NEWS LETTER – AUGUST, 2011
St. Anthony’s Parish, Maubhandar
On 3rd July, 2011 Rev. Fr. Deo Shay Minj, CMF, took over as the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church, Maubhandar. Rev. Fr. David installed him to the office. Rev. Fr. Regional Superior, Fr. Agustus, the previous Parish Priest and other Priests and Sisters were present to witness the ceremony and wish him well.
Amar Jyothi, Mango
On 3rd July, the Clergy and Religious of the Jamshedpur Deanery gathered at Amar Jyothi Convent to share the joy of the Congregation’s Feast, Feast of Sacred Heart, which was on the 1st July. They prayed with the Sisters and wished them. The Sisters in turn thanked one and all for joining them. The celebration came to an end with the sumptuous meal.
Inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations:
On 10th July, 2011, the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Diocese of Jamshedpur were formally inaugurated in each parish and mission station of the Diocese. Most Rev. Feli
x Toppo, SJ, by lighting the lamp formally inaugurated the celebrations at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. A large number of people were present for the inauguration, as there was only one Mass in the Parish. During the Homily, Bishop, spoke about the varied ways in which God takes care of the human family and about the blessings which he bestows on each one of us. So, he said the jubilee year is a special time to celebrate and thank God for the innumerable graces and blessings we have received, and also make reparations for the time we have faltered. This process would rejuvenate the life and mission.
Rev. Fr. C.R. Prabhu, Vicar General of the Diocese, was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass and the inaugural celebrations conducted at the Sacred Heart Church, Adra. The well prepared liturgy and the enthusiasm showed the parishioners’ zeal to celebrate the event. The 3 hour long celebration ended with a common breakfast, at 10 am.
Rev. Fr. David Vincent was the main celebrant of the concelebrated Holy Eucharist at St. Barbara Church, Mosaboni. The Holy Mass was celebrated at the open space with a specially prepared altar.
Rev. Fr. James Quadros was the main celebrant at the inaugural celebrations of St. Mary’s Church, Bistupur. A large number of faithful were gathered for the celebrations. St. Mary’s being the first Church in the city; the parishioners took great pride in the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee and have planned many renewal programmes for the parish community.
The inaugural celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese took place one week in advance at St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia. The inauguration here was on 3rd July, 2011. Rev. Fr. C.R. Prabhu was the main celebrant of the inaugural Mass.
On 12th July, 1962, Pope John XXIII, through a Papal Bull “Sicut Bona Mater”, established the new Diocese of Jamshedpur. The Pope nominated Lawrence Trevor Picachy, SJ, former Rector of St. Xavier’s Calcutta, as the first Bishop of Jamshedpur with 10,000 Catholics under his care. On 9th September, 1962, Lawrence T. Picachy, SJ, was consecrated the first Bishop of Jamshedpur, before an assembly of some 1700 people, including many non-Christian leaders of the City of Jamshedpur. Most Rev. J.R. Knox (later, Cardinal of Melbourne), the Apostolic Nuncio for India, was the chief consecrator along with Archbishop Pius Kerketta of Ranchi and Bishop Augustine Wildermuth of Patna.
The humble beginning of the Diocese has grown in many and different ways and has reached the present state; with over 65,000 Catholics in 33 parishes, to whom 65 Diocesan Priests, 105 Religious Priests above 315 Religious Sisters and many Religious Brothers are rendering their service in many and various ways. Therefore it is the time to thank God for his abundant blessings and care and also to set our priorities right. It is the time for renewal and reorientation. Let us therefore come together to celebrate the event in a most meaningful manner.
Memorial Mass
On 14th July, 2011, the Diocese fondly remembered and paid homage and respect to its beloved Emeritus Bishop Joseph Rodericks, SJ, on his first death anniversary. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, was the main celebrant of the concelebrated Holy Eucharist, which took place at. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, where Bishop Joseph is buried. More than 35 Priests were present for the Holy Eucharist. Fr. C.R. Prabhu preached a good homily mentioning the great works that are accomplished by the late Bishop and reminded the congregation that we owe much to him.
Feast of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, Telco:
The feast of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, the founders of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, was celebrated on 15th July, 2011. The celebrations began with the solemn concelebrated Eucharist, which was presided over by Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, at Little Flower Auditorium. Bishop in his homily said that at every era God call men and women for various forms of service to the humanity. The response which Bl. Anne Marie Jovouhey gave is an inspiring one and we too are called to imitate her, in which she imitated Christ’s love for humanity. The Clergy, Religious and faithful were invited for the Holy Eucharist and thereafter for a lunch at the Telco Club.
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
On 16th July the Sisters of Apostolic Carmel celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The celebration began with the Solemn Eucharist. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, presided over the concelebrated Holy Mass. A good number of faithful and the Catholic students with their parents were present for the Holy Mass. On the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, to share the joy and happiness with sisters at the infirmary, the rest of the Sisters of Sacred Heart Community hosted a fellowship meal on 16th July for the Clergy and Religious of Jamshedpur Deanery. On 17th July, the Sisters at Sonary Community too hosted a fellowship meal for the same group. Since it was Sunday, the participation was greater.
St. Joseph’s Community College
18th July 2011 was bright and sunny day. Joy and happiness was seen on the faces of the students who went about doing their assigned work. The mood was one of celebrations; yes it was the day of the inauguration of the new building of St. Joseph’s Community College at Mango and the convocation of the second batch students. It was another important day, which would be written in golden letters, in the history of St. Joseph’s Community College and in the history of the Diocese.
Most Rev. Dr. Felix Toppo, SJ, Bishop of Jamshedpur, was the chief guest. Rev. Fr. C.R. Prabu, VG, Rev. Fr. Anand Toppo, ofm cap, Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church Kutkudungri, Fr. S. Xavier Alphonse. SJ, Director,Indian Centre for Research and Development of Community Education, and his team from Chennai, College Board members, Governing body members, Fathers, Sisters, Provincial of the PDDM Sisters and her team, benefactors, staffs, students, parents, friends and well-wishers were present for the function. Rev. Fr. Michael Thanaraj. S.J Provincial of Jamshedpur Province, who was supposed to inaugurate the New College building, could not make it as he fell sick.
At 10 a.m. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, was brought to the venue with the beat of drums and steps of tribal dance. The beautiful and meaningful celebration began with the entrance song and with a short introduction. Thanks to Rev. Fr. Anand Toppo, Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri, and his Parish Council members, Parish Youth and the parishioners who took care of the celebration of Holy Eucharist, it its details.
After the Holy Mass Rev. Fr. Joseph Surin, SJ, who represented Rev. Fr. Michael Thanaraj, SJ, the Provincial of Jamshedpur Jesuit Province, inaugurated the building by cutting the ribbon. Thereafter Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ, said the prayers and blessed the New College building; after which he unveiled the new statue of St. Joseph. Rev. Sr. Kanikai Mary, Provincial of the PDDM Sisters, unveiled the plaque.
After the inauguration and blessing there was a small cultural programme to felicitate the guests. The programme started with the prayer dance by the 3rd batch students of SJCC. Then Rev. Fr. C. R. Prabu welcomed each and every one present for the function. Rev.Fr. Michael Raj welcomed the chief guest and other special guests, Architect & Engineer, and Contractor with floral bouquets. He then invited the Bishop and Fr. Xavier Alphonse to the dais and honoured them with shawl. Bishop then honoured the Architect & Engineer Mr. Suman and Mr. T.S. Avon the Contractor with a shawl each. Bishop Felix Toppo then spoke words of encouragement and of appreciation for the work done by Fr. Michael Raj for the students of the Community College.
25 students who have successfully completed their training were awarded with the diploma and certificate of completion, by the guest of honour Rev. Fr. S. Xavier Alphonse. S.J. Miss Anu Kansari was elected as the best student of the year and was crowned by Ms. Mary Katrina the best student of the previous year. Rev. Fr. S. Xavier Alphonse, SJ, then highlighted the activities of the Community Colleges all over the country and all that is being done for the students who cannot afford normal studies, and how Community Colleges are bringing all the students irrespective of their cast or status into the main stream.
Fr. Michael the proposed the vote of thanks and thanked everyone without fail and also Manos Unidas, the agency that sponsored this whole project, and all those who in small and big way, have contributed for the new building of St. Joseph’s Community College at Mango. The programme was made lively with dances and yoga demo spaced in-between the talks. All were then invited for the fellowship meal. The function came to an end at around 2 p.m.
Youth Animators Meeting
CRI Meeting
St. Anne Sisters, Parsudih
Taldanga
The First Term Examinations were held between 4th and 12th July. Everything went off smoothly and all are seems to be relaxed. However, once again the students and teachers are busy in preparing for a grand celebration of Loyola Day. Later we will tell in detail about it. (Rita Sen)
JDV Jamshedpur Association Rocks…
Greetings from Pune! I am keeping well. Studies are going on very well. Lot of things to study, reflect, compose and write. I have just finished one course on Philosophy of Science and have started another course on Indian Philosophy.
Then here the week ends are very interesting. I am involved in youth ministry. I also go for preaching and spiritual ministry around the house. So far I preached three recollections. Thus week ends are becoming busier and useful.
The JDV Jamshedpur Association is in full swing. Last month we had Jamshedpurian Fellowship meal on a fine evening. It was more of welcome and introduction session. Scholastic Vincent arranged all this and it was very well done. Frs. Paul Fernandes, Alex, Karuveilil, Francis and Me were very much present. On 17th July, we had a Jamshedpurian fellowship mass. This included the sisters who were working in Jamshedpur. Sisters from OLP and Sacred Heart congregations were present. I was the main celebrant and during the Mass we commemorated Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Diocese, Death Anniversary of Bp. Joseph R. Rodericks, SJ, and also celebrated the birth day of Fr. Francis Ezhakunnel S.J, the moderator of PG block. This was followed by a small tea party…. Nothing more…. With love, Fr. Raju Felix.
Divya Bharati
On 7th July, 2011, there was a meeting of the Chaibasa Deanery at Divya Bharati Pastoral Centre, under the able leadership of Rev. Fr. Edwin Coelho. 13 Priests, 10 Religious Sisters and 16 Lay Persons participated in the meeting and planned out programmes, (as part of the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese), for the Deanery till December 2011. Some of these programmes will be conducted in Divya Bharati Pastoral Centre itself. The Training programme of Catechists and Lay Leaders began on 12th July, 2011. Br. Bene Kichingia, our veteran missionary handled the first day sessions in the absence of George, and Sr. Michael Xess, OSU, the Superior of the Carmel School, Chakradharpur Community, handled the training sessions on the 13th. The Ho Hymn Workshop group met on 13th July, for giving a final touch to the newly composed hymns, which will be added to the next edition of the Ho Hymnal.
We hope many more Parishes will take interest in the Laity Formation and send their Catechists and Lay Leaders for the training programmes in view of the Golden Jubilee of Jamshedpur Diocese .(Fr. George Anthony, SJ).
AN APPEAL
Focusing on the year of “YOUTH”, we make a request to all the principals of the Catholic Schools of the City, to encourage and send their Catholic students to Upasana for a day or two, for retreats and recollections – both in English and in Hindi.
We also make an appeal to the PARISH PRIESTS of Jamshedpur Deanery, to guide the Catholic laity in organizing retreats, recollections, or a day of reflections on various issues and concerns, using the facilities available at Upasana. One such retreat is scheduled for the month of December, 14 to 16, 2011, for the Hindi speaking Catholic laity. The Parish Priests are requested to note the dates and guide the parishioners to avail themselves of this opportunity. (Fr. C. Gautam, SJ)
Fr. Sijo,
ReplyDeletethank you very much for uploading the news
it is very much enriching to read the news of the diocese when one is away. wish you all the best.