NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE, MSFS PROVINCIALATE
GPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001
Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510
Email:/
FT/50 – Circular- May, 2013
Dear Confreres,
Greetings of peace!
The Joy of Easter fills our lives! In the Scriptural passages of the Season, we continue to hear the echoes of joy. We wish each other the "joy" of the Risen Lord. Joy, yes! However, Easter was a bitter-sweet experience for the apostles! Unbelief, fear, anxiety and doubt haunted the lives of the apostles. Nevertheless, the personal and communal experiences gradually led them to a transformative change. Caught up with the person of the Risen Lord, we see apostles and the early Christian community display a rare spirit of joy in their lives. Though trial, persecution and suffering accompanied them, joy was their distinct mark!
As I look at the post-resurrection narratives, it comes clear to me that the varied events led the apostles to a fresh discovery of the quality of their inner selves; and of a relationship that they never knew existed. Perhaps, we ask how it all happened. The only answer is their personal encounter with the risen Lord. And wherever the apostles went, they carried the sense of God- the thought of Jesus being present with them, the feeling and conviction of his abiding presence everywhere and at all times! Do we have such a feeling and conviction? To me, the true Easter Joy originates only from such a conviction. Is joy the characteristic mark of us? Are our communities truly places of joy? The claim as an Easter-people can be real only when our communities radiate joy in the Lord.
During the Easter season, we will be visiting the families of our parish community. As priests, we are privileged to bless their homes and share the joy of the Lord. Let us make sure that such moments become special opportunities for us to reach out to people. To all our communities, confreres and collaborators and their families, let us share the joy of Easter. The families need our constant support through our visits and personal care. We all know that mothers play a significant role in every family. In May, we celebrate the Mother's Day. Let us pray for all mothers and hold them in high esteem. Let us take this occasion also to acknowledge the contribution of women to the human race.
Joint Pastoral Letter of the Bishops of Northeast India
The bishops of northeast India have already sent out a joint pastoral letter on the Year of Faith. I am sure the copies of this document may have reached our communities from the respective dioceses. I am also aware that a number of programs might have been drawn up by our parishes and communities. The Joint Pastoral Letter offers us insights and practical guidelines for intensifying the missionary fervor and enthusiasm of everyone in the Church. Please ensure that our communities get the opportunity to know the mind and desire of the bishops of the region. Let us lead the communities to a new awakening of the call to become committed missionaries and genuine witnesses.
Ongoing Formation Program for those Ordained During 1975-1994
In the past years, we have taken efforts to provide animation for confreres in various stages of life and ministry. I am happy to announce an Ongoing Formation program for the group of confreres ordained between 1975 and 1994. I cordially invite all the members of the group for this program. The theme for the animation is "Re-founding religious life and Psycho spiritual integration." The entire program will be guided by Rev. Fr. Joe Mathias SJ, the Director of NVSC, Pune. It will commence on August 05, 2013 at 8.30 am and will conclude on August 07, 2013 at 7.30 pm . Kindly mark the dates in the Year Planner. In due course of time, the members of the group will receive additional details of the program. Let us use every opportunity for our personal growth and learn new life-skills for achieving greater effectiveness in ministry.
Bon Voyage - Ministry in South Africa
The Call of Africa is being heard by our confreres. I am glad that our confreres are courageous enough to launch into the unknown territories for ministry. The Confreres Jacob Joseph, (Jacob Mattathil), D.R Paul, and Benjamin Nakho are expected to receive the required visa for South Africa. They are also expected to travel to South Africa in the first or second week of May 2013. On behalf of the Province, we wish them a safe travel and an enriching ministry in South Africa.
Opening of the New Parish in the diocese of Bongaigaon
Mary, the Mother of Compassion Parish, Panbari, in the diocese of Bongaigaon was officially opened on 08th April 2013. The new mission is carved out from the existing parish of Bijni. The erection of the parish and installation of Rev. Fr. Ronesh Narzary, msfs as the Parish Priest was done during the solemn celebration of the Eucharist, officiated by Rt. Rev Thomas Pulloppillil, Bishop of Bongaigaon. 17 priests, 13 religious women and about 300 people participated in the celebration. Sr. Ann Jose, Vice Provincial of the St. Joseph Sisters of Annecy and Sr. Juby, another member of the Congregation were present at the function.
The meaningful celebration of the liturgy was supported by the melodious singing of the youth band of Bongaigaon diocese under the guidance of Fr. Ronesh. A cultural programme was staged by the parishioners of Panbari to mark the importance of the occasion. During the felicitation ceremony, Fr. Francis Thadathil, the provincial of Northeast India Province, thanked Bishop Pulloppillil, priests and religious of the diocese, and the faithful for their cooperation and collaboration with the MSFS. He also declared that Mary, the Mother of Compassion Parish, Panbari has become the first parish to be erected officially in the Northeast province after the start of the 175th year of the foundation of the Congregation. Both the Bishop and Provincial exhorted the people to remain united in faith and work for unity and to build a model parish community at Panbari. At the end of the programme a sumptuous meal was served for all. The new mission is entrusted to the MSFS on a permanent basis, both for pastoral care and developmental activities. (Reported by Fr. Shaju Ambiyil msfs)
Thank We God for all the Good News
¨ Fr. Yves Carron re appointed as provincial of Franco Swiss Province: The Superior General has appointed Fr. Yves Carron as Provincial of Franco Swiss Province for a second term. The Northeast India Province offers congratulations and prayerful support to Fr. Yves Carron.
¨ Fr. Jose Kumblolickal appointed Provincial of SW province: Fr. Jose Kumblolickal, who was holding the office of the General Secretary for Social apostolate and Innovative Ministries, is appointed Provincial of the South West India Province. He was installed on April 7th at Vinayalaya, Bangalore in the presence of the confreres. We shall accompany him with our support and prayers.
¨ Very Rev. Fr. Agnelo Fernandes appointed as General Secretary for Innovative Ministries and Social apostolate: The Office of the General Councilor for Social apostolate and Innovative Ministries became vacant due to the election of Fr. Jose Kumblolickal to the office of the provincial of SW province. As per the directives of the General Chapter on the principle of replacement, the person who stands elected is Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, our Former Superior General. At the request of the General Administration, Fr. Agnelo has accepted the decision: "…if it is what God really wants of me, I will serve His will'. What a religious spirit! We salute him and offer our prayerful support.
¨ Successful Completion of Study Programs by our Confreres: Fr. Jose Chettaniyil has successfully defended his thesis and passed with 92% for the Masters in Pastoral Management from JDV, Pune. The topic of his dissertation was "An Ideal Pedagogy for Fransalian Educators: An Analytic and critical study on Predominant Philosophers and Fransalian Education." Fr. Jose will return to the Province in June 2013. However, he will continue with the final year of M.Com in Business Management, while serving one of the communities in the Province.
Fr. Genes Shagpliang has secured First division for his Masters' Degree in Biblical Theology from St. Peter's Seminary Bangalore.
Fr. Vintu Avittapallil has completed PG Diploma in journalism from Indian Institute of Journalism & News Media, Bangalore. He will be doing internship with Deccan Herald group of Newspapers as sub-editor of section on Education and related issues.
Fr. George Poovathinkal has secured first division for the Masters' in Management from Rajagiri Business School, Kakanad. He will be back to the Province in May.
Fr. John Barman has completed already the Intermediate level of studies in Music. With this background, he will continue the studies to complete the Advanced level, which is equivalent to a Master's Degree in Music. At the end of his study program, he will be awarded a Degree by Trinity School of Music, London. To enhance his skills in Music further, he will be attending a diploma course on Sound Engineering at Bangalore. He will complete the both these within a year.
We congratulate all our confreres who have received new learning and skills for the service of the Province. Congratulations dear confreres for your achievements and personal successes!
¨ The new administration of South West Province: The Confreres of SW Province has concluded the 8th ordinary Provincial Congress with the theme- "Fransalian mission lived through faith in offering ourselves prophetically for the poor as mystics of God's love". The Congress was held from 23-26th April 2013, at Vinayalaya, Bangalore. During the Congress the following confreres stood elected as councillors: 1. Fr. Henry Jose Kodikuthiyil (Councillor and Admonitor), 2. Fr. Benny Koottanal (Councillor), 3. Fr. Harold Christopher Crasta (Councillor), 4. Fr. Vinod Kanat (Councillor). Fr. Joshy Thazhathukunnel was re-elected as the Provincial Bursar. Congratulations to the new provincial team!
¨ The Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy (Bhuvaneswar province) intends collaboration with us in the northeast: Sr. Ann Jose, the vice provincial and Sr. Juby visited Northeast on April 8, 2013. They visited the new mission at Panbari in the diocese of Bongaigaon. They have expressed their interest in collaborating with us at this mission. However, the final decision for the start of the new mission rests with their General administration. We warmly welcome them to join us at Panbari. Let us pray that the Lord gives them the right discernment .We look forward to welcome them to Panbari.
¨ Big gathering for the One-day Convention: The team from Umroi animated a One-day convention at Nongstoin on April 6-7, 2013 which gathered a large number of people. The Convention is one of the first to be attended by such a large group of people. We thank God for the work accomplished through our confreres.
¨ Ministry of Acolyte and Lector: Scholastics Daimari Xavier, Maiong Nicholas, Nakathingal Noble Jose, Pehausuiding Peter and Zothansangma Alwyn were conferred the ministry of acolyte on April 29, 2013 at MSFS Study House Mowroh. On the same day, the scholastics Khongsit Priyor, Maliyil Varghese Mathew and Vattekattukandam Libin Augusthy were conferred the ministry of Lector. Congratulations to the confreres!
¨ To the Order of Diaconate: Scholastics Lalmuanzela Daniel and Poomarathingal Shiju will be ordained deacons on 23rd May 2013 by Most Rev. Dominic Jala, the archbishop of Shillong at MSFS Study House, Mawroh. Hearty congratulations to the deacons!
¨ Welcome to the family of the MSFS: Aloysius Lalduhawma, Andreas Syngkli, Bonifas Topno, Chithung Horam Joel, Dondor Mylliemngap, Debit Tirkey, Edringson Lawai, Elvis Kharkongor, Esau M Sangma, Gaichungdai Anthony Kameih, Iknasius Kharsati, James K Kachiipomai, Jimal Johny, Mark Chingsianpaua, Standfort Stephen S., and Thomas R Marak will complete the Canonical year of novitiate at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua. We congratulate them as they prepare to make the first profession of religious vows in the Congregation on May 31, 2013. Let us welcome them to the family of the Congregation!
¨ Young men to our Minor Seminaries: We are grateful to God for inspiring the hearts of the young to join our Congregation. Let us foster their vocation to religious life and priesthood. The present team of vocation promoters, Thomas Edakazhical (coordinator& VP for Nagaland),Simon Thaikho (Manipur), Santhosh Chavaranal (Mizoram), Alois Borogaon(West Bengal), Peter Marak (Garo Hills), Ronesh Narzary (Lower Assam), Milkius Tirkey (Upper Assam), John Kuttikottayil (Arunachal Pradesh), Firster Shylla (Khasi Hills), Athnas Kerketta( Central India), Jobin Thomas (Kerala) are doing their best to recruit worthy candidates. To all our vocation promoters, I offer my sincere gratitude and appreciation. The collaboration and cooperation of all our confreres is also appreciated.
Youth Camp at Tato
A three-day intensive camp for the youth of Mechuka sub-division of Arunachal Pradesh was organized at Holy Angels Parish from 20-22 April 2013. About 250 youth from four Circles of the parish- Mechuka, Tato, Pidi and Manigong- participated in the programme. The youth camp in connection with the Year of faith was animated by Fr. Clement Quadras SVD, the youth Director of Itanagar diocese and his team. While explaining the theme, the team members exhorted the youth of the parish to love the Faith and live it fully. The camp gave an opportunity for the youth of the Parish to gather together and share their faith with each other. The participants pledged to live their faith in Jesus and to be true witnesses of the Gospel. (Reported by Fr. Lukose Kavungal msfs)
Appointments and Transfers
Taking into consideration the present need of the Province, the Council approves the transfer and appointment of the following confreres.
Name of the Confrere / Assigned to / Designation/Functional Role / With Effect From
Fr. Mattapally Sibi / NLC Silapathar / Parish priest, Dhemaji / Feb 28,2013
Fr. Kaniammattel Joy / LC, Sindukpathar / Headmaster, Sindukpathar / March 20, 2013
Fr. Adani James / NLC, Peren / Parish Priest & Headmaster, Tening / April 28, 2013
Fr. Kerketta Pratap / LC, Sindukpathar / Parish priest Sindukpathar / May 05, 2013
Fr. George Poovathunkal / LC, Narengi / On the staff, SFS Narengi / May 14, 2013
Fr. Joseph Kizhakeveedu / Affiliated to LC, Vinaya Bhavan / Associate priest,
St. Mary’s Forane Church,Mundakayam / May 15, 2013
Fr. George Pekadenkuzhiyil / LC, Chappar / Parish priest,& Superior, Chappar / May 19, 2013
Fr. Genes Shangpliang / NLC,
SFS College, Aalo / On the staff of
SFS School, Aalo / May 10, 2013
Fr. Jacob Puthiyedathuchalil / Formed Community, Umroi / a staff member of HRRC, Umroi / May, 15,2013
Fr. Rijesh Thalayinakandathil / LC, Purul / Associate Priest
Purul / May 25, 2013
Fr. Bernard Sangma / Formed Community, Umroi / Staff, Holy Redeemer Retreat Center, Umroi / June 01, 2013
Fr. Sijo Kunnel / NLC Jonai / Associate Priest, Jonai / July 15, 2013
Fr. Varghese Prakuzhy / NLC- Silapathar / On the staff of Don Bosco School& Associate Priest, Silapathar / June 20,2013
Fr. Joseph Chettaniyil / LC, Pasighat / Assisting the community / June 20, 2013
Fr. Panii Paul / NLC,
SFS College, Aalo / Hostel In-charge, SFS School, Aalo / June 25 ,2013
Fr. Francis Belo / NLC, Basar / Associate Priest, Basar / July 10,2013
I thank them all for their generosity to accept the new mandate and take up leadership in the province. To each of you, dear confreres, I offer prayerful support, and wish every success.