Christmas Celebration in UAE

Our Rasal Al Khyaima muncipality decorates our parking place with christmas trees and stuff. A lot of visitors during the night come. it is a goodwill gesture on the part of the government. 

You can see that in the evening it is beautiful to watch

Christmas dinner with my cousin and his family in dubai...

Received some gifts from friends

Mother Mary and Joseph flight to Egypt

Friend Mr. Banet Gonsalves

The nephew of my friend Barnet

Christmas tree in front of our Church of St Anthony of Paduva

The birth of Lord Jesus

Marathi Mass on Christmas eve at St. Michael's church at Sharja

 

Retreat for the Catechists at Ras Al Khyima

 About 25 Catechism teachers were present for the half day retreat and reflection in order to prepare for the celebration of the Christmas. The response was good considering the timings and the only day that they get in a week. Willingly and happily they dedicated the afternoon for listening, reflecting on the themes of the day. 

The First talk began at 4.30pm on the theme of Becoming Holy as Catechists and to be role models for the children whom they teach the faith. The Spirituality of the Catechist was explained to them. That each one of us have received the grace of God to be a witness of Christ. Many are called for different roles to be played in the church and to be a teacher of faith is one of the biggest roles that one can play. 

Without the personal experience of the Lord Jesus it is difficult to pass on the experience of the Lord to the children. We need to connect the message of Jesus to our own faith story. To Know and live like Christ is very important to be an effective teacher of the faith.

The second talk was on the theme: "God talks to us everyday .....we are all bombarded every day with a lot of negative news and all kinds of things are communicated to us and as a result our ears are filled and defend so we don't hear God talking to us. We are moving away from Him and His presence...we at the end of the day we know that only God will remain with us always. 

God speaks to us through event and circumstances...he speaks to us through our brothers and sisters....God speaks to us through the reading of the Word of God and Prayer, through the Sacraments especially the Eucharist. The problem is that we are bombarded by our own problems and clouded by emotions that we cannot hear God anymore.

God speaks to us because he has a plan for us all. He knows our strength and weaknesses, so He chooses to speak to us in a language which is understandable and appropriate to our situation and circumstance that we are in. 

God of Blessings and Miracles!!!!!

People who have strong and deep faith in God and themselves invite many blessings, graces, presence and Miracles of God in their lives. We have heard, seen and read about testimonies of the hopeless of hopeless cases wherein doctors had given up hopes but Faith in God and devotion to Mother Mary or saints have given new life to them. The Gospels are full of Miracle stories where Jesus rewards people for their complete faith, trust and belief in the power and glory of God. He appreciates and also suggests to others as an example for imitating them. The commitment that Jesus needs from those who go to him is the constant asking and listening to his words. He has never turned away anyone from His healing presence.

Today we have the example of the group of people who bring on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed and the miracle took place. A crowded places where Jesus was preaching and many people were present to listen to words of salvation and healing. The group must have travelled from far with expectation of a healing for their brother, friend. They show amazing faith in the person of Jesus. The crowds are big and no way to approach or get closer to Jesus. They hit a novelty Idea and climb the roof...the roof must have been old and danger of caving in. They do it with courage and faith in Jesus whom they considered a miracle worker. Jesus appreciated their faith, effort and hard work, he rewards them in the form of a healing for their brother and friend.

Today we are lacking that deep faith in the words of salvation and healing of Jesus. We only run to him when we are in trouble and the rest of the times we believe in science, technology and our own strength. In spite of knowing that God has the last word and He will take care of everything, yet we turn our backs to him because the world is promoting a spirituality and mentality against God and His healing presence. The group broke through the roof with courage and excitement in a time when they had to act immediately on behalf of their brother and friend. We have to have same attitude and character to break through the difficult roofs of our lives and not get frightened and discouraged, disappointed in these difficult moments. There are many of us who give up in moments of bad feelings, rejections, criticism and hopeless situations like diseases and hard economic situations. There is nothing impossible and unsolvable when Jesus is present amidst us with his graces and blessings. He works miracles only when we are ready to climb the roof and break through, lower ourselves with what we are in humility.

Advent Snippets !!!!!!!!!

 

When we meet each other normally we enquire about the health about the other. We show our care and concern towards that person who might be suffering or having some issues and problems in the family. By asking the one who is suffering one, the pain and misery is not lessened or taken away but he feels that in this crowded and heartless society there are people who care and love. They feel that there are people who belong to them and have feelings towards their well-being. They keep their head up and look around to to see and experience the pain of the others. The mercy and compassion of God has to be made present through our actions, words and deed. It is said that whether the house big or small, if there is no sweetness and bond in that house, not only human beings but even birds and animals will not enter to live in. 

One of my old friends who is atheist for a long time, likes to attack people who believe in God. He has all kinds of answers to prove that God does not exist. He sometimes takes some truths of the religions like God is present in all human beings. One day he asked me this same question and confronted me saying why do you go to Church when God is present in your brothers and sisters. It is a waste of time and energy to go and pray in the Church where he does not exist. I remembered what one of our school teachers had told us that wind blows in the summer heat, but the we can enjoy it only under the shadow of a tree, so God is present every where and every one but we can experience the happiness of his presence in the Church, temple and mosque.

Some times we human being boasts of our relatives, families, friends etc as our won and take pride of having them in our lives. we sometimes count on them for many things and rely for their support and care, concern and love, but experience has shown that these very our own have deserted us in moments of pain and problems. They have shown us that they were never part of our lives and existence, their negative approach makes us sad and depressed. But we fail to remember that in this world no one is ours really, only TIME and moment is ours. If time and moment is good then everyone is ours, if not those who are close to us are not really close to us. This is the Fact and Truth of Life. 

 

Lessons learnt from the Elders!!!!!!

The age old wisdom of our elders who lived and believed in that We come with nothing, we go with nothing; but one great thing we can achieve in our beautiful life is a little remembrance in someone's mind and a small place in someone's heart. It is so true in our human journey on earth. To remember someone for the good that a person has done in our lives and then enjoy his goodness all through our lives is really a God's gift. Today we easily forget the good done or given, ingratitude is on the increase, parents feel the most of it as the children just forget the sacrifices they have made for the growth and upbringing of their children. Let us live in the memory of our beloved ones through our words, deeds and actions. 

There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will..this was often repeated by my beloved father especially during the annual examinations in the school. He would say that you have to do your hard work and rest leave to God to take care of the rest. Not to worry what grades and marks you will get, because by worrying you let go the precious moments of the present which you can apply for your studies, to apply your mind and focus on the goal that you would like to achieve.

When schooling we had some friends in the school who were notorious and would bully and beat the other students for no reason. They would do this outside the school compound or on the streets while returning home. These boys were good but had lost their way due to bad companions from other school. One of my cousin would get beaten up by these bad boys and he would run away. one day my uncle told him that Running away from any problem will only increase the distance from the solution. FACE IT and FINISH IT. My cousin got the message and lesson of his life. The next day itself while returning from school the bad boys surrounded him and began to punch, my cousin became so strong and powerful at that moment that he thrashed all four boys and beat them black and blue. He was the hero in the school. 

One our assistant parish priests who was in charge of the youth in our parish at Nirmal Vasai was very popular with us with his acting and singing skills. More than this he was able to wear our shoes and understand us and help us accordingly. We would enjoy his sermons as they were full of stories and experiences connected with the Gospel. He would make the Mass more interesting and as a result there was 100% participation in the Eucharist. One day during the youth gathering he said something like this that We are all visitors to this time, this place, we are just passing through. Our purpose is to observe to learn, to grow, to love and then we return to our sweet HOME

Advent season in the midst of slowing Pandemic

The coming Sunday will be the first Sunday of the advent which will lead us up to the celebration of Christmas. During these four weeks of advent, we will be preparing our hearts and minds in anticipation of the coming of the Lord in our hearts, lives, families and nations in this great crisis of Covid – 19. Today there is an intense longing for the Lord’s coming into the world to overcome this crisis which has paralyzed all of us in every field. We are all waiting with hope in this weary world which for last two years has really suffered too much. Everything seems to be affected including spiritual lives of the people. All of us are waiting for a new and glorious morning to break into this covid affected lives of ours. The expectations of each one of us are very high as we are battling with the virus and finding ways to beat it with vaccines.

We all know that this pandemic has taught us many lessons especially spiritual ones and these two years have been years of learning and realizing that we cannot be gods and take the place of God. The spiritual lessons have been to see the Lord Jesus in other suffering human being, providing care and concern, food and shelter, looking after the needs of the orphans who lost their beloved ones in this pandemic. Churches and individuals have opened many social centers where they care for the affected ones and provide relief to all men and wone.

As Christians prepare anew to celebrate the Incarnation, when “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,” revisiting early Church history offers a reminder of the devotion to the common good that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection can inspire. There have been many plagues and pandemics in the world and the church and Christians have given fitting reply inspired by the life of Jesus our savior.

The global pandemic and new limits on daily activities present a special time for renewal of faith and the opportunity to deepen appreciation for Jesus in daily life. During the pandemic many separated from each other due to travel restrictions, so advent would be a wonderful opportunity to recognize how the birth of the savior changed the world and each one of us. So the responsibility and mission of each one of us is to be messenger of peace and joy in the this troubled times and crisis. Advent is a time to reflect, at time of quieting, a time of stillness, to make room for Christ in our daily lives. It is a time to light the advent candles and wreath and gathering to reflect in front of a Nativity scene to nurture our faith as we look forward the great feast of the incarnation, the son of God becoming one of us. Advent is a time to experience the loving presence of God in a fresh and profound way even amidst the pandemic. During advent let us prepare our hearts and families to receive the beloved son of God again.

 

Remain always in the Light

We are God's chosen and holy people, we are called to live, with a higher standard, than the world. Shine as a bright light, in this dark world! We are called to shine and dispel the darkness around us will make us men and women of disciples of Jesus Christ. when we are kind, loving, compassionate and open towards each other we shine brightly and dispel the darkness of sadness, pain, suffering from the lives of the others.

People who give their power to others, make themselves door mat to walk over, we lose our connectivity with ourselves. Do not give your power away, to emotional highs or lows, based on what happens around you. But stay grounded, within your inner being, knowing and understanding, that all things external, are just a decoration, to the internal palace you are creating within you.

Having a platform doesn't mean, you always need to be on a stage. The performances might get you likes or take you viral, but vulnerability, honesty and authenticity will inspire others to be themselves and that's so powerful, in a world, that's becoming accustomed to deception

My beloved Cousin left for his heavenly Reward

 

Mr. William Corriea age 66 expired yesterday night in sleep with a massive heart attack. He is survived by wife and two children, both married. He was a dear brother to all of us. He was very kind to the extent of being present for everyone though very strict man with himself and with others. He had a large and soft heart. 

I spent much part of childhood in his house. The school and church was very close to his house and plus his family was well to do and my uncle and aunt were kind and loving persons who rendered always a helping hand to my parents who had 5 children to look after with their little economic resources. I would spend much of my time at their home. I was welcomed and loved by my cousins. William would help me in my studies and even would punish me for the mistakes made. But as a loving brother would always bring candies for me as he had already started working after his technical course. He was lucky to get a government job at telephone exchange. 

In 1978 when i decided to join the capuchins after my schooling he was the first one who congratulated and encouraged me for the decision. The day i left for Mangalore from Mumbai he was there to see me off with some fruits, sweets and some money for the travel. `since he was working for the telephone exchange he would once in a while telephone me. It was he who telephoned me to communicate the sad demise of my beloved father. 

During my vacations every year as a seminarian i would spend some days in his house and at the end i would receive some gifts and cash for buying clothes. He was very proud of me and would tell and speak to everyone about me. May his soul rest in peace. God grant him eternal rest

 

Dubai by Night!!!!!!!!

To avoid problems and fate of life in not in our hands but to face the problems and challenge them in our hands.....because life is like a flow of water.....if water wants to meet and merge into the ocean then it has to encounter and face all the pits and falls, rocks and hills......

Those feet which have been facing and fighting the heat, rain and wind, those feet will never get tired but keep walking and exploring new things in life.....

Don't be worried about one negative experience in life because in future those happy and positive moments which will come, we will not be able to enjoy them...so be positive...every moment in life is precious live and enjoy it to the maximum....

longing increases when we begin to really love and appreciate the person, love is not understood unless we begin loving someone in life......

What is aloofness and loneliness, if we do not fall in Love, to understand what is winning unless we lose in life

What is pain if we do not experience cheating and betrayal in life....

Search happiness in the laughter of the other persons, satisfaction without searching cannot be found....

to understand Friendship, one has to make it happen, who are our own in life, is understood in difficult moments of life...

Truth is seen and experienced only when we open our physical and spiritual eyes....

 

Be Brave and Confident!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Brave and confident persons do not fear or run away from problems and difficulties but face them with grace and strength but frightened persons never have confidence or dare to look into the difficult situations or face to the challenges, they run away from everything and seek cosy and easy environment without hard work want to be happy. In today's world without being brave and confident not easy to be successful and achieve our goals without having to face difficult moments. The society recognises those who are fearless and produce positive results are accepted and honoured. These brave men would like to leave behind an impression and legacy and would like to be instruments of peace, change, forgiveness and love, would always dream to lessen the pain and sufferings of the society. They believe that what we possess is not ours, nothing we possessed and nothing will ever remain as our possession.

There are people we come across in our journey of life who never notices the tears of the others, they cannot sense the pain and sufferings of the others, others do not value you or ignore your pain and sufferings but they always take note of your failures and mistakes, who make mountain out of a mole. These persons believe in prosperity and wealth, they value persons in terms of money and achievements. But forget that wealth can buy everything but can never purchase love and relationships which are more precious than the wealth and money.

We must learn that bitter medicines we never bite or eat like food but we swallow them because we would not want to leave the bitter taste in our mouth. The spiritual men and women have taught us in the history that like bitten medicines we must in life learn to accept insults, defeat, criticism, backstabbing etc to be swallowed up. Let us not bite and keep it in our mouths. the more you try to eat them up the more life will bring up bitterness. 

The mirror shows our face with all the dirt on our face, but we do not break the mirror because it shows our dark moles and spots on the face, but we try to clean the face and remove the dark spots. In the same way those who try to belittle and downgrade us let us not be angry with them but try to reflect on our weaknesses and dark spots. If there are no brakes in a car, an accident is sure, similar in life there is no discipline and limitations, destruction is sure.