Multi-pronged expansion for CCI India

CCI-India will launch a national study of internal migrant workers, a media training program and the creation of a Cardijn Media company, the National Team has announced following its meeting at Trichur, Kerala this week.

The 15-17 May meeting undertook an extensive review of the movement's activities in India and the steps taken since the National Council in November 2011.

CCI Secretary General MJ Ruben reports that the team adopted a multi-pronged approach to build CCI in India and to promote Cardijn, including the following:

1. A survey on the living and working conditions of internal migrant workers:

To be undertaken in 6 phases viz. (i) Finalisation of the objective and guidelines; (ii)data collection; (iii)analysis of data collected; (iv)consultation to discuss the outcome of the survey and to plan action with the field workers, experts, sociologists, organisations working on migrant issues and CCI leaders and animators; (v)publication of the survey and the last phase (vi) will be the action part (representation, lobbying and sensitization on the issue).

SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) tool will be used for formulating guideliens and analysing the data collected.

Two fulltime workers from CCI will be appointed for two to three months to conduct the survey in 6 major cities in India (Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad).

One hundred families/individuals will be contacted during the survey in each of the six cities. Besides the six cities, CCI members will also take up the survey in their own areas.

2. Media and Social Media Training

Two programs are to be held in Secunderabad from 7-11 July 2012.

3. Cardijn Media

It was also decided to register Cardijn Media as a company. Six people have already agreed to subscribe for 10,000 rupees of shares.

Under the proposed statutes, 50 per cent of any profits will be donated to CCI.

Among other decisions CCI - India formally decided to affiliate with the Cardijn Community International.

National Team member Jomon Cherussery was coopted as national treasurer following the resignation of Monica Mascarenhas.

It was also decided to open up for individual memberships with an undertaking by new members to endeavour to launch new CCI teams in their local areas within twelve months of their joining.

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CCI launched in Hyderabad India

Cardijn Community International (CCI) was formally launched in Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh in India on 19 February 2012.

Hyderabad is the fourth most populous city in India with an area of 650 sq k.ms (250 sq miles). Hyderabad is also a major global centre for IT and bio-pharmaceutical industries.

Around 50 former leaders of YCS, YCW and CWM participated in the one day launch program which started with a mass by Fr. Thumma Arla, a former animator of YCS and the Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre. The Diocesan President of CWM and the Diocesan Youth Director, Fr. Fatima Reddy also attended.

Ms Elizabeth Martin, a former YCW welcomed the gathering and introduced the CCI National Leaders and the International Secretary General.

CCI was formally launched by lighting the lamp by Fr. Thumma Arla and other CCI leaders present.
James Sylvester, a former YCS leader and currently member of the CCI-India Volunteer Team steered the day’s program.

Fr. Thumma Arla assured his support in the efforts to promote Cardijn. He emphasized on the need to ‘See-Judge-Act’ in the light of the Gospel values. Fr. Thumma appealed to the CCI to help him re-activate the Pastoral Centre and put it to proper use and expressed that CCI is always welcome to make use of the Centre.

Xavier Anthony, CCI National President extended the greetings on behalf of the National Team.
Ms Glynis Joseph, National Secretary stressed on the need for clear financial perspectives and self-financing.

Clifford Bastian, Member of the CCI-India National Team, who is also a former YCW of Hyderabad recalled his days in the YCW here and wished the Hyderabad CCI all the best.

M. J. Ruben, CCI Secretary General congratulated the Hyderabad Chapter for the launch. In his brief intervention he covered on the origin and objective of CCI and gave a general view of the functioning of the movement at the international level.

All the former leaders were very excited to meet each other after 20 to 30 years and they were very jubilant that such an opportunity was created by CCI.

There was a feeling of emotion clubbed with gratitude to the Cardijn movements which formed them. In their personal testimony, all those who spoke acknowledged that ‘they are what they are today only because of the formation they received through the Cardijn movements’.

The forenoon session ended with lunch.

Thirty-five members enthusiastically attended the post lunch planning session in which the members continued their testimonies.

Two factors emerged very clearly from the testimonies, i.e. i) Cardijn is the binding factor among all of them; and ii) through the formation in Cardijn movements, they have a ‘special identity’ which is opposed to the ‘identity’ imposed by the consumer culture promoted by globalisation.

All of them felt that there is a need to continue to work to restore human dignity and that they should function as a group. All of them wanted to be part of the CCI.

At the concluding session, James Sylvester proposed formation of an ad-hoc team to work out modalities for regular meetings, activities, etc. and it was agreed.

After consultation in small groups, a seven member team was nominated as the Coordinating Team of CCI-Hyderabad with Ms Elizabeth Martin as the Coordinator; the members of the team are: James Sylvester, I. Prakasham, Martin Michael, Patrick Fernandez, Manasa Janaki and John.

An appeal was made to those who would like to be part of the team to contact the Coordinator and to take part in the next meeting.

The grand launch program followed hectic preparations and contact work done by James Sylvester, Martin Michael and Ms Elizabeth Martin.

The National leaders of CCI-India and the CCI Secretary-General appreciate and congratulate the efforts of the organising team in bringing Hyderabad into CCI fold.

Report: MJ Ruben, CCI Secretary-General

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Fr Thomas Joseph recalls meeting with Cardijn

Indian priest, Father Thomas Joseph, 92, recalls his meeting with late Cardinal Joseph Cardijn, founder of the YCW.

The nonagenarian priest says he was totally unprepared when his archdiocese appointed him workers’ chaplain in 1950, www.ucanindia.in reports. His only brief was to help in Catholic workers’ faith formation and organize them for their socio economic welfare.

“It was mainly to keep them away from communists,” he said with hindsight.

Inexperienced as he was, he began visiting workers’ families and their leaders. “I found workers helplessness and marginalized from one generation to the other.”

Trade unions controlled only the organized workers and used them for political purposes. And there was none to take care of the unorganized.

“I too felt helpless. My long years of formation did not help,” the priest explained. So, he attended a course in industrial relation at the Oxford University.

FULL STORY

Church needs to renew workers movement: Priest (ucanindia.in)

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CCI India to focus on internal migration campaign

CCI-India is to launch a three month enquiry campaign focusing on internal migration following its general assembly and study session in Chennai last week.

The General Assembly also elected a new national team with Xavier Anthony as president, Glynis Joseph as secretary and Monica Mascarenhas as treasurer.

CCI Secretary General MJ Ruben, who also participated in the meeting, has filed the brief report below:

11th Nov.: The event started with an immersion session inaugurated by Fr. Thomas Joseph, 92 years, a worker chaplain and YCW/CWM Chaplain since 1950.The website of CCI-India was also launched. You can visit www.cardijncommunity.in

The immersion session was conducted by Fr. Maschio, Animator of CCI groups in Kanniyakumari and Tuticorin dioceses.

M. J. Ruben made a presentation on 'What is CCI'.

Ms Glynis Joseph, Coordinator of the host chapter welcomed and Lazar, Treasurer proposed a vote of thanks. The inaugural session was followed by a welcome dinner.

12th Nov.: The Study on 'Corruption - in and around us' brought out new insights and revelations about our own lives, attitudes, mentalities, perceptions and about what is happening in the community. Many proposals came out in terms of acting against this menace.

13th: GA - Business session with chapter reports, National report, financial report, etc. It was amazing to discover that Rupess 260,000 was the income in just 18 months. All this money came from the CCI members and through their efforts from the friends of CCI. Everyone felt that it is possible to develop the movement without having to depend on external sources. This is one of the aspects of the 'spirituality of CCI' and we need to develop this 'culture'.

PLAN FOR THE NEXT 2 YEARS

1. Internal Migration: Inquiry Campaign to be launched on the 'Living and working conditions of internal migrant workers' at the all India level which will go on for 3 months. The National CCI will plan further based on the findings.

2. Vatican II @ 50: A 3 year project commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vatican II will be launched in 2012.

3. Other issues for Study/Campaign: Unemployment, Corruption, Work and Worker, Climate Justice, Peace Building

4. Training for youth on 'Social Media and Social Networking'

Plans for extension were made besides proposals for fund raising.

STATUTES:

The GA adopted the Statutes and Internal Regulations which will be the guiding point for the CCI India in future.

It was also decided to have a legal status for CCI by registering it under the 'Societies Act'.

NEW TEAM:

National President: Xavier Anthony (Bangalore)
National Secretary: Ms Glynis Joseph (Chennai)
National Treasurer: Ms Monica Mascarenhas (Pune)
Team Members:
Clifford Bastian: Nagpur
Jomon Cherussery: Kerala
Joseph Arokiasamy: Pune
Paul Arputham: Bangalore
National Chaplain: Fr. Servatius (Kanniyakumari)
Collaborators: Fr. Maschio (Tuticorin); Dominic Mendonca (Pune)
Volunteer Team: Joseph Anthony (Bangalore); George Heston (Chennai); James Sylvester (Hyderabad)
Ex-officio Members: V. Susairaj and M. J. Ruben

Visit Photo Gallery here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/103324114816508872702/CCIIndiaGA2011

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Liby Mendonca prayer campaign launched

CCI-India has launched a prayer campaign seeking a miracle cure for Liby Mendonca, a former YCW from Pune.

LIBERATA MENDONCA (Liby), who is married to Dominic Mendonca, Collaborator to CCI-India, has been unconscious and on life support for over a month. Her brain was damaged due to high blood pressure and the doctors have given up hope.

Only a miracle can save her, doctors say.

The prayer campaign proposed during the CCI India General Assembly at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Chennai, India on the 129th birth anniversary of Cardijn (November 13, 2011) commenced at 12 noon on the 14th November.

CCI India hopes that a miracle will also provide evidence to push forward the process for the canonisation of Cardijn.

Details of the prayer campaign can be found below.

Prayer to Cardijn for the healing of Ms Liberata Mendonca

Dear Friends,

Ms Liberata Mendonca, known as ‘Liby’ is a former YCW of Pune in India and is married to Dominic Mendonca, former YCW and now Collaborator to the CCI-India. They have a daughter Michelle who is married with a daughter. They all live in Pune. On the 13th October 2011, Liby and Dominic went to their homeopathic doctor for a check up and soon after she felt bad and collapsed. She was rushed to hospital immediately and was admitted to the ICU. By that time her blood pressure had shot to the maximum and her brain was affected. Brain surgery was suggested but she was too weak to undergo the risky surgery. Fluids were drained from her head.

From 13th October onwards, she has remained ‘unconscious’ and on ‘oxygen’ support. She opens her eye sometimes but gives no sign of recognition. She is still critically ill. Doctors have given up hope and say there is no scope for recovery. They suggest that she be taken home and kept in the surrounding she is familiar with. There is only a very small probability that in the course of time she may recognise the surrounding, people around her, etc.

In short, Liby is in a 'vegetative' state with ‘oxygen’ supported life. Only a miracle can save her. We need that miracle right now. If we believe, we will see the miracle happen.

CCI in its evolution has experienced a number of miracles through Cardijn’s intercession. We would like you and all your friends and contacts to pray to Cardijn to intercede on behalf of Liby for her total healing. We are sure our good Lord will grant a new lease of life toLiby through Cardijn’s intercession.

Kindly say the prayer attached daily till Liby recovers. Ask your family and friends to pray for Liby. Pass ton his request to as many friends as possible so that we can soon witness the miracle of Liby walking home fully recovered. We can also prove to the world that Cardijn is a blessed saint who deserves due recognition.



For those who are yet to know Cardijn, his brief profile is also given.

In Solidarity,

Ms Glynis Joseph

National Secretary



Note: This Prayer Campaign to Cardijn began at 12 noon on Monday, the 14th November 2011 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Santhome, Chennai, India.

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RIP former IYCW chaplain Fr R.V. Mathias

Former International YCW chaplain Fr RV Mathias died at 2.30a.m. in Trichy, India, following a massive heart attack.

"We are shocked and saddened to hear of Fr Mathias' passing," CCI President Stefan Gigacz said in a statement.

"During his term as IYCW international chaplain, he worked tirelessly to maintain the unityof the movement. For this, we will be forever grateful."

Fr Mathias was born in Edangani, Tamil Nadu on November 11, 1938.

He entered the seminary in 1953 andstudied at St Paul's Seminary, India, from 1958-60. From 1960-64 he was a guest at the Pontifical Urban College in Rome followed by catechetical and liturgical studies at the Catholic Institute of Paris from 1964-66.

He was ordained as a priest in Rome on 21 December 1963.

Among the many positions he held, Fr Mathias was parish priest, diocesan, national and international chaplain of the YCW as well as chaplain of the diocesan youth and workers  for the diocese of Trichy.

He was also Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Executive Secretary of the CBCI Commission for Labor (Delhi), Vicar general of the diocese of Trichy.

In 2002 he was appointed as Executive Secretary of the CBCI Commission for the laity.

He taught at Karumathur Jesuit Theological College near Madurai, India until recently.

After taking sabbatical leave, he was named  >spiritual father at St Paul's Seminary, Tiruchirapalli in April 2011.

Fr Mathias also collaborated actively with the Centre Lebret-IRFED network.

The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Paul's Seminary, Trichy.

Read more at the CCI India website: Fr RV Mathias is no more

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IYCS elects new team

Outgoing Secretary-General Edouard Koutsava with new team members Nimali Fernando and Devett O'Brien (Photo: Lama Tanjar)

Meeting in New Delhi for its 14th World Council, the  IYCS has elected Australian Devett O’Brien as its new general secretary.

“I thank the IYCS members for electing me to the post,” O'Brien told ucanews.com, adding that he hoped to work with other members to spread peace in the world.

Nimali Fernando from Sri Lanka was also elected as the new program coordinator for the movement.

In addition, Kabore Gerard, Loucille Alcala, Teresa Mourad, Msgr. Robert Vitillo, Fr Mike Deeb, Manoj Mathew were elected to the IYCS Advisory Board.

Outgoing lay member Loucille Alcala and Edouard Koutsava thanked the movements and individuals for their support during the last four years.

LINK

IYCS World Council website

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IYCS World Council featured on social media

The International Young Christian Students World Council meeting is now under way in New Delhi.

The movement is leading the way in the use of social media during the Council through a special website website set up by former secretary-general Manoj Mathew.

Everyone can follow the progress of their event and even share their own comments and contributions through Facebook and on Twitter.

CCI offers its best wished to IYCS leaders for the success of their event.

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Youth for Change conference issues ‘Goa Declaration’

Sixty youth leaders who met in Goa for the CCI Youth for Change conference have asked the Church and society to include young people when formulating policies.

The Jan. 6-8 conference also stressed the need to restore people’s dignity and work among the poor more seriously, ucanews.com reports.

The conference drafted a “Goa Declaration” (See below) that promised “optimum participation of youth” to build peace and sustain development.

Speakers said the Church had failed to give young people due representation or allow their full participation in its affairs.

The participants resolved to strengthen youth organizations and build young communities to implement Second Vatican Council teachings. They also resolved to ensure that every child goes to school and become responsible citizens.

It also called for the study of new social networks and relationships to meet the challenges from commercial and consumer interests that target the youth.

Other plans include encouragement to inter-religious networking, collaboration between youth groups and Cardijn Community International as a common platform for coordination.

Various groups presented their reports highlighting their interventions in various social and environment issues.

SOURCE:

Youths demand role in decision making (www.ucanews.com)

‘Youth 4 Change Conference’

India Today: The Youth, Church and Social Commitment

6^th to 8^th January 2011 Pilar, Goa

Goa Declaration

We the young people gathered here at Pilar, Goa, on the theme “INDIA TODAY: the Youth, Church & Social Commitment”, during the International Year of Youth make this unanimous affirmation:

• Having analyzed the reality in India, we acknowledge the need to restore the dignity of people, to take the side of the poor and to work towards building civil society organizations or strengthening organizations working with different sections of people.


• We recognize the powerful and potent role of the youth in bringing about change at all levels in society.


• We feel the need to listen to the voice of the youth at all levels of decision making and execution.


• We begin with our own lives- being more responsible and committed persons in our family, our neighborhood – community and the society at large.


• We promise to work towards peace building and sustainable development.


• Having studied the social teachings of the church and the actual ground reality, we feel much has to be done to ensure the optimum participation of youth. We shall build communities of young people that put Vatican II teachings into practice.


• We resolve to work towards strengthening the existing youth organizations in the church in India and also start new networks and organizations where nothing exists.


• We will work in our areas/States to ensure that every child has an opportunity to go to school, enjoy their childhood and at the same time equip themselves to live as respected and responsible citizens of India.


• We resolve to initiate a study on new types of social networks/relationships in order to be prepared to face the onslaught of commercial and consumer interests targeting the youth.

Inspired by the living testimonies of actions and lives of people living the Review of Life See-Judge-Act, we commit to do the following:

1. Inter-religious component of networking

2. CCI will be a resource group for conducting training sessions, seminars, formation programmes and for information and guidance on specific issues/problems

3. COLLABORATION between different youth groups to be promoted

4. Coordination between existing youth organizations to be initiated

5. New networks and groups can function as CCI groups if they accept the methodology and vision of CCI. Already initiative of grouping youth from various areas and categories is being initiated in Jharkhand. This group will gradually become CCI group.

6. PROGRAMS LIKE THIS MUST BE ORGANIZED in different places and on a regular basis to review the follow up and to update

7. CONNECTION WITH CCI – CCI AS A COMMON PLATFORM FOR COORDINATION

8. SEE-JUDGE & ACT methodology to be adopted by in the groups and networks

9. HYDERABAD –– UTILIZE SOCIAL NETWORKING INITIALLY to revitalize YCS

• YCS/YSM HYDERABAD PAGE ON FACEBOOK—UPDATES AND ACTIVITIES


• START ANEW


• CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM (for youth completing 10^THStandard)


• LINK/NETWORK WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FOR WORK/CAREER POSSIBILITIES


• START YOUTH GROUPS IN THE PARISH IF IT IS NOT EXISTING

10. INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENTS:

• CREATING A PLATFORM FOR REGULAR UPDATING/REPORTING AFTER Y4C

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