All posts by CRI of Dimapur Zone

Conference of Religious of India (CRI) of Dimapur Zone is an association of religious institutions and houses in and around Dimapur district.
God, Prayer

IV SUNDAY OF LENT

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Fr. VINOD MASCARENHAS SDB

SATURDAY, 21 MARCH 2020·

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gather together as a family/ community. Create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately – switch off your phones – place lighted candles on the altar or a suitably-covered table…). You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:Christ, Be Our Light (https://youtu.be/JhQ0_XMUtvQ)The Sign of the Cross

Leader: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God forever.

All: Blessed be God forever.

Leader: Sunday is called the Lord’s Day because it was on this day that Jesus conquered sin and death and rose to new life. While we are not able to celebrate the Eucharist today and receive Communion, let us be united in spirit with the Church around the world and celebrate our redemption in Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection.We pray especially for all those affected by the corona-virus: for those ailing and those who have died; for healthcare professionals and caregivers; for those at airports; for civic officials…

Opening Prayer

Leader: God of all creation, we gather on this first day of the week made holy by the resurrection of Christ. In the waters of baptism, we were buried with him so that we might also rise with him and so share his victory over sin and death.

You have transformed our lives into the living stones that form your Church with Christ as the foundation stone. Strengthen our community’s bond of communion and peace during this uncertain time, and deepen our solidarity with your Church throughout the whole world.

Fill our homes with the spirit of the Gospel and give us the grace to see the true face of the people with whom we live. In a world torn by fear, sin and division make us instruments of reconciliation and mercy.

May we who celebrate Christ’s resurrection this day share in his eternal glory where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Readings

The readings and psalm are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary for Mass. Preferably use a Bible to proclaim the readings.1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032220.cfm

Reflection on the Readings

Use one of the following ways to reflect on the Readings.

Lectio Divina

Place yourself in the story of the man born blind. Pick a phrase or a sentence that strikes you (For instance: I was blind and now I see). Silently repeat the phrase. Meditate on what this phrase means to you at this point in your life; or what God is telling you through his word.

Sunday Snippets

Author John Griffin was blinded in an explosion during World War II. Twelve years later, he suddenly began to see what he described as “red sand”. A specialist later told him that a block to an optic nerve had abruptly cleared causing him to see. Commenting on his experience, Griffin said: “You can’t imagine what it is like for a father to see his children for the first time.”

The blind man of the gospel had an experience similar to Griffin’s: after Jesus anoints the man and he washes in the pool, a son saw his parents for the first time! He saw more than his parents; he saw Jesus as his Lord. While his physical sight was instantaneously restored, his spiritual sight grew in stages: Jesus is the man called Jesus, a prophet, a man of God, and finally Lord.

The Pharisees/Jews make an opposite journey; they become increasingly blind. They expel the man from the synagogue. Even his parents disassociate themselves from him out of fear.

For the evangelist, this is not merely another miraculous cure. John is writing to a community that is experiencing rejection from Jewish society. Through this sign, he presents the blind man as a model of spiritual growth to encourage them to continue to “see” Jesus as their Lord.

Like the blind man, we have been anointed and washed in the waters of baptism. Have I grown in my faith response to Jesus: do I “see” him as my Lord… or is he merely a man, a prophet, a man from God? Am I ready to risk rejection in my desire to see Jesus?

Questions to Ponder

Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions (share your reflections if you wish!):

Reading 1: When was a time that a first impression about someone (no names!) or something was proven to be far from the reality? Was there ever a time in your life when something seemingly insignificant made a significant impact? How do you wish to be judged by others? How can we better “look into the hearts” of others?

Psalm: What are the “dark valleys” that we face in our lives right now? What are the “green pastures” and “safe waters” that God has provided? In what other ways have you experienced the abundance of God in your life?

Reading 2: What does it mean to be called “a child of light?” Are there any “fruitless works of darkness” in your life that need to be exposed? How can you continue to grow in your spiritual journey, moving from “darkness” to “light”?

Gospel: Who is someone you admire because they are overcoming a disability? Has there ever been a physical or emotional misfortune in your life that has turned into an opportunity for the demonstration of God’s power? Has your faith ever made you feel outcast? How do you answer the question “Why?” concerning pain or suffering in your life? When did you first see Jesus as the light of your world?

Profession of Faith

Recite either the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed

Prayer of the Faithful

Leader: With faith in God’s promises, let us now present our needs and petitions.

Reader: For the holy Church: that all of us may serve as beacons of light in this world during difficult times, we pray to the Lord…

Reader: For civic leaders: that they may make the right decisions to combat the corona-virus and its effects, we pray to the Lord…

Reader: For people living with disabilities: that they may cope with the effects of their disability, we pray to the Lord…

Reader: For all healthcare workers, care-givers, and for all who work to heal those suffering from corona-virus in every way: that the Lord protect them from all harm, we pray to the Lord…

Reader: For those preparing for the Easter Sacraments: that they may walk in the light of Christ and reflect that light to others, we pray to the Lord…

Reader: For all who have died, especially victims of the corona-virus pandemic, and for their loved ones, and for all who have died to rise in glory on the last day, we pray to the Lord…

Reader: For all of us: that we may look beyond appearances and attempt to see the face of Christ in all people, celebrating diversity and promoting the gifts each person brings, we pray to the Lord…

Leader: God of love, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, and grant us what we ask of you in faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

All: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.

THANKSGIVING

The act of thanksgiving may be a song, hymn, psalm, canticle, or litany. For instance:Thank You, Lord (https://youtu.be/pQztFd6W1fs)Adapted from the website of the Diocese of Camden.

Prison

PRISON Ministry is A Vocation

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On 23 February 2020, CRI of Dimapur Zone conducted a  meeting of the religious who visit the prisons in Dimapur area. The meeting commenced at 2.00 pm in the Conference Hall of Salesian Provincial House, Dimapur. It was presided over by Rev. Fr. Benny SDB, the President of CRI, Dimapur Unit. The meeting began with a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit, “Welcome Holy Spirit” after which the members were extended a warm welcome with a beautiful video clip.

There were two speakers who spoke on theme “Prison Ministry’ with their vast experiences in the field of Prison Ministry.  Sr. Letitia D’Silva UFS enlightened the members with her rich experiences at Guwahati prisons. She presented an insightful sharing during her talk. Citing Scriptural quotation, “When I was in prison, you visited me” (Mt 25:36), she urged the need to pray and work for them. Furthermore, it is apt to have interest to be Shepherds to the prisoners as Priests, Sisters, Brothers, etc. She assured that we can play a good role in the prison ministry, trusting in God’s providence. She brought to the notice of the members that the Local Bishop is the chairman for Prison Ministry in the Diocese besides Regional and National levels’ Chairman. She also brought out the possibilities of how to minimize prisoners of which one of the best ways is to motivate the students. Likewise, Sr. Clare Jose FCC, the second speaker, presented another motivating talk on ‘Prison Ministry’ using power point presentation. She stressed upon the true inner thirst based on the Word of God mainly on ‘I Thirst’ (Jn 19:28), The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…. to set the prisoners free (Lk 4: 18-19). Thus, the Lord is asking to us as who can quench this thirst. She elaborated her session with its aim, vision and mission of the prison ministry. Besides, she also cited multiple examples of those who cared for the prisoners from the past history like Jesus, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, etc. Both resource persons spoke much on the need and the importance of prayers for the prisoners and the ministry. The session was conducted in a very lively manner.

Fr. Benny thanked the speakers for their enriching presentation. He added that this is our vocation, all are not meant for it. He divided the participants into four groups and asked them to discuss upon the challenges faced as well as the possibilities to overcome such problems in the prison ministry. Each group was given chance to share their discussion points. Some of them have been highlighted as in the following points:

Difficulties/Challenges                                                             

  • Ignorance of legal aspects
  • Language barriers
  • Limited time
  • Lack of interest
  • Authorities do not permit certain prisoners to be mingled

Possibilities

  • Counseling 
  • Learn Language
  • Seminar/Awareness programme on legal cell
  • Form a team for counseling
  • Attending a short-term training for Prison Ministry held at Bangalore

Fr. Benny commented his observation after each reporting by the groups. He also asked all those who go to prison for a short report to be submitted to him which will be published in the website. He reminded that WhatsApp group would be meant only for the purpose. Finally, he expressed his sincere thanks to the resource persons, the unit secretary and the participants. 36 members comprising of priests, sisters and brothers attended the programme. The meeting concluded with a short prayer at 4.00 pm followed by photo session and tea.

By Sr. Agnes Sanihe MSMHC

Prison, UFC

You Came to Visit Me!

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Dimapur: The sisters and novices of St. Ursula’s Novitiate went to the Central Jail, Dimapur for ministry on 8 February 2020. They began the programme at 8.45 am and concluded at 10.00 am. The programme commenced with a prayer service with the theme: “In Jesus we have new life”. After the prayer service they presented a short cultural programme which included some dances, action songs, skit and folk songs. All these carried the message of mercy and forgiveness of Heavenly Father. There were around 120 participants who took part in the programme. 

At the end of the programme they stretched their hands over them and prayed loudly and concluded the short interaction with them with a thanksgiving hymn to the Lord. They also distributed some snacks and sweets to the inmates. The inmates of the central  jail of Dimapur were happy and joyful with the programme organised by the novices and sisters of UFC novitiate of Dimapur. 

The UFC novices and the sisters with Rt. Rev. James Thoppil DD, Bishop of Kohima
Books of the Week, CRI Dimapur, Fr. Benny James, God

God of Surprises

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The Book of 52nd Week

The book of the week by Fr. Benny James SDB

God of Surprises is a book written by a well known literary figure of our era, Fr. Gerard W. Hughes, a Catholic Priest of contemporary period. This book on spiritual journey is written after his famous and well appreciated book In Search of a Way (1978). This book is the result of the author’s deep reflection and experience. According to Gerald Preistland this is “one of the great books of spiritual guidance”.  The subject is divided into thirteen chapters, making 162 pages in all. The effort of the author to reach the God of surprises is visible from the first chapter to eighth chapter. The quest to know fully the God of surprises, revealed at each step, continues till the last line of the thirteenth chapter.

The God whom we encounter in this book is different from our God, the God of our making. Each chapter is introduced with a suitable caption and immediately follows a short quotation to guide the reader to the destiny desired by the chapter viz encountering the God of Surprises. The language is suited to the matter and the author takes special care to expound his notion frankly and vividly. This book is worth reading. I, myself have read it, nay, meditated on it. Warning: This book will be against your idea of God. You will meet a different God in this book – God of Surprises. Therefore all those who intend to read it get ready for surprises.

by Fr. Benny James SDB

Books of the Week

The Inner Voice of Love

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The Book of 51th Week

When you experience a great need for human affection, you have to ask yourself whether the circumstances surrounding you and the people you are with are truly where God wants you to be. Whatever you are doing— watching a movie, writing a book, giving a presentation, eating, or sleeping- you have to stay in God’s presence. If you feel a great loneliness and a deep longing for human contact, you have to be extremely discerning. Ask yourself whether the  situation is truly God-given. Because where God wants you to be, God holds you safe and gives you peace, even when there is pain.

To live a disciplined life is to live in such a way that you want only to be where God is with you. The more deeply you live your spiritual life, the easier it will be to discern the difference between living with God and living without God, and  the easier it will be to move away from the places where God is no longer with you.

The great challenge here is faithfulness, which must be lived in the choices of every moment. When you are eating, drinking, working, playing, speaking, or writing is no longer for the glory of God, you should stop it immediately, you begin living for your own glory. Then you separate yourself from God and do yourself harm.

Your main question should always be whether something is lived with or without God. You have your own inner knowledge to answer that question. Every time you do something that comes from your needs for acceptance, affirmation or affection, and every time you do something that makes these needs grow, you know that you are not with God. These needs will never be satisfied; they will only increase when you yield to them. But every time you do something for the glory of God, you will know God’s peace in your heart and find rest there.                 

Sr. Francisca Singh DC

Books of the Week

The Prayer of the Frog

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Anthony de Mello’s The Prayer of the Frog Vol.1& Vol.11 is an ocean of treasure concealed. The book presents treasures in the form of stories to steer and to have a long lasting effect on mind of the readers. It is a dictionary to look up, to matters on education, power, spirituality, relationship, human nature, service, enlightenment etc.  Values are imparted through the powerful grip of stories. The profound quest of an individual for knowledge and meaning in life is to be found in it. History and story blends to pierce and to reveal the truth. The camera of human mind can capture endless number of images and impressions. Yet we can’t remember them all. But the stories and historic events cited in The Prayer of the Frog help you remember whatever and whenever you want with associate memory in the light of the story narrated .It is worth reading to ignite one’s mind and enrich. The book can be a daily meditation. It has the following content in different sessions:-

  • Education
  • Authority
  • Spirituality
  • Human Nature
  • Relationship
  • Service

It is a great reservoir of values and spiritual wealth. The book can be compared to Francis Bacon’s Essays in terms of its aphorisms, terseness and apothegmatic styles. Here let me quote Bacon “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few are to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.”

Sr. Shiny FCC

CRI Dimapur, Fr. Benny James, President of CRI, Religious Life

For the Young at Heart

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The Dimapur CRI zone had organized a get together for all the Religious sisters who are young at heart on 24th November 2019 at Assisi Community, Dimapur. It was an enriching experience for me. I feel proud and honoured to be counted among the religious of sisters young at heart; being a sister has given me the opportunity to many types of people, places, culture and learn from them. On this day too, I not only learned many things but got to know many more sisters and about their Congregations and charism. 

The talk of Fr Stanislaus Selvaraj SDB about Canon Law gave me knowledge about the church and consecrated life. Some of his talks reminded me of my formation period, wherein I was asked to focus on saving souls and not of things that are perishable.  

The sharing by the sisters about their Congregations and the Charism was another interesting moment which redirected me back to my own vocation and Charism. The action songs and dances led by the Salesian Collage brothers made us alive and active so that we were refreshed to last next session. The culmination of the gathering was the Holy Eucharist which was celebrated by Fr Benny, followed by group photo.

I am really very grateful to Fr Benny the president of CRI Dimapur Zone who arranged this enriching programme for the sisters who are young at heart, I am also grateful to my superior who gave me an opportunity to attend this programme.  

Sr. Mhalesenu Marina FSMA

Books of the Week

Walk with God

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Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895 -1979) a well- known person, a great writer and good speaker is no stranger to millions around the world who have read his books, watched him on television or heard his recorded messages on tape, radio or CD. He has travelled the whole world through his books and many people get inspired and enlightened with his writings. I think it is not very much needed to introduce him as many of you might have read several books of his and made use of his writings in your speeches and talks. I myself had read some books of his and was much inspired and enriched with his ideas and points.
Walk with God is one of such several books that echos the thoughts and voices of Fulton. J.Sheen. When the reflections were first published in 1965 the book immediately became a best seller.

Here the author mentions about four types of persons who miss their mark in the world:

  • Some are lost through their own stupidity and thoughtlessness .
  • Some are lost through the carelessness of others .
  • Some others ; go by deliberate choice.
  • Last type are lost because they are blind to their own sinfulness and need.
    Each of these type is addressed by the Lord Jesus Christ in his parables of The Lost sheep, the Lost coin, the prodigal son and
    the elder son .
    The writing is simple yet profound and thought provoking. He uses suitable examples and related it to the present life situations . With his wisdom and calibre the book is arranged systematically with five parts:
  • Turning from the Road of Confusion.
  • Turning from the Road of Misguidance .
  • Turning from the Road of Evil Intent .
  • Turning from the Road of Conceit .
  • The way of Blessedness.
    The book takes us to gather different types of people who could have turned from their misguidance to reach the Blessedness in their lives .

It can be very helpful and supportive for one’s talk or speech. It is much helpful for reflection and meditation . The passages can be shared and the message can easily be communicated to the people. Infact, each one when reading through the book might probably find his or her image in the very parable and the situations alike. It could lead us to awareness and introspection. Indeed, the author provides us with a lot of profound wisdom and guidance to help us in our daily life.

By Sr. Agatha Phamnitin SABS

CRI Dimapur, Fr. Benny James, President of CRI, Religious Life

CONSECRATED LIFE

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On 24th November, one-day programme was held at Assisi, Lake view Dimapur, for the Junior Sisters and those young at heart. The program was organized by CRI Dimapur unit. They were 28 participants from different congregations. Fr. Benny James SDB, President of CRI Dimapur was the main animator. Sr. Francisca DC, Secretary of CRI, Sr. Mary Dukru and Sr. Felicita were present on the occasion. The program began with a prayer dance by the candidates of Ursuline followed by welcome address by Fr. Benny James SDB, and the resource person Fr. Stanislaus Selvaraj SDB (Canon Law from Rome). The theme for the occasion was “Religious Life from the Perceptive of the Church Laws”. Fr. Stanislaus gave an introduction to Canon Law, its scope and consecrated life. He stressed on the salvation of souls (Salutem animarum) which is the Supreme Law of the church. The Church Laws were codified in 1752  as Canon Laws of Latin Church. He made us realize the rich input that has gone into the Canon Laws. He mainly spoke on the consecrated life. During the sessions there were icebreaking sessions animated by Cl. Phabian Baglari and Cl. David Thongniba H, from Salesians College. They kept the participants alive and active.

In the afternoon sessions, one member from each congregation shared their charism, vocation experience and the challenges they faced. It was an enriching experience which made us, to understand the unique call of God. This was followed by the Eucharistic celebration officiated by Fr. Benny James SDB. In his homily, he exhorted us to make Christ the king to be the centre of our lives being the solemnity of Christ the King. Soon after the Mass, Sr. Francisca DC thanked Fathers and the community Sisters for their generosity and hospitality. We also extend our thanks to the CRI Dimapur zone for the opportunities that they have given us to understand our vocation a little more. 

by Sr. Tsopoe Elizabeth FMA

Books of the Week, Fr. Benny James, Religious Life

A Radical Love a Path of Light

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The Book 48 Week

The book entitled, A Radical Love a Path of Light – The Beauty and Burden of Religious Life is a book written by Fr. Joe Mannath SDB. This is a simple, straight-forward book on religious life without hiding any facts and presents challenges faced by religious today. Hence, the approach is down to earth and sincere and thought provoking. No mask has been drawn to cover up, but the author paints religious life as seen in the world today. 
The book is good for personal reflection and enrichment. This is also a good book in the hand of formators and those who are involved in spiritual direction. Definitely this book will also find enough resources for conferences, talks on religious topics, and resources for group building. Indeed, this book will throw light on what religious life is all about. The canvas of religious life drawn by many may vary, but the author of this book draws the picture of religious life as seen, observed and studied. It is the real religious life that one can see, in flesh and blood!
Even a casual perusal will reveal that God wants to learn from the past and make necessary amendments for future of religious life. The founders of various congregations fashioned the religious life as they visualized it, but today we need to live in the present-day context with its challenges. We need to live it today!
The stories that are narrated almost on every page is about true situations, which will compel every reader to go through the pages after pages without getting bored or suffocated. I have read it more than once and admired the presentation and direct approach. Definitely, it can help anyone to have a glimpse of the radical love behind our commitment and make our religious life an inspiration for many. It is said that “today the leaders are watched more than listened to.” Dear reader, you are being watched! What are you waiting for, preach with your life and action!

By Fr. Benny James SDB