Dear Confreres,
The June 2010 looks extraordinary. During the month, the conclusion of the Year of Priests takes place in Rome. Moreover, the liturgical calendar of the Church offers us a number of spiritually charged moments in June: The feast of the Corpus Christi, the nativity of the john the Baptist, feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul, the memory of the first martyrs of Rome, and the commemoration of some of the early Church fathers. These moments bring home to us the truth that we are closely linked to the mystical body of Christ. The feasts of the most sacred heart of Jesus and Immaculate heart of Mary underscore the significance of the heart- the symbol of love, in the Christian spirituality. Love is at the center of the spirituality taught by St. Francis De Sales, the Doctor of love. Let us take initiative to spread the devotion to Scared Heart of Jesus among the people of our parishes and communities.
In June, all our young confreres would be renewing their religious vows. We shall raise our hearts in thanksgiving to God and congratulate them for their courageous steps. The Province salutes all those who are responsible for the formation of the young confreres, and their preparations for the renewal of the vows. Besides in June every year, new members are added to our Congregation. The legacy of our patron and the vision of the founder continue to attract the young of our times. On June 7, 2010, the Province will receive nine more new members. In the preparation of these new members, vocation promoters, staffs of the minor seminaries and the novitiate have played considerable roles. I take this opportunity to thank them all.
This is also a time when we get the examination results. It is not only the students who wait anxiously for the results these days; but the management, staff, and parents are equally frenzied about it. The good results in all our schools are a testimony to the commitment lived by the confreres and others who collaborate with them. I congratulate everyone involved in the apostolate of education for their hard work and achievements.
Our life in the missions, as I watch, is filled with numerous moments of routine as well as exciting ones. Programs and activities mark the schedule of our confreres both in India and abroad. We are striving to involve with the people and share our lives with the communities. I place on record the contributions of our confreres to the mission of the church in Northeast, and abroad. At the same time, one must admit that the terrain and the people have constantly supported our priesthood. It is my firm belief that the people have the right to our priestly ministry; nay they have the right to the very joy of our priesthood!
Integral missionary involvement: Focus 2010-2011
The Provincial Chapter 2008 was convoked with the theme, “A revitalized community for an integral missionary involvement: a Fransalian approach.” On May 30, 2010 we completed of the second year of the Provincial Chapter. And each year, as you know, we began with a special focus: In the first year (focus 2008-2009), the emphasis was on our religious life in the community; and the second year (focus 2009-2010) highlighted the significance of our collaborators and the effective use of their gifts for the good of the mission. Now, here we are at the start of the third year! It shall be a joy for us to begin this year with a fresh mindset, allowing ourselves to reflect on the quality of our missionary involvement. The Chapter theme speaks of an “integral missionary involvement”. “Integral” refers to that which is complete, holistic; and embracing everything that has the power to liberate, build and strengthen the community and its people. With a close attention to the theme of the Chapter, I wish to propose the Focus 2010-2011 to the confreres of the province:
The unconditional commitment to proclaim the Good news is the inspiration behind every form of our involvement with people. As missionaries, ever docile to the workings of the Spirit, we pledge to involve integrally and respond creatively to the changing situations of the people; thereby leaving memories of our joyful presence in the heart of the community, for the greater glory of God.
Eight Deacons for Northeast Province
MSFS Northeast Province is again blessed with the gift of eight deacons. Borogaon Alois, Firstar Shylla, Hasda Sudhir, Kaduthanathu Lijeesh Mathew, Kumbattu Praveen Johny, Palatty Jijesh Paul, Mannachamkuzhiyil Shijo Paul, Plakkoottathil Sanish were ordained deacons by Rt. Rev. John Moolachira, Bishop of Diphu, on 27th May 2010 at MSFS Study Houses, Shillong.The well arranged liturgy gave a smooth flow to the celebration; the melodious singing of the brothers provided a very prayerful atmosphere. Fr. Provincial and a number of priests joined for the celebrations. The presence of our pre-novices, many religious sisters from nearby communities and a few relatives of the deacons made it really a community-event. After the mass all joined to felicitate the newly ordained deacons and shared the fellowship meal. Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil the rector, Fr. Joseph Kannamangalathu, Fr. Joseph Bamhingbe and their team of brothers deserve appreciation and congratulations for the meticulous planning and organizing the entire program. (Reported by Fr. Clean Arengh)
The Nine who Dared!
In the presence of a large community of people, nine novices took courage to give themselves to God and people.During the solemn ceremony, they made the first profession of vows on June 7, 2010, at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua. The ritual began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil, the provincial and the co-celebrants were Very Rev. Fr. Joy Pallikunnel, the Vicar General of Dibrugarh, Fr. Francis Poovelil, the councilor incharge of formation, Fr. Jospeh Thazhathukunnel, the novice master, Fr. Sebastian Kuzhupil, the rector, SFS Seminary, Medziphema. The presence of 17 priests and a number of religious sisters, brothers and novices made the event truly solemn. During the Eucharist, nine novices pronounced their vows and received the cross, the constitutions and directory of the Congregation. The Provincial blessed the new religious and accepted them as members of the Congregation. The mass ended by 12.15 pm. Then everyone gathered for a fellowship meal. The “new religious” were felicitated by everyone. (Reported by Bro. Libin M.C)
Thirteen admitted to the novitiate at Chabua
After a month-long pre-novitiate program and a retreat for five days, the thirteen candidates were admitted to canonical year of novitiate on June 5, 2010 at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua. During the Eucharist on 5th June, Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil, the provincial officially received them for the novitiate and entrusted them to Fr. Joseph Thazhathukunnel, the Master of Novices. The retreat was preached by Rev. Fr. John Karondukadavil. (Reported by Bro. Libin. M.C)
Mother Mary decked as heavenly bride in Narengi Parish
In various parts of the world, as well as in several of our centres, Mother Mary is honoured and interceded. SFS Parish Narengi also joined the rest of the world to observe the month of May in honour of Our Lady. The climax of the celebrations was the Marian procession on 31st of May. The faithful gathered at the School grounds around 6.30 pm and led a procession with the statue of our Lady. With the lighted candles in their hands, the people began the procession from the school ground to the parish hall chapel. The people showed great fervor and devotion; and they prayed and sang hymns to Our Mother. The dusky evening painted a colorful background to the event. Adorned with beautiful attire and decorations, Our Lady looked like a heavenly bride.
The procession was followed by the Solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Francis Poovelil. He gave a meaningful and inspiring introduction at the start of the Eucharist. Fr. Thomas Nirappel the parish priest and Fr. Clean Arengh were the concelebrants. In the sermon, Fr. Clean further highlighted the importance of popular devotion to our Lady, and explained the necessity of making the devotion as part of our daily spiritual journey. After the mass all left with joy and spiritual contentment, experiencing God’s presence and blessing. (Reported by Fr. Clean Arengh)
Innovative ways of Our Confreres in Studies
All our confreres in studies, here in India and abroad, are keenly pursuing their study programs. Fr. Philip Thomas Kizhakumpurathu had made a quick visit to NE in connection with his studies. He made use of the occasion to visit some Centres and meet the confreres. Fr. Thomas Edakazhickal came up with a team of four and conducted in-service courses to teachers of our schools on language teaching and methods that can be employed to make language learning more interesting to the students. Frs. GeorgePekadekuzhiyil and George Vadakeperincherimannil also visited many of our communities during this vacation. All the students deserve some time of rest and relaxation. However, our Confreres- Mathai Ottapally, Benoy Veliyathu, Saji George- who are pursuing studies in abroad do lot of work during the summer holidays. They do ministries in parishes and often find friends who support some of our missionary ventures here in India. The province is deeply appreciative of their many personal sacrifices. Some confreres like Fr. George Thayilkuzhithottu and Philip Thomas do pastoral ministry along with their studies. Fr. Davis Chackalaeckel is doing Counseling ministry together with the duty of a pastor of big parish community. There are a number of our confreres here in India who combines studies with full pastoral duties. I thank everyone for their life and ministry.
News briefs to share …. Moments to rejoice
Fr Yves Carron is appointed as the Provincial of Franco-Swiss Province for the term of three years from 01 August 2010.
Fr. Augustine Tharappel is appointed as the Regional Superior of USA Region for the second term of three years from 03 July 2010.
Fr. Thomas Arackel has passed in First division with O (Outstanding in Practical and Viva) for the B. Ed examination from NEHU University.
Fr. Peter Marak has passed in second division for B. Ed Examinations from NEHU University.
Fr. Reji. K. Mani has completed in High First division his M.Th in Biblical Theology from St. Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore. The title of his thesis is “Jesus’ Sonship as outlined in the first self-revelation as “the Son”: an exegetical study of John 5:19-30.”
Fr. Athnas Kerketta is in the process of giving the final touches to his Doctoral Thesis in Canon Law: “Obligations and rights of Diocesan bishops and Major Religious superior in the cooperation of the exercise of Apostolate: A canonical and pastoral analysis of Canon 678##1-3 with particular reference to Northeast India”.
Fr. George Vettukattil is in the preparation of his doctoral thesis in Salesian Spirituality. The Guide has already accepted his schema and he is working on the thesis.
The scholastics Borogaon Alois, Hasda Sudhir, Kumbattu Praveen Johny, Mannchamkuzhy Shijo Paul, Palatty Jijesh Paul, Plakootathil Sanish Mathew, and Shylla Firstar were ordained deacons on May 27, 2010 by Rt. Rev. John Moolachira, the bishop of Diphu.
The batch of novices 2009-2010, for their contribution towards the publication – the Vol. III of “Specturm” – Studies in Fransalin Thoughts, published from MSFS Novitiate, Chabua, Diburgarh.
We offer congratulations to all the confreres and rejoice with them in their successes and raise our heart n prayer for all those who have taken new steps and responsibilities in life.
Let us Pray for the sick
Mr.Joy Kollathuvayalil, the eldest brother of Fr. Thomas Kollathuvayalil, who is sick and suffering from bone Cancer.
Fr. Mathai Ottapallil, who has undergone knee surgery and is recuperating; we wish him a speedy recovery.
Aleyamma Karipadathu, the mother of Fr. Jose Karipadam is sick due to old age and related issues. She is being nursed at home.
Let us pray for the departed
Chacko P. C., the paternal uncle of Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil, who died on 18th May 2010 at Chamal.
Fr. Dominic, the priest of Tura diocese who died on 28th May 2010 at Tura
Jacob Chackalackel, the brother of Fr. Davis Chackalackel, who died on June 4, 2010 at Palaghat, Kerala. He was 68 years of age.
Eathamma Joseph (Brigit), the mother of Fr. Mathew Kozhuppakalam who died on June 10,2010. She was 98 years old.
Visit and programs
June 2010
03-04: SFS Technical school, Diphu
05-08: First profession: MSFS Novitiate, Chabua
11-16: Provincials forum/ Governing body meet, Bangalore
18-19: Vinaya Bhavan Seminary, Thamarassery
24-25: Canonical Visit, Chandrapur Parish
26-27: Canonical visit, Narengi Parish
28-29: Council Meeting
July 2010
01-05: Guwahati
06-11: Annual Retreat, MSFS Study House Shillong
15-16:SFS Seminary, Medziphema
16-18: Canonical visit: SFS Parish, Medziphema
26-27: Strategy planning Core team meeting
28-29: Superiors Forum and Strategy Planning
Concluding Thoughts
Increasingly in these days, I come to reflect on the quality of our involvement with the people. I am inclined to believe that we can give a contemporary relevance to our involvement more by becoming aware of injustices and social issues in society and creatively responding to them. The creative response might mean taking a stand for the poor and the marginalized. Any step we take, as a religious community, should be the result of a conscious choice with a clear vision for innovative action. However, to make any action-plan a success, we need to pledge a program of collaboration and networking among ourselves, and others in the Church and society. Further, we have to form young confreres to become responsible citizens, and train them to live in dialogue with poor and marginalized people. There’s no doubt the Province needs confreres who can create fresh ways of being Church in the world. All of us must have the openness to accept new ideas. What is the level of our involvement in the issues that confront the daily lives of people? What impact do we create through our ministries? What transformation do our service and witness effect in the society? Together, we have to answer. The sooner we do it, the faster we make our involvement truly relevant and capable of touching the very soul of the community. And it is time, tending the soul of the region receives a high priority in all that we do.
Fraternally,
Sd/-
Fr. Francis Thadathil, msfs
Provincial
Walking in the path of the Patron
When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.
(letters to Persons in Religion, I. 6)
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HSLC/HSSLC RESULTS OF THE SCHOOLS UNDER MSFS IN NORTH EAST
With great appreciation to all confreres and collaborators in the apostolate of education:
The Results of our schools in North East have been announced and as I congratulate our students who have passed out in flying colours, I take this opportunity to appreciate and congratulate all our confreres involved in the ministry of education, the managers, principals, headmasters, headmistresses, teachers, parents and children for their collaborative efforts in guiding and molding the future of these children. Congratulations to everyone who collaborate with us in our apostolate of education. A detailed report of the results of our schools in North East India province is attached below:
School Name ClassAppearedPassedDistStar1stDiv2nd Div3rd Div %
ASSAM
Fransalian School, JonaiX4444-02171809100%
SFS School, Telam X0606--0402-100%
Don Bosco School, Silapathar X646402082430-100%
SFS School, Dhemaji X717108203013-100%
Christ King School, Goghamukh X6766030520251398.5%
Don Bosco School, HamrenX3434--051118100%
SFS School, NarengiX545301122020-98.1%
St. Albert’s School, Bhowlaguri X4845030719130393.7%
St. Paul’s School, Bashbari X1010--030403100%
St. Joseph’s School, ManikbondX0909---0603100%
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Marjum Memorial, Aalo X5232--1121 -61.5%
St. Joseph School, Kaying X08070401010588.8%
NAGALAND
SFS School, Medziphema X7874----- 94.87%
SFS Hr. Se. School, Medziphema XIIA7467--03224290.54%
XIIC10103rdRank01020501100%
All Saints School, PerenX32301-11150393.7%
All Saints Hr. Sec. School, PerenXII1818--010809100%
SFS School, TeningX1815--03090383.3%
MANIPUR
SFS School, Kangpokpi X8779---186190.8%
Holy Cross School, PhaibungkullenX2210---3745.4%
MEGHALAYA
SFS School, Nongalbibra X1616---1006100%
St. John’s School, Siju X0707---0205100%
Ka Syiem Jingsuk School, Amlarem X2827--09150396.4%
SFS School, Mawryngkneng X1211010101040691.6%
HSLC-Total Students appeared= 767HSSLC - Total Students appeared= 102
Number of Students Passed= 710Number of Students Passed= 095
Pass Percentage= 92.5%Pass Percentage= 93.1%
(Fr. Tomy Moonnanappillil
Councilor in-charge of Education)
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Greening consecrated life
A message for world environment day – 5 June 2010
The Conference of Religious India has been proactive on environmental care and eco-spirituality during the last two years. Its Patna Consultation in 2008 has been a launching pad for affirmative action among the Religious of India. A Department of Eco-Spirituality at the National Secretariat has been carrying forward reflections, workshops and other awareness programmes across the country. The Delhi Leadership Conference 2009 which brought together 550 Major Superiors of Religious Congregations in the country proclaimed Eco-Spirituality as a constituent element of a Harmonious Life and therefore to be pursued by every religious.
Greeting Consecrated Life is a vision and mission of CRI. The three publications (Earth-People, Good Governance and its Implementation Manual) that have come out from the national office provide ample material for study and reflection, and as a tool in the hands of Superiors and formators for animation at all levels. Ever since the mystery of incarnation unfolded in our midst with God becoming man and thus becoming part of this created world, the creation becomes the body of Christ in whom we find our fullness.
Going beyond all the eco-friendly practices it is worth considering to include one more vow or promise in our commitment, namely—aesthetics. The philosophy of aesthetics makes us see what is beautiful and sublime and “magnify” the God who is the creator of all. Consecrated life is a call to be divine and see all things through the eyes of the creator, bear witness to it and proclaim his glory through the glory of creation. By taking on to the aesthetic values we are no more going to conquer the world as promoted by our patriarchal system, or deny and hate the world as some spiritual writers propagated, and even practiced by many religious for centuries. Environmental care and eco-spirituality become the natural outcome of an aesthetic life. It brings in transcendence of life and transformation of our perception. Are there creative leaders to study the issue and take initiatives in greening the fundamentals of our consecrated life?