John Fernandes, SJ
F r.Paul Madej in his speech to the Good News
Center in Utica preparing them for Advent said,
“We must give an Acronym to every week of
Advent focusing on concrete ways of doing something, and the Acronym is M.E.R.C.Y.” Pope Francis in his declaration of the year of Mercy too says, we need to open our doors to the Christian value of being merciful as
God is merciful. We have to come out of selfishness and welcome God's mercy to flow through our lives to others. This act reminds me of the carol, “Last
Christmas” as it goes, 'Last Christmas
I gave you my heart the very next day you gave it away.” So friends this
Christmas open your heart, to be kind and merciful.
The Theme of our edition is on MERCY so I thought let me highlight the Acronym as Fr. Paul
Madej has explained. 'M' of the
Acronym 'M.E.R.C.Y' stands for
'Motivate' , due to the lack of mercy there is violence around us, so how are we to motivate ourselves and others to show acts of mercy today?
'E' is to eliminate . One needs to eliminate the sins within us and put on the splendor of God forgiving ourselves and others even those who persecute us. In the present world of Terror and fear we need to eliminate fear and put on courage to face it with Mercy.
'R' is to rest in the Lord through prayer, laughter, obedience and relationships. God is merciful and just, rest in the Lord and one will find peace and harmony even in turmoil and disasters. As the Lord says, “Come to me and I will give you rest.”
'C' is Conscience . The conscience will never let us down, it is the voice of God. When we allow our conscience to take charge we get the grace to bear misery and wrongs with patience and the capacity to build bridges based on love.
'Y' represent ' YES ' to God's Mercy, accepting
JESUS within and to let go our sinfulness and to be rejuvenated with the grace of MERCY to act Mercifully.
Therefore let us focus on that aspect we wish to fix to make space for God.
The Theme of this edition
' BEING MER – CI – FUL' emphasises the act of 'BEING' and
'SEEING'. When we see so much of injustice, wretchedness, intolerance and crimes, are not our hearts moving with MERCY to ACT? The Message we accentuated is, don't just SEE but
ACT in your own limits. Lancy's article will take you into the depth of b e i n g M e r c i f u l t h r o u g h t h e highlights of the Papal Bull
' MISERICORDIAE VULTUS' . As we are aware that Pope Francis, having seen the Miseries of marriage, has proposed a New ' Moto
Proprio' the knowledge of it is elucidated by Fr. Jose
Charimel as a Tribunal of the Church. We have Sr. Helen voicing her views on the Document on Mercy from feminist perspectives and Sr. Usha focusing on the
' Healing Presence of Ours' through an interview. The articles have a blend of the season of advent, incarnation and Ecology, the idea of phenomenology, deeds of
Mercifulness, stories and Poems to deepen your experience of reading. Wish you a knowledge filled reading and Happy Christmas.
(John nd
is a 2 year theology student at JDV, Pune.)
02

Analysis
Helen Dantis, ufs
T his brief exposé deals with three concerns, namely, preliminaries on the theme, elucidating the grapple to implement the decrees of the
Jubilee of Mercy, and a feminist perspective regarding authorizes all priests (otherwise reserved to the Holy
See) to forgive the sin of abortion for 'those who have procured it and who with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it'. He ensures that the suffrages of the Church obtain for them the indulgence. the implementation of the decrees.
Preliminaries
The idea of 'Mercy' comes from a Trinitarian aspect of God's forgiveness and compassion endowed on humans through the Holy Spirit. Wherein the Church as a seat of mercy is an alternative where true justice – that is, mercy – is proclaimed, lived, and pursued.
While the reality of abortion could be an outcome of a mutual decision between a man and a woman, the act of abortion itself holds a female accountable significantly since it occurs within her physique. In the words of Pope Francis, she suffers the 'scar of the agonizing and painful decision deeply in her heart'. In dealing with this crucial concern, the Pope has walked/walks the talk of the Jubilee of Mercy. The
Grappling with the Implementation of the Jubilee of
Mercy
The decrees pertaining to the implementation of the Jubilee of Mercy have been illustrated more clearly by Pope Francis in his exhortation to individual bishops concerning the object of the Bull – enabling the Church to be the Face of Mercy. The Church/we is/are invited to manifest the Face of Mercy of the Trinity through spiritual and corporal works. These logically framed decrees, which are wretched realities of our world, await the light of day. The Pope exhorts to resume these works by 'reawakening our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty'.
Church/we is/are left with the mission of being a means of mercy, i.e., addressing feminist concerns of subordination and oppression several sections of people especially women suffer and envisioning possibilities for both individual and collective resistance to such atrocities. For, “wherever the Church is present, the mercy of the Father must be evident”. In other words, her/our credibility is seen in how she/we shows/show merciful and compassionate love through works of mercy overcoming usual indifference and reaching out to those who are wounded/ perpetrators of offences and in need of help. Mercy needs to be present not just as a
A Feminist Perspective...
A true feminist – focusing on the disadvantaged, the downtrodden –, the Pope considers the suffering and broken society, the sick, elderly and alone, the incarcerated, the diseased..., and declares them to be beneficiaries of the Church's spiritual and corporal works of mercy. In particular, he highlights a specific category of people experiencing an existential and moral ordeal – those suffering the torment of the sin of abortion. While duly underlining the seriousness of the act of abortion
('murder' according to Pope John Paul II, cf. Evangelium
Vitae 58) and highlighting its underlying facets –
'agonizing and painful decision' and 'the belief of several women that they have no other option', Pope Francis word, but with the same concreteness that we see in the
Gospel .
Conclusion
A feminist perspective of the implementation of the Jubilee of Mercy would solicit not merely advocating for gentleness, compassion, generosity, understanding, and non-judgemental attitude but also 'being merciful as our Father is merciful' (Lk 6:36) that is, participating in
God's love for God's creatures. It is to feel responsible for the other, to desire the well-being of the other and translate the feeling into action. May one and all experience wholeness during this Jubilee of Mercy.
(Sr Helen is a guest lecturer at JDV, teaching
Theology of Human Person and Feminist Theology)
03

Article
Rolphy Pinto, SJ
I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see.
I sought my God, but my God eluded me.
I sought my brother, and I found all three.
William Blake
The root of the word 'mystique' is from the Greek my which means close - to close the eyes and the mouth in order to see the unseeable and say the unsayable. A mystic is one who has a glimpse of the incomprehensible vision of absolute reality by closing the eyes, i.e., by l o o k i n g i n w a r d s . B u t t h e incomprehensible transcendence is also immanence, Immanuel , God is with us and in us. The transcendence of
God is such that it can manifest itself in the here and now, to anyone and anywhere – Incarnation. This is the theological basis for a mysticism of open eyes .
It is J. B. Metz who introduced the concept of the mysticism of the open eyes. For him it is not just a romantic idea encountering God in the good, true and beautiful. The scriptural experience of
God is more a mysticism of open eyes than of closed eyes. It goes beyond one's personal relationship with
God and touches the suffering of others. Mystical experience is not a question of having extraordinary visions, but attaining a new vision of reality that grasps
God as the ultimate source and foundation of all that is.
The illumination by the river Cardoner infused in
St. Ignatius of Loyola a new vision of reality. “… everything seemed new to him” (Autobiography [30]). In the last contemplation of the Spiritual Exercises ,
Contemplation to Attain Love, Ignatius invites the exercitant to consider how God dwells in creatures, how
God labours and works for me, and how all good things descend from above (Cf. Sp.Ex.
[235-237]). Ignatius's mysticism is primarily a mysticism of open eyes. This spirituality is at the root, of his pioneering vision of religious life which is radically apostolic, of finding God in all things and all things in God. Ignatius's spirituality is also deeply incarnational that sees the reality as permeated by divinity. Taking the cue from this T. de
Chardin would say, “By virtue of Creation, and still more the Incarnation, nothing here below is profane for those who know how to see”.
A Cherokee poem inspires us to open our eyes, ears… our outer and inner senses in order to evolve a new vision of reality.
The man whispered, “God, speak to me.”
And a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.
So the man yelled, “God, speak to me!”
Thunder rolled across the sky. But the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said,
“God, let me see you.”
A star shone brightly. But he noticed it not.
And the man shouted, “God, show me a miracle.”
And a life was born. But the man didn't feel the pulse of life.
So, the man cried out in despair,
“Touch me, God, and let me know that you are here!”
Whereupon God reached down and touched the man.
But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
Mysticism of open eyes is required not only to reach out to our suffering brothers and sisters, but also to care for our common home.
(Rolphy teaches Spiritual Theology at Pontifical
Gregorian University, Rome)
04

Article
S. Leo Arockia Raj, SJ
grandeur environment too.
M ercy' can be expressed or experienced in and through the acts of compassion, s y m p a t h y, f o rg i v e n e s s , p i t y, e t c .
Humankind, among all creations, is endowed with mercy. Keeping it either active or dormant depends on the individual’s desire. This article delineates the eminent stalwarts, whose mercy have brought life to others and indicates further how this aspect is gradually fading in humankind.
Yahweh says “I have heard the cry of my people”.
This indicates that the cry of the humanity is heard. On the other hand, there is no concrete pioneer, as in the case of humanity, to show the path how to comprehend the cry of the mother earth as she is degraded her dignity, even spilt into fragments day by day through monstrous attitudes of human beings, who are supposed to be the cocreators. One feels pride at his/her mighty deeds.
Emmanuel Levinas, a renowned philosopher, often describes mercy as the face of the other that makes one neither to be a voluntary, active receiving of the o t h e r , n o r t o b e a n
However, death is not only caused to one being on the earth but also to the environment. Because, each one has a role to play in his /her life time that cannot be replaced by others. Even if, he/ she is i n v o l u n t a r y , p a s s i v e imposition. To welcome the face of the other is to enter into a relationship in which replaced by someone, the replaced person has double responsibility towards oneself, others and nature. the possibility of ethical atrocities against the weaker sections today, especially
' P u n e T i m e s commitment arises. To cite an poor Lazarus in the Bible and the barbaric and brutal
M i r r o r ' d a t e d o n example, it is the face of the passive imposition. For examples, the rich man and the
18/11/2015 illustrates the sufferings owing to lack of being merciful is innate to us, yet few are bound to be in story of two dogs, Athena morality and injustice that them and sheltered them with love and concern. Though and Zeus, in which Zeus enkindled the fire of mercy
Theresa's consciousness, and in turn she agglomerated was barking continuously among the Trinity, resulting and the helpless on the road side that stirred up Mother for two days until it got in the salvation of human kind in and through Jesus centuries later, it is the face of the destitute, the hopeless help for Athena who had got stuck in a chain link barrier.
Christ. This spirit is passed on to few. For instance, If a dog, considered as less dignified creature, had so much mercy for its own kind, what about us? Actually, our eyes are encrusted due to either the mentality of having extortionate things rather than being more in life, or the influence of instantaneous attitude in all the sphere of life. In spite of the lesson from Zeus, if we persist in the way we do now, no one wards off us in the future. Hence,
It is the time to decide fast a strategy to transform our attitude towards oneself, others and nature to sustain life the child abuses and abuse of the rights of the tribals. As on the earth. the years go by, the aspect of mercy should not be limited nd
(Leo is a 2 year philosophy student at JDV, Pune.) to humanity alone but to be extended towards
05

Article
Ajay Bara, SJ
I n my point of view, being merciful towards living creatures is one of the greatest virtues of humanity on the face of the earth. Being merciful implies not only towards living creatures, but also towards one's own
perspective. St. Francis felt a deep kinship with all of creation, addressing them as “ brother” or “sister,” firmly believing that everything came from the same creative Source (God the Creator). Indeed, St. Francis' r e s p e c t f o r fellow beings and even towards one's own enemy as set creation appeared forth by our own Lord Jesus Christ. Mercy unfolds the t o h a v e n o limitless environmental relations with all the living as boundaries. It is well as non- living beings in the whole of universe. Thus, said that he once
'mercy' can be considered as the doorway to removed worms reconciliation and peace leading to cardinal virtues from a busy road such as love , hope, and charity among all the living and placed them to the side so that they would not be beings. Hence, 'mercy' is the essence of the whole crushedunder human traffic. According to him, a lack of humanity and the overflowing healthy feeling of compassion for animals/creatures leads to a lack of kindness and gentleness pouring out from one's core of mercy towards humans. “ If you have men who exclude the heart. Furthermore, it is a positive attitude that helps any of God's creation from the shelter of compassion one come out of his/her comfort zones and feel one with and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with all the living beings so as to strengthen the environmental their fellow men, ” he said.
relations.
As we already know that there are basically two distinct schools of Christian thought: The Aristotelian-
Thomistic School and the Augustinian- Franciscan
School. The Aristotelian- Thomistic school teaches that animals/ creatures are here for our pleasure and they have n o i n d e p e n d e n t purpose. We can eat them, torture them in laboratories and do whatever we feel like doing with them for our survival. Most modern Christians embrace this form of t h e i r r e l i g i o n .
H o w e v e r t h e
Augustinian- Franciscan School teaches that all living beings are brothers and sisters under God's fatherhood.
Based largely on the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi , this platonic worldview fits neatly within the vegetarian
According to the Islamic faith , the Prophet
Muhammad was the embodiment of mercy; he showed compassion to all, including animals, tiny insects and creatures. He also treated the environment with respect and mercy . He taught his followers that animals/ creatures were part of God's creation and they should be treated with dignity, due care and respect. According to
Jainism, “ Ahimsa” or Non- Violence is one of the ethical codes playing a vital role and it is at the 'heart' of the religion itself. It is a virtue based on Universal love and mercy towards all living creatures.
Finally, my humble and earnest request to humanity is that everyone must strike a balance in their treatment of animals and all living creatures knowing well that they (all living creatures) are put on this earth by the Creator for our own support in the process of maintaining environmental relations, equilibrium, and peace on this beautiful blue planet. As a matter of fact, they are not at the same level like human beings;
(Cont’d on Pg.7 )
06

Article
B. Inna Showry,SJ
B lessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain the mercy” (Mt5:7). The joy of being merciful means to be moved with compassion towards the needy. Merciful God loved the world so much and in his richness and compassion he sent his only begotten
Son to redeem the world with love. He is the merciful father. It is seen in the parable of the prodigal son, and the woman who was caught in adultery.
The root of mercy is love and this love never looks for any reward, but the good of the one who is in need. Mercy puts no condition on its way. The experience of love being reciprocated is beautiful, but it should not become a criterion for us to act. Age, gender, caste and creed are no barrier for mercy. A child of a tender age can be as merciful towards others as an elderly person in his/ her eighties; a man can be as merciful as a woman; a Muslim or a Hindu can be as charitable as a Christian. Now the time has come for the Catholic Church to take up the joyful call to mercy once more. It is time to return to the basics and to bear the weakness and struggles of the brothers and sisters. Mercy is the force that reawakens us to new life and instills in us the courage to look forward to the future with hope. Therefore one has to experience the joy of giving, sharing, and sacrificing. It is a joy of looking into those faces where hope has been renewed, faith has been restored, and gladness and joy have replaced gloom and misery.
We need a particular way of seeing. In a needy world, we easily train our eyes to look for what we want from others instead of what others may need from us. We need the eyes of Jesus to look at the needy with mercy to respond to the human need, move among the suffering, and give help to those in need. We live in a world of human need. There are physical needs emotional needs, and spiritual needs. We live in a world of sin. People hurt each other, neglect responsibilities, fight, argue, and do as they like. These sins create many more needs, the need for cleansing, comfort, healing, security, love, and forgiveness. In this world there are offenses, sin, abuse, oppression, and atrocity; because of which we find suffering, miserable, wretched people as long as we are in this
Let us rediscover these corporal works of mercy, to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. And let us not forget the spiritual works of mercy, to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead.
( st
Showry is a 1 year theologian at JDV, Pune.)
(Cont’d from Pg. 6 ) world. We are to look out for those who are sick, out caste, or lonely and to have mercy on them. neither should they be treated cruelly and mercilessly. It is humankind's responsibility to see that they meet the basic needs for survival- food, water, and shelter . We must see to it that they are not overburdened, abused, or tortured. If we do so it will surely result in God's wrath and just punishment.
nd
(Ajay is a 2 year philosopher at JDV, Pune )
07

Article
Sr. Clara, fsp
G od is Love and it was this very Love that impelled God to become one of us. 'And the word became flesh and dwelt among us'
(Jh.1:14a). This is the mystery of the Incarnation.
Jesus' merciful attitude when he advises the woman not to sin again and to go in peace. “He defends the sinner from her enemies; he defends her against an unjust condemnation”, he continued, “Mercy is the way in which God forgives our sins”.
In the beginning, God's first plan was to create us in His own Image and Likeness because He had a desire to share His infinite love with us. He did create us, but we rejected Him and fell into sin. So, God has to go a step further to redeem us with even greater act of love. He goes even to the extent of giving Himself to become one among us, just to redeem us. I would consider this
“Incarnation” an act of God's mercy.
God's mercy becomes especially visible in and through Christ. He assumed our frailty, weakness and limitation, and moved by our suffering. He reached out to us and healed our wounds of hatred, unforgiveness, and our anxieties by his Mercy and compassion. We see the
As his followers, what is our response and mission in today's world? Are we reflecting this same mercy and compassion of Jesus in our life? When we look into our world, we see that it is divided by hatred, and torn apart by wars etc. Look at the "inhuman" attacks on Paris venues which left at least 129 people killed and hundreds injured, and the displacement of people in
Syria. The saddest thing is that these things are done by human beings created in the image and likeness of God.
How can we justify and understand these things? Forget about the world outside. Are we moved by the suffering of our own brothers and sisters in our families, communities, institutions and neighborhood? Can I be that 'Incarnation', of God who dwelt among His people, by radiating God's mercy and compassion? Can I forgive my sister, brother or friend who has hurt me? But how can
I become one if I myself am in need of forgiveness and mercy? We know it is not easy, but this is the challenge placed before us, as being followers of Christ who has shown us through His own life that it is possible.
tangible example of God's mercy and forgiveness in the life of the woman caught in adultery. On the one side we have the Pharisees and the elders, sinful and selfrighteous, in a hurry to condemn her. On the other side we have Jesus, sinless yet merciful. He condemned neither the women, nor the others. He just made them know themselves and their own sinful ways. We all know what happened afterwards. They all left, starting from the eldest. Pope Francis says that this episode shows us
As we are in the season of Advent, a great time of mercy, let us be open to the invitation of our Holy Father
Pope Francis who says, “Dear brothers and sisters, let us be enveloped by the mercy of God; let us trust in his patience, which always gives us more time. Let us find the courage to return to his house, allowing ourselves to be loved by him and to encounter his mercy in the sacraments. We will feel his wonderful tenderness, we will feel his embrace, and we too will become more capable of mercy, patience, forgiveness and love”. nd
(Sr Clara is a 2 year theology student at JDV, Pune)
08

Article
Lancy Fernandes SJ
M ercy' is a theme dear to Pope Francis. Pope
Francis has convoked the Extraordinary
Jubilee Year of Mercy throughout the
Church through the bull, Misericordiae vultus (Face of mercy – merciful like the Father).
This Holy Year will open on 8 December 2015, on the Solemnity of the
Immaculate Conception and will close with the liturgical
Solemnity of Christ the King on 20 November 2016. In my opinion, this year is a call for us to rediscover our
`Christianness' or Christian ethos by first having the experience of God's mercy so as to be
'Missionaries of Mercy.' these situations was nothing other than mercy. We also realize that Jesus Christ is the face of the Father's mercy in the very words of Jesus when he said, “Be merciful as your heavenly father is merciful ( Lk 6:36).
Pope begins by mentioning that the practice of mercy is waning in the wider culture. By saying “Mercy is the very foundation of the Church's life” (No.10), he means that in all the pastoral activity, preaching and in her witness to the world the church must manifest its credibility in showing mercy and compassionate love.
The Pope says that 'mercy' is not an abstract word, but rather a face to recognize, contemplate and serve.
It reveals the very mystery of the
Most Holy Trinity. Mercy is the ultimate and supreme act by which
God comes to meet us. It is the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his/her brothers and sisters on the path of life
(No. 1). According to the Pope, in mercy, we find proof of how God loves us. God always gives his entire self freely and asks nothing in return. He comes to our aid whenever we call upon him.
God the father in the history of Israel was merciful and patient. In Ex 34: 6, God revealed himself to
Moses as merciful and gracious, slow to anger…..Mercy was the bridge that connected God and humans. Jesus too, in his lifetime, was an epitome of mercy (Nos. 7 - 8).
Jesus felt compassion for the crowd (cf. Mt 9:36), the sick who were presented to him (cf. Mt 14:14), the enormous crowd who is hungry for the word (cf. Mt 15:37), and the pain of the widow of Nain What moved Jesus in all of
The Bull concludes (No. 23 – 24) with the mention of Mary and her hymn of praise, sung at the threshold of the home of Elizabeth, which speaks of the mercy of God that extends from 'generation to generation' ( Lk 1:50). We too are included in those prophetic words of the Virgin Mary. The Pope says that it must be a source of comfort and strength to us as we cross the threshold of the Holy Year to experience the fruits of divine mercy from the heart of the Trinity.
Yes, this year is the time to allow our hearts to be touched, says the
Pope. When confronted with evil deeds, even in the face of serious crimes, it is the time to listen to the cry of innocent people who are deprived of their property, their dignity, their feelings, and even their very lives. rd
(Lancy is a 3 year theologian at JDV, Pune.
)
09

Poetic Prose
Gilbert SJ
M ercy! It's beyond my life experience. What is it? Where does it come from; where it goes; how is it mentally and spiritually felt.
Expect nothing in mercy ……… but let it flow, let it happen as it may! God's Mercy gushes like honey and milk, so is the fusion of mercy that lies in one's life . There
I see my life flowing everyday in that direction. I let expectation pass through without any feelings, but I will be there, there and then, I feel....The fusion of mercy, gushes in and through me in silent breeze; feel the mercy fragrance. So you too would like to have the very experience of mercy filled moment, be there as you are, natural in style and speech, stand strong…..stand tall….stand calm and you will find the gentle touch of mercy reshaping your personality in style.
It can neither be seen nor can it be heard but only experienced in the silence of one's heart. One will not realize it, but you will find the result of it from within- a sort of satisfaction of being merciful to someone. If you have worries, anxieties, and fears, just tear open your heart, throw it into the deep ocean and forget it; the very moment in life, fusion of the limitless mercy will start filling you up, refreshing and revealing the fullness of life. It comes in silence by other’s deeds and touches our being from within.
God's mercy and forgiveness go hand in hand within one's heart. So in a way one is always protected under his wings of mercy like a duckling being protected by her mother's warmth from all danger of life. Mercy is built, broken and rejected yet MERCY remains an unruffled thing. Once in mercy, it's forever, there are no boundaries, no gate, no barriers and no limit but it goes beyond all things bringing JOY in all. In the silence of my heart when I explored the inner space there landed mercy, my dry land soften, as it flowed within filling the greenery of life for a pilgrim.
(Cont’d on Pg 11. )
Jayanti, SJ
I see here, there, everywhere,
My mother earth cries for mercy.
Whispering in my ears with pain for my hand.
This mother earth soothed all creatures of hers with love.
Now, she is filled with strife.
The tunes of trees die away,
The fragrances of flower taken away,
She desires help from kind beings.
She longs for love and compassion.
Poor, poor, poor! This mother,
Helpless became in midst of helpful technology.
Searching this mother for a kind battle,
Asking us, will I be saved by your kind act?
Her food became tasteless; water's color became pure less.
Animals became homeless at home.
The beauty of mother is snatched away.
She knocks at heart of kindhearted,
This mother earth could sense her forthcoming death.
She is abused, distorted and overused,
Human being is slaughtering this mother for selfish purposes and greed.
Though, her love was boundless for humanity,
Alas! She experienced human's brutality.
Suffocated this mother cries for mercy and kind act.
Alas! Will I have future?
Who would stand by me?
Oh! Where are you gracious beings?
Save me, I am a harmless mother,
Have mercy on me………!
st
(Jayanti is a 1 year philosopher at JDV, Pune)
10

Experience
Jeyaseelan, SJ
M ERCY!” What is it? Does it inherently mean the presence of two sides where one is inevitably at a higher level owing to status or possession of things, and the other is obviously at a lower level because the latter has less when compared to that of the former? Or is it 'Divine Forgiveness'? Or is it a word to be used only in 'Divine Conversations'? It can't be of any of these, can it? What is it, then? What does it mean to me or how do I feel it?
I, along with my batch companions, was in
Kodaikkanal for my 'month-long work experience'. As the very name indicates, we are supposed to 'work, earn and make our both ends meet with that hard-earned money'. We stayed in a small village and the people over there were very simple, loving and caring. It was with them we went to work. Having had the experience of farming in my village, I was hopeful of doing it well. I was supposed to collect coffee seeds. The more you collect the more you earn. I was naughty and playful that, at the end of the day, I had collected very little compared
The villagers didn't have any other income. It was then I had felt something. A woman who saw how little I had collected smiled at me, unique as that of a mother. What she had collected was for sure more than two- folds of mine. Though she had five mouths back at home to feed with the money earned on that day, she voluntarily and willingly gave me one-third of what she had collected. To be true it was not less at all. She did this to me not because she felt pity on me and so she shared, but because she wanted both of us to be happy at the same level.
Mercy is not about giving something out of pity or forgiving someone out of magnanimity. It is an intimate feeling of sharing that springs forth out of love that we have for someone. When you are merciful, you don't merely feel happy or great or proud, rather you make the other feel one with you, replenished. You make the other feel ensconced in you so much that s/he is not going to merely treasure it in her or his heart rather being inspired to do so to as many people as possible. That was what happened to me and that was how I felt it. Yes!
MERCY is given birth through intimate sharing. st
(Jayaseelan is a 1 year philosopher at JDV, Pune.) to that of the villagers who were with me. As a result of my present performance, the estate owner stopped me from working from the next day onwards. I never thought of it and didn't feel the pinch of it. But the villagers would experience it because of me, for it was on their recommendation that I had been allowed to work there.
(Cont’d from Pg. 10)
'The Mercy'.... silent is she... searching for a mild land, space where she can be filled with grace but couldn't do so because of unwanted filth of life. Both
Mercy and Grace came together to me overshadowing and filling me within the divine arms, I lost completely, completely lost , not able to perceive things. Then I realized the divine spark blazing upon my heart and this is where Mercy worked smart.
(Gilbert is doing one year certificate course in theology at JDV, Pune.)
11

0
Short Story
John Richard SJ
I n a happy and joyful mood, Vijay and his friends came out of the theatre. As they walked towards the bus stop, his friends were making fun of the humorous scenes in the movie. Vijay, departed from their fun, was deeply thinking of the parents' love for their son in the movie. Having reached the bus stop, they saw a shabbily clothed elderly couple asking for alms, saying that they had not eaten anything for two days.
Hardly anyone including Vijay's friends paying attention to them, Vijay's sight fell on the face of them. Meanwhile the bus had arrived and his friends hurriedly boarded the bus. Vijay was in a dilemma whether to board the bus or help the couple. He decided to stay back to help them. Having asked the elders to sit in the bus stop, he went to a hotel, bought two pockets of food and gave them. They were very happy.
Tears rolled down on their cheeks and asked him, “When no one bothered about us, how could you alone pay attention to us?” He replied that they reminded him of his parents and started narrating the story about his parents who recently died in a road accident. From then on whenever he saw any elders in need of help, he started helping them as much as he could. Giving his address, he asked them to approach him whenever they needed any help. Then he bade them goodbye and got into a bus. The elders left the place with joyful tears.
A week later, Vijay's hostel was in full swing in preparing for the parents' day celebrations. The management had invited Mr. Chandra Shekar and Mrs.
Lakshmi, a well renowned couple in the district to be the chief guests. All the hostellers had invited their parents for the programme. The hostlers were sitting with their parents, while Vijay was sitting alone and was reminded of his parents. Being overpowered by his uncontrollable loneliness, he came out of the hall and sat in a lonely place, thinking of the fond memories of his parents.
The people in the hall were enjoying every programme. The next programme was the address of the chief guests. Mrs. Lakshmi came forward and addressed saying that she and her husband had come for the programme in spite of their hectic schedule because their own son also was staying in the same hostel. All the faces were filled with curiosity to know who their son would be. She said that it was Vijay.
Immediately Vijay's friends looked for him in the hall but could not find him. They came out and found him sitting alone.
They told him that his parents had come. Vijay angrily replied not to fool him. They took him forcibly to the hall. On seeing
Vijay, Mrs. Lakshmi said “May I have my son Vijay on the stage?”
H e w e n t o n t o t h e s t a g e reluctantly. She asked him “Do you remember me”? He replied
“No”. “We were the ones to whom you gave two pockets of food in the bus stop” she said. Then he remembered the incident, yet confused. She started saying that she had lost her only son in a recent bus accident and was looking for a compassionate son to take care of them in the future and so they disguised themselves as beggars. Standing near her husband she told Vijay weeping, “Son, will you take us as your parents”? He immediately prostrated in front of them and cried. The whole crowd gave standing ovation to their merciful acts.
nd
(Richard is a 2 year philosopher at JDV, Pune)

Article
Nirmal Kullu, SJ
O ur life is bound by space and time. We are in the era where everybody wants to be a dictator, dominator or king. When we look at our history, after the evolution of human being, we find humans very genuine and realistic, but with the progress of science and technology purity and originality of humans has been lost, for it is overturned by reason.
Today the cultures of hybridization, fast food and rapid growth, have taken over human life. As a result the humanness of the hybrid humans is getting drained off and the civilized are becoming non-human. The recent terrorist attack in Paris, growing intolerance in India and many rape cases give us the picture of the uncivilized hybrid human.
A s t u d y o f phenomenology gives us three kinds of domination. The first is- domination in globalization - it shows apparently a bright picture of unity, equality and l i b e r t y , t h e ' i n n e r ' o f globalization shows that it offers the ideal setting for the powerful to dictate and control the powerless majority. The second is – domination through 'ready-made' – it takes away the thinking and doing capacity. People are being made incapable to act and to think, as ready-made short-cuts are available in the market. The third is – domination through money - it is the source, the means and the goal of all domination. Money is having – the foundational and universal stronghold. Money creates tension between being and having.
Our reflection thus is to show how mercy could be the counter culture of phenomenological– domination over human beings. Mercy should be the very nature of .
our being. If it is lacking in human being then there will be no meaning in differentiating ourselves with other being. Animals fight for food and breed but human being fight for greed and domination. They have the capacity to forgive and live together, yet they fight for power and authority.
Mercy is the source of nurturing and nourishing.
Through domination people destroy life or manipulate life. Mercy teaches us to promote life. In our daily findings we will encounter mercy as a life giving source rather than a life taking entity, because it is forgiving and allowing others to grow in virtue which unites all together. It enables us to regain our original self or genuineness. Thus it's the seat of wisdom, like the blind man of Jericho. It gives one the inner sight to see everything.
An act of mercy is a home coming experiencing. It allows other human beings to feel at home with ourselves. We remove the so called borders of separation which keeps others away from us on the basis of richness, space, intellect, status and life style. A dominating culture brings disharmony among humans and spoils the peace from within. He or she is at ease with animals and other technological equipments but not with his own brothers and sisters. Today we need to ask ourselves a question – can I be a merciful human being? What are the obstacles in my life which blocks me from being merciful? Can I contribute something in the life of others and make this earth beautiful by the act of mercy? The answer to these is within us so let's begin to be merciful. nd (Nirmal is a 2 Year philosopher at JDV, Pune)
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Article
Savariappan M
B e merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
(Luke: 6; 36) The virtue which is very familiar to all the religions, is Mercy. Many attributes dedicated to the word 'Mercy'. It is a religious jargon which many people do not understand fully. It is an attitude or a grace that has to be cultivated and understood in real sense. All of us have experienced the mercy from one another from our childhood. Receiving and being compassionate are important aspects of all people.
The basic question is why one should forgive the other if the other has committed a grievous crime against you and your family? What is it to be forgiving? The answer is -
J e s u s i s t h e m o d e l o f forgiveness. We inherit his quality of being merciful because we are made in his likeness. Do we have any instances of forgiveness? Yes, absolutely there are many lived examples in our church, i.e. Pope John Paul II, family of Rani Maria. Not only these great people did it but also humble and the faithful do it in their day today lives. Being merciful is a grace to the humanity.
other as Jesus did, “Father Forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” There are many valuable quotes and passages from the Bible which illustrate the forgiving attitude of God towards the human race. The bible is a our source which leads us in the path of Jesus who is the symbol of compassion.
Personally I feel great of being merciful. All of us have some way or the other experienced the joy of being kind. It reminds me of our Saviour who is ever merciful at a l l t i m e s . B e i n g compassionate and loving is b e c o m i n g C h r i s t . I t ' s entering to the aura of bliss.
We express kindness in all circumstances and in all spheres of our life. It's not that one has to forgive the so called grievous crime, rather in ordinary things and small mistakes. It has the same effect as the big one. We become Jesus when we show mercy for all the inconvenience done to us and to our family members. Let's be aware of this fact. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
(Psalms 145; 9) nd (Savariappan is a 2 year philosopher at JDV, Pune)
The joy of being compassionate and merciful is evident in our lives. Some of us are aware of being compassionate and some do not give much importance to it. The fact that we are humans is being merciful. It generates love and confidence in others to alter their lives. It is shown by all and expressed in different forms.
In all the stages of our lives we experience forgiveness of the other as well as we have been kind to others. It's a divine feeling when you show mercy to the other. All of us are gifted and given the grace to forgive. It is a natural law if one forgives you; you need to forgive the
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Article
Sebastian MCBS
T he world we live in is fast developing, making us witnesses of a fast-smart culture. This has made our lives easy and luxurious developing human intelligence to grow towards a greater vision of horizons. Amidst all this, humans have lost their dignity and values, respect and concern for the other, sex conscious so much so brutally killing the new life and attacks on humans. The aspect of mercy is being deteriorated in human minds. In this context, the year of be caught up with something to do. When we enter our streets vehicles are fast, drivers are so impatient with the traffic signals for the loss of time. On the railway station people are fast, otherwise they may not reach to their office on time. Why to say more! Even in the case of food we have so called 'fast food' now. Thus in every realm of our life we are witnessing this fast culture. We seek for fast solutions, quick answers, calculations and so on but have forgotten to respect the other as other i.e. being merciful towards others. Amidst the fast activities of the day s/he is having no time for others. Thus the 'fast' culture is a hindrance to us to be merciful to others.
What shall we do?
mercy announced by Pope Francis gets its importance.
Hence it is fair enough to look back into our own lives and reflect on the challenges to be merciful.
Growing Self Centrism
In this modern world people are bothered about themselves and least bothered about the other. This makes them strangers in their own localities. One doesn't know the person next door, so much so that when an outsider seeks information they shrug their shoulders being ignorant of their neighbours. This growing culture of self - centrism and self-sufficiency hinders human beings to go out to the other and to be their Good
Samaritan.
Moving….Moving…. Fast Moving
We live in a 'fast food' culture. Everywhere everyone is busy with so many things. Everyone seems to
For me the greatest challenge to be merciful is being merciless to the self. Addressing the European
Parliament Indian former president Dr. A P J Abdul kalam once said, “When there is righteousness in the heart there is beauty in character. When there is beauty in the character there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home there is an order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation there is peace in the world”. Every change or difference comes out from the decision of the heart. In the case of mercy the greatest change that we can make is by being merciful to oneself.
Quite often we are enslaved in the strict convictions and wrong prejudices and as a result we become so rigid and strict to ourselves. The year of mercy is an invitation to come out of this enslavement by being merciful to ourselves. If anyone wants the world to be merciful to him/ her, then s/he should be merciful to self and to others. Let the year of mercy begin from our hearts. rd
(Sebastian is a 3 year theologian at JDV, Pune)
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Article
Alshedai Amos, SJ
G od's call to Humans is that of Love and to share his mission to build a better society. God doesn't call us, to love our own life and forget the others, neither does he calls us, to love the riches and forget the poor in the world. Instead he calls us to love all equally.
The act of living 'Mercy' is nothing but radiation of
Christ in us, “ love your neighbor as yourself ”
(Mk12:3). This command of Christ depends on our intimacy with Him. The deeper the relationship the better we are attune to God's mercy and love. Blessed Mother
Teresa, St. Peter Claver, and St. Martin of Tours are few examples of those who have been living mercy in their lives. At the end our life, we won't be judged by the number of diplomas or the amount of money we collected or the greatness we have achieved, instead we will be judged by our acts towards the other. As Jesus said, "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.”
When we see a destitute lying on the street, a hungry child seeking for a morsel to survive, a blind struggling to cross the busy streets, a homeless shivering in cold and running for shelter, what happens to us? Are not our hearts moving to help.........Is there anything that strikes?
What would Christ do in a similar situation? Are we attuned to this unconditional love and mercy of God? Are we listening to God's constant call within us?
I think if Jesus were living, he would have to go through the passion again. He must have been seeing the thorns of every person's pride come piercing, fiercely stabbing deep into his entire body. He must have been seeing the lashing whip of mankind's ugly lip whipping him, stripping him, of his humanity. Wounding him,
With their thoughts of hatred,
With their thoughts of jealousies,
With their words that tear the truth,
With their words that spread unkindness,
With their word that spread gossip and hopelessness,
With their desire for the worldly pleasure,
These challenge the followers of Christ today.
The world is sick and affected with many diseases. There is AIDS, there is Cancer, there is corruption and there is eternal violence. But who is there to heal this voiceless world? Don't say 'WHO' but we human beings have to take up the challenge of healing our world today. The future lies here with us. God calls us to be the healer of this broken world,
To be the agent of peace,
To be the agent of Joy,
To be the agent of love,
To be the agent of mercy, and
To be the Messenger of God
So are we ready for it?
Then, let us be the agents who live Mercy and
Love to the family, friends, society and the world so that our world will be God's dwelling and happy place to live in. Let us be the first ones to respond to this invitation to be merciful.
st
(Amos is a 1 year philosopher at JDV, Pune)
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Article
Cyril Raj SJ
A s rational beings we cannot deny the reality that we are integral part of the ecosystem.
Right from our birth till our death we live on the earth and go back to the earth. God did not create us in isolation but put an intimate bond between human beings and the earth. Adam was made out of soil. Here Adam stands for entire human race embracing all. God is revealed through His creation. He took the ultimate step towards fellowship with humans through incarnation in the Person of Jesus his son, to build union of hearts. model of body includes all life forms, indeed all matter on our planet”, and thus the “body is a model that links us with everything in the most intimate way”. Even Indian philosophy says that the five elements of nature are immanent in everything. Focusing on the person of Jesus, he became one like us who eats the grains of the field, breathe the air, and drinks the water. Through incarnation he embraces entire biodiversity.
The full meaning of creation was revealed only in the coming of
Jesus Christ through whom and for whom the world was made (Jn 1:1-4; Eph 1:3-14). Jesus the author of the first and new creation became flesh to give Creation its meaning, plan and purpose as scripted in Bible.
Whatever came to be found has life in him? It is in and through the word all that is outside of God comes into existence. Thus Job 33:4 and Psalm 104:30 speak of
God's Spirit being present in creation and Colossians
1:16 Jesus God's Son, at work in the creation. Hence
'Incarnation' not only proclaims Jesus is God, but also makes humans intended to be brought into the fullness of
G o d i n C h r i s t .
Therefore we are all integral part of the economic plan of God's creation and are called
'co-heirs' with Christ.
God saw that all He had created was good. So when God said to till the earth and take care of it (Gen
2:15) it not only attributed to farming but God's expectation that we take responsibility for the entire creation alike. We must not be careless and wasteful as we fulfill this charge. God was careful in making this world so we too are called to be merciful towards creation.
In the recent encyclical “Laudato Si” Pope
Francis beckons us to be faithful stewards and protectors of the environment. He says “Let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God's plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment”. At this season of Advent let us pledge to nurture, care and protect our nature. This would be the best way to welcome Christ to be born in our hearts and in nature.
Through incarnation we receive the blessings. It is given to us in and through Christ. In and through Christ the universe and all of us have been brought together in love.
Let us manifest the glory of God which is put within us for the better future and healthy present.
D i v i n i t y merges absolutely with
Humanness through Incarnation. It is specifically and creaturely Human. According to Sallie McFague “The rd (Cyril is a 3 year theologian at JDV, Pune)
(All the butterfly images in this magazine were drawn nd by Sch.Praveen Martis SJ, 2 year philosopher at
JDV, Pune)
17

1. How do you interpret the idea of mercy today?
I would define Mercy as loving kindness to all human beings, and creatures with love and care for creation. For me, mercy is my own heart's reaching out to the other in need or in difficulty. In situations of misunderstanding I put myself in the place of others and reach out in love and compassion.
Not being unforgiving but being sympathetic.
2. How do you see your works different from the other organizations doing social work?
Conscious concern and impartiality in my dealing with humans; love of animals and creatures (ferocious, poisonous or mild) and care of the earth. This is based on a desire to search for God as a reflection of our persevering commitment to our personal call and to our mission.
increasing? `
The motto of our congregation is "Being a healing presence at the heart of a wounded world." It is not the kind of work or the amount of work done but that it is done with joy and willingness of heart and soul. This
I experienced as a young girl and over the years have imbibed it from the older sisters.
It's true that the numbers are dwindling but for us we always had a small number of people.
Therefore our formation is an integral-person-oriented one where everyone is given the time that is needed rather than hurrying with the years of formation. This has made people return with a greater enthusiasm and deep conviction of their call, whereas some were able to make a decision of life and choose the worldly living. It's God who calls us and in an encouraging milieu will nurture us with the grace if one is prayerfully united with him.
3. Your life style and way of life emphasizes more on
“being the healing presence to others” can you tell us how this idea impacts your works?
Being nonjudgmental, nondiscriminatory, and caring in my relationships with humans and having an attitude of caring for God's creatures are my emphasis.
God's universe is filled with wondrous amazement, beauty, complexity, immensity. My life concerns being at home with self, my womanhood & others and the constant search for God, relating to God in everything and in everyone.
4. Given the 'Motto' of your congregation, and the work you are doing, how do you motivate the youngsters? Is the number dwindling or
5. Your sisters are known for their services, “with a healing touch” What makes you so merciful in your services?
We pray that God helps us to be persons “with a healing touch” for that is the 'Joy Of Healing'. What makes us merciful is our own vulnerability and of the other. My being at home with ourselves and our call gives us the joy and strength to reach out to the other in love and care. Our personal prayers, the constant search for God and seeing His face in others has been our greatest asset.
The action –reflection- action model in our daily lives makes us introspect our motives and goals in being a healing presence to the other.
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Interview
The spirit of our foundress Mother Anna Dengel invites each of us to be 'fire and flame' and it has been a motivating force. She says "Our vocation is so beautiful to live for the glory and honour of God." Therefore our day to day life in the community and the wider community invites us to accompany and challenge each other in a gentle and loving way. The missionary spirit of the congregation, the pioneers and all those who have gone before us encourage us to go beyond preferences, to surrender in faith, and to trust in God who is always present and thus be flexible, and open to life with compassion.
and for the works we do, especially our work for the poor and the underprivileged. We are to be the backbone, educating them to face the dominators and to fight for their rights. These are God's special concern and therefore ours too. The urgent need today is to forget the dividing (sects/rights/ego) factors and to be united as one body of Christ (human beings/human family) witnessing the Good News of Christ. “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
8. Your mission is that of Jesus, “Having mercy on those neglected” What gives you the strength to work daily being gentle and kind towards these people?
6. Can we say that the value of mercy towards others is on a general decline today in the world?
I can say for sure that our media world emphasizes that which is negative, disastrous, and devastating. The positive and the good acts get covered up due to what's being projected by the media.
So we who are attuned to the m e d i a a r e i n f l u e n c e d more by the negative than the positive. This is affecting the young minds that automatically get this message and in a subtle way hampers their perception of things. The change is too fast that one is pushed into it unknowingly and subtly.
And yet we come across people who continue to be merciful to those in psychological, social, spiritual and physical needs.
The people we work for are not against us. It is those in power who are. To see the 'Face of Christ' in them is difficult. To pray for them is necessary and for ourselves. The Eucharist and my personal prayer life enable me to honor value and respect each individual in particular and life in general helps me to be the 'Face of
Christ'.
Personal Note: me immense joy and satisfaction caring for them and being the presence of healing in their life. The journey of having accompanied the Postulants and Sisters in
Temporary Vows (STVs) has enriched me and made me learn a lot from them too. Being an instrument of God's love in accompanying the young women of our congregation in their sacred journey has developed me holistically.
The life of ours is a challenge, yet with the Grace of God I have enjoyed working in the Hospital especially with the newborns and Children. It has given
7. In the present scenario, what do you think is the greatest need that must be given attention by followers of Christ?
We need to be courageous to stand for who we are
(Sr Usha is the Director of Holistic Health Program,
Holistic Health Centre Bibwewadi, Pune which is run by Medical Mission Sisters.)
19

Article
Fr. Jose Chiramel
G ood News, Good News, the procedure for the
Annulment of marriage in the Catholic Church has been shortened by Pope Francis and is going to be in force from the 8th December, 2015. Many of the Church tribunals feel it is a radical change and will take time to get accustomed to. Yet, the Pope being merciful towards those struggling with their marriages has come up in consultation with his council these two
'Motu Properios' namely ( Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus and
Mitis et Misericors Iesus ). This article explains the Motu proprio concerning the Eastern Church as I am a tribunal of it.
The entire Motu Proprio is divided into the actual legislative changes and the Procedural Rules which spell out the ways in which cases are to be heard. Here is a comparison between the new and the old patterns.
1.
Role of the Judge : Earlier the Judge would do everything to bring the parties together, whereas now he accepts and studies the case before which he is told that the marriage is irreparably failed and conjugal living can't be restored. Thus he hears the petitions and passes sentence.
2.
Competence: Earlier the tribunal of the place of marriage celebrated, or either place of the parties having domicile or the place where the majority of the proof are, could take charge, but now the parties need not be in the same territories, nor the judicial vicar of the respondent's domicile grant permission nor must the respondent be heard before the case. It's in the hands of the clerical Judge where the petition is filed who takes the decision.
3.
Eligibility of Lay persons to serve the Judge: Two or more lay are allowed provided the Clerical Judge presides over the case.
4.
Choice of Grounds: There has to be selection of
Specific grounds formulated by the Judge having heard the appropriate persons.
II.
1.
Preliminary Investigation: The tribunal has to understand and gather all information prior to the case for judicial process.
2.
PROOFS : a) Declaration of Parties : If the confessions of the parties have full proof with documents then the judge can proceed with the judgement, whereas earlier the judge use to wait for witnesses after witnesses to get solid proof to nullify the case.
b) Role of Assessors : In an eparchy a single clerical judge is to employ 2 assessors of upright life expert in human sciences, approved by bishop for the task, and in case of an anomaly of a psychic nature one needs to confirm evidences and proceed.
3.
THE DECISION AND APPEAL : a) One Affirmative decision is sufficient: The new law abolishes the mandatory appeal to a second instance tribunal, also of fees. There are institutions of a shorter process for few cases who have proper proofs to take decision. The sentence gets enforced after 15days and allows parties to get married unless prohibited.
b) Appeals without any foundation : Once the
Tribunal of higher instances has passed the prosecution, a college of judges is established that hears appeals of others and confirms the sentence of the prior instance.
In few instances the Major Archiepiscopal Ordinary tribunal has competence for appeal. Further dilatory appeal can come from anyone who refuses to accept the appeal of nullity.
4.
Tribunal Fees: Earlier the Tribunal would charge fees for nullity but now Pope is asking the church to do it free showing mercy.
5.
Particular role of Bishops: a) The role of the synod of bishops is to bring about reform of matrimonial procedures into reality, prepare a handbook to help people understand the proceedings and to prepare ministers for tribunal
20

Article
. b) The judicial role of the eparchy Bishops is to administer justice, however he can appoint tribunal personnel to administer justice. In shorter cases the
Bishop Eparchy himself has to nullify the case, however there are a few conditions for same. Finally knowing the disparity of people the Pope envisions the shorter process of nullity to the Bishops who as pastors have more ability and validity to do so as shepherd of their flock to know and listen to their master.
6.
Personal Option of the shorter cases: a) I think it is to avoid the protraction done with cases, making people to wait for years, so 45days of proceedings to nullify.
b) The petitions pointed must have the rite, grounds, sign and date of the domicile to proceed with the nullity. c) Petition should have an outline of facts, proofs, and documents of indication.
d) The Judicial Vicar determines & carries out instructions with the help of assessor, defender of bond and instructor to issue the sentence of nullity.
7.
e) A person has right to appeal to the Pope through the Roman Rota for better clarification.
Procedural steps in shorter procedures: a) Request for Nullity of marriage has to come from one of the parties b) A Preliminary inquiry is held to get better understanding and gather information c) A written petition has to be given with proofs, documents and signed with dates d) The Judicial Vicar has to confirm that the marriage is irretrievably broken e) If the petition has some merits then the case is valid and can be proceeded…
III. Certain Criterias as laid by Pope Francis based on experts studies
1.
That there be only one sentence in favour of executive nullity: There need not be twofold decisions in favor of marital nullity, instead the moral certitude attained by one Judge is sufficient to pass sentence.
2.
Single Judge under the responsibility of
Bishop: A single clerical Judge under the Bishop is placed in first instance who guarantee's alertness of matter proposed .
3.
The Bishop is the Judge: In-spite of Greater responsibilities the Bishop is the Judge and has to offer himself not appointing delegates of curia to judicial functioning.
4.
Increased Brevity in Legal Process: In cases which seem to be straight and has proper evidences and facts the Bishop himself being the pastor and shepherd is to judge the case and give his consent.
5.
Appeal to the Metropolitan See and Apostolic
See : In cases of higher irregularities the Roman Rota
Tribunals can take the proceedings to pass a sentence with better prospects.
6. The Proper role of Bishops Conferences: The right of the Bishops to organize judicial powers constitutes to the particular church the Bishop belongs.
Conclusion: Thus the motu proprio Mitis et Misericors
Iesus has made the procedure more accessible, less timeconsuming, simplified proofs, reduced the number of witnesses and charge free. The reform has shown revolutionary tenderness towards all, yet parties will have to present enough solid evidences to allow the process move smoothly and faster. Thus Pope Francis in a radical way has simplified the proceeding of Nullity of marriage and given a new hope to those trying to build a better world of peace and harmony, yet it will not be easier as truth have to be proven with conscience and moral certitude
( Fr Jose is the president of Major Archiepiscopal Tribunal.
This abridged version is prepared by John Fernandes, SJ)
(For Further detailed reading follow the Link, http://www.dnctimes.com/the-motu-proprio-mitis-etmisericors-iesus-for-the-eastern-churches/)
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Wilson Kujur SJ
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