JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

As long as people hunger, as long as people thirst,

And ignorance and illness, and warfare do their worst,

As long as there’s injustice, in any of God’s lands

I am my brother’s keeper, I dare not wash my hands.

                                                                         (J. Ferguson)

 

 

 

D I O C E S A N  R O U N D  - U P !

 

Bishop’s House : Vianney Day- 2005:   The solemnity of the feast of St. John Mary Vianney was celebrated on August 04 with much enthusiasm and fervor. The main attraction of the Day was the Basketball match between Bishop’s 10 against the Provincial’s 10. Provincial, Fr. James Kalapura captained his team and Fr. Roque Cardoza led the Bishop’s team. The match was inaugurated by Msgr. John Bodra . There were many spectators including Bishop Joe Rodericks to cheer the teams. Bishop’s team gave a tough fight during the 1^st quarter and later surrendered to the speedy movements of the Provincial’s team for a glorious defeat – 47-69.

All assembled at the Bishop’s House at 7.00 p.m. for the award distribution ceremony. Bishop Joe Rodericks gave away the awards to each o f the players. Sunil Lakra was adjudged the best player of the match and Henry Sequiera the best player in the reverse order. Henry was given a modern wooden –handled spring umbrella, Ball-bum tea-shirt and a bag. It was a delightful moment for all. Immediately after all rose to wish Fr. Amatus for his 55^th birthday. Msgr. John Bodra honored him with a special garland made of German beauty Soaps. This was followed by cutting of the cake and snacks. Fr. Roque had special preparations laid out for the good taste of one and all.

 

St. Robert’s Parsudih :  The parish celebrated the feast of St. John Mary Vianney on Sunday, August 07, 2005 with a special Mass in the Church in the morning with all the priests of the parish territory present. This was followed by felicitations and a family meal. Congratulations to Frs. Venancius and Puthumai Raj for the initiative.

 

Vidya Jyothi Mision, Siadih : The medical camp conducted by the Mercy Hospital at Siadih on July 31 had 143 patients. The 4 hour long camp had many people from far away villages coming for medical assistance. Dr. Mohanty, Sr. Elssy Cherian and Sr. Esther were very generous and compassionate to one and all. Fr. Michael Jojo , Fr. Vernon, Sr. Pushpa and Sr. Manju helped out all through the camp in guiding the people.

On the same day, soon after the Mass the new convent room and the new hall for the hostel was blessed and inaugurated by Fr. George Manna. This was followed by a cultural programme by the hostel children and the parishioners. All shared a sumptuous meal and celebrated the day in a meaningful way.

 

Christ the King Parish, Chakradharpur:  The parishioners celebrated the feast of St. John Mary Vianney on August 07. Fr. John Otto presided at the feast day Mass. It was an occasion for the people to wish and thank their pastors for their service for the community.  

The school construction is in progress and the 1^st floor roof was concreted on August 10. Fr. Halan and Fr. John were on shift duty for 23 hours for the 6000 plus sq.ft of casting. It is hoped that classes can be shifted to the new site with the celebration of New Year.

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road : The solemnity of the feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary , the Parish feast was celebrated on August 15. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist in the Church at 5.30 p.m. The CAJ(M) had made elaborate arrangements for the parish day celebrations. Soon after the Mass, all assembled at the school hall for a cultural program, which was enjoyed by all. Bishop Felix congratulated the CAJ(M) and the fathers for their dedicated service for the spread of the Gospel and the well being of the community at large. Pastors, Fr. Edwin and Fr. Elvius supported the parish community in all their undertakings for the meaningful celebration of the Parish Day-05. During the celebrations 2 of the parishioners, namely, Mrs. Salome Singh Michiary and Mr. M.P. Anto were honored with shawls and flower bouquets by the Bishop for their outstanding contribution for St. Mary’s Parish. The Parish Priest, Fr. Edwin is still on the look out to give a pleasant surprise and celebrate a day with the clergy and religious of the town. 

 

On August 12, Friday the Parish bid farewell to Mr. Charles Vargehese , one of the eminent parishioners and family during a concelebrated Eucharist. Bishop Felix Toppo was the Chief celebrant at the Eucharist and Fr. Edwin Coelho, homilist. Charles and the family were members of St. Mary’s for the last 14 years and were of great help in all the parish activities. The Parish community wished Mr. Charles Varghese and family God’s chicest blessings as they moved out from Jamshedpur to Goa.

C.R.I- Jamshedpur : The C.R.I Jamshedpur had its meeting on July 31 at Loyola School from 9.am. to 12.00 noon. There were 37 representatives from the various communities listening to Fr. Alex Mascrenas on ‘ Financial Management and Investments’. He summarized the basic rules of financial administration to’ maximize income and minimize expenses’. This doesn’t mean increasing our profits or accumulation of funds without spending. Everybody present opted to invest more money with the mutual fund but not with the CRI. All felt that it was a very useful exercise to know the details of profitable investment. Later all joined the Loyola Jesuit community for the feast day celebrations. (Jacob,DDS)

 

 

Lupita Parish, Telco : All the Parish organizations and committees are at work to raise funds for the church construction. The raffle tickets are already on sale and each family one book is the minimum allotment at the moment. The work has reached to the plinth level and columns are coming up in quick succession. Pastor, Fr. Manu Parappuram is busy monitoring all the activities in the absence of the Parish priest.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri : Former Parish Priest, Fr. Vijayan was on hand to give support to the new team at Kutkudungri for a few days in the beginning of the month. He attended the CRI meeting at Loyola before getting back to Banares. Fr. Boniface presided at the funeral liturgy for Mr. Sylvester Kullu on August 14 at 9.30 a.m and Fr. Edwin Coelho gave the funeral eulogy. Mr. Sylvester died at Ranchi on August 12. He was a very much associated with all the Church activities and helpful to one and all.

 

Kolhan-Porahat Deanery Youth convention: The 3-day Kolhan deanery youth convention was inaugurated on August 13. Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the Eucharist on August 14. He encouraged the youth to be faithful to the teaching of the Lord and be a true witness to His love. The Youth Director, Fr. Joseph Surin and team worked hard to make the convention a grand success. The convention was held at the TRTC, Lupungutu. The camp was attended by 161 youth from the parishes of the deanery. Congratulations to the parish Priests,Youth presidents and Fr. Joe Surin S.J. for the great convention in Kolhan!

 

Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra : The Meeting of the Governing Board of SJVK was held at the Bishop’s House, Golmuri on August 13 at 5.00 p.m. The meeting began with a short prayer led by Fr. David. Bishop Felix Toppo, the chairman welcomed all and specially the new members- Mr. Bailey Bodhanwalla, Fr. P.D. Thomas and Fr. Cadoza . The minutes of the previous meeting was read and passed. Fr. Bipin Pani, Fr. David Vincent and Sr. Lata presented the annual report on the various action heads. The members congratulated the Samket Jan Viaks Kendra family for their noble action among the less privileged group in the society and motivating people to claim their rights for the betterment of the villages/families of the areas. The meeting concluded with snacks.

 

Catholic Ashram, Purulia :  The solemnity of the feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, the parish feast was celebrated on August 15. The feast day Mass was presided over by Fr. Manu Horo and assisted by Fr. Junas Bhengra at 10.00 a.m. Immediately after the Mass all were given snacks-packets. In the evening, the clergy and religious of the deanery gathered at the Catholic Ashram for a special meal.

 

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar:  The Annual General Body meeting of the Catholic Charities was held at the office at Sundernagar on August 20, 2005. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., the president of the Catholic Charities presided at the meeting. The Bishop welcomed all and especially the new members. Sr. Lata and Fr. David read out the minutes of the previous meetings. Fr. Bipin Pani, the Secretary presented the annual report of the organization with visuals on the screen for all to know better.. The members congratulated the family of Catholic Charities for their notable humanitarian service rendered in the remote villages of the diocese. Later all joined the team for the family meal at the Vikas Bharati.

 

Holy Cross School, Chowka:  A medical camp sponsored and organized by the Samket Jan Vikas Kendra was held at the Holy Cross School, Chowka on August 21 from 10.00 a.m to 3.00 p.m. There were 181 patients at the camp. All were given free medicines. Thanks to the Mercy Medical team consisted of Dr. Mohanty, Sr. Elsy Cherian, Sr. Jessy and Ms. Rini. Congratulations to Sr. Jayamma and the staff of SJVK for organizing the camp so efficiently for the benefit of the people of  Chandil-Chowka area. The presence of Fr. Manu Horo was a great help for easy communication and interaction with the people speaking Santhali/Ho/Mundari.

 

St. Xavier’s School, Purulia: We are delighted to inform that the school received 12^th August, 2005,the Permanent No Objection Certificate from the West Bengal State Government for seeking permanent affiliation to the ISC Council, New Delhi and Introduction of XI & XII. It took us more than two years, running from pillar to post, from one floor to another in the Bikash Bhavan, meeting many government officials in the department time and time again overcoming many odds and hurdles. The NOC was obtained for the development of the school. It was not an easy task. Now Principal Hilary is busy preparing for seeking permanent affiliation to the Council

The delayed first term exams were over in the first week of August. The 15^th August saw a very colorful performance by the Junior School and well coordinated march past by the Senior under the command of the Head boy Deepak Kumar to celebrate the 58^th Independence Day. Sr. Stanislaus, the new superior of the Holy Child Convent, Purulia graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Our students from Std X participated in the All India College Competition to mark 150^th Anniversary of Indian Postal Department. The College was indeed a marvelous work of art which bagged the third prize. In order to upgrade the professional qualification five of our teachers will be undergoing modular training from September, 05 in Kolkata organized by the Council. Hilary has been nominated as a member of the Local Advisory Committee of District Science Centre, Purulia by the Executive Committee of Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata. (Hilary Lobo).

 

Carmel College, Sonari:  A musical presentation on “Mother Veronica” was staged at the Carmel College Hall on August 27 at 6.00 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Guest. It was a beautiful presentation by the school children and all enjoyed the hour and a half long program of Dance-drama. Congratulations to Sr. Flavian and the school team.

 

St. Mark’s ,Toklo : On August 28, a medical team consisting of Dr. Mohanty, Sr. Elsy Cherian and Miss Sunita conducted a medical camp at the Parish for the people of the area. It seemed like a small crowd but finally the number went up to 263. Pastor, Fr. Camille had a trying time to interpret to the doctor and communicate correctly the Doctor’s advice to the people. The camp that began at 11.00 a.m concluded at 3.30 p.m. Congratulations to Fr. Camille and the staff for the well publicized program for the benefit of the people of Toklo.

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra: The women’s Day was celebrated in the Parish August 27 from 8.00 a.m to 2.30 p.m. Fr. David Vincent addressed the women in the morning in the Church. This was followed by confessions and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Fr. David presided at the special Mass at 1.00 p.m. followed by cultural programs and lunch .Frs. Jerome and Edward made sure that the parish celebrated the women’s Day in a meaningful spirit.

On August 29, Fr. Edward Saldhana presided at the solemn Mass to inaugurate the novena in honor of Our Lady’s Birthday and hoisted the special flag to signal the solemnity of the feast. The novena and daily Masses are well attended by the community.

 

 

 

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 – UP :

 

Nobertine Fathers set up Juvenile Justice centre in Bangalore : The Norbertine Order of Catholic Priests has started a national centre for juvenile justice in Bangalore. The centre called the National Centre for Juvenile Justice was inaugurated by Karnataka State Minister Gurupadappa Nagamarapalli. (cbcisite.com)

 

Post Office to issue birth, death certificates:  “The Postal Department proposes to start  common service centres, whose functions will include issuing birth and death certificates, according to Dayanidhi Maran, Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology. One lakh such centres would be established. There were six lakh villages in the country and each centre would look after six villages, Mr. Maran told Press- persons after launching several schemes of the department. The scheme is likely to take off this year. The centres would also offer value-added services such as web browsing, he said”. (The Hindu, 19.07.05)

 

Online FIRs from next year : Police ;  “Police across the country will introduce registration of online First Information Reports (FIRs) from early next year, the director of the Bureau of Police Research and development on Monday said. ‘The National Information Centre (NIC) is developing a particular software which would enable the police to introduce the online registration of the FIR’, BPRD Director and Inspector General of Police R.C. Arora told UNI”. (UNI.26.07.05).

 

RSS’s Sewa Bharati sends 40,000 saris for tribal women: “Under its drive to provide clothes to deprived Vanavasi women of the country, Sewa Bharati, Delhi has sent over 40,000 saris and clothes for Vanavasi children. The saris have been sent to different parts of the country… the Delhi unit of the Sewa Bharati had decided to collect atleast on lakh saris and similar drives  would be taken up in other states also”. (Organiser, 24.07.05)

 

No more cacophony at night : SC : “(SC) has imposed ban on use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am at public places….It also directed the police to restrict use of pressure horns by vehicles near hospitals, schools and other educational institutions. The court also reiterated its earlier directive, banning bursting of crackers late at night during Diwali and other festivals which cause a lot of hardship to patients, old people and children”. (Times of India , 19.07.05)

 

 

“ When I look back my last summer ministry and holidays in St. Anthony’s , Dhanbad it was really a wonderful one. So much of pastoral works and lots of opportunities to learn and experience. I really gained a lot during my last summer ministry. I personally feel that all our parishes, institutions must function with that pastoral zeal and commitment.  I appreciate the parish community. Though both of them are advanced in age yet they are able to function there very well. I really enjoyed to be with them. I am very grateful to Fr. Edward Kongari and Fr. Norbert Kindo for all the opportunities they gave me to do ministry as a deacon”( Lins Kindo)

 

 

Sydney: The Host of World Youth Day 2008 : At the end of the concluding Mass of World Youth Day, the Pope proclaimed: “ And now, as the living presence of the Risen Christ in our midst nourishes our faith and hope, I am pleased to announce that the next World Youth Day will take place in Sydney, Australia, in 2008”.

The choice of Sydney as the setting for the next WYD in 2008 has sparked enthusiasm among Catholics and non-Catholics, Church and political leaders, Young and Adult Australians. It is seen as a bid to boost evangelization of Asia and also as a big economic opportunity.

The group of Australian youth, led by Cardinal George Pell, archbishop of Sydney, and other Australian bishops, immediately unveiled a welcome banner for 2008. (cbcisite)

 

 

Kerala State Government Designates Blessed Mother Teresa’s Birthday as “Orphan’s Day”: People across Kerala have welcomed the state government’s decision to observe the birth anniversary of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata as a special day for Orphans .The southern state’s Department of Social welfare announced on Aug. 22 that the late nun’s birthday would be observed annually as Orphan’s Day. Special programs would mark the day in orphanages, officials said. (cbcisite)

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