Patna Archdiocese

XXXIV                                                 January 2014                                                                      No. 1

Archbishop’s Program

January                            February

14 : Bankipur – Diaconate of Bro. Jesu Jeybalan           01 – 02  : Mokama – Shrine Feast
     : New Year Get-together                                         03 – 13  : Pala, Kerala – CBCI GBM
15 : Sewa Kendra – Health Commission meeting          14 – 16  : Chuhari – Ordination of Deacon Mukti SJ

                                                                                                                                                         (Jamshedpur Province.)
19 : Kankarbagh – Parish Day                                      17 – 19 : Gruppo India Team

20 : Meeting with SND Superior General                      22 – 23 :  Haranaut – Parish Day

21–23 : Delhi–National Consultation on Health Ministry 23 – 26 : Dr.Hans Escher’s visit (German Doctors)
29 – 30   : Sewa Kendra –                                            28 : Ranchi

               Regional strategic Planning of Social Ministry  March

31 : Gaya                                                                      01 – 02 :  Conclusion of the Centenary Celebration

                                                                                                     –       St. Albert’s College.

The Archbishop Transfers and appoints:

Fr. Prem Prakash, at present the parish priest of Gulni is appointed the Vicar General and Chancellor of the Archdiocese by Archbishop William D’Souza SJ. The announcement of his appointment was made on 14 January at the Priests’ get-together in the Archbishop’s House. The Samachar extends our congratulations to Fr. Prem Prakash and assures our prayerful support in the new responsibility he is entrusted with. The appointment takes effect in June 2014.

The Archbishop has appointed new Deans for the four Deaneries of the Archdiocese and has nominated two new members to the consult. Fr. Johnson Kelakath SJ (Patna), Fr. Anthony Osta (Gaya), Fr. James Rosario (Nalanda) and Fr. Martin Anand (Magadh) have been appointed as the new Deans and Consulters.  Fr. Joseph Raj and Fr. Jerome Dungdung are the two nominated members to the consult. The Samachar express our sincere gratitude to the outgoing members of the consult, Fr. Gregory Gomes SJ, Fr. Cyril Simon, Fr. Jose Chirackal, Fr. Thomas Olikathotty and Fr. Amalraj, and extends our prayerful wishes to the incoming deans and members of the consult for a fruitful and dedicated service in the Archdiocese.

The other transfers and appointments are:  

Name                              From                                           To

Fr. Shakespeare              Basauni                                       Harnaut, Principal, Loyola School

Fr. Alex V                       Nawada                                       Bangalore, M.Th studies

Fr. Jose Chirackal          Masaurhi                                    Basauni, Parish Priest

Fr. Thomas George        Archbishop’s House                   Fatuha, Parish Priest

Fr. Joachim Thakur        St. Mary’s Seminary, Chakaram    Administration, Archbishop’s House

Fr. Augustine Mundoli   Fatuha                                         Masaurhi, Priest in-charge

Fr. Mahipal Blasius        Priest In-charge, Roh                 Roh, Principal and Priest in-charge

Fr. Martin Anand                                                               Secretary, St. Joseph’s School, Roh

Fr. Antony Samy            Studies                                        Parish Priest, Gulni (May 2014)

Fr. Stephen Ekka            Basauni- co-pastor                     Co- pastor, Gulni (May 2014)

Fr. Asit Lakra                 Biharsharif- co-pastor                Nawada, co-pastor, Hostel warden/Director Krus Veer

Fr. Mariamlal                 Barbigha – co-pastor                  Biharsharif, co-pastor, Director of  BCC/SCC

The above transfers and appointments will be effective by the end of March 2014.

Archbishop William returned on 2 December after the feast day celebration from Mugalsarai and the same day he went to Sikandra. He presided over the School annual day function there on 3 December. He was with the MC Brothers at Dibra and was the main celebrant at the Eucharist on 5 December on the occasion of the silver jubilee of one of the Brothers.  On 6 December he was the guest of honour at the school Annual day function at Hilsa and on 7 December at Barh for the School annual Sports Day. The Archbishop was the main celebrant for the Parish Day celebration at Danapur on 8 December, later the same day, for the final vows of Sacred Heart Sisters at Digha, and the inauguration of the Provincial Chapter of the Holy Cross Sisters. On 9 December Archbishop visited Prerana community and on    10 December held a meeting of the organizing committee for the Christmas Get-together of the Clergy and Religious at Loyola School Campus. He was at a meeting of the Education Council on 11 December and was present for the monthly recollection and Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee celebration of Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura on 12 December. On        14 December he was one of the specially invited dignitaries for a day of sharing by different Religious, and socio-cultural invitees organized by the “Brahma Kumaris” at hotel Patliputra. Together with Fr. Dominic Peter, he went to Bodh Gaya on 15 December for the Annual Day of Amar Jyoti School and returned to Patna on 16 December. He was at Lakhisarai on 18 December for the blessing and inauguration of St. Joseph’s School, a venture initiated by Mr. Benjamin, a lay man.

During a week prior to Christmas, the Archbishop had begun visiting the communities in Patna and he was the main celebrant at Kurji Parish for the Midnight Mass on 24 December. He celebrated the morning Holy Eucharist on Christmas day at Bankipur. On 28 December he was fully involved with the Christmas Milan of the Clergy and Religious at Loyola School Campus. On 29 December he was the main celebrant for a wedding jubilee Mass at Gaya. He presided over the Formators’ meeting at the Archbishop’s House on 30 December and on the last day of the year Archbishop was the main celebrant for the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist at Bankipur.

Archbishop began the New Year with the Holy Eucharist at the Pro-Cathedral. On 5 January he was at Maner for the profession of a DSJ Sister. He visited Bariarpur and Basauni with Mr. Jacob Josephat on 6 January. He has been in the office since then catching up with his schedule and updating his office work.

Fr. Jacob Muthuplackal is appointed the administrator of Prerana on 9 December with immediate effect. The Samachar gratefully appreciate and acknowledge the dedicated service of Fr. Amalraj as the administrator of Prerana till December 2013. We wish you, Fr. Jacob all the best and assure you our cooperation and prayerful support for the additional responsibility you have generously accepted.

Christmas celebration in Bankipur and in all our parishes/stations was meaningful and colourful. The number of devotees visiting our churches is increasing every year. At Bankipur alone, more than 15000 people gathered in front of the grotto to light candles and pray to the Blessed Mother and Baby Jesus. 

The First SCC National Convention which was held on 19-21November was a very powerful experience of re-vitalizing SCCs as the New Way to be Church in the neighborhood. 74 Bishops, hundreds of Priests and Sisters and over 7000 SCC animators from all over India congregated at the premises of the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa to share, exchange, pray and reflect together on the growth of SCCs in our country as the new Way of Being Church. The second day of living in SCCs of Goa gave everyone a chance to directly experience how SCCs have touched people’s lives and how they joyfully welcomed all the participants in their homes and serve the needy persons in the name of Jesus. 15 delegates including five Sisters and seven of our Faithful under the leadership of Fr. Mariamlal had attended this convention.  

People and Events:

Bro. Jesu Jeybalan, was ordained a deacon by Archbishop William during the concelebrated Holy Eucharist at 5.00 p.m. on 14 January 2014 in the Auditorium of St. Joseph’s Convent School, Bankipur. About 35 priests, the CJ Sisters, some friends and Priest-relative of Bro. Jeybalan,  were present for the event. The Samachar welcomes you, Deacon Jeybalan and wish you God’s blessings for dedicating yourself to serve the Lord and His people in the Archdiocese.

The Pastors working in the Parishes/Stations of the Archdiocese had New Year get-together at the Archbishop’s House at 7.00 p.m. on 14 January in which 52 priests were present for the sharing and fellowship meal.  

Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee Celebration: 12 December 2013 was set aside for a family celebration of the sacerdotal golden Jubilee of Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura. Though the actual date of his ordination was 3 December 1963, we chose 12 December as the priests from the Parishes could participate in the celebration.  We had half a day of prayer and sharing prior to the jubilee Mass at 5.00 p.m. Fr. Sebastian gave the points for our reflection by sharing of his experience as a priest for the past 50 years.  The sustaining aspect of his priestly vocation, life and ministry has been the never forsaking companionship of the Eucharistic Lord, he said in his sharing. Bishop Sebastian (Buxar) was also present with Archbishop William and 72 of the priests in the Archdiocese for the Jubilee Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura. The Samachar once again extends our sincere and heartfelt congratulations to you Fr. Sebastian for being faithful to the Lord in His service for the past 50 years. We wish you many more fruitful years in the service of the Lord and His people.

Patliputra: Miscreants broke open one of the doors of Patliputra church in the early hours (about 2.00 a.m.) on 3 January 2014. Hearing the banging on the door of the church Fr. Devasia woke up and went to the terrace of his residence to see what was happening. He saw someone trying to break the door and enter the church. Immediately he came down and was going to the Church when he saw two fellows fleeing away on a motorbike. Later he found out that they had broken two windows as well, and took away some cash from the offertory box. No further damage had been done. Praise the Lord. 

Fr. Antonysamy is back in the Archdiocese after seven years of his studies on disaster management and Fr. Christuraj is expected to be in Patna after a year of Sabbatical within a couple of days. We extend a warm welcome to you dear Antonysamy and Christu.

 20 Seminarians of St. Albert’s College, Ranchi including our Jesu Jeybalan after making their retreat at Atmadarshan were our guests and had dinner with us at the Archbishop’s House on 8 December before they returned to Ranchi.

All the Regents in the Archdiocese had a day of Recollection from 11 January (evening) and ending on 12 January (noon). On the first day evening, the Archbishop had a sharing session with the Brothers. After supper Fr. Jerome Dungdung, citing the life of Prophet Jonah, led them in their reflection on the life of a missionary.  The next day, he again gave a talk on Jesus sending his disciples on His mission. Later the Brothers were introduced to “Raja Yoga style” of meditation by Sr. Mridul from the Brahmakumari Ashram in Patna. The Brothers profited much from the recollection, they said. 

Your Prayers Requested :

Fr. Jose Chirackal is on a home-visit and for some Ayurvedic treatment for his back problem for which earlier he had to be in Holy Family Hospital for almost a week.

Fr. P Bhaskar had to be rushed to Holy Family Hospital on 30 December with high sugar count and vomiting. After being in the hospital for a couple of days he could get the complications rectified. He is back in Gaya on 5 January.

Fr. Kuldeep had yet another visit to his doctor in Varanasi and updated the treatment for his hearing problem. He is having this problem since some time.

Deacon Augustine Hembrom was in Tripolia Hospital for a couple of days and was in traction to get rid his back pain. In the meantime, he was also concerned about the two abscesses on his chest and on the side. He moved to Holy Family Hospital on 9 January and had them removed surgically. Though it does not seem to be malignant, we are waiting for the biopsy report of the same.

Sr. Savio SSH had to be admitted in Holy Family Hospital with asthmatic attack and breathlessness. She was moved to the ICCU as her condition deteriorated. She expired at 6pm on 16 January 2014. She was 73 Years old.

Memorial Mass: A memorial Mass on the first death anniversary of Jose Madathezhath was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on 27 December at Buxar. About 20 priests from Buxar and Patna concelebrated the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Sebastian Kallupura in which a good crowd of Religious and laity joined to pay homage to the departed soul. 

Christmas Milan of the Clergy and Religious in the Archdiocese was held on 28 December at the Loyola School Campus, Patna. Unlike that of the previous years, this year’s Milan Samaroh was for all the sections of the clergy and the Religious – from candidates, novices, postulants, to the senior most. About 300 participants from candidates to senior citizens actively participated in the Samaroh. The program began at 9:00 a.m. with a concelebrated Holy Eucharist presided over by the Archbishop. This was followed by half hour carol singing by a band of upcoming artists including our Catholic youth Vishu and Pallavi of Kurji Parish. There were interactive games and other mixed group activities before lunch. Later there was a carol-singing competition among the participants divided in 11 groups and the winners were given presents as well. Archbishop William and the organizing committee express our grateful appreciation to all the major superiors and the participants for making the Milan Samaroh a memorable experience for all. The Samachar extends our sincere thanks to Bro. Cyril, Bro. Sathish and Bro. Binoy (Gabriel Brothers) who generously spared their time, resources, energy and the campus for conducting the Milan Samaraoh. The Samachar express our sincere gratitude to Fr. Raymond Cherubim S.J., Fr. Premlal S.J., Sr. Surabhi SSH, Sr. Neha SND, and their team of Brothers and Sisters in decorating, conducting the interactive games, meaningful liturgy and other delicacies to make the program meaningful and enriching. Special thanks to Fr. James Shekhar and Mr. Biju Benedict for taking care of the catering and preparing a delicious fellow-ship meal. Heartfelt thanks to Archbishop William who initiated and wholly supported the ‘Milan’ Samaroh for the Archdiocese to grow in unity and love. Thanks to one and all who contributed in whatever way possible for its success.

Youth Commission News: Fr. Sabu Davis with a YCS National Executive Committee member Ms. Angela Antony is attending a two-day meeting at Hyderabad since 9 January and is expected to be back in Patna on 14 January. A one-day YCS Camp was conducted at Chakaram on 8 December with 93 Participants from different schools in the Archdiocese. Parivartan parish level training program was organized by Youth commission at Maner on 4-5 January. There were 63 participants and all of them were appreciative of the program. Congratulations to Fr. Sabu Davis and his team for being active with promising programs for the youth and Parivartan groups. 

Information:

The renovation work of the Pro-Cathedral resumed in December after we had to halt the work after the mishap that happened in September 2013. We still look forward to your generous contributions for completing the work. You may get in touch with Fr. Jerome Dungdung if and when you wish to send in your support on Phone No. (0) 9431437083

Archdiocese of Patna has published “Planner 2014” for distribution among the Archdiocesan clergy and Pastors in the Parishes/Mission stations of the Archdiocese. The “Planner” specifies dates on which we have planned our monthly recollection, Archdiocesan Days, annual retreat, etc. for the year 2014. It has address and phone numbers of the institutions, birthdays of the clergy and such like information. You may contact Fr. James Shekhar for your copy if you have not yet received the same. Kindly inform him about any corrections, addition or omission of information that you notice in the Planner.  

College of Nursing, Kurji Holy Family Hospital is starting the new session of Basic BSc. Nursing Course (4 Years) and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing (2 years after GNM) from 01 July 2014. Application forms for admission are available from 01 March to 15 May 2014 from the College office (8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.) and on the college website: www.kurjiholyfamilyhospital.org.com/bsc.htm. The cost of the application form for each of  these courses is Rs. 500/- In case the application is taken from the website, you will have to send Rs. 500/- by cash or DD drawn in favour of KHFHS College of Nursing payable at Patliputra Branch, Patna with the filled up application. Pease note that eligibility for Post B.Sc Nursing is GNM Pass and for Basic B.Sc Nursing course is +2 or its equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English subjects having minimum 45% aggregate marks.

ART-1 is the National Society newly being registered and initiated by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Office for Social Communications (CBCI-OSC) for the promotion of Christian Art. ART-I intends to form a national network of Church run art institutions, museums, art academies, dioceses, religious congregations, individual Christian artists etc in India. It is a Christian initiative to Nurture the Divine in Art and invites applications for individual/ institutional membership from interested persons/Diocese/Religious Congregation/Major Seminary/Institutions. Those interested may contact Secretary, CBCI-OSC & National Coordinator, Arti-I, NISCORT, A-2, Sector 1, Vaishali 20102, NCR-Delhi or art.cbci@gmail.com

St. Mary’s Counseling, Process Work & Training Centre, Goa offers three summer residential programmes for personal growth and capacity building for self integration. The programs in 3 phases are extends over a period of two years, each phase consisting of 10 to 12 days only in April and May. Phase I this year is from 16 to 28 May while Phase 2 & 3 will be from 29 April to 9 May, 2014. You can take each module separately. Last date to register your name is Saturday, 01 March 2014. Those interested may contact Sr. Mariola, A.C., St. Mary’s Convent, Mapusa, Bardez, Goa 403507.
Email: smcpwtc@gmail.com Phone: 0832-2255131/09822167546

Fr. Dionysius Rasquinha, S.J. has published a book approximately of 400 pages titled “Towards Wholeness from Brokenness: The Dalit Quest – A Historical Analysis and Theological Response”. Though the book costs Rs. 450/-, you may get it for Rs. 400/- if you contact Fr. Dionysius directly on Phone: 9430965715, or at his postal address: Navjyoti Niketan, Sadaquat Ashram P.O, Patna 800 010. You may make out the cheque/DD/M.O in his name or in the name of the Patna Jesuit Society.