Sunday, October 24, 2004
SCJ INDIA DISTRICT celebrates 10 YEARS in India!!
"Dehon recognized Jesus' open Heart as a radical sign of His oblation."
SCJ
SPIRITUALITY
IN INDIA
-Fr. William van Paassen, scj
Leo John Dehon is well known in France and elsewhere as the much talented priest, a friend of Jesus and of the poor. On June 28th, 1878 he founded his Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It now stretches over 35 countries of the world. As far as Asia is concerned we enjoy a growing presence in Indonesia and the Philippines. A start has been made in Vietnam. Since October 1994 we’re in India. We’re celebrating now gratefully our first decade of presence and blessings in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
1) What is a founder’s spirituality?
Most founders/foundresses feel inspired by a particular aspect in the manifold riches of Christ and relate it to a special need in the Church or Society: Jesus’ poverty (St. Francis of Assisi), the care for the sick (Blessed Mother Teresa), his teachings (St. Dominic, St. Ignatius), his prayerful contemplation (St. Benedict), his openness to the young ones (St. Don Bosco) etc. His/her spirituality becomes a unifying element of a new family of religious sisters/brothers, in order to serve in its specific mission, recognized by the Church.
2) Spirituality of our founder: Leo John Dehon.
Dehon, as a “social priest” immersed in the misery of the poor, the workers and the youth, went in search of the causes of social injustices, of the guilty silence of Church leaders and of a lacking formation in seminaries. He discovered that it’s all about love: absence of love generates injustice. Only that kind of love, that is ready to give oneself, is capable to repair broken situations. Leo Dehon was fascinated by Jesus’ words, when He entered our world: “behold, I come to do Your will, O God” (Hebr. 10,7). God’s will is the Coming of His Kingdom. And “looking up to the One whom they have pierced” (Jn 19,37). Dehon recognized Jesus’ open Heart as a radical sign of His oblation and love for the Father and the people. He gathered companions in his Congregation (SCJ), a community to which he confided his charism or spirituality in his two dimensions: a prayerful “behold I come” to God who is Love and apostolic, missionary presence and action for justice, with especially the poor, the humble, the young, the destitute victims of injustice. Lay people are also invited to join this dynamic movement of the Dehonian Congregation.
3) SCJ-Spirituality: a service to India.
We’ve been invited by bishops and lay people. We came (“behold I come”) from various nations and from within India itself. We came to look, to learn and to serve. We want to become here a Congregation with an Indian face and voice. India! Rich in history, cultures, challenges and so many lovely, deeply religious people. An India with its serious tensions between some fanatic extremists and minorities. The caste-system, officially outlawed but still divisive, an obstacle to human promotion of all. Poverty and corruption. Divisions, even in the Church itself. –Compassion and justice of Jesus have to be realized in people and structures.
Some aspects of our spirituality we emphasize in India already now:
a) We promote the spirituality of Jesus’ Heart (love for God, love for people by action of social justice). There is a great need for this, because Hinduism does not have the concept of an unconditionally loving God. And among Christians we see Sacred Heart devotion characterized by pietism, without convincing reference to the great sufferings in India. We experience that the contemplative dimension of religious life is highly valued in India. Following Jesus’ loving “behold, I come” we practice in our communities daily Eucharistic celebration and adoration and communion. These, our prayers of oblation and reparation, our ministry of formation are intrinsically connected with the cause of the poor and oppressed.
b) In our formation houses we are at each level committed to a program of instruction and experience in ministries of justice. Each month there is a conference on the ministry of justice, conducted by the SCJ-director of justice and peace.
c) Both our prayer life and study of theology are made up with the optic of the poor.
d) One of our first two external ministries is a Centre for Justice.
e) We seek to be just to our employees (Christians, Hindus or Muslims) in terms of salaries and benefits, rather than follow what we consider unjust standards, even in the Church.
f) We are alert on a safe policy relating to possible injustice to our students.
g) In a country where casteism and statism are seriously divisive, we bear witness of reconciliation in our communities made up by members from different nations, Indian states and castes.
h) In a country, deeply divided along the lines of religion,
we attend the festivals, weddings, funerals etc. of Christians, Muslims and Hindus.
i) In Kerala where the Church is deeply divided by rites, besides initiating student activities, we attend celebrations and give spiritual counseling of both the Syrian and Latin Rites. We give serious consideration to ways in which our Congregation can be present to Syrian Rite Christians.
j) For the next future, taking into consideration the mystical and social dimensions of Dehon’s spirituality, we commit ourselves to serve the most urgent needs of the Church and Society, with an emphasis on social justice, especially in the North of India. For Example:
a. Ashram-style retreat/SCJ spirituality centres, especially in service of the poor.
b. Priestly and religious formation in seminaries or renewal centres, especially in those areas of formation that are most related to our Charism.
c. Ministries related to the poor, who make up 40% of Indian population.
d. Ministries of reconciliation in the light of divisions in Society and Church.
e. Ministries of justice: promoting the Social Doctrine of the Church.
f. Ministry to destitute youth, who are numerous due to severe poverty.
g. To establish, with the General Superior, our Congregation in other countries of Asia where we are most needed.
TO CONTINUE CLICK HERE
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Acceptance of Postulants
Photo and Article contributed by Fr. Teja Anthara, SCJ, a formator at Dehon Vidya Sadhan, Aluva, Kerala:
October 4, 2004 is the memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, a wonderful saint who followed the Gospel message literally. He converted from a wealthy life style to a poor and repentant prayerful life style. Every Christian honors him as one of the beloved disciples of Jesus. On the same day was an historical moment for the SCJ Indian District, for on that day 13 third year philosophy students began their Postulancy. They are Ajit Kumar Baxla, Passala Anil Kumar, Bodigala Kumar, Joseph Kumar, Joseph Kasmir, Balaiah, Lenin James, Rajeev James, Chowda Jojappa, Mani Srikanth Reddy, Colin, Roy Xavier and Jackson. They are from the states of Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Under the guidance of the Director of Postulancy, Fr. Thomas Stanley, they are eager to know about religious life in the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Because of health reasons, Fr. Tom was not able to be here for this celebration.
In his sermon, Fr. Martin van Ooij said that the time of Postulancy is a time to learn more about themselves. It is a time to examine and to strengthen their self-motivation, asking themselves whether religious life will be a suitable life style. It is a time to experience more deeply the meaning of community life. He encouraged the Postulants to grow in their desire for more understanding about what religious life means for them. He told them that they themselves are the central focus during this time. This will be an opportunity for growth, a time to be convinced of their vocation. It is a time of preparation before entering the Novitiate, when they officially will begin their religious formation. Fr. Martin insisted that they pay attention to their personal prayer and become more open to the voice of God in their lives. Fr. Teja also emphasized this during his talk as he prepared them the day before.
As a sign of entering into the Postulancy period, they received a Bible and the 'jubah' from the congregation. The Postulancy acceptance took place at Dehon Vidya Sadhan, Aluva during the time of Adoration. Also present for the ceremony were Fr. William, all the students from the Senior Dehonians, as well as all the brothers from the Aluva community.
We hope that all these brothers will use this time of Postulancy to grow and discover their own self, to be good a religious person in the future. May the Holy Spirit who is their main Formator guide them and enlighten them with her wisdom, love and peace. Amen.
V. Teja Anthara, SCJ
Kerala - India
October 4, 2004 is the memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, a wonderful saint who followed the Gospel message literally. He converted from a wealthy life style to a poor and repentant prayerful life style. Every Christian honors him as one of the beloved disciples of Jesus. On the same day was an historical moment for the SCJ Indian District, for on that day 13 third year philosophy students began their Postulancy. They are Ajit Kumar Baxla, Passala Anil Kumar, Bodigala Kumar, Joseph Kumar, Joseph Kasmir, Balaiah, Lenin James, Rajeev James, Chowda Jojappa, Mani Srikanth Reddy, Colin, Roy Xavier and Jackson. They are from the states of Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Under the guidance of the Director of Postulancy, Fr. Thomas Stanley, they are eager to know about religious life in the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Because of health reasons, Fr. Tom was not able to be here for this celebration.
In his sermon, Fr. Martin van Ooij said that the time of Postulancy is a time to learn more about themselves. It is a time to examine and to strengthen their self-motivation, asking themselves whether religious life will be a suitable life style. It is a time to experience more deeply the meaning of community life. He encouraged the Postulants to grow in their desire for more understanding about what religious life means for them. He told them that they themselves are the central focus during this time. This will be an opportunity for growth, a time to be convinced of their vocation. It is a time of preparation before entering the Novitiate, when they officially will begin their religious formation. Fr. Martin insisted that they pay attention to their personal prayer and become more open to the voice of God in their lives. Fr. Teja also emphasized this during his talk as he prepared them the day before.
As a sign of entering into the Postulancy period, they received a Bible and the 'jubah' from the congregation. The Postulancy acceptance took place at Dehon Vidya Sadhan, Aluva during the time of Adoration. Also present for the ceremony were Fr. William, all the students from the Senior Dehonians, as well as all the brothers from the Aluva community.
We hope that all these brothers will use this time of Postulancy to grow and discover their own self, to be good a religious person in the future. May the Holy Spirit who is their main Formator guide them and enlighten them with her wisdom, love and peace. Amen.
V. Teja Anthara, SCJ
Kerala - India
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
SCJ INDIA DISTRICT celebrates 10 YEARS in India!!
October, 2004 marks 10 years that the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart has been in India. The following are the reflections of the SCJ India District Superior. In the following weeks articles and photos will continue to mark the occasion celebrating our 10 years in India.
Dear Friends,
In October, 2004 the SCJ India District will be celebrating the fact that the Congregation has been in India for 10 years. There are many memories that come to my mind about these years. What follows are some of my thoughts:
On March 6, 1994, while Fr. Bressanelli was on his visitation in Kalirejo, Indonesia, he told me about his intention to send me to India. This was far from any expectations that I had at the time! He then told me to quickly come to Rome.
In Rome we spoke of what I was to do in India, that is, to make our Congregation present there. But many questions came to my mind: How should I go about it? What must I do? Fr. Bressanelli assured me that “The Holy Spirit shall guide you.”
The arrival in Cochin was on October 6, 1994, welcomed in the diocese of Cochin-Kerala (South India). After much listening to bishops and priests, and doing extensive personal research in New Delhi (Embassy of the Holy See), and in Mumbai, (with Cardinal Pimenta), and after visiting several formation institutions in Chennai and Bangalore, it quickly became clear that we, as foreigners, could not become involved in direct pastoral work. It was with this understanding that the late Bishop Kureethara advised us to begin our presence in India, with Formation. He was a wonderful help.
In June, 1995, we received our first students. It was an unusual beginning of a Mission, and it provided special experiences to our General Administration too! But Indeed the Holy Spirit guided us, and how happy was the day of the inauguration of our first house, Dehon Bhavan, in Kumbalanghy, Kerala, on March 18, 1997. We then opened Dehon Vidya Sadhan (philosophy), in Aluva, on March 25, 1999. On January 7, 2002, the SCJ Sacred Heart Novitiate was inaugurated in Nambur, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, as well as a house of formation, in Gorantla, Dehon Prema Nilayam. Finally, on April 29, 2004, we inaugurated a community in the diocese of Eluru, A.P. for our theology students. So much has happened in these last 10 years, and so quickly!
From the first beginnings, we emphasized the building of community life at every stage of formation. Our candidates have been well aware that we are in India to be missionaries. Development of a missionary spirit has been implanted in the whole formation process, with special classes and courses. Regular conferences are conducted regarding the social orientation of our Founder, the social teaching of the Church, and “live-in” experiences in poor villages are scheduled every year for our students. Most recently some of our students spent 8 months of their regency time serving the very poor in Bhopal, and learning the Hindi language.
The SCJ India District Mission Statement expresses very clearly why our candidates are going to the northern part of India, where the poverty of the people is extreme, where the injustice suffered by millions of the population will provide the context for our future mission in India.
The Lord has blessed us with good candidates because of the diligent and faithful recruitment done by all the members of the district, and because of our dedicated formators. What we believe is an important value is the international composition of our communities.
Now we have SCJs from Brazil, USA, Poland, Netherlands, Italy, Indonisia, Portugal, England, and Germany. In India we realize the “We, the Congregation .....on Mission.” We are also strengthened be the presence of brothers from the different states of India itself. We believe in our common mission in India which is built up through prayer and dialogue. Our regular community meetings, zonal get-togethers, and yearly assemblies have guaranteed that our plans and decisions are made together. The on-going attention and support of Fr. General and his Council, from the beginning, gave us strength and faith.
There are challenges which we are now facing. An important challenge comes from the great values of Indian culture and its vast religious inheritance. How do we prepare our candidates to be effective SCJs in such variety and conflict? Also, our dependence on other provinces for personnel and finances is always in our awareness. How deeply we still grieve at our great loss with the sudden death of Fr. Tom Garvey, on December 2, 2002.
Our grateful thanks to each of the brothers and fathers who gave the best part of his life, with full commitment and the Ecce Venio spirit needed for this type of mission. Thank you to all the provinces and benefactors. The Lord blessed us with the first Indian brothers in vows, temporary and final, and the first 2 Indian SCJ priests. Thank you to Fr. Generals Bressanelli and Ornelas with their Councils, who guided us through the “jungle” of Indian uniqueness. But we are sure of “the Spirit who guides us.”
Love and prayers,
Fr. Martin van Ooij scj
TO CONTINUE (Click HERE)
Dear Friends,
In October, 2004 the SCJ India District will be celebrating the fact that the Congregation has been in India for 10 years. There are many memories that come to my mind about these years. What follows are some of my thoughts:
On March 6, 1994, while Fr. Bressanelli was on his visitation in Kalirejo, Indonesia, he told me about his intention to send me to India. This was far from any expectations that I had at the time! He then told me to quickly come to Rome.
In Rome we spoke of what I was to do in India, that is, to make our Congregation present there. But many questions came to my mind: How should I go about it? What must I do? Fr. Bressanelli assured me that “The Holy Spirit shall guide you.”
The arrival in Cochin was on October 6, 1994, welcomed in the diocese of Cochin-Kerala (South India). After much listening to bishops and priests, and doing extensive personal research in New Delhi (Embassy of the Holy See), and in Mumbai, (with Cardinal Pimenta), and after visiting several formation institutions in Chennai and Bangalore, it quickly became clear that we, as foreigners, could not become involved in direct pastoral work. It was with this understanding that the late Bishop Kureethara advised us to begin our presence in India, with Formation. He was a wonderful help.
In June, 1995, we received our first students. It was an unusual beginning of a Mission, and it provided special experiences to our General Administration too! But Indeed the Holy Spirit guided us, and how happy was the day of the inauguration of our first house, Dehon Bhavan, in Kumbalanghy, Kerala, on March 18, 1997. We then opened Dehon Vidya Sadhan (philosophy), in Aluva, on March 25, 1999. On January 7, 2002, the SCJ Sacred Heart Novitiate was inaugurated in Nambur, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, as well as a house of formation, in Gorantla, Dehon Prema Nilayam. Finally, on April 29, 2004, we inaugurated a community in the diocese of Eluru, A.P. for our theology students. So much has happened in these last 10 years, and so quickly!
From the first beginnings, we emphasized the building of community life at every stage of formation. Our candidates have been well aware that we are in India to be missionaries. Development of a missionary spirit has been implanted in the whole formation process, with special classes and courses. Regular conferences are conducted regarding the social orientation of our Founder, the social teaching of the Church, and “live-in” experiences in poor villages are scheduled every year for our students. Most recently some of our students spent 8 months of their regency time serving the very poor in Bhopal, and learning the Hindi language.
The SCJ India District Mission Statement expresses very clearly why our candidates are going to the northern part of India, where the poverty of the people is extreme, where the injustice suffered by millions of the population will provide the context for our future mission in India.
The Lord has blessed us with good candidates because of the diligent and faithful recruitment done by all the members of the district, and because of our dedicated formators. What we believe is an important value is the international composition of our communities.
Now we have SCJs from Brazil, USA, Poland, Netherlands, Italy, Indonisia, Portugal, England, and Germany. In India we realize the “We, the Congregation .....on Mission.” We are also strengthened be the presence of brothers from the different states of India itself. We believe in our common mission in India which is built up through prayer and dialogue. Our regular community meetings, zonal get-togethers, and yearly assemblies have guaranteed that our plans and decisions are made together. The on-going attention and support of Fr. General and his Council, from the beginning, gave us strength and faith.
There are challenges which we are now facing. An important challenge comes from the great values of Indian culture and its vast religious inheritance. How do we prepare our candidates to be effective SCJs in such variety and conflict? Also, our dependence on other provinces for personnel and finances is always in our awareness. How deeply we still grieve at our great loss with the sudden death of Fr. Tom Garvey, on December 2, 2002.
Our grateful thanks to each of the brothers and fathers who gave the best part of his life, with full commitment and the Ecce Venio spirit needed for this type of mission. Thank you to all the provinces and benefactors. The Lord blessed us with the first Indian brothers in vows, temporary and final, and the first 2 Indian SCJ priests. Thank you to Fr. Generals Bressanelli and Ornelas with their Councils, who guided us through the “jungle” of Indian uniqueness. But we are sure of “the Spirit who guides us.”
Love and prayers,
Fr. Martin van Ooij scj
TO CONTINUE (Click HERE)
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