Dear Confreres, Month of September comes with a number of hallowed reminiscences for all of us in the Congregation. Particularly, we celebrate the two moments that are very sacred to us: the feast of the Mother of Sorrows and the feast of our Founder. The Novena in preparation for the solemnity of the Mother of Sorrows begins on September 6, and for that of the Founder begins on September 21. The Supplementary to the General Directory gives some suggestions for the celebration of these special occasions in the Congregation (Cf. p 38-39). The Mother of Sorrows, as patroness of the Congregation, is the icon of hope for our faith journey. Blessed Peter Marie Mermier, as founder of the Congregation, continues to inspire our life and shape all our ministries. I take the occasion to wish every one of you dear confreres a very happy feast of the Mother of Sorrows and the memory of our venerable Founder.

Visit with the Confreres in USA

My visit to USA had a rare mix of things: the summer program at the university, submission of a paper, the travels, the visits to the confreres, and meeting with friends and some benefactors. The visit to the confreres, Davis Chackaleckel, Philip Thomas Kizhakumpurathu, and George Thayilkuzhithottu, was indeed a special grace to me, especially as it provided the chance to convey them the greetings of all of you. In return, each of them has sent greetings and good wishes to everyone in the Province. At each place, I had the chance to interact with the parishioners. It is a joy to know that the communities truly appreciate our confreres, their life and ministry. I also know that the people are never miserly in expressing their appreciation of the good done by our confreres. Thanks to the modern communication, the record of the good and bad done spread fast in this part of the world, and the so called “privacy” is a flight of imagination.

Fr. Davis serves a large community at Columbia, in the diocese of Nashville. As a parish priest and counselor, he has a busy schedule every day. His degree in Counseling together with his accreditation as a National Counselor is certainly an asset to the Province. Fr. Philip Thomas, an associate at St. Paul the apostle Church, Yonkers, is currently pursuing his doctoral studies in Psychology at Fordam University. He may be able to complete the studies within another calendar year. He was my tour guide to the Empire State Building, the ground Zero (where the Twin Towers stood), the Statue of Liberty, the first church in the city and a number of other places in New York. Fr. George Thayilkuzhithottu serves the parish of St. Stanislaus in the diocese of Lacrosse that has over 1000 families. Along with his pastoral duties, he is also pursuing a Degree in Education. Let us keep them all in our prayers. Over the years, each of them has found ways to get friends who support our missions. I thank them for their efforts.

I also had the joy of traveling to Tyler, Texas and meet with Fr. Augustine Tharapel, the regional superior of USA Region and to share some of the common concerns. He will be visiting us in November. I also had the occasion to meet with the authorities of the dioceses of Lacrosse and Nashville, priests and some of my personal friends. Moreover, at Lacrosse, I had a good visit with Fr. Paul Sankoorickal, who is currently in a nursing home.

It was a hectic time for me. Amidst the schedule of classes, the deadline for writing a paper, the travels, the visits to confreres and friends, I also kept in touch with all the developments in the Province. I thank Fr. Francis Poovelil for his excellent service as Vicar of the Province. I am very glad to let you know that several people continue to pray for each of us here in the Province. We are never alone! Isn’t it a privilege to have persons from all over the world joining us in our missionary venture? Let the gesture of their love inspire us to offer ourselves entirely to the mission of the church.

The SA Regional Assembly Southern African region goes in for its Third ordinary assembly from September 15-17, 2009. Fondly we shall take all our confreres of SA region in prayer and seek the intercession of our founder who desired to send his missionaries to Africa. May the Assembly become a source of renewal for the SA region, especially in reaching out to the needs of the Church and its people in Africa. We wish Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil and his councilors God’s blessings as they prepare for this important event of the Region, which will positively pave way for new paths and braver steps.

Fr. Francis Poovelil, Vicar of the Province

I leave for South African Region on September 9, 2008 to visit the confreres working there and participate in the Regional Assembly. During my absence, Fr. Francis Poovelil will serve as the Vicar of the Province. I request everyone to cooperate with him.

The Second Annual Retreat for the Confreres of the Province

The Second Retreat of the year will commence on the evening of September 27, 2009 and will conclude by the afternoon of October 2, 2009. The Constitution Growth Retreat will be animated by a team headed by Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, the General Councilor for Innovative Ministry. The Confreres who have not attended the first retreat are expected to attend this retreat. Exception to this norm shall be done only with the prior permission of the provincial.

Forums for the year 2009 – 2010 According to the policies of the New Governance, the Forums are to be reviewed and updated by June every year. I am glad to present the updated list of members of the Forums for the year 2009-2010.

1. Mission Forum, Province (MF-P) for 2009 – 2010

  1. THAIKHO Simon (Vice Chairman)
  2. MUNDOLY Jose (Convener & Secretary)
  3. PUTHUMANA Mathew (Core Team Member)
  4. PATTIMACKEL Kurian (Core Team Member)
  5. CHAKKALACKAL Joseph(Core Team Member)
  6. MAROTTICKATHADATHIL Cherian (Core Team Member)
  7. KOCHUPARATHANATH Thomas (Core Team Member)
  8. SHANGPLIANG Genes (Core Team Member)

  1. BARA Nicholas
  2. KALLAKULAM Jobin Thomas
  3. KAVUNGAL Lukose
  4. KELAMKUZHACKAL John
  5. KIZHAKKEVEED Joseph
  6. KULLU Sudhir John
  7. KUNNUMPURATH Johnson Mathew
  8. MANDA SANGMA Bernard
  9. MURIANKARIYIL Mathew
  10. NEENDUKUNNEL Sebastian
  11. NONGBAK Areng Clean
  12. PANII Paul
  13. PARANKIMALIL Peter
  14. POONTHURUTHIL Shiji Mathew
  15. POOVATHINKAL George
  16. POU Stephen
  17. THUNDATHIL Augustine Joseph
  18. TIRKEY Milkius
  19. TOPPO Kusumkant Samir
  20. VANISSERY Varghese
  21. VARAPADAVIL Thomas Paul
  22. VAZHEPARAMBIL Mathew
  23. THECKINETH Paul
  24. AMBIYIL Shaju Varghese
  25. BASHENA Adani James
  26. EATTIKKATTIL Antony Joseph
  27. MADAPPALLIL James Shijo
  28. NGADE Benjamin Nakho
  29. RAISING Jacob
  30. SAHAYARAJ Albert
  31. SAPRÜNAMAI Ashihe Andrew
  32. AERATHEDATHU Thomas
  33. CHETTUPUZHA Varghese
  34. KANIYAMMATTEL Joy
  35. KARIKKAMPALLY Job
  36. KUDAKKACHIRAKUNNEL Babu Joseph
  37. MAMALASSERIL Jose
  38. MANASRAYIL Sabu
  39. MANGATT Philip
  40. PANTHANAZHYVADAKKETHIL Sunny
  41. PATTARKALAYIL James
  42. PERUMANIKALA Lukose
  43. THATTAPRAMBIL Salu
  44. VANDERKUNNEL Thomas
  45. VARICKAMANTHOTTIYIL Alex
  46. VELIYATH Benoy
  47. VELLARAMKUZHY Augustine

2. Formation Forum, Province (FF-P) for 2009 – 2010

  1. POOVELIL Francis ( Vice Chairman)
  2. MAPPILAPARAMBIL Emmanuel (Convener & Secretary)
  3. MULLENKUZHY Abraham (Core Team Member)
  4. THAZHATHUKUNNEL Joseph (Core Team Member)
  5. KUZHUPIL Sebastian (Core Team Member & Coordinator of Vocation Promoters)
  6. THENGANAKUNNEL Jose (Core Team Member)
  7. UPPANTHADATHIL Emmanuel (Core Team Member)

  1. CHAVARANAL Martin (Santosh)
  2. KANNAMANGALATHU Joseph
  3. KUNNAPPALLY Thomas
  4. MANICKATHAN Varghese Paul
  5. PARAMPUZHA Augustine
  6. PLATHOTTATHIL Jojan Jose
  7. THAILE Jacob
  8. VETTUKATTIL George
  9. CHIRATTOLICKAL Gracious
  10. D.R. Paul
  11. HEPUNI John
  12. MUNDACKAL Baiju
  13. OTTAPALLIL Mathew
  14. PURAYIDATHIL Philip
  15. PUTHIYIDATHUCHALIL Jacob

Vocation Promoters

1. BAMHINGBE Joseph (Vocation Promoter, Arunachal Pradesh)

2. BAROWA Carlos (Vocation Promoter, Upper Assam)

3. BOLWARI MARAK Peter (Vocation Promoter, Garo Hills)

4. KAREKAT Dominic (Roy) (Vocation Promoter, Manipur)

5. NARZARY Ronesh (Luke) (Vocation Promoter, Lower Assam)

6. POOVAKULATHU Jude (Vocation Promoter, Khasi Hills)

3. Education Forum, Province (EF-P) for 2009-2010

  1. MOONNANAPALLIL Tomy (Vice Chairman)
  2. PARAYANIYIL Roy (Convener & Secretary)
  3. KUNNEL George (Core Team Member)
  4. MATTAPALLIL Siby (Core Team Member)
  5. KARIPADATHU Jose (Core Team Member)
  6. OVUNG Philip Mhonchumo (Core Team Member)
  7. THARAYIL Saji (Core Team Member)

  1. AVITTAPALLIL Antony (Vintu)
  2. CHENNALA Daniel
  3. CHETTANIYIL Jose
  4. CHOTTAKARA Michael Jacob
  5. EDAKAZHIKAL Thomas
  6. HRINII Mark
  7. KAIPPALLIL Kuriakose
  8. KATTATHARA Antony
  9. KHAKHA John Bosco
  10. KULANGARA Augustine
  11. MUTHADATHU Roy
  12. PALLICHANKUDIYIL Mathew
  13. PANTHANMACKAL George
  14. PARAMPUKATTIL George
  15. PONVELIL Abraham
  16. PRAKUZHY Varghese
  17. THEKKEL Tomy
  18. VADAKKEPERINCHERIL George
  19. OLICKAMALAYIL Thomas
  20. THAYILKUZHITHOTTU George

4. Innovative Ministry Forum (IMF-P) for 2009 - 2010

  1. MATTATHIL Jacob ( Vice Chairman)
  2. KURIKILAMKATTU Joby Mathew (Convenor & secretary)
  3. BARMAN John (Core Team Member)
  4. EZHANIKAT Shaibu Mathew (Core Team Member)

5.SORENG Corbinus (Core Team Member)

6.PULIYILAKAT Joseph (Core Team Member)

7.KARONDUKADAVIL John (Core Team Member)

  1. ANAKALLIL Tomy Alex
  2. ARACKAL Thomas
  3. BARA Cornelius Constantine
  4. BELO Francis
  5. CHAKALAMURIYIL Varghese
  6. DIO D. Jacob
  7. KANICHERRY Biju Kurian

15.KIZHAKKETHALACKEL Regi

16.KONTHANANICKAL Jiji

17.MANALEL Devasia

18.MARAYIKULAM Stephen (Jr.)

  1. MATHIRAMPALLIL Aji Cherian
  2. NELLIANY Pius
  3. PEETHURUTHEL Francis
  4. PEKADANKUZHIYIL George
  5. PEZHUTHUMMOOTTIL James
  6. POOTHANKUNNEL George

25.PUTHENPURACKAL Abraham

  1. ARACKATHARA Babychan
  2. ILLICKAL Joseph

28.KERKETTA Athnas

29.KIZHAKUMPURATH Philip Thomas

  1. KURISUMMOOTTIL Philip

31.KUTTIKOTTAYIL John

32.MATHIRAMPUZHA Jimmy

  1. PAZHEVEETTIL Joseph
  2. THALAYINAKANDATHIL Saju

35.VELICAKATHU Joy

5. Stewardship Forum of the Province

  1. NIRAPPEL Thomas (Vice Chairman, Convener & Secretary)
  2. POOVELIL Francis ( Member, Finance Committee)
  3. THAIKHO Simon ( Member, Finance Committee)
  1. EDACHERRY PAUVATH John (Member, Finance Committee)
  2. MARAYIKULAM Stephen(Sr.),( Member, Finance Committee)
  3. XAXA Bosco (Member, Finance Committee)

  1. PAREDOM Sebastian
  2. CHAKALECKEL Davis
  3. KOLLATHUVAYALIL Thomas
  4. EDATTU Mathew
  5. OVELIL Kurian
  6. THEKKEL Jose
  7. PUTHIYAKULANGARA Saji
  8. PATTON Samuel
  9. AVITTAPALLIL Antony
  10. KANNAMANGALATH Joseph
  11. THAILE Jacob
  12. PLATHOTTATHIL Jojan
  13. NEENDUKUNNEL Sebastian
  14. KARIKKAMPALLY Job
  15. PERUMANNIKALA Lukose
  1. KUNJAPARAMPIL Joseph

The Ministry to the Mishing Community of Assam

Ever since we began our presence in the Upper Assam area, our confreres have given yeomen service to the people of the area. From the initial years to the creation of the dioceses in Arunachal Pradesh, all of our missions have given a special focus to evangelization of the people of Arunachal. All the same, at various forums, discussions continued on concerning the Mishing community of Assam. However, in the past for a variety of reasons, we have not been able to give this special focus to the Mishing People. But, for missionaries, it is never too late to start something new. I am glad to place in record that Fr. Peter Parankimalil has expressed his willingness to venture out to this ministry. It is very clear that we need to view this ministry as a common venture of the Province; and in entrusting this special ministry to one of our confreres it is only reasonable that we stand by him and support him. Particularly, the Upper Assam Apostolic community has a significant role to play and I request all the confreres to work together for the success of this ministry.

The Celebration of the First Death Anniversary of Fr. Chacko Varapadavil

An estimated crowd of six hundred peoplegathered together at Holy Redeemer Renewal Centre on August 12, 2009. The assembly was blessed with the presence of 54 priests, about 100 aspirants and religious sisters, who joined for the celebration that was presided over by his grace Most Rev. Dominic Jala, the archbishop of Shillong. The function of the day began with the blessing of the newly furnished Chapel, which was followed by the Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Francis Poovelil, the Provincial Vicar, welcomed everyone at the start of the Eucharistic Celebration. At the end of the Mass, Fr. Joby Kurukilamkat introduced the Souvenir in memory of Fr. Chacko with the title, God’s Sower, which was released by the Archbishop. The Celebration concluded with a fellowship meal at the Centre.

All the confreres and many people visited the tomb of Fr. Chacko at Mawroh. The confreres held a special prayer service at the cemetery where many people also participated. (Report by Fr. Devasia Manalel). I thank the Shillong apostolic community for making all the arrangement for this special event in the province. Thanks to all the confreres who joined for this celebration.

Manipur Apostolic Community Arranges Animation Program for the Village catechists The Manipur Apostolic community had decided in the previous meeting to organize an animation cum felicitation program from 3-4 September 2009, for all the catechists of three parishes, namely Holy Cross, Phaibungkhullen, S.F.S. Kangpokpi andHoly rosary, Purul.

The purpose of the gathering was to acknowledge and appreciate the selfless service; and encourage them to continue the good work with renewed spirit. In all, 22 catechists attended the program which was hosted by Holy Rosary Parish, Purul. Rev. Fr. John Seisou, the Asst Priest, Don Bosco, Senapati animated the sessions and presided over the Holy Eucharist on the last day. At the end of the animation program the catechists were felicitated and were awarded special gifts in appreciation of their support to our ministry in the villages. All of them left the place with great satisfaction and expressed the desire to have similar gathering every year. The function was organized in response to the suggestion of the provincial, andour apostolic community members welcomed it gladly and extended the wholehearted support. (Report Fr. Dominic Karekat). Thank you dear confreres, for your initiative in sharing your joy with your collaborators in the mission!

Fr. Jacob D.D, leaves for Ministry in the diocese of Nashville, Tennessee

At the request of Bishop of Nashville, Fr. Jacob D.D., is designated to take up pastoral ministry in USA from 10th September, 2009. He will be serving as associate pastor and Chaplain to the College youth. We wish Fr. Jacob all the best in his ministry. Till further arrangements are done, Fr. Corbinus Soreng will continue to assist at the Provincials’ office.

A Gift Given; a Gift Gracefully Received

Bro Sijo Kunnel, who is currently pursuing his theological studies at Shillong, had received the news of a special gift on August 12, 2009. The growth in his throat was diagnosed as Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma of tonsil,a rare form of cancer. Knowing the truth that one of our young confreres has been diagnosed with cancer was a shocking disclosure to all of us. The heavens were stormed with lot prayers from all over the world. The treatment at North Eastern Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHARI), Guwahati has gone well for him so far. Sijo has taken his condition as a special gift and has accepted it gracefully. He is appreciative of the support he has received from many persons.Sijo is fully involved in the community and pursues his studies at Oriens College. What more? He has many exciting stories to share about his experience of carrying this special gift with him. A Gift given! A Gift taken with poise and grace! Let us keep praying for all those who are sick and suffering in our communities.

We Rejoice in the Achievements of our Confreres A number ofour confreres who were pursuing studies have received their examination results. We rejoice with them in the success: Fr. Cornelius Bara secured First Division for MSW from Nagpur University, Nagpur Fr. Daniel Chennala secured First Division for B. Ed from Sikkim University, Gangtok Fr. George Vadakeperincherimannil and Peter Parankimalil have secured Second division for B. Ed from Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar.

Hearty Congratulations dear confreres! May your learning become a source of blessing for all.

Confreres for the Update Programs

Frs. Joby Kurikilamkat, Ajimon Mathirampalli and Joseph Bamhingbefor a Six week Clinical Pastoral Education Program at SFS Vidyasharm, Aluva , Kerala from Oct 4- Nov 13, 2009.

Frs. Francis Poovelil, Mathew Puthumana, Kurian PattimackelandStephen Marayikulam(Sr.) for one week Program for Community Superiors at MSFS Provincialate, Nagpur from Nov 22- 27, 2009.

Transfers and Appointments

Fr. Joy Velicakathuhas been assigned to a new parish. His address: Pater Joy Velicakathu MSFS
Kath. Pfarramt, Kirchenweg 8, D-83362 SURBERG, Germany, Email: el: (+49) 0861-9094573 (P), Tel: (+49) 0861-4819 (O), Cell: (+49) 0160-96453336.

Fr. Sabu Francis Manasrayil has been assigned to a new parish. His address:P. Sabukuttan Francis, St. Ingbert-Straße 90, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany, Tel. 0049.531.52225, Fax. 0049.531.52260, Mob. 0049.1624389964

Fr. Stephen Marayikulam (Sr.) is appointed spiritual director to the seminarians at SFS seminary Medziphema, Nagaland with effect from September 8, 2009

Fr. George Vettukattil is appointed to the staff of Vinaya Bhavan Seminary, Thamarassery with effect from September 17, 2009.

Fr. Jacob D. D., is designated for the ministry in USA. His address is St Rose of Lima Parish, 1601 N Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130-1651, USA. Phone 001. 615.893.1843; Fax 615.895.1150.

Fr. Bernard Sangma is appointed for the special ministry in Arunachal Pradesh. With the residence at Tato, he is also designated to be appointed Associate priest at Holy Angels parish, Tato with effect from September 30, 2009.

Fr. Thomas Nirappel is designated to be appointed parish priest at SFS Parish Narengi with effect from September 27, 2009.

Fr. Clean Areng is designated to be appointed Associate priest at SFS Parish, Narengi with effect from October 7, 2009.

Fr. Philip Purayidathil is appointed to the staff of Vinaya Bhavan Seminary, Thamarassery with effect from September 10, 2009. In addition to his duties as a staff member, he shall assist Fr. Thomas Kollathuvayalil, the procurator.

Fr. Abraham Puthenpurackel is designated to be appointed Coordinator of Social Work ministry and Associate Priest at St. Joseph’s parish, Manikbond, in the diocese of Aizawl with effect from October 10, 2009.

Let us Pray for the Sick

Mr. Jacob Neendukunnel, the elder brother of Fr. Sebastian Neendukunnel is critically ill and is admitted in a hospital at Calicut, Kerala. His condition is very critical.

Please remember all our dear ones who are sick and pray for their healing and recovery.

Let us Pray for the Departed