JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA

 

That glorious Form, that Light unsufferable,

And that far-beaming blaze of Majesty

Wherewith He wont at Heaven’s high council-table

To sit the midst of Trinal unity,

He laid aside; and here with us to be,

Forsook the courts of everlasting day

And chose with us a darksome house of mortal clay.

[John Milton]

Merry Christmas !

 

 

 

Congratulations

 

 

D   I  O  C  E  S  A  N  -  R  O  U  N  D  -  U  P  S    !

 

Civic Reception to the Apostolic Nuncio , Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana and Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo :  7^th November, 2003 is marked as a historic day for Jamshedpur Diocese. The dignitaries were welcomed in front of Amar Jyoti  School. Pardih at  4.00 p.m. by the Sisters, School children and some parishioners of St.Anthony’s  Church, Kutkudungri.  Fr. Vijayan OFM then led the motorcade together with 40 motor- cyclists and number of cars with flags / siren through the  town to the Cathedral Church where the  Reception Committee members, Priests , Sisters and  Parishioners  extended a warm welcome to the Nuncio, Cardinal Telesphore, Bishop Michael Minj and the other dignitaries. After a short visit to the blessed  sacrament and blessing all proceeded to bless the new Curia block. Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana offered the prayer of blessing and Frs. Leo D’Souza and Cyril Tigga blessed the floors immediately.

 

The civic reception for the Papal Nuncio and Cardinal Telesphore Toppo began with a tribal dance welcoming the guests to the podium. St. Mary’s English School  band  saluted the guests with bugle  march. Master of Ceremony, Mr. Vincent Athaide conducted the cultural evening with dignity and perfect timing. Sacred Heart School, St. Robert’s School, St. Mary’s Parish, and Jisu Marsal Parish presented quality items to the satisfaction of the Dignitaries and all the guests . Bishop Felix Toppo welcomed the guests, Mr. James Davis presented a short history of the diocese, Mrs. Dilith Casteleton read out the felicitation for the Cardinal, Mr. Richard Sarky introduced the Nuncio to the gathering while Mr. Ronny D’Costa, Chairman of the Reception committee proposed the vote of thanks. This was followed by meet the  Press at the grounds and an address by the Nuncio to the Clergy & Religious at the Cathedral . Later the Nuncio , Cardinal, Bishops, Priests, Religious , Parish representatives joined the Committee Members for the family meal at the Welfare Centre. Special thanks to Mr. Ronny D’Costa and all the members of the reception committee for their dedication and  perfect planning.

 

Solemnity of Our Lady of Khuntpani :   The annual  feast of Our Lady of Khuntpani was celebrated on 8^th November at the Shrine grounds. Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana presided at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist. Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, Bishop Michael Minj of Gumla, Bishop J.R. Rodericks , Bishop Felix Toppo and over 85 Priests joined  Nuncio to thank the forefathers  and missionaries who courageously preached the word to the people of Chotanagpur. Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana hailed in detail the great evangelization program began at Khuntpani and exhorted everyone to be part of that mission zeal  and continue with greater enthusiasm. Immediately after the Mass the Cardinal and Nuncio were felicitated. The choir was conducted by Bro. Cyprian Lobo and commentaries were given by Frs. Camille Hembrom and Joseph  Surin in Ho and Hindi respectively. Pastors Alex Misquith , Tome Nelli, Alex Dodrai, Valerian Lobo were seen guiding the crowd and even leading them to the shrine . It was a mammoth gathering of over 14000 faithful to honor Mother Mary at Khuntpani. The choir, volunteers and religious communities did a superb job in supporting this annual feast. The Bishops left of Khunti immediately after the reception. The crowd stayed on and enjoyed the hospitality of the local community until evening.

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri  : The “All Souls’ Day ‘’  Mass at Babudih cemetery was at 4.00 p.m. on. 2^nd November. Fr. Leo D’Souza was the Chief celebrant and Fr. Vincent David  the  homilist. The ‘First Communion’ was held at the Cathedral on 9^th November and Pastor Fr. Jerome Pereira celebrated the Eucharist. 39 boys and girls received Jesus for the first time and there was much celebration and joy everywhere. All the first communicants brought offertory gifts and prayed for their dear ones. On 15^th Saturday the SVP members together with Frs. Jerome and Leo visited Jisu Jaher Ghar and Loyola School at Chaira. This was a sure encouragement for our missionaries at Dalhhumgarh .

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road :  ‘First Communion’ in the Parish was held on 9^th November and Fr. Bipin Pani was the Chief celebrant of  the Eucharist at the School grounds. 27 youngsters received ‘first communion’. All the children were given breakfast and token gifts by the CAJ[M].  On 2^nd November, All Souls’ Day, Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the Eucharist at Beldih cemetery and Fr. Edwin Coelho preached in English-Hindi for the understanding of all present. All the Priests present for the Mass joined the Parish Priest to bless the graves immediately after the Mass. The graveyard was beautifully decorated with candle  lights and flowers. Thanks to Dr. Raymond D’Souza for maintaining  the place in proper order. Jamshedpur Deanery Krus Vir children  had their annual rally at St. Mary’s on the 15^th and 16^th. Frs. Valerian Lobo, Michael Jojo and Sr. Michael  guided the children. On 16^th Bishop Felix Toppo offered Mass for the children at 10.30 a.m. The rally concluded with cultural programme and meal. Christ the King Eucharist procession was conducted at St. Mary’s Bistupur for Jamshedpur Deanery. Fr. Venancius Kandulna preached an inspiring homily at the end of the procession. This was followed by Benediction and Mass at the School grounds . Frs. Vijay Bhat , Cyril Tigga and Leo D’Souza carried the blessed sacrament on a decorated vehicle. Chief Marshal T. T. John led the procession. Over 3000 faithful joined the procession and Benediction.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri :  Pastor Vijayan and his team gave a grand welcome to the Nuncio , Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, Bishops and Guests as they entered  the Parish boundary at Pardih on 7^th November at 4.00 p.m.  The 40 motorcyclists and streams of cars added  solemnity for the occasion. The Parish team is at work  for the inauguration of the new church on 7^th December. The  perpetual day adoration has supported the parish activities and helped many immensely to experience the presence of Jesus in their midst. The Charismatic retreat conducted at the Parish on the 17 – 21st was well attended  .

 

Sacred  Heart Convent, Jsr. :   Sr. Gladys A.C. of  Carmel Jyoti-Infirmary  expired on 13^th November and the funeral service was conducted on 15^th at 11.a.m. at the fore-court of the School . Bishop J.R. Rodericks, S.J. presided at the Eucharist and Fr. Edwin Coelho performed the last rites at the cemetery. 17 Priests joined the Bishop for the Mass and prayed for the soul of Sr. Gladys. RIP.

 

Infant Jesus  Parish, Sonari :   Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. officiated at the solemn liturgy on 16^th November,  at 7.00 a.m. at the Loyola Hall and gave the sacrament of Confirmation to 40 youngsters and ‘First Communion’ to 40 children. Fr. Bernard Surin and his Parish Council members worked hard to make all the arrangements for the big parish event. Few Priests from the Loyola Jesuit community joined  at the Eucharist to share the joy of Parishioners . It was indeed a festive day for the whole parish.

 

Gyan Deep Vidyalaya, Birsanagar : The 12^th Annual Cultural Programme  was held at the School Grounds on Friday, 14^th November at 4.00 .p.m. Mr. Rana  Sinha, Managing Director, TELCON was the Chief Guest and Mrs. Sunita Sinha, Guest of honor. The 2 hours long cultural items indeed gave much joy to the parents, guests, and villagers . It was an enjoyable evening for everybody. The Chief Guest promised to get the campus road constructed and the Ground leveled for the school activities. Congratulations to Sr. Blanche , Staff and students for the wonderful evening.

 

St. Joseph’s Convent High School, Mosaboni :   The Annual School Day function was held on 16^th November. Dr. Amitabh Kaushal, IAS,SDO, Ghatsila  was the Chief Guest. Sr. Geeta read out the annual report. School children presented beautiful cultural items to the perfect satisfaction of all present for three hours. The Chief Guest presented the awards to the students for academic excellence. This was followed by tea and snacks for all. Congratulations to Sr. Geeta , staff and students of St. Joseph’s School, Mosaboni.

 

Lupita Parish Telco :  The traditional ‘Kartik mela’ was conducted at the Lupita grounds on the 8^th and 9^th November. It was indeed a big event for the parishioners to have stalls and give treats to the town to the satisfaction and entertainment of all . Under the leadership of the Parish Priest, Fr. Vijay Bhat , the mela committee is busy calculating the net profits of the mela.

 

DBH, Gomoh : Pastor Fr. Benedict Minj  while returning  from Dhanbad after  the Deanery meeting at St. Anthony’s on 13^th November on his motorbike was knocked down by a strange cow  on the GT Road. He had to be rushed to Nirmala for treatment and rest . .Director of DSWC, Fr. Walter Crasta took care of the Sunday services at Gomoh on 16^th.

 

St. Anthony’s  Parish, Dhanbad : Dean, Fr. Edward Kongari has organized  Parish Renewal Retreat for the deanery parishes starting at St. Anthony’s on the 14^th November. A group of Redemptorist - Fathers have arrived to conduct the retreat in all the parishes before Christmas in English/ Hindi.  The deanery meeting has adopted various plans for evangelization work in the area. Fr. Edward is busy negotiating land at Titichapari for a new sub-station among the Santhals. The blessing and inauguration of the new hall will take place on 13^th December and the invitations are on the way.

 

 

Bishop’s House : Bishop J.R. Rodericks got admitted to Mercy Hospital on 25^{th November}

 for Hernia operation. Dr. Chowdhary did the operation successfully on 27^th morning and  Dileep Marandi and our seminarians from Pratiskha took turns  to look after Bishop Rodericks while recuperating in cabin no. 206.

 

St. Xavier’s English School, Purulia :   The second terminal examinations came off very smoothly this time thanks to our office staff. Our school children are now blessed with clean drinking water from the Purulia Municipality. The children’s day saw the blessing of the small underground reservoir and the inauguration of water supply to the students by the Principal. The staff put up on that day a very enjoyable programme for the students to mark the Children’s day. A new intercom system has been installed both in the school and the Catholic Ashram for effective communication that saves now time and energy. The Managing committee meeting held on 1^st November was well attended. For the first time in the history of the school , both Junior and senior students put up a grand  Art and Science Exhibition on 17^th November which was inaugurated by the Chairman of Municipality, Mr. Binayak Bhattacharya who promised to repair the short-cut road to our school. The appreciation of the exhibition by the parents was overwhelmingly encouraging and positive “ excellent, very good, and keep it up, well done “. Application forms are being floated for Nursery, L.K.G,U K.G, I and II from 15^th November. Four visitors from the USA accompanied by Fr. John  Guidera dropped in to see our school.                                                                 [Hilary Lobo, S.J.]

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Mouhandar :   Pastor Fr. Joe Terry led a group of his parishioners to pilgrimage to Dorimata on 25^th October. They spend sufficient time in prayer and Mass at Dorimata and returned via Ranchi after visiting Rock-Garden ,  Claret Book Centre and  Fr. Jesudoss . The Christ the King procession was held on 23^rd Sunday morning and  all the BCC units took active part in it. Fr. Bipin Pani  was the Chief Celebrant at the Benediction and  Eucharist.

 

Loyola School, Jamshedpur :   The Diamond Jubilee of Bishop J.R. Rodericks and Fr.  John Guidera  as Jesuits and  the Golden Jubilee of Edward McGrath as  Priest was celebrated on 20^th November at Loyola. Fr. Ed. McGrath  presided at the Eucharist  at 6.00 p.m. at the community chapel.  Bro. Wency led the Novices from Jesu Bhawan  singing praises to the Lord and thanking Him for the Jubilarians. This was followed by a fellowship meal. Archbishop Henry D’Souza and Bishop Felix Toppo  were present for the celebrations. On 23^rd November the students of Loyola staged J.B. Priestley’s suspense drama “AN INSPECTOR CALLS” at the Fasy auditorium to the satisfaction and admiration of the elite crowd present. This reminded of the past glory, where Fr. Ping Power directing drama and presenting often at Loyola.  Mr. Barun Roy who directed the drama hopes that Loyola will present many more  in the future for the town crowd .Fr. Augustine Vattamattam proposed the vote of thanks.

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia :  On 15^th November  Deacon Ajit Kumar Ekka, S.J. was ordained Priest by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. during the solemn Eucharist at the Quadrangle of the Church and Grotto. It was a solemn event and large number of people came from  the villages to celebrate the event. Priests and religious from the neighboring  areas and good number from the Jesuit province of Kolkata were present for the memorable day. Pastors James Quadroas, Eugene and Paulus Bodra made sure that everybody participated and shared the joy  with the new Priest, Fr. Agit Ekka.

 

Clergy Meeting / Priests Senate meeting :  A meeting of all  Parish Priests plus all the diocesan Priests was conducted  on 20^th November at the Curia Hall. Bishop Felix Toppo chaired the meeting. Various topics came up for discussion , namely, RSS/VHP moves to counter  our mission works, MCC/Lalkandi/PWG movements in various areas of Jharkhand, how to strengthen our evangelization  programs; training of catechists etc. The  Priests’ Senate meeting was held in the afternoon and it discussed  mainly the creation of new  parishes and  mission centers in the dioceses in the future. It also suggested to take steps for the on going formation of the laity, and priests.

 

Christ the King Parish, Chakradharpur :  The solemnity of Christ the King and the Parish day was celebrated on 23^rd November . Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the solemn Mass and encouraged the faithful to come forward and witness to Jesus’s love always with courage and enthusiasm. The procession began from the Carmel school at 9.00 a.m.to the Church for the Benediction and Mass This was followed by a family meal for the clergy and religious at the Presbytery at noon.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad : The solemnity of Christ the King was celebrated at St. Anthony’s for the deanery.  The procession began from the Church to Carmel School through the massive new gate erected at the Church . Blessed sacrament was carried in decorated carriage through the town. Faithful from all parishes assembled at St. Anthony’s and took part in the procession, Benediction and Mass. Congratulations to Dean Fr. Edward Kongari and his parish council for the well organized celebration to honor Jesus, the King of the Universe.

 

 

 

 

“ We begin the Christmas vacation on the 21^st of December and re-opening is on 4^th January, 2004. The first semester exams begin mid-January. We have the Indian Community Christmas gathering on the 13^th of December”.  [John Crasta, Leuven]

 

Christian Marriage Registrar :  Mr. J.J.V Fernandes has been appointed by the Government of Karnataka by its order No. OSE 126 PMS 2003 dated on 29-8-2003 as Registrar of Marriages for Dakshina Disrtrict under the Indian Christian Marriage Act 1872.Though Church marriages are generally recognized by one and all, it has become necessary to register the Church marriages by the Registrar of Marriages under the Indian Christian  Act, since the passport authorities/consulates who issue visas to go over to foreign countries are now insisting for a marriage certificate from the Registrar of Marriages, under the above act. The Registrar is also empowered to solemnize marriage ‘between persons, one or both of whom is or are a Christian  or Christians” and issue a certificate of marriage. In other words even if one is a Christian and the other is of a different faith, such marriage between that couple can also be solemnized by the Registrar and a marriage certificate could be issued according to the act.[Examiner no.45]

 

Half of all people are under the age of 25 : UN Report : “ The largest generation of adolescents in history – 1.2 billion – is preparing to enter adulthood, according to The State of World Population 2003 report, which says that nearly half of all people are under the age of 25- the largest youth generation in history “.

“ The report examines the challenges and risks faced by this generation that impact directly on their physical, emotional and mental well-being. It says millions of adolescents and young people are faced with the prospects of early marriage and childbearing, incomplete education, and the threat of HIV/AIDS. Half of all new HIV infections occur in people aged 15-24..” [www.rediff.com, 10.10.03]

 

Forget dowry if you want govt job in Bihar : “ The Rabri Devi government has made it mandatory for its male employees who get married to give a declaration writing that they did not take dowry. But, self-declaration alone will not do. The statement has to be signed not only by the spouse but also  father-in-laws of the candidate…Government employees are in great demand in Bihar’s marriage bazaar, where even a lower division clerk demands more than 5 lakh in cash and other “essentials” as dowry”.

                                                                        [Hindustan Times, 04.11.03]

 

Heart risks for every tenth Indian by 2010 : “By 2010 , every tenth Indian will have some kind of a heart problem, experts predict and point to pollution as a major factor contributing to such a gloomy scenario.’ The fine particulates of pollution enter the blood and go through the lungs unchecked. They finally deposit in the arteries causing inflammation’, Dr. Upendra Kaul, noted Cardiologist and former president of the Cardiological  Society of India, say. The reason for the disquieting projection is the fast pace of urbanization in India “. [ Times of India, 01.11.03]

 

 

Beware- ‘Sugar Free’ could be just as harmful :  “ If you are a diabetic tempted by the ‘sugar free’ label on a jar of jam or a box of mithais, be warned : you are about to consume sugar. Sugar of the kind that doesn’t raise blood sugar levels immediately but eventually has the effect as table sugar. The ‘for diabetics’ label on packaged product is misleading as the manufacturers base their sugar-less claim on the fact that they use fructose, and not sucrose, as sweetener, says Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Senior endocrinologist, Apollo Hospital”. [Hindustan Times, 29.10.03]

            

 

 

Mother of Millions :

OH ! Hail, Hail Mother Teresa

Thou art the Mother of millions

And thy name is Holy

And thy heart is pure and blessed.

 

Thou art the gift of the Almighty

To the poor and the suffering humanity.

And thou hath wiped the tears of millions

Of destitutes , handicapped and orphans.

 

Thou wanted to quench, the thirst of Christ

And dedicated your life to the sick, dying and unwanted

Like an angel dressed in white sari with blue trim

Render free service to the poor and the needy.

 

Thy mission spread the message of Christian love,

To work for the poor.

We pray and pledge to carry on thy work,

Thy love and service will guide us to follow they work

 

OH ! Hail, Hail Mother Teresa

Thou are the mother of millions

            [Varghese Abraham]

 

 

Temporary employee entitled to pension :  “A Temporary employee who retires on attaining super-annuation  will be entitled to retiring super-annuation pension and death-cum retirement gratuity on the scale as admissible to a permanent employee declared the Punjab and Haryana High Court”  . {Hindustan Times, 04.11.03]

 

Teetotalling totalitarians : “ There was an articles on European dictators – Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin – written by Charles W. Ferguson in Harper’s Magazine in 1937. His theme was that dictators are dangerous to humanity because they don’t drink. Hitler was  a vegetarian , teetotaler and did not smile. Mussolini ate pasta like horses eat hay but rarely touched wine. Stalin lived a hermit’s life in a small three-room apartment, dressed simply, ate bland food and occasionally took a sip of brandy “.

“ The point Ferguson made was that people who are habitual drinkers sometimes get drunk, and make asses of themselves. Dictators can’t afford to make asses  of themselves; if they did, people would not take them seriously. Ferguson concluded : “Do they indicate that we are today in the grip of a coterie of men essentially smug, disastrously self-righteous, grimly aware of their tremendous rectitude and hence so dangerous that the world at large would be better off if it could entice them on a roaring drink ? No man could be a dangerous dictator with a hangover”.

 

“ Our own mini-dictator, Bal Tahackeray, enjoys beer [he offered me some the one time I called on him]. Indira Gandhi did not drink; she had dictatorial ambitions. Her son, Sanjay, never touched alcohol or even tea., coffee or fizzy soft drinks: if he had lived, he would have certainly imposed dictatorship on the country. Atal Bihari Vajpayee likes his drink and is tolerant about most things. L.K. Advani does not drink or smoke, and doesn’t have the glad eye for women: I regard him as dangerous…”

 

“ More than guarding ourselves against puritans and teetotalers we need to keep a watchful eye on people drunk with power: power goes to the head much faster than alcohol. People in power forget to mind their own business and want to impose their views on others because they feel superior and think they know what is good and what is bad for others .No sooner than a man or woman becomes a minister, he or she starts pontificating : they become mini-mullahs pronouncing fatwas from their mosques [ministers’ rooms], they abolish English, study astrology, don’t listen to pop music, don’t smoke, don’t drink etc. One may well tell them to their faces , “Don’t sermonize, have a drink”. { Hindustan Times – 11.10. 2003]

 

Kerala parish installs ‘world’s tallest oil lamp”  A catholic parish in  the southern  Indian state of Kerala has installed what it claims is the world’s largest oil lamp. The 7.82 meter lamp weighing about 6000 kgs was installed on 19^th October in the compound of  Holy Family Parish in Koothattukulam, Palai diocese. Parish Priest Father George Vellooparambil says the lamp is the “tallest in the world” as well as “the finest example of India’s religious unity”.

Lighting oil lamps is an integral part of Hindu temple worship, but for centuries, Christians in India have also used lamps in their churches. The installation coincided with the beatification of Mother Teresa of Kolkata, to whom it is dedicated. Father Vellooparambil said on 20^th October that the dedication of the lamp to the much-loved nun “can spread secularism and religious harmony in India”. [UNCAN]

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