Beyond the Clouds by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. | Page 71

Europeans…and how many more categories exist among us! For some, these are
unconquerable mountains. Yet in one airplane, this doesn’t seem to phase us,
and no one is really going crazy.
Such debates also exist within the Church. I suppose all Religious Institutes
spend a lot of time discussing international and intercultural collaboration
within communities. My own Institute has been doing it since long, with a
substantial amount of success, too.
As I write this note, I am at a meeting of General Superiors from the whole
world. A multitude of nationalities are present, and each are equally as
enriching when listening to their backgrounds, experiences, and challenges.
Learning from each other is an essential part of this meeting. During the
celebration of Mass over these days, a number of seminarians were serving. All
were from diverse countries, yet being formed together in Italy. The
community’s Rector told me it was a good experience; it was possible to do it,
provided they were accompanied well.
It brought to mind a memory of one of my own visitations, when a confrere
was speaking of the importance of linguistic preparation for those coming to
his country. While he was rightfully emphasizing a point, he went on bragging
without any due respect for those who were coming from different cultural
backgrounds. These young men had to make a lot of sacrifices; they never
experienced winter, they never felt so lonely in communities where members
withdrew into their rooms soon after meals to watch tv. A new language was
only one step up the mountain, and how many steps to the pinnacle remained!
When I sensed an air of arrogance from his part, I told this elderly member
that while a language should be learnt and they must be inculturated well into
the new surroundings, no language should be equated to the Gospel; it is only
an instrument of communication. Everyone has a language, and let us not
exaggerate the superiority of any one in particular. I was quite annoyed by his
presumptuous and proud attitude, likewise he was not pleased with me, either.
That member- quite famous for his work- has since passed. If he will be
remembered, it will be for his testimony of life and the good that he has done
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