CJNL December5
2007
2007/12
Father Provincial & the CJNL
wish you all
a joyful Christmas
and a blessed and
grace-filled New
Year
FROM FR. PROVINCIAL’S DESK.
A Nandigram and the Red Brigade, Rizwanur and the police cover-up, Taslima
Nasreen and the mob-violence, and the ‘interim
regime’ and cyclone in
A At the ITC led workshop, Mr. Nayak emphasized on the need to change our mental-maps/ paradigms and to invest in our emotional bank-accounts. Christmas means a new paradigm and new investment: God trusts the human and invests in the human so that the human being may have an ever-lasting and non-diminishing bank-account of grace-fullness. This bank balance of ‘grace upon grace’ makes us generous people. How shall we make this generosity visible during this Christmas in our communities, in our apostolate, to the people entrusted to our care, to those whom we consider as ‘the other’? Can this Christmas build a bridge between ‘me’ and the ‘other’ of my creation?
A It takes so little to bring joy into each
other’s lives. Let us prepare a manger of joy and peace wherever we are. He
will be born again and again every time we bring a smile on to our
companions…Merry Christmas to each one. George Pattery,
s.j.
PROVINCIAL’S PROGRAMME
|
Dec 10th. Returns from Dec 13th Ministry Commission Dec13-14th Consult |
Dec15th GB Meeting: Udayani Dec20-30th. Preparation for GC Jan 4th Leaves for GC 35 |
˜ OFFICIAL ˜
˜ Appointments by the
♦ Among the 23 new Cardinals announced by the Holy Father on 24.11.07
is Father Urbano
Navarrete, S.J., age 86, former Rector of the
♦ Fr. A. Martínez Camino, S.J.,
Auxiliary Bishop of
˜ Appointments by the Provincial of
♦ Br. Noel Oliver (PUN), Coordinator for Brothers (w.e. from 01.01.08). Address:
Xavier Tech. Training Centre,
Ph: (02422) 222961 ; Mob: 9960084540 ; Email : <noel@jesuits.net>
♦ Fr. Alexius Ekka (RAN), Coordinator
of JEMAI (Jesuit Ministry among the Adivasi/Tribal/Indigenous
Peoples) (w.e. from 01.01.08). Address: X I I S,
˜ Installation of
Superiors
♦ Fr. Peter Samikannu was installed as Superior of Prabhu Jisur Girja on 21.11.07
♦ Fr. George Ponodath was installed as Rector of St. Xavier’s College on 22.11.07.
˜ Applications
for ordination to the priesthood: six scholastics
of our Province, now in their third year of Theology at Vidyajyoti,
are applying for the ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. They names
are: Schs. Joseph Kulandai,
Joseph Raj, Maria Joseph S., Johnson Padiyara, Martin Puthussery
and Xavier Savarimuthu. Ours who have
information that may help Fr. Provincial and the Consultors
in their discernment are requested to communicate it to Fr. Provincial
˜ Priestly
ordination dates: Deacons Arulappan
R. 08.12.07, Zenith William
28.12.07, Kajal Purification 29.12.07, Sacaria Shaju Joseph
01.01.08, in their home parishes.
˜ First
vows: Novice Anmol Robert Minj prounounced his
fist vows in Dhyan Ashram on 03.12.07, Feast of St.
Francis Xavier.
REMEMBERING
FR.PEDRO ARRUPE WITH FR. GENERAL
♦ For the commemoration of Father Pedro Arrupe’s
birth centenary, Fr. P. H. Kolvenbach, our General,
went to
B BANGLADESH
CYCLONE: our prayers and hearts are with the
people of
SUPERIORS AND
DIRECTORS OF WORK WORKSHOP
v A group of men steeped in the justice & faith syndrome of GCs 32 & 34, moved by a strong bias against multi-nationals, readying for GC 35 in the shadow of the nefarious socio-economic effects of globalization, and seen sitting at the feet of Management Gurus from one of the most successful multi-national corporations in India (ITC), well this was a Jesuit workshop with a difference. After all, didn’t Jesus say we must learn from the wise of the world? During two full days of intense inputs, through talks short and crisp, inspiring visuals and management games, three lay resources persons took us, 42 seasoned Jesuits, through the fundamental principles of sound management in modern day India.
v Planning, formulation of strategies, programme management, review process and performance appraisal were spelt out one by one. Not just management jargon. All through, the focus was on human development, the respect and potentialities of each individual, the synergy of team work. A true leader does not change others from inside out, but changes himself from within; he thinks of the abundance in the other, is loyal to the absent by being present to him, is positive in times of conflicts, is ready to seek a third alternative…. Concepts we felt that were coming right out of the Gospel. Management games were the most effective in terms of creating awareness of one’s potentialities and short-comings. They gave us also a lot of fun and excitement. What was most gratifying was that the younger elements in the groups outshined their senior companions. It augurs well for the future. The workshop took place in the newly refurbished video-conferencing room of the College, courtesy Fr P.C. Mathew.
v The future is what Fr Provincial was concerned about on the third day, an appraisal of what we went through but also a projection into the coming years. “Alignment and Initiative” had been key concepts handed over to us in the concluding session. Thus now more than ever, team work and time-bound project planning, the Provincial said, is the responsibility of each institution, according to the concrete mission of each group in the province.
v All in all these were refreshing
renewal days (November 8th evening to 11th
CHAMRUSAI: GRAND WELCOME TO
BENEFACTORS FROM
b From Nov. 11 to 15, we were
blessed with the visit of Mrs. Collette and Mr. Pierre Vandervalde, daughter
and son-in law of Mr. Mark and Mrs. Lilly Zwaenepoel, bosom friends of Fr J. P. De Cocq,
and great benefactors of Chamrusai, who, over the
years, have been animating a large group of benefactors in Belgium, ‘the
Friends of Fr. J.P. De Cocq’. The children and
the staff warmly welcomed them with traditional washing of the feet and dance.
They participated in the Sunday Mass with the parishioners.
b Next day, Fr Paul Carlose introduced them to the
functioning of the school. They were happy to note the effort to bring about
the overall development of the children, and, in particular, the various
educational skills imparted to them. In the evening they attended a Self-Help
Group meeting. Women welcomed them in the traditional way. The visitors were impressed
by the progress of the women towards self-reliance.
b On Nov. 13 they visited Kamarchowki, Kearchand and Rangamatia and, in the evening, the Santidan
Leprosarium of the M.C Brothers.
b On Nov. 14, they participated in the
Children’s Day cultural program organized by the staff and students of the
school. These rose up to the occasion with songs, dances and dramas. In the
evening, the visitors went to Churda, a village where
Fr De Cocq was a regular pastor. The villagers
expressed their gratitude in a traditional welcome and in a short cultural
program. In the evening there was an hour-long fruitful interaction with the
Jesuit community to discuss the various works of Chamrusai.
b On Nov 15 they left Chamrusai after four days of shared happiness and joy.
b On Nov. 16 they had meetings with Fr. Provincial, the Province Treasurer
and the Province Procurator to discuss the projects in Premananda
Ashram.
b The Province and the Jesuit Community
of Chamrusai heartily thanks Mr. Pierre and Mrs.
Colette for their visits their generous interest in the Chamrusai
work.
b During the Puja
holidays the following activities were held: A 3-day training program for all
our teachers in Kolkata, a 2-day charismatic retreat
for the parishioners, a one-day seminar on health for 50 young girls, a 2-day
CLC camp for 80 High School children, and a one day Self-Help Group training
program for 115 men and women. For all these there was good participation and
response.
W RENOVATION OF
W Sunday Nov. 18 was a
day of rejoicing for
W 240 confirmandi, - young and old, married and unmarried - hailing mainly from the sub-stations of the parish, were confirmed by three ministers of the sacrament: Bishop Salvador Lobo of Baruipur, Fr. Provincial and Fr. A. Bruylants.
W Fr. T.J. Thomas, Parish Priest, deserves our thanks for supervising the work of renovation. He also performed the ceremony of thanksgiving to the generous donors: Rev. Fr. Provincial, the Bishop Baruipur, two parishioners, who donated Rs. 10,000/- each, and others.
Fr. A. Mitra
l MIRGA-JHANTIPAHARI
l
◘ The two ashrams have a greater number of students this year, yet still many more are approaching us for admission. The vibrant staff and the students keep the ashrams alive and active. The infrastructure has been enhanced with a 100 feet long hall and a fence around the property for Jhantipahari, a TV set sponsored by St. Xavier’s, Burdwan, for Mirga, and the old Mahendra jeep from Chamrusai.
◘ The teacher training programme STAG for four teachers is almost coming to an end, and a new batch is awaited. There are several invitations to give STAG teachers’ training to NGOs’ and seminarians.
◘ The UNICEF Child Protection Project in ten villages has found new energy after the contract signed on Dec. 28 between UNICEF and Udayani without the intermediary of the district administration. Despite 8 months of salary still due, the animators have found new energy to carry forward the work. Thanks to Mr. Saradindu Biswas who came for a two-day motivation camp on Oct. 5 & 6.
◘ Eight students of the SXC AICUF Tribal Unit had a three-day camp (Oct. 13 to 15) to collect Santal Child Lore (Shisu Sagitho) from five villages. Thanks to Schcs Bijoy and Proful who took such a creative initiative.
◘ The faith of the small Christian community in Bankura is being rekindled by the four-day Gandon. The response of both the catechumens and the Catholics is promising for a better reception and practice of the faith. The serious participation was animated by the house catechist and a guest catechist. Thanks to Fr. E.S. Joseph for sending his senior catechist.
Sch. Xavier Inigo S.
p SATYA NILAYAM SAMACHAR
p
p The unceasing activities in S.N came to a standstill in October due to exam pressure, with the budding philosophers on their toes to defend their ‘theories’, and the professors ready with red ink to poke into them.
p Fr. Provincial’s visitation (Nov.29 to 31) rejuvenated our spirits jaded with exams. In the famous ‘City Gate’ (S.N. alumni would know why!) he poured on us his love and encouragement, and our appetites were stimulated by famous Chennai dishes.
p After a
special Bengali mass held for the speedy recovery of his ailing mother, Sch. Milton rushed to
p On 05.11.07 our Province Treasurer, Fr. Raphael Hyde, paid us a brief visit. Our house treasurer, while cordially welcoming him, presented him with the bills for the next three months!
p From Nov.5-7 we had community days - a time of relax, relate, and revamp.
p Fr. Anil Gomes, after a regular stroll on the beach - which Calcuttans hardly ever miss - is back on the basketball ground. His active participation is well appreciated. Apart from directing his spiritual clients, he is often seen taking up on his shoulders duties of absent staff members.
p Br. Chintamoni, leading a pilgrim group of lay people from Bangladesh – including the parents of Sch. Prabash - was with us on 12.11.07.We took them round to different pilgrimage centres and historical places.
p On 17.11.07, birthday of Sch. Francis Dores, under the able guidance of Fr. Anil Gomes, we had a choir with Bengali Hymns and even the ‘Happy birthday!’ in Bengali – a first in the history of S.N. In the evening we had a province adda.
p Classes resumed 12.11.07. With the dissertation and comprehensive exam
ahead, the 2nd Year students start converting their rooms into mini
libraries. Sch. Ripon Rozario
M
VIDYAJYOTI UPDATE M
M Schs Arulappan, Kajal, Shaju and Zenith completed their theology and bid farewell to Vidyajyoti at the end of October. They articulated their theological reflection during the final comprehensive examination, and have moved towards ordination to priesthood in the Society. With their departure, the number of Kolkatans has come down to ten, seven scholastics and three staff.
M Fr. Provincial visited Vidyajyoti in the first week of November. It was a period of grace for all of us.
M On Nov. 17 & 18, we arranged our Province group-building. The 7 Kolkata scholastics spent two days in personally meeting and interacting in order to cement our union as friends in the Lord.
M
On Nov. 4, Vidyajyoti celebrated Arrupe Day. Fr. Arrupe was
remembered as a man of God and man for others, and also as the person behind the
shifting of our theologate from Kurseong to
Sch. Martin Puthussery
H FROM PRABHU JISUR GIRJA G
H The last two months were filled with
celebrations from Fr. Arrupe’s Day to the installation
of new Superior of PJG.
H During the Puja holidays Sch. Bijoy was fully engaged in his history project on Taltola. Sch, Joy Prafful Lakra joined the tribal camp in St. Xavier’s School, Raiganj,
H The feast of light was celebrated with a prayer service conducted by Fr. Timir Singha on the basket ball court with the participation of parishioners and the whole community.
H
On Nov. 3 Fr. Joseph C. De Souza
left for
H Fr. Jean Englebert
returned to the community after a holiday in
H
On Nov. 11 Fr. Peter Samikannu arrived from
Schs. Tom & Jeya
OOO
L. T. S. SANGAM 2007 OOO
O As the LTS Movement is coming
close to its Golden Jubilee, the LTS National Centre in collaboration with the
LTS Units in Kolkata has been organising the yearly
LTS Sangam – the family gathering of the LTSers held since 2005. This year it was held at St
Xavier's College on 18.11.07 from
O It began with the viewing of
collages by the participating Units, based on the activities at the Unit level.
This was followed by ice-breaking games, releasing of the LTS Yearbook and
felicitating some LTSers for their outstanding
achievements in various fields. Honourable Justice
Aniruddha Bose, an LTSer
from his school days, spoke about the cherished moments of his LTS life. Padmasree Sr Cyril, IBVM,
Principal,
O The cultural fiesta in the afternoon gave expression to the talents
of the youngsters through wonderful performances. Dances, songs, skits, costume
presentations, and power point presentations on the LTS by the LTS Units were
appreciated by all. It was indeed a memorable event in the legacy of the
LTS. Kanupriya Newatia
St Xavier's College Unit
G KALNA THEKE KHOBOR G
:
G Christo Seva Ashram: The Asansol diocese honoured our catechist, Mr Markus Soren, for his long dedicated service in the Kalna parish.
Bishop Cyprian Monis paid a pastoral visit to the parish on 07.10.07. Fr. Pandian of Sahanagar, who accompanied the Bishop, introduced the BCC to the parishioners through a multimedia presentation. After the Eucharist, the Bishop installed the Bible in Mr Mangal Soren’s house. Many parishioners then installed the Bible in their own houses, and began reading it daily.
Age is no barrier when it comes to learn. This has been proved by a group of illiterate men and women aged from 15 to 50, who stayed in the Ashram for 2 weeks to learn reading and writing Santali in Roman script. They were overjoyed when they realized that they could read the Bible by themselves.
The church came alive during the Puja holidays when parishioners gathered for the annual retreat. Mr Babulal Tudu guided the people during the spirit-filled 3 days of prayer.
Kalna wants to immortalize Fr. Babu Beckers, who worked in the Ashram for more than a decade, by starting the Babu Becker’s Memorial Football Tournament this year
.
G Udayani Kalna: 22 education aid centres have dynamic animators who use their creative talents to teach the kids. These centres provide quality education to 351 Santal children in the villages. This system has immensely helped them to integrate well with the general students in the school.
In 52 Self Help Groups more than 500 Santal women are marching ahead towards self-reliance. More
than 25 training programmes have been organized for around 700 women took part.
We have opened an embroidery centre to train women in embroidery work.
Initially 45 women started with great enthusiasm, but, after 3 months, around
20 of them have learned the craft.
Work is on to conscientize
people about the PDS (Public Distribution System), WBREGS (West Bengal Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme) and RTI act (Right to Information Act).
45 Santal children had seven 7 full days of study camp during the Puja holidays. The novices from DA helped out for the programme.
G Udayani Pandua & Gurap:
Fathers in Gurap and Pandua have formally
ventured into the Udayani activities from the month
of July. Their dedicated approach has yielded results in a short span of time.
We have almost 30 vibrant Self Help Groups reaching out to 320 women. Already
we had six training programmes for 300 women.
With the help of Calcutta Ondoan, our
funding agency, we are planning many more activities for the next four years to
economically and socially empower around 3000 rural women. A Spanish
team of 5 persons of Calcutta Ondoan visited KGP, and
was impressed by the various works done in the mission stations. Fr. Joseph Pulickal
D FROM UDAYANI, KOLKATA
D
D
On 26.11.07 the competition at the state
level, organised in Loreto Sealdah on the occasions
of the 15th National
Children’s Science Congress, witnessed an unusual entry, Ganashakti,
put
up by Udayani, starring children of
inmates of the Presidency Correctional Home. Our animators had coached the boys
well. They had been selected to compete at the state level in the
inter-district competition held at the
D This is part of the ‘Back Home Project’ for the Prison inmate’s children whom we are helping in their education. Udayani is one of the five NGOs selected by the Prison Directorate to coordinate the work in W.B. Burdwan, Bankura and Purulia are earmarked for us. We have around 200 students in our list who need support. We have opened a bank account for this cause No.: 259010100073608 under the name: Udayani - Bengal Forum of Prisoners' Friends Fund. We need around 3 lakhs per year for this work.
Fr. Probal Gomes went with a team of five, including one member from Raghabpur, Pandua and Gurap each, to ISI,
D We organized a seminar on ‘The Social Teaching of the Church and Right to Food’. The resource persons were, Bp. Ivan Ambose, President of Caritas Asia and Bishop Yuon Ambrose, Chairperson of the JPD commission. The social teaching documents of the Church are very encouraging for the social activists, said Bishop Ambrose. Another vibrant speaker was Anuradha Talwar of the W.B. Agricultural Workers Union: We need to mobilise people to take up their protest in a peaceful manner against the Public Distribution System in W.B., she stated. She explained the background of the agitation against the Ration Dealers in more than 10 areas in W.B. 36 % of the villagers are entitled to rations at the subsidised rates in W.B., but, in most villages, the people do not get the benefit.
D A team of students from St. Xavier’s University, Ohaio, visited Udayani for an initiation to social analysis. Afterwards they were taken to Kalna and Pandua for field visits.
D Fr.
Noel D’Souza had for long been preparing a family get-together in
our present building before it is demolished to make place for a new and bigger
one. This building has been their family home before it was handed over to the
Society. As the date was approaching, Fr. Noel must have been getting tense,
with many a phone call to make this family sammelan a
memorable one for all.
All the living members (brothers and his OCD Carmelite sister who attended
throughout) joined as planned. The week-long stay was inspiring for us too.
They joyfully reminisced on the good old golden days. They relived and
cherished every precious moment. One evening Archbishop Henry D’Souza with his
brother and in-laws, all childhood friends, joined them to share their joy.
Archbishop Henry said: ‘this is the reunion of one of the oldest Catholic
family in
h
HEALTH BULLETIN h
Fr.
Jerome Francis
had a fall on 27.10.07 resulting in a hairline facture of the ankle. From a
wheelchair he has already moved over to hopping around with canes, and will soon
throw the canes away.
Fr E. Kurian
has a strong attack of viral fever malaria from which he recovered in the
infirmary of St. Xavier’s.
Fr. Peter Samikannu was diagnosed with cerebral malaria
on Nov. 28. But the Dr. D’Cruz-Camilleri set to work
immediately, and sent Peter back home to PJG hale and hearty already on
01.12.07.
[ NEWS FROM CHITRABANI [
[ Chitrabani’s docu-feature film, Muktir Banishikha, was screened at the 13th
Kolkata Film Festival (10-17 November) in the
inaugural session of the short films held at
[ The
meeting
of the W.B. unit of SIGNIS
[ On Communication Day Fr. P. J. Joseph helped to organise a communication seminar on ‘children and the media: a challenge for education.’ It was held at Archbishop’s House on 18.11.07. Over 150 persons participated, including 19 juniors from Dhyan Ashram.
[ A 6-day communication workshop was conducted for the Juniors of Dhyan Ashram Nov 19 to 24. Among the resource persons were Frs. G. Roberge, P. J. Joseph, Prof. G. Mollick and others. They dealt with spirituality & media, radio, TV, film, puppetry, advertisement, pop music and new media. Br. Thomas Carlo was the coordinator.
[ The 4th Kolkata Short Film Festival (KSFF) is scheduled for Dec. 2 to 8. 71 films were selected for
screening. KSFF will go online this year: www.cinebazar.in . The portal will be
launched at the inauguration on Dec. 12. at
U ANNUAL CBCI-CRI REGIONAL MEETING,
KRISHNAGAR
U
U The Annual Meeting of the Bishops and Major Superiors of the Region of W.B. & Sikkim (08-11.11.2007) was held at Sanjivani Mandir, Krishnagar. Six Bishops along with a number of Major Superiors or their delegates, local CRI office-bearers and representatives of the diocesan clergy were present. Our Provincial delegated Fr. Patrick Walsh to attend in his stead.
U The theme this year was Youth Alive, focusing on our involvement in the Youth Ministry. A survey to determine the attitudes of youth towards the church and its leadership, and towards society in general had been conducted. This was the basis for the interaction with some Regional Youth representatives animated by Fr. Jerry, SDB, Youth Adviser on the National Level. It was a deeply insightful, if sometimes disturbing, experience. All were convinced of the utmost importance of the Youth Ministry. A number of practical suggestions have been adopted and inserted in the Action Plan for the year.
U The Regional CRI Team, led by Fr John Berger, SDB and Sister Caridad, ASCC, President and Secretary respectively, has done yeoman service animating the local CRI Units and organizing many Regional Programmes. As their tenure has come to an end, new office-bearers were elected. Our own Provincial, Fr. George Pattery was elected as the New Regional CRI President, and has graciously accepted.
U Next year’s meeting will be held at Jalpaiguri; the focus will be “being a prophetic church in a globalized world”. Fr. Patrick Walsh
FOR YOUR AND YOUR COLLABORATORS’
ONGOING FORMATION
The Jesuit Secretariat for Dialogue (South
Asian Assistancy) and St. Francis Xavier Movement (
( : < POSTAL & E-MAIL ADDRESSES, PHONE Nos, etc : < (
◊ Change of Phone Nrs.
Pabhu Jisur Girja: 2265 9915 instead of 2244 9915
2265 3957 “ 2245 3957
Chitrabani 2265 3108 2244 0108
◊ Jesuits in Social Action (JESA) has developed a web portal: www.jesaonline.org.
It is meant to give visibility to our social action works, share information, provide space to our smaller centres, offer space to Jesuits and collaborators to express their views on socio-political issues, network with socially conscious like-minded groups, provide documental assistance to those in the field, and link all websites of Jesuit Social Centres. Xavier Jeyaraj
◊ Madurai Province E-Mail Id: mdujesprov@gmail.com, no longer mduprosj@gmail.com.
◊ I renew here my request to be known and referred to as Andre (with or without the French accent “é” as per convenience”). Never too late! Signed: erstwhile Fr Bruylants sj
The Editor feels sure that the other oldies heartily ratify this plea: Albert (Huart), Christian (Mignon), Adrien (Wavreil). Fr. Cordeiro is already Fr. Ruy.
X BORN TO ETERNAL LIFE WITH THE EMMANUEL
X
X Fr. Felix Savarimuthu (MDU) 20.11.2007
Mandapam
Camp 67/47
X Fr. Antoniswami (JAM) 14.11.07
X
Br. Raymond D’Lima
(BOM) 23, 2007
Andheri 77/42
X
Br. Mathew Pothalil
(KER) 18.10.07
X Sister Therese Margaret, O.C.D., from the
