In these difficult times, we need the wisdom of Saint Joseph to know

Archbishop Speaks.... the difference between what we can change and what we cannot. We
need the courage to change what we can: to prevent ourselves and
others by practising social distance, wearing masks, sanitising our
SAINT JOSEPH, AN ACCEPTING FATHER homes, helping those in need, sharing what we have, doing our best to
help our frontline warriors, demanding accountability from those
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, responsible, raise voice against corruption and greed for money in
certain health service providers, etc.
We have all heard of the Serenity prayer composed by American
protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who prayed, God, give us grace At the same time, we should also have the grace to accept what we
to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to cannot change: the past, the mistakes that might have occurred in
change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to managing the situation, the seriousness of the issues threatening us,
distinguish the one from the other. the discomforts that the continuing lockdown may impose on us, the
sacrifices that might be required on our part to help others in need,
The discernment between what can and cannot be changed is etc. But in these challenges, we have the grace of God which
important to our lives. If we do not have the courage to change what strengthens us with hope.
we can and what we should, we would end up suffering something
unnecessary all our lives. On the other hand, if we do not have the We conclude with the words of our Holy Father in Patris corde. “The
grace to accept things that cannot be changed, perhaps, we would spiritual path that Joseph traces for us is not one that explains but
end up fighting against something invincible all our lives. accepts. Only as a result of this acceptance, this reconciliation, can
we begin to glimpse a broader history, a deeper meaning. Joseph is
Saint Joseph’s life is a perfect example of the right balance between certainly not passively resigned, but courageously and firmly proactive.
the grace of acceptance and the courage of change. Pope Francis In our own lives, acceptance and welcome can be an expression of
demonstrates this beautifully in his apostolic letter Patris Corde. The the Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude. Only the Lord can give us the strength
Holy Father states that the fourth character of Saint Joseph is his needed to accept life as it is, with all its contradictions, frustrations,
readiness to accept things that he could not change (no4). And the and disappointments”.
fifth character that he attributes to Saint Joseph is the creative courage
to change things that he could (no5). “Christian realism rejects nothing that exists. Reality, in its mysterious
and irreducible complexity, is the bearer of existential meaning, with all
Our Holy father writes, “Often in life, things happen whose meaning its lights and shadows. As Saint Paul says, “We know that all things
we do not understand. Our first reaction is frequently one of work together for good, for those who love God” (Rom 8:28) and as
disappointment and rebellion. Joseph set aside his own ideas in order Saint Augustine adds, “even that which is called evil (etiamillud quod
to accept the course of events and, mysterious as they seemed, to malum dicitur)”. In this greater perspective, faith gives meaning to every
embrace them, take responsibility for them and make them part of his event, however happy or sad”.
own history. Unless we are reconciled with our own history, we will be
unable to take a single step forward, for we will always remain hostage May Saint Joseph inspire in us the courage to change the things we
to our expectations and the disappointments that follow”(no4). can, the grace to accept things that we cannot and the wisdom to
know the difference.
How inspiring is this observation for the covid-19 crisis that we are
facing? Faced with the severity of the pandemic and the inability of With prayerful wishes,
our health system to tackle this scale of infections, we feel small and
powerless. Many of us have lost someone we know, someone whom we
have loved and cherished. Some of us may have also had to struggle
through it and survived the threat. Fear, anxiety, disappointment, anger, † Most Rev Dr George Antonysamy
doubts, rebellion: the feelings that emerge from the depth of our beings Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore
are many and varied.

¨û\YôrÜ 1 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 2 June 2021

 njspTw;W miof;fpd;wJ. ek;khy; khw;w ,ad;wtw;iw khw;Wk;
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eprg;j mikjpay;y. Mf;fg;G+Ht mikjp.
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jhd; ek;Kila vjpHghHg;Gfs;> Vkhw;wq;fs; ,tw;iwj;jhz;b ek;khy; cfe;jtHfsha; ,Uf;f KbahJ.’ (cNuh.8:28) mJkl;Lky;yhky;
vjpHfhyj;ij Nehf;fp mLj;j mbia vLj;J itf;f KbAk;.’ (vz;.4) ehk; jPiknad fUJgtdtw;iwAk; ed;ikahf;f flTshy; KbAk;
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ngUe;njhw;W Nehapf;F cs;shfp> mij vjpHj;J Nghuhb tho;it
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vjpHg;G vd vj;jid vj;jid.

,e; j NghplH fhyj; j py; Gdpj NahNrg; G tpd; Qhdk; ek; i k † NkjF lhf;lH [hH[; me;Njhzprhkp
khw;wf;$batw;iwAk;> khw;w Kbahjtw;iwAk; Fwpj;j mwpT nrd;id-kapiy caHkiwkhtl;l NguhaH
¨û\YôrÜ 3 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 4 June 2021
 OFFICIAL NOTIFICATIONS NECROLOGY
06 06 2021 The Most Precious Body and Blood of Christ - Solemnity Rev Fr Kurian V Nelappana 04 06 1996
11 06 2021 The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - Solemnity Rev Fr Lucio Fernandes 09 06 1966
13 06 2021 St Antony of Padua Rev Fr J B Patrick 10 06 1972
24 06 2021 The Nativity of St John the Baptist - Solemnity Rev Fr Jacob Vettichirayil 10 06 1987
29 06 2021 Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles - Solemnity Rev Msgr D’Sa 19 06 1985
Rev Fr S Arul 19 06 1996
03 07 2021 St Thomas, the Apostle of India - Solemnity
Rev Fr Thomas Charath 19 06 2004
N.B.: Due to the surging 2nd wave of the Covid–19 pandemic and Rev Fr Joseph Thyparambil 24 06 2002
following the SOPs of the government, Archbishop’s Rev Fr Philip Manathra 25 06 2006
engagements for June 2021 remain suspended. Rev Msgr A J Adaikalam 26 06 1987
Secretary to the Archbishop Rev Fr Chacko Perumanoor 27 06 2016
May their Souls rest in peace!
PRAYERFUL WISHES ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
Rev Fr Sandiyagu E 01 06 1973 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
Rev Fr Thomas A 03 06 1969
Rev Fr Mathew K T 05 06 1950 Applications for admissions to Colleges: Sathyabhama College,
Rev Fr Bosco D F 09 06 1956 Jeppiar Engineering College, Jeppiar SRR College, Jeppiar Institute of
Technology - Kunnam, DMI College of Engineering, Madha Engineering
Rev Fr Thanga Kumar 11 06 1973 and Arts and Science College, Annai Vailankanni College, Jaya College
Rev Fr Ambrose C C 12 06 1957 are offering the scholarship for catholic students with concession. Kindly
Rev Fr Anthony Raj T 12 06 1974 announce it to your parishioners and help your parish youth. Contact
Rev Fr Jude Rajesh M 14 06 1974 the Chancellor's Desk at the earliest.
Rev Fr Louis Mathias 17 06 1969 The Chancellor
Rev Fr Maria John Bosco 18 06 1977
Rev Fr Peter Jerard M L 20 06 1969 SCHOLARSHIP
Rev Fr Harry Williams J 20 06 1979
The Application forms for these Scholarships for college students
Rev Fr Arokia Velankanni Stalin R 23 06 1979 are presently being issued during the office hours. Parish Priests can
Rev Fr Gilbert Joe 27 06 1971 obtain the application forms either personally or by a written note
Rev Fr Charles Anandaraj 27 06 1988 through the bearer. The filled in application forms should reach the
Rev Fr Regan Manuel Raj I 06 07 1983 Chancery on or before 30th June 2021. Late comers will not be
entertained.
HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTION - JUNE 2021 The Chancellor

The Beauty of Marriage: Let us pray for young people who are
preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY
may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.
kiwg; g ug; G Nehf; f k; : jpUkz moF - fpwp]; j t r%fj; j pd; Rev Fr T Anthony Raj 02 06 2000
MjuTld; jpUkzj;jpw;F jahupf;fpd;w ,isQu;fs; md;gpYk;>
jhuhs kdg;ghd;ikapYk;> cz;ik kw;Wk; nghWikapYk; tsuTk;
Congratulations and Prayerful Wishes!
Ntz;b nrgk; nra;Nthk;.
¨û\YôrÜ June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 6 June 2021
5
 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH LITURGICAL OVERVIEW OF THE MONTH
As we begin to feel the warmth of summer, we can reflect that we The month of June is dedicated to The Sacred Heart of Jesus. This
celebrate the feasts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 11) and month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is
the Immaculate Heart of Mary (June 12). God is Love and the Sacred represented by the liturgical colour green. This symbol of hope is the
Heart of Jesus — present on earth in the Blessed Sacrament — is the colour of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of
human manifestation of God’s Love for men. Appropriately June is reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious
considered the month for weddings where human hearts join and resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
cooperate with the Creator in bringing forth new life. The family they
create is a human reflection of the Blessed Trinity. Also on June 1 we FOCUS OF THE LITURGY
celebrate the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church. This feast is to
be celebrated on the Monday following Pentecost. The readings for the Sundays in June 2021, are taken from St Mark
and are from Year B, Cycle 1.
Other principal feasts of this month are St. Justin (June 1),
Sts Marcellinus and Peter (June 2), St Boniface (June 5), June 6 This Gospel recounts the events of the Last
St Ephrem (June 9), St Romuald (June 19), Sts John Fisher and Thomas Corpus Christi Supper when Jesus changed bread and wine
More (June 22), the Birth of St John the Baptist (June 24), into His Body and Blood.
St Josemaria Escriva (June 26), the Solemnity of Sts Peter and
Paul (June 29) and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome (June 30). June 13 Jesus tells the parable of the mustard seed.
11th Sunday
The feast of St Barnabas (June 11) is superseded by the feast of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus. The feasts of St Norbert (June 6), St Anthony of
June 20 The Gospel is about Jesus asleep on the boat
Padua (June 13) and St Cyril of Alexandria (June 27), are superseded 12th Sunday being awakened and calming the storm
by the Sunday liturgy. because of the apostles’ fear.
A TIME OF LOVE June 27 Jesus raises the daughter of Jarius from the
13th Sunday dead.
Following Pentecost, the Church begins her slow descent from the
great peaks of the Easter Season to the verdant pastures of Ordinary
Time, the longest of the liturgical seasons. Like the lush June growth all ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS
around us, the green of the liturgical season points to the new life won
for us by the Redemption of Jesus Christ, the new life of Charity. For Rev Fr M W Praveen Correspondent St Joseph’s Boys Hr Sec School &
Our Lord came to cast the fire of His love on the earth, and to that end,
St Ignatius Boys Pri School, Kilachery
sent His Holy Spirit at Pentecost in the form of tongues of fire.

Ordinary Time is the hour to “go out to all the world and tell the good
HGN
news.” The feasts of June highlight this expansion of the Church. At
least ten times, the Church vests in the red of the martyrs whose blood
Rev Fr A Ashok Kumar HGN Parish Priest Pandravedu
is the very seed of her growth. She also celebrates the feasts of the
Rev Fr L Jermanus HGN Asst Parish Priest K G Kandigai
apostles Peter and Paul, and the birth of St John the Baptist, proto-
Rev Fr A Michael HGN Asst Parish Priest Porur
disciple and prophet.
Rev Fr D Susai Regis HGN Asst Parish Priest Washermenpet
We too are called to be witnesses like the apostles and martyrs. May
the Heart of Jesus inflame our hearts so that we may be worthy of our + Most Rev Dr George Antonysamy Rev Fr K J Varghese Rozario
Baptismal call to holiness. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore In-charge of Chancery

¨û\YôrÜ June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ June 2021

7 8
 PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES NEWS FROM THE CHURCH
1. Philipose Mar Chrysostom, the world’s oldest bishop who attended 1. The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline
the Second Vatican Council as a Protestant observer and was honoured of the Sacraments on Saturday introduced 7 new invocations to the
with India’s third highest civilian award, died on May 5 in Kerala, litany in honour of St Joseph. The initiative comes during the Year of
southern India. He was 104. He was awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s St Joseph which Pope Francis declared from 8 December 2020, to 8
third highest civilian award. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind December 2021. The new invocations, originally in Latin, are as
presented the award at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, on March follows: Custos Redemptoris, Serve Christi, Minister salutis, Fulcimen in
20, 2018 in recognition of his service to society. He had served as the difficultatibus, Patrone exsulum, Patrone afflictorum, Patrone-
president of the National Council of Churches in India, the national pauperum. These could be translated as: Guardian of the Redeemer,
body of the Protestant and Orthodox Churches and their institutions. Servant of Christ, Minister of salvation, Support in difficulties, Patron of
He was among the observers at the Catholic Church’s Second Vatican exiles, Patron of the afflicted and Patron of the poor.With these
Council (1962-1965). On August 28, 2007, he announced his resignation additions, the invocations in the Litany to St Joseph now rise to 31.
as the supreme head of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church on 2. The Pontifical Mission Societies begin preparations to mark the
grounds of old age and ill-health. Prayers and Condolences. 200th anniversary of their foundation, which takes place on 3 May
2022. Preparations have begun for next year, when on 3 May 2022,
2. Archbishop Antony Anandarayar (75) Emeritus Archbishop of the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio) will mark the 200th anniversary
Pondicherry-Cuddalore passed away on Tuesday 4 May 2021 at of their official foundation as the “Association for the Propagation of
9.30 pm at St Thomas Hospital, Chennai. His Funeral has held on 5 the Faith”. It also marks the 100 th anniversary of the Motu
May 2021 at 4.00 pm at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry. Proprio Romanorum Pontificum, with which Pope Pius XI declared this
He was appointed as the Bishop of Ootacamund diocese on 12 January a “Pontifical” society. The Pontifical Mission Societies has begun
1997 and ordained Bishop on 29 January 1997. He was appointed as preparing for the 2022 celebrations, looking back to the sources of
the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pondicherry-Cuddalore on 10 June, their founding charism, which began with the laywoman Pauline Jaricot,
2004. His request for resignation from the active episcopal ministry Born in Lyon, France, on 22 July 1799, she suffered a fall that caused
was accepted by Pope Francis on 27 January, 2021. He is a priest for her serious physical damage, and therefore a somewhat difficult growth.
50 years and a Bishop for 24 years. Prayers and Condolences to the But she felt the call to missionary life. On 3 May 1822, together with a
Archdiocese of Pondicherry–Cuddalore and to his family members. group of lay people, she founded the association of the “Propagation
3. Rev Fr Anthuvan Akilan Xavier, Administrator of Sacred Heart of the Faith”, approved by Pius VII in 1823. Pauline devoted herself
Shrine, Egmore lost his beloved parents Mr S Arockiasamy and exclusively to serving the poor and the ill, visiting hospitals and the
Mrs Elizabeth Mary on 4th May 2021. The Funeral Mass was held on 5th terminally-ill on a daily basis. The aid she brought to those in need was
May 2021 at Sithalapakkam. The Archdiocese offers heartfelt accompanied by a life of intense prayer: she received the Eucharist
condolences to Rev Fr Akilan and his family members. We pray that daily, interceded for the conversion of sinners and the evangelisation
the Lord may grant the deceased eternal rest. of the world. She died in poverty in Lyon on 9 January 1862. On 25
February 1963, she was declared Venerable by St John XXIII. On 26
4. Most Rev Basil Bhuriya (65), SVD, Bishop of Jabhua, Madhya May, 2020, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to her
Pradesh passed away on 6 May 2021 at 1.30 pm due to cardiac intercession, thus paving the way for her beatification.
arrest at St Francis Hospital, Indore. He was undergoing Covid 3. On May 7, 2021, the Catholic Church of India and other Christian
treatment. Funeral has held on 7 May, 2021 at 10.00 am at Churches in the country joined hands in observing a National Day of
Annunciation Cathedral, Meghnagar, Jabhua. Condolences and Prayers Prayer and fasting for an end to the virus. The initiative took place
to the Diocesan Clergy and Faithful. during the current worldwide “marathon” of prayer called by Pope
5. Mr Arockiaraj, Age 87, beloved Father of Rev Fr Innaiah Christy, Francis for an end to the pandemic and the resumption of normal
(who is in USA) died on May 20th due to Covid. The burial has held social and work activities.
privately. We render our deepest condolences to the family and sincere 4. Pope Francis holds up the heroic example of Blessed Rosario
prayers for the repose of his soul. Livatino, an Italian judge murdered by the mafia, and urged judges to
learn from his efforts to promote redemption through justice. Pope
May their souls rest in peace ! Francis beatified him on the Italian island of Sicily on 9th May 2021.
¨û\YôrÜ 9 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 10 June 2021
 5. Pope Francis on 22nd May 2021 received in audience Cardinal
Marcello Semeraro, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of APOSTOLIC LETTER
Saints, who presented to him for approval 7 decrees regarding the
sainthood causes of 7 candidates. The Holy Father authorized the
Congregation to promulgate a decree on martyrdom and 6 decrees on ISSUED “MOTU PROPRIO”
heroic virtues. The candidates from Peru, Italy, Poland, Spain and BY THE SUPREME PONTIFF
Hungary include 3 women and 4 men. They are as follows: 1) The
martyrdom of Servant of God Maria Agostina Rivas López, known as FRANCIS
Aguchita (born Antonia Luzmila), a nun of the congregation of Our Lady
of Charity of the Good Shepherd. 2) The heroic virtues of Servant of “ANTIQUUM MINISTERIUM”
God Felice Canelli, a diocesan priest who was born in San Severo (Italy)
on 14 October 1880 and died there on 23 November 1977. 3) The INSTITUTING
heroic virtues of Servant of God Bernard of the Mother of Beautiful Love THE MINISTRY OF CATECHIST
(born Zygmunt Kryszkiewicz), a professed priest of the Congregation of
the Passion of Jesus Christ, commonly known as Passionists. 4) The 1. The ministry of Catechist in the Church is an ancient one.
heroic virtues of Servant of God Mariano Gazpio Ezcurra, a professed Theologians commonly hold that the first examples are already present
priest of the Augustinian Recollect Order. 5) The heroic virtues of Servant in the writings of the New Testament. The service of catechesis may be
of God Colomba di Gesù Ostia (born Anna Antonietta Mezzacapo), traced back to those “teachers” mentioned by the Apostle in writing to
Prioress of the Monastery of Santa Teresa delle Carmelitane Scalze di the community of Corinth: “Some people God has designated in the
“Marcianise”. 5) The heroic virtues of Servant of God Antonia Lesino, of Church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then,
the secular Institute known as the “Little Franciscan Family”. She was mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and
born in Milan (Italy) on 11 October 1897 and died in Brescia (Italy) on varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
24 February 1962; 6) The heroic virtues of the Servant of God Alessandro Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in
Bálint, a lay man and father of a family. With the 6 decrees on heroic tongues? Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.
virtues, the respective candidates receive the title Venerable Servant of But I shall show you a still more excellent way” (1 Cor 12:28-31).
God, of simple Venerable.
Saint Luke begins his Gospel by stating: “I too have decided, after
6. The Ignatian year themed “to see all things new in Christ” begins investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly
from May 2021 to July 2022. During this period, the Society of Jesus
sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize
encourages Christians on the path of transformation and conversion
inspired by the example of St Ignatius of Loyola. The year will open on the certainty of the teachings you have received” (Lk 1:3-4). The
20 May which commemorates the 500th anniversary of St Ignatius’s evangelist seems to be well aware that his writings offer a specific
injury during the Battle of Pamplona on 20 May 1521. While defending form of instruction that can give firm assurance to those already
the citadel of Pamplona against French forces, St Ignatius was seriously baptized. The Apostle Paul, for his part, tells the Galatians that: “one
injured after being struck by a cannon ball. This led to a long period of who is being instructed in the word should share all good things with
convalescence which began his conversion and subsequent his instructor” (Gal 6:6). As is evident, this text provides yet another
transformation from soldier to saint. During this year themed “to see all detail; it speaks of the communion of life as a sign of the fruitfulness
things new in Christ”, the Jesuits will also mark the 400th anniversary of an authentic catechesis.
of the canonization of St Ignatius and St Francis Xavier on 12 March
2022. The Ignatian year will conclude on 31 July 2022 – the Feast of 2. From the beginning, the Christian community was characterized
St Ignatius. by many different forms of ministry carried out by men and women
who, obedient to the working of the Holy Spirit, devoted their lives to
7. Sharing the Word is a virtual library founded in 2013 and funded the building up of the Church. At times, the charisms that the Spirit
by the Pontifical Society of St Peter the Apostle (POSPA). It is a tremendous constantly pours out on the baptized took on a visible and tangible
help to seminarians, clergy, and pastoral workers who are not able to form of immediate service to the Christian community, one recognized
afford hard copy texts essential for their ministry. There are now over as an indispensable diakonia for the community. The Apostle Paul
1000 monthly users, with a single access point to the spiritual and authoritatively attests to this when he states that “there are different
intellectual riches of the Christian Faith. kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of
¨û\YôrÜ 11 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 12 June 2021
service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same 4. Beginning with the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, the
God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the Church has come to a renewed appreciation of the importance of lay
manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given involvement in the work of evangelization. The Council Fathers
through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression repeatedly emphasized the great need for the lay faithful to be engaged
of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the directly, in the various ways their charism can be expressed, in the
same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another “plantatio Ecclesiae” and the development of the Christian community.
mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; “Worthy of praise too is that army of catechists, both men and women,
to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. to whom missionary work among the nations is so indebted, who imbued
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them with an apostolic spirit make an outstanding and absolutely necessary
individually to each person as he wishes” (1 Cor 12:4-11). contribution to the spread of the faith and the Church by their great
work. In our days, when there are so few clerics to evangelize such
Within the broader charismatic tradition of the New Testament, then, great multitudes and to carry out the pastoral ministry, the role of
we can see that certain baptized persons exercised the ministry of catechists is of the highest importance” (cf. SECOND VATICAN
transmitting in a more organic and stable form related to different ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity Ad
situations in life the teaching of the apostles and evangelists (cf. SECOND Gentes, 17).
VATICAN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL, Dogmatic Constitution on Divine
Revelation Dei Verbum, 8). The Church wished to acknowledge this Along with the important teaching of the Council, mention should
service as a concrete expression of a personal charism that contributed be made of the constant interest of the Popes, the Synod of Bishops,
greatly to the exercise of her mission of evangelization. This glance at the Episcopal Conferences and individual Bishops who, in recent
the life of the first Christian communities engaged in the spread of the decades have contributed to a significant renewal of catechesis.
Gospel also encourages the Church in our day to appreciate possible The Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Apostolic
new ways for her to remain faithful to the word of the Lord so that his Exhortation Catechesi Tradendae, the General Catechetical Directory,
Gospel can be preached to every creature. the General Directory for Catechesis and the recent Directory for
Catechesis, as well as the many national, regional and diocesan
3. The history of evangelization over the past two millennia clearly Catechisms, have confirmed the centrality of a catechesis that gives
shows the effectiveness of the mission of catechists. Bishops, priests priority to the education and ongoing formation of believers.
and deacons, together with many men and women in the consecrated
life, devoted their lives to catechetical instruction so that the faith might 5. Without prejudice to the Bishop’s mission as the primary catechist
be an effective support for the life of every human being. Some of them in his Diocese, one which he shares with his presbyterate, or to the
also gathered around themselves others of their brothers and sisters particular responsibility of parents for the Christian formation of their
sharing the same charism, and founded religious orders wholly children (cf. CIC can. 774 §2; CCEO can. 618), recognition should be
dedicated to catechesis. given to those lay men and women who feel called by virtue of their
baptism to cooperate in the work of catechesis (cf. CIC can. 225; CCEO
Nor can we forget the countless lay men and women who directly cans. 401 and 406). This presence is all the more urgently needed
took part in the spread of the Gospel through catechetical instruction. today as a result of our increasing awareness of the need for
Men and women of deep faith, authentic witnesses of holiness, who in evangelization in the contemporary world (cf. Apostolic
some cases were also founders of Churches and eventually died as Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 163-168), and the rise of a globalized
martyrs. In our own day too, many competent and dedicated catechists culture (cf. Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, 100, 138). This requires
are community leaders in various parts of the world and carry out a genuine interaction with young people, to say nothing of the need for
mission invaluable for the transmission and growth of the faith. The creative methodologies and resources capable of adapting the
long line of blesseds, saints and martyrs who were catechists has proclamation of the Gospel to the missionary transformation that the
significantly advanced the Church’s mission and deserves to be Church has undertaken. Fidelity to the past and responsibility for the
recognized, for it represents a rich resource not only for catechesis present are necessary conditions for the Church to carry out her
but also for the entire history of Christian spirituality. mission in the world.

¨û\YôrÜ 13 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 14 June 2021

 Awakening personal enthusiasm on the part of all the baptized “In addition to the ministries common to the entire Latin Church, nothing
and reviving the awareness of their call to carry out a proper mission prevents Episcopal Conferences from asking the Apostolic See for the
in the community demands attentiveness to the voice of the Spirit, who institution of others, which for particular reasons, they consider
is unfailingly present and fruitful (cf. CIC can. 774 §1; CCEO can. 617). necessary or very useful in their own region. Among these are, for
Today, too, the Spirit is calling men and women to set out and encounter example, the offices of Porter, Exorcist and Catechist.” The same
all those who are waiting to discover the beauty, goodness, and truth pressing invitation is found in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii
of the Christian faith. It is the task of pastors to support them in this Nuntiandi; in calling for a discernment of the present needs of the
process and to enrich the life of the Christian community through the Christian community in faithful continuity with its origins, the Pope
recognition of lay ministries capable of contributing to the transformation encouraged the development of new forms of ministry for a renewed
of society through the “penetration of Christian values into the social, pastoral activity. “Such ministries, apparently new but closely tied up
political and economic sectors” (Evangelii Gaudium, 102). with the Church’s living experience down the centuries, such as that of
catechists… are valuable for the establishment, life, and growth of the
6. The lay apostolate is unquestionably “secular”. It requires that Church, and for her capacity to influence her surroundings and to
the laity “seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and reach those who are remote from her” (SAINT PAUL VI, Apostolic
directing them according to God’s will” (cf. SECOND VATICAN Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, 73).
ECUMENICAL COUNCIL Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen
Gentium, 31). In their daily life, interwoven with family and social To be sure, “there has been a growing awareness of the identity
relationships, the laity come to realize that they “are given this special and mission of the laity in the Church. We can indeed count on many
vocation: to make the Church present and fruitful in those places and lay persons, although still not nearly enough, who have a deeply-rooted
circumstances where it is only through them that she can become the sense of community and great fidelity to the tasks of charity, catechesis
salt of the earth” (ibid., 33). We do well to remember, however, that in and the celebration of the faith” (Evangelii Gaudium, 102). It follows
addition to this apostolate, “the laity can be called in different ways to that the reception of a lay ministry such as that of Catechist will
more immediate cooperation in the apostolate of the hierarchy, like emphasize even more the missionary commitment proper to every
those men and women who helped the apostle Paul in the Gospel, baptized person, a commitment that must however be carried out in a
working hard in the Lord” (ibid.). fully “secular” manner, avoiding any form of clericalization.

The role played by catechists is one specific form of service among 8. This ministry has a definite vocational aspect, as evidenced by
others within the Christian community. Catechists are called first to be the Rite of Institution, and consequently calls for due discernment on
expert in the pastoral service of transmitting the faith as it develops the part of the Bishop. It is in fact a stable form of service rendered to
through its different stages from the initial proclamation of the local Church in accordance with pastoral needs identified by the
the kerygma to the instruction that presents our new life in Christ and local Ordinary, yet one carried out as a work of the laity, as demanded
prepares for the sacraments of Christian initiation, and then to the by the very nature of the ministry. It is fitting that those called to the
ongoing formation that can allow each person to give an accounting instituted ministry of Catechist be men and women of deep faith and
of the hope within them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15). At the same time, every catechist human maturity, active participants in the life of the Christian
must be a witness to the faith, a teacher and mystagogue, a companion community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a
and pedagogue, who teaches for the Church. Only through prayer, life of fraternal communion. They should also receive suitable biblical,
study, and direct participation in the life of the community can they theological, pastoral and pedagogical formation to be competent
grow in this identity and the integrity and responsibility that it entails communicators of the truth of the faith and they should have some
(cf. Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New prior experience of catechesis (cf. SECOND VATICAN ECUMENICAL
Evangelization, Directory for Catechesis, 113). COUNCIL, Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the
Church Christus Dominus, 14; CIC can. 231 §1; CCEO can. 409 §1). It
7. With great foresight, Saint Paul VI issued the Apostolic is essential that they be faithful co-workers with priests and deacons,
Letter Ministeria Quaedam with the intention not only of adapting the prepared to exercise their ministry wherever it may prove necessary,
ministries of Lector and Acolyte to changed historical circumstances and motivated by true apostolic enthusiasm.
(cf. Apostolic Letter Spiritus Domini), but also of encouraging Episcopal
Conferences to promote other ministries, including that of Catechist.
¨û\YôrÜ 15 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 16 June 2021
Therefore, after having taken all things into consideration, and by
apostolic authority. 

  
I establish
the lay ministry of Catechist
E}w;whz;LfisAk; jhz;b epiyj;J epw;Fk; rH
The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the [hd; bkhd;b mtHfspd; vz;zw;w jhuhs gpwHeyg;
Sacraments will soon publish the Rite of Institution of the lay ministry gzpfis epidT $Wk; tpjkhf> mtH ,we;j
of Catechist. 200-tJ Mz;L epidT ehshfpa epfOk; 2021-k;
Mz;L Nk khjk; 6-k; ehsd;W> rhe;Njhkpy; cs;s
9. I invite the Episcopal Conferences to render effective the ministry NguhaH ,y;yj;jpy; nrd;id-kapiyg; NguhaUk;
of Catechist, determining the necessary process of formation and the [hd; bkhd; b mwf; f l; l isapd; jiytUkhd
normative criteria for admission to this ministry and devising the most NkjF lhf;lH [hH[; me;Njhzprhkp mtHfshy;
appropriate forms for the service which these men and women will be XH vspa mNj Neuj;jpy; gpuk;khz;lkhd nghUSjtp
called to exercise in conformity with the content of this Apostolic Letter. toq;Fk; epfo;r;rp eilngw;wJ.

10. The Synods of the Oriental Churches or the Assemblies of vspikahfj; njhlq; f p xU rpwe; j tzpfuhf tsHr; r p
Hierarchs may adopt what is established here for their respective NghHj;Jf;fPrpa fj;Njhypf;fuhd rH [hd; bkhd;b mtHfs; xU
Churches sui iuris, in accordance with their particular law. Rakhd kdpjH. mHGj;Nehl; bkhd;b fk;ngdpNahL mtUf;F ,Ue;j
njhopy; K iw cwthdJ khngUk; ntw; w p mile; j jhy; mjd;
11. Bishops should make every effort to comply with the exhortation tUthapy; fzprkhd njhifia epyq;fis thq;Ftjpy; KjyPL
of the Council Fathers: “Pastors… know that they were not established nra;jhH. nksg;up]; rhiyapy; cs;s (,d;iwa b b Nf rhiy)
by Christ to undertake by themselves the entire saving mission of the ‘bkhd;b fhydp’ jhd; mtUila ,y;ykhFk;. NrkpaH];
Church to the world. They appreciate, rather, that it is their exalted rhiyapypUe;J milahW tiuf;Fk;> lhHd;Gy; rhiyapypUe;J
task to shepherd the faithful and at the same time acknowledge their NrkpaH]; rhiy tpupthf;fk; tiuf;Fk; (,d;iwa fpuPdN ; t]; rhiyapd;
ministries and charisms so that all in their separate ways, but of one gFjp) Gf; rhiyapypUe; J milahW tiuf; F k; mtUila
mind, may cooperate in the common task” (Lumen Gentium, 30). May nrhj;Jf;fspd; gFjp gutpapUe;jJ. jp nkl;uh]; fpsg; kw;Wk; Nghl;
the discernment of the gifts that the Holy Spirit never fails to grant to fpsg; Mfpait mtUila nrhj;Jf;fspd; vy;iyg; gFjpf;Fs;
the Church sustain their efforts to make the lay ministry of Catechist mlq;Fk;. ];nly;yh Nkup]; fy;Y}upapd; kpfg; ngupa gug;gsT nfhz;l
effective for the growth of their communities. FbapUg;G gFjpAk;> rhe;Njhk;> Nfhtsk;> vOk;g+H Mfpa gFjpfspYs;s
nrhj;Jf;fSk; bkhd;bapd; cilikahf ,Ue;jd.
I order that what has been laid down by this Apostolic Letter issued
“Motu Proprio” have firm and stable effect, anything to the contrary fdpTs;s fztuhfTk; gupTs;s kdpjuhfTk; tpsq;fpa bkhd;b
notwithstanding, even if worthy of special mention, and that it be Nfhtsj;jpy; mike;Js;s flw;fiuNahug; gFjp bkhd;bapd;
promulgated by publication in L’Osservatore Romano, taking effect that rpwg; g hd ftdj; i j <Hj; j J. mg; g Fjpapy; tho; e ; j fpwp]; j t
same day, and published thereafter in the official commentary of kf;fSf;fhf mtH mq;Nf kpf mofhd Ntiyg;ghLfSld; $ba
the Acta Apostolicae Sedis. jpUg;gl P k; nfhz;l XH Myaj;ijf; fl;b xU fj;Njhypf;f FUthdtH
jq;Ftjw;fhd FUthdtH ,y;yj;ijAk; fl;bdhH. ,e;j Myak;
Given in Rome, at Saint John Lateran, on the tenth day of May in Gdpj fhHNky; md;idf;F NeHe;jspf;fg;gl;Ls;sJ. [hd; bkhd;bAk;
the year 2021, the liturgical memorial of Saint John of Avila, Priest and mtUila kidtpAk; ,e;j Myaj;jpy;jhd; mlf;fk;
Doctor of the Church, the ninth of my Pontificate. nra;ag;gl;Ls;shHfs;.

Franciscus vy; i yaw; w jhuhs cs; s k;

1816-k; Mz;L gpg;utup khjk; 5-k; Njjpad;W jpBnud;W Vw;gl;l
jdJ xNu kfdpd; mfhy kuzk; j hd; bkhd; b mtHfspd;
tho;f;ifapy; khngUk; jpUg;GKidahf mike;jJ. md;wpypUe;J

¨û\YôrÜ 17 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 18 June 2021

1871-k; Mz;L Nk khjk; 6-k; ehs; mtH ,wf;fpd;w tiu jd;Dila gad;gLj;jpf; nfhs;tjpy; Kf;fpa gq;fhw;wpa jpU vk; [p Njtrfhak;
nrhj;Jf;fs; midj;ijAk;> jd;Dila Neuj;ijAk;> ciog;igAk;> ,Mg.> mtHfs; $Wk;NghJ> “200 Mz;LfSf;F Kd; tho;e;j rH
Nrkpg;igAk;> mdhijfs;> tpjitfs;> iftplg;gl;NlhH> kw;Wk; vspa [hd; bkhd;b mtHfs; XH ,iw kdpjuhf ,Ue;jhH. mtuJ tpahghu
FLk; g q; f Sf; F cjTk; tifapy; kUj; J tkidfs; > gs; s pfs; > Af; j pfshy; mstw; w nrhj; J f; f is rk; g hjpj; J fj; N jhypf; f
KjpNahH ,y;yq;fs; Nghd;w njhz;L epWtdq;fis mikj;jhH. jpUr;rigapd; topahf flTspd; jpl;lg;gb md;Gg; gzpfSf;F
gad;gLj;jg;gl toq;fpdhH. mJ Gfo;ngw;w Nghl; fpsg; gFjpiaAk;
1820-k; Mz;L [_iy khjk; 19-k; Njjpad;W mtH vOjpa ]; n ly; y h Nkup]; fy; Y }upg; gFjpiaAk; cs; s lf; f pajhFk; .
filrp gj;jpuKk;> capYk; mtUf;F ed;kjpg;igAk;> kupahijiaAk; ,j; j Uzj; j pNy> mwf; f l; l isapd; nrhj; J f; f is kP l ; n lLj; J >
nrd;idapd; tuyhw;wpy; Nghw;Wjw;Fupa ,lj;ijAk; toq;fpAs;sd. newpg;gLj;jp> Kiwahf nray;gl;L tUk; jw;Nghija jiytH NguhaH
Jwtw rigfs; kw;Wk; Vida epWtdq;fshy; elj;jg;gLfpd;w [hH[; me;Njhzprhkp mtHfSf;F vdJ ed;wpAk; ghuhl;Lk;. flTspd;
Viofs; kw;Wk; mdhijg; gps;isfSf;fhd tpLjpfs;> tpjitfs;> tpUg;gj;jpdhy; nrd;id-kapiy caHkiwkhtl;lk; Viofsha;
kw; W k; tWikapYk; > mOj; j j; j pYk; thOk; FLk; g q; f spd; ,Uf;fpd;w flTspd; gps;isfSf;fhf Nrit Gupe;J bkhd;bapd;
Nkk;ghl;bw;fhfTk;> Njitapy; ,Ug;Nghupd; eyDf;fhfTk;> mtUila fdit edthf;Fk;” vd;whH.
nrhj;Jf;fs; gad;gLj;jg;gl Ntz;Lk; vd mtH Fwpg;gpl;bUg;gJ
Nkd;ikf;FupaJ. mtH tho;e;j fhyj;jpy; NrHj;J itj;j mirah xU gd;dhl;L epWtdj;jpd; jiytUk; bkhd;b mwf;fl;lisapd;
nrhj;Jf;fs; midj;Jk; XH mwf;fl;lisapd; fPo; nfhz;Ltug;gl;L> cWg;gpdUkhd jpU gHdgh]; jpg+HrpA]; mtHfs; $Wk;NghJ>
kapyhg; g +H MauhYk; > mtH toptUk; MauhYk; Fwpg; g pl; l “bkhd;b mtHfs; xU khkdpjH. jdJ nry;tj;ij ViofSf;fhd
nray;ghLfSk; KiwfSk; ,e;j mwf;fl;lisahy; ifahsg;gl gzpfSf;fhfg; gfpHe;jspj;J> mij ,e;j mwf;fl;lisapd; %ykhf
Ntz;Lk; vd;Wk; bkhd;b mtHfs; Fwpg;gpl;Ls;shH. nrd;id-kapiyg; nrd; i d-kapiy caHkiwkhtl; l g; Nguhaupd; jiyikapy;
NguhaUk; rH [hd; bkhd;b mwf;fl;lisapd; jiytUkhd NkjF nray;gl Ntz;Lk; vd;W tpUk;gpdhH. rH [hd; bkhd;b mtHfspd;
lhf;lH [hH[; me;Njhzprhkp mtHfs; 2013-k; Mz;L nghWg;Ngw;wjpy; epidTfs; vd;WNk ek; cs;sq;fspy; epiwe;jpUf;Fk;” vd;whH.
,Ue;J gy;NtW rpukq;fis Nkw;nfhz;L> bkhd;b mwf;fl;lisapd;
nrhj;Jf;fis epy mgfupg;Gfspy; ,Ue;J kPlL ; > #o;epiyfis khw;wp> nrd;id-kapiy caHkiwkhtl;lk; ,j;jifa khkdpjiu XH
jdJ mauh ciog;ghy; gy gpwHeyg; gzpfisAk;> Md;kPfg; <ifahsuhfTk; ghJfhtyuhfTk; nfhz;bUg;gjpy; kpFe;j ngUik
gzpfisAk; Nkw;nfhz;L tUk; ,e;epiyapy; “ ew;nra;jpapy; fhz;gJ milfpwJ. mtUila ey;nyz;zj;jpw;F Vw;g vk; kiwkhtl;lk;
Nghy rH [hd; bkhd;b mtHfs; xU ey;y rkhupaidg; Nghy njhlHe;J ew;gzpahw;Wk; vd;gJ cWjp.
tho;e;jhH. flTs; ika tho;f;ifia mtH tho;e;jjd; fhuzkhf nrayH - bkhd;b mwf;fl;lis
jhd; NrHj;J itj;j Gfoidj;Jk; Md;kf P kw;Wk; gpwH eyg;gzpfspd;
topahf flTSf;Fg; Gfo; NrHg;gjhf mJ khw Ntz;Lk; vd;W
tpUk;gpdhH. ,e;j mwf;fl;lisapd; jiytuhf mtUila caupa Quotes of Pope Francis......
gzpfis ehDk; njhlHe;J Mw;WNtd;” vd;W NguhaH $wpdhH.
 Contemplative prayer is a guide along path of love
mwf; f l; l isapd; cWg; g pduhf NguhaUf; F jdJ Nkyhd
MNyhridfis toq;fp tUk; jpU vy; vk; NkNdr]; ,Mg.>
 Offer your hands, thoughts and time to Jesus
mtHfs; $Wk; N ghJ> “rH [hd; bkhd; b mtHfs; xU rpwe; j  A truly Christian life bears witness to Christ
kdpjuhfTk; fj;Njhypf;f kjpg;gPLfSf;F Kf;fpaj;Jtk;
toq;fpatuhfTk; tpsq;fpdhH. ,NaR fpwp];Jtpd; Nghjidfisg;  Media freedom promotes democracy and justice
gpd;gw;wpa khngUk; <ifahsuhf bkhd;b jd;Dila nry;tj;ij  Jesus is with us at all times although we may not know it
jpUr; r igf; F f; nfhLj; J mjd; topahf Viofs; > tpjitfs; >
mdhijfs; Nghd;NwhH gad;ngw Ntz;Lk; vd jpl;lk; tFj;jhH.  Love means serving others, not controlling them
trjp tha;g;Gf;fis ,oe;j kdpjHfs; gLk; Jd;gq;fis ed;F  We need light and hope, paths of healing and salvation
mwpe;jtuhf> kpFe;j Qhdj;NjhL mtHfspd; Kd;Ndw;wj;jpw;fhd
jpl;lq;fis tFj;J jdJ nrhj;Jf;fis toq;fpapUf;fpwhH” vd;whH.
jpUj; j e; i j gpuhd; r p!; mth; f spd; bghd; b khHp; . ..
bkhd;b nrhj;Jf;fis kPl;nlLg;gjpYk; cyfg; Gfo;ngw;w N[ vy;
vy; MNyhridf;FO epWtdj;ij mwf;fl;lisapd; gzpfSf;F  tho;it tuNtw;fhj rKjhak;> tho;tijNa epWj;jptpLk;.

¨û\YôrÜ 19 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 20 June 2021

 MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER VATICAN OFFERS GUIDELINES
At this time when so many in India are suffering as a result of the
FOR DIOCESAN WYD CELEBRATIONS
present health emergency, I am writing to convey my heartfelt solidarity
and spiritual closeness to all the Indian people, together with the The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life held a press conference
assurance of my prayers that God will grant healing and consolation on 18th May 2021 to present some “Pastoral Guidelines for the
to everyone affected by this grave pandemic. Celebration of World Youth Day in the Particular Churches.” The
guidelines, according to the Dicastery, are “intended to be a resource
My thoughts go above all to the sick and their families, to those who that presents the ideal motivations and possible practical
care for them, and in particular to those who are mourning the loss of implementations that will allow a diocesan/eparchial WYD to be an
their loved ones. I think too of the many doctors, nurses, hospital opportunity to bring out the potential for good that is in each young
workers, ambulance drivers and those working tirelessly to respond to person, with their generosity, thirst for authentic values and great
the immediate needs of their brothers and sisters. With deep ideals.”
appreciation I invoke upon all of them God’s gifts of perseverance,
strength and peace. W orld Y outh Da
Youth Dayy
The international celebrations of World Youth Day (WYD) are held
In a particular way, I am united to the Catholic community in your every three years in a different country with the participation of the
country, with gratitude for its works of charity and fraternal solidarity Holy Father. The ordinary celebration of the event, on the other hand,
carried out in the service of all; I think especially of the generosity takes place annually in the particular Churches that undertake the
shown by so many committed young people. I join you in commending organization of the observance. Every year, ahead of the celebrations,
to the Lord’s infinite mercy the faithful who have lost their lives, not the Holy Father publishes a Message intended to “accompany the
least the great numbers of priests and men and women religious. In journey of the universal Church with young people.” Providing some
these days of immense grief, may we all be consoled in the hope born background to the celebration, the document notes that WYD was the
of Easter and our unshakeable faith in Christ’s promise of resurrection result of “great prophetic insight” from Pope St. John Paul II. The Polish
and new life. To all I send my blessing. Saint wanted all young people to feel that they are cared for by the
Church and therefore moved that the “entire Church on a worldwide
FRANCISCUS level, in union with the Successor of Peter, be more and more committed
Rome, from Saint John Lateran, 6 May 2021 to young people, to their concerns and worries and to their aspirations
and hopes, so as to meet their expectations by communicating the
certainty that is Christ, the Truth that is Christ, the love that is Christ.”
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DAYS TO REMEMBER
Pope Benedict XVI continued along the same lines and on various
01 Jun Global Day of Parents occasions stressed that these events are “a providential gift for the
05 Jun World Environment Day Church…a remedy against faith fatigue”, “a new, more youthful form
of Christianity” and “new evangelization put into practice.”In a similar
08 Jun World Oceans Day manner, Pope Francis provides an extraordinary missionary thrust to
14 Jun World Blood Donor Day the Church, especially to the young generations. At the end of the
WYD in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, he said that the event was “was a new
17 Jun World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
stage on the pilgrimage of youth crossing the continents bearing the
20 Jun World Refugee Day Cross of Christ”. He said to the youths: “Let us always remember: young
21 Jun International Day of Yoga people do not follow the Pope, they follow Jesus Christ, bearing his
Cross. And the Pope guides them and accompanies them on this
23 Jun International Widow’s Day journey of faith and hope.”
26 Jun International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
30 Jun International Asteroid Day
¨û\YôrÜ 21 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 22 June 2021
In particular Churches reconciliation with others! Without his Kingdom, society too loses its
The document highlights that celebrating WYD in particular churches human face. Without the Kingdom of Christ, all true fraternity and all
has great significance for young people and the local ecclesial genuine proximity to those who suffer will disappear.”
community because some cannot participate at the international level
due to studies, work or financial difficulties. In this regard, celebrating More so, Pope Francis notes that at the heart of the two liturgical
locally “serves to raise awareness among the ecclesial community as a celebrations lies “the Mystery of Jesus Christ the Redeemer of
whole “ laity, priests, consecrated persons, families, adults and the humankind” and the core message is that the full stature of humankind
elderly – of their mission to transmit the faith to the younger generations.” stems from love that gives itself to others “right to the end”. The Dicastery
thus invites dioceses and eparchies to celebrate the WYD on the
Moreover, the 2018 General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Solemnity of Christ the King, placing young people at the center of
the theme of “Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment” (2018) pastoral attention, praying for them, engaging them as protagonists to
reminded us that the whole Church, including the universal and the promote communications campaigns, among other things. Dioceses
particular, must feel responsible for young people and be willing to are also to consider the celebrations as part of a “broader pastoral
allow ourselves be challenged by their questions, their desires and journey of which WYD is only one stage” in line with Pope Francis’
their difficulties. Thus, the celebrations are useful for keeping the Church recommendation that “youth ministry has to be synodal; it should involve
“mindful of the importance of walking with young people, and of journeying together.”
welcoming them and listening to them with patience while proclaiming
the Word of God to them with affection and power.” WYD – festival of faith
The Pastoral guidelines also explored six cornerstones that are to be
These pastoral guidelines, therefore, are to be considered as a at the heart of the WYD. “WYD offers young people a lively and joyful
“favourable opportunity to be creative in planning and implementing experience of faith and communion, a space to experience the beauty
initiatives” that shows that the Church considers its mission with young of the face of God.” Since at the heart of a life of faith is our encounter
people to be “a pastoral priority of epoch-making significance in which with Jesus, every WYD should “resound with the invitation for each
to invest time, energy and resources.” They, however, must be adapted young person to meet Christ and enter into a personal dialogue with
to the different situations of the particular Churches around the world. him,” the guidelines note. In this regard, the programme of the
It could also be a group of several jurisdictions, an ecclesial region or international WYD can inspire the local celebration where it can be
even at the national level. creatively adapted to include particular attention to “moments of silent
adoration of the Eucharist as an act of faith par excellence, and to
Celebrated on Solemnity of Christ the King penitential liturgies as a special place of encounter with God’s mercy.”
On 22 November 2020 – the Solemnity of Christ the King, Pope
Francis called for a re-launch of the celebration of WYD in the particular Experience of Church
Churches. The Pope announced that the celebration, traditionally held The guidelines stress that WYD be an occasion for “young people to
on Palm Sunday will now be held on the Sunday of the Solemnity of experience ecclesial communion and to grow in their awareness of
Christ the King, starting from 2021. Tracing a link between these two being an integral part of the Church.”To achieve this, the first way to
liturgical celebrations, the document notes that on Palm Sunday, the involve young people is to “listen to them” and find “appropriate times
entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is that of a “king, gentle and riding on a and ways for the voices of young people to be heard within the existing
donkey” (Mt 21:5) and acclaimed as Messiah by the crowd: “Hosanna structures of communion: diocesan/eparchial and inter-diocesan/
to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” eparchial councils, presbyteral councils, local councils of bishops.”
The evangelist Luke even adds the title “King” to the crowd’s acclamation,
emphasizing that the Messiah is also King (Lk 19:38). There should also be room for the various charisms present in the
jurisdiction alongside the young people for a more participatory and
In this light, the key proclamation that must be addressed to young co-responsible Church where no one is excluded or exclude themselves.
people, and must be at the center of every diocesan WYD celebrated “In this way, it will be possible to gather and coordinate all the dynamic
on the Solemnity of Christ the King is to “receive Christ! Welcome him forces of the particular Church, as well as to reawaken those that are
as King into your lives! He is a King who came to save! Without him dormant,” the document notes.At the same time, “the presence of the
there is no true peace, no true inner reconciliation and no true local Bishop and his willingness to be among the young people show
¨û\YôrÜ 23 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 24 June 2021
them a clear sign of love and closeness” in the pastoral style of proximity to the sweat and toil of the journey, the fatigue of the body and the joy
encouraged by Pope Francis. of the spirit.”

Missionary experience “All this is of vital importance at the present time because many
WYD at the international level has proved to be an excellent young people risk isolating themselves in virtual unreal worlds, far from
opportunity for young people to have a missionary experience, the the dusty roads and streets of the world,” the document notes, adding
guidelines note. On this, it stresses that this must also be the case for that “it is often through pilgrimage together that we make new friends,
diocesan/eparchial Youth Days where missions can be organised which and we experience the excitement of sharing the same ideals as we
encourage young people to visit people in their homes carrying “a look together towards a common goal with mutual support in difficulties
message of hope, a word of comfort or simply being willing to listen.” and the joy of sharing the little we have.”
Their enthusiasm can also be harnessed to “allow them to lead occasions
of public evangelization with songs, prayer and testimonies. They can WYD is, therefore, a great opportunity for younger generations “to
go to streets and squares in the city where their peers meet, because explore local shrines and other significant places of popular piety”
young people are the best evangelizers of young people.” “Their very bearing in mind that “various manifestations of popular piety, especially
presence and their joyful faith already constitute a “living proclamation” pilgrimages, attract young people who do not readily feel at home in
of the Good News that attracts other young people,” the guidelines say, ecclesial structures, and represent a concrete sign of their trust in
adding that “in this way, young people are offered the chance to become God.”
‘protagonists of the revolution of charity and service, capable of resisting
the pathologies of consumerism and superficial individualism’.” Universal fraternity
While emphasizing the importance of involving young people in all
Vocational discernment and call to holiness steps of the pastoral planning for the WYD, the guidelines note that
The guidelines also encourage priority for the vocation dimension of ‘the testimony and experience of young people who have previously
the WYD, which aims to help young people “understand that their taken part in an international WYD deserve to be highlighted in the
whole life is placed before God who loves them and calls them.” When preparation of the diocesan/eparchial event.”
they have come to terms with these “fundamental vocations” within
the broader “vocational horizons”, young people can be proposed “the The guidelines encourage dioceses and eparchies to “ensure that
choice that must be made of a state of life, one that is in accord with young people who are less present and less active in established
the call that God is addressing to each of them individually, whether it pastoral structures do not feel excluded” so that they feel “expected
be to the priesthood or the consecrated life, including in the monastic and welcome, each one in their individual uniqueness and human
form, or marriage and family.” and spiritual potential.”In this way, “the diocesan/eparchial event can
be a very good opportunity to motivate and welcome all those young
In this regard, seminarians, consecrated persons, married couples people who may be looking for their place in the Church and who
and families can be of help and “by their presence and witness, they have not yet found it.”
can help to prompt young people to ask the right vocational questions
and to desire to set out in search of the “great plan” that God has in You heard me, only Friend whom I love. To ravish my
mind for them. Meanwhile, “every vocational choice must have at its heart, you became man. You shed your blood, what a
heart the even more profound call to holiness. WYD must resonate in supreme mystery! … And you still live for me on the
young people the call to holiness as the true path to happiness and Altar. If I cannot see the brilliance of your Face or
self-fulfilment,” the guidelines insist. hear your sweet voice, O my God, I can live by your
grace, I can rest on your Sacred Heart!
Experience of pilgrimage – St Therese of Lisieux
The pastoral guidelines also recommend that diocesan/eparchial WYD
celebrations can propose specific ways for young people to have real
pilgrimage experiences – ones that encourage them to “leave their Devotion to the Most Sacred Heart is the extraordinary
homes and set out on a journey, and on the way they are introduced remedy for the extraordinary needs of our time.
- Pope Pius XI

¨û\YôrÜ 25 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 26 June 2021

 us to go out and see things that otherwise we would not know about, to
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS post on the internet news that would not be available elsewhere, to
FOR THE 2021 WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY allow for encounters that otherwise would never happen.

“Come and See” (Jn 1:46) The Gospels as news stories

Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are “Come and see” were the first words that Jesus spoke to the disciples
who were curious about him following his baptism in the Jordan river
Dear Brothers and Sisters, (Jn 1:39). He invited them to enter into a relationship with him. More
than half a century later, when John, now an old man, wrote his Gospel,
The invitation to “come and see”, which was part of those first moving he recalled several “newsworthy” details that reveal that he was
encounters of Jesus with the disciples, is also the method for all personally present at the events he reports and demonstrate the impact
authentic human communication. In order to tell the truth of life that that the experience had on his life. “It was about the tenth hour”, he
becomes history (cf. Message for the 54th World Communications Day, noted, that is, about four in the afternoon (cf. v. 39). The next day –
24 January 2020), it is necessary to move beyond the complacent John also tells us – Philip told Nathaniel about his encounter with the
attitude that we “already know” certain things. Instead, we need to go Messiah. His friend is sceptical and asks: “Can anything good come
and see them for ourselves, to spend time with people, to listen to their out of Nazareth?” Philip does not try to win him over with good reasons,
stories and to confront reality, which always in some way surprises us. but simply tells him: “Come and see” (cf. vv. 45-46). Nathaniel did go
“Open your eyes with wonder to what you see, let your hands touch the and see, and from that moment his life was changed. That is how
freshness and vitality of things, so that when others read what you Christian faith begins, and how it is communicated: as direct knowledge,
write, they too can touch first-hand the vibrant miracle of life”. This was born of experience, and not of hearsay. “It is no longer because of
the advice that Blessed Manuel Lozano Garrido offered to his fellow your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves”. So the
journalists. This year, then, I would like to devote this Message to the townspeople told the Samaritan woman, after Jesus stayed in their
invitation to “come and see”, which can serve as an inspiration for all village (cf. Jn 4:39-42). “Come and see” is the simplest method to get to
communication that strives to be clear and honest, in the press, on the know a situation. It is the most honest test of every message, because,
internet, in the Church’s daily preaching and in political or social in order to know, we need to encounter, to let the person in front of me
communication. “Come and see!” This has always been the way that speak, to let his or her testimony reach me.
the Christian faith has been communicated, from the time of those
first encounters on the banks of the River Jordan and on the Sea of Thanks to the courage of many journalists
Galilee. Journalism too, as an account of reality, calls for an ability to go
where no one else thinks of going: a readiness to set out and a desire
“Hitting the streets” to see. Curiosity, openness, passion. We owe a word of gratitude for the
Let us look first at the great issue of news reporting. Insightful voices courage and commitment of all those professionals – journalists,
have long expressed concern about the risk that original investigative camera operators, editors, directors – who often risk their lives in
reporting in newspapers and television, radio and web newscasts is carrying out their work. Thanks to their efforts, we now know, for example,
being replaced by a reportage that adheres to a standard, often about the hardships endured by persecuted minorities in various parts
tendentious narrative. This approach is less and less capable of of the world, numerous cases of oppression and injustice inflicted on
grasping the truth of things and the concrete lives of people, much the poor and on the environment, and many wars that otherwise would
less the more serious social phenomena or positive movements at the be overlooked. It would be a loss not only for news reporting, but for
grass roots level. The crisis of the publishing industry risks leading to a society and for democracy as a whole, were those voices to fade away.
reportage created in newsrooms, in front of personal or company Our entire human family would be impoverished.
computers and on social networks, without ever “hitting the streets”,
meeting people face to face to research stories or to verify certain Many situations in our world, even more so in this time of pandemic,
situations first hand. Unless we open ourselves to this kind of encounter, are inviting the communications media to “come and see”. We can
we remain mere spectators, for all the technical innovations that enable risk reporting the pandemic, and indeed every crisis, only through the
us to feel immersed in a larger and more immediate reality. Any lens of the richer nations, of “keeping two sets of books”. For example,
instrument proves useful and valuable only to the extent that it motivates there is the question of vaccines, and medical care in general, which
¨û\YôrÜ 27 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 28 June 2021
risks excluding the poorer peoples. Who would keep us informed about Indeed in him – the incarnate Logos – the Word took on a face; the
the long wait for treatment in the poverty-stricken villages of Asia, Latin invisible God let himself be seen, heard and touched, as John himself
America and Africa? Social and economic differences on the global tells us (cf. 1 Jn 1:1-3). The word is effective only if it is “seen”, only if it
level risk dictating the order of distribution of anti-Covid vaccines, with engages us in experience, in dialogue. For this reason, the invitation to
the poor always at the end of the line and the right to universal health “come and see” was, and continues to be, essential.
care affirmed in principle, but stripped of real effect. Yet even in the
world of the more fortunate, the social tragedy of families rapidly We think of how much empty rhetoric abounds, even in our time, in
slipping into poverty remains largely hidden; people who are no longer all areas of public life, in business as well as politics. This or that one
ashamed to wait in line before charitable organizations in order to “speaks an infinite deal of nothing... His reasons are as two grains of
receive a package of provisions do not tend to make news. wheat hid in two bushels of chaff: you shall seek all day ere you find
them, and when you have them, they are not worth the search. The
Opportunities and hidden dangers on the web blistering words of the English playwright also apply to us as Christian
The internet, with its countless social media expressions, can increase communicators. The Good News of the Gospel spread throughout the
the capacity for reporting and sharing, with many more eyes on the world as a result of person-to-person, heart-to-heart encounters with
world and a constant flood of images and testimonies. Digital technology men and women who accepted the invitation to “come and see”, and
gives us the possibility of timely first-hand information that is often were struck by the “surplus” of humanity that shone through the gaze,
quite useful. We can think of certain emergency situations where the the speech and the gestures of those who bore witness to Jesus Christ.
internet was the first to report the news and communicate official Every tool has its value, and that great communicator who was Paul of
notices. It is a powerful tool, which demands that all of us be responsible Tarsus would certainly have made use of email and social messaging.
as users and consumers. Potentially we can all become witnesses to Yet it was his faith, hope and charity that impressed those of his
events that otherwise would be overlooked by the traditional media, contemporaries who heard him preach or had the good fortune to
offer a contribution to society and highlight more stories, including spend time with him, to see him during an assembly or in individual
positive ones. Thanks to the internet we have the opportunity to report conversation. Watching him in action wherever he was, they saw for
what we see, what is taking place before our eyes, and to share it with themselves how true and fruitful for their lives was the message of
others. salvation that, by God’s grace, he had come to preach. Even where
this servant of God could not be encountered personally, the disciples
At the same time, the risk of misinformation being spread on social whom he sent bore witness to his way of life in Christ (cf. 1 Cor 4:17).
media has become evident to everyone. We have known for some time
that news and even images can be easily manipulated, for any number “We have books in our hands, but the facts before our eyes”, said
of reasons, at times simply for sheer narcissism. Being critical in this Saint Augustine in speaking of fulfilment of the prophecies found in
regard is not about demonizing the internet, but is rather an incentive sacred Scripture. So too, the Gospel comes alive in our own day,
to greater discernment and responsibility for contents both sent and whenever we accept the compelling witness of people whose lives have
received. All of us are responsible for the communications we make, been changed by their encounter with Jesus. For two millennia, a chain
for the information we share, for the control that we can exert over of such encounters has communicated the attractiveness of the
fake news by exposing it. All of us are to be witnesses of the truth: to go, Christian adventure. The challenge that awaits us, then, is to
to see and to share. communicate by encountering people, where they are and as they
are.
Nothing replaces seeing things at first hand
In communications, nothing can ever completely replace seeing Lord, teach us to move beyond ourselves,
things in person. Some things can only be learned through first-hand and to set out in search of truth.
experience. We do not communicate merely with words, but with our Teach us to go out and see,
eyes, the tone of our voice and our gestures. Jesus’ attractiveness to teach us to listen,
those who met him depended on the truth of his preaching; yet the
effectiveness of what he said was inseparable from how he looked at not to entertain prejudices
others, from how he acted towards them, and even from his silence. or draw hasty conclusions.
The disciples not only listened to his words; they watched him speak. Teach us to go where no one else will go,
¨û\YôrÜ 29 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 30 June 2021
to take the time needed to understand, virtual space. Here are three basic points that should shape and guide
to pay attention to the essentials, your virtual ministry:
1. It wasn’t about a building before, and it’s not about a live stream
not to be distracted by the superfluous, now. Many of us may fall into the trap of believing that just live-streaming
to distinguish deceptive appearances from the truth. what usually happened in the church building will be a successful
Grant us the grace to recognize your dwelling places in our world mantra. It won’t. The rules of the online space are different. The virtual
space lacks an essential ingredient of the offline space - physical
and the honesty needed to tell others what we have seen. proximity. Going to church on Sundays is far more than just participating
Rome, Saint John Lateran, 23 January 2021, Vigil of the Memorial of in the Eucharistic celebration; it involves socialising after Mass, the
Saint Francis de Sales meet and greets, ministry meetings, Sunday School, parish events and
Franciscus special celebrations, talking to your priest after Mass, and so much
more. Will just streaming a non- interactive Mass suffice? It’s a good
MARRYING THE OFFLINE AND ONLINE IN CHURCH MINISTRY first step, but it’s definitely not enough.

2. Consider how to “not only survive, but thrive.” If you plan to use
Having an effective vision-strategy for parish digital ministry in post-
the virtual space only so Long as the church doors are closed, and
corona times
then abandon it when normal church services resume, you need to
- By Fr Joshan Rodrigues
think again. 2020 has fundamentally altered the dynamics of’ being’
Church, and digital, ministry will continue to be an essential part of
The pandemic lockdown coupled with the explosion of online religious
Church ministry Long after the pandemic is over. Anecdotal evidence
content may have significantly altered conceptions of the parish church.
suggests that a large number of adults wish to see online Church services
Territorial boundaries have blurred in the online space. A survey
being continued for the sake of the sick, infirm and the homebound.
conducted in Mumbai at the end of May indicated that 55 per cent of
This is just one example. Online meetings, retreats and training
people whose parish streamed a Sunday service preferred to participate
programmes may just as well continue online due to popular demand
in another parish’s service (church surfing is a new trend for some). Of
and convenience. It would therefore be worthwhile to invest in digital
course, considerations of audio-visual quality, quality of content offered,
technology for your parish for the Long run.
etc. all weigh in when people make their decisions.
While people consuming religious and spiritual content online is 3. What do my parishioners miss the most? There may be different
always heartening and encouraging at a time when people are being answers to this question, depending on the context and place. Being
overloaded with high-quality and eye-grabbing secular content, there able to receive Holy Communion tops the list, but a close second is
is a slow shift from the local to the universal, in terms of the religious experiencing the feeling of Community! Celebrating our faith together
programming that people are now watching. However, what cannot be as one Body is irreplaceable. And hence, online programmes must be
denied is that Eucharistic worship, the grace of the Sacraments, being planned which help parishioners interact with one another and share
a Christian neighbour, acts of service and charity, and so much more their joy of being disciples of Christ. This could include prayer and
happens at the local level. It is therefore essential that churches learn fellowship. Organising competitions, sermons, prayer services are
to make effective and successful transitions into the digital space, to certainly good and beneficial, but they still lack the interactive
maintain the Local community centered around the parish church. In component. For example, conducting live catechism classes for children
the current scenario, though it may be a ‘no brainer’ that churches do on ZOOM or Google Meet is far more engaging than watching recorded
need to adopt digital communications and reach out to parishioners videos. However, the latter would have to suffice when there are
through the virtual space, the question remains if there exists a difficulties regarding technology and connectivity.
compelling and convincing philosophy, vision and long-term strategy
in place before beginning to do so. A good principle would be to ensure that my virtual parish ministry
has all the three components of Faith, Fellowship and Service (Outreach).
Foundational Pillars of Digital Ministry
A fundamental vision of the “what and why” of doing pastoral ministry 4-M Model
online is important before you launch and establish your parish in the 1. Messaging - How can we get in touch and communicate with our
¨û\YôrÜ 31 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 32 June 2021
parishioners? A parish may have started many online initiatives; at the and parish communities can come together to help support small
same time, there is also community news which includes births, businesses, extend micro-credit, etc. Create a List of local medical
weddings and deaths. The parish may also be engaged in many services, job opportunities, educational and medical subsidies offered
outreach services during the pandemic; finally, there is also the informal by government programmes and local charitable trusts. Encourage
connection where parishioners quite often desire to know how their parishioners with diverse talents to come together and begin
priests and sisters are doing. Ensuring that this communication happens entrepreneurial endeavours.
is very important to the life of the Church. Just look at your family - do
you communicate only when there is some work to be done? Does a 4. Money - The elephant in the room is the fact that church donations
family not share their joys and simple daily routines with each other on have come down to almost zero. While parishes need to prioritise
a regular basis? Don’t they exchange videos, pictures and phone calls? spending on one hand, their ability to reach out to the needy also
Isn’t the Church a family? suffers. Rather than depending on occasional and unpredictable
donations, parishes need to have a long-term financial plan in place
Messaging can be done using the multiple tools available to us - that identifies sources of funds for the future, so that they can also
website, messaging apps, social media, graphics, print, video support needy and deserving families for many months down the line.
conferencing (ZOOM, Google Meet) and even the humble phone call. Parishioners need to be encouraged to give consistently in small
Putting in announcements after your Eucharistic celebration (as on amounts according to their giving capacity, so that a long term ‘Strategy
Sundays) is a good idea. The priest could also record a short video Fund’ can be formed.
after Mass on Sundays, where he informally apprises his parishioners
of the important developments during the week. With social distancing still in place, traditional methods of giving are
now ineffective. Churches need to offer online giving solutions to their
2. Meeting - How can we gather while practising social distancing? parishioners through PayPal, Google Pay, Paytm, NEFT transfer and
Think of ways to get your community together on online platforms for other such options. Let’s remember that communicating regularly with
social interaction, prayer and fellowship. These sessions could be held people on how their money is being spent on outreach efforts
community-wise for larger parishes or simultaneously for the whole encourages them to loosen their purse strings still further.
parish (for smaller ones). These gatherings could include interactive
games, quizzes, housie, sharings and testimonies, interceding for one In conclusion, digital ministry is not just about offering top-notch and
another, live music, a group building exercise and a small informative the most entertaining content. In the age of Google, there will always
capsule.It is also essential to meet with different age groups such as be better preaching and better worship music just a click away. But
youth, children, young parents, senior citizens etc. Neighbours can be good-quality programming can never replace the Local parish church
roped in to connect senior citizens and the homebound to this virtual and community. And therefore an important question for pastors to
interaction, so that they may also experience the warmth and closeness ask is, “What can my parish provide to my people at this time that
of the parish community. Cells and Associations too need to connect Google cannot?” Offering compelling, attractive answers to this question
virtually during these times, and think of ways to conduct their core is one of the most urgent priorities for the Church.
charisms. The Parish Media Cell can be tasked with setting up virtual
meetings for these groups Love overcomes, Love delights, those who love the Sacred
heart rejoice!
3. Ministry - As parishes establish new norms for communicating and - St Bernadette Sorbirous
meeting with one another, it’s important to pay attention to the needs
around them. What are you doing to meet the real-life needs of people Do not let the past disturb you, just leave everything in
within your parish and within your community? The current situation is the Sacred Heart and begin again with joy.
creating opportunities to love our neighbours in tangible and noticeable - St Teresa of Calcutta
ways. Just as you have multiple ministries in-house, develop a plan to
have those same ministries through virtual platforms. Let your Let the soul who is desirous of advancing in perfection
community know that you’re not only a source for spiritual growth, but hasten to my Sacred Heart.
you’re also a source for community connection and empowerment. - St Gertrude
The pandemic has taken a huge economic toll on people’s Livelihoods,
¨û\YôrÜ 33 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 34 June 2021
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¨û\YôrÜ 35 June 2021 ¨û\YôrÜ 36 June 2021