JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

If the Saviour’s won your heart, and for Heaven you’ve made a start,

Keep your eye upon the chart-And go on!

Buy the truth and sell it not, hold for God the bit you’ve got;

Be content whate’er  your lot-And go on!

Feed on Christ the living Bread, drink of Him, the Fountain Head;

Think of why His blood was shed-And go on!   ( W.Luff)

 

 

D I O C E S A N  R O U N D – U P !

 

Engagements of  Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. – August, 2008
Date	Day	Time		Place
01-03			Meeting of CBCI Com. For Clergy & Religious	Pune
04	Monday		Bishop’s House	Golmuri
09	Saturday		Jubilee Celebration	Delhi
12	Tuesday		Bishop’s House	Golmuri
14	Thursday		De Nobili School	Digwadih
15	Friday	AM	Blessing of the New Church	Digwadih
30	Saturday		Regional Bishops & Najor Superiors Meeting	Ranchi
31	Sunday	7.00 a.m	Monica Diwas	Kutkudungri

 

Prabhu Marsal Parish, Goilkera:  Fr. Pradeep Marandi was welcomed by the parishioners of  Prabhu Marsal ,Goilkera on June 22 and on the same day Fr. Linus Kindo was given a tearful farewell. The school conducted a special welcome and farewell  ceremony on June 19.

 

The 48^th birthday of Fr. Roque Cardoza was celebrated on June 30. He offered a special Mass in the morning and felicitation by the hostel children. Later in the day the school students and staff had  cultural extravaganza to celebrate the day. Fr. David Vincent, Michael Raj, Pertus Kujur, C.Ss.R and Mr. Joseph Sahay reached Goilkera to take part in the birthday celebrations. (David)

 

Jisu Marsal Ashram, Hatikunder: Fr. Manu Horo was given a very warm welcome by the Hostel students, School staff and Students and the parents on July 01 immediately after he arrived at the residence. On July 02, Fr. Junas Bhengra drove Fr. Manu to Mercy Hospital and got him admitted after he complained of giddiness and fever. He was admitted in Cabin No. 206 and the doctor on duty immediately started treatment for cerebral malaria and was freed on July 05.  He took few days of rest at the MTN and went back to Purulia to do the pending account work of the Parish and Hostel. Later he reached MTN, Golmuri and sorted out the accounts with the help of Fr. David.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri: Fr. Linus joined the Bishop’s House community on June 23 and Fr. Florence Dunddung (Gumla) at the Cathedral on June 27. Both of them are attending B.Ed classes at Telco while helping out in the ministries of the respective communities.

Bishop Joe Rodericks left for Bangalore on July 07 via Kolkata and came back on July 28 after the Bijahan Regional Bishop’s Meeting at Ranchi.

Fr. Manu Horo took some good rest at the MTN after getting released from Mercy Hospital.

Msgr. John Bodra was admitted to Mercy on July 06 with high fever, wheezing and restlessness. He was lucky to get a bed in the ICU on the 1^st day and later in cabin No. 107 and again in the ICU.

Fr. David rushed to Ranchi on July 11 to receive Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. at the Birsa Munda Airport and reached home by 5.30 p.m.

 

Frs. George Manna, Valerian Lobo, Fabian Bhuinyan, S.J., Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R, Michael Raj, Mr. Richard Sarky and Miss Christina Kujur participated in the Animation programme held at SDC, Ranchi on July 24 from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Msrg. Jan Dumon from Rome, Msgr. Siluvai Ignaci from Bangalore and Msgr. Francis Correa from Mumbai were the resource persons. H.E Cardinal Telephore P.Toppo inaugurated the programme. All the Regional Bishops joined the group for lunch.

 

Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R guided the recollection for the regents on July 26-27 at the Bishop’s House.

 

Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle of India:  The Kerala Catholics of Jamshedpur town celebrated solemnly the feast of St. Thomas on July 03 at Golmuri. Fr. Johny Vithayathil was Chief Celebrant at the Con-celebrated Syro-Malabar  Rite Mass in the Cathedral at 5.30 p.m. Fr. Sijumon (Sini) was the homilist and Frs. Joy Paul, Kuruvila Verunkal, S.J. concelebrated. Fr. Johny P.D. conducted the choir. The solemn mass ended at 7.30 p.m. and all assembled at Joseph’s Welfare Centre for the cultural programme and community meal. Congratulations to the office-bearers of the Kerala Catholic Association for the devotional celebration of the feast of St. Thomas!

 

AGM of Jamshedpur Diocesan Catholic Mahila Sangh- 2008: The Diocesan Mahila Sangh had AGM held at the Carmel School, Chakradharpur on July 5-6. Fr. George Manna, the Chief Guest hoisted the Papal Flag and inaugurated the AGM at 4.00 p.m.at the forecourt of Carmel School. The women went into the School Hall in an orderly procession singing praises to the Lord. Fr. Camille Hembrom, Dean of Kolhan and Fr. Bipin Pani, Parish Priest were the special guests. There was the ceremonial lighting of the Lamp and garlanding the picture of St. Monica. The girls from Carmel School welcomed all with a prayer dance. The members of the CKP Parish Mahila Sangh had another dance to greet the assembly. The theme of the AGM was “ Word of God in our Christian life and work”. After the inauguration tea was served to one and later all assembled for reporting and agenda proper.

 The AGM concluded on the 6^th evening. Congratulations to Mrs. Nikunj Francis, the President, the office bearers and the Carmel Sisters for the beautiful arrangements for the Diocesan Mahila Sangh AGM. (Camille)

 

St. Joseph’s Convent, Golmuri: The Sacred Heart Sisters celebrated the feast of the Sacred Heart on July 6 sharing a family meal with the Clergy, Religious and Friends at noon at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre Hall. More than 130 members assembled for the celebration. The Candidates from Amar Jyoti Convent led the group with a prayer song and the prayer of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sr. Silvi returned home on July 4 after a gap of almost one year. She stayed at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 6 months and later rested at Amar Jyoti Convent, Pardih. She is comfortable to move about without a walker and takes her classes without fail.

 

Welcome to Jamshedpur Diocese !
Sr. Amala, SHS	St. Joseph’s Convent, Golmuri
Sr. Anila, SHS	St. Joseph’s Convent, Golmuri
Sr. Usha Elizabeth Bage, FC	Deepanjali Convent, Siadih
Sr. Erica Dungdung, FC	Deepanjali Convent, Siadih

 

Shrine of Our Lady of Khunpani: Fr. Junas Bhengra was read in as the Priest-in-charge of Khunpani Shrine on Sunday, July 13 during the 8.00 a.m. Mass by Fr. George Manna. The Mass was celebrated in the hostel Hall. The faithful welcomed the Celebrants by washing of the hands, aarti , tikka and flowers. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R was the M.C. During the Mass, Registers and Holy Oils were handed over to Fr. Junas to note that he is the pastor of the area.

After the Mass, the community extended a very warm and cordial welcome to Fr. Junas and other guests with songs and speeches. All assembled at the convent campus to share tea and snacks before returning to their own homes.

Fr. Sanjay Kujur blessed the new residence for the Priest-in-Charge  at 10.00 a.m. in the presence of the Sisters, Catechists, Area Leaders and Workers. Fr. Junas Bhengra resides in the new residence.

 

 

Little Flower Convent, Telco: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn Mass in honour of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, the foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny  on July 15 at 11.00 a.m at the Lupita Church. Staff, Students and Catholic Parents took part in the solemn Eucharist. After the Mass all assembled at Telco Club for felicitation and family meal. Clergy and Religious from the town were present for the grand occasion. Congratulations to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny for the faith filled celebration of the feast. 

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri: Fr. Amatus Kujur went for home visit on July 04 to celebrate his pending Silver Jubilee of Priesthood with his dear ones in his home parish. He returned on the 15^th and Fr. Michael Raj got admitted at Mercy with fever and sever headache in the same afternoon. He gave security and consolation to Msgr. John Bodra,   who was in the hospital from July 06. Visitors were pouring in to entertain the Priests at the hospital. On the 17^th morning Fr. Michael Raj found out his mobile missing from his bed and the next day he got freed from the hospital.

 

Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur: Fr. Eugene Ekka celebrated his 38^th birthday on July 13. He offered a special Mass for the parishioners in the morning and it was an occasion for the people to wish Eugene special blessings. The school had a vigil celebration on the 12^th with felicitation and snacks. The clergy of the deanery came together in the evening at the Presbytery for a special meal to commemorate the day with Frs. Eugene and Jondko.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation to 196 children on July 20 during the solemn Con-celebrated Mass at 7.30 a.m. in the Church. The Church was packed with faithful. The celebrants were led to the Sanctuary by a prayer dance. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R was the Master of the Ceremony. The students of Carmel School led the choir with devotional and beautiful hymns during the liturgy. Thanks to Fr. Jondko and Sr. Michael for taking care of the children and preparing them for the great day. At the end of the Mass, there was a short felicitation programme in the Church for the Bishop and the children who received the sacrament of Confirmation. Faithful from all Mass centers were present for the solemn event. Fr. Bipin Pani, the Parish Priest thanked everybody for their assistance to make the day a very memorable one for all.(Eugene)

 

Sacred Heart Convent, Jamshedpur. The Apostolic Carmel Sisters of the Sacred Heart Convent celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the concelebrated Eucharist in the School Hall at 6.30 a.m. Staff, Students, Parents and Friends were present for the solemn event. All shared tea-coffee-snacks with the Sisters after the Mass.

The Clergy and Religious of the town had a special meal on July 20 at the convent at noon to share the joy of the feast day with the Sisters.

 

Jisu Marsal, Chandil: Fr. James Quadros was reached to Jisu Marsal, Chandil by Frs. Vijay Bhat and David Vincent on July 18^th . Frs. Nicholas Kerketta and Tobias Kujur together with the hostel children extended a very warm welcome to Fr. James and the guests. Fr. James took charge of the parish on July 20 during the Parish Mass at 8.30 a.m. The parishioners extended a very warm welcome to their new pastor.

 

 

St. John Mary Vianney Church, Dhowatand: Pastor, Fr. Edward Kongari is all set to occupy his new residence,” VIANNEY BHAVAN” most probably on the 1^st Sunday in August, the feast of St. John Mary Vianney. The parishioners had many meetings with their Pastor to plan out the modalities of the celebrations for the solemn Day.

Meantime, Fr. Edward has sent out welcome signals to the people of the deanery to come forward and help him set the house with useful items needed in a Presbytery. (Edward)

 

 

Loyola School, Kumardhubi: Fr. Edward Saldanha was reached to Kumarbhubi by Fr. Jerome Pereira, Staff and Friends on July 01. The Staff and Students of Loyola School extended him a very warm and affectionate welcome on July 2^nd. On the same day the School Family bid a fond and tearful farewell to Fr. Sahay Thason. Fr. Edward reached Fr. Sahay on July 2^nd evening to Adra and inducted him officially as Principal.

The School celebrated ‘Loyola Day’ on July 31 with cultural programme and various competitions for the children.  (Paulus Bodra)

 

Sacred Heart School, Adra. The Staff and Students of Sacred Heart welcomed Fr. Sahay Thason on July 3rd during the Assembly. Fr. Edward handed him over the charge of the school during the day with apt explanations.

The parishioners of Sacred Heart Church welcomed Fr. Sahay on July 06 during the Mass at 7.30 a.m. with flowers and words of welcome. Fr. Sahay offered the Mass for the people and thanked them for their welcome and promise of support. The School organized  a special competition of ‘Story Telling’ for all the classes on July 25. Fr. Jerome was the Chief Guest.

Fr. Jerome Pereira celebrated his 59^th Birthday on July 25. He offered a special Mass in the morning in the Church. The school felicitated Fr. Jerome during the assembly. In the evening the clergy and religious of the neighboring communities gathered at the Presbytery for a family with Frs. Jerome and Sahay Thason.(Sahay)

 

St. Anne’s Convent, Parsudih: The feast of St. Anne was celebrated solemnly on July 26 and Pastor, Fr. Henry Sequeira presided over the solemn Mass in the Church in the morning. Later in the morning the school family felicitated the Sisters with a cultural programme.

On the 27^th the clergy, religious and well-wishers assembled at the forecourt of the school at noon to wish the Sisters special blessings and share a family meal. (David)

 

Loyola school, Jamshedpur: Fr. Mike Thanraj, S.J. was read in as the Provincial of Jamshedpur on July 25 during the solemn Mass at the Fasy Auditorium at 6.00 p.m. Fr. James Kalapura, began the Mass and after the homily by Fr. Gyanpraksh Kujur, S.J., the Delegate for Orissa, Fr. Mike took over as the Chief Celebrant. The choir was led by the Novices from Jesu Bhavan, Mango. At the end of the Mass, the assembly felicitated Fr. Mike and thanked Fr. James, who gave leadership for Jameshpur Jesuits for the last 6 years. Later all shared the family meal prepared by Bro. Maxi and company. It was a memorable and historic event for the Church in Jamshedpur.

The solemnity of the feast of St. Ingnatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus was celebrated on July 31. The day began with a solemn Mass for the Catholic staff and students in the morning. Later, the School Staff and Students felicitated the Jesuits and shared the joy of the feast with special treats.

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road:  Fr. Joy Paul celebrated his 51^st birthday on July 30 with daylong programmes and felicitations. The day began with a concelebrated Eucharist at 6.00 a.m. in the Church. The students of St. Mary’s Hindi School congratulated Fr. Joy during the assembly. In the evening many guests assembled at the presbytery to share the greatness of the day with Fr. Joy. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. offered the prayer of grace. Frs. Gerry and Junas made sure that everybody prayed and celebrated the day at St. Mary’s.

Fr. Joy Paul presided at the funeral Mass of Mrs. Elvira Athaide(Mother of Mr. Vincent Athaide, Acting Director of SJVK) on July 29 at 2.30 p.m. in the Church. 18 Priests concelebrated with the Pastor of St. Mary’s. (Vijay)

 

Gathering of Junior Clergy: Fr. C.R. Prabhu organized a special gathering of the Diocesan Junior clergy from July 28 p.m. to 29 p. m at the Vikas Bharati, Sundernagar. It was an occasion for the Junior Priests to share their experiences of Priestly ministry at different places and circumstances. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. attended some of the sessions and encouraged them to be genuine ministers of the Word and Sacraments. The sessions helped them to evaluate and strengthen their vocation and ministry. Thanks to Fr. C.R Prabhu for the inspiration and giving time for the Junior Priests. (David)

 

 

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- UP !

 

St.Albert’s College Ranchi: Our Seminary reopened on 21st June, 2008. This year we have a total of 260 Students in St. Albert’s College.  We had 6 days of retreat in the seminary, from the 23rd to the 29th of June. This was conducted by Sr. Johncy S.M.I and Sr. Jacinta S.M.I “A journey of a hundred miles begins with one step”: It was very true of the day of inauguration of the New academic year 2008-2009, on the 30thof June. We began with inaugural Holy Mass at 8 o’clock offered by Most Rev. Bishop Charles Soreng S.J. Soon after the Mass we had the inaugural programme in the auditorium, and results of the academic labour of the students were declared. From the Faculty of Theology, Deacon Raju Crasta passed in first division with distinction. He scored 85% and stood first in the Theology section. Bro. Stephen, from the department of philosophy also passed in first division with distinction. He scored 80% and stood first in the department of Philosophy. It was a matter of great pride for Jamshedpur diocese. Congratulations to Deacon Raju and Bro.Stephen. The chief guest of the Inauguration day, Mr.Rashmi, an advocate in high court, gave a talk on “The Importance of the Centenary Celebrations of the CNT Act”, and further enlightened the day. Rev. Fr. Selva Raj is the acting prefect of the department of Philosophy. 10th July was a historical day for the Albertine family and on this great day Rev.Vincent Toppo, S.J., was felicitated on his completion of 50 years in the Society of Jesus and of his 30 years of service in S.A.C. The celebration started with a Solemn Mass presided over by Fr.Vincent Toppo and concelebrated by Fr. C.R. Prabhu, Rev. Ranjit Toppo SJ, the provincial of Ranchi Jesuits, and around 35 priests. Soon after the mass, all rushed to the auditorium for the felicitation program, followed by festive lunch. In the afternoon there was the official Volleyball match between Philosophers and Theologians at 3.45 p.m. The Philosophers again remained champions! Fr. John Crasta has joined the staff and is busy preparing his classes. Deacon Raju left for Patna to write his M.A. examination on 12th July. Whereas Bro. Ranjit kullu, our new arrival, has well adjusted to the place, and has started learning some philosophical subjects. 17th July was a very memorable day, It was the feast day of the seminary, as we honour St. Albert, the patron of our seminary. We started the day with the Holy Mass, presided over by Bishop of Gumla, Rt Rev. Paul Lakra. His homily was very effective. He stressed on the point of prayer life. The day also witnessed the greatest traditional football match between the Philosophers and the Theologians, and the Philosophers won the match by 3-2 goals. In the evening there was a festive meal for the guests. There were many distinguished guests from all over Ranchi, who came for the celebrations .The education minister of Jharkhand state, Mr. Bandhu Tirkey, also joined us for the meal.  (George Ekka)

 

Morning Star College, Barrackpore:  All the Seminarians, both the newcomers and the old-timers reached Morning Star on 27th June. The Governing Board of Bishops met the Staff and the students on 2nd July. The Chairman of the Board, Archbishop Lucas Sirkar formally declared the academic year 2008 - 2009 open on 3rd.  Bishop Thomas D'Souza of Bagdogra, during his homily stressed on the need of being equipped well to meet the challenges of the society today. This year Morning Star has grown bigger and gone international with 80 new-comers, six of them from Bangladesh, and a professor from Switcherland. The Transplantation Day was on 19th, and we all had a taste of what it means to be a farmer. The Department of Theology has got a new Dean in Rev. Fr. John D. Romus. The 3rd Year Philosophers finished their BA examinations on 15th and the 2nd Years began theirs on 16th and they have their last exam on 25th. This year the rain is just good and so is the weather.

We all are fine. Isac is doing well and he has made many friends. We had a special prayer for our Monsignor and for all the sick in the Diocese. Kindly keep us in your prayers.(Anthony Felix)

 

St. Paul as a Man of Prayer: Paul comes across to the readers as a man of interior depth. Luke narrates how Ananias is to identify Saul- the new man that he is. The description of Saul is given as follows: “for behold he is praying” (Acts 9:11). There are several other moments when Luke  presents Paul as a man of immersed prayer (Acts 13:1-3; 16: 6-10; 16:25;20:7-12; 20:36; 21:5). Luke says that Paul had visions and trances (Acts 22: 17; 23:11-: 27: 23-26) and these testify to the fact that he was a man constantly in touch with the God whom he was making known.

 

Paul writing to the community in Galatia says that he did not plunge into ministry immediately after the Damascus experience. Instead he spent time reflecting on the Christ event. This could be deduced with a fair amount of certainty from his visit to Arabia (Gal: 1:17). He tells the Corinthians of his visions, dreams, and ecstasies (2Cor 12:1 ff). Paul rated realistically his role in ministry. He knew where the source of effectiveness lay. He says “Paul planted, Apollo watered, God gave the growth” (1Cor.3:6). His interiority is also evinced from expressions that are typical of his attitude to prayer. Paul writes in these terms to the communities that he had evangelized : I am praying for you (Phil 1:3f); we always thank God (1Thes 1:3); continue steadfastly in prayer (Col 4:1); pray constantly (1The 5: 17); pray for us so that the word of the Lord may speed on and triumph (2 The 3:1). ( Catechetics India, May,08)

 

St. Charles’ Seminary, Nagpur: We are all fine by the grace of God and have resumed our classes and activities in  the seminary. Our programmes are hectic this year because the Deacons will be going to their dioceses for Diaconate Ministry in December.

Bros. Fabian, Melwyn and Darwin have got admission in the college. They are doing well and have adjusted themselves well in this new circumstance. (Sonu)

 

Murdered Salesian Priest Buried, Hailed as Nepal's First Martyr: Family and friends attending the funeral of a slain Salesian have hailed him as the first Catholic priest murdered for Christ in Nepal. Around 1,000 people including priests, nuns and people of other religions attended the July 4 funeral of Father Johnson Prakash Moyalan in Bandel, a village 45 kilometers from Kolkata. That eastern Indian city, formerly called Calcutta, lies 1,460 kilometers southeast of New Delhi.

Masked men shot and killed the 60-year-old member of the Salesian Province of Kolkata on July 1 inside the Salesian residence in Sirsiya, southeastern Nepal, where he worked and was known as Father John Prakash.

Salesian Archbishop Lucas Sirkar of Calcutta presided at the funeral Mass in the 16th-century Basilica of Our Lady of Happy Voyage in Bandel, adjacent to the Salesian province's cemetery for its priests and brothers.

Jesuit Bishop Anthony Sharma, apostolic vicar of Nepal, and Salesian Kolkata provincial Father Thomas Ellichariyil concelebrated the requiem Mass with 43 priests. Hindus and Muslims joined Catholics at the Mass, filling up the 40-meter long basilica that the Salesians run. In his homily, Bishop Sharma said the late Salesian made "barren Sirsiya bloom." He "thought big and dared big." (CA)

Greetings from Florence. I am enjoying my holidays here. The parish Priest is out for the summer camp with the children. I am staying with a priest from Burkinafaso who has come here to help out. I do the cooking and he washes the dishes. I try a mixed menu of Indian and Italian food. He has no-objections.

I have been trying to get a scholarship for the German course and I might get one. I may have to probably pay the travel expences. Then in September, I am going to the Holy Land for a ten-day study tour. The tour will be sponsored by the Propaganda Fide for the Scripture students. It is really a blessing to have this opportunity.
Fr. Marcel had sent me some photos of flood in Jsr. How is it now? My regards to Msgr and the Fathers at BH.(Dileep Marandi)

 "Empowerment of women"Justice Sunday, 17th August, 2008:This year, the Justice Sunday falls on 17th August and our Commission focuses on the Empowerment of women in the Church and society. Each one of is directly or indirectly responsible for the injustices done to women and hence everyone has the obligation to work in order to build up a new society where dignity of women is upheld. Please find attached the Justice Sunday Message and the Ten Commandments on the Empowerment of women both in PDF and Text formats.

1. Translate the Message and the Ten Commandments on the empowerment of women in your language and distribute them widely. Publish it in all the journals and magazines in your area.
2. Celebrate the day with group discussions, peace marches, special inter religious meetings, highlighting on the dignity of women and the duty to empowering them in families, in the communities and in the society at large.
3. Draw out an action plan on the empowerment of women. Send a report of your activities by email to [email protected] or by post to JPD Commission, CBCI Centre, 1, Ashok Place, New Delhi - 110001  Let us join together to uphold the welfare of all people and this will be possible only when it begins with the welfare of the least, lost and the last! God Bless all our efforts!(Bishop Yvon Ambrose, Chairperson)

Church Schools Need To Aim For Holistic Formation : (UCAN) The Church school is the visible sign of Christianity for most people in India, says a nun who heads a national association of these schools. Bethany Sister Ann Teresa, president of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS), says people would appreciate Christianity more if they could see these schools foster love, service, sacrifice and peace. They also expect Church educational institutions to impart moral values as well as quality education. The nun recently spoke with UCA News about her association's plans to stress students' spiritual formation while teaching them life skills.

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