PASTORAL LETTER TO THE FAITHFUL OF THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH
WITH ROOTS IN THE WORK OF THE SERVANT OF GOD FATHER
CONSTANT LIEVENS, APOSTLE OF CHOTANAGPUR
My dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord
Jesus,
Our Christian faith is a gift from the
Heavenly Father. To bring us the faith in Jesus, he brought to us some 150
years ago truly remarkable Belgian Jesuits. They impressed our forefathers
through their deep love and concern for us, and through their faith in Jesus
which they shared with us, God made of us what we are today, an evangelizing
community of believers in the Risen Lord.
At the same time the then Bishop of
Brugge, the diocese in Belgium where Fr Lievens was born, initiated the process
for his beatification. Rev. Fr. Omer Tanghe who was responsible for the process
of beatification was a real friend of Chotanagpur. He had often come to India and to Chotanagpur.
He was full of admiration for Lievens and had genuine appreciation for this
Church of which Fr. Lievens had laid the foundations. Unfortunately the
untimely death of Fr. Omer Tanghe slowed the process of Beatification
considerably. Yet Father Flor Jonckheere of St Albert’s Seminary did his best
to awaken among us a growing desire to make this apostle of Chotanagpur a saint
recognized by the Church. Four years ago the new Bishop of Brugge who
vigorously supports the cause of Fr Lievens has appointed Rev Bart Geryl to
head this commission for the beatification. Rev Bart has already come several
times to us and is now again present among us to complete the work to be sent
to Rome.
Why is the beatification of the Servant
of God important? Of course this declaration by the Church that he is Blessed
or Saint changes nothing to the greatness and holiness of the person of
Lievens, but it changes much for us. The community of the faithful recognizes
his holiness. He becomes a real example and model for us to imitate: a person
of whom we know he continues to love us. He will go near the Lord to intercede
for us. It is also a recognition that his work among us was truly God’s doing
and the Lord never leaves unfinished what he has set about to achieve. It was
Lievens’ dream that the whole of Chotanagpur would accept the Joy of the Gospel
in this vast India. Lievens’ dream has not yet been realized. Besides, Lievens
worked at the same time for the emancipation of the tribal people. He fought
for their rights, he made it possible for people to get back their land which
had been taken from them unjustly, he established schools for both boys and
girls. Through all these he hoped to make the tribal people free and
emancipated, ready to take their place in this vast country. He also hoped to
bring them up as authentic Christians who through their life and work would
help to bring about the Reign of God, the reign of justice, freedom and
equality for all. I believe that the Servant of God is still working for this
from his closeness to Jesus and the Father. As we are working for his
beatification, we at the same time need to grow into mature adult Christians
who help each other and who try to minimize and abolish discrimination and all
forms of corruption in our country.
In order to achieve this, parents must instill
in their children through their exemplary life true Christian piety and oneness
with the community. The Christian life in our Chotanagpur was so authentic that
from the beginning young girls and then young boys desired to work for the
spread of this Reign of Love. We remember with great joy and gratefulness among
others the Daughters of St. Anna – begun already in 1897 - and the
establishment of St. Albert’s Seminary, where local young men prepared for the
priesthood. Today every parish has their religious men and women belonging to a
variety of religious societies and their priests who are at work here in
Chotanagpur and all over India and in the world. We are very grateful for this
gift of God. Besides these generous
young men and women we look with gratitude on the deep faith and commitment of
the Lay People who truly make this Church of Chotanagpur so vibrant. They are
the fruit of Fr. Lievens’ work.
Yet we may not relent: we need to
continue the mission handed over to us to bring God’s Reign and in this our
devotion to the Servant of God Fr. Lievens may help. We need to collaborate
with the commission for the Beatification of Lievens so that they can bring
their work to a successful conclusion. As you all know the Church expects that
we make known that our prayers for favours are heard. Therefore do communicate
to your parish priest or to Father Aurel Brys, presently Vice-Postulator for
the Cause of Lievens, when you have received favours through the intercession
of Fr. Lievens or when a healing takes place so that you may hasten to bring
about the beatification of Fr. Lievens.
Our prayer for the Beatification of Fr
Lievens is of utmost importance. New prayer cards are made available for this
purpose. Also today a new booklet on the Life and Work of Father Lievens will
be released. Reading it will be a good way of becoming more familiar with the
marvellous life and work of our Fr Lievens to whom the Church and the tribal community
owe so much.
As is written on a rock near the place
in Bendora from where Father Lievens visited the whole of Barway and several
other parts of Chotanagpur: “May God be praised in Father Constant Lievens sj,
apostle of Chotanagpur.”
(Jointly
issued by the Archbishop of Ranchi and the Bishops of Gumla, Simdega, Khunti,
Jamshedpur, Daltonganj, Hazaribagh, Dumka and Port- Blair ; Rourkela,
Sambalpur; Raigarh, Jashpur, Ambikapur; Purnea; Raiganj, Bagdogra, Jalpaiguri,
,Tezpur, and Dibrugarh, in consent with
the Archbishops of Guwahati, Calcutta, Patna, Raipur and Cuttuck-Bhubaneshwar.)
1ST
ANNIVERSARY AND CONFIRMATION OF SALESIANS’ PRESENCE AT SACRED HEART CATHOLIC
ASHRAM AT ILOO-JARGO MISSION.
On 20th May 2013 was the day
Salesians of Don Bosco made their first presence in the Diocese of Jamshedpur
after long awaited request of nearly 19 years. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., handed
over the mission to SDB with a meaningful liturgy in the presence of Rev. Fr.
Shilanand Kerketta, SDB, the Vice Provincial of New Delhi Province, Rev. Fr.
John Ottaplackal parish preist of Purulia and many other Priest, Sisters, with
10 other Salesian priests, Brothers from Ranchi. Actually two sisters, Sr. Mary
Topno and Sr. Celine Baa (Disciple Sisters of Don Bosco) had their pioneering
presence since December, 2011 sent by the kind favour of Veteran Salesiaon
missionary and founder of Don Bosco Disciple Brothers/Sisters as John the
Baptist the forerunner.
The first pastoral visit on 18th
May 2014 as to mark the 1st anniversary was like sprinkling of
refreshing water on drooping and fading plants. The small Christian community
of 24 families welcomed Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J, at 10:00 am and there followed
the Holy Mass in the small existing chapel. Fr. Valerius Lakra, SDB and Fr.
Edward Dungdung SDB with Disciple Sisters had prepared 12 faithful for the
sacrament of confirmation. There were another four, joined the group from
Balarampur Catholic Ashram who were prepared by Fr. Jerome Periera and SSH
sisters. The supportive presence of Fr. John Ottaplackal and Fr. Jerome Pereira
was a big encourgament. During the service and Holy Mass Bishop gave a very
encouraging homily to the faithful of Jargo mission. The community also thanked
Fr. John the former PP and Fr. Augustine Topno for their pastoral care before
the Salesians came. With warm, friendly blessings from Good shepherd the
ceremony ended. We hope and pray that the mission will thrive in future. (Fr.
Valerius Lakra, SDB, PP)
SCB
SISTERS AT BURIGORA MISSION
In the history of St. Micheal Mission,
Burigora, Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo made their presence feel on 15th
June, 2015 to the local community and diocese of Jamshedpur, as they stepped in
with a strong team of Srs. Annie, Kanchan and Anjubala. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J.
welcomed them on their arrival and wished them a fruitful ministry in the
Burigora Mission.The Sisters will extend their ministry with priests and
catechists in evangelization and faith formation in the Burigora Mission.
86 children of the Burigora Mission received
the First Communion on the same day from Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. This was
another joy of the people of Burigora. Along with 86 children, their parents
also attended the catechism classes to strengthen their faith. All the
parishioners congratulated all the 86 children and wished them.
MISSIONARIES
OF CHARITIES AT DHANBAD
Selfless service of MC sisters continues
expanding in Dhanbad. On 6th June, 2014, during the Holy Mass,
Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed a newly built building for physically and
mentally challenged people of the area. Fr. Walter Crasta, V.G. and 10 other
priests of the diocese concelebrated the Eucharist with Bishop and graced the
occasion. On this memorable occasion Sr. Adriyana, MC, the general counselor of
the congregation was present. She inaugurated the newly built building by
cutting the colourful ribbon and opened the door for the needy people of the
town. The city D.C. Mr. Prashant Kumar in his address to the crowd, appreciated
the MC Sisters for their selfless services to the less privileged people of the
town and whole humanity at large. A generous man from Dhanbad town sponsored
the delicious fellowship meal served by Sisters.
CHAIBASA
DENEARY YOUTH CAMP AT CARMEL SCHOOL, CKP
“Your
are the light of the world” was really an awaking theme for the youth camp
organized by Fr. Sanjay Kujur and his team at Carmel School, CKP in the first
week of June, 2014. 130 youths from various parishes of Chaibasa deanery
gathered at Carmel School, Chakradharpur. During the youth camp four different
topics were discussed with the youth. 1. How a youth can live a good Christina
life. 2. Health – dealt by Sr. Mercy, OUS. 3. Career Guidance – dealt by Mr.
Rajat Manik Xalxo, DSP, Kiriburu. 4. RTI – dealt by Fr. Clement Kujur, S.J., TRTC.
The camp was inaugurated by Mrs. Indu Prabha Xalxo, CDPO, Chaibasa who inspired
and encouraged 130 young youths of the area to dream big and be a good citizen
of the country. Congratulations to the organizers Fr. Sanjay Kujur and his
team!
28TH
CONVENTION OF NORTH-EAST CATHOLIC WOMEN
Twenty eighth meeting of the North-East
Catholic Mahila Sangh, was held at St. Mary’s School, Junior Block Jamshedpur
from 6th to 8th June, 2014. 110 Catholic women from 14
dioceses participated to reflect and share their views on “Jesus the light of
the world” and “Catholic Families”. Fr. C.R. Prabhu, Vicar General of the
diocese inaugurated the three days convention by hoisting the flag and
garlanding the picture of St. Monica, the patron of the mothers. The Holy
Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. C.R. Prabhu, Fr. Camille Hembrom and Bishop
Felix Toppo, S.J. on other days respectively. The Bishop during his homily suggested
to them to say Please, Thanks and Sorry in the family.
“Your are the Light of the world” was
the first theme of the convention which was dealt by Mrs. Kiran Kujur and Mrs.
Stella Beck. “Renewal of Catholic Families” was the second theme of the
convention which was dealt by Sr. Sudha, SJT, Sr. Eamma, OUS and Miss. Sibil
Kandulna. All speakers were excellent. All the women were really inspired by
the talks. Thanks to all the organizers and congratulations for successfully
carrying out the convention!
FAREWEL
AND WELCOME AT BISHOP’S HOUSE, GOLMURI
As the tenure of Fr. C. R. Prabhu, the
vicar general came to completion, the newly elected and appointed V.G. took over
his charge from 4th June, 2014 during a short prayer service
organized in the Bishop’s Chapel. All the priests of the town gathered in the
evening to congratulate and wish him a successful leadership as the Vicar
General of the diocese. Other new comers, Frs. Edwin Coelho, (Treasurer) Dileep
Marandi (Diocesan Youth Director) and Micheal Deogam (Assitt. PP, Golmuri) also
were wholeheartedly welcomed by the Bishop.
At the same time it was the right opportunity
to thank Fr. C.R. Prabhu (Former V.G.), Fr. Eugene Ekka (Treasurer) and Fr.
Bipin Barla (Minister) for their selfless services that they rendered and to
wish them every success in the new ministries in the diocese.
A
PRIEST MISSING FROM BHAGALPUR
Fr. Joseph Cheruchilampil, a priest of the Diocese of
Bhagalpur and aged 71, is found missing since Sunday, 1st June
2014. He was residing at R. C. Bishop’s House, Bhagalpur and partially helping
out in St. John’s Regional Seminary adjacent to it. Except for being a
diabetic, he was leading a healthy life. He was always available for the
spiritual needs of the religious communities in and around Bhagalpur as well as
neighbouring parishes. During the absence of the Principal of St. Joseph’s
School, Bhagalpur, Fr. Joseph was having a brief period of stay at that place
to render spiritual help to the sisters and the faithful there.
After having celebrated
the Sunday Holy Mass on 1st June 2014, Fr. Joseph
with just a casual dress he used to wear for walking, was getting out of his
room around 11:15 a.m. and told the seminarian staying with him that
he was going out. When the seminarian asked him to have lunch, the latter
seemed to have said that he would have lunch outside and come back in the evening.
Neither the seminarian nor anyone at the gate had any suspicion over his going
out as it was his habit to go out with that dress for walk or other casual work
earlier too.
Unfortunately Fr. Joseph has not returned since
then. His mobile and money were found left in his room. Efforts at various levels
are on to trace him out but his whereabouts are still unknown till this moment.
We hope that more and more priests, religious and faithful would come to know
of his missing through your Archdiocesan/Diocesan News Letter and hopefully
someone can give us information if they have any. We also seek the prayers of
one and all for his safe and speedy return (XKurien Valiakandathil, Bishop of Bhagalpur)
PRABHU MARSAL, GOILKERA
HEARTY CONDOLENCE
Fr. Selva Raj., lost his
Mother Mrs. Philomina on 6th June, 2014 due to old age and sickness.
She was 78 years old. As Fr. Selva Raj knew the seriousness of his mother’s
sickness he rushed home to be with his family in Tamilnadu. In the presence of
all her children Mrs. Philomina passed away peacefully. May her soul rest in
peace!
PRACHARAK’S RENEWAL PROGRAM
As a part of on going formation of the pracharaks of our diocese working in
different parishes, Divya Bharati, Chaibasa is organising a renewal program for
all the Pracharaks from 5th
August, 2014, 5:00pm to 8th August, 2014, AM. All the parish priests
are requested to encourage their catechists to participate in the renewal
program.
ST.
XAVIER’S ENGLISH SCHOOL, CHAKRADHARPUR
After the month long vacation the school
re-opened on June 17/6/14 with great enthusiasm and with a motivation to work
harder for a better result. Slowly and steadily teaching and the other
activities have also been started. The students and staff of the school are now
in full energy and fully refreshed after a vacation to begin their work on
time.
As the exams begin from June 23/6/14 the
students are busy preparing for their exams and even the teachers are working
hard for the children by conducting tests and revision works in the classroom.
Even to alert the parents, regarding their child’s examination, the school is
conducting parents -teachers meeting on 21/6/14 so that the teachers convey
their message to parents about the importance of First Term Exam and the
child’s progress so far. (Snehlata)
ST.MARY,
S ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL, BISTUPUR
In order to update the teaching skills
of the teachers and also to have a
positive outlook towards life one day orientation was conducted by Fr. George
Antony from XLRI. The staff orientation programe brought home the fact that
when one works with passion, focus and positive attitude, one understands the
value of many Divine blessings in life. Hotel sonnet had organized a few
competitions from class V, VI and VII Thanks to Fr. David Vincent for providing
these opportunities for the students apart from their academic studies. For
every institution their academic performance is the touch stone. Considering
this criterion we can proudly say that despite our admission policies our
students have been consistently commendable specially std 10&12.The credit
goes to the hardworking and dedicated staff members, congrats! Especially Fr.
David Vincent. All the catholic &Christian
students(about 200) in and around the city were motivated to experience
the three-day –retreat at St.Mary,s
English High school a team from
Ranchi known as reaching soul had conducted it. The preacher impressed upon the
students the importance of having faith in God. Quoting the scripture, he
explained that we need to excersie the sense of faith in the Divine and only
faith will save us &give us hope for a better life. Genuine leaders think
not only of today but tomorrow, such leaders change the course of history. The
entire St.Mary, s family appreciates &acknowledges the hard work and the
sacrifices which he had put in, during hot summer holidays, hours he stood and
worked with the labours to complete the new class rooms in the new building
which was ready on the day when the school re-opened. Thanks to Fr. David for
his love and dedication to this institution. “To live in the hearts of those we
leave behind is not to die”. The management, staff and students of ST.Mary’s
English High school, awoke on the morning of 27th of April 2014, to
the shocking news of the sudden demise of our former Principal Fr. Gerald
Martin .A spell of gloom engulfed the school campus as the students and staff
struggled to come to terms with this great loss..A memorial prayer service was
organized on the 8th of May, for our beloved Principal. May his soul
rest in peace.
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY- JULY
13
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Eugene Ekka
|
19
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David Vincent
|
22
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Cyril Fernandes
|
24
|
John Ottaplakal
|
25
|
Jerome Pereira
James Quadros
|
26
|
Linus Kindo
|
30
|
Joy Paul K.
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