"DO NOT BE AFRAID. HE IS RISEN”: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

As the dawn of Easter 2025 breaks, we are reminded of the timeless message of hope, renewal, and resurrection which “is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ” (CCCC 126) along with the Cross. The empty tomb is witnessed to by women, Peter, the Twelve, then by “more than five hundred of the brethren at one time" (1 Cor 15:5-6) and to others (CCCC 127). The words, “Do not be afraid. He is risen,” echo through the ages, inviting us to rise above our fears, failures, and uncertainties. Easter is not so much a time to obsess about our past but to recognize the potential of a new future. It is not about what we have done but about what we can become! Easter is not merely a celebration of a historical event; it is a call to be what we are today and tomorrow, to shed the weight of our past, and to embrace the promise of becoming our true BEING. It is an invitation to awaken to a true self, one that reflects the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.

In a world marred by natural disasters—floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and scorching heatwaves—and torn apart by armed conflicts in Gaza, Israel, Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, Ukraine, Russia, Lebanon, Somalia and the scourge of terrorism in Pakistan and elsewhere, the message of Easter resonates with profound urgency. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is not just a spiritual truth but a call to resilience. It urges us to wake up from our “sleep,” to confront life’s challenges with courage, and to seek healing and restoration in the midst of chaos. The Risen Christ reminds us that even in the face of despair, new life is possible.

Easter is not confined to the personal or the spiritual; it encompasses the cosmic. The resurrection is about people, the planet, and the entire universe. It is about the body, soul, and psyche of every living and non-living entity. In the re-created cosmic body of Christ, we find a profound interconnectedness. The Risen Christ’s presence is everywhere—in the rustling leaves, in the laughter of children, in the struggles of the marginalized, and in the resilience of those who rebuild after devastation. Through Him, all creation holds together. He lives and breathes through His people, calling us to live as a community rooted in love and inter-faith harmony.

This Easter, God calls us to cultivate compassion and empathy for the suffering around us. It is a time to love our neighbors, forgive those who have wronged us, and convert our hearts to a renewed way of living. Easter is about bearing “fruit”—not just in material terms but in acts of love, service, and communion. It is about giving of ourselves, spending our time and talents, and offering our lives for the betterment of humanity. As St. Paul writes, “For the love of Christ impels us” (2 Cor 5:14)—to serve, to love, and to live fully.

In a world riddled with insecurities, conflicts, and uncertainties, the resurrection challenges us not to be afraid. It calls us to bring healing, freedom, and restoration to our societies. Each of us is invited to reflect: To what occasion is God calling me to rise up? What gifts and aptitudes has He given me to transform the spaces and people around me? Am I on the path toward a resurrected life, fulfilling God’s project for me? These questions are not merely rhetorical; they are a roadmap to a life of purpose and meaning.

The Spirit of the Risen Christ transcends creed and culture. It invites us to touch the souls of humanity, to reconcile with one another, and to empower the weak. Easter is a call to unity beyond religious boundaries, to build bridges of understanding and peace in a fractured world. It is a reminder that the love of Christ knows no borders and that His resurrection is a gift to all of humanity.

As we celebrate Easter 2025, let us embrace the joy of the Risen Christ with fearlessness, love, goodness, justice, and peace. Let us rise to the occasion, using our gifts to transform the world around us. Let us be agents of healing and hope, reflecting the light of Christ in every corner of our lives. May this Easter fill our hearts with joy and our lives with purpose. May the Risen Christ bless and guide us in our journey toward a fuller, more meaningful life. Wish you all a joyful and blessed Easter! 

AN INTERVIEW WITH ARCHBISHOP Jorge Mario BERGOGLIO THAT I PERSONALLY KNEW OF….

 

Fr. Joseph Todde, called Peppino, a Sardinian parish priest in Ciampino, Rome had a close friendship with then Archbishop Francis Begoglio of Buenos Aires, who called on the Todde family whenever he came to Rome. At Peppino’s death on 1^st January, 2015, from the other end the voice over the Telephone sounded:  "Good evening, I am Pope Francis, I wanted to hold you close to me in your pain and express my sadness at the death of my dear friend Don Joseph." 

The Pope loved the parishioners, young and old, Peppino’s three brothers, their children and grandchildren. Numerous Italian and Argentine priests, had the privilege of ministering to the parishioners. This author too had the privilege to render pastoral services to this parish Church for two years, during his doctoral studies (2004-2006) at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), Rome. As the Archbishop Francesco, whenever he came to Rome for any meeting, he came to celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Ciampino.

In one such occasion, during his pastoral visit to this particular Parish, I took the courage to interview Francis Bergoglio.  Prior to the conclave for electing the next Pope after the death of John Paul II he had come to Rome for an important meeting. Cardinal Telesphore Toppo was then already at Vatican for the same purpose. Simple unassuming Francis (Archbishop) and I sat in the office of the Parish Priest. I asked him about who the next Pope is going to be, and about he being the future Pope, as his name was also going around as a prominent candidate. He just ignored such presumptions, and spoke about Asia’s contribution to the Church, especially as regards to the process of inculturation, about Card. Telesphore Toppo, about Asia’s contribution to the universal Church and his close association with the Salesians.

This Kennedy Avenue Parish for years had been a point of reference for Argentine priests/clergy students, whom the national coordinator of the time, in the 90s, Monsignor Jorge Bergoglio, sent to study in Rome and to collaborate with the Parish Priest of Beata Vergine Maria del Rosario Parish, through their pastoral ministry, especially on weekends.

(23 October, 2005 Rome): The Archbishop of Buones Aires, Argentina,  Bergoglio was interviewed at Ciampino Prish dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, Rome, by Fr. Soroj Mullick SDB, a doctoral research Scholar on Christian Education, on the then concluded 11th General Synod of Bishops 2005:

1.“Eucharist: the Living Bread for peace in the world”- why this title to the Synodal Document?

Jesus is alive, he lives on for peace and justice in the world. Jesus IS Eucharist. He lives on to realize peace in the World. The Eucharist, which is Jesus himself, continues acting for this peace in the entire world.

2.How come that the Concluding message of the synod speaks of  “a message full of hope” in the midst of all the difficulties that the Church and the World is facing today of which the Church Fathers have spoken elaborately at the Synod?

Jesus, yesterday, today and forever. He lives to the end…till the end of the world. This living Christ who embraces all, goes on bringing this message of hope like an Anchor, drawing all together towards peace and justice.

3.How did the Synod prepare to renew the missionary enthusiasm?

At the end of the celebration of the Eucharist, Christ sends all, saying “Go”. We must go to all the peripheries of human existence (He used the same expression in speaking publicly at the Synod). We are sent wherever we find this ‘periphery’ situation…in the parish, in the poor, in the heart of the city, in the lonely, in the hearts of men and women etc.

4.The Synod Fathers spoke at various times of ‘Inculturaiton’. In what way this process of inculturation is being suggested for the local Churches?

The Reforms of the Vatican Council II are to be realized. At the National level, that is, the Episcopal Conference should translate this in their particular regions and nations. The Synod fathers have affirmed that inculturized forms of religious expressions (including dances) be included in the liturgical celebrations.

5.Yesterday from the Italian TV, we have heard about your election to the Post Synodal Council at the very first voting. What do you say on this very first choice?

We hear people speaking highly about a person for a time being and then ‘all’ passes. People then forget. I was elected to be member of this council, to prepare the draft for the next Synod. Along with me there is also Bp. Telesphore Toppo too. Remember that this kind of  ‘greatness’ passes with time and then people forget.

ANNUAL FEAST OF OUR LADY OF HAPPY VOYAGE AT BANDEL BASILICA

 

The annual May Feast, a significant event for Bandel Basilica Parish and the Archdiocese of Calcutta, was celebrated on 3^rd May 2015 with the Solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, accompanied by an entrance dance and lively hymns. Sixteen priests concelebrated. In his homily while describing the major Churches and Cathedrals of Rome, the Bishop reiterated how the late Pope Francis had deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. In fact, the Bishop stated that before each pastoral journey to various nations, he prayed for its success, and paid a return-visit with a bouquet of flowers in gratitude before the venerated image of ‘Salus Populi Romani’ (Protectress of the Roman people) in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major outside the  Vatican city, where he is now buried. He said that just as a revered image of the Virgin Mary was once carried in a solemn procession through plague-stricken Rome—bringing healing and saving thousands—so too does Our Lady of Happy Voyage of Bandel offer comfort and healing to the thousands of pilgrims who journey to her shrine in search of help and hope.  Basing on the Bible, the Bishop said that God is the maker of history and he continues making history even today in Bandel Basilica through Mary’s interventions, just as it happened at the marriage feast at Cana.

This was followed by a Marian procession in and around the campus lastly reaching the ground beside the river Hooghly, while reciting the Holy Rosary and singing hymns to Mary. Devotees followed in a procession, with the statue of Our Lady of Bandel, honored by the Mothers’ Sodality, lay parishioners, youth group, priests, aspirants from Don Bosco Seminary and other members of religious communities. In a homily preached by Fr. Mukul Mondol, a Redemptorist priest, spoke of the maternal protection of Mary on all faithful and her constant accompaniment with all who have deep devotion to her, having been inspired by Mary’s own faith, Fiat and motherly love. He said, a Mother, given to us by Jesus on the Cross, never forgets her children. She, as our heavenly Mother, comes down to walk with us on our daily journey, in our pains and sorrows, in times of need and hopelessness. She intercedes for us whenever we are in need of help. The procession culminated with the Eucharistic adoration.

This year’s celebrations carry extra significance as the Church observes the Jubilee Year 2025. On 3^rd May evening the celebration culminated with a special felicitation ceremony honoring jubilarians who are celebrating important milestones of 25, 50, or 60 years in their Marriage, Religious Profession, or priestly ordination, through words of appreciation and a short cultural programme organized by the Parish members where the youth took an active part.

The following day, 4^th May, Sunday, there was another Eucharistic Celebration at 9 a.m. presided over by  Archbishop Thomas D'Souza wherein 12 boys and girls received the Sacrament of confirmation. In his homily the Bishop said, God is love and mercy; and that Peter’s fearless preaching on Christ and his three-times re-confirmed assurance of love to Jesus’ repeated question –Do you love me?– is a witness for all of us to follow, which entails fear-free responsibility as soldiers of Christ to live the mystical life, death and resurrection of Christ, daily.  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.

In anticipation of the annual May feast, besides the normal Novena with a Triduum consisting of procession, Rosary and a special prayer,  a group of passionate young devotees at this Marian shrine had launched an inspiring initiative to deepen Marian devotion within the parish community. Nine dedicated young individuals had created short meditative video reflections that blend historical insights with profound Eucharistic, Salesian and Marian themes, shared widely via the Basilica YouTube channel and other WhatsApp groups. Their heartfelt effort highlights the rich heritage of the shrine and fosters spiritual growth among fellow parishioners. Since April 25th, these reflections have been accessible on the Bandel Church website, reaching a broader audience and enriching the faith of many.

The much-anticipated two-day-long May feast of Our Lady of Happy Voyage continues to inspire devotion, with the faithful, volunteers, and young parishioners fostering a strong sense of community. Drawing hundreds of devotees, regardless of caste or creed, the shrine offers a deeply spiritual experience to all, welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and strengthening the bonds of faith in a place rich with history and devotion.

Since 1928, the Salesians of Don Bosco have been the devoted caretakers of Bandel Church, a historic Marian pilgrimage center in West Bengal that dates back to its founding by Portuguese missionaries in 1599. In recognition of its rich history and devotion, Saint Pope John Paul II elevated the church—dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosario, Our Lady of the Rosary— to the status of a Minor Basilica in 1999 during its 400th anniversary. The Basilica, commonly known as Bandel Church, stands as a powerful testament to faith and National-Christian heritage.