally.  Children get to do some sort of gardening or farming.  Of course, it is anyone's guess that they create more of a mess than any great help.  But at least it does offer them the possibility of engaging with the mud, the grass, the crops, ground water... They see for themselves and learn that rice does not grow in the supermarket.  Or that tomatoes and chillies automatically appear in the fridge.  

However, this morning when I saw the photo of that paddy field, it struck me: Mummy did not send it to me - which she usually does. Rather she posted it on the family group.  And there was a string of likes.  Out of curiosity I checked who are all those who sent in a 'like'.  I noticed that it was all her siblings and immediate cousins or in-laws.  

I know that that sight, the view of a lush paddy field floods her mind with memories.  All childhood memories.  Her love for gardening and all related matters is purely her way of staying connected with her own childhood and family.  She grew up in a farming household. She and her siblings have worked all their childhood in the fields.  They have seen their parents and elders all engage and live out of the hard work in the fields.  The sight of the paddy brings back to her all those memories.  And the same for her siblings.  Hence it is they who appreciate that field most.  They know what it means for the paddy to appear so. What it entails. The hours of toil. The days and nights of careful watching and observance.  The constant presence in the field.  The feel of the slush, of the grain stalks, of the mud, of the tools. 

The next generation of us have had none of it!  Hence her sharing that photo in her family group makes most sense than sharing it with me because that photos means a whole lifetime for them.  For me, it is just another any random photo! 

Challenges and resolutions

 Over the last couple of weeks, there is one particular confrere who has been calling me regularly expressing his difficulty and challenges in carrying out his duties, especially in the presence and due to a cranky head of the community.  This particular confrere who has been sharing his difficulties is not that exceptional, but certainly quite balanced. He has his own limitations and struggles, but this particular one isn't his making. 

Today was a breaking point for him.  He decided to walk out of the house. Prior to doing so, and not wanting to put the whole community or anyone outside the community into difficulty, he cleared all the bills of the house to-date.  So that the head could have a clean and neat experience - a first hand experience, at that - of what it means to run the house without sufficient funds.  Not that the community has no funds, but the other department is not willing to share or contribute. 

Rather than sympathise with him, I challenged him to look at this whole scenario from his own perspective. Rather than moan and view this whole situation from the perspective of the challenges or difficulties.  I asked him to think carefully and discern what could and should be his most appropriate course of action, given this context and given the set of individuals he is living with.  Abandoning post is the most easiest thing.  Challenging oneself and working out possibilities, is not easy.  While understanding his situation, I did not want him to give up.  Basically I told him to view this as an opportunity to bring out the best in himself, and rather than focus on the issue, look out for solutions, that too without arguing or fighting.  

Rejoicing in the growth of others

 One of the many great virtues of Christianity/humanity is the ability to rejoice in someone else's growth or happiness - even when we have not been part of that growth or happiness process! 

In the Gospel of the day we see the religious elders of the day, being unhappy and condescending the healing of the man suffering from dropsy.  Jesus has compassion on this man and cures him.  He does this the day he encounters him - which happens to be a day of Sabbath. Jesus could have been 'prudent' or cautious and asked the man to come and meet him the next day.  But for Jesus the man and his well being was more important than a rule which was in place for the sake of divine-human rapport. 

I'm sure not just the man who is healed, but his whole family rejoiced in his regaining health.  So would have several others who witnessed this healing.  But the religious elders were stuck with the law! Interestingly, St Paul in his letter to the Philippians (the first reading) expresses his approval and fondness for the people, purely because they were able to see the goodness the Good News brought about and embraced it whole-heartedly.  They were happy that good was being done, even though, I'm sure, not each and every one of them must have experienced a personal miracle. The people of Philippia were happy to see others happy! 

Photos: Secretariat, at night

 A couple of photos I clicked while waiting for my friend Rabbi, at the Lumbini Park. 

The Telangana State Secretariat building is well lit and is indeed a sight to behold, especially at night... 

The Telangana Martyrs memorial

Kids and their world

 This evening I went to Lumbini Park.  Not for sight seeing, but to meet my old friend Rabbi, who was accompanying his students from Don Bosco, Egmore.  It was great meeting him!  

While waiting for him to arrive with his boys, I was walking along the pavement just observing people.  There were a few young people clicking away photos, at various angles and unimaginable times!!  In bygone days, not even an official photographer would have clicked so many photos in an year, as many as some of these youngsters were clicking in those 25 minutes that I spent on that pavement. 

Then there were young couples, sharing a snack or two and all engrossed in one another.  There were young parents of small children, whose whole attention was to ensure that the 'mobile' kid does not come under some passing bike or wander under the vendors stall.  I know not how much of the scenery they were taking in, but their world was that being on two tiny feet!! 

My attention mostly was drawn to a small girl, perhaps 2 or 3 years old, being hand held by her grandfather.  She had one of those heart-shaped helium balloons tied to her wrist.  Her world was that floating balloon!  So she cared a damn about where she was stepping or which direction was she headed in.  Her eyes and head was totally tilted up watching the balloon bob up and down with every stride of hers.  In the meantime, her grandfather was all focused on her!! At one point he noticed me, watching the both of them in amusement, and he too smiled.  But that was only for a couple of seconds.  He could not and would not distract himself.  That little girl was his singular focus!  

True indeed, kids live in their own world;  and they are their parents/grandparents world!!

Posing for photos

 Yesterday Mummy sent me a black and white photo.  It was one taken in 1983.  It was the traditional - a tradition that is still carried on, in practically every school! - class photo of my younger brother, when he was in LKG or UKG.  

The first thing I did was to look for my brother. Of course, I have seen this photo umpteen number of times over the years. So I didn't have to 'search' for him because I really knew where he was seated. Then I noticed Fr MA Jacob, our Parish Priest.  (God rest his soul. He passed away just a couple of days ago, on 20 October 2026).

The next thing my eyes noticed is the boy on the last row, right behind (Jennifer) teacher.  He was certainly distracted at the moment of the click.  But immediately it occurred to me: those days and years, we were not used to posing for photos!! Clicking photos happened so rarely that, as children, it was practically a big exercise getting us all in line, ready and FOCUSSED!! 

Children these days, the moment they see someone taking photos, are ready with a pose.  Even babies!! They are used to the technology and the procedure.  But not too long ago, there was a time when posing for photos was a novelty!! Just look at that fellow there on the last row and you'll understand what I mean! 

Spotlight

 

Futile efforts

 For the past one week, I've literally been glued to my phone - hands, ears and eyes!  Just waiting all the time for the screen to glow, the message to ping or the call to come through.  All because of two parcels that have been causing untold havoc with my schedule and mind! 

One parcel contains a set of coin batteries that I need to return, because instead of 10 batteries that I ordered and paid for, I received only 8.  But that pick up is not happening since two weeks!! The online status of the product keeps changing more often than the clothes our movie stars change in a movie song! But none of those updates are true.  Sometimes it says I'm not available. At times, the agent couldn't reach the customer.  Other times, the pick up is being scheduled.  And most of the time it is 'on the way' - so I've no clue as to which day or time the pick up guy will actually land up!  

The other is a laptop replacement screen that I ordered from Bangalore.  This time, it is the delivery guys - the same useless, Delhivery service!  Five days ago the online status indicated that the parcel has reached the closest dispatch store, which is 11 kms from where I live.  I went in person two days ago to collect it, but it wasn't available.  The store manager even gave me the assurance that the parcel would reach me the same evening by 5 pm.  And gave me his number as well.  Neither did the parcel arrive, nor did the manager attend my calls!  For the last three days, I've been getting calls each day that the parcel is out for delivery and that 'my issue' would be resolved 'today'.  That 'today' is yet to dawn!  

For the time and peace of mind I've sacrificed for these two petty things, I could have truly achieved something great.  This morning as I sat for meditation, asking the Lord to help me sort myself out, it occurred to me that if I were to have invested the same time, energy and passion in pursuing these items and ended up getting frustrated, anxious, upset and angry, into the noble protests of the Gen-Z and CJP, it would all have been worth it.  I falsely calm myself saying that it is not about the money, but the principle of keeping up one's word, respecting deadlines, being professional that I'm challenging.  But truly not worth fretting about these things! 

One consolation of yesterday: managed to get the SIB mirror+ app installed and activated for one particular account - an effort of 6 months!! 

Set free (3)

 

This virtue of being sensitive to the needs of others is perhaps one of the many qualities a religious should acquire.  Not all ask or even speak out.  Yet they have something to say or are in a dire need.  Noticing them, is the first stage.  Without that we would only be responding to our imagination than an actual need felt by the other. 

Set free (2)

Jesus in liberating the woman possessed by the demon for 18 long years, rebukes the other Jews who cite the law to prevent him from curing the woman, all because the day is a Sabbath day. 

So besides the demon and her own physical illness, there is also the society and the 'normal' people who are keen not to see her well and whole.  As it is, there are umpteen number of things that plague us individually.  To this when others add chains and burdens, life becomes all the more tedious and painful.  

Secondly, this woman was suffering for 18 years.  That's quite a long time. I admire her courage to be able to live with this struggle for that long and still carry on.  I'm not sure how confidently or with what amount of faith she approached Jesus.  I'm not even sure if she came wanting to be healed by Jesus.  Because, it was Jesus who noticed her - not she imposing herself on him.  But I have an inkling that even if she were not to have received that cure, and got healed, she would still carryon with life, without a grudge or giving in to greater pessimism.  

In that sense, she had already freed herself, even before Jesus set her free.  That setting oneself free was the initial step for her cherishing the greater freedom.  Because I'm sure, if she had not grown that deep, even after her complete cure by Jesus, she would have still found something still binding or crippling her, of which she would mourn - and be bent, in a different way! 

Set free (1)

 We often think and assume that it is our addictions and inordinate passions that bind and cripple us.  In fact, nothing or no one can actually bind us.  

It is we ourselves who bind ourselves. We let our habits and behaviour imprison us.  Most often unconsciously we let ourselves be led into a trap and eventually into the prison.  And just like getting in is not a one day achievement, getting out too is not a one day conquest.  

Nonetheless, no matter how much of help we seek and receive, human and divine, it is ultimately I who need to set myself free!  Because it is I who have imprisoned myself, in the first place! 

Passion-extreme

 The tamil word for 'terrorist' is 'theevaravadi'. It is a different word than the meaning in other languages.  I think telugu has the same word - could be wrong, though. But the difference between the english and the regional words is the notion of who or what one does.  

The english word stands for one who spreads terror, destruction. The regional words, on the other hand, stand for an 'extremist', or a radical.  The latter can also be interpreted as someone who is a very very passionate about an issue, passionate to the extent of bordering on fanaticism.  

That said, it is also a fact that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter (coined by Gerard Seymour in his 1975 novel Harry's Game)!  In the light of the recent protests and struggles, across the globe, and especially a closer unbiased review of each side on either struggle will reveal that no one is without reasons or valid issues fueling the struggle. No honest struggle can ever be termed wrong or bad.  

Tell me why - Declan Galbraith

 

Laity and the mission of the Church

 This morning's reflection on the laity in the church was an interesting one.   Just when I thought and was getting ready to listen to a long series of thoughts we all know, but are unwilling to practice, I was in for a surprise.  

Fr Albert Johnson, citing Christifideles Laici, reminded us that as priests and religious we DO NOT SHARE the mission of the Church with the laity.  Hell, we do not own it for ourselves in the first place!! The laity (defined as those called to holiness in their own way of life in the secular realities of the world) own the Church, as much as priests and religious.  The latter do not have the monopoly over the Church! 

As priests and religious we have a particular role and responsibility to fulfil - the religious aspect of the mission.  Similarly the laity have their role and responsibility clearly cut out by the Church - the temporal sphere or aspect of the mission.  (I guess, the clarity is in the documents and among some sensible people. Most bishops, priests, religious and even lay people themselves are not aware of neither the definition nor the mission!).  But together our collective mission, that of the whole Church is, evangelisation (the Kingdom of God).  

The clergy and religious carry out the pastoral and sacramental dimension of this mission.  The laity carry it out in the temporal or the secular sphere of the world.  The mode and the place are different, but the mission is one and the same!  

The sin of the prodigal son

 In the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son after his departure from the house and squandering the property inheritance, comes to his senses and says, "I've sinned against God and my father...!" 

This morning it struck me: What exactly was his sin?  Why did he feel that he has 'sinned' against God? Against his father, I'm willing to understand that he 'sinned'. Although asking for his share of the property is no sin; immature behaviour or lapse of judgement, at the most.  But no sin.  So, then, what was he repentant about, that too to God? 

After much thought and prayer, it struck me.  Hard and fast. It was when I placed myself in his shoes - that wasn't too difficult to do.  And that's when it occurred to me, the sin of which the younger son was aware of, was him pushing away God and his own father from his life. Shutting out God and his father, from himself.  That's the sin.  Denying oneself of the love and concern, of God and the father, and striking out alone, by oneself - that's the shortcoming.  

The famine, the hunger, the pigs, the poverty... all of that was incidental.  Happened to be.  I'm sure, even without these sufferings and struggles, the young man would have sooner or later realised this sin of denying oneself of God's love, of his own fathers love.  Even in his abundance he would have discovered the deficit!  Maybe difficult or late, but for sure.  I say so with confidence, because I know. I feel.   I'm not facing any hardship or great struggle right now.  Yet I feel myself shrivelling. Just, not feeling comfortable.  Something's not right.  It's like watching the rain, up close, and feeling sorry or bad about not dancing in it.  And who's preventing me? Myself! 

Furthermore, even if his request to his father for taking him in merely as a hired servant, and not as his son, were to have been granted, the youngster would have been mighty thrilled.  Just to be in the company of his father, he would do anything.  He would have gladly accepted looking after the pigs of the father, as long as he knew that he was in his father's presence.  The father, on the other hand, even if he were to have accepted him back into the household only as a servant, would never have ill-treated him or looked down on him or even held a grudge for wasting his hard-earned money.  That's the confidence of the father in his love for his child and his upbringing.  (On a side note, I don't think the father would be harsh or disrespectful towards any of his staff or workers!!). 

This is again the insight that connects me to the interpretation of the sacrament of reconciliation that I heard John Dickson speak about to the boys and girls preparing themselves for the sacrament of confirmation at Addlestone, years ago.  The starting point of the sacrament of reconciliation is not awareness or acceptance of my weakness or sins.  It is actually the love of the Father!!  I cherish the love of the Father and therefore approach the sacrament knowing He is merciful.  It is love and not guilt or shame or fear that should move me to confession.  If love is not the starting point, then even after my confession, I'll still feel guilty and sad.  Because my starting point and the whole focus of my approach to the sacrament is myself; not God.  My sin and not God's love and mercy.  This does not discount my need to be repentant. But merely shifts the whole emphasis on God's love and mercy as the most important aspect.  

Making your way into the necrology

 A young dean of studies at the novitiate house of Idaya Deepam, in Yellagiri, had just distributed the Province directories to the novices in the study hall.  The novices were all keenly flipping pages to their community page to see their names printed in the list of community members. 

That's when the young priest told them, "Never mind looking up for your names in the community page now; what's important is that they appear in the Salesian necrology!"

That was quite amusing ... and a real challenge as well! 

Lean on them

 In the 2011 movie, Touchback (writer-director Don Handfield), there is a particular dialogue by the coach Hand, (played by Kurt Russell) that has stayed with me for years.  In the movie, there is a tough American football match on between a small town college team and a professional team.  All eyes are on Scott Murphy, the hero played by Brian Presley, who almost single-handedly fights the opponents to keep in the smaller team in the game. During break, the coach advises the star player: 

Don't forget, you have 10 other players.  You don't need to do it all by yourself. You didn't carry the team here, you led them.  They may not be the biggest or the best players, but they are farm boys.  Lean on them. They won't break!

This is the same advice I'd love to give to very many of our Salesians, especially those who tend to look down upon the lay people working WITH us in our institutions.  There are those who treat them as if they are servants, our servants!  We tend to forget that, far from being servants, we are working WITH them.  We are in it together.  We are not the bosses or the owners.  Nor are they our slaves.  

I too need to follow this advice.  Learn to delegate.  Trust.  Share responsibility.  

Religious community life is heterogeneous

 Religious life, by nature, strives for heterogeneity. Being multi-cultural, multi-dimensional and multi-EVERYTHING is innate to religious community life. 

However, we tend to make religious life homogeneous.  Like-minded people, individuals with similar interests and likings, similar age-group... But look at the apostles of Jesus. That was not a homogeneous group. It was an assortment of all species!  Fishermen, writers, tax-collectors, what not (except women, perhaps!). The early Catholic communities and monasteries and religious communities were a wide range of people.  All from different walks of life, age groups, varied interests, differently qualified and gifted. 

Yet look at what the apostles achieved.  Just with a 3-year formation. Mere 3 years with Jesus and they were a totally possessed group of men.  They shook the world.  They worked wonders.  They changed the face of religion, eventually across the globe.  Among the divine and spiritual gifts they were bestowed with, which they utilised to the maximum, setting themselves aside, is this attitude they embraced: singular focus on the mission.  Bearing witness to Christ, becoming alter-Christus, was their whole and sole mission.  

It is because of this, they bonded with everyone.  Disparities and differences didn't matter.  Not that those were absent.  They abounded. But what trumped them was their love for Jesus.  That bonding is what aroused curiosity among the people: These men are not related by blood, yet look at their bond. Look at their passion and their team work.  That curiosity led to questions.  And the apostles were happy to answer those questions.  Seeds of vocation! 

They didn't have to plead or beg with people to become Christians or disciples or eventually religious!  They truly, joyfully and openly witnessed to Jesus and his Gospel values.  People naturally followed them.  All sorts of people!  

Truly a religious community or life is heterogeneous in composition; but singular in mission! 

Help me Lord

 For quite sometime now I have been missing Mass and prayers in the morning. There is the travel and all that fatigue. But there are also times when I just don't get up in the morning. Sometimes it is the alarm that doesn't ring - strange, but true.  But mostly it is my lethargy that prevents me from getting my arse out of bed!  

However, does my work suffer?  Not at all!  In fact, I am known work-alcoholic and I am one! So working late into the night is a regular feature.  In that sense, I'm more of an owl than the early morning bird. So the work part of my responsibility is quite taken care of. Then what/why is it that I'm talking about? Why is it that I'm not comfortable about it? 

Because it does matter!  I may be putting in more hours of work, but the quality of my apostolate is questionable.  The point is this: If I'm not keen about making it to the Chapel in the morning; being part of the Holy Mass, then there is someone or something that has taken the place of Jesus.  Not that I do not love Jesus or that I deny his presence, it is just that I love something more than Jesus.  Therefore my time, energy, resources, interests, are invested accordingly.  The logic is simple: where my heart is there will all my efforts be. 

This is one realisation of my retreat.  I love my work, more than the Lord himself! I'm working for work sake, to fulfil a responsibility.  Not for His sake.  But I wish to regain and cherish that love for Jesus.  I wish to attend Mass and be present for morning prayers and meditation, not for fulfilling the attendance, but because I love Jesus and prefer to be with him.  I wish to spend time with him.  That, and that alone, should be my reason.  

So help me, Jesus! 

Animation

 Animation, in religious and ecclesial terms, is something that touches the anima! The soul. Something that enlivens one's whole self.   

It is not a seminar, or a conference or a talk.  Perhaps that is only a means in achieving that intended result of touching the lives of people.  And what if the event (animation) does not achieve that transformation?  

In the Province, and I'm sure across the region, and even in the whole congregation or the church, there are numerous efforts at 'animating' the confreres.  Yet, in spite of all these attempts, we still notice inconsistencies, lack of integrity, vocational fragility, unbridled negativity... in fact, some or all of these are on the rise!  

Why is that so? Perhaps it is because in the mind of the one attending these 'animation sessions', there is a fixed mentality.  A mentality that reinforces I-know-it-all. What's lacking is an openness to see the possibilities and opportunities.  Constant renewal, change, growth.  Perhaps our 'animations' need to focus on changing that mindset.  

Well, easier said than done! 

Silver lining?

 A priest boasting of his silver jubilee of ordination celebrations kept repeating at the function that he has 25 years of experience.  Someone who knew him well, commented: Not 25 years of experience, but one year of experience repeated 25 times!

Motivation and competence

 Fr Albert Johnson spoke about four types of religious - in fact, four type of people in any group or organisation... based on motivation levels and competence. 

Those with high motivation and high competence. Individuals falling under this category are an asset and offer much to the congregation and province.  They are mostly self-propelled and can be trusted, relied upon to bring out change, growth and impact. 

Those with high motivation but low competence. Those in this group need guidance and constant upskilling or training. But since their motivation levels are high the encouraging factor is that they will not do much harm. Moreover if they see the value in something, they will, by themselves, acquire the needed competency to achieve that output. 

Those with low motivation and low competence.  This groups needs to be followed up.  Good to give them clear, definite and time-bound tasks rather than leave them to themselves to figure out what needs to be done. 

Those with low motivation but high competence. Whew! This is a dangerous group!  Persons in this category need to be constantly kept in check.  One also needs to be extremely careful because they are fully capable of hijacking a whole enterprise in a totally different direction, if one is not watchful.  

For young people

 One of the points that struck me from among the reflections shared by Fr Albert Johnson, our retreat preacher, was the crucial point about our Salesian initiatives and enterprises. 

At one point he made the following statement: 

Even if we take up a Parish, we take it up for youth ministry! 

He went on to elaborate that our Salesian vocation is primarily geared towards the young.  And in all that we do or say or undertake, the young people ought to be the focus.  Whatever we do , wherever we are, whatever we take on, it is for the young people.  

And if that essential dimension is not at the back of our head, inbuilt into us, then we might end up being everyone else or anyone else, except whom we claim to be: SDBs! 

He has a valid point there! Somehow this is one criteria that I did not really give it a thought to, in all these years in office, discussing policies and initiatives.  I'm not sure, if it has become so embedded in me that this aspect is by default at play in my decision making. Perhaps it has. Perhaps, not! 

God sees you

 Don Bosco's message of 'God sees you' was plastered all around the oratory during his days. Don Bosco purposely made this phrase visible and clear to all his boys constantly. It was his way of reminding them that God is always watching, and therefore to avoid sin and live as per His divine will.  

Now this phrase can be interpreted as a 'warning', a sort of preventive measure, adopted to ensure that boys don't commit sin.  A sort of fear that God is watching, therefore beware! 

Whether Don Bosco meant it to be more than that, or differently interpreted than a 'warning' is something we can always discuss and debate.  Today, I believe Don Bosco himself would have changed it to read: God is with you! Pedagogically and psychologically viewed, the latter can be interpreted more positively than the former. The assurance that God is with oneself is an assurance that someone I love is accompanying me always.  Rather than God who is a judge, constantly watching me, scrutinizing me.  The type of presence, one feels, is perhaps crucial here. 

Of course, the crux of the matter is how one views and relates to God: as a loving father/friend or a judge, a dispenser of rewards and punishments. 

Mother Mary's courage

 Exalting Mother Mary and praying to her is rather easy. What is the most difficult and challenging part is to imbibe her virtues and be like her. 

I've not dared make this reflection so blunt and direct in person every time I have shared this insight.  To look upon Mary as the perfect model of obedience and humility and what not, is good.  But for once, think of Mary as a woman, a young lady. A simple village woman who must have had some plans for her life too - however, small or petty.  Of such a woman, God ask something he has asked of no one, ever!  And Mary accepts!  She confirms and lives out that Divine request knowing well the risks involved (even death by stoning) and/or the shame and social stigma attached to being an unwed mother. 

To make it more hitting and powerful, I invite the listeners (and readers) to imagine the annunciation scene, the first encounter with Joseph, the initial days after the annunciation and those related aspects, with our own mother or sister, instead of Mary.  What if my own mother or sister or sister-in-law, comes to me and says, "I'm going to be the mother of the saviour! God himself has made this known to me through his messenger!" What would be my response to that sharing by someone I know and love.  

This imaginary replacement of Mary with some woman dear to me, radically transforms our  perspective on Mary.  Reverence towards her hits a different note.  From her we are inspired THROUGH HER OWN LIVING OUT of the virtue of discerning the Divine will amidst the numerous messages we are constantly bombarded with every day; and then the COURAGE to live by that message, joyfully and generously.  

One's own toilet in the room

 One of the numerous things that I am most often grateful for is the luxury of my own toilet in my room.  The tranquillity and comfort of having one neat and calm 'throne' is something I'll most be grateful for. 

I travel quite a bit - practically two to three weeks a month.  That too most often not more than two days in the same place.  Often the travelling is at night.  So sleep is something that I really love to catch up.  Since I have that gift of falling asleep wherever and whenever I want, no matter the circumstances, I have absolutely no issues with sleeping in the different places, every other day.  Mosquitoes, I guess, are the only thing that can disturb my sleep.  Food, too is of no worry at all.  But not all bathrooms and toilets are the same.  But even that I've got used to now.  Nonetheless, returning home and especially to my throne, is always a BIG THANK you to God! 

Financial stability

 Willy and Roshni were sharing a joke they heard one of their colleagues in the horse-riding club were talking about, given the huge expenses involved in this hobby! 

To keep my children away from drugs I enrolled them into the equestrian club; and now to ensure their continuity, I'm selling drugs!! 

Another one: 

Talking of financial stability, my finances are all in the stable! 

A day in the courtroom

 On the 7th of this month, I practically spent the whole day in the Metropolitan Court at Nampally.  I was there to attend a case hearing of my own.  I was already told to be prepared to spend long this day.  So I took my time to pay attention and take note of things, as they happen in the courtroom.  

I was also told that I could sit inside the courtroom, rather than wait outside. This really was worth it - of course, not again!! Sitting in the courtroom, I came to know a bit about the proceedings and how things unfurl in a judicial system in action in the final place of hearing.  

Here are a few things that I could not but notice: 

the seat is for the taking... anyone who is seated can remain seated, no matter who comes in (except the judge).  One can continue occupying the chair and there is no need to give it up for someone senior or even an advocate.  Perhaps this understanding is only in this courtroom; but I think it is the case everywhere. 

Call of appearance is what takes the most amount of time. Merely taking attendance! Gosh! The name or names are called out and the person has to appear before the judge.  Most often, the next date of appearance is already announced! No discussion or argumentation or anything of that sort! Just the announcement of the next date.  Watching this reminded me of the learning shared by another confrere who has been attending the court for years now say, attending the court proceedings, adjournment after adjournment, for ages, without any guarantee or hope of the case coming to its end is itself the punishment... not the final verdict

The judge during the whole day's proceedings would have looked up at the people being called in, perhaps once or twice.  In the 157 cases being called out that day, some of which had more than one person being called in, the judge looked at only 5 persons!!!  The rest of the time, she was busy with the papers and at times looking at the advocates presenting some fact about the 'accused'.  Most often, she never even looked at the advocates!! 

I was amused at the way the paper work was being handled.  The court attender, had all the case files stacked up.  He kept calling out the names of those to appear and once the fresh date was announced, he'd keep the file aside - in some strange arrangement.  Amidst all of those, I wonder how on earth would all papers, all files remain intact and not be lost or misplaced or stolen!  The whole courtroom itself was the godown.  All along the walls were old case files bundled up and stacked from the floor up! Every advocate, except for one, came in with the physical copies of the papers.  Only one young advocate had her laptop, besides a couple of files. 

The judge never took a break!  She started the proceedings right from the time she stepped into the courtroom at 10.30 am.  I was there till 14.30. She never attended or made any phone call. No did she take any snack. She stayed put in her chair all through.  The only time she did something other than reviewing the ongoing case papers, was when a lady came in for her signatures a couple of times. That was something really really commendable. 

Patience!  That was one thing you really learn in a matter of court and legal issue.  There were five advocates who were with me for my case.  From 10.15 am to 02.30 pm they were with me.  And I stood before the judge for less than 3 minutes, only to be given a date in January 2027 (3 months from now!). All this while waiting for my turn among the 157 cases of that day - first for the call of appearance and then for the surety that I need to vouch for.  That's it.  

Growth inside-out

 During my latest visit to the community in Guntur, I spent hours listening to their plans and needs.  After each one had expressed their plans and dreams for their respective departments, one thing stood out clear: each one was limiting himself to his own territory, even physical space!  Yet each one kept referring to the 'Master plan'. 

Finally when I put across my perspective of things, having heard of their plans and having known of them for months now, I stressed on one aspect: growth, that is from within.  For too long and unhealthily the community has been dependent on external resources and finances.  Even this need for 'Master plan' which has been echoing across the province for more than a year, is 'waiting' to be formulated by someone outside!  Not to speak of finances, which have been poured into the place for ages, yet there is absolutely no proportional outcome or output - no where near it. 

Hence my challenge to the community was simple: Prove your capacity and competence in maximum utilisation of what you are already blessed with (plenty, really PLENTY!!), and then anyone and everyone, including the Province will chip in with what is deficient.  I categorically made it clear that there will be no external funding or support, without the community itself making the first and the most amount of effort and contribution.  

Far sight!

 Two days ago KT received a WhatsApp message from a priest saying that he is on his way to Hyderabad to participate in the national meeting and that he is landing at Hyderabad airport two days prior. He requested to be picked up since he is landing at midnight and it is his maiden visit to Hyderabad. He expressed his desire and plan to visit the Brothers from Northeast studying at Karunapuram. 

KT picked him up from the airport at midnight. And on his way to the house the priest told KT that he would leave early morning to Karunapuram. 

Next day morning KT was in the Chapel, early riser that he is. Sometime later when it time for Mass, and since none of us community members managed to make it to the Chapel, he noticed this priest enter the Chapel. 

KT out of courtesy invited him to the sacristy, offered him the alb and requested him to preside over the Eucharist. The guest backed away and declined. KT persuaded him saying that no sermon was expected. He still refused. KT then took off the Mass introduction as well. Still he was not ready to preside. In a final bid KT volunteered to read the gospel as well. Still no willingness. Having backed out at each offer, the guest was now almost out of the sacristy. 

That's when the guest revealed that he was not a priest at all. And that he was an ex-aspirant whom the guest priest had invited to join him to Karunapuram. All this while KT failed to recognise that the young man before him was not the same as the one whom he had picked up from the airport last night!!!! 

Move the chair

 

Hobbies vs Apostolate

 The other day we had a meeting of the Leaders and in the Varia points as part of the Agenda there was a discussion about one of our earliest communities.  The point raised was, what can we do at _____, given that it is one of our earliest Salesian initiatives in the Province?  The whole idea is triggered by this misinterpretation of 'Master plan'.  The itch for this is to see what NEW can and should be done, because we are already there for donkeys years. 

Sitting and listening to the proposals and ideas being proposed, I made no attempt whatsoever at getting involved.  Several months or more than a year ago itself I had made my stand clear:  Our 'Master plan' is primarily in response to a local need.  What more we need to do for the young people of the locality is what needs to be our guiding principle and criteria.  And that should not begin and end with infrastructural additions.  Rather it should be initiatives which are tested and if found worthy of investment (financial and personnel) time and our commitment will tell.  

However, since then the discussion of a 'master plan' is in the air, without any consideration of what is the need that we are addressing.  The whole focus is on what 'we want to do'!!!  But is that what we want, the same as what is NEEDED by the young people?? Secondly, the whole craze is to have new buildings! What for? The same things we already are doing!  So my basic question is what improvement have we done or wish to achieve, other than new buildings??  

Sitting in an ac hall we discuss matters about what we want.  That's deciding on hobbies, not finalisation of apostolate! 

RIP Br Charlie

 

Delete AND empty the trash

 

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.