Fr. Provincial’s Message

Dear Companions,
In his small book, The Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola writes, “We should not prefer health to sickness, riches to poverty, honour to dishonour, a long life to a short life. […] Our one desire and choice should be what is more conducive to the end for which we are created.” Our physical health is not everything, but it affects our desires and choices in fulfilling the end for which we are created. We need to take reasonable care of our physical needs, keep as fit as we can, and take responsibility for our health.
It is said that India has dubious distinction of leading the world in diabetes and heart disease. Many priests and religious, too, are affected. It is easier to put on weight but harder to lose it. India suffers from both obesity and malnutrition. There is obesity among the well to-do and malnutrition among the poor. We know which group we are more likely to be in!
Indifference to health or sickness does not mean we completely ignore our bodies and our minds. The body is important. We have to take care of it, feed it, keep it healthy. We wake up with morning breath, smelly, tired. Every morning, we accept the need to brush our teeth and shower. We do not judge ourselves for needing to wash up. We need to bring the same patience and understanding when we are low on energy and motivation, unfocused and anxious.
Friends who get up early to walk or do yoga tell me how energized they feel. Exercise helps us not only physically. It releases endorphins into the blood stream, which gives us a natural high. We feel more enthusiastic which is not like the temporary freshness that we might feel after taking some energy drinks. Let us resolve to stay healthy, happy and harmonious to be efficient and effective in our mission.

James Arjen Tete, S.J.
Provincial