JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 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 4^th 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 30^th 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 29^th 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 21^st 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 30^th 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 18^th 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 19^th 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, 10^th 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

Notice

A seminar on ‘LAUDATO SI’ has been arranged on 24^th 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 2^nd to 7th April, 2016 at Vianney Niwas, Neeldungri, Jamshedpur. 10^th 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