My dear friends,
We are happy to release this issue of INI, dated January – March 2024, on 14 February. 14 February this year seems to be a ‘bitter- sweet’ day. Why bitter-sweet?
First why bitter? This year 14 February turns out to be Ash Wednesday, when the Lenten Season begins. Many may see the season of Lent as a bitter time, when any fun activity is frowned upon. Why sweet? Because 14 February happens to be the Valentine’s Day, when lovers and friends everywhere celebrate love and friendship in many different ways.
If you think about it, you can see that Lent is in no way a bitter season. The original meaning of the word, ‘Lent’, the scholars say, comes from a word which means the Spring, the welcome season when flowers bloom – not wither, when there is growth and not decay. The Lenten season leads you to life – not death, life symbolised by Easter Sunday. Please read Fr. Errol Fernandes’ article in this issue to be convinced of this. Therefore we release this issue on a sweet-sweet day.
Enjoy the articles in this issue and send the link to all your friends and relatives.
Happy Valentine’s Day! And a Happy Easter!
– M.A. Joe Antony, SJ