Contents March, 2020 | Vol. 55 Editor Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx Editorial Team Fr. Dr. Ivon Almeida, sfx; Fr. Mark Furtado, sfx; Dr. Nelly De Sa; Dr. Rafael Fernandes Printer and Publisher Fr. Noel Menezes, sfx Cover Concept E. Sanguemkar Illustrations Dr. Smitha Bhandare Kamat Art & Design Clifford Fernandes Proof Reader Grisel Zuzarte, Blossom Araujo, Marcel Fernandes Editorial Office The Editor Fr. Agnel’s Call Pilar - Goa - 403 203. Email: editorfragnelscall@gmail.com Ph.: (0832) 2219091
Subscription India:
1 Year
` 250/- (11 Copies)
2 Years
` 500/- (22 Copies)
3 Years
` 750/- (33 Copies)
Foreign:
1 Year
` 2000/- (11 Copies)
2 Years
` 4000/- (22 Copies)
3 Years
` 6000/- (33 Copies)
PAYMENT DETAILS To subscribe or renew
Send: DD/MO/Cheque in Favour of ‘FR. AGNELO’S CALL’ (` 30/- extra outside Goa) BANK TRANSFER DETAILS: Bank Name: Dena Bank, Branch Name: Pilar, Account Name: Fr. Agnelo’s Call, Account Number: 111410003201, IFSC Code: BKDN0471114 NOTE: After making the remittances please write to us giving the details (Name of the Bank, Date of Remittance, Amount, Payment Reference Number) Articles published in this magazine are copyrighted. Illegal copying and reproduction by any means is punishable under the copyright laws. Disclaimer: Except for the Editorial, articles in Fr. Agnel’s Call represent the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, publisher and/or owners of Fr. Agnel’s Call.
5 8 10 14 15
Cover Feature
The Ingredients of a flourishing life
- Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx
National Happiness?
- Blaise Costa Bir
Spirituality
Free Choice
- Fr. Dr. Wilson D’Souza, OFM Cap
Lenten Musings 2020
- Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap
Once And For All…
- Scholastic Nelson Rebeiro, SFX
YOUTH
16 17 18 20
Mahatma’s Call To Youth And Women
22 24
St. Isaac Jogues Parish, USA
26
Wendell Rodricks, as I knew him
29
- Ibonio D’Souza
Youth Quest: Spontaneous and Joyous... - Fr. Joe Fernandes, SFX
Count your blessings
- Nirmala Rebello
Delayed Gratification: A path to true...
- Fr. Antony Jerald, MMI
Mission Musings - Fr. Mario Pereira, sfx
Interview with Fr. Nicolau Rodrigues
- Scholastic Clanny Fernandes, sfx
Oh! Goa
- Bishop Alex Dias, SFX
Inside India
The Happiness curriculum - Clifford W. DeSilva
Global Glaze
30
Outbreak of epidemic-Coronavirus - Vembly Colaco
32
Fr. Agnelo’s life of self-control and chastity is wonderful Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 3 - Br. Eusebio Miranda, SFX
PADRE AGNEL
Editorial
Happiness Recipe
S
onja Lyubomirsky in her book The How of Happiness describes happiness as the experience of joy, contentment, or positive wellbeing, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.
A bigger paycheque, looking younger, obtaining a cure from a chronic illness etc., all these, may seem to make us substantially happier. However, none of these would make a huge difference in our lives. Therefore, it is of prime importance to discover the true sources in building and sustaining personal happiness and well-being. Human happiness can be represented on a continuum, a numerical scale that ranges from exceptionally happy, less happy to terribly unhappy. Sonja Lyubomirsky along with two other researchers identified three most important factors determining happiness. These discoveries are backed up by a great deal of science.
Genetic Set Point: It refers to the potential for happiness that we are born with, which is inherited from our biological parents. As a result, it is fixed, constant over time and resistant to control or influence. So, even after major setbacks or successes one is bound to return to this genetic set point. The genetic component of happiness accounts for 50% of the differences among people’s happiness levels. This breakthrough comes from the growing research done on identical and fraternal twins. Life Circumstance: It may be hard to believe or even counterintuitive that the circumstances of our lives have a limited influence on the levels of people’s happiness. Being rich or poor, healthy or unhealthy, 4 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
gorgeous or ordinary, married or single, male or female, young or old, have a short-term or little bearing on our personal happiness. Only 10% of the differences among people’s happiness is accounted for by one’s life circumstances. A great deal of research supports these conclusions.
Intentional Activities: Other than our genes and complex circumstances of our lives, the thinking and behaviour pattern of people account for the remaining 40% of the differences in their happiness levels. There is enough scientific evidence supporting, that precise behaviours and thoughts can make us a great deal happier. Harnessing the power of our own thoughts and behaviours is arguably the most effective means in increasing and sustaining our levels of happiness. International Day of Happiness is celebrated on 20 March. We at “Fr. Agnel’s Call” have dedicated this edition to reflect on happiness as a value that we can create and construct for ourselves. Sonja Lyubomirsky’s theory on happiness unequivocally states that genetics and life circumstances have minimum potential for constructing sustainable changes in happiness. The best potential pathway to greater and enduring happiness is through intentional behavioural and cognitive activity. It is impossible to change our genetic set point and usually impractical to change our circumstances. The key to sustainable happiness lies not in altering our genetic makeup and circumstances but through daily intentional activities. “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” Elvis, sfx
Cover Feature
The Ingredients of a flourishing life Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx
W
e come across individuals who are deeply and genuinely happy in spite of difficult and troubling situations. Such happy people can remain composed and untroubled or are able to recover their happiness fairly quickly after tragedies or major setbacks. On the other hand, we also come across individuals who are exactly the opposite. They never seem to be happy even during the good times, who are frequently gloomy, who focus on the downside of everything and fail to notice the brighter side, who habitually emphasise the negative and are unable to find much joy in life.
Ingredients of a flourishing life Most of us have erroneous beliefs about what will make us happy. “Happiness must be found”, is one such belief that is reinforced by stories and images in our culture. We are led to believe that happiness is out there for us to find. However, Happiness is inside us. It is a state of mind. We can choose to be happy by managing our state of mind. Another big misconception is that our chances of becoming happier depend on changing our circumstances of life. We are socialised to believe that “I would be happy IF ____” or “I will be happy WHEN ___”. However, changes in our circumstances have little bearing on our happiness. Yet another ubiquitous false notion about happiness is that we are born happy or unhappy. “You either have it or you don’t”. We believe that our unhappiness is genetic and that we can do nothing about it. However, growing research has demonstrated that we can teach ourselves to be happy. In the editorial, I have written about the three most important factors determining happiness
as presented by Sonja Lyubomirsky in her book “The How of Happiness”. Through this theory of happiness, she has shed clear and vivid light that the fountain of happiness lies not in changing our genetically determined set points nor by changing our life-circumstances. The secret of attaining greater happiness and sustaining it lies in managing our thoughts and behaviours. Our intentional activities and strategies have a powerful effect on how happy we are. We can learn how to become lastingly happier by learning the habits (behaviour and thinking patterns) of happiest persons. These are the ingredients of a flourishing life. Studies have revealed that, happiest people possess an ‘attitude of gratitude’, practice optimism, devote a great amount of time in nurturing social connections, practice compassion, are forgiving, savour life’s joys, are committed to pursuing life goals and take care of their body and soul. Expressing Gratitude Expressing gratitude and counting one’s blessings has been found to be an effective strategy for achieving happiness. Robert Emmons, a researcher on gratitude, defines gratitude as “a felt sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for Life expressed towards others, as well as towards impersonal (nature) or nonhuman sources (God, animals)” The roots of gratitude can be traced in many of the world’s spiritual and religious traditions permeating in scriptures, prayers and worship. It is regarded as a valued human disposition in Christian spirituality and also among other world religious
Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 5
traditions and cultures Moreover, their spiritual and religious writers have considered gratitude as an indispensable virtue for living a healthy life and believers are provoked to cultivate and express gratitude. A survey about gratitude among American teens and adults suggested that 90% of them indicated that endorsing and expressing different forms of gratitude made them experience happiness and satisfaction with life.
Considering the findings of research on gratitude and happiness in a variety of populations, it seems logical that counting one’s blessings is linked to happiness and other positive emotions. Therefore, practicing gratitude over time would increase and sustain our happiness.
Cultivating Optimism Practicing optimism, which has many similarities with cultivating gratitude, is also an intentional strategy to boost happiness. Practicing optimism involves construing the world with a more positive and charitable perspective, finding the silver lining in a cloud, noticing what’s right (rather than what’s wrong), identifying the door that opens as a result of one that has closed, feeling good about your future and the future of the world, looking at the bright side or just trusting that you can get through the day. Optimists are not just born. Optimist are made with practice. Optimism has to be made a habit. The more you rehearse optimistic thoughts, the more “natural” and “ingrained” they will become. With time they will be part of you, and you will have made yourself into an altogether different person.
Reframing negative events in a positive and optimistic way may be viewed by some as naïve, foolish and unrealistic. Making oneself “think positive” or “look on the bright side” may be seen as a recipe for self-deception. However, Optimism doesn’t mean denying the negative or avoiding all unfavourable information. Being optimistic involves a choice about how you perceive the world. The world can be a cruel and horrible place, and at the same time wonderful and enjoyable. These are both truths. We have a choice to make in deciding which truth to place in our personal foreground. We can either choose to perceive a “half full glass” or “halfempty” glass. Nurturing social relationships According to the Science of Evolution the desire to form and preserve social bonds has an evolutionary basis. Human beings are powerfully motivated by a pervasive drive to seek out and maintain strong, 6 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
stable, and positive interpersonal relationship. We strongly resist the breakup or dissolution of relationship and friendship, and without a sense of belongingness, we suffer numerous negative consequences for our physical and mental health.
Devoting a great amount of time in cultivating social connections will reap the gift of happiness. In turn, the greater feeling of happiness will enable to attract more and higher-quality relationships. The causal relationship between social relationship and happiness is obviously bidirectional. People with strong Social Social Connections are healthier and happier.
Practicing Compassion As kids we were told to help those who are in need and even sacrifice for them when necessary. We were taught to develop and apply this virtue of kindness simply because it is a right, good and ethical thing to do. However, scientific research has shown that practicing acts of kindness is not only good for the recipient but also good for the doer. Being kind and good to others may also be in the doer’s self-interest. This is because, doing acts of kindness makes people happy. Doing small deeds of kindness builds social connections and is an effective strategy on the path to becoming happier. The wisdom that doing acts of kindness can make a person feel good is not novel. Over the years, this truth has been expressed by writers, philosophers and religious thinkers. “If you want to be happy, practice compassion” has been the buzzword of the fourteenth Dalai Lama. Learning to forgive Forgiveness is a loaded word and the best way to start is with what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness is not saying you accept the person who wronged you. Instead, forgiveness is choosing to accept what happened as it happened rather than what could or should have happened. Forgiveness can mean that you let go. Two stories of forgiveness and reconciliation that I often keep narrating are those of Sr. Rani Maria and Graham Staines. Sr. Rani Maria was stabbed to death by Samunder Singh. Graham Staines and his two sons were torched to death in a stationary wagon by a mob led by Dara Singh, a Hindu fanatic. Samunder Sing was sentenced to death. In the interim period the family members of Sr. Rani Maria, especially her sibling Sr. Selmy visited the prison and extended her forgiveness to him. After some period, the other members of the family requested the Governor to commute his death sentence and supported his release. In a similar
way Gladys Staines, the wife of slayed Graham Staines, also spoke the language of forbearance and forgiveness and said that “I forgive completely those who killed my husband and children”. Forgiveness can be a great happiness boosting strategy if it suits your personality, goals, or needs. Savouring life’s joys The ability to savour the positive experiences in life is one of the most important ingredients of happiness. Savouring just means that we attempt to fully feel, enjoy, and extend our positive experiences. It means to truly understand and appreciate every moment and positive thing in your life. Most of the time we bypass the joys of the present. We rarely seem to live in the present moment, even when the present is wonderful. We convince ourselves that tomorrow will be better than today. Savouring has a past, present and future component. You savour the past by reminiscing about the good old days – your first love, your wedding and so on. You savour the present by wholly living in, being mindful of the present moment. You savour the future by anticipating and fantasizing about upcoming positive events. Committing to pursuing life goals People who devote themselves to pursue personally significant goals, whether it’s learning a new craft, changing careers, or raising moral children, are far happier than those who don’t have strong dreams or aspirations. Working towards a meaningful life goal is one of the most important strategies for becoming lastingly happier. In pursuing life goals, it is important to discern which goals will make you happy in the long term and follow them.
Taking care of their body and soul. The regular practice of meditation is said to produce true happiness by realising a state of
awareness and detachment. Meditation is a very personal experience and may be performed in many different ways. It actually comprises a family of techniques such as Zen, Transcendental, Vipasana and different categories such as concentrative, mindfulness, contemplative, loving kindness. Scientific research has shown that regular meditation sessions produce greater happiness, less anxiety and depression. Scientific research have also shown that persons engaging in Physical activity such as cycling, jogging have reported increased happiness and self-esteem. Intervention studies have also confirmed that exercise may very well be the most effective instant happiness booster.
By way of conclusion All of us want to be happy. Attaining Happiness is a global pursuit because it is associated with higher quality of life and well-being. Since the 1990s, an emerging branch of psychology – positive psychology - has been committed to achieve a scientific understanding of happiness. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of wellbeing and flourishing that entails living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment. People have come to believe that they can increase and sustain their happiness. Yearning to increase happiness is not just wishful thinking. Neither is it good luck that one has to await to happen or to be found. It is in our hands to fashion it for ourselves. We can create and construct our happiness. The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a practicing clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. He is also the spiritual director of the Pilar Seminary, Pilar-Goa
MISSION 2030: A Panel Discussion
Pilar News
A one-day panel discussion was organised by the Delhi Province of the Society of Pilar to reflect on how to implement the considerations of the Central Assembly 2019, in the context of North India. The conference was held in Bathinda, Punjab and was attended by all members of the province. The Religious working with the Pilar Fathers were also invited. Several eminent personalities shared their ideas during this event. The panel discussion was moderated by Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas, the Superior General of the Society. The speakers included Most Rev. Archbishop Anil Couto, Rt. Rev. Raphy Manjaly, Mrs. Anuvinda Varkey, Mr. John Dayal and Mr. Lanu Yaden. The panellists did justice to their topics and had a fruitful discussions. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 7
National Happiness?
I
Cover Feature
Blaise Costa Bir
had the privilege and good fortune to visit a beautiful landlocked small but actually happy mountainous country, Bhutan. It is what they say it is. They measure success in terms of Gross Domestic Happiness (GDH) rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The previous King actually switched the Country to democracy from absolute monarchy. He gave up his power, something very difficult for leaders to do. The people worship him, and this is not forced or contrived but when you speak to them, they actually mean it. They do not just praise their King, they believe their King is praiseworthy. That speaks for the quality of governance. This in my opinion is a great starting point and it does not stop there.
What is remarkable is that they have managed to maintain the building identity. In Goa we have sloping roofs which was a hallmark of Goan architecture. In other parts of India we have other different aspects. However, as development came, we have wiped out these distinctive features, even though in the rules we have to provide for the same, they are ignored. In Bhutan, every new building has the same distinctive features like sloping roofs and painting of doors and windows with motifs. This way the traditional artisans have not lost their value and are still required because despite the modernity, the distinctive features are maintained. The King himself lives in a traditional house, surely he could afford the modern trappings, but they lead by example.
8 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
Last but not the least, tourism which has close parallels with Goa. Every tour group has a guide and driver, both attired in traditional Bhutanese costumes. This gives a good impression of the
Bhutan, became a democracy and has elections. They use similar systems like our election commission but at every corner in villages and in towns at different places they have a board, ELECTION BULLETIN BOARD. This board is for political parties to stick their election posters. This way there is no visual pollution all over the walls of buildings, there is no defacement of any property. Since there are no elections at present, the Government is using these boards to create awareness on breast feeding.
The education system is good, and this is because the royal family which had the option of educating the children abroad chose to educate them in the local schools. This ensured a high quality education for all across Bhutan.
customs and culture. The guides and drivers speak impeccable English. This is because the medium of instruction is English and Bhutanese language is only one subject. Yet, there is no issue of language between them, they have not forgotten their roots just because they have studied in English, they are proud of their culture and wear it on their sleeves. It is not forced.
Bhutan, insists that every non-SAARC visitor spends 250USD a day, this money has to be deposited with the travel agent before arrival. Of this the Government takes 60 USD per day as a tax. The rest is to be spent for food board and travel. At the end of the tour the operators thank the tourist, because they have contributed to the exchequer and the Government actually gives it back in the form of free education and medical facilities. They have a 72% tree cover and power generation and distribution is a source of income. What a happy Country Sirji?
If you look at Bhutan, you will notice they did not copy any one or follow the western model which is usually seen as the hallmark or epitome of success but not happiness. This despite the fact that we know and can see, their model of development brings greater disparity between haves and have nots, unhappiness and crime soaring, as high as the buildings, which seems to be the greatest visual sign of having arrived. While the rest of the world modelled their economies on increasing GDP (gross domestic product), Bhutan went ahead and used GNP (gross national happiness) as a yardstick with great success. If we look at the family as a basic unit, and when you add all the families, we get a Country. So either the country works at making itself happy, which every
country says that is just what it is doing. The second way is each family works on becoming happy and then totally everyone is happy. It is easier to work on the second option because it is within our control. The Government ways are more time consuming and cumbersome and most often the decisions are selfish and thus self-serving.
If we use Bhutan as an example, one thing that stands out is being satisfied with what one has and then building on it. Yes, if we look at our neighbours and compare, we sometimes feel we have less of everything. This is because we usually compare selectively. Meaning we can see our neighbours shiny fancy car compared to our own battered little car and feel we are lacking. However, we fail to see or consider that the neighbour has a very bad backpain and my own back is fine. Instead of complaining or comparing, let each of us focus on our strengths and God-given graces and work hard to multiply our talents/abilities and assets. The advantage in the example given, is, with a strong back one can work harder and longer and maybe have a shiny new car someday, of curse because you work harder you will sleep better. Let us resolve to use our God-given talents as best we can without comparing them to anyone else’s and thus increase our happiness index and if we each do this, slowly and surely even our Country will be even a happier one, at least for us. The writer is the Managing Director of GMI Zarhak Moulders Pvt. Ltd. He has a Master in Business Management from Asian Institute of Management, Manila, Philippines. He is a visiting Faculty at Goa Institute of Management, Goa University
Fr. Michael Brehl visits Pilar
V. Rev. Fr. Michael Brehl, General Superior of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer was in Pilar for the annual joint extraordinary Provincial Council meeting. Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (in Latin: Congregatio Sanctissimi Redemptoris; CSsR) commonly known as the Redemptorists, is a religious congregation of the Catholic Church, dedicated to missionary work and founded by Alphonsus Liguori in Italy, for the purpose of labouring among marginalized people. They minister in more than 100 countries. Fr. Brehl, visited the tomb of Venerable Fr. Agnelo and said that he experienced peace and felt the sanctity of the place. Later, in the evening during dinner, he met Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas, General Superior of the Society of Pilar and said that both congregations have a common mission and could collaborate in reaching out to the people of God. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 9
Spirituality
Free Choice
W
hen we look at the human beings certainly they are not just there but they have to be. We are condemned to be free. That is our basic existence. However, we need to have a proper understanding of the freedom. There is a complaint from all quarters of life that our freedom is restricted. This article clears the concept and thereby tries to understand the deeper implication of the same.
The concept of freedom is an analogues one, predicated in different ways. Negatively, freedom means being free from and not bound. A being is positively free insofar as it is in possession of itself and possesses its relationship. Freedom means selfpossession, being completely present to oneself. It is not mere independence but being fully at one with oneself. Human beings may claim that she/he is free but not absolutely, for absolute freedom belongs to God alone. Freedom has nothing to do with mood, whim or chance. It flows from the power of a spontaneous initiative. It is a free act, determined by a proper motivation and decision. This freedom 10 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
Fr. Dr. Wilson D’Souza, OFM Cap
of decision enshrines the real personal freedom. Freedom is only freedom when it is properly exercised in concrete situations of life. Thus human freedom is not a state, as it is in things, nor freedom from this or any compulsion. In the Greco-Roman world the understanding was limited: a person who had been a slave and then secured release was free.
From personal freedom we turn to social freedom. In society, I cannot act and behave as I want but there are certain norms and behavioural pattern expected of me by society. The individual is subject to a number of conditions imposed on him/her by society. Social freedom is an integration of a multitude of free achievements, by using the mode of co-operation and common consent needed for common action resulting in solidarity. It is neither doctrinal nor mechanical. Freedom in the Old Testament and the New Testament Apart from human freedom there is a divine freedom. God is not merely free but his freedom goes out of
Himself in the acts of creation. Human beings misuse their freedom and fall into sin and God out of his freedom makes us his partner. Human freedom is fallen freedom. When God created human beings in his image and likeness He created them not only to know the Creator and His love but also to lead a life of true freedom. This original freedom was lost due to original sin which we call as abuse of freedom. Sin lifted up human beings against God. It really chains human beings. But the Lord himself came to free and strengthen humanity by renewing us inwardly and casting out the prince of this world. It is only freedom that sets us free. It cannot heal itself. All through the Old Testament God makes his free choice of the people for Israel. In the New Testament the whole concept of creation out of freedom leads to redemption out of freedom. God in Jesus Christ becomes free love at the incarnation. It is bestowed on all humankind. Human freedom is finite in itself. It is always a response to the absolute freedom of God. The excess of human freedom leads to one becoming a victim of slavery. This enslaved freedom is incapable of giving salvation for it lacks proper grace. Grace makes freedom free and grace comes from God alone who is the source and goal of all freedom which is healed and restored through Christ. Thus we are called the freedom of the children of God. The free person is the person who is one with God. However, we are suffering from a secularist views of freedom. This leads to egoism and self –assertion. It is based on rational ideology. Karl Marx promoted, all goods must be at the free disposal of all in a classless society. Human beings will then be free. The church too had a struggle in describing the role
of grace and free will. Freedom was limited to a psychological and moral choice in matters of sin and salvation. Freedom is not only absence of external coercion, but also absence of inner compulsion. Unfortunately here God is excluded. It is a free love of God freely given to human beings. Thus, freedom is nothing but proper attitude to life. It is a welcome gift freely and spontaneously given by God himself.
When we speak of freedom today, it is from sin, from mere observation of law, freedom from bondage and death. True freedom is brought by Christ. It is not political, cultural, racial and social freedom from the clutches of slavery and bondage. We all are free in Christ. The principle of Christian freedom is the spirit, for where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Let me conclude with the words of Vatican II (GS 17), Indeed people of our time prize freedom very highly and strive eagerly for it. The tragedy of human life is that they cherish it improperly as if it gave them leave to do anything they like, even when it is evil. The proper exercise of freedom means act out of conscious and free choice as moved and drawn in a personal way from within and not by blind impulses of mere external constraint. Humans have been given greater responsibility in freely choosing what is good. Since human freedom has been weakened by sin it is only with the help of God’s grace that we can give rightful meaning to freedom and its exercise. The writer is a member of the Capuchin of St. Bonaventure Province Maharashtra. Presently he is the Vice-Rector of the Capuchin Theologate, Pune. He also teaches at several Theology Institutes. He has a doctorate in Biblical Theology from Rome. He also directs retreats for priests and religious.
CELEBRATING THE REUNION
Pilar News
In a world of happenings some members of the Society of Pilar gathered to celebrate their years in the priestly ministry from 6th January till 16th 2020. It was good to see some priests who had completed 30, 35 & 40 years in the Missionary Society of Pilar. It was exciting for us to come together after being away from each other for a number of years. When I looked at some of my companions and others older to me in priesthood, I realized that in the course of years members have grown while being active in the mission and at the same time have advanced in the knowledge and experiences. These were great moments of recalling our formative years as well our priestly ministry at different levels, some in formation, administration, & missions in India and abroad which were unique, challenging, horrifying, encouraging and funny. We were warmly welcomed by the Director of formation Fr. Romualdo Gonsalves and facilitated by various resource persons; Fr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx, Fr. Edison Fernandes, sdb, Fr. Joe Abraham, cssr, and Fr. Ivon Almeida, sfx. We had the opportunity to share our joyous experiences and vocation with our elderly members in the monastery, with young budding members of the Apostolic School, Minor Seminary, Pre-Novitiate and the Scholastics of the Mission Seminary. It was an enriching experience for all. During our programme we had an evening at Odxel beach which brought to our mind the good old days when we would gather together for such evenings. Later, we had interaction with the General Administration which was enriching for us to know the achievements, challenges and the target of mission 2030. Towards the end of our programme we had the evaluation and being the feast of St. Joseph Vaz, we went to seek his blessings in the evening. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 11
Spirituality
St. John of Egypt “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven are my brother and sister and mother”. Mt 12:50
J
ohn of Egypt was born in a poor family in Lycopolis, Egypt. As young lad, he trained himself as a carpenter with his father. At the age of 25, he felt God’s call deep within himself, so he left everything and committed himself to a holy solitary life in the desert under the guidance of an elderly hermit. He spent almost a decade with the hermit taking guidance and learning from him. His master tried to test his obedience by unreasonable commands, bidding him roll the hard rocks, tend to dead trees, and so on. St. John accepted everything in obedience with simplicity of heart. After the death of his master, John withdrew himself to the top of a steep cliff in Lycopolis, in order to think only of God and his soul. It is said that he carved three cells, one for sleeping, the other for work and the last for praying. John avoided all human contact as he felt that the more, he thought about himself the more disturbed he felt. He was blessed with spiritual gift of prophecy and was able to predict the future and knowing the details of the person whom he had never met. He even predicted the future victories to the Emperor Theodosius the Great. St. John was often tempted by devils, but he never ceased in his prayer life. The last three days of his life, John gave wholly to God. On the third day, he was found on his knees as if in prayer, 12 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
Scholastic Baltazar Fernandes, SFX but his soul was with the blessed. He died in the year 394. Every saint has something to teach us. Their only goal in life was to do the will of God. Reflecting on the life of St. John, one can draw many things in life. His simplicity of life and his obedience to his superiors is the hallmark of his life. A man who has chosen to follow Christ will never look back, whatever the circumstances might be. This is seen in the life of St. John when his superior tested his obedience by giving him unreasonable commands. Jesus teaches us what it means to be obedient, by his very example which he showed to humanity. When sufferings came in his life, he asked his Father, “Father please take away this cup from me, but not my will but your will be done.” Obedience is all about doing the will of God. St. John regarded his superior as one who stands in place of God and accepted everything only as the will of God.
In his life he gave first priority to God and totally surrendered his life into the hands of God. St. John understood that God deserves the dedication of our life to his service, as he is our creator and giver of life. The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of First Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar-Goa
Spirituality
Listening, Hearing, and Acting LUKE 11: 27-28 Fr. Santosh Mendonca, SFX Lectio Our gospel for reflection is preceded by Jesus teaching his disciples to prayer: Lord’s prayer (11,14) and how to pray (11, 5-13). This is followed by the healing of the dumb demon resulting in some questioning his source of authority (11,14-24). Jesus’ glorious words and actions enthuses a woman from the crowd to exclaim, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked.” Jesus responds - not by rebuking her (though some might see it that way) - but by rejecting her emphasis on him, on him as a hero. Instead, he calls her to the essence of his message . . . “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” In other words, Jesus implicitly states don’t get caught up in worshipping me - that’s not the key. The key is listening, hearing, and acting according to God’s call. This is Jesus’ recipe for our happiness. Meditatio We all know we are called to do God’s will. But how often do we get caught up in worship and glory, to the exclusion of the harder part - the listening, the hearing, and - the hardest of all - acting in concordance with God’s will? Though far from my homeland, I can hear loud and clear the cry for liberation from the powers that try to disrupt and destroy the secular, democratic, and peaceful fabric of our country. It is against this saddening backdrop that I hear the words of Jesus “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” At this moment, then, what does it mean to me that Jesus
is calling me to hear and keep God’s word? What am I called to do in response to these “wilful and systematised atrocities”? How should I respond to those who did this or to those who find these actions to be one of nationalism? Listen . . . hear . . . act . . . how? With revenge and hate in my heart for those who do this? Or . . .? Then, reaching across the noise and clatter of human confusion, anger, hatred, frustration, sorrow, and fear, we need to hear these challenging words of Jesus: “. . . forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”; “. . . love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”; “ . . . do to others as you would have them do to you”; “. . . love your neighbour as yourself”; “. . . blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” How shall we respond?
Oratio God grant us wisdom and strength to hear and to act according to what we know to be true guided by your Holy Spirit. Actio Do an act of mercy towards the one you dislike may be in your family, or school, or workplace, or your village neighbour. The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is pursuing his Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 13
Spirituality
Lenten Musings 2020 Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap
H
i! It’s lent time once again. I know it’s not our favourite time like Christmas. However, it’s a beautiful time of grace. It’s beautiful time because all that we are going to do for the next 40 days; extra prayer, fasting, self-examination, charity, retreats, etc will be done for the sake of Jesus. Our love for Jesus gives meaning to all the Lenten activities that we will be doing. It becomes a joy to work on our conversion and not a dull gloomy burden. If we take it as a burden our body may be in the church but our hearts will be far away. We will end up continuing in our old sinful life assuming that God will forgive us. If we persist in dishonesty, uncharitable and immoral behavior, we will willfully nullify the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. In other words, it means we simply don’t care about Christ’s crucifixion. We are over concerned with our lives and desires. Let’s make a ‘U turn’ for Jesus during this lent and sign the LIC policy-Life in Christ. Lent is a beautiful time of salvation. Time to Clean your ‘House’ Say suppose you built a new house. After a grand inauguration you closed it down. You went abroad and returned after two years. Will your house and garden be clean? That’s what Padre Pio used to say even a new house needs time to time dusting and cleaning. Our Christian life resembles a house that needs some upkeep, and Lent is the time to get to work. Clean your house well so that you have the satisfaction of being prepared to celebrate the
14 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
greatest feast of Christianity i.e. EASTER.
Spiritual Cholesterol of a Christian It’s Lent. It’s time to check our spiritual cholesterol. The hdl cholesterol that chokes Christianity-Hcholesterol of hypocrisy-pretending (not being) to be a Christian; D-cholesterol of duplicity (Peter’s syndrome)-being only an occasional Christian. We know Christ and His church only on wedding, funeral or annual feast days; L-cholesterol of lethargyspirituality is kept for retirement age. Before the spiritual cholesterol chokes your Christian heart go for spiritual walks and maintain your diet as prescribed in the Bible. The Three Crosses Three Crosses on Calvary stood before the crowd. They represented three categories of the people in the crowd: a) Rebellious people who shouted ‘crucify Him, crucify Him’ b) Repentant people who beat their breast and said have mercy on us we have sinned c) Redeeming people who prayed ‘Father forgive them they know not what they are doing’. Life is Calvary for every true Christian. Which Cross is calling you? The Cross of the Rebellious thief, the Cross of the Repentant thief or the Cross of the Redeemer? The writer is a member of the Capuchin of St. Anthony Province, Goa. He is a writer, preacher and a teacher.
Spirituality
Once
And For All…
W
e are in the season of Lent, contemplating upon Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Jesus is the great and perfect high priest in the world. The sacrifice of Jesus was accomplished on the cross, when he shed his blood on the cross and said “it is finished”. The letter to the Hebrews clearly speaks that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is once and for all, which cannot be repeated over and over as compared to the Old Testament sacrifice. In the Old Testament, we find various sacrifices. There were sacrifices of bulls and goats, (Lev16) and also the sacrifice of the red heifer (Num19). All the ritual of sacrifices was done to purify oneself and to rebuild the connection to God. Therefore, the law of Moses commanded various types of animal sacrifices. For instance, Yom Kippur. The Hebrew word Yom Kippur means in English the day of atonement (Lev 16:1-34). On this day, only the high priest entered the Holy of Holies. He takes one bull and two male goats from the people. The bull is offered by the high priest for his own sins. Then he casts the lots on the two goats, one lot for the Lord and other one for the Azazel. The lot which fell for the Lord, that goat he offers as a sin offering for the people and the lot which fell for Azazel, that goat is sent away to the wilderness bearing the sins of the people. In the Holy of Holies, he sprinkles the blood of bull and goat on the mercy seat (Ark of the covenant). Through this ritual, people were cleansed and the relationship between God and people was restored. But the sacrifices of Jesus overturned the old ritual. In old testament times, the sacrifices and ceremonies performed for cleansing from sin had to be repeated over and over again. But the letter to the Hebrews tells us of the sacrifice and declares that the sacrifice that Jesus brought in is greater and
Scholastic Nelson Rebeiro, SFX more effective. The sacrifice of Jesus is superior to Yom Kippur sacrifice, because the ancient sacrifice cleansed a human body from ritual uncleanness. The sacrifice of Jesus cleansed the soul. Secondly, the sacrifice of Christ brought eternal redemption. Here, Jesus pays the price to free human beings from the dominion of sin. Thirdly, the sacrifice of Jesus cleanses us from the dead works and leads us to the living God. Fourthly, there is difference between sacrifice of Jesus and that of goat. The sacrifice of Jesus was voluntary but in the sacrifice of goat the goat had no choice. Jesus’ sacrifice was free-willed out of love but the sacrifice of goat, was out of law. His sacrifice was rational as compared to the sacrifice of the goat. Jesus’ sacrifice was of moral value but the sacrifice of goat was mechanical. Finally, the sacrifice of Jesus was a prefect sacrifice, because it was for our sake, He died on the cross to take us to God and it never needs to be repeated. But the ritual of the day of atonement had to go on year after year. The very fact of the repetition of these sacrifices is the proof that they are not purifying human souls and not giving to them full and uninterrupted access to God. The sacrifice of animals is powerless in order purify humans and to give him access to God. The only effective sacrifice is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Every lent season is a special reminder for us that every Eucharistic celebration that we partake, is the memorial and commemoration of that same paschal event that Jesus died once and for all. Let us hold on to this mystery. The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of Second Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar-Goa Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 15
Youth
Mahatma’s Call To Youth And Women Ibonio D’Souza
M
ahatma Gandhi put forth before the world from time-to-time his views on almost every subject related to life. His views pertaining to youth and women are unique. They are still matchless and worth considering in the current perspective.
On the importance and the role of youth, Gandhiji asserted, “Youth are life of the nation. They must be ready to discharge responsibility as it will prepare them to become mature and worthy...They have their duties towards society and the nation.... they are needed always.” (Youth and Politics, pg. 26). Calling upon the youth, the Mahatma urged, “Young men... claiming...to be the father of tomorrow, should be the salt of the nation. If salt loses its flavour, wherewith shall it be salted?” And, “You go forth as messengers of God carrying balm for the wounded soul...” (Young India, Dec. 22, 1927). Also, declaring a woman the shaper and moulder of society and the nation in the same measure as the man, Gandhiji wrote, “Man and woman are of equal rank.... they are a peerless pair being supplementary to one another; each helps the other, so that without one the existence of the other cannot be conceived, and therefore it follows as a necessary corollary from these facts that anything that will impair the status of either of them will involve the equal ruin of them both.” (Harijan, Feb. 27, 1927). Discussing the issue pertaining to rights of women, he firmly states, “I am uncompromising in the matter of women’s rights.... treat the daughters and sons on a footing of perfect equality.” (Young India, Oct. 17, 1929). The distinctiveness of the Gandhian approach lies in the fact that it incorporates high human values - especially the supreme value of Ahimsa (non-violence). It ordains carrying out day-to-day 16 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
activities on the basis of morality and ethics. It is capable of giving appropriate direction to youth on the one hand and on the other, to bring women on the same platform as men, making their contribution to the building of society, nation and humanity as a whole transparent and appreciable.
Gandhiji himself admits, “Women have been suppressed under custom and law for which man was responsible and in the shaping of which she had no hand.” And went on to add: “They (women) can never be imposed from outside. Men have not realized this truth in it’s fullness in their behaviour towards women. They have considered themselves to be lords and masters of women instead of considering them as their friends and co-workers.” (India of My Dreams, pg. 224).
The manner in which Gandhiji prepared the ground for active participation of youth and women in the national liberation movement of India and simultaneously engaged them in constructive work for enhancement of their own self-sufficiency, was astonishing, and remains unparalleled. From every part of the country, youth in their thousands came to join the national liberation movement under the leadership of Gandhiji. They played a vital role in the fight for freedom and by way of multifarious constructive programmes they worked for selfsufficiency and uplift of common man, and in the building of society and the nation during the freedom struggle and in the post-independence India. Almost all of them emerged as public figures and exemplary social workers.
Gandhiji urged for social reforms so that men could realize the importance of women’s role in their time space. He desired men to change their mentality towards women. He longed for women’s equality in the socio-political and economic fields and surety of their participation in the system. Until and unless the role and contribution of youth and women are not acknowledged, men do not proactively work for this taking it as their moral responsibility; welfaristic state cannot become a reality. This is the call and message of the Mahatma to the youth and women of India. The writer is author of the widely read motivational book “Rise And Shine...the lotus way”, and a social activist.
Youth
Youth Quest: Spontaneous and Joyous Communication
T
he Pope’s personal lifestyle leaves a strong positive impression on our young people, starting with his option to live in a modest and sober environment (at Santa Martha). He also finds time to answer letters sent to him by children and by young people.
There is a delightful story in the life of St. John Bosco. He was once riding a coach and as drivers often do, the coachman uttered some choice expletives. Don Bosco focused his charms on him and the poor fellow ended up making his Spontaneous and Joyous Communication” to the saint in the coach itself. At the end, the priest said: “So, that would cost you 10 lire.” Taken aback, the coachman blurted, “But father, I thought that confessions are for free.” “So you knew that?” Don Bosco responded pleasantly. “Then why don’t you come to me often?” Inimitable Don Bosco! The best things in life are always free, given to us by grace. They are free precisely because they are priceless. “Do not throw pearls to the pigs,” said Jesus. That is a warning also for us, as regards this invaluable sacrament of joy.
I deal with the youth of today, their role and their development in the many areas that need reforming. They need to train themselves so there develops a co-ordination of head, heart and hand. They will acquire heads to think, hearts to have concern and hands to work. Youth are like clay in the hands of parents, teachers and elders who can help them develop their potentials. How youth are utilized and sometimes exploited by vested interests makes us sad. Youth are also misguided to a larger extent by some evil sources making them irresponsible towards the society they live in. It is pathetic but true that, due to many a problems that exist in today’s world, youth are drawn towards evil sources that appear attractive. Luxuries, evil habits and societal commitments also gain youth’s attraction to a greater extent. As a result, there is a huge danger to these youth. Youth have a spark which needs no ignition. Earlier the virtual world was just a small part of our lives and restricted to only work. But now it has become our life. The technology revolution has made our lives easier and better. Status updates, stylish clicks, happenings, and easy chats have drawn us apart, from our original personality. Youth plays the major role in the digital world full of
Fr. Joe Fernandes, SFX
new opportunities and innovative solutions. This new world of digitalization offers obvious advantages. You can reach the corners of the world standing in one place. You can connect to millions of people just by one click of the mouse. Youth trust this virtual world and have become familiar with the unknown. Intentionally or unintentionally youth often share their private information publicly. Having a majority of the youth active online, the virtual world can be used as an important tool to promote trust and hope between youth Youth are in search of discovering their identity as persons and what they live for. They want to discover their essence, and what is at the heart of who they really are. It is this which gives a meaning or purpose to their existence. They are profoundly spiritual though not always religious. It is their way of life and it gives birth to the values that make them who they are. When they are made to realize that they possess worth, that they are cared for, heard and appreciated, then they begin to discover themselves and the meaning of their life.
Conclusion Today we speak of global villages, electronic superhighways and multimedia super-corridors referring to the modern communication facilities. My dear Readers, especially the young energetic, Pope Francis has unexpectedly emerged on the world scene as a Master Communicator, making the Joy of the Gospel reach to the masses. It is their concerns that he addresses, using their language, speaking with zest and forcefulness. In his Apostolic Exhortation The Joy of the Gospel he emphasizes the importance of using a language that people would understand and not a language which weaken the “Freshness of the Gospel”. A “Missionary Heart”, urges to be close to the younger generation since they read the signs of the times better. We can invite our young minds to root out violence and corruption, working for peace, and being generous and compassionate, and be a Spontaneous and Joyous communicator. For these, the Good News of Jesus must reach in helpful ways to the worst situations, which arises with our youth of today. The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Asst. Vocation Promoter, Pilar-Goa. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 17
Youth
“Happiness does not depend on any external conditions; It is governed by our mental attitude.” – Dale Carnegie
Count your blessings
Nirmala Rebello
M
ost people are in hot pursuit of happiness, but have no idea where to find it. Our commercials are always selling happiness whether it is the sale of soaps or cars and we are so busy running in search of it that we are always ‘on the go’. Either we are rushing to reach somewhere or rushing to meet deadlines. We have always to get somewhere else first before we can relax or before we can enjoy the moment. Maybe we need to stop for a moment and look at the reserves within us. Happiness comes from within and it’s a choice we make every day, no matter where we are. It comes from recognizing that we can be happy if we choose to be. “The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them but they seize us”. How wisely said by Ashley Montagu* and rightly so. So wouldn’t it be great if we could bottle happiness..?? There are several ways, but my favourite is a simple glass jar that sits on the window sill above my bed. It’s a pretty sight and each time I look at it, I’m filled with a deep sense of well-being, difficult to explain. My Happy Jar has journeyed with me for the last few years irrespective of a change in job or changes in residence. The Jar is a simple kitchen jar, transparent, dressed with ribbons and bows on the outside and is filled with small sheets of coloured paper , neatly folded like little ‘Lucky dip’ lotteries. The jar glistens in the sunlight and brightens the room. It also brings 18 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
in a lot of cheer to my mind because my ‘Happy Jar’ is filled with happy thoughts. I’ve also added some positive and inspiring quotes that sometimes swim in my head. Each time I recall one of those I scribble them on small coloured papers, fold them neatly and put them inside my jar.
Most of the chits of papers have my happy moments recorded - moments that made me joyful and these are the moments that I treasure. There are proud moments when I accomplished something or when I was complimented or I met someone special or I just felt good. Some papers record the joy at meeting an old schoolmate after 30 years which revive memories of the innocent pranks we played at school. Some papers have wonderful memories of my students and how blessed I felt when they performed superwell at academics or at extra-curricular activities. I’ve also scribbled names of books I read and enjoyed and the great films I watched with buddies and family. Dipping into my Happy jar with anticipation is as thrilling as the picking of a prize winning lottery coupon. Here there is always a win-win situation, as there is no chance of losing. HAPPINESS IS GUARANTEED. For instance when I look back at 2019, a year that flew by so quickly, I hardly remember much of what I did. However when I unfold the precious papers from my Happy jar, it turns out the year was great. There were occasions that made me smile and recall the valuable stuff that I learnt. I grew up in so many ways and I realized all of this only when I dig into
the jar. My Happy jar makes life special for me and helps me capture all the happiness that would have otherwise been forgotten. It is an acknowledgement of the blessings that have been showered on me in countless ways. It’s also the realization of God’s love for me. Sometimes when I’m going through a rough patch, I realize that instead of letting life’s problems weigh me down, I can start recalling my blessings which awakens immense feelings of gratitude within me. I am so grateful that God looks after me in every little way.
Blessings are good in our life as they are favors from God. Even in the bleakest of moments, these blessings are reminders that God has not forsaken us and He is always around with a safety net to help us through. So when I feel low, I just dip into my jar for a happiness hit which has never failed to revive me. The tiny coloured papers are comforting reminders of the joyous moments and the countless blessings, I’ve received along life’s journey. You could get a jar for yourself today and try to capture your happy times. The recipe is so simple and uncomplicated.
Take a glass/acrylic (transparent) bottle, with a wide mouth , so you can easily get your hand into the jar.
Use your creativity to beautify it. You can paint it or use stickers or tie ribbons. Feel free to give it a festive look.
Keep a few papers of different colours or a memo pad next to the jar, so that you can pen your memories. Make the effort to write your happy experiences, no matter how small. Capture your happy moments for posterity. Fold the paper neatly and drop it in the jar. Feel free to fill the jar with other happy souvenirs, like movie tickets or printouts of your happy pictures. Maybe you could scribble the date on it. These will become treasures as the years fly by. These treasures are the blessings that have been showered on us. Writing out the blessings can provide immense mental peace and strength to face the future. It fills us with a sense of gratitude and we begin to value life and people around us. There is research evidence to show that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder.
The writer is a counselling psychologist, Raia-Goa
“Ven. Agnelo is a Reflection of the Divine” Bishop Francis Serrao
Pilar News
151st Birth Anniversary Celebrated – 21st January 2020
Devotees flocked to St. John de Baptist Chapel Gaumvaddi Anjuna (birthplace of Ven Agnelo D’Souza) to devoutly celebrate the 151st Birth Anniversary of their saintly son of the soil. The solemn Eucharist was presided by Rt. Rev. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga. The theme of the celebration was “Ven Agnelo Experienced Christ and proclaimed Him; Go and Do Likewise” In his homily, the Bishop called on the gathering to emulate the divinity reflected in the life of Ven. Agnelo. Christian life, he said, can be divided in three stages: Devotee, Disciple, and Apostle. He urged the people to be authentic disciples and Apostles of Jesus. Many times, we get busy with our devotions and neglect the aspects of discipleship and apostleship. “Fr. Agnelo experienced Jesus, he had true devotion to Sacred Heart, the Eucharist and Mother Mary; he became a true disciple and also went out and proclaimed the Word becoming an Apostle” he said. We need to experience Jesus in the Holy Word every day. He quoted the Indian teaching of ‘Shravana, Manana, Nididhyasana’ meaning listening to God’s Word, then meditating, and thereby integrating it in our lives. In the end, Fr. Tony Fernandes, Vice Postulator, shared about the process of Canonisation of Ven. Agnelo and also urged the faithful to be fervent in prayer. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, Vicar General- Society of Pilar, expressed words of gratitude. Fr. Patrick Luis, the Parish Priest also thanked everyone. Many people from Anjuna, Pilar and even Rachol with their Parish Priest Fr. Eremito Rebello were present for the celebration. They visited the house of Ven. Agnelo and kissed the holy relics. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 19
Youth
Delayed Gratification: A path to true Happiness Fr. Antony Jerald, MMI
T
oday we are living in a pleasure-seeking society where instant gratification is highly regarded and most of us spend our energy in seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. The technically sophisticated world of today has put things into our palms through the latest smartphones and other gadgets. We are ‘online generation’ because we buy, sell, relate and communicate online. We are running after short term and momentary goals, thus, there is no value for long term plans. It is vivid from the action of the Indian government on adult content website ban. A study states that 70% of total browsing on the Indian internet was related to pornography and as much as 80% of porn viewers in India are in the 18-34 age groups. Despite the porn ban, India is the third-largest porn watcher with 30 per cent female users. This emerging culture of technological addiction is linked to a multitude of problems for individuals and wider society. This is indeed evidence for peoples search for instant gratification. Hence, this situation paves the way for a pile of unhappy Indians.
20 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
Real Issue Looking into the issue addressed above most of you think that is it really important to discuss? There are numerous issues to enumerate or analyze; starting from rising unemployment to NRC and CAA but without diminishing or neglecting the importance of citizenship issue we should concentrate on the value and happy life of our nation. The youth of today are misguided or locked into their smartphones with individualistic attitude. Young ones of our nation are ruining their lives in the face of the changing culture and trends. The other is looked
at as a threat. Leave me alone, don’t disturb me are the frequently used statements. It is where real problems of our nation are swept under the carpet or never attended by. So, the real issue is changing their consciousness about the value of life and imparting knowledge of true happiness. Problem is, we have educated our young ones but we have not given them the vision of life.
The evil of instant Gratification A famous biblical statement goes like this, ‘there is time for everything.” It has its own effect on human life. Instant Gratification and looking for immediate pleasure leads to addiction (food, alcohol, money, sex, etc.) in life more over it leads to physical, mental and relationship problems such as; depression, anxiety, erectile dysfunction, lack of intimacy, loneliness, divorce and inability to emotionally contact with others. So, misuse of life for instant gratification and pleasure makes one incapable of living for a purpose and leading a meaningful life.
True happiness “The reason so many people were unhappy was that they confused pleasure for true happiness’, says famous Greek philosopher Aristotle. Evidently, it is true that we miss the mark by giving ourselves for instant gratification and momentary pleasure. True happiness is an inner quality and a state of mind. If our mind is at peace, we are happy. If we have everything the world can give - pleasure, possessions, power - but lack peace of mind, we can never be happy. Peace of mind is an impossibility in instant gratification. On the other hand philosopher, Plato unveils an important aspect. According to him happiness or wellbeing (Eudaimonia) is the highest aim of moral thought, conduct and virtues. Looking into one’s search for true happiness is indeed fulfilled only through moral conduct and virtuous life. Instant gratification leaves no way for growth in morality and virtues because one is carried away by momentary pleasures of life and disregards the words of parents and the society.
Delayed Gratification: Path to true happiness Delayed gratification is the act of resisting an impulse to take an immediately available reward in the hope of obtaining a more valued reward in the future. Power of delayed gratification is proved by 20th C. Stanford professor Walter Mischel in ‘the Marshmallow experiment’. It highlighted that success usually comes down choosing the pain of discipline over the ease of distraction. So, delayed gratification truly leads to true happiness.
Positive outcomes of delayed gratification are academic success, physical health, psychological health and social competence. It also promotes patience, impulse control, self-control and will power. Resisting the temptation of immediate pleasure or gratification is one of the most effective personal traits of successful people. People who learn how to manage their need to be satisfied at the moment thrive more in their careers, relationships, health and finances than people who give in to it. So, delayed gratification is a path to true happiness which it helps one to mature and handle life in a better way. It is the need of the hour. Plan of Action 1. Welcoming easy internet access and advancing technology we have the duty of educating young ones on proper use of technology. 2. Digital natives (Young Generation) of today should have supervised access to the internet. 3. Create awareness about changing ideologies and culture and also its ill effects. 4. Encourage meaningful use of internet and making life useful for other. 5. Spend time with young ones and motivate them on values of relationship and moral conduct. 6. Talk to youth about love and kindness for the other 7. Teach your children about the value of presence of the other. 8. Parents and senior citizens give hope and positive energy to young generation. 9. Lead an exemplary life that others will be inspired 10. Be a model and practice delayed gratification.
To conclude, once I asked a boy what is your opinion about life? He replied that life is all about cheating, no one is truthful. There is no right or wrong, there is no concept of virgin boy or girl. Everything is a taboo today. Be happy as long as you live. Don’t bother about the other. His answer was shocking. This answer compelled me to think that we have not created trust in the mind of young ones today. We give them education but not moral standard. We give them modern gadgets but not our presence. Learn to create trust and teach the value of delayed gratification. Let the digital natives have clear vision for a safe and peaceful India. The writer is a member of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, Chennai-Tamil Nadu). He is a professor at MMI college of theology in Chennai. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 21
Mission Musings
St. Isaac Jogues Parish, USA
Fr. Mario Pereira, sfx
Brief History The parish of St. Isaac Jogues is named after a Jesuit French Missionary who came to North America in 1636 shortly after his ordination at the age of 29 with a small Mass kit that his mother had given him. He worked with Huron tribal and was martyred 10 years later in October 1646 by another tribal group Iroquois Confederation. St. Isaac Jogues parish was organized in July, 1956 on a six and a quarter acre of land. This property had been purchased by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1954 as the site for the future parish. Just 280 families formed the nucleus of the parish. The Sisters of Christian Charity opened St. Isaac Jogues School in 1957 and the enrollments in the School skyrocketed from 350 students to 1,432 by 1964. To meet the needs of this large parish, the first Pastor purchased three acres of land west of the parish building. However, plans to build a new church on this site never materialized and the School gymnasium which was designed for the school purpose; functions as a church till today and has a seating capacity for 450 to 500 people at a time. In the year 1992, as the numbers of school students declined the school was closed resulting in decline of families moving from the area; thereby affecting the functioning of the parish financially. To cope up with the finances of the parish they had to downsize the working staff. I moved into the parish of St. Isaac Jogues as an Associate in November of 2014. For a year and a half, I worked under the Pastor and then in July 01 2016, I was appointed as a Pastor and Fr. 22 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
Carlos Pereira sfx as my Associate. The Archdiocese of Chicago were pleased to entrust the charge of the parish to the members of the Society of Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier (commonly known as Pilar Fathers) The task was enormous both from spiritual as well as financial point of view. St. Isaac Jogues parish now serves approximately 800 middle income families of many different ethnic backgrounds. The parish has been in existence for over 63 years. At present, we have one active permanent deacon. Together with my staff, we tried to analyze in order to rectify the situation as initially people had their doubts since we were oversees priests and whether the parish was still with the Archdiocese of Chicago. Secondly, the fear of closure of the church loomed large due to the closure of the school.
The parish was literally struggling to pay the staff and meet the daily requirements as church attendances was declining which affected our finances. I had to take immediate steps to strengthen the finances of the parish which by God’s grace worked well for me. I invited people to attend a twelve session course each week on parish transformation which was organised by a resource person from the Archdiocese of Chicago and people responded very well. We revisited all the activities of the parish, did away with some and energized the other activities involving more people and motivated the young to take up leadership at the parish level. Parishioners started taking responsibilities. We tried to strengthen the
spiritual activities by being present for every
event, spiritual as well as social. This gave a boost to our parishioners as they realized that we were here for them. They began to support us in whatever we planned. For our daily week day mass about 80 to 100 people come to our church and for our four weekend masses every sunday we have approximately 1,200 people. We have a dynamic choir that sings for different masses, each choir takes a different mass, and the liturgies are well planned. Different ministries function where over 100 men and women including youth are involved. Besides, we have the Parish and Finance Council and outreach ministries. The strong focus of our parish has been St. Vincent the Paul ministry feeding the poor and paying their utility bills and reaching out to their needs as much as we can as per our resources. The very fact that we strengthened this ministry in our parish has been blessed by God and at present we can boast that we have raised sufficient funds for the renovation work of the parish both exterior as well as interior which is underway at present, as earlier it could not be thought of with the declining numbers.
The parish is centrally located and accessible to the airport and other locations. Different parish events and activities are held throughout the year, like the Feast Day of our patron St. Isaac Jogues, mass in October with a focus on American Indian music & the taste of St. Isaac Jogues which celebrates the diversity in the parish through food of 10 to 12 different nationalities. In the month of May, Marian Festival depicting every year 7 different apparition sites of Mother Mary including Our Lady of Pilar & Velankanni followed by snacks. Corpus Christi
Model United Nations
St. Xavier School Bathinda hosted the 3rd Edition of St. Xavier’s MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN). Over 300 Students from various schools of Punjab, Haryana & New Delhi participated in this event. It provides a platform for students to engage in a meaningful debate on issues of significance in the world. The theme for this year’s event was “VISION 2030”, an achievable blueprint for any ambitious nation. The theme unfolds the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and expectations that need to be based on the unique intrinsic strengths and capabilities.
mass & celebrations are held in June when weather permits a procession is held in the church compound followed by hospitality. St. Joseph Table celebration is held in March, special mass with an Italian focus followed by traditional food. An annual concert is held in August featuring professional entertainers to benefit our parish. Epiphany concert is held in January involving young and old alike. Simbang Gabi celebration is a Filipino unique cultural celebration held in December, besides the group promotes the feast of St. Lorenzo their first saint and martyr in September. The Polish community has other multicultural events during the year. Different fund raisers are held throughout the year to bring about greater participation and to strengthen parish ties. Besides many spiritual acts like the novena to Perpetual Succor, Holy Hour, Healing services, Bible time line study, Catechism classes, visits to senior citizens with mass, confessions and anointing are some of the activities we carry out. All these different activities make the parish more vibrant and enriching for everyone. In a year’s time we carry out almost 55to 60 funerals and 35-40 baptism and hardly any church weddings.
What surprises me is the number of people that show up for mass and some of them are eager to hear God’s word. We make the best use of our Sacraments like Baptism, Eucharist to evangelize and catechize people even at funeral time. We believe it is our mission to make Him known. (Also see pg. 2) The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Parish Priest of St. Isasc Jogues Church, Chicago, USA.
Pilar News
Knowledge Fest at Khanwel, Nagar Haveli “Knowledge Festival” was organised by Gyanmata English High School, Khanvel for its students and the students of the neighbourhood, on the eve of Republic Day. Rev. Fr. Francis Pereira, Parish Priest - Chisda, Nagar Haveli, inaugurated the event. In his address, he encouraged the students to strive for excellence. The Knowledge Fest focused on the Geography of India, Indian history before and after independence, and Indian Civics. Over 800 students, (besides parents) from the neighbouring schools attended the event and benefitted from the Festival. Visitors were made aware of the vegetation and forests of India, climate and terrains, and contemporary environment-friendly measures. Knowledge was also imparted to the visitors on the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Indian Administrative Systems, Empires and Dynasties etc. FR. AGNEL’S CALL | March 2020 | 23
Mission Musings
A versatile Pilar Missionary Interview with Fr. Nicolau Rodrigues, SFX
Scholastic Clanny Fernandes, sfx Fr. Nicolau Rodrigues hails from Raia, Goa. He was born on 10th August 1940 to Manuel Rodrigues and Luizinha Gomes. He has a vast experience as Pilar Missionary. He worked in Tamil Nadu, Andamans and Nicobar islands, Pilar, Sanvordem, Molcornem etc. He gave to the best of his ability to any task assigned to him by the superiors. Could you tell us about the early stages of your vocation to Priesthood? At an early age, I joined my village government primary school which was a Portuguese medium school and passed Segundo grau. Our Parish Church was just 2 kilometres away from my home. So, it was easy to walk in order to attend catechism classes as well as to be the altar boy. I was always close to the Diocesan priests of the Parish and they would invite me to come with them for house visits and Easter house blessings. The Rachol Seminary was very near to our Parish. Although I was familiar to the Diocesan Priests as well as to Rachol Seminary, I don’t know how I chose to be a Pilar Missionary. I had seen Pilar only once when I had walked with my neighbours to attend Goa Velha’s “Santanchem Pursanv”. All my family members wanted me to join Rachol Seminary. But perhaps Jesus wanted me to become a Pilar missionary. Nobody else influenced me to make this choice.
24 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
What were the best experiences during the period of your formation years? During my formation from Novitiate to Priesthood, I got many opportunities to perfect myself in extracurricular activities such as, being an infirmarian, gardener, sacristan, electrician, etc. Every opportunity given to me by my superiors made me learn more things which finally were of much use for me in the Missions.
Could you tell us about your initial years as a Pilar Priest and what challenges you had to face? I was ordained a Priest on 21st December 1968. My first appointment was at Fr. Agnel Seminary as a Bursar. After two years, a surprised appointment came to me to study Tamil in Tamil Nadu as a preparation to go to Andamans to serve the Tamil community as their chaplain. At that time, our society had no Tamilian priest and I took this appointment as a challenge. It was not an easy job. I live with the Jesuits priests for one year in a remote Parish of Madurai Archdiocese. Here, I learnt to read and write Tamil but was unable to talk or understand people in their language. From the parish of the Jesuits, I was taken to Madurai City Parish. Here, the Parish Priest was an elderly person, therefore, I was forced to cover-up most of his outside ministry. Finally, my third Parish was a difficult one. But here I could gain much experience in language, traditions and customs of the people. Here, I was able to offer mass, administer all sacraments and attend funerals. I was happy with my ministry. After spending 8 months in this Parish my term of two years was completed and I returned back to Pilar.
What were your undertakings and joyous moments as a Pilar Missionary? In March 1974, I landed in Andamans and took charge of my appointment as chaplain of Tamilians. My first step was to prepare a census of this community who were spread all over the Islands. A trained tamil catechist was my first need who would be a singer, Tabla and Harmonium player. My contacts with Tindivanam Catechetical Centre in Tamil Nadu was successful. I could get a catechist of my choice. My catechist was my right hand. I was happy to serve this strange community and they too received me as one of theirs. After few years, I was appointed superior of the Mission and also the Regional. My Pilar Fathers community consisting of
12 priests could execute many plans for the Mission and for the future Diocese. An Apostolic School was started and construction of Cathedral was in progress. A transit House for Chotanagpur tribals was built in Calcutta, a huge school building was completed and it was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Meantime good news was received in 1985 that our mission was raised into a Diocese and a first Pilar Father was appointed its Bishop in the person of Very Rev. Aleixo Dias s.f.x.
For few years I worked under Bishop Aleixo as his vicar general. At last I was back to Pilar to take charge of Fr. Agnel Seminary. From 1988 onwards, I was in Formation and Pastoral work. Twice, I served as a Director of Fr. Agnel Seminary. I also served as a Parish Priest of Guardian Angel Church, Sanvordem, Regional Superior of Sanguem Region, Chaplain of Molcornem twice and Novice master 8 years continuously.
Now while completing 51 years of my Priesthood I can only say that in all my responsibilities I was always happy.
What advice would you like to give for those preparing themselves to be missionaries? I would advise our young future missionaries to be the same. Besides give more importance to one’s spiritual life, also appreciate and practice the language, culture and traditions of the Mission people so that one may give them Christ in their own way. The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of Third Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar-Goa
“My Innovation” - Science Exhibition
Pilar News
Of the 20 participating schools, Fr. Agnel Higher Secondary School, Beresia, Madhya Pradesh was awarded the First place at a Science exhibition, “My Innovation” organised by Truba group of Institutions, Bhopal. The students presented three working models on Solar City, Earth Quake Alarm and Filtration of Water. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Felroy Rodrigues, sfx, the Staff Members and the student community on this initiative. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 25
Wendell Rodricks,
Oh! Goa
as I knew him Bishop Alex Dias, SFX
T
he Lord called Wendell to Himself on the 12th of February, 2020, and he was laid to rest in the Colvale, Goa, Cemetery the next day, the 13th of February. Jerome, Wendell’s partner, informed me immediately, and asked me if I could come and say a prayer, and bless the body, as it was the wish of Wendell. I was in a state of shock, just like Jerome himself. But I responded, and told him that I would certainly come, even if a little late. I reached there at 9 pm, read a passage from the Gospel of St. John, said a prayer, and blessed the body. I am sure Wendell must have read this passage often in his life. “I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in me, though he die, he will live.” John 11:25. I read it for Wendell one more time.
I was not able to attend the funeral, but I celebrated the Mass for Wendell’s departed soul on the 13th, and while I did, I could not fail to remember Wendell’s words spoken to me on an occasion earlier. I am sure he couldn’t have thought on that occasion, that I would be celebrating Mass for his departed soul so soon. Let me explain what happened…
26 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
1960 - 2020
This happened when Wendell, Jerome and I were together with our friend Catherine Alliot. As we were chatting away, about various topics, somehow we landed on the topic of Ecology, Environment, love for animals, etc., topics so dear to Wendell. Somewhere in the conversation, I mentioned about a snake being killed by our people in the Andaman Islands. Rather angrily, Wendell said to me, “Bishop Alex, you are a Bishop, an educated person, and you are talking about killing snakes!!” I tried to explain to him that I did not kill the snake,
but some people in the Andaman Islands, who lived in the jungles, did it, to protect themselves. He could not pardon those who had done it, and insisted that we should have a snake – catcher come and catch the snake. I reminded him that this happened in the Andaman Islands, and not in Goa, where you have the possibility of having a snake – catcher come and do the job. I reminded him that I am talking about a place, where there are no telephones, no electricity, no transport facility. He was going on insisting on his own point. He picked up the phone and called some friend of his in Goa, and asked him for the telephone numbers of all the people in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, who are working in the Forest Department, and who would be able to come and catch the snake, instead of killing it, I tried to explain to him that nobody would come to catch the snake, because there was no way of calling or communicating with anybody. “These are the jungles of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, not Goa,” I said to him. We had to, finally, conclude our discussion by agreeing to disagree with each other. A couple of weeks later, I was in a very remote village of the North Andaman Islands, on pastoral visit. It was about 10 pm which is, usually, the time when we have our Masses for the people, after having our meetings with them, to discuss about various problems, plans and programmes. Then we prepare the people for their confessions, which follow, and finally we celebrate Mass, which could be at about 10 pm.
And so, as we came to the Offertory, a man went to pass the cloth bag around, with an attached stick to enable it to reach the people. No sooner had the man taken the bag with the stick, out came a snake from the bag, causing a lot of commotion in the Church, which is a thatched – roof Chapel. There was no electricity in the Chapel, only some lighted candles on the altar and elsewhere. The commotion died down immediately, when a man took a stick and killed the snake, and then we were able to proceed with the Mass. I thought this would be a good incident to explain to Wendell that the Andamans were different from Goa, and to impress upon him the fact that that was the only reasonable thing to do in the situation – kill the snake. But Wendell’s response was: “Alex, now offer a Mass for the snake!!” Of course, I did not hold that against him, because I know he meant it as a joke. Besides, I also forgave him because I know how much he loved animals. He invited me and my nephews once to his house
in Colvale for dinner with him and with Jerome. We were, as always, very glad to be with them. But believe it or not… On the dinner table, side by side with the dishes, were two cats!!” I am not exaggerating!! This love for animals certainly justified a joke like the one to offer a Mass for the snake!! A great ecologist, environmentalist was our friend Wendell! My first meeting with Wendell Being away in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, I had not had the opportunity of meeting and getting to know Wendell. But, of course, I had heard much about him being a renowned fashion-designer and a celebrity. One fine evening, a group of professors of the Rachol Seminary invited me to have dinner at “Martin’s Corner” in Betalbatim. Earlier they had come to Port Blair, and I had hosted them there. And so they caught me on a visit to Goa, and wanted to entertain me. They chose “Martin’s Corner”, because it is a popular Restaurant, they told me. As we were dining there, one of them mentioned to me that the Restaurant is a place often visited by Wendell. And right enough, after a while we saw Wendell walking in with a group of his friends, Jerome among them. But none of us knew him, and he did not know us. And so, there was no opportunity to meet him. But that was the first time I saw Wendell. Later on, at a Classical guitar Concert, at the Kala Academy, organized by my friend Schubert Cotta, where the guitarist was a world-famous Italian guitarist, I was invited to be the Chief Guest. After the Concert, we were invited to dinner by the then Italian Honorary Consul, Mr. Dal Negro, at his residence. At the get-together which preceded the dinner, we began a singing session. I sang an Italian song. Wendell, who was among the invitees, walked up to me, and said: “Bishop, you sing so well; I want you to come to my house, we will have a sing – song party.” I responded immediately, and said: “I will surely come, Wendell, let me know when”.
That party did happen, and we had a great time at Wendell’s house in Colvale. There was a lot of singing, fun and frolic. That is how my friendship with Wendell and Jerome was sealed. After that, I met Wendell and Jerome several times. He and Jerome came over to my home a number of times. Informal singing was always on the Agenda. Wendell was always the soul of the party strumming his guitar and singing. He was a great entertainer, a real party man. He and Jerome also gave me the pleasure of hosting them in the Bishop’s House in Port Blair. It was, indeed, a great pleasure to have them.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 27
A man of faith Wendell was not only a great entertainer, a partyman, a singer and a dancer, but he was also a man of great faith. A number of times he would call me to ask questions about the Bible. In fact, he was the first one to share with me the App which gives a Bible text every day. He shared with me messages about Mother Mary and raised points about faith and religion in our mutual talks. On two occasions, when Wendell, Jerome and some other friends were on a holiday at Jaipur and Calcutta, with Catherine Alliott, he requested me the favour of organizing a Mass for them in these places. And I am glad I was able to do it for them. When I was with Wendell and Jerome at Catherine’s place, we celebrated a Mass very nicely and devoutly for the departed soul of Catherine’s husband Ernest Alliott. When Wendell’s mother was sick, and admitted in the ‘Apollo Hospital’, Margao, he called me and requested me to come and say a prayer for her. I was only very glad to do that.
I remember the day when Wendell came to know that I was going to have a private audience with Pope Francis, Wendell spoke about his great appreciation and admiration for the Holy Father. He asked me if I would be able to obtain for him a special blessing. I am glad I was able to do it. After I had spoken about the matters of my diocese to the Holy Father, I spoke to him about “my friend” Wendell and my long – standing friendship with him. I asked the Holy Father if he would sign a Blessing for Wendell. After listening to me, and looking at the paper I had taken with me, the Holy Father said: “Give me a pen”. I gave him the pen I had taken with me, and he signed it immediately. For Wendell that was a great pleasure, a great blessing. He sent it all over the world by his Face-Book. So greatly was he over-joyed that he had it framed and put on
the wall of his house. I guess it will find a place in the Museum he was in the process of opening.
ADIEU, WENDELL ! I was, indeed, very privileged to have been your friend, and a friend of Jerome. I would have, naturally, liked to enjoy your friendship in this world for a longer period of time. But I had to bow to the Holy Will of God, when he said he needed you more than I did. I know this is but a temporary separation, and we will meet again in His Kingdom. You were the privileged one to get to enjoy it faster than me. Now it is up to you to pray for Jerome and all your dear ones that they may also join you, when the Lord decides it is their time. Do remember to include me in that list, dear Wendell. While you pray for us, we also pray for you that the Merciful God may wipe away any stain of sin, He may find in you. He knows we are all sinners, and He forgives. Dear Wendell, we will also pray that the Lord may bring your unfulfilled dreams to fulfillment. I am thinking very specially of your Museum, MODA GOA, a project so close to your heart. You had invited me to bless it, but you had to go leaving the project incomplete. Leave it in the hands of the Lord, knowing that He who had given you the idea, will bring it to completion through the determination of your partner Jerome and your other cooperators. May Mother Mary, whom you loved so much, and whose Rosary you had in your hands, when I saw you last, welcome you into her Son’s Kingdom. The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Swachh Bharat Student Internship (SBSI)
Pilar News
Under the mentorship of Professor Cheryl Pinto, the students of Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar - Goa, organised an awareness drive on ‘Efficient Utilization of Water’ & ‘Effects of Single-Use Plastics’. The students created inspiring posters to drive home the message of water conservation and protection of environment. This initiative was part of the Swachh Bharat Student Internship (SBSI) programme. 28 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
Inside India
The Happiness Curriculum Clifford W. DeSilva What makes anyone happy? Is it wealth? Health? Financial freedom? Poverty? Serving others? This can be the subject of debate. But what cannot be debated is that, ultimately, everything we do we do to gain happiness. Happiness is the end all of our existence. This is universal. The Founding Fathers of America considered ‘the pursuit of happiness’ an inalienable right. Many cultures strive for material wealth and success in the eyes of the world. The Great American Dream (GAD) is to achieve prosperity and material success along with the admiration and respect of one’s peers. GAD defines the USA as a nation – their pursuit of happiness has led them to have capitalism as their economic religion.
Is seeking material success the way to make a nation happy? There could be a couple of surprises here. In 2012 a survey conducted by the Programme
for International Student Assessment found that students of South Korea, an economically developed nation, were the unhappiest in South East Asia! And India, highly developed or not, was ranked 122 out of 155 nations by the World Happiness Report of 2017.
The wisdom of many cultures teaches that it is not necessarily material pursuits that bring happiness but the spiritual. We find people flocking to India and the East (Japan and China) from the West to find happiness and meaning in life. Who is right: the materialists or the spiritualists?
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan, which has the highest Gross National Happiness (GNH) first coined the phrase in 1972 (‘GNH is more important than GDP’). The concept implies that sustainable development should give equal importance to noneconomic aspects of wellbeing. So GNH comes about from a healthy blend of the material and spiritual.
Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 29
In India, the Kejriwal government of New Delhi created history when it introduced the Happiness Curriculum in its schools in July 2018. It has been such a success that many private schools are adopting it as well. The government had found that education, instead of producing better human beings, was only bringing stress, cut throat competition and cynicism (witness the Std X student who murdered a child in his school just so that his exams would be postponed). What does this Happiness Curriculum contain? It consists of a 45 minute ‘Happiness Class’ everyday where there are no ‘studies’ but activities like storytelling, discussions on values, meditation, mindfulness exercises, indoor games, skits, presentations, team and rapport building etc. Every class from Nursery to Std VIII is covered. The Jade Apprentice
Somewhere in China, a young man went to a famous jademaster and asked to become his apprentice. The master did not deem him fit but the boy asked so earnestly and persistently that the master at last agreed. The one condition was that he should not complain. The boy eagerly agreed but had no idea what he was letting himself in for. On the first day the master gave the boy a piece of jade and told him to hold it. That was it. All day that is all the boy was required to do. The next day it was the same story. Everyday it was the same thing. After a month the boy decided that it was more than he could bear. He decided that morning to tell the master that he was right about him; that he was not fit to become a jademaster.
With his heart full of anguish he received the jade stone and just as he was about to complain to the master he could not help blurting out, ‘THIS IS NOT THE SAME STONE!’ The master smiled a benign smile and said, ‘You are learning.’ -from ‘Not a Serpent, Not a Rope’ by Clifford W. DeSilva, Zen Publications, Mumbai
Does this mean that the students of Delhi are going to be happier than other students in India? Time will tell. However, instead of complaining about the ‘System’ and bemoaning the Indian penchant for corruption (‘Corruption is in our blood!’) the Kejriwal government has been proactive and decided to do something about the situation.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of that wonderful book ‘The Little Prince’ famously said, ‘All grownups were children once – although few of them remember it’. Schools and curricula, unfortunately, are designed by adults who seem to have forgotten 30 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
that they were once children. The focus is mainly on the syllabus; but the 2015 World Happiness Report found that schools that prioritise learner well-being have the potential to be more effective, with better learning outcomes. Carl Rogers, the founder of Person Centred Therapy understood this years ago when he introduced the concept of student-centred teaching. While this is a difficult concept to implement the idea of a Happiness Curriculum is not. It requires the teacher to undergo some sort of change for sure but it is not impossible because what this Curriculum contains is something that appeals to the human heart anywhere in the world. It stresses human values such as kindness, helpfulness, civic sense, consideration of and sensitivity to others’ needs and so on. These are values that one wishes practised on one - though one does not necessarily wish to practise them oneself: Everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die! The Happiness Curriculum concludes that the future of the country, as Nehru said, is in the classroom. If one is taught right from childhood to focus on what brings happiness it can bring about a major change in one’s outlook and in the wellbeing of others. In fact in the ancient tradition of the East the Guru (India), Shifu (China), Shujin (Japan) hardly gave direct information or knowledge. Knowledge was usually given via experience and stories or tasks to be done (See inset). The Happiness Curriculum realises that in today’s world of competition and high tech one cannot use the ancient way of education so it hints at this tradition and brings it in gently via the back door in the form of a daily 45-minute capsule. If every State in India were to take up the Happiness Curriculum would it make a difference? An increase in quantity often leads to a disproportionate increase in quality. For example, encountering a courteous driver who lets you cross the road at a busy pedestrian crossing might be the only good thing that happens to you on a given day but it can really make your day, can’t it! If every State in India were to adopt the Happiness Curriculum and it were only five percent effective, think of the difference in the quality of life in our country. Think of one person deciding to stand up for the rights of the weak, think of one person fighting injustice, think of one person with concern for the poverty of just one other person – all this as a result of the Happiness Curriculum. Wouldn’t that be heavenly? And nobody would have to die! The writer is the Director, Goa Institute of Counselling, has vast experience as a Counselor and is a teacher of Counselling.
Global Gaze
Outbreak of epidemic-Coronavirus Vembly Colaco
R
ecently, a new virus belonging to the Coronavirus family (now named novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV) has claimed over 1000 lives in China and the numbers infected have touched 10,000 confirmed cases. As the outbreak continues to spread outside China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (global emergency). What is Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected human lives.
Evolution of Cornavirus The first epidemiological reports suggested that most of the early cases had links with Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan that also sells poultry, snakes and bats. Samples from the market have tested positive for 2019-nCoV and phylogenetic analysis has suggested a recent common ancestor virus and a spill-over event from bats. This investigation is ongoing and while it has important implications for disease control, confirmation of human to human transmission mainly occurring in family clusters has generated more concern. The infection of healthcare workers and of nosocomial amplification re-enforces the need for rapid detection, isolation and appropriate infection prevention and control precautions International spread 29 provinces in China have now reported cases of 2019-nCoV infection and it is not surprising that cases have been exported to 12 other countries, given the rapid increase in international travel from China since SARS-CoV. This has resulted in increased surveillance activities at ports of entry and extensive travel restrictions have been introduced in Wuhan and other Chinese cities. Restriction of movement is not an intervention that is generally advocated by WHO, but it recognises the autonomy of member states. During various time points during the West African Ebola outbreak, travel restrictions were also introduced, and their success has been debated.
Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV: A Man Made Disaster The relationship between zoonotic pathogens — those of animal origin — and global pandemics is not new. In the last five years alone, the world has faced outbreaks of dreaded viruses such as Ebola, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ) and now Novel coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that globally, about a billion cases of illness and millions of deaths occur every year from zoonoses, i.e, diseases and infections naturally transmitted between people and vertebrate animals. Some 60% of emerging infectious diseases globally are zoonoses. Of the over 30 new human pathogens detected over the last three decades, 75% originated in animals.
According to WHO, wherever there is close mixing of humans and animals, especially the unregulated handling of blood and other body products, as happens for example in China’s animal markets, there are greater chances of transmission of a virus from animals to humans, and its mutation to adapt to the human body. The writer is an Asst. Professor, Department of Economics, Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim. Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 31
Padre Agnel
Fr. Agnelo’s life of self-control and chastity is wonderful
T
Bro. Eusebio Miranda, SFX
he fame of Fr. Agnelo’s life of holiness has spread in Goa and all over the world and many people have witnessed and are impressed by his holy life. I place one of them before our readers. He is Archbishop Edgar Aristides Maranta, Archbishop of Dare-Salaan, Tanzania, who said on the 29th July, 1961: “The people of East Africa have heard about the holy life of Fr. Agnelo Souza and admired his life of self-control, chastity and charity.” Many other wise people and bishops have also appreciated the life of Fr. Agnelo. When the process of his “writings” was going on it became very clear what a spiritual man he was through his writings.
A man who truly lives a holy life can be perceived through his actions and also his writings. When the process of “Information” was going on in Rome, a lawyer said: “This servant of God must have tried for many years to live a heroic sanctity. Truly such virtues cannot be acquired suddenly. One has to struggle for his/her whole life to acquire them.” The first editor of “Vauradeancho Ixtt” (Konkanni weekly) Fr. Joao Francisco Fernandes knew Fr. Agnelo personally, he sought his guidance as he was his Spiritual Director. So too many other Fathers gave this testimony in this process of “Information” because Fr. Agnelo had been their Spiritual Director. Whatever he spoke to them touched their hearts and was of immense benefit in their lives.
When Fr. Agnelo was the Parish Priest of Sanvordem, Fr. Alcuino da Costa was his assistant. Fr. Alcuino expressed whatever he observed in the life of Fr. Agnelo and specially his wisdom. He said: “Fr. Agnelo would never do anything without consulting his Superiors. He was a man of great self-control, which is so difficult for all of us. To preserve the purity of body and soul, he was a model for all of us in this field.” If we, the priests and the religious are not careful to be faithful in this virtue, our ministry can be ineffective. Hence, Fr. Agnelo is a shining model for us in this virtue of Chastity. If Fr. Agnelo was so perfect in this virtue, why can’t I be the same? What
32 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020
are the obstacles for me?
As long as we live, there will be innumerable hurdles on this path. The Saints too faced them and they conquered them. Lord, give me your grace and mercy, make my body and soul pure as you enabled Fr. Agnelo to do the same. Translation credit: Fr. Jesuino Almeida, sfx The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Editor of Vauradeancho Ixtt, Pilar-Goa.
Padre Agnel
Venerable Agnelo our great intercessor before God Vice-Postulation Office Translation credit: Dr. Nelly De Sa
Juliana Pereira (Goa Velha): I prayed through the intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo that my son should get a good job at the earliest. My prayers were heard and my son got a very good job. I thank Ven. Fr. Agnelo and pray for his sainthood.
Fabiana Botelho (Anjuna): My friend’s husband got a stroke, he was taken to hospital and kept in the ICU, doctors had given up hopes of his survival. My friend phoned me in distress. I went to hospital to see him in the ICU. He was lying unconscious with his tongue out and looked as if he was dying. I had carried relic mud of Ven. Fr. Agnelo with me. I put a little on his tongue and my friend and I prayed hard through intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo. The next day, my friend phoned me to say that he opened his eyes and doctors were really surprised at his recovery. After five days he was discharged from hospital. He has a slight weakness of the right side of his body and walks by supporting his right hand. I thank God for this miracle and pray for Ven. Fr. Agnelo’s sainthood. Conceicao Pacheco (Colva): I prayed through intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo that my daughter should pass SSC examination with good marks and she passed her examination and got very good marks. I thank Ven. Fr. Agnelo and pray for his sainthood.
Bernescia D’Souza (Arpora): My brother got allergic rash on his whole body and it remained for nearly a month with no improvement in spite of taking lot of medicines. I prayed through intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo and gave him water mixed with his relic mud to drink. His skin rash disappeared completely. My younger brother got some lumps on his body. Doctor said he will have to be operated. I prayed hard and gave him water mixed with Fr Agnelo’s relic mud to drink. The lumps became small and were successfully removed by the doctor. I thank Ven. Fr. Agnelo and pray for his sainthood Sharlet Almeida (Velsao): We did not have children
for four years after marriage. We prayed through intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo and we were blessed with a baby girl. When she was four months old, she fell sick and was very serious. Again we prayed hard and kept some relic mud of Ven. Fr. Agnelo under her pillow. Our baby became completely alright and we have come to Pilar specially to thank Ven. Fr. Agnelo.
Brigida Fernandes (Batim): Doctors said I have a cyst in my chest and I was asked to do an MRI. I was really frightened and prayed through intercession of Ven. Fr. Agnelo that the cyst should disappear. MRI was done and doctor said there is nothing to worry. I thank Ven. Fr. Agnelo and pray for his sainthood.
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 Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020 | 33
Pilar Poems
My country is burning
My country is burning, the animals let loose. They look to be controlled, they are out to confuse. The rulers are servants; they seem to forget. It’s politics of power, they do not regret. Injustice and disorder, to my country they’ve brought. They are fools who are dreaming, to spread the saffron lot. Our constitution’s at stake. Their promises are fake. They are waiting for a chance, for our lives to take. Our young have arisen and have raised their voice. Against those at power, they have left us no choice. We will fight, we will express, we will march forth head-on. You shall not succeed; we will see that you are gone. Remember we choose you, and we are not your slave. The more you suppress us, we shall come back like the waves.
Be Faithful Fr. Noel Menezes, sfx
While you keep staring at the clouds; Do you feel like, shouting it aloud? Are you filled with a lot of doubt? Are you wondering how to go about? Be calm and take courage; You can’t go prodigal. To be spiritual is to move beyond logical. It can make you rise after a fall, for God, nothing is impossible. God will help you, remain faithful to your call.
Scholastic Marcelino D’costa, SFX
The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of Third Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar-Goa
Ingredients Fr. Noel Menezes, sfx
Each one of us Add to love Or to hate Add to joy Or to sorrow Add to Peace Or to struggle Add to hope Or destruction Add to life Or to death Add to make it better Or to make it worse The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Director of Pilar ITI and manager of “Fr. Agnel’s Call”.
34 | Fr. Agnel’s Call | March 2020