"Even to your old age, I shall be the same, And even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; And I shall bear

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1 "Even to your old age, I shall be the same, And even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; And I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you." Isaiah 46:4

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7 A 3 REMEMBERING OUR ROOTS 13 Sea of Galilee versus Dead Sea 5 Heart-to-Heart with Our Pearls! Parish Directives 7 Precious time with our Seniors 17 For Our Senior Friends 18 SENIOR TO JUNIOR 19 Senior Citizens Boon to the family 20 Welfare & Protection for Silver Citizens News from NYG 36 heart 38 The Dark Ages! 39 LET ME BE FREE 40 SCC FAMILY CLUSTERS 43 The Birth of Mary 45 To A Teacher With Love Celebrating Senior Priests The Real Treasure 21 Grandma s Health Secret 31 Healing Arthritis The Ayurveda Way Ragi 35 on Board Parish Priest : Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas, OCD In-Charge : Fr. Arwin Tauro, OCD Editorial Board : The Parish team of Pastors Christal Rodrigues Christopher Mascarenhas Denver Fernandes Jason Lobo Sabina Correia Serena D'Silva Veenal D'Silva Ad Team: Francis Araujo Murphy Rebello Noorine D'Souza Richard Fernandes Sapna Rodrigues Sayanora Fernandes tidingsteam@gmail.com webpage : Caveat: does not vouch for any claims made by the Advertisers of products and services. It shall not be held liable for any consequences, in the event such claims are not honoured by the Advertisers. The next issue of tidings will be released on December 9, 2012 Main Theme: "Cast Your Net into the Deep" Unwavering Faith Journey Year of Faith Oct 11,2012 to Nov 24, 2013 Last date to Submit articles and Advertisement is Nov. 18, 2012 Designed and Printed: Lawrence Miranda, B'lore Mob: lorryblr@gmail.com

8 Letter from Rev. Bishop Bosco Penha Fr. Dominic Vas, Parish Priest Editorial Team "" St. Joseph Parish Mira Road Dear. Fr. Dominic / Friends, Your recent issue of "' (June 2012), like all other issues of this bulletin, is very well done. I like the way each issue is thematised with inspiring articles and colourful photographs. The contents are normally very substantial and offer a lot of material for reflection. I like to Thank and congratulate you, the team and all those responsible for the regular production of this magazine. It speaks well of your parish. With affectionate good wishes, Gratefully, Bishop Bosco Penha Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Archdiocese of Bombay /mdm Vol. 3-2, September

9 Some of us have visited the Holy Land, God's own country. There are two famous seas in Holy Land: The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Though the same Jordan River flows into both the seas, yet there is a lot of difference between the two. The Sea of Galilee: Full of life and activity. The water is sweet; people drink it, take bath, use it for irrigation, lots of fish in it, the surroundings are full of greenery with fields, trees, fruits and flowers. The sea has life and gives life to thousands of people, birds and beasts. The Dead Sea: As the name signifies, everything is dead in and around the sea. Water is thick and salty, you can't drink or swim; neither it can be used for irrigation nor for factories. No fish or any living organism can survive in it. There are no trees around. There are neither birds nor animals. All around is desert without any human habitation. The sea is dead and gives death to others. Why this difference? The same river Jordan which originates at Mount Hermon flows into both the seas. Why then one has life and gives life; and another is dead and gives death. The reason is the Sea of Galilee receives the water and gives out the water, it has outlets. But the Dead Sea receives the water, but it keeps it all to itself. It has no outlets. It is like the stagnated water full of worms and filth. Sharing is life: The Christian paradox is "In giving we receive". Sharing is the secret of life. In Your Pastor Speaks Fr. Dominic Vas, ocd Parish Priest giving, the receiver never becomes empty, rather he becomes full. Selfishness leads to death; while sharing leads to life. This should be the mantra for our senior citizens. On the tombstone of someone was written, "Died at the age of 50, buried at the age of 70". Already that man was spiritually and emotionally dead without any enthusiasm, dynamism, hope and love due to depression, oppression and suppression. He was just a living corpse walking around. The body was alive but the spirit was dead. Who, do you think, can give life and enthusiasm to our senior citizens?? Of course, their family members and friends. But, primarily, it is the senior citizens themselves who have to give life, hope and enthusiasm to themselves. When one gets retired, he should not be tired of life. Life begins when you get retired. Here are 10 pearls for our senior citizens to stop worrying and start living: 1. Man's life is spiritual and eternal. God created life. Hence life can never grow old as God can never grow old. It is eternal and indestructible like God. Sea of Galilee versus Dead Sea 3 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

10 Once a woman asked Thomas Edison, "What is electricity? Edison replied, "Madam, electricity is, use it". Likewise, life is, live it. 2. Old age and youthfulness is more in the mind than in the body. Your mind and spirit never grows old. It is timeless and ageless. Some are old at 50, others are young at 80 mentally and physiologically. An old couple was praying holding each other's hand, "Lord, though we are old, let not our love become old". So too, incase, of life. 3. You are young, strong and useful as you think you are. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is" (Prov. 23:9). Socrates learned musical instruments at 80. Michael Angelo painted even beyond Begin your real life when you get retired. As someone said, "Till now I made a living, now I begin to live my life". Keep yourself busy with your household work, hobbies or social service. 4. Be like the Sea of Galilee. Receive from others and share with others. Don't brood over the sickness or problems. Go out to others and help them. I knew one cancer patient though he was 80, yet till the day of his death he visited other patients and gave them, life and hope. Hence he himself was filled with life till the end. 5. Have a positive outlook towards life. Two people looked out of the same window. One saw the dirty ground, while other saw the beautiful star in the sky. Everything depends on our outlook. 6. Poet Ralph Emerson said, "We do not count a man's years until he has nothing else to count". Rather count your blessings from God and others received by you so far in life; don't blame God and children for your problems. 7. Don't fear or worry. Both kill even the strongest person. There is a solution for every problem. Take old age and sickness as a challenge. You defeat them before they defeat you. 8. Have new adventures and dreams. Read books, get new ideas, visit new places, have new experiences. Share your wisdom with others. 9. Be like the flowing water where every moment, new volumes of water come bringing life. Do not be like the stagnated water with filth, worms and smell. 10. Let the great virtues permeate your life: peace, joy, laughter, love, sharing, kindness and patience. These will be the fruits of your old age. Become like the Sea of Galilee, have life and give life to others. Don't be like the Dead Sea. Be alive and give life. PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY LAND DEPARTURE: November 2012 EXPERIENCE THE FOOT STEPS OF JESUS IN THE LAND OF the BIBLE 10 Days Tour to Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Jordan Highlights: Pyramidis, Nile Cruise, Mt. Sinai, Mt. Nebo, Mt. Tabor, Galilee, Dead Sea, River Jordan, Lazarus Tomb, Via Dolorosa-Road to Calvary, Cana, Mt. Olives, Gethsamane, Capernaum, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehm, Sound and Light at David's Tomb, Cable Car at Mt. Temptation and Many many more. For Further Details and registration Contact: Ronnie Almeida, Cell: Vol. 3-2, September

11 REMEMBERING OUR ROOTS Senior citizens have been given the nomenclature of 'grandparents' because, they are really grand. Grand in their cute and majestic appearances, 'grand' in their magnanimous behavior, grand in their attitudes, and behold, very grand in their love and affection. Senior citizens have always been a reality but they have never before felt so deprived and unhappy. These are the people who have had their innings successfully and are in the evening of life. Grandparents are the name given to the parents of one's parents, and they are really the ones who pamper the children of the family. This also can be easily analyzed; they pamper their grandchildren out of proportion. Grandfather has a wealth of knowledge not found in books while grandmother has culinary experience; the dishes she prepares are simple yet wholesome and delicious. Both grandparents have immense patience in dealing with youngsters; they are a haven of refuge to their grandchildren. Well, do we, still, think this way anymore??? In the bygone times this senior generation was never unhappy, unwanted or lonely as we find today. Today, senior citizens have become a burden. With the increasing modernization, we are slowly forgetting our roots. This is why, though, the generation of senior citizens always existed it was never so much talked about. This year has been dedicated by our parish to the theme Care for Senior Citizens. But what do we mean by caring for senior citizens? Is it only reserving seats for them for special masses or celebrating Senior Citizens day? Caring, I would suggest, is much more than this. Senior citizens do require our respect and love, but, more than that they require our time. They love when we, especially the youth, spend time talking to them. They like when we treat them as a part of us. They expect us to involve them in activities of the parish and the communities. They wait to do the little they can physically. Though they are aged, they are very talented. We need to involve them in the various cultural and sports programs that we conduct. They may not be as good as we are, but it will mean a lot to them. So, why neglect them, tagging them as old, weak and dependent??? Though age makes them dependent, but even then, they love to be treated as independent. So, as a parish, let us try our best to do something special for this senior and loving generation of ours. It s high time we go back to the people who are responsible for our existence today: our Roots- Our Grandparents. Let us practice what we preach!!! 5 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

12 Gifted by the Lord (Baptism) The Church Diary Date Name Born to 6/17/2012 Abigail Fernandes William & Maria 6/24/2012 Melosia Pais Wilson & Michelle 6/24/2012 Keisha Shetty Kiran & Marusha 6/30/2012 Nolan Alphonso Derrick & Nancy 7/1/2012 Aurelia Rasquinha Roshan & Reema 7/1/2012 Amy Dias Nelson Dias 7/7/2012 Sherwin Pereira Nelson & Lavina 7/7/2012 Marilyn Crasto Alwyn & Nancy 7/7/2012 Anaya Viegas Anthony & Bindhu 7/8/2012 Shania Coutinho Winston & Shilpa 7/21/2012 Kennith D'Cunha Sunil & Flavia 7/21/2012 Keith D'Cunha Sunil & Flavia 7/22/2012 Serratia Raashni Mascarenhas Magesh & Riyan 7/22/2012 Benjamin John Shrivastav Gaurav & Annie 7/28/2012 Gwyneth Machado Milton & Priya 7/29/2012 Myra Nazareth Sanjay & Namita 8/4/2012 Alita Lobo Allwin & Lavina 8/5/2012 Haten D'Sa Harold & Amitha 8/5/2012 Ania Rose Nadar Alexander & Celin 8/12/2012 Serah Martin Stephen & Annie 8/12/2012 Kian Dantas Leslie & Anamaria Joined in the Lord (Marriage) Date Bridegroom Bride 6/13/2012 Henry Chin Meng chich Ricky Chiu Lisan Lo 6/30/2012 Brynner Jesus D'costa Sangita Kumari Gangania Reunited in the Lord (Burial) Date Name Age 6/6/2012 Angeline Ligori D'Souza 91 6/12/2012 Juliana Anthony D'Souza 79 6/17/2012 Derrick Juliao D'Mello 47 6/24/2012 Michael Cazetan Cardoza 86 7/8/2012 Alex Anthony D'Souza 76 7/15/2012 Albert Alice Abbas 60 07/16/2012 Peter D'Silva 84 Date Name Age 7/18/2012 Michael M Kansara 58 7/20/2012 Josephine Mary Camble 73 7/20/2012 Francis J. D'Cruz 66 7/24/2012 Antony Julian Sequeira 77 7/28/2012 Rufina Agnelo Fernandes 59 7/29/2012 Cyril Piad Lobo 79 8/6/2012 Ignatius David Chettiar 65 Vol. 3-2, September

13 Parish Directives New Members to St. Joseph Church, Mira Road Parish (Parish ID) If you are new to the Parish kindly note the following points. Introduce yourself to the Parish team of pastors at your convenience. Obtain a letter from your earlier Parish, stating that you and your family have moved from that Parish to Mira Road. Submit this letter at the Parish office together with the duly filled forms. You will be then registered in our Parish and obtain your family ID. This ID must be preserved and presented for any church-related services. Contact the SCC coordinator (information available in Parish office) of your community and get yourself and your family introduced to your cluster /community. Guidelines pertaining to Church Sacraments: Baptism A. Infant Baptism: Baptism is administered after the infant s birth according to your decision. Only children of Catholic parents, who are registered with the Parish (holding a parish ID) are baptized. Exceptions are made to this rule, if a No Objection letter from the Parish Priest of another Catholic Parish is presented with prior intimation. Parents and Godparents of the child being baptized must attend a Pre-Baptism course conducted by the Parish. Parents need to submit the Application Form for Baptism along with the Pre-Baptism Course completion certificate and a recent copy of their marriage certificate, at least one week prior to the Baptism date. Baptism is administered on Saturdays during 7.15 pm Mass and on Sundays during am Mass. B. Adult Baptism: Those adults who wish to embrace the Catholic faith and be baptized in the Church need to go through extensive preparation in the community. They have to undergo an indepth one year program Rite of Christian Initiation. Through this program, the non-catholics desirous of practicing t h e Catholic faith are trained in the Christian Doctrine of the Catholic Church. Detailed information is available in the Parish office. First Holy Communion First Holy Communion is usually administered to a child who is studying in the 4th grade. In line with directives from the Mumbai Archdiocese, candidates are required to undergo an in-depth one year training program. Further, before actually receiving the Sacrament, candidates must undergo two weeks intense preparation in the Church, conducted by the Catechists and the Parish Team. This sacrament is administered during a special Mass held in the second week after Easter. Confirmation The sacrament of Confirmation is a very conscious and committed step in the life of a young Christian. Mumbai Archdiocese strictly advises that Confirmation should be administered to youth 7 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

14 studying in the 11th grade. It is conferred by the Zonal Bishop or by the Parish Priest in exceptional cases, with a valid delegation from the Bishop. Matrimony Matrimony is a sacrament, officiated by a priest, uniting a man to a woman. Through this holy sacrament, the man and woman become one, for as the Lord Jesus said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate (Mt. 19:5-6). Since this is an important milestone in our relationship history, special guidelines are laid down that will help to enhance the sanctity of the occasion. Preparation 1. The would-be bride and bridegroom should meet the Parish Priest/Asst. Priests along with their parents, atleast three months prior to the marriage. All information about marriage preparation course, banns and pre-nuptial enquiry can be discussed during this meeting. 2. The pre-nuptial inquiry form is to be filled with all sincerity and under oath. 3. A recent Certificate of Baptism from the Parish where one has been baptized needs to be submitted. 4. Justification status liberi - a written oath of free state is to be made in the presence of two reliable witnesses, if a contracting partner has lived or is living outside Mumbai for more than six months after completion of sixteen years of age (in case of boy) and fourteen years (in case of a girl). If one partner is a non-catholic, this person also has to obtain an affidavit. 5. The Certificate of Civil Registration obtained from the civil authority need to be submitted if they have undergone the civil marriage. 6. A Death Certificate of the former spouse or declaration of nullity of previous marriage from the Ecclesiastical Marriage Tribunal, if one was previously married, has to be submitted. 7. Two banns have to be published: one in the Church and the second will be displayed on the notice board. 8. If the bride or bridegroom is from another Parish, he/she should bring all relevant papers from his/her Parish, atleast one week before the nuptials. 9. Kindly consult the priest regarding the liturgy of the mass, prayer of the faithful, mass readings, offertory gifts (useful for the church) etc. The whole liturgy has to be approved by the priest at least one week before the wedding Mass. 10. There can be more than one couple celebrating their nuptials at the same mass. No assurance or priority shall be given to any one couple irrespective of when the booking was done. No complaints/discussion shall be entertained regarding this. The decision of the Parish Priest will be final. Vol. 3-2, September

15 11. The wedding Mass timings are: Weekdays 4.30 pm. Saturdays 4.00 pm, Sundays 3.30 pm & 6.15 pm. 12. The nuptial Rite of Disparity of cult/mixed marriage is conducted half an hour before the celebration of the Eucharist. The couple can participate in the ordinary mass of the day which follows. 13. The entire amount for the Nuptial expenses has to be paid in cash at the time of booking. Details of the charges under various heads are available in the Parish Office. If there is more than one couple, the amount will be shared accordingly, and excess amount refunded back within a week from the date of the Nuptials along with the time deposits, if no breach is committed under-clause A below. Nuptial Day 1. Couples are requested to be on time for the wedding Mass. If any of the party comes later than 15 minutes of the scheduled time, then the time deposit of that party will be forfeited. A. Guest Priest 1. Inform the Parish Priest in writing atleast 30 days before the wedding if there will be guest priests at the wedding Mass. 2. Please get prior permission from the Parish Priest if you wish them to celebrate/ preach/ bless the nuptials 3. Request them to be present in the church atleast ten minutes before the mass B. Holy Mass 1. Celebrant shall welcome the bride and bridegroom at the main door and lead them inside the Church 2. Bridal entourage (best man, bridesmaids, flower girls etc) should be practicing Catholics. 3. Two witnesses (one each from both parties) need to be kept ready and informed about their role well in advance. They should be practicing Catholics. 4. The bridal couple should come well prepared to read the nuptial vows or should inform the Celebrant Priest in case they have difficulty in reading. C. Readings 1. Readings should be proclaimed from the lectern. 2. The approved (by Priest In-charge) liturgy for Mass (Readings/ Prayers of the Faithful etc) should be shown to the Main Celebrant at least half an hour before the Mass. The Lectors/ other readers must practice all readings and be thoroughly prepared. 3. If the families of the bride and bridegroom prepare the nuptial liturgy, get the prior permission of the Parish Priest/Asst. Priests. D. Offertory gifts 1. Natural food products like fruits, vegetables and articles pertaining to Mass (chasuble, chalice, Albs, Altar Clothes etc.) are ideal offertory gifts. WANTED CHRISTIAN COMPANION /DOMESTIC HELP FOR RESIDENCE CLOSE TO HILL STATION NEAR MUMBAI FREE BOARDING AND LODGING, AND GOOD SALARY MINIMUM HOUSEWORK, BUT MUST BE FOND OF PETS. CONTACT: or A Fairy Tale Wedding One Can Dream At Jeff Creations Exclusive Royal Backdrops, Remote Controlled Centrepieces Church, Car, Cake Table Décor, Entrance Arches, Dance Floor Décor & For Birthdays, Christenings & Communions As Per Theme Design. Office: Shop 31. Geeta Arcade, Opp Miraj Wines, Mira Road Mobile: (R) Cal Sound Sound For All Occasions Peter: Vol. 3-2, September 2012

16 2. Presenting religious articles (Bible, rosary etc.) should be avoided. 3. Any plastic articles/ plastic bags etc. should be avoided. 4. Prayers of the Faithful and Offertory Procession/ Prayers should not be combined. E. Decoration 1. You may decorate the altar or church with fresh flowers. Appropriate church personnel (Assistant Parish Priest/Sacristan) may be consulted for suggestions. 2. Avoid decorating kneelers/ pews in the church F. Choir 1. Choose your choir group in consultation with the Parish office. 2. If family people wish to sing the responsorial psalm, get the permission of Parish Priest/Asst. Priests and practice in advance. 3. If you wish to prepare nuptial booklets prior permission and approval of Parish Priest/Asst. Priests is important. G. Photography / Video 1. Only one photographer/videographer will be permitted within the church premises. Care should be taken that he/she does not disturb the sacredness of the liturgy. 2. Photography is not permitted in the Sanctuary. 3. Video shooting is permitted only during four parts of the service: a. Entrance Procession; b. Nuptial Rite and offertory procession; c. Reception of communion by the bridal couple; d. Signing of Marriage Register H. Dress Code 1. Dress code should be modest. This is especially mandatory, for all those who come to the sanctuary. 2. All should use formal dress-pants and shirt/ saree / churidhar / skirt-blouse / anything modest, which will not hurt the sensibilities of those gathered to participate in the holy liturgy of the Mass. 3. Women by all means should avoid off-shoulder or spaghetti tops/ mini skirt or dress/ revealing or body-hugging outfits. I. Others 1. Bursting fire crackers during mass is not allowed. 2. No announcements or thanksgiving speech is allowed after the mass. 3. Wishing the Bridal Couple should be done outside the Church. Anointing of the Sick Anointing is NOT a sacrament meant only for those at the point of death. It is administered for all the sick and infirmed. As soon as any Catholic has failing health and is in the danger of death, from sickness or old age, he/she may receive this sacrament. If a sick person who receives this anointing recovers his health, he can receive this sacrament again, in case of another grave illness. This anointing is also called Viaticum, when the Holy Communion is given at the same time. The family members of the sick/aged parishioner requesting anointing must accompany Vol. 3-2, September

17 the priest to his/her home. They must actively participate in the sacramental prayer session. The priest anoints the sick/the aged, prays over him/her and concludes with a final blessing. Rite of Funeral Death is a passage to a new and fuller life, to resurrection and eternal union with God. The Church, through its funeral rites commends the dead to God's merciful love and pleads for the forgiveness of their sins. The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living. In accordance with Catholic doctrines, the funeral service for a Catholic usually consists of three parts: First Station - in the Home of the Deceased Second Station - in the Church i.e. celebration of Mass followed by the Rite of Final Commendation and Farewell Third Station - at the Grave or Tomb. The entire funeral service is one continuous rite. General Guidelines: 1. Upon the death of a loved one, only a family member must contact the priest in the Parish before fixing the date and the time of the funeral. 2. A photocopy (Xerox) of the Doctor s Certificate and the Municipal death certificate must be submitted for our Parish record. 3. The burial depends on whether the family has submitted the duly filled Parish Census form. Only after verifying the name of the deceased person in the Parish Census, the burial rite will take place in the Church cemetery. If the name of the deceased person is not found in the Parish Census, then a letter must be obtained from the community coordinator. 4. Upon the death of a non-baptized child/adult living with Catholic parents, there will only be burial in the cemetery and no funeral Mass will take place. The same is applicable to still-born babies. 5. The family must inform the priests in the Parish, if they would like to invite a priest or a deacon from another Parish to preside at the funeral rites. The funeral Mass timings are: Weekdays 4.00pm and Sundays 3.30 pm. Eulogies: A eulogy is a short tribute to the life of the deceased loved one, offered by a family member or close personal friend, who knew the deceased well. A eulogy is not part of the funeral Mass. If a eulogy is to be given at the Funeral Liturgy, it must done after the Prayer after Communion. According to the guidelines sent by Bishop Bosco Penha in the circular titled "Liturgical Renewal" dated 4th August 2009, there should be only ONE tribute/eulogy and a brief word of thanks. Only one member of the family can express the sentiments and thank the people after communion. The celebrant should be informed of this before the Mass begins. Care for Creation - Say No to Coffin: Keeping in mind the rising cost of coffins and the long duration it takes for the body to decompose, it is advisable that coffins are not used for burial. The alternative to a coffin is to bury the body in a shroud. The body is wrapped in a cloth and then buried in the grave. This has its advantages - the body decomposes faster, you save ecology and it is economical. A meaningful choice must be made by the family members. In our church we also have a common coffin. This coffin is carried to the church and after Mass taken to the cemetery. During burial, the body is wrapped in a white sheet and then lowered in the grave. The coffin is later cleaned and kept to be used as and when needed. - Say No to too many wreathes and flowers: Your loved one whom you are burying cannot see or smell flowers. Though it is a good tradition, it often translates for a show!. If the money saved from both the above choices - Loving gifts for your loved one, is used for a worthy cause like helping AIDS patients, poor widows or other needy, then that definitely would go a long way in expressing your genuine love to your loved one and to the Lord. 11 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

18 Recommit to Your Faith by a Pilgrimage What better way to deepen your relationship with God and renew your conversion to Christ than on a pilgrimage to our Holy Land and the holy sites of our faith! Making a journey to sacred sites is a time-honored way of remembering the sacrifices made for us and renewing our faith in Christ. St. Joseph s Church n Association with EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES & THE ISRAEL MINISTRY OF TOURISM is happy to announce a 8 Days Pilgrimage Tour Led by Rev. Fr. Arwin Tauro Visit Galilee, Caesarea, Tiberias, Capernaum, Jericho, Bethlehem, Ein Karem, Qumran, The Dead Sea, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Canna, Nazareth, etc... ` 64,990 For details of departure and registration, Kindly Contact: Rev. Fr. Arwin Tauro or The Parish office

19 Heart-to-Heart with Our Pearls! Trees grow stronger over the years, rivers wider. Likewise, with age, human beings gain immeasurable depth and breadth of experience and wisdom. That is why older persons should be not only respected and revered; they should be utilized as the rich resource to society that they are - United Nations Secretary, General Kofi Annan Senior Citizens are the treasures in our families and in the society at large. They are the shining pearls of wisdom and love. This issue of is dedicated to our elders; it s our way of honouring them for all they have done for their families and society. The Team visited some of our senior citizen parishioners and had a heart-to-heart chat with them. They were so overwhelmed with emotions that some of the visits went on for more than an hour losing track of all time but gaining a much-needed insight into their world of feelings and experiences. We bring you excerpts from the pearls of wisdom shared by our senior citizens: Leena Francis Gomes, 64 years, Our Lady of Rosary Community Bernadette Raposo, 73 years, St. Joseph Community Stella T. Rapose, 72 years, Our Lady of Rosary Community Severine Banis, 70 years, St. Thomas Community Leandra Jerry Pereira, Our Lady of Rosary Community Nathalia D souza, 84 years, Mother of God Community Isabella & John Fernandes, 72 & 74 years, Holy Trinity Community Tina & Nazarene Godinho, Our Lady of Vailankanni Community Augusta & Francis Araujo, St. Steven community Augusta Johnson, Our Lady of Vailankanni Community 1. Who are you currently staying with? Who does your family consist of? Leena: I am staying with my husband. I have 4 children who are settled in Dubai and Canada, whom I visit often. I have been blessed with 5 sweet grandchildren. They are the little pearls of my life. Theme feature 13 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

20 The people, then, were very sincere, kind, loving and very helpful but now I see a big difference in people s attitude and behaviour no respect, no love for God and his creation. Given a chance, I would like to settle down with my son in Dubai. Bernadette: I live with my only son and his family. My husband passed away on December 21, Though my days pass by, looking at my three grandchildren grow, I do miss the companionship of my husband. Stella: I am staying with my husband. I have 3 children, one of whom resides in my own building. Even today I love living independent. Severine: I am staying with my husband. I have been blessed with 5 very loving and caring sons and 8 grandchildren. Leandra: I am staying with my elder son and his family. My younger son stays in Mahim. I have 3 little grandchildren whom I look after. Nathalia: I stay with my daughter and my grand children. Isabella & John: We live together with our daughter and grand-daughter. Tina & Nazarene: We live together by ourselves. Augusta & Francis: We live together by ourselves. Our children are settled with their own families. Augusta Johnson: I stay alone. 2. Where are you originally from? What changes have you seen in the city of Mumbai over the years? Leena: I was born and brought up in Mangalore. In the year 1960, at the age of 14, I came to Mumbai to help my sister in Colaba who had just delivered a baby. With work, marriage and then kids, I had to shift base to Mumbai. If you ask me to compare, I would prefer living in Mangalore as I love its nature and lifestyle. With the decreasing greenery and increasing population, Mumbai has become very crowded and suffocating. Bernadette: I was born and brought up in Mangalore but shifted to Mumbai for work in I worked as a secretary to Mr. Toubro at Larsen & Toubro Ltd. I would prefer Mumbai over Mangalore as although it is good for education, it lacks activities. Stella: I was born and brought up in Mumbai. I served as a private nurse for 30 years from in many hospitals like Breach Candy, Parsi General Hospital etc. My husband served in the railways and we resided in Parel. Though I am originally from Goa, I love Mumbai for its neverdying spirit. Severine: I was born and brought up in Mangalore. When I was 19 years old, I moved to Mumbai for work. Since then I ve settled here. I love Mangalore but family responsibilities have kept me in this city. Mumbai has not changed much in these years except that there are many more buildings and more people. Leandra: Though I am originally from Goa, I was born and brought up in Mumbai. My husband, also a Goan, was born and brought up in Ujjain. After a month s stay in Ujjain post marriage, my husband and I moved to Dubai, where I worked as a nurse at the Ministry of Health. I shifted to India in 1996 when my husband lost his job and it became difficult for me to raise my two sons with my meagre income. Of all the places that I ve lived, I would prefer Mumbai since Church, educational facilities, markets, groceries etc. are readily available. Moreover, I love the fast life of Mumbai. Nathalia: I was born and brought up in Mangalore. I came to Mumbai after I got married in My husband worked for an oil mill at Sion. We lived with our 4 children (1 son and 3 daughters) in a one-room house and were happy. My husband s monthly income was just Rs. 90/- and yet we could save money after all the monthly expenditure. We never took a loan for anything. Our house was our Vol. 3-2, September

21 bank, safe in all ways. The people, then, were very sincere, kind, loving and very helpful but now I see a big difference in people s attitude and behaviour no respect, no love for God and his creation. Isabella & John: I am from Kasargod but I have been frequenting this city since I was a year old. I used to live in Bandra. My husband, John, came from Gongolli (Mangalore) to Mumbai in Mumbai then, was beautiful and things were cheaper and affordable. The population and traffic was lesser. Travelling within the city was peaceful and easy. Tina & Nazarene: I was born in Goa and brought up in Tanzania, East Africa. After marriage, I moved to Mumbai. My husband, Nazarene, was born in Goa and came to Mumbai to work as a youth. Mumbai back then, was clean, not at all polluted whereas now it is overcrowded and noise pollution is at its peak. In Mira Road itself, the catholic population is bursting at the seams; however, it s more the merrier. Auto rickshaw stands need to be properly regulated, there is too much of chaos there. The Municipality should do something to get rid of the mosquito menace there is not much fumigation done. Augusta & Francis: I was born in Goa and brought up in Mumbai. I moved to Mumbai to join my father as he worked here during the Portuguese time. Back then, travelling to Mumbai from Goa via Karwar required having a passport and getting a visa. My husband, Francis, was born and brought up in Mumbai. Life then was simple, peaceful and cost effective, even with a small earning, the needs of a family of 5-6 members could be easily looked after. Water supply was available 24 hours. There were water pumps on each and every street, and the municipality cleaned the roads with water every fortnight. Water is like gold now, very scarce. No plastic bags were used as we do now. Although we have a luxurious life now, it is a costly affair. Life is very hectic. The place is very congested, and a concrete jungle. Miss those days where we travelled by trams. Travelling these days by trains or buses is cumbersome. Roads are filthy, piled with garbage. Augusta Johnson: I was born in Goa. I moved to Delhi at the age of seven in the year 1957, after receiving holy communion to join my parents as my father worked there and then moved to Mumbai for studies. Mumbai (Bombay) then was very beautiful full of helpful, selfless and affectionate people, but now money rules people. Beautiful Mumbai is now so dirty. 3. How do you spend your day? What kind of activities are you involved in? Leena: My day begins with filling water, making breakfast for my husband, purchasing groceries etc. My life, in a way, revolves around my husband and family. I do not have a specific hobby but I love to spend as much time as possible with the Lord. In my youth, I have helped the needy in every way possible. Since my granddaughter was born 14 years ago, I have been very committed in my personal and community prayer life. Bernadette: I spend my time doing spiritual work. I am involved with the Adult Catechumate of the Diocese on Sundays. I conduct prayer meetings at churches in Bhayander East & West. I spend my free time visiting families in need, counselling and praying for them. Stella: I spend my time cooking, praying, watching TV, reading newspapers and books. When I was young, I served as a Junior Legionary. I always wish to participate in church programs but I cannot leave my husband alone who is sick these days. I do not have a specific hobby but I love catching butterflies. In my school days, I used to spend hours in the garden playing with butterflies. Today, due to the decreasing greenery, I hardly get to see them. I wish I would get those days back. Severine: I spend my time singing hymns, cooking and reading magazines (Rakhno, Kutam). On weekends, my children come home or we go to their place. Leandra: My husband went missing two years ago. Since then, I spend my time taking care of my grandchildren and an old aunt. On every first and third Thursday, I help as a nurse in the medical cell 15 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

22 of our Parish. I love stitching, especially, embroidery which I practiced diligently in my youth days. Cooking, too, is something that I love and am wellversed with. Nathalia: God has blessed me with good health; he has called me to work for his shrine so for thepast 3 years I have been working as a helper to keep the shrine clean. I am the servant of the Lord and I spend my day at the Lord s feet. I love to make friends and talk to everyone. Isabella & John: We spend our time reading magazines and books, watching television, meeting people and going for walks. Tina & Nazarene: We spend time by tutoring children, share trading, and are also engaged in church activities since Augusta & Francis: We spend our time with household chores, church activities etc. Earlier we had family time, where all of us gathered for meals and listen to music as well as dance in the afternoon. Parties and outings were a regular family and friends affair. Augusta Johnson: I spend my time by writing a diary on the good old days (penning my husband s memories) of the enjoyable moments with my husband, as I am missing him. I also read the scriptures. 4. Do you have any suggestions/ recommendations for activities involving senior citizens? Leena: Senior citizens should have get-togethers wherein they can talk, share their experience, feelings and advice. Bernadette: In my youth, I have been an athlete and have won a silver cup at the commercial college level. Our Parish lacks activities for senior citizens. Senior citizens should be involved in all cultural programs of the Parish also. I would like to congratulate the Paraliturgy Team for including a senior citizen dance in their Parents Day program I would like our Parish to have activities like sports, dance, singing, tailoring etc for senior citizens. Stella: I would like the communities to have gettogethers for senior citizens. We feel good if people come home and speak to us for some time. It makes our day. Severine: I would like to have more get-togethers for senior citizens and more involvement in the church. Leandra: Senior citizens should have learning forums like cooking, stitching, dancing, singing etc. I feel it will help to keep us healthy and lively. Nathalia: The senior citizens can be involved in activities that keep them active and mobile. Isabella & John: The senior citizens should take it easy, relax and go for walks. There should be some simple exercise groups and maybe handloom workshops. Tina & Nazarene: Activities that I would recommend for senior citizens are housie, card game known as whist drive which would help us meet and interact with different people. Augusta & Francis: Senior citizens must be involved in various other church activities, entertainment programmes, taken for outings etc. Augusta Johnson: We should be involved in the youth activities, as we feel left out by them. 5. Any special advice for the younger generation? Leena: I feel my grandchildren and the present youth with their modernisation should not forget their roots. They should respect their elders, be honest in their doings and help the needy. Moreover, they should follow their heart and not follow others. Bernadette: The present generation should not treat us like old and dependent. It hurts us too much. Instead of only reserving seats for us, we should be involved in every activity. As we all are a creation of God, we are unique and independent. Though health might have failed many of us, but we still love to stay young in every way possible. Stella: I love the present generation and its lifestyle. I wish I, too, was a part of it. This generation is wiser than us. I think they are best and they do not require any change. Severine: Today s generation should learn the principle of hard work. I was poor and uneducated Vol. 3-2, September

23 but with hard work, my husband and I brought up our children with good values and now they are well-settled. This is how people should live today. Leandra: I feel the future generation should be more God-fearing. There should also be some selfcontrol on their use of gadgets. Isabella & John: As there is so much chaos in the world today, this generation should strive to bring peace around them. Take care of their health and cultivate healthy eating habits since the food that we eat today is not naturally obtained but is artificially processed. Build a pious, peaceful and healthy stress-free life. Tina & Nazarene: The future generation must focus on education. Inter-religious marriages should be discouraged. Take care of natural resources especially water conserve water. Create water bodies in hills and mountains by sinking tanks in them. Respect the sanctity of the Church stop using mobiles while the Eucharistic celebration is on, dress up modestly, lift the stools up instead of dragging them and disturbing everyone. Respect and spend time with your elders. Augusta & Francis: Parents and senior citizens must be treated in a dignified way. Parents should inculcate values of love and care as well as spend time with their loved ones, especially the seniors. Unlike the earlier days, parents must ensure that both sons and daughters are treated equally. Children should be taught how to mingle with the elders. They must accompany the elders for outings, instead of only moving out with their friends. Augusta Johnson: The present generation must atleast visit the senior citizens and show that we are wanted. We thank you, our senior Parishioners for your valuable and candid sharing! Precious time with our Seniors Christopher Mascarenhas Ave Maria Community The Golden Years, the years after retirement, are sometimes considered the slower years of one s life. Even those past retirement age can participate in many fitness classes, games, and social activities; showing that senior citizens do not have to slow down or stop feeling young at heart just because they are old. Many of the activities are geared towards those that still live independently in their own homes. Besides physical activity, it is also important to continue to work one s cognitive and social aspects of the body as well. Memory games, puzzles, board games are a few ways to continue exercising one s mind. Educating youngsters, getting involved with various activities are healthy ways to continue social interaction well into one s later years. Senior Citizens who live in nursing homes with no families and those who can't be with their families, get lonely. That's where we step in - visit and spend time with them on a regular basis and treat them as our own care for them, laugh with them, read to them, sing songs, play cards and board games or teach them how to use a computer etc., and thus create a happy environment. Nursing homes also offer daily activities like arts, crafts and fitness programs. We may volunteer to visit and spend time with these senior citizens on our own or with a group, but it is fun to get a lot of people involved, especially the youth and children around. We may also adopt a grand-friend, which is great for those who don't have grandparents. To sum up, spending our precious time with our seniors can teach us more about life and it s valuable lessons. 17 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

24 Five Beauties of Self-Control For Our Senior Friends Fr. Michael Morris Shenoy, OCD Introduction According to Erik Erikson people can enhance or weaken their personality all through life (Freud believed personality development ended early in life). He called his theory life-span-development psychology. According to him our personality development consists of eight stages. One becomes a senior during the seventh stage. It spans from 30 to 65 years. So, a senior should be productive in his late fifties and early sixties. This generativity need not result in children. He/she continues to feel fulfilled if he/she creates products, ideas, plans etc. if he/she stagnates doing nothing the whole day, the three D witches discouragement, depression and despair will haunt him. Erikson calls the last and eighth stage (65 +) Mature Age. Here one reviews ones past life, feels satisfied about completed goals, accepts the omissions and wrong commissions serenely and humbly. He/she accepts the increasing limitations gracefully; he/she strengthen their trust in God s loving providence. Here one tries to make the best use of her/his talents and skills for the family and society. But if he/she ruminates about the past failures and present helplessness, he/she will only distance himself/herself from the existential grip and end up in existential angst (feeling of nothingness and emptiness). So here are Five beauties of self control for our senior friends. First Beauty When you control your negative thoughts right from rising, you tend to become contributive and productive. So, when you get up in the morning, straight go to the Vol. 3-2, September mirror, smile for a couple of minutes and enjoy that lovely face of yours (Robin Sharma, who will cry when you die). Have you not read in the bible, God loves a cheerful giver? Second Beauty You have it, when you control your eating and drinking. Desire, urge is different from reality and need. Meet your need but don t feed your greed. Say to yourself, My gut feeling and/or doctor s advice should tell me, when? What? And how much! (Read Titus 2:2-6) Third Beauty Control your thirst for gossip, especially in the evening, on the bench in the park. It is so salubri to have an evening walk and relaxation in the park. But if instead gossip takes place you go to sip the poison. Have some jokes ready, discuss politics, and suggest some of your wife s own recipes to his wife (Read Prov: 20:19)

25 Do you want the Fourth Beauty? Dining table is darling of a home. In many homes, we see all arguments, outbursts or old age murmuring takes place during lunch or dinner time. An enchanting smile from a senior of the house gives good appetite, good digestion and good sleep to all. See what beauty you can create with this self control. Fifth Beauty SENIOR TO JUNIOR Lawrence W. D'Souza Immaculate Conception Community Don Bosco said it rightly with the cheerful, the time flies control your fears or, What if I die in sleep, what if I get cancer, what if my children dump me in the old age home, am I a burden? Control your tears of self pity. All of us have long stories of our martyrdom. But brooding on those stories makes us recoil within, become introvert and morose. Sing, I am so glad I belong to Jesus I belong to my children and life partner (Read 2Tim:1-7). You were naughty, yet our dream You got all you wanted, candy & ice-cream You were our life, soul and heart With your smile our day would start. We gave the best to you, cotton and silk Brought you up with blood, sweat and milk Fed you with butter, jam and honey Often in trouble, never looked at money. Fever and cold to you, we were worried To doctors and specialists, you were carried Best in life we prayed for you You were our tomorrow, the only hope we knew You are our treasure, ornaments and gold Now you are young and we are old Remember to live as we have told Only then you will be happy and bold Parents are too precious, make them friends Tomorrow you will be one, life has its bends With mobiles and internet, think for a while We need your love, warmth and smile. 19 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

26 Senior Citizens Boon to the family Elvis Mattos St. Lawrence Community Senior citizens are the building blocks and the backbone of both the family as well as the society. They have a good collection of knowledge and experience which can become the pathway of our so called junior citizen lives. Today, it is very sad to see that the elderly are mostly ignored in families irrespective of whether they stay together or separate. Nuclear family concept is gaining popularity. In the case of a nuclear family most often, both spouses are working and the child is neglected. Usually the child is put in crèche/ Day Care centers or a full-time maid is employed as an alternative solution. In the same situation, if our parents live with us, they will definitely be a great support in nurturing our children. Not only is there an element of trust and dependency but they would also be a source of inspiration for spiritual and moral values for the child. We in turn can show care and love to our parents who have given us so much and are now supporting the upbringing of our children. A grandfather should be the root of our family, but today we expect our family tree to grow fruitfully without its roots. His advice, suggestions and experience will go a long way in ensuring happiness and success in our family. He can be the best buddy for your child but this is not possible unless you too be the best buddy for your father. Senior citizens often get tagged as being boring and perceived as a curse rather than a boon to the family. They become a burden and nuisance in our family and the immediate solution is to move them to an Old Age Home. Those not comfortable with the Old Age Home concept have come up with a still better solution ill-treatment. In certain families, the elderly are not only verbally abused but are abused physically also and beaten up. Senior Citizens sometimes become role models even at such an advanced age. Take the example of Mahatma Gandhi - the most powerful leader and politician ever documented in history. Also, in recent times, we witnessed Anna Hazare creating the biggest revolutionary movement in independent India. How can we forget Mother Teresa? Today, everyone looks at her as one of the most inspiring person because of her innumerable qualities of caring, sharing, serving, and forgiving. Let us try our best to make a difference to the senior citizens around us by: Small acts like helping them while entering a bus, crossing the streets, climbing stairs, offering seats, carrying bags, accompanying them whenever they travel alone etc. Adopting security measures within our home to prevent any criminal acts against them in our absence. Preventing any physical abuse in our homes or in the neighbourhood and reporting such incidents to the Special Protection Cell. Respecting their views and opinions, assist them in their routine work; involve them in our decisions, most importantly, show love and care for them. Visit Old Age Homes and spend time with the residents. Provide financial support and voluntary service in such institutions. As I conclude, I would like to mention that this is the first article that I have written since college years and would like to dedicate this to my angel mother who would be turning 60 years this December and joining the senior citizens category soon. Vol. 3-2, September

27 Celebrating Senior Priests The Real Treasure As soon as I read that the theme for the next issue of was on Senior Citizens and the deadline for giving in material was 5th August...all I could think of was Senior Citizens- Vianney Sunday- Senior Priests - the message from God was clear- I recognized that I was being shown a need to highlight on the topic- The Forgotten Ones- SENIOR PRIESTS!! Yes, many will send in poems and articles about The Aged, The Retired, The Homes for The Aged and I could write pages about my own personal experiences of visits to Aged Homes both in my Youth as well as now as a Eucharist Minister but I chose to bring to light the lives of Senior Citizens who are Priests. A Young priest gives up his own family, the luxuries and pleasures of this world and tirelessly listens to our family problems and offers help and solutions while also performing pastoral duties, Tulip D souza Queen of Helpers Community administering the sacraments and celebrating mass...years go by and that same priest is now older, maybe having health problems or unable to move about as before...he is unable to meet the demands of the parishioners or perform his duties What happens to the priests in such situations??? What happens to a priest, when he is ill, infirm or when he retires? Does he fade out of our memory or do we care to find out details like Where does he now live, and who takes care of him if he needs daily assistance? Do we come forward to do our bit to help...? We visit the residents in an Aged Home even if they are not our relatives...but what about that 'OLD' Priest who served in your Parish? Along with others 21 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

28 we, too, may have criticized him for not being loud and clear while delivering the Homily, we may have got impatient and annoyed when we found that 'That Old Priest' is celebrating mass!! Suddenly one day we find "that old Priest" has left - transferred to another parish or to one of the homes of their Priestly order- but do we bother to find out where the Priest has gone? Or do we just give a big sigh of relief, now, that we won't see him around? That Priest may have baptized you or your child, may have blessed your marriage or that of your child, that Priest may have come willingly,late at night to administer the last Sacraments and pray for your loved one s recovery or when someone was dying or had passed away! We do know that if a person has consecrated his life through vows, then he is a consecrated man and belongs to a religious community...as a member of the brotherhood, his brothers must take care of him. Many of us also know that Jesuit priests who are sick and retired are looked after at Vinayala, Andheri. The Convents too provide for and look after the sick and/or aged nuns of their order and some have a special home like the J&M sisters have at Boat Club Road, Pune. In our Parish, we are lucky enough to have a Senior Citizen Priest who is 'Young at heart'...who has a vast storage of worldly wisdom combined with spiritual wisdom, who is also more effective than any Psychiatrist, for his good usage of Applied Psychology is relevant especially in today's changing world. Personally, Fr. Michael reminds me of the epic story 'The Man for all Seasons' except On your 1st year birthday that Fr. Michael is for us - 'the Man for all agegroups' - equally sought after by Youth, Adults and Children...so he is available for all of us - does that mean he is a Superman? - No, like all other Senior citizens of his age - he does get tired, he does forget things, he does need his rest... Let us keep in our thoughts and prayers all the Priests we have known throughout our lives-especially those who have administered the Sacraments to us - that they may be at peace and well looked after and remembered by us in their senior years. That would be more meaningful than all the wishes and cards we send them on Vianney Sunday. These are the Senior Citizens-Rare Gems- that we need to cherish-the Senior Priests. SENIOR MOMENT An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, your hearing is perfect your family must be really pleased that you can hear again. The gentleman replied, Oh, I haven t told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I ve changed my will three times! 75th birthday Dear Ruth, May you find life's rainbow and always see the sun may your heart know peace and gladness when at last each day is done Happy birthday to you! Wishes from Dada, Mama and Brother Reeth. Mary Cordeiro 5th October 2012 Zolma disache ullas patoitaum Ye tumchea 75vea zolma disa Sombromanche git gaun magtaum Zavondi mhunn nandan jivan tumche Sobit sondor jivan tumchem Swadik gullob tashem Jieyella sovarth prosaron Folladik jini saron Daughters, Sons-in-law, Grandchildren Vol. 3-2, September

29 Compiled & contributed by Leena Jaimon MSc NSg (CHN) St. Lawrence Community Welfare & Protection for Silver Citizens INTRODUCTION Geriatrics is a branch of medicine which differs from standard adult medicine because it focuses on the unique needs of the elderly person. The population aged 60 years and above is defined as geriatric population. Geriatricians aim to treat any diseases that are present in the elderly and to decrease the effects of aging on the body. As per Census 2001, there were 7,66,22,321 senior citizens in our country and their population is growing very fast and by the year 2016 the population of senior citizens will be more than ten per cent of the total population of the nation. Majority of these senior citizens are unable to take care of themselves and do not have sufficient means to lead a decent and happy life. Due to near disintegration of joint family system and economic considerations by their kith and kin, the senior citizens are being ignored by their near and dear ones and are left to fend for themselves being compelled to lead a lonely and disappointed life. PROBLEMS OF GERIATRIC POPULATION IN AN URBAN AREA Economic hardship - On retirement, the income is suddenly reduced, hence many luxuries and in some cases even basic necessities become unaffordable. Continuous low standard of living, affects the body and the mind. Degenerative diseases and long-term illnesses - The most common diseases affecting elderly people are ischemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, respiratory diseases and arthritis. Advances in science and technology have prolonged the expectancy of life but have failed to enhance the quality of life. Death of spouse- Companionship and love greatly affect the physical wellbeing of the aged person. Lack of social security In most of the developing countries, pension and social security is restricted to those who have worked in the public sector or the organized sector of industry. Increasing cost of housing facilities and changing workplace dynamics also affect the social security of the person. The mental changes- include impairment of memory, rigidity of outlook and dislike of changing trends and socio-cultural norms Nuclearization of families- The break-up of the joint family system has contributed to the afflictions faced by the elderly. 23 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

30 WELFARE OF ELDERLY Rapid growth of the population of the elderly is a challenge to the medical profession, the administration and society. The elderly people suffer from a variety of health and social problems which are increasingly drawing the attention of the Government and the public. Below are some of the measures undertaken or planned by various Government ministries/ agencies: Ministry Of Social Justice & Empowerment: Responsible for the welfare of the senior citizen and implement schemes for their benefit. An integrated program for Older Persons (Plan Scheme): 90% Financial assistance to voluntary Organizations to establish and maintain Old Age Homes, Day Care Centers, Mobile Medicare Units and to provide non institutional services to older persons. Ministry of Finance: Income tax rebate up to an income of Rs.1.85 lacs per annum Higher rates of interest on savings scheme offering in banks (9% p.a.in post office) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: Reservation of two seats for senior citizens in front row of all buses of the State Road Transport Ministry of Railways: The Indian Railways provides a flat 30 per cent rebate on fares in all classes of coaches of all trains. The government has also created special booking counters for senior citizens to prevent extreme discomfort and health problems caused by standing in long queues. Ministry of Civil Aviation: Indian Airlines & Air India provides discounts to senior citizens who are 60 years of age. Senior citizens in wheelchairs are allowed to board the plane first. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Separate queues for registration and clinical examination. Ministry of Consumer Affairs Public food distribution for those below poverty line (BPL) under Antyodaya Scheme. Families with older persons are provided food 35kg per family-(rice-rs 3/- per kg Wheat Rs 2/- per kg) Under the Annapurna Scheme -10 kg of food grains are provided free of cost for the families Central Government Health Scheme: Retired personnel who have worked in Central Government bodies are assured of their health care needs to be taken care through the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). This scheme for pensioners provides medical assistance to retired central government officials, freedom fighters and widows of government officials along with their dependants. The CGHS Scheme also covers Delhi police personnel, retired judges of the Supreme Court, Parliament secretaries and their families. It provides pensioners of Central Government offices the facility to obtain medicines for chronic ailments up to three months at a stretch. The National Mental Health Program: Focuses on the needs of senior citizens who are affected with Alzheimer s and other dementias, Parkinson s disease, depression and psychogeriatric disorders. Department of Telecommunications: Faults/complaints of senior citizens are given priority by registering them under senior citizens category with VIP flag (priority category). Senior citizens are allowed to register telephone connection under N-OYT Special Category, which is a priority category. PROTECTION & MAINTENANCE OF ELDERLY Though section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 provides for maintenance allowance that the senior citizens can claim from their legal heirs, but generally the majority of senior citizens do not claim maintenance Vol. 3-2, September

31 because of their ignorance or self-pride which compels them to disown their kith and kin who they feel have dumped them. Though a National Old Age pension scheme is still to be launched, some State Governments in India have already implemented schemes for financial assistance to elderly citizens without any source of support. The Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana is one such scheme. The National Housing Bank is planning to introduce a 'reverse mortgage' scheme under which a senior citizen who owns a house can avail of a monthly stream of income against mortgage of the house. The senior citizen remains the owner and occupies the house throughout his or her lifetime, without repayment or servicing of the loan. Regulations are to be put in place to allow creation of mortgage guarantee companies. THE MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF PARENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS ACT, 2007 (Refer This Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on 29th December, 2007 This Act puts the children/ grandchildren or relative, as the case may be, under obligation to maintain a senior citizen including parent who is unable to maintain himself from his own earning or property owned by him to the extent that the senior citizen may lead a normal life. The Act sets directives to State Government for establishment of Old Aged Homes and provision of medical care facilities in hospitals. These days another alarming trend which is emerging is that lonely senior citizens are being murdered either for their property or are robbed and they are becoming easy targets of the criminals. This Act helps to give utmost security by protection of life and property of senior citizens. As per this Act, whoever, having the care or protection of senior citizen leaves, such senior citizen in any place with the intention of wholly abandoning such senior citizen, shall be punishable with imprisonment and fine. CONCLUSION Old age should be regarded as normal, inevitable biological phenomenon, and ageing as a universal process. So To all vibrant enthusiastic children and youth: Today s youth is tomorrow s senior citizen. Do not live today in a hurry to make a bright tomorrow. Find the time for right eating habits, have a hobby that keeps one mentally busy and gives you good night s sleep. Believe that life is a gift, to be enjoyed and maximized. In our busy schedule the best gift you can give to your parents/ grandparents is.. yes the precious gift of your TIME - quality time spent with them will not only make them feel happy and cherished but will enrich you with good values and spiritual grace. To all my silver citizens: Health is wealth; today age is just a number! Just like the real life idol - Amitabh Bachhan, who ran 300m for Olympics and Pranab Mukerji, our 13 th President of Republic India, remain active, promote and sustain friendships, have positive thinking, regular activities, a healthy, balanced diet and adequate rest. Realize and accept one s own limitations. You have worked hard and fulfilled your responsibilities, now it's time to think about your needs, your comforts, and your peace of mind. The time has come to enjoy life on your own terms. Studies done in retirement resorts abroad have shown that a good combination of physical and mental activities helps you to live over 23% longer and healthier. Also our new generation, who are not aware about the moral values and importance of Indian culture, need your valuable insights and experience. You have sacrificed many things in your life for our welfare and became the stepping stones for us. We love you! References for benefits & schemes under various ministries: Vol. 3-2, September 2012

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33 Newly designed Adoration Chapel A newly designed Adoration Chapel at St. Joseph Church, Mira Road was inaugurated on 1 st August 2012, at 8.30pm by Bishop Bosco Penha, after the celebration of solemn Eucharist. On this auspicious occasion our Parish Priest, Fr. Dominic Vas and his team along with a large number of parishioners were present. Feeling of joy and grace filled the atmosphere. Fr. Dominic thanked all the sponsors for their generosity and prayed upon them God s choicest blessings. The Adoration Chapel will be open on all weekdays from 6.30 am to 9.00 pm All parishioners are welcome to join in adoring our most beloved Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. Praying for special petitions and intercessions for all your needs will be conducted in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Memorable evening with Prince Jacob Amchea Gharant Tiatr a Konkani drama by Prince Jacob was staged on 14 th July 2012, for the first time in the Community Hall. The drama conveyed a beautiful message stating how there are fights and quarrels in the family between daughterin-law and mother-in-law, how orphan girls treat family members once they are married into these families and finally how our families become a tiatr or drama for our neighbours. The hall was packed to capacity and the audience was seen having a really good time. Prince Jacob thanked the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas for the support he gave for staging the programme and also for promoting Konkani language. This drama was organized under the competent leadership of pastoral helpers. During the intermission, Fr. Dominic felicitated all the sponsors and thanked everyone who made this drama a great success. Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel The feast dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel was celebrated on 15 th July, 2012 with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration which was con-celebrated by the Parish Priest, Fr. Dominic Vas along with his team. Fr. Dominic preached an inspiring homily on the theme of Idol worship and Veneration of Statues. During the days of novena, in preparation for the feast, the Brothers gave beautiful reflections on various topics like Scripture and Tradition, Formation of Sacraments, Communion of Saints and so on. On the feast day, 14 OCDS candidates were inducted into novitiate and 5 OCDS made their first profession. They were accompanied in their formation by Fr. Ivan D Souza. Soon after the Mass, the new Altar Servers Handbook named Born to Love- Born to Serve was inaugurated by Fr. Michael M. Shenoy. Fr. Dominic appreciated the hard work of Br. Pawan who was instrumental in publishing this handbook. Scapulars, the sign of the motherly protection of Mary, were distributed to all parishioners during all the masses of the day. In the evening, Carmel Family get-together was held at Anubhav. It was a nice opportunity where secular Carmelite members shared their joys and happiness. The newly professed members were felicitated and the brothers conducted few creative games. The fellowship concluded with the monastic dinner. 27 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

34 A New Beginning for Altar Servers Association Our young and energetic Altar Servers began a new year with the motto: Born to Love, Born to Serve. This is the first time that our Parish has 240 Altar Servers! They have been divided into 12 main groups and further divided into two batches for the sake of convenience. Our spiritual director, Fr. Micheal Morris Shenoy with the assistance of Br. Pawan Saldanha guides and trains the children to be better Altar Servers. The Head Animator of the Altar Servers Association is Stephen Rodrigues who is assisted by Neville as well as 6 other animators viz. Sylvia, Arnette, Trency, Rachel, Seema, and Cheryl. The handbook Born to Love - Born to Serve, released this year, instructs the Altar Servers in their duties and helps them to perform their functions smoothly. Along with this, a card system has been introduced to keep a record of all the servings of each Altar Server. A card competition had been organized on 2 nd July, 2012 for the Altar Servers on the occasion of Parent s Day. Annual Get-together of Parish Choir Association On 8 th July 2012, the choirs of St. Joseph Church congregated for their annual get-together. The event got off to a rousing start with over 130 choir members taking part in a praise and worship session. Later Fr. Ivo, the Assistant Choir Director addressed the assembled choirs lauding them for the selfless service they render to the enhancement of the Holy Eucharist round the year. This was followed by a creative PowerPoint presentation by Mr. Lionel Noronha, the Assistant Choir Leader on the formation, growth and progress of the St. Joseph Church choirs. Ms. Asha Fernandes, the compere for the day then led the participants ranging from school-going children making their first foray into the children choirs to adults well past their prime, and veterans in their respective choirs into some fun and games. Fr. Dominic Vas, the Parish Priest added a word of praise for all present and also exhorted them to work hard for the upcoming Parish venture, Vox Dei. This was followed by a session of music and dance and the event concluded with Mr. Cloyd D mello, the Choir Leader addressing all choir members. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner to cap off an entertaining day! Visit The Choir page on for photographs and videos. Orientation Program for SCC Animators The SCC animators began the academic year with an orientation programme on 17 th June The Spiritual Director, Fr. Ivan D souza welcomed the gathering and Mr. Clifford Faria introduced the resource person for the program - Mr. Thomas, a faculty member of FILM-C TOA. Through the vast treasuries of his own experience as a teacher and a leader, he helped the animators to understand the importance of Small Christian Communities. He encouraged animators to go the extra mile in getting to know each member of the community. It was an enriching two hour session with loads of good learning and motivational thoughts to pep up all the animators at the beginning of a new academic year. Mr. Clifford Faria represented the animators in expressing their gratitude to Mr. Thomas for an enlightening and practical training session. He appreciated and acknowledged the vibrancy and commitment of the group. Vol. 3-2, September

35 Parents Day Sunday School P A R E N T S is for the PRIDE they take in what their children do is for the ACHES they bear to make all dreams come true is for their READINESS to calm their children s fears is for their EAGERNESS to wipe away all tears is for the NEST they made to rear each little one is for the TIME they spend to see each task is done is for the SMILE you get from a happy MOM & DAD PARENTS are God s earthly partners and our first teachers, who taught us the first lessons and continue to teach us many things in our life in the best way. Parents were our leaders and also instructors for our first steps into the outside world, who set a great store by all the lessons which will be with us our whole life. In order to honour parents and to appreciate the care, love and support they never cease to provide, Rev. Fr. Arwin Tauro along with the animators Ms. Magdalene Ferrao and Veronica Noronha, catechists and children of Sunday school invited the parents for a planned morning of meaningful skits, songs, dances etc., and also to hand over the cards prepared by them and letters penned to thank parents for being there through all ups and downs. Although a small way of showing our gratitude for the parents, it was a morning well spent. PARENTS without you this world would Paraliturgy F.A.M. I.L.Y - Father and Mother, I Love You!!! Children of Sunday School - Paraliturgy expressed their never-say-die attitude and undying love for their parents by presenting Parents Day Programme 2012 Theme: Senior Citizens, an evening packed with surprises, led by Rev. Fr. Arwin Tauro and our animator Mr. Kevin Raposo. It began with the Mission & Vision Statement followed by an audio visual on the facts and myths of Child Abuse which was very informative for all present. From the Emcee to the 200 tiny-tots to daddies, mummies, and not to forget our senior citizens; all dazzled the stage with mind blowing performances that kept the 1000 odd people glued to their seats for a whole 2 hour programme. It ended with the distribution of snacks. Hats Off to our teachers, little performers and parents who invested their time, and put their minds and hearts together to make each performance a memorable one. Our heartfelt gratitude, to all who graced us with your presence and made it a valuable memory. NATURE IS OUR BEST DOCTOR August 5th, 2012: Renowned naturopathist Fr. M Britto Joseph, SJ, conducted a basic course on naturopathy i.e., Turn to Nature at St. Joseph Church, Mira Road in the community hall. The response of the people was good and more than 150 participants attended the course and benefited from it. Sessions were conducted from morning till evening strongly telling that the cure for most of the sicknesses lies in nature. Fr. Britto shared his experience and ideas on natural medication so that we enjoy good and better health. Fr. Dominic Vas, the Parish Priest thanked him for coming and sharing his valuable experience and making people aware of naturopathy medicine. SENIOR MOMENT Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, you are really doing great, aren t you? Morris replied, Just doing what you said, doctor: Get a hot mamma and be cheerful. The doctor said, I didn t say that.., I said You have got heart murmur, be careful. 29 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

36 TESTIMONIES OF GOD S HEALING TOUCH Throughout the Gospel we find that Jesus ministry was of healing and deliverance. Jesus has said in his word, Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in me and the works that I do, he will do greater works than these. (Jn.14:12). Jesus brought glory and grace which manifested in the life of praying people of God. I had menstrual problem since the past eight months. I started attending the Hindi prayer meeting every Monday. I put in a petition and requested Br. Rajan to pray for me. Whilst praying, he got a word from the Lord that I was healed. My painful heel which caused me to limp was also healed. On going home I discovered that Jesus had healed me completely. I am grateful to Lord Jesus for healing me. - Dominica Gonsalves I suffered from urinary tract infection. I put a petition for healing, and when Br. Rajan prayed over me, I experienced the tremendous power of God and was instantly healed of this problem. I thank and praise Lord Jesus. - Leena Sequeira Master Civil & Engineering Contractors Building repairing, building services, terrace water proofing, whether shed, A C Sheet roofing, Structural steel Fabrication, Plumbing, Interior and painting, Marbel and Granite tilling. I was suffering from throat pain and was unable to breath or eat solid food. I sought medical help, but of no avail. Putting my hope in the Lord, I attended the First Friday Retreat, and pleaded with the Lord for healing. On reaching home, I was happy to find out that the pain vanished. I also received another favour from Jesus. I wanted to take up a job as a teacher, but some sort of fear prevented me from looking for a job. I prayed at the retreat and the Lord touched me and removed all fear. He strengthened me, and I was finally able to take up a teaching job in school. Praise the Lord! - Neumosa Braganza My husband was suffering from high diabetes, and as a result of this he had no appetite and was very weak. His eyes also gave him a problem. My husband and I attended the First Friday Retreat. After the service the medical reports showed that he is normal. I thank Rev. Fr. Dominic and Br. Rajan for organizing the First Friday retreat.. All glory be to Jesus for his mighty deeds! Contact Francis Michael Tel Or B/12-3, Poonam Nagar, Phase No. 3 Shatni Park Dr. Ambedkar Road, Near RNA Courtyard Mira Road (East) Vol. 3-2, September

37 Healing Arthritis The Ayurveda Way Introduction Dr. Shanthi Fernandes Mount Mary Community Ayurveda is the Science of Life. It is not just a medical science but is a lifestyle. Every science must have a strong foundation in which it is built to withstand the challenges of time and new developments. Ayurveda is built on the firm foundation of basic principles including the Paanchabhothika, Thridosha, Sapthadhaathu, Thrimala, Agni, etc. theories. According to Ayurveda, physical body always goes on decaying every moment. This process is natural and leads to physiological ageing. This is an unavoidable process and thus a person naturally loses the level of health he enjoyed while young and there are lots of degenerative changes in the body. With ageing come different ailments, the predominant among them being arthritis. In the recent studies more than 60% people have suffered one or the other kind of arthritis in one age or the other. Joints are the parts in the body which along with the muscles provide mobility. Any disorder to these structures will affect the capacity of movement. The term Arthrum is related to joints and Itis to inflammation. So Arthritis simply means the inflammation of the joints which is then included under Rheumatic diseases. It is the most common of all the joint disorders and can affect any age group. But they are very common in old age because of the degenerative changes. There are over 100 types of arthritis disorders which includes Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Gout arthritis, Infectious arthritis, etc. Patients generally complain of experiencing pain which is often localised in the affected joints. Ayurvedic science included these disorders as Vaathavyaadhi (disorders due to the impairment of the Vaathadosha). Types of Arthritis its causes and symptoms One of the main causes of Arthritis, as per Ayurveda, is degeneration due to old age. It also mentions increased body weight, previous trauma, improper positioning, excess wear and tear of the joints, and aama (toxins in the body and also improperly digested food) as causative factors similar as in the modern science. The Ayurvedic view of Arthritis explains that when the impaired vaathadosha is located in the bones, it causes splitting pain in the bones and joints. The predominance of the vaathadosha in this ailment and its main character being the rookshana (drying up), explains why there is the drying up of the synovial fluid in the joints and more friction between the joints and the resultant pain. The different other manifestations are due to the associated dosha predominance and also the dhaathu (body tissues) affected. Ayurveda mentions Osteoarthritis as Asthigathavaatham, Rheumatoid arthritis as Sandhivaatham and Gout arthritis as Vaatharaktham, each having its own typical causative factors, symptoms and treatment. The most common of all arthritis affecting many people is Osteoarthritis. The high prevalence rate is also due to the increasing obesity rate along with the old age. It can affect both the larger and the smaller 31 Vol. 3-2, September 2012 DOCTOR'S CORNER

38 DOCTOR'S CORNER joints of the body, including the hands, feet, back, hip, and knee. Usually it is a result of the wear and tear of joints, but it can also be due to an injury. Osteoarthritis begins in the cartilage causing degeneration resulting in friction and erosion of the bones involved in the joint. Initially the symptoms begin with a minor pain but soon become persistent throughout the day and even at night. Being a disorder affecting the weight bearing joints, a long standing Osteoarthritis can result in debility. Even though it can affect both the genders at old age, women are at a higher risk due to the degenerative changes happening after menopause. Rheumatoid arthritis, another manifestation, starts in the smaller joints and later also affects the larger joints. This is also an inflammatory form of arthritis. The synovial membrane which acts as a cushion in the joints is affected, resulting in swelling and pain. This commonly affects persons between the age group of years, predominantly female. If left untreated the Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to debility and deformity. Another form of the ailment is Gout arthritis which is caused due to an increased level of Uric acid deposited in the joints. It causes sudden attacks of severe pain and tenderness, usually in a single joint and most often in the big toe. There is redness, swelling and warmth in the joints. Gout arthritis also leads to debility if left untreated for a long time. Apart from these a person who is having arthritis can develop Infectious arthritis due to bacteria, fungi or virus which reaches a joint through the blood stream. Ayurvedic Treatment of Arthritis The current developments in the field of laboratory analysis methods have enabled physicians to diagnose the diseases easily and accurately. These methods are used both by the modern and Ayurvedic physicians. But when coming to the treatments for these disorders, modern medicine gives only pain Vol. 3-2, September relieving medications and other symptomatic treatments and is unable to give a comprehensive treatment. Ayurveda believes in treating the disease by removing the actual root cause. The Ayurvedic way of treating these diseases is through both shamana (Alleviating) and shodhana (Expulsion) chikitsa. The shaman chikithsa includes medications taken internally in different forms, external applications, etc. and shodhana includes the Panchakarma therapy and its pre and post procedures along with Aamapaachaana (Improving digestion), Brumhana (Nourishment) and Rasaayana (Rejuvenating). In shaman chikithsa, the use of kashaayam (Decoctions), Arishtaasavaas (Fermented preparations), Gulikas (Tablets), Choornams (Powders), Ghrutha (Ghee), etc. are used. The duration of the intake of medicine depends on the condition of the patient. This is followed with specific diets and regimens which will support in the cure of the disease. Snehana (application of oils) is said to be the best treatment to relieve vaathadosha and that is why in most of these diseases, the application of the oil provides relief to the patient. Along with this, the application of heat through various means like Lepana (Paste), Upanaaha (Poultice), Potalasweda (Bolus) and special treatment procedure which combines the snehana (Oiling) and Pizhichil (fomentation-sudation methods) are beneficial in treating Arthritis. In chronic cases of arthritis, the Panchakarma treatment procedures are adopted. The patient is given internal snehana (Oils, ghee, etc.) and then swedana (hot therapies) thus channelizing the vitiated dosha (toxins) to the koshta (Alimentary canal). From here it is removed either through Vamana (Vomiting), Virechana (Purgation) or Basthi (Enema) treatments. This enables the complete evacuation of the impaired dosha resulting in curing the disease naturally. Among them the

39 Basthi karma is said to be the best treatment for alleviating the vaatha diseases. The shaman and shodhana chikithsa are followed by the rasaayana chikithsa which helps the person to regain his strength and thus also prevents the recurrence of the disease. These treatments are also effective in countering other minor ailments which are generally seen in aged people. Thus Ayurveda provides a comprehensive solution for arthritis along with the holistic wellbeing of the person. Cultivate Healthy Habits For Effective Healing Lifestyle changes are of much importance in the treatment of arthritis. A few general tips: Follow regular exercise routine like endurance exercises, stretch exercises and exercises for toning of muscles. Exercise can help relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Get enough sleep (8-10 hrs.) at night and avoid sleeping during day time Avoid remaining in one position for too long - avoid positions or movements that place extra stress on sore joints, Maintain a healthy diet - full of fruits and cooked vegetables, which contain important vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E and foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Always consume food which is easy to digest. Avoid spicy and fried food and reduce intake of tea, coffee and chocolate. Smoking and alcohol consumption are very dangerous Above all if you are overweight, it is very important to reduce weight. One should understand the changes happening in the body. Contact a doctor if there is a severe unexplained joint pain or if the pain persists for long or if the joint is swollen or if the movement is restricted or there is an increase of warmth around the joint. Early detection will always be an advantage in managing arthritis. Ageing is a normal process. We cannot stop that or the difficulties that follow with ageing. But awareness and a little caution can definitely reduce its impact and even sometimes avoid them. SENIOR MOMENT Couples in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they re physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember. Late that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. Want anything while I am in the kitchen? He asks. Will you get me a bowl of ice cream? Sure don t you think you should write it down so you can remember it? She asks. No, I can remember it. Well, I would like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so as not to forget it? He says, I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries. I would also like whipped cream. I m certain you ll forget that, write it down? She asks. Irritated, he says, I don t need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream- I got it, for goodness sake! Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, the old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment. Where s my toast? DOCTOR'S CORNER 33 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

40 Do you have plans & want to know how To create wealth for future needs? To help your child achieve his/her dream career without financial constrains? To prepare for a financially sound retired life? To save tax? To safe guard your hard earned money from getting eroded due to heavy medical expenses during an illness/ accident/ disability and Critical Illness? Plan for a better tomorrow by investing prudently today Good News for all Senior Citizens between the age of 65 yrs 74 yrs. You too can get a medical cover for a life time and save your loved ones from heavy medical expenses. Now get a comprehensive medical cover that covers maternity & new born baby expenses also covers OP Dental and Ophthalmic treatments. For complete Life Insurance & Medical Health Insurance Planning Contact : Merilyn D Costa, Senior Advisor Mob.: merilyndcosta@yahoo.com Vol. 3-2, September

41 Grandma s Health Secret Ragi Celestine D Silva Helen Fernandes St. Lawrence Community Holy Trinity Community One of the little known health secret from the olden days is the consumption of Indian Millet or Finger Millet, popularly known as Ragi and known as Nachno in Konkani. Karnataka is the leading producer of this nutritious cereal, accounting for 58% of India's Ragi production. It is in fact the staple diet in many villages across South India. People draw their strength heavily through consumption of Ragi porridge (kanji) or Ragi balls which is quite popular in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa. Benefits of Ragi: Ragi is rich in calcium, proteins and fibre. This makes it ideal for children (before they consume solid foods), for diabetics, nursing mothers and for elderly people. It helps in weight loss, lowers cholesterol and boosts the immune system. It not only has a cooling effect in the body but also builds strength and stamina. Some Ragi preparations: Here are some traditional preparations that we have learnt from our elders and followed in our homes for many years: 1. Porridge/ Kanji Boil a glass of water with a glass of milk, add 2 tbsps of ragi flour and stir gently bringing it to boil. Then remove from fire, add a pinch of salt and let it cool. Optional: You may add sugar/ honey/ jaggery syrup to sweeten it. 2. Cake/ Pudding Soak whole Ragi (2 cups) for 1 hour. Grind it into thick paste then pass it through a strainer to discard its peels. Add jaggery (100 gms.) and a pinch of salt and ½ tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder to it and mix thoroughly. Add grated tender coconut (as desired) and 1 tsp of homemade ghee or butter (optional). Mix well and cook on low heat. Keep stirring till it thickens. Add dry fruits (optional). Smear a plate with butter/ghee & pour the mixture and allow it to cool. Cut into pieces when cooled and serve. 3. Chapattis To 3 cups of Ragi flour, add 1 cup of wheat flour. Add a pinch of salt. Add water as desired and knead into dough. Roll into chapattis. 35 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

42 News from NYG Johnson Saldanha Parish Youth Lay Coordinator YOUTH POWER It is indeed a joy to report the NYG (Neighbourhood Youth Group) activities in some of the communities. NYG is a group of youth in our SCCs where we meet the youth who were in our school, college, coaching classes, hobby classes, and many others who have shifted their home to this new home or perhaps we may have not met. I invite each and every youth to take active part in your NYG. Collaborate with your NYG Leader and Assistant Leader to plan, decide, and execute activities in your NYG. The (PYAT) Parish Youth Animation Team led by Rev. Fr. Agnelo, have youth friendly animators who will also participate in your meetings. For each NYG, one PYAT coordinator is allotted who will help you in effective functioning of the NYG. They are Alistair, Olga Lewis, Violet Quadros, Irene Lobo, Vian Pinto and Johnson Saldanha. Our Parish has concentrated all its efforts to effectively establish NYGs, as the youth are the future of our church. Vibrant youth will result in a good family, NYG, parish, society, organization and all places where you represent. We are in the process of forming, reviving the NYGs through a new concept. Please be free to call me to help you form, sustain the NYG. The challenging task of forming a NYG in all SCCs, PYC (Parish Youth Council) at the parish level, and PYAT (Parish Youth Animation Team), was given to me by Bishop Bosco Penha and Fr. Dominic Vas, our Parish Priest, hence I request your cooperation and support to do justice to my role as Parish Lay Youth Coordinator. Below I present a few NYG activities conducted in the communities. St. Peter s Community Parents Day: The NYG with the support of the head, assistant head and the PPC member Mr. Aaron Nicholas, organized a function in the Infant Jesus Hall community hall for the senior parents (above 55 years) to celebrate Parents Day. Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas was the Chief Guest for the evening. There was an overwhelming response from the parents as they participated in large numbers. The Parish team was also a part of this evening. The celebration began with the opening prayer by Vol. 3-2, September

43 Rev. Fr. Michael Morris followed by an address from Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas. He emphasized on the importance of Senior Citizens in our families. A rare occasion was celebrated by us as Mr. & Mrs. Remedios completed 50 glorious years of married life. This moment was celebrated by prayer, cake cutting and snacks. A prayer dance and games organized by the youth made the evening joyful. A vote of thanks by Johnson Saldanha (PLYC) made their day. Friendship Day: The NYG came together to celebrate the bond of friendship. Being the occasion of friendship day, the youth had yet another opportunity to demonstrate the unity and love they have for one another. Vian Pinto, leader along with Regina Paul, assistant leader got together the youth at his place, where the function started at 5 p.m. with great zeal. It began with a prayer followed by and introduction of each youth, tying of friendship bands thus displaying their feeling of togetherness and also making new friends by breaking all barriers. Further, the youth had fun time with games, antakshari, jokes etc., truly making the evening sparking and cherishing. It was a perfect picture of bonding, a memorable day never to be forgotten by the youth, where they made new friends and showed gratitude towards the old ones. Someone said it well Plant a seed of Friendship; reap a Bouquet of HAPPINESS. St. Dominic Savio Community: It is far more than just a group. It is a family of youths who are willing to give their time and offer their talents to god. The members are known as Young Adults who are young at heart but at the same time adults who are responsible in whatever tasks assigned to them. We are a group of 13 dynamic individuals who are unique in their own sense. The PYAT Coordinator along with the leader and assistant leader meet every month to discuss new tasks and also each other s problems just as in a family and try to support each other by standing toe to toe in times of difficulty. As a family, we had been the winners of NYG Street Play that was held in the parish. We also represented our parish at the deanery level where six other parishes participated. The street play depicted the problems that the youth of today face and how they can turn away from their sins by calling out and repenting to God. Last year, a crib showing how Jesus would be born in today s 21 st century amidst all the chaos of life, was well appreciated by all, especially our non-catholic brethren. Recently, during our Community mass we had taken up the responsibility of educating the congregation on the life of St. Dominic Savio and to inspire others to be like him. We used new software Prezi which helped us put forth our points in a more systematic interesting way. During our Community get together we put up a light hearted skit which tickled the funny bone of everyone present. It was an initiative by us to create a little laughter among our adults who are stressed and busy with their own lives. Thus, overall it s been a great learning experience by being a part of the NYG, and pray that more youth join the NYGs and bear witness to the touching hand of God. SENIOR MOMENT A senior citizen said to his eighty-year old buddy: so I hear you are getting married? Yep! Do I know her? No! This woman, is she good looking? Not really. Is she good cook? No, she can t cook too well. Does she have lots of money? No! Poor as a church mouse. Why in the world do you want to marry her then? Because she can still drive! 37 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

44 heart The letters in Jesus' words are hidden in the picture. Find, circle them and complete the sentence. Once when Jesus was in the Temple, he said, "If any one t r _ t, let him _ o _ e to me and d r k" (Jn 7:37) Collected by Sabina Vol. 3-2, September

45 Carmelite history 3 from previous issue The Dark Ages! In the Course of many centuries, the standard of spirituality set by the Charismatic founders of religious congregations tends to decline. We see in the history that towards the end of the fourteenth century several factors contributed to weaken the spiritual life of the people of God. The main factors that contributed for the decline in spirituality are as follows: 1. The hundred years of war: The war between England and France ( ) which lasted more than hundred years caused damage to many monasteries and religious too were forced to participate in war. 2. The Black Death: The Black Death, or The Black Plague, was one of the most deadly pandemics in human history. It began in South-western or Central Asia and spread to Europe by the late 1340s. The total number of deaths worldwide from the pandemic is estimated at 75 million people; there were an estimated 20 million deaths in Europe alone. As a result many monasteries were without candidate, and it tempted the administration to focus on quantity rather than quality. 3. The Western Schism ( ) Western Schism was a split within the Catholic Church from 1378 to From 1309 to 1378, the Pope had been at Avignon in France. Finally, in 1378, Urban VI returned to Rome. But the French Cardinals subsequently elected another Pope Clement VII who ruled from Avignon. Thus Church was divided between two popes. The schism was ended by the Council of Constance ( ). The split in the church wounded the church badly, Know This... The western Schism was a terrible and distressing problem which lasted forty years and tormented two generations of Christians; a schism which emerged with no schismatic intention. Hence the great western schism is not to be understood as revolt against Pope. There was no revolt against papal authority in general, no scorn of the sovereign power of which St. Peter was the representative. Faith in the necessary unity never wavered a particle; no one wished voluntarily to separate from the head of the Church. On the contrary everyone desired that unity. The theologians, canonists, princes, and faithful of the fourteenth century felt so intensely and maintained so vigorously that this character of unity was essential to the true Church of Jesus Christ, that at Constance solicitude for unity took precedence of that for reform. The benefit of unity had never been adequately appreciated till it had been lost, till the Church had confusion of two popes or three popes, and there seemed to be no head precisely because there were too many. Indeed the first mark of the true Church consists above all in unity under one head, the Divinely appointed guardian of the unity of faith and of worship. We can say that there was no willful error but there was simply ignorance regarding the person of the true pope, regarding him who was at that time the visible depositary of the promises of the invisible Head. For further reading on western schism please refer catholic encyclopedia. the Carmelites too, were divided in their allegiance between the two popes. 4. Worldly Attachments 39 Fr. Arwin Tauro Neglect in prayer and poverty, pursuit of learning, involvement in the secular world also affected the religious life. As a whole, all these above mentioned conditions affected not only Carmelites but the entire church. The disastrous effects of the plague and the wars were the disruption of the links with ancient monastic tradition, the lack of formators, which in turn resulted in the hasty admission and training of new recruits, with an eye, for quantity than for quality. Vol. 3-2, September 2012

46 5. Mitigation of the Rule The general chapter of Nantes decided to submit a petition to Pope Eugene IV in 1432 requesting mitigations in the rule, particularly as regards solitude, fasting and abstinence, which was granted in 1435 by the bull Romani Pontificis. Pre Teresian reform movements: (thirst for deeper spirituality and spiritual nostalgia) Despite all the laxity, there were many friars thirsting for a deeper spirituality, and even the lay people were eager to share in the charism of the Carmelite vocation. There were many genuine men and women who dedicated their life for the greater glory. The Holy Spirit was arousing hermits to Carmel's sublime ideals, as he had done the first hermits. Some of the reforms are Blessed John Soreth Blessed John Soreth was born to a devout catholic family, on 30th July At the age of 16 he joined the Carmelite order. As we have mentioned in the last issue of tidings, Blessed John Soreth is famous for organizing the Order of nuns. Due to his keen interest in the ministry of nuns, he himself personally established the several communities for them. He also extended Carmelite spirituality for lay people by the foundation of third order. Pope Nicholas V is said to have granted permission for the foundation of the Third Order among Carmelites. For this third Order Soreth wrote the Third Rule of the Carmelites. He died on July 25th Blessed Nuno Alvarez Pereira Born in 1360, was a soldier in the Portugal army. After the death of his wife, he joined the Carmelite Order as a lay brother. His simple life style, prayer, fasting and strong devotion to Mother Mary, inspired many people. LET ME BE FREE I wave out to them, but they aren t looking at me, I walk towards them, but they run away from me. I feel their shadows moving, but no one is around me. I shed some lonely tears, but there s no one to help me suppress my fears. So I sit here anxiously enclosed in this space, So I mourn my fateful life in this scary distress. So I pacify myself just by kissing my GRANDKIDS pics, So I am forced to be in this lonely bed always fixed. Now, I ask you, are you all perfect beings??? Now, I demand a reply; don t you sometimes have a forgetful memory??? Now, I know what you'll think and say "She has ALZEIHMER'S, she sounds really creepy!!! Now, Oh Lord, Am tired of this torture.begging you to LET ME BE FREE So Please treat your ELDERS with love and care, Peace,Happiness and Blessings in your families will always be there. Elvira Lobo Gonsalo Garcia Community Vol. 3-2, September

47 Blessed Baptist Spagnoli Among the great champions of the reform movement was Bl. Baptist Spagnoli. He was born at Mantua on April 17, 1447, son of the Spanish Peter Modover and of Constance Maggi, of Brescia. He did his early studies in his native city, under the guidance of Gregory Tifernate and of George Merula, his former school-fellow, and later at Padua, at the school of Paul Bagelardi. While still very young he entered the Mantuan Congregation of the Carmelite Order. His exceptional talents quickly gained for him the esteem and the trust of his superiors. Already in 1466, when he was not yet twenty years old, he was charged with giving the official discourse at the chapter of Brescia. He served as prior at Parma in 1471 and at Mantua in 1479, and in 1483 was entrusted with the highest responsibility of vicar general of the Congregation, an office to which he was returned five more times until, in 1513, he was elected prior general of the entire Order. He was a great poet, some of his Latin poems underwent 550 editions after Bl. Baptist died in his native city on March 20, 1516,his body is preserved in the cathedral of Mantua. Reform of Albi ( ): Bishop of Albi took the initiative of reforming the Carmelites in his diocese. The reform emphasized the eremitical aspect of Carmelite life, returning to the Rule of Though reform work was started here and there, there was no reform of the Order as a whole. So the superiors allowed reformed monasteries to group together, with a superior who was directly responsible to the General. That also encouraged them, with the sufficient freedom to proceed with their intent. We know that church has its foundation on Christ who is the corner stone of the church. And so Holy Spirit will never let her down despite of several mistakes which harmed the church of God. When there was a decline in the spirituality the Holy Spirit was searching for instruments with which to restore and reform not only Carmel, but also the entire church. In the next issue of tidings we discuss on Interesting historical notes of the sixteenth century, Birth of Discalced Carmelite Order and reform in the church of God. SENIOR MOMENT Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: Slim, I am 83 years old now and I am just full of aches and pains. I know you are about my age. How do you feel? Slim says, I feel just like a newborn baby. Really? Like a newborn baby? Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants. PIOUS COMPU CARES A/ 8, SHOP NO. 16 SECTOR 6, OPP. ASHISH CLASSES, SHANTI NAGAR, MIRA ROAD Hot no anytime no New Used 3000 Call Call Charge@100 with this Coupon Cctv installation Open 7 days a week Calls beyond Mira road Experienced Engineers Laptop repair onsite Upgrade to New pc 41 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

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49 SCC FAMILY CLUSTERS The Beginning After the formation of the Small Christian Communities (SCC) in our Parish of St. Joseph Church, Mira Road, most of the communication and benefits from the Parish to the SCC and vice-versa were channelized through the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and the SCC Steering Committee. A leader (SCC Animator) was appointed for each of the Small Christian Communities. As per the Diocesan directives and in accordance to the synod, a Core Group consisting of SCC Animator, Coordinator, Joint Coordinator and few other members was formed to carry on the functions effectively in the SCC. This Core Group is expected to meet once every month in the community, and a representative from this group attends the monthly PPC meeting and other two representatives viz. the SCC Coordinator and Joint Coordinator attends the quarterly Steering Committee meeting. The involvement of the families on a monthly basis was limited to the families of the SCC Core Group members. The other families of the SCC came together only for the Annual Get-together, or for the Rosary or the Way of Cross. Formation of SCC Clusters The Cluster is formed from natural groupings of 8-12 families of a neighbourhood which could be of a Building, or its Wing, cottages/buildings around each other, etc. The SCC Cluster can now have all the members come together and meet every month to share a few moments spiritually. Aim & Objective In order to involve all the families of the SCC (and thus of the Parish) for more interaction among themselves, greater participation in the Gospel-Sharing, a stronger sense of solidarity with one another, and sharing of responsibility by all the families, it was necessary to form the SCC Cluster of families. If we look at the mystery of the Holy Trinity we can see how the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is a Community. The Church too celebrates all the Sacraments as a Community. To grow in our spirituality, it is necessary that we not only have our daily personal prayer and family prayer time kept sacred and aside, but we must also come together to pray in the neighbourhood at least once a month. Our Sunday Eucharistic Celebration is a very broad Communitarian Spirituality at the Parish level. It is only at the SCC, and that too at the Cluster level we get to know our neighbors, and their needs and pray for, and with each other. Only at the Cluster level we endorse that our neighbour is our responsibility and we are our Brothers Keeper - we just cannot shrug this off saying 'there s no time,' - we need to make it a priority. Agenda & Function As the SCC Cluster is formed by the families in a neighbourhood, one member is chosen as an Animator to lead the cluster and represent it at the SCC Core Group. Hence, each Core Group member animates a Cluster of families including the Parish Councilor (SCC Animator), the Coordinator and the Jt. Coordinator. The Cluster meetings are held once a month in a member s home on the date and time suitable and convenient for all, mutually decided at the previous meeting. At least one member of every family in the Cluster should be present for the meeting. Families or individuals could take turns to conduct the meeting. Cluster Animator should be available to help and guide in the beginning, but gradually other members need to be trained in leadership roles. At the monthly Cluster meetings, there could be Gospel Sharing or other spiritual activity like Prayer or Vigil service. The SCC coordinator, Jt. coordinator and the Parish councillor also conveys the information from the parish and core group meetings to all the cluster members. Activities, outreach are planned at the cluster level, and the Community s annual accounts are presented by the Animator. Information about the activities held, participating cluster members needs and suggestions are sent to the Parish through the Animator and the Core Group. Thus, it is very important that all parishioners participate in the Cluster meetings. In clusters, members can come forward to lead different projects according to their talents. Cluster meetings help in bonding among the families and regularity will help strengthen them. We should not be discouraged when there are only a few members attending the Cluster meetings; prayers should still be conducted, for if in the Cluster we don t pray we have not prayed as a Small Christian Community! So let us come once a month to pray together in our Cluster meetings; for we all know that prayers can do wonders, our petitions can be lifted up and we can be strengthened as a community to improve our situations or cope with them. 43 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

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51 Theo Noronha St. Lawrence Community The Birth of Mary On every 8th of September, when we celebrate the feast of the birth of Mary, the accompanying thought is that, the time has arrived, announcing the day of the Lord, for, the birth of Mary is a prelude to the birth of Jesus. And when we see that all of human history is oriented to the birth of Jesus and his role as a Saviour, then we understand the significant role that Mary has to play in salvation history. With the birth of Mary, human history takes a great turn. The period of waiting has ended and the period of realization begins. She is the new Woman, the new Eve. If a comparison is to be made between the two, then Eve is the mother of the living; Mary, the Mother of the redeemed. Eve gave to humankind the fruit of death; Mary gave to humanity Christ, the fruit of Life. Most of us, would like to have several details with regard to Mary s life. Unfortunately, we do not find them in the Gospels, as they (the Gospels) are primarily meant to preach the Good News. In them, you will not find writings that are solely of human interest, with no value with regard to salvation. Some evangelists, however, after much study, have drawn some conclusions. When was Mary born?... In those days several different dates were suggested and the date of 8 th September prevailed. From this, the date (9 months earlier) of the feast of her Immaculate Conception was determined. As far as the year of her birth is concerned. In those days as girls got married around the age of 15, it was prudent to believe that Mary was born approximately in the year 20 B.C. Where was Mary born?.. There were many hypotheses concerning this. Of many cities, the two most in contention were Jerusalem and Nazareth. The choice fell on Nazareth, because it was here that Mary became the hand maid of the Lord. It was a place surrounded by great obscurity; a hilly region, with about 200 inhabitants who lived in caves which had inbuilt inhabitable structures at their entrances. About Mary, we don t even know to which of the twelve tribes of Israel her family may have belonged. It must have been a humble tribe because Luke, in his Gospel, while writing on Christ s infancy, mentions that Elizabeth and Anna were of the tribes of Judah and Asher, but does not do so about Mary. This shows us God s inclination towards humility and obscurity, making nothing of human greatness, which counts in the eyes of men. Mary s birth and life were covered in obscurity but her humble yes to partake in the mystery of human salvation has exalted her among all generations. God truly raises the lowly and favors the humble. Let us imitate the humility of the Most Holy Mary! 45 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

52 A teacher is a child s second parent. And when a child is not close to his parents, he/she considers the teacher as its first parent. If a teacher really explores, they have many children, who need their love. I, as a child, was very far away from my parents. I really looked forward to meeting my teachers. My teachers have been a great influence in my life. My sixth standard teacher had asked the class to learn a poem for an oral class test. At that time, I don't know what made me so frightened to recite the poem in front of the class, that I just forgot the poem. It was a very embarrassing situation for me to be the only one who didn't know the poem. But my teacher, Ms. Deodita, gently asked me to close my eyes and imagine that no one is watching me and then recite the poem. Everything became so simple, and I just couldn t believe that I recited the whole poem. It was because of my teacher, who understood me like a parent that my true potential was reached. Later in the eighth standard, I met, Soccorro Sir, (who is still teaching catechism at St. Joseph Church), who treated every child in his class like his own. He posted birthday wishes even for children who had Carrol D Souza Our Lady Of Vailankani Community moved on to the next standard. He made each and every child feel important and special. Every teacher is privileged to touch so many lives. He/ She should take the opportunity to beautifully mould the student s life and sprinkle on them the right amount of encouragement. Identify the child s weaknesses and strengths and train them to use their strengths to strengthen their fellow classmates and friends. Sometimes writing a good remark helps more than a bad remark. Every correction a teacher makes should be to positively influence the child to become a better student/ person. If teachers love their students like a parent, the students will love their teachers like a child. Here s wishing all teachers a Happy Parents Day & a Happy Teachers Day! To A Teacher With Love Vol. 3-2, September

53 Baby sitting Asha tauro , Address: B/2-Unique Plaza, Near Malika, Shanti Park, Mira Road (E) Chubby Cheeks Pre School Activity Center (Play group / Nursery /Jr.Kg. /Sr.Kg) Activities: Daycare, Dance, Drawing, Tuitions, Teachers Training course Contact No's: / / Elvina D'Sa Celebration's your search for perfection satisfaction ends here Compare & Game Host for Christening, First Holy Communion, Birthdays, Anniversaries.. We provide assistance for your event Requisites for Reservations and Enquiries Ph: / dsaever@yahoo.com 47 Vol. 3-2, September 2012

54 66th Independence Day Celebrated at St. Joseph Church, Mira Road The 66th independence day was celebrated on 15th August at St. Joseph Church, Mira Road with much meaning and festivity. Fr. Dominic gave a warm welcome to everyone and said we are Indians and we need to give respect to the Tricolour Flag. In our Parish, this year is dedicated to the Senior Citizens so one of our senior Parishioner Mr. Gudinho was the guest of honour. He hoisted the Tricolour flag at 8.00 a.m on the Church stage. Senior member of our community Fr. Michael Morris in his short speech gave the message as to how to live our Freedom in our day today life. Saraswati Training Academy Children participated in the march fast. Later Fr. Dominic Vas thanked everyone. Recalling the wonderful memories of Independence people went home with delicious sweets. Kristanv tiatr staged at Mira Road Kristanv a tiatr written and directed by Menino de Bandar was staged at St. Joseph s Church community hall on August 18th, 7pm. Menino de Bandar for the first time in Mira road gave a wonderful message to the audience combined with Jokes and Songs. It was a unique tiatr with a Christian theme depicting the conversion of a Hindu to Christianity. The evening programme started with a welcome speech by Mr. Francis Araujo. During the Interval Parish Priest Fr. Dominic Vas, spoke words of appreciation to the entire tiatr team and felicitated all the sponsors. The programme was sponsored by Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Murphy Rebello and Robert Noronha. This tiatr was organized by St. Joseph senior citizens Association. Vol. 3-2, September Beatitudes For Friends Of Our Pearls Blessed are they who understand; my faltering step and palsied hand. Blessed are they who know that my ears today; must strain to catch the things they say. Blessed are they who seem to know; that my eyes are dim and my wits are slow. Blessed are they who looked away; when coffee spilled at table today. Blessed are they with a cheery smile; who stop to chat for a little while. Blessed are they who never say, You ve told that story twice today. Blessed are they who know the ways; to bring back memories of yesterdays. Blessed are they who make it known; that I m loved, respected, and not alone. Blessed are they who know I m at a loss; to find the strength to carry the cross. Blessed are they who ease the days; on my journey home in loving ways. The Up formula 1. Wake Up!! : Decide to have a good day. Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24 2. Dress Up!! : The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 3. Shut Up!! : Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much as listening as talking. He who guards his lips guards his soul. Proverbs 13:3 4. Stand Up!! : For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good... Galatians 6: Look Up!! : To the Lord. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 6. Reach Up!! : For something higher. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and learn not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3: Lift Up!! : Your Prayers. Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. Philippians 4:6

55 adoration chapel our lady of mount carmel feast

56 drawing competition Altar Servers Altar servers Animators

57 choir gettogether viannay sunday celebration

58 Parents' day

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60 "Amchea garant Tiatr" Prince Jacob scc animators' commissining and orientation

61 Youth day out Kristanv Menino de dandar independence day celebration

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