The international session for Bursars in the Institute, which took place in Rome from 28 November to 7 December, has just ended. Here is some brief information about the session in advance of Echoes which will be published shortly.
INTERDEPENDENCE  AT THE SERVICE  OF COMMUNIONThe international session for Bursars in the Institute, which took place in Rome from 28 November to 7 December, has just ended.  Here is some brief information about the session in advance of Echoes which will be published shortly. The general aim of the session was to “Redefine the role of the Councillor – Bursar in the light of the cosmic vision of the universe so as to better live ‘interdependence in the service of communion’” The session addressed three core themes:§  The person§  The context§  The system The role of the bursar is situated in the context of these three core themes The participants of the session explored these themes through:§  Prayerful reflection§  Free and transparent sharing§  Input from consultants who with the group looked at the more technical aspects of the session. At the end of the session, each one had a commitment and some very specific guidelines on how the commitment will be put into practice.  In time this will be shared with you all.           

Nine sisters from six different countries participated in this session. All of them had participated in the previous session and so were quite at home in this place which is so special to us. Five of them are already missionaries and others are in the process of discerning their call.
The Missionary SessionMARTILLAC05 – 14 December 2011  Nine sisters from six different countries participated in this session.  All of them had participated in the previous session and so were quite at home in this place which is so special to us.   Five of them are already missionaries and others are in the process of discerning their call.   Opening of the Session The session was opened with the following words of welcome: “Welcome everyone to this session which is the continuation of the time of reflection which you have already experienced here in the preceding three weeks.We will be together for nine days during which time we hope TO DEEPEN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF HOLY FAMILY MISSIONARY LIFE.  The Church has always been a missionary Church.  Through countless men and women, messengers of Christ, who left their own countries in order to announce the Good News in foreign lands, the Church spread all over the globe becoming a universal Church – a FAMILY where people of every language, culture, nation, and ethnic group could gather together in the love of the same Creator God.  Jesus said: ‘As the Father has sent me, so I also send you’ (John 20: 22).  ‘Go into the whole world and make disciples of all people’ John 28, 19). ‘That all may be one’ (John 17, 21) This is also the dream of our Founder: a dream of communion in diversity, communion in all things.  This dream takes on a complete new meaning for us when, attentive to the signs of the times, we can be open to an even greater reality – the universe in evolution.  150 years after the death of our Founder, we can see with great joy that our Charism is a response, a source of strength for our lives in the world today.  Through our reflections in the days that follow, we hope to renew our love, rekindle the flame within us so that we can give ourselves more and more to God alone.  The process we will follow is symbolised by the image of fire wood which we will add each day in order to feed the fire.  The flame that burns is the vital energy that is linked to the creative energy that was present at the birth of the universe.  May it create in us more life – new life that will help us be in deeper communion with our brothers and sisters and with all that exists around us.  This is what the world needs from us today.”  At the centre of the hall was a symbol of a flame with fire wood and the purpose for the day – “Connecting ourselves as Missionaries” was placed there. The prayer began with the lighting of a candle  symbolizing the fire (burning flame) within us for Mission.   “All things came into being …” Jn 1:3 The Sisters were invited to focus their attention on the light, the flame. Music was played to help create an atmosphere of prayer.  Let the flame with its heat evoke within us the memory of the primordial creation event some billions of years ago; when out of fertile nothingness a great fire billowed out in all directions. Our Universe was born then. God’s word was spoken there. The divine Artist was at work there. YOU AND I WERE BEING LOVED THERE.  

The 30th of July 2011 was a meaningful and remarkable day in my life. Under the leadership of Srs. Francisca the Provincial of Colombo, Yolande the Provincial of Jaffna, and two Councillors, Chandrani and Selvarani, the co-ordinators or representatives from the five vocations from both Provinces came together for the very first time at Bambalapitiya.
HISTORICAL AND MEMORABLE MEETING OF THE FIVE VOCATIONS The 30th of July 2011 was a meaningful and remarkable day in my life. Under the leadership of Srs. Francisca the Provincial of Colombo, Yolande the Provincial of Jaffna, and two Councillors, Chandrani and Selvarani, the co-ordinators or representatives from the five vocations from  both Provinces came together  for the very  first  time at Bambalapitiya. We met in order to share our lived experiences and plan for the future so that we can work together as one family with one mind and one heart. In the recent past, we have been listening to the call coming from the General Chapter, the Council of the Family, the Enlarged General Council and the invitation to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the death of our Founder.  We are being called to create opportunities for the five vocations to come together in order to find ways and means to collaborate in our common mission. The day began with a prayer by Sr. Chandrani.  She led us all, through a meaningful power point presentation that invited us into a deeper relationship with the cosmic family. One person from each vocation was given a cut – out of a branch of a tree and a specific prayer. During the prayer one person was invited to pin the branch to the trunk of a tree, while another said a prayer. By connecting the branches, the tree was beautifully and meaningfully completed. This symbolic action touched us very much and reminded us of our dear Founder who had the dream of establishing one Family made up of five vocations –‘‘diversity of vocations”. We all strongly experienced the family spirit, a sense of belonging and unity in diversity. Then Sr. Yolande warmly welcomed the participants and said that a long awaited desire had come to fulfilment on that day. We all were invited to introduce ourselves, share our feelings, and our expectations. The following points came up in our sharing:·      All of us expressed that they were very happy to be here with the Intervocational group.·      It is the first step to work together towards our goal to fulfil our common mission.·      We are very fortunate and blessed to have the five vocations in our country.·      Each vocation is unique and important to the family and no vocation is second to the other, so we can be enriched by complementing each other.·      It is a wonderful chance to come together as five vocations for the first time here, to share our unique way of life.·      It is a proper time for us to reflect and start something on our common formation.·      Our longing is realized today. By listening to all, we were renewed, energized and got into the spirit of the day.Then Sr. Francisca enlightened the group on the theme.  She said the 150th death anniversary of our Founder is a suitable time for us to reflect on how our Founder lived for God Alone and how we can live and make known his charism to the world. Today our responsibility is to make the charism alive. The “Falcon’s story’’ inspired us to start something new, to fly high and change our way of thinking and acting. She also explained about the Council of the Family and the common mission connected with the cosmic family and she ended her talk with this question: How are we going to move forward as a Family?  This question deepened our reflection and gave us the opportunity to discuss the plan for the future.  We decided to reflect on:”Choose Life” and “Meeting Point” as individuals and groups. In our daily situation, we will endeavour to create the opportunities to share our charism with as many people as possible. The day’s meeting ended with a shared family meal which brought us closer to each other, much happiness, and a deepening of the family spirit. For me personally it was a unique and encouraging experience. I admired and was enlightened and challenged by the experience of being together – the experience of “Unity in diversity”. It encouraged me to live my own dedicated membership in the family and to be more responsible in carrying out our Founder’s dream. I am encouraged to reach out and be more connected to each member of our family and the universe. May Jesus Mary and Joseph be our model and guide in our journey. Sr.Selvarani. ASri Lanka (Jaffna)      

India’s unique topography, terrain, climate and vegetation, brings out natural diversity that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world. One such variation is also present in India’s wild-forested regions. Forests in India have always been one of the richest resources. Indian forests are ancient in nature and composition.
INDIAN FORESTS  India’s unique topography, terrain, climate and vegetation, brings out natural diversity that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world. One such variation is also present in India’s wild-forested regions. Forests in India have always been one of the richest resources. Indian forests are ancient in nature and composition. The people honoured the forests and a large number of religious ceremonies centred on trees and plants. The Agni Purana, written about 4000 years ago, stated that man should protect trees to have material gains and religious blessings. Chandra Gupta Maurya who came to power around 300 B.C appointed a high officer to look after the forests that wild animals and forests should be preserved and protected. He launched programmes to plant trees on a large scale.   The forests acted as a refuge to people during the Musilm rule. People fled from their home and took refuge in these forests. The Muslim invaders were all very keen hunters and therefore it was necessary for them to have patches of forests where they could go hunting. This ensured that the trees in these hunting areas were not felled, and the forest ecology was not tampered with. Then came the British period – During the early part of the British rule, trees were felled without any thought. Large numbers of trees such as the sal, teak, and sandalwood were cut for export. These forests were the richest resources for the British colonies. In 1806, the Madras government appointed Capt. Watson as the commissioner of forests for organizing the production of teak and other timber suitable for the building of ships. The post of a conservationist was created and this term was related to the patches of forests that they managed, called conservancies, and was not related to biodiversity conservation. Even today, vast tracts of Indian forests are covered with teak plantations, low in biodiversity and seasonally ravaged by forest fires. Another area of interest was the introduction of plants of economic importance to India. Many of these introductions were tried in botanical gardens at Sibpur, Poona, Madras and Saharanpur. The Chinese monopoly on tea was ended when tea was introduced in Darjeeling and Sri Lanka.  Between the two wars, great advancements in scientific management of the forests were made, with many areas undergoing regeneration and sustained harvest plans being drawn up. A great upheaval in the Forestry organization in India came with the independence of India in 1947. The princely states were managed variably, giving more concessions to the local populations. The transfer of these states to the government led to deforestation in these areas. The new Forest Policy of 1952 recognized the protective functions of the forest and aimed at maintaining one-third of India’s land area under forest. Certain activities were banned and grazing restricted. In 1976, the governance of the forest came under the concurrent list. `Development without destruction` and `forests for survival` were the themes of the next two five-year plans, aiming at increasing wildlife reserves and at linking forest development with the tribal economy.   India’s long-term strategy for forestry development reflects three major objectives: ª    to reduce soil erosion and flooding; ª    to supply the growing needs of the domestic wood products industries; and ª    to supply the needs of the rural population for fuel wood, fodder, small timber, and miscellaneous forest produce. The commission itself worked on the first two objectives, emphasizing traditional forestry and wildlife activities; in pursuit of the third objective, the commission recommended the establishment of a new kind of unit to develop community forests. Both individual farmers and tribal communities were also encouraged to grow trees for profit. The National Forest Policy of 1988 further emphasized on the role of India’s forests in the National economy and ecology. It focused on ensuring environmental stability, restoring the ecological balance, and preserving the remaining forests. A new target was to increase the forest cover to 33 percent of India’s land area from the then-official estimate of 23 percent. Better late than never- people have realized that deforestation threatened not only the ecology but also their livelihood in a variety of ways. Thus, people have become more interested and involved in conservation. The Chipko movement in India was the best-known popular activist movement, wherein local women decided to fight the government and the vested interests to save trees. This movement took place in Uttar Pradesh where women literally ‘stuck to’ or ‘chipko’ to the trees, and would not let the manufacturers cut them down. The movement has slowed down the process of deforestation, exposed vested interests, increased ecological awareness, and demonstrated the viability of people power.   India possesses a distinct identity, not only because of its geography, history and culture but also because of the great  diversity of its natural ecosystems. The panorama of Indian forests ranges from evergreen tropical rain forests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Western Ghats, and the northeastern states, to dry alpine scrub high in the Himalaya to the north. The Indian forest type recognizes 16 major types of forests, subdivided into 221 minor types. Structure, physiognomy and floristic are all used as characters to define the types. Semi-evergreen rain forest is more extensive than the evergreen formation partly because evergreen forests tend to degrade to semi-evergreen with human interference. The Western Ghats Monsoon forests occur both on the western (coastal) margins of the ghats and on the eastern side where there is less rainfall. These forests contain several tree species of great commercial significance. Clumps of bamboo occur along streams or in poorly drained hollows throughout the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of southwest India, probably in areas once cleared for shifting agriculture. Central Indian forests has been defined by Birdlife International as a Secondary Area for bird endemism, as it includes the range of the critically endangered Forest Owlet.  A communal forest in India is a specific term which refers to forests governed by local communities in a way compatible with sustainable development, and can be of various types. Such forests are typically called village forests or panchayat forests, reflecting the fact that the administration and resource utilization of the forest occurs at the village and panchayat level, which is an elected rural body. Such community forests are usually administered by a locally elected body, usually called the Forest Protection Committee, Village Forest Committee or the Village Forest Institution. 

Our college was used for this great event. Fifty young Polish people lodged there and the community participated in all the main events with them in the city of Malaga. The Sisters recounted: “We witnessed 1500 young people, rooted in Christ and firm in their faith.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS OF COLLABORATING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE How the members of the Holy Family collaborated with young people during the World Days for Youth in Spain. The Community of Malaga Our college was used for this great event.  Fifty young Polish people lodged there and the community participated in all the main events with them in the city of Malaga.  The Sisters recounted: “We witnessed 1500 young people, rooted in Christ and firm in their faith.  The presence of this abundant life, a great gift to our city, filled us with joy and we were encouraged to continue to make efforts to help young people get in touch with Christ.” The College of Our Lady of Loreto in Madrid From Monday 15 August to Monday 22 August we welcomed 103 young people from Argentina, Taiwan, the Philippines and Korea.  Over 47 volunteers helped to receive them – mothers of families from the parish and collaborators from the College itself.   Some families welcomed young people into their homes, among them a lady of 79 years of age who gave lodging to 7 young girls.  This was very much appreciated by the girls.  Maria Paz Clemente, Sister of the Holy Family, said the following: “I was very impressed by the way the young people participated in the Eucharist – their recollection, silence and interior peace, their general attitude.  I was also struck by the attitude of the volunteers also – commitment, respect, cheerful service, good communication with the young and expert animation of the different groups.  I am very grateful for the experience and gladdened by the wonderful spirit among the young people who are giving a great impetus to the life of the Church by their witness of faith, their joyful attitude and the certainty that the following of Jesus can give true meaning to our lives.” Teachers in the College share their experience “Our names are Natalie and Ruth, teachers in the College of Our Lady of Loreto.  We have had a very good experience of these days; we have realised that love is possible, helping groups to work together as one, all sharing the same goals.  It was amazing to see how the Pope’s visit brought so many people together – people of different languages and cultures to give witness of their faith. It was inspiring to see the values of the Gospel being lived so generously – patient service, self-giving, humility and these values filtered down to others – crowd control personnel, transport officials, first aid workers and firms and businesses that collaborated in the events with donations of money.  Those who at the beginning had come to share their mission rather than their faith were enthused by the lively faith they witnessed in young people who were rooted in Christ.” From Collado Mediano…. This is a town near Madrid in which the Holy Family has a community. “From the 15 to the 22 August, we hosted 82 young Irish people in our building.  Another 574 Italians were put up in the public school and sports centre.  Families in the town opened their houses to another 44.  We opened the community to two girls and three boys.  These young people helped us enormously.  The whole town welcomed the young people with a specially prepared feast where all could enjoy themselves together.  They ate together many times in the porch of the residence and sometimes they did not disperse until 2 in the morning.  There was a lot to be done but we all helped one another and at the end we prepared a farewell party for the young people on their departure.” From Clemente Fernandez (Madrid) Three sisters from this community willingly volunteered to take part in this ecclesial event.  We had been preparing for this for two years through a number of preparatory stages including sensitisation through catechesis, meetings and courses for volunteers and through celebrations for the whole town.  We welcomed groups from Murcia.  After that came groups from Austria, Portugal, France, Canada and Italy.  In our house we put up 4 young people from Ecuador and they impressed us by the way they entered into this experience with deep personal prayer.  In all the tasks we were engaged in – preparing and distributing meals, cleaning, looking after those who were sick – we experienced a deep experience of the universality and catholicity of the Church and we were overjoyed and filled with hope to see this multitude of young people 25,000 from different countries and ethnic groups and speaking different languages.  We felt really sustained by the Lord at difficult moments and were delighted that we Sisters of the Holy Family could participate in such an important event.  We lived these days profoundly, experiencing union, simple relationships, collaboration in the work we committed ourselves to do, strength in prayer, joy and happiness in service.  It was a true experience of communion among us all.     

We commit ourselves to deepen our understanding of our Charism in the light of this new consciousness, in order to express our specific Holy Family gift in the world.
Family of Pierre Bienvenu NoaillesInternational Congress  September 2011 – September 2013  The meeting of the Council of the Family, held in January this year, outlined the commitment taken on behalf of all the members.  It was as follows: As a Family on mission, v    We recognise the urgent need for a change of mindset in line with the new understanding of the world, which demands a new way of relating to God and to the whole of creation. v    We commit ourselves to deepen our understanding of our Charism in the light of this new consciousness, in order to express our specific Holy Family gift in the world. v     Aware of our responsibility for this gift and in complementarity of vocations, we wish to give visible witness as Family so that we can make an impact on the different realities of the world, by being attentive to its needs, by encouraging dialogue, and by promoting justice, peace and integrity of creation. The theme for the Congress is: Family on Mission, Gift in a Changing WorldThe overall purposes for the Congress are as follows:·       To encourage full participation of all five vocations·       To explore the changing world within the context of God’s dream for the world·       To allow God’s dream for the world to affect  all we are and do·       To appreciate and activate our Holy Family gift within and among us, as gift in the world With the awareness that this is a unique opportunity for us to live our experience of being Family, let us journey forward together, trusting the Spirit of God working in us and among us.  Four questions to the first phase –  Reflection 1What are your feelings or thoughts regarding the theme of the Congress? Reflection 2What images of God are becoming more meaningful for you now? Reflection 3What is our Founder saying to us as Family on mission today? Reflection 4From all your reflection what would you like heard from your group at the 2nd Phase of the Congress?Congrss Prayers : God of Love, in every moment we live in your tender embrace.  All around us we behold your presence.  All around us and within us life emerges, fresh and new.  May we continue to expand our lives and our living,   accepting the challenge and responsibility to  be co-creators with you.  May we embrace all your gifts and use them with gratitude, wisdom and courage, Open to the connectedness of all, may we see the expressions of your love everywhere.May our actions and attitudes generate unity and our love bring us to communion.  May we, as one small Family within your big universe family, live our Congress journey,Family on mission, as gift in the world.  Amen   

When I visit Rome, I usually experience a deepening of my spirituality and understanding of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles and the Association of the Holy Family. My contacts with the members of the General Council are very enriching as well as my contacts with my brothers and sisters coming from different cultures and speaking different languages.
Here and now reality When I visit Rome, I usually experience a deepening of my spirituality and understanding of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles and the Association of the Holy Family.  My contacts with the members of the General Council are very enriching as well as my contacts with my brothers and sisters coming from different cultures and speaking different languages.  Sometimes I find the experience quite challenging because of my character type – I tend to be rather reserved.  Nevertheless these experiences of Family always leave a deep impression on me and nourish my spirituality and understanding of the Founder’s charism.  So when I spent two weeks in Rome not long ago I benefitted greatly from the wide experience of my brothers and sisters living in different parts of the world. I experienced a great deal of love, acceptance, understanding and a concern to know one another.  Our Family has become like a way of life for me. Pierre Bienvenu Noailles and the Holy Family of Bordeaux are not separate realities – they are one and the same – the Family an extension of our Founder who lived a life of service for the sake of communion and oneness.    Looking back Now I am back and very deeply involved in my parish ministry and the memory of my participation in the Council of the Family encourages me and gives me life.    Rome is an incredibly beautiful city and very cosmopolitan with people from all over the world including many from my homeland – the Philippines.  As I see them, I admire their courage, their dedication and motivation to work in order to support their families in the Philippines. I am constantly struck by the beauty of the city, the street lights, the weather Rome is very beautiful at night with the street lights the weather, (except in summer!), the facilities and the roads.  The labour problems don’t diminish this beauty nor even the immorality and the crime.  That is part of what it means to live in Rome. Let me share a pastoral experience with you.  On Sundays I usually made my way to the centre of Rome – Termini – , the only place where Filipinos gather for kumustahan (acquaintance) purposes.  They sit around and roll the ball of “kumustahan”. Anyone who wishes may join in.  I have always dreamt of joining them so I did.  The group I joined was made up of domestic workers even though all of them had college degrees.  When they asked me where I was working, all I could say was that I was freelance.  But here in Rome, Filipinos can’t lie to each other because they know that even though you are a professional, you will very probably be working at household chores to earn money.  So they presumed that I was just an ordinary gardener, or local helper. But, as time went on, and sharing became deeper and deeper, each one disclosed her/his anxiety, turmoil and wishes to go home and be with their families especially with their children who have been left at home and are being looked after  by grandmother.  Usually they call home to find t about their children – what they might need, what grade they are in at school.  So this compelled me to disclose who I really am.   The conversation opened up to all sorts of topics and I took the opportunity to talk to them about our identity as Christians and followers of Christ, the importance of the sacrament of matrimony, and many other subjects.   But time quickly went by and people began excusing themselves and saying goodbye promising to meet up again the next Sunday.  Others began to order food for our meal and at the end of that Sunday two penitents were reconciled with the Lord. .   For me, this is the unexpected beauty of the city of Rome.  Behind the unprecedented and glamorous beauty of the city, there is a deep longing for the Word of God.  Italians have their own ways; other settlers have theirs.  Many are looking for pastors to guide them back to the fold.   Rome is important not only for its beauty that attracts many tourists but also for its historic identity and the authority it represents to the whole world.  This opened doors for me and for a little time I was able to show my availability to the people and encounter them in their needs. In the General House itself, I learned a lot that was of great benefit to me.  The sisters were a real example as they went about their different tasks.  Some were pressured for time and working in three languages brought its own pressure.  In spite of all this they were so calm and friendly. Their tasks were not seen as burdens but a privileged means of serving and sharing.   Their attitude challenged me personally and made me think of how I need to serve in my parish as I respond to the many needs of my people. May my experiences in Rome enable me to be more and more available to others.  HOLY FAMILY OF BORDEAUX Part of the commitment to choose life is a commitment to take care of our environment.   The pastor has invited all available parishioners to become involved with “Alay Lakad” during the last day of Holy Week.   There would be a meeting during Holy Saturday, that is, April 23, 2011. The pastor of St John The Baptist Parish, used the example of the courage of St John himself in appealing to the people to join him in the campaign for walking and planting seedlings for the protection of the environment and for sake of the future generations.    Almost 500 people registered for this special event including military personnel, teachers, businessmen, youth, the old and the young.  In fact, three persons who are in their 70s joined that event.  The youngest participant was still in her mothers’ arms.  Three children from school were given awards because they were able to plant more seedlings than the rest of the participants. This is a little way of sowing the seed of awareness in the consciousness of the people so as to help them realise the importance of protecting the environment. The proceeds of that historic “Alay Lakad” are to be used for the repair of the dilapidated edifice and convert it into a function hall for the community.  This single event raised awareness about safeguarding the integrity of creation and was a call to take up our responsibility as partners with God in caring for all creation.     P. Beni FuroPriest Associate

Now we are looking forward to the next World Youth Day, to be held in Madrid in August 2011. Now, at a time when Europe greatly needs to rediscover its Christian roots, our meeting will take place in Madrid with the theme: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf. Col 2:7).
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESSPOPE BENEDICT XVIFOR THE TWENTY-SIXTH WORLD YOUTH DAY (2011)   Now we are looking forward to the next World Youth Day, to be held in Madrid in August 2011. Now, at a time when Europe greatly needs to rediscover its Christian roots, our meeting will take place in Madrid with the theme: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf. Col 2:7). All young people – those who share our faith in Jesus Christ, but also those who are wavering or uncertain, or who do not believe in him – to share this experience, which can prove decisive for their lives. It is an experience of the Lord Jesus, risen and alive, and of his love for each of us. In every period of history, including our own, many young people experience a deep desire for personal relationships marked by truth and solidarity. Many of them yearn to build authentic friendships, to know true love; the years of our youth are also a time when we are seeking to get the most out of life. When I think back on that time, I remember above all that we were not willing to settle for a conventional middle-class life. We wanted something great, something new. I think that, to some extent, this urge to break out of the ordinary is present in every generation. Part of being young is desiring something beyond everyday life and a secure job, a yearning for something really truly greater. Men and women were created for something great, for infinity. Human beings are made in the image of God, we do this in a unique and special way. We reach out for love, joy and peace. For this reason, dear friends, I encourage you to strengthen your faith in God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is vital to have roots, a solid foundation. There is a growing mentality of relativism, which holds that everything is equally valid, that truth and absolute points of reference do not exist. But this way of thinking does not lead to true freedom, but rather to instability, confusion and blind conformity to the fads of the moment. In order to highlight the importance of faith in the lives of believers, I would like to reflect with you on each of the three terms used by Saint Paul in the expression: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf. Col 2:7). We can distinguish three images: “planted” calls to mind a tree and the roots that feed it; “built up” refers to the construction of a house; “firm” indicates growth in physical or moral strength. It is Christ himself who takes the initiative to plant, build up and confirm the faithful. What are our roots? Christian faith is not only a matter of believing that certain things are true, but above all a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is an encounter with the Son of God that gives new energy to the whole of our existence. When we enter into a personal relationship with him, Christ reveals our true identity and, in friendship with him, our life grows towards complete fulfilment. Being built up in Jesus Christ means responding positively to God’s call, trusting in him and putting his word into practice. You are “planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf. Col 2:7). Our own cultural context, dear young people, is not unlike that of the ancient Colossians. Indeed, there is a strong current of secularist thought that aims to make God marginal in the lives of people and society by proposing and attempting to create a “paradise” without him. Yet experience tells us that a world without God becomes a “hell”: filled with selfishness, broken families, hatred between individuals and nations, and a great deficit of love, joy and hope. On the other hand, wherever individuals and nations accept God’s presence, worship him in truth and listen to his voice, then the civilization of love is being built, a civilization in which the dignity of all is respected, and communion increases, with all its benefits. The Apostle Paul spoke of the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. This mystery is the foundation of our lives and the centre of Christian faith. Apart from Jesus Christ risen from the dead, there can be no salvation! He alone can free the world from evil and bring about the growth of the Kingdom of justice, peace and love to which we all aspire. We too can have tangible contact with Jesus and put our hand, so to speak, upon the signs of his Passion, the signs of his love. It is in the sacraments that he draws particularly near to us and gives himself to us. Recognize and serve Jesus in the poor, the sick, and in our brothers and sisters who are in difficulty and in need of help. Our personal faith in Christ, which comes into being through dialogue with him, is bound to the faith of the Church. We do not believe as isolated individuals, but rather, through Baptism, we are members of this great family; it is the faith professed by the Church which reinforces our personal faith. Each believer is thus a link in the great chain of believers. I cannot believe without being carried by the faith of others, and by my faith I help support others in the faith”. Christ is not a treasure meant for us alone; he is the most precious treasure we have, one that is meant to be shared with others. In our age of globalization, be witnesses of Christian hope all over the world. In the same way, if you believe, and if you are able to live out your faith and bear witness to it every day, you will become a means of helping other young people like yourselves to find the meaning and joy of life, which is born of an encounter with Christ! Dear friends, do not be discouraged. Rather, look for the support of the Christian community, the support of the Church! Your presence renews, rejuvenates and gives new energy to the Church. The Lord will not fail to grant them his blessings. May the Virgin Mary accompany you along this path of preparation. At the message of the angel, she received God’s word with faith. It was in faith that she consented to what God was accomplishing in her. By proclaiming her “fiat”, her “yes”, she received the gift of immense charity which led her to give herself entirely to God. May she intercede for each one of you so that, in the coming World Youth Day you may grow in faith and love.          

Today we are in the Computer Age. The use of computer has certainly changed our life-style. Distance is not a problem at all. Almost 80% to 90% of work is computerized. The whole world has shrunk into a global village. In this modern world, human beings cannot meet all their requirements in time. They need to keep track of information, about people, places, addresses, telephone numbers…; they are also engaged in their routine jobs in a mechanical manner.
THE EDUCATION OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF THE PARAGUAYAN CHACO Community and education are closely related for the indigenous people.  The two are mutually enriching.  It is from community that organisational processes are generated and education guides these processes.  The indigenous people have thousands of years of presence and experience, and the knowledge and practices they have acquired constitute the life of the community…. Read more…EDUCATION AT LAKU -LANZASCHOOL FROM ITS BEGINNINGS UNTIL THE PRESENT MOMENTIdiofa (R.D.Congo)  INTRODUCTION The root meaning of education is « the process of leading, guiding a child or an adult out of positions that are considered outmoded ».   Education is pedagogy, a way of forming, a method or a procedure to follow in order to attain an objective.  It is formation in the sense of giving form to something or someone like a potter who moulds the clay into a vessel…. Read more…TEACHING COMPUTER IN THE SCHOOL  Today we are in the Computer Age. The use of computer has certainly changed our life-style. Distance is not a problem at all. Almost 80% to 90% of work is computerized. The whole world has shrunk into a global village… Read more…           

June 21 to 23, I once more had the opportunity to participate in the European Council of Religious Leaders in Moscow.
European Council of Religious Leaders  Religions for Peace June 21 to 23, I once more had the opportunity to participate in the European Council of Religious Leaders in Moscow.This time we were welcomed by the Russian Orthodox Church, the theme of the meeting focused on the promotion of human dignity – through human rights and traditional values ​​of different religions.It also took decisions on the presence of new members, bylaws and other organizational issues.  Working for Peace in a divided world and outbreaks of violence is a constant challenge for each and every one of us in the Council and to all those who through us are represented there. A statement has come from this meeting; I will send it later once translated, so now you can read the original in English. http://www.rfp-europe.eu/index.cfm?id=352430 http://www.flickr.com/photos/religious_leaders/