INDIA.…SPIRITUALITY

Linda Mary Liotino

To write an in depth Blog about the Spirituality of the people of  India  would require more study and observation than my current almost three months here could afford me.  However, as I learn you will learn as we journey the complexities of India.

In case one is not aware of it I am Catholic and from this perspective I make these observations.  In most Catholic Churches at least in the  US there are rows upon rows of pews with usually padded kneelers.  There has been in some churches a more liberal way of entering the church with less reverence and quietness we once knew especially from my youth.  Partly to blame without getting into church politics the moving of the Blessed Sacrament from the center alter to the side of the church or even in a separate room.   This current disrespect trickles down to the actions of our children who imitate the conduct of the adults…OK I AM OFF MY SOAP BOX!

The Catholic Churches in India that I have seen thus far the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle is at the center of the altar.  The first sign of respect shown by many Indians is that they take there sandals off before entering the church.  Secondly, there is a deep reverence given to Our Lord with them bowing from the waist down.  There is no noise coming from chit chatting but one can hear as one walks down the aisle the whispering of prayers and or singing to Our Lord in the native tongue of Tamil.  The children are absolutely quiet and imitate their family members.  The awareness of the austerity of the presences of God even the priest celebrates mass without shoes on.   The kneelers are not padded just plain hard wood in most churches I am told.  The church I attend regularly St. Anthony’s has rows and rows of pews but there is an area before the main alter left open to those who rather sit on the floor then in a pew.  This place is usually occupied by women of all ages.  The music and singing is angelic, very spiritual and even though the mass is in Tamil I cannot help but experience the presence of God.  There is a special mass on Tuesday’s at 11 a.m.  It begins with a rosary led by a lay person in accordance with the choir and music.  Mass begins promptly at eleven and immediately the beauty of the music, singing of the choir and the smell of incenses fills the air, penetrating the heart in the preparation of entering into the presence of the Lord.  The beautiful prayers bring one to a sweet contemplation and meditation of His Holy Presence.  After Mass has ended there begins the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament a time of praise, worship and adoration of Our Blessed Lord.  The Blessed Sacrament is carried throughout the church by the priest with two candle bearers before him.  The next to follow is the blessing of the people with holy water ending with the priest touching each person with his stole to their forehead as he prays silently.

At the Shine of Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni there is a change in the seating at the shrine.  There are only four wooden pews in the back of the church on either side of the aisle for the elderly or perhaps disable who other wise cannot sit/kneel easily on the floor.  The church accommodates two thousand people.  The sitting/kneeling on the floor is a sign of deep respect and reverence to Our Blessed Lord.  It is well to note that the statue of Our Lady of Health is situated high above the altar honoring her visitation to Vailankanni and the miracles thereof.  She is honored by Christians, Muslims and Hindus alike.  

India has many religious denominations: Hindu, Muslims, Christians, Sikes, Jain, Buddhist, Jewish, and Bhais.  The neighborhood I live in is mostly Hindu with some Muslims and Christians and everyone coexists in peace and harmony.  I am the only Caucasian/American in the neighborhood.  Reality is I am not located near the US Embassy as most Americans are.  Although protected by the US Embassy my living out of the “compound” or “designated” area if you will I am considered out of their reach in case of any problems in essence there are no guarantees.   However, with this being said I am very safe and feel very safe nothing thus far has even come anywhere remotely close to indicate I would be in harms way.  The neighbor across the way from my home saw me sitting in the foyer one morning while I was praying and came over and bought me some sweets.  Although she spoke Tamil and I English the jesters of welcoming and smiles translated the beautiful moment between us.

To touch a little on Advent/Christmas Celebration in India first Advent is a time of prayer there is no 30 some odd days of Christmas Shopping for most Indians in preparation of Christmas.  Decorating is done about a week before Christmas.  There is no great importance put on the Christmas tree, presents under the tree and this also holds true for most Indians.  Christmas is one day celebrated in prayer, church service and if one is Catholic Midnight Mass.  The day may include visit to or from family and friends perhaps lunch together, which includes sweets that may have been bought to the home from the ones visiting.  The bottom line in most homes there are no bunch of gifts to be opened.   The center of Christmas is the celebration of the Birth of Christ.

It is well to note in India that any religious festival no matter the denomination begins with a time of prayer and preparation before the day of the actual festival.       

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless…YOU!

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino…