Three New Deacons for the Archdiocese

On 29th September 2018, Bros. Naresh, Manoj, and Roshan were ordained deacons for the Archdiocese of Patna. Most Rev. William D'souza SJ, the Archbishop of Patna ordained them.

50 Years for the Lord
Fr. Jose Mattathilani

 

 Rev. Fr. Jose Mattathilani celebrated his Golden Jubilee of his priestly ordination on 28th September 2018, at St. Joseph's Pro-cathedral, Bankipur, Patna. Present to grace the occasion were his relatives, friends, religious, priests, the coadjutor, and Archbishop. Fr. Jose thanked the Lord for His grace and Strength. He was the main celebrant and homilist. Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupur, coadjutor of Archdiocese of Patna in message termed him as simple, deeply spiritual. Most William D;souza SJ, thanked him for service and added the people gathered here is the witness to his ministry. The celebration ended with agape at the ground of St. Joseph's Convent School (Bihar Board).

 

Congratulations

Rev. Fr. S. Peter who completed his 25 years of sacerdotal ordination. On 22^nd August, 2018, Archdiocese celebrated his silver Jubilee at Sewa Kendra, Patna with thanksgiving Mass in which Archbishop William D’Souza, S.J., Coadjutor Bishop Sebastian Kallupura and 45 Archdiocesan Priests were present.  At present Fr. S. Peter is the Parish Priest of Gulni Parish

Installation of Coadjutor Bishop

Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupura

 

The Laity, Religious, and Priests of Patna Archdiocese are extremely privileged to witness the great event of the Church in Bihar.  On 10^th August 2018, the newly elected Coadjutor Bishop was installed officially in a Eucharistic Celebration held at St. Joseph’s Pro-cathedral, Bankipur, of Archdiocese of Patna.  There were 80 priests from various dioceses of Bihar, above 400 Religious, and Laity present to welcome the Coadjutor Bishop of Patna, Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupura.  He arrived at the Archbishop’s House, and was led by the Archbishop William D’souza, S.J., and the priests, and congregation to the Pro-cathedral, where the Coadjutor spent some time in prayer.

The Eucharistic Celebration began at 10.30 AM, which was presided over by his Grace William D’souza, S.J., concelebrated by Most Rev. Kurien Valiakandathil, Bishop of Bhagalpur, Most Rev. Cajetan Francis Osta, Bishop of Muzaffarpur, and Most Rev. Peter Sebastian Goveas, Bishop of Bettiah, and many priests from Bihar.  All the priests and bishops were welcomed by a beautiful and prayerful welcome dance by the Candidates of Notre Dame Congregation. 

Rev. Fr. James Amakatt, the Vicar General of Buxar Diocese introduced the Coadjutor Bishop Most. Rev. Sebastian Kallupura.  In his address he said, “Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupura, was born on 14 July 1953 in Teekoy under Pala Diocese in Kerala. When he was two years old, his family migrated to Kottiyoor now under Mananthavady Diocese. After having completed schooling at Kelakam, he responded to God’s call to be a missionary in Bihar, by joining Mission Home, Pala in 1971. After the intermediate studies in Pala from 1973 to 1975, he did his philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. Thereafter in 1979, he graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi and did his Theological studies from Papal Seminary, Pune. He completed B.Ed. in 1984 form St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. On 14 May 1984 his sacerdotal ordination took place at his home parish Kottiyoor in Mananthavady Diocese.

As a priest of the Archdiocese of Patna, Bishop Sebastian has served in various capacities. He was assistant pastor at Jehanabad in 1984 and at Mokama in 1985. He was Parish Priest of Sikendra for 5 years from 1986 to 1991 and the Parish Priest of Mokama for 8 years from 1991 to 1999. After a year of spirituality course in Bangalore, he served as the asst. diocesan treasurer of Patna diocese. Then he was appointed as the Director of Sewa Kendra, Patna from 2003 to 2009. He was also the Director of Bihar Social Forum in 2009. He was nominated Bishop of the diocese of Buxar on 7 April 2009 and consecrated its Bishop on 21^st June the same year. He was appointed as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Archdiocese of Patna by Holy Father Pope Francis on 29^th June, 2018. He is also the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Buxar till another Bishop is appointed for Buxar.

Most Rev. William D’souza SJ, began the Eucharistic Celebration. He explained the importance and the need of a Coadjutor Bishop in the Archdiocese of Patna. After the proclamation of the Gospel Rev. Fr. Prem Prakash, Vicar General of Patna Archdiocese read out the Decree of Most. Rev. Sebastian Kallupura’s appointment as Coadjutor received from the Apostolic Nuncio and handed it over to the Bishop which was shown to the College of Consulters and in the presence of Chancellor of the Curia. 

Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupura gave the homily in which he clearly stated about his vision and mission in the Archdiocese.  At culmination of the Holy Mass, Fr. Prem Prakash acknowledged each and every one for the valuable services and hard works to make the day a successful one.  By expressing his heartfelt appreciation to Fr. Prem, Archbishop blessed the congregation and ended the Holy Mass.  Thereafter all the invited guests were led to St. Joseph’s School for the fellowship meal. The Archdiocese prays for the Coadjutor and his mission

Church Blessing at Jahanabad Parish:  

  

4^th August, 2018, on Feast of St. John Mary Vianney,   a newly erected Church at Jahanadad Parish was blessed and dedicated to Divine Mercy. The blessing and dedication ceremony was presided over by Archbishop William D’ Souza,S.J in the presence Bishop Sebastian of Buxar Diocese and Bishop Cajetan of Muzaffarpur Diocese. 45 priests concelebrated with the archbishop. 

Sister Roshni, the Superior General of Sacred Heart and Sr. Surbhi, the Provincial of Sacred Heart were also present for the function. The ceremony began with a magnificent reception of Bishops and Priests with Band Baza. 

The whole ceremony of blessing and dedication of the Church was a kind of admiration and marvel for the people, for majority of them witnessed it for the first time in their life so far. Congratulations and big thanks to Fr. Robert Kumar, the Parish Priest for his hard work to complete the Church construction within two years. Patna Archdiocese is very grateful to the benefactors who helped with their financial support to construct a Church for the people of Jahanabad. 

Canonization of Mother Teresa

St. Mother Teresa 

Prayer for us 

 

New Letter September-October 2016

Archbishop’s Programme

September

1-3                          Visit to the Parishes          

4                              Gaya

7-8                          Barh

8              PM         Mass at Raja Bazar

14                           Feast Day Mass at Fairfield

18                           Mass at Patna City

19-28                     1976 Ordination batch mates’ Retreat at Goa

28-30                     Jaipur

October

4                              Patna

5                              Jubilee Mass at Fairfield

8                              Jubilee Mass at Sherpur

9-10                        Bettiah

16                           Bankipur Parish Day

23                           Chakaram Parish

24-31                     Ordination of Dn. Jayson SJ at       Mangalore

The months of July and August have been time of busy schedule with meetings, reporting and celebrations for the Archbishop. He made a friendly visit to all the parishes in the beginning of July, spent time with the priests, sisters, expressing his solidarity and gratitude to everyone who has been contributing to the mission of the Archdiocese. On 10^th July, he blessed the newly built boys’ hostel at Bariarpur. He led a delegation of Catholic Council of Bihar for the Governing Body Meeting of Catholic Council of India, at Hyderabad form 25^th to 31^st July. On 4^th August, he met Rev. Fr. Mariolino, the Provincial of Josephites of Murialdo. On 7^th August, he left for Ranchi to attend the meeting of the Executive Committee of Medical College. On 10^th morning, he received the members of Caritas Switzerland. He made a flying visit to Mangalore to attend a jubilee celebration. He was in Mokama from 17 to 18^th to speak to the Regional Secretaries of the Regional Commissions, and the Bishops. On 18^th the Catholic Council of Bihar met the Archbishop, along with the other Bishops of the Region. On 21^st, he left for Bettiah to celebrate thanksgiving Mass along with the Domincians for the existence of the Order of Preachers for last 800 years. On 22^nd evening, the Provincial of FIHM met the Archbishop. On 25^th he visited the Sacred Heart Brothers’ Community at Biharsharif, along with the Superior General, Very Rev. Bro. Victor Dass, SHJ. He also visited the flood affected areas in Bhakiyarpur, and Fatwa, and expressed his solidarity. He assured his support and encouraged the sisters, and priests.  On 27^th he visited Maner, and Danapur. He offered the Holy Eucharist and celebrated the Mahila Diwas at St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral, Bankipure, encouraging the mothers to follow the footsteps of St. Monica. On 30^th he was the chief guest for the Founder’s Day at Patna Women’s College.

Blessing of the Boys Hostel at Bariarpur Parish: The Archbishop William D’ Souza, S.J., blessed and inaugurated the newly constructed hostel for the boys at Barriarpur on 10^th July, 2016.  Congratulations to Fr. Rakesh Roshan for his initiative and hard work to put up a beautiful hostel. Heartfelt thanks to all the benefactors for their generous contribution.

St. Xavier’s Colleges observed the Feast Day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Patna: On Saturday, St. Xavier’s College and St. Xavier’s College of Management and Technology jointly celebrated the Feast Day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the mystic, preacher and founder of the Society of Jesus. The ceremony began with the lighting of the sacred lamp and garlanding of the portrait of the revered saint by the chief guest Fr. Prem Prakash, the Vicar General, Archdiocese of Patna. Students of the college presented the life sketch of St. Ignatius of Loyola through a dance-drama which was much appreciated. While addressing the students, the chief guest said, “I wish to see a new heaven and new earth where everyone respects each other and where there is justice and peace in the society. You have to change for yourself and build a better society.” He added that if you choose life you are alive; if you choose death you are dead. He also spoke about the contribution of the Jesuits in Bihar in bringing dignity to human lives. On the occasion Father Dr. Sushil Bilung SJ, Father Dr. Rajkumar SJ and Dr. Anurag Ambastha were felicitated for being awarded Ph.D degrees recently. Guest of Honour Nutan Chaudhary, Team Leader of Cambridge English Language Assessment handed certificates to students for their performance in extracurricular activities.

De-addiction Ministry: A De-addiction workshop was organized at Navjyoti Niketan, Patna from the 14th July to 17th July 2016 noon. There were 39 participants from Barh, Bakhtiarpur, Buxar, Patna, Bettiah, Ratanpurwa, Maner and Hajipur. Topics that were taken up were Addiction, Withdrawal Symptoms, Relapse, and Denial, effects of Alcohol on the Body, Counseling, Self Help Groups- Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon and Al-Ateen. The participants went through the sessions with eagerness and interest and were highly motivated to help addicts in their area.

Camp for the Youth: This year the Bihar state AICUF team held a summer camp in Chakaram youth centre, Patna from 24^th June -27^th June 2016 on the theme “LET US BE A BETTER ME FOR A BETTER TOMORROW”. The camp was held under the guidance of State Advisor Fr. Asit Lakra, This Camp was a three days workshop for college students on personality development, life coping skills and leadership. Students from Patna, Barh, Jamalpur, Gaya, Basauni, Roh and Nawada actively took part in this camp. There were around 70 participants including the state core team who attended the camp. Fr.Prem Prakash, the Vicar General of Patna Archdiocese was the main the celebrant for inaugural Mass. Resource persons for the camp were Fr. Sabu Devis, Mr. Surendra, Fr. James Andrew SJ, Fr. Gregory Gomes, SJ, Mr. Alfred, Mr. Tarun Simon and Mr. Chandan. Special invitees were Fr. T. Nishant SJ, the principal of St. Xavier’s college of Mgmt & Tech., Patna, Fr .Joseph Thadavanal SJ, Rector of St. Xavier’s college, Dr. Sr. Marie Jessie AC, Principal of Patna women’s college and Dr. Sr. Celine AC. On the last day Archbishop William D’souza SJ, was the Guest of honor for the Cultural Programme.

Flood in Bihar: Due to the release of water from Indrapuri Barrage and other rivers merging into Ganga River, made Ganga’s water to flow above the danger level.  Besides, a huge volume of water has been released from Bansagar dam and few rains it is expected that water level, which has reduced, may once again rise. As per the news, at least 37 persons have been killed while 31.33 lakh people affected in the Bihar floods with many areas, specially the riverine belt of 12 districts badly reeling under water in the state. As per the Disaster Management Department statement, the floods caused by a spate in rivers Ganga, Sone, Punpun, Burhi Gandak, Ghaghara and Kosi have affected 31.33 lakh people in 1,934 villages in 12 districts of the state.

The church campus of Bakhtiarpur, Bariarpur, Fatuah were under flood water and the ground floor at SCN convent at Bakhtiarpur was flooded. The Sisters had to shift all their belongings and the dispensary to the first floor. Archbishop William D’souza, S.J., visited these places and has directed Fr. Amal Raj, the Director of Sewa Kendra, Patna to help them with necessary requirements. The Samachar made an urgent appeal to all the members of the hierarchy and the leadership to encourage the community of faithful, institutions and people of goodwill to generously contribute to this humanitarian call and express their solidarity and support in time of need. Keeping in mind the urgency of the need, you may send your contribution to ‘Sewa Kendra’, A/C no. 18950100001625 (UCO bank, Digha Ghat, Patna).   

  

 Your Attention Please:

Patna Deanery: In preparation for the Vianny day celebrations, there was a day of recollection in Patna deanery conduced at Archbishops house on July 23, 2016. All the pastors and diocesan clergy of Patna met together at Archbishop’s house for a short meeting to decide on how to celebrate the sainthood of Mother Theresa and how to conclude the Year of Mercy in the Archdiocese. It was decided that we could have a Thanks giving Mass in every parish of Patna Deanery on September 11, 2016. In preparation for the same we could have a talk, adoration and confessions on the previous day. All the schools could hold the assembly at least for a week on the life of Mother Theresa. It may be good to screen a film on the Mother to the school children as well as to the parishioners. There could be a family gathering with a seminar on the Year of Mercy in each deanery. This year the theme for the Crus Veer rally, youth convention and Mahila Sangh convention could also be the Year of Mercy. We will have a grant conclusion on 20^th Nov, 2016 by a Eucharist procession from KHFH to Kurji Parish.

Gaya Deanery: For Gaya Deanery a day of Recollection was held on 18^th august, 2016 in which 42 priests and religious participated. Soon after the recollection they had a meeting to discuss how meaning fully we could celebrate the Sainthood of Mother Teresa.  Gaya deanery has decided to celebrate the Sainthood of Mother Teresa at Deanery level on 4^th September, 2016 at Gaya Parish. Archbishop William D’ Souza, S.J., will be the main celebrant to preside over the Mass on the occasion.   

  

Magadh Deanery:  A day of recollection was held on 25^th August, in which Rev. Fr. Jose Edavazhy gave the talk on the prophetic life of Elijah.  11 Priests participated. It was decided that on 26^th Nov, the Sainthood of Mother Teresa will be celebrated at Deanery level at St. Joseph’s Church, Nawada. Every parish of Magadh deanery will prepare and present items like tableau or skit or song or dance or dance drama on the theme of Year of Divine Mercy and life of St. Teresa of Kolkata.

New Team of Vocation Commission and Vocation Promoters: On 17^th July, 2016 Vocation Commission meeting was held at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Chakaram. During the meeting new members for the vocation Commission and vocation promoters have been appointed. New members for Vocation Commission are Archbishop William D’souza,S.J., Fr. Prem Prakash (V.G.), Fr. Jose Chirakal (Rector of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Chakaram), Fr. Peter Ladis and Fr. Dinesh Kumar. New Vocation promoters are Fr. Prem Prakash (V.G.), Fr. Jose Chirackal Fr. Peter Ladis, Fr. Jerome Dungdung, Fr. Asit Lakra, Fr. Bhagyaraj and Fr. Dinesh Kumar.

Girl Child Day: On the occasion of commemorating the birthday of Mother Mary, the CBCI Council for Women invites to celebrate the Girl Child Day on 8^th September, 2016. It is celebrated to raise awareness among people about all the inequalities faced by the girl child in the society.  On this girl child day, let us pray and make plans to promote the acceptance of girl children as a gift of God and ensure that every girl child is respected and valued in the family and society.

Family Commission: on 4^th and 5^th November, 2016 the Family Commission of Patna Archdiocese is arranging a 2 days programme to celebrate the “Year of Mercy” with the selected families of each Parish at Jyoti Bhawan, Mokama. Parish Priests of each Parish are requested to send only five families from their respective parishes. Presence of the Parish Priest along with the families of the parish will be more appreciated. Please contact Fr. Jose Edavazy, the family Commission In-charge of the Archdiocese for the details.    

Crus vir Rally: “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belong the kingdom of God” (Matt: 19:14). This year the rally will begin on 29^th October (P.M) to 1^st November 2016, which will be held in Mokama. The programme will end by lunch on the last day. The theme for the rally is “God’s merciful love”. Please prepare the children for the programme and send as many as possible for the same.

Junior Priests Recollection (under 10): Monthly recollection for the junior clergy is scheduled to be held on 30^th Sept. and 1^st October, 2016 at Mokama Parish. Recollection will begin at 6pm on 30^th Sep.

Junior Clergy Annual Retreat: Annual retreat for the junior Clergy of Patna Archdiocese is scheduled to be held in Velankanni, Tamilnadu from 14^th- 18^th November, 2016. Please book your tickets according to your convenience and inform Fr. Vicar General. Fr. Peter Ladis will accompany them.

Monthly Recollection and Annual Retreat for the Regents: Monthly recollection is scheduled to be held on 7-8 October, 2016 at Muzafferpur and Annual Retreat from 6^th- 12^th November, 2016 at Allahabad.

Dakharas (Mass Wine): There was some uncertainty regarding the Mass Wine since the ban on liquor in Bihar. The term Mass Wine is misleading and so the license to make Mass Wine has been cancelled by the authorities. All the same, we are told by the authorities that we could continue to use the term “Dakhras” for Holy Mass. As of now we do not have to get panic about the use of Dakhras in our parishes and Mass Centers.

Our Contribution for the needs of Church in the Holy Land, one among the 7 Universal Collections was appreciated by the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, the  Samachar quotes the letter of Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, the Prefect for the above mentioned Congregation, “Most heartily do I thank you, together with your priests, men, and women religious, ecclesial institutions and all the faithful, for having contributed so generously to the sustenance of the Christian community living in the places of our Redemption. This precious gesture will help to maintain a living Christian presence amid difficult circumstances. By strengthening the various pastoral, social, educative, health and welfare initiatives, the love of God will be able to shine in the Holy Places, especially upon most in need”. In the year of 2015, the Archdiocese of Patna has contributed `60,465.00.

Contribution Received for Bp. Hartmann’s Scholarship Fund:

Kurji Holy Family Hospital                               10,000.00

Nazareth Convent, Patna                                   10,000.00

CFMSS, Kankarbagh                                           1,000.00

Corrected: CBSE Class X Result of Crene Memorial School, Gaya: Appeared -240, 10-CGPA-52, First Div.-189.

Congratulations:

Sr. Sara S.A., has been appointed as Principal of Loyola High School, Harnaut.

Fr. Michael Ignatius has been appointed to head the commission for Bible and Catechetic. He will coordinate the Bible Festival and Logos Quiz in the Archdiocese.

Fr. Alex, V., has been appointed to head the Sacred Liturgy Commission.

R.I.P.

Please prayer for the departed soul of Mr. Iype Olikathotty, father of Fr. Thomas Olikathotty and Fr. Jacob Olikathotty, S.J., who expired on 10^th August2016, due to an old age. He was 90 years old. 

Happy Birthday

September:

Fr. Robert Kumar                10.09.1968

Fr. Jacob Muthuplackal     11.09.1944

Fr. James George                 11.09.1960

Fr. Xavier Varghese             17.09.1930

Fr. James Shekhar               23.09.1967

October:

Fr. Joseph Mattathilani      02.10.1938

Fr. Gyan Prakash                 05.10.1973

Fr. Joseph Bara                    08.10.1952

Fr. Christu Raj                  10.10.1955

Fr. Oscar Beck                      10.10.1962

Fr. P. Bhaskar                       12.10.1968

Fr. Asit Lakra                       18.10.1981

Fr. Satya Prakash                   21.10.1976

Fr. Mariamlal                       29.10.1980

Beautiful Story for Reflection: One day a person met the great Chanakya and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend? “Hold on a minute,” Chanakya replied. “Before telling me anything I’d like you to pass a little test. “It’s called the, “Triple Filter Test.”  “Triple Filter?” “That’s right,” Chanakya continued. “Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say. That’s why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true? “No,” the man said, “actually I just heard about it and….” “All right,” said Chanakya. “So you don’t know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good? “No,” on the contrary…” “So,” Chanakya continued, “You want to tell me something bad about him, but you’re not certain it’s true. You may still pass the test through, because there’s one filter left, the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me? “No, not really.” “Well,” concluded Chanakya, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?