Wednesday, 31 October 2012
The Life & Ministry of St. John Mary Vianney By Xavier James L. S.
JEAN
MARIE BAPTISTE VIANNEY by Xavier James L S
“God
chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in
the world to shame the strong” (1Cor.1:27). Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney was one
among these!
He
was born in a good and pious Catholic family as the fourth son of Mathew and
Marie Beluse, in Daridelly, a small village near Lyons in France, on 8th
May 1786. At the time of his birth, due to the French Revolution, the practice
of faith had lost its importance in France. Fortunately in his own family and
village, people were still deeply religious.
Infancy
His
family recited their evening prayers and the Rosary on their knees. He joined
them on his knees when he was just 18 months. He thus showed an interest in
piety right from his infancy. Since there were no schools, the children used to
graze cattle, whilst their parents worked in the fields. Our young Jean too was
sent along with his sister Margarite to graze sheep, donkeys and cattle. They
would kneel and pray whilst they were grazing the animals, and were looked at
with curiosity by other children.
Desire to become a Priest
Fr.
M. Groboy remembers that Jean was very diligent boy with good memory. In 1797,
when Jean was 11, Fr. Groboy met him at Daridelly, and asked him if he went for
Confession. When Jean told him that he did not go for confession, Fr. Grobo sat
with Jean to hear his first confession. A year later, Jean received Jesus in
Holy Communion for the very first time. In 1802, Jean experienced some inner
desire to save many souls by becoming a priest. He related this wish to his
mother, who encouraged him and communicated this to the Parish Priest Fr.
Charles Balley. The Parish Priest noticed that Jean looked serious about this
desire and his motive was selfless too, as he wanted to be a priest for the
glory of God and the good of souls.
Obstacles and Struggles
In
1807, Jean received the sacrament of Confirmation, at the hands of his uncle,
Cardinal Fesch. His uncle was delighted to learn that wished to become a
priest. Jean’s father was not willing to send Jean to the seminary, as he could
not afford the expenses, and wanted Jean to help him in their fields. Yet, his
father did loose Jean to another cause. Since Napoleon’s army was then short of
soldiers, one day they took Jean to their camp for training.
Hospitality
During
his training, Jean fell very sick, and was sent for rest. Two ladies took very
good care of Jean, who was amazed to receive such hospitality from the ladies.
Towards the end of his stay with them, he told them that as soon as he reaches
home, he would begin another type of training, this time for the priesthood. So
Madam Claudine Fayot gave him a cassock, another old peasant woman sold her pig
and gave Jean the money. Many were attracted to Jean for he was a good and holy
young man, with an attractive personality.
Studies & Priesthood
Jean
returned to Daridelly on 28th May 1811, when he was 25, he was
preparing to go to the Seminary at Lyons. However, his father was not willing
to send him, finally when his mother pleaded for Jean, and his father relented
and agreed to send him. Once in the seminary, it was observed that Jean had
difficulty in studying Latin. Jean was thus sent to Fr. Balley, who went to
Lyons and spoke to the professors concerned. They agreed to appoint a new
examiner in the person of Fr. Bochard. Fr. Bochard noted that Jean’s answers
were accurate and clear, and remarked, “It is not only learned priests that the
Church needs but still more devoted priests”. Fr. Balley being a Canon Lawyer could conduct the exams and
train Jean for the priesthood. He found Jean to be hardworking, prayerful and
confident. He had much trust in Jean, which also played its part in Jean’s achieving
his goal of becoming a priest.
Life of the new priest
Having completed his studies, Jean Marie
Baptiste Vianney was ordained a priest by the local Bishop Simon on 13the
August 1815. He celebrated his first Eucharist the following day in the seminary.
The new priest was back in Daridelly and was very helpful to his vocation
promoter in his ministry. He visited the sick and preached the Word of God. He
took a lot of time to prepare his sermons, which were short and clear. He also
catechized and baptized but was not allowed to hear confessions. Fr. Balley
took the initiative and prepared Jean to appear for the exams. As soon as Jean
succeeded in his exams, Fr. Balley was the first person to confess to the new
confessor. The two priests ate simple food, some potatoes crusts of bread and
on occasion some boiled meat. When Fr. Balley fell ill, Fr. Jean took care of the
parish. On17th December 1817 having received the Sacrament of the sick at the
hands of the one who humanly speaking owed him his vocation, Fr. Balley
breathed his last.
The
death of Fr. Balley was a great loss for Fr. Jean, and he felt deeply sad. In
the passing away of Fr. Balley, Fr. Jean had lost a father, counselor and above
all a great friend. He also remarked, “If I were a painter, I could still do a
portrait of him” hence he could say towards the end of his life, “I have
encountered some beautiful souls in my life”.
The New Parish Priest of Ars
His
Bishop then appointed Fr. Jean to an obscure village named Ars, which was 18
miles from Erully in the diocese of Lyons. Fr. Jean arrived at his new parish
of Ars on 8th February 1818. Receiving his assignment from the Vicar
General V.M. Courbon, Fr. Jean was told, “There is no great love of God in the
parish and you will enkindle it”. Fr. Jean kept this in mind as he worked in
his parish, and was willing to even give his own life so as to save souls. Fr.
Jean was generous by nature, a man full of confidence, a pleasure to meet. He
attracted people with his smile, and his sense of humour. He had the sound
common sense of a peasant. He was sharp in listening to people and ever
committed to their service. He never considered himself being above them or
their superior.
Self-renunciation & simplicity
The
practice of simplicity which Fr. Jean acquired since his early years during his
training for the priesthood was lived by him even after becoming a parish
priest. His food and dress habits were very simple. He visited families of his
parish and wherever he was offered a meal he would refuse giving excuses that
he had just had his meal. Once his elder brother Francois came to meet him and
found nothing to eat in the presbytery. Finally he managed to dig for some
potatoes and managed to satisfy his hunger. When asked by others, Fr. Jean’s
answer was, “One does not mind a few discomforts if it is a means of pleasing
God”. Once the bishop was visiting the neighbouring parishes and towards the
end of his pastoral visit, a dinner was held Fr. Jean was also present with his
old cassock, patched boots and unadorned by a sash. One of the priests present
passed a comment, “And he is sitting up there with the Bishop without a sash”.
One of his colleagues answered, “Even without a sash the cure D’Ars is worth
more than many who wear one”. It is good to note that although he wore old
clothes, Fr. Jean was always clean and tidy.
Parishioners of Ars
Fr.
Jean noticed that number of faithful attending the Eucharist were few. He was
very curious to know what was happening. He found people dancing in the clubs
nearby instead of attending Sunday mass. When the chapel was dedicated to St.
John the Baptist, Fr. Jean inscribed the following words at the bottom of the
portrait of St. John the Baptist, “His head was the price of a dance”. Fr. Jean
always insisted with people to do the things which were pleasing to God and not
the world. Some of the parishioners were angry with him and abused him. One day
one of the unmarried young women, living near the presbytery got pregnant. Many
started accusing Fr. Jean as being the culprit. Although Fr. Jean was hurt he
did not take notice of the abuses, but carried his hurts to God in prayer. He
made every effort to bring all the people back to the faith, he prayed to God
with words like, “Dear God, I will make every sacrifice I can, I will eat less,
sleep less, turn my back on every comfort. I implore you to accept my
sacrifices not only as penance for my own sins, but for those of my
parishioners too. Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do”. Not only
that, he also prayed, “God give me the conversion of my parishioners and for
that sake if you want me to suffer for the rest of my life, I don’t mind it” he
was truly a loving shepherd.
The ministry of the cure
Fr.
Jean was full of zeal and enthusiasm, he carried out his pastoral work with
amiability, endless patience and humility, he visited the villages and was
available in and around Ars. Always, pleased to be of service he was never put
off or put out at any sick call. He built schools for boys and girls between
the years 1820-1823. He also founded a home for orphans, homeless and street girls
and named it ‘Providence’. It actually existed on the providence of God. This
is why once he admired the wonder of God and exclaimed, “God is really good. He
looks after the poor”. He used to give medals or rosaries as he passed by
people and blessed them. One day, two rich boys came to him asking for medals
as he passed a street. Fr. Jean went to one of the shops nearby and bought a
packet of medals, blessed them and gave them to the boys. He told the
shopkeeper that one of them would pay the bill and walked out with a smile.
Ars is no more Ars
Fr.
Jean used to often say that ‘Ars is no more Ars’ because it has changed a lot.
In 1830 Ars was completely converted to the faith. Many pilgrims started coming
towards Ars, trying to get a glimpse of
the Parish Priest. They wished to hear him preach, catechize, to go to
confession to him, to receive his blessing as he passed by, to touch his
cassock or his breviary. There was now very little privacy for him. He always
welcomed people who came to meet him and attended to them in their needs. Once,
one of his friends came to meet him and Fr. Jean said, “I am glad that your
good angel inspired you to come to see me”. On another occasion,
Miss.Catherine, who was with him for many years remarked, “Elsewhere
missionaries sought out sinners but here the sinners seek you out”. To this he
would say that he knew nothing but he also said, “Those who are led by the Holy
Spirit have the right idea that is why so much ignorant folk know more than men
of learning”. He had a lot of compassion towards the sinners. Once it so
happened that one man came to the confessional and refused to open up and confess.
Seeing this Fr. Jean started weeping in the confessional and the man asked him,
“Why are you weeping Father?” Fr. Jean replied, “Because you don’t weep my
son”. Sometimes Fr. Jean was tempted to run away from the parish and ask for a
transfer. Yet he could not stay for long in other places because of his love
for Ars which made him go back to Ars.
Opposition and rejection
Fr.
Jean was rejected by his fellow priests and considered insane. Once in a
meeting with the bishop, some priests complained that the Parish Priest of Ars
was over zealous, ignorant and was behaving like an insane man. Hearing this
comment about Fr. Jean, the bishop said, “I wish all my clergy had a touch of
the same madness”. Seeing the work load of the Parish Priest, the parishioners
of Ars asked the bishop to send a priest to assist Fr. Jean. Fr. Raymond was sent to help Fr. Jean. Being
a young priest he did not like the way things were moving in the parish and he
often gave trouble to Fr. Jean and to the people, soon the people rejected him.
When the people talked ill of Fr. Raymond, Fr. Jean would defend his co-pastor
in the presence of the people. He also pleaded for him with the bishop asking
the bishop to reward Fr.Raymond for all the help he rendered whilst at Ars. Later
on, Fr. Raymond asked pardon of Fr. Jean and regarded him as a holy and
exemplary parish priest.
Teaching of Fr. Jean Marie Vianney
Fr.
Jean considered the priesthood as a fulfillment of the love of the Sacred Heart
of Jesus. At Ars, the Eucharistic celebration would sometimes go on for three
hours. He would catechize the people about the soul, heaven and being united
with the creator. He sat at the confessional for 10 to 15 hours and had very
little rest. He said, “Priests are spiritually weak as long as they do not have
the Eucharist as the centre of their life”. As a priest he was a true shepherd
with his heart full of zeal, enthusiasm and concern for the people. He observed
an old man who came to Church after a hard day’s work and just sat before the
Lord. One day Fr. Jean called the old man and asked him, “Everyday I see you
coming to the Church, what prayer do you recite?” The old man replied, “Father,
I do not know any prayer, I just look at Him and He looks at me and I go back”.
Fr. Jean was happily surprised.
Fr.
Jean would tell parable in his Sunday sermons, “A pure soul is like a fine
pearl. As long as it is hidden in a shell in the depths of the sea, no one
thinks of admiring it, but when it is exposed to the light of the day this
pearl shines and it attracts attention. It is thus that a pure soul now hidden
from the eyes of the world will one day shine before the angels in the light of
eternity”.
A holy priest has gone home
Due
to the simple food he ate, the little rest he took and the many years of hard
work, Fr. Jean became very weak. One day he confessed during his sermon that “I
wanted to sleep this morning but I had no hesitation in getting up, the
salvation of souls was of the utmost importance”. When sick, he was unable to
do any work but was always concerned about the people and the good of souls. In
his last days Fr. Toccabier came to assist him and eventually took over as
Parish Priest succeeding Fr. Jean after the latter’s death. Fr. Jean was always
grateful to all those who helped him in one way or the other in his mission.
Even on his sick bed he told them that he was praying for all of them. On 2nd
August 1859 Monday Fr. Jean grew weaker and received the Sacrament of the sick
from Fr. Toccabier. Although very weak, Fr. Jean knelt down to receive the
Sacrament. He was truly a man of convictions. On 3rd the bishop came
to see him at Ars and at the dawn of 4th August he rendered his soul
to God without any struggle, he was 73 and worked at Ars for 41 long years as
the Parish Priest.
Well done good and faithful servant
According
to his last wish Fr. Jean was buried at Ars. He was made venerable by Pope Pius
IX on 13th October 1872, Blessed in1905 by Pope Pius X and a saint
in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. Thereafter he was made the Patron of all the Parish
Priest or pastoral clergy. Pope Pius X writes, “God grant that every priest may
follow Abbe Vianney’s example. May all parish priests remember his example and
imitate that ardent charity which urges us to despise all things even life
itself”. Pope Benedict XVI declared the year of the priests in commemoration of
the 150th death anniversary of Vianney and announced him as a patron
for all priests in 2009.
In
conclusion let us reflect on these words of St. Jean Marie Vianney, “The more
one knows men the less one loves them; but with God it is the precise contrary
the better He is known the better He is loved. If you take fish out of water it
will die, you see so it is with man without God and Anything we do without
offering it to God, is wasted”
God
made the one who was considered a fool, a useful and wise counselor and
spiritual guide, who would guide many people with priests, religious, bishops
and cardinals among them. If we take to heart and imitate in our lives the
example of the great Saint Jean Marie Vianney, we too one day will be awarded
with, “Well done good and faithful servant!”.
Bibliography
AJM Mausolfe JK Mausolfe. (1998). Saint Companions for each day .
Mumbai: St. Pauls.
Attwater, D. The Avenel
Dictionary of Saints. New York: Avenel Books.
II, P. J. (1986). Encyclical
letter on Maundy Thrusday. Vatican: Vatican Press.
Sheppard, L. C. (1963).
The Cure d Ars. London: Universe Books Edition.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Siddhpur Mission 2012 by Xavier James
Brief History of Siddhpur Mission Parish:
by Xavier James
In
the thirties and forties of last century the few isolated Catholic families
mainly Railway employees of Siddhpur and nurses who served in the hospitals were
ministered to from far away Rajkot, Gujarat.
From 1951 North Gujarat was put under the care of the Cathedral Parish
of Ahmedabad city. From 1966 the present
parish was part of the kalol Mission started by Fr.M.Diaz Garriz sj who was in
charge of Siddhpur from 1964 and pastoral needs were fulfilled by late Fr.
Stephen D’souza sj. Regular Eucharist used to be held in the residence of
Martin Fernandes and John Baptist Braganza who were the famous mechanics of
North Gujarat. There was a Christian cemetery in Siddhpur which was eventually
taken by the Muslims. Many good Christian doctors and nurses had served in
Siddhpur town in the past. The parishioners were going to either Mehsana or
Deesa for Sunday Mass in 1975. In 1998 Palanpur was made a new parish and the
faithful used to go for the Sunday Masses to Palanpur which is thirty five kilometers
away. On 11th November 2002 Ahmedabad was bifurcated and Gandhinagar
was formed a new Archdiocese being the capital of Gujarat. After a decade the
Metropolitan Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes dreamt of a new parish in
Siddhpur. Thus it became a separate mission parish in June 2012, when Fr.
Xavier James was appointed as the first parish priest. The parish covers the civil
Taluka (Tehsil or Block) of Siddhpur at present in Patan District. The present
plot for the Church was bought in the year 2009 at Umru village. This mission
parish continues the work of evangelization among the catholic community of
migrants from Kerala, Goa, Karnataka and other parts of Gujarat in the given
area. The grand children of Martin Fernandes are of great help in their own
way. Mr. Joy Thomas and Mr. Shaji are the oldest catholic migrants in this area
beside John Baptist Braganza. The Catholic Church reaches out its evangelical
mission to the other people of this Taluka. We intend to begin a high school
for this area to provide quality and Christian education which will make known
Christ in these areas. We also need a place of worship since we have the
services in a rented house. We are determined to start Legal Aid and Human
Rights centre in this area. The little daughters of St. Francis Xavier sisters
also help in the progress of the mission.
This mission is the adventure of the Archdiocesan clergy. By God’s grace
we really work for the development of the faith of these communities of this
area. At present we help children and elders in their pastoral needs.
Aim of this Mission
This
mission is for the propagation of faith among backward communities of North
Gujarat, who are educationally and economically backward. The level of education among the communities
is very low, and practically nothing among the girl-child. There is hardly any
interest for education and it is here that we feel that giving them quality
education would help the communities to be educationally, socially and
economically vibrant. The main aim of
the mission is to cultivate a taste for education to backward and marginalized
communities of North Gujarat who are educationally backward. We try to
implement our vision of the Archdiocese in this mission parish i.e “We are
called to experience Jesus Christ and to strive for a liberated society where
His values of love, equality, justice, forgiveness are lived and
nurtured”. We also keep in mind our
mission that is ‘to strive towards a liberated society by proclaiming God’s
love in Christ through witness and loving service to all especially the poor
and the marginalized’. The communities here of different caste groups and are
among the poor and the marginalized of North Gujarat. Hence we opt to work for
these communities generously and willingly. We are ready to take up this
challenge in catering to these communities through God’s grace. We are going to
work and promote Legal Aid and Human Rights in these areas and Fr. Stanny
Jebamalai has agreed to help us with the approval of the local ordinary. May
God guide every step we take.
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Being infectious with generosity ( Pastoral Activities of Siddhpur Mission)
It was a hectic week for me as I had applied for the ‘Ekatrikaran’
i.e our survey numbers of the land are 120 and 129 (half) in Umru village so it
is to be made one survey number. The Tehsildar ( block officer) has the
authority to do this. Prior to this so much of paper work had to be done and
spot inspection to be held and I was part of all these events certainly I
acknowledge the help of Franklin Show and Martin Fernandes. I am happy at last
it is done. Thanks be to God. (21st Oct. 2012)
Being
infectious with generosity (Pastoral Activities of Siddhpur)
As you all know this is a small and new parish so it is good to
hold the community together through fellowship activities. On 4th
August 2012 was the inauguration and blessing of this rented parochial house
and that day we had celebrated the Vianney Sunday Eucharist and we all had
dinner together after ritually blessing the house and boiling and serving milk
to everyone. Ms. Mary Joy played a key role in it. On 8th September,
the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady, we had celebrated Onam the harvest festival.
Mr. Shaji Ms. Susan had prepared Onam meal which bound all of us together as
one family. On 9th September Mr. Shaji had organized a day of
recollection for the parishioners at Unteshwari and it was well attended and we
really appreciate such initiatives from the faithful. On 7th October
was the celebration of the birthday of the Archbishop and Sr. Neeta. All of us
gathered together around the Eucharistic table and then for fellowship
together. We really enjoyed the presence of the Archbishop and Vicar General
among the faithful. On 14th October Mr. Mathew and Thangmma the
owners of this house wanted to give a meal to the elderly people at Sandhya
Vishram in Unteshwari and the whole parish joined them. We would like to note
that all the children were present for this occasion to imbibe the value of
generosity and taking care of the elderly when they grow up. On 21st October was the Mission
Sunday and all the faithful contributed generously for the spread of the Gospel.
Thereafter we had the agape meal just like the early Christians in the first
century. Each family brought one dish of food item prepared from their
abundance and shared with others. It was a joy to be together and reliving the
life of early Christian community. It is possible because the number is small and
the faithful are generous in their support.
(21st Oct. 2012)
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Reflection on the year of faith from Siddhpur
As we have begun the year of faith today, it is call for us to
renew and relish the faith we have received. As I thank the Lord for the faith
I have received today I also ask the grace that I may grow in my faith. Today
as I was celebrating the Eucharist on the inauguration of the year of faith, I
shared that even coming to this parish and taking up this challenge needed much
will power, cooperation of people and trust or faith in God. Number does not
matter and deepening of faith matters. The providence of God I experience in
this new area is marvelous. I believe in surrendering to the Lord and the Lord
works through our hands. Faith is called Shraddha in Sanskrit and when we split
the word we get the inner meaning i.e. Shrad – Truth & dha – Surrender. It
is to say when one knows the truth one surrenders to that truth and
surrendering helps us to grow and find meaning in life. I pray that we may
surrender to the promptings of the spirit and have abundant life in God. (11th
Oct. 2012)
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
MSW Internship at SHAKTI, Songadh, Gujarat
MY
EXPERIENCE WITH SHAKTI – LAHRC IN MAY 2012 – XAVIER JAMES
After the successful English course with enthusiastic children of 5
districts and 10 blocks we the interns, were exposed to Legal Aid centre,
Songadh. We heard two court cases presented before the Advocate Subashbhai and
senior staff member Nevelbhai. We were then introduced to the staff members who
introduced themselves and their area of work in Shakti. I was happy to know
that SHAKTI is involved in several activities such as making ideal village,
working with primitive tribes, Legal Aid and Human Rights, Integrated
Development of the tribals, youth,Video editing & making, preparing
documentaries, Right To Food and so on and so forth. Then we were divided into different
Talukas: Uchchhal – Cosmos, Songadh – James, Vyara – Thaiza, Mandvi –
Rajnikant, Zankhvav – Robert, Umarpada – Shaila and Nizar – Ranjit. The purpose
was to observe the work of SHAKTI and find out the impact it has on the people.
The staff was ready to accept the feed back for the betterment of the staff. I
was told that I would be accompanied by Anaji, Sevantiben and Novelbhai.
I went to Boarthova via Maharastra. It was 3 hours journey and half
an hour walk to reach the vibrant Gujarat village. It is situated in the valley
and the bordering village of Gujarat and Maharastra. The roads were good. They
were made two years back. The means of transportation is mainly through jeeps
and two wheelers because buses come trice in a day. The government has not paid
much attention to this village. Village Panchayat comprises of eight villages
and hardly functions in this area. The Youth are awakened persons who strive
for the development of the village. It is they who implement NREGA. There is a
primary school in the village. The students stop studies after 10th
& 12th std. Three have completed their education up to the
bachelors degree. There is no Catholic educational institution in this area.
The nearest ones are Mandal, Vyara and Subir where they often do not get
admission. Hence they have to depend on government schools and hostels. The
village is clean but open defecation is still existing as they have no toilets
in their houses. The government projects hardly reach the village. Many people
go to Malegaon for employment to work in the onion field and also work in their
own field and take care of cattle. The people are receptive. Annaji is doing
very well in this area and people listen to him.
I had a chance of attending a village meeting at Ghusargam during
the dairy hours. They were discussing about their struggle on Jungle Jamin and
getting the NREGA projects. They said that the Sarpanch is not so effective and
he has come to rule for the 3rd time. They also said that the pass
books are not obtained from the post office for NREGA and they get only Rs.100
where as Rs. 24 is taken by the Sarpanch and others. When the meeting was
taking place there were 3 drunkards who interrupted the meeting and began a
physical fight. What I feel is that ignorance can bring about more such fights
and people need to be more awakened to the realities.
It was a joy to be present for the annual fair of Umerpata where
traditionally the tribals go for pilgrimage and fun. Some merchants gloriously
cheat people while selling their goods.
I had the opportunity of attending a Gram Sabha at Otta. The agenda
was on MGNREGA and people were not informed about the meeting prior to that
hence there were only 25 people for the meeting. As soon as the Sarpanch got
sight of me he began to feel insecure and was frightened. People hardly opened
their mouth. I do not know why people are so scared. Dinesh Gamit the Programme
officer of MGNREGA asked whether people get the stipulated money for the work
and they said yes. Whereas it was not true with my previous day and next day’s
experience.
Next day I visited Shinod and listened to the people’s grievances.
There I learnt that people were not aware of the Gram Sabha and the Sarpanch
and others cheat them with the wages of NREGA. It was suggested to have two
panchayats instead of one for better administration and to deal with immediate
problem like water and so on. When I visited Otta and Pahaddha I received the
same feed back. I had the opportunity of attending one Christian wedding and another
traditional wedding in Pahaddha and Otta.
It was on 9th May 2012 the Government of Gujarat had
organized Farmer’s fair ( Krishi Melo). It is a good one for information
dissemination like animal husbandry and new way of farming and so on. It was a waste
of time, for people had to be present from 9am to 9pm. It looked to me after
Garibkalyan Melo the state government has started this melo to fool people. It
could be kept only for 3 to 4 hours either in the morning or in the evening and
not definitely for the whole day. People have their work and one cannot make
them fools and lazy. It was an opportunity for me to interact with many elders
of 3 panchayats.
On the next day I came to Songadh to the office as many cases had
come to the office. I then went to stay at Nevelbhai’s house. I was happy to
hear the sharing of his experiences as Sarpanch of the village for 3 terms and
the developmental works which he brought about during his tenure.
The next day I was accompanied from Songadh office by Sevantiben
and could visit Dhajambha, Veljar-Chundi street and Vajarda-Takli street and
interact with the elders and leaders of the community. I was pleased to know
the struggle of the people to bring lift irrigation was really a passionate
one. Their intervention in Right to food, mid day meal, obtaining electricity,
NREGA, empowering women’s group and so on were very informative and bold steps.
I was happy to meet Ratubem Gitaben, Maganbhai, Gomabhai, Babubhai and others.
It was nice of Rameshbhai, the Director to give us some time to
rest and reflect in SHAKTI. We had a short meeting with the office staff of
Shakti to plan out the future sessions and clarify things. We the interns met
on Sunday and shared about some of our observations and evaluated and reported
about the English course.
It was overwhelming to distinguish between Adivasi Sarvangi Vikas
Sangh and Adivasis Charitable Trust. They are totally independent organizations
by people. In Adivasi Sarvangi Vikas Sangh fee is only Rs. 101 and is
established since 11 years and works in local and taluka level. In Adivasi
Charitable Trust the fee is only Rs. 15 for membership. It was formed 4 years
ago. It works in the district, state and national level. I also met Manibhai
and Pravinbhai who are associated with them. They take the movement forward on
Jungle, Jamin and obtaining canals for farming and agricultural purposes. They
regularly organize cultural fest, the community wedding, training, seminars,
guidance, giving direction. In order to meet financial difficulties, they also
raise local contribution for various activities. There are 8082 members and
from 177 villages. They are now working on voting rights for Limbadi, Saatkasi,
Fatepura, Zeriampa, Budhwada and Peepripada. They really feel the absence of
Fr. Stanny who guided them for years.
Thereafter Sevantiben took me to Serula the village which was
washed away during the flood in 2006. Shakti had helped them out to build new
houses, to bring school, aakanwadi, to bring electricity, to give the people
boats and nets, as they are fisher folk. It comes under the group panchayat of
six villages. Hardly does any government official visit this village, although
it is adjoining Ukkai dam. There are 45 families and 200 families in this
village. They gratefully remember the assistance of Shakti staff. Shakti could
reach where the vibrant Gujarat government had not reached. I also visited the
slum of Ukkai where mixed population stays together. Some of them got the
benefit of obtaining BPL subsidies though the intervention by SHAKTI.
I was glad to hear the struggles of Bhurivel villagers in obtaining
electricity and land in their names of those who live for years in the
vicinity. They also got the hand pumps, wells, ration card, voting rights. They
acknowledge the great contribution of SHAKTI-LAHRC for being the back bone for
their success.
15th was the day to meet the advocate and there were so
many cases on marital disputes and property disputes of which some were given
another due date for hearing and some were given judgement there and then. I
witnessed a happy ending of a case which I followed previously also. On the 16th
two cases were called for and one was postponed for another day and yet another
was of marital dispute and so after much discussion it ended with separation of
the parties as there was no official marriage taken place to prove it. The
elders of the communities came together and welcomed the judgement of the Legal
Aid centre. Thereafter I visited Tokarva which is a self sufficient village. I
also visited Jamkhedi with Nevelbhai and Manibhai which Nevelbhai had developed
during his tenure as the Sarpanch.
Then I was in the office whole day and some cases came and some
cases are to be brought to the notice of SHAKTI officials and be sent to the
civil court. As the last day of the field visit I went to Songadh office to
hear some cases and went to Gaisavar for division of property in a family. But
they were not ready for it and hence Novelbhai gave one more date for final
hearing. Then I was happy to meet Natubhai, Rimiben and Vanitaben who are the
vegetable vendors who come from the villages to sell in the town. Initially
they used to face much difficulties from the local merchants who would not
allow them to sit and sell their goods. Later on the Municipality also began to
harass them and then they came to Shakti and launched a PIL in the high court
of Gujarat and it has ordered that the Municipality has to make some provision
and establish 101 small spots for them to sell their vegetables. There are 55
members in this union and are strong. They told me that Fr. Stanny Jebamalai is
like a mother to them. As the mother knows the needs of the children so also
Sannybhai knows every difficulty of the Adivasis and they really miss him a
lot. Then I went to stay at Jamkhedi at Novelbhai’s house and came back to
Shakti on 19th May 2012 for final evaluation.
I am grateful to Annaji who cared for me a week and helped me to
visit the distant villages. I really appreciate his simplicity and
approachability. Everyone in the village and neighbourhood knows him. He is
good at shooting, taking photographs and making documentaries. He helps the
illiterate to write up their applications to obtain benefits from the
government.
I am appreciative of Sevantiben who has helped me to understand the
government benefits for the widows and others. She helped me to visit far away
villages and interact with men and women. She helped me to meet people of
different movements. She has a good rapport with people and the government officials.
She has good experience in her field.
I appreciate Rohitbhai & Jashuben who help many vulnerable
people.
I am indebted to Novelbhai who is an experienced person and who is
known to every single person in Songadh and the surroundings. He is a respectable
person who respects others. He is very warm and hospitable. His experience has
enriched the people and SHAKTI. He has still the vigour of the beginners of the
organization. His judgements on the cases and consultations are very
commendable. He is a humble man from whom I learnt a lot.
I really appreciate the love and concern shown to me by Rameshbhai,
Naranbhai, Manishaben, Rajeshbhai and all the staff members. I thought that I
will miss Fr. Stanny in this institution but through your warmth you made me
feel that he is present among you. I like the activities and interventions of
SHAKTI for the upliftment of the Adivasis. I really appreciate the cleanliness
and orderliness in this house. I enjoyed the delicious food of Saguben &
Sujataben.
Suggestions
To maintain a Register or a muster which could be signed for
greater sincerity, commitment and transparency. This will include the names,
date, arrival time, departure time, signature and remarks column. The director
or Asst. director checks the register during the visit and signs it.
Weekly plans need to be produced to every one in the meeting every
Monday.
To maintain a register for the visitors showing the names, purpose
of the visit, time, outcome of the visit (consultation) signature.
Those who come here for training should be motivated and staff’s
time and energy should be spent constructively. Eg AICUF, RTF
The initial commitment and
enthusiasm of the organization need to be revived.
Each staff member needs to inform the head of the office when
she/he is not able to come and not when contacted.
To preserve the cultural heritage of different tribes in SHAKTI
i.e. like museum keep the musical instruments so that the cultural heritage will
be preserved.
To have spoken English course for the staff and staff members to
have interest in learning English for better communication.
Marital disputes are the major problem in the present day and it
has to be adequately addressed to.
Alcohol and aftermath are serious problem among the youth which has
to be handled for the greater good of the community.
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Updating Siddhpur
The
pastoral work together with other government work regarding the trust and the
land is very interesting. We have regular Sunday Eucharist and visits to the
families. During the preparation to the Nativity of Our Lady we had daily mass
and it was a joy to be together. As for the land concerned I have prepared the
Master plan for the land with the help of Mr. John Mathew and Chandan. I have
submitted to the Archbishop and when it will be accepted by the Archbishop then
I will apply for the Non Agricultural Permission as the land now is the
agricultural one. I have applied for the
PAN card for the trust. I have also applied for 12AA certificate which exempts
the trust from tax and 80G certificate which will exempt income tax for all the
donors and sponsors.
Siddhpur
is a Taluka in Patan district of North Gujarat. Very few catholics are here and
as I minister to them together with the help of two nuns began Self Help Groups
in two villages of Umru and Gaglasan. Gradually we plan to begin a school and
also social work intervention in the villages. Kindly pray for us. I thank you
for your encouragement and support.(3rd October 2012)
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