Monday, November 30, 2015



                                                                Diocese of Jamshedpur

Vol. 45 No. 12                                    Private Circulation Only                  December – 2015

                                            
Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur wishes you all a Blessed Christmas

&

Happy New Year, 2016


                 CHRISTMAS: MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S LOVE AND MERCY

Dear brothers and sisters,

The very word “Christmas” triggers in our mind and heart a spirit of joy and celebration. We do celebrate Christmas liturgically with great faith, devotion and joy. We also express our internal joy and happiness externally by singing, dancing, fellowship meal, etc. All these celebrations, if done moderately, are good. What is more important is to meditate on the mystery of Christmas. We should keep in mind that the solemnity of the Lord’s birth celebrates the mystery of the incarnation by which the Word of God humbled himself to share our humanity in order that he might enable us to become sharers of his divinity. Why did the Second Person of the Holy Trinity incarnate? Why did he want to share his divinity with us? Why did he humble himself? The only right answer is: because God is Love and he loves us immensely. The Word became flesh so that we might know God’s love: In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. “For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son, so that those who believe in him may not perish, but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).

We needed to be saved because of the original sin. By this sin the first human beings disobeyed the commandment of God, choosing to follow their own will rather than God’s will. As a consequence they lost the grace of original holiness, and became subject to the law of death; sin became universally present in the world. Besides the personal sin of Adam and Eve, original sin describes the fallen state of human nature which affects every person born into the world and from which Christ: the “New Adam” came to redeem us, to save us.

The word Jesus in Hebrew means “God saves”. At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel gave him the name Jesus as his proper name, which expresses both his identity and mission. Since God alone can forgive sins, it is God who, in Jesus his eternal Son made man, “will save his people from their sins.” The name “Jesus” signifies that the very name of God is present in the person of his Son, made man for the universal and definitive redemption from sins.

The word “Christ” comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah, which means “anointed”. He was anointed by the Holy Spirit of the Lord at once as a king, priest and prophet. To the shepherds the angel announced the birth of Jesus as the Messiah promised to Israel, “To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11).

Let us also keep in mind that this Divine Saviour, the Promised Messiah was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven’s glory was made manifest. A humble Virgin, Mary of Nazareth, today brings into the world the Eternal. The earth offers a cave for this divine event. The angels and shepherds praise this divine Child. The magi advance with the help of the star. Human beings cannot comprehend the Wisdom of God’s ways. Yet we praise God: “For today a Son has been born to us, a Son has been given to us, and dominion has been laid on his shoulders; and this is the name he has been given: Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal Father, Prince-of-Peace” (Is 9:5).

This Mary of Nazareth was born of two saints: Anne and Joachim. She had not only a good soul as many others have, not only a continuous increase of goodness because of her good will, not only an immaculate body but had an immaculate soul. In her every grace and virtue was gathered together. She was the loving daughter of God, the delight of the Trinity. God created her for himself and for the salvation of mankind. God created her to be the bearer of the Saviour, the New Temple and the Living Paradise. She was created to be the Mother of God. In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father’s eternal Son, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. She played a very important role with Jesus Christ in our salvation. In fact, she is, in true sense, the Co-Redemptress with Jesus the Redeemer. During Christmas we rejoice with her and thank her for bringing to us Jesus who is both true God and true man.

Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus, the Prince of Peace comes to us bringing a message of Peace, Love. But we know that the Peace which Jesus offers is blasphemed and the Love he gives is mocked and jeered at. In many countries, many people celebrate Christmas without his Holy Name. His Holy Name has been abolished and they take the day of His Birth as a great holiday of leisure, worshipping idols.

Christmas is a true manifestation of God’s eternal Love and Mercy. “Today you will know that the Lord will come, and he will save us, and in the morning you will his glory.” (Ex 16:6-7)  We wait in hope for our redemption and welcome God’s Only Begotten Son as our Redeemer. May we merit to face him confidently when he comes again as our judge. May Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus the man and Jesus the God be our true Mother!

May we understand that Christmas is a Manifestation of God’s Love and Mercy! May we have a grace-filled and joyful Christmas! 

                                                                                                                       Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J.

St. Mary’s English High school, Bistupur




XIBIO, The interschool cultural fest is a much awaited event every year. It was held on 20th of November at XLRI.The Student Council under the able guidance of the teachers and with the help of the student body planned every detail with precision and organized a plethora of events for the students from various schools of the city. Several competitions pertaining to analytical skills, writing skills and entertainment were organized .It was heartening to see the team spirit,unity,innovation,enthusiasm and high energy levels that prevailed on the campus. As expected all their hard work paid rich dividends and XIBIO was a grand success. Congratulations to Fr. David Vincent for his encouragement and support to the students to show case their talents to organize such a wonderful programme.

The children’s day celebration was awesome and colourful. The teachers had organized quiz, Parliament, Man ki bath and a lovely colourful dance and song by the teachers; the children enjoyed every bit of the programme. A big thanks to all the dedicated and committed teachers of St.Mary’s family .May God Bless you.

In order to keep fit and healthy our Principal Fr. David took the initiative to start the gymnasium and the new music room at Junior Block .It was inaugurated on 23rd November by the honourableChief Guest Mr. Charles Boromeo and Fr. Chonas. Thanks to Fr David for his dream for the school as well as all round development of the students. (Sr. Mariam)

Confirmations in Sonari and Chakradharpur
Infant Jesus Church, Sonari and Christ the King Church, Chakradharpur had Confirmations on November 1, 2015 and November 15, 2015 respectively. Whereas Infant Jesus Church had 24confirmees, Christ the King Church had 131 of them. In Sonari the Confirmation Mass was held in the New Loyola Auditorium which was able to accommodate a large number of the faithful. In Chakradhapur the whole Church was packed with the faithful. Bishop was happy with the preparation and arrangements made for the Confirmation in both places. The choir parties in both places sang beautifully and devotionally. Confirmation certificates were given in both places to all the Confirmees. Congratulations to Fr. Xavier Ekka,S.J. and Fr. Richard Miranda and their co-workers!

Priestly Ordination of Deacon Prince Dhibash



It was a memorable day for Deacon Prince Dhibash who was ordained a priest on November 19, 2015 in St. Mathew’s Church, Pallam of the Diocese of Kottar. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J., the Ordaining Bishop arrived at 5.00 pm in Pallam where he was given a very touching welcome with a bit garland, a traditional shawl and a classical dance. Even though this was 38th priestly ordination in the parish, the beautiful Church on the sea shore was full with the faithful. The choir sang beautifully and devotionally. Rev. Fr. Sahay Thasan Offered the  Holy Eucharist in Tamil and the Bishop performed the ordination rite. Others from Jamshedpur Diocese present were: Fr. Roque Cardoza, Fr. James Quadros and Deacon Jayraj Ignatius. 

After the ordination Mass all the participants had the fellowship meal. On the following day the new Priest Prince Dhibash had his first Mass in the same Church. Bishop Felix experienced not only the deep faith and devotion of the faithful, but also their love and hospitality. During his two-day stay in Nagercoil, Bishop Felix visited Vivekananda Memorial at Kanya Kumari and the Fishing harbour in Muttom. Congratulation to Rev. Fr. Prince and wish you all the best for your Ministry.

Christ the King Procession at Jamshedpur


The annual Christ the King Procession of Jamshedpur Denary was held on 22nd November, 2015. The Infant Jesus Church, Sonari, under the leadership of Fr. Xavier Ekka, S.J organized the procession. The Catholics of Jamshedpur gathered at Loyola School Grounds at 1.30 p.m. After the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, with prayers of praise and worship the procession slowly moved out of Loyola Grounds; going through the main roads of Jamshedpur city, reached back to Loyola Grounds at 3.30 p.m. This year all the parishioners of each parish stayed together in the procession. It helped them to recite prayers and sing hymns together as a parish community. Area leaders of every parish were seen moving up and down to manage the crowds and have an orderly procession in a prayerful atmosphere. Bishop was the main celebrant for the Benediction and Eucharist celebration. The people were very happy to have taken part in a well arranged procession and Eucharistic liturgy. Kudos to Fr. Xavier and his parish team. (Fr. Edwin Coelho)

St. Xavier’s English School, Chakradharpur
November ushers in winter. With winter come the expectations of celebrations. The inter house quiz competition was held on the 7th of November. Preparations for the quiz were on much in advance with the house in-charges coaching the children relentlessly. In the juniors Red House romped home by a huge margin. Blue House came a distant second. In the seniors the competition was very close. Green House stood first; for the second place there was a tie which was decided by a tie breaker in which yellow house got over blue house.

Children’s day was celebrated in the school with a twist this year. The programme started with lighting the lamp which was followed by a prayer dance by the female teachers. Ms. Chaitali Ghosh then gave a speech on children day. The teachers put up games and food stalls which was a new addition to the children’s day celebration. Like every year there was a cricket match between the staff and students. There too was a twist. For the first time the students were able to defeat the staff in a closely fought contest.

Preparations are ongoing for the upcoming football tournament and the Xavier’s day celebration. (Mr. Theodosius)

The Annual Feast of Khuntpani


The annual feast of Khuntpani in remembrance of the 143rd anniversary of the first baptism of tribals in Chotanagpur was celebrated with grandeur on 8th November 2015. From early morning onwards faithful from far and wide began to fill the beautifully decked campus. The celebration began with Eucharistic adoration led by Fr. Michael Deogam, Sr. Michael OSU and the parishioners of Chakradharpur. At the start of Mass, a long queue of girls from Chaibasa Parish dancing to the melodious tune of mandar led the celebrants Most Rev. VinayKandulna, (Khunti), Most Rev. AnandJojo, (Hazaribag), Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J. (Jamshedpur) and over five dozens Priests to the altar after the traditional rituals were performed at the SmritiPathar.

Bishop Vinay Kandulna, who presided over the Solemn Eucharistic celebration spoke to the  crowd about Our Lord Jesus Christ who came as the light to show us the path, to heal us and to protect us. Fr. Michael Deogam later translated his homily into Ho for the convenience of many faithful. The Chaibasa Parish choir with their lyrical hymns and the occasional commentary in Hindi and Ho languages made the liturgy more meaningful and prayerful. The students of Jhinkpani Parish contributed a beautiful Bible procession while girls from Chakradharpur Parish performed Aarti to the Eucharistic Lord.

Immediately after the Mass a short felicitation programme was organised in honour of Bishops and the guests who were presented with a shawl by Fr. James Quadros. This was also an occasion to mark the year of Consecrated Life and as a token of appreciation for the work and mission of the Religious of Chaibasa deanery, Fr. Halan Bodra presented a memento to every Parish Priest and Superior of Religious Houses present there. Hearty congratulations to Frs. James Quadros, Halan Bodra and the local community who made wonderful arrangements for the Khuntpani Feast, which as some commented, was ‘the best’ in all respect. (Fr. Dileep Marandi)

Purnima Mela in St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre\Parish, Golmuri


In St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre\Parish Purnimal Mela was organized on November 14th and 15th evenings. This Melawas the result of the hard work and cooperation of the parishioners and the members of St. Joseph’s Welfare Centre. The main intention of this mela was to foster love, service, brotherhood, peace and harmony. People from all walks of life and religion came forward to give this mela their whole hearted support. The main attraction of the mela was variety of stalls catering to the tastes of the old and young alike. Congratulation to Fr. Camille, Pradeep and team for the success of this Mela. (Fr. Pradeep Marandi)

Mosabani Parish
On 1st of November, a meeting was called for all the neighbouring priests to plan out for the forth coming Christ the king feast and Christmas Milan. On 2nd of November,All Soul Day, there was a solemn mass and prayer service in the cemetery. On 8th of November many of parishioners went to Khutpani for Annual Pilgrimage; it was well arranged by the Fr. Cornelius and his team. On 11th of November one day seminar was organized for the Parish youth and children. This seminar was conducted by Fr. Cornelious and Deacon Baldeo. Christ the King Feast was held on 15th of November at St. Joseph’s School ground Mosabani. Three neighbouring parishes came together for the Christ the King feast and procession. 14th Priests were present for the celebration. Fr. Elias presided over the Eucharistic Celebration while Fr. Peter enriched the people with the homily. It was Fr. Tom who led the people in to the Benediction. At the end delicious food was served for everybody.  On 29th November, medical camp was organized by St. Joseph’s Hospital Bhilai Pahari at the Kantasola Mass Centre. Many people came in for the camp and benefited from the camp. (Dn. Baldeo)


National Eucharistic Congress– Bombay

The curtain came down on the 4-day National Eucharistic Congress of India on Sunday, in Mumbai, with delegates from all of the country's dioceses pledging themselves to nourish others having been nourished by the Eucharist.  The ‎theme of the Nov. 12-15 Eucharistic congress, held in the Pius X Seminary, Goregaon was, “Nourished by Christ, to Nourish Others”.  The ‎Eucharistic Congress commemorated ‎‎50 years of  Blessed Pope Paul  VI’s visit to India, Dec 2-5, 1964, to celebrate the 38th ‎International Eucharistic Congress in Bombay, today called ‎Mumbai.

Representing our diocese Fr. Anil Dang S.J., Sr. Michael OSU, Mr, Ignatious Orao, Mr. Felix Roy and Mrs. Pushpa Surin along with our Bishop Felix Toppo attended the National Eucharistic Congress.

Vincentian Ashram and Divya Jyoti Renewal Centre, Sundarnagar


Divya Jyoti Renewal Centre made its noble entry at the diocese of Jamshedpur with three days of Bible Convention, on 20, 21 and 22 of November 2015. The Bible convention was lead by the Vincentian Preachers Frs. Binoy Puthiyedath, Joby Palatty, Thomas Palaparmbil  and Paul Pynadath on the first two days. On the third day, the preaching was conducted by Rev. Fr. Anil Dev IMS. On these days of convention, we registered an attendance between 1500 to 2000. A multitude came our Diocese and others from; Raurkela, Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti, Simdega, Kolkatta, Daltonganj, Asansol and Sambalpur.

Amidst the Bible Convention Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhy VC, Asst. Superior General of the Vincentian Congregation, inaugurated Vincentian Ashram and Divya Jyoti Renewal Centre. Our Bishopji, Most. Rev. Dr. Felix Toppo, S.J, Blessed the Ashram and Rev. Fr. David Vincent our Vicar General did the blessing of the grotto.

We have decided to commence the function of the Divya Jyoti Retreat Centre from the month of February 2016.
  • Holy Mass and Adoration of Holy Sacrament; every day morning 9 am to 4 pm evening.
  • One day Retreat; at second Saturday of the every month from morning 9 am to 4 pm.
  • Residential Retreat; It begins every month first Sunday evening 5 pm to Friday 9 am (5 days fee: 200/-)
  • For more details; Fr. Francis VC (07070015758) and Fr. Thomas VC (09470374995)  
We very cordially welcome all of you in Jesus Christ to participate the ministries of Divya Jyoti, Jamshedpur. (Fr. Francis VC)


AN INDIAN PASTOR IN AN AMERICAN PARISH:                                                                                                            
In the United States of America there are many Indian Pastors from many dioceses in India working in American Parishes. In the early part of October, 2015 I was fortunate to witness for a few days the life and work of our very own priest from Jamshedpur Diocese in the State of Indiana.

Rev. Fr. Cyril Fernandes with a pleasant and friendly personality and who always has smile on his face needs no introduction to the readers of the Jamshedpur Diocesan News Letter. He was born on 22nd July 1960 in Bellur Parish of Mangalore Diocese in a very religious family. Fr.Cyril has five brothers and one sister. He is the eldest in the family.After completing his studies he joined the Jamshedpur Diocese’s at a very young age of 20 years. After completing his priestly studies Fr. Cyril was ordained a priest on 4th May, 1988.

Where ever Fr. Cyril was posted be it a school or parish he worked hard and left his mark there. In Chaibasa he established the St. Xavier’s English school for the tribal children. He spent a long time working in the prison ministry and regularly visited the Chiabasa District Central Prison. After working for over13 years in various parishes and schools of the diocese Fr. Cyril was assigned a foreign mission posting as Pastor. In the U.S.A there is a shortage of priests hence the need of Indian Priest to help and serve the laity in the parish. There are many Indian priests working as Pastors in American parishes.

Rev. Fr. Cyril’s first posting as Pastor was in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He worked very hard there for over twelve years and endeared himself to all the parishioners. Even after his transfer to South Bend his present posting he is still very much sought after by the parishioners who never forget to call him for various joyous occasions such as baptisms, weddings and anniversaries. When I was taken to visit his old parish, Fort Wayne, he was hailed as well as stopped on the way in and out by many of the parishioners who came to greet and exchange pleasantries.

In South Bend, Fr. Cyril is Pastor to two Parishes – Saint Hedwig and Saint Patrick – situated close to each other. The former parish was established in 1877 by Polish immigrants and St. Patrick’s was established in 1858 by Irish immigrants. Both the churches are historical monuments built with Gothic architecture. Weekday masses are held in both the churches. On Monday and Tuesday Eucharist Liturgy is held at 12:15 p.m. at St. Hedwig. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 12: 15 p.m. at St. Patrick church. On weekdays – Saturday Liturgy is held at 4:00 p.m. at St. Hedwig on Sundays Liturgy is held at 8:00 a.m. at St Hedwig and at St. Patrick’s at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. However, during the week the daily morning liturgy is held at 8:00a.m. at St. Patrick Parish Center Chapel. The parishioners are very supportive financially and very committed to help out in the various parish activities. The church does not have a dedicated sacristan. It is the lay people who help the parish priest in conducting the Holy Eucharist every day.

The participation of the laity is indeed very encouraging and appreciable. For services for daily / Sunday services in both the churches the single parish bulletin is printed every week which carries the names of parishioners who are assigned various liturgical services such as taking care of the sanctuary lamp, Rosary Society Prayer line, Liturgical Ministers comprises of Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) Altar Servers for weekday and Sunday services. Parishioners who are interested in serving for the above liturgical activities are requested to call the parish office and register their names. Those who are new are provided training so as to carry out the responsibilities in a solemn and dignified manner.

Fr. Cyril Fernandesis assisted by a Parochial Vicar Rev. David Kashangaki, CS.C. He does not reside in the parish rectory. Rev. Camillo Tirabassi, a retired priest resides in the house and the Pastor takes care of him.  Fr. Cyril has no cook or driver. He has to cook his own meals and is indeed very good at it.  He has to drive for miles his own car. He is available in the parish office from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a lunch break from 12 noon to 1: 00 p.m. He is assisted by the Parochial Vicar and two lay staff. Often as per the need of the Parish lay people came and assist the Pastor in carrying out the various activities of both the parishes. Rev. Fr. Cyril often helps in the Liturgical services in the neighboring parishes whenever the local pastor is unable to officiate.  Attached to the parish is the Hedwig Memorial Center, a large and spacious hall next to the Presbytery. It generates much needed funds by rentals for various occasions. It also has a bar and a well equipped kitchen serving popular and delicious polish and Irish delicacies. 

Apart from his parochial ministries Fr. Cyril has a kitchen garden which supply him on daily basis the different vegetables and fruits. He spends sometime in maintaining a beautiful garden in front of the presbytery and the two churches. Indeed the life as a Pastor in an American Parish is hard and full of problems. But Rev. Fr. Cyril Fernandes very well manages and delivers. He is very much loved by his parishioners and is a very much sought after for all occasions. Despite his very busy parochial schedule he attends the Notre Dame University to complete his Doctoral studies.He works to pay for his tuition.Many of our Diocesan Priests have visited and stayed with Fr. Cyril, I am sure they will vouchsafe that indeed the life of a Pastor is tough and full of challenges.
                                                                                                                (Vincent Richard Athaide)
                                                            **************************

  
The Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur cordially invites 

-          All the Priests, Religious and faithful to the Diaconate Ordination of Bros. Sushil Dungdungand Alfred Balmuchu by Most. Rev. Bishop Felix Toppo, S.J. on December 10, 2015, at 5:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri, Jamshedpur.

-          All the Priests and Religious for the ‘Annual Priests and Religious Meeting’ and for the Christmas Get-together along with the Closing Ceremony of the Year of Consecrated Life in our Diocese on 17th December, 2015 at 09.30 am at the Bishop’s House, Golmuri. 

Please inform the Bishop’s House (Fr Edwin 7763032025 or Fr Jilson 8521608509) the number of the members attending the same.
                                                                                                                                                        

BIRTHDAY BABIES – November
Date
Name
04
  JUNAS BHENGRA
04
AJAY TIRU


BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS
DECEMBER 2015
01
Tue
09.30 am
               Golden Jubilee of OSU Holy Nuns
   CKP   
02
Wed
05.00 pm
             St. Mary’s School Annual Celebration
Noamundi
05
Sat
08.30 am
         Sr. Vijay Kanta: Diamond Jubilee, Loadih
Ranchi
06
Sun
04.00 pm
                  A.C. School Diamond Jubilee
Dhanbad
07
Mon
AM-PM
           From Dhanbad to Kolkata to Chennai      

08
Tue
AM-PM
        Cardinal Cardijn International Convention
Mamallapuram
09
Wed
AM-PM
               From Chennai to Kolkata to JSR

10
Thur
05.00 pm
Diaconate Ordinations of Bros. Sushil Dungdung and Alfred Balmuchu in St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Golmuri
12
Sat
05.00 pm
  St Joseph’s Hospital: Anniversary, GB Meeting, Mass
Bhilai Pahari

13

Sun
08.00 am
Opening of the Holy Door of Mercy in the Cathedral
Golmuri
10.00 am
  Platinum Jubilee of Sr. Margaret Mary, 100 yrs.
Pardih
14
Mon
09.30 am
     Bishops and Major Superiors Meeting at SDC
Ranchi
16
Wed
03.00 pm
Inauguration of the Upper Flor of the Com. College
Mango
17
Thur
09.30 am
            Priest and Religious Annual Meeting
JSR
19
Sat

            Diamond Jubilee of De Nobili School
Digwadih
27
Sun
09.00 am
                  Parish Feast and Confirmation
Purulia
28
Mon
09.00 am
Priestly Ordination: Deacon Ranjit Roshan Minj, SJ
  Anandpur
30
Wed

                       Kolkata to Mangalore

31
Thur
09.00 a.m.
     Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee: Fr. C.R. Prabhu
Mangalore


The Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur Congratulates Fr. C.R. Prabhu on the occasion of his Golden Priestly Jubilee Celebrations and wishes him abundant blessings.


The Golden Priestly Jubilee Celebrations of Fr. C. R. Prabhu will be held on 31st December 2015 at                                     10.am at St. Michael’s Church, Belloor, Mangalore.

The Celebrations in the diocese will be held on 2nd February, 2015 at 9.30 am at St. Joseph’s       Cathedral, Jamshedpur followed by felicitation programme at  the Welfare Centre.