February, 2015

 NEW APPOINTMENTS BY RT. REV. FELIX TOPPO, S.J.

Fr. David Vincent	Vicar General, Bishop’s House, Golmuri
Fr. Gyan Prakash Topno	Asst. Parish Priest, Guadalupe Church, Telco
Fr. Pascal Minj	Sub-Minister, Bishop’s House, Golmuri

LENTEN MESSAGE-2015

My dear Brothers and Sisters,

This year we begin the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday on February 18. On this day ashes are blessed and imposed upon the heads of the faithful as a sign of penitence and mortality. Lent is a time when the Church calls its children to conversion and transformation. Lent reflects Christ’s forty days prayer and fasting in the desert prior to his public ministry. It is a time of prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for the great feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ following his passion and death. “‘Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures’ (1Cor15:3). Our salvation flows from God’s initiative of love for us, because ‘he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins’(1 Jn 4:10). In fact ‘God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself’ (2 Cor 5:19)’”(CCC 619-820).

During the Lent we need to Focus on Spirituality. After celebrating the mystery of incarnation of our Jesus Christ, now we prepare ourselves to celebrate the great mysteries of his death and resurrection. Should we not reflect and meditate deeply on God’s immense love and mercy which are being manifested through these mysteries? Should we not examine ourselves and be aware of our great sinfulness, our stubborn rebelliousness? After these should we not make confessions and humbly seek pardon and penance for our sins and offences against God and neighbours? Yes, we should these! Besides, we need to attend Mass more often and with greater devotion. We need to read, meditate and pray the Word of God. Lectio divina, that is, reading the scripture passage slowly, meditatively and prayerfully is a good way of praying the scripture. Lenten Mass readings are excellent Biblical passages to be read and reflected daily. Let us attend the Holy Eucharist more frequently and devotionally as it is the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins.  Finally, we need to honour Our Lady by reciting Rosary privately and in groups.

Let us also partake in the Lenten traditional practices. Fasting and almsgiving have been long standing traditional Lenten practices in the Church. Let us abstain from meat on Fridays. All the Catholics from age 18 to 59 are expected to fast on Ash Wednesday and all the Lenten Fridays. Fasting on these days consists of only one full meal. The fasting should be done voluntary, willingly and joyfully and as an obligation. Individual and communal almsgiving needs to be practiced during the lent. We need to give up our bad habits and build up the good ones.

In keeping with the theme of the Message of World Day of Peace 2015 of His Holiness, Pope Francis, I invite all of you during the Lenten Season to focus your attention on eradicating slavery. Slavery brings murderous blow to the fundamental brotherhood, and so to peace as well. Peace can exist only when each human being recognizes every other person as a brother or sister with the same dignity. There are many abominable forms of slavery persist in today’s world: human trafficking, trade in migrants and prostitutes, exploitation, slave labour, and the enslavement of women and children. Pope Francis invites us to recognize the phenomenon of slavery in its various forms. He says we should not become accomplishes to this evil and not turn away from the sufferings of our brothers and sisters, our fellow human beings, who are deprived of their freedom and dignity. Instead, we need to have the courage to touch the suffering flesh of Christ, revealed in the faces of those countless persons whom he calls ‘the least of these my brethren’ (Mt 25:40,45)(cf. World Day of Peace 2015, No.6).

Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us prepare ourselves spiritually during the Lent so that we can fruitfully participate in the great mysteries of Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

                                                                                                            +Felix Toppo, S.J.

                                                                                                            Bishop of Jamshedpur

ST. ANGELA HOSPITAL, CHANDMARI

The Golden Jubilee celebration in Religious life of Sr. Jesy John, OSU was held at St. Angela Hospital campus, Chandmari on On 3^rd January,2015. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the well arranged concelebrated Eucharist. The hymns, tribal dances by the nurses of the hospital accompanied by various musical instruments made the liturgy lively and prayerful. A large number of parishioners, relatives of Sr. Jessy, OSU, personnel of hospital campus and Ursuline sisters from various communities participated in Jubilee celebrations. Bishop in his homily explained the meaning of religious life with a reference to the year of consecrated life.

A variety entertainment proprameme was staged by the students nurses to felicitate Sr. Jessy. The entire programme was concluded by happy  meal.

SILVER JUBILEE, 25 YEARS IN RELIGIOUS LIFE

St. Ann’s daughters in Chaibasa celebrated Silver of Sr. Anita Flora Minj on 13^th January, 2015 at St. Xavier’s Girls Inter College Campus Chaibasa.

Fr. Halan Bodra, Parish Priest and Dean of Chaibasa presided over the concelebrated Eucharist with a large number of students, teachers relatives and the parishioners of Chaibasa. The traditional dances with the drumb beat added colour to the liturgical celebration and made it more lively and meaningful.

A cultural programme was organized by the students of Inter College to felicitate Sr. Anita DSA. The Middle School and High School students and teachers too joined in the cultural programme.

Students while felicitating Sr. Flora, said that her availability sociability, joyfulness and kindness towards the students, is a great inspiration to them.

JHARKHAND-ANDAMANS HAS A SEPARATE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF BISHOPS

With the last meeting of BIJHAN in Patna on 26-27 November 2014, the official bifurcation of

the Region was effected to create two separate Regions of BIHAR and of JHARKHAN-DANDAMANS.

The first meeting of the Jharkhand-Andamans Bishop’s Regional Council was held at Archbishop’s House Ranchi under the Chairmanship of Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Ranchi on 19-12-2014. At the Meeting the Following Office bearers:

Office-bearers of the Jharkhand-Andamans Regional Council

Chairman: Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo SJ

Secretary: Rt. Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

Deputy Secretary: Fr. John Crasta

I Offices Corresponding to Those of the CBCI

Education& Culture Chairman: Rt. Rev. Vincent Barwa -

Justice Peace and Development Chairman: Rt. Rev. Gabriel Kujur

Catechetics Chairman: Rt. Rev. Jojo Anand

Canon Law Chairman: Rt. Rev. Binay Kandulna

Labour Chairman: Rt. Rev. Julius Marandi Secretary: Fr. Christopher Hembrom

Social Communication Chairman: Rt. Rev. Paul Lakra Secretary: Fr. Cyprian Kullu

Health Chairman: Rt. Rev. Telesphore Bilung Secretary: Sr. Stella Kispota D.S.A

Committee for tribal affairs Chairman: Rt. Rev. Vincent Barwa

II Offices Corresponding to Those of the Ccbi

 1. Commission for Bible and Proclamation: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas-

 Secretary: Fr. David Xalxo

 2. Commission for Catechetics: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Jojo Anand

 3. Commission for Canon Law& other Legislative Texts: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Binay Kandulna

 Secretary: Fr. Theodore Toppo

 4. Commission for Ecumenism: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Telesphore Bilung Secretary: Fr. James

 Dung Dung SM

 5. Commission for Family: Chairman: Rt Rev. Julius Marandi Secretary: Fr. Luis Joseph

 6. Commission for Laity& SCC: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Julius Marandi

 7. Commission for Liturgy: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Vincent Barwa

 8. Commission for Theology and Doctrine: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo Secretary:

 Fr. Francis Minj

 9. Commission for Vocation, Seminary, Clergy & Religious: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo

 Secretary: Fr. John Crasta

 10. Commission for Women: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Binay Kandulna

 Secretary: Daphne Sequeira

 11. Commission for Youth: Chairman: Rt. Rev. Paul Lakra

 12. Prison Ministry: In Charge: Rt. Rev. Jojo Anand.

Jharkhand-Andamans has a separate regional Council of Bishops.

A NEW GROTO AT GOLILKERA

Perhaps it was one of the deepest desires of the parishioners of Prabhu Marsal Church Goilkera to have a grotto in the parish premise. Finally it has been achieved by Fr. Michael Jojo. Inauguration and blessing of the Grotto took place on the feast day celebration of the Parish. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated and blessed the newly built beautiful Grotto on 11^th January, 2015 in the presence of the parishioners.

As it was the Parish feast a large number of faithful came to participate in the Holy Mass and the celebrations. A concelebrated Holy Mass began soon after the blessing of New Grotto by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. The whole liturgy was devotional and meaningful coloured with beautiful singing and traditional dances. After the Holy Mass different villages and units of the parish presented a short cultural program to entertain the parish family and to honour the Bishop. At the end of the program all had the family meal together. Congratulations to everyone of Prabhu Marsal Church, Goilkera!

JISU MARSAL CHURCH, CHANDIL

One day SCC Leadership Seminar was organised by Parish Priest Fr. Raphael Motiero at Jesu Marsal, Church Chandil for the leaders of 9 mandalies of Chandil parish on 25th Jan, 2015 in the parish multipurpose hall. 75 leaders of the parish actively took part animated by Sr. Michael OSU and Fr Cyril, S.J. Thank you Fr. Raphael Montiero and all the best to all the SCC leaders.

ST. XAVIER’S SCHOOL, PURULIA

The month of December began with a crisp, yet crunchy celebration in paying our homage to the patron of our school, ST. Francis Xavier, on the 3^rd of this month. The day began with all the staff members attending the Holy Mass concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Vijay Bhatt, Fr. Eugene Ekka and Fr. Edward, followed by a well ornamented cultural programme for all the students as well. Garlanding the statue of St. Francis Xavier, prayer songs and dances, classical dances, distribution of certificates for General Proficiency as well as Cent Percent Attendance were some of the highlights of the day. To engrave the day with special moments, a furious tug-of-war was also held between the teachers and the students, where the teachers ferociously asserted their might and power over the latter. Thanks to our principal, Fr. Eugene, for his whole-hearted support and co-operation for such a lovely celebration.

INAUGURATION OF ST. ANTHONY ACADEMY, POKHARI

14^th of January 2015 was a red letter day for St. Anthony Academy, Pokhari, when the school building was blessed and inaugurated by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo S.J. in the presence of Rev. Fr. Remish Ekka, Capuchin Provincial, in the midst of a number of priests, religious, parents, students and guests from near and far.

Soon after the blessing and the inaugural ceremony of school there were number of cultural items performed by the youth of St. Anthony church, sisters from Ashirvad-SCJM candidates, Amar Jyoti-SSH candidates and by the students of St. Anthony Academy itself.

On this auspicious occasion various speakers like; Rt. Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, Rev. Fr. Provincial, Fr. Anand Toppo and Fr. Prem james stressed the importance of education and its vital role in creating a peaceful and happy community of brotherhood and sisterhood in this ultra - modern age. They also appealed to the teachers and the facilitators to equipped themselves with the latest knowledge and create a suitable atmosphere for the total growth of every student.

The ceremony ended with the colourful dance like; Bhangra, Bharatnatyam, Grva, Nagpuri, bollyhood and, Hip – Hop, requesting nearly 2000 people present in the gathering to help create a happy, civilized and peaceful community. (St. Anthony Academy, Pokhari, Post Bhilaipahari, PS MGM College, Jamshedpur 831012, Cell No.9430731688/943114981)

SACRED HEART SCHOOL, ADRA

Sacred Heart School, Adra celebrated its 50 years anniversary on 17^th January, 2015. It was a memorable day in the history of Sacred Heart School, Adra. For the continuous showers of God’s blessings there was thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration at 8:00 am presided over by bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. and concelebrated by many priests who came to join the Golden Jubilee celebration.

It was also the Annual Prize Night. The winners of the various events and good performers in studies as well as in various activities, were honoured on this great occasion. A variety entertainment programme was staged by the students. Mr. Arvind Mittal, Divl. Railway Manager, Adra was the chief guest and Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the guest of honour. Various speakers of the event appreciated and congratulated the good and hard work of the management, staff and students of the school.

DEATH ANNIVERSAY OF FR. JOHN DEENEY, S.J.

People of Chaibasa remembered late Fr. Jonh Denney, S.J. who worked althrough his life for the betterment of the people and their culture. A special Holy Mass was offered for late Fr. John Denney, S.J. on 18^th January, 2015 at St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. and concelebrated by few priest of the area. A larger number of faithful participated in the Holy Mass and prayed for the repose of his soul.

GROUND BREAKING AT CKP AND KARAIKELA

Ground breaking ceremony for a convent in St. Xavier’s English School campus, CKP and a presbytery in nearby Karaikela was done on 15^th January, 2015. On this important occasion Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., Frs. Edwin Coelho, Richard Mirand, Vernon D’Souza and few people were present. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. pronounced the words of blessing for the success work and the mission. Police officer of Karaikela police station Mr. Bigga Tirkey broke the coconut and then digging the ground, inaugurated the construction work. The principal of St. Xavier’s School, CKP informed the public that in the beginning of next academic year Sisters will arrive to help out in the school.

ST.MARY, S ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

We began the month organizing different activities in the school along with studies. As a part of the curriculum the school had arranged picnic for the students. Thanks to Fr. David Vincent for his support and encouragement to go beyond the text books and allowing the children to enjoy among themselves. Junior wing had conducted a mini sports day for the children like memory games, cake walk, shopping with mother etc. It was a grant success everyone enjoyed it. The GRADUATION NITE has all the charm and grace of a curtain closing after a good play well performed. It was an occasion marked by both triumph and sadness. The sweet joy of accomplishment and the sadness that comes from having to say good bye to their beloved school. The messages of the dignitaries were thought provoking and students were enlightened.   There were rousing performances in the form of choreography by the students of standard X1 .Choral singing from the augmented school choir. Fr. David Vincent, Principal led the graduates through a meaningful oath taking ceremony. The grand finale was a moving scene as this batch of proud ST, Marians, the class of STD X11 trooped out with measured steps to take up the challenges of life in the high world out there. Principal’s address sparkled with his inimitable brilliance. The graduation ceremony was a fitting finale of an eventful year. Tribute to our mother land –A day to remember the sacrifice and selfless service to all those who liberated India. Republc day was celebrated with patriotic fervor. The tri—colour was hoisted by our chief guest Dr. Kailash Dubey (TMH).The days programme had colour, pride, joy and celebration of a free country and patriotism filled the air. All the members of the staff eagerly await the staff picnic every year .As soon as the New Year begins; the staff gets ready and plan for the annual picnic, which is a day of fun, setting aside all the work. Each and every staff member be it the teaching, non-teaching or the helpers contribute to the fun. There were   Fun filled games organised where each and every one took part. The fellowship was great. May God keep us united always.

DIVYA BHARATI PASTORAL CENTRE, CHAIBASA

All the Parish Priests are requested to send their Catechists and lay leaders to Divya Bharati Pastoral Centre, Chaibasa for three days renewal and preparation for the Lenten ministry in parishes and villages.

Ø  Arrival: 10^th February, 2015 by 4.00 p m

Ø  Departure: 13^th February, 2015 after lunch

Ø  Registration Fee Rs. 100/- only

Kindly confirm your participation by February 8^th, 2015. (Fr. Cyril Tigga, S.J., Director: Divya Bharati, Chaibasa)

(N.B.: Ish-Vachan Moti-Mala Year A, B&C, a book on Sunday homily available for the catechists in very cheap price)

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 from 12-17 April, 2015 at Pratiksha (Seminary), Jamshedpur. 10^th & +2 pass boys please contact to the Vocation Offices for more information at following address:

The Vocation Promoter

Bishop’s House

P.O. Golmuri

Jamshedpur-831003

Jharkhand

Phone No.: 09572752429

The Vocation Promoter (S.J.)

Inigo Niwas, Candidate House

St. Xavier’s High School

P.B. No. 10, Chaibasa P.O.

W. Sighbhum-833201

Phone No.: 9798736320/09546721569

BIRTHDAY (February)

09	Johny Vithayathil
14	Alex Dodrai
20	Augustine Kullu
21	Vernon D’Souza
22	Camille Hembrom
23	Cyprian Lobo
25	Junas Purty