The Minutes of the last English Academy held on 16th January 2015

The Minutes of the last English Academy held on 16^th January 2015

The fifth English Academy took place in the class room of the students of Third year Theology, on 16^th Jan 2015 at 10.40 a.m. The session started by invoking the presence of God by Bro. James Sangma, after which he welcomed the group and the moderator. Since it was the planning session for the forthcoming English Academy Fr. Sylvester the Moderator became the chair person to lead the academy. Then the secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting and passed it to be signed.

As it was the first meeting in this year Fr. Sylvester wished everyone Happy New Year. Then he asked in which way to conduct the next meeting, whether to have panel discussion or debate? Regarding this argument took place amongst the members. Some agreed upon to have panel discussion while others for debate. Some of them from the group expressed their  concern regarding the issue because if it is going to be the panel discussion then there will be someone to  guide us to reach the conclusion otherwise the discussion will go on and on. While some others said that debate is better because in debate time is allotted and there are people to talk for and against therefore debate is good. So at last majority of them opted for the debate. Then we discussed how to go about. So many topics were put forward like:

1.      Religion is a boon or bane.

2.      Vocation is from God or from the superiors.

3.      Ghar wapsi.

4.      Use of contraceptives. (For and Against).

5.      Anti- conversion Bill.

6.      Same sex marriage.

7.      Priestly celibacy and future of the church.

At last majority of them decided to take the topic on ‘The Use of Contraceptives’ though some opposed it, giving reasons that it is difficult topic to discuss  still the final decision was taken on  the topic for the debate. Then we talked about who will present? So some suggested that two members from each class to present, one for and the other against.  Finally all agreed to decide in their own classes to choose the representatives.

Fr. Sylvester thanked all for the last sessions and said that next one is going to be a good topic and looking forward to listen. He also said that for the third year students it could be the last session so they are requested to take active part in the coming debate. Once again Bro. James thanked all on behalf of the moderator and secretary especially for those who arranged the sound system. At 11.45 with the announcement of the next English academy the meeting came to an end.

Yours Sincerely

Sr.Rosali R.N.D.M.

Secretary

The Minutes of the last English Academy.

The Minutes of the last English Academy held on 17^th October 2014

The fourth English academy took place on the Ground Floor Examination Hall on 17^th oct.2014 at 10.40 a.m. The session started by a short prayer which was lead by the 1^st year theologians. Bro James D. Sangma, the president gave the welcome address and invited the Chair person Fr. Stanislaus to take up his place on the dais and introduced the topic “Human Trafficking”. The Secretary read out the minutes of the last meeting and passed it to be signed by the chair person. Father thanked the moderator for giving him the opportunity to be the chair person. He shared some of his pastoral experiences especially how to educate the people regarding this particular topic.After the short introduction he invited the group to present their paper.Bro. Susai Raj began the sharing by introducing the topic “Human Trafficking” which is the most prevalent in the present society. He emphasized that humantraffickingdestroys the person’s dignity and strips away the individual’s humanity. Then he read out the sub topics which the group members were assigned to present.

Bro. Michael Mundri spoke on the meaning of human trafficking. He said that today human trafficking is one of the largest challenges and problem in our society. The victims are subjected to rape, torture, starvation etc. There are network of such people who are involved in it known as dalas. They may be parents’ neighbours, relatives or lovers.  Bro.Chris Toppo shared on human trafficking in Indiathrough a short skit about how the simple people are being trafficked in different places. They are being traffickedfrequently for the purpose ofcommercial, sexual exploitation and forced labour. He focused on how the trafficking is done in North East and West Bengal. He brought to our notice that even the educated people have become the prey to human trafficking in the name of job placement.

Bro. Michael Raj shared his outlook on trafficking of the children and women in West Bengal. He said that there are 22 villages where human trafficking takes place. Child marriage is one of the major issues through which the minor girls are being trafficked.In his research, he brought out that West Bengal serves as a source, transit and destination for national and international trafficking of women and children.Girls are being brought from countries like Bangladesh and Nepal and supplied them to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur etc. Child trafficking was specified by Sr. Bindu Chacko. She explained few of the questions in her sharing, they are: what is child trafficking? What are the reasons for child trafficking? How is it prevalent today? From her sharing we were being enlightened that many families in India are unable to afford the basic necessities of life which forces the parents to sell their children. We need to empower the people regarding this issue so that we may have the better future.

Christian response to human trafficking was highlighted by Bro. Anant Singh. He said that Christians condemn the human trafficking. The fundamental teaching of Catholic social teaching isthe sanctity of human life.Ourresponse therefore requires that we internalise the basic dignity deserved by human beings and act upon that. Our response to human trafficking was the another topic spoken by Sr. Sasmita Parichha. She expressed her concern and said that need to work out collectively in order to solve this problem. This is one of the important factors that every individual irrespective of religion should look at and draw certain conclusion to eliminate it fully. One of the ways to respond and raise awareness is through governmental and nongovernmental organisations. Bro. Michael kerketta brought to our notice the different NGO’s and few missionaries who are working for it. Some of the NGOs are Anti Slavery International, Apne Aap Women’s Collective, Destiny Rescue, Children’s Rescue, Initiative Global Alliance against Traffic in Women, Mission, Bal vikas Ashram etc. All these organisations are functioning to create awareness among the people with regard to the human trafficking and also toaid the trafficked.

After listening to various topics on Human Trafficking Bro. Anjit Ekka put forward some of the recommendations for change.  First of all people shouldbe empowered throughthe help line publicity that are available. We need to be committed to eradicate poverty, provide quality education, innovative agricultural programmes etc.

In conclusion Bro. Mahindra Singh said that the Human Trafficking is the trade of humans most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery, commercial exploitation and forced marriage. As believers and followers of Christ, it is our duty to think the ways possible to wipe out this social evil that is present in our society.

The Chair person thanked all the presenters for speaking on such a difficult topic.  Then he shared his experience regarding girl child slavery, organ steeling etc. Then Fr. Sylvester shared about his own relative who was being trafficked. After which Bro. James thanked the Chair person, TheModerator, The presenters and then the entire group. Withthe announcement of the next English Academy, the session got over at 12. 30 P.M.

Yours Sincerely

Sr.Rosali R.N.D.M.

Secretary

The Minutes of the last English Academy

The Minutes of the last English Academy meeting on 12^th September 2014

The third English academy was held on 12^th September 2014 in the Allan Audio Visual Hall at 10.40 am by invoking the presence of God by Bro. SushilDungdung. Fr. Sylvester Toppo the moderator welcomed the group and introduced the new President Bro. James D Sangma. Bro. James took over the session and announced the theme of the day “Family in the light of Church and Society’ and then gave a brief introduction about the Chair Person Rev. Sr. Lilly Perumpethkunnel FMA. After that the time was allotted to choose the new Secretary for the academy. Sr. Rosalia RDNM was being announced as the new Secretary of the English Academy for the year 2014-2015.

The former secretary Br. Joseph Roy OCD read out the minutes of the last academy and gave it to the chair person for the approval after register was officially handed over to the new secretary. The chair person gave an introduction on the theme and called upon the speakers to present their paper.

Br. Stephen Arockiadas began the introduction with two important points they are: the announcement of the Pope Francis extra ordinary synod and the family by united nation organization. This offers an opportunity to focus an attention on the role of the families in development.

The first point shared by Br. LepchaDonbosco was on theological development on family. Like any other religious traditions, Christianity also wanted th3e family to be a stable institution, providing all the basic needs to the members. Christians also believe that marriage and family in the ordinary sense could be affirmed and not abolished. He also explained that over the centuries family unites faced with the both negative and positive movement.

Br. AnupLekra enlightened the group on the aspect of pastoral care of the family. He gave a brief introduction about who is the pastor and what are his duties. Faith formation is the main teaching of the church, therefore the pastor should educate himself first, because he can’t give others what he doesn’t have. He also explained what are the different training that the parish should organize to educate the faithful.

The role of the family I education was shared by Br. Samir Minj. He shared that the family is a group of persons who are related by marriage and blood. Family plays an essential role in helping children in their moral and spiritual development. Education also helps children to know the core values of the faith, hope and love.

Br. M. Jesu Raj presented his views on the role of parents in family. In this presentation invited us to imagine as parents and explained the challenges of parents in bringing up their children. He vividly showed us the real challenges of the parents through a video clip. The video clip explained the reason for the problem. That is absence of Biblical values in the family.

The family has the special role in the life and in the mission of the church was highlighted by Br. Remy Magimai Saran Raj. Focusing on the ecclesial task. He said that one of the fundamental tasks of the Christian family is its ecclesial task. Christian couples are to be consistent in their faith by the testimony of their lives. Their unique mission is to help the members to be rooted in Baptismal Promises.

As a conclusion Br. Samuel Hembrom said that the family plays a vital role in educating their children both morally and spiritually. With the changing of time. Indian family also is changing in its structure, function and authority pattern etc. Despite these changes the family continues to maintain its kingship bonds and ties.

The chair person thanked the presenters and invited the group for further clarification. Few questions and suggestions were raised by the audience. They are:

·         How can the parents who are too busy could help their children?

·         The topic on single parenthood could have been added etc..

·         Issues on gay marriage or same sex marriage also was brought out in the discussion.

Then the chair person in her short message shared about the mother of St. Don Bosco, the role she played in his life.

Fr. Sylvester Toppo took the opportunity to thank the chair person, the former president and the secretary for their service.

Br. James D. Sangma the president of the English Academy announced the date for the next academy meeting and finally the session came to an end at 12.20 pm.

Secretary

Sr. Rosalia