hearts, ctf inida news letter

CAMILLIAN TASK FORCE (CTF) 2014 1

Camillian Task Force [CTF]WITNESSING THE MERCIFUL LOVE OF CHRIST FOR THE POOR AND THE SICK IN DISASTER

HEARTS

2 CAMILLIAN TASK FORCE (CTF) 2014

• Fr.BabyEllickalMI(Director)• Fr.ArisMiranda(InternationalCoordinator)• Bro.MadhuVBabuMI(MedicalOfficer)• Fr.SibyKaitharanMI(Coordinator)• Fr.BijoyKuliraniyilMI(FinanceOfficer)• Fr.TejiThomasMI(ProgramOfficer)• Fr.SojanKoonanickalMI(ProgramOfficer)• Fr.JaisonMathewMI(ProgramOfficer)• Fr.JofreeDevassiaMI(ProgramOfficer)• Fr.SibyAreeparampilMI(ProgramOfficer)• Mr.AndrinTP(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.ArpithaCMC(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.DonaMariaCMC(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.ShantiOP(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.JeenaVargheseOP(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.EdlineBaraFHIC(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.MariaMaduranayagamFHIC

(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.MerlinCSJB(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.JincyCSJB(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.JissiKurianOP(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.RejaniOP(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.YesuMaryCSJB(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.AncyCSJB(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.LittleTheresaCMC(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.AncilaCMC(CTFVolunteer)• Sr.JulietCMC(CTFVolunteer)• Mr.RohithB(CTFVolunteer)• Ms.RijoGeorge(CTFVolunteer)• Mr.Jinesh(CTFOfficer)• Mr.TomAlex(EditorCTFMagazine)• Ms.RitaAnn(CTFMagazine)• Mr.DalwinDavis(CTFVolunteer)

CTF members participated in Uttarakhand Mission



Chief EditorAntony Kunnel MIEditorsBiju Mathew MI Tom AlexRita Ann AlexCirculation In-ChargeSiby Kaitharan MIDesign & LayoutTomy Abraham

MESSAGE FROM BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF BIJNOR His Execellency Mar. John Vadakel CMI

ON BECOMING GOOD SAMARITANSRev. Fr. Baby Ellickal MI

THE RESPONSE BY CTF TO THE UTTARAKHAND DISASTERFr. Siby Kaitharan MI

FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU THE SUCCESSFUL GHAT MISSION Fr. Teji Thomas MI

GUPTAKASHI ( HIDDEN KASHI ) The hidden kashi has lot of its people hidden at KedarnathBr. Madhu Babu MI

OUR JOURNEY AND MISSION IN DEVABOOMI (UTARAKHAND)Sr. Edline Bara FHIC

FINDING CTF IN THE HIMALAYASFr. Aris Miranda, MI

A DIVINE TASK Sr.Jeena Varghese Pazhayattil OP

CTF REPORT FROM GHATSr. Jincy CSJB

I THANK MY GOD, EVERY TIME I THINK OF YOUSr.Philomina Vengachottil OP, Provincial Superior, Dominican sisters of the Presentation

MESSAGESHis Excellency Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, Auxiliary Bp. of the Archdioces of Eranakulam - Angamaly Rev. Fr. Pious Philip, Director Karuna Social Service Society

HOW GREAT IS HIS LOVESr.Arpitha CMC, Cordinator, City Based Evangelization, Kochi

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Janary - March 2014

In This IssueCTF is Christ’s compassion inCamillianaction-theextensionoftheHeartofJesus.CTFreplicatesChrist’sHeartintoourhands...andconvergesmoreheartsintoChrist’s!

“What comes out from the mouthproceeds from the heart” ( Mt. 15-18).Andsoheartisthesourceofourcommunication.Heartsspeaksoftheperson for thegoodman,outof thegood treasure of his heart producesgood.(Lk.6-45)

Hence“HEARTS”communicatesthecompassionateinterventionsofmanygoodheartedpersons throughCTF-Indiaandwitnesses theconvergenceof good hearts in Christ throughSt. Camillus. “ Hearts” is beyond anewsbulletin...itisastocklistofourtreasure in heaven ! It is hearts inAction.

HEARTS


His Excellency Mar. John Vadakel CMIBishop of the Diocese of Bijnor, India.

Message from Bishop of the Diocese of Bijnor

“Be my witness to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1: 8). It is these words that motivated us to be with our brethren, who are victims of the natural calamity caused by incessant rains and cloudbursts in Uttarakhand. This natural calamity was of unprecedented dimensions in the region of Uttarakhand in the diocese of Bijnor. The Camillian task force had performed a very dedicated and timely rescue operations at Uttarakand, at this time of extreme need, reaching out to very interior places of this difficult terrain, providing Medical assistance, Food, Clothes and Psychological Support to the victims CTF‘s very effective activity to mitigate this disaster at Uttarakhand is a major plank for taking up such activity for Bijnor mission. By letting the light of Christ shine through us, by good works and by giving good examples to others, we bear witness to Jesus. CTF ‘s activity stood witness to these words CTF could coordinate under the leadership of Fr. Baby Ellickal-Director, CTF India and Fr. Siby Kaitharan – Co-ordinator, CTF India at a very short time was able to send four teams of CTF to reach the disaster area, the coordination and logistics were very exemplary and effective and characteristic of effective Calamity service. I appreciate the good works of the Camillian Task Force who have contributed to the rehabilitation work at Uttarakhand. It was the CTF’s determination and commitment which made this mission very successful. I thank the Team for their efforts and it is my earnest and sincere wish that the Camillian Task Force India will grow in their missionary zeal to bear witness to Jesus Christ And become an effective team to help the needy people in case of any emergencies.


On becoming Good SamaritansRev. Fr. Baby Ellickal MI

Director CTF IndiaVice Provincial, Camillians India

CamillianTaskForce(CTF)meanstowitnessto theMerciful loveofChrist for thepoor and

the sick and it creates in us a feeling of deep sympathy andsorrow for another,who is strickenby sufferingormisfortune.Accompaniedbyastrongdesiretoalleviatethepainorremoveitscause.CTFisoneofthevariousinitiativesoftheMinistersofthe Infirm (Camillians)whichwas launched in 2001 and sincethen, CTF has become a significant part of themission of theCamillianstopromotehealthandwell-beingofthepeople.CTFisajointventurebytheCamillianswherealllike-mindedpeoplecollaborate inwitnessing themerciful loveofChrist, unitedbytheirfaithinJesusChristandmotivatedbytheCamillianCharism.CTFrespondsasateamtoeverytypeofdisastersthroughouttheworld,bothlocallyandworldwidebutwithaspecialpreferenceto those disasters that affect Countries where Camillians arealreadypresent.Since2004,CTFhasrespondedtotendisastersandprovidedfinancial,psycho-socialandrehabilitationsupporttothepoorvictims. CTFconsistsofmanykindsofhealthcareprofessionals,Volunteersandsupportpersonnelwhooffertheircompetencesoastolessentheconsequencesofthedevastatingnaturalandman-madedisasters,suchasearthquakes,floods,plagues,droughtandtheconsequencesofarmedconflict.Therefore,theaimoftheCTFistoprovideintegralcareintheaftermathofdisasterswhenthelife,healthand livelihoodofpeopleisatriskunlessimmediateactionistaken.ThusCTFrelieslargelyonindividualswhoeithervolunteerat thetimeofadisasterorarehiredat thesiteof thecalamity. CTF usually works in collaboration with the dioceseaffectedby thedisasteranda religiouscommunityorparish. Itdoes so in order to secure a base of disaster operations, find aplacetostay,establishcommunity,worship,findvolunteers,andcarryoutCTFactivities. CTFasksustogowhereithurts,toenterintoplacesofpain,toshareinbrokenness,fear,confusionandanguish. CTFchallengesustocryoutwiththosein misery, tomournwiththosewhoarelonely,toweepwiththoseintears. CTFdemandsustobeweakwiththeweak,vulnerablewiththevulnerableandpowerlesswiththepowerless. CTF means full immersion in the condition of beinghuman.CTFenters into the sufferingandpainof theonewhosuffers. The theological foundation for CTF is supportedthrough themandate to bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:28)and therefore, “Youmust be compassionate just as yourFatheriscompassionate”(Lk6:36).ThecupofcoolwaterandtheGoodSamaritanalsoreinforcethisimperative.

I am sure that the driving force behind this great andremarkable involvement and commitment of CTF for themissionofuttarakhandisthepassiontowitnesstotheMercifulLoveofJesusforthepoorandsufferingpeople inthemodelofSt. Camillus and of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel, whichmotivatedustogotoUttarakhandforthedisasterreliefworkandcommitourselvesfortheenhancementofthelifesituationofthepoorpeoplethereandtopromotethevaluesofhumanlifeandthedignityofhumanperson.IdoreallyacknowledgeandvaluethefraternalsupportthatwehavereceivedfromtheBishopofBijnordiocese,MostRev.Dr.JohnVadakkelandfromhispastoralsocialcentre,veryparticularlyfromFr.Pious,fromtheDirectorofCTFcentral,Fr.Arisandhisteam.IalsoacknowledgeandappreciateFr.SibyKaitharanandallourCTFVolunteers,fathers,brothers,religioussistersandlaymenandwomenfortheiravailabilityandcourage,remarkablecommitmentandgreatenthusiasm,self-lessserviceandgenuineloveforthesedisastervictimsofUttarakhand.I amdeeply impressedby the activitiesofCTF inUttarakhandandIamindeeddelightedtoknowthatCTFhastrulybecomeaninstrumentof consolation, comfortandhealing for thedisastervictimsanditisgoodtoknowthatCTFcouldbecomevoicetothevoiceless,helpinghandtothehelplessandcompassionatetothebrokenhearts.OnceagainIappreciatealltheCTFmembersandvolunteersfortheirreadinessandradicalcommitmenttorespondpositively and actively to thisUttarakhandmission in order tobecomeacredibleandauthenticwitnessofthemerciful loveofJesusinthemodelofGoodSamaritan,St.Camillus.


On June 16, 2013, the heaviest rainfall on recordlashed India’s Himalayan region of Uttarakhand forcingglacier lakes and rivers to overflow and inundate townsand villages in 168 districts around a 37,000 squarekilometre area. The state ofUttarakhand experiencedheavy rains continuously fortwo days and the downpourcaused flash floods andlandslides in various placesand caused the destruction ofhouses, roads, communicationand transportation. Reportssay that about 5748 people aremissingandarenowpresumeddead; making the disaster thedeadliesteverintheHimalayas.Hundredsofbuildingsincluding40hotelssituatedalongthebankofriverAlakananda,morethan100 roads and 40 bridgesweresweptawaybythefloodwaters. In response to thisgravecalamity,Fr.BabyEllickalMI, the Vicar Provincial ofCamillians in India resolved torespond to the flood ravagedvictims of Uttarakhand in atimelymanner.Inhisaddressingof the Camillian task force, hehas passionately spoken aboutsuch a quick humanitarianinterventionasaninevitablenecessityofthetime.Thefollowingtwoaspectsofthetaskhavebeenworkedout1) Tomeet the immediateneeds of the victims such asfood, temporary shelter and clothing within a period ofthreemonths2)Torespondtothesocialneeds,strengthenpsychosocialsupport and build permanent shelter for survivors of theflood. Giventheabovemission,agroupof10Camillians,

3layvolunteersand15sistersfromdifferentcongregationstravelledtoUtharakhandon3rdAugust2013.ThecampwasbasedatKarunaSocialServiceSocietyinBijnorDiocese. Thedisaster inUttarakhand- aNational tragedy,has beseeched the church forPrayer requests in torrents,fortheaffectedvictimsfromallovertheworld.CamillianTaskForcereactedinstantlytotheneedofthiscommunity.“ItwasaworkofunityincollaborationwiththoseinBijnorDiocese.Witnessingthousandsofpeopledying,destroyedhouses and unidentified bodies was a very poignantexperienceforus”. I would also like to express my gratitude to theBishopofBijnorDioceseforhisrelentlesssupportandallmajorsuperiorsofthecongregationsofDominicanSisters,Congregation of John the Baptist Sisters, Congregation

of Franciscan HospitallerSisters,CMCsistersandthelayvolunteersfortheiruntiringactof altruism. A special thanksto Rev. Fr. Aris Miranda, theInternational Coordinator ofCTFforhistimelyvisittoassesthesituation. CTF also has taken upthe responsibility of attendingto the flood affected victims ofIdduki, Kerala in 2013. Threehouses are under constructionin association with HirangeDvelopment Society, Iddukibelonging to the Diocese ofIdduki. It was one of the mostunexpected tragedies, and hasindeed shaken the pillars ofhuman survival. So we needto constantly pray for God’sabundant blessings on us. Wemust plead God to grand us aserene world without Calamityso that, things may happen asthey were designed, in theirnice,welladjustedandinperfect

harmony.Weextendourheartfeltappreciationtoallthose,whohavejoined us, in thismission of spreading themerciful loveofChrist. In viewof thepossibility of such instances,werequestmorefriendsandwellwishers tokeepthemselvesreadyforsuchemergencyinterventioninfuture. Theworkisindeedchallengingandwearelookingforsupportintermsofwherewithal,mindshare,handsandhearts.

CamillianTaskForce(CTF)isoneofthemanyCamillian initiativesof theministers of the infirm. Constitutedof likeminded people joining handsin witnessing the merciful love ofChrist and united by their faith inChrist; CTFwas established in 2001toplayasignificantroleinpromotinghealthandwell-beingamongpeople.ThecentralofficeofCTF isbased inRome,attheGeneralateofCamillians.It aims at bringing about curativetreatment, prevention, pastoral care,rehabilitationandeducation.Itofferssupporttolessenthetraumaofsuddenloss,injuryanddisaster.CTFrendersdisasterresponseservicesworldwide.

The response by CTF to the Uttarakhand disaster

Fr.SibyKaitharanMI

NationalCoordinator,CTFIndia


Myteam,TejiThomasMI,SistersJincyMathewCSJB, Maria FHIC, Shanti Jacob, Mr. Andrin

ThaliyakuzhiwereentrustedwiththeGhatmission.Aswestartedour first journey to Ghat through mountains, valleys, crossingmanylandslides,wewereabletowitnessandpersonallyexperiencethe fury of the natural calamities that were still happening. Itwas frightening to see thebroken roads, thehugecrackson themountains and continuous landslides. We wondered what ourmissionwasgoingtobe!

JOURNEY--- the toughest part of our mission Duringourdaysofreliefworkwehadtostrugglealottoreachthevillages.Wehadtowalkandclimb20to30kilometersbackandforthandthattoothroughvalleys,hillsandwhereroadsandbridgeswerecompletelydamaged.Wereallyhadtostruggletofindaplace to layour feetandhadtowalk throughcarefullyholding each other’s hands.We quenched our thirst withwaterfromthespringsofthevalleyandourdaily“Manna”onthehillswasthe“Aadu”(peaches),alocalmountainfruit.

There is someone to care for us With all these struggles we could visit 28 villages andgavemedicalcaretomorethan2000people.Mostofthemwerewithscabies,backpain,chestpain,Stomachpain, fever,earand

eye problem etc. We also found in some villages people withdeeply infectedwounds. It tooka lotof time fordressing thesewounds.TheCTFteamwasblessedtomakeavisitandmeetthehealth needs of the suffering humanity. Fr. Johnson our localcoordinator,Sr.DelphySDandSr.NoothanaSDhavetakenalotofinterestandefforttoaccompanyustothesevillages.Asitwas verydifficult for thepeople to go for treatment tootherhospitals,ourservicewasagreathelptothem. As we return back after one month of experience onthesemountains,wethanktheAlmightyforHisconstantpresencewhichwehaveexperiencedthroughoutourjourneyfromvillagetovillage,mountain tovalley, fall to rise,weakness to strength,deathtolife,fromsadnesstohappiness,darknesstolight,andfeartocourage.

FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU THE SUCCESSFUL GHAT MISSION

Fr. Teji Thomas MI

GuptakashiislocatedintheNorthernHimalayanbeltwithintheMandakinirivervalley.Thisisone

oftheclosesttownstoKedarnath,theworstaffectedarea.We,theCTFteamtookalotofriskandaroundaboutwaytoreachtheplace.Wevisitedsomevillagestoconductmedicalcamps.Morethan themedical needs, Iwas shockedby the damage that thecalamityhasdonetothesesvillages.

ThesevillagesdependmainlyonbusinessatKedarnath;Butthistime,whenthecalamitydescended,mostofthepeoplewhowenttoKedarnathtomakealivingneverreturned.

...we met a lady who is still waiting for her husband and two sons ….a man was struck in the mudslide for two days, survived but still is in utter shock ….an old man who lost both of his sons …..we came across a village where the calamity has turned 40 women into widows.

The list goes on and as youhear yourheart becomestoo heavy and your eyes struggle hard to hold tears. You lookaround and you see a lot of posters of missing people. A lost

GUPTAKASHI ( HIDDEN KASHI )The hidden kashi has lot of its people hidden at Kedarnath

Br. Madhu Babu MI


feelingeverywhere….“Hiddenkashi”haslotofitspeoplehiddenatKedarnathwhowouldperhapsneverberevealed.Sadlythereisnoendtothesewaitingeyes…JESUS the light reaches these homes through Solar Lanterns.

Whilevisitingvillagesoneoftheemergencyneedthatwefoundwaslight.Theelectricitysysteminmanyvillageshasbeendestroyedverybadlyinsomevillagesandinothervillagesthereisnoelectricityatall.SotheCTFdecidedtogivesolarlanternsinsomeneedyvillages.Thesolarlanternisamultipurposelanternthatgives lightaswell ascharges themobilephones.Thesmileonthefacesofthosewhoreceivedwassomethingtocherish.WepastedtheemblemofCTFonthelanterns,andthustheRedCrossiscarriedto400homes.Maybeforthefirsttimeacrossisenteringthesehomes,ofcoursebringinglightandsmilesontheirfaces.

CTF REACHES AUGUSTYAMUNI—one of the worst effected places Agastyamuni is famous for the temple of Maharshi priya ranjan and by the name of religious guru Agastya, it iscalledagastyamuni.ItissituatedontheriverbankofMandakini.Interestingly, we the CTF together with Fr. Babu reachedAugustyamunithenextdayafterthefeastofSt.Augustine.Itwasacoincidencethathappenedwiththetermandthetime. Ifyouwanttounderstandtheforceandstrengthofwater,thisisaplacetobe.Thedestructionithascausedtothelandandpeoplelivingonthebanksoftheriverishugeandithasmadealotofpeoplefleefromthisplace.Nowpeoplearescaredtobuildhomesontheriverbank. ItwasdifficultforustofindaplacetostayasthepeoplewhowerelivingonthebankhaveoccupiedtheothersideandthehotelswerefilledwithNGO’s.ItwasdifficulttogetoutwiththeuniformofCTFaspeoplewouldcomearoundyoushowingyouthedetailsthattheyhavelosthouse,lostfield,etc.andaskforhelp.Sometimesitishardtobelieve,aspeoplesay,thatthereusedtobeacollegeinthatplace,asyoudon’tevenseeanythingtosuggesttherewasacollege.Suchisthedestructiontheriverhasdone.

A PILGRIMAGE TO YAMUNOTRI Yamuna is a famous river in India and yamunotri iswhere it begins.This is aholyplace forHindus as theybelievethatvisitingyamunotriwouldgivethemMoksha(salvation).WetheCTFteamheadedbymewithSr.Edline,Jeena,MerlineandFr.SebastianwereentrustedwiththevillagesthatareonthewaytoYamunotri.Thepeople here call river asMata (mother) and

worshipherandpilgrimswouldwearsaffroncolordress.WetheCTFmembersalsoinsaffrondressstartedourjourneytowardsYamunotri.PeopleseeingusinthispilgrimdresswouldshoutJaiMataji(hailtothemother)wewouldalsohappilyreplyJaiMatajirememberingMotherMary.Thispilgrimagegaveusadharshan(vision)ofalivingGodandopenedoureyestoanewrealityoflife.THE ROADLESS TRAVELLED Yesthisisthetitleofafamousbook…whenIthinkofourtraveltothesevillagesthisiswhatcomestomymind.Theroadstothesevillagesarecompletelydestroyedatcertainplaces.Someplacestherearenoroadsatall;youhavetomakeyourownwayandgo.Sometimesyouhavetowalkallthroughthedayandstillyoudon’t reach thedestination. Sometimes the climbing is toosteepyoustruggletofindyourbreath.ThetravelallthroughoutwasaROADLESSTRAVELLED.

BHAGO BHAGO ( RUN RUN ) …A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE Wewereheadingtowardsourvillageandwecameacrossaplacewherethestonesarestillfallingfromthetop.Westoppedwonderingwhat to do, thenwe heard a sound Bhago Bhagomeaningrunandwesawpeoplerunningacross.Thereisnootherway togo further than to runbetween these falling stones.Wegatheredourcourageandran…allsafe.Wehadtocrossthiswayfour timesandone timewithbigboxesofmedicinesandsolarlamps.Peoplehereruntheraceoftheirlife….Sometimetheydieinthisrace.Asthestoneswerefallingfromveryhigh,asmallstoneisenoughtomaketheworsehappen.

THE PROMISED LAND The land at times is so beautiful greenish everywhere,youlookaroundandeverywhereyouseemountainsandvalleys…sobeautiful…. it remindsmeof thepromised land wherehoneyandmilkflows.InfactthislandiscalledasDeva Bhoomi meaningGod’sLand.

UNDERSTAND BETTER THE WORDS ‘LEAVING THE 99 AND GOING FOR THE ONE’ Itwasoursecondvillagethatwestartedourjourney….theroadisdamagedatmanyplacesandsowehadtowalk.Westarted walking in the morning it was a long walk and someplaceswere very dangerous.As Iwaswalking I justwondered“ Ihave left thepatients inour centre,mycompanions leavingtheirownresponsibilitiesarewalingriskingourlivesforwhat….


Is itworth…doing this…Idonotknow…mymindwandered.Finallybyeveningwedecidedtocampinavillageandproceedto ourdestination the followingday as itwas gettingdark andrainingheavily.Iwas justwonderingifIwalkedall thewayfornothingthensomepeoplecamefromthevillagetellingusthereisdeliverycomplicationcanyouhelpus…Ijustjumpedwithoutaskingfurther..the ladyhasdeliveredandthebabywassafebuttheplacentahasnot comeout even after fourhours…there isno doctor and there is noway to take her anywhere.The ladywas layingthere inpain….otherswerewonderingwhattodo.Ihavenotmanagedsomethinglikethisbeforebutwasconvinced,that godmademewalk all theway for this, I and Sr.jeenaputonglovesandstartedtoremoveplacenta…..intheprocessesallthe CTF members got involved someone holding light othersholdingpatient……atcertainpointwethoughtitwouldbreakall

ofus,wepausedhadasmallprayersilentlythenresumed….yessucessesfullywewereabletoremoveitandthepatientwasfine.Allofuscameoutwithhappyfaces. AsIwalkedthewordsofJesus“leaving the 99 and going for the one” keptringinginmyearsandIunderstandthembettertoday.

MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON RICE ALONE BUT CAN SURVIVE ON BISCUTS AND POTATOS TOO Yeswe theCTFmembersmostly from south India allliketoeatrice…butaswewalkfromvillagetovillagewedonothaverice…sometimeswehavetoeatbiscuitsthatwecarry,othertimes eat potatoes.The simple food that was provided by ourvillagers became very delicious…..back homewe could chooseourfood,herejustgrabwhatyouget.

MISSION IMMPOSSIBLE This mission that we took up looked impossible atthe very first outset. On second day our local coordinator Fr.Sebastianseeingtheconditionoftheroadandfallingstonestoldusthreetimestoreturn,togobackbutweinsistedtogoforward.With a bit of courage and lot ofGod’s blessing and protectionwewereabletoreachthere.InfactCTFisthefirstonetoreachthesevillages.WewereabletoreachtothetopofthemountainthelastvillageoftheIndianborder.ThusthemissionthatlookedimpossiblebecamepossiblethroughHIMThusourteamsuccessfullycompletedourpilgrimagetoYamunotriandallofusbacksafe.TodayIfeelproudtohavebeenpartoftheCTFandmyfirstvowthat“I would serve the sick even in danger of my own life”becomesaliveandactiveeverydayhere.AsweheadtowardsanotherregionIwouldliketosaytogetherwiththepeopleofthelandJai Mataji..Hail to the mother.

Distribution of solar lampsName of the Number of solar Beneficiaryplace lamps distributed group

Badkot 495 Women,children

Ghat 207 Women,children

BangaliVillage 288 Women,Children

Total 990

Forth coming activities Construction of houses

Nameoftheplace NumberofhousesSimlakalaVillage 24Ghat 7Agustiamuni 10Budkot 3Uttarkasi 6

Total 50


It was a surprise and unexpected “Call” from ourProvincialSuperior,Sr.MagdelenaFernandestogotoUttarakhand,tous–Sr.EdlineBaraandSr.MariaMaduranayagam ItwasacalltoservethePoorandneedy,atthetimeofapopulation’slonelyandhelplesssituation,outofanaturaldisaster.Thecloudburstwasanexceptionaldisasterbeyondthedimensionsin the livingmemory of the Uttrakhand , the destruction washuge,morethan6000liveswerelost.PhysicalandPsychologicaltraumaundergonebythisPeoplearetremendous,manywereleftOrphaned,manyhadlosttheirhousesandlivelihood. Assoonaswereachedourrespectiveplaceswestartedourmissionwithfullvigour,enthusiasmandjoy.Thejourneywasverytough ,atmany placesroadswerewashedaway ,Wehadto go throughnarrowpaths of deep valleys, findour ownwaytoclimbsteepmountainsgaspingforbreathe .Ourgoalwastoreachtheremotevillageswheretheroadswerecutoffcompletelyfromthemainstreams.Wehadtowalkdaystogethersurvivingonforestfruits,somebiscuits,glucosepowder,boiledpotatoesetc. ThelandofDevaboomiisreallysothrillingandglorious,somarvelousandwonderful,sobeautifulandsosilent.Thehugemountains and deep valleys with lush greenery, trees, flowers,rocks,riversandwaterfallswasadelighttotheeyesandhelpedme to reflect the presence of living God in the nature and itscreation. With hard work and self sacrifice , in two monthswe covered almost 60 very interior villages. Where even theGovernmenthasnotreached.Ourpresenceinthosevillagesgavea new platform for the Diocese to start theirmission.We felthappyandsatisfiedthatwecouldtreatmorethan6000patientswith various illnesses, body / back pain, headache, fever, cutwoundsbecauseofstonefallsetc. Inspite of their difficulties and struggles , peoplewerevery receptive, generous ,simple, lovingandhospitable, toCTFactivities,tobewiththematthistimeofdisasterwastimelyhelpto these people and great opportunity to be a good samritan.CTF’s effort to reach the interiorparts at theearliestwasveryeffective. The leadership and co ordination by CTF was veryhelpfulformakingthisventureasuccess.

OUR JOURNEY AND MISSION IN

DEVABOOMI (UTTARAKHAND)

Sr. Edline Bara FHIC

FINDING CTF IN THE HIMALAYAS

Fr. Aris Miranda, MIInternationalCoordinatorCTF

On my way back to Rome from the semi-arid plains ofWajir,NortheasternKenya, news

regardingthecloudburstinUttarakhandandtheravagingwatersandfallingrocksfromtherangesoftheHimalayas(beginingJune16th,2013)flashedtomeasIbeganmydailyroutineofnavigatingtheweb.Iwastroubledbytheimmensityofsuchcalamitycalledacloudburst,aterminologythatnailedmyfingersquicklyonthekeyboardtypingtosearchdefinitionsandexplanationsofsuchanevent.Aftergettingdetailedinformationofthecalamity,emailsandskypecallsfollowedtotheCamillianvice-provinceofIndiathrough Fr. Baby Ellickal, the new v-provincial superior. ThevirtualconferenceandexchangeofmessagesledtothesendingofanassessmentteamtoUttarakhandspearheadedbynolessthanthemembersoftheprovincialcouncil.Itwasthefirstengagementoftheviceprovince. Looking at from an outsider’s point of view thoughvirtual participation is undeniable, one of the strengths ofCTF India is its capacity to establish connections with otherstakeholders.Linkingwithpeopleandlike-mindedorganizationswithastrongpassiontoservethemostvulnerablesectorsinthesociety in particular, survivors of natural disaster, is a conditiosine qua non in any forms of disasterministry ormission. Inparticular engagingwith the local churches ,the local church isfoundalwaysat the frontlineofdisasterministrybecauseof itscharacterandidentityasamotherwholooksafterthewell-beingof her children notwithstanding their differences in terms ofcreed,cultureandrace.ItisalsoavaluableresourcethatweintheCTFcannotignore.Sometimeswearenotateasetooperateinthepresenceofotherstakeholders.Wetendtobemoreself-sufficientanddothingsaccordingtoourownway.CTFischallengingustoridoffofallour“self-sufficienciness”andworeontheattitudeoflisteningandengagingothersinourefforts.Wecanleadbutnottocommand;wecandirectbutnottoimpose;wecanorganizeefforts but always carry it in a sharedmanner.The needs anddemandsinanydisasterarealwaysvastandoverwhelming.Wecannotjustrespondtoitbyourselves. Four teams travelled toUttarakhand;composedofaround 32 volunteers divided into two and dispatched to the


differenthinterlandvillagesintheHimalayanrangesledbyourveryownconfreres.Itwasaverytoughjourney,bitbeyondourexpectation,WhatCTFIndiahasbeendoinghereisarealheroicandpassionateact.Ourbrothersandsisterswhowereonboardthe teamwereenamoredby theoverflowing loveofChrist thatthey can’t hold but shared it to the survivors of Uttarakhandcloudburst. Courage and determination without counting thecostbutcalculatingtherisksmadethejourneywholesome.Theyweretrulycarryingthespiritofshepherdswillingtoleavethe99forthesakeof1thatwaslost. Theotherelement thathasdrawnmesomuch to thismissionistheinvolvementofthevice-province.Whateversuccessthattheteamsachievedinthosedayswasafruitofasharedeffortandresponsibility.Thecollaborativeapproachoftheplanningandimplementation stage and the regular information andupdates

beingsharedhaveallowedeverybodytoparticipate.CTF’sprojectmust always carry an immediate and an enduring goals. Theimmediategoalsaresetinordertodeliverthenecessaryservicesthatwouldsavelives,protectandassuresurvivorsoffullrecovery.On the other hand, the enduring goal is set in order tomakethe disasterministry or humanitarianmission of theOrder bedevelopedandbesustainedforever.Therealmeasureofsuccessisnotfoundinthenumberofpeopleyoufeed,treat,andsavebuthowmuchtheCamilliansappreciatethevalueofnurturingthisministry–thefuelthatwillburstintoflameofserviceofloveandmercytothesufferinghumanityandkeepthatflameburning.Notallcanparticipateasexpertsinthefieldofhumanitariansciencebutasexpertsofloveandcompassion,ourfundamentalvocation. The journey of CTF in India was a bit long-from thesouthtothenorth,fromyearsofbattlingwithideasandopinionstotheqiuckdaysofplanningandinmplementation.ItwasintheHimalayaswhenitsfacebeginstoglowanditsbodyreleasestheadrenalinofloveanddeterminationthatcompleteditsbaptism.CTF India is now an adolescent, vibrant and enthusiastic,discovering its strengths and capacities and at the same timelearning from its ups and downs andwilling to change for itsgrowthand sustainability.Thisprocessof growthwill bemuchnurturedifweremainattentivetothesignsofthetimesandbedaringtoovercomethebarriersontheroadbecauseattheotherendyouwillfindGodtellingyou,IAMWITHYOUALWAYS,FEARNOT,THISISNOTYOURWORKBUTITISMINE.

A Divine Task “The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing l shall want” Ps.23

Sr. Jeena Varghese Pazhayattil OP

IT is A DIVINE LAND - DEVBHOOMI………. ThestateofUttrakhandisknownasDevbhoomibecauseofthemainpilgrimagesofHindus,suchas,Yamunotri,Gangotri,Kedarnath,andBedrinath.Thewholestateisblessedwithbeautifulmountains, hills, rolling meadows, jagged rock faces, scenicvalleys,cascadingwaterfalls,riversandsnowfallsetc.DuringthemonthofJune2013,theUttrakhandfloodwhichwascausedbyunseasonalmonsoon rains and climate change, induced glaciallakeoutburst,unendinglandslidesandcloudburstswhichaffectedmillions. Overone lakhpilgrimsandtouristswerestranded; itkilled several thousands and still thousands aremissing.Manyhouses,hotels,shops,schoolsandagriculturalcropswerewashedoff;hugepinetrees,Damagedbridges,electricalpoolsandwaterpipeswereseenfloatinginthevalleys.Theroadswerewashedoffwithfloodwaterandblockedbytheunendinglandslides.Itistheworstdisasterthestatehaseverwitnessedandisstillstrugglingwith.Whereistheroadtorecovery?……………TheUttrakhandisstillbattlingwithitsinvisiblewounds.

It’s a Divine call………….. ItwasadivinecallthroughCTF(CamillianTaskForce).Thetaskbehindtheforcewaschallenginganddemanding.Theforcebehind the taskwas inspiringandenergizing.TheaimofCTF is “to bear witness to themerciful love of Christ for thepoorandsick,servingthemedicalandpastoralneedsofpeopleaffectedbymanmadeandnaturaldisasters”.Ourroleofdisaster


andwereenergizedbyglucosepowder. Iwas frightenedby therushing soundof thewaterbelow, the falling stones above andthe echoes of people shouting...BHAGOO….BHAGOO….(run… run…). Sometimes we were fed by the villagers andstayed in the rented rooms and hotels.My groupwas lucky tojourney through Kotdwar, Barkot Purola, Chinjaly, Kharadi,Naganghav,Ranachatti,Hanumanchatti,Banas,Nisni,Karsali…..uptoYamunothrithenagaintoSimlakala,Augagtymuni,Ghat,Guptakashietc.

It’s A DIVINE PLAN for MISSION…………. Itwas amission to reach out to the peoplewhowereaffected with these tragedies.We conductedmedical camps innearly11villages.Wecarriedmedicines,solarlamps,conductedsurveys and distributed raincoats for the children. The mostmemorableeventofmymissioninUttrakhandisthatwewereabletosavethepreciousgiftoflifeofawomanwhohadgivenbirthtoachildandplacentahadnotbeenexpelledforoverfourandhalfhours.Shewasinpanicandtheydidn’thaveanyotherfacilitiestosaveherlife.BeinganurseIknewwhattodobutldidn’thavethe courage to take the risk. Iwas inspiredby the courageousactofBro.Madhu,anurseandwestruggledoverhalfanhourtoremove theplacentamanually.Thegroup supportedus andwewereabletosavethelifeofthewomanbyGod’sgrace.TheLordworkedmiraclesthroughCTF:togiveaimforaimless,comfortforthecomfortless,healingbalmforthewounded,shelterforthehomelessandstrengthfortheweak.Ilearnedfromthismissionexperience that inorder tobecomea truemissionary, Ineededopenhands, a freeheart and thewillingness to take challengeswithoutcountingthecostandaboveallthedeeptrustandfaithintheprovidenceofGod.ThefaithenabledmetodiscoverGod’spresence everywhere, guiding me and giving meaning to myadventurousjourney.ThepresenceofGodandtheprotectionofMotherMarykeptmealive.Iexperiencedthevaluableprayersofmysistersandtheirsupportthroughoutmyjourney.

managementwas the role of a good Samaritan. CTFmemberswereenergized,strengthenedspirituallyandphysicallytofacetheadventurousmission ahead.ThisHimalayan tsunami gives youandmeanimmensespiritualawakeningandtofacetragedieswithfaith, assuranceofhope, andpatiently listen to the frustrationsand disappointments of the people affected by these disasters.Thepurposeofourcallwasto“bethere,benear,beattentive,bewilling,becompassionate.”

It’s A DIVINE TASK……… The first CTF teamwas formed by 13members fromdifferent congregations; three fathers and one brother fromCamillians , two Dominican sisters, two St. John the Baptistsisters, two Franciscan sisters of Hospitellers, two Carmelitesisters and one lay person from Kerala. The team was verydynamictorespondtotheneedsofthemission.Fr.SibyKaitaranMI thecoordinator,whose trusts in thedivineprovidencewithimmenseenthusiasmkepttheaimofCTFalive.Fr.TejiMIthespiritualguide,strengthenedus to face lifecourageouslyandtopersevereinourtask.Fr.JofreeMI,theprocurator,energizeduswithnutritionalfoodthaturgedustoworktirelessly.Bro.MadhuMIthemedicalofficer,beingthehealinghandsofGod,challengeduswithhisdynamicwayofdealingwithpatientswith loveandcare.Hewastrulyasourceofinspirationformeinthemedicalcamp.WeworkedincollaborationwiththeSyroMalabardioceseofBijnorandtheKarunaSocialServiceCenter.

It’s A DIVINE CHALLENGE………….. We mainly concentrated on the remote villages thatwereunnoticedbytheNGO’SandGovernments.WesucceededtowitnessthemercifulloveofChristamongthenonChristianswhowere still in shockby these tragedies.My journey towardsUttrakhandwaschallengingandrisky.Iencounteredfear,anxietyanddeathasIwalkednarrowpathwaysthroughthedenseforestsamidst heavy rains. As dayswent by our journey became verytoughandfrightening.Weclimbedverysteepzigzagmountainsandvalleysformanyhoursattimeswetookawholedaytoreachthese villages. I becamebreathless;myheartwas beating fasterthan themetro andwewere often bitten by the blood suckinglittlecreature,‘Leech’.Istruggledtowalkthroughthesharpedgedstonesandmuddywater.Iexperiencedthehelpinghandsofmycompanions.Wequenchedourthirstwiththefrozenwaterfromthe rock and often satisfied our hungerwith ‘maggi’ (noodles)


CTF Report From GHAT

Sr. Jincy CSJB

On 7th August at 9.30 Fr. TejiThomas MI ,Sisters JincyMathewCSJB,MariaFHIC,ShantiJacob OPandMr.AndrinThaliyakuzhistarted

our journey fromKSSKotdwar toGhat.We stopped for lunchinSrinagar.Fr.JomonCMIandBrothersshowedtheirloveandconcernandpreparedadeliciouslunchforus.ThenwecontinuedourjourneyandstoppedforteainGoltierattheconventofSistersof the Destitute. Fr. Robin accompanied us to Thripak whereroadswerewashedawayduetothelandslide. During our journey we experienced God’s protectionandcontinuedtodependuponGod’smercy.WearrivedinGhatat8.oopmintheevening.TheSDsistersalongwithFr.Johnsonwerewaitingforusandgaveusawarmwelcome.Aswetravelledfrom kotdwar to Ghat through mountains, valleys, crossingmanylandslideswewereabletoseeandexperiencethenaturalcalamities that was still happening. It was frightening to seethebroken roads, the crackson themountainsandcontinuouslandslides. From8thofAugustto14thwevisited12villagessuchasLankhi,Charpung,Luawani,Kundakgod,Aali,Bajibag,Sirkar,Simar, Phali, Kumjug,Mathcot, Jakini. Wewere able to treataround550patientswithvarioussicknesses.Mostofthemwerescabies,backpain, chestpain,Stomachpain, fever, earandeyeproblem etc.We also found in some villages peoplewith deepinfectedwounds. Aswe look into their village set up,many people losttheir land and cultivation and some families lost their housesdue to landslides andflood.Manyare shifting theirbelongingsto safer villages. Schools and colleges are closed. Roads andbridgesarewashedawayduetolandslides,cloudburstandflood.In the villagesmost of themen are ex-military.And the ladiesareworkinghardtakingcareofthechildren,householdactivitiesandfieldwork.Inspiteofallthesesstrugglesthepeoplewereverykind,welcomingandgenerouswithwhattheyhad. Duringourdaysofreliefworkwehadtowalkandclimb20to25kilometersbackandforth.Wewalkedthroughvalleys,hillsandwhereroadsandbridgeswerecompletelydamaged.Wereallyhadtostruggletofindaplacetoputourfeet.Wequenchedourthirstwithwaterfromthevalleyandour“Manna”onhillswas“Aadu”amountainfruit. Thegroupfeltguidedbythespirit.WhenwewereweakourspiritualfatherFr.TejistrengtheneduswithBibleQuotations,divinemercyrosaryandRosarytoourLady.OnourjourneythereweremanyanglessendbyGodtohelpandguideustoreachourdestination. “Fear not for I am with you”. These words gave uscouragetoservethepeopleofthesemountains.Manytimesweescapedfromdanger.Webelievedangels inheavenwillprotectus.ps.91:11”ForHewillgivehisAngleschargeofyoutoguardyouinallyourways.”Webeganourdaywithfear,notknowingwhatisaheadofus,butalwayscamebackhomethankinggod.

I thank my God, every time

I think ofyouSr.PhilominaVengachottilOP

ProvincialSuperior

DominicansistersofthePresentation

Lifeisfullofopportunities,challenges,visionsto accomplish God’s plan and above all it’s a

commitmenttorespondtothesignsofthetimesasconsecratedpersons.WithimmensejoyandgratitudeItakethisopportunityto congratulate the courageous commitment of the Order ofMinisters of the Infirm (Camillians) to respond creativelytowards the Himalayan Tsunami in the state of Uttrakhand,theDevaboomiofHindus. Iamverysure that thevisionofSt.CamillusbecamealiveandintactthroughCamillianTaskForce.IappreciateCamillian’scollaborationwithdifferentcongregations.The groupwhowent fromBangalorewere very enthusiastic toreachouttotheneedywiththepassionofChristlikeSt.Camilluswhotouchedmanylivesandgaveanewlifeforthelifeless.Theoutstandingvirtueoftheteamwastheenthusiasm,togetherness,courage,faithandcommitmentwhichenlightenedthemtofaceallthechallengesandtospreadthefragranceofJesuswhereevertheywent.Allthosewholistenedtheexperienceoftheteamwereinspiredandchallengedtorespondtothenaturalcalamities.We,the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation are very grateful toCamillianstojoinourhandswiththeminthiswonderfulmissionandkeepaliveourcharism.Iappreciatemysisterswhovoluntarilyaccepted the invitationand their readiness to touch the livesofthepeoplewithlove,careandcompassion.IsincerelyexpressmygratitudetotheLordwhohadupholdedthemandprotectedtheminHislovingarmsandaccomplishedHisplanthroughCTF. WishingyouallGod’sBlessingsinwhateveryoudoforthesakeofpeople.

Medical Support Provided during the Flood Relief at Uttarkhand by CTF

Villages : 57Population : 48,406Number of Families : 12,540Number of Children : 12,835Number of Women : 17,536Number of Elderly : 3,776Number of Patients : 9,431


Dear Friends: During a meeting at Snehatheeram at Ernkaulam (Dist) Kerala,India I came to know about the innovative venture called Camillan Task Force. It is a group of voluntiers committed to the well being of other human beings when people are hit with natural and man made calamities etc. It is an innovative venture because of this daring nature.To jump into a situation when it is fatal is not easy for human beings but Camillians do believe that we the human beings carry a special touch from God to give ourselves away when a serious situation demands the same from us.They already have responded to some of the major disastrous situations in India and they are willing to face new ones with courage and enthusiasm. I wish them all the best since such a venture brings out the best in the human person: the elegance of human life.May it help us to understand that the story of life is not about us personally but it is a call to give ourselves away in the most meaningful and powerful way. With much love and affection, Bishop Sebastian - A good friend and collaborator of Camillians

Message

Well wishes from my desk Unimaginable and unexpected were the effects brought by the Uttarakhand calamities.But the hearts that lovedus and the hands that savedusweremany.Camilian task force is one among them justcameforourrescue.Adeepgratitudealwaysrisesfrommyheartforallthememberswhohelpedustoalleviatethesufferingoftheaffected.IamindebtedtoCTFteamandespeciallyFr.Sibywhoselovetowardsourmissionisunending. CTFisaninspirationwhoselifegivingactivitiesarememorable.Iwishthemallthebestfortheirendeavors.LetthegoodGodkeepthemalwayssafeandsoundandkeeptheirheartsburningtoquenchtheloveofChrist.

Fr.PiousPhilipDirectorKarunaSocialServiceSociety

VicarProvincialofSt.CamillusVice-province(India)V.Rev.Fr.BabyEllickalMIhasinauguratedaRegionalofficeofCamillianTaskForce-India(CTF)atSnehatheeram,Aluva,Keralaon18thFebruary,2014(Tuesday)

Rev. Fr. Jobin George MI handing over the first installment to HisExcellency Mar. Mathew Anikuzhikattil for the construction of houseswhichweredestroyedduringthefloodinIdukki,Kerala.CTFissupportingfor theconstructionof3houses in Idukki.This rehabilitationprogram isimplementedincollaborationwithHighrangeDevelopmentSocietywhichis theofficial organof theDepartmentof socialWorksof theDioceseofIdukki.

His Excellency Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath Auxiliary Bp. of the Archdioces of Eranakulam - Angamaly


How Great is HIS Love!SrArpithaCMC,Cordinator,CityBasedEvengelization

Kochi.

DaysatUttarakand,wasaGodgivenchancetowonderatHISdivineprovidenceandHISmercifullove.Wewere13fromvariousplacesandofdifferentvocations.3Priests,1brother,8nuns&1layman.Wewerecomingtogetherfor

thefirsttime.ButHEmadeusascloseaswewerefriendsformanyyears.InfactthepoweroftheHolySpiritwasthebindingenergyofourgroup(CTF)whichmadeusmorecourageousandhelpful. Inmylife itwastheonlychanceIgottocelebratethemassinatrainwhenweweretravellingtoUttarakand.HISlivingpresencealwaysguidedustoplanforourmissionatUttarakand.AllourmemberswereverymuchinterestedtobewithHIMandtohearHISvoice.Thegroupwasdividedintothreeforthemission.Theselflessserviceofeachmemberwasmuchappreciative. WeweretwosistersfromErnakulamsenttoMandavartomakeanassessmentwherethehouseswerewashedawaybytheflood.Wecouldseeagreatprovidencethatthoughmanyhouseswerewashedaway,noneoftheirfamilymemberswerekilledbytheflood.TheirfaithinGODstillremainedasearlierandtheywerebraveenoughtobuildtheirhousesagain.Neitherrainnortheirpovertypreventedthem,rebuildingthesmallhuts.TheynevercursedtheirGodortheyneversawthisasapunishmentfromGodbuttheysaid“Gangadevigaveusandtookfromus”.Around100familiesliveinthatsmallvillageandmanyofthemlosttheirhousesandplots.Thelandof1kmwidthhasbecomeriverandtheyhavenoplacetocultivate. Thenever stopping landslideswere another remarkable thingduring thismission. In spite of all these calamitiespeoplesurvivewithoutanycomplaintsorcurse.Thecalamities,sicknessoranylossnevermadethemdepressed.Buttheyfacedeverythingwithcourage. ThevolunteerservicebytheCTFwasattherighttimetostandwithsuffering.Thoughitwasforthefirsttime,itwasagreatsuccessasadisastermanagementteam.ThankstoeveryonewhogaveusachancetoservetheneedyandwethankGodforgivingsuchaprivilegetobewiththevulnerable.


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National Office: SnehadaanCampus,AmbedkarNagar,SarjapuraRoadCarmelaramPost,Bengaluru-560035,Karnataka,IndiaTel:+919448084061,9441835751Email:[email protected],www.snehacare.org

Regional Office:SNEHATHEERAMSt.CamillusCareHome,WestKadungalloorPost,Aluva,Ernakulam,Kerala-683110Tel:+914842607777,+918289987197

JYOTI DARSANSt.CamillusSeminary,ChicholiVillage,FetriPostNagpur-441501Maharashtra.Tel:+919881213568


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