In an era where labor is increasingly reduced to productivity metrics and profit margins, Saint Joseph the Worker stands as a powerful counterexample that reminds us of work’s deeper significance.

As a carpenter who provided for the Holy Family with his hands, Joseph exemplified the inherent dignity of labor, demonstrating that every honest job—regardless of its simplicity or status—holds profound value beyond its economic output.

His quiet life powerfully affirms that workers are not merely economic instruments but human beings deserving of respect, fairness, and justice.

The Catholic tradition has long upheld Saint Joseph as the patron of workers not simply to inspire industriousness, but to advocate for labor justice. Pope Leo XIII’s groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Nova rum in 1891 marked the Church’s formal entry into labor discussions, defending workers’ rights to fair wages, reasonable hours, and safe conditions.

This tradition continues through Pope Francis, who regularly challenges economic systems that treat people as disposable components in the machinery of commerce. This consistent teaching reflects a fundamental truth: behind every job stands a person with inherent dignity; behind every worker exists a family with hopes, struggles, and aspirations.

Today, millions face working conditions that undermine human dignity. In Amazon warehouses, algorithms track employees’ movements down to the second, pushing human bodies to machine-like efficiency.

Farmworkers harvest the food that fills our tables while earning poverty wages and facing dangerous pesticide exposure. Gig workers juggle multiple apps and jobs without benefits or stability, their labor treated as a commodity rather than a human contribution.

A Walmart employee working full-time might still require food stamps to feed their family, while executives earn bonuses that could lift thousands out of poverty. These are not merely economic inefficiencies—they represent moral failures in how we organize work.

Saint Joseph’s example points toward a different vision. Scripture tells us little about Joseph’s carpentry business, but we can reasonably conclude he was not driven by wealth accumulation or status-seeking.

He worked to provide for his family with dignity and to contribute meaningfully to his community. His labor extended God’s creative power—building, repairing, and crafting rather than exploiting or extracting.

If Christ himself was raised in a home where work was honored—where Joseph worked from love rather than greed—then work’s value becomes inseparable from the worker’s inherent worth. Every job must respect the person performing it.

Joseph was not merely a symbol but a working man facing real economic pressures. As a craftsman in Roman-occupied Galilee, he navigated an economy stacked against ordinary laborers.

When an unexpected pregnancy came, followed by political violence forcing his family to flee as refugees to Egypt, Joseph likely experienced the precarious reality many workers face today—the challenge of providing stability amid uncertainty.

His experience bridges ancient struggles with contemporary ones, reminding us that labor justice is not an abstract ideal but a lived necessity.

Work transcends mere economic transaction to become a form of participation in creation itself. For many, work represents not just income but vocation—a way to contribute meaningfully and express their God-given gifts.

When workers face exploitative conditions or insufficient wages, their ability to find fulfillment through their labor vanishes. This represents not merely economic dysfunction but spiritual impoverishment.

Work should enable dignified living, family support, and meaningful community contribution—when these basic rights disappear, our common humanity suffers.

Faith communities have historically stood at the forefront of labor movements precisely because they recognize this spiritual dimension. The 1912 “Bread and Roses” textile strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts—where workers famously demanded not just subsistence wages but dignity and beauty in their lives—was supported by religious leaders who saw labor justice as a moral imperative.

Similarly, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while supporting sanitation workers striking for recognition of their humanity with signs reading simply, “I AM A MAN.” These movements understood what Joseph’s life exemplifies—that labor justice is not charity but fundamental right.

The Gospel teaching that “the laborer deserves his wages” remains elusive for many. When people work multiple jobs just to afford basic necessities, when workers lack healthcare or adequate rest, when their efforts go undervalued while executives receive astronomical compensation, we face not merely economic imbalance but moral failure.

Joseph’s life offers an alternative vision of work rooted in justice, service, and human dignity. Behind every employment statistic lies a human story, a family, and a future that depends on fairness in our economic arrangements.

His feast day on May 1st (coinciding with International Workers’ Day in many countries) reminds us of the ongoing struggle for labor rights and highlights work’s sacred character. It prompts us to examine how our economic systems either uphold or undermine human dignity.

Yet beyond this single commemoration, Joseph’s example should inspire continuous commitment to creating workplaces where every person is treated with respect commensurate with their intrinsic worth.

The quiet strength, perseverance, and commitment to righteousness that characterized Joseph’s life remain necessary today. The struggle for fair wages, safe environments, and recognition of labor rights represents not just an economic battle but a profound moral imperative demanding attention from all who believe in justice.

Honoring Joseph means standing alongside those denied dignity in their work—recognizing that every worker, regardless of position, deserves fairness and respect not as market concessions but as reflections of their essential humanity.

Work may be a necessity, but it must become a dignity-affirming experience rather than a dignity-denying one. Joseph of Nazareth, the carpenter whose hands built not just furniture but a home filled with love and security, demonstrates this enduring truth.

His labor was not merely about survival but about service and creation. His example challenges us to transform our understanding of work from burden to blessing—a blessing requiring protection from exploitation and injustice.

His legacy demands we create a world that values workers not for what they produce but for who they are: bearers of the divine image whose worth transcends all economic calculation.

The post The Dignity of Work Transcends Our Economic Systems appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

It was when I received the notice for the Parent-Teacher Annual General Body Meeting in July 2023 handed to me by our youngest child that I realised that it was the twenty-fifth such notice that was being read through by me! (Of course, this calculation was prompted by my son who curiously asked just how many such PTA AGM’s I had attended, or else it would have never come to light!). Realisation dawned that the academic year 2023-24 would be the silver jubilee year for Mark and me as parents in this prestigious high school in Bangalore, run by the Karnataka Jesuits. The St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School (SJBHS) is renowned for its discipline and academic and sporting excellence, having produced not only umpteen students who are at the top in the professional, corporate and business fields, but also no less than ten Olympians and a Test cricket captain  in its 166 years of existence.

We are the rather proud parents of six children – a daughter and five sons (or Paanch Pandavas, as I like to call my boys). All our five sons studied in SJBHS, during various years over 1999 to 2024, without a break:

The Braganza Boys: Lalit from 1999 to 2007; Rajat from 2005 to 2011; Vineet from 2010 to 2018; Amit from 2007 to 2021; Pranit from 2011 to 2024.

Mark and I, along with our children, were given the privilege and honour of celebrating these memorable twenty-five years at a function in the school to which were invited all the teachers, non-teaching staff, a few ex-principals, ex-vice-principals, students of class 12, and the support staff. As we entered the auditorium, we were met with colourful buntings and a huge stage backdrop of digital photos of our family, and the boys in their school uniforms as students. The proceedings began with a beautiful prayer by Ms. Akshita, after which a senior teacher, Mrs. Gowri Achanta, welcomed us and spoke about us as involved parents and as being always supportive to the school in various ways, as also about the boys being smart, sporting and successful students of the school. Our family was then invited to be seated on the stage, when each of us got an opportunity to speak from the heart. I spoke first, followed by each of the boys, then our daughter and daughter-in-law, and Mark closed with a thanksgiving speech. The boys recalled some of their cherished teachers, principles and vice-principles, and a few of their  schooling experiences, each with his special brand of humour. Madhuri says that with her  brothers being in St. Joseph’s School, and her own school, Sacred Heart Girls’ High School, being just a stone’s throw away, she felt like a Josephite herself.

It was an overwhelming experience to be felicitated on the stage of this beloved school with our five sons, daughter Madhuri and daughter-in-law Rachel, and to speak about our experiences as parents and students of the school. And all of this would not have been possible if it were not for our gracious principal, Rev. Fr. Sunil Fernandes, sj.

We presented a Gratitude Plaque to the Principal Fr. Sunil as a token of our appreciation for all that the school did over the last 25 years to form our boys into  well-adjusted  young men. (See picture). The plaque reads

From The Braganza Family

In Gratitude to St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Bangalore

1999 – 2024

Mark and Amita celebrate 25 years as Parents

SJBHS has provided not only excellent teaching and sports facilities, but also spirituality, community spirit, opportunities, values, direction, encouragement, and so much more over these years. Its  three intertwined goals are Academic Excellence, Character Formation, and Social Concern.

The plaque was gratefully accepted by the principal, who then gave a moving speech.

I think it is fitting to reproduce the speech that Fr. Sunil Fernandes gave:

“Honour your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

 Today we have come together to celebrate a couple and its family who are living embodiments of the family love that is described in the Bible. We see not only a loving family before us, but one which is filled with gratitude to our school for making it a second loving home for 25 years. It is indeed a unique celebration and for us Staff and Management it’s an inspiration and motivation to build the family unit and keep it centered in God’s love.

When I see the Braganza boys together, I am reminded of yet another saying/verse from the Holy Book: ‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.’ (Proverbs 17:17). To see all five brothers and their beloved sister bound in fraternal love is the best gift Mr. and Mrs. Braganza can ask for. On behalf of everyone here, I thank you for this wonderful gesture of celebrating this unique milestone with us. Thank you Lalit, Rajat, Vineet,  Amit and Pranit for being exemplary Josephites and making us proud. May you all continue to be a source of strength and love for each other and our community at large. Thank you.

God’s Blessings on each one of us!

Indeed, Fr. Sunil’s warm, appreciative and encouraging words will forever remain in our hearts. Fr. Sunil as well as the previous principals, including Fr. Clifford Sequeira and Fr. Michael John, have done much to bring the school to the top in the state with their able, visionary and compassionate leadership.

As the time to close the ceremony approached, what happened next was pure nostalgia. We all rose to sing the school anthem, and our five boys on stage in  their blue and white school ties sang out with pride and not a little emotion, “Ring out the Battle Call of Duty, Unfurl the Flag of Faith and Toil…”. They were joined by all present.

The principal then called for a photo session, and it was a time of smiles and joy. The boys were delighted to meet their past teachers, principals, vice-principals, PT sirs, and support staff, and for us parents it was gratifying to see the affection between them.

For our youngest child Pranit, this event was specially emotional as his peers in their final year of school were present, and as he recalled his days as school Captain of  St. Patrick’s House.

We served snacks to all present; and Fr. Sunil, in his usual hospitable way, invited our family to the conference room for high tea and we were joined by the Old Boys’ Association and PTA presidents and other committee members.

As 25-year old parents, we have witnessed St. Joseph’s School change and grow in manifold ways. The old stone school building was demolished and a more modern, expansive, yet charming structure took its place (every classroom even got a fan!). This happened under the stewardship of former principal Fr. Michael John, who, endowed with the courage, faith and ability to discern God’s plan, and convinced of the loyal support of the Old Boys Association and the parents, initiated plans to construct a completely new school building with a floor area of more than three times the old school building and with all the facilities which children need for education today. We have seen the little tuck shop (Abu’s canteen with its famed samosas and lime juice, and surely Rajat’s favourite nook) give way to a bigger canteen; we have seen a grand and well-equipped Loyola Sports Complex come up for the children to enjoy (it was inaugurated by cricketer Rahul Dravid, an exemplar and a famed alumnus, and that same year, Vineet was the head boy and had the privilege of escorting Dravid for the inaugural ceremony); the school’s popular fest ‘Phenomenon’ took shape (I recall that Amit, our family’s ace footballer, fractured his foot at the football event in its early years); we saw heightened school security (no more could parents and visitors just walk in and out of the school at random); student and parent ID cards were given; and in the later years, the Karnataka state government made it compulsory for the students to sing the state anthem as well as to read the Preamble to the Constitution whenever assembly was held; smart boards and white boards made their way to every classroom; the school introduced nursery and primary sections;  the ISC section of classes 11 and 12 was set up and our eldest son Lalit was a student of this first batch). This is when we instituted The Braganza Rolling Trophy and a cash prize for the best All-Rounder of class 12 (it happens that Lalit was the first recipient of this award); and a couple of years after this, girls were also admitted to the ISC section, so no more is the school an all-boys institution.

What has not changed is the value based education system of the school. The school’s motto, “Fide et Labore” or “Faith and Toil” will surely be carried forward by its students wherever they be.

The year 2024 is again an extremely nostalgic year as it is the year of the last school Valedictory ceremony that we as parents would witness.

This felicitation ceremony will forever be etched in our memories. It’s hard to say goodbye to a school so well-loved for so long. St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School will forever remain in our hearts and our prayers.

The post The Wonder Years: Fide et Labore – A Family’s Tribute to 25 Years of Shared Values and Achievements appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

The Second Vatican Council’s universal call to holiness emphasizes that all baptized Christians, regardless of their state in life, are called to strive for holiness and sainthood. This means that marriage, priesthood, religious life, and single life are all equal and valuable paths to achieving holiness.

Marriage, in particular, is a sacrament and a vocation that requires a deep commitment to love, serve, and support one another, raising children in the faith, and building a Christian home. It’s a beautiful and challenging vocation that requires sacrifice, forgiveness, and self-giving, just like priesthood and religious life.

The Council’s emphasis on the universal call to holiness highlights the importance of recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every vocation, and encouraging all Christians to embrace their unique calling and live it out with faith, hope, and charity.

Marriage is a sacred union ordained by God, where husband and wife become one flesh, working together towards their salvation. God brings them together for a purpose that aligns with His divine plan, and as a family, they strive to fulfill His will. In this union, they surrender their individual wills to embrace God’s will, recognizing that their marriage is a covenant not just between themselves, but also with God. Through their love, commitment, and mutual support, they reflect God’s love and become a witness to His glory. May their marriage be a testament to God’s faithfulness and grace.

In the beginning, God created Adam and tasked him with naming the creatures, but none were found to be a suitable partner or equal. Recognizing Adam’s need for a companion, God created Eve, who was not only physically but also socially, emotionally, and intellectually equal to Adam. This creation mirrored the very nature of God, who is a community of persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – united in love and harmony. By creating humans in His own image and likeness, God intended for them to experience the joy of communion and relationship, just as He does within the Trinity. Therefore, it was not good for Adam to be alone, and so God created Eve to complete and complement him, demonstrating the beauty of unity and partnership in marriage.

The Bible acknowledges the beauty and goodness of sexuality within the context of marriage. The Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon, is a poetic book that celebrates the love and intimacy between two spouses, using sensual and passionate language to describe their relationship.

The Bible teaches that couples become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31), signifying a deep physical, emotional, and spiritual union. Sexuality is a natural and holy part of this union, reflecting God’s passionate love for humanity.

By embracing their sexuality within the boundaries of marriage, couples can experience a deeper connection with each other and with God, fostering a more intimate and loving relationship.

Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of people’s hearts (Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Matthew 19:8). However, Jesus taught that marriage is a lifelong union, and that couples should not separate or divorce (Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:6-12).

Jesus emphasized that marriage is a sacred bond between two people, and that God has joined them together. He taught that humans should not separate what God has joined (Matthew 19:6). This teaching highlights the importance of commitment, forgiveness, and reconciliation in marriage, rather than resorting to divorce.

It’s worth noting that while Jesus did not permit divorce, he also taught about mercy, compassion, and love. In cases of abuse, abandonment, or other extreme circumstances, the church and Christian communities have often provided guidance and support for couples, recognizing that complex situations require wise and loving discernment.

When couples commit to each other in marriage, they should do so with the intention of fulfilling their vows for a lifetime, just as God’s love and commitment to us are unwavering and unchanging.

In the Bible, God’s faithfulness and steadfastness are often described as unchanging and eternal (Numbers 23:19, Psalm 100:5, James 1:17). God’s “yes” is always “yes,” and His promises are irrevocable (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Similarly, when couples say “yes” to each other in marriage, they should mean it with all their heart, intending to stand by their commitment through all of life’s joys and challenges. By doing so, they reflect the steadfast and unwavering love of God, and build a strong foundation for their marriage.

In the Catholic Church, when a marriage is annulled (also known as a declaration of nullity), it means that the sacramental marriage was deemed invalid from the beginning, due to a lack of certain essential elements or circumstances.

This doesn’t mean that the couple didn’t have a legal marriage or that they didn’t have a real relationship. Rather, it means that the sacramental bond of marriage, as understood by the Church, was not present.

In other words, the Church is saying that the marriage, as it was celebrated, did not meet the necessary conditions for a valid sacramental marriage. This can be due to various reasons such as lack of consent, lack of freedom, lack of canonical form, or other impediments.

When a marriage is annulled, it’s not a statement about the couple’s love or commitment to each other, but rather a recognition that the sacramental marriage, as intended by God and understood by the Church, was not realized in that particular union.

Indissolubility of marriage is a Catholic doctrine that holds that a valid, sacramental marriage is permanent and cannot be dissolved by any human power. This means that once a couple has entered into a valid marriage, they are bound together for life, and no human authority can sever that bond.

This doctrine is based on Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament, particularly in Matthew 19:6, where He says, “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.” The Catholic Church has consistently taught and upheld this doctrine throughout its history, emphasizing the sacred and permanent nature of marriage.

In practice, this means that the Church does not recognize divorce and remarriage, except in very specific circumstances, such as when a marriage is declared null through the annulment process. Even in cases of separation or divorce, the Church still considers the couple to be married in the eyes of God, and they are not free to remarry unless the marriage is declared null or one of the spouses dies.

The indissolubility of marriage is indeed rooted in human instincts and the natural dynamics of love and commitment.

When two people fall in love, they often express their devotion with phrases like “I love you forever” or “You’re the center of my life.” This language reflects a deep desire for permanence and unity, which is a fundamental aspect of human nature.

The indissolubility of marriage acknowledges and honors this natural inclination, recognizing that the love and commitment between two people is meant to be a lifelong bond. By embracing this doctrine, couples can build a strong foundation for their relationship, trusting that their love will endure through all of life’s joys and challenges.

It highlights the beauty of how human instincts and emotions align with the teachings of the Church, reflecting the wisdom and wonder of God’s plan for marriage and human love.

We can compare the dynamics of marriage with God’s faithfulness and humanity’s unfaithfulness.

Just as God remains faithful to us despite our unfaithfulness, a faithful spouse can choose to remain committed to their marriage vows, even when their partner is unwilling to work towards a lifelong union. This echoes God’s steadfast love and devotion to us, despite our shortcomings.

And just as Jesus reconciled us with the Father, bridging the gap caused by our sin and separation, a faithful spouse can extend love, forgiveness, and grace to their unfaithful partner, seeking reconciliation and healing in the marriage.

It highlights the beauty of God’s design for marriage, where two imperfect individuals can come together, seeking to fulfill His purpose, and in the process, reflect His love, forgiveness, and redemption. By embracing this mindset, couples can work towards building a stronger, more resilient marriage, grounded in God’s faithfulness and love.

Fr. J. Johnson OFM Cap. belongs to the Amala Annai Capuchin province in TamilNadu, India.

The post The Beauty of Christian Marriage appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

WHEN YOU GO HOME TELL THEM OF US AND SAY
“FOR YOUR TOMORROW, WE GAVE OUR TODAY.”

These poignant words are etched on the base of a statue that one can see in central position as one enters the gates of St Joseph’s Boys High School, Museum Road Bangalore.  This 175-year-school had a War Memorial erected decades ago in memory of the old boys of the school who had died in the 1914 war. Over time, there have been recent additions.

One of the entries reads “Major Sylvester Ratnam”.  2nd August marks 22 years of his martryrdom for India. This is his story.

Major Sylvester Rajesh Ratnam was born on 31st Dec 1972  in Bangalore to Mr. Rajkumar Ratnam and Mrs. Hemala Ratnam. He was a student of Bangalore’s St Joseph’s Boys High School and graduated from Christ College in Bangalore. Nicknamed as “Silly” by his friends, Maj Sylvester was a very jovial person and was very popular among his friends and comrades.

Maj Sylvester’s father served as a police officer and his grandfather had served with Indian Air Force. Maj Sylvester always had a dream to serve in the armed forces and he continued to pursue his dream after his graduation and also during his brief employment with Jet Airways. Finally, his ardent desire came true when he was selected to join the Officers’ Training Academy in Chennai and passed out on 05 Sep 1998. He was commissioned as Lieutenant into 21 Jat of the famed Jat Regiment known for its gallantry and various battle honors.

He was a dynamic and highly motivated officer, who always led his men with tremendous dedication and zeal. He soon gained expertise in battle craft skills and evolved into a committed soldier and a fine officer. His unit 21 Jat moved to Jammu and Kashmir in Oct 2001 and he also got promoted to the rank of Major.

Operation Parakram: 02 Aug 2002

On 2nd August 2002, Maj Sylvester’s unit was engaged in an encounter with militants in the Keran Sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Maj Sylvester swung into action and took measures to protect other soldiers from the militants. He managed to push some of the soldiers into a bunker before falling victim to a shell from the enemy firing. Maj Sylvester was martyred but showed exemplary courage and leadership in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Major Sylvester Rajesh Ratnam is survived by his mother Hemala Ratnam and sister Dr. Joseline Ratnam.

Major Sylvester’s mother, Hemala, lost her husband few months before she was to lose her only son.  In fact it was for the funeral of her husband that Hemala last saw her son.   Her son helped her design the tombstone of the grave of his late dad, post funeral.  He last spoke to his mom for an hour two days before he was to lose his life.  His final words to her were, “Mom, I love you, I miss you. I feel bad you are living alone after Dad’s death. Shall I resign my job and come and be with you?” She could barely hear him over the phone with the heavy sounds of artillery and combat in the background, but re-assured him to carry on with his duties and that she would be fine.

They lived at Thippasandra, next to Indiranagar, my neighbourhood, maybe that is why this story of his martyrdom seemed so personal to me.  He went to the school my sons attended, he walked the roads we walked on, all the while harbouring his desire to serve his beloved country.  On a visit to the War Memorial in Delhi , he told his mom, “ One day my name will be etched on it.”  These words seemed prophetic.

Twenty years after the loss of her son, Hemala keeps up a positive spirit and cheerful demeanour.  After his death, she spent a lot of time weeping, unable to accept the harsh reality and the then Parish Priest of the Church she used to visit, told her to try and forget  her pain by serving others – the underprivileged and offer her sufferings to God.

This advice caused a turnaround in her, slowly but surely.  She joined and dedicates a lot of her time to the Vincent de Paul Society at Resurrection Church and attends Mass daily. The Vincent de Paul society takes care of the needs of the poor and underprivileged for their requirements from housing to education and even medical. She is an indefatigable social worker. It is almost a full time job looking after the needs of those who need help.  Maybe in all these travails, she sees her  son in those she serves. I spoke to her in the writing of this article, and am quite frankly inspired at her inner strength,  Even after having just undergone knee replacement surgery, I can feel her positive strength over the phone.

There is a bust of his installed in the center of the small park in Thippasandra, the area he lived in.  The park is called the Major Sylvester Ratnam Memorial Park.

In thinking of Major Sylvester Ratnam’s life which was given to save others in his regiment, and really, ultimately, for us, we salute him.  He could have led a comfortable life away from the services, but he chose to serve his country and give his life as the ultimate sacrifice.

The words of St Paul come to my mind about this brave soldier:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:7

Yes indeed Major, you fought the good fight for all of us. We remain ever indebted to you, and the countless others who have laid their lives down in service of the nation so that we can have a better tomorrow.

Postscript: Recently while watching a movie with my son on OTT, “Major” which is a biopic based on the life of another Bangalore-based martyr for our country, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan who lost his life in the aftermath of the 26/11 terrorist attacks, I am moved almost to tears.  Maybe again it’s because Major Sandeep went to a school in the nearby neighbourhood, the Frank Anthony Public School, and lived close by too- a beloved only child of his parents- that his loss seems so close and personal.  He was moved to join the services by seeing in childhood the examples of those Officers serving the country, who presided over various school functions.  This sparked in him the desire to join the services, against the wish of his father.  The day after I watched this movie while driving my son to school in the morning, we were passing by the ASC area, and I asked him, my heart in my mouth ‘Son do you want to join the services?’

His reply is a story for another day.

The post Major Sylvester Ratnam: The Martyr appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

“Disease is surely one of the ways in which we are tried by life and offered the chance to be heroic. Though few of us will win Olympic gold medals or slay dragons, disease can be the spark or gift that allows many of us to live out our personal myths and become heroes.”

— Bernie Siegel M.D.

The words above that I read more than thirty-five years ago, still has an impact on me. When my mom was diagnosed with fourth stage Colon Cancer whilst only in her early fifties, we almost felt the earth shifting beneath our feet. Treatment was rudimentary in India, and there were very few hospitals dealing with the dreaded big “C”. We could not even get stoma bags of good quality in India, and I had to get them from the US. She was given less than six months but her strong will power enabled her to outlast that timeframe by five years. During that period she was able to see me complete my Masters degree in Engineering from the US and see me get married too.

Attending meetings of Ostomates (those who had this procedure) in the US, I saw people having this procedure done, 20 even 30 years ago, living normal lives. Sharing their experiences with each other made them stronger mutually.

The periods that my mom was under treatment (several rounds of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) were huge periods of ups and downs in our life. But strong faith in Almighty and reading the Bible and works such as by Dr Bernie Siegel, author of the book, Love, Medicine and Miracles, helped her and us during these trials, Of course, I had periods where I was angry at those around me – the Doctors who were treating her and even God. Why was this happening to my mom, who always exalted Him in her life and sacrificed everything for her three precious children and husband, giving her very best always.

She remains our evergreen hero. Accepting what came her way without complaint or bitterness. The pillar of our family, she gave us strength even in her illness. Paradoxically, as her physical strength ebbed with the crushing impact of the treatments that killed good cells along with bad, her will became stronger.

I think of all these times, and wonder at the amazing advancements in India, since then. The latest technologies and techniques help detect matters early, and bring things under control. And of course, good quality stoma bags are available in India too.

There is much to be grateful for.

All these memories came to mind recently, when one of our Bible study group members, a strong woman of God was diagnosed with the same condition that my mom had, fortunately, detected in the very early stages of the illness.

I believe, the woman of God will emerge from the required treatment, changed by the encounter with the disease as a hero. She will strengthen her family and friends by becoming this hero.

Just like my mom did, and all those who battle this debilitating illness. They are heroes.

Their example will help us to accept with Grace whatever comes in our life as per His Will, Good or Bad. We all pray, of course, for illness to be taken away from us. Many times, it happens that illness can be controlled by treatment and may even disappear over time. But sometimes, we have to accept that the illness stays with us, and we have to come to terms with it with it and become better versions of ourselves, not worse off, becoming bitter and despondent due to it, spreading the gloom, when a chance exists to obviate how our near and dear ones feel because of the condition the embattled one has to suffer. This is the aspect of heroism.

The Saints have not been spared from illness too. We learn from their lives.

Reflecting upon the life of St Alphonsa, whose short life was afflicted by continuous bouts of illness, we marvel at her written response to her Spiritual Director on 20 November 1944, “ Dear Father, as my good Lord Jesus loves me so very much, I sincerely desire to remain on this sick bed and suffer not only this but anything else besides, even to the end of the world. I feel now that God has intended my life to be an oblation, a sacrifice of suffering.”

St Charles Borromeo administered tirelessly to the deadly plague affected victims in the city of Milan centuries ago, staying back when almost all others deserted the city. He is attributed to the saying, “Don’t prefer a long life over a holy one.”

St Peregrine is the Patron Saint of the Cancer affected. There are numerous prayers one can find online seeking this Saint’s intercession.

St Francis of Assisi, who was troubled by various ailments in his life, including his poor eyesight, for which his eyes had to be cauterized, a very painful procedure in the mediaeval era, says with such clarity of inner vision, “Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature. What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received…but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”

The words of Holy Father Pope Francis given on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick 2024, put in the right perspective what our Christian attitude to be when affected by illness:

“To those of you who experience illness, whether temporary or chronic, I would say this: Do not be ashamed of your longing for closeness and tenderness! Do not conceal it, and never think that you are a burden on others. The condition of the sick urges all of us to step back from the hectic pace of our lives in order to rediscover ourselves.

At this time of epochal change, we Christians in particular are called to adopt the compassion-filled gaze of Jesus. Let us care for those who suffer and are alone, perhaps marginalized and cast aside. With the love for one another that Christ the Lord bestows on us in prayer, especially in the Eucharist, let us tend the wounds of solitude and isolation. In this way, we will cooperate in combating the culture of individualism, indifference and waste, and enable the growth of a culture of tenderness and compassion.

The sick, the vulnerable and the poor are at the heart of the Church; they must also be at the heart of our human concern and pastoral attention. May we never forget this! And let us commend ourselves to Mary Most Holy, Health of the Sick, that she may intercede for us and help us to be artisans of closeness and fraternal relationships.”

In the journey of life, these words impress me:

“Spirituality in its best sense is about “What you do with your pain?” Richard Rohr OFM.

We have to appropriate our human condition and fragility. It is in the heart of our fragility that we discover the presence of God. Spiritual life is most frequently activated after some personal crisis or tragedy. God can enter into our lives only through cracks. Pain is the holy angel which shows treasures to us that otherwise remain forever hidden.

Let us take therefore take heart. We can draw strength from them – our heroes.

“ Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Is 41:10

The post Courageous Souls: Battling Illness with Grace appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

Fr Arockia Rayappan –

While I was still the vice-rector and formator at Vinay Gurukul (Delhi Archdiocesan Minor Seminary) from 2006-2008, I regularly concelebrated the mass at Saint Michael’s Church in Gurugram (earlier known as Gurgaon). The Church is adjacent to Vinay Gurukul.

I had met a family after the Sunday Mass at the Church Campus and had some casual conversations. The dad was enrolled as a catechumen at that time. He received his Catechetical instructions after the Sunday Eucharist. His wife and daughter took care of his faith formation throughout the week. In one of the meetings, the dad himself took the initiative to share about his faith journey. He decided to become a Christian because of his daughter. Further, he narrated: It was during a family conversation at home that he was startled by his child’s bold statement that her Jesus was a living God. Her daughter, still a teenager, might have uttered the words innocently. But those words got imprinted deep within his heart and brought in him a total transformation.

He said that he often used to reflect on her sentence while he travelled to the office and on his way back home. The challenge before him was: how to become humble before her daughter and to accept Jesus as the Living God in his life?

After days of reflection, he approached his wife and expressed his desire if he would become a follower of Christ like her and their daughter. His wife shared with him that she too had prayed for the grace that they all would be Catholics someday. She surely wished that he accepts Christian faith. But she urged him not to hurry. She requested him to be patient. She encouraged him to analyse deeply the reason for which he wished to become a Christian. She gently made him understand that it was fine that he practised the religion he belonged to. With that, neither she nor her daughter had any issues. She asked him if he needed to be sure why he wanted to become a Christian. She discouraged him from becoming a Christian for her and their daughter’s sake. She bluntly asked him if he really believed in Jesus.

Thereafter began his faith-journey. She advised him that if he was so serious, then he had to find his own ways and means to approach the priest and to start his own faith formation. That made the whole responsibility on him. He added that his wife’s approach made his own decision and his wish to be a believer of the Living God. Later he revealed to me, his wife had been leading an exemplary life. She prayed daily in the evening. She made a room in her apartment as a chapel. That was the only request she made to him when they moved to Gurugram. Never once, did she force her husband to become a Christian. That was their agreement since the initial years of dating. They maintained their promise throughout their family life though they moved to different cities. They respected each other’s choice of religion and religious practices. But they were supportive of their partner’s religious practice. Later on, I used to meet them in my new parish.

After I moved on from the parish – happened to visit my former parish since my friend my friend was appointed there as the parish priest. He introduced to me his parish council’s vice-president. The vice-president was the same dad who had met me after the Sunday Eucharist at Gurugram. Later, I met the family, his wife and daughter after the parish council meeting. While he participated in the parish council meeting, his wife prayed the rosary in the Church. The three of them had become active members in the Church. They looked very happy. His wife was a member of the Legion of Mary, and the daughter was an altar server and choir member in the parish. She even took care of distributing Christmas gifts to the homeless. We did not talk about the faith journey when we met but exchanged our smiles.

The daughter giggled, and enquired of me, “Do you still remember the conversation about my ‘Living God’?” I was all smiles all over my face. Yes, there I met Jesus our Living God in their family, the domestic Church. There I met a family being nurtured through a genuine, authentic and responsible faith. May God bless each of them. Exemplary faith life and faith-filled conversation brought Christ to someone in the family – abundant service and blessings to the family. God be praised!

The author is a priest of Delhi Archdiocese, and Ph.D. student at Concordia University, Canada. Please visit the weblink of Concordia Library Spectrum Research Repository for more details. His Orchid ID:  His most cherished quotations are: “Inspiring and effective leaders are made not born – and it can take a lot of hard work to develop the skills and know-how to do this.” “Our life’s trials often reveal our capacity for empathy and kindness.” “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”

The post Jesus: Meeting the Living God in Families appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

By Lavoisier Fernandes            

My octogenarian parents came from quite a different age. Unlike my parents, a few of that generation migrated to British India and Africa. Post Colonial migration generally consisted of migrating to the city, which was a few kilometres away from the village or to a major city in India – in search of work, and some chose to settle there in order to provide their children a better life and an education. Furthermore, it was common for one spouse to support their family by working in the Gulf or on certain maritime jobs. Because permanent international migration was prohibited by not so favourable legislations, this kind of temporary movement was only undertaken for employment.

Growing up in the city in my native state of Goa as a millennial, I watched my parents have steady jobs that did not pay well, they saved for the future without having to worry about taking out loans or mortgages, and generally lived within their means without worrying about guaranteed pensions free from market swings. Compared to today’s 24/7 work culture, their professions included less travel for work; they were essentially classic “9–5” jobs with a healthy work-life balance that included family prayer life. I also grew up seeing my dad accomplish his Christian duty of caring for his father, my grandfather. The affection and kinship between generations was fostered and strengthened by my grandmother’s regular trips from the village and vice versa. While acknowledging the good times, challenges, and financial hardships faced by that generation, this did help keep the family stable and strong without bringing it to disintegration. This was the norm for most families in the years before globalization, just as it was for me.

Fast-forward and things have changed significantly. We now live where the world is a global village. The process of globalization has made the world a highly interconnected environment where people, places, things, and society are all becoming increasingly interrelated. International migration has increased dramatically in response to the promise of greater job prospects, a higher standard of living, and better educational chances. Nonetheless, some of these migrations have also been unintentionally caused by a herd mentality frenzy.

One could say that globalisation has always existed, and that globalisation has brought in loads of benefits, be it in better healthcare where the average life expectancy and health has increased. Undoubtedly, globalization has also resulted in improved communication methods. For example, elderly people can now press a button to connect with their overseas children. Despite these benefits, there are drawbacks to globalization, particularly for families. These include and to name a few-erratic work schedules and the disintegration of families which in turn has affected the care for the elderly.

Biblical and Catholic Church’s Understanding.

The book of Sirach, also called Ecclesiasticus, is one of the most fascinating books in the Bible. It was translated into Greek by his grandson after being composed in Hebrew by a man by the name of Joshua. The passage from Sirach 3—which is typically read on the feast of the holy family—talks on the assistance, thankfulness, obedience, and deference that adult children should show to their elderly parents, especially during “illness, loneliness, or distress.” It is made clear in the fourth commandment, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you,” which has served as the basis for religious and moral systems throughout history.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church rightly also sees this commandment as anchoring the heart of the social order calling the family “a domestic church,” “a privileged community” and the “original cell of social life.”

 Globalisation of Indifference and The Throwaway Culture

Pope Francis has made “old age” a pastoral priority of his pontificate. Alongside migration and climate change, he has said that it is one of the most urgent issues facing the human family at this time. The Holy Father has consistently spoken against the globalisation of indifference and the throwaway culture, that has resulted in isolation, rejection and loneliness of the elderly, leading to psychological distress; and crimes against older people.

In 2021 Pope Francis instituted a Church-wide celebration of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which has been celebrated  on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. The theme for the 4th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on the 28^th July 2024 is “Do Not Cast Me Off in My Old Age,” which comes from Psalm 71.

In summary, Pope Francis through his Catechesis, Encyclical and pastoral writings on old age and care for the elderly has emphasized the following:

1. The Elderly as a Reservoir of Wisdom: Pope Francis sees the elderly as a “reservoir of wisdom” for society, with much to teach the younger generations about the meaning of life. He encourages a “covenant between young and old” to foster healthy intergenerational relationships and learning.
2. Abandonment and Neglect of the Elderly: The Holy Father laments that the elderly are often “abandoned” and neglected in modern society, which is overly focused on youth and productivity.
3. The Elderly as a Blessing and Gift: Pope Francis sees longevity and old age as a “blessing” from God. He says the elderly can become “instruments of the history of salvation” and continue to bear “new fruit” even in their weakness and vulnerability.
4. Pastoral Care for the Elderly: The Holy Father urges the Church to change its “pastoral habits” to better respond to the growing presence of the elderly in families and communities. He says the Church must learn to see the elderly not just as a past to be remembered, but as the present and future, with new possibilities for holiness, service, and prophecy.

Caring For the Elderly Is a Challenge with Spiritual Fruits and Rewards

Is caring for the aged and aging a burden or a blessing? Unfortunately, lots of us will be facing this situation – if we are not already. In today’s globalized world of unpredictable work hours and with  children no longer living next door to their aging parents, taking care of the elderly is a challenge if not an opportunity for sainthood. This is especially true for Catholics who seek to live in obedience with the Lord’s Commandments.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2218) also shows that those who observe the Fourth Commandment will be rewarded – “that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you. Respecting this commandment provides, along with spiritual fruits, temporal fruits of peace and prosperity. Conversely, failure to observe it brings great harm to communities and to individuals.”

Upholding the Fourth Commandment entails more than just keeping our parents and other elderly family members safe; it also entails frequent visits, actively participating in their later years by providing for their material and spiritual needs. This does not stop with elderly in our immediate family but involves caring for the elderly in our communities as well— like the elderly man who lives alone up the street or the older couple who attends the early morning Mass on Sundays.

As Catholics, we are called to do more than live peacefully in private. We are called to be better sons and daughters to our community’s elderly. These are indeed difficult decisions and require families and communities to collaborate, dialogue, sacrifice, discern, pause ,pray, ponder, and prepare.

Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith thanks to his Salesian schooling and his passion is podcasting, theology, the papacy, volunteering.
He has hosted the ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both Church and society and has also hosted the ‘Heart Talk’ series for  Shalom World Catholic TV. In 2018 one of his podcast -Mental Health and the role of the Catholic Church was shortlisted for the Jerusalem awards in UK. Presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine – Renovação, Mumbai Diocesan magazine – The Examiner, the only digital Indian Catholic portal – Indian Catholic Matters  and the Faith Companion Magazine in England.

The post A Senior Moment- Care for the Elderly in a Globalised World appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

Dr Jeanette Pinto –

What a joy to witness a married couple celebrate their Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, how blessed their family has been through their loving presence. Being faithful to each other for many very years   certainly calls for celebration. Marriage is a strong bond that ties two individuals and wraps them in the warmth of social, emotional, legal and even physical bonding. Society today sadly suffers from an epidemic of broken families and especially fatherlessness. Fatherhood is a gift. The statistics of children in advanced countries living without a biological adoptive or stepfather in the home is stunning and unbelievable.  One wonders where did all that love disappear?

Our world needs fathers. “The family is the community in which from childhood one can learn moral values, begin to honour God and make good use of freedom.” (CCC 2207) We all live in a fallen world but that does not mean that mother or father should down play their important God given role. In his Apostolic letter announcing the Year of St. Joseph, Patris Corde, Pope Francis affirms, “Our world today needs fathers…Every true vocation is born of the gift of oneself, which is the fruit of mature sacrifice.” A father is called to lead his children to God the Father, “from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” (Eph 3:15)

St. Joseph was a simple man of silent witness. God entrusted to him the duty to protect and defend the Holy Family, which was really the very first Church. He was humble and obedient to God’s plan. He listened to God and then made his life one of service and sacrifice to Jesus and Mary. St. Joseph’s example should be an inspiration to our worldly fathers. Fathers protect their families through countless selfless acts that often go unnoticed and sometimes unrecognized. So let them never under estimate the power of their presence in the lives of their families.

For Catholic fathers, the practice of faith is not the only thing, but its the basis of everything for bearing fruit in their children’s lives. Raising children to become mature, responsible, faithful adults is the whole point of Catholic fatherhood. This really begins with making the family a “domestic church’, and “a community of grace and prayer” (CCC, 1666) Most grandads wish they had spent more time with their children.  Work of course takes precedence to keep the home fires burning, and the burdens of travel and work to support the family sometimes negatively impacts family life. Nevertheless, being an attentive devoted husband and father is job number ONE, and it might require pushing back on career demands, and making good choices.

Fathers who abandon their children and mothers who take their children away from their fathers have no idea of the price the children are going to pay. Children without fathers in the home are almost twice as likely to be hyperactive as children in homes with both parents. Studies have shown that suicides, runaways and homeless children grew up in fatherless homes. Also, it has been observed that children with behaviour disorders, of high school drop outs, of juveniles in state operated institutions and youths in prison grew up in homes without a father. Indeed, the most reliable predictor of crime is not poverty, it is not race, it is growing up without a dad.

The experience of fatherhood isn’t something that can be easily put into words. Its wonderful. It’s terrifying. Patience is a virtue that fathers must cultivate. It is the responsibility of fathers to guide the children to holiness. Fathers firstly must show respect for their wives, take on household and other tasks without complaint   and also serve parish and community needs when possible.  It transforms your relationships with everything else in your life: your spouse your work, your own parents and children. Catholic fatherhood brings immense joys, to see the growth of their children into young men and women which is a great satisfaction.

St. Joseph has not changed, what he was in the New Testament he has remained through all Christian history: – ‘the earthly father of our Saviour Jesus Christ, the chaste and loving husband of the Virgin Mary, an iconic witness to the dignity of work, and an effective guardian of the Church throughout the world.’  Among the many depictions St Joseph is portrayed as a man who sorts problems in a radical way. He finds solutions by being both brave and prudent.

In conclusion, here’s what Stratford Caldecott a Catholic writer wrote “in St Joseph, justice is combined with tenderness, strength and decisiveness with flexibility and openness to the will of God.” Our fathers could take a page out of this, and believe that their role of fatherhood is truly a gift from God.

Dr Jeanette Pinto, an educator for the past 5 decades, headed the Department of History was Vice Principal of St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, and retired as Principal of Sophia College, Mumbai. She is a counsellor and conductor of Personal Enrichment Programmes for students and teachers.

She set up the Human Life Committee in the Archdiocese of Bombay. As a sex educator she has given talks on Human Sexuality in India and abroad. In 2014 she received the Rachana Outstanding Woman of the Year for her Pro-life work presented by the Diocese of Mangalore. She has attended many National and International Pro-life conferences and given talks at other fora on various women’s issues.

She is author of a couple of books, her most recent ones are titled: I’m Pro-Life Are you? & Sex Talk: Parent to Child. She has also written a number of articles on a variety of themes and subjects, which have been published in research journals, The Examiner and other Catholic publications.

The post Fatherhood is a Gift! appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

The Catholic Church understands marriage to be an enduring and exclusive partnership for the mutual giving and receiving of love and the procreation and education of children. Marriage is much more than a legal contract; it is a sacred bond in which a man and a woman totally commit themselves to the good of each other for their entire lives. A sacramental bond can be dissolved only by the death of one of the spouses.

What is a valid Catholic Marriage?
In the Catholic Church, a marriage is considered valid when:

1. It is celebrated in a ceremony which is legally acceptable in the eyes of the Church [Proper Canonical Form]
2.  Both parties are free to marry each other [No Impediments]
3. Each party intends from the beginning of the marriage to accept God’s plan for married life as taught by the Church [Properties of Marriage]
4. Each party has the physical and the psychological ability to live out the consent initially given at the wedding [Consent]
5. The Church presumes that every marriage is valid until the opposite is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

What is an Annulment?

An annulment, properly called a declaration of nullity, is a discovery that at the time of the wedding, some essential feature was not present, the marriage was incomplete, and the Church, after thorough investigation, declares that a valid marriage did not exist.

Is this same as Divorce?

A declaration of nullity is not some sort of “Catholic divorce” by which the Church allows the marriage bond to be broken. Unlike a 16 civil divorce, a declaration of nullity does not claim to break the marriage bond, but it is rather a statement that the marriage, as it is understood by the Church, was never validly existed in the first place (that there was from the start no true marriage). Civil divorce dissolves and/or breaks a marriage, while a church’s decree of nullity declares that there never was a true bond to begin with. So it’s never a divorce.

How is the nullity of Marriage declared?

In a declaration of nullity process, the tribunal judges conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the marriage, especially prior to and at the time the couple exchanged their vows.

The judges evaluate and examine the marriage for the necessary elements of a valid union: consent, permanence, fidelity, true companionship and love of the spouses, and openness to bearing and educating children. The tribunal seeks to determine if there was anything that prevented those elements from being present from the beginning or if one or both spouses were unable to enter into a valid union due to physical, psychological or circumstantial causes.

What is a Tribunal?

A tribunal is the Church’s court of justice. As the compassionate arm of the Church, a tribunal is where rights are upheld and justice is rendered in judicial matters pertaining to ecclesiastical law. The Tribunal’s purpose is two-fold: the first is to safeguard the rights of all Catholics in the Archdiocese, from Archbishop to catechumen.

The second is to act as a trial court for contentious cases referred to it by the Archbishop.

From a practical standpoint, a tribunal functions principally in the investigation of marriage nullity cases. The entire process leading to a declaration of nullity is regulated by the 1983 Code of Canon Law and other Ecclesiastical norms, which are universal and govern tribunals in every diocese throughout the world.

Do the declarations of the Tribunal have civil effects?

Declarations of nullity have no civil effects. There are no civil effects of a Church Declaration of Nullity. It does not affect in any manner the legitimacy of children (see Canon 1137), property rights, inheritance rights, visitations rights, names, etc. A Church annulment is a 17 declaration from the Catholic Church that a particular union, presumably begun in good faith and thought by all to be a valid marriage, was in fact an invalid union as the Catholic Church defines marriage.

There is no attempt in the annulment process to accuse or to punish individuals. On the contrary the purpose of an annulment procedure is, whenever possible, to reconcile persons to full sacramental participation in the community of the Catholic Church.

What is the Office of the Tribunal?

The Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam is appointed by the Archbishop with the power to adjudicate in accordance with Canon Law. Among its primary duties is to examine petitions for a Declarations of Nullity, in which someone petitions the tribunal to determine if their prior marriage may be declared null.

Fr. AVS Pradeep is Judicial Vicar, Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam

The post What is a Catholic Marriage? appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.

Theni, Tamil Nadu: In a joyous display of love and devotion, Holy Redeemer’s Church in Theni celebrated the First World Day of Children on Sunday, May 26, 2024. This momentous occasion was graced by the presence of Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, a distinguished Missionary of Mercy and Pontifical Delegate of Pope Francis, appointed during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The celebration was a testament to the Church’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and cherishing its youngest members.

Rev. Fr. M. S. Muthu, the Parish Priest and Vicar Forane, eloquently expressed the significance of the day, stating, “We respond to the call of the Holy Father to celebrate the First World Day of Children. The day reminds us that the children are not the future of the Church, but the present.” This powerful message underscores the importance of recognizing and embracing the children as integral members of the faith community.

In his inspiring homily, Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi emphasized the need to approach children with empathy and to instil in them resilience. He passionately stated, “The children must be celebrated every day; they are precious in God’s eyes and our eyes. We have a spiritual responsibility to approach them with empathy and to instil in them resilience.” These words serve as a guiding light for the community, reminding them of their duty to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for the children.

Mrs. Aurelia Dhas, a dedicated faith formation volunteer, shared her insights on the broader implications of the First World Day of Children. She remarked, “The day invites us to celebrate children at the catechism classes not as passive observers, but as active partners.” This perspective encourages the community to engage children actively in their faith formation, recognizing their unique perspectives and contributions.

Master Eustace John, speaking on behalf of all the children, expressed their gratitude to the Holy Father Pope Francis, saying, “We are thankful to the Holy Father Pope Francis for remembering us. He is loving grandfather!” This heartfelt message conveys the children’s appreciation for the Church’s efforts in celebrating and supporting them.

The First World Day of Children at Holy Redeemer’s Church was meticulously arranged by Rev. Fr. M. S. Muthu, along with Fr. Martin and Fr. Barnabas SDM, ensuring a seamless and meaningful celebration. This event marks a significant moment of unity and joy, reinforcing the community’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating its youngest members.

The celebration at Holy Redeemer’s Church serves as a shining example of the Church’s dedication to the spiritual and emotional well-being of children. By recognizing their invaluable presence within the faith community and providing them with a nurturing environment, the Church ensures that children remain at the heart of its mission, both in the present and for generations to come.

The post Celebrating the Precious Gifts of God: Holy Redeemer’s Church Embraces First World Day of Children appeared first on Indian Catholic Matters.