Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana - Apostolic Nuncio to India & Nepal

Rev. Fr. Thomas Vazhapilly - Appointed Bishop of Mysore

Sr. Mena D’Silva A.C. - Elected Provincial Superior of Apostolic Carmel, Patna

Fr. Joe Njarakulam S.J. & Fr. Hilarius Kongari S.J. - Elected Procurators [JJS]

3. Inaugural Ceremony of Centenary Celebration of JMJ
4. Vocation Promotion Meeting
5. Visiting Chakradharpur
6. AM – Diocesan Consult Meeting, PM – Finance Committee Meeting

10. Bishops and Superiors Meeting in Ranchi

22. PM - Blessing of Ap. Carmel Building, Sonari

05 March Ash Wednesday

08 March International Women’s Day

20 March International day of the disabled

22 March World Day of Water

07 April Sarhul

11 April Ramnavmi

18 April Good Friday

20 April Easter

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : The newly elected Parish Council members took oath on 2^nd February during the 2nd Mass. The new Council has prepared a detailed Parish Action Plan for the year 2003 – 2004. Frs. Jerome Pereira, Leo D’Douza and Cyril Tigga are seen all over the Parish taking care of the sick and poor. The BCC initiated by Fr. Valarian Lobo and Sr. Michael has taken root in Birsanagar area. The DDS Brothers are at work to strengthen the BCC in all the area of the Cathedral Parish. Pastor Jerome is at work with the construction of a house for a poor tribal widow in Birsangar, Zone No. 7 . It is a praiseworthy venture indeed to empower the poor. The members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Golmuri Branch also has come forward to help out in the Housing Project. Congratulations to one and all.

The 82nd Birthday of Msgr. John Bodra was celebrated on 12^th February with a special Mass at 6.00 a.m. in the Cathedral and then a family meal for the clergy at 7.00 p.m. at the Bishop’s House. St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre has launched various programs to bring in more life to the centre. Program Coordinator, Fr. Leo is on the move to fix placement for his Secretarial students.

Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari : The Parish Feast was celebrated on 23^rd February at Loyola Hall. The newly Ordained priest, Fr. Sunil Lakra, S.J. presided over the solemn Eucharist. Before the Mass there was a solemn procession to honor Infant Jesus. Immediately after the Mass there was cultural program and nasta for all. Congratulations to Pastor Bernard and the Sonari Parish Council!

St. Mary’s Church, Bistupur : The parish youth has volunteered to clean the Church as a preparation for the season of Lent. They have plans for a youth retreat. The youth prayer groups are functioning well under the leadership of Fr. Michae Raj. Meantime Fr. Edwin Coelho took off to Lucknow to be with his Priest Uncle for a week. The ‘sit and draw’ competition organized by the CAJ[M] was a grand success and a margin gain of almost Rs.75,000.00. Congratulations to the CAJ[M] for their dedication !

St. Anthony’s Parish, Kutkudungri : Pastors Vijayan and Yesudas are yet to finish calculating the grand mela [8^th and 9^th February] proceedings. The mela was a wonderful occasion for the Parish community to work together and contribute something towards the construction of the New Church. Meantime Fr. Vijayan went off to Kolkata to participate in the Charismatic retreat held at Loreto.

Lupita Parish, Telco : Pastor Cyprian is seen on the move identifying land in the Birsanagar area for a future centre for the community. On 23^rd the Parishioners prayed for their pastor in a special way to celebrate his birthday. Mgrs. John Bodra, Dean Jerome, Fr. Vijayan and B. Ed. community joined Fr. Cyprian for the Birthday celebrations at Lupita at 7.00 p.m. The famous Parish pet – Chigo is shifted to the Diocesan farm at Bhilai Pahari for greater freedom and discipline.

Jesu Bhavan, Mango : On 28th February, at 11.00 a.m. the Funeral Liturgy for Late Fr. John kennedy Bingham, S.J. was conducted at the Jesus Bhavan lawn. Fr. Carl Dincher S.J. presided over the solemn Eucharist and Fr. John Guidera preached. Fr. Thomas P.D. S.J. celebrated the last rites at the grave. The urn containing the ashes of Fr. John Bingham was flown to Jamshedpur on the 26^th. May his soul rest in peace!

Pratiksha, Neeldungri : Most Reverend Dr. Telesphore P. Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi blessed and inaugurated Pratiksha, the Diocesan Candidates House on Sunday, 23^rd February at 4.00 p.m. at a solemn event at the quadrangle under the backdrop of Mother Teresa, a creation of Fr. Roque Cardoza. The Guests, invitees and well-wishers were welcomed and introduced by Fr. Roque and Bishop Felix Toppo then explained in detail the inspiration to have a candidates house for Jamshedpur diocese. Archbishop Telesphore Toppo appreciated the hard work put in by Jamshedpur diocese to have this house of formation. He blessed the house and dedicated the Chapel. Fr. Felix D’Souza read the Gospel while Fr. Michael Jojo thanked everyone for their valuable contribution for Pratiksha. Token gifts were presented to Mr. Ephrem Kispotta, the Architect and Mr. Feroze and Mr. Gopal Sharma, the contractors for their hard work for the beautiful construction. The priests, Religious and laity numbering over 250 joined the Pratiksha family for a grand tea party. Bishop Felix Toppo declared that Pratiksha will be a full fledged Minor Seminary from June, 2003. Congratulations to Frs. Roque, Felix, Michael and the Seminarians for the beautiful celebration and meticulous planning.

Jesu Marsal, Chandil : Pastor Manu Horo was admitted to Mercy for viral fever and he got out of the hospital in time to celebrate a Santhal Rite Mass in one of the villages. The repair work on the Hostel building is completed and the Chapel work at Kankibera is in slow progress. Meantime Fr. Puthumai Raj returned from his home visit refreshed and relaxed. Msgr. John Bodra may be seen at Jisu Marsal one of these days blessing the-remodeled Hostel building.

The Holy Cross School had its Sports’ Meet on 16^th February at 1.00 p.m. at the School Grounds. Mr. Randhir Singh, Officer in-charge, Chandil Police Station was the Chief Guest. Fr. Favian Bhuniyan, S.J. gave the Prizes at the end. The campus was filled with parents and villagers to watch the sports. Eye View Television flashed the big event for many days. Congratulations to Sr. Tacisia and the staff!

Peter Arupe Centre, Rerua : The Annual Sports Day of Loyola School was held on 9^th February, Sunday at 1.30 p.m. The ground was packed to capacity with the guests, parents and villagers. The guests were given a warm welcome by the village community followed by an Agape prior to the Sports events. Mr. was the Chief Guest and gave away the prizes to the winners. Congratulations to our missionary and visionary, Fr. Walter Kongari, School Staff and Village leaders!

Bible Society of Jamshedpur : On 15^th February, Saturday, all the Pastors of the town and selected Church leaders had a special gathering at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sitaramdera from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, addressed the 70 plus gathering and joined them for Lunch. It was a day of sharing and enriching for one another. Congratulations to Mr. Jonathan Mahapatra for the initiative!

CRI – Jamshedpur : The Annual General Body Meeting of the CRI Jamshedpur Unit was held at Vikas Bharati, Sundernagar one 8^th and 9^th February. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., and Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., Jamshedpur Jesuit provincial were the resource persons. The main concern was how to strengthen the CRI Unit. Bishop Felix Toppo in his address appealed to the CRI members to make way to move out into the villages and set up educational facilities. He also stressed the need to have a Charismatic core team to conduct retreats in the various mission units of the diocese and establish a Spirit filled believing community. The General Body elected Sr. Anima, S.S.H. as President and Bro. Jacob K.J. DDS as Secretary. The members present thanked the out going President, Sr. Felicia A.C and Secretary, Sr. Blanche SCN.

Prabhu Marsal parish, Goilkera : The Pastoral visit of Bishop Felix Toppo to Goilkera on 18^th Tuesday was a grand event for the Parish. The Parishioners extended a warm welcome to their beloved Shepherd. Later Bishop had meetings with the School staff and parishioners to chalk out the various pastoral plans for Goilkera. Fr. Tobias had the privilege of blessing the wedding of his younger Sister at his home Parish, Kurdeg . The construction work of the Church and classrooms are in full swing. The Ursuline Sisters are preparing their way to assist at the Parish Mission work soon . Meantime Fr. Ajay Tiru received good news that he has a 2^nd Division for his B.A. result. Congratulations Ajay, we are on the look out for the grand celebration!

St. Mark’s Parish, Toklo : Under the able supervision of Pastor Nicholas Kerketta, the work for 3 classrooms at Jombro is going on in full strength. The villagers are hoping to fix a roof before the rains and that the village children could have a school to begin with. Retreats are planned for all the villages of the Parish and the 1^st one will be at Jombro from 3^rd March and it will be directed by a team of selected Catechsists.

Vidya Jyothi Centre, Siadih : On 25^th February at 4.00 p.m. Fr. Jerome Pereira, Dean of Jamshedpur blessed the foundation for the new hostel at the campus. Mr. Ephrem Kispotta, the Architect, Mr. Feroze and Mr. Gopal, the contractors were present for the occasion. Fr. Halan Bodra hopes that the construction will be completed before the next academic session of the School. Thanks to Bro. Jondko and Fr. Halan for the efficient running of the School and Hostel at Siadih!

St. Joseph’s Church, Anandpur : The Parish youth had 3 days of retreat at the Parish from the 21^st to 23^rd February. Fr. Sahay Thason guided the youth for a God experience in preparation for the season of lent. The sharing of their faith experience indeed enriched each other. Retreats for all the Parish Units are arranged in advance during the Lent.

St. Mary’s Parish, Omra : Fr. Manu Horo guided the people of Omra in retreat from the 4^th to 9^th at the Parish Church in pure ‘Mundari’. It was a wonderful and energizing experience for the people of Omra. On 28^th Mr. Ephrem Kispotta reached Omra to perform the lay out for the 4 classrooms to be constructed at the newly purchased property.

Sacred Heart School, Adra : The "Prize Night" was held on 8^th February, Saturday at 5.30 p.m. at the School Grounds. Mr. P.R. Jha, SDJM [Raghunathpur] was the Chief Guest and gave away the awards to the meritorious students. The school children entertained the guests and parents for 2 hours with their magnificent performances. Congratulations to Fr. A. Alphonse and the School Faculty!

Jisu Jaher, Gadi Tundi : Pastors Sushil and James got busier with the construction work for the new Church and residence at the campus. The catechists and the Sisters are much involved with the village apostolate. The hostels for boys and girls are over crowded and there is still rush for admission.

Damien Social Welfare Centre, Dhanbad : The DSWC Tableau at the Republic Day celebrations at Dhanbad bagged the third prize. Fr. Alex Misquith S.J. received the Trophy from Mr. Pasupathi Nath Singh, Industry Minister, Jharkhand. On 30^th January was commemorated as anti-leprosy day. The awareness program organized by the DSWC on the day had the school children from Carmel, De Nobili, Nirmala and St. Anthony’s in procession through the crowded streets of Dhanbad . The procession was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner of Dhanbad, Dr. Nitish Kulkarani, I.A.S.

St. John de Britto, School, Gomoh : 16^th February was a day of tough competition and award hunting day for DBH School. Fr. George Fernandes, S.J., the Chief Guest declared the Sports’ Meet open at the knock of 1.00 p.m. in the presence of the parents and guests at the School Grounds. It was an enjoyable day for all who witnessed the Olympic style events at DBH. Congratulations to Fr. Benedciat Minj, Sr. Prema SCN, the School Faculty and students!

St. Anthony’s School, Dhanbad : 5 students who participated in the 2^nd District Rural Sport’s Meet emerged winners and brought glory to the institution.. Kavita Hembrom, a class VI student represented Jharkhand State for the 33^rd All India Rural Sports Meet at Bhawagre, Karnataka. The matriculate students are privileged to appear for the Jharakhand Secondary Education Board Examinations this year through St. Anthony’s. Fr. Edward Kongari is seen supervising the Hall and Classroom constructions hoping to have the inauguration with the re-opening of the School after the summer vacation.

Nirmala, School, Govindpur : Mr. Luv Kumar, a business Executive from Dhanbad was the Chief Guest for the Republic Day function at Nirmala .The impressive performance of Nirmala girls won the hearts of one and all present . Mr. Luv Kumar promised to donate Canvas shoes to all the girls of Nirmala School, Govindpur.

Nirmala School Sports’ Meet was held on 9^th February at the School grounds. Prof. Rita Verma, Minister of State, Government of India, was the Chief Guest and enjoyed the 3 hour long sports and congratulated the students for their wonderful participation. She presented the awards to the winners and to the victorius Red and Blue Houses. Sr. Ancy SS, the Headmistress, proposed vote of thanks.

Evangelization is a Human Right : The Latin-rite Bishops of India have asserted that evangelization is a human right and at the same time expressed concern about the resurgence of militant nationalism in our country. A statement issued after a recent meeting of 116 bishops of the Latin rite conveys concern about "the resurgence of a mono-cultural militant nationalism which identifies Indian-ness with one culture and religion".

Under the theme "Sharing the Good News" the annual meeting of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India [CCBI] took place from 15-19 January at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu. At the Latin rite prelates’ meeting, the bishops reiterated that proclaiming the "mystery of Christ is the primary mission of every Christian" and "the essential activity of the Church". They also expressed a desire for greater use of media, festivals and public functions to help achieve that goal, and put emphasis on the formation of Religious and Laity, particularly young people, for evangelization. The bishops’ statement asserts, "we are not disciples of Christ if we do not proclaim Christ’s message. It is moreover a human right". Corresponding to that right, the statement adds, it is "the right of the other to know and decide for himself", thus leaving people "free to respond".

According to the Latin bishops, "difficulties, oppositions, and even persecution will not deter us from proclaiming the Good News". Despite such problems, the bishops noted an enthusiasm among lay people for evangelization.

Ecumenical group distributes 120,000 copies of Bible to policemen : During the National Bible week, Philippine policemen will have a copy of the Bible in hand to help them carry out their duties, hopefully more spiritually, says the person who leads the country’s police.

The movement of Righteous Leadership, comprising Catholic and Protestant priests, pastors and lay leaders, has begun distributing bibles to some 120,000 police personnel. Jose Lina Jr. a founder of the movement, said the nationwide campaign began in Metro Manila in December to "make policemen spiritually prepared and trained".

"If our police are close to God first", Lina commented, "then everything will fall into place. Their actions will be guided accordingly in the continuing struggle between good and evil". Before giving out the Bibles, Lina pointed out, movement members conduct a seminar on "God’s plan for the country, the qualities of leadership". The seminar includes an orientation on the Bible, "what it is all about and how to make use of it", he explained.

Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal : Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, has named His Excellency, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, Titular Archbishop of Agropoli as the new Apostolic Nuncio to India and to the Kingdom of Nepal. Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana was born in Spain on July 27, 1953 and was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostella on July 15, 1980. He entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 1984 after studies at the Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome where he also obtained a Doctorate in Canon Law.

His diplomatic services to the Holy See were rendered in the Nunciatures in Madagascar and the Philippines and in our own India for three years from 1989 to 1991. From 1991- 1998 he was the Counsellor in the Secretariat of the State of Vatican. In 1998 he was appointed Assessor for General Afairs of the Secretariat of the State of the Holy See. The Holy Father appointed him Titual Archbishop of Agropoli on 12^th December 2002, ordained him Bishop on 6^th January and named him Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal on 8^th February, 2003. The Diocese of Jamshedpur congratulates Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana and extends a very warm welcome to our country and to Jamshedpur.

Message of His Holiness John Paul II for lent 2003 : "It is more blessed to give than to receive [Acts 20,35]. The inclination to give is rooted in the depths of the human heart and every person is conscious of a desire to interact with others and everyone finds fulfillment in a free gift of self to others.

Our age, regrettably, is particularly susceptible to the temptation toward selfishness which always lurks within the human heart. In society generally, and in the media, people are bombarded by messages which more or less openly exalt the ephemeral and hedonistic. The words of Paul to Timothy remain relevant in every age : "The love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this carving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs" [1 Tim 6:10].

Exploitation of others, indifference towards the suffering of our brothers and sisters, and the violation of basic rules of morality are just a few fruits of the thirst for gain. Faced with the tragic situation of persistent poverty which afflicts so many people in our world, how can we fail to see that the quest for profit at any cost and the lack of effective, responsible concern for the common good have concentrated immense resources in the hands of a few while the rest of humanity suffers in poverty and neglect ? Appealing to believers and to all people of good will, I would like to reaffirm a principle which is self-evident yet often ignored: our goal should not be the benefit of a privileged few, but rather the improvement of the living conditions of all. On this foundation can we build that international order truly marked by justice and solidarity which is the hope of everyone. It is my fervent hope that believers will find this Lent a favorable time for bearing witness to the Gospel of Charity in every place, since the vocation to charity is the heart of all true evangelization. To this end I invoke the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and pray that she will accompany us on our Lenten journey."

[Joannes Paulus II 7/2/2003]

Pope warns against modern trends that ignore the law : Pope John Paul II urged bishops not to neglect their duty to govern through administrative processes , trials and sanctions, calling it a "pastoral service" necessary to prevent "true injustice". Addressing in a meeting marking the 20^th anniversary of the revised Code of Canon Law, the Pope also warned against a modern Church trend to ignore the juridical weight of formal doctrinal teachings.