Vol. 45 No. 12 Private
Circulation Only December
– 2015
Catholic Diocese of
Jamshedpur wishes you all a Blessed Christmas
&
Happy New Year, 2016
CHRISTMAS:
MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S LOVE AND MERCY
Dear
brothers and sisters,
The
very word “Christmas” triggers in our mind and heart a spirit of joy and
celebration. We do celebrate Christmas liturgically with great faith, devotion
and joy. We also express our internal joy and happiness externally by singing,
dancing, fellowship meal, etc. All these celebrations, if done moderately, are
good. What is more important is to meditate on the mystery of Christmas. We
should keep in mind that the solemnity of the Lord’s birth celebrates the
mystery of the incarnation by which the Word of God humbled himself to share
our humanity in order that he might enable us to become sharers of his
divinity. Why did the Second Person of the Holy Trinity incarnate? Why did he
want to share his divinity with us? Why did he humble himself? The only right
answer is: because God is Love and he loves us immensely. The Word became flesh
so that we might know God’s love: In this the love of God was made manifest
among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live
through him. “For God so loved the world
that he sent his only begotten Son, so that those who believe in him may not
perish, but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).
We
needed to be saved because of the original sin. By this sin the first human
beings disobeyed the commandment of God, choosing to follow their own will
rather than God’s will. As a consequence they lost the grace of original
holiness, and became subject to the law of death; sin became universally
present in the world. Besides the personal sin of Adam and Eve, original sin
describes the fallen state of human nature which affects every person born into
the world and from which Christ: the “New Adam” came to redeem us, to save us.
The
word Jesus in Hebrew means “God saves”. At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel
gave him the name Jesus as his proper name, which expresses both his identity
and mission. Since God alone can forgive sins, it is God who, in Jesus his
eternal Son made man, “will save his people from their sins.” The name “Jesus”
signifies that the very name of God is present in the person of his Son, made
man for the universal and definitive redemption from sins.
The
word “Christ” comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah, which means “anointed”. He was
anointed by the Holy Spirit of the Lord at once as a king, priest and prophet.
To the shepherds the angel announced the birth of Jesus as the Messiah promised
to Israel, “To you is born this day in
the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11).
Let
us also keep in mind that this Divine Saviour, the Promised Messiah was born in
a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses
to this event. In this poverty heaven’s glory was made manifest. A humble
Virgin, Mary of Nazareth, today brings into the world the Eternal. The earth
offers a cave for this divine event. The angels and shepherds praise this
divine Child. The magi advance with the help of the star. Human beings cannot
comprehend the Wisdom of God’s ways. Yet we praise God: “For today a Son has been born to us, a Son has been given to us, and
dominion has been laid on his shoulders; and this is the name he has been
given: Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal Father, Prince-of-Peace” (Is
9:5).
This
Mary of Nazareth was born of two saints: Anne and Joachim. She had not only a
good soul as many others have, not only a continuous increase of goodness
because of her good will, not only an immaculate body but had an immaculate
soul. In her every grace and virtue was gathered together. She was the loving
daughter of God, the delight of the Trinity. God created her for himself and
for the salvation of mankind. God created her to be the bearer of the Saviour,
the New Temple and the Living Paradise. She was created to be the Mother of God.
In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became
her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father’s eternal Son,
the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. She played a very important role with
Jesus Christ in our salvation. In fact, she is, in true sense, the
Co-Redemptress with Jesus the Redeemer. During Christmas we rejoice with her
and thank her for bringing to us Jesus who is both true God and true man.
Dear
brothers and sisters, Jesus, the Prince of Peace comes to us bringing a message
of Peace, Love. But we know that the Peace which Jesus offers is blasphemed and
the Love he gives is mocked and jeered at. In many countries, many people
celebrate Christmas without his Holy Name. His Holy Name has been abolished and
they take the day of His Birth as a great holiday of leisure, worshipping
idols.
Christmas
is a true manifestation of God’s eternal Love and Mercy. “Today you will know that the Lord will come, and he will save us, and
in the morning you will his glory.” (Ex 16:6-7) We wait in hope for our redemption and
welcome God’s Only Begotten Son as our Redeemer. May we merit to face him
confidently when he comes again as our judge. May Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus
the man and Jesus the God be our true Mother!
May
we understand that Christmas is a Manifestation of God’s Love and Mercy! May we
have a grace-filled and joyful Christmas!
XIBIO,
The interschool cultural fest is a much awaited event every year. It was held
on 20th of November at XLRI.The Student Council under the able guidance
of the teachers and with the help of the student body planned every detail with
precision and organized a plethora of events for the students from various
schools of the city. Several competitions pertaining to analytical skills,
writing skills and entertainment were organized .It was heartening to see the
team spirit,unity,innovation,enthusiasm and high energy levels that prevailed
on the campus. As expected all their hard work paid rich dividends and XIBIO
was a grand success. Congratulations to Fr. David Vincent for his encouragement
and support to the students to show case their talents to organize such a
wonderful programme.
The
children’s day celebration was awesome and colourful. The teachers had
organized quiz, Parliament, Man ki bath
and a lovely colourful dance and song by the teachers; the children enjoyed
every bit of the programme. A big thanks to all the dedicated and committed
teachers of St.Mary’s family .May God Bless you.
In
order to keep fit and healthy our Principal Fr. David took the initiative to
start the gymnasium and the new music room at Junior Block .It was inaugurated
on 23rd November by the honourableChief Guest Mr. Charles Boromeo
and Fr. Chonas. Thanks to Fr David for his dream for the school as well as all
round development of the students. (Sr. Mariam)
Infant
Jesus Church, Sonari and Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur had
Confirmations on November 1, 2015 and November 15, 2015 respectively. Whereas
Infant Jesus Church had 24confirmees, Christ the King Church had 131 of them.
In Sonari the Confirmation Mass was held in the New Loyola Auditorium which was
able to accommodate a large number of the faithful. In Chakradhapur the whole
Church was packed with the faithful. Bishop was happy with the preparation and
arrangements made for the Confirmation in both places. The choir parties in
both places sang beautifully and devotionally. Confirmation certificates were
given in both places to all the Confirmees. Congratulations to Fr. Xavier Ekka,S.J.
and Fr. Richard Miranda and their co-workers!
It
was a memorable day for Deacon Prince Dhibash who was ordained a priest on
November 19, 2015 in St. Mathew’s Church, Pallam of the Diocese of Kottar.
Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., the Ordaining Bishop arrived at 5.00 pm in Pallam
where he was given a very touching welcome with a bit garland, a traditional
shawl and a classical dance. Even though this was 38th priestly
ordination in the parish, the beautiful Church on the sea shore was full with
the faithful. The choir sang beautifully and devotionally. Rev. Fr. Sahay
Thasan Offered the Holy Eucharist in
Tamil and the Bishop performed the ordination rite. Others from Jamshedpur
Diocese present were: Fr. Roque Cardoza, Fr. James Quadros and Deacon Jayraj
Ignatius.
After the ordination Mass all the participants had the fellowship
meal. On the following day the new Priest Prince Dhibash had his first Mass in
the same Church. Bishop Felix experienced not only the deep faith and devotion
of the faithful, but also their love and hospitality. During his two-day stay
in Nagercoil, Bishop Felix visited Vivekananda Memorial at Kanya Kumari and the
Fishing harbour in Muttom. Congratulation to Rev. Fr. Prince and wish you all
the best for your Ministry.
Christ the King Procession at Jamshedpur
The
annual Christ the King Procession of Jamshedpur Denary was held on 22nd
November, 2015. The Infant Jesus Church, Sonari, under the leadership of Fr.
Xavier Ekka, S.J organized the procession. The Catholics of Jamshedpur gathered
at Loyola School Grounds at 1.30 p.m. After the exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament, with prayers of praise and worship the procession slowly moved out of
Loyola Grounds; going through the main roads of Jamshedpur city, reached back
to Loyola Grounds at 3.30 p.m. This year all the parishioners of each parish
stayed together in the procession. It helped them to recite prayers and sing
hymns together as a parish community. Area leaders of every parish were seen
moving up and down to manage the crowds and have an orderly procession in a
prayerful atmosphere. Bishop was the main celebrant for the Benediction and Eucharist
celebration. The people were very happy to have taken part in a well arranged
procession and Eucharistic liturgy. Kudos to Fr. Xavier and his parish team.
(Fr. Edwin Coelho)
St.
Xavier’s English School, Chakradharpur
November ushers in winter. With
winter come the expectations of celebrations. The inter house quiz competition
was held on the 7th of November. Preparations for the quiz were on
much in advance with the house in-charges coaching the children relentlessly.
In the juniors Red House romped home by a huge margin. Blue House came a
distant second. In the seniors the competition was very close. Green House
stood first; for the second place there was a tie which was decided by a tie
breaker in which yellow house got over blue house.
Children’s day was celebrated in
the school with a twist this year. The programme started with lighting the lamp
which was followed by a prayer dance by the female teachers. Ms. Chaitali Ghosh
then gave a speech on children day. The teachers put up games and food stalls
which was a new addition to the children’s day celebration. Like every year
there was a cricket match between the staff and students. There too was a
twist. For the first time the students were able to defeat the staff in a
closely fought contest.
Preparations are ongoing for the
upcoming football tournament and the Xavier’s day celebration. (Mr. Theodosius)
The Annual Feast of Khuntpani
The annual feast of Khuntpani in remembrance of the 143rd
anniversary of the first baptism of tribals in Chotanagpur was celebrated with
grandeur on 8th November 2015. From early morning onwards faithful
from far and wide began to fill the beautifully decked campus. The celebration
began with Eucharistic adoration led by Fr. Michael Deogam, Sr. Michael OSU and
the parishioners of Chakradharpur. At the start of Mass, a long queue of girls
from Chaibasa Parish dancing to the melodious tune of mandar led the celebrants Most Rev. VinayKandulna, (Khunti), Most
Rev. AnandJojo, (Hazaribag), Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J. (Jamshedpur) and over
five dozens Priests to the altar after the traditional rituals were performed
at the SmritiPathar.
Bishop Vinay Kandulna, who presided over the Solemn Eucharistic
celebration spoke to the crowd about Our
Lord Jesus Christ who came as the light to show us the path, to heal us and to
protect us. Fr. Michael Deogam later translated his homily into Ho for the
convenience of many faithful. The Chaibasa Parish choir with their lyrical
hymns and the occasional commentary in Hindi and Ho languages made the liturgy
more meaningful and prayerful. The students of Jhinkpani Parish contributed a
beautiful Bible procession while girls from Chakradharpur Parish performed Aarti to the Eucharistic Lord.
Immediately after the Mass a short felicitation programme was
organised in honour of Bishops and the guests who were presented with a shawl
by Fr. James Quadros. This was also an occasion to mark the year of Consecrated
Life and as a token of appreciation for the work and mission of the Religious
of Chaibasa deanery, Fr. Halan Bodra presented a memento to every Parish Priest
and Superior of Religious Houses present there. Hearty congratulations to Frs.
James Quadros, Halan Bodra and the local community who made wonderful
arrangements for the Khuntpani Feast, which as some commented, was ‘the best’
in all respect. (Fr. Dileep Marandi)
Purnima Mela in St.
Joseph’s Welfare Centre\Parish, Golmuri
In
St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre\Parish Purnimal Mela was organized on November 14th
and 15th evenings. This Melawas
the result of the hard work and cooperation of the parishioners and the members
of St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre. The main intention of this mela was to foster love, service, brotherhood, peace and harmony.
People from all walks of life and religion came forward to give this mela their whole hearted support. The
main attraction of the mela was
variety of stalls catering to the tastes of the old and young alike.
Congratulation to Fr. Camille, Pradeep and team for the success of this Mela.
(Fr. Pradeep Marandi)
Mosabani
Parish
On
1st of November, a meeting was called for all the neighbouring
priests to plan out for the forth coming Christ the king feast and Christmas Milan.
On 2nd of November,All Soul Day, there was a solemn mass and prayer
service in the cemetery. On 8th of November many of parishioners
went to Khutpani for Annual Pilgrimage; it was well arranged by the Fr.
Cornelius and his team. On 11th of November one day seminar was organized
for the Parish youth and children. This seminar was conducted by Fr. Cornelious
and Deacon Baldeo. Christ the King Feast was held on 15th of
November at St. Joseph’s School ground Mosabani. Three neighbouring parishes
came together for the Christ the King feast and procession. 14th
Priests were present for the celebration. Fr. Elias presided over the
Eucharistic Celebration while Fr. Peter enriched the people with the homily. It
was Fr. Tom who led the people in to the Benediction. At the end delicious food
was served for everybody. On 29th
November, medical camp was organized by St. Joseph’s Hospital Bhilai Pahari at
the Kantasola Mass Centre. Many people came in for the camp and benefited from
the camp. (Dn. Baldeo)
National Eucharistic Congress– Bombay
The curtain came
down on the 4-day National Eucharistic Congress of India on Sunday, in Mumbai,
with delegates from all of the country's dioceses pledging themselves to
nourish others having been nourished by the Eucharist. The theme of the
Nov. 12-15 Eucharistic congress, held in the Pius X Seminary, Goregaon was,
“Nourished by Christ, to Nourish Others”. The Eucharistic Congress
commemorated 50 years of Blessed Pope Paul VI’s visit to India,
Dec 2-5, 1964, to celebrate the 38th International Eucharistic Congress in
Bombay, today called Mumbai.
Representing our
diocese Fr. Anil Dang S.J., Sr. Michael OSU, Mr, Ignatious Orao, Mr. Felix Roy
and Mrs. Pushpa Surin along with our Bishop Felix Toppo attended the National
Eucharistic Congress.
Vincentian Ashram and
Divya Jyoti Renewal Centre, Sundarnagar
Divya
Jyoti Renewal Centre made its noble entry at the diocese of Jamshedpur with
three days of Bible Convention, on 20, 21 and 22 of November 2015. The Bible
convention was lead by the Vincentian Preachers Frs. Binoy Puthiyedath, Joby
Palatty, Thomas Palaparmbil and Paul
Pynadath on the first two days. On the third day, the preaching was conducted
by Rev. Fr. Anil Dev IMS. On these days of convention, we registered an
attendance between 1500 to 2000. A multitude came our Diocese and others from;
Raurkela, Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti, Simdega, Kolkatta, Daltonganj, Asansol and
Sambalpur.
Amidst
the Bible Convention Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhy VC, Asst. Superior General
of the Vincentian Congregation, inaugurated Vincentian Ashram and Divya Jyoti
Renewal Centre. Our Bishopji, Most. Rev. Dr. Felix Toppo, S.J, Blessed the
Ashram and Rev. Fr. David Vincent our Vicar General did the blessing of the
grotto.
We have
decided to commence the function of the Divya Jyoti Retreat Centre from the
month of February 2016.
- Holy Mass
and Adoration of Holy Sacrament; every day
morning 9 am to 4 pm evening.
- One day
Retreat; at second Saturday of the every month from
morning 9 am to 4 pm.
- Residential
Retreat; It begins every month first Sunday evening 5
pm to Friday 9 am (5 days fee: 200/-)
- For more
details; Fr. Francis VC (07070015758) and Fr. Thomas VC
(09470374995)
We
very cordially welcome all of you in Jesus Christ to participate the ministries
of Divya Jyoti, Jamshedpur. (Fr. Francis VC)
AN INDIAN PASTOR IN AN AMERICAN
PARISH:
In
the United States of America there are many Indian Pastors from many dioceses
in India working in American Parishes. In the early part of October, 2015 I was
fortunate to witness for a few days the life and work of our very own priest
from Jamshedpur Diocese in the State of Indiana.
Rev.
Fr. Cyril Fernandes with a pleasant and friendly personality and who always has
smile on his face needs no introduction to the readers of the Jamshedpur
Diocesan News Letter. He was born on 22nd July 1960 in Bellur Parish
of Mangalore Diocese in a very religious family. Fr.Cyril has five brothers and
one sister. He is the eldest in the family.After completing his studies he
joined the Jamshedpur Diocese’s at a very young age of 20 years. After
completing his priestly studies Fr. Cyril was ordained a priest on 4th
May, 1988.
Where
ever Fr. Cyril was posted be it a school or parish he worked hard and left his
mark there. In Chaibasa he established the St. Xavier’s English school for the
tribal children. He spent a long time working in the prison ministry and
regularly visited the Chiabasa District Central Prison. After working for over13 years in various parishes and schools of the
diocese Fr. Cyril was assigned a foreign mission posting as Pastor. In the
U.S.A there is a shortage of priests hence the need of Indian Priest to help
and serve the laity in the parish. There are many Indian priests working as
Pastors in American parishes.
In
South Bend, Fr. Cyril is Pastor to two Parishes – Saint Hedwig and Saint
Patrick – situated close to each other. The former parish was established in
1877 by Polish immigrants and St. Patrick’s was established in 1858 by Irish
immigrants. Both the churches are historical monuments built with Gothic
architecture. Weekday masses are held in both the churches. On Monday and
Tuesday Eucharist Liturgy is held at 12:15 p.m. at St. Hedwig. On Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday at 12: 15 p.m. at St. Patrick church. On weekdays –
Saturday Liturgy is held at 4:00 p.m. at St. Hedwig on Sundays Liturgy is held
at 8:00 a.m. at St Hedwig and at St. Patrick’s at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. However,
during the week the daily morning liturgy is held at 8:00a.m. at St. Patrick
Parish Center Chapel. The parishioners are very supportive financially and very
committed to help out in the various parish activities. The church does not
have a dedicated sacristan. It is the lay people who help the parish priest in
conducting the Holy Eucharist every day.
The
participation of the laity is indeed very encouraging and appreciable. For
services for daily / Sunday services in both the churches the single parish
bulletin is printed every week which carries the names of parishioners who are
assigned various liturgical services such as taking care of the sanctuary lamp,
Rosary Society Prayer line, Liturgical Ministers comprises of Lectors,
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) Altar Servers for weekday and
Sunday services. Parishioners who are interested in serving for the above
liturgical activities are requested to call the parish office and register
their names. Those who are new are provided training so as to carry out the
responsibilities in a solemn and dignified manner.
Fr.
Cyril Fernandesis assisted by a Parochial Vicar Rev. David Kashangaki, CS.C. He
does not reside in the parish rectory. Rev. Camillo Tirabassi, a retired priest
resides in the house and the Pastor takes care of him. Fr. Cyril has no cook or driver. He has to
cook his own meals and is indeed very good at it. He has to drive for miles his own car. He is
available in the parish office from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a lunch break
from 12 noon to 1: 00 p.m. He is assisted by the Parochial Vicar and two lay
staff. Often as per the need of the Parish lay people came and assist the
Pastor in carrying out the various activities of both the parishes. Rev. Fr.
Cyril often helps in the Liturgical services in the neighboring parishes
whenever the local pastor is unable to officiate. Attached to the parish is the Hedwig Memorial
Center, a large and spacious hall next to the Presbytery. It generates much
needed funds by rentals for various occasions. It also has a bar and a well
equipped kitchen serving popular and delicious polish and Irish delicacies.
(Vincent Richard Athaide)
**************************
The Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur cordially invites
-
All
the Priests, Religious and faithful to the Diaconate Ordination of Bros. Sushil Dungdungand Alfred Balmuchu by Most. Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. on December 10, 2015, at 5:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri,
Jamshedpur.
-
All
the Priests and Religious for the ‘Annual Priests and Religious Meeting’ and
for the Christmas Get-together along with the Closing Ceremony of the Year of Consecrated Life in our Diocese on
17th December, 2015 at 09.30 am at the Bishop’s House, Golmuri.
Please inform the Bishop’s House (Fr Edwin
7763032025 or Fr Jilson 8521608509) the number of the members attending the
same.
BIRTHDAY BABIES – November
Date
|
Name
|
04
|
JUNAS
BHENGRA
|
04
|
AJAY TIRU
|
BISHOP’S
ENGAGEMENTS
DECEMBER 2015
|
||||
01
|
Tue
|
09.30 am
|
Golden Jubilee of OSU Holy
Nuns
|
CKP
|
02
|
Wed
|
05.00 pm
|
St. Mary’s School Annual
Celebration
|
Noamundi
|
05
|
Sat
|
08.30 am
|
Sr. Vijay Kanta: Diamond Jubilee,
Loadih
|
Ranchi
|
06
|
Sun
|
04.00 pm
|
A.C. School Diamond Jubilee
|
Dhanbad
|
07
|
Mon
|
AM-PM
|
From Dhanbad to Kolkata to
Chennai
|
|
08
|
Tue
|
AM-PM
|
Cardinal Cardijn International Convention
|
Mamallapuram
|
09
|
Wed
|
AM-PM
|
From Chennai to Kolkata to JSR
|
|
10
|
Thur
|
05.00 pm
|
Diaconate Ordinations of Bros. Sushil
Dungdung and Alfred Balmuchu in St. Joseph’s Cathedral
|
Golmuri
|
12
|
Sat
|
05.00 pm
|
St Joseph’s Hospital: Anniversary, GB Meeting, Mass
|
Bhilai Pahari
|
13
|
Sun
|
08.00 am
|
Opening of the Holy Door of Mercy in
the Cathedral
|
Golmuri
|
10.00 am
|
Platinum Jubilee of Sr. Margaret Mary, 100 yrs.
|
Pardih
|
||
14
|
Mon
|
09.30 am
|
Bishops and Major Superiors Meeting at SDC
|
Ranchi
|
16
|
Wed
|
03.00 pm
|
Inauguration of the Upper Flor of the
Com. College
|
Mango
|
17
|
Thur
|
09.30 am
|
Priest and Religious Annual
Meeting
|
JSR
|
19
|
Sat
|
Diamond Jubilee of De Nobili
School
|
Digwadih
|
|
27
|
Sun
|
09.00 am
|
Parish Feast and
Confirmation
|
Purulia
|
28
|
Mon
|
09.00 am
|
Priestly Ordination: Deacon Ranjit
Roshan Minj, SJ
|
Anandpur
|
30
|
Wed
|
Kolkata to Mangalore
|
||
31
|
Thur
|
09.00 a.m.
|
Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee: Fr. C.R. Prabhu
|
Mangalore
|
The
Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur Congratulates Fr. C.R. Prabhu on the occasion of
his Golden Priestly Jubilee Celebrations and wishes him abundant blessings.
The Golden Priestly Jubilee Celebrations
of Fr. C. R. Prabhu will be held on 31st December
2015 at 10.am at St. Michael’s Church, Belloor, Mangalore.
The Celebrations in the diocese will be held on 2nd
February, 2015 at 9.30 am at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Jamshedpur followed by
felicitation programme at the Welfare Centre.
