Balamela - Time out with the Little Ones

Children reflect the lively image of Christ. Their affection and innocence are a reminder of the very words of Jesus, "Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." In an effort to reach out to the little ones and to provide them a chance to show their talents and abilities, the Novices conducted "Balamela", which is the annual programme of our ministry in two ministry centres- Mailasandra and Hakki Pikki Colony, on February 25. There was good cooperation from the school authorities. Talent was not lacking in the budding little ones and there was a tremendous sense of involvement in the activities, games and cultural programme. The presence of Fr Sunil Cletus Fernandes, the Assistant Novice Director, was an added privilege. His visits infused life into the events. The prize distribution ceremony brought more smiles into the little faces and we tried to make all happy. This year, Balamela turned out to be a memorable experience and it increased our joy.

"We never stand so tall as when we stop to help a child" Abraham Lincoln

The Sun Descended!

"Sun on Earth"

Flashing its yellow petals merrily in the cemetery garden, the new Sunflower is catching the attention of many. The Sunflower plants grown here have become a rare treat of God’s creation to our eyes because for the first time we have succeeded in having the majestic flower in our gardens. The ‘roots’ of the plants are located in Bijapur. The seeds were brought here by Novice Rayan Monis, who was placed at Sindagi in Bijapur for his Mission Experiment, which is a lived experience with the poor lasting a month’s time. Novices Rayan, Anthony Sudeep and Vincent take the credit for pouring love and attention that brought the plants up. The sight of the Sun’s replica on ground has been a memorable experience for us and for the three companions working in the Cemetery garden.  Novice Rayan shares his experiences with ‘the Sun on earth’

Rayan Monis: “It was a joyful experience to see the sunflower grow in our garden. I tried my hand by planting five seeds and three turned into saplings. It was a pain to see one of them broken at the stem, but it pleased us by growing stronger. We enjoyed seeing the plants grow patiently. The day of rejoicing arrived when the first rays of yellow burst out from the bud and then the sun appeared. As I continue to remain charmed by the many qualities of the sunflower, I eagerly look forward to see many sunflowers blooming in our garden”

"We are here to add what we can, not what we can get from life" Sir William Osler

Provincial's Visitation - A Visit of Renewal

The paternal presence of Fr Francis Serrao, the Provincial, brought in a fresh current of spiritual energy. The annual visitation of the Novitiate community kept him in Mount St Joseph from February 14 to 17. The visitation was a time for renewal and recharging our spiritual batteries. Fr provincial who has a lot of rapport with the Novices also celebrated the Eucharist with us during the week. The Novices were fortunate to spend quality time with Fr Provincial during the personal meetings. We had a relaxing time together with Fr Provincial in a recreation organised specially with Fr Provincial in which he conducted a game - we couldn’t make out whether it was a quiz or a test!!! The last item in his itinerary in Mount was conferring the ministries of Lector and Acolyte and a talk to the Novitiate at the conclusion of the visitation. His message during the Eucharist gripped us from the start to the finish and it continues to ring in our ears. The grace-filled time of the visitation has helped us become better servants of Christ’s Mission. 

"Our chief want of life is somebody who shall make us do what we can" Emerson 

Incorporated into Christ - Cassock Day

The Novitiate community became spiritually richer as the 10 first year Novices took a step ahead in their religious journey by receiving the Minor Orders of Lector and Acolyte on 17 February 2012. Resembling a heavenly choir with their brand new cassocks, they presented themselves for the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Francis Serrao, the Provincial, Fr Willie Sequeira, the Novice Director and Fr Sunil Cletus Fernandes, the Assistant Novice Director in the Morning. Fr Provincial in his homily moved our hearts and minds to love Jesus more intensely. Our spirits were high when we gathered together to congratulate the new Acolytes in the refectory. The day was spent in a relaxed timetable. As we congratulate the 10 brothers we ask you to keep them in your prayers. Here are the new Acolytes to share their joy with you.

Anthony Sudeep A: ‘The grace of the cassock filled the thirst of my soul.’ Cassock day was a time of grace to put on the robe of Christ. This symbol of purity and holiness invited me to be soiled for the Kingdom of Christ. The thought of the incorporation of Christ in my being prepared me for this great day and I am glad that the day came very soon.

Johnson R: God has showed me a new path to live as religious. This path is Jesus’ path. As a traveler in this path I am called to live like him. Personally, wearing the cassock is wearing Jesus himself and witnessing Christ intensely.

Noel Stephen Dias: As I was wearing my cassock, I realised that I am called to lose everything for Christ in order to gain everything with Christ. My only desire is to be committed for Christ and to do everything for His greater glory.

Roydon Misquith: Through the cassock, I am dead to the spirit of the world and I am fully alive to the spirit of Christ who came alone can satisfy my aspirations in a way that is not self-centred but out-going. The cassock has given me a new life.

Kiran Leema: Cassock is a symbol of purity, holiness and of consecration. On Cassock day, I realised that I am putting on Christ and imagined that I was becoming one with Him. I wish to remain in this cassock till my last breath.

Rohan D’Souza: Every time I wear my cassock, my soul picks up the voice of Jesus calling me to “heal the wounded world.” In response to this call, I am able to love and live the values of Christ in my daily life. Christ reminds me that I am set apart for His service.

Joseph Jerald: The cassock is a symbol of Christ’s identity for me. The more I wear the cassock, the more do I become like Christ as I am called to witness Christ with my entire self. My identity is lost in the identity of Christ.

Infant Vivian: I identify myself as a close companion of Christ each time I wear the cassock. I acquire a pure heart in praising God and a pure mind to stand up for the truth. God is inviting me to have the eyes of faith and a mind of truth to see God in all things.

Maxim D’Souza: The cassock is a symbol of purity. It gives a very special meaning to me. As I wear my cassock, I feel more and more drawn towards the personality of Jesus Christ.

Cannon Fernandes: St Paul says that we have put on Christ. The cassock means the same to me. It enables me to be another Christ both in my mind and heart. It gives me the message, “I am called to make a difference.”

"Holiness is not the luxury of a few people, but a simple duty for you and me." Blessed Teresa of Kolkata

Fr Lawrence, Regaining Spirit in Convalescence

Fr Lawrence Pinto has crossed many a twist and turn in the last couple of months and now with each passing day he encourages us with a gradual process of recovery. It is really a joy to all at Mount St Joseph to see the new man in the house back on his feet. The septuagenarian Jesuit was hospitalized recently due to an attack of brain haemorrhage and is now treading the path of recovery in Mount. The conducive ambience here has made smooth the path of his comeback. We often find him sunbathing or gently walking around with his walking stick. He is not a person to relax and sit tight. He is always ready for a friendly chat. He dreams of getting back into his fighting boots soon. As Fr Lawrence puts his best foot forward in his process of recovery we pray that he may regain his health to the fullest.

Roots of Hard Labour - Ginger Crop

Intense activity in our gardens for over nine months has brought forth a good harvest of ginger this year. The Novices were found smiling from ear to ear as the ‘treasure’ was unearthed in phases from the top soil of Stanislaus Garden. The produce has touched 300 Kgs. Cultivating ginger has been an important activity introduced in our gardens in the previous year.

“No race can prosper till it learns that there is a much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem” says Booker T Washington. The enterprising Novices got down to work in the ginger plots in mid-April and soon the tender light green shoots were seen on the surface. The new plants demanded a lot of care. With enough care given, the plants grew up healthily displaying their colours that caught the attention of everyone in the house. Time was ready to dig out the treasure from the soil when the yellow plants dried away and no life was seen on the surface. Our work has given us contentment in good measure and we hope to continue to work and learn from our gardening experiences.

“Gift, like genius, I often think means only an infinite capacity to take pains.” - Jane E Hopkins

Young Priests' Meeting at Sevalaya in Dharwad

All young priests of the Karnataka Jesuit Province came together for sharing, reflection and companionship at Sevalaya (Diocesan Pastoral Centre) in Dharwad on 5 February. It was a wonderful occasion for sharing of faith, fellowship and fraternal love. We benefited from the personal testimony of Fr Maxim Rasquinha who shared with us his initial struggles and successes as a priest. Reflection and sharing of the young priests in their respective batches helped us to get into the minds and hearts of each other. Fr Francis Serrao, the Provincial, gave an inspiring and insightful message to us. His talk highlighted the multi-dimensional identity of a Jesuit priest i.e., to be fully human, Christian and religious. We then partook in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Vidya Niketan, which was an icing on the cake. Thanks a ton to Fr Freddie D'Silva, our beloved PCF, for charting out the programme and executing it to a perfect finish. We are also grateful to Fr Sunil Cletus Fernandes for coordinating the programme efficiently. Our gratitude is also due to Fr Anthony Joseph, the superior of Vidya Niketan and his team for the meticulous planning and arrangements at Sevalaya. Indeed, this meeting has refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated us.
"Pray much for priests because we need holy priests. The holier the priests are the more holy we religious will be. Then too, the more holy will be the families who are longing for God. If we have holy families we will have many holy vocations." Blessed Teresa of Kolkata

Re-look at the Roots – Home Experiment

The second year Novices took a pleasant stroll down the memory lane as they made a one week visit to their respective families from January 27 to February 2. Home Experiment marks the beginning of the intense period of discernment of vocation to the Society of Jesus. It is a part of preparation for the First Vows.

Returning back to their home away from home, Mount St Joseph, they were brimming with many memories. Here are a few grateful second year Novices who would like to share their experiences.

Sameer Francis: The main aim of my experiment where I sprouted was to discern my vocation. I am happy to believe that I have achieved in this and I have taken a firm choice in deciding to carry the everyday crosses. The bittersweet experience of the Home Experiment was a very special one and a remarkable experience in growth. 

Jaison Lobo: Going home after a long gap was a festive experience. It was a joyful experience to meet my people and to see the familiar faces. I received great love and support from my parents in pursuing the will of God in my life. As I look back, I realise that my family is a sign of love and peace.

Sudeep Pinto: “Everything that happens in the life of a person is an opportunity for self-growth.” Home experiment was another God-granted opportunity to me. Being with my family members, neighbours, relatives and friends was a joyful and an intimate experience. I had a wonderful time listening to my all and sharing in their joys and sorrows. 

Godwin Sequeira: Home experiment became a passage to my roots in order to gain energy from it. I was happy to spend quality time with my parents as the seed of my vocation was planted at my home. The experience was a mixture of challenges and joys. A lot of personal insights bloomed in my mind during the experiment and I am grateful to God and my parents. 

Nithin Coelho: 

The experiment refreshed my memory

Past became a blessing

Parents' faith and confidence in God

Strengthened me in my odds

Their support was their determination

For their prayers were for my vocation

What else could I have asked for?

Was this not what I longed for?

Cut to the Heart – Dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises

As the second year Novices stepped out towards their native places for the Home Experiment, the first year Novices embarked on a beautiful journey to taste and relish the splendour and depth of the Spiritual Exercises. The captain at the bridge was none other than Fr Jossie D’Mello SJ. Giving his best to explore the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises, Fr Jossie deftly stamped the indelible mark of the Exercises in the hearts and minds of the first Years. The course was organised in the last week of January. Here are some of the experiences of the course shared with you.

A Joseph Jerald: The course, angled on the ‘Interior knowledge’ was a boon for the first years and for me personally to know the heart and mind of St Ignatius. It aroused great desire to make our lives coincide with the Spirit of Jesus which is the Spirit of the Society of Jesus. The course presented to us a new orientation for our life after our Month-retreat experience– to see all things through the vision of St Ignatius. It is a real challenge to live our life in the spirit of Magis for the Greater Glory of God. I heard the call from God tobecome more and more Christo-centric.

Maxim Martin D’Souza: The more we learn, the more we experience. The course was like the Month-retreat in a nutshell. The course made me recollect and relive the experiences of the Long Retreat. I was able to learn more about the mind of St Ignatius and the background in which the Sp Ex were written. The five days sped away like the wind. It was a time of joyful learning and deep understanding. I am rejuvenated in my spirit.

Cannon Fernandes: I have fallen in love with Ignatian spirituality! Deep knowledge of the life of St Ignatius helps us know the real taste of the Sp Ex. The course was really fruitful. According to me the dynamics or the whole idea of the Sp Ex is condensed into two main themes – Magis and interior knowledge. Magis calls us to live life fully. Self knowledge in the light of love of God is the essence of interior knowledge. The course has shot a new ray of interest in Ignatian Spirituality in me.

“He hath freedom who bears clean and constant heart within.” Ennius

One Body of Christ - Sanyasa Sangama 2012

Religious communion was displayed with a bond of union and fellowship at the Day of the Consecrated Life, “Sanyasa Sangama.” For three full hours in the afternoon of 2 February, the grounds of St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Frazer Town, became a meeting point of the consecrated of Christ serving in the archdiocese of Bangalore. The Jesuit community of Mount St Joseph was but a drop in the ocean, a white dot in the vast array of colours of the religious habit. Eminent speakers who addressed the gathering emphasised the theme of the event, “Called to be Signs and Bearers of God’s Love in the Neighbourhood.” The talks punctuated by cultural events and question rounds made the programme more involving and interesting. Fr John D’Souza SJ, parish priest of Kalenagrahara parish during the opinion round added that we can make a difference as religious by being what we are fully and by opening our boundaries for others. Rev. Fr. C Francis was the main celebrant of the Eucharist at the conclusion of the meet. At the solemn conclusion, we held our lit candles high as a sign of spreading the light of Christ.

In 1997, Blessed Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life - World Day for Consecrated Life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on 2nd February. On this day, candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.

“By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before” Edwin Elliot

A Gentle Chat - Interview with Fr Maxim Misquith

It is a pleasure to talk with Fr Maxim Misquith SJ, who is known for the gentleness of his approach and amiable attitude. Presently residing in Prerana - Centre for Ignatian Spirituality, Fr Maxim is a dynamic member of our community. His multifarious abilities and extensive knowledge in the pastoral field has made him an ace preacher. Always willing to give his time for others, he readily agreed to be interviewed and so we bring you the excerpts of the ‘gentle chat’ with Fr Maxim.

Father, you have a long serving experience in the pastoral field. How fulfilling is the task to you personally?

I have really profited, learnt and gained vast knowledge in the pastoral field. This is indeed a fulfilling experience. I don’t consider the mission as a task, but a gift to cherish in the vineyard of God.

Any Significant Experiences…

Organising evangelization programmes in Bijapur is one of my significant experiences. I had invited many people of different faith backgrounds for the programmes. I was very much aware of the consequences from the fundamental groups. Still, I took the risk and conducted a day’s programme. It was successful and spiritually nourishing. In the end, the feedback was to have many more of such programmes. The people expressed their intimate love for Jesus.

What according to you is the most important quality needed in the pastoral ministry?

One should have strong faith in Jesus. “Fall in love with Jesus” says Fr Pedro Arrupe and this is the fountain of all the strength. Humility to live and work with all sorts of people and the attitude of compassionate listening are the other qualities I find very useful in the pastoral ministry.

In your active and involving life with your parishioners and with your Jesuit mission in general, what has been your pillar of strength and support?

I have received immense support and care from my Provincials, Superiors, companions and people. Constant favours, blessings and protection from Jesus and Mother Mary kept me going strong.

How do you want to make a difference in the future?

I want to change my life continuously according to the situation and the people. Then the true difference comes naturally.

In short, your philosophy of life…

Be kind, kindness will come to you
Be loving and you will be loved by all
Be compassionate and compassion will flow into you!