Our Apostolate

Keeping in tune with our old age tradition, we, the third year philosophy students, left for seven-day study tour, this time to Delhi, on November 3, 2017. The Provincial Superior Fr. John Marcus and his team extended us a warm and cordial welcome at the Provincialate.
With Fr. Roque, our experienced guide, we set for our first venture - Akshardham Temple, a prominent house of worship dedicated to Shri Swaminarayan. Next, we showed up at our relatives' home - the Delhi Zoo. Since philosophy suggests that human beings are part of the animal dynasty, so we consider it fair to say so. Every animal in its own likeness was different from the other. We found in it an opportunity to praise God and His creation. Our visit to Lotus Temple was another account of splendid experience where everyone is welcomed to sit in silence and pray. So we were reminded to "Sit still and know that I am GOD." We rushed onward to our last visit of the day - the Qutub Minar, but to our disappointment we were a bit late. As we headed back to our pavilion, we decided to visit the Children’s Home for the differently -abled of the Missionaries of Charity Sisters at Jangpura.
The following day we visited the Raj Ghat, then the Red Fort in the morning. There we realized that it is more than just a fort; its beauty is hidden within. After a quick visit to Jama Masjid and Jantar Mantar, our next destination was the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gholdakana. We were fortunate to witness a splendid performance by some young boys and girls as part of an NGO for less privileged children. Their aerobic display left us all spellbound. Thereafter we moved ahead to see India Gate, but due to the ongoing Food Festival there, we could not get a place to park our vehicle so we had to move on. Yet we managed to click a few memories in front of Rashtrapati Bhawan. We could also fulfil our lifelong dream of seeing the monument of love but surrounded with controversies in recent politics - the Taj Mahal.

The next day we were at the Old Delhi Station just to learn that our train to Bathinda was unfortunately cancelled due to fog. Though we reached Bathinda late, we were warmly welcomed on a freezing night by Fr. Pio Rego and Fr. Adrian. They were kind enough to make sure that we had a comfortable stay. Our experience in the mission of Punjab enabled us to step into the shoes of the missionaries and thus to get rid of our biased views about the province. We could imagine the quantum of work and dedication gone into the shaping of the province. We encountered challenges in the missions even today, including the tough weather, the fog in particular.
The experience which we will cherish and which will also boost us in our missionary calling was our visit to a remote village, Teona, in Bathinda. We attended a Satsang [prayer service] conducted by Fr. Christopher Masih. We enjoyed the Satsang as well as the company of the villagers and the meals they served thereafter. After the Satsang, around 9.45 p.m., we had serious difficulty in returning back home as the entire area was covered with fog – something we had never experienced. In this difficult situation Fr. Pio Rego and our brothers had to walk before of the vehicle to guide the way. The journey which was normally of 20 minutes took us more than two hours to reach our destination but safe and sound. Praise God!

It is said that what we sow, so shall we reap. The missionaries who had worked here are still being remembered by the people. That was an inspiration for us to give ourselves to the mission work without counting any cost. It was really inspiring to see in Fr. Jose Vaz young missionary spirit. Even at this age his love for the missions, his commitment and dedication to work for the Lord in His vineyard is unflagging. A true model indeed! Fr. Vaz, in his talk with us, shared briefly how they had struggled to start the mission and the challenges they had faced then. He added that, even though times have changed, tough days still exist today and we need to be fully prepared and committed as future priests. We were also blessed with the experience of visiting the A.A.D (Army Air Defence Force) which normally no one gets to witness.
Our study tour was an enriching experience and an inspirational one too. We would like to thank Fr. Rector and all other Fathers of the community for giving us this opportunity. In a special way we are grateful to the Delhi province for accepting our request and their generosity which they have showed towards us. At the end of the day we ask God to bless our missionary Society with more and more vocations. God bless all.

Our missionaries toiling in the Northern expanse of our country caught the notice of many priests, religious and youngsters as well. When youngsters expressed their desire to serve God, some of them were directed to join our indigenous missionary congregation. Fr. Santosh Mendonca was our former Vocation Promoter for the Province. Our member, Bro. David Masih appointed in the Bishop's House, Jalandhar, for the ministry of evangelization (satsangs, retreats, etc.) has also been fostering vocations. The efforts of our members saw many youngsters from the diocese of Jalandhar volunteering to join our Society.

Accordingly, Fr. Peter MeloFernandes (former Provincial Superior) started a provisional formation house (Orientation Course) at Xaverian Niketan, Bathinda, Punjab. He had to face a few hurdles. We had space constraints in Bathinda. Accordingly, the number of aspirants was limited to ten only. There was also a difficulty in getting personnel with the aptitude for formation. Taking note of the struggles of the then administration in not getting members to carry forward this responsibility, Fr. Pio Rego obliged to be the Director of the formees. Fr. Pio although serving as the Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Church, Bathinda, magnanimously accepted to shoulder this additional and important responsibility.

Later on, the present administration requested Fr. Christopher Masih (Parish Priest, St. Joseph's Church, Mandi Dabwali) to serve as the Spiritual Guide of the formees. Despite his busy schedule, he took time to listen and help the apprentices to take steady steps in responding to the sublime call of committing one's self for God's Kingdom.

Fr. Eulalio Fernandes (Local Delegate Superior, Xaverian Niketan, Bathinda) contributed immensely towards ensuring every need while accommodating the formees, providing resources from the school and all through the year he kept motivating them to go ahead as and when he interacted with them.

The seminarians of the Orientation Course Formation House under the guidance of the zealous and down to earth Director, Fr. Pio Rego were being oriented towards a daily spiritual facilitation. The well chalked out day's schedule attempted to provide opportunities to facilitate Human, Spiritual, Academic and Pastoral growth. Fr. Pio being the Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Church, Bathinda, Punjab and with an otherwise considerable mission and pastoral experience had the added advantage in disposing and even integrating the formees for a practical missionpastoral praxis orientation.

The Province remains indebted to the contribution of Fr. Peter Melo Fernandes (former Provincial Superior), Fr. Santosh Mendonca (former Vocation Promoter for the Province), Bro. David Masih (appointed in the Bishop's House, Jalandhar, for the ministry of evangelization), Fr. Pio Rego (outgoing Director of the formation house), Fr. Christopher Masih (Spiritual Guide of the formees) and Fr. Eulalio Fernandes (Local Delegate Superior of Xaverian Niketan, Bathinda) for their immense contribution towards the formation of the youngsters from Punjab who came forward to discern their calling for a missionary life in the Society of Pilar. The Province also acknowledges the efforts of Fr. Lino Santiago (Vocation Promoter for Delhi Province) and Fr. Russel Fernandes who is also assigned the responsibility to foster vocations while shouldering pastoral apostolate in the diocese of Jammu Srinagar.

After pursing his graduation studies and working as an accountant, Pio Anthony Rego decided to commit himself as a missionary in the Society of Pilar. As a very zealous, selfless and humble missionary he served in the missions of Punjab. He was the former Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab and at present is the Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Church, Bathinda, Punjab. He was earlier also appointed as a formator in the Fr. Agnel Seminary, Batim, Goa. Last year he obliged to serve as the Director of the maiden venture of the Province, that is, to have an Orientation Course Formation House in Bathinda, Punjab. Despite shouldering the rather demanding task of serving as the Parish Priest, he also generously volunteered to accompany and direct nine youngsters who desired to join the Society of Pilar.

In this write-up 'Let Hearts Encounter the Lord', he attempts to articulate his reflections and experiences about the formees, formators and the expectations of priests and brothers who would serve in the North of India or anywhere one is sent to serve. He elaborates about the typical tendencies and certain non-constructive aspects of the youngsters and people in North India. He affirms that the formatorand every priest or religious ought to primarily be a person who would facilitate an encounter with the Lord by their genuine and selfless lifestyle.

LET HEARTS ENCOUNTER THE LORD

As I reflect on the topic – Formation Praxis for Delhi Province, given to me to scribble on, well in advance, I delayed trying to push it away as I felt incompetent. What I present herein are my views on formation after having spent some years of my priesthood in formation, and some in the missions of the Delhi Province. The question that comes to my mind is – Can we form anyone at all? I feel we can only help in creating an ambience to facilitate formation while God forms. And God can do it in an instant by the benevolence of His Grace Filled Encounter but in His time – the right time. Thus the formators and the formees workout together to make the right time happen. If the workout and the Encounter do not happen then we may be priests and consecrated persons but not the tangible face of Jesus Christ.

In modern times we are surrounded with a culture of self-realization and consumerism wherein we are constantly made to feel that we lack something –may it be as persons or in terms of material possessions. We are caught up in a crazy race where contentment seems a distant dream. But if we stop to think we will realize that it is just a step away, and find the treasures of contentment in living the Gospel values. Gospel values prune our inordinate desire for self-realization and craving for material things, and direct both towards the good of the whole humanity. Young minds need to be introduced to these treasures by those who have already found them.

Workout refers to our efforts in preparing for the encounter. Formators are the trainers in the workout who go through the process time and again along with the formees under their care. In this process, the formators should be mindful of their own weaknesses, and also be mindful that the formees will have their own. Formators are not spectators or judges, but participants in the process of formation. We should learn from Jesus who says about himself “Who made me a judge over you? (Lk.12:14), and in Jn.12:46-48 "I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day." Jesus calls the formators to lead the formees by example – by being the light illuminated by His word. Every formator is called to use his expertise, and most importantly be profound witnesses to Jesus Christ, and lead the formees to have an Encounter with the Lord. The formators nurture the seed of vocation to priesthood sown by God in young hearts. Thus it is the responsibility of the Superiors to appoint persons having aptitude, required training, and above all the spiritual maturity to understand each person as unique and form him into the image of Jesus Christ. Once the formees are patiently led to have a grace filled encounter, then the encounter itself will take over to generate the grace that is needed to fill the formee with the zeal to make his own person the embodiment of Christ since it is “the Father who forms the personality of his Son by the work of the Holy Spirit in every young person while the formators are mediators of this Trinitarian action.” (cf. Beatitudes of Formators – Congress of Formators in Consecrated life, and in Societies of Apostolic Life.)

When it comes to formation of the candidates joining from Punjab or North India, we should bear in mind their culture. In my observation, the North Indians have a tendency to flaunt, a type of a showy culture, and they are often found over confident about themselves. Besides, one would also note impulsive behavioural patterns in youngsters, especially boys. This is because of the false belief that 'males are superior', and this is predominantly adhered to in the Indian society. The birth of a boy is considered as though a trophy is won. This is more evident in the North (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, etc.) where I know of cases where wives have been abandoned by their husbands and in-laws because they have given birth to girls. Boys are pampered to such an extent that they are not given any work. The boys are often not corrected and their mistakes are overlooked. In the bargain, they do not learn to take up responsibilities nor can they bear a slightest insult or even a harsh word. Thus vocations from these areas need to be given special attention. First, they need to be taught to keep their feet on the ground – they need to be pulled up, given shocks at times, and then with gentleness need to be explained as to why it was necessary and how it is for their own good. They need to be counselled time and again. Eventually they need to be trained in virtues like humility, detachment and self-sacrifice,since the focus of consecrated persons should not be self gratification, but making Jesus present to humanity. This calls for an initial formation that is specifically sensitive to the candidates coming from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, etc. Children normally walk in the footsteps of their parents and those around them, as they observe and learn. The good and the bad habits and other qualities are passed on to the next generation. Thusthe formatorand those around must be aware of the challenge to be exemplary. We should also beware of the harm we will be doing if we consider ourselves as 'Mr. Perfect'. We will be authoritarian,but not authentic.

We will look at others especially those under uswith contempt but not know the shallowness of our own spiritual status. We will shut ourselves from learning and growing. We will stagnate. This is not only the beginning of self decay, but also the destruction of others because this type of personality has a tendency to force it on others. On the contrary, when we have an attitude which Paul calls for in Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves”, we will be open to learn from otherseven from the personality traits and spiritual progress of those in formation. We will grow and help others to grow and bear fruit. This is our true calling.

Jn.15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.” In conclusion, I feel compelled from deep within to leave the readers grappling with these questions – Why do I want to become a priest? Or why am I a priest or a consecrated person? Is it a prestige? Is it to seek privileges of power, position and wealth? Is it even to preach the Word of God?Or is it to help the poor? I feel the answer to all the above questions is “No”. I feel we need to ask Jesus every day, and time and again, – 'Why did you choose me? What do you want from me?” And then make a small prayer "Lord, grant me the favour that the people I encounter may see not me but you." Vocation to Priesthood is not an end accomplished at ordination – it is dynamic, to be discovered constantly.

- Fr. PioRego sfx

There were six regents from the Delhi Province in the last academic year (2016-17). Five of them, namely, Reginald Eugene Kerketta, Stefan Colaco, Rajesh Lakra, Kennedy Fernandes and Sushil Bernard Xalxo were appointed in the Delhi Province. Regent Marcelino D'Costa was appointed in Fr. Agnel Niketan, Pilar, Goa. All of the regents have expressed a sense of satisfaction for the year gone by. They have certainly been enriched from the variety of experiences they had. They have also expressed their profound gratitude to their respective Regency Guides and to the community members with whom they lived and shared their life together.
In general, the members of the Province have a positive feedback of the said formees. The Regents were found to be committed to the tasks assigned to them and were focused in their desire to grow in their missionary calling. The members of the Province hope and wish them the very best for their journey to and in the Priesthood.
The Province is grateful for the generosity of the priest-members who volunteered to guide our regents last year. The guides, as the regents have sincerely expressed, were exemplary in their commitment and contributed towards the growth of the formees.
The Province also acknowledges the contribution of Fr. PioRego (Regency Co-ordinator for the Regents appointed in th province) who kept in touch with them to get timely feedback and ensure their spiritual animation by way of recollections and his personal interaction. The Spiritual Guides of the regents are also appreciated for their time and contribution towards the spiritual growth of the regents.
The Regents took time to reflect and share in brief about their ministry, any memorable experience, about their seminary formation, their personal feedback of the mission where they were assigned and the qualities of their Regency Guide.

Regent Reginald Eugene Kerketta
(Our Lady of Pilar Church, Dholpur, Rajasthan)

1. My Ministry...
I was appointed the coordinator of St. Xavier's School Dholpur. Besides teaching, I was also handling the transport account. I also assisted the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Pilar Church, Dholpur in the activities of the parish.

2. A Memorable Experience...
I had an amazing experience of training the children for the annual function of the school. I was specially given the charge to train the children for anchoring the event. Initially it was a very difficult task, but as days went by, the situation saw considerable progress. And on the final day, the students staged a wonderful performance. For me it was a matter of great joy seeing them perform so well.

3. How did my Seminary Formation contribute...
The teaching skills I utilized during my regency year came from the opportunities I had during my formation. The little music that I had learnt in the seminary helped me in my ministry to organize activities with music and songs and animate groups with action songs. I did a bit of gardening as well. I contributed in beautifying the school garden, though not on a big scale but whatever way I could do. Gardening is a wonderful hobby that helped me fruitfully utilize my free time. I could elaborate on more areas, but as a whole, I would say that my seminary formation helped me in many ways while I lived in a small community during regency.

4. My Personal Feedback of the Mission of Dholpur...
Our members are providing good services in the educational and pastoral apostolate. We could contribute even more. A social service center would be a promising ministry, where village children could benefit and people could be conscientized about government schemes.

5. A Special Quality of my Guide (Fr. Peter MeloFernandes)...
My guide has many good qualities such as humility, simplicity, being jovial, etc. I found him very understanding, loving, humorous and amicable. In my opinion, his friendly nature out shines all the other qualities.

Regent Stephen Colaco
(St, Mary's Church, Sri Hargobindpur, Punjab)

1. My Ministry...
My ministry as a regent in the parish included going daily to the villages. In the villages, I accompanied the Parish Priest (my Regency Guide) and the Parish Catechist. We celebrated the Eucharist with the people, conducted prayer services for the people and often visited the sick. On Sundays, I took catechism classes and helped in organizing the liturgy. While at home, I spent time doing chores which kept me healthy and also benefitted the community. I regularly did some house work and worked in the vegetable garden.

2. A Memorable Experience...
th On 4 October 2016 (feast of St. Francis of Assisi) I experiencedsome very happy moments of my life. During the Eucharist, I proclaimed the first reading from Paul's letter to the Galatians (Gal 1:13-24) in the Punjabi script. I was very happy to publicly read in Punjabi. The experience gave me confidence that henceforth I would be able to read in Punjabi.

3. How did my Seminary Formation contribute...
I am convinced that my seminary formation has helped me a lot for life and specially for my life in the missions. The opportunities to be creative and learn music during my formative years helped me to utilize the same during my regency period; especially on important occasions. The regency year has helped me understand that taking responsibility of my life would help me grow in authenticity.

4. My Personal Feedback of the Mission of Sri Hargobindpur...
Our parish consists of 34 villages. All of the villages are situated very far from the parish. It is indeed a challenging and difficult mission. But the members of our Society work tirelessly to help the faithful. Sisters of the Holy Family congregation serving in the parish collaborate very well to take the mission apostolate forward. The people of our mission here are loving, caring and have a lot of respect for the priests and religious who have committed their life for God's Kingdom. Our prayer services, commonly known as satsang, see the participation of people of different religions praying together and in large numbers. It has been a happy and learning year for me and I like to thank God and my Regency Guide for all the wonderful experiences I had.

5. A Special Quality of my Guide (Fr. Vijay Minj)...
The outstanding quality of my guide is his punctuality. Whenever my guide went for prayer services or to celebrate the Eucharist in any village, he would always be present at the appointed time and would also encourage people to observe punctuality. He always tried his best to impress the local village folks of how punctuality would help them prosper in life.

Regent Rajesh Lakra
(St. Joseph's Church, MandiDabwali, Haryana)

1. My Ministry...
Pastoral Opportunities: I accompanied my Regency Guide and the Parish Catechists during our pastoral visits all through the year. During our visits to the villages, we visited families, prayed together and on a personal note, I keenly observed the dynamism of Fr. Christopher (my Regency Guide). I helped organizing the Eucharistic liturgy on several occasions. Bal Niketan: I used to help the Bal Niketan boys in studies and English reading.

2. A Memorable Experience...
My guide had sent me to a village called Desu Jodha to stay there for few days along with Scholastics from the Pilar Theological College (Scholastics Charles Kisku and Joseph De Souza) who had come for their month-long mission experience in the parish. All three of us stayed with a Christian family. From that house, we visited other families and people as well came unto us.
A special experience I cherish was when a Sikh lady brought her little baby boy and asked us to pray for the child. The mother was very troubled about the health of her child and lamented that the baby continuously shed tears the whole day. I recall those evening hours, when we all joined in praying for the child. Requesting all to sit in a circle,I led the prayer, which included praying the rosary. I later fervently prayed with my hands extended towards the child. The next day, we were greeted with the joyful testimony of the delighted mother that her child is healthy and has stopped shedding tears. I was very happy to listen to the praises given to our Lord - Prabhu ne hamari sun li hai. Bachee ki ankhoon se abhi ansoo aana band ho gaya hai. Prabhu ki jai ho! (The Lord has answered our plea. Tears flowing from the child's eyes have stopped. Praise the Lord!). I was delighted to see the joy of having one's prayer answered and the consequent faith and joy instilled in the hearts of those who trust in God.

3. How did my Seminary Formation contribute...
Seminary formation helped me to be a disciplined person. My formative exposures helped me to mingle with people and accept and get acclimatized to different cultures. In continuity with what I learnt earlier, this year has all the more helped me to understand difficulties of people, respect their culture and be one with them.

4. My Personal Feedback of the Mission of Mandi Dabwali...
While being with my Regency Guide and accompanying him in the villages and participating in the services, I observed that he has immensely contributed towards the growth of the mission of Dabwali. I also observed that there is an inter-faith interaction taking place often, while we minister in the villages. I feel the mission is doing very well, and if there is more collaboration and organization, the mission would still flourish very powerfully.

5. A Special Quality of my Guide (Fr. Christopher Masih)...
My guide is a very powerful preacher.

Regent Kennedy Fernandes
(Holy Rosary Church, Sirsa, Haryana)

1. My Ministry...
Bal Niketan: I was made the incharge of the Bal Niketan boy's hostel. In this ministry I was given the responsibility to take care of the boys in a holistic way which included their studies, prayer life, discipline and other activities to explore their talents.
Pastoral Opportunities: I had a rich pastoral experience which included visiting families with the Parish Catechist, praying in families, visiting the coaching centres, attending satsangs, participating in the Eucharistic celebrations in the villages, etc. I was also made the assistant Youth Incharge of the parish and the parish choir incharge.
St. Xavier's Hindi Medium School: I was also given the responsibility to help out in the St. Xavier's Hindi medium school. It was a great responsibility to contribute towards the organization and management of the school, to uplift the poor children of the school and to bring the best out of them. I organized various competitions and events there, all through the year.

2. A Memorable Experience...
One special incident of my regency year which I enrich occurred in one of the villages of the parish. Kuldeep Singh, a Catholic boy had met with an accident while riding a bike. He was critically injured, paralyzed and bed ridden. I had accompanied Fr. Domnic Dias (Parish Priest and my Regency Guide), SFN Sisters and the Parish Catechist who were on their regular visits to the villages. We prayed over the youngster by laying our hands on him. I laid my hand on his heart and fervently prayed for healing. Those moments were very special for me. I felt the power of prayer within me, a kind of a different and unique feeling flowing within me that Jesus will heal the boy. After some months I met Kuldeep for a satsang. I was really happy to see him fit and fine. He had overcome his bedridden and critical condition. I saw him praising and singing the name of the Lord. I met him and spoke with him. My faith in prayer deepened from that incident and I experienced a deep sense of contentment to see the faith of the healed person also increase.

3. How did my Seminary Formation contribute...
Seminary life always taught me freedom with responsibility. I was oriented during my formative years to live by convictions, rather than to please others. This disposition immensely contributed during my regency year. I found myself taking responsibility for own self – my life of prayer, personal disciple, due responsibility to the tasks entrusted to me, etc.

4. My Personal Feedback of the Mission of Sirsa...
Sirsa is a very promising land. It has a good cultural background and faith of the people is very strong. People have a lot of gratitude for the sacrifices of the priests and sisters who serve the society. I see a lot of prospects for the future. However, I am disappointed with the youth going astray and putting their life on wrong tracks. There is a need for faith formation and guided orientation to their lives. If this is achieved, I am certain of a very dynamic pastoral and social contribution to the society and the church.

5. A Special Quality of my Guide (Fr. Domnic Dias)...
My guide is very simple by nature, gentle in speaking, humble in heart, young in mind and ideas. Among many of his qualities, the one that I admire the most is his simplicity. He is very simple by nature, gentle in his dealings, gives time for everyone and loves the children and poor.

Regent Sushil Bernard Xalxo
(Holy Rosary Church, Bathinda, Punjab)

1. My Ministry...
Orientation Course Formation House: The main ministry assigned to me was to accompany and assist the seminarians of the Orientation Course formation house at Xaverian Niketan, Bathinda, Punjab. Pastoral Opportunities: I was also given a lot of pastoral opportunities while I accompanied the Parish Priest (my Regency Guide) and Parish Catechists to the city and village parishioners. I participated and contributed during satsangs and prayer services in families.

2. A Memorable Experience...
th I recall an event which occurred on 9 September, 2016. After conducting a satsang in a village in view of the preparations of our parish feast, we (Parish Catechists, seminarians and myself) were returning back home. We met with a serious accident wherein our vehicle had a head on collision, and the other vehicle was completely damaged. None of us were harmed. Although sitting right in front in the vehicle, I believe I was very lucky to be safe and protected. Then and now, I acknowledge God's protection and accompaniment in my life.

3. How did my Seminary Formation contribute...
My seminary formation has equipped me in many ways for a missionary way of life. In the course of my regency year, I want to mention three qualities I learnt while in the seminary and which helped me during the regency year: Punctuality – I was able to be on time and complete my responsibilities on time. Hard work – Being disposed for hard work helped me to be more productive and innovative. Love for mission – There was a desire to learn about the people, their context and culture and this helped me to build better relationships with people. The regency year has made me convinced of the need of being responsible and self-reliant.

4. My Personal Feedback of the Mission of Bathinda...
In my personal opinion, the missionary work in Bathinda has been very well carried forward. The educational ministry has always been doing well. The pastoral activity is also going good. However, the faith of the people is at times not found to be very deep among several of our Christians. I am disheartened to observe the tendency of Christians who often seek material benefits from the Church.

5. A Special Quality of my Guide (Fr. Pio Rego)...
Given that my guide has many good qualities, making a choice of a special quality of my guide is a difficult task. But still, if I have to single out one, I would say that he is a very humble person.

Seminary formation has an orientation for the present and future praxis of 'having Jesus and giving Jesus'. The Theologians in the process of inculturating liturgical services help one another to understand that cultural, religious, traditional and day-to-day elements could offer remarkable insights to arrive at deeper realms of our spiritual and human selves. The graduation students taking a break from their regular schedule and reaching out to the less fortunate folks of society is an example worth emulating. Giving away their own clothes (old, unused or perhaps even which were of use then) to the poor and naked gave them an experience of joy in 'clothing the naked'.
Having an in-house Auditoriumin the seminary (at Pilar Niketan, Nagpur), opens up avenues to hone the God given talents the formees possess. The facility attempts to inspire the formee to efficiently proclaim God's powerful and creative Word and to help one another in giving praises to God by way of our voices and compositions. The Auditorium named after the zealous missionary, late Fr. Cristo Rei Rodrigues is another impetus to be focused and hardworking during our formation; selflessly directing our personal and common resources to let God's mission flourish.

Cristo Rei Memorial Auditorium Inaugurated
Keep Contributing Selflessly, as the Zealous Missionary did...

The formation community at Pilar Niketan, Nagpur inaugurated the Cristo Rei Memorial Auditorim. Fr. Roque Rodrigues (Dean and Animator) led the prayer service, while Fr. Octaviano Da Cunha (Rector) inaugurated the hall. It was a much felt need given the talents the students possessed in our today's multi-media world. Some of the students of Philosophy had already created a few beautiful compositions and videos on their own.
The AV Hall will be utilized primarily for conferences, debates, symposiums and other important programmes of the house. It also has an inbuilt audio recording facility which will help the students to record their compositions in the house itself.
The AV Hall is named after Fr. Cristo Rei Rodrigues sfx (1942-2000), a selfless and pioneering missionary who worked in Haryana (Sirsa, Hisar, Rania), Punjab (Bathinda) and Delhi. May the missionary zeal of Fr. Cristo Rei set aflame in the hearts of our budding students, the ardent desire to selflessly use their talents for the greater glory of God. Thanks to the Society of Pilar, Delhi Province for contributing towards the renovation of the AV Hall.

Let's Clothe the Naked...
I was naked and you gave me clothing (Mt. 25:36)

Inspired by Pope Francis' persistent call to be merciful and compassionate, the Scholastics of Delhi Province (Philosophy and Graduation students at Pilar Niketan, Nagpur) took up the initiative to distribute clothes to the poor on the streets. The clothes for this drive were contributed by the brothers itself who willingly gave up their unused clothes. The scholastics went to three different places in the city of Nagpur to render this service. The event was an eye-opener for us to understand the stark reality of poverty faced by the homeless. The smile brought to the faces of the needy was a source of deep joy for each one of us. The formators at Pilar Niketan appreciated the initiative and efforts of the scholastics and urged them to keep up the spirit of service and generosity towards the poor.

Love and Commitment for the Church highlighted during the Inculturated Eucharist
Some common elements from Valentine's Day and 'KarvaChauth'

The scholastics (Theologians) of Delhi Province coordinated the liturgy of the inculturated Eucharistic Celebration for the th th formation house community on 14 February, 2017. The date (14 February) is quiet well known because the Church celebrates the memory(on that day) of St. Valentine - the famed third century Roman martyr. St. Valentine is the patron of affianced couples, happy marriages and love. The day is popularly remembered as an occasion to express one's love and affection to our beloved ones.
The scholastics also highlighted elements of another commemoration of love in the Hindu tradition, that is, of the day-long festival of love expressed by Hindu women - the festival Karva Chauth. Aspects of this feast were inculturated in the Eucharist. On Karva Chauth Hindu married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety, prosperity and long-life of their husbands. This festival is traditionally and largely celebrated in the states of North India. Karva is another name for 'pot'; a small earthen pot where wheat is stored. The fast may have begun as a prayer for a good harvest in this wheat eating region and for the prosperity and well-being of their family.
God willed the Church and Jesus founded the Church on the Apostles. The scholastics highlighted that there is the need to pray for the Church and its unity, just as the women pray and keep a fast for their husbands. For Christians, the Church is the family. All baptized therefore have to pray for the Church and its leaders, the Pope, Bishops and all clergy who help the faithful to experience and actualize God's will on Earth. And thus they may work entirely for the welfare of the Church at large. The Church following Jesus' command to 'go and preach' (cf. Mk 16:15) undertakes various activities to spread God's salvific effects to all. This evangelization ought to be primarily carried forward through being witnesses of God's Kingdom and preaching about God's Kingdom.

Four members of the Society of Pilar were ordained deacons in the Pilar Monastery by Rt. Rev. Derek Fernandes (Bishop of Karwar). The solemn ceremony celebrated by the clergy, religious, family, relations and seminarians was indeed a proud moment to cherish. The new deacons are Alex G. Fernandes, A. Antonysamy, Benson Valiyaveettil and Seneto Peixot. The diaconal praxis in their respective provinces (which is already underway) will equip them to prepare well for their ordination to the priesthood.

Bishop Derek ordaining them to the order of Diaconate, called on them to realize that upon their ordination they are to participate more closely in the mission of Jesus. He elaborated that their primary role during this period of praxis would be in being preachers of the Word and bearing witnesses of the same Word by their life of service, prayer and preaching. Rev. Fr. John Fernandes (Provincial Superior) concelebrating the Eucharist was glad to express his love and solidarity with our members - Alex Fernandes and A. Antonysamy. He took this opportunity to extend his wishes to the deacons and their families. He later also had an informal interaction with the rest of the scholastics of the All India Mission Seminary belonging to the Delhi Province.

The scholastics of the Delhi Province (at Pilar Niketan) were given the charge of conducting the 7^th Novena to Our Lady of Pilar on 9^th October 2016. The scholastics took up the concept of Seva according to the Sikh understanding in order to better reflect on the theme, “Mary experiences God's mercy at the foot of the cross”. The scholastics washed the feet of the community members as a sign of humility and selfless service. The liturgy was made meaningful by inculturating Punjabi hymns and doing the reading in Punjabi. In addition, both the sacred species were passed to all the members as a sign of our oneness with God and with others.

On the occasion of the feast of St. Therese of Child Jesus, the patroness of missions the scholastics of Delhi Province took the initiative to lead the community into prayer. The scholastics organized a satsang according to the local custom in the Delhi Province. Sch. Vijay Linda led the satsang. The choir created a divine atmosphere conducive for praise and worship. Sch. Rohit Leitao, Clive Dias and Leonray De Melo shared their testimonies on the working of God in their lives. The satsang concluded with the blessing given by fathers by the laying of hands on each scholastic. The satsang was a learning experience for many of the scholastics who hoped to use it as an efficient means of proclaiming the joy of the Gospel in the missions.