Friday, July 31, 2015


Diocese of Jamshedpur
                       
Vol. 45 No. 5                                      Private Circulation Only                              August-2015

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am presenting to you a small summary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical letter LAUDATO SI’. The Pope writes about the miserable conditions of the natural world and the suffering poor. He also gives some solutions to remedy this unfortunate situation of ours. Please read this summary and if possible read the full text which is really a wonderful letter.

                  LAUDATO SI’: ON THE CARE OF OUR COMMON HOME

Pope Francis issued his first Encyclical letter, Laudato SI’ on May 24, 2015. This encyclical is focused on the idea of ‘integral ecology’, connecting care of the natural world with justice for the poorest and most vulnerable people. Only by radically reshaping our relationships with God, with our neighbours and with the natural world, he says, can we hope to tackle the threats facing our planet today. Science, he insists, is the best tool by which we can listen to the cry of the earth, while dialogue and education are the two keys that can “help us to escape the spiral of self-destruction which currently engulfs us”.

At the heart of the Pope’s reflections is the question: “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” The answers he suggests call for profound changes to political, economic, cultural and social systems, as well as to our individual lifestyles.

Chapter 1 sets out six of the most serious challenges facing “our common home”:
·         Pollution, waste and our throwaway mentality: “the earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth”.

·         Climate change: “one of the principle challenges facing humanity in our day” but “many of those who possess more resources and economic or political power seem mostly to be concerned with masking the problems or concealing their symptoms”.

·         Water: “Access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right” yet entire population and especially children get sick and die because of contaminated water.

·         Biodiversity: “Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species” and the consequences cannot be predicted as “all of us, as living creatures, are dependent on one another”. Often transnational economic interests obstruct this protection.

·         Breakdown of society: Current models of development adversely affect the quality of life of most of humanity and many cities are huge, inefficient structures, excessively wasteful of energy and water.

·         Global inequality: Environmental problems affect the most vulnerable people; the greater part of the world’s population and the solution is not reducing the birth rate but counteracting “an extreme and selective consumerism”.

Chapter 3 explores six of the deep root causes of these growing crises:

·         Technology: While it can bring progress towards sustainable development, without “a sound ethics”, it gives “those with the knowledge, and especially the economic resources… an impressive dominance over the whole of humanity”.

·         The technocratic mentality: “the economy accepts every advance in technology with a view to profit……yet by itself the market cannot guarantee integral human development and social inclusion”.

·         Anthropocentrism: we fail to understand our place in the world and our relationship with nature. Interpersonal relations and protection of human life must be set above technical reasoning so environmental concern “is also incompatible with the justification of abortion”.

·         Practical relativism: environmental degradation and social decay is the result of seeing “everything as irrelevant unless it serves one’s own immediate interests”.

·         Employment: Integral ecology needs to take account of the value of labour so everyone must be able to have work and it’s “bad business for society” to stop investing in people to achieve short-term financial gains.

·         Biological technologies: GMOs are a “complex environmental issue” which have helped to resolve problems but bring difficulties such as concentrating land “in the hands of a few owners”, threatening small producers, biodiversity and ecosystems.

So where do the solutions lie?

Here are six of the best solutions:

·         In “The Gospel of Creation”: Chapter 2 examines the Old and New Testaments to show how human life is grounded in our relationships with God, with our neighbours and with the created world. We must acknowledge our sins when we break these relationships and realize our “tremendous responsibility” towards all of God’s creation.

·         In Integral Ecology: Chapter 4 explores this new paradigm of justice which means “the analysis of environmental problems cannot be separated from the analysis of human, family, work-related and urban contexts”, while solutions must be based on “a preferential option for the poorest of our brothers and sisters”.

·         In Dialogue: Chapter 5, entitled ‘Lines of Approach and Action’ stresses the need for “honest and open debate, so that particular interests or ideologies will not prejudice the common good”. The Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or to replace politics, but it can promote dialogue on global and local governance, transparent decision-making, sustainable use of natural resources, as well as engaging in respectful dialogue with other people of faith and with the scientific world.

·         In Education: Chapter 6 urges schools, families, the media and the churches to help reshape habits and behavior. Overcoming individualism, while changing our lifestyles and consumer choices, can bring much “pressure to bear on those who wield political, economic and social power” causing significant changes in society.

·         In Ecological Conversion: Chapter 6 also highlights St Francis of Assisi as the model of “a more passionate concern for the protection of our world”, characterized by gratitude and generosity, creativity and enthusiasm.

·         In Spirituality: Finally Chapter 6 and the two concluding prayers show how faith in God can shape and inspire our care for the environment. The Sacraments, the Trinity, the model of the Holy Family and our hope for eternal life can teach, motivate and strengthen us to protect the natural world that God has given us.



                                                                                                                Your friend and servant,
        +Felix Toppo, S.J.
      Bishop of Jamshedpur
Justice Sunday 16th August 2015 – Ecological Justice

The office for Justice, Peace and Development from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (OJPD-CBCI) invites all the people of God to reflect on “Ecological Justice” during this year’s Justice Sunday Celebration. 

The Bible affirms the value of life – human life, the lives of all creatures, and the life of the planet. God calls us to respect the creation that God has given us as a gift. It is not a thing for selfish exploitation or the profit of the few. Pope Francis in Laudato si reminded us that widespread indifference and selfishness worsen environmental problems.

Our nation India is said to have achieved rapid economic growth over the past decade. But the ecological impact has often been ignored, and the rural poor largely left behind. Experts say that over-exploitation of natural recourses and economic disparity are the two factors causing the collapse of civilizations.  The Catholic Bishops of India has a clear grasp of the complex ecological issues in February 2014 when they declared: “We stand for sustainable development of peoples and human ecology” (Final statement of the 31st CBCI General Body Meeting, Pala, 2014, no. 5.8).

As our beloved Pope Francis recalled on 26th June 2015 during his daily morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta, we are called to ‘dirty’ our hands like Christ who – without shying away – approached the excluded of his time. In Jesus getting his hands dirty, touching and healing lepers, Francis stressed, we are taught that we must have this closeness in the Church. 

Against this milieu, the CBCI Office for Justice, Peace and Development makes an appeal to all the Christian faithful in India to stand up for ecological protection and raise their voice for ecological justice. This appeal is in consonance with Pope Francis’ recent encyclical ‘Laudato si”.

B.C.C/ S.C.C  - TRAINING PROGRAMME

Rev. Fr. Camille Hembrom & Fr. Pradeep Marandi Organized one day training programme of the “Basic Christian Community” in St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre Hall, Golmuri on July 19th, 2015. The area leaders and the representatives of various committees hailing from different parishes of Jamshedpur took part in it. The programme was ably conducted by Fr. Cyril Tigga, S.J.

The participants were told about the importance of B.C.C in making the local church active and alive. The “Word of God” helps us to be more firm in our faith and reminds us of our Christian responsibilities towards our needy neighbours. The youth of the parish facilitated in making the entire programme a success. It also prepares us all to host the forthcoming B.C.C convention well in the month of November this year. 

ST. XAVIER’S ENGLISH SCHOOL, CHAKRADHARPUR


After the First Term exam, from 6th of July the preparations for the newly constructed Xavier Bhawan commenced. On the 18th of July Xavier Bhawan was inaugurated. Mr. John Joseph Benjamin Tirkey D.P.O was the chief guest for the occasion. Rt. Rev. Dr. Felix Toppo S.J. and Ms. Jobha Majhi MLA (Manoharpur) were the Guests of Honor for the occasion. Fr. David Vincent, Sr. Jyotsna (Provincial), Fr. Richard Miranda and Fr. Vernon D’souza then lit the inaugural lamp to start the cultural program. This was followed by a prayer dance and welcome song and a host of other cultural programs. The Chief Guest of honour then gave very inspiring speech which really enlightened the audience, especially the children. Good numbers of Priests and Religious were present on this occasion. The school welcomed Sr. Tessy, Sr. Tresa and Sr. Divya who are presently staying at Xavier Bhavan.

From the 20th to the 23rd practices were on in full swing for the inter diocesan school competitions to be held in Adra on the 25th. On the 21st students took out a rally in support for the Swachh Bharat Abhyaan which was followed by a inter house quiz competition in which  Yellow house which was represented by Ankan Biswas and Beethica Surabhi Rath stood first. Anshu Bhageria and Bhupinder Singh from the Red house came in second and Green house represented by Tayzeen Arifa and Harsh Bajra stood third. On the 24th the students and some teachers departed for Adra to participate in the Inter Diocesan school competitions. (Theodosius  Salvadore)

Krusvir animators Meet – Chaibasa

Krusvir animators of Chaibasa deanery met at Divya Bharati  on 4th and 5th July 2015 to refresh their ministry with the little children and to plan future actions how to inculcate religious and moral values in them. Fr Sahay Thasan, the Principal of St Xavier's Boys, Chaibasa, Fr Edwin Coeloh, Bishop's House Golmuri  and Sr Michael osu, Headmistress, Carmel School, Chakradharpur addressed the 22 animators while Sr Neelam, DSA led the group to plan for the coming programs.

St. Xavier’s English School, Chaibasa
The School reopened on 15th June, 2015 after the summer Vacation. ICSE Result 2015 was declared on 18th May. The school had every reason to celebrate – it was a resounding 100% pass result. Seven students capped with feather with overall marks above 90%.Highest marks of 93.2% was achieved by Ghanshyam Bandiya. 40 students got distinction while 55 students secured first class.

On 16th June, St Xavier’s School family celebrated the birthday of our dear Principal, Sr. Sheetal. A wonderful cultural programme was organized in the school.

Our new school council took oath in the Investiture ceremony on 19th June. Sr. Jancy, our Vice Principal Presided over the ceremony. This Year, the council members were elected by teachers based on student’s academics as well as personality. The students are busy with the term exams now. And we are hoping for the best results.  (Sr. Jancy UMI)

Damien Social Welfare Centre (DSWC), Dhanbad


On 19th July 2015 a long standing dream of Damien Social Welfare Centre (DSWC), Dhanbad started to become true, when Most Rev Felix Toppo, SJ, along with Arup Chaterjee, MLA Nirsa, BD Laroia, the Governing Body member of DSWC, D Kumar a close associate of Nirmala School, Govindpur and hundrends of people from close by village participated in the earth breaking ceremony of Vocational Training center of DSWC at Kaladih, close to Nirmala General & Leprosy Hospital.  On this occasion the hostellers of Nirmala put up a remarkable cultural programme.

When DSWC had a Vocational Training Institution at Gomoh, then Director of DSWC Rev. Fr Vijay Bhat had planned to shift the VTI to Kaladih, as it is closer to Dhanbad town. Unfortunately VTI, Gomoh had to close down for various reasons. Now once again VTI is being started to conduct formal technical training like Fitter and Electrician and non formal training like wielding, Beautician course, tailoring so that 10th passed as well as school drop outs boys and girls could benefit from it. Let us hope for a better future. (Fr. Vipin Pani)

Confirmation in Adra, July 5, 2015
On arrival in Adra on the eve of Confirmation day, in spite of a drizzle, Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. was given a rousing welcome by Frs. A. Alphonse and Puthumai Raj along with the parishioners. Young dancing belles led the Bishop to the Church where a well arranged and well attended Benediction was conducted for half an hour. Thereafter the Bishop had meetings, first, with the women representatives of the parish and then with the members of the parish council.

On Sunday, during the Solemn Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 34 young boys and girls. The Church was beautifully decorated. The liturgy was well arranged and the singing was melodious and devotional. After the Eucharistic Celebration, a cultural programme was presented by the children and the parishioners in the Jubilee Hall. Everyone enjoyed the good singing and meaningful one act play. Thereafter, everyone had a fellowship meal. Congratulations to Frs. Alphonse A, Puthumai Raj, the Confirmees, the parishioners for the active participation in making the day a joyous and memorable one.

ST. MARY’S ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL: BISTUPUR
Annual prize night was celebrated with great fervor on 3rd and 4th July at the school auditorium. Rev Bishop Felix Toppo was our chief guest. The programme began with an invocation dance by our students followed by the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. The principal Fr. David Vincent welcomed the gathering which was followed by the presentation of the annual report. The dance team enthralled the audience with their performance. The chief guest motivated the students with his inspiring talk and congratulated the principal and the staff for their efforts.
The parent teacher meeting was held on 17th July. The programme began with the interaction session conducted by the Lions Club; they touched upon the topic on adolescence and this meeting was specially organized for the parents of Std VII & VIII. This programme aimed at providing the parents an insight in to our school and to seek their help in shaping the future of their ward. The programme also focused on school rules, issues that the parents need to pay attention to and on accompanying the teenagers, as this is a crucial period of their life and as they need to develop confidence in themselves; thus helping them to start believing in their knowledge limits. The parents appreciated and thanked the Principal Fr. David Vincent for organizing such thought provoking session. Well done Father. (Sr. Mariam)
BIRTHDAY BABIES - AUGUST
Date
Name
01
James Surin
04
Amatus Kujur
05
Cornelius Tigga
08
John Crasta
08
Nobert Kindo
23
Johny P.D
28
Augustine Topno


BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS

AUGUST 2015
03
Mon
04.00 pm
Meeting in SAC with the Staff and Members
Ranchi
08
Sat
04.00 pm
Recollection for Priests and Nuns
Golmuri
09
Fri
06.00 pm
Feast Day Eucharistic Celebration- St. Dominic’s Prarthanalaya

Birsanagar
12
Wed
09.30 am
JDES Meeting
Golmuri
13
Thur
09.30 am
Diocesan Finance Committee Meeting
Golmuri
15
Sat
07.00 am
Confirmation and Pastoral Visitation
Basahatu
22
Sat
10.30 am
Mass at MCs Baradwari
JSR
25-28


SCC Convention
Pune


NEW TRANSFERS AND APPOINTMENTS
Fr. Gyanprakash Topno
Spokesperson/PRO of CBCI
Delhi
Fr. Robert Toppo
Parish Priest
Mosabani
Dn. Baldeo Hembrom
Diaconate Ministry
Mosabani
Bro. Petrus Guria
Regency
Goilkera


Wish You all the Best !