A Jubilee is unique, a time to take stockofwhereandhowithascome to this point and what is the path andwayaheadfortheworthycause. At this point in time the 'Twin JubileeoftheServantofGodMgr
Raymond Francis Camillus (RFC) Mascharenhas', i.e: 150 th
birth anniversary ( January 23, 1875 ), along with his 125 th anniversary of Priestly Ordination (March 4, 1900 ) is Jubilee time to reflect, research, get deeper in understanding and admiration and celebrate in a profound meaningful manner the great milestones in the life ofthementorandfounder. A propitious time that the Almighty looks at Bethany with gladness and showers exclusive and massive blessings and more. KonkaniCatholicsin this shade must bring this jubilee time (2024-25) beforeGodandensurethat this time is a special one of grace and glory. This is definitely the positive time to storm heaven and earth and look forward to the blessings, taking the cause forward andthecauseofsainthoodprogress miraculously.
Mgr Raymond was Holiness personified as compassionate, humble, fearless, committed, touching the lives of the poor, giving dignity and scope in the 1900s, every account documented points to a conclusive goal. He walked the narrow rough path of Christ fearlessly, guiding and shepherding the poor new order of Bethany’s sisters to walk fearlessly into the missions and go forward to those places with courage, commitment and care.
Msgr R F C Mascarenhas of Bendur : Born in a Mangalorean Konkani catholic family on 23 January 1875 at Shimoga, while his father was posted at the Commissioner’s office there. Later the family returned to Mangalore and young Raymond continued his studiesatMilagresSchoolandthen went on to the famous Jesuit St AloysiusHighSchoolnearbyonthe hill. It is on record that he was a brilliant and serious student. Coming out with flying colours at school, he decided to join St Joseph’s Seminary at Jeppu on 23 February 1891 at the age of 16,in preparation for the priesthood. He
was an exemplary candidate destined for holiness. On 4 March 1900hewasordainedapriestofthe Mangalore Diocese at historic Rosario Cathedral by the then BishopofMangalore,MostRevDrA Cavadini,SJ.Afterservingforashort time at his home parish, Milagres, Mangalore, he was sent to Kallianpur parish. In 1903 he was appointed the parish priest at Udayavar. Though quite young he was responsible for erecting a fine pioneerchurchindifficulttimeswith unmatched zeal. 1910 saw him the Vicar of Agrar where his spiritual andleadershipqualitiescametothe fore. In 1914 by special request, he was brought to Bendur, then a barren land, on the outskirts of Mangalore town. He laboured here for 17 years (1914 to 1931), transformingitintoaCatholicOasis andagreatplaceofholiness.
The poor had a special place in life and he served them generously, sacrificing his own needs. Circumstances of most were such that they could not have the privilege of a religious life at all. Further, the then Catholic
Educational Institutions were catering to better classes and large segments of the population. Particularly in the humble villages, girls were deprived of both education and religious instruction. Ultimately,heconceivedtheideaof founding a congregation with the double aim of making religious life possible for many simple young girls and, to prepare apostles to carry the Good News of Christ’s Kingdomtothepoorandneglected everywhere.
Pioneer Progresses: The Servant ofGodRaymondMascarenhaslived as a holy parish priest and Founder oftheCongregationoftheSistersof the Little Flower of Bethany. The nascent Bendur Church and parish came into its own in 1931, and the Founder was appointed the Vicar GeneraloftheDiocese,withthetitle Monsignor. Later, he returned to reside at Bethany actively steering the task of tending and regulating the Bethany Order. In 1955 the Pope appointed him Domestic Prelate,likeaKnighthood,asamark of honour and appreciation. He resided near the Bethany Motherhouse till his death on 23 December 1960. The cottage in which Msgr Mascarenhas lived and died is named ‘Founder’s Cottage’ in which is now meticulously preserved his memorabilia and personal belongings, pictures, books… a valuable museum now. The garden has been transformed as a pleasant and fitting memorial, where people often come to spend time and know about the founder.
The great heroic task singularly achievedbyhisforesightcausedthe education and a bright future for
the girl children of his times. The first Indigenous Order of Nuns at Bendur – The Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, ordinarily known as BethanySisters(BS)wasfoundedby Mgr Mascarenhas, on 16 July 1921. The Motherhouse of this Congregation, situated on this spot at Bendur, Mangalore since its beginnings. The Founder’s advocacy radiates God’s power here; the vibrant leaders within its fold through the last century have borne fruit beyond all expectations. Today,itisledbySrRoseCelineBS, the Superior General. Bethany has grown and spread to wide parts of India and overseas. The magnitude of growth since Msgr Raymond’s death in 1960 is phenomenal, serving many institutions of education, health care centers and homes for the aged and more with much love, commitment and dedication.
All happens solely by God's design, not by chance or accident - so too that Msgr Raymond F C Mascarenhas has been chosen to adorn the path to sainthood in the Church,the first one from the
Konkani Catholics of Kanara. It needs to be mentioned that he was the forerunner of translating the New Testament into Konkani in 1950. He has written much in English, Kannada and Konkani during his time; his translation of LatinandEnglishprayersandhymns into Konkani enabled better understanding and participation of peopleintheliturgyandrituals.and was a forerunner of the Vatican II introduction of local languages in church liturgy. This aspect of his personality gained him references as “Apostle of the Media” in early times.Withoutdoubt,theServantof God Msgr R F C Mascarenhas, has left an indelible mark in the region which will never be forgotten by posterity. Prayer in all circumstances, directed by the Supreme GOD, is a major factor in his journey to Sainthood in the church and will prove to be a gracioussuccesssoonerthanlater.
Compassion
and Shepherding: Heproved to be a saintlygreatpioneer,apastorinthe mould of Christ. He kept this up even in the most difficult circumstances till the end,
producinggreatfruit.Youngpeople are no longer attuned to abstract doctrinal formulae, but vibrant speaking to their hearts and minds and desires. The Servant of God, Raymond Mascarenhas a personality who always took the roadlesstravelledthatmadeallthe difference and the result is now visible.
God's pioneer, Mgr Raymond was abletoseepossibilitieswhichothers didnot,hisinsightwassuper. When his Golden Jubilee of the Sacred Priesthoodandofhis75thBirthday, with heart inflamed by the infinite and immeasurable love of the Father, and with compassion of Jesus Christ. He wasmuch ahead of his time, within the means and material made available by providence. The Congregation he founded was spearheaded by four vibrant teachers. The thrust, vision and dream of Mgr Raymond is being carried out and realized by Bethany Educational Society (BES) through its various schools- formal as well as non-formal ones to this day. Mgr Raymond Mascarenhas had
special interest in fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The number of vocationsinhisoldparishofBendur and the great number of Bethany Sisters of his own congregation increased and spread far and wide. Hereweseewithourowneyeshow God blessed his zeal, efforts, courage and perseverance amidst so many drawbacks, discouragements, crosses and sufferings. Then, Altar Servers Sodality, Sodality for men, women, boys, girls and the St Vincent de PaulSociety.
A Curator of Culture founder Raymond Mascarenhas, advocated education in the mother tongue in order that the instruction may be effective and fully assimilated. He, as a renowned preacher, attracted people and held them spell bound. Missionary Pioneers are people who open up to new areas
of thought, research, or developmentandguidetonewand often unacquainted destinations. Followinghisprincipal Bethany has now become global and reveals the local vision of RFC Mascarenhas towards enculturation. That tiny seed which was sown has grown into a sturdy tree bearing fruits in abundance. It has a membership of over 1300 religious, 150 convents in India and 12 abroad. The daughters of Bethany heighten the glory of God in various parts of the Lord’s vineyard. They are involved in educationalandotherapostolicand missionaryactivities,notonlyinthe dioceseofMangalorebutalsoin44 dioceses of India, and 8 dioceses in EuropeandAfrica.Godgrantedhim the happiness of seeing the growth of Bethany and its development until1960. May theEternal Pioneer raise our Founder, the Servant of
God to the Honours of the Altar sooner! The great Jubilee 2024-25 issettousherinanenthusiasmand catalysis to see all devotees of the SErvantofGodrisehighandbehold the advancement in the cause now beingexaminedattheVatican.
A Pastor, Prophetand Saint to be:
Compassionate Good
Shepherdlike his Lord and Master, his role and dedication with commitmentforthespreadofGod’s Kingdom. Mgr.Raymond Mascarenhas His life and work are well known to the readers here. In his own words: “It was on the lap of mymotherthatIhadlearntthefirst lessons of self-discipline, selfcontrol and self-denial.” Reading the signs of the times and responding to them in Udyavar, wherehewasParishPriest,andlater in Agrar and Bendur, he identified himself with the life and the strugglesofthepeople.
TrueChristianmeaningofdeclaring someone a “Saint” is to follow in Christ’s steps. The Spirit of God has comedownespeciallyonthosewho arebaptizedandconfirmed.Weare now called to be prophets in our own context. Fr RFC Mascarenhas has gone before us, a Pastor who
was a Prophet; following him, we must become prophets of our times. Storm heaven during this jubilee2024-25thattheLORDmost high will grant the special blessings andweseetheVaticangrantingthe next stage in sainthood to our joy andhappiness.
Queen Mother of Bethany: Mary, God’s Hand maid in the early and later years patron of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany. The hymn of the Magnificat is a revolutionaryhymnsungbyMaryto liberate her people. Today many continue the same task in different contexts and situations. Mgr. Raymond lived by this hymn as he served the poor, needy and the oppressed and worked for their liberation. Although poverty was a struggle, he loved the poor. As a parishpriestindifferentparisheshe visited the poor walking long distances, riding bicycles through muddy lanes.
A Personalword: Before concluding allow me to humbly express my personal link with the 'Servant of God' Mgr RFC Mascarenhas: My Great Grand Parents and Grandparents, who were parishioners of Bendur for long and never failed to mention how Fr Raymond cycled all around the town and would dismount his cycle on meeting people and talk familiarly with them about all their joysandsorrows.Mydearaunt,who was a small girl at the time, on seeingMgr,withhislongbeardand cassock, would hide behind my grandmother. Later in the 1950s, I made my first holy communion at the St.Agnes chapel, I clearly recall that after the mass, on the way home, in a horse cart widely in use then,westoppedatBethanytoseek the holy Mgr's blessing and I recall a frail old man with a long grey beard..........(Incidentallyallowmeto state that my maternal great grandmother Mary Suares nee' Mascarenhas, who died early and is buried in Bijey along with her husband, Joseph Suares, who was a keypersonattheCodialbailPress;is from the same family as Mgr RFC Mascarenhas,sheisthesisterofthe
well-known cousin of Mgr R FC Mascarenhas, E C M Mascarenhas.) I was surprised to find that my paternal grandmother, Sophie Saldanha nee' Coelho, (Wife of Raymond Saldanha, son of Casmir Shet, Sreshtedar of the local court) who died young (when my father was 7 years) and Bendur church was nearing completion in 1921, was buried inside the church asperanentryintheburialregister and is signed by Fr. RFC Mascarenhas parish priest, as seen by me. These connections have sustained my close following of the cause.
With deep faith and filial trust in our Blessed Mother, Founder the perpetual jubilarian, plunged into theworkofcreatingaparishin1914 - Bendur. In his last will and testament, heearnestlydesiredand directed that his grave should be at the foot of our Lady’s grotto at the Bethany Mother house. He gave directions to celebrate 18 major feasts of our Blessed Mother in Bethany convents. Mgr Raymond, toward the end of his life when surrounded by controversies and
subjected to a great deal of humiliations, the thought of his sorrowful Mother standing on Calvary at the foot of the Cross strengthenedandconsoledhim.He said, "Let devotion to Our Mother be solid, an imitation of her life.”
MgrMascarenhas'devotiontoMary consisted in offering himself to Mary, and through her, to Jesus. It is fitting and expeditious to look forward and storm heaven during this great Jubilee, 2024-25 of the Founder Mgr RFC Mascarenhascommemorating 150 years of his Birth (1875 -2025) and also 125 years of his sacerdotal ordination (1900-2025)tojustlymoveforward the saintly cause to advance visibly as blessings shower down on his dreams and devotees and the Bethany Congregation and their good works through Bethany of Mangalore and it's great founder, alegacyofholiness.
By:IvanSaldanha-Shet.
FrArokia RajSatis KumarandFrJoseph Soosainathan:
New AuxiliaryBishops
13-Jul-20244:40:06:pm
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Bangalore July 13, 2024 (CCBI) :
The Holy Father has appointed Fr Arokia Raj Satis Kumar (47), the Chancellor of the Archdiocese and Fr Joseph Soosainathan (60), Parish priestoftheSacredHeartchurchas the auxiliary bishops of Bangalore Archdiocese.
Fr Arokia Raj Satis Kumar was born on 5 September 1977 in Bangalore. He studied Philosophy and Theology at the St. Joseph’s Seminary, in the Diocese of Mangalore and was ordained priest on 2 May 2007 for the Archdiocese ofBangalore.
Hehasheldthefollowingdutiesand conductedfurtherstudies:Assistant ParishpriestofSt.Joseph,St.Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and Christ the King in Malleswaram (2007-2010); master’s degree in Canon Law from the St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute in Bangalore(2010-2012);Parishpriest of Christ the King in Malleswaram (2012-2014); Doctorate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Urban University of Rome (2014-2017); since 2017, Judge of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal; Since 2018, Rector of the Bhavan Bhakti Minor Seminary and Parish Administrator of Lourdes in Tumkur; from 2019, Chancellor Diocesan; from 2020, Professor of Canon Law at the St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute in Bangalore; from 2021, Coordinator of the studies of the Major Seminarians.
Fr Joseph Soosainathan was born on 14 May 1964 in Bangalore. He studiedphilosophyattheSt.Peter’s Pontifical Seminary and theology at
St.Paul’sSeminaryinthedioceseof Tiruchirappalli. He was ordained a priest on 15 May 1990 for the ArchdioceseofBangalore.
He has held the following duties: assistant parish priest of the St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral(1990-1991);Parishpriest of St. Anne (1991-1997), St. John Evangelist (1997-2004), Our Lady of Fatima (2004-2010 and 2017-2020), Sts.PeterandPaul(2010-2017)and SacredHeart(from2020).
The archdiocese of Bangalore has a Latin Catholic population of 3,60,561, 134 parishes, and 157 diocesan priests. It covers 27,014 square kilometers, comprising the civil districts of Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Chickballapur, Kolar,Ramnagara,andTumkur.
The Archdiocesan territory was formerlypartoftheMysoreMission, which was separated from Pondicherry in 1845. The Mysore Mission was elevated to an apostolic vicariate in 1850 and elevated to a diocese with Bangalore as its headquarters in 1886.ThedioceseofBangalorewas bifurcatedfromMysoreonFebruary 13, 1940, and it became the archdiocesein1953.
Its former Archbishop Alphonsus Mathias passed away on July 10, 2024, at the age of 96, and his funeral is scheduled to be held tomorrow, July 15, 2024. Archbishop Peter Machado (70) is the metropolitan archbishop of Bangalore,andAbp.BernardBlasius Moras (82) is the emeritus archbishopofthearchdiocese.
My Visit to the Holy Land
Dr Charles Lobo
Ivisited the Holy landinthe second weekofJune2024. Ihavenodoubt thatyouwillaskmehowImanaged the Holy Land tour when the war between Israel and other countries isinprogress. I must, therefore,first clarify what I mean by Holy Land. For me Holy Land is the Karma Bhoomi of the holy man. It is not JerusalemorJudea.Alandbecomes holybecauseoftheholyman-Jesus, Prophet or Sai Baba, Sharifa or Namdev. People visit Jerusalem, Mecca, Shirdi, Shishuvinahala or Pandharpur because a holy man lived there. I visited Kedgaon, the holy land, the Karma Bhoomi of
Pandita Ramabai Saraswati. Ramabaiwho?
Ramabai Dongre is the daughter of Shastri Anantha Dongre of Karkala in Dakshina Kannada. (It should not be confused with Ramashakti Mission of Shaktinagar, Mangalore founded by Sree Ramadevi, daughter of Gopalakrishna Shenoy and Sreedevi who lived between 1911 and 1978). She was born in a ChitpavanBrahminfamilyin1858at Gangamoola which place is now inside the Kudremukh Wildlife
Sanctuary. Her ancestral house is in Heranjevillage(MalaPostvillage)at the base of the KWLS. She made Kedgaon near Pune her Karma Bhoomi in 1890 and died at Kedgaonin 1922. Spending a few minutes inside the small 120 Sq ft. room at Kedgaon where she lived and died was a spiritual and soul uplifting experience.Inthissmallroomallthe things used by her like the copper tumbler, plates, spoons, tables and chairs,hercotandmattressetc.,are well preserved. The room is in the centre of a long building like a school building built with black granite stone. She was the Superintendent. Her room was just adjacent to the main door. Any inmate was free to enter her room 24 x7and it wasneverclosed.
The room where she lived and died
This place became holy also because it was in this room she personally and single handedly translated the entire Bible to Marathi language with reference to the Hebrew and Greek Language Bibles. She accomplished this by working on this project for 18 years and finished it in 1922, a day prior to her death. She undertook this task to make the Bible available in thenativelanguage.Ittook78years more for the Konkani (official) Bible (both old and New Testament) to come out in the year 2000. We cannot help but appreciate her great contribution to Christianity and Marathi language. If she had worked in Tulunadu we could have got the Konkani or Tulu Bible long ago. Her greatness lies not in these achievements. Kedgaon became a holy place due to her social and humanitarian work. Ramabai (18581922) was Mother Theresa of Kedgaon. Perhaps we should call Mother Theresa (1910-1997) as RamabaiofCalcutta. Whowas Ramabai?
CalcuttaandRamabaiare closely connected. It is the enlightened people of Calcutta (now Kolkatta) gave her the title Pandita and Saraswati. She was tested by the scholars and found her fit gave the title Pandita. When they heard the forbidden Sanskrit slokas from the mouth of a woman, they called her Saraswati at a programme organized by Maharaja Jyotindra MohanTagore.KeshavChandraSen, the founder of Brahmo sect of Reformed Hindus of Calcutta encouraged her to read the Veda and Vedanta and understand the pathetic condition of Hindu high caste women. In due course she became famous for her scholarship both in India and abroad. Anantha Sastri (1796-1864) her father, was a great Sanskrit Scholar and had worked in the court of Peshwa Baji RaoII,WodeyarofMysoreandKing ofNepal.Hewasarevolutionary.He taught his young wife (9-year-old when she married him) to read and write in Sanskrit and faced opposition from his own community.AChitpavanBrahminhe became a follower of Madhva
philosophy while in Varanasi. He was brought before the Swamiji of Madhva Mutt in Udupi where he defended his action of educating women in Sanskrit with the help of Vedas and religious texts. He won the debate. But despite this villager of Heranje did not stop harassing him which made him leave his land and move inside the Kudremukh forestandstarthisGurukul.Firsthis wife and later his children became his disciples. Thereafter, other brahmin boys came to study under him due to his scholarly achievements. They lived here for 143 years and Ramabai was born here in 1858. Ramabai had learnt 18,000 Sanskrit slokas by the age of 12. She was listening to Purana parayana by her father and mother, and she started giving pravachan at ayoungageduringtheirpilgrimage to the North to escape from the effects of the great famine of 187677.
Now the villagers of Mala have taken interest in organizing her birthday every year and have namedtheroadasPanditaRamabai Saraswati Road.
With my local guides at Gangamoola
First revolt: Late Marriage
Like father, Ramabai was also a rebel. Her mother had married her father when she was 9 years old. All the women of her times were given in marriage while in the cradle or when they were less than 10 years old.(OurownCatholicMangalorean grandmothers used to marry very early). When the boy she had married while in the cradle died the girlchildwastreatedasawidowfor life. She was condemned because she had ‘killed’ her husband. In my younger days, I have seen many Brahmin widows (Bodkibiramondli in Konkani) who wore red colour saree and shaved their head. They were not allowed to wear blouse. They would wrap the saree around their bosom. They were treatedas a curse by not only Brahmins but by other communities too due to misunderstanding.Shewasavoided like avoiding a black cat. They were not allowed to go to school. They had to follow many Hindu taboos. Their life was HELL. All this was supported by the Holy Books. Ramabai Dongre did not marry till the age of 22. This in itself was a
revolutionary act. Her parents had passedawaywhenshewas16-yearold. She lost her elder sister and brother also. When she decided to marry after the demise of her brother,sheselectedanon-brahmin boyfromAssam whowasaMAand a Pleader. The marriage was a civil rite. Her husband died due to Cholera in 19 months of their marriage. Manorama was born duringthisperiod.
Second revolt: Conversion to Christianity
While living with her husband in Assam, she came in touch with a Christian missionaryand the gospel of Luke. She was a Sanskrit scholar bythistimeandtookinterestinthis book. When she went to UK, she lived with the Nuns of Church of England at Wantage. Later she was baptized on 29 September 1883. Her daughter Manorama was also baptized and given the name Manorama Mary. She was a devout Christian and followed the Church ofEngland.Sheopposedorthodoxy in Christianity and said that there is no Christ in Christianity. (Gandhiji too said the same thing). But later
she became a member of the Methodist Church. As a member of thisChurch,shetranslatedtheBible. She built a beautiful Church at Kedgaonfortheinmates-theHindu women who had become Christian. There were more than 2000 Hindu womenwithherinKedgaonbutshe did not force anyone to become a Christian. A very few ladies became Christian. The Church was conceptualized by her. There are 9 doorstothischurch.Ahumanbody has 9 holes and same concept was used by her while building the Church. It is a black stone structure in the shape of a cross. The black stone was collected while digging the12wells.Theflooringiswooden. It is said that it took 2.5 months to bringthewoodfromDaundRailway station to Kedgaon, 18 Kms and 12 bullockcartswereusedtotransport it.TheteakwasbroughtfromAssam andBurma.IvisitedthisChurchand spent some time inhaling her holy spirit which ismovinghere.
ThirdRevolt: SharadaSadan
Pandita Ramabai Saraswati (the titles given to her due to Scholarly achievements in Sanskrit which no
otherwomancouldachieveinthose days) went to UK for studies. From UK she went to USA. She spent 7 years in these two countries. She visited orphanages and women’s homes.ShelivedwithMrs.Bodleyin USA and visited Montessori schools and understood Kindergarten teaching methods. She prepared textbooks for Kinder-Garten childrento beusedon her return to India. She wrote The High Caste Hindu Woman, the book which made her famous. The book explainsthesufferingsofHighCaste Hindu women especially widows duetoreligiouspractices.Thisbook helped her to get support from UK and USA benefactors for the cause of educating high caste Hindu women who were suffering in HELL. On her return to Bombay, she started the Sharada Sadan at ChowpattynearWilsonCollegewith two inmates. Name of one of the inmates was Sharada. In Bombay she went around and looked for HighCastewomenandwidowswho weresufferingandbroughtthemto Sharada Sadan. She could collect about 40 women. She provided
boarding and lodging for them and startedtoeducatethem. Sunderibai Powar, an Indian Christian missionary from Bombay joined Sharada Sadan to help her. Both Women worked for the cause of High Caste Hindu women. After the deathofRamabai,SunderibaiPowar succeeded her.
With a teacher of Sharada Sadan
PrimarySchool TilakandKesari Balagangadhar Tilak was a Chitpavan Brahmin from Ratnagiri. Veer Savarkar was another Chitpavan Brahmin. (About 100
families of Chitpavans still reside in Mala village of Karkalla.) After the number of women increased, Ramabai shifted Sharada Sadan to Pune. After working for 2 years in Pune, she relocated the Sharada Sadan to Kedgaon a remote village in those days about 65 kms from Pune. Today there is a railway stationinKedgaon,inthelandgiven by Ramabai. She received funds from the Ramabai Association of USA for 10 years. Her work was highly appreciated by the reformist leaders like Mr. Ranade and Mr. Telang,whowasaJudge.ButKesari, the newspaper started by Tilak declared war against Ramabai. The community did not want education of women. They considered it as an attack on Brahmin culture. The Kesari wrote that widows are being fed good food instead of keeping them hungry to control their lust. Tonsured women were allowed to grow hair inside the Sharada Sadan and Ramabai herself used to comb the hair of the inmates. It was allegedthatsheisconvertingHindu women to Christianity. Finally, Ramabai replied to Kesari,
challenging the Brahmin men to come forward and run Sharada Sadan in the way they want. But nonecameforward.MotherTheresa too faced similar accusations from orthodox Hindu organizations, but none came forward to help the people of the gutters. The great freedom fighter, Tilak, had such orthodox views. Maharshi Karve, who wanted to marry only a widow as a matter of principle finally selected Anandibai, an inmate of Sharada Sadan. She was a widow and was being educated by Ramabai in the Sharada Sadan. Maharshi Karve is another great person who was influenced by Ramabaiandheisthefirstrecipient of the prestigious Bharat Ratna award.Heworkedfortheeducation of women and SNDT university in Punewasstarted byhim.
TheFamineand Plague
In1890whenshewasmanagingthe Sharada Sadan- a house for high caste women in the beginning and for all caste women later- there was Plague. The Government asked all the people of Pune to vacate the town of Pune. Large number of
people died and survivors became orphan. Many left their houses and started living in fields away from rats. At this juncture, Ramabai shifted her Sharada Sadan to Kedgaon. She accommodated the orphan girls and women. At Kedgaonshebuiltsomehutsforthe inmates. There were no facilities in thebeginning.Shegot12wellsdug in the land, each giving plenty of water. She started cultivation with the help of this water. During this time (1892) a great famine affected the Districts around Kedgaon. She went around the villages with bullock carts and picked up cart load of abandoned women and widows and brought them to Sharada Sadan. Thus, the number swelled to 2000. Such a large number had to be fed and clothed. Ramabai’sfaithinGodhelpedherin hertroubles.
Ramabai with inmates. Saree clad women withfull hair
Women before and after coming toSadan
Senior women became volunteers and educated by her became teachers in her school. She started basket weaving. She started a school (first school) for blind womenandstartedbraillesystemof education. She opened a Mukti printing press and engaged women in its work. She gave shelter for the destitute women and became their mother. Her daughter Manorama, UK educated, joined her in her
mission. At Kedgaon the mission cametobeknownasMuktiMission.
Manorama
OnlydaughterofRamabaiandBipin
Das Medhavi, she was born on 16 April 1881. Having lost her father, she went with her mother to UK. As she was an infant the Sisters had to breaktheruleandallowedRamabai with the childto stay inthe convent asaspecialcase.Shereceivedlotof affection from the Sisters. She was educatedbytheSistersofChurchof EnglandatWantage.Latershewent toUSAforhigherstudies.Thereafter shereturnedtoPuneandcontinued her studies. Then she joined her mother and took upon herself the responsibility of the School and various other activities. The workload was too much for her youngshouldersandshediedatthe age of 40 in 1921 at Miraj and her graveisin Miraj cemetery.
TranslationoftheBible
To make the bible available to the faithful of Kedgaon in their own language, she singlehandedly started the translation of it. She knew many languages. She had learnt Greek and Hebrew too. She
translatedtheBibleoveraperiodof 18 years. The desk on which she worked has been preserved in her room. She was doing this work in the standing position. She completedhertranslationworkon4 April 1922 and handed over the manuscript to the Mukti Press for printingandpassedawaypeacefully on 5 April 1922. Sundaribai Powar succeeded her. Thereafter, Mrs. HastytookchargeofSharadaSadan and Mukti Sadan. The grave of all these missionaries- Ramabai, Sundaribai, Hasty, Anitha Dongre etc. can be seen in the cemetery of theMission.
GraveofPanditaRamabai, Kedgaon Tabletoutsidethe Church
ALifetotallycommittedtoGodhas Nothingtofear, nothingtolose, nothing to regret are the words written on the Tablet outside the Church at Kedgaon. The tablet was raised to commemorate one hundred years of Pandita Ramabai MuktiMission.
Well ofPatience
When she started her mission at Kedgaon she dug 12 wells. One of them is known as the Well of Patience. People believe that it is a
miraculous well. When the workers gaveupthedigging as theydidnot seeanysourceofwater,shewentto the well in the night and on each step of the step well she stopped and said you have given us water. She did this while going down and coming up. In the morning workers found water gushing out and were surprised to see this miracle. So many miracles are explained by the guide.
Well ofPatience (Step well)
MangaloreConnection
When I visited Kedgaon, surprises were in store. The present head of the Kedgaon Mukti Mission is Mrs. Lorriane Francis, a Roman Catholic. Her husband, Anil Francis, is from Mangalore and is a resident of Kankanady. He belongs to Basel Mission Church (CSI). The couple hasbeenworkinginthismissionfor
more than 30 years. They are interested to visit the birthplace of Ramabai and have promised to visit afterthe monsoon.
Mr. Francis and Mrs. Lorraine Francis
The Mukti Mission runs schools for normal children, blind children and mentally retarded. There is hostel facility for the students mainly girls andeachhostelblockoftiledroofis given a name of a flower like Farangipani, Bougainvilla etc. There is a Pre-University College started recently and boys and girls are admitted. If anyone wants to go to Degree College, they are given accommodation but must seek admission in nearby college. Many ex-inmates are appointed as teachers. Many retired teachers and staff who were orphans are accommodated in the quarters
which is a great charitable act. They try to do works according to their capacity in their old age. There are blind women who started as inmates. One blind (Visually Handicapped) woman said she came here when she was 10 years old. They are engaged in preparing jute baskets. The blind children attend school along with normal children. They have residential accommodation which is known as Barti Sadan. Barti comes from BarTimaeus of the New Testament. Thereisaspecialschoolformentally retarded and physically retarded. There is a full-fledged hospital and Dairy. It is nothing but a heaven on earth. The old buildings where Manorama and Ramabai lived and worked are well preserved and put into use as administrative buildings and quarters. One can feel the holy spirit movingin thearea.
Plana Triptothis HolyLand
Are we interested to visit this holy land? Ramabai is the Mother Theresa of Kedgaon. (Mother Theresa should be called Ramabai of Calcutta because she succeeded the latter and carried out similar
activities). Ramabai is the daughter of our soil. She is a great social reformer and a model to all of us. ShewasconferredtheKaisareHind medal in 1919 by the British Government and a postage stamp wasreleased in1989.
-EricSoansBarkur
In a testament to their talent and dedication, the youth group from Barkur Parish has brought honor to
Howbeautifulonthemountainsare thefeetofthosewhobringgood news, who proclaim peace, who bringgoodtidings,whoproclaim salvation . (Isaiah 52:7)Itdoes not sayfeetof Catholics.Luckily.
their community at the recent Kallianpur Deanery Youth Gathering. The event, which took
place today, saw participation from various parishes across the deanery in a spirited celebration of youth talentandcamaraderie.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the group singing competition,wheretheBarkurICYM team showcased their melodious voices and impeccable coordination. Their performance struck a chord with the judges and audiencealike,earningthemthe prestigious second prize in this competitivecategory.
However, their success didn't stop there. The Barkur ICYM's achievements extended beyond their musical prowess. Throughout the event, they demonstrated exceptional leadership, active participation, and a spirit of teamwork across various competitions and activities. This holistic involvement and their members' enthusiastic engagement in the gathering's diverse program caught the attention of the organizers.
As a result of their outstanding overall performance, the Barkur
ParishICYMwasawardedthetitleof the Second Best ICYM (Indian Catholic Youth Movement) Unit in the deanery. This accolade recognizes not just their success in individual events, but also their consistent excellence, team spirit, andthepositive impactthey've had onthedeanery'syouthactivities.
The success of the Barkur Parish youth can be attributed to the dedicatedeffortsoftheirleadership team. Special mention goes to Ceolla Pinto, the president of the youthgroup,andRishonBarnes,the secretary. Their guidance and organizationalskillsplayedacrucial roleinpreparingandmotivatingthe
teamforthissuccessfulouting. Theparishextendsitsheartfelt congratulations to all the ICYM members who participated in the gathering. Their commitment,
talents, and team spirit have not only brought accolades but have also setan inspiring examplefor youthinvolvementinchurchand communityactivities.
53 years ago, the USA threatened India to stop the 1971 war. An alarmed India sent a SOS to the Soviet Union. A story that has been nearly erased from Indian history books. #history When Pakistan's defeat in the 1971 war seemed imminent, Kissinger spurred Nixon to send the US 7th Fleet’s Task Force, led by the nuclear-powered aircraftcarrierUSSEnterprise,tothe BayofBengal.TheUSSEnterprise,at 75,000 ton, was the world's largest
nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the1970swithmorethan70fighter aircraft. A monster. The Indian Navy’s fleet was led by the 20,000ton aircraft carrier, Vikrant, with 20 light fighter aircraft. The USS Enterprise was being dispatched to secure American citizens in Bangladesh was the official American statement. Unofficially it was to threaten the Indian forces and prevent the liberation of East Pakistan. India soon got another
bad news. Soviet intelligence reported to India that a powerful British naval group led by the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle with commando carrier HMS Albion, several destroyers and other ships were approaching India's territorial watersfromthewest,towardsthe
Arabian Sea. The British and the Americans planned a coordinated pincer attack to intimidate India: The British ships in the Arabian Sea will target India's western coast, while the Americans would make a dash to Chittagong. Caught betweentheBritish&theAmerican ships was the Indian Navy. It was December 1971, and the world’s two leading democracies were now threatening the world’s largest democracy. An SOS from Delhi was
senttoMoscow.TheRedNavysoon dispatched16Sovietnavalunitsand six nuclear submarines from VladivostoktoblockUSSEnterprise. AdmiralN.Krishnan,thechiefofthe Eastern Command of the Indian Navy, wrote in his book, 'No Way but Surrender' that he was afraid that the Americans will reach Chittagong. He mentions how they even thought of attacking Enterprise, in a do or die move, to slow it down. On December 2nd
week 1971, the US 7th Fleet’s Task Force, led by the monstrous USS Enterprise arrived in the Bay of Bengal.TheBritishfleetwasarriving in the Arabian Sea. The world held its breath. But, unknown to the Americans, the submerged Soviet submarineshadovertakenthem.
When Russia Stunned US & UK
Naval Forces And Helped India
USS Enterprise moved towards East Pakistan; the Soviet submarines
surfaced without any warning. The Soviet subs were now standing between India and the US naval force.TheAmericanswereshocked. Admiral Gordon told the 7th AmericanFleetCommander:"Sir,we are too late. The Soviets are here!" BoththeAmericanandBritishfleets backed off. Today, most Indians have forgotten about this colossal naval chess battle between the two superpowers in the Bay of Bengal. The subsequent comments of Dirty Dick (otherwise called Richard Nixon)tohishitmanHenryKissinger on the then Prime Minister of India are of a language which a guttersnipe would be ashamed of. VictorystoodonthesideofDharma although brute force was paraded brazenly.*Indiastoodasoneduring this adversity regardless of political differences. * Many Indians born after 1972 may not know this. A must read especially for them. *Perhapsnow,somepeopleatleast, will understand the importance of RussianfriendshiptoIndia.*
TheLeaningTowerofPisa
It is a cathedral bell tower in the Italian city of Pisa, built in the Field of Miracles. Let's get acquainted withtheLeaningTowerofPisafrom a structural point of view: Its constructionbeganin1173AD,and they began to establish the bases and then the walls, and after the building reached the third floor, it was noticed that there was a slope. Can you imagine that a tower
weighing 14,500 tons is built on foundations 3 m deep and installed onsandandsilt?!!Afterdiscovering the slope, the engineers built the rest of the floors (external walls) so that the height of the floor in the inclined direction is greater than its heightinthe otherdirection. Which increased the inclination of the tower due to the sinking of the foundations in a greater proportion inthesoil,duetotheincreaseinthe weight of the floors. Among the reasons why the tower did not collapse: The construction continued for 199 years, and the constructionhaltinitforalongtime is one of the reasons that allowed the soil to compact, which reduced the rate of inclination, and thus the tower did not collapse completely. The clay soil helped and the main reasonforthetower'stendencynot
tocollapseanditsresilienceinfront of 4 earthquakes. The engineers calculated the center of gravity of the tower, and it was concluded fromthecalculationsthatthetower collapsedcompletelyuponreaching a slope of 5.44 degrees. The tower was closed in 1990 at a tilt of 5.5 degrees, yet the tower did not collapse.Attemptsmadetostopthe tilt of the tower and not collapse: Diggingdeepholesinthegroundat a depth of 40 m and installing the tower with iron cables through the holes.Liquid nitrogenwaspumped, whichledtothefreezingofwaterin the soil and its expansion and contraction again, which led to the subsidence of the soil and the subsidence of the foundations, and consequentlytheslopeofthetower
at the rate of its inclination throughout these years. They dug 361 holes and injected the soil with 90 tons of cement, which led to the tower'stiltstrongly.Andfinally,Soil Extractionwasusedin1990:Thesoil was removed from the non-slanted side so that the tower tilts in that direction, then iron cables were used to fix the tower bases in the ground and the slope was reduced to 4 bikes, and this was what it was at the beginning. The engineers couldhavemadeitvertical,butthey didn't want to lose its fame and tourist value because of its tilt. And afterthatwascompleted,thetower was opened. And it was confirmed thatthetowercouldendurewithout anycollapsefor300years.
Credit:EngineeringInfinity
Toread oldand new Veez issues in
TODAY, is WORSE than the ‘EMERGENCY!’
- Fr.CedricPrakashSJ
India will and should never forget that infamous night of 25/26 June 1975,when,thethenPrimeMinister Indira Gandhi had a state of emergency declared all over the country.Duringthatdarkchapterof the country’s history which lasted for a twenty-one-month period till 21 March 1977, civil liberties were suspended, freedom of speech and expression was totally muzzled, political opponents of the Government and those who
protested the emergency were imprisoned and human rights violations by those in power, were the order of the day! The most obvious response for the people of Indiawastosay(inthewordsofthe world’s people, in the aftermath of the horrors of the Nazi regime) “neveragain!”and to ensure that those dark days would never visit the country, at any time in future. Sadly, the reality today, isworse than the‘emergency!’
In his path-breaking book, ‘India’s Undeclared Emergency’, Bangalorebased legal luminaire, Arvind Narrain, presents an incisive and accurate analysis of how the Modiregime has ushered in, through direct and subtle ways, an undeclared emergency! Narrain is clear, through measures which reek
of populism, polarisation and posttruth, the Modi-regime is far more dangerous as constitutional propriety, the pro-people policies and the concern for the nation’s future – areblatantlydisregarded.It isclearlyanauthoritarianrule,there areseveralindicatorstoevidenceit. A short distance from India becoming a totalitarian state. The messageisloudandclear: today,is worse than the‘emergency!’
On4February1948,underthe stewardshipofHomeMinister, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the Indian Government banned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by one of them on 30 January. The unequivocal resolution of the Government stated among other
things, “undesirable and even dangerous activities have been carried on by members of the Sangh.Ithasbeenfoundthatin several parts of the country individual members of Rashtriya SwayamsevakSanghhaveindulged inactsofviolenceinvolvingarson, robbery,dacoity,andmurderand have collected illicit arms and ammunition.Theyhavebeenfound circulating leaflets exhorting people to resort to terrorist methods, to collect firearms, to create disaffection against the governmentandsubornthepolice and the military. These activities havebeencarriedonunderacloak of secrecy…. In these circumstances, it is the bounden dutyof the governmenttotake effective measures to curb this reappearance of violence in a virulentformandasafirststepto this end, they have decided to declaretheSanghasanunlawful association. Government has no doubtthatintakingthismeasure theyhavethesupportofalllaw–abidingcitizens,ofallthosewho havethewelfareofthecountryat heart”.So,whenafewdaysago,the Centre recently lifted a
longstanding ban on government employeesparticipatinginactivities associated with the RSS, they were clearly stating, without qualms of conscience that today, is worse than the‘emergency!’ Inahard-hittingexpose‘Democracy candieindaylighttoo’(The Hindu, 13 June 2019), Krishna Prasad a formerEditor-in-Chief,Outlook,and formermemberofthePressCouncil of India writes, “Whenthemedia’s darkest days the censorship underIndiraGandhi’s21monthsof Emergency are invoked, L.K. Whenthemedia’sdarkestdays the censorship under Indira Gandhi’s21monthsofEmergency areinvoked,L.K.Advani’squote that‘thepresscrawledwhenasked tobend’isairilyrecalled.Butatleast themediaofthetimewasadhering toaformalorderwhichhadastart dateandanenddate.Inthe21st century,itdidn’ttakeapresidential order for the ‘feral beasts’ to suspendtheirinstincts,tolookthe other way, to stoke majoritarian fires,tofearlesslyquestionnotthe rulingpartybuttheOpposition,and usherinModi2.0”.Thatwassaidfive years ago. India’s ranking in the
World Press Freedom Index 2024 is apathetic159outof180countries.
On 18 July, ‘The Editors Guild of India’ (EGI) wrote a letter to Shri Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition(LOP)inParliament.The meticulously written letter cites several “concernsaboutlegislative measures taken to control media overthepastyears” . The EGI urged the opposition to raise questions in Parliament, highlighting the “increasingtheincreasingthreatto fundamental freedom” and mentioned four legislations with their limitations: Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023; Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill 2023; Press and Registration of Periodicals Act 2023; and amended IT Rules 2021. Freedom of speech and expression is being throttled in IndiaasneverbeforeIndeed, today is worsethan the‘emergency!’
In India during the Hindu month of ‘Shravan’, a large number of Hindu devotees travel from various places with ‘kanwars’ (two pitchers tied on either end of a bamboo pole), carrying holy water from the River Ganges to perform ‘jalabhishek’of
Shivlings. Recently, the Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand brought out an extremely pernicious order, demanding that all eateries where the pilgrims would journey to compulsorily display the names of their owners.Such orders are blatantly unconstitutional, remindingoneofthediscriminatory policies of Hitler’s Nazi regime and the apartheid of South Africa. Thanks to enlightened citizens like Aakar Patel, Apoorvanand Jha and others, these directives were challenged in the Supreme Court. On 22 July, in an interim order, the judges of the Supreme Court prohibited the enforcement of the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand directives stating “until the returnable date, having regard to the above discussion, we deem it appropriate to pass an interim order, prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, the food sellers maybe requiredtodisplaythekindoffood, they are serving to the Kanwariyas , but must not be forced to disclose the names/identities of the owners or the employees. A powerful statementindicatingthat, todayis
worse than the‘emergency!’
On 17 July, the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) in a detailed statement (with irrefutable facts and figures) strongly condemned the spree of mob lynchings of minorities across the country,afterthedeclarationofLok Sabha election results on 4 June. The NAPM demanded a fair investigation, stringent and prompt actionagainsttheperpetratorsinall these cases, as well as complete support, safety, and compensation to the aggrieved families. They also called for the withdrawal of the FIR filed against UP- based journalists for merely reporting cases of mob lynchings. They added that, while the BJP Government has received a weakenedmandateintheelections, the social poison of communal hated continues to remain a major challenge, which the NAPM and many others, are convince needs to be unitedly resisted. The mob lynchings of minorities only prove that, today is worse than the ‘emergency!’
Ever since the Modi-regime, assumed power in 2014, there has
been incessant attacks on the minorities of India particularly on the Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. Those belonging to minority communities are attacked and their institutions destroyed. Hate speeches denigrating and demonising minorities are the rule of the day even during the election campaign speeches of Modi! The anti-conversionlawsinseveralBJPruled states are draconian and unconstitutional. Some governments have policies which are blatantly anti- minority. Minorities are also denied employment opportunities in the Government. According to a recent report released by an Advocacy group,thereareatleasttwoattacks per day on Christians and their institutions.On26June,releasingits annual ‘International Freedom of Religion Report 2023’, in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken stated, “InIndia,weseea concerning increase in anticonversion laws, hate speech, demolitionsofhomesandplacesof worship of members of minority faith communities”. All this demonstrates that,today,isworse than the‘emergency!’
For more than a year now, since 3 May 2023, tribals (who are mainly Christian) in the State of Manipur have been at the receiving end of a vicious Government! Even today, morethanthirteenmonthslaterthe violence continues unabated: many are killed and many more are injured; thousands (particularly the Kuki-Zo people) are living as refugees elsewhere. Their houses and places of worship are destroyed. Their land has been taken away from them! That the State and Central Governments are responsible for the ongoing violence in Manipur, leaves no one in doubt. That theyhave shown not an iota of political will to quell the violence and restore law and order in Manipur is a clear proof that, today, is worse than the ‘ emergency!’
Whilst India boasts of producing some of the richest persons in the world, the fact is that vast sections of the society still do not have access to roti- kapdamakaan(food-clothing-shelter)and the other basic amenities of life; many still below the poverty line.
The gap between the rich and the poorgrowswidereveryday!Itisnot surprisingthatintheGlobalHunger Index 2023, India was placed at an abysmal 111 out of 125 countries surveyed! The Adivasis/Tribals (indigenouspeople),whoconstitute a sizable section of India’s population are denied their jaljungle-jameen(water-forests-land) and other legitimate rights. Thousands of them are displaced because of mega- projects. Primary education in the remote tribal villages is non - existent and so is medicare for them; a large percentage of tribals have to migrate to urban areas / other States in search of employment. Besides them, most migrant workers, continue to be excluded and exploited! The plight of the Dalits, the OBCs leave much to be desired; untouchability is practiced everywhere;manualscavengingstill exists; the reality of thesafaikamdars(thosewhoclean thesewagetanks)is pathetic.These and other vulnerable sections of society are testimony to the fact that today, is worse than the ‘emergency!’
Justbefore hisarreston 8 October 2020, in a video-message that went viral, Jesuit Fr. Stan Swamy said, “Whatishappeningtomeisnot somethinguniquehappeningtome alone.Itisabroaderprocessthatis takingplacealloverthecountry.We are all aware how prominent intellectuals,lawyers’writers,poets, activists,students,leaders,theyare allputintojailbecausetheyhave expressed their dissent or raised questionsabouttherulingpowers ofIndia.Wearepartoftheprocess. InawayIamhappytobepartof this process. I am not a silent spectator,butpartofthegame,and readytopaythepricewhateverbe it.” Fr Stan was incarcerated in the Taloja jail. He was accused as being a part of the Bhima- Koregaon conspiracy case with about fifteen others. A charge he vehemently denied and there is enough of evidence today to prove that he is innocent! His death on 5 July 2021, whilst still incarcerated is regarded as ‘institutional murder’! Human rights defenders, journalists, activists, academics, NGOs and others who take a stand for justice andhavethecouragespeaktruthto power have had to pay a heavy
price. There are many from civil society who have had to face the wrath of a regime which is vicious and vindictive. These include besides those in the BhimaKoregaon case the likes of Teesta Setalvad, Sanjiv Bhatt, R.B. Sreekumar, G. N. Saibaba, Umar Khalid, Medha Patkar, Arundhati Roy, Sheikh Showkat Hussain and several others. This regime brooks neither dissent nor criticism proving that today,is worse than the ‘Emergency!’
There are the whole range of antipeople, draconian laws/ policies which have been hurriedly pushed through. These include the new Criminal Laws, the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Education Policy, the anticonversion laws, the anti-farmer (pro-Corporate) farm laws, the four labour codes, the Forest Conservation Amendment Act, the Uniform Civil Code passed by the State of Uttarakhand, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ report. All these have been designed, in tone and letter to decimate the Constitution;totakeawaytherights of the people. There is no doubt
aboutthattoday,isworsethanthe ‘emergency!’
TheEnvironmentisinashambles!In the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, India was rankedlast176outof180countries! The destruction of precious forest lands and biodiversity, to cater to so-called ‘development’ projects contribute immensely to the climatic changes one experiences today. The 2023 Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act provides that the de-reservation of reserved forests, use of forest land for non-forest purpose, assigning forest land by way of lease or otherwisetoprivateentity,precious water bodies in the urban areas are land-filled, causing floods. Most major rivers in the country are polluted; there is over-dependence onfossilfuel.Eventodaycoalblocks are auctioned to crony capitalist friendsoftheGovernment.Sections of the corporate sector and particularly the mining mafia–have no qualms of conscience, in depleting precious natural resources, with the sole desire of profiteering. Today, is worse than the ‘emergency!’
Corruption is mainstreamed in the country; practically nothing can be done without greasing the palms of those at the control wheels. Politicians from opposition parties are easily bought up. The ruling regime has made mindboggling amounts of money through demonetisation and the sale of electoralbonds(EB).Corruptionhas become new normal in India. The massive and unprecedented scam of the Electoral Bonds) rocked the nation a short while ago! Fortunately, the pathbreaking judgement on the EB by the Supreme Court on 15 February, has exposed the corruption, the lack of transparency and accountability of thecurrent regime. ThroughtheEB they have amassed huge amounts of money. The State Bank of India (SBI) had to furnish the complete details to the Apex Court by 6 March. In a blatantly corrupt manner, on 4 March, the SBI petitioned the SC, for an extension of time till 30 June to provide these details! In accordance with law, the Apex Court dismissed the petition and the SBI had to comply with the order or face charges of contempt
of court. They finally provided the dataon12March.On14March,the Election Commission uploaded someofthedetailsontheirwebsite. The SC once again came heavily down on the SBI on 15 March, for not revealing complete details of these bonds. Transparency International ranked India 93 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI). The BJP regime under Modi must be the most corrupt amongst the world democraciesreiteratingthefactthat today, is worse than the ‘emergency!’
This regime has compromised and corrupted constitutional and independent authorities like the Election Commission (ECI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the National Human Rights Commission, the police and evensectionsofthejudiciary.Anew incisive report just released by #votefordemocracy (VFD) analyses the vote manipulation and the misconduct during voting and counting in the recently concluded General Elections 2024. With
evidence,theReportshowsthatthe ECIwasinthepocketoftheBJP.The elections were clearly stolen from the people of India in at least 75 seats, reaffirming that, today, is worse than the‘emergency!’
In Parliament, the opposition is not allowed to speak freely: they are shouted down, or the mike is muted. The body language of particularly the Speaker of the Lok Sabha towards the opposition is one of hostility, important remarks are expunged whereas the treasury benches are allowed to get away with lies, half-truths and venom! Important and critical debates on pressing issues which impact the people of India are not allowed! If elected representatives of the peoplearenotallowedtomakethe peoples voices heard in Parliament means that today, is worse than the ‘emergency!’
The joke is that a few days ago the Home Minister speaking on behalf
of the Government, declared June 25 will be observed every year as'SamvidhaanHatyaDiwas',which loosely translates to 'the day the Constitution was killed'. Pathetic indeed! If the Constitution was ‘killed’ almost fifty years ago what wastheBJPdoingalltheseyears,in their first term in power and since 2014, when the Modi took charge? That means they were running the countrywithoutaconstitution.They have indeed reached such a low leveloffascismthattheyareunable even to think rationally and objectively! Instead, they need to realise that today, is worse than the ‘emergency’ and it will continue to be so, till the day they andtheir ilk, like the evil Holika, are consignedtooblivion!
23 July 2024
*(Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist /writer. Contact: cedricprakash@gmail.com )
Behaviour Wins
In life's vast sea where knowledge reigns, Behaviour often breaks the chains. For in the depths where facts may falter, It's actions true that never alter.
When theories stumble, wisdom falls, It's conducted those answers all. With every choice and how we act, We shape our path, a simple fact.
Knowledge guides but can’t replace, The power of a steady grace. In trials where the mind may stray, Behaviour leads and lights the way.
By: Stany Jovin Menezes – Muscat / Pangla
Mangaluru: Eugine Wilfred Pinto, chairman of
Manasa Amusement Water Park, passes away
Daijiworld Media NetworkMangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 24: Eugine Wilfred Pinto, the chairman of Manasa Amusement Water Park in Pilikula, passed away on Wednesday, July 24.
He was hospitalized a few days ago duetoillhealth.
Pinto had a distinguished career in the amusement industry, having
servedintop positionsin several similar companies including GM Amusement Park before taking charge as chairman of Manasa Amusement Water Park in 2020. Under his leadership, the amusement park gained immense popularity and reached new heights,significantlycontributingto Mangaluru’s tourism sector.
Known for his lively, energetic, and philanthropic nature, Pinto's contributions to the entertainment industry were widely recognized. His untimely demise has left the industryinshock.
EugineWilfredPintowasanativeof Gurpur and is survived by his wife andtwochildren.
Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes,
Inducted Into Tennis Hall of Fame
NEWPORT, RI (IANS) – Tennis veterans Vijay Amritraj and Leander Paes flexed their dance moves after being introduced into the InternationalTennisHallofFame.
It was a historic moment for the country and the continent as they became the first Asian men to receivetheaccolade.
The gala ceremony took place here andtheduowereseendancingand
Photos:tennisfame.com enjoying the beats of ‘Hall of Fame’ by The Script. British tennis journalist and author Richard Evans wasalsohonored.
Amritraj had a distinguished career from 1970 to 1993, winning 15 ATP singles titles and achieving 399 match victories. He reached a career-highworldrankingof18th.
Amritraj played a crucial role in leadingIndiatotheDavisCupfinals in1974and1987,demonstratinghis exceptionalskillsandleadership.
After retiring, Amritraj has devoted himself to humanitarian efforts and supported ATP and WTA events in India, promoting the sport in his home country. He also ventured
into acting, appearing in James Bond and Star Trek movie franchises.
In his address, Paes reminisced about his early years, when he played hockey and football before decidingtofocusontennis.Hewent on to win an Olympic medal, continuingthelegacyofhisfather.
“It’smygreatesthonortobeonthis stagewithnotonlytheselegendsof thegame,peoplewhohaveinspired meeverysingledayofmylife not because you’ve only won Grand Slams, not because you’ve shaped our sport but every single one of thesepeoplehaveshapedtheworld welive in,” Paessaid.
“I would like to thank you so much forgivingthisIndian boyhope.” Paes,aformerstudent ofAmritraj’s
youth academy, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the player category, recognizing his outstanding achievements. The 51year-oldwon18GrandSlamtitlesin doubles and mixed doubles during his illustrious career. His induction, alongsideAmritraj’s,madeIndiathe 28th nation represented in the Hall ofFame.
PaesachievedcareerGrandSlamsin both men’s and mixed doubles, completing the men’s doubles Grand Slam with a win at the 2012 Australian Open and the mixed doubles Grand Slam with a victory at the 2016 French Open. He also won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Paes’s only ATP singles title came in 1998 on the grasscourtsofNewport.
Celebrating Courage and Change: Harold
Once a victim of human trafficking Harold D’Souza transformed his pain into purpose, advocating tirelessly for others trapped in similar situations. Harold’s unwaveringcourageanddedication inspire countless lives, demonstrating that even the darkest moments can lead to profoundchange.Harold’sstoryisa beacon of hope, reminding us that freedom and justice are attainable through perseverance and compassion.
Harold D’Souza was recognized at the United Nations for his transformative journey from
‘Slavery to Stardom’. The 18th International Human Rights Summit, held at the United Nations HeadquartersinNewYorkfromJuly 18-20, 2024, marked a significant milestone in global efforts to promote and protect human rights. Withthe theme "Empower - UniteTransform," Driving Change through Human Rights Education, the summit brought together delegates from over 75 countries, fostering a collaborative environment to drive change throughhumanrightseducation.
Oneofthehighlightsofthesummit wasthepowerfuladdressbyworldrenowned human rights activist Harold D’Souza. He left a lasting
impression on the audience, which included international delegates, human rights advocates, and UN officials.
In his moving speech, D’Souza sharedhispersonaljourneyandthe transformative power of human rights education. “Addressing the UnitedNationsisahugehonorand a blessing from Almighty God,” D’Souza told the press. His story, marked by resilience and redemption, deeply resonated with the audience. He humbly described himself as “a common man, a failure, and a sinner,” but his message of hope and empowermentwasclear.
D’Souza moderated a distinguished panel discussion on "Human Rights in Action, featuring seven international experts: Otis Daye, Canada, Equity Consultant, Halifax Regional Center for Education,
Caroline Hunter, USA, Co-Founder, Polaroid Revolutionary Workers Movement, Jaime Zablah, El Salvador, CEO, Factoria Ciudadana (Citizens Factory), Stephani Freed, USA, CEO & Co-Founder, Rapha International, Zaria Mazda, Venezuela/USA, Founding Member, Guardians of Human Rights Foundation, Dr. Lizbeth Eugenia Rosas Montero, Mexico, National System for the Comprehensive DevelopmentofFamily(SNDIF),and Chelsea Hedquist, USA, Executive Director, Lantos Foundation for HumanRights&Justice
D’Souza also took the opportunity to honor Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, President of United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International, for her unwavering dedication to the cause. D’Souza spokeattheUnitedNationsthathe failed on 4 P’s: I failed as a Parent,
Provider,ProtectorandasaPerson, butwiththeprofoundimpactofthe Universal Declaration of Human Rights,createdin1948,hispersonal and professional life changed forever. “With education, empowerment, and enlightenment of the 30 Rights, I flipped the 4 P’s into Passion, Purpose, Power, and Prayers,” D’Souza shared.
Thesummitprovidedaplatformfor D’Souza to engage with prominent figures, including Ambassador H.E. James Larsen, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, and Ambassadors from The Bahamas, Sri Lanka, USA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bolivia, and Timor-Leste. These interactions underscored the collaborative spirit necessary to advancehumanrightsglobally.
Harold D’Souza’s journey from rags toriches, povertyto prosperity,and slaverytostardomisatestamentto the power of resilience and human rights advocacy. His contributions werepreviouslyrecognizedwiththe Human Rights Hero Award in 2023, further solidifying his role as a leadingvoiceinthefightforhuman rights.
The 18th International Human Rights Summit not only celebrated the progress made but also served as a call to action for continued efforts in human rights education and advocacy. As delegates departed, they carried with them
renewed inspiration and a commitment to empower, unite, and transform their communities through the universal principles of humanrights.
A Bollywood Biopic Blockbuster Silver Screen Film on an
international platform is in the making on the life of Harold D’Souza from India to The White House. Today, Harold and Dancy D’Souza are the Co-Founders of Eyes Open International, a non-
profit organization focused on prevention, education, protection and empowerment of victims, survivors, vulnerable population and community members worldwide.
Harold D’Souza’s journey from the depths of poverty and the grips of slavery to a celebrated figure at the United Nations stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. His unwavering commitment to human rights and his ability to transform personal adversity into powerful forceforglobalchangeinspireusall to believe in the possibility of a better, more just world. D’Souza’s story reminds us that with passion, purpose, and perseverance, any obstacles can be overcome, and true heroism is within reach for us all.
Final Journey of Rev. Fr Anthony Peter, a Priest of Diocese of Shimoga
Shivamogga, July 26, 2024: Funeral ceremony of Rev. Fr Anthony Peter,
Parish Priest of St. Theresa of Child Jesus Church, Shikaripura held
today at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamoggaat10amtoday.
Rev. Fr Anthony Peter, met with an road accident on Tuesday 23rd July afternoon,atChinnikatteontheway to his parish Shikaripura. He was
travelling from Shivamogga. He diedonthespot.
Hismortalremainswerebroughtto the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga at 7am for the public homage. Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Director received thebodyandledtheprayer.Rev.Fr Roshan Pinto, Director of Sannidhi, Rev. Fr Pius D'Souza, Director of SMSSS - Chaitanya, Rev. Fr Arun Venil D'Silva, Procurator of the DioceseandFrNelsonD'Souza,HM ofLoyolaEnglishHighSchool,were present.
At 8am Diocesan Bishop Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ blessed the body.
Holy Eucharist began at 10am. Bishop Francis Serrao SJ concelebrated Holy Eucharist with Bishop Duming Dias of Diocese of Karwar, Bishop Joseph Arumachadath of Diocese of Bhadravati, Msgr Joseph Felix Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Shimoga, Rev. Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque, Chancellor of the Diocese of
Shimoga and large number of PriestsfromallaroundKarnataka.
Bishop Duming Dias of Diocese of Karwar gave the introduction, Rev. Fr Veeresh Vincent Moras, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church,Tirthahalli,preachedaheart touching sermon. He based his homilyonLk24:1-12;"Whydolook forthelivingamongthedead?".He connected it to the life of Fr Anthony Peter and spoke on the hope that we have in the ResurrectedLordJesusChrist.
AttheendoftheHolyEucharistRev.
Fr Steven D’Sa gave the Eulogy. Mr. Manuel Brother of Rev. Fr Anthony Peterspoke on behalfof the family. He thanked the Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Priests and Religious as well as faithful gathered for the funeralceremony.
Bishop Francis Serrao SJ spoke on behalf of the Diocese. He said that we have lost a good and dedicated Priest. He stands tall for his love for thePoorandthe downtrodden above all love for the Church.
Rev.FrBiju,ParishPriestofInfant
Jesus Church, Sharavathinagar proposedthevoteofthanks.Rev.Fr Alphonse Nelson D'Souza Emceed theprogram.
Funeral rites were done by the Bishop Francis Serrao SJ. Bishop Duming Dias and large number of Priests, Religious and faithful witnessed his burial in Priests cemeteryatCathedralCampus.
Rev. Fr Anthony Peter was born on 07.01.2024 and was ordained on 04.05.2004. He served as Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, St. Thomas Church, Davanagere,. Then he did his Higher Studies & got his Doctorate in Liturgy in Urbaniana University Rome. He served as ParishPriestofSt.Anthony’sShrine, Karehalli,2017to 2023heservedat OurLadyofHealth,MinorBasilicaof Harihar. At Present he was the Parish Priest of St. Theresa of Child Jesus Church, Shikaripura. In him Diocese of Shimoga lost a good pastor.
Please click the link for the Funeral ceremony:https://www.youtube.co m/live/TxEv1bnHw_0?si=CBgcLsKQ EdYh1gYS
Vana mahothsav at St. Agnes PU College
“Environment” encompasses everything around us & it plays a crucial role in sustaining of life on earth. A healthy environment is essential for human well – being, economicprosperityand
sustainable development. To foster the interest & care for nature among the students, the Eco- club “SRISHTI” under the aegis of the DepartmentofBiology,StAgnesPU College, Mangaluru, organized Eco-
Week2024.
On Van Mahotsav, a series of activities were organized for the I & II PUC Biology students. These activities were designed to instill in them a senseof responsibility
towards the environment. The festival of trees provided an excellent opportunity to engage students in activities that ignited their passion for the nature and to
promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
The event was marked by a flurry of activities that would tap into the latent creativity and artistic flair of the students. The students
displayed their love for nature through various mediums which included rock paintings, card making, charts etc. that carried the messageofonenesswithnatureand the pressing need of the day to preserve and espouse the cause of nature conservation. They also highlighted the detrimental impact of plastic pollution and advocated the need for a plastic- free environment. An exhibition on home remedies, for common ailments, fostered a greater appreciation for traditional
knowledge and practices. A classroom awareness initiative was launchedtoeducatestudentsabout the significance of Van Mahotsav and the need for environmental stewardship. A quiz competition was conducted to test students’ knowledge on the topic of environment including biodiversity, conservationandtheimportanceof trees. Theme- centered melodious groupsongperformances createda festive atmosphere and reinforced the message of protecting and preserving the environment. The studentsenthusiasticallyshowcased their scientific skills by creating intricatemodelsofvariousconcepts relatedto nature conservation.
The Van Mahotsav celebration by Eco Club was a resounding success and students displayed intense fervour by actively participating in variousactivities.Theeventnotonly promotedenvironmentalawareness but also nurtured creativity, collaboration and instilled a sense ofresponsibilitytowardsnature.The Eco club, at St Agnes Pu College, looks forward to organizing more
Harihara celebrated 12th AnniversaryonJuly21st.
homily on “Jesus is our Good shepherd who has compassion on us”. He said that sadness and failurescanneverdefeatusbecause God we worship is a mighty God, who loves us and takescare of us. He prayed over the faithful gathered.
Rev. Fr George K. A, Rector of Our LadyofHealthMinorBasilicaandFr Richard Mascarenhas SJ were concelebrants.
After the Holy Eucharist at 11am Formal stage Program was organised at Maria Nivas School Hall. Emcee Mrs. Kavya Vinod led theprogram.LegionofMaryJuniors performed Prayer dance. Legion of Mary Harihara President Mrs. Metty Thankachan welcomed the gathering.
At 8:30am Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Legion of Mary Shimoga Diocesan Spiritual Director celebrated the Holy Eucharist And preached a
Legion of Mary Shimoga Diocesan President Mr. Anthony Dias, Legion of Mary Diocesan Spiritual Director Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Rector of Minor Basilica of Harihar Very Rev. Fr George K. A, Legion of Mary MinorBasilicaSpiritualDirectorRev. Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ, Legion of Mary St. Thomas Church
Davanagere President Mrs. KanchanaandLegionofMaryMinor Basilica Harihar Spiritual Sister Sr. KusumawereontheDais.
SecretaryMrs.BabyClarapresented theannualreport.
Fr Franklin D’Souza, in his speech highlighted the importance of Legion of Mary in the Diocese as well is in the Parish. He said Minor BasilicaisagifttousfromGod.This is the place of prayer and worship. Legion of Mary has a great role in creating prayerful atmosphere through their generous service. He also congratulated the efforts of Fr George K A and Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ in building up of theLegionofMaryAssociation.
Fr George K. A in speech congratulated the members and invited them to continue their services in the footsteps of Blessed MotherMary.Hesaidthatthisplace is specially chosen by God, and we arecalledtoserveselflesslythrough ourprayeranddedicatedservice.
FrRichard Mascarenhas SJ said that we all are in a holy place. Every day we learn in this place by the visits andstoriesofthepilgrims.Internwe keep ourselves Holy in our lives. Legion of Mary is a wonderful platform to be at the service of the Church.
Legion of Mary President Mr. Anthony Dias congratulated the organisersandadmonishedtokeep upthespiritoftheAssociation.
From the Diocesan Legion; Secretary: Mr. Vijaya Ratna Kumar, Treasurer: Mr. Arokia Raj and Extention officer, Mrs. Albina Quadraswerepresent
St. Thomas Church, Davanagere Legionmemberswerealsopresent.
Ms. Divya Suman proposed Vote of thanks.
Fr Franklin D’Souza concluded the program with Prayer. Lunch was servedtoall
Guest Lecture on “Colonialism as a Driver of India's Economic History: An Analysis”
The Department of English, St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, organised a Guest Lecture on “Colonialism as a Driver of India's Economic History: An Analysis” By Dr Geralyn Pinto, as part of an Orientation Programme for the new batch of English Major students (2024-2027). All the students of MA English and English Major students of BA attended the
programme which was held on 20 July2024atthePGAuditoriumofSt AgnesCollege.
The Resource Person, Dr Geralyn Pinto is the former HOD of the Department of English, St Agnes College,andisacreativewriterwho has won several prizes and awards for her writing. She is a PhD Research Guide at Mangalore University and has many national
Inherlectureshethrewlightonthe effectsofcolonisationontheIndian economy. She traced the history of colonial economic policies and the subsequent drain of wealth from IndiatoEngland.Shedemonstrated how Imperialism has shaped modern inequality in several fundamental ways. Her highly informative,objectiveandenriching analysis was laced with characteristicwitandhumour.
Dr. Zubaida. H, HoD of the English department delivered the welcome speechandintroducedtheresource person. Sr Dr Vinora A C, Coordinator of PG Studies presented the memento to the resourceperson.
The session concluded with a vote ofthanksbyNarmada,astudent of MA English. Ms. Sandhya Nayak, Asst. Professor, presented a plaque of appreciation and Dr. Zubaida H presentedasmalltokenofgratitude toDrGeralynPinto.
The Guest lecture was followed by an interactive programme for the firstyearBAEnglishMajorstudents. It included a short play by the second-year students, followed by games conducted by the third-year students. In a continuation of the traditionofthe Englishdepartment, second- and third-year students who had excelled in the Major English papers of the previous semesters were awarded prizes for theiracademicperformance.
ICYM and YCS/YSM members of Basilica of our lady of health
Harihar "Youth for a greener tommorow" our sapling initiative
Davanagere, July 21, 2024: The ICYM and YCS/YSM members of Harihar Parish planted saplings to enhance the local environment by increasing green cover and promoting biodiversity. The Youth
Directorof Dioceseof Shimoga Rev Fr Franklin D'souza, the youth Director of Little Flower Deanary Rev Fr Alwin Stanislaus, the Parish PriestofHariharVeryRev.FrGeorge KA, Bro. Allen James, Deacon
Anthony Raj SDB along with
Animators and all the ICYM and YCS/YSM members planted the saplings. Around 15 saplings were planted to contribute towards the environment.
The saplings’ planting event was a success, with an enthusiastic participation and a positive impact on the local environment. It was a
meaningful step towards creating a greener and more sustainable future. YouthDirectorof Diocese of Shimoga appreciated the initiative of ICYM and YCS/YSM of Our Lady ofHealthMinorBasilicaHariharand congratulatedthem. Youth took pledge of saving environment.
Enjoy the exquisite flavors of Monsoon Milan at Bondel.
OnSunday,July21,2024,theLadies
Association of St. Lawrence Church in Bondel hosted the Monsoon Milan event at 11:30 a.m. in the church hall. The programme commenced with a heartfelt prayer song seeking divine blessings,
followed by a warm welcome from Mrs. Avitha Mascarenhas, the association'sPresident.
Guests were warmly welcomed by the office bearers, each receiving a rose. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D'SouzaParish Priest, Rev Fr Peter
Gonsalves-Spiritual Director for Ladies Association, Rev Fr William D'Souza -Asst. Parish Priest, Rev Fr
Ravi kumar MSIJ, Br Stephan
Betharram , Br Balaswami -Jeppu
Seminary, Vice President Mr John D
'Silva,MrSanthoshMisquith
Mrs Lidwin D'Cunha showcased her creativitybywritingallthenamesof thefoodpreparedfortheMonsoon
Milanandincorporatingthemintoa very good song, her efforts were evidentinthewell-craftedlyricsand the song was truly attractive and enjoyable. An upbeat dancing performance by the Bala Yesu Nilaya Children highlighted their skills, and they received a warm roundofapplause.
Rev.FrPeterGonsalvesdeliveredan insightful message about Monsoon Milan, highlighting its significance and the impact it has on the community. He emphasized the importance of this tradition and how it brings people together, creating a sense of unity and continuity. Special recognition was given to the Ladies' Association of Bondel for their vital role in Parish activities. Fr Peter congratulated all the members for their dedicated serviceandtheirreadinesstohelp.
The event featured a variety of cultural performances, Melisha Crasta gave a remarkable dance, a traditional Kawali performance by members, Cynthia and her group mesmerized the audience with a well-coordinated dance, Teacher OliviaD’Saimpressedeveryonewith
her solo act, Anita Thoras and her group delivered a stunning dance performance.
Dr. Preethi Keerthi D'Souza conducted various games for the kids and attendees. It was a lot of fun, and everyone eagerly participated,findinggreatjoyinthe activitieslaterprizesawardedtothe winners.
Veena D’Souza compered the programme, while Mrs. Cecilia D’Cunha delivered the formal vote of thanks who expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and attendees for making the event a success, Rev. Fr William D'Souza said grace, blessing the food and the fellowship of the community. This added a spiritual and thankful notetothefestiveoccasion.
A highlight of the event was the culinary spread, featuring 26 different cuisines and sweet dishes prepared by association members. The delicious food was enjoyed by over 200 attendees, the Mansoon Millan event was a true celebration of community, talent, and togetherness, leaving a lasting impressiononallwhoattended.
memorable event filled with talent, enthusiasm, and camaraderie. It provided a platform for students to showcase their skills and creativity, setting a promising tone for the academic year ahead.This event aimed to acquaint freshers with the
campus culture, foster new friendships, and provide a memorable start to their academic journey.
Exordium 2k24 commenced with a heartfelt prayer song, filling the air withpositivityandinspiration.Our
student cabinet dazzled the audience with their talents, showcasingcreativityandteamwork right from the start! Ms Ansha
Maroli warmly welcomed the
of community and opportunity that Exordiumbrings.
Students from various classes presented entertaining performances, exhibiting their creativity and teamwork. From dance to drama, our students left everyone mesmerized with their exceptional performances, highlighting their artistic flair and dedication.
ThegrandfinaleofMsFresher2k24 was nothing short of spectacular! Our finalists rocked the ramp walk and aced the Q&A session showcasing their confidence and
charm, proving they're ready to shineatExordium2k24andbeyond.
The event was smoothly compered by MsRiah and MsAmra, who kept the audience engaged and the programrunningseamlessly.
‘Exordium - Freshers Day' was a celebration of talent, unity, and excitement. Here's to a memorable starttoanamazingjourneyahead!
ATHENACOLLEGE OF NURSING, MANGALORE
REPORT ON NATIONALWEBINAR - 2024
Athena Institute of Health Sciences has organized the one day
National Webinar on “Unboxing Artificial IntelligenceandHealth
Care”on19thofJuly2024atAthena College of Nursing from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The President of the programMr.R.S.Shettian,Chairman
AIHS, Prof. Sr. Deepa Peter Principal AIHS, Prof Sunitha Lobo Vice Principal ACON, Dr. Nandini M PrincipalofAlliedHealthScience,Dr. Binsha Pappachan KSNC Observer, Ms. Nishel Barboza Organizing Secretory presided over the program. The webinar started with the prayer song by 4th year B. Sc nursing students followed by the Dignitaries on the dais lighted the Indian Lamp and officially inauguratedthe program.
The Webinar was conducted through Google Meet. Sr. Deepa Peter welcomed the gathering and Prof. Sunitha Lobo addressed the gathering with a keynote. Mr. R S Shettian gave Presidential address saying the importance of AI, motivating and assuring the participantsthat thesessionswould be totally beneficial, gaining knowledge on AI and its use in health care and daily life. The inauguralprogramconcludedwitha vote of thanks delivered by Prof. HemalathaGHODinObstetricsand Gynaecological Nursing. Before
commencing with the sessions pretest link was sent to the delegates through WhatsApp and Email. There were more than 250 attendees registered for the event from different colleges in and around the country.
Mrs. Viola Felicita Dsouza, Asst. Lecturer introduced the first Speaker of the day, Rev. Fr. Sabu ThomasAssistantProfessorDept.of English, Scared Heart College, Thevara Kochi. Fr. Sabu Thomas is a enthusiastic educator having an extensive knowledge on the AI. He highlighted the importance of AI tools with hand on experience, which enriched us with a depth knowledge on AI in education, research and healthcare.
Mrs Thelma Dsouza, Asst Lecturer introduced the Speaker of the second session, Dr Arvind C V Professor, Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering, NMAM Institute of technology, NITTE, Mangalore. He presented different AI tools which are used in hospitals forbetter patient outcomes.
Mrs. Priya Carnelio, Lecturer introduced the speaker of the third session Mrs. Lilly Maben Senior Robotic nurse, Team leader,
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. She gave us an insight into the robotic surgeries withpracticalexamplesandtherole oftheroboticnurse.
Attheendofthewebinaraposttest link and feedback link was sent to the delegates in the WhatsApp
group and Email. The webinar was compered by Mrs. Prashwin 1st year M.Sc Nursing student ACON. Overall, the webinar was a successful event and very informative to the delegates. Hoping that the delegates would useAItoolsinfuture.
Blessing and Inauguration of Mount Carmle Spirituality Centre
Edmonton,Alberta, Canada
16th July, 2024, the Solemnity of OurLadyofMountCarmelwasared letterdayforthesecondfoundation of the Carmelites in Canada, at Edmonton.
At 10.45 am around 1150 people gathered at the entrance of the
ChapelalongwithMostRev.Richard Smith,theArchbishopofEdmonton, Most Rev. Gary Franken, the Bishop ofStPaul’s,and over40 priests.Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial of Karnataka-Goa Province cut the ribbonandopenedthedoorsofthe new Spirituality Centre. The Archbishop greeted the people and said the opening prayer. All then entered the new Chapel while the Cathedral Choir chanted the entranceantiphons.
During the penitential rite, the Archbishop blessed the sanctuary and the entire edifice, by sprinkling Holy Water. After the homily the litany of saints was sung. The Archbishop placed the relics of three saints (St Therese, St Jean VenardandStAndreBessette)inthe open slot of the Altar which was shut with a marble plaque by an expert mason. Then the Archbishop poured Holy Oil on the altar and consecrated it. There followed the long prayer of consecration, incensing of the Altar and marking the walls of the Chapel at four locations with Holy Oil. The deacon along with the altar servers lit the
candles on the altar and those affixed to the walls of the Chapel. This was a beautiful ceremony witnessed bythe crowdsilently. The Eucharist then continued in the normal way. After communion, the Archbishop solemnly placed the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, while the choir members sang an appropriate hymn.
Before the final blessing by the Archbishop, Rev. Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souzathankedhimandaskedthe faithful to acknowledge his openness and generosity in acceptingthepresenceandministry of the Carmelites in the Archdiocese. After he was felicitated, he left the venue quickly ashe had other commitments.
Fr. Frank Sharma was the Master of Ceremonies at the short programmeaftertheMass.Itbegan with a hymn to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Fr Jerome Moras, the Superior of the community, welcomed all and invited the dignitaries to the stage in front of thealtar.
During this very important moment Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, the Provincial of Karnataka-Goa Province spoke about the early history of the Carmelites on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land and the dynamic spread of Carmel in Europe.TodaythevineplantedbySt Teresa of Jesus is flourishing in Canada, of whose existence she probablyneverknew!
NexttheBishopofSt.Paul’sCatholic Diocese, Most Rev. Gary Franken, a dear friend of the Carmelites (as he was VG in Vancouver) spoke about the importance of such Spirituality Centres today, and he applauded theinitiativetakenbytheCarmelites through Fr. Rudolf withthe financial backingofMissHelenChuaTiampo. Fr. Archibald R. Gonsalves, the First Councillor of the Karnataka-Goa Province, with his powerful speech used three meaningful words: WOW, HOW, NOW. The Wow moments of this massive project, include the gift of the 36 acres by the Archbishop and Fr Raymond Gimould (Founder of the erstwhile EphphataCentre)andtheenormous
financing by Helen Chua Tiampo. In the HOW, he underlined the role of Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza in getting this project realized with the help of Helen’s Lawyers, accounting department etc. Then he spoke of the NOW of the Spirituality Centre, which should perpetuate the Spirt ofCarmelandChristian Spirituality. ThenFr.AlexBraganzatheDelegate Provincial spoke about how this centrecametoitsexistencewiththe help of so many people, including Helen,Lawyers,Architect,Engineers, carpenters and with the generous collaboration by Carmelites friars who worked here as superiors and members like Fr. Mario Fernandes, Fr.AlfredoPereira,Bro.JosefGiroux, Fr. Roshan D’Souza, Fr. Rajesh Madtha, Fr. Ivan Sanctis and Fr AlwynSequeira.Healsothankedthe present community Fr. Jerome Moras (Superior), Fr. Frank Sharma (Director)andFr. Kevin Fernandes. Fr. Rudolf on his part gave a short history of the previous Retreat Centre – Ephphata , which attracted hundreds of people to the centre that functioned for almost 29 years before the Carmelites took over in
2017. He also mentioned the roadblocks this project hit during thelast6yearsofitsprogress.There was Covid pandemic during which the work had been stalled, then the crisisfacedbythefirstcompanythat was hired to realize the project by name Alfred Horie, which was later replaced by Golden Construction Company and the crisis of construction material due to Ukraine War, and the mounting construction costs.
Then he thanked all the prominent personalities that were involved in the realization of this project with a tokenofgratitudeandappreciation.
Two books by Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza were released on the occasion:
Words That Matter , by Rev. Fr. SilvestreD’Souza,Provincialandthe Konkani Book Theklenthlo DevuncharbyHelen Chua Tiampo. The program concluded with the wisewordsofFr.FrankSharma,who thankedtheparticipantsandinvited all to a sumptuous luncheon in the campustentandinthemegahallof theSpiritualityCentre.
All the participants of the inauguration function of the
Spirituality Centre and the Monastery expressed their deep appreciation and offered sincere congratulations to the Discalced Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province.
