My Learnings from the Inter-Novitiate Seminar

Roydon Misquith: Martin Luther says, “The prosperity of a country does not depend on the beauty of its buildings rather it consists in the number of its men of enlightenment and character.” This saying adequately reflects the lessons that I have learnt from the recently conducted Inter-Novitiate Seminar on "Fundamentalism and Inter-religious Dialogue." Fr Terence Farias SJ broadened my knowledge and brought a change in my idea about religion and culture. I am grateful to everyone who has been responsible for helping me change my view of other faiths.

Calvin: The only way, according to me, to promote peace and unity among different religions is by Inter-Religious Dialogue. The relevance of this much spoken topic was adumbrated by the Inter-Novitiate course on "Fundamentalism and Inter-Religious Dialogue." It opened the closed windows of my mind to understand and accept the values and richness of other religions and showed me how in unity we can promote peace and justice. Mutual respect among the people of different faiths can go a long way in building up the Kingdom of God.

My Mother, the Society of Jesus

Mother, you are the trust and virtue of my world
It is because of you I have a vision for my life
It is to you that I owe my existence and my entire life

Mother, you are my everything
Mother, you are the essence of my being
Mother, you are within me
Mother, you are the wonder
I do not fear as you bring strength
You are beyond words and expressions
You are my life's most beautiful gift
And I am indebted to you forever,
My sweet Mother!
(This poem flowed out of novice Vinod Saldanha's heart on 27 September, the day which marked the approval of the Society of Jesus)

Building Bridges Over Creeks of Hatred

It was an Inter-Novitiate Course that really shook us up and made us listen with total attention. The third Inter-Novitiate Course of the year on the topic "Fundamentalism and Inter-Religious Dialogue" was held from 19 to 21 September. No other person would have been apt to take the lead other than Fr Terence Farias, Superior of Manvi Jesuit Mission. As time passed by and as new ideas were introduced to us, our misgivings about other religious persuasions bit the dust. Fr Terence with his characteristic flair and expertise showed us the need to respect all religions as pathways to one God who makes no distinctions. The words “People of other faiths are not our competitors rather they are our collaborators”, from the Second Vatican Council was the slogan of the entire course.

The gritty videos on Mangalore Church attacks and the plight of the tormented Christians of Kandhamal showed us how mishandling of the idea of religion for ulterior motives can wreak havoc on innocent faithful. We are called to be truly religious and truly loving and caring persons. Let us join together and give witness to the liberation of our country. “There are many faiths, but the spirit is one, in me, in you and in everyone” Leo Tolstoy.

Interview with Fr Simon Furtado SJ

(Novice Praveen Martis spoke to Fr Simon Furtado on the occasion of his 93rd birthday. Here are the excerpts of the Interview)

How special has your 93rd birthday been to you?

I got up that morning with this song going on in my head: “And when I die, ‘Hallelujah I will cry, I will fly away, O Glory, I will fly away...”

Father, you are a man fascinated by the Word of God. Can you speak about it?

It was my father who taught me to love the Bible. After he retired from government service, in Africa, the whole family shifted to Richmond Town, Bangalore. My father took me daily to 5:30 a.m. Mass in St Patrick’s Church. And the way he participated in the Mass was the best lesson for me. He was very happy when I joined the Jesuits. The Word of God is creative and touches the depth of our being. The Bible was written by men and women moved by the Spirit. And when I read that Word, the Spirit contained in it touches my subconscious and transforms me.

How would you like to describe your life, if you are asked to do so in one word?

BIBLE.

What keeps you active and energetic?

The WORD OF GOD. We are told in the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius that the subject of the morning meditation should be recalled before going to bed. There is deep spirituality behind this. When I lie down in bed and repeat the sentence which summarises the morning meditation, the subconscious continues to repeat it even when I am fast asleep. It enters the subconscious and touches and cures the tendencies to sin. Six, seven, eight hours wasted in bed are now sanctified.

Happy Birthday Fr Furtado!

A grand celebration was awaiting Fr Simon Furtado on 22 September when he celebrated his 93rd birthday. He was in great spirits. He waved his hands gleefully when the Novices sang a birthday song for him. He took extra time to squeak and blabber at his best friends, the Love birds in front of the cage. In the community Mass at 7.15 p.m. he broke the shell of reticence and recounted his past days - the time of his Baptism, his naming after St Moras, the first book he bought (on the life of St Moras), his brief stint in Nagaland, the call to be a co-worker with Jesus and the consolation he gets in his present retreat ministry. What is amazing and inspiring in Fr Furtado is that despite his advanced age, he doesn’t take the help of even a walking stick! He is actively involved in giving retreats. It seems that time takes a backfoot as he goes stronger and lively as the days pass. As Fr Furtado clears another milestone in his life, we wish him well and ask God to bless him abundantly.
"Our lives live on forever in the lives we touch."

Courses at Prerana (October 2011 - May 2012)

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2011

Oct 17-27: RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP

Nov 6-12: COURSE ON NLP (Only 16 seats)

Nov 13-22: IGNATIAN - GUIDED NLP RETREAT (Only 16 seats)

Dec 4-10: DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS APPLIED TO PROVINCE/GENERAL CHAPTERS AND DECISION MAKING

JANUARY - MAY 2012

Jan 8-14: PRAYER - Finding God in all things

Jan 15-21: TEACHER FOR TODAY - A RENEWAL PROGRAMME FOR TEACHERS & EDUCATORS

Jan 22-28: SPIRITUALITY OF RELIGIOUS LIFE - LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

Feb 5-11: RELIGIOUS SUPERIORS AS EFFECTIVE ANIMATORS & LEADERS ACCORDING TO IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY

Feb 15-25: REFRESHER FOR FORMATORS (Renewal for Formators & Spiritual Guides)

March 2-4: COURSE ON ECO-SPIRITUALITY

March 7-17: COURSE ON RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP

April 12-May 14: COURSE ON RETREAT DIRECTION ( For those who are or will go into Retreat Ministry)

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For further details, contact:
The Programme Coordinator
Mount St Joseph (Prerana)
IIMB PO, Kalena Agrahara,
Bannerghatta Road
Bangalore - 560 076.
Tel: 080-26485778, 25979499, 32402408
E-mail: preranaisc@gmail.com
Blog: www.msjnov.blogspot.com

After the Horizon competitions, the novices are filled with new experiences which they would like to share with you. One of the novices, Vasanth, writes his experiences with us - A lot of painstaking efforts went into this year’s Horizon competitions. It was a steady movement into looking at my life’s goals. The week of activities passed off like a flash. Horizon increased my confidence to face challenges. It not only increased the level of self-confidence in all of us but also helped us know our hidden talents and qualities. There was a hidden role in this year’s Horizon in building the community and creating in me the spirit of belongingness to a group. This is why I value my experiences in participating in Horizon.

Horizon 2011 – A Resume of Events

Horizon 2011 took off with a blast with a short opening ceremony. Fr Rector was the Chief Guest who warmed us up to the coming days of intense activities. The leaders of the four groups presented meaningful symbols for their group. Managing the show from behind were Novices Jaison Lobo and Infant Vivian, who have been slogging together to chart out the work plan. Competitions were underway forthwith which started off with a mime competition. Here is a list of ordinary, brilliant and bizarre competitions that made Horizon 2011 come alive. Moves of the Mouth less - Mime competition; Make Way for His Majesty - King of the Novitiate; Sing your voice out - Wishing Song; War on the Boards - Chess and Carom; The Brownie Basket - Fun Games; Saffron ball Blitzkrieg - Basketball match; The Ball in Your Court - Volleyball match; Mock the Mocking Bird - Mimicry; Breath ball Showdown - Table Footer; Orator’s Momentum - Declamation; The Icing on the Cake - Cultural Programme.

On 11 September, the curtains were down on the event, culminating in a splendid cultural programme. Fr Francis Menezes, the Rector, congratulated the Novices and wished them well. Horizon 2011 has energized us with renewed spirits and we hope to keep the energy aflame for many more days to come.

Renewal Course for the Silver Jubilarians at Prerana

(11 September - 15 October, 2011) Looking Back With Gratitude: Prerana (Ignatian Spirituality Centre) is back into action this time by hosting a renewal course for the Silver Jubilarians, lasting for a little over a Month’s duration. Life of dedication to the Lord as religious brings many a milestone which needs preparation. Sometimes, after a long journey the spirit is enervated. Hence this course, which aims to pump more fuel to keep the spirit burning with ever greater zeal. The course consists of a series of seminars engaged by experts in ‘the School of the Heart.’ A thorough brush up on the various aspects of the religious life like prayer, discernment, community life, psycho-spiritual integration, maturing in religious life, etc. is bound to scale up the temperature of the heart and provide a time of renewal and rest in the idyllic surroundings of Mount St Joseph.

A New Shoot Comes Forth from the Stem of Jesse

Nativity of our Lady: (A New Shoot Comes Forth from the Stem of Jesse) The Jesuit family at Mount St Joseph came together to celebrate the feast around the Lord’s Table in the morning. In the novitiate, we were logged in the ongoing Horizon activities. We cherished the togetherness during the Lunch with the customary vegetarian lunch with coconut milk. Fr Rector blessed the new harvest. The movie in the afternoon and a game of cricket in the evening was very relaxing. Though we missed the presence of Fr Willie our novice master, Fr Sunil made up for it by his presence. He joined us for the walking Rosary from the entrance of the house to the ‘Grotto Garden.’ The presence of the Lord and the love of Mother Mary were very palpable in the unity and the family feeling we cherished today. “For the Queen and Immaculate Bride of the Father comes forth from the stem of Jesse. Behold, no woman will ever again bear child in sorrow or anxiety, for joy has come forth in abundance, and life has filled the world.” - BYZANTINE LITURGY

The Nativity of our Beloved Mother Mary

The Mount St Joseph Community wishes you all a happy and blessed feast of the Nativity of our Lady. “Behold the Handmaid of the Lord; Be it done to me according to Your Word.” May we contemplate and imitate our Blessed Mother in our daily lives.

“Mary’s response is the most momentous word in history.” - Reinhold Schneider

My Experience of the Pilgrimage

Gladwin Fernandes: The pilgrimage was a time for me to confirm my own faith in God. As a pilgrim, my heart was longing to well up with the love of God. Then, as I floated along the way to the shrine of Mother Mary, I had a slight glimpse into the “monuments of the busy souls.” Though my heart was perpetually jumping for God’s love, I noticed that the people were busy with their daily activities and at at the same time some people were eagerly awaiting to receive the love of their heavenly Mother. These scenes stunned me. I realized my own devotion to the creator as a path to check the rootedness of my faith in God. I reckon that my longing for God has borne many fruits in my life.

Pilgrimage to the Basilica - Walking with our Lady

Walking with our Lady to her Abode - Pilgrimage to the Basilica of our Lady of Good Health: The Novitiate was into the mood of recollection on the 6^th of September when the novices took to their feet early at the start of the day and headed to the Basilica for the pilgrimage. It was a unique experience to walk to the shrine where the faithful of all religions flock. The pilgrimage was made in silence together with praying the Rosary. It helped us prepare for the feast of the birth of our blessed Mother Mary. As we let the faith of the simple people touch and influence us, we experienced a renewal and strengthening of our personal faith in the Lord.
“Like pilgrims to the appointed place we tend; the world’s an inn, and death the journey's end.” - John Dryden

Shooting to the Skies - HORIZON 2011

Horizon 2011, a series of competitions and activities for the novices of Mount St. Joseph will kick start today. Four groups will compete with each other beginning with a mime competition to be held today. A potpourri of intellectually challenging activities and fun games are interspersed with the regular timetable over a good span of ten days. By giving ourselves fully during the preparations we wish to come out stronger, faster and built into a cohesive group which is better prepared to face the challenges of the mission head on.