BASA AND IWBIH

        Khasi tribe is one of the tribes in the Northeast, which has many ancestral legends. These legends are connected and related to the mountains, caves, rocks, rivers etc. Here is one among the classic legends.

        Long ago there lived a family. The father of the family was Sdieng, the mother was Khain and their three-month old daughter was Iwbih. They survived on rice cultivation. One day Khain with her daughter went early to the field because Sdieng was fully drunk. Sdieng got very wild at his wife. He told her, ”I have been loving you for a long time but now you responded me in this way.” As soon as he finished uttering his words he killed Khain. When he finished killing his wife, a dense cloud covered the sky. After sometime it started raining. Sdieng ran away and left the child untouched. In spite of the rain the child did not get wet as her mother kept safe in the place which was nicely prepared and covered with umbrella. When evening came the child cried for milk but no one could hear the sound. After a long time a big snake called Basa appeared, he took the child and looked after the child. When Iwbih was crying for milk, the snake would go to the village and forced the cow by pulling from its tail to come and feed Iwbih. After some days the cow started to come by itself everyday.

        Iwbih grew up to be a fine lady; she considered the cow as her mother and the snake as her father. When she was able to walk she used to come out of the cave an then collected some fruits to feed herself and Basa. Her pets were small snakes and different kinds of insects. She was able to play and even communicate with them very well. One day when she came out to collects some fruits some hunters saw her. They were astonished at the sight. They tried to meet her, but they could not, for Iwbih ran away to the cave. She was terribly scared because she had never seen any human being before. She could not speak in human language. With this strange experience the hunters could not keep quiet anymore. So they informed the King about the lady and her beauty. The prince was impressed by what he heard and by all means he wanted to find Iwbih.

        The prince and the hunters went to Iwbih’s palace and saw her. She was sitting on a stone beside the cave arranging her long beautiful hair. When the prince saw her, he couldn’t help falling in love that moment itself. The hunters and the prince tried to approach her. But Iwbih did not respond, instead she ran to the cave. The prince was depressed and went home sadly. After a few days he again organized a group of hunter to capture the lady while she was relaxing outside the cave. Before reaching the cave, the prince advised his followers to be very alert. He asked them to walk quietly and block the entrance of the cave, So that the lady would not be able to enter the cave. When Iwbih saw them she tried to run but she could not enter the cave as the hunters already blocked the cave. She was then caught and took to the prince palace. As soon as she reached the palace, the king organized a feast for the prince and Iwbih. But every time she was filled with sweet remembrance of the activities in ht cave. So one day she requested the prince to take here to the cave so that she could meet Basa.

        The prince and Iwbih went to the cave. When they reached they saw Basa crawling round Iwbih’s stone weeping in grief. She went near Basa and talked with him. When Basa saw Iwbih standing just beside him, how was very pleased and his tears stopped suddenly. But seeing the prince standing at a distance from them, Basa coiled the prince with his long tail bringing close to his wide open mouth trying to swallow him. At that moment Iwbih pleaded Basa not to gulp him for he was her friend.

        The Prince was led inside the cave by Iwbih and Basa. He was afraid to enter the cave. But when he reached inside, he was stunned to see the wall was decorated with gold and precious stones far better than any other building in the world. Iwbih explained Basa all tat had happened to her. Having listened to her, Basa also narrated how she was saved by him. Also told her that he was a special snake which can fly, change his appearance, produce light and reach anywhere to help his subjects, After saying this he gave Iwbih and the prince all the treasures of the cave and promised them that he will be their helper. He also advised her to call his name in times of trouble.

        Here ends the story but te rears of Basa is now turned into a stream and the Khasis believed that whenever they go to jungle they always feel the presence of his spirit. If they go out of their Kingdom they never shout or do anything that would destroy the sanctity of the place lest they get sick.

        The Khasis believed that Basa was a unique creature created by God therefore, no one should kill Basa.

MUSICAL PLAY ON ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA

MUSICAL PLAY ON ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA

Composed by Fr. Victor D’Mello S.J

Narrator :      Way back many centuries ago

            There was a duke named Kostka

He lived in the land of Poland

And looked after his beautiful land

Choir :            Prince Kostka of Poland who always loved his land

As a prince he lived in luxury

Seeking always wealth and glory

Wanted to make a great history

O listen to his great story

The duke has two young sons

Paul Kostka, the elder one

Who always loved games and fun

Stanislaus the young and devoted one

He liked to get his duties done

The prince had all his dreams on his sons 

Who would make his name a great one

(The house of the prince (curtain opens)

Prince : If I need my sons to become smart intelligent what we need is education. Janek where do you think I can send them?

Janek : for the last few years the Jesuits are running very good schools my master, I think that will be good?

Prince:  But where are their schools?

Janek: There is a school at Vienna, the capital city of Austria.

Prince:  O my friend too far,

Janek : But it is worth it.

Prince:  Yes education, I know where to send them. I will put both of them with the Jesuits.

(Calls two sons and tells them): “you will go to the Jesuits for your education and study there. You know they are a recent congregation and well known for education. Come my sons, I will tell you about them.

The prince Sings:

O! these Jesuits are known for their education

They have very good reputation

They will make you do recitation

and at times you learn some notations

Learn even some great quotations

That will make a good rotation

But keep away from all temptation

Learn to succeed in competition (2)

                        Well go my sons and study

All things I have kept ready

Remember you need to be steady

On holidays go for some cream and candy

(Calls Billlinsky and the porter)

Prince: You see, I am sending my sons to abroad for their studies, make sure you take care of them properly.

                        O my porter take their luggage

                        Make sure that you miss no baggage

Porter: Yes Master

You Billinksy Please see that they study well in college

                        Now come on go into the carriage

Good luck good bye (3)

Narrator: Thus the two brothers left for their education with the Jesuits.  The Jesuits there welcomed the two princes of Poland.

Paul and Stanislaus: Good morning Father

Fr. Pold sings: Welcome to the Jesuit school

  This is a place to be calm and cool

In your study you give your best

Sometimes you have some fun and jest

Never be absent for any test

Then you can have some good rest

Students sing: Always try to do what’s right

                        Never ever try to fight

                        Studies you should never take them light

                        Only then at you will delight

Always practice punctuality

In free time bring out some creativity

Have some fun and have some play

But never forget to sometime to pray.

Well now you know what you are suppose to do.  I wish you a pleasant stay and good luck in your new career.

Both: Thank you father we will try our best

Narrator: The house where Stanislaus and his brother were staying was given to the Jesuits in lease for some time and now the new prince of Austria decided to take back the house. Thus Stanislaus and his brother had to leave the place and take shelter in another place. They ended in the house of a Lutheran.

Kimberkly sings

            This, my house, is a cozy little place

The best in the city, my dear

Warmth and comforts, plenty of space

You’ll find’ em all only here!

Princes: Anything more to enjoy

A glass of whisky, bottles of beer

Seasoned Austrian wine

And though at times I tend to be queer

Have no fear

I am a host benign

And it’s not a boast that I am a good host,

Ask any one in Austria

They speak about my hospitality

In France and Spain and Poland and Portugal

And even Italia

Princes: Any regulations?

And in my house, there aren’t restrictions

On eating and drinking and sleeping enjoying life

And there are absolutely no regulations

On sleeping and rising and playing and gambling and living luxurious life.

Eat and drink, and Gamble and booze

I’ll always leave you at peace!

Relish your lives you’ve have nothing lose

I’ll make sure you’re at ease.

Princes: What about play?

Boys, live as you like and do what you want.

But pay my rent in time

‘Cause for all the kindness that I ever flaunt

I count every dime

I have no Restrictions, and no regulations

But I do have just one condition

Princes: A Condition! What is it?

No statues no rosary will you pray

Enjoy and live from day to day

Eat and drink and have some play

Make sure in time you give your pay

Kimberkly: Agreed?

Princes: Yes

Kimberkly: Any objection?

Princes: No objection

Kimberkly: You are welcome

Stanislaus: Paul this is not a place for us. Come on we will look some other house.

Paul: what are you talking? Where do you get such a lovely place Stanislaus? Look everything we need his here. I want to enjoy life.

Stanislaus: Paul I do not like this place. This does not seem to be meant for our study.

Paul: even if you do not like we will stay here.  Because I like freedom. I am elder to you and you obey me.

Narrator: It was not for Stanislaus to live with Paul. The two were of exactly opposite character. Stanislaus was simple and Spiritual, whereas Paul was proud, mean and worldly, the clash of characters was extremely painful for Stanislaus. He always thought of enjoying life with his friends. There was no much chance for mass or to any other sacraments. Stanislaus also missed the inspiration and example of Jesuits. To compensate he would spend many hours in prayer. But Paul would always enjoy with friends.

Paul: Come on let’s enjoy

We are the princes

We love our dances

For this we take all the chances. X2

Though we have to study

We are never ready

Come let’s enjoy everybody

Eat and drink makes merry right in time

Most o the times like to play the game

We never bother if it is wild or tame

Enjoy the life try to get fame

Life is there to make merry

Dad will give money so why worry?

Paul:               Take things slow for there is no hurry. Agreed?

Princes:          Yes

Make sure we get nice food and curry

We want to enjoy our life

Don’t like much work and strife

Always make merry and never worry

(Rodrigo, Gruber and Chomski with Paul, gambling and drinking)

Rodrigo: Bye folks, I’m off. See you tomorrow.

Chomski: Son of a bitch! He’ll have good fun tonight.

Gruber: And think of it, when he enjoys we’re languishing here, losing all our money to that cunning fox.

Paul: I lost al money. I’ll have to write to my father again for more, and that stingy old man will curse me? I only hope that worthless brother of mine doesn’t write home about what’s really happening here.

Chomski: Oh, you have really a strange brother, Paul. I have never seen such a nuisance in my life. You see ever since we have settled only we enjoy. Hay Paul your brother Stanislaus he never joins us. What is wrong with him.

Grubber: in fact it’s a mistake he is your brother. He is only fit to be a monk. He is a disgrace to the nobility of Poland.

Chomski: Paul why don’t you talk to him and make him understands?

Paul: make him understand? Oh that’s an impossible dream. You talk to him, shout at him kick him or beat him he is always the same. Studies and prayer and studies his world is so small. If I talk to him about how he’s missing in his life, he starts telling me that it’s not he but I’m missing so much in life stubborn to the core! you see Chomsky he is at least praying for us. The holy man. We like to play and he likes to pray. Let him do what he wants. I am fed up. He makes my room a monastery.

Gruber: Stubborn indeed: and yet, he looks so happy!

Paul: Happy you call that happiness: It’s so boring. He has such a irritating smile besides.

Chomski: and what makes him smile all the time?

Paul: Prayer, he says, prayer: I simply can’t understand how it you kneel down and mumble something you become happy.

Grubber: And he prays for long time?

Paul: Oh he can go and on. He can pray without break for a whole day. Perhaps he’s praying even now.

Grubber:  Let’s have a look come on we lost all the money tonight. Let’s have some fun at least!

Scene III

(Stanislaus kneeling in prayer. Paul  leading the group purposely stumbles on him)

Paul:  You fool! Can’t you be somewhere in a corner: why do you come in my way>

Stanislaus: I’m in a corner Paul; there is so much space for you to walk!

Grubber: Hey don’t know how to talk to holy people? (Kneeling) your holiness, we’re extremely sorry for you brothers misbehavior. Buy that was necessary to remind your holiness that night is the time to sleep….

Chomski: And not practice superstitions.

Paul:  Hey, Chomski, how dare you call his holiness’s saintly day-dreaming a superstition?You must fine a better word.

Grubber: Better word.  Shall we call it holy folly?

Paul: Or saintly escapism?

Chomski:  Or knee exercise?

Grubber: Hidden hypocrisy?

Chomski: Cowardly time waste?

Grubber: Hey, look? There’s a halo around his head!!

Chomski: And his face glowing

Paul: his ears are rousing

(All look at each other; laugh, and kneel down)

All three: Hail Stanislaus!

(Laugh and exit)

Billinsky: Paul, Stanislaus is sick. What to do? You take care of him.

Paul : No let that saintly guy take care of himself or everyday he is praying to the saints let them take care of him.

Billinsky: No he is your brother and if your father comes to know that you are not taking care of him he will be angry.

Paul: O my god this brother of mine any way I will try. I have to do the duty as a brother

(Scene where Stanislaus us lying)

Stanislaus: Give me some water,

Paul: now water, now food now coat and everything else

I just dislike you.  You are a disgrace to the family.

Stanislaus: O my lord, teach me to bear all this and teach me to obey your will.

O lord help me.

Narrator: That night mother Mary appeared to him and healed him. And next morning he was moving around

Billinski: My God Stanislaus you are moving around. How is that? Please go and lie down.

Stanislaus: No, I am well now and mother Mary came and healed me.  And you know what she asked me to be a Jesuit.

Billinski: What a Jesuit? Stan what are you talking? You know you are a prince.

Stanislaus: but I am born not for this world but for eternity.

Next day meets Fr.  Pold.

Fr. Pold: hello Stanislaus. I heard you were very sick and now I see you well again and attending classes.

Stanislaus: Yes father, I had a vision of our lady yesterday and after that I felt strong again.

Father I want to tell you one more thing. Mother Mary asked me to be a Jesuit.

Fr. Pold: But you know it will be difficult for you

Stanislaus: But why father?

Fr. Pold:         You are a son of prince

                        You will lot of trouble

                        Please ask your father

If he does not bother

Then you may be one

For we need parent’s permission

Or else there will be repercussion

Though I am moved with compassion

I just can’t decide in this your passion.

However my friend you go and pray

Then god may show you way

Ask for grace day by day

That from his will you may not stray

Stanislaus:      All my life for this I long

Day by day my desire is growing strong.

Fr. Pold: You may meet Fr. Provincial and ask his opinion. He is right now in Augsburg. You will have to go there.  But Augsburg is 200miles away from here.

Stanislaus: But it will have to tell my brother. My father will never give permission. How to do? I will see. Father pray for me.

(Stanislaus come to his room (praying)

Enter Paul: You are a disgrace Stanislaus. All the time on your knees and in prayer or with your study. I am fed up of you. I just hate it.

Stanislaus : this is where I get my happiness. If you do not like me and cannot adjust let me go.

Paul: Go get lost go where you want but be out of my sight. Unworthy brother of mine.

Narrator: Next day Stanislaus left for Vienna. On the way.

Beggar: please give me some money.

Stanislaus : I do not have money. Come take my clothes.

Narrator: Thus he gave the clothes to the beggar. Meanwhile Paul got worried about his brother. He went in search of him. Though he saw him he could not recognize him.

Paul: did you see a boy of your age going this way?

Stanislaus: Yes he went ahead this way a few minutes ago.

Narrator : He walked 200 miles to reached Augsburg and met Fr. Peter Canisius

(In Fr. Peter Canisius office)

Peter Canisius: May I know you?

Stanislaus : Yes Father I am from Vienna

Stanislaus sings:       I am Stanislaus Kostka

I want to be a Jesuit

This is my life long desire

Yes that is all wish

Many miles have I walked

To come here and meet you

Please never reject me

I will do what you say.

Peter Canisius:          You are prince of Poland

You dad is a powerful man

To accept you as a Jesuit

I just do not think I can

Stanislaus:                I will do what you say

Please please let me in

And see if there is a way

Peter Canisius:         When I see you I am moved with pity

Long have you walked to come to this city

If you do not want to go home

Go and meet Fr.  General and he is in Rome

Peter Canisius: Brothers come here. Meet Stanislaus

Novices: Welcome Stanislaus

Peter Canisius: Brothers you must take Stanislaus to Rome. Now go and prepare for the journey, you have to walk for miles and miles.

Peter Canisius: Stanislaus you come with me and take some rest. Bro. Mark bring some tea. I will write a letter for you to be sent to (Fr. Francis Borgia), the General. Bro. Mark you take the letter and give to Fr. General and make sure that you are save on the way.

Novices: Thank you Father. Come let us go.

Reciting the “Hail Mary”

Walk with me o my lord

Through the darkest night and brightest day

Be at my side o lord

Hold my hand and guide me on my way

Sometimes the road seems long my energy is spent

But lord I think of you and I am given strength

Novices: Good Morning Father.

Fr. Francis Borgia: Good Morning my sons what bring you here?

Novice I: Father here is a letter from Fr. Peter Canisius

Fr. Francis Borgia:  So you are Stanislaus. Welcome my son. Fr. Peter has already told me about you. If God has really inspired you my son no one can come your way. Come let us pray to god that there may not be trouble. You will be a novice from today.

Stanislaus: thank you father thank you lord

Fr. Francis Borgia:  Bro. George go get a dress for him. Come one put it on him.

Fr. Francis Borgia:  Stanislaus will live with us and be one of us take care of him

Stanislaus: tell me something about our life

Novices and Choir:   We are all the Jesuits the sons of Ignatius

                        We serve the lord and serve the church with all our minds and hearts.

If we ever feel discouraged we pray and thus we proceed.

God is always there to take care of our every need

Cho: We keep marching on

           For the Greater Glory of the Lord

           And in the Lord we always trust

           In Him we trust, In Him we delight

           And we do our best, yes we do our best

We must serve the lord with joy and cheer

People in our presence must feel that god is near

In times of temptations you must never fear

From the lowly we must try to wipe every tear

Stanislaus: that sounds great. I hope with the grace of God I can make it. Help me to grow in this way of life.

Garden Scene

Narrator: Stanislaus began to do all his works cheerfully. He would do even ordinary things in an extra-ordinary way. This brought about a lot of admiration from his friends.

Bro. George: Stanislaus how come you are so cheerful when you work everyday.

Stanislaus: Brothers in whatever work I do, I do it for The Greater Glory of God and this give me immense happiness. Come brothers let us work together

Narrator : But the lord had a different plan for Stanislaus, after a few months in the novitiate he fell seriously ill. Perhaps the lord wanted such holy man in heaven.

Fr. Peter Canisius: Stanislaus how are you feeling? Your fever seems to be very high. I hope the lord will heal you.

Stanislaus: father I feel the lord is calling me to him. I feel my time is near.

Fr. Peter Canisius: I do not know what you say and what to say. But just may the will of God be done.

Stanislaus: Father I feel my time is near. Please let me down on the floor. I want to die lying on the floor.

Fr. Peter Canisius: I will call the brothers and pray for you.

Fr. Peter Cannisius and Novices put Stanislaus down and recite “Our Father”

Narrator : The sickness grew worse. All the attempts of the doctors did not bear fruit. His companions gathered round him.  (Finally on the 15th of August god took this holy young man to his abode).

(play the Song nearer my God)

(Fr. Peter and a novice appear on the stage)

Bro. Mark: Father so sad that Stanislaus left us so early. Is he a saint?

Fr. Peter Canisius: It is for the Pope to decide. He is the holiest novice I have ever seen.  Great determination, great courage. You see he had opposition from the parents to become a Jesuit. That did not stop him. He had to walk from Vienna to Augsburg 200 kilometers on foot. He said yes. Then once again another 500 kilometers to Rome. He undertook even that journey once again on foot. Once you are determined then you have no problem such are the people we require today, determined to do God’s will. Such people can make a difference.

Narrator: it is said a bunch of determined spirits can make a difference to the humanity. Stanislaus did not have the chance to serve the humanity but his life and his determination became an inspiration for many. So, let us also try to be determined like Stanislaus in spite of difficulties to do God’s will. Be an inspiration in the life of others.

(Concluding song sings by all)

All:      Sometimes in life there are difficulties we face

At time there may be some very tough days

It is in such moments you trust in God’s ways

And He will give you the grace

Trust in God and do his will

Surrender to him and you be still

All dreams He will one day fulfill

Only you say “Lord do your will”.  X2

Yes there will be trials as we live our life

But never get discouraged in such strife

Just do your best, and in God you rest

He will guard you in every quest.

THE END