Analise D Mello MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB

   And the Word became flesh
        and made his dwelling among us,
        and we saw his glory,
        the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
        full of grace and truth.

As Christmas arrives this year, my largely Hindu country has restarted their campaign against the Christians! The same people who stand in lines to secure admissions in Catholic-run schools and colleges—Loyola University, St. Mary, Loreto Convent … suddenly remember it is not in their culture to tolerate any other faith!

I grew up in a tiny state in India, which was a part of Portuguese colonization, and everyone in my friend circle was Catholic until I joined a dance class for the Indian classical art of Bharatnatyam. I loved it—we danced and learned, and every year we performed on stage for parents, and I even cleared exams and got a certificate to perform alone! I loved every bit of it! At the end of each class, as part of the ritual, we do a namaskaram, which says thank you to God, the teacher, and the earth, and we touch the feet of teachers and a statue of Lord Siva, the God of dance in Hindu mythology.

I was a 9-year-old happy child who just wanted to dance and have fun with her classmates, who to date are very close friends of mine! Until one random lady poked her head in and told my mother, “How can you ask your Catholic child to touch the feet of a Hindu idol?” My poor mom panicked and rushed to her Catholic priest brother, and he laughed it off and said, “It is part of her class; she doesn’t believe in it—why does it matter?!” That is when it struck me—my faith is personal! I don’t need to show it off to anyone or justify why I fast during Lent or attend Sunday mass and turn off my phone during the time (to be kicked out of working at the OR for 10 days because I apparently wasn’t traceable) …

My faith is for me! When I would close my eyes before any dance performance in the huddle—while everyone chanted Hindu mantras—I said the Our Father… even when I walked into a temple and bowed my head in respect, I prayed to Jesus in my heart! I am not hurting or forcing anyone! I am doing my own thing—I know I use apps to pray, especially when I am alone, and have diligently listened to the Advent prayers on Hallow! But it helped me to pray! Calm me when I’m stressed with a 1-minute “Jesus, I trust you” prayer!

This Christmas my pre-exam anxiety has been massive—being away from home and alone at Christmas. I read all your lovely comments on my last post and had a tearful smile of thankfulness to the Lord for making me reach out to so many wonderful people who know and understand how much faith helps.

This Christmas, I am away from family. I realize I love them more than ever, and I pray to the Lord for everyone to be with their loved ones on the special day! Share love, happiness, laughter, joy, and faith in your heart and through your words and deeds, and if you see some lonely youth around — wish them thinking of me!

Lets sing praise for the New born King!

He is here !

A holy day has dawned upon us.
Come, you nations, and adore the Lord.
For today a great light has come upon the earth

About the Author

Hello! I’m Dr Analise Maria D’ Mello, (MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB) from the beautiful state of Goa in India. I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family, learning my prayers, catechism and Catholic values from my parents and grandmothers. I am currently practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for 3 years since my residency.

I often speak on anti-abortion to college students and married couples, and counsel distressed pregnant women with appropriate medical advice. I am part of the St Luke’s Medical Guild of Catholic Doctors in my state providing services in prisons, and Lenten and advent retreats for medical professionals and their families.