JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

Upon the Golden seashore sand                                   Upon the spotless Book of Life

I wrote my name one day;                                            God wrote my name one day;

The waves came in and when left                                Eternal years can never take

My name had passes away.                                          That God-penned name away.

 

Upon the shifting sands of time                                   My name is there for ever

Men write their names today ,                                     Through all God’s endless day;

But when eternal years roll in                                     For He Who died to write it there

Their names will pass away.                                        Has put it there to stay. (Fred Cowell)

 

 

 

 

ENGAGEMENTS OF BISHOP FELIX TOPPO, S.J. – NOVEMBER, 2007
Date	Day	Time		Place
02	Fri	4.00 p.m.	Mass at the Beldih Cemetery	Bistupur
04	Sun	7.00. a.m	Confirmation	Sonari
06-07	Tue-Wed		Seminar on Evangelization	Kolkata
08	Thu	AM	Feast of Our Lady of Khuntpani	Khuntpani
10	Sat	10.30. a.m	Krus Vir Rally	Dhanbad
11	Sun	AM	Confirmation, St. Joseph’s Cathedral	Golmuri
12	Mon	PM	Parent’s Day , St. Mary’s School	Noamundih
14	Wed		CRS Meeting	Ranchi
17	Sat	AM	Principals/HMs Meeting- BH	Golmuri
18	Sun	AM	Confirmation , St. Mary’s	Bistupur
19	Mon	PM	DSWC- General Body/Governing Body Meetings	Govindpur
22	Thu	9.30 a.m	Meeting with all the PPs of the Diocese-BH	Golmuri
25	Sun	PM	Solemnity of Christ the King	Jsr
27-29			RBC-CRI-BDPC	Patna
30	Fri	PM	SDC	Ranchi

 

St. Theresa’s Parish, Jhinkpani: The Parish Day, the solemnity of the feast of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, the Patronal feast of the Parish, School, Hostel and Convent   was celebrated on October 01. The CMC Sisters came to the Parish on 28^th June, 2007. Their presence made the celebration more colourful. The solemn concelebrated Mass was presided over by Fr. Camille Hembrom, Dean of Kolhan at 8.00 a.m. The celebrants were led to the Altar in the Hall by a prayer dance. In his homily, Fr. Camille with lively examples taken from village life explained the qualities of St. Theresa. The Choir sang devotional hymns both in Hindi and Ho and that made the celebrations more meaningful to all gathered in the school hall. Villagers from all the segments were present for the solemn celebration. This was followed by the village style cultural programme by the school children and village units. Mr. Ezras Minj, an officer in Drinking Water and Sanitation department, Chaibasa was the Chief Guest. In his address to the children he spoke about his own life of school days and exhorted the students to decide early in life what they want to do with their life. Once they set a goal, they have to strive with all possible means at their disposal to achieve the goal set by them. The celebrations concluded with snakes and tea. The clergy and religious of the area assembled at noon for a family meal. Congratulations to Fr. Edwin Coelho, Sisters, Catechists for the celebration of the Parish Day with greater faith expression.

Fr. Edwin celebrated his 58^th birthday on October 04 with a special Mass and felicitation by the hostel children, and a sumptuous meal at noon with all the guests and community members.(Edwin Coelho)

 

Training for Charismatic Leaders at St. Anthony’s Church, Kuktudungri: Fr. Vincent Pascal OFM (Cap) exposed the Blessed Sacrament at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 2^nd October and initiated the prayers. Bishop Vincent Barwa arrived at about 10.15 a.m. and took over the sessions and prayers. He was assisted by Dr. Rajani Sinku and Mrs. Mercy Runda from Ranchi. The registered were 115 – St. Anthony’s, Kutkudungri (32), St. Mary’s, Bistupur (23), St. Barbara’s, Mosaboni (13), St. Anthony’s, Maubhandar (11), Our Lady of Natvity, Sini (8), Lupita , Talco (8), St. Joseph’s, Golmuri (6), Infant Jesus, Sonari (5), Christ the King, CKP   and by noon the total number  increased to 300. The faithful took part in the whole day training programme and rejoiced in the Lord. The Diocesan Charismatic Core Team was present throughout the programme. Buns, fruits and tea were served during the lunch hour and biscuits-Tea at the conclusion. Thanks and congratulations to the Diocesan Core Team, St. Mary’s Choir groups, and all the others who were part of the successful training sessions for Jamshedpur deanery on October 2^nd. (Camille)

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri: Fr. Selva Raj flew in to Kolkata on the early morning on 4^th October. Frs. Marcel Barla and David Vincent were in attention to receive Selva at the Airport and to see off Fr. John Otto by the same return flight to Germany. Fr. John Otto  is on a sabbatical travel to his dear ones in Germany and Italy and will return in the 1^st week of November. The community extended a warm welcome to Selva on the 5^th evening.

Br. Dileep Marandi reached back to his University in Rome at the end of his ministry and began his retreat on the 3^rd October. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. underwent a successful Hernia surgery at Mercy on October 15^th and returned home on the 17^th. Fr. Gerry D’Souza had a Hernia surgery at St. Philomena’ s Hospital, Banglaore on the 16^th and will return after some rest in Bangalore-Mangalore. Fr. Marcel Barla, OFM had been to Lucknow for the his annual congregation retreat and returned on the 25^th refreshed and  energized but rushed home  for 2 days to be with his ailing father.

 

Festival of Peace – 2007: Mrs. Suman Mahato, M.P inaugurated the festival of peace – 2007 on October 5 at 6.00 p.m at the Sitaramdera Grounds. The guests were led to the podium with a tribal dance by the school children of St. Joseph’s, Golmuri. Mrs. Dilith Castleton, the M.C. introduced the guests to the faithful present. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. welcomed the guests and invited the congregation to present themselves to the Lord to enjoy peace within one’s heart and lives. The Choir rendered devotional hymns to celebrate peace with one another. This ecumenical celebration of the Festival of Peace had the support of all the churches in Jamshedpur. On the 2^nd day Bishop Felix Toppo was the Chief Guest and on the final day Mr. Birendra Tete, Director, Doordarshan, Golmuri. On the last day there were more than 6000 faithful from all over the state. This programme was organized by the Bible Society of India, Jamshedpur Branch. (Vijay)

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri: The concluding celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Cathedral began with the solemn concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. and assisted by Bishop Joe Rodericks, S.J. and 18 priests on Sunday, October 07 at 8.30 a.m.. The celebrants were led by a tribal dance to the specially erected podium on the grounds of St. Joseph’s School from St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre Hall. The Hindi/English choir rendered devotional hymns to the joy of all.

After the Mass and break for tea all assembled for the cultural extravaganza and honoring the former Priests ministered in the Cathedral, religious organizations and communities for their valuable contribution for the welfare of the community in the Parish. The celebrations concluded with the community meal for all present.

Marriage preparation classes were held at the Welfare Centre from October 26-28 and there were 65 participants. Fr. Valerian Lobo and Mr. Ephrem Kispotta were the resource persons for the sessions. The classes concluded with the celebration of the sacrament of Penance and Holy Eucharist on the 28^th at 4.00 p.m.

 

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road: The CAJ (M) had its Annual General Body Meeting held at the School Hall on October 14 and it was presided over by the Parish Priest, Fr. Joy Paul. A new Executive Body was elected during the Meeting. Congratulations to Frs. Petrus and Joy Paul for encouraging the CAJ(M) for effective leadership in the Parish.

 

Final Profession of Sisters of St.  Joseph  of the Apparition, Mosaboni : 14^th October 07 was the memorable day for the sisters of St. Joseph of Apparition as Seven of their sisters made  Final Vows at Jyoti Kiran, Mosaboni during the solemn  holy Eucharist.  They professed their vows before Provincial delegate Sr. Arul Mary, SJA and Rt. Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. who presided over the Eucharist. Bishop spoke during the homily the cost of discipleship in today’s situation. There were 10 priests, many sisters, friends and relatives of the professed sisters, and parishioners present for the celebration.  Fr. Alphonse A., the Parish Priest conducted the ceremony superbly. The novices who came from Ranchi put up a soft and edifying choir. The candidates of Jyoti Kiran were actively involved through various dances during the liturgy. After the Eucharist all the guests were served with a sumptuous meal. Congratulations to all the professed sisters and all the Sisters at Mosaboni.(Marcel)

 

 

St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri: The present batch of students of the spoken English classes and Public speaking Course were given a warm send off on November 10 and Fr. David Vincent was the Chief Guest. The students had special cultural items put up on the stage for the joy of one and all. Fr. David instructed the students to live the values given by the centre not only for their career but for the good of the society.

The 1st meeting of the newly constituted managing committee was held on October 14 and it was presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. The inauguration of the new academic session was held on October 23 at 8.00 a.m. and Mrs. Suman Mahato, M.P. was the Chief Guest and Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. Guest of Honour. During the function a new spoken English text book, “Speak English with Ease’ authored by Fr. Michael Raj was released by the Chief Guest. Fr. James Quadros and Mr. Tony Castleton have joined SJWC as visiting faculty members for the courses on ‘Personality Development’ and ‘ Public Speaking’. Congratulations to Fr. Michael Raj and the staff for the well planned programmes at the centre. (Henry Sarky)  

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari: Fr. Casimir Vas returned from his short visit to Bangalore-Mangalore on the 10^th and Fr. Vernon left for Mangalore on the 11^th and retuned on the 24^th.  Both of them returned with “Kori-rotti”, and “Halva” for all and special home made “Fruiti” for Msgr. Bodra. Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J. shuttled up and down to Bhilai Pahari to conduct special classes for the candidates from 15^th to 24^th. He indeed inspired the students with his DNS teaching skills. 

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bhilai Pahari: The month of October had many in and out door patients and the staff members were kept very busy. The farm land has become ever green and the preparations are going on for Fr. Cyprian and Bro. Arnold to shift their residence to the new campus. Fencing work is held up as the Amins are on extended holiday.

 

 

National Youth Convention: The National Youth Convention, organized by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) was held in Cuttack (Orissa) from October 22-26. Youth representatives, Priests and Sisters from various dioceses all over the country took part in the convention. Mr. Richard Sarky led the Jamshedpur group comprising of Puspha Tirkey (Golmuri), Praful Horo (Parsudih), Manisha Singh (Bistupur), Llyod Simon (Sonari), Kiran Toppo (Kutkudungri) and Tina Mary ( Mosaboni).

The  5 Day convention  deliberated on the theme “ Prophetic Youth for a Progressive Nation” with special thrust on” Spiritual Awakening”, “ Health and life skills” and “ Socio-Political Leadership”. It was a wonderful opportunity for the participants to interact with the youth of other states, to know their culture and customs, to understand the values of moral life and to benefit from them. (Richard Sarky)

 

St. Robert’s School, Parsudih: Fr. Puthumai Raj celebrated his 40^th birthday on October 23 with a special Mass in the morning, felicitation by the Class X students and Staff as the school was on holiday. The neighbouring communities of priests and religious assembled in the evening for a special meal at the Parish House.

The Catholic students of the school had 2 days of retreat on the 26^th and 27^th  of October  directed by Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J. Catholic students from Rahargora and Gandedungri joined the group together with some of the teachers totaling to 105.(Vijay)

 

Dominican Prarthanalaya, Birsanagar: The birthday of Fr. Louis Vas was celebrated on October 24. The faithful of the area had the special privilege to pray and wish for God’s choicest blessings for Fr. Louis in the evening, during the Mass. Almost 20-30 people participate in the daily Mass and prayers in the chapel. Wednesday and Friday Masses are held in the evenings ( David)

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra: The Parish celebrated ‘Mission Sunday’ on October 14 with a special Mass where the collections were taken by the Priests. After the Mass all joined for the ‘Mela’ and ‘Auction’ of the offertory gifts. It was an enjoyable day for all. The Parish collected an amount of Rs.25,000.00 towards the Mission Sunday. Congratulations to Fr. Jerome Pereira, Fr. Edward Saldanha, DC Sisters, Mahila Sangh, SVP, Youth and the Parish Council Members for the meaningful celebration of ‘Mission Sunday-2007’. (Jerome)

 

Prabhu Marsal Parish, Goilkera: The ‘First Communion’ for the parish was held on October 28. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn Mass and gave Holy Communion to 24 children during the Mass in the presence of their parents, parishioners, relatives and friends. Bishop was given a very warm welcome as he reached the campus by the members of the Mahila Sangh on the 27^th at 5.00 p.m in the traditional way. The hostel children had few cultural items in honor of the Bishop immediately after.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated and blessed the newly constructed hostel for boys on October 28 at 11.30 a.m. in the presence of many priests, religious, well wishers, hostel children, their parents and villagers. The Jamshedpur team failed to reach due to the Bandah. It took almost 8 months to complete the construction. Congratulations to Fr. Roque Cardoza and Fr. Linus Kindo for making the campus beautiful with much greenery and plenty of flowers.(Vijay)

 

St. Paul’s Parish, Maluka: The Parish organized a marriage preparation/rectification seminar for 22 couples from September 18-23.The couples were welcomed during a prayer service presided over by Fr. Valerian Lobo, the Parish Priest. The couples introducing to one another relived their love stories and expressed their full love for their partner through a game. Fr. Valerian Lobo illustrated on the 1^st day their call to family life, family budget, and their responsibilities. The hymns and action songs kept the group alive and interesting. Everyday there was prayer service in the morning, adoration in the afternoon, and rosary in the evening with the hostel children gave the couples basic faith and to continue in their daily lives with their partners. All the 21 Sarna girls were initiated in to Catholic faith. Among the 21 ladies 6 attended Mass for the 1^st time. All were happy and interested in learning the faith. They have come to know Jesus and will receive the sacraments in their own village mass centres according to their conveniences. The 22 young men were congratulated for their share in the work of evangelization by taking sarna girls as their spouse and brining them to the Church.

Sr. Sabrina and Sr. Rossel MC put a firm foundation for their faith life through classes on the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, Penance and Holy Eucharist. Sr. Gracy made them understand their responsibilities towards the family, Church and society. Mr. Camille, the catechist assisted the resource persons by his interpretation of the sessions in HO. Bible, the Word of God was the theme for the seminar. The seminar concluded with the celebration of the sacrament of penance. The group gave thanks to God with a hymn “ Dhanyavad Prabhu tumko”. The group left for home after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with the parish community on Sunday morning. (Sr. Gracy Natal BS)

 

Vidya Jyoti, Siadih: A special medical camp was held at the centre on October 07 by the medical team from St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bhilai Pahari. Dr. Mohanty met 216 patients and all were given free medicines.

 

Gyan Deep Vidyalaya, Birsanagar: The Catholic children of the school had a day of prayer and recollection on October 27 from 7.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Fr. Michael Raj guided the children and concluded the programme with the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation and Eucharist at 5.00 p.m. Congratulations to Sr. Gracy SCN for the initiative.

 

DBH, Gomoh: The Dhanbad Deanery Youth gathered at the DBH from October 20-22 for a training and motivation camp. Frs. Chonas Xalxo, Walter Crasta and Cornelius Tigga were the resource persons. !06 youth from all the parishes of the deanery actively participated in the camp and returned home with better faith experience and commitment to serve the society. Congratulations to the Dean of Dhanbad for the initiative.(Edward Kongari)

St. John Mary Vianney Mission, Dhowatand: The formation of Parish Council and youth wing was held recently. They meet once in a month to plan out the programmes for the coming month. 40 parishioners went for pilgrimage to Dhori Mata on the 28^th of October. The social census of the community is underway and it will be completed by the end of November. The faithful of Dhowatand contributed for the Mission Sunday Rs.1476.00. The bumper crop of paddy is already harvested by the Mahila Sangh , Youth and Parish Council Members and gathered at the centre for the celebration of ‘Nawakhani’ sometime next month. (Edward Kongari)

 

 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. Charles’ Seminary, Nagpur: We have a very good system in the seminary to help and support the poor and needy. We all the brothers contribute some financial support for the social department of the Seminary. For that all the brothers go for a whole Day Work. We go to some parishes or institutions and work the whole day and return in the evening. Whatever amount they give us we give to the Social department. Recently the 1^st year theologians went to the SMMI Convent and worked one day. All the batches of students work and support the poor and needy. It is a very enriching and satisfying experience. (Sonu)

 

 

Coady International Institute, Canada:  I am fine and hoping you all the same. I am still enjoying the beautiful weather of Canada. At this time Canada is very colourful with changing colours of the maple trees. Sunday, 21st we visited the Island called Cape-Briten to see the beauty of Canada. Oh, it was beautiful. This is like our Indian spring season leaves fall from the trees. Before they fall, the colours of the leaves become red apple like colour which is really beautiful. Yes, temperature is also below minus and early in the morning snow frost everywhere. Nights are very chill. Our classes are going on well. Everyone is very enthusiastic that we have only 7 weeks left to receive the diploma award in Canadian way of great ceremony. On this ceremony everyone puts on gown with cap on. The local communities have begun giving farewell parties individually or in the groups of three and four in their houses. People of this region are very hospitable and friendly. Now I am busy with preparing the modules for Training, participation and collaboration in the development, livelihood and markets of the local community. Courses at Coady Institute are very good for the development agents. Soon we will be meeting you in Jamshedpur. (Halan Bodra)

 
St. Albert’s College, Ranchi: Month of October ended with a memorable note. The month began with Gurukul Divas. The day began with the Holy Mass and Fr. Rector was the chief celebrant. The Mass was followed by a short cultural programme in which the student’s Annual issue of , “DARPAN” was released by the Senior-most Professor Fr. Jose De Cuyper S.J. Awards were distributed to the meritorious persons of the competitions held earlier.  October second was the day of House picnic. The theologians enjoyed the day at Hirni Falls while the philosophers at Saiko.  The arrival of Fr. Selvaraj added joy in the community, specially among the philosophers.  Salkhan Murmu delivered an inspiring speech to the first and second year theologians. Thanks to Fr. Cherubium Tirkey for the initiative. Third year philosophers enacted a Hindi Drama on the topic, “Chotanagpur ke Prerit” based on the life of Constant Lievens on 8, 9, and 10. It was well appreciated by all. Kudos to Stephen and company. Mission Sunday was celebrated with a special note. YCS/YSM youth ministry brothers put up a ‘Mission Mela’ in the Cathedral campus which was a grand success. The seminarians and the sisters of different congregations were busy in the Mission Exhibition. Fr. Gino Henrique C.SS.R, a Priest from Singapore delivered a talk on ‘Evangelization and Mission’ on 19th of this month. His talk was based on the teachings of II Vatican Council. Thanks to Fr. Rector for the initiative. The second year philosophers conducted a fancy dress competition for the brothers in which Raju Crasta won the first prize. Kudos to Crasta. Third year philosophers and theologians are busy in their respective Essays. Fr. Pradeep Marandi is getting energized with the weekly appointments for the mass in different communities.
(Rfcrasta)

 

TN Assembly Passes Bill Granting Reservation for Christians and Muslims:  The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a Bill providing reservation in education and employment for Backward Class Christians and Muslims in the State.

The Bill replaces an ordinance promulgated last month, granting 3.5 per cent reservation to Muslims and Christians in Tamil Nadu. A total of 7% reservation for backward minorities will be included in the 30 per cent reservation provided for backward classes as per a law enacted in 1994. (cbcisite)

 

Khrist Premalaya, Bhopal: We are all busy in studies of College as well as Philosophy. All our brothers are doing well. Bro. Alfred got the highest marks in the entrance exam. Bros. Manoj Tigga and Sandeep got 1^st Div. in B.A I and in B.A part 2  I got 1^st Division. In games and sports our brothers are shining. Bros. Alfred, Amit and myself play in the seminary football team. Bro. Manoj Tigga plays in the College Hockey team and Bro. Sushil in the seminary basketball team. Bro. Birendra is good in athelitics and participated in the Inter-College athelitics 2007-2008.

In our seminary we also celebrate our traditional feasts. In the month of September South Indian brothers celebrated ‘Onam’  and in October, Chotanagpurians  celebrated ‘Karma Feast’. For both the celebrations, Chief Celebrants were invited from outside. The brothers expressed their joy and happiness with singing and dancing after both the celebrations. (Manoj Kujur)

 

Apex Court Makes Registration of All Marriages Mandatory; Church leaders welcome it: The Supreme Court on Thursday, October 25 ordered all the states in India to comply with its directions for compulsory registration of all marriages, and that it would apply to all religious communities.

The Supreme Court has given three months for the states to enact the necessary legislations so that all communities would be required to register marriages. The states “shall forthwith do it and no case later than three months from Thursday” ordered the court.

The court found that some states had implemented its orders on making marriage registration mandatory. But the laws enacted by many states had excluded the minority communities.

The Supreme Court’s order is seen as a move to end child marriages so commonly prevalent in India. (cbcisite)

 

 

Morning Star College, Barrackpore: The month of October was action-packed. We began the month with a Scientific Evaluation of our formation here, keeping in mind the forty years of existence of our Alma Mater, Rev. Fr. Paul Paramatham from JDVP, Pune, was the resource person and meeting all the staff and students together on 2^nd October, he initiated us into the process of this evaluation. We had a surprise guest in Rev. Fr. John Kulandzai, the coordinator for the CBCI Commission for Clergy, Religious and Seminarians on 5^th October. On his meeting with the theology students of our college, he expressed that the students must place self-formation centered on Christ, above everything else. The Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata was crippled and on a low-key due to the inclement weather. The group-outing on 24^th October gave a perfect finishing to the beautiful month. (Anthony Felix)

 

 JESU BHAVAN-UPASANA: Upasna hosted 31 participants from different parts of India for the School Administrator’s course 2007, from the 14^th to 24^th of October. All together 13 diocesan priests from seven dioceses, 3 Jesuits – two from Bangalore and one from Kendrapara, 11 women religious and 4 lay women from Loreto schools were accommodated.   Frs. Alex Dodrai, Linus Kino and Sister Therese, cmc represented Jamshedpur diocese. The four resource persons – Joe Saldanha, Alex, Nelli and Gautam – kept the participants on their toe right through the course. Though the participants found the course quite demanding, yet they enjoyed, worked hard and left better equipped with administrative tools as well as personal satisfaction. They were highly appreciative of the hospitality and care they received from Fr. Xavier, a groomed administrator. (C. Gautam)

 

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