JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                       

 

Our Padre says I’m a sinner,

And John Bull says I’m a saint,

And they’re both of them bound to be liars,

For I’m neither of them, I ain’t.

 

I’m a man, and a man’s a mixture,

Right down from his very birth,

For part of him comes from heaven,

And part of him comes from earth.

 

There‘s nothing in him that’s perfect;

There’s nothing that’s all complete.

He’s nobbut  a great beginning

From his head to the soles of his feet. ( S. Kennedy)

 

 

Engagements of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. – October, 2006
Date	Day	Time		Place
01	Sun	6.00 a.m	Diocesan Mahaila Sangh Meeting, CC	Sundernagar
		4.00 p.m	Parish Council Meeting	Golmuri
4-16			Fatima Convention	Spain/Portugal
21	Sat	A.M	Confirmation, Jisu Marsal	Chandil
22	Sun	7.30 a.m	Confirmation,St. Anthony’s Church	Kutkudungri
24	Tue		Golden Jubilee	Bagdogra
29	Sun	A.M	Dhori Mata Golden Jubilee	Jarandi

 

D I O C E S A N  -  R O U N D – U P !

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road : The flag signaling the celebration of the birthday of Mother Mary was hoisted by Fr. Gerry D’Souza on August 29, at 5.30 p.m. in front of the grotto. The novena continued with special thematic homily and prayers on all the days. The feast day, 8^th September was grand and the campus was decorated beautifully. Fr. John Kandula presided at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist at 5.00 p.m. This was followed by a Rosary procession with the statute of Mother Mary. At 7.30 p.m., all gathered in front of the grotto for the special meal. Over 2000 people shared the meal with their Pastor, Fr. Edwin Coelho. The Tamil Sabha took special interest in making the day a memorable one. Congratulations to Fr. Edwin Coelho and the Executive members of the Tamil Sabha for the devotional celebration of the feast.

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri: The whole Parish was involved in celebrating the birthday of Mother Mary at the Cathedral, Mercy Chapel and Gyandeep. The novena was held daily in all the centres with Holy Eucharist. Fr. Leo D’Souza was the Chief Celebrant on the final day at the Cathedral who brought down the flag before the Mass and procession. Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J. assisted at the celebration.

The Parish Youth organized a musical evening at the School grounds on September 10 to raise funds towards the construction of Mercy Chapel. Over 1500 people came to enjoy the musical evening.

St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri:  Fr. Marcel Barla, OFM (Cap) was the Chief Celebrant at the Concelebrated Eucharist on September 08, at 5.00 p.m. in the Parish Church. The church was packed to capacity.  All shared a family meal in honor of Mother Mary’s birthday after the Mass and procession.

The day long adoration and charismatic prayers are well attended and people from all over the town are taking part in the prayers to experience the Lord in their lives.

Church of Our Lady of Nativity, Sini: The Parish feast, the birthday of Mother Mary was celebrated with much devotion and enthusiasm on September 08. Fr. Marianus Kujur, MSFS, presided at the feast day Mass in the Church. Prior to the feast 3 days of retreat was conducted by Fr. Marianus for the parishioners of Sini. Soon after the Mass the parishioners had breakfast with their pastors-Sisters and had various entertainment items-games until the community lunch at 1.00 p.m. The Parish Council had made elaborate arrangements for the celebration of the parish day. Congratulations to one and all at Sini Parish.

Pastor, Fr. Cyriac, MSFS was rushed to Mercy with cerebral malaria on September 10 and got discharged after a week. Fr. Bonnie, S.J was on hand to take care of the spiritual needs of the faithful as both the Pastors were out of the Parish.

Sacred Heart Church, Adra: Fr. Vincent David was the Chief Celebrant at the feast of the Birthday of Mother Mary, on September 08, at 5.00 p.m. in the Church. The novena prayers were well attended with much devotion.

The 49^th birthday of Fr. Edward Saldanha was celebrated with a special Mass, felicitations and meal for the clergy of the neighboring communities. 

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri: Fr. Manu Horo was rushed to Mercy on September 05, with high fever fearing that it was cerebral malaria but turned out to be fake ‘Chickengunia’. He was discharged from the hospital on the 7^th, the day of his 57^th birthday. The Bishop’s House community celebrated his birthday in the evening with special prayers, cutting of the cake and family meal. Bishop Felix l left for Bhagalpur on 4^th to visit our seminarians and proceeded to Dumka for the silver Jubilee of the SDC Bishop Joe Rodericks too rushed to Dumka for the celebrations and returned on September 10. Fr. David was on the run to Purulia, Dhanbad, Kumardhubi, Adra to put together the parish accounts for auditing.

The 53^rd birthday of Fr. A. Alphonse was celebrated on September 09 at 7.00 p.m. with a special meal with the nearby parish communities at the Bishop’s House. Frs. Gyan, Ajay, Bene Minj and Paulus Bodra attended retreat at Ishopanth Ashram, Puri, Frs. Chonas,  George Manna, Edward Kongari, Raphael Monteriro, Manu , Amatus, Roque, Jerome, Cyprian at Jesu Bhavan and Corne at Bhilapsur, 40 day Cenacle retreat.. Many others have signed up for the coming retreats at Jesu Bhawan.

 

Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari :This year the parish celebrated the feast of the birthday of Mother Mary with novena and solemn concluding liturgy on the 8^th. Fr. Ranjeet Kindo S.J. presided at the solemn Concelebrated Eucharist on the last day at 5.00 p.m. After the Mass, the parishioners shared the special offerings prepared for the occasion.

The long awaited Youth Programme was held on September 17 at the St. Joseph’s Hall of Loyola School. Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J., Mr. Richard Sarky and Miss Sabina Tiru were the resource people. Frs. Cyril Tigga and Ranjit Kindo took great interest in getting the youth come together. Many action plans surfaced for the youth to organize as a team. The Jamshedpur Deanery Youth Christmas gathering will be hosted and supported by Sonari Parish on December 10.( Cyril)

 

Divya Bharati, Chaibasa: Fr. Fabian Bhuinyan, S.J. conducted an Enneagram Course at Divya Bharati for 18 Zila Mahila Vikas Members led by Sr. Basanti, SCN. The participants were full of praise for the Course and expressed their desire to have more such programme for the various groups in different parishes.

The Monica Day on the 27-28 at Basahatu Parish had 153 Mahilas in attendance. Fr. Fabian was the resource person. The day was celebrated with much enthusiasm and jubilation. The Youth had arranged an entertainment programme in honour of the Mahilas. Fr. Sushil and Sr. Karuna, SRA  indeed motivated the Mothers and parishioners for this great event.

Fr. Fabian conducted sessions to motivate and inspire the Mahilas of Bordor Parish on August 26. Fr. Romanus, the Parish Priest addressed the group summing up “Mothers are the keepers of faith”. It was well appreciated by all.

 Fr. Corne had the children assemble at Carmel School, CKP in preparation for their induction into the army ‘Krus Vir’ before he left for Bilaspur for the 40 day retreat. (Fabian)  

Lupita Parish, Telco: The solemn celebration of the birthday day Mother Mary was on September 08 at 5.00 p.m. in the Lupita Hall.  Fr. Vijay Bhat, the Parish Priest was the Chief Celebrant at the concelebrated Eucharist and Fr. Dolphy, O.P., the homilist. The choir was superb and rendered devotional hymns giving thanks and praise to Mary for her intercession for the faithful. After the Mass all shared a sumptuous meal in thanksgiving. Over 2000 people took part in the celebrations at Telco this year.

 The 58^th birthday of Fr. Vijay Bhat was celebrated on September 19 with  special Mass and meal for the clergy of the town. The Church construction is at its final stage and the blessing will take place on December 12, on the feast day of the Parish.

 

St. Mary’s English School, Bistupur: The School Day, the feast of the birthday of Mother Mary was celebrated on September 08 with various competitions and cultural programme. Sr. Flavian, A.C. was the Chief Guest at the function in the morning.

On 9^th, the clergy and religious of the town gathered at the School campus to honour Mother Mary at a grand luncheon with the faculty. This was also an occasion to celebrate the birthday of Fr. A. Alphonse, the Vice Principal of the School.

 

St. Dominic’s ‘Prarthanalaya’, Birsnagar: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed the Dominican residence and ‘Prarthanalaya’ on September 16, during the solemn con-celebrated Eucharist at 10.00 a.m. Fr. Dominic Mendonca, O.P., the Prior Provincial inaugurated the buildings by cutting a ribbon and unveiling the marble plaque. Soon after the Mass, there was a cultural programme to felicitate the guests by the local faithful. All the workers were honoured during the function. Mr. Joseph Sahay was  honored during the felicitation ceremony . It was his family, who gifted the land to the Bishop of Jamshedpur. Later all shared a sumptuous meal prepared by the local faithful for the occasion. Dominicans from Nagpur and Ranchi came to give support to Fr. Dolphy and community for the solemn and historic occasion.  Congratulations to Fr. Dolphy for the strong and faith filled Dominican Foundation in Jamshedpur Diocese. We have fond memories of the presence of Frs. Praveen and Binesh with us while the preparations were done for the historic day..

 

Mercy Convent, Baridih: Sr. Vinita, SCJM (68) died at the Mercy hospital on September 15 at 10.00 a,m and the funeral Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral on September 16, at 3.00 p.m. Bishop Joe Rodericks, S.J. was the Chief celebrant at the Con-celebrated Eucharist and the funeral service at the Babudih cemetery. Most of the religious communities from the town took part in the liturgy. Sr. Vinita was ailing for some time. Many of her family members were present for the funeral. Sr. Roshini, SCJM, the Provincial Superior presented a life history of Sr. Vinita and Sr. Lalita thanked everybody for their prayers and support during the illness and at the funeral Service. Condolences and prayerful support to the bereaved family and the SCJM Congregation.

 

St. Xavier’s English School, Purulia:  The Second English Recitation, Elocution and Speech contest was held on 26^th August at the Rabindra Bhavan came off successfully. The Chief Guest was Mrs. Veena Talwar, Princial, R.V.S. Academy, Mango, Jamshedur and the Chief Judge was Mr. K.A. Mathew, Ex-Principal, De Nobili School, Maithon. The Third Elocution and Speech contest will hopefully be held in our own hall next year. The Teachers day on 5^th September this year was beautifully celebrated by a well a coordinated programme by the class XI students. The Junior school had a separate programme on the previous day. The inter-house football tournament was won by the Jyothi House (Yellow House) this year by 1:0. Two of our teachers from Plus Two stream attended a well conducted in-service training programme by the Council in teaching Biology and Chemistry in classes 11 and 12 in Kolkata .(Hilary Lobo)

 

St. Robert’s Parish, Parsudih: The feast of St. Robert Bellarmine, the Patron Saint of the Parish, Parish Feast was celebrated on September 17. Fr. Amatus Kujur, the Dean of Jamshedpur was the Chief Celebrant at the solemn Con-celebrated Eucharist at 6.30 a.m. in the Church. It was a very solemn occasion for the people of Parsudih and the church was packed to capacity. The choir was superb and the chief celebrant spoke for 55 minutes on the importance of Christian witnessing and serving the poor. After the Mass all shared snacks and wished each other God’s blessings on the Parish Day.. In the evening the clergy and religious of the town shared a sumptuous meal at the school hall in honor of St. Robert Bellarmine.

 

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad:  The nativity of Mother Mary was celebrated on September 08, at the Parish Church. Fr. Edward Kongari presided at the solemn Mass. Before the Mass, all assembled at the School grounds and came to the Church in Rosary procession. The novena in preparation for the feast was well attended and with much devotion.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. celebrated Mass for the Parishioners of Dhanbad on September 17 at 7.00 a.m. On the same day the Executive Members of the Deanery Mahila Sangh had their Meeting at the parish and it was well represented. Dean, Fr. Edward Kongari was the Chief organizer and animator for the programme.

The whole Parish was involved in the new mission, St. John Mary Vianney school and Mass centre and the grand blessing on the 24th was the success story of St. Anthony’s Parish.  It was the community initiative to open up the new centre hoping that one day Dhanbad will be a diocese.

 

Prabhu Marsal, Goilkera :  The ‘Teacher’s Day’ was celebrated on 5^th September with much enthusiasm and respect. Pastor, Fr. Roque Cardoza offered a special Mass for the teachers in the Church at 8.30 a.m. He exhorted the teachers to be the true channels of imbibing the Gospel values of love, charity and faithfulness to the children. The children had an hour long cultural programme to honor the teachers. Token gifts were given to all the teachers. All shared snacks in jubilation to conclude the celebration at St. Paul’s School..

 

Convent of Mary Immaculate, Jamadoba:  The Golden Jubilee in Religious Life of Sr. Carmel, SCSG was celebrated on September 16-17. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn Con-celebrated Mass on 17^th at 11.00 a.m. in the convent chapel. Relatives and friends had come in large numbers for the celebrations. The Priests and Religious of the Deanery had a celebration on 16^th evening at a special meal. After the Mass there was felicitation by the relatives and friends and that added extra flavor to the celebrations. Sr. Carmel was at Jamadoba working for the DSWC in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Congratulations to Sr. Carmel in this Golden Year. (Marcel)

 

St. John Mary Vianney School-Mass Centre, Dhowatand:  Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and inaugurated the newly constructed facilities at Dhowatand on September 24 at 9.30 a.m. during the solemn liturgy in Santhali rite . Fr. Manu Horo, our Santhal Missionary was the Master of ceremony for the liturgy in Dhoti Kurta. His doti almost flew away while conducting the ceremonial Santhal rite blessing. Priests and Sisters from the deanery were present to witness the ceremony. Fr. Edward Kongari, Dean and founder of Dhowatand mission welcomed the dignitaries and introduced the ceremony. After the Mass, there was felicitation for the Bishop and the guests. The celebrations concluded with snacks. Children, parents and faithful from the nearby villages were present in large numbers. Congratulations to Fr. Edward, Catechists, Augustine Horo, Joseph Soay and Rupalal for he initiative and hard work to found the news mission.

 

DSWC, Dhanabd : The Governing Body Meeting of DSWC was held at  the Nirmala Hospital on September 23 at 3.00 p.m. Fr. Walter Crasta, the director and Secretary of DSWC presented the Annual report and it was unanimously passed. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the meeting.

The Annual General Body Meeting was held at the same place at 5..00 p.m. The members were very appreciative of the great work done by DSWC. It is hoped that the people of Dhanbad will be encouraged to support DSWC for its various activities. The members shared a sumptuous meal at the conclusion of the meeting. The members congratulated the Director and his dedicated team for the yeomen service rendered to the neglected group of the society in Dhanbad and around.

 

Loyola School, Jamshedpur : The students of Loyola School presented the Theatre Worskshoppe’s “ AN IDEAL HUSBAND”, conceived by Fr. Augustine Vatta, the Principal at the Tata Auditorium, XLRI on September 22and 23 from 7.00 p.m.

On the first day Fr. Pius Fernandes, S.J., the recipient of the President’s National Award 2006 was the Chief Guest. It was an occasion for the Loyola School family to felicitate Fr. Pius Fernandes for his meritorious service in the field of Education in Jamshedpur Diocese.

Mr. B. Muthuraman, MD, Tata Steel was the Chief Guest on the second Day. The play was directed by Dr. Amit Chatterjee. Congratulations to Fr. Augustine Vatta, Staff and Students of Loyola for the magnificent presentation of “AN IDEAL HUSBAND’ for the people of Jamshedpur.

 St. Albert’s College, Ranchi :Fr. Rector celebrated his birthday on 11th of September. The whole Albertine family wished him well in the international basketball court. on 11^th. Br. Stephen celebrated his birthday among the Jamwallas. Karam festival was celebrated in traditional attire at the Cathedral. Fr. Linus Kujur was the chief celebrant.
World peace day was celebrated on 21st of September at XISS. Different religious families represented and gave talk on peace.  As a preparation to it there was a press meeting at Gurunanak Higher secondary school on 18th of September. Fr. Rector was the chief person to speak over there. All the Konkani speaking people of Ranchi had a gathering at Hesag on September 10.(Raju felix Crasta)

 

 

Bible Society of India, Jamshedpur Branch: The Bible Society of India, Jamshedpur Branch organized an Inter-Church Unity Prayer Service at the GEL Church, Sitaramdera on September 23, at 5.00 p.m. Fr. Amatus Kujur, Vice President, BSI, Jamshedpur Branch and Rev. Bimal Kujur, Secretary, BBI, Ranchi Unit gave messages. Intercessory prayers were offered by different Churches. There were 18 Pastors and more than 50 faithful for the Prayer Meeting. Thanks to Dr. Jonathan Mahapatra for the initiative.

 

Holy Cross Convent, Pramothnagar : The solemnity of the Exultation of the Cross was celebrated on September 14. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn Eucharist in the convent Chapel at 6.30 a.m. In the evening the clergy and religious of the town assembled at the convent for a sumptuous meal and to wish the Holy Cross Sisters abundant blessing from the Lord.

 

Catholic Charities, Sundernagar: The Governing Body and Annual General Body Meeting of SJVK was held at the CURIA Hall, Golmuri on September 09 . Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the meeting. Fr. Bipin Pani presented the annual report and it was passed unanimously. The members congratulated the SJVK team for the wonderful work done in the various villages in the diocese.

The Governing Body Meeting of the Catholic Charities was held at the Office at Sundernagar on September 30, at 5.00 p.m and the AGM at 6.00 p.m. under the chairmanship of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. Fr. Bipin Pani presented the report with the help of Power-point Projector and Laptop. The meeting concluded with  dinner at 7.30 p.m. Congratulations to one and all at CC.

 

Holy Family Church, Rahargora: The Parish Council, Youth and Mahila Sangh of Rahargora  in consultation with St. Robert’s parish are busy in preparing for the forthcoming Charismatic Retreat in December 1,2,3 at Rhargora. The Charismatic team  from Varnasi will conduct the same. All  are invited to Raharogra for this important event in December.. Frs. Akash and Udai Dev are busy with their ministry at Rahargora. The daily Mass at Raharogra has 15-20 participants. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 !

 

SEARSOLIN: “ I am happy to know the many good things happening in the diocese. Just we finished the 3^rd module and now this is a good course on the micro finance and business. So, as soon as I land in India, I can start a business. Really I feel home-sick! India is great and no country will be like INDIA !”.” Michael Raj)

 

St. Patrick’s, Arcola: “ I arrived on Saturday evening. I had a very pleasant but long journey. I am having a good time here with Frs. Cyril and James. I had a wonderful ministry in Venice. I was in a village (a tourist resort) where there were 1500 people. There were large groups of disables. Those who ate in the ‘Mensa’ were 600 people and I used to wash their plates along with other young volunteers”! ( Dileep Marandi)

 

St. Patrick’s, Arcola: “Greetings from Cyril. I had a wonderful Birthday, all surprises. Thank the Lord for the gift of life and the wonderful people around me. Fr. JIM is busy visiting the people in his Parish. By the end of 2007 he wants to visit all the families and have at least a dinner in every family. Now he says MEXICAN food is the best. Till now it was Philippine food was the best.

St. Patrick’s, Arcola had the ground breaking on 6^th August, for the new Classrooms, Parish Hall, Staff offices, and toilet facilities. School children and the oldest teachers participated in the ground breaking ceremony. This project will cost about 1.3 million dollars. All the money has been collected from the well wishers, friends and benefactors in and around Arcola. This new building will be having all the modern facilities. The work will be complete in the month of February, 2007.

In the month of August, Fr. John Guidera visited St. Patrick’s, Arcola and preached mission. People appreciated his dedicated work in India. He spent 3 days at St. Patrick’s and visited many people. He enjoyed his stay at the new Rectory” (Cyril Fernandes)

 

Maryland: “Thanks for your thoughtful greetings. At this age, we want to forget birthdays. I visited Cyril in Fort Wayne last week and a chance to see how much good he has done. The people want to keep him but I assured them that he didn’t come to stay but to encourage them to send their sons to the seminary. I hope the presence of Jamshedpur Priest will encourage more local vocations. I look forward to landing in Calcutta on Sept 17^th morning. It will be good to get back”. (John Guidera)

 

Morning Star College, Barackpore:  We had our annual retreat during the first week of September. We were blessed to have our spiritual discourse preached by Rev. Bro. Kevin Ward, CFC. It was truly inspiring.

On the 8^th of this month we had a grand celebration of the Nativity of Our Blessed Mother Mary. As she is the Patroness of our seminary, on her birthday ministeries are conferred on the seminarians and the third year seminarians are given the clerical habit. Hence, this year our brothers, Alwyn, Guna, Sameer received the cassock.

Life was never busier. Everyday there is something to be busy with. Hence life here is in full circle. (Felix Anthony)

 

St. Charles’, Nagpur : Thank you very much for offering the Holy Mass and praying for the repose of the soul of my beloved brother- Michael Surin, who expired in a blast in Himachal Predesh, for me and for my family in the sad moment of our lives.

Nowadays we are all quite busy in our studies and activities. I go for communion distribution to the sick and for preaching to different parishes. Bro. Marcel goes for the pastoral ministry to the B.B.C/S.S.C. prayer groups. Bros. Tej, Ronald, Michael and Maria Charles go for social work in the various centres run by the Seminary. All are doing well in their studies. (James Surin)

Silver Jubilee of SDC, Dumka: Cardinal Telesphore P.Toppo was the Chief Guest at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of SDC, Dumka on September 8.  The Solemn Con-celebrated Eucharist was presided over by the Cardinal at 9.30 a.m. Bishops - Charles Soreng, S.J., Gabriel Kujur, S.J., Felix Toppo, S.J., Cyprian Monis, Joseph Rodericks, S.J., were present for the celebrations along with over 2000 faithful. The dignitaries were given a warm and ceremonious welcome by the people. A short action play highlighting the achievements of SDC was staged by the beneficiaries.

Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo was given a rousing welcome on the 7^th as he arrived at Dumka. The hour long felicitation ceremony for the Cardinal was attended by many dignitaries and officials from the town. (Marcel)

 

 

 

 

 

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