JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

 

 Never woke a firer morn                                Never lived a greater morn

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

Than the hour of golden dawn                        Angels standing near the tomb

On the Earth’s 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)

 

GRCE-FILLED EASTER JOY & BLESSINGS TO ALL OUR READERS! ALLELUIA ! ALLELUIA!

 

 

 

ENGAGEMENTS OF BISHOP FELIX TOPPO, S.J.- MARCH, 2008
Date	Day	Time		Place
06	Thu	09.30 a.m.	Diocesan Consult	BH
13	Thu	09.30 a.m.	Clergy Meeting/Recollection/Chrism Mass/Felicitations of the Jubilarians.	BH/Cathedral
27	Thu	05.00 p. m	Prize Night, Amar Jyoti school	Pardih
29-30	Sat-Sun		Diocesan Mahila Sangh Meeting

 

 

D I O C E S A N   R O U N D  U P !

  

Assisi Sneha Bhavan, Sini: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed the newly constructed convent for the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate at Mohitpur, Sini on February 02 during the solemn concelebrated Eucharist. Sr. James, ASMI, the Vice Provincial inaugurated the convent by cutting a red ribbon.

Clergy and religious from Jamshedpur and Chaibasa area were present for the solemn day. Bishop Felix was given a very warm welcome at the entrance to the village and a group of dancers led him to the altar on the portico of the convent.

All the parishioners of Sini Church were present for the celebration. Sisters and Fathers who worked at Sini were present. Sr. Lellis ASMI, the superior of Sini convent proposed the vote of thanks. Immediately thereafter all joined the Sisters for the family meal. (Jacob)

 

Mother Teresa Parish, Siadih: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. inaugurated the newest Parish of the Diocese on February 03 during the solemn Mass at 9.30 a.m. at Siadih.  The children led the celebrants to the podium with a tribal dance. The Mahila Sangh washed the hands of the celebrants and welcomed them.

Fr. Manu Horo read out the official English letter of the Bishop in Mundari. The Bible procession, offertory dance and Aarti added greater solemnity to the celebration. During the Mass Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. installed Fr. Michael Jojo as the First Parish Priest of Siadih. The Mass got over at 12.30 p.m and immediately after a short break began the felicitation ceremony. All the Fathers, Sisters, brothers and Catechists worked at Siadih were honoured during the function. Fr. Michael thanked everybody for their presence and support. All shared the fellowship meal prepared by the parishioners and left for home celebrations. Clergy and Religious from Jamshedpur, Chaibasa and Purulia deanery joined Fr. Michael Jojo and Fr. James Surin for the celebrations of the historic day at Siadih(David).

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari: Fr. Casimir returned on February 5 at 10.15 p.m. He reached Bhilai Pahari on Ash Wednesday to a rousing welcome by the candidates and the campus members. He had brought along varieties of sweets, cakes, masalas, pickles and cookies for all. The construction work of the classrooms, dinning Hall and Chapel is at the final stage. Fr. Casmir will announce the day for the blessing and inauguration very soon. He is at work to beautify the courtyard with bricks.   

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri: The much awaited and advertised Parish Picnic on February 03 did not take off as only few parishioners had signed up. Fr. Amatus had arranged 2 buses to transport the people. The Parish Youth has many activities already signed up for the next coming months. The Parish Council members, Mahila Sangh, Youth worked hand in hand for the successful celebration of the civic reception to the Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious and all the participants of the CBCI General Assembly at the Loyola Grounds on  February 17.

 

De Nobili School, Digwadih: Fr. Eric Cassel, S.J., the Acting Provincial inaugurated and blessed the newly constructed Jesuit Residence at the De Nobili School campus on February 10 at 3.00 p.m. in the presence of many clergy, religious and eminent citizens of Dhanbad. The program began with a hymn by the choir and introduction by Fr. George Thana, S.J., Superior of the Jesuit community. Mr. Ephrem Kispotta made the sketch plan for this beautiful residence and Mr. Feroze and team did the construction. 

The double story residence has all the modern facilities and can accommodate 14-16 members comfortably. Fr. George Fernandes, S.J. thanked everybody for their support and presence. The Chief Guest presented special mementos to the contractor and his supervisor. The ceremony concluded with tea-coffee-snacks with the DNS Jesuits. Congratulations to the DNS Jesuits!

 

CBCI Plenary Assembly, 2008 at XLRI: Archbishop Pedro Quintana, the Apostolic Nuncio to India presided over the inaugural Concelebrated Eucharist at the Tata Auditorium at XLRI at 9.00. All the Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops (!56) and Priests joined for the Eucharist. The Chief celebrants were led to the podium by a group of dancing girls. There was offertory dance and aarti. After the Mass all shared tea and snacks at the fore court of the Auditorium. Cardinal Telesphore Toppo presided over the inaugural session and Cardinal Stanslaus Rylko gave the inaugural address for the Plenary Assembly at the XLRI Auditorium and Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes presented the annual report of the CBCI. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. and Fr. Abraham Enthemkuzhy, S.J. addressed the CBCI  extending hearty welcome to the Diocese and to XLTI in particular. The theme of the deliberation was “ Empowerment of Women in the Church and Society”  Solemn Masses were celebrated during the Assembly in Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malakanra rites and faithful members belonging to the these rites  participated in large number. The meeting concluded on February 20 , noon after having presented  and passed a statement of declaration  Congratulations to Bishop Felix and all members of the Executive Committee headed by Fr. Jesurajan, S.J. for the beautiful arrangements for the smooth and effective sessions of the 28th CBCI Plenary Assembly at XLRI.

 

Solemn Eucharist and Civic Reception for the Bishops of India: The Catholic community extended a very warm and cordial welcome to the Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops and all the participants of the CBCI Plenary Assembly on Sunday, February 17 at the Loyola Grounds. The solemn Eucharist presided over by Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo began at 1.30 p.m. More than 5000 faithful had gathered for the celebrations.  The celebrants were led to the specially erected podium by a group of Ho dancers from Tepasai. The girls from St. Mary’s Church, N. Road performed the Bible Procession. Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioners presented the prayers of the faithful.

Mr. Madu Kora, Chief Minister of Jharkhand was the Chief Guest for the civic reception and Mr. Sudhir Mahato, the Deptuy Chief Minister, Guest of honour. Both the ministers hailed the noble and effective contributions of the church in Jharkhand, especially in the field of education and health care. They pledged their support for the ministry of the Church in Jharkhand to elevate the poor and helpless of the society to enjoy the facilities the government has proposed. The ministers congratulated the Church as it has reached all the remote corners of the state to care for the needy with medical care and basic education.

Jamshedpur diocese place on record, thank and Congratulate all the people who worked hard to facilitate the Bishops to conclude the Plenary Assembly at XLRI with a success note. Thanks to: Fr. A.C.Jesurajan, S.J. (Chief Coordinator of the Organizing Committee), Fr. Abe Enthemkuzy,S.J. (Director, XLRI), Fr. George Cheradayil, S.J. (Accommodation, Documentation, Food), Mr. William & Mr. Akhtar S. ( House Management & Security), Fr. K.M. Joseph, S.J (Liturgy & Worship), Mr. Ronald D’Costa & Fr. Amatus Kujur (Civic Reception), Fr. Joy Paul K., Fr. Bipin Pani & Fr. Paul Fernandes, S.J.(Souvenirs), Fr. Victor Misquith, S.J. & Fr. James Santhanam, S.J.(Transport) , Sr. Flavian, A.C. (Entertainment), Fr. Paul Fernandes, S.J., Fr. David Vincent & Fr. Alex Mascarenahas,S.J (Finance Management), Fr. Vijay Bhat (VIPs), Mr. Satish Pillai (Liaison), Dr. Tapan K Bannerjee (Medical Services), Mr. Lazarus Athaide (Post and Telephone), Fr. Joseph Surin, S.J. and Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J. ( Media). We thank all the members of the various committees and sub-committees and all the others who volunteered their selfless services in support of the CBCI Assembly at XLRI, Jamshedpur Diocese.

 

St. Xavier’s English School, Purulia: The Inauguration and Blessing of the New Hall and classrooms was  held on 30th January 08 in the presence of the august gathering of many priests, sisters, parents, staff and students. The Chief Guest was Bishop Felix  who cut the tape after a prayer, lit the lamp, unveiled the plaque and blessed the New block accompanied by Principal Hilary and Fr. Emmanuel Horo while the School Choir melodiously sang  “Showers of  Blessing”  and “Keep me in the Hollow of thy Hand.” After the blessing the school had its variety of  programme  and annual prize distribution. Two of our students Namami Bhattacharya and Manoshi Hazra were awarded special prizes for their consecutive three years cent percent attendance. The programme of  songs, dance and skit based on an extract from “May Fair Lady.” was meticulously organized by Sr. Letitia, the teachers both from Junior and Senior section of the school fascinated everyone and received a thunderous applause from the audience. After the programme the priests and sisters were served with a sumptuous dinner prepared by Fr. Pascal in the Catholic Ashram. The students of Std. IX brought laurels not only to the school but to the whole of Purulia District. At the Purulia District Level, the team consisting of six students won the Overall Performance-Rolling-Trophy. From Purulia District Md. Hasan and Abhishek Mahato of  Std. IX took part in the West Bengal state level Science Fair 2008 for school students at Birla Industrial and Technological Museum in Kolkata from 15th to 19th January and were adjudged First Prize in the order of merit. After that both Hasan and Abhishek were awarded the best group exhibit  at the Eastern India Science Fair 2008 out of 182 schools which participated from 13 states. Each of  our students was awarded a scholarship of Rs. 6000, a citation and a certificate, our teacher Mr. Sudeep Das, who accompanied the whole contingent of participants from Purulia was awarded the best guide teacher and Rs. 2000/- cash and the school received R.C. Roy Challenge trophy, 2007-2008 -Rs. 3000/- worth science equipments and a citation. The model prepared jointly by Md. Hasan and Abhishek Mahato was a multipurpose Laser Project whose application intended  to be an auto railway gate system at the level crossing and an advanced house security system using laser and mobile phone.
The above news item was flashed on the local TV network and in the Bengali News Paper. The Dainik Jagran gave the detailed coverage with pictures of Hasan and Abhishek  Mahato in the front page on 8th Feb 2008. The Practicals of our First ISC batch started from 18th February and the Theory will be from 29th Feb with 30 students.(Hilary Lobo)

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri:  Msgr. John Bodra was admitted to Mercy Hospital on February 4 with chest congestion, BP and high sugar. He was had the privilege to be in the hospital for 14 days as ‘PRISIONER NO. 106’. He celebrated his 86^th birthday in the hospital in the company of the Nurses, Sisters, Staff and Doctors. He offered a special Mass on his birthday with the Sisters in the convent chapel at 6.30 p.m. and Fr. Michael Raj was his security and support. The Mercy Sisters hosted a special meal in honour of  Msgr.after the Mass.  The cabin 106 was filled with red roses gifts gifts.

The Bishop’s House community celebrated the birthdays of Msgr. John Bodra (12/2), Frs. Johny Vithayathil (9/2) and Cyprian Lobo(23/2) on February 20 evening with a special community villa. A special birthday cake was cut by all 3 together before the meal.

Fr. Fl. Jonckheere, S.J. joined the community on February 09 to take treatment at the Cancer hospital. He has to compete 15 radiation before returning to St. Albert’s. 6 Bishops and couple of Priests took shelter at the Bishop’s House for 2-4 days while attending the CBCI sessions. Fr. Vijay Kacchap, S.J. and Fr. Joseph Surin, S.J. took care of the public relations and media from Bishop’s House. They organized all the press conferences during the CBCI Assembly. Bishop Felix Toppo left fro Chennai on February 21. Bishop Victor Kindo of Jaspur admitted while the CBCI sessions on stayed until February 25. He returned home on the 26^th morning. Fr. Cyprian Lobo directed the recollection for the regents on February 23-24 and all were present.

 

 

De Britto House, Gomoh:  Third February was a memorable day for DBH School. Twenty of our children participated in the ‘Balakulsov” at Tundi and came away with the second Position Champion –ship Trophy. Our children did wonderfully well in all the items.

The feast of St. John de Britto, the Patron Saint of the Parish, School and Hostel was celebrated on February 04. Fr. Chonas Xalxo presided over the solemn Mass in the morning. After the Mass all shared snacks and left for home celebrations. At noon, Priests and religious from the neighbouring communities joined us for a fellowship meal. The hostel children put up a special cultural programme in the evening to conclude the celebrations of the day.

The Annual Sports’ Meet of the school was held on February 10 in the school ground. Fr. Edward Saldanha, Principal, Sacred Heart School, Adra was the Chief Guest. Many Fathers, Sisters, Guests, parents and Guardians were present for the 3 hours 30 minutes sports day-2008. Congratulations to Fr. Chonas, Staff and Students of DBH for the spectacular celebrations of Sports’ Meet-2008! (Alwin.C.V.)

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bhilai Pahari:  Fr. Casimir Vas blessed the newly constructed 1^st floor of the Czech House on February 20 in the presence of the staff, Nursing students, Kripa Sadan brothers and the many guests. Mrs. Elizabeth Johnston inaugurated the new floor by cutting a ribbon. The choir sang ‘Showers of blessing’ while Fr. Casimir blessed the rooms and terrace. Soon after the blessings, Sr. Annie thanked Mr. Ephram Kispotta , the architect of the building and presented him a memento. All shared tea and snacks to conclude the celebrations.

The paddy from the farm, St. Joseph’s Centre, Patamda has reached the hospital. The straw is staked for the many animals in the campus. The 1^st & 2^nd Year students from Jeevan Jyoti Nursing School camped at the campus and visited the many villages around for health survey and awareness progrmmes.

St. Joseph’s Hosptial conducted a medical camp at Khuntpani on February 24. Dr. Noel Purty and Dr. Mohanty together with Sr. Mary, JMJ and staff were on duty at Kuntpnai for 5 hours to help out the 116 patients. 14 patients are referred to the hospital for admission and treatment.

Fr. Vijay Kachhap, S.J. directed 2 days of retreat for the 40 youth from St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri on the 23^rd and 24^th February at the hospital campus. They had the opportunity to meet the staff and patents while in prayer. Fr. Casimir Vas was and gracious and provided tasty food to the youth. Fr. Michael Raj, the youth moderator reached them and made sure that they have the facilities to be with the Lord at Bhilai Pahari.

On February 23, the Nurse students performed an HIV/AIDS awareness skit at Simuldanga village. School children and villagers in large number witnessed the programme from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 noon. Sr. Anasthasia, JMJ and Bro. Arnold,DDS motivated and guided the programme.

 

 

 

Tribal Missionary Colloquium- 2008: The colloquium was held at Jesu Bhavan, mango from February 25-28. Fr. George Manna presided at the inaugural Eucharist on 26^th morning at 6.30. The theme of the colloquium was “ Christ in the tribal World”. Msgr. John Bodra, Frs. Walter Kongari, S.J., John Deeny, S.J., Joseph Surin, S.J., Fr. Junas Bhengra, Fr. Emmanuel Horo, and Mr. Sitaram Bari (DDC, Jamshedpur) were the resource person. 75 Priests, religious and catechists participated in the colloquium.

Loyola College of Education, Telco: In the month of August the College received Minority Certificate from the National Commission for minority educational institutions, New Delhi.

100 students appeared for the University Examination held in the month of September. They received their results in December. 90 received distinction and 10 first division. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a hostel was held on Thursday, 31^st January,  2008. In the month of November and January students were sent to 16 schools in the city for practice teaching and internship. Students were sent in groups to Cheshire Home, Nirmal Hirday, Shishu Bhavan,  School of Hope for community service on 2^nd and 9^th February. Youth Festival and College Day were celebrated on 23^rd February, 2008. This was the first time College Day was celebrated in a grand scale. Science day is celebrated on 28t February. Besides the Science Exhibition, students were taken to Tata Power for a visit. (Kuru)

 

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 !

 

St. Paul’s Minor Seminary, Lucknow:  On 25^th January we celebrated the seminary day as well as the feast of the conversion of St. Paul. The celebration began with a solemn Mass in which the new Bishop of Lucknow, Most Rev. Gerald Mathias was the Chief Celebrant. The celebrants were led to the altar by the seminarians with tribal dance. The seminarians sang inspiring and devotional hymns in Hindi and English.

In the evening the borhters staged a variety entertainment programme of songs, dances and drama in the auditorium of St. Paul’s college. The drama ‘Refund’ was well appreciated and the audience were up in splits of laughter. The Hindi drama ‘Shere k Sawa Shere’, a comedy evoked much laughter among the people present. The kawali made all laugh like a drain. The parable of the ‘Sower’ was presented by a dance. The other items were Tamil tribal dance, Kholi dance of Maharastra fishermen, Bangala and western dance in colourful costumes enthused the audience.

At the beginning of the programme, Fr. George D’Costa , the Rector read out the annual report and welcomed the guests. Fr. Olive Mendonca proposed the vote of thanks. After the programme all shared a sumptuous meal in the courtyard of the seminary and the seminary band was in attendance. (Melwyn Rodrigues)

  

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