JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

His ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all His paths are peace.

His words are words of graciousness

And love which ne’er shall cease.

His works are works of holiness

And victory over sin.

His wounds are wounds of tenderness;

He only wounds to win. ( P.H. Oakle)

 

 

 

D I O C E S A N    R O U N D – U P !

 

Christ the King Parish Chakradharpur:  Fr. Camille Hembrom was installed as the Parish Priest of Chakradharpur on July 01 by Fr. John Ottaplackal during the solemn Mass at 7.00 a.m. The church was packed to capacity and the celebrants were welcomed at the entrance of the Church by the Mahila Sangh. Fr. Camille was the Chief celebrant at the concelebrated Eucharist. At the end of the Mass the parishioners extended a very warm welcome to Fr. Camille and farewell to Frs. John and Augustine Minj for their dedicated ministry at CKP. Fr. Augustine Minj left for Maluka and Fr. John for his sabbatical year later in the week.

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari:  Bishop inaugurated the diocesan Candidates’ programme on June 30 during the solemn concelebrated Eucharist at Bhilai Pahari.The Mass was celebrated in the JMJ Chapel at 6.30 a.m. There were 25 candidates this year to begin with and Frs. Vernon D’Souza and Casimir Vas had to work hard to accommodate them in the house but within a week the number came down to 20. The work is in progress to have the new classroom and refectory ready at the earliest. Fr. Vernon gave the initial retreat for the candidates from 1^st p.m. to 4^th p.m. Classes are in progress to train the candidates to be good missionaries for the diocese.

 

 

 

St. Thomas School, Gande Dungri: Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., the Jesuit Provincial of Jamshedpur blessed and inaugurated the Arrupe Niwas (Hostel + Jesuit Residence) on July 01. The ceremony began  at 10.00 a.m. Fr. Joe Anthony, S.J. welcomed the guests. Fr. James offered the prayer of blessing and Frs. Gilbert D’Souza and   Woolsie Roderiques assisted to bless all the rooms sprinkling holy water while the choir sang the hymn of blessing. Immediately after the inauguration and blessing, the hostel children felicitated the guests and parents to celebrate the feast of St. Thomas, the patron saint of the school and campus. Priests and religious in good number were present for the solemn event. Congratulations to Fr. Joe Anthony and his dedicated team at Gande Dungri.

 

St. Theresa’s Parish, Jhinkpani: Fr. Edwin Coelho, the Parish Priest reached Fr. Johny P.D. to Lupita Hall, Telco on July 01 in the company of some school staff members. Fr. Edwin rushed back to take care of the many activities at Jhinkpani after giving a look up at St. Mary’s, N. Road. The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was celebrated in a grand way at St. Theresa’s Parish, Jhinkpani. Early in the morning the Hostel children lined up to wish the Sisters – Sr. Serene, Sr. Therese and Sr. Anjali – “ Happy Feast.” The sisters were escorted with the beat of mandar to the school stage. Fr. Edwin gave a short explanation on the celebration. The sisters arrived at Jhinkpani on 28 June, 2007 and it is the first time the school children celebrated the feast. The school children entertained the Sisters and guests with songs and dances and made the Feast memorable. The Holy Eucharist began at 11.30 a.m. presided over by Fr. Henry Sequeira . Fr. Edwin Coelho gave the introduction and homily. Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J., the Chancellor of the Diocese was present for the celebration. After the Mass a short swagat was arranged to felicitate the sisters. The parishioners celebrated the Sacerdotal Jubilee of Fr. Henry Sequeira. Fr. Henry was honoured by the parishioners with a shawl and flowers. The day’s programme ended with a sumptuous lunch for all. ( Edwin Coelho)

 

Feast of St. Thomas :  The Syro-Malabar Catholics of Jamshedpur celebrated the feast of St. Thomas, the Apostle of India on July 3^rd. The solemn Mass in Syro-Malabar rite was presided over by Fr. James Kalapura, S.J., the Jesuit Provincial of Jamhshedpur at 5.30 p.m. in the Cathedral. After the Mass all assembled at the Welfare Centre for the cultural  programme and community meal.

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri : Fr. James Dhan (Khunti) joined the Parish community on July 1^st. He resides at the Welfare Centre and helps out in the parish ministry while attending B.Ed classes at the Loyola College of Education, Telco. The Cathedral Parish Youth celebrated July 15 as ‘Youth Milan Day’. The celebrations began with a solemn Mass presided over by Fr. Michael Raj at 7.30 a.m. Later the Youth assembled at the Welfare Centre Hall and had various programmes and concluded with tea and snacks. Congratulations to Fr. Michael for the initiative and encouragement to unite the youth of the parish. The youth under the leadership of Fr. Michael Raj come together on every Friday evening in the church for one hour of prayer. This is indeed a welcome initiative to empower the parish youth.

 

Gyan Deep Vidyalaya, Birsanagar: The newly constructed school library was inaugurated by Mr. Ranvir Sinha, MD, Telcon and blessed by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. on  July 13.at 9.00 a.m The ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest. Sr. Gracy welcomed the guests and Puja Kumari, the school leader proposed the vote of thanks. The library block is a gift from Telcon. The school has acquired thousands of books for the good use of the students and staff.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri: Bishop Joe Rodericks left for Bangalore on July 02 for medical check-up at St. John’s and returned home on the 29^th . Fr. John Otto shifted his residence to Mother Teresa Niwas on July 02 and began his sabbatical year. He will help out at the Sacred Heart School, Adra for a month while Fr. Edward will be in Jamshedpur for health care. Fr. Henry Sequeira opted to reside at the Mother Teresa Niwas and supervise the repairs of the Presbytery at Parsudih .

The 38^th birthday of Fr. David was celebrated on July 19 with a villa at the Bishop’s House. Sixty plus clergy and religious were present to share the joy of the day. Bishop Felix Toppo offered the prayer of blessing followed by cutting of the cake and wishing.

Fr. James Quadros reached Bishop’s House on July 20 evening. He had the privilege to relax in the Geetanjli Express many extra hours free of cost and reach Jamshedpur at 4.00 p.m. Sr. Teresa and Sr. Annie of the Disciples of Divine Master from Bangalore visited Jamshedpur from July 17-20. They visited many of the parishes, institutions and missions in the diocese. They are on the look out to begin a mission in the diocese.

Fr. Marcel Barla, OFM (Cap) directed the recollection for the regents on the 28-29 .

 

St. Robert’s Parish, Parsudih: The presbytery has a new aluminum sheet roof and other repairs were done to give a decent look. Fr. Henry Sequeira, the pastor had meetings with all the parish organizations while residing at Golmuri. Fr. Puthumai reports that the school had a heavy rush for admissions this year and it is impossible to admit all the students seeking admission. 

Fr. Henry left for Mangalore on the 19th as soon as he received the sad news of the sudden demise of his sister (Rita) and returned on the 31^st. The feast of St. Anne was celebrated at the Parish on July 26. Fr. Udai Dev, IMS presided at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist in the Church. Soon after the Mass, the parishioners and school children felicitated the Sisters. Later in the day, various competitions were conducted for the school children. In the evening the clergy and religious of the town assembled at the school hall for a special meal and to celebrate the day with the Sisters. Fr. Puthumai Raj was down with viral fever and had to take forced rest for a couple of days and medical check-ups.

 

Little Flower School, Telco: The Bicentenary Foundation Day of Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny and the feast day of Mother Foundress, Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey was celebrated on July 14^th. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist in the school hall at 11.00 a.m. The celebrants were led by to the altar with an entrance dance. The school choir rendered devotional hymns during the well prepared and participated liturgy. The hall was packed with Staff, Students and well wishers. The well structured and inspiring homily by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was centered on the life and mission of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey. He also thanked the Cluny Sisters for their well articulated mission in the Diocese. This was followed by tea and snacks for all the students and parents on the lawn of the school campus. Later, the staff, religious and clergy moved to the Telco club for the family meal.  Congratulations to the Sisters, staff and students of Little Flower School for the meaningful celebration of the feast of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey.(Marcel)

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bhilai Pahari:  The major portion of the plot of farm land at Patmanda was registered on July 13. This land will be developed into for cultivation of fruit trees, vegetables, paddy and wheat. This project is to support the hospital. Fr. Cyprian and Br. Arnold, DDS together with Mr. Thomas Murray are camping at Patmanda and preparing for the launch of planned ventures.

The presence of Dr. Noel Purty from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. in the campus has attracted more patients to the dispensary and hospital. The new lab technician has eased work load of Sr. Anie as otherwise to rush patients to the town labs.

The nursing students from Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing spent a week in the hospital to continue their community service progammes.

The hospital pond is filled with water and over flowing while cultivation is going on in the new plot hoping to have more vegetables for the hospital.

 

Sacred Heart Convent, Jamshedpur:  The feast of Mount Carmel was celebrated on July, 16. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist at the School Hall at 6.30 a.m. Frs. James Santhanam, S.J., David Vincent, Petrus Barla, C.SS.R and Marcel Barla, OFM (Cap) concelebrated with the Bishop. In his homily, Bishop Felix shared some of the apparitions of Mother Mary to Vassula Ryden. The school hall was filled with faithful and school girls. After the Mass all had the privilege to share cake-tea with the Sisters and honour Our Lady of Mount Carmel. (Marcel)

 

Cardijn Community International-Jamshedpur: As part of the ‘International Year of Cardijn-2007’, the Jamshedpur community observed the 40^th death anniversary of Cardinal Cardijn, on Sunday 22^nd July at Loyola School. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the concelebrated Eucharist at 7.00 a.m. Clergy, Religious and faithful from the city parishes participated in the Eucharist. Soon after the Mass there was a seminar on ‘ Cardijn’s teachings’ in the school hall and many representatives from the city parishes and institutions took part and it was inaugurated by the Bishop.

 

St. Anne’s Convent. Chaibasa: The Daughters of St. Anne, Chaibasa celebrated the feast of the patroness, St. Anne on July 26^th. The solemn concelebrated Mass was held in the parish Church at 7.00 a.m. The cultural programme to felicitate the Sisters and guests was from 9.30 a.m. at the convent campus. The celebrations concluded with a sumptuous family meal at 12.30 p.m for all the clergy, religious, guests and hostel girls. Congratulations to the Daughters of St. Anne at Chaibsas for the joyous celebrations to honour St.Anne.

 

XLRI, Jamshedpur: The Jesuit Community of XLRI celebrated “ Thanksgiving Day’ on July 29 at 8.30 a.m. in the Prayer Hall of the Institute. The occasion was to mark the sixty years as a Jesuit of Fr. Welch, fifty years as a Jesuit of Fr. Casimir Raj and Fr. Jesurajan, twenty five years as a Priest Bishop Felix Toppo, Fr. Augustine Ezhakunnel, Fr. George Cheradayil and Fr. Abraham Enthemkuzhy, It was also the anticipated celebration of the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. All joined the jubilarians for a sumptuous breakfast at the MDP Residence after the Mass and felicitation.

 

CRI, Jamshedpur: The members of the CRI, Jamshedpur Unit had their gathering at Loyola School, Jamshedpur on July 29, from 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Fr. James Kalapura, S.J. was the resource person and he spoke on the theme “Maturity in Religious Life”. The meeting concluded with Eucharist and meal with Loyola Jesuit community. (Jacob, DDS)

 

St. Joseph Centre, Patmanda: Fr. Cyprian Lobo has taken possession of the newly purchased 21 acres of land at Patamanda. He goes to the site in the morning in the company of Bro. Arnold and returns after 6.00 p.m. Many villagers are at work to clean the land and begin cultivation. The land will be developed into a farm to support the hospital.

 

St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the new academic sessions of the centre on July 17 at 8.00 a.m. in the Hall. The students extended a very cordial welcome to the Bishop and guests. They also had songs and dances to inspire and entertain one and all. Fr. Michael Raj gave the introduction and Mr. Rajeswar Rao was the M.C. The one hour programme was well appreciated by all. Congratulations to Fr. Michael Raj , staff and students of SJWC! 

 

St. Mary’s Parish, N. Road : Br. Dileep Marandi arrived in Jamshedpur on July 11 and joined the parish community at Bistupur on July 24 for ministry. He will have 2 months of ministry before he returns to Rome in the 1^st week of October  Fr. Petrus Barla, C.SS.R and Br. Dileep are busy giving classes for the 1^st communion and Confirmation candidates. They are also at work to complete the formalities for the selection of the parish pastoral council.

 

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra: The 64^th birthday of Fr. Ottaplackal was celebrated on July 24. The school children wished Fr. John with flower bouquet and songs. On 25^th Fr. Jerome celebrated his 59^th birthday with a special Mass and felicitation by the school children during the assembly. The clergy and religious from the neighboring communities rushed to Adra for special meals and share the joy with Frs. John and Jerome.

Fr. Edward Saldanha got admitted to Mercy Hospital on July 16 and under went the hernia surgery on the 19^th. He is taking rest at the Mother Teresa Niwas under the supervision of Msgr. John Bodra before getting back to the school work.

 

Catholic Charities/SJVK, Sundernagar :The General Body Meeting of SJVK was held at the Bishop’s House, on Saturday, July 21, at 5.00 p.m. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J presided at the deliberations. The members appreciated the great work done by SJVK for the good of the people in the many neglected and far out villages. Fr. Bipin presented the annual report. Bishop congratulated and thanked the Director and staff for their noble service to the humanity.

The Annual General Body meeting of Catholic Charities was on July 28 at Sundernagar and it was presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. The power-point presentation of the annual report by Fr. Bipin Pani was really impressive and meaningful. The members congratulated the team of Catholic Charities and pledged their whole hearted support for the many humanitarian undertaking that are proposed for the coming months.

 

St. Paul’s School, Goilkera: The Dean of Kolhan-Porahat, Fr. Camille Hembrom visited Goilkera on July 30. The school children extended him a very cordial welcome with beautiful cultural items at 11.00 a.m. in the forecourt of the school. Fr. Camille addressed the staff and students encouraging them to work hard to lean and understand the will of God and pledge to serve the humanity. Fr. Linus Kindo gave the introduction and welcomed the guests.

The hostel construction is at the final stage and Fr. Roque is busy in getting the playground leveled  and  trees planted in a planned way to add beauty to the campus.

 

N A T I O N A L – I N T E R N A T I O N AL  R O U N D – U P!

 

SC Directs States to Register All Marriages:  In a significant judgment that would have much impact on all communities, the Apex Court has directed all states to register marriages of all communities.

The Court made this order on Monday, July 23, 2007 after it was brought to its notice that a sizeable number of states and Union Territories had not implemented its earlier order of 2006 which made it mandatory for states to register marriages of all communities.

“We are of the view that marriages of all Indian citizens, irrespective of their religion, shall be compulsorily registered in the state within whose territorial jurisdiction it was solemnized” declared the bench.

Presently such rules exist only for the Hindu community leaving out other religions.

Meanwhile, the court has sought a reply from all states within six weeks explaining reasons for the defiance of its previous order.

The order will perhaps help in containing child marriages as well which is a social evil that is still widely prevalent in various parts of India.

As per the latest national Family Health Survey (NFHS)-III, which was published earlier this year, it was revealed that about 45% of Indian girls are married off before they attain 18 years of age, legal age to marry whereas the number is over 50% in eight states. (cbcisite)

 

Do away with your sprays? If you spend a lot of time in the house, you might want to cut back on your use of aerosols. The University of Bristol’s wide-ranging Children of the 90s study has found that mothers who use air fresheners are more likely to experience headaches and depression while their babies are more likely to suffer from earache, diarrhea and vomiting. The culprits, chemicals called volatile organic compounds, are also found in deodorants, hairsprays, furniture polishes and clothes that have been dry-cleaned.

‘Ironically people think these products make their homes cleaner and healthier”, says Dr. Alexandra Farrow from the study. “We advise limiting the use of air fresheners. To freshen the air try squeezing a lemon Instead”. (Health Action).

 

Grape fruits and Oranges for healthy heart: Grape fruits and oranges can help keep your arteries healthy and protect you against heart attacks. The citrus fruits contain chemicals which, in studies on rats, reduced blood cholesterol levels by 20-25 per cent, said researchers at the Hebrew University School of Pharmacy, Jerusalem, who worked in cooperation with the institute of cardiology at Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot.

They reported to Chemical & Industry magazine that the compounds, known as flavanones, not only reduced levels of bad LDL cholesterol but also raised the ratio of good HDL cholesterol. (Health Action)

 

 

 

BACK