NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE, MSFS PROVINCIALATE

GPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001

Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510

Website: www.msfsnortheast.com

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GPA/03 Circular – April 2014

Dear Confreres,

The Second Vatican Council in its decree on Perfectae Caritatis teaches that the up-to-date renewal of religious life is possible through a constant return to the sources, as seen in the following words: “The up-to-date renewal of the religious life comprises both a constant return to the sources of the whole of Christian life and to the primitive inspiration of the institutes, and their adaptation to the changed conditions of our time. This renewal, under the impulse of the Holy Spirit and with the guidance of the Church, must be promoted….It is for the good of the Church that institutes have their own proper characters and functions. Therefore, the spirit and aim of each founder should be faithfully accepted and retained, as indeed should each institute’s sound traditions, for all of those constitute the patrimony of the institute”(Vatican II, Perfectae Caritatis, 28 October, 1965, Art. 2). The forthcoming Provincial Congress of the Northeast India Province is expected to be faithful to the call of the Council. The Congress also should pay heed to the life, words and deeds of our beloved Founder, Fr Peter Mary Mermier who joyfully committed himself to an authentic religious community life. For instance, during their stay of 4 years at La Roche, in that first community of the MSFS, there reigned among the members a sincere cordiality, simplicity and modesty cementing their unity. A spirit of zeal animated all their activities. They shared all their experiences in the art of preaching and in being all to all. They made their meditation and other spiritual exercises together. Every Friday they attended a conference given by Father Mermier himself. They played marbles in the parlour during recreation and organized games like children. Fr Mermier was strict with himself, but accommodative towards others. He sowed real joy around him (Jean Rey, Father Peter Mermier: Founder of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales and of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavnod, Visakhapatnam: SFS Publications, 1980, pp. 38-39).

During this Holy Season of Lent, let us remain united with the whole Church and the Spirit of our Founder in resolving to lead an authentic and joyful religious life, with a special emphasis on cordiality, simplicity and modesty in relationship, zeal in missionary commitment, sharing our joys and sorrows with other members of the community, participating regularly and punctually in spiritual exercises, community meals and recreational activities, and adjusting and accommodating joyfully with the imperfections of others.

Hearty Welcome to Provincial Congress

May I welcome you all, once again, for a fruitful participation in the Provincial Congress, which will be held (as already known to you), from April 23 (at 09 am) to 27 (at 08 pm) 2014, with the theme, FRANSALIANS IN NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE: TOWARDS A RENEWED MISSIONARY THRUST IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FR MERMIER. It will be held at SILOAM, Transformational Leadership Resource Center, UMSAW KWAN, UMSAW PO, 793123- (BARAPANI via), RI-BHOI Dt., MEGHALAYA.

Siloam is situated about 1 km away from the Guwahati-Shillong national highway. If you are coming from Guwahati, Siloam is located at a distance of 80 km from Guwahati on the right side of national highway. The deviation is before the Airport/By pass/ Umroi Road in Barapani, and as you proceed ahead 1 km you will find Siloam, a retreat cum conference centre overlooking the Umiam Lake. If you are coming from Shillong, it is about 20 km from there and is on the left side of the national highway. Immediately after the Airport/By pass/ Umroi Road in Barapani, please take the left deviation to reach Siloam. There are also local taxis available from the Junction to Siloam; minimum taxi fare will beRs 50. NB: You are kindly requested to be there on time. Those of you who need to be there on the previous evening may contact at the earliest Fr Benoy Veliyath. Please bring with your personal copy of Everyday Prayer Book.

Prayer in Preparation for the Provincial Congress

Kindly pray with your community the following prayer, already sent to you, in preparation for the Provincial Congress:

Ever loving Father,

in your unfathomable love and wisdom,

You chose Servant of God Fr Peter Mary Mermier

to found the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales.

It was your gracious will

that each member of our Congregation be trained and equipped well

to follow in the footsteps of our Founder.

We thank you Father

for the gift of our Congregation

and its service to humanity during the past 175 years.

We truly believe that it was your Spirit

who was guiding us during these years.

Now, more than ever we need your grace

as we journey towards a renewed missionary thrust

in the footsteps of Fr Mermier.

Be with us as we assemble to discern your will,

hold our hands and minds, and assist us to take right decisions.

May the compassion of our Blessed Mother,

the gentleness of St Francis de Sales and the zeal of Fr Mermier

enable us to become more committed and cheerful Fransalian missionaries.

We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. AMEN

Promotion of Vocations

May I request every confrere of the Province to encourage worthy candidates to religious life and priesthood. Please help the candidates to be in touch with vocation promoters who will give the final list to Rev. Fr Joseph Thazhathukunnel, Councillor-Incharge of Formation. You may promote as many vocations as possible. If there are more candidates than required for this year, you may recommend them to other provinces of the MSFS Congregation.

MSFS Quartoseptcentennial Jubilee Solar Lantern

Together with the entire Congregation, MSFS Northeast India Province, also celebrated the 175th Anniversary on October 17, 2013, at MSFS Provincialate, Guwahati. In order to make the event memorable and Joyful, FAsCE India made an innovative plan to distribute 175 solar lanterns to 175 poor families selected from the entire Province, who have no access to electricity in the interior villages. This meaningful venture was supported by Mrs Gabriela Natzer through SFS Society. The goal of the project was to promote the use of non-conventional energy sources among the rural communities and to provide them sustainable source of light. I congratulate Fr Emmanuel and his team for their creative efforts.

Inauguration and Blessing of a New Village Church at Umwahlang

March 2, 2014, was a memorable day for the faithful of St Francis De Sales Parish at Mawkapiah village, Umwahlang. The long-awaited desire of having a beautiful church came to its fulfillment through the hard work of the MSFS fathers who have been working in the Parish. Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, the Bishop Nongstoin, presided over the Eucharistic celebration and blessed the newly constructed church. He appreciated the hard work of our confreres who constructed the first village church and the generous contribution of catholic families towards the construction.

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Reported by Parish Pastoral Secretary

Transfers and Appointments

  • Fr John Karondukadavil is appointed to MSFS Provincialate Community, Narengi, for preaching ministry with effect from April 21, 2014.
  • Fr Thomas Edakazhickal is appointed Principal of SFS College, Aalo, with effect from March 31, 2014.
  • Fr Augustine Kulangara is appointed Manager and Finance Officer of SFS College, Aalo, with effect from March 31, 2014.
  • Sr Annie Kurichiyel SABS is appointed Vice-Principal and Registrar of SFS College, Aalo, with effect from April 04, 2014.
  • Sr Belsy Joseph Pathiyil SAS is appointed Controller of Examinations of SFS College, Aalo, with effect from April 04, 2014.

The New Provincial Administration of Southeast Province

1. Fr C. Sebastian Raj - Admonitor cum Councillor in charge of Education

2. Fr A. Jeyakumar - Councillor in charge of Social and Innovative Ministries

3. Fr A. Edward - Councillor in charge of Mission

4. Fr S. Deivasakayaraj - Councillor in charge of Formation

5. Fr M. Nicholas - Provincial Bursar

In the name of all the Confreres of the Northeast Province, I congratulate Fr Dharmaraj and the new team of Provincial Administration all the very best.

New Parish at Somonpara

Mary Mother of Compassion Parish, the 41st Parish in the diocese of Tura, was inaugurated on March 2, 2014. This parish is carved out of St Peter's Church Purakasia, St Dominic Savio's Church Garobadha, St Mathew's Church Rimgrangpara, and Sacred Heart Church Tura. This Parish has around 230 catholic families spread around 35 odd villages. The mission is entrusted to the MSFS permanently by the Diocese. The solemn Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, concelebrated by Rev. Fr George Panthanmackel, the Provincial, and many of our conferrers. Around 30 priests, many sisters and a large number of faithful gathered for the occasion. The guests were received into the main ground with wangala by the parishioners. During the Holy Mass, Fr Saji Kaippallil was installed as the 1st parish priest of the newly erected parish. Liturgy was well arranged by the organizing committee.

Reported by Fr Saji Kaippallil msfs

Blessing and Inauguration of the Newly Constructed Convent Building at Sindukpathar

With the inauguration and blessing of the new Convent, the Sindukpathar mission has achieved another milestone in its history of service to the community. The ceremony of the inauguration and blessing took place on March 23, 2014, in the presence of many neighboring religious communities and many parishioners. Sr Lysa FCC, the local Superior inaugurated the building and Rev. Fr George Panthanmackel, the Provincial of MSFS Northeast India Province, blessed it. During his brief address, Fr George, the Provincial, thanked Rev. Sr Provincial of FCC Congregation of Ernakulum Province for her keen interest in the development of the mission in Sindukpathar. He also thanked Fr Joy Kaniyammattel for his whole-hearted commitment in the completion of the project. At the end of the programme Rev. Sr Lysa, the local superior, expressed her deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed in one way or other towards the realization of the convent building.

Reported by Fr Joy Kaniyammattel, msfs

Seminar cum Initiation on St Joseph Sodality at SFS Church, Narengi

SFS Parish Narengi conducted a day of seminar cum initiation on St Joseph sodality on March 19, 2014, at MSFS Provincialate, Narengi. People from seven villages along with city residents of Narengi Parish participated in the programme. Fr Cleatus, a Donbosco Priest from DBI, initiated the participants into St Joseph Sodality. Fr Cleatus in his address to the participants reiterated the need to imitate Blessed Joseph in our family life. The day was filled with lot of cherishing moments, beginning with friendly football match by the participants, Eucharistic adoration and sacrament of reconciliation. Fr Cleatus officiated the Holy Eucharist and in his homily he highlighted the importance of family in the mission of the church. At the end of the programme the participants expressed their deep sentiments of gratitude to the organizers for giving them an opportunity to come together and listen to the word of God and form a movement called St Joseph Sodality. They also expressed their desire to conduct such programmes often in the parish. The Seminar came to an end on March 20, 2014 with the Holy Eucharist.

Reported by Fr Shaibu Ezhanikatt msfs

Teachers Training Programme at SFS Hr. Secondary School, Narengi

A three-day Teachers Training Programme was held from March 27 to 29 at St Francis De Sales Higher Secondary School, Satgaon, Ghy-171. The main purpose of this training programme was to build understanding of school cluster groups. The First day training session was conducted by Fr Thomas Edakazhy msfs, Principal of SFS College, Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized on the multiple intelligence of students in order to capture the full range of activities and talents that students possess. He also emphasized on the notion of an ideal classroom. The second day session was conducted by Fr Jose Karipadam msfs, Professor at Don Bosco University, Guwahati. He provided a few relevant and practical tips for teachers . The third-day session was conducted by Ms Juhi Baruah, Head of the Department of Human Resource at Don Bosco University, Guwahati. She emphasized on an innovative method of knowing ourselves through the “Johari Window.” It has helped teachers to understand better their relationship with self and others. The three-day teaching programme proved to be a worthwhile project. Heartfelt thanks to Fr George Thomas, the Principal, for providing a good opportunity for the participants to interact with such experienced resource persons.

Reported by Sangeeta Barman

Psycho-Educational Workshop for Teachers and Students

A month-long intensive training and psycho-educational workshop for teachers and students of our Schools in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur are being conducted by Fr Augustine Kulangara msfs, Shaima Naaz and Rashi Dave, from Christ University, Bangalore. The training programme began on March 28, 2014, at Christ King School, Gogamukh. The topics covered for teachers are understanding the reasons for a child’s problematic behaviour, class room behavior management, reciprocal roles in class, stress management and personal development. The topics for students are study related issues, understanding and coping up with personal growth, and struggles of teenage life. The already conducted training programmes of our schools in Upper Assam were well appreciated by the teachers and students. A senior teacher of Don Bosco School, Silapathar, while thanking the resource team said, “these young persons have opened the horizons of our understanding of students’ behaviour and now we are confident to manage efficiently our classes.”

Reported by Fr Augustine Kulangara msfs

Visit by our Confreres Abroad

A number of our confreres working and studying abroad have come to India for home visit and holidays: Francis Poovelil, Joseph Illickal, Babu Joseph Kudakkachirakunnel, James Madappallil, Jijesh Paul Palatty, Sanish Plakoottathil, Joy Velicakathu, Samuel Patton, Cherian Marottickathadathil, Carlus Barowa, Thomas Kunnappallil, Jacob Th., Sabu Manasrayil, Joseph Pazheveettil, Alex Varickamanthottiyil. Some of them have already visited our mission and confreres; and some others due to various situations have not been able to make a visit to Northeast. All of them send their greetings to all the confreres. We wish them enjoyable time with their loved ones. In April, for the Provincial Congress, a few more of our confreres will be in India. Welcome confreres!