JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

 

Get rid of the old yeast to make of yourselves fresh dough, unleavened loaves, as it were; Christ our Passover has been sacrificed. Let us celebrate the feast not with old yeast, that of corruption and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Cor.5:7,8)

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Bishop Thomas Dabre (Vassai)             Appointed Bishop of Poona                             

Fr. Sebastian Kallupura (Patna)            Appointed Bishop of Buxar

 

Date	Day	Time	Engagements of Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J – May-09	Place
O1	Fri	AM	Consecration , Msgr. Binay Kandulna	Ranchi
02	Sat	AM	Diocesan Consult	BH
10	Sun	AM	Nirmala Day/Blessing of the new Hostel Block	Govindpur
14	Thu	8.30 a.m.	Inauguration of Course at SJWC	Golmuri
17	Sun	AM	Parish Day	Kiriburu
18	Mon	AM	Parish Perspective planning	Chakradharpur
19	Tue	11.00 a.m	Mass-Golden Jubilee of Sr. Rita	Purulia

                  

D I O C E S A N   R O U N D – U P !

 

ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH, DHANBAD :  Fr. Edward Kongari read in Fr. Richard Miranda as the Dean of Dhanbad on March 29 during the Mass at 7.00 a.m in the Church. Fr. Richard Miranda was the Chief Celebrant of the Mass. As the news was announced in the church the faithful clapped their hands in approval. Fr. Kongari was the Dean for the last eight years. Congratulations to Fr. Richard and ‘Deo Gracias’ to Fr. Edward.

 

CATHOLIC ASHRAM, PURULIA: Fr. Manu Horo handed over the Deanship  of Purulia to Fr. John Otto on March 29 during the Mass. The faithful felicitated Fr. John and thanked Fr. Manu.

 

ST. ROBERT’S CHURCH, PARSUDIH: Fr. Henry Sequeira celebrated his 56^th birthday on March 31. The day began with a special Mass in the Church at 6.00 a.m. The parishioners in big number came and wished their Pastor “ Ad multos Annos”. The town clergy and the parish religious assembled in the evening at the presbytery to share the joy of the day with Frs. Henry and Puthumai. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J offered the prayer of blessing on Fr. Henry and the community present. Fr. Henry Sequeira, the Parish Priest presided at the solemn ‘First Communion’ Mass for the Parish children on April 19 at 7.00 a.m. 20 children received the Lord first time during the Mass in the company of their parents and dear ones. Congratulations to the Parish Council Members, clergy and Sisters for the beautiful celebration of first communion in the Parish. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn Palm and Passion Sunday liturgy on April 05. The palms were blessed in the forecourt of the school and procession to the church. The church was packed with faithful. 

 

KRIPA SADAN, BHILAI PAHARI: Fr. Casimir Vas celebrated the campus feast on April 01. The celebrations started after the Mass and all shared special “Ladu” and “Tarbjua” as part of the celebration. Fr. Casimir left for home holiday on April 03 and returned on April 28. Fr. Vernon conducted motivation classes for the catholic children of St. Joseph’s School, Golmuri on March 30 and 31 from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. 205 participated in the sessions on both the days.

Fr. Vernon teamed up with Frs. Jerry Cutinha and Ranjeet Kindo for the vocation camp at TRTC, Chaibasa from April 20-25. 37 boys attended the camp of which 9 opted for the diocese.  Meantime Br. Pascal Toppo and Br. Leo Kerketta held the fort and took care of the candidates at Kripa Sadan. On April 27 Fr. Vernon left for holiday  and Fr. Casimir returned on the 28^th. The seminarians too got holiday from the 25^th of April.

 

CHRISM MASS – 2009:  Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn Chrism Mass on April 02, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral at 5.30 p.m. The altar servers led the procession of the celebrants and entered the Church. The members of the Mahila Sangh welcomed them by washing the hands of each one. Bishop Joe Rodericks, S.J. and the Deans were with the Chief Celebrant at the Altar. There were 112 priests for the Con-celebration. After the homily, the Priests renewed their commitment. Immediately after, Bishop Felix blessed the Holy Oils. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R was the Master of the ceremony. The choir sang devotional hymns to add joy and faith to the solemn liturgy. More than 1500 faithful, Sisters and Brothers took part in the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral. After the Mass all the Priests and Religious assembled at the Welfare Centre Hall for the Family meal laid out by Frs. David Vincent, Vijay Kachhap, S.J. and team. The birthday cake was cut by Frs. Alex Misquith, S.J., Nicholas Kerketta and Henry Sequeira to remember their birthdays’ on March 30 and 31, Fr. Richard Miranda could not be traced out during the meal though his birthday was on April 03.

 

BISHOP’S HOUSE, GOLMURI: The community bid a fond farewell to Mrs. Rita Danis and Florence (Canada) on April 04 during the dinner at 7.00 p.m. The guests had a trying time to reach Bishop’s House due to the barricades in the town for the ‘Ramnavmi’ procession.

Msgr. John Bodra was rushed and admitted in the ICU of Mercy Hospital on April 29 night with severe asthmatic attack and breathlessness. He was on saline since many days. 

Seminarians started arriving in the diocese for the summer vacation from the middle of April.                                  

 

ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH, BURIGORA:   Recently Burigora Mission has undertaken many activities. The most important one is the cleaning up and whitewashing of St. John Vianney School, Dharamsoi. It really needed a great deal of attention and care. The original white coloured walls were looking muddy because of the leakage of rain water from the roof. All the doors and windows are eaten up by the white ants. Thanks to Dr. Paul who volunteered to do the cleaning up and white wash. Together with Fr. Petrus Barla he urged the people to co-operate with him to do the job. Dr. Paul, though old, set an example of hard work by being personally involved with the people. He loved the people and even joined them with their fellowship meal. As soon as the work was completed the school was decorated and people celebrated a thanksgiving day.

Capacity building program for youth was held on March 19-20 and 110 youth from the various village segments took part. It was sponsored and supported by the CCF Carmel India. Fr. Sanjay was the main resource person. The theme was ‘Peer Pressure’ and he explained how youth can be lost and misled by a negative peer pressure. He gave many tips to face this problem. Fr. Petrus spoke on ‘career guidance. On the concluding day Mrs. Joba Majhi visited the youth in the company of Fr. Eugene Ekka. Mrs. Joba Majhi expressed her happiness seeing so many youth for the program with great enthusiasm to learn and do. Fr. Eugene through stories helped them explore the hidden talents, skills and capacities. He opened the eyes of the youth to look to their glorious future and made them visualize realistic dreams. 

On the night of April 01 the village school at Ichaguti was burnt down by some miscreants. The school was organised by the villagers with the help of the fathers at Burigora. The CKP Police has registered a case and investigations are on. Meantime Fr. Petrus Barla, C.Ss.R has contacted the Human Rights Commission for action. Fr. Bipin Pani and the Ursuline Sisters at CKP have extended assistance to revive the school at the same place. The report was published in the news papers. (Petrus Barla)

 

CATECHISM EXAMINATION 2009: 1890 students belonging to the Hindi Medium Schools: St. Joseph’s, Golmuri; St. Mary’s, Bistupur, Amar Jyoti, Mango, Gyandeep Vidyalaya, Birsangar, St. Robert’s Parsudih, St. Xavier’s School (Parish), Chaibasa, St. Xavier’s Girls (St. Anne’), Chaibasa, Carmel, CKP, St. Paul’s, Goilkera, St. Anthony’s, Dhanbad and St. Xavier’s Gadi Tundi participated in the Annual Diocesan Catechism examinations held on March 14, 2009. The result will be  published soon.

 

 

PRATIKSHA, NEELDUNGRI: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed  and inaugurated the foundation for the Spirituality Centre at Neeldungri on April 04 at 9.30 a.m. in the presence of Director, Fr. Mathew Channikuzhy, Seminarians, Mr. Ephrem Kispotta, our architect and workers. This building will accommodate the candidates as well as the minor seminarians. It is expected that the new building will be ready by the year end and that all our candidates can move t       o the new centre from next year. All prayed earnestly for the Lord’s blessings and rejoiced on this new venture. Congratulations to Fr. Mathew and team for the joyful spirit to begin the construction.  The official and ceremonial graduation of the present batch of candidates was on April 20. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn Mass at 5.30 p.m. Frs. Mathew , Leo and the neighbouring communities of priests concelebrated. Many Sisters were also present for the Eucharist and the cultural programme that followed. All shared the well prepared family meal and congratulated the graduating candidates. 

 

ST. JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL, GOLMURI: The parish youth under the guidance of Fr. Michael Raj screened ‘Passion of Christ” (Hindi) in the Welfare Centre Hall on April 04 at 5.00 p.m. Over 200 people watched the movie with apt attention. Congratulations to the Youth for the initiative and action.

Fr. Amatus Kujur presided at the solemn Palm Sunday liturgy in the Cathedral on April 05 at 6.30 a.m. The faithful assembled in the Welfare Cantre Hall for the blessing of the Palms and came to the Church in procession.  The members of the Parish Mahila Sangh indeed worked hard to supply sufficient palms for the faithful.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Celebrant at the Maundy Thursday Services in the Cathedral on April 09 at 5.30 p.m. The adoration continued until 11.00 p.m.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. conferred the sacrament of Confirmation to 24 youngsters of the Parish during the solemn Mass on April 26 at 7.00 a.m. The confirmation candidates were well prepared with special classes at Marcy Chapel, Gyandeep and Cathedral. The liturgy was well prepared and church was over full with the parents, guardians of the Confirmation candidates and parishioners. Frs. Vijay Kachhap, S.J., Sanjay Kujur,C.Ss.R and Amatus Kujur concelebrated with the Bishop. All the candidates were felicitated at the end of the Mass with certificates, religious articles and snacks. Congratulations to the Parish Council members, clergy and religious for the well conducted liturgy for the celebration of the Confirmation in the Parish.

 

ST. JOHN MARY VIANNEY CHURCH, DHOWATAND: Regent S. Stephen had the privilege to be admitted at Mercy as well as at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bhilai Pahari for 10 days with a wound on his right leg. He is back at Dhowatand with a slight limb. Bro. Sonu Handah reached Dhowatand on April 01 to guard the place while Fr. Edward came to Jamshedpur for the Diocesan Consult and Chrism Mass. Bro. Sonu helped out for the Holy Week Services and prepared the faithful for the celebration of Easter . Fr. Edward Kongari presided at the solemn Palm Sunday liturgy on April 05 and more than 100 faithful participated in the procession as well as the Mass. Fr. Edward is looking for sponsors to deepen the pond before the rains. (Edward Kongari)

 

INFANT JESUS PARISH, SONARI: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the Good Friday Liturgy at the Loyola Hall on April 10. The Way of the Cross was held at the Basketball grounds. The hall was packed with faithful.

The Easter Rally organised by all the Churches in the town on April 13 started from the Loyola ground via Bistupur and ended at the same venue. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. gave the Easter Message. Fr. Amatus Kujur and Rev. Rakesh Kandulna offered the prayers of blessings on the faithful gathered for the rally. Congratulations to the organizers!

 

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, N.ROAD: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was the Chief Celebrant at the solemn Easter Vigil services at St. Mary’s on April 11 at 11.00 p.m. The Liturgy was celebrated in the forecourt of the Hindi School and more than 2000 faithful participated with great devotion and joy. Bishop exhorted the faithful to witness to Jesus’ love and forgiveness and rise with him to a new life of faith. All must strive to establish the Kingdom of God in one’s own home, village and society. Christian life is a life of sacrifice and we need to accept the reality to live on.

 

LOYOLA SCHOOL,TALDANGA, KUMARDHUBI: Though the Graduation Day-09 had bid adieu to the ISC-2009 batch, the school saw them walk down the campus for the last time on 25^th March. The band of students wore an expression of contentment and at the same time the pain of separation. They now realize the responsibility of the treasure they carry with them as they walk out of the Loyola gate. The school feels proud to see them confident to face the outside world.

The students of ICSE-2009 were full of excitement as they ended their examination. They were happy to take a break and soon joined back in the Plus II section. They began their classes on April 20. The rising of mercury has completed a change in the school routine since April 13. We are having morning session, which will continue till the commencement of the summer vacation.

Students of class I-VIII took part in the SPELLING CONTEST. But most attractive event held this month was the HANDWRITING CONTEST. It was fun but with a serious note. The winners names were announced by the Principal a week later. A Creative Writing Contest for Classes IX, X & XII was held on 17^th April and the 100% participation showed the zeal in them. The birthday of our school Manager, Rev. Fr. Paulus  Bodra was celebrated by the Staff and Students during the school assembly on April 20. Our Principal shared some fond memories on the occasion. In the pursuit of excellence let us not forget the heat but stay healthy.(Rita Sen)

 

PRABHU MARSAL CHURCH, GOILKERA: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation to 56 members of the parish on April 19 during the solemn Mass at 7.30 a.m. The parishioners from all the village segments were present for the great event. The Confirmation candidates were well prepared during the catechism camps conducted for them in the parish. Seminarians Santhosh Cordeiro and Mukesh Kerketta were on duty to help out for the preparation as well as assisting at the liturgy. The parish community extended a very warm and cordial welcome to the Bishop as he reached the Parish on the previous day. After the Mass the confirmation candidates and the Bishop were felicitated by the faithful. Later all the 450 plus faithful celebrated the grand event with a family meal with the Bishop and Priests. Congratulations to Frs. Roque, Pradeep and the members of the Parish Council for the well conducted Confirmation event in the parish.

 

DIVYA PRAKASHAM ADORATION CENTRE, GOLMURI: The feast of Divine Mercy was celebrated on April 19 at the Curia Hall. Fr. Harixson, OP presided at the solemn Mass in the afternoon. Srs. Ann Thomas and Tessy together with Mr. Ignatius Oraon had prepared the faithful from Good Friday with daily novena.

 

ST. MARK’S PARISH, TOKLO: The feast of St. Mark, the Parish Day was celebrated on April 25. The Bishop and the guests were welcomed by the faithful with dance and garlands on their arrival at the Parish. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. presided at the solemn concelebrated Eucharist. During the Mass Bishop conferred the sacrament of Confirmation  for 25 youngsters and First Communion to 20 children. Frs. Camille Hembrom, Jondko Kandeyang, Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R, James Surin and Herman Tigga concelebrated with the Bishop. Sisters from Khuntpani and CKP were present for the solemn event at Toklo. After the Mass, Bishop blessed and inaugurated the newly constructed multipurpose hall in the presence of the faithful. Later during the cultural programme, the faithful felicitated the Bishop, Guests and the candidates of Confirmation and Fist Communion. The celebrations concluded with the family meal for all. Congratulations to Frs. James Surin, Herman Tigga and the members of the Parish Council for the well conducted Parish Day- 09.

 

ST. XAVIER’S GIRLS SCHOOL, CHAIBASA: Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. blessed and inaugurated the new school block on April 26 at 10.30 a.m. in the presence of the school children, staff , parents, clergy and religious. A very colourful cultural programme by the school children welcomed and felicitated the guests. All shared the special meal prepared for the occasion and congratulated the Headmistresses, Superior and parents for the beautiful new block, which will give better facilities for the students.

 

JEEVAN JYOTI SCHOOL, ICHAGUTI:  Some time ago, it was reported in the local news papers that a missionary School was burnt down by anti social elements in Chakradharpur area. The fact is that Ichaguti village is one of the villages of Chakradharpur Parish and taken care of by the Redemptorist Fathers from Burigora. The villagers of Komay and Ichaguti wanted to educate their children and worked together to construct a hut to conduct classes. The school commenced with 126 children and 3 teachers on July 28, 2008. The classes were up to III. The fathers at Burigora extended support and guidance for the management and administration of the school. On 2^nd April, 2009, early morning between 2 & 4 three men burnt the entire school and it was led by a villager, excommunicated from the village community due to his criminal behaviour. Within 3 days they were arrested and jailed. The most remarkable community spirit of the people helped them to affirm their vision and mission by constructing another hut within 2 weeks to continue the school. The school now has 300 students and classes run up to IV with 5 teachers. Congratulations to Frs. Petrus Barla and Sanjay Ekka for the support and inspiration extended to the faithful of Komay and Ichaguti.

 

HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, KUMARDHUBI: Fr. Petrus Barla, C.Ss.R preached a retreat in preparation for the Holy Easter from March 28-30. The response  was good and it provided an opportunity for the faithful to invite the Lord into their hearts. Congratulations to Fr. Paulus Bodra and Fr. Edward Saldanha for the initiative and planning.

 

ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH , KIRIBURU: Three days of retreat was arranged at three different mission stations of the parish from April 01-03 preached by Fr. Sanjay Ekka, C.Ss.R. It was a wonderful experience for the faithful to prepare for the celebration of Easter. Congratulations to Fr. Suresh and team for the organization.

 

ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL, MALUKA:  Two days of Orientation was organised for the teachers of St. Paul’s School, Maluka on April 18 and 19. It was based on the Aims and Motives of the Education P olicy prepared by the CBCI, the psychological development of the children and the techniques of a good teacher. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R was the Resource Person. Congratulations to Sr. Karuna, BS, the headmistress for the initiative and planning.

 

ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH, KUTKUDUNGRI: In preparation for Easter, a day of prayer and reconciliation was conducted on April 03. Frs. Boniface and Seraphine animated the service and surely it helped the faithful to reconcile themselves with the Lord and one another and celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord with great joy and enthusiasm.

 

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL, BHILAI PAHARI:  During the month of April many TB patients got admitted and the Doctors and staff had been very busy to care for them with the temperature high and with power cuts. The pond work is completed for harvesting the rain water. The classrooms will be ready for use from June.   Sr. Anasthesia, JMJ had been to Bhopal and later to Kolkata to attend a seminar on effective Nursing in the company of Sr. Fidelis, JMJ.

 

CATHOLIC  ASHRAM, BALRAMPUR: Seminarians Darwin Alex and Fabian Toppo teamed up with Fr. Cyprian Lobo for the Holy Week Services as well as taking classes for the Nursery, LKG and UKG children of the school.  New session commenced on April 13 with 42 new admissions in the Nursery. The Sacred Heart Sisters will arrive on May 06 to administer the school and participate in the pastoral, health and social ministry.

 

ST. JOSEPH’S WELFARE CENTRE, GOLMURI:  Many programmes were organised for the students of the Centre in the month of April. Speech competition – on April 21, Dance competition – April 24, Debate – April 28’ Singing Competition – April 29. Mr. Rajesh Rao, Mr. Amit Shrestha and Mr. Manik were the animators of the competitions. Frs. Vijay Kachhap, S.J.; Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R, Sr. Anila, SSH, Sr. Kripa, SSH, Br. Arnold, DDS and Mr. Keneth McGhee were the judges of the competitions. New batch of spoken English classes for the Matric students began on April 17.  Director, Fr. Michael Raj left for Chennai for vacation as well as to get more information on the Community College immediately after Easter. (Henry)

 

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!

 

ALL FOOLS DAY – A HAPPY FEAST: This is perhaps the one feast that most people in the world ought to celebrate, for the majority of us in the world would live foolish lives. Would anyone but a fool do the kind of things that most people do? Take some of the examples out of the thousands that are available:

·         Who but fools would refuse to forgive? Isn’t remaining angry, cutting off relations and refusing to forgive more harmful to us than the one who wronged us?

·         Who but fools will get angry and shout at the other when the other does/says something that we do not like? By getting angry and shouting at the other, we lose our peace of mind and the situation only worsens instead of improving.

·         Who but fools would fight with one’s own brothers and sisters for a little piece of land, a few hundred rupees, and kill one another?

·         Who but fools would expect others to do what we think the other should do, and become agitated and upset, when they don’t? We can never get anybody to change his/her behaviour?

·         Who but fools would spend a lot of time telling God what God should do, instead of surrendering to the Mystery, recognizing the power of God within ourselves and taking full responsibility for what should happen on earth?............(Joseph Mattam,SJ)

Implant sensor in eye to avoid diabetic blood test: A tiny sensor containing lectin- a protein that binds to sugar- implanted in the eye may help avoid daily blood tests of millions of diabetic, says diabetes.org.uk. The implant lasts for a year, after which it can be replaced. Those with type -1 diabetes often end up needing daily inssulin injections. These diabetes have to take blood samples up to four times a day. If glucose levels in the eye increase, they seep into the implant, and ‘stick’ to the lectin inside. This displaces the other chemical in the implant. i.e. fluorophore.

The sensor – smaller than a grain of rice- contains a special chemical that gives off a fluorescent light when it comes in contact with glucose. If blood glucose levels are high, the fluorescent light shines more powerfully. Diabetics would simply have to hold the flurophotometer up to their eyes for a few seconds to get a glucose reading. The divide in front of the eyes instantly covers this light reading into blood glucose level. (Insight – October 08)

 

Vitamin B12 boasts brain benefits: Simple dietary changes may help ward off brain volume loss in old age. Vitamin B12 may help protect against brain volume loss in the elderly. That’s according to researchers from the University of Oxford in England. The scientists studied 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87 without memory or thinking problems. The average age of participants was 73, 54% were women. The researchers collected blood samples to check the levels of vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish and milk. Participants underwent yearly brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), memory testing, and physical exams. None of the people in the study had a vitamin B12 deficiency. When the researchers compared the results, they found that people who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower levels of the vitamin in their blood. The researchers write that they were unable to investigate whether lower vitamin B12 could cause cognitive impairment by its effect on brain size. (My Doctor-October 08)

 

 

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