Bishop John Barwa: 'Fratelli tutti', close to the hearts of the tribals

Theirs is an egalitarian community where elders are respected and listened to with much consideration and reverence. Tribals believe that the words spoken are very important as all their customs and traditions are passed down orally and it is easier for a tribal to accept the spoken Word of God .

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - ""Fratelli Tutti is close to the Heart of the Tribals with its very name. It expresses the way of life of the Tribals as they are a communitarian, socially they are closely united people and this Encyclical is truly a Great Gift of the Pope.

The Holy Father's words are fitting for the Tribals as they would speak the truth from their hearts and Jesus would call them " Behold true Israelite in whom there is no guile, (cf. Jn 1. 47). Theirs is an egalitarian community where the elders are respected and listened to with much respect and reverence. For the tribals spoken words are very important as all their customs and traditions are orally handed down to them and it is easier for a Tribal to accept the Word of God spoken.

The Holy Father speaks of the Youth who need to imbibe the values of the Gospel. Tribal Youth learn the traditions, customs and practices of the tribe in 'Youth Dormitories' where they would gather in the evenings and listen to the elders. 

In fact, Tribals have high regard for elders and leaders. So no exhaustive dialogue.

Trbals, are simple people, our relationship to the world is concrete.   Social justice means a way of life with liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life.

Our Holy Father in Fratelli tutti speaks of 'Dark clouds over the closed World' has great significance in our world of today. Our world is failing to get the warmth of sunshine of God's love. The clouds of anger, hatred, pride etc. had prevented us from the experience of true peace and real joy. 

The tribal community too is getting seriously affected by this virus. Their communitarian, fraternal life is infected by the cut throat competition, selfish and profit has become the characteristics of the day. The sense of belonging to large tribal family is replaced by families of one. Regards for elders is replaced by 'I know and I am no less' feelings. Sadly, these are the gifts of Globalisation to the tribal community. In the name of modernization, the rich tribal culture and traditions are replaced by hetro_ culture which has no culture. The youth are trying to adapt the styles and tides of the day and losing their identity. Which is leaving them with a serious experience of frustration, like fish out of water.

But we are people of hope. They need liberation from the clutches of the devils of modernization and globalisation. They need true understanding and accompaniment. 

They need a generous helping hand. Can you and me become for them the 'GOOD SAMARITAN'.