Blogging is life-giving.
100 Years of the Daughters of Saint Paul
(1) When we blog, our thoughts are made public. We enter the 'digital plaza' as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI during the World Youth Day in Spain called each one to spend time to dialogue with the world. At first it seems scary but we have the assurance of Blessed James Alberione who said that from heaven, he watches those who use the media properly.
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...At first, I was afraid, but I have to because I have many things to say. Yes, I have no grandchildren to tell my stories, but I have the whole world with me. One day, I googled my name. Behold, I saw myself. It was from a blog I posted a long time ago.
http://srathens.blogspot.com/
These kids are unafraid of using the internet: we learn from them.
(2) We have pledged to be with the Lord, for the Lord, in the Lord and do everything through the Lord. When we blog, it's also for the Lord. We communicate our encounter with Him through the people we meet in our apostolate.
Women in Pakistan look up in faith to rebuild lives.
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Communicating what we do is a must in this post-modern times. When we blog, we share with others the joy that springs in serving the Lord: happiness is multiplied.
We cannot not be in social media.
In blogging, we immortalize the past. In the photo below, Sr. Lilia Melis (front/right side), a tireless Italian missionary in Pakistan for 47 years was still with us. Sr. Lilia used to say that Pakistanis have a big heart because they want to give big gifts. People remember Sr. Lilia as the Sister with a big smile, always with a little-something to make you smile. She died on 27th November 2014.
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In blogging, we are free to recall the past to give life to the present moment so that we can direct our minds: what next?
Nowshera-Risalpur visit after the devastating flood. Centro Missionario, Beluno Italia helped in our outreach. People came by batch. This was the last batch.
From communication to communion
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(3) When we blog, we give due credits to those who help us in our apostolate for by ourselves we can do nothing. We have left our jobs, our homes and we are unattached to wealth and power. We trust, live, and continue our ministry relying in God's providence who cannot be outdone in His generosity.
"Church in Need" helped in reaching out to Pakistani youth. A weekly activity called "Unearth Precious and Rare Treasures: Read" was offered to the youth.
The password:
"Do not let anybody look down on you because you are young but be an example to the believers..." (1 Timothy 4:12).
Timothians: At the Service of Communication
http://www.paoline.org/pls/paoline/v3_s2ew_consultazione.mostra_pagina?id_pagina=13658Through these handful Pakistani youth, the following websites came to life.
- www.paulines.com.pk (FSP web site)
- www.olms.com.pk (diocesan seminary web site)
- www.timothians.com.pk (the group’s web site)
Whatever we have done, it's because of some helping hands. In our blogs, we have the opportunity to acknowledge and thank them.
Pakistani youth celebrating Independence Day (August 14) in front of Saint Paul Communication's Centre. Raising the flag indicated taking up the challenge to do one's best. Standing up was at first difficult because of economic, social and security problems.
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I personally thank God for Bishop Emeritus Anthony Lobo who watched closely the coming up of St. Paul's Communication's Centre in Rawalpindi (Feast of the Divine Master in 2006), saw through the activities, gave the talk to the youth on "Church Leadership" and the uncountable ways he showed support to our apostolate in his diocese in Islamabad-Rawalpindi. Bishop Lobo was with us in the launching of the three websites designed by the Timothians. We are also grateful to Bishop Rufin Anthony who gave the talk to the youth on 'Encountering Saint Paul' sharing his personal life as the springboard. A Timothian was chosen to attend the World Youth Day in Spain.
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