President Kalam to Open World Jesuit Alumni Congress

President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will inaugurate the Sixth World Congress of Jesuit Alumni in Kolkata, January 21. The spokesperson for the organising committee of the Congress, Fr. P.C. Matthew said, "Kalam has given us his consent that he would inaugurate the four-day meet from January 21 to 24."
He said St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, had been chosen as the venue for the event, but hinted at a change later. The event called the 'Summit of Joy', has been further enhanced by the fact that Kolkata had won the pitch to host the Congress from among several other Asian cities in the fray. "The last Congress was held in 1997 at Sydney and the onus was on Asia to hold it this year. Once the venue was narrowed down to India, the Sydney Congress chose the City as the venue in response to a joint pitch offered by the three Jesuit alumni associations of Kolkata - the St. Xavier's School Old Boys Association, St. Xavier's College Kolkata Alumni Association and the St. Lawrence Old Boys' Association," Fr. Matthew said.
The Summit of Joy will be co-hosted by the three alumni associations, all of which are members of the Federation of Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI), which in turn represents India at the World Union of Jesuit Alumni.
Incidentally, Dr. Kalam is an alumnus of St. Joseph's College, Trichy, a member of JAAI. While around 700 delegates from around the country and abroad are expected to attend the Congress, the meet will be an opportunity to bring together the Jesuit alumni from around the world. There would be sessions dedicated to discussions on opportunities for education, environment, corporate responsibility and empowerment of women. Extensive arrangements are being worked out to welcome the delegates.
Although the Society of Jesus was formed in 1530s, the alumni movement started more than four centuries later. It was in July 1956 at Bilbao in Spain that the Wold Union of Jesuit Alumni was formed on the 4th centenary of the death of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. The first Jesuit college - St. Paul's - was founded in India at Goa. Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, will give the opening session address on the second day.

b>Dear Browsers,

Sorry for not updating for sometime. I was out of station.

National Meet Moots 'Communication Theology' for Seminary Formation

Fr. Francis Arackal O.P.

The National Conference on Theology and Social Communications held from January 1-5 at Ruhalaya Theologate in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, emphasised the need for 'A Communication Theology' for the Church in India and especially for seminary formation.
Twenty-eight theologians (mostly Deans of Theology faculties of seminaries) and seven communication experts attended the Conference. Sixteen papers were presented.
Among the communication experts who presented papers are CBCI Secretary for Social Communications, Fr. Henry D'Souza, Dean of National Institute for Social Communications Research and Training (NISCORT) Jesuit Father Jacob Srampical, and president Indian Catholic Press Association, Salesian Father George Plathottam. Leading theologians who presented papers are Jesuit Father Michael Amaldoss, Fr. Jacob Parappally, MSFS and Fr. Jose Palakeel, MST.
The conference took note of the media and communication revolution gripping the world, especially India. "There is no area of our lives that has not been influenced by the media and communication explosion. Mass media and TV in particular have altered the ways in which people look at the world and the ways in which politics, wars and history are projected and reconstructed," said Fr. Henry D'Souza.
The conference expressed happiness that "the clouds of negativism and indifference to social communications are thinning out. An increasing number of Church leaders has begun to realise that communications cannot be ignored any more. "Ignoring its importance may alienate people from the Church and even God Himself."
The conference noted that there was an urgent need for a more holistic understanding of communications ministry in the Indian Church. "Communications is not just a matter of mastering or using media skills and techniques, but it should be considered as an integral part of the mission of the Church. In the new media age, social communications is considered not just as an option for the chosen few, but a necessity for all sections of the Church at all levels."
Fr. Michael Amaladoss, a leading theologian, dwelt at length on 'Theology's response to the challenges of communications'. "The term 'communication' becomes a theological category when allied with other terms such as revelation, mission and communion. Communication is an essential function of Theology. Today there is a growing acceptance that language is not the only medium of theological or any serious expression. Symbols, poetry, painting, and music can also be authentic expressions. Theology should start using multi-media to express itself," he said.
The conference stressed the need for evolving a mechanism to animate seminary professors to initiate them into the "new attitude, new culture and new language of media and communication."
A seven-member committee was also constituted to do a follow-up of the conference. The members are Jose Palakeel, Dean of Theology, Ruhalaya (convener), George Plathottam, Boscom, Guwahati, Henry D'Souza, Executive Secretary, CBCI Commission for Social Communication, New Delhi, Jacob Parappally, Dean of Theology, Jana Deep Vidyapeet, Pune, Jacob Srampickal, Dean, NISCORT, New Delhi, Sebastian Periannan, Dean of Theology, St. Peter's Institute, Bangalore, and Victor Sunderaj, Research Director, NISCORT.
The committee shall: gather expectations from individual seminaries; facilitate and work through existing formation structures of religious congregations and other bodies; write the conclusions emerging from the Conference and incorporate a chapter in the book; more research to be done on communication theology both among priests and in the seminaries; undertake a study on the young priests within a five year period of their ordination to find out what are the communication priorities and felt-need of ministry.
The participants at the conference suggested among other things that the follow-up should be done every year or once in two years and that animation programmes be conducted for professors of different seminaries. They also sought a mandate from the CBCI to implement the committee's work and other proposals.

Message of Peace for Ramsan from Pontifical Council

The President of Pontifical Council for Inter Religious Dialogue, Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald in his message for the end of Ramadan and on the occasion of Id ul-Fitr, has exhorted the Christians and the Muslims of the world to be messengers of peace and continue the collaboration to fight evil forces as children of God. According to message reaching here December 3. Archbishop Fitzgerald said that situations where war prevails are like an open wound in the heart of humanity.Special mention was made, of all those conflicts which have been going on for many years, whether in Middle East, Africa or in Asia. He said that such conflicts result in numerous innocent victims, leading the population to despair of peace returning to their land in the near future.

The Archbishop appreciated the greater sharing between Muslims and Christians in various parts of the world and said that as believers in One God it is the duty of both the communities to strive to bring about peace which is a Gift from God. He has urged the Christian and the Muslim communities to pray for peace.

Archbishop Fitzgerald said, "The origin of the causes of conflict is often to be located in the hearts which refuse to be open to God. Such hearts are characterized by egoism, an immoderate desire for power, domination and wealth, at the expense of others and without any attention to the cry of distress of those who hunger and thirst for justice and peace. While the ultimate causes of wars are well known, we need above all to explore together the ways of peace."

The Vatican official said that in bringing about peace, and maintaining it, religions have an important role to play. Archbishop stressed on the importance of education and said that the education is domain in which religions can make a particular contribution. He said that the Catholic community is indeed convinced that the ways of peace include education, for through it one can learn to recognize one's own identity and that of others. He said that the education for peace also involves recognition and acceptance of diversity, just as it includes learning about crisis management, in order to prevent crisis from degenerating into conflicts. Archbishop Fitzgerald, emphasizing on the need of peace in the world said that peace necessarily entails an approach to the human person in truth and justice.

Archbishop Fitzgerald recalled the meeting of different religious leaders at Assisi January 24, 2002 , where representatives of different religions exhorted not to allow the flame of hope, (symbolized by the lamp held by each official representative), to be extinguished.

Message of Peace for Ramsan from Pontifical Council

The President of Pontifical Council for Inter Religious Dialogue, Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald in his message for the end of Ramadan and on the occasion of Id ul-Fitr, has exhorted the Christians and the Muslims of the world to be messengers of peace and continue the collaboration to fight evil forces as children of God. According to message reaching here December 3. Archbishop Fitzgerald said that situations where war prevails are like an open wound in the heart of humanity.Special mention was made, of all those conflicts which have been going on for many years, whether in Middle East, Africa or in Asia. He said that such conflicts result in numerous innocent victims, leading the population to despair of peace returning to their land in the near future.

The Archbishop appreciated the greater sharing between Muslims and Christians in various parts of the world and said that as believers in One God it is the duty of both the communities to strive to bring about peace which is a Gift from God. He has urged the Christian and the Muslim communities to pray for peace.

Archbishop Fitzgerald said, "The origin of the causes of conflict is often to be located in the hearts which refuse to be open to God. Such hearts are characterized by egoism, an immoderate desire for power, domination and wealth, at the expense of others and without any attention to the cry of distress of those who hunger and thirst for justice and peace. While the ultimate causes of wars are well known, we need above all to explore together the ways of peace."

The Vatican official said that in bringing about peace, and maintaining it, religions have an important role to play. Archbishop stressed on the importance of education and said that the education is domain in which religions can make a particular contribution. He said that the Catholic community is indeed convinced that the ways of peace include education, for through it one can learn to recognize one's own identity and that of others. He said that the education for peace also involves recognition and acceptance of diversity, just as it includes learning about crisis management, in order to prevent crisis from degenerating into conflicts. Archbishop Fitzgerald, emphasizing on the need of peace in the world said that peace necessarily entails an approach to the human person in truth and justice.

Archbishop Fitzgerald recalled the meeting of different religious leaders at Assisi January 24, 2002 , where representatives of different religions exhorted not to allow the flame of hope, (symbolized by the lamp held by each official representative), to be extinguished.

NGOs' Predilection for 'Pre-election Duty' in Ahmedabad

Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Gujarat have donned a new role - of alerting citizens about their rights and duties as voters and helping them to get their names entered in the voters' list, etc.

Citizens' Initiative, a consortium of about 40 NGOs, has also decided to make this kind of service its "thrust area" for December and up to the forthcoming Assembly polls in Gujarat.

The consortium held a meeting November 18 to chalk out plans to pool resources and to mobilise volunteers to help create awareness about Hindutva, which according to them is destroying the secular fabric of the Indian Constitution.

Representatives of about 20 organisations present at the meeting decided to go about their task ward-wise, divided by the civic administration of Ahmedabad. They also discussed plans to help "displaced and affected citizens of the minority communities and anyone else who feels scared of voting" by arranging for security points or booths close to their residences.

Since their resources are limited, the NGO representatives said they planned to work primarily in the affected pockets.

Citizens' Initiative will work in tandem with other organisations like Gujarat Election Watch Committee headed by the former Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court, Justice B. J. Divan, which has been formed to keep track of the "criminal activities of MLAs and MPs; candidates who had lost against current MLAs and MPs; and other likely potential future MLA/MP candidates".

Meanwhile, Salamat, a Delhi-based NGO, has also come forward to work to help voters exercise their franchise. The group will camp in Ahmedabad for "the next 20 days" "to create awareness among voters by holding meetings and discussions with as many people as possible."

Prashant, a Jesuit-run centre for justice and peace, is working on "exposing the ills in the State in the present setup, and helping eligible citizens to get their names enrolled in the voters' list. It will also organise seminars for Christian organisations on the unabated atrocities on the members of the community and its institutions.

'Masihi Mahotsav' Celebrates Church Contribution to Nation-Building

'Masihi Mahotsav' - the festival of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace - was celebrated here, November 15-17, to commemorate "Christian faith in Jesus Christ and Church's service to the nation."

The Mahotsav was jointly organised by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI). The ecumenical celebration was inaugurated by the Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Baselios Marthoma Mathews II.

"The whole atmosphere of common celebrations was indeed a sign of cooperation and collaboration between the different Churches in India," said Deputy Secretary General of CBCI, Fr. Donald De Souza, on behalf of the organising committee.

EFI chairman, Rev. Dr. C.V. Mathew, said, "The Christian community in India has been a band of servants of the nation. The Church has been a blessing to our country and our people through the centuries."

Expressing his concern at the present situation in the country, Dr. Mathew said, "India is a wounded nation.there are lot of hurt feelings. A culture of hatred is unfortunately emerging and inflicting deep wounds in our psyche," he said. "A national experience of reconciliation is the need of the hour for us to survive as a nation," he added.

The ecumenical celebrations, the organisers said, were aimed at "a new vision for the nation by strengthening the youth in nation-building, by enhancing women's participation in Church and society, by solidarity with the Dalits, by networking among Christian denominations and among the people
of other faiths."

Rallies and seminars on Dalit issues were some of the important features of the ecumenical celebrations.

A United Christian Service was held Sunday, November 17, at St. Columba's School grounds in New Delhi, where around five thousand people from all parts of the country participated.

Masihi Mahotsav is the brainchild of the Ecumenical Consultation held in Nagpur, December 2001.

Church Condemns Attack on Temples in Jammu

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in a press conference in Delhi 25 November, condemned the attacks on Raghunath and Rupiyowala temples in Jammu on Sunday, November 24, in which nine people are reported to have been killed and several others injured. The Bishops of India are pained the statement said, at the killing of innocent people and urge the State and Central Governments to book the culprits of this crime.

Expressing his deep anguish at the increasing number of attacks on our people, the President of CBCI, Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios said, "It is hard to believe that sacred places where our people come to pray and find spiritual strength and solace are becoming easy targets of attacks by terrorists. I appeal to those involved in such senseless violence to
respect the sacredness of holy places and the dignity of the people who come there to pray."

The Secretary General of CBCI, Bishop Percivel Fernandez, expressing his concern said, "We are confident that all conflicts and disputes between different groups and governments can be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means without resorting to violence and killing of people. We appeal to those responsible for such methods to examine their hearts and work for a society where people can express their faith freely and
live without any fear."

Stressing the need for peaceful solutions , the press statement issued by deputy secretary general of CBCI, stressed that various groups in the country solve this problem.The CBCI called upon the Governments to work toward a concrete solution and to use every opportunity to make people give up arms and terrorism and resolve conflicts by love understanding and dialogue.

'Internet Fulfils Human Need for Continued Contact'

One of the successes of Internet today is that it fulfils the continued human need for contact, communication and community, said Dr. Michael Traber, Professor, Gregorian University, Rome, and United Theological College, Bangalore.

Speaking on the theme 'Internet, a new forum for unity and advancement', he emphasised the significance and meaning of Internet. "It is sound and site that rule our communication today, especially of young people," said Dr. Traber, in his keynote address, November 16, at the Bangalore Archdiocese's Workers Centre here.

He further added: "Internet is a combination of all media - a strange mixture of all. Now space disappears and it is only e-mail time."

Dr. Traber said the need for knowledge, orientation, updating, new identity, and building up a counter-culture are the keys to the success of the Internet. "The e-mail is cheap, simple and comes close to inter-personal relationships and so is a convergence of all media."

On the disadvantages of Internet, Dr. Traber pointed out that since the basic information about the other person such as age, sex, ethnical identity are eliminated, Internet is "culture destroying". "It also increases deception and lies even though it seems to be a celebration of freedom." Fr. Traber underlined uncontrollability of communication, misuse of pornography and a divide between have and have-nots as serious consequences.

At the inaugural function of SIGNIS-Karnataka, a major Church-run regional media organisation, Fr. Traber spoke of the pastoral potential of the Internet. "This media can be used for nurturing faith community. Chat groups can be encouraged for reflection and meditation. It has potential for building up of a pastoral network between parishes in the diocese," he said.

Pointing out to the area of ethics in media, he stressed on the shift of focus from ethics to 'user ethics'. He warned media persons saying, "If ethical guidelines are not set with responsibility, we will just miss the point."

Captain Austin Menezes, staff of the Archdiocesan Communication Centre, Bangalore, in his address spoke on the impact of Internet on the common man, especially the Christian laity. "Since Internet has had a great impact on humanity and has changed moral, ethical values, the Church cannot close its eyes to this reality," he said.

Earlier, Archbishop Ignatius Pinto of Bangalore, inaugurated SIGNIS-Karnataka and installed its office-bearers. They are Fr. S. Jayanathan, president, Fr. Periyannan Sebastian, vice-president, Sr. Jacintha smmi, secretary/treasurer, and Fr. Denis D'Sa (Director of Sandesha, Mangalore), ex-officio member.

On the occasion, messages from SIGNIS-India president, Fr. C. M. Paul sdb, Mr. Magimai Pragasam, vice-president, and Fr. Clarence Srampickal svd, secretary/treasurer, were read out.

SIGNIS is the official media organisation for Radio, Television and is functioning world over for the Church.

India Communications Day Message

Mediated Evangelization

Given a choice I would not have just preached this homily, rather, being India Communications Day, I would have liked to use the latest technology – may be an LCD Projector and a lap top computer to present the theme of today’s liturgy.

For today’s generation, so used to the audio-visual (sound and sight) medium, would be more interested to watch something – through audio and video – and that would be the best way to capture the attention of the audience when you want to tell/present something to them.

As the internationally renowned communication expert Marshal MacLuhan said as early as the 1960’s ‘Medium is the Message’. It was rather prophetic on the part of MacLuhan to make this famous statement in the sphere of communication. What did he mean when he said ‘Medium is the message’? He meant that the medium used to convey the message is as important as the message itself. Generally the effort was to convey the message. But now how to convey the message became as important as the message itself.

In today’s gospel (Mk 6: 6 – 12) Jesus sends his disciples two by two to preach the good news. Of course, Jesus didn’t tell them specifically what medium to use for conveying the message. Jesus himself was a very captivating preacher and he drew thousands to his preaching. But I believe if Jesus were present today he would have used the latest technology to convey his message.

For, today the preacher and the congregation have undergone tremendous changes. Both the preacher and the congregation have come under the ever-powerful influence of the Media. That’s why the Mother Church is asking us to use the Media in the proclamation of the good news. Church celebrates the Communications Day to focus our attention on the importance of using the Media.

We have many Media: Blackboard, microphone, drama, puppet show, Radio, TV, Computer and Internet. We know the effectiveness of various Media, especially Radio and TV. Much more is that of the Internet. This World Communications Day mother Church wants to focus our attention on the importance of the Internet. The Holy Father’s message for this Communications Day is: Internet – A New Forum for Proclaiming the Gospel.

Why so much importance to the Internet? Because, Internet is communication without borders. The triple w (www ) that we write in front of a website is indicate of this. The triple w stands for World Wide Web. In other words at the click of a mouse, we can get connected to the whole world. A wealth of information is available in front of us.

Another reason Church emphasizes on the Internet is because it is the new Medium of the Young People. Take for instance, Christian Youth. We may not find them in the church on a Sunday. But we might find them in the Internet/Cyber Café. The Church can meet them there. Internet/Cyber Cafe could be made occasions for young people to encounter faith.

Later, Church may meet the young people right on the road. Because Communications is evolving so fast and so radically that information has gone from the PC (Personal Computer) to the Lap Top to the Palm Top and now the Wrist Top in an age of Convergence Technology. In the near future all media – Radio, Telephone, TV, Computer, Internet - will converge on the hand held mobile phone, the size of which is becoming smaller and smaller and still later on the wrist top (on the wrist watch). The world is moving away from Information Technology (IT) to KT (Knowledge Technology)

If that will be so, then the Word of God has to be present on the Palm Top and on the Wrist Top and thus young people may encounter faith even on the road.

Preaching the good news does not mean only preaching from the pulpit. We know that preaching the good news takes various forms – such as educational, healthcare, social work and many other apostolates. Media has to be an integral part of all forms of preaching the good news. It is not a question of providing a Radio or a TV or Internet to poor individual families in a rural or undeveloped area or the slums in and on the outskirts of a big city. It is a question of taking Information/Knowledge Technology as an integral part of our work for the poor and the underprivileged in order to empower them more effectively. In that case a work, which would have taken a year to complete, we might be able to do it in six months.

Church has to be open to future possibilities; Church has to be prepared to face future eventualities. Or else, left behind by the world – she may become irrelevant to the times.

Unfortunately, all changes in the Church have to trickle down from the top, from the hierarchy. This is the sad part of a pyramidical style of the Church. For the Church has failed to evolve a leadership from below. Aware of this we have courses in the media for Bishops and Major Superiors at the Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference level (FABC) and at the CBCI level. Once the hierarchy is convinced then the changes will trickle down to the others. Knowing the importance of the Media in the proclamation of the gospel, the CBCI has requested all Bishops and Major Superiors to make media an integral part of the formation of priests and religious.

While Media has positive benefits, it also has negative side effects. And so the Church has to be a watchdog of the Media, specially TV and the Internet. Media, especially Internet offers so much information and knowledge but seldom promote values, specially the Kingdom values of Truth, Justice, Peace and Love. Sometimes TV and Internet can be degrading and damaging specially to children. People can be addicted to watching TV and browsing the Internet.

But on the whole Media, specially the Internet, is a great gift of God. Church has many opportunities to make use of them. As we celebrate India Communications Day we should take seriously the command of the Lord to preach the good news and use the Media, specially the Internet, for the proclamation of the good news so that the good news may become really ‘good’ specially for the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized.

By Francis Arackal, OP

'Viswasasangamam' to Mark St. Thomas's Arrival in Kerala

'Viswasasangamam' (a confluence of faith) to be held November 15, 16 and 17 at Ernakulam will become a stage of unity in love of all Christians, said the office-bearers of the celebration committee. They were addressing a press conference here, November 12. Bishops Francis Kallarackal, Joshua Mar Ignathios, John Thattungal and Fr. Devassy Kollamkudiyil addressed the newspersons.

'Viswasasangamam' is organised to jointly mark the 1950th anniversary of the arrival of St. Thomas in Kerala and 450th death anniversary of St. Francis Xavier.

A history seminar will be conducted in connection with the celebrations November 15 and 16 at the Renewal Centre, Kaloor, and the valedictory function will be held at Marine Drive, November 17. The President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will inaugurate it.

Archbishop of Bombay, Cardinal Ivan Dias, will inaugurate the history seminar November 15. Justice Cyriac Joseph will preside over the function. Salesian Father Paul Puthenangady will deliver the keynote address. Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil of Verapoly will celebrate the Holy Mass at 6.30 a.m. November 16. Fr. Benedict Vadakkekkara OFM will present a paper on 'The Origin and Development of Catholic Church in India' and Fr. Mathew Mundadan will speak in response.

A paper on 'The Influence of Christianity in Social Reforms of India' will be presented by Bishop Thomas Dabre of Vasai, Maharashtra. Fr. Sebastian Pynadath will respond to it. In the afternoon, a paper on 'The Role of Christians in Nation-building' will be presented by Prof. Cyriac Thomas, Vice Chancellor, M.G. University, and Prof. E.P. Anthony will respond.

The valedictory functions will begin November 17 with a concelebrated High Mass presided by Cardinal Cresenzio Sepe, from Vatican. Kerala Chief Minister, Mr. A.K. Anthony will preside.