A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP FELIX TOPPO, S.J.
My
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
First of all I pray for the blessings of
Almighty God for the New Year on all the priests, religious and laity of the
Diocese of Jamshedpur Diocese.
I would like to draw your attention that
on December 18, 2013 the Diocese called for a meeting cum Christmas
get-together for the Priests and Religious, the Heads of the Institutions and
the Superiors of religious communities of the Diocese of Jamshedpur. The main
theme was “Pastoral Collaboration” and other two related themes were “Small
Christian Communities” and “Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct, Sexual
Harassment and Sexual Abuse” (Guidelines by the CBCI 2012). The first topic was
presented by Fr. C.R. Prabhu and the other two topics, by me. All three topics
were presented by power-point. At the end Fr. Mike T. Raj, S.J. facilitated the
discussion and helped to draw some resolutions to be realized in the year 2014.
Presenting the theme - Pastoral
Collaboration - Fr. C.R. Prabhu said that the concept of partnership,
collaboration, team-work and net-working is in fact the Biblical concept of
Covenant between Yahweh and his people in the Old Testament, the collaborative
leadership of Jesus in the New Testament and the communitarian life and mission
of the Christians in the early Church. Keeping in mind our mission of
proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, we, as the disciples
of Jesus, need to work in partnership and collaboration.
Fr. Prabhu also spoke inspiringly about
the role and mission of the Religious in the Church, especially in the field of
pioneering missionary movements in the Church and bringing the Good News to the
unknown, unreachable people and territories. The religious have played an
excellent role in building up the local Church and local Clergy. He said that
the Religious are a gift of God to the Church. He also mentioned that the
Bishop has a serious obligation in preserving and promoting Religious Life in
the diocese; in promoting respect, love, unity and harmony among the diocesan
priests and the Religious men and women.
Fr. C.R. Prabhu also emphatically said
that the mission of the Church was our common heritage, common obligation and
common responsibility and also for furthering the objectives and goals of the
mission. All our priests and Religious, men and women, in our diocese need to
work together in collaboration, partnership and in harmony.
My Dear brothers and sisters, Small
Christian Communities (SCCs) are “little Church cells wherein the mystery is
lived directly and with great simplicity”. Our God is a Trinitarian God –
Father, Son and Holy Spirit – three persons, but one in nature. In the process
of creation God shares the Trinitarian life with humankind. Therefore we are
relational in nature. SCCs are an excellent means to promote relationship among
people in their neighbourhood. The Son of God, with his twelve Apostles formed
a small community. The Apostles listened to Jesus, the Eternal Word, and grew
in his ways. The community became a school of faith and a loving family. After
Pentecost, the Apostles spread out and formed similar Christ-centred
communities in different places. Thus the Church grew in grace, strength and
number. The Church of Christ, therefore, evolved from such Christ-centred,
Gospel based, outward-oriented small communities of the first century, as can
be seen from the “Acts of the Apostles”.
In SCCs the Christians “come together
for prayer, Scripture reading, catechesis and discussion on human and ecclesial
problems with a view to a common commitment. These communities are a sign of
vitality within the Church, an instrument of formation and evangelization, and
a solid starting point for a new society based on a civilization of love” (Redemptoris Missio no.51). In SCCs the
Word of God becomes the centre of the community. By reading and reflecting they
begin to understand the immense love of God offered to them in sacraments.
Sharing, proclaiming and praying the Word of God builds up the human and divine
relationship. Thus they are led to proclaim and witness Jesus Christ.
The presentation of the “Policy
Regarding sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sexual abuse” dealt with the
policy statement, definition of the terms, redress committee and code of
conduct for everyone in the Church related institutions.
Fr. Mike T. Raj led discussion at the
end and helped to draw concrete action plans for implementing them in near
future. These are:
1.
The
parish priest will call an urgent meeting of all priests and the Religious
within his parish and will discuss these issues and plans various ministries
within the parish.
2.
Every
parish will organize “Small Christian Communities” within the parish. Parish
will arrange for a training program for all the parish leaders on this SCC/BCC.
3.
Priest
and Religious will visit families. Different communities of Sisters will be
assigned to visit different areas regularly and to pray in the families.
4.
Every
convent should set aside as full time parish pastoral Sister. The big and
well-off Congregations would take care of that Sister as their contribution to
the Church’s ministry. Those who cannot, the diocese would take care of their
remuneration.
Please consider it mandatory to execute
the action plans presented above. Let us collaborate with one another to build
up the Kingdom of God and to evangelize people who are waiting to listen to the
Good News. May the Lord bless our effort!
I once again wish you God’s Blessings
and my Best Wishes for you in the New Year.
Your
Servant and Friend,
+Felix
Toppo, S.J.
Jamshedpur Diocesan official website: “www.jamshedpurdiocese.org” is at your service to give you the basic
information about the diocese and its mission. It is launched on 25th
of December, 2013 but most of the pages are under construction which will be
completed as the eeliest possible. You are requested to give you suggestions to
improve it according to our need. Thanks!
THE GOLDEN JUBILEE
OF DSWC, GOVINDPUR IS INAUGURATED
Damien Social Welfare Centre,
Dhanbad begins to wonder its 50 long years of successful journey in serving the
least in the society namely lepers. The two days inaugural ceremony and
celebration began on 6th of December, 2013 at Nirmala Hospital,
Govindpur. Rev. Fr. Michael Lurdu Samy the Chief Guest and Bishop Felix Toppo,
S.J. was of the inaugural function. Fr. Bipin Pani, the Director of the DSWC
introduced and welcomed the honourable guests as well as to all the people who
came from different colonies and neighboring villages to participate in the
programmes.
During these two days various
programmes were conducted in order to count the God’s blessing. The children
from Nirmala School staged the beautiful entertainments for all the guests. It
was also an occasion to give away the prizes to all the outstanding students of
the school.
TIME FOR
CELEBRATION: KUMARDHUBI
The Annual Parents’ Day 2013 was held on
the 14th of December, and it was a great success. Children put up
colorful – rhythmic dances & meaningful dramas. Rev. Fr. Victor Misquith, S.J. Director of De
Nobili Schools was the Chief Guest. A good number of parents turned up
for the show and the audience included many Principals, Vice Principals,
Sisters and other dignitaries.
The programme concluded with the drama
“THE FOURTH WISE MAN” by Henry Van Dyke, which unfurled the Christmas message “We
must serve man to serve GOD”.
The Children’s Day was also celebrated
with great pomp & show. Children and
Teachers gave instant performance, making the programme even more attractive.
Amidst all fun & laughter the Loyola
family has had to bear much grief. Last month we lost two of our family
members, Mr. Kevin Peters (Asst. Teacher) and Suresh Bouri (maintenance Staff)
. We pray that their souls rest in peace. (Rita Sen)
MOSABONI PARISH
FEAST CELEBRATION
On Sunday, 01th
December, St. Barbara Church, Mosaboni, celebrated the Parish Feast. The
celebrations began with the solemnly Holy Eucharist. Bishop
Felix Toppo, S.J. was the chief celebrant who was given a traditional welcome
by the parishioners. A large crowd participated in the Eucharist
celebration. Excellent singing during the liturgy helped the faithful to pray
with great devotions.
The
joy was doubled as 18 boys and girls received the Sacrament of Confirmation. All the faithful prayed and wished the children the
very best in their faith journey. After the Holy Mass everyone was given tea
and snacks. Congratulations to Frs. Edward Saldanah, Cornelius Tigga and
Sisters at Mosaboni!
BOYS’ HOSTEL
CHANDIL CELEBRATED ITS SILVER JUBILEE
15th December, 2013 was a joyful
day for the hostelrs and the people of Chandil area as they recalled the 25
years of the existence of the Boys’ Hostel which has given shelter to many
young boys who came to study in Holy Cross School, Chawka. Presence of Bishop
Felix Toppo, S.J. along with other priests at this function was a great
encouragement for the boys and their parents. The program began thanking the
Lord for his numerous blessing through a beautiful liturgy. With the
presentation of the brief history of Chandil Mission and Boys’ Hostel they were
refreshed the purpose of the hostel.
After the Mass Golden Jubilee
Scholarship were distributed to some of the poor children to help them in their
studies. Bishop was offered a big ‘Khassi’as a Jubilee gift. At the end of the
program everyone shared the fellowship meal.
BALARAMPUR
CELEBRATES XAVIER’S DAY
On 3rd December, Fr. Jerome
Pereira called for Deanery gathering at Balarampur. To his big surprise,
everyone arrived, including Fr. George from Bhilaipahari. The Sacred Heart Sisters
at Balarmpur were a perfect host. St. Xavier’s School, which is up to 5th
Standard, had its Annual Parents day on 17th. Fr. Augustine Topno,
the Principal of St. Xavier’s, Purulia was the Chief Guest. Huge crowd watched
the beautiful stage-display with rapt attention. St. Anice the headmistress
expects a record number of admissions in coming months.
RAJAPAROM
IS ALIVE AGAIN!
Rajaparom village of CKP parish
organized special First Communion Day for its Children. 25 boys and girls well
prepared by Sr. Magdali and Bro. Mukesh of CKP for the day. Fr. C. R. Prabhu
was the main celebrant of this Mass. After the Mass, Fr. Prabhu blessed the
beautiful Grotto in honour of our Lady. This Grotto was built by the people of
Rajaparom. Congratulations to Fr. Richard Miranda for his leadership in
organizing these beautiful events.
ST.
XAVIER ‘S, CKP, HOLDS GREAT CELEBRATIONS ON 3RD DECEMBER
Fr. Vernon D’Souza organized a beautiful
Mass in the recently constructed Administrative Block for over 200 Catholic
Students of his School. Fr. C. R. Prabhu was the Chief Guest of the day. After the Mass, a common breakfast was served
to the Staff and Parent’s representatives. The entire students with their
parents/Guardians witnessed three and half hour long a colorful variety entertainment
programme. The programmes were so entertaining that the parish priest, Fr.
Richard Miranda to the surprise of everyone, sat through the entire programme.
Fr. Eugene Ekka gave away awards to the contractors and builders of the
Administrative Block. Congratulations to Fr. Vernon D’Souza and his competent
staff on organizing such a beautiful day!
SEASON
OF CHRISTMAS MILANS
During the month of December, one can
see Santa Claus everywhere. He is being
propped up by commercial and market interests. Almost all the schools and
Institutions- Christians and non-Christians alike hold special celebrations in
honour of our Lord Jesus. Every parish in this city organized renewal
programmes during Advent. The biggest attractions are the Christmas Cribs in all
our parishes. On Dec. 25, literally thousands of non-Christians throng to see
the cribs like Durga Pujua Panadlals, and pay obeisance to Lord Jesus. The
Christmas Milans have become the fashion of the day, at least during this
Season.
PASTORAL
COLABORATION IN THE DIOCESE OF JAMSHEDPUR
The Bishop called for a special meeting of
all priests, Heads of Institutions and Superiors of Religious Communities on 18th
December to reflect on Pastoral Collaboration in the diocese. Over 110 priests
and Religious responded to Bishop’s call and held a 3-hr long dialogue on
various issues. Prior to the discussion, there were 3 Inputs, namely on Small
Christian Communities, on CBCI guidelines on Sexual Misconduct and on Pastoral
Collaboration. The Discussion session was chaired by the Jesuit Provincial, Fr.
Michael Thanaraj SJ. It was a
brain–storming session to plan for coming years. Being the Christmas season and end of the
year, the Bishop thanked all priests and Sisters for the wonderful work that they are doing in/the diocese and assured them of his
blessings. He gave each one a Christmas Gift and with singing of a few Carols
and a sumptuous meal, the day was concluded. The minutes of the meeting are
being sent out to all parishes and Communities, hoping that a concrete action
plan will be drawn up at the parish level.
MICHAEL
DEOGAM OF BURIGORA ORDAINED A DEACON
Bishop Felix Toppo SJ ordained
Seminarian Michael Deogam a Deacon on December 18th during a
beautiful Liturgy in the Cathedral Church. A number of people from
Kolhan-Porhat came all the way for this Ordination. Over 20 priests
participated in this religious function. Congratulations to Deacon Michael and
his family. Soon after he becomes a Deacon, Bishop assigns him to Maluka Parish
for his diaconate ministry.
CHRISTMAS
MILAN IN JAMSHEDPUR
All churches of Jamshedpur under the
banner of “Christians of Jamshedpur” organized a very special Christmas Milan
on Sunday 22nd December at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre. Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ was the Chief Guest.
Fr. Michael Thanaraj, SJ, Provincial of Jesuits gave an inspiring message on
the occasion. Mr. Indwar Secretary of GEL
Church also gave a message extending Greetings to all Faiths of Good will. The
Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee led the gathering through a beautiful
“Kirtan” greeted all Christians on that occasion while the Muslim Community
presented the theme of Forgiveness through “Skit”. St. Joseph’s School
presented a beautiful welcome dance, Mr. Saban Barla welcomed the gathering and
the Mahila Sangh presented a welcome Song. Mr. Peter Bonnerjee presented
the vote of thanks. Congratulations to
all our lay-leaders for organizing this function.
ANNUAL PARENT’S
DAY AT ST. FRANCIS DE SALE SCHOOL, SARAIKELA
21st December, 2013 at St.
Francis de Sale School was a memorable day of this academic year for the
students and teachers as they celebrated the annual parent’s day. On the joyous
occation Deputy Commissioner of Saraikela-Kharswan Mr. Kripanand Jha was the
chief guest and Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the guest of honor. The excellent
cultural programmes staged the by students of the school were the wonder for their
own parents who came to witness the evening. The discipline and systematic flow
of the programmes on the stage showed that the value of management the school
is cultivating in the students. Frs. Walter Crasta and Edwin Coelho too were
present to enjoy the programmes. Congratutions to Fr. Shiju Mangalath and his
staff and students.
Fr. GYAN WISHES
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
Dear Bishop,
Thank you very much for
your email of Christmas wishes.
I had an Oblate priest from
Ottawa to help me for Christmas. I led the service in three places and was
glad to see quite many young people who came with their parents or grandparents
(at least once a year) for Christmas celebration.
As our priests are growing old
and going into retirement, the archbishop has asked us to train 3-4 lay people
from each parish, who could lead the Sunday liturgy of the Word, in
the absence of a priest. I hosted the English Zone training session for this
purpose recently at St. Aloysius. There were 44 participants and I shared with
them how our village catechists in Jamshedpur run
the Sunday Girja in our village chapels. That was helpful. I
wish you a very happy Christmas and a bright New Year.
Wishing you the Merry Christmas and the upcoming New
Year to you I feel very Happy to extend the Love and Peace of God to you. The
Christmas preparation and the celebration went on very well in snow and cold.
The Churches are usually packed during the Christmas time. We had good participation
in the Church despite of the freezing cold and snow. Before the Christmas, I
visited Fr. Cyril place and stayed one night to celebrate his Jubilee Mass in
his parish. There were about 22 priests who concelebrated the Jubilee Mass followed by
sumptuous meal. I have been enjoying the pastoral ministries in the parish,
offering Masses, visiting nursing homes for administering the sacraments and
also being chaplain to the Bishop Dwenger High school students. I do not depend
on anyone for the ride I take a car by myself to attend any sick
calls or emergency. The parishioners are happy and co-operative, inviting me
for any kind of celebration at their homes. Fr. Mark Gurterner is the pastor of
Our Lady of Good Hope he is very close to Bishop Rhodes. He is mostly busy with
his Judicial work of the Diocese, since he is the only alone canonist looking after
the judiciary works. (Fr. Gyan Prakash)
HEALTH
BULLETIN
Fr. C.R. Prabhu loses his
voice: After directing a 6-day retreat to 40 Salesians of Don Bosco of Kolkata
Province Fr. Prabhu came back from Kolkata using mostly the sign language. The
Doctors have strictly advised him not to use his voice for some days. He
grounded himself for sometime but as his sugar is beyond control he is admitted
at Mercy Hospital, Baridih.
Fr. James
Quadros
was admitted in Brahmananda Hospital, Mango, Jamshedpur, to be operated the
stone in his abdomen. He was earlier admitted in Mercy Hospital, Baridih, due
to the same urinal infections. His operation was successful and he is on his
mission at Khuntpani Shrine.
On
6th December, 2013, Fr. Manu Horo,
was admitted in St. John’s Hospital,
Bangalore for his check as he suffered continuous blackout. He was accompanied by
Fr. Cornelius Tigga. After he was diagnosed with occipital lobe epilepsy
complex partial seizures with secondary generalization, he came back to
Jamshedpur on 21st December.
HEARTY
CONDOLENCE TO FRS. PRADEEP AND DILEEP MARANDI
Frs. Pradeep and Dileep Marandi lost his father
Mr. Ruplal Marandi (Catechist) on 25th
December, 2013 due to high blood pressure and stroke. He was 71 years old.
Hearing the news Pradeep and Dileep rushed to Dowadanr to give the last tribute
to his father. At this difficult moment let us remember them and their family
in our prayer. May his soul rest in peace!
Funeral mass and burial took place in
Tetulia village on the following day. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the main
celebrant. Besides Frs. Pradeep and Dileep Marandi and seven other priests
concelebrated with the bishop. A big number of people, children and
non-Christian were present for the last rites.
BIRTHDAY (JANUARY)
Date
|
Name
|
02
|
Gerald M. D’Souza
|
11
|
Raju Felix Crasta
|
21
|
Selva Raj
|
21
|
Walter Crasta
|
28
|
Gyan Prakash Topno
|
The Call to the priesthood… Can you hear it?
The Diocese of Jamshedpur and Society of
Jesus, Jamshedpur province have programs such as vocation seminar and meetings
for prospective candidates for priesthood. Contact to the Vocation Offices for
more informations at:
Fr. Linus Kindo
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, Chaibas P.O.
W. Sighbhum-833201
Phone No.: 09546721569
