Prajwalana

PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana

The Society was suppressed in 1773, butSuppression did not mean total disaster or destitutionfor the Society of Jesus. Not many gave up their vocationor yielded to the allurements of the opposing forces tojoin a national society. Some exercised their ministry asdiocesan priests; some continued their research asphysicists, astronomers or cartographers etc. Otherscontinued to live their Jesuit Charism in smallcommunities under other names; some others foundedreligious congregations of women and assisted them aschaplains. But in their heart of hearts many of them,we could say, were almost singing the words of thehymn: Though the mountains may fall and the hills turnto dust, yet the love of the Lord will stand!They had afond hope that one day the Society would rise from theashes, and that hope was not belied. We rememberthose burning words of that un-named Jesuit at the timeof the Suppression: "I will remain forever in yourCompany, O Jesus, with neither Pope nor Satan able tohinder me!"

One should not look at the Suppression in thetradition of the anti-Jesuit Prejudice. Cardinal Manningin a private diary in 1889, nearing the end of his life,writes, "I wish to put down carefully my Judgment as tothe Society of Jesus, because I have often been thoughtand said to be opposed to it." He sets out the groundsfor his personal spiritual indebtedness to the Jesuits, andsays with perfect clarity: "I have had none of thetraditional anti-Jesuit prejudices." Furthermore, he seesthe establishment of the Society of Jesus in 1540 as a'Creation of God by St Ignatius, raised up for a specialwork,' but he still sees the suppression of the Society as'a work of our divine Master on behalf of the Church.'His grounds for saying so are that 'there can be no doubtthat the Society's corporate action has been excessive,'whereas 'no society can take the place of the divineorder of the universal Church."

Imageries:

The Society of Jesus is the work of the Spirit: In thewords of Gamaliel "If this plan or this work is of men,it will be overthrown;but if it be of God, no one canoverthrow it (Acts: 5:38-39)" hold to be true.

IMAGERIES OF THE SUPPRESSIONThe Seed: In order to become atree, a seed has to die to itself andgive rise to new life. The Societyof Jesus had its struggle during thestages of Suppression and nowthis huge tree has grownmarvelously amidst all its difficulties.

Stage of Hibernation: This is found amidst manyanimals and especially snakes. It is practically a deathlike stage with the lowest metabolic activity. TheSociety was not exterminated fully. A stalk was leftthat sprouted and grew and developed until itbecame the mighty tree it had once been. Mostcertainly, fortuitous historical circumstances madeit possible, but the "Resurrection" was due aboveall to the sturdy life that remained buried in the earthas though in hibernation.

The Mythical Bird, Phoenix: The Phoenix survivesfor a hundred years. Thereafter it flies to Phoeniciaand burns into the fire. From the ashes of that fire anew Phoenix bird emerges. In the same way theSociety of Jesus during the time of Suppression wasdead and now has risen again from Ashes.

The Caterpillar and the beautiful Butterfly: Thestage of a caterpillar is unique to a Butterfly. Oneday a beautiful butterfly emerges from that uglylooking caterpillar. It is a stage of transition. TheSociety of Jesus through the Suppression hasundergone such a transition.

An Eagle: An Eagle's lifespan is about 70 years.During its 40th year it undergoes a stage of dying. Ifit survives this period it emerges still strong andcontinues to live for the next 30 years. The Societyhas come through its phase to go ever strong ahead.

Each institution has its problems. Everyone suffersin one way or the other during their life time. One's lifeis not a bed of roses; each has its time and occasion.These symbols are just imageries. One should not takethem literally. But, the work of the Society goes on andwill go on in the years to come.

Sch Pradeep Crasta, SJ

Page 03


SHARDSSHARDSSHARDSSHARDSSHARDSA mind that never restsA love that never testsA scar that'll always scareAn eye that blindsA body that pinesA wind that ever blowsA secret never toldA job well plannedbut half done

A journey that never endsA sight that smirksA fact that was never provedA kiss that's never conveyedA tear that tingledA blood that rottedA wish never saidAnd a life that is lovedbut never fully lived

Clasping all these shards of imperfectionMy shadow leans on a broken wallAs I take a bow in an empty hallHallucinating that someone seated there knows it all

Sch Martin Joseph, SJ

IN THE MIDDLEIN THE MIDDLEIN THE MIDDLEIN THE MIDDLEIN THE MIDDLE"We want JusticeDown, down Rulers downWe want Justice"Right in the middle I standColours, dark and black in the handSticks and placards also in the hands

Gathered heads are thousand in numberForgetting, their thirst and hungerFight ever goes onBattle never cools down

'Stop this shame, no more rapes'Words were carved on woman's faceSun rays do join in the fightFor people fear the dark and the night

'Land was mine, help me regain'Cries aloud the farmer, with all the painChildren carry long faces of burdenBecause, out they're thrown of their garden

Protesters increase in kinds and typesThey never LoseThey never GainThey never StopI ask myself standing there"Am I worthy to be in the middle?"

Sch Leston Lobo, SJ

Page 04

FRIENDS FOREVER

I walked far away from beyond the shoreInto the sea of nightmare to return no moreMy heart was sad and pestilentialAfter all the drama it seemed to meThat it was not worth my credentials

In what my friend has done, my heart gambles me rightI know that my faith holds me tightIt has called me home in a voice so familiarI am sure that it will set ablaze my fading fire

Oh! But I experienced something very gentle and calmIt was His pardoning love that made me feel warmIt is the love and assurance, which cleared the cloudThus allowed me to sing the psalm of life aloud

All that I have and possess is His gift to meIt is He who provided them generouslyBut never did I realize that, until He said,"Sorry, my dear,You are more than a friend"

Dear friend, it is through You,You alone that the dreams for life were laidMy journey You mapped and madeIt is You who were there at my side

Forever me to lead and guideI am glad to have such a companion like YouTo a life that is valued as Your ownYour love, concern and smile are the pillarsTo a life that is weak and fragile

Sch Noel Nazareth, SJ


Experts say that this is a typical 'Francis Document.'Unlike Lumen Fidei where Pope Francis did not addmuch to what his predecessor had to say, this one clearlyemphasises the thoughts and ideas of the new Pontiff.For a man who is widely known as the 'Peoples Pope,'this Apostolic Exhortation bears plentiful witness to therole of people in the Church today. At least in threeplaces in the document the Pope says, "We have to bringJesus to every street, to every town square and to everycorner of the earth." Now that is where an Evangelizerwill truly get the 'smell of the sheep.' The Pope focuseson a Church that is decentralized and I welcome thisinitiative. The missionary dimension has been stressedand a fresh breath has gushed forth into the Church withthe coming of the new Shepherd. He says, "The Churchis in a permanent state of Mission and we are allMissionaries." The word Missionary makes me recall tomind that text of the Gospel where Jesus sends hisdisciples with no bag, no leather belt, no copper coins,no extra pair of sandals and no spare tunic but only astaff, totally depending on God to lead His people. Thewords, "Shake the dust off your feet," remind us thatwe have to let the dust of the earth touch our sandalsand our feet once again by moving out from the comfortzones that we have settled in, into the world awaitingus outside. The Pope calls us to go to those places wherethe need for the light and the life of the Risen Christ isthe greatest. That is the true meaning of sharing, theJoy of the Gospel.

We are called upon to take God to those cornersof the world where no one has ever reached, to those

EVANGELII GAUDIUM - THE JOY OF THE GOSPELpeople who cannot repay us anythingand in anyway and to make our faithand the poor the inseparable faces ofthe same coin. The Pope is wellinformed about the challenges weface in our world today and heenumerates them as follows: aneconomy of exclusion, the idolatry of money, inequalityand injustice resulting in violence, the throwawayculture of abortion, rising individualism, young adultsafraid to make a commitment to marriage and familylife, human trafficking, abuse and an inculturation offaith. I admire the Pastoral concern of the Popeespecially when he shows his sympathies to the last,the least and the lost of society. He gives in hisExhortation simple yet practical guidelines to preach agood homily and he understands the plight of thePastoral workers. I am very appreciative of this.

This Exhortation is an invitation for us topersonalize the word and to heed to the cry of the poor.To establish the Kingdom of God is a challenge. I amreminded of Oscar Romero's prayer: We can establishonly a part of the Kingdom during our lifetime. Godinvites us to a creative fidelity springing up from a deepconcern to give ourselves to the vulnerable. We have tobe realists in this regard by having a deep personalencounter with Jesus so that we can be missionaries tospread the Joy of the Gospel to the ends of the universe.

Sch Ryan Rodrigues, SJ

Contd. from Page 01...

We are called to follow the message of Jesus, "So donot worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bringworries of its own. Today's worry is enough fortoday."(Mt 6:34) We are thus called to live in thepresent and make the best out of it.

As we live our lives, we have the freedom toexpress it to the full. As William W. Purkey would putit, "You've got to dance like there's nobody watching,love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobodylistening and live like it's heaven on earth." Why thenwaste this short life by being depressed, angry, selfish,impatient, and insecure? Rather, live a life reconciled

with yourself and with others. After all we have onlyone life to live. As Mae West would say, "You live onlyonce, but if you do it right, once is enough."

Finally, "To laugh often and love much; to win therespect of intelligent persons and the affection ofchildren; to earn the approbation of honest citizensand endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciatethe beauty; to find the best in others; to give the bestof one's self; to make the world a bit better place, toplay and laugh with enthusiasm and sing withexultation; to know even one life has breathed easierbecause of you - this is to have succeeded in your life"(Bessie Anderson Stanley).

Sch Vishwas Misquith, SJ

Page 05


STSTSTSTST. PETER FABER. PETER FABER. PETER FABER. PETER FABER. PETER FABER

O Saint Favre, Pray for usFor you are the icon of our faithIt's you who built people's faith in love and compassionAnd took them to Christ with renewed

vision and mission

Although a great scholar, chose to preachTo save souls for Christ as a humble guideYou saw the lack of moral fervour in peopleAnd so you enthused them to live by faith

O you are the first Jesuit PriestTo lead others in the way of ChristObedience was your hallmark and principleFor it even caused your death

Giving Spiritual Exercises was your pleasureTo keep people ever closer to Christ JesusYou are a great model for all of usTo remain in Christ's love forever

Be a source of strength in our weakness, O FavreHelp us to radiate our life for Christ alone, O Pray for us.

Sch Joyson Vas, SJ

FFFFFALL AND RISEALL AND RISEALL AND RISEALL AND RISEALL AND RISECenturies ago a fire was litGood news, the fire contained in itInigo it was, kindled other fires fartherSpread to frontiers, sparks moved higher

Darkness prevailed, winds roaredWickedness and cunning plots up soaredArrogance of sparks' men rendered a blowGlow of fire bluntly made low

Abandoned a few in silenceYet continued the spark its essenceRemained many with patienceWaited in hope with His assurance

Great he was, brought together men allThe dawn arisen, to live droning callBack again the fire with renewed vigourSpread much faster blazing hearts in rigour

Why, have we ever asked, it shatteredLowly it began, spread afar, as the Master wantedGood news needs sparks of humilityScaling greater heights with serenity

Sch Vishwas Misquith, SJ

LAUGH!One cold winter's day in Bethlehem, just afterhe had been born, Jesus is lying asleep in themanger. Awaking from his nap, he opens hiseyes, sees the ox and the ass standing besidehim, and thinks to himself, "So this is theCompany of Jesus!"

Never lend a geologist money. They think a shortterm loan is a million years.

I don't find it hard to meet expenses. They'reeverywhere.

"Human use, population,and technology have

reached that certain stagewhere mother Earth no

longer accepts ourpresence with silence."

- Dalai Lama XIV

Don't be afraid to stand forwhat you believe in, even if

that means standingalone...

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Page 06

*****

*****


The words of Pope Julius III, in his approval of theFormula of the Institute in 1550 come to my mind, 'Thefinger of God is here,' refer to the Society of Jesus.Amidst the rising resistance and opposition, there werestill a few hands to come to the rescue of the Society.Catharine II of Russia and Frederick II of Prussia wereimpressed so favourably by the work of the Jesuits aseducators that they forbade the Bishops to publish thedecree of Suppression in their territories. In 1776 anagreement was arrived at, between Pius VI and FrederickII, according to which the Jesuits in the Prussian territorywere to be disbanded formally and were to lay asidetheir dress, but they were permitted to continue undera different name to directthe colleges which theypossessed. The EmpressCatherine II of Russiacontinued till her death toprotect the Society. In 1778she insisted upon erecting anovitiate, for which oralpermission seems to havebeen given by Pius VI. In theother countries manyJesuits laboured as secularpriests, while some others united themselves to form acongregation known as the Fathers of the Faith (1797),and others still,the congregation of the Fathers of theSacred Heart. In 1803 the English Jesuit community atStonyhurst was allowed to affiliate themselves to theRussian congregation; in 1804 the Society was re-established with the permission of Pius VII in Naples,and in 1814, the Pope issued the Bull, ‘SollicitudoOmnium Ecclesiarum’ formally re-establishing the Society.

A Critical View:

Suppressing the Society of Jesus is no wonder, oneof the most memorable events of the 18th century,in the history of the Church. In the common viewthen, the Society was holier and more useful tosociety than many other religious order of the time.But fallen victim to some selfish minds, the Societyhad to be suppressed.

Barring a few incidents, I personally believe that

A SPRING IN THE OASISthe Society was committed tothe Formula of its Institute,which cost them.

Even a divinely assisted venture,is not free from suffering. Yet theLord will have his own ways totake care of his work.

Has the suppression, in reality brought down thespirit of the Society? In my opinion, it has energizedthe Society, and made it even firmer in itscommitment. Thus I would find the suppressionmore as a blessing than a curse. I would call it,

divine will, though deniedby several historians.

GC 32, Decree 4 saysthat the mission of theSociety today is the serviceof Faith of whichpromotion of Justice is anabsolute requirement. GC34, decree on mission onceagain stresses itscommitment to justice. Iinfer from this, that the

Society despite the struggles in the course ofhistory has not compromised its foundationalvalues. This makes me feel proud to belong to thisSociety. And I would further add, even if this noblestand of ours gives cause to suppression, we shouldnot be worried, because ours is a missionary bodyand we need to remain faithful to it.

The Society was a noble venture in the Church, whichowing to the selfish humans was once killed and buried,but God raised it up as it was His Society. Rejuvenatedby its struggles, it is a voice that works for the least ofsociety. Thus the suppression should never be seen as anegative event; rather, it should always encourage usJesuits to work with even greater fervor; we know nowfor sure, that the ‘finger of God is here;’ that is, ourSociety is willed by God and he will take care of it. Onour part, it's a call to be faithful and committed.

Sch Rayan Lobo, SJ

Page 07


Musicians don't retire; they rather stop only whenthere is no more music left in them. Some have the talentto preach using words, yet others let people hear bytheir lifestyle. Fr Walter Albuquerque preaches the goodnews through music. He has added symphony to themelody of devotional songs by his great contribution tothe coastal region of Karnataka. Uncovering the greataura hidden in Konkani liturgical hymns by drawing itfrom Latin and English, Fr Walter has succeeded ininspiring our generation.

He is a renowned musician of our times. Hisenthusiasm and sense of humour are remarkable. Thewell known Mand Sobann Group of Mangalore hasbestowed upon him the Life time Achievement Awardfor Konkani Music coincidentally on his 90th Birthday (8Dec 2013). He is rightly known as the Dhovi Kogul, theWhite Nightingale.

Born in 1923 into a God-fearing musical family atBejai, Mangalore, he grew upseeing three of his uncles andtwo of his cousins alreadybecome Priests. Their exampleinspired him to choose priestlylife later. But it was none other thanFr Denis Albuquerque Pai SJwho inspired him to become aJesuit.

Music for him was notsomething that just sprouted in the Jesuit Novitiate. Hiscousin Mr John Sequeira who was the choir master ofBejai parish taught him to read and sing musicalnotations and use the keyboard in his tender days ofadolescence. This ultimately made him the lead singerin the Parish Choir. But it was the encouragement of hisNovice Master in the novitiate, Fr Aldo Patroni that gavehim the necessary boost to pursue music. As a youngJesuit scholastic, wherever he was, he was made theChoir master or the organist. This made him get engulfedinto the musical world.

In the Pre-Vatican era, everything was justGregorian chant and Latin music. After Vatican II broughtin transformation in the Church, he too was inspired totransform the experience of Liturgical music. This led tothe emergence of hymns in English and other vernacularlanguages with Fr Walter as God's instrument.

His love for music was so muchthat He could not but take his scooterwith the accordion and a bag on hisback and go to convents and schoolsand distant Parishes of the Diocese, toshare the message of Jesus using hisGod-given talent. It was a challengingventure. His amiable personality andself-sacrificing dedication attracted people to the churchand to the Lord. The people of Mangalore began singingnew hymns in a very short time, and that delighted him.That brought him great joy and gave true meaning to hisministry.

He believes that his religious life is a call of a humblestring that needs fine tuning to produce a soothingmelody in God's hand. To be fine tuned, for him, meansto be ready to do God's will, asking himself, "what doesGod want me to do, in the here and now?" "Share

whatever you have withothers," is the maxim of his life,as sharing brings contentmentto many hearts that are in pain.

When asked about thesecret of his long life, he smilesand says, 'Keep breathing andkeep giving.' His fidelity to thedaily Eucharist and willingnessto share his talent with others

inspires many a youngster even now.He is a friend, a brother to many who come to him.

He finds joy in teaching them to discover their talent ofmusic. His glowing smile accompanies him wherever hegoes. His Mantra of life is: "Music can change lives." Heonce said, "By praising the kindness of God throughmusic one learns to be kind to others."

Fr Walter Albuquerque is the recipient of severalawards: Sandesha Award for Konkani Music (2011),Team Exotica Music Award (2011), Kala Poshak Awardand the Lifetime Achievement Award (2013) from MandSobann, just to name a few.

We salute you, Father, for your splendid love anddedication to music. May your students who arethousands in number and spread all over the globe, keepcontinuing your rich legacy!

Sch Lancy Fernandes, SJ

DHOVI KOGUL - FR WALTER ALBUQUERQUE SJ

Page 08


I was a tiny plant growing in adeserted place. I took refuge in theshadow of my friend the ‘Thornybush.’ One fine day, I heard the gentlesteps of God approaching me. Godcame near me and laid his gentle handon my leaves. He held me by the stemand began to uproot me. I was afraid. I cried out in fear,"What are you going to do with me?" I held the soiltight with my roots. I was angry and afraid, for, once Iam taken out I would be able to live no more. Ireproached God.

But God with his gentle hand took me with Him.He replanted me beside the flowing stream. It was richin manure and full of living water. I had everything Ineeded for life. Lily my tall new friend cared for me andhelped me to better myself.

My Lord came to see me every day. His gentletouch and sweet voice overwhelmed me with love forhim. I asked him, "Why did you choose only me whenthere were so many better than me?" "Of course", henodded and said, "they are better than you, but youare not the same as they", and he added, "You areunique and precious to me."

I burst into tears, and exclaimed, "LORD, MAKE MEA CHANNEL OF YOUR LOVE!"

Sch Ashwil Lobo, SJ

HE PLANTED ME...."My heart leapt with joy,When I saw the new star shining brightlyin the sky [Birth of S.J. on 27th Sep 1540]I was overwhelmed with joy,When I saw it, spreading its light in thesky"BUT ONCE...I stood still, speechless;Then I saw the thick clouds covering the new star[Suppression of S.J. on Jan 8th -1773] My heart was broken, my dreams were shattered andtears rolled down my cheeks.There was someone who came to wipe my tears.Then I stood firm hoping for the star to shine once again.

The clouds covered the star completely in 1773,thanks to Pope Clement IX and some other powerfulKings and Cardinals. So many Jesuit stars lost theiridentity, many quit the Society of Jesus and a few othersjoined other religious orders.

"What a heart-breaking tragedy! Oh! My star...."But at this crucial time, in France there appeared a

mighty thunder and lightning, which destroyed the thickclouds. As a result, on 7 August, 1814, the same cloudspoured down in the form of rain. The mighty thunderand lightning was none other than St. Joseph Pignatelli,the man who rebuilt the Society by destroying the cloudsthat were blocking the star.

OH! MY STAR, JESUIT STAR

Contd. on Page 12...

Plastics! Plastics! Plastics! Human beings created it.

In the year 3000, the earth was completely coveredwith plastics. People had everything made out ofdifferent varieties of plastics, like plastic houses, plasticbooks, plastic vehicles etc. People didn't know how todispose them off and as a result, plastics became a threatto all living beings. People started dying, when they camein contact with plastics. In 3001, scientists discoveredthat plastics generated peculiar kinds of viruses thatdestroyed all organisms. They named it 'Plastic-virus.'Plastic-virus was highly resistant to fight any kind of anti-virus. Therefore there was a terrible death-toll.

Scientists gathered at 'NASA' tomake a serious study on this Plastic-virus. They found out that plastic-viruswas unavoidable. Therefore theycame up with a brilliant idea ofcreating an insect which could eat upvarieties of plastics and give out'organic substances.' These organic substances wereeco-friendly.

Experts were invited to create the 'DNA' of thisinsect. Finally they created a new breed of insect called'plastisect.'

PLASTICS

Contd. on Page 12...

Page 09


Information is power. A reflectiveperson who is well informed can beconsidered powerful or influential.Media houses in our country keep theadministration and the political classconstantly alert. Whistleblowers rattleand bring down governments or

threaten those in the wrong. In our day-to-day life too,we are in need of information not only to ensure thatour tasks are properly done, but also to protect ourinterests. The light of information can expose the darkspots in any system and help clear ambiguity.

Right to Information Act 2005, popularly known asRTI Act, was passed by the Indian parliament in May2005. It has empowered every citizen of India, whetherliterate or otherwise, to have access to information thatprotects their interests from any "public authority." Theprimary intention of the act is to promote transparencyand accountability among those in public service. Thepreamble of the Act rightly observes that "Democracyneeds an informed citizenry."

What is RTI and why has it created ripples in theworking of the administrative machinery in India? TheAct empowers you, the citizen of India, to obtain anyinformation from any 'public authority' which refers toa government run organization. In order to access theinformation an application must be filed with theCentral/State Public Information Officer (PIO) appointedfor every public authority. The application fee is just Rs10, but the application must be in writing. The Act statesthat those who are not able to write must be givenassistance by the PIO's in making a written application.The information applied for, must be provided to the

applicant within 30 days of presenting theapplication, but if the information relatesto life and liberty of persons, it must beprovided within 48 hours. There are some

limits as to what type of information

could be accessed under the RTI. For example, cabinetpapers, information related to security and sovereigntyof India, information on private lives of individuals, tradeand business secrets, information related to securityagencies like CRPF, ITBP, Crime branch, informationreceived in confidence from foreign governments, etc.are not to be covered under the RTI.

Every law or rule brought into force must beenforced by certain bodies created for that purpose. Thetask of ensuring that Indian citizens derive full benefitof the RTI Act is done by the Central InformationCommission (CIC) established at the Central level inDelhi, and by the State Information Commission (SIC) atthe State level. The person 'in charge' of the CentralInformation Commission is the Chief InformationCommissioner who plays a very crucial role. At presentMs Deepak Sandhu is the first woman to hold thisposition. It was the former RTI chief Sri SatyanandaMishra who recently created quite a flutter in the Indianpolitical world by ordering that all the political partiesmust be brought under the ambit of the RTI. Mostpolitical parties in India have opposed this order andcreated a lot of repercussion. The open oppositionclearly states their unwillingness to allow their affairsto be open to free public scrutiny. We can rightlyconclude how much the political class fears the RTI.These recent developments indicate the power of RTI"in containing corruption" and in "holding thegovernment accountable to the governed."

The Right to Information Act has actually turnedout to be an effective weapon in the hands of citizens.But its usefulness and effectiveness rests on its beingused for the benefit of the public and not for servingulterior motives. The public would benefit greatly if theyare educated as to how the Act can be beneficially usedfor their welfare. Aldous Huxley states, "The great endof life is not knowledge but action." Having access toinformation is not enough. Information must open theeyes of the people, empower them and unite themagainst unjust systems that mar true progress. The Rightto information Act will have served its purpose if it spursthe public to act with true knowledge andunderstanding.

Sch Praveen Martis, SJ

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW

Page 10


On 19 May 1521 a Frenchcannon stood firm facingtowards the army of Spain. Asolid metal was on its mark tofly over the Spanish band ofsoldiers. There was anoutstanding figure, full ofvigour and determination whodesired name and fame. He wasnone other than Inigo Lopez deLoyola. This cannon ball was

made for him, for the world and for the Church. It struckhis leg and threw him to the ground. Thunder and miserypierced the vanity of the valiant soldier Inigo. God usedthis cannon ball to set forth a new beginning. Thus allhis worldly ambitions and desires withered away.

In 1714 a document 'Dominus ac Redemptor' hitagainst the Society like the cannon ball that struck Inigo'sarmy. Everything looked shattered. The heart of theSociety was wounded. The Society had been growing in

There was a heavy downpour at midnight. I was up by 6o'clock in the morning. I left home for a brisk walk. Imet my friend who joined me for the same.Along theway, we shared experiences of our school days.

While sharing, we heard a knocking sound; and we werebewildered. It stopped for a while and surfaced again.The sounds came from amidst the trees. We thought itwas a woodpecker and were quite excited to see it. Aswe moved forward, to our dismay, we saw a woodcutter

chopping the branch of atree. On that very branch, abulbul had a nest. The bulbulwas screaming, for it had itsyoung ones in it.

Stop, Stop... We cried. Thebird did join us in our cry. Butto no avail, the woodcutterturned a deaf ear. My friend'sfather was a Police Officer.We thought it better to keep

tranquillity and richness. But evil couldnot bear its prosperous growth. It hitthe minds of kings, cardinals and greatauthorities, and finally presented itselflike a bomb shell that broke theSociety into pieces.Thousands ofJesuits withered away but some, filledwith the spirit of God, brought forth a new spirit intothe Society which lives even today. This breakthroughbrought newness. It was God's will that we had to cometo life again with renewed vigour and zeal for the Churchand its people. The suppression and the restorationstand like two great teachers, both giving us valuablelessons and providing us with the true spirit andprotection. Let us become aware that we Jesuits arereviled as devils and also revered as saints. It is a greatprivilege to live in such a company, for the Greater Gloryof God, and for His mission.

Sch Joswin Pereira, SJ

DISASTER AND TRANSFORMATION

TREES ON EARTH: BOON OR BANE?him posted. Uncle Ravi turned upwithin a few minutes. He questionedthe woodcutter, and finding nospecific reasons for his action, warnedhim. We were overjoyed for havingsaved the life of those birds and alsothe tree. At that moment, I heard a cry,"Noel, Wake up, it's time." The voicewas probably of my mother. It was a dream. Only somedreams come true, but some others teach us lessonsfor life.

Deforestation reduces the amount of oxygen producedby trees. The more we have greenery around us, thesafer we are. One of the causes for the recent flashfloodsin Utttarkhand is deforestation. Let us not regret for ourpast; rather let us begin to build a new world, a worldfull of trees, where people can live in peace.

When We Heal The World, We Heal Ourselves - David Orr

Sch Noel Dias, SJ

Page 11


The Society of Jesus had acquired a reputationthroughout the world especially in Europe. In the middleof the eighteenth century, the reputation of the Societywas very high. It was also a time of political change andeconomical exploitation. The opponents of the Societyof Jesus regarded Jesuits as greedy plotters. Jesuits wereaccused because they had close ties with the influentialmembers of the royal families. The accusation wassighting vested interest in seeking favours from thePapacy. Many kings, monarchs and others couldn'ttolerate their progress and hence they wanted toplunder their properties. The suppression of the Societythus began without any strong reasons.Many statesgrew progressively after the expulsion of the Jesuits.They acquired the wealth and possessions of theSociety.Various monarchs in Europe had politicaldisputes between them, particularly between Franceand Portugal. As a result there was suspension ofdiplomatic relations and suppression of the Society bythe Pope all over Europe.

In the brief of the suppression, the striking featureis a long list of allegations against the Jesuits withoutany sufficient rational basis. None of the allegations wereproved to be true. The whole brief was abrupt withoutany strong and convincing reasons. The objective of thebrief was to create an impression that the Society ofJesus has created strife, contradictions and troubles.Thus at least for the sake of peace, the Society had to

SUPPRESSION AND RESTORASUPPRESSION AND RESTORASUPPRESSION AND RESTORASUPPRESSION AND RESTORASUPPRESSION AND RESTORATIONTIONTIONTIONTIONbe suppressed. There is also a lack ofclearity as to what lead the Pope tosuppress the Society of Jesus. It alsoseemed that the Pope had no otherway than to suppress the Order,because he had a lot of pressure from the kings,monarchs and princes to do so.

The ways of God are wonderful. After a very briefperiod of suppression, the continual existence of theSociety of Jesus was foreseen. Catherine the Great ofRussia did not allow the brief to be promulgated in hercountry. The Jesuits in Russia continued their ministries.In 1814, Pope Pius VII, had returned from his Napoleoniccaptivity. On 7 August, 1814, the Pope signed the Bullrestoring the Order all over the world.

There were joyful celebrations world over. Manyfrom Europe and America congratulated the Pope andthe Jesuits. Many Jesuits received grants and gifts. Manyrequests came for the Jesuit Fathers to take up work incolleges, missions, and apostolic endeavours. There waswork much beyond the manpower available.

After St Ignatius had completed writing theConstitutions, when writing the introduction he beganin this way:'It is God our Lord who will preserve, directand carry forward in His divine service, this least Societyof Jesus.' This is one of the strongest motivating factorsthat has kept the Society going all along.

Sch Antony Pais, SJ


Later, this same star began to shineever brighter than before. Its lightreached every nook and corner of theworld. This same star continues tocomfort all the members of the Societyeven today. So let's not seek forComforts, Power, Glory, Name & Fame;rather let us together strive to worktowards comforting all thoseabandoned souls in the world. Let thezeal for mission of St. Ignatius and manyother Jesuit saints inspire and motivateus to dedicate ourselves entirely to theSociety of Jesus.

Sch Vivian Rebelo, SJ


Scientists performed a series of experiments on this insect.Plastisect was able to digest any kind of plastics. The excreta ofplastisects were organic.

All the malls now sold 'plastisects.' People bought them. Finallyplastic-virus was destroyed by plastisects.

In the year 3010, plastisects ate all the plastics of the world andproduced enough organic waste. On 31 Dec, 3010, the DNA ofplastisects started mutating. They grew up in size and weighed morethan a hundred tons. The hungry plastisects went in search of plastics.Since they found none, they targeted human beings. There was aterrible death-toll yet again. The world famous scientists againgathered at 'NASA' to create an animal which could destroy and eatup plastisects and they were called 'Anti-plastisects.'

"Beware of Plastics!" Sch Joseph Jerald, SJ

Page 12


The moment we hear the word 'Ecology', the firstthought that comes to our minds is nature with itsdiversity of life and the need to conserve it. We're oftenled to the etymology of Ecology as being the study ofOIKOS (meaning House). What exactly is this house we'retalking about today? Has it only forests, animals, birdsand humans in it? We're often misled by its very notion.We talk about the damage done to nature and a pledgeto preserve what is left over in it. Was this the purposefor which humans evolved with the aspect of reasoningand intelligence, so that first we could exploit and thenrectify? What needs to be looked into is the veryrelationship that is established between the living andthe non-living world. Humans as social beings create andfortify huge social communities which turn out to bevillages and cities. In spite of being too busy in makingour life comfortable, we need to ask ourselves whetherwe are doing this at the cost of losing the bond that

A young man, a woodcutter byprofession, once approached a sagefor some advice, "Tell me, please, whatis the best thing for one to enjoy life?"

After a long pause, the sagequietly replied, "Love the beauty inand around you, my dear man, and

further, destroy no living being in your lifetime: thenyou'll be happy."

'Well,' said the young woodcutter, and tossing hishead, walked off towards his house. He was not happywith the advice, for he could not follow it, since preciselythat was his profession. He destroyed natureenormously and hunted down animals for meat as well.

Now he thought for a while and retired to bed. Hedreamt that he would live without destroying any formof life especially that of nature, but found no way ofsatisfying his greed. Out of frustration he jumped out,and picking up his axe and tools he cried, "It's foolishnessto listen to this old man." He went into the forest to hisdaily chores. 'I shall cut off these sandal-wood trees,these will fetch me a good amount, and I needn't worryfor months', he said to himself.

attaches us to the fabric of realitywhich, in this case, is found in nature!Are we open enough to co-exist withother forms of life in our structuredsocieties? Do we feel ourselves partof the web of life which is so essential, or do we, due toour "ego" or "negative intelligence," consider the otherliving systems subordinate to us? What matters is thedisposition with which we accept or reject our weaknessbefore the mystery and grandeur of this ''House" westay in. Do we make it a point to transfer such criticalthinking to the future generations? Finding God in allthings indeed is a wonderful means of being humbleand sensitive enough to let ourselves be part of thisintricate yet marvelous web of Life which is theextension of the Almighty's presence.

SchVinod AJ, SJ

THE TRTHE TRTHE TRTHE TRTHE TRUE ESSENCE OF ECUE ESSENCE OF ECUE ESSENCE OF ECUE ESSENCE OF ECUE ESSENCE OF ECOLOLOLOLOLOGOGOGOGOGYYYYY

He was perfectly familiar with this routine job, andmoreover he was skilled. Yet, this time he had to accepthis fate for his greedy guts. He climbed a very tall andhuge tree. Holding on to a branch with one hand he beganto cut down the trunk with the other. He axed it justbelow his feet. Every stroke of his hurt the forest badlyand made it cry bitterly. No wonder he had to pay for this!

His stony heart paid no attention to his ownconscience which said, 'one day you need them to saveyour life.'But he didn't yield. Evenafter many strokes, though thetree had bowed, it still held on. Justas he raised his axe for the lasttime, he realised, that he waspulling out the rug from under hisown feet. By then the tree had lostits strength and nature turnedviolently against him. He fell down,fatally injured. What a fall it was! It resulted in his deathaltogether.

Hence it's important to note: The little harm thatwe cause to nature will end in our own downfall. Wemust also learn that wise men direct us but once; if wepay heed to their words we live; if not, we're gone.

Sch Antony Sudeep, SJ

SHORT STORY - DESTRUCTION OF LIFE

Page 13


Jesuits of today need once again a rejuvenation ofspirit to be sent anywhere and at anytime for the serviceof God in the Society of Jesus. When the Society isspeaking about the universal mission and men who mustbe available for this, we have now a saint who inspiresand revitalizes us to commit ourselves to be sent and tobe on the move.

17 December, 2013 - More than 140 years after beingnamed "Blessed," the first Jesuit Priest Peter Faber wascanonized by Pope Francis, in a decree of "equivalentcanonization."

"Peter Faber (Pierre Favre) was born in 1506 in theSouth of France. As a boy, he looked after his father'ssheep in the French Alps. He also taught catechism tochildren on Sundays. Aware of his call to be a Priest, helonged to study. He writes: "At the age of ten, I wasovercome by such a great desire to go to school that Ibecame so disquieted and full of yearning that I beganto cry. So against their intention, my parents were forcedto send me to school." At twelve,he had a deep religiousexperience. 'Inspired by the Holy Spirit ' he felt that hehad to consecrate his life "to the service of God" and,"one day (while looking after the cows during theholidays) overjoyed and with great desire for purity, hepromised Our Lord a life of perpetual chastity."

He was admitted to the College of Sainte-Barbewhere he shared lodgings with Francis Xavier. Theybecame close friends and graduated on the same day in1530 with a Master of Arts. Peter also met Ignatius thereand while Peter taught Ignatius philosophy, Ignatiusdirected him through the Exercises.

After Ignatius, Peter Faber was the one for whomthe companions had the deepest respect because of hisknowledge, his holiness and his influence on people.Peter conceived his life as a journey, a journey throughthe various regions of Europe following the example ofChrist: travelling for obedience, always alert to makeGod's will his own.

His Expeditions:

1539: He was sent along with Diego Laynez to Parmato revive the faith in the face of Protestant reformers.

In Europe: He was sent on a new mission by Paul III.He had to accompany Dr Ortiz right across Europe, tothe discussions on bridging the gap between Protestants

and Catholics and unite Europeagainst the Turks.

In Germany: He walked many avillage and town, giving many retreats,spiritual talks, and spiritual directionin and outside the confessional.

In Spain: He zealously engagedhimself in pastoral work, preaching and giving retreats,but on the orders of Pope Paul III Faber had to leaveagain for Germany in 1542.

1542: In the greatest haste Peter Faber travelledthrough France, then Switzerland, where he celebratedHoly week in Solothurn and arrived in Speyer. The dayafter his arrival in Germany he started giving retreats.

October 1542:In Mainz he was ordered to givelectures on the psalms at the Faculty of theology.

April 1543:He met Peter Canisius in Mainz, then wenton to Cologne. Hardly had he begun his work in Cologneand not seeing results as yet, Faber again had to leaveon a new mission.

September 1543: On the request of King John III hewas sent by Ignatius to Lisbon. He was to accompanythe princess, Maria of Portugal, on the way to her futurehusband, Philip II of Spain.

17 July 1546: He arrived completely exhausted inRome and died on 1 August, just forty years of age, "avictim of his not always meaningful journeys which hehad undertaken in exemplary obedience."

The Society of Jesus, founded by Ignatius and hiscompanions, was mainly to have men who are dispersedon a mission with complete availability and obedienceto be sent anywhere for the Greater Glory of God. Oflate many of us seem to enter comfort zones and love acosy Jesuit life, are stuck to one place for ages and arebusy establishing our own kingdom and territory. Wehave forgotten our call in the Society and thus are notreally available to be sent by the Superiors.

The Society at present under the leadership ofFr Adolfo Nicolas is once again focusing on this aspectof universal mission and is inviting every Jesuit to bear thespirit of availability for any mission, anywhere. At this momentthe Church has given us a model in Saint Peter Faber.

Sch Lumnesh Swaroop, SJ

THE TRAVELLING APOSTLE

Page 14

Education

Prajwalana