Pavithra, from Hinduism to Catholicism: "Without
Christ we are nothing "
by Pavithra Subramaniyan Iyer
Accountant, 25 years old, the young woman is educated and comes from a wealthy family of the highest caste. She tells AsiaNews about her journey of faith: the first few times in church as a child with her mother, and her engagement to a young Christian. Now she wants to "become an example for others, never forgetting that I'm embracing Jesus and his teachings”. She Will be baptized during the Easter Vigil.
by Pavithra Subramaniyan Iyer
Accountant, 25 years old, the young woman is educated and comes from a wealthy family of the highest caste. She tells AsiaNews about her journey of faith: the first few times in church as a child with her mother, and her engagement to a young Christian. Now she wants to "become an example for others, never forgetting that I'm embracing Jesus and his teachings”. She Will be baptized during the Easter Vigil.
Mumbai ( AsiaNews) -"Naturally drawn towards Christianity" following a
spiritual journey that has culminated in the decision to " follow Christ because
without him we are nothing". These are the words of Pavithra Subramaniyan Iyer,
25, as she describes for AsiaNews how she matured her decision to convert to
Catholicism. Born into an educated and influential Hindu family of Brahmin
caste, the girl is an only child and works as an accountant. Her father was a
banker and her mother a university professor in economics. Below we publish
Pavithra's story.
I would have never imagined how events would change me over the course of one
year, since I told my parents that I would like to embrace the Catholic Faith.
There were no objections, and both my parents will be present and share my joy
at my Baptism at Easter Vigil .
At that time, I was also on a sort of personal spiritual quest and had read
about different forms of spiritual experiences including those of the Christian
faith. I understood God to be a sort of father figure. I did not know that Jesus
Christ was His son, miraculously conceived and born from a virgin. But I knew
that Jesus rose from the dead after he had been crucified.
My Mother was educated in a convent school and believed in Jesus Christ, and
knew all about his life and ministry. She would take me to church and to the
novena service of Our Lady of Perpetual Succor, Mahim, and I got this habit of
going to church from my mother as she had a belief in Jesus Christ. Almost every
year, we used to celebrate the Lord's Birthday- where I received gifts and new
clothes and we had a festive lunch at home and at Easter, our home was filled
with colourful Easter eggs. There was a sense of peace that I used to feel when
I entered the Church.
I had no idea that there was a plan that he had made for me. There was a
image that he had already created of me in Him. He sent me angels to take care
of me and guide me on a path. All things fell into place automatically and I
was drawn towards the Lord.
I met this Christian boy who became my best friend and now fiancé, who
supported me in every walk of life may it be sad or happy. He was and is my
support-system. Eventually we decided to take our relationship a step further
than friendship. My fiancé's Mom explained to me the importance of Christ in
their lives. 'Without him we are nothing. Everything that we have achieved is
through him and the reason we are living is him.' Her faith is really strong
which lead me to follow her faith.
I took a decision to follow him. In no time I approached the Diocesan
Pastoral Centre and met 'Father Terrence'. He gave me some time to think about
my decision and explained the consequences of my decision. I somehow thought
this would do me good, something from within me made me take this decision
although I did face some sort of turmoil just as Moses or Jonah did.
Gods works are so marvellous. He handed me over to a set of Angels - my
animators - 'Zita, Fatima , Patricia and Rose' who nurtured me along with the
other candidates. They imbibed the seed of faith in me which I will carry
forward throughout my life and even after that. They are teaching me about the
Lord in such a way that I yearn to learn more and more about him.
I wasn't really aware what type of class it would be, what they are going to
teach and so on. I had too many questions in my head. I still remember it was
raining heavily the first day I entered and found some more of them like me
wanting to enter the faith. Honestly, they made me feel so comfortable. We have
discussions, question and answer sessions, we pray together. Now that we are
reaching towards the end of my classes I am feeling so hurt; I wish it was a
class which never ended. I enjoy learning about the lord with my animators and
other classmates. I can't imagine not going to my classes every Thursday. It has
become a part of my life.
From the beginning until my first retreat, I came to know Jesus as 'God'
first then 'Son of God' ,' A Messiah' to being 'A Saviour of the world', who
died for us in order to free us from sins. Such a huge sacrifice for such sinful
people like us who think mostly of worldly pleasures. I realized that whatever
the situation be in life we must face it and move forward. We must take up our
own cross then God will automatically be with us.
Now let me introduce you to my sponsor and Godparent 'Auxelia and Tony
Gonsalves' I am very lucky that the Lord has given me such loving, caring
sponsor and Godparent who have stood by me throughout this new journey of my
life. They introduced me to my parish, they sit with me and pray, explain to me
my doubts. They helped me to build a connection with Jesus and make him my
friend who is always available to listen and understand.
Whether other people have the time or not, He is there to guide, protect, be
with you always, at every moment. Through this journey from knowing Jesus to
having my Rite of Acceptance in my Parish and my Rite of Election - my life
changed - I started reading the bible, attending mass, learning prayers, reading
about the faith. Most importantly the effects -I started inculcating 'the
Beatitudes' in my life ; I started seeing Christ in other people, it has changed
the way I look at life, I am aware that my behavior has an effect and that I
should not forget that I am embracing Christ and his teachings. I have to set an
example for others by the way how I conduct myself. I passed my CA exams, got a
job in 15 days of getting the degree and regained back my self-confidence which
seemed lost.
When My Rite of Acceptance and Election was conducted I felt that I am very
lucky to come into faith at this point as I feel privileged that the Parish
Priests, relatives, parents, parishioners all are a part of my journey. Special
Intercessory prayers were said for me. I was welcomed into the community with
such warmth. Not only that I felt privileged to get Bishop's blessing. The Mass
that was celebrated on that day can never be forgotten.
Now I have just gone through my first scrutiny - Yes I am proudly saying
that I am God's Chosen One (there is a purpose for which he has chosen me)to
whom he is giving the living water.
I am proceeding towards the day when I will be initiated into the faith, will
receive the holy spirit which will guide and protect me throughout life and most
importantly eagerly awaiting to receive the body and blood of Christ; the day
when Christ will start living in me (as expressed by Paul) and through this
strength I can spread this good news to the world.
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