Bangalore: Divine Youth of Bangalore conducted the ‘Magnificat’ (My soul magnifies the Lord) programme at St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School grounds on Saturday evening. Archbishop Bernard Moras inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.

Archbishop Moras, the chief guest, called upon the 5000 strong congregation to remain in the Lord, following the theme of the spiritual programme – ‘Look at Him and be radiant.’ He said Jesus came to this world to reconcile the world and all people. Being the ‘Year of Reconciliation’ for the Archdiocese, he intoned a special prayer of reconciliation and invoked God’s presence, saying ‘be the light of Christ to drive away darkness in each one, the Church and in the world.

Quoting the Bible the Archbishop said, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.’ The rest is for our souls. Jesus invites all of us to lighten our yoke (burden) and come to our assistance. We are all called upon to build bridges and break down barriers. Jesus came to reconcile with Father and all of us. He invites all to hear and experience H im and forgive one another to be able to be emissaries of peace, love and reconciliation.

Quoting a leader in Russia, once a Communist country, Archbishop Moras said ‘only in Jesus Christ we have the solution for all our problems.’ As such, we are encouraged to meet Him to lighten our woes and remain in peace and harmony.

The Archbishop who is the president of Karnataka Bishops’ Regional Council urged upon the large gathering to strive for understanding with others and to have dialogue for peace, harmony and respect towards all as children of God. “We are all called upon to be ambassadors for this mission. We need to open our ears to listen to God’s promptings and extend our hands to touch Him as to solve all our problems.”

Depicting how precious each person is, he sketched out a description. A woman dropped an orange accidently and it was shattered into pieces. She collected it and disposed off into the waste basket. Her daughter retrieved the pieces of orange and arranged them into a great bouquet. The woman’s daughter saw something beautiful in the discarded pieces. God restores ‘all of us from the waste basket and makes use of us into useful instruments. We could be the best treasures for our brothers and sisters around and among us with love and compassion. We need to be instruments of peace, love and reconciliation. Reconcile with ourselves, with God and our neighbours. Archbishop exhorted everyone to be always happy with God and to be instruments of reconciliation in our own families, Church and society.

Fr Rob Galia from Australia speaking of the theme said we have heard ‘be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.’ However, he reminded all present not to be discouraged when we fail to be perfect as it is not easy. What God expects from each one is to offer the little we have with love and humility. Fr Rob who enthralled the audience with his singing talents together with his team of three shared his story of conversion and God—experience. He also spoke of four types of love. While it is difficult to follow the Agape (love of God), it is possible to follow Filia (love between friends – lovers) but what is important is to ask God to teach us to surrender and not always trying to be perfect. “Be still, and know that I am (your) God.” He elaborated it saying God wants us to ‘shut up’ and know that God loves us, He speaks to us and have the patience to listen to Him. Fr Rob who serves the Melbourn prison ministry goes all over the world to speak to the youth.

Earlier, the programme began with a Holy Mass presided ove by Fr Jacob VC, Asst. Director, Divine Retreat Centre, Potta (Muringoor), Kerala. He also stressed the importance and need to remain in the love of God accepting that we are weak and always at His mercy.
Br. Vincent, a member of Fr Jacob’s team, played and sang in different languages including Kannada and Hindi.
Among those who were behind the programme were Kantharaj, Mohan, Rajan andWilliam&team.