[The Church in Germany ]

Fr. Alex Misquith, S.J. Parish Priest, St. Xavier’s Church, Chibasa

Fr. Puthumai Raj, Curate, St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa

Fr. Veancius Kandulna, Parish Priest, St. Paul,s Church, Maluka

Fr. Herman Tigga, Curate, Christ the King Church, CKP

Fr. James Quadros, Parish Priest, St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia

Fr. Camilel Hemrom, Priest –in – Charge, St. Mark’s , Toklo

Fr. Walter Crasta, Director, DSWC, Dhanbad

Fr. Vernon D’Souza, Curate, St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad

Fr. Sahay Thason, Headmaster & Curate, St. Robert’s, Parsudih

Fr. Nicholas Kerketta, Parish Priest, Jisu Marsal, Chandil

Fr. Emmanuel Horo, Co-ordinator, Diocesan Santhal Apostolate & Curate

Jisu Marsal, Chandil

Fr. Gyanprakash Topno, Professor, Pratiksha, Neeldungri

Fr. Edward Saldanha, Principal & Curate, Sacred Heart School, Adra

Fr. Selva Raj , Professor, St. Albert’s College, Ranchi

Fr. Johny Vithayathil, Spiritual Ministry, Bishop’s House, Golmuri

Fr. A. Alphonse, Studies, Bishop’s House, Golmuri

Fr. Augstine Topno, B.Ed, Loyola College, Namchi

Fr. Cyprian Lobo, Director, AAA, Bhilai Pahari

Fr. Vijay Bhat, Parish Priest, Lupita Parish, Telco

Bro. Raju Felix Crasta, Regency , DBH, Gomoh

Bro. Dileep Marandi, Regency, Jisu Marsal, Chandil

Bro. Felix Anthony, Regency, Catholic Ashram, Purulia

Bro. Vijay Barla, Regency, St. Joseph’s, Charbandia

Bro. Bipin K Barla, Regency, Christ the King Church, CKP

Bro. Felix Raju Nag, Regency, Vidya Jythi, Siadih

Bro. James Suri, Theology, St. Charles’, Nagpur

Bro. Pradeep Marandi, Theology, St. Albert’s, Ranchi

Bro. Jondko Kandeyang, Thology, St. Albert’s, Ranchi

Bro. Vikas Toop, Philosophy, St. Charles’, Nagpur

Bro. John F. Britto, Philosphy, St. Albert’s Ranchi

Bro. Ajit K. Kujur, Philosophy, St. Albert’s, Ranchi

Bro. Nesto Soreng, Philosophy, St. Albert’s Ranchi

01 Workers Rally, Ranchi

2-6 Institute of Formators, Bangalore

11 First Communion, Confirmation, Diaconate Ordination of Bro. Junas Purty, Bordor

12 Meeting at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi

17 Visiting Friends and Benefactors, Ad Lima Visit - : July 3 Return to Jamshedpur

Sr. Esther Toppo SCJM Mercy Hospital, Baridih

Sr. Ann George Mukalel SCN Gyan Deep, Birsnagar

Sr. Basanti Besra SCN Nazareth Niwas, LPG

Sr. Jayanti Lakra SCN St. Xavier’s School, LPG

Sr. Sophia Joseph SCN Gyan Deep, Birsanagar

Sr. Gibi SJCM Mercy Hospital, Baridih

Sr. Kiran Prema Ekka SCJM Mercy Hospital, Baridih

Sr. Ann Moylan SCN Nazareth Niwas, LPG

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad : The Lenten retreats in Dhanbad Deanery got all the clergy involved for a change : The retreats were preached by – Frs. Edward Kongari {Tundi, Santhali]; Norbert Kindo [ Digwadih]; Casmir Vas [Jamadobha]; Stan Kujur [Sindri]; Robert Toppo [Dhanbad] Venancius Kandulna [Gomoh]; Benedict Minj [Monnidih]; Sushil Jojo [Kumardubi]

Parishioners in all the areas have expressed their satisfaction and are indeed very happy with this arrangements. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the Maundy Thursday liturgy in the Parish Church on 17^th April. Whole day on Easter Sunday many people from the neighbourhood visited the Church.

St. Mary’s Parish, Omra : The people of Omra have come forward to strengthen the hands of their Pastor , Fr. Paulus Bodra and help out in the construction work of the classrooms at the newly acquired land. The foundation work has bee done up through sramadhan and work is in progress for a well in the property itself. Bro. Linus Kindo is at Omra for his summer holiday ministry and very successful in organising and conducting prayer groups and catechism for the children.

St. Joseph’s Parish, Charbandia : Pastor Sahay Thason toured all the units of the Parish during the lent and prepared the people for the celebration of Easter. The youth and the Parish Council members worked hard to make the celebrations meaningful and enjoyable. Meantime Fr. Eugene Ekka had been to the district head quarters many a times to get the teachers post approved and convince the authorities to grant affiliation for the High School.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : Fr. Leo D’Souza got the co-operation the whole Parish and the Welfare centre in organising the "Blood Donation" camp under the guidance of Sr. Magdala, A.C. on the 5^th April at SCWJ . It was a surprise for the doctors and the team to see so many people volunteering to donate blood and save lives. Congratulations to Fr. Leo D’Souza and his team for the wonderful job.

On the 6^th April, Sunday 101 Parish Youth gathered at the Welfare Centre for a day of "Orientation" guided by Frs. Cyrinus and Bene Soreng. Fr. Cyril Tigga indeed attracted so many of the Parish Youth for this Easter experience . The program ended with confession and Holy Eucharist.

The " Marriage Preparation Course " conducted by Fr. Valerian Lobo and Sr. Michael on the 4^th,5^th and 6^th April at the Parish had 23 persons in attendance. The house constructed for Mariam Bodra, a widow of the Parish was blessed by Fr. George Manna in the presence of the Parish Council members , the Vincent de Paul Society members, Area Leaders and the nearby families on 30^th March at 4.15 p.m. So many people contributed towards this great work under the leadership of Pastor Jerome Pereira. Congratulations to one and all. This is a wonderful example for all of us. Meantime Fr. Leo D’Souza left for home visit with his uncle Fr. Felix D’Souza. Bishop Felix Toppo officiated the Easter Vigil liturgy at the Cathedral. On 27^{th, Sunday} morning Fr. Cyril went for Mass to Mercy Chapel but got himself admitted to the Hospital before Mass. Thanks to the Novice Master, Fr. Hilarius Kongari who took both the morning Masses .

St. Teresa’s Parish, Sindri : Pastor Casmir Vas is in good cheers after preaching three days of retreat for his former parishioners at Jamadoba on the 4^th,5^th and 6^th April, The Parish Council members meet often and consult the local groups to be alert of the situation and the eviction notices given to the Parish. " If the people can live without electricity and running water, I too ", says Fr. Casmir Vas. He has already started digging a well in the campus so that there will be no scarcity of water in future.

St. Barbara’s Church, Mosaboni : The Lenten Charismatic retreat for the parishioners of Mosaboni was preached by Fr. Johny Vithayathil on the 4^th,5^th, and 6^{th April} and it was well attended. It gave them an opportunity to be renewed in spirit to celebrate the Paschal festival. Fr.Felix D’Souza travelled to Mosaboni to help out in the confessions and later he joined Pastor Raphael for the Holy Week liturgy.

Fr. Peter Aruppe Centre, Rerua : Pastor Walter Kongari is always on the move with the Jesuit novices, Sisters, and school children from Chaira to reach help to the villagers who were affected by the hailstorm on the 12^th March. Relief articles are surely needed for this new mission and our support is awaited. Thanks to one and all who came forward with relief material to Rerua.

Jisu Marsal, Chandil : Our Itinerary Santhal Missionary, Fr. Manu Horo toured various areas to prepare his flock for the Holy Week and Easter. The midnight Mass at Chandil was well attended and the celebration lasted until the next morning. The Holy Cross Sisters together with Fr. Puthumai Raj made a pilgrimage to Ulhatu ,Ranchi on the 21^st April with their new vehicle .

The blessing and dedication of the newly constructed Chapel at Kankibera took place on 24^th Thursday. Bishop Felix Toppo was given a rousing welcome by the people . After the blessing Bishop celebrated Holy Eucharist in the new Chapel together with the Parish Fathers and guests. The well planned programs ended with cultural programs and family meal.

Holy Family Parish, Kumardhubi : Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. officiated the Good Friday Liturgy at the School Hall. The Lenten retreat was well appreciated and the people were well motivated for the solemn celebration of Easter. Pastor Robert has started blessing the houses as part of Easter celebration.

Clergy Meeting : The meeting of the pastoral clergy was held at the Bishop’s House on 10^th March at 9.30 a.m. The agenda dealt with : Evangelisation and Proclamation ; The year of the Rosary; Migration of Tribal girls as domestic workers to the cities; RBC/CRI meeting in Patna. Bishop Felix Toppo presided over the sessions and has adopted many action plans for the diocese..

Queen of Peace Parish, Basahattu : During the season of Lent 16 Kepaya couples were prepared for a week for the sacrament of marriage. Each of the 4 Parish Units had 3 days of retreat as preparation for Easter. The new mystery of the Rosary is introduced in the Parish and every unit conducts Rosary every day. During the lent we visited all the families and blessed their houses as a preparation for the feast of the Resurrection. Keeping to the tradition we made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Khuntpani on 7^th April. Fr. Bonnie Kujur offered Mass for the pilgrims and the Sisters took great care of our people. [Paul, Mathew]

Recollection for the Clergy and Religious : Archbishop Telesphore P. Toppo gave the recollection talk for the Clergy and Religious on 10^th April from 3.00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. There were 114 participants. It concluded with the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation and Benediction

St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih : Pastor Gualbert returned from home visit in time for the Holy Week services . Frs. Herman and Camille were kept busy with the school admissions at the Holy Family School, Rahargora and St. Robert’s Parsudih. On 27^th April, Sunday 14 children received ‘First Communion’ during the solemn concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Msgr. John Bodra. The first communicants were given special mementos and a sumptuous breakfast.

The Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari : The ‘Sarhul’ festival was celebrated on 27^th April at Loyola School Campus. Bishop Felix Toppo was the Guest of Honour. The celebrations continued till evening. Congratulations to Pastor Bernard and his Parish Council members for the beautiful celebration.

St. Anthony’s Parish, Kutkudungri : On 27^th April Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 15 members of the Parish and gave ‘First Communion’ to 23 children. The Church hall was packed to capacity. The Parishioners extended a very warm welcome to the Bishop. After the Mass tea and snacks were given to all and special breakfast to the children. Congratulations to Pastor Vijayan and all the leaders of the Parish Community of Kutkudungri.

Lupita Parish, Telco : The Lenten retreat preached by Sr. Ann Thomas SSH, Fr. Herman Tigga and Fr. Vijayaan OFM was well attended . Pastor Cyprian had to get many Priests for confessions on the last day. The Parish Council made beautiful arrangements for the Holy Week services at the grounds in front of the Grotto.

St. Mary’s Church, Bisutur : The CAJ[M] made all the arrangements for the Holy Week Liturgy in the School Grounds. The parish Youth took special interest in organising the Choir and taking care of the people at the grounds. Meantime Fr. Michael Raj left for home visit to be back for the Easter house blessing .

The CAJ[M] organised a fund raising mela on the 26^th and 27^th April at the School grounds. It is expected to raise funds for the various social and welfare activities of CAJ[M] in the Parish

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar : The CRS supply warehouse is renovated with aluminium roofing and it is hoped that it will withstand all the hailstorms that may come up shortly. Fr. David Vincent took off for vocation camps in Chennai after touring the North Bihar areas to study the developmental activities in that area. Fr. Bipin Pani and team organised an all Religion assembly at St. Xavier’s Hall , Chaibasa on 25^th April. It was well represented and participated by the local communities of various religions.

English Pocket Ritual [Rituale Parvum] is available at Bishop’s House. Cost Rs.60.00

Chrism Mass – 2003 : Archbishop Telesphore P. Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi presided over the solemn concelebrated Chrism Mass at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral on 10^th April; at 5.30 p.m. Fr. Valerian Lobo was the Master of the Ceremony and explained the liturgical proceedings meaningfully. The Cathedral Choir intoned the spirit of holiness and solemnity of the sacred ceremony. During the Mass the clergy renewed their Priestly commitment. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed the Holy Oils. At the end of the solemn Eucharist the Catholic community congratulated the Archbishop on his Episcopal silver Jubilee and Fr. Felix D’Souza on his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee. Flower bouquets and token gifts were given to the jubilarians. Later the clergy and religious gathered at the Welfare Centre Hall to felicitate the Jubilarians . Bishop Felix Toppo welcomed all and set the tone for celebrations. Fr. Gerry D’Souza was the M.C. Archbishop Telesphore and Fr. Felix D’Souza were greeted with much warmth and love. The jubilarians thanked the 350 plus members of the Jamshedpur clergy and religious and shared the fellowship meal.

CRI, Jamshedpur Unit : The CRI Jamshedpur Unit organised a day of prayer and reflection for the catholic workers and maids of various institutions and homes in the Steel City on the 14^th April at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. This was in preparation for Easter. Sr. Ann Thomas SSH with the assistance from the Cathedral Clergy ,Fr. Herman and Msgr. John Bodra conducted the programs. There were 35 participants and they wish that such programs will be organised regularly by the CRI. Congratulations to the office bearers of CRI Sr. Anima SSH and Bro. Jacob DDS for the initiative.

Pope encourages Catholic Youth to pray Rosary in public : Pope john Paul II encouraged Catholic young people to pray the rosary in public without shame, saying Mary would help them reach the true happiness offered only by Christ. "Humanity has a decisive need for the witness of free and courageous young people who dare to go against the current and proclaim with force and enthusiasm their own faith in God, Lord and Saviour", he said in a message for World Youth Day 2003. "Don’t be ashamed to recite the rosary alone, while going to school, to university or to work, along the street and on public transportation", the Pope said. "Get into the habit of reciting it among yourselves, in your groups, movements and associations; don’t hesitate to suggest its recitation at home to your parents and brothers and sisters, because it revives and strengthens the bonds between family members", he said. [ CNS ]

Fr. Dr. M.J. Peter, S.J. [Dumka], Director Alternative Health Care Clinic, Kalidanga, was presented the Dr. B.C.Roy Memorial Award at the "7^th International Congress on Alternative medicine" which met in Kolkata on January 4-5, 2003.

Peace [ English ] Shanti [Hindi] Hai Pin [Chinese]

Mir [Bosnian] Baris [Turkish] Kapayapaan[Tagalog]

Vrede [Dutch] Binhan[Vietnamese] Salam [Parsi]

Paix [French] Heiwa [Japanese] Shalom[Hebrew]

Fred [Norwegian] Pace [Italian] Frieden [German]

Pokoj [Polish] Paz [Potruguese] Mup [ Russian]

Nabad [Somali] Mier [Slovak]

Pope urges Priests to strive for holiness, refuse compromises : Pope John Paul II urged Priests to strive daily for holiness and refuse to accept "little compromises" that can lead to "open or masked " betrayal of their priestly vocation. In an annual meeting on 6^th March with pastors from the dioceses of Rome, he said priests should overcome difficulties and temptations with prayer and a renewed realization of the greatness of God’s call to the ministry. "If we do not try, humbly and trustingly, to progress on the path of our sanctification, we will end by accepting little compromises that gradually become more serious and can lead to betrayal – open or masked – of that love of predilection with which God loved to call us to the priesthood", the Pope said. " When difficulties and temptations weigh on our hearts, let us remember instead the greatness of the gift we have received, to be able in turn to ‘give with joy’," he said. He told priests the main and irreplaceable path to holiness was prayer, especially the Eucharist, which he called the "heart of Christian prayer and the key to the mystery of our priesthood". The celebration of the Holy Mass cannot but be for each of us the center of life and the most important moment of every day", he said. Priests who are holy can reach "not only the faithful closet to us but also people who are weak and uncertain in their faith and far from the practice of Christian life", he said. [CNS]

NCCLC issues guidelines for charismatic preachers : The National Catholic Charismatic Leaders Council [NCCLC] that met in Ernakulam on 1-3 Feb. 03 has issued guidelines for Charismatics.

A Charismatic preacher should be committed to a life of holiness through personal prayer, daily study and reflection of the Word of God, regular reception of Sacraments and spiritual obedience through Pastoring . He/she should be prepared to serve the Church through and Gospel unselfishly. Every preacher should be actively involved in the renewal of the local Church. This can be done by conducting retreats, caring for the growth of the prayer groups and maintaining good relationship with the Bishop. Preachers who are not involved in the Renewal of the local Church may not be recognised and promoted by the Regional or national Service Teams.

As a principle, retreat preachers should minister as a team under the guidance of a Priest who should personally guide every member of the team. The preachers should be aware of the situation of the place where retreat is conducted and be in the know of spiritual needs of the people participating in the retreat. Preachers should strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the ordinary of the Diocese. The teaching and tradition of the Church should be adhered to and also encourage the participants for active Sacramental life . Preachers should periodically participate in the national and regional programmes that would help them for ongoing formation, inner healing and coordination.

While meeting the retreatants individually during the retreat, they should be helped to identify the root causes where repentance, reconciliation, forgiving love and inner healing are required. This is to be done in prudence and fraternal charity. [Charisindia]

In Japan old are the most respected persons : There are special traffic paths exlusively meant for the old through which they can cross the roads. Any taxi driver, on seeing the old, will stop his vehicle and continue only after helping the old cross the road. In hotels there is an "old man’s corner" where they can sit quietly, and eat confortably. The charges are nominal, only 1/10 of what is billed for others. Wherever there is queue , the youth if they see an old man or woman, will bow and give place for them . Again in the train or bus the young on seeing the old get up and give place for them to sit. When asked a Japanese citizen why they did like that, he replied, "This is how we repay what they did for the nation when they were hale and healthy". Why not we in India too follow the Japanese. [Courtesy – Kisan World].

He walked His Talk : Talk is cheap. And easy – except for the dump and those with lock-jaw. It costs nothing. There are talkers and ‘walkers’. Talkers are in the majority. They tell others to things or to have things done for them. Preachers and teachers and writers, too, are, in the main, talkers – telling about how things are or how they ought to be. Those who can’t do and don’t do anything, generally talk the loudest and the longest. Walking, i.e. doing, is infinitely more difficult. It requires energy and will power and, more importantly, compassion. There are four types of people in this world : those with passion, those with compassion, with both, with a neither. The last group deserves no mention here, being non-human and non-starters. Passion without compassion is like an engine that steams but doesn’t move. Compassion, without passion is like tears without emotion, but certainly, better than no tears at all. It is only when passion begets compassion that the Earth moves and the world and people are changed for the better.

[Bernie Tellis, Petrus]

The Menace of Fascism – the end of India : " Until a few years ago I used to think that India could dismiss the menace of fascism erupting in my own country as a figment of my sick mind. I can no longer do so. The Indian brand of fascism is at our doorstep. The chief apologist for Indian fascism is Deputy prime Minister L.K. Advani, who read Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf while in jail during the Emergency. Bharatiya fascism has its crudest protagonists in Bal Thackeray, the Shiv Sena supreme who openly prises Hitler as a superman. Its chief executioner is Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat. And of course, there is the rag-tag of the Singhals, Giriraj Kishores, Togadias and other tupppenny-ha’penny rabble-rousers.

"Distort facts, inject dollops of pride in your own race and religion, and prejudice and contempt for others, and you have a witches’ brew of hate which can be easily brought to a boil… Every fascist regime needs communities and groups it can demonise in order to thrive. It starts with one group or two. But it never ends there. A movement built on hate can only sustain itself by continually creating fear and strife. Those of us today who feel secure because we are not Muslims or Christians are living in a fool’s paradise.

" The Sangh is already targeting Leftist historians and ‘westernised’ youth. Tomorrow it will turn its hate on women who wear skirts, people who eat meat, drink liquor, watch foreign films, don’t go on pilgrimage to temples, use toothpaste instead of danth manjan, prefer allopathic doctors to vaids, kiss or shake hands in greetings instead of shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’. No one is safe. We must realize this if we hope to keep India alive".

[Kushwant Singh, The Week, April 06,2003]

"Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit today said that the fee of SC/ST children studying in public schools would be reimbursed in the new session. The scheme will, however, only benefit the children of parents who earn less than Rs. 48,000 per year. The government will pay the admission fee, tuition fee, sports and extra-curricular expenses, science and laboratory fees… Dikshit said the step will given the children of weaker sections an opportunity to get the best education offered by refuted public schools".

[The Indian Express, April 15, 2003]

Hong Kong Diocese issues guidlelines to prevent spread of SARS : The Hong Kong diocese has issued special guidelines to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome, an atypical pneumonia known as SARS, that has killed at least 10 people locally.

"Guidelines for the Prevention of the spread of Atypical Pneumonia", a two-page document released by the diocesan chancery on 25 March, deals with sterilization of churches and with close body contact during Mass, confessions and Sunday School. Parishes are told to clean more often and sterilize church floors, kneelers, toilets and confessionals while maintaining good ventilation during church services. Protective masks are to be provided for people at church entrances. The guidelines advice Catholics suffering from a cough, fever or respiratory difficulty not to attend Mass, even on Sunday, but pray privately instead. Use of holy water fonts at Church entrances is to be discontinued temporarily.

All priests and liturgical ministers are instructed to wash their hands before services, and body contact during Mass such as holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and shaking hands at the sign of peace is to be kept minimal. The guidelines also instruct parishes to stop distributing consecrated wine or administering communion in the mouth. Priests and eucharistic ministers are encouraged to wear mask while distributing communion to patients in hospitals or at home is suspended. [CNS]

Right to privacy is not absolute : SC : "After getting married, right to privacy comes to an end. This is official and also legal as the Supreme Court has put its stamp on an issue, which may be very close to one’s heart and dear to his or her life. Now, the constitutional right under Article 21 of the Constitution [right to life with dignity] which also guarantees right to privacy come into play.

"Could a spouse faced with the allegation of impotency or of not sound mental health invoke the constitutional provision to negate a trial court’s order asking him or her to offer for a medical examination ? Answer is in the negative. In a important judgement on an issue which is not commonly raised in the matrimonial disputes, a Bench of Chief Justice VN Khare, Justices S B Sinha and A R Lakshmanan said " … there is no right of privacy specifically conferred under Article 21 of the Constitution and with the extensive interpretation of the phrase ‘personal liberty’ this right has been read ainto Article 21, it cannot be treated as absolute right".

"Thus, an order passed by the court in this context could not be construed as a infringement of the fundamental right. Since the courts have been entrusted with very delicate power into the domain of one’s privacy, it is pertinent that the power is exercised sparingly and while keeping in mind the dignity and sensitivity of the person on whom it is to be applied.’ Exercise of such discretion would be subjected to the supervisory jurisdiction of the high court’, the Bench has explained. Abuse of the discretionary power at the hands of court is not expected’, the apex court has hoped, notwithstanding of the fact that discretionary powers vested in any authority are invariably misused".

[Times of India, April 14,2003]

SC ban on structures on main road and thoroughfares : " The Supreme Court passed an order directing that no temporary or permanent structure would be allowed on main roads and thoroughfares in Tami Nadu for holding public meetings and processions, which would obstruct free flow of traffic". [ The Hindu, April 11, 2003]

College of Nursing – St. Martha’s Hospital Bangalore – 560 001 – invites applications from women candidates with 10+2 [Physics ,Chemistry , Biology] for admission.

1. 4 year B.Sc [Nursing] Degree Course
2. 3 Year Diploma in Nursing # Both courses start from 1^st September 2003

BACK