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| Centenary Emblem |
In
view of the Centenary Celebration, the Faculty of Theology Ranchi (FOTR), in
collaboration with Tarunoday, the Regional Theology Centre (RTC) organized its
second symposium on Tuesday, 20th July, 2013 in the St. Albert’s
College Auditorium. The theme of the symposium was, “New Trends in Theologizing
in India.” The eminent speakers of the symposium
were, Prof. Dr. Felix Wilfred and His Grace Archbishop (emeritus) Thomas
Menamparampil SDB.
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| Theme of the Symposium |
His
Eminence Telesphore Cardinal P. Toppo, the Archbishop and Patron of St. Albert’s
College along with the resource persons, Deans of various theological
faculties, Rector and President of the institution inaugurated the symposium by
lighting the lamp.
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| Lighting the Lamp |
Prof.
Felix Wilfred’s paper, entitled, “Indian
Theologies in the Post-Vatican II Period” envisioned an integral approach
in theologizing in India. He began with the fragmentary nature of Indian
theologies, “There is then a fragmentary
sense to all kinds of Indian theologies. This fragmentary and scattered
situation is also the creative moment of Indian theologies as they try to cope
with ever new and challenging situations calling for fresh responses.” The
plurality and complexity of the theologies in India though have a
“family-resemblance” calls for different kinds of theological reflection.
Therefore, Prof. Wilfred enumerated various areas where one can start
theologizing. For instance, while focusing on the understanding the notion of 'secular,' at
the time of disturbing situations like traumatic experiences as the destruction
of Babri-Masjid and the communal conflicts in Gujarat, Odisha and other parts
of the country, “Indian theology has felt the need to reflect deeply on the
menace for unity and harmony, and above all the consequences of communalism for
a life of the poor and the marginalized.” Professor also enumerated several
grassroots movements with which some of the Indian theologians were associated, which helped also to support a shift from a theology of development to an
Indian theology of liberation. Speaking on ‘Indian Mission’ he said, the
approach is inspirited by the “sense of mystery, as well as the importance of
the subject in mission… Mission is not simply a teleologically oriented
project. The people are not object of mission, but subjects. It is they who in
freedom appropriate faith. A re-reading of mission history, especially from
postcolonial perspective will confirm this.” Speaking in the context of tribal
theology he affirmed it as ‘the third wave of Indian theology.’ He said, “I wish to propose the thesis that tribal or
indigenous theology represents a third way in Indian theology.” The tribal
theology has contributed the tribals to feel more at home in Christianity.
Therefore, instead of seeking “how we could purse tribal theology” we need to
seek to know “what is the contribution of the tribal people to theology.”
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| Prof. Dr. Fr. Felix Wilfred delivering the Key-note address in the first session |
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| Prof. Dr. Fr. Felix Wilfred answering to the questions |
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| Prof. Dr. Fr. Felix Wilfred meeting H.E. Telesphore Cardinal P. Toppo, the Patron of the College |
Archbishop
Thomas Menamparampil SDB presented the paper entitled, “Our Mission in India
Today.” The paper had three main divisions, i. Be a Force for a Good Society,
ii. We Also Speak Because We Believe (2 Cor 4:13), iii. Rescuing Cultural
Values and iv. A Few Missionary Tips. Archbishop opened his exposition inviting
everyone “to be Salt of the Earth,” and said, “our first duty in the world in
which we live today is to seek to be a force for good in our society.”
Therefore, he commissioned an ‘existential’ flavour to the mission.
Theologizing in India has to be done on uncompromised Gospel values. The
strength of Christians is in living and proclaiming those values in the Indian
system. Therefore, he stressed various areas of inculcating those values. “In a
democratic state, we have a national responsibility. In a globalized world, we
have a global responsibility.” Citing concrete examples he said, “if there is
violence in the state, if bribery is rampant, if violence has spread, if public
works fall behind schedule, if trains run late, electricity fails, if slums
multiply, if universities do not function, if there is national waste, if the
police extorts money on the roadside, if children are put to hard labour, if
women are exploited, if there is the problem of alcohol, drugs and AIDS, if
human rights are denied to minorities, and most of all if elected members do
not discharge their duties, every citizen has to be held responsible.” We need
to cultivate a deep sense of responsibility for "General Welfare." At the same
time we have a “duty to demand a high
sense of responsibility” from our leaders who are elected by us to serve
us. At the same time, we have a need to
exert an educative pressure on elected leaders and civil servants and should
make sure that only conscientious people are in positions of public
responsibility. Therefore, the Archbishop exhorted all to have, ‘Prophetic
gestures’ if the gospel values are not held. It is also noteworthy to join
hands with each other, with various groups and person and movements. “Anyone
who is capable of looking beyond his own
‘ego’ interests to the good of the larger society is a potential
collaborator for us who seek to be committed citizens in our work for the
progress and wellbeing of society.” It is important to interpret the events and
movements correctly. Fanaticism, exaggeration have no place in abalanced
society. A genuine leader’s main mission is to, "invite people to think," to bring moral principles and ethical
convictions to life, and to bring a change of life, the betterment of society.’
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| Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil delivering Key-note address in the Second Session |
While
Prof. Dr. Fr. John Mundu S.J responded to the presentation of Prof. Felix Wilfred,
Prof. Dr. Fr. Erik Breye S.J. responded to the Archbishop Menamparampil SDB
with critical remarks. The gathering interacted with valuable questions and
insights at the end of each session.
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| Prof. Dr. Fr. John Mundu S.J. responding Prof. Wilfred |
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| Prof. Dr. Fr. Erik Breye S.J. responding Archbishop Menamparampil |
Dr. Fr. Joseph Prasad Pinto OFMCap. welcomed the guests and introduced the dynamics of the symposium, while the president, Prof. Dr. Fr. Suman Kumar Ekka and Dr. Fr. Francis Minj S.J. introduced the themes of the sessions respectively. Prof. Dr. Fr. Jaiprakash Kujur and Dr. Francis Minj S.J. headed the panel in respective sessions. Scholastic Ashok Kandulna and Prof. Dr. Fr. Selva Raj proposed vote of thanks. Scholastic Ranjit Roshan Minj and Prof. Dr. Fr. Sudhir Kujur S.J. introduced the speakers. The whole programme was ably conducted by Br. Bhushan Bara and Fr. Joseph Mathew V.C.
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| Prof. Dr. Fr. Jaiprakash Kujur Moderating the panel discussion |
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| Prof. Dr. Fr. Selva Raj proposing Vote of Thanks |
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| Seeking Blessing at the Dawn for the success of the Symposium presided over by His Grace Archbishop T. Menamparampil |
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| August Gathering |
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| August Gathering |
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| August Gathering |
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| Participants asking questions and clarifying doubts |
The gathering who attended the symposium included - students and professors of five theological centers: FOTR- Ranchi, RTC - Tarunoday, Naween Doman Theological College, Gossner Theological College, Habakkuk Theological College, and all the religious congregations in around Ranchi and laity.
Report by:
Fr. Raju Felix Crasta
St. Albert's College, Ranchi
