Category: columns2020

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronisingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future”—Nelson Mandela.

Mandela’s words came to mind as I watched images of elderly persons looking in despair at rows of empty shelves in supermarkets in various parts of the UK. At the time of writing, I am in London and hope to return to T&T before British Airways ceases travelling that route from March 27, until travel restrictions are lifted, due to the impact of COVID-19.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!” (Martin Luther King Jr.)

As I watched a programme on TV in London recently, on forced sterilisation of several black women in South Africa, the words of Frederick Douglass came to mind and filled me with a rage for justice.
He had said: “The thing worse than rebellion, is the thing that causes rebellion.” Have you read about a scathing report published in February in which 48 cases of forced sterilisations have been documented by South Africa’s Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)? These forced sterilisations were conducted at 15 public hospitals in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces in South Africa.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

During this third Sunday in Lent, I want you to sit with your Bible and read today’s gospel: John 4:5–42 – The Saviour of the world revealed to the Samaritans.
If you want to deepen your spirituality, get together with your family and friends and engage in Lectio Divina, focusing on this gospel. By meditating on this reading, you will certainly draw closer to our Lord and understand what He wants you to do with your lives.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

The theme of Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2020 is: We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God, a quote from St Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians (5:20).
This year, Lent runs from Wednesday, February 26 to Thursday, April 9. The message was published on February 24. It was signed October 7, 2019, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI

“Lent is the path of the people of God toward Easter, a path of conversion, of fighting evil with the weapons of prayer, fasting and works of charity.” (Pope Francis)

Today, the first Sunday of Lent, we focus in the gospel on the devil’s temptation of Jesus during His 40 days and nights in the desert (Matt 4:1–11). The devil tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, to cast Himself off the temple, and to worship him.