Thursday, May 1, 2014

MEETING POPE FRANCIS – Personification of the Prodigal Father



I had not imagined this would happen. I was able to greet Pope personally, kiss his hands and exchange a few words. 
 
 My opportunity came because I was a member of the General Chapter of the Salesians held in Rome from 22nd February to April 14. 

During the last week of March the members of the new General Council, including a new Superior General were elected.  

On the last day of the month, the new General Council along with all the members of the General Chapter had a private audience with Pope Francis in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican.

We reached the Vatican around 10.00 am. We were able to enter St. Basilica of St. Peter through a private entrance.
 Holy Mass was going on in the Basilica at the time. However, space had been reserved for us in front of the tomb of St. Peter and we were allowed in.

The newly elected Rector Major Fr. Angel Fernandez led us in the Profession Faith in front of the tomb of St. Peter. We then turned to the statue of Don Bosco, which is right above the statue of St. Peter, a few metres away from the tomb. The Rector Major then led us in the prayer to Don Bosco that had been composed by the former Rector Major Pasucal Chaves as preparation for the General Chapter. 
 
 After that we had ample time to pray personally as well as to take photographs. The Rector Major was very obliging and posed with several members individually and in small groups in front of the tomb of St. Peter.
 
Around 11.00 am we moved out of the Basilica toward the Clementine Hall. There were a number of places where we stopped as a group under the directions of the Swiss Guards (they were all very young and very handsome!).
 Finally having walked up a number of flights of stairs (there were so many of them!) we entered the Clementine Hall and waited for the Pope.

The Clementine Hall, in memory of Pope Clement VIII, is remarkable for the frescoes that cover the ceiling and the walls. I was especially impressed by the representation of “Goodness” and “Religion” that stood out right in front, along with the Coat of Arms of Clement VIII.
 
 The Rector Majors (emeritus and present) and members of the General Council (past and present) took their seats in the front and second row. In deference to the Argentine origins of Pope Francis, all the Chapter members from Argentina were called in front to sit just behind the Council Members.

At precisely 12.00 noon all the doors of the Clementine Hall were shut. There was a buzz of anticipation in the Hall, and curiosity! Which door will Pope Francis use to enter the hall? Will be come from the back door and walk through the aisle greeting those on either side?
 
After a few moments, the official Vatican photographers entered, microphone was set in place. And the Pope entered from the right, through one of the larger doors. The hall resounded with applause.
Pope Francis went straight to Pascual Chaves (Rector Major Emeritus) and greeted him with a warm embrace. He then moved to Fr. Angel Fernandez and did the same. The staccato of the official photographers’ cameras was like that of rapid fire machine guns!

The Pope then moved to his chair, which was not on a platform but on the same level on the floor as the chairs of members in the audience. I think there was a message in that. Later, in a photo-book on the Clementine Hall, I noticed that earlier there was a two-step platform on which the chair was placed.
 
Fr. Angel then read a brief message of greeting.

Pope Francis then read his message, in Italian. He looked up from his prepared text a few times and spoke from his heart.
 
The one spontaneous exhortation that stood out for me and one which he said with the greatest intensity, and I thought with some sorrow, was this (from my understanding of Italian): “I know you Salesians work for young people. But work for the really needy young. There are 75 million young people who are unemployed today.”
 
 I thought the Pope looked tired and his voice too seemed tired. His usual smiles and serene countenance were not so evident (though they came through occasionally).  I think the burden of his Petrine Ministry is beginning to weigh on him.

After the Pope concluded his message, the Members of the General Council, and the Argentinian delegation walked up front to greet the Pope individually.
 
And then an announcement was made that the Pope wanted to greet every member of the Chapter in person. The hall resounded with applause at the announcement.

Some members tried to kneel as they greeted the Pope. But he prevented each of them from doing so, lifting them up. When my turn came, I kissed his hands and told him: “I bring you the good wishes and prayers from many people in India.” I too had tried to kneel, but he gently prevented me.
 
What stands out for me from the meeting is the simplicity and more especially the cordiality, familiarity and fatherliness. I think Pope Francis is making a conscious effort to put aside the pomp and power and be what Popes are meant to be – a father and a good shepherd. 

As I recently read in an article on Pope Francis in The New Yorker – The Prodigal Father is returning to his home. A father who personifies mercy and compassion.
 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

News and Views from Rome - 9: SALESIANS ELECT NEW RECTOR MAJOR - ANGEL ARTIME FERNANDEZ-


The 27th General Chapter of the Salesians of Don Bosco this morning elected Rev. Angel Artime Fernandes (age 53) as the new Rector Major of the Society and the 10th Successor of Don Bosco.

He was born on 21 August 1960 at Gozon-Luanco, in the Asturie region of Spain.

Fr Fernandes has degrees in theology, philosophy and Pastoral Pedagogy.


He  belonged originally to the Salesian Province of Leon, Spain. He has served as Principal of a school, Province delegate for Youth Pastoral, member of the Provincial Council, and Vice Provincial before being appointed Provincial of Leon in 2000 and completed his six year term in 2006.

He was a member of the Technical Commission that prepared for the 26th General Chapter.

In 2009 Fr. Angel was appointed Provincial of the Salesian Province of Argentina South, a responsibility he carried out with great efficacy until today.


As Provincial he collaborated on a number of projects with then Archbishop of Buenos Aires – and now Pope Francesco.

Fr Fernandez is known for his administrative skills and pastoral concern, both of which will assist him to open a new chapter in the history of the Salesian Congregation.




Sunday, March 23, 2014

MY HOMILY AT MASS AT THE GENERAL CHAPTER - 3rd Sunday of Lent

In this homily I pick up three thematic words from today’s sacred scripture, make a few brief reflections, ask some questions and give time for us to open ourselves to whatever arises spontaneously within us as response and perhaps also speak to God quietly in our hearts.


The first word: JOURNEY

In today’s’ first reading we are reminded of the journey of the Jewish people from Egypt to the Promised Land. I am sure they had set out on that journey with great enthusiasm, glad to leave behind their slavery and oppression. But today we find them tired of that journey; they are discontented and grumble against Moses their leader. They want to go back to the slavery in Egypt.

Referring to ourselves: We are today making multiple journeys simultaneously. For example: we have our spiritual and vocational journey. We are making a Lenten Journey; and we are experiencing together in a special way the journey of this General Chapter.

How do we really feel about these journeys? What is happening to us on these journeys? What is the level of our enthusiasm and passion on our spiritual and vocational journey? What progress have we made on our Lenten Journey? Have we really experienced any “metanoia”/conversion or life continues as usual?

In this context, I recall a sentence from the book of Revelation that I often meditate upon. In Chapter two, in the letter to the Christian community at Ephesus, the one like the Son of Man says: I am very happy with all that you have accomplished for my name’s sake. “But I have this against you. You have lost the love you had in the beginning” (Rev. 2, 4 ). 

This condemnation perhaps may have some relevance to the first module of our Chapter theme: Mystics in the Spirit. Has our focus on frenetic apostolic activity made us forget the primacy of God – the passion for God which is the primary rationale for our religious life choice? We could be working very hard for God and forget that God for whom we are working. Could this be true of us?

Lent is a time to recapture the love we had in the beginning. What efforts are we making to that effect? ….
We have been making our Chapter journey for a long time, more than three years beginning with the Provincial Chapters. We have been making this journey more intensely here at the Generalate for nearly a month now. How are we feeling about this journey at this juncture? Are we tired, disappointed, dissipated, even grumbling like the Jews, or still full of passion, enthusiasm and optimism? How do we really feel about way the Chapter is functioning?

We pause a moment to stay with whatever has been evoked in us through these considerations …. And may be also speak honestly to God about what has been evoked….


Second Word: THIRST

The Jewish people on the desert road thirsted for water. Thirst brings the Samaritan woman to the well. Her thirst for love/lust had led her to five husbands. They had not satiated her. And she was still thirsting. Thirsting for truth; thirsting for social acceptance and inclusiveness; thirsting for some certainty about the messiah. Can we see something of this woman in us? What? …

Jesus is thirsty and asks the woman for a drink. What does this image of Jesus sitting at the well, alone, tired, longing for a cup of water evoke in us? …

What are we really thirsting for? What is the desire welling up from deep within us? St. Ignatius of Loyola said, “You are your deepest desire.” Do we recognise what our deepest desire today is? If we do, what are we doing to satisfy it? …

Do we know what our young people today are really thirsting for? What to do we do to satisfy that thirst? Recognising and responding to that thirst might make us Servants of the Young.

--------- (Pause for reflection and prayer) ------


Third Word: GIFT (“Donum Dei”)

Jesus tells the Samaritan woman: “If only you knew the gift of God…” He then speaks of “living waters” as the gift. We know that scripture scholars and theologians have provided many interpretations as to what that gift is; what the living water is.

 We don’t need to bother about any of those interpretations. They are really irrelevant.

What is relevant is what we ourselves recognise that gift to be for us today.  What is the gift Jesus is offering each of us personally today? What is the gift that the Lord is offering our Congregation through this 27th General Chapter at this critical juncture in its history? How are we opening ourselves to these gifts?

What is the gift that the Lord wants to offer young people today through us, through our congregation? How are our discussions and deliberations in the Chapter helping us to discern this gift?
….. (Pause for reflection and prayer) …..



An Indian Twist on the Samaritan Woman Story

I like to conclude these reflections with a few lines from Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian poet, from his Nobel Prize winning little book “Gitanjali” (Garland/Offering of Songs) that can add a new perspective to the Samaritan Woman’s story and personalise it:

“I was alone at the well where the shadow of the tree fell aslant, and the women had gone home with their brown earthen pitchers full to the brim. They called me and shouted, “Come with us, the morning is wearing on to noon. But I languidly lingered a while lost in the midst of vague musings.
I heard not thy steps as thou camest. Thine eyes were sad when they fell on me; the voice was tired as thou spokest low – “Ah, I am a thirsty traveller.”
I started up from my day-dream and poured water from my jar on thine joined palms.
I stood speechless with shame when my name thou didst ask. Indeed, what had I done for thee to keep me in remembrance?
But the memory that I could give water to thee to allay thy thirst will cling to my heart and enfold it in sweetness.”

….. (Pause for reflection and prayer) …..

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.




Friday, March 21, 2014

News and Views from Rome – 8: CONCERT AT THE SISTINE CHAPEL

Today, 19th March, the Feast Day of St. Joseph,  I joined the members of the General Chapter of the Salesians of Don Bosco for a visit to the Vatican. We were to attend a Concert at the Sistine Chapel.


The Sistine Chapel Choir is currently led by a Salesian – Msgr. Massimo Palombella. He was appointed to this post by Pope Benedict in 2010. He is also a professor at the Pontifical Salesian University of Rome ion the faculty of Theology, Music and Liturgy.

We entered the Vatican through the back door next to St. Martha’s where Pope Francis resides. We could walk through the Vatican Gardens (where the Popes take their private walk) and had a view of St. Peter’s Basilica, not available to the normal tourist.


Even though the concert was a private performance, exclusively for the members of the General Chapter (what a privilege), there was a glossy eight page programme brochure describing the musical pieces that would be performed. The Vatican does things in style! 

The concert in itself was fantastic. It was mostly performance by the Sistine Chapel Choir of famous choral pieces. The clarity and harmony of voices were remarkable. The two pieces that stood out for their grandeur, at least for me, were “Stabat Mater” and “Credo” both by Palestrina.


There were also two organ recitals by Juan Paradell Sole, The Titular Organist of the Sistine Chapel choir.
At the end of the 90 minute concert the audience expressed their appreciation through prolonged applause, which lasted several minutes.


Cardinal Tarcisius Bertone  (a Salesian) and his successor, the current Secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, were both present during the Concert.  At the end of the Concert Parolin gave the Salesian “Good Night, for the second time in his life, he said; the first was when he visited the Salesians in the heart of the Amazon. He was glad, he said, today’s Good Night is to an international group of Salesians. He was familiar with the Salesians in Venezuela where he had been the Vatican Envoy earlier.


A number of us remarked among ourselves on the simplicity of Parolin, dressed in simple clergy attire, quite a contrast to the Princes of the Church at the Vatican. That must be one of the reasons Pope Francis chose him to be his Secretary of State.  Parolin has also been very active in peace and justice issues in South America.


We were back at the Generalate for supper.  And praise the Lord!  We were served beer for the first time! That really marked the feast day of St. Joseph as different from all our days at the Chapter.



Tuesday, March 18, 2014

News and Views from Rome - 7: Visit to Naples

I had the opportunity a few days ago to go on  an outing  with the members of the General Chapter to Naples. One hundred and twelve of us made the trip.

Our first stop was the Salesian Provincial House. From there we visited several churches, especially the Basilica of the Restitution where the congealed blood of St. Januarius, the Patron and Protector of Naples is venerated.  The dean of the Cathedral gave us insights into the story of St. Januarius, the history of the Basilica, the annual celebrations and miracles attributed to the Saint.


We also had a meeting with the Cardinal Archbishop of Naples, who spoke of his high regard for the Salesians and the work they do in the Archdiocese.


We strolled through the narrow gullies of ancient Naples lined with shops selling variety of exotic souvenirs.


After a lunch at the Yacht Club of Naples (sponsored by the Province of Naples) we had time to wander around the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius (notorious for the volcanic eruption that destroyed ancient Pompeii) in the background.


We made our way back (a long walk) to our buses around 6.00 pm and reached back at the Salesian Generalate in Rome around 9.30 pm.


Friday, March 14, 2014

News and Views from Rome – 6: OFFICIAL OPENING OF GENERAL CHAPTER 27

General Chapter 27 of the Salesians of Don Bosco was officially declared open by the Moderator Rev. Francesco Cerda at 1.04 pm on Monday 3rd  March in the presence of a number of cardinals, bishops and representatives of the Salesian Family. 


The Chapter is being held at the World Head Quarters of the Salesians, popularly known as the Generalate, at 1111 via della Pisana, Rome.

The opening day commenced with the Mass of the Holy Spirit presided over by the Rector Major, don Pascual Chaves Villaneuva. 


The opening session began at 10.30 am. After the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the reading and enthronement of the Gospel the Rector Major  made his opening remarks. He highlighted the dynamics that have been operating on a global level in the Salesian congregation in the last six year period.

In his message to the Chapter Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz,  Prefect of the Congregation for Consecrated life and  Societies of Apostolic Life, who took the centre seat on the dais, flanked by the Rector Major and the Moderator, focused on communion and fraternity in Community – its relevance and importance today.


Salesian Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Chamberlain  of the Holy Roman See, spoke on behalf of all the Salesian Bishops and Cardinals.

Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians thanked the Salesians for all the spiritual help offered to her sisters and expressed her congregation’s special affection for Fr. Pascual Chaves.


Signora Noemi Olga Bertola, World Coordinator for the Salesian Cooperators and Signora Olga Krizova spokesperson for the Salesian Family could not deliver their messages, even though present in the Aula Magna for the purpose, as time ran out! The talks by the four previous speakers  had taken three hours and it was time for lunch.

The Moderator then officially declared the Chapter open. It was 1.04 pm.

The opening day concluded with a wonderful musical concert by the Pentaphon, an internationally famous brass ensemble.


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

News and Views from Rome -5: GETTING THE GENERAL CHAPTER MACHINERY IN PLACE!

The days following the official opening of the Chapter were devoted to setting up the machinery – structures and processes --necessary to run the Chapter smoothly.


04/03/14. Tuesday
On 4th Tuesday, the Rector Major presented one name from each of the Regions from among whom the three Moderators of the General Assemblies were to be elected by absolute majority.  

The three elected by absolute majority were Fr. Leonardo Mancini from the Central European region, Fr. Jimenez Manola from the Tropical Africa region and Fr. Raphael Jayapalan region (Provincial of Chennai)  from South Asia  region. Mancini  was elected in the first ballot. The other two in the second.

The moderator then called attention to the Regulation of the Chapter and told the members to spend the rest of the morning studying these regulations. These were approved by the Assembly later in the day.



5/3/13. Ash Wednesday
The morning session was devoted entirely to the discussion and approval of the Regulations of the Chapter. There were lively interventions and some modifications of the draft before it was approved.

The afternoon session was devoted to formation of Commissions. Before lunch each member had been given an opportunity to make his preferences known in writing.

There are four commissions discussing the theme of the Chapter and one Juridical Commission. Each commission elected a President, a Reporter and a Secretary.


6/3/14. Thursday
The entire morning was spent in the study of the Report of the Rector Major in the Commissions and reporting on them.

In the afternoon statistics were presented on the global reality of the Congregation which helped to better understand the Report of the Rector Major. 


7/3/2014. Friday
The Rector Major gave his response to the observations and questions (from commissions and individuals) on his report. He delegated questions related to the sectors to the Regionals concerned, who were also on the dais along with him.

This was continued in the morning session on 7th. Saturday afternoon was free.



Friday, February 28, 2014

News and Views from Rome - 4: PILGRIMAGE TO CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND THE CONSOLATA

On the third and last day of our pilgrimage – “Pellegrinaggio Sui Luoghi Salesiani” (24/2) we visited the church of St. John the Baptist and the Consolata. Both have a great history and significance.


The Church of St. John the Baptist (built by Don Bosco) is in the vicinity of Porto Neuova – the old railway station in Turin. This is the place where migrant youth arrived searching for job. They were vulnerable to unscrupulous men and women looking for recruitment especially into the flesh trade that was quite rampant in that area (something that continues even today).

The young Don Bosco was very concerned about these vulnerable youth. He set up the Oratory of St. Aloysius (the name is very significant) on December 8, 1947 to give some protection and help to these youth. Later he also set up a school to train these youth in some trade.


The girls and young women were even more vulnerable and Don Bosco was concerned about them too. He looked for women collaborators. Sr. Louisa Clara, a Daughter of Charity from Savoy, began to work for the girls on the same lines as Don Bosco. 

When Savoy separated from Italy Louisa Clara was recalled by her congregation like all the other members of her congregation working in the area of new Italy. Clara refused to leave her work and founded a religious congregation of her own and continued her work for vulnerable women.

Later, Benedetta Savio, from the village of John Bosco, and with whom John was on very friendly terms, decided to join Don Bosco in his work.  Don Bosco planned to start a religious congregation for women with her as leader, even before he had considered Maria Mazzarello.


Don Bosco sent two Salesians to fetch her from Becchi and bring her to Porto Neuvo. But that very day her married sister died and Benedetta decided to take care of her deprived nephews and nieces and stay back at Becchi.

Don Bosco’s work at Porto Neuvo flourished and he felt it important to set up a Church there and he named it after the “young” St. John the Evangelist, and patron saint of his great friend and benefactor, Pius the IX (his larger than life statue is prominent at the back of the church).

Pius IX also had great affection for this church named after his patron. He donated to this church the chalice offered to him on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his consecration as bishop.

The foundation stone of the Church of St. John the Baptist was laid on 14 August 1878 with the blessing of Msgr. Gastaldi. The construction was completed in 1882 and consecrated on 28 October by the Archbishop of Turin.

Don Bosco always had a great affection for this church he always referred to as the church of Giovannini (the young John.)  It is also one of the more beautiful churches in and around Turin.

The Salesian community at St. John Baptist today continues the work for the migrants, especially from Africa.

The Chaplaincy for the 10,000 strong Philippino community is headquartered here.


A number of saints have worked at St. John the Baptist. These include: Blessed Michael Rua, the first successor of Don Bosco; Saint Leonardo Murialdo; Blessed Luigi Guanella; Venerable Philip Rinaldi; Servant of God Vincent Cimatti; and Saint Callisto Caravario (martyred in China).

After a tour of the Church and the facilities and some refreshments we set off for the church of the Consolata (Comforter and Patron of Turin), walking distance from the Salesian Mother House at Valdocco.


The Church of the Consolata is considered the “nerve centre of the spiritual life of the people of Turin.” It is one of the most beautiful churches I have seen and the one I really liked. It provides a very intimate sacred space for the worshippers. The sanctuary is hexagonal in shape. The main altar is right in the centre and people can sit very close to it in all the six spaces around it.

Artistic works abound on the walls.


The body of St. Joseph Caffaso, the Confessor and Spiritual Director is kept in a casket under a side altar.

Don Bosco often used to walk into this Church to pray. It is here that he found “consolation” after the death of his mother, Mama Margaret.

Like Don Bosco, all the Bishops of Turin too often visited the church and sought consolation from the Mother of God.

The statue of “The Consolata” stands on a very tall pillar in the piazza next to the Church.


The Consolata was the last stop on our “pellegrinatio.”

The pilgrimage ended with Mass presided over by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, Archbishop of Turin. During his homily the Archbishop said that there will be an extraordinary exposure of the Shroud (burial cloth) of Jesus  (the patrimony of the Archdiocese of Turin) during 2015, the bicentenary (Jubilee) year of Don Bosco’s birth, for the veneration of the thousands of pilgrims expected that year in the city of Turin.

The archbishop also said that Pope Francis will be visiting Turin during this Jubilee year.


After the Mass, most of us walked over to the Mother House for another sumptuous lunch (I gorged on the salmon, a favourite!)

For those with a gustatory interest here is the menu of that farewell lunch: Spada Affumicata All’Agro Con Valeriana; Insalata Nordica: Russo Salmone Tonno;  Riso Al Vapore; Misto di Verdure All’Olio: Carciofini Pomodori  Funghi; Tagliere di Salumi; Raviolini di Magro; Pomodoro e Basilico; Filetto di Pollo alla Mandorla; Spinaci al Parmigiano; Bunet; Cestino di Frutta; Vine del Novarse; Acqua; and CafĂ© (Mouth watering, right! Wish I had a better stomach to do justice to all the food.)

After lunch, around 2.30 pm we got into our buses and returned to the Generalate in Rome reaching there a little before midnight.


Thus ended our glorious and very enriching “Pellegrinaggio Sui Luoghi Salesiani” (Pilgrimage to the Salesian Places) Turin, 22-24 February 2014.

I went to bed that night with a sense of gratitude and privilege,  with an increased love for and appreciation for Don Bosco, and the great Salesians of that early era and proud to be a Salesian.

 Deo Gratias! and to Don Bosco