Let us follow Jesus in facing the realities of today

 "Let us follow Jesus in facing the realities of today"

Editor’s desk…………………….

Maddala Kishore
II Year Philosophy

Greetings and best wishes form PIME VIDYA BHAVAN COMMUNITY PUNE, to all the readers. Dear friends, for this issue we have taken theme “LET US FOLLOW JESUS IN FACING THE REALITIES OF TODAY”. This is dedicated to our beloved deceased missionaries of PIME due to Covid-19. Through the mercy of God, may their souls rest in peace.

This issue focuses on strengthening our spirit and heart in facing the challenges of today. Many missionaries and religious, who took part in spreading the Good News in the time of pandemic, accepted the challenges and realities of the world with open heart, trusting in the name of the Lord. They also showed us a way to overcome our challenges and realities of the present day with faith and hope in Lord Jesus. We should inculcate the attitude of Jesus in reaching all the people who are in crucial situation and in need of our word, deed, consoling and presence to boost up their faith and trust in the Lord.  

At first I express my heartfelt gratitude to God for his showers of blessings in bringing this issue. I sincerely thank Fr. John Berchman (Rector) for his constant support and guidance by encouraging us with his ideas in selecting the theme for this issue and also helping us to edit the issues. I am thankful to Fr. Johnson (Spiritual Director) for his support and words of encouragement. My heartfelt thanks to all those who, responded positively to our invitation with their wonderful articles, Poems and experiences. I thank the Cultural Group members for collaborating and helping to come up with this issue. I hope all the readers would find meaning and enjoy reading. Thank you.

Can you be a true missionary in the times of crisis?

Kaandru Yesu Raju
I Year Philosophy

"Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves." (Luke 10:3) Jesus said to the people, who were sent by him into the world in his name to serve him, here I would like to put an insight of a challenging question to all the readers, do you think that it is that easy to become a missionary?. I do not think so, as we are all aware of our long years of formation journey after discerning the vocation, we know that God is the one who has chosen all of us to be his servants in his vineyard.  

 Then we become priests and given a mission and sent with great motivations to serve the people by making him known, who the creator is and ruler of this world, The Bible speaks of missions as a service to God. Declaring the gospel to the nations is always the natural fruit of Christian worship. Creation itself yearns to hear the gospel spoken. The nations, so lost that they cannot even see their looseness, hence they deeply need God’s mercy in the form of missionaries to bring them the gospel, to bring them hope, and to bring them the message of Christ so that God can work in the hearts of his people.

 A mission isn’t a vanity project, and it isn’t the janitorial work of the ministry. It is the crown jewel of Christian worship the kind of service in which David exults, which Christ commands, and for which the Apostle Paul ceaselessly labors: “For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:9).  

 To be always reminded of one thing that is, in our entire journey, God works in us. As we notice the world is in great suffering because of different viruses that are existing around our premises and threatening our lives continuously, to speak about the reality, which human being is not afraid of these diseases and their own lives?  Why? Because everyone wants to have a pleasant life no one welcomes the troubles as for the results of luxuries and comfort zones no one likes to be out of their comfort zones.

 As my title goes “can you be a true missionary in times of crisis”.  As long as we have seen the nineteen months of suffering of people, it’s just like hell on earth, a number of calamities and disasters took place and we lost many valuable people and valuable things and so many plans and dreams of the people went in vain, many new implementations took over which really created an adversity among the lifestyles of the people.  To adapt many new kinds of techniques and precautions like lock-down, wearing masks, often sanitizing etc…,

As the above explained conditions, we normally plan then fail, similarly missionaries do plan, but they are open to any situations and circumstances. They are the people who does not have a official identity and no established citizenship. They have not prearranged anything for their sake and no basic necessities are specified by the local governments, in spite of knowing all these things, they go on witnessing, do you still have the same zeal and passion for Christ and for his mission?

 Do you really believe that his presence is guiding you because he said that “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16: , This should become our motive and encouragement to do the missionary work as the service of God, as a result we get lots and lots of strength and support from him to face and to stand at any challenge  that comes on our way.

 God has already given assurance, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6, with these words of God one should surrender all our past, present and future into his palms, because he cares for everyone and we can enhance our passion for his mission. At that instant we become true missionaries in all kinds of trouble.

                                                                                         

Tukuna Nayak
II Year Philosophy

Jesus you are my hope…..

 
Sometimes I wonder what lies ahead of me,
When pain and sorrows seems to rule my life,
To find the answer
To get through it all of these
But I just fall on my knees and pray
In the silence, I whisper
Jesus You are my only hope…..
 
When light of my life fades away
And the darkness is all over
When life seems to be full of strife
You breeze in to my life so suddenly
Make my whole world change accordingly
Promising to be my guide
Jesus you are my only hope….
 
When the temptations are high
And the heart goes out of control
When the passions are strong
And the mind doesn’t work at all
Let me think of you my beloved
You are in me, as a whole
Jesus You are my only hope….
 
When life seems to be ending
And I feel lonely
When I’m laughed at and when I’m mocked
When I’m down and feel hopeless

You raise me up in your shoulder always

When I cry you are there with me to cry
And sooth me with your comforting love
Jesus You are my only hope…

 
So let me keep my eyes on you
 My ears to listen for your voice
My mind to think of you
My mouth to sing for you
And let my heart beat up to say constantly
Jesus You are my only hope…

        

  Nangathur to Bangalore

Arul Simson
Year of Regency

 My regency is in Chitradurga, located on the highway of  Pune, surrounded by windmills, cool breeze and very pleasant. In the midst of all, a big campus consists of three schools, one college and one pre-primary school and If someone wants to meet all age groups in one place it is the best campus that we can meet all age group children to teach them, to work with them and to have good experience with them.

My duty is to look after the boys their needs and wants, moreover I am a guardian for more than hundred children. From morning till the sunset, my presence with boys is much required. As for me I have no experience of being in the hostel during my schooling till SSLC. But after coming here my experience with boys is something very great, because to Work with the boys I need more energy and enthusiasm to co-operate with these young ones and more importantly  Patience because only with patience we can understand each boy and their family  Background and their mind set,  accordingly one need to work with boys. so to understand each and every one is God’s gift because all are unique in one or other way. For instance be it work places or schools or parishes or Shop and anywhere where people gather the main thing that matters is that understanding of other, when we understand others the relationship with that person is very smooth and happy if not we feel not so good.

So the understanding of others is a great experience that all should know to live a happy life. so this life with the boys is helping me understand these small young minds, their Wishes, goals, interests and their aspirations and so on to take care of boys in the areas that they lack. So this regency gifts me with understanding of boys or people that will help me to know the will of God for me and to do it.                                          

NONE BUT THEE MY GOD

  “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6: 68)

Matthi Asish
I Year Philosophy

    I believe and confess that without him (God), I am nothing. What I am? What I have? Is a grace and blessing granted to me by my God? When I am hopeless, his Words give me hope. When I am lonely, his words become my companion. When I am broken and distorted, his words make me one. What can I give to my God, whose love is beyond compare and everlasting? Then to be a faithful follower of his words till my last breath. I want to witness the love of God to the people who are tirelessly searching from him to encounter the present day realities.

                      It is very such true that people are broken down, hopeless, anxiety, fear of future, uncertainty of life and wavering faith, due to covid pandemic and communal violence against each other in the family,  society, state, national, world at large. Pandemic changed the life style of people totally, putting them in fear and uncertainty of future life. It not only distorted the lives of people economically but also spiritually. It created a wrong conception in the minds that this virus is the punishment from God for the sins committed by us. 

                     My reflection is just contrary to the statement mentioned above; God is not a punishing God but merciful and compassionate God. I would like to remind you the promise that God gave to Noah, “I will never again curse the ground because of humankind, for the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth; nor will I ever again destroy every living creatures (Gn8:21). Even if we are unfaithful, He (GOD) is always faithful for he cannot deny his own self (2tim2:13). As book of Genesis speaks about the creation, that God created human being in the Image and likeness of him. We are the replica of God’s presence and love on this earth. It is unimaginable and unrealistic to think or to say that God is punishing us. If he wants to punish us for our wicked life, he would not have sent his only son (Jesus) to save this world by shedding his son’s blood on the cross.

                  He never discord nor leave his people because he created us and inscribed our name on the palms of his hands. It is our human tendency that we blame God and his creation, when things go against our plans and when some unnatural things occur in our life. But we never ever think or realize that it is not God who is punishing us or leaving us. It is we ourselves who are leaving God and in seeking money and superpower, we are bringing troubles to our own lives. It is our unsatisfied search for supremacy and wealth and power in the world, creating the viruses like pandemic, communal violence and hatred in the world which are not only taking away their physical body but ruining us mentally, psychologically, socially, economically and even spiritually.

                     How can we avoid these viruses in the world or what can give us the courage to face these realties and challenges in our day to day life? Or who can give us the hope to make our lives better? The only person in whom we can get answer for these questions are I AM WHO I AM. It is nothing but to give heed to his words. As St. Peter rightly says whom shall we go? You have the word of eternal life. There is power and redemption hidden in his words and those are the words which give us hope in the times of hopelessness and courage in the times of fear. Our prior duty is to follow His (God) path, if we want to overcome the challenges and tribulations in our life. It is in Him we find rest and salvation. What we have to do to face these realities and challenges is to follow the commandment of Jesus i.e.; “LOVE OUR GOD WITH ALL OUR HEART, WITH ALL OUR SOUL, WITH ALL OUR MIND AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOUR SELF.         

                                                                                                    

B. Naveen
I Year Philosophy

 “Commendable to God for his call”
 
O What a joy was in my heart

Make me move around the world
O what a great opportunity, I have      
To be called by God, do service at the altar 
 
A splendid atmosphere I hear
The call from God, to do His will
I commend God at all times of my life
To choose me as His co-hair

A pump of words come out of my mouth 

To commend His holy name as above the all

As esteem, I accepted His holy call

Labour in His vineyard 

 
O buzz praise I express to God 
Since I am called by thine alone 
Still, I omit thy hand raise me up 
I commend God till last of inhale!  
                                                                     Shaping my future

Prakash Nayak
Year of Regency

This is brother Prakash Nayak doing Regency in Ramanthapur, Hyderabad in Don Bosco Nave Jeevan (DBNJ). I would like to thank father Rector of PVB community, Pune who has given me an opportunity to do my regency in DBNJ, Ramanthapur and also sincerely thank rector of DBNJ Ramanthapur who accepted me as a regent brother. At this moment I cordially thank PIME Vani group leader for giving me an opportunity to share my regency experience.

 In the community where I live, is blessed one. Fathers are guiding me, showing me the spiritual way to be closer to God and encouraging me, how to deal the students in the hostel and brothers are helping each other’s to mold and shape the future better. This is also an opportunity for me to shape my future. “To shape own future, it’s not an essay task it has lots of up’s and down”.

No one knows what will come on the way, but keep going is the best part of journey to reach the Destiney. future becomes beautiful when continuous work is done. So, also for me too. I am in the journey to make my future better one in DBNJ Ramanthapur with the boys. As we know, the coin has two sides head and tail so, also the boys here in the Ramanthapur there are two categories. The one Tread boys and the other is school going boys. The tread boys are undergoing training to shape their future, so to settle in their life as they grow. There are different kinds of training for them such as Tailoring section, welding section, carpentry wok electrical work and also learning computer. “My main responsibility is to be with the children” by working three months in DBNJ, I feel I am already in my half journey. This three month of journey is very good. There are fun moments where we have come together and had party games and small and big programme cheering ourselves and encouraging each other.

I am glad, indeed to visit school frequently where our DBNJ boys go for their study. While accompanying students we make jokes share fun, that is how the joy is becoming more in the face of the boys and the best part is, all are happy. Sharing my little knowledge with the boys and learning for them has a great impact in life. In fact it is one of the best ways to attract the students with these works. I also feel that, we DBNJ community and the school Staff are closer in helping the children to come up with flying color. To me also given a responsibility in tread section. I am going frequently and helping the tailoring master in cutting the cloths and stitching them. In this way I encourage the tread boys to work vigorously for the life not just for the working sake. I am happy that many are very good at their work. I am not only having experience of learning from work also giving some time to learn Telugu during the section and that is how little by little the shape of the future is made.                            

Following Jesus in all our struggles

K. Pradeep
I Year Philosophy

When I decided to follow Jesus the only thought I had in me is, whatever difficulty or in any dangerous condition I will hold on to the lord. This resolution I made when I joined in the seminary. I made this because I do not want to lose my relationship with the lord Jesus Christ. We think that following Christ faithfully and following his teaching may keep our relationship with Jesus Christ going but we do not know how and in what form the problems come. Like the realities of today, this pandemic has separated our relationship with the lord and the world. We did not go to church, no contact with the priest. No homily, no communion and no confession so this pandemic has stopped us from following Christ in a traditional way.

I asked myself a question, how I can face this pandemic and still be a follower of Jesus? I remembered the words of Jesus “Take up your cross and follow me.” So these words of Jesus are very powerful and they really strengthen my soul. I do believe Jesus as the counselor. That is the reason I still follow him even in this pandemic. This pandemic practically stopped everyone from going to Jesus in sacraments. As everyone says “if God closes the door, but he still keeps the window open.” So even though we are physically far from following Jesus but spiritually and mentally we are with the lord. We can still pray to him, speak with him and pray for everyone.

Online became one of the important sources in this pandemic in following Jesus and observe his commandments. Literally this pandemic killed the body but not the soul; it is still living in Christ. During this pandemic people remembered God more than the before. So still we have the chance to follow Jesus. I still remember the words of St. Paul that God won’t allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and that He always provides a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13) so there is nothing which can stop us from following Jesus. Personal contact with God is more powerful. We can still do the will of God by helping our neighbors who are affected with the coronavirus and pray for them and for their family. God will always listens to the prayers of his beloved people. He will never abandon us. 

   Following Jesus while facing the present realities is tough but if we have the hand of God with us, we can face any kind of difficulties and problems. How can we get the support of God? It is through prayer and constant relationship with him. In lockdown and during pandemic the only source we have is prayer and it really held many to return back to God. I am still alive and following Jesus in spite of covid, it is because of my prayer and the faith I had in Jesus Christ. In any case let us not miss our relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us keep our full trust in him and pray to him unceasingly and let us not forget him in our joys.

                                                                                                            

THE ARCHIVES OF THE YEAR 2021

June

4              The first year of philosophy brothers arrived.

7-11         Orientation classes were conducted by Fr. John, the Rector.

8                Arrival & welcoming our new spiritual director Fr. Johnson Kuppayil, MST

12              we went out for the PUNE Darshan

14-18        we had Group Dynamics by Mr. Roland

22              we began our Annual Retreat preached by Fr. Johnson, our spiritual director

27              Arrival & welcoming of our pre-theology brothers

28              Inauguration of the Academic year    

29              We celebrated our house feast which is named of the Apostles Sts. Peter & Paul  and we

                 invited different religious communities for high tea.

July

3                We celebrated the feast of St. Thomas, Apostle of India

10              We had monthly recollection

13              Fr. Kantha Rao visited our community and shared his missionary experience

                  in Honk Kong.

14              We celebrated the ordination day of Fr. John the Rector of PVB

30              We celebrated PIME Foundation day

31              We had a friendly volley ball match with Holy cross brothers

August

7              We had monthly recollection together with Holy cross brothers preached by Fr. Jagadish,SJ

15            We celebrated the Solemnity of Assumption of Mary and 75^th Independence  Day of India

18            Fr. Rupak Lokhande yashwant Celebrated holy mass in our community before his way back

                to his mission land

September

3               We had monthly birthday celebrations.

4               Fr. Anand Talluri visited our community and shared his mission experience Tunisia.  

8              We celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and we had literary competitions 

                                                                   

11           We had monthly recollection preached by Fr. Pradeep, OCD

13           We had a friendly football match with Holy cross brothers

14          Fr. Ravi Thananai, the Regional superior visited our  community and celebrated the Holy mass 

                  

 15             Fr. Udaya Bhasker, the newly ordained priest visited our community and celebrated 

                  Holy mass

24          we celebrated the anniversary of Msgr. Angelo Ramazzotti.

25         We celebrated the feast of Blessed John Mazzucconi.

A snap from the high tea day

                                                        

Visit of Fr. Rupak before going back to mission 

 Missionary sharing by Fr. Kantha Rao

A clip from monthly gathering 

Visit of Fr. Anand to our community

 

Intra seminary foot ball match

Independence day celebrations

Frs. Ravi Thananai and  Udaya Bhasker visted our community.

we celebrated the anniversary of our founder

A snap from Rector's ordination anniversary

A snap from Blessed John Mazzucconi celebrations