JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

Never woke a fairer morn                               Never lived a greater joy

Since creation’s primal ray,                            Than that breathless moment when

Than the hour of golden dawn                        Angels standing near the tomb

On the earths’ first Easter day                        Whispered , ‘ Lo! He lives again’.

Jewelled meadows! Skylarks winging,           Spread the truth to every nation!

Lilies blooming !Bluebells ringing,                Sing abroad in exaltation!

All the earth with gladness singing,                Hail the God-sealed confirmation!

Alleluia! Easter morn!                                    Alleluia ! Easter morn !

 

Never came a nobler hope

Than the promise of that hour,

When, triumphant over death,

Love proclaimed redeeming power.

Man immortal ! Ever growing,

Greater power! Greater knowing!

Life in endless overflowing!

Alleluia! Easter morn !

                      (Alfred Grant Walton)

                       

WE WISH OUR READER’S A VERY HAPPY  EASTER!

 

Engagements of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. – April, 2007
Date	Day	Time		Place
01	Sun		Passion Sunday Celebration	Mango
02-03	M/T	AM-PM	Blessing of the dispensary foundation	Omra
05	Thu		Maundy Thursday Celebration	Cathedral
06	Fri	3.30 p,m	Good Friday Liturgy	Bistupur
07	Sat		Easter Vigil Mass	Sonari
11	Wed	6.00 a.m. 11.30 a.m	Mass for the Voc. Campers Carmel School	Loyola Sonari
12	Thu	6.00 p.m.	Jubilee Mass	Loyola
15	Sun	A.M	Confirmation	Gomoh
17-18	Wed		Episcopal Ordination of Fr. Angelus Kujur	Purunea
21	Sat	AM	Blessing of the Convent Building	Siadih
22	Sun	AM	Pastoral visit cum Confirmation	Goilkera
25	Wed	AM	Priestly Ordination of Deacon James Surin	Torpa
29	Sun	AM	Parish Feast	Kiriburu

 

 

D I O C E S A N   R O U N D – U P !

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri :  A memorial prayer service was held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri on March 12 at 5.30 p.m. for the late Sunil Mahato, M.P., Jamshedpur. It was organized by the Jamshedpur Churches Unity Forum. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. offered the inaugural prayer. Mrs. Dilit Castelton spoke on the various contributions of the slain MP and highlighted his vision for a united Jharkhand. Rev. Ajai Paricha, Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church blessed the congregation with the concluding prayer. The Cathedral choir sang hymns suiting to the occasion. Fr. Amatus proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Ephrem Kispotta conducted the ceremony. Mrs. Suman Mahato, wife of Late Sunil Mahato was present for the service. Over 800 people participated in the hour long ceremony at the Cathedral. 

The Jamshedpur town youth had 3 days of retreat at the Cathedral from the 23^rd to 25^th. This was directed by a 6 member youth team led by Mr. Naveen Lobo from Ranchi.

The Jamshedpur Churches Unity Forum had their election on March 26 at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri. The elected office bearers are :  Fr. Amatus Kujur  (President), Dr. J. Mahaptra ( Secretary) and Mr. S. Barla ( Treasurer).

 

Bible Society of India: The BSIS, Jamshedpur Branch organized a seminar for women from all the Churches in Jamshedpur at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sitaramdera on March 02 from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on “ The role of women in the Church and Society”.  Mrs. Vandna Dadel, IAS, inaugurated the seminar and  Rev. Solomon Bodhan, National Coordinator of Billy Graham Word Evangelist Association, Lucknow  conducted the sessions. The school girls from GEL Church, Sitaramdera welcomed the guests with a tribal dance while a group of ladies washed the hands of the guests and sprinkling water with mango leaves. More than 580 women participated in the day long sessions. Mrs. Summan Mahato was the Chief Guest at the concluding programme and encouraged the women to be united in all their efforts and that they can be channels of God’s love to all the needy and helpless in the society. The Executive Body Members and Pastors of different churches were present for lunch and meeting after seminar with Rev. Solomon Bodhan. Congratulations to Dr. Jonathan Mohapatra for the beautiful arrangement.

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra: The Charismatic team from the Diocese of Bareily led by Fr. Francis Pinto conducted a charismatic retreat from 1^st to 4^th at the Parish Church. More than 200 faithful took part in the retreat all the three days and gained many blessings for themselves and for the community. The retreat concluded on 4^th evening with the solemn Mass. Congratulations to Frs. Jerome and Edward for the thoughtful faith formation programmes.

On March 11 Fr. Jerome took the area leaders and members of Parish Council to Chandangyari  to learn about the new mission station. The group consisting of 20 people stayed the whole day in the company of Fr. K.C. and community and returned home energized of a mission experience.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri:  Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. attended the ‘Formators Forum Meeting’ at Navjyoti Niketan, Patna from March 3 &4 and visited the minor seminarians in Chakaram, Patna. Later he traveled to Lucknow and met the seminarians at St. Paul’s Minor seminary before returning to Jamshedpur via Dhanbad on the 8^th.

The meeting of the Senate of Priests was held at the Bishop’s House on March 15 from 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. 

The feast of St. Joseph was celebrated by the community with a special Mass presided over by Bishop Joe Rodericks at the MTN Chapel on March 19. This was followed by a community meal to celebrate the feast day of Bishop Joe. Fr. Casimir Vas was the special guest. Frs. Vijay Bhat and Roque Cardoza joined  for the celebrations.

The youth retreat preached by Mr. Naveen Lobo and team at the Cathedral from the 23^rd to 25^th had 70-130-110 participants. The youth preachers numbering 6 stayed at MTN.

Our Regents joined the Jesuit regents for recollection on 25-26 at Jesu Bhawan guided by Fr. Saby Puthenpura, S.J. Fr. Raphael Monteiro stayed at the MTN on the 25^th and  26^th  when he came for medical check-up at Mercy. He returned to Mosaboni on 27^th early morning to celebrate his 54^th birthday with his dear ones.

Swami Sacchidanada Bharati addressed the clergy, religious and well wishers in Jamshedpur town at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre Hall, Golmuri on March 21 at 4.00 p.m. This was part of his ‘Desh vandana’ pilgrimage in the country. He shared his vision with the people and requested everybody present to support his programme by skipping a meal every week and helping a hungry child. Dr. I,C. Kumar, I.A.S also addressed the gathering in support of the movement. Bishop Felix Toppo welcomed the guests after Fr. Akhilesh, IMS gave an introduction to the new movement. The groups visited many schools in the town and addressed the staff and students.

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia: The Pota Charismatic team from Patna led by Fr. George Karamayil, S.J. conducted a charismatic retreat at St. Joseph’s Parish from March 7-10. People from all the villages joined the retreat on all the days. During the retreat over 300 New Testaments were sold out.  Many faithful from Omra parish also took part in the retreat at Charbandia.

 

Welcome to Jamshedpur Diocese
Sr. Elsita, SSh	Amar Jyoti Provincial community,Pardih
Sr. Maria Teresa Tiru, OSU	St. Angela’s Hospital, Chandmari
Thanks and God bless
Sr.Jovita, SSH	Amar Jyoti Provincial Community, Pardih
Sr. Sulata, SSH	Amar Jyoti convent, Pardih
Sr. Anna Mary Maghaiya, OSU	St. Angela’s Hospital, Chandmari,CKP

 

Loyola School, Jamshedpur: The birth centenary year of Late Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J and the Diamond Jubilee of Jamshedpur Jesuits were celebrated on March 8 at Loyola, Jamshedpur. The programme began at the Loyola Hall with a power point presentation by Fr. Jerry Cutinha on the various foundations of Jamshedpur Jesuits in the Province-Jharkhand, West Bengal and Orissa. Immediately after  Bishop Emeritus, Joe Rodericks gave a presentation on the ideology and vision of Fr. Arrupe. This was followed by a concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Bishop Joe and assisted at the altar by Fr. James Kalapura, the Provincial, Fr. Oscar Horo, and Fr. John Deeney. The Jesu Bhawan novices sang beautiful and devotional hymns suiting to the occasion led by Bro. Wency. Soon after the Mass all rushed to the dinning hall for the sumptuous meal tabled out by Bro. Maxi and team. Over 150 clergymen took part in the programme. Congratulations to one and all for the beautiful celebration to herald the inauguration of the Jubilee Year.

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and inaugurated the new convent building for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes at St. Mary’s Junior English School campus on March 11 at 6.30 p.m. Soon after the prayer service the clergy and religious of the town joined the Sisters of Tarbes for a sumptuous meal in the campus. Sr. Christi, the superior welcomed the guests and thanked everybody for their support and prayers for their mission at St. Mary’s. Token gifts were given to all the people who were part of the new construction.

 

St. Joseph’s School, Golmuri: The inauguration of the Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph’s School, Golmuri was held at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre Hall on March 18 at 6.30 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Guest and Dr. N.K. Singh, Chairman, SDM School for excellence , Guest of Honour. Bro. Jacob. DDS welcomed the guests-invitees.  The school students performed thematic and colourful programme on the occasion. The Dance-Drama (Suputra Kunnal) presented by the school children was an excellent masterpiece.  Sr. Marie Therese SSH presented the school history and report.  Mrs. Arputham Mary was the M.C for the function. Sr. Anice, SSH proposed the vote of thanks. Soon after the programme the clergy and religious shared a meal at the convent and the alumni at the basketball court in the company of the school staff. Congratulations to Sr. Marie Therese, staff, students and Alumni for the meaningful beginning of the Golden Era of St. Joseph’s School. A mega celebration can be expected during the jubilee year. (Jacob,dds)

 

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Maubhandar: The Pastoral visit of Bishop Felix Toppo to the Parish was on 18^th March. The parishioners welcomed the Bishop with a tribal dance. During the solemn Eucharist 33 children received the sacrament of Confirmation. The liturgy was well organized with lots of creativity, devotional singing and meaningful participation. Immediately after the Mass the parishioners felicitated the Bishop and the confirmation candidates. The Pastoral visit of the Bishop concluded with a community meal at Nirmal Sadan. The Sisters fom St. Joseph’s Convent and Jyoti Kiran were present for the celebrations at the Parish Church and at Nirmal Sadan. Congratulations to Fr. Ferdinand and team for the beautiful and well organized celebration. (Marcel Barla)

 

St. Barbara’s Parish, Mosaboni: The Pastoral visit of Bishop Felix Toppo to Mosaboni Parish was on the 10^th and 11^th March. The parishioners extended a traditional welcome to the Bishop on the 10^th evening with garland and washing of the feet. The Parish Council together with the BCC groups and the religious communities of the parish had a pastoral meeting with the Bishop on the 10^th evening.

On 11^th, the parishioners celebrated the sacerdotal silver jubilee and the 10^th Episcopal anniversary of Bishop Felix during the solemn Eucharist. The highlights of the liturgy included entrance dance, lighting of the lamp, special intercessory prayers and melodious singing. Soon after the Mass the parishioners felicitated the Bishop with cultural programmes and gifts. Bishop thanked the parishioners for their prayers and good wishes. He thanked Fr. Raphael Monteiro for his tireless effort to inspire and organize the parish activities with the support of the people. Bishop later visited the family of Sr. Jermina, M.C., the only vocation from the parish and spent some time with them. The Sisters of St. Joseph’s Convent hosted the lunch in honour of the Bishop.Fr. Rapahel monitored the programme from Mercy Hospital. Congratulations to the parish Priest, Sisters of St. Joseph’s Convent, Jyoti Kiran and the parish Council members for the beautiful celebration. Fr. Raphael was released from Mercy Hospital on March 17^th. (Marcel Barla)

 

Catholic Charities/Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra, Sundernagar: It is a fact that without water there is no life. At present the scarcity of water is a major problem on earth. Everyone is aware of this problem. Water poverty on earth is evolving as a major world crisis. This has become an issue for the villagers, rulers and officials. To improve the water condition, Catholic Charities has been organizing various community involvements in the districts of East-West Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharswan, Dhanbad and Purulia. Now Jharkhand Govt. has started implementing watershed program in various parts of the state. Recently Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra, Jamshedpur has signed a MOU and working on three Micro-watershed programs under Jharkhand Tribal Development Society in the interior villages of Kuchai Block. In order to gain more knowledge- techniques Fr. Halan and Mr. Ashish attended three days of workshop on “Hill Cultivation” in Guwahati, Asam. In order to implement these programmes efficiently and qualitatively, Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra, has taken the organizational staff and the beneficiaries to Watershed Exposure to Ahmadnagar in Maharashtra for the last two years. Recently Fr. Bipin, staff, villagers from Tonto, and Watershed Moderators Team went to Ahmednagar for five days of Exposure trainings. The trained people returned and arranged meetings in their own villages to share the meaning and usefulness of watershed projects.

On 2^nd February 07, Fr. Bipin, Fr. Halan, and Sr. Lata together with the staff coordinators visited the new watershed areas in Kuchai block and had meeting with the villagers. On 6^th Feb.07, Fr. Halan and staff coordinators arranged the official inauguration of new watershed programs in Kuchai block and it was inaugurated by the former Chief Minister Mr. Arjun Munda and Prakash Chandra Oraon, the JTDS program executive Director, at Gilua village. Thousands of people gathered for the function. Besides watershed programs Sr. Lata and Mr. Arvind conducted one day seminar on Village planning at Mosaboni block, where block officials and concerned people from UNICEF participated together with them 200 village heads and youth. On 9^th Feb.07, Sr. Lata flew to Philippines for studies on especial issues on gender equity for two months.

In the month of March we had Bangladeshi guests for fifteen days of exposure trip to know and learn about the tribals of Jharkhand. They visited Parsudih, Chandil, Kuchai, Toklo, Jonoa and Jamdih villages. Catholic Charities conducted workshops at the Vikas Bharati for 60 Sisters of Bethany Congregation who are involved in the social apostolate together 8 of their lay collaborators. It was facilitated by Mr. Lukose, Mr. Lourdu Baptist and Ms. Mary Joseph from Caritas India. 

World Women’s Day was celebrated on 8^th March in Tonto Block, 20^th March in Kharswan Kuchai Block, and 21^st March in Chakradharpur where women participated in large number. (Halan)

Cardinal Cardijn Community International-Jamshedpur: The launching of “International Year of Cardijn-2007’ began with a solemn concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. at the Cathedral on March 25 at 7.30. a.m. Mr. Naresh Thakur gave an inspiring introduction to the celebration. The many who were involved with the YCW in the 70’s and 80’s  in Jamshedpur came up for the intercessory prayers. Bishop Felix Toppo released the brochure on Cardinal Cardijn at the end of the Mass.

Soon after the Mass people were invited to look at the photos of Cardinal Cardijn’s visit in Jamshedpur in 1964 displayed at the Church varanda. Later many joined the group at the Welfare Centre Hall for a function. There were many guests from Chennai and Kolkata to participate in the celebrations in Jamshedpur.(David)

 

St. Xavier’s Parish, Chaibasa: A retreat was organized for the school children of St. Xavier’s Parish from 20^th to 23^rd March. More than 200 children participated in the retreat. The children we divided into two groups , Classes I-V and Classes  VI to X. Fr. Joseph Surin, S.J. and Bro. Bene Kichingia were the preachers. They helped the children to experience Jesus in their lives through instructions, meditation, Bible reading and singing devotional hymns.

Frs Michael Tirkey, Francis Bodra and Sushil Jojo gave retreat to the parishioners from the 22^nd to 24^th in the church and it was well attended. (Eugene)

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad:  The Couples For Christ team from Patna led by Mr. Vijendra Kumar conducted retreat for the parishioners of St. Anthony’s from 26-29 March. This was well appreciated and attended. The team visited many of the communities and foundations in the town and shared their joy and concern with them. They visited Dhowatand and were happy to meet some of the villagers.

 

DSWC, Dhanbad: Nirmala Campus celebrated the return of the Director, Fr. Walter Crasta in their midst. Frs. Gualbert and Michael were kept busy with the various on-going activities and projects .They made many trips to Ranchi to present documents for the recognition of DBH School.  The good news is that DBH school in the list of the 100 recognized schools in Jharkhand. Fr. Walter visited Jamshedpur again for an MRI test and consult doctors for the severe pain plus communication gap on the left leg.

 

Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari: The solemn ‘Sarhul’ festival-2007 was celebrated at Loyola on March 25. Fr. Fabrian Bhuinyan, S.J. was the Chief Celebrant at the con-celebrated Eucharist at 8.00 a.m. and ‘ Chief Pahan’ at the traditional tribal sarhul rituals. This year faithful from all the town parishes came to Loyola for the combined celebration. Mr. Ephrem Kispotta was M.C for the day. Immediately after the Mass and breakfast all enjoyed the cultural extravaganza until lunch at 3.00 p.m. Congratulations to Fr. Cyril Tigga, S.J., Parish Priest and his dedicated team for the well organized ‘sarhul’ festival in Jamshedpur. 

 

Clergy Meeting, Recollection ,Chrism Mass and Felicitation of the Jubilarians in Jamshedpur: A meeting of the Diocesan clergy was held at the Curia Hall on March 29 from 9.30 a.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. chaired the sessions and moderated the proceedings. Fr. Jos De Cuyper, S.J. directed the recollection in the afternoon at 3.00 p.m. for the clergy and religious. This was followed by the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Chrism Mass began at 5.30 p.m. and over 95 priests concelebrated with the Bishop and renewed their Priestly Commitment. Fr. Marcel Barla, OFM(Cap) was the M.C. for the Mass. At the end of the Mass the Jubilarian Priests were felicitated with flowers and shawls. Mr. Ephrem Kispotta conducted the ceremony with apt commentary. The faithful were delighted to meet their former pastors- Fr. Abe Enthemkuzy, S.J. and Fr. Gualbert Furtado. The absence of Fr. Carl Dincher, S.J. and Fr. Walter Crasta was topics for hot discussion. The Cathedral Choir conducted by Frs. Leo and Amatus was superb.

The clergy and religious numbering more then 300 assembled at the Welfare Centre Hall and felicitated again jubilarians and shared the sumptuous family meal before rushing home. Fr. Leo D’Souza was the Master of Ceremony in the Hall.  Congratulations to Frs. David and Marcel for the well planned celebration of Chrism Mass-2007.

 

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 – UP !

 

St. Albert’s College, Ranchi :  A deeply Christian- national figure, Swami Saccidananda Bharati addressed the seminarians on 18th of March. He invited the brothers to join hand with him in the second freedom struggle, a struggle for peace, unity and harmony. 19th March was a historical day for the Albertine family and on this feast day of St. Joseph, Rev. Fr. Jose de Cuyper,S.J was felicitated on his completion of 50 years in SAC. "This is the rarest of the rare occasion" said Fr. C.R.Prabhu. The celebration was marked with a solemn mass presided over by Fr. De Cuyper S.J and concelebrated by Bishop Felix Toppo S.J., Bishop Charles soreng,S.J., Bishop Steven Tiru, Rev. Ranjit Toppo,S.J., the Provincial of Ranchi Jesuits and 50 plus priests. Surprisingly, dignitaries from all the Churches- Committee, other religions were also present to grace the occasion. Fr. De Cuyper as a surprise, distributed a small book-let written by him entitled, "Saint Albert's college - 1957-2007, an overview" to all the people. Soon after the mass, a felicitation was arranged in the newly constructed library building followed by a fellowship meal. In the evening the first year theologians staged a programme to felicitate the Jubiliarian.
As the waves of threat spread in the news paper by Kendriya sarna samiti, the staff of the SAC decided to cancel the Sarhul celebrations within the seminary as a mark of solidarity among the  sarna brethren. However cathedral parish celebrated the sarhul festival as per the tradition on 21st of March. Brothers were allowed to go and wish the fellow adivasi brethren outside the seminary on the same afternoon.

 
27 first year theologians were admitted to the sacred order of 'admission rites' on 22nd of March. Bishop vincent Barwa graced the occasion. (rfcrasta)

 

Holy Spirit College, Leuven: We had the HOLI celebration on March 17, almost two weeks behind schedule. Many Indian students and families joined the festivities that took place at the Holy Spirit College Hall. The Holi meal was really “Indian” and very sumptuous, however, not all the Indians present were seemed fully “Indian”. The spring holidays at the University begin on March 31 and end on April 15. Though these holidays coincide with the Easter, they are in fact called spring holidays in the secular Belgium. I will be away for a week in the south-east Germany for the Holy Week services. We shift to the summer timing on March 25 (the clocks are reset by one hour, and thus India will be 3.30 hours ahead of Central Europe). I wish you all a blessed Holy Week and grace-filled Easter.(John Crasta)

Morning Star College, Barrackpore: The third year philosophers are busy preparing for their comprehensive examination, which is on 26^th March. Three of our seminarians, Alwyn, Guna and Sameer will be appearing for the same. The third year theologians are leaving for Patna tonight, 25^th March, for a course on Ecco-Theology for a week. The weather here has changed completely-very hot and humid, typical of Kolkata. Kindly pray for us all. You all are with us in our prayers. (Anthony Felix)

Holy Childhood Collection - 2007
	Parishes/Institutions	Amount
01	Prem Niketan Society, C/o Carmel Convent, Sonari	2,500.00
02	Jyothi Sadan Trust, C/o Carmel Convent, Sonari	.500.00
03	St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa	5,600.00
04	Sacred Heart Convent School, Jamshedpur	14,224.00
05	Amar Jyothi School, Mango	2,300.00
06	Prabhu Marsal Church, Goilkera	385.00
07	Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Telco	7,347.00
08	St. Mary’s  Hindi School, Bistupur	2250.00
09	St. Mary’s Parish, Bistupur	2,740.00
10	Infant Jesus Parish, Sonari	1,193.00
11	St. Xavier’s High School, Lupungutu	385.00
12	Sacred Heart Church, Adra	695.00
13	Carmel Girls Middle School, Chakradharpur	750.00
14	Christ the King Parish, Chakradharur	520.00
15	St. Xavier’s Middle School, Lupungutu	500.00
16	St. Paul Miki Center, Bordor	405.00
17	XLRI, Jamshedpur	1000.00
18	St. Anthony’s Parish, Kutkudungri	800.00
19	Holy Family School, Rahargora	325.00
20	St. Theresa’s Parish, Sindri	684.00
All the Parishes and Institutions are requested to cooperate and submit their contribution/collection before April 20, with the Diocesan Treasurer.

BACK