50 More Pearls of Wisdom

PATHWAYS TO GROWTH

Faith Reflections for SCCs, Parish Associations and Faith Gatherings

It was in March 2020 that Thomas Lobo, the quintessential speaker on living life the human way, had brought out 50 PEARLS OF WISDOM - a treasure trove like no other! Each of the 50 pieces of treasure, by way of an interesting story, challenged those involved in Parish Pastoral Councils, Small Christian Communities, Parish Associations, faith gatherings, and indeed, every believer across the spectrum, to check for a reflection of its content in their daily life. In the intervening period, Thomas has succeeded in giving the finishing touches to 50 more such gems of sagacity which are now on offer in his latest treatise, 50 More PEARLS OF WISDOM!

Bishop Agnelo Gracias, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Bombay, who is currently Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jalandhar, puts this volume into perspective with a quick reference to Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. Incidentally, while young orphan Oliver's plea, "Sir, can I have more?" is met with punishment, a similar desire kindled in the hearts of many who read Thomas' 50 PEARLS OF WISDOM is well responded to with 50 More PEARLS OF WISDOM by the author!

Essentially, a significant feature of Thomas' Pearls [both volumes] is the set of questions that concludes each chapter: Are we prone to quickly judge everything that happens to us in our lives? (p 03) God is in the business of saving people. Are you helping God to save your own life? (p 02) Have we experienced frustration in our lives when God has not responded to our cry for help in the way we expected? (p 06) When life gives you lemons, do you make lemonade or crumble under the sourness that life dishes out to you? (p 42) Do you believe that you have the power to choose to be either positive or negative? (p 36) These self-introspective questions make for quiet reflection as well as provoke group discussions, further aiding the thought process.

The author is a man who walks the talk, and is as genial as the stuff he dishes out at corporate as well as pastoral training sessions, and in his writings, leaving listener and reader alike asking for more. Any wonder then that the titles of most of his stories actually have you put on your thinking cap and ruminate on both their significance and source? To sample some: Life is like a piano (# 73); The Mouse Trap (# 79); A Bridge to Nowhere (# 96).

Bishop Bosco Penha, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Bombay and the initiator of the Small Christian Communities movement in India per se avers, "Thomas has, through his training acumen, empowered hundreds of lay leaders through the 'Training of Trainers' and 'Training of Animators' courses that were run in the Archdiocese of Bombay."

Father Felix D'Souza, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Santa Cruz, himself a convincing parable narrator, says, "As I recommend this book, I am grateful to God for the gift of Thomas Lobo—for his involvement in the Archdiocese of Bombay, and thank him on behalf of many trainers, for utilising his talents for the benefit of enhancing leadership qualities, especially among our laity."

(Copies at a subsidised rate of Rs 100/- are available at LTC, Marol (Jennifer Furtado 98192 14067), IC Borivli (Vanessa Essaki 98673 88065), OL of Egypt, Kalina (Ronald Pereira 98672 16007) and Thomas Lobo 98200 25853)

Ladislaus Louis D'Souza