KUWAIT
Director of Catechism in Northern Arabia Fr Nelson Lobo recently released his book ‘The Laughing Couples’ in the Holy Family Co-cathedral, Kuwait City.
The book was released by Bishop Aldo Berardi O.SS.T on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Fr Lobo. The bishop also wrote the foreword to the book.
This is the second edition of this book. The first edition of ‘The Laughing Couples’ released in 2008 was published by the Family Service Centre of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. It was given to those who attended the marriage course in Goa. The second edition is also published with the same intention of giving it to the gonna-be couples during the marriage course.
The second edition of his book though maintains the previous matter has gone through a total remake: new thoughts, new jokes, new reflections and new way of looking at the stories of love birds.
Fr Lobo said the new edition of 210 pages, published by Holy Family Co-cathedral is designed to incorporate the modern trends in publication.
“An ancient biblical proverb says, “A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Prov 17:22),” remarked Fr Lobo.
“Describing the role of humour in the life of a married woman, John A. Schindler in his book ‘Woman’s Guide to Better Living’ writes, “A sense of humour is a diversion: it is a quick release from the hot asphalt that is blistering your feet: it is a scurrying out through the barbed wire fencing you are in, into the fields and the woods at the side, to catch a breath of air, a sight of flowers, the song of birds, and the golden smell of pine”.”
“One doctor known for his witty remarks noted that if you can’t take a joke, then you’d have to take medicine. Couples who can laugh at themselves and their mistakes cultivate joy and resilience, while those who can't may struggle with negativity and stress. Not only is humour fun; it also benefits our minds and bodies.”
Fr Lobo added that Stanford University psychiatrist Dr William Fry Jr., did extensive research on the physiological benefits of laughter and has found that humour plays an active role in maintaining a healthy heart.
“Fry says, “Excessive fearful thoughts, built-up anger, and tension put tremendous pressure on the heart. Whereas, laughter readily relieves stress and promotes a positive perspective. This joyful spirit breeds hope and leads to healing and wellbeing.”
Unlike the first edition, this book is divided into five sections: PART I (Romantic Birds), PART II (Wedding Birds), PART III (Family Birds), PART IV (Tension Birds) and PART V (Retired Birds).
“In essence, these sections try to capture the journey of the married couples from the beginning of their relationship till the sunset years of their married life. Like the previous edition, it is replete with jokes, stories and quotes,” said Fr Lobo.
“The matter from the first edition is still preserved, but expanded and elaborated. As of now, the book is available only in the Holy family co-cathedral.”
This is the seventh book from the pen of the author, his previous books being ‘The Laughing Couples’ - 1st Edition (2008), ‘The Laughing Couples with Laughing Kids’ (2009), ‘Secrets of Love Discovered’ (2009), ‘The Laughing Church’ (2013), ‘Tracing our Brother's Footsteps (2013)’, and ‘Baby! They Want - We Don't’ (2013).
Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap hails from Santo Estevam and soon after his high school, joined the religious order of the Capuchins. He was ordained in 2004.
He completed his Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree in Panaji and an MSc degree in Environmental Sciences. He passed his exams with highest honours (Summa Cum Laude) in Bio-Ethics (Moral Theology) at Rome.
He has previously served at the St Anthony’s Boarding School (Guirim), Our Lady of Gloria Church in (Varca), Padre Pio Chapel (Navelim) and Shanti Niwas (Cuncolim).
He came to Arabian Peninsula (Qatar) in 2022 and was appointed Director of Catechism & Bible Studies to help the Churches in Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He is currently based at the Holy Family Co-Cathedral in Kuwait City.
