JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                       

 

“Let us take our cross and begin our ascent to Calvary with courage and joy : through holy communion, Jesus our bread of life is with us and gives us life and strength. It is a strength that comes from this joy, and energy that comes from his passion. Without the passion, without this joy, nothing is possible. We shall not waste our strength in useless things, but shall concentrate on our suffering in search of the Love”. (Blessed Mother Teresa)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D I O C E S AN  R O U N D – U P

 

St. Anthony’s Parish, Dhanbad :  Bishop Felix Toppo blessed the new convent for the Missionaries of Charity at Dhanbad on February 02 in the presence of many Priests,  Religious and Laity at the quarters of DSWC, Dhanbad. Sr. Alphonsina, the regional superior inaugurated the convent by cutting a ribbon. Soon after, Bishop Felix Toppo presided at the inaugural Eucharist in the new Convent Chapel. Fr. Edward Kongari, the Dean of Dhanbad  had the special privilege to welcome the Sisters and many guests to the new foundation of the Missionaries of Charity  in Dhanbad.

The Deputy Commissioner of Dhanbad, Mrs. Bela Rajesh I.A.S was present for the inauguration and donated her one month’s salary for the M.C. Sisters. Mr. S. Goel offered a donation of Rs.5,00,000 00  to initiate the urgent infrastructure in Dhanbad .

All shared the sumptuous meal hosted by the DSWC and wished  Sr. Mewis , the superior of the convent and her 3 companions God’s choicest blessings and support before leaving the campus. The district administration has set apart 5 acres of land for the Sisters besides the Dhanbad Airstrip.

The well work at Dobatan began on 9^th February and good water source was seen at 14 feet deep. The construction of classrooms will begin in the 1^st week of March (Dean)

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De Nobili, Digwadih:  The concluding celebration of the Golden Jubilee of De Nobili School, Digwadih was on February 05. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the solemn concelebrated Eucharist at the Xavier Hall at 10.00 a.m. This was followed by felicitations and a family meal for the clergy and religious in the school library. Congratulations to the DNS family for the prayerful community celebration of the Jubilee year.

 

Loyola School, Jamshedpur:  The ceremonial celebration of the Final Vows of Frs. Jerome Cutinha, Benedict Minj and Shantinandan Mundu took place at Loyola Hall on February 02. Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., the Provincial presided at the concelebrated Eucharist at 6.00 p.m and received the vows in the presence of many Priests, Family members and Friends. The Jesu Bhavan Choir conducted by Bro. Wency was superb.   Immediately after the Mass there was a short felicitation in thehall and  meal with the Jesuit Community.. 

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri : Bishop Joe Rodericks left for Kolkata-Bangalore on 4^th while Bishop Felix Toppo on 7^th morning for the CBCI meeting at Bangalore. Rita Danis and Florence arrived BH on 7^th afternoon in the company of Fr. Michael Raj . They visited Lucknow from 8^th to 13^th with Fr. Roque. Our seminarians were delighted to have met them in their midst.

Fr. Kubena returned from Chennai on 7^th afternoon by the Alleppy Express. From the 14^th to 18^th he visited DSWC-Dhanbad area.

The 84^th birthday of Msgr. John Bodra was celebrated on February 12 with a special villa for the clergy of the town. There were 58 members present to share the joy of the day. The community also felicitated Fr. Victor Misquith whose birthday was on 13^th. Fr. Kubena felicitated Msgr. with a Kurkure garland specially made for the occasion. Fr. Carl Dincher offered the prayer of grace. It was a day of enjoyment for all with Msgr. Bodra.

Fr. Ruben led the 5 member pastoral team from Mumbai to visit Jamshedpur from the 14^th to 18^th. They visited the local religious communities on 14^th and  visited Siadih, Toklo, Sini on the 15^th, St. Albert’s College, Ranchi and adjoining areas on 16^th , on 17^th Goilkera, CKP, Chaibasa and on 18^th Catholic Charities, Pratiksha and other institutions in the town. They returned with an experience of enrichment of cultures and people after having seen the pastoral atmosphere of the diocese especially in the remote areas.

The clergy meeting on Parish Accounts was held at the Bishop’s House on February 23. Bishop Felix gave the introduction and prayed for the success of the meeting. Mr. Satish Sharma, our auditor explained point by point the accounting system and took note of the suggestions from the clergy. Fr. Roque assisted the Auditor to conduct the session. Soon after all gathered at the dinning hall and wished Fr. Cyprian Lobo for his 57^th birthday. Msgr. John Bodra garlanded Cyprian and led him to cut the birthday cake amidst joyful singing by the gathering. 

Mrs. Rita Danis and Mrs. Florence left Jamshedpur on February 26 and reached Canada safe after the tiresome and enjoyable visit of the many missions in the diocese and elsewhere. Fr.Praveen O.P arrived on 25^th to supervise the construction work at Birsanagar . Fr. Halan attended the national Liturgical assembly at New Delhi from 22-24 and returned inspired and strengthened. Frs. Edwin Coelho and Pascal Vincent Sisto, OFM (Cap) participated at the All India Marriage Tribunal meeting at Kolkata on the 15-16^th February. 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : Fr. Amatus called a meeting of the Parish Priests of the Deanery on February 07 to discuss about the Charismatic Retreat by Bishop Vincent Baruwa and Fr. Anil IMS at the Cathedral  on the 5^th,6^th and 7^th April.

Fr. Amatus Kujur, the Parish Priest got admitted to the Mercy Convent and later in the Hospital (Cabin No.06) on February 18 with high fever. He rested for 2days and came home relaxed and refreshed.

St. Joseph’s Welfare organized a blood donation camp on February 18 and there were 38 donors.

St. Anthony’s Church. Maubhandar : The news of the  sudden demise of Fr. Yesudoss, the Founder Parish Priest, on 23^th January saddened the whole Parish. The people of Maubhandar offered special Mass and prayers for their departed shepherd.

 

Loyola College of Education: The 55^th birthday of Fr. Victor Misquith was celebrated on February 13. The town clergy gathered in full strength to wish Victor God’s choicest blessings and shared the family meal. Fr. Gilbert and community worked over time to make the day a memorable one for all.

 

St. Xavier’s School, Purulia :  “ The inspection of the school to obtain affiliation and permission to introduce classes XI and XII was conducted on 30^th January, 2006 by the ISC Council, New Delhi. The inspector visited all the classes and met the staff members. He was highly appreciative of the prevailing infrastructure facilities of the school. We are waiting eagerly for a favourable answer from the Council. Six of our athletes who participated in the all Purulia District Athletic Meet at the M.S.A. grounds brought laurels to the school by their outstanding performance, competing with 850 athletes and bagging seven medals. Angela Mahato of Std VII (the only Catholic girl from our parish) and Abishek Dutta of X won one gold medal each. The Graduation ceremony was held on 28^th January for 64 ICSE students who will be appearing for their examination from 1^st March 2006. The Chief Guest was Bishop Joe Rodericks who spoke to the students on the theme “Love through Service” that brought a lot of inspiration and motivation for their future life. At the end the Bishop presented them attractive mementos. The students are busy now writing the annual examinations and their promotional results will be given out on 9^th and 10^th of March “ (Hilary Lobo S.J.)

 

 

Prabhu Marsal Parish, Goilkera:  17^th February will be recorded as a historic day for Goilkera Parish. On the auspicious day Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed the newly constructed 10 classrooms for St. Paul’s school and Mrs. Rita Danis and Mrs. Florence from St. Mark’s  Parish, Aylmer, Canada inaugurated by cutting the beautiful red ribbon. The parishioners and school children welcomed the guests at their arrival at about 9.15 a.m. with traditional dance and sining. Immediately after the inauguration and blessing the children of the school felicitated the guests with various cultural items. The Bombay  Pastoral team was present for the occasion as special guests. Many missionaries including Msgr. John Bodra  witnessed the historic event.  Bishop Felix presented mementos to Mr. Ephrem Kispotta, the architect and Mr. Zaffar Khan, contractor and workers.

These classrooms are sponsored by the parishioners of St. Mark’s Parish , Canada where Fr. Joy Paul is the pastor. These classrooms will facilitate the local community to get their children educated up to class VII. The blessing ceremony concluded with a family meal.

In the evening the deanery clergy assembled at the Presbytery for the ‘Bara Khana’ with Fr. Tobias Kujur. It was a day of celebration for Prabhu Marsal. Congratulations to Fr. Tobias , the Ursuline Sisters, School Staff, Parish Council Members and the Parish community for the great effort.

 

 

 

Vidya Jyoti, Siadih: Pastor, Fr. Michael Jojo returned on 17^th relaxed and rejuvenated after 4 weeks of home holiday. The medical camp conducted at the school on 19^th by the Mercy medical team had 110 students-villagers coming for treatment.

The 35^th birthday of Fr. Vernon was celebrated on 21^st with a special mass, felicitations and family meal.

The visit of the Mumbai Pastoral team on 15^th was a memorable event. The students presented dances and songs for the guests and the team members taught the children special Rhymes to make their visit a memorable one.

 

Peter Arrupe Centre, RERUA: “ January 27 to February 6 were events-full days here. In some ways history was made in these days. On 27^th January, Bharat Sevashram Sangh (Barjorori) occupied our new St. Joseph Centre for the Free Eye-Clinic Camp. On 29^th, the School had a very successful annual Sports Day. The band parties from St. Thomas School, Gande Dungri and Loyola School, Chaira added to the charm that enthralled a big crowd. School children’s march past, sports events and the drill display were called “spectacular” by all the guests. Altogether 28 drill items in 5 classical formations were presented. What surprised many was that even 4-5 years old kids did everything flawlessly.

From 4^th February to 6^th, 60 children went to Ranchi on a “Rajdhani Darshan”. For very many it was their first bus ride, first time seeing train lines, water-falls, ghats etc. The whole excursion was sponsored by Nehru Memorial School, Khunti. It’s management, staff and senior students took care of our children’s all the needs, their guidance, as long as the kids were in Ranchi district. St. Xavier’s, Lupungutu and Jesu Bhavan, Mango gave the children hearty welcome and meals on 4^th (on the way to Ranchi) and on 6^th (on the way back) respectively. “Thank you” to all who made the eleven events-full days so memorable and happy for our children”. ( Walter Kongari)

 

Jisu Jaher, Gadi Tundi : Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. conferred the sacrament of Confirmation to 64 members of the Parish on February 19 during the solemn concelebrated  Eucharist. Fr. George Anthony and team had made all arrangements in perfect order for the much awaited solemn day. Bishop was given a warm welcome at the beginning of the ceremony with traditional Santhal dance.

Dean, Fr. Edward Kongari was present with the Parish Council team. Immediately after the Mass the parishioners felicitated the Bishop, guests and all those who received the sacrament of Confirmation.

The Annual Santhal Colloquium was held at Jisu Jaher from the 20^th to 22^nd February. Bishop Felix Toppo inaugurated the sessions and took part in the 1^st day. Fr. Hans Henrichs , S.J. of Hazaribagh was the resource person. There were 110 participants for the colloquium. Congratulations to Frs. Walter Kongari and Manu Horo for the leadership in organizing the colloquium successfully and fruitfully.     

 

Divya Bharati, Chaibasa: “ A seminar on “Jesus, the Medicine Man” was held from 7-10 Feb. 06 for the Catechists of Kholhan deanery. There were 53 participants for the sessions. All the parishes were represented except four. Mr. Suleman Horo shared his knowledge of herbals with the group and inspired others to share their knowledge with the group.

Fr. Mike Thanaraj, S.J. inspired the catechists on the 2^nd day being with them and sharing his skill in communication and empowering them to be better and effective communicators in the present time. Fr. Mike Tirkey in a quick session filled the participants with information and technique how they with the people tap the resources available from the Jharkhand Government. Frs. Fabian and Corne enabled them to prepare the Lenten Sunday homilies focusing the healing power of Jesus to make their communities healed. All the participants carried the joy , enthusiasm in their mind and bodies to be shared. Thanks to the TRTC for making a homely atmosphere. The participants made an urgent request to conduct another seminar on ‘Farming’. (Fabian,S.J.)   

 

St. Albert’s, Ranchi : “ The month of February was filled with grace and blessings. The death of Bro. Patrick Khess’s mother saddened us especially the Jamwallas. We offered condolences to the bereaved family and Mass for the departed soul.

Second year philosophers went on picnicking to Hundru Falls on February 5. The third year philosophers had the opportunity to go to Jamshedpur and visited Tata Motors, Centre for excellence and Dimna.

On 19^th His Eminence Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo blessed the newly constructed extension block of the residential wing. He also blessed the foundation of the new Library cum Auditorium.  

Jondko and Pradeep are busy in preparing for the final year B.Th exam”. (Raju Crasta)

 

St. Robert’s School, Rahargora:  A medical camp was conducted for the school children and neighbouring families on February 17 from 12.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. The medical team consisting of 2 doctors, Sr. Elsy Cherian SCJM , Rita Danis, Florence , Fr. Joseph Surin,S.J. and 2 helpers successfully concluded the camp after checking 186 school children and 67 others. The school teachers helped the team for the smooth functioning of the camp . Thanks to Bro. Anthony Felix for the initiative and planning.

 

C.R.I – Jamshedpur : The Annual General Body Meeting of the CRI-Jamshedpur was held at the Vikas Bharati, Sundernagar on February 25-26 and there were 66 participants. Bishop Felix Toppo, in his inaugural address emphasized the urgent need to work wholeheartedly to uplift the poor and marginalized through our education ministry. He exhorted “we should be faithful to our vocation and must be people of prayer to have this motivation”. He also cautioned “let not our time be wasted on T.V”.

Fr. C.R. Prabhu, the resource person, on the 1^st day dwelt on quality education for the marginalized and sharpen our focus in our commitment. On the 2^nd day he spoke on “Pastoral care of the families” and urged the clergy and religious the need to visit families and establishing BCC and charismatic programmes to deepen the faith of the people of God.

A new team of office-bearers were elected at the business hour. Sr. Severin SSH (President), Sr. Grace SCJM (Treasurer) and Bro. Jacob DDS as the permanent Honorary Secretary! (Jacob DDS).

 

Catholic Nurses Guild of India (North East Region:  The CNGI organized its regional meeting at the Bishop’s House from February 21-24. The National President, Mrs. Jeanette Menezes  presided at the main sessions. The theme was “Empowered to Heal and to be Healed”. There were 65 nurses attending the two day seminar. Sr. Jayamma SRA and the CC team worked hard to make regional meeting of the CNGI a grand success. Msgr. Stany Lobo, the National Ecclesiastical Advisor was present through out the seminar and presented a paper on “Challenges of a Witnessing Nurse in Modern Scenario”. 

 

N A T  I O N A L  - I N T E R NA T  I O N A L – R O U N D – U P

 

Mobile Phones can make you sick : “ While there is a debate on whether the use of mobile phones may cause brain tumours , another problem has surfaced .Mobile phones can apparently make you ill, according to the Daly Mail.

Some people suffer from a condition called electro-sensitivity in which the radiation from mobiles causes headaches, joint pain, depression, memory loss and fatigue. Around five percent of the British population is said to suffer from this condition.

More women than men suffer from electro-sensitivity. Apart from mobiles, computers, microwave oven, even refrigerators, televisions, electric cookers and hairdryers can have this effect. Sufferers say they are ‘zapped’ by the electro-magnectic fields emitted by various devices.

A report by the Health Protection Agency, U.K. will formally acknowledge that such a condition exists. So far, says a spokesperson for the charity, Electro-sesitivity UK, it is difficult for patients to get a diagnosis or treatment. But “it’s life-shattering for many in terms of employment and where they live and what they do”. (Health Action-January-06)

 

B.Ed College in Patna: Patna Women’s College has yet another department which is commencing a new degree course in Education (B.Ed) from March 2006. The department is situated in the old Carmel Technical on the western end of the AC compound. It is a self-financed department and the students will pay their regular fees.

The B.Ed students have to appear and qualify in a State level exam organized by the government. Distinguished students who qualify might have aq choice of their own and could avail the scholarships. The rest of the students will have to choose either government or self-financed colleges (Fellowship Features).

 

 

“ I am keeping fine. I finished my semester exams a couple of days back. Now we have already begun the second semester. The weather is bettering though it is still cold at night. My Sunday reflection on the Vatican Radio is in the air regularly. Fr. Selva is enjoying his life though busy with his studies. Yesterday we had an EX-CAROLIAN get-together. We were twenty plus. ” (Dileep Marandi)

 

Your pillows may be hotbeds of fungi: Right under your nose, your pillows may harbour millions of fungal spores, cautions a University of Manchester research study, funded by the Fungal Research Trust and published in the journal Allergy.

Aspergillus fumigatus, the species most commonly found in pillows, is most likely to cause disease; and resulting condition- aspergillosis- has become the leading cause of infection and death in leukaemia and bone marrow transplant patients. Immuno-compromised patients are so frequently affected with life-threatening aspergillus pneumonia and sinusitis. The findings have important implications for patients with respiratory diseases, including asthma and sinusitis. ( Health action-Feb.06)

 

“ The month of February was rather quiet in Leuven. No great events went record. The weather continued to be harsh on us. The one thing everyone longed for was not “love” (February is supposed to be the month of love and romance!) but sunshine! The sun shine only for 13 hours in the whole month when this mail was sent. There is absolutely no sign of bird flu in Belgium. However, after receiving the news of its presence in India, our Indian students here have a mysteriously denounced chicken and eggs altogether! That’s all from Leuven. Love to all”. (John Crasta)

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