Diocese of Jamshedpur
Vol. 47 No. 2 Private Circulation Only February – 2017
Why Can’t
Roman Catholic Priests Marry?
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Celibacy
is the formal, wilful and solemn oath to never enter the married state.
Mandatory celibacy for the priesthood is a discipline of the church, not a
doctrine or a dogma. This means that the church, in theory, could change the
rule but it is highly improbable as it has been a part of the Western Church
priesthood from the 4th century. In fact, there are a few instances
when the Church has allowed married clergy, as in cases of some Protestant
ministers or Eastern or Eastern rite priests who converted to Catholicism.
These, however, are the exception. In neither the Latin rite nor the Eastern
rites do priests marry after they are ordained. The reason Latin rite priest
can’t marry is both theological and canonical.
Theologically,
we have to realize that the priest serves in the place of Christ, who was not
married. By remaining celibate and devoting themselves to the service of the
church, priest more closely model themselves to Christ. St. Paul makes it very
clear that remaining single allows undivided attention in serving the Lord (1
cor. 7:32-35). He urges everyone to be celibate (1cor.7:7) and especially to
ministers, who as soldiers of Christ should keep away from civilian affairs (2
Timothy 2:3-4). More basically, the priest like Jesus the Bridegroom is married
to the bride, the Church. The priest has only one vocation, that is to tend to
the flock of Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Jesus
left home, family and relationships for a much greater cause, to gather God’s
sheep. The priest leaves all, to align himself only to the duty of tending the
flock. Jesus himself speaks of celibacy in Matthew 19:11-12, “Not all can
accept this word, but only those to whom it is granted. Some are incapable of
marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others;
some because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Whoever can accept this ought to accept it”. Again, in emphasis is on the
special nature of celibacy, one for which not all men are suited, but one that
nevertheless gives glory to the Kingdom of God.
Canonically,
priests cannot marry for a number of reasons. Religious order of priests take
vows of celibacy. While the diocesan priests do not take vows, they do make a
promise of celibacy. The vows and the promises takes are an inspiration and a
commitment of the way of Lord. While Jesus was not married, he was able to move
around and do more work without having to be worried about his familial duties,
which as a good Jew, he couldn’t ignore. He wouldn’t be as effective as human,
per se, if he had to be away from his vocation duties due to familial duties.
It
is unlikely that the Church will change this teaching at all, or any time soon,
because of the many positive practical benefits of celibacy. There are some
reasons why a celibate clergy makes good senses:
·
Priests are far from
familial responsibilities and hence can fully commit their lives to the service
of the Lord and the laity. Imagine having to attend to Church duties leaving a
sick child at home.
·
It is far easier for
priests to move parishes, for the above mentioned reason.
·
Priests can master their
passions and also devote more time for prayer, which is the life blood of any
ministry.
·
Priests can be more
objective when counselling married couples and avoid projecting any personal
marriage problems or biases onto the couple.
·
It enables the priest to
be a ‘spiritual father’ to more people than he would as a married man (cf. 1Cor
7:1).
·
The Church can put the
money it saves, from the otherwise higher priestly salaries owing to having a
family, to the evangelization and the areas of world poverty.
Most
people assume that the celibate priesthood is a convention introduced by the
Church late in history. On the contrary, there is evidence that even the
earliest Church Fathers such as St. Augustine, St. Cyril, and St. Jerome fully
supported the celibate priesthood. In 385, Pope Siricius issued the first Papal
decree on the subject saying that ‘clerical continence’ was a tradition
reaching far back as apostolic times.
Lastly,
the Church glorifies the sacrament of marriage. The Church understands and
encourages marriage as the vocation most people wold take to. Not only does the
Church teach that marriage is a precursor to the heavenly marriage that will
take place with Jesus in heaven, but also that marriage is the foundation on
which Church grows in society. Only if one wants to become priests and
religious does he or she have to live a celibate life in the manner Our Lord
and his Church requires.
Call
to priesthood is a unique gift of God and God grants His gifts to whomsoever He
chooses. It doesn’t depend on the persons nor anyone can claim it because of
one’s merits. But it is up to the individual person whether to accept or to
reject the gift\ call of priesthood. For anyone who accepts, it is a call to
live a life of holiness, rooted in the love of God.
+ Felix Toppo, S.J
Bishop of Jamshedpur
Obituary: Fr. George Mannarakam
Fr.
George Mannarakam was born in the year 1946 in a very devote family in Palai,
Kottayam District of Kerala State. He
was the second in the family of four brothers. After completing his studies
till SSLC in the local parochial School, he joined the Minor Seminary at Palai.
Fr. C.R. Prabhu met him in that place
and he opted to be a priest in the Diocese of Jamshedpur. Thus began his
missionary Journey. He was sent to Nagpur and Ranchi for studies. He completed
his theology at Morning Star College, Barrackpore and was ordained a priest for
the Diocese of Jamshedpur.
He began his priestly ministry at Sacred Heart
Church, Adra under the guidance of Fr. Raphael De Sa of Calcutta Archdiocese.
On his transfer from Adra, Fr. George Mannarakam was asked to hold the port by
late Bishop Joe Rodericks, S.J.,
In
the Diocese he was assigned twice as Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Parish
Dhanbad and the Dean of Dhanbad Deanery. He was made the parish priest of St.
Mary’s Parish, Bistupur, and then the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church,
Golmuri and the Dean of Jamshedpur Deanery. He willingly shouldered the
responsibility of the Vicar General of the Diocese of Jamshedpur and worked
whole heartedly to develop the institutions in the Diocese. He worked
tirelessly and single handedly to build and bring up St. Joseph’s Hospital,
Bhilaipahari. He saw the need of poor
villagers in and around of Bhilaipahari and started for them St. Joseph’s
School and Orphanage. About six months ago once again he was made the parish
priest of St. Mary’s Church Bistupur.
Fr.
George Mannarakam was a multifaceted personality. However, no one can beat him
in the art of Hospitality. He was a very willing and jovial host who made the
stay of the guest or visitors memorable one. He would welcome them with open
hands and take care of every bit arrangements to make the visitors feel at
home.
He easily saw the needs and difficulties of
the poor people and went out to help them either in helping them out in their
education or to get a job for them. There are many young boys and girls whom he
has helped to earn their livelihood by finding out jobs for them outside
Jharkhand. He was constantly in touch with them to enquire about their
wellbeing.
He
was a staunch believer in personal prayer. He spent his time daily in prayer
before the Eucharist. He was seen by the parishioners praying in the Church
before the Eucharistic celebration and always available for the sacrament of
reconciliation. This had a very edifying
effect on the parishioners. He
constantly promoted the missionary activities and was always ready to help out
priests working in the far out village missions.
On 30th morning he complained of
cold, cough and chest congestion. He was taken to Mercy hospital for a check-up.
After all the tests, he was admitted in the hospital at 5 PM. At 7 pm he complained of breathing
difficulties. He was taken to ICU. He became restless at 9 pm. Fr. David Vincent and Edwin Coelho went and
met him in the ICU along with the sisters. He spoke to the Sisters and Fr.
David. In the morning at 5 .00 AM, he spoke to the Sister –in-charge in the
ICU. Soon after he became more restless. Fr. David rushed to the hospital and
gave him the Sacrament of the sick. He came back and took the Bishop to the
hospital. In spite of all the efforts of the doctors and the nursing staff, he
went to his eternal reward at 6.15 am due to multiple organ failure. May his
soul rest in peace. (Fr. Edwin Coelho)
Obituary:
Fr. Hermon Tigga
Fr.
Hermon Tigga was born on 29th March, 1960, in a small village called
Bijraban of Kurgeg block of Simdega district, Jharkhand. He finished his
primary education in the village school and completed his middle school
education from R. C. Middle School, Kurdeg. He did his high school studies at
Rengarih and finished it by 1983.
It
was then that he felt the call to priesthood and joined the Catholic Diocese of
Jamshedpur in the year 1983. He was sent to Loyola Candidate House, Jamshedpur
for his initiation. He finished his intermediate from Karim City College,
Jamshedpur. Later he was sent to St. Albert’s College for his Philosophical
Studies. He did his regency at Gomoh. After the successful completion of his
regency he was sent to Ranchi for his theology.
He
was ordained on 21st May, 1994 at St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad. He
was appointed as an associated pastor in Catholic Asharm, Purulia soon after
his ordination. His second appointment was at the Bishop’s House, Golmuri, as
the Minister and Assistant Treasurer. He served at St. Joseph’s Church,
Anandpur, St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih and Christ the King Church,
Chakradharpur as an assistant subsequently after his ministry at Golmuri.
To
nurture the candidates, he was appointed as the Asst. Director of Kripa Sadan, then,
Diocesan Candidate House, Bhilaipahari. He was later transferred to St. Mark’s
School, Toklo. The love for the candidates, the future priests, made him again
a formator, he came back to Vianney Niwas , Neeldungri, Jamshedpur as the Asst.
Director. It was there that he was diagnosed of kidney failure and was
undergoing dialysis at Mercy Hospital, Baridh. For further treatment he was
taken to St. John’s Hospital, Bangalore. After the treatment at Bangalore, he
was sent to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bhilaipahari, for regaining his health.
Fr.
Hermon, after having realized his medical condition, was preparing himself to
receive the Lord while he was at Bhilaipahari. He spent most of his time in
reading and praying. Despite his illness and hardships, he was regular for all
the spiritual activities in the campus.
On
30th of December, 2016, his health condition began to deteriorate.
He was soon taken to TMH for further treatment. After a week, he was again
brought back to Mercy Hospital. From there, he was taken to Kantilal Gandi
Memorial Hospital (Medica, Jamshedpur) for further treatment and
operation. His family members from
Simdega and Port Blair came to see him as they were informed about his
condition. On 18th January, 2017, he breathed his last. May his soul
Rest In Peace. (Fr. Tobias Kujur)
The Republic Day programme
at Anandpur
The
Republic Day programme at Anandpur was a grand success with meticulous planning
by the Headmaster Fr. Alex and teachers. There was an active participation from
both staff and students. Mr. Manoj Tiwari, B.D.O was the chief guest. He gave a
powerful message to the students.
Students displayed Jhanki, March past, P.T, cultural programme and
speech on the Republic Day. On this occasions good numbers of guardians came to
witness the mega event of the school. It was joyous moment to everyone. (Fr.
Baldeo Hembrom)
St. Mary, s English High
School, Bistupur
We
began the month organising different activities in the school along with studies.
As a part of the curriculum the school had arranged picnic for the students.
Thanks to Fr. P. Raj for his support and encouragement to go beyond the text
books and allowing the children to enjoy among themselves. The GRADUATION NITE has all the charm and
grace of a curtain closing after a good play well performed. It was an occasion
marked by both triumph and sadness. The sweet joy of accomplishment and the
sadness that comes from having to say good bye to their beloved school. The
messages of the dignitaries were thought provoking and students were
enlightened. There were rousing
performances in the form of choreography by the students of standard X1.Choral
singing from the augmented school choir. Fr. P. Raj, the Principal led the
graduates through a meaningful oath taking ceremony. The grand finale was a
moving scene as this batch of proud ST, Marians, the class of STD X11 trooped
out with measured steps to take up the challenges of life in the high world out
there. The Chief Guest address sparkled with his inimitable brilliance. The
graduation ceremony was a fitting finale of an eventful year.
Tribute to our mother land – A day to remember the
sacrifice and selfless service to all those who liberated India. Republic day
was celebrated with patriotic fervour. The tri—colour was hoisted by our chief
guest Mr Ragunath Pandey (Jusco). The days programme had colour, pride, joy and
celebration of a free country and patriotism filled the air. All the members of
the staff eagerly await the staff picnic every year. As soon as the New Year
begins the staff gets ready and plan for the annual picnic, which is a day of
fun, setting aside all the work. Each and every staff member be it the
teaching, non-teaching or the helpers contribute to the fun. There were Fun filled games organised where each and
every one took part. The fellowship was great. May God keep us united always.
(Sr. Mariam)
St. Xavier’s English School
& Junior College, Chaibasa
On
the occasion of Children’s Day on November 14, the teachers performed a
cultural programme for the students. The students thoroughly enjoyed the
programme. In the week before the school closed for winter holidays, Christmas
celebration was organised by the school. A beautiful Christmas drama was
performed by the students. Towards the end everyone was wonderfully surprised
when the Christmas father Santa Claus came to the stage riding a two-wheeler.
The school’s second batch of Std XII was given a farewell on 19th
January, 2017. The programme was organised by the students of Std XI. The
outgoing students of Std XII had come with their parents. Sisters, teachers and
the parents gave parting blessing to the students for their successful career
and bright future
Bible Written Quiz for all
Divya Bharati Pastoral Centre presents a Bible Written Quiz for all.
Please participate in the Bible Quiz for all. 1. Bible Written Quiz and 2. Rewriting the Holy Bible
1. Bible
Written Quiz
Syllabus for Logos Bible Quiz 2017
1-
Book
of Numbers : Chapter 22 – 36
2-
Book
of Proberbs: Chap. 21 – 31
3-
Mathew:
Chap. 1 – 9
4-
Book
of Revelation: Chap 4-9
Language: English and Hindi
DIOCESAN LEVEL EXAM: Sunday, 10th
September, 2017
Participants
are requested to register their names as early as possible
2. Rewriting the Holy Bible:
Syllabus
for Bible writing Competition - From the Book of Genesis to Ruth
Participants
must follow NRSV Bible for English and Bulke Translation for Hindi
Written
Copy to be submitted by the end of September 2017
For
more details, please contact:
Director
Divya Bharati Pastoral Centre
Near Mudhra Hospital
Chaibasa, Jharkhand – 833201
Mob No: 9431571848 Email : ctiggasj@gmail.com
ouncil, Mahila Sangh and Youth are persuaded to attend this workshop.
BIRTHDAY BABIES – FEBRUARY
Notice
A seminar on ‘LAUDATO SI’ has been arranged on 24th
February, 2017 at Parish Welfare Centre Hall, Chaibasa, for all the priests,
religious and laity.
We request all of you to attend the programme without
fail. All the parish priests are kindly requested that from each parish 10-15
persons representing the Parish C
ouncil, Mahila Sangh and Youth are persuaded to attend this workshop.
BIRTHDAY BABIES – FEBRUARY
09
|
Johny Vithayathil
|
14
|
Alex Dodrai
|
20
|
Augustine Kullu
|
21
|
Vernon D’Souza
|
22
|
Camille Hembrom
|
23
|
Cyprian Lobo
|
25
|
Junas Purty
|
BISHOP’S
ENGAGEMENTS
FEBRUARY
2017
|
||||
01-08
|
Wed...
|
AM -PM
|
CCBI Plenary Assembly Continues
|
Bhopal
|
09
|
Thur
|
AM-PM
|
Bhopal à Delhi à Ranchi à JSR
|
|
10
|
Fri
|
07.00 pm
|
Dinner with Fr. Emile and Guests at Bp. Hs.
|
Golmuri
|
11
|
Sat
|
04.00 pm
|
Recollection of the CRI Jamshedpur at Cath. Char.
|
Sundernagar
|
12
|
Sun
|
07.45 am
|
Blessing of the Grotto and Mass at Mary’s Church
|
Bistupur
|
22
|
Wed
|
04.00 pm
|
Inauguration program in Mercy Hospital
|
JSR
|
23
|
Thur
|
AM
|
Sacerdotal Silver Jubilarians Programme at SAC
|
Ranchi
|
23
|
Thur
|
PM
|
Tribal Bishops’ Meeting at SDC
|
Ranchi
|
24
|
Fri
|
AM
|
Tribal Bishops Meeting at SDC
|
Ranchi
|
The Call to the priesthood… Can you hear
it?
The Catholic
Diocese of Jamshedpur and Society of Jesus, Jamshedpur province have programs
such as vocation seminar and meetings for prospective candidates for
priesthood. The Vocation camp for the diocese and Jesuit province of Jamshedpur
will be held from 2nd to 7th April, 2016 at Vianney Niwas,
Neeldungri, Jamshedpur. 10th and +2 students are invited to join the
vocation camp. Contact to the Vocation Offices for more information at:
Fr. Linus Kindo/ Fr. Michael Deogam
Bishop’s House
P.O. Golmuri
Jamshedpur-831003
Jharkhand
Phone No.: 09572752429/7549106549
The Vocation Promoter (S.J.)
Inigo Niwas, Candidate House
St. Xavier’s High School
P.B. No. 10, Chaibasa P.O.
W. Sighbhum-833201
Phone No.: 9798736320/09546721569
