Few words, but long sentences

Remember today a particular Salesian confrere who is known among our circles as a 'man of few words, and long sentences'!  He surely can go on and on about any topic, even the acknowledgement that he does not know anything about the topic!

I remember him once visiting the community where I was, with a very bad sore throat.  That morning, before breakfast he asked me if I could arrange for some hot tea with turmeric for him - just to soothe his aching throat.  And then when I did arrange that, he began to explain to me where, when and how his throat went bad!!  My subtle reminder that giving the mouth a bit of rest would do good to the aching throat was met with another explanation of the scientific reason behind it!! So much for the poor throat.

As I remember him, I recall the words of Fr Lens regarding the length of a sermon during Mass: "5 minutes," he would say!  "After that, the devil speaks!" Genuine listening, without interrupting or talking, is truly an art, a skill, a discipline.  Now that requires patience and leads to wisdom.  But to talk, I guess, even a sore throat would do! 

A full circle: Fr Lens

At last the autobiography of Fr Lens has seen the light of the day!  It has been rolling around offices and desks for the past 5 years!  I'm sure Fr Lens is smiling away from his place above - not at the former fact, but at the latter dynamics! 

I think it was Thathi's visit to Europe that really propelled the text to the printers desk.  Luckily Baly is now in-charge of publications and he got Salva to "redo" the design and layout.  Kalyan, while he was the Province Secretary, is the one who initially got it typed out (from the printed paper that was originally handed down by Fr Lens).  I proof-read and edited it a couple of times (always starting afresh from the original text) over the past 5 years.  Fr Pandi, I'm sure will know the text by-heart, for he has done the greatest amount of work on correcting it again and again for more than half a dozen times (Asked twice by me, by Fr Balaraju, Kalyan, then by Benny, and then by Ashok...and a couple of others in between!). 

Thathi informed me that the obituary too has been printed - though only a few copies.  That was another of my attempts to force out the publication of Fr Lens' autobiography.  I had individually asked some confreres to pen a few of their memories with Fr Lens.  Was a bit disappointed to see that not all those who sent in their precious testimonies have been included.  I guess that is what happens when things keep rolling from desk to desk - they get lost, especially if they are loose bits and not bound together! Those who sent in by e-mail, I surely would have it in my inbox.  But there were others who sent me hand-written notes.  Those I'm not sure where they are at present.  (I need to keep the rough drafts or get the rough drafts and digital copies of such kinds with me - no use blaming others for misplacing them years later!).

Of course, thanks to Fr Lens himself for having put down his life story.  But greater thanks to Fr Balaswamy who "ordered" him to write it!  I was the first to hear of the existence of this text from Fr Balaswamy a day after Fr Lens passed away in 2014.  Fr Lens had given the text (printed hard copy) to Fr Balaswamy, on condition that it would be made public only posthumously. So during the funeral Mass at Karunapuram, Fr Bala made the official announcement of its existence and handed it over to Fr Balaraju, the then Provincial.  That was in November 2014.  Now it is September 2019! 

There is a book release planned and being organised by the Belgium Salesian province on October 5 - the birthday of Fr Lens!  Thathi has carried with him copies of the printed work for the occasion. In one sense, am happy that Fr Lens is making it a full circle: he was born in Belgium and now one of his own testament (written) is returning to Belgium 98 years later!  I'm sure his sisters (know not how many of the 5 are still alive - but that some are!) would are thrilled and looking forward to this occasion.  While the book itself is a 'relic', his greatest legacies are all of us, those privileged to have known him and been inspired and touched by his life!  

The Father knows!

Last night I was asked to give a talk to the Salesian Cooperators of Chertsey.  They were about 20 of them present.  I was asked to speak about Don Bosco and the Sacrament of reconciliation.  I shared of how my personal insight changed my understanding of Don Bosco's notion of confession. 

The sacrament of reconciliation was always a kind of obligation that I felt needed to be fulfilled, earlier as a baptised member of the Church and then much more later as a professed Salesian.  However, it was only a few years ago that I began to really appreciate the sacrament for its great value.  And it was mostly the person of the confessor that made a whole difference in this aspect.  Have seen ample confessors who were so strict and abiding by the rule that confession was a real act of pain and suffering.  After the confession it a sense of relief that a 'job' is done, rather than savouring the grace of being blessed! 

What changed for me was the simple insight that the "Father knows!" So it was not something new that I was speaking to him about. There was nothing that would surprise Him, given the fact that I'm living in His presence.  So what's the whole confession about if He already knows? It is basically an acknowledgement of my present state of life, coupled with a genuine desire to be better.  This realisation helped me change my attitude towards confession and I really began to cherish this sacrament. 

Don Bosco's own writings and goodnights are rife with hell, sin, death, and all that stuff usually related to the sacrament of reconciliation, as was the trend of his times.  However, from my reading of his teachings, he never advocated confession to his boys as a fulfilment of an ecclesial obligation. He always recommended it as a means of personal experience, for growth and progress.  Boys loved going to confession to him. He personally gained and learned much about this sacrament from his own confessor, Joseph Cafasso.  It was from all that reading and especially observing the following photo of Don Bosco (one of the earliest original photos of DB) that it struck me that the boys not only were convinced of the fact that the "Father knows", but also felt greatly reassured by the knowledge that even "Don Bosco knows!" So it was a double, "Father knows!"

Notice the faces of the boys.  They are so serene.
No one's distracted or curious about the photograph itself - given this is the earliest history of photography
(at least in the oratory)

Confession was not restricted to the confessional anymore.  It was a continued relationship. It is in this light that Don Bosco's quote made great sense to me:

Want to be saints?  Here's the secret: Confession is the lock; the confidence in the confessor is the key.  This is how you open heaven's gates. 

Confession is the lock.  Confidence in the confessor is the key!  My earliest experience of shame and fear and guilt were replaced by a sense of love and comfort.  Mostly thanks to some of my confessors, especially Fr Lens. With him, I was at home. I did not have to be different.  I did not have to sift and mince words.  There was no fear or shame.  He knew me well enough that there was no need of a confession at all; but me confessing was me taking responsibility for my growth and him assuring his - and God's - continued support! 

As I was putting down these thoughts for the talk, it then occurred to me why Don Rua felt greatly pained when in 1908, the Vatican forbid the Rector to be the regular confessor of inmates.  I always thought he should have felt happy that he could focus more on being with the boys rather than being confined to the confessional.  But like Don Bosco, he had grown so intimately with his boys that not being with them in the confessional was like cutting out one important portion of their lives.  I realized how difficult it would have been for his boys!  That is not recorded anywhere!  In my years in the formation commission, I had neatly collapsed the distinct roles of the rector, as best non-compatible.  But I also understood my predicament why there should be such a fuss about Rector also being the confessor (and final authority on voting).  If I've been open to him, in and out of the confessional, I should have nothing to fear.  And if it in confidence that I have opened up to him, then I am also convinced that what he says and does is for my own good - even if it meant him asking me to pack up and go home!  Of course, in all of this the person of the rector or confessor does make a huge difference!  

Remembering the deceased

Today, the 1st of February, immediately after the day we celebrate the feast of Don Bosco, we Salesians commemorate the memory of our deceased confreres.  We remember with gratitude and pray for those gone before us who, in their lifetime, added to the charism of Don Bosco and made the Salesian work more dynamic, meaningful and contextual.

And in the morning the first names that I remembered were that of Fr John Lens, Fr Ronald Menezes and surprisingly, Fr Mauro Casarotti.  Fr Lens is someone whom I knew since my childhood.  He was in the school where I studied, then when I was an aspirant, he was my rector and then all the subsequent years, while he was in the novitiate, I kept in touch with him.  Initially through letters and then in person.  Never knew anyone as down-to-earth as him.  His joyful and perfect detachment from all material things was amazing... made it look so simple.  Also liked his simple way of interacting with anyone, just anyone!

Fr Ronny, was my rector during my one year stay at Don Bosco School, Matunga.  I was a studying media and communications and he was of great help and inspiration.  I liked him for his straight-forward attitude and simplicity of life.  He also had a good way of relating to people and making everyone feel comfortable and good about themselves.

Fr Casa, was someone I first met while studying M.Ph. in Nashik. He used to come from Mumbai and spend a few days with us, helping out as the confessor.  Around him it was all fun and laughter.  He was the heart of any gathering and corridor talk.  In spite of the fact that in the early days he was provincial of two diverse provinces (Mumbai and Guwahati), he carried himself with such simplicity that a casual interaction would mislead one to think of him as a simple 'old man'. Later too while at Matunga, I would meet him often, and he was the same. Still at that ripe old age, he would be consistent with his work in the propaganda office.  Always kind, gentle, smiling and friendly.  He loved people.  One always felt comfortable being oneself with him. He had no pretensions and neither did anyone feel like putting on a mask in his presence. 

Transparency

Yesterday was the second death anniversary of Fr John Lens. I know not if his autobiography is being considered for publication or not.  Most probably with all the excitement of the visit of the Rector Major to the Province, this would have got shelved for another year.

Anyway, as I thanked God for this person, especially his role in my life, I could not think of a better description of him than this short verse from Thomas A Kempis, as quoted in Waymarks:

The purer the eye of the intention is, the more strength the soul finds within itself... but it is very rare to find a soul entirely free, whose purity is not at all sullied by some stain of a secret searching for itself... Work, therefore, to purify the eye of your intention in order that it might be single and upright.

Somehow Fr Lens, even in his weakness and shortcomings, made Salesian sanctity more appealing. He was not a perfect man.  He too knew that all too well and didn't in any way try to hide or camouflage it.  Neither did he take pride in his shortcomings.  But he did possess a great inner strength. He derived it from his transparent effort at being kind and loving. More than the love, it is this constant and transparent effort at being lovable, that I recall with great joy.

Remembering those no more

Remembered the few departed whom I know specially today:

• Getrude Pinto (grandma-maternal)
• Raymond Pinto (grandpa-maternal)
• Charles D'Souza (uncle)
• Charles Castilino (grandpa-paternal)
• Anthony Castilino (uncle)
• Elias Castilino (uncle)
• Fr John Lens
• Fr Benjamin Puthota
• Fr Mauro Casaroti
• Fr C. Thomas
• Br Gabriel Fernandez
• Fr Ronald Menezes (my Rector while at Matunga)
• Br P.M. Thomas (while at Nashik)
• Fr Varricatt John (confessor while at Karunapuram)
• Fr P.E. Abraham
• Fr M.D. Jacob
• Inna Reddy (novitiate companion)
• Fr Pasala Jojappa (novitiate companion)
• T. Anand (novitiate companion)

These are the only two photos (hard copies) I have with me - the only ones I've ever had for a long long time... and all three of them have left an indelible mark on me as a person. Am really thankful to God for them!

Grandpa (Aab) and Grandma (Odlimai)

Fr John Lens

Lens: At home... always!

Here's another liner from the autobiography of Fr Lens':

My first visit to Belgium was in 1959, after 10 years in India, six years after my ordination.

I wonder how many of us would dare live with that detachment and commitment today.  Some may say that it was the spirituality of those times... being totally away from home.  But those of us who had the fortune of knowing Fr Lens, know all too well that he was AT home, always, wherever he was! 

Priesthood as means; not as privilege

Reading (or at this stage, editing) the autobiography of Fr Lens, something that struck me very much was this: Fr Lens never made much of his ordination!  In fact in his writing of 25 chapters, he speaks much of his childhood and days in the concentration camps, but there is no chapter dedicated to his ordination.  There is years as a practical trainee, a student of theology and then ministry.  Ordination is merely a small mention.  Nothing is made much of it.

Some may say that perhaps the fact that none of his people were here and hence there was not much of an excitement.  However, knowing Fr Lens, I believe it is because of the fact that he did not really give great (undue) importance to the ceremony of ordination or for that matter, to Priesthood as a privilege.  For him it was a means of service - one involving great sacrifice and commitment, but a service nonetheless.  Certainly not a privilege!  I am almost sure, he never ever used his "priesthood" as a leverage for himself! If at he did, it was for the mission and that too he would have done it grudgingly or as a matter of fact rather than a special privilege.  

Living Boscos

Manu is going strong with his initiative of Tugboats.  Here's the sixth edition of the same. This issue is basically dedicated to those Salesians who inspired us to envision who and what Don Bosco would have been. Not all have been celebrated, at least those acknowledged by a few...

The Living Boscos!

For me personally, two Salesians who really offered me a very profound glimpse into the life and person of Don Bosco were Fr John Lens and Fr Benjamin Puthota.  Both of whom are now surely enjoying the company of Don Bosco in heaven! God bless them all!

For the back issues, click here.

Adieu, dear Fr Lens!

Let me start this month of December and break my long silence with a rather sad event: the death of Fr John Lens sdb.  Of all the Salesians I know, I always looked upon Fr Lens as the closest representation of Don Bosco.  His loss, is indeed much felt and is indeed a great loss, especially for our Province.

Several good and great things were enumerated about Fr Lens yesterday during his funeral service.  More than that the very presence of so many Salesians, even those from the neighbouring Province of Bangalore, and most specially of ex-Salesians and past pupils, was a indeed a great testament of Lens' impact as a person.

He never learnt Telugu (the local language) and did not have a great liking for inculturation with regard to liturgical matters.  But viewed through the whole large prism - as large as the largest Egyptian pyramid itself - these factors are mere dust!

I personally did not really feel sad for I am convinced that he was a man who did much more than what was assigned to him by God when he put him on earth... much, much more!  There would hardly be anyone who would claim that he could have done more than what he did during the years, he spent with us.  Even in his old age, he never knew what it was to sit idle, do nothing! He always kept himself happily occupied. Most of all he read!  Everyday, ... even hours before his final breath.

My immediate thoughts about this simple yet, giant of a Salesian of Don Bosco, soon after I heard about his death are here as posted on the Salesian national website. 

A b'day prayer for Fr Lens...

After long I wrote a letter today... a b'day note to dear Fr John Lens. I enclosed in the envelope a small prayer card I happened to find in my table drawer and which I felt was a very apt prayer for Fr Lens... I also know very well that he'd pass it on to others... just like, my brother and I, were the beneficiaries of many a stamps, holy pictures, puzzles and games which he'd generously give away to us boys, way back during our school days at Don Bosco, Sulthan Bagh.

Here's the prayer I prayed for Fr Lens:

I said a prayer for you today

And know God must have heard 

I felt the answer in my heart

Although He spoke no word. 

I didn't ask for wealth or fame,

I knew you wouldn't mind, 

I asked Him to send treasures

Of a far lasting kind. 

I asked that He'd be near you

At the start of the new day

To grant you health and blessings

And friends to share your way. 

I asked for happiness for you

In all things great and small

But it was for His loving care 

I prayed for most of all. 

Taking a distance

Yesterday  I read the necrology of Fr Benedict Vadachary sdb, who was my school Principal when I was in Don Bosco, Sanathnagar doing my elementary studies.  I really do not have very clear memories of him because, it was Fr Lens who was the most attractive and charming. So as small boys, the one who really  mattered was Fr Lens! However, reading the necrology I was a bit disappointed.  It looked very shabbily done.  Not the material quality but the content part of it.  There is hardly anything substantial about his life.  His last few days are mentioned in some detail.  From my reading of the text, I gather it is written by someone who was very close to him and had not taken a distance from Fr Benedict's immediate and delicate situation of his ill health and thereby the 'gloomy' picture painted.

From what I gather, I remember Fr Benedict to be a burly man with wide shoulders, broad chest and a tall personality.  He was truly dark in complexion and the fact that Fr Lens (being one from Europe) was the other Priest with him, made the contrast too clear.  Most often he appeared quite serious but was fond of meeting the boys.  No wonder he spent most of his life as teacher or headmaster.  If I am not mistaken he was one one who appointed the first batch of teachers for the school, some of whom are still faithfully working in the school.

Well, since I owe so much to Don Bosco School, Sanathnagar, I surely am grateful to Fr Benedict for all that he did.  May God rest his soul.  

Invoking the Trinity

Today is the feast of the Holy Trinity. It is a nice occasion to remind ourselves of the role of the three people in the history of salvation. Most often our attention is so fixed upon Jesus the son, that the Father and the Spirit are totally sidelined. Hence this feast and that of the Pentecost help as reminders.

My first realisation of the role of the Trinity was when Fr Lens used to take catechism classes for us when we were boys in Don Bosco School, about 20 years ago. At times Fr Lens would begin the class with only the Sign of the Cross. While we would be 'waiting' for the prayer to follow, he would straight away go to the class for the day. Looking at our puzzled faces, which clearly expressed the 'scandal' that he was causing by leaving a prayer 'incomplete' he would clarify that the Sign of the Cross is a prayer in itself. It was only from then on that I began to concentrate on the Sign of the Cross. Till then it was not considered worthy enough to be enlisted as a prayer.

Chris with Fr Lens

This one is a rare one: Chris with Fr Lens! Thanks to Fr Lens and his people for sending this across to me. It was clicked by Fr Lens' people when they had come to visit him in December 2010. They had come to Don Bosco School, Sanathnagar and that's when they expressed their desire to meet my family. Kind of them to bring along some gifts for the little fellow.

However, I have my serious doubts if that teddy bear has lasted till now. From what I hear of Chris, he would have by now multiplied it.

Power of Don Bosco, stories and... Fr Lens

The other day when I was in Gunadala, Fr Louis (the Rector) and Fr James Jerome (the dean) asked me to give the goodnight to the boys after supper and Rosary. As I sat there waiting for the boys to finish their night prayers, I was reminded of my days at Gunadala (way back in 1993-1995) especially the moments in that Chapel. Of course then the Chapel was smaller, carpetted with some coir mats and with no amplifier and sound system. During my second year there, Fr Lens was the Rector and I still remember the weekly narration of Salesian history he gave just before the Sunday adoration... we just loved it!! The very fact that it was about the life of Don Bosco was enough to make it interesting. But what made it all the more 'addictive' - if I may say so - was that it was narrated by Fr Lens. If it were someone else, I don't think it would have made such impression upon us. On Sundays when he narrated the life of Don Bosco for just 10 minutes, we hung on to every word of his, every action of his was followed, every expression on his face was registered. There was nothing, really nothing, that we would have exchanged those 10 min. for.

Power of Don Bosco, and the power of story telling and I would also add, the power of Fr Lens!

Fr Lens, Rapport and INK

Another piece of historical evidence about the Confreres in the Province... This one is regarding Fr John Lens... he was in the first Provincial Council of the newly erected Bangalore Province (INK) in 1979. Perhaps he was part of it only for the first term (1979-1982)... maybe, but I'll have to check it out. He was then also the rector of the aspirantate at Gunadala, Vijayawada.

The other piece is about Fr Kollamparambil Joseph. He was part of the editorial team of the newly founded Rapport, the Newsletter of the Bangalore Province, while still a student in KJC, Bangalore. It was then circulated only in the cyclostyled format! Furthermore the name 'Rapport' was suggested by Britto Manohar.

Fr Lens' dictionary

Fr Lens has an Italian-English dictionary which he uses when he is unsure of the translation or for better options. It is a museum piece!! I think the white ants once had an overnight party on it... the rest is imaginable! The cover however is rock solid - I think it was re'covered' later. Anyhow, it was given to him by his theology professor Fr Zampetti while he did his Theological studies in Shillong (1950-1953). Fr Zampetti was also a member of the Roman Rota of Marriage, so says Fr Lens. I forgot to take a photo of that dictionary the last time I met him; but I'll get a snap of it soon.

Don Bosco: The Founder

Published another of Fr Lens' works on Lulu today.
Don Bosco: The Founder

Fr Lens' b'day is fast approaching (October 5) and he is excited and frightened too... why wouldn't he, after all it is his 89th b'day!!!

Long live Fr Lens! Long live Don Bosco!!

Power and position

Here's something from Fr Joshtrom from his experience and stay in Europe:
A Salesian confrere telling the audience at the occasion of the installation of a Provincial who took charge a second time: "To be the Provincial the first time is tragic enough. But to be a Provincial the second time is sheer carelessness!"That's Fr Joshtrom (on the right) receiving the first copy of the Memoirs of the Oratory (an abridged version, in English, of the original autobiography of Don Bosco). The book is the handiwork of Fr John Lens.... one of the many!!

A living monument to Don Bosco!

I've always admired Fr John Lens. He has always been someone whom I really looked up to, right since my school days. In fact, when I joined the Salesians and began my study of Don Bosco, I had no difficulty in understanding who and what 'Don Bosco' was because I knew Fr Lens! Today I feel elated for at last I have found one small way of showing my respect and admiration for someone I adore... together with my helper, Ms Sheeba, we published online (through Lulu) the major works of Fr Lens (most of these are abridged versions of the originals found in Italian or French).

Not one to know what 'free time' is, he has been busy (and is so today too!) translating texts from foreign languages into English, with the sole purpose of making known Don Bosco and his love for God and young people, to as many people as possible, especially those aspiring to be his sons! His body is 87 now but his heart, mind and eyes are still that of a teenager, passionately in love with Don Bosco and Christ. (Of course, his ears are a bit shut now!! But never mind, his walking stick is handy for those who take too much advantage of his hearing!)

May the lives of such living role models inspire and encourage us all to a greater commitment to Christ and Don Bosco!