Thursday, June 30, 2016

Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur

Vol. 46 No. 7              Private Circulation Only                  July– 2016


THE SAINTHOOD OF BL. MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta is going to be declared a ‘Saint’ by His Holiness Pope Francis on 4th September, 2016. Her declaration of sainthood inspires every one of us to look up to her as a role model of our Christian life. She will be counted in the list of saints, who are remembered for their exemplary life. We venerate them. We pray to God through them. In this manner, we become a member in the company of angels and also develop a spiritual union with our neighbors.

It was the wish of the Holy Father Francis that Bl. Mother Teresa be declared a ‘Saint’ in the Extraordinary Jubilee year of Mercy because of the similarities in their religious beliefs and spiritualties. Just like Bl. Mother Teresa, having been inspired by the love and mercy of God worked for the poor, the exploited, the weak, the helpless and the unwanted; Pope Francis also perpetually works to wipe away their sufferings. The heart of Pope Francis has a deep compassion and sympathy for the pitiable. Hence, it is appropriate that Bl. Mother Teresa be declared a ‘Saint’ in the Extraordinary Jubilee year of Mercy.

On the occasion of the Extraordinary Jubilee year of Mercy, the chosen theme for the Canonization of Bl. Mother Teresa - ‘Bearer of God’s benevolent and merciful love’ - is very appropriate.

On 10th September, 1946 she was inspired by God with a spiritual calling. First and foremost, God spoke in her conscience saying, “I am thirsty. I am thirsty for souls, you satisfy my hunger.” At that very moment He told her to establish the congregation called the “Missionaries of Charity.”

She understood the meaning of the “Missionaries of Charity” to be “the Bearers of God’s Love.” God said to her, “You come and carry me to the poor and needy.” That is why she used to say to her sisters “carry God’s love and light to the houses of poor, especially to those who are in need of it.  Wherever you go spread the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” She also used to say “Serve the Lord with gentleness and mercifulness”.  It was her firm belief that Jesus loves all of us with motherly and tenderly love. She said that love cannot remain static. Love forces us to do the work of “Service.” 

The work of the Sisters of Charity, in the tradition of the church, is called “the Works of Mercy.” It could be both corporal and spiritual. Admonish the sinner, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, bear the wrongs patiently, forgive all injuries, and pray for the living and the dead are Spiritual Works of Mercy. The Corporal Works of Mercy are feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.

The day of declaring Bl. Mother Teresa a ‘Saint” is drawing near. Hence we must let ourselves be inspired by her loving and merciful works. She did the simple works in an extraordinary manner. We may not be able to do the kind of work she did yet we can certainly do a few beautiful works for God in our own way. The Catholic Church wants that Bl. Teresa be declared a ‘Saint’ in the Extraordinary Jubilee year of Mercy as the representation of the face of the Heavenly Father. The Catholic Church also wishes that following the words and examples of Bl. Mother Teresa many would become generous and represent the face of God in their own families and in their neighborhood. Just as she reflected the tender and merciful face of God, let us also reflect the loving face of God through our words and works.

A public thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration is going to be held in honour of Bl. Mother Teresa on 2nd October 2016.  Besides Hon’ble persons of the country, many Bishops are also expected to be present for the event.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      + Felix Toppo, S.J
                                                                                                             Bishop of Jamshedpur
                                                                                                               
Around the Globe
“When the family is no longer seen as sacred, it falls into crisis” Pope Francis
In a joint declaration, Pope Francis and Catholicos Karekin II expressed their shared belief that, when the family is no longer seen as sacred, it falls into crisis.
“The secularization of large sectors of society, its alienation from the spiritual and divine, leads inevitably to a desacralized and materialistic vision of man and the human family,” the June 26 declaration said. “In this respect we are concerned about the crisis of the family in many countries.” “The Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church share the same vision of the family, based on marriage, an act of freely given and faithful love between man and woman.”
The joint declaration was signed by the Pope and Catholicos Karekin II on Jun 26, the final day of Pope Francis' three-day visit to Armenia. Addressed issues such as persecution and discrimination, while acknowledging the positive steps toward unity between the Church of Rome and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The joint declaration addressed the role of secularism in feeding the crisis in the family as witnessed worldwide. “The secularization of large sectors of society, its alienation from the spiritual and divine, leads inevitably to a desacralized and materialistic vision of man and the human family. In this respect we are concerned about the crisis of the family in many countries,” the letter reads.
Pope Francis' June 24-26 to Armenia was organized following the invitation of Karekin II, the nation's civil authorities, and the Catholic Church. Armenia has an ancient Christian legacy, being the first nation to adopt Christianity
Pope at Audience: Not Just How Much I Pray, But How I Pray
It is not enough to ask ourselves how much we pray; we must also ask ourselves how we pray. This was the invitation made by Pope Francis at a general audience on 1st June, 2016 when he reflected on the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican.
The passage, found in Luke 18:9-14, is Jesus’ lesson on “the right attitude with which to pray and to invoke the Father’s mercy,” the Pope explained. Duration of prayer isn’t the only question, Francis said, but also “how our heart is: it is important to examine [our hearts] to evaluate our thoughts, our feelings, and to extirpate arrogance and hypocrisy.”
The Holy Father said that prayer should be a “putting ourselves before God as we are” and admitted that in order to pray, we have to “rediscover the way to our heart, to recover the value of intimacy and silence, because it is there that God meets us and speaks to us.”
“The Pharisee prays to God, but in truth he looks at himself. He prays to himself! Instead of having the Lord before his eyes, he has a mirror,” the Pope said. “His attitude and his words are far from the way of acting and of speaking of God, who loves all men and does not scorn sinners.” In contrast, the Publican prayed a very brief prayer, but his “gestures of penance and his few and simple words attest to his awareness of his miserable condition. He acts humbly, certain only of being a sinner in need of mercy.”
The Pope warned that “arrogance compromises every good action, empties prayer, distances one from God and from others.” “If God favours humility,” he said, “it is not to humiliate us: rather humility is the necessary condition to be raised by Him, so as to experience the mercy that comes to fill our emptiness.”
Diocesan News

58 Children received First Holy Communion at Prabhu Marsal Church, Goilkera


God humbled Himself to contain himself in a small piece of bread that He can be with us forever as He had promised before going back to His Father’s Abode. It was a blissful experience for 58 children of our parish to taste and see how good the Lord is for the first time in their lives on 12th June, 2016. The children were well prepared for the day and the credit goes to the village catechists. The final preparations went on for three full days in the parish itself.
Fr. Halan Bodra, the Dean of Chaibasa deanery was the main celebrant for the solemn Holy Eucharist. Fr. Halan, in his homily, reminded the children of the importance of the Holy Eucharist. After the Holy Eucharist, the parishioners felicitated the new communicants and wished them all the best in their faith journey. Congratulations to all who helped in making this day a memorable one. (Fr. Prince Dhibash)

The Feast of St. Antony of Padaua


June 12, 2015 was blessed with showers of blessings as the feast of St. Antony was magnificently celebrated at Cathedral parish in Golmuri. The saint has a special place in the heart of commoners, as he performs miracles in the life of the people. The devotees took out a grand procession with the statue of St. Antony from Vallankanni grotto to the Cathedral. Rev. Fr. Maria Charles presided over the Mass and a wonderful sermon. The church bedecked with colourful flowers added beauty to the celebration. People showed their gratitude and piety to the saint by offering thanks giving Mass for all the favours received from God through the saint. The choir brought forth a prayerful atmosphere during the celebration. The feast was celebrated in various parishes across Jamshedpur with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. The feast remained a memorable one as usual. Congratulations to all who worked hard for the wonderful and meaningful celebration. Fr. Maria Charles

The Parish Feast, The Sacred Heart Church, Adra

The Sacred Heart Church, Adra celebrated the Parish feast and the Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee of Fr.  C. R. Prabhu on 26th June, 2016. The days programme began with Solemn Mass. The children of St Vincent Ashram Hostel danced the concelebrants to the Church. At the entrance of the Church, the Mahila Sangh welcomed the Priests by traditional welcome with Arathi. Then the School Children of Sacred Heart, Adra with a well-rehearsed dance led the Priests to the Alter for the Eucharistic celebration. The choir made the liturgy memorable one with their hymns, the entire congregation joined in singing. 

      Soon after the Mass, parishioners had their breakfast followed by a cultural programme in the hall. The parish priest welcomed Fr. Linus Kindo, Asst. Parish Priest and the Principal of the school. Fr. Prabhu in his speech recalled his nostalgic memories of yester years when Fr. Raphael d'Sa was the Parish Priest of Adra. Fr. A. Alphonse presented a golden ring to Fr. Prabhu as a memento of the parish to remember 50 golden years of Priesthood. This was followed by lunch for all the parishioners. (Fr. Edwin Coelho)

Bloom Where You Are Planted-St. Francis De Sales.

For M.S.F.S, it’s an opportunity to serve the people of Seraikella with this little formal institution, St. Francis De Sales School, Seraikella. Our founder Fr. Peter Mary Mermier says that The Heart of Education is the Education of the Heart. We the MSFS, pay attention in creating all-round developed young boys and girls not mere literates. In view of this there were many activities and competitions (curricular and co- curricular, celebration of festivals and special days) conducted in our school to bring awareness of the importance of self and others, respect and appreciation for the local and the world community.

As we all know that the Annual Parents’ Day is one of the most important events in the history of the school. One such was arranged on 20th December 2015 on the theme Sare Jahan Se Achchha. The enthusiastic participation of my vibrant students still remains before my eyes. The witness of enormous number of parents and guests (Fathers, Sisters and Brothers) gave a push to the school on the positive realm. The presence of Shri Chandra Sekhar IAS (DC, Seraikella) and Rev. Fr. David Vincent (VG, Jamshedpur Diocese) is indelible in the heart of the school.

Today, Examination is used as a yardstick for measuring the capacity of the students and result on the other hand presents the progress and regress of the school. This year the school attained 100% result and the new academic year (2016-17) has successfully begun.  Still we have many plans to realize for the development of our school for helping the people of Seraikella to walk towards new avenues for better citizenship and best world. I end by quoting my Heavenly Patron St. Francis De Sales, “Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections.”
 (Fr. Anthony Amaladoss.Msfs)

Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Sr. Jansy UMI, Chaibasa


21st June, 2016 was a remarkable day for the Sisters of St. Xavier’s Convent, Chaibasa as they celebrated the silver jubilee of Sr. Jansy UMI. As Sr. Jansy thanked God for His continuous support and blessings all through her consecrated life, her family members, the laity, teachers & students of St. Xavier’s English School, her sister companions, priests and religious working in Jamshedpur diocese congratulated her and wished her all the best on this auspicious day.

The Chief Celebrant of the thanksgiving Mass was Rev. Fr. David Vincent, the Vicar General. Fr. C. R. Prabhu in his introduction congratulated Sr. Jansy and said, that it is only a mile stone in the series of many. Fr. Edwin Coelho through his sermon explained the need to be grateful and to hold on to the roots. The celestial choir by the students and the active participation of the people made the Eucharistic Celebration a heavenly experience.   

Eucharistic celebration was followed by a small felicitation programme, where Sr. Jansy and her family members were honoured. A sumptuous meal was served to all present. Congratulations to the Parish Priest, Fr. Halan and all the sisters for the success of this programme. 

Village Chapel Blessing at Sorbai, Maluka



It was a remarkable day for the villagers of Sorbai in Maluka parish as they witnessed the blessing of their new village chapel at Sorbai. It was a dream come true. Fr. Camille Hembrom was the main celebrant of the solemn Eucharistic Celebration. The villagers had gathered for the mass in a very good number; the active participation of the people at Sorbai indeed is praise worthy.
Two eldest women in the village opened the door of the Chapel, the door of Mercy, and everyone entered the chapel with a small prayer. The village-chapel stands as the witness of their Christian faith and dedication to the Mother Church. Congratulations to Fr. Junas Purty and Manoj Tigga.

Catholic Charities, Sundarnagar

·         Sr. Thomasina SCJM, who has been working in Catholic Charities for quite some time - for the third time, in Catholic Charities, is being transferred by her Provincial.  In her place, Sr.  Marie Zelie AC of Apostolic Carmel, Northern Province has already joined us.

·         The Provincial, Sr. Marie Therese, of Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Jharkhand Province (Amar Jyoti, Pardih) has given us the services of Sr. Tessy SSH to be in charge of Vikas Bharti.  Sr. Tessy has already joined us on 10th April and is looking after Vikas  Bharati.

·         Sr. Deepti HC who has been taking care of our “Women’s Desk” is being transferred for health reasons and she is being replaced by Sr.  Eliani Topno HC.  Sr. Eliani has joined us on 18th April and she is being guided in her job by Sr. Deepti.

·         Fr. Alwin C.V. the Asst. Director has been accepted for a 6 months course in leadership in Development by Cody Institute, Canada. If all goes well, he has to join Coady Institute in the first week of July.

Catholic Charities warmly welcomes the new Sisters in its mission and thanks profusely Sr. Thomasina, and Sr. Deepti for their selfless service and great contribution. (Fr. C. R. Prabhu)

St, Mary, s English High School, Bistupur

For every institution their academic performance is the touch stone. Considering this criterion, we can proudly say that despite our admission policies favoring the marginalized in the society, the academic performance of our students has been consistently commendable. The credit goes to the hardworking and the dedicated staff members. Congratulation to our principal Fr. David Vincent. The investiture ceremony was held on 23rd of June. This solemn occasion marked the embracing of the next batch of leaders on a year of long mission to safeguard and protect the sanctity of the school by enforcing rules and regulations and to be a shining example to all students. The ceremony began with procession of leaders led by the school SPL holding aloft the resplendent school flag followed by a prayer service. The swearing in ceremony followed with the oath of office being administered by the school SPL. The leaders had been bestowed with the motto, ’LOVE AND SERVICE’ string boldly leaves foot prints on the sands of time.

            We bid a fond farewell to Fr. Chonas, our School Manager and Fr. Linus our Vice Principal. Beauty, wit, charm and intellect; both the Fathers are an embodiment of all these qualities and much more. They have the innate ability to get along with all age groups and can keep any audience in splits of laughter with their humor. St. Mary’s family greatly appreciates Fr. Linus for his patience in replying to the numerous queries relating to admission, exams, results; marks cards, etc. Father has always showed great concern towards all those around him. He embodies a rare blend of sincerity, simplicity and commitment to perfection. Dear fathers we assure you our prayers and all the best for your future mission. (Sr. Mariam)


Date
Name
07
Fr. Manoj Tigga
10
Fr. Ranjit Kullu
13
Fr. Eugene Ekka
19
Fr. David Vincent
22
Fr. Cyril Fernades
24
Fr. John Ottaplakal

25
Fr. Jerome Pereira
Fr. James Quadros
26
Fr. Linus Kindo
30
Fr. Joy Paul K.

BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS- JULY, 2016

JULY 2016
01
Fri
10.00 am
Conference. SIGN. SDC.
Ranchi
03.00 pm
Meeting with the Doctors
Mandar
02
Sat
05.30 pm
Mass. handing over/ taking over of PP Office
Telco
08
Fri
PM
To Ranchi

09
Sat
06.30 am
Inaugural Mass at SAC
Ranchi
09.00 am
Academic Inaugural Session of SAC
Ranchi
08.00 pm
Regents Recollection

10
Sun
AM
Regents Recollection

12
Tue
PM
Welcoming new priests at Catholic Charities
Mass, Felicitation and Dinner
Sundernagar
13
Wed
10.00 am
Inauguration and Blessing of New School of SABS
Noamundi
15
Fri
10.00 am
Mass. Feast of Cluny Sisters
Telco
16
Sat
06.30 am
Mass at Carmel Convent, Park View
Bistupur
18-22


Caritas India Meeting
Bangalore
26-29


 JHAAN RBC Meeting/SIGN/SAC/Commissions
Ranchi


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