FR. AGNEL’S CALL
Contents
A mission and youth magazine
Vol. 54 | February 2019 | No. 2 Editorial
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Relationship Matters Cover Feature
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Relationship: Three Important Aspects
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Social Intelligence: key to fostering healthy and happy relationship
- Fr. Dr. Amritraj, op
- Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx Spirituality
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Lectio Divina - Fr. Santosh Mendonca, sfx
Family in the Plan of God
- Saumika Crasta
Love Makes Me New - Dr. Noemia Mascarenhas
YOUTH Which direction am I heading in? - Dr. Nelly De Sa
Believe it or not - Scholastic Jegan Franklin, sfx
Secrets of Healthy Relationships - Nirmala Rebello
Editor: Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx Editorial Team: Fr. Dr. Ivon Almeida, sfx; Fr. Joaquim Mascarenhas, sfx; Dr. Nelly De Sa; Dr. Rafael Fernandes
- Fr. Walter D’Souza, sfx
An interview with Fr. Agnelo D’Souza, sfx - Scholastic Jaison D’Souza, sfx
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OH! Goa Serendipity Arts Festival
- Vembly Colaco
Inside India Love Jihad - Why we can’t make sense of love
- Ian Pinto, sdb
Saint of the month St. Minguel Febres Cordero
- Scholastic Leonray De Melo, sfx
Mission Musings Dudhni – Fulfilment of the Mandate
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Global Gaze Climate Change Denial
- Fr. Agnelo Gomes, sfx Padre Agnel
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150th Birth Anniversary of Ven. Agnelo celebrated across India and UK Pilar Toons
- Fr. Saturnino Mascarenhas, sfx
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Printer and Publisher: Fr. Joseph Fernandes, sfx
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Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Thank you for your support. 3
Editorial R
elationship is all about love and bonding. Most of us have assumed and even continue to understand that the heart is the ‘seat’ of love; it is a place from where relationships sprout and blossom. However, with the course of time there has been a paradigm shift in our understanding on the processes involved in matters of relationship. Emerging research in neuroscience has concluded that the capacity to love and bond with people is controlled by our brain and not by our heart. The heart is just a basic necessary organ whose primary function is of pumping blood and supplying it to the different parts of the body; our relationships are governed by the brain. This thinking part of the body controls love and bonding. All matters of relationship are discussed within the brain and not within the heart. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has proved that, as far as relationships are concerned, the brain is the supreme part of the body as compared to the heart. This novel technique has provided mind boggling insights into the alchemy of love. The love and bonding between people is regulated by secretion of dopamine, a neurochemical that stimulates the feeling of excitement and happiness within the body. The feeling of love and bonding is also stimulated by serotonin, another important neurochemical in the brain. Serotonin mainly restraints one to think about the loved one and nothing else.
The “caudate” and the “ventral tegmental” areas of the brain have been reserved for the intricacies of love and bonding in relationship. MRI brain scans done during the experiments on love and bonding have shown the “caudate” area of the brain becoming very active. The “ventral tegmental” area, which produces dopamine, have been shown as flooding the “caudate” with dopamine and subsequently the “caudate” sending signals for more dopamine. The “limbic system”, cushioned deep within the brain between the “neocortex” (the area accountable for reason and intellect) and the “reptilian brain” (the area accountable for basic instincts) controls all the emotions connected to relationships. Neuroscience research has implicated certain areas in the brain as governing human relationships and that cognitions are responsible in activating these regions. Therefore, healthy cognitions are vital to healthy relationships. The need to love and bond with others has been identified as one of the three basic psychological needs by Self-Determination theorists Ryan and Deci. Relatedness, which is the need for belongingness and connectedness; the need to have close and affectionate relationship with ‘other’ and to feel accepted and loved, if satisfied, conduces towards health and wellbeing; if thwarted, contributes to pathology and ill-being. In order to experience an ongoing sense of integrity and well-being, the need for relatedness must be satisfied across a life span. The quality of life is ultimately dictated by the quality of a person’s relationship. Healthy relationship makes us resilient. Loving and bonding with people who value us is our only safety net in life. “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam”
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Elvis, sfx
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Cover Feature
Relationship: Three Important Aspects
Fr. Dr. Amritraj, op
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he most common human experience is learning to relate with one’s parents, siblings and others. That relationship is unique, personal and complex is a great realization. Often we are not in control of a relationship, for it is a dyadic process. The most complex and compelling experience is the relationship with the opposite sex. I would like to share three important aspects connected to relationship: how does it start, the importance of the mindset, and the ways to evaluate the relationship. A relationship starts with a need for someone in life. As social beings everyone needs to be with, to belong, love and be loved, share and care, be comfortable and relax, feel supported and sustained, enjoy and rejoice, feel the oneness with and journey with, and so on. It is for this need, people often spend an awful lot of time in choosing the right person, and to know and to evaluate whether the chosen person is the right one.
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Most relationships begin in five ways, and the most common is the one-sided or mutual attraction, which may be a physical attraction, the way the other person appears and appeals, sexual attraction, which is ingrained in almost all relationships. Most relationships begin with a combination of both physical and sexual attraction. There is an element of sexuality in every normal relationship, and that would be a compelling factor in the process of carrying on the relationship. There could also be attractions based on skills and talents found in someone. There may also be attractions based on the emotional closeness or emotional dependency. There is the emotional need to relate to a particular person and to depend on that person. But very rarely there is spiritual attraction. Another way for a relationship to begin is when one is available. It is difficult to carry on when the person is not available for relationship. It also begins, when the relationship is acceptable to both of them. It 5
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also begins when there is a possibility to carry on for a sufficient period of time. Sometimes the relationship begins when one finds an interest in the other. The interest continues to increase and it leads to a mutual relationship. When two people have had any of these five different experiences, they would be sustained by a fif or a funny internal feeling towards each other. The starting of a relationship is an experience giving a powerful, personal, affective, stressful, transformative and wonderful event having most of the time this funny internal feeling. Every relationship begins in a wonderful way, but after some time there is a drastic change. If a relationship has to continue, then a decision must be made, that is, a reason for having this person in a relationship. The reason is called the ‘mindset’ that is, with this person I would like to have this type of relationship. When the mindset is fixed, then the person begins the process of the relationship according to and depending on that mindset. The mindset determines, directs, guides, plans, programs, conditions, controls, proceeds towards the type of relationship one wants to have in the long run. We have many friends and certainly we relate with each of them differently, because the process of building a relationship depends on the mindset. Therefore, it is important to know the mindset of a person when one decides to build a relationship. This mindset may be a healthy one or an unhealthy one. With one, the mindset may be to ‘care’, with another to ‘share’, to ‘protect’, to relate as a ‘friend’ or as a brother or sister, with another as a ‘guide’. We may also have the mindset to use, abuse, molest, hurt, harm, to have physical
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or sexual closeness, emotional manipulation, for selfish reason or for unselfish reasons, to be possessive or to belong, to have a cheerful relationship or to have a sad relationship, or a spiritual relationship and so on. The ‘mindset’ is the underlying factor for proceeding with the relationship in a particular way for better or for worse. All of us enter into various types of relationships, but is there a way of evaluating our relationship? Yes. There is a ‘ten way test’ to evaluate every relationship, whether it is between couples, parents and children, teachers and students, among friends, lovers, teammates, classmates, etc. The following is the ten way test. 1. Trust is the foundational virtue: The foundation for any type of relationship is trust. If there is no trust then it is better to end it or to rectify it. Most people would tend to ask three questions based on trust: Can I trust this person? Is this person trustworthy? Can I trust myself with this person? To trust is easy, to break the trust is easier, but to live the responsibility of trust is most difficult. To trust is a natural gift given to every person.
2. Love is the bonding virtue: Love brings two people close to each other with a unique bond. Human love is a combination of divine benevolence and the animal instinct of lust. Individuals experience, enjoy and express the bond depending on the love-lust proportion. Our self-analysis is to find out what is the level or percentage or proportion of this combination of love-lust in our interaction with the other. Is love more than lust or lust more than love? Ordinarily, when love is more than lust then the interaction is loving and caring; but if lust is more than love then it would be physical or sexual in nature. Both are needed in our life and relationship, particularly for married couples both are essential for their relationship.
3. Respect is the mutual virtue: It is a difficult virtue to practice because when we come close to another the level of respect would tend to change. There are some important areas one Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
4. Honesty is the expected virtue: One is naturally expected to be honest in a relationship. Though it may be difficult, it is important to be honest about your personal life, your history, important events of your life. We cannot change our past, but it is possible to begin a new life with honesty. A dishonest relationship slowly breaks the bond of love and cracks the foundation of trust.
5. Security is the comforting virtue: The indication that one is deeply comfortable with another, is because of the feeling of security. The strength of a relationship depends on the personal experience of security in the presence and company of the other. The feeling of being protected is a sign of enjoying personal security.
and supporting each other, and in fact to carry on any relationship they must experience, live and enjoy commitment to each other.
9. Humour is the renewing virtue: Whenever there is tension or disinterestedness or irritation or anything which makes the relationship uncomfortable, that is the time humour is needed to renew the relationship. Friends or couples who laugh, joke, are humorous and have fun together, certainly are more relaxed and would enjoy the presence and the company of the other. 10. Forgiveness is the divine or noble virtue: Human beings are weak and fail in one way or
6. Belonging is an experiential virtue: As the relationship deepens, there is a personal experience of belonging to the other. There are different types and levels of belongingness. There is a serious difference between belonging and possessing. In a relationship one never possesses the other. There is sufficient room for freedom to be, to grow, to develop and to mature as a person, leading to a dependent or independent belonging.
the other whenever we make mistakes, betray or experience unpleasant incidents in our life, we need to cement, rectify, rejuvenate, renew, or restart the relationship. To do so forgiveness is needed. Forgiveness is not a natural quality of human beings, but whenever we forgive it manifests the divine quality within us.
8. Commitment is the sustaining virtue: Commitment to each other would sustain a relationship. Commitment leads to knowing
(The writer is a member of the Order of Preachers. He is involved in preaching and teaching ministry)
7. Communication is the virtue of intimacy: The closeness, intimacy, sharing depends on the level and the type of communication. Communication is an everyday need in a relationship. Even the minimum of communication would help in saving troubled relationships. Part of evaluation is to find out what is the level of intimacy. There is a significant correlation between communication, intimacy and trust.
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
All these virtues are interconnected, interdependent, interrelated and intersupportive of one another. All of them are necessary to have a good and a healthy relationship, at least a minimum of these virtues are essential to build a good relationship. The ten way test is one of the best ways to know clearly, analyze realistically and evaluate systematically our relationship, whether we are friends, companions or a couple. The relationship begins, the mindset controls, but the ten way test helps to evaluate it. u 7
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must learn to respect: to respect the physical person; to respect the emotion of the other; to respect the thinking of the other; to respect the social background of your friend; and to respect the family of your friend. ‘A friend is an extended member of the family’.
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Social Intelligence: key to fostering healthy and happy relationship
Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx
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prah Winfrey, one of the famous personalities in the television industry and the talk show queen, is well-known for her abilities to connect with people and influence them effectively. She is a social genius. She can bring magic to her conversation with just anyone. Her behaviour towards others has a ‘nourishing effect’. It makes people feel valued, respected, affirmed and encouraged. Such nourishing behaviours are indicators of high social intelligence which is the ability to effectively build relationships and navigate social environments. Developing Social intelligence The professor of Harvard University, Howard Gardner proposed that Intelligence is multidimensional and Social Intelligence is one of the six primary dimensions of intelligence. Each of these dimensions can be developed throughout one’s life if there are appropriate challenges and growth opportunities. Unlike Intelligence or IQ which is determined by genetic factors, Social Intelligence is influenced by environmental factors. It is developed through experience with people in the environment. It is acquired by way of learning from success and failures in social settings. Peterson and Seligman’s, Character Strengths and Virtues: handbook and classification have included Social Intelligence as one of the 24 widely valued positive traits. They too agree that it can be learnt, practised and cultivated through daily encounters that deepen and develop the ability to connect socially. An effective way to develop Social intelligence is by acquiring communication and
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conversational skills. Social Intelligence (SI) has to do with “people skills”. Communication and conversational skills are paramount for developing social intelligence. Someone with high social intelligence can effectively communicate and carry on conversation with a wide variety of people in different social settings.
Awareness of social dynamics that govern social situations is also crucial in cultivating Social Intelligence. Socially Intelligent persons have knowledge of strategies of getting along with people and getting their cooperation. They have insight and consciousness of their own perceptions and reaction patterns. Socially Intelligent people are well versed with social roles and social norms that govern social interactions. Knowledge of social roles allow these individuals to feel comfortable with diverse people which makes them feel socially self-confident and effective.
Respecting other’s opinions and perspectives is also an important component in cultivating social intelligence. Imposing our ideas on others decreases their motivation and creates resentment causing injury to relationships.
Being empathetic or understanding to what others are going through is also essential for developing social intelligence. It is being aware and acknowledging another person’s emotional state either by encouraging a good mood or elevating a bad one.
In more personal interactions, an extremely effective way to increase social intelligence is to attune oneself to what others are saying. Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Social Intelligence strengthens social relationship Daniel Goleman, an internationally known psychologist and science journalist, in his revolutionary book Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships says “Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - or compassionate action.” He argues that developing Social Intelligence can have a significant impact in strengthening social relationship. When you act intelligently while interacting with other people there emerges trust, commitment and trustworthiness which are the building block for any type of relationship. Trust is that foundation upon which a relationship can survive and flourish. Trusting others is an indication of feeling safe in relying on others and feeling comfortable in confiding with them. One believes that the other person will remain loyal. Relationships wither in the absence of trust. They become chaotic and dysfunctional. Social intelligence enables to build trust which is the driving factor in a relationship. Getting commitment and cooperation from others is enabled through empathy and social skills which are essential elements of social intelligence. If a leader is equipped with the ability to get along with people and invest in developing better working relationship with his workforce, then they will work towards achieving the team goals and will function successfully as a team.
Trustworthiness is the basis of social life. Socially intelligent individuals are capable of infusing trustworthiness in a relationship because their interactions are marked with integrity and are consistent with their values. Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Technology use thwarting development of Social Intelligence Karl Albrecht, the author of Social Intelligence: The New Science of Success states that situational awareness, presence, authenticity, clarity and empathy as social skills required to make significant improvement in social intelligence. If not all, development of social intelligence requires at the very least our full presence in most social situations. However, our hand-held devices for digital communication can negatively impact almost all of these elements. Most of us would switch off our phones and put them out of sight when we are in a church, a temple, a mosque or a yoga studio. Nissan, the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer initiated a red-thumb no-texting campaign while driving because we might hurt someone else while we drive. Such redthumb campaign could also be employed when it comes to personal relationship because nowadays, whether we admit it or not, we are drunk with distractions from technology use in almost all social situations. This culture of distraction where we are getting increasingly disconnected from the people and events around us have to be subverted. Training in Social Intelligence also has an indirect effect on physical and mental health.
Fostering Social Intelligence enhances social relationship. Strength of relationship affects every area of our lives. Having strong social relationships strengthens the immune system and defends the body against disease. When social relationships are weak it often causes stress, health problems and depression. u
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Effective listening skills help in connecting with others deeply and gain their trust and friendship. Effective listening skills involve understanding what’s being said as well as that not being said.
ST. MINGUEL FEBRES CORDERO
Spirituality
Saint of the Month
Scholastic Leonray De Melo, sfx
How would you like to have a teacher who was described like this?
He was kind to everyone and treated all of his students, rich or poor, the same. He liked to be with the students, and they liked to be with him. All of the children in the school loved him. Francisco was the baptismal name of this saint who was born on 7 November 1854 at Cuenca, Ecuador. Despite the painful handicap he was born with, in his feet, and which troubled him all his life, Francis was quite active.
When he was 15, Francis, joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools. In fact, he was the first Latin American brother to make perpetual vows in the congregation. At his religious profession, he was named Brother Miguel. As a Christian Brother, he spent many years in teaching languages and literature at the school level in Quito. As a teacher, he was always looking for new ways to present the material. He wanted to make the lessons and work more pleasant for
students. He laughed with his students and was understanding and patient.
Brother Miguel continued writing, and his scholarly works in literature earned him academic honors in South America and Europe. But what Miguel really excelled at teaching was ‘catechetics’ and preparing children for their First Holy Communion. Brother Miguel did not think he was very important. He thought the most important ones were his students.
In 1907, Miguel was called to the Motherhouse in Belgium to translate some books. On the way he stopped for a short visit in New York City. From Belgium he went to a school in Spain where young men were preparing to become Christian Brothers. In 1909, during the Spanish Revolution, the school came under attack. Brother Miguel took the Blessed Sacrament from the chapel and led the novices across the bay to safety in Barcelona. He died of pneumonia a year later. He was laid to rest in Ecuador and the people welcomed him with a great procession through the streets of Quito, Ecuador.
“I give myself completely to Jesus so that He can use me just as He wishes. I want every word I write, everything I read, everything I do at my desk and all my work in school to be done for the glory of God.” May this humble prayer and life of St. Miguel inspire us to share the values of Christ with others. u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of First Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar Goa)
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Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Lectio Divina
Fr. Santosh Mendonca, sfx
Lectio The most basic need of a person, apart from food, clothing and shelter, is Love. We cannot live our lives in isolation for we are not just rational but relational beings which makes the need for love all the more essential. The ‘perks’ of being a Christian is that we have a model of love – Jesus - who loved and taught us to love. How? Let’s reflect on Matt 5, 43-48.
The prominent verb that Jesus used here (in fact, throughout his ministry) on his teaching of love is ἀγαπάω (agapaō) which means to love unconditionally and sacrificially as God himself loves sinful men (John 3,16) and the way He loves the Son (John 3,35;15,19). In v. 44, by using the present imperative (ἀγαπᾶτε, v. 44) Jesus commands (rather than suggests) this supernatural love as a lifestyle or continual practice. This love may involve emotion, but it always comprises action. It is not passive, but active, towards all - friends or enemies, worthy or unworthy (Rom 5,8). In other words, it is a selfless love that thinks of others before it thinks of self which, Paul explains, is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5,22). Another point which is worth noting is that, Jesus’ words on love are not based upon any prophesied outcome. Love is not being required because it will set the world right. Instead one’s motivation to love arises out of a desire to be like God: imitatio Dei (cf. Matt 18,23–35). This means the energy for love will not be exhausted if the conversion of the wicked does not result. Therefore, Matt 5,43–48 is not pragmatic advice (‘love works’). It is a command to love disinterestedly. Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Meditatio Thomas Merton said, “Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of themselves.” For the Jewish rabbis, “neighbour” πλησίον (plesion) meant only those who were of their own country, nation, and religion, whom they were pleased to look upon as their friends. The Lord Jesus teaches that we must do all the real kindness we can to all, especially to their souls. We must pray for them. While many will render good for good, we must render good for evil; and this will speak a nobler principle than most men act by. Others salute their brethren, and embrace those of their own party, and way, and opinion, but we must not so confine our respect. It is the duty of Christians to desire, and aim at, and press towards perfection in grace and holiness. And therein we must study to conform ourselves to the example of our heavenly Father, 1 Pet 1,15,16. Surely more is to be expected from the followers of Christ than from others; surely more will be found in them than in others. Let us beg of God to enable us to prove ourselves his children. Oratio Lord, let your light shine in my life that I may be able to illumine my life and the lives of others through my words, deeds and thoughts always governed by the supreme principle of love.
Actio Brighten someone’s day with a smile or a gesture of fraternal love. u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is pursuing his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy)
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Spirituality
Matthew 5: 43-48
Spirituality
Family in the Plan of God Saumika Crasta
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ot too long ago, the frail Saint Teresa of Kolkata made some alarming statements about modern family in the hope of preserving sacred family values. “I think the world today is upside down. Everybody seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater development and greater riches. There is much suffering because there is so very little love in homes and in family life. We have no time for each other.” God laid the foundation for every family with Adam and Eve, but the loving communion of Eden was broken by greed. Not content with the fullness of God’s plan, they reached for the forbidden fruit, bringing sin and sorrow into the world. Their legacy continues even today with families living in various degrees of spiritual blindness, wanting and working towards more - more than God’s loving plan. But through humility and supplication the Holy Family of Nazareth ushered in peace and salvation for humanity. The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family as a model and inspiration for all Catholic families.
St John Paul writes in his Familiaris Consortio “I wish to invoke the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Through God’s mysterious design, it was in that family that the Son of God spent long years of a hidden life. It is therefore the prototype and example for all Christian families. It was unique in the world. Its life was passed in anonymity and silence in a
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little town in Palestine. It underwent trials of poverty, persecution and exile. It glorified God in an incomparably exalted and pure way. And it will not fail to help Christian families to be faithful to their day-to-day duties, to bear the cares and tribulations of life, to be open and generous to the needs of others, and to fulfill with joy the plan of God in their regard.” The happiness of the Holy Family that lived modestly was the outcome of the varying virtues they held dear; the virtues that bring us closer to God and to one another.
The Virtue of Silence, Instruction of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Venerable Mary of Agreda: “I desire that you esteem as a great treasure, the virtue of silence. Speaking without moderation and forethought is a two-edged sword, which wounds both the one who speaks and the one who hears, and the two of them destroy or hinder charity and all the virtues. From this you can understand how much God is offended by the vice of inconsiderate and loose talk … Only with God and His Saints can one speak with security, and even then it must be with forethought and discretion. With creatures it is very difficult to preserve the golden mean without danger of passing from the correct and necessary to the imperfect and superfluous” The Virtue of Humility, Father Maurice Meschler S.J: “St. Joseph had nothing in the temporal line to offer our Savior but his calloused hands and a heart full of devotion Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
The Virtue of Chastity, St. Josemaria Escrivá: “You don’t have to wait to be old or lifeless to practice the virtue of chastity. Purity comes from love; and the strength and gaiety of youth is no obstacle for noble love. Joseph had a young heart and a young body when he married Mary, when he learned of the mystery of her divine motherhood, when he lived in her company, respecting the integrity God wished to give the world as one more sign that he had come to share the life of his creatures. Anyone who cannot understand a love like that knows very little of true love and is a complete stranger to the Christian meaning of chastity.” The Virtue of Obedience, St Bernard of Clairvaux: “Who obeyed? Whom did He obey? God obeyed man! Yes, the God to whom the angels are subject ... was subject to Mary, and not only to Mary, but also to Joseph. For God to obey a woman is humility without parallel ... Learn then, man, to obey. God subjected Himself to men; and do you, desiring to dominate others, place yourself above your Creator?” The Virtue of Piety, Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet: “Jesus Christ did not wish to be born into a wealthy family, nor to choose parents who were illustrious for their learning. He was content with their piety.’
In a world that is indifferent to virtues, it is the humble and the hidden life of the Holy Family that continues to advocate God’s plan for marriage and family. And the following words of Pope Leo XIII give us the impetus to sanctify our ordinary life through their example.
“Fathers of families, have in St. Joseph a shining pattern for watchfulness and foresight. Mothers have in the most Holy Virgin Mother of God an extraordinary model of love, of modesty, of submissiveness of mind, and of perfect faith. Children of the family have in Jesus, who was subject to Joseph and Mary, a divine example of obedience to admire, cultivate and imitate. Those nobly born may learn from a family of royal blood how to restrain themselves in good fortune, and to retain their dignity in ill. The rich may learn from this family how much less estimable are riches than virtue. If working men and all those sorely harassed by family distresses and meagre circumstances would but look to the most holy members of this domestic society, they would find there reason to rejoice rather than to grieve at their lot” u (The writer is a Catholic wife and homeschooling mother)
The World Day of the Sick will be celebrated in Kolkata on February 9, 10 and 11, 2019. It was introduced by Pope John Paul II on 13th May 1992 and is celebrated on the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes – 11th February. The day is also the anniversary of his 1984 Apostolic Letter Salvificidoloris on the Christian meaning of human suffering.
Kolkata is chosen to celebrate the XXVII World Day of the Sick (WDS) to honour mainly “in light of the experience of St. Teresa of Calcutta,” to quote Peter Cardinal Kodwo A. Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery organising the World Day. This is the second time a place in India has been chosen, the first was Vailankanni. Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
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and love, and instead of the splendid pomp of the world, poverty and obscurity. This was precisely what the Redeemer wished. For this He had come down from Heaven.”
LOVE MAKES ME NEW
Spirituality
Finding our Treasure – 2
Dr. Noemia Mascarenhas
“I’m on top of the world… and the only explanation I can find is the love that I’ve found ever since you’ve been around, your love’s put me on the top of the world!”
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his is an extract from a song that was a top hit some years ago. Discovering that I am ‘special’ to someone else – i.e. the experience of becoming someone’s ‘beloved’ – is a transforming experience. It is as though one becomes a new person. The sad part is that we all have the experience of human love disappearing or growing sour. We get badly hurt in the bargain.
However, God’s love is not like that. It is perfect. God never stops loving us, no matter what happens. When we receive the sacrament of Baptism, each one of us receives the assurance of being the beloved of God. This is a permanent gift, no matter how bad a person one may become in later life. All through one’s life, God faithfully continues to say, “I love you!”
The love of God has transforming power. Each of us becomes a new creation at Baptism. Baptism is a rebirth – it is being born again but in a spiritual, not, physical way. The Church document, Christifideles Laici (‘On the Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World’) uses the very apt word, ‘regeneration’, to describe what happens in Baptism: “Baptism regenerates us in the life of the Son of God…” (CL 10). Just as an ordinary caterpillar gets
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transformed into a beautiful and attractive butterfly, so does an ordinary human being
become a marvelously new creation, sharing intimately in God’s own divine life. The pouring of (or immersion into) water at Baptism signifies burial into Christ’s death, from which one rises up by resurrection with Jesus Christ, as “a new creature” (CCC 1214). What an amazing treasure!!! How seriously have I taken this ‘treasure’ that I have received at Baptism? Have I lived like the ‘new creation’ that I am meant to be, fostering loving and healthy relationships wherever I go, forgiving those who hurt me and living selflessly for others? Or are my relationships just like any other human relationship? Is everything that I do geared towards getting some benefit for myself?
It will help if one repeats to oneself, daily (in fact, several times a day): I am a new creation. God’s love makes of me a new creation. What changes do I need to make in my way of thinking and behaving, so that I can live my life as the ‘new creation’ that God wants me to be? u (The writer has a doctorate in Sociology, and has taught at Rosary College (Navelim), Pilar Theological College, Institute Mater Dei (Old Goa) and JDV (Pune).
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Youth
WHICH DIRECTION AM I HEADING IN ?
Dr. Nelly De Sa
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eenage, adolescence and youth…these are the stages of life which seem the most difficult. They are phases that are marked by sudden spurts in hormones, imbalanced emotions, conflicts and misunderstandings, peer and parental pressures and to top it all the difficult decision of which career to choose. For a young budding person, trying to achieve success in a highly competitive world, coping with relationships and running the rat race, life can offer many choices, trials, temptations and challenges. But we need to stop and ask ourselves, “Which direction am I heading in?” The word of God in the book of Sirach tells us, “He has placed before you fire and water: stretch out your hand for whichever you wish.” (Sirach 15:16). God created man and left him in the power of his own inclination. If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. Before man are life and death; and whichever he chooses will be given to him. We are left with our own free will. Whatever we sow, we shall reap. But as we get caught up in the rat race and are lost in unhealthy relationships, we do get blindfolded and fail to see which direction we are heading in. Who do we consider our role models? Is it the rock stars, film stars or those success-crazy, super-rich entrepreneurs? Happiness in life does not come from money, power or position; in fact all these can ruin us and take us in the wrong direction especially if not Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
sought from the right source. But true success lies in imbibing the right values and nurturing a good heart with love of God and concern for others.
I was on my way for midnight mass on New Year’s eve, an occasion which my family and I look forward to; and I was thinking about the thousands of youth who were heading towards parties, pubs, dances and all other possible ways of bringing in the new year; I was lost for a moment worrying about them and praying for them. Many souls have been lost, caught up in the pleasures of the world, many have fallen into sin under influence of alcohol and substance abuse. Many of our youth are losing their focus and heading in the wrong direction. It is sad to see the statistics of drug abuse, HIV positive people and abortion cases in teenagers and youth. At this juncture, I pause to reflect… What is it that can help us revert ? What is it that can save our youth today? At an age where they are naive and vulnerable, support from parents, elders and a strong foundation of faith is highly essential. Love is the basic ingredient which they lack and keep looking for. I am not against parties, dances or entertainment; but in all that we do, we need to see if what we are doing is for the glory of God. And if we seek to remain in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and examine our conscience at the end of each day, we would certainly not make wrong choices. u (The writer is a Consultant Pediatrician, Santa Cruz-Goa) 15
Youth
Believe it or not - LIFE IN JESUS is indeed beautiful!
Scholastic Jegan Franklin, sfx
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ife is a gift of God and thus it is worth living. I believe that all of us in life have only one purpose and that is “TO GO BACK TO GOD”. In order to achieve that purpose, one needs to remain holy. One can remain holy either by being in the state of religious life or married life. But we are free to choose one of the either. I am Jegan Franklin from Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, and have chosen the path of religious life in order to meet my life’s purpose. Presently, I am at the Society of Pilar - a missionary society whose charism is TO BRING CHRIST TO THE UNKNOWN. I am pursuing my studies in theology at Pilar Theological College, Goa. It has been almost 14 years that I have been living in the society and I must acknowledge that my journey throughout these years has been super exciting and challenging.
This beautiful life had its beginning in the beautiful village called Nochikulam. It is here that I was born to my devout parents – Gnana Raj and Evagelin Pushparani. They passed on to me the catholic faith. They took me to the Church for daily mass. While they were busy during the week days with
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domestic chores, they encouraged me to attend the Eucharist daily on my own. But on Sundays, my mother took me along to the Church without fail. Gradually, I developed love to serve at the altar and do the readings for Mass.
But I never wanted to be a priest. The thought of becoming a priest never occurred to me until there appeared a priest in my village whose name was Fr. Amalan. What a personality he was! He was super - energetic and outgoing. He was not busy with himself. He wanted to see the people of his parish progress in life. He walked the talk. He very soon, with the help of the villagers, constructed St. Michael’s
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
When I proposed the idea of becoming a priest to my parents, they initially refused to give in to my desire. They were not wrong in doing that for I was the only child in the family. Finally, my parents gave in to my heart’s desire. They presented me in front of the Parish Priest and expressed the same to him. The parish priest was pleased with my decision and directed me to join the Pilar Society of which I never knew anything before.
In the year 2005 after my tenth standard, I joined the seminary at Fr. Agnel Illam, Chennai – one of the formation houses of the society. After 5 months of my stay in the seminary, one fine day, I received from my Director, the sad news of my grandpa’s death. I loved my grandfather just the way I loved my parents. I went home for his funeral and there, many of my relatives encouraged me to leave the seminary stating the reason that it was my absence from the house that caused his death. But my parents never uttered any discouraging words with regard to my priesthood studies. After a few days, I got back to the seminary and continued with the usual seminary life. All went on well till the twelfth standard board exam approached. I thought of leaving the seminary. The reason was that the world was looking brighter than the vocation I had chosen. When I let Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Youth
High School and got it recognized by the Government. He insisted on the spiritual life of the people. The whole village loved him as their son. It was at this juncture I wanted to imitate him. I used to think very often, “What made him do that?” Then I realized that it was the vocation which was the source of all his tireless service. I began to entertain the thought of being a priest like him, to carry out similar works.
my parents know that I would be leaving the seminary, they were ecstatic and welcomed the decision. But something in me was troubling me and was not allowing me to remain happy. My heart longed to go back to the seminary. I felt that I was called to partake in the priesthood of Christ. So I changed my mind again and told my parents that I would be joining back because I felt that I was really called to this way of life. Believe it or not, I joined back and it has been fourteen years that I have been in the seminary. God has led me all through these years despite many difficulties. My parents’ prayers lifted me up when I was at crossroads. Some might ask me, “Don’t you worry about your parents” I won’t lie. I do worry over my parents’ care at their old age. But I have surrendered them into the hands of God. He takes care of them without fail.
Finally, I want to say that life in Christ is indeed beautiful and being a missionary for God excites me further as Jesus himself was a missionary sent by his father for our redemption. So friends, I have decided to meet the infinite by embracing religious life. Have you thought of choosing your way of life? If not yet, choose fast in freedom and then start living. u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of Third Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar Goa)
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Youth
SECRETS OF HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Nirmala Rebello
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ave we ever wondered as to when a relationship begins! How many of us realize that our initial human relationships, begins with our parents from the day we are born! Yet in today’s world of electronic and social media, we get the impression that the only real meaningful relationship is a boy-girl relationship which (sometimes) starts in adolescence and ends with marriage. This is probably, because in adolescence one tends to focus only on boy-girl relationships. All other bonds with parents, siblings and other friends become secondary. It is therefore very important to realize what is happening during this intervening period between adolescence to marriage. The experiences that we go through during adolescence can either make or break our lives in the future. If the relationship is healthy, it can enrich our lives. On the other hand if one has a bad experience then one can go into a state of depression, which is only natural. This may be a time, when we need support from family and friends to resolve the depressive after effects of a relationship break-up. No doubt, the person concerned needs to accept that
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there is a problem, be ready to seek guidance and should be willing to try and make efforts at finding solutions.
At the same time, we also need to remember that many relationships built during the adolescent stage of life are strong foundations to face any challenging situation later on, in life – be they good or not so good. The good experiences lead to a more stable and responsible life which adds value and happiness not only to our lives, but also to the lives around us. Bad experiences teach us what to avoid. At the end of the day, it will dawn on us that we all live in a community and all relationships are an essential part of community life – beginning with our families and going on to school and college and then to our place of work and then back again to starting our own families.
Having realized the importance of relationships, we need to know what essentially needs to be done to build, strengthen and nurture our relationships during this crucial stage of our life, namely: Adolescence to Marriage. Let’s see how we can nurture our relationships, Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
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Firstly we have to remember that ‘nurturing any relationship is a twoway street’. Each one has a responsibility of building the other as well as themselves. A healthy relationship will rarely require anyone to sacrifice their own dreams, and definitely not their dignity. Friendships have to be built on the strong foundation of ‘Respect for each other’. No relationship is ‘as smooth’, nor can one find complete understanding between friends. Even though friends may not see eye to eye in certain matters, each one needs to learn, to respect the views of the other. It may be difficult but not impossible. It requires effort and a conscious acceptance that each of us is different. In a relationship it is important for friends to ‘effectively appreciate and encourage each other’. This will not only build the other but will also strengthen the bond among friends. Genuine appreciation plays a key role in strengthening relationships. It also encourages the other to build up a positive attitude. This in turn helps the relationship to bloom.
A healthy relationship is always based on ‘honesty’. Communication between friends becomes livelier, when it is more open with a willingness to share. True friends would know each other’s mishaps, embarrassing and funny moments. Honesty and trust go hand in hand as it allows the relationship to grow to maturity.
one’s fulfilment and contentment by not only wanting to receive support but also lending a helping hand to allow the other to grow fully and live life wholly.
When there is OPENNESS in communication: Honesty and trust between friends can strengthen the relationship.
When each one VALUES THEMSELVES AND THE OTHER, only then, can each one take the initiative at building themselves as well as the other into becoming better persons. Thus respect plays an important role in strengthening bonds of friendship
When one EXPLORES the goodness in each other by showing genuine interest in their welfare then it enriches our lives as well. It becomes a stepping stone to grow and become a better version of oneself.
Youth is therefore a time when one needs to make careful choices. Often, young people are driven to ‘fit-in’ within their peer group and may develop romantic relationships. If such relationships in adolescence are based only on physical attraction or appearance then each partner can lose out in developing their own personality in only trying to impress the other . “Relationship are like electric currents. The wrong connections will give you shocks throughout your life, but the right ones will light up your life.” – Dr. Abdul Kalam
Therefore, build the right relationship in adolescence, so that it becomes your foundation for a stable adulthood and a fulfilling life ahead. u
(The writer is a counselling psychologist, Raia-Goa)
So if we have to capture all the tenets of a healthy relationship, we could summarize them in a single word – L O V E. Each of the letters of this beautiful word explains how relationships can be healthy and happy A healthy relationship is developed when one
LIVES WHOLLY : Finding purpose in life for Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
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Youth
so that they bloom and help us to live meaningful lives –
Mission Musings
Dudhni – Fulfilment of the Mandate
Fr. Walter D’Souza, sfx
Tracing the first footprints: In the advent of Franciscan Brothers in 1921, Christianity did not seem to have crossed the borders of Silvassa. Only the Borivali Brothers and a few diocesan priests touched a small part of Nagar Haveli. Dudhni was untouched. A divine working - Dudhni was waiting to be discovered only by the Pilar Missionaries. The first to explore Dudhni was none other than our zealous Pilar missionary late Rev. Fr. Joseph Menezes in 1950, crossing the mountains on horseback, facing ferocious animals and dangers of the untrodden roads landing in Ichnipadda. Challenges for the path breaker: No missionary endeavour is ever free from challenges. The missionaries had to face threats and opposition from the rulers of the area. Dudhni was no exception to it. One day Fr. Marian Pereira was dragged out of the school in Kauncha and was badly beaten until he lost a lot of blood. In the midst of such hostile situation, faith was nourished by the blood and sacrifices of these zealous missionaries. Geographical portrayal: Carved with natural mosaic of hills and rivers, the greenery of the forest enchants your mind 20
and cool breeze that blows across your face makes your leave behind all the worries of the world that you come from and experience the healing remedies present in the cool breeze that blows across your face. The present day ventures to spread the Gospel and the milestones to achieve: “You can choose to spend the rest of your days sitting on the shores of life in complete safety or you can take some chance to dive deep into the water and discover the pearls that lie waiting for the person of true courage.” – Robin Sharma
Missionary activities may alter while the core is fixed i.e. giving Christ. Life gives endless opportunities to engrave a lasting impression. Unless you take up the cross and carry it, you will neither know its weight nor will you know how far you can go. Life is all about choices. Life’s greatest lessons are learnt when you give. I have learnt this truth in my short journey as a missionary. Mt: 10; 8 “Freely you have received, freely thou shall give” reminds me what I have to do. Celebrations—‘Trend-breaking’ opportunities: Celebrations and Church feasts were being divided between the boys and girls where each group would get an alternate opportunity to conduct, Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
The inmates of the boy’s hostel were the organizers of the feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Virgin Mary on 15th August 2018. The special feature of this assignment was to take total responsibility. The boys in the choir had to sing and play. The trend in Dudhni is that the girls sing and the boys play instruments for the choir. Nevertheless, on that day they had to do it all by themselves. Breaking this trend was a challenge. The boys trained themselves to play the octapad, Dholki, Triple, taal-Chime, and the keyboard and to sing. They did it for the first time. Their enthusiasm made the celebration end with lasting memories because of the sacrifices made by them.
Amazed with the success, I was thrilled for another trend-breaking task in September. To live life to its fullest, is to take more and more risks and do things without fear. On the 8th of September 2018, the feast day of the Nativity of Our Lady would be the next task for the inmates residing in the girl’s hostel. The groundbreaking challenge was to organize the choir without the boys who were usually the instrument players. The unsaid taboo – ‘girls do not play musical instrumentS’ – lay as a challenge before me. They were not familiar with playing any instrument. The tough challenge was to maintain my beliefs in their faces. With much patience and persistence, they seemed to be picking up the skills. I laid every ounce of my energy at this task.
As the doors of opportunities opened, it excavated the treasures of never seen musicians for the first time in Dudhni. The students tried
hard and yes, it was a success. For the first time they realized that, there were no limits for their learning. The fixed image—girls cannot play any instruments— was broken forever. The feast day celebration and choir was a memory to treasure for the young achievers. The girls of our hostels went home with erupting confidence of trying different instruments. This episode revealed the power of dedication, diligence and hard work amplified in their actions. Nothing can defeat you unless you allow it defeat you. I salute the girls who dared to go beyond their limits and explore their true potentials, which are limitless. The students (boys and girls) now play these instruments with confidence and with much ease. The students have mesmerized the crowds in worship, especially of their own age and now they pose as inspiration to others.
A small difference in one’s life contributes to bringing a big difference in many who are now ‘legends of inspiration’ to others. Life sends small gifts from time to time and these are my small gifts as a missionary to empower in my own way that I can be the best. Thanks to my community Fr. Tony Lopes (Parish Priest), Fr. Kiran P (Assistant) and all the Sisters (FMCK Congregation) for their support. As I reflect on the humble effort to give Christ, empower youth, develop their personality, strengthen their convictions and values, it makes me alive to be the best I can be. Music being my favourite ingredient, I tend to add it in all aspects of life. This gives me a glimpse of my part to continue the zeal of our founding fathers working in this mission. I now realize the true meaning of the theme I chose for my priesthood. “A new heart I will give and a new Spirit I will put within you” Ezk: 36; 26 Isn’t the Lord working in me? u
(Aslo see pg. 2)
(The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the principal of St. Francis Xavier High School and Asst. Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Dudhni)
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
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Mission Musings
organize and take leadership of the same.
Mission Musings
Interview with Fr. Agnelo D’souza
Fr. Agnelo D’souza: A musical Pilar Missionary Scholastic Jaison D’Souza, sfx
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r. Agnelo D’souza, lovingly known as Violin-father, was born in Querim, Pernem, Goa. Fr. Agnelo D’souza is one of the proficient musicians and a pioneering missionary of the Society of Pilar. Now he is 78 and still actively and enthusiastically renders his service in Fr. Agnelo’s office. He joyfully shares his vocation and mission.
Who influenced you to consider the vocation to the priesthood? I had great desire to be an efficient musician. I would like to mention that the initial constant encouragement from Fr. Ataide Lobo, Fr. Rozarinho and Fr. Jerome Pereira had great influence on my vocation. Today, I would say God has not only given me the gift of music but also gifted me with a greatest gift of being a Pilar missionary – musician for missions.
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What attracted you to join the Society of Pilar? From my boarding in Pilar, I had a great devotion to Ven. Agnelo; this ignited in me a flame of a Pilar vocation. Then later as a student in Pilar, I used to always observe the disciplined behaviour of the seminarians, especially uniformly walking from the Seminary to the Monastery in silence and devotion. Agnel, ‘você quer ser padre?’ (Agnel, Do you want to become a priest?), these were the words often asked by Fr. Jerome Pereira, the Rector of Major seminary; I would say this had a strong impact on me to join seminary.
In which mission places have you you worked? I was ordained on 31st December 1970 by Archbishop Patriarch Raul Gonsalves. After our ordination we had to continue our studies because we were ordained in between our fourth year of theology. When it was time to Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
What are the activities you carried out in your ministry? I love two things in my life that is music and pastoral ministry. Therefore, I made it a point that I teach music to all those who are interested. Since I love pastoral ministry, I was always committed and went out of my way to serve all those people who were in need of my service. What challenges did you face and what kept you going? I would say as a missionary I was well Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
prepared for all the challenges. Among all the challenges I would say that traveling and sickness were the most difficult to face. Since I was in Nicobar Islands for nine years, I had to travel a lot. It was a difficult task I would say, to travel to all five Islands: Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Katchal, Nancowry/ Kamorta and Great Nicobar (Campbell bay). At times health was also a challenge for me. Once when I was in Katchal, I got malaria and I was unconscious for eight hours, people began preparing for my burial. A catechist even sent a message to Fr. Nicolau and the Superior General that since they had no ship to come to the main Island, they would bury me there itself. But with God’s grace I recovered and carried on my work. Kindly share any inspirational/memorable incident. After my appointment in Nicobar Island one aspect that always kept me going was the joy of being with the people. After the long journey of 10 to 12 hours by ship I used to get completely exhausted but nevertheless once I was with the people, their joyful welcome and sincere hospitality made me forget all my exhaustion and serve them joyfully. What have been some of the greatest joys for you as a missionary priest? The greatest joy as a missionary priest is the satisfaction of serving God’s people and the providential care that I have from God and his people. Just like the apostles, today I feel God took complete care of me in the missions. What advice would you give to a young man who is contemplating a vocation to priesthood? ‘Be a zealous, prayerful and dedicated Pilar missionary priest.’ u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of First Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar Goa)
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Mission Musings
launch in the missions, my superior asked me, my opinion and I requested him to send me to a far-off mission. Before sending me to Andaman, I was sent to Ranchi Konbir Noatoatoli as the Asst. parish priest. Then in 1972 I was sent to Andaman as the asst. parish priest and then as the parish priest in Port Blair. In 1976, I was sent to Nicobar Islands for nine years. In 1985, I was appointed as the rector of the Niketan, the Director of the Music School and Professor of music in the Seminary. In 1989, I worked as a pioneering parish priest in Kadaval, since it was a new mission I had to work from the grass root level. Then, in 1993, I was in Pilar as the choir master in the Seminary and animator for third year theologians. In 1996, I was appointed as the Director of Minor Seminary. Later, when Fr. Tiburcio became the Superior General, he wanted me to be the Dean of music. Therefore, in 1999, I was appointed as the Dean of music for formation and I had to take classes for all the formation houses. In 2000, I was sent to Kolkata as a parish priest in Gangarampur. In 2003, I was appointed as a parish priest in Bhopal. In 2006, I was appointed as the Director of the Pre-Novitiate. In 2009, I was sent to Udupi, Kallinapur as the director of Minor Seminary. After completing my four years there till date I am working in Fr. Agnelo’s office.
Oh! Goa
Serendipity Arts Festival
Vembly Colaco
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very individual is a piece of Art and from a very early age, everybody learns art. Children learn to play with modeling clay by squishing it in their hands. The experiment with their creativity is to ultimately mould the clay into shapes. Certain schools further enhance the art experience for us in various domains of arts such as sketching, painting, clay modeling, craft making, dance, music, etc. and we all get to see and experience right until we graduate. Some individuals are naturally blessed with it that they eventually make a career out of it and then they go on to become a part of the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa. Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) is the biggest outreach programme organized by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. It is India’s first multidisciplinary arts event, held from 15 - 22 December and has been, with over 90 dynamic projects, showcasing visual, performing and culinary arts. There were 10 selected venues across Panaji that transformed Goa into a vibrant cultural space with multiple exhibitions, performances and experiential art displays that involved over 1300 artists.
The first two editions of the event transformed Goa and received an extremely positive reception from the public, redefining perceptions of the arts whilst also fostering arts production, awareness and practice across the country. The event has activated Goa’s cultural milieu, attracting more than 400,000 visitors,
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with dynamic projects that have included internationally acclaimed performances highlighting India’s rich traditions of music, dance and theatre, alongside culinary arts, craft, and visual art exhibitions. The specialty and beauty of the Serendipity Arts Festival is that it is the only art event in India which unites the creative disciplines, committed to creating tangible change across the country’s cultural spectrum by engaging the public and increasing awareness of how art can impact society. A few highlights of Serendipity Arts Festival 2018
Talatum – A contemporary Adaptation of ‘The Tempest’ Talatum is a play which was set in a circus tent, and has reinterpreted Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ by adapting it to an Indian context and using circus and other subaltern forms of performance. With a spectacular show that comprises the entire gamut of circus, magic, illusion techniques, gypsy art, puppetry, martial arts, new media, dance, music and theatre, this extraordinary project blends the modern and the traditional through a new oral and visual language. ‘The Tempest’ is one of Shakespeare’s most dynamic plays that perfectly lends itself to regional adaptation in India. The backdrop of the sea, for example, is a motif that both the Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Songs of Nature Through centuries, seasonal and nocturnaldiurnal cycles and individual elements from nature have inspired repertoire in diverse musical traditions in India. Song-texts celebrating seasons like Vasant or spring and Varsha or monsoon, or those that describe flora and fauna, address nature in all its splendour.
They also used this imagery as a metaphor or a simile to introspect human existence, the philosophy of life, spiritual pursuit and more. Practitioners of folk and religious music and art or classical music from different regions have recorded their poetic and musical responses to these stimuli. This performance explored the manner in which Qawwals, Bauls of Bengal, and the Langa and Manganiar musician communities of Rajasthan have responded to motifs from nature. The similarities and dissimilarities in their responses to the same stimuli from nature were showcased during the concert. Ensembles led by vocalists highlighted the individual peculiarities of each of the three musical traditions. Akshayambara The play explored the representation of the feminine within the male-dominated practice of Yakshagana. A male artist in Streevesha plays the role of virtuous Draupadi and espouses the cause of a woman, while in a traditiondefying move, a woman is cast as the Pradhana Purushavesha of a Kaurava who is driven by lust and power. What happens to the interpretation of gender when a man plays the streevesha and the purushavesha is played by a woman? Who is the real woman and who is the real man? A constant shift of power takes place between the Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Oh! Goa
actors from Kerala and the audiences in Goa can easily relate to, and becomes symbolic of the nostalgia that this production aims to capture. The text for this production aimed to rise above the barriers of language through minimal multi-lingual dialogue and pure visual expression. The plot of ‘The Tempest’ turns to fantasy and magic to aid the plot, thus giving immense space to explore circus techniques.
actors as they shift from the cauki (greenroom) to the stage, engaged in a tussle that blurs the boundaries of stage and reality, male and female, thereby exploring the conflicts around tradition, gender, power and morality.
Notes on Chai Notes on Chai is a collection of snippets of everyday conversations interwoven with abstract sound explorations that attempt to relocate our relationship with the quotidian. The play explores the inner and outer landscape of urban life through everyday conversations. The humour created through these details carries within it desires, fears and insecurities of the mundane that remain unsaid and yet palpable. It has attempted to create, through a series of portrayals, a collective sense of the everyday, which resonates with a universal sense of the ordinary across cultures and across different socio-economic strata. The abstract sound explorations in the play are inspired from Tibetan throat singing , western overtones and extended vocal techniques. Serendipity arts festival is a journey within the artist and the viewer. It helps one to connect with various forms of art, it acts as a therapy too. Art lovers will find this fest to be a welcoming change as audiences and practitioners interact with each other on a number of levels. This will also let them exchange ideas and motivate Indian youth to engage in arts on a greater level. u (The writer is an Asst. Professor, Department of Economics, Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim)
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Inside India
OVE JIHAD — WHY WE CAN’T MAKE SENSE OF LOVE
Ian Pinto, sdb
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hile in most parts of the world, Islamaphobia is on the decline thanks primarily to the period of peace we have been experiencing for some time now, in India, we probably will never get over it. Every time Islamaphobia begins to wane, either guilty individuals or deranged Indians stir it up again. Every fortnight, if not sooner, some jawans are killed in Kashmir; the state of Uttar Pradesh is in turmoil over the recent change of names; the Ayodhya, Ram temple-Babri Masjid issue only seems to be escalating into more fierce and intensified opposition with each passing day. Thankfully there have been no recent terror attacks in India and abroad to spark off new controversies, however there is one issue that rightwing groups in our country perceive as an ongoing terror threat. That is the issue of ‘Love Jihad’.
What is love jihad? It is a practice by which Muslim men befriend women of other faiths and marry them with the view of converting them to Islam. Of course, this term was defined by non-Muslims and popularized by right-wing Hindu groups. 26
Muslims themselves would deny any such practice and would certainly not subscribe to the use of the term. However, let me issue a disclaimer right now, there could be individuals of Islamic faith who actually engage in such practices but they are only a minority and could be classed along with terrorists who have misconstrued Islamic teachings.
The term began to garner notoriety way back in 2009 when claims were made that forceful religious conversions were happening in Kerala and Karnataka. The claimants demanded that the government intervene and introduce a law to prohibit such practices. As a result, investigations were made into the allegations and the findings showed that while there were certain instances of such a nature, the cases were largely sporadic and therefore, claims of a broader conspiracy remained inconclusive. Thus, the police force with backing from the Judiciary wrapped up all investigations. Did this deter the right-wing groups? Of course not! If anything, it incensed them further and Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
The West Bengal unit of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) went so far as issuing a pamphlet containing ‘dos and don’ts’ for Hindu women. The pamphlet read: “Muslim youth will try to lure you by acting like film stars. They will try to lure you with expensive gifts, good food, etc. Don’t fall in the trap. Inform the VHP and lodge an FIR in the local police station.” Married women were advised to wear the traditional mangalsutra, sindoor and bangles. Besides, the social media has been an excellent platform for furthering similar right-wing ideologies. They did not stop at arousing awareness but also incited violence at the drop of a hat. Throughout the year, but especially during the Valentine season, young couples were and continue to be harassed, abused and ill-treated. The whole idea of moral policing is not new in parts of our country. Bands of hooligans traverse the streets and recreational areas scanning for couples to harass, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Before we even conceive of ourselves (Catholics) as having clean hands, let me remind you that even the Church in Kerala issued a claim that over 2000 catholic girls were victims of love jihad. Investigations however, proved that such claims were baseless.
Why have we made such a big issue over love? Right-wing groups are pretty much the primary cause for blowing up this issue out of proportion. The backing they receive from political parties who encourage partisan politics has only contributed to feeding the fire of hate, mistrust and division. Why are we turning love, something that is so beautiful Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
and precious, into a hideous weapon for fundamentalistic and perverted activities? Where has our reason gone? Have we arrived at a point where our personal ideas and beliefs take preference over the humanity of our fellow people? If so, how are we different from all the cruel people of history whose behaviours we condemn?
The Islamaphobia connected to love is pretty strong even in our little state of Goa. But this ‘phobia’ is not restricted to Muslims alone but to all ‘outsiders’ or ghantis in general as well as to individuals of other faiths. I am wellaware of how we Catholics, speak of interfaith couples. I know how my own family talks about such people. The derisive tone we use jars against the voice of Jesus who invites us to ‘love our neighbour as ourself’ (Mk. 12:31). Love is open-ended (cf. 1 Cor. 13). It does not see race, caste, creed, status or even physical characteristics. It desires to unite people and not divide them. It seeks to prolong life and not disrupt it. It looks to build up and not break down. Against these ideas, one can easily see how our versions (Right-wing Hindu, Goan and Catholic) of love and love jihad stand opposed. We are left with the critical decision of embracing love or clinging to our delusions. I pray that we choose Love. u (The writer is a Salesian of Don Bosco belonging to the Province of Panjim-Konkan. He is currently pursuing his Master of Philosophy at Divyadaan, Don Bosco Institute of Philosophy, Nashik)
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Inside India
led them to believe that they could take the law into their own hands since after all, they were ensuring the ‘safety and security’ of their ‘own’. They developed and began spreading the idea that “Islamic terrorists are using the sacred land of Hindustan, the wealth of Hindustan and Hindustan’s daughters to breed children who are sent to madrasas, trained in Pakistan and turned into more terrorists who want to destroy India.”
Global Gaze
Fr. Agnelo Gomes, sfx
W
e have just welcomed 2019 after a tumultuous 2018. The unresolved major world issues of the past year did not end with the closure of the year. They have spilled over to this year. Perhaps the most critical of these that has remained unresolved for decades is the issue of climate change. The debate over climate change is no longer just a scientific one, rather today it has turned into a political one. I say it’s a political issue as there is a debate if climate change is really happening or is just a hoax. The controversy is created by the denial, dismissal or an unwarranted doubt that contradicts the scientific opinion on climate change. The significance of the controversy surrounds the extent to which the change is caused by humans and the degree of its impact on nature and human society. Climate change denial is also implicit, as individuals or social groups accept the science but fail to come to terms with it or to translate their acceptance into action. Several social science studies have analysed these positions as forms of denialism and pseudoscience. The campaign to 28
Climate Change Denial undermine public trust in climate science has been described as a “denial machine” organized by industrial, political and ideological interests, and supported by conservative media and sceptical bloggers to manufacture uncertainty about global warming.
Although scientific opinion on climate change is that human activity is extremely likely to be the primary driver of climate change, the politics of global warming have been affected by climate change denialism, hindering efforts to prevent climate change and adapt to the warming climate. Those promoting denialism commonly use rhetorical tactics to give the appearance of a scientific controversy where there is none. Of the world’s countries, the climate change denial industry is most powerful in the United States. Organized campaigning to undermine public trust in climate science is associated with conservative economic policies and backed by industrial interests opposed to the regulation of CO2 emissions. Climate change denial has been associated with the fossil fuels lobby, industry advocates and conservative thinkFr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
The leading climate scientist Michael E. Mann in his recent book The Madhouse Effect explains that climate denial actually follows in the footsteps of earlier science denial, beginning with the long campaign by tobacco companies to confuse the public about the dangers of smoking and its direct relation to cancer, and other heart and lung diseases. The shocking truth is that by the 1950s these companies already knew that smoking caused lung cancer, but they spent large sums propping up the appearance that there was a real controversy about this link. In other words, they were aware that their product was killing people, but they tried to keep the public
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
from understanding this fact so they could keep earning profits. Thus, climate denialism resembles cancer denialism. Businesses with a financial interest in confusing the public — in this case, fossil-fuel companies — are prime movers. Every one of the handful of well-known scientists who have expressed climate scepticism has received large sums of money from these companies or from dark money conduits like Donors Trust — the same conduit, as it happens, that supported Matthew Whitaker, the new acting attorney general, before he joined the Trump administration. Why would anyone go along with such things? Money is still the main answer: Almost all prominent climate deniers are on the fossilfuel take. Indeed, it’s depravity, on a scale that makes cancer denial seem trivial. Smoking kills people, and tobacco companies that tried to confuse the public about that reality were being evil. But climate change isn’t just killing people; it may well kill civilization. Trying to confuse the public about that is evil on a whole different level. One may wonder, don’t some of these people have children? Hope better sense and conscience prevails in this new year for the sake of not just our generation but the generations to come. u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Director of Fr. Agnel Ashram Complex, Pune-Maharashtra)
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Global Gaze
tanks, often in the United States. More than 90% of papers sceptical of climate change originate from right-wing think-tanks. The total annual income of these climate change counter-movement organizations is roughly $900 million. Between 2002 and 2010, nearly $120 million was anonymously donated via the Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund to more than 100 organizations seeking to undermine the public perception of the science on climate change. In 2013, the Center for Media and Democracy reported that the State Policy Network (SPN), an umbrella group of 64 U.S. think-tanks, had been lobbying on behalf of major corporations and conservative donors to oppose climate change regulation.
Pilar News
From Pilar to Post
Symposium on Science and Religion Rachol Seminary in collaboration with All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, organised a symposium on the topic ‘Hawking, Dawkins and God: Seeking Catholic Perspectives. The symposium was held on 12 January 2019 at the Rachol Seminary auditorium to commemorate the use of telescope for the first time in the eastern world from the Rachol Seminary Campus on November 10, 1618. The aim of the symposium was to develop a healthy understanding of contemporary cosmology and evolutionary biology and seek a profound response of Catholic Faith. In the morning Rev. Dr. Aleixo Menezes welcomed the gathering and talked on the relevance of the theme of the Symposium. This was followed by the key note address delivered by Rev. Dr. Kuruvilla Pandikattu, SJ, Dean of Philosophy at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune. He said that an effective dialogical relationship between science and religion is not just important but essential for the well-being of humanity and the universe. Rev. Dr. Victor Ferrao spoke on the “Folly of putting God in the gaps of science” whereas Professor Denis D’Sa presented on “The arrow of time and the current understanding of the universe”. These sessions were moderated by Rev. Dr. Nelson Sequeira and Rev. Fr. Noel D’costa. The afternoon session moderated by Rev. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx, was marked by presentations of papers by the seminarians of Pilar and Rachol. Sem. Jegan Xavier, sfx, exposed the topic “Science and Catholic Faith: a relationship of engagement or estrangement. Sem. Franky Fernandes investigated the “Historical perspective on Jesuit contribution to Astronomy” and Sem. Alvison Fernandes spoke on “Origin of humanity: Science and Catholic Doctrine”.
Pilgrimage to Sancoale The Pilar Fathers and Seminarians undertook a 7 Kms pilgrimage to Sancoale on 16 January to pay homage to St. Joseph Vaz, the son of the soil. Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas, sfx, the Superior General of the Society of Pilar presided over the 4.00 pm mass. In his homily, the General said that “St. Joseph Vaz was not ‘susegad’ but rather sleepless. He lived the gospel, word by word. He gave up everything for the sake of God and proclaimed God’s Love through his life. He went like a lamb amidst all the dangers in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). He urged the faithful to emulate the qualities of this great missionary, an inspiration to us to witness Jesus to those who do not know him through our love and service to others especially the downtrodden.
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Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
From Pilar to Post Ecumenical Prayer Service
Pilar News
The international Christian ecumenical observance is kept annually between January 18 -25. The All India Mission Seminary held the Ecumenical prayer service on 22nd January 2019 at 6 pm in the Seminary Chapel. Fr. Rector introduced the theme “Justice and only Justice you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:18-
20) and lighted the lamp along with the pastors of various churches. Rev. Manu Abraham from the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Rev. Sunil Francis from the Pentecostal Church and Rev. Fr. Jesuino Almeida from the Catholic Church shared their reflections on the theme of the prayer service. This prayer meet helped in establishing cordial relationships among the various Christian churches and in the Ecumenical formation of the seminarians. The prayer service ended with Agape meal in the seminary refectory.
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
Pilar Fathers Awarded Rev. Fr. Cosme Costa, sfx, and Rev. Fr. Dominic Alvares, sfx, were awarded for their contribution to Goan Literature, Art and Culture. Rev. Fr. Cosme was one among the seventeen Goans to be honoured with the Goa state cultural awards 2017-18 at a function organised by Directorate of Art and Culture held at Kala Academy, Goa. He was given the “Kala Gaurav” puraskar for his immense contribution in the field of Literature and Local History. Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Porvorim, Goa, during their annual award ceremony held on the 19 January 2019, awarded Rev. Fr. Dominic Alvares, with the ‘Ave Maria Afonso Konknni Puroskar’ for his contribution to the Konknni language through mando and tiatr. 31
Padre Agnel
C
elebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary (1869-2019) of Venerable Agnelo were held in Goa (Anjuna, Rachol, Shiroda and Sanvordem), Kumta, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata and UK. In Anjuna, the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rt. Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman while Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas, sfx, preached on the Word of God. He reminded the gathering that Venerable Agnelo continues to inspire and attract people because of his virtuous and holy life. He did not build magnificent edifices rather enabled people to build their spiritual life. Rev. Fr. Tony Fernandes, Vice-postulator of the Cause of Ven. Agnelo de Souza thanked the devotees for coming in large number from various parts of Goa. He also updated about the canonization process and urged to pray unceasingly for the beatification of the saintly son of Goa. At the end of the celebration Bishop Filipe Neri Ferrao released a book titled “Maneavont Agnelachea Jivitantlim Liplolim Mankam Motiam” written by Rev. Brother Eusebio Miranda, sfx, editor of Vauradeancho Ixtt.
In Rachol, the celebration began with a Holy Hour conducted by Rev. Dr. Aleixo Menezes, Rector of Patriarchal Seminary Rachol. Later, Fr. Eremito Monte Rebello, the parish priest of Our Lady of Snows Church, Rachol, carried the relics of Venerable Agnelo from Rachol Seminary to the grave of Venerable Agnelo at Rachol Church cemetery and offered prayers in the presence of hundreds of faithful. Fr. Roland Lin Fernandes carried the relics from the Rachol cemetery to Rachol Church for the Eucharistic celebration. In Delhi, hundreds of faithful along with three 32
bishops and twenty-five priests joined the Eucharistic celebration held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi. Archbishop William D’Souza of Patna who was the Main Celebrant recalled that Fr. Agnelo with his asceticism, and saintliness inspired people to tread the path of holiness. Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, and a member of the society of Pilar in his homily said Father Agnelo received his faith from his mother who entrusted the family into the hands of Blessed Mary even as she on her death bed knew she was leaving behind very young children. He emphasised the need for mothers to impart the faith to their children. Bishop Ignatius Mascarenhas, the Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh appreciated the Pilar Fathers for the hard work of the Pilar Fathers in very remote and difficult areas. Rev. Father Alarico Carvalho, sfx Regional Superior of the Agnel Region introduced the celebrations to the gathering and Rev. Fr. John Marcus Fernandes, sfx Provincial of the Delhi Province of the Society of Pilar proposed the vote of thanks. The celebrations at Delhi were organised by Rev. Fr. Anthony Fernandes, sfx, Administrator of CBCI Centre and Rev. Fr. Bento Rodrigues, sfx Director of the grater Noida Bal Bhuvan of the Agnel Region.
Venerable Fr. Agnelo D’Souza (1869-1927) was a saintly Missionary from the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier (Society of Pilar) He worked in the missions of Goa and Karnataka and was the Spiritual Director at the Rachol Seminary, Goa. The process for the Cause for his Canonization is at advanced stage in Rome and the process of Miracles has been opened in 2018. u
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
English translation by: Dr. Nelly de Sa
Merces: We did not have a child for eighteen years after marriage. We underwent a lot of medical tests and took all possible treatment. But nothing helped. We went to several holy places and prayed. Ultimately we came to Pilar and prayed to Ven. Fr. Agnelo with faith. Our faith bore fruits and we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. We rejoiced with joy until we got to know that our baby was born with two holes in her heart. Once again we cried and prayed through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo; one hole filled up by itself and the other one was operated successfully. Our baby is named “ Jesuska” and is now healthy and active. We have experienced God’s mercy and wonders in our life. We thank Ven. Fr. Agnelo for his prayers and pray for his sainthood. Robert and Fatima Dias
Chandor: My husband met with a serious accident and suffered a head injury. He was bleeding profusely and doctors said if the bleeding does not stop we would have to shift him to GMC. We were really scared. My husband has great faith in Ven. Fr. Agnelo and always carries his holy picture in his pocket. We kept it in his hand and prayed with faith. A great miracle took place and the bleeding stopped and we did not have to take him to GMC. Doctors had said he would take six months to recover completely, but through Ven. Fr. Agnelo’s prayers he recovered within one month. We thank Ven. Fr. Agnelo and pray for his sainthood. Margaret Peixoto Margao: I was suffering from stomach pain. A sonography of my gall bladder showed that I had gall bladder stone. Doctors advised me to undergo a laser operation. On hearing this, I was scared and spent sleepless nights and my blood sugar rose. I interceded through Ven. Fr. Agnelo, that I may be healed without an operation. I attended the healing service for the sick on 17th November and was also anointed with Holy Oil by the priest. I also
Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019
drank water mixed with Ven. Fr. Agnelo’s relic mud. I had great faith that I would be healed through the intercession of Ven. Agnelo. After few days, a second ultrasound was taken and the report showed significant biliary sludge and no stones. I thank Jesus for the great miracle which was granted through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo and pray for his early Canonization. Judith Moraes Santa Cruz: I underwent a cataract operation in one eye by a very good doctor. After the operation, my eye started watering continuously. The doctor examined me and said that I would have to undergo another operation of the bone near the eye. I panicked and cried out to Ven. Fr. Agnelo to intercede for me that I may be healed without an operation. My eyes stopped watering and I was completely healed without any operation. I thank Fr. Agnelo from my heart. Maria A. Araujo Prayer to obtain favours through Ven. Agnelo
Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father, we gratefully acknowledge your plan for our salvation, even by working miracles through your chosen servant. We thank you for giving us your faithful servant, Fr. Agnelo, as an example of how to follow in the steps of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. With our whole heart, we pray that you may lead us through your Spirit to imitate his saintly life. Grant us also the favour we ask (mention the favour) as a sign that he now shares in the glory of our Risen Lord.
Prayer for the Canonization of Fr. Agnelo
O God of infinite mercy, we humbly prostrate at Your feet, we beg of You, with whole hearted trust, that if it be Your Holy Will, and if it serves our salvation, grant Fr. Agnelo the honours of the Altar through the solemn declaration of Our Provident Mother, the Church. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Miraculous favours obtained through his intercession may kindly be reported to: Vice-Postulator, Cause of Fr. Agnelo, Pilar Retreat Centre, Pilar, Goa India 403 203 Ph.no. (0832) 2219460, 2218694, 2218553 Email: vpagnel@rediffmail.com
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Padre Agnel
Vice-Postulation Office
Pilar Toons
Fr. Saturnino Mascarenhas, sfx
(The cartoonist is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is also a well-known artist, Pilar -Goa)
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Fr. Agnel’s Call, February 2019