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 13th century. In this way, the Church was able to
Christianize the secular feasts that were to take place at that time. In the 16th
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 9th April, 2015. Though the feast is
celebrated on 19th 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 11th
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
12th 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
16th 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 24th 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 27th 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 12-17th 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 11th
April to 13th 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 29th 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
|
