Sin in the Church.

It is nauseating to read the Grand Jury report on priests abuse in the State of Pennsylvania yet it is not easy to erase the reality that has long been swept under the carpet with a strategic cover-up by the Church authority. As my Sunday pastor perched today, "secret has made the church sick and enough is enough." The Catholics find themselves in quandary in this whole sage of child molestation in the church. They are so confused about what to say and what to do now. Obviously, every Catholic would stand with the victims but can they condemn their church? 

The grand jury report has enshrined the abuse done by the predator priests graphically. The predator priests who took nude photos of a bit posing as a Christ on the cross. Another predator priest forced a boy to give him oral sex, then washed his mouth with holy water. Another predator priest abused a boy so violently over several years that his back was injured. These are the few evil acts of predator priests out of so many to mention here on this blog. 

The grand jury has brought a huge slap to the church. This slap must have been brought about 3 decades ago. Hence, victims could have brought some sense of justice. 

Three things to note, firstly, the grand jury is strongly condemning the cover-up by the Church while this could have dealt with more efficiently. Most of these cases cannot be prosecuted now because they are beyond the statute of limitations. This means the victims have not been served justice because of the hush up was done by the Church authority. Most cases the predator priests were moved to another place without any alarm. 

Secondly, the revelations have taught us that it's time to speak up and not remain secret. Victims will feel ashamed but it's not their fault. Victims must speak up in due time so that they are safe in the hands of the powerful. If parents see any signs of behavioural changes in your children or they tell you that someone touched them inappropriately, don't shun them to shut up but try to inquire what has happened behind that behaviour. The church also needs to speak up because harbouring and protecting a predator is more dangerous than being shamed for justice. Jesus will appreciate if the evil is reported to the proper authorities. The church does not have trained investigators, hence, hand over the case to the competent authority. 

Thirdly, this is a humanitarian crisis not merely sexual and spiritual crises. Just like, refugee crises, every attention must be given to this. Everyone must get angry but not lose hope. Righteous anger can challenge us not to withdraw but to embrace because the victims need us now more than anyone else. If Catholics run away from the church now it simply gives the impression that we don't want to take responsibility for the acts of the church leaders so we technically remain silent to protect ourselves. Catholics and other faiths must stand together to fight this cancer of abuse in the church and society. There will be fear, anxiety and hopelessness as we follow our faith. But this can be turned around only if we embrace our fear so that courage can be our reward in our faith. 

In conclusion, it important to report of any suspicion of abuse to the competent authority. As the Gospel says, everything hidden in dark will be brought to light. Nothing can be hidden in this world. No place for secrets in this issue. See something, say something, know something, say something. This way we can protect our innocent children from the predators. Let's us learn from this experience of abuse and cover-up that God is speaking that evil cannot be tolerated. God always speaks to about tired but powerful have silenced God's voice of justice. Give God a voice please and don't silence him. 

Prison in Brazil

An experience

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brother that you do unto me. This is my first impression whenever I did prison ministry. After being a small help at Wandsworth prison, I had. An opportunity to explore prison apostolate in Brazil. I was rather reluctant despite my positive disposition of prison ministry because of the formalities that the prison system follows here in Brazil. But with slight luck and encourage d by my Jesuit brothers I ventured into one of the Brazilian prisons. 

This prison is one among seven other prisons in the area of Belo Horizonte. I could go to prison for mass only two times in seven months. This means only two masses in seven months. This is the tragedy of Catholic faith in a Catholic country. The first time I went, it was rather penetrating into a war zone area because I had to go through 4 times security check which quite contrary to London where I used enjoy going in singing hallelujah without any security checks. It was almost a strip check. But this time slightly better, I was pleased to see a huge cabin in which we go to stand and a scanner films you this then projected on a computer screen before a grim-faced officer. This is a new technology which has reduced 4 person job into one. After all this, I was not allowed to carry anything except an alb and a stole which is fair enough. My only concern was the rays from the scanner would affect me anyway there we are. 

Inside now, we could entertain only about 20 prisoners for mass but we were asked to celebrate mass in a large quadrangle facing the cells. There were about 14 cells on two floors and each cell contained about 8 to 10 prisoners. This looked it was overcrowded. The cells are meant for about 4 and the rest have sleep on the floor with a thin mat. This shows the contrast between dear Wandsworth prison and Brazil. 

I had a great blessing of saying mass for them. My voice was not able to overshadow the noise that was rocketing from the cells because we were out of microphones. I was able to shout with the top of my voice so that people in the cells could hear me. But I would assure that this mass was one of my best masses because I felt a strong and hovering presence of God in that quadrangle. The prisoners were attentive and overly religious with their heads bowed down and hands folded in a great reverence to the Eucharist. This showed me that God loves everyone irrespective of who we are. The Eucharist was really a chance to pour their hearts out to the Lord. They were so joyful to sing the songs they knew and the rest clapping to the beats of the song. The communion was distributed with utter reverence. The prisoners in the cells weren't able to come therefore we had to pass the communion through the rails of the cell. This again showed me their respect and homage to the holy communion. It was a moving experience for me. This experience has made me think that God is present particularly in the lowly and rejected and condemned by the society. 

Most of them have a rough background thus they are forced into wrongdoing which has ended them to the prison. Some of them had some horror stories to share but had to interrupt since I had time constraints. I could spend the whole day listening to only two people. They need someone to listen that they are forced into drugs and their family has no one to care for. This might sound routine story for us who have been working and listening to the prisoners but it is not routine for them at all. It is a profound and deep experience for them when they open up their hearts. Most of them feel that they are erred and want to rectify and none of them would like to go back to the same old trade. This is important for as they feel sorry for their wrongs and none would like to go back. 

Most of them have families and kids, some of them even many women and many children to care for. Some of them are far away from them and cannot afford to visit them in the prison. Poverty has to lead their families to withdraw from every social activity in the society. This is a huge problem and challenge for us who are right in the society. How can we love and treat these shattered families and restore faith once more? This is a big question for me as well. I am trying to understand why do we lock up a prisoner and take them around like an animal in chains? 

Tribute to a Cheerful Nun

Words are not enough to express gratitude to Sister Admirabilis Browne who has passed on to her heavenly abode. Sister Admi has left an ineradicable mark in the hearts of so many Guyanese. Likewise, I had the honour of experiencing her pleasant demeanour. We have been touched by sister in exceptional ways. Sister was born in 1924. She went to Sacred Heart School and St. Joseph’s School in Georgetown. Early education in these schools emulated her religious vocation to the Sisters of Mercy. After taking a job for few years, she entered Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in 1947 in Dallas, Pennsylvania.  She pursued an MA in Mathematics from Fordham University. Her contribution towards education and hospital has been outstanding. She was the administrator at Mercy Hospital in Georgetown for several years.   

Sister celebrating her 70th anniversary recalled a simple yet profound experience in Mercy Hospital as a young sister. She was walking down the corridor when a young boy ran up to her called her, “Auntie Jesus, Auntie Jesus.” The boy has been taught to address a woman as Auntie and the boy noticed the cross on sister, hence the boy called her, ‘Auntie Jesus’. This encounter with the boy reminded sister to be like Jesus. Encounters as this will make us truly disciples of Jesus. Through this encounter, Sister encourages us to be close to Jesus even if it seems like He is not close to us, to know that God is doing His own thing to strengthen us. Therefore, do not be discouraged or worry when things are not going right.

 Her cheerfulness and love engulfed with a contagious smile is the hallmark of her life. Anyone who has met sister will never leave without being refreshed with a charming smile. She loved everyone in her own way since she believed in the love of God and love of people. She preached and practised her own saying ‘seeing happiness in others made you happy.’ This charming quality comes from her relationship with God for she articulates, ‘listen to the inner voice of yourself where God speaks.’ Sister encourages us to love Jesus not merely in a distant way but focus on loving those around us and this will have an amazing impact on

us. Her approach towards the young people was to meet them from where they are, although sister belonged to the ‘typewriter’ era. Therefore, she is loved and missed by many young people. I personally admired her for her attentive ear towards my preaching in the Church even though she had wealth of knowledge and spirituality. She has inspired me to remain humble because in humility we praise God. As we celebrate her life in gratitude, we imbibe the qualities of cheerfulness, love, humility and acceptance of a changing world. I conclude with her own motto, “All for Jesus through Mary.” 

Oil in Guyana

Allow me to express my gratitude in disappointment with a few articles and videos on Guyana surfacing online and especially on Social Media. These opinions from outside Guyana are juicy to the readers and viewers. The article in New York Times on Guyana’s oil stirred our guts and few of us had the courtesy to rebut the arguments. Although a few opinions are a matter of concern that we need to address. There are a few videos being circulated on Guyana’s Oil on social media that are damaging the image of our beautiful Guyana. These videos presentations are very interesting but from an outside perspective. I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinions. Someone else’s opinions must not derail our belief in ourselves as a strong compact nation. However, there is no harm in discussing other opinions and if they are true, let us utilize them for the betterment of Guyana.

Some persons believe that once you have a pencil you are a writer or once you have a camera, you are a journalist. This is untruly true in this highly social media-driven world. I mean to say, anyone can post anything online and there are always people who buy this with less or no wisdom. That is where we have a problem. Oil is true in Guyana, but it must be a concern for Guyanese and not for others to tell us what we should do or what we will become. We, as Guyanese, must be strong at this time and not give in to external pressure. Whatever people say, we know who we are. Let us stand together as a nation and not as Indo and Afro Guyanese. We are a nation of multiple diversities and let this be our strength during these crucial times. Let us help our leaders, both ruling and opposition to come to the table to guard our wealth and resources. This way, we can truly channel our resources for the betterment of our country. Just ignore anything that is not true and take only what is true. Let us not waste time on ignorance of outsiders rather let us believe in our strength. Our strength is their ignorance.

Auntie Enid and her thirst for Eucharist

I am grateful to God for Auntie Enid, especially for her unceasing support in my ministry. Through prayer and friendship, she has won many hearts. Although I am saddened by her passing from this earthly journey, her memories will remain with me. She has impacted me in two aspects, namely, friendship and her thirst for the Eucharist.

Each of us has 'relationship circles' wherein the innermost circle represents our own self and then right outside it we have intimate or loyal friends and then we have familiar friends and then we have acquaintances and then outer most is danger zone friendships. Over the years we shift friends and family from one circle to the other. It is natural for us to be friends with someone but not all will be our intimate friends. Some events might send some our intimate friends or family right outside into one of those circles depending on the relationship. I am glad to say that I have many friends and family in my inner circle of relationship with whom I can share my struggles and joys and vice versa. Auntie Enid is one of those who joined my inner circle of a relationship about 3 years ago. This was possible through Pat Pierre with whom I used to visit the sick at public hospital. After our visit to the hospital, we would take a break at Auntie Enid's home and get my advice, wisdom and support from this great woman.  I would truly miss this lovely time of rejuvenating. I urge us all to make sure that we support each other so that our goal must be to join the inner circle of relationship and not merely acquaintances.

The Eucharist was truly a source and summit of Auntie Enid's life. I had the privilege of taking the Eucharist for her many times at her home. There wasn’t a low point in her life as long as she has her Eucharist. She was the beloved of the Eucharist. She truly believed that Jesus has come to her home when the Eucharist was brought to her. She cherished the Communion service and she had made a Thanksgiving prayer in which she expressed her gratitude to God for all the people in her life. Her love for the Eucharist has given me strength. I am sure this has been the experience of priests and ministers who took Communion to her. She longed for the Eucharist and when she got it she highly rejoiced. I appeal to each of us that we also may value the Eucharist in our lives. It a privilege to welcome Christ into our lives. Let us be joyful for we have Eucharist in our churches. I believe that the Eucharist is the heart of the Church without which Church won’t survive very long. 

Lessons from World Cup 2018

The Football World Cup in Russia has been a wonderful experience for many of us. It has taught many emotional and spiritual lessons. There have been myriad opportunities to showcase our love and talent for football. It has been a positive experience to learn and to know not only about the game but about the culture and tradition of other nations. It has helped me to admire and celebrate the uniqueness of each people represented in the world cup. I have come to gather five lessons that I have learnt from the world cup 2018. I have discussed them here lest we forget about this world cup. Let this world cup remain with us always.

Spiritual Goal: “Everyone who competes in games undergoes strict training.” (1Cor 9:25). It is important to pay attention to the hard work and rigorous training any athlete undertakes to be the popular star. We would like to associate ourselves with famous footballers such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Modric, Harry Kane and many more. Do we even think of them outside the televised game? I think that is where all the action of strict training, strict dieting, strict feedback is followed by these athletes. Their dedication to the sport helps them to climb the mountain of fame and success. One of the Orthodox Priest from Russia says, ‘football offers a way to elevate man’s physical and spiritual culture and it should be a tool for the Church. The task of an athlete is the same as that of a monk; without self-control, there can be no success.’ Our faith in God must teach to be disciplined in our lives and to be disciplined we must follow the certain strict training of our own senses. We are body, mind and spirit. Our physical and spiritual self must compliment each other. In other words, our prayer must reflect on our body; our spiritual self must be seen in our body. If a person is spiritually grounded, we can see that person is cheerful and gracious.

Respect Women Goal: Now that the Football World Cup is at the last breath, allow me to express my disappointment at the discrimination against women. I was appalled to read about four separate incidences in which women were discriminated against by boisterous men at the football world cup. In two cases male fans attempted to kiss the reporters. Julia Guimaraes from the Brazilian Globo TV had the courage to tell the fan off right on camera. She expresses her disapproval and disrespect towards women by men. This incident created an uproar in Brazil which was a catalyst for other women in media to speak up by saying ‘Enough is enough.’ In another incident, a group of male fans surround a woman from another country and make her repeat bad words in the language she is not familiar. This incident has taught women that they could be the target of discrimination and harassment by men with no respect for women. I was further alarmed that some men on social media criticized women for such kind of incidences. I want to emphasize that respect for women begins at home. Men who disrespect other women most often do not respect women in their own family. In some cases, men might live on a false philosophy of ‘male superiority’ in which case women must stoop down. I want us to think about how we treat women in our families and society.

No Racism Goal: This world cup also emphasized against discrimination based on race under the tagline ‘no to racism’. I am always thrilled to witness the football teams with such a diversity. The teams live by the mantra, ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ or I would put it as ‘a truly united goal for a win.’ I am so happy to see teammates believing in each other’s ability and this belief makes a great team and most often unbeatable team. The world cup gives yet another opportunity to consolidate our belief that we can achieve much together. Our energy is not wasted in entertaining opinions of division and colour. Our race nepotism takes away the gift of each other. It takes away our peaceful coexistence rather it makes us suspicious about others and drains our energy. If any of the footballers is suspicious about his co-player of a different colour, he would be draining his energy on it hence he will not be able to succeed.

No building wall goal: We pick our team to support. We pick our country first and when our country loses we pick our continent and when that fails we choose our favourite player and so on. We do this picking teams without any barrier of division. We can move away from supporting our country to another with much ease. This crucial lesson from football as we live in world of division and strict borders. Football gives us an exposure to other countries. It makes us know and admire other countries that we have never heard before. It makes us relive the experience of the joy of others. Football commentary is the best way to learn about other countries where we can hear about the uniqueness of the country. Every nation is unique and beautiful. Football makes us break the boundaries of our own little world and allows us to think global. It breaks down the wall of division and unites us as people of the same wonderful planet. Our uniqueness becomes another’s awesomeness. We learn to admire other traditions and customs that have made them a nation.

In conclusion, the lesson that the world cup has taught us may remain with us and increase our love for each other. As we come to admire football stars, we shall admire each other. Every nation and its people are a gift from God to the planet earth and we are given the opportunity to experience those gifts from other people at this time. We learnt to break the barriers that divide nations and traditions rather embrace the richness of other nations. Football has brought minds and hearts together for a better future. Let us keep at it and carry on. Our goal is to be human. Let us remember we are born humans and we must die as humans. We are humans from the cradle to the grave.

Church in China

St. Augustine Zhao Rong was a Chinese soldier who accompanied Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse of the Paris Foreign Mission Society to his martyrdom in Beijing. Moved by his patience Augustine becomes Chinese diocesan priest who was savagely tortured and was martyred in 1815.

Among 119 martyrs there was an eighteen year old boy, Chi Zhuzi, who cried out to those who had just cut off his right arm and were preparing to flay him alive: "Every piece of my flesh, every drop of my blood will tell you that I am Christian."

Often times it might seem everything is over but there will be someone to carry on.