THE IRRESISTIBLE ATTRACTION

It sounds funny though, but get yourself back as a three or four year old boy or girl and watch yourself how you used to measure the height, wrists, hands, legs and compare it with your dad’s and mum’s and brothers, sisters or friends. I did it a lot. The desire to be an adult, wanting to be like dad/mum or the older guys is just irresistible. This applies also to imitations. This desire to be older seemed to continue to grow even stronger unto late teenage years. Every New Year gives you HOPE to the imagined liberation, if you agree to what I intend is acceptable. The only problem is that the year comes so slow and so late. The waiting can be excruciating for the little ones to go out to see the world and especially for those whose days at school are not so kind.

But get to any older guys and you see just the contrary. How one wish that the year be little longer and slower, for he thinks that a year has just began and another year has come in so fast and he is so conscious that a year is been reduced from his stipulated life span. So he is sad that a new year has come in to take away part of him.

This play of human behaviour sometimes intrigues me. On the one hand the irresistible attraction to move forward as the young do and the defined resistance of the old in facing the reality of time on the other.

I can gather only one conclusion to it. If there is no GOD and if there is nothing to hope for, this outright resistance is bound to persist. In a sense, time is God. If you are conscious of time, you are conscious of God. And if you are conscious of God, you appreciate the value of time.

Let us Welcome the Year 2011 gratefully. Because if we are young there is so much to grow and if we are older there is so much to offer.

Guys, Have A Wonderful Time At The Thanksgiving And The Welcoming Of The New Year 2011.

SHUT HIM OUT OR PULL HIM IN

It is two days away from celebrating the grand Birth Day and everyone is on high as it should be. And I am here trying to be good or that is what you think by doing some good acts of charity: to make few courtesy calls, say hi to few people around or whatever. And there you go. Going around the neighborhood, you meet a mother struggling with two growing disabled teenagers and a sick husband preparing to undergo a surgery with a tumor in the stomach, and you are expected to wish them to have a wonderful Christmas Celebrations. You enter into another house and here is a couple practically incapacitated, the husband immobile for the last seven years, neither can he move his lips to speak nor make himself comfortable on the bed to sleep. All he has is his eyes to communicate. And the wife seated on the wheel chair for the last five years with paralytic legs and broken hands. But you are there to wish them and the daughter who nurses them all the very best for the joyful celebrations. This must be a great joke. 

I am not been pessimistic or have any intention to be sentimental. I just see my situation, my helplessness and uselessness in these situations. I can avoid it and go about as though these realities don’t exist and preach wonderful Christmas sermons. But I felt a real sense of fulfillment- taking Jesus in the Holy Communion to these people, to be able to accompany them in a little way - to help them to put themselves in the place of Jesus – who was helpless, hopeless and lost on the cross and at the stable. Christmas for them will be to be able to be Jesus in some sense – totally dependent on others and for those who care will be an opportunity to be with the human face of Jesus. In this sense, we still have lots of rooms for Jesus at Christmas. You shut him out or pull him in. This will be our Christmas CHOICE.

Wishing you guys A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS from me, my table and chair.

HE COMES, COMES EVER COMES

Santa Claus comes, comes ever comes, steals into our houses at Christmas eve to leave gifts for the children and disappears. God bangs into our houses and leaves the Baby Jesus in our homes. He comes, comes ever comes in to stay. He won disappear like the Santa Claus. He shamelessly finds his home in our homes. That’s the difference between the two. So, what do you do with him, who comes to stay? Throw him out - tolerate him or celebrate him? This will be the theme of my reflections for this year’s Christmas. What do you think about it? What’s your take? Let us begin our Novena and think about it.

I bet you won’t throw him out - tolerating is indifference, its worse. I guess you will find a good room for HIM – the first time he found Himself in a manger. I do not think he enjoyed it.

A FURIOUS SERMON

I know guys are wondering why I am not making any entries in recent past and I got no reason to justify. I was out to a little parish in Central Italy for the first Sunday Advent Mass and you can expect the old traditional advent homilies … things like waiting… expecting… hoping or whatever and then the expected boring explanations over the dry theological and biblical exegesis. Let me tell you what? This old fashioned priest unexpectedly came up with a surprise and disturbing questions. After having described the horrible things going on around the world, he asked the most sensible question: what am I refusing to expect? What am I refusing to see? What are you allowed to expect? Do you pretend to have solutions to all the problems? Who is playing the game? Well, I rather leave everyone with the same soul searching question: what is wrong out there? Who is responsible for the hopeless situation around? Don’t tell me that God has changed his mind. He made one foolish decision and he will honour it, he will not change, never. He will honour HIS - I am not sure of MINE.

Listening to Kelly Clarkson “Because of you” I am sadly thinking of a family, crumbling in their relationship and wandering why so many such promising families get crushed - because they refused to see… see what? I guess there is a CAUSE and I am praying that you SEE.

… isn’t it troubling? Listen to the video music

My Youngest Pal On Line

Miryam is my youngest online pal. We regularly video chat or discuss over the phone about our school day activities. She is in the scuola materna. She sometimes asks me to sing to her some of my rhymes. She always shows off hers. Today she is two years old. BUON COMPLEANO MIMI.

I will be forwarding this video clip @mimi.it and discuss about it later in the evening. Where is technology taking us anyway?

Every day is my Birthday

This is how I look at my birthdays. One time you have a life size cake celebration and the next one may be just you, a table and a chair to accompany you. But at the end of the day you have a good laugh to see them both. I know my mum cares least about my birth date. For her every day is my Birthday.



Welcome back to the final year of your school

I am sorry to begin with a negative remark but what is actually wrong with academia? I asked a number of kids in a parish in the United States as they began their academic year if they were eager to get back to school and every single kid shook their heads in negative. Back in Italy it was just round the school reopening season and I shot the same question to kids around only to have the same negative nod. And now it’s back to myself and companions in the college and university. Believe me, of the 190 student priests in Collegio san Paolo who have promptly responded to the pursuit of academic excellence and yet I must confess the majority are refusing enthusiasm of going to school. Isn’t it funny? Wishing to and not wanting to.

Anyway, I must welcome back myself to where I must be and hang a reminder tag: ‘Il partente,' that’s an indication you are in your last year at Collegio San Paolo. 

The Madonna at Lourdes

To make a pilgrimage to Lourdes has been a long time consideration and I must honestly acknowledged that I am more than blessed to make it possible from 17^th to 20^th September 2010 on account of Anna Menghi and Rita yet for another time. They had in fact arranged everything. I did only the going. And of course at the end, it was they who thanked me. How does that sound? I guess the guy must be a real nut.

Anyway, it was a wonderful experience. Among thousands from Italy we were 143 in our group from around the Marche region. There was a group from Milan who numbered to 3000 of which more than half were on wheel chairs. From the moment we landed to the time we took off for home, every single hour was definitely organized and always kept occupied. The Eucharistic processions, the candle lit rosary processions, the way of the cross, the International Eucharistic celebration, the visits to the grotto of our Lady, etc. are all incredible events.

I only continue asking the same question over and again. There is so much faith here. Where do they disappear from here? Where does this enthusiasm vanish?

Hi and Bye

By way of saying ‘hi’ I wish to thank everyone I came in contact in the US during my two months sojourn there. I will never do any justice to anyone if I start mentioning people who matter, for instance Sandy at St. Michael’s Indianapolis who was more than willing to sacrifice any amount of time be it driving me to the parishes for the weekend minstry or a lift to the airport at any inconvenient hour or for that matter Fr. Varghese Maliakal and Fr. Josekutty whose services I took for granted just because they are priests of my diocese. So I should be thanking very many people at every parish for their generosity and the wonderful experiences I had with them. I only wish to think and say that I try remembering every single person whom I came to relate personally. God bless their goodness.

I took leave of US on 7th September after two months of going around the different parts of the country. I must admit it was fabulous and a rare experience of all sorts. This been my first visit makes it all the more interesting and expecting the unexpected at every stop. I wasn’t sure of anything at any place but that made every experience unique.

Now I am back to where I belong or rather found a temporary refuge at St. Helena in San Severino Marche where my old friends awaited my return. I shall be here through the month of September until I get back to Rome when we start our classes in the first week of October. So as I bid good bye to one part of the world I begin another new day in another part of the world so the song seem to tell me.

Over the Rocky Mountains

A weekend in San Francisco was quite an experience (21-23 August 2010). It was a round trip worth the making beginning from Indianapolis IN to Denver CO – San Francisco CA – San Diego CA – Kansas City MO and back to Indianapolis. Imagine taking off from Denver for San Francisco and you are right over the Rocky Mountains and you think of those undying classics by John Denver, like Rocky Mountains, Country Road or whichever you pick, you feel you are right there. I feel more than ever at home flying over these mountains. The blue sky was just perfectly matched by the colourful landscape juxtaposed and I hardly took my eyes off the blue sky up and the natural art below.

St. Catherine of Siena Church, Burlingame-San Francisco in California was my destination for the weekend. Fr. Edward the Associate pastor was prompt to pick me from the Airport and was very kind to take me around as well to see places. San Francisco is a lovely place, a sort of a hilly city but surrounded by the Bayswater. Passing by the pacific, or a view by the golden gate overlooking the Rock Island and the downtown just lets you appreciate the city’s anatomy.

The mission sharing ministry at St. Catherine Church was also well accepted and people were very appreciative and listened to our mission stories intensely. It was a lovely experience from all counts.

Listening to John Denver such as this, brings you even closer to the places you are actually seeing it.

So Far So Good

The village boy running around the United States is doing fine so far. He appears to be enjoying and having good time. He must be hitting hard on himself on many irrelevant questions. He is never got the answer as to why some people are always fortunate or so it appears to be. He keeps wondering why he himself should be there in the first place. Has he merited? None!

He wonders at every stop and admires every gadget. He wonders why the trees are greener, the squirrels, the deer or the birds scot-free. Is he questioning some basic fundamentals? For the moment, he is flying around the country enjoying every aspect of life here. He will definitely learn much from these experiences.

A recap in splinters.

From Pennsylvania to Indiana

A week in Pittsburgh PA and now a week in Indianapolis IN have almost got me into a rhythm of a normal system. You get up in the morning and have your morning spiritual exercises and celebrate the mass and if you are a regular priest here then attend the office or sick calls or whatever and the day is done. But even as I get into the rhythm it’s time to move to the next weekend ministry.

From Indianapolis to St. Thomas More, Mooresville IN is less than an hour drive. I reached here at St. Thomas More Church on 7th August. I was almost sad that for the second time I was to manage the weekend without the pastor (also here without a cross anywhere on the external of the Church- that was a surprise discovery though). But it turned out to be a wonderful experience. First, the liturgical celebrations were so well organized from down order - the celebrant (me), to the top order-coordinator of the celebration. I particularly appreciate and admire Maureen Shea who saw to the entire liturgical celebrations in the absence of Fr. Mark Gottemoller, the pastor. The community participation was excellent, be it singing in the mass or the warm interactions outside the mass. Maureen also saw to my stay and food arrangements. It was at the Mexican restaurant with Maureen, Rose and Anita for the dinner, at an Irish pup with Steve & Eileen Egenolf for luncheon and Fr. Mark himself to an American Catfish for the dinner before he drove me back to St. Michael’s Indianapolis. I was happy I met him.

I feel sorry I couldn’t get a picture/video clip of St. Thomas More parish.

A tour of Pittsburgh

I wish to keep in record a week’s stay at St. Alphonsus Church, Pittsburgh as rich in experience. Nothing really is glamorous here except the practice of faith. I was wondering how it was possible to celebrate two masses on week days in an ordinary parish Church. But to my surprise, you not only have people participating at the mass but you always have young boys or girls serving at the mass. That was something amazing. As mention in my earlier entry, the Church is open from 6.00am to 9.00pm and it’s very encouraging to see people walking in at any part of the day to spend time in prayer.

I also mentioned how young is Fr. Murphy not in age but in deed. I just admire his zeal for life. He is always full of questions to be learned. He would not pass by a day without a day out somewhere even if it is just to downtown Pittsburgh or he would drive me to Pittsburgh University - the tallest educational building in the world, to St. Paul’s Cathedral, to North Park or to Mt. Washington view, just anywhere but something new every day. I just kept admiring his dynamism coupled with his genuine care and concern for me.

A video clip to keep the memory alive.

It’s now at Pittsburgh

Continuing my journey of sharing the stories of the Archdiocese of Imphal, I left Indianapolis for Pittsburgh PA on 24th July. Fr. Peter Murphy, the pastor was promptly at the Airport to pick me up and left for St. Alphonsus Church, Wexford – Pittsburgh. I saw for the first time after I arrived the United States some hilly curves somewhat similar to some of our places in Northeast India. In fact, St. Alphonsus’ Church itself is placed beautifully in an elevated little hillock.

Speaking of the parish here I must say, I was rather surprised for the first time to find a Church not air conditioned and it was rather a hot day but people were there for the mass. They don’t seem to mind to bear the inconveniences as long as they were in the Church. This was very edifying and as for me I felt quite at home with the hot fresh air in. As in other places, people were very cordial and happy to participate in our mission effort. In fact, we had 5 masses celebrated: one at 5.00 pm on Saturday and 6.00 am, 8.00 am, 10.00 am and 12.15 pm on Sunday. Two of these masses I celebrated by myself. I must only continue to wonder why people should be so kind to us. May be just because we belong to the same big family and they care about us. I shall continue to enjoy the hospitality of Fr. Murphy and Fr. Rob through the week until I move out to St. Maximilian Kolbe Church for the weekend. Fr. Rob is the associate pastor who has just moved in after he was ordained in June. You won’t believe that Fr. Peter Murphy is in his 42nd year of priesthood but is as dynamic as a year old priest. He is the first to get up in the morning for 6.00 am mass on Sunday and 7.00 am masses on weekdays and the last to leave the Church before he closes the doors at 9.00 pm every day. That says it more than I and you need to guess.

The Mission Continues

My mission keep growing and going. The 17th and 18th July at St. Timothy Church, Trenton in the diocese of Detroit (Michigan) was an experience by all means. I must say I am much edified by the associate pastor Fr. Edward Vella who is in effect the pastor, as the pastor is on sick leave. Fr. Edward was himself an experienced missionary as he worked in Brazil for 14 years. His simplicity and ability to educate the faithful on the missionary life and activities made my job far easier. I found the same simplicity at the rectory. I must say it was rarity to find an austere rectory anywhere around. And I found one at St. Timothy’s.

I had my weekend anticipated and extended. You don’t find such occasions lying down. I must say it was one of the loveliest time out. Thanks to Dr. Benjamin and Elizabeth (family). We, Fr. Varghese Maliakal, the four sisters and me practically rented out their cute palatial house overlooking to the blue waters of Port Huron and Canada on the other side. We really had fun and enjoyed every bit of our stay. The sisters learning to hit their legs on the water added more fun. The water was really blue and clean. You could stay on in the waters for hours, even have some drinks on the lawns or meals all served at the mention of it. It was a luxury. I am afraid they were too good to us. But at the same time I do not think it a sin to have a nice time for a day or two in a villa like this at the blue waters only if you can find some good people like the family of Dr. Benjamin.

But I must keep my focus and keep going and do what I must do. Every little love you share, you make a clean drop on your sketch.

See a little recap in the video clip.

At St. Aloysius, Nashua (NH)

Many things have happened during a weeklong stay at St. Aloysius, Nashua (4th to 11th July 2010). It was a week full of movements and new experiences. A day out with my new found friend Andrew Nelson and his parents to Portsmouth National Park, to the York Beach in the Atlantic, and to a grand Luncheon are all fun. A visit to Boston city was wonderful when it brings you fresh memories of your history classes on American History and the revolution and the Boston Tea Party, etc.

Fr. Daniel, the pastor is such a wonderful man. His care and concern were remarkable. When I arrived at the rectory the first thing he told me was that on the first day I would be treated as a guest, then on I will be treated as a member of the family. I felt so much at home hearing it and I actually experienced that in him and all his collaborators at the parish office. For instance, he makes sure that I try out different dishes to lunch or dinner – to a typical American restaurant or a Mexican or a Colombian. He makes sure that I was comfortable and at ease and I was. During the week I also participated in two funerals which were really impressive and moving. The weekend Eucharistic celebrations were beautiful and I was able to share some of our mission experiences. I was even surprised to realise that they were so interested in knowing our mission efforts and share our stories.

I am going to miss them all but I am also going to remember them for a long time to come. Yet the missionary must keep going and he goes.

The First Days in the States

I landed at Philadelphia International Airport on 1st July at about 5.00pm and Fr. Josekutty was waiting to receive me. He will be my host for the coming days and weeks during my stay in the States. The first two nights I spent with him at St. Simon Stock’s parish, Pine Hills in New Jersey. On 3rd July I flew to Manchester to go to St. Kathryn’s parish, Hudson in the state of New Hampshire. Here I will begin my ministry of sharing our mission experience.

St. Kathryn’s Church in Hudson is definitely one of the Churches I will love to remember. I like everything about it and around it. The entire surrounding gives you a sense of serenity and quietness. The stations of the cross beautifully synchronized in the quiet natural setting, our lady of Lourdes placed on the side of the front Church in a perfect natural environment with a running stream, the cute little Emmaus Chapel attached to the parish office, and the awesome presence of silence in the interior of the Church all adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

I won’t gone in to details but I loved the liturgy at St. Kathyrn’s which were celebrated so orderly. And of course, I should be particularly grateful to Deacon Ray and his wife Gayle who in the absence of the Pastor, Fr. Gary took best care of me. With all the best of feelings I left for St. Louis, Nashua for the next week end ministry.

15000 Priests with the Holy Father

I went not to be out there but to be in there. It’s an incredible feeling even if you have to fight the heat, you know you are not alone but more than 15000 brother priests concelebrating with the Holy Father, the biggest concelebrated Mass ever. The details below are quoted as reported by Catholic Culture.

At a Mass in St. Peter's Square concluding the Year for Priests, Pope Benedict XVI said that it was no coincidence that the sex-abuse scandal struck during a year set aside for celebration of the priesthood.

The Year for Priests was dedicated to a spiritual revival of the clergy, the Pope said in his homily. "It was to be expected," he said, "that this new radiance of the priesthood would not be pleasing to the Enemy."

Thus it was not surprising, the Pope reasoned, that during the year "the sins of priests came to light-- particularly the abuse of little ones."

The Pope said that the Church must "insistently beg forgiveness from God and from the persons involved, while promising to do everything possible to ensure that such abuse will never occur again." He called for vigilance in the training and supervision of future priests, and emphasized the importance of discipline within the Church:

The Church too must use the shepherd’s rod, the rod with which he protects the faith against those who falsify it, against currents which lead the flock astray. The use of the rod can actually be a service of love. Today we can see that it has nothing to do with love when conduct unworthy of the priestly life is tolerated. Nor does it have to do with love if heresy is allowed to spread and the faith twisted and chipped away, as if it were something that we ourselves had invented.

At the same time, while acknowledging the sins of some priests, the Pope said that the scandal should give the faithful a new perspective on the great gift of the priesthood. "Had the Year for Priests been a glorification of our individual human performance, it would have been ruined by these events," he said. But in fact the revelations of priests' weaknesses is a reminder that God serves the Church, and makes Himself available to the world, through the ministry of weak and fallen human persons.

The priesthood, Pope Benedict said, is a demonstration of the "audacity of God who entrusts Himelf to human beings," fully realizing their weakness." God's astonishing confidence in man comprises "the true grandeur concealed in the word 'priesthood,'" the Pontiff said. "The world’s religions, as far as we can see, have always known that in the end there is only one God. But this God was distant," the Pope continued. Through the priestly ministry, God becomes immediately present to his creatures. Therefore a Catholic priest is "no mere office-holder" but a direct participant in Christ's saving action.

Pope Benedict delivered his long and beautiful homily on the priesthood at a Mass that closed the observances of the Year for Priests. This year coincided with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, who was frequently cited by the Pope this year as a model of priestly dedication. As he celebrated the Mass the Pope used the chalice that once belonged to the French saint.

More than 15,000 priests-- who had come to Rome at the Pope's invitation for the final celebrations of the year-- joined in concelebrating the Eucharistic liturgy.

Somewhere Someday

‘The world is growing smaller by the day. It will not be too hard to track you down.’ That was the note and mood of our NE Gathering as we wished few of our fraternity members good luck in their new apostolate. The detail report by Fr. Francis Hembrom is reproduced below.

Abp Jala Joins NE India Rome Fest

By Francis Hembrom, SDB

International, May. 16. Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shillong joined Northeast India celebrations held at Salesian University, Rome (UPS), 16 May. Over 40 priests, sisters and brothers from northeast India studying or working in Rome participated. Besides keeping Easter, the fest also served to bid farewell to members returning to India after their studies. The Chief guest at the celebrations were Mr. S.L. Vaiphei IFS (and family) an official at the Indian Embassy, Rome. Bishop Joseph Aind of Dibrugarh, Fr. Joaquim D`Souza, the Superior of the UPS-Rome vice-province and Fr. Carlo Nanni, the Vice-Chancellor of UPS and Fr. Tone Presern and Fr. Cyril D`Souza also made brief visits at the fest.

From earlier hours of the day Fathers, Brothers and Sisters coming from around Rome started cooking traditional Naga, Khasi, and Manipuri delicacies. At noon, they joined archbishop Jala at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist at UPS Don Bosco chapel. Archbishop Jala visiting Italy for the gathering of Salesian Bishops for the feast of Mary Help of Christians in Turin (24 May) exhorted NE India faithful in diaspora to pray for the success of India government`s ``Look East policy`` as well as pray for immediate restoration of peace in the on-going violence caused by the current Manipur-Nagaland & Assam-Meghalaya border disputes.

Priests, brothers and Sisters from North East India, studying in various Pontifical Universities of Rome will be a great asset to the mission of the Church in North East India. The various studies they are carrying out will help the Church work for the transformation of society in the region where the Church has grown visibly in the past 100 years.

President of the NE India Rome Association, Fr Peter Salew SDB was ably assisted by the Secretary Sr Rani Mathew MSMHC and the Vice-president Fr Isaac Honsan. Fr Francis Hembrom conducted the social gathering where the members present had chance to introduce themselves and share news about each other. Fr Sanjay Aind SDB, the newly ordained priest and Fr Sojan Xavier of Kohima diocese who brilliantly defended his doctoral thesis in Catechesis at UPS were felicitated. Among those given farewell were Frs. Sanjay Aind, Paul Rabha, Paul Breson, Wilbert Marwein, Brother Justin Narzary (to be ordained Deacon on 29 May), Br. David Kujur (CMSF) and Sr Molly Kaniampady FMA who completed her two-year spirituality studies. Earlier Sr. Irene Lyngdoh fma left for home because of the illness of her mother.

Adding a Point

I heard some people say that life is made up of points. If there is some truth in that, I shall add and add a point – and I want it that to be a friend every time I get a go. It was fun and a fine memory to recalled Esther Thiankim travelling together with Bishop Dominic and Fr. Mani from Thanlon - Imphal way back in 2006. Today I was glad to meet her and to know Sheeja her companion. It was a good day to be together and know each other. A visit to Assisi is always an occasion to feel the presence of peace and tranquility amidst the sound of violence all over. In fact, it was a quiet day at Assisi – less tourists and more pilgrims and that counts when you are visiting a place like Assisi.

I wish my two sisters a happy ministry in Germany and of course they have promised to pray for me.

Mother remembers

Not many days since I spoke to my mom. She asked me an unexpected “how are you looking?” question. I knew it was a direct question. She did not mean the state of my being. I said, ‘mom, why do you ask that? I have not changed. I look the same. After all it’s just a year since you saw me and I could not have changed much’. And she said, “I always see you skinny - thin and lean.” I think every mother has a perfect picture of her child – whatever and whoever you are. It would be absolutely impossible for her to give up on you. Whatever be the picture, she has a picture of you and she would not let it go and no one can take that away from her.

Day Out to Time Out

It’s a day out for Collegio San Paolo (25th April 2010), a tradition every

after Easter. This year it was a day out to Subiaco at the monastery of St. Benedict (the Benedictine monastery at Subiaco is in fact the first and origin of the Benedictine monasteries) and a time out to Tivoli at the villa d’Este (Villa d’Este is a garden ornamented by splendid display of fountains of water and natural decorations). You can imagine the contradiction and convergence of the two places, something like - in the
world but of the world. Guess what I mean.

Definitely it was a time out where we could afford to spend time to gossip and talk about anything from politics to romance, music to business and to church scandals of course. It was a good time out before we plunge ourselves into intense preparations for annual exams.

8th Ordination Anniversary

7 years has passed me by since the day my hands were anointed to be at HIS service. He is ever faithful. He has never let me down. Should I …?

The Shroud of Turin

The shroud, called Sindone in Greek is the linen cloth with which the body of Jesus was wrapped and buried. The resurrection account tells us that the linen cloth was found pushed to the side in the empty tomb. Peter took it and had it preserved in a secure place (the Quran caves) and later brought at a present side at Turin (it has a long history). The various scientific researches today testify to the death of Jesus linked to the shroud.
I am particularly moved by what I saw and witnessed on 10th April 2010, the first day of the exposition of the shroud for public view. I must say, we (Breson & me) were fortunate to find a place on the very first day. First of all, the very visit itself was under hard consideration as we had just returned back from the same region after the Easter ministry but to think that we might regret it for the rest of our lives helped us to reconsider of making it.
When we reached at the Ingresso – the entry check point, there was definitely chaos – too crowded for the organizers to maintain order. The crowd in hundreds passing through a metre width bridge and into a small entry door reminded me of the narrow gate Jesus indicated. From this point to the duomo –where rested the shroud took us 2 hours. They led us to an open garden at the back of the duomo. There were not less than 10 major stops to scan us through. Finally we arrived at a dark hall before we could enter the Holy Sanctuary of the shroud. Here every single group was animated in about 5 minutes on the shroud with audio visual aid. Then we made a past through the shroud in semi darkness and stopped in front of the casketed Holy Shroud (illuminated) at few metres away.

Here was a moment of intense prayer assisted also with prayerful audio comments for all. Then we made a quiet exit. There is another entry to the duomo where recourse to the sacrament of reconciliation is made available or spend time in prayer and contemplation.
What I gather from here is the faith of the people. On the one hand we see the dying faith and yet the thirst for God on the hand. What we see here on the Holy Shroud is the suffering God – the marks of the real brutal torture, the stains of human cruelty to Jesus, the vengeance of sin. The blood stained face of Jesus imprinted on the shroud, besides other marks like the wounds on the hands and legs, the bruises all over the body, bore witness to the fact that Jesus really suffered inhuman torture. The shroud has left a perpetual fountain, a bleeding suffering God so that his creatures may recognize HIM.

Away to Sardegna

A day or two in Sardegna (an island in Italy) could be fine and refreshing. We (Wilbert, Breson and me) had this in mind to visit Sardegna and we were able to make it finally on 19th and 20th March 2010, thanks to Dino our friend who hosted us with great love and affection. We landed at Cagliari airport where our friend Dino was waiting to receive us. The remaining two days were spent moving from one point to another point of Sardegna. Fernanda and Daniela organized the dishes at their home. They were always typical Sardinian dish –can imagine enjoying the rici (sort of sea creature) eaten raw. We were grateful to Padre Alberto, a Dominican priest at whose place we spent the night and celebrated the mass.
In particular the visit to Barumini - the Nuraghe heritage was impressive. The Nuraghe people or civilization existed in 15th century b.c. The heritage, the so called the nuraghe hill, today an archeological zone is well preserved and tells of an incredible civilization of the age. The tour of the nuraghe hill was quite an experience of the sort.
Above all, we enjoyed the friendship and hospitality of Dino and family.

A pilgrimage to Cure of Ars.

Reflecting on priesthood and observing the year of the priests – there is no better way to honour it than a pilgrimage to cure of Ars, the tiny village of St. John Mary Vinney the patron saint of all the priests. A pilgrimage planned and organized well in advanced by the College resulted to a beautiful experience for all (5th to 7th March 2010). We, 110 priests of the college left Rome at 7.30 pm on 5th March by two Coaches. The journey was long and tedious though. It took us 14 hours to arrive there with regular stops for fresh air. It was a journey of spiritual reflections with regular pauses of spiritual exercises.
If we had gone to Ars to satisfy the sense of magnificence; be it the scenic beauty, the panoramic angles, or some sort of artistic rarity, than it could be a disaster. Everything is normal and natural here. If there is anything to appreciate, it’s the simplicity of the place. For example, if you are entering from the front of the basilica there is hardly any place to stand around for chitchat (in case you are imagining a spacious piazza). The interior furnishing has no particular attention either. In fact, the benches are hardly comfortable to seat.
I am convinced that saints are great not by the impact of the magnificent monuments or sensational appeal they create. Saints are normally normal. We make them sensational.

Circle of Friends

What a better way to celebrate than in the company of friends after your feverish good old exams. I remember myself speaking on friendship to young friends especially on in-depth relationship, loyalty and equality, self-disclosure, trust, need and all that. All that is true but friendship would be only a pie in the sky if one is not willing to step out and accept risks. Remember the last time you had been with friends breaking knuckles, counting the stars, fought with because an apple must be eaten skinned off or gone to a funeral service and smile all the way because one of you had a wrong hat fitted. When you can’t spot out one, you are in to be locked up. Stanis (reached here on 11th February 2010 from Leuven, Belgium and left on 14th), Reginius, Wilbert, Breson, and self, out on 12th all around the city of Rome. A sort of historic day in Rome with 2 hours of heavy snowing in 24 years. We really did nothing special – everything was special though, bumped into a bar for a cappuccino, or warm up in a smoking chimney, or create sentiments of reunion in a cute little Peruvian Restaurant in style, or you could end up cooking yourself to allow the rest to pick on your expertise or unveil your ignorance. A visit to Assisi would not go unnoticed. Anywhere you sketched - is going to leave a mark, a sketch of its own when you are with a circle of friends. Create circle of friends. They cost nothing but priceless to sell it off.

Any Place is the Best Place to Find Love

At the end of everything what matters is love. Age gives way, beauty melts, wealth only glitters, power keeps sinking and it stinks.
Love is something that keeps you thinking. It reminds you to remember. It has no sense of time. It keeps you nagging to the point of irritation when you are distracted.
It’s not the number of years - to wait and weight love. A passing comment, an acknowledgement of recognition or an attentive look can make a lasting impression. August gatherings are not august occasions. Where you encounter love is what counts, better if it was and is across the table over a cup of tea.
Never forget to remember what matters is love. It has no age, no time bound and any place is the best place to find love.

A song like this can remind us to remember.

In the face of Tragedy

In utter hopelessness I heard him pray in despair: “God, are you there when people need you? Did you die for these people? Or you eliminated them because they are too poor to be around? Did you also die for him? What was his crime? Was he too good to be around? Are you jealous and afraid to lose him? You have no answer. Are you saying you also died for her? Why did you take on her then? Why did you allow her to perish in guilt? Why do you come up with such mask and give false hope? Are you a just God or a compassionate God? Don’t tell me you are both. But if you are a just God, fine go ahead, but don’t border me anymore and expect me to be around. I can take care of myself. You don’t need to save me. I am already doomed. I make a big mistake believing you all along.”
I keep hearing these screaming souls all over – tragedies after tragedies. I hear souls crying out in despair, in anguish and grief, lonely and depressed passing through the darkness of no hope. And I’ve got no answer. I only have one + sign - the cross. Go beneath the rugged cross. You got to have an answer. Yes, you got to be there and no sermons for God’s sake.

NB: The earth that shook part of Haiti on 12th January 2010 left 1000s buried beneath the debris, 200 seminarians in record, priests (number not ascertain) and an Archbishop. Did God make a mistake?

A Tangkhul Naga Among the Magi to Arrived at the Vatican Crib

Today is 6th January, Epiphany of our Blessed Lord and after returning back from the parish ministry I passed by St. Peter’s Square, Vatican. And what I saw was more than a surprise. I thought of the wise men from the east but certainly not one from the region of Northeast India, least to say Manipur hills. My joy was obvious when I saw a lady clad in Tangkhul Chongkhom (traditional shawl) found herself right behind our lady at the Vatican crib.
I thought to myself, after all Rome is not too far from Manipur, I mean the Church is one. And if Rome is the mother Church, she cannot be far from any others. In fact, she is closed to every member. She is the symbol of unity. She always gathers. The presence of this little piece of shawl is only symbolic of her actual presence in our land and culture.

Another Feather to Your Life

A year gone and another comes in. Some people think it is cyclic and are too optimistic - others fear it is passing by and forget to appreciate what life is all about. We celebrate life one day at a time.
Definitely there is a bit of confusion with feasts and celebrations over the past one week. It looked sort of like jumbled up toys. Too rich a liturgy for a distracted sort of me – the birthday (JESUS) to Martyrdom of Stephen, of St. John, the Holy Family to Mother of God and NEW YEAR. Anyway I am not questioning the wisdom of the Church.
My own movements were a bit of over exaggeration. Back from North Italy (Piemonte) on 28th Dec. and out to Marche - S. Severino on 29th and to Marcerata the next day or to Civitanova the following day. In fact, I did spend in these three places for the NEW YEAR 2010 – the eve, the day, and the night fall. What a nice way to bit farewell and welcome.
A NEW YEAR 2010 FOR ALL - LIVE TO LOVE ANOTHER YEAR