Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: In this feast, our focus is on threefold celebration. That is, the freshness of the human life in the birth of Mary and consequently the newness of the birth of a girl child, the freshness of the new crop, and the freshness of the unity of our families. The whole creation is exuberant with greenery and invites everyone to drink deep into its freshness. Mary brings freshness into humanity by being born as a unique child with no stain of sin. She is destined to generate new life in us and fill newness in families. Let us take Mother Mary with us, as St John did and may she intercede for every family. Let the remaining time of the year of the family be fruitfully used in the company of Baby Mary.

The Profession of Faith: Some of Christ’s faithful have been asking me to reintroduce the recitation of the Profession of Faith (also known as the Symbol or Creed) during Sundays and Solemnities, as given by the two Councils, Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD). This Creed is called the NicenoConstantinopolitan Creed, or popularly known as the Nicene Creed. It is a long-standing tradition to use this Creed at the Eucharist. Even today, most countries, continue to use this Creed during Sunday Mass and Solemnities.

“The purpose of the Creed is that the whole gathered people may respond to the word of God proclaimed in the reading taken from Sacred Scripture and explained in the Homily” (GIRM 67). The Creed is sung or recited by the Priest together with the people (GIRM 68). “At the words et incarnátus est, etc. (and by the Holy Spirit…and became man) all make a profound bow; but on the Solemnities of the Annunciation and the of the Nativity of the Lord, all genuflect” (GIRM 137). The Creed is the story of salvation given in brief, and as we recite or sing it, we join together in thanking and praising God for his great plan of salvation for us.

We admit that the revised Roman Missal provides the option to use either the Apostles’ Creed or the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed during the Eucharist on Sundays and Solemnities. It provides the text of both Creeds. It says: “Instead of the Nice noConstantinopolitan Creed, especially during Lent and Easter Time, the baptismal Symbol of the Roman Church, known as the Apostles’ Creed, may be used” (OM 19). However, the normal routine is to use the Nicene Creed most of the year and the Apostles’ Creed during Lent and Easter. This is because the Apostles’ Creed is more associated with baptism. During Lent and Easter, the catechumens prepare for baptism, and many will be baptised at the Easter Vigil. The Nicene Creed is more associated with the Eucharist and the Ecclesial Assemblies (Synods and Councils) as it summarises the deeper reflection of the early Church. As the Roman Missal favours the use of the Nicene Creed throughout the year, other than Lent and Easter season, we should recite the Nicene Creed lest we forget the deeper, more precise and profound expressions of faith as contained in the Nicene Creed.

Therefore, I request the Parish Priests to prefer the use of the Nicene Creed during the Liturgy on Sundays and Solemnities, except for Lent and Easter. With the availability of digital appliances, it is easy to project it until the people memorise it. This Creed has greater explanations within itself, which we need to know regarding our faith. The Solemnity of the Nativity of Mary is a good occasion to begin the recitation. The mystery of the Word made flesh, and Mary’s role in it are elaborated on. Let us make an effort to recite the Symbol of our faith slowly, with adequate pauses, to participate in the central mystery of our faith, revealed precisely for our salvation.

Anti-Drug Movement: On September 3, we shall inaugurate in our parishes the drive against drug trafficking and its consumption. We shall involve the Parish Pastoral Council and all the Apostolic Associations to create awareness and conscientise people, especially the youth and students. Drug trafficking is the largest network around, and because of this, many families are devastated. Children lose their physical and mental capacities by becoming addicts even before they ever realise what they are consuming. Peddlers use chocolates, sweets, chewing gums, stamps, tablets, powders in soft drinks, ice creams, etc., to sell drugs. A few are caught, and yet many continue their trade unhindered. It is a known fact that the victims themselves then become peddlers for small benefits. Life is endangered, and families are hit hard. The deadening of the conscience of a few has destructive consequences. Let us “Say NO to Drugs” and protect our youth and families. If we do not act now, we will also be held responsible for perpetuating the evil and for the loss of our future generations. Wish you all a Happy Monthi Fest. May Mother Mary intercede for us. X Peter Paul Saldanha Bishop of Mangalore