Fr. Provincial’s Programmes · 14. Fr Gyan Prakash Minj 15. Fr L.Francken 16. Br Felix P . Tete...

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75/8 Ranchi Jesuits, Sadbhavna P.B. - 4, Ranchi - 834001, Jharkhand AUGUST 2016

Fr. Provincial’s Programmes

August 201601 : Inauguration of St Xavier’s College, Simdega03 : GB Meeting – Catholic Press at 6.00 pm04 : Feast of St. John Mary Vianney in the Cathedral05 : Visitation - Bundu06 : GB Meeting of Xaviers Ranchi at 6.00 pm07 : Meeting with Porticus07-9: CZ Seminar on Education08 : Meeting with the General of Montfort Brothers10-12:CZ Provincials’ Meet13 : Province Consult

Installation of the new Rector – Manresa House16 : Rainbow Meeting at 9.00 am17 : Talk by Fr. Bimal Kerketta, SJ, on Crisis in the

Middle East at 6.00 pm18 : Major Superiors' Meeting at OCD Kokar19 : Meeting at SDC at 9.00 am

20-21: Visitation – Soso23 : Holy Mass at AC Carmel, Loadih at 6.00 am27 : Holy Mass at St Albert’s College

September – November 2016

05 : Province Consult10 : Follow-up – Laudato Si at XISS13 : Visitation – VidyaJyoti, Delhi16 : Rome17 : Visitation - Madrid, Spain23 : Visitation of Scholastics – Germany27 : Brussels28 : Rome1 Oct. -27 Nov. : General Congregation 3628 Nov. : Back to Ranchi from GC 365 Dec. : Visitation to Assam Begins

Recent Changes and Status in the Province:

Fr Dungdung James Vikrant SJ PP, Catholic Church MuriFr Kujur Anselm SJ Acting PP, Catholic Church NoadihFr Tete James Pascal SJ PP, Catholic Church BingaonFr Xalxo Pius SJ PP, Catholic Church KankeFr Beck Suman SJ PCF, Sadbhavna RanchiFr Kerketta Michael SJ Lecturer, RTC Boreya, KankeFr Tete Callixtus SJ Hostel, St. John's HS RanchiFr Tirkey Justin SJ Acting Rector, Manresa House RanchiFr Toppo Binod SJ Director, St Aloysius' Minor Seminary Ranchi



St Ignatius’, Gumla

All community members, except the elderly fathers,attended the mini Province Meet held for a day on 7 July.Those stayed back guarded the house well in ourabsence.There were a few casualties in this month of rainyseason. Four members, including one Loreto SisterShakuntala, got viral fever who were taken for check-upto Urmi Hospital. Thank God nothing serious turned upexcept the fever.

A public meeting was held in our campus regardingthe tribal land problem. Mr Benjamin Lakra, former IAAS,addressed the people on the issue of registration of thenon-settled tribal land in Jharkhand. The purpose was tomake people aware of this crucial issue which will affecttheir interest and identity.

Fr Vijay and Manohar Khoya had a long meeting withthe boys of Hostel B and C Blocks on 11 July regardingsome problem that had arisen among them. With ajudicious and tactful handling of the problem it came to a

HOUSES & INSTITUTIONS

peaceful settlement. Well done Frs Vijay and Manohar!The 12th of July was full of activities here. The Inter-Housefootball tournament of the school started with full gustoamong the students. The finals were played on 21 July.The same day there was EID Milan Samaroh, organizedby the Sarva Dharma Sadbhavna Manch, Gumla, in thelocal Urdu Middle School Hall. The DSP was the chiefguest in the well-attended ceremony. You may remember,some two years ago under the umbrella of AROUSE wehad taken this initiative for promoting communal harmonyamong different religious groups. In the evening of the sameday we all the community members went for dinner toNotre Dame Convent on their founder’s Feast Day. Wehad an enjoyable evening!

The two Loreto Sisters of the English medium schoolhave started home visit of our pupils. Their visit is met withenthusiastic welcome by the parents and guardians. Theybraved the rains and bad roads in the bastees (hamlets) asa result one of them caught cold and fever.

Spiritual Animation RetreatRaiganj, Dumka (October 8 - 16, 2016)

1. Fr Alex Tirkey2. Fr Gabriel Xess3. Fr Jerome S. Xalxo4. Fr Christopher R. Toppo5. Fr Vital Ekka6. Fr Alphonse Kullu7. Fr Vijay M. Tirkey8. Fr Beatus Kindo[Two more seats are available]

SSC, Sitagarha (October 8 - 16, 2016)1. Fr Praful Ekka2. Fr Manohar Khoya3. Fr Sylvanus Kiro4. Fr Severius Ekka[Seats are full]

Jharna, Ranchi (October 8 -16, 2016)1. Fr Christopher Lakra2. Fr John Lakra3. Fr Vinod Bilung4. Fr Emmanuel Barla5. Fr Solomon Barwa6. Fr Lalit John Tigga7. Fr Emmanuel Horo8. Fr Cyril Guria9. Fr Nabor Lakra10. Fr James V. Dungdung11. Fr Christopher Dungdung12. Fr Severius Ekka13. Fr Tejkumar Tigga14. Fr Gyan Prakash Minj15. Fr L.Francken16. Br Felix P. TeteFour more seats available

Note: All the others who have given their names for their retreat at SSC, Sitagarha, has not been acceptedfor lack of place. However , 2 can join Raiganj Group and 4 at Jharna. Others kindly arrange your ownaccording to your convenience. Sorry for the inconvenience.



This year we did not have a good crop of mangoesbut our jackfruit trees were laden with fruits. Our hostelboys enjoyed the ripe fruits and we also shared some ofthese with the Sisters of different convents. You can seehow jackfruits help build companionship with convents!

The Compartmental Exams for the matric started inthe third week of July; our school was one centre amongthree in the town. This kept the Headmaster tightly busyand occupied.

The month of July is a very busy month for us.Preparations for the School and the Society’s Feast Daykept our students and teachers much occupied with Dramaand choir practice rigorously. The Drama, Chambal kaHeera was acted by the hostel -A Block on 28 July foroutsiders and on 29th for the entire school and Inter-College. It was a great success; the credit goes mainly toFr Florence Guria and his Assistant Regent Libin Kerketta.Congratulations! Amidst busy days, one day recollectionwas held for our students with confession as preparationsfor the feast. So was it done also for the Apostolic boyson 24 July guided by Fr Pradeep Tirkey.

The meeting of School Managing Committee was alsoheld on 21 July in the Fathers’ Rec. Room. Fr Markcelebrated his 91st B’Day on 29 July; the same day hewas back from Ranchi on his Rajdoot M’Bike, also ofthe same age. On 30th two Belgian guests arrived here inour place, namely, Mr. Wouter and his daughter Sylke.Wouter is the nephew of late Fr. PP Van Nuffel. Theywere our guests for three days who visited our 'apostolicfields' started by his uncle.

The 31st July was celebrated with usual pomp andgaiety. The climax came on the football ground where theschool staff defeated the students’ team by 3-2 in the wellcontested match in the Jubilee Stadium. After the matchFr Principal announced, “Tomorrow is a rest day for thestudents to mourn their defeat”. The students, however,applauded and shouted with excitement hearing theannouncement. Thus 31st July was the crowning of themonth.

Fr. Christopher Lakra

St Mary’s, Samtoli

The Inter-College conducted a two-day orientationprogramme (1-2 July) for the class XI. Fr Prakash Lakra(Redemptorist) was the resource person to conduct it.Themeeting of Headmasters, Headmistresses and clerks ofthe minority schools took place at St Mary’s High School.40 participants were present.

Sch Samir Bhawnra has joined the community. He hasbegun teaching in the newly born college and assisting thehostel prefect with Sch Nirmal. All of us, except Frs Albert,Gilbert, Emmanuel and Ireneus, attended one-day miniprovince gathering at St Xavier’s School, Doranda forwhich more than 200 Jesuits were present. Frs Emmanuel,Principal of the College, Gilbert (Registrar) and Sch Samirwere in Ranchi for four days for the recruitment of theprofessors. They came back on 29 July after accomplishingtheir task.

The executive members of Catholic Religious of India(CRI) of Simdega in their meeting unanimously agreed tohave a joint meeting with the diocesan clergy on 18 August.It was also expressed that all the Superiors, PPs andHeadmasters of the schools could be requested to attendthis meeting. The only single agendum will be to deliberateupon the new domicile policy of Jharkhand government[which goes totally against the interests of the tribals], soas to plan out proper strategies and actions for halting itsimplementation in the present form.

Fr Isaac gave recollection and triduum to the Sistersof St Anne in the first week of July. I gave recollection toSt Anne’s Sisters of Lachragarh deanery. I have also beguntaking classes for St Anne’s candidates.

This year we are happy to receive good and plentifulrain as a result we could finish the work of transplantationon time. We spent two days in uprooting the seedling whichwere transplanted on the third day. Hostel boys, Apostolicboys, girls from St Joseph’s of Tarbes and Angela Hostelrendered their service diligently in finishing the work littlemore than two hours.

Inigo Day: St Mary’s High School and Inter Collegecelebrated the feast with joy and zeal. On 31 July BishopVincent Barwa was very kind to celebrate the solemnEucharist and delivered a very inspiring homily. He alsochallenged us to update ourselves in order to be moreeffective in our apostolate. Thereafter the Mahila Sangh,hostel girls, boys from hostel and Apostolic Schoolfelicitated us as a sign of their appreciation.

The customary football match between Jesuits andthe staff of St Mary’s High was held at the parishground after 4.00 pm. The team of Fathers won by 1–0goal. The match was so thrilling and interesting that manyspectators remained till the end. The festive dinner at 7.00pm for the clergy and religious was the concluding item ofthe Inigo Day. Nearly 60 were present for the fellowshipdinner.



Bishop Vincent Barwa performed the act of blessingand Fr Provincial Marianus Kujur cut the ribbon.Theprogramme started at 9.30 am by lighting the lamp byBishop Vincent, Fr Provincial Joseph Marianus, MrBenjamin Lakra (retired IAAS), Fr Emmanuel Barla, FrJohn Tirkey and a few others. Thereafter prayer danceand welcome song were presented by the SJT Girls’ HostelSamtoli. Fr Linus Dungdung (Rector) welcomed all theeminent guests, staff and students. Thereafter followed aseries of speeches, addresses and exhortations, highlightingthe importance of and expectations from SXC Simdega.Bishop Vincent imparted his best wishes and blessings,and articulated the need of a degree college in Simdegafor the people of the area for quality education and socialtransformation.Fr Provincial gave the statistics of thepopulation and the educated people of this area. He alsohighlighted the dream of his predecessors being fulfilledby opening the the college in this area. Mr Benjamin Lakra,former Chief Accountant General, narrated his personalexperiences and struggles to inspire the students to aimhigh: ‘If I could achieve my higher goal with minimumfacilities,why can’t you achieve much higher goals withbetter facilities’. He challenged the students to have cleargoal, strong will and determination, spirit of perseveranceand hard work in order to be successful. Fr EmmanuelBarla, the Principal of the College, articulated some majorchallenges before the new born college. He expressedthe expectations of the management from the staff and thestudents, and the expectations of the professors andstudents from the college management. These expectationswill be met only when all the staff, students and managementwork together. He called upon all to work hand in handfor the good of the college. At the end Fr Gilbert D’Souza,

the Registrar of the college, proposed the vote of thanksto all.

On this occasion, Frs Sudhir Minj (Socius), MichaelKerketta (PCF), Ajay Minj (Asst. Province Treasurer),George Kerketta (Province Development Director), VinodBilung (Mathematics Professor of SXC, Ranchi), BimalKerketta (Missionary in Egypt) and Alois Beck and someothers were present to witness the birth of St Xavier’sCollege Simdega. The 400+admissions is a veryencouraging positive response received by the college. Thisnew-born college will inevitably play a very positive rolein imparting quality education and bringing socio-culturalchange in Simdega district where tribals are in majoritybut neglected and discriminated. Thus the long awaiteddream of having a degree college in Simdega became areality. We wish all the best to this new born higher instituteof learning and its staff and students. May it prosper andflourish in coming days and years in the service of humanityespecially the tribals of the area.

Fr Linus

Tarunoday

Five new theologians reached Tarunoday on 16 June tobegin their theological journey. The staff guided them duringthe orientation programme and Fr Deepak Toppo directedthe retreat. Meanwhile Fr Milianus Beck representedVidyajyoti College for the Comprehensive Examination ofour five Deacons. Soon after the exam the five newlygraduated Jesuits left for their diaconate ministry and thefive new ones remained with us, no gain no loss! Overall,though, the number of students has decreased. The secondyear theologians returned to Tarunoday on 30 June aftertheir POP and summer vacation and immediately plungedinto planning for the inauguration day.

On 2 July, the Inauguration of the Academic Year2016-17 began with a Solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit at9.00 am presided over by Bishop Anand Jojo, DD, theBishop of Hazaribag. Customary washing of hands of theBishop and the concelebrating priests Frs Amrit Tirkey,John Mundu, Michael Kerketta, (PCF) and DeepakToppo, (Director, Jharna) preceded the liturgy. Connectinghis thoughts to our annual theme Adivasi Karuna kiJhankiyan evam Chunautiyan, Bishop Anand highlightedthat family is the first place of mercy, and hence familyplays important role in promoting mercy. He also linkedthe famous encyclical Laudato Si to mercy in the lives ofAdivasis.

Birth of St Xavier’s College, Simdega

The birth of SXC Simdega took place with the blessing ofthe College building on 1 August. It was truly a historicday.



With liturgy and the chai-paani (snacks) over, thesecond part of the programme began at 11.30 am with thelighting of the seven symbolic diyas (lamps). Bhajan andprayer by Rakesh Kerketta and Amit Lakra added to thedevotion. In the absence of Fr Francis Minj, who wasaway in Patna for the GC 36 meeting, Fr John B. Munduwelcomed the dignitaries – Bishop Anand Jojo and RevDr Manmasih Ekka, the Principal of the GossnerTheological College, Ranchi – and Fr Amrit Tirkeyhonoured them with bouquets and gamchhas (shawls).Then, Fr John B. Mundu introduced the theme. In hiskeynote address, Rev Manmasih Ekka emphasized thatthe Year of Mercy demands love, mercy and generosityfrom everyone. On his part, Bishop Anand Jojo said thathumility is the way to receive God’s mercy.

With the inauguration done, our classes began withtwo veterans as our guides. Fr Agapit Tirkey taughtAdivasi life and theology to the first year students whileFr Henry Barla made us to get into the minds of differentbiblical “Prophets.” On 6 July, we had a brief sharing onour Sarna and Christian ministries. Then, the wholecommunity joined the mini Ranchi Province Day at SXDon 7 July. The enthusiastic parishioners of Kankewelcomed all our Taruns, especially the newcomers, on10 July and handed papaya saplings that we planted inour places of ministry. As part of our course on AdivasiTheology, we celebrated Hariari on 14 July and trans-planted paddy in our garden and then the first yearbrothers cycled to Sutiambe, an ancient and historical villageto know the roots of our history in Jharkhand known tohumanity since 6th century B.C.

On 9 July Tarunoday community found itself blessedwith a truckload of 33 gunny bags packed with bookssent by the Jesuits of Tongo for our Library. In fact, their“restructuring” strategy in the residence necessitated thisshift. Fr Francis has already discovered some preciousbooks of the nineteenth century but Br Isidore has his eyeson the gunny bags for mopping the floor! We thankFr Philemon and the Tongo Jesuit community for theirgenerosity.

We all Taruns prepared ourselves spiritually with ninedifferent creative themes for the novena to St Ignatius. Itwas interspersed with inspiring talks by Fr Ajit KumarXess on Our Jesuit Legacy and Theology and IntellectualDepth and Our Jesuit Identity by Fr Francis Minj ontwo different days. We also joined the feast day celebrationsof St Anne with the DSA Sisters at their place in Kanke

on 26 July. Finally, on 31 July, the festive Eucharist beganat 7:00 am in the Parish, presided over by Fr Ignatius Minj.Felicitations followed and all the parishioners, includingwomen and children, enjoyed the breakfast but theleftovers were almost 12 baskets! We concluded allfestivities at Tarunoday together with our neighbouringreligious communities.

Our feast day joy doubled when Fr Michael Kerketta,SJ rejoined the Tarunoday staff on 2 August after servingthe Province for more than six years as PCF. WelcomeMike! The Central Zone Provincials made their annual visitto Tarunoday on 10 August. They met both the studentsand staff separately; they listened to us, encouraged andchallenged us to depth in doing theology in our changingmilieu.

Roshan Ba’a

Jharna-Ashirvad, Namkum

Jharna-Ashirvad building wears a new and welcoming lookafter a thorough renovation. Thanks to Fr K.C. Philip,Superior of the community, whose close monitoring of thetask is indeed laudable. While the workers engagedthemselves in the work even in the scorching sun of Mayand June, different retreat and seminar groups kept comingin to the centre. The last group in June was of the nineteenscholastics - collegians and regents who made their annualretreat here. Fr Vijay Kr Minj, SJ guided them. The Jharnastaff busied themselves in giving retreats to different groupsof retreatants.

The House saw three out-going members last month– Fr Binod Toppo, Fr Ashok Kandulna and Br ModestusTirkey. As Binod had to leave the community in haste dueto the school matter, the community bid him farewell duringthanksgiving Mass on 30 May evening followed by afellowship dinner. Fr Ferdinand Kullu was formallywelcomed during the programme. However, he joined thecommunity only on 5 June evening. The same day Br JamesBarla joined the community to take charge of his multipleresponsibility in Jharna-Ashirvad. Fr Ashok left for StMichael’s Khunti to take charge of his new assignment inthe Loyola English Medium School on 20 June. Some ofthe community members reached him. Br Modestus dueto his health joined his new community, St Xavier’s Bunduon 25 June accompanied by three community members.

From 7-15 June, the whole Novitiate went into silentretreat: the second years made their Vows’ retreat guidedby Fr Master while the first years their annual retreat guided



by Fr Socius. On 19 June morning, 13 new comers arrivedhere for their Novitiate accompanied by Frs MichaelKerketta and Francis David Kullu. Two from Assamreached here the following afternoon due to the train timing.Jharna Spirituality Centre accommodated them during theirFirst Probation; they shifted to the Novitiate wing only on3 July evening.

21 June was the day of celebration as 12 second yearnovices pronounced their first vows in the presence of mayJesuits, religious from the neighbouring communities andclose neighbours. Fr Provincial Joseph Marianus Kujurreceived their simple perpetual vows during a well preparedliturgy. Thereafter, festive dinner was served to all. Thefollowing morning the Novice Master and the Sociusreached the new Juniors to Manresa House, Ranchi.

Annual Inigo Day was spent with usual celebrationand togetherness. To prepare ourselves for the feast, all ofus Jesuits from four communities in the campus assembledin Jharna-Ashirvad for Recollection on 30 July. Fr LouisFrancken, SJ gave us thought-provoking points for prayerand reflection which culminated with the Sacrament ofReconciliation.

Fr Raymond

St Michael’s Residence, Khunti

In the first week of July Jesuit staff was engaged inimparting Jesuits and their Legacy to the staff and thestudents of Loyola High School. It was indeed a goodopportunity for them to know about the Jesuits and theircharism. The representatives of Loyola High School andLoyola Inter-College went to participate in the Inter JesuitsFiesta held at Ranchi.

We had novena to St Ignatius in St Michael’sCathedral with the laity. Each member of our JesuitCommunity took his turn to conduct the prayer. The contentof the reflections, creativity and the use of moderntechnology in the prayer were much appreciated. FrSylvanus Kiro, SJ gave recollection to the Jesuits of KhuntiZone in view of the spiritual preparation for the feast ofour founder.

Ignatius’ Week was observed in the school. We hadcombined assembly for Loyola English Medium, LoyolaHigh School and Loyola Inter-College for a week. Eachalternative day the lay staff of Loyola High School andInter College took their turn to share about St Ignatius inthe assembly. At the end of this special week we hadcombined recollections for the students and staff. Students

were divided into three groups namely CLC, non-Catholics and non-Christians. Fr Ashok Kandulna, Fr AmritLakra and Fr Ranjit Horo gave recollections to thesegroups respectively. Fr Augustine Kujur gave recollectionto the staff of Loyola High School and Inter-College.

We celebrated the feast of St. Ignatius with great joyand enthusiasm. Bishop Binay Kandulna DD was the maincelebrant and Fr Ranjit Horo preached the homily. Thechoir led by Pre Novices and Loyola High School Hostelstudents under the direction of Schs Alok Ekka and AjitKerketta was highly appreciated by all. The parish priestwas so impressed by the choir that he asked the choir tolead the hymn for St John Mary Vianney’s feast as well.After the Mass there was a solemn felicitation programfor the Jesuits in the parish premises. Seeing the big numberof students we had cultural programmes simultaneously attwo places. Loyola High School and Loyola EnglishMedium School were combined together and staged it onthe school hall, whereas Loyola Inter-College had itsprogramme in the parish hall. To mark this special occasionthe football match between Jivan Deep and Loyola CollegeHostel was organised. The Pre-Novices outplayed theteam of Loyola College Hostel and defeated them by 3-0.The neighbouring religious men and women came to shareour joy in the evening. After a very meaningful eveningprayer led by Fr Ranjit Horo, all of us enjoyed the dinnerand thus concluded the day of celebration.

Sch Alok Ekka

De Nobili College, Pune

With the arrival of the scholastics after summer vacationon 2 June, DNC became alive and vibrant. This year DNCis blessed with 36 new philosophers. The community hadorientation programme on 3-4 June with its theme Rootedto Branch Out. On the first day philosophers andtheologians had the programme separately while on thesecond day it was a combined one. The objective was tomake us aware how a Jesuit could be deeply rooted inphilosophical and theological understanding of the worldbefore branching out for mission. Later JDV had orientationprogramme on 6 June with its theme Blessed are theMerciful. Classes commenced from 7 June onward.

This year DNC has taken up slum ministry in twoplaces along with the existing various ministries. Thepurpose of taking it up is to immerse ourselves to the hardrealities of life confronting the slum dwellers. Thus we canattain experiential knowledge about the life and culture of



the people which could affect our philosophical reflectionand formation.

This year Fr Eric from Jamshedpur province joinedour community as our spiritual Father. The faith-sharingand living group dinner on 8-9 July helped us to strengthenour bond of companionship. The Spiritual AnimationProgramme (16-17 June) given by the core Committeewas insightful. We had lots of discussions, sharing andreflections in different groups. It certainly gave us someunderstanding about the process of re-structuring in theAssistancy.

The spiritual preparation for the Feast of St Ignatiusbegan from 22 July with the novena. Novena prayers wereconducted on various themes with lot of creativity andinsights. The Feast of St Ignatius was celebrated in a grandway. Apart from all these, this year the community hastaken the initiative to make the DNC-campus plastic freezone. A group of scholastics is given responsibility toimplement this initiative.

Sch. Lazarus Basumatary

Vidyaniketan, Trivandrum

Greetings to you all from the Juniors of Ranchi Provinceat Vidyaniketan. We (Vicky, Fulit, Rohit and Kanchan)are keeping fine in Vidyaniketan Juniorate, Trivandrum.In the beginning, Vicky had health problem , but now heis all right. We went through some initial difficulties andchallenges for a couple of days: different language, differentclimate, different food habit, culture and so on.

By the way, Vidyaniketan is beautifully situated on the

coast of the Arabian Sea. Our residence is surrounded bydifferent kinds of trees. We can hear the chirping/ singingof the birds (especially the Peacock), the roaring of thewaves in this beautiful place. The weather is very pleasanthere. The morning hours are very conducive to meditation.All these make us cheerful and ecstatic.

We have a good and happy community. The staff isvery much stimulating and inspiring. I enjoy theircompanionship. We are 31 Juniors from 12 Provinces.So, this is a good opportunity for us to improve our English,enrich ourselves in this multi-cultural milieu by engagingourselves in different activities. We have regular dailyclasses and Saturday ministries. ‘Grama Pravesham’ is agood time to learn the ABC of Malayalam. We also haveBeach Meditation once a month. This is a new experiencefor us . On Sunday we go out for a stroll on the beach.This is very helpful for us because we four of us cometogether and share our experiences and feelings. Nowwe have settled down to our studies and other activities.All seems to be putting on flesh except Fulit. South Indianfood was at first difficult to digest, but now we are relishingit. We have some interesting subjects like Music, TimeManagement, Games Training, etc. These are helpful forour growth.

Before the feast day of St Ignatius , we had a wellprepared Novena, a Recollection Day followed by theSacrament of Reconciliation. The feast day was very good.Now we are preparing ourselves for the feast of theAssumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Sch Kanchan

ASSAM & ANDAMAN

Jesuit Bhavan, Tezpur

We had two days of Spiritual Animation Programme(SAP) for the Jesuits of Assam Mission on 2-3 July atJesuit Bhavan. Fr Victor D’Mello from Kohima and myselfconduct it. All the Jesuits of Assam Mission were presentfor it.

All of us went to Phesama (Nagaland) on 3 Julymorning for our annual retreat, directed by Fr ScotusFernandez, SJ of Karnataka at Phesama, Nagaland. Theweather of the place was very conducive. The retreatended on 12 July evening with the renewal of vows andagape meal.

Under the leadership of Sch Romeo Brama (KOH),who studies in Taiwan, 14 students of Fu Jen Catholic

University, Taiwan visited Assam Mission from 18-20 July.They visited Missamari-Banderhabi centre where they hadsome glimpses of Adivasi, Nepali and Assamese cultures.Tarabari centre presented glimpses of Boro Cultural dancewhile Panipotta Tea Estate and Kochubil centres presentedOraon and Munda dances. The Taiwanese guests, hailingfrom 6 different tribes, also showed some glimpses of theirdifferent cultures. This cultural exposure really enrichedthem and made them happy. They also visited the tea-factory of the diocese of Tezpur.

On the feast day of St Ignatius, we had Eucharisticcelebration in the morning at St. John De Britto ParishBalipara with the parishioners. Fr Satyajit Ekka, theDirector of Social Centre of Tezpur diocese, preachedthe homily. I was the main celebrant while other 9 Jesuits



concelebrated. After the mass, Jesuits were felicitated bythe parishioners with their cultural items. All the parishionerswere given snacks at the end. To the close collaborators,namely teachers, catechists, priests and sisters were serveddelicious food. In the evening we had the inauguration ofthe newly built St Xavier’s College Boys’ Hostel. BishopMichael Akasius Toppo DD blessed it while I cut theribbon. Thereafter we had agape meal with the religiousand priests of Tezpur town at St Xavier’s College hostel,Sonabheel.

Fr Xavier Lakra

Gana Chetana Samaj, Tezpur

Gana Chetana Samaj kept open all the study centres forchildren and the training centres for the youths wholethroughout July. The staff kept themselves busy in givingSystem of Rice Intensification (SRI) training to the farmersin different villages. On 18 July a cultural exchangeprogramme was organized in Banderhabi village with thestudents of Taiwan. People from many villages participatedin the programme and were amazed to see the dresses,dances and songs of Taiwani tribals. The villagers alsoshowed their cultural dances. On the same day Tambulplants were distributed to the farmers of three villages.Each farmer was given 30 plants. Since the villagers werebusy in the month of July in the paddy transplantation, noother activities were conducted in the villages.

Fr. Thomas Barla

Kathalguri

Like others years, Loyola school has arranged coachingclasses during summer vacation for classes IX and X fortwo weeks. It was done in view of Pre-Final Examinationand Board Examination. Students and parents displayedgood cooperation. Students were pleased to have suchopportunity. Teaching staff took keen interest and put extraeffort in teaching their subjects. This has created a verypositive impact among the teachers and students for betterteaching-learning atmosphere.

All of us joined the Spiritual Animation Programmeheld at Jesuit Bhavan Tezpur and the Annual Retreat atPhesama. The Feast of St Ignatius on 31 July wascelebrated as the parish day. It was very simple due toflood. The most of our neighbouring places were affectedby the flood. We had holy mass and small culturalprogramme and concluded by serving tea and snacks tothe parishioners.

Fr. Pradeep Kullu

M ushalpur

I had already started working as the functional headmasterof the school from 1 July. However, handing over wasdone on 26 July. Fr Elvius reached Fr Roshan Bage toPengaree on 27 July.

On the occasion of the feast of St Ignatius, thanksgivingmass with the parishioner was held at the parish. Thereafterfollowed a short colourful felicitation programme for theJesuits by the faithful. In the evening nearby communitiesof Domini, Baganpara and Barama and religious sisterswere invited for the festive dinner. The construction of thenew presbytery is expected to be over by the end ofAugust.

Deacon Rozario

Prothrapur

There were a series of celebrations of SCCs days andfeast days in July. The parishioners celebrated the feast ofSt Thomas (3 July) enthusiastically. I celebrated the solemnmass while Fr George Beck SJ, the spiritual director ofthe Port Blair Diocese, preached an inspiring homily. Threeother SSC centres (Bathubasti, Kamrajnagar,Pathargudda) dedicated to St Thomas had separate datesfor the celebration. Bathubasti had the celebration on 4July where Fr Edward Kerketta, Asst PP, went for themass; Fr David availed himself for St Thomas SSCKamrajnagar. On 7th July St Thomas SCC at Patharguddahad its SCC day. Fr Jayaraj SDB availed himself for theEucharistic celebration. Similarly St Maria Goretti SCCDaudnagar had its feast day on 9 July for which both of uswere present.

The feast of Blessed Anne Marrie Jouvehey theFoundress of Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, was celebratedin the parish premises on 15 July. Later in the evening of23 July both of us (Frs David and Edward) went to RangeOffice for the celebration of SSC day as St Anne SSCcelebrated its day.

This is also the year of Jubilee of Maha Mahila Sanghof Port Blair Diocese. To mark the year it has planned tohave various activities for different groups. RangoliCompetition was one among them. It was held for theyouth on 24 July at Prothrapur parish. 9 groups took partin it. Daudnagar, Kamrajnagar and Bathubasti secured first,second and third prizes respectively.

Both of us went to St Alphonsa SCC for thecelebration of SCC day at Range office on 30th evening.Rev Fr Dharampal Tirkey, V.G. of Port Blair Diocese,



Jerusalem

July month kept all the community members a bit morebusy than the previous months. We received twentyscholastics from Rome for one month faith-experience inthe Holy Land. They hailed from many different countries:India, Brazil, Tanzania, America, Myanmar, Poland,Vietnam, Slovenia, Slovakia, Equador and Madagascar.Our Deacon Kulwant Minj was one among them. Theyvisited the Holy Land before their diaconate ordination.Their programme consisted of Retreat in the beginningand then visiting other holy places in Israel. First two dayswere allotted for brief guided tour to the Holy places inJerusalem. From 7 -15 July they entered into silence.Listening to Jesus and knowing Him in the holy placeswas the recurring theme of the retreat. Everyone had awonderful experience specially of the discipleship of Jesus.They spent four days in Galilee and two days in the desertafter the retreat was over. These visits were preciousmoments for deepening their faith experience.

The feast of St Ignatius, turned out to be a grand andjoyous celebration. We set up for the Holy Mass in ourGarden. The Maronite Bishop (emeritus), the Italian andFrench General Consuls were the VIP guests present forthe occasion. Besides the VIPs there were about hundredand fifty religious, priests and lay persons who participatedin the Mass. The beautiful singing led by the Philippinoladies was much appreciated. The dinner followedimmediately after the Liturgy. Varieties of dishes wereserved to all the guests and everybody was satisfied. Toour great surprise, we collected little less than twelvebaskets full of leftover food.

Fr Camil Kerketta

Rome

June-July were two busy months for Ranchi Jesuits inRome. Until 27 June, almost all were busy either incompleting their final exams or in preparing themselves for

the summer ministries. Edwin Dang was the first one tocome out of the grip of exam fever as he had alreadycompleted by mid-June the assignments required by theInstitute of Psychology. Ediwn Ritesh had his final paperon 24 June while Ravi Hemant had to wait until 27 June tocelebrate the completion of the first year of theologicalstudies. As their senior member, Kulwant successfullycompleted his three years of theological studies and showedthem the way to fulfil the demands and challenges ofacademic life. His final dissertation was on the themeMystery of God written under the guidance of Prem.

Amidst the exam fever of our students, Fr ProvincialJoseph Marianus Kujur arrived in Rome on 8 June toparticipate in the Meeting of the Commission onGovernance. He was sweetly surprised to see Sr SuperiorGeneral Linda Mary Vaughan at the airport, who hadcome to extend a cordial welcome to Rome and to offerheartfelt condolences for the great loss of Fr Ranjit PascalToppo and Fr Paul Vijay Minj. He was equally surprisedto see Biju Sebastian (DUM), our RTC ScriptureProfessor, along with her. Despite being busy in exams,Ranchi Jesuits came together on 9 June for a memorialHoly Mass for Frs Ranjit Pascal Toppo and Paul VijayMinj. During the homily, R.P. Provincial recounted thefeelings and experiences of the entire Province arising outof the great loss of two young, dynamic, energetic andpromising Ranchi Jesuits. Rev Mother Linda MaryVaughan, Mata Alma Xalxo, Superior of St Anne’s Sistersin Rome, represented their Congregation to offer prayersand condolences. After the Holy Mass, we shared a simplefellowship meal prepared Fr Biju Sebastian.

From 11 to 14 June, R.P. Provincial was busy in theintensive meetings of Commission on Governance as partof the preparations for the upcoming GeneralCongregation. After completing the essential meetings withR.P. Lisbert D’Souza and R.P. Rectors of both CollegioBellarmino and International College of Gesù, he wasrelatively free for one day. Despite their tight exam schedule,

presided over the mass. Finally the month of July endedwith the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola on 31st. It wascelebrated in a very ordinary manner. Three of us ( Frs.David, Edward and George) celebrated the mass with the

parishioners. Thereafter we were felicitated by the faithful.Thus both of us were busy in our pastoral and spiritualcare of the parishioners whole throughout July.

Fr David

DIASPORA



Kulwant, Edwin Dang, Edwin Ritesh, Ravi Hemant andBiju Sebastian invited him to their community. EdwinDang had already finished his exams on 13 June, andhence, along with Biju Sebastian, he readily availedhimself to accompany R.P. Provincial to visit one of themost famous and beautiful monasteries in the worldsituated on the mountains of Subiaco. The monasteryhouses the Sacred Grotto (Sacro Speco), where StBenedict lived as a hermit almost for three years. Theexisting monastery, filled with beautifully maintainedspectacular mosaics and frescoes, was built around thegrotto from 9th to 18th centuries. According to one of thetraditions, when the devil tried to tempt him as a beautifulgirl, he threw himself on a thorny rose bush to win over thetemptation. A rose garden adjacent to the monastery stillbears witness to his victory over the devil’s temptation.Below the Benedictine Monastery stands in grandeur theAbbey of St Scholastica, who was the sister of St Benedict.The Abbey is well-known for housing three cloisters inthree distinct styles – the oldest is in Cosmatesque stylebuilt in 12-13th centuries, the second is in Gothic style builtin 14-15th Century and the last one is in Renaissance style.The entrance to the Abbey with the inscription “Ora etLabora” (Pray and Work) underlines the motto and thespirit of the monastic life. Indeed, the pilgrimage to boththe monasteries was profoundly enriching and fruitful!

Our Missionary in Egypt Bimal Kerketta arrived inRome on 25 June. After 14 years of hard work andcomplete dedication to different missions in Egypt, he wasoffered the trip to Rome and Naples for a bit of rest andRetreat. A well-deserved break indeed! He was warmlyreceived at the entrance of Collegio Bellarmino by Kulwantand Prem. The latter brought him to Gregorian communityfor his 3 days’ sojourn in Rome. On the first day itself,Bimal was extremely pleased to walk through the stonypavements of Rome and to visit the Roman Forum andColosseum. On the following day, Kulwant led him to aguided tour of the tomb of St Ignatius in Gesù Church, theRoom of St Ignatius, Catacombs and all the majorBasilicas. On 27 June, Bimal was accompanied byKulwant, Edwin Ritesh and Prem to Assisi. Bimal wasdeeply impressed by the way the life and works of StFrancis of Assisi and St Clare are depicted and kept alivein Assisi. He was glad to visit the places where St Francis

lived, won over the temptations, worked and died. Hespent enough time in front of the tomb of St Francis topray for his mission in Egypt as well as for Ranchi Province.On their way back home, they also visited one of the StAnne’s communities, which offered them delicious eveningmeals. Happy, satisfied and spiritually rejuvenated, Bimalcame back to Rome in the late evening. He proceeded toNaples for the Annual Retreat on the following day.

For the month of July, Edwin Ritesh and Ravi Hemantleft for Ethiopia to work with Jesuit Refugee Service inDollo Ado. By living with the refugees in the Refugee Camp,both were deeply enriched to see and experience theagony, difficulty and uncertainty faced by the Somalianrefugees. In their own way, they contributed to the three-fold program run by JRS – Youth Development, AdultEducation and Psychosocial Counselling to the traumatizedrefugees. On 4 July, Kulwant went to Jerusalem toparticipate in the Jesuit Scholastics Program organizedannually for the Scholastics of Gesù community. He isgreatly indebted to Camil Kerketta for his help andguidance during his sojourn in Jerusalem. After comingback to Rome, he left for India on 4 August. Edwin Dangtoo left for Ranchi on 15 July. Apart from dedicating histime in writing two assignments on psychology, he plans totake some classes for the Pre-Novices. Before leaving forRanchi, Linus and Prem participated in the Jubileecelebrations of the 25 Years of St Anne’s Sisters’ presencein Europe. The celebrations were held in Cittadella on 5July. Except Kulwant, all others will come back to Romeduring the first week of September.

Fr Prem

Guyana

Arrupe House community Georgetown, the mother houseof the Jesuits in Guyana was privileged to receive fourVenezuelan Jesuit Scholastics- Alexis Moreno, Argenis,Johan Alarcon and Rafael Mendoza for two weeks topolish their English language. They made their annual retreatunder the guidance of Fr Edward Bermingham, SJ in StIgnatius Lethem. The exposer in Guyana has certainlyhelped them to grow in their vocation. St Teresa’s MissionKarasabai was blessed with another Jesuit Scholastic- PhilHarrison, a theology student from British Province whospent a month with Ursuline Sisters- Anima, Berna, Divya



and Seraphina. He was a great help to the community asthe new Church Building construction work is in progress.

Fr Mark Mukul celebrated his birthday on 4 July inhis community, Britto Hall Berbice. Fr Joachim De Mello,Fr Joseph Raj and Fr Mark Mukul are making their besteffort to proclaim the Good News in Port MourantBerbice, Black Bush Polder, Spring Land and Siparutawith their regular visits. Fr Ramesh Vanan, SJ, the formerParish Priest went to Los Angelos, USA for his higherstudies. Fr Anil Kishore and Fr Anthony D’Souza arevery regular in giving classes for their catechists on theHoly Eucharist and the Scripture in East Coast Demerara,Gerogetown. In Our Lady of Lourdes Hosororo, North-West Region to mark the Year of Mercy, pilgrimage wasarranged where 500 pilgrims arrived from differentcommunities and offered their prayers. Fr Amar Bage

celebrated his birthday on 9 July with Fr Marlon Innis andFr Malcolm Rodriguese and the Missionaries of CharitySisters.

31 July was a historical day when Bishop FrancisAlleyne, OSB, the Bishop of the Diocese of Georgetown,blessed the newly constructed magnificent churchdedicated to St Ignatius of Loyola in the Central Rupununi,Lethem. On this joyous and auspicious occasion all theparishioners, friends and well-wishers expressed their loveand gratitude to the Jesuits. All the Jesuits- Frs Paul Martin,James Conway, Ronal Fernandes, Poulose Thomas,Edwin Anthony, Elias Surin and Ursuline Sisters who areworking in the interior were present for the celebration.Nineteen young and energetic people were confirmed onthis occasion.

Fr. Elias Surin

Information : Sch Tigga Ravindra left the Society on 16.08.2016

Let us Remember in our Prayers :Mr Sylvester Nag (65+) father of Sch Bimal Nag passed away on 10 June 2016Mr Tobias Soreng, father of Sch Alok Soreng died on 17 August 2016.

AUGUST

01 Minj Robin04 Ekka John

Toppo Suman Prabhat05 Barla Rajenius

Hassapurty Anuranjan10 Surin William

Ekka Cyprian11 Ekka Noel12 Lakra Telesphore13 Dungdung Linus

Xalxo Prem14 Xalxo Yacub

Tirkey ModestusSoreng Vicky Roshan

15 Kerketta George16 Purty Florence Hassa18 Soreng Charles26 Xess Ajit Kr .28 Dungdung Emile30 Kullu Jayprakash N.31 Barla Ajay Roshan

SEPTEMBER

02 Delporte Antoon04 Kerketta Patrick07 Ekka Severius08 Kadookunnel Anthony

Saras AjitKullu Elias

10 Ekka Prakash12 Kerketta Elvius13 Kindo Beatus14 Tigga John Crus15 Bara David16 Ekka Patras

Tirkey AlexiusDhanwar Fulit

17 Minj Claber21 Toppo Christopher Raju

Bage Tej MatiDang EdwinKandir Stephen

23 Kujur LinusKujur Pingal

BIRTHDAYS: AUGUST & SEPTEMBER



24 Tirkey Ignatius25 Baxla Tej Kumar

OCTOBER

04 Tirkey Anil Kishore08 Lakra Ignatius

Ekka John Fabianus09 Beck Walter11 Toppo James Ignatius

Minj AnthresBeck SumanKerketta Michael

12 Surin VictorMinj BillianusKerketta Pradeep

14 Tete CallixtusSoreng Jyoti Bhushan

15 Baxla Suman J.16 Dungdung Albert

Lakra Xavier19 Ekka James20 Bilung Francis Xavier

Minj Abraham21 Barwa Solomon22 Ekka Anselm24 Tirkey Francis26 Soy Raphael

Kujur Florence27 Guria Florence

Tigga Mahendra Peter28 Kujur Sudhir

Soreng Kennedy Prabhat30 Aind Alphonse

NOVEMBER

04 Jaecques Raymond05 Kerketta Camil

Minj Damian C.06 Lakra Peter C.07 Lakra Amit

09 Kerketta Ranjan M.Minj Sudhir Kr.

10 Kujur AugustineSoreng Ajay R.Toppo AlokLakra Sunil

12 Soreng Vinod S.Tirkey Alexander

13 Bage Roshan14 Soreng Joseph Kennedy15 Kujur Marianus J.

Soreng Fuldeo16 Minj Walter Xavier

Barla Thomas17 Brys Aurel21 Tigga Swarn23 Ekka Clement24 Topno Patras27 Soreng Gabriel28 Kandulna Justin

DECEMBER

01 Surin Elias07 Tirkey Vijay Manohar04 Kujur Ashish10 Breye Erik11 Kerketta Sanjay12 Dungdung Rohit D.17 Baghwar Marius18 Xalxo Ignatius

Bage Kamal ChandraToppo Bruno

19 Bilung Nitin22 Bilung Gilbert

Kullu Ferdinand23 Toppo Christopher24 Lakra Christopher25 Barla Emmanuel

Kujur Ernest26 Beck Milianus29 Dungdung John B.

Basumatary Lazarus

WISHING YWISHING YWISHING YWISHING YWISHING YOU ALL - A VEROU ALL - A VEROU ALL - A VEROU ALL - A VEROU ALL - A VERY HAPPY BIRY HAPPY BIRY HAPPY BIRY HAPPY BIRY HAPPY BIRTHDTHDTHDTHDTHDAAAAAYYYYY

Fr. Provincial’s Programmes · 14. Fr Gyan Prakash Minj 15. Fr L.Francken 16. Br Felix P . Tete...

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Transcript of Fr. Provincial’s Programmes · 14. Fr Gyan Prakash Minj 15. Fr L.Francken 16. Br Felix P . Tete...