The Syro-Malabar Church has worked hard for generations to build up a “dignified” image internationally, especially with the hard work of Mar Joseph Parecattil. The present behaviour of the leaders (clergy as well as laity) will destroy that nationally and internationally. The persuasive tactics and public relation stunts that are copied from Kerala politics does not seem to suit the centuries old culture of the Catholic Church and its noble, glorious organizational traditions. I think it is time we grew up and learned to resolve conflicts in a dignified manner. What makes this organization relevant is that it is by definition a “communion of those who aspire to be saints,” not little mischievous imps. First stop this bad-mouthing, mud-slinging and foul language. Such elements should not be allowed to rule the roost.Dr George Kaliaden Psycholgist
Our Motherland India has often been described as a bouquet in which a myriad flowers bloom; of every shade, shape and fragrance. Indeed India as a multi-religious, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic country is unique in the comity of nations. Yet, in recent times, there is a concerted attempt to straight jacket all – in one colour, one ideology, one belief, one diet, one culture, one language, one unique identity and even one civil code. This is contrary to nature and our national ethos. As a consequence, there are growing social tensions, simmering discontent, hatred, animosity, fear, suspicion and intolerance. Can the Christians of India remain mute spectators to what is happening, hiding behind the fig leaf of our miniscule numbers, or waiting for somebody else to take the plunge?As Christians it is our duty to be harbingers of peace, filled with hope, under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah had prophesied that Jesus was the Prince of Peace, who would convert ploughs into ploughshares, where lions would eat straw, and a little child would put its hand into the snake’s nest. At Christmas the angels heralded Peace. If we emerge from our shells we can draw strength and inspiration from each other. Let us “Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.” Let us say “Maranatha” – come Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Everyday is Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and Pentecost.- Chhotebhai
A friend of mine who is a former Jesuit priest and clinical psychologist and a severe critic of the Church, had called me early morning one day. This was the day after Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. The new Pope-elect had also taken the name ‘Francis’ after St Francis of Assisi who is known to the Catholic World as the ‘second Christ.’ My friend sounded very excited. He told me that the Holy Spirit seemed to be still working in the Catholic Church! I had to remind him that the Church of the crucified and risen Christ has always been guided by the Holy Spirit in spite of Popes and Bishops and people like him and me.On the day of his election as the Pope, I had said a silent prayer thanking God for the gift of Pope Francis to the Church and the world at this particular juncture in history when both the Church and the world are threatened by violent forces of consumerism and materialism. Last four years have been years of great challenges for Pope Francis. He has been working very prayerfully, tirelessly and fearlessly to wake up the Catholic Church from the spiritual inertia and moral slumber that she had fallen into. He has been trying to bring Christ and His Gospel of love and peace back to the heart and centre of the Catholic Church once again.Pope Francis today is both adored and opposed by a large number of people all over the world. He is now facing serious challenges from a number of conservati
An administrative mishap seems to be rocking the Church in Kerala. I feel no one is to blame. It must serve only to be an eye-opener. The priests are not picked from among the cleverest. And a diploma from Rome does not deliver in the world of wild competitions. If only the Church personnel had the caliber to sense this naked truth and groomed themselves for real-life situations, so as to give Keralites the much needed leadership! Forget administration. There is something more at stake with the Church in Kerala. Prayer-life in Kerala has been irretrievably hijacked by impostors. There has been a mushrooming of prayer-centres whose authenticity is vindicated only by the “miracles” they perform and the size of the masses which they mesmerize by these. The complexity of the game is too subtle to be discerned at first sight. The Church would sleep it over so long as the phenomenon does not disturb the smooth running of her machinery, or even, enhance the smoothness!A flawed spirituality can, in the long run, wreak disasters much bigger than administrative pitfalls, for the Church. The current outcry is disproportionate and misplaced. No regrets if the confusion proves to be a providential eye-opener to brace ourselves for worse imminent disasters.Fr Thomas Kurian OCD
I write this open letter regarding the stand-off with Hindu Organizations in the question of offering “Arati to Bharat Mata” in the institutions run by the Christian organizations. First and foremost I must appreciate the clear stand taken by Bishop of Sagar (Catholic Diocese), not allow them to do the Arati and all those who faced the onslaught very courageously and my special prayers to those persons who work over time to diffuse the crisis.Since late 19th century with the play named ‘Bharat Mata’ by KC Bannerjee, the picturisedform of Bharat Mata became the symbol Indian Nationalism. It is a matter of fact to be agreed with the well known writer KD Menon that “the vision of India as Bharat Mata has profound implications for the politics of Hindu nationalism” and that the depiction of India as a Hindu goddess implies that it is not just the patriotic but also the religious duty of all Hindus to participate in the nationalist struggle to defend the nation.” And it is a clear fact that the Hindu fundamental ideologists believe that all those who do not subscribe to the practices enemies and anti-nationalist.The real concept of Mother Earth is originated from Greek Culture which dates back to 13 century BC but Greek Philosopher Aristotle created it into a clear concept above petty ideologies. The notion of mother earth encompasses and pervades all political and cultural ideologies which motivate people to work to save the earth from global warming and cli
