Sr. Nirmala Joshi, M.C. - Re-elected Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity.

Fr. Selvaraj R. - Distinction in M. Ph.

EASTER : The word is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Eastre’ – the name of a Norse goddess whose festival was celebrated at the time of vernal equinox. It marked the dawn of a new year, the end of the reign of winter and the advent of increasing light and heat. The festival was celebrated by Easter games, and special cakes were baked, of which representatives still exist in ‘hot cross buns’.

The original derivation of the name is from the Greek ‘Eos’, the East, and it is also etymologically connected with the Latin ‘Aurora’ , dawn. At first, Easter synchronized with the Jewish Passover. The word occurs only once in the Bible, and there is an erroneous translation, for the Greek word in ‘Pascha’, and the Revised Version and the most other modern translations render it ‘Passover’.

[Acts 12:4]

R.I.P – Sr. Capila SSH : On 12^th Wednesday at 12.15 a.m Sr. Capila SSH, Headmistress, Amar Jyothi School, Pardih left for Eternal Bliss at MTMH. The funeral Liturgy was conducted on the same day at Amar Jyothi officiated by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. and concelebrated by 23 Priests at 3.00 p.m. She was laid to rest in the campus itself in a special grave prepared by the parishioners of St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri under the leadership of Fr. Vijayan OFM. Over 1000 people gathered at the Funeral to bid farewell to Sr. Capila and express condolences to the Sisters. May her soul Rest in Peace

The Cycle rally organised by the Gram Sabha was attended by a large number of people from all over the villages at Chowka on the 8^th and 9^th of March. Fr. Manu Horo took part in the rally and was happy that he had such a beautiful experience with the local community in organizing the rally. Meantime Fr. Puthumai preached a retreat for the Catholic children of the Parish on the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th. The repair works are getting over and painting is in progress. The Cathedral Parish Council members and Mercy Mahila Sangh visited Jisu Marsal and distributed books, pencils, pens to the children. They will visit again to help the children.

The hailstorm on 12^th March p.m hit the Presbytery and ventilated the roof with 3"-4" holes all over. Everything inside the house got wet and it took days to dry and clean. Frs. Herman and Camille took immediate action and fixed tarfelt as a temporary relief. They are waiting for Pastor Gualbert, who is on a home visit, to return to decide the future plan of action. Meantime, the Charismatic team led by Sr. Anne Thomas and Fr. Vijayan, OFM conducted 3 days of Charismatic retreat for the parishioners of Parsudih. It was well attended.

At the request of the Deputy Commissioner of Seraikela-Kharswan, Ms. Vandana Dadel, SJVK organised 3 days of intensive training for the handicapped people in the 8 blocks of the district at Vikas Bharati. It is known as "serve and training linkage" in collaboration with the grass root level NGOs. The 3 days of training was followed by 2 days of rehabilitation and one day medical check up in order to grant official certificate through the Government. 800 people participated in the programs. Congratulation to Frs. Bipin and David and the team!

The SHG exposure programme conducted at Vikas Bharati from the 2^nd to 4^th by Fr. Christopher, S.J. had 36 participants.

The HIV/AIDS sensitization workshop conducted by Miss Anusuya Gupta and Mr. Satish Sinha for the Catholic Charities had 20 participants.

[Harshal]

All those who are involved with health ministry in Jamshedpur Diocese gathered at Vikas Bharati on 16^th March for sharing and planning. There were 16 participants coming from the far out Parishes and Mission Stations.

[Harshal]

The Catholic Charities organised a work–shop on "Increasing wealth & learning conversation" for Self-Help Groups on 10^th, 11^th and 12^th March at Vikas Bharati. It was conducted by an expert team from CRS, Kolkota. There were 48 participants from Dumka, Bhagalpur, Chandwa, Siliguri and Jamshedpur. The resource persons were Ms. Katharine [Freedom & Hunger, USA] and Mr. Vinod Parameshwar.

[CRS Kolkota]

The 47^th Convocation and 37^th Presentation of the Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial and Social Peace was held at the Tata Auditorium on 5^th March, 2003. Dr. J.J. Irani, Chairman of the Board of Governors presided over the function. Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, Director General, CISR and Secretary to Government of India gave the convocation address. The Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Industrial and Social peace was presented to Fr. Marian Zelazek, SVD, Director, Ishapanth Ashram, Puri. Fr. Zelazek was last year’s nominee for Nobel Peace Prize.

This year’s Lenten retreat was preached by Fr. Fabian Bhuinyan on 14^th - 15^th and on the 22^nd - 23^rd at the Parish Church. Fr. Michael Raj preached a retreat for the students of St. Xavier’s Girls’ School, Chaibasa on 18^th,19^th & 20^th. Fr. Kosga S.J. preached the youth recollection on 30^th March at the Parish Church. Over 60 youth took active part in the renewal program and strengthened themselves for the celebration of the glorious resurrection of the Lord. The candle light prayer movement is getting more and more support from all the people of the Parish.

Pastor Raphael led the Sunday School children for a day out in Jamshedpur. The 50 plus contingent came to the Cathedral for breakfast and to visit the place. Then they had Mass and lunch at St. Mary’s English School, Bistupur. The children enjoyed their trip to Jamshedpur guided by their Pastor and supported by the Sisters and teachers. Fr. Johny Vithayathil gave a Charismatic retreat on the 27^th, 28^th and 29^th at the parish Church and it was well attended.

Pastor Jerome finally gave in to the advise of his associates and went to Patna to consult a diabetologist and returned to a strict diet. Fr. Fabian Bhuinyan preached the Lenten Renewal Retreat at the Mercy Chapel on 27^th, 28^th & 29^th March. Fr. Michael Jojo will preach at the Cathedral on 3^rd, 4^th & 5^th April. Also a ‘marriage preparation course’ is announced from the 4^th to 6^th April at the Welfare Centre. The Parish youth will have a day of "orientation" on the 6^th April from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.at the Welfare Centre, guided by Frs. Cyrinus Topno S.J. and Benedict Soreng S.J.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed the fabulous Carmel College complex in the presence of Priests, Sisters, Teachers, Parents, Students and dignitaries on Saturday, 22^nd march at 4.00 pm. The statue of Our lady of Mount Carmel was dedicated and placed on the top lobby. Sr. Mena D’Silva, the Provincial Superior presented mementos to the Engineers, supervisors and workers. Ms. Shina Pius, the M.C. introduced ceremony and prayed for all the people who are instrumental to the growth of this new mission of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation in Jamshedpur diocese . This was followed by a tea party for all in the junior block Hall. Later all assembled in the big Hall for the cultural program put up by the students. The play "Alibaba & 40 thieves" directed by Sr. Flavian herself was superb in every respect. The program ended with a sumptuous Agape for all. Congratulations to Sr. Flavian, Sisters, Staff and Students of Carmel, Sonari !

Pratiksha, Neeldungri : The hailstorm left indelible marks in the campus. Good number of window panes are broken and the garden lost its shine as the plants lost all the leaves. Meantime Fr. Roque Cardoza visited the Diocesan Minor Seminarians at Muzzafarpur and Lucknow and made a study of the seminaries and its functioning in view of introducing a comprehensive system at Pratiksha from June, 2003.

Prabhu Marsal, Goilkera : The International Women’s Day was celebrated in the Parish on 8^th March. One hundred and ten Mahilas gathered together for the whole day’s sessions at the School premises. Fr. Cyrinus Topno and Sr. Magdali OSU conducted the sessions. Fr. Tobias Kujur introduced the moderators and prayed for the success of the gathering. It was indeed an enriching experience for the Parish women and their sharing gave them much strength and motivation. Frs. Tobias and Ajay made sure that everything went on as planned the first ever Mahila Divas for Prabhu Marsal Parish.

St. Joseph’s Parish, Charbandia : The solemnity of the feast of St. Joseph, the patron of the Parish was celebrated on 19^th March. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the solemn concelebrated Eucharist. The parishioners gathered in big number from all the Parish units. They brought along flags for the grand procession before the Eucharist. Soon after the Mass there was a cultural program and raffle draw. Bishop gave away the prizes The Church was beautifully decorated by the Youth and the members of the Parish Council. Congratulations to Frs. Sahay and Eugene for the inspiration and leadership in the parish. The celebrations continued even after the family meal served by the Parish Council till late evening.

The members of the Catholic Sabha attended the retreat preached by Fr. Michael Raj from 7^th to 9^th. The 70 plus group experienced the presence of the Lord during the retreat. Fr. Eugene preached a retreat for the mahilas of the parish on the 15^th, 16^th and 17^th. Fr. Valerian Lobo and Sr. Michael conducted retreat for the Krus Vir children on the 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd. On 23^rd the children left for Jamshedpur tour guided by Fr. Paulus Bodra and Fr. Eugene Ekka.

[Sahay Thason]

St. Xavier’s Parish, Chaibasa : Retreats are conducted these days at the various Mission stations of the Parish. Dean Walter is happy that more and more pilgrims are attracted to the shrine of Our lady of Khuntpani during the lent. Plans are ready to have better facilities at the centre.

Pastor Richard is busy in organizing retreat at all the centres. Meantime land papers are scrutinized for the proposed centre at Chotanagara. The Church is untouched by the recent hailstorm that hit many of the places nearby.

St. Mary’s Parish, Chandankiyari-Digwadih : Pastor K.C. is seen shuttling between Chandankiyari and Digwadih supervising the work and taking care of his community. Meantime the retreats at Digwadih and Bhojudih are arranged and K.C himself preached one at Dhanbad Parish. The compound wall is nearing completion and plans are on to construct few rooms to start a coaching centre at Chandankiyari.

St. Anthony’s Parish, Dhanbad : The construction work of the Hall and classrooms are nearing completion and Sr. Marie Isabelle hopes that classes could begin after the summer holidays in the new block itself. Frs. Edward Kongari and Nobert Kindo are kept busy with the lenten preparation of the community for Easter. Recent rains have cleared the dust from the campus and indeed a relief to one and all.

Bijhan Youth : The Regional Youth leaders had an orientation on ‘Team-building’ organised at Vikas Bharati, Sundernagar on 16^th and 17^th March. 87 Youth participated in the program conducted by Fr. Corne and Mr. Richard Sarky. It was indeed an enriching experience for the Youth and the dynamism will help them to organize the forthcoming Megha convention in October at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri.

[Harshal]

"Greetings from Cyril. As soon as I came from India I had lot of work from the University – projects to be completed. Finally I got them done. I completed 5 project works and took off to Orlando, Florida a beautiful Resort and place of Disney, etc. I spent a week there and come back fresh again to the desk."

[Cyril Fernandes , USA]

"Everything is fine here. I busy myself these days with my studies, as this Semester I have to finish my Paper. The weather is much better. In a short while from now on we will be in Spring. Today the Indian community in Leuven celebrated Holi. The celebrations were in the hall in our Holy Spirit Residence . I have already arranged for my Summer ministry in Germany. My greetings to Monsignor. Ask Monsignor to cheer up in good ‘spirit’. Wish you all a very happy Holi"!

[John Crasta, Leuven]

"All is well with me. I have been busy as another priest has been with the boys and girls doing their Retreat in preparation for the Confirmation. The war against Iraq is a certainty. There are 5 million Indians in the danger zone of the possible war. I hope our Govt. is doing something for their safety".

[Vijay Bhat, California]

"Now that CEFAM (family ministries) has confirmed my admission, I would finish the seminar and return to India. I had black out while playing. I had gone to the doctors for check up. The medicines are working".

[James Quadros, Philippines]

Tickets for Mother Teresa’s Beatification can be reserved online: Free tickets for the Oct. 19, 2003 Beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta can be reserved over Internet. The official page of Mother Teresa’s cause of beatification [www.motherteresacause.info] offers information about the ceremony, in English, Spanish and Italian.

Given the large number of people expected for the event, the organizing committee advises that reservations be made as soon as possible through ordinary mail, fax or e-mail, following the instructions on the official page. The page includes application forms for tickets, which are free. Likewise, a brief biography of Mother Teresa may be consulted as well as some documents relating to her spiritual life, in particular the letter she wrote when she decided to live her mission among the poor in India, and her dramatic letters on "God’s silence".

In an interview available on the web, Missionary of Charity Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, postulator of the cause of beatification, says that this experience of "God’s silence" makes Mother Teresa a saint who is very close to the anxieties and doubts that weigh on the world of today.

[Examiner, Mar. 15, 2003]

Theological formation proposed for religious brothers, nuns and laity: Several Church leaders are asking for theological formation that caters specially to Religious brothers, nuns and lay people. Prominent among them is Cardinal Ivan Dias of Bombay, who says theology is not a set of interpretations of Church doctrines but a practical tool to help Christians understand their faith and fulfill their mission. The Cardinal and others were speaking at a function inaugurating a new section of the Brothers Institute of the Conference of Religious India {CRI} in Bangalore. The institute is a theological formation center of Montfort Brothers attached to CRI, the association of Religious major superiors in India. "Jeevandhara" {fountain of life}, the new section, includes 70 rooms, a lecture hall and more. It will be used for one year diploma courses in theology and religious studies for Religious brothers, nuns and lay people.

[UCAN]

AIDS awareness play staged by orphans targets villagers : A play on AIDS staged by children from a Jesuit-managed orphanage is making waves among villagers in Andhrra Pradesh. "I know my parents committed suicide because of AIDS", says Kunda Deepthi, one of 24 orphans who have performed the 45 minute play 20 times in Andhra Pradesh. The dreaded disease orphaned three of the "actors". Deepthi told she had heard about people taking their lives after being told they have AIDS. With tears rolling down her cheeks, the 10 year old said she acts in the play to "plead for those other parents to live". The play introduces the subject of AIDS through a song whose message is "the sickness has no medicine, so prevention is vital". By portraying the social boycott of a little girl who eventually acquires the disease, the drama also explains many aspects of AIDS as well as precautions that can help avoid it.

[New Leader Mar. 1-15]

Award honoring Dr. Staines presented to Sunil Dutt : A Hindu peace advocate has won the first award named for an Australian missioner murdered four years ago in Orissa. Sunil Dutt, a parliamentarian and former film star, was given the Graham Staines Award for Communal Harmony and national Integration on 2 Feb. in Mumbai. About 15,000 people attended the ceremony where Gladys Staines, widow of Rev. Graham Stuart Staines, presented the award.

Before he was killed, Rev. Staines ran a leprosy hospital in Mayurbhanj district, Orissa. In January 1999, the 58 year old Australian and his two sons, aged 7 and 9, were asleep inside a jeep after completing an annual "jungle camp" and prayer service. Suspected Hindu fanatics suddenly set fire to the vehicle, killing the Protestant missioner and his sons.

Dutt, 72, accepted the award with "all humility" and a promise to "live up to {the honor} by promoting the philosophy and principles that Graham Stains lived and died for", said the parliamentarian, who for decades organized peace marches whenever sectarian conflict broke out. "We all must follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and Graham Staines to find salvation", he said to a standing ovation.

[UCAN]

Engaged Couples gather at St. Valentine’s tomb to seek blessing : Bishop Vincenzo Paglia of Terni, Italy welcomed to the Basilica of St. Valentine in Terni 180 couples engaged to be married in 2003, on 14 Feb, the feast of St. Valentine. Although various versions of the life of St. Valentine exist, in Terni he is venerated as a bishop of the city who was martyred in 273 after a life spent caring for the poor, curing the sick and, in particular, helping ease the social difficulties that prevented a young woman and a pagan man from marrying. He told the couples from all over Italy, "it is not easy to love today".

In the modern world, when people are pursuing their careers and enjoying themselves, "we need someone to help us love." The message of St. Valentine is to love others like Jesus did, Bishop Paglia said. At the end of the Mass, Bishop Paglia gave each couple a book containing a Scripute passage for each day of the year and a short reflection he had written.

[CNS]

Lord (English) Rama (Hindu)

Deus (Latin) Deva (Sanskrit)

Dieu (French) Amon (Egyptian)

Godt (Dutch) Deus ( Portuguese)

Gott (German) Bram (Aryan)

Godh (Danish} Illu (Syrian)

Goth (Swedih) Dios (Spanish)

Soru (Persian) Teos (Greek)

Odin (Scandinavia) Zeus (Greek Mythology)

Alla (Muslim)

[Hindustan Times]

+ Cattle should be declared as national treasure and cow as national animal.

+ Separate ministry for protection of cows with a minimum budget of Rs. 500 crores.

+ Cow slaughter should be termed as a non-bailable crime, with life imprisonment/death punishment .

+ Polluting the river {Ganga} should be declared a crime punishable equivalent to treason.

+ Ban madrasas , the "breeding grounds of terrorism".

+ Enforce Pota in Kashmir and destroy terror camps in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

+ Dismiss West Bengal government.

+ Distinguish between Hindu and Muslim Bangladeshi migrants.

+ A time bound programme to push out Bangladeshi migrants.

+ Regulate foreign funding of Muslim and Christian organizations.

+ Order foreign priests engaged in conversions to leave the country.

+ Call a joint session of the parliament to repeal the IMDT Act.

+ The Centre should block economic aid to Bangladesh and force Dhaka to protect Hindus there".

[Based on Times of India, Feb. 24, 2003]

"We Indians are in any case unique in our obsession with the hollowest of all symbols, renaming cities, streets, anti-poverty schemes, schools and colleges, trains. But the BJP and its ideological siblings take the cake – or may be kalakand, made of pure cow milk – in this obsession. Why does our politics remain so rooted in the past? Our leaders must suffer from a dangerous inferiority complex or they would not invoke the past, its heroes and villains, and all the time to make their case instead of talking of now and hereafter. So the Congress wants your votes for its role in the freedom movement, a reward for the immortal greatness of Nehru and Gandhi. The BJP, instead, woes you for the greater glory of Lord Rama and Krishna, for its promise to liberate them and to fight – here and now – the injustices of eight centuries of Muslim subjugation. Then Mayawati wants to rule you in Ambedkar’s name, Mulayam Singh in Lohia’s, George Fernandes in Lohia’s too but at the same time being the flag-bearer of the saffron alliance, Jayalalitha swears by MGR, and so on.

This obsession is self-serving as it is self-destructive. If you are so obsessed with the past you cannot really leave it behind. How can you get a move on when everything is an unfinished agenda, a never-ending blood-feud? but if somebody had the courage and the imagination to offer them a real promise for a better future, he would end up making history rather than merely wasting his life quarrelling over it".

{Indian Express, Mar. 01, 03]

Jesu Bhavan, Mango : Sept. 08 p.m. to 13^th p.m. - Fr. Van

Sept. 27 p.m. to Oct. .2 p.m. - Fr. C.R. Prabhu

Oct. 12 p.m. to 17^th p.m. - Fr. Carl Dincher

Nov. 17 p.m. to 22 p.m. - Abp. Henry D’Souza

Nav Jyoti Niketan Dec. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

From June 2003 to May 2005 - fee Rs. 350 each :

Contact : Fr. A Peter Abir, Director, St. Paul’s Bible Institute, Poonamallee, Chennai -600056

Tel. – (044) 26491407 E-mail : [email protected]

For admission to GNM & ANM training in August, 2003 :

Last date of accepting completed forms – 30/4/2003:

Contact - Sr. Therese MMS, Directress of Nursing Education, Kurji Holy Family Hospital, Sadaquat Ashram P.O., Patna -80010

Tel. – (0612) 262540 / 262516 / 262156 / 264117