Diocese of Jamshedpur
Vol.
46 No. 6 Private Circulation
Only June– 2016
Mary,
the mirror of God’s Mercy
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Every year, the month of May is dedicated to Mother Mary. It
is because, in the history of salvation the name of Mother Mary is intertwined
with Her Son the redeemer, Christ Jesus. If Jesus is the Redeemer, Mother Mary
is called as the Co-Redemptrix. Hence we Christians honour Mother Mary with great
reverence and devotion.
This is true that Mother Mary is the daughter of Sts. Anna
and Joachim but it is also the true that God in His infinite wisdom prepared
Mary as the Mother of the Redeemer even before the creation of the whole
universe. Mary is the most wondrous creation of God. Since Mary was created
before the creation of Adam and Eve, the original sin eludes her.
There are many Christian denominations who do not accept
Mary as the Mother of Jesus. But in the Scripture, it is evidently expressed
through Elizabeth when it is said, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the
baby leapt with joy in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and
crying out loudly, she said, “You are most blessed among women and blessed is
the fruit of your womb! How is that the Mother of the Lord comes to me.”
Elizabeth was filled with Holy Spirit that she could call Mary as the Lord’s
Mother. It is unfortunate that Many of our Christian brothers and sisters do
not believe this truth that Mary is the Mother of Christ.
Even many of our Catholic brothers and sisters consider Mary
as an illiterate village girl. This is obviously wrong. A religious woman, Mary
Balthortha from Italy received a vision of Jesus in which He said, “When Mary
was three years old, her parents offered her in Jerusalem temple. It was
traditional that the parents offer their girl child in the temple for the
all-round development. In the temple the children were taught to read and
write, they were taught catechism and were equipped with many skills. The
children were educated with the core truth of the Scriptures”. And hence it is
certain that Mother Mary knew not only to read and write but also the scriptures
and its prophecies. She was quite aware of the prophecy about the Messiah, His
birth, life, death and resurrection; the prophets had foretold the forthcoming
of the Messiah in the Old Testament. She is not the bearer of wisdom but she
herself is the seat of wisdom. Hence to call Mary as illiterate is completely
wrong. Mary was well educated and from a noble family.
According to the Prophecy of Daniel, the people of Israel
were waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Mary was also expecting the same.
She wished to remain as a virgin and wanted to serve the Messiah as a humble servant.
Since the birth of messiah could only come from the lineage of king David, it
was imperative, that Mary marries someone who is from the lineage of king
David.
Joseph was a Nazirite and Mary had pledged to be a virgin
all through her life. But God in his infinite wisdom brought them together and
they both remained virgin all through their life.
The other name of God is Mercy. God is full of compassion
and love for the humankind. To save the fallen human race God sent his only Son
to be crucified, that they may have life, life in abundance. The mercy of God
the Father is mirrored in Christ Jesus. And he offered himself as an atoning
sacrifice for the sins of the humans to God the Father. The heart of Mary is
not different from her Son. When she said, “Behold the handmaid of God, let it
be done to me according to your will”, she also readily accepted all the
sufferings that she would have to bear for the salvation of human race.
It was possible for Jesus, the all-powerful God, to attain
the salvation for humans without the suffering; he could also have destroyed
his enemies with in a fraction of second and purge the earth from sin. But he
didn’t do so. Instead, He gave man an opportunity to repent. He forgave
everyone who approached him. He forgave Peter when he repented, he would also
have forgiven Judas if he were to repent.
The Heart of Mary yearns for the conversion of sinners. She
continues to plead for us to her Son. Every human is the creation of God, and
hence, priceless. We are created that we may experience the unison with God the
father in our earthly life and the life to come. The infinite mercy of God is
the glimpse of the eternal joy to come.
Mary exhorts every man to turn away from sin and to return
to God the Father. She has been appearing in various visions and insists on the
need to repent. There are various visions which the Catholic Church as
recognized as the original apparitions of Mother Mary. Important ones among
them are: -
- Mary appeared four times to Juan Diego in 1531 at Tepeyac hill near Mexico City. She proclaimed herself the spiritual mother of all mankind and left her miraculous image on Juan Diego's outer garment, his tilma.
- Mary appeared to Catherine
Labouré, in the chapel of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul,
at Rue du Bac in Paris, three times in 1830. She showed her the design of
the the medal of the Immaculate Conception, the "Miraculous
Medal." This medal, when propagated, helped to renew devotion to Our
Lady, both in France and eventually around the world.
- Mary appeared to two
children, Maximin Giraud, aged 11, and Mélanie Calvat, aged 14, in 1846,
one afternoon while they were looking after the animals high up on the
mountain. She appealed for penance and an end to Sabbath breaking and
blasphemy in the region.
- Mary appeared to
Bernadette Soubirous, aged 14, a total of eighteen times at Lourdes in
southern France in 1858, at the Grotto of Massabielle. She asked for
penance and prayer for the conversion of sinners, and described herself as
the "the Immaculate Conception."
- Mary appeared to three
children, Lucia de Santos, aged 10, and her two cousins, Francisco Marto,
aged 9, and Jacinta Marto, aged 7, six times between May and October 1917. She described herself as "Our
Lady of the Rosary," while urging prayer, and particularly the
rosary, as well as penance for the conversion of sinners, and the
consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart.
- In the evening of June 18, 1961, Mary appeared to four girls on the outskirts of the town
at Garabandal in Spain -
Conchita Gonzalez, Maria Dolores (Mari-loli) Mazon, Jacinta Gonzalez and
Maria Cruz Gonzalez. Maria Cruz was eleven, the others twelve, and all
were from poor families. Here also Mary insists on the conversion of
sinners. Though this apparition is not officially recognized by the
Church, I personally count them as genuine.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Mother Mary is personification of
Mercy. She is our true and beloved mother. She is at our aid at every moment,
leading us to Jesus, her Son. Let us love her sincerely and follow her
instructions to repent and to pray for sinners. Let us also be grateful to God
the Father for the invaluable gift of Mary as Our Mother.
+Felix
Toppo, S.J
Bishop of Jamshedpur
Top US Senators
voice concern over religious freedom in India
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
visit, top US Senators have
expressed deep concern over religious freedom, increasing attack on civil
society and human rights in
India with
the Obama Administration saying it was having a dialogue with the country on
these issues.
Describing the anti-conversion laws in some
states as problematic, Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, a Ranking Member of the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern over religious freedom in India. Some of the members also raised the issue of
denying visas to the members of the US Commission on International Religious
Freedom. Cardin also alleged that India has
inconsistent record in the manner in which they treat women and girls.
Agreeing with the
concerns of the Senators, Assistant Secretary of State for South
and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal said while the Obama Administration has
been raising these issues and concerns at the highest level and is having a
dialogue with India on this issue, it is the vibrant civil society of India
which is itself the most robust and string voice on this.
Mamata to attend
Mother Teresa's Canonisation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 22nd May, said she
will attend the canonisation of Mother Teresa in Vatican on September 4.
Banerjee's decision followed an invitation extended to her by the Mother's
Catholic congregation Missionaries of Charity Superior General Sister Prema
earlier in the day. "I have accepted Sr Prema's invitation to be present
at the canonisation of blessed Mother Teresa in Rome on 4 Sep," Banerjee
said in a tweet.
The chief minister will be accompanied by Sister Prema, Calcutta Archdiocese
Archbishop Thomas D'Souza and several other dignitaries and individuals
connected to the M.C’s Mother House here.
Monica Besra, a tribal woman from West Bengal's South Dinajpur district,
whose 'miracle' cure was instrumental in Mother's beatification, is also
expected to accompany the delegation to the Vatican.
Pope Francis announced in March that the Mother would be canonised on
September 4, the eve of her 19th death anniversary. Known across the world as
the Mother, Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with the
poor, sick, old and lonely in the slums of Kolkata. She died on September 5,
1997, and was beatified just six years later by Pope John Paul II on October
19, 2003.
Fr. Lombardi on
Pope’s remarks about Female Deacons
According to Vatican Radio, the Director of the Holy
See’s Press office, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, said Pope Francis did not
say in his remarks to the Heads of female religious orders and congregations
that he intends to introduce the ordination of women and even less the
ordination of women as priests.
Father Lombardi’s statement followed the Pope’s
widely-reported remarks that he wants to set up a Commission to study the
question of female deacons.
Pope Francis’ remarks on deaconesses came during a question and answer session on Thursday with some 900
heads of female religious orders and congregations who form part of the
International Union of Superiors General.
During the hour and a half long conversation about the
mission and ministry of women in religious life, the Pope responded to several
delicate questions, including one where he was asked what prevents the Church
from including women among the permanent deacons, just like during the early
Church. In his reply, the Pope said understanding about the role of female
deacons in the early Church remained unclear and agreed with the sisters that
it would be useful to set up a Commission to study the question.
Father Lombardi described the encounter between the Pope
and the female religious as a “beautiful conversation” that was very
“encouraging” about women and in particular about consecrated women in the life
of the Church, including their role in important positions within the
dicasteries where ordination is not implied.
Discussing the Pope’s much reported remark about setting
up a commission to study the question of female deacons, Father Lombardi said
this was an issue that has been talked about within the Church in the past and
arises from the fact that in the early Church there were women described as
deaconesses who carried out certain tasks within the Christian community.
The Holy See Press Office director said “we need to be
honest” when looking at the Pope’s remarks about being willing to set up a
commission, to look again at this issue with greater clarity. “The Pope did not
say he intends to introduce the ordination of female deacons and even less did
he talk about the ordination of women as priests.” “In actual fact, the Pope
made clear in his preaching during the course of the Eucharistic celebration
that he was not considering this (question) at all.” The Vatican spokesman also
said it was wrong to reduce all the many important things said by the Pope
during his meeting with the religious sisters to this one question.
Charlemagne
Prize Awarded to Pope Francis
Pope Francis has been awarded the
International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, the oldest and best-known prize
awarded for work done in the service of European unification. The announcement
was made today in the city of Aachen; the Pope will physically receive the
award at a date still to be set, in Rome.
A communiqué by the Prize Committee
said that Pope Francis has sent “a message of hope and encouragement” at a time
in which “many citizens in Europe are seeking orientation.”
The Pope – said Marcel Philipp, the
Mayor of Aachen speaking to the press upon the announcement of the Award – is
the “voice of conscience” that demands we put people at the center of our
concerns, “he is an extraordinary moral authority.”
Diocesan News
St.
Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri
May 1st was a remarkable day for the
parishioners of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. The Parish Day was celebrated
with lots of joy, pomp and glory. The festivity began with the solemn
Eucharistic celebration presided by Ret. Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S. J. at 5
P.M. The cultural programme presented by the parishioners at the Welfare Hall
was appreciated by all. Congratulations to Frs. Camille Hembrom and Pradeep
Maradi for the successful Parish Day Celebrations.
The renovation of
the Cathedral and the Welfare Center are on their full swing. We expect to
finish the work by the mid of June. Congrats to the Parish Priest, Assistant
and all the parishioners for their collaborative effort.
The
Priestly Ordination of Dns. Sushil Dungdung and Ranjit Kullu
Deacons Sushil
Dungdung and Ranjit Kullu were ordained on 27th April, 2016 at St.
Ann’s Cathedral, Samtoli at 7 a.m. Another deacon from Hazaribagh diocese was
also ordained together with Dns. Sushil and Ranjit.
The ordination
ceremony was presided over by His Lordship, Rev. Dr. Felix Toppo, S.J, Bishop
of Jamshedpur and His Lordship Rev. Dr. Anand Jojo, Bishop of Hazaribagh. While
Bishop Felix Presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, Bishop Anand Jojo
instructed the ordianti about the duties and obligation of priesthood through
his sermon.
There were many
priests, religious, and the laity for the ordination ceremony. The melodious
singing and graceful dances made the Eucharistic celebration more prayerful. There
was a felicitation programme soon after the ordination ceremony. The weather
was very conducive for prayer. Congratulations to the ordained and to everyone
who made this event a remarkable one.
Priestly
Ordination of Dn. Jayaraj Ignatius
Dn. Jayaraj
Ignatius was ordained on 7th May, 2016 at Sacred Heart’s Church,
Sinthalicheri in the Archdiocese of Madurai. He was the 70th priest
to be ordained from Sacred Heart’s parish, Sinthalicheri.
The people
gathered around Dn. Jayaraj’s house at 5. p.m and Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J &
Dn. Jayaraj were led to the Church in a decorated vehicle with lots of music
and singing. Though the Eucharistic celebration was in Tamil, the ordination
ceremony was in English. There were 15 priests from the diocese of Jamshedpur
to witness the ordination of Dn. Jayaraj, apart from very many priests,
religious and laity. The bishop and the priests were very much taken up by the
devotion and reverence of the people. The family members of Dn. Jayaraj
expressed their joy and gratefulness to God and to Bishop Felix Toppo, for
having ordained Dn. Jayaraj for the diocese of Jamshedpur.
The melodious
choir, led by the parish priest, was well appreciated by everyone present. A
common meal was served to all present for the occasion. Hearty congratulations
to Fr. Jayaraj.
Sacerdotal
Silver Jubilee celebrations of Rev. Fr. Elvius Dungdung
The celebration of
Fr. Elvius’s Sacerdotal Jubilee was organized on 12th May, 2016 at
Nirmala Hospital, Dhanbad. The Thanks Giving Eucharistic Celebration was at
9:30 am. The main celebrant was Fr. Elvius Dungdung himself. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J along with the main
celebrant, Fr. Elvius and the concelebrants were led to the altar by entrance
dance by the Nirmala School’s Girls. Fr. Elvius, in his sermon, described about
his vocation and his journey of 25 years as a priest and thanked God for His
presence in his life.
It was wonderful
to observe very many dignitaries from various religions present to thank God
for the successful 25 years of priesthood of Fr. Elvius. Fr. Elvius thanked
everyone present for their attendance and love.
Congrats to Fr.
Bipin Pani, the Samaritan Sisters and the Nirmal Hostel children for the success
of this programme.
The
Priestly Ordination of Dn. George Ekka
On 18th
May evening the villagers welcomed Bishop in their traditional manner by
singing and dancing. On 19th, the ordination ceremony began at 7
a.m. in the mango groves at Holy Family Church, Rajawal. The School children,
in three lines, led the main celebrant, co-celebrants and the Ordinatus to the
altar. Though the climate was quite warm, the people were very calm and
attentive for the whole ceremony.
The choir with
their celestial voice accompanied us in the prayer. A small felicitation
programme followed the ordination. Every one present was served a sumptuous
meal after the felicitation programme. The Parish Priest of Holy Family Church,
Rajawal, Fr. Ranjith Ekka, the assistant Parish Priest together with DSA
sisters and the parishioners put all their efforts to make the ceremony a
memorable one. Hearty congratulations to Fr. George Ekka.
Language Course for the Brothers
Santhali language course was
organized at St. John Vianney Parish, Dhowatard in Dhanbad from 3-20th
May, 2016. On 2nd of May 19 brothers arrived at Dhowatard parish for
learning Santhali language. The brothers were welcomed joyously by Rev. Fr.
Nicolas Kerketta, the Parish Priest and Rev. Fr. Dileep Marandi, the coordinator
of the programme.
The classes commenced on 3rd
of May. The classes were taken by Fr. Dileep Marandi. He was really committed
to his responsibilities and gave his best. We were blessed to have our language
course at Dhowatard parish where we could spend our day in reflecting and
learning. In order to keep our body healthy, we spent every day at least 45
minutes in gardening.
We are indebted to Our Bishop
Felix Toppo, S.J. for the opportunity to learn the local language and his kind
visit to encourage us. We are immensely grateful to Fr. Dileep, our guide, Fr.
Linus, our in-Charge and Fr. Nicholas, the parish priest for the fruitful time
that we spend at Dhowatard. (Bro. Anup Dungdung)
St. Xavier’s English School and
Junior College, Chaibasa.
As the summer heightened the school had an early summer break, by 6th
May for all sections. The study tour to Gangtok, Dargiling and Kolkata was a
snowy experience for the teachers and students away from the scorching summer.
Students enjoyed themselves in the snow in the Himalayan ranges. That was
indeed a thrilling an experience.
A red letter day was marked for St. Xavier’s Junior College on 6th
May as its first batch ISC brought out a 100-fold result. As it was a much
awaited day for all, there was much joy and celebration at the result. ICSE too
reaped a 100 fold with 52 distinctions, 38 first classes and 8 second classes.
ISC –science scored 14 distinctions, 18 first classes and 6 second classes.
Whereas Commerce scored 1 distinction, 10 first classes, and 4 second classes.
The highest percentages ICSE-93.2%, ISC –Science- 91.25and Commerce- 75%. I
sincerely thank everyone who stood by us with prayers and support to achieve
these heights in academics in 2015-16. God bless you all. (Sr. Sheetal)
Congratulations
We congratulate
the principals, the staff and students of all the educational institutions who
have secured 100% success in their 10th and 12th Board
Examinations.
Loyola School,
Taldanga, in ICSE, 119 students appeared for the exam with 100% success. The
highest individual percentage is 96. ISC – 22 students (100% pass with the
highest individual percentage is 96), ISC – 23 (100% pass with the highest
individual percentage is 95)
Divya Jyothi
School, Charbandia, 113 students appeared for the exam with 100% success (43
First Divisions and 70 Second Divisions.
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
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JUNE
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|
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Date
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Name
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14
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Fr. Prince Dibash
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16
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Fr. Halan Bodra
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16
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Fr. Baldeo Hembrom
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22
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Fr. Georage Ekka
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24
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Fr. Michael Jojo
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30
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Fr. Roque Cardoza
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BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS
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June
2016
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||||
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09
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Thur
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PM
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Leave for Jagdalpur
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11
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Sat
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SABS Golden Jubilee
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Jagdalpur
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13
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Mon
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AM
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Return to JSR
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21
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Tue
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05.00 p.m.
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Jubilee of UMI Sister
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Chaibasa
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29
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Wed
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Inauguration of the New Mission
Blessing of SCB Convent building
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Karaikela
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30
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Thur
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New Priests Meet
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Golmuri
|
Dear Father/Sister/Friend,
The Catholic Charities, Jamshedpur is
organizing a 5-Day Workshop on Financial Administration from July 11-15, 2016
at Vikas Bharati, Sundernagar for our priests, religious and those who are
interested. Among other issues, the topics would include, ‘Spirituality of
Temporal Administration, Banking: investments, Income Tax, Provident Fund; Cash
Systems, books of accounts, Audits Minority issues, RTI & RTE, PF, ESI,
Gratuity, FCRA- recent regulations, Registration of Societies, etc., you can
also suggest any other topics connected with this subject.
The Resource Person is Rev. Fr.
Gerald Ravi D’Souza, S.J
The board and Lodge fee + Course
Material = ₹2300.00
You are kindly requested to register
your names for this programme as soon as possible with the Director (9471163588), Catholic Charities,
Sundarnagar or with the Vicar General (9431381657),
Bishop’s House, Golmuri.
