The First Words of Pope Francis[SS1]
(Unworthy Comments by Sahaya G. Selvam, sdb)
(Shyly waves one hand. Stands still for long time. His eyes on the people in the front rows[SS2] .)
Brothers and sisters, good evening[SS3] !
You know that it was the duty of the Conclave to give Rome a Bishop[SS4] . It seems that my brother Cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth to get one… but here we are… I thank you for your welcome. The diocesan community of Rome now has its Bishop. Thank you! And first of all, I would like to offer a prayer for our Bishop Emeritus, Benedict XVI. [SS5] Let us pray together for him, that the Lord may bless him and that Our Lady may keep him[SS6] .
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
And now, we take up this journey: Bishop and People. [SS7] This journey of the Church of […]
Reading Room
Reading Room
How do I move from away asking favours, to a deeper conversation with God in prayer?
Father Selvam,
I very much enjoy your sermons and reflections. I have been used to praying by asking God for favours, but as you often invite your readers to, I would like to experience having a deeper connection and conversation with God. I was told that one can experience this by sitting quietly and focusing on the Holy Eucharist, I have tried this for a few short times and find other thoughts creeping into my mind and getting distracted. Would you please share with me how I can pray effectively, and particularly the Jesus prayer.
Thanks and best regards, B.
Dear B,
Thank you very much for your interest in prayer, and taking the time to write a query to me. It is really the grace of God (Spirit of God) that leads us in prayer. Therefore, I would like to invite you to appreciate the presence of the Spirit in your decision to move […]
Sunday Mass in English in Rome: Santa Maria della Scala
There are many churches one could go to for the Sunday Eucharist in English while in Rome. What may be less known is the one held at the Church of Santa Maria della Scala. The mass begins at 10.30am. It is quiet and homely! The church is at the Piazza della Scala, and only 20 minutes walk from St. Peters – in the direction of Ponte Garibaldi. The church has always been, as it is now, under the care of the Discalced Carmelites. It is very convenient to participate in the Sunday Eucharist, and then walk up to St Peters to pray the Angelus with the Holy Father.
Additional features in this church include the relic (one foot) of St Theresa of Avila, which is venerated at a side chapel. You might want to reach the church a little early before […]
River Mee – Full Text
River Mee
Based on the book Landmarks by Margaret Silf
(London: DLT, 1998)
Elaborated and narrated by Sahaya G. Selvam, SDB
1. The origin
Every river has its origin. Often the origin of a river may be hidden and insignificant. Even a great mighty river begins with a small tiny stream. Often you go to a swampy area and people say here is where a big river is born. You see no river but only reeds. Yet the river is there.
The origin of the river of your life was also insignificant and hidden. It happened in the dark corner of the womb of your mother. Yet it was the greatest miracle that has ever happened in your life. What do you know about your own origins? Are you proud of your origin? May be there were certain painful events associated with your origin. Have you accepted the story of your origins? The flow of your […]
Haiti: How France impoverished this proud nation
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Why? Since its independence in 1825 until 1947, for 122 years, Haiti paid France a staggering amount of 150 million gold francs. READ MORE…. (Enlarge the pdf file to read clearly.)