October, 2012

PASTORAL LETTER ON THE YEAR OF FAITH

To

All Priests, Religious and Laity

Diocese of Jamshedpur

ENTER THE “DOOR OF FAITH” (Acts 14:27)

              

My dear brother Priests, Religious men and women,

My dear brothers and sisters and sons and daughters in Our Lord Jesus Christ,

First of all, let us thank and praise the Lord for the Diocesan Golden Jubilee Year during which we experienced true renewal of our faith in the Trinity. Let us also thank all those persons who made the Jubilee Year spiritually successful.

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, through his Apostolic Letter “Porta Fidei”, has declared a “Year of Faith” which will begin on 11 October 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and end on 24 November 2013. We will inaugurate the “Year of Faith” in all our parishes of our Diocese on Sunday, October 14, 2012. I am giving below the salient features of “Porta Fidei” and some suggestions to celebrate meaningfully the Year of Faith.

The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us to enter into the life of communion with God in the Church. To enter that door means to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime. Through Baptism we enter into the door of faith and make a journey that lasts a life time and finally it ends with the passage through death into eternal life. To profess faith in Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is to believe in one God who is Love (cf. 1 Jn 4:8): The Father, who in the fullness of time sent his Son for our salvation; Jesus Christ, who in the mystery of his death and resurrection redeemed the world; Holy Spirit, who leads the Church across the centuries as we await the Lord’s glorious return.

We need to rediscover the journey of faith and renew our enthusiasm of encountering Christ. All of us must get out of the desert and march towards the place of life, towards friendship with the Son of God, towards the One who gives us life and life in abundance. To rediscover the journey of faith and to get out of desert we need to feed ourselves with the word of God and the bread of life. We need to know Jesus Christ profoundly, love him intimately and follow him closely to arrive definitively at salvation.

The Year of Faith is a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Saviour of the world. “Faith working through love” (Gal 5:6) becomes a new criterion of understanding and action that changes the whole of man’s life. “The love of Christ overwhelms us” (2 Cor 5:14) and impels us to evangelize. The person filled with the love of Jesus discovers the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith to others.

During this time of spiritual grace the Holy Father is calling a Synod of Bishops to intensify the reflection on faith and evangelization. It will give us an opportunity to profess our faith with renewed conviction, confidence and hope in the Risen Lord in our Cathedrals and in the churches of the whole world; in our homes and among the families. During this Year all need to find a way to a public profession of faith. It will also be a good opportunity to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist. We need to rediscover through reflection the content of the faith that is professed, celebrated, lived and prayed.

The Holy Father wishes that we understand more profoundly the content of faith and confess it. When we believe, we freely accept the whole mystery of faith, because the guarantor of its truth is God who reveals himself and allows us to know his mystery of love. Confessing our faith with lips implies public testimony and commitment. It is an act both personal and communitarian. A Christian is bound to proclaim his faith zealously and fearlessly to every person. We must remember that the profession of faith is followed by sacramental life, in which Christ is present, operative and continues to build his Church.

One thing that will be of decisive importance in this Year is retracing the history of faith, marked as it is by the unfathomable mystery of the interweaving of holiness and sin. During this time we need to gaze upon Jesus Christ, the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2) and the Blessed Virgin Mary whose faith in God led her to obey and to suffer with Jesus, the Savior. We need to contemplate on the Apostles who, deeply rooted in faith, left everything to follow their Master and after his death and resurrection fearlessly gave witness to Jesus and taught his doctrine. Similarly, we need to be inspired spiritually by innumerable martyrs and consecrated men and women who gave witness to their faith through their death and life. Similarly, by faith, across the centuries, men and women of all ages have confessed Lord Jesus in the family, in the workplace, in public life, in the exercise of the charism and ministries to which they were called. By Faith, we too live by proclaiming Lord Jesus who is present in our lives and in our history.

The Holy Father invites us to intensify the witness of charity. St. Paul reminds us: “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest is love” (1 Cor 13:13). Faith without charity bears no fruit. We need to dedicate our lives to those who are lonely, marginalized or excluded, because it is in them that the reflection of Christ’s own face is seen. Jesus says, “As you did it to the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40).

Faith commits every one of us to become a living sign of the presence of the Risen Lord in the world. The Year of Faith should make our relationship with Christ the Lord increasingly firm, since only in him is there the certitude for looking to the future and the guarantee of an authentic and lasting love.

I encourage every parish to organize programmes so that our Christians may

1. Re-discover their journey of faith through reflection and meditation on the Word of God;

2. Know Jesus Christ profoundly, to love him intimately and to follow him closely;

3. Deepen their faith and to communicate this faith enthusiastically to others;

4. Retrace the history of faith beginning from Jesus Christ to the present time;

5. Profess their faith publicly;

6. Intensify the witness of charity to the lonely, marginalized or excluded and to

7. Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church and reflect on the content of faith.

Let us entrust this time of grace to the Mother of God, proclaimed “blessed because she believed” (Lk 1:45).

  

Golmuri, September 21, 2012                                                         +Felix Toppo, S.J.

Feast of St. Mathew the Apostle                                                     Bishop of Jamshedpur

RIP: ADIEU FR. GUALBERT FURTADO (1955 – 2012)

Fr. Gualbert Furtado’s passed away on 24^th September, 2012 at 9.25 am in Mangalore in the presence of his family members and his close relatives and friends. He was suffering from lung cancer. He was one of the most gifted priests in the diocese. His bio-data will show his much contribution to the growth of the diocese:

Date of Birth                : June 16, 1955 at Mulki in Mangalore

Father’s Name             : Mr. Benjamin Furtado

Mother’s Name           : Celestine Noronha

High School Studies     : Government High School, Mulki (1968-1971)

Entered Seminary        : St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore (1971)

B.A. Studies               : Morning Star College, Barackpore

Philosophy                  : Morning Star College, Barackpore

Regency                      : St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih

Theology                     : St. Albert’s College, Ranchi

Ordained Priest           : December 22, 1982

The Places of Ministry -

1983 – 1986                : Asst. PP. and Principal, St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih

1986 – 1988                : Asst. PP. and Director, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri

1988 – 1995                : Principal, St. Mary’s English School, Bistupur

1995 – 2001                : Parish Priest, Principal, Catholic Ashram, Purulia

2001 – 2005                : Parish Priest, St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih

2005 – 2011                : Deputy Director, DSWC, Dhanbad

2011 – 2012                : Rest Leave from June 2011 till his death on 24^th September,

  2012, Mangalore.

May his soul rest in peace in heaven and intercede for us to grow to the fullness of life in the Lord!

JHINKPANI

On 5^th September 2012, St. Theresa’s Parish campus, Jhinkpani was filled with joy and happiness as 24 boys and girls received the Confirmation and 14 of them received First Communion by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. On arrival to Jhinkpani the parishioners gave the Bishop a warm welcome by their traditional dance. A big crowd participated in the Mass to pray and to wish the children the very best in their faith journey. After the Holy Mass everyone was given tea and snacks. Congratulations to Fr. Walter and Sisters at Jhinkpani!

TELCO: CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Under the guidance of Fr. Leo John D’Souza the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady was celebrated in a very unique way. Apart from a formal Novena Prayers, Sacrament of reconciliation and healing prayer service was organized for the faithful which helped the faithful to celebrate the feast more meaningfully. On 9^th September, 2012 73 girls and boys of the parish received the Sacrament of the Confirmation by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. The faithful of Our Lady of Guadalupe wishes all the children very best in their faith journey.   

GOLMURI: ST. JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL
The Feast of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated solemnly with procession and Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. along with Fr. Camille Hembrom and Fr. Simplicius Xess, O.P. in the presence of a huge number of devotees. ‘Tamil Sabha’ members took the initiative to organize this feast. They also beautified the Church by flowers and lights. At the end all were nourished with cakes and tea. This feast also was celebrated at Mercy Chapel, Baridih and Gyan Deep, Birsanagar.

On Sept. 16, on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, 22 children joined the Krus Vir during the specially offered Holy Mass by Fr. Camille Hembrom.

GOILKERA: PRABHU MARSAL

With immense joy and happiness, the Prabhu Marsal Church Goilkera, celebrated the Concluding Function of the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese on 9^th September 2012. On this joyous occasion the faithful of the Parish invited all their priests who worked with them and for them during the last one decade. Among them Frs. Tobias Kujur, Jondko Kandeyang, Junas Purty and Linus Kindo were present in the function. The day was begun with a very devotional liturgy. A big number of the faithful participated in the Concluding Jubilee Function. Fr. Linus Kindo was the main celebrant. Fr. C.R.Prabhu was the homilist who through his inspiring homily exhorted the faithful to be firm in their faith and to work hard to present Christ to those who do not know him yet.

After the Mass they entertained the invited guests with tribal dances and cultural programmes. In the name of whole parish community Fr. Micheal Jojo felicitated guests, giving them a towel each. He also felicitated the pioneering parishioners of Goilkera who contributed much for the growth of the parish. At the end of the programme all the parishioners shared the fellowship meal prepared by Catholic Sabha of Goilkera.  Congratulations to Fr. Michael, Sisters and the faithful of Goilkera!

PARSUDIH

Holy Cross Feast: Holy Cross Sisters at Pramatha Nagar celebrated their Congregation’s feast along with the priests and religious on 14^th September, 2012. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. who was the Chief Celebrant highlighted the meaning and the greatness of Cross in our life. The Holy Cross Sister renewed their vows to be ever committed in the service of the Lord Jesus. All the priests and religious present on the occasion enjoyed the breakfast served by the Sisters.  

St. Robert’s Church: With great spiritual joy and enthusiasm the parishioners of St. Robert’s Parish, Parsudih celebrated the Parish Feast on September 16, 2012 anticipating the feast of the Patron of their parish, St. Robert Bellarmine. They combined it with the Diocesan Golden Jubilee Celebration of thanksgiving. Bishop Felix Toppo, s.j. along with Fr. Nicholas Kerketta, Fr. Johny P.D., Fr. Halan Bodra, Fr. Oscar Beck, Fr. Herman Tigga offered the Holy Eucharist. The Church was full with the faithful to its capacity. There were beautiful dances welcoming the celebrants, leading the offertories and worshiping at doxology. The choir gets special credit for singing hymns with devotion which created a prayerful atmosphere. The Bishop in his sermon spoke of the mystery of God’s great love for each person and encouraged each one to march towards the Fullness of Life. This was followed by a cultural programme. Amid the singing and dancing, many persons who had make great contributions in the growth of the parish were honored with shawls. At the end there was a fellowship meal for everyone. Congratulations to Fr. Nicholas Kerketta and Fr. Johny P.D. along with parish council members and the members of the organizing committee!

COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MANGO

The Convocation of 3^rd batch of students of St. Joseph’s Community College was held on 19^th September 2012 at 6:00 pm under the roof of the new building. The hall was packed with students and the well wishers. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Guest of the function. Fr. David Vincent was the guest of honor. The students of the Community College presented a cultural programme to entertain the guests and well wishers. The students of all the three batches were given certificates. Sr. Miriam Gonsalves PDDM, the Principal of the college presented a well prepared comprehensive report of the college activities.  St. Joseph’s Community College is making a great progress. Congratulations to Fr. Michael Raj, the Director, Sr. Miriam, the staff and the students!

CHAKRADHARPUR
Responding to the invitation of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. Sr. Caroline FCC, the Provincial and her team visited CKP parish and St. Xavier English School to explore the possibilities of offering collaboration in St. Xavier English School. 

To mark the Annual Science Day, an Exhibition on Educatio (A Blend of Experience and Experiments) is to be held on 28^th and 29^th September 2012 at St. Xavier English School Chakrdharpur.

SIADIH

Blessed Mother Teresa Parish, Siadih celebrated its Feast Day on 9^th September 2012 which was combined with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Diocese. A large number of faithful participated in thanking the Lord through beautiful liturgy. Fr. C. R. Prabhu was the main celebrant. To share the joy and happiness of the day some Priests and Sisters joined the function.

CHAIBASA: DIVYA BHARATI

One Month Residential Catechetical Training Programme in Divya Bharati ended on 21^st September. 16 Catechists from Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh and Daltonganj Diocese attended and profited from the programme. Various resource persons as Jesuit Deacons Michael Fernandes, Tony John, Ignatius Dung Dung Sr. Michael Xess, OSU and Fr. Clement Kujur, s.j. empowered them imparting their knowledge. A sincere thanks to them for their generous time and assistance!

The programme ended with an “Evangelization Retreat” Programme conducted by Fr. Benoy and Team from Charismatic Centre, Hazaribagh which certainly lit the fire for Evangelization. Bp. Felix Toppo, officiated the closing devotion filled liturgy on the 21^st of September, blessed the “Teachers of Faith” and gave away the certificates to the catechists. Seeing the response, we hope to organize more of such programmes next year too.

Fr. John Mundu’s “John Deeney Centre for Ho studies” department has released the new Ho Hymnal which is available from Divya Bharati Pastoral Centre at the rate of Rs.40 each. We hope the Audio production will also take shape in the near future to facilitate people to praise God.

JISU MARSAL CHURCH, CHANDIL

All the mothers of Jisu Marsal parish, Chandil celebrated the Mother’s Day on 23^rd September, 2012. 77 mothers of the parish spent half a day in meditation and prayers. The Day was begun with the Holy Mass offered by Fr. Linus Kindo.  After the Mass they took enough time to reflect their family life and responsibilities. Thanks to Frs. Valerian Lobo, Pradeep and Sisters who are helping the mothers to realize their responsibilities.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, OMRA

To mark the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese, St. Mary’s Church Omra had a traditional patthar gari programme on 23^rd September, 2012. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. who was the chief celebrant of the day, was present to bless the memorial stone of the Golden Jubilee. The programme reached to its climax with the celebration of Holy Mass with a large number of the faithful.  Fr. Ajay Tiru the former parish priest of Omra too was present to encourage them and to pray with them.

The Jubilee celebration was not limited to patthar gari and Holy Mass but it continued with cultural progrmmes and family meal. It was really a very happy occasion for all the faithful of the parish to be together for a day. Congratulations to Fr. Junas Bhengra, Sisters and all the faithful of St. Mary’s Parish, Omra!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

October:   04 – Fr. Edwin Coelho

07 – Fr. George Mann

14 – Bipin Pani

23 – Puthumai Raj

23 – Pradeep Marandi