THE SPIRIT BLOWS WHERE IT WILLS

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal as the New Pentecost

A Theological Reflection on the CCR was held at Vidyajyoti Hall on August 19, 2010 with Cyril John, President of CCR, Delhi and Director in the Lok Sabha Secretariat as speaker and resource person. For many years now he has been a leading figure in the Charismatic movement at regional, national and international levels.

Quoting John Paul II, Cyril John pointed out that the Institutional and the Charismatic are co-essential to the divine constitution of the Church and they both make the mystery of Christ and his saving work present in the world. The CCR belongs to the charismatic dimension of the Church.

Cyril John summed up the main goals of CCR as Conversion, Empowerment, Edification, Sanctification and Evangelization. The CCR finds expression in a variety of ministries and services, all inspired by the Holy Spirit. They include retreat centres, retreat teams, schools of evangelization, centres of social concern, youth ministry, children’s ministry, Eucharistic adoration and intercession centres, books and periodicals, electronic media initiatives, counseling centres, etc.

The life of the charismatics is marked by profound love for the Church, renewed interest in the sacraments, commitment to prayer life, hunger for the Word of God, appreciation and exercise of charismatic gifts, desire to grow in fellowship, experiences of healing and deliverance, and zeal for evangelization and emergence. The Renewal has produced great many committed lay leaders in the Church.

The speaker concluded his talk expressing a genuine desire to see a course on the New Ecclesial Movements – CCR is one among them – introduced in the curriculum of every seminary. All were impressed by the immense good the CCR is doing in the Church and in society as well as by the personal testimony of the speaker.

The programme was emceed by Sanil Mayilkunnel SJ and chaired by Fr. Medard Xalxo SJ.

Jyotsna Paul introduced the speaker and Balaraj P. proposed the vote of thanks.

INDEPENDENT INDIA AND CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY

“India that fought imperial power and won in the past can successfully fight

the evils of divisiveness and oppression today” – Prof. Kamal Mitra Chenoy

To mark the 64^th Independence Day of the nation, a special lecture was organized today at Vidyajyoti. The speaker was Dr. Kamal Mitra Chenoy, Professor at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and well-known Human Rights activist.

Dr. Chenoy pointed to the many contradictions and anomalies that beleaguer us. In a country that has 470 dollar billionaires, 77% of the people suffer from malnutrition. The executive, judiciary and the media which are supposed to protect and champion the cause of the common people are often found to work against them. Right to life, Right to food, Right to livelihood, and Right to education – all are being rendered meaningless and ineffectual by limiting clauses. India wants to become a great and powerful nation through increased militarization, not by eradicating poverty and hunger and ensuring other basic needs of all its citizens.

The way out is through knowledge and consciousness that empower people. There is a need for a new coalition of all secular groups, a rainbow coalition of people from different persuasions, in order to work towards an India which is more just, more egalitarian and more harmonious. Religions can and must contribute towards this. There is no contradiction here. If my religion makes me anti-people and causes me to discriminate against people of other persuasions, then I am communal. Such people are a minority in every religion. Most people in India are both religious and secular. So the secular and the pious can work together. There is hope: “India that fought the imperial power and won in the past can successfully fight the evils of divisiveness and oppression today”

The programme was emceed by Roshan Tirkey SJ and chaired by Fr. Poulose Mangai SJ.

The entire show highlighted the need to become innovators for the effective proclamation of the gospel. The changing times require creative messengers of the good news like the youth in the team of Pastor Kim. Are we ready for ‘the roads less travellled’?

‘ZAMEEN SE ANA HAI’

On the occasion of the feast of St. Ignatius what is a Jesuit expected to do? Well if not crossing new frontiers, at least crossing new mental blocks, unleashing a new life in the field of academics. That is exactly what Francis Gonsalves did. This time he comes out with another of his deconstructing book, “GOD OF OUR SOIL – Towards A Subaltern Trinitarian Thelogy.”

Some years ago Vidyajyoti was vibrating with the Theme andar se ana hai; it has to come from within. But now Francis in his book says, zameen se ana hai – it has to come from the soil. The book offers beautiful insights coming from the personal experiences of Francis G., while working with the tribals of the Dangs and Surat Districts in south Gujarat.

While releasing God of Our Soil, John Dayal, a noted journalist and Christian leader spoke of his own experiences of working with those ones who are close to the soil. The voiceless have no language to speak. Their language is silent suffering. We should all stand by their side and support their struggles.

Congrats Francis G.! May many more books in the style of zameen se ana hai come out of your pen!

Paulose Mangai S.J.

“Launch out into the Deep!” This was the focal theme of the college inaugural today. The day began with a special Eucharistic Celebration in the morning presided over by His Grace Vincent Concessao, Archbishop of Delhi and Patron of Vidyajyoti.  During the homily the Patron invited the faculty and the nearly 200 students to have faith in the Lord who calls and gives power and launch out into the deep with confidence and trust. The presence of the Lord can work wonders in us and through us just as it did with ordinary disciples like Peter and John. Where the Lord is, there is hope.

Vidyajyoti is beginning the new academic session with a new Principal in the saddle. The Rector of the College, Fr. Joe Sebastian SJ welcomed the new Principal, Fr. Francis Gonsalves SJ and wished him well on behalf of the whole faculty. In his maiden address to the staff and students, the new Principal emphasized that Vidyajyoti is a parivar, a family. He summed up his message with the acronym G.R.O.W.T.H.

God is at the Centre of our life and theology.

Relationship with fellow men and women and all beings and nature is a basic value.

Option for the poor underlies our theological orientation at Vidyajyoti.

Word and Work are vital on our journey.

Time (signs of the Time), Transcendence and Tradition are essential aspects of theology.

Harmony, Humaneness and Happiness are our characteristic traits.

The post-lunch session saw Professor Zoya Hasan of Jawaharlal Nehru University, an eminent Political Scientist and former member of the National Commission for Minorities addressing the faculty and the students on “Social Discrimination and Politics of Affirmative Action.” She pointed to the many contradictions and hurdles that are operative at the socio-political level and even at the level of higher judiciary that hinder expansion of affirmative action in favour of dalits and minorities in spite of recommendations by official commissions.

The first day was packed and heavy but at the same time inspiring and thought-provoking. It has raised many concerns and issues which we have to pursue with passion and vigour. The Lord has commanded: Launch out into the deep! We have chosen to do his bidding.

]]> http://vidyajyoti.in/?feed=rss2&p=1102 0 http://vidyajyoti.in/?p=1081 http://vidyajyoti.in/?p=1081#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:30:48 +0000 Vidyajyoti College of Theology http://vidyajyoti.in/?p=1081 Amelia  SCN

The historic centenary celebration of Women’s Day  on 8^th March by the VJ Parivar was a fitting toast to womanhood.  The panel discussion, skit, song, dance and media presentation made it a wholesome celebration.  The ‘interplay’ between Biblical understanding of women rooted in patriarchy, of the old, and the modern emerging and empowered woman of the present, was well portrayed.

The real image of the woman as equal, complimentary, life-giver was not only depicted but also put into practice through the panel discussion.  This was one of the key parts of the programme.  Three women, belonging to different religious backgrounds discussed various issues connected to women.  They were also the chief guests, thus making this a truly Women’s Day celebration.

The atmosphere created was all to show that a woman can rise above any hurdle, as each woman had resources and strengths deep down which only had to be tapped and developed.

The presence of  many men seemed to deepen the celebrations as it should that there were many men who thought differently and were there to make many a women’s dream of being treated as an equal a reality.

Thus the idea that shone forth was that the Reign of God was indeed present where the Queendom of God was awakened and empowered.

Fr. Thomas is the national director for the Commission for religious Harmony, CBCI.  the theme of his lecture was Harmony of Faiths for Social Integration.

The importance of inter-religious dialogue is evident from the fact that there are around 36 dialogue/harmony centres in India. Fr. Thomas explained why ‘harmony’ is a better word than ‘dialogue.’ And further enumerated ten shifts that have been taking place in the area of inter religious dialogue, namely, a shift from theological to multi-disciplinary approach, theoretical to practical, inter-religious to multi-religious, religions to non-religions, purely religious to multi-dimensional, Religion-centeredness to life centeredness, exclusiveness to inclusiveness, hierarchical to participative, paralleling to networking and from dialogue to harmony.  Quoting John Paul II, Fr. Thomas said, “Religion has to be what God intended to be, a source of goodness, harmony and peace.” Religions are not contradictory but are mutually complementary to each other. Dialogue should promote mutuality because it is being present to the other or being a mirror to the other, and mutually getting transformed into the Divine in the process. Since there are different contexts within India, he emphasised the need to have constant dialogue between the context and concept. The goal of inter-religious dialogue is to promote communal harmony and a secular perspective where all the religions are equally respected. What is important is to promote the good values present in the other traditions. Our collective duty is to make society a better, more inclusive, and a more just one.

Vidyajyoti  organized an  evening to  felicitate   Fr Samuel Rayan  taking into cognizance his contribution to Indian theology and his presence in Vidyajyoti.  Fr. Francis welcomed the guests.  Fr.T.K. John gave a brief Sketch of Fr Samuel’s life and his work. Fr  T. K.  began with these words  “wings of sunbird should not be clipped the path of the honey sucker should not be blocked, the song of the crow should be appreciate, the beauty of the flower of the tiny grass should be esteemed”.  With  these words he described Samuel Rayan his theology and his life itself  “When we turn to the east, there is first the thinning out of the darkness, then a tinge of luminosity, followed by tender rays, then the full sun in the orient. Similarly a gentle look,  beginning of the gentle smile, then some endearing words and then the cascade of thoughts, like waves after waves. You are enamoured. That is a way of summarizing Samuel’s contribution to the task of humanizing our society.

Prof.  Virginius Xaxa, prof ,sociology Delhi school of Economics, spoke on “Empowerment of Dalits, Tribals and women in India”.For prof. Virginius, empowerment is relational term in the sense that, empowermet of whom? against whom?  Secondly the Dalits, Tribals and women all have a commonality that they all belong to a sub-altern group, under  socio-political and economic domination. Dalit oppression comes from system rooted in system of inequality. The tribal situated as outside civilization and thus a social and cultural oppression. While the oppression of women is in the context of patriarchy.  The discrimination in the small institution of family is extended to the public domain. The empowerment is empowerment of Dalits, Tribals and women at all levels, social, political, economic and gender level. This session was chaired by Fr. Milianius Beck.

Rev. Dr P.G. George, principal Dharma Jyoti Vidya Peeth, Faridabad, spoke on ecumenism in India: challenges and prospects.  Dr. George described Fr. Samuel as simple man always in a shirt and a ‘loongi’ his voice always feeble but profound. Dr George took a survey of ecumenism in the past 100 years.  To  the delight of the gathering,  he  brought to light, many of Fr. Samuel’s thoughts and writings. He elaborated the importance of ecumenism and some  concrete ways to come and work on common platform. He said ecumenism is the tool to measure the  Truth and the credibility of church in India. Fr. Leonard Fernando chaired this session.

Finally all present were treated to the delight of Samuel’s poetic prose. His words were charming music which stirred the hearts of  each one, making all to think:

“The other is a gift, and not a threat. The other can be a help, support, model, challenge. Think of the other as you work, the other gender in life, the other colour, in painting, the other voice in music, the other planet beside our earth, the other branches of science besides your specialization. The other person, the other nation, new invitation and fresh incentives. The other religion, new symbols, promises and challenges.” He concluded with these words  “Education in love is one of the urgent needs of human society everywhere”.

The Students of first year theology presented a programme titled Choti Si Asha. India has over three million children living on the streets! One out of every six girl child does not live to see her 15^th birthday! Of the 12 million girls born every year in India only 1/3 survive. India has the highest infant mortality rate in the world 63% and the second largest child work force with 115 million child labourers. Despite having a national policy for compulsory primary education, only 50% of children have access to schools! All this was highlighted through a variety of charts prepared and displayed by the First Year Students of theology.  This was then followed by a short drama which was about Choti, and how she suffers a series of horrendous incidents in life. It was a thematic session on the issues of Children.

The programme ended with an inspiring speech given by Mr Joseph John, the coordinator of the Children’s’ parliament initiative of the Chetanalaya NGO. He is also the coordinator of the Seemapuri Circle of the NGO. He shared with us his experiences as a social activist and  opened our eyes with enormous data on children’s issues.

Let every child have the blooming childhood!

Let no child die of hunger!

Let no child be abused!

Let no child die because it is female!

Let no child sweat with labour!

Let us join our hands together and work for the Kingdom of love and life where every child smiles and blossoms in freedom!

]]> http://vidyajyoti.in/?feed=rss2&p=1025 0 http://vidyajyoti.in/?p=1014 http://vidyajyoti.in/?p=1014#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:49 +0000 Vidyajyoti College of Theology http://vidyajyoti.in/?p=1014 George Gispert-Sauch S.J.

With a long experience in the field Dr Ataulat Siddiqui gave a lecture in the Hall of the Vidyajyoti Faculty, Delhi, on “Muslim-Christian Relations in the West” on November 5^th, 2009. Focussing mostly on the historical development of the relations between both communities in the U.K., he spoke of three different periods:

1. Migration of  Muslims from Arabic-speaking countries and Turkey, started the 19^th century, concentrated in Liverpool. The migrants assimilated British cultural forms, but maintained the Islamic faith. The churches did help solve this problem of space for worship and community life.

2. From 1947 the migration was mostly from South Asia, and was initially a migration of temporary workers whose hearts remained in their home countries. The churches used the experience of retired missionaries in Britain to mediate an understanding of Islamic culture and religion to the civil society.

3. From 1976, after the Festival of Islam, attitudes improved. In the mid-eighties formal dialogue were initiated in Leicester and other places, dialogue about the concrete problems both communities faced with a reflection on what they could contribute to solving them. Mosque and Church began to meet at this level, and at the social level and even in sports. This created a much needed atmosphere of trust.

Dialogue consists of both telling and listening: we often fail to listen what the other says. The roots of our fears of the other are the memories of the past (’conversion’, ‘colonization’, ‘terrorism’…). We need to exorcise them and uproot the fears, before we can become co-witnesses of the faith in God to a world sliding into atheistic materialism. The document “A Common Word between You and Us” is valuable, but remains a document of intellectuals. Centred in the love of God, it must spell out that  such love demands justice.

Dr Desiderio Pinto chaired the session.