Diocese of Jamshedpur
Vol. 47 No. 7 Private Circulation Only July – 2017
“TO BE A DISCIPLE, JESUS MUST
BE THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE”,
Pope Francis
On the
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Francis said that we can’t just know
about our faith, but we must live our faith, with Jesus as the center of our
hearts and lives.
“The
question of life demands a response of life. For it counts little to know the
articles of faith if we do not confess Jesus as the Lord of our lives,” the
Pope said. “Today he looks straight at us and asks, ‘Who am I for you?’ As if
to say: ‘Am I still the Lord of your life, the longing of your heart, the
reason for your hope, the source of your unfailing trust?’
Jesus is
asking us today the same questions he asked to his disciples: “Who do people
say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?” Francis continued. In the end,
only Peter answers that he is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
“Along with
Saint Peter, we too renew today our life choice to be Jesus’ disciples and
apostles. May we too pass from Jesus’ first question to his second, so as to be
‘his own’ not merely in words, but in our actions and our very lives,” he said.
This is the
“crucial question,” he continued, especially for pastors. “It is the decisive question.
It does not allow for a non-committal answer, because it brings into play our
entire life.” In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on three words from the
liturgy that he said are “essential for the life of an apostle: confession,
persecution and prayer.”
For
confession, the Pope spoke of the confession of faith, which means “to
acknowledge in Jesus the long-awaited Messiah, the living God, the Lord of our
lives.”
We should
ask ourselves, he said, if we are “parlour Christians,” who only love to sit
and chat about how things are going in the Church and the world, or “apostles
on the go,” people “who confess Jesus with their lives because they hold him in
their hearts.” We cannot be half-hearted, he urged, but must be on fire with
love for Christ, not looking for the easy way out, but daily risking ourselves
to put out “into the deep.”
“Those who
confess their faith in Jesus do as Peter and Paul did: they follow him to the
end – not just part of the way, but to the very end.” But doing so isn’t easy, and
that’s when we come to the second word, he explained, because following the way
of Christ, also means facing the cross and persecution.
Peter and
Paul shed their blood for Christ, as well as the early Christian community as a
whole. Even today, he continued, a great number of Christians are persecuted. The
Pope emphasized the words of the Apostle Paul, who said "to live was
Christ, Christ crucified, who gave his life for him." "Apart from the
cross, there is no Christ, but apart from the cross, there can be no Christian
either," Francis stated.
The
Christian is called to “tolerate evil,” but tolerating evil does not mean
simply having patience and resignation, he explained, it means imitating
Christ, accepting the cross with confidence, carrying the burden for Christ's
sake and for the sake of others – all the while knowing that we are not alone.
"Tolerating
evil means overcoming it with Jesus, and in Jesus’ own way, which is not the
way of the world." This is why St. Paul writes: "I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." The essence
of this "good fight," the Pope emphasized, was living "for Jesus
and for others," giving your all. There is only one thing that Paul kept
in his life, and that is his faith.
"Out of
love, he experienced trials, humiliations and suffering, which are never to be
sought but always accepted. In the mystery of suffering offered up in love, in
this mystery, embodied in our own day by so many of our brothers and sisters
who are persecuted, impoverished and infirm, the saving power of Jesus’ cross
shines forth."
Lastly, Pope
Francis said that the life of an apostle must be a life of constant prayer.
"Prayer
is the water needed to nurture hope and increase fidelity. Prayer makes us feel
loved and it enables us to love in turn. It makes us press forward in moments
of darkness because it brings God’s light. In the Church, it is prayer that
sustains us and helps us to overcome difficulties."
When St.
Peter was in prison, it tell us in the Acts of the Apostles that "earnest
prayer for him was made to God by the Church." "A Church that prays
is watched over and cared for by the Lord. When we pray, we entrust our lives
to him and to his loving care,” he said.
Francis
concluded by praying that the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, may "obtain
for us a heart like theirs." Hearts that are wearied because they are
constantly asking, knocking, interceding, weighed down by the many needs of
people and situations that need to be handed over to God, but also at peace,
because the Holy Spirit brings consolation and strength through prayer, he
said.
"How
urgent it is for the Church to have teachers of prayer, but even more so for us
to be men and women of prayer, whose entire life is prayer!" “The Lord
answers our prayers. He is faithful to the love we have professed for him, and
he stands beside us at times of trial.”
(An extract
from the Pope’s Sermon on 29th June, 2017. Pope Francis spoke to
pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his Mass celebrating the Solemnity
of Saints Peter and Paul, patrons of the city of Rome. During the ceremony, he
blessed the pallia to be bestowed on the 32 new metropolitan archbishops who
were present, all appointed throughout the previous year).
News
from Hathikunder Mission
On Friday 30th June, 2017
history was created at Mission station of St. Xavier, Hatikunder, when the
Diocese of Jamshedpur and the Diocese of Asansol, agreed to work together to
spread the word of God among the Santhals and Mahatos at this part of
Jamshedpur diocese.
This Mission was initiated by Fr. Junas
Bhengra in 2002 with the vision to spread the good news among the santhals. Fr.
Junas started staying at this mission only since 2004. After 15 long years of
blood, toil, tears and sweat, the Diocese of Jamshedpur thought it wise to seek
the helping hand of Asansol diocese, who are already working in the same
environment.
On 30th June an agreement, to
support each to establish kingdom of God at Hatikunder, started with the offering
of the Holy Eucharist. Fr. David, the Vicar General, took this opportunity to
Welcome Asansol priests to our diocese. He thanked Most Rev Cyprian Monis, the
Bishop of Asansol, Fr. Sartho, the VG of Asansol and all the priests of Asansol
for accepting the invitation to collaborate with Jamshedpur Diocese in the
Mission work. He also thanked Fr. Junas Bhengra and Fr. Emmanual Horo for the
hard work they have put in in last 15 years. He added that now the time has
come that we give the work to the more experience hands and we, from our part,
support the work. He also said that Hatikunder is not given completely to
Asansol. Now in the beginning request is made to Asansol to do the
evangelization work for first two years. In addition, as the work progresses,
we will plan accordingly. Fr Sartho, also made use of the opportunity, to thank
Bishop Felix, Fr. David and all the Jamshedpurians for trusting them and
inviting them to collaborate with the mission work of Jamshedpur Diocese. He
said that all the teachers and all 29 children will stay in the hostel, as they
are now. He said that Fr. Henry Rodrigues, an experience priest of 30 rich
years of working in different missions, will take the baton ahead.
Then the Mass was offered in
Santhali-Bangali-English by Fr. Sartho and three Priests:- Fr. Henry, Fr. Tony
and Fr. Anand from Asansol and seven priests viz. Fr. David, Fr. Vijay Bhat,
Fr. Amatus, Fr. Eugine, Fr. Elvius, Fr. Junas and Fr. Bipin Pani from
Jamshedpur Diocese concelebrated the Mass. (Fr. Bipin Pani)
Bishop Felix Toppo was
admitted to St. John’s Hospital, Bangalore on June 5, 2017. On June 7, he
underwent surgeries for hernia and prostate. The surgeries were successful and
the recovery was normal. He was discharged from the hospital on June 16, 2017.
He stayed with the Fathers at St. John’s for five days. He returned to
Jamshedpur on June 23. He is still recuperating, but doing his regular office
works. He thanks all those who prayed for him during his treatment in the
hospital.
Handing over ceremony
On 14-6-2017 at Catholic
Charities handing over ceremony was held. Fr. Alwin C.V. who has been working
as the assistant director for three years was officially given the charge of
the new director of Catholic Charities Jamshedpur. Fr. David Vincent the V.G.
of the diocese was present to hand him over the officially containing
informations of the CCJ. Prior to that Fr. C.R. Prabhu the former director, who
worked energetically and tirelessly to bring out the CCJ to the limelight,
thanked the staff for their whole hearted help and support and wished all the
very best to the new director. This ceremony was followed by a fellowship meal;
all the neighbouring communities were present for the same.
Block Level “Go Green”
Exhibition
The earth does not belong
to us, we belong to the earth. The earth is a beautiful creation and a
priceless gift of God to human kind. Therefore it is a prime duty of everyone
to protect, save and keep it ever green. Focusing this thought in mind the
Catholic Charities, Jamshedpur organized a block level “GO GREEN” exhibition at
Potka block where 16 schools participated with their creative and innovative
models. This exhibition gave a solid and strong message to all the viewers that
we need to become the steward of the earth and not the owner in order to
protect, save and keep it evergreen. The purpose of this exhibition was to
encourage the students to display their creative ideas on natural conservation
and to inspire student’s imaginations and creativity to address the need for a
more stable and sustainable planet. The BDO of Potka Mr. Prabhas Chandra Das
was the chief guest who in his speech highlighted the importance and necessity
of protecting the mother earth. Before that Fr. Alwin the director welcomed and
briefed the gathering about the purpose of the exhibition. Mr. Ashok and Mrs.
Darshana were the master of ceremony and Fr. Birendra Tete thanked all for
their cooperation. CCJ family offers a big thanks to all the staff for their
help and support.
ANNUAL RETREAT OF SSH
SISTERS at Catholic Charities
The sisters of the
congregation of the sacred heart of Jesus Patna Province had a retreat at Bikas
Bharti from 5th June to 13th for the first group, in
which 80 sisters came and from 15th June to 22nd for the
second group in which 60 sisters participated. Fr. Tony Raj Sj was the retreat
preacher who was able to enlighten and heighten them spiritually and
psychologically. All the sisters seemed to be happy, enlightened and relaxed at
the end of the retreat. Sister superior general was also present for the same.
Bikas Bharti family thanks them for having chosen this place for their annul
retreat.
Mosquito Nets
Distribution, Catholic
Charities Jamshedpur
Catholic Charities
Jamshedpur has been busy distributing mosquito nets to all the hostellers of
the diocese since the beginning of the year and it has successfully completed
the distribution. The main purpose of it was to create awareness among the
hostellers on Malaria so that they may be always careful and attentive in using
mosquito nets as a result they may be away from malaria and thus remain always
hale and hearty. Catholic Charities Jamshedpur expresses its heartfelt thanks
to SIGN and the donor agency Fondazione Fratelli Dimenticati Onlus, Italy for
their generosity.
Blood Donation Camp
A blood donation camp was
held at Vikas Bharti, Sundernagar on 22nd of June, 2017. It was an initiative
of Rev. Fr. Tony Raj S.J who was here to give retreat to the sisters of the
sacred heart of Jesus. Jamshedpur blood bank was present to collect the blood.
Fr. Alwin, Fr. Birendra Tete, sisters of the Sacred Heart Congregation and many
staff of the Catholic Charities donated their blood. While checking before the
blood donation, many sisters had less haemoglobin as a result only 10 unit of
blood was collected. Thanks to all who donated their blood for the noble cause
(Fr. Birendra Tete).
Teachers Training, Divya Bharti, Chaibasa
Sr. Luisa OSU and team
conducted two days teachers training on Capacity building for strengthening the
health system on 16th and 17 June at Divya Bharti, Chaibasa. The
theme was “Routine Immunization and prevention of Diarrhoea and pneumonia in
children. The training wills the teachers to gain knowledge and confidence to
spread the message on RI and prevention of DIA and PNEU. This is a community
based outreach programme where we are taking the cooperation and support of the
teachers and students and their parents for the better effect and outcome of
the project funded by UNICEF – SIGN Ranchi.
Nurse Sisters Quarterly
Get Together, Vikas
Bharti, Patel Bagan
Quarterly get together
and workshop of health units in Jamshedpur Diocese was held on 24th
– 25th June at Vikas Bharti, Patel Bagan. 15 nurse sisters
participated in this workshop from 3 hospitals and 9 health care centres of the
Diocese. Sr. Nirmala CIC, the executive Director CHABIJ, Dr. Isaac St. Joseph
Hospital Bhilai Pahari were the facilitators of the programme. They gave very
meaningful inputs on registration of clinical establishment Act and
communicable diseases. Sr. Magadali SCJM introduced some home remedies for
snake bites. The medicinal seeds were distributed to all by Sr. Luisa OSU.
Rally on Special Health
Day
We organised an awareness
programme on “Diarrhoea Fortnight” campaign launched by the state government of
Jharkhand. Diarrhoea is a case of seasonally expected health crisis in children
as well as adults. The rally march was to disseminate time sensation health
information sharing, encourage behaviour change on prevention of diarrhoea
during rainy season. The rally was led by UNICEF- SIGN project staff from CCJ,
ANM, SAHIYA, SHG members, few adolescents, CHC doctors and a lot of people from
Jagannathpur block and some social media people were present. A big thanks to Sr. Luisa and company for
having organized it very meticulously.
St.
Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri
June 11, 2017 was marked as a historic
day at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. Rev. Fr. David Vincent was installed
Parish Priest in esteemed presence of Rev. Fr. C.R. Prabhu. The installation
ceremony commenced with the Holy Mass. Before the Mass began, Rev. Fr. Camille
Hembrom gave the welcome note. Fr. David Vincent was the main celebrant and
Frs. Camille Hembrom, C.R. Prabhu, Manoj Tigga, Fabian Toppo were con-
celebrant. Fr. C.R. Prabhu gave the homily. Through his homily, he appreciated
the parishioners for their great support to parish priests in various ways and
asked them to help the newly appointed priests by accepting as their own sons.
He highly appreciated the leadership of Fr. Camille. The Tabernacle key was
handed over to newly appointed parish priest Fr. David Vincent by Fr. C. R.
Prabhu. Before the final blessing, Fr. Camille thanked all the parishioners for
their prayer and support. Soon after the Mass, parishioners gave a farewell to
Frs. Camille Hembrom and Maria Charles. (Fr. Manoj Tigga)
Bore
Well at Mudkum Village, St. Mary’s, Bistupur.
We sincerely thank Rita,
Betty and their generous friends for their concern and care for the poor and
the needy. It is with their help that the dream of a bore-well at Mudkum
village could be realized. We also gratefully remember Mr. Eddie for his
helping hand in carrying out the installation of the bore well at Mudkum.
St.
Xavier’s English High School, Chaibasa.
Summer Vacation was continuing but we all were waiting for the Xth and XIIth board results and at last the results published on 29th May, 2017.
Summer Vacation was continuing but we all were waiting for the Xth and XIIth board results and at last the results published on 29th May, 2017.
In CISCE, total 80
students appeared in the exam and 42 out of them passed with distinction, 36
passed with first class and 1 with second class and in ISC, Science stream 9
students passed with distinction and 12 of them passed with first division and
there was 100 % result in commerce stream. School reopened on 19th
June, 2017 after a long summer break. The classes are going on smoothly.
Congratulations to all the teachers and staff for their hard work and team
effort.
Your
great work or the success story of your parish or institution may be an
inspiration to others. It may help someone to restructure his/her priorities.
Therefore, may we request you to send the news and stories of success /
failures, pastoral activities for the “News Letter”. So that everybody could
benefit from it. (You may send them to Fr. Jilson T.L - pajsrbishop@gmail.com)
Birthday Babies
Birthday Babies
Date
|
Name
|
10
|
Fr.
Ranjit Kullu
|
13
|
Fr. Eugene Ekka
|
19
|
Fr. David Vincent
|
22
|
Fr. Cyril Fernades
|
24
|
Fr. John Ottaplakal
Fr. Manoj Tigga
|
25
|
Fr. Jerome Pereira
Fr. James Quadros
|
26
|
Fr. Linus Kindo
|
30
|
Fr. Joy Paul K.
|
BISHOP’S
ENGAGEMENTS
|
JULY,
2017
|
||||
|
24
|
Mon
|
09.30
am
|
General
Body Meeting of CLHR
|
Mandar
|
|
26
|
Wed
|
AM-PM
|
Annual
Meeting of SAC
|
Ranchi
|
|
27
|
Thurs
|
AM
|
Annual
Meeting of SAC
|
Ranchi
|
|
27
|
Thurs
|
03.00
pm
|
JHAAN
RBC Meeting
|
Ranchi
|
|
28
|
Fri
|
08.30
am
|
JHAAN
RBC Meeting till 12.30 pm
|
Ranchi
|
