Catholic Diocese
of Jamshedpur
Vol. 46
No. 8 Private Circulation
Only August– 2016
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE
ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
(Excerpts from Pope Francis’ sermon on 15 August 2013)
Dear Brothers
and Sisters!
At the end of
its Constitution on the Church, the Second Vatican Council left us a very
beautiful meditation on Mary Most Holy. Let me just recall the words referring
to the mystery we celebrate today: “the immaculate Virgin preserved free from
all stain of original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, when
her earthly life was over, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things”
(no. 59). Then towards the end, there is: “the Mother of Jesus in the glory
which she possesses in body and soul in heaven is the image and the beginning
of the church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise, she
shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come” (no. 68). In the
light of this most beautiful image of our Mother, we are able to see the
message of the biblical readings that we have just heard. We can focus on three
key words: struggle, resurrection, hope.
The passage
from Revelation presents the vision of the struggle between
the woman and the dragon. The figure of the woman, representing the Church, is,
on the one hand, glorious and triumphant and yet, on the other, still in
travail. And the Church is like that: if in heaven she is already associated in
some way with the glory of her Lord, in history she continually lives through
the trials and challenges which the conflict between God and the evil one, the
perennial enemy, brings. And in the struggle which the disciples must confront
– all of us, all the disciples of Jesus, we must face this struggle - Mary does
not leave them alone: the Mother of Christ and of the Church is always with us.
She walks with us always, she is with us. And in a way, Mary shares this dual
condition. She has of course already entered, once and for all, into heavenly
glory. But this does not mean that she is distant or detached from us; rather
Mary accompanies us, struggles with us, sustains Christians in their fight
against the forces of evil. Prayer with Mary, especially the rosary – but
listen carefully: the Rosary. Do you pray the Rosary every day? But I’m not
sure you do [the people shout “Yes!”]… Really? Well, prayer with Mary,
especially the Rosary, has this “suffering” dimension, that is of struggle, a
sustaining prayer in the battle against the evil one and his accomplices. The
Rosary also sustains us in the battle.
The second
reading speaks to us of resurrection. The Apostle Paul, writing to
the Corinthians, insists that being Christian means believing that Christ is
truly risen from the dead. Our whole faith is based upon this fundamental truth
which is not an idea but an event. Even the mystery of Mary’s Assumption body
and soul is fully inscribed in the resurrection of Christ. The Mother’s
humanity is “attracted” by the Son in his own passage from death to life. Once
and for all, Jesus entered into eternal life with all the humanity he had drawn
from Mary; and she, the Mother, who followed him faithfully throughout her
life, followed him with her heart, and entered with him into eternal life which
we also call heaven, paradise, the Father’s house.
Mary also
experienced the martyrdom of the Cross: the martyrdom of her heart, the
martyrdom of her soul. She lived her Son’s Passion to the depths of her soul.
She was fully united to him in his death, and so she was given the gift of
resurrection. Christ is the first fruits from the dead and Mary is the first of
the redeemed, the first of “those who are in Christ”. She is our Mother, but we
can also say that she is our representative, our sister, our eldest sister, she
is the first of the redeemed, who has arrived in heaven.
The Gospel
suggests to us the third word: hope. Hope is the virtue of those
who, experiencing conflict – the struggle between life and death, good and evil
– believe in the resurrection of Christ, in the victory of love. We heard the
Song of Mary, the Magnificat: it is the song of hope, it is
the song of the People of God walking through history. It is the song many
saints, men and women, some famous, and very many others unknown to us but
known to God: mums, dads, catechists, missionaries, priests, sisters, young
people, even children and grandparents: these have faced the struggle of life
while carrying in their heart the hope of the little and the humble. Mary says:
“My souls glorifies the Lord” – today, the Church too sings this in every part
of the world. This song is particularly strong in places where the Body of
Christ is suffering the Passion. For us Christians, wherever the Cross is,
there is hope, always. If there is no hope, we are not Christian. That is why I
like to say: do not allow yourselves to be robbed of hope. May we not be robbed
of hope, because this strength is a grace, a gift from God which carries us
forward with our eyes fixed on heaven. And Mary is always there, near those
communities, our brothers and sisters, she accompanies them, suffers with them,
and sings the Magnificat of hope with them.
Dear Brothers
and Sisters, with all our heart let us too unite ourselves to this song of
patience and victory, of struggle and joy, that unites the triumphant Church
with the pilgrim one, earth with heaven, and that joins our lives to the
eternity towards which we journey. Amen.
+ Felix Toppo, S.J
Bishop of Jamshedpur
The Last Journey of Fr. Nobert Kindo
All
of us here on the earth are travelers, journeying towards the final destination,
God Himself. Fr. Nobert Kindo, our beloved brother priest, bid us adieu to meet
his Lord and Master on 21st July, 2016 at 6.30 a.m in Dhanbad.
He
was born on 8th August, 1935 as the second son of Late Mr. Alexander
and Late Mrs. Mariam in Kereng
Tetertoli, Gumla. They were four brothers and one sister, Christopher,
Norbert, Adolph, Phoolmani and Fabiyanus. He did his primary schooling at
Kereng and high School at katkahi respectively. In 1958, after having competed
his Metric exam he began to work as an apprentice at Telco Company,
Jamshedpur.
“You
have not chosen me, I have chosen you and have appointed you”, heeding to the
call of the Lord, young Norbert, in 1959 left the work at Telco as an
apprentice and joined the Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur. Most Rev. Lawrence T.
Picachy, S.J, the first bishop of Jamshedpur, send Norbert to St. Paul’s Minor
Seminary, Lucknow. Bro. Norbert did his
Philosophy and Theology from St. Albert’s College, Ranchi. After the completion
of his seminary formation, he was ordained a priest on 7th December,
1969 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri, by His Lordship Lawrence T. Picachy,
S.J.
In
1970 he was appointed, after his ordination, as an assistant Parish Priest at
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. In 1971 he was transferred to Christ the King,
Chakradharpur. Burning with the zeal for Christ, after two years of priestly
life, he decided to work among the Sandhals
at Dhanbad. He realized that it is only with the support of the powerful men in
the society, one can motivate and influence people, especially in villages. It
is thus Fr. Norbert befriended Mr. Shibu Soren, a popular Sandhal leader. It is mainly because of Fr. Norbert’s initiative
and hardwork we have a parish at Thundi. He often visited Thundi while he was
in Dhanbad.
In
1976 he was transferred to Sindri parish. But he still continued to work for
the Sandhal Mission from there. He
was then transferred to Sini. It is there Fr. Norbert started Jai Yesu School.
He wanted everyone, irrespective of cast and creed, to take the holy name of
Jesus; and he was quite successful in it. Today we have ‘Missionaries of St.
Francis De Sales’ continuing the education ministry at Sini. On 1989 he was
transferred to St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad, and served the people of God till
21st July, morning 6.30, where he breathed his last.
I
remember Fr. Norbert Kindo, a simple priest, visiting Jamshedpur with a pair of
slippers and a small bag on his shoulder. As I student of St. Joseph’s High
School, Golmuri, I have always stared at him, admiring his simplicity.
As
a priest, he was very well aware of the need doctors and medical practitioners
for the people, especially in the villages. He was quite gifted as a natural
healer and had a good knowledge of traditional and natural remedies for many
ailments and deceases. He was always ready to help people in whatever way he
could.
The
Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur thank the family of Fr. Norbert for their
invaluable gift to the diocese. Your generosity has helped Fr. Norbert to be a
‘gift of God’ to others, to be an altar
christus. We beseech the Lord to pour his abundant blessings on his family
members and friends. We gratefully remember, the parishioners of St. Anthony’s
Dhanbad for their goodness to him in the last 28 years. May the Good Lord bless
us all! (Fr. Bipin Pani)
The Requiem Mass for Rev. Fr. Norbert Kindo
Fr.
Norbert left for the heavenly abode on 21st July, 2016 at the age of
80. His funeral was held on 22nd July, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral,
Golmuri at 3 p.m. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J presided over the requiem mass,
Fr. Bipin Pani gave the eulogy, Fr. C. R. Prabhu, who knew Fr. Norbert Kindo
for the last 40 years, gave the sermon and Fr. David Vincent, the Vicar
General, expressed the words of gratitude to everyone present, esp. to the
family members of Fr. Norbert and the parishioners of St. Antony’s Church,
Dhanbad. Fr. Norbert Kindo’s body was, then taken to Beldih cemetery for
burial.
Priests
and religious from all over the diocese were present for the requiem mass of
Fr. Norbert. There were about 97 relatives of Fr. Norbert at the mass, who came
from different places of Jharkhand, to bid him good bye in his last journey.
There were quite many parishioners from St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad where Fr.
Norbert breathed his last.
We
thank Frs. David Vincent, Edwin Coelho, Camille Hembrom, Jilson and Charles who
took care of every arrangement for the requiem mass and burial. We also thank
Sisters of Sacred Heart, Golmuri, the Sacristan Mr. Nathaniel, and SCJM sisters
at Mercy Hospital for all the help they rendered in the last journey of Fr.
Norbert. May Fr. Norbert Kindo’s soul Rest In Peace.
New Mission Station at Karaikela
St.
Francis Assisi Mission Station was inaugurated on 29th May, 2016 at
Karaikela, which is a part of Chakradharpur, Christ the King Parish. Fr.
Paschal Toppo and Fr. Alfred Balmuchu are entrusted with St. Francis Assisi
mission Station, Karaikela. Together with the inauguration and blessing of the
new mission centre, the house warming ceremony and blessing of the newly built
convent for Franciscan Clarist Nuns was also held.
The
parishioners of Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur welcomed the bishop with
the traditional dance. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J blessed both the houses in
the presence of many priests, religious, and laity. There was a small cultural
programme soon after the blessing. Tea and snacks were served to all present.
We congratulate Frs. Edwin Coelho who is the man behind the successful
completion of the houses and all arrangements. We thank Fr. Richard Miranda and
all the parishioners of Christ the King Church, C.K.P for their support and
help.
Benedictine Cloistered Contemplative Nuns at
Jamshedpur
2nd
July, 2016 marks the entry of Benedictine Cloistered Contemplative Nuns in the
Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur. Few years back, the diocese built a two storey
building in the land that was given as a donation by Mr. Joseph Sahay at
Birsanagar, Zone No. 2. The diocese
availed this building for this Cloistered Nuns.
The
Mahila Sangh welcomed bishop Felix
with a traditional dance from the entrance to the house. Most. Rev. Felix
Toppo, S.J, then blessed the house and welcomed the sisters to the diocese in
the presence of many parishioners, priests and religious. Fr. Camille Hembrom,
the Parish Priest, and Fr. David Vincent, the Vicar General expressed the joy
of the diocese to have sisters who whose main charism is prayer.
There
was a small cultural programme by the children soon after the blessing. Tea and
snacks were served to all present.
New Priests’ Gathering, Catholic Charities,
Sundarnagar
On 12 July 2016, new
priests meet was held at Catholic Charities, Sundernagar. It was the first time
that all the newly ordained priests of the diocese gathered together for mass
and family meal. It provided a nice opportunity for all the new priests to
share their joy and happiness with one another. Thanks to Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J
and Fr. David, the Vicar General for conceiving this idea of coming together
and arranging all the necessary things; it indeed was really a memorable one.
Thanks also to Fr. Prabhu and Catholic Charities family for accommodation and
the care. (Fr. Birendra Tete)
A Workshop on
Accounting and Book Keeping at Vikas Bharti, Sundernagar
Making good
judgments when one has complete data, facts and knowledge is not leadership; It
is bookkeeping. keeping this thought in mind, under the leadership of Fr.
Prabhu a workshop of five days (11-15 July) on accounting was organized at
Vikas Bharti. There were 41 participants from the different dioceses and social
institutions of Jharkhand. Fr. Jerald Ravi D' Souza, S.J, was the resource
person who elaborately explained and taught about the accounting. He
passionately and skilfully conducted the workshop, touching all the elements
and issues of accounting such as: spirituality of temporal administration,
banking, investments, income tax, provident fund, cash systems, book of
accounts, audits, minorities issues etc. The participants were more than happy
to attend this workshop as they were enriched and benefited a lot by the vast
experience and knowledge of Fr. Jerald. on the last day all the participants
were given a certificate. Thanks to Fr. Jerald for accepting the invitation and
imparting his knowledge and experience. A big thanks to Fr. Prabhu and Catholic
Charities family for organizing such a workshop and arranging all the necessary
things required for the participants. we look forward to have such workshop in
future.
Tearful
Good-Bye to our dear student, Hardev Singh: St, Mary, s English High School, Bistupur
When
the people were enjoying the festival of Id on July 7th, the St.
Mary’s School got a very sad news at around 10:30 a.m. Three of our students
without informing their parents were going to Ranchi in a car. Their car was
hit by a speeding lorry. One Hardev Singh was seriously injured in the
accident. He succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to the hospital. It
was a very shocking news for the entire school as he was a beloved of all.
Everyone found him to be good in his studies and behavior as well. On July 8th
Hardev’s body was brought to the school stage and we prayed for his soul. Yes,
the wailing and sobbing was heartbreaking. May his soul rest in peace.
Showers
of blessings:
Rt.
Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. brought down God’s blessings upon St. Mary’s Englsih
High School, Bistupur as he blessed us all and the new class rooms, e. library,
guest rooms and the conference room. The Bishop was given a very warm welcome
with smiling faces and a lovely bouquet at the assembly. The school choir sang
the showers of blessings… The Bishop’s words of encouragement and appreciation
assure us of his constant love and support for the school community. Thank you
dear Bishop.
Krusvir Animators’ Program 9th July,
2016
Divya Bharati
Chaibasa held a one day program for the Krusvir Animators of Chaibasa Deanery
on 9th July, 2016 under the leadership of Fr Dilip Marandi,
Diocesan Krusvir co-ordinator and Srs Neelam DSA and Michael OSU leading the
Deanery Krusvir Animators. There were 17 Krusvir animators took part from 11
Schools of Chaibasa deanery. Sr Michael led the opening prayer. Fr Dilip
Marandi gave the input session with group work and inspired the animators how
to be SMART Teachers. Sr Neelam led the animators to prepare the action plan
for one year for the Krusvir children and for the animators as well.
Leadership Program For Krusvir Children
A Two Days
Leadership Program for Krusvir Children of Chaibasa Deanery was organized at
Divya Bharati on July 23 and 24, 2016. It was the immediate implementation of
the action plan made on 9th July. 51 Krusvirs, 13
Krusvir Animators from 12 Krusvir Units took part. Fr Dilip Marandi on the
first day and Sr Michael on the 2nd day dealt with the
leadership qualities with various practical examples and games. Br Arnold and
Fr Cyril Tigga also played their role to inspire children in their own ways.
All the animators were actively involved throughout the program. Children
learnt a lot. They came in the campus quietly and went out meeting everyone,
thanking all the animators and new friends and bidding farewell to one and all.
Little Flower School, Telco
For the first time
in 17 years, a Jamshedpur school won the national title at the 17th
National Spelling Competition ‘SpellInc’ 2015-16 organized by a leading brand
of pens and stationery in India. Anish
Roy and G.Vishnu were declared national champions at the event in May this
year.
The students of Little Flower School participated in the
English Language Quiz
‘Lang-Wiz Competition 2015’, at Ranchi, in December 2015, and stood first among
students of 52 schools from Dhanbad, Ranchi and Jamshedpur. (Sr. Hilda SJC)
St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa
One-day
orientation for teachers was held on June 29 by the resource person, Sr. Celine
Jose, a renowned psychologist from Pune. She spoke about how to enlighten
ourselves in order to enlighten others. During the presentation, teaching and
learning methodology was analysed from psychological perspective. The following
day, the students of Std IX, XI and XII had their session by Sr. Celine. As
part of the effort to keep parents abreast with the activities and performance
of the students, the monthly parents-teacher meeting was held on June 25.
Fresher’s party for Std XI was held on July 7. A formal welcome programme was
organised by the students of Std XII. With the school gearing up for the 1st
Term Exams, a painting competition was organised as part of extra-curricular
activities. An induction programme was conducted by Mr. Sanjay Banerjee from
Delhi. He spoke about exploring oneself to find the right career. A follow-up
workshop will be held in the month of July for children. 1st Term Exam
commences on July 11 till July 28.
Hearty Condolence
Mr.
Lawrence Hembrom (80) beloved father of Fr. Camille Hembrom passed away on 23rd
July, 2016 at his house in Mahalipokhar. He was the first Christian in his
village. His burial was held on 24th July at Saparamgutu. Most. Rev.
Felix Toppo, S.J, presided over the requiem mass. Fr. C. R. Prabhu in his
sermon mentioned that Mr. Lawrence was man who was in search of truth, once he
found it, he embraced it and led many others to the truth. Many priests,
sisters and laity were present for the ceremony.
Congratulations
Hearty
congratulations to Fr. C GAUTAM KUMAR, S.J who has successfully completed 50 GOLDEN YEARS
in the Society of Jesus 1966 – 2016
Catechists’
Special Programme
All the Parish Priests are requested to send all your
Catechists for the Catechists’ Special Program on the Jubilee Year of Mercy and Family
Place: Divya Bharati, Chaibasa
Date: 29th August (arrival on
Monday 5.00 pm) to 1st September, 2016 evening.
Registration Fee: Rs 150/- per head to be
paid at the time of arrival.
Resource Person: Fr Philip from Nav Jyoti
Niketan, Patna
Organized by: Fr Cyril Tigga, SJ,
Director, Divya Bharati, Chaibasa
Please confirm your participation on or
before 25th August, 2016
BIRTHDAY
WISHES – AUGUST
|
Date
|
Name
|
|
01
|
James
Surin
|
|
04
|
Amatus
Kujur
|
|
05
|
Cornelius
Tigga
|
|
08
|
John
Crasta
|
|
20
|
Alfred
Balmuchu
|
|
23
|
Johny
P.D
|
|
28
|
Augustine
Topno
|
BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS
|
AUGUST 2016
|
||||
|
02
|
Tue
|
PM
|
To Ranchi
|
|
|
03
|
Wed
|
AM-PM
|
Meeting with the Hospital Experts
|
Mandar
|
|
04
|
Thur
|
AM
|
Return to Jamshedpur
|
|
|
04
|
Thur
|
06.30 pm
|
Feast of St. John Mary Vianney.
Benediction and Fellowship meal.
|
Golmuri
|
|
06
|
Sat
|
04.00 pm
|
Inauguration of the Auditorium of St.
Mary’s
|
Bistupur
|
|
07
|
Sun
|
05.30 pm
|
Feast of St. Dominic. Mass and
fellowship meal
|
Jadugora
|
|
08
|
Mon
|
PM
|
To Ranchi
|
|
|
09
|
Tue
|
9am-4pm
|
CBCI-SME-NI Governing Board Meeting
|
Mandar
|
|
11
|
Thur
|
05.00 pm
|
Gov. Board, Gen. Body meetings of CC,
SJVK, VB
|
Sundernagar
|
|
12
|
Fri
|
09.30 am
|
Diocesan Consult (Govening Borad)
|
Golmuri
|
|
03.00 pm
|
JDES Governing Board
|
Golmuri
|
||
|
15
|
Mon
|
09.30 am
|
Eucharistic celebration at St. Mary’s
|
Bistupur
|
|
20
|
Sat
|
09.30 am
|
All the Principals/HMs of Diocesan
Schools
|
Golmuri
|
|
25
|
Thur
|
09.30 am
|
Diocesan Clergy Meeting
|
Golmuri
|
|
31
|
Wed
|
09.30 am
|
Meeting with the PPs (Dio.& Rel.) of
Jam. Dio.
|
Golmuri
|
