Peace be with you
PEACE BE WITH YOU
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year! May
God bless you with His Peace and Love in this New Year.
On the night Christ was born, an angel appeared to the
shepherds and gave a message of great joy, “Glory to God in the Highest and
Peace to people of Good Will”. Jesus is
the Prince of Peace and He came to the world that we may have peace. Peace is
not a commodity that can be purchased. Peace can be obtained only when we have
love and justice. Peace is inseparable from love and justice. And Jesus is the
personification of Love, Peace and Justice. The person rooted in love and
justice is a righteous person. And it is to those who are righteous the Lord
offers the gift of Peace. In the annals of history, both ecclesiastical and
political, we find many great persons whom we call righteous; Mahatma Gandhi
and Mother Theresa are few among them.
Love, Peace and Justice are the very characteristics
of God Himself. Because it is in God alone we find eternal Love, Peace and
Justice. Every human being is created in the very image and likeness of God;
all of us share these very divine characteristics of God in us. It is the will
of God that every human being use these spiritual gifts that have been infused
in us and find eternal happiness in the Lord.
God in His infinite wisdom created human being that He
may share with us His divine love. He is brimming with love for every one whom
He created. Since we are the partakers of His divine love by our existence, it
is very logical that we share this love with our brethren. The pinnacle of the
expression of love is seen in the life of Christ; there is no greater love than
to lay down one’s life for his/her friends. Every human being needs to realize that
we are children of One God and we share a relationship thicker than blood; the
relationship based on life itself. Hence, it is our duty to love and respect
our brethren. The love of the neighbour stems from this concept.
Respecting the other person is different from
adjusting with them. The real respect is rooted in accepting the other person
as he or she is. When one accepts the other person as he or she is, one tends
to accept others’ beliefs and life style, even when one do not really agree
with it. Just like, different varieties of flowers make a garden more
beautiful, people with different beliefs and life-styles living together in unity
makes the earth a paradise on the earth. It is in unity we find our strength
and not in uniformity. When we fail in our efforts to be righteous, we fail in
our ability to live in peace. The moment we shun the other for what they are…
we start spreading the seed of disharmony.
What do we see around us ? Is there peace and harmony
or hatred and chaos ? Are we heading towards a society where everyone is
respected ? … The answers often disappoint us. We live in a society where
uniformity is endorsed more than unity. Every person is identified with his or
her attributes rather than the person himself or herself. Religion, social
status and political affiliation have become the yardstick for the dignity of a
person. Moreover, personal freedom is curtailed in the name of progress and
unification. How can there be progress when the personal attributes like cast
and creed are hailed above human dignity ? How can there be peace when unity is
corroded by the custodians of our society ?
It is more than ever, we need to be righteous. We need
to love and respect everyone for what they are. Let us enkindle in us the need
to be united, despite caste and creed, language and land. Let us realize that
we all are the children of One God. Let us follow Jesus, our brother and love
everyone. Above all, let us pray; for “More things are wrought by prayer than
the world ever dreams of”.
May the Prince of Peace bless you with His love, peace
and justice. May you try every day to
better yourself to be righteous. Moreover,
May you become the instruments of His Peace!
Your Friend and Servant in Christ,
+Felix Toppo, S.J
Bishop of Jamshedpur
Indian Vice President
praises Christians: "They build the nation".
The Indian vice president has praised the Catholic
Church for "its efforts to build the nation and for the altruistic service
rendered to the members of society". Venkaiah Naidu participated as a
guest of honour at the Christmas greetings ceremony. Organized by the Indian
Bishops' Conference (CBCI), the event took place on 13th December,
2017 at the center of the archdiocesan community of Delhi. The second highest
representative of the State affirmed that "Jesus is the Son of God. He
brings Good news to all seasons, peoples, cultures and nations. His message is
the message of peace.
If there is tension, we cannot have attention to
any activities of peace". Naidu emphasized that "people, in every
part of the world, regardless of caste, creed or nationality, celebrate
Christmas with great joy ". Then he reaffirmed the importance of Catholics
for the development of India, "in particular for the well-being of the
people. They manage the best educational institutions in the country, which
create awareness of the need for education and training for those in need
".
According to the Vice President, “Education is the
most important tool for social transformation. It helps impart values
compassion, morality and ethics,”. For this reason, he added, "I invite
you Christians to continue in your service with special attention to the
disadvantaged sectors of society".
The politician, an exponent of the Bharatiya Janata
Party (Hindu nationalist party), recalled that the Catholic Church has opened
thousands of dispensaries and hospitals throughout India, to reach the most
remote areas.
Fr Renold Pascal, of the CBC press office, reports
that "in the country Catholics manage 25 thousand schools and
universities, and guarantee in hospitals 85 thousand beds for the sick, even in
the most inaccessible areas. We also operate in more than 5,000 registered
NGOs, which take care of the primary needs of over five million poor and
marginalized every year ".
At the end of the ceremony,
Card. Baselios Cleemis, president of the CBCI, gave the guest of honour a
nativity scene and a picture with the image of India, on which the Child Jesus
lies in the manger.
Diaconate Ordination of Bro
Mukesh Kerketta
It indeed
was a remarkable occasion for St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri, Bro. Mukesh
Kerketta of Jamshedpur diocese was elavated to the Sacred Order of Diaconate by
His Lordshop Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. in the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
held on 6th Deccember, 2017. Fr. Jilson helped the faithful to understand the
cermoneires and to participate in it in a meaningful way through his timely
interventions as the master of the ceremony.
The
Cathedral was packed with the faithful. The family, relatives and friends of
the ordinantus were seated at the front pews. Bishop, through his sermon
exhorted the ordinatus about the duties of a clergy. The whole Ordination
ceremony was very well arranged and the choir added a celesial tune to it.
There was a small felicitation for the deacon at the Bishop’s House.
Congratulations to deacon Mukesh Kerketta and wish you all the best for your
minsitry. Special thanks to Rev. Fr. David Vincent, the Parish Priest, the
Asst. Parish Priests, Sisters at Sacred Heart Convent, Golmuri, Youth and all
the parishioners. (Fr. Manoj Tigga)
Inter-religious Christmas
Gathering at St. Joseph’s Welfare Center, Golmuri
Frs. David Vincent, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s
Cathedral arranged an Inter-religious Christmas Gathering at St. Joseph’s
Welfare Center, Golmuri on 22nd December, 2017. People from all
walks of life, from different religions had gathered for the gathering. Mrs.
Arpurtha Mary anchored through the whole programme and delighted all present
with her wonderful commentary. Fr. David, the Vicar General of the diocese,
welcomed the gathering and the youth from Gyandeep presented a song and a dance
on the theme of Christmas. There were many cultural programmes by different
groups and Christmas messages from various dignitaries. The Christmas carol by
the junior choir of St. Joseph’s Cathedral mesmerized everyone present.
Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J, Swamin Karunamayanand Maharaj
from Ram Krisha Mission, Mr. Interjeet Singh, the President of Central
Gurudwara, Mr. Zober Juki of the Muslim Community, Mr. Beli Bodhanwala, the
social worker, and reverend pastors from various Christian denominations shared
their Christmas Message. The main theme
that ran through all the messages were- Peace, Love, Non-Violence, forgiveness,
Common brotherhood and harmony.
Congratulations to everyone who worked hard for the success of this
programme. (Fr Manoj Tigga)
Inter-Religious Celebration of Christmas at Catholic Charities
Charities
On December 23rd, Catholic
Charities/SJVK and Vikas Bharati held their annual Christmas Gathering in their
auditorium. About 200 people belonging to all castes and creed participated in
this function. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J
Bishop of Jamshedpur was the Chief Guest while Mr. Champai Murmu the
Majhi-Hadam of Purihasa was the Guest of honour. Among the gathering were the family of
Director, ITDA East Singhbhum, officers of Federal Bank and the Bank of India
and many prominent people from the neighboring villages. The staff of SJVK/CCJ/VB along with students of Smart Centre Pratiksha
kept the audience spell-bound for 75 minutes.
The star of the day was Fr. Virender Tete who along with his special team put
up a skit dramatizing the real meaning of Christmas. The Chief Guest spoke
inspiringly on the spirit of Christmas – God’s love incarnated in the humble
person of Baby Jesus, proclaiming true reconciliation between God and Human. He
reminded the audience that Jesus came to proclaim peace, justice, equality and
freedom along all people. The Bishop appealed to all that all people live as
brothers and sisters in one family. At
the end of the programme, a piece of Cake and coffee was served to all.
The entire Staff, numbering 56 in all
received Christmas Gifts, Christmas meal. The invited guests and Priests and
Sisters of neighboring communities too joined in this festive meal.
CCJ/SJVK/VB
closes down for Christmas:
For the first time, the entire
establishment of CCJ-SJVK-VB has been closed down for maintenance work of Vikas
Bharati. All the Staff, drivers, kitchen
girls, gardeners went on holidays. Frs. Alwin, Virender and Prabhu since
December 24, were seen knocking at different parishes and convents at mealtime.
They are trying to experiment they can manage to live without a kitchen. Wish them all the best. (Fr. Birender Tete).
Christmas
Celebrations
This year also the Christmas was celebrated in a grand
manner in all the Churches in Jamshedpur diocese. As the Christmas drew near,
all were seen glad and their joy knew no bounds under the leadership of fathers
Fabian and Manoj in St. Joseph’s Cathedral Parish, Golmuri. Youth and children
went door to door for Christmas Carol to give the message of the birth of
Jesus. Fathers encouraged the faithful to prepare themselves spiritually to
receive Jesus in the manger of their hearts. Despite of severe cold, youth and
children did their level best going around singing and dancing with gusto.
All the city churches were beautifully cleaned and
decorated with multi-items that captivated Christians and even people of other
faith for prayer and worship. On 24 night, at 10:30 pm the carol singing began in
the Cathedral and at 11:30 pm, a solemn Christmas Vigil Mass was held. Bishop
Felix Toppo, S.J presided over the Eucharistic Celebrations. Frs. David
Vincent, Robert Toppo, Jilson T L and Michael Deogam were the con-celebrants. The
atmosphere was prayerful and devotional with the help of the choir. All the
people were served with tea and snacks after the Mass by the Parish Council. As
arranged by the Parish Priest, Fr. David Vincent, Santa Clause came with gifts
and sweets and distributed to the people. All had a good time and wished each
other Merry Christmas.
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 9th to 12th April, 2017 at Vianney Niwas, Neeldungri,
Jamshedpur. 10th and +2 students are invited to join the vocation
camp. Contact to the Vocation Offices for more informations at:
Fr. Linus Kindo/ Fr. Paschal Toppo
Bishop’s House
P.O. Golmuri
Jamshedpur-831003
Jharkhand
Phone No.: 09572752429/7050061079
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
Date
|
Name
|
04
|
SAMEER SORENG
|
11
|
RAJU FELIX
CRASTA
|
21
|
SELVA RAJ
|
28
|
GYANPRAKASH
TOPNO
|
BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS
JANUARY 2018
|
||||
02
|
Tue
|
AM-PM
|
To Pandripani to Rourkela
|
|
03
|
Wed
|
AM-PM
|
From Rourkela to Rampur to Khunti to JSR
|
|
08
|
Mon
|
AM
|
Ranchi à Delhi
|
|
10-11
|
Wed...
|
AM-PM
|
Mini UCPI Conference at Naveenta
|
Delhi
|
12
|
Fri
|
PM
|
Return to JSR
|
|
13
|
Sat
|
09.30 am
|
Golden Jubilee of Annie Lakra, OSU at Chandmari
|
CKP
|
14
|
Sun
|
07.30 am
|
Diamond Jubilee, St. Joseph’s Cathedral
|
Golmuri
|
19
|
Fri
|
10.00 am
|
Diocesan Consult
|
Colmuri
|
21
|
Sun
|
08.30 am
|
Silver Jubilee of Sr. Agnes Anthony, OSU
|
Goilkera
|
23
|
Tue
|
05.30 pm
|
Golden Jubilee Sr. Jacinta of Cheshire Home
|
Sundernagar
|
24
|
Wed
|
PM
|
To Ranchi
|
|
25
|
Thu
|
09.35 am
|
From Ranchi to Delhi and PM to
Agra
|
|
26-27
|
Fri..
|
AM-PM
|
Visitation of Seminarians
|
Agra
|
28
|
Sun
|
AM-PM
|
Episcopal Silver Jubilee of Archbp. Albert D’Souza
|
Agra
|
29
|
Mon
|
AM-PM
|
From Agra to Delhi to Nagpur
|
|
30-31
|
Tue
|
AM-PM
|
Visitation of Seminarians
|
Nagpur
|
31
|
Wed
|
PM
|
From Nagpur to Bangalore for CBCI Plenary Assembly
|
|
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