Charisindia - Catholic Charismatic Magazine

Charisindia - A leading Magazine for Renewal and Spiritual Growth

Dear Friends,

A magazine for Today and Tomorrow.

I refer to CHARISINDIA, the wonderful Catholic Magazine. Its contents are for people of all states of life: Priests, Religious, Married and Youth.

You have heard that faith comes by hearing, reading and obeying the word of God and hence we should all be reading our Bibles. We will also grow in faith by reading good catholic books and magazines. One such good catholic magazine is CHARISINDIA.

This magazine is printed in New Delhi, the chief editor of which is Fr. Rufus Pereira a well known priest from Mumbai and presently he is the parish priest of St. Pius parish Mulund. The cost of the magazine is Rs. 12 only. The subscription cost for a year is Rs. 140/- and for three years is Rs. 375/-.

Sr. Briege McKenna told us that of all the magazines in the Renewal throughout the world, Charisindia is the best. Charisindia is one among the six best Catholic periodicals identified by the CBCI.

Every issue is a collector's item and I wish every family to preserve every single copy for the posterity.

Thanks and God bless you all.

Love and Prayers
Mariza Ferrao

Also See:

MUMBAI: "Charisindia Musical Nite" - September 30, 2006

MUMBAI: "Amazing Grace" - Youth Outreach - September 2006

MUMBAI: "Amazing Grace" Youth Outreach featuring live Gospel Band

MUMBAI September 22, 2006 (KC Blog): The Torchbearers for Christ presents, "Amazing Grace", a youth outreach jointly organized by the Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group and the Parish Youth Animating Team of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Gollanji Hill Road, Sewri on Sunday, 24th September 2006.

The full day youth program beginning at 10am, will feature a live Gospel band and have engaging sessions and the Sunday celebration of the Holy Eucharist before winding up at 5pm.

The Venue for the program is Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall, Sewri.

No registration fee will be charged and lunch will be provided.

For more information, catch Stephen Vaz at 9820817341

BANGALORE: ICPE Inner Healing Retreat - October 2006

Inner Healing Retreat by ICPE at Bangalore - October 2006

When?

9am on Friday 13 and ends by 5pm on Sunday 15th.

Where?

Aashirvad, St. Mark's Road, Bangalore

Fee?

The full cost for the 3-day retreat including food and accomodation is Rs. 800.

How to Register?

Call Diana Mascarenhas at 9886343963

LIMITED ENTRY

Hurry! Only 30 seats.

BANGALORE: Initiative for Call Centre, BPO Youth

BANGALORE: Call Centre, BPO Youth to Get Special Pastoral Attention

BANGALORE, September 19, 2006 (KC Blog): If a new initiative by some Bangalore Youth start's rolling, call center and BPO employees can look forward to being treated with special pastoral attention.

The Bangalore Jesus Youth (JY) Professionals' Ministry has decided to take a challenging step in reaching out to youth working in BPOs and Call Centers across the city.

The idea for the initiative came from a talk, tuesday 12th September, by His Grace Bernard Moras, the Archbishop of Bangalore addressing the pastoral concerns of migrating professionals. A note from Rohit D'Souza, co-ordinator of the Bangalore JY Professionals' Ministry quoted the Archbishop as saying, "if these youth, who stay in bangalore for work, lose their faith during their stay then who will be held responsible? We would be held responsible."

Employees of BPOs and call centres across the country, work under very stressful conditions in odd shifts, mostly at night. Mass and sacraments have been out of reach for many Catholics in the industry.

The initiative stresses the need to address issues such as individualism, fashion, abortions, live-ins, extra-marital affairs. Taining counsellors, teaching youth how to handle money, having flexible mass and confession timings will be part of "repackag[ing] ourselves to address the existing problem."

After a time of prayer, discussion and brain storming with pastors, senior leaders, and JYs working in BPOs, a core group consisting of Patrick, Britto and Manoj, was elected Sunday 19th, to pray and work towards solutions. As of now the group plans for a retreat in November particularly for the call centre and BPO youth.

The initiative is backed by the guidance of Bangalore Jesus Youth pastor, Rev. Fr Tom Polackal SDB, psychology expert, Rev. Fr. Dr. Jose and Mr. Mathew Joseph, a JY 'elder' and co-ordinator of Joynet, the international Jesus Youth mailing list.

The Professionals' Ministry in Bangalore is a one of the several ministries part of Jesus Youth, an international Catholic youth movement with a Charismatic spirituality that had its beginnings in the South Indian state of Kerala.

The Jesus Youth are grateful to the Salesian priests for their support and involvement in this venture.

END

SPANDANA '06 - Mangalore - October 2006

Spandana '06 - The Heartbeat of the Living God...

1200 Participants

Vibrant Music

Prolific Talks

Interactive Workshops

Audio-Visuals

Panel Sharing

Inspiring Testimonies

Edifying Fellowship

Healing & Prayer Sessions

Eucharistic Celebrations

Adoration

Taize Worship

Rex Band Show

Read the Bishop's Letter

When?

20th (9am) - 23rd (5.30pm) October, 2006

Where?

St. Aloysius College, Mangalore

For Whom?

Youth (15-35 years)

Registration Fee

Rs. 100 (Prior Registration) + Rs. 100 (At Venue)

How do I register?

Call: Bangalore - 9880051278 (Frijo), 9886724692 (Shoy), Belthangady - 08256274219, 9448870343 (Fr. Siby), Bidar - 9448569157(Fr. Simon Pastor), Chitradurga - 09886411081 (Ashley), Coorg - 9886546411 (Vincent Babu), Devadurga - 9845532784 (Shiju), Dharwad - 08362436162 (Vanitha), Hospet - 9986344787 (Santhosh), Kundapur - (08254)238380 (Fr. Benjamin), Mandya - 9986147663 (Aldrin), Mangalore - 9449554720 (Anil), Manipal - 9886084473 (Liss), Puttur - 9449284324 (Alex), Raichur - 08753240674 (Arogya Mary), Shimoga - 9448932903 (Winson), Tumkur - 9886942524 (Renjan)

Email: karnataka@jesusyouth.org
Address: Jesus Youth Office, 1st Floor, The Cenacle, 1st cross, Maruthinagar, Madiwala, Bangalore-68
Website: www.jesusyouth.org

Last Date for Registration

September 25, 2006

A Jesus Youth initiative in collaboration with Karnataka Youth Commission

Pope's Personal Statement Over Islam Issue

English Text of the (Italian) Statement read out by the Pope before this morning's Angelus.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Pastoral Visit which I recently made to Bavaria was a deep spiritual experience, bringing together personal memories linked to places well known to me and pastoral initiatives towards an effective proclamation of the Gospel for today. I thank God for the interior joy which he made possible, and I am also grateful to all those who worked hard for the success of this Pastoral Visit. As is the custom, I will speak more of this during next Wednesday’s General Audience. At this time, I wish also to add that I am deeply sorry for the reactions in some countries to a few passages of my address at the University of Regensburg, which were considered offensive to the sensibility of Muslims. These in fact were a quotation from a medieval text, which do not in any way express my personal thought. Yesterday, the Cardinal Secretary of State published a statement in this regard in which he explained the true meaning of my words. I hope that this serves to appease hearts and to clarify the true meaning of my address, which in its totality was and is an invitation to frank and sincere
dialogue, with great mutual respect.

Vatican Clarifies Pope's Islam Comments

DECLARATION OF CARDINAL TARCISIO BERTONE, VATICAN SECRETARY OF STATE

Given the reaction in Muslim quarters to certain passages of the Holy Father's address at the University of Regensburg, and the clarifications and explanations already presented through the Director of the Holy See Press Office, I would like to add the following:

- The position of the Pope concerning Islam is unequivocally that expressed by the conciliar document Nostra Aetate: "The Church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all-powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, Who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render their deserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting" (no. 3).

- The Pope's option in favor of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue is equally unequivocal. In his meeting with representatives of Muslim communities in Cologne, Germany, on 20 August 2005, he said that such dialogue between Christians and Muslims "cannot be reduced to an optional extra," adding: "The lessons of the past must help us to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We must seek paths of reconciliation and learn to live with respect for each other's identity".

- As for the opinion of the Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus which he quoted during his Regensburg talk, the Holy Father did not mean, nor does he mean, to make that opinion his own in any way. He simply used it as a means to undertake - in an academic context, and as is evident from a complete and attentive reading of the text - certain reflections on the theme of the relationship between religion and violence in general, and to conclude with a clear and radical rejection of the religious motivation for violence, from whatever side it may come. On this point, it is worth recalling what Benedict XVI himself recently affirmed in his commemorative Message for the 20th anniversary of the Inter-religious Meeting of Prayer for Peace, initiated by his predecessor John Paul II at Assisi in October 1986: " ... demonstrations of violence cannot be attributed to religion as such but to the cultural limitations with which it is lived and develops in time. ... In fact, attestations of the close bond that exists between the relationship with God and the ethics of love are recorded in all great religious traditions".

- The Holy Father thus sincerely regrets that certain passages of his address could have sounded offensive to the sensitivities of the Muslim faithful, and should have been interpreted in a manner that in no way corresponds to his intentions. Indeed it was he who, before the religious fervor of Muslim believers, warned secularized Western culture to guard against "the contempt for God and the cynicism that considers mockery of the sacred to be an exercise of freedom".

- In reiterating his respect and esteem for those who profess Islam, he hopes they will be helped to understand the correct meaning of his words so that, quickly surmounting this present uneasy moment, witness to the "Creator of heaven and earth, Who has spoken to men" may be reinforced, and collaboration may intensify "to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom" (Nostra Aetate no. 3).
[Original text: Italian]

Understanding the Pope's Islam Remarks - September 12

Samir Khalil Samir, sj, an Egyptian Jesuit very familiar with both the pope and the Muslim religion sets the Pope's text to context in this excellent analysis for AsiaNews, of the speech the Pope made to an academic audience at the Unviersity of Regensburg on September 12, which has now needlessly turned controversial.

The Pope's speech: lending Islam a helping hand to avoid a downward spiral

by Samir Khalil Samir, sj

Muslim criticism against the Pope's remarks is mounting, but no one has actually read the whole speech. Benedict XVI criticises violence and proposes a reasonable alternative that could lead to a new Golden Age.

15 September, 2006

Beirut (AsiaNews) - Negative reactions in the Arab and Muslim world to the remarks made by Benedict XVI at Regensburg University are exaggerated and misplaced. Protest marches are being organised everywhere in ways that bring to mind what happened in the wake of the publication of the blasphemous Muhammad cartoons. But one thing is clear. No one, and I mean NO ONE, has fully read what the Pope said.

An English translation of the speech, which was in German, was released yesterday, a French version is not yet ready, and no translation has been made in any Eastern language. Therefore, all the attacks so far are based on a few quotes and excerpts liberally taken by Western news agencies on what the Pope said about Islam, which was only ten per cent of his speech. But this ten per cent must be understood against the whole thing.

Read the full story here...

Declaration Concering Pope's Regensburg Address

DECLARATION CONCERNING POPE'S REGENSBURG ADDRESS

VATICAN CITY, SEP 15, 2006 (VIS) - Yesterday evening, Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. released the following declaration to journalists concerning the interpretation of certain passages of the address delivered by the Holy Father at the University of Regensburg on September 12.

"Concerning the reaction of Muslim leaders to certain passages of the Holy Father's address at the University of Regensburg, it should be noted that what the Holy Father has to heart - and which emerges from an attentive reading of the text - is a clear and radical rejection of the religious motivation for violence.

"It was certainly not the intention of the Holy Father to undertake a comprehensive study of the jihad and of Muslim ideas on the subject, still less to offend the sensibilities of Muslim faithful.

"Quite the contrary, what emerges clearly from the Holy Father's discourses is a warning, addressed to Western culture, to avoid 'the contempt for God and the cynicism that considers mockery of the sacred to be an exercise of freedom.' A just consideration of the religious dimension is, in fact, an essential premise for fruitful dialogue with the great cultures and religions of the world. And indeed, in concluding his address in Regensburg, Benedict XVI affirmed how 'the world's profoundly religious cultures see this exclusion of the divine from the universality of reason as an attack on their most profound convictions. A reason which is deaf to the divine and which relegates religion into the realm of subcultures is incapable of entering into the dialogue of cultures.'

"What is clear then, is the Holy Father's desire to cultivate an attitude of respect and dialogue towards other religions and cultures, including, of course, Islam."
OP/POPE:UNIVERSITY REGENSBURG/LOMBARDI VIS 060915 (300)

SAINT: Princess Diana OR Mother Teresa?

IDENTIFYING THE REAL SAINT
The Princess in a Mercedes or the bare-foot Nun?

MICHAEL PRABHU (Adapted)

This month we celebrated the 9th anniversary of the deaths of two famous persons of the last century.

In September 1997, the world was rocked by the passing away of Princess Diana of England and Mother Teresa of Kolkota, India. Their deaths, three days apart, evoked comparisons between the two.

Both were women.

Both were Christians.

Both worked among the poor and the needy.

Both were world travelers and received international honours.

Both regularly made headlines with their lives, and again finally, with their deaths; and their funerals, shown on international television, made millions of mourners around the world.

And both were called "saints" by the media.

Of the two, however, it was Princess Diana who captured the adulation of the world. The media portrayed the unprecedented outpouring of grief that bordered on worship, following her death. It is said that, never in history has there been such a funeral with millions attending her funeral procession which was watched by billions more on television, as the 'Queen of Hearts' was laid to rest. So many flowers and gifts were received that, trucks were needed to cart them away.

Every newspaper in the world carried stories on her for weeks and every magazine in the world carrying her picture on its cover and devoted cover stories to her life and to her death. Every bookstore in the world, including Christian ones, soon stocked hurriedly-commissioned biographies on the life of Princess Diana.
There is no question that the death of the Princess was a tragic loss to her family, her country and the world.

That she faced unique trials and pressures because of her social stature and life under the spotlight cannot be disputed. However, terming her as a "Saint", in the Christian sense of the word, is something that we can surely disagree with.

A discerning look at the lives of these two "SAINTS" reveals more contrasts than similarities, as noted here below.

One was young, tall and beautiful.
The other was old, short and homely

One kept herself in good shape physically.
The other took no special care of her body.

One was royalty.
The other was a commoner.

One was a princess.
The other was a nun.

One was rich.
The other possessed nothing that she could call her own.

One led the fashion parade for the world.
The other wore a simple blue and white cotton sari.

One left her palace for occasional excursions among the less-privileged.
The other was always in their midst.

One returned each night to the lap of luxury.
The other lived among the destitute and the dying.

One stored up treasures on earth.
The other stored up treasure in heaven.

One was of the world.
The other was in the world, but not of it.

One dabbled in astrology and 'New Age'.
The other devoted time to prayer.

One had a nominal Christian faith.
The other lived a life of faith in God.

One broke up a family.
The other built up a community.

One tried to take her own life.
The other gave her life for others.

One fed the gossip columns with her questionable life-style.
The other was admired for her righteous lifestyle.

Let's be honest with ourselves.

One was known as having committed adultery.
The other had opted for life-long celibacy.

One's husband [Charles] was a spokesman for anti-Christian New Age philosophies.
The other's spouse [Jesus Christ, the Bearer of the Water of Life] ushered in the true New Age of man.

One died with her lover in a high-speed car chase after a night of wining and dining, while her sons and their father were in another country.
The other died surrounded by her family, a sharing and caring community.

One's last words were reported to be "Leave me alone."
The other's were "I love you, my Jesus."

Following this dramatic week, TIME magazine put Princess Diana on the cover and devoted 40 pages to her. The same issue gave 7 pages to Mother Teresa, buried at the back. The world's response to the death of these two women reveals much about the spiritual emptiness and the values of the world today. Jesus said: 'By their fruit you shall know them' (Mt 7:16).So, judging by their fruit, which one was the true saint and which one the counterfeit?

In 1989, Mother Teresa said "There are so many religions and each one has its different ways of following God. I follow Christ. Jesus is my God. Jesus is my Spouse. Jesus is my Life. Jesus is my only Love. Jesus is my All in All. Jesus is my Everything. Because of this, I am never afraid."
[TIME, September 15, 1997, page 72]

Posted by Michael Prabhu in Konkani Catholics

AUSTRALIA: Monthi Fest at Melbourne - Denver's Personal Experience

Denver's Personal Experience of "Monthi Fest" in Melbourne with Mangalore Bishop

Konkani Catholics member in Australia, Denver Quadros (Kundapur), shares his experience of the "Monti Fest" celebrations at Melbourne, Australia which was enhanced by the presence of His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D'souza, Bishop of Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

Greetings from Australia!

Firstly, wishing all members a very Bhaagi Monthi Festh.

Finally I get to write on the Bishop's visit, as I have been recovering from flu for the past few days. Obviously, you could read the report on any Konkani website, but this is how I saw the whole thing, my personal experience.

The Mass of the Feast of Nativity was held on September 1st, at Sacred Heart Church, Kew - a suburb of Melbourne. The Eucharistic Celebration started at about 7 PM. Nearly 50 to 60 people attended it. "Sakkad Sangatha Melyaan..." was the opening hymn, the only "Nativity of Mary" hymn for the night. Probably because the occasion was held in such short notice. However, the notable performance easily belonged to the choir, one of the best I have ever heard. No flowers, no parade. Hope all that will happen in the coming years! All readings and most prayers were in English, but a few Konkani prayers were also said. Goes to show that people haven't been home in ages... like me!

It was a short mass, lasting about 40 minutes. Then a small get together inside the church itself. A few words from the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, who was delighted that we in Melbourne have a full-fledged community, even before Sydney could have one! He praised our efforts and wished us all the best. He also spoke about the various undertakings back home and believed that all could be achieved soon. The best part though, was that everyone got to speak to the Bishop one-on-one.

My chance finally came. I reminded him that my brother and I carried his Head Dress and Sceptre as Altar Boys, when he made visits to Kundapura. He couldn't believe it. How time flies! This was about 10-12 years ago. He wished me all the best. I couldn't believe it myself. This is especially not possible back home, speaking to the Head of our Diocese very informally. Hence, my sincere thanks to Mr. Bert Naik, President of Manglorean Catholic Association of Victoria for organising an once-in-a-lifetime event.

Posted by Denver Alex Quadros, Australia

St. Francis Xavier Exposition Old Goa - Video - Part II

St. Francis Xavier Exposition - II (Last day of Expo/procession etc)

[Runtime (mins): 8:46]

Part I of a video clip of the 1994-95 exposition of St. Francis Xavier's mortal remains at Se Cathedral in old Goa. Konkani hymns play in the background. You can also catch a glimpse of the Konkani Mass in a scene of the outdoor liturgical celebration.

The exposition is held once in every 10 years. At the 2004-05 exposition, no photography/video was allowed. The next expo will be in 2014-15.

Part I of this video:
St. Francis Xavier Exposition Old Goa (Se Cathedral) - Video - Part I

This video clip is provided by courtesy of Joegoauk

St. Francis Xavier Exposition Old Goa (Se Cathedral) - Video - Part I

St. Francis Xavier Exposition Old Goa-Part I (Se Cathedral)

[Runtime (mins): 7:34]

Part I of a video clip of the 1994-95 exposition of St. Francis Xavier's mortal remains at Se Cathedral in old Goa. Konkani hymns play in the background.

The exposition is held once in every 10 years. At the 2004-05 exposition, no photography/video was allowed. The next expo will be in 2014-15.

Part II of this video:
St. Francis Xavier Exposition Old Goa (Se Cathedral) - Video - Part I

This video clip is provided by courtesy of Joegoauk

Mangalore's Feast of Mary's Nativity - Monthi Fest

Children Have Big Role In Blessed Mother's Nativity Feast

September 6, 2006

MANGALORE, India (UCAN) -- Sheethal and Atul get up half an hour earlier these days.

As the first sunbeams touch the earth, the siblings are out with a wicker basket to gather flowers. In the evening, they carry the basket to church and offer the flowers to the Blessed Mother as the Infant Mary.

"We want to collect the best flowers before our friends do," Sheethal said as her brother, two years younger, tugged at her dress for her to hurry up. "It is like a flower festival," Sheethal said as the two entered their Hindu neighbor's garden.

They return home by 7:30 and get ready for school, which begins at 9. When school ends at 4 p.m., the children rush home, bathe and put on colorful clothes to take their basket to the church.

For nine days starting Aug. 31, children in colorful clothes carry their flower-filled wicker baskets around Mangalore, a Catholic stronghold in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. They do this in preparation for the Sept. 8 celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Mother.

This year, as usual, local churches have been holding evening Masses and novenas that schoolchildren can attend easily on these special days.

During the novena held after the evening Mass, children queue in front of the statue of the Blessed Mother and throw flower petals on it. The parishes arrange to have the empty baskets filled with sweets and gifts. This encourages the children to come regularly for the nine days of prayers, says Lawrence Albuquerque, 70, of Darebail parish.

According to Albuquerque, this special way of celebrating the Blessed Mother's birthday is unique to Mangalore, 2,290 kilometers south of New Delhi. He and Clara D'Cunha, mother of Sheethal and Atul, said their own most memorable childhood days are connected with this feast.

"We have not lost our enthusiasm to dress nicely and accompany children," D'Cunha, 32, told UCA News Sept. 3. She recalled rushing two kilometers home from her school in the church compound and then returning to the church to offer prayers to the Infant Mary.

Sister Sunita D'Souza credits the custom with helping instill devotion to the Blessed Mother. "They begin to trust and love the motherly figure," the St. Ann nun told UCA News. They also develop virtues "symbolizing the purity and beauty of flowers," added Sister D'Souza, a school principal in Mangalore.

D'Cunha said the practice promotes family prayer, since family members recite the rosary and other prayers together after returning from church.

She pointed as well to an interreligious aspect, saying her mostly Hindu neighbors allow children to collect flowers from their compounds to take to church. "My children often go with the Hindu children to collect the flowers for the Infant Mary," she noted.

According to diocesan records, the custom of venerating the Infant Mary started around 1799, when Catholics were freed from bondage to Tipu Sultan, a Muslim ruler who tortured Christians, suspecting them to be supporters of British colonists.

The sultan had confiscated Christians' estates in the region in 1784 and deported them to Srirangapatinam, 200 kilometers southeast of Mangalore. Many died in captivity. The British helped liberate the Christians 15 years after the ordeal began and allowed survivors to return to their original land.

Church historian Alwyn D'Sa told UCA News all churches were destroyed or desecrated during the sultan's purge except one church in Farangipet (foreigners town), 40 kilometers outside Mangalore, which was left untouched. The sultan spared it out of respect for his father's friendship with the local priest, the historian explained.

According to D'Sa, this church had a custom of solemnly celebrating the feast of Mary's nativity. Catholics from all over Mangalore diocese went to the parish to observe the feast until 30 years ago, when each parish began to celebrate the feast separately.

The Nativity of the Blessed Mother also is a harvest festival for Catholics and an occasion for family reunions. "This is the time all our uncles and aunts come home, sweet dishes are prepared, and we play all the day," said Connell, a Catholic boy. Parishes distribute blessed new corn and sugarcane during the feast-day Mass on Sept. 8. Families make a drink of corn flour and milk, and drink it before a festive vegetarian meal symbolizing the harvest.

"Normally there will be more than nine dishes, which are peculiar to the festal meal," D'Cunha said. Churches usually organize games and cultural programs in the afternoon, especially for children.

END
Reproduced by Konkani Catholics with permission from UCAN (www.ucanews.com)

The Catholic Church and Mary - Valerian D'Souza, Bishop of Poona

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND MARY

by Bishop Valerian D'Souza, Poona

Almost all our parishes are buzzing with activity during the Novena to Our Lady of Vailankanny. In order to have clear ideas about Our Lady's role in the Church and in our own lives we have explained below in question answer form our true devotion to Mary.

1. How do we adore Mary?

Adoration is reserved to God alone. Mary is only human and we do not adore her. We never offer any sacrifice to her. Rather on her feasts the main focus is the Mass which commemorates the Sacrifice of Jesus.

2. What do we call our devotion to Mary?

We can call it profound love, honour and veneration of Mary. Actually the Father has exalted her more than any other human person or all of human kind can ever honour her.

3. If Mary is human she should have had original sin.

Then how do we claim she was conceived without sin? As a human being, Mary should have had original sin. But the merits of Jesus which wash away our original sin in Baptism were anticipated by the Father and applied to Mary right from her conception.

4. Did Mary need redemption?

The answer to the previous question shows that Mary like us was redeemed by Christ. In her case, it was from the first moment of her existence. She is the most excellent fruit of God’s redemption.

5. Why do we honour Mary?

It is the Father who honoured Mary by choosing her from billions and billions of women of all ages to be the Mother of Jesus His Son who took on a human nature. We know that Mary does not keep us for herself but leads us to Jesus. As disciples of Jesus we want to imitate Jesus. Well, Jesus loved, honoured and revered Mary. We must do the same.

6. How can Mary be called the Mother of God?

The Father, Son and Spirit live from all eternity. There is only one divine nature but three persons. In the case of Jesus there is only one person but two natures (divine and human). His human nature was conceived in time by Mary, but belongs to the person who is the Son of God. This is how we understand the title "Mother of God." Paul and Luke confess the same, "God sent His son, born of a woman." (Gal. 4:4). "Therefore the child to be born will be holy and will be called Son of God." (Lk 1:35) "In His body lives the fullness of divinity." (Col. 2:9)

7. What is Mary's place in the history of salvation?

Mary was the Mother of our Redeemer. She freely co-operated in faith and obedience with the Father in realizing His plan for redemption. She was most intimately united with Jesus from the time of his conception to His death.

8. How can we call Mary the Mediatrix of Grace?

The Church teaches that Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man/woman. Mary intercedes for us constantly in heaven. She mediates between Jesus and us. This neither detracts nor adds anything to the dignity and worth of Christ our sole mediator.

9. Why do some Catholic theologians speak of Mary as the Co-redemptrix?

The title co-redemptrix does not imply in any way that Jesus is not our sole Redeemer. It means that as Jesus redeemed us by offering the Father the sacrifice of His life, Mary His Mother united herself with Him in His offering to the Father. The unique mediation of the Redeemer does not exclude but rather gives rise to a multi-form cooperation. The priesthood of Jesus is shared in different ways by both ministers and faithful.

10. Do Catholics honour Mary more than they honour Jesus?

No creature can ever be considered equal, let alone greater than Jesus. But among creatures Mary surpasses all both in heaven and on earth. In heaven her place is only after Jesus.

11. Why do we need Mary when we can go directly to Jesus?

We are encouraged to go directly to Jesus in prayer. We go to Mary in the same way that we ask others to intecede for us by prayer. Paul asks for prayers. "Brethren, pray for us" (2 Thess. 3:1) "Help me in your prayers for me before God." (Rom. 15:30) Why did Paul not go directly to Jesus? James too advises "Pray for one another that you may be healed." (5:16) Healing comes only from Jesus, yet James does not say "Go directly to Jesus." If we sinful people can intercede for others how much more powerful must the prayers of Mary be. Moreover, the Father who could have sent Jesus to us directly in many ways, chose the way of Mary. Who are we to tell the heavenly Father that we are wiser than He is. "You needed Mary to give us Jesus. But we do not need her to come to you through Jesus."

12. Is the title "Queen of the Universe" not highly exaggerated?

When Bathsheba, the wife of King David went to the new king Solomon her son, Solomon treated her with unusual respect. "The king rose to meet her and bowed before her; he then sat down on his throne, a seat was brought for the mother of the king, and she sat down at his right hand."(1 Kings 2:19) This seat was a seat of high distinction and honour. It was a throne. To sit at the right hand of the king was a sign of power and authority. The Queen Mother had a special place in the history of Israel. Mary was the highest of all Queen Mothers. Jesus outdid Solomon in honouring and respecting her.

Rt. Rev. Valerian D'Souza
Bishop of Poona

Taken from the Bishop's Editorial in the September 2006 issue of "LIFE", the Poona Diocesan Newsletter

Posted by Mina F

Monthi Fest Celebrations Worldwide - 2006

2006 Monthi Fest (Feast of Mary's Nativity) Celebrations Around the World

Australia, Melbourne - 1 September 2006

Organized by the Mangalorean Catholic Association of Victoria (MCAV) at the Sacred Heart Church, Kew. The Solemn Festal Mass was celebrated by His Excellency, Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore.

Oman, Ruwi - 7 September 2006

At the Sts. Peter and Paul Church on Thursday, September 7th at 8:15 P.M. (Flower Showering at the Grotto, followed by High Mass in Konkani by Fr. J. Saldanha from Mangalore.) More Info

UAE, Dubai - 8 September 2006

St. Mary's Konkan Community (SMKC) Dubai will be celebrating the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, September 8th, 2006. More Info

UAE, Dubai - 8 September, 2006

Lourdes Kanajar Welfare Emirates (LKWE) will be celebrating Monthi Fest on 8th September 2006. More Info

UAE, Jebeil Ali - 8 September, 2006

Konknni Samuday (community) Jebel Ali will be celebrating Monthi Fest on 8th September 2006 with Konkani Mass in the St. Clare Hall at 7pm (Blessing of the Paddy, Showering of the flowers followed by dinner). Preparatory Novena from 30th August to 7th September daily after 7pm mass. More Info

Oman, Ghala - 8 September 2006

At the Holy Spirit Church on Friday, September 8th at 6:30 P.M. (Holy Rosary, Flower Showering, Blessing of Noven and Mass. More Info

QATAR, Doha - 8 September, 2006

Doha: In preparation for the Nativity of Our Lady, the Mangalorean Community, belonging to Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Qatar, will be celebrating the nine-day novena (starting August 31) in Konkani led by Fr Ravi Santhosh Kamath. The feast will be celebrated on Friday, September 8, 2006 at 5pm at the American School of Doha. More Info

UK, Manchester - 8 September, 2006

KCA UK will be celebrate "Monthi Saibinichem Festh 2006" (The Nativity Of Mother Mary) on the 8th of September 2006, From 10:00 - 17:00 hours At St. Kentigerns RC Church 36, Wilbraham Rd, Manchester, M14 7DW. More Info

India, Hyderabad - 10 September, 2006

Kanara Catholic Welfare Assocation (KCWA), Hyderabad will be celebrating Monthin che Fest on September 10th 2006. There will be a blessing of the new paddy followed by the Holy Mass, starting from 09.45 am at Holy Trinity Church, Begumpet, Hyderabad 500 016 followed by a get together with cultural programs and games for children. (Contact: Lawrence Monteiro at 9246360369)

Canada, Ontario - 10 Septemeber 2006

The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) will organize and host the traditional Monthi Fest on September 10, 2006 at Christ the King Chuch, Parkway, 3495 Confederation Parkway, Mississauga, On. More Info

Oman, Sohar - 13 September 2006

At the St. Anthony of Padua Church on Wednesday, September 13th at 8:15 P.M. (Flower Showering followed by Mass. After mass there will be a Noven Jevan in the church hall.) More Info

UAE, Al Quoz - 15 September, 2006

Udentichim Nekethram is organizing nativity feast celebration on 15th September which falls on Friday at Emirates English Speaking School, Al Quoz. More Info

Oman, Salalah - 15 September 2006

At the St. Francis Xavier Church on Friday, September 15th at 10:30 A.M. (Holy Rosary, Flower Showering, Blessing of Noven and Mass.) More Info

Australia, Sydney - 17 September, 2006

Mangalorean community in Sydney, Australia, will be celebrating Monti Fest on Sunday, September 17, 2006, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 5 Grantham Road, Seven Hills NSW 2147. More Info

UAE, Bur Dubai - 22 September 2006

Belle Vision, U.A.E. (Belle, St.Lawrence Parishioners Association) will be celebrating the Feast of Nativity on Friday, 22nd September 2006 at AL MAS Hotel Apartments, Bur Dubai. More Info

To list your "Monthi Fest" celebration here, please write to konkanicatholics(AT)gmail(dot)com

BANGALORE: Rex Band at Christ College - September 2006

India's Leading Gospel Band, Rex Band, to perform at Christ College

REX BAND in Bangalore

Dates: 10, September, 2006
Venue: Christ College, Hosur Road, Bangalore
Entry: By Invitation Only
For More Info: jybangalore@gmail.com