About 200 children (from LKG to PUC), along with their Catechism teachers, parent volunteers, and other parishioners, participated a creative initiative called Torna la Vita (“Return to Life”) in Bangalore.
In the light of the Gospel, the Church teaches that every human life is sacred. It must be protected, honoured, and celebrated from womb to tomb. The Scriptural basis for this teaching is threefold:
(i) We are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:27),
(ii) We have the breath of God (Gen. 2:7),
(iii) We are redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, the Word made flesh (Jn. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:19).
This sacred human life, which is meant to be respected, nurtured, and celebrated from conception to natural death, is constantly threatened by negative attitudes and practices. St. John Paul II spoke of the “Culture of Death,” Pope Benedict XVI warned against the “use-and-throw culture,” and Pope Francis describes the present state as “dark clouds over humanity.” Reading the signs of the times, our Popes have pointed out how humanity is treading a dangerous path that endangers both human life and Mother Earth.
The basics of life—fundamental rights to live with dignity—are being violated through abortion, murder, war, terrorism, drug abuse, alcoholism, and the many mafias that operate locally, nationally, and internationally. The beauty of life is further distorted by corruption, food adulteration, the growing consumption of junk and fast food, anti-social activities, and divisions based on caste, religion, and language. All these undermine the sacredness of human life, human dignity, and human rights. Added to this is the rapid destruction of the environment, which depletes natural resources and leaves the future of the next generation uncertain.
In this context, the Holy Fathers invite us to return to the fundamentals of life: respect and honour for the sacredness of human life—from womb to tomb. From the moment of conception to natural death, every person deserves dignity and reverence. This turning back to life is a “human act,” a deliberate choice made in freedom (cf. Col. 3: “Put to death what is earthly in you, and rise to new life”).
Reflecting on this call to “turn back to life,” the Catechism Animators of our Holy Ghost Church organized a creative initiative called Torna la Vita (“Return to Life”) through a unique activity: retro-walking. About 200 children (from LKG to PUC), along with their Catechism teachers, parent volunteers, and other parishioners, participated on our Seminary Grounds. The event was inaugurated by Fr. Siluvai Muthu, our Parish Priest, the special note of address was given by Mr. Mariadass (Rt. Indian Army). Wearing the sponsored hats with script: Torna la Vita, the children with joy and energy, they raised inspiring pro-life slogans such as:
- “Let us protect life.”
- “Pro-life, not pro-choice.”
- “Avoid plastics, protect Mother Earth.”
- “Say no to junk food, live healthy.”
- “Protect the environment.”
- “Grow more trees, welcome more rains.”
- “Say no to mobile games, play with friends.”
- “We will not consume alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs.”
- “Technology is the tool, not the master.”
- “Family life is a treasure—let’s value it.”
The children shouted these slogans with such enthusiasm that they became personal promises—values they committed to uphold in their lives.
This small yet meaningful effort by our Catechism teachers and with their spiritual animator Fr. James Kumar, expressed creatively through retro-walking, has left a lifelong memory for all participants. It was not only fun and laughter but also deeply formative. Interestingly, medical research also supports retro-walking as beneficial for health—helping reduce knee pain, strengthening muscles, healing back problems, and improving hamstring flexibility.
We express our deep appreciation to the Catechism teachers and parent volunteers who so creatively instilled the Gospel value of respect for human life. A special word of thanks to our parish clergy, who always stand with us as constant encouragement and inspiration. And heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement in Torna la Vita – Retro Walking to Life.
Fr. James Kumar, CSsR.
