JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur

Vol. 48 No. 6            Private Circulation Only                  June– 2018

In his newly released Gaudete et Exsultate, Pope Francis offers a powerful magisterial reflection on the Council’s “universal call to holiness”:

Gaudete et Exsultate (GE) is an apostolic exhortation, a type of document that ranks below an encyclical but above everyday papal homilies and speeches. It is the third one issued by Francis, after Evangelii Gaudium and Amoris Laetitia. GE is meant to be practical: it is not “a treatise on holiness, containing definitions and distinctions helpful for understanding this important subject, or a discussion of the various means of sanctification.” Rather, it is a meditation on how to respond to Christ’s invitation to be saints.

Chapter 1 (§§3-34): The Call to Holiness

In this chapter, Pope Francis discusses the diversity of forms under which holiness appears: “We are all called to be witnesses, but there are many actual ways of bearing witness,” (§11). Besides those saints and martyrs whose lives were “an exemplary imitation of Christ,” Pope Francis also praises “the middle class of holiness”: the everyday sanctity of “those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile,” (§7).

Pope Francis emphasizes the phrase “each in his or her own way,” for the diversity of forms of holiness means that Christians must discern how the Lord is calling each of them to holiness. While there are many good forms of life, every person has a unique vocation to whom he or she is called by God. While everyone has a unique vocation, every mission “has its fullest meaning in Christ, and can only be understood through him,” (§20). To be Christian is to be a discipline of Christ, meaning to enter into the Gospel itself. “At its core, holiness is experiencing, in union with Christ, the mysteries of his life.”

Chapter 2  (§§36-64): Two subtle Enemies of Holiness

In the second chapter, the Pope introduces “two subtle enemies of holiness”. They are contemporary versions of the ancient heresies of Gnosticism and Pelagianism. The Gnosticism reduces Christianity to the attainment of enlightenment through an understanding of secret truths; the Pelagianism reduces it to human moral effort.

Pope uses the dangers of both tendencies to remind us that (on the Gnostic side) knowledge must not eclipse devotion and (on the Pelagian side) holiness must always be rooted in the Divine life within, through the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. However much we may apply these categories to others, we are foolish indeed if we do not realize that all of us fall into both temptations at times, either by confusing our Catholic knowledge with personal virtue or by displaying more pride in our own efforts than gratitude for grace received.

Chapter 3 (§§63-109): In the Light of the Master

In chapter 3, Pope Francis goes on to teach about the nature of holiness by reflecting on the beatitudes from Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. The beatitudes are the key to unlocking the Christ-life within us. “The Beatitudes are like a Christian’s identity card,” (§63). The Beatitudes are thus our guide to doing what Francis urges us toward in Chapter 2, namely imitating Jesus.

Pope emphasises that the “works of mercy towards our neighbour” give greater glory to God than even acts of worship (§106). Our worship becomes pleasing to God when we devote ourselves to living generously, and allow God’s gift, granted in prayer, to be shown in our concern for our brothers and sisters. [104] and Similarly, the best way to discern if our prayer is authentic is to judge to what extent our life is being transformed in the light of mercy. [105]

Chapter 4 (§§110-157): Signs of Holiness in Today’s World

In Chapter 4, Pope Francis discusses five “great expressions of love for God and neighbour” that he takes to be “of particular importance in the light of certain dangers and limitations present in today’s culture.” Those “signs or spiritual attitudes” will help us “understand the way of life to which the Lord calls us.”

He states, that the Christian should rather be patient and meek (§§112-121); joyful (§§122-128); bold and passionate (§§129-139); communal (§§140-146); and constantly prayerful (§§147-157). Pope Francis casts this chapter in terms of following and becoming more like Jesus, a life-long effort which leads us to and is sustained by the Eucharist: In the Eucharist, the one true God receives the greatest worship the world can give him, for it is Christ himself who is offered. When we receive him in Holy Communion, we renew our covenant with him and allow him to carry out ever more fully his work of transforming our lives. (§157)

 Chapter 5 (§§158-201): Spiritual Combat, Vigilance, and Discernment

The Christian life is a constant battle. We need strength and courage to withstand the temptations of the devil and to proclaim the Gospel. This battle is sweet, for it allows us to rejoice each time the Lord triumphs in our lives. (§158)

In this chapter, the Pope insists on the reality of Satan, and warns that we must not dismiss him as a myth. He points out that the phrase “deliver us from evil” in the Our Father is really more accurately translated as deliver us from the evil one. This “indicates a personal being who assails us. Jesus taught us to ask daily for deliverance from him, lest his power prevail over us” (160). Francis goes on to discuss what it means for us to “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph 6:11) and to “quench all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Eph 6:16). He warns that those who choose to remain neutral, who are satisfied with little, who renounce the ideal of giving themselves generously to the Lord, will never hold out. [163]

The spiritual life demands vigilance and keeping our “lamps lit” (§164). Progress in the spiritual life does not secure one from the devil’s snares. Indeed, the “spiritual corruption” of such persons “is worse than the fall of a sinner, for it is a comfortable and self-satisfied form of blindness,” (§165).

Pope Francis ends the chapter by posing a question, the answer to which is his favourite subject. The question: “How can we know if something comes from the Holy Spirit or if it stems from the spirit of the world or the spirit of the devil?” The answer: discernment. Discernment, the Pope writes, should be exercised in matters great and small. Discernment is “more than intelligence or common sense. It is a gift” from the Holy Spirit (§166). Indeed, while “spiritual discernment does not exclude existential, psychological, sociological or moral insights … it transcends them.”

In the final section on “Discernment”, Francis explains the need for us to talk constantly with God, asking for the grace to discern, on the one hand, our own weaknesses and failings and, on the other, whatever it is that the Lord is calling us to do. “Discernment,” he writes, “is not about discovering what more we can get out of this life, but about recognizing how we can better accomplish the mission entrusted to us at our baptism” (174).

Conclusion (§§176-177) with Hail Mary

Pope Francis concludes by calling on Mary’s intercession to help all walk with Jesus toward holiness. Mary is a model for that holiness: “she lived the Beatitudes of Jesus as none other.” Her example is one of joy, discernment and suffering, and fidelity: “Mary is the saint among the saints, blessed above all others.” If we follow her example, Pope Francis urges, “we will share a happiness that the world will not be able to take from us.”

Let us all read and meditate over Gaudete et Exsultate.

+ Felix Toppo, S.J
Bishop of Jamshedpur

Santhali Language Course cum Seminarians’ Get-Together at DSWC, Govindpur

Santhali Language Course was held in DSWC, Govindpur for the seminarians from 2 to 15 May, 2018. This year, there were around 30 brothers coming from different seminaries for this course. Since this course was arranged in Santhali belt, brothers benefitted a lot which gave them ample opportunities to master the language. Frs. Baldev Hembrom, Nicholas Kerketta, Sushil Jojo, S.J along with two Mahasay (Catechists) namely Bipin Marandi and Chandan Hembrom put their efforts to teach the brothers in an easy way. To have the taste of the language, seminarians were not confined within the classroom but were out of the boundary sometimes, especially on Sundays, getting chance to learn the customs and traditions of the people and to attend Santhali Mass in Dhowatand and in Tundi Parishes.

Apart from learning the language, we had also friendly basketball matches with the fathers and the Nirmala School girls where brothers showed their various skills and techniques of  the game, winning the hearts of the people inside the campus. We also had a short cultural evening programme for the people living inside the campus. Fr. David Vincent, the Vicar General of the diocese was the chief Guest of the program who enlightened everyone with his thought provoking and valuable message . During our stay there, Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ also visited the place and met the brothers to know their feelings and expectations.

From 15 to 17 May, 2018, we had a Get-Together Program in the same place. Fr. Linus Kindo, the In-charge of the Seminarians, put his best efforts to make this program something beneficial and enriching for the seminarians by arranging sessions on various current topics. We had many spokespersons such as Fr. Amatus Kujur, the Dean of Dhanbad, Fr. Bipin Pani, the Director of DSWC, Frs. Alwin C.V. and Birender Tete from Catholic Charities, Sundernagar, Fr. Linus Kindo, Seminarians’ In-charge, and Sr. Margret AC who shared and cherished their various ministries  in the diocese and made us aware of the upcoming challenges. Our Get-Together Program came to an end with an evaluation of the whole program under the guidance of Fr. Linus Kindo.

We extend our  heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation  to Frs. Bipin Pani, James Surin, Pascal Minj and co-members of DSWC family for all the necessary arrangements for making our program a very successful one. (Bro. Petrus Guria)

Sacred Ordination of Dn. Walter Purty

Rev. Dn. Walter Purty was ordained a priest on 12 - May, 2018 for the Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur in his home parish, St. Paul Miki Church, Bordor, Chaibasa. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J elevated him to the Order of Priesthood in the presence of many priests, religious and laity.  The priests, sisters and the parishioners of St. Paul Miki Church, Bordor, left no stones unturned to make this event a memorable one.

There was a felicitation programme soon after the Ordination ceremony. Fr. Walter Purty celebrated his first Holy Eucharist on 13th May, Sunday in his home Parish. Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Walter Purty and wish him all the best in his future ministry.

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Golmuri

The month of May had been a month of prayer for the Parishioners of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. 

The month began with the feast day celebration of the Patron Saint, St. Joseph the worker along with the blessing of the new grotto in the Church Campus. There were prayer meetings and community rosary all through the month. On 31, May, there was a solemn Eucharistic celebration and Marian procession. The more close we are to Mary, the more we get to Jesus. (Fr Manoj)

Seminar on Liturgy at Catholic Charities on July 6-7

The diocese is organizing a two day seminar on Liturgy on 6 & 7, July, 2018.. The resource person for the Seminar is Rev. Fr. Ayres Fernandes, National Executive Secretary for the Commission for Liturgy.

      Registration   : 8.00 a.m 

Seminar Begins  : 8.30 a.m 

 Conclusion   : 4.00 p.m  (07-07-2018)

All the priests and religious are earnestly requested to make the best use of this opportunity and participate in this seminar. 

Those who would like to stay over night are requested to register your names with Fr. Alwin (9199867187) or Fr. George Ekka (9431743127)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

JUNE
Date	Name
14	Fr. Prince Dibash
16	Fr. Halan Bodra
16	Fr. Baldeo Hembrom
22	Fr. Georage Ekka
24	Fr. Michael Jojo
30	Fr. Roque Cardoza

BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS 

JUNE 2018
02	Sat	PM	Return to Ranchi from Rome
		05.00 pm	Bicentennial Celebration of Fr. John Lambertz	Ranchi
03	Sun	A.M.	Return to JSR
06	Wed	A.M.	Annual Holidays
22	Fri	P.M.	Return to JSR
24	Sun	A.M.	Blessing of the New Presbytery	Dhanbad
		P.M.	DSWC Governing Board Meeting	Govindpur

JAMSHEDPUR LEARNING FORUM – CONSORTIUM

Dear Principals/Headmasters/Headmistresses/Parish Priest/Secretaries,

It was on 16.03.2018 at our meeting at Guidera Jesuit Residence, among other things, WE mooted a VISION – the need to UNITE under “Consortium of Minority Institutions” OR “JAMSHEDPUR LEARNING FORUM”. The enthusiastic response to this SHARED VISION – is brilliant! The idea of setting up a consortium of Minority Institutions to safeguard our Institutional's interest was  reconfirmed on 28.04.2018 at a meeting of the Heads of Schools at Bishop's House, Jamshedpur.

We are delighted to announce - Rev. Fr. G. Pushparaj, SJ, the architect of consortium in TN Minority Institutions and his senior counsel Shri. Issac Mohanlal, senior advocate specializing in Minority Rights have consented to guide and deliberate with US to enable us to CARRY FORWARD the movement.

As a way forward, we are happy to announce that a ONE DAY workshop is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, 2018 at XLRI (new campus – Learning Centre II) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The coordination committee – Frs. David Vincent. Jerome Sequirea SJ and Tony SJ - INVITES all our heads of institutions to attend this WORKSHOP. At the workshop the assent and signature of the Head of the Institution on a memorandum is essential.

Kindly, register your name and institution immediately. Email TO: fr.jilson@gmail.com

  or whatsapp to 8521608509.

Registration is important in view of getting the logistics in place.   Kindly use the following format to complete your registration by 25 May 2018. The Registration Fee is Rs 1,000/- per institution. You can do the on-the-spot registration at XLRI on 16 June 2018. Always contact Fr. Jilson with regard to consortium related matter.

Thanking you, 
Regards,

Fr. P. Tony Raj SJ                                                                         Fr. David Vincent, VG,
(Province Coordinator for Education)                                     (Director of Diocesan Schools )