The manifestation of God through the Pastoral Ministry
The pastoral ministry (e.g. being with the people who are less privileged) is one of the best ways and means through which I have experienced the love of God and His presence in my life. This ministry has helped me personally to realize the true nature of the divine acting within me and also to be attentive to the call of God to participate in “The Mission of Christ”. There is no better way to imitate Christ than to extend our love and friendship to the other, who are deprived of the love of God. It is in fact to give oneself wholly to the will of the father like Jesus of Nazareth. It is a call to dedicate oneself for others, who need our love and support.
I am doing my pastoral ministry in Asha-Niketan, where I encounter mentally and physically challenged people. I really enjoy being with them because these mentally and physically challenged people are very loving and welcoming. They treat me with respect and dignity. When I see them behaving gently and treating each other with care, I often thank God for having send me among them. I have never understood the secret of their happiness. Why are they happy? Their physical and mental condition makes me think that they are living in an unending misery and pain but their appearances enable me to think that they have concurred their misery and pain. The most important lesson that I learned from them is that we all could be happy, even when we could have been deprive of something in life. What strikes me most is that they never openly complaint against God for their physical conditions. On the contrary they love and pray to God every day. By seeing this behavior of theirs I have come to the realization that I must be always grateful to God for blessing me with good physical strength and intellectual capabilities.
I am privileged to know lot of things about life and the loving presence of God among men from these physically and mentally challenged people. I compare their suffering with the suffering of our Lord Jesus, who underwent to give dignity back to each and every people. I am sure that these people can help us to serve God and man and thus realize His presence among us.
Sijo Baby
I am doing my pastoral ministry in Asha-Niketan, where I encounter mentally and physically challenged people. I really enjoy being with them because these mentally and physically challenged people are very loving and welcoming. They treat me with respect and dignity. When I see them behaving gently and treating each other with care, I often thank God for having send me among them. I have never understood the secret of their happiness. Why are they happy? Their physical and mental condition makes me think that they are living in an unending misery and pain but their appearances enable me to think that they have concurred their misery and pain. The most important lesson that I learned from them is that we all could be happy, even when we could have been deprive of something in life. What strikes me most is that they never openly complaint against God for their physical conditions. On the contrary they love and pray to God every day. By seeing this behavior of theirs I have come to the realization that I must be always grateful to God for blessing me with good physical strength and intellectual capabilities.
I am privileged to know lot of things about life and the loving presence of God among men from these physically and mentally challenged people. I compare their suffering with the suffering of our Lord Jesus, who underwent to give dignity back to each and every people. I am sure that these people can help us to serve God and man and thus realize His presence among us.
Sijo Baby
The riche experiences and surprises of Nilu with the Beautiful people in Africa!
My little experiences in life especially in Zambia could hardly be removed from my memory disk. These unforgettable experiences and events, which have taken place in my life, I am sure will haunt me throughout the days to come. Because it is said that the first impression is the best impression that one could offer to strangers. Being strange in the land of African I am privileged to be impressed by the people and of their cultures.
My journey to Kasama in Zambia in 2011 to the Spiritual Year was magnificent and unforgettable. In fact I had always dreamed to see the beautiful people of Africa, where the saints and martyrs lived. Now I feel blessed for having come to Africa.
Though difficult and challenging in the formation place at SOLA Study House in Bangalore, where everything went so fast that it was like a dream for me to come to the Spiritual-Year here in Kasama, where I am with the fellow students from India, Philippine and from different corners of Africa.
When I was about to leave my dearest people and my beloved country India I was saddened and there were tears on my eyes and yet my Spirit longed for Africa. There was little problem in the airport with the people of immigration office, who could not understand my purpose of going to the Spiritual Year in Zambia, but thanks be to God that it was solved as I got a good Samaritan from my own state who could understand me a bit since we share the same language. I am happy that my first flight journey was a pleasant one.
When we came out from the flight we went to the immigration office, where everything went smoothly. We were really thankful to Fr. Anton, who had come to help us out in the immigration office. It was there as well we discovered four other WF’s students who had as well travelled in the same flight with us from Nairobi to Lusaka. It was really a funny thing to laugh about because we saw each other in the flight but could not dare to talk. Anyway the day was hot when we landed for the first time on the African soil but the hospitality of Fr. Paul and Anton cooled us downed a bit. From there we went to the provincial house, where we stayed overnight and from there early in the morning we set out for Kasam, where we will have to stay at least a year for the Spiritual Year.
The bus journey, which took us the whole day from Lusaka to Kasama around 950kms, was really interesting. The straight roads, which lay miles after miles, the leafless tries, which stood motionless beside the roads and the arid landscapes during the dry season in Zambia made my journey a memorable one.
Here in Kasama in the novitiate house, where I struggled in the beginning a bit to get acquainted with the English language spoken by different nationalities, I am proud to live in an international community with 18 different nationalities. I am enjoying my stay here and discovering many good things from the Bemba culture which is not only a shock but also rich learning experiences for me. The melodious songs of the faithful and the beating of the drums in the Church help me personally to praise and thank God whole heartedly. I am gradually getting used with the local food such as Shima and Caterpillar, the delicious food of the native. I love very much the pastoral work with the youths which is held on every Saturday at St. Anne’s Parish club, where the youths are helped to grow in maturity in their vocational lives. It is a good place for me also to strengthen my own vocation that is to love and to serve God among the people in Africa.
A friendly chat between Br. Arul and Fr. Bijou John
Arul: Dear Biju John, could you tell something about your family and about yourself?
Biju Jhon: Oh yeah! In my family we are six children. I have one younger brother, who is also a priest and four sisters among them two are married and the other two have joined in the religious congregation and both the parents.
Arul: How did you come to know the SOLA?
Fr. Biju: I came to know about sola through the Catholic Magazine, “The light of Truth”.
Arul: Tel us something about the call of God, which you cherish in life?
Fr. Biju: I have surrendered to the call of God, which I cherish very much deep within myself. The obstacles and the challenges in life will haunt us all through but our trust in Him will be a positive response to the call of God.
Arul: Could you tell something about the person, who motivated you to become a priest?
Fr. Biju: There are many people, who come to my mind, have inspired me to become a priest. -My parents -religious sisters -my close relatives particularly uncle of mine -my friends with whom I deed pastoral activities and many more. I would not think of a particular person but a group of people, who have helped me to become what I am today.
Arul: Tell something about your priestly life in Africa?
Fr. Biju: Well; I was ordain in 2006 and went back to Tanzania in a rural parish, where I worked happily with the people in a village setup. The Language, which I had already mastered during my two years of pastoral experience, helped my parish life a fruitful one. Though the community life and the life in general were tough for me in the beginning; I began to love it gradually with the help of a Canadian priest and with the help of the people, who showed great hospitality to me. I would love to go back to the people with whom I spent few years in the Parish.
Arul: You were attending a year of formatter’s course in Mysore. Was there anything especial you could convey to us?
Fr. Biju: It was really a new experience for me. Through this course I wanted to expand my horizon on the various fields (economy, politics and etc.) which concerns us today. I wanted also to know more about formation life from different people, especially my religious friends.
Arul: How is your prayer life?
Fr. Biju: Prayer is very important for me as a priest. I like praying with the community members and alone as well; because there is no time which we cannot make use for prayer. We can pray at any time and in anywhere. We can do nothing without prayer. Our dreams, achievements and success have their roots in prayer.
Arul: How would you like to encourage us about prayer?
Fr. Biju: Be faithful to your prayer life and community life, which is the foundation of what you will be in tomorrow!
Thanks
Missionary Oath of Erus Kishor Tirkey in Merrivale!
Diaconate Ordination of E K Tirkey at St Theresa's Catholic Church in South Africa!
South Africa – The Rainbow Nation
A letter from Antony Alckias, a student of Theology, at St. Joseph's Theological institute in South Africa.
Let me first greet you all a very prosperous and happy new year 2012. I am writing this mail after my 30 days of retreat which by the grace of God Almighty and my closest friend Jesus Christ brought new energy to my journey by recharging my spiritual and vocational batteries.
As I stand at the threshold of my second year of theology I look back to my last year and say Alhamdulilah (thanks be to God) or in the worlds of Bhagavad Gita ‘all that happened, happened in well manner’. It was a year of surprises and challenges leading me to growth in many ways of my journey.
We the Missionaries of Africa students drive for 10 minutes to St. Joseph’s Theological institute of OMI (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) for our theology classes. There are many students from other different congregations including sisters. As for me the academic endeavor was good even though not up to my expectation.
I began my pastoral work with our new upcoming parish of Missionaries of Africa, training the first even Altar servants of the centre, then from there continued to animate children for the centre, struggling with IsiZulu language with its various clicks. I must say I had good time with children, playing, singing, dancing and learning prayers. At the end of the year managed to organize picnic for the children with the income of the rosaries which I make and sell. It was a great experience for the children and for me.
Then this year really challenged my international community life, I have learned to accept that we are all different and trying to live together for the sake of the kingdom of God an as witness of brotherly love.
Hope and pray the coming year could be better than the past. Hope you all would remain in prayer with me so do I.
Bro. Kanto's Diaconate Ordination and the Oath
Deaconate photos of Saju, George and Anand
Rejoice with three of our brothers on their day of Oath and Deaconate Ordination
Our brothers, Athikalam George , Anand Kujur and Saju Akkara will take their Missionary Oath on the 2nd of September and will be Ordained deacons on the 3rd of September by His Lordship Bishop Jan De Groef M.Afr. (Bishop of Bethlehem, South Africa) at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, (Missionaries of Africa Parish) South B Nairobi, Kenya. let us remember them and pray for them as they are taking a big step in their lives.
Dear brothers wish you in advance congrats and all the best.
Dear brothers wish you in advance congrats and all the best.
Fr. Piet Kramer enters Eternal rest in the Father's House.
Fr. Piet Kramer passed away yesterday (25th of March 2011). Two weeks ago he was diagnosed with cancer and was told it will not be curable and was given few days. he seems to be courageous to accept the few days left to thank God for all that He had been to him in his missionary journey.
He was in India for two almost two years till he was neglected visa to come back for another term, which he accepted with pain. He was one of the good formators most of our young students who met him in SOLA would remember. He had been a good guide and companion for most of us. His encouraging words and enthusiasm at his age really encouraged most of us who met him. As in the photo his smile and happy presence really left an impact on all those who came in contact with him both in SOLA and our surroundings in Bommasandra.
Dear Fr. Piet, we miss you and thank you for what you have been to us and our Indian project. we hope that you will continue to pray for us. May the good Lord accept you in to His heavenly paradise and tell you 'well done good and faithful servant you have been good in small things welcome to my Father's home'.
He was in India for two almost two years till he was neglected visa to come back for another term, which he accepted with pain. He was one of the good formators most of our young students who met him in SOLA would remember. He had been a good guide and companion for most of us. His encouraging words and enthusiasm at his age really encouraged most of us who met him. As in the photo his smile and happy presence really left an impact on all those who came in contact with him both in SOLA and our surroundings in Bommasandra.
Dear Fr. Piet, we miss you and thank you for what you have been to us and our Indian project. we hope that you will continue to pray for us. May the good Lord accept you in to His heavenly paradise and tell you 'well done good and faithful servant you have been good in small things welcome to my Father's home'.
Farewells
ONAM Celebration in SOLA
AFRICA DAY 2010
Africa day is an annual feast of SOLA Study house. this special day the community invites our friends and wellwishers from the neighbourhood, different religious communities, members of board of governors of SOLA in bangalore. and more than all African students studying in various universities in bangalore.
This year it was a wonderful celebration, we have received more than 400 people morst of them where african students. Fr. Jean Pierre lead the prayer service in which he empbasized on the cultural aspect of Africa and different challenges in africa, after which all gathered in our auditorium for a wonderful cultural programme, most of the programmes were presented by african students and our neighbours' children. it was a colourful performance. then all the delicious meal was served for our guests, which all appreciated. thanks to our cooks. the celebration was well organized by both the communities (candidates and aspirants) and all of them deserve a big hand. sisters from our neighbourhood SABS were a good helping hand. SEE YOU AGAIN FOR THE AFRICA DAY.
This year it was a wonderful celebration, we have received more than 400 people morst of them where african students. Fr. Jean Pierre lead the prayer service in which he empbasized on the cultural aspect of Africa and different challenges in africa, after which all gathered in our auditorium for a wonderful cultural programme, most of the programmes were presented by african students and our neighbours' children. it was a colourful performance. then all the delicious meal was served for our guests, which all appreciated. thanks to our cooks. the celebration was well organized by both the communities (candidates and aspirants) and all of them deserve a big hand. sisters from our neighbourhood SABS were a good helping hand. SEE YOU AGAIN FOR THE AFRICA DAY.