117 March 2014

2 17 March 20142 17 March 2014

Kanaraites of Mumbai to Felicitate Bishop of Udupi

Most Rev. Gerald Isac Lobo, Bishop ofnewly created Diocese ofUdupi will be felicitated in

Mumbai on 4th May 2014 by the Kanaraites ofMumbai.

In 1997 Mangaloreans of Mumbai Fe-licitated the then newly installed Bishop ofMangalore Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza.Now the Diocese of Mangalore bifurcated into

two dioceses and created a new diocese under the bishop Most Rev.Gerald Isac Lobo on 16th July 2012.

There are a large number of people from Udupi Dist. in Mumbaiwho are keen to invite their bishop to Mumbai and give him a publicfelicitation.

A committee for the same is formed under the Chairmanship of Mr.Albert W. D’Souza on 5th of March 2014.

The Felicitation program will be held on 4th of May 2014 at XaviersTechnical Institute Ground at Mahim at 4.00 p.m.

A souvenir highlighting various projects, programs and develop-ments of the Diocese of Udupi with the profile of the bishop will bereleased on the occasion. Most Rev. Gerald Isac Lobo,

Bishop of Udupi Diocese

Some of the prominent people attended at the first preparatory meetingare Albert W. D'Souza, R. H. Mendonca, Henry Lobo, Pius Vas, VincentMathias, Lawrence Coelho, John D’Silva, Rons Bantwal, Freddy Mendonca,Thomas Lobo, Charles D’Cunha, Ronald Aranha, Lazarus Menezes, GeorgeD’Souza, Walter Buthello, Lawrence D’Souza, William Sequeira, LancyTauro, Herald Castellino, Maxim Pinto and Lawrence D’Souza - Kamani.

About Udupi DioceseUdupi is a coastal diocese of Karnataka State. It is the 14th Catholic

diocese of Karnataka. Udupi is specially known for Sri Krishna Temple of theHindus and the cluster of eight temples (Asta Mata). Karnataka has 10 Latindioceses, 3 Syro-Malabar dioceses and one Syro-Malankara diocese.

Udupi Diocese is erected on 16th July 2012 with Our Lady of Miraclesas its Patron, The Diocese has a Catholic population of about 68,000 with 48parishes spread in an area of around 3880 sq. kilometers. The most popularShrine of St. Lawrence, Attur, Karkala is a part of Udupi diocese.

317 March 2014

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‘Thought for the week’This Lent - consider how you will live in solidarity with thosewho are hungry, or broken, or ill in one way or another.

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Cover : All About Lent(Article on pg. 8)

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Should the Church speak outmore strongly against alcohol?

United States: Creighton Prep, a Jesuit High School in Omaha, Nebraska, willbegin testing their students for drug and alcohol use next year. A first positivetest will result in counseling, a second in disciplinary action, and a third indismissal. While some libertarians are irritated, many parents are thrilled theschool is creating an environment that addresses the problems of drug use andunderage drinking, providing students who need help with assistance, andmaking it easier for students to say ‘no,’ thereby diminishing the power of peerpressure.

But Creighton Prep’s new program is a tiny bright spot on the darklandscape of Catholic education in the United States. What makes CreightonPrep’s actions so noteworthy is the Church’s overall poor performance when itcomes to addressing these problems and educating its adherents about thedangers of drugs and alcohol and their inverse relationship to living virtuouslyand joyfully.

From parishes to parochial schools to university classrooms, the Churchis failing in its responsibility to talk about the pernicious impact of alcohol (andeven drugs) on so many people in our society, along with the detrimental impactit has on achieving the common good. One is more likely to see devoutCatholics being flip about drinking—or even romanticizing and glorifying it—than confronting the nihilism, escapism, and despair that are a big part of ournation’s drinking culture and the wreckage that it leaves in its wake. The Churchtakes a harder line on drugs, but how often is the topic really discussed? Howoften does the Church address why people turn to drug use and explain itsincompatibility with human flourishing? The Church provides some assistance,but most often it comes after people have already had their lives and the livesof their loved ones devastated by the ruinous costs of addiction.

In its religious education to young people, the message on drinking seemsto be: wait until you are older. This is neither sufficient nor persuasive. Whetherbecause of affluenza, the middle-class malaise, or hopelessness born ofpoverty, many teenagers are tempted to drink and use drugs. They seeksubstance-induced pleasure to distract themselves from feelings of meaning-lessness or to flee from reality, the same reasons many adults turn to thesesubstances. Others use these substances to distort their authentic personalitiesand overcome their insecurities or inability to connect with others socially. It is

(Contd.. on p. 4)

Contentspg. 3 - Should the Church speak

out more strongly against ...pg. 5 - Speak To Me Lord!pg. 6 - Growing Spiritually During

Lentpg. 7 - Reader's Viewspg 8 - All About Lentpg 10 - Church attendance linked to

priest’s credibility: studypg 14 - Film Reviewpg 15 - Fundamental Flaws in the

Synod on the Familypg 17 - 7 Ways Leaders Maintain

Their Composure in DifficultTimes

pg 19 - Carry Your Cross (Poem)pg 20 - Matrimonialspg 22 - A Benediction For His Com-

ing Passion

4 17 March 2014

hypocritical and unrealistic to ask themto wait simply because the physicaland emotional impact is worse for teen-agers. Whether driven by nihilism orinsecurity, at root, it is a spiritual prob-lem, and the failure of the Church toexpress that and to provide a real an-swer to those who are fruitlessly tryingto fill a spiritual and emotional void witha substance is a profound failure.

Source: Millennial Journal

(Contd.. from p. 3)

Bangalore: It was decidedat the College of Consul-tors’ Meeting held on 27February to proclaim a Yearof Reconciliation in theArchdiocese commencingfrom March 5, 2014 to Feb-ruary 13, 2015 to coincidewith the Platinum Jubileeof the Diocese, which waserected on 13th February,1940. The main purpose ofdeclaring this Year of Rec-onciliation is to establishtrue Christian fellowshipand to promote a true familial spiritamong the various groups in the Arch-diocese.

In partnership with clergy, religious, layfaithful and all people of good will, theArchdiocese of Bangalore has initiatedthis Year of Reconciliation by acknowl-edging the negative impacts and ste-reotypes that resulted due to variousfactors that are causing misunderstand-ing and disunity among us, and throughconcerted efforts to bring in true har-mony, understanding and unity amongus at all levels.

Archdiocese requested all the parishpriests, heads of the institutions andthe religious communities to take ini-tiative in organizing liturgical and para-liturgical services, and otherprogrammes to celebrate the Year ofReconciliation meaningfully.

“Blessed are the Peacemakers” (Mt.5:9)is the main theme chosen for this Yearof Reconciliation. We are called to besons and daughters of God, and wecould enjoy this privilege only when weundergo the process of personal andcollective reconciliation and healing,witness and advance with a greatershared understanding of our intimateunion with the Triune God and ourChristian bonding with others estab-lished and strengthened by the sacra-mental life. All of us should take interest

in promoting reconciliation through ayear-long initiative as a way to mendthe past, build shared understandingand create a legacy for meaningfulchange in the Archdiocese.

During this Year of Reconciliation, weaffirm the Holy Father’s invitation toorganize “penitential celebrations, par-ticularly during Lent, in which all canask for God’s forgiveness, especiallyfor sins against faith, Christian fellow-ship and witnessing.” All of us are en-couraged to go to confession regularlyas a significant part of our spiritual livesto experience inner healing and trans-formation. Since the graces of the sac-rament are so similar to the purpose ofthe New Evangelization, Pope Emeri-tus Benedict XVI had said, “The NewEvangelization ... begins in the confes-sional!” The present Holy Father Francisalso encourages people to go to con-fession frequently to form one’s con-science and to experience God’s mercyand compassion, which would auto-matically enable us to share the samemercy and compassion with others.

The Posters and Prayer Cards will bedistributed to all the parishes and insti-tutions during this week. For any assis-tance, please contact either Fr. JosephAbraham- Director or Fr. GabrielChristy- Asst. Director of PaalanaaBhavana (Archdiocesan Pastoral Cen-tre).

Archbishop Moras InauguratesYear of Reconciliation

Thanks to HolySpirit, Sacred Heart

of Jesus, MotherMary and St. Jude

for favours granted.—M. A. Rosario, Malad

Thanksgiving

517 March 2014

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“The Wilderness will lead youTo your heart where I will speak.”

What wilderness?If we look back into our past life, we’llsee that we have passed through brieflyor spent a length of time in the wilder-ness of barren, stony, unyieldingground that left wounds and scars onour being. Or maybe we are passingthrough it now by spending time at thefoot of a hospital bed, in a demandingstressful job, a fractured relationship,at the funeral of a loved one who diedtoo soon, in a chronic illness, in ahopeless situation or faced an emptydark future. Lost in the wilderness, dowe hear our own voice slandering us,doubting the Divine presence or feelthe panic of loneliness?

But it is in this very place, in thedarkness of one’s own misery and inone’s experience of God’s absencethat the Lord speaks. He walked therein the wilderness and he helps one tofind him by speaking constantly, yes,he speaks when this wilderness leadsto one’s heart…..

Yes, the Lord spoke to me ….and how …!!

The words ‘Come follow me’ lin-gering in my mind and the traces ofholy ashes still visible on my forehead,I made my way to a family home tocondole it on the loss of a member.Lent crept into our candid conversa-

tion, bringing with it the religious prac-tices tailored to ‘pray, fast and givealms’ to make the season more mean-ingful and holy. The young mothernonchalantly, hoping we would takeher complaint in our own stride, quipped“but my younger son just grumblesabout the number of masses he has toattend on Wednesday, Friday and againon Sunday…..I coax him to go at leaston a Sunday!” I had heard it before butthe Lord wished me to hear it again, forsome purpose. Was it to waken mefrom my complacency that I may mag-nify his message? So here I amLord….with my humble efforts to beyour mouthpiece….

My mind is filled with thoughts,questioning my Faith that is probablybypassing many in the fold of Christ. InLent our crowded churches resoundwith the plea, “God of Mercy and com-passion look with pity upon me…”.Me? What about those left out in thecold and dark wilderness outside? Thatis the burden of each Christian- a son,wife, brother, friend, neighbour left outin the cold, walking in circles for want oflight! Do we feel complacent that weare truly walking in the Lord’s footstepsthis Lent?

Christians are taught that prayer,fasting and almsgiving are the corner-stones of our growth during Lent whilewe repent, abstain and make penanceto come closer to Jesus. The mes-

sages from the pulpit received rever-ently are translated into actions. Goodobedient Christians that we are, wehave our own roadmaps for the Lentenseason. Common practices of givingup certain food, drink, smoking, mov-ies and a perfunctory attendance at theFriday devotion of Stations of the Crossare all the routes marked and travelledupon. But the question is – On thisbroad comfortable road, do we en-counter Jesus on the way to Calvary,stumbling under his cross?

So the Lord speaks again. It is theFirst Friday of the month, the church ispacked and devotions in the churchflow like water into the parched souls ofthe Faithful. The atmosphere is filledwith the sounds of silent prayer anddevotional worship throughout the com-memoration of the sacrifice on Calvary.Then comes the moment of revelation-Fr. John in his resonant voice shattersour façade of piety when he questionshis flock on Lenten fasting. What is ouridea of ‘Fasting’? Sack cloth and ashes?Long faces and dejected gaits?

Elaborating on the Scripture read-ing of the day, Fr. John picks his wordscarefully and succeeds at touching ourmundane lives with his question, “ Howdo you treat your maid at home?” Asthe celebrants speaks, gradually themystery of the maid unfolds to revealthe callousness, cruelty and double

Speak To Me Lord!BY VERA ALVARES

(Contd.. on p. 6)

“The truth isthat at the sametime as youfast, you pur-sue your owninterests andoppress yourworkers…

6 17 March 2014

standards of those fasting, praying…….Our Faith has no place for others, ourfasting is of perishable food, our wor-ship is for the idols. The pastor’s wordstug at the heart strings of the attentivelisteners in the assembly. “The truthis that at the same time asyou fast, you pursue yourown interests and oppressyour workers……….Thekind of fasting I want is this:remove the chains of op-pression and the yoke of in-justice and let the oppressedgo free. Share your food withthe hungry and open yourhomes to the homelesspoor……..then my favourwill shine on you like themorning sun and yourwounds will be quicklyhealed……” Prophet Isaiah58: 1-12

To continue in the Pastor’s words,the Lord does not want our sacrificesand holocausts but a change in life thatincludes the poor, homeless andmarginalised. Denying just wages, op-pression of those working for us, unjustpractices that cause sorrow to another,should be replaced with love and con-cern for all God’s creatures, even na-ture that provides us with good thingsof life.

Writing about Lent, David Hensonsays, “Lent isn’t really about tempta-tion and how to resist it. It’s not aboutwhite-knuckling it through our cravingsfor caffeine, chocolate, snarky com-ments or whatever else we’ve chosento do without for this season….. It’s adesert, a foreboding and desolatestretch of sun-scorched earth, withsteep, barren mountains and dusty,rocky soil, all of it bleached the color ofbones. This is how Jesus enters hisown 40 days of fasting, through thewilderness, the desert.”

So we should follow the Lord’sway for fasting and let him speak to usin our hearts!

Growing SpirituallyDuring Lent

by Rev. Gregory Galvin

As Lent hasb e g u n ,this is truly

a time for everyone of us to re-surrender our-selves to the Willof God and todeepen our rela-tionship withChrist. This can bea very special timefor those who maybe actively dis-cerning a call fromour Lord to serveHim by serving HisChurch as a dioc-esan priest or as a consecrated reli-gious brother or sister. Additionally,the whole family of God have manydifferent opportunities to re-surren-der our lives during this very prayer-ful preparation for the events of HolyWeek, the Holy Triduum, and theEaster celebration and season.

A few reminders and sugges-tions of how to “make Lent worth-while”. Lent for many generations inthe Church was always a time to trygoing to daily mass to receive theEucharist more regularly. Why? Be-cause it truly is, “our daily bread”given to us by Christ Himself. Re-membering to abstain from eatingmeat on Fridays has always beenpart of the Lenten discipline as areminder of Friday being the day thatour Lord’s flesh and blood were of-fered on the cross for our sins. Join-ing your parish community in prayingthe Stations of the Cross on Fridayevenings is another way of unitingourselves more deeply to Christ. Re-turning to or increasing your commit-ment to the sacrament of reconcilia-

tion becauseChrist died androse from thedead so our sinscould be forgivenis also an impor-tant action to takeduring Lent.Commit to read-ing/reflecting onthe Word of God,Holy Scripture,for five minutes aday; and by do-ing so learn to lis-ten more care-fully to whatChrist is saying to

you on a daily basis. Fasting on therequired days and other days forspecial intentions is also important toour spiritual growth and union withthe Lord.

As you decide what you will tryto do this Lenten season to deepenyour surrender to Christ, do not for-get to pray for our priests, deacons,and the many religious sisters andbrothers who serve in the diocese. Ina special way Lent can be a goodtime to recall the many good priestsand consecrated religious who haveserved and passed on to eternity.This underlines greatly the need toalso be offering prayers and sacri-fices for an increase of priestly voca-tions for the diocese. If you needextra motivation in making a Lentencommitment, please pray for ourseminarians, those preparing forpriestly ordination this coming year,and especially for those men aroundthe diocese who are maybe on thecusp of deciding to embrace a callfrom God to serve Him by serving HisChurch.

(Contd.. from p. 5)

717 March 2014

CarnivalCelebrations

in GoaThis year’s Carnival in Goa was a

lack-lustre event after preparations forthe festivities took an ugly turn, with theCorporation of the City of Panaji (CCP)deciding to boycott the celebrationsand taxi operators threatening to dis-rupt the celebrations if their demandsare not met. Year after year, we havebeen witnessing a steady deteriorationin the quality of floats, as the themesportrayed do not focus or depict thetrue culture and life-style of Goans inthe state. The cost of putting up thesefloats is also proving to be too expen-sive, and with no money coming fromthe govt, the locals have to dependmore on advertisements. Tourists, as aresult do not enjoy themselves ,as inearlier years and return to their homes,disappointed, with nothing worthwhileto crow about. It may therefore be nottoo long before we witness an about -turn of tourists flocking to Mumbai in-

stead, where carnival is celebrated inseveral places in the city with fun andfrolic. People turn up in their carnivalcostumes , sing and dance to theirheart’s content ,and enjoy an eveningof gay revelry. And to rev up the showwe have a few celebrated Goan tiatrguest- artistes to give the people ex-actly what the doctor ordered.

—A. F. Nazareth,Alto Porvorim

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My Role in AAPI feel I must share this news with

your readers. Knowing the active role Ihave played in Anna Hajare movementand the AAP party of Kejarival for last 3years, I was offered the candidacy ofAAP party from Kalyan-Dombivali con-stituency for forthcoming Lok-sabhaelections. I sought support for this ven-ture from my Catholic community, thesocial activist groups in Vasai whom Ihave worked with, and also from Arch-bishop Machado. None of them ap-proved of it. Hence I gave up the plansand offered to AAP just to declare mysupport and campaign for their candi-dates.

I would like to see what do yourreaders say?

—Fr. Michael G.Ex-President, Indian Catechetical

Association & Marathi Khristi SahityaParishad.

Director, Jeevan Jyoti, CatecheticalCentre, Girij, Vasai.

began with lots of Couples who spentHappy Married Life for over 25 yearsalong with couples who just married onthe same day. Then the New & Oldcouples cut the cake & had a BalloonDance.

There after there were severalgames held for children, youth, boys &girls. There was Beauty contest andRamp walk in which Rosy D’Mello wasthe 1st Runner up and Sweety was 2nd.

At last prizes were distributed to allwinners. Cake, Mango juices & Dinnerwas prepared by R.K. Caterers fromKalyan (E.) Biryani, Salad, & Ice-creamwere served the programme was endedwith a masala dance.

—Norbert Lobo, Kalyan (E.)

Parish DaySunday 16-2-2014: All parishionerscelebrated the Feast of Our Lady ofLourdes Kalyan (E.) Fr. EpiphancyCastell celebrated the feast mass at8.30 a.m. in the morning.

There was a get together held inthe evening at 6.00 p.m. A recordbreak of 1,000 people attended thisevening celebration. The programmewas conducted by Mr. Francis with thewelcome song ‘Congratulation andCelebration.’ The ‘Wedding March ’

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The Pessimist says, "The glass ishalf empty."

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8 17 March 2014

Lent is that time of year whenCatholics smear ash on their foreheads and give up eating choco-

late or checking Facebook or watchingtelevision, right? That may be the basicview from the outside, but for thosewho observe it, the season of Lent is aperiod of penitence that prepares theheart for the celebration of Easter —Christ’s resurrection.

And it’s not the exclusive domainof Catholics. This season of self-exami-nation and self-denial has found favorwith Mainline Protestant and evangeli-cal churches, too.

What is Lent?The word Lent comes from the

Anglo-Saxon word lencten, meaning“spring.” It is a contemplative six-weekperiod of fasting that begins on AshWednesday and concludes on HolyThursday with the start of the Triduum(the three-day period including GoodFriday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sun-day), though the fast continues throughHoly Saturday. The period covers 46days, though in the Western tradition,the six Sundays of Lent are not in-cluded as fasting days. These days ofChristian Sabbath are instead feastdays, bringing the total days of obser-vance to 40.

The regulations of the fast havechanged with time. These days, Catho-lics are obligated to fast (eating onlyone meal per day) and abstain (mean-ing no meat) on Ash Wednesday andGood Friday, as well as abstaining

from meat each Friday of the season.Choosing to give up candy or Facebookis just that — a choice. The CatholicChurch does not regulate these addedpenitential practices.

If you’re Catholic (or just Chris-tian-curious) and need a guide, theUnited States Council of Catholic Bish-ops created a Lenten calendar, whichhighlights the essence of season: give

tive) for that raucous celebration nowcharacterized by colorful beads anddrunkenness (especially in New Or-leans) known as Mardi Gras (literally“Fat Tuesday” in French). It was origi-nally the “last hurrah” during which allthe fat in the house was eaten up beforethe beginning of the fast on AshWednesday.

Why 40 days?In the Bible, 40 is an important

number for preparation and testingused to draw the believer closer toGod. Some examples:

Exodus 34: Moses sat atop MountSinai with God for 40 days, withoutfood or water, writing on tablets thecovenant known as the Ten Command-ments.

Exodus 16: The Israelites suffered40 years, eating only manna, until theyreached the Promised Land.

Mark 4: Jesus spent 40 days inthe wilderness, fasting and beingtempted by the devil.

Who is Lent for?Though people generally assume

Lent is just observed by Roman Catho-lics, it is also a standard practice inmany Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyte-rian, Anglican, and even evangelicalchurches.

Still, many Protestants reject theobservance of Lent in part because it isnowhere mentioned in the Bible. Manyview it as a legalistic practice that em-phasizes “salvation by works,” which isthought to be a Catholic doctrine.

When Protestants split from theCatholic Church after the Reformation,many left behind the practices of Lent.Ulrich Zwingli, a Swiss reformer, ledone of the initial protests against Lententraditions in 1522, arguing that its ruleswere centered on obeying Rome ratherthan the gospel.

Martin Luther, the influential Prot-estant reformer, helped rethink Lentenpractices and spoke out against thetheology that “good works” could can-cel out sin. As per one of hisLenten

All About Lent

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Everything youneed to know

about Lent

Every year, Lent begins on AshWednesday and ends on HolySaturday. During this time, ob-servers practice fasting, repen-tance, moderation and spiritualdiscipline. This is meant to imi-tate Jesus Christ’s actions andreflect on his life, death and res-urrection.

up, take up, lift up. Give up materialpossessions, take up charitable hab-its, and lift up those in need.The origins of Lent

Lent traces its roots back to theancient Christian church of the firstcentury. Originally, it was a two-dayfast beginning on Good Friday andintended for those preparing for bap-tism. The 40-day fast has its clearestroots in a discussion at the Council ofNicea in 325 AD.

Initially, the observance of the fastwas quite strict, with dairy productsand eggs also being removed from thetable. (Many Christians, especiallythose in Catholic and Orthodox tradi-tions, continue to adhere to such stricterfasts.) But with the passing of centu-ries, more emphasis was placed onalmsgiving and prayer, resulting in loos-ened definitions of fasting and absti-nence.

Lent can also be thanked (orblamed, depending on one’s perspec-

917 March 2014

sermons:But the worst of all is that we have

adopted and practiced fasting as agood work: not to bring our flesh intosubjection; but, as a meritorious workbefore God, to atone for our sins andobtain grace. And it is this that hasmade our fasting a stench and so blas-phemous and shameful, so that nodrinking and eating, no gluttony anddrunkenness, could have been as badand foul. It would have been better hadpeople been drunk day and night thanto fast thus.

Christian calendar. He argues that sinceBaptists already observe a calendarthat contains unbiblical observances,including the two feasts of Christmasand Easter that are of patristic origin,observing Lent should be no problem.

Indeed, Harmon believes thatBaptists should observe Lent, as it can“help them take up the cross and followChrist in the midst of a suffering world.”Why Ash Wednesday?

“Remember you are dust, and todust you will return.”

That phrase, derived from Gen-

How can you observe Lent?Fasting, praying, almsgiving:

those are the pillars of traditional Lentenobservance. Here are a few ways youcan observe Lent, whether you’ve beendoing it for years now or this is your firstattempt.

If you’re not into the idea of fastingfor six weeks, you can consider addinga spiritual discipline to your life. Thefolks at Bible Gateway suggest thefollowing: choose a theme to centerdaily prayers on for each day of Lent,donate time to a homeless shelter, orstart a Bible reading plan — there’seven one to help you complete theGospels in 40 days.

If you’re set on giving somethingup, make it something that you’ll notice— something you may be turning intoan idol. Mark Roberts writes about hisexperience with fasting, and how it canraise awareness of how much we relyon things instead of relying on God.

For all Christians who observe it,Lent is intended to deepen one’s ap-

Lent is a liturgical season of the Church year. Beginning with AshWednesday and going through until the Holy Triduum, Catholics areasked to go deeper in their relationship with God. The season of Lentis set aside by the Church each year as a way for Catholics, indeedmany Christians, to practice devotions which will renew their baptis-mal promises. At Lent we are invited to spend extra time contemplat-ing our relationships with God and with one another. As we followJesus on the Way to the Cross, the Church asks us to shed thoseexternal and internal practices which separate us from God.

John Calvin, another influentialreformer, also criticized Lent as a “su-perstitious observance” in his Institutesof the Christian Religion. He wrote thatChrist’s 40-day fast wasn’t intended tobe a model: “It was therefore merelyfalse zeal, replete with superstition,which set up a fast under the title andpretext of imitating Christ.”

An evangelical case for LentCharles Colson, Watergate

“hatchet man” turned evangelicalleader, was one of many evangelicalleaders to embrace Lent anew in thecontemporary era. While many havepracticed it, according to Colson, “as aseason for giving up chocolate or otherextras in order to show God how muchwe love him,” Colson stressed thatLent is a time of “gospel-centered pi-ety.”

Lenten fasting isn’t about earningGod’s favor, he said, “but rather em-phasizes simplicity for the sake of oth-ers.”

Likewise, Protestant theologianSteven R. Harmon was raised Baptistand assumed that Catholics saw Lentas a requirement for salvation. But whileattending seminary, he discovered the

esis 3:19, is what priests often recite asthey mark believers’ foreheads with thecross of ash. (Priests may also recite:“Turn away from sin and be faithful tothe gospel.”) Traditionally, burnedpalms from the previous year’s PalmSunday service are used to make theashes. (The New Testament recordsthat a crowd waved palm branches,crying “Hosanna!” as Jesus rode intoJerusalem on a donkey.)

In biblical times, ashes were usedto express penitence for sins commit-ted. Job repents“in dust and ashes,”

Who Practices Lent?Lent is most commonly observedby the Roman Catholic,Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyte-rian and Anglican denomina-tions. The Eastern Orthodoxchurches also observe Lent, butduring the 40 days before PalmSunday with fasting continuingduring Holy Week until Ortho-dox Easter on April 20.

How Is Lent Related To Mardi Gras And Other World Carnivals?

Pre-Lenten festivals like Mardi Gras and other famous Carnivals heldin Trinidad & Tobago, Venice and Rio de Janeiro are associated withcelebrating before the season of fasting begins.

preciation of Jesus’ suffering and sac-rifice. It’s a period of penitence in prepa-ration for the celebration of Easter. Inthe words of Pope Francis: “Lent is afitting time for self-denial; we would dowell to ask ourselves what we can giveup in order to help and enrich others byour own poverty. Let us not forget thatreal poverty hurts: no self-denial is realwithout this dimension of penance.”

Source: On Faith

Jeremiah tells the Israelites to “roll inashes; mourn with bitter wailing,” andDaniel turns to God in prayer, fastingand “in sackcloth and ashes.”

The ashes are not intended to bea “holy mark,” but are instead a publicacknowledgment of one’s sin and mor-tality. The shape of the cross remindsbelievers of their hope in Jesus, whoconquered death.

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Mr. T. D’SouzaBarkur

Panaji: The research of a Goan Catho-lic priest has revealed that a parishpriest’s credibility has a direct bearingon Church attendance amongst pa-rishioners.

The study by Pilar Father PeterRaposo reveals that when priests con-vey competence, trustworthiness,goodwill, closeness, and are both re-sponsive and assertive, parishionersare more engaged in the church ser-vice.

Findings of Father Raposo, former

editor of Vavraddeancho Ixtt, and re-searcher Dr Sean M Horan were pub-lished in the Journal of Communicationand Religion. It asserts that perceptionof priest’s credibility affects parishio-ners’ responsiveness during churchattendance.

The research paper entitled,“Priest as Teacher I: UnderstandingSource Credibility" examines the roleof priests as teachers in the instruc-tional settings of the Catholic Church.

This study is the first in the PriestAs Teacher series conducted by thesame researchers. In line with the sameprogram of research, the two commu-nication researchers have also exam-ined priests’ communicative misbehav-iors, and the effect of parishioners’nonverbal responsiveness on priests’performance as teachers, which arecurrently in the press and due for pub-lication.

The study says that priests oughtto have training programs addressinginstructional communication practiceswhere priests are trained to communi-cate credibility and nonverbal imme-diacy during services, where appropri-ate, along with responsive behaviours.

Fr Raposo (MA, DePaul Univer-sity and MA, Sikkim Manipal Univer-sity) is currently pursuing the doctoral

Church attendance linked topriest’s credibility: study

programme of Communication Stud-ies at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio,and teaches at the same University. Heis the former secretary & media spokes-person of the Archbishop of Ranchi.

The researcher Sean M. Horan(PhD, West Virginia University) is anAssistant Professor in the College ofCommunication at DePaul Universityand studies communication in roman-tic relationships as well as communica-tion in instructional settings.

Source: oheraldo

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1117 March 2014 1117 March 2014

CM Meets Christian Community Representatives

The meeting was organised bythe state minorities’ commissionon 1st of March 2014, where Chris-

tian representatives brought up issuesthe community is facing across thestate, such as the lack of burial grounds,atrocities against Christians, and en-croachment upon church properties.

Bishop Agnelo Gracias, who waspresent at the meeting, said: “This isthe first time that we got a chance topresent our issues to the chief minister.He was honest and said he would try todo as much as he could.”

Janet D’souza, vice-chairpersonof the minorities commission, said thegovernment would organise such ses-sions with other minorities as well.

Chavan said he would resolve asmany issues of the community as pos-sible. “I do not promise I will resolve allissues. Making land available is verydifficult in Mumbai,” he said.

“Jagruti Kendra – Jerimeri” Completes 25 Years

“Jagruti Kendra – Jerimeri” a socialcentre for Justice and Peace at Jerimeri,Kurla, Mumbai celebrated its SilverJubilee recently on 16th Feb at St. JudeSchool Ground.

JAGRUTI KENDRA was inaugu-rated on 1st March 1989. This was thefirst Centre for Community Organisation

(CCO) in the Archdiocese of Mumbai,catering to Peace and Justice to allcommunities. The Social Centre wasfounded by Sr. Seema strongly sup-ported by Fr. Allwyn D’Silva at JerimeriSt. Jude Parish. Sr. Seema ( from Help-ers of Mary congregation) who wassent to start a new religious house at

the invitation of the Archdiocese ofMumbai, had bagged an an opportu-nity to carry on both pastoral and socialactivities. Over the years JAGRATIKENDRA has entered many fields ofendeavors like Girl Child upliftment,Women empowerment, Youth and

(Contd.. on p. 16)

12 17 March 201412 17 March 2014

‘Laghuswapna 2014’Event Held at Palghar

St. John Institute of Management and Research, Palghar, organised an event: ‘Laghuswapna-2014’ in its college campus on 8th March 2014. The programwas organised under the Chairmanship of Aldel Education Trust Mr. Albert W.D'Souza. The occasion was graced by Mr. Royston Braganza, CEO, GrameenCapital India as Chief Guest and Mr. Anthony Sequeira of Arcadia StockBrokers as Guest of Honour. Mr. Thomas Lobo, Dean, Mr. Vinai Kumar MSME,Mr. Rubin Buthello, Dr. S. Krishamoorthy, Rev. Fr. John Rumao were on thisdais.

Secretary of Aldel Trust Mrs. Elvina A. D'Souza presented Mementos andflower bouquets to the Guests. The treasurer of Aldel Trust Mrs. Elain R. Buthelloproposed Vote of thanks.

Aldel Education Trust is a Christian Religious Minority Trust runningseveral educational institutions at Palghar, Maharashtra. The Colleges aregranted Christian Minority Status by the Government of India.

Syria: About a dozen nuns held by rebels inSyria for more than three months havebeen released and reached Damascus viaLebanon.

The nuns went missing in Decemberafter Islamist fighters took the ancient quar-ter of the Christian town of Maaloula northof Damascus.

After being held in the Greek Ortho-dox monastery of Mar Thecla in Maaloula,they were reportedly moved to the rebel-held town of Yabroud, about 13 miles to thenorth, which is now the focus of a govern-ment military operation.

Shortly after the nuns disappeared,Islamist rebels said they had taken them astheir "guests" and that they would releasethem soon.

The Observatory and a rebel sourcein the area said the release of the nuns hadbeen agreed as part of a swap in which thegovernment would free scores of womenprisoners.

"The deal is for the release of 138women from Assad's prisons," the rebelsource said, referring to Syrian PresidentBashar al-Assad.

Abducted Syrian nunsfreed in prisoner swap

1317 March 2014 1317 March 2014

Just got back from seeing themovie “Shaadi ke Side Effects”, starring Farhan Akhtar

and Vidya Balan. Since it was thelast Sunday before Lent, my wifeand I decided to pop into a movietheatre. The second reason for go-ing was because I found Vidya Balangorgeous in “Lage RahoMunnabhai”, and versatile in “WhoKilled Jessica Lal?” and “Kahani”.

In June 1975 I had attended aYouth Animators’ TrainingProgramme. One of the things thatwe had been trained in was film an unexpected early bird baby. This

throws the marital relationship out ofgear, with the baby taking centrestage, and the husband getting in-creasingly sidelined. The wife is ob-sessed with the kid. The conflict ofinterest between a woman’s careerand child rearing is also lopsidedlypresented. Their lighthearted ro-mance sours and curdles becauseof the cuddly newcomer.

The “poor husband” feels leftout in the cold, and their conjugalintimacy and social life suffers. En-ter the marriage counselor, who ad-vises the poor husband to lie andcheat to keep the marriage going.Mercifully, the lies and cheating arelimited to work and social life, notinfidelity.

Built on seemingly innocuouslies, the plot goes horrendouslywrong. Even a live-in maid takescontrol, destroying what little hopethere is of saving the marriage. SinceHindi movies are supposed to havehappy endings, the couple discover

Movie Ke Side Effects

their mistakes before it is too late.That’s fine for movies.

But it is not how it happens inreal life. The real danger therefore isof married couples trying to drawlessons from the movie. An evengreater danger is if any of themidentifies with the protagonists. It isa sure recipe for suspicion, incrimi-nation and disaster. In the theatreitself I noticed couples enjoying thelighthearted first half of the movie,but becoming increasingly uncom-fortable as the plot panned out.

Movies are prone to exaggera-tion, which passes off. More dan-gerous is the stereotyping – in thiscase of the husband as an innocentvictim, and of the wife as an insen-sitive haranguer. The greatest dan-ger ofcourse is the proposition to lieand cheat. I’m not sure if youngpeople who are contemplating mar-riage, or newly weds, should watchthis movie, for the medicine seemsworse than the disease. It has toomany side effects.

Film Review

criticism. It has held me in goodstead over the years. In those daysthere was no TV, and movies werea major source of entertainment. Iwould therefore distinguish betweenwatching a movie on TV and in atheatre. A TV programme is inter-spersed with umpteen commercialbreaks and other distractions likephone calls or cooking food. But ina theatre one is surrounded by dark-ness with one’s full focus or atten-tion on the screen. Hence its undi-luted impact is far more intensethan when watching the same onTV.

This movie was supposed tobe a lighthearted comedy (I don’tlike heavy stuff anyway), which iswhat attracted me. It is the story ofa newly married couple that“progresses” from light romance to

BY CHHOTEBHAI

14 17 March 201414 17 March 2014

The Catenian Association - Mumbai Circle

Establishment & Inaugurationof The Mumbai Malad Circle-364 on 18th February 2014February 18, 2014, was a day of im-portance to the Catholics of Mumbai.Mumbai’s Malad suburb witnessed theinauguration of a Catholic brotherhood,

which is part of a bigger internationalfamily that begun over a century ago inEngland. This brotherhood is calledthe Catenian Association.

It was during the times of Catholicoppression in the U.K. that LouisCharles Casartelli, the Bishop of Salfordformed the Catenian Brotherhood at

Manchester in England in 1908. TheCathenians have since spread out toScotland, Australia, Ireland, Malta,South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe andHong Kong. Finally, India too formedvarious circles, initially in Goa andnow in our own Mumbai. These

The Annual Walking Race

The Bombay Keraleeya Samaj, one ofthe oldest sports promoters inMumbai, held their annual walking

races, including the R. G. Nair MemorialGolden Jubilee walking race, around theShivaji Park, recently.

Nandu Natekar, Indian Badmintonicon of the 1950s, was the chief guest ofhonour, and Dr. Anthony J. F. Sequeira,the Bombay University 10,000 meters walk-ing champion and record holder, sixty yearsago, (8-12-1953), was the guest of honour.

Speaking at the prize distribution, Dr.Sequeira praised BKS for conducting thesewalking races in various age groups forover 60 years. The main event the R. G.Nair memorial golden jubilee race, was inmemory of a great sportsman andBombay's walking champion in the 1930'sbeating the British Sportsmen, Dr. Sequeiraadded.

In 1984, Dr. Sequeira, donated a beau-tiful Silver trophy for the University 20,000meter walking race but Mr. Sashi Nair, oneof the organisers, from Khalsa College in1974 would have received the trophy if thetrophy was presented 10 years earlier.

Walking is the best from of exercise,Dr. Sequeira asserted, He was also repre-

sented the Bombay University in Hockey thrice. Dr. Sequeira also con-gratulated the George John, 80 years old, for participating (and alsowinning) and later secretary of the annual meet for 60 years.

Mr. Nandu Natekar, 80 years Indian badminton ace of the 1950'sseconded Dr. Sequeira's assertion that walking is the best form of exerciseand urged the youth to keep fit all their lives.

Seen in the picture from L-R: Sashi Nair, Asst. Government Pleader, Bombay HighCourt and 1974 University 20,000 meters Walking Champion and record holder(Khalsa), Mr. Kishore, the compere, Namdar Natekar (80 yrs), The Chief Guest ofHonour, Mr. George John (80 yrs), secretary and Dr. Anthony Sequeira (78 yrs),guest of honour.

(Contd.. on p. 16)

1517 March 2014

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The Extraordinary Synod on theFamily scheduled for Octoberhas captured the attention of the

faithful like no other synod. Simplybecause this time the bishops will bediscussing an issue on which the laityare experts.

The enthusiasm of the “laity” isplain to see from the numbers of user-friendly surveys that have spun off fromthe Vatican questionnaire addressedto the bishops last October. As theCatholic Organizations for Renewal, aUS-based partnership of 15 Catholicgroups observed in a letter to theirbishops, “individual Catholics are hun-gry to make their voices heard”.

However, a two-day meeting heldon February 20 and 21 to discuss theChurch’s pastoral approach to the fam-ily was exclusively for cardinals. Onecan only hope that in the run up to thesynod, there will be more consulta-tions that include representatives offamilies to provide inputs and insights.

My own reading of the question-naire found two critical lacunae. As awoman functioning in an interfaith fam-ily for the past 25 years in a subconti-nent where women form the anawim -or “poor ones” - vulnerable, exploited,marginalized, I felt excluded. I foundno attempt to elicit information aboutthe status of women in the family, afactor so crucial to the health of thefamily.

How can the family be a "domes-tic church" in countries like India whenthe birth of a girl is lamented and pre-vented? How can a daughter encoun-ter Christ in the family when she isdenied the same education and inher-itance as her brother, and sold for adowry? How is it possible for a motherto nurture a family when there is nofood for her to eat, or her health isneglected because she is expendable?

With what integrity can one speakof responsible parenthood in a culturethat makes a woman the property ofher husband, to be used and abused

as he pleases, bearing child after childwithout the resources to sustain life?What are the repercussions on awoman’s psychological and physicalhealth when a husband demands sexirrespective of whether she wants it ornot?

The chilling statistics of the In-dian woman are her cry to God -- achild sex ratio of 914 females to 1,000males (the lowest since indepen-dence), which is considerably lower inmany states; among the highest preg-nancy-related deaths in the world; aninfant mortality rate that stands at 42deaths per 1,000 live births with one inevery 22 infants in rural areas dyingwithin one year of life; more than two-thirds of married women aged between15 to 49 beaten, raped or forced toprovide sex in marriage, a good num-ber believing that occasional wife beat-ing is justified and that there can neverbe rape within marriage. What doesevangelization mean in such circum-stances?

Interfaith marriages were anothersilent zone in the questionnaire. InIndia the number of interfaith marriagesis increasing, ranging from more than20 percent in Mumbai to 70 percent incertain parts of north India. The Japa-nese bishops cite a similar situationwith 76 percent of their flock marryingpeople of other faiths. Unfortunatelythe focus of the questionnaire was on

divorced Catholics and same-sexunions. I wish there had been moresensitivity to the concerns of Asia.

As I read the questionnaire sentby Rome it occurred to me that theconcerns of interfaith couples are simi-lar to those for divorced.

It needs to be said that whilemuch is made of the Church’s open-ness to people of other religions, forinterfaith couples the ground reality isdifferent. In India, Catholics in inter-faith marriages are made to feel thatthey have done something wrong.Parish priests censure the Catholicpartner making it difficult to approachthe Church for marriage counseling.And of course, the marriage is not asacrament.

Sadly, there is no recognition ofthe interfaith family as a sign of thetimes and an occasion for the newevangelization. Consequently there isno care for the Catholic partner who infact requires special support in herjourney of faith. The welcome mat isout only if the children are baptized.That is a triumph for the Church and itmakes me wonder, have we moved atall from our triumphant past?

Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala is head of theTissue Bank at Tata Memorial Hospital inMumbai and a lay theologian and activist

Source: ucanews

Fundamental Flaws in theSynod on the Family

BY ASTRID LOBOGAJIWALA

16 17 March 2014

Women training for various jobs, craft,art, tailoring etc, social awareness inthe area for HIV/ AIDS, medical assis-tance to the poor and needy by orga-nizing free medical camps and provi-sion of free medical treatment, fightingfor water supply, electricity supply,unauthorized demolitions, violence onwomen, girls etc.

The function was presided overby Bishop Bosco Penha. The Lightingof Silver Jubilee Lamp was done byBishop Bosco, Fr. Lancy Pinto. Sr.Seema, Fr. Allwyn, Fr. Barthol, Fr.Michael, Fr. John and others. Thefunction began with a prayer servicefor all communities like Sikh, Islam,Hindu, Christian etc., to symbolize theUnity in Diversity. Fr.Lancy Pinto, Dr.Sayed, Br. Rocky, Br. Joseph and oth-ers conducted the prayer service.Gulshan, Nazny and Jagruti KendraStaff presented welcome Song. JohnMascarenhas, Francis Chettiar andHindi Choir Group sung Bhajans,Hymns and Social Awareness Songsrelevant to the Silver Jubilee Celebra-tion. Children presented action songsand prayer dance, while women fromvarious zones presented social justicesongs. St. Jude Parishioners presentedvarious dances to the tunes of Tamil,Konkani and Hindi language. Most ofthe Sisters and priests who servedJagruti Kendra were felicitatedalongwith Jagruti Kendra staff mem-bers, Silver Jubilee committee mem-bers like Sr. Seema, Fr.Nelson, An-thony Raj, Augustin Kuttikat, Sr.Tejaswini, Mamata Chettiar, RaniChettiar, Gulshan, Flora Dsouza, Stella,Varghese and many others.

Fr. Nelson Saldanha ( Parish Priestof St. Jude and Present Manager ofJagruti Kendra ) proposed vote ofthanks, while Bishop Bosco Penhacongratulated and appreciated thefounder Members and Present Teammembers for their good work. Sr.Seema (Director of Jagruti Kendra)presented a general report by way ofSlide Show. Santhosh Lobo and KalaWagdhare compered the programme.

The function ended with the na-tional anthem followed by dinner.

Report: John Mascarenhas –Jerimeri.

circles have the approval of the Ro-man Catholic church.

The focus is on brotherhood issupported by regular fellowship andstrengthening of the family. Positivelystated, it is the 4 F’s – Faith, Family,Fellowship and Friendship – that con-stitutes the essence of the Association.The membership is open only to prac-ticing Roman Catholics.

Each local unit is called a Circle.The circles, the world over, join into aCatena (meaning ‘chain’ in Latin). Eachlink supports the other. The Emblem ofthe Catenian Association reflects this. Itis a chain in circular form with a FaithCross at its center.

Some people wonder why it is tobe Brotherhood only and not a Sister-hood. If one were to ask the Catenianwives this question, one would receivea convincing, yet simple answer. Theyare immensely happy with the changethis association has brought in theirmen. The families have grown morestable. The significant drop in divorceamong Catenian couples bears wit-ness to this. The men become moreChurch oriented or even Church work-ers, where before, mostly the wives didthat. They initiate family prayers too.And, of course, the sisters are presentfor almost every function, except themonthly meetings and they in fact or-ganize any Catenian function. It needsto be noted that the Catenian Associa-tion is not a business network. It goesbeyond to health, personal needs, ca-reer, and even the matrimonial needsof the children. In addition their activi-ties also include working for clergy andvocations.

In structure, each circle operatesindependently, and is generally a NPOTrust or equivalent, like the Societies inIndia. The India Area Council that isformed of existing circles lovingly nur-tures a new circle in its first few months.A Council consisting of a President,Secretary, Treasurer and five other des-ignated office bearers, heads eachCircle.

More Circles are planned forMumbai. And Mumbai members withtheir multicultural presence intend totake it all over India. This organizationfirst came to India in 2009, when a

Goan born British, Dr. William Britto,gathered a few men in Goa and intro-duced this concept to them. From thereon, Goa has grown to five circles (theirgroups are called circles) till date. Butnow, Mumbai Catholics should beproud about the first Catenian circle inMumbai that is in Malad. The introduc-tory meeting for Mumbai’s first circletook place in August 2013 at Andheri,while Malad was chosen as the startingpoint.

The members and families of thenewly inaugurated Mumbai - MaladCircle 364 were privileged by the es-teemed presence of the Most Rever-end Agnelo Gracias, Auxiliary Bishopof Mumbai & Rev. Fr. Daniel Fernandesfrom Our Lady of Lourdes parish inOrlem, Malad(W) in their midst. Alsopresent were 18 delegates and theirwives from United Kingdom, Malta,Australia, South Africa and Goa.

The function began at 5 pm with acon-celebrated Mass followed by a wellorganized meeting, which was chairedby the Grand President Bro. John Rayerfrom UK. During the meeting the newmembers and the Council members ofthe newly formed Circle pledged toabide by the tenets of the CatenianAssociation. This most orderly and dis-ciplined meeting was appreciated byall those who were present includingBishop Agnelo and Fr. Daniel.

The meeting was followed by agrand celebration. It started with thetraditional lighting of the lamp by theGrand President followed by a wel-come address by the President of MaladCircle, Bro. Joseph Rozario. Bro. Will-iam Britto, President of India Area Coun-cil then addressed the gathering andappreciated the Malad Circle for itsefforts. The keynote address was givenby the Grand President Bro. John Rayerin which he explained the finer aspectsof the Catenian organization. Bro.Charles Crasto, Secretary of MaladCircle then proposed the vote of thanks.This formal start was followed by aGrand March led by the Grand Presi-dent with his spouse and joined by allthe couples present. The functionended with a sumptuous dinner closeto midnight with everyone agreeingthat it was truly a night to remember -the night Mumbai Malad Circle 364was born!

(Contd.. from p. 11) (Contd.. from p. 14)

1717 March 2014

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Leaders need to show more composure than ever before in theworkplace. With the change

management requirements, increasedmarketplace demands and intensify-ing competitive factors that surroundus, leaders must have greater poise,agility and patience to minimize theimpact of uncertainty. How leadersrespond to these and other growingpressures is an indicator of their lead-ership preparedness, maturity and acu-men.

The composure of a leader is re-flected in their attitude, body languageand overall presence. In today’s evolv-ing business environment, it is clearthat leadership is not only about elevat-ing the performance, aptitude and de-velopment of people – but more soabout the ability to make people feelsafe and secure. Employees havegrown tired of working in survival modeand thus want to be part of a workplaceculture where they can get back todoing their best work without the fear oflosing their jobs.

I worked with a colleague thatlacked composure and was always in apanic. Though he had tremendouscredentials, he lacked the ability toremain calm and thus often made hisemployees feel uneasy. His leadershiprole was just too big for what he wascapable of handling. He was often toodramatic and the smallest of problemslaunched him into crisis management

mode. Needless to say, his wasn’t aneffective leadership that could deal withreal crisis and change. Because hewas unable to reinvent himself andadapt to the unexpected, his tenurewas short-lived.

The 21st century leader sees ad-versity through the lens of opportunity.Rather than panic, a leader with com-posure takes a step back and begins toconnect the dots of opportunity withinadverse circumstances. These typesof leaders quickly detect the causes ofadversity and solve for them immedi-ately. They then enable the opportuni-ties previously unseen that could haveavoided the adversity to begin with.Many times crisis results when compo-sure is missing.

The next time a problem arises,ask yourself if you or your leader couldhave shown a greater sense of compo-sure and avoided the problem fromsurfacing.

When leading – especially duringtimes of uncertainty and adversity, cri-sis and change – you must avoid show-ing any signs of leadership immaturityor lack of preparedness that will makeyour employees feel unsafe and inse-cure. Here are seven ways to maintainleadership composure during the mostpressure-packed moments:

1. Don’t Allow Your Emotionsto Get in the Way

Seasoned leaders know not to

wear their emotions on their sleeves.They don’t yell or get overly animatedwhen times get tough. These types ofleaders have such emotional self-con-trol that even their body language doesnot give them away.

When you allow your emotions toget in the way, employees interpret thisas a sign you are not being objectiveenough and too passionate about thesituation at hand. Strong-willed lead-ers can maintain their composure andstill express concern and care, but notto the point that their emotions becomea distraction – or that they can’t respon-sibly handle the issues at hand.

2. Don’t Take Things Person-ally

Leaders shouldn’t take things per-sonally when things don’t go their way.Business decisions and circumstancesdon’t always play out logically becauseoffice politics and other dynamics fac-tor into the process. As a leader,remain calm and don’t get defensive orthink that you always must justify yourthinking and actions.

When you begin to take thingspersonally, it’s difficult to maintain yourcomposure and make those aroundyou believe that you have things undercontrol. In fact, when leaders takeissues too close to heart, they allow thenoise and politics around them to suf-focate their thinking and decision-mak-ing capabilities.

7 Ways Leaders Maintain Their Composurein Difficult Times

18 17 March 2014

3. Keep a Positive MentalAttitude

Employees are always watchingtheir leader’s actions, behavior, rela-tionships and overall demeanor. Dur-ing the most difficult of times, leadersmust maintain a positive mental atti-tude and manage a narrative thatkeeps their employees inspired andhopeful. This is where your leader-ship experience and resolve can re-ally shine – by staying strong, smilingoften and authentically exhibiting asense of compassion.

Leaders set the tone for the organiza-tion they serve. A positive attitudecan neutralize chaos and allow aleader to course correct through anynegativity. Employees feed off theattitude of these leaders during timesof uncertainty. Keep a positive men-tal attitude and never stop movingforward. Stay focused on buildingpositive momentum for the better-ment of the healthier whole

4. Remain FearlessWhen leaders project confi-

dence, they instill it in others. Duringuncertain times, leaders must remainfearless and project a cool personathat communicates composure tothose they lead.

I’ve been through ups and downsin my career and have learned thatwhen you begin to fear adverse cir-cumstances, you not only put your-self in a position of vulnerability, but itbecomes extremely difficult to act ra-tionally and objectively. When youpanic, you mentally freeze and yourmind loses focus.

When you begin to get fearful,ask yourself: What is the worst pos-sible thing that can happen? If youare objective about it and have the willand confidence to face it, you willeventually realize that the situation ismanageable and can be resolved.Faced with adversity several timesover, your fears will eventually vanishand uncertainty will become your bestfriend.

5. Respond DecisivelyLeaders who maintain their com-

posure will never show any signs of

doubt. They speak with conviction,confidence and authority – whetherthey know the answer or not! With theirdelivery alone, they give their employ-ees a sense that everything is undercontrol.

Recently, Mack Brown, the formercoach of the University of Texas (UT)football team, was put under a lot ofpressure to resign as a result of histeam underperforming in 2013. Thoughthe University handled his forced resig-nation poorly – considering Mr. Brownhad coached the team successfully forthe past 16 years – his decisiveness theday he announced his resignationmade you feel that his transition out ofthe job was a positive thing for theuniversity. Human nature will tell youthat he must have been hurting inside,but his decisiveness and presence ofmind made those that were watchinghim speak believe that the future lookedbright for UT football.

6. Take AccountabilityLeaders are most composed dur-

ing times of crisis and change whenthey are fully committed to resolvingthe issue at hand. When you areaccountable, this means that you havemade the decision to assume respon-sibility and take the required steps toproblem solve before the situation getsout of hand.

When leaders assume account-ability, they begin to neutralize the prob-lem and place the environment fromwhich it sprung on pause – much likeNew Jersey Governor Chris Christiedid when he announced that he did nothave any prior knowledge of the deci-sion his aides made to close downaccess lanes to the George Washing-ton Bridge. Though there may be legalwoes to come, the manner in which hehandled the initial news conference(temporarily) neutralized the crisis – ashe answered all of the reporters’ ques-tions and took full responsibility andaccountability to punish the perpetra-tors and keep something like this fromhappening again.

7. Act Like You Have BeenThere Before

Great leaders know that one of

the most effective ways to maintaincomposure during difficult times is toact like you have been there before.Leaders that act to show they havebeen through the problem solving pro-cess numerous times before are thosewith strong executive presence whoapproach the matter at hand with asense of elegance and grace. Theyare patient, they are active listeners,and they will genuinely take a compas-sionate approach to ease the hard-ships that anyone else is experiencing.

Just ask any technical supportrepresentative. When you are on thephone with them, their job is to makeyou feel that even your most difficultchallenges can be easily resolved.They are there to calm you down andgive you hope that your problem willsoon be solved. Pay attention to theirdemeanor and how they are masters atsoothing your frustrations. They al-ways act to show that they have beenthere before; their composure puts yourmind at ease.

It’s easy to lose composure dur-ing times of crisis and change if you letconcern turn into worry and worry turninto fear. By maintaining composure,the best leaders remain calm, cool andin control – enabling them to step back,critically evaluate the cards that theyhave been dealt and face problemshead-on. A show of composure alsoputs those you lead at ease and cre-ates a safe and secure workplace cul-ture where no one need panic in theface of adversity.

As the saying goes, “Keep Calmand Carry On!

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Mob.: 9967612196 Tel.: 022-23722031Time : 9.30 a.m. To 9.30 p.m.

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1917 March 2014

Helpful Hint

The winter season is known forcold and cough problems,nose blockage, sore throat

and itching in the throat. Thoothuvalai(Trilobatum) leaves act as a wonder-ful medicine for these problems.

Method: After removing the vein andthe thorns in the leaf and the stem,they have to be kept under a shadowand dried. After drying, they (theleaves) have to be powdered. If thepowdered Thoothuvalai leaves aretaken in a measure of 1 gram everyday twice after food mixed withhoney, the chest cold, sore throatand nose blockage will go away.Besides curing cold and cough, italso induces a good appetite. It canalso be taken mixed with a little milk.

— Jubel D'Cruz, Dombivili

JACK OF ALL STALLReliable House forReligious Goods

Gloria Church Bldg.,263, Dr. Ambedkar Rd.,

Byculla, Mumbai - 400027Tel.: 23725963, 23749358

Estd: 1951 Prop. B. D'Souza

Carry Your CrossJesus Carried His

He Carries the Cross Today

All of us share the same faith,We are called to mission,We are called to love,We are all given a cross to bearAnd the means with whichTo carry that cross.

If you are helping others,You are in a very real sense,A Missionary.You could be a home missionaryOr a co-missionary,But definitely,'One who is sent'.

Remember, that every event in our livesIs specially designedAnd life is what we make of it,So let us face life as Jesus did,More willingly and more readily.Following His Spirit where we are led,May Jesus help us understand,That what we do to others,We do to Him.

Turn to Mary -She teaches us to be strong in adversity.Understand her grief,The emptiness in her heart,The helplessness she felt,In walking and watching her Son,On his way to Calvary.Ask her to be your Mother,When you experience brokenness,Pain and loss in your lives,She will always beOur model and guide,She will show that peace within,Means to accept with love,What God has planned for usAnd to always be able to say,'Yes, Lord' Amen.

—Ella Almeida

20 17 March 2014

MATRIMONIALSMUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Bachelor, aged 36 years,Ht. 6’ 1”, Wt. 75 kgs, WheatishComplexion, Edn. M.Com., work-ing as a Senior Manager. Contactemail :roshan.dsouza28@gmail.com OR9323149299 (Regd. No. 6061)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Bachelor, aged 34 years,Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 60 kgs, WheatishComplexion Edn. B.Com., workingas a Manager. Only Child. Contactemail : loyvaz@gmail.com OR8806930925 (Regd. No. 6059)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Bachelor, aged 39 years,Ht. 5’ 9”, Wt. 60 kgs, WheatishComplexion, Edn. HSC + 3 yearsDiploma in Graphic Designing,working as a Graphic Designer.Contact email :nav_1874@yahoo.co.in OR9819494541 (Regd. No. 6057)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicBachelor, aged 43 years, Ht. 5’ 1”,Wt. 52 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn.SSC+2 years ITI, inDraughtmanship (Mechanical),working as a Cad Draughtsman.Contact email :saviodias10@gmail.com OR9869619286 (Regd. No. 6056)POONA : Roman Catholic Bach-elor, aged 35 years, Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt.65 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn.B.Sc., + Certified Fumigation Op-erator, Having own business.Seeks a fair good looking girl will-ing to settle in Poona. Contactemail :nelsoncarvalho@rediffmail.comOR 9096466322 / 8600528122(Regd No. 6020)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicBachelor, aged 39 years, Ht. 5’ 5”,Wt. 80 kgs, Wheatish Complexion,

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Edn. MBA, Having own Business.Contact email :cmaneckji@gmail.com OR28928350 (Regd. No. 5931)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Bachelor, aged 34 years,Ht. 5’ 8”, Wt. 60 kgs, Fair Complex-ion, Edn. Diploma in Hotel Man-agement, working on the ship.Contact email : marshall-liberty007@yahoo.com OR9769775073 /9819442577. (Regd. No. 5928)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Bachelor, aged 33 years,Ht. 183 cms, Wt. 80 kgs, Fair Com-plexion, Edn. B. Com., working asa Manager in MNC. Seeks agraduate working Mangalore Girl.Contact email :dsouzajery@yahoo.com OR9967873644 (Regd. No. 5922)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicBachelor, aged 30 years, Ht. 5’ 9”,Wt. 75 kgs, Wheatish Complexion,Edn. B.Sc., working as a Manager.Contact email :lorna1905@gmail.com OR9850044561 (Regd. No. 5921)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Divorcee, 1st marriage inannulled by the church, aged 34years, Ht. 6’, fair comp lex -ion, Edn. B.Com., working as aSr. Officer. Seeks a good catholicfamily background girl. ContactEmail :trevorfernandes69@gmail.comOR 9819420120 (Regd. No.5920)MUMBAI : Goan RC Bachelor,aged 27 years. Ht. 5’ 10”, Wt. 55

Members are requested toinform us when they are settled,so that publication of theirdetails can be discontinued.

kgs., Fair Complexion, Edn.T.Y.B.Com., Working as a Sr. Col-lection Advisor. Contact Email :perpthevirgo@yahoo.co.in OR9821302840 (Regd. No. 5919)MUMBAI : Tamilian RC Divorcee,aged 48 years. Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 66kgs., Fair Complexion, Edn.B.Com., BBA., MBA (Finance),working as a Finance Manager.Seeks a suitable Match. ContactEmail :talentedgradewisdom@yahoo.comOR 9819939479 / 9930559783(Regd. No. 5914)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicBachelor, aged 31 years, Ht. 5’,4”, Wt. 65 kgs, WheatishComplexion,Edn. PGDBM work-ing as a Sr. Manager in MNC inMumbai. Well settled, having ownaccommodation, looking for a suit-able match. Contact email :lewellyndias@gmail.com OR9820467452 (Regd. No. 5759)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RCBachelor, aged 41 years, Ht. 5’ 8’,Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish Complex-ion, Edn. 10th std., workingabroad as a Technican. Contact :25945356 (Regd. No. 5708)MUMBAI : Goan RC Bachelor,aged 30 years, Ht. 5.’ 10”, Wt. 70kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. 1stclass Dip. Auto Engg., workingas a Sales Asst., Contact Tel.:0250-2348711 (Regd. No. 5799)

2117 March 2014

MATRIMONIALSMUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Spinster, aged 29 years,Ht. 5’1”, Wt. 50 kgs, WheatishComplexion, Edn. B.Com., Dip. in3D animation, working. Contactemail : nisha.britto@gmail.com OR9967366434 (Regd. No. 6063)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Spinster, aged 26 years,Ht. 5’3”, Wt. 56 kgs, WheatishComplexion, Edn. B.A., Animation(Dip.) working as a Animation. Con-tact email : profileb9@gmail.comOR 9819680299 (Regd. No. 6062)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicSpinster, aged 24 years, Ht. 5’5”,Wt. 53 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn.Graduate in Interior Designer,working as a Interior Designer.Contact email :annie_paul_anna@yahoo.co.inOR 9322145137 (Regd. No. 6060)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Spinster, aged 33 years,Ht. 5’5”, Wt. 58 kgs, Fair Complex-ion, Edn. B.E., (Computers) work-ing as a Software Engineer. Con-tact email :catalyst.nirmala@gmail.com OR9820445461 (Regd. No. 6058)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicSpinster, aged 39 years, Ht. 5’2”,Wheatish Complexion, Edn. T.Y.B.Com., working as a ComputerOperator A/c’s department. Con-tact email :mechellefernandes17@hotmail.comOR 26512369 (Regd. No. 6055)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicSpinster, aged 26 years, Ht. 5’4”,Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish Complexion,

Address your replies to :

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Edn. B.D.S., (Bachelor of DentalSurgery) Dentist by profession.Contact email :rlynnalmeida@gmail.com OR9004405758 (Regd. No. 6054)MUMBAI : East Indian R.C. Spin-ster, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’, WheatishComplexion, Edn. Post GraduateHR, working as HR Executive forMNC. Contact Email :simikien@gmail.com OR9819040031 (Regd. No. 6046)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicSpinster, aged 29 years, Ht. 5’ 3”,Wt. 52 kgs, Wheatish Complexion,Edn. M.A. English, working as aeducation counsellor. Seeks a Goanor East Indian bachelor, below 33years.Contact email :sraddha1411@gmail.com OR9819336282 (Regd. No. 6038)MUMBAI : Goan Roman CatholicSpinster, aged 32 years, Ht. 5’ 2”,Wt. 55 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn.M.A. MBA. in Finance businessmanagement, working as a VicePresident in Bank in U.K. Seeks awell settled educated bachelor fromU.K. Contact Mob.: 9920291399(Regd. No. 6036)MUMBAI : Mangalorean RomanCatholic Spinster, 28 years, Ht. 5’4”, Wt. 54 kgs, Fair Complexion,Edn. B.E., M.B.A., working as aMarketing Professioanl, Wellsettled, Seeks a suitableMangalorean boy, below 30 years,Well qualified. Contact Email :theo_valli@yahoo.co.in OR8452870455 (Regd. No. 5867)MUMBAI : Goan R.C. Spinster,aged 26 years, Ht. 5’ 2”, Wt. 60 kgs,Tan Complexion, Edn. B.Sc +PGDQA, working as a QA Person-nel in Pharmaceutical, Seeks agood looking, understanding, re-sponsible, well settled bachelor.

Please renew your membershipat lease a month in advancebefore its expiration date.

Contact email :renmail1987@yahoo.co.in OR9892394604 (Regd. No. 6006)AHMEDABAD : Goan R.C. Spin-ster, Wheatish, slim, good looking,aged 29 years, Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 49 kgs,Edn. B.A., PGDMFI, PursuingMBA, working as a Senior Officerin Bank. Seeks a educated, wellsettled bachelor from decent andrespectable family. Contact email :steffi8138@gmail.com /jerrypeter02@yahoo.com OR 079-22162694 (Regd. No. 6004)

Parents of R.C. MangaloreanSpinster, 32 years age, Ht. 5’4”, Wheatish Complexion, B.Engg. Mumbai University, soft-ware Engineer, working abroad(E.U.) since 5 years, seeks thealliance from well qualified R.C.Bachelors preferablyMangaloreans / Goans withsound health and good familybackgrounds. Age around 32-36 years. Relocation / transferpossible. Available for per-sonal contact in April 2014.

Please contact Mob.:09869627640

email :newalliance09@gmail.com

22 17 March 2014

The journey for the Jewish nationfrom belief to spiritual insightwas shaken with the arrival of

Jesus, Savior of humankind – the Mes-siah. The prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesusand his passion (Is.53:2-7). The yokeof our sins burden Christ in agony,pain, temptation and eventual crucifix-ion. In his mission and ministry Jesuswas always firm. He spread the Wordof God, and drawing on tradition hewould say, “Do not think that I havecome to abolish the law or the proph-ets; I have come not to abolish but tofulfill.” (Mat. 5:17).

It’s worth noting that the theologi-cal study to understanding the earlyJewish mind enshrined in the Messi-anic syndrome would be to decipherits conservative convictions. The es-sential beliefs of the faith are via, fear ofGod, hope, hardship, devotion andsacrifice. The emphasis on One Godwho spoke, led, punished and re-warded his people, enriched the focusand expectancy for the Messiah whowould deliver the Jewish people asprophesied in the Hebrew Bible. Dis-missing the idea of reform in any way,the Jews chose a phrase which manygenerations later St. Augustine said,“Ever ancient, and ever new”.

This, however, was not to be perse, not in the mystical writings onKabbalah or in the works of the 16thcentury rabbi Isaac Luria. What didhappen was a clue in the Torah’s as-surance for the coming Messiah. Thetheological and cultural continuity wasto witness a challenge the Jews can-not and will not accept: the arrival ofJesus the Messiah.

This week’s Gospel draws ourattention to the man born blind. Al-though the man was not able to see heheard of Jesus from every corner of thestreet as people praised Christ as aprophet. For many days the blind manprayed for Jesus to pass along the

path where he lay. Finally, when hedecided to quell his hopes to ever beable to confront Jesus – the unex-pected happened: Jesus, along withhis apostles saw the blind man. One ofthe disciples questioned the master. :Rabbi, who sinned, this man or hisparents, that he was born blind?”

For a moment Jesus stopped,turned to his follower and replied: “Nei-ther this man nor his parents sinned;he was born blind so that God’s worksmight be revealed in him.” (Jn 9:1-3).The blind man was making a testi-mony of suffering. “As long as I am inthe world, I am the light of theworld.”(Jn.9:5). The crowd following

together in their flowing white robes.They wore stern faces on wrinkledcheeks. They too, were determined toinvestigate the incident. The Phariseesargued, how can a man perform sucha thing on the Sabbath ? They turnedto the man in question and asked him,“What do you say about him? It wasyour eyes he opened”, the man re-plied, ‘He is a prophet’ “(Jn.9:17).

For a second time the eldersamong the Jews called for the manand asked him to give praise to God,adding, that the man Jesus was asinner. The man replied, “I do notknow whether he is a sinner. One thingI do know, that though I was blind, nowI see.” (Jn.9:25). The elders chasedhim out.

When Jesus was told about theelders and the questions they plaguedthe man with ; the master went to meethim. He asked him, “Do you believe inthe Son of man?” At first the questionsurprised the man. He wanted to knowwho this “Son of Man” was. Jesus saidto him, “You have seen him, and theone speaking with you is he.” Immedi-ately the man replied, “Lord, I believe”(Jn.9:35-38).

The benediction for Our Lord’scoming is unfolding before our eyes.We cannot any longer be spirituallyblind. The blessing we receive by Hissuffering is the salvation He gives us.His mercy and abundant forgivenessis a gift to us. His mission-ministrygiven to us to evangelize and make HisGood News reach the corners of earthis our blessing. The benediction goeson…..

This week, listen to spiritualhymns in meditation. Jesus’ passionis a legacy to live by. St. Paul oncesaid: “Always give yourselves fully tothe work of the Lord, because youknow that your labor in the Lord is notin vain.” (1cor.15:58).

Jesus is the Light: He will removeyour blindness, if you let him.

A Benediction For HisComing Passion

BY MELVYN BROWN

Fourth Week of Lent

Jesus heard every word spoken andtheir faith grew strong in Him. As themaster went closer to the man thecrowd moved aside. Jesus bent downand took mud mixed with saliva, plac-ing it on the man’s eyes. “Go, wash inthe pool of Siloam (which means Sent)”(Jn.9:7).

The blind man was helped to hisfeet by a few onlookers, who led him tothe pool. He washed and returned,being able to see. He was now spiritu-ally and physically ‘seeing’. He be-came a follower of the Lord and a greatbeliever in the new faith. The orthodoxJews called for the blind man’s par-ents to confirm that he had been bornblind. Still they did not believe. “He isof age; ask him” (Jn.9:23) his parentstold the Jews, as they were afraid ofthem. Anyone who said Jesus was theMessiah was always thrown out of thesynagogue.

The Jews present on the spotmade fun of the once blind man. Theytried to force him to say he was Jesus’disciple. “You are his disciple, but weare disciples of Moses. (Jn.9:28). Afew moments later the Pharisees came

2317 March 2014 2317 March 2014

Italy, Vatican, Switzerland, Germany,Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain

Highlights: Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Museum, St. Peter's Basilica. Veneice,Padova - St. Anthony's Shrine, Assisi - St. Francis Shrine, Rome - Coloseum,

Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, St. John the Latern Church, St. Mary MajorChurch, St. Paul Church, Holy Steps, Rotondo - Padre Pio. Engelbert - Mt. Titliswith Titlis Rotair and Ice Flyer. Cologne - Schaffhausen Rhine Falls, Cathedral.

Amsterdam - Brussels. Parish - Eiffel Tower, Lourdes - Catholic pilgrimagecentre. Loyola - St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fatima - visit Our Lady of Fatima Church,

visit to holy sites. and more.

Includes all important sights and pilgrimage centres

Group Leaving on 19th May 2014

Includes Airfare Visas Accommodation in Hotels Travel Insurance LuxuryA/C coach sightseeing Tips & Gratuities Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Water English Speaking Licensed Guide.

For more details Contact :The Secular Citizen / Divo : 22693578, 22654924

Susan: 9820473103 Cyprian : 9821589600, 28899609 John : 9820384060

The Secular Citizen and Divo Weekly Friendly Group Organising

18 days 9 Countries Tour of WESTERN EUROPE

A Few Seats Are Available, Book Early

24 17 March 2014

Published on every Monday & Posted on Monday & Tuesday of every weekPosted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office, Mumbai - 400001.RNI No. 56987/92 Registered No. MH/MR/South-139/2012-14

24 17 March 2014

Printed and Published by Lawrence Coelho at The Secular Citizen, 99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Harihar Nivas, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001. Tel.: 2269 3578, 2265 4924Printers: The Secular Citizen, Fort, Mumbai 400001. Editor : Philip Myaboo

Royal Christian Familyhappy to announce the next

GET-TOGETHERof Brides and Grooms

on Sunday 6th April 2014 from 10 A. M. to 4 P.M.at, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050.

A grand gathering to get acquainted with boys and girls of matching age group who are insearch of a suitable Life-Partner of their choice with an ultimate view to matrimony.

Participants list and other details will be sent 15 days prior to the get-together. Lunch, snacks, etc, will be provided at the Get-together. Royal Christian Family is having the experience of organising over 60 get-togethers in the past. The meet covers good family boys and girls

Royal Christian Family99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Near GPO., Fort, Mumbai 400001

Tel.: 022 - 22693578, 22654924Email: secular@vsnl.com, secular@sezariworld.com

Come,make the

best choiceof your

life-Partner

Places arelimited!

Book YourSeat

Early !!

Creating future leaders in the community through the project:

‘Leaders in the Making andReaching to the Top’

Youth are the pillars upon which a nation’s future is built. It is true that in this challenging era of globalisation,our youth must be nurtured, educated and guided towards the right path. There is a need for the youth of ourcommunity to strengthen their faith by adopting the right mindset and acquiring a wealth of knowledge.

With this objectives in mind we have been conducting special youth seminars entitled ‘Leaders in the Makingand Reaching to the Top’ since 10 years. So far over 8000 youth have participated and benefited in the 12seminars which have been guided by expert resource persons. Guiding our youth as effective future leadersand shine in top positions within and outside the country is our dream which we want to turn it into reality,The Entire project is conducted absolutely Free for the participants.

This appeal is an invitation specially for people who are concerned about our youth and their bright future tobe a part of this project :

THE SECULAR CITIZEN99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, Fort, Mumbai 400001.

Tel.: 22693578, 22654924Emails: secular@vsnl.com / secular@sezariworld.com