Vol. 46 No. 4 Private Circulation
Only April– 2016
Dear
brothers and sisters,
Every
year the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) meet and discusses various
issues and plan for the future. As leaders
of the Church, 182 Bishops
from 170 Dioceses
of the Church in India gathered at St. John's
National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, from 02 to 09 March 2016 to deliberate on "The Response
of the Church in India to the Present Day Challenges”. The Meeting was inaugurated with a solemn Mass presided over by His Grace Salvatore Pennacchio,
Apostolic Nuncio to India and con-celebrated by all the Prelates and priests
attending the CBCI Plenary.
After much prayer, discussions and
deliberations the bishops have resolved to respond to the challenges facing the Church in India, identifying the following:
1. Family Life:
Family is the nucleus of the Church and society.
Every family is to be modeled after the Holy Family.
There must be a cordial-spiritual-parental relation with the pastor and
parishioner; Proper marriage preparations and Marriage - Enrichment Programmes will help the families to be
rooted in Divine Love and to face the challenges that the media and society pose for family life.
e.g. pro-life issues, issues in human sexuality, pornography and marital
fidelity.
2. Renewal
of Consecrated Persons: The consecrated has a
great role in carrying out the Divine Mandate of the Master; they are
consecrated for this purpose. At the same time, they are never to forget that
every baptized is called to carry out his or her Priestly, Prophetic and Kingly
duties in their own manner. There should be a proper understanding of,
distribution of, rights and duties. The consecrated are to help the faithful in
their pilgrimage of faith. The Church is not an island, we are embedded in the
society and hence, we must try to represent ourselves in the temporal
administration; promote suitable individuals to main streams of civic life.
3. Marginalized of the Society and the Mission of the Church: The Church is to
be voice of the voiceless. Realizing that caste system is a reality in
India, which has crept in certain parts of the Church,
we need to pursue with the Government that Christian Dalits be treated on par with the Hindu Dalits; empowering them
and strengthening advocacy on
the
socio-political, economic and cultural rights of Tribals, enshrined in the Constitution of India. We must
not be silent spectators but be ready to address issues that we face today, such as, land
alienation, induced displacement, human trafficking, migration, etc.,
4. The Youth and Women: India
is a Young country; most of its population is below 40. It is our
responsibility to prepare them for the future; guide them, train them to be
better leaders and responsible citizens. We must promote youth apostolate at all
levels, such, as Jesus Youth,
YCS/YSM, ICYM and AICUF
in all parishes and institutions and encouraging faith formation,
value education, enhancing critical thinking
and problem solving. We must also foster gender equity and establish Grievance Cells to address
women’s issues and protect their rights.
5.
Ecumenism
& Inter-Religious Dialogue: The need of
the hour is to take initiatives
to
foster better cooperation among Christians through dialogue and common ecumenical services. In the light of the economy of salvation,
the Church sees no conflict between proclaiming Christ and engaging in inter-religious dialogue. Each member of the
faithful and all
Christian communities are called to practice dialogue. Dialogue is a path toward
the
kingdom. (Redemptoris Missio, no. 56, 57).
We must create and promote ecumenical bodies such as
Inter-Church Councils and United
Christian Groups and promote Spiritual Ecumenism. We must learn to
respect the sentiments of the people of other religions;
breaking the divisive and intolerant walls of caste, language
and
ethnicity.
6. The Education Apostolate:
Our educational institutions need to rise above the maintenance mode to impart holistic education
with a heart for the poor
and the marginalized. We must promote Faith formation and Value Education of Christian students and try to reach out to the socially
backward and the girl children,
ensuring administrative transparency, financial accountability and participatory management. We must know our constitutional rights and demand
for it when denied. It is our duty to implement CBCI's All India Christian
Education Policy of 2007 in our schools and educational Institutions.
7. Care of the Earth, our
common home: As
stewards of God's creation,
we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human
family. We are encouraged to make use of solar energy, rain-water harvesting,
bio-gas plants and promote sustainable development-reuse, reduce and recycle.
The protection of the earth is our sacred duty; the failure of which results in
the failure of everything.
8. A new way of being Church for an effective
response: We are blessed with the life examples of
Blessed Mother Teresa and Pope Francis for living with a vision and mission.
Mother Teresa changed her routine way of living and made a radical decision for
living her religious / consecrated life in a thoroughly new way. So also, the
lifestyle of Pope Francis challenges us to be authentic in our Christian
vocation, by freeing ourselves of traditional structures, institutionalization
and to break new ground, shedding the comforts and privileges of office and
status, embodying the gracious mercifulness and love of Christ and bringing the
joy of the Gospel to one and all. We are also challenged and inspired by the
exemplary life of the Saints of India, namely, St. Thomas the Apostle, St.
Francis Xavier, St. Gonsalo Garcia, St. Alphonsa, St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara,
St. Euphrasia, St. Joseph Vaz, Blessed Mother Teresa, Blessed Devasahayam Pillai, Blessed Maria Theresa Chiramel, Blessed Augustine Thevarparampil (Kunjachan), Servant of God, Father Constant Lievens and
others.
9. BISHOPS AND PRIESTS: Bishops
and priests, while exercising their role as administrators, should be first and
foremost, shepherds of the flock, available and service minded. Their lifestyle
should be an example of simplicity and spirituality that can be an inspiration
to everyone.
Conclusion: As
authentic citizens of the country, we repose our confidence in the democratic values and the Constitution of
India. Trusting in God’s grace, love and mercy, we march ahead to carry out our
God-given mission, confident of the goodwill and support of our people
everywhere. We appeal to all people of goodwill in India to join hands with us
in solidarity to work for a better Church and a better society. May Blessed
Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy and Star of Evangelization, who brought joy and
hope to the world, guide us and help us to fulfill our mission.
+Felix
Toppo, S.J.
Bishop
of Jamshedpur
Eastern churches bar women from Washing the Feet Ritual
The two Eastern Catholic churches in India have decided not to include
women in the washing of the feet ceremony on Maundy Thursday this year.
Pope Francis allowed the inclusion of women in the ceremony by changing the
previous prescription that said the "feet of 12 men be washed." The
changed regulation now asks pastors to "select a small group of the
faithful" for the ritual washing.
Cardinal George Alencherry, the major archbishop of the Eastern Syro-Malabar Church, told media that his church will wash the feet of only 12 men following the age-old liturgical tradition as the Vatican has exempted Eastern churches.
Fr. Jimmy P., spokesman of the Syro-Malabar Church told ucanews.com that his church, and the smaller Syro-Malakara Church, were exempted because changes are part of the Latin liturgy and Eastern churches are "liturgically different." He said the churches have sought clarification from the Vatican's Eastern congregation, which oversees the Eastern-rite churches, and it has exempted them because Eastern churches do not follow the Roman rite or Roman Missal.The spokesman stated that "We are an autonomous church having freedom to decide on our liturgy, but the synod is our supreme decision-making body. Any liturgical change such as this must come from the synod," After discussions with senior bishops, the major archbishop decided to maintain the status quo until the next synod meeting in August, he said.
Cardinal George Alencherry, the major archbishop of the Eastern Syro-Malabar Church, told media that his church will wash the feet of only 12 men following the age-old liturgical tradition as the Vatican has exempted Eastern churches.
Fr. Jimmy P., spokesman of the Syro-Malabar Church told ucanews.com that his church, and the smaller Syro-Malakara Church, were exempted because changes are part of the Latin liturgy and Eastern churches are "liturgically different." He said the churches have sought clarification from the Vatican's Eastern congregation, which oversees the Eastern-rite churches, and it has exempted them because Eastern churches do not follow the Roman rite or Roman Missal.The spokesman stated that "We are an autonomous church having freedom to decide on our liturgy, but the synod is our supreme decision-making body. Any liturgical change such as this must come from the synod," After discussions with senior bishops, the major archbishop decided to maintain the status quo until the next synod meeting in August, he said.
An year dedicated to Venerable Constant Lievens
On 19th
March, in the inauguration of the Jubilee Year of Venerable Constant Lievens,
at Jamgai, Cardinal Telespore Toppo announced that from 19th March,
2016 to 19th March, 2017 is dedicated to venerable Constant
Lievens.
Constant Lievens, child in a large
rural Flemish family, after studies in Roeselare and Bruges, was moved to enter
the Society of Jesus in 1878 by a desire to serve on the foreign missions. He
was sent to India after his novitiate, finished his training there and was
ordained in Calcutta in 1883. He went to Central India, to the Chota Nagpur
Plateau where missionary work was just beginning, in 1885 and centered his
activity first around Torpa and later at Ranchi. He saw the oppression of the
people and their need for legal help was their most pressing needs, and chose
to address that as a preparation for the preaching of the Gospel. He made
himself an expert in tribal customary law and persuaded English magistrates to
consider that as they decided the cases he pleaded for the people. He came to
be regarded as a savior and defender and by his work drew tens of thousands to
the faith. Finally, forced by ill health to return to his native soil, he dies
in Leuven in 1893. The cause for his beatification has been begun, his ashes
were transferred to Ranchi and are kept in the Catholic Cathedral.
International Women’s Day Celebration, Catholic Charities, Sundernager, Jamshedpur.
International women’s day is observed on
8th March every year all over the world.
2016 International Women’s Day
theme is, “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality” talks
about gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s human rights. Keeping
the theme of 2016 the international women’s day was celebrated on
11th March 2016 at
Catholic Charities Campus Patel Bagan Sundernager, Jamshedpur. As the
Catholic Charities Jamshedpur is implementing its project in three districts in
East and West Singhbhum and Seraikela –Kharswan cities, towns as well as in
the remote villages area. People of both urban and rural area enhancing
their capacity and skill development and give them a higher
position in society in the aspects of economic, political and education.
Till now 12 cooperative of women SHG have been formed consisting 584 WSHG with
7398 members.
His Lordship Dr. Felix
Toppo, the Chief guest, spoke in his message that “Men and women are complement to each other and God has given them equal rights”. By seeing
the crowd of women coming from remote villages on the occasion of international
women’s day celebration of three districts, he eulogized it and said that-
women are now much motivated and aware of their rights. He also advised and
encouraged the women to educate themselves for their progress and
empowerment. Mr. Raj Kumar, Vice president of Zila Parished, East Singhbhum
appreciated the role of woman and said that - Woman is form of Goddess on
earth. Fr. C R. Praabhu, Director of Catholic Charities /
Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra Jamshedpur, Fr. David Vincent, Vicar General
of Jamshedpur Diocese, Sr. Jessie, Administrator of Mercy Hospital Baridih, Jamshedpur,
Sr. Susheela SCJM, Administrator of St. Joseph’s Hospital,
Billaipahady, Mr.C.V. Thambhi, General Manager, Federal Bank Jamshedpur, Mr.
Champai Murmu, Gram Pradhan (villages leader of Karandih) were also present on
this occasion.
Bandolohar & Burgrigora
On the 10th March
2016 International Women’s Day was also
celebrated at Bandolohar village
football ground of Kuchai Block in Seraikela-Kharswan
district. The Board of Directors (BODs)
of Kiran Avam Sakh Swalambi Sahkari Samiitee took
initiative to celebrate women’s day
first time in Bandolohar village.
On 8th March 2016 International
women’s day was celebrated at Burigora village of Chakradharpur in West Singhbhum. In Burger
the SHG Cooperative is on process of formation. There were around 700 hundred women and men had come for this
celebration. There are 5 panchayats, of
5 cluster consisting 25
SHGs, seeing the progresses of other
cooperatives are motivated to form their own Cooperatives. By the initiative of
Sr. Annie, the women of hilly area of
Burigora International women’s day was celebrated on 8th March 2016.
Charbandiya
On 9th March 2016
International Women’s day was celebrated at
Charbandia of Anandpur Block in West Singhbhum Block. After segregation from Manoharpur block, new
Aanandpur Block has been established.
For official work cooperative members had to travel 20 kilometre distance from their
village. Hence it was nice opportunity celebrate first time women’s day in new block inviting new Block
Officer Mr. Bishnu Deo
Kachap as Chief guest. In his
message BDO Mr. Bishnu Deo assured his cooperation , help and to support to Nav Chirag
Sakh Avam Swalambi Sahkari Samittee Cooperative. On this occasion successful story of women
the Cooperative members shared their experience and advantage received from
Cooperative. There were more than 600 hundred cooperative members present to make it joyful and successful day. On this occasion there were
some cultural program as skit was
put-up by the women. It was very good and learning for the women. Fr.
Alwin Deputy Director of Catholic charities/ Samekit Jan Vikas
Kendra Jamshedpur , Sr. Deepti Program
Manager of Cooperative and Coordinator Mr. Rothin Kumar were also present to make it more successful.
Chrism Mass – 2016
Diocese
of Jamshedpur left no stones unturned to make Chrism Mass – 2016 a memorable one.
The Chrism Mass was held on 17th March, 2016 at St. Joseph’s
Cathedral, Golmuri. The day began with a Pastoral Clergy Meeting, chaired by
Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. He explained in detail the new norms concerning
the Washing of the Feet on Maundy Thursday and the optional inclusion of women
in the ceremony. He also gave a short summary on the ‘Response of the Church in
India to the Present Day Challenges’ – Final statement of the 32nd
CBCI Plenary assembly held in Bangalore.
Fr.
Christudas, the resource person, helped the priests to analyze the challenges
that the Christian families face today. The talk was very interactive in nature
and informative. In the afternoon, Fr. Christudas led everyone present to
meditate on Divine Mercy and to approach the Lord with childlike faith. The clergy and the religious made the best
use of the recollection, benediction and reconciliation in the afternoon.
The
Holy Eucharist with the blessing of the Holy Oils was celebrated at 5.30 pm. In
the Holy Eucharist, Bishop felicitated and prayed for Fr. Elvius Dungdung who
is celebrating the Silver Jubilee of his Sacerdotal Ordination.
There
were more than 120 priests for the Eucharistic celebration; the cathedral was
full with the religious and laity. Congratulations to everyone who made Chrism
Mass -2016 a memorable one.
Thanks Giving Eucharistic Celebration
&
Felicitation of the Jubilarian.
On
13th March, 2016, with grateful and cheerful hearts the brothers of
Pratiksha gathered around the altar of the Lord to thank Him for the
accompaniment of love and guidance in their spiritual journey in the academic
year 2015-2016. They also thanked the priests and the staff for facilitating
their spiritual growth.
It
was a double joyous event, as we felicitated the Jubilarian, Rev. Fr. C.R.
Prabhu on the occasion of the successful completion of the Spiritual journey of
the brothers at Pratiksha. There were 10 priests, 23 sisters and the faithful
to grace the occasion.
Rt.
Rev. Bp. Felix Toppo presided over the Eucharistic Celebration. In his
introduction he invited everyone to pray for the seminarians and for their
vocation to priesthood and offer thanksgiving prayer for Fr. C. R. Prabhu on
his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee.
Fr.
C .R. Prabhu, in his homily, narrated his experiences of 50 years of priesthood
mentioning a few enriching and inspiring incidents that occurred in his life
and asked brothers to be ready to face the challenging world. After the
felicitation programme there was a grand fellowship meal which was enjoyed by
everyone present. Fr. Oscar, Rector of Pratiksha, thanked everyone for their
valuable prayers and presence. (Fr. Paschal Toppo)
St. Mary’s English High School, Bistupur
The
staff of St. Mary’s English school embraced the academic year with an
orientation programme conducted by Fr. Nelson on 22nd of March 2016.
Intense activities centered on improving student teacher-relationship,
performance. appraisal and teamwork, and different methods of teaching and
humanistic approach to education. The programme aimed at imparting and
upgrading the requisite job skill and knowledge to the staff, working on the
coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with ever demanding and challenging
situations faced by both the teacher and the taught. The day concluded with a
decision to work towards motivating and moulding each student with patience,
care and love. Thanks to Fr. David Vincent for arranging such a wonderful
program for the teachers. The school is busy with board examinations also
admissions. Our admission procedure is structured and systematic. We follow the
norms of the CBSE. Education being the mission, everything that is possible,
within the norms, is done to admit students from the downtrodden communities in
society and also first generation learners. (Sr. Mariam SJT)
St. Xavier’s School, Saparamgutu
14th March, 2016 will be
marked in golden letters in the annals of history of Saparamgutu village as
they witnessed the blessing of the new School Building on the occasion of the
anniversary of the school. The long awaited dream of the villagers became a reality
with the aid of Manos Unidas, Spain. It was Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J., Bishop
of Jamshedpur who invoked the blessings of the Lord on the School and blessed
the school building. Mrs. Punjam Kujur,
S.I, Sapraramgutu, cut the ribbon and inaugurated the building. Rev. Fr. Vijay
Kumar Nayak C.M, Provincial, North India Province, graced the occasion and
congratulated the Hembrom family for their generous contribution of the land
for the school building. Bp. Felix encouraged the villages to struggle hard to
attain the best in life; to study and shine. Many priests and religious from
Chaibasa, Jamshedpur and Orissa came to express their support and
encouragement. The school children put up a remarkable cultural presentation.
Congratulations to Fr. Benedict Hembrom C.M. for his tireless service to
Saparamgutu and to the Church as a whole. (Fr. Camille Hemberom)
St. Mary’s Church, Bistupur
On
13th March, the parish youth of St. Mary’s Church arranged a half
day seminar in preparation for the Holy Week. Under the able leadership of Fr.
Linus, they discussed about their role in the Church and the society. New
office bearers for the Parish Youth were elected. Fr. Linus helped them to
prepare for the Holy Week and insisted on the importance of Responsible Youth
Today in our Church and the Society.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY |
APRIL
|
|
|
Date
|
Name
|
|
03
|
Richard Miranda
|
|
12
|
Leo John D’Souza
|
|
16
|
Sahaya Thason
|
|
19
|
Paulus Bodra
|
|
24
|
Pascal Minj
|
|
29
|
Sushil Dungdung
|
|
MAY
|
|
|
07
|
Alwin C.V.
|
|
13
|
Fr. Robert Toppo
|
BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS
|
|
|
|
APRIL
|
|
|
01
|
Fri
|
AM
|
CBCI-SME-NI
and HFH meeting
|
Mandar
|
|
02
|
Sat
|
6.30
am
|
Mass
with the Vocation Campers
|
Bh.
Pahari
|
|
03
|
Sun
|
7.00
am
|
Confirmation
and First Communion
|
Parsudih
|
|
11.00
am
|
Program
at Community College
|
Mango
|
||
|
04
|
Mon
|
P.M.
|
Mass: Golden Jubilee of Oswald Mascarenhas
|
XLRI,
JSR
|
|
12
|
Tue
|
|
Sacerdotal
Ordination of Deacon Birender Tete
|
Jamtoli
|
|
13
|
Wed
|
P.M.
|
To
Varanasi
|
|
|
14-15
|
Thur
|
|
Hindi
Region Bishops’ Meeting
|
Varanasi
|
|
16
|
Sat
|
|
Return
to JSR
|
|
|
|
09.30
am
|
Diocesan
Consult
|
Golmuri
|
|
|
20
|
Wed
|
08.30
am
|
Sacerdotal
Ordination of Dn. Alfred Balmuchu
|
Jhinkpani
|
|
23-24
|
Sat…
|
|
150th
Memorial of Servant of God, Bishop Hartmann
|
Patna
|
|
25
|
Mon
|
08.00
am
|
Parish
Feast and Confirmation
|
Toklo
|
|
27
|
Wed
|
07.00
am
|
Sacerdotal
Ordinations of Deacons Sushil Dungdung and Ranjit
Kullu
|
Samtoli
|
|
28
|
Thur
|
AM
|
To
Delhi
|
|
|
29
|
Fri
|
03.00
pm
|
CBCI-SME-NI
Governing Board Meeting
|
Delhi
|
|
30
|
Sat
|
|
Return
to JSR
|
|
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