JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE
Vol. XXXVIII No. 02
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JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA
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FEBRUARY 2008
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BISHOP FELIX TOPPO, S.J., THE CLERGY, RELIGIOUS AND FAITHFUL OF
JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE EXTEND A VERY WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME TO THE CARDINALS, ARCHBISHOPS,
BISHOPS, AND ALL THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE CBCI PLENARY ASSEMBLY AT XLRI AND WE
WISH “Viva i Vescovi”!
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
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02
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Sat
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11.00 a.m.
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Blessing of the New
Convent
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Sini
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03
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Sun
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9.30 a.m.
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Inauguration of the
Parish
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Siadih
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05
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Tue
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10.00 a.m.
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XL GB Meet, Tata
Centre
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Kolkata
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13
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Wed
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CBCI Plenary
Assembly
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XLRI,Jsr
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16
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Sat
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CCBI Meeting
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XLRI
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17
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Sun
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Civic Reception for
the Bishops
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Loyola
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20
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Wed
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Concluding Session of the CBCI
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XLRI
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22
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Fri
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Kolkata
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23
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Sat
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Cardinal Cardijn
Symposium
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Chennai
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24
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Sun
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Visitation –
Seminarians
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Nagpur
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27
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Wed
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Visitation –
Seminarians
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Bhopal
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29
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Fri
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Visitation-
Seminarians
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Lucknow
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CONGRATULATIONS !
Msgr. Felix Machado
Appointed Bishop of Nashik
Fr. Abraham Kacknatt
Appointed Bishop of Muvattupuzha
Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J Elected Superior General of the
Society of Jesus
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 1st 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 1st
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 31st
evening during the meal. They visited many of the institutions in the town
before leaving for Purulia-Adra- Kumardhubi- Dhnabad on January 04.
The 33rd 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 16th. 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 7th 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 27th. !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 1st 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 1st 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 19th. 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 20th morning. Later Fr. Mathew Channikuzy, Director,
Propaedeutic Spirituality Centre, Pratiksha, addressed the CRI on “a Call to Holiness” on the 2nd
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 121st 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 35th
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 58th Republic Day
was celebrated on the 26th. 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 14th
Dec. 07, Fr. Halan returned to CCJ after attending a Diploma Course for six
months at Coady International, Canada. On 18th 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 21st 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 22nd 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 19-20th, 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 20th.
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.
1st 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 31st.
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 42nd World Communications Day.
(Cbcisite)
Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore: January 3rd
saw us all back in the Seminary after three weeks of meaningful Christmas
Ministry. On 5th 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 7th
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 2nd 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).
Recollection for Regents: February 23-24 : Bishop’s House, Golmuri
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