Pics: Ramesh Pandith

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Sep 23: ‘Unbeaten Paths’ a theological reflection on times of transition, written by Fr John Fernandes was released by Dr Olinda Periera, founder principal of Roshni Nilaya, here at Padua College hall on Thursday, September 22.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Olinda said, “It is a tremendous book. I think writing this book was a work of joy. Fr John has achieved greater heights of success through this book. He is an achiever who has suffered for his achievements. When you read the book, you will realize how much he has gone through in life. It is not easy to go on the unbeaten path. On the beaten path you can take long steps and reach the destination. But in the unbeaten path, there are so many obstacles and also temptations to give up. It is challenging to follow the unbeaten path, but he has done it. I must say the person who sticks to his conviction with obidience to his superiors is the man who follows this path. This, I think, is the path of heroes who have set high standards for people in society.”

“I truly appreciate the role that he has played and the conviction with which he said what he wanted to say in his book. Sometimes he could not do what he wanted but he had no fear to express what he had in his mind. The reflection in the book is something new for all of us and we need to absorb it. The difficulties of life must have given him an in depth insights into understanding the unbeaten path." she added.

Dr Prof Valerian Rodrigues critically reviewed the book and congratulated Fr John Rodrigues on the occasion. He said, “I invite all of you to read the book. It is a big book but eventually you can find something deeply touching in the book which I am sure will go down very much in your lives.”

“There have been few autobiographies by Catholic priests on religious life in India. Many of them particularly diocesan priests often live a life of deprivation with few resources to hold on to their commitment. Fr John has dared to pen something which in itself is unbeaten. Unbeaten path is a remarkable account of a priest who endures his commitment against all odds but who provides a distinct and creative expression to his commitment. The book has to be read as a part of life. It is very well written book with brilliant pictures by Jyothi Sahi.”

Fr Alwyn Serrao, principal of Padua College welcomed the gathering. Eric Ozario, gurkar of Maand sobhan compered the event.