Saturday, November 30, 2013

Br. Mauro, General Minister elected as the Vice President of USG

Meeting with the Superiors General: 2015 will be dedicated to consecrated life

Taken from Vidimus Dominum
CONSECRATED LIFE - The Union of Superiors General held its 82nd General Assembly in the Salesianum in Rome from 27 to 29 November. The story of three experiences provided the basis for reflections and encounters focusing on the challenges of leadership in the light of the Magisterium and following the example given by Pope Francis. The Holy Father chose to meet with the Superiors for three hours, rather than the short encounter envisaged: no address was prepared in advance, but instead a long, colloquial and fraternal discussion took place, composed of questions and answers.
The first group of questions related to the identity and mission of consecrated life. A radical approach is required of all Christians, the Pope stated, but religious persons are called upon to follow the Lord in a special way: “They are men and woman who can awaken the world. Consecrated life is prophecy. God asks us to fly the nest and to be sent to the frontiers of the world, avoiding the temptation to 'domesticate' them. This is the most concrete way of imitating the Lord”.
When asked about the situation of vocations, the Pope emphasised that there are young Churches which are bearing new fruit. This naturally gives rise to a re-evaluation of the inculturation of charism. The Church must follow the example of Matteo Ricci in asking forgiveness for and looking with shame upon apostolic failures caused by misunderstandings in this field. Intercultural dialogue must press for the introduction persons of various cultures, expressing different ways of living charism, in the governance of religious institutes.
The Pope insisted upon the importance of formation, which he presented as founded upon four fundamental pillars: spiritual, intellectual, communitarian and apostolic. It is indispensable to avoid every form of hypocrisy and clericalism by means of a frank and open dialogue on all aspects of life: “formation is an artisanal craft, not a form of policing”, he commented; “its aim is to form religious persons with a tender heart, not acid, not like vinegar. We are all sinners, but not corrupt. Sinners are to be accepted, but not the corrupt”.
When asked about brotherhood, the Pope said that this has a great force of attraction, and presupposes the acceptance of differences and conflicts. At time it is difficult to live in fraternity, but without it no fruit may be borne. In any case, “we must never act like managers when faced with a brother's conflict: conflict instead must be caressed”, said the Pope.
A number of questions were asked regarding the relationships between religious persons and the particular Churches to which they belong. The Pope confirmed that he had experience of the possible problems: “We bishops must understand that consecrated persons are not helpers, but rather charisms which enrich dioceses”.
The final questions regarded the frontiers of the mission of consecrated persons. “They must be sought on the basis of the charisms”, answered the Pope. Situations of exclusion remain the first priorities. Alongside these challenges he mentioned the cultural and educational mission in schools and universities. For the Pope, the pillars of education are “transmitting knowledge, transmitting methods, transmitting values. By these means, faith is communicated. The educator must measure up to those he educates, and must give careful thought to how to proclaim Jesus Christ to a changing generation”.
Before taking leave of the 120 Superiors General present, the Pope announced that 2015 would be a year dedicated to consecrated life. He added, “Thank you for what you do and for your spirit of faith and your service. Thank you for your witness and also for the humiliations through which you have had to pass”.
taken from the site of 

Friday, November 29, 2013

Pope Francis Dedicates 2015 to consecrated Life


The Pope announced that 2015 will be dedicated to consecrated life at the end of the 82nd General Assembly of the Union of Superiors General which took place over three days at the Salesianum in Rome. 120 leaders of religious communities and congregations attended the meeting. The Pope did not deliver a prepared speech but held a long fraternal and cordial question and answer session with the assembly’s participants.

The “aim is to form religious persons with a tender heart, not acid, not like vinegar. We are all sinners, but not corrupt. Sinners are to be accepted, but not the corrupt,” Francis said.

A statement released by the Holy See Press Office said that the questions on consecrated life also addressed points relating to identity and the mission: “A radical approach is required of all Christians, the Pope stated, but religious persons are called upon to follow the Lord in a special way: They are men and woman who can awaken the world.”

“Consecrated life is prophecy. God asks us to fly the nest and to be sent to the frontiers of the world, avoiding the temptation to 'domesticate' them. This is the most concrete way of imitating the Lord,” Francis went on to say.

When asked about the vocation situation the Pope underlined that there are young Churches which are bearing new fruits.  “The Church must follow the example of Matteo Ricci in asking forgiveness for and looking with shame upon apostolic failures caused by misunderstandings in this field. Intercultural dialogue must press for the introduction persons of various cultures.”

The Pope placed strong emphasis on the importance of education. “It is indispensable to avoid every form of hypocrisy and clericalism by means of a frank and open dialogue on all aspects of life: “formation is an artisanal craft, not a form of policing,” he commented; “its aim is to form religious persons with a tender heart, not acid, not like vinegar. We are all sinners, but not corrupt. Sinners are to be accepted, but not the corrupt.”

When asked about brotherhood, the Pope said it has a “great force of attraction.” It involves accepting differences and clashes. Sometimes it is hard to live in the spirit of brotherhood but if we do not, “no fruit may be borne.” In any case, “we must never act like managers when faced with a brother's conflict: conflict instead must be caressed,” the Pope said.

Before taking his leave, the Pope thanked members of religious institutes, monks, nuns and consecrated lay persons “for what you do and for your spirit of faith and your service. Thank you for your witness and also for the humiliations through which you have had to pass.”

Its Friday in Dubai

Today is like Sunday for all citizens of Dubai n rest of Emirates. Sharp at 12pm they begin their prayers and all shops get closed for one hour. Life comes to a spiritual halt. All Mosques get filled to capacity some even stand outside due to lack of place. Every nook n corner you find Mosques.
On 2nd december is celebrated as the national day. Celebrations are one. Streets are decorated with flags and colorful lights.
UAE Dubai won the Expo 20/20 n there was celebration all over. The cracking sound of crackers announced Dubai winning Expo20/20. It means Dubai n rest going to be rich n more investment n development.




Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Beauty of Dubai

A wonderful place. Totally man made! It is awesome and wonderful. All concrete Jungle which attracts one and all. One wonders how is it possible! But Humans have always proved that God is at the centre of every creation or development. The Humans have created something which i would not compare with natural beauty that we see when we visit some beautiful country side. Here the beauty that you see around does not linger long in your mind....it just passes away. I had been to Uganda and visited Lake Victoria and the source of Nile River but the images are still fresh in mind. Dubai is blessed with material wealth and human wealth too. Here you find the cream of each country working  here making Dubai what it is. You find here all kinds of professionals who are highly trained and have a load of experiences. No wonder you see a lot of progress and development here. It is a country for the rich i feel. 
Pope Francis calling us to serve the poor who are affected by the globalisation. The poor are where they were. No going further. They are stagnated. But the rich are making stride in all kinds of direction. Let us pray that all human beings may share in the richness of Gods creation. They too have a share. Given opportunity and education I am sure they too will be working hard and contributing towards growth and progress. The poor too are created in image of God. They why this difference!
May God Bless Dubai. It has given shelter and work for so many. All live in peace and harmony here. Everyone is treated equally. May its leaders and rulers be Blessed by the Almighty! Love You Dubai!

Pope Calls for sweeping Church reforms

Pope calls for sweeping church reforms

Pope Francis has issued the mission statement for his papacy, outlining how the Catholic Church and the papacy itself must be reformed to create a more merciful church that is more engaged in helping the needy.
In the 85-page document, issued on Tuesday, Pope Francis pulled together the priorities he has laid out in months of speeches and interviews.
He explained his most controversial remarks criticising the church's “obsession'' with transmitting a disjointed set of moral doctrines, saying that in the church's “hierarchy of truths,'' mercy is paramount, proportion is necessary, and that what counts is inviting the faithful in.
Francis cited Vatican II documents calling for a more decentralised church authority, saying power should be devolved away from the Vatican, and said he too must rethink the papacy in order to achieve the goals of spreading the faith.
Papal overhaul
Francis is currently overseeing an overhaul of the Vatican's dysfunctional administration, but he said that he was "open to suggestions'' about how to change the very nature of the papacy and its relation to the world's bishops conferences, to make the papacy reflect better what Jesus intended and what the church needs today.
"Excessive centralisation, rather than proving helpful, complicates the church's life and her missionary outreach,'' he said.
He went even further, saying some of the church's historical customs can even be cast aside if they no longer serve to communicate the faith.
 “I do not want a church concerned with being at the centre and then ends up by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures.''
He said their greatest concern must be the poor and marginalised, since they are victims of an unjust, global economic system that prizes profit over people. 

Happy birthday to Br. Luis and Br. Massimo

Today two of our friars in the curia are celebrating birthdays. Br. Luis you all know who is the general  economo. He is in Cuia for quite some time and doing an awesome job for the Order. He has vast experience behind him. He has been provincial in the province of colombia. Here in curia he is now busy with renovation of Cuira, he has given his 100 cent for this work. He deserves our prayers and best wishes.. 
Next great man is Br. Massimo who is personal secretary of the general minister. He is quite and serene friar without any noise he carries out his work. He drives the minister either to the airport or for meetings in Rome. He is man who is very fraternal. He associates with one and all. We pray for his good health and long life. Happy birthday Massimo

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Dubai Meeting

The agenda was as follows
1. Obedience and the letter of obedience
2. Selection of brothers for gulf
3. Fraternal visits of the provincials and major superiors
4. The need of friars based on the mission
5. Ius Commissionis
6. Pastoral availability and large mindedness
7. Financial aspect
8. Recalling of Missionaries
9. Openness to multicultural and multinational context for pastoral commitment
10. Language aptitude

On the above points both the provincials and the Bishops exchanged their experiences and expectations. The Bishops had their own positive and negative experiences about the Missionaries working in the Gulf. There are many problems created by the other rites who have their bishops back home either in India or other eastern countries. The bishops shared their sad experiences and anguish dealing with this particular problem.
After two days of useful discussion the friars promised to collaborate with the gulf mission in a positive manner.
The first day Mass was celebrated b Bishop Camilo and homily preached by Paul Hinder.
Second day General Minister presided and preached a homily and exhorted the friars to work together   with one heart and mind.
In the afternoon we were taken for Dubai sight seeing. It was amazing and heart throbbing experience. The dinner was hosted by the Parish Priest Br. Tomasito in St. Mary Parish. He is a large hearted man.

The Provincial Ministers Meeting in Dubai

MOn 24th afternoon General MInister and me left for Dubai. The flight was delayed for almost two hours late. We were welcomed by Br. Tomassitto the Parish priest of Dubai and driven directly to  Rasal Khama where the meeting was supposed to be held up. we began the meeting on 25 at 9am with 29 participants. Br. General Minister, Bishops Paul Hinder and Camilo. The CCMSI Provincials, Lebanon, Philipian, American and others. The meeting began with prayer and lightning the candle. Br. Vargheese the vice provincial welcomed all the participants. Then Bishop Paul gave the background about the meeting. General Minister in his key note address spoke about the importance and speciality of the vice province of Arabia. Bishop Camilo too spoke about the collaboration and its challenges. all the participants were welcomed by a bouquet.
We had 14 points on the agenda which we immediately took for discussion. The moderator for session was Br. John Provincial of America. The discussion was lively, personal, direct and many concerns were voiced out. 









Sunday, November 24, 2013

Feast of Christ the King, Closing of Year of Faith and Birthday of Br. Oscar Fernandez


Today the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. He is really the king of our Lives. He gives us what the wordly kings and powers cannot give. So Let us offer him our hearts, minds and entire lives so that He may us for His kingdom.On Good Friday, the power of Christ’s death and resurrection shines out in the flow of blood and water. Today it shines out in the last human exchange of Jesus’ life. And as we leave this liturgical year, we might leave wondering, does it, can it shine out from us? How can I enter into the kingship Christ gives me? And the Gospel gives the answer. There is nothing so regal, there is nothing that so gives us back our humanity, there is nothing that so lifts the darkness, there is nothing that so brings paradise into our hearts and the world to Christ as forgiving, forgiving the very people we’d love to have crouching under our feet, forgiving (at least being ready to forgive) our enemies, loving the unlovely. For there, par excellence, Christ is King.

The Apostolic Letter, written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, entitled Porta Fidei, announced the Year of Faith, which is Latin for "Door of Faith".  The pope wrote, "The 'door of faith' is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church.  It is possible to cross that threshold when the Word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace.  To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime." The Year of Faith has been a moment of grace.  The year has offered a lot of opportunities to priests and laity to respond to God's grace and made the most of it through prayer, worship, study, and living our relationship with Jesus Christ. Today it comes to an end but not the faith. We need to grow and manifest the fruits of our faith.



Today in Curia Br. Oscar fernandez celebrates his 40th birthday. The fraternity prayed and celebrated the Mass along with him. He is a vice secretary and also secretary for spanish language. A good friar and loving person. Always wears a smile. He is always available for any service in the community. We wish and pray for a long, happy, contended and good health. Happy Birthday dear Br. Oscar!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Third International Week of Reconciliation at Giovanni Rotondo

The 3rd International week of reconciliation on the theme "I Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins" starts at Giovanni Rotondo from 25-29th November 2013. It is an action packed program with many known dignitaries of the Church who are experts on the theme are invited. This program has been conducted under the umbrella of our Internation Formation council. Speakers like Piacenza, Nykiel, Castoro, galantino, Militello, Girotti, Paolo Fucili, Antonino, Gusella and Francesco Neri. The Vicar General Stefano and Raffaele General Definitor are going to celebrate the Eucharist. 








The General Councilors begin departing


Most of the Councilors will leave by end of this month to their respective areas for animation. Yesterday Br. Hugo left for Latin America and then he will be Joined by Br. General Minister for pastroal visitation to Peru. Br. Raffael has already left for one of the provinces in Italy for animation. br. Pio will leave for Oxford for brushing up his English. Br. jean will leave this week end for Africa for an assembly. Br. Victorious will continue his Italian Language course. Br. Mark too will go for visitation. Br. General and me will leave for Gulf for a meeting and from there i leave for Andhra Pradesh for an assembly. Br. Vica General will go to his conference for a meeting. Most of us are not here for the Christmas but for Ephiphany we are all expected to return and have a celebration followed by the General Definitory meeting.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Br. James of Kenya Passes away


A young brother from kenya nameg Br. James Kimani passed away three days before in his sleep. He attended the last general Chapter of 2012. He was co-opted by the General Definitory. He was a lay brother full of life and cheer. During the chapter he attracted everyones attention with his smile and simple life style. He was one of the scrutinizers going around to collect the votes in Basket. He wore an angelic smile while collecting the votes. Br, General when he learnt about his death expressed sadness and shock. General Minister shared that Br, James thanked him for having nominated as one of the capitulars. He expressed that he had a wonderful fraternal experience during the chapter. We all prayed for his dear departed soul. We promise to continue the same. We expresses our heartfelt condolences to Br, Benedict who is in the curia and we sent our condolences to the entire province and James Family. May his soul rest in peace.

Birthday Celebrations and Grand recreation









After the Local Chapter the fraternity celebrated all the birthdays of the friars who have celebrated either in month of November or before. It was a very fraternal celebration. The Gaurdian spoke few words about the celebration. The General Minister brought the best wine presented to him by some friends. The food was cooked by Br. Vincenzo. He is an amazing cook. He cooks with love and passion. This evening we had special fish, met etc.
The chest nuts were fired and we ate them with special wine. What a Dinner! All around noise and joyful laughter! It is good indeed to be here in Curia!
The speciality of our curia Fraternity is our evening recreation! We mostly all come together and chit chat a lot. The General Minister shares his experiences and the councilors too. It is a joy to be there for recreation. We long and await for this moment here in Curia. Sad that the common recreation has almost lost its place from our Capuchin life style.
This evening practically all the friars were together, we crack jokes and make fun! But the most enjoying moment is listening to the experiences of each other.
It is good indeed to see brothers live in unity and harmony. The joy is overflowing all over curia!

Local Chapter of the Curia

As per the tradition of Curia to celebrate a local chapter after every general Council meeting, this afternoon we celebrated a local chapter in the hall of St. Bonaventure in College. All the curia members were present for the chapter. This chapter is well waited for! There are many reasons why friars long for the local chapter in curia. We discuss our life and work, we also discuss certain issues openly in order to make our fraternal life more vibrant and practical.
This afternoon the Guardian began opened the Chapter with "the salutation to virtues by St. Francis of Assisi. It was real moment of prayer leading us to know what the virtues can do in our Capuchin life.
The minutes of the last local chapter were passed and confirmed.
The agend for the chapter:
1. The yearly Budget for the year 2014
2. The presentation of the new Curia site under work by Br. Marek, Guardian. he has done wonderful sped work and at the end of presentation he go a big applause from the members.
3. Modifications proposed to Vademecum of Curia
4. The General Minister as usual communicated some important decisions taken in our council meeting which ended just this afternoon.
5. The Guardian had some communications to make for practical living our life.
6. Finally there was time for any other points.






Thursday, November 21, 2013

Br. Luis Eduardo in Mexico





Br. Luis was asked to represent the General Minister in Mexico City for a conference in Latin America. The theme was on the New Evangelization in South American. It was attended by many Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, priests and General Ministers of many congregation. This gathering was held up in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Mexico City. Br. Luis left on 16th and returned on 21st. He had loads of experiences to share with the community. He said that it was a rich experience listening and sharing about the new evangelization.

Happy Birthday To Br. Mark D'Souza

Br. Mark celebrates the gift of life today. He is the member of Curia for last few years. He has been working in the Office of Economic solidarity. He is known face to all of us. He is very good at his work and faithful to the job assigned to him. He gives his best and 100% to the task assigned to him.

This morning the community joined him thanking the Lord first in morning prayer and then for the Eucharist which he himself presided over.

We pray that the good Lord be with him. May all his dreams and plans come true.
Let us pray for his near and dear ones.