Author: Web administrator

columns2018

Bullying must never become the new normal

Post author By Web administrator
Post date January 21, 2018

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI

In March 2017, Diane Montagna reported on Pope Francis’ plea to about 80,000 young people, parents, and educators in Milan, Italy. He expressed “his concern about bullying, which he called ‘an ugly phenomenon in education these days.’

“He warned parents and teachers to be on guard against bullying. He then turned his attention directly to young people… ‘Please … promise the Lord, and never do this, or allow it to happen at your school or in your neighborhood. Do you understand?… in silence, think about what an ugly thing this is, and think about whether you are able to promise Jesus. Do you promise Jesus never to bully?’ ‘Yes!’ the young people shouted.

Tags bullying, Youth

columns2018

Come and see

Post author By Web administrator
Post date January 14, 2018

There are many nuggets of wisdom in today’s readings. Reflect on them. I wish to focus on Jesus’ response to the two disciples who asked Him where He lived. John the Baptist told them: “Look, there is the lamb of God.” On hearing this, they immediately followed Jesus. And when they asked Him where He lived, He responded: “Come and see”. They followed Him immediately.

Jesus is forever calling us. The challenge is to hear His voice in the cacophony of noise/ distractions around us. With Carnival in the air, let us not forget to LISTEN to His voice. Remember, as our Second Reading today states: “Your body…is the temple of the Holy Spirit…you should use your body for the glory of God” (1 Cor 6:19–20).

columns2018

Let’s follow the star

Post author By Web administrator
Post date January 7, 2018

As we celebrate the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord this Sunday, let us reflect on how well we followed Christ last year, and resolve to follow Him more closely this year.

According to the Gospel ((Mt 2:1–12), the Magi came from the east, followed the star and found the Son of God, Jesus. As St Ambrose said: “…wherever Christ is, the star is too, for he is ‘the bright morning star’. With his light, then, he points to himself.”

Tags Christmas

columns2017

Remain in Christ, turn tests into testimonies

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 31, 2017

Today, the last day of 2017, we have an opportunity to review the past year and to plan for 2018.

It was on December 28, 2016 that my father, Balgobin Ramdeen, passed away in hospital in London. My siblings and I were angry as we felt that he died because of hospital negligence. I quarreled with God. His funeral was held on January 5, 2017 and I had to deliver the Eulogy.

God calmed me as I reflected on what a privilege it was that God had placed my siblings and me in Pa’s care. I was not going to let my anger steal the joy of having had such a wonderful father to teach and guide me. My dear mother, Ruby Ramdeen (nee Manning), had died in 1995. Together, Ma and Pa raised us well.

Tags migrant, refugee, World Day of Peace

columns2017

Saying ‘Yes’ to the Lord’s call

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 24, 2017

The Christmas tree is seen as Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St Peter's Square at the Vatican December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) — The Christmas tree is seen as Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St Peter’s Square at the Vatican December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ, & Director, CREDI

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation (Lk 1:26–38). Tomorrow we will celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus. Angel Gabriel’s initial greeting to Mary left her “deeply disturbed”. She did not understand what he meant when he said: “Rejoice, highly favoured! The Lord is with you“. He continued: “Mary, do not be afraid, you have won God’s favour…. Listen! you are to conceive and bear a son and you must name him Jesus….and his reign will have no end.” He later tells her that her old cousin, Elizabeth, whom people called “barren”, was six months pregnant.

Mary’s faith was strong. She believed the angel’s words that “nothing is impossible to God”. God has a plan for all of us. Are we as open to His plan as Mary was? Her humble, unreserved “Yes”; her fiat to His plan is reflected in her words to the angel: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me.” She submits/surrenders herself to His will totally and without further ado because of her belief. How strong is our faith?

Tags Christmas