The Newsletter of Bethany Ashram’s

English Language C lass

September 2017 Volume 4, Issue 4

News

Upcoming Events

Eight Days of Lent

Feast of Nativity of

Mary, Mother of God

Onam Celebration

Comprehensive Exams

Deacons’ Send Off

Eight Days of Lent Begin

Significant Dates September 1 - Eight Days of Lent begin.

September 5 - St. Teresa of Calcutta

September 8 - Feast of the Nativity of Mary, Mother of God. Eight Days of Lent end.

September 14 - Exaltation of the Holy Cross

September 16 - St. Cyprian

September 20 - Reunion Day

September 29 - Feast of the Archangels Gabriel, Mi- chael and Raphael

We prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, Mother of God, with Eight

Days of Lent. Full coverage of this Programme will be in next month’s issue.

Contents

News 1

Upcoming Events 1

Significant Dates 1

Dengue Fever Season 2

NEWS 3

The Festival of Unity 4

Scrabble 5

Simplicity 6

Lovebirds’ New Home 7

Thanks for the Laugh 8

A Spiritual Awakening 9

Jaundice 10

Mar Ivanios Academy 11

Independence Day 12

Reflective Journey 13

Free or Restricted? 14

Page 2 of 14

Dengue Fever

Bro. Tenny Mathew OIC II B.Th.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the

world. Mild dengue fever causes a high fever, rash, and muscle and joint pain. A severe form of

dengue fever, also called dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause severe bleeding, a sudden drop in

blood pressure (shock) and death. Millions of

cases of dengue infec- tion occur worldwide

each year. Dengue fever is most common in

Southeast Asia and the western Pacific islands,

but the disease has been increasing rapidly in Lat-

in America and the Car- ibbean. Researchers

are working on dengue fever vaccines. For now

the best prevention is to reduce mosquito habitat

in areas where dengue fever is common.

This season, several of our brothers have be-

come ill with this dis- ease. Thankfully, all are

now recovering and do- ing well. Because of this

outbreak of dengue, we have carried out several

preventive measures. We all know that mos-

quitoes breed in still standing water, so we

have eliminated all places in our surroundings that could contain still water. The pans under plants

have been removed, and fish have been placed in the fountain and ponds. These fish will eat the

mosquito larvae, thus keeping the population down. We have also

arranged for regular fumigation of the ashram and surroundings, us-

ing chemicals that will kill any mosquitoes and their larvae. Addition-

al precautions include ayurvedic preventive medicine, mosquito re-

pellants, and use of mosquito netting.

These actions seem to be successful as there has not been a new

case of dengue infection in the last three weeks.

Page 3 of 14

Compiled by Bro. Derin OIC II B.Ph.

August 2017

Aug 10: Syro- Malabar Qurbono

The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Bibin Varghese, who stays in PG Block, JDV. He gave an inspir-

ing sermon. Dn. Geo Paul and Bro. Libin assisted in the Mass. The choir was led by Dn. Benja-

min.

Aug 14: Mar Ivanios Academy, II Malayalam Session

Bros. Renju, Derin, Anoop were the speakers and the evaluation was done by Dn. Manu and

Dn. Benjamin.

Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption, Foundation Day and Independence Day

Marking the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, Mother of God and the 98th Foundation Day of

Bethany Ashram, Solemn Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Angelo. After the Mass, we had the

flag hoisting ceremony in our courtyard. Bro. Linson was the MC, and Fr. Angelo hoisted the

flag. Bro. Martin gave the message of the day and there was a melodious patriotic song by

first year philosophers under the leadership of Bro. Joshan. Many of our friends joined us for

the Holy Mass and ceremony.

Aug 21: Mar Ivanios Academy, III Malayalam Session

Bros. Shibin, Bibin, Varghese, Ajin and Agustin were the speakers and their speeches were

evaluated by Dn. Geo Paul and Bro. Jaison.

Aug 25: Latin Mass

We had the Monthly Latin Mass. It was celebrated by Fr. Philip. Dn. Melwin assisted at the

Mass and gave the sermon. There was a melodious choir under the leadership of Bros. Alex

and Jithu.

Aug 26: Ganesh Chaturthi Outing

As every year, the brothers had their supper out and outing in connection with Ganesh Cha-

turthi. This was the 125th year of Ganesh Festival.

Page 4 of 14

THE FESTIVAL OF UNITY

Bro. Shibin Mathew OIC

II B.Ph. Onam is a famous festival of Kerala. It is the state festival of Kerala and falls during the month of

Chingam according to the Malayalam Calendar. It generally falls in the month of August or September. This

festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Em-

peror Mahabali. Keralites celebrate this festival in unity without the thought of caste and religion.

According to Hindu mythology, Mahabali was the great-grandson of a Brahminsage named Kashyapa, the

great-grandson of demonic dictator Hiranyakashipu, and the grandson of Vishnu devotee Prahlada. This links

the festival to the Puranic mythology of Prahlada of Holika fame in Hinduism, who is the son of demon dic-

tator Hiranyakashyap. Prahlada, despite being born to a demonic Asura father who hated Vishnu, rebelled

against his father's persecution of people and worshipped Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap tried to kill his son Prah-

lada, but is slain by Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar. Prahlada is saved.

Prahlada's grandson Mahabali came to power by defeating the Gods (Devas) and taking over the

three worlds. According to Vaishnavism mythology, the defeated Devas approached Vishnu for help in their

battle with Mahabali. Vishnu refused to join the Gods in violence against Mahabali, because Mahabali was a

good ruler and his own devotee. He, instead, decided to test Mahabali's devotion at an opportune moment.

Mahabali, after his victory over the Gods, declared that he will perform Yajna (homa sacrifices) and grant

anyone any request during the Yajna. Vishnu took the avatar of a dwarf boy called Vamanaand and ap-

proached Mahabali. The king offered anything to the boy – gold, cows, elephants, villages, food, whatever he

wished. The boy said that one must not seek more than one needs, and all he needs is the property right over

a piece of land that measures "three paces". Mahabali agreed. The Vamana grew and covered everything Ma-

habali ruled over in just two paces. For the third pace, Mahabali offered himself, an act which Vishnu accept-

ed as evidence of Mahabali's devotion. Vishnu granted him a boon, by which Mahabali could visit again,

once every year, the lands and people he previously ruled. This revisit marks the festival of Onam, as a re-

minder of the virtuous rule and his humility in keeping his promise before Vishnu. The last day of Mahabali's

stay is remembered with a nine-course vegetarian Onasadya feast. Sadya is the traditional nine or more

course vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. Onam harvest festival is marked with a special feast lunch

on the last day and includes rice and a sweet at the end. Pookkalam is the traditional flower arrangement

during onam season. Pookkalam is made out of the gathered blossoms with several varieties of flowers of

differing tints pinched up into little pieces to design and decorate patterns on the floor, particularly at en-

trances and temple premises. Lamps are arranged in the middle or edges. Onam is celebrated with a number

of cultural elements. This festival is the most important harvest festival of Kerala. Keralites all over the

world celebrate this festival.

Onam is a festival of unity. It reminds us of the great sacrifice of a great king for his people. We the peo-

ple, in return, are called to renounce our selfish thoughts and deeds, to become Mhabalis of this modern era.

Then love and concern will flow like a river, and we all will be united in that love. This celebration comes

every year, and Mahabali visits us every year. Let this onam bring a new joy and happiness in our life.

Wish you all a Happy Onam.

Page 5 of 14

Dn. Jobi Thomas OIC IV B.Th.

The Oxford English Dictionary offers two definitions of the word “scrabble”. One, a verb, means to

scratch or grope around with one's fingers to find, collect, or hold on to something. The second defi-

nition is of “scrabble” as a noun: a game in which players build up words on a board from small let-

tered squares or tiles. The latter definition is the one we are interested in.

Recently, a Scrabble Game was added to our recreation hall. It didn’t take long for everyone to try it

out. Although no one of us had previously played this game, all of the brothers quickly joined in. The

game has a board on which you make words using small squares with different letters on them. Four

people can play at a time. Each players selects seven letters to begin, and after placing his word on

the board, picks new tiles so that there are always seven in front of him. Each letter has a point value

and some places on the board will give ‘double letter” or “triple letter” points. There are also some

places that give “double” or “triple word”. When all letters are used up, or when no player can make

any more words, the game is finished. Scores are added up, and the highest score wins.

Scrabble is a good game to improve our English language. It helps with spelling and vocabulary. Al-

so, even simple words can be used and win points, so no one is left out of the competition and fun.

Page 6 of 14

Alliteration

Alliteration is a poetic technique in which the initial consonant sounds of words are re-

peated in close succession. To put it more simply: alliteration is when the beginning

sounds of words repeat. It is important to note that alliteration is about the sounds of

words, not the letters; therefore, the letter “k” and “c” can be used alliteratively (as

in kitchen and cookie), as well as the letter “s” and “c” (as in sparkle and cycle). Also,

the words do not need to be directly next to each other in the sentence or stanza to be

considered alliterative, although they often are. Since poems are designed to be read

aloud, alliteration is a time-honored and charming way to enhance their sound.

Simplicity makes use of this technique. Try reading this poem out loud, and enjoy the

alliteration.

Simplicity It’s a simple thing,

simplicity;

seemingly simple.

Sannyãsis seek it,

saints savoured it,

simply simple

simplicity.

Bro. Varghese OIC

I B.Ph.

Page 7 of 14

New Love Bird Home

Bro. Ajin OIC I B.Ph.

Recently, a new home for some of our lovebirds was established. Under

the direction of Fr. George, a small standing cage that had stood empty

in Udyan was refurbished. It was sanded, repainted, and completely

renewed.

This space is now the new home of several of our lovebirds who were

removed from the larger cage.

It is a happy home for several birds, and the two birds that are lame

have been given an advantage in the smaller population. Everyone

looks happy.

Above: The new cage and its

colorful surroundings.

Left: Whitey, who is lame,

now gets easy access to his

food.

Right: The front of the new

home is surrounded with

beautiful plants.

Heavenly Father, you have given us archangels to assist us during our

pilgrimage on earth.

Saint Michael is our protector, I ask him to come to my aid, fight for

all my loved ones, and protect us from danger.

Saint Gabriel is a messenger for the Good News, I ask him to help me

clearly hear your voice and to teach me the truth.

Saint Raphael is the healing angel, I ask him to take my need

for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to your throne of

grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery.

Help us O Lord to realize more fully the reality of the archangels and

their desire to serve us. Holy Angels pray for us.

Amen

Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

September 29

Page 8 of 14

Thanks for the Laugh…. ……. Bro. Sujo OIC I B.Th.

BIBLE RIDDLES 1. How does Moses make his coffee?

2. Who was the smartest man in the Bible?

3. What animal could Noah not trust?

4. What kind of man was Boaz before he married?

And… the Super Riddle: What is greater than God,

More evil than the devil,

The poor have it,

The rich need it,

And if you eat it, you'll die?

HINT: The answer is ONE WORD and seven letters long.

1. Hebrews it.

2. Abraham. He knew a Lot.

3. A cheetah.

4. Ruthless

Super Riddle: nothing

The Answers

Page 9 of 14

A Spiritual Awakening

Bro. Linson Mathew OIC

I B.Ph.

The First Year Philosophers embarked on a one-day

pilgrimage with our class from JDV on Sunday, August 20. It was a beautiful experience for all

of us. It opened us up to other religions, their traditions and rituals. Our experience at the Sikh

Gurudwara was an inspiration, and it was a lesson in hospitality. The “Guru Ka Langar”

helped us to understand the quality of humility from a different perspective. Our visit to the

ISKCON Temple, which was the second stop on our pilgrimage, helped us to realize the value of

joy and the need to praise the Lord’s name continuously. The ‘keertans”, that is, hymns, were a

blissful experience.

We were also fortunate to be able to visit a Jain Temple, Parvati Hills and the Ganesh Temple.

To be able to visit the holy places of other religions and actively participate in their devotions

and practices was both spiritually awakening and also a bit uncomfortable. We were also fortu-

nate to hear a wonderful discourse on religious life as a path to God and our life as a pilgrim,

given by a Swami at Shree Narayara Smarak Mandir. It was truly spiritually edifying. He pre-

sented the idea that all of us are equals because we all are trying to reach the Supreme reality.

The only differences between us are the different paths that we have undertaken.

In conclusion, this pilgrimage was a once in a lifetime opportunity that helped us to be more

open to the religious practices of other faiths, and to understand them from a different perspec-

tive. This, in turn, helped us realize that no religion is superior or inferior to any other religion.

We are all struggling to reach the Supreme reality but have taken different paths. This experi-

ence will surely remain etched in our memories for a long time.

Ornate ceiling of the ISKCON Temple. Portrayal of the deities Krishna and Radha in ISKCON Temple.

Page 10 of 14

Jaundice: It Was Personal Bro. Jibin OIC

I B.Ph. Jaundice is a disease which occurs due to the elevation of bilirubin levels in blood. Bilirubin is a by-product of the

breakdown of the red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. The breakdown of RBCs causes it to release the hemoglobin in

blood, and the hemoglobin further splits and undergoes chemical changes to produce bilirubin. The liver normally

excretes the bilirubin in the form of bile. The bile passes through the bile ducts into the small intestine. If the amount

of bilirubin released exceeds the liver's excretion capacity, the person develops jaundice. Jaundice can be a symptom of

major liver diseases such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. It can also be due to an obstruction of the biliary

tract. In addition, many non-liver causes may also be responsible for jaundice. Symptoms associated with jaundice in-

clude nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weakness, fever and headache.

We hear about people being sick with some disease or other all the time, but it is a very different thing to experience

it our self. My personal experience with this disease began on Friday, July 28. I felt very sick with fever, body pain and

vomiting. I knew something was wrong; I couldn’t sleep or eat. When I informed our Infirmarian, Bro. Tenny, he

said that I should go to the hospital. That very day, I was admitted. The blood test showed that I had jaundice. For

four days, I stayed in the hospital. During those days, everything I ate was vomited back up. I was very weak and tired.

But Bros. Jijo and Renju and Dn. James Mathew helped me a lot. Their kindness to me was very touching.

I was in the hospital for four days, and after my discharge I took herbal medical treatment from our Ashram itself. For

the first seven days I ate only rice soup without salt. I could not eat much but I did have juice, water and fruit. I could-

n’t sleep well and was very restless. Then I started to take tablets, and I slowly began to feel better.

During this whole time many people visited me and showed me much concern. All the fathers came to see me and the

brothers visited, as well. In particular, my batchmates were very helpful to me, and Bros. Jijo, Bibin David and Tenny

brought me food. Now, a month later, I am feeling almost normal. This time gave me an appreciation for the im-

portance of taking care of each other. Now, when I hear that someone is sick, I have a real idea of what they are going

through. I am very happy that my personal encounter with jaundice is finished.

St. Teresa of Calcutta

We celebrate the Feast Day of St. Teresa of Calcutta on September 5.

Let us pray that her humility, simplicity and dedication to service may be

an example for us to emulate in our own lives.

Mar Ivanios Academy

Together We Grow

Page 11 of 14

MALAYALAM ACADEMY

Bro. Alen Thomas OIC

II B.Th.

As a part of the Mar Ivanios Academy, we held two sections of the Malayalam Academy in the month

of August. The Malayalam Academy is designed to provide the students a platform to develop their

verbal communication skills. This month the first section was held on the 14th of August. Bros. Derin,

Renju and Anoop were the speakers. They were well versed in their thoughts and their speeches dealt

with modern social issues. They were evaluated by Dns. Benjamin and Manu. In the second section,

held on August 23rd, Bros. Shibin, Bibin David, Ajin, Varghese and Agustin were the speakers. They

also addressed social issues in their speeches. It was a new experience for the first years because it

was their first speech in their philosophical studies. This academy was evaluated by Dn. Geo Paul and

Bro. Jaison. The community also appreciated their work and gave constructive criticism to develop

their verbal communication skills.

Page 12 of 14

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Bro. Renju Francis OIC

II B.Ph.

On Tuesday, August 15, we Bethanians celebrated

Independence Day along with all our fellow coun-

trymen. Adding a special note to the day’s cele-

brations was the presence of Fr. Angelo OIC, who

also celebrated Holy Mass for us.

The Independence Day celebrations started with

the flag hoisting in the centre courtyard, done by Fr. Angelo and followed by the Na-

tional Anthem. The M.C of the day, Bro. Linson Mathew, took the opportunity to wel-

come everyone. It was followed by the energetic and moving talk of the day, which

was given by Bro. Martin. He addressed the true spirit of Independence Day and por-

trayed it in the present societal context. Just after that, a rejuvenating patriotic song

was sung by the first year philosophy brothers.

On the whole, the celebration was joyful and colourful. It reflected the hard work and

sincere effort of the first year brothers who worked behind the scenes and made it a

success. The celebration came to an end by sharing of sweets and sweet memories

among the fathers, brothers, deacons and our guests.

Page 13 of 14

A REFLECTIVE JOURNEY FROM MY CHILDHOOD TO PRESENT MOMENT

THROUGH FOWLER’S STAGES OF FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Bro. Alexis OIC III B.Ph.

As part of my philosophical studies and psychological training, I came across many developmental theories. One which fascinat-

ed me is Fowler’s stages of faith development. These stages of faith development were along the lines of Jean Piaget’s theory of

cognitive development and Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development. While understanding the theory, I was making a

journey through my past days and comparing the theoretical positions and development of my life. It is quite life-enhancing and

worthwhile as I went through the stages, and I made an assessment of my life travelogue. I could understand something about

my biological maturation, emotional and cognitive development, psychosocial experience, and the role of religio-cultural sym-

bols, meanings, and practices.

Stage 0: Since this period of development-just up to two years, the children are unable to think abstractly and are generally una-

ble to see the world from anyone else’s perspective I am not so much remembering about this stage. But my mother and even

sisters affirmed that during the prayers I was keenly listening and sometimes kept my hands foldied.

Stage 1 - Intuitive-projective Faith: I was much more attached to my mother and one of my sisters than to my elder brothers. As

they said, I was trying to communicate with them by making some feeble sound. Since I am the youngest, I got lavish care from

everybody. I usually asked many questions. In my memory, religious feelings are evoked mainly through experiences, stories,

images, etc., shared by my mother and sisters. My mother taught me how to make the sign of the cross and had me memorize

psalms, for example psalm 23, among others. The picture of the Holy Family which was hung on the wall is still in my memory.

When I enter the chapel, still now I make the sign of the cross. It was taught by my mother. I was worried about the stories of

Satan and the devil, which can kidnap me and have the power of taking me to hell. These were in my thoughts.

Stage 2 - Mythic-literal Faith: My schooling started, and I started mingling with boys and girls. Motherly affection from teachers

was there. As mother in the home, teachers were with me always. I started catechism and many stories attracted me. A sense of

changes in the body was noticed. I started learning to recognize, interpret, and manage some strong feelings and impulses. I

wondered at different things in the world. I was frightened to hear thunderbolts and the sound of crackers. I had a notion that

goodness is rewarded and evil is punished. It wasthrough some comparative reading of experiences that I started narrating inci-

dents to my mother with embellishments done by me. Many times my mother noticed that they were not factual. I started mak-

ing close friendships. These relationships made me happy, but many of them did not last long. I was so much fascinated by the

rituals performed in the church.

Stage 3 - Synthetic-conventional Faith: Gradually, I understood that simple unrelated stories and rituals can now be seen as a

more cohesive narrative about values and morals. I remember puberty brings accelerated growth in height and weight, an in-

crease in the percentage of overall body fat, and the emergence of secondary sexual characteristics. God representations are

understood as personal qualities of accepting love, understanding, loyalty, and support during times of crisis. I felt identity, be-

liefs, and values in my life. I thought of what others think about and their faith. I started sometimes imitating the priests, reciting

prayers, etc. I started repeating ejaculatory prayers. I formulated different images of Jesus in my mind. Gradually, I started think-

ing with my friends and other adults.

Stage 4 - Individuative-reflective Faith: I remember that I started questioning some of my assumptions around the faith tradition

to find the answers. I had doubts regarding death and resurrection, life after death, purgatory, etc. Some of my friends also did

the same. But two or three of them began partially losing their faith and were not even willing to pray. But I was fortunate that I

was guided by some pious and intelligent priests and others. I am well aware that I am moving through this stage now. I am

tempted to criticize and ask questions regarding the fundamental things of the faith content sometimes. I criticize my compan-

ions in practicing some things in their life. I cannot compromise with certain practices if I feel that they are violating the moral

principles leading to a scandal. I developed a kind of character which is a mixed form of aggregating the good from others after

segregating things which are found to be wrong for me. When I reflect, I know now that inherited or familiar symbols, creeds, be-

liefs, traditions, and religious trappings are undergoing a kind of scrutiny by me, and those of other faiths and traditions may be

evaluated for what they might have to offer in my life. For me, sometimes I undergo a kind of struggle. I did not reject or discard

practices simply, but if they are retained, they are held with more self-aware clarity and intentional choice.

Since the following stages are not attained by me in my life, I can only give the theoretical positions regarding those stages.

Stage 5 - Conjunctive Faith: Theoretically, this starts only in the early thirties. This stage gives way to a more comfortable place.

Some answers have been found and the person understands that all the answers might not be easily found. The strong need for

individual self-reflection gives way to a sense of the importance of community in faith development. People are much more open

to other people’s faith perspectives. This is not because they are moving away from their faith, but because they have a realization

that other people’s faiths might inform and deepen their own.

Stage 6 - Universalizing Faith: Theoretically, it is a rare person who reaches this stage of faith. James Fowler describes “a special

grace that makes them seem more lucid, more simple, and yet somehow more fully human than the rest of us.” People become

important religious teachers because they have the ability to relate to anyone at any stage and from any faith. They are able to

challenge the assumptions that those of other stages might have. People at this stage cherish life but also do not hold on to life

too tightly. They put their faith in action, challenging the status quo and working to create justice in the world.

As I conclude, the reflection was very interesting and insightful as I make my faith journey through the stages up to the Individua-

tive-reflective Faith. I am waiting for the other stages to come to be appropriated with the theoretical principles.

Page 14 of 14

Are We Free or Restricted by Responsibilities?

Bro. Derin Jose OIC II B.Ph.

We all are living in a free country and we all are free to do things. But do we really enjoy this freedom?

Gandhi once said freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

That means, sometimes we don’t have freedom to do anything and everything. Our freedom is limited

in doing what we ought to do. Let’s reflect on our lives. Do rules and regulations restrict our freedom?

Here comes the great question: how we look at things? Personally, I feel that they don’t restrict, but

rather protect our freedom.

Traffic rules are sometimes a burden. But it is for the protection of all commuters. Likewise, rules pro-

tect our freedom. Sometimes we may be hesitant to follow rules but it’s our responsibility to enjoy

our own freedom and ensure the freedom of others. Only if we are responsible can we enjoy our free-

dom in a fruitful manner. We may not realize it since we are more focused on momentary pleasures.

For everlasting joy we need to restrict ourselves. We should be convinced about that restriction, also.

In this modern world of choices, it’s hard to choose something. We want to enjoy everything and don’t want to be restricted by anyone, or to restrict ourselves. They talk about rights but forget their re-sponsibilities towards others. Be convinced about the freedom we have and be responsible in doing your tasks. Responsibilities may be felt as restriction of freedom, but they are necessary for a greater happiness. Always keep in your mind: “Freedom with Responsibility”.