Thursday, August 9, 2018


 
Diocese of Jamshedpur

Vol. 49 No. 8                         Private Circulation Only                August – 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters!

At the end of its Constitution on the Church, the Second Vatican Council left us a very beautiful meditation on Mary Most Holy. Let me just recall the words referring to the mystery we celebrate today: “the immaculate Virgin preserved free from all stain of original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, when her earthly life was over, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things” (no. 59). Then towards the end, there is: “the Mother of Jesus in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven is the image and the beginning of the church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise, she shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come” (no. 68). In the light of this most beautiful image of our Mother, we are able to see the message of the biblical readings that we have just heard. We can focus on three key words: struggle, resurrection, hope.

The passage from Revelation presents the vision of the struggle between the woman and the dragon. The figure of the woman, representing the Church, is, on the one hand, glorious and triumphant and yet, on the other, still in travail. And the Church is like that: if in heaven she is already associated in some way with the glory of her Lord, in history she continually lives through the trials and challenges which the conflict between God and the evil one, the perennial enemy, brings. And in the struggle which the disciples must confront – all of us, all the disciples of Jesus, we must face this struggle - Mary does not leave them alone: the Mother of Christ and of the Church is always with us. She walks with us always, she is with us. And in a way, Mary shares this dual condition. She has of course already entered, once and for all, into heavenly glory. But this does not mean that she is distant or detached from us; rather Mary accompanies us, struggles with us, sustains Christians in their fight against the forces of evil. Prayer with Mary, especially the rosary – but listen carefully: the Rosary. Do you pray the Rosary every day? But I’m not sure you do [the people shout “Yes!”]… Really? Well, prayer with Mary, especially the Rosary, has this “suffering” dimension, that is of struggle, a sustaining prayer in the battle against the evil one and his accomplices. The Rosary also sustains us in the battle.

The second reading speaks to us of resurrection. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, insists that being Christian means believing that Christ is truly risen from the dead. Our whole faith is based upon this fundamental truth which is not an idea but an event. Even the mystery of Mary’s Assumption body and soul is fully inscribed in the resurrection of Christ. The Mother’s humanity is “attracted” by the Son in his own passage from death to life. Once and for all, Jesus entered into eternal life with all the humanity he had drawn from Mary; and she, the Mother, who followed him faithfully throughout her life, followed him with her heart, and entered with him into eternal life which we also call heaven, paradise, the Father’s house.

Mary also experienced the martyrdom of the Cross: the martyrdom of her heart, the martyrdom of her soul. She lived her Son’s Passion to the depths of her soul. She was fully united to him in his death, and so she was given the gift of resurrection. Christ is the first fruits from the dead and Mary is the first of the redeemed, the first of “those who are in Christ”. She is our Mother, but we can also say that she is our representative, our sister, our eldest sister, she is the first of the redeemed, who has arrived in heaven.

The Gospel suggests to us the third word: hope. Hope is the virtue of those who, experiencing conflict – the struggle between life and death, good and evil – believe in the resurrection of Christ, in the victory of love. We heard the Song of Mary, the Magnificat: it is the song of hope, it is the song of the People of God walking through history. It is the song many saints, men and women, some famous, and very many others unknown to us but known to God: mums, dads, catechists, missionaries, priests, sisters, young people, even children and grandparents: these have faced the struggle of life while carrying in their heart the hope of the little and the humble. Mary says: “My souls glorifies the Lord” – today, the Church too sings this in every part of the world. This song is particularly strong in places where the Body of Christ is suffering the Passion. For us Christians, wherever the Cross is, there is hope, always. If there is no hope, we are not Christian. That is why I like to say: do not allow yourselves to be robbed of hope. May we not be robbed of hope, because this strength is a grace, a gift from God which carries us forward with our eyes fixed on heaven. And Mary is always there, near those communities, our brothers and sisters, she accompanies them, suffers with them, and sings the Magnificat of hope with them.


Dear Brothers and Sisters, with all our heart let us too unite ourselves to this song of patience and victory, of struggle and joy, that unites the triumphant Church with the pilgrim one, earth with heaven, and that joins our lives to the eternity towards which we journey. Amen.
(Excerpts from Pope Francis’ sermon on 15 August 2013)

   Installation of Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J as the Archbishop of Ranchi

 


His Grace, Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J., former bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur, was officially installed as the Archbishop of Ranchi at a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at the century-old St Mary's Cathedral at Purulia Road, Ranchi. He became the 4th Archbishop to hold the Office since the diocese of Ranchi was carved out of the Archdiocese of Kolkata on May 25, 1927. Till September 1953, the diocese of Ranchi was headed by a bishop. On September 19, 1953, the diocese of Ranchi was elevated as an Archdiocese.
The new Archbishop replaces Cardinal Telesphore P Toppo, who held the Office of Archbishop of Ranchi since August 1985.

First Counsellor to the Apostolic Nunciature in India Javier Domingo Fernandez Gonzalez, 20 Archbishops and Bishops from various parts of the country, Priests and nuns from the various congregations, members of Sadbhavna Manch and others were in attendance at the special mass. A good number of priests, and religious from Jamshedpur also attended the Eucharistic celebration and prayed for Archbishop Felix.

Born on November 21, 1947, in Tongo village in Gumla district, Felix Toppo joined the Society of Jesus in 1968 and was ordained a priest on April 14,1982. He completed his Masters in Psychology, from the Gregorian University, Rome and was made Bishop of Jamshedpur on June 14, 1997.

An appointment letter, issued by Pope Francis, read out on the occasion in Latin and translated into Hindi, said that following the resignation of Cardinal Telesphore P Toppo, the office of the archbishop of Ranchi had fallen vacant though the Cardinal was asked to continue till the nomination of a successor. The letter added that Bishop Felix Toppo, who has been nominated as the new archbishop, has been divested of all his duties as the bishop of Jamshedpur and given charge as Archbishop of Ranchi.

After his installation, the new archbishop went to his official residence - Archbishop House at Purulia Road, Ranchi, where he was given a rousing welcome. Later he presided over a public reception that was organised in his honour at Social Development Centre, Ranchi.

Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, who has been residing at the Archbishop House till date, would soon relocate to the minor Basilica at Ulhatu, some 16 kms away from Ranchi.

St. Mary’s English High School, Bistupur




City of Jamshedpur woke up to a spectacular sight as St. Mary’s English High School Celebrated the inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee, in the morning of July 30th 2018. It was indeed glorious, that the school took its birth way back in 1943 in the most humble way, as a faint whisper but steadily grew in size and influence and can now claim a roaring presence in the city with two impressive blocks.
A mega show was organized at this occasion of entering into 75 years. The event kicked off with a Holy Mass celebrated at the St. Mary’s Church. Archbishop Elect Most Rev. Felix Toppo SJ was the main Celebrant and concelebrated by few of our Priests from the city. The procession of the Priests , Sisters, Parents and teachers finally reached to portal of St. Mary’s Senior block , where the N.C.C cadets , the band gave a trumpet sounds be fitting salute the guest were received with utmost honor that was followed by unfurling of the  school flag by Our Chief guest. True to traditional 75 Balloons were released and even pigeons took to wings – signifying peace and progress.
In the meanwhile Celebration Run took place circling the vicinity of the school which was a visual splendor to behold led by teachers and students alighted in an open jeep, holding banners of four houses. Students along with teachers carried the placards upheld the perennial virtues of Spiritual, Responsible, Selfless, Dedicated, Honest, Truthful, Self- Discipline and God Fearing. This was arranged in a most meticulous way and video graphed and together screened in the Auditorium before a surprised audience with a running commentary .Thereafter the Curtain Raising ceremony that released the Platinum Jubilee Emblem, its lofty ideals would constantly guide us and light our way - Then the last phase of the celebration took over with the Principal addressing the audience that ended with the felicitation of Most. Rev.Felix Toppo SJ. It was perfectly orchestrated event that received unending praises and emerged like a melody which would haunt us for a long time. (Fr. Darwin Alex)

Annual Diocesen Mahila Sangh Aam Sabha, Sundernagar



Annual Diocesen Mahila Sangh Aam Sabha meeting was held on 14, 15 of July at Vikas  Bharti Sundernagar. there were 240 women gathered from whole through the parishes from the diocese of Jamshedpur. The resource person for the meeting was Rev. Fr. Rayappa Kasi from the Diocese of Vellore and Rev. Fr. Valerian Lobo. The theme of the meeting was on " Laudato Si " and the role of Family in the Church."  Everyone who participated in the seminar appreciated the input session and requested that they could arrange denary-wise workshops so that more women become aware of environmental issues and ecology. At the end, there was election for the new office bearers. ( Fr George Ekka)
Seminar on Liturgy at Catholic Charities
 The diocese of Jamshedpur organized two days seminar or liturgy from 6th to 7th July, 2018 at Catholic Charities Sundernagar. The seminar began with the lightening of the lamp. Most Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Guest for the day. The resource person for the seminar was Rev. Fr. Ayres Fernandes, National Executive Secretary for the Commission for Liturgy. He reminded the Priests and religious about the nuances of the sacred liturgy. There were about 135 priests and religious who participated and benefited from this seminar. The seminar concluded with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by His Grace Felix Toppo, S.J. Newly Appointed Archbishop of Ranchi. A felicitation program followed the Eucharistic Celebration. 

Fr. C.R. Prabhu thanked the Bishop and expressed the words of appreciation for the for the 21 years of service as a Bishop in our Diocese. He said that diocese has grown immensely under his leadership. At the end, Bishop expressed his deep gratitude for the support and appreciation he has received from the priests, religious and faithful. The programme concluded with a meal. ( Fr George Ekka)
St. Xavier’s English School & Junior College, Chaibasa
On 28th July Our School had organized a beautiful program to honour the backbone of our school, our Rt. Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo for his invaluable support throughout the journey of our school till now. Without his Lordship’s support, blessings and mentorship, this school would never have achieved its magnificent and glorious stature of present. Our Bishop very kindly spared time from his busy schedule and graced the occasion. He gave a beautiful message through his speech and also prayed for each one of us and our school. With our hearts brimming with gratitude, we took this opportunity to bring closure to our silver jubilee celebrations.

Inauguration of the academic year at Prathiksha- Regional Propaedeutic Center
On 2nd July, 2018 Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J with the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration inaugurated the academic year at Pratiksha - Regional Propaedeutic Center, Sundernagar. Rev. Frs. David Vincent, the Vicar General, Hilarius Kongari, S.J, Tobias Kujur, Cornelius Tigga and Jilson concelebrated the Mass and prayed for the brothers. The celestial choir and devotional participation of the brothers at the Mas, added colour to the celebration.
Soon after the Eucharistic celebration, brothers felicitated Bishop Felix on his appointment as the Archbishop of Ranchi.
At present, there are, For - Jamshedpur – 6, Gumla – 1, Bettiah – 3, Dumka – 8, Patna – 1, Daltonganj – 1, Hazaribagh – 5, Simdega – 7, Purnea – 3 Ranchi – 5 and Khunti -1 studying at the seminary.
BIRTHDAY BABIES

Date
Name
01
James Surin
04
Amatus Kujur
05
Cornelius Tigga
08
John Crasta
20
Alfred Balmuchu
23
Johny P.D
28
Augustine Topno


Tuesday, July 10, 2018


Diocese of Jamshedpur

Vol. 49 No. 7                         Private Circulation Only                  July – 2018


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed me the Archbishop of Ranchi and he made it public on June 24, 2018. As I join with you all to thank the Lord, I beseech your earnest prayers.

Knowing that a great responsibility was being entrusted to me, after much prayer and trusting in the providence of God I accepted the appointment. I am certain that it is God’s will and that He would walk with me and guide me. I am humbled by the trust the Lord has shown in me and I entrust myself completely into His care. I can only say, “The Lord has done great things for me. Holy is his name”. His wisdom is beyond human understanding and His glory is eternal.

I will be installed as the Archbishop of Ranchi on Monday, 6th August 2018 morning at 8.00 a.m. at Mary’s Cathedral, Ranchi. I personally invite all of you to attend the ceremony and pray for me. After the installation as the Archbishop, I will continue to stay at Archbishop’s House, Ranchi.

On this occasion, I fondly remember my pious, hardworking and responsible parents and acknowledge their prayers and support in my life as long as they lived. May God grant them Eternal Rest! I also gratefully remember my brothers, sisters, relatives, friends and teachers, who have played a great role in my life. I am ever grateful to the Society of Jesus, Jamshedpur Province, for having given me an opportunity to be at the service of the Lord. The priests and religious in the Diocese of Jamshedpur have always been my strength during my 21 years of episcopal ministry. I gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and help I received from the priests, religious and laity of the Diocese of Jamshedpur during the tenue of my office as the Bishop of Jamshedpur.

I have been blessed to have a cordial collaborative functionality in the Diocese of Jamshedpur in carrying out my mission and ministry, apart from a few troubles. As I bid adieu to Jamshedpur Diocese, my heart is filled with mixed feelings of gratitude and sadness.

My motto as Bishop is “Thy Kingdom Come”. Jamshedpur Diocese is geographically bigger than many other dioceses, and it has been my desire to spread the Word of God to all the people of Jamshedpur. Keeping attuned with my motto, I have tried my best to spread the Kingdom of God in the Diocese that was entrusted to me. During my tenure many parishes were erected, churches constructed, schools opened, prayer centres started, candidate house and propaedeutic seminary were opened, Khuntpani was given due importance, pastoral centre of the diocese was reopened and many men and women religious congregations were invited to work in the collaboration with the diocese. There has been a considerable growth in the number of vocations to the priesthood in the diocese. The number of the clergy and the faithful has seen steady growth in the past years. All these give me a sense of satisfaction, as I prayerfully reiterate my motto, “Thy Kingdom Come”. As I look forward to render my episcopal ministry in the Archdiocese of Ranchi, I pray that Lord be with me always.

I would like to remind you that we are in troubled times and as responsible citizens of this great nation, it is our duty to uphold the sacred Constitution of our country. We need be on our guard not to let the dirty politics and selfish motives of antisocial elements to permeate into our society and culture.

Let us be firm in our faith, keep our hope kindled in the Lord and spread the fragrance of charity. Let us all reaffirm with our words and deeds that we are all children of one God. It is only when one respects the rights and dignity of the other person, the dignity of the children of God is attained.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the love, prayer and support that you showered on me. May God bless you abundantly! May your families and communities be a place of joy and hope! Please continue to pray for me so that I may fulfil my mission well as the Archbishop of Ranchi. Eventually, you will be blessed with a new Bishop for Jamshedpur. Give him all the support that he requires, so that the Diocese of Jamshedpur may grow towards the fullness of life.

May almighty God bless you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

                                                                                                Your Servant and Friend,
                                                                                                +Felix Toppo, S.J.
                                                                                 Archbishop-elect of Ranchi

Archbishop-elect, Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ will no longer be using the Email id -  jsr_bishop@bsnl.in 
You are requested to use felixtoppojsr@gmail.com to contact him through Email.        

St. Mary’s English School, Bistupur      
       
Annual Prize Night:  Junior block
St. Mary’s English School (Junior Block) celebrated its Annual PrizeNight on Friday29th June, 2018. Our Honorable Chief guest Rev.Fr. Roque Cardoza graced the occasion, along with Our Principal Rev.Fr. Puthumai Raj, Our Director Rev. Fr. Edward Saldana ,Rev. Fr. Gyan Prakash Toppno ,  our vice principals Fr. Alex Darwin and Sr. Rashmi and our proud parents of worthy awardees also witnessed the program. The theme taken up this year was ‘ABLAZE’. Children performed with full vigor and motivated everyone.

Students were awarded for their excellence in academic performance of 2017-2018. The inspiring message by our Chief Guest and Guest of Honor motivated the parents and children. The evening ended with a vote of thanks by Sr. Rashmi.


Annual Prize Night: 2018
St. Mary’s English High School (senior block) celebrated its Annual Prize Night on Saturday, 30th June, 2018. The glorious evening dazzled with the achievements of classes, 12 and 10 students in the Board Examinations.SayonBanerjee was not only the topper in the science stream with 94% but also individual subjects like Maths, Physics and Chemistry. The Bio – Science Topper was Puja Kumari with 90% aggregate. Areen Fatima Fahim secured 89.2% and was declared the topper of the Commerce Stream. Class 10 had 10 students who scored 90% and above, the highest scorer was Abhishek Kabr with 95.8%. Besides the distribution of Prizes the cultural program comprising of a joyfulsplash of colors through the Prayer dance, the dance drama and folk dance, was a feast to the eyes. The chief guest Rev. Fr. Jerome Sequeria, S.J. enlightened the awardees with an invaluable piece of advice on practicing and sustaining values in our daily life. The Guest of Honor Rev. Fr. David Vincent stressed on the fact that the world is in need of more good people who are humane than excellent academicians. The evening ended happily with a colorful folk dance. Thanks and God bless us all!  (Fr Alex Darwin)


Celebration of National Youth Sunday
This is to inform you that CCBI Commission for Youth has decided to dedicate a day for the youth of our country. So, the National Youth commission urges every diocese to celebrate the youthfulness of our youth on the theme, “YOUTH, FAITH AND VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT”

Pope Francis noted: “The theme, an expression of the pastoral care of the Church for the young, is consistent with the results of the recent Synod assemblies on the family and with the content of the post-Synodal apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia. Its aim of the celebration is to accompany the young on the existential journey to maturity so that, through a process of discernment, they discover their plan for life and realise it with joy, opening up to the encounter with God and with human beings, and actively participating in the edificatio of the Church and of society.”

Hence, giving heed to this clarion call, may I request you to set apart a day for this noble work. Kindly, go through the detailed agenda and encourage the youth of your parish to celebrate the day with joy.

Celebration of National Youth Sunday in  every parish across India on 05th August. 2018, 0r any other Sundays as per your convenience.

Q: What is National Youth Sunday?
A: A day dedicated by the Bishops to the young People, especially of India.

Q: When is it?
A: 1st Sunday of August or any other Sunday of August, 2018 as per your convenience

Q: Where will it be celebrated?
A: By youth in their parishes, deanery or institutions.

Q: How to celebrate?
A: Youth must gather on the day or any other day as per local convenience and celebrate youthfulness & Christian faith by organising some community programmes, recreation, cultural programmes,               outreach, games, competitons,  mela/fete, etc.

Q: How do we join in the nationwide celebration?
A: By gathering all young people around in the parishes & institutions and celebrating the Holy Mass (Youth mass) and offering your contribution for the National Youth Ministry. This collection should be sent to the Diocesan Youth Office or to the Diocesan Treasurer and thereby to the National Youth Commission office.

Q: What will the money be used for?
A: The contribution of the youth will be used for the youth, mainly for orientations and life-skill training programmes in the respective regions, for the holistic growth of the youth.

Q: What is the purpose of this celebration?
A:  Allow the young people to live Christian faith joyfully.

So, once again I earnestly urge you to organise a meaningful celebration.
Thanking you and looking forward for your generous co-operation!
Sincerely Yours,
Fr. Valerian Lobo
Diocesan Youth Coordinator

Bible Quiz 63: Acts : 3:1-12

1.     Who were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, in the ninth hour?
2.     What is the name of the temple-gate where the lame man was laid daily?
3.     Who said to whom : “Look at us”?
4.     Fill in the blanks: “I have …….  but I give what I have; in the ………, walk.
5.     What did the lame man do when Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up?
6.     How did the people react when they saw the lame man leaping and praising God?
7.     Name the portico from where Pater  and John addressed the gathering of the people?
8.     When do we celebrate the feast of St. Ann and St. Joachim?
9.     Who is the founder of the Society of Jesus?
10.  What does the Bishop say when he apply oil on the forehead while giving confirmation?
You are requested to send the answers to the following address before the first week of August, 2018.
Director
Divya Bharati Pastoral Centre
Near Mudhra Hospital
Chaibasa, Jharkhand – 833201
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU 
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 & August

01
Sun
05.15 pm
St. Joseph’s Hospital, GB Meeting
Bhilai Pahari
02
Mon
06.30 pm
Mass at Pratiksha
Neeldungri
06-07
Fri..
AM-PM
Seminar on Liturgy
Sundernagar
08
Sun
07.00 am
Confirmation, St. Mary’s Church
Bistupur
09
Mon
08.30 am
Holy Eucharist at St. Albert’s College
Ranchi
11-12
Wed..
09.30 am
Seminar on Emerging Challenges in JH
Ranchi
14
Sat
09.30 am
Mahila Sangh Annual GB Meeting in CC
Sundernagar
15
Sun
07.30 am
LFS Feast. Mass in the Church
Telco
18
Wed
06.00 pm
Mass in the Gudera Niwas, XLRI
Bistupur
19
Thurs
PM
Jeevan Jyoti School of Nursing
Telco
22
Sun
07.00 am
Mass in the Cathedral
Golmuri


03.30 pm
Meeting with Lay Leaders
Golmuri


05.30 pm
GB Meeting, Mercy Hospital
Baridh
23
Mon
AM
To Ranchi

24
Tue
AM-PM
JHAAN RBC + SIGN at SDC
Ranchi
25
Wed
AM
CBCI-SME-NI GB Meeting
Ranchi
AM-PM
JHAAN RBC at Archbishop’s House
Ranchi
26
Thur
AM-PM
SAC GB
Ranchi
27
Fri
AM
SAC GB
Ranchi
PM
RBC Meeting till 4.00 pm
Ranchi
28
Sat
AM
Xavier’s English School
Chaibasa
29
Sun
09.00 am
Confirmation
Karaikela
30
Mon
AM
St. Mary’s School
Bistupur


12.30
Fellowship meal with B.H Staff
Golmuri
AUGUST 2018
02
Thur
06.30 pm
Feast St. John Mary Vianney. Prayer Service
Golmuri
03
Fri
05.30 pm
GB Meeting of CC & SJVK
Sundernagar
05
Sun
PM
To Ranchi

06
Mon
08.00 am
Installation of Archbishop of Ranchi in the Cathedral
Ranchi