An Invitation to Be a strong Person

There are people in our lives, families and communities who look down upon us, discredit our capabilities, do not recognise our talents and some times do not even listen and accept our opinions. The good works we do sometimes are not appreciated....but on top we are criticised or spoke ill about us. Similar experiences Jesus had in his life but he did not get discouraged but became strong to defend with the power of the Holy Spirit in whose name he did wonders and miracles. 

Sometimes our positive works and influences on the people is not well accepted and as a result the evil forces try their best to avoid us and then do a damage to our personality and works. The works that we do in the name of the Lord are disregarded and discredited. The pharisees knew that the works of Jesus were already prophesied but they could not accept Jesus as their saviour and lord so tried to discredit him.

Jesus shows that he is the strongest man who is not going to dance to the tunes of his enemies...he does not allow them to take upper hand in his life but he teaches them a lesson of mercy and compassion. Jesus proves that he has a complete charge and authority over everything given by his Father.....

are we strong people or the strongest ones....do we bend down and compromise for the sake of being popular.....

Return from Kerala Retreat!!!!!!!! Happy Republic Day!!!!!!

Preaching a retreat to young religious is always a challenge.....one needs to take into account various needs and exceptions of the retreat participants....especially the young ones who live in a different time and situation, have various spiritual and psychological needs which the preacher need to pay attention to....and accordingly touch the hearts and minds.....they are open and receptive but at the same time have aphrensions in accepting certain ideas regarding the religious life which have been compromised and watered down...they look for examples in the community life what the preacher proposes to them during the retreat....

 They look for paths and ways on which they could be guided by examples to live the commitment to Christ in full sense.....

 The hurdles and blocks that they experience in giving a solid and strong response to Jesus, charism and spirituality is genuine and the community has to make a room for it....one needs to address these genuine issues in our human encounters with each other...

 They want to get into the rhythm of spirituality but see the doors and windows closed which discourage them a lot.....but many go looking and searching for the other opened doors and windows.....they make sure that spirituality is lived and not just spoke of....

 The genuine human relationships, caring and acceptance of each other is what they look for.....

 The Sun shines and brightens every area of life....but one needs to be open to receive the grace that is showered upon by the Lord

Pronuncio Giovanni Baptistta visited Pune Diocese

His Excellency Giovanni Baptistta, Papal Nuncio To India and Nepal made a pastoral visit to the diocese of Pune yesterday. The Bishop of Pune had organised a whole day program for him. The various parish organisation, youth, altar servers and many other institute connected to the church were invited for the morning session. The Nuncio interacted and communicated with them. In the evening he addressed the clergy, religious men and women who gathered in a large number.....he spoke about the call to be voice of Jesus and live the consecrated life in a worthy manner.....

 After which he took some few questions from the priests and religious and answered them very diplomatically......

 The talk was organised in the Cathedral hall

 The High Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral....a lot of faithful participated.....the diocese also concluded the year of the

 The Diocese also inaugurated the year for the "differently abled" .....a diocesan priest who is handicapped will be incharge of organising and celebrating the year in the diocese...

 Few differently abled children participated in the Mass very actively as they did the reading and sang hymns......

Fraternity Day at La Verna Pune.........

Br. John, Rector's birthday falls soon after Christmas on 28th and most of the friars are out for Christmas ministry....so we celebrate it after all have returned from their ministry....it was decided to have a fraternity day yesterday ....

 Morning began with an Eucharistic adoration,,,,,on the theme "Communion in the Community"

 The brothers cooked the food....including me....my own speciality

 In the evening we celebrated the Eucharist ...Br. John as the main celebrant and i preached the homily on the Gospel friendship in the community...

 After the Eucharist we had singing competition group and solo...we the priests friars also participated......

 All the three years brothers put up a group song and solo song....

 We had a dinner after the competition.....two of our capuchins who are studying in JDV were invited to join for the celebration one is from St. Thomas and one from St. Fidelis province....

 After dinner we played Housie Housie game........

Gift of two new Priests friars Amit D'Britto and Jameson Monis!!!!!!

This year we are blessed with two ordinations. Brothers Amit and Jameson were ordained on 28th December and 2nd Jan 20......respectively.....a large crowd of the faithfuls at both the venue was very encouraging ....the number of priests at Vasai where Amit got ordained with two Jesuits so a big number of Jesuits attended the Ordination as many as 80 and Capuchins were 20......Yesterday Jameson got ordained alone in his home parish and about 40 friars were present to witness the ceremony...let us praise the Lord.....