A mission and youth magazine Vol. 54 | September, 2019 | No. 9 EDITORIAL
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Don’t Quit
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Road to Resilience
COVER FEATURE - Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx
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There’s a Suicidee on my Horizon
- Clifford W. De Silva SPIRITUALITY
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Saint of the month St. Januarius
- Scholastic Salten Monteiro, sfx
Lectio Divina
- Fr. Santosh Mendonca, sfx
Valuing the gift of life
- Dr. Trisha Torcato e Miranda
YOUTH “Want to lead and inspire? Play a SPORT”
- Scholastic Stalin A. sfx
The gift called life - Ridhima Shirodkar
Being Purposeful: Live The Life You Love
- Dr. Aldina Braganza
MISSION MUSINGS Mission Qadian
- Fr. David Raj, sfx
A Resilient Pilar Missionary
- Scholastic Clinton A. Fernandes, sfx
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 Picture: E. Sanguemkar Illustrations: Dr. Smitha Bhandare Kamat Art & Design: Clifford Fernandes Proof Reader: Grisel Zuzarte, Nirmala Fernandes, Blossom Araujo
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
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OH! GOA Suicide can be Prevented - Dr. Peter Castelino
INSIDE INDIA The contagion of Suicide in India
- Christal Ferrao
GLOBAL GAZE The phenomenon of suicide bombings
- Ian Pinto, sdb
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PILAR NEWS Pilar Society was silently born - Br. Eusebio Miranda, sfx
OBITUARY Br. João M. Felicio D’Souza, sfx - Fr. Jesuino Almeida, sfx PADRE AGNEL
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Agnelo Crossword - 4 - Carissa de Sa
PILAR TOONS
- Dr. Smitha Bhandare Kamat
SUBSCRIPTION CONTACT
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Don’t Quit
‘Don’t Quit’ a poem by Edgar Albert Guest had a great impact on my life. I first came across this poem as a teenager and it inspired me to the core. It created in me a “Never Say Die” attitude. Such a philosophy of life will certainly lead one to flourish and thrive in spite of adversities and challenges. You don’t give up or get discouraged, no matter what.
When faced with enormous challenges and feel somehow being singled out, when we buckled and aren’t going anywhere, and when life really becomes ruthless and tough we impulsively blurt out “why me, God?”. At such times, temptations are high to stop trying and give up, to take another road and bid adieu. However, God had equipped us to handle every trial, problem and hardship that comes our way. We are blessed with the resources to meet and overcome every trial, hardship and discouraging situation. We possess the needed strength to get through and move up in life. A story that can add flesh to the above assertions is the parable of the “Fern and the Bamboo”. A certain person quit his job, his relationship, his spirituality…He wanted to quit his life. Then the person went to the woods to have one last talk with GOD. He asked God “Can you give me one good reason not to quit?”. To this God narrated the story about the fern and the bamboo. The fern and the bamboo seeds were planted at the same time and were given good care and nourishment. The fern quickly grew from the earth. But nothing came from the bamboo seed even in the fourth year. But God did not quit. However, in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth and in six months the bamboo 4
rose to over 100 feet. The five years were spent in growing roots which made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. The message of the story is “Don’t Quit”. Never Give up or regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential in life “Don’t Quit” the cover theme of this edition was inspired by the upcoming World Suicide prevention day to be held on 10th September. In a similar way, ‘suicide prevention’ has also been the theme of the World Mental Health Day to be celebrated on 10th October. This edition carries a number of write ups enlightening the reader on the phenomenon of suicide and its prevention. In life we are all subject to the ups and downs of life. So, “When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit”. (- Edgar Albert Guest) u
“Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” Elvis, sfx
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
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ife is beautiful, worth living and yet challenging. There are times when one has to deal with life-changing situations and stressful conditions – the death of a loved one, loss of a job, setback in a relationship, serious illness and other traumatic events. What enables some people to adapt and blossom in spite of these adversities? What makes them to return to a normal state of functioning stronger than before? This ability to “bounce back and stay strong” despite their trouble is called Resilience. Some have viewed resilience as a trait while others as a developmental process. Resilience as the ability to “bounce back”, is in line with the physical sciences, according to which materials assume their original shape after being bent or stretched. This trait definition implies that resilience is a psychological attribute which is fixed and stable. However, another stream of thought views resilience as a dynamic process. It is changeable over time and can be developed by individuals to successfully adapt within the context of a significant adversity.
It is an ongoing process that enables people to work through their challenges by Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, sfx using personal resources and strengths which are termed as protective factors. These are abilities and skills needed to build resilience and they can be learned and developed.
Supportive Relationships with family and friends The seeds of resilience are sown during our childhood by our guardians and parents. They have a profound influence on our ability to be resilient. Having caring and supportive relationships within the family bolsters a person’s resilience. Healthy parentchild relationship, which depends on parenting style, plays a vital role in building the resilience of an individual. Parents who raise their children by being firm, loving and kind; who allow them to make healthy choices and take on more responsibility produce children who are self-reliant, self-regulated and are able to adapt to stress in the environment. On the other hand, children raised by parents who are inflexible, militant and expect blind obedience grow to be rebellious, dependent and lack self-control in their behaviour. They experience frequent distrust and thus tend to be withdrawn from others. Therefore, the development of resilience is dependent 5
on relationships that create love and trust, provide role models and offer encouragement and reassurance.
Good Relationships, not just within the family, but also outside the family helps in strengthening resilience. Having strong social connections with friends who provide social support and a listening ear is a valuable component in enabling a person to rebound more quickly after a difficult event in their life. The feeling of having a meaningful relationship to call on in time of need (perceived social support) acts as a protective mechanism even in the absence of observable and tangible support. Supportive Environments
Other than early relationships, supportive environments also enable children to develop their resilience. We are not just a product of nature but also nurture. Our environment shapes who we are. Therefore, we need to design places and institutions that impact the development of an individual and community’s resilience. Schools, public safety, availability of health care, access to green space provide support structure that can help people when life gets tough. Schools which enable individuals to develop life skills are epicentres of developing resilience. They provide a holistic environment to create a culture of resilience and promote individual and community.
Nurturing a positive Self-Image Another factor that can help increase resilience is nurturing a positive view of oneself. “Who does she look like, mom or dad?” is a stereo type comment we hear from family and friends from the moment we are born. Our physical appearance takes centre stage and we are conditioned to focus on our appearance. We continue to evaluate and scrutinize our appearance until the day we die. Most of us judge ourselves harshly and find it hard to accept and love our physical self because of the physical and metaphorical mirrors that speak to us each and every day. In the physical mirror we see our reflection, whereas, the symbolic mirrors are the people reflecting who we are and how we look. To be able to embrace ourselves as we 6
are, we need to take the focus off the societal standards about our body image and take recourse to our own personal self-projections. More than any other person in the world, we are in charge of our life. We can nurture our self-image by learning to be less critical and harsh about our self and be more accepting and loving. A more positive and accepting selfimage can be nurtured by blocking any unkind words about your body entering your mind. We are to focus on being our best self instead of being like someone else. Celebrating our gifts and spending time with people who accept and love us rather than those who are scrutinizing and critical will go a long way in nourishing and nurturing our self-image. Optimism Optimism is a belief that good things will happen in the future. Cultivating Optimism in children will help them grow up being able to see and focus on the good in themselves, in others and in the world around them. This will enable them to be resilient. In the wake of disturbing experiences optimism acts as a buffer against stress on the mind and body. Optimism allows people to have an access to their cognitive resources and analyze the situation with a cool head. It further allows options in choosing effective behavioural paths.
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
Optimism motivates people to take constructive action to reduce the sense of helplessness that tends to set in when people are controlled by their problematic situations. American Psychologist Martin Seligman, one of the world’s leading scholars on optimism says that optimists see bad events as setbacks that are short-lived and can be overcome by their efforts and abilities.
Emotion Regulation An individual’s ability to regulate emotions holds particular promise for contributing to resilience in the face of stressful events which, by nature, have an emotional component. Therefore, people’s ability to manage emotions is another critical factor in determining resilience which is usually described as maintained or improved mental health in the face of stress. Ross A Thomson (1994) has defined Emotional Regulation as “all the extrinsic and intrinsic processes responsible for monitoring, evaluating and modifying emotional reactions, especially their intensive and temporal features, to accomplish one’s goals” .
Emotion regulation could be done by reappraisal. It is a strategy to reassess the stressful situation and reduce the experience and expression of negative emotional behaviours and increase positive effects. Among adolescents, emotion regulation ability has been found to be a helpful tool in preventing irrational risky behaviours.
Problem-Solving Skills No one is exempted from challenges and problems. However, the way we think about them can help in building resilience. Problemsolving can be seen as a skill to evaluate information and seek out logical solutions to problems. It involves stopping and identifying the actual problem; breaking the problem into smaller manageable pieces to make it easier to solve; generating alternative solutions by thinking comprehensively through all the possible solutions; weighing the consequences of the solutions that will be applied to the problem; monitoring the outcome to ensure that the problem is eventually resolved. Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
Spirituality Spirituality can function as a protective factor that can be used in times of crisis. Having a sense of connection to something larger than oneself and understanding the meaning and purpose of one’s life, facilitates the development of resilient functioning in situations of adversity. In moments of confrontation with adversity, spirituality provides a sense of control over one’s life and surroundings. Spirituality exerts a positive influence on how people adapt to challenges inherent in human living, thereby promoting resilience. Relationship with the Divine makes one feel secure. It provides the necessary support and needed tools to overcome the present challenges. Self-regulation Self-regulation which is also known as selfcontrol, self-discipline or will power is a critical building block of resilience. It is a process of managing behaviours in relation to planning, monitoring and evaluating specific task-related goals. Such an ability to self-regulate behaviour is associated with resilience and is one of the significant protective factors in cultivating resilience. Although, adversity is a fact of life we can counter it and thrive during its challenges, through the ways and strategies mentioned above. The road to resilience is an ongoing personal journey. It involves behaviours, thoughts and actions that can be learned and fostered to rise from the ashes. u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a practising clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. He is also the spiritual director of the Pilar Seminary, Pilar - Goa)
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There’s a Suicidee on my Horizon What Should I Do?
Clifford W. De Silva
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obody in this world lives a problemfree life. In spite of problems most of us live reasonably happy lives in which we tackle some of our problems head-on, sidestep others or totally ignore a few. Our ability to engage in these strategies appears to be inbuilt though they are not. They are the result of our upbringing, our experiences right from childhood (even from the time of conception) and our conscious or unconscious imitation of the significant others in our lives. Strangely enough, those of us who are reasonably untroubled rarely stop,and spare a thought for those who are less fortunate. Is it possible for us, out of sheer humanity, to begin to care how the other half lives?
Don’t Give up Contrary to what you might think, these words are not addressed to the person contemplating suicide. They are addressed to those of us who are not. Those fortunate enough to live relatively happy lives could resolve to never give up on the less fortunate who go through depression, anxiety, relationship problems, love
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Suicide Prevention Helplines in India
1. Vandrevala Foundation, Surat. Call Toll-Free 24x7: 18602662345. You can also email your situation and get a reply. Email: help@vandrevalafoundation.com. 2. Suicide Lifeline, Mangalore. Call 24x7: +91-824-2983444. Email: susheglifeline@gmail.com 3. Roshni, Hyderabad. Monday to Saturday 11am to 9pm: +91-40-66202000 or +9140-66202001. Email: roshnihelp@gmail.com 4. Cooj, Goa. Monday to Saturday 1:00pm to 7:00pm: +91-832-2252525 Email: youmatterbycooj@gmail.com 5. Connecting NGO, Pune. All Days 12pm to 8pm: 1800 843 4353 & Monday to Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm: +919922001122. Email:connectingngo@ gmail.com
triangles, financial distress and so on. There are people who find it hard to go through yet another day,and find it difficult to wake up in the morning, or are mortally afraid to go to bed because they know they will not get sleep and will be subject to all sorts of dark thoughts. And a sizeable portion of such people find solace in that one last act that will snuff out their lives and bring them (they believe) permanent release and relief from their present troubles.
Empathy and Kindness is the First Step Would you like to help your fellow-being? This might be the most practical way to be. Because there is no telling what kind of googly life may bowl us. So, we, who may be on a billiard table, Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
wicket in hand and look as if we will bat forever, could suddenly find the pitch has changed after that shower of rain and now the ball is flying at us at different speeds, rearing up like a cobra suddenly or spinning wildly and making batting very difficult indeed.
If we can decide to look at the world from the potential suicidee’s point of view; if we can, not merely step into such a person’s shoes, but pretend we actually are the other person with their gender, background, family, life experiences and so on, we would understand what they are thinking and feeling and not pre-judge them.
Sometimes the potential suicidee may not need much to change their mind. Your kindness and the fact that you care enough about them can be the main factor that makes them turn the corner. You can save a life!
What we can do as common citizens If by some chance, we come across such symptoms in someone we can be of help even if we are not professional counsellors. We can reach out to them in a friendly way even if they are strangers) and start a conversation with them without forcing things. For example we could say things like: You seem to be a bit low lately. Can I help? Or, I could be wrong but I get the impression something is bothering you these days. You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to but please know that I am always available if you want to talk.
If they do open up, and begin talking to you, do not start arguing with them or try to show them that death is not the answer. Above all, do not get preachy or moralistic with them or tell them that life has been given to them by God and they have no right to take it and so on.
What you can do is listen to them and try to understand things from their point of view. If this is difficult at least listen without interruption and hear them out. Having done that, give up the temptation to give them any advice. Tell them that they are obviously going through a very trying time and it must be so terrible for them to go through all this.
Get Them to a Professional or a Suicide Prevention Helpline Encourage them to get professional help as soon as possible. If they are reluctant, support them by informing them that you will accompany them. Take the initiative and inform their parents/ spouse. (Even if they have spoken to you in confidence, this is not a case where you maintain confidentiality since a life is at stake and you can tell them that you are getting help). If they are reluctant to approach a professional, direct them to at least seek help via a suicide hotline (see inset ‘Suicide Prevention Helplines in India’). u (The writer is the Director, Goa Institute of Counselling, has vast experience as a Counselor and is a teacher of Counselling.)
A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: “I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.” When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. “Lead us not into temptation.” Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. “Is there anything breakable in here?” asked the postal clerk. “Only the Ten Commandments.” Answered the lady.
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Saint of the Month
Scholastic Salten Monteiro, sfx
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t. Januarius was born in Benevento to a rich patrician family. At the age of 15 he became a local priest of his parish in Benevento, which was relatively pagan at that time. At the age of 20, he became Bishop of Naples. When he was the Bishop of that place, Christians were persecuted, so he hid his fellow Christians and prevented them from being caught. While visiting Sossius his close friend, he too was arrested for his faith and they were condemned to death, but St. Januarius was beheaded at the Solfatara center near Pozzuoli. “Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name.” (Mt. 24: 9)
St. Januarius is famous for the alleged miracle of the annual liquefaction of his blood three times a year i.e. on 19 September, on 16 December, and on the Saturday before the first Sunday of May. His relics are kept in the cathedral of Naples. In a silver and glass reliquary, are enshrined two hermetically sealed phials of the holy Bishop’s blood, which normally appears as a dark solid mass. When his reliquary is brought near the silver bust which encases the Saint’s head, this mass of coagulated blood becomes liquid, turns a bright ruby colour, froths, bubbles and increases the weight. 10
Observation carried on for over 100 years prove that the temperature in the church has no effect on the blood, nor has the moving of the reliquary or the number of spectators. There are written records to show that the liquefication of the blood of St. Januarius was known to have occurred in 1389. The Saint is Patron of Naples and its protector against the eruptions of nearby Mount Vesuvius. He lived a simple life doing the will of God and even at the point of death. In his life, he filled his mind with good thoughts and often quoted St. Thomas More, “Occupy your mind with good thoughts, or the enemy will fill them with bad ones. Unoccupied it cannot be.” Our mind is a never stopping machine,for it is always at work with our thoughts. We need to think good so that our life goes on the right path. In the present environment where negativity is lurking around to trap the good person it waits to enter into the mind of someone as it is rightly said “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” This saint teaches us to be alert and be aware of the thoughts, that we entertain in our mind. We need to think good which will build our selfesteem, self-worth, and positive self-image (Philipians4:8) . u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of First Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar Goa)
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
Matt 14,22-33
Fr. Santosh Mendonca, sfx
Lectio: The passage from Matthew’s Gospel takes us to the Lake of Gennesaret. The Apostles had entered the boat to go to the other side of the lake before Jesus. The RSV and NRSV English Version of the Bible reads, “Then he made the disciples get into the boat…” I want to draw your attention to the Greek verb ἀναγκάζω ‘anagkazō’ (meaning ‘compel’, ‘force’) which in the English version is loosely translated as ‘he made.’ The verb is used only three times in the synoptics, in Mt 14:22 = Mk 6:45 and in Lk 14:23. In the context, it has the weakened sense of ‘urge’ or ‘invite.’ Are we to presume that the disciples, anticipating the storm, are afraid to cross without Jesus and therefore need to be pressed? Or does Jesus’ intention to perform and permit what follows suffice to explain his action? Whatever the answer, there is an edifying lesson to learn: ‘if it is as a result of obedience to Christ’s command that the Church or the individual Christian is in a situation of danger or distress, then there is no need of fear’ (Cranfield). There is no doubt that Peter had faith, as he later magnificently showed in the region near Caesarea Philippi, but at that moment his faith was not yet solid. When the wind began to blow more strongly Peter began to sink, because he doubted. It was not the wind that made Peter sink into the lake but the insufficiency of his faith. Peter’s faith had lacked one essential element—complete Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
abandonment to Christ, total trust in him at the moment of great trial; he lacked unreserved hope in him. Faith and hope, together with love, constitute the foundation of the Christian life, the cornerstone of which is Jesus Christ.
Meditatio: God is mysteriously present but also humanly present. He is that man we know, with whom we share our lives, our friend – JESUS. He is the man who gives us everything, who pours out His life for us. He gives us the capacity to recognize Him. And through the faith He communicates to us, He awakens our humanity and draws us to Him. He inspires us to the realization that He is not with us simply so that we can survive the storm; He is with us so that we can share in His life and His love, so that we can step out of our own fear and walk with Him in the midst of the storm. Oratio: Gracious God, let your eternal Word resonate in our souls. Give us confidence and peace, wherever we go, whatever we do, and during every circumstance, as we ponder on the announcement made at the Sea of Galilee, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Amen.
Actio: When you fear impending danger, whisper the words of Jesus, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is pursuing his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy)
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Dr. Trisha Torcato e Miranda
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ife is a gift to each one of us, a gift of a journey on Earth. The very fact that we have been gifted with life, goes to say that, we are the chosen ones. We are chosen by the Creator to find and fulfill our unique purpose on Earth, and to take up our own individual calling. Each of us is created in the very own image and likeness of God. Isaiah 49:16 states “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hand”. All of us, are born from a selfless and unconditional love of God. This truth if deeply understood and dwelt upon,can be the source from which we can draw the greatest strength, to live life in fullness and in abundance. The very fact that we are loved so dearly, watched over and cared for, by the most supreme power, fills our hearts with gratitude and a sense of well-being. It’s true that life comes with its own pack of challenges, experiences, highs and lows. The primary fact remains, that we are the children of the Lord, but each of us may have a huge variation to the add-ons in life, such as family, friends, finance, environmental and situational factors. But, no matter what the variation, we all need to understand our calling and help others to understand theirs and be sensitive to the needs of others. Many a times, we 12
experience ourselves to be weak in the face of adversities. For some, it may be a broken home or a shattered relationship or a sudden loss of a dear one or sudden loss of a job, unemployment, addiction, health issues etc.. How we cope in these dark times, and how we interpret and feel about these experiences, is what builds us in the long run. We may choose to learn from various untoward experiences and grow stronger; or we may choose to question, brood and become bitter. So the way we choose to perceive, analyze and act on a situation is what matters. But many a times, our youth struggle in silence, feeling misunderstood, forsaken, unwanted, all this leading them to an inner turmoil, at times depression and at times causing them to move astray and be an easy prey to be engulfed in peer pressure. Thus making wrong choices, overindulging in temporary pleasures, such as drugs, smoking, drinking, sexual gratification, pornography, gambling etc. But sadly all of these leave behind, a reduction in self-esteem, self-worth, feelingsof guilt ,mental commotion and confusion. It is during these dark times that youth need to remember to seek help ,importantly the right kind of help ,to be counseled and their burdens be shared .One also needs to focus on ones inner strengths . At times it’s all about the strength Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
we receive from that one good thought “ I can do it”, or a good feeling “I am loved”, or a good word from a dear one “I’m with you in this”, or the support from our loved ones, or just a good gesture, be it a smile or a warm handshake can create a revolution and reinstate a new being with an eased and healed soul. Irrespective from where the strength is generated, be it from within oneself or from the concern from another, or at times from another’s life story, it is this energy, this power, that is needed to pull you up and help one move on in life, with a perspective, a purpose, a direction. I would summarize by stating that, “life is a gift, which is a journey, with a key. The key of choice. Hence at every stage we make choices and decisions which determine the outcome of that phase of life. The choice to be a victim to the situation or to voice out or move out. A choice to be happy or to be sad, choice to respond or to react, to speak up or to bottle up, to be honest or to indulge in fraud, to seek help or to suffer in silence, to fall for temptations or to be strong-willed, to be lazy or to work hard, to give up or to try again. Yes, the choice is the ultimate answer to what we make life to be. When we value life, we always choose in favor of things
which bring more life to ourselves and to those around. This keeps the inner peace illuminated. When we find the wisdom to understand life and value this precious gift, we need to be grateful and filled with gratitude, now it’s our moral duty to give back to the society and the youth ,in whatever little way we can ,in order to motivate , encourage , give a listening ear, to help financially or at least emotionally, so that they dust off the darkness and once again appreciate the multifaceted gift of life and explore ,create, procreate and fulfill the purpose of their life. Our goal being to constantly make the right choices, not forgetting prayer to be a powerful guide for making a right choice. u (The writer is a Homeopathy Psychotherapist, Margao-Goa)
Practitioner
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Explore and Learn – A Pauline Quiz
‘Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ’ says St. Jerome. We indeed encounter Christ in the Scriptures. As an attempt to create a keen interest of studying the scriptures in the scholastics, the Pilar Theological College organised, ‘Explore and Learn’ – a Bible Quiz on the 7 letters of St. Paul. The scholastics were divided into 9 teams and after the elimination round, 5 teams namely Agnelites, Franciskans, Agustinians, Claretians and Benedictines made it to the dais for the four exciting rounds like audio visual, buzzer, rapid-fire etc. The quiz master Rev Fr. Victor Rebello made it very interesting and brilliantly conducted the quiz. The audience was active and eager to answer the questions posed to them time and again. At the end of the rounds, the winners were the Franciskans led by Sch. Joseph D’Souza and the Agustinians, led by Sch. Jegan Xavier were the first runners-up. The Chief Guest Rev Fr. Romeo D’Silva congratulated the winners and presented the trophy and the gifts. News credit: Scholastic Eric Mascarenhas, sfx
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
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Scholastic Stalin A. sfx
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ll of us like to play, as well as be playful at times. We also have our own likings towards a particular game. All of us like to support our own teams; whenever they play. But have we ever realized how important playing a sport is in our life? Pope Francis recently spoke of sports as a “meeting place where people of all levels and social conditions come together to reach a common aim. It is also a privileged space of unity and encounter”. I believe and fully agree with the Holy See that “sports” is one of the fields where one can exhibit and discover one’s talents. Moreover, it’s the place where one can improve one’s life. Sports play an important role in everyone’s life formation. There are countless people out there in the world who have made sports part of their lives. Why? Because sports have challenged them, and taught them life lessons, that are hardly learned at times in academic class rooms. Sports and physical activity are essential for improving health and wellbeing. Last year, 45 year old goalkeeper Essam el Hadary, made his World Cup debut for Egypt. He also became the oldest person to feature in a Football World Cup. If a person could play even at the age of 45 for the world cup, I would say it is all because of his physical fitness, and the love that he has for sports. Without having good health, we cannot do anything in our lives. Even the best players who are not physically fit are unable to present themselves for the matches. Regular games and love towards it will always help us to maintain our bodies well and at the same time it helps us live longer as well. 14
In order to be an inspiration to others, leadership quality is a must and it can be gained easily through sports. The former Liverpool football club captain Emlyn Hughes once said, “The greatest good you can do for others, is not to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” Therefore, a real leader is the one who makes the other tick. He is the real community person. If we cannot be a good leader, we are unable to inspire or motivate others to rise in their lives. As a leader, it is a challenging task to get the best out of the team. It is also a challenge to follow the leader, as sometimes we have our own ideologies. Playing a sport on a daily basis, gives us many lifelong lessons. Here I would like to list few of them.
Selfishness v/s Generosity, by our very nature, we are selfish and act selfishly whereas in sports we are called to sacrifice ourselves for the good of the team. We have to cooperate generously with others and play as a team (team spirit). Hard work is an essential virtue in each one’s life. It may not be possible always, to work hard in our lives because as humans we tend to give up due to various reasons. But as long as we are on the sports field we can’t achieve victory until and unless we work hard towards our victory.
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
Time Management, if we are capable of doing things well and unable to be successful it’s probably because we lack time management skills. And sports challenges us that within a period of given time if we don’t do what is expected of the game, we become losers. Thus keeping time and coping up with time becomes easy when we play a sport. Confidence is a value which is a must and without which, one can never be successful in life. Thus, Sports trains us to have confidence in ourself and others while playing. We can’t achieve anything in a game, even if one member of the team lacks confidence. Having
confidence not only increases our quality of life but also empowers us to face situations easily.
Friends, I have just brought out a few benefits which have helped me spend my life well. In fact, there are many more benefits attached to a sport which can be only gained by playing it. I am not forcing you all to give your full attention to sports only, rather I would urge you to consider it as a part of your life and discover its importance in your life thus enriching life and inspiring to others. u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of Second Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar Goa)
Pastotral Symposium 2019
The Pilar Theological College organised a Pastoral Symposium on the 27th July 2019. The theme for the symposium was ‘Encounter Christ and Proclaim the Gospel’. The Chief Guest for the evening was Rev. Fr. Matthew Fernandes sfx, the Provincial of the Goa Province of the Society of Pilar. Three esteemed speakers namely, Rev Dr. Fr. Ivel Mendanha, Mrs. Rupa Colaco and Mrs Goretti Martins presented their views on the theme. The Moderator was Rev. Fr. Reagan Fernandes sfx. The Rector Rev. Fr. Peter Melo Fernandes welcomed the gathering with his welcome address.
The first speaker, Rev. Fr. Ivel, The Vicar Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist Vice Province of Mumbai and a Professor of Systematic Theology at the Redemptorist Major Seminary, Bangalore, enlightened the gathering on the theme from the perspective of the Gospel according to Mark. He said that, for Mark, to encounter Jesus is to experience his call, take up one’s cross and follow him. The ultimate proclamation of the Gospel is in the life witness of the disciples who unites himself/herself to the cross of Christ. Mrs Rupa is a Dentist by profession and owns a private Clinic in Aldona. She was not born in a Catholic Family. She shared her testimony of how Christ invited her to encounter him through the scriptures and amidst challenges in life and to fall in love with him, so much so, in accepting him as the only Lord and Master and proclaiming his Gospel. Mrs Goretti Martins was born in a Christian family and then was called to conversion along with her husband and children. She shared her experience of encountering Christ and proclaiming Him through various ministries like teaching catechism, prison ministry and taking active part in various missionary activities.
In his address the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Matthew shared his personal experiences of encountering Christ through his mother and other people whom he met. He said that we cannot proclaim Christ without an encounter with Him. He called us to be good pastors and learn from simple lay people as their faith is an inspiration to us.
The scholastics presented an instrumental piece, ‘The Hungarian Dance,’ which added colour to the evening. News credit: Scholastic Eric Mascarenhas, sfx
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Ridhima Shirodkar
“To live, to truly live, one must consider each and every thing a blessing.” - Kamand Kojouri
W
hen Sarah lost her only child in an accident, most thought that it would bring about a drastic change in her life, a change that would turn out to be negative. Well of course adjusting to such an incident does require a lot of time, support and resilience. Yet Sarah found a new meaning to life as she began working for the rights of those children who had no one to advocate for them. Life as we understand it, may mean different things to different individuals. Circumstances may change individuals drastically and yet there are some people who know how to look at life from a perspective such that they see only the positive in it. There is no one who has faced no hassle in life. We face hassles on a daily basis and yet it is up to us, to learn to deal with these constructively. They say the grass seems greener on the other side, and so often this makes sense when we compare our 16
lives to those whom we think are better off than us. In Psychology, this may be seen as counterfactual thought processes where one tends to assume things if they were the way they wanted them to be.
The more we compare ourselves to those who we perceive are better than us, the more wasted life seems. We tend to lose the actual essence of life. Life is a gift, a gift provided to us by a power that some believe in and some have different names for. In it’s truest sense life is nothing less than magic. Think about the magic that is the human body. The systems that are involved in making YOU and ME! The blood that carries oxygen and the immune system that fights the infections; the brain that allows us to make decisions and the same brain that makes ME different from YOU. The intricacies and the beauty of life may be seen through the caterpillar which turns
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into the butterfly or through the tiny zygote that turns into an innocent baby.
It then becomes exceptionally important to value this magical gift, given to you … the gift of LIFE. And though at times it may seem that life has no meaning, there is always a hidden truth and a hidden purpose behind the most traumatic events that take place. Finding this purpose can make one fulfilled and that’s when individuals may feel and realize that life is to be lived fully by learning one’s purpose. In the Japanese culture, this is termed as IKIGAI - understanding the purpose of one’s life. When one actually finds their IKIGAI, they reach a stage when life seems like a beautiful process. Finding your true purpose is what needs introspection and awareness.
Many of us today are running a race which seems to be never- ending. We are trying to reach a goal, and yet somehow this goal seems to never satisfy us. We then change the goal and continue running. The end event is that we are bogged down, frustrated and life seems futile. We turn to temporary measures of satisfaction like addictions, reckless behaviour and forget to notice that in essence we have forgotten to live.
Stress is the factor that we all face and some of us create stress for ourselves in situations that can be made simpler. By over-thinking or by having unusual expectation from self or from others we tend to add stressors in our already complicated lives. In a world when virtual relations are abundant and real relations seem unseen, it becomes essential to embrace ourselves and love ourselves. By finding ways of coping up with the heavy demands in our day to day life, we understand that life is not an end goal but life is a process. Enjoying this process with it’s highs and lows is what makes us who we are. The wrinkles on the face and the scars on the skin have stories to tell, stories of love and loss. Who are we then to end life abruptly,or to think that life has no value? There will be times when we feel we are in the dumps, it is during such moments we need to reach out to one another. Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
We need to help ourselves and if we cannot help ourselves it is time to move and ask for this help. Help is available readily in the form of a sibling, parent, friend, religion or through a counselor.
Help is there at every point, it is you who have to ask for it without feeling ashamed. Life can be made beautiful by reaching out to those who need perhaps a nudge to move on, who need a smile to lighten up their day. A few tips to remember: yy Smile, it costs nothing! yy Look deeper within yourself, there are strengths you barely know of yy Listen, cause it may change someone’s life yy Exercise as it gives you happy hormones yy Reach out cause there is joy in giving yy Love yourself cause only then can you love another yy Be in the moment and NOW is where you are yy Feel every moment, cause it will never happen again yy Look at the glass as half full and never half empty yy Learn to bounce back, no matter how hard you are hit yy Find people who you can call family yy Accept change, cause it is the only constant yy Live & Let Live! yy Learn cause it takes you to a different dimension yy Life is all we have, appreciate it to the fullest! (The writer is a psychologist and assitant professor at Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola, Goa.)
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Y
Dr. Aldina Braganza
outh is a wonderful time when life is full of opportunities and potential. Your life is waiting to unfold. You have dreams, desires and energy. The rest of your life is before you, like a canvas waiting to be painted. The potent question is; what picture are you going to draw and what colours will you choose?
Unfortunately the answer to this question is not uniform. There are multiple choices from which you have to decide and choose. The tricky bits however are the answers to these questions and the fact that you and only you are responsible for your picture. The way you see this picture evolve could be on auto pilot mode; where you let each day take its course, without intervention or meaning. You follow the rest. However, when you decide to take this route, after sometime you will be alone and then you will be confused as to why you decided to take this direction. Often this is where one can get stuck. Another choice you have is to let others tell you what to do. They hold your hand and trace out an image they want for you. It may not be the image you want and in fact you might hate it. 18
Very often when this happens, you decide to hijack the painting and react to it by adding colours that are going to spoil the picture. But you don’t care. You think you have no control. You don’t question; neither do you react. You decide instead to destroy the opportunity of creating a beautiful piece of artwork even before it begins to appear. There are still others amongst you who might be confused. So you start with many different colours, contradicting each other but eventually it makes sense. Here too you believe that you have no control and you add the colours randomly and sometimes ridiculously. Then you begin all over again, hopefully learning from your earlier mistakes until eventually it
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all works out. But deep in your heart you know that you should not have wasted all that time.
There are still others, who have someone special in their life, who helps them discover their true picture, helping them carefully understand which colours they could probably choose. And finally they get it, each colour, each stroke, brilliantly and carefully crafted. With effort they begin to compose a perfect picture. Once they image their picture they know exactly what they want and go searching for it, knowing that their hard labour would bear fruit.
Such is life. You start young, but the beauty is that you are given ample opportunity. It does not matter who you are, or where you are from. As long as there is life in you, you will get opportunities to reboot. Psychologist have looked at resilience very closely trying to understand why tough people last. And they have come out with various formulas based on case studies of people who have overcome many atrocities. They have narrowed down to one of the many traits these people have and that is ability to look at life with meaning and purpose. Purposive living is defined as living life with meaning and purpose which creates intent to live. It’s like painting the canvas with a picture in your head. You won’t give up because that picture is held firmly in your brain. So how do you decide to create this picture? How do you find your purpose? How do you align yourself to something you love doing that is meaningful enough to get you motivated and feeling good and productive? Purpose is not a measurement of outcome, (like money or a car or a house). Instead it is a measure of the process. It is about matching your inner values and beliefs with the outside world. There are four steps that help you define your purpose. Step one: Identify your passion. Your passion is something which gets you all excited and you feel happy doing it. During that time, you lose concept of time and you are in Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
a flow which helps you be most productive. Another way is by asking yourself: Who is your role model? Whom do you admire? Not for their looks but for the qualities that you wish you had. Step one may take a while but once you are clear about this then move to step two. Step two: Including Others. Ask the question: How does your passion influence other people? Purpose requires the involvement of others. Otherwise it is just your passion and hobby without meaning or direction. Step Three: Seek for impact How will your purpose have an impact on others? So you ask this question: How is the world going to become a better place because you are in it? How is your life going to make a difference to others? When you begin to align these three answers, your purpose for this life is unfolding right in front of you.
Step four: Create your tag line Tag lines are like adjusting the lens of your camera so that the frame is clear and you get the best picture. There is nothing like a good tag line to stay focused and paint the greatest and truest work of art for yourself. Spend some time with these steps and define your purpose. Live the life you love. u (The writer is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. She is an Associate professor, HOD, Psychology department, Carmel College. She is an awardee of the prestigious Orchid Award of Excellence for Women in Education.)
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Fr. David Raj, sfx
Q
adian a small town north-east of Amritsar was established in 1530 by Mirza Hadi Baig, a religious scholar dedicated to Islam and the first Qazi within the area. He named the centre of 80 villages as ‘Islampur Qazi’. Over time the name of the town was changed to QaziMaji. Maji means bull, referring to the animal still found in abundance in that area. Later, it was just called as Qadi and eventually came to be known as Qadian. It is located between Batala and Shri Hargobindpur. Before the partition of India, the town of Qadian had a majority Muslim population because of the Islamic religious institutions. However, in recent times the Hindus have increased in number.
Pastoral apostolate St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was erected as a parish in the year 2016. The first Parish Priest of the Parish was Rev. Fr. Mario Fernandes sfx. Before it could be erected as a Parish, it was a mass centre which comes under Batala Parish. The Parish consists of 22 villages and 98 families. It is a mission parish, most of them 20
are daily wage labourers and many of them are working in the diocesan school as domestic workers. I was very much excited to take up this mission as my first Parish, because I have a close connection with St. Joseph who is my personal patron saint. It is tough yet it gives me great joy to work in these areas. It also gives me lot of exposure and experience to strengthen my own faith. There are lot of different Christian communities in Punjab, peoples’ faith is being tested and they are being pulled from all sides by different group of sects. Speaking of people’s faith, it is very fragile, as St. Paul says to the Romans 14:2 those of you whose faith is weak eats only vegetables. Therefore, the basic catechism of the Catholic Church is very much stressed and given a lot of importance.
We can find lot of Charismatic movements in Punjab. We have also inculcated it in our liturgy. Through this, the faith of the people is strengthened. Almost every day we have a prayer service in the villages, what we call it ‘Dua Bandaghi’ we pray the rosary, followed Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
by the breaking of the Word of God and then praise and worship. With constant visitation and ‘Dua Bandagi’ we keep them close to our catholic teachings and our faith.
It is an edifying experience for me with regard to the Punjabi language and the people of Punjab. Here the people of all faiths live in harmony. As of now, there are no threats to any particular faith. We have one common mission, to strengthen the faith of the faithful and bring back the lost to the fold of Christ, to make Christ and his love known among the people of other faiths and those who are indifferent to Christ. Educational Ministry St. Xavier School, Satkoha was established in the year 2017. It is situated at Satkoha in Gurdaspur district. It is 45km away from
Fernandes with 6 teachers from Goa and 2 teachers from Satkoha. At present, there is a big demand for admissions from the neighbouring villages and every year a hundred students are admitted. The school aims not only at preparing the students academically but also strives for the all-round development so as to enable its pupils to blossom into responsible citizens of our country.
As the parents are unable to speak or give an English background, we strive to give more emphasis on spoken English. I joined the school just last year i.e. July 2018 and it has been a wonderful learning and teaching experience. The school morning assemblies helps the students begin the day with prayers, sing songs, rhymes, dance, aerobics and gymnastics for 30 minutes.
The classroom teaching is done with the help of smart boards. The teaching aid of capsules are prepared by the teachers themselves as per the books and need of the students keeping in mind to give more emphasis on spoken English. the border of Pakistan. St. Xavier School was started with the aim to give quality education to the students of the neighbouring villages and border areas.
At present, we have classes from nursery to 3rd standard and we have more than 300 students on the roll. The school began under the active guidance of Fr. Albert Fernandes and Fr. Mario
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The theme of the annual function was ‘Born to be Unique’ where the students and parents were reminded that each child is a gift of God, special and unique with his/her own unique qualities. Every day is a new experience and I am hoping that this experience will help me and my companion teachers to grow in our life. u (The writer is member of the Society of Pilar. He is the parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Qadian, Punjab)
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32 years in the Adaman & Nicobar Islands
Scholastic Clinton A. Fernandes, sfx
Fr. Tony D’Souza hails from Parra, Goa and is a missionary priest of our Society. Today he is 80 years old and is glad to share his missionary experience to inspire more youth to work in the mission areas and to proclaim Christ to others. Who influenced you to consider the vocation to the priesthood? At a very young age, I had the desire to be a priest. First of all, it was my parents who influenced me specially my father who was a Sacristan in the parish. I was also inspired by 2 seminarians from my parish. I used to look at them and this made me to join the seminary. I got two sisters who are nuns in religious congregation. They too were inspired by my parents who were devout and God fearing persons.
What attracted you to join the society of Pilar? I always had the zeal to join only a missionary society. I had heard only about the Pilar Society. After joining the seminary, we were given talks by the missionaries. Our superior used to invite the priest who worked in Nagar Haveli,this increased my zeal and enthusiasm to work in the missions. I joined in 5th standard at the age of 13. When I expressed my desire of of becoming a priest to my parents, they encouraged me to move forward in my vocation and never to look back.
Tell me about life as a Pilar missionary? I was ordained on 19th of December 1965 at Pilar. My superior was Fr. Francis Sequeira. Soon after my ordination, I was appointed in Madhya Pradesh in a place called ‘Bastar’ which was given by the Holy See to the Society. I worked there for 5 years and later handed over charge to the CMI Fathers. I was posted in the Andaman’s for a long term i.e. for 32 years. The people of Ranchi are scattered in this place, and were working under the forest department. I would always make it a point to visit them. People used to long for a priest or a missionary to visit them. I was also the Director of the Seminary in Bhopal for 3 years. There too, I would visit people in spite of my busy schedule. As time passed by, I was appointed as the Vice Provincial for 2 years 22
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in Calcutta. And also served as the spiritual director of the students, and assistant parish priest of Gangarampur (Infant Jesus Church). I really enjoyed being with the people over here and attended to their needs.
What challenges did you face and what kept you going? The villages were very far, I had a tough time walking, as the routes were infested with leeches. Travelling by ship was scary, as there was a possibility of a storm and the sea would be very rough. I didn’t look back instead I trusted God and went forward. Once Jarwas entered the village just before the mass. The villagers alerted me not to celebrate the Eucharist publicly. Transport was another challenge because of which I had to walk long distances. People actively participated in the common prayers like the Eucharist, Confession and Rosary. Once in three months they would get an opportunity to celebrate mass, including 2 masses during Easter and Christmas. In the absence of the priest, people conducted prayer services as there were trained pastors to lead
the people and they would also help the priest to carry on the mission of Jesus.
What are some of your hobbies and interests? I like music and I love to play the Guitar. I used to teach guitar, as an when needed in Prerit Niwas i.e.in the minor seminary (Andamans) and also would teach songs to the youth. I also like gardening and love to take care of pigeons and other birds.
What advice would you give to a young man who is contemplating a vocation to the priest? I advise them to be prayerful and they must always have a great devotion to Mother Mary and the Blessed Sacrament. They should keep in mind, all that they learn during formation will help them in their missionary work. My aim was to be a real missionary, and that has been fulfilled. I served the people in the islands,thus fulfilling my mission to be at the service of the people. u (The writer is member of the Society of Pilar. He is a student of Second Year Theology, Pilar Theological College, Pilar-Goa)
‘Walls don’t build Prisons’ - Prison Ministry Sunday celebrated in Goa
Prison Ministry Sunday was celebrated in Goa on August 11, 2019. The solemn Eucharist was held at St. Michael’s Church, Taleigao, presided over by His Grace, Most Rev. Alex Dias, Archbishop Emeritus of Port Blair. The theme for the Eucharist was ‘Walls don’t build Prisons.’ The theme highlighted that at times, we can be imprisoned by our own narrow vision and negative thinking. It was a special day to pray for the prisoners and also the volunteers who dedicate their life to this ministry. It is always celebrated around the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the patron of prisoners. The Bishop in his homily shared about his experience with the prisoners. In 1964 as a Pilar Seminarian he and his fellow seminarians visited the Prison in Panjim and also played a volleyball match with the inmates in Aguada jail which was coordinated by Monsignor Chico Monteiro, a diocesan priest. Reflecting upon the Word of God, he beautifully explained the difference between the attitude of man and attitude of God towards the ones who are lost. Citing the Gospel of the parable of the lost sheep, he said that God, lovingly cares for the lost and in this case the prisoners who drifted away from following the Lord. Also present for the Eucharist were Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Director of Caritas Goa, under whom the Prison Ministry unit in Goa functions, Fr. Savio Fernandes, Assistant to the Director, other Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Volunteers and the parishioners of Taleigao. News credit: Scholastic Eric Mascarenhas, sfx
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Dr. Peter Castelino
A
s soon as David opened the door he stood in disbelief to see his son hanging from the ceiling. Even though he ran to save him, it was too late. His only son, 17 years old, had taken his own life and there was nothing else he could do. What had he done wrong? What could he have done right? Why? Why? why couldn’t he have come to him with what was troubling him? This is the story of many people who have to face the tragic truth of a life being snatched away by suicide. David is not alone. Globally around 800,000 people lose their lives to suicide every year. In India, the figures are around 200,000. The national rate of suicide in India is around 11.4 per 100,000 population. If we look at the statistics in Goa, being a literate and an economically better state, we might think that the rate of suicide would be lower than the national average. Unfortunately, this is not the reality; the rate of suicide in our state is higher than the national average placed at 15.4 per lakh population. This is also true for all South Indian states even though they are more literate. One of the explanations given is the unmet needs due to the expectations that arise 24
with education.
Most people who attempt suicide actually speak about it prior to the attempt. Research has shown almost 80% do. Most often indirectly through phrases like “I wish it was over”, “I wish I was not born’, “I can’t do this anymore”, “I wish I was dead” etc. Very often these are mentioned in passing and are not taken seriously which is a grave mistake. We need to take the time to enquire about what’s going on in their lives and what did they mean when they spoke those phrases. A question which can help clarify these thoughts is as simple as asking “Do you feel suicidal?” or “Do you feel like ending your life?”. A very challenging question but if asked in an empathetic tone will get the true feelings of the person in distress. This is one of the biggest warning signs of an impending suicide. The other warning signs which are red flags are change in behaviour, feeling sad, helpless, hopeless, useless, a sudden increase in the usage of substances like alcohol or drugs and giving away ones prized possessions. There are several approaches to suicide prevention which encompass both pharmacological
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as well as psychological. With our awareness that suicide ideation is not only a result of medical and psychiatric causes, but also from the breakdown of coping mechanisms, one of the biggest strategies in suicide prevention is giving the person a sense of perspective and empowerment by allowing him to express all that he feels and thinks in a safe, non-threatening, non-judgemental and nonadvisory space. The mistake that most people do is not to listen attentively. As soon as the problem is stated our immediate response is to give advice and this advice comes from our own perspectives and backgrounds. Most often this advice is non-therapeutic and does not match the need of the person in distress. We need to have the courage to walk with the person in his pain and help him discover the strengths within himself. To be able to do this, it is important to set aside our own belief system and the prejudices that come with it. How does one respond, when someone talks or hints about dying? Firstly, do not panic and listen to the person. Secondly, do a risk assessment. This would involve certain direct questions like: Do you feel like dying? if yes, Have you thought of a plan? If yes, Do you have the means to execute your plan? If yes, do they have the substance/ weapon etc. with them? When do you want to execute this plan? There are many ways in which we can score the risk but a very basic scoring system would be using Grade 0 - No suicidal thoughts
Grade 1 - Suicidal thoughts only
Grade 2 - Suicidal thoughts with a plan in mind
Grade 3 - Suicidal thoughts with the plan and the means to do it.
If the person is at grade 1 or 2, we need to actively support and preferably refer him/ her for counselling or to a mental health professional. If the person scores 3, he is at high risk of suicide and we need to first ensure safety by removing all possible poisonous substances or weapons. At all times the person should not to be left alone and a one metre supervision is warranted till professional help is obtained. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. It is not the job of only the mental health professionals or the government but everyone has their role to play. A multi-sectoral team including members from the health, education, media, law, social welfare, etc. working together is a way forward.
COOJ Mental Health Foundation, an NGO which functions in Goa runs a distress helpline, the number being (0832) 225 2525 which is operational from Monday to Friday between 1PM and 7 PM. The helpline runs on the principles of Befrienders Worldwide, an organisation that runs helplines around the world. They conduct workshops to train people on the basics of suicide and how to respond in a crisis. Let’s join hands together to reduce the rate of suicides in our country. u (The writer is a psychiatrist by profession and the coFounder and Managing Trustee of COOJ Mental Health Foundation, an NGO working for the promotion of mental health in Goa. He runs the Suicide Prevention Helpline in Goa. He is the Immediate Past President of the Psychiatric Society of Goa and has received the Bagadia award from the Indian Psychiatric Society in 2013 and the Vincent Xavier Verodina Award from Dom Martin in the US)
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Christal Ferrao
S
uicide is an act of intentionally causing one’s death. This is highly prevalent in India, even as it is against the moral principles and its image as a country of religious and family life. Why such incidences? The alarming rates are disturbing. Yet suicide cases are often discussed as an event that occurred rather than reflecting on it. The problem is not the prevalence here, but the failure to address the causes to generate effective solutions accordingly. India is a complex country. On one hand, there is an “Urban India”, while on the other hand there is a “Rural Bharat”. While mental health awareness and therapy as a concept has been discussed in urban areas, it is yet to see the light of the day in rural areas. The issue of farmer suicides has been rising every year. The distress increases further when voices of
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women are silenced and ignored. And often it is discussed in terms of statistical data of deaths, ignoring the greater causes and concerns. Because in some societies it’s not just the triggering or the final factor like a failed crop or loan repayment that causes distress, but several other intermediaries that go unnoticed. These intermediaries along with the direct causes need to be considered.
Besides the deaths of farmer suicides in the country, lack of social approval to intercommunity love marriages is another factor for suicides. We have been culturally brought up listening to stories like Laila-Majnu and RomeoJuliet, so such a behavior is seen as acceptable and people are classically conditioned to pursue this. Love in India is mostly expressed through sacrifice than love alone, but when this reaches to a point of killing self for the love of each other and the respect of community, it is an issue that needs attention. India faces double concerns since both lack of love due to failed relationships or no trustworthy person to befriend and burden due to responsibilities of love are the causes of suicides. But death can be avoided if both individual and community decide to engage in proper dialogue to Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
understand the problem and frame resolutions.
Besides love, another factor that is seen to boost the esteem of people is academic and vocational achievement. The time a child becomes a student they are tutored to be the best, to win and be first. But in any evaluation only one person can be first. Does this mean that the rest are bad? Every person is special and incomparable. Hence it is not justified to judge the capabilities of people based on a test. This issue is a problem at two levels. At level one, it is about all the above average and excellent students battling for the position of outstanding student and feeling dejected and sometimes like a failure at not being able to be one, and not being appreciated for their efforts of holistic development, but academics alone. At level two, it’s about those being pressurized to pass with the fear of failure and resulting consequences that makes death be seen as the only way to end the anxiety. We as a society need to revisit this term of failure and redefine it. One aspect or event of life cannot be the aspect to determine the worth of people who are worth more than marks. When academics end, the next step is employment. Professionals, sometimes face issues of stress and harassment that make it difficult to cope. This could be not getting placed or facing rejections at the onset of career and increased workplace harassment, social
discrimination or high level expectations to meet targets at a limited time throughout ones work life. Additionally in the recent times, these young professionals work away from their hometowns in cities. These cities are populated overtly but people live lonely lives which is a hidden reality. Lack of trusted friends and peer pressure to indulge in activities like substance abuse and late night fun leads to unnecessary pressure due to under performance in work and lack of proper time to relax. This is also a rising cause of concern for youth, who begin living away from hometowns during University studies. In India it is not the issue that is a problem; rather it is the failure to address it that makes it worse. We like to move with a façade of being called a loving and encouraging country and shy away from this troubling reality of hate and apathy. Depression and Anxiety are as common as a cold or stomach upset. While some experience severe levels and are in need of psychopathic drugs, others have had at least a minor episode of the borderline level. Despite this, people are only discussing interventions for chronic and common biological issues and do nothing to discuss psychological problems. Education, Media and Religion are important institutions in India that can work to facilitate proper initiatives to prevent suicide. Often in our educational curriculum we are forced to study compulsory courses like physical education, computer literacy, and environment studies. Inclusion of psychological well being and mental health studies is the need of the hour. This should not be for assessment but for awareness. And should not be restricted to one stream but taught across streams to break social stigmas and address suicide as an issue with greater attentiveness. It is said that if it is called a problem, it ought to have a solution, and suicide is not a solution rather it is a problem. And if it is a problem it can be solved, provided it is addressed in a proper way. u
(The writer is currently pursuing her post-graduation in Media and Communication (Journalism) at Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune. She is a graduate in Communication and Media, English and Psychology from Christ (Deemed) University, Bengaluru. She has volunteered with various NGO’s.)
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Ian Pinto, sdb
I
t was Easter Sunday 2019. People filed into Church,all eager to praise and honour God for doing the impossible, for making salvation possible and free. Sri Lanka was on the road to recovery after years of civil warfare and bloodshed. Just when it seemed like peace had finally got a foothold in this little island country, strife raised its ugly head. A couple of suicide bombers targeted churches and hotels, at the peak times of their worship and business. The attacks left around 359 people dead and over 500 injured. This was the country’s worst attack since the civil war that ended in 2009. An interesting fact emerged in the wake of the suicide bombings: it was in Sri Lanka itself that the phenomena of suicide bombing took birth. While this is nothing to be proud of, it is not something Sri Lanka would like to be known for. It is ironic to see that the very device which was once used to make a statement, is now being used to incite terror and malign peace in the same backyard. The phenomena of suicide bombing is a recent one. PostWorld War II there were very few who opted for this drastic 28
method of genocide. However, since 1980 the world has witnessed a colossal growth in this dastardly terror. Over 4,820 suicide attacks have been recorded in over 40 countries, claiming more than 45,000 lives lives not to mention billions of dollars in terms of damages. This insanity is not dying down anytime soon. Records show that such attacks have increased from an average of three a year in the 1980’s, to about one a month in the 1990’s, to almost one a week in the early 2000’s and finally topping up with nearly one every other day in the last decade and a half. This phenomena has become so common that while it does shake up a large part of the population it doesn’t create a shockwave that galvanizes people to join hands and ensure a similar tragedy never occurs again. News reports keep coming in regarding the radicalization and militarization of civilians including women and children in many parts of the world but they are met largely with diffidence or with a nonchalance that is characteristic of a population that has grown accustomed to news of the kind. What kind of world are we Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
living in today? What kind of world are we creating for our children? These are extremely vital and pertinent questions that not enough people are asking or worse, answering today. Have we grown apathetic to the evil around us? Are we unmoved by the fact that our children and future generations are growing up in a culture of violence? The phenomena of suicide bombings are worthy of making stomachs turn. They are absolutely mindless, cruel and insensitive. While they are mostly politically motivated, they often take on shades of religious or nationalist fanaticism. The really troubling aspect of suicide bombing is that militant and terrorist groups have now found highly effective carriers of death, namely, women and children. In warfare, women and children are looked upon as soft targets on one hand and red-taped individuals on the other. This means that armed forces think more than twice before engaging such targets. It is on this humanistic ethic that terrorists weave their fabric of evil. They are well aware that carrying out the deed themselves is far more painstaking then having a woman or a child do it. Thus, they invest far more time, money and resources trying to radicalize women and children rather than carry out regular terrorist activities. ISIS was a champion in these matters and that is one of the chief reasons why they turned out as successful as they did.
The depressing fact of our world is that we are all aware of the threat of terrorism but we all hide behind our excuses, instead of doing something to curb the menace once and for all. This cowardice is visible right from the leaders of nations down to the humblest citizen. I cannot
help but laugh every time there is a news report about India and Pakistan discussing the topic of terror. In all the years since Independence both countries have hardly progressed beyond pointing fingers and passing the buck. The drama hasn’t stopped yet and doesn’t look like it is going to anytime soon either.
What’s true about our own country is also probably true of many other countries in the world. We are not sufficiently serious about the issue of terror. With the level of awareness and technological and military advancements available today, how do suicide bombings still happen? How does a man carrying a backpack full of homemade explosives happily walk into a Church packed with God-fearing and honest citizens fulfilling their Easter obligation and decimate them in a matter of seconds? Such an event occurring at a religious site is understandable since these places are seldom under heavy security; but what about similar incidents happening at hotels, airports and embassies? The world doesn’t need more weapons or more counter-terrorists; it doesn’t need more violence or pain or warfare or bloodshed. It badly needs individuals with a strong moral compass that guides them to do the things that are right and just. It also needs people who are seriously committed to ending the menace of terror once and for all and who are ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done. It also needs plenty of prayers since prayers enable the impossible to become possible and the possible to become real. u (The writer is a Salesian of Don Bosco belonging to the Province of Panjim-Konkan. He is currently doing his regency in Sulcorna, Goa)
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Rev. Fr. Bento Martins, sfx Founder Br. Eusebio Miranda, sfx
A
t a time when there was a suppression of religious societies in Goa, the Pilar Society, alias the Society of the Missionaries of St Francis Xavier was founded on the night of 26th September 1887 in the presence of the most Blessed Sacrament. The founder of the Society, Fr. Bento Martins, a Goan Diocesan priest, a very holy and missionary leader, talented and enthusiastic, had a desire to spread the Gospel of Christ to enlighten the ignorant. His work was blessed by the first Patriarch of Goa, Dom Antonio Sebastiao Valente.
Fr. Bento Martins’ mind was set on this new conquest right from the beginning. He had a great desire to teach the people about the Good News of Christ and to reach out to those who were lost and broken. Fr. Bento wished to take this society forward in a very holy direction. In spite of the suppression from the government, he faced every challenge that came his way and with great courage founded this religious society. The Archbishop Patriarch supported his mission, as he knew that Goa was in need of such a society which could help the spiritual growth of the people. Fr. Bento Martins trusted in God and took this bold step. Fr. Jeronimo Servulo Viegas, Fr. Gregorio Francisco Xavier Fernandes and Fr. Deodato Piedade D’Costa joined Fr Bento in his mission. These priests prayed before the Blessed Sacrament and with the strength of the Eucharistic Lord and great humility, they surrendered themselves to God. Taking St. Francis Xavier as their patron, they embraced the task of spreading the Gospel. 30
Translation credit: Dr. Nelly De Sa In the dark of the night where no one could see, this society was born. It was a plan of God and His blessings were upon it. Fr. Bento Martins and his companions went to the village of Agonda and started their missionary work. The seed that was sown by them grew tall and bore fruits that have spread all over India and abroad. It is our very own Pilar Missionary Society. Even though its founder Fr. Bento Martins died at a young age of 48, one of its first members, Ven. Fr. Agnelo is on his way to Sainthood. His heart was burning with the desire to do missionary work and his spiritual life was exemplary. We need more people like him. In order to lead a holy life and to increase our faith, we need good spiritual direction. We need to pray the prayer that Fr Bento prayed. “ Loving Jesus, Saviour of mankind, you came down on earth and lived among men; behold me your humble servant, who desires to serve you, help me to do your will and bring joy to your most Sacred heart. I surrender myself to you. I will always remain humble and obedient to my superiors and to members of the newly founded Society.” He thus surrendered himself into the hands of God and took this pledge. From this day on, Fr. Bento and his three companions started missionary work of the Society. Today, 134 years later, the Society has really grown and is still growing. In the year 1939, the society was reorganised and ever since, Brothers also joined the Society; and in the year 1988, the Society of the Religious Sisters was founded too. u (The writer is a member of the Society of Pilar. He is the Editor of Vauradeancho Ixtt, Pilar-Goa)
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Tim 4: 7
Born: 1927 | First Profession: 1957 | Returned: 2019
B
Fr. Jesuino Almeida, sfx
r. Felicio Souza, a stalwart missionary of the Pilar Society, passed away at G.M.C Hospital, Bambolim on 13th August, 2019 at the age of 92.
After Br. Paixao Lacerda, one of the Re-organisers of Pilar Society, Br. Felicio scored the longest innings of 62 years of service in the Society. Wherever he worked his dedication to his service and love for the community was outstanding. Born at Assagao, Bardez in 1927, he studied at St. John’s High School, Mumbai and worked for Crompton Greaves Company for a few years and then felt that God was calling him to be a missionary. He joined the Pilar Society as a postulant in 1954 and made his profession in 1957. Soon he was sent to Nagar-Haveli Mission where he worked at Khanwel from 1957 to 1961 and then in the farm and the orphanage at Dapadda from 1961 to 1965. He worked at Sirsa, Haryana from 1966 to 1968. Then he came to Fr. Agnel Ashram, Mumbai from 1968 to 1979 for office work and also did his training at Industrial Training Institute (ITI). He worked at Xaverian Cooperators’s office, Pilar from 1979 to 2005 and spent the last 14 years of his life at Collem farm serving all the Fathers who came there.
Even at this age, his zeal and enthusiasm for missionary work was still alive and active. The fire and passion with which he worked in missions in his younger days was still blazing even at this age. During the last years of life, he did a lot of work at Collem farm and was a great source of comfort, inspiration and help to his fellow priests and members of the community. He said,” Let us use our hands and feet and work as much as we can, let us keep laziness away.” Br. Felicio’s life is an inspiration to the young and the old. Without worrying about his own life, he selflessly worked for the good of others, without any fear in his mind or heart. He derived strength from prayer and was a living example of a true missionary, not by word but through his actions. Although he was in his 90s, he travelled from Collem to Pilar by bus and did all his personal jobs by himself, including visits to the doctor for his medical treatment. Br. Felicio reflected simplicity through his life. He was a model religious of the old generation of brothers in every community where he worked. He was a silent worker and did all these duties with full cooperation. He lived his vows with great joy and commitment. u
(The writer is member of the Society of Pilar. He is a Spiritual Guide at the Pilar Seminary, Pilar-Goa)
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
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A G N E L O
Carissa de Sa
DOWN: 1. Fr. Agnelo collapsed while giving a _______. 2. He was ordained deacon on 18th December 1897 in the Convent of St. ________ at Old Goa. 3. To priests, he recommended the praying of the ________. 4. After his death, his body was laid to rest in the cemetry of ________. 5. He often told his seminarians, “There is nothing better than to be a ________”.
Rules for the Crossword 1. Children till the age of 16 can participate in the crossword. 2. Please be clear. No cancellation or overwriting will be allowed 3. Mention your details below in the space provided. 4. Cut along the dotted line and send it to Fr. Agnel Call Address before 24th Sept, 2019. 5. You can find the answers in the books Secrets to Share and Ven. Agnelo an ardent Pastor.
ACROSS: 1. He said, “We ought to obey our ________ even if they were of wood”. 2. Whoever saw Fr. Agnelo would say that he was an ________ in human flesh”. 3. Fr. Agnelo said just before his death, “The society will not die; the ________ of God is here”. 4. He was ordained a priest on 24th September 1898 in the ancient ________ of Old Goa. 5. The name of Fr. Agnelo’s cousin who was present at his first mass.
SOLUTION: CROSSWORD PUZZLE -3
DETAILS
Name: Date of birth: Address: Phone No: Class: School: Subscription Number:
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WINNERS Avin Dias, Mira Rd. - Mumbai Jayden D’Silva, Siolim - Goa
(The cruciverbalist is a student of Biotechnology at Dhempe College, Goa)
Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
Vice-Postulation Office Translation credit: Dr. Nelly De Sa
Dona Paula: My one year old granddaughter
used to get fever every three months, and would refuse to take any feeds. I prayed through intercession of Fr Agnelo and gave her water mixed with his relic mud to drink. She recovered completely and is keeping good health now. Thank you Fr Agnelo for your prayers. Esmenia Pereira
Benaulim: My son Darryl was very sick. He
would get vomiting and loose motions continuously. The doctor said that there was a problem with his intestines, and he would require an operation. I prayed with faith asking Ven Fr Agnelo’s intercession, that my son may be healed without any operation. My son did not require the operation and was completely healed. I thank Fr Agnelo and pray for his early sainthood.
Clima Rodrigues
St Jose de Areal: We did not have a child
even after twelve years of marriage. We asked Fr Agnelo to pray for us. He heard our cries and we are blessed with the gift of a child. We thank Fr Agnelo and pray for his sainthood. John and Sebastiana Tereza
Moira: I suddenly got pain in my abdomen.
Doctors did some tests and found that I have a growth in my pancreas. He advised me to go to Mumbai for further treatment. Another doctor said he would operate me, and the operation would take eight hours. I came to Pilar and prayed asking Fr Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019
Agnelo to pray for me. My operation took ten hours, the biopsy had shown that the growth is cancerous, but after repeat tests doctors said it is not cancerous. I thank Fr Agnelo and pray for his early sainthood. Paul Sequeira
Caranzalem: I was praying hard, that
through the intercession of Fr Agnelo, my daughter gets a good job. My prayers were heard and favour was granted. I thank God for all the blessings, and Fr Agnelo for his intercession and pray for his sainthood. Maria Viegas
Prayer to obtain favours through Ven. Agnelo
Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father, we gratefully acknowledge your plan for our salvation, even by working miracles through your chosen servant. We thank you for giving us your faithful servant, Fr. Agnelo, as an example of how to follow in the steps of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. With our whole heart, we pray that you may lead us through your Spirit to imitate his saintly life. Grant us also the favour we ask (mention the favour) as a sign that he now shares in the glory of our Risen Lord.
Prayer for the Canonization of Fr. Agnelo
O God of infinite mercy, we humbly prostrate at Your feet, we beg of You, with whole hearted trust, that if it be Your Holy Will, and if it serves our salvation, grant Fr. Agnelo the honours of the Altar through the solemn declaration of Our Provident Mother, the Church. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Miraculous favours obtained through his intercession may kindly be reported to: Vice-Postulator, Cause of Fr. Agnelo, Pilar Retreat Centre, Pilar, Goa India 403 203 Ph.no. (0832) 2219460, 2218694, 2218553 Email: vpagnel@rediffmail.com
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Pilar Toons
Dr. Smitha Bhandare Kamat
As i see it
Simple Truth
The Resolution (The cartoonist is an Educationist, Columnist based in Goa)
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The Promise Fr. Agnel’s Call, September, 2019