‘Swamis and Sex’ stories are sure sellouts today. No matter how overplayed the theme, every author who writes on this topic is sure to find avid readers lapping up his or her story. Former Catholic priest K.P. Shibu
from Kerala is the latest author all set to fill his coffers from this goldmine by publishing his book “Oru Vaidikente
Hridayamita” (Here is the Heart of a Priest).
Shibu’s story line is familiar – priest is abused, deems other priest-companions guilty of sexual crimes, excuses
himself for not reporting such abuses to the competent authorities, sees himself blameless and above board,
and, being unable to live with such sexual perverts leaves the priesthood to tell the whole world nothing but the
truth. Like every other newspaper, the Deccan Chronicle (September 2, 2010) reported the facts as seen
from the viewpoint of ex-father Shibu. But, there are more complex issues to comprehend and contend with,
which must be made public.
K.P. Shibu has been a Catholic priest for 11 years. As a legitima
tely ordained Catholic priest he had taken vows to serve God and God’s people through his priesthood, which
includes the celebration of sacraments (Sanskrit, sanskara) like performing pooja (known as ‘Eucharist’
among Christians), listening to believers’ sins and advising them in the sacrament of reconciliation (formerly
called ‘confession’). What is sad and shocking is that Shibu is narrating experiences of hearing ‘confessions’
from fellow-priests wherein some of them confided in him that they had sexual experiences with women. One
would imagine that in confessing their sins to ‘Father Shibu’ these priests – or, anyone else for that matter –
would expect confidentiality, words of advice, counseling and an absolution so as to live life anew and according
to the demands of their faith.
Shibu also alleges in his book that certain priests and nuns in Kerala suffer from moral turpitude despite their
solemn vow to renounce carnal pleasures and craving for material possessions. I do not wish to contest the
truth of the matter. But the issue here is, “can a priest who has taken the solemn vow to keep the confessional
matters as secret ever disclose such very personal and private matters told to him within the sacred sacrament
of confession to the public?”. As one familiar with civil law, and with basic knowledge of Church law, I see
Shibu’s revelations as a serious breach of the ‘confessional secret’ that every priest is expected to fulfill.
By their priestly ordination, priests pledge to keep matters that they hear during the confession as strictly
secret. Before he was ordained a priest, it was mandatory that Fr. Shibu had passed what is popularly called
the ‘Ad Auds’ examination (from Latin ‘audire’ meaning ‘to listen’) wherein every Catholic priest is trained ‘to
listen’ to those who come for confession. There is a book called ‘Code of Canon Law’ (hereafter CCL) that
you will find on the bookshelf of every Catholic priest wherein minute dos and don’ts are laid down so that the
propriety of the sacred office of priesthood, as well as the dignity of believers, is maintained. Without entering
into details, a look at some so-called ‘canons’ (codified laws) will enable one to understand what Shibu has
breached:
Canon no. 969.1 of CCL reads: “Only the local bishop is competent to give to any priests whomsoever the
faculty to hear the confessions of any whomsoever of the faithful (believers).” This is meant to ensure that only
competent and well-trained priests hear the confessions of people. Canon 983.1 says: “The sacramental seal
of confession is inviolable. Accordingly, it is absolutely wrong for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent,
for any reason whatsoever, whether by word or in any other fashion.” Canon 984.1 says: “The confessor is
wholly forbidden to use knowledge acquired in confession to the detriment of the penitent.”
In view of the above rules, Church history has recorded instances of priests even being murdered for their firm
decision never to disclose the sins of their people heard in confession. Moreover, many other priests who have
left the priesthood complain about inconsistencies and failings of their companions, but never ever disclose
what they’ve heard in ‘confession’. As a former ‘Father’ to Catholics, does Shibu not know the basic rules that
govern the Church and doesn’t he realize the importance of the inviolability of the sacramental seal of confession?
Is this not a serious breach of confidentiality even if Shibu has left the priesthood? Believers place their full trust
in their priests and a majority of priests genuinely love and care for their people. Sadly, Shibu seems to have
forgotten basic loyalty to his people even though he feels wronged by some among them.
No matter what one’s post or one’s profession be, every person is, first and foremost, an Indian citizen. And,
every Indian citizen has the duty to be loyal to his or her people and to uphold the promise one makes to them.
No citizen has the right to deceive the citizens of this country irrespective of the faith they profess and practise.
From a legal point of view, K.P. Shibu has seriously breached the trust that the Christian community has
deposed in him as a priest. Because of this trust, Shibu has enjoyed the love and respect not only of the
Catholic community for many years but also from Indian society, at large. Unfortunately, by his disclosure of
confessional secrets, Shibu has also violated the people’s fundamental right to live with human dignity. On these
grounds, he or any such priest can be challenged in a court of law for breach of trust, for defamation and even
for cheating the people.
Apart from the law, although Shibu’s book might become a bestseller on account of its supposedly sensational
sexual content, the likes of Shibu must hang their heads in shame not only in the presence of Christians, but also
before the human family at large, that smoothly functions on principles of honour, trust and confidence. Shibu
has made one small mistake of printing only 100 copies of his book. Were I to advise Shibu I’d say: “Father,
friend, print 10,000 copies. You’re bound to be a rich, bestselling author, but, someday, sometime, you may
have to submit an account to the Author of Life.”
‘Swamis and Sex’ stories are sure sellouts today. No matter how overplayed the theme, every author whowrites on this topic is sure to find avid readers lapping up his or her story. Former Catholic priest K.P. Shibufrom Kerala is the latest author all set to fill his coffers from this goldmine by publishing his book “Oru VaidikenteHridayamita” (Here is the Heart of a Priest).
Shibu’s story line is familiar – priest is abused, deems other priest-companions guilty of sexual crimes, excuseshimself for not reporting such abuses to the competent authorities, sees himself blameless and above board,and, being unable to live with such sexual perverts leaves the priesthood to tell the whole world nothing but thetruth. Like every other newspaper, the Deccan Chronicle (September 2, 2010) reported the facts as seenfrom the viewpoint of ex-father Shibu. But, there are more complex issues to comprehend and contend with,which must be made public.
K.P. Shibu has been a Catholic priest for 11 years. As a legitimately ordained Catholic priest he had taken vows to serve God and God’s people through his priesthood, whichincludes the celebration of sacraments (Sanskrit, sanskara) like performing pooja (known as ‘Eucharist’among Christians), listening to believers’ sins and advising them in the sacrament of reconciliation (formerlycalled ‘confession’). What is sad and shocking is that Shibu is narrating experiences of hearing ‘confessions’from fellow-priests wherein some of them confided in him that they had sexual experiences with women. Onewould imagine that in confessing their sins to ‘Father Shibu’ these priests – or, anyone else for that matter –would expect confidentiality, words of advice, counseling and an absolution so as to live life anew and accordingto the demands of their faith.
Shibu also alleges in his book that certain priests and nuns in Kerala suffer from moral turpitude despite theirsolemn vow to renounce carnal pleasures and craving for material possessions. I do not wish to contest thetruth of the matter. But the issue here is, “can a priest who has taken the solemn vow to keep the confessionalmatters as secret ever disclose such very personal and private matters told to him within the sacred sacramentof confession to the public?”. As one familiar with civil law, and with basic knowledge of Church law, I seeShibu’s revelations as a serious breach of the ‘confessional secret’ that every priest is expected to fulfill.By their priestly ordination, priests pledge to keep matters that they hear during the confession as strictlysecret. Before he was ordained a priest, it was mandatory that Fr. Shibu had passed what is popularly calledthe ‘Ad Auds’ examination (from Latin ‘audire’ meaning ‘to listen’) wherein every Catholic priest is trained ‘tolisten’ to those who come for confession. There is a book called ‘Code of Canon Law’ (hereafter CCL) thatyou will find on the bookshelf of every Catholic priest wherein minute dos and don’ts are laid down so that thepropriety of the sacred office of priesthood, as well as the dignity of believers, is maintained. Without enteringinto details, a look at some so-called ‘canons’ (codified laws) will enable one to understand what Shibu hasbreached:
Canon no. 969.1 of CCL reads: “Only the local bishop is competent to give to any priests whomsoever thefaculty to hear the confessions of any whomsoever of the faithful (believers).” This is meant to ensure that onlycompetent and well-trained priests hear the confessions of people. Canon 983.1 says: “The sacramental sealof confession is inviolable. Accordingly, it is absolutely wrong for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent,for any reason whatsoever, whether by word or in any other fashion.” Canon 984.1 says: “The confessor iswholly forbidden to use knowledge acquired in confession to the detriment of the penitent.”
In view of the above rules, Church history has recorded instances of priests even being murdered for their firmdecision never to disclose the sins of their people heard in confession. Moreover, many other priests who haveleft the priesthood complain about inconsistencies and failings of their companions, but never ever disclosewhat they’ve heard in ‘confession’. As a former ‘Father’ to Catholics, does Shibu not know the basic rules thatgovern the Church and doesn’t he realize the importance of the inviolability of the sacramental seal of confession?Is this not a serious breach of confidentiality even if Shibu has left the priesthood? Believers place their full trustin their priests and a majority of priests genuinely love and care for their people. Sadly, Shibu seems to haveforgotten basic loyalty to his people even though he feels wronged by some among them.
No matter what one’s post or one’s profession be, every person is, first and foremost, an Indian citizen. And,every Indian citizen has the duty to be loyal to his or her people and to uphold the promise one makes to them.No citizen has the right to deceive the citizens of this country irrespective of the faith they profess and practise.From a legal point of view, K.P. Shibu has seriously breached the trust that the Christian community hasdeposed in him as a priest. Because of this trust, Shibu has enjoyed the love and respect not only of theCatholic community for many years but also from Indian society, at large. Unfortunately, by his disclosure ofconfessional secrets, Shibu has also violated the people’s fundamental right to live with human dignity. On thesegrounds, he or any such priest can be challenged in a court of law for breach of trust, for defamation and evenfor cheating the people.
Apart from the law, although Shibu’s book might become a bestseller on account of its supposedly sensationalsexual content, the likes of Shibu must hang their heads in shame not only in the presence of Christians, but alsobefore the human family at large, that smoothly functions on principles of honour, trust and confidence. Shibuhas made one small mistake of printing only 100 copies of his book. Were I to advise Shibu I’d say: “Father,friend, print 10,000 copies. You’re bound to be a rich, bestselling author, but, someday, sometime, you mayhave to submit an account to the Author of Life.”
‘Swamis and Sex’ stories are sure sellouts today. No matter how overplayed the theme, every author who writes on this topic is sure to find avid readers lapping up his or her story. Former Catholic priest K.P. Shibufrom Kerala is the latest author all set to fill his coffers from this goldmine by publishing his book “Oru VaidikenteHridayamita” (Here is the Heart of a Priest).Shibu’s story line is familiar – priest is abused, deems other priest-companions guilty of sexual crimes, excuseshimself for not reporting such abuses to the competent authorities, sees himself blameless and above board,and, being unable to live with such sexual perverts leaves the priesthood to tell the whole world nothing but thetruth. Like every other newspaper, the Deccan Chronicle (September 2, 2010) reported the facts as seenfrom the viewpoint of ex-father Shibu. But, there are more complex issues to comprehend and contend with,which must be made public.K.P. Shibu has been a Catholic priest for 11 years. As a legitimately ordained Catholic priest he had taken vows to serve God and God’s people through his priesthood, whichincludes the celebration of sacraments (Sanskrit, sanskara) like performing pooja (known as ‘Eucharist’among Christians), listening to believers’ sins and advising them in the sacrament of reconciliation (formerlycalled ‘confession’). What is sad and shocking is that Shibu is narrating experiences of hearing ‘confessions’from fellow-priests wherein some of them confided in him that they had sexual experiences with women. Onewould imagine that in confessing their sins to ‘Father Shibu’ these priests – or, anyone else for that matter –would expect confidentiality, words of advice, counseling and an absolution so as to live life anew and accordingto the demands of their faith.Shibu also alleges in his book that certain priests and nuns in Kerala suffer from moral turpitude despite theirsolemn vow to renounce carnal pleasures and craving for material possessions. I do not wish to contest thetruth of the matter. But the issue here is, “can a priest who has taken the solemn vow to keep the confessionalmatters as secret ever disclose such very personal and private matters told to him within the sacred sacramentof confession to the public?”. As one familiar with civil law, and with basic knowledge of Church law, I seeShibu’s revelations as a serious breach of the ‘confessional secret’ that every priest is expected to fulfill.By their priestly ordination, priests pledge to keep matters that they hear during the confession as strictlysecret. Before he was ordained a priest, it was mandatory that Fr. Shibu had passed what is popularly calledthe ‘Ad Auds’ examination (from Latin ‘audire’ meaning ‘to listen’) wherein every Catholic priest is trained ‘tolisten’ to those who come for confession. There is a book called ‘Code of Canon Law’ (hereafter CCL) thatyou will find on the bookshelf of every Catholic priest wherein minute dos and don’ts are laid down so that thepropriety of the sacred office of priesthood, as well as the dignity of believers, is maintained. Without enteringinto details, a look at some so-called ‘canons’ (codified laws) will enable one to understand what Shibu hasbreached:Canon no. 969.1 of CCL reads: “Only the local bishop is competent to give to any priests whomsoever thefaculty to hear the confessions of any whomsoever of the faithful (believers).” This is meant to ensure that onlycompetent and well-trained priests hear the confessions of people. Canon 983.1 says: “The sacramental sealof confession is inviolable. Accordingly, it is absolutely wrong for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent,for any reason whatsoever, whether by word or in any other fashion.” Canon 984.1 says: “The confessor iswholly forbidden to use knowledge acquired in confession to the detriment of the penitent.”In view of the above rules, Church history has recorded instances of priests even being murdered for their firmdecision never to disclose the sins of their people heard in confession. Moreover, many other priests who haveleft the priesthood complain about inconsistencies and failings of their companions, but never ever disclosewhat they’ve heard in ‘confession’. As a former ‘Father’ to Catholics, does Shibu not know the basic rules thatgovern the Church and doesn’t he realize the importance of the inviolability of the sacramental seal of confession?Is this not a serious breach of confidentiality even if Shibu has left the priesthood? Believers place their full trustin their priests and a majority of priests genuinely love and care for their people. Sadly, Shibu seems to haveforgotten basic loyalty to his people even though he feels wronged by some among them.No matter what one’s post or one’s profession be, every person is, first and foremost, an Indian citizen. And,every Indian citizen has the duty to be loyal to his or her people and to uphold the promise one makes to them.No citizen has the right to deceive the citizens of this country irrespective of the faith they profess and practise.From a legal point of view, K.P. Shibu has seriously breached the trust that the Christian community hasdeposed in him as a priest. Because of this trust, Shibu has enjoyed the love and respect not only of theCatholic community for many years but also from Indian society, at large. Unfortunately, by his disclosure ofconfessional secrets, Shibu has also violated the people’s fundamental right to live with human dignity. On thesegrounds, he or any such priest can be challenged in a court of law for breach of trust, for defamation and evenfor cheating the people.Apart from the law, although Shibu’s book might become a bestseller on account of its supposedly sensationalsexual content, the likes of Shibu must hang their heads in shame not only in the presence of Christians, but alsobefore the human family at large, that smoothly functions on principles of honour, trust and confidence. Shibuhas made one small mistake of printing only 100 copies of his book. Were I to advise Shibu I’d say: “Father,friend, print 10,000 copies. You’re bound to be a rich, bestselling author, but, someday, sometime, you mayhave to submit an account to the Author of Life.”‘Swamis and Sex’ stories are sure sellouts today. No matter how overplayed the theme, every author whowrites on this topic is sure to find avid readers lapping up his or her story. Former Catholic priest K.P. Shibufrom Kerala is the latest author all set to fill his coffers from this goldmine by publishing his book “Oru VaidikenteHridayamita” (Here is the Heart of a Priest).Shibu’s story line is familiar – priest is abused, deems other priest-companions guilty of sexual crimes, excuseshimself for not reporting such abuses to the competent authorities, sees himself blameless and above board,and, being unable to live with such sexual perverts leaves the priesthood to tell the whole world nothing but thetruth. Like every other newspaper, the Deccan Chronicle (September 2, 2010) reported the facts as seenfrom the viewpoint of ex-father Shibu. But, there are more complex issues to comprehend and contend with,which must be made public.K.P. Shibu has been a Catholic priest for 11 years. As a legitimately ordained Catholic priest he had taken vows to serve God and God’s people through his priesthood, whichincludes the celebration of sacraments (Sanskrit, sanskara) like performing pooja (known as ‘Eucharist’among Christians), listening to believers’ sins and advising them in the sacrament of reconciliation (formerlycalled ‘confession’). What is sad and shocking is that Shibu is narrating experiences of hearing ‘confessions’from fellow-priests wherein some of them confided in him that they had sexual experiences with women. Onewould imagine that in confessing their sins to ‘Father Shibu’ these priests – or, anyone else for that matter –would expect confidentiality, words of advice, counseling and an absolution so as to live life anew and accordingto the demands of their faith.Shibu also alleges in his book that certain priests and nuns in Kerala suffer from moral turpitude despite theirsolemn vow to renounce carnal pleasures and craving for material possessions. I do not wish to contest thetruth of the matter. But the issue here is, “can a priest who has taken the solemn vow to keep the confessionalmatters as secret ever disclose such very personal and private matters told to him within the sacred sacramentof confession to the public?”. As one familiar with civil law, and with basic knowledge of Church law, I seeShibu’s revelations as a serious breach of the ‘confessional secret’ that every priest is expected to fulfill.By their priestly ordination, priests pledge to keep matters that they hear during the confession as strictlysecret. Before he was ordained a priest, it was mandatory that Fr. Shibu had passed what is popularly calledthe ‘Ad Auds’ examination (from Latin ‘audire’ meaning ‘to listen’) wherein every Catholic priest is trained ‘tolisten’ to those who come for confession. There is a book called ‘Code of Canon Law’ (hereafter CCL) thatyou will find on the bookshelf of every Catholic priest wherein minute dos and don’ts are laid down so that thepropriety of the sacred office of priesthood, as well as the dignity of believers, is maintained. Without enteringinto details, a look at some so-called ‘canons’ (codified laws) will enable one to understand what Shibu hasbreached:Canon no. 969.1 of CCL reads: “Only the local bishop is competent to give to any priests whomsoever thefaculty to hear the confessions of any whomsoever of the faithful (believers).” This is meant to ensure that onlycompetent and well-trained priests hear the confessions of people. Canon 983.1 says: “The sacramental sealof confession is inviolable. Accordingly, it is absolutely wrong for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent,for any reason whatsoever, whether by word or in any other fashion.” Canon 984.1 says: “The confessor iswholly forbidden to use knowledge acquired in confession to the detriment of the penitent.”In view of the above rules, Church history has recorded instances of priests even being murdered for their firmdecision never to disclose the sins of their people heard in confession. Moreover, many other priests who haveleft the priesthood complain about inconsistencies and failings of their companions, but never ever disclosewhat they’ve heard in ‘confession’. As a former ‘Father’ to Catholics, does Shibu not know the basic rules thatgovern the Church and doesn’t he realize the importance of the inviolability of the sacramental seal of confession?Is this not a serious breach of confidentiality even if Shibu has left the priesthood? Believers place their full trustin their priests and a majority of priests genuinely love and care for their people. Sadly, Shibu seems to haveforgotten basic loyalty to his people even though he feels wronged by some among them.No matter what one’s post or one’s profession be, every person is, first and foremost, an Indian citizen. And,every Indian citizen has the duty to be loyal to his or her people and to uphold the promise one makes to them.No citizen has the right to deceive the citizens of this country irrespective of the faith they profess and practise.From a legal point of view, K.P. Shibu has seriously breached the trust that the Christian community hasdeposed in him as a priest. Because of this trust, Shibu has enjoyed the love and respect not only of theCatholic community for many years but also from Indian society, at large. Unfortunately, by his disclosure ofconfessional secrets, Shibu has also violated the people’s fundamental right to live with human dignity. On thesegrounds, he or any such priest can be challenged in a court of law for breach of trust, for defamation and evenfor cheating the people.Apart from the law, although Shibu’s book might become a bestseller on account of its supposedly sensationalsexual content, the likes of Shibu must hang their heads in shame not only in the presence of Christians, but alsobefore the human family at large, that smoothly functions on principles of honour, trust and confidence. Shibuhas made one small mistake of printing only 100 copies of his book. Were I to advise Shibu I’d say: “Father,friend, print 10,000 copies. You’re bound to be a rich, bestselling author, but, someday, sometime, you mayhave to submit an account to the Author of Life.”
A debate has been there ever since the murder of Mahatma Gandhi that whether the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is a Nationalist organization or not? Since people have varying understanding about nationalism, this question remains open ended even today. Even though it looks very confusing to exact the parameters of Nationalism, we can understand the components that make nationalist behaviour. It is understood as the feeling of ‘WE NESS’ with all its diversity of religion, culture, language, food habits along with a strong feeling for the age old traditions of all sections of the country, national heroes from all communities and above all deep commitment to the constitution of this country. We shall examine the activities of this organization from this perspective.
