PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY (B) 01-04-2012

PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY (B) 01-04-2012

Mark 14, 1-15,47

IDENTIFIED WITH THE VICTIMS

José Antonio Pagola

 Neither the power of Rome, nor the authorities of the Temple could put up with the newness of Jesus. The way he understood God and related to him was dangerous. He did not support the imperial rule of Tiberius, but called upon all to seek the kingdom of God and his justice. He didn’t need to think twice before breaking the Law of the Sabbath or religious traditions. He was only concerned about the suffering of the sick and malnourished people of Galilee.

Rev. Fr.Valentine de Souza S.J

 They did not forgive him for this. He identified himself too closely with the innocent victims of the Empire and those forgotten by the religion of the Temple. Mercilessly executed on a cross, God now reveals himself in him who is identified with the innocent victims of all times. To the cry of all of them is added God's cry of agony.

 
 The disfigured face of the crucified Jesus reveals to us an amazing God, one who shatters our conventional images of God and calls into question all religious practice that seeks to worship God forgetting the drama of a world that continues to crucify the weakest and the most helpless.

  If God has died identified with the victims, his crucifixion becomes a disquieting challenge for the followers of Jesus. We cannot separate God from the suffering of innocent people. We cannot worship the Crucified One, and turn our backs on the sufferings of so many human beings ground down by hunger, wars, or poverty.

 God continues to seek an answer from us for the crucified people of our times. We have no right to continue to be spectators of such immense suffering by feeding a naïve illusion of innocence. We have to rebel against the culture of insensibility that allows us to isolate ourselves from the crucified ones by displacing the unjust suffering in the world to a remote sphere where all outbursts, groans, or weeping get lost.

 We cannot enclose ourselves in our “welfare society”, ignoring that other “society of malaise” where millions of human beings are born to be obliterated within a few years from a life that was only death. It is neither human nor Christian to be ensconced in security forgetting those who only know a life of insecurity and danger.

  When we Christians raise our eyes to the face of Jesus crucified, we contemplate the unfathomable love of God, delivered up even unto death for our salvation. If we look more carefully, we soon discover in that face the faces of so many other crucified people who far from or near us, call for our love and compassion, our solidarity with them.

Help discover the crucified people of our times

English Translation by Valentine de Souza S.J. Mandal, Gujarat , India.394650

e-mail:vallydesouza@jesuits.net,
Jose Antonio Pagola, vgentza@euskalnet.net , San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain.

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Diploma course in legal aid_Baroda Dio

Nyay Darshan is a center for Human rights and Justice. It is situated at 5, Sushilnagar, Nizampura, Vadodara. The center works for the spreading legal awareness among the masses in Vadodara and different states of India.

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Law is a weapon that can be used to combat oppression, exploitation and injustice. Ignorance of law is not an excuse. So we all must know our rights well. Enjoyment of legal rights is necessary for the development of human personality. It is the sacred duty of every individual to know the laws of the country and to observe them, so that everyone can enjoy rights and justice in every aspect of life. 

Nyay Darshan headed by Fr.P.D.Mathew S.J. director of the center and his team works for the empowerment of humanity in legal issues. They conduct residential programme at center as well as gives seminar, workshops in the school, colleges, hostel and grass root level in the villages.

Nyay Darshan had conducted one year diploma course in legal aid for 13 Social Animators working in various places in Gujarat. The participants completed the course successfully and were awarded the diploma in legal-aid.

Rev.Bisho Godfrey Rosario Bishop of Baroda was the chief guest. His Lordship inspired us with his powerful insights and expectation ad reminded us about the various laws which help us for the better functioning of the society.

Fr.P.D Mathew, the director of the center explains the need of the hour is to work for the dignity of human beings. He said human rights must be made fact and not an idealistic dream.

Sr. Dora, one of the participants shared about her enriching learning experiences and how it contributed to her and other participants in their personal growth. She says, this course has helped me in various ways because of this opportunity given I became aware got involved with the legal issues. My capacity for understanding and analyzing the legal issues has increased. I am able to make critical judgments on legal matters, ask questions to officers without fear, and discuss legal matters with others. I am able to give information and direct people to right places and right people. 

This little ceremony marked a historical moment at Nyay Darshan. The participants, who completed the legal studies successfully were awarded diploma by His Lordship Bishop Godfrey.

 

The programme was concluded by vote of thanks given by Sr. Manjula Tuscano O.P.

Video and photo: BBN

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Persecution Continues in Madhya Pradesh

Christian Persecution Continues in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal: 27/3/2012: Over the weekend two incidents of Christian persecution have taken place Barwani and Chindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. In a shocking incident in Chindwara district of Madhya Pradesh under the Bichua police station three Christians are arrested from the prayer service held in a house in the village. The incident took place during the Sunday worship time. The area where incident took place is very remote and news reached to the out side world only a day after when the police had already completed all legal formalities.

Vijay Mohar, head of the Bharatiya Sevak Sangathi, who resides in Nagpur said, “ they are members of my Church, they have been falsely accused of forced conversion. Police arrested them on Sunday but did not allow them to use any means of communication.”

Bichua police station in-charge Gangaram Kasera says, “we have arrested three persons namely Harichan Varti, Mayaram Padame and Santaram Parteti on a complaint by Sirpath Pawar and a few villagers. They have given us a complaint that these people were trying to convert them through illegal means. And it also created tension between communities in the locality.”

They have been charged with IPC 153 and 3-4 of Freedom of Religion Act 1968 of Madhya Pradesh. Pastor Devasish Mohar said, “the accused persons were produced in the Court and they are sent for 12 days remand.”

Shankar, one who is coordinating with the people, said, “ Police have acted under pressure from the RSS and allied organizations. We were in prayer and we have not done any illegal religious conversion.”

In another incident in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh under the Chainpur police station police attempted to disrupt a three days Gospel convention. On the second day evening fundamental organizations along with police reached the venue.

Pastor Kiran said, “We had taken permission from the administration for three days, our people too have made strong objection to the police. We have told the fundamentalists too that we are not cowardice and we have followed the legal system.” He said, “We are number around fifteen hundred people, police told us to vacate the place but after tension police is providing protection.”

Barwani Christian community has declared a protest march to the collectorate on 14 April, 2012. Isai Mahasangh have declared their support to the protest march. Communist Party of India, Barwani unit too have declared support to the proposed rally. It is to be noted that in the last Assembly Election Mr. Pascal, a Christian fought election from the CPI. He had obtained over five thousand votes.

Isai Mahasangh State General Secretary, Jerry Paul said, “we will take up the matter with higher officials in State. We are also planning to take up the matter with Governor of Madhya Pradesh.”

John Anthony
Media In-charge
Isai Mahasangh, Bhopal

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NISCORT_Masters in Pastoral Communications

 Offers

A first of its  kind program in the world in English

Masters in Pastoral Communications

  2-years, for those working for the Church, Eligibility: Bachelor  (theology preferred); with possible   international affiliation, internship etc.)

Plus three other courses

1.  DIPLOMA IN MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY (DMT)

1-year,  to help get a job as a technical person in the media; Eligibility: Plus II, plus knowledge of English and Hindi

2. MASTERS IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS (MMC)

2-years, Eligibility: Bachelor  (any subject); Recognized by an Indian University

3. DIPLOMA IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS (DMC)

1-year, Eligibility:  Bachelor   (any subject); Recognized by an Indian University

SPECIAL FEATURES

1. Possible International Internship  during the summer (for those who can afford the extra expenses)   

2. Study at a WIFI campus that has only communication students

3. International teaching styles, methodologies

4. Audio visual equipment made available to students at ease.

5. Concession on fees for deserving Laity and Women Religious. Double concession for Catholic lay women. 

Course Descriptions, Fees, and Application Forms can be downloaded at www.niscort.com

Send to: NISCORT, A-2, Sector I, Vaishali, Ghaziabad – 201012 (UP) NCR-Delhi, India

Email: niscort@vsnl.com

Niscort online march 2012

View more documents from BBN

By Dr.Jacob Srampickal SJ

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આંકલાવનો ભક્તિ મેળો_Religious get together at Anklav, Gujarat

Please click for Religious get together at Anklav, Gujarat.


આજે આંકલાવ  ભક્તિ મેળામાં મોટી સંખ્યામાં લોકો ઉમટ્યા હતા. અહી દર વર્ષે તપઋતુમાં મોટી સંખ્યામાં સાચા ક્રૂસના અવશેષને નમન કરવા લોકો ઊંડી ભક્તિ સાથે યાત્રાએ આવે છે. ભક્તજનો દુર દુરથી પગપાળા ક્રૂસના માર્ગની ભક્તિ બોલતા આજે અહી મેળામાં ભેગા થયા હતા. આ મેળામાં યુવાનો અને યુવતીઓ તથા વડીલોની હાજરીથી વાતાવરણ પ્રાર્થનામય બન્યું હતું. આ પ્રસંગે બપોરે ૧૨ વાગ્યાનો મહા ખ્રિસ્તયજ્ઞ અમદાવાદ ધર્મપ્રાંતના માનનીય બિશપશ્રી થોમસ મેકવાને અર્પણ કર્યો હતો.

મેળાની ઝલક માટે વિડીઓ અને નીચેના ફોટો નિહાળશો..


વીડિઓ: બી.બી એન.
      

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Career Guidance Camp in Vadod

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 On 24th March, 2012 There was a seminar on Career Guidance organized by Saint Francis Parish Youth, Gamdi, Anand with special co-operation of Vadod village youth group in Vadod. Among the invitees were three specialized people who had an influential knowledge in Career Guidance. They were Fr. Mayank Parmar from Kapdvanj, Fr. K. P. Vincent from Nadiad and last but not the least Mr. Rajul Bipin Azad from Ahmedabad. They gave us information about various career opportunities that can be taken up after 10th, 12th and Graduation. The activities were like presentations, group discussions, questions-answers session, inspirational movie clips, games etc.

 Saint Francis Parish Youth has been organizing this kind of Educational activities since its establishment in Jan-2009 and it has been one of its aims to help maximum youngsters in the area of education.

 We are always thankful to Rev. Fr. Nagin SJ who is our youth director. We are also thankful to all fathers and sisters and the youth who made this camp a wonderful event today in Vadod.


Thank You
Hencel Surendra Macwana
(member of Saint Francis Parish Youth)

Photos: Taral Parmar
Video: BBN

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Annual Day in Loyola I.T.I., Nadiad

Annual day Celebration at Loyola Training Centre (I.T.I.) – Nadiad.

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On 23rd March 2012, Loyola ITI celebrated its annual day along with farewell of two non formal courses. On this great day of the institute, we had two distinguished guests; they were Mr.Sanjay B Surti and Miss.Arpita D Parmar. Both of them are ex students of this institute. Mr.Sanjay has done two years of ITI course on Attendant Operator in Chemical Plant (A.O.C.P.). After his studies over here he joined in Torrent Cables at Nadiad. Due to his hard work and commitment to his industry, this year the Torrent industry has selected him as the best worker (Torrentian of the year 2012) with a cash award of rupees seven and half lakhs (Rs 7,50,000/-) and a certificate. He is selected from about 14,000 workers in this industry all over India. He has also got a special interest in social service. He has donated blood for 31 times to different people and saved many lives. He has also promised to Lions club of Nadiad to donate his eyes. Loyola ITI was privileged to have him for the annual day. He gave an inspiring talk to the students. According to him hard work and faith fullness lead him for the success.



 Miss Arpita D. Parmar was a student of Spoken English and Secretarial course. After her studies here, she persuaded in higher studies and finished M.ed and M.Phil. At present she is an Asst. Professor in a college at Anand. Miss.Arpita shared her struggles with joy to reach this post. She encouraged girls to work hard and aim high. Arpita’s life too is inspiring for many. Students of COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant) staged a good prayer dance. During the function we had a variety of entertainment programs put up by the students. Students of Front Office Management course put up three dances from three different cultures like Bamboo dance of south Gujarat (Dangs), Rass of Saurashtra and Poppet dance of Kachh. Institute had a number of activities like sports days, Garba during Navratri and Christmas etc. Prizes and certificates were given to students who did well during the sports days and Garbha. Cash awards were given to students who did well in studies during last academic year. Program ended with vote of thanks by Director Fr. K.P. Vincent SJ. He thanked the chief guests for making their valuable time available for the institute and inspiring the students for a successful future. For the outgoing students, he wished best of luck for the further studies or work.

[Report by Sr.Kalavati Gamit]

Photos and videos by BBN

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રંગલો અને રંગલીના ખેલ_International Women's Day

રંગલો અને રંગલીના  ખેલ દ્વારા સંદેશ આપતા કપડવંજના બહેનો ને જોવા માટે વિડીઓ  નિહાળશો. 
Please click on the video

Women’s Day at Kapadvanj

21 March, 2012

 Don Bosco Kapadvanj witnessed its 5th Women’s Day on 20th March, 2012 coordinated by Dristi staff. 625 women were present for the grand event. The theme – ‘Bhanatar No Dayjo Dikrine Aapjo’ that emphasized the promotion of girls’ education was enacted by the Kheda District Primary Education Committee through a puppet show. The cultural programme was interspersed with a welcome song, garba, one act play, and a street play. The goal of the programme was to focus on the right of each and every woman. It was conducted to emphasize women empowerment and to conscientize the women of the villages of Kapadvanj bloc. In her speech, Mrs. Leelaben Ankolya, President of Gujarat State Women’s Commission urged the gathering to promote education of girls. She also invited each one to maintain hygiene in their homes and in their respected villages. Members of other NGOs were also present for this auspicious occasion. Charts depicting, ‘Women’s participation in Panchayat’, ‘Promotion of girls’ education’ and ‘Domestic Violence against women’ were exhibited in the Mission Mangalam stalls. Thanks to Fr. Mayank and Dristi Don Bosco for hosting the event.

News By Cl. Evangelo D’Souza

Video By BBN

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કમ્યુનીટી ડેવલોપમેન્ટ સોસાયટી( સીડીએસ) નો વાર્ષિક મહોત્સવ

કમ્યુનીટી ડેવલોપમેન્ટ સોસાયટી( સીડીએસ) નો વાર્ષિક મહોત્સવ

તા ૧૮ મી માર્ચ રવિવારે લાયન્સ ક્લબ આણંદ ખાતે સીડીએસનો વાર્ષિક મહોત્સવ ધામધુમથી ઉજવવામાં  આવ્યો હતો. આ સંસ્થા આણંદ પધારિયા વિસ્તારમાં આવેલી છે અને ચોપાસે  વસતાં હિંદુ , મુસ્લિમ તથા   ખ્રિસ્તી સાધનવિહોણા પરિવારોની દીકરીઓને  રોજીરોટીના સાધનો ઉપલબ્ધ થાય તથા આર્થિક રીતે જાતે કંઇક કરી શકે તે માટે ટૂંકા ગળાના કોર્સીસનું  આયોજન કરી તાલીમ આપે છે. કોમ્પ્યુટર, બ્યુટી પાર્લર. ફોટોગ્રાફી, સીવણ કામ વગેરે કોર્સીસનો આમાં સમાવેશ થાય છે. આ સાથે વિવિધ ધર્મના લોકો વચ્ચે સદભાવના પ્રગટે, મૈત્રી કેળવાય અને પરસ્પર માટેના પૂર્વગ્રહો ઓગળી જાય તે માટે પણ સીડીએસ કાર્યરત છે.


 રિશ્તા સંસ્થા પ્રતિવર્ષ તેમને પત્રકારત્વની તાલીમ આપીને જાહેર માધ્યમોમાં લખતી કરે છે. રેડિયો નાટક સ્ક્રીપ્ટ લખવાની પણ તાલીમ આપે છે.


 સીડીએસ સંસ્થાના પ્રણેતા આણંદના  શ્રી મનોજ કે. મેકવાન  છે જેઓ સાચા અર્થમાં કમ્યુનીટી  ડેવલોપમેન્ટનું પ્રશંસનીય તથા  અનુકરણીય કામ કરી રહ્યા છે. સીડીએસ તથા તેની સાથે જોડાયેલ સહુને આપણાં  હાર્દિક અભિનંદન.


પ્રેષક: ફા. વિલિયમ
Potos: CDS, Anand   

               

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માતા મરિયમની ટેકરીનું ખાત મુહરત

આ વર્ષ અમદાવાદ ધર્મપ્રાંતમાં ગુલાબ માળાનું વર્ષ તરેકે જાહેર કરવામાં આવ્યું છે ત્યારે ધર્મજનો પોતાની અરજો પવિત્ર માતા મરિયમ આગળ રજુ કરી શકે તે હેતુસર કઠલાલ તાબામાં આવેલ મહીસા ગામે લુર્ડ્સના પવિત્ર માતા મરિયમની ટેકરીનું ખાત મુહરત  રવિવારે ૧૮મી તારીખે કરવામાં આવ્યું.

સવારે ૧૧:૩૦ વાગે ગામના બધાજ  શ્રધાળુ  ભાઈ બહેનો આ પ્રસંગે હાજર રહ્યા હતા.  આ પ્રસંગ હસમુખ ખ્રીશ્ચિયન  દ્વારા પ્રાર્થના ગીતથી  શરૂ કરી અને સરઘસ રૂપે મરિયમની પ્રતિમાને  આખા મહોલ્લામાં ફેરવવામાં આવી હતી. અને ત્યારબાદ દેવાલયની બાજુમાં ટેકરીનું બાંધકામ  શરૂ કર્યું હતું

આ સમયે દરેકે પોતાની યથાશક્તિ પ્રમાણે  દાન અને ફાળો આપ્યો હતો.અહી આવેલ સંત જોસેફ દેવાલયનું  નવીનીકરણ પણ અગામી દિવસોમાં કરવામાં આવશે . આ પહેલા  ભાનેર ગામમાં પણ ટેકરીનું ઉદ્ધઘાટન   કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું અને આજે આજ તાબામાં આ બીજો અનેરો પ્રસંગ આવતા કઠલાલ તાબાના લોકોમાં ઊંડો આનંદ જોવા મળતો હતો.    

આ પ્રસંગે માનનીય  ફા.રમેશ મેકવાન ( કઠલાલના સભા પુરોહિત)  ત્યાં હાજર રહ્યા હતા અને તેમને હાથે ટેકરીનું કામ શરૂ કર્યું હતું અને અંતે તેમણે દરેકને આશીર્વાદ આપ્યા હતા

આ પ્રસંગના ફોટો નિહાળશો.

ફોટો: હસમુખ ખ્રીશ્ચિયન, રુદણ
ન્યુઝ: બી.બી.એન.                

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કાલવારી ડુંગરી, કાટકુવાનો મેળો

ગઈ કાલે તા ૧૮મી  માર્ચ કાલવારી ડુંગરી, કાટકુવા ગામે (જે દઢવાળા, દ. ગુજરાત તાબામાં આવેલ છે) ડુંગર ઉપર ભક્તિ મેળાનું આયોજન આજુબાજુના ગામડાઓમાં રહેતા  આદિવાસી ભાઈઓ દ્વારા કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું. કાટકુવા એક નાનકડું ગામડું જે આજુબાજુ જંગલ અને કુદરતી સૌન્દર્યથી સજાયેલ છે. ગામની બાજુ માં આવેલ ડુંગર ઉપર લોકોથી અને લોકો વડે  વેદનામૂર્તિ માતા મરિયમનું ભક્તિ સ્થાન ડુંગર ઉપર બનાવેલ છે. (વધુ વીડિઓમાં નિહાળી શકશો.)    

 અહી આદિવાસી ભૂલકાઓ,બહેનો અને ભાઈઓમાં વેદનામુર્તી માતા મરિયમ અને પ્રભુ ઇસુ પ્રત્યેનો ઊંડો ભક્તિરસ જોવા મળતો હતો. દુર દુર થી પગપાળા આવેલ માનવ મેદની જોઈ વાતાવરણ ભક્તિમય બન્યું હતું.  આ કાલવારી ડુંગર ઉપર અહીના લોકો દ્વારા મોટા ક્રોસના સ્થાનો બનાવ્યા છે જેનાથી પ્રભુ ઈસુની કાલવારીની યાત્રાની વેદના અનુભવાય છે.  દરેક ગામથી આવેલ લોકો ડુંગર નીચેથી ક્રુસના માર્ગની ભક્તિ બોલી ડુંગર ઉપર આવેલ વેદનામુર્તી માતા મરિયમના ભક્તિ સ્થાને જાય છે. આ કાલવારી ડુંગરી ઉપરથી નીચે આવેલ ગામનું દ્રશ્ય જરૂસાલેમ જેવું લાગે છે. ત્યાં નજીકમાં એક ડેમ આવેલ છે તે ડુંગરી ઉપરથી ગાલીલ સરોવર જેવું લાગે છે.  આ કાલવારી  ડુંગરી ઉપર ખાસ કરીને તપઋતુ દરમ્યાન આવતા દરેક, પ્રભુ ઈસુની વેદનામાં સહભાગી થવાનો લાહવો લે છે.

ગઈ કાલે અમદાવાદ ધર્મપ્રાંતના માનનીય બિશપ થોમસ મેકવાન દ્વારા અહી ડુંગર ઉપર ભવ્ય ખ્રિસ્તયજ્ઞ કરવામાં આવ્યો હતો. આ મેળામાં ઝંખવાવ તથા  દુરથી આવેલ પુરોહિતગણ અને સાધ્વી બહેનોની હાજરીથી મેળામાં ભક્તિરસ ઉમેરાયો હતો. આ મેળાને વધુ ભક્તિમય બનાવવામાં રેવ.ફા. જેમ્સ એસ. જે. (દઢવાળા સભા પુરોહિત) રેવ. ફા. ટોની બ્રીટો એસ. જે. ( મદદનીશ સભા પુરોહિત) રેવ. ફા ફેલિક્ષ એસ. જે. તથા રેવ. ફા. ઝેવિયર એસ. જે. નો ઉત્તમ ફાળો રહ્યો હતો.

ન્યુઝ અને વીડિઓ
બી. બી. એન.                                                     

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LOOK UPON THE FACE OF THE CRUCIFIED JESUS

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT (B) 18 March 2012

John 3, 14-21

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” (NIV)

LOOK UPON THE FACE OF THE CRUCIFIED JESUS

José Antonio Pagola

Translated by Rev. Fr. Valentine de Souza S. J.

 John, the evangelist, tells us of a mysterious meeting of Jesus with Nicodemus, an important Pharisee. According to the story, it is Nicodemus who takes the initiative to go “at night” to where Jesus is. He intuitively sensed that Jesus is “a man come from God”, but he is in the dark about him. Jesus will lead him towards the light.

 In the story, Nicodemus stands for anyone who sincerely seeks to meet Jesus. That is why, at a certain point, Nicodemus disappears from the scene and Jesus continues his discourse to end with a general invitation not to live in darkness but to seek the light.

According to Jesus, the light that can clarify everything is found in the Crucified One. It’s a bold statement: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Are we able to see and feel the love of God in that man tormented on the cross?

 From childhood we have got used to seeing the cross everywhere, so we have not learnt to look upon the face of the Crucified Jesus with faith and love. Our casual look cannot find in that face the light that could illuminate our lives in the hardest and most difficult times.


 Jesus, however, is sending us signs of life and love from the cross. In those outstretched arms that can no longer embrace children, and in those hands nailed to the cross that can no more caress lepers or bless the sick, God is there with open arms to welcome, embrace and sustain our poor lives devastated by so much suffering.

From that face lifeless in death, from those eyes that can no longer look tenderly upon sinners and prostitutes, from that mouth that cannot cry out in anger on behalf of the victims of so much abuse and injustice, God reveals to us his “love unto folly” for Humanity.


“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” We can accept that God or we can reject him. No one compels us to do so. It’s up to us to decide. But “light has come into the world.” Why do we so often spurn the light that comes to us from the Crucified Jesus?


He can bring light to the most miserable and futile life, but “everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” When we live undignified lives, we avoid the light because we feel unworthy before God. We do not want to look upon the Crucified One. On the other hand, “whoever lives by the truth comes into the light.” He does not escape into the darkness. He has nothing to hide. He seeks with his look the Crucified Jesus who brings him to live in the light.

Radiate the light of the Crucified Jesus

Source: 

Jose Antonio Pagola, vgentza@euskalnet.net , San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain.

English Translation by Valentine de Souza S.J. Mandal, Gujarat , India.394650

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IN THE MIDST OF THE YOUNG

Please click on the video

KAPADVANJ, MARCH 12, 2012: 'It is enough for me to know you are young for me to love you.' These words of Don Bosco came to light on March 11, 2012 in the premises of Don Bosco, Kapadvanj. A dawn to dusk programme was organized for hundred and twenty dynamic oratory children of the villages of Alampura, Gadiyara, Bapuji-na-Muvada and Motipura of the Kapadvanj bloc. The children graced the occasion with their vibrant presence. The registration of the children was done at first, after which they were handed over colourful badges.

The lightning tournament held for the children created an electrifying atmosphere in the lush green grounds of Kapadvanj. An entertaining movie refreshed the minds of the Benjamin's of the villages. The fete game was another important feature that amused and entertained the children. In the evening programme, the children displayed their talents as they took the stage. One could see the courageous side of these lovely children as they showcased their talents. They were charming, creative and hilarious in their skits, dances and the action songs. Indeed they are God's special lot. That's the reason why this day was kept aside for them as they are 'special' to us. Kudos to Fr. Mayank and the aspirants for the hard work put in the past one year in moulding these 'young minds.' A special gesture of thanks to 'Mission Mangalam' for sponsoring the stalls for the fete games. Three cheers to these lovely children.

News By Bro. Cl. Evangelo D'Souza sdb

Photo and video by BBN

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International Women's Day - 2012

ગઈ કાલે આંતર રાષ્ટ્રીય મહિલા દિનની ઉજવણી  મહિલાઓ દ્વારા વિશ્વભરમાં કરવામાં આવી હતી. ગુજરાતમાં ધૂળેટી ના તહેવારની સાથે ગુલાલથી મહિલાઓએ પણ અહી મહિલા દિન ઉજવ્યો હતો.  કપડવંજના  સ્નેહલબેન જેઓ કોલેજનો અભ્યાસ કરે છે અને યુવતી તરીકે કોલેજમાં  તો  ખરાજ પણ કપડવંજની ધર્મસભામાં પણ  કાર્યશીલ રહી મહત્વનો  ફાળો  આપી રહ્યા છે. યુવતી તરીકે મહિલાદિન ઉપર તેમના વિચારો અને અનુભવ માટે વીડિઓ ઉપર ક્લિક કરશો.
   



International Women’s Day is annually held on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

 The first International Women’s Day occurred on March 19 in 1911. The inaugural event, which included rallies and organized meetings, was a big success in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The March 19 date was chosen because it commemorated the day that the Prussian king promised to introduce votes for women in 1848. The promise gave hope for equality but it was a promise that he failed to keep. The International Women’s Day date was moved to March 8 in 1913. Much progress has been made to protect and promote women’s rights in recent times. However, nowhere in the world can women claim to have all the same rights and opportunities as men, according to the UN. The majority of the world's 1.3 billion absolute poor are women. On average, women receive between 30 and 40 percent less pay than men earn for the same work. Women also continue to be victims of violence, with rape and domestic violence listed as significant causes of disability and death among women worldwide.

 The UN drew global attention to women's concerns in 1975 by calling for an International Women's Year. It also convened the first conference on women in Mexico City that year. The UN General Assembly then invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women's Rights and International Peace in 1977. The day aimed to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women. It also focused on helping women gain full and equal participation in global development. International Men’s Day is also celebrated on November 19 each year.

Resource: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/international-womens-day

Video By BBN

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Pope Benedict XVI Praying Especially for Asia

Pope Benedict XVI Praying Especially for Asia

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 29, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI will be praying this month that the contribution of women will be justly recognized, and for the perseverance of those who suffer for their faith.

The Apostleship of Prayer announced the intentions chosen by the Pope for March.

His general intention is "that the whole world may recognize the contribution of women to the development of society."

And the Pontiff's mission intention is "that the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia."


Courtesy:EWTN News
Photo:Google

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FREEING THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

4 March 2012

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (B)

Mark 9, 2-10

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.

And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. (NIV)

FREEING THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

JoséAntonio Pagola translated by Rev. Fr. Valentine de Souza SJ

 The story of the “Transfiguration of Jesus” was from the beginning very popular among his followers. It’s not one more episode. The scene, recreated from various resources of a symbolic character, is grandiose. The evangelists present Jesus, his face shining, while conversing with Moses and Elijah.

Fr. Valentine de Souza SJ

 The three disciples who accompanied him to the top of the mountain are overwhelmed. They do not know what to make of it all. The mystery that envelops Jesus is too extraordinary. Mark says they were frightened.

 The scene ends is an unusual way: “Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” The movement of Jesus was born by listening to his call. His message, later issued in four slim volumes, inspired new followers. The Church lives its life listening to the Gospel.

 This message of Jesus encounters many obstacles reaching the men and women of our times. Having given up religious practice, many have stopped listening to it altogether. From then on they will not have heard Jesus except in a casual or distracted mood.

 Neither can those who wish to join Christian communities easily appreciate the message of Jesus. His message is lost in the mass of practices, customs, and doctrines. It is difficult to grasp its decisive importance. The liberating power of his Gospel remains blocked by the language used and commentaries alien to his spirit.

 Even today, however, the only important message we Christians can offer modern society is the Good News proclaimed by Jesus, and his project of a more healthy and dignified life. We cannot continue to block the humanizing power of his Gospel. We have to allow it a clean, vibrant, and copious flow in our communities. Let it reach homes, so that those who seek a new meaning to their lives can know it, and those who live without hope can hear it.

 We have to learn to read the Gospel together, to make its stories familiar, to put ourselves in direct and immediate contact with the Good News of Jesus. And we must take pains to do so. Here begins the renewal the Church needs today.

 When the institution of the church has lost the power of attraction it had for centuries, we have to discover the attraction Jesus, the beloved Son of God, has for those who seek truth and life. Within a few years we will come to realize that everything is driving us to place his Good News more faithfully at the heart of Christianity.

***************

Free the power of the Gospel

Source: URL of José Antonio Pagola's Buenas Noticias Web site: 

http://sanvicentemartirdeabando.org

Website for Spanish text and translations: www.eclesalia.net

Jose Antonio Pagola, vgentza@euskalnet.net , San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain.

English Translation by Valentine de Souza S.J. Mandal,

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