by Fr. Martin Mary, FI

As one passes through the streets of Trivandrum, Kerala’s capital, on my way to our community, one will observe immediately a strikingly Hindu culture of the area: Hindu temples in almost every major cluster of inhabitants, women dressed in sari with warm colorful combination, men, mostly wear a skirt-like trappings called in Kerala as “mundu,” instead of the usual pants, spicy food among sidewalk fast food and vendors consisting of “curry” and “parotta,” “chapati,” or “apam,” -- varieties of food made from wheat or rice flour. All of these scream a reminder for me that I am no longer in the United States. It is certainly an eye opener for me to experience an entirely different culture and beliefs that I felt privileged for having this rare opportunity to see other cultures’ aspirations, lifestyle and even dreams. It certainly strips off a mentality of complexities characteristic of western living and presents a simple life imbued with contentment even in the presence of privation from what the Westerners would call for themselves as “necessities.”

The busy street of Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala

This year, we have four new young vocations from Puluvilla, Tamil Nadu and Puthiyathura: Bro. Prasanth, Bro. Jacob, Bro. Vinnu and Bro Ajoon. They are starting the Junior Aspirancy, the first year among the three years aspirancy program prior to the novitiate. During these three years, they are to study the English language and basic formation proper to this stage: liturgy, spirituality, mariology, religious and community life as well as music. The last two years are dedicated to their academic study according to Indian educational system: the Plus One and Plus Two. One of the great challenges of forming these boys is the language of Kerala -- Malayalam. Even non-Keralite Indians find difficulty learning this language. Malayalam is just one of the 114 languages the people of India speak. Hence, every single class, homily and instructions need to be translated. Thanks to Bro. Anil, one of the smartest aspirants we have who never get tired of doing this work. The Indian boys are so much in need of instruction especially in the areas of spirituality, catechesis and religious life that it pains me to see them not knowing what I know. I have such an eager desire to share them a lot of things, to instruct them in the ways of God and the love of the Immaculata, but it is ignorance of their language that impedes me. That is why I am dead serious in sending them to tutorial school for English language. Here in India, every single seminarian either diocesan or religious customarily studies English.

Hence, the primary work of the missionaries of our community here in India is that of formation of the seminarians. We hope that one day, there will be more Indian friars of the Immaculate who will undertake the task of evangelization of their own people. This is the reason why I considered the formation of our candidates of primary importance. I always instill in their very minds that the future of our community in India depends primarily on a solid foundation of religious formation. It is a formation that is gradual, continuous and faithful to the charism handed on to us by our founders. Apostolic work is certainly important especially in bringing the light of the Gospel to this nation; but the efficacy of this work depends so much on the formation of the apostolic worker who are well prepared not just spiritually and doctrinally but also mentally.

The task of formation is certainly not an easy task and yet the most noble. It is here that one not only assures the salvation of the candidates but also helps them to become great saints. There is certainly a poverty of saints in our time because no one teaches people to do so by word and by example. And doing this requires a lot of patience, understanding and compassion which should be carried out without forgetting the purpose of the entire process, namely, the true good of the human soul. Hence, the validity of a good formation is verified by the fruit of holiness it generates on the subject and not on mere structure or organization. The latter are just means to achieve the good of person. There is certainly a subtle kind of asceticism required on the part of the missionaries engaged in this work. It always demand a continuous setting aside of self-interest and concern. It demands sacrifice of oneself and keeping always in mind the good that one can share to others in need. Here in india, there is more than just a mere poverty of things. I believe that the only serious poverty present not only India but also in every part of the world, is the poverty that people do not know how much God loves them. And this demands someONE who will show, through their goodness to others, the love of God. This is one of the reasons of the mystery of Incarnation, the revelation of God’s love that is tangible and visible. And mission works are the continuation of the Incarnation.