JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

“Sometimes it seems we have been praying a long time and still do not have what we ask. But we should not be sad. I am sure that the Lord means is that either we should wait for a better time, or more grace, or a better gift”. (Julian of Norwich)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diocesan Round – Up:

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : Fr. Boniface Kujur OFM(Cap) hoisted St. Anthony’s flag at the Cathedral premises on June 01 after the solemn Mass. Jharkhand Masihi Seva Samity organized a dinner to thank Fr. Bernanrd Surin and to welcome Fr. Cyril Tigga on June 04 at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri. Fr. Joseph Surin was the Chief Guest.

Fr. Jerome gave a thanksgiving meal to the parish leaders on June 12 for their service to the Cathedral community. There were over 80 people present to enjoy the hot summer evening with their pastor. Mr. Aloke Nobel thanked Fr. Jerome for his dedicated ministry at the Cathedral for the last 4 years.

The excellent matriculate result of St. Joseph’s Hindi school was another joy to celebrate with the staff but the school holiday got extended due to the heat wave in the town. The Sacred Heart Sisters celebrated their feast on June 05 without much celebration but with prayers of thanksgiving. But the 28 seminarians at the Bishop’s House had their share of joy at the expense of Srs. Marie and Anice.

Fr. Jerome was admitted at the Steel City Diagnostic Centre on June 15 and the bony cist on his right leg was removed and given to him for safe custody. Fr. Jerome was discharged the next day from the hospital with the advice for rest and strict diet.

Fr. George Manna installed Fr. Amatus Kujur as Parish Priest and Dean on June 26 during the concelebrated Eucharist at 7.00 a.m.  Mr. Ephrem Kispotta was M.C. for the  liturgy. The three-hour-liturgy and welcome ceremony was well appreciated. The parishioners took this opportunity to give fond and grateful farewell to Frs. Jerome and Cyril Tigga. A parish team led by Mr. Henry Sarky reached Fr. Jerome safe and sound to Sacred Heart Church, Adra.

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia : 5^th June was a day of grand celebration for the Parish. On this day during the solemn liturgy presided over by Fr. James Quadros 98 children received ‘First Communion’, 32 adults received the sacrament of Baptism and seven couples the sacrament of Marriage. The church was packed to capacity.

Fr. James Quadros was negotiating to buy at least the island property beyond St. Augustine’s  College, Manoharpur  and yet to finalize the deal.

Fr. James Quadros read in Fr. Benedict Minj as Parish Priest during the solemn liturgy on June 26 morning .The parishioners had come in big number to welcome their new pastor and to thank Fr. James Quadros. Fr. James was reached to the Bishop’s House on June 30 by a 10-member delegation from Charbandia via Kolabera.

 

Seminarian’s Summer Villa :The Jamshedpur diocesan seminarians accomplished a fruitful villa at the Bishop’s House from June 01 to 04. Bishop Felix Toppo addressed the seminarians during the inaugural prayer service on June 01 at 8.30 p.m. It was a special occasion for the Bishop to make the seminarians aware of the missionary activities in the diocese. The 2^nd day was for sharing and interaction among the seminarians. Deacon Linus Kindo was felicitated during the villa and later he made a presentation on “The challenges of seminarians and how to combat them”. On the 3^rd day Mr. Alphonse Dungdung spoke on “The expectations of the laity from a seminarian” and had an hour long interaction with the group.  Later in the afternoon Fr. Jerome Pereira, dean of Jamshedpur arranged “Tisco Darshan’ and Fr. David was gracious enough to help us with the big-old-ambulance for the trip. Though short the villa was very enjoyable and memorable. Thanks to Pradeep Marandi and Felix Raju Crasta for the organization. (Raju Crasta).

 

Lupita Parish, Telco :  The much awaited  Lupita church construction began in the last week of May and the construction work is awarded to S.S. Constructions, Ranchi. Immediately after, Pastor, Fr. Vijay Bhat left for home holiday to be returned on 12^th June. Meantime Fr. A. Alphonse took care of the Parish ministry and guarded the house.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri :  The new pastor, Fr. Vincent Paschal is on the move to know his flock and to be familiar with the terrain of the Parish. Meantime Fr. Vijayan made few visits to the other parishes to say goodbye to the known people. The feast of St. Anthony was celebrated on June 13 with Mass and procession in the campus.

On Saturday, June 18 Fr. Vijayan took off in a Suma for Banares with some of his belongings and in the company of many parishioners. The new team is at work to get a clear picture of the many parish activities and people.

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road :  On June 10 Fr. Edwin Coleho received the sad news of the demise his father (Alphonse) in Bellur, Mangalore. He was 83 years old and the funeral took place on June 11.

 The novena in honor of St. Anthony was very devotional and the feast was celebrated on 13^th morning. The Parish school got 100% pass result this year with 1^st and 2^nd divisions. Congratulations to Sr. Lini and her dedicated staff.

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari :  On June 11 at 4.30 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo offered the payer of blessing  for the foundation of the Hospital building  at Bhilai Pahari and Fr. Francis Kubena  blessed with holy water the whole construction site and planted 2 spplings. It took almost 2 months to get the drenches ready for the foundation. Fr. Cyprian Lobo was seen all over the campus with a wet towel on his head-shoulders to beat the scorching summer heat. The goats, pigs and cows are seen running about the director as he moves around the campus supervising the work. Fr. Herman rushed to  Kiriburu  on  April 30 to help out at the parish as a substitute for Fr. Richard Miranda for a month and in the 1^st week of June left for home holiday to be returned to Kripa Sadan on 16^th June. The construction work is in progress in all fronts and the pond is getting filled with fresh rain-water.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri : Fr.Kubena left for Czeche Republic on June 13 via Kolkata. Bro. Jacob DDS accompanied him to St. Xavier’s . Fr. Corne was given a fond farewell by the community on June 12 and was reached to Divya Bharati on 14^th morning. He was later introduced to the Parish Priest of St. Xavier’s Chaibasa , Daughters of the Cross at Khuntpani  and  presented to our Lady of Khuntpani , the shrine he will be in charge.

Bishop Joe Rodericks left Jamshedpur on June 06 for Hong Kong –Rome via Kolkata.The 78^th birthday of Bishop Joe Rodericks, S.J. was celebrated ‘Dumdamse’ on June 05 with a special villa.

 The community welcomed Fr. Roque on June 05 when he was reached by Fr. Casimir and the seminarians of Pratiksha in the company Fr. David.

Four of our seminarians ( Alwyn,Anthony Minj, Lucas Lakra and  Tej Minj  attended the ‘Ho’ language classes at TRTC, Chaibasa from the 1^st week of June.

Fr. Gerry returned  on June 19 via Mumbai after the home celebration of his silver jubilee. Frs. Henry, Richy and Edward traveled to Bellur and shared the joy with Gerry and the family. 

Fr. Selva was given a fond farewell by the community on June 20 - Rosary and  family meal. He flew out of India on June 26 and to a rousing welcome by Dilip Marandi and companions at the airport in Italy

Bishop Felix Toppo left Jamshedpur on June 24 for mission preaching in Chicago diocese, USA. He will visit Fr. Joy Paul in Canada and fly back to Ranchi on July 23. The 45^th birthday of Fr. Roque Cardoza was celebrated on June 30 with a special Mass in the Cathedral and a “Villa” for the town clergy in the evening.

 

St. Robert’s Church, Parsudih: The 51^st birthday of Fr. Gulabert Furtardo was celebrated on June 16 with a special Mass and meal for the neighborhood Clergy and Religious in the evening. Fr. Gualbert left for South on June 25 for medical check-up and treatment. Meantime Fr. Sahay Thason returned from his home visit and  handed over the charge of the school to Fr. Puthumai Raj on 20^th and rushed to Kumardhubi on 23^rd to take charge of Loyola School.

 

Welcome to the Diocese :

 

Sr. Lynda UMI                         Principal, St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa

Sr. Margaret Barwa SCN                    Teacher, De Britto School, Gomoh

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad :  The solemnity of St. Anthony of Padua, the Parish feast was celebrated on June 12. Fr. Roque Cardoza presided at the concelebrated Eucharist at 7.00 a.m. in the School Hall. Soon after the Mass there was breakfast for all. Then began the cultural programme by the parishioners. Mr. Martin lakra, ASP, Dhanbad was the Chief Guest. The clergy and religious of the deanery gathered at the presbytery in the evening for the festal meal. Fr. Edward Kongari, Fr. Norbert Kindo and deacon Linus Kindo were too happy to have had such a big crowd for the Mass and the cultural events though the temperature was 45 de. Celsius. Congratulations to the Dean, his associates and community.

Fr. Edward hosted a dinner to thank the out-going pastors/clergy/religious of his deanery and welcome the new comers on June 23 p.m. at the Parish.

The 61^st birthday of Fr. Edward Kongari was celebrated on June 27 with a Mass in the morning and a special meal for the clergy of the deanery in the evening.

 

St. Theresa’s Church, Sindri: Fr. Ajay Tiru read in Fr. Junas Purty as the Parish Priest of Sindri on June 12 during the 7.00 a.m. Mass. Soon after the Mass the parishioners welcomed their new pastor with various cultural items on the stage. This was also an occasion for the parishioners to thank Fr. Ajay for his services to the people of Sindri. Fr. Ajay was escorted to Pratiksha by 3 of the parishioners and presented to Fr. Casimir Vas.

 

St. Albert’s College, Ranchi : Rector, Fr. C.R. Prabhu returned to the Seminary from his USA mission on June 02 to be fit to preach a retreat for the Samaritan Sisters from June 05 at Muri. Fr. Selva went home during the holiday and returned in time to take off for Rome on June 26. The staff and students had special programs to wish Fr. Selva the very best in Rome.

The 1^st year theologians reached St. Albert’s on time to be part of the Vipasna exercises started from June 04 . Raju Crasta was happy to be part of the special retreat. The rest of the seminarians reached on June 16 and the next day began the annual retreats. Bro. Pradeep is elected as the Monitor of the Theologians and Jondko ,  PWD.Head.                

 

Catholic Ashram, Purulia : This year our I.C.S.E. batch 2004-05 have done marvelously well by securing cent percent results. The number of students appeared was 35. The highest marks secured was in Maths with 94 percent. The highest percentage was 82.2. Due to excessive heat all the classes were suspended till 27^th of June. We welcomed Br. Sonu Hansda both in the Catholic Ashram and in the school. Br. Stephen was given a farewell by the hostellers on 15^th before his leaving for Ranchi for Philosophy .  (Fr. Hilary Lobo, S.J.)

 

Holy Family Church, Kumardhubi :  The parishioners of Kumardhubi gave a fond and tearful farewell to Fr. Amatus on June 19 after the special Mass in the Church. Fr. Robert and 10 representatives of the parish community accompanied Fr.Amatus to Golmuri to make sure that he reaches to the right place with all the gifts. Fr. Sahay Thason was given the charge of the school on 24^th morning and later he rushed back to Parsudih for a farewell from St. Robert’s School.

 

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar :  Fr. David took off for a long holiday as soon as the Director, Fr. Bipin returned from Canada. Many training programs were organized at the Vikas Bharati during the month and under the guidance of Sr. Anice. On 12^th Fr. Bipin and Sr. Lata led the Charitas India team to Simdega for the diocesan perspective planning. 

 

Pratiksha, Neeldungri : Fr. Casmir was all in all at  Pratiksha after reaching Fr. Roque to Bishop’s House, Golmuri on June 05. Fr. Ajay joined the community on June 22 and Fr. Gyan returned from Europe on June 23 via Mumbai-Kolkata after having been out of the country for almost a month .The new batch of seminarians started arriving on June 29 and hopefully the new sessions will commence on July 04 with full strength. During the holidays Fr. Casimir prepared sufficient pickle for distribution provided beneficiaries bring bottles. The garden has produced plenty of vegetables and even cashews for fenny provided there are takers..

 

St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa :  On June 14 while Fr. Alex Dodrai was driving towards the Education office one “Scorpio” vehicle attempted  suicide and dashed at the Parish Jeep. The owner of the Scorpio was gracious to make good of the damage immediately and the old jeep will have a new look. Frs. Alex and Eugene drove down to Ranchi and completed the administrative formalities of the change of guard at the Parish School. Fr. Alex Dodrai was a given a tearful-thankful farewell by the staff and students on June 27. The parishioners thanked Fr. Alex and welcomed Fr. Eugene on Sunday, June 26 during the Mass. The clergy and religious of the town felicitated all the out-going and in-coming members of the deanery with a special meal on June 26 at the Parish house.

 

Jesu Bhavan, Mango : The second year novices Abraham, Vincent, Albert, Thomas, Amos, Stephen, Gabriel, Paulus, and Gnana pronounced their first vows in the Society of Jesus during the solemn concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., the Provincial on June 29 at 6.00 p.m. It was a memorable and faith filled event for all . At the end of the Mass Fr. Provincial announced the names of the new Novice Master and Socius and thanked Fr. Hilarius Kongari for his 8 years of mastership at Jesu Bhavan. Soon after the Mass all assembled at the refectory and Fr. Gilbert Menezes, S.J. introduced the newly professed Jesuits to the august gathering with apt notations. He thanked Fr. Hilarius Kongari and congratulated Frs. K.M. Joseph and Shantinathan Mundu.  This was followed by cutting of the cake by the nine new Jesuits and enjoying the special sumptuous meal prepared by Br. Wency and his team.

 

Sacred Heart School , Adra : The school had its first ever ‘Staff development programme ’ conducted during the summer vacation. Frs. Edward, Chonas and the staff took active part in the programme. The focus was ‘ awareness of the MISSION and POLICY of the school. The group succeeded in formulating a clear mission statement for the smooth functioning of the school. The emphasis was then shifted to reflecting on the present context, which led to an evaluation of the school activities, staff involvement, commitment and self-appraisal. The outcome was very positive and unanimously decided to have a proper follow up and evaluation of this year’s activities at the end of the academic year. Thanks to Fr. C. Gautam, S.J. for the well prepared and presented program for the teachers of Sacred Heart School. (Fr. Edward Saldanha)

 

 

Vidya Jyoti, Siadih:  The 48^th birthday of Fr. Michael Jojo was commemorated on June 24. Msgr. John Bodra and team reached Siadih around 10.00 a.m to be part of the colorful celebration. In the evening the neighborhood clergy and religious came in full strength and enjoyed the birthday meal with the community. The hostel children, catechists, workers and some of the parishioners had the special privilege to be part of the mega-celebrations at Siadih.

The Sisters of the Daughters of the Cross will arrive at Siadih on June 02 for a grand welcome by the parishioners on June 03. The new construction is completed for their stay and ministry in Siadih.

 

St. Mary’s Parish, Omra :  Pastor , Fr. Paulus Bodra and Br. Pascal Toppo were busy during the summer vacation to complete the construction of 2 classrooms and the new well in the campus. Meantime they got ready and welcomed the Holy Cross Sisters to the Parish on June 29. The 3 Sisters have occupied the rooms attached to the Church . The people of Omra are happy that the Sisters finally arrived at the parish to help them out in the evangelization work.

 

 

New Ho-English Dictionary by Fr. John Deeney, S.J. is on sale. Direct purchase only Rs.100/. Contact Fr. John Deeney, S.J. LPG !

 

 

National – International round-ups :

 

Schools told to make buildings disabled-friendly : “ Finally recognizing the needs of disabled students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular directing schools to make their buildings not just barrier-free but also provide all necessary disabled-friendly education facilities to make integrated education a reality. From providing access to every part of the school used by the disabled students to the need for better sensitization of teachers, the CBSE guidelines have for the first time brought into focus the much important issue of integrated education” (The Hindu, 05.06.05)

 

“  My last week-end of June (25-26) will be in Germany as someone has requested for assistance. Immediately after that, I will leave for the long summer vacation (of three months). My love to Monsignor and others at the BH” ([email protected])

 

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