JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                       

 

Forbid, O God,

                      that we be deaf to the cries of the poor

                      and indifferent to those who have needs.

May we identify with those who are oppressed

                      and help to bear the burdens

                      of those who suffer about us.

May we hear Your voice of concern and feel Your loving touch

                      through Your servants who are in this world

                      to manifest You to men about them.

The glory is Yours, O God,

                      and we shall praise Your name

                      and to celebrate Your cause together. (Leslie F. Brandt) 

 

The Risen Lord’s blessings be with you at Easter. Alleluia- Alleluia!

 

OFFICIAL- STATUS
Fr. David Vincent	Diocesan Treasurer & Minister	Bishop’s House, Golmuri
Fr. Elvius Dungdung	Parish Priest	St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa
Fr. Roque Cardoza	Parish Priest	Prabhu Marsal, Goilkera
Fr. Gerald Martin D’Souza	Asst. PP & Principal	St. Mary’s Church /English School, Bistupur
Fr. Alex Dodrai	Asst. PP & Principal	Christ the Church /St. Xavier’s School, CKP
Fr. Halan Bodra	Asst. Director	Catholic Charities, Patel Bagan,  Sundernagar
Fr. Herman Tigga	Asst. PP	St. Mark’s Centre, Toklo
Fr. Tobias Kujur	B.Ed., Studies	Namchi
Fr. Linus Kindo	Asst. PP	Prabhu Marsal, Goilkera
Fr. Pascal Minj	Appointment Awaited
Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J.	PRO, Youth Director, Chancellor	Bishop’s House, Golmuri
Bro. Vijay Barla	Regency	St. Xavier’s Church ,Chaibasa
Bro. Bipin Barla	Regency	Catholic Ashram,Purulia
Bro. Sonu Hansda	Regency	DBH, Gomoh
Bro. Pascal Toppo	Regency	St. Paul’s Church, Maluka
Bro. Nestore Kullu	Regency	St. Mary’s Church,Omra
Bro. Marcel Topno	Theology	St. Charles , Seminary, Nagpur
Bro. S. Anthony Felix	Theology	Morning Star, Barrackpore
Bro. Prashant Moras	Philosophy	Morning Star, Barrackpore
Bro.Britto Xavier	Philosophy	Morning Star , Barrackpore
Bro. Manoj K. Tigga	Philosophy	Krist Premalaya, Bhopal
Bro. Sandeep K. Minj	Philosophy	Krist Premalaya, Bhopal
Ro. Maria Charles	Philosophy	St. Charles Seminary, Nagpur
Bro. George Ekka	Philosophy	St. Albert’s College, Ranchi

 

 

 

Engagements of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J.- April, 2006
01	Sat		Visitation: Christ the King Church	CKP
		4.30  P.M.	Blessing of the School building	CKP
02	Sun	8.00 A.M.	Confirmation	Rajapuram
		5.30 P.M.	Convocation, XLRI	Jamshedpur
03	Mon		GBM/Recoll/Chrism Mass/Felicitations	Golmuri
04	Tue		BIJHAN Bishops & Major Sup. Meeting	SDC,Ranchi
05	Wed		Episcopal Ordination of Msgr.Paul Lakra	Gumla
6-8			Charismatic Retreat	Golmuri
09	Sun		Palm Sunday	Parsudih
13	Thu		Maundy Thursday	Golmuri
14	Fri		Good Friday Liturgy	Sonari
15	Sat		Easter Vigil	Bistupur
17	Mon		Peace Rally	Jamshedpur
19	Wed		Episcopal Ordination Msgr. John Barwa	Rourkela
22	Sat	8.00 A.M	Confirmation	Maluka
23	Sun		Confirmation	Rengra
25	Tue		Confirmation- Parish Feast	Toklo
25/26			Visitation-St. Joseph’s Cathedral	Golmuri
28/30			Visitation-St. Joseph’s Parish	Charbandia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D I O C E S A N - R O U N D – U P:

 

Catholic Ashram, Balarampur:  Fr. Augustine Vatta, led the Loyola Alumni Association and conducted a medical camp at the Catholic Ashram, Balarampur on February, 25^th from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Fr. Henry Sequeira had meticulously planned and organized the camp with the support of his group in the area. The 20 member team of medical experts checked 550 patients and gave free medicines to all. Congratulations Henry for the initiative and planning.

The 53^rd birthday of Fr. Henry (March 31) was celebrated on 30^th with a special meal at the Catholic Ashram, Balarampur on March 30 at 7.00 p.m. Many from Jamshedpur rushed to Balarampur to be part of the community celebration.

St. Mark’s Parish, Toklo: Fr. Camille Hembrom blessed the foundation for the new presbytery on March 4 in the presence of the school children and catechists. Fr. Herman Tigga reached the Parish on March 2^nd to take care of the place while the Pastor, Fr. Camille traveled to Bangalore for his heart check-up. The doctors gave him an all clear certificate and advised him to continue the wonderful mission work he is doing at Toklo with greater thrust and vitality. Camille came home on March18^th and rushed to Charbandia on the same evening to preach retreats for the Krus Virs until 25th.

The 46^th birthday of Fr. Herman Tigga was celebrated on 29^th with a special mass with the hostel children and in the evening with the clergy of the deanery.

Jesu Bhavan, Mango: The 72^nd birthday of Bro. Wency was celebrated on March 03^rd with much enthusiasm and joy. The day began with a solemn Mass with the novices and community at 6.00 a.m. In the evening the clergy and religious of the area joined the community for the agape.

The expert guidance given by the Rotary club for the vegetable garden has given much fruit. Not only the community but all the other religious communities and neighbors are enjoying fresh vegetables from the wonder garden of Jesu Bhavan these days.

Bishop’s House, Golmuri: Fr. Francis Kubena S.J. had many good-byes from the beginning of the month before he finally left Jamshedpur on March 10^th by the Steel Express. He stayed 5 days at the Archbishop’s House, Kolkata and flew out on 15^th for Czech Republic planning to return after the summer.

The 58^th birthday of Fr. Kubena was celebrated in the community on 4^th March. Msgr. John Bodra and Bro. Jacob DDS garlanded Fr. Kubena and invited him to cut the birthday cake in the midst loud singing. Fr. K.M. Joseph offered the prayer of grace before the celebrations began. Fr. Joseph Surin, S.J. left for Goa on 10^th for the National Youth Meeting and returned 21^st.

Fr. Gerry D’Souza returned on 16^th evening by the Purushottam Express after his tour of USA, Canada and UAE. The community had a welcome celebration on the 18^th.

Fr. David was read in as the Diocesan Treasurer and Minister of the Bishop’s House on March 31 by Bishop Felix Toppo. Earlier in the day the Catholic Charities team reached Fr. David with great honor and pomp.

 

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Anandpur: The Patna Potta Charismatic team led by Fr. George Karamayil, S.J. conducted a Charismatic retreat for the parishioners at Charbandia from 9^th to 12^th March. Over 500 people participated the day long prayer and teaching sessions on all the days. Fr. Paulus Bodra joined the retreat with some of his parishioners. The retreat has brought in much renewal among the people and many experienced inner healing by the Lord.

Congratulations to Fr. Bene Minj for the initiative and organization.

Jisu Marsal, Chandil: The Khunti Parish team conducted a week long retreat in Mundari for the local community from the 6^th to 12^th at the Parish. It was well participated by the parishioners. The Santhal group had their Charismatic retreat from March 13-19 conducted by Fr. Nicholas Kerketta and the Catechists at the campus. The official visitation of the Parish by Bishop Felix Toppo was on the 21^st and 22^nd March. The hostel children had a special welcome function in honor of the Bishop.

The 42^nd birthday of Fr. Nicholas Kerketta was celebrated on March 31^st with a solemn Mass with the hostel children in the morning and felicitation. The clergy and religious of the deanery joined the Parish community for the family meal at noon.

Sacred Heart School, Adra :  Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and inaugurated the newly constructed administrative block of  Sacred Heart School on March 11^th at 8.00 a.m. in the presence of many Priests, Sisters, teachers, parents and students. Fr. Edward Saldanha, the Principal welcomed the dignitaries and congratulated the parents and children for their support. Prior to the blessing all assembled in the Church as it was raining outside and participated in the prayer service. Bishop gave the message and blessed the new block in the company of Frs. Jerome and Edward.

Fr. Kosga, S.J. preached the retreat for the Parishioners from the 27^th to 30^th and more than 100 people devotionally took part.

Holy Family Church, Kumardhubi: Fr. Fabian Bhuinyan, S.J gave a retreat at the Parish Church on the 24^th to 26^th of March from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. It was well attended and on the last the Holy Shroud was exposed for public devotion.

St. Robert’s Parish, Parsudih: The official Pastoral visit of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. to St. Robert’s Parish was on March 12^th. The Bishop presided at the solemn Parish Mass at 7.00 a.m. in the Church. Immediately after the Mass the parishioners felicitated the Bishop. Later each one of the congregation met him in front of the Church. The parish organizations had meetings with the Bishop and presented their activity report and future plans. The Bishop thanked the organizations for their support and interest in the Parish work and asked them to be true to their vocation to holiness in all what they do and speak. Frs. Venancius Kandulna, Puthumai Raj and Bro. Anthony Felix and the Parish Council members had made all the necessary arrangements to make the pastoral visit of the Bishop a memorable and meaningful event for St. Robert’s.

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar: A Workshop on Jamshedpur Diocesan Planning was held at Vikas Bharati on the 13^th and 14^th March. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the workshop. He also took part on both the days in the deliberations. There were over 35 participants representing the various areas. The deliberation was on the various developmental programs in the diocese and to prioritize the areas and the action plan for the next 5 years was formulated. Fr. Bipin Pani animated the 1^st day while Mr. Varkey of Caritas India inspired the group on the second day and worked out a program for the diocese for the next one year and five years. Thanks to the Catholic Charities team for all the arrangements and making the workshop to conclude joyfully.

Fr. David Vincent preached two days retreat from 25^th to 26^th March at Vikas Bharati for the Catholic students of Sacred Heart Convent School, Bistupur.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. had his official visitation on 28^th. He spent the whole day with the staff and community. He also met the sisters and the priests individually.

The Catholic Charities /SKJVK family gave a tearful and love filled farewell to Fr. David on March 30^th in the presence of the full team. On 31^st morning 17 representatives reached Fr. David to the Bishop’s House returned to work.

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road: The 46^th birthday of Fr. Elvius Dungdung was celebrated on 14^th March at the Parish Hall with a special meal for the clergy of the town. Fr. Edwin Coelho welcomed the guests and Bishop Felix Toppo offered the prayer of grace. Fr. Edwin Coelho made sure that everybody enjoyed the sumptuous meal at the Parish Hall with extra warmth and fellowship.  

St. Albert’s Ranchi: Jondko and Pradeep Marandi completed their ad adhos exams in flying colors. The presence of the great moral scholars, Dr. Felix Podimattam OFM and Dr. Gabriel Maliakal OCD put them in tough struggle. Meantime the first year theologians were found busy in practicing the English drama “The Blood in El-Salvador”. They performed it on 18^th and 19^th March for the public. Raju Crasta acted as Fr. Rutilio Grande S.J. The photos were published in the newspapers. After the drama, Fr. Rector remarked “it was the best drama in the history of St. Albert’s”. The contextualization was made through slide show. Congratulations to Raju Crasta.

The first year philosophers went for the Vipasana retreat in two batches. Stephen and Patrick were in the second batch and missed the drama.

The sudden death of the father of Jondko and Sister-in-law of Raju Crasta saddened the Jamwallas. (Raju Crasta)

Pratiksha, Neeldungri: The community wished prayerful support as Fr. Casmir left for Bangalore on March 07 for his heart check-up and later surgery. Fr. Gyan managed the classes alone and took care of the boys. The seminarians had outings to enjoy the circus at Golmuri and Loyola Hall Day at Loyola on March 23. The summer heat is heavy on the young garden and all are at work to protect the plants from heat burns.

Loyola Hall Day: The candidates of Loyola Hall presented a beautiful program to celebrate the Loyola Hall Day on March 23 at 5.30 p.m. Fr. Oscar Horo, S.J. was the Chief Guest. Novices from Jesu Bhavan, Minor seminarians from Pratiksha and the M.C. Sisters from Baradwari were present to enjoy the stage talents of the candidates. Fr. Oscar congratulated them for their lively presence in the campus and the help they render to the Loyola Community at all the emergencies and otherwise. After the cultural programme all joined the candidates for the fellowship meal.

St. Joseph’s School, Golmuri: The school organized a programme for the Christian students on ‘Personality Development and Formation’ from `6-19 March. Fr. Praveen D’Souza, O.P. was the resource person. Sr. Jayamma, SRA gave a session on health and hygiene while Fr. Amatus addressed the students on ‘Formation and faith’.

The 9thers bid farewell to the outgoing 10thers on March 20 at the School Hall. Sr. Marie, the principal congratulated the students and advised to them to pursue big goals in life to achieve the impossible. The determination and hard work of the students have proved many success stories in the history of St. Joseph’s.

The school staff retreated to Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari on March 21^st and enjoyed a day of picnic in the company of Fr. Cyprian Lobo (emeritus teacher of St. Joseph’s) and returned refreshed and relaxed. The teachers were delighted to see varieties of animals in the farm and the work in progress of the campus projects. (Jacob DDS)

Jamshedpur Deanery Youth Retreat: Fr. George Karamayil, S.J. and team gave a charismatic retreat for the deanery youth at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre from 23^rd a.m to 26^th p.m. There were about 100 youth participating all the sessions through out the day. The retreat concluded with a solemn Mass on Sunday 26 and a healing service. The team left for Patna in the same evening.   Fr. Joseph Surin, S.J and the youth team worked hard to make the retreat a grand success.

Loyola Sadan, Jilling: Fr. James Kalapura, S.J. inaugurated and blessed the newly constructed High School wing on March 22 at 11.00 .a.m. The school children had a special entertainment items in honor of the guests and to celebrate the great day. The many guests who reached for the inaugural function joined Fr. Charlie and community for the family meal at 12.30 p.m. The large campus with children, teachers and the Jesuits is one community in spirit and action. Congratulations to Fr. Charlie and team for the great missionary presence in Jilling.

Divya Bharati, Chaibasa: Director, Fr. Fabian, S.J. traveled to Dhanbad deanery in the second half of the month with the Holy Shroud of Turin and preached retreats at Sindri, Kumardhubi and  Monnidih. The faithful had prepared themselves well to venerate the shroud during the retreats. The teachers of St. Xavier’s, Tundi benefited spiritually during the two days retreat preached and guided by Fr. Fabian to begin the new academic session from April 3^rd. (Fabian)

 

SEMINARAINS  IN  SUMMER MINISTRY
James Surin	Vidhya Jyothi, Siadih
Arputha Raj	St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad
Jondko Kandeyang	Catholic Charities, Sundernagar
Raju Felix Crasta	Vocation Promotion
Anthony Minj	Hatikunder, Purulia
S. Stephan	Vocation Promotion
Patrick Xess	St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa

 

 

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:

 

Parliament Passes Bill giving Minority Institutions Right to seek Affiliation to any University: Lok Sabha on Friday, March 10^th passed the bill enabling minority educational institutions to get early clearance from the States as also affiliation to universities.

The Bill, already passed by the Rajya Sabha, envisages giving minority institutions the right to seek affiliation to any university subject to its rules, ordinances and Acts. Till now they could be affiliated only to six universities.

Minister of State for Human Resource Development, M.A.A. Fatmi while replying a debate on the Bill in the Lok Sabha, said the States would be required to give a ‘No Objection Certificate’ within 90 days of application or notify a reason for refusal.

If the State Government fails to give reason to denying such status, it would be interpreted as grant of “No Objection Certificate’.

In case of such a refusal, the applicant may approach the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, which would take a decision in consultation with the State concerned. (cbcisite)

 

Rome: “On 9-10 March, we had a convention on the 40^th anniversary of Ad Gentes organized in our University.

The Agra Archbishop was one of the speakers. To conclude the convention we had a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica presided over by Cardinal Sepe on Saturday. After the Mass we had an audience with the Holy Father, Benedict XVI. I too had the opportunity to touch his hand. The weather is still bad”. (Dileep).

 

 

Kerala High Court Orders to Probe Activities of Potta Divine Retreat Centre, vested interests Suspected behind complaint: The Kerala High Court directed the state government, March 10 to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the activities of the Divine Retreat Centre at Muringoor in Trissur District within two weeks.

Justice K. Padmanabhan Nair, acting suo motu on an anonymous letter, ordered an investigation into the alleged “criminal and social activities” in DRC. The offences under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, the Foreign Exchange Management Act and scandals like rape and deaths of some persons under mysterious circumstances should be investigated, the order added. (cbcisite)

 

Holy Spirit College, Leuven: The long and extended winter shows no signs of respite still. It is an unusual phenomenon during this time of the year. We all hope that the weather will be warm by April, the month of spring. Meanwhile, we had a lovely and colorful Holi celebration in Leuven for the Indians. The celebrations were much more Holi and colorful because of the presence of a large number of Belgians, East Europeans and East Asians! We did not play color; however, as everyone’s attire itself was too colorful!!! Easter holidays begin on the 1^st of April and last till the 17^th. I will be in Germany between the 8^th and the 23^rd in order to assist a Parish Priest at the Holy Week celebrations. (John Crasta)

 

 

 

St. Patrick Church, Arcola, USA: I came back on the 16^th February and I had the blessing of the New Rectory  building by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. John M. D‘Arcy. The new Rectory is beautiful and more comfortable. Now I have no problems of winters as the new house is warm with new fire place and new air conditioners. I will begin the new project of the classrooms and the Parish Hall in the month of May. I am yet to collect all the money needed for the project (1.05 Million Dollars).

Fr. James has been officially installed the Pastor of two Parishes. The churches were filled with people . After the Mass we had “Mariachi” and a grand dinner in the company of the Bishop. Bishop D’Arcy thanked Fr. Cyril for brining him to this Diocese and requested if we can get another Priest half as good as Fr. Jim (James). Fr. James has been organizing the financial management of the Parish by establishing various committees. (Cyril)

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