JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

                       

 

His magic was not far to seek

He was so human! Whether strong or weak,

Far from his kind he neither sank nor soared,

But sat an equal guest at every board,

No beggar ever felt him condescend

No prince presume, for still himself he bore

At manhood’s simple level, and wherever

He met a stranger, there he left a friend. (J.R.Lowell)

 

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO ONE AND ALL!

 

 

 

 

Engagements of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. – December, 2006
Date	Day	Time		Place
01	Fri	AM	RBC/NJN/Ravi Bharati	Ranchi
02	Sat	8.a.m.	Bethany Provincial	BH
1-2			Prayer Convention	Rahargora
03	Sun	9.30 a.m	Jubilee Mass of Fr. R. Monteiro	Mosaboni
04	Mon	5.00 p.m	Annual Day, St. Mary’s School	Noamundi
06	Wed	9.30 a.m	Clergy Meeting	BH
08	Fri	AM	Blessing of the New Cathedral Church	Gumla
12	Tue	AM	New Church blessing	Telco
		4.00 p.m	Blessing of St. Joseph’s Hospital	Bhilai Pahari
13-14			Sr. Anjali , P. Eva	BH
17	Sun		Confirmation	Purulia
19	Tue		Silver Jubilee of Sr. Pushpa, OSU	CKP
21	Thu		Priestly Ordination of Junas Kujur, S.J	Anandpur
28	Thu		Wedding Mass -Mukta M. & Michael Kujur

 

 

 

 

 

D I O C E S A N  - R O U N D !

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road : The commemoration of All Faithful Departed was held at the Beldih Cemetery on November 02, at 4.00 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the Solemn Eucharist with 13 Priests and blessed the graves. The cemetery was looking beautiful with candles lit on every grave. Fr. Edwin Coelho was the homilist and commentator during the liturgy. Congratulations to Dr. Raymond D’Souza, Secretary, Christian Burial Board for beautifying the cemeteries for the occasion.

November 05 was celebrated as a major event for St. Mary’s Parish On this day, Bishop Felix Toppo conferred the sacrament of Confirmation to 55 members of the Parish and ‘First Communion’ to 38 children during the solemn liturgy at the forecourt of the Hindi School under a huge shamayana. Parents, relatives, and friends were present in big number. Soon after the Mass the CAJ(M) gave the Confirmation and Communion  groups token gifts and breakfast. 

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri: Fr. Bipin Pani was the Chief Celebrant at the All Souls Day Mass at the Babudih cemetery at 3.00 p.m. Frs. Amatus, Leo and Dolfy joined the large crowd of  faithful for the solemn Mass and blessings of the graves.

The ‘Purnima mela’ was well organized at the School grounds on the 11^th and 12^th November. Msgr. John Bodra inaugurated the mela with a short prayer on the 1^st day at 4.30 p.m. Mr. Raghunath Pandey, President Tata Worker’s Union was the Chief Guest on the 1^1th and  Mr. Bailey Bodhanwala on the 12^th. Mr. S.K. Upadhya, Commandant, 106 Bn. R.A.F was the Guest of Honor on the 2^nd day. A Souvenir was released during the mela . On both the days there was large crowd at the games and food stalls. The raffle draw was held on the 12^th at 9.00 p.m. Congratulations to  Frs. Amatus, Leo and the Parish Council Members for the well planned  Purnima mela- 2006 in aid of Educational purposes and towards the construction of Mercy Chapel. The Parish Council is still calculating the total collection for the mela, souvenir and raffle.

 

IMS Mission, Rahargora: The IMS Community at Rahargora celebrated the congregations’ foundation day on November 03 with a special Mass and felicitation in the morning. In the evening the clergy and religious of the area came together with some representatives from the faithful  and had a special meal in the evening at the IMS residence. Frs. David and Marcel were the only special invitees. Congratulations to Frs. Aaksh and Udai for their presence and ministry in Jamshedpur Diocese.

 

St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa: The annual sports and cultural fest was held on November 04 at 1.00 p.m. at the school grounds. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Guest for the grand event. The Chief Guest was welcomed by the band troupe of the school and the children presented spectacular drill display for the joy of one and all. The cultural items, such as class: LKG-UKG: Birdie dance,  1-& II :Jadoo, III-IV: Rainbow; V: Aerobics; VI-IX Boys : millennium Boys on the move; VI_IX Girls : Peace & Harmony in nature. The Chief Guest exhorted the staff and students to be honest to acquire genuine knowledge and live accordingly. Later he gave away the awards to the meritorious students in the presence of the parents, guardians and guests. The school ground was packed to capacity.   Congratulations to Sr. Linda, staff and students of St. Xavier’s for the beautiful celebration of the annual sports and cultural fest.

 

 

Khuntpani Feast : The 133^rd  feast of Our Lady of Khuntpani was solemnly celebrated on 8^th November 2006. Bishop of Gumla, Most Rev. Paul Lakra was the Chief Celebrant for the Solemn Con-celebrated Eucharist with Bishop Felix Toppo, 50 priests and about 15000 faithful. Bishop Paul Lakra attracted the attention of the crowed with his powerful and inspiring homily. He said “Missionaries had made an impact in Chotanagpur and uplifted Adivasis through education, health care and social work.”  This news was highlighted in the front pages of all the newspapers and the inside pages were filled with photos. The celebration began right on time at 9 a.m. with Rosary in honour of Khuntpani Mata and the ritualistic washing and blessing of the memorial stones. Kuntpani Mashal , the sign of Christ the  light of the world was lit by the Chief Celebrant. The whole celebration was devotional and prayerful as the weather was pleasant enough for the people to participate in the liturgy. The choir was conducted by Chaibasa parish, entrance dance by Carmel school CKP; Bible procession-Tepasai parish, offertory dance- St. Xavier’s High School Lupungutu, Araty dance- St. Xavier’s English School. At the end of the Mass, bishops, religious and priests were felicitated with garlands by the students of St. Teresa’s School, Jhinkpani. A New Prayer Book in HO by Fr. John Deeney, S.J. was released by bishop Felix Toppo. The celebrations ended by 1.30 p.m. Thanks to all who worked and prayed for the success of this grand celebration.(Eugene Ekka)

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri : Bishop Vincent Barwa paid a surprise visit to the Bishop’s House on November 05 on his way to Jesu Bhawan to preach a retreat for the Diocesan Clergy. Fr. John Otto, Herman Tigga, Junas Purty, Casimir Vas, Nicholas Kerketta,  Robert Toppo attended the same retreat.

On November 07 Bishop Paul Lakra of Gumla made his maiden visit as Bishop to Jamshedpur. The community welcomed him during the special dinner. He was Chief Celebrant at the celebrations at Khuntpani on November 8^th.

Bishop Felix flew to Israel to be part of the Neo-Catechumen sessions from the 18th to 24^th and returned on 25^th. Fr. Marcel Barla OFM(Cap) traveled to Dhanbad to be the Chief Celebrant at the Christ the King celebrations on 26^th morning. 

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia: The Parish celebrated the feast of Christ the King on November 26 with Mass and Procession. Fr. Linus Kindo was the Chief Celebrant for the Mass and Benediction. Parishioners from the villages came in large number to profess their faith in the Lord in public.

 

St. Mary’s Parish, Omra: Fr. Ajay Tiru presided at the solemn Mass in honor of Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe on November 26^th. The procession through the village was devotional and prayerful. The faithful assembled at the Church in big number to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Congratulations to Fr. Paulus, Br. Nestor , Sisters and Parish Council Members for the  meaning celebration  the feast of  Christ the King.

 

Christmas Ministry  for (Seminarians)- 2006
Patrick Khess & Habil Tigga	Christ the King Parish, CKP
Emmanuel Lugun	St. Mark’s Parish, Toklo
Cornelius Oryea	Vidya Jyoti , Siadih
George Ekka & Michael Mundri	Prabhu Marsal, Goilkera
Walter Purty	Jisu Marsal Ashram, Hatikunder
S. Anthony Felix & Amrit Kerketta	St. Xavier’s, Chaibasa
Sameer Soreng & Prabhakaran	St. Theresa’s Church , Jhinkpani
Lucas Lakra & Jyotish	Jisu  Marsal, Chandil
Jondko  Kandeyang & Ajay Kujur	St. Anthony’s, Dhanbad
Raju Crasta & Pradeep Marandi	Bishop’s House, Golmuri
Prashant Moras	DBH,  Gomoh
Britto Xavier	Sacred Heart Church, Adra
Alwyn C.V.	St. Theresa’s  Church, Sindri
Guna Gabriel Soren & S. Stephen	Jisu Jaher, Tundi

 

XLRI, Jamshedpur : Fr. George Cheradayil, S.J. was read  in as the Superior of XLRI on November 21, during the Mass presided over by the outgoing Superior, Fr. Augustine Ezhakunnel, S.J. Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., the Provincial read out the appointment letter from the Superior General, Fr. Kolvenbach, S.J. Good number Priests were present for the Mass, felicitation and dinner at the Tom residence. Fr. Augustine was given a fond farewell during the celebrations. Thanks and welcome !

 

 

Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari: The ‘First Communion’ for the Parish children was celebrated on November 12. Fr. George Manna was the chief celebrant for the concelebrated Eucharist in the School Hall at 7.00 p.m. 20 children received Jesus for the first time during the solemn liturgy in the company of their parents, guardians, relatives and friends. The celebrants and first communicants were led to the altar by a dancing troupe. The Bible procession was solemn and devotional. All the 20 first communion children took part in the offertory and another group of dancers led them to the altar. Fr. Sushil was the M.C. and Mr. Lalit Murray, Vice President of the parish Council proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the Mass. After the final blessing, the children and celebrants were led to the portico by the Loyola Hall candidates in tribal attire and dancing. The children were given token gifts after the communion and breakfast after the Mass. The choir was led by Fr. Ranjeet Kindo, S.J. The Parish Priest, Fr. Cyril Tigga could not be present as he was admitted to Mercy Hospital with Typhoid. Congratulations to one all at Sonari Parish for the beautiful celebration of the “First Communion” for the Parish children.

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad : Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. conferred the sacrament of Confirmation to 78 members of the Parish and First Communion to 25 children during the solemn concelebrated Eucharist in the School Hall at 7.00 a.m on November 12. It was a solemn event for the Parish and the Choir sang devotional hymns to give meaning for the celebration. Soon after the Mass token gifts and certificates were presented to all the candidates. Later all the children had breakfast and left for home celebrations.

Fr. Marcel Barla OFM cap) was the Chief celebrant and homilist for the Christ the King feast  and procession at the Parish on 26^th morning. The procession was through the Hill Colony and the Blessed Sacrament was carried on a specially decorated jeep.  The whole parish took part in the Mass and procession. Congratulations to the Parish Council Members for the beautiful arrangement.

 

Amar Jyoti School, Pardih:  The Annual Sports Meet was held at the school Grounds on November 11, at 10.00 a.m Mr. Bailey Bodhanwala, the Chief Guest  inaugurated the Sports Meet and Mrs. Ruby Bodhanwala gave away the awards. Parents, guardians and the villagers crowded the ground and enjoyed the events and cheered the students for their wonderful performance. Congratulations to Sr. Severin SSH, teachers and students for the spirited Sports Meet.

Little Flower School, Telco:  The 41^st School Annual Sports  was conducted at  Sumant Moolgaakar Stadium on November 11 at 1.00 p.m. Mr. Ajai Kumar, Assistant General Manager (Construction Division), Tata Motors was the Chief Guest and Mrs. Moni Kumar presented the awards to the winners. 

Catholic Ashram, Balrampur: The children’s day was celebrated in Balrampur with sports and cultural events for the children of the project area on November 14. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the events and addressed the gathering at 9.00 a.m.  Fr. Henry Sequeira had a large crowd present to enjoy the Children’s Day programme at the United Church Grounds. Congratulations to Fr. Henry and his team for the meaningful celebration Children’s Day at Balarampur.

 

 

CATHOLIC CHARITIES / SAMEKIT JAN VIKAS KENDRA, SUNDERNAGAR : Month of October and November had busy schedule for Catholic Charities. On the one side there was joy of Dashera- Deepawali festivity and the lively presence of the foreign guests on those days at the Catholic Charities. On the eve of Dashera we had six Philippines visitors, from DIAKONIA Project, accompanied by Dr. Moharana, Asian representative of DIAKONIA Projects. On their arrival at Catholic Charities they were given a warm traditional welcome with Chau dance. We had official meeting with them. In the evening they were taken for sight seeing around Jamshedpur town. Next day they were taken to Vijaygiri for their further visit. Next day a team 16 people from Tonto Project including Fr. Halan and Srs. Lata, Jayamma, Pushpam and Damyanthi went to Ahmednagar for Watershed Exposure for four five days. Fr. Bipin and Sr. Annies managed the office till 9^th Oct.

On October 11^th Dr. Eva, DKA project, from Austria visited us. She was given a warm welcome at Catholic Charities. Same day Fr. Bipin, Srs. Annies and Lata left for Shimla for the yearly DIAKONIA partners Meet. Fr. Halan, Sr. Damyanthi, Mrs Darshna and Mr. Sriman took Dr. Eva to Kharswan and Chaibasa for field visit. Both the places people gathered in good number and gave her very warm welcome and she dialogued with the crowd and asked them about their benefits. She was presented many handicraft products which has become their livelihood.  She felt one among them and danced to the joy of all. Next day she was reached to Balrampur for further visit. She appreciated the hard work of Catholic Charities and congratulated the field workers.

On Oct. 20^th, eve of Deepawali we had another German visitor Mr. Elmar Noe of Misereor. He was taken to Sankodih, Kuchai project area. Large number of villagers gave him a traditional welcome with little Balwadi children. During the interaction with people he found out that women have really come up to lead the society. He was shown the soap Industry, cloth shop, herbal medical products, and vermin culture. He appreciated the work that the Catholic Charities is leading. He met Bishop Felix Toppo and expressed his happiness and the good work the diocese has initiated. He assured Bishop continuous support in future . Next day he had to meet BIJHAN partners at St. Albert’s College in Ranchi. On 22^nd Oct. Fr. Bipin rushed to Hyderabad for RBA meeting.

On October 28^th we had a fourth visitor ,Mr. Ralph Tephel, Karl Kubel, Germany, who is funding the Tonto Block, 36 villages. On Oct. 29^th Frs. Bipin, Halan and Sr. Lata proceeded towards Tonto for field visit with Mr. Ralph. Mr. Ralph wanted to see all the project places and meet people in the field. Though some places there are no roads, we had to walk and go by motorcycles. At Rengra Parish, Fr. Raphael S.J. extended us warm welcome and hospitality . Mr. Ralph was very happy meeting people in that interior places and assured his continuous help and support and suggested to stop deforestation in the area. On Nov. 6^th to 9^th we had seminar conducted by ASK Delhi on HRM (Human Rights Management). Mr. Rothin, Fr. Halan and Sr. Damyanthi fell sick and had to be admitted to Mercy Hospital. (Halan)

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra: The solemnity of the Christ the King was solemnly celebrated in the Parish on November 26. Fr. Cyprian Lobo, Director, Kripa Sadan was the Chief Celebrant. The procession started from St. Vincent’s Ashram and concluded with Mass in the Church. The procession with Rosary and devotional hymns attracted many people all through the way.

 

Christ the King Parish, Chakradharpur: The solemnity of Christ the King, the Parish Feast was celebrated on November 26. Fr. George Manna presided at the Concelebrated Eucharist. The parishioners assembled at the Carmel School campus and walked to the Church praying the Holy Rosary and singing praises to the King of the Universe. This was followed by Benediction and Mass. The choir was excellent and sang devotional hymns during the procession and Mass. The Bible procession was done by the Carmel School children. The Parish Council took the initiative to organize the Parish Day celebrations with devotion and faith. Congratulations to one and all at Christ the King Parish, CKP.

 

St. Barbara’s Church, Mosaboni: The Jamshedpur Deanery Eucharistic procession – 06 was held at St. Joseph’s School grounds, Mosaboni on November 26. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the solemn concelebrated Eucharist at the school ground at 10.00 a.m. and carried the Blessed Sacrament at the procession through the township. Over 3000 faithful assembled for the Mass and procession. People traveled by buses, jeeps, cars and autos and took part in the Mass and procession at Mosaboni. Congratulations to Fr. Raphael Monteiro, St. Joseph’s Sisters and Parish Council members for the beautiful arrangement in honor of Chris the King of the Universe. Meals were given to one and all after the Benediction.

 

Prabhu Marsal, Goilkera:  The Parish celebrated the feast of Christ the King with solemn Mass and procession from the convent to the Church. People from all the tolas were present for the occasion. Fr. Roque Cardoza, Parish Priest celebrated the Eucharist and presided at the Benediction. Fr. Linus Kindo went to Charbandia and celebrated his ‘First Mass’ with the parishioners of Anandpur Parish.

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari: Fr. Cyprian is all set to organize the inauguration of India-Czech St. Joseph’s Hospital on December 12 at 4.00 p.m. He expects many VIP’s to visit his centre and enjoy coolness and charm of the place. The JMJ Sisters are at work to set the place for the blessing. The harvesting of the paddy is completed and the animals are happy and enjoying the fruits.

St. Mary’s Hindi School, N. Road:  The School Annual Sports Meet was held on November 24 at the Gopal Maidan. Mr. Champai Soren, M.L.A. was the Chief Guest. He addressed the gathering and distributed the awards. The children presented spectacular drill display during the inaugural ceremony. Congratulations to Sr. Lini, staff and students of St. Mary’s Hindi for the well conducted Sports Meet-2006.

 

 

Vatican Prelate Urges New Bishops to be communicators: Addressing nearly a hundred new Bishops from all over the world, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Archbishop John Foley on September 23, urged Bishops to be communicators. (cbcisite)

 

Some of the laws that are said to have existed or still exists in parts of the United States of America :

• In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania it is against the law to sleep in a refrigerator.
• There was once a law in Iowa against women wearing corsets, and an official job of corset inspector who went around poking women in the ribs to make sure they weren’t wearing one.
• In Gary, Indiana, you’re breaking the law if you attend the theatre within four hours of eating garlic.
• In Pocatello, Idaho, it is illegal to look unhappy.
• Snore loud enough to disturb your neighbours and you can spend a night or two in Jail in the Dunn, North Carolina.
• It is illegal for chickens to cross the road in Quitman, Georgia.
• It is against the law in Alabama to wear a false mustache to church and it makes people laugh. (SH)

 

HOW MANY MASSES HAS A PARISH PRIEST TO OFFER DURING THE YEAR FOR THE INTENTIONS OF HIS FLOCK, WITHOUT TAKING A STIPEND ?

The New Code of Can. 534 imposes the obligation of Parish Priests, as soon as they are installed, to offer Holy Mass every Sunday and Holidays of obligation for the intentions of their flock. In a declaration dated 15.08.1989 the Congregation for the Evangelization of peoples explained that a former privilege granted to mission countries, whereby the number of such Masses was reduced, no longer applies. Hence the norm of can. 534 applies also to mission countries.

However, the same Congregation explained that in a situation of financial stress the Bishop can apply for a temporary reduction in this obligation. This is then granted for duration of up to seven years. The number of Masses for the peoples then brought down to twelve, i.e. one per month. (Jos De Cupyper,S.J)

 

                       

MISSION SUNDAY COLLECTION -2006
S. No	Name of the Parish/Institution	Amount
01	Sacred Heart Church, Adra	20,200.00
02	St. Joseph’s Church, Gua-Kiriburu	16,902.00
03	St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad	11,500.00
04	Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari	10,819.00
05	Our Lady of Guadalupe, Telco	10,070.00
06	Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur	5,500.00
07	Jeevan Jyoti School of Nursing, Telco	5,000.00
08	St. Barbara’s Church, Mosaboni	4,395.00
09	Prem Niketan Society, C/o Carmel, Sonari	2,500.00
10	Prabhu Marsal Church, Goilkera	2,000.00
11	Our Lady of Nativity Church, Sini	1,290.00
12	JMJ  Convent, Bhilai Pahari	250.00
13	St. Anthony’s Church, Kutkudungri	3,750.00
14	Jyoti Sadan Trust, C/o Carmel Convent, Sonari	500.00
15	Vidya Jyoti Mission, Siadih	250.00
16	St. Xavier’s Church, Chaibasa	3215
17	St. Mary’s Church, N. Road, Bistupur	8297
18	St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri	8348.00

BACK