Veez Global Illustrated Konkani & English Weekly e-Magazine. Published from Chicago, USA.

THE WHITE LILY

A Short Story for Easter by Jane Tyson Clement SharedbyUrban D’Souza

paid no attention to his neighbors, never showed them kindness, and refused any small courtesy or friendliness they offered him. Eventually theypaid no attention to him either and let him go his own way.

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ONCE LONG AGO, NEAR A VILLAGE

FAR AWAY, there lived an old peasant known as Ivan. He had a little hut, a small garden, dog named Rubles, and a six-year-old nephew, Peter, who was an orphan. Ivan was not a bad man, as he did not murder, did not steal, told no lies, and did not meddle in other people’s business. But on the other hand, he couldn’t be called a good man either. He was cross and dirty. He seldom spoke, and then only grudgingly and unpleasantly. He

AsforRublesthedog,hewasafraid of his master and never went near him. He would follow him at a distance to the village and back, would bark at all strangers as watchdogsshoulddo,andhewould drive off the foxes that tried to molest the hens. So Ivan kept the dog and left scraps for him, but neverstroked or praised him.

Peterwasa silentlittle boy,sincehe was never spoken to except in

Jane Tyson Clement (1917–2000)

wasa poet, author,and playwright.

anger. He had no friends, for the village children feared his uncle too much to come near him, and Peter was too shy to speakto anyone. So, he ran wild in the woods and made up his own lonely games. He feared his uncle Ivan, who had never beatenhimhardbuthadlaidastick to him now and then, and who spoke to him so fiercely that Peter was quite cowed andfrightened.

All this was bad enough, but added toitwasfilthandugliness.The little cottage was brown and bleak, the windows (there were two quite nice ones) grimy and stained, the wooden rafters sooty, and all the walls and corners full of cobwebs. On the floor were the scraps and leavings of many meals, and the mud dragged in from many rainy months. The hearth was black, the pots and kettles dingy, the big bed for Ivan and the trundle bed for Peter tumbled and unmade, the table littered and smeared, and the chairs half-broken. It was all a sorry sight, and no better outdoors, for the doorsill was tumble-down, weeds grew everywhere, the vegetables came up as best they might, and nota flowerwas to be

seen. The living things themselves were even worse. Rubles was thin and dirty and full of burrs. Poor Peter wore rags, his hair grew long and wastangledwithstrawfromhisbed, and he was so filthy one could scarcelyseethe boybeneath.Asfor Ivan,hewashuge.Hisblackhairand beardwereunkempt,andhelooked quite terrifying. His clothes were as black with age and no washings as his hair. He was so unpleasant to look at that all he met turned their heads away, wrinkled their noses, and passed him as quickly as possible.

One bleak March day, when it seemedasifallhadbeenwaitingfor spring for many weeks, Ivan had to go to the village to fetch some beans. As he trudged along the road,homewardboundagain,inthe distance he saw a man coming towardhim. Ivanwasreadyas usual

topasshimbywithoutaglance,but when he drew nearer,outof the tail of his eye Ivan noticed he was a stranger,andinspiteofhimselfIvan looked full at him. Then he could not look away. The stranger was young, tall and spare, in rough peasant dress, with a shepherd’s staff. On one arm he carried a sheaf of white lilies, like the day lilies that grew wild in the fields, only so fair and glowing that they dazzled the eye. Ivan stopped in his tracks and with a smile the stranger stopped also. While Ivan stared, the stranger looked him over slowly, from his broken boots to his lined and dirty face. Then he spoke:

“Good

day, friend.”

When there was only silence, with Ivan staring, the stranger spoke again.

“What is it you see?”

Ivanliftedhiseyesthentotheman’s face. The light there was like the lilies, and he lookedat them again.

“Those flowers…I never saw any so fair.”

stranger.

“Mine?” said Ivan. The stranger took one of them and offered it to Ivan, who with astonishment and unbelief exclaimed, “What do you want for it? I am a poor man.”

“I want nothing in return, only that you should keep the flower clean and pure.”

Ivan wiped his dirty hands on his coat and reached for the lily. His fingersclosedaroundthestem,and he stood in the roadstaringat itfor a long while, not knowing what to dowiththepreciousthingnowthat hehadit.Whenhelookedupatlast, the stranger had passed into the distance again. Carefully Ivan carriedthe lily home.

“One of them is yours,” said the

ONCE INSIDE THE DOOR he stood doubtfullyinthemiddleofthefloor, looking all around at the filth and disorder and not knowing where to put the white shining lily. Peter had been sitting dejectedly by the dead fire, but now he stood up slowly, gazing at his uncle in amazement. At last, he found his voice and said to him, “Where did you find it?”

And in a hushed tone Ivan answered,“Astrangergaveittome, for nothing, and told me only to keep it clean and pure…What am I to do with it?”

In an eager voice Peter answered, “Wemustfind somethingto hold it! Onthathighshelfyouputanempty wine bottle last Easter. That would do.”

“Then you must hold it while I fetch thebottledown.Butyourhandsare too dirty! Draw water from the well and wash first!”

This Peter rushed to do, coming back at last with clean hands. Ivan carefully gave him the flower but cried out when Peter put it to his face to smell it. “Wait! Your face is too dirty!” Ivan seized a rag and rushedoutsidetothewell,wherehe drew a bucket of water and washed the rag first, and then came in and awkwardly scrubbed Peter’s face. When he was through he stepped back, unbelieving, as the boy with care smelled the white flower. He thoughthehadneverseenthatboy before. Then he remembered the bottle and clambered up to get it. But it was dirty, too, and clogged

with cobwebs. So out to the well it went, and came in clean and shining, filled with clear water. He set the lily in it and placed it on the windowsill. Then they both looked at it. Its glow lit the dim and dingy room, and as they looked at it a wonder rose in Ivan at all the filth aroundhim.“Thisfairlilycannotlive in such a place!” he said aloud. “I must clean it.”

“Can I help?” asked Peter.

It was a hard task and took more than one day. Windows were washed, walls and floors swept and scrubbed, pots and kettles scoured, and chairs mended. The table was washed, the beds aired and beaten and put in order, and the hearth polishedtillthelong-neglectedtiles gleamedinthefirelightandthepots and kettles winked back. The unaccustomed daylight flooded in the windows and the dark rafters shone in the shadows. All the while the lily glowed on the windowsill. When they were done, they looked abouttheminwonderandpleasure thatthelittlehousecouldbesofair. And then they saweachother.

“We don’t belong in a house like

this!” said Ivan. “Next we scrub ourselves.”

Bynowheandtheboywerefriends, having worked so well together. So, they scrubbed themselves, and Ivan went to the village to buy decent clothes for them both. He noticed Rubles following him at a distance. When he came homehethought to himself, “That dog is a sight, dirty and full of burrs. He doesn’t belong to this house. He must be cleaned.” But when he went to get him, the dog slunk away out of reach and feared to come to him. Ivan put gentleness into his tone, but it took nearly a day to win the dog, until withPeter’shelphecouldbrushhim and wash him. After soft words and a good supper, Rubles no longer cowered and whined, but gazed at Ivan with a wondering love in his eyes, and beat his tail on the floor, and licked Ivan’s hand. And Ivan felt a strange glow in his heart.

So, all was well within.But, without?

What of the broken sill and the brown tumbled garden thick with last year’s weeds? “A house like this cannot live in a garden like that,” said Ivan in a cheerful voice. “We must clean it up.” So, they went to

work, while Rubles sat on his haunches to look at them. And a neighbor passing by stopped to watch, perplexed, and astounded and scarcely recognizing the two who worked.

“Whatareyoustaringat,neighbor?” called Ivan. “Come in to see our lily. But first go fetch your good wife.”

And this the neighbor did, in haste and astonishment, eager to be friendly at last to the old man and his little boy.

For seven days the lily glowed and gleamed on the windowsill, and all the life around it was transformed.

Thenontheseventhdayitvanished. Therewasnotraceofittobefound, though Ivan and Peter searched for iteverywhere.ButwhenIvanlooked at Peter’s face he thought, “The lily

glows there still.” When they saw the clean pure house, and spoke withlovetoeachother,andgreeted their neighbors, and tended the growing things in the new garden, each thought to himself, “The lily still lives, though we see it no longer.”

Sukh Sagar*: An Ocean of Happiness or A Swamp of Despair?

Dr.Lancy Lobo

This is a somewhat fictionalized book based on the personal childhood experiences of the author. He has also depicted and illustrated in eloquent words the universe of Mangala (Mangalore) seen through the eyes, the emotions, and the behaviour of a growing child. An individual is not the same all the time is in reality a

truism and Maxwell has well captured his universe in the very movements of space and time wherein he was growing up. In fact, his socialization in the Catholic Christianfaithgivesaninsider’sview tothe reader.

The book makes for interesting reading and the volume is divided into three parts:

1) Sukh Sagar,

Traditionsof Tuluva Mangala.

3)

2) Mangala (Mangalore) and

Sukh Sagar (the name of his home, which means ‘ocean of happiness’) deals not just with his home but includes the world beyond it, viz., the wider world nestled in the region of Mangalore which is a part of his home. The flora and fauna of MangalaandspecificKonkaniterms come alive in his detailed description. In the recounting of his childhood there is an intermingling of mythology and history of Mangalore which has been meticulously researched by the author.

Mangala is a unique city within the South Canara or Dakshin Kannada district. This is a district which has been enriched by the presence of numerous religious communities and ethnic groups: Hindus, Christians, Muslims all living in harmony. Mangalore is also considered the heart of a distinct multi-linguistic cultural region. The Tuluvas (OBCs) are the biggest group numerically speaking Tulu; then the Christians who speak

Konkani; Muslims who speak Biyari Bhasha, they all study in Kannada language, which is the medium of instruction used in the schools. Among the Hindus one can identify the Gowd Saraswat migrants from Goa, who came into this region duringPortugueseruleasalsomany migrant Christians. Then there is theBuntcommunitywhichisknown foritsmatrilinealsystem.The cityof Mangalore is named after its presiding deity, Mangaladevi; the temple is of considerable antiquity and held in reverence by the Nath sampradaya. Mangalore with the intermingling of different faiths, its multi-cultural ethos portrays an inclusive Hinduism and not an isolatedfolkHinduism.

TheauthorhasshownhowMangala has the highest literacy largely because it being the epicenter of education, St. Aloysius school and college by Jesuits, which the author glorifies. This high rate of literacy propelled many Mangaloreans to migrate to other Indian cities like

Mumbai, Bangalore as well as to foreign shores like the Middle East and then to Western countries. In his interesting narrative, Maxwell Pereira provides another perspective of Tipu Sultan, which in reality is an unsavoury and sad depiction of the history of those times for the Christian Catholics. The persecution and atrocities committed on them by Tipu were unprecedented and is etched deeply in the community’s faith memoryeventoday.

“All Christians along the west coast were captured—from the Canara regions up to Cochin and deeper southandmarchedofftohisFortin Srirangapattinam (the Brits called it Seringapatam). Young and old, men, women, and children alike— variously estimated over times thereafter by different writers from alowof30,000toahighof80,000 were rounded up by Tipu’s soldiers. Not all of Tipu’s ‘captured’ Christians had reached the destination;manyhaddiedenroute

due to hunger, thirst, fatigue, and sickness; many others due to ill treatment and cruelty at the hands of the captors, as also the untold miseries, hardships, and the rigours of the foot march. And many more died in the dungeons during the 15 yearsofcaptivity.Releasecameonly in 1799 after Tipu’s death and the fall of Seringapatam following its seizebytheBritish.Ontheircapture and exile, their lands, goods, and personal property had been confiscated and sold to the remaining inhabitants of Canara at fire sale prices andeven given away as gifts to loyal subjects, including tosomeChristianswhowerespared or were able to buy off their freedom by bribing Tipu’s soldiers. A fact most of the captured were totally ignorant of. Churches were destroyed and the very stones were used to build mosques and other monuments. Apart from constructing the Idgah on the Lighthouse Hill with stones from Milagres and Rosario churches at

Hampankatta, there were military installations and other mosques builtbyTipu.The captivityandexile byTipu,isthemostimportantevent in the annals of the Mangala Christian history which is perhaps unparalleledinIndianorevenworld history. For the alleged crime of a few, the entire community was made to pay!” (p. 181 ff).

Maxwellraisesaquestionandoffers an explanation. “But was it really a crime, what Tipu accused the MangalaChristiansof?Theinvading foreign powers found in the Christians a community with members well educated and diligent at their work; whose keen intelligence, acumen, and accomplishments in the fields of education, industry, and agriculture wereexemplary. Also,theChristians were the only ones that paid their taxes diligently. And so, in turn, the British sought to favour and patronize them”.

In fact, there are portions in this book which should actually go into a textbook for younger generations in order to know the history, mythology, ethnography of castes and the cultural richness. Truly, the book contains encyclopedic historic knowledge of the region. Rani Abbakka’s heroism against the Portuguese finds prominent mention. Besides, the three Ds, viz., Diet, Dress and Demenaour of the people of Mangalore are described in great detail. This book not only carries biographical details of Maxwell, but also constructed the identity of Mangalore and with its rich ethnography and its many cultural institutions situated in South Kanara. The folk cultural institutions such as Hulivesha, cock fights, Bhoota cults, and buffalo race get prominent descriptions. Recently, the Film Kantara has projected the cultural institutions mentioned in thisbook and hasbecome famous.

However, could Maxwell attempt another book on contemporary Mangalore? Mangalore today has undergoneparadigmaticchangesin its social landscape due to illiberal ideologies operating therein since the 1980s thereby setting of conflictsand strife both inter-group and inter-religious. Mangalore is no longer the sukh sagar or ocean of happinessandjoythattheauthorso lovingly speaks of, but a toxic place for caste, class, and religious strife. MyheartweepsfortheMangaloreI

knew,andwhichhasbeendepicted by Maxwell Pereira in his narrative; this city was once a Republic as envisioned by the architects of modern India, like Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar and Patel. But now the winds of change have brought in seeds of dissent and disharmony and has changed the place into something that needs deeper descriptionandanalysis.

*SukhSagar:AnEra ofInnocence byMaxwell Pereira, Delhi:Readomania,2023 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pune gets a new Bishop afterastruggle....

In response to the faith, hope, struggle and prayers of the faithful, Pope Francis on March 25, 2023 promoted Auxiliary Bishop John Rodrigues of Bombay as the new bishop of Pune. The 56-yearoldprelatereplaces BishopThomas DabreofPune,whoaslongdesired, resigned from the post as he had already crossed the mandatory retirement age of 75. Bishop Dabre had turned 77 on October 22, 2022. ThisistheVatican'svieldway of displacing prelates who are troublemakers in a mild so-called peaceful way. This was announced atnooninRomeandcorresponding time in India onthat day.

Bishop John Rodrigues is currently the rector of Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra, a suburb of Mumbai. Born on August 21, 1967, in Mumbai. His two elder brothers are priests.The eldest brother Savio Rodrigues is a priest of the archdiocese of Bombay and the

second one Luke Rodrigues is a member of the Bombay Jesuit province. Let us look at this interestingstorydownhere. Bishop Rodrigues was ordained a priest on April 18, 1998, for the Archdiocese of Bombay. After ordination, he served as the assistant parish priest at St. Michael Church, Mahim for a year, secretary of the Archbishop of Bombay during 1999-2000, and professorofSystematicTheologyat St. Pius X College for nine years from 2002. He served as the secretary of the Bombay archdiocese’ Priests’ Council during 2010-2013, dean of the studies, St. Pius X College (2011-2013), Archdiocesan coordinator of the “Year of Faith” (2012-2013). Since 2013 he was the rector of St. Pius X College. He obtained a licentiate in Systematic Theology at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome. He was appointed Auxiliary BishopofBombayonMay15,2013,

and ordained bishop on June 29, 2013. He is the member bishop of theCCBICommissionforBiblesince 2019.

But,howlongBishopDabreisseton hanging around, he has been statingagainandagainthat,inspite of the Pope's orders, he continues tobeincontrolofthePuneDiocese now. The Bishop designate Rev. JohnRodrigueshasexpresslystated he wishes Bishop Dabre time to settle some mess before taking charge, Bishop John wants to discussmatterswiththeNuncioand the process might need a few months to materialize. In the meanwhile, a huge cover up and actstonullifythelawsofthelandby allmeans is seen.

The story of the Bishop's Mom and her three sons:

Corinne Rodrigues with her three consecrated sons, John, Savio and Luke. (courtesy: Father Savio Rodrigues.)

The indomitable Catholic mother, LateCorinneRodrigues,singlemom and parish activist, an extraordinary mother and catholic who truly gave heralltothechurch.ThisRodrigues mother, founder president of the Hope and Life Movement of the Archdiocese of Bombay, inspired manyinhercommunitywhilebeing a humble single mother of three. Her husband died in 1975, leavingthe youngwidow withthree young boys to take care of. She did not let the odds deter her and she nurtured the faith and vocations of herthreesons,heronlytreasure. All three grew up to become priests: Rev Fr Savio is a parish priest in Mumbai,Rev Fr Luke SJ is vice provincial of the Jesuits in Bombay province and Bishop John, the youngest, is rector of the Basilica of Mount Mary’s in Bandra, Mumbai. Mother Rodrigues was a remarkable woman of faith and grace, whose life and mission was one of service as a teacher,a wife, a mother and a widow. Fr. Savio once mentioned “Mum made sacrifices

andtaughtustomakesacrificesand shine on. Her sensitivity and ability to reach out to those in need was exemplary and remarkable: Visiting the sick in the hospital, purchasing groceriesforahome-boundperson, babysitting, organizing programs and outreaches for the widows … a generosity and zeal that was inspirational, motivating, and iconic.” The Rodriguesparents were always actively involved in the parish and were both members of the Christian Family Movement (CFM), a network of small parish families, in the 1960’s. Savio describes his parents as “a very loving couple” involved in the community and enthusiastic regularly to enroll couples for Marriage Encounters, couple religious retreats. After the death of her husband, Rodrigues remained highlyactiveinthelifeoftheparish.

In 1985 the Archdiocesan Seminary of Bombay had the first official meeting of the Hope and Life Movement, a support group for widows.

president. Under the dynamic leadership of Rodrigues, the movement grew over the years, extending its scope and activities. In 1993 the Latur earthquake struck India, killing more than 10,000 people and injuring about 30,000. In order to respondtothecrisis,themovement extended its outreach initiatives, includingvisitingoldandcrumbling homes,givingfinancialassistanceto families in Mumbai, and even helping to rebuild the dilapidated homes of needy widows.

Ten widows formed the core group of the movement and Rodrigues was appointed as the first founder

The Hope and Life movement also contributed generously to the Church’s Earthquake Relief Fund. The work of this heroic lady and the movement spread through the country and before long Mumbai parishes started Hope and Life inspired parish units. Through her union with God in prayer. The Rodrigues lady “was able to discern what God wanted of her through the various stages of her life, her Love for the Lord gave her the ability to see God’s hand in the ups and downs of life, and her ability to adapttosituations.”Fr.Savioadded.

In 2015, on the 30th Anniversary of

the Hope and Life Movement, her son Bishop John Rodrigues, presided over the celebrations and he spoke movingly of this work. Giving a moving example of his family’s faith and charity Bishop

John Rodrigues mentioned that for the family, Jesus was the rock guiding to face all trials, sorrows, and pains with ease, constantly being aware of God’s presence, the atmosphere of prayer in our home, and the contact with priests, channelledthemtofindtheirDivine calling. Mrs Corrine Rodrigues died in2000 leavingalargelegacyinher parish as well as three consecrated priest sons who continue to serve the community inspired by their mother’s teachings. Indeed, a true christian blessing, that Rt.Rev BishopJohnRodriguesisappointed to replace the tainted old Bishop Thomas Dabre of Pune.

‘Clean Church Campaign’ & Bishop Thomas Dabre of Pune

: Vatican based Universal Roman Catholic church head, Pope Francis , fed up with the numerous complaints and the rampant corruption under the Dabre regime

finally sent him away on tame retirement label, notwithstanding the powerful lobbying by the Bishop's close supporter (as seen in the cases of Bishop William of Mysore and others) confidante and advisor too- Mumbai's Cardinal Oswald Gracias who is known to be Kingpin and Godfather of corrupt hierarchy in the Indian Catholic Church. Sources in Rome, close to Pope Francis’s inner circle say that Bombay and Karnataka High Court retired Justice Michael Saldhana’s repeated notices to Pope Francis and his ambassador to IndiaNuncio Leopoldo Girelli put paid to Pune Bishop Thomas Dabre’s bleak chances of getting another year’s extension that he was desperately trying to aim for. Dabre is reported to have boasted to staff and his close aides in the Bishop's house, St.Patrick’s Cathedral, Wanwadi where he stayed that he would be there in power as long as Cardinal Oswald Gracias remains the Pope’s advisor. However, when Oswald himself came under Justice

Saldhana’s strong firepower after the private telephonic audio conversation between Rev William and Rev Oswald became

public. Cardinal Oswald, a close advisor to Pope Francis, is said to havelosttheconfidenceofthePope and who is reported to have made thisknown to Oswaldinplain terms sending shockwaves amongst Oswald’s underworld team of Franco, William, Dabre and others. Dabre was therefore reportedly advised by Oswald to lobby with Nuncio Leopoldo who is the sole recommendatory authority to the Popeonappointmentanddismissal of Bishops in India.

In the past before Justice Saldanha started his Clean Church Campaign a few years ago, Oswald had the final word on all appointments irrespective of who was appointed Nuncio in Delhi. It is proved, Dabre acting on his Mumbai Boss’s advice dashed to Delhi on March 22 but pretending and spreading misleading rumour that he was set to meet Maratha strongman and NCP Supremo - Sharad Pawar. However, the main agenda of this last-ditch effort to Delhi, was to plead with Nuncio Leopoldo to recommend a one year’s final extension. Nuncio Leopoldo is learnt to have refused to entertain

Dabreandtoldhisstafftoshowhim the stock of notices and complaints thatwaspilingupbytheday.Dabre tosavefacethathehadnotgoneto Delhi to lobby even ensured the release of the photograph and indescript press note recording the meetingbetweenSharadPawarand agroupofminorityreligiousleaders including him. Dabre is well aware thatbeingoutofpowerwouldforce him to face the various civil and criminal cases pending against him and become vulnerable, without official support of his cronies and sycophantic curia of priests who proppedandpumpedhimatcritical junctures. It will be a treat perhaps to see how the incoming incumbent-BishopJohnRodrigues, inPune, handlesthe‘Mountainof a Mess’ that he inherits from his tainted predecessor Rev Dabre. All people of understanding and goodwill welcome the new appointee who is reported to be a no nonsense and tough administrator which is Pune Diocese’s need of the hour to clean the 15-year-old scam ridden and scandal mongering administration. When Justice Saldhana was contacted for his

reaction on Dabre’s sacking, the untiring Church’s Anti Corruption

Crusader said - “Now the battle to clean the rest of the gang is becoming easier as only one wicket remainstobebowledout.Thereare many scams and scandals in the churches of India, and it istime that things are set right and proper action is implemented by all concerned.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pune -Overview : A diocese located in the city of Pune in the Ecclesiastical province of Mumbai, in the civil state of Maharashtra in India, is now a highly developed area and very industrialized. The Poona Diocese consists of the civil districts of Pune, Satara, Solapur, Sangli & Kolhapur city. In about 1790 the Archbishop of Goa at the request of Dom Manuel Noronha, a Portuguese officer working in the Peshwa's army, sent Fr. Vincent JoaquimMenezes to minister to the Catholics working in the army of Peshwas.

Catholicsinthearmy,asmallchapel was built at Nana Peth on a plot offered by the Peshwa. The first Mass was celebrated in this chapel on Christmas day. These were the beginning of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as the City Church.

Around 1800 the Vicar Apostolic of Bombay started sending his priests to minister to the Catholics in the Scindia's army, but he stopped this about 1804. In 1835 Fr. Britto, a GoanpriestworkingundertheVicar Apostolic acted as Military Chaplain inachapelbuiltatRightFlankLines, Wanwadi. In 1850, St. Patrick's Church, the present cathedral, was built. Poona was erected into a Vicariate Apostolic by dismemberment from Bombay on March8,1854,andentrustedtothe society of Jesus. The VicarApostolic of Bombay remained Administrator till the Hierarchy was established in 1886. Rt.Rev.Bernard Bieder-Linden SJ was appointed its first Bishop.

Fr.MenezesresidedandsaidMassin thehouseofDomNoronha.In1794, with the contribution of the

On October 20, 1953, the Catholics ofRatnagiriDistrictandthoseofthe Church of the Immaculate Conception, Pune, who formerly

belonged to the Archdiocese of Goa, were placed under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Poona. OnNovember30,1953,thedistricts of Dharwad and Bijapur, formerly in thePoonaDiocesewereattachedto the newly constituted Diocese of Belgaum.

On June 9, 1987, the Diocese of Nashikwascreated,comprisingfour districts - Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon and Ahmednagar - of the Poona Diocese. Jesuit Thomas Bhalerao

became its first bishop. St.Patrick's Cathedral was rededicated on October 22, 1987. The roof of the old Cathedral collapsed shortly before midnight on July 15, 1984. The outer walls and facade have been retained, but there is now a vault roof of concrete. The Eparchy of Kalyan, which is contiguous with the Archdiocese of Bombay and the Dioceses of Poona and Nashik, was createdonMay19,1988.OnAugust 24, 1988.

Chrism Mass serves as unifying liturgical event for Mangalore Diocese

ReportbyFrAnilIvanFernandes

PicbyVijayOmzoor

MANGALURU, MARCH 30: The Chrism Mass- the largest annual gathering of clergy and faithful

before the Holy Week, celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the bishop of Mangalore on the evening of Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Rosario Cathedral, Mangalore, served as a unifying liturgical eventforthe diocese of

Mangalore.

Bishop Saldnaha, said, “The true picture of the Universal Church, particularly the local church is very evident here today, as the bishop with his priests-the co-workersand

the entire congregation with religioussistersandlayfaithfulhave come together in unity to celebrate the Mass of Chrism.”

disruptive nature and brought new thoughts and perspectives. He disrupted old ways, thoughts and teachings and brought innovation.”

Priests prepare spiritually before ChrismMass

Prior to the Chrism Mass, the diocesan clergy, who attended the Pastoral Consultation in the morning, took part in the recollection, confessions and adoration and celebrated the Chrism Mass withthe bishop.

Rev. Fr Chetan Lobo CAP, Sevak

Weekly editor and the manager, Assisi press, Mangalore animated thebishopandclergy. Hespokeon disruption innovation in a priestly mission.

In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said, “Every Christian is anointed with the Holy Spirit from birth to death. The Indelible mark imprinted on us through the sacramentofBaptism,Confirmation and /or Holy Orders give all of us a greater share in the priesthood of Christ. This sacramental character is the mark of the Lord’s faithfulness and hence, it calls us to be faithful to him”

Fr Chetan said, "Jesus practised the disruptive discipline. His innovation disruptedthereligious,politicaland social status quo of his time. He called those who were inexperienced to lead a new way of life. Jesus' teaching models were of

“Today, we bless the Holy Oils that give us life and joy. God by His grace, fills us with His Holy Spirit, enabling us to live more like Christ, in whom the fullness dwells (Ephesians 5:18–20)” the bishop added.

Finally, the bishop urged the priests to live the mystery of Priesthood with more dignity.

Diocesan priests renew their priestlypromises

Immediately after giving his homily at the Chrism Mass, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha led the assembled priests in their renewal of promises. The congregation looked on as the bishop asked the priests to affirm the vows they made at ordination; strive to grow in union with Jesus while carrying out their priesthood; andfulfiltheirpriestlycommitments through the liturgy, teaching and self-sacrifice. After the priests assembled in the sanctuary responded in the affirmative, the bishop asked the congregation to pray for them andfor him.

Right after the renewal of priestly promises, the deacons brought the sacred oils to the bishop. The

bishop blessed the Oil of the Sick, designated for the anointing of the sick; and the Oil of the Catechumens, for anointing the unbaptisedupontheirinitiationinto the Catholic Church. Finally, the bishop consecrated the Sacred Chrism, which is used for baptisms, confirmations, the ordination of priests and bishops, and to anoint altars and churches being dedicated. The chrism is scented with fragrant perfume, usually balsam.

All of the sacramental oils are pure olive oil with no preservatives. The parish priests or their representatives from throughout the diocese take the oils back to their respective faith communities foruse throughoutthe year.

Mangaluru: StAnn’sCollegeofEducation

(Autonomous)celebratesGraduationDay

24March2023

“When it comes to learning, there are no boundaries and restrictions literally,allyouhavetodoistostart itwhere you are” – Auliq-Ice. Graduation Day recognises the outstandingeffortsoftheM.Edand B.Ed.teachertraineesastheyflyout of the portals of St Ann’s College of

Education (Autonomous) as fullfledged teachers.

TheProgramme beganby invoking God’s blessings. Dr Sr Dorothy D’Souza A.C Principal, welcomed the Chief Guest of the function, Dr Gerald Santhosh Dsouza, Dean, Faculty of Education, Director

Department of Physical Education, Mangalore University.SrMarieLucy

A.C, Joint Secretary of St Ann’s Institutions and Superior, St Ann’s Convent, Mangaluru was the President of the programme, Dr Sr Maria Roopa A C Administrator and Dr Flosy D’Souza Controller of Examinationswere present.

emphasized on holistic developmentofstudentsandcalled them to be pragmatic in nature. He also focused on having ethical considerations in teaching and quoted John Dewey “Education is life itself”.

The chief guest Dr Gerald

Santhosh D’Souza delivered the graduation address and

The rank holders Fathimath Zabeena, Rita Zita Alva, Deyan

Maveena Crasta of B.Ed., Joby

Varghese, and Swathi of M.Ed. and deserving studentsof founded

prizes B.Ed. and M.Ed. batches (2020-22) were felicitated with gold medals by the Chief Guest and the Presidentof the programme.

Ms Shwetha compered the event and Sr Zeena Periera A C, Vice Principal and Convener of Graduation day proposed vote of thanks.

The graduation day ceremony was witnessed by an audience of fiftythree B.Ed and M.Ed. and their

Proclamation through Music:

Parents,teachingandnon-teaching faculty, sisters in the Campus, Alumnae, and students. -

Church musicians from Mangalore Diocese attend Musical Instrument Workshop

Report By Fr Anil Fernandes, Pics

byVijayOmzoor

MANGALURU, MARCH 25: Commission for Liturgy and Commission for Social

Communication of the Diocese of Mangalore organised "House of Worship",ahalf-a-dayworkshopon musical instruments on March 26, 2023 at Shanthi Kiran Hall, Pastoral Centre Mangaluru.

The workshop was organised in association with Music Square, Mangaluru,abrandshopofYamaha India.

As many as 50 interested church musicians from 20 parishes and religious institutions made use of this free workshop. Some religious sisters and seminarians also participatedin the same.

Rev. Fr Vijay Machado, Director, Mangala Jyothi in his opening remarks said, "Music is integral to our liturgical worship."

He said that music at Mass is very important. It is not simply a performance by a soloist or choir, a background to accompany our prayer, a means to create a mood. "More than owning a musical instrument, musicians of the church choir must know how to handle the piano or keyboard. This workshop will enhance your skills," Fr Vijay added.

Ryutaro Watanabe (Japan), Marketing executive of Yamaha

India greeted the participants. Glen Fernandes from Goa was the main resource person who gave a demo of keyboard and Guitar. He also clarified the doubts of participants.

The workshop was coordinated by Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director, Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore, Fr Vijay Machado, Director, Mangala Jyothi and Mr David Mathew, team member of Yamaha IBD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NHRCSponsoredTraining Programme onHumanRights andWomen

ThePoliticalScienceDepartment,St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru conducted "NHRC Sponsored One Day Training Programme on Human Rights and Women” on 28 March 2023.

The college has taken the initiative to organize One Day Training Programme on Human Rights in

order to sensitize students/NGOs on the concept of Human Rights and women.

The Seminar was inaugurated by

Shri S L Bhojegowda Member of Karnataka Legislative Council, Karnataka Southwest Teachers Constituency and Guest of Honour

Sr Dr Lydia A.C. Joint Secretary, St Agnes Institutions. Sr Dr M Venissa

A.C. presided over the programme

.Kollady Balakrishna Rai , President,Human Rights Federation of India was the keynote speaker .

Shri S L Bhojegowda, MLC stressed ontheimportanceofHumanRights and said that it is the gained by all of us. He also mentioned quotes and sayings of various people and advised the youths to live in the better way where we respect ourselvesandevenothers.

S L Bhojegowda also spoke on the need of human dignity, social

justice, harmony, and universal brotherhood.

Shri S L Bhojegowda was then honoured by The Principal Sr Dr M. VenissaA.C.and other Dignitaries. Programme convenor Mrs Gayathri welcomedthegatheringandMs Sai Surya proposed the vote of thanks. College student Sona Christy compered the programme.

Mr Mahesh Chandra Nayak, Associate Professor SDM Law college Mangalore, Dr Shalip Kaveriappa, SDM College Ujire, Dr Sr Mariola BS, Deputy Secretary, Bethany Educational Society , Mangalore,MrUdayananda,Senior Advocate, Mangalore were the resources speakers who spoke on issues , Violations , Remedies connected with Human Rightsand

Women

For the valedictory programme Dr Dayanand Nayak, Associate Professor, Dept of Political Science, Mangalore University was the Chief

Guest, Mrs Shubbharekha, Dean Administration St Agnes College presided over the valedictory programme. Valedictory was compered byTrishaShetty.

World Autism Awareness Day in

Manasa Pamboor

Association Udupi on 30.3.2023. Dr PVBhandary-thefounderpresident of Autism Society Udupi inaugurated the programme. He said that the autism in children is

Dr.Swetha

World Autism Awareness Day in Manasa Pamboor-Udupi, by Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre in association with Autism Dr. MeenaSociety Udupi and Indian Doctors.

Dr. Meera

not due to the defect in parenting oranyfault by parents but due to

neurologicaldisorder.

Dr K.T Swetha director Anirveda Resource centre Mangalore and Dr Veena Rao – MAHE Manipal were resource persons. Mrs Lakshimi Prabhu- a parent shared her experiences. InitiallysecretaryofManasatrustMr

Joseph Noronha gave the introduction. President Henry Menezes welcome the gathering. Trustee John Martis proposed the vote of thanks. Principla Sr Ancilla, DREdwardLobo-founderpresident, President of Udupi Autism Socity Amitha Pai were present. -

PalmSundaycelebration at HolyRosaryChurchAlangar

Main celebrant Fr Trishan DSouza secretary to the Bishop of Mangalore Celebration included solemn blessing of the palms, procession, and Holy Eucharist

Fr Nilesh Crasta guest priest and fr Walter D'Souza parish priest were present. Faithful in large numbers participated.

-SambramDigtal

HOLYWEEKCELEBRATION

-SambramDigtal

We begin our Holy Week celebrations today. With the blessing of the palms and proceeding in procession we remember our Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem when people laidpalmstowelcomehimshouting Hosanna to the king of kings.

ThisweekisdeartousChristiansfor it is in this week we deeply reflect on the love of God shown to us in the passion, death and resurrection of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The foundation to our identity as Christiansis laid inthisweek.

While we rejoice in God’s saving grace through his Son, we are also reminded that of our sinful state of life. Jesus through his sufferingand

deathonthecrosshasredeemedus sinnersfromthebondageofsinand thusfreedusonceagaintobecome the children of God. The glory once lost in Eden is restored by the unfathomable sacrifice on Calvary.

AprocessionwithJesuscarryingthe cross and Mary accompanying her Son closely reminds us that we too are an integral part in the journey ChristundertakesfortheloveofHis people. Jesus’ command to His disciples ‘If you wish to be my disciple, take up the cross and follow me’ echoes in every step that

we take in following Him. It is a reminderfor allofusthatunlesswe die to ourselves, to our comforts, our sins and passions of the world, we cannot rise like Christ. The parishioners of Milagres also began their journey along with the rest of the church to closely accompany Christ in his final journey to victory. Fr Bonaventure

Nazareth, the parish priest of Milagres church Mangalore celebratedtheEucharistandledthis procession symbolic of our entry into the Holy Week.

Palm Sunday celebration at Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College

Palm Sunday Celebration at Milagrees Church Mangaluru

S.C.SCOLLEGEOFNURSINGSCIENCES

GRADUATIONCEREMONY -SambramDig

ofS.C.SCollegeofNursingSciences, was held on 1st April 2023 at St.Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendoor, Mangaluru. The programme began with an invocation dance followed by lighting the lamp by dignitaries on the dias. The Chief Guest of the function Dr. Thereza Mathias, ProfessorandHOD,LaxmiMemorial

College of Nursing, mangaluru, addressed the graduates to render Nursing care with love, compassion and dedication and stressed on ethical values in nursing care.

Mr. U. K. Khalid was the presiding officer of the programme.

Ms. Manisha Ann Varghese, Assistant Lecturer, welcomed the gathering. Prof. Mrs.LolitaS.M.

D’souza,Principal,administeredthe oath to the graduates and presented the annual report of the college. Dr. Amarnath Sorake, Founder President, Mr. Anil Kumar C.M, Vice Principal, were present on the occasion. Mr. Rekith Maclien

Pinto and Ms. Delisha D’souza, compered the programme. Mr.Denzil D’souza, Assistant Lecturer, delivered the vote of thanks. The cultural events were performed by the Nursing students atthecollege.

SACholds“AloysianFest–2023”

Momentum & Conviction are keys tosuccess:Aravind K.P.

Mangaluru: “College days are magical when compared to professionallife.Enjoyeverybitofit

and make it memorable. These golden days will never return”, said Aravind K.P., Indian Professional Motorsports Racer, first runner-up of Bigg Boss Kannada (Season 8), who was invited as the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony of “Aloysian Fest – 2023, A Confluence ofYoungTalents”heldatStAloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru onFriday, March 31.

Addressing the gathering, Aravind said, “Life is like anECGasthere are constant ups and downs. It is left to the individual how he or she balancesit.Ateverystagewegetto hear that life is better in college days. When it doesn’t seem like we are told it would be better after entering the professional life. But the fact of the matter is life is never easy. Challenges are thrown at us in everystage. It is only how we face

“We get to know the challenges of life when we enter the professional world. Hence, my sincere advice to students is, enjoy your college life optimally”, he added.

Rev. Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto S.J. Rector of St. Aloysius Institutions, presidingover the programme said, “The spirit of participation is more important than winning. Participants must not be disheartened if they do not win but take it in a sporting spirit. Likewise, winners of the event shall encourage their opponents who have lost. By this, we must support each other and applaud those who perform.”

Rev. Fr Dr. Praveen Martis S.J., Principal of St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) said, “One must be limitless and be consistent in perceiving their goals. Sweat it out to exhibit your efforts. This event is truly a ‘mega event’ with well over 100 colleges participating in the

two-dayevent.Irequeststudentsto meet each other and know one and other better and participate in the

event with full potential.”

Martin J. Aranha, Managing Director/CEO, Globelink West Star Shipping LLC, guest of honour, wished all the success to the organizers.

Meanwhile, the trophies of Art Beat (BA & BSW fest), Composite (BCA fest), Imprints (B.Sc. fest), Acme (B. Com fest), Spinout (BBA fest), Initia (B Voc fest), Asthitva (Cultural fest) and Aloysiad (Sports fest) were unveiled by the dignitaries which were presented by the student coordinators of the respective departments.

Dr. Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar of St.

Aloysius College (Autonomous), Dr. Ishwara Bhat S, Dean-Students’ Welfare, Dr. Anup Denzil Veigas, Director-Students’ Council, Dr. Mahalinga Bhat, Assistant Fest Coordinator and other dignitaries were present on the dais.

Dr Manual Tauro, Fest Coordinator welcomed the gathering and Letitia Nathalia D’Costa, President, Students’Councilrenderedthevote of thanks.

As a special attraction of inaugural event the students of Asthitva, presented a flash mob, dancing to peppy numbers to which Aravind K.P. too joinedthe students.

Anewcollegeforthealliedhealthsciences atAthenainstitutehealthsciences

On 30.03.2023, a new college building has been inaugurated by the chairman Mrs. R.S. Shettian along with his family members at 11.30 am at Falnir close to the Athena Hospital. A meaningful prayerservicewasconductedbythe pastors Rev. Praburaj and Rev. Adrine Deepak and implored God’s blessing on the new building. Principal of Allied Health Science courses Dr Nandini. M, Principal of AIHS Sr. Deepa Peter, Vice Principal Sr. Aileen Mathias and faculty member were present for the programme.

The

Nehru Study Centre, Mangalore University in

collaboration with the Department of Political Science, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, organised a special lecture on “Science and Freedom”, by Prof. V K

Tripathi, Former Professor of Physics, IIT, Delhi on 28 March, 2023.

The session began with a prayer songbythestudentsofIIandIIIBA. Prof. Rajaram Tolpadi, Director InCharge of the Nehru Study Centre, introduced the speaker of the session, Prof. Tripathi, and also welcomed the gathering. Dr. Rose Veera DSouza, Head of the Department of Political Science, gave a floral welcome to the speaker. The talk was attended by

the students of I, II, and III BA Political Science. The audience also had faculty from Mangalore University.

ThespeakerProf.Tripathibeganhis talk by laying down the significance of open mindedness in exploring ideas in the light of humans becoming slaves of their own thinking. He said that from his experience of reading the sacred texts of various faiths, he has learnt that all of them advocate the same thing accountability. We must take responsibility for our actions and refrain from doing anything that would cause harm to others.

Prof. Tripathi gave a timeline of modern science from Newton’s Law of Motion in 1686 to the invention of the steam engine in 1776. He spoke on how the steam engine led to the emergence of textilemills,andhemadeamention of the four essential things a machine required iron, coal, raw materials, and markets. The speaker

referred to historian Adam Jones’s book “The Genocide: An Extended Introduction”, where the author has made an interesting observation that India hadn’t experienced famines for around three centuries prior to British imperialism. He mentioned how the British gained political and administrative control over the country after the Battle of Plassey of 1757, which they won through fraudulent means. With this, they established their textile mills in the country and brought about the ruin of the Indian textile mills, which once topped in the world market. This indicated how science became an instrument of oppression and of hunger. Science wasusedtofurtherpoliticalmotives andvestedinterests;itsoonbecame aninstrument of slavery.

Thespeakeralsospokeabouttheoil andpetroleumdevelopmentsunder the Ottoman Empire, and how after the First World War, the imperialist powerstookovertheiroilresources.

Prof. Tripathi stressed on the fact

that atrocity committed on any individual, a popular person or a commoner, deserves equal condemnation and response. The speaker cited the example of Congo,whichwasunderthecontrol of Belgium. They had precious reserves of tantalum, which is used inmakingcomputerchips.Butthese mines did not come under the control of the local people even after independence. Congo, despite being the richest in minerals, is one among the poorest countries of Africa, because even today their mines are not theirs. The consequences of all these developments were slavery of people, suppression, and enslavement of third world countries.

Prof. Tripathi emphasised the point that comfort in life is a very small part of living, and it is human ambition to attain comfort. But if one shuts one’s mouth and closes one’seyes,thenoneshallbepaying a heavy price for momentary

comfort. Prejudice must not cripple one. Science has enabled replacement of manual power and replacement of memory. The speaker elaborated on how he views imperialism in three phases imperialism in India, neoimperialism after the Second World War, and sectarianism during the Cold War leading to the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the emergence of globalisation and free markets. He made a reference to how the British employed the policy of “Divide and Rule” and made use of religious disharmony and casteism that existedinIndia. Religionbecamean instrument of prejudice and perpetuation.

Prof. Tripathi then spoke about an interesting observation he made throughastudythattherehasbeen a sharp hike in the intake of students in higher education in various courses, but this apparent positivechangeinsteadofliberating

people has actually done the opposite. Educated people are supporting polarisation and it is extremely alarming. He also drew a parallel between the attitude of the natives living in foreign countries earlierandthechangethatwasseen after the 1990s.

He emphasised saying that education and science ought to bring about humility and sensitivity and must promote humanism. Humility will bring sensitivity which helps in seeing the truth. Science demandsobjectivity,andonewillbe able todo experimentsbetterwhen one forgets about identity. We are in an advancing society, and we should realise that our religion is never superior to our neighbour's religion nor our caste to our neighbour's caste.

The speaker concluded saying that the students are privileged to be receiving education at good institutions, and they must use the same to develop sensitivity and a

sense of understanding that all are equal and deserve respect. The studentsmustrealisethateducation gives them the responsibility of building a better society and country. Prof. Tripathi also sang a ghazal giving the message of humility and sensitivity.

After the talk, Vinola Pinto, and VidhulaKLofIIIBAsummarisedthe special lecture delivered by Prof. Tripathi. This was followed by a Q&A session. Ms. Maria S DSouza, faculty, Department of Political Science handed over a memento to the speaker. Mr. Alwin DSouza proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by DeekshaofIIIBA.

ShaktiAwardwinnerJosieSaldanha

Iamdeeplyhumbledandextremely honored and grateful to be the recipient of Shakti award for community service excellence

.Congratulations to all the Shakti Awardwinnersandthenominees!!!

Dear Sonia thank you for being a strongwomanwhoempowersother women .More power to Shakti Society Over the last few years I have had the privilege of volunteering with

andworkingasanambassadorfora range of different social causes close to my heart, andservingasan advocate for increasing awareness and visibility of mental health and breakingdownbarrierstoaccessing treatments and therapy. Mental health is something I am truly inspired by and passionate about . I myself suffered from serious clinical depression and was able to recover from it through the support and helpofmynetwork.Itirelesslywork towards bringing mental health out oftheshadowsandmakingitapart of our daily lives where we can all feel free to open up and talk about our personal struggles and challenges I would like to dedicate this award totheunsungheroesofGuruNanak Free Kitchen. These selfless and incredible individuals work behind the scenes to provide groceries to low-income families, single moms, and charitable organizations. For years now, they have been a lifeline

for countless families and have set an example of social justice and compassion by feeding and caring for those who are most in need. It has been a true privilege to know them and to be able to work alongside and volunteer with them

asthey carryouttheirmission.And finally,toallthoseouttherewhoare suffering from mental health issues but still finding the strength to get up each day and find something to live for - this is foryou.

Parenting!!!!

-By.MollyPinto.

Sucha drasticchangeneverdid history see

As parentingceasedandservitudebegan Life forallhas becomea toil

Eachcarryingcomplexities Andpassingthem down

Itmust betoldthis worldneeds nomore Parents orchildren whatever is told Neitherappearequippedtodo agoodjob Andour beautiful worldis strippedas well

In the beginninga parent wasrespectedas God

Behean alcoholicora lazylot

Children respectedandobeyed

Creatingamorehonourable society

Todayalls lost andparents mustobey

Fearingthe wrath ofthe children conceived

Buildinganation ofweakentitledsuccessors

Whoblame everythingexcept themselves

Andsowas born the escapist generation

Whofoundsolace in different additions

Pamperedbyacrumblingnation

Leavingnoroomforthehardworkingsociety