JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE
VOL . XXXV No. 11 JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA NOVEMBER, 20005
“ 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)
Engagements
of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. – November – 2005
01 Tue. Vocation Commission Meeting, BH
04 Fri. Meeting of the Parish Priests, BH
SCJM Cong. Feast Mass
O7 Mon.
Fr. Constant Lieven’s Death Anniversary, Torpa
08 Tue. Annual Feast , Khuntpani
10 Thu. Bps-Sups Forum Meeting –SDC, Ranchi
12 Sat Welcoming Vassula Ryden, Ranchi
13 Sun. Sharing by Vassula Ryden, Golmuri
15 Tue. Blessing of New classrooms, RERUA
17 Thu. Vikas Maitry GB
Meeting, Ranchi
18 Fri. St. Xavier’s English School Annual Day, blessing of the New
Block, CBSA
19 Sat. XLRI GB Meet. Alumni Meet, Jamshedpur
20 Sun. Christ the King Procession, CKP
26 Sat. RBC-CRI Meeting, NJN, Patna
27 Sun. CCI Regional Meeting, NJN, Patna
28 – 30
RBC-CRI Pastoral Care of the families, Patna
November
13, 2005 - Sunday
Mrs. Vassula Ryden will arrive in
Jamshedpur and address the Catholic Community at St. Joseph’s School Grounds, Golmuri
on November 13 at 4.00 p.m. This will be followed by a Concelebrated Holy
Eucharist Presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo . All are
invited and welcome. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. has appointed Mr. Ronny D’Costa
as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee to monitor the arrangements. Please
support the committee and make this spiritual event a memorable one.
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.
Mobiles/Telephones
Fr. Augustine Topno –St. Joseph’s School
Charbandia : 9431305042
Holy Family Church, Kumardhubi : 06540-
292086
Fr. Ajay Tiru, Pratiksha :9431541800
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- 1st 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, 9th
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 75th
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 2nd and
celebrated his 56th birthday on 4th 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 13th
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 22nd 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 11th, 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
1st quarter of the roof casting for the hospital was completed on
October 05. Hopefully the 2nd part will be ready for casting in the
1st 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 43rd
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
23rd to 30th.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 28th
September in connection with their projects in Environmental Education under
the guidance of their subject teacher Br. Sonu
Hansda. October 1st 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 6th 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 18th
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)
Cenacle
Experience Retreat at CENACLE ASHRAM, Bilaspur: For Priests/Sisters/Religious
Nov .20 – December 29 – 2005
12 Feb – 23 March – 2006 ; 02 April – 11
May – 2006 ; 21 May – 29 June-2006; 16
July-24 August,2006
10 Sep – 19 Octo -2006 ; 19 Nov – 28 Dec.
2006:
For details and registration contact Fr.
Tomy SAC, Cenacle Ashram, Lalkhadan, P.B.No.2, Bilaspur-495001
e-mail : [email protected] Mobile 09826125063
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)
Catechists’
Training – 2006:
Catechist’s Training School, Tongo
invites candidates for Catechists’ training in 2006. For more details contact –
Bishop’s House – 2340299.
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).