JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                                                 

 

I walked a mile with Pleasure,

She chattered all the way,

But left me none the wiser

For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow

And ne’er a word said she;

But, oh, the things I learned from her

When Sorrow walked with me. (R.B. Hamilton)

 

 

Engagements of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. – August, 2006
Date	Day	Time		Place
02	Wednesday	9.30 a.m	Diocesan Consult	Bishop’s House
04	Friday		Vianney Day	Bishop’s House
06	Sunday	10.00 a.m	Blessing of IMS Mission	Rahargora
15	Tuesday	05.00 p.m	Parish Feast	St. Mary’s, N.Road,Jsr.
19-20	Sat-Sun.		Deanery Mahila Sangh Gathering/Mass	Tundi
22	Tuesday		M.C-Feast	Chaibasa
24	Thursday	09.00 a.m.	Anniversary of St. Emile	Mosaboni

 

 

D I O C E S A N   R O U N D – U P :

 

St. Thomas School, Gande Dungri : The feast of St. Thomas the apostle was solemnly celebrated on July 02. The day began with a concelebrated Eucharist. At noon when all the guests arrived the school children welcomed them with cultural programmes in the hall.  During the function the children garlanded the provincial, Fr. James Kalapura, S.J. and Bishop Emeritus, Joe Rodericks, S.J. Fr. Manu Horo, the Santhal Missionary addressed the children and guests for 20 minutes in Santhali on the missionary inspiration of St. Thomas in India. Immediately after all shared a sumptuous family meal prepared by Fr. Joe Anthony, S.J. and team. Congratulations to the Fathers, Brothers, teachers and children of St. Thomas, Gande Dungri.

 

St. Joseph’s Dispensary, Bhilai Pahari:  The medical camp held on July 02 had 90 patients. Dr. Kaushal , Sr. Fidelis, JMJ and 8 girls from Jeevan Jyoti were at work from 9.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Sr. Annie J.M.J joined the Bhilai Pahari community on July 01. She has come well prepared to handle any emergency any time. The hospital work is at the final stage and the inauguration date will be announced shortly.

The guest rooms over Kripa Sadan are ready and Fr. Cyprian may announce a celebration for the blessings at any moment. Though the pond is full and over-flowing, Fr. Cyprian claims that all the fish-frogs are safe and happy in the deep waters of Bhilai Pahari.

The continuous blessings from the rain God gave sleepless nights to Fr. Cyprian Lobo. He had to be on duty to clear the flooded campus and protect his animal friends being washed away. The damages caused by the flood waters are being rectified and normalcy has come back to the campus. Director, Fr. Cyprian Lobo considers himself as a privileged patron of over 150 chicken, a dozen ducks, half a dozen pigs, cows, dogs, dozens of rabbits and goats besides the many cats that are in the house. He has to struggle to feed them all on a proportionate quota.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : The Kerala Catholic Association of Jamshedpur organized the grand celebration of the feast of St. Thomas, the apostle on July 03 at the Cathedral. Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., the Jesuit Provincial of Jamshedpur was the Chief Celebrant at the solemn High Mass at 5.45 p.m. The cultural programme was held at the Welfare Centre Hall and Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura, S.J addressed the gathering and Fr. James Kalapura, S.J. presented the awards of excellence to the meritorious students in the various academic categories among the members of the association. This was followed by a family meal in the Hall. Congratulations to the organizers of KCA for the well organized celebration in honor of St. Thomas.

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad : Dean Fr. Edward Kongari is busier than ever before with the heavy rush of admission at St. John Mary Vianney School , Dhowatand. He has 2 teachers to manage the 85-plus KG students. The parish celebrated the feast of Mount Carmel on 16^th with a solemn Mass presided over by the Parish Priest at the School Hall. The parishioners felicitated the Carmel Sisters at the end of the Mass. The sisters served breakfast for all after the Mass. It was a day of celebration for all at St. Anthony’s.

The Apostolic Carmel Sisters of Dhanbad had a special meal for the clergy and religious of the deanery on 16^th noon at the convent.

 

XLRI, Jamshedpur: The 1^st death Anniversary of Fr. Theo Mathias, S.J. was  commemorated on 6^th July with a special Mass at the Institute’s Chapel at 6.00 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the Concelebrated Eucharist. The faculty and staff of XLRI were present for the Mass. Soon after the Mass all shared snacks and later proceeded to the MDP for the sumptuous meal.

 

St. Mary’s Convent, Noamundi : The adoration Sisters from Barbil accepted the invitation from the Tata Company  to administer a school at Noamundi. On Friday, July 07, Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. traveled to Noamundi by the Janashatabdi Express in the company of Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J. for the ceremonial handing over of the school to the Sisters. The company authorities had made elaborate arrangements to welcome the Bishop. In the evening there was a special meal in honor of the Bishop. On 8^th morning at 8.00 a.m. all assembled at the school and during the function the Sisters were introduced and the G.M., Sri Hridayeshwar Jha handed over the administration officially to Sr. Brdiget, the principal in the presence of Mr. S.S. Hota, Chief HR/IR and Mr. M.C. Thomas, Chief of Noamundi. Bishop Felix Toppo while addressing the gathering congratulated the students, staff and the TISCO Management for inviting the Sisters to take care of the school at Noamundi. The Sisters have vast experience in administering schools and leading the staff and students to excellence in quality education and value in the lives of the children. The Provincial of the Adoration Sisters, Sr. Concepta was present for the function.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri :  Bishop Joe Rodericks returned as per schedule on July 01. Fr. Pius Marandi came for the B.Ed- practical on July 03 and left on 12^th. Couple more B.Ed students took shelter in the Bishop’s House for their exams. Mrs. Leen Luca from Belgium reached Jamshedpur on July 11 with her daughter Ann and grand daughter Caroline to visit the many missions in the diocese. Fr. Henry Sequeira was on hand to welcome them and be their guide for the 3 weeks of tour and travel in India and later accompany them all the way to Belgium. The community extended a very hearty welcome to the guests.

Fr. Edward Saldanha got discharged from the hospital on 11^th and rested a day at the Bishop’s House before getting back to Adra on 12^th.

The 36^th Birthday of Fr. David Vincent was celebrated on the 19^th of July. The community had a small celebration in the evening and on 20^th with the clergy of the town at a villa at the Bishop’s House.  Bishop Felix Toppo and Bishop Joe Rodericks attended the meeting of the Regional Bishop’s Conference at Ranchi from the 23^rd to 26^th. On 26^th Bishop Felix went to Mumbai-Pune to attend the meeting of the CBCI Clergy Commission and returned to Jamshedpur on 31^st via Kumardhubi.

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra : On July 7^th evening Fr. Edward Saldanha was rushed to Mercy Hospital by Mr. Valley Xavier, Mr. Maxi Francis and Mrs. Sheela Francis due breathlessness and High Blood Pressure. He was admitted to the ICU for 24 hours and later shifted to the Cabin. He was given a clean chit by Dr. R. Sharma on the 11^th to get back to work with ease and calm.

Fr. K.M. Joseph, the Novice Master (Jisu Bhavan) was the Chief Celebrant and homilist for the Mass on 16^th July. Later in the morning he addressed the members of the Parish Council, SVP members and youth leaders on “The Eucharist in the life of the catholic community”. It was well appreciated  by the faithful.

The 56^th birthday of Pastor, Fr. Jerome was celebrated on 25^th July with a special Mass in the evening in the church and tea-party with the school staff and meal for the clergy of the deanery - neighborhood in the evening. The Sisters of the Daughters of Charity and Area-leaders were present for the vigil celebration on 24^th evening.

 

 Catholic Ashram, Purulia :  On July 10, Fr. Pascal Minj was brought down to Mercy with severe chest congestion and breathlessness by Bro. Bipin Barla . He was immediately put on oxygen and medication to be released on the 12^th. Fr. Pascal Minj left for Kolhan visit on 13^th and returned to Purulia on 15^th.

 

 

Sacred Heart Convent, Jamshedpur : The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was celebrated on July 16 with a Solemn Concelebrated Eucharist  presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. at the School Hall at 6.30 a.m. After the Mass all shared Cake and coffee with the Sisters. The clergy and religious had a special meal to commemorate the feast on July 23 at 12.30 noon.

 

Christ the King Church, CKP :  Pastor, Fr. John Otto celebrated his 62^nd birthday on July 24 with a special Eucharist in the morning in the church and a meal for the clergy and religious in the evening at the presbytery. The hostel children had the privilege to felicitate Fr. John and take part in the celebrations.

 

THANKS AND GOD BLESS !
Srs. Servia, Ancy,Jovita,Cyriac, Daisy	Nirmala, Convent, Govindpur
Sr. Sanjeeta Tigga, SCJM	SCJM Convent, Kumardhubi
WELCOME TO THE DIOCESE
Sr. Barbara, SS	Superior, Administrator, Nirmala Convent, Govindpur
Srs. Mary Jacob, Jisa Paul, Naveena,Shanty	Nirmala Hospital/Convent, Govindpur
Srs. Bridget, Sophia, Arpita	St. Mary’s Convent, Noamundi
Srs. Anastaria Kongari & Kiran Tirkey	SCJM Convent, Kumardhubi
Fr. Udai Dev, IMS	IMS Mission, Rahargora

Little Flower Convent, Telco: The feast of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, the foundress of the congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny was celebrated on July 15. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Celebrant of the solemn Mass at the School Hall at 10.45 a.m. Priests and religious from the various institutions and parishes participated in the solemn liturgy. After the Mass the catholic students and parents joined the Sisters, Staff and guests for snacks. At 12.30 the Priests, religious and staff assembled at the Telco club and felicitated the sisters at a sumptuous agape. Superior, Sr. Savio was delighted that many members of the clergy and religious took part in the celebration of the feast of their foundress.. 

 

St. Anne’s Convent, Parsudih: The feast of St. Anne was celebrated on July 26, with a solemn Mass and felicitation in the morning. The evening the clergy and religious of the town assembled at the school hall to celebrate the feast with the sisters. It was great to see so many persons present fort the feast of St. Anne at Parsuidh. All the communities in the town had representatives at the agape.

 

Carmel Convent, Digwadih: The Apostolic Carmel Sisters celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with the clergy and religious of the area on July 23 at a special meal at the convent. The Provincial Superior, Sr. Deepasha, A.C. was present for the celebration.

 

St. Albert’s College, Ranchi :  The college re-opened on June 30^th after  two months of long holidays. The Jamshedpur seminarians reached on time except Felix Raju Crasta, who was home to assist his ailing father.

The orientation for the new comers was held on 1^st July. The theology department has 36 + 9 Sisters and Philosophy 45. Thus the total number at St. Albert’s has risen to 318. The Charismatic retreat was from the 2^nd to 7^th and it was a beautiful experience for all. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the academic year on 10^th July. The inaugural mass was in the Main Chapel and the function at the SDC Hall as the seminary auditorium was demolished for a better and modern one.

The feast of St. Albert of Levein, the patron of St. Albert’s College was celebrated on 17^th July. The day began with a musical rising at 3.00 a.m. His eminence Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo was the Chief Celebrant at the solemn Eucharist. In his message he highlighted the simple and dedicated life of St. Albert and urged all to follow his footsteps. He also stressed that time is money as well as life. As per the tradition, there was a football match between the theologians and philosophers in which the theologians lost 2-1- to the youngsters. (Felix Crasta)

St. Anne’s Convent, Chaibasa: The Daughters of St. Anne celebrated the feast of St. Anne on 26^th July. The solemn Mass was presided over by Fr. Elvius Dungdung, the Parish Priest in the Church at 7.00 a.m. The school-hostel girls felicitated the sisters at a beautiful cultural programme in the school campus at 9.30 a.m. Later at noon the clergy, religious of the deanery and the school teachers joined the sisters for a sumptuous meal. 

 

CRI, Jamshedpur: The CRI, Jamshedpur unit had its meeting held at Loyola School, Jamshedpur on July 30^th from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.  Mr. Sarvesh Khanna, Senior Executive, Tata Steel was the resource person. He spoke on the theme “ Empowering the marginalized in education and developing the powers of the mind”. It was an enriching session for the group and can expect surely some effect in the ministry. The meeting concluded with a solemn Eucharist. Later the CRI members joined the Jesuit community of Loyola for the feast day meal.(Jacob) Thanks to Bro. Jacob, DDS for the initiative and planning.

 

Morning Star College, Barrackpore:  We are all fine here, and almost got used to the new situation- busy through out the day and you have no energy left at the end of the day.

The third year philosophers are writing their BA exam and so they are busy. Yesterday, we, the first year theologians, too had our first exam on Missiology.

I am appointed to a SVD Parish for my Sunday Pastoral Ministry. I go to the place of ministry on every Saturday evening as it is far from the Seminary and come back on Sunday evening. There we have two masses, one in English and the other in Hindi. I enjoy the ministry as it involves me in many pastoral activities.

God has kept us all in good health and we pray that He continues to do so. (Felix Anthony)

 

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:

 

Church and Holy Bibles burnt near Shivni in Madhya Pradesh: A group of antisocial elements attacked a Pentecostal church named “Disciples Church” situated in Shivni, Harda district of Madhya Pradesh June 30. The incident took place around 2.30 a.m. of 30^th June. The miscreants burnt 150 Holy Bibles, hymn books and set fire to the church. The pastor of the church, Jaidi Khan escaped unhurt in the incident. (cbcisite.com)

 

HIV Testing Before Marriage : Church in Goa advocates: The Principle of Informed Consent and Voluntary Testing: In view of the proposed legislation by the Goa Government to make HIV testing mandatory before marriage, the Church in Goa has advocated the principle of informed consent and voluntary testing with counseling support.

The Goan Archdiocesan Council for Social Justice and Peace, in its statement issued on July 10, has rejected any form of unethical testing practices that offend the dignity of the concerned individuals (cbcisite).

 

Pope Lauds Traditional Family Founded on “indissoluble Marriage Between A Man and A woman”: Pope Benedict XVI lauded the traditional family founded on “indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman” and called “all people of good will” to join with the Church in “promotion of the authentic good of the family in contemporary society”.

 

Rome : These days I am in Florence in a summer camp of the children and youngsters. I will be here till the end of this month. Next month I will be going to Venice to assist the disables. It’s an enriching experience for me. Besides, I have also received the American Visa. Fr. Cyril has already sent me the E-ticket. So, I will be leaving for Fort Wayne on 2^nd of Sept. and be back on 28^th of the same month. (Dileep Marandi)

 

Bombay Archdiocesan Administrator Makes available Parish –School Resources to Blast Victims:  Bombay Archdiocesan Administrator, Bishop Bosco Penha has requested all archdiocesan parishes and schools to “place all resources and facilities with due discretion at the service of the people adversely affected and place their trust in God Almighty”(cbcisite.com).

 

 

Family Apostolate should be top Priority on Church’s Pastoral Agenda: Cardinal Telesphore P.Toppo: “Family apostolate with faith formation and Christian initiation should be the top priority in the pastoral agenda of the church” declared CBCI President Cardinal Toppo on his return from the 5^th World Meeting of Families.

“Indian Church must play a prophetic role in assisting our families to relish the God-given gift of family to humanity. The mammoth gathering of about 1.5 m. catholics around their universal Pastor, Pope Benedict XVI was a privileged expression of Catholic faith and family spirit”, Cardinal Toppo said. (cbcisite.com)

 

Workshop on:  “ THE SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH” was held at SDC, Ranchi on the 19^th and 20^th July. Bishop Vincent Barwa inaugurated the session and Bishop Charles Soreng gave the keynote address. Fr. C.R. Prabhu, the founder of the Bhijan DPC introduced Fr. Cedric Prakash S.J. to the participants. The workshop was  conducted by Fr. Cedric and assisted by Fr. Bipin Pani and Mr. David Solomon (CRS, Ranchi). There were over 145 participants from 10 dioceses. Jamshedpur had the highest number - 24 participants for the workshop. Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo was Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony at 4.30 p.m. on the 20^th. He cautioned “ Responding to people’s needs irrespective of caste, creed and religion, is the essence of the Catholic social teaching”. “The Church’s deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility of proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity. These duties presuppose each other and are inseparable”.

 

Tertianship - News from Sitagarha, Hazaribagh> : Our Tertianship began on 15^th of June 2006. But Frs. Kosga, Fr. James (Pune), myself and 4 others from MP and Patna reached Sitagarha only on 16^th June due to the ‘bandh’ called by the MCC. We had special classes to catch up with the 13 others who had already begun on 15^th of June. Right from the word-go we were introduced to  ‘the school of heart’ (Tertianship) as called in Fr. General’s letter on Tertianship.

We are from 12 provinces and 2 regions. It is now already a month and a week gone we have finished with the Autobiography of St. Ignatius, his spiritual diary and letters.  Fr. Morry Dullard introduced the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to us.

The weekend silence, personal and community recollections have helped emotionally rooted in the scenically beautiful campus of St. Stanislaus . We have begun to encounter Ignatius and the Society afresh in an affective way. The ‘Sapiential’ readings of the Ignatian texts are helping us to love Ignatius as our Founder Father and Master.

Right now we are again busy with the spiritual exercises as a remote preparation for the long retreat that begins from August 1, 2006 evening.  As I write this news let me also ask for your valuable prayers for Fr. Kosga and myself for our long retreat that this be a lifelong affective experience for both of us as Fr. General says that the quality of this third year (also called as third probation and second novitiate), “if done in the spirit of our vocation, has repercussions on the apostolic and religious vitality of the Society and provinces.” For this we need the support of your prayers. Kindly remember us in your prayers as we do for you. Thank you!( Joe Surin, S.J.)

 

Germany :  My ministry is going on well. The people here are very nice. On the 31^st July I will be traveling to Manchester and I will be there for a month. I could secure a budget airline ticket for EURO 60 both ways.

Germany was all crazy the whole world-cup football month. Everything was football. People ate football, drank football, and slept football ! The T.V., Newspapers, public services, all were full of football things. Because Germany stayed  in the race till the end, it was all the more football. On June 30 Germany played Argentina at 5.p.m (Central European Time). I was in the train between 5 and 5.45 p.m. It was a local train that stopped at four stations. No one was visible on any platform and there were just seven people beside me in the train! Since the parish Priest is very good football fan, we had celebrations that evening with the best German wine and fish (remember, it was a Friday). Now things are slowly returning to normal. That is all from Germany now.  (John Crasta)  

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