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The silent and profound thirty minutes I spent in the presence of Fr Arrupe in the Infirmary of the General Curia in Rome in 1989, were for me eloquent moments of total self-surrender of a dynamic Jesuit to the Incomprehensible Mystery that God is. In this centenary year of his birth, we recall his dynamic leadership that combined daring apostolic zeal with total surrender to God’s plan.

On 12^th of October in the grounds of Dhyan Ashram the province listened with rapt attention to the sharing of our Jubilarians. Their narratives revealed moments of daring apostolic ventures, silent oblations, un-noticed but untiring regular work, sincere but painful searches and profound sense of companionship. Sitting by each other and sharing our stories deepen our companionship and enliven our apostolic ventures. The saga of special moments like the experience of the Jubilee retreat last year, of the recognition at the last Province congregation continued into the sharing of the Jubilarians. These are special gifts of the Spirit given to the province to nourish us so that we may bear apostolic fruits. Arrupe reminds us: be positive and daring towards people and mission.

St. Xavier’s Kolkata is witnessing to the marvel of prayerful, candle-lit narrative of thousands of people on Rizwanur for the last few weeks. This visible discourse is impacting the public and is making a significant statement on the ‘powers’ who seem to protect the mighty and the rich at any cost. Who knows! Kolkata is creative enough even to bring these narratives into the art and beauty of Pooja pandals!!

‘Saradeeyo pooja’ is bringing people out into the streets onto celebrations of colors and forms that are so unique to Bengal. Let us join in those celebrations to weave the texture of the Divine in the feminine human. While the right to food is taking a toll in the ration shops across Bengal, celebrations must go on!! Sarodeeyo poojor subhecha!

Oct 18-26 : JCSA: Bangalore

Oct 28-31 : Visitation: Chennai

Nov 01-04 : Visitation: VJ, Delhi

Nov 08-11 : Superiors/Directors workshop

Nov 11-12 : Consult

Nov 13-22 : Visitation: SXC

Nov 23 : Loreto college, Seminar

Nov 25-Dec 11 : EAPI: Manila: Course

& Retreat

Dec 14-15 : Consult

Jan 5 – March 07: GC 35, Rome

♦ Fr. Marcel Chappin, S.J. (of the Netherlands Province and the Gregorian University) Vice-

♦ The resignation of Fr. Benedict John Osta, S.J., Archbishop of Patna (India), was accepted.

Bishop William D’Souza, S.J., presently Bishop of Buxar, is appointed to succeed him.

♦ Fr. George Ponodath, Rector, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. The date of the installation will be announced later.

♦ Applications for ordination to the priesthood: Schs. Pankaj Pereira and Pradeep Perez have applied for their ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. Ours who have information that may help Fr. Provincial and the Consultors in their discernment are requested to communicate it to Fr. Provincial

♦ Our preparation for GC 35: to encourage our personal and community reflection on the main themes to be tackled by the delegates of GC 35, the Coetus Praevius is sending short texts, followed by questions to stimulate our discernment. So far five such papers have been received: Jesuit Identity, Our Mission, Obedience, Obedience to the Holy Father, Ecology. Some more are to follow: Community Life, etc.

Fr. Provincial urges that these be well used in personal reflection and community meetings

♦ Ex Officio letters: Father Francis Case, Secretary of the Society, informs us that, in view of the forthcoming General Congregation, the writing of ex officio letters is not compulsory this year.

From Friday Oct. 12 evening to the next day after lunch, more than 100 Jesuit companions gathered to re-kindle their hearts in the bright flame of Fr. Pedro Arrupe’s own spirit.

It all started with a very inspiring power-point presentation of his life and spirit, lovingly put together by Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy. Next there was a very devotional prayer service conducted by Fr. Augustine D’Souza and the novices. After a lively fraternal supper, on the illuminated basketball court, our seven 2007 Province Jubilarians (in the absence of the 8^th one, Bishop Alphonse D’Souza) shared with us some of their most personal experiences: they were heard with wrapt attention and silence, with at times a discrete tear, and at others a hearty laughter. Fr. George Pattery, our Provincial, concluded with the wish that our communities become more fully alive with this type of fraternal sharing. A smart Arrupe T-shirt was presented to all, which overnight changed even some of the most venerable elders into teenagers.

The next day there was first a panel presentation of various aspects of Fr. Arrupe’s legacy, followed by questions and clarifications. Fr. A. Bruylants almost brought Fr. Pedro physically to life before us by depicting Pedro-Arrupe-as-I-knew-him. Fr. George Pononath analysed his charism of leadership through a power point presentation. Sch. Roshan Tirkey, in spite (or thanks to) his tender years, ably led us, much edified seniors, through an in depth exploration of Fr. Pedro’s wisdom.

From there we turned to the future: G.C. 35. Fr. Jeyaraj V. was back with another power-point presentation, pleasantly informative, on the previous General Congregations and the forthcoming one. Decidedly Jesuits are awakening to the age of the electronic media: we shall soon see them giving their account of conscience to the Provincial with a power-point presentation.

Fr. Provincial concluded the session by describing the various steps taken in Rome and in the Assistancy for the preparation of GC 35, and urged us to make it not only a Roman event but an occasion for the renewal of our charism at the personal and community levels.

The Dhyan Ashram hospitality team, led by Br. Marydasan, as per tradition, gave splendid support to the whole heart-warming event.

& REMINDER TO THE AUTHORS OF BOOKS AND ARTICLES: Please send to the Socius the list of books and substantial articles that you have published in the course of the last year. This information has to be sent to the Jesuit Curia in Rome. Please make sure that you give all the required data. For books: author, title, publisher, date of publication, number of pages. For articles: name of the periodical, volume, date of issue, from page [say] 241 to p 263. Add a short note about the content. Please send this before December 20, 2007.

The National Seminar on Brahmabhandab Upadhyay: Seeker – Believer – Prophet, organized by the Goethals Indian Library and Research Society on October 7, 2007, was a great success. It was held on the occasion of Brahmabhandab’s death centenary. For the inaugural session the St. Xavier’s School A.V. room was full, with around 120 participants.

Fr. Felix Raj, Director of the GILRS, gave the welcome address, mentioning the significant role played by Brahmabandhab in the foundation of Viswa Bharati, Santiniketan. Fr. Gispert-Sauch of Vidyajyoti College of Theology, who made extensive research on Brahmabandhab over the years, delivered a very scholarly inaugural address. Taking off from one of his remarks, Prof. Amlan Datta, former Vice-Chancellor of Vishwa Bharati University, Santiniketan, and a well-known scholar, gave deeply thoughtful reflections on how far – and how – a believer can be a seeker at the same time. Fr. George Pattery, Provincial, in connection with Brahma-bandhab’s attempt to combine the Catholic-Hindu identity, helped us to reflect on the problem of multiple identities, especially when religious faith is involved.
After the tea break, five speakers - Rev. K.P. Aleaz, Dr. Bishwanath Ghosh, Shri Jaiprakash Veeramani and Sch. Pandab Hansda, S.J. - presented papers on different aspects of Brahmabhandab’s contribution.

Congratulations to the Director, Fr. Felix Raj, and all involved in the organization for this highly stimulating and well organized seminar. At the end a delicious lunch was served for all.
Sylvester Mardi (2nd Yr. B.Com)

July 4^th was a red-letter day for the Scouting Movement in the Barddhaman District. On that rainy day, the State (WB) Organizing Commissioner along with three other Scout Masters (including Fr. J. Alexander) visited five schools where there is a possibility of opening a Scout Unit. The visits looked promising.

In the evening at St. Xavier’s, in an important meeting, the “Barddhaman Sadar District Association” was formed for the first time. Officials were appointed. Fr. J. Alexander was appointed B.S.D.A.’s. Organizing Commissioner. This is added to his responsibilities as Scout/Club Master and Group Leader (GL) of all the Scout Units now in Barddhaman.

On 22-23.09.07 (another red-letter day in the history of Scouting in the Barddhaman Dt.), the W.B. Scouters’ Annual Conference was held at St. Xavier’s - another feather in the cap of the school. 56 Scout/Cub Masters from all over the State gathered at St. Xavier’s. In the inaugural session Fr. Paul Arockiam, Headmaster, was the Chief Guest. The District Assn.’s Executive Committee members were presented with the Scouts’ scarf and a bouquet of flowers. The training sessions for the Scout Masters & Cub Masters followed thereafter.

In the evening there was a short and beautiful cultural program for the guests and participants. The District Magistrate (Mr. Manish Jain) who is also the ex-officio President of the Executive Committee at the District level graced the occasion and encouraged the parents of the Scouts and Guides and the Scout Masters.

23.09.07, though it was another rainy day, did not dampen the participants’ spirit. The performance of last year was reviewed, and resolutions were adopted. It concluded with lunch. All highly appreciated the venue and the welcome.

As part of educational process, Fr. J. Alexander organizes excursions in line with the syllabus, of Cl. 8 to 12. Some recent destinations were: Uttarpara Wagon Factory, the Botanical Gardens - especially the Herbarium, the Durgapur Barrage & Maithon Dam hydroelectric system. More trips are planned after the 1^st Semester Exams, even for the students from KG to Cl. 7. My latest designation now is ‘Tour Operator’ of the school.

On the spiritual side, we continue to hold the First Friday Mass for the students and staff.

Shashi Swati Lakra, a Cl. IX Catholic student, suddenly died of brain hemorrhage on 13.09.07during the exams. The students and staff were all in a shock. We had a prayer service for the repose of her soul. (Fr. Joseph Alexander)

] In order to contextualize theology in an apt way, we went two by two for exposure to Santal villages, to have a deeper experience of their faith, traditional values and their very living. No doubt, we did come back with lots of new experiences, and used them in our reflections in every theology class.

] Courses such as Introduction to Old Testament, Theology of the Human Person, Popular Islam and Faith and Revelation gave us the right orientation to understand better the revelation of God in the today’s context.

] Good news again: our beloved Superior Fr. Charles Pollet is back to the community after a fast recovery from the hernia operation in the last week of August. No doubt our prayers had healing power.

] The much awaited visitation of our Provincial, coinciding with the visitation of Fr. Shaji, the PCF of Darjeeling, inspired each one of us and gave new dimension both to our theological studies and life as Jesuits. Our heartfelt thanks to both of them.

] The theologians will be out for about three weeks on pilgrimage to holy places of our Hindu and Muslim brethren in Patna, Varanasi and Gaya. We will also have combined classes on Hinduism and Buddhism with the theologians of the Patna RTC. A course on Ecology at Tarumitra is also part of our programme. Kindly remember us in your prayers during our pilgrim days. Schs. Thamacin M. and Arulappan

O On 04.09.07 the scholastics went to St. Lawrence School for a picnic filled with sporting events, games and fun. What added to our joy was the delicious food prepared by Br. George Thomas, Minister. Heartfelt thanks to Fr. Rector and all at St Lawrence.

O The novena in honour of Our Lady of Velankani (29.08.07 to 08.09.07) concluded with a solemn Mass presided by Fr. Davasia CCR, parish priest of Fatima Church. He was felicitated by the community for completing 25 years as a priest. Br. Living Stone, a 2^nd year theologian from Morning Star College has been with us for some time for his parish experiment.

O On 02.10.07, feast of the Guardian angels, we hosted a dinner party for the P.C.Fs of the Assistancy on the terrace. We felt encouraged sharing with our formators.

O Rajendra and Arup have successfully passed their Part-1I examination under CU. Congratulations!

O Fr. Joseph De Souza gave a recollection to the Theologians in Santiniketan on Fr. Arrupe’s “Our Way of Proceeding”. Fr. F. Koikara gave the monthly recollection to the regent and collegians here at PJG.

O International Peace Day was organized by the CLC at the St. Xavier’s Auditorium on 20.09.07 with the participation of various city schools. Schs Joy Praful and Jeyapalan.

J Arunoday fell into a slumber when, on Oct. 6, the pre-novices left for ten days for an experience of the MC way of life. This marked the end of the first semester of the pre-novitiate programme. They went in groups of three and four to MC Brothers’ houses at Noorpur, Dum Dum and Howrah. It was a very fruitful experience for all. It was followed by an evaluation of the whole semester. The new semester begins on October 18 with some new programmes.

J Before they left for the experiment, they had their first semester exams. Most have done reasonably well and are making good progress. Our number is expected to go up to fifteen with the arrival of five pre-novices from Bangladesh by October 17. Fr. Sajeev Painunkal

From Fr. Julian S. Das in the Philippines: “after a week of introduction to Philippines and its culture, we spent two weeks of sharing on our life journey in the Society. On October 1, we went for the first experiment, ‘Filipino Life Experience’, living in Navotas, one of the largest ‘slums’ of Manila for 8 days. It was an enriching experience, living and sharing the life of the poorest of the poor. We are preparing ourselves for the Spiritual Exercises, which will begin on October 30. I commend all of us to your prayers.”

◘ From Peter Samikannu in Spain: “My trip to the Holy Land was prayerful and fruitful. Looking forward to meet you all soon.” He will be back with us on 09.11.07.

◘ From Fr. Jean Englebert all over Western Europe: “Arrived in Rome on Oct. 2 the Curia Generalis. Met Father General who opened the door of the refectory for me! Met the various Fathers in charge of the apostolic works in which I am involved. Met Fr Molinari, Liturgy: I presented him our translation of the Proper of the Society and discussed the changes in some dates of the feasts in order to have them in common with other Religious. Then went round Rome to the generalates of a number of religious congregations to present our Bengali translation of the proper of their saints. It was killing to go around Rome and find their places. I came back dead tired. Oct.7 leaving for Milan visiting friends till Oct.12 – From there to some ecumenical monastery in the North of Italy. Oct 12 to Frankfurt - Kirche in Not - to ask them to subsidize the translation of their own book A Little Catechism of the Church. Back to Belgium on Oct 13 evening.” And leaving for Kolkata on 09.11.07, …fully rested, we hope!

◘ From Sch. Mourlin Fernando in Jabalpur: “After my 2^nd semester I have gone to BAIF, Pune, to do my organizational training. I did impact study on “Livestock Breed Improvement –A key to Sustainable Development”. I did the projects for ITC, Bhopal, as well as DRDA, Hoshangabad in MP. It was an enriching experience in the field as well as to know different project intervention strategies to develop sustainable livelihoods for the marginalized. On 29.09.07 I presented a paper on “National Rural Employment Guarantee Act - Scheme as an alternative to Development” in G. S. College of Commerce and Economics, Jabalpur. Keep me in your prayers.”

                                                 E    AICUF NEWS     E

    E The AICUF is organizing its Puja camp from Oct. to 23 in St. Xavier’s School, Haldia. The theme is: “With and for the Marginalized towards an Empowered Civil Society”. There will be around 110 participants from different AICUF units. Frs. Felix Raj and Fr. Dominic Savio will be there with the students.
   E In true Christian spirit, the AICUF has always been assisting the needy students in their education. This year, the AICUF selected 28 students for the AICUF scholarship. Fr. Ruy Cordeiro, seniormost Jesuit in the province, was the chief guest for the occasion, and distributed the scholarships to the students on Sept. 10. Fr. Felix Raj, AICUF State Adviser, thanked the benefactors and students for their contribution in establishing these scholarships.                                                                                        A.M. Devotta (2nd Yr B.A.)

Fr. John Rojerse visited the LTS units in Ranchi in September. There was only one school associated with the LTS till 2007. Now 5 schools in Ranchi are part of the LTS family.

The LTSers of St Xavier’s College had a day of Orientation on Sunday 1.09.07 at the LTS Centre. They also planned their future programmes at the meeting.

136 LTSers from nine schools of Kolkata organized a workday on 30 September 2007 at the Frank Anthony Public School. They made 19 kathas (a kind of blanket made by stitching old sarees together) from the materials they collected They also made dhongas, greeting cards and notebooks. This 'labour of love' was to inculcate the value of social service.

A two-day Leadership Camp was organized by the LTS Unit of St Agnes School, Howrah, on 6-7.10.07. Frs John and Sebastian James were the resource persons. 62 LTSers attended.

'Plus-Two Zonal Day 2007' was celebrated on 07.10.07 at the primary department of St Xavier’s Collegiate School. 125 LTSers of the plus-two units of eight schools participated. They had sessions on the ‘Art of Living’ and group building.

The preparation for the LTS Sangam 2007 is in progress. The LTSers from the city schools regularly meet at the LTS Centre and plan for the event. The Sangam will be held on 18 November 2007 at the St Xavier’s College Campus. Fr. John Rojerse

The Premiere of Chitrabani’s docu-feature film, Muktir Banishikha, was held at Barrackpore on 11.08.07. Over 500 military and civilians, including MLAs and MPs, attended. The film is made for the Barrackpore Cantonment Board to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the first war of Indian Independence.

As a follow-up of this release, we were approached by the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) to make for them a short musical film titled “Awwa Geeti”. It was completed in three days and had its premiere on 15.08.07. It was at the initiative of the Maratha Regiment.

Fr. P. J. Joseph along with Archbishop Lucas Sirkar and Bishop Joseph Suren Gomes attended a three-day National Seminar organized by CBCI Commission for Communication in Mangalore, August 23-26. It highlighted the role of the Church in communication.

Our 3-month cinematography workshop will be inaugurated in the 2nd week of November. Last date for application: 12.11.07. For details contact us or visit www.chitrabani.com

The 4th Kolkata Short Film Festival (KSFF) is scheduled for 2-8.12.07. It was conceived by Chitrabani with the hope of bringing together professional and amateur short film makers, and providing for them a platform to present their creative powers. It is organised in association with Nandan, W.B. Film Centre.

A new book, Satyajit Ray. by Fr. Gaston Roberge, was released by Mrs. Bijaya Ray, wife of the late Satyajit Ray. She received the book from the author in the privacy of her home. The photo that was then taken was presented during a press conference on 20.09.07, thus making the launching public.

The book is a collection of 24 articles written from 1970 to 2005. They deal with various aspects of Ray’s cinema. Although hardly half of his films are discussed, yet there is a unifying thread running through the book. Fr. Gaston sees the character of Apu in Ray’s first film (Pather Panchali, 1995) evolving, as it were, through Ray’s various films. Young Apu begins a journey of discovery of the world, and so does Ray himself through his films. In particular, Ray discovers the “jana aranya” (1975) or “human jungle” with all its corruption. But he does not lose faith in his fellow human beings. Even a young bourgeois is shown making a first step towards social realism by taking up a job (Pratidwandi, 1970). Finally, in his last film, Ray affirms that the source of civilization is to be found neither in the West nor in the East but in the cave of the human heart.

The writer sees in Ray a continuator of Rabindranath Tagore. Ray took off where Tagore had reached, and went a giant step ahead, both artistically and politically.

Shortly after Ray’s death in 1992, Fr. Gaston had the idea of arranging his essays as a whole in the hope that the essays might contribute to a better understanding of Ray’s cinema and personality.

[Manohar Publishers, Delhi. Hard cover only for the time being. Rs. 695. Distributor in Kolkata, Sarat Book House]

The Social Justice Secretariat has created an Ignatian Ecological Network (IEN) to provide information on environmental issues and facilitate an exchange among Jesuits, especially among the members of the upcoming General Congregation. There is an increased attention in the Society to the ecological issue as manifested by the number of postulates sent to the GC 35. A conference held this year in Rome under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace indicates also that the awareness in the Church regarding the suffering that a climate change will cause to the people, especially to the poor, is increasing.

Moved by the implications of the fast-disappearing biodiversity in the state of Bihar (India), Father Robert Athickal has launched a database to provide information on environmental issues. He is also recruiting journalists to enhance and multiply the message of alert among the general population.

    Fr. P. J. Joseph draws our attention:
    The Government of India has an online Grievance Forum at http://darpg-grievance.nic.in/
    The government wants people to use this tool to highlight the problems they faced while dealing with Government officials or departments like Passport Office, Electricity board, BSNL/MTNL, Railways etc., etc.
    So use this grievance forum and educate others who do not know about this facility. This way we can at least raise our concerns instead of just talking about the ' System' in India. Invite your friends to contribute for many such happenings.

V Cardinal Adam Kozlowiecki, S.J. died in Lusaka (Zambia) on 28.09.07 at the age of 96. He joined the Society in 1929. Arrested by the Gestapo together with 24 other Jesuits he was interned in Auschwitz and Dachau. After his liberation he joined the Jesuits in the mission of Rhodesia (now Zambia), where in 1959 he became the first Archbishop of Lusaka. After repeated requests to be replaced by an African, the Pope accepted his resignation in 1969. He then became a simple missionary without crosier or mitre. He was appointed cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1998.

◘ Prabhu Jisur Girja: the old Phone Nr. 2244-9915 has been replaced by 2265 9915

◘ New phone number of the Patna Provincial: (0612) 2219903 (in place of the old one 0612-2228677)

◘ Change in the Vidyajyoti E-mail Id: vjprincipal@gmail.com (to be used for all official communications)