JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                                                 

 

·        Jesus is the Word – to be spoken:

·        Jesus is the Truth – to be told:

·        Jesus is the Way – to be walked:

·        Jesus is the Light – to be lit:

·        Jesus is the Life – to be loved:

·        Jesus is the Joy – to be shared:

·        Jesus is the Sacrifice – to be offered:

·         Jesus is the Peace – to be given:

·        Jesus is the Bread of Life – to be eaten:

                                                                            [Blessed Mother Teresa]

                                                               

 

Diocesan Round up :

                                                   

St. Theresa’s Parish, Jhinkpani :  The feast of St. Theresa of Child Jesus, the Parish Feast was celebrated on October 01with a solemn concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Fr. John Ottoplackal. The choir was excellent and it was  conducted by Fr. Johny P.D.  Immediately after the Mass the school children had an hour-long cultural program in the Hall. Later all joined the parish community for the snacks. The clergy and religious of the deanery were invited for a special lunch to celebrate the feast.

Fr. Johny P.D. while returning from a visit to Barbil on October 02  with the Parish Jeep rammed head on into a huge trailer. Johny and the student companion escaped unhurt. The Jaganathpur shop-keepers recognized Fr. Johny and came to the rescue.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri : Kutkudungri Parish celebrated the Parish Day on October 03 . Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the solemn Eucharist in which he confirmed 7 members of the Parish. The parishioners extended a very warm welcome to the Bishop. Soon after the Mass the Bishop had an hour long meeting with the Parish Council, Mahila Sangh, Youth and  St. Vincent de Paul Society.  The clergy and religious from the town joined the Capuchin community for lunch as part of the feasting. A Charismatic Healing retreat was held at the Parish on October 22,23, 24. Fr. Johny Vithayathil  led the 3 member Potta team in  the retreat. Fr. Jerome Pereira presided at the Mass on the 1^st day and Fr. Johny at the concluding day.

 

 

CRI, Jamshedpur : The CRI, Jamshedpur Unit had its special gathering on October 03 at St. Anthony’s Church Kutkudungri from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 noon. Sr. Ann Thomas shared her experience in conducting prayer sessions at the Parish since 2 years. Fr. Vijayan, President of the CRI was the resource person for the gathering. All the members of the CRI present and priests and religious from the town joined the Atma Deep community for the special lunch prepared by Fr. Leo and team in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

 

St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa :  Dean Fr. Augustine Kullu called a special deanery meeting on October 02 at St. Xavier’s Presbytery to chalk out the annual Khuntpani feast celebrations. Bishop Felix Toppo was present for the meeting. This year Cardinal Telephore P. Toppo will preside at the Con-celebration at 10.00 a.m.. Mrs. Vasula  Ryden of Switzerkland will address the gathering  at 8.30 a.m.

 

Krus Vir , Chaibasa Deanery : Over 680 Krus Vir children gathered at St. Xavier’s School, Lupungutu from October 01 to 03 for the annual deanery Krus Vir rally. Bishop Felix Toppo offered Mass on October 02 and addressed the children to be true disciples of Jesus and give witness to Him by their lives. Fr. Valerian Lobo organized the rally with sessions on various subjects. Many competitions were conducted to invigorate the young minds.

 

Santhal Colloquium : The Santhal colloquium was held at Upasna, Mango from the September 27 to 30.There were 30 participants comprising of clergy and laity, i.e. Tundi –9, Dhanbad-2, Purulia-3, Hatikunder-6, Chandil-5, Dalbhumfarh-1, Rerua-1, Hazaribag-3.  Fr. Savarimuthu, S.J., Director, Alert Centre, Hazaribngah was the resource person. Other speakers were Fr. Walter Kongari, S.J., Fr. Junas Bhengra and Fr. Manu Horo. Fr. Savari spoke on the strength of Tribal culture with reference to constitutional and legal provisions for the benefit of the tribal community. The colloquium focused its attention mainly on retaining the tribal status by the Christian/s. Action plans were formulated for Dhanbad, Purulia and Chandil area. Committees were elected and they will meet in their own areas once in three months. Bishop Felix Toppo met the participants and shared his joy and concern for the Santhal  apostolate.

 

St. Joseph’s School, Golmuri :  On October 04, Monday Mr. Raghuvar Das, MLA,  inaugurated the newly constructed 2 classrooms for St. Joseph’s School . Fr. George Manna offered the prayer of blessing and Mr Raghuvar Das and Fr. Jerome Pereira broke coconuts to fulfill  the local tradition. The school children staged an hour-long cultural program to honor the Chief Guest and other dignitaries on the occasion. Mrs. Arputham Mary welcomed the Guests and Mrs. Vijalakshmi proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Raghuvar Das congratulated the Church for its educational and social activities in the country. Congratulations to Management, staff and students of St. Joseph’s School. The school staff took off at the beginning of the Puja holidays for excursion to Darjeeling led by Sr. Marie Therese, the Principal. They returned on 20th refreshed and relaxed after having seen the rising SUN from the Himalayan end and with colorful gifts for those who did not make to the excursion.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri :  This year a special retreat was arranged for Jamshedpur Diocesan Priests from October 03 to 09 at the Utkal Jyoti Pastoral Centre, Jarsuguda. Fr. Kurian T.K., SVD directed the retreat. Though 16 priests had signed up for the retreat only 13 reached . Frs. Edward Saldanha, Augustine Topno and Herman Tigga opted out. Thanks to Fr. Freddy, the director and the staff for the beautiful arrangements for our Priests. Camille retreated to the Holy Spirit Hospital for 1+ 1 day with malaria attack  but returned with the group .

 

Bishop Felix Toppo directed a retreat at the Upasna for the regional Diocesan Priests from October 03 to 08. Fr. Raphael Monteiro represented the diocese.  Frs. Joseph Surin, Venancius Kandula, Alex Dodrai, Manu Horo and Leo D’Souza took part in the Symposium on “ Modern Science and Tribal Spirituality”  at the SDC, Ranchi from October 15-17. It was inaugurated by Cardinal Telesphore Toppo on October 15.The five returned home with great enthusiasm and vigor.

 Msgr. John Bodra had a fall in the Basketball court of St. Joseph’s School on October 15 during his early morning speed walk. He was admitted at the Mercy Hospital for 8 days .He had another fall in the hospital from a chair to alert the Nurses and Doctors ob duty. He was back at the MTN on October 16 and again busy at the translation desk hale and hearty but says “ no more basket-ball !”

PRO, Fr. Joseph Surin participated at the SIGNIS BIJHAN REGION Assembly in Hazaribagh from Sept. 26-29 . The theme was “Local Church and media”. He presented a paper on ‘Pastoral Communication’. Later he attended the Asian Jesuits Identity Workshop at ISI, Delhi from October 02-06. There were 89 representatives from South-East Asia and Ociana countries. There he presented a paper on ‘Tribal religion’s response to the socio-economic realities of today’.

 

St. Mary’s Church, Bistupur :  Parish Priest Fr. Edwin Coelho celebrated his 55^th birthday[October 04] with the Indian Railway traveling to Mumbai by Gitanli Express. He had been to Mangalore to bless the marriage of his niece and celebrate the wedding silver jubilee of his sister. He returned on October 14. Frs. Elvius Dungdung and Puthumai Raj took care of the parish affairs in the absence of the Parish Priest. Later Fr. Edwin rushed to preach a retreat for the Bethany Sisters at Macmanthro from the 17 to 26^th. During the Puja vacation Fr. Elvius had a chance to go for home visit for few days  and Fr. Puthuma Raj managed the Parish alone. Deacon Tony P.M., S.J., joined St. Mary’s Parish for pastoral ministry in the 1^st week of October. The CAJ[M] organized a special Mass on October 31 at 6.00 p.m. to celebrate the sacerdotal silver jubilee of Fr. P.D. Thomas, former Parish Priest and now in the Parish on special ministry.

 

St. Theresa’s  Parish Sindri : The feast of St. Theresa, the Parish Feast was celebrated  on October 03, Sunday. Fr. Michael Raj was the Chief Celebrant of the solemn Mass at 9.30 a.m. in the Church. Soon after the Mass there was cultural program and lunch for all. The Parish Council had made special arrangements to celebrate the feast as a family united in faith and love. The clergy and religious of the deanery had a special meal on 02, Saturday  noon at the presbytery. Congratulations to Fr. Ajay, Bro. Patrick and the Parish Council for the great spirit. The number at the parish is on the increase as many CRPF families have come and occupied the company quarters.

 

Our Lady of Guadalue Parish, Telco :  The first communion for the parish children was held on October 10  in  Lupita Hall. Fr. Vijay Bhat, the Parish Priest presided at the Eucharist and Fr. Leo D’Souza was the homilist. 27 children received 1^st Communion in the company of their parents, teachers and relatives-friends. It was a festive occasion for the parish. Thanks to the Cluny Sisters for all the special arrangements and training the children so beautifully.

 

St. Mary’s Mission, Bhojudih : Bishop Felix Toppo confirmed 6 young people and gave 1^st communion to 2 children on October 10 during the solemn Con-celebrated Eucharist. The community extended a very warm and affectionate welcome to the Bishop at his arrival. Congratulations to Frs. K.C. and Sunny for preparing the people and organizing the liturgy and treat for all.

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Gomuri : Fr. Valerian Lobo conducted Marriage Preparation Course for 47 eligible individuals from October 15-17 at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre. Mr. Ephrem Kispotta and  Mrs. Rose Marandi supported Fr. Valerian and took sessions on various subjects pertaining to family life. The sessions ended with Mass on Sunday afternoon. At the beginning of the Puja holiday Fr. Cyrill took off with the school staff for excursion to Darjeeling and retuned with broader smiles on 20^th after having seen himself  in Nepali attire.  Sr. Jessy SSH tried her tricks to stop a speeding motorbike while crossing the tiger lines in front the Welfare Centre - result “broken arm’ and “no excursion ’.

 

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar :  The Vikas Bharati had packed programs through out the month. The Governing Body and Annual General Body meetings were held on October 09 at the Vikas Bhartati Hall, The meetings ended with a family meal. On 14^th, Director, Fr. Bopin Pani celebrated his 42^nd birthday with Mass, felicitations, meal with the staff and villa in the evening with the clergy , religious and community members.  Srs. Damayanti, Lata & Jayamma were out conducting camps at Ghatshila-Moubhandar,Maluka, Kitadih as part of their empowering training programs. In the midst of all these activities, Raju Felix  seems to have over powered the Hepatitis viruses which got him admitted at the Mercy Hospital for a couple of days. Sr. Thomsina is much relaxed after having completed the Board Meetings of CC & SJVK and fulfilling the account formalities with the Home Ministry and the district administration. [ Raju Crasta}

 

St. Joseph’s Convent, Mosaboni :The Golden Jubilee of Sr. Christine Marie in Religious life and Final Profession of Srs. Balandina, Bernadette, Flora, Mary and Sybria were celebrated on October 17  during the solemn concelebrated Eucharist presided at by Most Rev. Dr. Felix Toppo, S.J. at St. Joseph’s School at 10.00 a.m. Friends and Family members of the sisters gathered in big number to be part of the celebration. Priests and Religious from the town and neighboring dioceses where the Sisters are working came for the solemn occasion. The program ended with felicitation and family meal.

 

Amar Jyoti, Mango : Bishop Felix Toppo blessed the newly constructed Provincial House for the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Ranchi Province at Amar Jyoti campus on October 21 at 10.30 a.m.  Sr. Josetta SSH, the Provincial Superior inaugurated the building by cutting a ribbon. This was followed by solemn Concelebrated Eucharist presided at by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J.  Later all shared the family meal prepared by the Sisters.

 

“ There are a number of people, and at times Firms, approaching Catholic Institutions promising to arrange a huge donation from unnamed foreign sources. By so stating they collect information, copies of documents etc. from such institutions. Experience reveals that such persons are only interested in obtaining data and information from Catholic Institutions, for misusing the same. Parish priests, Principals and Superiors of Institutions are seriously cautioned against dealing with such an offer and are further requested not to give any information whatsoever to any such people or Firms” [ Bishop Percival J. Fernandez, Secretary General, CBCI]

 

Nirmal Sadan {CMF}, Ghatsila :  The Claretians celebrated their founder’s day[St. Antony Mary Claret] on October 24, with solemn Mass, felicitations and snacks for all at St. Anthony’s Church, Moubhandar. The clergy and religious of the deanery were invited for a special treat in the evening at 6.30 p.m.at Nirmal Sadan . It was the 1^st time that many of our people visited the Claretians at Ghatsila. Thanks to Fr. Terry for taking time off and visiting most of the religious houses in the town to invite for the feast.

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia :  Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. confirmed 319 young people during the solemn Mass on October 24  in the Church.  Pastors Fr. James Quadros, Augustine Topno ,School Teachers, Parish Council Members and the Catechists had prepared them well for the sacrament of Confirmation. Immediately after the Mass the community welcomed the Bishop and had meetings with the various Parish Organizations. On Monday 25, Bishop visited Hata Mission station and confirmed 20 members during  the open-air Mass. The people of Hata were extremely happy to have had their shepherd in their midst and one with them. The whole village was decorated with sarees from the families and it was indeed a big celebration for HATA.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad : The Parish had ‘Navakhani’ celebrations on  October 17 at the Parish Church. Dean Fr. Edward Kongari made sure that all brought along beaten rice and Jaggery for the offertory. Soon after the Mass all shared the beaten rice-Jaggery and took home a share for the people who did not make for the celebration. The Parish has made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrimage to Goa from the 27^th December to pay respect to St. Francis Xavier. Already 160 persons have paid the fare. Great vision indeed ! This year Christ the King Eucharistic procession will be at Digwadih.

 

Pratiksha, Neeldungri :  Fr. Gilbert D’Souza, S.J. made his annual retreat at Pratiksha giving company to Fr. Casmir Vas while all the community members were out on different missions. Fr. Gyan flew to Tailand on October 10 –20 to attend the international conference of journalists, Fr. Alphonse went home for family celebrations, Fr. Roque to Ranchi/Kolkata for various businesses and the seminarians in retreat at Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari with Fr. Cyprian Lobo . All returned home in time to start classes on October 22.

Loyola Hall, Jamshedpur : Provincial, Fr. James Kalapura, S.J. celebrated his  51^st  birthday on October 22 with a special Mass in the morning and  visitors all through the day. Minister, Br. Maxi hosted a starry dinner in the evening in honor of the Provincial. The 4^th Jesuit alumni congress was held at the Fasy Auditorium, Loyola from October 29-31. The campus exploded with loud laughter and exchange of pleasantries at the presence of over 500 alumni participants.  Congratulations to Fr. Augustine Vatta and his associates for the meticulous arrangements for the Congress!

 

N A T I O N A L   R O U N D – U P S :

 

“ I am keeping well. Our classes began on October 12 and I am finding it difficult to follow up the lessons because the professor speaks very fast. Few day’s back we the first year students had a test of Italian language. I did well and those who didn’t will have to attend the course for a year apart from their theology” [Dileep Marandi]

 

“ The fund raising for Goilkera School Project “Spagheti Dinner and Auction” was a great success. The people were very cooperative. The four ladies – Florence, Joan, Fran and Rita worked very hard. Francis was with them the whole day helping them. It was amazing to see how enthused they were. They send you all their love and regards. They say that they miss Jamshedpur ! “. [Fr. Joy Paul]

 

“Here myself is fine and still busy with my DAP. I will be here up to December 16. I have already asked for my return ticket. Hope to get it soon”. [David Vincent]

 

 

 

“ The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, by its Decree of 23.08.2004 ,has granted permission for the celebration of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in all  diocese of India. It is hoped ‘ that the example of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta will encourage all members of the Church in India to respond with generosity to the call to the holiness and the service of the poorest among the poor ”

 

Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo

President CBCI                                                                                     October 14, 2004

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