Jan 2013 Samachar

(For January 2013 Samachar)

PASAYADAAN HIGHLIGHTS

1.       Mr. George Dabre organized and facilitated a unique workshop on “Embodying the Spirit” for 35 Confirmation students of St. Francis Xavier Church, Giriz on 26-27 November. Relevant issues for youth like sacredness of the body, integration of body, mind and spirit were skillfully handled. He was assisted by James and Prashant. 

2.       On 27^th November about 15 differently-abled fisher folk from Arnala thoroughly enjoyed “Beauty in Disability” which was co-facilitated by Mrs. Hazel Lobo and Prashant. They were deeply touched by the insight that disability rather than being a handicap can be transformed into a blessing. This programme was held in collaboration with the St. Vincent de Paul members who appreciated the new direction towards holistic empowerment in serving the marginalized.     

3.       On 8 December the manager and 30 teachers of St. Stanislaus International School, Nalla Sopara were enlightened and enlivened by “Embodied Education for our Times” co-facilitated by Hazel and Prashant.

4.       From 11-13 Dec. the Peace Pilgrimage preparatory team visited Bardipada, S. Gujarat. They were particularly touched by the energetic childlike tribal dances and the collaborative struggle of the Jesuits and the Vedruna sisters to preserve the wealth of tribal culture amid the onslaught of globalization.        

5.       The Ignatian study circle held on 18 December for Jesuits and lay collaborators focused on the challenges of Lay Collaboration in GC 35.     

Hazel and Prashant prepared 15 female activists from the Sodality of Velankanni Mata Church, Mardes, Vasai on 20 December for the birth of Jesus in a playful yet prayerful way. Reflections on the female body as holy in the context of the Delhi gang rape as well as scriptural inputs on the prophetic solidarity between Mary and Elizabeth stimulated a holistic view of the incarnation.