A Blessed Summer Ministry Experience in Volla, Napoli

I was immensely blessed to spend my summer ministry during the month of August at St. Immaculate and St. Michael Parish in Volla, Napoli. It is a metropolitan parish with nearly 3,000 families. The parish community is very warm and welcoming. The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Federico, and the assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph, were very cordial, supportive, and welcoming. The parish staff, especially Enzo, Angelina, Rosaria, Graziella, Teresa, Maria, and others, were kind and always ready to help whenever I needed anything. 

For me, it was truly an experience of God's blessing to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, pray the Rosary, visit families, and listen to the people. These simple pastoral activities gave me an opportunity to encounter people personally and to experience their faith and love for the Church.

A Well-Organized Parish

The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Federico, welcomed me warmly, accommodated me very well, and prepared a programme for my ministry. The parish is well organized and has many pastoral and charitable outreach programmes. I was especially impressed by the active involvement of young people. They are creative, energetic, and willing to cooperate in different parish activities. Through my conversations with families and parishioners, I came to understand how many spiritual, pastoral, and charitable activities are carried out under the guidance of the parish priest.

Encountering People and Their Faith

During my stay in the parish, my ministry was simple but very enriching. One of the most beautiful parts of my experience was meeting faith-filled families and listening to their family joys and challenges. I learned a great deal from their warm hospitality. I witnessed the warmth and generosity of the people of Napoli. They have a deep reverence for God and a strong respect for priests. Many times, their only request from a priest was a prayer and a blessing. This showed me how deeply their faith is rooted in their hearts.

Another thing that touched me was seeing many people, including the elderly, regularly coming to the parish. Their faithful presence and devotion were a beautiful witness to their love for God and the Church.

A Shepherd and His Flock

Overall, my experience was a great blessing, especially through my encounters with so many God-fearing people, particularly the elderly.

As the saying goes, “A good shepherd always cares for his flock.” Therefore, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the shepherds of this parish, Rev. Fr. Federico and Rev. Fr. Joseph, who carefully plan and faithfully carry out the pastoral programmes of the parish.

I am also grateful to all the parishioners who actively collaborate in the life and mission of the parish. A special word of appreciation goes to Angelina, who was like my guardian angel during my stay, always guiding and helping me. I am also grateful to Enzo, the parish secretary, who patiently instructed me and helped me understand many things about the parish.

I cannot forget the wonderful families who invited me into their homes and generously offered me food and hospitality. Their generosity was unforgettable! In fact, my weight increased by about 5 kg during August. My menu included various kinds of pizzas, cozze, spaghetti, pasta, pollo, frutti di mare, salmone, pesce, torta, gelato, tiramisu, and many other delicious foods!

Discovering Napoli

If Rome is an Eternal City, Napoli is a historical city, beautifully adorned with magnificent churches, rich traditions, and a unique cultural heritage. During my stay, I had the joy of visiting several beautiful and historic places, including Gesù Vecchio, Gesù Nuovo, Santa Chiara, Cappella Sansevero, Santo Domenico Maggiore, Santo Gregorio, Madonna delle nevi and, of course, Pizzeria Da Michele and the Parish Beautiful Cemetry. These visits gave me an opportunity not only to appreciate the beauty and history of Napoli but also to experience something of its rich Christian and cultural heritage.

A Blessing and a Celebration

Looking back on my summer ministry, I can truly say that it was a blessing and a celebration.

I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve, pray, celebrate the Eucharist, listen to people, visit families, and experience their faith and hospitality. I carry with me many beautiful memories, new friendships, and valuable lessons from the people of Volla and Napoli.

Above all, this experience reminded me that mission is not only about what we give to people, but also about what we receive from them—their faith, love, hospitality, simplicity, and witness.

For all these blessings, I am deeply grateful to God and to everyone who made my summer ministry in Volla such a memorable and enriching experience. Once again a Big Thank you dear Fr Federico, Fr Giseppe and Fr Emmanuele. 

in Christ,

d Naresh

Takeaway from Elon Musk...

 His idea — “Don’t just follow the syllabus, follow your curiosity” — reflects a broader shift in how knowledge is being viewed in the modern world.

What the quote means

At its core, the quote suggests that structured education alone is not enough.

A syllabus defines what needs to be studied, but it often limits exploration. Curiosity, on the other hand, pushes individuals to go beyond what is required. It encourages questioning, experimentation, and deeper understanding.

Musk’s approach aligns with problem-solving rather than memorisation. Instead of asking what to learn, it focuses on why something works and how it can be improved. This mindset is particularly relevant in fields like technology and science, where innovation depends on continuous learning.

Schooling vs real-world learning

Traditional education systems are designed to create a standardised learning path. While this ensures consistency, it can also restrict creativity.

Musk has often criticised this model, suggesting that real-world skills come from building, experimenting, and applying knowledge. In his own journey, much of his learning came from reading extensively and working on practical projects rather than relying solely on formal education.

This highlights a growing gap between academic learning and real-world application. Following curiosity helps bridge that gap.

Why curiosity matters today

In today’s environment, information is easily accessible. What differentiates individuals is not just knowledge, but the ability to use it effectively.

Curiosity drives that ability.

It leads to independent thinking, adaptability, and innovation — qualities that are increasingly valued across industries. Whether it is coding, design, or entrepreneurship, curiosity often becomes the starting point for deeper expertise.

Relevance for students

For students, Musk’s quote serves as a reminder that education does not end with textbooks.

Exploring topics beyond the syllabus, asking questions, and experimenting with ideas can lead to a stronger understanding of concepts. It also helps in identifying personal interests, which often shape long-term career paths.

This does not mean ignoring formal education, but rather complementing it with self-driven learning.

Takeaway

Elon Musk’s view on education shifts the focus from completion to exploration.

Following the syllabus may help pass exams, but following curiosity helps build understanding. In a world driven by innovation and change, that distinction becomes increasingly important.

Elon Musk quote on education: "Don't just follow the syllabus, follow..."

Faith in Jesus sustains life...

FAITH helps us to trust in God’s Time. COURAGE helps us to accept the TRUTH in Jesus. But the fact is that we depend on Technology and social media more than God not realizing the fact that in the use of technology and social media, social security, personal Identity and Privacy are major concerns. Concerning the security of Jesus, the Gospel tells us that Jesus went to Judea hiding, the Pharisees don’t know him, they reject him and they search to kill him. On the contrary, we also hear that, Jesus was with them preaching the truth and yet they did not catch him because His hour has not come. Jesus knew who he was. 

He knew the purpose of his life on earth as son of God. As followers of Jesus, the Gospel reading helps us to reflect our faith journey and our relationship with Jesus. Jesus said “one does not live alone by bread but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”

In the Gospel, we hear, the Pharisees search for Jesus not to listen to Jesus but to arrest him. They look for Jesus not to understand the Truth in him but to Kill him. The miracles of Jesus did not open their eyes and the preaching of Jesus did not open their heart. They ignored him as Son of God, they rejected the Truth in his teaching instead they wanted to kill him.

Faith in God does not mean a life without difficulties but faith that sustain us despite difficulties. Faith is to trust God not only in success also in failures, not in good health also in sickness. Not only in life also in death. FAITH helps us to trust in God’s Time. COURAGE helps us to accept the TRUTH in Jesus.

However, Jesus knowing the risk to his life and yet he went to Judea to preach the good news. Jesus did not fear the risk entailed but went to preach the people of God. He risked his life for God’s will. Let’s pray for the gift of FAITH to trust in God’s TIMING in moments of difficulties, doubts and uncertainties and pray for COURAGE to accept the TRUTH in Jesus.

Praise be Jesus at all times…

Non avete paura...

Cari fratelli, sta mattina ho già fatto questa omelia in un convento. Comunque, mi fa piacere, a condividere con voi questa l’omelia.   
Io ricordo, durante la guerra tra Israele, Iran e America, Il papa Leone, ha detto una volta, “io non ho paura di lui (Trumph) perché io non faccio la politica ma faccio il vangelo.”
La Bibbia ci assicura circa 365 volte di non avere paura e
di non preoccuparci di nulla perché Dio ci aiuta in ogni momento.
Come il Papa Leone, dobbiamo credere in dio a fare il vangelo senza paura di nulla.
Cari fratelli, nel vangelo di oggi, ho trovato tre punti chiave.
Primo punto: Abbiamo ascoltato Annucia seza paura: la verita verra a la luce.
Gesù invita i suoi discepoli a non temere gli uomini, perché «nulla vi è di nascosto che non sarà svelato né di segreto che non sarà conosciuto». Ciò che Egli ci dice nell’intimità della preghiera e della Parola va proclamato apertamente, «nella luce» e «dalle terrazze». Oggi siamo chiamati a essere testimoni coraggiosi del Vangelo nel mondo, senza nasconderci per paura del giudizio altrui o delle critiche. La verità di Cristo, alla fine, trionfa sempre.
Secondo punto: Non temere chi può uccidere solo il corpo
«Abbiate paura piuttosto di colui che ha il potere di far perire nella Geènna e l’anima e il corpo». La vera minaccia non è la persecuzione esteriore, ma il rischio di perdere la vita eterna. Questo ci libera da ogni timore paralizzante: la fedeltà a Dio vale più di ogni compromesso. Nei momenti di difficoltà, ricordiamo che la nostra anima è preziosa agli occhi del Signore.
Terzo punto: Fiducia nella Provvidenza: voi valete più di molti passeri
Gesù ci rassicura con l’immagine dei passeri, venduti per pochi soldi, eppure nessuno cade a terra senza il volere del Padre. Perfino i capelli del nostro capo sono contati! Dio conosce e ama ogni dettaglio della nostra vita. Perciò «non abbiate paura»: siamo infinitamente preziosi per Lui. Questo ci spinge a riconoscerLo pubblicamente, certi che anch’Egli ci riconoscerà davanti al Padre celeste.
Cari fratelli, viviamo questa domenica con il cuore libero dalla paura, annunciando con gioia il Vangelo e confidando nella cura amorevole del Padre. Che il Signore ci dia il coraggio dei testimoni! Amen.

Sia laudto Gesu Cristo.

Angels envy hard working people...

God loves those who work hard. Hard work is a sign of commitment and covenant. God too worked for six days to create the world beautiful. God blessed all those who worked hard. He chose them as his prophets and servants of the word and deed. Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Isaiah and Joseph the husband of Mary are examples. In fact, the angels feel jealous of those who work hard. Jesus in his public life always worked hard. The evangelists say that he had no time even to eat and rest. Except hard work work there is no short cut to success. M. Gandhi said "Work is worship." Jesus in the parable of the talents reveals the secret that "those who are responsible in mall things, more things will be given to them.' 'Those who have more things will be given to them.' One of the last seven words of Jesus "It is accomplished,' are the words of victory over sin, Satan and world. In a secular world great souls like Ambedkar, Dalai Lama and Abraham Lincoln are few personalities that stand tall as models and inspiration for the ages to come...  

Voglio sempre obbedire per piacere al mio Dio

Nel vangelo di oggi, la folla cerca Gesù con insistenza. Lo ha visto moltiplicare i pani, ha mangiato a sazietà. 

Insomma, Lo ha cercato e lo ha trovato. Gli Hanno chiesto.

1. Rabbi, Quando sei venuto qui? E

2. Che cosa dobbiamo compiere per fare le opere di Dio?

E ha risposto loro.

In verità, io vi dico: voi mi cercate non perché avete visto dei segni, ma perché avete mangiato di quei pani e vi siete saziati.

Quante volte anche noi cerchiamo il Signore più per i “pani” che ci dà – la salute, il lavoro, la soluzione di un problema, la consolazione – che per Lui stesso! 

In verita, Gesù non condanna il nostro bisogno, ma ci invita a salire più in alto. Quindi vorrebbe dirci come disse loro «Datevi da fare non per il cibo che perisce, ma per il cibo che rimane per la vita eterna».

Significa...

Quel cibo è Lui: il Pane vivo disceso dal cielo, la sua Parola, la sua Presenza nell’Eucaristia, la grazia dello Spirito Santo. Il vero miracolo non è tanto essere sfamati per un giorno, ma essere nutriti per sempre, trasformati interiormente, resi capaci di vivere da figli di Dio.

In questo tempo pasquale, chiediamoci con sincerità: che cosa cerco davvero quando mi avvicino a Gesù? 

Solo i suoi doni, o cerco il suo Cuore? 

Lasciamoci provocare dalle sue parole

 e 

passiamo da una fede interessata

 a una fede innamorata, 

da chi cerca il pane 

a chi cerca il Pane di Vita.

Maria, che ha custodito la Parola nel suo cuore, ci aiuti a cercare prima il Regno di Dio e la sua giustizia. Allora tutto il resto ci sarà dato in sovrappiù.

Sia lodato gesú Christo...

Faith in God sustains hardships

FAITH helps us to trust in God’s Time and COURAGE helps us to accept the TRUTH in Jesus.

Every day we use Technology and social media. However, in the world of technology and social media, Security, Identity and Privacy are major concerns.  

Concerning the security, identity and Privacy of Jesus, Gospel tells us that Jesus went to Judea hiding, the Pharisees don’t know him, they reject him and they search to kill him. On the contrary, we will also hear that, Jesus was with them preaching the truth and yet they did not catch him because His hour has not come.

Jesus knew who he was. He knew the purpose of his life on earth as son of God.

As followers of Jesus, the Gospel reading helps us to reflect our faith journey and our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus said “one does not live alone by bread but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”