Sir, As a priest I have always encouraged business and enterprise and have been open to ideas proposed by organisations like Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Dimensions Global to direct the minds of the youth of our community towards entrepreneurship and was also personally involved with the Take Charge Mentorship Programme promoting excellence in choices of careers when it was conceived. Interestingly, there are quite a few entrepreneurs mentioned in the Bible. To name a few; Abraham, who became wealthy by trading livestock, silver and gold. Boaz, whose entrepreneurship lay in agriculture and was also known for his generosity towards the poor. Lydia, whom we hear of in the Acts of the Apostles who built a successful business selling purple cloth which was associated with affluence, royalty and authority. Peter, who partnered with his brother Andrew in the business of fishing and Paul, who was a tentmaker. Surprisingly, entrepreneurship and business are not a career option among Catholics, but when we hear about successful enterprises steered by the existing few, it is not only something that requires generous applauding but can also be presented to our youth as a possibility of acting upon the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25: 14-30.

I was fortunate to chance upon a coffee table book published by the Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry which just celebrated its Silver Jubilee of offering mentorship, guidance and advice to Christian entrepreneurs in need of the same. With an inspiring message from His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, the book describes the various activities and initiatives – local, national and international undertaken by the CCCI which has moved from 7 founder members to over 700 members today, with the precious highlighting of the stories of the path-breakers, the movers and shakers and the influencers of the Christian business community.

While maintaining the objectives of setting up the CCCI, which include healthy growth and development of trade, commerce and industry as well as encouraging friendly relations fostering mutual cooperation among members with organised and concerted actions of relevance, I believe that the opportunities that are described through the personal testimonies in the various stories are lessons in themselves for the readers and an appreciative pat on the proverbial backs of the pioneers of this enterprise.

The stories of the various trendsetters in the fields of Banking, Finance, Shipping, Advertising, Academia, Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Law, IT, Journalism and Manufacturing, just to name a few, describe the struggles and challenges, the joys and victories and the satisfaction of being able to follow Biblical principles in the realisation of their dreams. What also motivates the reader are the personal mantras that are proudly shared by these doyens of the various enterprises which can provide encouraging fodder to those aspiring to be their own boss. A heartwarming feature is the introduction of the next generation of entrepreneurs who, having received the baton and mentorship from their parents, are also planning adaptations and innovations to evolve with the times.

In my opinion a copy of the coffee table book should be made available in our school, college and even parish libraries or placed for perusal in our youth centres and even possibly taken up for discussions at various youth fora to initiate possibilities of mindsets towards business and entrepreneurship. Copies of the book can be purchased at Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, B 143, 1st Floor, Solaris 1, Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai 400072 (Ph: 9820384970 or email: ccci1india@gmail.com).

Fr Reuben Tellis