Meaning of Priesthood

WHAT CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD MEANS The Catholic Priesthood - A Challenge of the Modern World - Final Statement - The FABC Office of Clergy organized a seminar for the priests of Asia from November 17-22, 2008 at the Assumption University (Suvarnabhumi Campus), Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss "Priestly Life as a Challenge of the Modern Life..."

Among the resource persons and participants were 1 Archbishop, 4 Bishops, and 78 priests from ten countries in Asia (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam). The objectives of the seminar were: 1. To rediscover priestly identity rooted in the concept of Communion in the Asian Context. 2. To lead the priests to a deeper awareness of the Divine (God-Experience) in their priestly life and ministry. 3. To help priests to re-capture the joy of priesthood by confronting the challenges of the modern world.

The seminar was inaugurated with the Eucharist presided over by Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus Cavite, Philippines. On behalf of Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, the Apostolic Nuncio of Thailand, his First Counsellor Msgr. Marek Zalewski conveyed the Holy Father's sentiments of closeness and solidarity with the participants as they deliberated on a very important topic relevant to the life of the Church in Asia.

The final statement of the participants underlines the need for a "life of profound priestly spirituality." The priesthood is to be lived as a celebration of life. In a situation of "tremendous difficulties and tensions," the seminar recommends, beside others, a holistic formation in seminaries, regular gatherings of clergy, regular prayer, liturgical life and spiritual direction for priests today. There should also be "a more open, intimate and personal relationship between bishop and priests" which should also be reflected in a structure of dialogue at different levels and regular on-going and systematic programs of human and spiritual formation for priests at different stages of their lives."

FINAL STATEMENT -

WE REMEMBER - We remember that we priests accept that the ministerial priesthood from apostolic times is a dynamic faith reality in the Church, which of its very nature is Communion. This priesthood is God's gift to nourish the ecclesial communion through the exercise of the Priestly, the Prophetic and the Kingly offices. Such a call demands a co-operation with the Holy Spirit to live a life of profound priestly spirituality. This spirituality is one that has been nurtured over the years of formation from the priest's unique God-experience. Hence, rooted in communion with the Blessed Trinity, the presbyterium celebrates a communion of priests with the Bishops and Priests among themselves, especially through fraternities. Similarly, rooted in communion with the Trinity, a priest becomes a builder of communities among the People of God and all peoples.

WE CELEBRATE - We celebrate our priesthood for it is essentially a celebration of life. The dynamics of the seminar concretized this celebration through communal prayer, the Eucharist, the Divine Office and the many shared fellowships. The human aspect of the priesthood was also celebrated by a humble acknowledgement of our shortcomings, limitations, struggles and failures. We received much light in the areas of psycho-sexual and psycho-spiritual maturity. Thus, developing a healthy relationship with all sectors of society, we priests will grow into mature and wholesome persons.

WE BELIEVE - We believe and accept the words of Jesus, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit." (Jn. 15:16) Our vocation is then a gift from the Lord to whom we respond as his disciples. To us he has entrusted the great mystery of salvation and to be the stewards and dispensers of the mysteries and graces of God. (PO # 22). However, under the impact of a materialistic, hedonistic and consumerist culture of life, the priests of today are undergoing tremendous difficulties and tensions. Coupled with these are the ever growing complexities of the pastoral ministry which can create personal problems and conflicts in relationships.

In the light of this situation, here are some recommendations towards a more mature life and fruitful ministry:

1. The seminary formation must be holistic. While sufficient emphasis is given to intellectual formation, much more attention needs to be given to the human and spiritual formation especially in regard to psycho-sexual and psycho-spiritual development. To this effect it is strongly recommended that some formators be trained to care for the spiritual and human formation of the seminarians.

2. To foster communion among the clergy regular participation at gatherings in the diocese are to be encouraged. Communion is further promoted by the formation of fraternities and associations.

3. For growth in spiritual life, priests must be encouraged to deepen and nurture their God-experience through regular prayer, meaningful liturgy, reconciliation and spiritual direction.

4. There should be more open, intimate and personal relationship between bishops and priests, so that a bishop is looked upon, not so much as an authoritative figure but more as a father, brother and friend.

5. There is a felt need for a structure for dialogue between the bishops and priests at the diocesan, regional and national levels, to ensure transparency, accountability and a sense of belonging.

6. There should be joint meetings among all those involved in the different stages of formation of priests (selection of candidates, formation in seminary, on going formation). Such a collaboration and networking for the implementation of action plans will ensure continuity.

7. There should be a vision-mission statement formulated by the bishop together with his clergy, religious and laity to set the direction of the diocese with proper mechanisms for ensuring their implementation.

8. It is accepted and highly recommended that there be regular on-going and systematic programs of human and spiritual formation for priests at different stages of their lives.

CONCLUSION - May Mary the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of priests pray for us. In Jesus the High Priest, every priest is precious in her eyes and dear to her heart. Having lived a life of discipleship, she knows our needs and prays for us. In our devotion to her, may we experience her presence in our lives and imitate her love and fidelity to Jesus, our High Priest.

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Courtsy: http://www.fabc.org/

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vmalpan@gmail.com

Personal Testimony of Nick Vujicic

"No Arms, No Legs, No Worries...!" "My name is Nick Vujicic and I give God the Glory for how He has used my testimony to touch thousands of hearts around the world!

I was born without limbs and doctors have no medical explanation for this birth "defect".

As you can imagine, I was faced with many challenges and obstacles. "Consider it pure joy, my Brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." ....To count our hurt, pain and struggle as nothing but pure joy? As my parents were Christians, and my Dad even a Pastor of our church, they knew that verse very well.

However, on the morning of the 4th of December 1982 in Melbourne (Australia), the last two words on the minds of my parents was "Praise God!".

Their firstborn son had been born without limbs! There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it. The doctors were shocked and had no answers at all! There is still no medical reason why this had happened and Nick now has a Brother and Sister who were born just like any other baby. The whole church mourned over my birth and my parents were absolutely devastated.

Everyone asked, "If God is a God of Love, then why would God let something this bad happen to not just anyone, but dedicated Christians?"

My Dad thought I wouldn't survive for very long, but tests proved that I was a healthy baby boy just with a few limbs missing. Understandably, my parents had strong concern and evident fears of what kind of life I'd be able to lead. God provided them strength, wisdom and courage through those early years and soon after that I was old enough to go to school.

The law in Australia didn't allow me to be integrated into a main-stream school because of my physical disability. God did miracles and gave my Mom the strength to fight for the law to be changed. I was one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a main-stream school.

I liked going to school, and just try to live life like everyone else, but it was in my early years of school where I encountered uncomfortable times of feeling rejected, weird and bullied because of my physical difference. It was very hard for me to get used to, but with the support of my parents, I started to develop attitudes and values which helped me overcome these challenging times. I knew that I was different but on the inside I was just like everyone else.

There were many times when I felt so low that I wouldn't go to school just so I didn't have to face all the negative attention. I was encouraged by my parents to ignore them and to try start making friends by just talking with some kids. Soon the students realized that I was just like them, and starting there God kept on blessing me with new friends.

There were times when I felt depressed and angry because I couldn't change the way I was, or blame anyone for that matter. I went to Sunday School and learnt that God loves us all and that He cares for you. I understood that love to a point as a child, but I didn't understand that if God loved me why did He make me like this? Is it because I did something wrong? I thought I must have because out of all the kids at school, I'm the only weird one. I felt like I was a burden to those around me and the sooner I go, the better it'd be for everyone. I wanted to end my pain and end my life at a young age, but I am thankful once again, for my parents and family who were always there to comfort me and give me strength.

Due to my emotional struggles I had experienced with bullying, self esteem and loneliness, God has implanted a passion of sharing my story and experiences to help others cope with whatever challenge they have in their life and let God turn it into a blessing.

To encourage and inspire others to live to their fullest potential and not let anything get in the way of accomplishing their hopes and dreams. One of the first lessons that I have learnt was not to take things for granted. Bible says in Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the best for those who love Him. That verse spoke to my heart and convicted me to the point where that I know that there is no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence that these "bad" things happen in our life. I had complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all. I completely gave my life to Christ at the age of fifteen after reading John 9. Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was "so that the works of God may be revealed through Him."

I truly believed that God would heal me so I could be a great testimony of His Awesome Power. Later on I was given the wisdom to understand that if we pray for something, if it's God's will, it'll happen in His time. If it's not God's will for it to happen, then I know that He has something better. I now see that Glory revealed as He is using me just the way I am and in ways others can't be used. I am now twenty-one years old and have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting.

I am also a motivational speaker and love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available. I have developed talks to relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers. I am also a speaker in the corporate sector. I have a passion for reaching out to youth and keep myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow.

I have many dreams and goals that I have set to achieve in my life. I want to become the best witness I can be of God's Love and Hope, to become an international inspirational speaker and be used as a vessel in both Christian and non-Christian venues. I want to become financially independent by the age of 25, through real estate investments, to modify a car for me to drive and to be interviewed and share my story on the "Oprah Winfrey Show"!

Writing several best-selling books has been one of my dreams and I hope to finish writing my first by the end of the year. It will be called "No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!" I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and if it's God's will, you will achieve it in good time.

As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all! What's worse is putting limits on God who can do all things. We put God in a "box". The awesome thing about the Power of God is that if we want to do something for God, instead of focusing on our capability, concentrate on our availability for we know that it is God through us and we can't do anything without Him. Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on? God's! Trust always!"

Incredible? But True. Let God's name be praised!

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vmalpan@gmail.com

Current Events

Amazon River, Amazon Forest

World Social Forum 2009 : Some of the Participants

World Social Forum 2009

Belem City, Brazil

Dear Friends,Please find below an abridged version of the report of the Inauguration of the Pre-Forum (of the World Social Form 2009)and the first day of the Pre-Forum. Xavier

The Inauguration of Pre-Forum:The delegates of South Asian Peoples' Initiatives from South Asia arrived at Belem in Brazil, Airport at 1.30 P.M. from Delhi via Paris and Rio de Janeiro. The spaciously designed tiny airport was full of signs of the coming World Social Forum. Students, organizations and other prominent personalities were being welcomed; rhythmic drum beat and riotously coloured dancing boys and girls with typical Portuguese songs were sights that told us of the people with warm heart in an equatorial warm country.

Giuseppe Reggi received us; we arrived in the Centre for Cultural Formation at 2.30 P.M. After a little rest we started preparing for the coming days. Xavier our coordinator led us into the preparations.

On 24th morning, we practiced street plays, skits and songs. These practices made us more visible among the slowly arriving delegates. At around 4.30 P.M. students, Jesuit activists, collaborators began gathering in the portico of the building; our names were registered, name tags and files were provided.

All the SAPI members had worn specially designed Adivasi overcoats and green headbands. We moved around, talked with some, shook hands with many, and shared the joy of coming together. Language was not a barrier; men, women gathered from all the continents with much expectation had one message:

"Come let us join our hands."

With these sentiments, the group moved to a roofed open space. The pre-forum started with welcome note by Roberto Jaramillo SJ (Jesuit Superior of Amazonia Region) at 5.30 pm (local time). He explained the dynamics of the coming three days. That we have come here for faith reflection was emphasized often.

The gathering was informal with all the delegates standing around. The archbishop of Belem Dom Orani was the chief guest for the day. He stood all along with the delegates. His message was clear that Jesuits have strong history in Amazonian region; issues affecting the poor and the marginalized communities are to be voiced; protection of Amazon is inextricably linked with the saving of the planet. Let us be united with one another and go head with the responsible action to save the planet and the poor.

Then each group was called for the introduction: Africa, America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Brazil. Each team member introduced self briefly and presented its message with symbolic gesture.

South Asia team presented a plant with soil and spread the message "All Indigenous People Unite".

People gathering from 31 countries offering the message of "bridging"

"Solidarity"

"Save Planet"

"Land is life"

gave hope that another world is necessary and possible.

Portuguese musical treat with troupe dancers presenting classical and folk dances ending it with invitation to dance together concluded the inaugural session. Diversity, experience of larger humanity, solidarity in suffering overcoming the language barrier and above all communion, joy in the struggle, and bondedness convictions, and aspirations proclaimed the possibility of the NEW WORLD.

Pre-Forum – First Day (25.01.09) The first day of the pre-forum exercises started with a prayer service on the theme" promotion of Life" The song "This morning I take life from my God" summed up the aspiration of the gathered people.

Then Senator Marina Silva enlightened us the meaning of faith in the struggle for the protection of environment. Her experience as the Minister for the Environment in Mr.Lula's government for six years was a struggle for the humanity. She started her address with the affirmation that social movements are faith imperatives. Political actions are necessary for the implementation of your Christian values. She emphasized the link between Jesus' commandment "GO" and the social movements. She was shaped by liberation theology. Often we are not sufficiently equipped to fulfill the faith imperatives. Her major theme was the protection of Amazon by the poor in and through socio-political action. People are enveloped by emotions at the mention of Amazon.

What happens to the amazon will affect the planet because of the enormity of the biodiversity and the dependence of ocean for the pure water provided by Amazon. There are 200 communities living in Amazon area; 20% of the species of the world live in this eco system. So protection of it is to protect the communities and the planet. She emphasized the fact that forest should be considered as inter –dependent diverse eco- existence. For 60 million people identity is tied with forest and their economy is based on the living biodiversity. The greedy industry is at the forefront of Amazon's destruction. She gave the following advise to all of us:

1. Make sure that the governments strengthen the national Environment system.

2. Let the implementation of the policies be under people's control; their participation

is very necessary for the implementation.

3. Promote sustainable development.

4. Educate the government departments and join hands with police and military.

5. Expose people who are involved in the criminal activities.

6. Let the ordinary people have access to information.

7. There must be transparency in all the actions. Throughout her political career

she made sure that she was guided by the ethics while taking decisions. She boldly

said that her faith led her to take pro-people decisions. When she resigned people

today continue the actions initiated by her. Her final words were:

formulate vision

based on your faith and

make actions as Public Exercises of Faith.

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Do visit again. Thank you!

vmalpan@gmail.com

AMDG

==================================== AMDG = Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam = For the Greater Glory of God ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually!" (Psalm 105: 1-4)

Where Francis Xavier lived

Just click on the forward button and wait for a few moments for buffering to be over... The cave-hut where St. Francis Xavier lived in India in the 16th century. The hut is in a place called Manappadu now in the state of Tamilnadu. It is on the east coast of India. Just click on the forward button and wait for a few moments for buffering to be over... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Manappad point is a high sandy head land jutting into the sea on the south side of the Manappad Bay-along its coast line is situated Manappad fishing village. On the summit of promontory is situated the Holy Cross Church built in 1581. The great apostle St. Francis Xavier visited Manappad in 1542 and again in 1543. Manappad is known as Pearl Fishing harbour. It is about 70 km from Kanniyakumari and 18 Km from Tiruchendur.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Pilgrimage to Manapad: A Journey into the challenge of Faith and Commitment. Victor Edwin SJ The pilgrimage to the places of Xaverian interest helps him to apprehend the spirit of Mission lived by Saint Francis Xavier. Our pilgrimage started off from the Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur. It was a pleasant journey from the queen of Western Ghats, Kodaikanal to Thoothukudi as it had rained all over Tamil Nadu. It was a great feast for eyes to see fields filled with water and greenery. The farming community all along was preparing their fields for cultivation. One could spot many women on the National Highway waiting with a bundle of paddy seedlings to offer the commuters on the Road and receive small contribution as mark of God’s blessing. I was told that it was a local custom. I found this something wonderful, for simple people understand and experience the profundity of truth; the blessings of others is the way to receive God’s blessings. On reaching Thoothukudi, we went to the shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Snows. This church was built by the Jesuits in 1713. After the suppression of the Society, it was taken over by the Portuguese missionaries. It was handed over to the Jesuits only after the Portuguese went back, and not immediately after the restoration. Later the Jesuits gave the shrine over to the diocese. Immediately after the restoration of the Society, the Jesuits built another church in the vicinity, known as the Sacred Heart church, which is at present the cathedral of the Diocese of Thoothukudi. St Xavier’s Higher Secondary School on the cathedral campus belongs to the Jesuits. The primary school, which is attached to the bishop’s house, was started by St Francis Xavier. Our Lady of Snows is the patroness of the town. There is an interesting story about the statue of our Lady of Snows. While traveling in the East, Francis Xavier found this beautiful statue in a convent of Augustinian Nuns in the Philippines. He wanted to send the statue to his people in Tuticorin. While catechizing the pearl-fishers Francis Xavier observed the great attachment of pearl-fishers towards the Hindu goddesses. He felt the beautiful statue of Our Lady would be a wonderful substitute for the newly catechized fisher folk. However, the nuns were not keen to donate the statue for the people Francis Xavier. Later, when they learnt that Francis Xavier had died a holy death in Sancen islands they thought of honouring the request of Francis Xavier and sent the statue to Thoothukudi by a ship named SANTALENA. The ship arrived the Indian shores on 9th June 1555. The Vicar general of Goa diocese, Fr Michel Vaz received the statue and solemnly installed the statue in the Jesuit church of San Paul at Keracope street Thoothukudi. In the beginning of the seventeenth century the Christians were persecuted by the local king. The Christians had to flee the town. They took away the statue and kept in different makeshift churches and finally brought it back to Thoothukudi. I mentioned above that Our Lady is the patroness of the town. People of the town, Hindus, Muslims and Christians consider her as their own mother. It is said that once the town was battered by a tornado, which blew off many houses in the town. Lightning and thunder scared people. A huge thunderbolt fell on the presbytery. People thought that their pastor Fr Vigilius Mansi was killed. However, they found the statue of our Lady withstood the thunderbolt and consequently saved their pastor and people of the town. They experienced the mercy and protection of our Lady. They decided to honour her and celebrate her protection. Even today, they thank the Lady for protecting everyone without discrimination. Though the legend may lack hard historical evidences, it has brought people together as one family. The religious and social differences melt away in her presence. Often one wonders at the tremendous power the popular devotions have in bringing people together as one family. We had a blessed chance of celebrating the Eucharist at the altar of our Lady of Snows. It was the feast of Saints Simon and Jude that we celebrated with the parishioners of Our Lady of Snows. We proceeded to Palayamkottai to visit the Jesuit brethren there working in St Xavier’s College and take our night’s rest. Fr Pappu Raj SJ, the Rector of the Jesuit community, received us warmly. Our first visit in the campus was to the Folklore Research and Resource Centre (FRRC). Fr Britto Vincent SJ, a specialist in Ethnomusicology informed us of the various ways in which the Center revives the folk culture of the poor. He said that folksongs, koothu, arts, deities of the poor, all remain a powerful medium to instill hope, faith and love in their lives. When we learn and facilitate the resurgence of folk arts we take part in the lives of people in a very substantial way, he continued. Our second visit was to the Center for Biodiversity and Biotechnology (CBB). The Centre functions under the guidance of Fr Manickam SJ. Fr Manickam, a first grade botanical scientist has done a great job of scientifically codifying the ferns of the Trinelveli hills. He also has discovered new varieties of plants and has taxonomically identified their features. Along with his research students he has identified many species which are at the verge of extinction and have taken initiative to use the latest technologies to clone them and plant them in their natural habitats. It is said that India is rich in biodiversity with tropical and temperate rain forests, coastal wetlands and alpine meadows. Two of the twenty-five biodiversity hotspots in the world are located in India – the Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats. In addition, India has twenty-six regions rich in biodiversity. Plants that grow no where else in the world are found here. The mission of the Centre is to conserve biodiversity in the region (Jivan, September 2006 p.10). I was impressed by the commitment of both FRRC and CBB. Both of them in different ways put into action the grace of the Contemplation to Obtain Love in the Spiritual Exercises (230 – 237). St Ignatius was aware that “God dwells in creatures; in the elements, giving them existence; in the plants, giving them life; in the animals, giving them sensation; in human beings, giving them intelligence.” Moreover, he also experienced that “God labors and works for me in all the creatures on the face of the earth; that is, he acts in the manner of one who is laboring.” God is “working in humans, elements, plants, fruits, cattle and the rest – giving them their existence, conserving them with their vegetative and sensitive activities, and so forth.” This deep awareness helped Ignatius to experience the paschal mystery of our Lord that is being perpetuated in nature. The paschal mystery of our Lord safeguards life in all creatures and render life and dignity to men and women who are created in the image and likeness of God. As disciples of Ignatius we take part in the paschal mystery in two ways: one is to take part in the Eucharistic mystery and the other way is to take part in the lives of peoples and nature. By facilitating the art forms of the poor and preserving nature, Jesuits like Britto Vincent and Manikam consciously put into practice the grace of their Jesuit vocation. I experienced consolation. The next day we went to Manapad a few miles towards east of Palayamkottai to visit the places associated with Saint Francis Xavier. There are two parishes at Manappad, one is Holy Spirit’s parish and the other is St James parish. St Xavier’s shrine is under the jurisdiction of St James church. This shrine is built on a rock, close to the sea. Francis Xavier on his arrival in the month of September 1542, found the pearl-fishers, who were baptized some six years before his arrival, a flock of sheep without a shepherd. He baptized children without delay and catechized the Christians of Manapad and other coastal villages. The pearl-fishers owe their Catholic faith to the mission of Francis Xavier. While ministering to the Christians, Francis Xavier stayed among them in one of the huts. The historical evidences show that often he would retreat into a cave, hewn from a single rock, near the sea to pray alone with the Alone. The plaque fixed at the entrance of the cave tells the visitors that the cave was blessed by the presence of Francis Xavier. It is said that he prayed under the canopy of stars for long hours. At times his catechist found him elevated from the ground while in prayer and his eyes aglow with heavenly bright light while offering Eucharist in the cave. Francis Xavier also found time to write letters to his ‘Father of my soul’ Ignatius and other friends sharing his joys and agonies of the mission in the Indies. His letters overflow with deep love for the society and its mission. This little cave though looks insignificant for a visitor has deep spiritual and heritage value for Jesuits and the people of Manapad. However, today the little cave has fallen into days of sheer negligence. If not maintained well, it would not take much time for the crashing surf to claim it. We will lose something which is very significant to the mission of the Society. In the Triple Jubilee year, with the help and cooperation of the diocesan authorities and the parishioners of Manapad, something could be done to preserve this Xaverian monument as it has universal significance for the Society of Jesus. We celebrated the Eucharist at the Holy Cross chapel next to the cave. A few pilgrims, who came there, attended the Eucharist. It was indeed a great experience. Moreover, St James Parish of Manapad has a letter written by the fifth general of the SJ Fr Claude Aquviva in 1583 to the Jesuits there. This letter, which has a huge archival value, hangs on a flimsy chord in the dining room of the presbytery. Though, rain and moisture has whittled away the sheen of the letter, yet this document could be read fully. It would be good to find a way to retrieve the document for our archives. On our way back we visited the Shrine of Devasagayam Pillai, the first Indian martyr (d. 14 Jan 1754). Devasagayam was born a Hindu and later become a Catholic out of conviction. He was persecuted for three years by the king of Travancore. Finally the King’s soldiers shot Devasagayam dead on this Aralvaimozhi mount. While the animal ate away his flesh his bones were collected by his friends and were buried in the Cathedral of Kottar diocese. His deep commitment to the person of Christ and his tremendous energy to withstand all types of persecution for Christ is a real challenge to Christian life in the modern times. The diocesan authorities have built the Shrine in a very environment-friendly way without harming the nature around. People of all religions, visit the shrine and pray to Devasagayam Pillai who is yet to be raised to the altar. In the beginning of our tertianship, we went to a few Marian shrines praying for the guidance and intercession of Our Lady, as we were about to enter into the journey of love, the Spiritual Exercises. At the end of the third probation again we went on a pilgrimage to places of Xaverian interest to pray for strength to live out the mystery of our call following the footsteps of Francis Xavier. Pilgrimages connect the faith aspect of our vocation to be Jesuits: call to say Yes like Our Lady and say I am your man like Francis Xavier. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ vmalpan@gmail.com