JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                                                 

Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest ;

To give, and not to count the cost,

To fight, and not to heed the wounds,

To toil, and not to seek for rest,

To labor, and not to ask for any reward,

Save that of knowing that we do thy will.

                                                                                                     [St. Ignatius  of Loyola]

 

 

 

 

D I O C E S A N    R O U N D – U P:

 

St. Mark’s Centre, Toklo :  The conclusion of Rosary devotion at Toklo Parish was concluded on 31^st  May with  procession and solemn Mass presided over by Fr. Junas Purty. It was an occasion to felicitate Fr. Junas Purty, the newly Ordained Priest of Kolhan and welcome Bro. Bene Kichingia , the special missionary – evangelizer  of the region and the new associate to Pastor Fr. Camille . The celebration ended with snacks and welcome programs . Meantime the school construction work at Jomro is at the final stage .Mr. Gopal Sharma and team managed to fix the roof before rains arrived. Hopefully the children will move into the new classrooms in the month of July.

 

Jisu Marsal, Chandil :  Pastor Fr. Nicholas Kerketta had another attack of cerebral Malaria and got admitted to Mercy Hospital for 4 days. He did take rest under the vigilant supervision of Msgr. John Bodra at Mother Teresa Niwas. Fr. Cyprian Lobo had to rush to Chandil to officiate the Santhali Mass on 6^th June and to revive his familiarity with the community. Cyprian returned smiling after having met so many of his old disciples but missed ‘Jisu budia’ who was admitted to Mercy. Sr. Helen was given a fond farewell by the hostel-school children and the parishioners . She was reached to Katukona by the Frs. Nicholas, Gerry Martin, Bro. Dileep and Sr. Daya on 16^th June . On 28 June Pastor Nicholas sat at the confessional at the Cathedral Church from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon to hear the confessions of two. The solemn Marriage Mass was to start at 10.30 a.m. but began at 12.15 p.m. Chief celebrant, Fr. Manu preached 40 minutes to make up the time loss  and had lunch at 5.00 p.m.!

 

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri : The seminarians holiday villa was held at the Bishop’s House on the 5^th and 6^th. They had the rare chances of having dialogue with Msgr. John Bodra, Frs. Roque, Leo and Bipin, common prayer sessions, games etc. The final day the seminarians prepared a special meal for the members of the community and the guests. All enjoyed the meal and had a grand time in interacting with the youngsters. Sr. Janice SCN was the special guest of honor and was happy to meet her own Gomoh -students – Pradeep and Dileep  in  Priestly formation. Frs. Gerry and Cyprian left for Mumbai-Mangalore on 27 for home holiday and to be returned on 15 July. Dileep Marandi got his Visa on 29 June and left for Delhi by Purushotham Express to catch the flight on 2 July 3.00 a.m. Thanks to the Rector of Urbano for all the help.

 

St. Mary’s, N. Road : Pastor Fr. Edwin Coelho was seen again with his Hero Honda on the road in and around the town. He   hoisted St. Anthony’s flag on 1^st June and gave start to the special devotion at the Parish . He requested the people to give him all the flags, sarees, other offerings and will have them either kept safe or used for the needy of the Parish .Fr. K.M. Joseph, S.J. left St. Mary’s and joined Jisu Bhavan as ‘Socius’ on 28t^h. Fr. K.M. was of great help to the Parish during the hot summer days of May and June when Frs. Edwin and Elvius were out of reach. The 42^nd birthday of Fr. K.M. Joseph was celebrated on 27 {20} p.m. with a family meal . 

 

Prabhu Marsal Parish, Goilkera :  The Parish community gave a tearful and fond farewell to Fr. Ajay Tiru on 13^th Sunday. The  Church was packed to capacity and   the community extended a warm welcome to Fr. Junas Purty, the newly appointed Assistant Pastor. During the same ceremony they thanked Bro. Bijay Barla for his work among them for 6 months. Fr. Junas Purty has already started visiting the villages and getting to know the lanes and by-lanes of the Parish . Meantime Fr. Tobias went to Ranchi to write  the M.A. examination.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri :  Pastor Fr. Vijayan hoisted St. Anthony’s flag on 1^st June to mark the preparation for the solemn feast of St. Anthony on 13^th June. Fr. Boniface was given a warm welcome by the faithful as he took  charge of the school. He has started work on the approval of the school and hopefully it will come through shortly as Fr. Vijayan had done the spade- work well in advance. Fr. Gilbert Menezes, S.J. presided at the solemn  con-celebration on 13 evening in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, the Parish Feast. The Parish Council served meals to all present for the feast day celebration. It is reported that there was an overflow chicken even after 600 plus members ate in full!

 

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad : The feast of St. Anthony of Padua, the Parish Feast was celebrated on 13^th June. Fr. Cyprian Lobo, the Silver Jubilarian – who was ordained at St. Anthony’s in 1979, was the  Chief celebrant  at the Concelebrated Eucharist at 7.00 a.m. in the School Hall. Immediately after the Mass the Parish community felicitated Fr. Cyprian Lobo with songs and dances. Breakfast and tea were given to one and all present for the celebration. It was also an occasion to bid farewell to Fr. Vernon D’Souza  who became the Headmaster of Vidya Yyothi School, Saidaih . The Clergy and Religious of the deanery had a special meal in the evening at the Presbytery. Dean Fr. Edward Kongari made sure that everything went on well and all enjoyed the feast of St. Anthony .

 

Pratiksha, Neeldungri : There much rejoicing in Pratiksha at the announcement of the   intermediate results  - 6 out of 8 got first division and 2 second  division. They are the toppers in the College. The community gave an affectionate farewell to Frs. Felix and Michael on 15 June and reached  them to their respective places . Meantime the seminarians were delighted to see their Rector, Fr. Roque and Minister, Fr. Felix D’Souza with clean heads  . The Spiritual Father, Fr. Casimir Vas joined the community on 21 and the seminarians extended him a very warm welcome. Fr. A. Alphonse , the new Minister reached Pratiksha on 30 June. The new batch of candidates are expected to arrive on the 1^st and 2^nd July.

 

Vidya Jyoti School, Siadih :  The new pastor, Fr. Michael Jojo and headmaster , Fr. Vernon D’Souza, reached Siadih on 16 June to celebrate the birthday of Fr. Halan Bodra. Bro. Marcel Topno, the regent had already his charge a week earlier. The Pratiksha community, CRS groups, Sisters from Cheshire Home , Fathers from Bishop’s House,Fr. Norbert Kindo and Dr. Manu Horo were present for the celebrations in Siadih. The new team took charge during the Mass on 20 June. Fr. Halan moved out to take charge of St. Xavier’s School, CKP on 23 June. The 37^th birthday of Fr. Michael Jojo was celebrated on 24 June with felicitations, games and a special meal. On 27 June another medical camp was held at the school. Dr. Mohanty -Sr. Elsy Cherian and team had 178 patients including hostel children, villagers and parishioners. Frs. Micahael Jojo, Vernon D’Souza and Bro. Marcel made every possible arrangements for smooth functioning of the camp.

 

Lupita Parish, Telco : The  Parish Tamil Sabha made elaborate arrangements to celebrate the feast of St. Anthony on 13 June. Fr. Felix D’Souza was the Chief celebrant of the High Mass at 5.30 p.m. The faithful dared the heavy down pour and gave witness to their devotion to St. Anthony by distributing bread to the poor and helpless. Pastor Fr. Vijay Bhat returned on 4 June after having been out for a month on holiday to continue the Novena prayers started by Fr. Cyprian Lobo.

 

St. Theresa’s Parish, Sindri : Dean, Fr. Edward Kongrai installed Fr. Ajay Tiru as Parish Priest during the morning Mass at the Parish Church on 20 June. The parishioners extended a warm welcome to their new pastor and bid a tearful farewell to Fr. Casimir Vas . Fr. Edward exhorted the people to pray and work with the new pastorto present true Christian witnessing in all their undertakings. Immediately after the Mass the parishioners thanked the out-going PP and welcomed the new . The Santhal community from Tetulia was present in full strength at the liturgy.  Fr. Michael Raj helped Fr. Casimir Vas with an Ambulance to ride down directly and join Pratiksha community on 21 June the as most wanted Spiritual Father.                         .

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra :  The solemnity of the  Sacred Heart of Jesus, Parish feast was celebrated on 20 June. Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., the Jesuit Provincial of Jamshedpur presided at the Con-celebrated Eucharist in the morning.  Immediately after the Mass the parishioners had various items for entertainment and celebration. The football match between the Parish Youth and Parish Council members was well played. Fr. Edward Saldanha, who was the goal- keeper missed every shot to become the best goal keeper in reverse order.  All the parishioners had breakfast and lunch together in the campus to make the feast day a memorable one.

 

St. Joseph’s School, Charbandia : Fr. Augustine Toppno, the newly appointed Principal was given a warm welcome by the staff and students of the school on 21 June at the assembly. Fr. Eugene Ekka was given a tearful farewell by the school children for his dedicated service to the school for the last 3 years as Principal.The school children presented various cultural items to the joy of all present. Fr. James Quadros, the secretary of the school was present for the ceremony.

 

Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari :  Pastor Fr. Bernard Surin presided at the solemn Eucharist in honor  of St. Anthony on 13^th at the Loyola Hall. Though the procession to Sonari began just before the heavy rain , the faithful dared the rain and walked to Sonari in procession. The celebration continued with cultural items and meal for everyone. The media gave good publicity of the celebrations.

 

St. Barbara’s Church, Mosaboni :  Fr. Raphael Monteiro rushed home to be with his ailing sister on 21 June. Fr. Cyprian Lobo took care of the Saturday and Sunday Mass at Mosaboni and was happy to be in the midst of  his old parishioners. The people of Mosaboni are hopeful that the new government at the center will help them get back their jobs in the companies.

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari :  Fr. Herman Tigga was solemnly reached to Bhilai Pahari by  Frs. John Otto and Halan Bodra with all the luggage. Fr. Cyprian was well prepared to welcome his assistant. On 27 Cyprian left for home to celebrate his silver Jubilee with the family members. Fr. Herman seems to be studying the census of the farm to be certain that many animals won’t disappear from the scene in the absence of the Director. The construction work is on steady progress and the pond has water to welcome ducks and pigs.

 

Youth Desk :  Director, Fr. Corne and his deputy Mr. Richard Sarky were on the move conducting youth programs in various  Bhijhan dioceses. June 08-11 at Khunti and 450 youth participated. From  12-14 at Simdega with 400 youth in action. Bishop Joseph Minj inaugurated the convention. May 28-31  Dhanbad deanery had a camp for 45  selected ones at  Gomoh. Dean Fr. Edward inaugurated the same. Fr. Corne  spent 10 days at home and came back to be at his desk  on 28 June.

 

St. Mary’s Parish, Omra :  100 students are regular for the classes at the parish School. Fr. Paulus hopes that more students will join school when it re-opens in June end. Fr. Felix D’Souza started visiting families and getting acquainted with the people and places. The new well has plenty of water and work stopped due to heavy rains. The Jharkhand government project will take care of the old collapsed well. There will be no more shortage of water in Omra !

 

Amar Jyothi, Pardih :  The  Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Amar Jyothi celebrated the feast of the Sacred Heart on 27 June with a special meal for all the clergy and religious of the town. There were more than 100 Priests and Religious gathered for the meal and to wish the Sisters God’s choicest blessings in their apostolate in the diocese.

 

St. Albert’s College, Ranchi : Rector, Fr. C.R.Prabhu returned home on 2 June after his Mission Preaching in the States. He had the opportunity to visit many of his benefactors and contact many more new ones within the short span of time he was in USA. Immediately after his return he preached a retreat for the Ursulines in Purulia Road. The Seminary re-opened on 16 and began with retreats for all groups. Selva is still on the look out for his Passport and may be  he will have to wait another year to join Leuven.

 

DSWC, Dhanbad : Director, Fr. Walter visited Mumbai and Mangalore as soon as his deputy Fr. Michael returned from Chennai.  On 27 June the newly constructed TB block was handed over and dates will be fixed soon for the official inauguration .Leprosy awareness programs are conducted in various schools and at various village segments. Self-help supports are given to the colony patients and children taken to the hostels for better education. Frs. Walter and Michael are doubly busy in giving a new work culture to the organization. No sacrifice and no glory !

 

DBH, Gomoh : The school and hostel  children bid farewell to Bro. Felix Crasta before the holidays began. Felix reached his new destination, Catholic Charities on 12 June . He will be assisting the Director and supervising the computer section of the Office. Fr. Bene made a quick visit to his home and returned  . Bro. Felix Anthony joined the community on 6 June. More number in the hostel is expected this year.

 

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar : Fr. Vincent David was in the news as he started his journey towards Philippines . He was surprised to learn at the Dum Dum airport that his ticket had expired 30 days ago. He managed to get a fresh ticket and reached the university safe. The Catholic Charities team was fully in action with their many programs during the month of June.

 

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 :

 

 

Fort Wayne : “  Greetings from Cyril. I have completed my M. Ed  studies and I have been awarded the best student of the year for achieving good grades .I am continuing my doctorate studies after this”. [[email protected]]

 

What are people looking to a priest for ?  “ We are not dispensable ‘functionaries’ of the Church; we are bridges to the very mystery of God and healers of the soul. When we claim this identity unapologetically, we not only find ourselves; we also provide the Church and our culture with the sustenance they require. This is the vocation, the reality, to which we are called… It is dependent on the Lord Jesus, who never changes, and to whom we are irrevocably united through ordination – the Lord Jesus [who is the mystery of God and the healer of the soul] whom we make present in a tangible and inviting way each day to the countless people whom we serve. To him be honour and glory, now and always”.  [Joseph Bernardine]

 

Leuven : “ Now that I have submitted the thesis, I am free from that. The exams will be in June and I have four courses to attempt. But that is not much heavy. Thank you for your prayers. Please remember that from 3^rd July to 25^th September I will be in Germany doing holiday ministry “. [[email protected]]

 

Aylmer, Canada :  “ It was cold when I returned. So for a couple of days I was  sick-cold & fever. I had my graduation ceremony on the 8^th of June. Bishop was present for the function. It was exciting “. [[email protected]].

 

Fort Wayne : “ I reached here safely. I missed the flight in Detroit, but I was put in the next flight. So no problem. Cyril is fine and is busy with classes. He will have his classes till August 04”. [ [email protected]}

 

Cagayan De Oro City : “People had come to pick me up at the airport as they had received your e-mail and fax .There was a gentleman coming from Bangkok to Manila and helped me to stay at Manila and reached me to the airport at 3.00 a.m .Let me greet  good morning you Philippino –  Mayong Buntag ! I am the only Priest attending the programme from India. I am enjoying my stay “” [ [email protected] ]

 

“ Give us God! Give us the Good News ! Repeat over and over again that The Living God loves us ; that he will forgive us at the first hint of repentance. I repeat we want you to give us God, the Gospel, not your own opinion about the Gospel, not the newest theology . Give us the pure Gospel without compromise ….. The Priest needs to know well both the heart of man , of woman and of child and the heart of The Living God. A tough challenge indeed, but worth the trouble” .[Breaking the Word]

 

Pope John Paul II announces the “Year of the Eucharist”. “ On the feast of the Corpus Christi, John Paul II announced a “Year of the Eucharist “ that the Catholic Church will observe from October 2004 to October 2005. The year will end with the next ordinary assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will be held in the Vatican from October 02-29, 2005, and whose  theme will be – The Eucharist : Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Churc”. [zenit.org.10.06.04]

 

 

Fish oil-exercise keep heart in good shape : “ Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia [USA] have discovered that a session of prolonged exercise and a dose of a fish oil supplement dramatically decreases chances of atherosclerosis, a, a leading cause of heart disease. The results indicated that peak triglyceride levels in the subjects who took a fish oil supplement before eating a high –fat meal were reduced by 38 percent. Those who both exercised and took a fish oil supplement reduced their triglyceride levels by  percent”. [Hindustan Times,11.06.04]

 

Mandatory study of  regional language not a violation : “ The Supreme Court has held that a policy decision of a State that all schools must compulsorily teach the regional language of the  State is not violative of the minority rights. In a recent ruling said that living in a different State, it is only appropriate for the linguistic minority to learn the regional language “. [ The Hindu, 06.06.04}

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