Melvyn Brown, founder director of Ambassadors for Jesus, a lay association, said he put up photographs and books on the pope for Catholics, who do not have “other ways of coming to know about the elements of our faith.”……..
Saturday 18 June 2011
Marathon Exhibition on the Pope in Kolkata
A Catholic in Kolkata organized an exhibition on Pope John Paul II on April 30, the eve of the late pontiff’s beatification, to deepen Catholics’ faith.
Melvyn Brown and “The Ambassadors For Jesus”
All my life I have been like this, wiry, Melvyn Brown describes himself with a smile.
He has several hats to wear - lay leader in the Church and in the Anglo-Indian community, author, founder-director of lay movement Ambassadors for Jesus, editor-publisher of All-Parish Paper and Anglo-Indian Newsletter, and film enthusiast.
Brown’s ‘Home of the Divine Mercy’ is a cool place to walk down the memory lane of the man who has contributed much for the Church during the past three decades in Kolkata……
Monday 21 March 2011
MELVYN BROWN PRESENTS THE JOAN BROWN MEMORIAL AWARDS 2011 IN CALCUTTA
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| Melvyn Brown's Inaugural Speech |
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| Melvyn Brown and Dr.Julian Sunil Martin Roy |
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| Melvyn Brown and Vernon Thomas |
THROUGH CHRIST WE GAIN GOD’S LOVE BY MELVYN BROWN
THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT Reflection by Melvyn Brown
SAINT PAUL
The Christian faith is insulated in Jesus.
This third Sunday in lent leads us into the core belief and trust in Christ, “ God’s love had been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. “ (Rom.5:5). Today, we prepare for the realms of Easter. Christ’ suffering becomes God’s triumph and humankind begins a new phase for reconciliation and peace in the world.
The horrific earthquake in Japan
When Moses led his people out of Egypt
The Lord told Moses to take with him the elders of Israel
In our life there are a number of possibilities for good. They can be effective if you trust in Him. THROUGH CHRIST WE GAIN GOD’S LOVE. Say this many times and mean it .
God’s love reaches out to us as we struggle between contradictions and swings of conscious. Slowly, we gravitate to a better understanding of our personal and spiritual needs. Prayers have and increasingly confident outcome if one turns to His through Jesus. It has been said repeatedly, ask and you shall receive. Lent is the time to review and put forward your wishes - always believing that God will hear your prayers through His Son Jesus.
This season of lent we are most strongly made aware of sin , evil and temptation, especially with injustice and the delusional trends of present-day society. Jesus is the demarcation of our faith and belief .
Inevitably, with trust in Jesus , he shields us when we seek his help.
Christ always triumphs and saves humanity.
“Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord ! Give a joyous shout I honour of the Rock of our salvation ! Come before him with thankful hearts. Let us sing him psalms of praise. “ Psalm 95.
HOW JESUS DEALT WITH TEMPTATION REFLECTION BY MELVYN BROWN
First Sunday in Lent - A Reflection by Melvyn Brown
Jesus was the divine pilgrim to journey on earth , to have communion with mankind , and to live the prophecies foretold by God’s messengers from the moment of birth to the resurrection – fulfilling the most extraordinary promise of God … the gift of His Mercy and of Salvation through Christ our Lord.
This First Sunday in Lent is our personal pilgrimage which has begun with Ash Wednesday. We will now enter the world of prayer, sacrifice , spirituality and penance in a special way. Jesus was “ led by the spirit of God “, into the desert to confront Temptation and the evil-one.
In the lonely and vast miles of sand and solitude , in the barren and uninhabited wild appeared the devil. Satan was visibly frustrated to find Jesus fasting and in prayer. The demon decided to put temptation before Christ . To entice , inveigle , to provoke and dare Jesus to accept his vile offers.
In the Gospel of Mathew (4:1-11) we are told of the days when Jesus, led by the Spirit of God, was sent into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights. The rugged paths , the empty wasteland, the scourging heat of the blazing sun, the long hours of prayer and fasting had thrown a challenge to his human being. Jesus’ body was weak , his lips dry and parched , his skin blistered , his eyes burning with the raging desert wind and spiriling sand. Jesus refused to be embedded in grief. He would not bow to the tortured flesh – there was much more to endure , to suffer and bear for the salvation and redemption of mankind – to pay the price for the forgiveness of their sins , to shed his blood and to die . In Psalm 51:2 we listen to the words of the psalmist : “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin ! “
Satan challenged Jesus. “ If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. “ (Mat.4:3).
Jesus saw the transparency in the plan of the malignant spirit. “ It is written, “ said Jesus , “ Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Furious with hidden anger the fiend took Christ to the highest pinnacle of a temple. “ If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down …(Mat.4:5-6). Jesus replied, “ It is written, “ You shall not tempt the Lord your God. “
Ultimately, the devil showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus turned to the devil and said in a loud voice : “ Begone , Satan ! for it is written, “ you shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” (Mat.4:9-10).
Temptation is a virus which comes to all of us in many forms. Jesus met the enemy face-on. He dealt with temptation to help us understand the greater insight into the trust and mercy of God – to have faith in His word and to believe in His heavenly kingdom. Pope John Paul 11 once said, “ The faith is like a strike of lightning, illuminating everything. “. ( Rocco Buttinglione ).
ASH WEDNESDAY BEGINS THE SEASON OF LENT BY MELVYN BROWN
Ash Wednesday begins a fresh liturgical period with a special prayer to help us discover our mission in life’s journey. This is possible during lent when we take upon ourselves three simple practices : to Fast , to Pray and to show Compassion to all God’s children.
Pope Benedict XVI recently highlighted the importance of fasting when he said, “ Fasting is a great help to avoid sin and all that leads to it.”
Ash Wednesday is a time to recall and imitate the forty days when Jesus withdrew into the wilderness : a time of soul-searching , repentance and preparation for His passion leading up to Easter. From now on we will stay with Jesus through His divine ministry , His suffering in Holy Week , His Crucifixion and on Good Friday, His death. Finally, to rejoice in His Resurrection.
This is also a time to make a spiritual resolution.
In 2003 ,Pope John Paul 11 called for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace. The Holy Father went on to explain the reasons for his decision , to observe Ash Wednesday on March 5 of that year.
“It is a duty of believers , regardless of the religion to which they belong , to proclaim that we will never be able to be happy if we are against one another. The future of humanity will never be able to be assured by terrorism and the logic of war, “ said the late pope, who will be beatified on May 1 this year.
Pope John Paul 11 told Catholics, “ to dedicate with special intensity Ash Wednesday to prayer and fasting for the cause of peace … “ He went on to say, “In every Marian shrine an ardent prayer for Peace will be raised to heaven with the praying of the holy rosary. “
Jonah’s call to the people of Nineveh
This year , 2011, Ash Wednesday will be on the 9th March and it will draw us nearer to Jesus and closer to our faith. The rosary can be the common invocation throughout the season of lent , remembering the ‘ Sorrowful mysteries’ each time in prayer. May this be the spiritual resolution we take upon ourselves.
Ash Wednesday initiates the period of lent. From the start of the Holy Season we prepare ourselves in the mystery of redemption.
The Church has picked the readings for each Sunday in Lent starting with Ash Wednesday (Ps. 51:3-4, 5-6. Mat 6: 1-6,16-18.) Ash Wednesday renews the faith ,the baptismal promises affirmed. The origin of Lent was a preparatory time for Easter when the people of God rededicates themselves to Him.
The Readings
THE JOAN BROWN MEMORIAL AWARDS INAUGURATED IN CALCUTTA
Navigating the hazards of covering the media , art, science and communication , the Joan Brown Awards Committee finally nominated five winners for the first awards 2011. Melvyn Brown who had initiated the Awards gave his final approval. The event was held on the 26th of February at St. Thomas ’ Presbytery hall, Middleton Row, Calcutta
The Joan Brown Awards will now be an annual offering to the nation. The ice was broken. The auditorium wore a bright look with colourful banners. The music was tamed to the occasion. Miss Elizabeth D’ Cruz performed a dance which was much appreciated by those present.
The Joan Brown Awards will now be an annual offering to the nation. The ice was broken. The auditorium wore a bright look with colourful banners. The music was tamed to the occasion. Miss Elizabeth D’ Cruz performed a dance which was much appreciated by those present.
“ Women are silent icons, “ said Melvyn Brown, founder of the awards and husband to the late Joan Brown. Melvyn wove the story of his wife and her pursuit in the fields of human endeavour which had been the deepest concern of her life. It was because of her self-discipline, religious fervour , love and charity which made the Awards a fitting tribute to her impeccable life. Joan was not old-fashioned,” he said, “nor was she wood-panelled in outlook. “ Melvyn Brown presented her life to his audience as being, “ a modern woman of our times, down-to-earth and an icon to all those who met her. “
Julian Sunil Martin Roy, author of the book “Atharo Gram” and poet , received his crystal award and Citation as if the Oscar had been his reward. He thanked Melvyn for having created the Special Award in memory of his wife.
Vernon Thomas , writer of over a hundred books for children and a masterful autobiography was thrilled, undoubtedly for all the praise showered on him by Melvyn. The essence of the moment was caught on film as a crew of cameramen surrounded the popular writer and author. (see pic).
Rudolph Vance, a young Anglo-Indian from Pune was the fish to be honoured for his talent in sports reporting and documenting local news in the archdiocese of Calcutta
Fr. Lawrence Abello, s.j. and Dr. Leonard Gomes were both unable to attend. The awards and citations will be sent to them.
Finally, selecting three ladies from the audience Melvyn Brown presented them with gifts suitable to the moments “iconic” vision he had of all women who contribute their best ‘ in waves of silence ‘ wherever they may be , and shelter those under their wings.
Saturday 15 January 2011
YOUR CHRISTIAN NAME IS AN OASIS by Melvyn Brown
In the Years 2000 – 2010, the Bengal chapter of Catholic churches came under a different form of attack. The terrorists were Catholics , expecting a baby and were preparing to name Ruby , Arun, June, Mabtu , Raja, Jyoti or anything but not a Christian name when baptizing the infant.
The Times of India reported : Pope Benedict XVI who baptized 21 kids on Sunday recently, said that every new member of the faith acquires the character of a son or daughter of the Church “ starting from a Christian name. “
There is an anonymous Chinese proverb, “ The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names. “
In the Holy Bible, the Book of Proverbs informs us, “ A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. “ Prov.22:1
The Christian name for a Catholic child is the armour of God which he wears in the face of life’s obstacles, criticism and hate. Their name overcomes all despite hardships – and, is a witness to faith when they make success and reach pinnacles of victory.
In the Book of Exodus the Lord spoke to Moses saying: “ for you have found favour in my sight, and I know you by name. “Ex.33:17
Christian names can be chosen from the many books published with lists of Christian names, their origins and meanings. Names of saints, common names and names of ancestors are all mandatory today. You do not need to be ‘mod’ in these difficult times when our faith needs to radiate the glory of God in the confrontation of evil and injustice. Your Christian name is an oasis for the rest of mankind.
It is important to hear what Jesus had to say about a Christian name: “ To him the gatekeeper opens ; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. “ John 10:3.
Our journey to God is threatened by the rising forces of evil. We must, together bear His cross. We must deflect the darkness of violence and the radical pressure of people in our midst. We can do it when we raise the banner of our Christian name.
William Shakespeare, in his famous tragedy, Othello, he wrote: But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him, and makes me poor indeed.
Jesus said to saint Mark, for truly I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward. “Mk.9:41.
Let us think about change. If you already have a non-Christian name, and you are an elderly person – do not be troubled, but do propagate, influence, and insist that new births in the family should have a Christian name at baptism. It’s not hard to do. There are many beautiful and colourful names to decide on.
Pope Benedict XVI will be pleased. He made it very clear in his homily at the baptism of 21 children in the Vatican chapel : ‘every new member is a son or daughter of the Church, beginning with a Christian name.
“ …and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” Gen. 11: 4
Sunday 9 January 2011
Joan Brown Memorial Awards 2011
THE JOAN BROWN MEMORIAL AWARDS
For the Media and Literary Distinctions
WINNERS 2011
The Joan Brown Media and Literary Awards has been initiated and approved by Ambassadors For Jesus founder Melvyn Brown , as a Memorial to the name of his wife Joan , who passed away in 2008. Joan had been close to all Catholic efforts in the range of literature and in the media. She was his muse, encouraging and promoting Melvyn in his writings and in his media events. Joan was an avid reader,an honest critic and kept herself well informed on world and local news events on TV and the newspapers.
It was decided that the Annual AFJ Awards and the Anglo-Indian Awards would remain to inspire and encourage future generations in Catholic chapters of spiritual and mundane growth as it has done over the years.
The Joan Brown Awards will be presented for Creative Writings and for excellence in Media and Documentary works . It has been settled that each year nominations will be received for Catholics who fall under the perspective of the awards at year end (November-December) and the winners to be declared by January-February of the New Year.
The Joan Brown Memorial Committee will avail to Melvyn Brown their selection of three names in each category for his final choice of the winner or winners . The Awards will carry a Citation and Trophy.
THIS YEARS WINNERS ARE :
Julian Sunil Martin Roy , for his Poems and Research
Dr. Leonard Gomes , for his Letters in the Media
Vernon Thomas , for his short stories for children
Fr.Lawrence Abello,sj.,for his Pro-Life and Protection of the faith.
Rudolph Vance, for his sports reporting and other events .
THEY WON BECAUSE :
Julian Sunil Martin Roy has been nominated for his book of poems , Tiny Bouquet ( has 250 verses ) on diverse themes. The book is of precious value to our present-day collection of Indo-English writings. Also, for Roy
Dr. Leonard Gomes, ex-professor of St.Xavier’s College, Calcutta
Vernon Thomas has published hundreds of short stories for children, and a series of re-telling in English stories from Indian legends and folk tales. His style of writing is crisp and clear. The stories are little gems for all time to come. We pride in his nomination. Congratulations Vernon
Rudolph Vance from Pune is better known to his friends as “Ruddy “. He has a flair for reporting on sports, especially on football and hockey. Rudolph has the makings of another Clary Miller. He is versatile in reporting on local events and on Catholic programmes. Congratulations Rudolph.
WINNERS will be duly informed by mail shortly.
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