JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

                           It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance,

                           It’s the dream afraid of walking that never takes the chance,

                           It’s the one who won’t be taken who cannot seem to give,

   And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live.   (Amanda           McBroom)                                                                                                                                     

      

 

 

 

Congratulations :

 

 

 

DIOCESAN ROUND-UP:

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad :  The Diaconate Ordination of Linus Kindo was held at St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad on May 01.  Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the solemn Concelebrated Eucharist at the School Hall at 7.00 a.m. Fr. Norbert Kindo was the M.C. The celebrants and the Ordinandi were led to the altar by the dancing troupe of the parish. Immediately after the Diaconate Ordination, the parishioners felicitated the Deacon Linus and the guests. Dean Fr. Edward Kongari had a special meal arranged for the guests at noon.

The land deal at Dobatan is at the final stage and part of the land was registered on May 28. Hopefully another 2 plots will be registered within the next few weeks. Dean, Fr. Edward will  be shuttling to the newly acquired property to supervise the land development works.  

Frs. Norbert and Edward took turns for home visit during the month of May. The catechists and the area leaders organized Rosary celebrations in every area during the month of May.

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : The feast of St. Joseph the worker, the Parish Feast was solemnly celebrated on May 01. Bishop Joe Rodericks, S.J. presided at the pontifical concelebrated Eucharist at 5.30 p.m. in the cathedral. Fr. Hilarius Kongrai, S.J., the homilist inspired the packed church with his wisdom to follow the footsteps of St. Joseph the humble Servant . During the offertory tools were brought to the altar for blessing. Soon after the Mass all gathered at the Welfare Centre Hall for an hour and a half long cultural program by the parishioners. Sr. Jessy SCJM, Administrator, Mercy Hospital was the Chief Guest. The Parish community honoured 5 persons for their outstanding contribution for the welfare of the society, namely Mr. Alphonse Dungdung, Mr. Susai Joseph, Mrs. Teresa Toppo, Dr. Mohanty and  Mr. Louis Topno with shawls and flowers. The celebrations concluded with snacks for one and all. Congratulations to the Parish Priest, his associates and all the Parish Council members for the meaningful celebration of the Parish Day-2005.

 

Fr. Cyril Tigga was given tearful send off by the Mahila Sangh, Youth , and other groups before he shifted his residence to Loyola on May 18.

Fr. Jerome Pereira led the members of the Parish SVP to a mission experience to Toklo and Siadih on may 21 . The group had sufficient time to exchange ideas with the local communities and returned refreshed and better motivated to be an inspiration to the people at the missions.

 

Fr. Jerome had many meetings with Tata Steel authorities regarding Mercy Chapel Extension plans. In the midst of his busy schedule he made good use of his contact with the Telcon Company and through the good office of Mr. Peter Bonnerjee managed to get one bull-dozer to Basahatu to level the ground. This will help the school –hostel children to enjoy games better.

 

Mercy Convent, Baridih: The feast of the foundation of the convent was celebrated on May 03 Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the feast day Mass at 6.30 p.m. in the convent chapel and blessed all the set ups in the campus. This was followed by a family meal.

Sr. Valsala SCJM, the newly elected General was accorded a warm welcome on May 07 at the Tatanagar railway station when she arrived from Delhi. She will have 2 months on hand before she takes up the General’s job at Brussels in the 1^st week of August, 2005.

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road : The area leaders have done a marvelous job in organizing ‘Rosary” in all the areas without any stop-gap. Pastor, Fr. Edwin returned on 15^th after his holiday on home turf to experience the hottest days in Jamshedpur. Meantime Fr. Elvius Dungdung joined the school excursion group to Himachal Pradesh-Delhi and later home visit. May devotions concluded on different days in various areas. Congratulations to the Area leaders for the inspiration.  Manger of St. Mary’s English School, Fr. Edwin Coelho had a trying time to communicate the school results to the many anxious students and parents before Fr. Elvius returned.

 

DSWC, Dhanbad :  Director, Fr. Walter Crasta returned home on May 21 via Mumbai to a rousing welcome by the Dean  and community at Dhanbad railway station .  Fr. Walter had a stormy –successful business tour of USA and Canada. He had the opportunity to meet Frs. Larry Hunt , Joe Lacey , Franck McGauley and others connected with Jamshedpur in USA. Assistant Director, Fr. Michael Raj affirms that Fr. Walter’s mission abroad was a grand success as he had the special privilege to meet many of the benefactors and friends of DSWC.

Fr. Michael was doubly busy taking care of the repairs of the buildings at Govindpur and Gomoh and inspiring the staff for greater co-operation and result oriented planning while the boss was away on business.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri :  Fr. Vijayaqn after having announced his transfer to the holy city of Banares hosted a big dinner to thank the town clergy and religious on May 08 at the forecourt of the Parish Hall. The number of beneficiaries went over 80 for the sumptuous meal. It was also an occasion to commemorate the birthday of Fr. Boniface Kujur and to thank Br. Mukti Prakash Tete, the regent, for his service to the community at Kutkudungri.

The Rosary month of May had prayer meetings organized in all the areas and at the Parish Church daily.  Fr. Vijayan handed over the Parish/Community charges to the new PP Fr. Pascal OFM  during the 7.00 Mass on May 29. Fr. Vijayan will have to stay on for another 15 days to make his successor know the vision and success story of  Kutkudungri Parish for the last years under the leadership of Fr. Vijayan.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri :  Bishop Felix left for the European pilgrimage on May 16 via Kolkata and returned home on May 31. Fr. Kubena, S.J. from the Czech Republic arrived at the Tatanagar railways station in the safe company of Bro. Jacob DDS on May 17 by the Ispat Express. The scorching heat of the day failed them to notice Mr. Bartho at the portico of the railways station but enjoyed the ride on a three-wheeler to reach relaxed at the Bishop’s House. Fr. Kubena has come to study the work scenario at Bhilai Pahari and may be at other missions. He has already visited Chandil, Parishes and Institutions in Jamshedpur town, Amda, Basahatu,CKP. Khuntpani, Chaibsas etc. in the diocese guided by Raju Crasta. He gives time daily to learn Hindi from his Guru – Bro. Jacob DDS,

Fr. A. Alphonse, Fr. Johny left for home visit at the early spell of summer heat. Fr. Gerry left on May 14 to celebrate his silver jubilee with the home crowd on May 21. Msgr. John Bodra traveled all the way to Kalunga on May 09 to take part at the ordination of a family member in the safe company of Dr. John Mundu S.J. and returned on 10^th. Fr. Boniface Kujur OFM stayed at the Bishop’s House for 10 days to help Fr. Jerome in the parish ministry. Br. Felix Raju Crasta took care of the Bishop’s House while many of the staff and community members were either on holiday or out of the region. Msgr. Bodra took another tedious trip to Jareikela of Manoharpur area to visit another relative and returned home safe but exhausted.

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia : Pastor, Fr. James Quadros entrusted the village visitation and house blessing unfinished to Bros. Jondko and Jilson before he proceeded for home holiday.  The seminarians enjoyed their ministry and gained much knowledge from their mission experience at Charbandia Parish. Meantime Fr. Augustine kept himself busy in getting the needed repairs on the school buildings and electrifying . This year’s Mango crop is very good and hopefully they will make some profit from the auction of the trees.

 

St. Mary’s Church, Omra :  Bro. James Surin was of great support to Pastor, Fr. Paulus Bodra during the summer holidays. The family rosary and catechism to the children were well organized at different areas. The well work in progress and hopefully before the rains the stone - wall will be up with clean water for all. The two new classrooms are almost ready except the flooring work. Mr. Bernard Mundu was delighted to meet his old student Fr. Joseph Surin S.J. at Omra on May 16. He says that the thrashing he gave to Joe at Chaibasa during the schooling made him opt to be a Jesuit missionary in Jamshedpur.  

 

St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih:  Fr. Gualbert returned to the Parish on May 08. He is at work to hand over the charge to Fr. Venancius in the 1^st week of June and proceed for another check up at Vellore. Fr. Venancius is busy having area masses and Rosary procession in the various areas. Meantime, Fr. Shay Thason left home visit  and will return in the 2^nd week of June to pack off to Kumardhubi.

 

Youth Training Programs : The Junior Youth group of the diocese had its special training from  15 to 19 June at the Vikas Bharati. There were 79 juniors attending the sessions conducted by the diocesan animators. The seniors had their sessions from 20-24 at Vikas Bharati . There were 59 of the taking active participation in all activities.

Fr. Cornelius Tigga was given tearful farewell by the youth groups and extended a warm welcome to Fr. Joseph Surin, S.J, the new director of Youth in the diocese. Frs. Fabian Bhuinyan, David and Mr. Richard Sarky gave the input sessions for the youth. This was an occasion to make plans for the whole year for the diocesan youth. The diocesan team has made plans move to the parishes and rejuvenate the youth movement in the diocese.

 

Amar Jyoti Convent, Pardih : The Ranchi Province of the Sacred Heart Sisters had their CHAPTER at Amar Jyoti from the 24^th to 28^th May. Fr. Abe Puthumana, S.J. was the resource person. The chapter got concluded on 28^th noon with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and family meal.

The sisters then retreated to silence under the guidance of Fr. Carl Dincher, S.J. at the Provincialte.

 

Catholic Charities :  Director, Fr. Bipin left for Canada  on April 29  and attended a refresher course on Asset  Based Community Development at the Coady International from the 1^st to 20^th May. He had the special privilege to visit Fr. Joy Paul at St. Mark’s Parish, Aylmer before flying back to Jamshedpur to be home on 29^th. Fr. David held the fort and made sure that everything is in order. He had many of the agencies visiting the filed and evaluating the on going projects with the  CC & SJVK. The whole CC-SJVK team were at work with the annual narrative report and audit statements .The Ranchi CRS team was at the office from May 01 to 10 for the annual evaluation of their projects. The USAID Baltimore team – Ms. Ashi Katuria and Ms. Mamta Varma together with the CRS team Mr. Tapan  Sanyal and Ms. Rajshree Peter were with us from 23^rd to 26^th to evaluate the CRS-II funded projects. It was a grand success and congratulations to all the partners and the staff.

Fr. David attended the Annual Partners of CRS Meet at Ranchi from May 16-18. It was a lively workshop. The Diocesan Directors and others who are supported by CRS were invited. Soon after the Workshop Ms. Clodah, the Deputy Country Representative of CRS and Mr. David Solomon , the new Jharkhand and Bihar State representative together with  PSO, Mr. Tapan Sanyal visited our office and the Watershed areas. We thank them for their continuous support. (Fr. David Vincent)

 

Pratiksha, Neeldungri : Frs. Roque and Casimir were busy in looking after the repairs of the buildings and getting organized for the now batch of students to arrive in June end. Fr. Gyan left for Brussels on May 16 to participate in the International Journalist’s Meet. He will visit Malta  prior to the return flight in the middle of June to take over as the Director of Pratiksha. He has plans while in  Belgium to meet Fr. John Crasta at the Leuven University .

This year Pratiksha has plenty cashew nuts from theirown garden. The hard work put in by the staff and students have shown results within such a short period. The  29^th Ordination anniversary of Fr. Casimir was celebrated  on May 31^st with the community though few guests

 

Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari : Fr. Cyril Tigga, S.J. was  installed Parish Priest of Sonari by Fr. George Manna on May 22 during the 7.00 a.m. Con-celebrated Eucharist. Fr. Oscar Horo , Rector, Loyola read out the appointment letter and Fr. Bernanrd Surin, the out going PP presented the new PP to the community. Mr. Lalit Murray officially welcomed Fr. Cyril in the name of the parishioners.

Soon after the Mass the parish community ceremoniously welcome Fr. Cyril with songs, flower bouquets and joyful messages. This was followed by snacks and tea at the basket-ball court. The community plans an official farewell to Fr. Bernard shortly.

 

 Vocation Camp  -05 :  The combined vocation camp for Jamshedpur diocese and province was held at Loyola Hall from May 06 to 14. 55 candidates from 35 parishes of 11 dioceses of 5 states attended the camp. Eleven of the campers are selected for the diocese and 10 for the province. Bishop Felix Toppo and the Jesuit Provincial, Fr. James Kalapura offered Mass for the campers on the 7^th and 8^th respectively. During the camp, talks were given on different themes such as- lives of saints, spirituality of the married life, Sacraments, value education, sex education, religious life, formation in the diocese –society etc. Besides these, group discussions, debates, poster making, singing, musical talent hunt,, fancy dress, quizzes were held. The resource persons were – Mrs. & Mr. Vincent Aathaide,  Fr. Hilarius Kongari, Br. Maxi Lakra, and Fr. Michael Tirkey . Congratulations to the camp managers  -  Frs. Jerry Cutinha, Roque Cardoza, Deacon Sushil Kerketta, Bros. Raju Crasta, Marcel Topno, Somy Mathew and Bipin Kujur. (Raju Crasta-Marcel Topno)

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari :  Director, Fr. Cyprian Lobo began teaching Santhali  for the 7 seminarians who opted the language on Monday, May 1^st. Bro. Sonu Hansda joined Fr. Cyprian to support the 30 -day intensive teaching. He had to be admitted to Mercy with fever after the catch of 35 kgs of pond fish for themselves with mosquito net and baskets in the muddy water. Hopefully all of them have learned sufficiently to communicate in Santhali from their one-month stay at Bhilai Pahari.  All of them had to face the anger of “Chiku” sometime or other while on farm duty. All the 7 will be on field mission after the seminarians villa at the Bhishop’s House to test the effectiveness of the language study .

 

St. Albert’s College, Ranchi :  Rector, Fr. C.R. Prabhu flew to Chicago for mission preaching on May 05. During his tour he visited Fr. Cyril Fernandes at Fort Wayne , USA and Fr. Joy Paul at St. Mark’s ,Aylmer, Canada . He also had the special privilege to meet many of the friends and benefactors of the seminary. He will be back at St. Albert’s on June 02.  Meantime Fr. Selva got all his papers in order to reach Rome on June 29 to join the Italian language course.

 

National –Internationl round ups :

 

Bill on tribal’s rights soon : “The Centre will soon introduce a bill in the Parliament to give legal sanction to the ‘traditional rights’ of tribals in forests and devolve more responsibility on their village councils, Prime Minister Manmohan Sing said on Saturday. Tribals are the closest friends of nature but many groups have only exploited it. Many laws were formulated but they did not fully understand the standpoint of tribals, he said. Dr. Singh expressed the hope the new law would bring a ‘satisfactory solution’ to the long-pending problems of villages located in jungles and forest usage. “The bill will be a solution to many problems, including those related to the use of forests”.  (The Hindu, 1,5,05)

 

Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests invited to worldwide Retreat in Ars, France : Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests worldwide are invited to attend a retreat Sept. 25-Oct.01 in Ars, France, to renew the grace of the priesthood.(cbcisite.com)

 

Four Men arrested while distributing copies of Bible in Orissa : The police have arrested four persons who were distributing copies of the Bible and biblical literature to the people in Rajnagar Block, Orissa .(cbcisite.com)

 

Catholic Girl chosen by UN Body to attend children’s World Summit on Environment : Chynelle Stephen, a class VII student of Loreto School, Elliot Road, has been selected to participate in the children’s world summit for environment in Aichi, Japan, July 26-29. (cbcisite.com)

US Think Tank puts RSS on Terror list : The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been clubbed with 38 other Jihadi (Islamic holy war) and secessionist outfits, by Terrorism Research Centre,a US based think tank . (cbcisite.com)

 

“Yesterday I visited Missio Office and met Ms.Ria Norga. She narrated how she was impressed by her visit to India. She was all praise for Jamshedpur. She remembered her visit to Pratiksha and also has memories of Toklo. Suddenly the weather of Europe has changed to be very warm. It was 33 degrees yesterday. But it is for a short spell. Yesterday I spoke to Fr. Decuyper who is in Belgium. I hope to see him and our own John Crasta next week when I visit Leuven. Later on I will be in Amsterdam for a function” ([email protected] -Brussels)

 

“The TRUE LIFE IN GOD Ecumenical Pilgrimage “Walking with St. Paul and the prophets” in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan was very successfully completed yesterday. There were 300 pilgrims from more than 35- 40 countries belonging to various Christian denominations. We had much sharing and prayers together. It was a moment of grace for everyone. Under the spiritual guidance of Vassula Ryden, we visited many Christian historical places like Harissa, Byblos, Maghdoucheh, Sidon, Damascus, Mantara, Palmyra, Mallulah, Kawkab, Bethany (Jordan), Dead Sea, Petra, Mt. Nebo, Umm-Al-Rasa etc. We also visited the famous Orthodox, Melkite and Catholic churches. Wherever I went I prayed for our Diocese and all our Priests. God bless us all”.( Felix Toppo,S.J)

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