THEOLOGY OF CHARISM

                                               
                                                   

The word “CHARISM” comes from the Greek word “Charisma or Charismata”, which means “free gifts or graces”. Every charism is given by the Holy Spirit, who is the fount of life and the fountain of all charisms. Charism in its original sense is not a natural gift, rather it is a supernatural gift from the spirit, just like the human personality.

                                                The charisms of the Holy Spirit have been shared to the humanity. Especially every Christian has been entrusted with different charisms, in order to answer the special need of the Church and of the society.

                                                The birth or the foundation of the different congregations in various centuries is the obvious evidence for the response to the charisms, which had been and still be the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. A charism must be discerned and approved by the Church, since the charisms are mainly given for the utility of the church, which concerns and carries out the mission of God in the world. The charisms that have been shared must have an impact on the sanctification of the every individual in the world. No charism should be personalized and shortened within oneself.            
 

The Charism of our congregation                

• We are missionaries 

MISSION   OUR IDENTITY 

• We are consecrated for the kingdom of  God
• We share the communion of life in the community 
• To announce the good news to the poor 
• To be open to the spirit 
• To be constant listeners 
• To be men on fire with God’s love 
• We become servants of the Word following our foundress Mother Mary 
• By sharing and giving ourselves fully for the mission of God we take part in the transformation act of the spirit with the Church 

  

Apostolates of the Claretians, that responded to the need of the time in Srilanka  

CLASIKA  

                                                      The name of the apostolate “CLASIKA” stands for “Claret Siruvar Kathambam” (Tamil), which aims to contribute in the integral growth of the children, especially of the Northern Province, where most of the children underwent a pathetic and unbearable situation of the civil war in the recent past in Sri Lanka. Though the war is over but the effects of the war are still carried out by the little ones, who are to become the leaders of tomorrow.

                                                       This unbearable tragedy was the root course,    which created unimaginable problems in the future of many children. There was a great need to take care of the children and their growth. This became a great responsibility for the Claretians, who were present at Claret Aham in Jaffna, and which later became an effective apostolate still today. This apostolate, which is directed and taken care by the Claretians, empowers not only in various areas of emotional, academical, psychological and physical development of the children but also helps them beyond that in forming them in leadership, discipline, and in various skills etc.

                                                   This apostolate continues to help the affected Children to come out from the tragic- experiences of the unfortunate past. There is no doubt that this apostolate will meet its aim of strengthening and guiding the little ones for a bright future.

“My Spirit is for the Whole world”   - St. Anthony Claret 



VAROD 
             

 The apostolate “VAROD” stands for ‘Vanni Rehabilitation Organization for the differently abled’. This apostolate was started in the month of May in 2009, just at the end of the severe war. This apostolate visualizes the empowerment of the differently able people, through a wide range of specially arranged and organized medical, economical and      educational programs for those people, who had been victimized directly or indirectly by the civil war in SriLanka.

                 This apostolate was a response to the need of the people, who were severely affected by the unfortunate war. In spite of so many difficulties the Claretians came forward to render hands to the victims of the war. With the assistance of catholic organizations from the international communities, Varod supported the people; those were affected, especially to care for those, who became fully or partially handicaps. The extended vision of this organization became a reliable support for those, who were finding difficulties to proceed with their life.

                    The contributions of the people of good will have been a great strength and support for this unique apostolate, which promotes life for many of the innocent victims of the post war. The well organized projects, proper guidance of the Claretians, the dedication of the directors and the staff continues to be the mystery of the success of this apostolate.
                                                 


CLARETIAN PUBLICATION 
                                                   
                       

Publication ministry is one of the significant ministries that is done by the Claretians in Sri Lanka, which aims to build an effective spirituality and morality in the life of the people in Sri Lanka. It is appropriate to note that this ministry of the Claretians had directly emerged from the life and the instruction of St. Antony Mary Claret, the founder of the Claretian missionaries.

                         As St. Antony Mary Claret says that “If you cannot send missionaries to a particular place at least send some books to that place”, considering these words of their founder, Claretians are doing a marvelous service to the people in SriLanka. The Ministry of the “Bible diary”, which carries the readings with daily reflections, has become a great aid to the people to be closer and be familier with the word of God.

                          It is believed that the spirituality of the Catholics in SriLanka has been growing more and more through this ministry. The creative ideas and dedication of the Claretians continue to be a great strength and secret of success of this publication apostolate over 20 years.              

   

By. Ann Roy 

annroycmf@gmail.com