JAMSHEDPUR JESUITS Vol. 51 No. 1 JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA JANUARY 2003 Appointment by Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ OFFICIAL Fr Hilary Lobo : Principal, St Xavier s School, Purulia Status Fr Saleth Soosai : Headmaster, St Xavier s High School, Lupungutu Fr Emmanuel Parappuram : Sabbatical Schs Sushil Balmuchu, Sunny Jacob, Romanus Kerketta and Polidor Kujur have been approved for ordination to Diaconate. The Province Treasurer Br Wency D Souza will be out of station from 26 January to 8 February. We extend a warm welcome to Fr Thomas E Roach, SJ, Secretary for Education in Rome. He will be in the Province from 25-28 January, visiting some of our educational institutions. The concerned Heads of each institution will be intimated the exact date and time of Fr Tom s visit by the PCE, Fr Saleth Soosai in due time. We wish Fr Tom a fruitful visit and an enjoyable stay in the Province. Provincial s Programme January 08 09 : Manresa House, Ranchi Visitation 10 11 : RTC, Ranchi Visitation 14 17 : Calcutta Visitation 18 (am) : Return to Tatanagar 1. : Lupungutu 2. : Rugudisai 3. : Return to Tatanagar 25 (am) : Consult
(pm) : Jilling 1. : Jilling Visitation 2. : Return to Tatanagar February 03 : Basantpur/Jilling 08 09 : CRI Meeting CHRISTMAS MEETING 2002 In view of celebrating the Ruby Jubilee of the Diocese and the Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee of Msgr John Bodra, "Christmas Meeting 2002" was held at St Joseph s School Hall, Golmuri. The whole event was leisurely spread out throughout the day. The first session began at 9.00 am with a welcome address of the Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ and prayer led by the Novices of Jesu Bhavan. The session was chaired by Fr Augustine Vattamattam and Fr Savarimuthu (Hazaribag) dealt with the theme "The Present Situation in Jharkhand and Our Response". He pointed out a few main burning issues, i.e. (i) domicile & survival, (ii) extremism originating from the experience of exploitation, oppression, poverty, unemployment, etc (iii) extremism originating from the Hindu fundamentalism championed by RSS, BJP and VHP (Sangh Parivar) for irreligious, political and economic domination, (iv) Gram Sabha and Panchayti Raj which characterize the context of our being and ministry. Our response must address these issues in favour of the Adivasi and other marginalised groups by empowering them through constitutional means and structure of Gram Sabha under Panchayati Raj. Many insightful interventions from the floor enlivened this first session. This logically led to the second session at 10.30 am. It was chaired by Fr Hilarius Kongari and Bishop Charles Soreng (Hazaribag) expounded the Christian response to the present situation of Jharkhand under the theme "Adult Catechesis in the Present-day Situation". He stressed on founding of the Basic Ecclesial Communities otherwise known as Basic Christian Communities in our Dioceses. These Basic Christian Communities cannot overlook the Adivasi values of an abiding experience of God in life, fellowship, sharing, cooperation, equality, hospitality, joyfulness, etc. The third session began at 3.30 pm. It was chaired by Fr John Ottoplakal. This session consisted of basically "Sharing of the Affairs of the Diocese and the Province". Provincial Fr James Kalapura and Bishop Felix Toppo presented the picture of the Province and the Diocese respectively. Each of them highlighted the signs of growth and also of unfulfilled dreams. In their address both the Provincial and the Bishop underscored the abiding spirit of collaboration between the Diocese and the Province. We thank the Bishop and the Provincial for their guidance, animation and inspiration which both of them manifest through their pastoral visits and visitations. At the beginning of the session Fr John Vithayathil was called upon to share his experience received through the Divine Mercy Devotion. Before the end of the session, Fr Jesudoss, OFM Cap and Br Jacob, DDS spoke about their apostolate in the Diocese.
The great act of thanksgiving for all the blessings of God on the Diocese and the Province during the past years took in the St Joseph s Cathedral with a great eucharistic concelebration. The eucharist was presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo and Msgr John Bodra, the Jubilarian and Fr Prabhu assisted them. During the eucharist, two laymen, Mr Joseph Soy and Mr Ephraim Dispute, were honored for their exemplary Christian life and service by conferring on them the "Knighthood of St Sylvester". Fr C R Prabhu has become the "Domestic Prelate". Thus he is the second Monsignor in the Diocese. The Christmas Meeting 2002 ended with a delicious fellowship meal prepared under the direction of Br Wency D Souza. The persons who made the "Christmas Meeting 2002" memorable were Fr George Mannarackam and Fr Gerry D Souza who went all out to make everyone feel at home and great by their meticulous arrangements of the meeting hall, the accommodation and the delicious meals. We thank them in a special way and the Bishop and the Diocese for hosting the annual Christmas meeting. DNC NEWS FROM HOUSES - John B Mundu In the month of November we were busy with Bal Mela and Golden Jubilee celebration of the Philosophate. Bal Mela was held on the 16 th and about 1400 children of the neighbouring locality came to have some fun and relaxation at least one day. Once that was over we were fully involved in the preparation of the cultural evening of the Jubilee celebration, held on the 24 th. The play "Even to the Indies" was apt for the occasion. The modern Nagpuri dance under the direction of Sch Anil Dang was well appreciated. We had a number of visitors in that month. First it was Fr Gilbert Menezes, returning from his programme at Goa. Fr Stan Kujur, one of the former Superiors of the Philosophers, was here to witness the Jubilee celebrations. Be Wency also paid a flying visit.
DNS December was a month of joy, grace and tragedy. On the 8 th, the Main School conducted Sports Day. The General Manager of Tata Collieries was the Chief Guest. The campus was filled with proud parents, enthusiastic children and active teachers. The event was appreciated by one and all. 15 December was the day of double impact Hindi School had the Sports Day and the Community celebrated the birthday of Fr Pius. Fr Eric Cassel, the Founding Father of Hindi De Nobili, was the Chief Guest. And Br Wency distributed prizes. On 14 th morning, Mr Reddy, the School gardener, passed away. The School community - workers, teachers, Jesuits shared the sorrow of the family members. Christmas lunch for the teachers was prepared by Br Wency. Thanks Wency. Under the stewardship of Fr K C Anthony, the Parish organized Christmas gathering on 20 th. And on 22 nd, Christmas celebration began with prayer service conducted by the Junior Section. Seniors and Hindi School students entertained us with songs, dance and dramas. Fr Provincial visited our Community on the 17 th ; his presence brought true union of hearts and minds. It was a moment of grace and joy. De Nobili Bhavan December was a busy month with variety of activities. About 300 athletes of six Branch Schools gathered at DNS Maithon on 15 th for the Inter-Nobilian Sports Carnival. The Provincial, James Kalapura, visited most of the Branch Schools from 19-21 December. His visit to DNS Sindri brought some solace to the staff and students of the School, who are anxiously looking into an uncertain future due to the closure of the FCI by the Government of India. He was also the Chief Guest at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of DNS Chandrapura, which
was also attended by George Hess, the Founding Director and Bishop Charles Soreng of Hazaribag. He graced the Christmas celebrations at DNS Mugma, giving Christmas message to various groups and met Gerry Kerketta and Pascal Burh at DNS Chandrapura and DNS Mugma respectively. De Nobili Bhavan hosted the Education Commission meeting on Sunday, 22 December. Eric Cassel and Wency D Souza were overnight guests on 16 December. LCCC - George Fernandes The Communication Centre has entered into a mutually beneficial agreement with Photo Mission, Inc of the USA. Our staff are listed on their website. We have given courses in Kohima and Shillong as well as in Bhubaneswar. George Hess joined a professional photographers group for a tour of Nagaland and Kaziranga for photography and to plan further courses in those areas. Our application for affiliation with the Utkal University of Culture is being processed. We co-sponsored the first international exhibition of photographs and cartoons in Bhubaneswar in an art gallery in early December. It was well attended and received favourable attention in newspapers and on TV. George also attended and delivered a talk at the AGM of the Association of Schools for the Indian School Certificate. He attended the Silver Jubilee celebration of De Nobili School, Chandrapura. Loyola, Bhubaneswar - George A Hess The staff had a lovely picnic on 7 December on the beach at Puri, which was followed by a number of class picnics throughout the month. Vally celebrated his birthday on 15 December with the students, the staff and the Jesuits in three different ways. 20 December was the Community Participation Day. Several activities were put together to mark this day. Loyola students and the students of the slum schools run by HLC & CYSD met together in a socio-cultural interaction. The economically deprived children had the opportunity for selfexpression through various cultural activities and the taste of good food served in packets. On the same day Christmas programme was conducted through cultural items, which depicted the birth of Christ. And finally five eminent speakers representing Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and Jainism came to share their views on "Approach to Peace and Communal Harmony in My Faith". This was followed by the Christmas celebration with our co-workers on 21 December. To
express our gratitude for their service, a fellowship meal was given and a few games for fun were organized. After the closing for the winter, Tony P went to Dhanbad to attend the Province Education Commission meeting. New Loyola campus looks lovely with the blossoming of varieties of quality flowers, around which we find both people and bees more and more. The sale of forms for admission to KG, Stds V and VI are in progress. The demands for teaching job are on the rise and so more than 200 teachers have applied for a few vacancies in the School. Tony P is all set to choose the best. Keep up the good work Tony. Loyola, Jamshedpur December has been a month of activities in the School. The Annual Sports Day held on 14 December was the main event in which the SP of East Singhbhum was the Chief Guest. The well-decorated ground was almost full with interested parents and well wishers. The majority of the staff in their evaluation suggested that the JRD Tata Sports Complex could be used for next year s Annual Sports. Two exhibitions, one by the Junior School students on general theme and another by the Seniors on Geography, caught the attention of one and all and brought laurels to the School from various quarters. Two of our Plus II students who secured 1 st and 3 rd ranks in an all-round talent search conducted on the national level, made our School proud. The Seniors, mostly Catholics, put up a wonderful Christmas programme which depicted the birth of Jesus in a dance-drama and kept the entire School spell-bound inspite of sitting in the sun on the basketball court. The process for the new admission in KG and Plus II is now in progress. Saby is busy with the procedure to make it easy for the new Principal to give the final touch in the selection of the candidates. The Loyola Alumni Association conducted a well-organised medical camp in Jilling on 15 December. A good number of dedicated doctors, nurses and trainees offered medical help and generous services to 1036 patients from different villages. Frs James and Augustine made a point to be there with the people. LCC The staff and the students put their full energy during the month of Ramadan and worked really hard in preparing for the Sports Day, which was held on 16 December. The Chief Guest for this colourful event was our Provincial, Fr James Kalapura. Mr Ronnie D Costa and Frs Rector, Dincher, Saleth and Francis gave away the prizes in turns. The DBC Band played excellently in the sports event. 21 December was the closing day before Christmas. The children on this day presented the story of creation and stole the hearts of the audience. They too enjoyed the carols presented by the Loyola Hall Candidates and joyfully received the Santa Claus enacted by Sch Martin.
Rengra The month began with the visit of SCJM General, Sr Anne, and her Councilor. On the same day the Novices with their Master, Socius and Fr Manu visited us to have a glimpse of our work. Fr James Keogh accompanied by Fr Deeney came to visit Rengra. 34 of our boys filled their Matric forms this year from Rungta School, Chaibasa. The tireless efforts of Anthres need to be praised. He was seen in Chaibasa almost every day to get the forms. Arul was in front of the computers typing the question papers for the second terminal examinations which began on 9 December. After the exams Arul took the hostel kids for a picnic-cum-road repairing. A short-cut road is ready for your drive. Sushil was busy visiting all the villages before Christmas. The Christmas gathering for the teachers was arranged on the 20 th. Arul joined John Sumbrui in Rugudisai for Christmas. Anthres began his retreat on 27 December at Lupungutu. We are ready to begin the new year with the renewed spirit of the Superior after his retreat and the Regent after his triduum at Mango. XIM - Arul Prabhakar Joseph The Community celebrated the Feast of St Francis Xavier on 1 December. We had a large gathering of Religious and clergy for Mass and dinner. George said the Mass, Eric gave the homily. Abe led the choir and Oscar put out a delicious dinner. On the 2 nd we had a special tea for the faculty, staff and students. Abe, as Director, inspired all by his wonderful speech highlighting the life achievements of Xavier and his relevance for us today. Abe and George went to Hyderabad to attend the Board Meeting of the Association of Indian Management School. Before the Board meeting Abe inaugurated the ICFAI Centre for entrepreneurship development. In his inaugural address as the Chief Guest, he pointed out the urgent need for entrepreneurs today for taking the Indian economy forward. The country today needs more wealth and job creators and not wealth and job seekers, he added.
XIMB had its first Management Development Programme on Basic Leadership Skills organized by Abe and Ed McGrath. It was a brilliant success. Several other programmes are also in the pipeline. The participants had high praised for the campus, the world-class accommodation and above all the most interesting and enriching training sessions by Abe and Ed McGrath. The air-conditioned auditorium-cum-classroom complex is nearing completion. We are planning to inaugurate it by the end of February 2003. The auditorium has a capacity of 850 and depending on the number of people, it can be instantly divided into two. It will also be equipped with multi locational view projection services. The classroom will have world class facilities like internet connection, state-of-the-art latest audio-visual aids and provision for students to key in their laptops for interactive learning and collaborative problem solving. Oscar went to Mumbai to attend his family get-together and to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with them. Eric went to Jamshedpur to celebrate Christmas with his brother and then attend the Province Christmas get-together. After Christmas, Abe went to Jamshedpur to attend the Province get-together and to participate in the Jubilee celebrations of the 1977 batch of XLRI. He was a special invitee as the most favorite junior. While the whole Community was away, George held the fort. Loyola School, Baripada Clement brings the benefits of English education to the children of a remote tribal village in Baripada. He started the School on 2 December, 2002 with 125 tribal children, 2 lady teachers and Br Bene Kichingia. Currently, classes are held under thatch-roofed sheds. The parents are highly interested in the School. There will be more admissions in April. Congratulations to you Clement and Bene for this pioneering job and wish you every success. The address is: Loyola School, Jion Marsal Loyola Centre, PO Sankhabhanga, via Laxmiposi, Baripada 757 107, Phone: (06792) 258486. At Atmadarshan, Patna: COURSES Mar 06 14 Apr 04 12 : Eight Day Retreat by Fr Joseph Pullickal, SJ : Eight Day Retreat by Fr J Parakatt, SJ
May 02 12 : Journey to Freedom Retreat by Fr J Parakatt, SJ and At Navjyoti Niketan, Patna: Sr Amala, SND Apr 23 29 : Leadership Programme for Unorganised Youth by Fr Philip Kattakayam & team May 03 Jun 06 May 21 31 : Basic Hindi Course by Fr Jose Chirackal & team : Lay Leadership by Fr Ozzie, SJ, Fr Philip K and Sr Rita, SCN At Upasana, Jamshedpur: Jan 13 31 : Course on Neuro-Linguistic Programme (NLP) by Dick McHugh, SJ Across the River Fr Aloysius Coelho (PUN) died on 27.11.2002 at Shevgaon, Ahmednagar 74/54 Fr Oswald L Mathias (MDU) Fr Arnaut Pinto (GOA) died on 17.11.2002 at Old Goa 84/56 ANNIVERSARIES 03 Jan Fr John C Prabhu 13 Jan Fr Michael K Love 14 Jan Fr Simon C Kirsch BACK