JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

I leave aside my shoes – my ambitions,

Undo my watch-my timetable

Unclip my pen- my views

Put down my keys – my security

To be alone with You, the only true God.

After being with You,

I take up my shoes – to walk in Your  ways,

Strap on my watch – to live in Your time,

Put on my glasses – to look at Your world.

Clip on my pen to write up Your thought,

Pick up my keys –to open your doors.

( Graham Kings]

 

 

Engagements of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J  - January, 2004

 

03. Blessing of new Prabhu Marsal Church ,Goilkera                    07-15 .  CBCI Meeting , Trichur

17. Priestly Ordination, Hesag, Ranchi                                           18. Confirmation , CKP

24. Blessing of the Presbytery & Classrooms , Omra                     30. Graduation Ceremony , Adra

 

 

 

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

 

Gyan Deep Vidyalaya, Birsanagar :  On the occasion of the visit of the Mother General of the SCN Congregation, Sr. Shalini D’Souza,  Gyan Deep Vidyalaya, had the special privilege to celebrate “ Benefactors’ Evening” on 2^nd December at 7.00 p.m. at the School Hall. It was an occasion for the SCN sisters to thank all their benefactors in the town in the presence of the International President, Sr. Shalini.

 

XLRI, Jamshedpur  :   The feast of St. Francis Xavier, Patron of the institute, was celebrated on 3^rd December . Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., the Provincial, presided at the solemn Eucharist for the students, staff and the faculty. The clergy and religious of the town had a special lunch on 30^th November at the Tome Bhavan to honor St. Francis Xavier.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri :  Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the solemn blessing of the newly constructed beautiful church at Kutkudungri on 7^th December at 7.00 a.m. The tribal dancers led the guests to the main door of the Church. The Bishop  inaugurated the Church by cutting a red ribbon and another dancing group led the celebrants to the  Sanctuary. Fr. John Barla welcomed the celebrants and the faithful. This was followed by blessing of the Holy Water, Bible procession, proclamation of the Word of God , homily, and consecration of the Altar and walls of the Church by anointing with the Holy Chrism oil . It was a mammoth gathering of over 3000 people at the blessing of the new Church. Soon after the Mass all proceeded to the new residence, “Atma Deep” . Fr. Daya Kishore---- offered the prayer of blessing and Bishop Felix Toppo blessed the building. This was followed by 2-hour long cultural programme and family meal for all. Congratulations to Frs. Vijayan, Leo and Jhon for the wonderful work among the people of Kutkudungri. The new church built on the strong faith of the people and hard labour of Fr. Vijayan and his parishioners is a sign of God’s Kingdom  at Kutkudungri .

 

St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri :  The SJWC under the able leadership of Fr. Leo D’Souza  organized another “Blood Donation” camp on 6^th December. 64 persons donated blood to save the lives of helpless and most needy in the town. Congratulations to Fr. Leo and the  staff for the noble deed .The Welfare Centre  had its Christmas meal for its staff and the well-wishers on 17^th December at 8.00 p.m. Fr. Leo welcomed the guests , the staff sang carols , Fr. Jerome blessed the gathering by his special intercessory prayers and Fr. Cyril proposed the vote of thanks. It was an enjoyable evening for all in the company of the Welfare Centre community.

 

Little Flower School, Telco :  The annual graduation ceremony class X was held on 6^th December at the School Hall. Mr. Binod Kumar, Deputy General Manager, Tata Power was the Chief Guest. The graduating students marched in to the rhythm of the music and occupied their places on the podium and presented their vision and gratefulness in songs and speeches to the total satisfaction of their parents and guests. Mrs. Indira Sharan presented the awards and mementos to the students. The spectacular show ended with a message by the Chief Guest.

 

Nirmala Hospital, Govindpur : Nirmala Day was celebrated on 7^th December  at Govindpur. Fr. Stan Kujur, S.J. was the Chief Celebrant at the solemn Eucharist at 9.30 a.m. Mr. Julius Bhengra, ADM, Dhanbad was the Chief Guest at the cultural function that followed immediately after the Mass. The parents of the hostel girls, guests, staff , hostel children, invitees joined the Sisters and the Management for a  family meal at 12.30 noon.

 

Loyola School, Kumardhubi :  The 1^st Annual School Sport’s Meet was conducted at the newly constructed  school grounds on 6^th December at 1.30 p.m. Mr. A.K. Sinha, DGM, MBE Co.Ltd was the Chief Guest. The spectacular Olympic style sports events of Loyola, Kumardhubi , gave wonderful satisfaction to all the parents, guardians, invitees  present for the function. The ground looked majestic and everybody admired at the speed in which it was constructed for the solemn occasion. Congratulations to Frs. Robert, Amatus , staff and students of Loyola !

 

Loyola School, Jamshedpur :  The annual Sport’s meet of Loyola was held at the JRD Stadium on 6^th December at 1.00 p.m. The packed stadium enjoyed the 4-hour long sports events with much satisfaction. It was great to see the parents encouraging their wards in continuous claps. Fr. Oscar Horo, Rector of Loyola presided at the award presentation ceremony.

 

St. Robert’s School, Parsudih : Mr. Martin P. Lakra, DSP, Jamshedpur was the Chief Guest at the annual Sports Day of the School on 30^th November at the School grounds. The march-fast , colorful drill display, prompt proceedings of the events definitely gave the mammoth crown an enjoyable morning . Fr. Carl Dincher, S.J. was the Guest of the honour. Congratulations to Frs. Gualbert, Sahay Thason , staff and Students of St. Robert’s.

 

 St. Xavier’s Schools, Chaibasa : All the six St. Xavier Schools  had 2-days’ of celebrations in honor of the patron saint, St. Francis Xavier on the 2^nd and 3^rd December at the Parish grounds. Day one had the sports and day two with drill display and cultural extravaganza. The combined celebrations attracted thousands to the Church campus and everyone returned with words of praise and appreciation for the Xavier family.

The Priestly ordination of Deacons Sushil Balmuchu, Romanus Kerketta and Sunny Jacob was held at the school forecourt on 27^th December at 9.00 a.m. Bishop Felix Toppo  raised the 3 men to the Order of Mechisedek at the solemn Eucharist .More than 85 priests were seen at the altar for the Ordination. The ground was filled with Sisters, seminarians, relatives and parishioners. After a short felicitation function for the newly ordained all joined the Parish Priest and his associates for the   meal.

 

Catholic Ashram Purulia :  Fr. Henry  Sequeira organised a Heppatitis-B vaccination camp at the Holy Child School on 13^th December for the people of the  area. It was a subsidized camp and each person  had to pay only Rs.100.00 for the vaccination. The team will visit again in January and  February to complete the course .

 

St. Anthony’s School, Dhanbad : Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and inaugurated the newly constructed beautiful school hall and classrooms on 13^th December at 11.00 a,m. in the presence of the school children, staff, members of the managing committee , Priests and religious of the deanery. The Bishop and guests were taken to the new hall by the school scouts with the accompaniment of the band . Sr. Marie Isablle, the headmistress welcomed the guests and the students welcomed in a group song. This was followed by proclamation of the Word of God , breaking coconut and blessing of the hall and classrooms by the Bishop. Then all assembled in the hall for the thanksgiving function. Mrs. Rina Srivastava  , the M.C. conducted the programme. Token gifts were given to all those who were involved with this great school project of St. Anthony’s. The Parents’ Day function began at 5.00 p.m. and Bishop Felix Toppo was the Chief Guest. The school children entertained the parents and guest for 2 hours and gave everyone the proud feeling of their children at St. Anthony’s. Congratulations to Fr. Edward Kongari , Sr. Marie Isabelle, Staff and Students for the wonderful achievement.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad :  The parishioners of St. Anthony’s gathered at the School Hall on Sunday, 14^th morning to celebrate Eucharist which was presided  by Bishop Felix Toppo . This was followed by Christmas Milan programme and nasta for all. The children of the parish were given special gifts. The Santa Claus entertained the crowd by his very presence and action.

 

Carmel Junior College, Sonari :  The 7^th annual Sports meet was held on Saturday, 13^th December, at 1.00 p.m. at the JRD Stadium. Mr. A. Uppal, General Manager, Tata Power was the Chief Guest and Mrs. Uppal gave away the awards. It was an enjoyable afternoon for  the parents and guests to watch the disciplined sports’ events of their wards.

 

Sacred Heart School, Adra :  Frs. Edward Saldhana and Chonas Xalxo made sure that their students are capable of presenting an Olympian  style sport’s meet in the presence of the parents, guardians, guests and colony crowds. The sports held on 13^th December at 8.00.am. at the school grounds was a memorable one for all. Mr. Sarat Ch. Pachi , Sr. Commandant & Sr. Divisional Security Commissioner was the Chief Guest and Mrs. Jayasmita Parchi   give away the awards.

 

Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing, Telco : The graduation and Lamp Lighting ceremony for the 13^th,14^th and 15^th batch students was held at the school premises on 13^th December at 4.00 p.m. Mr. Atam P. Arya, Sr. Vice-President, Tata Motors, was the Chief Guest . Fr. Vijay Bhat offered the prayer of blessing. It was an enjoyable evening for the many guests and guardians to witness such dedication ceremony..  Mrs.A. Bhengra welcomed the guests and Sr. Jyothi proposed vote of thanks.

Sr. Fidelis . Principal of Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing was presented “ Jewel of India” award  by the International business council on 19^th December  and Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing received “National Gold Star” award. Congratulations to Sr. Fidelis and the Nursing school for this marvelous achievement.

 

Lupita Church, Telco : On 14^th December the parishioners of Lupita Church honored their pastor, Fr. Vijay Bhat , Fr. Jerome Pereira, former pastor and Fr. James Quadros  during the solemn liturgy to celebrate the Parish feast.  Fr. Jerome presided at the Eucharist while Fr. James Quadros preached. Pastor Vijay Bhat left for homeward  celebrations on 25^th morning and handed over the charge of the Parish to Fr. Augustine Topno.

Bible Society of India, Jamshedpur Branch : The annual Inter-Church Singing competition was held at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri on 13^th December at 5.30 p.m. 15 Churches participated in the 4-hour long competition. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri captured the over all campion award and GEL Church, Sitaramdera was adjudged the second best. Congratulations to Mr. Jonathan Mahapatra and the official of the Bible Society in Jamshedpur.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : Pastors Jerome Pereira, Cyril Tigga and Leo D’Souza were kept busy with confessions, area Masses and  funerals during the last month of the year. Dean Jerome organised a recollection for the Priests and brothers in the town on 18^th at the Cathedral at 5.00 p.m. Fr. Carl Dincher S.J was the resource person. This was followed by adoration and confession. The 45 plus clergy joined the Bishops for a family meal at the Bishop’s House at 7.30 p.m.

The SVP members arranged rice, dal , vegetables for the less privileged  families at Christmas. Congratulations to all the members of the SVP, Golmuri for their hard work to honour the poor during Christmas.

 Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the Christmas Vigil Mass on 24^th night.  Pastor Jerome left for Mangalore on 21^st December to preside at the Nuptial Mass for his youngest brother on 27^th December.

Vidya Jyothi School, Siadih : On Sunday, 30^th November, a medical team headed by Dr. Mohanty, Sr. Elsy Cherian conducted another medical camp at Siadih. There were 138 persons waiting for medical help at the school. Fr. Halan, Brothers Vinod and Manonj were seen directing the patients to the doctor and helping out to solve the language barrier.

The parents and guardians of the school children were invited for a meeting at the school on 20^th December. Having seen the growth of the school and hostel and noticing the large number of parents at the meeting, the local Munda got inspired and announced in public that he will donate 15 acres of land for the High School at Siadih. Congratulations Halan for the courageous move and strengthening our presence at Siadih.

 

St. Joseph’s School, Charbandia :  Headmaster Fr. Eugene organised a medical camp for the school children on 10^th December at the campus. The block medical team conducted the camp over 200 patients came for medical help. Congratulations to Fr. Eugene and his team at Charbandia.

Fr. James Quadros got himself busy conducting marriage classes  and organizing the catechists for the grand celebration of Christmas at the Parish . The carol teams are got ready and announced the Good News to all the families around the Parish. Meantime Pastor left for Lohardanga to conduct seminar for the B.Ed students at the Ursuline College.

St. Mary’s Church, Omra : Pastor Fr. Paulis Bodra  kept himself busy with the village girja all through the month .  The people are now ready to celebrate Christmas in a worthy manner at the Church. Meantime he is seen at the work site guiding the workers for the final touch on the school building. Though no doors and windows are fixed, the 4 classrooms are painted well for the blessing. The presbytery too is ready to be occupied in January, 2004.

 

St. Mary’s Church , N. Road : Fr. Edwin Coelho made sure that  the parish children prepare well for Christmas by having given opportunity for confession. Fathers from the Cathedral and Bishop’s House helped out at the Sacred Heart School and the Parish Church at different days. The CAJ[M] had well planned Christmas tree gathering for the children and special arrangements for the Midnight Mass .  

 

St. Mary’s English High School, Bistupur : The Annual School Prize night was held on 13^th December at 4.30 p.m. at the School campus. Mr. Chanchal Chakravorty, Head Education, Tata Steel  was the Chief Guest. It was an enjoyable evening for the parents, guardians and invitees to be part of the school. Awards for excellence in studies, and other extra curricular activities were presented to the meritorious students. Congratulations to the staff and students for the memorable event. The School had the Christmas celebrations on 20^th with Christmas play, sancta Claus, carol singing , gifts  etc.

 

St. Mark’s Centre, Toklo :  The Parish Christmas Milan was held on 21^st December with a special Mass presided at by Msgr. John Bodra at 9.00 a.m.and followed by Christmas play, carol singing and a family meal for all. The parish youth had well prepared programmes for all. Bothers Henry, Arnold and Gulshan accompanied Msgr. Bodra for the big day to Toklo. Congratulations to Fr. Camille and Bro. Simplicius for the meaningful initiative.

 

Christ the King Church, CKP : The Parish and Hostel had a Christmas gathering on 21^st evening at the Presbytery. The government and Railway officials were present to add greater joy to the celebrations. The hostel children had carol singing, dances and small plays for the enjoyment of all  present.

 

Loyola School, Rerua : The  ‘Annual Sport’s Meet’ was held on 14^th December at 1.00 p.m.at the school premises  Mr. Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu, MLA was the Chief Guest and gave away the awards.  Prior to the start of the sports the guests joined the community for a family meal. The campus was packed  with the village flocks to watch the well disciplined sports events. Congratulations to Fr. Walter and his team at Rerua.

 

Christmas Milan , Bishop’s House, Golmuri :  Christmas Milan for 2003 was held at the ‘Curia’ hall on 25^th December at 4.00 p.m. Government officials, social workers, priests, religious, social workers , city business men arrived to share the Christmas joy with the Bishop. The  SCJM candidates from Sangosai welcomed the guests with dances and carols. Fr. Augustine  Topno  conducted the Milan programs in perfect order until Sancta clause [Leo D’Souza] rode in  and made everybody happy and  enthused. Later  all the guests joined for cake and  coffee .     

 

 

Pope warns Priests of the lure of power and money : John Paul II made and energetic appeal to priests not to give in to the temptation of power or money. “ Unfortunately, even those who have been ordained to service can at times fall victim to unhealthy cultural or societal trends which undermine their credibility and seriously hamper their mission” the Pope lamented.

“ As men of faith, priests must not let them temptation of power or material gain distract them from their vocations , nor can they permit ethnic or caste difference to detract from their fundamental charge to spread the Gospel”, he said when meeting with the last group of Bishops from India on their five-yearly visit to the Holy See.

“ As fathers and brothers, bishops are to love and respect their priests”, the Pope said. “Likewise, priests should love and honor their bishops. You and your priests are heralds of the Gospel and builders of unity in India. Personal differences or accidents of birth must never undermine this essential role”. [Zenit.org.]

 

“ The Indian community in Leuven had the annual Christmas gathering on the 13^th December. The center of attraction was a tribal dance by us. After a long time or perhaps for the first time a traditional cultural dance from Chotanagpur was put up! We danced to the tune of songs like Janamalein janamalein …. Beithulem gohar maaje..! It is  snowing these days. So people are  expecting a white Christmas this time. People very much desire this one and it rarely occurs. I will be celebrating the Christmas in a parish in the diocese of Brugge. I will be in Germany for a short period after this. Then I will be back to my studies, beacue the exams begin on the 12^th of January, 2004! Wish you all a merry Christmas and blessed year 2004. Bye.” [ John Crasta, Leuven]

 

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