| MVO March:Click here to see Contents |
| Vol XIII No.3 |
March 2001 A.D..
|
Publishing
Team
TOGETHERNESS
LENT
: A REVIVAL OF THE SPIRIT
D.M.C.A
CENTRAL COMMITTEE
PRAYER-DAY
AT MAYURVIHAR
PRAYER
FOR OUR CHILDREN
CONGRATULATIONS
TO FR. CHERINAN THAZHAMON
RECEPTION
TO ABP. VINCENT M. CONCESSAO
MALANKARA
CULTURAL FETE 2001 AND FAMILY DAY
VISIT
TO SISUBAHVAN
"SUBUKHONO"
SERVICE
PRAYERS
REQUESTED
LENTEN
RETREAT
NO
MALANKARA MASS AT VIKASPURI
FIRST
FRUIT COLLECTION
NECROLOGY
BAPTISM
PRAYER
MEETINGS
M.C.Y.M.
STUDY
GROUP FOR GENTS
MATHRUSANGAM
MARRIAGE
WHY
LENT?
DAYS
OF IMPORTANCE - MARCH-2001
MATRIMONIAL
SPONSOR
Published
By
Managing Editor : Fr.Cherian Mambrakuzhy
circulation
: Mr. Aby Peedikayil
Members :
Sr. Preshitha SIC (Faridabad)
Mrs. Lizy Varghese (Ghaziabad)
Mr. Abraham Pattiyani (Okhala)
Mr.Jose Thomas (East Delhi)
Mr. K.T. Scaria (Noida)
Mr. N.C. Philip (W.Delhi)
Mr. P.K. Joseph (Central Delhi)
Mr. Roy Thomas (South Delhi)
Mr. K. Y. Jose(Dilshad Garden)
Job Box
: Mr. James Mathew(Tel. 6688680;
9811216685)
Mr. Jose Mathew
Aye, you shall be together in your togetherness
And let there be spaces in your togetherness
And the winds of heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love.
Let it rather be moving sea between shores of you souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf,
Sing and dance together and be a joyous, but let each one of you be
alone.
Even as the strains of a flute are alone though they quiver with same music .
And stand together yet not too near together for the pillars of the
temple stand apart.
And the Oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
Kahlil Gibran
LENT : A REVIVAL OF THE SPIRIT
The Lenten period for us(Christians) is a period of self denial or penance.
In today’s hedonistic world this concept may not find much
favour, especially when indulging oneself and self-fulfillment seem to
be the norm rather than the exception.
Bodily austerities, sack cloth, ashes, hair shirts, and depriving oneself
of food and drink etc., are generally considered as important elements
of penance. But for the Chrisitians, these are only external
expressions of penance, not the heart of true penance. Right from
the Old Testment , for a meaningful penance interior conversion is inevitable.
The prophets said "Rend your hearts and not your garments and return
to the Lord your God”. Jesus also preached that the Kingdom of God could
only be entered by an act of repentance, or a change of heart – an inner
change which transforms and renews the entire human being: his opinions,
judgements, decisions, feelings, and behaviour.
Lent has positive connotation of restoration or renewal. Lent in fact
is the old English world of spring, a time nature has for rebirth and new
life. In religious terms, the season is a period of movement towards renewal
or restoration. This renewal or restoration or turning to God would be
easy if it was simply a movement of the body. But, this is primarily a
movement of the ‘heart’, which is the core of a human being. The whole
purpose of penance is to make room in our hearts for the love of God, to
turn our hearts of stone, into hearts of flesh( Jer.33).
Of course, bodily fasting has its own value and is a way of being poor. Christians choose at a time like this to experience poverty and to live for some time with those who have no choice but to be poor. But, bodily fasting also has a deeper significance. It is a whole attitude of seeking to free ourselves from slavery to material objects. It is to be able to use the good things of this earth, which were given to us to enjoy, while at the same time retaining our ability to get along with them. In fact, there would be little merit in giving up the things he or she values.
Penance therefore, has a positive value. It enables us to free our hearts
to love God and to remove from it all obstacles that come in
the way of our loving him. And because our life is a life of love, our
self-denial does not limit itself to bare essentials. True love does not
count the cost and does not restrict itself to gifting the minimum.
Lent is also a time to remember the poor. The Old Testment prophet
Isaiah said "I want to choose the type of fast where I can share
my bread with the hungry and bring the poor homeless person to my home.”
The poorer are not merely those who are deprived of food, clothing or shelter.
The poor are also those who are lonely, or deprived of love.
Lent is a time of prayer, because no renewal is possible without
prayer. This prayer is not the superficial prayer we may be reciting mechanically,
but a searching of the heart and mind, so that we can change our ways and
learn to authentically yearn for God. That is why this period of 40 days
in Lent is the springtime of the soul, when the inner self blossoms and
springs anew.
The exercise of alms-giving, fasting, and prayer bring us to the joy of Easter, which is the feast of passing from death to new life. these exercises would have no meaning if they were only an external manifestation, and were not accompanied by a process of inner conversion. The words of the prophet Joel used at services are of reminder of the need for this inner transformation, which is a passage from an old to a new renewed life ‘rend your hearts, and not your garments’. Hence, let us try our best, during this lent, to get us converted internally and that too for ever . Let God bless us!
Fr. Cherian Mambrakuzhy
Next meeting of D.M.C.A central committee will be on March 4th (Sunday)
at Community Centre, Goledakkhana.
In the wake of the Earth Quake taken place in Gujarath, a full Day dedicated for prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament was organized at our Mass Centre, Mayurvihar. The Day got started at 9a.m in the morning and came to its end at 7.30 p.m. in the evening followed by Holy Qurbono. Scores of Malankarites spent the day devotedly and offered prayer for the victims of Earth Quake. Our D.M Sisters of Mayur Vihar convent took the initiative to get the Day organized. Congratulations to the organizers.
Our children are getting prepared for their Class X and XII Board Examination scheduled to start in the first week of march. For these examinations are decisive for them, let us enclose them in our prayers that they may be enlightened and do well in their examinations.
CONGRATULATIONS TO FR. CHERIAN THAZHAMON
Our former Chaplain Fr. Cherian Thazhamon has been transferred from Mundakkayam as the Vicar of St. George Malankara Catholic Church, Chengaroor since last month. Besides, he is the new Corporate Manager of Schools of the Diocese of Thiruvalla. He assumed the office of the Corporate Manager of Schools on January 22nd , 2001. All the Malankara Makkal in Delhi Mission( Delhi, Haryana and Ghaziabad) wish him all success in his new assignments. His new residence is at Chengaroor. ( His New Address: - Fr. Cherian Thazhamon, St. George's Malankara Catholic Chruch, Chengaroor P.O. Kunnamthanam (Via), Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta (Dt.), Kerala- 689 594. Phone: -0473-682354)
RECEPTION TO ABP. VINCENT M. CONCESSAO
Malankara Makkal accorded His Grace Vincent M. Concessao, Archbishop of Delhi a traditional reception with lighted candles on February 4,2001( Sunday). Mr. V. P. Thomas, the Vice President, D.M.C.A garlanded His Grace who reached at the entrance of S.H. Cathedral Church at 8.05 in the morning and then Fr. Kuriakose Nellattu (Bose) received him in the traditional liturgical manner with incense and lighted candles to the Main Altar. His Grace offered Eucharisitic Liturgy according to Malankara Rite. On behalf of the whole community Fr. Chaplain, Cherian Mambrakuzhy felicitated His Grace and presented a Plaque to him as the symbol of love and regards of the entire Malankara Community. Mr. Fernandez, Treasurer of DMCA handed over a contribution collected from the community to His Grace for Gujarat Relief.
MALANKARA CULTURAL FETE 2001 AND FAMILY DAY
Malankara Catholic members in Delhi Celebrated February 4th, 2001(Sunday) as their Family Day and Cultural fete 2001. Celebration started with Concelebrated Holy Qurbono-main celebrant was Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao- at S.H. Cathedral at 8a.m. Archbishop was accorded a warm reception at the entrance of the Cathedral before the Holy Qurbono. The family day was formally inaugurated by zonal Secretaries by lighting 'Nilavilakku' at 9.30a.m. at community Hall. Mr. V.P. Thomas inaugurated the 'Food Mela' by purchasing the first coupon. Various competitions, talent display, and cultural presentations were excellent and were appreciated amply by all. Variety food at different stalls arranged by our different zones were palatable and enjoyed by all. Prizes were distributed to the topers in various competitions. Adv. Abraham M. Pattyani proposed vote of thanks. Members of DMCA central committee, zonal committees, sisters of Nirmal Jyothi , Faridabad, Mayur Vihar and Uttamnagar convents who did their best to make the day so enjoyable and effective deserve special congratulations. Sincere thanks to those who worked hard behind the curtain in preparing the food items and in preparing the children to perform the different cultural programmes.
Mathrusangam members of St. Mary's Church, Faridabad( Malankara Bhavan) made a visit to Shishu Bhavan, 12 Commissioner's Lane ,Delhi-54, run by MC Sisters (Missionaries of Charity) under the leadership of Sr. Benjamin SIC, who is the animator of the Mathrusangam. They distributed bundles of clothes and food collected by themselves to the inmates of the Bhavan. The visit was really a touching experience to the participants. Congratulations to the organizers.
The Liturgy of Subukkono was celebrated on February 26th Monday at Faridabad, Myurvihar and Uttamnagar Mass Centres. Scores of faithful who came for the liturgy felt it very meaningful.
Mrs. Leelamma, W/o Easaw Geroge, FG-I/22-C, Vikaspuri, New Delhi, has
got hopitalised and undergone a major operation. And now she
is recuperating slowly and steadily. Your valuable prayers are requested.
In order to observe the lent in the true spirit and get prepared for the Holy Week , retreats will help us a lot. Hence, some retreats are arranged on zonal wise. May these retreats help all of us to discipline our life and grow steadily in our spiritual life. All are requested to come with Bible, song books and get spiritually nourished.
West Delhi: the half-day retreat will begin at 1.30 p.m. at Uttamnagar Mass Center. There will be thoughts for Retreat and confession. The retreat will be concluded with Holy Mass.
Okhala: The retreat will be initiated with Holy Qurbono at 10.15 a.m. on March 25, 2001( Sunday) at Masighgat Church Okhala.
East Delhi: There will be a Lenten retreat from 10.30
a.m on March 18, 2001( Sunday), at Prbhu Prakash Girija,
Trilokapuri Church. The Retreat will begin with Holy Mass.
NO MALANKARA MASS AT VIKASPURI
Due to the half-day lenten retreat at Uttamnagar Mass Centre, there will be no Malankara Mass on March 25th 2001( Sunday) at the Church of Our Lady of Graces, Vikaspuri.
Malankara Church in West Delhi celebrated February 18th as thanks giving at St.Mark's Malankara Mass Centre , Panjabi Bagh . Fr. Cherian Mambrakuzhy celebrated thanks giving Holy Qurbono on the day. As a gratitude to God they have brought "first fruit" to the Church. Congratulations to the zonal committee.
Mr. Varughese Samuel Chempakamangalath , Thekkuthodu , Konni, B/o Mr. C.V. Daniel,1034A/29- Faridabad died on 1/02/2001 and buried on 5/02/2001.
Mr. A.G. George F/o Mr. Santhosh George, 17-A/ B-7, Mayur Vihar Ph-III,
died on 14/02/2001.
Mrs. Chinnamma Antony, M/o, Mr. Babu Antony, 202-C, 2nd
Floor, D.D.A Flats, Ghazipur, died on 9/02/2000 and buried at St. Antony's
Catholic Church, Payyanmon.
Aleyamma (Ancy ) d/o Mr. Yohannan and Mary, Azadpur ,Delhi on 18th February 2001 at St.Mark's Church, Panjabibagh, New Delhi.
EAST DELHI
11/03/2001 :
R/o Mr. Elias Thomas, 711, Pocket- E, Mayur Vihar Ph-II
Time. 5p.m.
CENTRAL DELHI
11/03/2001 : R/o Mr.
Jagan Thomas , 697, B.K.S. Marg, New Delhi-110001
Time. 5p.m. Ph. 3340697®
DILSHAD GARDEN
18/03/01
: R/o Mr. P.S Mathew, F-159/-S-1, Dilshad Colony
Time.4.30p.m. 2137592®
WEST DELHI
St.Mary’s
4/03/01
: R/o Mr. C.T. George, T-2/5- Residential Area, Central
School, No-1, Near Sadar Bazaar . Time. 4.30p.m.
5699589®
Mar Ivanios
11/03/2001 :
R/o Mr. V.V. Mathew, LIG Flat, 124, Sec.2, pkt.3, Rohini.
Time. 4.30p.m. Tel. 7168087®
Little flower
18/03/2001 :
R/o Mr. Mr. John K. Cherian W.Z/10A, Rathanpark.
Time. 4.30p.m. Ph.5179349 ®.
OKHALA
18/03/01
: R/o Mr. Mr. Simon Samuel, A-14,Palika Kunj, Karbala, Lodhi
Road New Delhi 110 003. Time: 5p.m. Ph.4641438®.
25/03/01
: R/o Ms. Sujamole Skaria, 86 A Pkt.12, Jasola Vihar, Sarita
Vihar, New Delhi- 110 044 . Time. 5p.m. Ph. 6953603®
SAKET
25/03/01 : :
R/o Mr.George Thomas, 233 DDA Flats, Lado Sarai, N.Delhi.
Time 5pm Ph 6520562®
GHAZIABAD
25/03/2001 : R/o Mr.
Varughese Mathai, L-299, Sanjay Nagar,
Ghaziabad. Time : 5p.m. Tel. 4785797®
FARIDABAD
St.Mary’s
11/03/01 R/o Mr. Paulose
S, 1231-A/29. Time. 6p.m.
25/03/01 R/o Mr. C.A.
Kuriakose, 1800- A/29. Time. 6p.m.
St.Joseph's Prayer Group
03/03/01 R/o Mr. Shaji,
2318/3. Time. 7p.m.
10/03/01 R/o Mr. Mathew,
2888-A/3.Time. 7p.m.
17/03/01 R/o Mr. Johnkutty,
2761/7A. Time .7p.m.
St.George
24/03/01 R/o Mr. K.A. Thomas,
920, New Janatha Colony, Faridabad.
Time. 7.30 p.m.
St.Thomas
10/03/01 R/o Mr.
Shaji Thomas, 2-C/133, NIT, Fbd. . Time. 7p.m.
25/03/01 R/o Mr.
Reji. N.C., 1-A/66,NIT, Fbd. Time 4.30p.m.
FARIDABAD 04/02/2001
: Malankara Bhavan. 10a.m.
DILSHAD GARDEN 11/03/2001: St. Sebastian's,
Dilshad Garden.11.30a.m.
WEST DELHI 18/03/2001
: St.Mark's Church, Panjabibhagh. 12a.m.
OKHALA 25/03/2001
: Church of Our Lady of Health. 11.30a.m.
SAKET 11/03/2001
: Little Flower Church, Pushpavihar. 11.30a.m.
EAST DELHI 18/03/2001
: Prabu Prakash Girija, Trilokapuri. 11,30a.m.
FARIDABAD 11/03/2001 : Malankara
Bhavan. 10a.m.
WEST DELHI 18/03/2001 : St.Mark's Church, Panjabibhagh.
12a.m.
OKHALA 25/03/2001
: Church of Our Lady of Health. 11.30a.m.
ST DELHI 25/03/2001
: St.Mary's School, Mayur Vihar Ph.III. 11.30a.m.
GHAZIABAD
10.03.2001 : R/o Mrs.Sumol Abraham, L-366, Sanjay Nagar.
Time.7.30p.m.
FARIDABAD
: Every Sunday at Malankara Bhavan. 10a.m.
WEST DELHI 18/03/2001 : St.Mark's Church, Panjabibhagh. 12a.m.
EAST DELHI 25/03/2001 : St.Mary's School, Mayur Vihar
Ph.III. 11.30a.m.
A good marriage must be created .
In a marriage the little things are the big things …
It is never being too old to hold hands
It is remembering to say ' I love you' at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry
It is having mutual sense of values and common objection
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in
thoughtful ways .
It is having capacity to forgive and forget
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each other can grow
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right person
It is also being the right partner.
The name lent is taken from the Anglo-Saxon lencten meaning spring.
The exact duration of lent and the manner of observing lent has varied
over the centuries. The example of Christ, Elijah and Moses determined
the number of 40 days. Lent owes much of its spirit to the 40 days Jesus
spent in the desert preparing for his ministry. There is some importance
in the number “40” in the history of salvation.
The Israelites were led from Egypt to the Promised Land; God
led them into the desert for 40 years. In Noah’s days 40 days of flooding
washed away the evil that had infected the world.
In India we the Malankarites begin our valiyanombu from kothine Sunday
[Pethratha Nzhayar]. Valiya Nombu is giving a good preparation for the
Hasha Azhcha [holy week] too. For us the commonly known Good Friday in
letter and spirit is Dukha velli.
The history and customs of Nombu are the only evidential proofs of
universal Christian fellowship. The vegetarianism followed by the Malankarites
especially in the season of lent itself shows the deep-rooted affiliation
to customs and culture of the Indian Community. The spirit of the valiya
nombu especially played a very vital role for the community’s discipline,
experiencing the power of prayer and heartfelt attitude for charity. This
keeps our identity separate among other Christian groups. Apart from the
blessed liturgy we have the true spirit of the nombu also with us.
Father of the reunion movement in Malankara his holiness late Mar Ivanious
stressed some conditions for the reunion with the Catholic Church. One
of the main conditions that were put to Rome was “permission to follow
the traditions”. This was accepted by the Holy See and allowed us to follow
the traditions. I suppose which includes the pure vegetarianism especially
at the time of nombu. Any dilution of the traditional values and norms
whatever may be the reason keeps us away from the real goal, which we have
to achieve. Prayer [yama prarthanakal], pure vegetarianism during the lent
season, i.e avoidance of fish, meat and egg and milk products also in hasha
azhcha keeps the community vibrant, more fruitful during the entire year.
Therefore for us lent has to be a time for prayer, sacrifice and charity.
Surely it helps us to be true Christians with love [sneham], service [sevanam]
and truth [satyam].
Adv. Abraham M. Pattyani
DAYS OF IMPORTANCE - MARCH-2001
08 International Women's Day
18 Feast of Mar Koorilos
Half day retreat - EastDelhi
19 St.Joseph
21 Pakuthinompu, St. Benedict
25 Annunciation
Half day retreat - Uttamnagar
Half day retreat - Okhala
31 St.Benjamin
Suitable matrimonial alliance invited for a 24 year old Malankara
Catholic girl , born and brought up in Delhi, convented education post
graduate and holding diploma in executive secretary course from YMCA, presently
working in a project attached with AIIMS, seeking a decent and employed
spouse preferably born and brought up in Delhi. Please contact. Phone 2284070
Mr. Aby Peedikayil & Family, 118, 2nd Floor, Katwaria Sarai. Tel.6527626 on the occasion of 7th Death Anniversary of their Father Late Mr.K.M.Varghese, PULPARAYIL HOUSE, MULANTHURUTHY (MARCH 10th)
Malankara Catholic Centre
762 Sec.A., Pocket B & C
Vasant Kunju, N.Delhi-110070
Tel : 011- 6897737
E-mail : [email protected]
Website: www.geocities.com/mvdelhionline