I Have A Dream: Cardinal Ivan Dias
http://www.the-examiner.org/articles.asp?serial=1
Michael Gonsalves
The sprawling grounds of St Stanislaus High School, Bandra reverberated with a unique celebration and joy of the multitude at the grand warm farewell ceremony accorded to the committed shepherd of the flock. Prelates, representing their dioceses, regional and national conferences, bishops of Orthodox Churches, priests, nuns, prominent Hindu leaders and representatives of 118 parishes comprising about 600,000 Catholics of the Archdiocese of Bombay paid rich tributes to one of India’s distinguished prelates.

Undoubtedly, the June 25th event was an Archdiocesan thanksgiving day for the 10 years of dedicated service not only to the Church and people of Mumbai but also to the Church in India and the country. With Cardinal Dias’ appointment by Pope Benedict XVI on May 20 as the 37th Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, Vatican’s crucial dicastery, the Church in India has come of age. The man of prayer who led the dynamic Archdiocese of Bombay, which is looked upon for leadership and inspiration by 158 Catholic dioceses in the country, to become a Light to the nation is a man of God building bridges and cementing ties with various faith communities.

Melodious choirs, hymns, prayer dances and the celebration of the Eucharist preceded the blueprint of the dream of Cardinal Dias for Mumbai and India from his heart. An emotional leader observed that what has been sown has been well received and reaped. Admiring the zeal and enthusiasm of the priests and the people of the megapolis and making a fervent appeal for their faith to flow into action and gather momentum individually and community-wise, he painted his dream for his flock as he proceeded to take charge of his new appointment in the Vatican.
“I have a dream”, said the Cardinal, “that India may have an abundance not only of political parties and politicians but, above all, of statesmen and women, who will place the well-being of the whole nation before their personal, party and petty interests...

CARDINAL IVAN’S FAREWELL MESSAGE
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus:
I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI for appointing me Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. It is the missionary department of the Holy See entrusted with the propagation of the faith in areas where it has not yet taken firm root. It co-ordinates the pastoral activities of over a thousand ecclesiastical units in the five continents, with about 2,400 bishops, both in active service and retired.

A decade of pastoral service November 8th next would have been the tenth anniversary of my appointment as Archbishop of Bombay. I thank God for the many graces he has showered on the Archdiocese during the past decade. Since gratitude is the memory of the heart, permit me to recall some highlights of this period: the visit of the statue of Mary of Nazareth in 1999; the erection of the diocese of Vasai and the appointment of its shepherd Bishop Thomas Dabre; the promotion of Archbishop Oswald Gracias to the See of Agra; the ordination of the first permanent deacons. There was also the institution of the Day of the Consecrated Life (February 2) and the Pro-Life Day (March 25) and the setting up of memorials for the unborn children in our cemeteries. The great event during my tenure of service was the 2001 Archdiocesan Synod and its follow-up organism BASIC; the recent Mid-Term Synod Assembly which emphasised the need of a holistic spirituality permeating, in particular, the family, the youth and the marginalised; the Archdiocesan Consultation on Education and the subsequent constitution of ACTIVE; the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Federation of Centres of Community Organisations. I gratefully recall also the establishment of the Conference of Diocesan Priests of the Archdiocese of Bombay (CDPAB), the institution of the Community Welfare Fund, and the activities of the Small Christian Communities and Centres for Community Organisation all over the Archdiocese.

During the past decade we gave due importance to dialogue within the Ecumenical Fellowship of Christian Bishops in Mumbai, as well as to inter-religious dialogue where persons of diverse religious traditions participated in an exchange of ideas, common action plans and experiences. I shall recall our meetings with nostalgia and I wish both the dialogues a fruitful continuation in the years ahead.

We have also had occasions to show our solidarity during the emergency caused by natural disasters, like the earthquakes which struck Gujarat in 2001 and Kashmir in 2005, and the terrible deluge which fell on a large part of the Archdiocese and even beyond its borders, leading our parishes, schools and other institutions (e.g. Centre for Social Action) to take many heroic relief and rehabilitation initiatives. A few days ago we inaugurated one of the three housing complexes we have built in Raigad district for the tribals/adivasis who were victims of landslides caused by last year’s apocalyptic monsoon floods. On this occasion, we made it clear that the project – as all the health, educational and social projects of the Catholic Church in the country – had no ulterior motives whatsoever and no conversion strings attached to it.
In the spirit of Our Lady’s Magnificat we can truly say: The Lord has done marvellous things for the Archdiocese of Bombay during the past ten years. Holy be His Name!

Special thanks

I want to thank my venerable predecessor Cardinal Simon Pimenta for his warm friendship and fraternal benevolence towards me. I thoroughly enjoyed the cordial fellowship of my Auxiliary Bishops: at present, Bishops Bosco Penha, Percival Fernandez and Agnelo Gracias - and, before them, Bishops Ferdinand Fonseca, Thomas Dabre and Oswald Gracias. I have appreciated their close collaboration as they shared with me the joys and concerns of the Archdiocese as Zonal Bishops and in-charge of various pastoral sectors of the faithful, while shouldering responsibilities at the national level as well.

I thank the diocesan priests and the religious men and women for their pastoral zeal in the parishes and in the fields of education, health and social welfare. May God continue to shower abundant blessings on their dedicated service to the well-being of the nation, and especially to the poor and the marginalised.

I wish to commend the edifying piety and fervour of the laity, their deep devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist and their filial love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. In particular, I thank God for the Blessed Sacrament Adoration Chapels in almost all our parishes which are visited by so many persons from morn till night, as also for the spread of the Divine Mercy Devotion in the Archdiocese. I laud the laity’s increasing involvement in the affairs of the Church and their active participation in the Archdiocesan, Deanery and Parish Pastoral Councils, in associations, movements and ecclesial communities, in committees and in catechetical, liturgical and other ministries. I admire their zeal and enthusiasm and I pray that their endeavours to make faith flow into action may gather momentum, both individually and community-wise, as the years go by.

As everyone knows, no Bishop can pretend to be perfect or to accomplish everything during his tenure of office. I am aware that my ministry in your midst may have had its lacunae and I am conscious of my limitations and shortcomings. I beg pardon from all those whom I may have unwittingly hurt, offended or scandalised in the exercise of my pastoral duties. I ask them to pray for me. There are also initiatives which could be considered an unfinished symphony to be carried on by the new shepherd which the Holy Father will give to the flock in Bombay. I wish him God’s choicest blessings and assure him of my prayers

Farewell Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I was very happy to have been able to serve the diocese of my birth for almost a decade. As I leave the Archdiocese and my dear Bharat Mata for my new assignment:

I have a dream: that this wonderful megapolis of Mumbai and the whole Indian sub-continent may progress and flourish in human, humane and spiritual virtues, and that the overall progress of its citizens may be gauged, not so much by the economic sensex, but rather by the rise and fall of their civic sense and moral values.

I have a dream: that India may have an abundance, not only of political parties and politicians but, above all, of statesmen and women, who are outstanding in moral integrity, who place the well-being of the whole nation before their personal, party and petty interests, who are known for their noble intentions and their selfless love for the poor and the marginalised, persons who are ever alert and ready to combat the three evils which pose a constant threat to harmonious living among the citizens of India: viz. communalism, casteism and corruption.

I have a dream: that the thirst of India’s teeming millions, who yearn to be led “from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, 1.3.28), may be quenched at the divine fountain of living waters, Jesus Christ Our Lord, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the Light of the World. Because Christ loves India and India needs Christ.

Conclusion

Sisters and Brothers: As I prepare to begin my new assignment in Rome, I earnestly beg you to keep me in your prayers, so that, true to my episcopal motto Servus (servant/slave), I may continue to labour tirelessly and selflessly in the Lord’s vineyard for His greater glory and for the spread of His Kingdom to the four corners of the earth. On my part, I assure you of a special memento every day at Holy Mass and during the recitation of the Breviary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Holy Rosary.

God bless India, our beloved Motherland, and God love you all!

Your affectionate shepherd In Corde Mariae

+ Ivan Cardinal Dias
June 27, 2006

Study: Fertility Among Visible Minority Women 1996 To 2001
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/060630/d060630b.htm1996 to 2001

Fertility during the late 1990s was higher for visible minority women in Canada than it was for other Canadian women, according to a new report. Still, fertility for these women declined between 1996 and 2001 and remained below what is known as the replacement level, 2.1 children per woman.

The report showed that the fertility of all Canadian women declined from 1996 to 2001, yet it dropped faster for visible minority women.
It found that in 1996, the total fertility rate among visible minority groups was 1.94 children per woman; by 2001, it had decreased to 1.70 per woman. Among Aboriginal women, the fertility rate edge down from 2.86 to 2.60 children per women, while in the rest of the population, it slipped from 1.63 to 1.51.

The study also found significant differences in fertility between specific visible minority groups. Korean, Chinese and Japanese women had lower total fertility rates than other visible minority groups. The fertility rates were also lower than for women in the rest of the population for both periods.

Conversely, Arabs/West Asians and South Asians averaged two or more children per woman in both 1996 and 2001, while Latin American, Black, Filipino and Southeast Asian women had a fertility rate closer to the average for all visible minority women.
Significant differences in fertility among various groups.

Visible minority groups differed on the basis of several characteristics that can be related to fertility. For instance, the proportion of recent immigrants or the proportion of the married population varied widely from one group to another.
 

Goan Troupe Leave Lasting Impression On Seychellois Audience
 05.07.06
http://www.nation.sc/index1024.php?art=6556
The visiting 13-member Indian dance and music troupe Kepemchim Kirnnam from the State of Goa leave Seychelles Thursday July 6 following several scintillating performances of music and dance.



The troupe's 8-day visit here was at the request of the Government of Seychelles to partake in the celebrations marking Seychelles 30th Independence anniversary.

During their stay they enthralled the local audience with scintillating performances of music and dance at the Stad Lanmizik on June 30 and participated in the float carnival and musical night on July 1 on Mahe.

The group then headed to Praslin and made a lasting impression on Praslinois with an hour and a half long performance during a musical evening on July 2.

The director of the group, Goes Evaristo Cirilo alias Elvis Goes, has expressed complete satisfaction with the result of their performances.

He stated that similarities between the Goan dance and music with that of Seychelles were one of the reasons for the appreciation of their work.

After performing at the Coral Strand Hotel on July 3, the group were expected to make their last performance last night at the Coco D’or Hotel at Beau Vallon.

The entire visit of the group has been sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Canada's housing market shows strength and momentum in the second quarter

 Average house price expected to increase by 9.2 % this year -
Housing values in the Royal LePage Survey are Royal LePage opinions of fair market value in each location, based on local data and market knowledge provided by Royal LePage residential real estate experts. Historical data is available for some areas back to the early 1970s.

TORONTO, July 5 /CNW/ - Canada's housing market continued to make advances from coast to coast in the second quarter. The pace of growth varied greatly by region, with activity levels and price increases in the Western provinces far outpacing that in the rest of the country. Compared to the same period last year, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada maintained similar high sales volumes, with moderate price increases, while extraordinary demand and limited inventory drove double digit price increases in the west, according to a report released today by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

Of the housing types surveyed, the highest average price appreciation occurred in detached bungalows, which rose to $292,237 (+15.6%) year-over-year, followed by standard condominiums, which rose to $208,403 (+14.2%), and standard two-storey properties, which increased to $351,367 (+13.3%).

Echoing the growth and activity of Canada's market to date, the national average house price is forecast to rise by 9.2 per cent year-over-year to
$272,200 by the end of 2006, while transactions are projected to rise marginally to 485,000 unit sales, up by 0.4 per cent from 483,250 unit sales last year.

Ottawa and Toronto, growth in the housing markets remained stable, as increased inventory levels helped to moderate the rate of price appreciation. In Atlantic Canada, inventory increases resulted in a slower rate of price appreciation when compared with 2005.

In some markets, particularly in Western Canada, high house prices and lack of product priced some buyers out of the market, leading them to explore less established areas, or reconsider their housing type. The rising mortgage rates are regarded as having little to no effect on buyers entering the market.
 

55+ Goan Association – West GTA
FIRST GALA ANNIVERSARY DANCE JUNE 23rd 2006












It is hard to believe that one year has passed so quickly since the formation of our organization. Hence, on behalf of our Executive Committee, I am pleased to share the outcome of our very first Anniversary dance details.

Our 55 Plus Goan Association hosted our very first “Gala Anniversary Dance” on the 23rd of June 2006 ,at the Renaissance Convention Centre in Mississauga. We had a great turn out of 165 loyal supporters consisting of members with a few non-members who graced the occasion with their presence. Needless to say, the venue, the delectable meal, which was served to perfection, was excellent and enjoyed by everyone.

The event started off with a ‘bang’, and after the formalities and introductions were over, the D.J. Dave Gaudet, (Music Dee-Lite), got everyone on the floor to dance the nite away until 1 a.m. to the theme of the 50’s & 60’s & a variety of assorted dances for the “young and old. “!! - (Many thanks go to Vivien & Tony for their recommendation of this Disc Jockey)!!

The “Hi-Lite” of the evening was the performance by the professional dancers from Bailismo school of dancing, who peformed the “Rumba” “Salsa” and the “Cha-Cha-Cha” – The youngest performers were the cute pair , ages 6 and 7 yrs.old who strutted their stuff flawlessly to the Salsa – They , of course stole the show and got a rousing applause and certainly won our admiration! The head of the team, Edgar invited all the ladies on the floor and gave them a “Crash-Course” of the Salsa and Cha-Cha- Cha! - We had a great enthusiastic bunch of ladies and wish to thank them for their pro-activeness & participation! - To all the ladies “ Congratulations on a job well done!! Just goes to show you “It’s never too late to learn how to dance”!! Credit for this goes out to Ms. Hui-Ying Wang from the School of dancing for her ready support in availing us this opportunity and making it a fun evening for all.!

We promised to give each and everyone of you a good time and we trust we achieved our goal. We have been fortunate to both inherit a good team effort headed by our Social Secretary Juliet Rebello, who added good support team members to her sub-committee, who worked tirelessly and gave up their week-ends & put in long hours to ensure its every success.

A backward glance to this past year has certainly proved to be the best we could be and we couldn’t have achieved it without your support. The night will long be remembered by all who attended as a milestone! We intend to” keep on – keeping on” and help to keep the flame burning into the next year -2007!!

Thank you,
Muriel Lucas

General Secretary,Fifty Five Plus Goan Association-West GTA.