CJNL–553                                         MARCH 2007                                                          2007/03

 

PROVINCIAL’S PROGRAMME

 

March:

07-11 : Chennai, Visitation

11-17 : JCSA, Dhyana Ashram, Chennai

18-19 : Trichy, Visitation

22-23 : Province Consult

24      : MC Meeting: Burdwan & Durgapur

26      : G.B. Meeting: Goethals

27-31 : Arunoday, Barasat: Visitation

29      : Ministry Commission Meeting

30      : Candidate House

April:

09-18 : Dhyan Ashram: Visitation

17      : Andul Road: Pilar Fathers

19-20 : Province Consult

22-25 : Burdwan: Visitation

 

 ˜ APPOINTMENTS   ˜

 

˜ By the Vatican

     ♦ On February 11, the Osservatore Romano announced that the Pope had elevated to Apostolic Vicariate the former Apostolic Prefecture of Nepal and had appointed Father Anthony Francis Sharma, S.J. as the first Apostolic Vicar. Father Sharma was born in Kathmandu in 1937. He joined the Society in1956 and was active in the field of education until 1984 when he was appointed Apostolic Prefect. Nepal is a country with a population of 23 million, among whom only 6.680 are Catholics. The Church has 5 parishes, 6 mission stations and 22 sub-stations served by 11 diocesan and 40 religious priests, and 112 religious women. There are 44 educational institutions and 16 social centres connected with the Church.

    Nepal is a Dependent Region from the Patna Province where 32 priests, 29 scholastics and 4 Brothers work.     

 

 

 ˜ By the Provincial of South Asia

    ♦ Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj (CCU):  Assistancy Secretary for Social Action (JESA)

 

 

 

FROM FR. PROVINCIAL’S DESK

 

    ‘Traffic Signal” is at best tolerated, if not at times ignored by us, well-meaning commuters. Madhur Bhandarakar however stops for a while at the ‘Traffic Signal’ and looks at the complex, rich, intriguing and fascinating world of real people. He looks at the ordinary and reveals the

extra ordinary world around us and also exposes the exploitation of those in power positions - an interesting piece of Ignatian pedagogy to relish even during Lent.

    We are into Lent – a compelling time to be single-minded (ekagrata) in all our endeavours. The Asian psyche, irrespective of religious affiliations, appreciates the spirit of ‘fasting, prayer and almsgiving’. The liturgy of the Lenten season takes us pointedly into the Christic movement of ‘seeking, finding and accomplishing the Father’s will (the unfathomable loving compassion) to the point of Golgotha and beyond’. Let us earnestly walk the WAY and discover the stations of the cross of our times – at the bathing ghats, in the paddy fields, at the cross-roads of globalizing disputes of  Singur and Nandigram , in the bustle and hustle of institutional work, in the daily chores of family/community living, and in the silence of the caves of our hearts. We pray that we may have the courage to make that one little shift in us whereby the paschal grace is made visible through us in this Lent.

(Fr. George Pattery, s.j.)

 

 

FOUR BRIGHT NEW DEACONS FOR THE PROVINCE

 

     On Saturday Feb. 17 in the cool of the evening, Schs. Arulappan, Kajol Purification, Shaju Joseph and Zenith William were conferred to the diaconate by the Archbishop of Delhi, Vincent Concessao, D.D. The millennium Hall of St. Xavier’s School was packed to capacity. The well decorated altar, the fine singing and meticulous planning of the liturgy added devotion in the hearts of the faithful. Our own Maria Joseph S. did a great job as commentator for the ceremony. Zenith’s mother and brother and Arulappan’s cousin priest were here for the occasion. After the Eucharist the deacons stood outside to receive greetings and wishes from their near and dear ones. Delicious snacks were served to all.

     Frs. Joseph Kallarangatt, Sunny George and Sch. Siju Matthew (DAR) arrived at VJ on the 18th to participate in the preliminary Academic Council meeting. In the evening the Calcutta Jesuits gathered together to honour the new deacons and the guests from Parasmoni. Fr. Kallarangatt handed over the gifts that he brought all the way from Santiniketan to its the past pupils. We were surprised by the absence of Fr. Charles Pollet, our former PCF, who, we thought, would attend the meeting. He was remembered during the ‘Adda’.       

(Sch. Joseph Raj)

 

 

KALNA KHABOR

 

    z For Christmas the traditional procession with floats proved as great an attraction as ever. An exhibition on Santal culture drew many visitors. As the procession entered the parish grounds, a cultural programme prepared by the Udayani Animators was held on the newly built stage all aglow with lights. A drama ‘Suluk Shai’ illustrated the importance of Self Help Groups. At  midnight the Holy Eucharist was celebrated, and the cultural program was then resumed till 5 a.m. The new catechist Mr. Markus Soren did a wonderful work, visiting the faithful to prepare them for the Eucharist and imparting faith formation to the catechumens in. From the afternoon people flocked in large numbers for the darshan of the Child Jesus and for the mela.

 

 

  z Bandan for Fr. ‘Babu’ Beckers: Traditional Santal culture celebrates Bandan for the dead on the 40th day. Around 1000 people from Kalna and neighbouring parishes gathered on Jan. 28 for the Bandan of Fr. Babu, a much loved missionary and friend of Santals, who gave around ten  years of dedicated service to the people in Kalna mission. The Bandan Eucharist was celebrated  with great devotion.  The well decorated photo  in front of  the altar was garlanded by the concelebrating priests. After the Eucharist a video of the funeral was screened. A community meal was served for all.        

(Fr. I. Jothi)

 

 

FR. PROBAL REPORTS ON THE W.S.F. – 2007 AT NAIROBI

    “Another world is possible!” this slogan gave us hope and strength. 62 SAPI delegates from Sri-Lanka and India participated in the World Social Forum – 2007 in Nairobi (Kenya). We all arrived on Jan 28 and stayed there for 7 days. As we landed in Africa, we felt as if we were only coming to another part of our own country. We experienced that ‘we were not alone’,  but with the whole world supporting the same struggle. I hardly felt that I was alone or a foreigner. I experienced love, warmth & hospitality from the local people. This was possible because we all shared the same vision and goal, the struggle for the betterment of the marginalized and oppressed.

    O On Jan. 21, the SAPI delegates paraded around the Moi International Sports Centre with Parai in order to demonstrate our culture, with other people joining in our dance. On Jan 22 we staged a funeral procession protesting against supranational makers of soft drinks, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta and Mirinda, etc. and all. On the last day we had a protest street play against MNCs, WB, IMF, G8, and WTO. The African people were hospitable and warm. We used to greet them with a hearty ‘Karibu!’ the greeting  welcome in Africa.

   O  Let me share two personal experiences. One day I went to a food stall to have my lunch with my friends and, at the end, left my wallet on the table. A few minutes later a lady steward came to ask me whether this wallet it was mine. I was stunned by her honesty. On Jan. 26 we lost our way back to our residence and enquired from a passer-by; he took the trouble of walking about fifteen minutes with us to bring us to the bus terminal. These two incidents will remain in my heart forever.

   O  Many asked me: ‘what are you going to do over there? Are you going to change the world?’ Let me briefly share what the WSF all about. WSF – 7, under the motto ‘People’s struggles, people’s alternatives’, was meant to further the aims of committed fora to “expand the democratic spaces of those seeking concrete, sustainable and progressive alternatives to imperialist globalization. As an international platform, the W.S.F. has placed social justice, international solidarity, gender equality, peace and defence of the environment on the agenda of the world’s peoples. It is also an open meeting place where groups and movements of civil society which are opposed to neo-liberalism and any form of imperialism and are  engaged in building a planetary society centered on the human person, come together democratically to debate ideas, formulate proposals, freely share their experiences and network for action.”

Fr. Probal Gomes

 

 

FROM UDAYANI

 

    v On Feb. 1st. an HIV/AIDS slogan competition was conducted in one of our education centres in the city. 15 children – 13 to15 years old – participated. This programme was conducted under the ASHA project, Govt. of West Bengal.

    v Udayani arranges educational exposure trips from time to time for the children in our primary education centres. This month 68 children were taken to Science City. The teachers divided children into small groups to guide them better. They were shown the Space Theatre and the Evolution Park, and then were given free time to go around in the science gallery.

    v Ananda Mela, a major event organized by Udayani, was held on Feb. 10 at Dhapdhapi Yaba Sangha playground of Baruipur Block. More than 400 people, including 250 children, from Badartola, Sherpur, Majherpara, Kalitola and Nabogram villages participated. The sports and cultural programme aims at community mobilization. The involvement of the Self Help Groups and of the Mahila Mandal was highly appreciated in the village. Mr. Saradindu Biswas and the animators coordinated the programme beautifully.

 

 

RUSKHA UPORUM AKHRA – III

 

    For the third consecutive year the Raskha Uporum Akhra was celebrated on Feb. 3 at Christo Seva Ashram, Kalna. About 1600 children from our operation area of 50 villages in Kalna I and II blocks enthusiastically participated in the day-long program. The day was dedicated to veteran social activist and great missionary of our province Fr. ‘Babu’ Gerard Beckers. The theme of the day was ‘Together we can…’

    The children started arriving well in advance by cycle-rickshaws, tractors and jeeps at the ground adjacent to the Ashram, daring the thick fog. After the registration the procession started with children holding placards and banners.

    At the venue they stood in line outside the Pandal erected for the occasion. The chief-guest, Fr. George Pattery, our Provincial, hoisted the flag. The children took the ‘Peace Oath’ prepared by the Justice and Peace commission of CBCI, translated into Bengali, promising to be the ‘messengers of peace’. The supervisors sang a prayer song in Santali. 

     For the impressive march past by the students of Christo Seva Ashram, the chief guest took the salute from the leader, NCC Subedar Major, Srikanta Kisku, one of our Class X boys. This troop had been declared the best student contingent of the Kalna Subdivision in the Republic Day Parade.

    For the inauguration the guests of honour were led to the stage by the dancers. They stood in front of the well decorated photo of ‘Babu’, while his life-sketch was  read out, stressing his love and dedicated service for the Santal missions, and the Kalna mission in particular. After garlanding Babu’s picture, the guests symbolically lit the lamp while the animators sang awareness songs in Santali.

    There followed a cultural programme of songs and dance. Every group had something to present. The ‘stranger-shy’ Santal children were at their best in front of thousands, courageously performing  with zest and enthusiasm.  Packet of study materials  were distributed to the students

at the end of the day by Fr. Eric Tigga, Superior of Kalna. The supervisors and animators did a splendid job in organizing the event. 

(Fr. Irudaya Jothi) 

 

 

FROM JISU ASHRAM, PANDUA

    O On February 3 we had the Annual Sports Day, It started with march past and drill display by our students. Mr. Sk. Majed Ali, MLA, was Chief Guest. Two Headmasters of local High Schools were the guests of honour. Our students’ discipline and performance inspired them with hope for the future. Fr. George Pattery, our Provincial, joined us at the end of the day, and distributed the prizes along with Frs. Xavier Jeyaraj and Probal Gomes.

    Congratulations to Fr. Sebastian Xalxo, Br. Chottu Hembrom and the teachers who worked hard to make it a great success.

    O On Feb. 4 we had half day Youth Orientation Programme by Fr. I Jothi.

    O  On Feb 15 we conducted interviews for the new students’ selection. 80 were selected. We shall have around 200 students in the boarding for the academic year 2007-2008.

    O  The renovation work in our boarding is making good progress; we hope to complete it within two months.   

 (Br. Chottu Hembrom)

 

 

FROM DHYAN ASHRAM

 

    In December and January, Dhyan Ashram hosted the largest Calcutta Province Assembly ever, 120 companions, and the largest ever Province Congregation with 50

 members. Since then much has happened in this otherwise quiet and bucolic oasis.

    On Feb 25 Alpana, all along a residential block for retreatants, saw itself divested of all pieces of furniture and other fixtures. The next day the demolition squad arrived and began its merciless task. Ever since, it goes on hammering out, brick by brick and beam by beams, the home in which so many over the last thirty three years spent days in the quiet of a retreat. As we go to press, the last bricks of the ground floor walls are crumbling under the hammer of the demolition squad

    Alpana is to give way to an elegant three story quadrangular structure and an inner courtyard with, at the north-eastern angle, a two-story block, the chapel, in the shape of a hexagonal tent, reminding us of Jn. 1:14, “He pitched his tent among us.” This new structure is meant to be the new retreat house, while Sandipan is destined to become the residence of the Juniorate. Work is likely to begin at the end of the current month of March. The architect is Mr. Ranajit Gupta of Interdesign, Calcutta

    Behind the location of the Alpana block, to the south of our boundary wall, the Assembly of God Church is now a welcome neighbour, promising a more congenial environment than the factory workshops around us. AG will soon open a boys’ home for children from the age of 3 to 18. They also plan to shift the Bible College, now in Calcutta, to the same site. The chairman, the Rev. Ivan Satyavrata, hinted at the possibility of common programmes. Negotiations are on to exchange with them our plot behind the drinking water tank, which stands out as a strange appendix, with that stretch of land behind the proposed new retreat house.

On 22nd February, a cordial meeting took place between Dhyan Ashram and the manager and team of the ‘German’ factory. The latter is in full expansion and has come dangerously close to our boundary wall. The interview dwelled on noise and water pollution. Several ponds are proving death traps for the fish! Cooperation has been promised. Incidentally, the factory belongs to P.K. Mittal, a brother of N.L. Mittal, the London based steel tycoon.

(Fr. Andre Bruylants)

 

 

                  DHYAN ASHRAM JUNIOR IN THE POLICE PICK UP VAN

 

    I am Bijoy Mardi, a Junior at Dhyan Ashram Calcutta.  On 19th February we visited the Book Fair at Salt Lake. On the return trip, I happened to cross AJC Bose Rd near Sealdah Station when I was caught by the Police and put into a police van, like a bird in a cage. There were many others in that cage imploring, criticizing and cursing the Police. I kept quiet. “I am a prisoner, I thought. Why should it happened to me?” Anyway, now by God’s grace, I have to face the situation.” They took us to Muchipara Police Station. Barabazar, and we were made to stand along a narrow corridor. I saw the men looking pale, at a ready with bank notes.  “Should I hide mine, hardly Rs 65?”  The Police entered the names in the register. “We are sorry, Sir. We have no money,” was the common plea. It was dramatic. Each had to pay Rs 80 as a fine. Anyone refusing to pay was put in the lockup. Well, when my turn came I felt quite nervous. I knew I didn’t have enough to pay the fine, so soon I too should be in the lockup...  I could not imagine the consequences except that I would be late for supper.

    Lifting his eyes from the register, the policeman asked, ’Dhyan Ashram, what is that?” I told him about it, and thereby started conversing with him.  He inquired about our apostolate, then turned on to know about my personal life.  Observing my unwillingness regarding this matter he made me feel at home through his sudden gentleness and affection. I said a few words about my desire to become a priest and about Jesus, the centre of my life. He listened to me attentively and moments later he asked, “Well, do you have money with you?” I hesitated a moment to reply. When he repeated the question, I said, “Yes.” Then he looked into my eyes and said, “I know, brother, about Fathers and Sisters and their service in the city.” If you have no money, tell me please.” I felt his genuine concern for me. I liked him. He cut my name from the register, showed

me how to get back home and with a handshake wished me, ‘best of luck!’ I thanked him and gratefully left the place.

    That day, I learned that the police in the city hold a high esteem towards Fathers and Sisters. I also learned another thing: When you cross a road, do so on the zebra lines! 

 

 

FROM PRABHU JISU GIRJA

 

    Since Fr. Kurian’s birthday fell on 23.02.07, First Friday of Lent, we decided to postpone the grand celebrations. The presence of Fr. Provincial with us on Visitation, made them even grander. Then Fr Kurian left us on the 27th of Jan to go and visit our scholastics studying in Jabalpur, Gujarat, and Pune.

    Newly ordained Fr. Maria Joseph I. joined our community on Jan. 16 as an assistant to Fr. Timir. On Jan. 26 we had a community Eucharist to welcome him and wish him a fruitful pastoral ministry. Even more recently ordained Fr. Joseph Pulickal is doing pastoral ministry in Auxilium Parish, while being an attached member of our community.   

    Br. Christu Raj went to Barasat to give a day of recollection to the pre-novices.

   Our energetic young man, Br. Raj Kishore Ekka, made the community proud by scoring the highest mark (94%) in the technical institution of Don Bosco, Liluah.

    Fr. Provincial’s Visitation began on Feb. 16. It was a moment of grace for us all, helping us to see where we stand as a community in our mission of the Lord’s vineyard. He met not us only, but also the co-workers and the parishioners. It concluded with a Eucharist on Feb. 24.

(Schs. Arul and Uzzal)

 

Fr. Patrick Walsh would be going to Australia for a holiday to visit his people from the 28th of March to the 28th of June

 

FR. KORKONIYAS MOSES writes:  “From Jan. 6, I am spending the last two months of my year-long Sadhana at Thozhamai Illam, a Jesuit dialogue centre at Kanyakumari. The house is near the sea, a ten minutes’ walk, fairly undisturbed by the tourist crowds. Being in a Jesuit house with a library I get a chance to make up some reading in Ignatian Spirituality.

 

    This year has been a year of special grace in my life. I was able to maintain a steady practice of meditation in spite of occasional cold, cough and stomach upset. Readings from Christian spirituality and the Indian Yogic tradition went on side by side with meditation, devotions and also some writing on Christian Ashrams. I will be finishing my Sadhana on March 6 and return to the Province some time later. Thank you all for your prayers.”

     Address: Thozhammi Illam, Kovalam Post, Kanyakumari – 629 702

 

FR. THOMAS PULLENKAV: After residing in the Shillong Jesuit novitiate for spiritual ministry and for the supervision of construction of the new novitiate building, Fr. Thomas is now attached to the Itanagar Bishop’s House community, while staying in  St. Patrick’s Seminary. “I am expected to coordinate the education apostolate in the diocese, help in the seminary with some classes and spiritual direction, and do spiritual ministry in the diocese”. He is attached to a Jesuit community of the Kohima Region, about  eight hours drive from Itanagar!

      Postal address: Bishop’s House, Mowb – II, Itanagar. P.B. No.141, Papum Pare Dt. 791 111, Arunachal Pradesh   

Ph. (0360) 2213064 Mob. : 9436105541  Email: tompullenkav@gmail.com

Residence: St. Patrick’s Seminary, Senki Park, Itanagar, P.B. No.266, Papum Pare Dt. 791 111, Arunachal Pradesh.

 

 

              AICUFers’ CONDOLENCE MEETING FOR FR. ‘BABU BECKERS, SJ:


            The AICUF organized a condolence meeting for Fr. ‘Babu’ Beckers on Feb. 18 at SXC, Ex-AICUFers and many  AICUF students and  some friends of Babu were  present at this moving function. Fr. Felix Raj, Prof. Albert Gomes, Fr. Patrick Walsh and Mr. Niranjan Haldar shared their experiences with the "eternal AICUF legend". Miss Chabi, Babu's nurse, was asked to release the souvenir dedicated to Babu. It ended with a power point presentation by SIM and other AICUFers on the milestones of Babu's life.

 

 

 

h  HEALTH BULLETIN      h

 

Fr. Joseph Maliyekal is still in Bellevue Clinic after his road accident on January 19th. The severely injured leg is healing slowly yet safely. Skin grafting had repeatedly to be resorted to, and great care had to be taken against infection. It is hoped that he may be brought back to St. Xavier’s College fairly soon.

 

Fr. Joseph Van Hove is getting gradually much weaker. He seems to be getting close to the end of his earthly pilgrimage. 

 

 

NEW PUBLICATIONS      &

 & By Fr. Felix Raj:
1. Chapter 2 - "Bali-India Trade: Modern and Future perspectives" in the book recently published: Growth, Development and Poverty Alleviation in the Asia-Pacific (Readings in World Development), December 2006, by K.C. Roy and S. Chatterjee (Ed.).
2. "Bishawan: Suphal and Kuphal", in Sandhithsa, February 26, published by Arobindo Bhavan, Kolkata.

 

 & FABULOUS JUBILEE OFFER

To the readers of Vidyajyoti Journal: four precious books, fresh from the Press, for Rs. 750 only:

    1. Abundant Life in the Gospel of John by George Mlakuzhyil, S.J.

New edition of Path to Abundant Life in the Gospel of John, An Ideal Guide to the Gospel of the Beloved Disciple. 390 pp., Rs 150.

    2. Paddy Fields and a Grain of Rice, Gospel commentaries of the late Paddy Meagher, S.J., Edited by Francis Gonsalves, S.J., 325 pp. Rs 295

     3. Co-Worker for your Joy, Festschrift in honour of George Gispert-Sauch, S.J.

Essays on Theology, Indian Culture, Inculturation, Indian Church. Edited by S. Painadath, S.J. & L. Fernando, S.J.347 pp. Rs. 225

     4. Gems from India, collected from VJTR (1999-2003), and new ones added. Edited by G. Gispert-Sauch, S.J . 214 pp. Rs 125

 

    N.B. Postage in India free for subscribers of VJTR for all the four books, available from: VIEWS, 4-A Raj Niwas Marg, Delhi 110 054.

 

 ( : < POSTAL & E-MAIL ADDRESSES, PHONE Nos, etc.( : <

Fr. Gerard L. Rego: gerardsj@gmail.com  (the old E-M address in the catalogue is no longer valid)

From March 5, the Province of Italy will change its fax number to: +39-06-697-00212.

The Province of Paraguay has changed the electronic address of Father Provincial and Father Socius: Fr. Provincial: provincial@tigo.com.py  ;  Fr. Socius: sociosj@tigo.com.py 

 

 

     X  ‘UNLESS THE GRAIN OF WHEAT FALL INTO THE EARTH…’ X

 

V Br. Albert Losseau (ACE)          10.02.07      Brussels     78/ 56

V Fr. Harold Pereira (BOM)           12.02.07      Andheri      77/48

V Br. Susai Manickam (MDU)        24.02.07      Dindigul      71/49

V  Fr. Austin Fernando (BOM)        26.02.07      Andheri      74/56