DIVINE
LOVE AND MYSTERY OF SUFFERING
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,
As we enter into the
Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, I would like to reflect on Divine Love and
the Mystery of Suffering. The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ is beyond the
comprehension of human intelligence. Our Lord suffered physically, spiritually
and mentally. We ask many questions to ourselves and others, “Why did Our Lord
suffer? Was it necessary for him to suffer to save us? Often seeing the human
beings, specially young and innocent suffer, we ask, “Why is he/she suffering?
For whose sin is he/she suffering?”
Passion
of Our Lord: Concerning the sufferings of Jesus the
Messiah, the Scriptures have given answers and though we don’t fully understand
we accept them as the right answers. Prophet Isaiah says, “Yet ours were the
sufferings he was bearing, ours the sorrows he was carrying, while we thought
of him as someone being punished and struck with affliction by God; whereas he
was being wounded for our rebellions, crushed because of our guilt; the
punishment reconciling fell on him, and we have been healed by his bruises”
(Is.53:4-5). “By his knowledge, the upright one, my servant will justify many
by taking their guilt on himself (Is.53:11 b) and “he was bearing the sin of
many and interceding for the rebellion” (Is 53:12 b). The sufferings of Our
Lord, reveals the mystery of God’s immense Love he has for us, his creatures.
The
Earth an Altar for Praising God: The sufferings of
human beings are very much connected to Divine Love. God is Alpha and Omega. Everything
on earth and heaven is created by God. Everything comes from God, is for God
and everything returns to God. Every creature, animate or inanimate, is
expected to give praise to God. In fact the earth was to be an expansive altar
to render everlasting praise to its Creator. The earth ought to sing praises to
God who created it, but, sadly speaking, the earth is full of sin. Therefore,
it must be the altar of endless expiation and sacrifice, on which the victims
are consumed.
Human
beings Responsibility to Praise God: The countless stars
continuously sing the praises of God with their voices that are light and
motion in the infinite spaces of firmament for thousands and thousands of
years. The earth also sings praises to God spontaneously with its winds, water,
the voices of animals and birds, rivers and mountains, trees and plants. But
this is not sufficient, because on earth there is man, the perfect creation,
superior to all living beings, gifted with spirit like the angels of heaven. He
is destined to know, to love and to possess God, intelligently and voluntarily
in order to repay God for granting him life on earth and Heaven after death.
Expiation
of Sins Needed: God is self-sufficient. Yet God-Love
wanted to have love. He created in order to receive love. What can God get from
his creation? Only love! This
intelligent and free love, gifted only to the human beings on earth is the
glory of God. This is the love which becomes the offering of love on the altar
of the earth. If the earth omits the praises and entreaties of love, it will
cease existing, because once love is extinguished, the expiation also would
cease. Consequently, the earth would become a hell and the wrath of God would
destroy it. Therefore, the human beings must love God freely and intelligently
in order to exist. But the truth is this that the fallen and redeemed human
being is sinful, offends God and needs to expiate for his sins. For expiation
he needs to sacrifice victims, which are pure, spotless and faultless. These
are the only victims agreeable to the Lord.
Sufferings
are Gifts of God: The Earth has two-fold sacrifice to
make: one of praise and the other of expiation. This is because mankind, living
all over the earth, has sinned in Adam and Eve. Consequently, the relationship of
human beings with God was ruptured. Mankind is continuously sinning and is
adding to the sin of Adam and Eve, its countless sins and drifting away from
God. Mankind, created in the likeness and image of God with intelligence and
freedom, is endowed with divine grace, is becoming more and more sinful. Stars
and planets, animals and birds, trees and plants, air and water, all obey God
and praise him as best as they can. Men do not obey and do not give sufficient
praise to God. That is why the victim-souls are needed so that they may love
and praise God and expiate for the sins on behalf of everybody. These are the
innocent children, who, though unaware, pay for the bitter punishment of sorrow
for those who can do nothing but sin. They are the saints who willingly
sacrifice themselves for everybody.
Perpetual
Sacrifice of Jesus Our Lord: In the Old Testament times we see
that the people, in order to praise God and to expiate their sins, offered
sacrifices of bullocks, rams, lambs, doves, etc. But this was not sufficient.
In the New Testament, the Son of God, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself as the
Great Victim for giving highest praise to God and for expiation of the sins of
mankind. Love consumed Himself for the Love of God and made it a perpetual
Sacrifice. Only this Sacrifice of Love pleases God. It is a great mystery that
God had to become incarnate to appease divine Justice for the great Sin of Adam
and Eve and many sins of human beings. It shows that only the sacrifice of love
and spirit can appease the Lord. Jesus through his life and sacrifice revealed
the Love of God. After the sacrifice of Jesus, man has to understand the love
and replace himself as a victim of love and expiation, on the model of the Lamb
of God, his Master and Redeemer. He should not consider sorrow as a punishment,
but as a gift of perfect love. Sorrow is not a punishment, when one knows how
to accept it and use it rightly. Sorrow is like priesthood open to everyone and
confers great power on the heart of God. Sorrow is a great merit. Sorrow can
appease the Justice, because God can use for a good purpose also what Hatred
created to give sorrow. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not choose any other means to
cancel Sin, because there was and is no greater means than sacrificing himself.
May the lord bless all
of us during the Holy Season of Lent and Easter!
+Felix Toppo, S.J.
Bishop of Jamshedpur
CONFERENCE STATEMENT
13TH National Conference of Diocesan Priests of
India (CDPI)
Nagpur, 24-27th February 2015
We, the Members of the Conference of
Diocesan Priests of India, after pondering over the discussions and
deliberations that emerged from the Vatican’s Extra-ordinary Synod on the theme
“The Family”, assembled at Nagpur on 24 -27 February, 2015 for our 13th
National Council in which 65 of our member - priests participated and reflected
on “The Effective Ministry to the Families in the light of the synod”.
While we immensely rejoice over many of
our Christian families which strive to live their Christian faith more fully,
we also realize that poverty, migration, caste-system, domestic violence,
heightened materialism and consumerism, new age movements, rise of new
philosophies and dangerously changing cultural and thinking patterns on
socio-moral and religious issues in India, have subjected the institution of
marriage and the family to tectonic shifts leading to a widespread erosion and
disregard for traditionally held Church teaching on conjugal love and the
Christian family.
The culture of violence and sexually
immoral activity is blatantly being promoted in the media in the garb of ‘tv
shows’, ‘video games’, movies, cyberspace and advertisements.
Threats to the sanctity of marriage are
getting increasingly noticeable in the rise of pro same-sex marriage campaigns
and civic bodies and NGO’s espousing the cause for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay,
Bi-sexuals, Transgenders) and even questioning the validity of Church teaching
on such groups of people.
The declining sense of sin and need for
repentance is the fall-out of such changing ideologies and trends in society at
large. In this present scenario the priests are called-upon to protect the
Faith and the Family from this tsunami of moral degeneration.
This conference reiterates firmly that
the Church unbendingly insists on the doctrine on marriage on the basis of
reason and in the light of Divine Revelations has a prophetic voice in the current
mentality shaped by relativism, hedonism and materialism.
Despite the dismal situation, the CDPI
considers it absolutely necessary to be kind and compassionate in communicating
the church teaching through empathetic dialogue instead of insensitively turning
the faithful away. Our priestly ministry calls us to render greater and
meticulous care towards estranged couples and families that have their
spiritual life at stake.
With the help of the laity and
adequately trained professionals, priests must engage in actively preparing
partners, both before and after marriage. Accompanying the couples after
marriage at various stages of their lives, through various programs must serve
to strengthen the bonding. The exemplary married couples can be encouraged to
serve as out-reach teams to help those preparing for marriage and to assist as
counselors where couples and family relationships are in the doldrums. Priests,
together with spiritually and morally mature couples have the obligation to
reach out to children and elderly in gearing them up to guard themselves from
the harsh and erosive forces in society that threaten their growth into mature
and fully human persons.
Priests not only need to update
themselves with the changing trends in society, but need to be well informed
about the encyclicals and church teachings on Marriage and the family and
incorporate them effectively in their preaching and programs for couples and
the family.
We, priests, have the responsibility to
preach more fervently, with conviction, but with kindness and compassion of the
love, mercy and forgiveness of God to keep couples and families together and
reach out to those who have gone astray. When couples and families are
spiritually strong, the world becomes a better place to live in. We priests can
effect that change through our ministry.
Given
this day 27th February, 2015 at Pallotti Animation Centre, Nagpur, India.
Fr.
I. Raymond Joseph
Executive
Secretary for CCBI
Commission
for Clergy
CCBI Centre
Banglore
- 560084
WOMAN:
YOUR ARE TENDER, NOT WEAK
On 8th March, 2018 the women
of Jamshedpur diocese joined together at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Telco to
celebrate the International women’s day. More than 259 women from different
parts of the diocese came together to reflect on how important they are in
building up the nation. The program began at 10:00 am with lighting the lamp.
Rev. Fr. Camille Hembrom was the Chief Guest of the gathering. Dr. Kavita Pasar
was the main speaker of the day who highlighted the indispensable place of
women in every sphere of life in the society. In her speech she advised the
women to be aware of the various evils and stand firm against it. There was
also some slide show on girl child trafficking of the country and particularly
in Jharkhand.
OUR
LADY OF NATIVITY CHURCH, SINI
The high school Catholic students of
Sini gathered for a day program to reflect on their career building as well as
to prepare for the Easter. The program began at 8:00 am with lighting the ceremonial
lamp. Fr. Linus Kindo facilitated the students in their program. Fr. Sijumon
MSFS too came and encouraged the students. The participants had rich and good
experience in the program. In the evening they received the sacrament of
reconciliation. The program ended with the Holy Eucharist. Thanks to Sr. Jessy
Francis and the community for organizing the Catholic students! May God bless
you all!
CATHOLIC CHARITIES /SAMEKIT JAN VIKAS KENDRA / VIKAS
BHARATI
International
Women’s Day.
Over 600 Self-Help groups of women,
federated into 12 Cooperatives came together on 10th March to
celebrate women’s power. These women put up various stalls in the Campus of
Catholic Charities, exhibiting all sorts of rural wealth, what they -produce
through their Income Generating programmes. Ms Ranjana, the Director DRDA, East
Singhbhum was the Chief Guest; Bishop Felix Toppo SJ along with Commandant of
CRPF/RAF, Sundernagar, the BDO of Jamshedpur and several other VIP were the
Guests of Honour. Nearly 1000 women
participated in this event. Ms Dilit Castleton and Dr. Nilima Bara also
addressed the gatherings. The programme was crowned with various Tribal
Community Dances. The SHG s also organized a small lottery to help them cover
some of the expenses. Congrats to the women of Jamshedpur.
Diocesan
Strategic Health Planning
CCJ/SJVK organized a very special
session on planning Health in this diocese. Sr. Rosita SRA, director of
Chabi-jan with her team was the resource persons. Nearly 25 Sisters involved in
promotion of Health participated in this One Day Strategic Planning. Due to various reasons, most of the rural
based health centres are not functioning well and nurse –sisters are struggling
to keep the Health Centres going. It is hoped that new, innovative methods in the
field of rural health are adopted and health becomes an important mission in
the diocese. Thanks to Sr. Rosita and Chabi-jan
for infusing new spirit among our health personnel.
ADOLESCENT
HEALTH AND CHILD RIGHTS
UNICEF, JHARKHAND is entering into East
Singhbhum with a program promoting
adolescent health among young boys and girls and awakening people against child /early
marriage, sex-abuse and child-abuse. They have invited SJVK and some 5 NGOs to join them in this
movement. There was already a preliminary
meeting on 19th afternoon.
SJVK has agreed to challenge and work in a couple of blocks of East
Singhbhum. SJVK is becoming more involved in East Singhbhum.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Dka-Austria has been supporting Catholic Charities in the
field of Women’s Empowerment and NGO-Networking. Recently, their Indian-Team (Gerry Rosario (Bihar-Sheriff)
and Edlina Kerketta from Dibrugarh) spent 4 days in CCJ/SJVK visiting different
villages where the programs are being implemented. They interacted with of our
Partners and Women’s Co-operative officials.
This team was in high praise for CCJ/SJVK for the wonderful work that is being done in villages
strengthening women and other CBOs
and small NGOs.
The program was concluded with a solemn
Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Leo D’Souza. At the end of the Mass all present
in the program shared the fellowship meal.
GROUND
BREAKING CEREMONY FOR RETREAT CENTRE AT SUNDERNAGAR
On 19th March, Feast Day
St Joseph, Bishop Felix Toppo S.J. blessed the foundation stone and led the
ground breaking ceremony of residential block and prayer hall of Divya Jyoti
Renewal Centre, Sundernagar. Rev Fr David Vincent, Vicar General; Rev Fr John
Ottaplackal Parish Priest, Parsudih; Rev Fr Oscar Beck, Director Pratiksha; Rev
Fr Alwin Jose Asst. Director Catholic Charities; Bro. Joyson DDS,
representative from Cheshire Home, Holy Cross and St Ann’s, the village Mukhya and nearly 50 people
mostly from Parsudih attended the ceremony. Presence of five Vincentian Priests
from different centres added more joy to the occasion. With the completion of
the building we hope to start regular retreats in the centre. (Sebastian Kallath VC)
LENTEN
RETREATS BY DIDYA JYOTHI, JSR AND POPULAR MISSION CENTRE, BARELY
Rajaparam Mission Station: From 13-15 March, we
conducted the Lenten Retreat at the Rajaparam, a village station of
Chakradharpur parish. Every day the number of people kept on increasing and on
the last day more than 400 people attended the retreat. Rev Fr. Prabhul Kumar
Kerketta VC from Popular Mission Retreat Centre, Bareilly, UP was the main
preacher. Some of the preaching was in Ho and we gratefully remember the
service of Mr. Densor Hembrom for his preaching in Ho. Full time presence of Fr.
Richard Miranda and his Holy Eucharist in Ho was very inspiring.
St.
Robert’s Church, Parsudih: It was a gracious occasion for the faithful of St.
Robert’s Church, Parsudih to participate in annual renewal retreat and prepare
themselves spiritual to celebrate the great feast of Easter. The retreat began
on 18th March, 2015 and continued till 22nd of March.
According to their convenient people devotedly took part strengthened their
faith in the risen Christ.
St.
Joseph’s Cathedral and Mercy Chapel: “God has a plan for you, a place
for you and the time for you” was
the motivational statement of the retreat preachers for the faithful of Golmuri
parishioners. In both the places a God experience retreat was preached
simultaneously from 26-29 March, 2015. Prior to the retreat the preachers
visited all the Catholic families of the parish and got acquainted with the
family members. Special prayers were offered for the students, youth and
family. The opportunities for counseling and for the celebration of the
sacrament of reconciliation was given to all the faithful. A large number of
the people percolated and profited from this beautiful retreat.
Jisu
Marsal Church, Chandil: The same team led the renewal retread at Jisu
Marsal Church, Chandil from 30th of March to 1st of
April. It was definitely an great opportunity for the faithful of Chandil
Parish to participate this retreat. From far away villages people came took
part and received the blessiong for their families and community. Thanks to the
retreat preachers and Parish Priest for giving such a rare opportunity.
St.
Barabara Church, Mosaboni: In preparation of Easter the parishioners of St. Barbara
Church Mosaboni also organized a renewal retreat from 20-22 March, 2015. Fr.
Oscar Beck was the preacher who helped the faithful to reflect and meditate
their life during these three days. All the faithful of the parish participated
in this retreat and prayed for their special intentions. Jadugora Mission Station too had the same nature of renewal program
from 27-28 March. It is a small community but very actively took part
throughout the prayer service.
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. 10th & +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
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
|
APRIL
|
|
|
Date
|
Name
|
|
03
|
Richard Miranda
|
|
12
|
Leo John D’Souza
|
|
16
|
Sahaya Thason
|
|
19
|
Paulus Bodra
|
|
24
|
Pascal Minj
|
|
MAY
|
|
|
07
|
Alwin C.V.
|
|
13
|
Fr. Robert Toppo
|
