| 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 10th 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 25th
to 31st July. On 4th August, he met Rev. Fr. Mariolino,
the Provincial of Josephites of
Murialdo. On 7th August, he left for
Ranchi to attend the meeting of the Executive Committee of Medical College. On
10th 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 18th to speak to the Regional Secretaries of the
Regional Commissions, and the Bishops. On 18th the Catholic Council
of Bihar met the Archbishop, along with the other Bishops of the Region. On 21st,
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 22nd
evening, the Provincial of FIHM met the Archbishop. On 25th 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 27th 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 30th
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 10th 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 24th June
-27th 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 20th Nov, 2016 by a Eucharist procession from KHFH to
Kurji Parish.
Gaya
Deanery: For
Gaya Deanery a day of Recollection was held on 18th 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 4th
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 25th
August, in which Rev. Fr. Jose Edavazhy gave the talk on the prophetic life of
Elijah. 11 Priests participated. It was
decided that on 26th 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
17th 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 8th 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 4th and 5th 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 29th
October (P.M) to 1st 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 30th Sept. and 1st
October, 2016 at Mokama Parish. Recollection will begin at 6pm on 30th
Sep.
Junior
Clergy Annual Retreat: Annual retreat for the junior Clergy of
Patna Archdiocese is scheduled to be held in Velankanni, Tamilnadu from 14th-
18th 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 6th- 12th 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 10th 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?
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