Robancy A. Helen is from Tamil Nadu, South India, and is a member of the Idente Missionaries (Religious Institute of Christ the Redeemer). With an academic background in English, social work and theology, she has written about and has actively been engaged in addressing Dalit and women's issues. Recently, she served for five years as the program coordinator in the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India's Office for Scheduled Castes/Backward Classes. She holds a doctoral degree in English Literature and trains Catholic youth and children in leadership and social issues.
A love for reading about the saints led to an appreciation that St. Augustine's life provides a clear example of how God the Father is kind and gentle.
Sometimes we wonder if it is worth living religious life. For those who feel religious life is a burden, recollect the moments when you experienced love and happiness from God. Think of people as our co-pilgrims in mission.
Human beings tend to doubt everything even when they believe in God. Sometimes, our doubts and agnostic beliefs help us trust God and God's work in our lives.
The Catholic Church teaches us that Sts. Peter and Paul are the two key pillars of the church, and we celebrate their feast on June 29. The lives of these two pillars of the church teach me to carry my cross for Jesus.
We need to create a mother-friendly and child-friendly environment because the church should be a place where people come to find solace and peace for all their problems. It should be a "mother's house" for all people.
I am so grateful for Sister Bridget's friendship and pray that God continues to bless all these women and men of God who wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to the service of others.
It is a hardcore reality in India that most rural women face a lot of challenges. Jebamalai Mary is a single mother who shows that such oppressed women can rise up and prove their worth, dignity and respect.
Womanhood is a gift to humanity. Women of the world give life to others with love, sacrifice and commitment, no matter where they live and what they do. They are an embodiment of God's love for others.
Christianity, though born out of bloodshed and pain, embraces peace and fraternity, hope and harmony. It shows concern for others, reaches out to the needy.
In the St. Alphonsa youth group for young women at our parish in Karumandapam, I serve as animator, trying to guide them and be a friend and empowering them to be the "now of God," as Pope Francis called young people at World Youth Day last year.
Each of us is responsible for fulfilling God's unique plan for us. As years went by and I tried to discern God's plan, I had the opportunity to work for the so-called "untouchables" of Indian society, the Dalits.
