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 22^nd 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.

 

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 27^th 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.

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.

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 3^rd  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.

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 4^th 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.

News & Views from Rome - 2 PILGRIMAGE TO TURIN - DAY 1

Members of the General Chapter went on a three-day pilgrimage to Turin – the Italian city in which Don Bosco began his work and where he died.

Basilica of Mary Help of  Christians in Turin

We left in three buses from Rome, leaving the Generalate at 5 am. The 900 km between Rome and Turin was covered in 10 hours. On the way we passed Florence and Bologna – two major Italian cities.

We stopped for lunch (we had been given a packed lunch to carry with us) around 1.30 pm at a way side Rest area  at Tortona.

Another View of the Basilica

From Tortona, for several miles, we had clear view of the beautiful snow-covered Alps Mountains in the distance. The bus moved at a steady pace of 100 km per hour (on cruise control). The upper limit of speed had been fixed by law and technology at 100 kmph – it could not go faster, although it had the capacity.

We reached Turin a little before 3 pm. After checking into the hotel we were driven to Val Salice (translated Willow Brook) where Don Bosco’s body was originally buried.

  The place where Don Bosco's body was initially buried. In the bottom right corner is his biretta.

Although he died at Valdocco, the place where spent all his priestly life, he was not allowed to be buried there, because of Municipality regulations. However, the City officials themselves suggested Val Salice, where the Salesian ran a school,  as it was outside the city limits.

Don Bosco died on January 31^, 1888. His body was kept for public veneration till Feb 2. That evening the body was taken in procession around the city. It is said there were about 5000 people in the procession.

Interior of the beautiful Church at Val Salice

However, city police calculated that there were around 100,000 people paying homage to him that day in various parts of the city. He could not be buried that day, however, as his grave at Val Salice had not been ready.

He was finally buried on February 4^th at the top of a long flight of  stairs. (Fr. Julius Barberis, who had been the Novice Master General of the Congregation later revealed that Don Bosco had told him in September 1887, just a few months before his death that he would watch over the young  Salesians in formation, precisely from that spot!)

Above the Main altar at Val Salice

Fr. Micheal Rua, the successor of Don Bosco, and Fr. Paul Albera, the second successor of Don Bosco were buried on the right and left of Don Bosco at Val Salice.

The body was later in 1927 was taken back to Valdocco and buried there.

Don Bosco's Statue in front of the Basilica

From Val Salice we went over to Valdocco, where Don Bosco began his work in 1841 and where he lived until his death in 1888, and where his incorrupt body is preserved and exposed for public veneration at  the magnificent Basilica of Mary Help of Christians that Don Bosco had built in gratitude to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Don Bosco's Body in the Basilica

In the evening we gathered for the Holy Eucharist at the Basilica. The Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Pascual Chaves, the Rector Major, surrounded by all the General Council members.

Taking inspiration from the scripture readings given for the feast of the Chair of Peter that was celebrated that day, he exhorted the Salesians to make Jesus of Nazareth the centre of their life, as did Peter in his confession at Caesaria Philippe.

Rector Major with the Performers

A lavish dinner followed after which the Salesians in post-novitiate training at Turin entertained the members of the Chapter and other invited Guests with a lovely musical performance.

After the performance we returned to our hotel. It was a very long day, but very exciting!

Entrance to the Mother House of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Turin