Diocese of Jamshedpur
Vol. 45 No. 11 Private
Circulation Only November
- 2015
Marriage and Freedom
Pope
Francis, during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday,
October 21, 2015 said that contrary to modern notion, fidelity in marriage does
not rob us of personal freedom, but instead, is a fundamental attribute of all
human relationships based on love. Freedom and fidelity are not opposed to each
other.
He
said that the strength and beauty of love, in the context of
friendship, come from the fact that the persons involved are connected without
loss of freedom. He said, “Without freedom there is no friendship; without
freedom there is no love; without freedom there is no marriage”.
Pope
Francis observed that the sense of “honour” in being faithful appears to be
undermined in modern times. He attributed this to the “misunderstood right to
seek one’s own satisfaction at all costs and in any relationship, which is
exulted as a non-negotiable principle of freedom”. Rather, he said, “Fidelity
to promises is a true masterpiece of humanity! No loving relationship – no
friendship, no form of love, no happiness in the common good – arrives at the
height of our desire and hope” without “this miracle of the soul”.
This
year's Synod on the Family, which runs from Oct. 4-25, 2015 is the second and
larger of two such gatherings to take place in the course of a year. Like its
2014 precursor, the focus of the 2015 Synod of Bishops is the family with the
theme: “The Vocation and Mission of the
Family in the Church and the Modern World.”
In his
Oct. 21 address, Pope Francis recalled that during the last week’s general
audience, he reflected on the importance of promises parents make to their children,
whereas this week he focused his reflection on man and woman's fidelity to each
other.
The
entire family is founded upon a promise, the Pope said. The fidelity between
husband and wife brings with it the responsibility to love and educate
children, to care for elderly parents, and to protect and care for the “weakest
members of the family”. “The marital
promise broadens to share the joys and sufferings with all fathers, mothers,
and children, with generous openness toward human coexistence and the common
good.” In contrast, the Pope said, “a family that is closed in on itself,” is a
“contradiction” of that same promise.
Fidelity
is a self-fulfilling promise, a faith which “wants to be truly shared, and a
hope which wants to be nurtured together.” Honor and fidelity “cannot be bought
or sold,” he said. “No other school can teach the school of love if the family
cannot. No law can impose the beauty and heritage of this treasure of human
dignity, if the personal connection between love and generation is not written
on our flesh.”
Pope
Francis appealed for fidelity in love to be seen as honorable in society once
again. “This principle of fidelity to the promise of love and generations is
written in God's creation as a perennial blessing, which is entrusted to the
world.”
The Pope
reflected on the family in the context of Saint Paul's words on the union
between Christ and his Church. “Love for the human family, in good times and
bad, is a point of honor for the Church!
Your
Friend in the Lord,
+Felix Toppo, S.J.
 |
| Bishop Felix with Pope Francis at TLIG International Convention - Rome |
The Synod
on Family, October 2015
The
Synod on the Family is now over. The final document includes 94 points with
dozens of proposals. It has a positive tone and it gives a hopeful message to
families facing hardships. The top proposals by the synod:
1.
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE:
The
document describes some of the challenges families face. It does so by saying
that hardships can also be seen as an opportunity. Bishops
ask Christians to cultivate a hopeful understanding on painful realities like
loneliness and marital failure. The
Synod concluded that helping people is not the same as telling them everything
is okay. Rather, it means having the courage to listen to their pain, embrace
them, and seek ways to heal their wounds.
2.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION:
One
of the ideas that came up in the Synod, time and time again, is that marriage
preparation must be improved. There is agreement that offering only six classes
before the wedding is not enough. Also, couples who have been married for
years, should be more involved in helping younger couples, in some of the
challenges they face. The
document also calls for families to foster an ongoing relationship with other
Catholic families, not just every now and then, but rather as a firm
pillar.
3.
OPEN TO LIFE AND SEX EDUCATION:
Bishops
suggested that parents must be involved in the sex education of their
children and not leave it up to others to educate them on the matter. This
kind of education is key, they say, for their stability and for the
success of their future marriage. The
document adds that teaching compromise and love is essential. Especially when
it comes to understanding that children are the fruit of love.
4.
COHABITATING COUPLES:
The
document also addresses couples who aren't married but live together in stable
relationships.
It
says that many of them live in fidelity and openness to life, which are
elements of marriage. Thus, they call for special attention so they can walk
towards the path of marriage.
5.
EDUCATING CONSCIENCES:
Here's
what the Pope said in his closing speech at the Synod:
POPE
Francis says, "The Church’s first duty is not to hand down condemnations
or anathemas, but to proclaim God’s mercy, to call to conversion, and to lead
all men and women to salvation in the Lord.” For
divorced people who have remarried and want to return to the sacraments, the
Synod proposes that a priest help them develop awareness through reflection, so
they can understand their personal situation before God. Specifically,
it says that "conversation with a priest, in the internal forum,
contributes to the formation of a correct judgment about what hinders the
possibility of a fuller life in the Church and the steps that can favor it and
make participation grow.” The
Synod document recalls what Pope John Paul II said: A person being unjustly
abandoned is not the same as someone who has destroyed a marriage.
6.
HOMOSEXUALITY :
As
for gay people, the Synod states that Christ "loved and died for every
person, without exception.” Therefore, "every person, regardless of sexual
orientation, should be respected in their dignity, and welcomed with respect,
avoiding 'any brand of unfair discrimination.” It
also says that one "cannot draw analogies between homosexual unions and
God's plan for marriage and family.”
7.
MIGRANT FAMILIES:
The
Synod did not ignore the struggles of those fleeing from war and poverty. It
discussed the challenges faced by families who had to leave their country to
start a new life. The
bishops ask that dioceses and parishes work to ensure the dignity of migrants
and refugees is respected.
It
states they must help them while taking into account their culture, beliefs,
and traditions.
In
short, the 94 points of the document are optimistic. It also calls for women to
be included in the decision-making processes of the Church; that parents not
relinquish protection of their family; that grandparent’s role and their care
is taken into consideration, and that families can find a proper work- life
balance.
INTER-SCHOOL
FOOTBALL & BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT, PURILIA
It
is said that sports are the epitome of hard work, dedication and tireless
endeavours; sports universalize love, brotherhood; epitomize team efforts and
co-operation; in the history of St. Xavier’s School, Purulia, an Inter-School
Football and Basketball tournament were organised in the school. The day was
initialized with a grand and momentous opening ceremony, with the welcoming of
our chief guest, the Secretary of our school, Rev. Fr. Vijay Bhatt, along with
a word of welcome from our Principal, Fr. Eugene Ekka for the host team and the
three other participating teams – St. Xavier’s School, Chakradharpur; St.
Xavier’s School, Chaibasa; and Sacred Heart School, Adra. The day turned out
even more extra-special with the celebration of the birthday of our chief
guest, Fr. Vijay Bhatt, with a birthday song and the release of a massive bunch
of balloons, followed by the declaration of the tournament to be open.
With
the march of the evening, it was time for the final onslaught, the bombardment
of the final football match between St. Xavier’s, Purulia up against St.
Xavier’s School, Chakradharpur. What greater a match could be which could not
be decided in the normal play duration, not even by the penalty shoot-outs but
by, what we call sudden death, wherein St. Xavier’s CKP beat the host team by 1-0 and taste
victory. The closing ceremony of the day included the felicitation of the
referees, the winning teams and even best players of the final matches and
entire tournament. Eminent guests of honour, Principals of all participating
schools, committee members felicitated the players, imparting the day with that
extra cheese and butter with which we could truly call this tournament superbly
delicious and above all, a grand success. (Fr. Eugene Ekka)
GRIH
PRAVESH
OF S.C.J.M SISTERS AT ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL, BHILAIPHARI
2nd
October 2015 marked a remarkable day in the annals of history of St. Joseph’s
Hospital, Bhilaipahari as S.C.J.M SISTERS began their collaboration with the
Hospital and the School. The Grih Pravesh
of Srs. Susheela and Magdalena to the St. Joseph’s Sisters Residence was
solemnized with the blessing of the house and a solemn Eucharistic Celebration.
The entrance dance by the budding buds of St. Joseph’s English School, and the
angelic choir by the staff and members of St. Joseph’s Hospital and School
spread an aroma of holiness in the air. Bishop Felix, the main celebrant,
thanked the J.M.J Sisters for their collaboration and support they rendered in
the past years at St. Joseph’s Hospital and prayed for them. Bishop also
remembered and prayed for everyone who has been associated with the St.
Joseph’s Hospital and School. Sr. Lilly S.C.J.M, the provincial Superior expressed
the joy of S.C.M.,Congregation in their association with St. Joseph’s Hospital
and School. A good number of priests and religious witnessed Grih Pravesh and wished them all the
best. A sumptuous meal was served to everyone present. Congratulations to Frs.
George Manna and Edward Saldhana for a successful celebration of the Grih Pravesh and wish you all the best.
ANNUAL CLERGY RETREAT
The
annual clergy retreat was organized in Vikas Bharati, Sundarnagar from 18th
-23rd October 2015. Rev. Fr. Peter Francis, S.J, an eminent
professor of XLRI was the resource person. There were 30 participants for the
retreat. The fathers really benefited from his valuable input sessions. The
entire week became a Spirit Filled week for many of the fathers. The Vikas Bharati –
family gave no chance to approach them for any needs; everything was well
taken care of.
Thank
you Fathers for coming in a great number to rejuvenate and rededicate
yourself for a better ministry.
THE FEASTS OF KARAM AND NAWA KHANI
The
Feasts of Karam and Nawa Khani were celebrated on Sunday, 4th
October 2015 at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre in the denary level. The Adiwasi community of Jamshedpur town
assembled in a great number at 9. am in the Cathedral. The Priests were led by
the Mandar and Nagara coupled with the fine tunes of Mahila Sangh of Parsudih
Parish. Fr. Linus Kindo, the Vice Principal of St. Mary’s English School, was
the chief celebrant. He, in his homely, explained in detail the origin,
significance & the biblical/exegetical association of these feasts. The
choir of the Kutkutdungri Parish took us back to the melodies of the village
celebrations. Soon after the Eucharistic celebration, the people were given the Nawa Khani & nasta. The main
attraction of the day was the cultural programme in the Welfare Centre Hall.
The Skit, the songs, and the dances performed made everyone present to cherish
their culture. Fr. Joseph Surin, S. J, was the main speaker of the function. He
exhorted the people to keep intact the identity of the tribals by keeping their
surnames, speaking in their mother tongue, celebrating their feasts, protecting
their land and by keeping alive their customs and traditions. All present
enjoyed a sumptuous meal. Congratulations to all the Organizers. (Fr. Pradeep
Marandi)
ST. JOHN MARY VIANNEY CHURCH, DHOWATAND
On 27th
September, 2015, 31 persons received the sacrament of Confirmation in Dhowatand
Parish. Rev. Bp. Felix Toppo, S.J, officiated the liturgy in a very meaning
full manner. Nirmala School, Govindpur, left no stone unturned to make this
event a memorable one. The Bishop and the priests were lead to the altar by the
students of Nirmala School in the traditional manner. Fr. Nicholas Kerketta and
the Catechist Stephan Marandi had prepared the boys and girls very well for the
reception of the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation. Sr. Vandana Baa catechised the
recipients of the Sacrament of Confirmation in Govindpur area.The
church was full to the capacity who prayed for their children during the
ceremony. The children later enthralled everyone with their awesome performance
on the stage.
Later Bishop Felix was felicitated on the anniversary of his Episcopal
Ordination. Fr. Nicholas and ev everyone present, expressed their thankfulness to God for the gift of Bp. Felix to the diocese of Jamshedpur. All shared nasta after
the programme. (Bro. Ranjith)
ST.MARY’
S ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL
The Christian students of St. Mary’s English High school were
motivated to attend one day retreat conducted by a team from Ranchi. Fr. Linus
welcomed all the students and wished them God’s abundance blessings on them.
The retreat began with a Gregorian chant. In the first session the preacher
impressed upon the students the importance of having faith in God. Quoting the
scripture he explained that we need to exercise the sense of faith in the
Divine and it is faith that will save us and give us hope for a better life.
The retreat ended with the thought that faith without love is nothing. We need
to practice Christian concept of love to live a better life. Thanks to Fr.
David Vincent for providing such opportunity for the students to grow in their
faith.
Small Cheer and Great Welcome makes a Merry Feast. With warm love in our hearts we
welcomed the eminent guests from UK on 5th of October to St. Mary’s
English school who came a long way to
give us first aid- training . This training was not only meant for our teachers
but also for the students ; teachers from other schools also turned up to attend in this programme. All appreciated Fr. David Vincent for arranging such a wonderful training
program.
THE
CANONIZATION OF BL. MOTHER TERESA OF KOLKATA
All
formalities are complete to declare Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata a saint,
an Indian newspaper reported on October 20. The News Paper quoted unidentified
Vatican sources as saying that the date and venue for the canonization of the
world’s most revered nun would be announced at the next consistory of cardinals
in February 2016.
The
canonization would take place most probably in the same year, reported the
paper. There is a move to hold the canonization on September 5, the death
anniversary of the saintly nun. The Vatican sources also indicated that the
canonization could take place between December 8, 2015 and November 20, 2016
when the universal Church will observe the Year of Mercy, as declared by Pope
Francis. Pope Francis has voiced his desire to canonize Mother Teresa during
the Jubilee Year of Mercy as a ¨sign of mercy for the world¨ in service to the
poor. What could pave way for the canonization is the case of a Brazilian man
who was inexplicably cured of brain abscesses. According to the calendar for
the Jubilee Year of Mercy, September, 4, 2016 is the “Jubilee for workers and
volunteers of Mercy,” which would fall one day before the feast day of Blessed
Mother Teresa.
The
Indian paper also reported the possibility of Pope Francis visiting India for
the canonization. Cardinals Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, Baselios
Cleemis, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, have requested
the Pope to visit the country next year.
Vatican
experts on the cause were present in Santos in July to advance the next phase
of the investigation. The possible miracle must be examined by a number of
doctors in this dicastery and then on to a theological council. Upon being
approved, it awaits the final approval by the Pope.
S.J.V.K. Sundarnagar
Dr. Eva, staff of D.K.A., Ramon Alvarez and Alexandra Moreira from Manos Unidas along with Fr Christu visited our diocese in the month of October. They reviewed various projects and visited many mission stations. They appreciated and encouraged the work of our priests. In a meeting with the diocesan officials they discussed prospective projects and plans for the betterment of the people of Jamshedpur diocese.
Dr. Eva, staff of D.K.A., Ramon Alvarez and Alexandra Moreira from Manos Unidas along with Fr Christu visited our diocese in the month of October. They reviewed various projects and visited many mission stations. They appreciated and encouraged the work of our priests. In a meeting with the diocesan officials they discussed prospective projects and plans for the betterment of the people of Jamshedpur diocese.
A new Herbal Park has been inaugurated in CCJ preemies with more than 70 varieties of herbal plants.
HEARTY CONDOLENCE
Mr. Mathias Topno, father of Fr.
Augustine Topno passed away on 25th October 2015.
Mr. Raphael Tiru
father of Fr. Ajay Tiru passed away on 24th October 2015.
The funerals were held on 26th,
Monday in Bandgaon and Kunti Parishes respectively. Many priests and religious
attended the funerals and expressed their condolences.
We express our deep felt
condolences and prayers to the grieving family members. May their Souls Rest In
Peace.
BIRTHDAY BABIES – November
Date
|
Name
|
01
|
JILSON T L
|
10
|
JONDKO
KANDEYANG
|
11
|
VALERIAN
LOBO
|
21
|
MOST. REV. FELIX
TOPPO, SJ
|
BISHOP’S
ENGAGEMENTS
NOVEMBER - 2015
|
||||
01
|
Sun
|
07.00
am
|
Confirmation
: Infant Jesus Church
|
Sonari
|
04.00
pm
|
Mass
at Jesu Bhavan
|
Mango
|
||
03
|
Tue
|
10.00
am
|
Prince
Dibash, Ordination Liturgy Practice
|
Golmuri
|
04
|
Wed
|
06.00
pm
|
Mass:
Mercy Hospital, Congregational Feast
|
Baridih
|
05
|
Thur
|
0.930
am
|
Meeting
of Senate of Priests
|
Golmuri
|
02.00
pm
|
JDC
Governing Body Meeting
|
Golmuri
|
||
06
|
Fri
|
09.00
am
|
JHAAN
RBC’s Meeting at SDC
|
Ranchi
|
07
|
Sat
|
10.00
am
|
Handing/Taking
over of HFH Mandar by CBCI
|
Mandar
|
05.00
pm
|
Governing
Body Meeting of CBCi-SME-NI
|
Ranchi
|
||
08
|
Sun
|
09.00
am
|
Khuntpani
Annual Feast
|
Khuntpani
|
11
|
Wed
|
AM
|
To
Mumbai for the National Eucharistic Congress
|
|
14
|
Sat
|
PM
|
Return
to JSR
|
|
15
|
Sun
|
Confirmation
and Pastoral Visit
|
CKP
|
|
19
|
Thurs
|
Priestly
Ordination of Dn. Prince Dhibash
|
Kottar
|
|
21
|
Sat
|
03.00
pm
|
Blessing
of the new Building of VC Centre
|
Sundernagar
|
22
|
Sun
|
02.00
pm
|
Christ
the King Procession
|
Sonari
|
