Letters

No Other Land!

Many years ago, there was a popular American song which one gustily sang at camps, picnics and other get-togethers. Thanks to its very catchy tune, it was always a hit.The chorus of the lyrics went thus:

• “This land is your land, and this land is my land
• From California to the New York island
• From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
• This land was made for you and me”

• “There was a big, high wall there that tried to stop me
• A sign was painted said ‘Private Property’
• But on the backside, it didn’t say nothing
• This land was made for you and me.”

Indian Church mourns death of trailblazing priest editor

Capuchin Father Xavier Vadakkekara, who braved partial blindness to inject new life into India’s leading Church weekly “Indian Currents” and mentor many young journalists, died on March 16. He was 72.Bishop Henry D’Souza of Bellary, chairman of the Office of Social Communication under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, expressed profound sadness over the death of Father Xavier, as he was popularly known. “He was a person with keen intellect and committed media person. He was people-friendly and compassionate. In his death the Church in India has lost an excellent media person with Christian values,” the bishop said.Father Xavier’s confrere Father Suresh Mathew hailed him as “a trailblazing Capuchin priest, journalist, and media leader who left an indelible mark on the Catholic media landscape in India.” Father Mathew, another former Indian Currents editor, said Father Xavier “was a driving force behind the Catholic Church’s efforts to engage with the world through the media. His visionary leadership, intellectual curiosity, and passion for social justice inspired a generation of Catholic journalists, writers, and thinkers. A J Philip, a veteran journalist associated with Father Xavier for years, says the Catholic priest injected new life into the Indian Currents, founded by the late Fr John Vallamattom as a Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India publication.Father Xavier became its editor when his congregation took over the weekly

Homeless people struggle in Delhi

A few days ago, I watched a YouTube video on the pathetic conditions of the homeless people and the Night Shelters in Delhi. A few contradictions can be seen in every country. But in India we live amid contradictions everywhere. Delhi being the capital city of the country contains glaring contradictions of affluence and poverty.The city is known for its sprawling urban landscape and bustling life where the rich class has created its own luxurious housing complexes. The political leaders and elected representatives also enjoy superb housing facilities with spacious bungalows and gardens.The same city hides a darker truth: a growing number of people are forced to live on the roads, battling the bitter cold and severe heat. The government’s claim that sufficient shelter homes are available seems to stand in stark contrast to the experiences of those who are still out in the open, vulnerable to various health issues.Many shelter homes in Delhi are reportedly refusing entry to families with small children, leaving them with nowhere to turn during the harsh winter months. According to those affected, the shelters cite a rule that prohibits admitting families with young children, claiming that the presence of children disturbs other residents.This policy has forced many families, already struggling to survive on the streets, to endure various challenges. This exclusionary practice is a harsh reality for many homeless families in the city. While shelters are meant t

Episcopal Consecrations and Installations in India: A Counter-Witness to the Gospel

In recent times, the Catholic Church in India has witnessed an increasing trend of grandiose celebrations, including centenaries of dioceses, anniversaries of religious congregations, and lavish jubilees for bishops and priests. Among these, one of the most extravagant and financially burdensome events is the consecration and installation of bishops.Participating in episcopal consecrations and installations across India often reveals a stark contrast between the Church’s mission and the actual practice. Each of these events incurs a minimum expenditure of 20 to 25 lakh rupees, covering a wide range of expenses: the invitation of the apostolic nuncio, travel and accommodation for bishops and clergy, elaborate liturgical arrangements, choir costs, printed song sheets, grand receptions, advertisements in Catholic magazines, and extensive logistical preparations such as stage setup, lighting, and audiovisual systems, sumptuous meals to the clergy and religious and a packed parcel to the participants and thus the list continues.Ironically, while dioceses allocate significant funds for these celebrations, many struggle to maintain essential infrastructure. Schools under their administration lack funds to renovate toilets, and parish churches face challenges in repairing leaking roofs.The paradox is evident–spending lakhs on an installation ceremony while neglecting pressing pastoral and social responsibilities.Canon Law and