Secular Citizen Vol.23 No.11 dated 17th March 2014

17 March 2014

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Kanaraites of Mumbai to Felicitate Bishop of Udupi

M

ost Rev. Gerald Isac Lobo, Bishop of newly created Diocese of Udupi will be felicitated in Mumbai on 4th May 2014 by the Kanaraites of Mumbai.

In 1997 Mangaloreans of Mumbai Felicitated the then newly installed Bishop of Mangalore Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza.

Now the Diocese of Mangalore bifurcated into two dioceses and created a new diocese under the bishop Most Rev. Gerald Isac Lobo on 16th July 2012.

There are a large number of people from Udupi Dist. in Mumbai who are keen to invite their bishop to Mumbai and give him a public felicitation.

A committee for the same is formed under the Chairmanship of Mr. Albert W. D’Souza on 5th of March 2014.

The Felicitation program will be held on 4th of May 2014 at Xaviers Technical Institute Ground at Mahim at 4.00 p.m.

A souvenir highlighting various projects, programs and developments of the Diocese of Udupi with the profile of the bishop will be released on the occasion.

Most Rev. Gerald Isac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese

Some of the prominent people attended at the first preparatory meeting are Albert W. D'Souza, R. H. Mendonca, Henry Lobo, Pius Vas, Vincent Mathias, Lawrence Coelho, John D’Silva, Rons Bantwal, Freddy Mendonca, Thomas Lobo, Charles D’Cunha, Ronald Aranha, Lazarus Menezes, George D’Souza, Walter Buthello, Lawrence D’Souza, William Sequeira, Lancy Tauro, Herald Castellino, Maxim Pinto and Lawrence D’Souza - Kamani.

About Udupi Diocese Udupi is a coastal diocese of Karnataka State. It is the 14th Catholic diocese of Karnataka. Udupi is specially known for Sri Krishna Temple of the Hindus and the cluster of eight temples (Asta Mata). Karnataka has 10 Latin dioceses, 3 Syro-Malabar dioceses and one Syro-Malankara diocese.

Udupi Diocese is erected on 16th July 2012 with Our Lady of Miracles as its Patron, The Diocese has a Catholic population of about 68,000 with 48 parishes spread in an area of around 3880 sq. kilometers. The most popular Shrine of St. Lawrence, Attur, Karkala is a part of Udupi diocese.

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17 March 2014

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‘Thought for the week’

This Lent - consider how you will live in solidarity with those who are hungry, or broken, or ill in one way or another.

Contents

pg. 3 - Should the Church speak out more strongly against ... pg. 5 - Speak To Me Lord! pg. 6 - Growing Spiritually During Lent pg. 7 - Reader's Views pg 8 - All About Lent pg 10 - Church attendance linked to priest’s credibility: study pg 14 - Film Review pg 15 - Fundamental Flaws in the Synod on the Family pg 17 - 7 Ways Leaders Maintain Their Composure in Difficult Times pg 19 - Carry Your Cross (Poem) pg 20 - Matrimonials pg 22 - A Benediction For His Coming Passion

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Cover : All About Lent

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Should the Church speak out more strongly against alcohol?

United States: Creighton Prep, a Jesuit High School in Omaha, Nebraska, will begin testing their students for drug and alcohol use next year. A first positive test will result in counseling, a second in disciplinary action, and a third in dismissal. While some libertarians are irritated, many parents are thrilled the school is creating an environment that addresses the problems of drug use and underage drinking, providing students who need help with assistance, and making it easier for students to say ‘no,’ thereby diminishing the power of peer pressure.

But Creighton Prep’s new program is a tiny bright spot on the dark landscape of Catholic education in the United States. What makes Creighton Prep’s actions so noteworthy is the Church’s overall poor performance when it comes to addressing these problems and educating its adherents about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and their inverse relationship to living virtuously and joyfully.

From parishes to parochial schools to university classrooms, the Church is failing in its responsibility to talk about the pernicious impact of alcohol (and even drugs) on so many people in our society, along with the detrimental impact it has on achieving the common good. One is more likely to see devout Catholics being flip about drinking—or even romanticizing and glorifying it— than confronting the nihilism, escapism, and despair that are a big part of our nation’s drinking culture and the wreckage that it leaves in its wake. The Church takes a harder line on drugs, but how often is the topic really discussed? How often does the Church address why people turn to drug use and explain its incompatibility with human flourishing? The Church provides some assistance, but most often it comes after people have already had their lives and the lives of their loved ones devastated by the ruinous costs of addiction.

In its religious education to young people, the message on drinking seems to be: wait until you are older. This is neither sufficient nor persuasive. Whether because of affluenza, the middle-class malaise, or hopelessness born of poverty, many teenagers are tempted to drink and use drugs. They seek substance-induced pleasure to distract themselves from feelings of meaninglessness or to flee from reality, the same reasons many adults turn to these substances. Others use these substances to distort their authentic personalities and overcome their insecurities or inability to connect with others socially. It is (Contd.. on p. 4)

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(Contd.. from p. 3) hypocritical and unrealistic to ask them to wait simply because the physical and emotional impact is worse for teenagers. Whether driven by nihilism or insecurity, at root, it is a spiritual problem, and the failure of the Church to express that and to provide a real answer to those who are fruitlessly trying to fill a spiritual and emotional void with a substance is a profound failure.

Source: Millennial Journal

Thanksgiving

Archbishop Moras Inaugurates Year of Reconciliation Bangalore: It was decided at the College of Consultors’ Meeting held on 27 February to proclaim a Year of Reconciliation in the Archdiocese commencing from March 5, 2014 to February 13, 2015 to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee of the Diocese, which was erected on 13th February, 1940. The main purpose of declaring this Year of Reconciliation is to establish true Christian fellowship and to promote a true familial spirit among the various groups in the Archdiocese.

In partnership with clergy, religious, lay faithful and all people of good will, the Archdiocese of Bangalore has initiated this Year of Reconciliation by acknowledging the negative impacts and stereotypes that resulted due to various factors that are causing misunderstanding and disunity among us, and through concerted efforts to bring in true harmony, understanding and unity among us at all levels.

Archdiocese requested all the parish priests, heads of the institutions and the religious communities to take initiative in organizing liturgical and paraliturgical services, and other programmes to celebrate the Year of Reconciliation meaningfully.

Thanks to Holy Spirit, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Mary and St. Jude for favours granted.

—M. A. Rosario, Malad

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“Blessed are the Peacemakers” (Mt.5:9) is the main theme chosen for this Year of Reconciliation. We are called to be sons and daughters of God, and we could enjoy this privilege only when we undergo the process of personal and collective reconciliation and healing, witness and advance with a greater shared understanding of our intimate union with the Triune God and our Christian bonding with others established and strengthened by the sacramental life. All of us should take interest

in promoting reconciliation through a year-long initiative as a way to mend the past, build shared understanding and create a legacy for meaningful change in the Archdiocese.

During this Year of Reconciliation, we affirm the Holy Father’s invitation to organize “penitential celebrations, particularly during Lent, in which all can ask for God’s forgiveness, especially for sins against faith, Christian fellowship and witnessing.” All of us are encouraged to go to confession regularly as a significant part of our spiritual lives to experience inner healing and transformation. Since the graces of the sacrament are so similar to the purpose of the New Evangelization, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had said, “The New Evangelization ... begins in the confessional!” The present Holy Father Francis also encourages people to go to confession frequently to form one’s conscience and to experience God’s mercy and compassion, which would automatically enable us to share the same mercy and compassion with others.

The Posters and Prayer Cards will be distributed to all the parishes and institutions during this week. For any assistance, please contact either Fr. Joseph Abraham- Director or Fr. Gabriel Christy- Asst. Director of Paalanaa Bhavana (Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre).

17 March 2014

Speak To Me Lord!

“The Wilderness will lead you To your heart where I will speak.”

BY VERA ALVARES

“The truth is that at the same time as you fast, you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers…

What wilderness?

If we look back into our past life, we’ll see that we have passed through briefly or spent a length of time in the wilderness of barren, stony, unyielding ground that left wounds and scars on our being. Or maybe we are passing through it now by spending time at the foot of a hospital bed, in a demanding stressful job, a fractured relationship, at the funeral of a loved one who died too soon, in a chronic illness, in a hopeless situation or faced an empty dark future. Lost in the wilderness, do we hear our own voice slandering us, doubting the Divine presence or feel the panic of loneliness?

But it is in this very place, in the darkness of one’s own misery and in one’s experience of God’s absence that the Lord speaks. He walked there in the wilderness and he helps one to find him by speaking constantly, yes, he speaks when this wilderness leads to one’s heart…..

Yes, the Lord spoke to me …. and how …!!

The words ‘Come follow me’ lingering in my mind and the traces of holy ashes still visible on my forehead, I made my way to a family home to condole it on the loss of a member.

Lent crept into our candid conversa-

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tion, bringing with it the religious practices tailored to ‘pray, fast and give alms’ to make the season more meaningful and holy. The young mother nonchalantly, hoping we would take her complaint in our own stride, quipped “but my younger son just grumbles about the number of masses he has to attend on Wednesday, Friday and again on Sunday…..I coax him to go at least on a Sunday!” I had heard it before but the Lord wished me to hear it again, for some purpose. Was it to waken me from my complacency that I may magnify his message? So here I am Lord….with my humble efforts to be your mouthpiece….

My mind is filled with thoughts, questioning my Faith that is probably bypassing many in the fold of Christ. In Lent our crowded churches resound with the plea, “God of Mercy and compassion look with pity upon me…”.

Me? What about those left out in the cold and dark wilderness outside? That is the burden of each Christian- a son, wife, brother, friend, neighbour left out in the cold, walking in circles for want of light! Do we feel complacent that we are truly walking in the Lord’s footsteps this Lent?

Christians are taught that prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the cornerstones of our growth during Lent while we repent, abstain and make penance to come closer to Jesus. The mes-

sages from the pulpit received reverently are translated into actions. Good obedient Christians that we are, we have our own roadmaps for the Lenten season. Common practices of giving up certain food, drink, smoking, movies and a perfunctory attendance at the Friday devotion of Stations of the Cross are all the routes marked and travelled upon. But the question is – On this broad comfortable road, do we encounter Jesus on the way to Calvary, stumbling under his cross?

So the Lord speaks again. It is the First Friday of the month, the church is packed and devotions in the church flow like water into the parched souls of the Faithful. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of silent prayer and devotional worship throughout the commemoration of the sacrifice on Calvary.

Then comes the moment of revelationFr. John in his resonant voice shatters our façade of piety when he questions his flock on Lenten fasting. What is our idea of ‘Fasting’? Sack cloth and ashes?

Long faces and dejected gaits?

Elaborating on the Scripture reading of the day, Fr. John picks his words carefully and succeeds at touching our mundane lives with his question, “ How do you treat your maid at home?” As the celebrants speaks, gradually the mystery of the maid unfolds to reveal the callousness, cruelty and double (Contd.. on p. 6)

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(Contd.. from p. 5) standards of those fasting, praying…….

Our Faith has no place for others, our fasting is of perishable food, our worship is for the idols. The pastor’s words tug at the heart strings of the attentive listeners in the assembly. “The truth

is that at the same time as you fast, you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers……….The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor……..then my favour will shine on you like the morning sun and your wounds will be quickly healed……” Prophet Isaiah 58: 1-12 To continue in the Pastor’s words, the Lord does not want our sacrifices and holocausts but a change in life that includes the poor, homeless and marginalised. Denying just wages, oppression of those working for us, unjust practices that cause sorrow to another, should be replaced with love and concern for all God’s creatures, even nature that provides us with good things of life.

Writing about Lent, David Henson says, “Lent isn’t really about temptation and how to resist it. It’s not about white-knuckling it through our cravings for caffeine, chocolate, snarky comments or whatever else we’ve chosen to do without for this season….. It’s a desert, a foreboding and desolate stretch of sun-scorched earth, with steep, barren mountains and dusty, rocky soil, all of it bleached the color of bones. This is how Jesus enters his own 40 days of fasting, through the wilderness, the desert.”

So we should follow the Lord’s way for fasting and let him speak to us in our hearts!

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Growing Spiritually During Lent

by Rev. Gregory Galvin

A

s Lent has begun, this is truly a time for every one of us to resurrender ourselves to the Will of God and to deepen our relationship with Christ. This can be a very special time for those who may be actively discerning a call from our Lord to serve Him by serving His Church as a diocesan priest or as a consecrated religious brother or sister. Additionally, the whole family of God have many different opportunities to re-surrender our lives during this very prayerful preparation for the events of Holy Week, the Holy Triduum, and the Easter celebration and season.

A few reminders and suggestions of how to “make Lent worthwhile”. Lent for many generations in the Church was always a time to try going to daily mass to receive the Eucharist more regularly. Why? Because it truly is, “our daily bread” given to us by Christ Himself. Remembering to abstain from eating meat on Fridays has always been part of the Lenten discipline as a reminder of Friday being the day that our Lord’s flesh and blood were offered on the cross for our sins. Joining your parish community in praying the Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings is another way of uniting ourselves more deeply to Christ. Returning to or increasing your commitment to the sacrament of reconcilia-

tion because Christ died and rose from the dead so our sins could be forgiven is also an important action to take during Lent.

Commit to reading/reflecting on the Word of God, Holy Scripture, for five minutes a day; and by doing so learn to listen more carefully to what Christ is saying to you on a daily basis. Fasting on the required days and other days for special intentions is also important to our spiritual growth and union with the Lord.

As you decide what you will try to do this Lenten season to deepen your surrender to Christ, do not forget to pray for our priests, deacons, and the many religious sisters and brothers who serve in the diocese. In a special way Lent can be a good time to recall the many good priests and consecrated religious who have served and passed on to eternity.

This underlines greatly the need to also be offering prayers and sacrifices for an increase of priestly vocations for the diocese. If you need extra motivation in making a Lenten commitment, please pray for our seminarians, those preparing for priestly ordination this coming year, and especially for those men around the diocese who are maybe on the cusp of deciding to embrace a call from God to serve Him by serving His Church.

17 March 2014

Carnival Celebrations in Goa This year’s Carnival in Goa was a lack-lustre event after preparations for the festivities took an ugly turn, with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) deciding to boycott the celebrations and taxi operators threatening to disrupt the celebrations if their demands are not met. Year after year, we have been witnessing a steady deterioration in the quality of floats, as the themes portrayed do not focus or depict the true culture and life-style of Goans in the state. The cost of putting up these floats is also proving to be too expensive, and with no money coming from the govt, the locals have to depend more on advertisements. Tourists, as a result do not enjoy themselves ,as in earlier years and return to their homes, disappointed, with nothing worthwhile to crow about. It may therefore be not too long before we witness an about turn of tourists flocking to Mumbai in-

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stead, where carnival is celebrated in several places in the city with fun and frolic. People turn up in their carnival costumes , sing and dance to their heart’s content ,and enjoy an evening of gay revelry. And to rev up the show we have a few celebrated Goan tiatr guest- artistes to give the people exactly what the doctor ordered.

—A. F. Nazareth, Alto Porvorim

—Fr. Michael G. Ex-President, Indian Catechetical Association & Marathi Khristi Sahitya Parishad.

Director, Jeevan Jyoti, Catechetical Centre, Girij, Vasai.

Parish Day Sunday 16-2-2014: All parishioners celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Kalyan (E.) Fr. Epiphancy Castell celebrated the feast mass at 8.30 a.m. in the morning.

There was a get together held in the evening at 6.00 p.m. A record break of 1,000 people attended this evening celebration. The programme was conducted by Mr. Francis with the welcome song ‘Congratulation and Celebration.’ The ‘Wedding March ’

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I feel I must share this news with your readers. Knowing the active role I have played in Anna Hajare movement and the AAP party of Kejarival for last 3 years, I was offered the candidacy of AAP party from Kalyan-Dombivali constituency for forthcoming Lok-sabha elections. I sought support for this venture from my Catholic community, the social activist groups in Vasai whom I have worked with, and also from Archbishop Machado. None of them approved of it. Hence I gave up the plans and offered to AAP just to declare my support and campaign for their candidates.

I would like to see what do your readers say?

began with lots of Couples who spent Happy Married Life for over 25 years along with couples who just married on the same day. Then the New & Old couples cut the cake & had a Balloon Dance.

There after there were several games held for children, youth, boys & girls. There was Beauty contest and Ramp walk in which Rosy D’Mello was the 1st Runner up and Sweety was 2nd.

At last prizes were distributed to all winners. Cake, Mango juices & Dinner was prepared by R.K. Caterers from Kalyan (E.) Biryani, Salad, & Ice-cream were served the programme was ended with a masala dance.

—Norbert Lobo, Kalyan (E.) The Optimist says, "The glass is half full."

The Pessimist says, "The glass is half empty."

The marketing Consultant says, "Your glass needs re-sizing."

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All About Lent

L

ent is that time of year when Catholics smear ash on their fore heads and give up eating chocolate or checking Facebook or watching television, right? That may be the basic view from the outside, but for those who observe it, the season of Lent is a period of penitence that prepares the heart for the celebration of Easter — Christ’s resurrection.

And it’s not the exclusive domain of Catholics. This season of self-examination and self-denial has found favor with Mainline Protestant and evangelical churches, too.

What is Lent?

The word Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, meaning “spring.” It is a contemplative six-week period of fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Thursday with the start of the Triduum (the three-day period including Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday), though the fast continues through Holy Saturday. The period covers 46 days, though in the Western tradition, the six Sundays of Lent are not included as fasting days. These days of Christian Sabbath are instead feast days, bringing the total days of observance to 40.

The regulations of the fast have changed with time. These days, Catholics are obligated to fast (eating only one meal per day) and abstain (meaning no meat) on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, as well as abstaining

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Everything you need to know about Lent from meat each Friday of the season.

Choosing to give up candy or Facebook is just that — a choice. The Catholic Church does not regulate these added penitential practices.

If you’re Catholic (or just Christian-curious) and need a guide, the United States Council of Catholic Bishops created a Lenten calendar, which highlights the essence of season: give

Every year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. During this time, observers practice fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. This is meant to imitate Jesus Christ’s actions and reflect on his life, death and resurrection. up, take up, lift up. Give up material possessions, take up charitable habits, and lift up those in need.

The origins of Lent Lent traces its roots back to the ancient Christian church of the first century. Originally, it was a two-day fast beginning on Good Friday and intended for those preparing for baptism. The 40-day fast has its clearest roots in a discussion at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. Initially, the observance of the fast was quite strict, with dairy products and eggs also being removed from the table. (Many Christians, especially those in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, continue to adhere to such stricter fasts.) But with the passing of centuries, more emphasis was placed on almsgiving and prayer, resulting in loosened definitions of fasting and abstinence.

Lent can also be thanked (or blamed, depending on one’s perspec-

tive) for that raucous celebration now characterized by colorful beads and drunkenness (especially in New Orleans) known as Mardi Gras (literally “Fat Tuesday” in French). It was originally the “last hurrah” during which all the fat in the house was eaten up before the beginning of the fast on Ash Wednesday.

Why 40 days?

In the Bible, 40 is an important number for preparation and testing used to draw the believer closer to God. Some examples: Exodus 34: Moses sat atop Mount Sinai with God for 40 days, without food or water, writing on tablets the covenant known as the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 16: The Israelites suffered 40 years, eating only manna, until they reached the Promised Land.

Mark 4: Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by the devil.

Who is Lent for?

Though people generally assume Lent is just observed by Roman Catholics, it is also a standard practice in many Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, and even evangelical churches.

Still, many Protestants reject the observance of Lent in part because it is nowhere mentioned in the Bible. Many view it as a legalistic practice that emphasizes “salvation by works,” which is thought to be a Catholic doctrine.

When Protestants split from the Catholic Church after the Reformation, many left behind the practices of Lent.

Ulrich Zwingli, a Swiss reformer, led one of the initial protests against Lenten traditions in 1522, arguing that its rules were centered on obeying Rome rather than the gospel.

Martin Luther, the influential Protestant reformer, helped rethink Lenten practices and spoke out against the theology that “good works” could cancel out sin. As per one of hisLenten

17 March 2014

sermons: But the worst of all is that we have adopted and practiced fasting as a good work: not to bring our flesh into subjection; but, as a meritorious work before God, to atone for our sins and obtain grace. And it is this that has made our fasting a stench and so blasphemous and shameful, so that no drinking and eating, no gluttony and drunkenness, could have been as bad and foul. It would have been better had people been drunk day and night than to fast thus.

Christian calendar. He argues that since Baptists already observe a calendar that contains unbiblical observances, including the two feasts of Christmas and Easter that are of patristic origin, observing Lent should be no problem.

Indeed, Harmon believes that Baptists should observe Lent, as it can “help them take up the cross and follow Christ in the midst of a suffering world.”

Why Ash Wednesday?

“Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return.”

That phrase, derived from Gen-

Lent is a liturgical season of the Church year. Beginning with Ash Wednesday and going through until the Holy Triduum, Catholics are asked to go deeper in their relationship with God. The season of Lent is set aside by the Church each year as a way for Catholics, indeed many Christians, to practice devotions which will renew their baptismal promises. At Lent we are invited to spend extra time contemplating our relationships with God and with one another. As we follow Jesus on the Way to the Cross, the Church asks us to shed those external and internal practices which separate us from God. John Calvin, another influential reformer, also criticized Lent as a “superstitious observance” in his Institutes of the Christian Religion. He wrote that Christ’s 40-day fast wasn’t intended to be a model: “It was therefore merely false zeal, replete with superstition, which set up a fast under the title and pretext of imitating Christ.”

An evangelical case for Lent Charles Colson, Watergate “hatchet man” turned evangelical leader, was one of many evangelical leaders to embrace Lent anew in the contemporary era. While many have practiced it, according to Colson, “as a season for giving up chocolate or other extras in order to show God how much we love him,” Colson stressed that Lent is a time of “gospel-centered piety.”

Lenten fasting isn’t about earning God’s favor, he said, “but rather emphasizes simplicity for the sake of others.”

Likewise, Protestant theologian Steven R. Harmon was raised Baptist and assumed that Catholics saw Lent as a requirement for salvation. But while attending seminary, he discovered the

17 March 2014

esis 3:19, is what priests often recite as they mark believers’ foreheads with the cross of ash. (Priests may also recite: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.”) Traditionally, burned palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service are used to make the ashes. (The New Testament records that a crowd waved palm branches, crying “Hosanna!” as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.)

In biblical times, ashes were used to express penitence for sins committed. Job repents“in dust and ashes,”

Who Practices Lent?

Lent is most commonly observed by the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations. The Eastern Orthodox churches also observe Lent, but during the 40 days before Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during Holy Week until Orthodox Easter on April 20.

How can you observe Lent?

Fasting, praying, almsgiving: those are the pillars of traditional Lenten observance. Here are a few ways you can observe Lent, whether you’ve been doing it for years now or this is your first attempt.

If you’re not into the idea of fasting for six weeks, you can consider adding a spiritual discipline to your life. The folks at Bible Gateway suggest the following: choose a theme to center daily prayers on for each day of Lent, donate time to a homeless shelter, or start a Bible reading plan — there’s even one to help you complete the Gospels in 40 days.

If you’re set on giving something up, make it something that you’ll notice — something you may be turning into an idol. Mark Roberts writes about his experience with fasting, and how it can raise awareness of how much we rely on things instead of relying on God. For all Christians who observe it, Lent is intended to deepen one’s ap-

How Is Lent Related To Mardi Gras And Other World Carnivals?

Pre-Lenten festivals like Mardi Gras and other famous Carnivals held in Trinidad & Tobago, Venice and Rio de Janeiro are associated with celebrating before the season of fasting begins.

Jeremiah tells the Israelites to “roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing,” and Daniel turns to God in prayer, fasting and “in sackcloth and ashes.”

The ashes are not intended to be a “holy mark,” but are instead a public acknowledgment of one’s sin and mortality. The shape of the cross reminds believers of their hope in Jesus, who conquered death.

preciation of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. It’s a period of penitence in preparation for the celebration of Easter. In the words of Pope Francis: “Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance.”

Source: On Faith

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Church attendance linked to priest’s credibility: study programme of Communication Studies at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, and teaches at the same University. He is the former secretary & media spokesperson of the Archbishop of Ranchi.

The researcher Sean M. Horan (PhD, West Virginia University) is an Assistant Professor in the College of Communication at DePaul University and studies communication in romantic relationships as well as communication in instructional settings.

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Panaji: The research of a Goan Catholic priest has revealed that a parish priest’s credibility has a direct bearing on Church attendance amongst parishioners.

The study by Pilar Father Peter Raposo reveals that when priests convey competence, trustworthiness, goodwill, closeness, and are both responsive and assertive, parishioners are more engaged in the church service.

Findings of Father Raposo, former

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editor of Vavraddeancho Ixtt, and researcher Dr Sean M Horan were published in the Journal of Communication and Religion. It asserts that perception of priest’s credibility affects parishioners’ responsiveness during church attendance.

The research paper entitled, “Priest as Teacher I: Understanding Source Credibility" examines the role of priests as teachers in the instructional settings of the Catholic Church.

This study is the first in the Priest As Teacher series conducted by the same researchers. In line with the same program of research, the two communication researchers have also examined priests’ communicative misbehaviors, and the effect of parishioners’ nonverbal responsiveness on priests’ performance as teachers, which are currently in the press and due for publication.

The study says that priests ought to have training programs addressing instructional communication practices where priests are trained to communicate credibility and nonverbal immediacy during services, where appropriate, along with responsive behaviours.

Fr Raposo (MA, DePaul University and MA, Sikkim Manipal University) is currently pursuing the doctoral

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17 March 2014

CM Meets Christian Community Representatives

T

he meeting was organised by the state minorities’ commission on 1st of March 2014, where Christian representatives brought up issues the community is facing across the state, such as the lack of burial grounds, atrocities against Christians, and encroachment upon church properties.

Bishop Agnelo Gracias, who was present at the meeting, said: “This is the first time that we got a chance to present our issues to the chief minister.

He was honest and said he would try to do as much as he could.”

Janet D’souza, vice-chairperson of the minorities commission, said the government would organise such sessions with other minorities as well.

Chavan said he would resolve as many issues of the community as possible. “I do not promise I will resolve all issues. Making land available is very difficult in Mumbai,” he said.

“Jagruti Kendra – Jerimeri” Completes 25 Years

“Jagruti Kendra – Jerimeri” a social centre for Justice and Peace at Jerimeri, Kurla, Mumbai celebrated its Silver Jubilee recently on 16th Feb at St. Jude School Ground.

JAGRUTI KENDRA was inaugurated on 1st March 1989. This was the first Centre for Community Organisation

17 March 2014

(CCO) in the Archdiocese of Mumbai, catering to Peace and Justice to all communities. The Social Centre was founded by Sr. Seema strongly supported by Fr. Allwyn D’Silva at Jerimeri St. Jude Parish. Sr. Seema ( from Helpers of Mary congregation) who was sent to start a new religious house at

the invitation of the Archdiocese of Mumbai, had bagged an an opportunity to carry on both pastoral and social activities. Over the years JAGRATI KENDRA has entered many fields of endeavors like Girl Child upliftment, Women empowerment, Youth and (Contd.. on p. 16)

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‘Laghuswapna 2014’ Event Held at Palghar

Abducted Syrian nuns freed in prisoner swap

Syria: About a dozen nuns held by rebels in Syria for more than three months have been released and reached Damascus via Lebanon.

The nuns went missing in December after Islamist fighters took the ancient quarter of the Christian town of Maaloula north of Damascus.

After being held in the Greek Orthodox monastery of Mar Thecla in Maaloula, they were reportedly moved to the rebelheld town of Yabroud, about 13 miles to the north, which is now the focus of a government military operation.

Shortly after the nuns disappeared, Islamist rebels said they had taken them as their "guests" and that they would release them soon.

The Observatory and a rebel source in the area said the release of the nuns had been agreed as part of a swap in which the government would free scores of women prisoners.

"The deal is for the release of 138 women from Assad's prisons," the rebel source said, referring to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

St. John Institute of Management and Research, Palghar, organised an event : ‘Laghuswapna-2014’ in its college campus on 8th March 2014. The program was organised under the Chairmanship of Aldel Education Trust Mr. Albert W. D'Souza. The occasion was graced by Mr. Royston Braganza, CEO, Grameen Capital India as Chief Guest and Mr. Anthony Sequeira of Arcadia Stock Brokers as Guest of Honour. Mr. Thomas Lobo, Dean, Mr. Vinai Kumar MSME, Mr. Rubin Buthello, Dr. S. Krishamoorthy, Rev. Fr. John Rumao were on this dais.

Secretary of Aldel Trust Mrs. Elvina A. D'Souza presented Mementos and flower bouquets to the Guests. The treasurer of Aldel Trust Mrs. Elain R. Buthello proposed Vote of thanks.

Aldel Education Trust is a Christian Religious Minority Trust running several educational institutions at Palghar, Maharashtra. The Colleges are granted Christian Minority Status by the Government of India.

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17 March 2014

Movie Ke Side Effects

J

BY CHHOTEBHAI

ust got back from seeing the movie “Shaadi ke Side Ef fects”, starring Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan. Since it was the last Sunday before Lent, my wife and I decided to pop into a movie theatre. The second reason for going was because I found Vidya Balan gorgeous in “Lage Raho Munnabhai”, and versatile in “Who Killed Jessica Lal?” and “Kahani”.

In June 1975 I had attended a Youth Animators’ Training Programme. One of the things that we had been trained in was film

Film Review criticism. It has held me in good stead over the years. In those days there was no TV, and movies were a major source of entertainment. I would therefore distinguish between watching a movie on TV and in a theatre. A TV programme is interspersed with umpteen commercial breaks and other distractions like phone calls or cooking food. But in a theatre one is surrounded by darkness with one’s full focus or attention on the screen. Hence its undiluted impact is far more intense than when watching the same on TV. This movie was supposed to be a lighthearted comedy (I don’t like heavy stuff anyway), which is what attracted me. It is the story of a newly married couple that “progresses” from light romance to

17 March 2014

an unexpected early bird baby. This throws the marital relationship out of gear, with the baby taking centre stage, and the husband getting increasingly sidelined. The wife is obsessed with the kid. The conflict of interest between a woman’s career and child rearing is also lopsidedly presented. Their lighthearted romance sours and curdles because of the cuddly newcomer.

The “poor husband” feels left out in the cold, and their conjugal intimacy and social life suffers. Enter the marriage counselor, who advises the poor husband to lie and cheat to keep the marriage going.

Mercifully, the lies and cheating are limited to work and social life, not infidelity.

Built on seemingly innocuous lies, the plot goes horrendously wrong. Even a live-in maid takes control, destroying what little hope there is of saving the marriage. Since Hindi movies are supposed to have happy endings, the couple discover

their mistakes before it is too late.

That’s fine for movies.

But it is not how it happens in real life. The real danger therefore is of married couples trying to draw lessons from the movie. An even greater danger is if any of them identifies with the protagonists. It is a sure recipe for suspicion, incrimination and disaster. In the theatre itself I noticed couples enjoying the lighthearted first half of the movie, but becoming increasingly uncomfortable as the plot panned out.

Movies are prone to exaggeration, which passes off. More dangerous is the stereotyping – in this case of the husband as an innocent victim, and of the wife as an insensitive haranguer. The greatest danger ofcourse is the proposition to lie and cheat. I’m not sure if young people who are contemplating marriage, or newly weds, should watch this movie, for the medicine seems worse than the disease. It has too many side effects.

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T

The Annual Walking Race

he Bombay Keraleeya Samaj, one of the oldest sports promoters in Mumbai, held their annual walking races, including the R. G. Nair Memorial Golden Jubilee walking race, around the Shivaji Park, recently.

Nandu Natekar, Indian Badminton icon of the 1950s, was the chief guest of honour, and Dr. Anthony J. F. Sequeira, the Bombay University 10,000 meters walking champion and record holder, sixty years ago, (8-12-1953), was the guest of honour.

Speaking at the prize distribution, Dr. Sequeira praised BKS for conducting these walking races in various age groups for over 60 years. The main event the R. G. Nair memorial golden jubilee race, was in memory of a great sportsman and Bombay's walking champion in the 1930's beating the British Sportsmen, Dr. Sequeira added.

In 1984, Dr. Sequeira, donated a beautiful Silver trophy for the University 20,000 meter walking race but Mr. Sashi Nair, one of the organisers, from Khalsa College in 1974 would have received the trophy if the trophy was presented 10 years earlier.

Walking is the best from of exercise, Dr. Sequeira asserted, He was also repre-

Seen in the picture from L-R: Sashi Nair, Asst. Government Pleader, Bombay High Court and 1974 University 20,000 meters Walking Champion and record holder (Khalsa), Mr. Kishore, the compere, Namdar Natekar (80 yrs), The Chief Guest of Honour, Mr. George John (80 yrs), secretary and Dr. Anthony Sequeira (78 yrs), guest of honour.

sented the Bombay University in Hockey thrice. Dr. Sequeira also congratulated the George John, 80 years old, for participating (and also winning) and later secretary of the annual meet for 60 years.

Mr. Nandu Natekar, 80 years Indian badminton ace of the 1950's seconded Dr. Sequeira's assertion that walking is the best form of exercise and urged the youth to keep fit all their lives.

The Catenian Association - Mumbai Circle

Establishment & Inauguration of The Mumbai Malad Circle364 on 18th February 2014 February 18, 2014, was a day of importance to the Catholics of Mumbai.

Mumbai’s Malad suburb witnessed the inauguration of a Catholic brotherhood,

14

which is part of a bigger international family that begun over a century ago in England. This brotherhood is called the Catenian Association.

It was during the times of Catholic oppression in the U.K. that Louis Charles Casartelli, the Bishop of Salford formed the Catenian Brotherhood at

Manchester in England in 1908. The Cathenians have since spread out to Scotland, Australia, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong. Finally, India too formed various circles, initially in Goa and now in our own Mumbai. These (Contd.. on p. 16)

17 March 2014

Fundamental Flaws in the Synod on the Family

T

he Extraordinary Synod on the Family scheduled for October has captured the attention of the faithful like no other synod. Simply because this time the bishops will be discussing an issue on which the laity are experts.

The enthusiasm of the “laity” is plain to see from the numbers of userfriendly surveys that have spun off from the Vatican questionnaire addressed to the bishops last October. As the Catholic Organizations for Renewal, a US-based partnership of 15 Catholic groups observed in a letter to their bishops, “individual Catholics are hungry to make their voices heard”.

However, a two-day meeting held on February 20 and 21 to discuss the Church’s pastoral approach to the family was exclusively for cardinals. One can only hope that in the run up to the synod, there will be more consultations that include representatives of families to provide inputs and insights.

My own reading of the questionnaire found two critical lacunae. As a woman functioning in an interfaith family for the past 25 years in a subcontinent where women form the anawim or “poor ones” - vulnerable, exploited, marginalized, I felt excluded. I found no attempt to elicit information about the status of women in the family, a factor so crucial to the health of the family.

How can the family be a "domestic church" in countries like India when the birth of a girl is lamented and prevented? How can a daughter encounter Christ in the family when she is denied the same education and inheritance as her brother, and sold for a dowry? How is it possible for a mother to nurture a family when there is no food for her to eat, or her health is neglected because she is expendable?

With what integrity can one speak of responsible parenthood in a culture that makes a woman the property of her husband, to be used and abused

17 March 2014

as he pleases, bearing child after child without the resources to sustain life?

What are the repercussions on a woman’s psychological and physical health when a husband demands sex irrespective of whether she wants it or not?

The chilling statistics of the Indian woman are her cry to God -- a child sex ratio of 914 females to 1,000 males (the lowest since independence), which is considerably lower in many states; among the highest pregnancy-related deaths in the world; an infant mortality rate that stands at 42 deaths per 1,000 live births with one in every 22 infants in rural areas dying within one year of life; more than twothirds of married women aged between 15 to 49 beaten, raped or forced to provide sex in marriage, a good number believing that occasional wife beating is justified and that there can never be rape within marriage. What does evangelization mean in such circumstances?

Interfaith marriages were another silent zone in the questionnaire. In India the number of interfaith marriages is increasing, ranging from more than 20 percent in Mumbai to 70 percent in certain parts of north India. The Japanese bishops cite a similar situation with 76 percent of their flock marrying people of other faiths. Unfortunately the focus of the questionnaire was on

BY ASTRID LOBO GAJIWALA divorced Catholics and same-sex unions. I wish there had been more sensitivity to the concerns of Asia.

As I read the questionnaire sent

by Rome it occurred to me that the concerns of interfaith couples are similar to those for divorced.

It needs to be said that while much is made of the Church’s openness to people of other religions, for interfaith couples the ground reality is different. In India, Catholics in interfaith marriages are made to feel that they have done something wrong.

Parish priests censure the Catholic partner making it difficult to approach the Church for marriage counseling.

And of course, the marriage is not a sacrament.

Sadly, there is no recognition of the interfaith family as a sign of the times and an occasion for the new evangelization. Consequently there is no care for the Catholic partner who in fact requires special support in her journey of faith. The welcome mat is out only if the children are baptized.

That is a triumph for the Church and it makes me wonder, have we moved at all from our triumphant past?

Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala is head of the Tissue Bank at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai and a lay theologian and activist Source: ucanews

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(Contd.. from p. 11) Women training for various jobs, craft, art, tailoring etc, social awareness in the area for HIV/ AIDS, medical assistance to the poor and needy by organizing free medical camps and provision of free medical treatment, fighting for water supply, electricity supply, unauthorized demolitions, violence on women, girls etc.

The function was presided over

by Bishop Bosco Penha. The Lighting of Silver Jubilee Lamp was done by Bishop Bosco, Fr. Lancy Pinto. Sr. Seema, Fr. Allwyn, Fr. Barthol, Fr. Michael, Fr. John and others. The function began with a prayer service for all communities like Sikh, Islam, Hindu, Christian etc., to symbolize the Unity in Diversity. Fr.Lancy Pinto, Dr. Sayed, Br. Rocky, Br. Joseph and others conducted the prayer service.

Gulshan, Nazny and Jagruti Kendra Staff presented welcome Song. John Mascarenhas, Francis Chettiar and Hindi Choir Group sung Bhajans, Hymns and Social Awareness Songs relevant to the Silver Jubilee Celebration. Children presented action songs and prayer dance, while women from various zones presented social justice songs. St. Jude Parishioners presented various dances to the tunes of Tamil, Konkani and Hindi language. Most of the Sisters and priests who served Jagruti Kendra were felicitated alongwith Jagruti Kendra staff members, Silver Jubilee committee members like Sr. Seema, Fr.Nelson, Anthony Raj, Augustin Kuttikat, Sr. Tejaswini, Mamata Chettiar, Rani Chettiar, Gulshan, Flora Dsouza, Stella, Varghese and many others.

Fr. Nelson Saldanha ( Parish Priest of St. Jude and Present Manager of Jagruti Kendra ) proposed vote of thanks, while Bishop Bosco Penha congratulated and appreciated the founder Members and Present Team members for their good work. Sr. Seema (Director of Jagruti Kendra) presented a general report by way of Slide Show. Santhosh Lobo and Kala Wagdhare compered the programme.

The function ended with the national anthem followed by dinner.

Report: John Mascarenhas – Jerimeri.

16

(Contd.. from p. 14) circles have the approval of the Roman Catholic church.

The focus is on brotherhood is supported by regular fellowship and strengthening of the family. Positively stated, it is the 4 F’s – Faith, Family, Fellowship and Friendship – that constitutes the essence of the Association.

The membership is open only to practicing Roman Catholics.

Each local unit is called a Circle.

The circles, the world over, join into a Catena (meaning ‘chain’ in Latin). Each link supports the other. The Emblem of the Catenian Association reflects this. It is a chain in circular form with a Faith Cross at its center.

Some people wonder why it is to be Brotherhood only and not a Sisterhood. If one were to ask the Catenian wives this question, one would receive a convincing, yet simple answer. They are immensely happy with the change this association has brought in their men. The families have grown more stable. The significant drop in divorce among Catenian couples bears witness to this. The men become more Church oriented or even Church workers, where before, mostly the wives did that. They initiate family prayers too.

And, of course, the sisters are present for almost every function, except the monthly meetings and they in fact organize any Catenian function. It needs to be noted that the Catenian Association is not a business network. It goes beyond to health, personal needs, career, and even the matrimonial needs of the children. In addition their activities also include working for clergy and vocations.

In structure, each circle operates independently, and is generally a NPO Trust or equivalent, like the Societies in India. The India Area Council that is formed of existing circles lovingly nurtures a new circle in its first few months.

A Council consisting of a President, Secretary, Treasurer and five other designated office bearers, heads each Circle.

More Circles are planned for Mumbai. And Mumbai members with their multicultural presence intend to take it all over India. This organization first came to India in 2009, when a

Goan born British, Dr. William Britto, gathered a few men in Goa and introduced this concept to them. From there on, Goa has grown to five circles (their groups are called circles) till date. But now, Mumbai Catholics should be proud about the first Catenian circle in Mumbai that is in Malad. The introductory meeting for Mumbai’s first circle took place in August 2013 at Andheri, while Malad was chosen as the starting point.

The members and families of the newly inaugurated Mumbai - Malad Circle 364 were privileged by the esteemed presence of the Most Reverend Agnelo Gracias, Auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai & Rev. Fr. Daniel Fernandes from Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Orlem, Malad(W) in their midst. Also present were 18 delegates and their wives from United Kingdom, Malta, Australia, South Africa and Goa. The function began at 5 pm with a con-celebrated Mass followed by a well organized meeting, which was chaired by the Grand President Bro. John Rayer from UK. During the meeting the new members and the Council members of the newly formed Circle pledged to abide by the tenets of the Catenian Association. This most orderly and disciplined meeting was appreciated by all those who were present including Bishop Agnelo and Fr. Daniel.

The meeting was followed by a grand celebration. It started with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the Grand President followed by a welcome address by the President of Malad Circle, Bro. Joseph Rozario. Bro. William Britto, President of India Area Council then addressed the gathering and appreciated the Malad Circle for its efforts. The keynote address was given by the Grand President Bro. John Rayer in which he explained the finer aspects of the Catenian organization. Bro. Charles Crasto, Secretary of Malad Circle then proposed the vote of thanks.

This formal start was followed by a Grand March led by the Grand President with his spouse and joined by all the couples present. The function ended with a sumptuous dinner close to midnight with everyone agreeing that it was truly a night to remember the night Mumbai Malad Circle 364 was born!

17 March 2014

7 Ways Leaders Maintain Their Composure in Difficult Times

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eaders need to show more com posure than ever before in the workplace. With the change management requirements, increased marketplace demands and intensifying competitive factors that surround us, leaders must have greater poise, agility and patience to minimize the impact of uncertainty. How leaders respond to these and other growing pressures is an indicator of their leadership preparedness, maturity and acumen.

The composure of a leader is reflected in their attitude, body language and overall presence. In today’s evolving business environment, it is clear that leadership is not only about elevating the performance, aptitude and development of people – but more so about the ability to make people feel safe and secure. Employees have grown tired of working in survival mode and thus want to be part of a workplace culture where they can get back to doing their best work without the fear of losing their jobs.

I worked with a colleague that lacked composure and was always in a panic. Though he had tremendous credentials, he lacked the ability to remain calm and thus often made his employees feel uneasy. His leadership role was just too big for what he was capable of handling. He was often too dramatic and the smallest of problems launched him into crisis management

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mode. Needless to say, his wasn’t an effective leadership that could deal with real crisis and change. Because he was unable to reinvent himself and adapt to the unexpected, his tenure was short-lived.

The 21st century leader sees adversity through the lens of opportunity.

Rather than panic, a leader with composure takes a step back and begins to connect the dots of opportunity within adverse circumstances. These types of leaders quickly detect the causes of adversity and solve for them immediately. They then enable the opportunities previously unseen that could have avoided the adversity to begin with.

Many times crisis results when composure is missing.

The next time a problem arises, ask yourself if you or your leader could have shown a greater sense of composure and avoided the problem from surfacing.

When leading – especially during times of uncertainty and adversity, crisis and change – you must avoid showing any signs of leadership immaturity or lack of preparedness that will make your employees feel unsafe and insecure. Here are seven ways to maintain leadership composure during the most pressure-packed moments:

1. Don’t Allow Your Emotions to Get in the Way Seasoned leaders know not to

wear their emotions on their sleeves.

They don’t yell or get overly animated when times get tough. These types of leaders have such emotional self-control that even their body language does not give them away.

When you allow your emotions to get in the way, employees interpret this as a sign you are not being objective enough and too passionate about the situation at hand. Strong-willed leaders can maintain their composure and still express concern and care, but not to the point that their emotions become a distraction – or that they can’t responsibly handle the issues at hand.

2. Don’t Take Things Personally Leaders shouldn’t take things personally when things don’t go their way.

Business decisions and circumstances don’t always play out logically because office politics and other dynamics factor into the process.

As a leader, remain calm and don’t get defensive or think that you always must justify your thinking and actions.

When you begin to take things personally, it’s difficult to maintain your composure and make those around you believe that you have things under control. In fact, when leaders take issues too close to heart, they allow the noise and politics around them to suffocate their thinking and decision-making capabilities.

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3. Keep a Positive Mental Attitude Employees are always watching their leader’s actions, behavior, relationships and overall demeanor. During the most difficult of times, leaders must maintain a positive mental attitude and manage a narrative that keeps their employees inspired and hopeful. This is where your leadership experience and resolve can really shine – by staying strong, smiling often and authentically exhibiting a sense of compassion.

Leaders set the tone for the organization they serve. A positive attitude can neutralize chaos and allow a leader to course correct through any negativity. Employees feed off the attitude of these leaders during times of uncertainty. Keep a positive mental attitude and never stop moving forward. Stay focused on building positive momentum for the betterment of the healthier whole

4. Remain Fearless When leaders project confidence, they instill it in others. During uncertain times, leaders must remain fearless and project a cool persona that communicates composure to those they lead.

I’ve been through ups and downs in my career and have learned that when you begin to fear adverse circumstances, you not only put yourself in a position of vulnerability, but it becomes extremely difficult to act rationally and objectively. When you panic, you mentally freeze and your mind loses focus.

When you begin to get fearful, ask yourself: What is the worst possible thing that can happen? If you are objective about it and have the will and confidence to face it, you will eventually realize that the situation is manageable and can be resolved.

Faced with adversity several times over, your fears will eventually vanish and uncertainty will become your best friend.

5. Respond Decisively Leaders who maintain their composure will never show any signs of

18

doubt. They speak with conviction, confidence and authority – whether they know the answer or not! With their delivery alone, they give their employees a sense that everything is under control.

Recently, Mack Brown, the former coach of the University of Texas (UT) football team, was put under a lot of pressure to resign as a result of his team underperforming in 2013. Though the University handled his forced resignation poorly – considering Mr. Brown had coached the team successfully for the past 16 years – his decisiveness the day he announced his resignation made you feel that his transition out of the job was a positive thing for the university. Human nature will tell you that he must have been hurting inside, but his decisiveness and presence of mind made those that were watching him speak believe that the future looked bright for UT football.

6. Take Accountability Leaders are most composed during times of crisis and change when they are fully committed to resolving the issue at hand. When you are accountable, this means that you have made the decision to assume responsibility and take the required steps to problem solve before the situation gets out of hand.

When leaders assume accountability, they begin to neutralize the problem and place the environment from which it sprung on pause – much like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie did when he announced that he did not have any prior knowledge of the decision his aides made to close down access lanes to the George Washington Bridge. Though there may be legal woes to come, the manner in which he handled the initial news conference (temporarily) neutralized the crisis – as he answered all of the reporters’ questions and took full responsibility and accountability to punish the perpetrators and keep something like this from happening again.

7. Act Like You Have Been There Before Great leaders know that one of

the most effective ways to maintain composure during difficult times is to act like you have been there before.

Leaders that act to show they have been through the problem solving process numerous times before are those with strong executive presence who approach the matter at hand with a sense of elegance and grace. They are patient, they are active listeners, and they will genuinely take a compassionate approach to ease the hardships that anyone else is experiencing.

Just ask any technical support representative. When you are on the phone with them, their job is to make you feel that even your most difficult challenges can be easily resolved.

They are there to calm you down and give you hope that your problem will soon be solved. Pay attention to their demeanor and how they are masters at soothing your frustrations. They always act to show that they have been there before; their composure puts your mind at ease.

It’s easy to lose composure during times of crisis and change if you let concern turn into worry and worry turn into fear. By maintaining composure, the best leaders remain calm, cool and in control – enabling them to step back, critically evaluate the cards that they have been dealt and face problems head-on. A show of composure also puts those you lead at ease and creates a safe and secure workplace culture where no one need panic in the face of adversity.

As the saying goes, “Keep Calm and Carry On!

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17 March 2014

Helpful Hint

T

he winter season is known for cold and cough problems, nose blockage, sore throat and itching in the throat. Thoothuvalai (Trilobatum) leaves act as a wonderful medicine for these problems.

Method: After removing the vein and the thorns in the leaf and the stem, they have to be kept under a shadow and dried. After drying, they (the leaves) have to be powdered. If the powdered Thoothuvalai leaves are taken in a measure of 1 gram every day twice after food mixed with honey, the chest cold, sore throat and nose blockage will go away.

Besides curing cold and cough, it also induces a good appetite. It can also be taken mixed with a little milk. — Jubel D'Cruz, Dombivili

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Carry Your Cross Jesus Carried His He Carries the Cross Today All of us share the same faith, We are called to mission, We are called to love, We are all given a cross to bear And the means with which To carry that cross.

If you are helping others, You are in a very real sense, A Missionary.

You could be a home missionary Or a co-missionary, But definitely, 'One who is sent'.

Remember, that every event in our lives Is specially designed And life is what we make of it, So let us face life as Jesus did, More willingly and more readily.

Following His Spirit where we are led, May Jesus help us understand, That what we do to others, We do to Him. Turn to Mary She teaches us to be strong in adversity.

Understand her grief, The emptiness in her heart, The helplessness she felt, In walking and watching her Son, On his way to Calvary.

Ask her to be your Mother, When you experience brokenness, Pain and loss in your lives, She will always be Our model and guide, She will show that peace within, Means to accept with love, What God has planned for us And to always be able to say, 'Yes, Lord' Amen.

—Ella Almeida 17 March 2014

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MATRIMONIALS MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 36 years, Ht. 6’ 1”, Wt. 75 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. M.Com., working as a Senior Manager. Contact email : roshan.dsouza28@gmail.com OR 9323149299 (Regd. No. 6061) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 34 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish Complexion Edn. B.Com., working as a Manager. Only Child. Contact email : loyvaz@gmail.com OR 8806930925 (Regd. No. 6059) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 39 years, Ht. 5’ 9”, Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. HSC + 3 years Diploma in Graphic Designing, working as a Graphic Designer.

Contact email : nav_1874@yahoo.co.in OR 9819494541 (Regd. No. 6057) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 43 years, Ht. 5’ 1”, Wt. 52 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. SSC+2 years ITI, in Draughtmanship (Mechanical), working as a Cad Draughtsman.

Contact email : saviodias10@gmail.com OR 9869619286 (Regd. No. 6056) POONA : Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 35 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 65 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.Sc., + Certified Fumigation Operator, Having own business.

Seeks a fair good looking girl willing to settle in Poona. Contact email : nelsoncarvalho@rediffmail.com OR 9096466322 / 8600528122 (Regd No. 6020) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 39 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 80 kgs, Wheatish Complexion,

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Edn. MBA, Having own Business.

Contact email : cmaneckji@gmail.com OR 28928350 (Regd. No. 5931) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 34 years, Ht. 5’ 8”, Wt. 60 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. Diploma in Hotel Management, working on the ship.

Contact email : marshallliberty007@yahoo.com OR 9769775073 / 9819442577. (Regd. No. 5928) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 33 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 30 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 Divorcee, 1st marriage in annulled by the church, aged 34 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) MUMBAI : Goan RC Bachelor, aged 27 years. Ht. 5’ 10”, Wt. 55

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

kgs., Fair Complexion, Edn. T.Y.B.Com., Working as a Sr. Collection Advisor. Contact Email : perpthevirgo@yahoo.co.in OR 9821302840 (Regd. No. 5919) MUMBAI : Tamilian RC Divorcee, aged 48 years. Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 66 kgs., Fair Complexion, Edn. B.Com., BBA., MBA (Finance), working as a Finance Manager.

Seeks a suitable Match. Contact Email : talentedgradewisdom@yahoo.com OR 9819939479 / 9930559783 (Regd. No. 5914) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Bachelor, aged 31 years, Ht. 5’, 4”, Wt. 65 kgs, Wheatish Complexion,Edn. PGDBM working as a Sr. Manager in MNC in Mumbai. Well settled, having own accommodation, looking for a suitable match. Contact email : lewellyndias@gmail.com OR 9820467452 (Regd. No. 5759) MUMBAI : Mangalorean RC Bachelor, aged 41 years, Ht. 5’ 8’, Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. 10th std., working abroad as a Technican. Contact : 25945356 (Regd. No. 5708) MUMBAI : Goan RC Bachelor, aged 30 years, Ht. 5.’ 10”, Wt. 70 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. 1st class Dip. Auto Engg., working as a Sales Asst., Contact Tel.: 0250-2348711 (Regd. No. 5799) 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 17 March 2014

MATRIMONIALS MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’1”, Wt. 50 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.Com., Dip. in 3D animation, working. Contact email : nisha.britto@gmail.com OR 9967366434 (Regd. No. 6063) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 26 years, Ht. 5’3”, Wt. 56 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.A., Animation (Dip.) working as a Animation. Contact email : profileb9@gmail.com OR 9819680299 (Regd. No. 6062) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 24 years, Ht. 5’5”, Wt. 53 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. Graduate in Interior Designer, working as a Interior Designer.

Contact email : annie_paul_anna@yahoo.co.in OR 9322145137 (Regd. No. 6060) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 33 years, Ht. 5’5”, Wt. 58 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.E., (Computers) working as a Software Engineer. Contact email : catalyst.nirmala@gmail.com OR 9820445461 (Regd. No. 6058) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 39 years, Ht. 5’2”, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. T.Y. B.Com., working as a Computer Operator A/c’s department. Contact email : mechellefernandes17@hotmail.com OR 26512369 (Regd. No. 6055) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 26 years, Ht. 5’4”, Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish Complexion,

Royal Christian Family Helps In Choosing The Right Life-Partner

Serving Since 32 Years 17 March 2014

Edn. B.D.S., (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) Dentist by profession.

Contact email : rlynnalmeida@gmail.com OR 9004405758 (Regd. No. 6054) MUMBAI : East Indian R.C. Spinster, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. Post Graduate HR, working as HR Executive for MNC. Contact Email : simikien@gmail.com OR 9819040031 (Regd. No. 6046) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’ 3”, Wt. 52 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. M.A. English, working as a education counsellor. Seeks a Goan or East Indian bachelor, below 33 years.Contact email : sraddha1411@gmail.com OR 9819336282 (Regd. No. 6038) MUMBAI : Goan Roman Catholic Spinster, aged 32 years, Ht. 5’ 2”, Wt. 55 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. M.A. MBA. in Finance business management, working as a Vice President in Bank in U.K. Seeks a well settled educated bachelor from U.K. Contact Mob.: 9920291399 (Regd. No. 6036) MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman Catholic Spinster, 28 years, Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 54 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.E., M.B.A., working as a Marketing Professioanl, Well settled, Seeks a suitable Mangalorean boy, below 30 years, Well qualified. Contact Email : theo_valli@yahoo.co.in OR 8452870455 (Regd. No. 5867) MUMBAI : Goan R.C. Spinster, aged 26 years, Ht. 5’ 2”, Wt. 60 kgs, Tan Complexion, Edn. B.Sc + PGDQA, working as a QA Personnel in Pharmaceutical, Seeks a good looking, understanding, responsible, well settled bachelor.

Contact email : renmail1987@yahoo.co.in OR 9892394604 (Regd. No. 6006) AHMEDABAD : Goan R.C. Spinster, Wheatish, slim, good looking, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 49 kgs, Edn. B.A., PGDMFI, Pursuing MBA, working as a Senior Officer in Bank. Seeks a educated, well settled bachelor from decent and respectable family. Contact email : steffi8138@gmail.com / jerrypeter02@yahoo.com OR 07922162694 (Regd. No. 6004)

Parents of R.C. Mangalorean Spinster, 32 years age, Ht. 5’ 4”, Wheatish Complexion, B. Engg. Mumbai University, software Engineer, working abroad (E.U.) since 5 years, seeks the alliance from well qualified R.C. Bachelors preferably Mangaloreans / Goans with sound health and good family backgrounds. Age around 3236 years. Relocation / transfer possible. Available for personal contact in April 2014.

Please contact Mob.:

09869627640

email : newalliance09@gmail.com Address your replies to :

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

Please renew your membership at lease a month in advance before its expiration date.

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A Benediction For His Coming Passion

T

he journey for the Jewish nation from belief to spiritual insight was shaken with the arrival of Jesus, Savior of humankind – the Messiah. The prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus and his passion (Is.53:2-7). The yoke of our sins burden Christ in agony, pain, temptation and eventual crucifixion. In his mission and ministry Jesus was always firm. He spread the Word of God, and drawing on tradition he would say, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Mat. 5:17).

It’s worth noting that the theological study to understanding the early Jewish mind enshrined in the Messianic syndrome would be to decipher its conservative convictions. The essential beliefs of the faith are via, fear of God, hope, hardship, devotion and sacrifice. The emphasis on One God who spoke, led, punished and rewarded his people, enriched the focus and expectancy for the Messiah who would deliver the Jewish people as prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. Dismissing the idea of reform in any way, the Jews chose a phrase which many generations later St. Augustine said, “Ever ancient, and ever new”.

This, however, was not to be per se, not in the mystical writings on Kabbalah or in the works of the 16th century rabbi Isaac Luria. What did happen was a clue in the Torah’s assurance for the coming Messiah. The theological and cultural continuity was to witness a challenge the Jews cannot and will not accept: the arrival of Jesus the Messiah.

This week’s Gospel draws our attention to the man born blind. Although the man was not able to see he heard of Jesus from every corner of the street as people praised Christ as a prophet. For many days the blind man prayed for Jesus to pass along the

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path where he lay. Finally, when he decided to quell his hopes to ever be able to confront Jesus – the unexpected happened: Jesus, along with his apostles saw the blind man. One of the disciples questioned the master. : Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

For a moment Jesus stopped, turned to his follower and replied: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.” (Jn 9:13).The blind man was making a testimony of suffering. “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”(Jn.9:5). The crowd following

Fourth Week of Lent Jesus heard every word spoken and their faith grew strong in Him. As the master went closer to the man the crowd moved aside. Jesus bent down and took mud mixed with saliva, placing it on the man’s eyes. “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which means Sent)” (Jn.9:7).

The blind man was helped to his feet by a few onlookers, who led him to the pool. He washed and returned, being able to see. He was now spiritually and physically ‘seeing’. He became a follower of the Lord and a great believer in the new faith. The orthodox Jews called for the blind man’s parents to confirm that he had been born blind. Still they did not believe. “He is of age; ask him” (Jn.9:23) his parents told the Jews, as they were afraid of them. Anyone who said Jesus was the Messiah was always thrown out of the synagogue.

The Jews present on the spot made fun of the once blind man. They tried to force him to say he was Jesus’ disciple. “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. (Jn.9:28). A few moments later the Pharisees came

BY MELVYN BROWN

together in their flowing white robes.

They wore stern faces on wrinkled cheeks. They too, were determined to investigate the incident. The Pharisees argued, how can a man perform such a thing on the Sabbath ? They turned to the man in question and asked him, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened”, the man replied, ‘He is a prophet’ “(Jn.9:17).

For a second time the elders among the Jews called for the man and asked him to give praise to God, adding, that the man Jesus was a sinner. The man replied, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” (Jn.9:25). The elders chased him out.

When Jesus was told about the elders and the questions they plagued the man with ; the master went to meet him. He asked him, “Do you believe in the Son of man?” At first the question surprised the man. He wanted to know who this “Son of Man” was. Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” Immediately the man replied, “Lord, I believe” (Jn.9:35-38).

The benediction for Our Lord’s coming is unfolding before our eyes.

We cannot any longer be spiritually blind. The blessing we receive by His suffering is the salvation He gives us.

His mercy and abundant forgiveness is a gift to us. His mission-ministry given to us to evangelize and make His Good News reach the corners of earth is our blessing. The benediction goes on…..

This week, listen to spiritual hymns in meditation. Jesus’ passion is a legacy to live by. St. Paul once said: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1cor.15:58).

Jesus is the Light: He will remove your blindness, if you let him.

17 March 2014

The Secular Citizen and Divo Weekly Friendly Group Organising

18 days 9 Countries Tour of WESTERN EUROPE

Italy, Vatican, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain Highlights: Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Museum, St. Peter's Basilica. Veneice, Padova - St. Anthony's Shrine, Assisi - St. Francis Shrine, Rome - Coloseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, St. John the Latern Church, St. Mary Major Church, St. Paul Church, Holy Steps, Rotondo - Padre Pio. Engelbert - Mt. Titlis with Titlis Rotair and Ice Flyer. Cologne - Schaffhausen Rhine Falls, Cathedral.

Amsterdam - Brussels. Parish - Eiffel Tower, Lourdes - Catholic pilgrimage centre. Loyola - St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fatima - visit Our Lady of Fatima Church, visit to holy sites. and more.

Includes all important sights and pilgrimage centres

Group Leaving on 19th May 2014 Includes O Airfare O Visas O Accommodation in Hotels O Travel Insurance O Luxury A/C coach O sightseeing O Tips & Gratuities O Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner O Water O English Speaking Licensed Guide.

A Few Seats Are Available, Book Early

For more details Contact :

The Secular Citizen / Divo : 22693578, 22654924

Susan: 9820473103 O Cyprian : 9821589600, 28899609 O John : 9820384060 17 March 2014

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RNI No. 56987/92

Come, make the best choice of your life-Partner

Published on every Monday & Posted on Monday & Tuesday of every week Posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office, Mumbai - 400001.

17 March 2014

Registered No. MH/MR/South-139/2012-14

Royal Christian Family happy to announce the next

GET-TOGETHER

Places are limited!

Book Your Seat Early !!

of Brides and Grooms on Sunday 6th April 2014 from 10 A. M. to 4 P.M. at, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050.

A grand gathering to get acquainted with boys and girls of matching age group who are in search of a suitable Life-Partner of their choice with an ultimate view to matrimony.

O Participants list and other details will be sent 15 days prior to the get-together.

O Lunch, snacks, etc, will be provided at the Get-together.

O Royal Christian Family is having the experience of organising over 60 get-togethers O The meet covers good family boys and girls

in the past.

Royal Christian Family 99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Near GPO., Fort, Mumbai 400001 Tel.: 022 - 22693578, 22654924 Email: secular@vsnl.com, secular@sezariworld.com

Creating future leaders in the community through the project:

‘Leaders in the Making and Reaching to the Top’ Youth are the pillars upon which a nation’s future is built. It is true that in this challenging era of globalisation, our youth must be nurtured, educated and guided towards the right path. There is a need for the youth of our community to strengthen their faith by adopting the right mindset and acquiring a wealth of knowledge.

With this objectives in mind we have been conducting special youth seminars entitled ‘Leaders in the Making and Reaching to the Top’ since 10 years. So far over 8000 youth have participated and benefited in the 12 seminars which have been guided by expert resource persons. Guiding our youth as effective future leaders and shine in top positions within and outside the country is our dream which we want to turn it into reality, The Entire project is conducted absolutely Free for the participants.

This appeal is an invitation specially for people who are concerned about our youth and their bright future to be a part of this project : THE SECULAR CITIZEN 99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Fort, Mumbai 400001.

Tel.: 22693578, 22654924 Emails: secular@vsnl.com / secular@sezariworld.com 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 17 March 2014 Printers: The Secular Citizen, Fort, Mumbai 400001. Editor : Philip Myaboo

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