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Why am I an Indian Catholic writer? “One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul and yet no one ever came to sit by it. Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney and continue on their way.”― Vincent Van Gogh This quote seems applicable to writers. One gets glimpses of their soul through the wisps of smoke that emanate from their chimneys through their writings. Writing is an intensely, personal, solitary activity. It is frustrating at times and yet incredibly rewarding if we can stay on the path of writing, with all its twists and turns on the way. Christian (Catholic) writing from the Indian perspective is not easily found online. Writing is an activity that one can lose touch with very quickly if not done regularly. The mind can lose the ability to string a coherent sequence of words together if there is lethargy physically and mentally. The various writing challenges that one accepts each month or even each day, and the satisfaction in completing each one makes one feel good. I can choose to let it pass me by when I see it or I can accept the challenge and grow from it. I need to embrace the pain to start the path of growth. I have found the more open and vulnerable I am, it reflects in the writing and touches a chord in the reader. So important to discover our unique voice, as the senior writers who have guided me have told me. Through the various writing activities over the past years, I think I have found it now and can express my unique voice through what I write. I have chosen to write reflective articles in the Christian, specifically Catholic genre of Faith/Spirituality from the lay perspective. This is a very narrow area of focus I am aware. The reading habits in general are diminishing and there are few Indian Catholic writers (or so I assume) and even fewer serious forums for Indian Catholic writers like Indian Catholic Matters where a Catholic writer can submit their work to be read by discerning readers. It is often a lonely and hard path. Therefore, it is quite encouraging to note Holy Father Pope Francis’ words at a Conference of writers and poets recently, “The Global Esthetics of the Catholic Imagination", held on May 29, 2023. He says, addressing writers and poets,” You are among those who shape our imagination. This is vital. Your work has an impact on the spiritual imagination of the people of our time, especially regarding the figure of Christ. In our day, as I have had occasion to say – “we need the genius of new language, powerful stories and images, writers, poets and artists capable of proclaiming to the world the message of the Gospel, of allowing us to see Jesus” These powerful words encourage me. What do I hope to achieve by continuing to pursue this discipline of writing in the Christian ( Catholic) genre in India? Certainly, I will never be a Chetan Bhagat (highest-selling Indian author), but if I feel good by doing these activities and even if just one person is inspired to read an article maybe even a book because of something I have written, then I feel I have made a difference, a footprint on the sands of life. This life that passes by us with great intensity, day after day. Finally, all too soon, before we even know it, our time here will be up. And what we leave behind will be our words- the whisps of smoke from our chimneys. Pondering the following words, give me clarity: “If you write for God you will reach many men and bring them joy. If you write for men--you may make some money and you may give someone a little joy and you may make a noise in the world, for a little while. If you write for yourself, you can read what you yourself have written and after ten minutes you will be so disgusted that you will wish that you were dead.” ― Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation I wish to write for God. Help me God, use me as Your instrument, and let me make others know You through writings You inspire me to bring out. Amen.

Why am I an Indian Catholic Writer?

June 6, 2023 Team ICM Art / Book / Film

Tom Thomas – “One may have a blazing hearth in one’s soul and yet no one ever came to sit by it. Passers-by see only

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