GENESIS'24 YOUTH FEST AT BANDEL BASILICA

 

     

Bandel Basilica, 17 November 2024: The highly anticipated Genesis'24 event, a youth-centric festival held on 17 November 2024 at the historic Bandel Basilica, was a remarkable day of community engagement, sportsmanship, and spiritual unity organized by the Youth of the Parish (SYM), in collaboration with volunteers, parish council members for youth, and young adults, and completed with remarkable success. The event brought together 21 parishes, fostering a spirit of community, celebration of faith, filled with energy, teamwork and creative expression.   

With the theme, "With God, everything is possible" (Lk 18:27), the festival showcased a dynamic lineup of events, each crafted to resonate with the participants' talents and dedication, which began after a solemn and uplifting Eucharistic celebration in a spirit of togetherness. 

Event Highlights

The youth of Bandel Basilica (SYM) organised this one-day event consisting  of Football (Kingsley Kickoff, 21 teams), Throw ball (Thunder Throws, 10 teams), Badminton (Sacred Smash, Mixed, 10 teams)  and Basketball (Heavenly Hoops, Mixed, 6 teams)  in the Don Bosco School premises.  There were more than four hundred youth who participated and engaged in various activities that celebrated both sportsmanship and artistry. 

The football matches, in particular, captured everyone’s attention, showcasing the extraordinary talent and teamwork of the players. Matches concluded by 5:30 p.m., leading to the much-anticipated closing ceremony.  These events not only tested the participants’ competitive edge but also encouraged them to explore the spiritual and artistic dimensions of their talents. 

Initially the organizers also planned to conduct: Street Play (Psalmistry), Dance (Gospel Grooves),  Singing (Majestic Melody), Open Style Cypher (Divine Dynamics), Photography (Lens of Love). Due to the lack of participants these events were cancelled.  

Community Participation and Spirit 

The collaboration between the youth and other groups ensured seamless execution and inclusivity throughout the day. Volunteers and parish council members played a pivotal role in organizing logistics, welcoming guests, and promoting a sense of belonging among all attendees. 

Participants from various institutions brought energy and enthusiasm, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Matches were intense, with spirited competition and enthusiastic spectators.  The diversity of events and activities reflected the organizers’ dedication to blending faith and fun, making the festival memorable for everyone involved. 

The evening ceremony began with a soulful performance of the Theme song, "In Your Grace", composed by Mrinmoy Murmu, a youth member, inspired by Psalm 139:7-10. 

Thereafter Fr. Siby Joseph Vadakel, SDB, Principal of Don Bosco Bandel and, Fr. John Chalil, Parish Priest of Bandel Basilica, inspired the audience with their words of words of encouragement and appreciation. 

The winners and runners-up in each category were celebrated for their achievements:  Badminton: St. John Boston's Parish Liluah; Throwball: St. Michael's Church, Premnagar; Basketball:   Christ the King Church, Park Circus; Football:  Sacred Heart Church, Burdwan.

The event concluded with a vibrant folk dance, where attendees joined in a joyful chain dance. This celebratory moment was a true testament to the unity and shared joy of the community. 

Genesis'24 proved to be an exemplary event that unified the youth under the shared banner of faith and creativity. The resounding success of the festival highlights the power of community and collective youth effort.  Looking forward, Genesis'24 has set a benchmark for future events, continuing to inspire and uplift the younger generation through such meaningful celebrations. 

 

 

The Dangers of Divination and Misplaced Faith Deliverance: A Reflection on Faith, Psychology and Ethics

 

In the Old Testament the practice of psychics and mediums is described as “an abomination.” The prophet Zechariah warns against false diviners who lead people astray, stating: “ the diviners have lying visions and publish empty dreams and voice misleading nonsense, naturally the people stray like sheep” (Zechariah 9:9-10). This powerful statement captures the essence of human vulnerability when faced with the unknown. Diviners, psychics, and mediums, who claim supernatural insight, often prey on this vulnerability. The Old Testament goes further to label such practices as “an abomination,” underscoring their incompatibility with the worship and honor of God. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church echoes this stance, admonishing that “all forms of divination are to be rejected”  including “other practices falsely supposed to 'unveil' the future.” These types of divining “conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (CCC 2116). This teaching serves as a backdrop to a recent and ethically complex case involving a 17-year-old girl allegedly “possessed” by spirits. 

Case Study: Ethical and Psychological Dimensions of "Possession"

A group of ten people from a family brought this young girl, to a priest  for ‘exorcism’ being fully convinced that she is possessed. She is living with her would-be-husband –ten years her senior– with the consent of her own non-Christian parents, for two weeks. After three days of waiting for an appointment, the priest declared her “possessed by 12 spirits,” reportedly driving them out through prayer and advising the use of religious tools such as a Rosary and  other prayers from a Bengali Prayer Book – Amar Sohochor. They brought the Rosary and the Prayer book to me, a priest, to be blessed. I prayed over and blessed them. On speaking with them I came to know that she was told to invite other family members to pray as well, and consequently get baptized. Therefore, this experience led to such a call for Christian family prayers and the encouragement of baptism for non-Christian family members. 

Ethical Concerns: A Veil of Proselytization? 

This seems, to me, a proselytizing process and strategy, which is forbidden by the Church. While spiritual healing is integral to Catholic pastoral care, there are ethical concerns when practices appear to blur the line between genuine care and proselytization. Encouraging the girl’s family to convert under the pretext of spiritual deliverance is problematic. Such actions risk contravening the principle of respecting individuals' freedom of conscience and belief.  In fact, the future-husband, a rationalist, does not endorse such ‘blind bhut-possession’ theory, saying, the girl is ‘acting’ that way, due to other factors which she is not disclosing.

A Psychological Perspective 

Which are these factors ? I tried to discuss and counsel her on the first day, in finding out the possibility of those factors, and  make her understand, accept, and act accordingly. She was advised to go back to her parental home, rest and relax. I suspect, she is going through a fear complex, unable to express and share with anybody. There might be a certain hysteria or hallucination. Therefore, the girl’s behavior, interpreted by her family and this priest as ‘possession’, raises questions about underlying psychological or sociocultural factors: 

Age and Marital Circumstances: The fact is the boy is ten years elder to her. At 17, the girl may not be emotionally or physically prepared for marriage, especially with a partner ten years her senior. 

Fear and Trauma: Her condition could stem from fear of sexual encounters, coupled with malnourishment and sleep deprivation. 

Mental Health Considerations: Symptoms such as hysteria or hallucinations could indicate an underlying psychological disorder rather than spiritual possession.  Her husband's rationalist perspective underscores the need for medical and psychological evaluation over supernatural explanations.  She needs counseling and mental support.

Seeking Balanced Interventions 

This case highlights the importance of distinguishing between spiritual care and psychological support. The young girl’s behavior might reflect internalized stress, fear, or even societal expectations rather than supernatural possession. Counseling, mental health support, and open dialogue are critical to addressing her challenges.  Furthermore, the Church's role is to focus on compassionate care rather than coercive or potentially manipulative strategies. This aligns with Christ's example of meeting individuals where they are, respecting their dignity and autonomy. 

Zechariah's words remind us of the dangers of misplaced faith in diviners who exploit fear and ignorance. Similarly, the Catechism warns against the desire for control over hidden powers. In this case, ethical and psychological dimensions call for a thoughtful response that prioritizes the girl’s well-being over spiritual sensationalism.  Addressing such situations requires an interdisciplinary approach, blending theological wisdom, psychological insight, and ethical discernment. Above all, respect for human dignity must remain at the forefront of any intervention. 

Feast of the Holy Rosary at Bandel Basilica

 

The solemn celebration of the Feast of the Holy Rosary was observed at Bandel Basilica on the 9^th  and 10^th of November, 2024, with faithful pilgrims gathering in reverence to honor Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. This annual event, significant for its spiritual depth and community engagement, attracted devotees from various linguistic backgrounds especially from the Parish, from the Aspirantates and from other nearby parishes and villages, who united in prayer and worship.

On Saturday evening at 5 p.m. the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata, who delivered a heartfelt homily focused on the theme of saying “YES” to God. Reflecting on Mary’s “Fiat” at the Annunciation, the Archbishop encouraged the congregation to embrace a similar openness in their own lives, responding affirmatively to God’s call, extending compassion to those in need, and nurturing personal growth in faith—a journey that begins at Baptism and continues through the reception of each Sacrament. The liturgy was enriched by readings led by members from diverse groups, with the Prayer of the Faithful organized by the Mothers’ Sodality and the Offertory dance procession by the Ferrando hostel  girls.

After the final Mass, a grand Eucharistic procession took place, following an organized route led by seminarians, youth groups, and parishioners, with the Blessed Sacrament and the Archbishop carried on a vehicle surrounded by flower girls. The procession, orderly and reverent, proceeded with pilgrims lining the route through the street, praying the Rosary and singing hymns in devotion setting a reflective tone that was carried into the solemn procession led by the Altar servers with a cross and candles.

Devotees followed in a procession, with the statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary honored by the Mothers’ Sodality, lay parishioners, youth group, priests and aspirants from Don Bosco Seminary and other religious sister communities. Special hymns, including “Khristo Debota,” were sung as part of the worship, creating a vibrant and unifying experience for all present. The Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament marked a solemn moment for attendees, who were moved by the prayerful atmosphere created by the Eucharistic celebration. In his  inspirational talk before the final benediction, Fr. Roshan Tirkey SJ, emphasized on Mary being our Mother, given to us through St. John at Calvary, and that as her good sons and daughters, we respect her as our closest dear Mother. Mrs. Agnes James, a Sunday Catechist, expressed heartfelt gratitude in a vote of thanks, recognizing the efforts of volunteers, religious sisters, and parish groups who made the event a spiritual success.

Sunday’s liturgical program on 10^th November included Masses in Hindi, Bengali, and English, reflecting the multicultural and multilingual composition of the congregation. The first service at 6:30 a.m. was conducted in Hindi, followed by Bengali Mass at 9:00 a.m., presided over by the Arch Bishop, wherein 16 boys and girls received the First Communion. The Prelate spoke of the gift of life of God  which is given to each Christian through the Eucharist, is to be lived through self-giving. There was an English Mass at 11:00 a.m.

The Feast of the Holy Rosary at Bandel Basilica was a deeply moving experience for all, inspired by Mary’s own faith, Fiat and surrender. The two-day event concluded with a final hymn dedicated to Our Lady, and all the attendees left with renewed faith and a sense of community solidarity.

The over-422 years old Bandel Shrine distinctively contributes to the spiritual growth of the ‘pilgrims’. Built in 1599 by the Portuguese, the Bandel Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, holds the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Happy Voyage, which has become the ‘faith-focus’ for the faithful and the pilgrims.