Gerald Fernandes: The Parish of St. John the Baptist at Thane in Mumbai actively recommends and supports burial in a shroud, quite akin to the shroud used to cover the body of Christ, Response: It is good to know that St John the Baptist Church has supported simplicity in the burial of its parishioners. It is worth for other parishes to follow suit. Such measures should be given wide publicity to bring about change in the mindset of the faithful.
Gerald Fernandes: All teachers in ABE SCHOOLS are rostered to undergo TRAINING IN SUICIDE PREVENTION. Response: This is also good news. As a parent of two school-going children, I am conscious of the stress and trauma, that children of today go through and not always academically linked. Besides training and refresher courses for teachers, it is equally important for school managements ( including priests and nuns) to undergo such courses. At the end of the day, it is they who set the tone for the manner in which the school is conducted and run. Principals and teachers also need to be appraised by students, parents and peers annually and made accountable. Regards, Marshall