JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

                        UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN

                        Given, not lent.

                             And not withdrawn-once sent.

                             This Infant of mankind, this One,

                             Is still the little welcome Son .

 

                            New every year

                            New born and newly dear,

                            He comes with tidings and a song ,

                           The ages long, the ages long .

 

                           Even as the cold

                           Keen winter grows not old

                           As childhood is so fresh, foreseen,

                          And spring in the familiar green

 

                          Sudden as sweet

                          Come the unexpected feet,

                          All joy is young, and new all art,

                          And He,too ,whom we have by heart.   

                                                 (Alice Meynell)       

 

GOD BLESS YOU  AT CHRISTMAS

 

 

 

D I O C E S A N   R O U N D – U P :

 

Jeevan Jyothi Convent, TELCO : The JMJ Sisters  had a special celebration to honour their Founder, Rev. Fr. Mathias Wolff, S.J. on Sunday, October 30. The clergy and religious joined the Sisters at noon for a special meal.

 

 

XEALTP – 2005: “ No more IJELP but XEALTP ( Xavier Educational Administrator’s Leadership Training Programme). It was a ten-day programme conducted by the JAMSHEDPUR JESUITS  at  UPASANA training center ,Mango. Jamshedpur, under the  leadership of Fr. Joe Saldanha  (Bom) and Fr. C. Gautam, S.J.. Frs. Tom Nelliakunnel and  Alex Mascrenhas were part of the team.

There were 36 participants comprising 27 men and women religious, the majority of whom were principals from rural schools, and 4 Priests and 5 lay collaborators from urban schools.

 The participants were exposed to a comprehensive and systematically prepared curricula which enabled them assimilate the content and follow the unique methodology of the resource team.

Seeing the rate of growth in the participants and the positive outcome, it is our humble desire to extend this training programme to the school administrators of the southern and western parts of India in the future. We look forward to the cooperation and response of people responsible for educational ministry in the region”. (C.Gautam, S.J.)

 

Peter Arrupe Centre, Rerua: The blessing and inauguration of the St. Joseph’s Study centre took place on November 15. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J offered the prayer blessing and Fr. Carl Dincher, S.J. inaugurated the new block. The guests were welcomed by the school children at 2.00 p.m. in traditional Santhali dance and led them to the decorated podium. Immediately after the blessing ceremony the school children staged dances to entertain the guests. Bishop Felix Toppo in his message congratulated Fr. Walter Kongari for the new foundation at Rerua and his initiative to begin the school for the children of the area - the village committee and parents for their cooperation and support for this new venture.

On 15^{th ,} Tuesday,  the Jamshedpur groups assembled at St. Barbara’s Church, Mosaboni at 10.15 a.m. and Fr. Raphael Monteiro had not only prepared special snacks for all the people who were on the rough road to Rerua but expert guides to pilot all to the right place. Later in the after noon Fr. Raphael rushed to Jamshedpur and got admitted to Mercy Hospital  until November 24.

Bishop’s House, Golmuri: November 13 was a historic day for the diocese. On this day at 10.30 a.m. Mrs. Vassula Ryden and team arrived at the Bishop’s House in the company of Bishop Felix  from Ranchi. Later in the afternoon she met the media persons at the Curia Hall. Mr. Ronlad D’Costa conducted the media session.

Cardinal Telesphore Toppo addressed the media at 4.10 p.m. and proceeded to the School grounds for a rousing welcome by the gathering of 4500 plus faithful anxiously waiting for the honorable guests. The St. Joseph’s school band masters sounded the bugle and the dancing troupe led the guests to the beautifully decorated stage. The Cathedral Mahila Sangh members washed the hands of the guests and welcomed them with flower bouquets. Bishop Felix Toppo gave the welcome speech and invited Mrs. Vassula to address the gathering. Fr. Ignatius Tete, S.J. made the simultaneous translation of her message so quickly and perfectly that nobody could think differently. The 45 minutes God experience of the Mrs. Vassula was listened by the people with much devotion and great respect.

Cardinal Telesphore Toppo presided at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist and exhorted the people to be faithful to the Eucharistic Lord. The Gyandeep children led the Bible procession and St. Robert’s Parish children brought the offertory gifts while Sacred Heart Girls made the ‘Aarti’ to the Lord. The choirs of St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri and St. Joseph’s Cathedral rendered devotional hymns during the ceremony. Dr. Raymond D’Souza was the “Master of the Ceremony’ for the whole program. Congratulations Mr. Ronny D’Costa and the committee members for the superb way of organizing the program in Jamshedpur.

 

Fr. Sudhir Ekka stayed a month at TMH and the operation was successful. He was released from the hospital on November 21 and continues the medication with much care and devotion.

Fr. Kubena is on the move to visit missions and study the construction work at  Bhilai Pahari. He visited Ranchi on November 25 with Bishop Felix and enjoyed his trip. His visit to Rerua   was a wonderful experience and he says “Great Summer Rally”.

On November 26, Saturday the Vice Chairman of the Jharkhand State Minority Commission, Shri Viswanath Rath visited Bishop’s House and met the Principals of 16 of our schools. He has promised to look into the problems we face and appraise the minister concerned with possible solutions. He came 45 minutes earlier and had tea with the community. Fr. Gerry welcomed him and Mr. Ronny D’Costa conducted the sessions, which ended at 5.10 p.m. The media gave elaborate publicity of the event in the town. Fr. Casmir Vas discharged from TMH on 28^th evening and he will continue medication in consultation with the doctors of Mercy. He will stay couple of days at MTN before getting back to Pratiksha.

Bishop Felix Toppo, Bishop Joe Rodericks, Bro. Jacob DDS, Sr. Josetha, SSH and Fr. C.R.Prabhu attended the CCI/RBC-CRI regional meetings at Nava Jyoti, Patna from November 27-30.

Kripa Darshan, Golmuri : Bro. Jacob DDS celebrated his 43^rd birthday on November 19 with a house full people all day along. In the evening the clergy and religious gathered at their residence and wished him God’s choicest blessing. Msgr. John Bodra garlanded Bro. Jacob and Bishop Felix offered the prayer of grace. Bros. Cyprian and Arnold had a trying time to welcome all the guests who rushed in to join the celebrations of the evening.

 

Jesu Marsal, Chandil: Fr. Nicholas Kerketta organized a medical camp on November 13 for the people of the area. Dr. Mohanty, Sr. Elsy Cherian and team had 160 patients to care during the camp. The camps are of great help for the local community to consult a doctor and get free medicines. Congratulations to Fr. Nicholas for the initiative.

St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa: Shri M.P. Mishra, Deputy Commissioner, West Singhbhum was the Chief Guest  and Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., Guest of Honour at the School Annual Day  on November 18 at 4.00 p.m. The school children presented a spectacular program for the enjoyment of the parents, guardians and guests who gathered for the evening at the school grounds. Congratulations to Sr. Lynda and her team at St. Xavier’s English School.

Little Flower School, Telco :  The 40^th Annual Sports Meet -2005 of the school was conducted at the  Sumant Moolgaakar Stadium. Mr Sudhanshu Mishra, Divisional Manager- TPT and Vehicle Division was the Chief Guest . The Olympics style meet gave much joy to the parents, guardians and guests present to witness the events. Congratulations to Sr. Helena, Staff and Students of Little Flower .

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : The Parish organized a Mega Marriage Preparation course on  November 17,18 and 19 at the Welfare Centre for 79 eligible candidates from the town parishes from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Fr. Valerian Lobo headed the resource team. The other members were Fr. Cornelius Tigga, Mr. Joseph Kerketta, Mr. Ephrem Kispotta, Mrs. Rose Marandi and Mr. Anseth Pereira.

This year the Cathedral Parish organized Christ the King Eucharistic procession on November 20 at Golmuri. The procession began from St. Joseph’s School and proceeded to the Agrico grounds, where Fr. James Toppo preached an inspiring homily. Immediately after the Benediction the procession returned to the School Grounds for the final Benediction and Concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Fr. Vincent Pascal,OFM (cap). Mr. Ephrem Kispotta was the M.C. of the whole ceremony.

Congratulations to the Parish Council of St. Joseph’s Cathedral for the well organized Eucharistic Procession- 05.

St. Albert’s College, Ranchi : “ The philosophers attended sessions on  awareness with meditative relaxation given by Fr. John Dhanwar, S.J. from 23-26 October. Frs. David, Ajay and Puthumairaj visited St. Albert’s and offered Mass with the Jamshedpur seminarians. Br. Patrick Khess passed the B.A. examination in the second Division

The first year theologians had the privilege to bless the tombs in the cemetery on All Souls Day. The Albertines had a fantastic opportunity to witness the Charismatic Convention from 12-15 November . All the 1^st year philosophers participated in the renewal.  Fr. C.R. Prabhu took part in the retreat with many other Priests and Sisters of Jamshedpur Diocese”.( Raju Crasta)

St. Xavier’s English School, Purulia:  “ All of us in the school mourn the sudden death of Aishwarya Mukherjee of Std VB who passed away on 26^th October in Asansol due to the suspected dengue fever. A prayer service was held for the repose of her soul.

 Two boys participated in the Third Fr. Kirsh Memorial Inter school Science Quiz Contest at De Nobili School, Digwadih on 29^th October. The second term examinations were held from 7^th November till 18^th.

The procession for the feast of Christ the King which started from the church, going through Bhat Bandh and finally terminated on the school grounds with very meaningful Holy Mass by Pastor Emmanuel Horo. Our security guards are happy now with much needed guard room near the school gate. (Hilary Lobo, S.J.)

Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur :  The solemnity of Christ the King, the Parish feast was celebrated on November 20 . Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief celebrant of the Benediction and concelebrated Eucharist. The procession began at 9.15 a.m. from the Church campus and returned for the Mass. It was well planned and devotional celebration of the parish feast.

In the evening the clergy and religious of the area gathered at the Parish House for a common meal. Congratulations to Fathers and Parish Council members for the meaningful celebration of the feast of Christ the king.

Pratiksha, Neeldungri ;  Fr. Casimir Vas had a mild heart attack on November 22, morning at about 9.15 a,m. He was rushed to Mercy by Frs. Gyan – Ajay and 2 seminarians. He was later rushed to the ICU at TMH. It took 3 days to get his pulse and blood pressure normalized. Fr. Ajay and 2 seminarians kept prayer watch in the hospital on the night of 22^nd.All those who heard of the incident started praying for the speedy recovery of Fr. Casimir. The nurses were so generous that Casimir got the best care at TMH. The seminarians took turns to minister to Fr. Casimir in the hospital. Thanks to Mr. Thomas Murray who rushed everyday to TMH to check on the needs in TMH for Fr. Casimir. Fr. Casimir thanks everybody for their prayers and assistance during his sudden illness this year.

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road :  The ‘First Communion’ in the parish was held on November 13 at the forecourt of  St. Mary’s Hindi school. Fr. Walter Beck was the Chief Celebrant of the Concelebrated Eucharist and Fr. Edwin Coelho, homilist. During the Mass, 28 children received ‘The Eucharistic Lord’ first time in the company of their parents and dear ones. It was a historic day for the Parish to commemorate the event so solemnly. Soon after the Mass the CAJ (M) felicitated the children with gifts and breakfast.

Pastor, Fr. Edwin directed a retreat for 20 would be deacons and 2 deacons of St. Albert’s, Ranchi  at Jesu Bhawan from the 23^rd to 29.

Sacred Heart Church, Adra :  Fr. Sunny Jacobs, S.J. was the Chief celebrant at the solemn Eucharistic procession and Benediction in the Parish on November 20. All the parishioners took special interest to give praise and glory to the King of Kings with their pastors.

The construction work of the school administrative block is going on in good speed. Fr. Edward traveled to Bokaro to study on the lease renewal deeds with the neighboring communities who are hearing the same music from the railways.

St. Mark’s , Toklo : First time this year the Parish had Christ the King Eucharistic procession organized on November 20 at 9.00 a.m. Most of the people from the villages came and participated in the procession praying and singing loudly. It was an occasion for the village community to show their FAITH in public with the other people of the parish.

On November 27, there was another medical camp at Toklo by Dr. Mohanty, Sr. Elsy Cherian ,SCJM and Ms. Sunita of Mercy Hospital. There were 112 people for guidance and free medicines. The team returned after 2.00 p.m. from Toklo. Dr. Mohanty is happy that most of the children and elders attending the camps are showing much improvement.

 

Infant Jesus Church, Sonari:  Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn Concelebrated Eucharist at the Loyola Hall on October 30 at 7.00 a. m  and gave ‘First Communion’ to 19 children and the “Sacrament of Confirmation’ to 25 adults. The choir was superb and the Loyola Hall Candidates -Jesu Bhavan Novices gave the much needed support for the great Parish event. The parishioners felicitated the children and parents before they left for home celebrations. Congratulations to Fr. Cyril Tigga, Members of the Parish Council, Members of the Mahila Sangh.

 

 

DSWC, Dhanbad :  Fr. Gualbert Furtado, the newly appointed deputy Director of DSWC was given a warm welcome by the staff and community on November 05. The Nirmala girls had their sports meet on November 26 at the school grounds. Mrs. Rupam Shukla, wife of the DRM was the Chief Guest and Dr. Mrs. Shirly Titus, Guest of Honor. The girls entailed the guests –parents-guardians with their skilled sports performance in the various track and field items. ([email protected])

 

 

NATIONAL-INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP:

 

Priests and Nuns can become lawyers : “ The Kerala High Court , on Monday, held that nuns and priests could be enrolled as lawyers , provided they did not engage in a fulltime profession, such as teaching or nursing… The Court observed that nuns and priests wetre members of the religious profession. But under rule 2(b) of the Bar Council of Kerala Rules, a profession was defined as ‘analogous’ to trade or business which generates income and not the profession of religion’… The court said, ‘The entry of such persons will add luster to the profession’..(The Hindu, 08.11.05)

 

“ I am keeping fine and doing well. The cold has begun and days are short. It is raining. I have a laptop computer now. On receiving the computer, I have worked on the doctoral plan and put for the approval of the staff of the faculty of philosophy. The guide-moderator has no problem but the dean has his reservations. Dilip is keeping fine. I meet him often. We have received the good news about the coming of our Bishop to Rome. Hopefully he will carry sufficient warm clothes for his travel. We will be there at the airport at 10.00 a.m. on the 3^rd December. Love and greetings to Msgr. Bodra and to all ”. ([email protected])

 

“ It is very nice to read the newsletter even before it is read in by our own people in Jamshedpur. My studies are on a forward march. For Christmas I will be in the diocese of Aachen; just for 10 days, to assist a priest there. Then I come back to leuven to continue my studies. Nice to learn that Fr. Gualbert is fine now. Hope that Fr. Herman will be perfectly fine soon. Do convey my love to our dear Monsignore and others at MTN. All arrangements are made for the Bishop’s coming here. He will stay at the Holy Spirit College. How is Fr. Casimir Vas ? I hope and pray that he will soon return to the Seminary”.([email protected] / 0032-498754614)

 

“NOC not mandatory” to start Institutions of Higher Education: AICTE:  “ No Objection Certificate’ from the State Government is no more mandatory to start new institutions for technical education, announced All India Council for technical Education (AICTE) on Tuesday, November 24, here in Delhi.

Aimed at liberalizing higher education and making the administration more responsible, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has declared that institutions offering higher education will not be burdened with ‘inspection-based decisions”. (cbcisite)

 

Pope Invites Christians to “awaken in their hearts the hope to renew the world”: pope Benedict XVI, calling the season of advent which began on Sunday, Nov.27, a time “full of hope and spiritual expectation”, invited Christians to “awaken in their hearts the hope of being able, with the help of God, to renew the world”. (cbcisite)

 

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