JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

When you’re troubled and worried and sick at heart

And your plans are upset and your world falls apart,

Remember God’s ready and waiting to share

The burden you find much too heavy to bear-

So with faith, “LET GO” and “LET GOD” lead the way

Into a brighter and less-troubled day. (Helen Steiner Rice)

 

ENGAGEMENTS OF BISHOP FELIX TOPPO, S.J. – FEBRUARY, 2008
02	Sat	11.00 a.m.	Blessing of the New Convent	Sini
03	Sun	9.30 a.m.	Inauguration of the Parish	Siadih
05	Tue	10.00 a.m.	XL GB Meet, Tata Centre	Kolkata
13	Wed		CBCI Plenary Assembly	XLRI,Jsr
16	Sat		CCBI Meeting	XLRI
17	Sun		Civic Reception for the Bishops	Loyola
20	Wed		Concluding  Session of the CBCI	XLRI
22	Fri		Kolkata
23	Sat		Cardinal Cardijn Symposium	Chennai
24	Sun		Visitation – Seminarians	Nagpur
27	Wed		Visitation – Seminarians	Bhopal
29	Fri		Visitation- Seminarians	Lucknow

 

 

D I O C E S A N R O U N D – U P !

 

St. Joseph’s Church, Charbandia: The Catholic Community of DODROBARU celebrated the centenary of the 1^st baptism in the village on December 30, Sunday. Fr. George Manna was the Chief Celebrant for the concelebrated Eucharist. The guests were welcomed at the entrance to the village by a group of dancers, after washing hands and garlanding, led them to the Church. The Mass began at 11.00 a.m. The celebrants were led to the specially erected podium by a prayer dance. The readings were read in both Mundari and Hindi. The offerings were brought to the altar through an offertory procession cum dance. There were nine priests at the altar. This village has offered the Lord as missionaries 6 Priests and 14 Nuns.

Immediately after the Mass, there was the blessing of the memorial stone. The stone was washed with water by 2 women, then anointed with oil-haldi-rice powder. Later 7 rounds of stings were put around the stone to signify the 7 sacraments and the fullness life in the village. During the felicitation ceremony all the priests and Sisters were presented with shawls and garlands. The celebrations concluded with a community meal at 3.30 p.m. Congratulations to one and all for the memorable Jubilee celebrations of the 1^st baptism in the village and its growth. It is hoped that this community will enlighten others to experience the Lord’s Love.

 

Bishop’s House: Fr. Cyril Fernandes arrived at the Bishop’s House on December 30 in the company of two of his parishioners from St. Patrick Church, Arcola – Ron & Sue. The community welcomed them on the 31^st evening during the meal. They visited many of the institutions in the town before leaving for Purulia-Adra- Kumardhubi- Dhnabad on January 04.

The 33^rd birthday of Fr. Marcel Barla, OFM (Cap) was celebrated on January 03 in the community. Fr. Casimir Vas was the special Guest for the evening. Msgr. John Bodra Garlanded Marcel while Mr. Ron crowned him with a special cap.

Linda Bubb had a black-out while shopping in Bistupur and was rushed – admitted to Mercy Hospital for investigation and treatment. She stayed in the hospital for 3 days and took rest at the MTN before leaving Bishop’s House for Ranchi-Mangalore –Mumbai on the 16^th. The 2 Canadians – Mrs. Lydia and Mrs. Betty arrived in Jamshedpur on January 12 and joined the community at Bhilai Pahari. They will be teaching the candidates at Bhilai Pahari for the next 6-8 weeks.

 

St. Barbara’s Parish, Mosaboni: The Parish inaugurated the year of the ‘Word of God’ on January 01 at 12.00 a.m. during the Mass. The Parish Priest, Fr. A. Alphonse brought the Holy Bible in procession and placed on a lectern in the sanctuary of the Church for the people to pay respect. The Pastoral letter of the Bishop was read twice in the Church for all the people to understand the message. The Parish Council has many programmes in the agenda to celebrate the year of the ‘Word of God’.

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri:  Fr. Marcel Barla, OFM(Cap) presided over the New Year Vigil Mass in the Cathedral. Soon after the Mass, all assembled at the School ground to celebrate the New Year with” Bonfire”.

The Parish Youth had their picnic at the Narwa on January 7^th in the company of their moderator, Fr. Michael Raj, Bro. Arnold DDS and Fr. Vernon D’Souza. They retuned relaxed and rejuvenated in the evening.

The Parish Youth organized one day basket ball tournament on January 27 from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s School grounds. Fr. George Manna inaugurated the tournament at 9.00 a.m. on the 27^th. !3 teams from the various institutions of the deanery took part in the Mega event. Mr. Dinesh Oraom, DSP (Crime) was the Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony. Congratulations to Fr. Michael Raj, the Parish Youth Director and the office bearers of the Youth of St. Joseph’s Cathedral for the innovative spirit.

 

DSWC- Govindpur:  Frs. Walter Crasta and Gualbert Furtardo celebrated their Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee at Nirmala Hospital, Govindpur on January 06. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided over the solemn concelebrated Eucharist at 10,00 a.m. The celebrants were brought to the specially erected Podium by a tribal dance by the hostel girls. Fr. Cyril Fernandes preached an inspiring homily on the importance of living up the spirit of the jubilee in total freedom and dedication. Ron and Sue from Fort Wayne, Rita Danis from St. Mary’s, Canada were present for the celebrations.

Soon after the Mass the Jubilarians were felicitated by the hostel children from Nirmala and DBH, Gomoh. The celebrations concluded with a family meal with the Guests, Priests, Religious, Staff and hostel children.(David)

 

St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa: The Annual talent display of the school children was held in the campus on January 7 at 4.30 p.m. Sri. K. Srinivasan IAS, SDO, Sadar, Chaibasa was the Chief Guest and Fr. Cyril Fernandes, the Founder Principal of the School, Guest of Honor. The hour and half long programme put up by the students was well appreciated by one and all. Congratulations to Sr. Linda, staff and students of St. Xavier’s for the magnificent presentation of the talents.(Ron)

 

St. John Mary Vianney Church, Dhowatand: Mr. Ephrem Kipsotta  visited Dhowatand and marked the Presbytery building on January 09 in the presence of the Pastor, Fr. Edward Kongari, contractor, Mr. Anup Biswas and many others. The building will be built in an area of 2200 sft in the 1^st stage with 4 living rooms. Later the extension work will be taken up. A beautiful state of St. John Mary Vianney donated by Mr. Gilbert Sequeira will be installed soon in the Prayer Hall. Preparations are going on to dig a pond in the campus to gather the rain water for the garden. (Edward)

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari: All the candidates returned after the Christmas ministry in the various Parishes and short home visits. They had lots of experiences to share on their 1^st Christmas ministry in the diocese. Frs. Vernon left for Navjyoti Niketan, Patna on January 18 to attend ‘TRAINING FOR FORMATON PERSONNEL’  and Fr. Casimir Vs on the same day for Bangalore to bless the marriages of his nephews. Bro. Arnold will camp at Kripa Sadan and shuttle to Patamda for some time. Mrs. Betty and Mrs. Lydia from Canada have arrived at the campus to take care of the classes for the candidates until the return of Fr. Vernon in March.

 

CRI, Jamshedpur: The Annual General Body Meeting of the CRI, Jamshedpur Diocese was held at the Vikas Bharati on January 19-20. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the programme at 5.30 p.m. on the 19^th. He exhorted the CRI to give priority to the ‘Word of God’ as the year 2008 is dedicated for. Sr. Severine, SSH, president of the CRI welcomed the members and Fr. Saleth, S.J., Principal, St. Xavier’s School-Inter College, LPG presented a paper on “ Challenges in the field of Education” in the same evening. He cautioned the members that our education institutions have failed to produce good leaders in the society and we need to imbibe in our students true values for life. Bishop Felix Toppo presided over the Eucharist on the 20^th morning. Later Fr. Mathew Channikuzy, Director, Propaedeutic Spirituality Centre, Pratiksha, addressed the CRI on “a Call to Holiness” on the 2^nd day. Sr. Norbertine, A.C. proposed the vote of thanks. The CRI AGM concluded with a short business session followed by family meal at 1.30 p.m. (Jacob)

 

St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre, Golmuri: The inauguration of the 121^st session at the Welfare Centre was on January 22 at 8.00 a.m. Fr. George Manna was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the sessions. Mr. Rajeswar Rao, the MC welcomed the guests and Fr. Michael Raj, Director of Welfare Centre addressed the students inviting them to be part of the learning programme of the centre with an open mind. Certificates were given to the meritorious students of the out-going batch by the Chief Guest. The elementary Group presented a dance to the joy of one and all. (Henry)

 

St. Joseph’s School, Golmuri: The 35^th Jawarlal Nehru District Science exhibition-2008 was held at St. Joseph’s School on January 22. Mr. Sitaram Bari, DDC inaugurated the exhibition. Dr. Nitin Kulkharni, Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum was the Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony at 3.00 p.m. Students and teachers from the many schools in the town were present to participate in the exhibition and the various competitions.

The 58^th Republic Day was celebrated on the 26^th. Fr. George Manna hoisted the National Tri-colour. The cultural programme had to be held in the varanda of the school as it was raining. Mrs. Arputha Mary was the M.C. The school children presented value based items for the joy of  the guardians, parents and guests. Mr. Karnath Rao proposed the vote of thanks. The school band performed at the Gopal Maidan for the district programme at 10.00 a.m.. Congratulations to Sr. Marie Therese, staff and students of St. Joseph’s ! (Jacob)

 

Loyola School, Kumardhubi:  Loyola School has been a trend setter and once again on the occasion of the National Level Science Exhibition, the school came up with an incredible show. The National Science Exhibition was held from January 8-11, 2008 at the Loyola School, Taldanga. The enriching and colourful event was organized by  SCIENCE AUR KAINAT ACADEMY OF INDIA and hosted by Loyola School. More than 20 schools from DELHI, JAMMU & KASHMIR, UTTAR PRADESH, MADHYA PRADESH, CHATTISGARH, ORISSA, WEST EBGAL & JHARKHAND participated in the various competitions.

Smt. Aparana Sengupta, MLA, Nirsa inaugurated the Exhibition on January 08.

The activities included – Essay writing, Painting, Debate, Quiz, Singing, Dance, Skit, Kavi Sammelan and Science Exhibition. There were Workshops presented by Professors and Senior Teachers.

Loyola Students presented excellent cultural performances at the inaugural and valedictory functions. The Loyola contestants made the school proud by winning the ALL ROUND CHAMPION SCHOOL TROPHY along with a number of individual prizes.

The Loyolians even performed on stage with the INDIAN IDOL fame – Puja Chatterjee.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. honoured the show as the Chief Guest at the valedictory function.

The programme was attended by parents, guardians, politicians, businessmen and guests. The function ended with the National Anthem. It must not be forgotten that the pillars of this grand UTSAV were our Principal, Fr. Sahaya Thason and Vice Principal, Sr. Jossy. Cheers for Loyola school, Taldanga! (Rita Sen)

 

Catholic charities/ Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra: Catholic Charities/ Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra are as usual busy with lots of programe within the campus and out in the field. It had the surprise news on 14^th Dec. 07, Fr. Halan returned to CCJ after attending a Diploma Course for six months at Coady International, Canada. On 18^th Dec.07, there was a governing board meeting at Hotel Boulevard hosted by Mr. Ronald D’Costa, one of the board members of CCJ. The main agenda of the meeting was “how to separate the Catholic Charities and Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra.” Fr. Bipin, the director explained the reason that now the government is giving many more projects in the name of SJVK, and it is asked that we have to present the logistic existence of the SJVK. Mr. Bailey Bodanwala, President of the trust of Cheshire Home is willing to lease out more land for SJVK and it can have a separate identity.

As usual this year too we had thanks giving Mass on 21^st Dec.07, with all the staff of CCJ and SJVK. Liturgy of the Mass was very unique for everyone. Liturgical celebration was actively participated by all the staff. Before the readings Neem leaves were given to all the participants to eat. Again after the reading one spoon of sugar was distributed to all. Both the exercises gave the bitter and sweet experiences of life. This is how CCJ and SJVK give sweetness to the lives of the people. Next day, on 22^nd we had the Christmas gathering and it was very homely . All the staff members came with gifts for unexpected friends. The Santa brought gifts for the guests riding on the CCJ -SJVK Air bus.

Jharkhand Government has extended Sahiyya Programe to SJVK in 7 blocks of East Singhbhum , West Singhbhum 5 blocks, Saraikela-Kharswan 7 blocks to work. Sahiyya is a health related programe of the government to reach out the basic health facilities. The Sahiyya,; a married woman of each village would collaborate with the health workers. Mr. Himansu Ojha, the coordinator of the Sahiyya programe is fully busy in giving training to the trainers. Our training centre Vikas Bharti is fully occupied by the Sahiyya trainers’ training.

January 19-20^th, 88 men and women religious participated in the CRI meeting at our training center, Vikas Bharti. The resource persons were Fr. Mathew, Rector of Pratiksha, Neeldungri, gave talk on call to holiness and Fr. Saleth,S.J, challenges in the field of education. Rt Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J inaugurating the session, encouraged all to spread the word of God through ones own life style. The AGM concluded with the Holy Eucharistic on Sunday 20^th.

Cheshire Home and our centre were visited by Mr.Stefan Woormans and Mrs. Lissele from Germany. Mr. Ronnie from Mumbai brought them to Jamshedpur. They are working for the disabled and physically challenged people. SJVK is working for the disabled in Rajnagar Block with the collaboration of Cheshire Home.

CCJ will commence a new batch of Vocational Training from Feb. 1^st 2008, for youths on TV, Radio, Mobile repair, motor mechanic and Motor driving.(Halan)

 

Shrine of Our Lady of Khuntpani: Fr. Camille Hembrom took charge of the centre on January 13, during the solemn Eucharist presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. Faithful from all the village segments of the new independent mission were present for the celebrations. The school children led the celebrants to the altar with a tribal dance.Fr. Fabian Bhuinyan, S.J. gave the introduction and entrusted the charge of the centre to Fr. Camille. Immediately after the Mass there was the ceremonial felicitation by the faithful. Congratulations to Fr. Fabian, Sisters, catechists for the solemn and historic celebrations  to mark a new era for the Shrine of Our lady of Khuntpani. (Marcel)

 

Bible Society of India, Jamshedpur Branch: The Women’s Committee of the Branch organized a seminar for women on January 18 from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sitaramdera, Agrico. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the seminar. The resource persons for the seminar were Mrs. Sarita Giri (Kharagpur), Dr. Mrs. Suchita Das (Jamshedpur) and Mrs. Marsha Kachhap (Jamshedpur). 467 women from the various churches took part in the seminar. Congratulations to the Women’s Committee of the Bible Society of India, Jamshedpur Branch.(Jonathan)

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra: The Members of the Vincent de Paul Society visited Jisu Marsal Parish, Chandil on January 28 in the company of their Pastor, Fr. Jerome Pereira to know the mission and the people. The team traveled by train and Fr. Tobias Kujur met them at the railway station at Chandil and took them to the Parish. The visitors spend the day interacting with the community at Chandil. All returned home by the evening train with greater satisfaction and joy of having visited a new mission.

 

St. Xavier’s English School, Purulia: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and inaugurated the newly constructed School Hall and Classrooms on January 30 at 4.30 p.m. This was followed by the Annual Prize Distribution of the School. Bishop Felix Toppo was the Chief Guest. The Hall was packed with parents, guardians and guests to witness the great day. The school students mesmerized the audience with their cultural performances. Awards of Excellence were presented to the meritorious students. The new block was designed by Mr. Ephrem Kisptota and construction was executed by Mr. Zaffar Khan and team. Congratulations to Fr. Hilary Lobo, Sisters, Staff and Students of St. Xavier’s for the grand- memorable event (Vijay).

 

St. Josepeh’s Hosptial, Bhilai Pahari: The hospital conducted a medical camp at Chilgu village on January 9, from 1.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Dr. Noel Purty and team conducted the camp for 197 patients.

The Nursing students from Jeevan Jyoti are at the campus for the community health study. They are visiting the villages and making a health survey with the help of their tutors. Sr. Mary, JMJ went for a short home holiday and returned on the 31^st.

During the month of January many cases of malaria were brought to the hospital and all were treated to good health.

 

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 – U P !

 

Bear Witness to Beauty of Marriage and The Family, Urges Pope: Addressing the thousands of faithful gathered below his window, the Holy father explained on Sunday, how today ‘we celebrate the mystery of a God who chose to be born of a woman, the Blessed Virgin, and  to enter this world in the same way as all mankind. Thus He sanctified the family, filling it with divine grace and fully revealing its vocation and its mission’(cbcisite).
St. Albert’s College, Ranchi: SAC reopened on the 4th of this month. The semester began with the recollection led by Dr. Edward and Mr. Anil of Jesus Youth team from South India. Fr. Selvaraj rushed home to be with his bereaved Sister and family. Condolences and Prayerful support to Fr. Selva.  Fr. Cyril and his guest parishioners had good times at SAC. Jamwallas cherished with them. Fr. David made couple of quick visits to the Seminary. He came with Christmas and New Year cakes. Thank you Father. Unity Octave is celebrated and we prayed for the Christian unity and especially we prayed for the Christian brethren suffering in Orissa due to the recent persecution. An inter-faith meeting was organized on 20th afternoon at Loyola ground. More than 5000 people gathered over there. All Churches Committee headed by Fr. De Cuyper SJ, organized this mega event. Emeritus Arch Bishop Pascal Topno S.J.,  of Bhopal Arch Diocese addressed us on 21st of this month. He spoke on his experience as Bishop. Fr. Rector had a fall on the way to Shamlong for Mass and broke his spectacles and bruised his face. He is recovering. Bishop Charles Soren, Chairman of Board of Bishops celebrated his Golden Jubilee on 24th of this month in SAC. We felicitated him and congratulated for his gift to the Church of Chotanagpur. Br. Raju is busy in preparing for Ad Audos while Stephen is busy in preparing for the Comprehensive exams.(Rfcrasta)

 

“Make Known the Truth About Humanity”, Pope urges Media: “ The media must avoid becoming spokesmen for economic materialism and ethical relativism. Instead, they can and must contribute to making known the truth about humanity, and defending it against those who  tend to deny or destroy it’, urged Pope Benedict XVI in his message for 42^nd World Communications Day. (Cbcisite)

 

Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore: January 3^rd saw us all back in the Seminary after three weeks of meaningful Christmas Ministry. On 5^th Jan we Jamshedpurians came together for a short sharing and to wish one another the best compliments of the season. Thanks to Fr. David, we enjoyed the cake he gave us for the way. We had the honour of being an audience for the Seminar on Ethical Monotheism and Human Freedom, by Dr. George Essen, from Radboud University of Nijmegen, on 7^th Jan. The house wears a festive look with the concluding day of our Ruby Jubilee celebrations somewhere around the corner.(Felix Anthony)

 

St. Charles’ Seminary, Nagpur: ‘ We had a meaningful Christmas celebration and our 2^nd year Philosophers made a very beautiful crib. People came to worship Baby Jesus day and night. The main theme of the crib was “Terrorism”. We also had Christmas programme in the slum areas. In 7 places we put up programmes. We had ‘Children’s Meet’ for the slum children in our seminary. Now we are preparing for our Grotto feast and that will be celebrated on February 10. Many Bishops are expected for the Holy Eucharist” (Prince Dhibash).

 

Pontificio-Collegio-Urbano:Cari-Amici,Vi mando alcune foto con il Santo Padre dopo la Messa dell'Epifania del Signore alla Basilica di S. Pietro. Statemi bene. (Dileep).

 

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