St Joseph - Universal Patron of all Workers

Fr Anthony Charanghat

Pope Francis has often emphasised the universal significance of Saint Joseph on Labour Day, May 1st even in the modern context of work and family, particularly relevant to our times. In several of his messages and prayers, the Pope consistently highlights Saint Joseph as an ideal of dedication to work and a protector of families.

In one of his general audiences, Pope Francis reflected on Saint Joseph's virtues, portraying him as a guardian who teaches us to trust in God's providence over our own plans, and to embrace those marginalised by society. He praised Joseph's silent yet profoundly impactful role in Jesus' life and the Holy Family, underscoring his example of fatherly love and care which can guide us in facing life's challenges with dignity and hope.

Moreover, the Pope has connected the figure of Saint Joseph to broader social issues, such as the dignity of work and the fight against modern forms of slavery and unemployment. He has encouraged solidarity and effort from those in positions of authority to improve employment opportunities, reflecting on work not just as a necessity, but as a fundamental aspect of equal human dignity to both man and woman, reflecting their co-participation in God's Creation.

The Book of Genesis tells us that God created man and woman, entrusting them with the task of filling the earth and subduing it, which does not mean exploiting it, but nurturing and protecting it, caring for it through their distinct roles in the work of Creation (Gen 1:28; 2:15). Work is part of God's loving plan; we are called to cultivate and care for all the goods of God's Creation. Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Work, to use a metaphor, 'anoints' both man and woman with dignity, makes them partakes in God's ongoing Creation, who always acts (Jn 5:17). Renowned philosopher, theologian and scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin speaks of each one having the ability to maintain oneself, one's family, to contribute to the growth of the nation and the world. There are difficulties in various countries today that afflict the world of work and business. How many people, not only young, are unemployed? It is often due to a purely economic and gender concept of society which seeks profit selfishly, beyond the parameters of social justice.

We must encourage a sense of solidarity in every organisation of industry to make effort to give new impetus to the dignity of every kind of employment undertaken by persons. This means caring for the dignity of the person, but above all, not to lose hope. St Joseph also experienced moments of difficulty, but he never lost faith, and was able to overcome them, in the certainty that God never abandons us. Young people should be urged to commit themselves to daily duties, to excel in studies, diligently work, in a spirit of collaborative relationships of friendships. With an indomitable spirit of courage, youth should not fear the sacrifice of commitment nor fear confronting the unknown future. Like St Joseph, we must keep our hope alive: for there is always a light on the horizon.

We must be concerned about 'slave labour' - what we could define as exploitation, work that is demeaning. How many people worldwide are victims of this type of slavery, when a person becomes a servant of labour, with labour dominating the dignity of persons. We should always opt for a decisive choice to combat the trafficking in persons, in which 'slave labour' exists.

The Pope's dedication to promoting the virtues of Saint Joseph was particularly evident when he declared the 150th Anniversary in the year 2020 dedicated to Saint Joseph as the patron of all workers in the Universal Church. This period was meant to deepen the understanding of Joseph as a figure of humble service and spiritual guidance, reinforcing his role as a model for Christian life in times of difficulty.

Saint Joseph is an emblem of commitment, resilience and faithfulness in both familial and professional roles. His example calls on all individuals and leaders alike to reflect on the value of work, and to strive towards creating conditions that uphold and respect the dignity of every worker.

Evaluations from an Easter Experience

In the days following Easter Sunday, a number of gospel texts from the liturgical readings of the day have highlighted the appearance of the Risen Christ in the Upper Room, where His disciples had locked themselves in for fear of the Jews. This closed space represented not just fear, but hopelessness, despair, anxiety, failure, sadness and doubt. The Risen Lord breaches this closed space, and liberates His disciples with the gift of His Resurrection. They are now emboldened to emerge from this closed space and proclaim the Good News of the Resurrection with great joy and courage, with little concern of any harm or persecution being inflicted on them. Note that Jesus enters the room with the door still closed; the disciples are now filled with the Spirit to open these locked doors themselves.

As we come to the end of another pastoral year, this is an opportune time for parishes to engage in some serious introspection and evaluation about the year gone by, as well as prepare goals, objectives and action plans for the year ahead. Evaluation is essential to any endeavour. Evaluation keeps us from repeating the same mistakes year after year. Planning asks, "What will we do?" before the event, while Evaluation asks, "How did we do?" after the event.

While the past year may, no doubt, have been a year of many blessings for the parish community, with a multitude of good events and deeds done, an evaluation will help us realise if we have been faithful to our objectives and goals, if we have been committed to tasks of discipleship and evangelisation, and most importantly, if we have progressed as a Church community, as People of God. A year filled with good events and programmes does not necessarily mean that the faith community has moved forward; it could have remained stagnant, being exactly where it was last year, or it may have regressed due to many unavoidable factors.

Synodal consultations in the Archdiocese of Bombay have centred around four pivotal themes: 'An Inclusive Church', 'A Collaborative Church', 'A Faith-filled Church', and 'A Church relevant to the times'. This is a good place to begin our evaluations. "Are we moving towards achieving these four pillars in our parish life?" Note that, in addition to a parish level evaluation, this process must be undertaken by every ministry, Cell, Association and ecclesial body that forms the beating heart of ecclesial and faith life.

A good place to start is always 'Listening' and having 'Conversations in the Spirit' as advocated by Pope Francis during the Synod on Synodality in Rome last October. This method is a community discernment based on prayer and listening. "We listen to each other, to our faith tradition, and to the signs of the times in order to discern what God is saying to all of us." In this way, we understand each other in a deeper way, rather than have 'business-like' meetings. The emphasis is on understanding before evaluating. A lot of tools can be used to listen to the community, including survey forms, polls, questionnaires, emails, focus groups, discussion circles, and just person-to-person conversations.

An important aspect of evaluation is to reflect on the missionary goals of our actions. Are we reaching out and ministering to every group in the parish (Young adults, the sick and homebound, migrants, people with disabilities, minority language groups, domestic workers, families with special needs, the poor, etc)? Has Mass attendance increased? Have more people been drawn into active ministering and involvement, compared to a year ago? Has the parish been able to reach out to other faith groups and civil society groups in its neighbourhood? Do members of parish Cells and Associations feel fulfilled and happy with their participation and work? Has there been growth?

An important indicator of parish growth is the growth of its members. In his acclaimed book, 'The Purpose Driven Church', author Rick Warren proposes the 5 Cs or the 5 Concentric Circles model to evaluate if members have progressed deeper into the life of the faith community. Beginning from the exterior, the five circles named Community, Crowd, Congregation, Committed and Core mandate an inward movement towards the interior/centre, one circle at a time. This inward movement indicates that parishioners at every level are being engaged and encouraged to deepen their participation in the life of the Church. This happens through listening, praying and an intentional discipleship.

I guess the pivotal question is not how many events/programmes were conducted, but how many lives were changed because of the parish ministry this year. As we look with hope and excitement towards a new pastoral year, do we want to do more of the same? Or do we want to emerge from self-imposed closed spaces, and bring light to new places where darkness has prevailed for too long?

Fr Joshan Rodrigues is on The Examiner Editorial Board, with the additional duty of Managing Editor.

Lourdes – A Shrine  of Hope and Healing

The Spiritual and Theological Significance

Fr Anthony Charanghat

The apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, beginning on February 11, 1858, mark an important dogma in Catholic spirituality and doctrine of the Church. These events, centred around Saint Bernadette Soubirous (whose feast we celebrate on April 16), unfold a profound narrative of faith, healing, and divine intercession, deeply intertwined with the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.

The central figure of these apparitions, Bernadette Soubirous, experienced eighteen visions of the Virgin Mary near a grotto along the banks of the Gave River. In one of these encounters, a thorough scientific and theological investigation conducted by a Diocesan Commission authorised by the Bishop were meticulously verified and documented. The report confirmed a direct communication between Bernadette and the Virgin Mary. 

Notably, on March 25, the Virgin Mary identified herself as the Immaculate Conception, a dogma proclaimed just four years prior, in 1854, by Pope Pius IX. This proclamation clarified that Mary, a Virgin, was conceived free from original sin, highlighting the purity of her sinless person, as foretold by the lips of holy men, who were prophets from of Old in the Bible. This was the Divine favour promised by God, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).

The timing and content of these apparitions were no mere coincidence; they served as a divine affirmation of the defined dogma of those times. Bernadette, a simple and humble girl, could not have known of such a complex theological concept on her own. This aspect underscores the authenticity of the visions, and reinforces the theological significance of Mary's Immaculate state, serving as a conduit of divine grace and intercession.

Beyond the theological affirmations, Lourdes evolved into a sanctuary for those seeking physical and spiritual healing. The site of the apparitions, where Bernadette unearthed a spring of water at the Virgin's instruction, became a place of pilgrimage, offering real hope for countless individuals battling illness and despair. The Lourdes water, symbolic of purification and healing, signifies Mary's role as an intercessor, guiding the faithful towards spiritual renewal and physical well-being.

The transformative power of Lourdes is not confined to physical healing alone; it extends to profound spiritual conversions, offering the message of hope and redemption. This aspect of Lourdes highlights the Virgin Mary's abiding presence and her intercessory role in leading the faithful closer to Christ, the ultimate source of healing and salvation.

The narrative of the wedding at Cana, where Mary prompts Jesus to perform His first miracle, parallels the events at Lourdes. In both instances, Mary demonstrates her compassionate intercession, underscoring her role in the divine plan of salvation. At Cana, Mary's request leads to a change of water into wine, symbolising the transformative power of Christ's presence. Similarly, at Lourdes, Mary's apparitions catalyse a spiritual and physical healing, reinforcing the primacy of her intercessory role as a collaborator between the divine and the human.

The juxtaposition of these events underlines the theological and spiritual significance of Mary's intercession. It highlights her unique role in the Christian narrative, not only as the Mother of God, but also as a compassionate advocate for humanity, continually guiding the faithful towards the mercy of Her Son.

The apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, and the subsequent establishment of the shrine have become an iconic centre to innumerable pilgrims from all over the world seeking hope and healing, that bring out a profound spiritual message. Lourdes serves as a tangible reminder of Mary's role as the Immaculate Conception, a symbol of purity and grace, and her continuous intercession for humanity.

 This narrative encourages the faithful to seek spiritual renewal and trust in divine providence, ensuring that the message of Lourdes underlines the need to build a robust faith, hope, and love in His healing of our contemporary world. Above all, it does not endorse some magical and superstitious ritualistic practice, but provides a path of Prayer, Penance, and contemplative Peace. 

Divine Mercy is the Heartbeat of Life

This year, as we celebrate the twin feasts of the Divine Mercy and the Annunciation of Our Lord on April 7 and 8 respectively, we are invited to reflect on the meaning of Mercy and its power to be life-giving. The infinite and unconditional mercy that God pours out on the world is the foundation of Christian life and the driving force of the Church in the world. The Church powers itself not on earthly energies, but on the love and mercy of God. Indeed, the blood and water that flowed out from the Saviour’s side on the Cross is the beating heart of the Church.

The announcement of the birth of the Saviour to a humble handmaid at Nazareth was an act of the Divine Mercy. The Annunciation event sent ripples across the cosmos, across all Creation, seen and unseen. The visible face of God’s mercy would now walk on the earth, amongst us, like us in all things, but sin. Throughout His public ministry, Jesus became the face of the Divine Mercy to the sick, the suffering, to those who were hated and pushed to the margins of society. What moved Jesus whenever He encountered these people was nothing but mercy. He read their hearts and responded to their deepest longings.

After freeing the demoniac in the country of the Gerasenes, Jesus entrusted him with this mission: “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mk 5:19). In the parables He preached, Jesus always revealed the nature of God as merciful, who would not rest until He had forgiven the wrong and overcome rejection and failure with love and mercy. The three ‘lost’ parables at the heart of Luke’s gospel (Ch. 15) are a testimony to God’s abiding mercy.

In fact, the whole Bible is the great story of the marvels of God’s mercy. Every one of its pages is steeped in the love of the Father who, from the moment of Creation, wished to impress the signs of His love on the universe. In the Bible, Mercy emerges as a concretisation of the Love of God. Expressing love can sometimes remain an abstraction; it is mercy that makes love visible and tangible.

The appearance of the Risen Lord to the disciples huddled in the Upper Room, and to Thomas a week later, is one more expression of the Divine Mercy. With just these simple yet powerful words, “Peace be with you,” Jesus filled His disciples with love, and wiped out the hurt and guilt that was consuming them from within. Guilt – for they had failed their Master in His darkest hour, and Hurt – because their hopes, aspirations and faith in the Messiah had been temporarily killed by the horrific events of Good Friday. They were now arrested by fear and living in the shadow of death. The Risen Lord liberates them with the Light of His Peace, and immediately sends them out on mission, as Missionaries of Mercy.

These twin feasts remind us of our mission to be ambassadors of the Divine Mercy in a world that is consumed by the Culture of Death. It is only mercy that can overcome the darkness of evils that currently afflict humanity. Looking around us, at times, it seems that there is no part of the world that is untouched by suffering. The daily news reports are a grim reminder of the ‘wounds of the world’. Human suffering due to war, particularly families and children, civil and internal strife that leads to the pain of migration; dictatorships and the loss of freedom, religious persecution; unemployment and poverty that leads to hopelessness and despair, hunger and a lack of opportunities; the twin evils of abortion and euthanasia that kill the youngest and the oldest among us; a ‘woke’ culture that obfuscates the Truth of Life and Creation, and ironically deadens society to eternal and divine realities instead of awakening them; and finally a heightened individualism, secularism and relativism, that lead to a culture of indifference, isolation, emptiness and extreme unhappiness.

It is only the ‘Wounds of the Risen Christ’ that can heal the ‘wounds of the world’. And for this to happen, each one of us must become a tangible, visible face of the Divine Mercy to every human being around us. May the Divine Mercy fill our hearts and the world with a Peace that only He can give.

Fr Joshan Rodrigues is on The Examiner Editorial Board, with the additional duty of Managing Editor.

The Eloquence of Easter Empowerment

Fr Anthony Charanghat

Easter is the cornerstone of the Christian celebration of the Resurrection-event of Christ. Easter is not merely a commemoration of an outstanding and unique miracle of the past. It is about embracing the enduring eloquence of the Easter event. It is about the profound Love of God, which breaks through the multiple forces casting shadows of despair, and overcomes the finality of the darkness of death.

The scriptural story of Easter starts with the sad event of Christ’s entry into the grip of His crucifixion and death on the Cross. This kind of hate and violent death is still happening today, in wars and conflicts in many places around the world, as in Ukraine and Gaza. This year, as every other, the Easter narrative offers the ongoing call to understand and live the Easter message. It beckons us to transformative action in a world still marred by violence, injustice, and the shadows of death.

The significance of the Resurrection extends far beyond the historical event itself for all followers of the Risen Lord. It offers us a hopeful message: God’s Love is more powerful than hate. When Jesus rose gloriously from the dead, He showed that Light outshines the shadows of despair, and that supernatural Life wins over the transient darkness of physical death.

On that first Easter dawn, when Mary Magdalene came to the dark tomb to pay homage to the lifeless body of Christ, it was missing, and could not be found. That dark empty tomb cast Light on the unfathomable depth of God's Love—a love that refuses to be vanquished by violence. The Resurrection of Jesus is God's definitive statement that life, not death, has the final word.

 Jesus' death reveals the miraculous transformation from a tragic end into a profound expression of God's Eternal Love, as mentioned by Saint Paul: "God demonstrates His Love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  This is God's way of showing that He loves us deeply, even when we make mistakes.

Easter is about how we live today and how we treat others. It asks us to be kind, to help people who are struggling, and to stand up for what's right, even when it is hard. It teaches us that by doing these things, we are sharing Jesus' Love and bringing His Light to outshine the dark places of our world.

We are also reminded that we do not need to see Jesus physically to feel His presence or to understand His message. His love helps us see Him in our lives, especially when we are helping others or going through tough times ourselves. Easter encourages us to be hopeful and to believe that things can get better, even in our darkest moments.

Easter means we have an active role to play in making the world a better place. We are asked to spread the Good News of Jesus, to strive against violence and hatred, and to bring joy and hope to others. It tells us that no situation is too difficult for God's love to change. It is time for new beginnings and finding light in the darkness.

When we celebrate the Easter Vigil service, we are surrounded by the light of a candle, which represents God's love defeating death. This light inspires us to make a difference in the world. Easter goes beyond a one-day celebration; it is a way of living that involves bringing hope and healing to the sick and the poor around us.

Easter invites us into a personal and communal encounter with the Risen Lord. This encounter is transformative, calling us to act collectively as bearers of His Light in the world's darkness. Where is the Risen Lord to be found today? It is witnessed in individuals and communities that become the centre of Christ's love, manifesting acts of compassionate care for the vulnerable and suffering; in the proclamation of truth, even at great personal cost; and in the myriad acts of kindness and generosity that reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

As Easter people, we are called to transform the world around us, by renewing His Resurrection in our deeds, relationships and communities. Hence, we recommit ourselves to this transformative call, living out the Resurrection's power to bring life, hope and healing to the brokenness of our lives.

Our solemn promise this Easter is to be channels of God's vibrant life to all who dwell in darkness, and continue to work for justice, peace, and caring for His creation.

Holy Week: Journeying with Jesus

With the commemoration of the Paschal Triduum, we arrive at the climax of the liturgical year and the crescendo of the Christian mysteries. During the season of Lent, we have been journeying with Jesus on the road towards Jerusalem. This road represents all the persecution and hostility that bombards a true disciple of Christ who seeks to walk in His footsteps. Christ endured an invisible, yet no less heavy a Cross, along this journey, facing entrapment, opposition, unfair judgment, malice and hatred. But Our Lord resolutely kept His face set towards Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him.

Holy Week is the culmination of that journey, when all the hatred and sin of the world is brought to bear upon Christ, and He – in all humility and meekness – takes it upon His shoulders for the salvation of the world. However, the events of Holy Week are not the end of the journey; they are a decisive moment in the Christian life, and the beginning of a new journey into a world filled with Life, Light and Love, birthed by the Resurrection and the Easter mysteries. However, whether we allow ourselves to be transformed by the outpouring of grace and the new life of Easter will depend very much on what our response will be to God, to His invitation, when the darkness of evil bears down on us and tests our resolve and faithfulness.

Will we wash our hands off the sufferings of others like Pilate? Or will we yoke ourselves to another's pain like Simon of Cyrene?

Will we allow fear to overcome us like Peter? Or will we resolutely and courageously stand by those denied justice like the Mother of Jesus?

Will we betray our Christian values when we live in the world like Judas, or will we surrender our lives to the will of the Father, like Jesus Himself?

Pope Francis, speaking to the Confraternities recently in Merida, Spain, who prepare the Holy Week celebrations, said that the experience of Holy Week must "leave an indelible and permanent mark" on those who participate, and that the re-enactment of Jesus' Passion "is not a spectacle, but a proclamation of our salvation" and "for this reason, it must leave its mark." Quite often, Holy Week can be reduced to an over-emphasis on the traditions and customs surrounding it, rather than focusing on a true conversion of heart.

Holy Week is a time when we are reminded of the central virtues of the Christian life – welcoming Christ as our King and Messiah (Palm Sunday), Servant Leadership (Maundy Thursday), Sacrificial Love (Good Friday), New Life spotless, unstained (Easter). Once we have undergone the spiritual cleansing of Lent and a reorientation of our ambitions towards heaven, Holy Week is sending out of the disciple into the world, to bring joy and light to all, and to offer our hands, our feet, our hearts in service of God who guides us and shows us the way. We must use this holiest of weeks to "renew our 'yes' to the divine will, just as Jesus did with His sacrifice on the Cross."

The liturgies of Holy Week are not just a commemoration of the past, but they are meant to lead us into a deeper reflection on "today's history". The brutal sufferings of the innocent in Gaza, Ukraine, and other parts of the world due to selfish political ambitions, the cry of persecuted minorities in Nigeria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, and certain parts of our own country, the excruciating pain of the poor and hungry, the loss of dignity of those who are raped, abused and tortured – all cry out to us for solidarity and Christian action.

The Paschal Triduum two millennia ago showed us that hatred, violence and evil never have the last word in history. The crucified Christ rose again and conquered the world. Holy Week is the perfect time to reorient ourselves towards justice, reconciliation and peace. It is a perfect time to remind ourselves of our duty towards our brothers and sisters, whom Christ died for. We are invited to keep vigil with the Lord, to stand by the Cross, to bend ourselves in humble service, and to believe in the power of the Resurrection.

Fr Joshan Rodrigues is on The Examiner Editorial Board, with the additional duty of Managing Editor.

A Call to Mirror God’s Way of Communication

Fr Anthony Charanghat

The Examiner Catholic Newsweekly, based in Mumbai and serving the Archdiocese of Bombay since 1850, stands as a bedrock of Catholic religious faith-based journalism, endeavouring to emulate the divine mode of communication God established with humanity. The call to The Examiner on the monumental event of the 175th Anniversary titled the De Quadrant Bicentennial year is to encapsulate the essence of mirroring God's Way of Communication, by incorporating the profound messages of God as revealed in Christian scriptures.

The core of these messages posit that Christian communication is a divine gift, initiated by God to unveil the existential and spiritual realms of the world He created. This foundational belief steers The Examiner's editorial focus towards illuminating God's teachings and fostering a deeper bond between humanity and the divine.

The Examiner's De Quadrant Bicentennial celebrations will have programmes conducted during the celebratory event that will display the vibrancy of the faith of the community in writing and reading Christian literature. The inauguration of the jubilee celebrations began with a prayer dance by the Holy Name School children, which was followed by The Examiner anthem, composed by Mr Tony Menezes and music arranged by Adv. Amanda Rebello and the children's choir of the Church backing the family of The Examiner to raise their hearts in thanksgiving.

Cardinal Gracias then unveiled The Examiner commemorative issue, symbolising its longevity. These moments underscore the publication's evolution and its unbroken connection to its roots and mission in spite of being an arduous journey. His Eminence, the Chief Guest and patron of The Examiner, lit the inaugural samai, marking the commencement of the celebrations. His address highlighted The Examiner's esteemed position within Catholic journalism, acknowledging its resilience and purposeful navigation through changing technological landscapes. The Cardinal's words serve as a testament to The Examiner's dedication to journalistic excellence and its role in shaping critical narratives within the community.

The Examiner event also featured jubilee memorial lectures, beginning with Fr (Dr) Plavendran's analysis of Artificial Intelligence's impact on Catholic media; his caution against uncritical adoption of technology without alignment to Catholic teaching reflects a broader discourse on maintaining authenticity in the Digital age. The next lecturer, Dr. Rochelle Almeida, Professor Emerita of The Humanities New York University,  shared her recollections on her journey with The Examiner, from a young contributor to a celebrated academic, underscoring the publication's role in nurturing intellectual and spiritual growth to great heights of excellence, which also motivated her to write an article for the successive Christmas Bumper Publication every year. It also made her realise how popular The Examiner was, as readers in various parts of the world showered encomiums on her.

The discussions extended into the regulatory and operational challenges faced by print media today, as outlined by Mr Gavin D'Souza. His emphasis on compliance and the strategic importance of accreditation in India highlighted the behind-the-scenes efforts required to maintain The Examiner's legacy.

The crowning event was The Examiner awards founded in honour of the parents of the Mascarenhas family. This year's Golden Pen award was won by Ms Nirmala Carvalho, a well-known independent journalist not only in The Examiner, but in other Christian media outlets around the globe. Mr Christopher Mendonca was the recipient of the Silver Pen award for writing on the extraordinary liturgical seasons of the year for The Examiner and for his reflections on contemplative prayer and spirituality in the Christian tradition. Ms Fiza Pathan was the winner of the Bronze Pen award for being a prolific writer and having written and published 17 award-winning books and short stories.

Amidst the celebration, The Examiner Editor's candid admission of past shortcomings revealed a humble introspection and a fervent desire to live up to the divine mission. This acknowledgment speaks of the publication's resilience and its commitment to spreading God's light through truth, justice and love, despite facing challenges. He underlined that we were unworthy vessels of clay and have been remiss in our mission to spread the brilliant light of God anchored in truth, justice and love. However, he emphasised that deep in our hearts, we are more resolved than ever that with the Spirit of God, we will labour courageously to fulfil our mission, no matter what the cost.

The editorial content's future, as led by Fr Joshan Rodrigues, promises a dynamic and forward-looking approach to faith-based journalism. His concluding words of thanks encapsulated the collective spirit that has sustained The Examiner, acknowledging the contributions of Bp Dominic Savio Fernandes, Rector of Holy Name Cathedral, the clergy, educators, contributors, and the wider community as partners in the publication's journey, not failing to thank specially the personnel of the various departments involved in giving birth to the people's favourite Examiner weekly. And also, our gratitude goes to Fr K.T. Emmanuel who compered the entire show of the evening with his sense of humour, keeping the audience riveted to the exciting story of The Examiner's uphill task of traversing from Quill to Digital.

The Examiner Journey

Scroll to Digital

Fr Anthony Charanghat

Ae raise our hearts on the occasion of the 175th year of the uninterrupted publication of The Examiner to give thanks to God for the gift that He has given us. Through His merciful love, the genesis of The Examiner began in the Church of India in March 1850. It has been a record of sorts, ranking among one of the premiere English publications in this country.

We do not take this occasion to trumpet the glories of our work, for we are just frail vessels of clay made from the earth, and unto dust we shall return. But praise we must: give glory to God for the wonders and marvels of His work; and loudly proclaim and communicate the grandeur of His Love.

Where do we begin to tell the story of how great the Love of God can be, greater than the ocean and the sea, a communion between God and Humanity! This is the essence of the branding of The Examiner insignia which gives us the motto, and the icon of what a religious Catholic newspaper ought to be. The above mentioned quote summarises the quintessence of what Cardinal Valerian Gracias, the first Indian editor, exhorted the subsequent editors, when he inducted them into The Examiner publication 50 years ago.

We are also beholden to our Emeritus Cardinals - His Eminence Simon Pimenta and His Eminence Ivan Dias, and our current Shepherd of the Archdiocese of Bombay, Cardinal Oswald Gracias for their support and guidance in helping us run the Catholic newsweekly.

Accordingly, the logo and motto were conceptualised to spell out the purpose and goal of The Examiner which was to unravel the Word of God in human language to be understood by the people of God – a theme well depicted in The Examiner emblem.

The Coat of Arms of The Examiner is shaped within the circle of God's embracing love. It is anchored in God, illumined on the top of a Cross by a flame spreading the light of Christ. Perched at the bottom of the Cross are two arms of the anchor on which are two pens symbolising the medium of our time - the written word, to spread His Truth, Justice and Love.

It is a religious magazine which gives primacy of place to human relationship with God. Hence, The Examiner is called to function as a mirror of God's Love revealed by His Word, who is Christ. The Examiner, being a Catholic religious newspaper, has to interpret the deeper insights of God's Word in the language of the common person.

The Examiner has employed the language of scripture to convey the message of the mission entrusted to every man and woman to fulfil their call to bring the Kingdom values on Earth. The literary genre of the language of the Bible has been extensively used in The Examiner and by our writers who were legends of yore, that has elevated the tenor and tone of The Examiner and raised it to the touch of the Divine, casting a spiritual glow that makes The Examiner so riveting.

It is interesting to observe that human religious writings are always inspired by God, especially if they mirror the revelations of God, as evidenced by the authors of the Bible. The language of the Bible has been extolled as the best literature in the world which touches the mind, moves the heart and changes the world. The Bible has been deemed universally as the greatest story of Love ever told.

We pay tribute to a galaxy of eminent writers and contributors who have embellished the volumes of The Examiner over the years with their expertise, knowledge and writing skills, who have made it a readers' delight to be found not only in many Christian homes, but also avidly read in public libraries, educational institutions and hospitals, to bring comfort and solace in the healing powers of God in their moments of pain and suffering.

Above all, the Bible is a story of Salvation realised in the redeeming life of Jesus Christ, our mediator between God and man.

I cannot fail to thank the dynamic and exuberant Fr Joshan Rodrigues, who has been a pillar of strength, upholding the edifice of The Examiner as he assisted me in editing the content and operations of The Examiner, and on several occasions, writing the leaders of the Newsweekly.

It is our sincere belief and hope that the next generation of The Examiner family will surely steer the forward march of The Examiner to greater heights into the last lap of the bicentennial. May Godspeed your journey.