JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                                                 

Would you hold a leper in your arm

And give him solace ?

Would you nurse a dying man ?

Would you tend a ulcerous body ?

You would send an antiseptic cheque

And let someone else do the dirty work.

                                                                                         [Acquarius]

 

 

Engagements of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. – March, 2004

 

 

 

St. Xavier’s School , Sini   : Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Guest at the School Parent’s Day celebration on 1^st February at 4.30 p.m. at the School premises. The school children had various cultural items well performed on the stage for the parents , guardians  and invitees .Fr. Leo D’Souza of St. Joseph’s Cathedral was on deputation at Sini to train the children for the big function. Congratulations to Fr. Cyriac and  his dedicated team at Sini.

 

St. John’s Centre, Tepasai :  The feast of St. John de Britto, the patron of the Parish, was celebrated on 4^th February. The solemn  Mass was presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. Fathers from CKP and LPG  were present for the  celebrations. Immediately after the Mass there was a cultural progrmme in which the school and hostel children put up many beautiful items for the enjoyment of all present. The clergy and religious of the deanery joined Fr. George Anthony and community for a special meal in the evening.

 

Divya Bharati, Chaibasa  :  Fr. Valerian Lobo and Sr. Michael organized a training programme for the BCC animators from the 1^st to 4^th  February at the Vikas Bharati  , Sunderngar. Fr.Philip Kattakayam from Nav Jyoti Niketan was the resource person. 90 persons attended the 3- day trainings. They hope that there will be more such programs in the future for the   BCC animators of the diocese. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. offered Mass on 2^nd February for the group.  Divya Bharati team conducted Marriage preparation classes for the Ho speaking couples at Divya Bharati from the 9^th to 14^th February. Fr. Valerian Lobo conducted  training programme for the BCC animators of Kiriburu Parish from the 9^th to 15^th February at the request of Pastor Richard Miranda. Fr. Valerian Lobo conducted a “BIBLE CAMP” for the Catholic students of Sacred Heart School, Jamshedpur from 26 – 28 February.

 

De  Britto House, Gomoh   ;   The feast of St. John de Britto , the patron of the parish, hostels and rehabilitation center was celebrated on 4^th February.  Immediately after the Mass the hostel children staged superb cultural items for the enjoyment of the guests.. Director, Fr. Walter Crasta was present to encourage the  community of Gomoh . Fr. Bene Minji, Bro. Felix Crasta , Sisters, teachers and school children joined together and made the day a memorable one. Fathers from Dhanbad and the adjoining places came in the evening for an agape at DBH.

 

St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri :    The  Welfare Centre has announced  new admission for the spoken English classes , Public Speaking and Personality development sessions . The Yoga classes began on a low gear and Director Fr. Leo expects a big rush for the next session Yoga classes..

 

 

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri :  The Parish Council had many meetings to take stock of the activities of the  Parish Organizations. They indeed opted for a historic decision to cancel Mass on Sunday, 8^th February.   The Parish Council arranged a special Mass on 15^{th February} presided at by the Parish Priest, Fr. Jerome Pereira and Frs. Leo and Cyril as con-celebrants. On 26^th Fr. Leo D’Souza received the sad news of the demise of his father in Mangalore and rushed home for the funeral rite with his uncle Fr. Felix D’Souza. The Parish Council is busy preparing for the forthcoming retreat on the 1^st,2^nd and 3^rd March at the Cathedral by a team from Rourkela, headed by Fr. Blasius Lakra.

 

Shrine of Our Lady of Khuntpani : Sr. Carmella FC. Organized a seminar for the youth of Khuntpani area from 21^st to 23^rd February at the shrine campus on the theme “ Social awareness & our response”. Fr. Valerian Lobo facilitated the sessions.

 

Jesu Bhavan, Mango : Fr. Manu Horo organized a special meeting of the diocesan Santhal missionaries at Jesu Bhavan on 9^th February.  Fr. Walter Kongari, S.J chaired the meeting. The group discussed on the various action plans to be implemented in the diocese and that evangelization work will continue with greater enthusiasm and co-ordination. Frs. Edward Kongari, Sushil Jojo, Sushil Balmuchu, George Manna, Walter Kongari, Manu Horo and .Junas Bhengra. were present . Though many were invited and expected to be part of the meeting did not show up to shoulder the real responsibility of the mission work. The Annual Santhal colloquium is expected be held at Upasana from the 8^th to 11^th  March.

 

Christ the King Parish, CKP : Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and dedicated the newly constructed Church building at Rajaparam on 8^th Sunday at 9.00 a.m. during a solemn con-celebrated Eucharist . The Catholics from the nearby villages were present to witness the historic event. Immediately after the Blessing and Mass, the villagers gave nasta to all and felicitated the Bishop and the guests with dances and songs for 2 hours. The villagers thanked the Architect, Mr. Ephrem Kispotta, Contractor, Mr. Gopal Sharma and others for the beautiful Church. This was followed by a community meal for all those who came for the celebrations. Congratulations to one and all for the new venture.

 

St. Xavier’s School, Purulia : The dawn of New Year brought many showers of blessings on the school. For our students brought laurels not only to the school but to the whole of Purulia District.  Subhasis Banerjee of Std IX won the best prize out 349 participants for his Science Model on Checking the False Notes  at the Science Fair held at Silguri on 4^th to 8^th February for Easter Region consisting of 12 states. He was awarded a scholarship of Rs. 500/- for two years and a citation. Our school was adjudged as the best performing school in the eastern region and was awarded a Rolling trophy , a Microscope worth Rs. 3,000.00, two science encyclopedias and a citation. Miss Rosy Goenka of the school was adjudged as a best guide teacher and was awarded Rs.1000.00 and a citation. The outstanding achievement of our school was flashed in the Purulia Cable TV for three days and the local dailies.

Earlier our students bagged the Rolling Trophy for the overall performance at Computer Fair at Purulia District Science Centre. At the science Fair held in Purulia Subashis Banerjee of Std IX won the best prize for science model. Our school was awarded the best participating school Rolling Trophy. In the Inter School Singing and Debating Competition conducted by DAV School, Purulia, Riya Mukherjee and Tripti Jain of Std IX secured the first prizes for English Debate.. At the Purulia District Flower Show the school won the first prize for Merrigold collections and special prizes for Dalia varieties.

The church is being renovated in full swing. The mud road adjacent to the Catholic Ashram is broadened by the Municipality  so that our school children and Holy Child can use it with safety. The second ICSE batch of our school and the first batch from Sacred Heart School, Adra consisting of 57 students will appear for the ICSE Examination from 3^rd March.  [ Hilary Lobo S.J.]

 

CRI, Jamshedpur :  The Annual General Body Meeting of  CRI, Jamshedpur was held at Vikas Bharati on the 14-15^th, February. There were 67 participants and Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the sessions and was present all through. On 15^th Fr. P.D. Thomas, S.J., Director, XLRI presented a paper on the developmental planning prepared by him for the state Jharkhand.  It was well appreciated by all the participants of CRI including Bishop Emeritus J.R. Rodericks, S.J. Fr. Shay Thason gave a short input on value education in our schools. Fr. Vijayan Ofm was elected President of CRI, Jamshedpur and Sr. Anice SJT  treasurer. Fr. Alex Macrenas , Sr. Felicia A.C. and Sr. Gracy SCN are elected as members of the Executive Body. [Bro. Jacob DDS,]

 

Prison Ministry : Fr. Valerian Lobo with the help of  Srs. Sabrina MC and Roger MC conducted a seminar for the inmates of Chaibasa prison on 25^thJanuary. The theme   was

“ Be Good, Be Happy”. The participants numbering 60 were very enthusiastic about the programme .Thanks to Mr. Francis Kongari, the Jail Superintendent for the initiative.

 

XLRI, Jamshedpur : The 13^th JRD TATA oration on business Ethics was held at the Tata Auditorium on 9^th February at 6.00 p.m. His Eminence Cardinal Telesphore P.Toppo delivered the oration on ‘ Corporate Governance and the Church’s Contribution’. The Cardinal was delighted at the standing ovation he received from the elite society of Jamshedpur Township after he delivered the oration.

 

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri :  The 83^rd birthday of Msgr. John Bodra was celebrated on 12^th February . Over 65 clergy and men-religious gathered at the Bishop’s House to wish Msgr.Bodra God’s special blessings. Fr. Victor Misquith , who was to celebrate his birthday on 13^th offered the prayer of blessing. This was followed by  Cake cutting and  family meal. On 17^th February, Fr. Patrick Byrne SVD, Fr. John Kozar and Msgr. Siluvai Ignaci of Pontifical Mission Organizations arrived at the Bishop’s House. Bishop Felix Toppo had arranged a special meeting of all the directors and animators of Bijhan dioceses at Catholic Charities, Sundernagar. 13 dioceses represented and prepared an action plan for the region. After having made short visits to many centers in the diocese the team was reached  to Baripada for their next business meeting in Balasore  diocese.

 

On 24^th evening Mr. Rik Gilis and Miss Ria Norga of Missio Belgium arrived in Jamshedpur for a study tour . They visited many of the institutions in the town on 24^th and met the minor seminarians at Pratiksha . On 25^th they visited Toklo, CKP, Khuntpani and Chaibasa. On 26^th while returning to Ranchi they visited Jesu Marshal, Chowka. They were indeed very happy to have met so many Priests, Sisters and children in the diocese and their involvement in the mission work .

 

Holy Cross Middle School, Chowka :  The Annual School Sports Meet was held at the Jisu Marsal grounds on 15^th February, at 1.00 p.m.. Since the Chief Guest could not reach on time Dean, Fr. Jerome Pereira hoisted the school flag and gave a start to the sports’ events. The 3 hour long events went on smoothly to the satisfaction of one and all.

 

Clergy - Meeting : A meeting of the Diocesan clergy was held on 19^th February at the Bishop’s House, Golmuri from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. facilitated the sessions. The14 point agenda was discussed with much enthusiasm and an action plan was drawn up to strengthen the evangelization work in the diocese.

 

 

 

Holy Family Parish, Kumardhubi :  The ground –breaking ceremony for the new Church building at the Loyola  campus was held on 7^th February. In the presence of Frs. Robert - Amatus, Sisters, Members of the Parish Council, contractor, and few parishioners, Fr. George Manna offered the prayer of blessing and initiated the work Pastor, Fr. Robert broke a coconut to fulfill the law of the land and tradition and distributed sweets to all present. Mr. Ephrem Kispotta, the Architect worked   3 hours to mark the building proper for the foundation. The construction work for the School Hall began on 21^st February.  Congratulations to Frs. Robert and Amatus for the new initiative!

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road : The season of lent began with a Charismatic retreat for the parishioners conducted by Fr. Blasius Lakra and team from Rourkela, It was well attended and Pastor Edwin had to hire Priests for confessions on 28^th noon . The retreat was from 9.00 a.m. to 5. 00 p.m.

                                                                                                kk

Pratiksha, Neeldungri : The Canadian teachers, Joan, Florence and Frans are kept busy with classes for the  seminarians. Rector Fr. Roque  is surprised  that the students can make so much progress in such a short time and that their communication skill and   confidence to initiate  a dialogue with anybody is to  be appreciated.

 

                

Catechism Examination 2003-2004 : This year 1506 children from 14  schools took part in the 2^nd annual diocesan catechism examination held on 14^th February, 2004. The result will be announced shortly. Thanks to one and all who co-operated to organize catechism examination at the diocesan level.

 

 

N A T I O N A L – I N T E R N A T I O N A L   R O U N D – U P S  !

 

 

VHP to reach out to one lakh villages by 2011 : “ VHP, which calls itself a socio-religious organization, is making a conscious effort to change its image from one issue [Ayodhya] outfit to ab organization concerned with the social, economical, religious and cultural uplift of the entire community. This was one of the major issues which came up during the ongoing week-long meeting of the Parishad’s governing council and Trust Board at Hydrabad… The Hydrabad session has decided to take its socio-economic and cultural program to another 30,000 villages by  year 2007, and cover one lakh villages by 2011. The program includes primary education, health care, economic development and cultural awakening among the vanvasi [ tribal population]. Describing the tribals as our “Hindu brothers”, he said that ‘Hindutva inspires us to serve them’ . The instruments identified for these works include, training the trainers, using the tribal youth educated up to 9^th or 10^th standard, training the Kathakars trained in narrating Ramayana and Krishnakatha and sending the mobile temples to the tribal villages. The organization will also show the Ramayana serial of Raamand Sagar at his mobile temple as part of its efforts to create an awakening among the tribals . The economic activities to be taken up by the VHP men in these villages include, planning of fruit bearing trees, horticulture, organic compose and cow protection”. [ Pioneer, 16.1.04]

 

                                                                         

 

Total Ban on Cow slaughter in MP :  ‘ Any person found guilty of cow slaughter or even selling cows or donating cows for the purpose of slaughter would be jailed for three years and fine up to Rs. 10,000 under the Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Ban Ordinance ‘. [ Times of India .24.01.04]

 

Private Schools must take poor students: Delhi HC :  “ The Delhi HC on Tuesday came down heavily on recognized private schools, asking them to honour their undertaking to admit poor students against 25 per cent of seats. The schools had agreed to do so while receiving land at concessional   rates from the Delhi Development Authority [DDA] “. [Timers of India, 21.01.04]

 

“ Leuven  is really ‘shining’  these days as a number of programmes are lined up for the coming days. We have many reasons to feel good. We had a lovely Ash Wednesday liturgy at the Holy Spirit College. Very surprisingly a large number of Flemish( Belgian} students were present. But I missed the liturgy in Leuven only to cherish the unique opportunity to participate in the Ash Wednesday liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome. It was a very beautiful celebration indeed. After the liturgy I met the Holy Father and received His blessings. We have the Holi celebrations for the Indian community and followed by one-day trip to a place yet to be finalized.” [John Crasta, Leuven]

 

“ I am fine here. Everything is going on well with me and my studies. Since I have submitted my thesis, I am much relaxed and free. My defence is scheduled for March 26,2004. I will celebrate Easter here and leave for India on Monday. By the last week of April I will be in Jamshedpur to Msgr. and others”. [ Joy Paul, Canada]

 

Let the State stand aloof from religion : “ The dismissal of the appeals seeking to set aside the acquittals in the Best Bakery Case highlights the dismissal failure of the Gujarat High Court to do justice to the victims of genocide. It brings into focus the need for the judiciary to step in and assert the constitutional separateness of state and religion and proscribe any attempt to use state machinery for any religious purpose. The reaffirmation of a long line of decisions laying down that the state stands aloof from religion is the need of the hour… Chief Justice Khare must take up Abhiram Singh’s case and clear the confusion surrounding the definition of secularism. The time to act is now “. [ Indian Express, 16.02.04]

 

The changes introduced by the new Roman Missal 2002 and the thological vision behind these changes :[2]

C. The Deacon : In the entrance procession, he carries the Book of the Gospels slightly elevated [172]. Arriving at the altar, he places the Book of the Gospels on the altar and kisses the altar at the same the priest does[173].

He is to bow when asking for the blessing and when taking the Book of the Gospels from the altar[175]. Then the bishop may kiss the Book of the Gospels[175].

During the Eucharistic Prayer, the deacon kneels from the epiclesis to the elevation of the chalice. “If there are several deacons present, one of them goes to place incense in the censer… and incenses at the elevation of the host and the chalice [179].

After the priest’s communion, the deacon, receives under both kinds from the priest himself and assists the priest in giving communion to the people. But if communion is given under both kinds, the deacon ministers the chalice” [182].

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