The Essence of True Joy and Inner Peace

Fr James Valladares Ph.D.

"I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you,  and that your joy be complete." (Jn 15:11)

 A Swedish proverb runs as follows: "Joys shared are joys doubled; sorrows shared are sorrows halved."

When we hear good news, the spontaneous reaction is to search for someone with whom it can be shared. And the reason is evident; our joy is further enhanced when we share it with others, and either see or hear them literally shriek with delight. "Joys shared are joys doubled."

For instance, when the disciple, Andrew, spent a day with Jesus, he was so very happy that his spontaneous reaction was to share the good news with his brother, Peter. That marked the beginning of a close and trustful relationship, which culminated with Peter being officially installed as the Vicar of Christ, empowered with authority to be the Rock on which Christ Jesus would build His Church. "Joys shared are joys doubled."

Again, when a man born blind was miraculously cured and had his sight restored, Jesus expressly told him to refrain from making it public. But the man was so ecstatic that he had to share his irrepressible joy with others. And that is just what he did, so that Jesus was literally besieged by the sick, the disabled, the oppressed, and even the leprous. "Joys shared are joys doubled."

Said Jesus, "I have come so that my own joy may be in you and that your joy be complete." Christianity is essentially the Good News, and this has been most insistently emphasised by His Holiness, Pope Francis, of happy memory in his Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). "Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread."

We have been blessed with a priceless treasure, because the Bible, the inspired Word of God, is truly the words of God in the words of humans – a medium that can be easily understood by all, regardless of nationality, religious affiliation, social, economic or educational status. The challenge now is to openly share this treasure with others, for "Joys shared are joys doubled."

Chains fall away when the Spirit Prevails

 Dr Fr John Singarayar SVD

In the stillness of dawn, when the world has yet to stir, Truth often speaks its clearest. I have returned to this simple image countless times—five human barriers, each with its particular poison. Ego blocking wisdom, envy distracting from self-improvement, anger clouding judgment, ignorance preventing sound decisions, and fear paralysing action. The admonition rings clear: "Get rid of them all." But how does one shed these deeply rooted aspects of human nature? Scripture offers a profound roadmap for this spiritual liberation.

The ego stands as perhaps our most formidable opponent. When Jesus taught, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12), He revealed a paradoxical truth—our insistence on our own importance actively prevents our growth. The ego constructs walls against correction and instruction, silencing wisdom before it can take root. I recall a mentor who once listened more than he spoke, his humility creating space for others' insights to flourish. This humble posture is not weakness, but strength rooted in security. As Proverbs reminds us, "Before destruction, a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honour" (Proverbs 18:12). Our breakthrough often begins when we acknowledge that others may possess pieces of truth we've yet to discover.

Envy creates a peculiar blindness—focusing our gaze so intently on others' gardens that our own lies fallow. Scripture warns, "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot" (Proverbs 14:30).

Christians among Padma Shri awardees 2025

 Voice of Goa's Freedom: Libia Lobo Sardesai

Veteran freedom fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai, aged 100, was honoured with the Padma Shri on April 27, 2025, recognising her significant contribution to Goa's liberation from colonial rule.

Between 1955 and 1961, Libia Lobo, along with her colleague (and future husband), Vaman Sardesai, operated a covert radio station from the dense forests of the Western Ghats. It was Libia who famously broadcast the announcement of Goa's liberation from over 450 years of Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961. Her extraordinary journey is a testament to her courage and dedication.

Born on May 25, 1924, in Portuguese-controlled Goa, Libia Lobo spent her formative years in Bombay. During her college days, she became actively involved with the Goan nationalist movement.

In 1954, following brutal assaults and mass arrests of satyagrahis by the Portuguese authorities, India responded by sealing Goa's borders and imposing a strict economic blockade. All transportation links by sea, road and rail were cut off, and only secret communication lines remained.

In August 1955, thousands of Indian satyagrahis attempted to enter Goa, only to be met with gunfire from Portuguese forces, resulting in numerous fatalities.

With wireless sets sourced from Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Libia, Vaman Sardesai, and fellow activist Nicolau Menezes established an underground radio station, initially code-named 'Q'.

On November 25, 1955, the anniversary of the Portuguese reconquest of Goa, the station, renamed 'Goenche Sodvonecho Awaz' (Voice of Goa's Freedom) for broadcasts in Konkani and 'Voz de Liberdade' for Portuguese transmissions, began airing daily programmes twice a day.

Pope Francis – The Indian Connection

 Prof. Marcellus D'Souza

Pope Francis is the only pontiff to have canonised six saints from India during his 12-year papacy.

Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia Eluvathingal from Kerala were canonised on November 23, 2014. The following year on January 14, 2015, Joseph Vaz was canonised. On September 4, 2016, Mother Teresa was canonised at Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City. St Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan was canonised on October 13, 2019, and on May 15, 2022, Devasahayam Pillai (Mar Lazarus Sahada) was canonised.

Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara is the first canonised Catholic male saint of Indian origin; he was a member of the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic church. He played a major role in educating and uplifting people, especially of the lower ranks of society. He started an institution for Sanskrit studies at Kerala in 1846, and took the initiative to start schools in nearby villages.

He is the patron saint of all CMI (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate) and CMC Institutions that primarily focus on maritime education. The institutions include: CMC Maritime Academy, Kochi and Chennai; CMC International School, Coimbatore; Coimbatore Marine College, Coimbatore and Mangalore Marine College & Technology, Mangalore.

Mother Rose Euphrasia was born on October 17, 1877 in the family of Eluvathingal Cherpukaran Anthony and Kunjethy in Kattur village of Edathuruthy parish. She was Mother Superior of the Convent of St Mary at Ollur. She was known as the 'Praying Mother' as she endeavoured to lead a life of constant prayer and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her Sisters referred to her as a "Mobile Tabernacle," because the divine presence she kept within her radiated to all she encountered.

International Nurses Day

 Dr Jeanette Pinto

In January 1974, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) proclaimed that May 12 would be "International Nurses Day." Since 1965, the ICN had celebrated this special day as the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.

Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy. Although her parents were from England, she was born in Italy while they were travelling. Both Florence and her older sister, Parthenope, were named after the Italian cities where they were born. When the Nightingale family returned to England in 1821, they lived in two homes. They had a summer home in Derbyshire called Lea Hurst, and a winter home in Hampshire called Embley.

Growing up in a wealthy family, her father, William Edward Nightingale, a prominent figure, along with her mother, Frances (Fanny) homeschooled her. She received a broad education that included Literature, History, and Mathematics. Her parents expected to get her married and maintain a good social life at a young age. However, in 1837, while still a teenager, she experienced a profound religious awakening, and felt a strong calling to devote her life to the service of others.

Florence believed she received a "calling" from God to help the poor and the sick, specifically in the field of Nursing. Despite family opposition, she pursued Nursing training at the Kaiserwerth Deaconesses' Institute in Germany. In 1853, after finishing her programme in Germany, Nightingale went to Paris for extra training with the Sisters of Mercy. She became the superintendent of the Institute for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in London.

When the Crimean War began in 1854, the British were unprepared to deal with the number of sick and injured soldiers. The lack of medical supplies, overcrowding, and poor sanitary conditions caused many people to complain.

The Real Revolution: Choosing Health in a Digital World

 Rishi Yadav

In today’s fast-paced, comfort-oriented world, life has certainly become easier in many ways, but it has also become more complicated and less healthy. The rapid rise of technology and the Digital Age has reshaped how we live, work, and interact. Gone are the days when physical activity was naturally embedded in our daily routines through farming, walking, or outdoor work. Today, much of our time is spent sitting in front of screens—whether it’s a computer, tablet, or smartphone. While technology has undoubtedly enhanced productivity and connectivity, it has significantly reduced our physical movement. This change has triggered a sharp rise in lifestyle-related diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, insomnia, and chronic stress.

What’s more alarming is that these health issues are increasingly affecting young people, and even children. Today, kids are often glued to screens, their eyes strained, minds overwhelmed, and bodies inactive. Adults, too, are trapped in an endless loop of work, stress, and digital distractions. Unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, irregular sleep, and mental fatigue have become the norm. Early signs of burnout or fatigue are frequently ignored—until they become serious health problems.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder that a strong immune system and sound mental health are our greatest shields in times of crisis. And those can only be built over time through conscious and consistent lifestyle choices. A healthy lifestyle is not a trend to follow briefly or a challenge to tick off on social media; it is a lifelong responsibility and the foundation of a fulfilling, balanced life.

Saint Charles de Foucauld: The Universal Brother

Fr Andrew Rodrigues

Carles de Foucauld was born on May 15, 1858, in Strasbourg, France. Orphaned at the age of six, he was raised by his wealthy grandfather, who provided for him lovingly, but failed to instill discipline or faith. As a teenager, Charles drifted away from Christianity, immersed himself in worldly pleasures, and joined the French army. He later became an officer, and lived a hedonistic lifestyle, engaging in promiscuity and co-habiting with a prostitute. Reflecting on this period, he confessed, "I was fed up with life, and my conscience was in turmoil."

A Path to Conversion

During a dangerous military campaign in Algeria, Charles encountered the devout faith of Muslims. Their unwavering monotheism and daily prayers profoundly affected him. In Morocco, while witnessing the sincere devotion of the Muslim community, he began praying, "O God, if you exist, let me know you."

Upon returning to France, he was influenced by his cousin, Marie de Bondy. Her quiet wisdom and unconditional love softened his heart. Rather than argue with his unbelief, she introduced him to Fr Henri Huvelin, a deeply spiritual priest. One day, Charles visited Fr Huvelin, hoping to discuss his doubts. Instead, the priest directed him to kneel and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That moment marked a radical transformation; Charles returned to the Christian faith with complete devotion.

 Pilgrimage and Monastic Life

Filled with joy from his renewed faith, Charles made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In Nazareth, he was touched by the humility of Jesus' hidden life as a carpenter. Inspired to imitate this life, Charles joined the Trappist monastery. However, after seven years, he realised monastic life alone could not satisfy his spiritual thirst. He felt called to something deeper.