Monday, January 28, 2013

FEBRUARY, 2013

BISHOP’S LENTEN MESSAGE 2013

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and ends just before Holy Thursday. Then follow the Triduum of solemn liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil. With Easter Sunday we begin the Easter Season which ends with Pentecost. But we can truly say that the period from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost is actually the paschal (Passover) season. The Triduum comes between the 40 days of Lent and the 50 days of Easter. The entire season has a unity founded on the Easter Vigil and manifested in the preparation during Lent and the continuing celebration of resurrection of Christ.
The Lent: Lent is a time of intense preparation for celebrating Easter mysteries: passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior. The Church has suggested three practices during the lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Prayer includes Eucharistic celebration, scripture reading and meditating, way of the cross, daily prayers, reciting rosaries, etc. It also calls for inner conversion and growing deeper in union with God. It means to seek God in everything. It means to be detached from honor, glory, ambition, money possessions, etc. It also means to be humble before God.
Lent also invites us to be charitable to others. There are so many needy, hungry, sick, suffering, oppressed and suppressed people around us. We need to lend our helping hand to them to bring love and consolation to them.
Lastly we need to fast. By fasting we experience hunger, the physical need, but at he same time we become masters of our own body and self. We can join our little suffering for with the suffering of Jesus our Savior.
The Passion Sunday: On this day we commemorate the Entry of Christ into Jerusalem. The disciples were happy to see the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, but for Jesus the passion began today. We too enter into the passion of Jesus with great love and faith.
The Triduum: On Holy Thursday we commemorate the washing of feet of the apostles and the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus. On this day we have the reading from the Gospel according to St. John which does not mention about the institution of the Eucharist. In its place St. John puts the washing of the feet by Jesus. In fact the washing of the feet and the Eucharist have essentially the same meaning. They are both expressions of Jesus’ self-giving. The Eucharist expresses his self-giving through the breaking of the bread (his body) and pouring of the wine (his blood). The washing of the feet also expresses his self-giving through the act of loving service. We Catholics rightly believe in the real presence of the resurrected Lord in the consecrated bread and wine. The Vat. II emphasizes that the real presence of Christ during the Eucharistic celebration is in the presider, the Scriptures and the worshiping community. Our respect for the Bread and Wine must overflow in respect for the Scripture being proclaimed and for the presider and the congregation with whom we worship.
Good Friday: On this day we commemorate the terrible mental and physical suffering and ignominious death of Jesus our Lord. This is the case why do we call it “good” Friday. We call it good because it revealed once for all the unfathomable love Jesus has for us. This great love for us made Jesus to embrace such a horrible death to liberate us from eternal damnation. As we meditate on Jesus’ terrible suffering, let us also ponder his tremendous love. Indeed there is such suffering in the Passion of Jesus: the agony in the garden, the repeated insults, the repeated merciless beatings, the inhuman scourging, the crowing of thorns, the carrying of the heavy cross to Calvary, the pounding of the nails in the flesh, the experience of hunger and thirst, the hanging on the cross for three hours, etc. All his sufferings were motivated by love. This love of Jesus should inspire us to change our attitudes and outlooks. This love also should lead us to unshakable faith in Jesus Christ. It should dispose us to accept the cross we receive in life.
The cross of Jesus teaches us many lessons: We do not have to be free of pain to be victorious; we have to be faithful during the pain. We do not have to be powerful to be triumphant; we have to be loving. We do not have to have all the answers to be wise; we have to trust in God, the fountain of all wisdom.
The Resurrection: Jesus really rose from the dead. The disciples found this new reality difficult to accept. We must understand that they were spiritually and psychologically struck down by the events of the passion and death of the cross of our Lord Jesus. They found it hard to forgive themselves for abandoning him during his passion. They even found difficult to recognize Jesus. So much so that Jesus had to perform specific familiar actions to show the disciples that he was indeed Jesus. There are many incidents: he called the name “Mary” and she recognized him; he cooked fish for the disciples and ate with them; he broke bread with the two disciples of Emmaus; he forgave Peter three times on the shore of the lake; etc. He appeared out of no where, seemed to be in more than one place at once and passed effortlessly through the thick walls and locked doors.  
During Easter we not only celebrate the resurrection of Jesus of Lord, but we also celebrate our own resurrection that has already begun in each one of us when we took baptism. The resurrection is not only the past event, but also the future event. This is the Easter promise! This is the Easter joy! That is why we say or sing – Alleluia.
Passover is a mystery repeatedly told and enacted every year. It tells the mankind that the Lord has seen the oppression of the people and has set about leading them to safety; to freedom and peace. He liberates us from death caused by sin and leads us to the fullness of Life. During Easter time, we gratefully and joyfully celebrate God’s love and mercy. We also try to live our life of resurrection.
   +Felix Toppo, S.J.
                                                                                              Bishop of Jamshedpur

DIOCESAN CURIA, GOLMURI: BISHOP’S APPOINTMENTS
Council/Senate of Priests: The following priests are appointed as the members of the COUNCIL/ SENATE OF PRIESTS for a period of five years with effect from February 01, 2013:
A. EX OFFICIO MEMEBRRS



1
Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J., Bishop
11
Fr. Walter Crasta

2
Fr. C.R. Prabhu, Vicar General
12
Fr. Camille Hembrom

3
Fr. Eugene Ekka, Diocesan Treasurer
13
Fr. Vijay Bhat

B. ELECTED MEMBERS
14
Fr. Halan Bodra

4
Fr. Bipin Pani
15
Fr. Joseph Surin, S.J.

5
Fr. David Vincent
C. NOMINATED MEMBERS

6
Fr. Augustine Ezhukunnel, S.J.
16
Fr. Michael Thanaraj, SJ.

T
Fr. Amatus Kujur
17
Fr. Dev Sahay Minj, CMF

8
Fr. Edwin Coelho
18
Fr. Hilary Lobo, SJ.

9
Fr. George Anthony, S.J.
19
Fr. Anand Toppo, OFM Cap.

10
Fr. Richard Miranda
20
Fr. John Crasta


Diocesan College Of Consultors: From the Senate of Priests I have selected and appointed the following members as the DIOCESAN COLLEGE OF CONSULTORS. The appointment will be effective from February 1, 2013.
1
Fr. C.R. Prabhu
2
Fr. Eugene Ekka
3
Fr. Michael Thanaraj, S.J.
4
Fr. Bipin Pani
5
Fr. Walter Crasta
6
Fr. Richard Miranda
7
Fr. Edwin Coelho
8
Fr. Amatus Kujur
9
Fr. Camille Hembrom
10
Fr. Halan Bodra

KUMADUBI, TALDANGA: WELCOME - 2013
Christmas! A festival that excites the young and the old. Mistletoes, Christmas Tree, Cakes, Family & friends coming together is only a part of it. The greater part is in understanding the real meaning of Christmas. The Loyolians put up a beautiful skit relating to the theme of Christmas along with the nativity scene. Santa came and doubled the joy.

The teachers had a get-together after school. Gifts were exchanged between Christmas friends followed by lunch. Each one returned home with a smile.

As scheduled school re-opened on 3rd Jan, 2013 and the ISC - ICSE MOCK began on 4th. The weather being too cold timings were changed but according to the DC’s orders class had to be suspended from 10th to 12th.  However, the MOCK exams were conducted.

Now the exams are over and the students of class X & XII will be shown their answer scripts on 21st & 23rd.

Picnic was arranged for Classes I to V on separate days in the school ground. Students came with cricket bats, rackets and home made food. They spent the whole day out enjoying themselves. The class teachers remained with them. The best part of it was sitting together, sharing and eating. (Rita Sen)

BASAHATU: PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF DEACON SANTOSH MELGANDI
Rev. Fr. Sushil Jojo, the Parish Priest and his associate priests Sushil Ekka, Stanislaus Kujur, Ranjit Bilung, SRA Sisters, Amda, Teachers and students, youth and parishioners of Basahatu Parish organized a beautiful historical Priestly Ordination of Deacon Santosh Melgandi. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., Bishop of Jamshedpur Diocese ministered the Priestly Ordination on 4th January 2013 at 9.00 a.m. in St. Xavier's School Premise in Basahatu Parish in the presence of a large crowd of people and religious from all the parishes of Chaibasa Deanery and around 40 priests from Jamshedpur Diocese, Orissa, Delhi and Jalpaiguri witnessed this Priestly Ordination in the history of Basahatu Parish.

This holy event has surely impressed and encouraged the children and youth of Basahatu Parish and round, the Vocation for the religious life. In the Year of Faith, this event was a public expression of faith of the place. At the same time it has left a great impact on people to listen and respond the vocation for religious life.

The Ordination ceremony was coloured by varieties of liturgical dances and meaningful singing in Ho and Hindi during the Holy Eucharist.  A beautiful cultural programme was presented after the Mass to congratulate and wish new life to Newly Ordained priest, and give honour to Bishop, priests, religious and faithful for inspiring and guiding Fr. Santosh Melgandi in the discernment of his priestly vocation.

At the end of the programme, Fr. Sushil Jojo, the Parish Priest gave vote of thanks and welcomed all people to share the joy with delicious meal.

Well done! Congrats! Parish Priest, Fathers, SRA Sisters and parishioners of Basahatu Parish!

BURIGORA
Medical camp conducted by St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bhilaipahari on 20th January, 2013 at St. Michael’s Church campus, Burigora was one of the important events of the month in the mission activities. Nearly 120 people from various villages profited from this opportunity.

On the same evening an important meeting was held for all the Mundas and Mankis of the area. At this meeting the participants came into conclusion that there will be Blood Donation Camp and the registration of migrating members of the area so that they may be able to profit the various grants offered by the government. At the end of meeting they all shared a fellowship meal.

MORNIG STAR, KOLKATTA
Bro. Manoj Tigga, one of our seminarians writes his beautiful experiences after attending the “Emmanuel Youth Retreat” along with his 25 companions at Potta, Divine Retreat Centre. He says, “I was blessed to have attended this retreat from Dec. 23-28, 2012. It was a period of grace for me where I could discern and discover how Jesus, my friend has been good to me in all through my thick and thin. Approximately two hours of Eucharistic adoration everyday made me deeply realize the power of the Word of God, God’s grace and His work. I witnessed people getting healed who were humble and open to the Spirit. I also experienced mercy of God and forgave my sister. I thought of, not what I want but what God wants. I surrendered myself in the hands of the Lord...

I sincerely thank Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. and Fr. C.R. Prabhu for their kind permission and generosity”.                                                                  (Bro. Manjo Tigga, II Year Theo.)

GOLMURI: ST. JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL
It was a day of showers of God’s blessings for St. Mark’s Church Toklo, as the area leaders of St. Joseph’s Cathedral Golmuri, shared the joy of Picnic with the hostel children of Toklo, on 20th January, 2013. It gave the Church area leaders a great satisfaction, as they could share with those poor children some sweets, various articles for Mass and decorations. They also handed over a small sum of money to Fr. Jondoko Kandyang to provide some pencils and exercise books for the children.

The children and representatives of Toklo parish welcomed and showed their gratitude to the area leaders with beautiful action songs. It was really enjoyed by them all.

TOKLO
With the arrival of new Bolero in Toklo parish pastoral plan has been changed. Fr. Jondoko Kandyang, parish priest of Toklo, thanked the diocesan curia for providing the needed help for the mission work of the place. He said, that it will be a great help for us to go around to the different far away villages of the parish and speed up the pastoral work. We wish him the very best!


KUTHKUDUNGRI: ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH

Confirmation: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. God in his goodness blessed the faithful of St. Anthony’s Church Mango that they had triple celebration on three consecutive days.
First of all, there was the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation for seventeen candidates which was presided over by his grace Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J. The bishop encouraged and challenged the faithful to profess and witness Christ through their very life.
New School Bus: There was the blessing of our new school bus by Rev. Fr. Anand Toppo, OFM Cap. the principal of the school. Finally, our joy was enhanced when our new school bus made its maiden.
School Picnic: Journey to Chandil our picnic spot. We all thank God from the bottom of our heart for the abundance of blessing and success in our ministries. 
                                (Fr. Anand Toppo, OFM Cap.)

MALUKA
The Parish feast of Maluka, Conversion of St. Paul was solemnly celebrated on 25th January, 2013. The joy was doubled as 17 boys and girls received the Sacrament of Confirmation and 18 boys and girls received the First Holy Communion. A large crowd participated the Eucharist celebration presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. The cultural programme increased the joy of recipient of the Sacraments. Fathers and Sisters from neighbouring parishes and convents joined to celebrate the feast.

On the previous day of the Parish feast, St. Paul’s School Maluka hoisted its annual sports day which was witnessed by a large number of people. On this special occasion Mr. Sunny Sinku, the social worker of the area was the chief guest and Fr. C.R. Prabhu was the guest of honor who appreciated the beautiful performance of the students and encouraged them to work hard in student life.

TEPASAI
St. John De Britto Church Tepasai, rejoiced as 56 boys and girls received only the Sacrament of Confirmation, 16 boys and girls received First communion and Confirmation and 18 children received only the First Communion. A large number of faithful gathered on this happy occasion and prayed and congratulated to all who received the Sacraments. The whole liturgy was very devotional with melodious singing and prayerful atmosphere. As we are in the year of faith it was an occasion to express our faith and be strengthened. We thank and congratulate the Parish Priest Fr. Bernard Bodra, S.J. and group for providing this opportunity for the faithful of Tepasai parish.

SERAIKELA: FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
MSFS at Sini and Seraikela celebrated the feast of their founder St. Francis De Sales on 24th January, 2013. On this occasion the MSFS community at Seraikela invited the near by religious communities to share their joy with Bara Khana (fellowship meal) on 27th January, 2013. Fr. Shijumon, MSFS, superior of the community welcomed all the guests and introduced his community members as well as the DSFS Sisters to them. After Fr. Shijumon had finished his words of welcome Sr. Litty, DSFS, the Vice-Principal of St. Francis De Sales School, took control over the mike and presented the missionary zeal of St. Francis De Sales. Fr. C.R. Prabhu thanked for their presence in the diocese and congratulated them for all that they have done. He then blessed the food and opened the bar for the guest to enjoy.

RIP NEWS
Mr. Vimalan, nephew of Fr. David Vincent, died of road accident on 18th January, 2013. He was 32 years old. Receiving the sad news Fr. David rushed to his family to be with them in this critical moment. We wish him a hearty condolence and pray for the repose of the departed soul of his nephew.

ADDMISSION FOR NURSING SCHOOLS
Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing: Diploma in Genereal Nursing & Midwifery. Applications are invited for admission to GNM course. Prescribed application form with prospectus can be obtained from the Principal’s office from 10th April-31st May 2013 on payment of Rs. 500/- (Application form Rs. 300/- and MIBE Entrance test fee Rs. 200/-) by cash/M.O. If M.O. Postal Charges Rs. 10/- extra.


Eligibility:     1) Unmarried Female.
2) Age between 18-21 years
3) Passed 10+2/ equivalent with minimum 40% marks. (Only Science)

Last date for submission of application 31st May, 2013.
MIBE Common Entrance Test at Ranchi on 1st or 2nd July, 2013.
Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing, Telco Town, Jamshedpur-831 004. Ph. No.: 0657 2286168/0657 2282735
(Sr. Heleena, JMJ, Principal)

Kurji Holy Family Hospital, Patan:This is to inform you that we are starting Basic B.Sc. Nursing Course (4 years) from July 1, 2013. Applications are available for the Basic B.Sc. Nursing and Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing (2 years after GNM) Courses from March 1, 2013 to May 15, 2013. Applications for ANM Course (2 years) will be available from April 1, 2013 to May 30, 2013 in the School Office.

Eligibility
1)     GNM Pass for the Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Course.
2)     +2 or its equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English subjects having minimum of 50% aggregate marks for Basic B.Sc Nursing Course.
3)     +2 in any subject for ANM Course.
Note
·        Applications for the Basic B.Sc. Nursing and Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Courses are available from March 1, 2013 to May 15, 2013 from College Office (8.30 am - 4.00 pm) and website.
·        The cost of each application and prospectus is Rs. 500/-.
·        In case the application is taken from the website, send Rs. 500 by cash or D.D. drawn in favour of KHFHS College of Nursing, payable at Patliputra Branch, Patna with the filled up application.
·        Applications for the ANM course are available at school office from April 1,
2013 to May 30,2013
·        The cost of each application is Rs.250.

Office Phone: (0612) 2274727
(Administrator, Kurji Holy Family Hospital)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: FEBRUARY

09
Johny Vithayathil
14
Alex Dodrai

20
Augustine Kullu

21
Vernon D’Souza

22
Camille Hembrom

23
Cyprian Lobo

25
Junas Purty


The Call to the priesthood… Can you hear it?

The Diocese of Jamshedpur and Society of Jesus, Jamshedpur province has programs such as vocation seminar and meetings for prospective candidates for priesthood. Contact to the Vocation Offices for more informations at following address:
Diocese of Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur Jesuit Province
The Vocation Promoter
Bishop’s House
P.O. Golmuri
Jamshedpur-831003
Jharkhand
Phone No.: (0657) 2318130/09572752429

Fr. Somy Mathew, S.J.
Inigo Niwas, Candidate House
St. Xavier’s High School
P.B. No. 10, Chaibasa P.O.
W. Sighbhum-833201
Phone No.: 09546721569