By Varghese Alengaden

Indore: Celebrations of birthdays of persons, foundation days of institutions and jubilees of different types have become common in our society. Much money, time and energy are wasted for exhibiting pomp and show by persons and institutions. Often people count the years of mere existence instead of reflecting on the productivity of the years. Instead of counting the years people should count the milestones they created and the lasting fruit they produced.

I am delighted to know that ‘Matters India’ has completed eight years of its unique mission and entered into the ninth year on March 19, 2021. As the arrival of Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, brought revolutionary changes within the Catholic Church and great positive vibrations in millions all over the world, the birth of ‘Matters India’ created a platform for free expression to writers and thinkers.

Congratulations to the dedicated team of Matters India on their prophetic mission of providing genuine and impartial news and views about numerous issues related to the Church, religious and sociopolitical life in the country and world around. While several Catholic publications suffer from control and censorship by the hierarchy and religious superiors ‘Matters India’ is free to practice fearless journalism.

The team’s long years of experience of working for other publications provides a professional touch to ‘Matters India.’ True to its name what matters today is ‘Matters India.’

Apart from thought provoking articles on sociopolitical and religious issues, ‘Matters India’ regularly publishes about the trend setting experiments by religious and lay people of all faiths.

I had the opportunity to see the spark of creativity and journalism in Jose Kavi, the Matters India editor, 50 years ago when we were studying in St. Joseph Mission Home, Palai, Kerala. He led the team that published a handwritten monthly titled,’ Preshithan’ (The Messenger).

It is providence and plan of God that ‘Matters India’ started publication just after six days of the election of Pope Francis, who now gives hope to millions both within the Church and the world over by his prophetic words and deeds.

On the ninth birthday of ‘Matters India’ I wish all the best to the entire team courage, wisdom and indomitable spirit to stand out to proclaim truth without being succumbed to pressure and fear.

When both the country and the Church are going through turbulent times it is important to have publications and writers who would stand out to protect justice, freedom, dignity and fraternity of all people fearlessly.

It would be worth to compare what ‘Matters India’ has accomplished in eight years with what the Catholic Church in India with its 160,000 consecrated persons, wealth and infrastructure could do over the years.

Indeed, what matters today is ‘Matters India.’ Congratulations and best wishes.

(Father Varghese Alengaden is the founder director of the Indore-based Universal Solidarity Movement of Value Education for Peace.)