Guwahati: Creative Fidelity in Mission is a book of reflections for a personal retreat in Covid Times. It is authored by motivational speaker and popular retreat preacher Salesian Fr. V.M.Thomas Vattathara of Guwahati province.
The 260 page book by former president of Conference of Religious India and former Chancellor of Assam Don Bosco University has 17 thought provoking topics with original takes on religious life with apt scriptural reflections.
The forward and epilogue by leading socio-religious thinker and peace activist Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, Vattathara’s mentor’ touches upon topics like : Search for Authenticity; The Call, the Response; Challenges, Creativity; Testing Times; Transforming a Grievance into a Message; and Inner Contradictions.
Talking to Matters India, Harvard graduate Vattathara shared his conviction, “God is with us and accompanies us; we can all make our dreams come true with His help.”
The book is a testimony to the wisdom of the lived experience that combines a deep rooted love for Sacred Scripture, years of animation, formation and sharing, and a filial love and appreciation for the catechesis and pastoral approach of Pope Francis.
During the past 52 years, Vattathara has mostly served in India’s northeast – a region with the most ethnic, religious and linguistic groups. He has pursued is passion of building dreams, shaping lives and influence decision makers and society in the socio-culturally different and geographically challenging region far from his native state of Kerala.
The leitmotif in the reflections is Vattathara’s firm belief that “a problem exists till we reach a solution to it, and that we can make a way or find a way in the midst of problems’ helped him to face and overcome varied challenges in the mystic land of North East.
Printed in Guwahati, the book is available in two versions: hardcover executive, and paperback popular edition which costs Rs. 300 only