JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

If you are tempted to reveal

A tale by someone told

About another, make it pass,

Before you speak, three gates of gold.

 

Three narrow gates: first, Is it true?

Then, Is it needful? In your mind

Give truthful answer. And the next

Is last and narrowest- Is it kind?

 

And if to reach your lips at last,

It passes through these gateways three,

Then you may tell the tale, nor fear

What the results of speech may be.

(Henry Durbanville)

 

 

D I O C E S A N  RO U N D – U P !

 

ENGAGEMETNS OF BISHOP FELIX TOPPO, S.J. – SEPTEMBER, 2008
DATE	DAY	TIME	PROGRAMME	PLACE
01-03			Classes for Propaedeutic Seminarians	Neeldungri
04	Thursday	04.00 p.m	DSWC Governing & General Body Meeting	Govindpur
05	Friday	10.30 a.m.	Feast of Bl. Mother Teresa – Mass for the MC Sisters	Dhanbad
07-08	Sun-Mon		Kolkata - Bangkok
09-13			FABC Seminar	Bangkok
14-16	Sun-Tue		Visitation, MSC Seminarians	Barrackpore
21	Sun	06.00 p.m	SJWC Managing Committee Meeting	Golmuri
27	Sat	A.M	CBCI-CRI meeting	Bangalore
		P.M.	Visitation of Seminarian at St. Peter’s Pontifical Sem.	Bangalore
28-3-	Sun-Mon		Visitation of Seminarians, Pallotine Institute	Goa

 

 

St. John Mary Vianney Church, Dhowatand:  The newly constructed Presbytery “ VIANNEY BHAVAN” was inaugurated and blessed on August 03, the feast of St. John Mary Vianney, the patron of the Parish by Fr. George Manna in the presence of the Pastor, Fr. Edward Kongari, Frs. George Anthony, S.J., Jaya Prakash D’Souza, S.J., and Fr. Nicholas Kerketta, Sisters from Tundi and Govindpur and the faithful of Dhowatand. The celebrations began at 8.30 a.m. by hoisting the Papal Flag by Fr. George Manna on the stage and the procession to the Hall with devotional hymns. The solemn Mass in Santhali was presided over by Fr. Edward Kongari. Fr. George Anthony offered the prayers of blessing in Santhali and Fr. George Manna blessed the house with holy water. Fr. Edward Kongari signed with Haldi 3 crosses on each of the doors and invited all into the residence

After the Mass all assembled in front of the Statue of St. John Mary Vianney for the solemn blessing. Fr. George Anthony, S.J. offered the prayers of blessing in Santhali. Then the statue was blessed and dedicated for the people of Dhowatand. All paid tribute to St. John Mary Vianney and sang praises to the Lord. Fr. Edward thanked everybody and presented token gifts to the contractor, Mr. Anup Biswas and his associates.

All shared breakfast immediately after and stayed on for the meal at noon – Chicken-kichadi. It was a day of celebration for the people of Dhowatand.

The solemnity of the feast of the Assumption of Mother Mary was celebrated on August 15. The programme began with the hoisting of the National Flag at 8.30 a.m. on the school stage by Fr. Edward Kongari and immediately after there was the solemn Mass in the Hall. The children presented few cultural items on the stage for the joy of all present. Fr. Edward is on the look out for more sponsors to furnish his residence with the minimum needed articles.(Edward)

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri:  Fr. Amatus Kujur celebrated his 57^th birthday on August 04. The day began with a solemn Mass at the Mercy Chapel at 6.00 a.m. and breakfast with the SCJM Sisters at the Mercy Convent. Later streams of people were seen in front of his room to wish the Pastor God’s blessings.

In the evening at 7.00 p.m. many Fathers and Brothers from the town institutions assembled at the Welfare Center Hall for a special meal and to greet Fr. Amatus. Fr. Michael Raj welcomed the guests and Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. offered the prayers of blessings before the birthday cake was cut by Fr. Amatus. Fr. Leo  D’Souza led the assembly in joyful singing and all shared a sumptuous meal prepared by Fr. David Vincent and team.

“Mother’s Day’ in the parish was celebrated on August 24 from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss. R was the resource person. The Parish Youth presented Hindi New testaments to each of the 138 women who took part in the celebration.

Fr. Amatus Kujur chaired a special meeting of Christian/Catholic Church leaders at the Welfare Centre on August 28 to discuss on the happenings in Orissa against the Christians. (Sanjay) 

 

Vianney Day – 2008: The major event of the Day was the basketball match between Bishop’s 10 against Provincial’s 10 at St. Joseph’s School Ground at 4.30 p.m. on August 04. It was a well fought out match and as per tradition, Bishop’s 10 lost gloriously to the Provincial’s team 24-36.

 

The Vianney Day Agappe  was held at the Welfare Centre Hall on August 10 noon. Fr. Michael Raj read a passage from the Bible and Fr. Carl Dincher, S.J. gave away the awards. Kuldeep Minj, S.J. was adjudged the best player of the year and Manu Horo as the greatest player of the year in the Reverse Order. He was crowned with a special turban and given a sword + dwali. Fr. Kuruvila Verunkal, S.J. offered the prayer of grace.  Later during the meal Manu Horo mesmerized one and all with his special songs in multi-tunes. There were 148 clergy-religious to share the sumptuous meal prepared by Frs. David Vincent-Vijay Kachhap and team.

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri: Msgr. John Bodra was freed from Mercy Hospital on August 04 on compassionate grounds after having stayed happily 29 days in the company of Sisters, Nurses, Staff and Doctors. He was again admitted at Mercy on August 18 for better care and medication. As per the Doctors attending on him he will need time to fully recover from the present health condition.

Fr. Raphael Monteiro reached Bishop’s House on July 31 and took shelter in Room No. 15 of Mother Teresa Niwas along with his bags and baggage. He faithfully took care of the pastoral needs of Lupita Parish while Fr. Vijay Bhat, the Parish Priest was out for home visit.

Fr. Manu Horo continued his work on his pending accounts until August 10 and returned to Hatikunder on the 11^th via Dhanbad. Fr. Edward Kongari came to the Bishop’s House on August 03 for another medical check-up and returned on the 7^th along with Fr. Jerome Pereira. Bishop Felix visited Siadih  on August 5 and Toklo on August 6.

Mother Teresa Niwas had the special privilege to accommodate Sr. Jaya, SRA with one foot fractured in plaster and another with bandages. Sr. Shaileja, SRA gave sufficient time to take care of Jaya while preparing for the B.Ed examinations. Jaya was later taken to Amda for longer period of rest and recuperation. The B.Ed students – Sr. Sushmita, SND, Sr. Shaileja, SRA, Fr. James Dhan and Fr. Johny P.D. were residents in the Bishop’s House for their University Examinations at the ABM College.

The community celebrated the 44^th birthday of Fr. Johny P.D. on August 21 during the evening meal. Frs. Halan Bodra and Ajay Tiru were the special guests. Fr. Edward Kongari came for another medical care encounter at the TMH/MTMH on August 24 and returned on the 28^th.

 

Dominican Prarthanalya, Birsanagar: The feast of St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers was celebrated on August 08. Fr. George Manna presided at the special Concelebrated Mass at the Prarthanalaya at 4.30 p.m . The celebrants were led to the altar by a tribal prayer dance by the members of the Mahila Sangh. Many faithful from the area took part in the Con-celebrated Eucharist and the programmes that followed.  Fr. Alphonse Jojo, O.P. led the choir. After the Mass the celebrants were felicitated and thanked by Mr. Edward Kujur. The community congratulated Frs. Harixon and Alphonse Jojo with flowers. The clergy of the area had a special meal in the evening to celebrate the day. The Spiritual Ministry of the Dominicans are well appreciated by the local community. More than 20 people attend the daily Mass at the Prarthanalaya. Fr. Harixon had to be admitted at the Tinplate Hospital on the 8^th night with severe nausea and body pain but got released on the next day morning. He was again admitted at Mercy Hospital for 2 days before being taken to Nagpur for further check up and treatment.(David)

 

Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur: The feast of St. John Mary Vianney the patron saint of the Pastoral clergy was celebrated on 4^th August at CKP parish. The concelebrated Eucharistic began at 7 am. The Church was full to its capacity. All the Priests were felicitated by the parishioners soon after the Mass. Five interesting cultural programmes were presented by the parishioners of different circles to make the day solemn. The presentation of a skit about Jesus Christ by the Mahila Sangh was well appreciated by the faithful.

Fr. Bipin Pani, the parish priest finally reached with all his bags and  baggage on August 27 after handing over the charge of Catholic Charities to Fr. Halan Bodra in all respect. (Eugene)

 

Holy Family Church, Kumardhubi: Fr. Walter Crasta, Director, DSWC inducted Fr. Paulus Bodra as Parish Priest on August 03 during the Concelebrated Mass in the morning. Fr. Walter introduced Fr. Paulus Bodra to the faithful as a ‘lamb of God’ and officially handed him over the charge of the people of Kumardhubi. Fr. Edward Saldanha was one of the con-celebrants for the solemn Eucharist.

The parishioners felicitated Fr. Paulus  at the end of the Mass. Later all assembled in front of the Church and shared breakfast with their new Pastor and Frs. Walter and Edward to celebrate the day.

Fr. Raphael Monteiro vacated his room and left for Jamshedpur on July 31 after handing over the charge to Fr. Paulus Bodra in the presence of the representative of the Parish Council. (Walter)  

 

CRI, Jamshedpur: The CRI, Jamshedpur deanery had their special gathering at Loyola school on August 03 from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. This time it was a sharing session of one’s own ‘God Experience’. There were 49 members present and actively participating in all the activities of the group. The sessions concluded with a special Mass presided over by Fr. Alex Mascrenas, S.J. Later all joined the Loyola Jesuit community for the family meal in honour of St. Ignatius of Loyola. (Jacob)

 

St. Anthony’s Church, Dhanbad: The combined birthday celebration of Fr. Cornelius Tigga (05.08.65) and Fr. Norbert Kindo (08.08.35) was held at the presbytery on August 07. Many members of the clergy and religious of the deanery were present for the special meal in the evening.

 

St. Joseph’s School, Golmuri: The school celebrated the 62^nd Independence Day of the country with great solemnity and fervour. Sr. Rose, SSH, Emeritus Principal of St. Joseph’s School and Superior, Amar Jytoi Convent, Pardih was the Chief Guest. She was welcomed at the entrance to the campus by the students in NCC uniform. She inspected the parade and unfurled the National Tri-Colour. Immediately then, the school students presented various cultural programmes on the stage for the joy of one and all. The campus was filled with parents, guardians and well-wishers to witness and enjoy the presentation of the students.

Mr. James Davis, Vice President, Alumni Association of St. Joseph’s School released the School Golden Jubilee Souvenir  (1957-2007) on August 21, 2008 at 8.15 a.m. in front of the students and staff. Congratulations to the Principal, staff and Students for the beautiful Golden Souvenir. (Jacob)

 

CRI- Dhanbad Deanery: The CRI-Dhanbad Unit had a special gathering at the Nirmala Convent, Govindpur on August 10 from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 noon. Fr. Walter Crasta, Director, DSWC, was the Resource Person. He offered a special Mass for the members at the end of the session. There were 29 members participating actively in all the sessions and the activities that followed. The programme concluded with lunch at 1.00 p.m. (Edward)

  

 

 

St. Joseph’s Hosptial, Bhilai Pahari: Sr. Mary, JMJ, the administrator of the hospital was admitted in the hospital with malaria from August 09-12 and got discharged to celebrate the birthday of Sr. Rajeswari, JMJ. The celebrations began with a special Mass and breakfast for the campus members.  Malaria patients arriving for medical attention in the hospital have gone up with the flood and monsoon rains. The Kripa Sadan Candidates got together and transplanted the paddy in celebration within a day.  The fields are very green with healthy shoots of paddy.

Fr. Vernon D’Souza hoisted the National Tri-color on August 15 in front of the hospital while the Nurses, Staff, and Sisters from the hospital as well as the brothers of Kirpa Sadan stood in attention and paid respect to the National Flag. The Sisters distributed sweets to one and all to celebrate the day. The hospital conducted 4 medical camps during the month of August at Sundernagar –Bagbera ( 80 patients), Dimna Basti ( 201 patients), Gadra-Parsudih ( 104 patients), and Burmamines (105 patients). Each camp was well arranged in collaboration with the area people. Congratulations to the Sisters, Doctor, Nurses and Staff for reaching medical assistance to the remote areas of Jamshedpur.

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari: The 72^nd birthday of Fr. Casimir Vas was celebrated on August 13. The day began with a special Mass presided over by Fr. Casimir and Fr. Vernon con-celebrating. Fr. Casimir had prepared a special breakfast for the candidates after the Mass. The candidates organized a special cultural programme in honour of Fr. Casimir from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. The campus communities and the Fathers from the Bishop’s House together with Fr. Halan Bodra joined the Kripa Sadan community for a sumptuous meal. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. offered a special prayer for the occasion. In the midst of joyful singing Fr. Casimir had to cut the chocolate cake and share with one and all. The house was well decorated for the day. It was a special day for one and all who dared into the campus.

The candidates were invited to Pratiksha for a football match on August 15 to celebrate the Independence Day.  Kripa Sadan lost to Pratiksha 2-3 and came back after a high tea given by Fr. Mathew Chanikuzy and Fr. Leo D’Souza.(Vernon)

 

St. Joseph’s Convent, Golmuri: The community celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Rose, SSH and Silver Jubilee of Sr. Sangeeta, SSH on August 14. Fr. David Vincent presided at the solemn Mass at 7.00 p.m. in the convent Chapel. The Sisters from Amar Jyoti , Pardih participated in the celebrations. The Jubilarians were felicitated with garlands and token gifts during the family meal. (Kripa)

 

St. Mary’s Church, N. Road: The Parish day, the solemnity of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Patroness of the Parish, was celebrated on August 15. Fr. Carl Dincher, S.J., former Pastor of St. Mary’s presided at the Con-celebrated Eucharist at 5.00 p.m. in the Church. Frs. David Vincent, Vijay Kachhap, S.J. , Linus Kindo and Leo D’Souza joined the Parish fathers for the Mass. The choir rendered devotional hymns during the liturgy and made the liturgy very meaningful. After the Mass, all assembled at the school hall for one hour cultural extravaganza presented by the various parish organizations and institutions. Mr. Oscar Aaron and Mr. Leo Sebastian were given awards for their outstanding service-contribution for the welfare of the Parish.  The programme concluded at 9.00 p.m. Congratulations to Frs. Joy Paul, Gerry D’Souza and Junas Purty for the faith-filled Parish day-2008.

The clergy and religious of the town were invited for a special on August 17 at 12.30 p.m. to commemorate the Parish day at the Parish Hall.(Vijay)

 

St. Mary’s Parish, Digwadih: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and consecrated the new Parish Church at the DNS campus on August 15 at 11.00 a.m. during the solemn Pontifical Concelebrated Eucharist. During the Mass Bishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation to 22 children. There were 21 Priests con-celebrating with the Bishop for the Parish Day celebrations and Blessing of the New Church at Digwadih .

The celebrants were led to the Church by a group of children in prayer dance. Bishop blessed and consecrated the church and then the new Altar. The Church was over crowded with faithful.

After the Mass, the faithful felicitated the Bishop and all the guests. All shared the family meal prepared for the occasion. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R was the Master of the Ceremony. Congratulations to Fr. Alex Misquith, S.J., the Pastor and all his associates for the great achievement in constructing a new Church for the Parish at Digwadih in honour  of Mother Mary. (Sanjay)

  

 

Catholic Ashram, Balrampur: Fr. Cyprian Lobo and Br. Guna Gabriel began Nursery classes for St. Xavier’s School, Balrampur on August 04 with 36 students. The classes are from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. The classes began in the presbytery and got shifted into the new building on August 18. It is a good beginning and took more admission later in the month. The school has a strength of 50 children. 

Varieties of fruit trees, timber, vegetable and flower seedlings are planted in the campus. The campus has gained a new green look already. Visitors are always welcome.

The construction of 6 classrooms is on a very slow speed as Mr. Zaffar Khan is either found missing or away at other sites. Fr. Cyprian was on the run to get all the things needed for a new Primary School. (Guna)

 

St. Mary’s Centre, Chandankiyari: Fr. Mike Thanaraj, S.J., the Provincial blessed and inaugurated the new Hostel Building on August 14 in the presence of Bishop Felix Toppo,S.J., Sisters, Clergy and Staff. The presence of the local MLA was a great support for the ministry of the Church in the area. The hostel children felicitated the Provincial, Bishop and Guests after the blessing ceremony with dances and songs. All shared snacks to conclude the inaugural celebrations.  Congratulations to Fr. K.C. Anthony, S.J. and his associates at Chandankiyari.(Sanjay)

St. Xavier’s School, Purulia: On 30^th July, the staff and students bid a very touching farewell to Mrs. Juthika Sen on her retirement from her active teaching in the school The song”You Touched My Heart” and “Eidelwiss” sung melodiously by the school choir moved everyone in the hall to tears. Mrs. Sen was presented with floral bouquets by her students, gifts from the school and the teaching staff.

Fr. John Ottaplakal, the new PP of Catholic ashram was given a warm welcome by the staff and students in the hall with the presentation of flowers from each class.

On 2^nd August 08 ‘ The Third Recitation, Elocution and Speech Contest’ was held in the Hall. The Chief Guest was Group Captain Vijay Kaushal, Principal of Sainik School, Purulia. The Chief Judge, Dr. (Mrs) Indrani Deb, Head of Department of English of Nistarini College, Purulia, analyzed succinctly the whole contest. Fr. Sahay Thason too judged the contest.

The 62^nd Independence Day celebration was conducted on the school grounds on 15^th August with ever large gathering of Parents.(Dr. Hilary Lobo)

 

Sacred Heart Church, Adra: The Parish SVP had their special meeting and election held on August 10 at the Parish Hall. The presence 10 SVP members from St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri indeed was a spiritual support for the Adra SVP family. Election of the office bearers took place during the gathering. President- Mrs. Sheila Francis, Vice President- Mrs. Violet Perumal, Secretary – Mr. Ranjit Purty, Treasurer – Mr. Ajay Lakra.

“Mother’s Day’ in the parish was celebrated on August 23-24. The members of the Mahila Sangh assembled at the Grotto on Saturday, 23 at 5.00 p.m. and in procession entered the Church for Mass, Conference, Adoration and Confession. Fr. Manu Horo from Hatikunder came for the confessions. Fr. Sahay Thason was the Resource Person. On Sunday, 24 the Parish Mass was offered for the ‘Mothers’ and Fr. Jerome Pereira was the Chief Celebrant. After the breakfast the women had sharing, discussions and action-plan etc. The celebrations ended with a delicious lunch at the presbytery at 12.30 p.m. (Jerome)

 

St. Robert’s Parish, Parsudih: “Mother’s Day” in the Parish was celebrated on August 23-24. The members of the Mahila Sangh assembled in the Church on Saturday evening for Rosary and recollection. On Sunday the Parish Mass was offered for the mothers and children felicitated them after the Mass. Fr. Leo D’Souza was the Chief Celebrant of the Con-celebrated Eucharist. (Henry) 

RETREATS FOR DIOCESAN PRIESTS AT UPASNA, MANGO
	Dates	Director
01	October 19 p.m. to  24 p.m	Fr. Gilbert Menezes,S.J
02	October 26 p.m. to 31 p.m	Fr. Vanigasooryar
03	November 02 p.m. to 07 p.m.	Fr. George Puthenpura,C.Ss.R
04	November 09 p.m. to 14 p.m.	Fr. Carl Dincher, S.J
05	November 16 to 21 p.m.	Fr. C. Gautam, S.J.
06	Pastoral Retreat on Mission Today : September 29 to October 04 at NBCLC, Bangalore	Fr. Jerry Rozario, S.J.
RETREATS AT ATMADARSHAN, PATNA
01	Enneagram Retreat  September 15 p.m to 25 p.m	Fr. Pius Thekemury, S.J.
02	Maun Sadhna – September 27  p.m. to October 5	Fr. Joseph Pithekar, S.J.
03	October 09 p.m. to 17 p.m.	Fr. Johnson Kelakath, S.J
04	Intensive Journal Retreat October 31 p.m. to November 10	Fr. Pius Thekemury, S.J.
05	Leadership Retreat for person in Responsibility November 12 p.m. to 23 p.m	Fr. Abe Puthumana, S.J. Sr. Amala,SND Fr. J. Kootinal, S.J.
06	Dream & symbol retreat November 26 p.m. to December 06	Fr. T. Mattapally, S.J.
07	December 07 p.m. to 15 p.m.	Fr. Philip Nedumpuram
08	Life Transitions Retreat: December 10 p.m. to 20	Fr. J. Kootinal, S.J.
09	December 27 P.M. to 04 January, 09	Fr. R. Schmidt, S.J.
RETREAT AT ATMA-DARSHAN, ANDHERI, MUMBAI
01	Inner Freedom Retreat : November 06-22	Spirituality Team
NATIONAL RETREAT FOR BISHOPS & PRIESTS,NAV SADHANA,VARNASI
01	06 October (Monday) 9.00 p.m. to 11 noon	Bishop Valerian D’Souza Fr. Rufus Pereira Fr. A.J. Thamburaj, S.J

 

Catholic Ashram, Purulia: The Parish Day, the solemnity of the Assumption of Mother Mary was celebrated on August 15. Fr. John Ottaplackal, the Parish Priest and Fr. Manu Horo were the celebrants of the Eucharist in the morning. After the Mass all shared breakfast and returned for home celebrations.( Manu)

 

   

N A T I O N A L – I N T E R N A T I O N A  R O U N D – U P !

 

 

St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Chakaram: This year we have a total of 12 candidates at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Patna and 9 are from Jamshedpur. The other 3 are from Patna. Sanjay ,Sheetal and Paulus got admission got admission at St. xavier’s High School, Patna.

We celebrated the feast of St. John Mary Vianney on August 04 with great joy. Bro. Jyotish read out a short life history of the saint at the beginning of the Mass. Fr. Martin Anand, our Rector was the Main Celebrant for the solemn Eucharist. After the Mass we congratulated each other with a song.

The feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary and Independence Day was celebrated on August 15. We had heavy shower on the 14^th and our campus was filed with water. Bro. Ajay Kujur delivered the Independence day speech and he inspired our minds to do something for our country. (Habil Tigga)

 

The missionary mandate continues to be an absolute priority for all baptized person who are called to be ‘servants and apostles of Christ Jesus’ at the beginning of the millennium. “Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity” (Evangeli Nuntiandi No.14) It is the Pauline year which offers us the opportunity to become familiar with the famous apostle who received the vocation to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles, according to what the Lord had announced to him: “ Go, I shall send you far away to the Gentiles”. (Acts 22:21)

 

                       

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