JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                       

 

I would rather walk in the dark with God than go alone in the light.

I would rather walk with Him by faith than walk alone by sight.  (Mary C. Brainard)

 

 

 

             

 

D i o c e s an   R o u n d  -  u p :

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : Frs. Daya Kishore C.SS.R and Marinus Kujur C.SS.R arrived at the Bishop’s House on March 02 to preach retreats at the Mercy Chapel and Cathedral. They visited all the families and preached at the Mercy Chapel from March 04 to 09 and at the Cathedral from March 10 to 16. The poor attendance at the retreats was a cause of real concern for all.

Pastor, Fr. Jerome Pereira brought a good watch-dog from Fr. Vijayan but it could not stand the rigid training sessions at the Welfare Centre . At the very first instance it noticed the gate opened and no watchman nearby ran out to total freedom.

 The solemn inauguration of the perpetual adoration at Mercy Chapel took place on March 20 after the solemn procession with Palms and Mass presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J.   Fr. Stephen Raphael (Kolkota Archdiocese) was preparing the people for two months for this great event. The response of the people for the perpetual adoration is very encouraging. Let us pray that the people will find time to be with the Lord even in their busy schedules.

 

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Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil services at the Cathedral. The Church painting work is in progress and soon we will see the Cathedral Church shinning. Meantime Easter house blessings are in progress with the help of the area leaders. The Holy Shroud was exhibited at the Cathedral on Good Friday and lots of faithful visited and prayed at the Shroud all through the day

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road :  Pastor, Fr. Edwin Coelho soon after the  Parish Mission at St. Mary’s rushed to Lucknow to visit his ailing Priest uncle.

Fr. Tony P.M. seems to be on the move to visit all the families in the parish before he concludes his pastoral year at St. Mary’s.

The 46^th birthday of Fr. Elvius Dungdung, Principal, St. Mary’s English School was celebrated on March 14^th . The school staff and students wished him in the morning and the clergy of the town gathered at the Parish Hall in the evening to share the joy of the day with the parish community at 7.00 p.m.

Fr. Edwin Coelho preached retreats for the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, Adra (Hindi) and St. John’s Parish Tepasai (Ho) during the lent.

Bishop Felix Toppo presided over the Good Friday Liturgy at St. Mary’s. This year the Easter Vigil Services had the readings with visuals on a big screen. Fr. Edwin is happy that this presentation through the modern media kept everybody awake . All the Holy Week Services were held in the open air and the CAJ(M) had made proper arrangements .

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri : The community was honoured by the visits of Bishop Thomas Thiruthalil of Balasore Diocese and Dr. Joseph Xavier, S.J. from the Gregorian University, Rome . Finally the excise department verified the supply of Sacramental Wine we received from Vinicola after much persuasion though we have our men at work in the offices concerned.

Fr. Joseph Surin has finally noticed his name in the list of Ph.D aspirants of Ranchi University. Now he has to put in some effort to convince his guide that he is fit and ready to add  ‘DR.’ to his name.

The clergy meeting held on March 17 had 38 priests in attendance. Bishop Felix presided at the sessions and gave inputs on the recent CCBI declaration on ‘Family’. The second session discussed on the proposals of the Diocesan Parish Council. Bishop Felix Toppo gave the recollection for the clergy and religious which began at 3.15 p.m. It concluded with Holy Hour, confession and Benediction. Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the solemn Chrism Mass with 84 concelebrants including Bishop Joe Rodericks. The 4 jubilarians were with the Bishop at the main altar. Immediately after the Mass the clergy and religious numbering over 350 assembled at the Welfare Centre  Hall to felicitate the four jubilarians – Frs. Robert Toopo , Amatus Kujur, Augustine Vattamattam and Gerry Martin D’Souza  with flower bouquets , Shawls and a special action song by Leo D’Souza and  Arnold DDS. Bishop Joe Rodericks offered the prayer of grace before the family meal.

The 40^th birthday of Fr. Cyril Tigga (18/3) and the feasts of Bishop Joe Rodericks and Fr. Joseph Surin was celebrated on 19^th March . Bishop Joe and Fr. Gerry offered Mass for the Little Flower Convent Sisters in the morning and visited Mosaboni and Chaira at different time to wish the Sisters special blessings on the feast of St. Joseph .The community got dispersed during the Holy Week to help out at different places.

 

Loyola College of Education, Telco : Congratulations to Principal, Fr. Victor Misquith and the staff for the spectacular curricular performance and winning the best NAAC grades. This has resulted heavy rush for application forms and prospectus for the year 2005-06. The local newspapers give elaborate coverage of the college activities with visuals and beautiful presentations.

 

  Vidhya Jyothi Mission, Siadih : Bishop Felix Toppo confirmed 14 and gave ‘First Communion’ to 8 members of the community on March 13 during the solemn Eucharistic celebration. The village flock came in full strength and took active part in the celebrations. Frs. Michael Jojo, Vernon D’Souza and Bro. Marcel Topno had already prepared the people for the big event at Siadih. Soon after the Mass the parishioners felicitated the Bishop with songs and dances .All left later after having met and talked freely to their Shepherd.  On 12^th evening the hostel children welcomed the Bishop as he arrived at the Parish. Bishop had a chance to meet with the pastors and elders of the community on the various parish activities being under taken at present. A new room is being constructed for the Daughters of the Cross to welcome them end of April .A new convent will be constructed soon in the property beside the road opposite to the Parish House.

The medical camp conducted on March 20 had over 100 patients. Dr. Mohanty, Sr. Elsy Cherian , Ms. Saroj and Fr. Joseph Surin were busy from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Dr. Mohanty was happy to notice that the hostel children look healthier and stronger. The major problem now seems to be scabies and worms. Frs. Michael Jojo, Vernon and Bro. Marcel are indeed taking great care of the hostel children ,villagers , and the parishioners.

 

St. Mark’s , Toklo : Pastor, Fr. Camile had a busy schedule in the month of March with village retreats, hostel construction, picking up ‘Mahua’, repairs of the residence and getting organized for the  ordination of his own brother,  Benedict at Maluka on April 16. The village community came in full strength for the Holy Week Liturgy and stayed on till Sunday morning. The water re-charging work began and should be in operation with the arrival of the monsoon. This technology should solve the water problem in the campus.

 

Lupita  Parish , Telco : Fr. Joseph Horo, C.SS.R preached retreat at the parish on 20^th,21^st and 22^nd and over 300 people took part it in. On 23^rd the Holy Shroud of Turin was exhibited at the Lupita Hall and faithful came in large number to pray and participate in the solemn liturgy. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Celebrant of the Eucharist in which Fr. Joseph Surin conducted the devotion to the Holy Shroud with healing service.

 

St. Barbara’s Parish Mosaboni :   Fr. Konrad C.SS.R preached a week long retreat at the Parish from March 14 to 19. The Parishioners confirmed their appreciation by their active participation. Fr. Raphael Monterio celebrated his 53^rd birthday on March 27^th . It was an occasion for the parishioners to wish their pastor God’s special blessings on Easter Sunday itself. In the evening the clergy from the neighborhood and Jamshedpur joined Fr. Raphael to share the joy of the day.

 

 

 

Youth Retreat – 2005 : The Youth Director, Fr. Cornelius Tigga organized a retreat for the  youth of Jamshedpur town Parishes from March 11-13 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri. The team led by Br. James Rozario conducted the retreat. The 1^st day there were 125 and it increased to 225 on the last day.

 

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad :  Fr. Marianus Kujur C.SS.R. conducted penitential service for the parishioners of Dhanbad on March 21 and preached retreat at Monnidih on the 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd. It was well appreciated by the people. On the concluding day Pastor, Fr. Edward presided at the Eucharist at 7.30 p.m. The thanksgiving celebrations went on until midnight. The Holy Week liturgy was conducted at the School Hall and it was packed to capacity on all the days. Fr. George Manna presided at the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil. The campus was well decorated by the parish Council members. Each family offered half a kilogram of rice at the Easter Vigil Mass for the poor.

 

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari : The regular visits of the tuskers made the campus community always alert and ready for action. The construction work of the Guest House began on March 16. Fr. Cyprian Lobo blessed the ground and broke a coconut to start the work in the presence of many guests, villagers and laborers.

The 45^th birthday of Fr. Herman Tigga was celebrated on March 29 with a special meal for the community and guests in the evening. Msgr. John Bodra offered the prayer of blessing. Fr. Cyprian was happy that no wild tusker came to disturb the joy of the day.

 

St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa : The Holy Week Liturgy at the Parish Church had house full all the time. The village community came from all over and took part in the liturgy and some stayed on till Easter Monday morning. The Easter House blessings are going on and it may take a month to reach out to all.

 

The 63^rd birthday of Pastor Fr. Alex Misquith, S.J. was celebrated on March 30^th with solemn Mass, felicitations and special meals at noon and in the evening. It was also an occasion for the clergy of the deanery to come together and share the Easter Joy.

 

St. Theresa’s Parish, Sindri : All the parishioners attended the Holy Week Liturgy faithfully. On 25^th evening Fr. Ajay Tiru received news that his father is seriously ill and on 26^th morning he rushed to Appollo Hospital, Ranchi to attend to his father. Fr. Sunny Jacob, S.J. presided at the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses. Bro. Patrick Xess ably manages the activities of the Parish campus.

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia : Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and inaugurated the newly constructed hostel building on March 30. The guardians of the hostel boys, teachers, Sisters and Hostel boys took part in the function. The hostel children extended a hearty welcome to the Bishop. Fr. James Quadros and Fr. Augustine Topno made arrangements for  all to enjoy the inaugural function with snacks and tea. The hostel children have already shifted to the new spacious home. Thanks to Mr. Ephrem Kispotta, the Architect and Mr. Zaffar, the contractor for the  wonderful job. The hostel construction was supported by Manso Unidas.

On March 16 evening Fr. James Quadros received the sad news that his sister in Indore had a massive heart attack and expired at 8.00 p.m. The funeral service was on March 17^th  and Fr. James requests our prayers for the family.

 

St. Mary’s Church, Omra :  Bishop Felix Toppo visited the parish on March 28 . On 29^th Bishop blessed the repaired Church at Kenduda and presided at the Eucharist for the final profession of Sr. Kirti Bhuinya. The whole village community was present for the solemn celebrations at Kenduda under the patronage of their Parish Priest, Fr. Paulus Bodra .

 

 

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar :  Director Fr. Bipin camped at Ranchi during the first two weeks of the March. He attended the BIJHAN Governing Board Meeting on 3^rd and on the 4^th and 5^th he reached Gumla to be with Ms. Carine from Broderlenk Delen (Belgium) and Mr. Sidhartha Pujari (consultant of the organization in India). They came over to Jamshedpur to finalize on the forthcoming projects. They held meetings with the staff and congratulated them for the support they are giving for the realization of the projects.

On 10^th Ms. Sarah and Mr. Haharana (DIAKONIA) visited the Jamshedpur to review the on going projects. On the 11^th the CRS, Ranchi organized a video conference for the farmers of Jamshedpur , Dumka and Daltonganj. The farmers put forward their problems/ difficulties to the panelists at Ranchi. It was a leaning experience for all. Fr. Bipin attended the project partners’ consultation at Ranchi on March 17 and 18.

Fr. David traveled to Coimbatore and participated a  workshop on “Renewable Energy and Poverty Alleviation in Rural India” from 5^th to 14^th. It was jointly organized by Karl Kubel  Institute for Education, Coimbatore and AFPRO. The speakers advocated the participants to avail the use of solar energy in the village areas. The Energy Minister of Germany inaugurated the workshop.

The 3-month Cadre Building program for the social workers of Jharkhand and organized by AFPRO ended at the Vikar Bharati on March 23 with the distribution of certificates to all the participants. The One-day workshop on Legal Aid conducted by Advocate Om Prakash Srivastava at Vikas Bharati had 150 participants. Bishop Felix Toppo inaugurated the workshop. The Provincial and Regional Superior of SJT visited the Catholic Charities to know the work culture of the organization. It was a welcome opportunity for them to understand the developmental participation of CC/SJVK with the poor and the marginalized.

Fr. David was attended the meetings called by NABARD DDM with regard to SHG and the new schemes coming up at Searikela. The international Women’s Day was commemorated in all the village segments where the CRS/SJVK is at work. (David)

 

National-International :

 

Delhi Hindi Academy Awards Rev. Dr. M.D. Thomas for his Book on Kabeer: Hindi Academy, Delhi awarded Rev. Dr. M.D. Thomas for his book ‘ Kabeer our Eesaayee Chintan’ {Kabeer and Christian Thought} with the ‘Saahityik Kriti Sammaan’( Literary Award) 2003-04.

 

Fight Dowry Menace, Urges Jesuit Theologian: A noted Jesuit theologian Father Samuel Rayan has called for ‘organized resistance’ to fight the growing dowry menace in the country.

 

Christians Stage Protest in Kolkata against the Arrest of Fr. Luciano Colusssi, SDB: Over 1000 people gathered at the foot of a Mahatma Gandhi statue in Kolkata, protesting against police atrocities against Fr. Colussi, Vicar General of Krishnagar  Diocese.

Church-related institutions under the Krishnagar Diocese spread out in Nadia and Murshidabad districts in West Bengal have come under harsh police scrutiny and harassment.

Frequent threats of police raids and freezing of Church funds have created tension in the Church circles forcing the West Bengal Christian Council in Krishnagar to call for a strategy meet April 17 and a massive rally  (SAR NEWS)

 

                 

Solar dis-infection of Water (SODIS) :  Use of chlorine tablets, boiling the water and the use of filters are common methods of purifying water which is biologically contaminated.

One method which is low-cost and affordable is called SODIS or solar dis-infection of water. But not many people know about this useful tool which can help anyone with problems about contaminated water.

The SODIS method uses a PET bottle. Typically an empty water bottle or soft drink water bottle can be used. Half of the bottle is painted black from the outside.

Impure water is filled in the bottle to 3/4^th level, the cap closed and then vigorously shaken for 2 minutes to aerate the water. The bottle is then topped up and left with its black surface down in the sun for 6 hours. On very cloudy days it may be necessary to leave the bottle in the sun for up to 2 days.

Through a combination of UV dis-infection and heating of the water above 50 Celsius, the bacterial contamination is rendered inactive and the water is safe to drink. In tandem with rainwater harvesting, it is possible to supply drinking and cooking water free from both chemical and biological contaminations to safeguard the health of communities. It should be remembered however that the SODIS system can take care only biological contamination and not chemical contamination. ( Health Action- March 05)

 

 

Pope Returns to Vatican as People Cheer Him:  Pope John Paul II left the hospital on Sunday. March 13,as large crowds lining the roads cheered him. Patients in robes ventured out on their balconies to bid the Pope farewell, and cries of “Via il Papa” went up as the van pulled away.

 

Pune-based Jesuit Priest gets Best principal Award : Jesuit Father Noel Sheth, president of Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, a pontifical institute of philosophy and religion, Pune, was awarded the Doctor Higginbotham Award for Best Principals of  India, 2004-2005.

Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil inaugurates Pharmaceutical Division at Fr. Muller’s Hospital:

Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil inaugurated the Pharmaceutical Division at Fr. Muller’s Hospital, Mangalore. The Cardinal was in Mangalore to felicitate Fr. Muller’s Hospital on the occasion of its Post Centenary Silver Jubilee celebrations.

 

Priests  : You are saints !

Priests, I am not one of  you and I have never been worthy of becoming a priest.

How do you manage to live after celebrating the Mass ?

Everyday you have the Son of God in your hands,

Everyday you have a power that St. Michael, the Archangel does not have.

With your mouths you transform the substance of the bread into the Body of Christ.

You compel the Son of God to come down upon the altar.

You are great; You are incredible beings, the most powerful that can exist.

Priests, we implore you to be saints ! If you are saints, We are saved:

If you are not saints, then we are lost.

PRIESTS : We want you at the foot of the altar. And at the confessional .

We ourselves are capable of various jobs.

Of constructing buildings, writing newspapers, working and running hither and thither.

But praying is what you do best.

Stay beside the altar; go and keep the Lord company.

Prayer and tabernacle, tabernacle and prayer.

This is what we need. Our Lord is alone and abandoned.

The churches are full only for Mass. How wonderful!

But Jesus is there 24 hours out of 24 hours and He calls to our souls:

“Keep me company, Say a word to me, Give a smile, Remember that I love you.

Just say to me while passing by: I love you dearly.

And then I shall give you.

Every kind of consolation; And all kinds of solace”.  (Anon)

 

Easter infuses New life Family : Cardinal Telesphore Toppo : “Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. After his passion and death, Jesus rose again giving a clear message to the world that he has won over the power of death and darkness. And all who believe in Him will not die but will receive fullness of life “ .

Christian leaders meet Prime Minister to express concern of the Christian community : Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi Catholic Archdiocese led a delegation of Christian community to apprise the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh of the latest developments with regard to the atrocities against the Christian community in the country.

Supreme Court defers verdict on admission to Professional courses in Minority Institutions: The Supreme Court of India on March 16, 2005 differed its judgment on a number of petitions seeking fresh interpretation of two of its earlier judgments with regard to admission procedures to aided and unaided professional courses in minority and non-minority educational institutions.

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