FIDACA BULLETIN N° 16 - AUTUMN 2007

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SUMMARY

1. Article from Fray Nelson Junges – ofm: «Pain and suffering». Fray Nelson is the
   International ecclesiastic assistant of the 'Fraternité Chrétienne des Personnes Malades et Handicapées'/ FCPMH. If you came to Haguenau in 2003, you met him as he was one of our speakers on 'Globalisation'.
   We received this article via our Chilean colleagues, who met him last year as he works a lot in south america, being based in Brazil.

2. Retrospective on the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. in Austria: at the beginning of September, members of our Austrian association joined a pilgrimage in Mariazell /little town in Styria well known for its Catholic basilic, where Pope Benedict XVI attended.

3. Eighth meeting of CSI : a member of Voir Ensemble tells us about the 8th meeting of the 'International Solidarity Commission' which took place in Paris last September.

PAIN AND SUFFERING

Looking at the many ways life shows itself in the universe, one is constantly amazed. Nature in its infinitely small or gigantically large forms, animals different by their seize or capacities, humans with their intelligence, their willpower, their love and their diversity, all creatures in their beauty and mystery cause our wonderment.
Many have been the focus of scientific research, others of philosophical or theological reflection, but some things remain mysterious. Indeed even though we feel them and experience them they go beyond our understanding and we have no answers. 
One of these questions is the real existence of pain and suffering. 

Usually in our minds, pain and suffering are connected to evil and we wonder about ‘why’. Natural disasters, accidents, illnesses, death etc. often bring us to question God. 

Despite scientific progress, the mystery of ‘Life’ goes on and many situations still have no explanations. In spite of what enlightenment philosophies and religions may bring - by looking for answers and sense in transcendence - questions remain. We all want to find out about Life, questioning ourselves, particularly on the meaning of pain and human suffering. (In fact, we should rather wonder about the meaning of Life. This is the most important thing, but…)
Through this article, we do not intend to solve the issue, but we’ll try to put forward some lines of thought which might help us to lighten the burden that pain and suffering can be in our lives. Hopefully, it might be of good use to you… 

Let’s start with ‘pain’ 
Any being can feel pain after being hit, or stung etc. but only human beings question it and wonder ‘why’. 

Reflecting on this in a discussion group, we saw different types of pain and agreed that the first of them all, the most common, is physical pain – whatever the causes may be. Childbirth comes first as the ultimate expression of pain.
We noted how everyone reacts differently to pain, some exaggerating it more than others, depending on their culture or education. 
Next to physical pain, we also identified psychological pain which includes sentimental and emotional situations. These affect us differently and bring about all sorts of reactions. 
Finally, we discussed the existence of spiritual pain, the one that we feel when not at ease with ourselves, when we lack internal peace, or feel that God is far, or that we have behaved wrongly. 

After further reflection, we realized that, in fact, pain is real. We all experience it, at some time or another, in different ways depending on our nature or position in life.
We noted that a self-centred person reacts in a stronger way than others whose life is dedicated to serve others through their work, their relations, their spiritual interests etc. These people have a more normal, more discreet attitude in relating to this aspect of their life. 
On the other hand, some people are living through a constant state of pain in their body, and when meeting others, they don’t speak of themselves, even though they are wrought with pain; they keep a happy face and still communicate intensely. Others, meanwhile, spend all their time moaning and complaining.
Some of us commented also that the most lasting pain is the one felt through loneliness; it is thus, very important to go towards our fellowman to offer friendship, affection and love. This attitude is always very rewarding.


That said, it is true that pain is real and is part of our lives. It can be caused by ourselves or external circumstances, but the best attitude to take is to confront it and try to overcome it. If we do it together, it will be easier. 

Now let’s move to ‘suffering’
We asked women who have had children if the pain of childbirth was for them a part of the suffering in their life. All of them agreed to say ‘no’.
So, we can see that suffering takes a big place in life, suffering due to loss or difficulties independent from ourselves: trying circumstances inherent to life itself, things we can’t control such as the death of a loved one, a broken heart, unfulfilled wishes etc. 
Actually, it was a bit hard to find how to define exactly what is ‘suffering’. We rather see it as ideas, or theory, associated to pain… 

We raised the following question: Why is it that identical situations of suffering generate so diverse reactions? Some people dramatize while others also suffer, but integrate it easily and accept life as it is, without entering the circle of ‘suffering’.
This could lead one to think that suffering, in most cases, is more in our imagination than in the reality…

I dare also to think that through the history of humankind, it can be observed - (as theories on suffering and piety develop, results of dependence generating paternalism where a big difference can be noted between people, considering some more important and better than others), - that we create a dynamic: to listen and to see each person as a unique individual instead of part of a community. This individual will then look for meaning in him/herself and not through the reality of his/her environment. 
For this reason speeches and talks on suffering and the perception of its presence have multiplied.

So, those who aim at meaningful targets in life and create dynamism around ‘love’ as a service to others, can relate positively to this aspect of suffering because they live objectively more in the reality than in the imaginary of it. This imaginary aspect is usually recognisable through self-pity or regrets about unrealised desires, wishes or dreams.

As Christians, we can say that if we accept ourselves as creatures we recognise that the source of life is in God and that we have no way to become masters of life and death. Our duty is to live life as best we can. 

Every religion has its theory on the subject. Christians believe Jesus has suffered, Jesus has loved and given his life : for this reason he met pain ; at Gethsemane first, when he was alone and chose to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. We could call that ‘heartache’ and complete ‘surrender’, to fully obey the will of the Father. Afterwards, he faced physical pain – which we can compare to the pains of childbirth, as an inherent part of love…

May this reflection invite you to keep in yourselves a deep and healthy sensitivity which leads to a true sense a solidarity towards people and Creation. To look ahead and accept limitations linked to reality, never perfect, nor permanent - as we can imagine. Through this you can also develop some sense of positive perception and attitude in your daily life, looking for the sunny side of situations and people you come across.

Let us not compare between who owns more or who owns less. Let’s unite and become reasons of joy the ones for the others. We recognise Christ and God in everyone and in the creation around us; we accept the invitation to contribute to the construction of a Kingdom of Love and Justice.
This way, we should harmonise our relationships and together bear our pains without indulging in self-centred and fruitless suffering. 

Fray Nelson Junges, ofm

Retrospective on the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. in Austria:

850 years Mariazell: Holy Father was there... and so were we !
Impressed but with various feelings, all the friends and co-workers of Blindapostolat Austria (BAÖ), experienced the visit of Pope Benedict XVI and his pilgrimage on the occasion of the 850th anniversary of Mariazell, in a very 'live' way. For Ms. Scheiber from Vienna, who was chosen to read a prayer during the Holy Mass of Benedict XVI. , the day was very chaotic: starting with the bus journey, then a long way walking under extremely bad weather conditions, queuing in front of the safety-line; there her guide, was not allowed to go through as his name was missing on the safety-check list . Right up to the step of the reader's desk, all were wrapped up in raincoats, as it continued raining heavily. "Thanks to God, I had a theological student as experienced companion during the whole divine service" said Hedi Scheiber. 
In spite of all the trouble she is happy, that she was able to spend this special pilgrimage day with thousands of other pilgrims.

Mr Max Rossbacher, also, had to cope with disappointment. He was selected to get the holy communion with many others, from the hand of Benedict XVI., but he was abandoned, literally left alone in rain. In spite of that sad experience he felt carried along by singing and praying together with the crowd of pilgrims. "It always moves me deeply, if I can raise my voice to praise God, celebrating faith together with many other believers" comments Mr Rossbacher, who was, for many years, president of the Austrian association.

But Ms Irmgard Uhl had a more relaxed experience: She had arrived the day before from Vienna, and for her the celebration was like a feast with the pope. She received the holy communion with a dozen of other celebrators from the hand of Holy Father. Her feelings during this day is the reason why she said "I have experienced the whole day as a special event".

Life - an undeserved gift!
Alexander Ammann and Gabi Fritsch, representatives of regional Blindapostolate Vorarlberg accompanied by other volunteers from various parts of Western Austria 
were also deeply impressed. They were invited to a special meeting with the Austrian President Dr. Heinz Fischer. In the festive atmosphere of the Concert House in Vienna they enjoyed the appreciating and encouraging words of President Fischer and the closing speech of the Pope addressing the 1700 honorary workers and many voluntary helpers from various caritative and social organisations.
"Thanks to God, for many people it is an honour to be at service to others and to join supportive helping groups. Honorary engagement has much to do with 'grace' “ insisted Pope Benedict XVI.
"A culture, which wants everything to be accounted and paid for, which forces the way how people deal with each other into a narrow corset of rights and duties, can learn through uncountable voluntary workers, that life itself is an undeserved gift."

Heinz Kellner

Eighth meeting of CSI

During the weekend of 22nd and 23rdSeptember 2007, members of the of the “International Solidarity Commission” (CSI) gathered in Paris to reflect on the following subject: “The blind, as actors of their own development through micro-credit and the “South-South” co-operation.”

About sixty people met to listen with attention to the paper presented by the speaker of the “International Society for Development and Investment (SIDI- Société Internationale pour le Développement et l’Investissement’)“, who explained the workings of micro-credit:

Founded in 1983 by the 'Catholic Committee against Hunger and for Development' (CCFD- Comité Catholique contre la Faim et pour le Développement) this organisation aims to support creators of small enterprises who, generally, are excluded from the classical banking circuit. Therefore it offers its support to small financial institutions such as mutual insurance organisations, banks, cooperatives or also non-governmental organisations (ONG = organisation non-gouvernementale). In the field, close to local workers, these financial institutions can grant financial aid perfectly adapted to their needs. For example, they consent to a loan from only 15 to 50 Euros without any other guarantee than being a mutual liable association, and the goodwill and courage of the borrowers. After payment of each instalment, a small amount is deposited into a savings account : when the whole debt is cleared, the little enterprise has a small capital at its disposal which allows it to become independent. 

Then, the president of the French speaking Union of the Blind (UFA-Union Francophone des Aveugles), Ms Madray-Lesygne, talked about her struggle for the francophone culture of the blind from developing countries. 
Two African partners (Cameroon and Togo) were also present among us at this event. 

Afterwards Ms Tarabhat, the national delegate of 'Voir Ensemble' at the CCFD-committee, informed us of her discoveries during the World Social Forum in Nairobi/Kenya, where she was lucky to go at the beginning of this year:
„I discovered how rich and diverse the civil society is, particularly the African society. Through 1200 meetings, conferences and study groups 45.000 persons had the opportunity to meet, all members of associations, trade unions or non-governmental organisations. 
We exchanged about the different practices of popular education and development education, about the policy of France vis à vis Africa : I sadly realised that we haven’t left the colonialism completely yet, especially as African participants reported on secret agreements which exist between certain African heads of states and some European countries. I’ve also heard Congolese people protesting against the exploitation of multinational enterprises, which 'loot' the resources of the country in full complicity with the national authorities. Other citizens from countries with petrol, precious mineral and other mines also said how they couldn’t bear this lack of transparency;. By these comments these persons didn’t conceal how they feared for their lives, others having been prevented to come to this Forum. 

I haven’t met blind people there - only a nun, who works in a school for visually disabled people; she came to me and since remain in contact. 
I can finally say that through this experience I now have a better and more concrete view on “globalisation opposition” , where the priority is not the financial profit but the well-being of the person. I left this Forum with the positive conviction expressed by its slogan: “Another world is possible”. 

In the meantime a raffle was proposed by one of the active members of the CSI. She told us with enthusiasm about the success she and her husband meet when organising numerous sales in schools or markets. The prizes from this raffle were nice manufactured objects, created by artists from Madagascar. 
“Joy is great, she said, to see children so receptive and generous, even facing the world 's utter poverty !” This is an example to be followed …

This meeting was particularly varied, enriching and stimulating. Everyone departed with new energy and a more intense desire to commit oneself to active solidarity.

Cécile Bertram & Cécile Tarabhat