Anti-Christian atrocities must end
Sir, We often hear of atrocities against Christians at large in many pockets of India. While secular India gives the impression of protecting the minorities, not much concrete and swift action is forthcoming when vandals desecrate places of Christian worship; and at other times, outrageous fatwas are issued, as in the latest case of Srinagar’s self-styled Sharia Court.
Ecumenism
Sir, The Examiner (January 12, 2012) is a rich source of information on the all important subject of Ecumenism in our land. Of great practical importance is the article, ‘A DIOCESAN ECUMENICAL COMMISSION’ by Fr Gilbert de Lima.
The urgency of Ecumenism, particularly by means of an effective and creative Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, as decreed by the Vatican on March 25, 1993, is aptly stressed in the following opening sentences: “Given the fact that Christians form the third largest percentage of the Indian population, when united, we are indeed a force to reckon with. The need for us, therefore, is to present a united face, and collaborate together at various levels, on different issues in the interest of the nation.”
This information is of great benefit to the Catholic Christian Community, especially the relevant Nos 42, 43 & 44 of “The Directory for Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism”, issued by the Holy See 19 years ago, together with the valuable comments by the author in italics.
Forthcoming Archdiocesan Consultation
Sir, Our Cardinal has announced “a Consultation later this year. It will be similar in many ways to our last Archdiocesan Synod, but modified to suit our present-day situation and needs.”
A questionnaire should be designed to study (a) how far the last Synod has been implemented and how fruitful it has been; (b) what are the present needs in the light of the increasing secularisation, globalisation and laws that are destructive of the Church’s concept of marriage and the family; (c) the educational apostolate in the light of structural injustice, corruption and the urgent needs of the oppressed/marginalised in our country.
Tribute to Deacon Jerome
Sir, Namrata’s touching tribute to her Dad, Deacon Jerome (The Examiner Jan 7, 2012) evoked warm memories of my 35-year-old association with Jerome through the various Associations of the Archdiocese. I truly believe that the one the Lord loves the most, is called sooner to His heavenly home, and the Lord must have welcomed Jerome thus: “Well done, good and faithful servant, your reward will be great in heaven.”
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Do we need Corporators?
Sir, BMC Election Fever is on. Preparations are in full swing - political parties, sitting corporators, individuals and others are wooing voters, highlighting their achievements. The common man is made to feel important. In the midst of all this however, a thought comes to mind— should we have ‘corporators’ in the first place? What is the role of a ‘municipal corporator’? What is the contribution of corporators towards efficient working of the Municipal Corporation? How do the corporators utilise the huge ‘Development Funds’ allotted to them for their wards? Is there any civic utility that is being properly maintained – roads and footpaths are in a miserable condition for years together, inequitable water supply distribution, dirty streets, etc.
The Church and Nuclear Energy
Sir, I have seen reports that the Catholic Church is actively supporting the agitation against the nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu. The Church has absolutely no competence to decide on the safety aspects of nuclear energy, and the safety aspect is not a matter of faith and morals. It does have a responsibility to promote the Common Good, irrespective of the faith of the common man. Safety is best left to the experts.
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Mae de Deus Boas Festas - 10th Anniversary
Sir, On May 1, 2011, Saligaokars in Mumbai assembled at Mt Mary’s Basilica to mark the 10th anniversary of the Mae de Deus Boas Festas. Fr Julian Saldanha, a Saligaokar and Faculty at the Diocesan Seminary celebrated the Mass and delivered an inspiring homily. Severina led the youthful choir, ending in an excellent finale of singing Mae de Deus Saibini. A special feature of the anniversary celebration was the well-worded Prayers of the Faithful read with deep piety by Dom Fernandes.
An Appeal
Sir, I belong to St Jude’s Church, Jeri-Meri (E), and am suffering from kidney failure, requiring Haemodialysis for both kidneys thrice a week. The entire treatment at Sai Vilayatrai Hospital will cost Rs 6000/- per month which is quite prohibitive. If you can help, then it is possible to transplant my kidney. My husband is a paralysed patient, bed-ridden since the last four years. I have a son studying in Std VII. There is no one in my family to help me.
