Participants List

Solar Future: Business Opportunities by Br. John F. Kennedy

Br. John F. Kennedy is an expert and resource person in the solar energy sector. He discussed the potential of solar energy for both personal and commercial purposes, initiating a brainstorming session on future business prospects in this area. Please click on the audio recordings below, next to the image, to listen to the session.

Holistic Wellness: Naturopathic Insights by Fr. Selvanayagam

Fr. Selvanayagam discussed the benefits of mud therapy, particularly highlighting the historical use of termite mud (Karayan Putru) in improving health. He emphasized its potential for boosting immunity, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. Termite mud baths were recommended for their various health benefits, including skin rejuvenation and cooling effects on the eyes.

Additionally, he recommended using cabbage water by boiling cabbage in a pot and applying the proportionate amount of 2 cabbage leaves per person for its effectiveness.  Please click on the audio recordings below, next to the image, to listen to the session.

Visit to Yercaud botanical garden - We visited Yercaud Botanical Garden and spontaneously organized a fun-filled running race, in which five of our brothers actively participated. This became a highlight of our outing. We enjoyed the scenic and serene atmosphere of Yercaud and returned home for a campfire.

Empowerment in Action: Community Engagement with Kolping Project by Mr. Francis Inban  - Br. Francis Inban is the Kolping Project Coordinator at BMSSS, Bangalore. He shared insights into the Kolping project's community engagement initiatives, focusing on social service activities and discussing ways to expand these activities in our local parish. Please click on the audio recordings below, next to the image, to listen to the session.

Business Opportunity with Lifestyle Dedication: Br. Arul Vedamanikcam - Br. Arul Vedamanickam has shared his life lessons to help us succeed in every activity and business endeavor. This is an inspiring session, and we kindly request you to review the recording. Please click on the audio recordings below, next to the image, to listen to the session.

Spiritual Journey Post-Seminary - Br. Joseph Raju  - Br. Joseph Raju shared spiritual insights and reflections, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and devotion in one's spiritual journey.

Highlights from his presentation: இல்லானை இல்லாளும் வேண்டாள், ஈன்ற தாயும் வேண்டாள்.செல்வம் இல்லாதவனை இல்லாளும் வேண்டாள், ஈன்ற தாயும் வேண்டாள் . Please click on the audio recordings below, next to the image, to listen to the session.

Discussion Points

Meeting Minutes - Messenger of Peace (MOP)

Opening:

• The meeting commenced with an intensive prayer led by Minister Santiago.

• Minister Santiago extended a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting the essence of the Franciscan charism despite the limited participation due to many brothers being engaged in compulsory election duties.

New Participant Introductions:

• Savarimuthu, who traveled from Bangalore, was welcomed and introduced himself cheerfully. The group extended a warm welcome to him. Additionally, he kindly brought fish all the way from Bangalore as a token of his solidarity with the group.

Solar Future: Business Opportunities by Br. John F. Kennedy:

• Br. John F. Kennedy conducted a brainstorming session on the potential of solar energy for personal and commercial use.

• The discussion explored the business and social viability of promoting solar energy.

• Br. Kennedy, Br. Arul, and Br. Raja were tasked with conducting further research on the business viability.

• The possibility of implementing solar energy initiatives under the banner of Messengers of Peace was considered.

• Additionally, the group discussed the emerging trend of food and hospital businesses, particularly the establishment of dialysis centers charging Rs. 500 per session, with profits allocated for staff salaries and maintenance.

• It was proposed to compile a 25 to 30-page synthesis on solar energy in Tamil, authored by Br. John F. Kennedy, to be printed under the name of Messengers of Peace and used for promoting social responsibility.

• Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of proposed projects such as thermal power stations, with plans to initiate legal action, including filing public interest litigation cases.

Environmental Concerns and Social Action:

• The meeting also addressed environmental concerns, particularly regarding Adani's plans to extract marsh gas in Sirkali and Kanyakumari. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on agriculture, as well as the approval for a thermal power station in the region. Louis requested government-sanctioned copies to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case in the name of Messengers of Peace. Br. John F. Kennedy agreed to initiate the process by obtaining relevant documents through the Right to Information (RTI) act.

Social Work Discussion: Minority Scheme:

• Discussions were held regarding a minority scheme for Christians, focusing on subsidy opportunities available for women. Mr. Raja was designated to coordinate efforts with individual dioceses, leveraging online applications and parish networks for implementation.

• Please listen to the recording on "Solar Future" starting from the timestamp 55:18 for more detailed information. This will assist in seeking Br. Raja's assistance in implementing the scheme in your respective parish or diocese.

Common Discussion:

• Br. Arul Vedamanikcam proposed creating an additional WhatsApp group, "MOP Official," for official communications, while retaining the existing group for other discussions. The proposal was unanimously accepted.

• Plans were discussed for a family trip to Kotagiri in May 2024, with Ivan and Walter tasked with coordination.

• Updates on the Messengers of Peace website and database were provided, with plans to collect member details for birthday and feast day celebrations.

• Concerns were raised about hosting future meetings in non-Capuchin friaries to enhance participation.

• It was agreed to review past agendas in future meetings and take appropriate actions.

Closing Remarks:

• The meeting concluded with gratitude extended to all participants for their invaluable contributions and dedication to promoting peace, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

• We extend our heartfelt thanks to the provincial, Fr. Lucas, Alverna Superior, and the local community members for their warm hospitality, which made our stay truly memorable.

Next Meeting:

• The next meeting was scheduled for the quarterly holidays in September, with venue and dates to be announced later.

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