May 2015

OFFICIAL TRANSFERS/APPOINTMENTS/STUDIES-2015

MAY THE MONTH OF MARY

The month of May is the month that the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady. It is the occasion for a “moving tribute of faith and love that Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance” (Paul VI: Encyclical Mense Maio: On the Month of May, No. 1).

This Christian custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13^th century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianize the secular feasts that were to take place at that time. In the 16^th century, books appeared and fostered this devotion.

The practice became especially popular among the members of the Jesuit Order. The practice took hold among their students at the Roman College and a bit later it was publicly practiced in the Gesú Church in Rome. From there it spread to the whole Church.

The practice was granted a partial indulgence by Pius VII in1815 and a plenary indulgence by Pius IX in 1859. With the complete revision of indulgences in 1966 and the decreased emphasis on specific indulgences, it no longer carries an indulgence; however, it certainly falls within the category of the First General Grant of Indulgences.

This pious practice has been especially recommended by the Popes. Pius XII made frequent references to it and in his great Encyclical on the Sacred Liturgy (Mediator Dei) characterized it as one of “other exercises of piety that although not strictly belonging to the Sacred Liturgy, are nevertheless of special import and dignity, and may be considered in a certain way to be an addition to the liturgical cult: they have been approved and praised over and over again by the Apostolic See and by the Bishops” (no.182).

In his 1965 Encyclical Mense Maio, Paul VI used the Month of Mary devotion as a means of obtaining prayers for peace. He urged the faithful to make use of this practice, which is “gladdening and consoling”, and by which the Blessed Virgin Mary is honoured and the Christian people are enriched with spiritual gifts.

There are no official prayers or rites for this practice. Many churches have a daily recitation of the Rosary in public or some other prayers in honour of Mary, including the crowning of Our Lady’s statue. For private use, one can follow the format of a liturgy of the Word: entrance chant, opening prayer, Scripture reading, and brief reflection or homily, with a concluding prayer of invocation. The only necessary element in that is that Mother Mary be honoured in a special way.

Blessed Virgin Mary is our loving and caring Mother and Queen par excellence. She is definitely a powerful mediatrix between God and us. She can fulfil all our needs, because God always grants her whatever she asks. Therefore, in great love and humility we need to approach her in our needs. I encourage all the laity, men and women religious and priests of the Diocese of Jamshedpur, to venerate Our Lady in the month of May. We can beg for various favours. In particular, let us pray for two intentions: first, that the Kingdom of God may spread in the Diocese of Jamshedpur; second, that all the families of the Diocese may cultivate deep love, trust and faith in Our Lady.

+Felix Toppo, S.J.

Bishop of Jamshedpur

FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH’S OF TARBES, BISTUPUR

Sisters of St. Joseph’s of Tarbes rejoiced as they celebrated the feast of their patron saint on 9^th April, 2015. Though the feast is celebrated on 19^th March, due to the Lenten season it was postponed. All the priests and religious of the town were invited to join in the celebration. Sr. Mariam, SJT, the superior of the community welcomed the guests. To invoke God’s blessings upon the Sisters and their congregation, a hymn was sung in honour of St. Joseph. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. graced the meal prepared for the occasion. It was a great joy to share the fellowship meal served by the Sisters.

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF SR. CAMILLA, DSA PARSUDIH

“My soul glorifies the Lord my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has done great things for me”. (Lk. 1:46-47) This was the song which Sr. Camilla, DSA recited with gratitude to God Almighty on 11^th April, 2015, as she celebrated the Golden Jubilee of her religious profession at St. Ann’s Convent, Parsudih. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ. was the main celebrant of the concelebrated Solemn Eucharist. A good number of priests and religious of the town joined in thanking God through the Eucharistic celebration. Parishioners of St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih led the liturgy with beautiful singing and dancing. The celebration came to its end with a delicious fellowship meal. We congratulate Sr. Camilla, DSA and wish her God’s abundant blessings and happy and fruitful life in the years to come.  

CONFIRMATION

St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa

12^th May, 2015 was a memorable day for 78 boys and girls of St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa who received the Sacrament of Confirmation by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. On the same day 48 boys and girls received the First Communion. Holy Mass began at 7.00 a.m. with beautiful singing and entrance dance. The whole liturgy was very devotional.

After the Mass the parishioners welcomed and thanked the bishop. The Confirmation certificate was given to all the boys and girls who received the Sacrament. Congratulations to the parish priests and his team!

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri

April 19, 2015 was a grace filled day for 64 boys and girls of the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. They were sealed with the Holy Spirit when the Sacrament of Confirmation was conferred by Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. Their graceful faces speak of their joy and happiness, brave soldiers ready for fight against sin, and confess their Catholic faith as mature Catholics. There were many dedicated helping hands who taught children to know, to experience, to love and to seek the presence of Holy Spirit. Children are grateful to Fr. Camille, Sisters Jessy, Suchita, (SSH), Lily (SCN), and Miss Vinita Kandir for their guidance. Many faithful from Mercy Unit and Gyandeep Unit were there to pray for the children. Frs. Amatus Kujur, Bipin Pani, Emmanuel Horo, Dileep Marandi and Michael Deogam were present to bless the children. It was a great day for the conferred children. May Holy Spirit inspire them throughout their life. (Fr. Michael Deogam)

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad

16^th April, 2015 was a memorable day for 54 boys and girls of St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Along with Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. Fr. Amatus Kujur, the parish priest, Frs. Norbert Kindo and Fr. Soreng were present at the Altar. The Solemn Mass began at 7:00 am with beautiful entrance dance by Mahila Sangh. The Church was filled with the faithful.

After the Mass the parishioners welcomed and thanked the bishop by giving a bouquet of flowers and a shawl. The Confirmation certificate was given to all the boys and girls who received the Sacrament. At the end of the programme all shared the snacks and tea. Congratulation to Fr. Amatus Kujur, the parish priest and dean of Dhanbad deanery!

BLESSING AND INUAGURATION-ST. TERESA’S SCHOOL, JHINKPANI

St. Theresa’s School, Jhinkpani gets a complete view with the completion of 06 new class rooms and a toilet block. The blessing and inauguration of the same took place on 24^th April, 2015. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Guest who blessed and inaugurated the new class rooms by cutting the ribbon whereas DSP Mr. Kullu inaugurated the newly built toilet block.

To honour the invited guests, the staff and students of St. Theresa’s School staged a short cultural program. The well prepared program was enjoyed and appreciated by all. Congratulations to the Headmistress, staff, students and management of the school!

SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF FRS. PAULUS BODRA & VALERIUS LAKRA, SDV

Fr. Paulus Bodra celebrated his 25 years Anniversary of his priesthood on 27^th April, 2015 at St. Xavier’s mission, campus Balarampur. The place was filled with the friends and well wishers of Fr. Paulus Bodra from every corner of the diocese. The thanksgiving Eucharist began with at 10.00am which was presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. and concelebrated by many priests. On this occasion Fr. C.R. Prabhu a Golden jubillarian and Fr. Vallerius Lakra another Silver Jubillarian were present who also thanked God joining in the Eucharist.

Soon after the Holy Mass a short cultural program was put up by the Students of St. Xavier’s School, Balarampur and the guests who came from Govindpur, Dhanbad. All enjoyed the short program. Finally all present in the program shared a family meal. Congratulation dear Fr. Paulus Bodra!

VOCATION CAMP AT SUNDERNAGAR PRATIKSHA

Jointly organized vocation camp for the boys by the Diocese and Province of Jamshedpur Jesuits was held in Pratiksha seminary Sundernagar from 12-17^th April, 2015. 60 boys from the parishes of different dioceses came to participate in the vocation camp with a desire to become a priest. During these five days the boys were helped by the animators and various personnel of the Province as well as the diocese to understand the choice of life. Finally they opted either for the diocese or Province. Thanks to all the fathers who encouraged the boys to participate in the vocation camp.

DSWC GOVINDPUR

With the support of Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust (RNCT), Mumbai 3 days Mobility camp was organized by Damien Social Welfare Centre (DSWC), Dhanbad at the Nirmala Hospital campus from 11^th April to 13^th April. Parvez Ibrahimi, District Social Welfare Officer was the Chief Guest and Mr. Anand, officer from District Child Protection office was the Guest of honour on this occasion. The Chief Guest lauded the efforts of DSWC and RNCT of rehabilitating the downtrodden. Dr. S. N. Sharma from Central Hospital, Dhanbad, Dr. A. K. Takur from Patliputra medical College and Hospital, Dhanbad Dr. Adidit, and Dr Ganesh A team of five technicians from RNCT came to conduct the camp. More than 500 persons had enrolled their names. 224 persons received Hearing Aid, 78 persons were identified for Jaipur foot, 45 persons were identified for crutches and 54 persons were identified for calipers. Measurements were taken for Jaipur foot, crutches and calipers. These people will get Jaipur foot, crutches and calipers after a month.

Students of Nirmala Nursing School, a unit of DSWC have started going to Primary Health Center for practice. Indian Nursing Council has given them Govindpur and Nirsa PHC for practice.

CONGRATULATION FR. MANOJ TIGGA

Diocese of Jamshedpur is blessed with another priest, Fr. Manoj Tigga who was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on the 29^th April, 2015 at Tamra Church by Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J., Bishop of Jamshedpur.

7 priests along with some brothers and faithful from the diocese represented the diocese of Jamshedpur.  The ordination ceremony began at 07:00 am. colored with traditional tribal dances and singing. We thank God for New Priest and congratulate Fr. Manoj Tigga whole heartedly!

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GETS A NEW HEALTH COORDINATOR

Sr. Suchita, the Ursuline Provincial of Ranchi has made available the services of Sr. Loui OSU, hitherto fore working at St. Angela’s Hospital, Chandmari to Catholic Charities, Jamshedpur to be its Health Coordinator.  Sr. Loui has already joined the CCJ and has already begun her ministry in good earnest.   CCJ/SJVK offered a big welcome Sr. Loui.  We thank Sr. Suchitta for her generosity in giving us the new Health Coordinator. We also thank Sr. Aupama, SRA for her generous services during the past 6 months.

SJVK takes up   a new Challenge: At the invitation of the Deputy Commissioner of West Singhbhum, Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra is exploring the possibility of developing a New Model Panchayat in Goilkera block.  Fr. Alwin has already begun surveying that panchayat, meeting with concerned officials and thus develop a plan in collaboration with DPO and other District Officers of West Singhbhum.  Fr. Michael Jojo’s help is being sought to make these efforts successful.  In the meantime, the Government of Jharkhand is planning in a big way to develop the villages within Saranda Forest.  SJVK is trying to get involved in this development project of the Government. Catholic Charities is also trying to tap Government resources to further develop Primitive Tribes in Greater Singhbhum District.

ST. MARY'S ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL

The Orientation for the Lower KG and Std.XI (Session 2015-16) was held on the 11th of April, 2015 at the Junior Block Auditorium. The LKG parents orientation was held at 11 a.m. and the Std.XI orientation was held at 5 pm.  The Principal, Vice-Principal, Class Teachers and coordinators welcomed them to the school and explained what St. Mary's has to offer them and what we expect from the parents and students. All the new-comers were agog with excitement and eager to start in the new environment. The classes began for the LKG and Std. XI on the 15th of April, 2015.

In memory of Fr. Gerry, (as we affectionately addressed him), Fr. David Vincent, and Sr. Mariam- Vice-Principal, together with Mr.Sajjad Ahmad Khan , our Basketball Coach and all the teachers & students of the Junior Block, organized the 1st Fr. Gerald Martin D'Souza Memorial Basketball Tournament at St. Mary's English High School, Junior Block Basketball grounds. 

Fr.Gerry's favourite game was Basketball and he enthusiastically supported all the necessary infrastructure to make the St. Mary's Basketball team a force to reckon with.Therefore, the initiative taken by Fr. David to honor late Fr. Gerry was appreciated by all the Parents, teachers and students. 

We hosted 16 teams from the city schools from 23rd April to 25th April, 2015. The Chief Guest at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Basketball tournament, on the 23rd of April, was Mr.Ravi Prasad, President Tata Worker's Union. He praised the elaborate arrangements and hospitality of the host school, and encouraged all the players to enjoy the spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition. On behalf of Tata Worker's Union, he promised his support to St. Mary's in all its endeavors in sports and education.

The closing ceremony was held on the 25th of April and the Chief Guest was Mr. Charles Borromeo, Head, Tata Steel Sports. He gave away the prizes to the winning schools. 1st Place-Kerala Samajam Model School, Sakchi and 2nd Place-Hill Top School, Telco.

However, the closing ceremony on the 25th, ended on a sombre note as we got the sad news that Sr. Mariam's father was seriously ill and in a coma. Sr. Mariam had to rush off to her native place on the same day, but her father had already expired on the 26th before her arrival. (Mrs. Wendy Mary Reid, PA & Secretary to the Principal)

BIRTHDAY (MAY)

Date	Name
07	Alwin C.V.
13	Fr. Robert Toppo