Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ,
All the Christian denominations coming together,
leaving aside their differences, believes, traditions and liturgy is indeed a
Christian unity but in its narrowest sense. There can be unity in
diversity.
1. The Church
We need to realize the real
meaning of Church before we think about the unity of different churches. The
Church is the body of Christ and it is Christ Himself who is the head of the
Body, the Church (Col 1:18). The Scripture says, ‘All of us, whether Jews or
Greeks, slaves or free, have been baptized in one Spirit to form one body and
all of us have been given to drink from the one Spirit’ (I Cor 12:13). Further,
St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians says, ‘Let there be one Body and one Spirit,
just as you were called, One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God, the Father
of all, who is above all and works through all and is in all’ (Eph 4:4-6). He
continues to say, ‘See, the body is one even if formed by many members, but not
all of them with the same function’ (Rom 12:4).
The words of St. Paul state
a fact that everyone who calls himself/herself a Christian is indeed a part of
the mystical of Body of Christ.
2. Divisions in the Church
Though we are spiritually
One, there is division among our midst. The annals of history bears the bitter
truth that we have divided the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. We imprison
Christ in our churches and gloat over the monopoly of Christ. We hold our
churches in highest esteem and look down on other churches.
3.The need for unity among the
churches
There is only one CHURCH,
the Church of Christ, the Mystical Body of Christ. Every member of this Church
must be knit together in love. Christ Himself prayed for the unity of this
Church, ‘May they all be one as you Father are in me and I am in you. May they
be one in us; so the world may believe that you have sent me’ (Jh 17:21) St.
Paul in his letter to the Ephesians instructs the faithful to be united, ‘Make
every effort to keep among you the unity of Spirit through the bond of peace’
(Eph 4:3). He further instructs that ‘every apostle, prophet, evangelists,
pastors and teachers must build up the Body of Christ until we are all united
in the same faith and knowledge of the Son of God. Thus we shall become the
perfect man, reaching maturity with the fullness of Christ’ (Eph 4:13)
4. The Goal of unity among the
churches
The goal of unity among the
churches is the glory of God. Our Lord Jesus instituted the Church that we may
glorify the Lord together as a family and inherit the Kingdom of God. Only when
we live together as the members of the Mystical Body of Christ, knit together
in love we can glorify God as Christ wants. ‘May God, the source of all
perseverance and comfort, grant you to live in peace with one another in
accordance with Christ Jesus, so that you may be able to praise in one voice
the God and Father of Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Rom 15:5-7).
5. Humility and Love :
essential elements for unity among the churches
There can never be unity
among the churches unless there is humility and love. When the people are knit
together in love, we can establish unity even when there are differences. At
the same time, in the absence of love and unity there can never be peace and
unity. Lord Jesus, being fully human and God, realizing our weakness gave us a
new law, ‘A new commandment I give you, love one another. Just as I have loved
you, you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are
disciples, if you have love for one another’ (Jh 13:34-35)
There can never be true love
unless there is humility. The presence of pride is the seed of jealousy and
selfishness. In addition, St. Paul about love says, ‘Love is patient, kind,
without envy. It is not boastful or arrogant. It is not ill mannered nor does
not provoked to anger; keeps no score of offences. It does not take delight in
wrong, but rejoices in truth’ (1 Cor 13:4-7).
For the unity, it is essential that we realize the fact
that Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. and division of this Mystical Body
of Christ is sin. Let us be prayerful and listen to the inspirations of the
Holy Spirit. Let us wrap ourselves with the values of humility and love and
live a life in accordance with the commandment of Our Lord, the commandment of
Love.
Your Friend and Servant in Christ,
Bp. Felix Toppo, S.J
Bishop of Jamshedpur
St. Mary’s Parish, Bistupur
Long awaited Youth Gathering of St. Mary’s
parish, was held on January 29, 2018 at St. Mary’s Junior Block, Bistupur. Rev.
Fr. Edward Saldanha, the Parish Priest took a lot of effort to organize this
gathering. 48 youth of our parish participated in this gathering. The gathering
began with Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Cornelius Tigga, S.J.
Rev. Fr. Cornelius Tigga, Mr. Tony Castleton
and Sr. Reshmi were spoke persons for the Day.
Rev. Fr. Cornelius focused on need of Youth
in the Church. He said that today’s youth are lost in themselves. Digital media
has taken the place of a friend. Today’s youth need to have friends, they need
to share their problems and find solution. He encouraged them to come forward
and to be united in order to help our Church and to make a peaceful society. He
said that all of us have an opportunity to grow but many of us loose it. We
have to grab the opportunity in order to learn and grow. Mr. Tony Castleton
challenged the youth to take courage and stand up for self-needs. He encouraged
them to equip with different types of talents and become self-depended. He gave
them the Mantra – ‘Discipline yourselves and discipline will make your
personality hundred percentage.’ Our God
comes in search of us, we need to walk with God and offer ourselves to Him and
He will do wonders in our lives. Sr. Reshmi appealed the youth to read and know
the Bible. She encouraged them to listen to their inner voice and come forward
to live a religious life.
Rev. Fr. Edward Saldanha thanked each and
everyone for making the youth gathering successful. He encouraged the youth to
bring many more youth to join this group. All agreed to have next meeting on 25th
February to elect the executive committee. The gathering ended with a delicious
meal. (Dn. Shanti Raj)
Bible Sunday in Sini
Parish
Bible Sunday was celebrated on Nov. 12, 2017,
in Our Lady of Nativity Church Sini. The faithful of the parish, participated
in the Bible Sunday celebration with great enthusiasm and devotion. There were entrance
and dance and Bible procession in reverence to the living Word of God.
Rev. Fr. C.R. Prabhu solemnized the
Eucharistic celebration on the occasion. He reminded us of the value, meaning
and usefulness of the word of God in every aspect of our Christian Life. Fr. Valerian Lobo too was present with us on this
auspicious day. He happily shared his inspiring experience. He also encouraged the parishioners to read
the Gospel saying, You read the Gospel daily and you will experience changes in
your life.
Deanery Youth Christmas gathering at SINI
In
December 2017, our parish had a good opportunity to hoist Deanery level
youth Christmas get-together in the parish. The deanery youth-Christmas
gathering was organized by the Sini
parish youth. This gathering was meant
only for the deanery youth but whole parish was present for the function from
the beginning of the of Eucharistic
celebration to the end of the programme as to encourage and support the parish
youth and youth of Jamshedpur deanery, on December 10-2017, in the compound of
"Our Lady of Nativity Church" Sini.
About 135 youth from
different parishes of Jamshedpur deanery
came together to "Our Lady of Nativity Church" Sini to celebrate and
participate in the gathering. Youth presented various intriguing entertainment
programmes on the stage, which created
most exciting and joyful atmosphere for every one present for the Christmas gathering. There were one act
play, dances, songs and special Christmas message.
Every entertainment item
gave beautiful, meaningful, inspiring and enriching Christmas massage in its
own style. Many thanks to Jamshedpur deanery youth comity including Fr.
Valerian Lobo for giving us an opportunity to serve then here in "Our Lady
of Nativity Church' Sini. (Fr. Emil Tirkey MSFS )
The Patronal Feast of St. Paul’s School, Maluka
The Patronal Feast of St. Paul’s School,
Maluka was celebrated with great joy by the staff and students on 25th
January, 2018. The programme began with the Solemn Eucharistic celebration. The
traditional dances during the celebration made the liturgical celebration more
joyful and meaningful. Later on, during the day, the students put up a cultural
programme. Fr. C. R. Prabhu was the Chief Guest for the programme. In his speech,
he explained at length the growth of the school from its humble beginnings. He
enumerated the difficulties encountered by the school to get recognition from
the State Government. He thanked the Sisters of Little Flower of Bethany for
their services in the school and for the efforts of providing education to the
village children. He encouraged the parents, who were present in big number, to
take interest in the education of their children. He requested them to send
their children to the school regularly and be in touch in the school
authorities to see the progress of their children. The Local Village
Administration – Munda, Mukiya and the Sarpanch were also present who were full
of praise for the good education given in the School. Congratulation to the
Principal and Staff of St. Paul’s for the wonderful celebration. (Fr. Edwin
Coelho)
Diamond Jubilee of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri
On 14th January, 2018, the Diamond
Jubilee of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri was celebrated in a grand manner. To
make this day a cherishable one and to be grateful to God, a High Mass was
offered by Rt. Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J, at 7.30 am in the beautifully
decorated Cathedral.
Bishops and priests were taken in a procession from
the Church yard to the main entrance by dancing by the students of Mercy School
of Nursing, Baridh. At the main Church entrance, a name plate was installed
detailing the former Bishops and parish priests.
Lighting of the lamp was done by 60 parishioners,
representing the entire parish. Mrs. Arputha Mary read out the brief history of
St. Joseph’s Cathedral. After the Mass laying of the foundation stone for the
new grotto was held. All the former parish priests and active parishioners were
honoured with a shawl each by the bishop. 60 people who have been actively
involved in the parish ministry were honoured by handing over one saplings
each.
Break fast was served to all and games and sports
were organized after the Mass. Everyone present enjoyed every programme and
participated in it in a peaceful and joyful manner. At noon, delicious dinner
was served to all the parishioners. Congratulations to Fr. David and all the
assistants for this wonderful day. (Fr. Manoj Tigga)
St. Paul's Church Maluka
28th January was a remarkable day for the
Parishioners of St. Paul's Church, Maluka. The Parish Day was celebrated with
great devotion and joy. The festivity began with the solemn Eucharist
celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Alex Dodrai at 7.30 P.M. The hostel
children welcomed the priests with the entrance dance and under the guidance
of Fr. Dileep, the choir helped the faithful to pray well with the melodious
hymns.
Fr. Alex in his homily exhorted that how St. Paul
went from being Saul to Paul, from persecuting Christians to dedicating his
life to proclaiming God's word. In the Eucharistic Celebration the faithful
prayed for all those have dedicated their life for the Evangelism. After the
Mass, cultural programme was presented by our Parishioners. It was well
appreciated by all. All the winners from stage competition and games were
awarded with gifts.Thanks to all the father's and sisters from our neighbouring
parish who had come to share our joy. Thanks to all who had put their soul and
mind for the success of the day. (Fr. Alex Darwin)
A Three Day Training on Herbal Medicines
Plants have been used for
medicinal purposes long before prehistoric period. India has been known to be
the rich repository of medicinal plants. The forest in India is the principal
repository of large number of medicinal plants. The World Health Organisation
estimates that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect
of their primary health care needs. There are many forms in which herbs can be
administered, the most common of which is in the form of a liquid that is drunk
by the patient either an herbal tea or a plant extract.
Acknowledging and knowing
the importance and accessibility of the herbal plants, the Catholic Charities
decided to organize a three day training from 04 – 06, January, on herbal
medicines for its staff and for those who are already practicing it in the
villages. There were 50 participants who benefited from this training. Sr.
Nirmala CIC who is an expert and experienced in this field from Catholic Health
Association of Bihar and Jharkhand (CHABIJ) was the resource person. She taught
the participants how to make medicine for malaria, cold and cough, wound, burnt
diarrhea and so on. Moreover they were also given a book each on herbal
medicines and arithemesia seed to grow at home. Prior to that Fr. Prabhu and
Fr. Alwin highlighted the effectiveness and usefulness of herbal medicines.
Thanks to Sr. Luisa OSU for successfully organizing it.
Adivasi Manch Gandedungri
On behalf of the Adivasi Manch Gandedungri
one day seminar was organized for the tribal leaders and tribal Intellectuals
on 05, January. The main theme of the seminar was to make people aware about
the 5th schedule area and current issues of Jharkhand. Fr. Polidor
Kujur SJ, Victor Malto, Premchand Murmu, walter Kandulna etc were the resource
persons. There were 40 participants from different parts of East Singhbhum
district. Thanks to Fr. Polidor Kujur SJ for arranging and organizing it very
fruitfully.
Farmer’s Fair cum Exhibition at Anandpur Block
India is mainly an
agricultural country. Agriculture is the most important occupation for most of
the Indian families. In India, agriculture contributes about sixteen percent
(16%) of total GDP and ten percent (10%) of total exports. Our farmers work
day and night to feed our population that counts over 1.21 billion.
But most of the times the
hard work of the farmers and their products go unnoticed, we fail to appreciate
and acknowledge their untiring efforts that they put in the field. Therefore
the Catholic Charities organized a fdlku esayk cum
Exhibition on 25th, January
in the premises of Anandpur block. The main objective of the Fair was to bring
the farmers together, exhibit their products and to interact with the
government officials. Mrs. Jobha Manjhi the MLA of Manoherpur was the chief
guest, who in her speech highlighted the different schemes and scientific
methods of cultivation. She was very happy to see so many farmers present. Fr.
Alwin electrified the gathering with his thought provoking speech on kitchen
garden and organic farming. There were 210 farmers and 68 farmers came with
their products to exhibit. On this occasion 5 pump sets were given to five farmers
by Block Agriculture officer Mr. Amarnath Nayak. BDO of Anandpur Mr. Manoj
Tiwary, Mr. Pramod Kumar a scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jagannathpur,
Pramukh Nutan Pyari Topno, Mukhiya Minnilal Surin also put forward their
opinion on this occasion. A booklet written by CCJ lCth dh [ksrh was released by
the honourable Chief guest Mrs. Jobha Manjhi and others. At last Fr. Birendra
Tete proposed the vote of thanks to all for their untiring and constant
support. Sr. Eliani Topno, Ramkrishna Bhakat, Rothin Hemrom, Ashok Tigga, Robin
Murmu were also present from the CCJ office.
BIRTHDAY BABIES – FEBRUARY
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09
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Johny Vithayathil
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14
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Alex Dodrai
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20
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Augustine Kullu
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21
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Vernon D’Souza
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22
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Camille Hembrom
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23
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Cyprian Lobo
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25
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Junas Purty
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BISHOP'S ENGAGEMENTS
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FEBRUARY 2018
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01
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Thu
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06.00 pm
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CBCI
Standing Committee Meeting
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Bangalore
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02-09
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Fri….
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AM-PM
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CBCI
Plenary Assembly
|
Bangalore
|
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10
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Sat
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AM
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From
Bangalore to Ranchi to Tepasai
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|
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11
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Sun
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08.00 am
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Holy
Communion &Confirmation
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Tepasai
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14
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Wed
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ASH
Wednesday
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||
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18
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Sun
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08.30 am
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First
Communion & Confirmation
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Illu-Jhargo
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22
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Thu
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AM-PM
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Minor Seminary Rectors’ Meeting,
St. Albert’s College
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Ranchi
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