JAMSHEDPUR DIOCESE

     Vol. XXXIX  No. 09

JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA

SEPTEMBER 2009

 

THE CHURCH'S TEACHING ON PRIESTLY CELIBACY

(Father William Saunders)

The Second Vatican Council's "Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests" ("Presbyterorum Ordinis," 1965) asserts: "Perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven was recommended by Christ our Lord. It has been freely accepted and laudably observed by many Christians down through the centuries as well as a feature of priestly life. For it is at once a sign of pastoral charity and an incentive to it as well as being in a special way a source of spiritual fruitfulness in the world" (No. 16).

While recognizing that the nature of the priesthood does not demand celibacy, the Council affirmed ways celibacy is in harmony with the priesthood: Through it, a priest, identifying himself with Christ, dedicates his whole life to the service of his Lord and the Church. Celibacy enables the priest to focus entirely on building up the kingdom of God here and now. Priests can "cling to Christ with undivided hearts and dedicate themselves more freely to Him and through Him to the service of God and men" (No. 16). They are a sign in this world of the Church's union with her spouse, Christ, and of the life in the world to come "in which the children of the resurrection shall neither be married nor take wives" (Lk 20:35-37).

Pope Paul VI highlighted these themes in his encyclical "Sacerdotalis Caelibatus" (1967), which was written at a time when some people questioned the need for mandatory celibacy. The Holy Father pinpointed three "significances" or senses to celibacy: the Christological, the ecclesiological and the eschatological. In the Christological sense, a priest must look to Christ as the ideal, eternal priest. This identification permeates his whole being. Just as Christ remained celibate and dedicated His life to the service of His Father and all people, a priest accepts celibacy and consecrates himself totally to serve the mission of the Lord. This total giving and commitment to Christ is a sign of the Kingdom present here and now.

In the ecclesiological sense, just as Christ was totally united to the Church, the priest through his celibacy bonds his life to the Church. He is better able to be a minister of the Word of God, listening to that Word, pondering its depth, living it and preaching it with whole-hearted conviction. He is the minister of the sacraments, and, especially through the Mass, acts in the person of Christ, offering himself totally to the Lord. Celibacy allows the priest greater freedom and flexibility in fulfilling his pastoral work: "(Celibacy) gives to the priest, even in the practical field, the maximum efficiency and the best disposition of mind, psychologically and affectively, for the continuous exercise of a perfect charity. This charity will permit him to spend himself wholly for the welfare of all, in a fuller and more concrete way" ("Sacerdotalis Caelibatus," No. 32).

The ‘Code of Canon Law’ reflects these three "significances" in Canon 277, which mandates clerical celibacy: "Clerics are obliged to observe perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven and therefore are obliged to observe celibacy, which is a special gift of God, by which sacred ministers can adhere more easily to Christ with an undivided heart and can more freely dedicate themselves to the services of God and mankind." In teaching of the Church, there are three important dimensions for the observation of celibacy.

First, celibacy involves freedom. A man when called to Holy Orders freely accepts the obligation of celibacy, after prayerful reflection and consideration. Having made that decision, celibacy does grant the bishop, priest or deacon the freedom to identify with Christ and to serve Him and the Church without reservation, condition or hesitation.

Secondly, celibacy involves sacrifice, and a sacrifice is an act of love. For instance, when a man and a woman marry, they make a sacrifice to live "in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health until death." They sacrifice to live a faithful love, no longer dating others or giving into selfish pleasures. When they become father and mother, they sacrifice to support the raising of children. Decisions of love always entail sacrifice.

And so it is with the clergy. To be a priest means to make a sacrifice of oneself to Christ for the good of His Church. The priest sacrifices being married to a woman and having his own family to being "wedded" to Christ and His Church and serving their needs as "father."

Finally, celibacy requires the grace of God to be lived. Repeatedly, celibacy is seen as a gift of the Holy Spirit. However, this gift is not just to keep one's physical desires under control or to live as a bachelor; this gift is being able to say "yes" to our Lord each day and live His life.

Sadly, in our world, many people cannot appreciate the discipline of celibacy, whether for the clergy or anyone else. We live in a society where the media bombards us with uncontrolled sexual imagery. If some people cannot appreciate the values of virginity before marriage, fidelity in marriage, or sacrifice for children, they cannot begin to appreciate anyone, man or woman, who lives a celibate lifestyle in dedication to a vocation. As a Church, we should be thankful to the clergy and the men and women religious who have made the total sacrifice of themselves out of love to serve our Lord and the Church.

 

(This article appeared in the April 24, 1996 issue of "The Arlington Catholic Herald." Courtesy of the "Arlington Catholic Herald" diocesan newspaper of the Arlington)

 

Kolhan University: Fr. Benney Ekka S.J.

We are proud that Fr. Benny Alphones Ekka, S.J., former director of XISS, Ranchi is appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Kolhan University. He assumed his office on 13th August in Chaibasa. East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharswah Districts come under Kolhan University. May God bless him in his endeavour !

 

Bishop’s House, Golmuri:

On 2nd August, the feast of St. John Mary Vianney was celebrated in St. Joseph’s Cathedral. It was combined with the inauguration of “Year for Priests”.

On 5th August, a farewell meal was arranged at Bishop House in honour of Fr. Raphael Monteiro and Fr. Vijay Bhat. Fr. C. R. Prabhu thanked both of them for their service and wished them God’s blessings for their new ministries and responsibilities. On 6th August, Fr. Raphael was reached to St. Joseph’s Parish, Anandpur by vehicle.

On 9th August, there was Funeral Mass of Late Bro. Simplicius Minz DDS at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, May his soul rest in peace ! Fr. C.R. Prabhu presided over the mass with a good number of priests.

 

New Assignments and Responsibilities:

Youth Director of Jamshedpur Deanery - Fr. Vernon D’Souza

Youth Director of Chaibasa Deanery - Fr. Cornelius Tigga

Associate Youth Director of Chaibasa Deanery - Fr. Peter Martin S.J.

Youth Director of Dhanbad Deanery – Fr. C.J. Thomas, S.J.

Youth Director of Purulia Deanery – Fr. Augustine Topno

Education Director - Fr. C. R. Prabhu

Associate Education Director - Fr. Augustine Ezhakunnel, S.J.

 

Inauguration of “Year for Priests”

On 2nd August, during Holy Eucharist Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. officially inaugurated “Year for Priests” in the Diocese. In Eucharist special prayer was offered for priests. A big number of Priests, Religious and lay faithful were present for this ceremony. Bishop Felix inaugurated “Year for Priests” by unveiling the Picture of St. John Mary Vianney. In his message, Bishop Felix asked every one to pray specially for the priests and the vocation for consecrated life. There were about 90 priests and a good number of Religious Brothers, Sisters and lay faithful present for this inaugural ceremony. After the Eucharist tea and snacks were served for the lay faithful. Fr. George Mannarakam was felicitated for his service that he rendered to the Diocese as Vicar General. A meal was served for all priests, religious brothers and sisters who had come for the inauguration of “Year for Priests”. Three sets of prayer cards are printed and distributed to be used in the Diocese as the prayer for priests.

 

Diocesan Perspective Planning:

The Diocesan Perspective Planning has been completed at Parish and Deanery level in Chaibasa, Dhanbad and Jamshedpur Deanery. Chaibasa Deanery organized its perpective planning meeting on 5th August. A good number of Priests, Religious Brothers and Sisters and lay representatives had come from different parishes. There were 62 participants. Since Fr. Camille was sick, Fr. Edwin, Fr. Bipin and Fr. Michael Tirkey were the facilitator at the meeting. On 2nd August Dhanbad Deanery had organized its Perspective Planning meeting. Fr. Augustine Ezhakunnel S.J. was the facilitator at the meeting. This meeting had a good response. The representatives’ participation was at its depth. On 16th August, Jamshedpur Deanery held its perspective planning meeting at St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre. There were 110 representatives participated in the meeting. Fr. Augustine Ezhakunnel S.J. was the facilitator at the meeting. All these Deaneries have come up with a good and practical Vision and Mission statements and action plans. We sincerely thank the Deans and the representatives for their cooperation and contributions.

 

Amazing LIFE: a Vocation Awareness Camp

To mark “Year for Priests”, the Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur is taking an initiative to organize Vocation Awareness Camps for both boys and girls studying in 9th and 10th standard in different parts of the Diocese under the banner of “Amazing Life”. These Vocation Awareness Camps intend to generate love for the Priestly and Religious life in the hearts of youth. A core group is formed to carry out the Vocation Awareness Camps. They have worked out the following guidelines. It will be conducted in two phases. At the first phase, it will be a general youth camp, where the boys and girls will be made aware of human values and of the vocation all of us have received as Christians in reference to consecrated life. At this stage, no society, order / congregation will speak about themselves. However, at the end this programme we shall give all participants a common brochure which gives some details about their order / congregation.  It is done in order to give the boys and girls a little idea about different Societies, Orders and Congregations that are working in the Diocese of Jamshedpur. At the Second phase, we will conduct a vocation camp in view of promoting vocations for consecrated life, where the representatives of different Societies, Orders / Congregations will be invited to give some details about their life and charism within allotted time.

 

Pratiksha : a centre for propaedeutic course:

Our brothers are happy and doing well at Pratiksha. They are busy with different spiritual activities. One of the seminarians expressed that as he is going through this course, he feels more motivated and his spiritual life is strengthened. We thank and congratulate the Director, Fr. Mathew C., Fr. Casimir Vaz and Bro. Pascal Toppo for their hard work. May the Blessing of God be with them in the days to come.

On 13th August, the birthday of Fr. Casimir Vaz was celebrated in a great fashion. Special prayers were made for Fr. Casimir on this auspicious day. In the afternoon, our candidates and Bhilai Pahari Community had come to wish Fr. Casimir. They presented him a Maharaja Topi and a Bolbum dress. There was a friendly football match organized between candidates of Bhilai Pahari and Brothers of Pratiksha. The match was drawn with the score of two each. In the evening, Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., Bishop Joseph Rodericks, S.J. and other fathers had come to wish him. We thank God for the gift of Fr. Casimir.

 

Kripa Sadan, Bhilai Pahari

On 29th July the candidates of Kripa Sadan had their 1st recollection. It was a new experience for them. Recollection is a time to recollect and deepen the relationship with God. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R. helped them to reflect on – What they are called to be ? What they are aspiring to be ? How true they have been to themselves in the last month ? What they are going to do in coming days ? The best compliment of the candidates is that a sense of belonging and prayer is seen in their lifestyle. Congratulation and best wishes to Fr. Linus Kindo, Fr. Florence Dungdung and Fr. George Mannarakam.

 

Mango: Jesu Bhavan:

On 15-16 August, a joint recollection was held for Diocesan Regents and the Scholastics of Jamshedpur Province. Seventeen of them were present for this recollection. This was arranged in view of strengthening the bond we have among ourselves. It was an enriching experience for the participants. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R. and Fr. Gerry Cutinha, S.J. were the facilitators of this Recollection. The Regents and Scholastics are doing well in their respective places. They are grooming themselves to be worthy servants of God.

 

St. Joseph’s Community Care Centre, Bhilai Pahari

Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra has taken up a new initiative to collaborate with the ‘State AIDS Control Society’ to support the most vulnerable and stigmatized people ‘who are living with HIV/AIDS. St. Joseph’s Hospital Bhilai Pahari was judged suitable for the district ‘Community Care Center’. On 31st July ‘District Community Care Centre’ was officially inaugurated. It is known as St. Joseph’s Community Care Centre. This is the third ‘Community Care Centre’ in Jharkhand. Many dignitaries like Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. Bishop of Jamshedpur, Fr. George Mannarakam, Director of St. Joseph’s Hospital Bhilai Pahari, Fr. Halan Bodra, Director of SJVK, Dr. R.P.Choudhary, Consultant CST and Mr.Subrato Basu from Jharkhand AIDS Control Society, Ranchi, Dr. P.K.Baxla – H.O.D Skin/STD M.G.M. College Jamshedpur, Dr. Mishra – Superintendent, M.G.M. Hospital, Dr. Nirmal Kumar – ART, M.G.M. Hospital, Dr. Mrs. Kujur – H.O.D. Gynecologist, M.G.M. College, Jamshedpur,     Dr.Akhoury – I.C.T.C. In-charge, M.G.M. Hospital, and Dr.Samanta – Medical Officer, M.G.M. Hospital were present for this function. St. Joseph’s Community Centre aims to provide facilities to diagnose HIV/AIDS and medical and emotional care to the people living with HIV/AIDS. It is an important and daring initiative. We congratulate and give best wishes to Fr. George Mannarakam, Director, St. Joseph’s Hospital Bhilai Pahari and the staff and Fr. Halan Bodra, Director, SJVK and staff for their initiative. If you come across any case with regard to HIV/AIDS, you can guide them to St. Joseph’s Community Care Centre, Bhilai Pahari, Jamshedpur.

 

ST.JOSEPH’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE, GOLMURI

St. Joseph’s Community college was inaugurated on 1st August 2009 by Bishop Felix Toppo.SJ. at 9.30 a.m. To encourage this initiative Fr.Amatus Kujur, Fr. David Vincent, Fr.Vijay Kachap SJ, Fr. Sanjay and Sisters of St.Joseph’s School were present at the function.

Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. in his speech spoke about the secrets of success. The regular classes began on 3rd August 2009. Since all the students are from Hindi Medium, they are now prepared on Conversational English, Communication Skills and Life Coping Skills. To increase the ability of concentration, they are also sent for yoga and Karate classes. All the trades offered by St.Joseph’s Community College will be recognized by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The Application Forms for the next Academic year will be available in the month of December 2009 for the following courses:

  1. Diploma in Desk Top Publishing (DDTP) – 1year
  2. Diploma in Health Assistant (DHA) – 1 year
  3. Diploma in A/c & Refrigerator Servicing – 1 year
  4. Diploma in Hotel Management – 1 year

(Mr.Henry & Mrs.Vanita)

 

Telco: Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

0n 26th July, the parishners of Our Lady of Guadalupe gave a heart felt farewell to Fr. Vijay Bhat. Fr. Vijay was assigned the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe for two terms. During his stay at Telco, he has done numerous good things for the people of Telco. The construction of the beautiful Church at Telco is the result of his hard work. We thank and congratulate Fr. Vijay for his untiring work and now when he is transferred to Ranchi as the financial administrator of the up coming Medical College, we wish God’s Blessings and success in his new ministry.

On 2nd August, Fr. Benedict Minz was installed as Parish Priest of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Fr. C. R. Prabhu. After Eucharist, Fr. Benedict was given a warm welcome in a small felicitation programme. We wish Fr. Benedict a fruitful ministry in the vineyard of God at Telco.

 

Kutkudugri: St. Anthony’s Church:

On 19th August, Fr. Anand Toppo, ofmcap and Fr. Suresh Kerketta, ofmcap had organized a ‘One Day Youth Seminar’. A good number of parish youth were present for the day. It began with the Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R. with other Fathers offered the Eucharist. The resource persons for this Seminar were Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R, Fr. Suresh Kerketta and Mr. Richard Sarkey. The purpose of the seminar was to make the youth aware of their potentials and to help them to build on them. We congratulate the parish priest and team for their effort.

 

Bistupur: St. Mary’s Parish

On 15th August, St. Mary’s Parish Bistupur celebrated parish day. The celebration began with Holy Eucharistic. Bishop Felix presided over the Eucharist with ten other priests. The Eucharistic Celebration was beautifully organized. It was solemn and prayerful. After Holy Mass, there was a cultural programme. During cultural programme, Bishop Felix honoured George N.V. and Lawrence Francis with shawls for their contribution to St. Mary’s Parish Bistupur. The celebration ended with a community lunch. We thank and congratulate the parishners for their commitment and faithfulness to the Church. We also congratulate Fr. Joy Paul, Fr. Gerry Martin, Fr. Vernon D’Souza and other parish council members for organizing a beautiful parish day celebration.

 

Jhinkpani: St. Theresa’s Church:

On 2nd August, a brain storming session was held for the catechists and leader of the village mandalies in the parish. This was held in view of the present press statements against Christian Community by the Kolhan Adivasi Yuva Mahasabha. In the meeting the mandali catechists gave a detailed report of their activities and the present difficulties faced by Catholic Communities in their villages. Fr. Edwin Coelho, Parish Priest of Jinkpani gave an ‘input session’ based on the4 concerns raised by them and also suggested new directions they could take to strengthen the village mandalies. Then they had a discussion on the suggestions made in the input session. At the end, they listed the urgent task for themselves.

1.      Build village Catholic Communities.

2.      Net working among different mandalies.

3.      Take active part in gramsabha meetings and village meetings when called by the village Munda (headman).

4.      Work out plans to avail themselves all the Government benefits for villagers.

5.      Have a cordial relationship with various sections of the people in the village.

(Fr. Edwin Coelho)

Basahatu: Queen of Peace Church:

On 16th August, 40 children received the sacrament of Confirmation. It was conferred by Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. The Eucharistic Celebration began at 8 o’clock. The atmosphere was serene and prayerful. The entire celebration was organized beautifully. Since summer vacation the children were being prepared for confirmation. Fr. Sushil Jojo, Fr. Kishore, Fr. Sushil Ekka, Sr. Godliva, Sr. Kusum, catechists Sonaram Haiburu and Vikas Bankiram and other teachers worked hard to prepare them. After Eucharist, the parishners felicitated Bishop Felix. For felicitation, Krusbir (crusaders), Mahila Sangh (women association) and Catholic Sabha (men association) presented different programmes. It was indeed a day of great joy. We congratulate all of them who worked hard to make it a memorable day.

 

Burigorah: St. Michael’s Mission Centre:

On 2nd August, a gathering of Krusbir (crusaders) was organized at Burigorah. It was a special day for these children as special prayers were offered for them. After Eucharistic Celebration, a short Catechesis was given on Eucharist. There were also other activities, where they were enabled to express their qualities and talents. It was done through different games. At the end, a delicious lunch was served for all.

On 12th August, in collaboration with CCF One Day Seminar for Munda, Manki and other village leaders was organized in Burigorah village. About 80 participants took part in this seminar. Some of these participants had come from the neighbouring villages as well. The focus of this seminar was to make them aware of the “Rights of Munda and Manki”. The chief facilitator of this seminar was Fr. Michael Tirkey, S.J. Fr. Petrus Barla C.Ss.R., Fr. Sanjay Ekka, C.Ss.R., Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R., Sr. Stella Minz OSU and other CCF staff members were also present for this seminar. Congratulations and best wishes to Fr. Sanjay Ekka and Fr. Petrus Barla.

 

Anandpur: St. Joseph’s Parish:

The entire Anandpur parish gave a tear-filled adieu to Fr. Benedict Minz on 9th August. We congratulate and thank Fr. Benedict Minz for his hard work and wish him God’s blessings for his new ministry. Fr. Raphael Monteiro, the new parish priest reached Anandpur on 6th August. The entire campus gave him a grand welcome. On 9th August, Fr. C.R. Prabhu installed Fr. Raphael as the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, Anandpur. On the same day the feast of St. John Mary Vianney was celebrated in the parish. There was a community meeting for the allotment of different responsibilities. Fr. Raju F. Crasta is Hostel In-charge and the minister of the house. Fr. Venancius Kandulna will look after the Area Masses and public relations. Bro. Sandeep Minz in the in-charge of Hostel Discipline and he will also assist Fr. Raju in other activities. In view of Platinum Jubilee of Anandpur Parish (1935-2010), the Parish core committee has decided to have some programmes such as Monica Divas, Youth Seminars, Charismatic Renewal Programme, formation of Parish Council, etc.  (Fr. Raju F. Crasta)

 

Maluka: St. Paul’s Parish:

Parish Priest Fr. Junas Purty, Fr. Amrit Kujur, S.J. and Fr. Augustine Minz are busy in their pastoral ministry. There are different pastoral and social ministries being carried out in and around Maluka. Since it is a season for cultivation, no big programme has been organized at parish level. However, our priests are busy visiting villages and families of the parish. The children in the hostel are doing well. They are physically fit and growing intellectually with the care they receive. On 13th August the parish community celebrated the birthday of Fr. Amrit, S.J. During Eucharist, Fathers, Sisters and the children of boys and girls hostels joined together to thank God for the gift of Fr. Amrit and prayed for him. After Mass, he was felicitated with garland and bouquets. May God Bless them all !

 

Maluka: St. Paul’s School:

St. Paul’s School at Maluka is a Hindi Medium Middle School. Recently it received Minority Declaration without Aid. Now it can have the privileges that other minority schools have. It can receive the facilities that other minority schools get. It will benefit the school and students. We thank Sr. Karuna BS and others who have worked hard to get this Minority Status. May God bless you all !

 

Chakradharpur: St. Angela Hospital

In the month of August, many of our priests who are working in Kolhan-Porahat fell sick. They were admitted in St. Angela Hospital. Almost all the working staff of the hospital were also sick. The patients were sent back and the hospital remained closed for three days. The entire hospital was fumigated. St. Angela Hospital is a blessing for Kolhan-Porahat region. The patients prefer to come to St. Angela Hospital for its hospitality and quality treatment. The Sisters and the staff render selfless service to the patients. It is a true reflection of God’s love. We thank St. Angela Hospital for being a blessing for Kolahan-Porahat.

 

Chakradharpur: St. Xavier’s School:

The students and the staff of St. Xavier’s English School Chradharpur are doing well. They are busy with different activities. Due to the dedication of the staff and the hard work of the students, the standard of the school is improving day by day. Parents are very eager to get their children admitted to the school. The construction of the new class rooms are in progress. One section of construction is completed. Fr. Eugene is working hard to get the work done. For the construction of these class rooms, Fr. Eugene has generated local funds by himself. Looking at the growing standard of the school, Mr. Ashok Jain has promised Fr. Eugene that he will continue to support the school. We thank Fr. Eugene and the staff for their dedication and commitment.

 

Heart Felt Condolence:

Fr. Leo D’Souza lost his Aunt recently and his uncle last month, may their souls rest in peace and prayerful support to all who grieve on this loss. Bro. Jayraj, who is studying in Morning Stare Seminary, lost his Mother on 15th August. Let us pray for her that God may grant her eternal rest and consolation to the family and near and dear ones.

 

 

Kumardubi: Loloya School

The number of activities held in the past month truly reflects the potential of the Loyolians. The 1st Terminal examination was held between 17th to 25th of August. From 27th August, the Football & Throwball tournament have begun. To encourage in creativity Portrait Drawing Contest was held on 28th August for children in classes III, IV & V. The sketches were remarkable and the judges had a tuff decision to make. Since 31st was a holiday for the school, the Feast of St. Ignatius was celebrated on 30th August. A special Prayer Service on the works and sacrifices of St. Ignatius was held in the morning. This was followed by an Inter-house competition in Collage Making, Caption Writing and Rangoli for classes VI to X. Later a cultural programme was organized where Class XI enacted the life story of St. Ignatius and junior classes performed a classical dance. Principal attended the Regional conference of the Heads Of ICSE/ISC of Bihar & Jharkhand on 1st August, 2009 Hosted by Denobili, Loyola & and Carmel Schools of  Dhanbad. The school celebrated Raksha Bandhan & Janmasthami during Assembly on 5th & 12th August respectively. Little children of LKG, UKG, I & II were brought to the stage to tie the sacred thread of trust on each others hands. A Parent-Teacher Meeting was organized on 8th August and the 1st Term Answer Scripts were shown. Parents in the Junior block flocked in great numbers. They were pleased to share their opinion & gave a patient hearing to the teachers’ comments. The Report Cards for LKG to X & XII were distributed on 13th August. It was immediately followed by a Staff Meeting. (Rita Sen)

 

Cardinal Foley: Teaching About Jesus first Priority

During the Year for Priests, Cardinal John Foley, the grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem sat down with ZENIT to reflect on his life as a priest. He said, "I entered the seminary twice," the prelate said, "once after high school and once after university." He continued: "In my senior year of high school, at Christmas time, I went to our parish church and knelt in front of the crib. I said, 'Lord, you have given me everything I have -- my life, my family, my faith, a very good education --- and I want to give it all, everything, back to you. One thing that was "critical" he said was doing volunteer work and teaching catechism to mentally handicapped children.” He recalled: "I had six children in this school to whom I was teaching catechism, and the Sister Superior came in and said, 'Well, children, do you like Mr. Foley?' One boy answered, 'No! No! We love Mr. Foley!'. "I thought that was a marvelous distinction for a mentally handicapped boy to make. "She said, 'Why do you love Mr. Foley?' He said, 'We love Mr. Foley because he teaches us about Jesus.' And I thought, 'there is nothing more important in life than teaching people about Jesus and bringing Jesus to them.' He added, "That solidified my vocation for the priesthood."
The cardinal affirmed, "I never had an unhappy day as a priest; I have loved the priesthood."

After 47 years of priesthood, he reports that the main difficulties he struggles with pertain to the culture, which "seems to be becoming more and more secularized. It is more difficult to get a spiritual message through to people today, he added, "as they are not as open to it as perhaps they once were."

 

As well, Cardinal Foley added, “physical difficulties multiply as we get older. Old age makes you slow down and you cannot do as much as you want to be able to do. However, he added, St. Ignatius teaches us in his spiritual exercises that "we should give ourselves to God in sickness and in health, in poverty and in prosperity." "So we should be indifferent in that sense and just use everything for the greater glory of God," the prelate said. He explained that this is his Episcopal motto: "ad majorem dei gloriam -- for the greater glory of God."

 

Hindi Medium Middle and High Schools

 

To : Headmistresses, Headmasters & Secretaries of Hindi Medium Schools.

 

We are calling for an important meeting of all Hindi Medium Schools Both Middle and High Schools in the Diocese of Jamshedpur run by the Religious and the Diocese. This meeting will be held at Bishop’s House, Golmuri on September 12, 2009 at 9.30 a.m. All Headmistresses, Headmasters and the Secretaries of all these schools are requested to participate in this meeting necessarily. Please come prepared with all information concerning the school you represent: the Status of your school at present, namely, number of Students, Boys/ Girls, Catholic / non-Catholics, Number of Teaching and non-teaching staff; status regarding the opening permission, recognition, Minority declaration and the Government aid. Kindly also let us know the salaries/ pay scales that are being paid to the staff; and the problems you have. Fr. Ernest Kerketta of JHACMEI, Ranchi will be with us at that meeting. I also request that you could put all these details on a sheet of paper and submit it to me at the meeting. If you need accommodation for the night please inform Fr. David Vincent.

-          Fr. C. R. Prabhu,  Director, Jamshedpur Diocesan Education Society.



New Ordo/ English and Hindi Bible Diary for 2010:

We are going to order for Ordos and English and Hindi Bible Diaries for the year 2010. If any of you want us to order for you, please give the number of copies you need by 10th September either to Fr. David – 9431381657, Fr. Vijay Kachhap – 9430379520 or Fr. Sanjay Kujur -9470164455/ 0657 - 2340298.   

 (Diocesan Treasure)

 

Training for GNM (staff nurses) on HIV/AIDS and ART:

Indian Nursing Council has asked Jeevan Jyothi School of Nursing to train GNM staff nurses of Jharkhand on HIV/AIDS and ART. The duration of the programme is 5 days. The participants are requested to bring a passport size photo for registration. The dates for the programme are 7th – 11th September, 14th – 18th September, 12th – 16th October, 26th – 30th October, 9th – 13th November, 23rd – 27th November and 7th – 11th December. For details please contact – Jeevan Jyoti School of Nursing, Telco Town, Jamshedpur – 831 004, Jharkhand, Phone – 0657 – 286168.

 

Contribution for the Diocesan News Letter:

I sincerely thank all those who have contributed for the Diocesan News Letter. It is really inspiring. We have benefited from your activities. Please continue to give information of your good works that others may be inspired by them. Your suggestions and corrections are always welcome for better communication.

- Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R.

 [email protected],

 Mob: 9470164455

 

 

Bishop’s Programme – September, 2009

Date

Day

Time

Programme

Place

1

Tuesday

10.00 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Community College

Golmuri

02-13

Wednesday….

 

TLIG Convention

Athens

15- 16

Tuesday….

 

CBCI Consultation

Delhi

20

Sunday

6.30 a.m.

Jamshedpur Deanery Mahila Sangh

Sundernagar

25-28

Friday….

 

ARMS (Rectors) Meeting

Ranchi

 

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