JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

“ You have lifted my soul from the pit

To discover Your Sacred Heart’s Wealth;

I have discovered

The Mercy Your prophets spoke of.

I have discovered

The Love and Meekness Your Disciples tasted;

I have discovered

The Peace, You Yourself have given us.

In Your Sacred Heart, You allowed my soul

To discover

That Suffering is Divine

And Mortification agreeable in Your Eyes”. (Vassula Ryden)

 

 

 

 

 

D I O C E S A N   R O U N D – U P S:

 

St. Theresa’s Convent, Maluka : The feast of St. Theresa of Child Jesus, the congregation feast of the Bethany Sisters was celebrated on October 01. Fr. George Manna presided at the concelebrated Eucharist 11.30 a.m at the convent. The hostel children, staff and students took part in the Eucharist and the feast day celebrations. One little hostel girl dressed up like St. Theresa was visible during the celebrations and she drew the attention of one and all. Immediately after the Mass the staff-children felicitated the Sisters. Later all shared a sumptuous meal prepared for the occasion.

 

St. Theresa’s Parish, Jhinkpani : The solemnity of the feast of St. Theresa , the Parish feast was celebrated on October 01. Fr. Hilarius Kongari, Superior, St. Xavier’s , LPG was the Chief celebrant at the solemn Eucharist at 9.00 a.m. and was the Chief Guest at the cultural program. Fr. Johny P.D. led the choir and it was an impressive and devotional celebration. Soon after the Mass the school children entertained the people with their superb cultural performance. This was followed by a family meal .The clergy and religious of the deanery gathered at the Parish on October 02 evening for a special meal in honour of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus.

 

 

 

 

St. Theresa’s Parish, Sindri: The feast of St. Theresa of Child Jesus, the Parish feast was celebrated on Sunday, October 02 . Fr. Walter Crasta, Director, DSWC presided at the solemn Mass. Immediately after the Mass there was cultural performances on the stage by the parishioners. All shared the family meal prepared by the Parish Council at 1.30 p.m. It was a great occasion for the parish community to have had 8 priests celebrating Mass for them to honor St. Theresa. Congratulations to Fr. Junas Purty and the Parish Council for the well planned parish feast.

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : The Golmuri Youth organized “ Fr. Jesus Calvo and Fr. Marcus Topno Memorial Football Tournament’ on October 02 from 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m.  at the TINPLATE ground. 16 teams took part in the tournament. Mrs. Summan Mahato, wife of Mr. Sunil Mahato, M.P. gave away the awards. Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari came victorious and got the prize money for their hard labor. Congratulations to Fr. Cyril Tigga and the Sonari parish team for their team work. This tournament is held this year after a lapse of   4 years.

 

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri : Bishop Felix Toppo attended the Episcopal Silver Jubilee celebrations of Archbishop Ben Osta at Patna on October 02. He visited our seminarians later in the month at Lucknow and Nagpur.

 Msgr. John Bodra attended the retreat at Upasna from Oct.02-07. Fr. Gualbert volunteered to give support to “Chacha’ at St. Mary’s during the absence of Fr. Edwin Coelho – October 02-28. Fr. Gerry D’Souza left for Kerala-Mangalore for the last leg of his silver jubilee celebrations on October 04. He is expected back in the BH- 1^st week of November.Fr. Alex Dodrai made a quick trip from Namchi to Jamshedpur via Chaibasa during the week long  Puja holidays.

Bishop Patras Minj of Ambikapur visited Jamshedpur on October 12 . He came to give moral and spiritual support to his Priest, Fr. Sudhir Ekka who is getting treated at the Cancer hospital. Sudhir was operated upon by Dr. Ajay Kumar on October 26 at TMH 7.00 a.m. -3.00 p.m. He will continue resting at TMH for another week.

Dr. John Mundu, S.J. stayed with us from October 09-14 and helped out Msgr. John Bodra to review the Mundari translation of the Bible. The manuscript will be ready to go to the press by December. Msgr. will need everybody’s support to get the Mundari Bible out of the press.

  

St. Mary’s Church, Omra :  On October 05 night robbers broke open the presbytery at Omra . They initially attacked the house outside the campus and when Fr. Paulus Bodra and Br. Pascal Toppo heard the commotion outside, locked the house and slipped out through the adjoining jungle into the village. The robbers broke opened the lock and made a thorough search of the house before riding off with the motorcycle and the jeep key. FIR was filed at the Manoharpur police station. Later the police recovered the motor-cycle and arrested all the culprits. Thanks be to God that our men are safe and more courageous now. The villagers are on guard at the presbytery since then to give ‘Z’ grade security to their pastor, Fr. Paulus.

 

Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur :  The Kolhan-Porahat deanery Krus Vir rally was held at CKP Parish on October 8-9. Bishop Felix Toppo presided over the Eucharist on Sunday, 9^th morning. There were 605 boys and girls for the rally. Frs. Halan Bodra and Cornelius Tigga conducted the sessions for the Krus Vir.

 

St. Robert’s Parish, Parsudih:  October 09 was a historic day for the parishioners of St. Robert’s. On this day 23 children received “First Holy Communion”. Fr. Roque Cardoza presided over the concelebrated Eucharist at 6.30 a.m. in the Church. The children were well prepared by the Sisters and catechists. Immediately after the Mass the parishioners felicitated the children and gave breakfast packets. Later they left for home celebrations. There were 5 Priests at the altar and the church was packed to capacity plus hundreds outside. Congratulations to the Parish team for the meaningful celebration.

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road :  The 75^th birthday of Fr. Emmanuel Parappuram, S.J. was celebrated on October 10 at St. Mary’s . Fr. Gualbert Furtado, assisting Fr. Manu during the absence of Frs. Edwin and Elvius made sure that his “Chacha’s” birthday day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor. In the evening the clergy and religious of the town gathered to wish Fr. Manu and shared the sumptuous meal prepared for the occasion.

Fr. Edwin Coelho, the pastor left for Mangalore on October 2^nd and celebrated his 56^th birthday on 4^th October with the Southern Railway. He was on a home visit to bless the marriage of his niece. 

The Jamshedpur Diocesan Youth camp was held at St. Mary’s Church campus from October 10-14. St. Mary’s Hindi and English schools were taken over by the youth for their accommodation. The campus was fully alive and vibrant during the convention days.

 

Youth Convention :  Tha Jamshedpur Diocesan Youth Convention was held at St. Mary’s Hindi School from October 10-14. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J inaugurated the convention on October 10 at  5.30 p.m.  Mr. Birendra Andreas Tete, Station Engineer, Doordarshan, Centre, Golmuri was the Guest of honor and Mr. Ronald D’Costa as special Guest.  There were sessions on biblical themes and moral lessons..355 youth representing the many parishes of the diocese took active part in the convention though few parishes remained ‘locked-out’. Fr. Savarimuthu, S.J. and Mr. Salkhan Murmu addressed the youth on the 13^th afternoon.

 

Pratiksha, Neeldungri: Fr. Casmir Vas kept himself doubly busy in the kitchen making ‘Patradi’ and “Patholi’ for the visitors - house members besides taking the regular classes. All enjoy and ask for more as he is ever willing to oblige.Fr. Gyan guided the seminarians for their annual retreat. Immediately after the retreat the seminarians left for a week’s home holiday and Fr Gyan to “Meera Poly Clinic” with typhoid. Fr. Casimir was down with cold and fever but managed the affairs of PRATIKSHA with ease and courage.

DSWC, Dhanbad:  The month of October was an action-filled one. The Board of Governors met at Nirmala on October 22^nd afternoon and the General Body at 5.30 p.m. The meetings concluded with a special meal. The maintenance work is going on at Nirmala and DBH. Director, Fr. Walter and  Deputy Director, Fr. Michael shifted their residence to the ‘Blooms’ Bungalow leaving more space for the doctors in the campus. The Deputy Commissioner of Dhanbad visited Nimala for the know-how of humanitarian service rendered by DSWC. She was very impressed of the whole work of DSWC. The VVIP’s  extended a very special welcome to the DC.

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari :  Director, Fr. Cyprian Lobo returned from his retreat at Jesu Bhavan on October 09  morning to find his assistant seriously ill. Mr. Thomas Murray rushed Fr. Herman Tigga to Mercy and got him admitted in the ICU. He had high blood pressure and body ache. He seems to have had a fall in the house. Fr. Herman remained in the ICU until 11^th, Tuesday morning. He was freed from the hospital on October 13. He is back and forth at Mercy to consult the doctor with the various test-results.

Fr. Kubena  has already  announced his return to Bhilai Pahari and he hopes to  join the team of  Fr. Cyprian on November  05/6th. Welcome home Fr. Kubena.

The 1^st quarter of the roof casting for the hospital was completed on October 05. Hopefully the 2^nd part will be ready for casting in the 1^st week of November. Fr. Cyprian is busy in distributing the bumper crop of tapioca to all the institutions who are longing for.

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar : The Catholic Charities organized various training programs for the staff and field workers during the month. The 43^rd birth day of Director, Fr. Bipin Pani was celebrated on October 14 with a special assembly of the staff and well wishers in the morning. In the evening at 7.00 p.m. the clergy, religious and family members gathered at the Vikas Bharati and wished Bipin God’s chicest blessings. Fr. David welcomed all and Msgr. John Bodra garlanded Bipin with ‘GEMS’ plus a short wisdom message. This was followed by cutting of the cake by Bipin assisted by his beloved mother. Bishop Felix Toppo offered the prayer of grace and then all shared the family meal with Frs. Bipin , David and the staff. Fr. David has promised to create notable events to celebrate with them at the Catholic Charities more often.

Fr. Bipin and team left for Bettiah on October 22 for the Diocesan training programme  for Bettiah diocese from the 23^rd to 30^th.Fr. David and Mr. Vincent Athaide attended various meetings in Ranchi and Chaibasa in connection with the many projects with the Government of Jharkhand.([email protected])

 

Vidya Jytoti School, Siadih : The Kolhan Inter-school football  tournament was held at Siadih  from October 13-17. It was inaugurated by the BDO of Kuchai. There were 9 teams of boys and 7 teams of girls. The local officer-in-charge of police, Mr. Raphael  Murmu gave away the awards on the concluding day. The following schools failed to participate in the tournament : St. Theresa’s, Jhinkpani ; St. Joseph’s, Charbandia, St. Mary’s, Omra, St. Paul’s Goilkera and St. Xavier’s Khuntpani. Congratulations to all the members of the Committee – Fr. Eugene Ekka, Fr. Vernon D’Souza, Br. Anil DDS, Mr. Kenneth Balmuchu, and Mr. Leonard Topno . Special salaam to Fr. Michael Jojo and his dedicated  Siadih team. (Eugene)

Catholic Ashram, Purulia : The Diocesan Santhal Apostolate Meeting was held at the Catholic Ashram, Purulia on October 18 from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the meeting and the deliberations . The Parish Priests of Tundi, Dhanbad, Adra and Moubhanadar were present for the meeting together with Frs. Manu Horo, Junas Bhengra, Sushil Balmuchu and Walter Kongari. It was a goal-setting exercise after having evaluated the present scenario of the apostolate in the diocese.  Congratulations to Frs. Manu and Walter for the initiative.

 

St. Albert’s College, Ranchi : “ The Albertine family had a break from the busy academic schedule between September 22 and October 04. The following day was the House Picnic. The Theologians found ‘Himi’ falls as the best place to enjoy while the philosophers feasted at ‘Dasham ‘falls. The staff took turns to visit these places and found the brothers safe and sound. The very next day the philosophers divided themselves into four groups and conducted various indoor and outdoor games – competitions. The group of Stephen and Nestor found at last in the top rank bagging the championships.

Bishop Felix Toppo conducted a seminar for the first year theologians on “ The effects of the Inner Dynamics” and Fr. Alex Mascrenas, S.J., Treasurer of Jamshedpur Jesuit Society  for the rest of the theologians on ”Accountancy”. Meanwhile Fr. C.R. Prabhu  found himself stranded in Andhra due to the heavy rains on his way to Kochi for the “Rectors of the Major Seminary” but ‘somehow managed to reach on time ‘ says Fr. Rector. Mr. Christopher and Sr. Pushpa in collaboration with CHABIJ successfully arranged a seminar on “Holistic Health and Healing” for the philosophers from September 30 to October 04. After a week’s class, Jondko Kandeyang managed to fracture his right knee during the games. He is on a slow space but without any outside support” (Raju Crasta)

C.R.I – Jamshedpur :  The Jamshedpur unit of the CRI had its gathering at the Sacred Heart Convent, Jsr on October 23 from 9.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Fr. Joseph Surin, S.J. was the resource person. The two dozen participants were given enriching sessions on ‘Media Education’ by Fr. Joseph Surin, the PRO of the Diocese. The program ended with Holy Mass and a sumptuous meal.(Jacob dds)

 

St. Anthony’s Parish, Kutkudungri: Bishop Felix Toppo gave the ‘Sacrament of Confirmation’ to 39 members of the Parish and  ‘First Communion’ to 12 children during the solemn concelebrated Eucharist in the Church on October 23. The Bishop was given a rousing welcome by the parishioners as he reached the Parish. The Mass began at 7.30 a.m. with a welcome dance by the Ashirvad candidates. The Church was packed to capacity. The choir was superb and sang beautiful devotional hymns to suit the spirit of the day. The celebrations were in perfect order as everybody shared the responsibility to make the common Parish event a memorable one. Congratulations to Frs. Vincent Paschal ,  Boni Kujur and the Parish Council members.  

St. Xavier’s English School, Purulia : The students of  Std VI visited the District  Science Centre on  28^th September in connection with their projects in Environmental Education under the guidance of their subject teacher Br. Sonu  Hansda. October 1^st saw many activities in the school. For the first time the school organized a Trekking Expedition for 23 boys from Std V to VIII to Joichandi Pahar near Adra. They were led by our games teacher Mr. S.K. Abutaleb, Art  teacher  Mr. Ashih Bannerjee and Br. Sonu. It was tiring but very exciting and an event of indelible experiences and achievement. Mr. A.K. Mathew, Ex-Principal, De Nobili, Maithon conducted two days special classes for our ICSE Examination 2006. To celebrate the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, Std. IX students joined the Rally organized by the Purulia Voluntary Blood Donor’s Society. On 6^th October, Std. VII students accompanied by their subject teacher, Ms. Tanushree Das visited a cement factory in connection with their project on hazards of pollution. As soon as the school closed for Puja vacation, Principal Hilary took off to Jamshedpur to make his annual retreat at XLRI enjoying the superb hospitality of the XLRI Community. Meantime, Sr. Letittia left for Krinshnagar to make her retreat. Bishop Felix attended the Santhal Colloquium in the Catholic Ashram on 18^th October along with a large brand of our men involved in Santhal  apostolate. (Hilary Lobo)

 

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 – U P’S :

 

Take Calcium, shed fat :  A high calcium diet results in greater weight and fat loss in obese adults on a low-calorie diet than in those on low calcium diet, claim studies in recent years.

A research team from Copenhagen, Denmark, took particular care to measure energy metabolism in three groups fed three diets with different calcium and protein levels. If found that a high calcium intake increased the amount of fat in the faces by eight grams over a day, says Choice health Reader. The fat that is lost is due to the formation of insoluble fatty acid soaps. This ‘soap’ is not digested and so is lost in the faces.

                                                                                           (Consumer Magazine, May-June,2005)

High-fat diets can turn you gluttonous:  a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition has shown that a long-term high-fat diet may promote short-term over-consumption of highly palatable, high fat foods, by reducing sensitivity to an important feedback signal, which limits eating.

Dr. Mithai Covasa, assistant professor of nutritional sciences and a number of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute conducted a research on rats and found that those fed a high fat diet were less sensitive to a hormonal ‘stop eating’ signal than rats on a low fat diet when they were given access to a high calorie yummy diet.

This study, with rats, is the first to link diminished sensitivity to the hormone following exposure to a high fat diet and over consumption of a high calorie, high fat snack.

                                                                                        (The New Indian Express, August 07,05)

 

 

 

2500 Youth Converge in Bangalore attend National Meet of Jesus Youth:  About 2500 participants from all over India attended the first National Conference of Jesus Youth Movement held at Christ College, Bangalore , October 12-15.

With the theme,   ‘One in heart, one in mind, one in Jesus’ the conference aimed at faith formation. (cbcisite)

 

 

 

Synod Reaffirms Faith in Eucharistic Traditions and Values, Elects Cardinal Toppo to Post Synodal Council :  About 250 bishops from around the world attending the Synod of Bishops Octo. 2-22 , reaffirmed their faith in the Eucharistic traditions and values. They approved on Saturday 50 recommendations for the Pope to consider using them possibly in a post synodal document.

The Synodal  Fathers gathered for the three-week Synod of Bishops which began Oct. 2, formally ending on Sunday. October 23, with a Mass concelebrated with Pope Benedict XVI.

The Bishops elected president of CBCI, Cardinal Telesphore Toppo to the Post Synodal Council which oversees implementation of the thrusts of the Synod. (cbcisite)

 

Synod of Bishops concludes solemnly, 50 recommendations published: Pope Benedict XVI closed the year of the Eucharist ( October 17, 2004 – October 23, 2005) and the Synod of Bishops and celebrated World Mission Sunday by canonizing the first five saints of his pontificate.

Some 252 synodal fathers concelebrated a Mass in St. Peter’s Square this morning, with the participation of tens of thousands of visitors from Italy, Poland and Chile.

Those canonized are :

 

1.        Gaetano Catanoso (1879-1963) of Italy, Priest of the Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria. Bova, and founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Veronica, Missionaries of the Holy Face.

2.        Felice de Nicosia (1715-1757) of Italy, a Capuchin religious.

3.        Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga (1901-1952) of Chile, a Jesuit.

4.        Jozef Bilczewski (1860-1923) of Poland, Archbishop of Lviv  of the Latins.

5.        Zygmunt Gorazdowski(1845-1920) of Poland, diocesan priest of the  Lviv Archdiocese.

                                                                                    (cbcisite)

 

RSS invents another Ram in Dangs: “ On Christmas day in 1998, a nondescript village called Subir in Ahwa (Dangs, Gujarat) hit the headlines when a rally of about 1500 people from Hindu right-wing outfits like VHP and Bajrang Dal turned violent, attacking a missionary school and church. Within a week, 35 churches and prayer halls were burnt down in this tribal district of south Gujarat.. To counter missionaries’ activities and supposed proselytisation among tribals, Sangh Parivar outfits and other neo-Hindu groups (like Swadhyay Parivar and Swaminarayan) have adopted new methods and new means to Hinduise Adivasis, including invention of new traditions and myth making. Attempts at staying off the missionary ‘offensive’ have continued unabated, and latest is a Kumbh mela to be organized by RSS from February 11-13, 2006, at Subir village, around 35 kms from Ahwa, the district headquarters of Dangs. The selection of the place is very significant, because it was here that militant Hinduism was first asserted”.(Tehelka,15.10.05)

 

A rape victim’s sole testimony is enough for conviction: “ The Supreme Court has reiterated that a rape victim’s sole testimony is enough for conviction of the offender and courts should not look for corroboration of the evidence unless there are compelling reasons for such proof”. (hinduonline.com.03.10.05)

Avoid taking rape cases lightly: SC : “The Courts should keep in mind the plight of the victim and also the social stigma, which might practically ruin all prospects of a normal life. Rape ‘is a particularly heinous crime, a crime against society, a crime against human dignity, one that reduces a man to an animal. To view such an offence once it is proved, lightly, is itself an affront to society’, said a three-judge-Bench”. (The Hindu 06.10.05)

 

Saying ‘talaq’ not enough for divorce: Kerala HC: “The Kerala High Court has ruled on Wednesday that mere pronouncement of ‘talaq’ three times, even in the presence of one’s wife, was not sufficient to effect a divorce under the Muslim law”. (timesofindia.com. 07.10.05)

 

 

 

Marriage of a girl above 15 is legally valid: Delhi HC: “The marriage of a girl above the age of 15 is legally valid, provided she does so of her own free will…. The court said that a girl above 15 years can be said to have reached the ‘age of discretion’ and any willful marriage by her would be considered ‘valid, enforceable and recognizable in courts of law’”. (Times of India, 06.10.05).  

 

 

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