Fully Human and Fully Alive (Essays on Being Human Today in Honour of Dr Cyril Desbruslais SJ)

As Cyril Desbruslais apporaches 80 years, his friends, colleagues and admirers have come together to reflect on his philosophy (understanding of God, human beings and world). The 36 articles in this volume, reflecting on the rich and varied experiences of humans beings "fully alive," is a a labour of love for Cyril.va

Cyril Desbruslais is a man of many parts. However, unlike the curate's egg. he is excellent in every part. First and foremost, Cyril is a Jesuit and priest. He is also a philosopher (not only teaching it as a subject but doing it as a way of life), a playwright and director, spiritual guide, retreat director and preacher, youth animator, and a wonderful human being.

Perhaps the best way to characterise Cyril is to see him as someone who accompanies and communicates with each at his/her own level. This marvellous capacity to accompany is best seen in his dealings with youth. He founded his youth club in 1972 and nearly 50 years later continues to accompany the group (adolescents who joined in 1972 passed into adulthood, parenthood and continue to be members, often accompanied by their progeny!) However, Pune city youth were not the only beneficiaries of Cyril's skills at accompaniment. Numerous Jesuits and others who studied at JDV will testify to how graciously and competently Cyril accompanied them as spiritual and/or academic guide, an accompaniment especially needed for those doing philosophical studies when they are exposed to a bewildering array of diverse thinking and positions that are sometimes diametrically opposed to their religious beliefs. To do this not through slogans or by exhortations to pray, as if prayer were a panacea, but through challenging one to think personally and honestly and to relate this to one's experience demands patience and insight. This is what Cyril manifested and which made him so successful as a guide.

**Contents and Sample Pages**