Secular Citizen Vol.22 No.43 dated 28th October 2013

28 October 2013

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The Naked Liberal The latest book by George Menezes - The Naked Libral was released on 19th October 2013 at Morello Hall, Bandra. Seen in the picture: Major General Ian Cardozo, His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias, George Menezes, Traffic warden Anita Lobo and George Menezes family members.

On the occasion some passages of the book were red by Gerson da Cunha and Fiona Miranda. The book is edited by Selma Carvalho.

An anthology of his various works, The Naked Liberal, pieces together George's eventful life from the 30s to the present decade.

Konkani Drama At Navi Mumbai ‘Konkani Samajik Ani Sanskritik Sangatan St. Francis Xavier Community, Panvel’ organised a Konkani Cultural event : on 20th October 2013 at Bunts Centre Auditorium, Juhi Nagar. The Drama 'Matharo Chorbela' written by Comedy King Francis Fernandes - Cascia, directed by Joy Paladka entertained the entire audience.

The drama is performed over 60 times in India and abroad.

The occasion graced by the presence of Mrs. Janet D'Souza, Vice Chairman of Minority Commission, Maharashtra, Mr. Santosh Shetty, Corporator - Navi Mumbai, Mr. George Varghese, Vice President PPC., Mr. Lawrence Coelho and Susan Coelho of Divo and The Secular Citizen and the parish priest of Panvel Rev. Fr. Felix Rebello. The office bearers of the association Mr. Lancy Pinto, President, Mr. Louis Colaco, Sanchalak, Mr. Alwyn Monis, Secretary, David Mendes, Treasurer played a major role in the success of the event.

Card. Gracias meets Sonia Gandhi : Let's work together to protect all Indians Mumbai : Religious freedom for all minorities, equal rights for Dalit Christians and Muslims, the controversial Food Security Bill : these are some of the themes that Card. Oswald Gracias , archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI ) , discussed in person with Sonia Gandhi , President of the United Progressive Alliance ( UPA ) , the ruling coalition in India. Speaking to AsiaNews, the prelate explained that the meeting which took place on 16 October, "was an opportunity not to ask for special favors, but only justice, equality and protection for all citizens, as guaranteed by the Constitution of our

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country."

The cardinal congratulated the President of UPA for the approval of the Food Security Bill, defining the decree - which provides for the distribution of low-cost food for 800 million poor people - as "a giant step towards the government's care for the needy and the oppressed". Gandhi assured the Archbishop that "the concerns raised will be seriously addressed" and said they appreciated "the services rendered by the Catholic community in many fields, particularly education and health care".

28 October 2013

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‘Thought for the week’

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Contents

pg. 3 - India's Dance With Poverty pg. 5 - Gossip is Power pg. 6 - Reader's Views pg. 7 - The Blessing of Thorns pg 8 - Rethinking India's elderly in light of the Beattitudes pg 9 - Could A Woman Vote For The Next Pope? pg 10 - Ending the Year of Faith Should it? pg 15 - Book Review pg 17 - Safety for Senior Citizens pg 18 - Dealing With Criminals No Double Standards Please ! pg 19 - Indian Christian Fails... pg 20 - Matrimonials pg 21 - Generating New Ideas and Insights

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India's Dance With Poverty Hyderabad: With a third of the world’s poorest people living in India, promises of eliminating poverty have always been a key electoral pledge since the country’s independence in 1947.

With October 17 designated as the United Nation’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, it’s a good time to examine how Indian political, religious and human rights leaders have institutionalized poverty, and what steps could be Ivan Fernandes taken to help some 400 million people rise above living in extreme poverty.

Among politicians, former prime minister Indira Gandhi perfected the art of exploiting poverty with the slogan “Eliminate Poverty,” which helped her Congress Party achieve a spectacular win in 1971.

Now, ahead of India’s May general elections, her daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi, who leads the Congress Party that heads the federal coalition government, has launched a US$22 billion national food security program, a political gimmick designed to perpetuate poverty and make beggars of people.

The program will allow every month 67 percent of the population, or about 800 million Indians, to buy five kilograms of rice for three rupees (less than half a US cent) a kilogram of wheat for two rupees and a kilogram of millet and other cereals for about a rupee.

But delivering on promises and programs is another matter. Indira’s son and Sonia’s late husband Rajiv Gandhi, a former prime minister, famously pointed out that so rampant is corruption that it would be lucky if a fifth of every rupee allocated to help the poor actually reached them.

As a result, more than 33 percent of India's 1.2 billion people still live below the poverty line, earning less than $1.25 a day, the World Bank estimates.

“Beyond definitions and calibration of poverty lies the fact of the matter – little or nothing has been done to alleviate poverty,” writes Debaki Nandan Mandal, a former joint secretary with the state government of West Bengal.

Poverty also makes good copy. Dominique Lapierre made a sizable fortune on his City of Joy novel that romanticized the ugliness of Indian poverty. Satyajit Ray shot to fame with his debut film Pather Panchali because (Contd.. on p. 4)

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India's Dance With Poverty

(Contd.. from p. 3)

of its portrayal of poverty.

And there is Blessed Mother Teresa, the 20th century’s Catholic ambassador who achieved fame helping not the poor but the “poorest of the poor," giving rise to the debate over whether her primary calling was to keep her Missionaries of Charity society in existence.

I had the opportunity to ask her if it was better for her to teach people to stand on their own feet than to dole out charity. “Obviously, if you give a man a fish, you have fed him for a day but if you teach him to fish, you have fed him for a lifetime,” I asked.

Without hesitation she said that teaching people to fish was not her calling. “No, that is not my job. My job is to feed the poor, the hungry when I see them. There are other societies to do the educating,” she said.

It was Mother Teresa’s singleminded devotion to the poor and poverty and not poverty eradication that made her an international icon.

Her Missionaries of Charity society has remained strictly to that spirit.

When I phoned her headquarters to ask for help in dealing with a homeless sick old man staying in the foyer of our building, her nuns refused saying that he at least had shelter and was not a street case. After much coaxing they agreed to come and take him into their home for the destitute provided he remained on the pavement.

India over the years has done well in certain areas. It has become selfsufficient in agriculture, self-reliant in industry and has a respectable growth rate. However, it has done miserably in social markers like health care, education and drinking water.

But the United Nations says about 500,000 Indians die every year due to lack of clean water. Indian government data shows 22 percent of rural households have to cover more than half a kilometer to fetch drinkable water and more than 67 percent of rural households don’t have access to latrines.

Of all groups, the onus of poverty

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eradication lies largely with lawmakers, the representatives of the people.

But they cite over population as the cause for poverty.

This sort of reasoning is fallacious.

Land, labor and capital are three pillars that constitute an economy. Nobody says they are poor because they have too much land or too much capital. So

why should it be with labor?

It would seem that the reason why Indians are poor is because it is not in the interests of those responsible for actually putting in place systems to eradicate poverty. For the rest, the very act of existing is so oppressive that they have not the gumption or energy left to do anything about it.

Ivan Fernandes is a commentator based in Hyderabad

Pakistan, School Textbooks Teach Its Okay To Kill Christians Islamabad: The text-books of Pakistani schools pose the killing of Christians as "goal to be sought" that would help the same members of the minority to seek martyrdom for the faith. This is shown by a report published in late September by the Middle East Media Research ( MEMRI ) .

According to research, the texts are common in most public primary schools and even Pakistani Christians and members of other minorities are forced to read and study them. The authors of the books led by the religious leaders have changed the meaning of the term "minority", which is now perceived with negative meaning .

The problem of education in Pakistan emerged strongly in 2011, the year that the government dedicated to the promotion of this issue. In one year, several studies were published which

showed that thousands of non-Muslim students are "forced" to study Islam and elements of the Muslim religion, for fear of discrimination. In 2012 the Catholic Church National Commission for Justice and Peace published a report denouncing the law passed by the Punjab Parliament that makes study of the Koran mandatory.

In an interview published by AsiaNews in 2011, Msgr . Lawrence John Saldanha , archbishop emeritus of Lahore ( Punjab ) , said that Pakistan has become a state for "only Muslims."

Non-Muslims do not enjoy equal rights.

(AsiaNews)

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28 October 2013

Gossip Is Power Pope Francis’ recent advice, “Never gossip about one another.” The Pope further advises, “Never argue”. My recent discovery is that gossip and argument are the genies which emerge from the bottle.

The term “gossip” came about when folks used to Go for a Sip to the tavern. They would get a bit of spicy news and then Go to another tavern for another Sip to tell others about their discovery. Go Sip, Go Sip became Gossip. Over the years some rules have emerged for effective gossiping.

1. Correctly pick the person you want to gossip about. She should be important, or think she is important, interesting, colorful, not insipid, not too strong so as to retaliate, envied and disliked.

The world is divided into “We” and “They”. Make sure the person you gossip about belongs to the “They” — a different Family, Ethnic or Religious Group. It must reinforce the polarization of views about the other side.

2. Pope Francis has correctly identified that gossip has to be personal — about one another.

General and common knowledge in the public domain doesn’t make good gossip. The denigration should be effective.

3. It may be false but it must be credible. One must be in a position to do the wrong that is being talked about. Position of authority gives powers to sign plans and documents, give admissions and appointments, employ someone. Improbabilities make good fiction but not good gossip. One doesn’t gossip about beggars, but the rich can take advantage of the poor and the helpless. “A half truth is more dangerous than a lie”. A lie can

28 October 2013

Silivilization Part XV

Francis Lobo

4.

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be disproved. A half truth gets covered with the cloak “There must be some Truth is what is said”.

There must be precedents that it could happen. History repeats itself. However, data has to be used selectively. A certain amount of distortion of facts is expected.

Gossip will be listened to if it is attractive, unique, unexpected, sensational. An individual who is known to be corrupt will not make a good subject for gossip.

To make it sensational the earnings must run into astronomical figures. The information must arouse the baser instincts in the human breast of greed, jealousy, envy, anger, hatred. It must be sweet but will be fatal if ingested.

Gossip will also be powerful if it arouses the nobler sentiments in the human being. We must expose corruption. We must fight injustice. It is a violation of the law and the bye-laws. It cannot be tolerated. You must be the Don Quixote, the honest and courageous savior.

Quote credible people. If they cannot be named or if they are likely to deny what they have said or if you have given your

word that you will not repeat it, use such expressions as “I learn from a very knowledgeable and reliable person —. Someone close to her has told me—-“. The one who starts a gossip chain is generally a faceless coward.

8. It takes initiative and a mind-set to start a train of gossip. Not everyone can do it. Not everyone will do it. Some consider it a crime and a sin.

9. The power of arithmetic works to spread gossip fast. If one person tells two more and each of these tells another two, in ten steps the news has gone to one thousand people. The Internet has intensified the scope and speed of spreading information and gossip by many orders of magnitude.

10. Gossip leads to arguments.

“Who told you? If you don’t come clean, I shall file a case of defamation against you. I have a lot of stuff on you which I too can expose. Two can play this game.”

Gossip is a lethal virus, a powerful weapon of Mass Destruction. It destroys good name, image, careers, peace of mind, relationships. It can even destroy complete societies, leading to alarmist generalities and blatant bigotry. Gossip only leads to turbulence and trouble. Let us not be channels of destruction through the Power of Gossip. Only Truth can set us free, bring harmony and solve problems.

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Tattoo Craze And Mortal Sin The views expressed by Jubel D’cruz in the article’Tattoo craze: Baap re Baap’” (Secular Citizen, Sept.

30)were really shocking, because to date, the Catholic church has never taught, that to get oneself tattooed is a mortal sin that has to be confessed to a priest or directly to God. The book of Leviticus contains several other laws which were primarily meant to keep the Israelites pure and holy in every respect. There are laws on ritual purity, sexual impurities, infectious diseases, sacrificial offerings, clean and unclean food, etc which were written in keeping with the social customs and culture of the people of those times. Leprosy for example carried a social stigma and ostracisation from society.Persons with boils or skin eruptions had to show themselves to the priest to be certified clean. Jesus Christ overturned the social order by mixing freely with outcastes, lepers, and sinners and condemned the Jewish lawmakers for their hypocrisy. Today, as a result , what was taboo in the Old Testament no longer holds good. People still eat the flesh of pigs , rabbits and camels which Leviticus has explicitly declared unclean and not to be eaten. Do we also have to confess this to the priest?

—A. F. Nazareth, Alto Porvorim

Lift Ban Recently the State Excise Department seized alcohol been carried in Goa- Mumbai luxury buses as according to the Excise Department, the state is losing revenue, they earn due to alcohol. The State Excise Department must give a relaxation to the local alcohol of Goa, i.e. Feni and Urak as these serve as medicine for certain. The State Government in collaboration with the Goa Government must issue liquor licenses to those who wish to carry alcohol to Mumbai for personal use. This will also help the tourists as well as the State Excise Department. Similarly the State Excise Department must set a limit of alcohol a tourist can carry along

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with them which will curb smuggling alcohol in large quantity. There is a need for the government of Goa and the Government of Maharashtra to lift the ban of not carrying alcohol from Goa to Mumbai

Set Time Limit For Bursting Crackers I was happy to rread that Awaaz Foundation along with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) conducted noise check drive at RCF Grounds Chembur, Mumbai to check the noise levels during Diwali. There is also a need for the concerned authorities and the MPCB to set the timings for bursting of the crackers during the morning and night hours like. Crackers should not be busted between 12 midnight and 5 a.m. and again from 7. 30 p.m. to 12 midnight as it will help people who wish to sleep but are deprived of their sleep due to the noise created due to the bursting of crackers. There is a need to set the time limit for bursting of crackers which will be applicable for all festivals and occasions.

—Cajetan Peter D'Souza

Temples and Toilets ‘Pehle shauchalay, phir devalaya!’is the clarion call from a leading politician, to spur the voters into affirmative action. During the forty years’ Exodus journey, God Firmly instructed

the Israelites in this connection. ‘Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad: And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee. (Deuteronomy 23:12 - 13).Pope Francis had an armada of mobile toilets in Rio. St. Joseph Chapel, on Bandra Bazaar Road, is a holy shrine where Senior Citizens, along with a crowd of worshippers, throng together for Mass & Adorations. Sadly, there is no water & toilet facility available - not even a public toilet for the priests and devotees. It is imperative to provide these basic amenities, before this holy shrine is demolished and swallowed up in the black hole of urban development.

—Denis Khan

Lumen to Lumen —Light from Light Thanks to Bishop Agnello Gracias for organizing a symposium —Our Journey in Faith in the Year of Faith—from Vatican II to Lumen Fidei (Refer News Local The Examiner, Oct 12-18 ,2013).

Let me focus on the Eucharist—the Luminus Peak and Rock of our faith.

Lumen Gentium (LG) Nov 21, 1964—Vatican II sums up: “ The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life” (LG:11). Lumen Fidei(LF) or Light of faith is the first Encyclical of Pope Francis (60 articles). Its most sublime embodiment is the Eucharist!

“The sacramental character of faith finds its highest expression in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a precious nourishment for faith; an encounter with Christ truly present in the supreme act of His love, the life-giving gift of Himself. In the Eucharist we find the intersection of faith’s two dimension. On the one hand, there is the dimension of history. The Eucharist is an act of rememberance, a making present of the mystery in which the past, as an event of death and resurrection, demonstrates its ability to open up a future, to foreshadow ultimate fulfillment. On (Contd.. on p. 8)

28 October 2013

*The Blessing Of Thorns*

S

andra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole that from her. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come for the holiday.

Thanksgiving! Thankful for what?

She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when

Fr. Reggie Tauro he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child? … "Good afternoon, can I help you?"

The shop clerk's approach startled her.

"I....I need a flower arrangement," stammered Sandra. "For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving "Special?" asked the shop clerk. Just then the shop door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk politely excused herself and walked toward a (Contd.. from p. 7) the other hand, we also find the dimension which leads from the visible world to the invisible. In the Eucharist we learn to see the heights and depths of reality. The bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, Who becomes present in His Passover to the Father…” (LF:44).

In view of Diwali the festival of lights, the Eucharist is indeed a Pinnacle of Light! “This is how the Church’s tradition speaks of the great gift brought by Jesus—-‘I have come as Light to the world, that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness’” (John12:46) –LF:1.

—Dr Trevor Colaso

28 October 2013

small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers. "Uh," stammered Sandra, "that lady just left with, uh....she just took thorny stems! "Right, said the clerk, "I cut off the flowers. That's the Special. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet." "Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.

"Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling much like you feel today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery."… "That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk, "and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra. "I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I decided to label each one for a specific ‘problem’ and give thanks for what that problem taught me." … "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and never questioned the good things that happened to me, but when

bad stuff hit, did I ever ask questions! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort.

You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought: "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God." "I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said. "It's all too...fresh." "Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she *loosened her grip on resentment*. "I'll take those twelve longstemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out."I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute." "Thank you. What do I owe you?"

"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me."

The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."

It read: *"My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns.

Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."* *Praise Him for your roses; thank Him for your thorns!*

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Rethinking India' s elderly in India's light of the Beattitudes

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ope Francis has noted that among the Ten Command ments there is only one that promises a reward. If you honor your parents you will have long life. As I am currently working on a book on the Beatitudes I am prompted to reword this commandment as a Beatitude: Blessed are they that honor their parents, For they shall have long life.

Since March I have been with Pope Francis. Though a de facto Catholic, belonging to the Syrian Orthodox Church, I am de jure not one, but I was asked to write a biography of the new pope and that is where this ‘companionship’ began.

Over the last half year I have begun to relate almost everything to Francis, and when I think of old age and old people I readily recall his conversation with Rabbi Abraham Skorka on old people.

The elderly are deemed disposable today, and the rabbi opens the conversation with this observation. He identifies two reasons for this situation, wealth and haste.

D Babu Paul Those who lived with dignity are forced to live alone when their children run all the time, in a hurry, to make money, for their children. Homes for the elderly, no matter how luxurious, do not solve the problem of being left out.

Earlier society consisted of the oppressors and the oppressed, but now it also has to be divided into the included and the excluded.

Bergoglio, as he then was, told the rabbi that it was not merely wealth and haste that led to this sad state of affairs but also the egoism of the next generation-- sons and daughters who think that fathers and mothers smell.

The pope uses the analogy of the overcoat which is hung away in the wardrobe when winter is over. Conceding that all children are not the same the pope acknowledges those

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If you honor your parents you will have long life. who visit, or take home, their parents for weekends.

Yet he says he weeps inside when he remembers the plight of the neglected elderly. Francis calls this inadequate care “covert euthanasia”. He reminds us that old age should be deemed matured wine and not allowed to turn into sour vinegar.

Francis recalls in this context that he enjoys the chapter in Deuteronomy, Chapter 26, which reminds Israel that the Promised Land was given to their parents, and that they would inherit houses that they did not build.

It is when we forget history and begin to imagine that it begins with us that the trouble begins. The conversation ends with the pope gratefully remembering his grandparents and how they molded his personality.

In this country, India, and particularly in states like Kerala where the physical quality of life is almost on par with Europe, the geriatric segment in society is always expanding.

In 1947 when we became independent the average life expectancy was just about 26. Today in Kerala it is 76. Of course, these statistics should be read with the fact that the drastic fall in the infant mortality rate helps account for the life expectancy figure as much as the physical quality of life the survivors enjoy.

Yet the fact remains that the geriatric segment is always expanding.

Alongside this expansion the urbanization of mindscape, more than the landscape, weakens the vertical linkages.

Of course it does strengthen the horizontal linkages but they are sustained by machines and material circumstances; there is no soul in it. It is the vertical linkage, father to son and grandmother to granddaughter, which is measured by hemoglobin. That blood connectivity cannot be substituted by digital connectivity, especially in old age.

This is the context where the Church and the Mother of God come in. In this seventy- third year of my life I imagine myself as being put to sleep

by Mary the Mother of God every night but I also see my mother who died in 1983 and my grandmothers who died even earlier watching with satisfaction how in my old age I practice what they taught me when I was a child.

Proximity to Church and Mary would be important virtues to be inculcated in early years if in later years care for the elderly becomes the fruit borne by a generation.

D Babu Paul is a writer and columnist.

A former member of the IAS, he wrote the first Bible Dictionary in Malayalam

28 October 2013

Could A Woman Vote For The Next Pope?

Facebook page soliciting nominees for the first female cardinal. Keenan said he wrote the post mainly as a way

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ope Francis has said repeat edly that he wants to see greater roles for women in the Catholic Church, and some argue that he could take a giant step in that direction by appointing women to the College of Cardinals – the select and (so far) all-male club of “Princes of the Church” that casts secret ballots in a conclave to elect a new pope.

Whether it’s even possible is a matter of debate. But that hasn’t stopped the feverish speculation, which was sparked last month by an article in a Spanish newspaper in which Juan Arias, a former priest who writes from Brazil, wrote that the idea “is not a joke. It’s something that Pope Francis has thought about before: naming a woman cardinal.”

Arias quoted an unnamed priest — a Jesuit, like Francis – who said: “Knowing this pope, he wouldn’t hesitate before appointing a woman cardinal. … And he would indeed enjoy being the first pope to allow women to participate in the selection of a new pontiff.”

That was enough to start the ball rolling. The report was quickly picked up by Catholic media in Italy and then raced around a church that, in the months since Francis’ election, has been primed to expect the unexpected from this pope.

In the U.S., the Rev. James Keenan, a fellow Jesuit and a wellregarded moral theologian at Boston College, started a post on his

28 October 2013

The last cardinal who was not a priest was an Italian jurist, Teodolfo Mertel, who wrote laws governing the papal territories.

Pope Pius IX made him a cardinal in 1858 and Mertel died in 1899.

In 1917, a revision of the church’s Code of Canon Law decreed that only priests and bishops could be made cardinals, and a subsequent update in 1983 said that anyone made a cardinal must become a bishop as well.

Yet popes have periodically dispensed with that requirement and have named priests as cardinals without making them bishops. In 1968, Pope Paul VI reportedly offered a red hat to the French Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain, a layman. Maritain declined.

The main obstacle now appears to be the requirement that a cardinal must be ordained. Yet that could be resolved by allowing women to be deacons – a level of ordination just below the priesthood. The idea of opening the diaconate to women has been gaining currency in recent years and has emerged as a possible path to the conclave for lay people, and specifically for woman.

to recognize the many women who would be “great candidates.” On his list: Linda Hogan, a professor of ecumenics at Trinity College Dublin; Sister Teresa Okure, a theology professor at the Catholic Institute of West Africa in Nigeria; and Maryanne Loughry, associate director of the Jesuit Refugee Service in Australia.

But Keenan is not the first to float the idea.

Just last year, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was asked during an interview on Catholic television whether a woman could be named a cardinal. Dolan agreed that it was “theoretically” possible, adding: “You know, in fact, get this, and I’ve heard it from more than one person, that one time somebody said to Blessed John Paul II, ‘You should make Mother Teresa of Calcutta a cardinal.’ … And the pope said, ‘I asked her. She doesn’t want to be one.’”

So what’s to stop Francis from taking that step – assuming he finds a woman willing to say yes?

In the end, as one Italian news story put it: “The pope is the supreme legislator of the universal church and is absolutely free to make decisions about canon law.”

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Ending The Year Of Faith -

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t the time of creation, God called upon his archangels and asked them to help him decide where to put the Secret of Life. One suggested he bury it in the ground; another to leave it at the bottom of the sea; still another to hide it in the mountains. God said, “These places are beyond the reach of most people. The Secret of Life must be accessible to EVERYONE. One archangel suggested: “Put it in each man’s heart.” God took the suggestion.

And there lies the Secret of Life to this day. But how many of us actually find it there?

The Year of Faith will soon be brought to a close. If we have used the many opportunities provided during the year to build a closer, deeper relationship with God, we would have discovered that his kingdom is within us, that our hearts do contain the Secret of Life; because God created us in his own image and breathed his life giving breath into us, that we have received his grace

Ninette D'Souza to grow in awareness of his presence in our hearts; in our whole beings.

As a teacher of High School Maths & Science I am more familiar with the theories and inventions of scientists who not only made a difference in the life of man but helped to clear misconceptions and superstitions as well. I was pleasantly surprised to read the following words in a book of spiritual exercises for personal growth. “I can take my telescope and look millions of miles into space. But I can also lay it aside and go to my room, shut the door, get down on my knees and see more of heaven and get closer to God than I can be assisted by all the telescopes and all the material things on earth.” Issac Newton. This comes from the man whom the Church ex-communicated on account of his radical ideas, which were against the teachings of the Church at the time.

My vocation allows me to build fledgling relationships with the students in school and technology ensures that I maintain them with some success after they pass out. On my birthday a

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Should It ?

couple of months ago an ex student came over with her fiancé and in the excitement of seeing her engagement photographs I realized that there was a rather unique hand made plaque on one of her bedroom walls. It had the words, “I am third” on it. When I asked her to explain she said, ‘Ma’am that’s my motto of life, one I picked up from you. It simply means: God is first, others are second, and I am third.’ That night on bended knees I thanked the Lord not just for calling me to be a teacher, in order to touch tender hearts and minds in a way He desires, but for allowing me to learn another important lesson ; that in the rat race we call life I had probably left him a tad behind.

A preacher once compared the 52 Sundays of the liturgical year to a full deck of playing cards, which has been shuffled and dealt out, each with its own particular message. On the last Sunday, Feast of Christ the King, we hold up the last card: the king of hearts.

Jesus is not the king of clubs- a club is a symbol of violence, oppression and power. He is not the king of spades- a spade is used to dig up dirt or fill graves.

He is certainly not the king of diamondsa diamond is a symbol of wealth. Jesus is the king of hearts – a heart is a symbol of love. Jesus’ life was heart- centred.

His heart overflowed with love to the extent that he emptied himself for the salvation of human kind. He chose a lifestyle of poverty and befriended the poor. He lived through example his one and only one commandment of love.

Christ was condemned to death because the values of his kingdom conflicted with those of the world. He instructs us to walk with him, to take the last place, to give half of our possessions… to feed, clothe, and visit…..while the world pressurizes us to be the first among cut-throat competitors, to amass wealth so as to gain status and honour.

Christ invites us not merely to ‘follow his example’ the way people imitate worldly heroes, but to cooperate with him handin-hand, heart-to-heart, as we would with a friend. “I do not call you

servants….I call you friends” Jn 15: 15 Dear readers I strongly believe; Spirituality is; ‘Who you are, How you are’. The many activities I participated in both at the School and Parish level as a means of deepening my faith have left me with a whole lot of questions that I need to address in the silence of my heart and in the presence of my God. I would like to share them with you so that together we can say ‘The Year of Faith’ has caused me to change, (for the better hopefully!!!!) and understand what it takes to be a ‘CHRISTIAN’ today.

Christ came into the world to establish a kingdom of justice, love and peace. How prepared am I to put on the yoke that Christ bears so as to collaborate with him in establishing his kingdom? Do I belong to any group of committed Christians who serve the needs of the Christian community at large? If not, Why? Does the kingdom of God within me radiate outwards? Do I strive in my own way with my own God given talents to overcome selfishness and so reach out to Christ in the poor?

How sensitive am I to the demands of my faith? In what way do I put my religion into practice- besides prayers and devotions? Does my heart vibrate with the compassion that Christ expressed to one and all? Do I reach out spontaneously to the ‘least’ members of society? Do I realize the various sometimes strange situations in which I have to bear witness to Christ? Am I strong enough not only to stand the pressures of evil elements but even be a source of inspiration to them?

These and many more questions keep arising in my mind. I hope the Lord will bless me with his grace to answer them truthfully. For me the Year of Faith will not end. It will go on and on and on………

28 October 2013

Media Speculate On Pope's Visit Next Year Goa cathedral, where Jesuit saint's mortal remains are kept.

The exposition of St Francis Xavier is also happening in Nov 22, 2014 to Jan 4, 2015. The dates were announced on Wednesday.

Next year also marks 50 years since Pope John VI, who had addressed a 'Eucharistic Congress' in 1964 in Mumbai.

The last Pope to visit India was the Pope John Paul II. He made two official visits to India during his papacy.

India has about 20 million Catholics, whose supreme religious leader is the Pope.

The earlier visits of the Pope to India were opposed by the right wing Hindu groups like the RSS and VHP.

Royal Christian Family invites

BACHELORS & SPINSTERS for their forthcoming

New Delhi: Speculation is rife in Indian media over a possible visit of Pope Francis to India by the end of next year.

The Jesuit pope "might visit India" in November 2014 and is expected to attend the exposition of St Francis Xavier's mortal remains in Goa, said ibnlive.in.com.

The site based its report on unmanned "sources in the Catholic Church." It also said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) says it is "not aware of any such plan" of papal visit.

Quoting Archbishop of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracias some Malayalam newspapers are saying that the Pope may visit India.

Cardinal Gracias is also the President of Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and a part of the Pope's advisory counsel.

In April and July some newspapers quoted officials of Bom Jesu cathedral to say that pope could visit the

The right path in our relationship with money is not " the path of poverty for poverty’s sake" but "the path of poverty as an instrument, so that God be God" because "all the goods that we posses were given us by the Lord to make the world go round, humanity progress, to help, to help others . " —Pope Francis

28 October 2013

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28 October 2013

28 October 2013

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Let The TTalents alents Of Our Society Get Recognition

‘The Secular Citizen’ and ‘DIVO’ Instituted Awards

DIVO, sister publication of The Secular Citizen presented its first ever ‘DIVO Puraskar’ award which includes Rs. 50,000 cash in the year 2001. Since then so far 21 individuals have received cash awards of Rs. 25,000 each and honoured with a Citation, Memento, Shawl and fruits in the presence of large audience.

Subsequently other awards are added and jointly presented by both the periodicals from time to time. The awards are received due publicity through print and electronic media. Some of these awards are sponsored by generous well-wishers. Some of our awards list is given below. Creation of more awards from generous sponsors are most welcome. The awards are given in recognition and appreciation to individuals who have made excellent contribution to the society.

‘The Secular Citizen Life-time Achievement Award’ ‘The Secular Citizen Writer of the Year Award’ ‘DIVO Puraskar’ ‘DIVO Life-time Achievement Award’ ‘DIVO P. D'Souza Smarak Puraskar’ ‘DIVO Sahitya Puraskar Smarak Maria Jayanti Bahuman’ ‘Leaders in the Making and Reaching to the Top’ - Free Youth Seminar (over 12 seminars in 10 years covered over 8000 youth in Mangalore and Mumbai) Your generous contributions / Sponsorship for above awards and seminars are welcome Awards and scholarships for higher education can be created in your own or your family name which can benefit more deserving candidates from the society.

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28 October 2013

Parenting Skills In Just 31 Days

By S.Devraj

One of the factors responsible for the breakdown of discipline in today’s 58/23rd Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400 050 society according to Devraj is the unTel: 26403312 - E-mail: willingness on the part of today’s parstpaulsmarketing@gmail.com ents to make time for their children (pp Yr 2013 / Pp 176 / INR 130 64-69). Engrossed as they are with selfIndulgent parenting seems to have promoting pursuits, their time is largely taken deep root in several families, taken up with the very mundaneness of what with most parents blindly shying making more and more money. The away from saying a firm NO to their author rues the fact that parents simply children when a ‘no’ is absolutely fail to understand that sparing quality needed, and blindly giving in to their time for their children rather than giving wishes and desires. Any wonder then them any amount of money they ask for that parents are unable to instil in their is of prime importance, the result of children a strict sense of discipline? which is that the children fail to realize that not material The need of the hour wealth but right livis benign but tough BOOK REVIEW ing (pp 40-44) that parenting. If we constitutes a balwant our children to

by Ladislaus L D’Souza anced personality. learn self-discipline, Another lack we ourselves must in today’s generation is an attitude of first and foremost be embodiments of gratitude.

Devraj puts it metaphorically integrity, unyielding in self-control.

Tough parenting may be a tough thus: “Appreciation and gratitude are call to take but it has, as shown in this like the sun and the sunflower, whereas book, the potential to create a win-win jealousy and gratitude are like a gust of situation for both parents and children. wind and a candle” (p 163).

There are likewise other values If children are constantly steered tothe book dwells on, like willingness to wards realizing their specific goals apologize to one’s children when we along lines drawn by the 31 simple are in the wrong (pp 88-93), and allowskills highlighted in PARENTING ing children to learn from disappointSKILLS IN JUST 31 DAYS, their ments (pp 142-147) giving the reader chances of making something sensible food for thought for 31 consecutive of their lives are bright and certain.

According to the author, “it is they days if one chooses to use it on a (parents) who have somehow been the chapter-a-day basis in numerical orfirst cause and in some cases the only der. They are values that form steps to cause for the demon of indiscipline to success in our God-given role of sneak into their children. If they had parenting on which depends the future been alert, they could have avoided of our children and the good of society.

BETTER YOURSELF BOOKS

that. If their lives had been pretty bouquets of pleasing qualities, their children would not have and could not have slipped into the gutter of indiscipline” (pp 7-8).

Perhaps there’s a germ of truth in what George Bernard Shaw says, “There may be some doubt as to who are the best people to have charge of children, but there can be no doubt that parents are the worst.” Sanjay Dev emphatically states, “Advocates of tough parenting, on the other hand believe that discipline and denial hold the key to success in later life” (p 10).

28 October 2013

BISHOP SPENDS Over $40 Million On Offical Home (Romereports.com) The president of Germany's bishops' conference arrived in Rome to meet with Pope Francis.

He's expected to address a growing scandal involving a German bishop accused of misusing Church funds to build a 40 million dollar home for himself.

Msgr. Robert Zollistch said he could not take a position regarding Limburg Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz van Elst. The bishop faces calls to resign from the faithful his diocese, located in central Germany, near Frankfut.

Msgr. Zollistch said his conference had appointed a commission to look into the costs of the housing project. And that they should be given time to complete their work in an objective manner.

The bishop at the center of the controversy also arrived in Rome to meet with Vatican officials. His diocese announced that he will let Pope Francis decide his future.

Dates of St. Xavier Exposition Announced (Nov, 22, 2014- Jan 4,) Gos: Dates of St. Xavier exposition announced. The relics will be kept open for veneration of the faithful for 44 days.

From Nov. 22, 2014 to Jan 4, 2015.

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78th Marian Pilgrimage - Thousands Visit The First Asian Fatima Shrine At Karjat The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was celebrated with great devotion by thousands of pilgrims from different parts of Maharashtra and adjoining states to venerate and honour Fatima. Four Eucharistic masses were celebrated in regional languages- Hindi, Marathi and English. Two feast masses were celebrated to accommodate the devotees.

The First mass was celebrated by Fr Xavier Devadas (SDB) - inspired the pilgrims with the message of Fatima and its relevance today. The first feast mass was celebrated at 9 am by Bishop Angelo Gracias, the take away message was what Mary spoke during the wedding at Cana ( John 2:1-12) - “Do whatever he tells you.”– (Just do it) and you will see the miracles. If there is an intercession and intervention of Mary in our lives there will be miracles in our life just like that at Cana. The feast was celebrated by Antonatte Dias and family from Vikroli.

Cake and scapulars were distributed to all the devotees who venerated the statue in the church.

The statue of Our Lady was taken in processions where thousands joined in, the importance of this procession is the celebration of our faith and that our Blessed Mother unites us in faith and reminds us that we are all children of God. Regardless of where we come from, we are all united in faith and are all part of God’s family.

The second feast mass at 10:30 am was celebrated by Fr. Michael D’souza (Main Celebrant, Parish Priest Uttan Church ) Con-celebrant Fr. Hillary Fernandes (Director Muktiagar Kendra & Valankani Shrine Rector) and other visiting priests- the take away message was trust in the lord and don’t fear.

The Divine mercy group- Pune conducted the choir for the mass. Legionaries staged a skit which depicted, the apparition of Our lady of Fatima to

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the three little shepherd children. The importance of the Rosary was also emphasized, it was appreciated by all. All the pilgrims were served substantial Lunch as it was the 13th, Lunch is served in the Shrine on the 13th of every month. Jesus said to his disciples “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”

Post Lunch from 2-4 pm there was a Healing rosary was conducted by Fr Allwyn Misquita (SDB) in Hindi, Marathi, Kokanni and English interceding for various needs of the community, the church and the world, followed by an Holistic healthfor a holistic healthy life we have to follow the 5 Doctors Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, Dr. Exercise, Dr. Cleanliness and Dr. Merry Man it was a very interactive session. The session was followed

by Eucharistic Adoration Service – the presence of Jesus the mighty healer was experienced in the hearts of the devotees. Fr Allwyn was accompanied

by Prema Agni prayer group and Music ministry – St Francis Xavier’s Church Vile Parle the music ministry was lead

by Mr. Raymond Creaddo.

The adoration was followed by Eucharistic celebration in Hindi at 4 pm. Bhajans and Kirtans were conducted in the church by Carlos Kasbe and team. Several volunteers from different parts of Maharashtra were ready for service to the pilgrims, may the hand of protection of Fatima be in them blessing them and interceding for them.

Gratitude is the best attitude we would like to thank God for the parish priest Fr. Calistus Fernandes for all his hard work and initiatives in organizing the festivities may the almighty bless him and may Fatima extend her hands on him and give him the grace to carry his mission -Pastoral ministry at karjat .

Priya Lucia Alphonso Mumbai

Laughter

My neighbour asked if he could use my lawnmower I told him of course he could, ... so long as he didn't take it out of my garden. ***** Pupil : "Would you punish me for something I didn't do?"

Teacher: " Ofcourse not, Why are you asking that?"

Pupil: "Because I haven't done my homework ***** A client comes to a bank: - My cheque was returned with a remark: "Insufficient funds".

I'd like to know whether it refers to mine or the Bank?

DO YOU KNOW? Silviculture is the practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values. The name comes from the Latin 'silvi' meaning forest and 'culture' as in growing. The study of forests and woods is termed as silvology.

Silviculture also focuses on making sure that the treatment(s) of forest stands are used to preserve and to better their productivity.

28 October 2013

Saf ety ffor or Senior Citizens Safe Why Should We Be Concerned?

• As we age, we become less able to defend ourselves or project a confident image.

• Because they can have significant financial resources, seniors are often the targets of theft, robbery, fraud, identity theft, etc.

In General • Be alert to your surroundings. Don’t become focused on one thing and forget to look around.

• Cell phones are a great tool to use for personal safety. Carry in your pocketeven around your home

Safety at the Door • Have your house number conspicuously posted outside your home • When someone knocks at your door, don’t open it unless you know your visitor.

• If someone comes to your door that you do not trust or who you believe might be dangerous, call your local police or sheriff’s department immediately.

Returning Home • If you find your door ajar or if you hear unusual sounds inside, DON’T GO IN! o Go to the nearest telephone and call your local police or sheriff’s department. o If your home has been burglarized, don’t touch anything until the law enforcement officer arrives!

• If you enter your home and find a

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28 October 2013

burglar there, observe the intruder closely

Telephone • Never allow yourself to be drawn into a conversation with an unknown caller in which you reveal your name, address, marital status or anything to indicate you are alone.

• Answering machine greetings Deterring the Burglar

Your Keys • Don’t hide a spare key outside your door— under the door mat, in the mail box, the flower box, over the door — the burglar knows where to look.

Door Locks • Always lock your exterior doors, both when you are at home and away.

• Avoid chain locks — they are too easily broken.

• For sliding doors, place a broomstick or an aluminum bar in the door track Lighting • All exterior entrances or doorways, garages and even alleys should be well lighted.

Outdoor Trees and Shrubbery • Bushes and plant growth, particularly near doors and windows should be trimmed at a height of no more than two feet (24") from the ground.

• Trees should be trimmed at a height no less than six feet from the lowest hanging branch to the ground.

• Trees should not be allowed to be so dense as to block exterior pole lighting.

When You Are Away • When you leave your home or apartment for a prolonged period of time, discontinue your newspaper, mail, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.

• Have your lawn mowed.

• Put lights both inside and outside the house on timers. Also, place one or more radios or TV’s on timers so they will periodically come on.

• Turn the volume on the telephone down so it cannot be used as a cue that no one is home.

While You Are Out Recommendations • Carry as little cash as possible and carry credit cards in a concealed coat or chest pocket.

•For a woman with a purse, carry it close to the body, preferably in front. If the purse has a clasp, cover it with your hand. Don’t wrap the strap of the purse around your wrist.

• Avoid carrying a wallet in a back or side pocket.

• If a robber attempts to snatch your purse: Observe the robber as closely as possible to get a description for the police o Carry a whistle and blow it repeatedly

When Walking • If you must walk at night, choose the busiest and best-lit stre ets. Avoid dark places, short cuts, alleys, thick trees and shrubs and sparsely traveled areas.

• Walk with a companion, whenever possible.

Safety in Your Car Minimize the Risk • Direct deposit Social Security, pension or other regular incoming checks.

• Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in the home.

• Place valuable jewelry and important papers in a safe deposit box.

• When approaching your car in a parking lot, have your keys in your hand with your finger on the alarm button • Keep your gas tank full and your vehicle’s engine well maintained to avoid breakdowns.

• When you return to your car, always check the front and back seat before you get in.

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Dealing With Criminals No Double Standards Please !

T

here was an important piece of news in the Times of India of 8th October 2013, which says that “those persons against whom criminal cases have been lodged in the past year will be barred from applying for the new autorickshaw permits.’ This, supposedly is being done to “ensure that those with criminal record do not get into the autorickshaw trade”. Commendable – very good !

In the same edition of the newspaper, there was another important newsreport which says that an analysis carried out by the Association for Democratic Reforms shows, that nearly half of Delhi legislators (43%) have criminal cases pending against them. This is the figure only for Delhi, you can imagine the situation in the rest of the states – disgusting, you bet !

Then there is this much talked about ‘ordinance’ (termed as “nonsense”) which intended to ‘protect convicted politicians from immediate disqualification.’

So, where do stand ? On the one hand, we find the government wanting to keep criminals away from certain quarters, while on the other hand, we have ‘criminal politicians’ in such important places like the State Assemblies & Parliament. There should be no double standards – whether in the Autorickshaw Trade’ or in State Assemblies or in Parliament.

There is no doubt that the entire system in this country needs to be ‘CLEANED’ ! So, let’s do it !

—Melville X. D’Souza 18

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What Makes The Holes In A Piece Of Bread?

he holes in a piece of bread are made by bubbles of gas. In bread-making flour and water are mixed to form a dough. Then a small amount of yeast is added to the mixture. Yeast is type of fungus which grows very quickly when it is warm and damp. While growing, it gives off a gas which bubbles up through the dough, making it expand. It is yeast which gives bread its particular flavour and appetizing smell.

No one knows when yeast was first used to make bread, but it must have been many thousands of years ago. According to one story, the idea was the result of an accident. Some yeast is said to have got into the dough by chance and made it rise. Because this loaf was twice as big as normal, people thought it must be magic. But as the bread tasted better than the usual flat, heavy loaves, they soon

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used yeast to make all their bread.

Cakes also have holes in them made by bubbles of gas. But these are made by a different substance which leaves practically no flavour.

This substance is baking-powder, which is a mixture of tartaric acid and bicarbonate of soda. When these two chemicals are mixed together, wetted and heated, they react to produce carbon dioxide. This gas bubbles through the cake mixture to make it rise while being baked.

Facts

Both men and women shrink in height after the age of 30. Generally a man shrinks about 3 cm in his lifetime and a woman about 5 cm. This is part of the natural ageing process as the body loses muscle and fat. Vision, hearing, memory and hair are just a few things that tend to disappear as the candles increase on our birthday cake. Unfortunately, height can be added to this list. In fact, we can begin shrinking as early as our 30s, according to some research. Men can gradually lose an inch between the ages of 30 to 70, and women can lose about two inches. After the age of 80, it's possible for both men and women to lose another inch.

28 October 2013

Indian Christian Fails To Find Undeniable Burial Place For Wife In Hong Kong facts of Life: Hongkong: An Indianorigin man in Hong Kong is finding it difficult to secure a place to bury his wife's ashes after she died in April this year.

Mariasusai Andrews, an Indian Christian, couldn't find a place for the burial of his late wife Nirmala's ashes even after six months of her death.

She died at the age of 51 after she developed lung cancer.

The urn containing Nirmala's ashes is still in a funeral home, after no final resting place was found, the South China Morning Post reported Monday.

According to the report, Andrews was not able to secure a spot in a lucky draw allocation for governmentrun cemeteries in June because the letter sent to him asking for an explanation was in Chinese language when, in fact, he had filed the application in English.

“It seemed like they were not very earnest. They are not genuine and they are not respecting (us),” Andrews was quoted as saying.

The family is not allowed to use the Hindu cemetery where many Indians are buried as they belong to the Christian community.

Andrews is associated with a church in the city which is not a member of the Chinese Church Alliance,

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28 October 2013

which controls Christian cemeteries in the city, and, therefore, he didn't get a place there as well.

Chinese Permanent Cemeteries also turned down his request saying that, according to law, the cemeteries under the organisation only take ethnic Chinese applicants.

Andrews and his family said they have been living in Hong Kong for 30 years and made it their home, so he does not want to take the ashes of his late wife to India.

“Hong Kong is home. I find living in India very difficult now. As for the children, it is virtually impossible (for them to settle back there),” he said.

“Even in death, ethnic minorities still don't get equal rights,” Annie Li Man from minority rights advocacy group Unison said.

The chairman of the Chinese Equal Opportunities Commission, York Chow Yat-ngok, said he had written to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, which is in charge of government cemeteries.

Chow added that the family would get a second shot at the new lucky draw.

The department, however, apologised for sending a Chinese letter to the family.

Chow said cemeteries and burial grounds were exempted from the antidiscrimination ordinance.

The cemeteries can refuse applications based on race or religion.

He said the Chinese population in Hong Kong is also affected by the space shortage for the burial of ashes.

“I hope (the government) would look at the suffering people go through, due to an unequal law,” Li said.

“These ethnic minorities seriously see Hong Kong as home and when they pass away, they'd like to be buried here.”

Source: IANS

1. Don't educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy. So when they grow up, they will know the value of things, not the price.

2. The one who loves you will never leave you because even if there are 100 reasons to give up, he will find one reason to hold on.

3. There is a lot of difference between human being and being human. A few understand it.

4. You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between you have to manage!

DO YOU KNOW? History of Circle The word circle derives from the Greek work 'kirkos' meaning goop or ring. The origins of the words 'circus' and 'circuit' are closely related.

The circle has been known since before the beginning of recorded history. Natural circles would have been observed, like the Moon, Sun and a short plant stalk blowing in the wind on sand, which forms a circle shape in the sane. Early science, particularly geometry and astrology and astronomy, was connected to the divine for most medieval scholars, and many believed that there was something intrinsically divine that could be found in circles.

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MATRIMONIALS MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 31 years, Ht. 5’ 9”, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.Com., + Dip. in Management, working as a Manager in Public Sector.

Contact email : noelpinto@hotmailcom OR 9029462583 (Regd. No. 5969) MUMBAI : Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 42 years, Ht. 5’ 7”, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.Com., M.A., (Diploma in Journalism from UK); working as a Freelance Journalist. Seeks a suitable & compatible match from India/Abroad, He might travel abroad for work. Contact email : basitfaith2013@rediffmail.com / faithbasit8@rediffmail.com OR 9221394374 (Regd. No. 5968) MUMBAI : Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 27 years, Ht. 5’ 8”, Wt. 65 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.E. (I.T.), working as a Net Work Engineer abroad. Seeks a slim, fair, beautiful, educated girl below 26 years. Contact email : pjswamy@gmail.com OR 9324312605 (Regd. No.5963) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’ 6”, Wt. 72 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. MCA working as a Software Engineer. Seeks a well educated girl.

Contact email : pravinserrao@gmail.com OR Tel.: 0251-2680956 (Regd. No. 5960) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Divorcee, age 31 years, Ht. 5’ 10”, Wt. 82 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn.HSC., working as a Cargo handling assistant in Airline in Dubai. Contact email : julmich_2001@yahoo.co.in OR 9819452164 (Regd. No. 5957) MUMBAI : Karware Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, age 38 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 54 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. 10th Std., working on Rigs as a Cruise Member. Contact Mob. 8879137735 (Regd. No. 5952) MUMBAI : Parents of Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, DOB 1974, 5’ 9”, P.hD (U.S.A.), working in US, seeks

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alliance from R.C. spinster. Send details and recent full size photograph to : dfr472121@gmail.com (Regd. No. 5950) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, age 39 years, Ht. 5’ 7”, Wt. 75 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. XII Std., Working as a Gen. Steward in Ship. Seeks a Goan girl below 32 years.

Contact email : fatima16jones@gmail.com OR 26671289 / 9969488673(Regd. No. 5949) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, age 29 years, Ht. 5’ 9”, Wt. 72 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.Com., MBA, LLB., working with I.T. Co., in HR Legal. Loving, caring, sober with good manners seeks suitable match. Mangalorean, simple working in Mumbai / Navi Mumbai. Contact : 9820545508 OR email : francoroyal@rediffmail.com (Regd. No. 5943) BANGALORE : Mangalorean Catholic parents settled in Bangalore, seek alliance for son 31/5’8”, slim, B.E. Bangalore, double Masters USA, working in USA, from God fearing, good looking, slim, Mangalorean Catholic spinster, preferably working in USA, age below 29. Contact email : pgzmonteiro@yahoo.com Or Mob.: 9845417838. (Regd. No. 5940) GOA : Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’ 9”, Wt. 73 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn.B.B.A., working as a HR. Executive, working in Kuwait. Contact email : gretafern@gmail.com.

OR 9890656294 (Regd. No. 5936) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 38 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 80 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn.

Members are requested to inform us when they are settled, so that publication of their details can be discontinued.

MBA, Having own Business. Contact email : cmaneckji@ gmail.com OR 28928350 (Regd. No. 5931) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 33 years, Ht. 5’ 8”, Wt. 60 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. Diploma in Hotel Management, working on the ship. Contact email : marshall-liberty007@yahoo.com OR 9769775073 / 9819442577. (Regd. No. 5928) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 64 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. MBA., M.Com., working as a Sr. Associate. Contact email : lloydlobo84@yahoo.com OR 9833687379 (Regd. No. 5924) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 32 years, Ht. 183 cms, Wt. 80 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.Com., working as a Manager in MNC. Seeks a graduate working Mangalore Girl. Contact email : dsouzajery@yahoo.com OR 9967873644 (Regd. No. 5922) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’ 9”, Wt. 75 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.Sc., working as a Manager. Contact email : lorna1905@gmail.com OR 9850044561 (Regd. No. 5921) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 33 years, Ht. 6’, fair complexion, Edn. B.Com., working as a Sr. Officer. Seeks a good catholic family background girl. Contact Email : trevorfernandes69@gmail.com OR 9819420120 (Regd. No. 5920) Address your replies to :

Regd. No. ROYAL CHRISTIAN FAMILY, 99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001.

To Place Your Matrimonial Advertisement Call: 2269 3578 OR 2265 4924 28 October 2013

MATRIMONIALS MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 26 years, Ht. 4’ 8”, Wt. 45 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. MBA., working as a HR. Contact email : jnoronha_55@yahoo.com OR 8806890197 (Regd. No. 5977) NAVIMUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 26 years, Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 65 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. M.Sc. (Mathematics), B.Ed., Lecturer by profession. Contact email : valerian.sequeira@basf.com OR 9833970405 (Regd. No. 5976) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 28 years, Ht. 5’ 2”, Wt. 55 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.Com., working as a Service Operation Associate. Contact email: oneallwyn@gmail.com OR 9820223696 (Regd. No. 5975) MUMBAI : RC Mangalorean Spinster, M.Com/MBA (Finance) 27 / 5’2”, talented, with strong family values & from respectable family, working for a bank in Mumbai. Seeks well qualified boy upto 32, reply with recent photo & full details to email: smileangel378@yahoo.com OR 9920424282 (Regd. No. 5962) Kuwait : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster aged 33 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 58 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.Com., Computer, Finance, Banking Marketing Course & Airlines Course completed, employed as a Travel Coordinator in Kuwait. Seeks a groom preferable working in Kuwait. Contact Email : lucy777p@gmail.com OR 00965-65686358 (Regd. No. 5488) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic parents of spinster daughter 1973 born, 5’ 4 1/2”, fair complexion, well educated and employed in a good position in Mumbai, invite matrimonial

Royal Christian Family Helps In Choosing The Right Life-Partner

Serving Since 32 Years 28 October 2013

alliance of Mangalorean Catholic Bachelor, with graduate or post graduate qualification employed in Mumbai or abroad, with sober habits, good family values, age upto 45 years. Kindly reply with full details with recent photograph to email bellwether 77@yahoo.com Or Call mobile No. 9892700617 (Regd. No. 5441) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 30 years, Ht. 5’ 3”, Wt. 65 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.A.,working as a HR & Admin Exe. Seeks a educated well settled goan bachelor.

Contact : Email: sweetcapri1982@yahoo.in OR 9833951282 / 9920932427 (Regd. No. 5747) MUMBAI : Goan R.C. Spinster, aged 24 years, Ht. 5’ 3”, Wt. 52 kgs, Fair Complexion, Good looking, coming from a decent family. Edn. MBA, working as a Asst. Manager. Contact : email: dsilva_edwin@hotmail.com OR 9821800924 (Regd. No. 5781) MUMBAI : Mangalorean RC Spinster aged 31 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Fair Complex, Edn. Doctor, working as an Asst. Manager in Pharmaceutical company. Only Child. Contact: email: shrlydsz@ yahoo.com OR 9930550318 (Regd.

No. 5786) MUMBAI : RC Spinster, East Indian, Fair Complexion, Sincere, Homely, Edn. B.A., aged 47 years, Ht. 5’ 2”, Hobbies/Occupn/Profsn in Creative Art work. Seeks a suitable life Partner-Reliable, Sincere, Working, Sacrificing & Supportive. If interested Contact 8-30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dial 25372060 (Regd.

No. 5662) PANVEL: Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 27 years Ht. 5’ 3”, Wt. 50 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. Graduate, working for HSBC Bank, coming from a well establish business family. Seeks a boy with good family background, he should be a businessman or a service should earn good. A good person by nature. Contact :

9821594729 OR Email: amritamendonsa@gamil.com (Regd.

No. 5643) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 26 years. Ht. 5’ 3”, Wt. 45 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.E. Computer, working as a I.T. Consultant. Seeks an educated Mangalorean boy from good family background. Contact : 8879179796 or Email : ajd19@yahoo.co.in (Regd.

No. 5621) MANGALORE : Mangalorean R.C. Spinster, aged 30 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 58 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. MBBS, MD., Doctor by profession. Seeks a eduated well settled boy from Decent family. Email : lovely_lavender2012@ yahoo.com (Regd. No. 5619) MUMBAI : Mangalorean RC Spinster, aged 27 years, Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 58 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Educated working for MNC. Seeks a well settled educated Mangalorean boy. Contact : 28261504 (Regd. No. 5832) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster aged 30 years, Ht. 5’ 2”, Wt. 50 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.Com., CAIIB., working as a Officer in Private Bank. Only Child.

Contact : mpascal009@gmail.com OR 9869316408 (Regd. No. 5930) UDUPI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, 24 years, Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 65 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.E. (Tele com) Working in BANGALORE. Seeks a suitable match. Contact Email: helenandrade79@ gmail.com OR 0820-2546093 (Regd. No. 5864)

Address your replies to :

Regd. No. ROYAL CHRISTIAN FAMILY, 99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001.

To Place Your Matrimonial Advertisement Call: 2269 3578 OR 2265 4924 21

Generating New Ideas a nd Insights and Think Before You Sleep Although you may not be aware of it it, even when you’re sleeping your brain continues to process and evaluate your ideas and thoughts. Throughout history, famous figures like Napoleon have stated that they focus on their problems just before they sleep, and tend to have an answer when they wake up.

As soon as I read about this, I instantly remembered how many times I had solved an issue of mine just minutes after waking up. The stresses of our daily routine can sometimes get in the way of our creativity, but if we focus on our thoughts, ideas, and insights minutes before bedtime, our subconscious mind will ponder it all while we rest.

Don’t Let Your Beliefs Limit You I thoroughly believe that at times we stall on executing excellent ideas and solutions simply because we think they are too obvious or too easy. We think about it too much and convince ourselves that it’s silly or not worth it. At other times we doubt the fact that we are even capable of coming up with good ideas nobody else has thought of yet.

If you let your beliefs limit you, like I almost did by telling myself that I was too young, then these beliefs will always hold you back. Realize that you are a unique person with the ability to create and conjure ideas that no human has had before you.

Read Relevant Books Truth be told, I’ve never been a big reader… at least not until the last year or so. In the last 12 months I’ve probably read more books than I did during the previous 18 years of my life. So it’s no coincidence that I’m now coming up with more practical insights than I had in the past.

It’s been said that you can become very knowledgeable about something just by reading 3 quality books on the subject. Of course, it also helps if you concentrate on reading books that pertain to subjects you have an interest in.

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Napoleon had stated that he focused on his problems just before he went to sleep, and he got the answers when he woke up.

If you enjoy personal development, then two books I highly recommend are Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.

Remember, humans have been around for thousands of years. There’s lots of excellent information out there to digest.

Take and Review Notes I think this is the most important habit of all. Think of a book or great article that you read in the last year. My guess is that you can remember some of the key points, but you’ve probably also completely forgotten numerous pages of useful information. Whenever I read a quality book, I either take notes at the time or go back through it and highlight my favorite points. I then review these points regularly until I have them ingrained in my mind.

This doesn’t apply to reading only.

You’ll probably find that some of your best ideas come when you are doing something completely unrelated to the idea itself. In such cases, it’s wise to carry a small notebook or smart phone around with you so you can record your ideas on the go.

My Google Docs account is literally flooded with high quality notes from a number of my favorite authors and my own personal experiences. I tend to look through these notes when I need inspiration or just to refresh my memory.

Maintain an Open Mind to New Information If you adopt the position that you know everything about a subject then you’ll obviously never come up with any new insights about it. Additionally, if you are too shortsighted to see that some of your current beliefs may be mistaken, then you are completely inhibiting your peronal growth potential.

Instead, be open-minded and realize that there will always be more for you to learn. Of course, you don’t have to accept every new piece of information that comes your way, but at least evaluate it properly before discarding it.

Conclusion I believe everyone, regardless of age or background, can come up with new ideas and excellent insights. You just need to know how to harness them.

JACK OF ALL STALL Reliable House for Religious Goods

Gloria Church Bldg., 263, Dr. Ambedkar Rd., Byculla, Mumbai - 400027 Tel.: 23725963, 23749358 Estd: 1951

Prop. B. D'Souza

28 October 2013

is coming out with a Which will be out on 18th December 2013 Special articles from writers and contributors are welcome for publication in this special number.

All those who wish to contribute special articles for the Christmas Issue are requested to

submit, so as to reach us by 1st of December 2013.

You may send them by email to : secular@vsnl.com or secular@sezariworld.com

by Post / courier to: The Secular Citizen, 99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Fort, Mumbai 400001.

The issue also covers Christmas greeting ads., details given below

28 October 2013

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RNI No. 56987/92

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28 October 2013

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Printed and Published by Lawrence Coelho at The Secular Citizen, 99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Harihar Nivas, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001. Tel.: 2269 3578, 2265 4924 28 October 2013 Printers: The Secular Citizen, Fort, Mumbai 400001. Editor : Philip Myaboo

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