Am I too Busy!!!!!!!!!

 

We are all running!! world is super fast....we too are becoming super fast in everything...even in relationships and friendships.....we are moving fast in search of happiness and joy...there is no question of taking rest, stopping for a while to reflect and meditate on the present situation of our lives....we are running because we want to achieve something that is not going to give us any permanent solution to the questions that we have...we running aimlessly sometimes and searching in places which are not to be searched...all our works, actions, activities, thinking and th way we talk and relate to others is connected with our fast paced life which at the end of the day does not satisfy our real hunger for which we are longing and looking for...

Today we have value and importance, name and standing if we have something called riches and wealth. We are valued for what we have and what we do, what we wear, where we go for vacations, what we wear and what we eat....how successful we are in our profession will determine our place and presence in the society... people look at us because we are someone or something in the society...it gives us a false identity and security....in order to maintain it we keep running, working and making efforts sometimes exaggerated. 

Because i have to achieve targets set by the company for which we are working we just get lost or keep working against our will and health, against the family and values of human relationships. we know that we are losing a lot and it will not come back to us what we are losing. Most of us don't care about it but go ahead towards destruction of personal life. The targets get achieved, salaried increased, promotions granted but basic human joy and happiness of being connected to the other is lost. That i am a spiritual human being and that i need to be connected with the divine every day is easily forgotten in this mad search for false identity and place in the society. 

We need to spend time to reflect on our connection with God, need to listen to his words of wisdom which can transform and change everything into positive and lasting place in the hearts and minds of all. Being busy keeps us away from this wonderful time with the Lord. To think of God in our life and success is the need of the hour. That the God of our lives make many things happen when we invite and enjoy his presence. 

Happy Grandparents Day - St. Joaquim and Anne!!!!!!!

 Every year 26th July is celebrated with enthusiasm and religious fervour the feast of St. Joaquim and Anne, the parents of Mother Mary as the day of grandparents in parishes and catholic schools. For last two years because of pandemic it has not been possible but online many parishes and institutions have tried to reach the grandparents with messages, songs, best wishes, prayers and Holy Eucharist. The Holy Father every year does thank God for the gift of the grandparents but this year due to his surgery he could not but wrote a message for all of them. 

Grandparents are very important after our parents. They do play a very important role in our formative years. They pass on their rich experience and values, traditions and legacies to us. They teach us what our parents do not teach, they fill in our lives those things which our modern parents are not able to give. They are the strong pillars of our faith and trust in God. They speak and reveal the real face of God through their faith and religiosity. They speak language of love and understanding, language of sitting with patience to explain difficult things in a simple and understandable ways to the young minds. They become abode of warmth and acceptance, they do not cover up the mistakes of the grandchildren but lead them to the right understanding of things which ought to explained to the young minds.

This is the “feast of grandparents.” It reminds grandparents of their responsibility to establish a tone for generations to come: They must make the traditions live and offer them as a promise to little children. But the feast has a message for the younger generation as well. It reminds the young that older people’s greater perspective, depth of experience, and appreciation of life’s profound rhythms are all part of a wisdom not to be taken lightly or ignored.

Continue Again All over!!!!!!!

We make a lot of attempts and efforts to achieve something great in our lives. Successful people do not become famous or successful overnight, but it is long journey of ups and downs, journey sheer confidences in spite of failures. They keep going on and on not concentrating on the failures but learning new lessons from the mistakes and failures. But the greatness lies in attempting again and again and succeeding to the biggest surprise of you and others. You don't run away because of difficulties and hardships in work and profession, a soldier sees the danger of the enemy attack but does not run away but fights to his last breath, he does not want to be called as coward but a brave solider who lays his life as sacrifice for his Nation. The one who despairs and becomes heartbroken in their pursuit for success and good things in life will never taste the victory. 

The hunger and thirst for quality of life drives us human beings to new horizons to achieve great success in life. Those who understand the hard and difficult journey of successful life will never blame themselves or the others but try new ways and tricks to get to where they desire to be. As humans we have been given that grace by the creator which is embedded in us to try and be happy in life. 

In the Natural and animal world we see that everyone and everything goes through the process of efforts and attempts. All that is created a new or produced in the natural and animal kingdom does not survive 100% but half of them have a natural death or destroyed by others or it becomes a source of energy and survival for the others. The research has taught us that animal and natural world are more receptive to dying and rising, attempts and efforts.  Only human beings find difficult to accept failures in first attempt and give up the thrill of starting to attempt again and most of the time strop trying again. The world has lost great and men women who would have changed the face of the earth and universe with their intelligence and expertise because they have not tried again but given up the race of success. 

I have experienced in my personal life, when i appeared for my final year of graduation university examination and i failed in the final exams, i literally gave up re-appearing for the second attempt. It was a big fall in my life because i thought that i am not a failure material, why did it happen to me...negative thinking led me to decide not to do exams again. Life is full of pit falls, slaps, breaking, fracturing, falls become part and parcel of life. success will be tasted if we are willing to allow failure to be our companion to teach new lessons of life. 

We are at Our Best!!!!!!!!!!!

Due to the Pandemic many are suffering from mental and emotional stress, the news that we hear and read is all not a good news and as a result young and old are affected. There are many who have lost control over themselves and falling into temptations and giving into it by being cheesy, but the answer lies in accepting the situation and trying to over come with confidence and love is the. The human mind is wired, to receive positivity and compassion. We are at our best, when we show empathy to others and ourselves. Human beings have solved many mysteries of diseases with grace of God and we will do the same with Corona Virus.

I have come across few individuals who have always boasted of their success, popularity and Greatness by taking the credit to themselves, to their hard work and intelligence; but all this doesn't come from people; it comes from God who is generous and benevolent in spite we being unworthy of being great and successful. . Yes, our natural fathers influence us, they teach us, what they know, but your gifts, talents, favour, come from your Father in heaven. What He's spoken over your life, will come to pass.

In my ministry i have had men and women feeling not being loved and cared for, being abandoned and rejected for who they are, this kind of feeling is very bad and dangerous. The other ought to help me grow and develop my God given talents and gifts. The more love you feel, the greater your power, to create a magnificent life, of love, joy, and harmony. Feel the love!

Life, like good art, is sophisticated, complex and unpredictable. So you're left with a choice: either appreciate it and look for the beauty in it or focus on the worst and dwell on it. Remember, you don't have control over other people's choices, you only have control over your own. That's where your power is.. and where your focus should be!!  Be the sunshine, you seek in your life!!! 

The more balanced you are.. with yourself,  the more difficult for others, to disturb you. God wants to increase us, but too often, we overlook the small things, because we want to go big. The small things matter to God, and if we can't learn to handle the small, we'll never go big. Our beliefs and our attitudes, are very important. There is no one, as strong as a person, whose heart is always filled with gratitude.

Thank God for the Human Body

 

The Creator has created human beings in a unique way and it is beautiful Body that he has given us which speaks about His beauty and Image that He is. To have a different understanding and standing of the body among the other creatures, God has given human beings a beautiful face. One of the most important part of this face is the LIPS, these lips are created in the form of an arch, from this arch we must give out sweet and acceptable words, through these words we may touch the hearts and minds of those who listen to them.

Today we see that pride is part and parcel of our human lives, there are people who are so proud that they look down upon the others. When pride becomes part of our daily routine then we know that we cannot give up immediately, it has tremendous effect on our relationships and dialogue and communication with others. But when self-respect and confidence is our daily companion life becomes beautiful and worth living here on earth.  The human bonds are created and sustained easily when self respect is high, one then learns to respect the worth and value of the other person.  Self respect supports and encourages us to move on in life and when we fall it lifts us up to walk with our head held high. 

What we have and posses, what we have received and enjoying now in our lives is a free gift of the Creator who keeps giving to those who trust in  hard work and sincerity.  The happiness and goodness that comes on our way is not because we are worthy but He out of his gratuitousness showers upon us, we are only a reason. When we look around we see that thee Creator has been more generous to us than to the others. In order to spend life in praise and worship of the creator we must be thankful and express gratitude through our words and deeds and honor and respect His name daily. The good health that we receive is a gift to praise and work for His glory.

Fr. Luigi Martignani passes awasy!!!!!!!

Br.Luigi Matignani, of Emiglia Romagna province, has rendered his services at the International College of Rome for 24 years as in charge of our Central library and Archives. He has been a professor at Gregorian University and worked in the Secretary of state.After a brief term of terminal illness he went to the eternal abode yesterday at 21.30 European time. While thanking God for his goodness shown to us through Br.Luigi, we pray that He may grant him his eternal reward.

I knew him since 1994 when i went to Rome for my higher studies. He was already working in the Vatican as well as working in Library at our college. He was a man of few words but always with a smile. If you would begin a conversation then he would just give in and talk for a long time with you. when i finished my licentiate and wrote my thesis, a copy of it had to be left in our International library for reference. He asked me to leave behind two copies, i was surprised and later he told me that he wanted to gift to someone since the theme was on Indian and Franciscan prayer. 

May his soul rest in peace. He was a close confident of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the secretary of three Cardinals commission appointed for investigating VATILEAKS.. His contribution to the findings have brought about drastic changes in the Vatican administration

Grow up in Friendship!!!!!!!!!

 Friendship is not to be decorated or to be announced, announced loudly but it is has to be sown , grown and taken care of it. it needs caring, watering , weeding and pruning on and often so that it grows deep and strong and stands solid in all the moments and seasons.  In friendship we don't have to sacrifice our life or we have to take someone else's life in order to cultivate and grown, friendship needs that we create bonding and communion among ourselves. We have to accept the other as if he or she is part of our life...allowing the other to enhance and make grow our life, love and appreciation for each other.

The things that challenge us and allow us to go beyond horizon and move on, are the things which can bring about change and transformation in us, it can shape and re-shape us, allow us to look beyond by living and enjoying the present moment. You may not be sure of being successful, but we must have the confidence and trust, be inspired to fight the fight and not run away from the battle. Every challenge is a battle field which allows us to learn about the situation and plan our action plan to succeed in life.

We must all wish and desire for the others that they be blessed and receive graces everyday for their day today life, because medicines we can buy by paying money in the medical store, but we cannot buy best wishes and blessing at the counter. Those who support and are with us always, have one sign and indication that they never complain about us but always enquire and think of us....so be a good friend who will stand in thick and thin with the other....

Seminar for the Vicariate Priests at St. Michael's Church Sharja

The AVOSA Office of Care organised a seminar for priests on creating a safe environment for children and vulnerable persons on Monday 28 June 2021. Besides the Bishop, 21 priests from the various emirates of the UAE attended the seminar. Among the resource persons of this seminar were Ms. Nandini Pereira, Fr. Peter Fernando and Fr. Valerian Fernandes (Director of the Office). The seminar was assisted by Fr. Chito Bartolo, the Assistant Director of the Office of Care.

The Office will also conducted two more seminars: St. Michael's Church, Sharjah, on 6th July 2021with 15 participants. St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali, on 7th July 2021 with 15 participants. 

Well organised with social distancing in the hall and sufficient distanced was maintained....

Fr. Muthu welcomed all the participants with warm fraternal words. 

The first session was conducted by a Lawyer from Abu Dhabi, she spoke on the civil laws of the land regarding abuse cases 

She took many questions from the participants and answered them expertly....

The participants had many questions but due to lack of time....only few of them were taken

Second session was conducted by Fr. Peter, Capuchin.....the psychological aspect of the abuse cases....he did a very good job...

Fr. Muthu asking a valid question on the topic

Third session was conducted by Fr. Valerian, the president of the organization...he spoke about the canonical implications regarding the abuse cases...

Participants fully engaged in the talk by listening carefully....

The participants were awarded certificates....which are valid anywhere in the dioceses of the world...

 

Fr. Bruno Leitao Ofm. Capuchin of Goa Province passes away!!!!!!!!!

Fr. Bruno Leitao OFM. Capuchin.

st. Anthony Capuchin Province-Goa

Born-6th OCT.1980.

Ordination:26th Jan. 2011.

Died: 9th July 2021.

A young Friar full of life, enthusiastic in every field, passionate about Capuchin Life, loved his vocation and his call to be a capuchin Franciscan priest passed away this morning due to COVID. Wherever he went he brought cheer and joy. A friendly friar with one and all. An intelligent and good in communication caught the attention of one and all. He had a very command over english and Konkani language. He was called by some friends to raise the toast for various occasions. In the Province he used to be Master of ceremony. He would entertain everyone with his wit and humour. 

He gifted friar in many field, he left his mark and impression on those who met and encountered him. A good preacher and teacher, an accurate and strict accountant he put an order during his tenure as a treasure of the Province. He would dedicate a good amount of time to writing the accounts and encouraging the friars to be apt and on time to present the accounts of the different friaries. He did well as a provincial economo. 

I knew him since f=many years from the formation. I taught Franciscan Spirituality in our erstwhile Holy Trinity Province formation house. He would be the first one to clarify certain notions and thoughts after the class. He was very much interested in studies and knowing more about the Theology and Spirituality. He was promoted to higher studies to Rome by the Province and he did very well in his studies. He completed successfully and returned to the Province to be work in the formation house. Due to this pandemic the Noviciate was started for one year in Goa and he willingly accepted as the Novice Master. He was nominated as the vicar provincial of St. Anthony Province last year. A friar was full of promise and future of the Province and the Church. Virus Corona has taken our our beloved friar but he will live in our hearts and minds. His infectious smile will never be forgotten. Friar Bruno, thank you for your dedication, commitment and capuchin life with us. We know that you are in God's eternal abode. 

Learn by Living!!!!!!!!

 

These days everyone speaks, writes and proclaims about being humane and human, the religion of humanity. It is serving the other human person in need and difficulty is the real religion that we must advocate and preach. It is the treasure that we should preserve in every family, society and nation. We could ignore this religion of being humane in our own families where we fail to understand those with whom we live. It is always beneficial to accept the mistakes of the other because being human we do fail and falter, but accepting and showing kindness and mercy is very humane. Our attitude with sweet words can change and transform the life of the wrong and erring one because sweet and kind words are the precious wealth that we possess. It has the power and energy to change and transform any tense and difficult situations. Being human also means to be peaceful within and without because it teaches us the ways of the Divine. Self-confidence is another aspect of our being humane because it creates and is the dwelling place of the divine. It is through self-confidence that we can approach the other who needs touch, solace, guidance.  Being humane means to forget the differences, misunderstanding and wrong done by the other to us because it allows us to burn the light of the divine brightly always. 

Money, possession, wealth and material things however they bring happiness, comfort and joy, grant security and make us comfortable and sure of the future, it is still a passing guest. It is is there for short time and then move on or disappear. Be careful, do not get too close and attach your person with it. Pride is another negative aspect which we cultivate with full knowledge that it will destroy us one day, pride the biggest enemy of ourselves and plans war and destruction in our hearts and mind everyday. But humility is just the opposite, it gives a place in the hearts and minds of the other, it brings moments of happiness in our broken and darkened world, it leads on the path of success and honor. 

 The beauty of life is the organisation and order, where everything is planned out to meet the events and situation, to face the challenges that come on our way. The most happiest person is the one who is satisfied with the minimum and does not crave or hunger for more. The one who does not long to rob from others to be contented and satisfied but accepts what comes on his way. The fragrance of a person goes very far and wide when he is sincere and honest, every bird and butterfly always look for such people. The fragrance is so sweet and strong that the one who comes close can never remain the same but goes through the change. 

Today good number of people prefer to live credit and they are happy about it even knowing the dangers it can bring in life. In the first place we must learn to spend that much which is required, don't over spend when you don't earn that much. It is also to be kept in mind that one should not be led into sin because of too much of wealth which then makes us to be indifferent and inhuman to others. sometimes when we say or speak, make a comment or pass a opinion always to be kept in mind that it should hurt others' feelings. It is good to have control over our speech and words. Live in such a way that you feel years given are too short,

Time is the Best Answer!!!!!!!!!

Some people believe that TIME is the best answer, I also believe and advocate the same to others. It is not that with one mistake the whole world crashes or crumbles but over the period of time we realize that things are put in order and serenity is restored and peace is the end result after a storm. But we need to believe that time and waiting in patience has all the answers and healing. I have known people who run to doctors for consulting for a sickness which is not physical but psychological and emotional. Many of us have had broken relationships, hurt someone, we have nursed the feeling of revenge against the other who has done bad to us. The medicines are not available in the pharmacy but only one TABLET is easily available that is FORGIVENESS is the best painkiller and healer of all our sickness.

GOD is the best healer and grants healing to those who ready to accept the healing and be healers in turn to others. There is nothing that the Lord cannot grant or make available to us, He has his doors open to shower gifts upon us. God has answers for all our problems, difficulties and diseases which He can heal and set us free from all these. There is no darkness which cannot be dispelled by His mighty and gracious presence. Those who trust, have confidence in God's grace and presence do receive courage to face any situation and darkness. People who are always wanting to use their gifts and talents receive the mighty blessings of the Lord to perform well in their lives. They are prompted and encouraged to share the experience and love of God to share with everyone to make our planet a better place.

We see in our world today that human love, care and concern is absent but in the eyes of God love is always present to heal and bind the wounds of the broken humanity. For some people Forgiveness does not come easy and natural, they prefer to suffer for years but not to forgive their offenders, but God died in order to forgive the humanity which went against the commandments of Love. In the book of God every page speaks of forgiveness. We exclude and avoid, reject and show indifference to those whom we don't like. we have no place for them in our thoughts and Ideas, heart and mind. God accepts and embraces everyone of different creed, colour and no one is left out. God love us and He is always with us.

We see people who are always happy and there is spirit of positivity around them because their attitude is always to be happy in all the situations and look at life as the door of happiness and joy, that everything is right and it is always good to have a positive attitude towards everything.