My dear Confreres,

I greet you with the peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the compassionate love of our Blessed Mother, the joyful optimism of our Patron, St. Francis de Sales and the missionary zeal of our Founder, Servant of God, Fr. Peter Mermier.

 

Today is the first day of Novena to our dear Patron. I wish you a very fruitful Novena for self-renewal. The beautiful feast day message, Very. Rev. Fr. Agnelo gives us on the very first page of his 2af-11, which is enclosed herewith. Wish you a very happy feast on the 24th, my dear Confreres.

 

2010: the International year of the youth, beckons us to be youthful and to do our best for our youth

If the whole world has its attention focused on the youth, it is because the world is keenly aware of the fact that the youth is the future of the world. It is recognition of the possibilities the world sees in the hands of the youth. The youth hold the key to the future of the world and they must feel proud of the fact that the world is readying itself to entrust the youth with the greatest service it can render to the world: to heal the world. The world needs healing. Only a healed world will have the strength and power to become real home for the millions. The youth must accept this challenging responsibility and now.

 

The Star of Bethlehem: In his homily for the feast of the Epiphany, Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI reflected at length on the Star of Bethlehem. Only the humble are privileged to see and understand the Star and humility is the ability "to submit to what is greater." He appealed to the faithful to pray fervently for "a wise and innocent heart, which will allow us to see the star of his mercy, which will lead us on his way, to meet him and be inundated by the great light and the true joy that He has brought to this world." He emphasized the fact that one needs "great courage" to believe in God, especially when God is manifested as a "defenseless child." He attributed the fall in numbers of believers in Jesus to the lack of "capacity to be children at heart, to be amazed, and to come out of oneself to undertake the way indicated by the star, the way of God." When people are sure of themselves and of their ideas, they do not let themselves be moved by the adventure of a God who can and does make Himself small so as to come close to them. He said that "greatness and power are not expressed in the logic of the world, but in the logic of a defenseless child, whose strength is only that of love entrusted to us."

 

During a lunch with the inmates- some 200 poor and unwanted and neglected people- of a Roman soup kitchen, on the feast of the Holy Family, the Pope compared the Holy Family to the family at the soup kitchen and he also told them that it was precisely because of this similarity that he chose to visit them on the feast day. He also told them, "You know well what difficulty means”. He further told them: "I am here among you to tell you that I am close to you, that I love you”…

The Pope also spoke about the need to put science and faith on the same side of human development and progress. Just like the Magi who, being wise, "scrutinized the stars and knew the history of peoples", and being "men of science in a broad sense", "observed the cosmos, regarding it almost as a great book full of divine signs and messages for man", did not consider themselves self-sufficient but was open to divine revelations; we too must, in spite of all the advancement, turn to the Star and unravel the mystery manifested in it.

 

Congratulations to our New Priests:

Within a span of 14 days from December 29, 2009 to January 10, 2010 we have been blessed with 6 new priests:

 

Fr. Anish George Ozhakanakuzhiyil was ordained on 29.12.2009 at St. Mary’s Church, Kuravilangad, Kerala, by Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of Palai. His parents, George and Annama, have given another son to the Lord. He completed his high school from St. Anne’s, Kurianad, and higher secondary from Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad. He joined the Prakash Bhavan, in 1999; made his first profession at Dhyanashram, on 31.05.2002. He studied philosophy at St. Charles’, Nagpur, regency at Prakash Bhavan, and theology at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune. 

 

Fr. Bosco P was ordained on 02.01.2010 at St. James, Sayathurai, Kerala, by Bishop Thomas Aquinas of Coimbatore. His parents Pushparaj and Irudayamary have followed other parents of Sayathurai in giving their son, Bosco, to the Lord and to the Fransalians. He passed his secondary schooling from St. Francis Xavier, Parisakkal, and his PDC from Calicut University. He joined Prakash Bhavan, Mannarkad, in 1998 and made his First Profession at Dhyanashram, Varanasi, on 31.05.2002. His philosophical studies were at St. Charles’, Nagpur; his regency at St. Mary’s, Kinwat, and theology at JDV, Pune.

 

Fr. Lajarus Soreng was ordained on 05.01.2010 at St. Xavier’s Church, Deodapara, Orissa, by Bishop John Barwa, svd, of Rourkela. His parents are Junas and Agnes. He completed his schooling from Govt High School, Deokaranpur, in 1998 and higher secondary from Bargaon in 2001. He joined Divya Jyoti Ashram, in 1998 and made his First Profession at Dhyanashram,  on 31.05.2002. His philosophical studies were at Suvidya College; his regency at Divya Jyoti Ashram, and theology at JDV, Pune.

 

Fr. Peter Kujur was ordained on 05.01.2010 at St. Xavier’s Church, Deodapara, Orissa, by Bishop John Barwa, svd, of Rourkela. His parents are Albinus and Tarcila. He completed his schooling from Lanjiberna Shramik, Birabandh, in 1996 and his Higher Secondary from Dalmia College, Rajgangpur, in 1999. He joined Divya Jyoti Ashram, Latapara, in 1999 and made his First Profession at Dhyanashram, Varanasi on 31.05.2002. His philosophical studies were at Suvidya College, Bangalore; his regency at Divya Jyoti Ashram, Latapara, and theology at JDV, Pune.

 

Fr. Selbester Xalxo was ordained on 08.01.2010 at Catholic Church, Phalsa, Orissa, by Bishop John Barwa, svd, of Rourkela. His parents are Raphael and Margaret. He completed his schooling from Kantabahal in 1996 and his Higher Secondary from New Orissa, Gaibira,  in 1999. He joined Divya Jyoti Ashram, Latapara, in 1999 and made his First Profession at Dhyanashram, Varanasi on 31.05.2002. His philosophical studies were at Suvidya College, Bangalore; his regency at St. John the Evangelist Church, Aurangabad, and theology at JDV, Pune.

 

Fr. Silbester Kullu was ordained on 10.01.2010 at St. Joseph’s Church, Kiralage, Orissa, by Rt. Rev Bishop Alphonse Bilung, the Bishop-emeritus, of Rourkela. His parents are Agapit and Emilia. He completed his schooling from New Orissa, Gaibira in 1996 and higher secondary from Bargaon. He joined Divya Jyoti Ashram, Latapara, in 1999 and made his First Profession at Dhyanashram, Varanasi on 31.05.2002. His philosophical studies were at Suvidya College, Bangalore; his regency at St. Francis de Sales Church, Pandripally, and theology at JDV, Pune.

 

A Report: Dn. Lazarus Soreng and Dn. Peter were ordained on 5th Jan 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Deonapara. It was a red letter day for the parishioners of Deonapara, as it was the first ordination in the parish since its establishment in 2002. Both the Deacons were ordained by Rt. Rev John Barwa, SVD, the Bishop of Rourkela. The vicar general, Fr. Pradeep Kujur was also present for service. The church and the surrounding looked in festive mood for the occasion. Dn. Lazarus was led to the altar by his parents Mr. Junas Soreng and Mrs. Agnesh Bilung and Dn. Peter was led by his parents Mr.Albinus Soreng and Mrs. Tarsila Kujur. The bidai was very emotional and the melodious songs sung for the occasion made the atmosphere very emotional. There were about 20 priests, 8 MSFS, and a number of Sisters. The FSMA Sisters of the Panderpally Parish helped in the decoration of the altar and the surroundings, which was appreciated by many. The event concluded with the felicitation programme. Both the newly ordained priests hail from Bhalubood Dehat. Fr. Lazarus celebrated his first thanksgiving Eucharist the next day and Fr. Peter celebrated his on the 7th.

 

Dn. Sylvester Xalxo was ordained on 8th January 2010 by Rt. Rev John Barwa, SVD, the Bishop of Rourkela. At Catholic Church Phalsa, Orissa. He was led to the altar with traditional drum beats and singing and handed over to the Bishop by his Father Mr. Raphael Xalxo and his Aunt. There were 8 priests, 4 MSFS, Dn Raju and Bro Raphael too witnessed the occasion, like on 5th.  Fr. Sylvester Xalxo celebrated his first Mass on the 9th at his village Aurijore.  The M C for 5th as well as for 8th was Fr. Deepak Kindo.

 

The last of the 4 Ordinations for the Nagpur province in the Diocese of Rourkela took place on the 10th January 2010, at Catholic Church Kiralaga. The ordination service was presided over by Rt. Rev Bishop Alphonse Bilung, the Bishop-emeritus of Rourkela. The ceremony began with dance and singing with 50 girls and women leading the procession with rhythmic dance.  Dn. Sylvester Kullu was offered to the service of the Church and Society by his parents Mr.Agapit and Mrs.Emilia Kullu.  The theme of his ordination was “Preciousness of oneself”. The choir for these services on 5th, 8th and 10th  was conducted by the well-known musician and composer Fr.Ignatius Soreng SVD. There were around 20 priests and Sisters besides large number of faithful. He celebrated his first mass at his village Tedikahu. The homily was preached by Fr. Christopher MSFS of Pune province. There were around 15 priests and large number of faithful who had come far and wide. (Fr. Allan Gonsalves msfs)

 

Hearty Congratulations to:

• The South East India Province on the occasion of the blessing and inauguration of the new Provincialate, on 5th December, 2009, at Kunnathur near Nagamangalam in the diocese of Trichy. The Bishop of Trichy Dr. Antony Devotta blessed it; Very Rev. Fr. Agnelo Fernandes inaugurated it; Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Cherukat unveiled the engraved plaque.

• Fr. Philip D’Souza and Bro. Anuj for organizing the Inter-religious get-together in the presence of all the dignitaries and functionaries of Badnera township during which the intellectually challenged students of Assissi Ashadeep School inspired the gathering.

• Fr. Vinsent Minj for holding the inter-religious gathering – especially all the professors of the B. Ed college who for the first time enjoyed the hospitality of a catholic priest - on 26th dec.

• Frs. Wilson and Alphonse for the enthusiastic animation of our ‘Regents’ meet on 27,28,29 Dec. 2009.

• Fr. Rector and community of Fransalian Seminary for the meticulously planned and well conducted Diaconate function.

• Salesianum, Vizag, on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee celebrations that took place on 13th January, 2010.

• Fr. Henry Kodikuthiyil for organizing the ‘update and renewal programme at Charis Bhavan.

• Bro. Michael, Frs. Plathottam, P C Paul, Emmanuel, Barnabas, Richard, Jose Parampukattil, Oscar, Kulandai, George Kurickal, Marcus, Emil, and Philip Maleparampil for making it possible to participate in the Renewal Course at Athirampuzha. (Sad to note that Bros. M J John and Ambrose and Frs. John Carvalho Peter Paul and Muthuswamy could not join the course, although tkts booked).

• MSFS Southern African Region for the colourful, newsy and inspirational ‘OMUTUMI’ dated 10-12-09.

• MSFS Scholastics, Shillong for the ongoing ‘SEARCH’ helping us to see the ‘project of love, the nature’ – God’s awesome creation.

• Fr. Varghese Pullan SAC and his team for organizing in Nagpur the 10th general body meeting of the Catholic Council of India, with the theme ‘Youth in the Church and in the society’. And Fr. Thomas Vadakkumpadam msfs for ably assisting the organizers by putting up the delegates in the provincialate.

• All those of us who have made it a point to secure the very important documents recently: passports, identity-cards and ration-cards.

All the best to:

• Fr. Pius and his team for the annual get-together of the ‘Friends of the Fransalians’ of Nagpur area on the 17th Feb.

• The Province Education Forum for their meeting on 6th February in Nanded.

• The Province Mission Forum for their meeting on 25th March in the Provincialate.

• Our confreres in Mozambique for the Decennial Celebrations on 18th April.

•  Fr. Valerian for the preparation of the booklet: ‘Addresses of Agencies’. This will be of great help and very handy for the preparation of projects.

Let us pray for:                          

Fr. Gabriel: Gentleman Professor Passeth away: … Every time we hear the name, one is filled with good thoughts. That was Fr. Gabriel. One felt good in his company. He made everyone around him feel better, think better, do better. A true Master alone can do that. So many of us Fransalians were happy to have someone like Fr. Gabriel. Like the Angel Gabriel, the harbinger of good news, Fr. Gabriel carried the Good News wherever he went. We were sad when we heard of his death on the 10th January. We are glad because our Congregation was blessed with a person like Fr. Gabriel. We miss you Fr. Gabriel. Now that you are in the company of Saints, we know that you are closer to us. May you rest in Peace!

• Fr. Philip D’Silva, who is suffering from pleural effusion with pneumothorax.

• Fr. Philip D’Souza, whose vocal chord is causing his speech inaudible.

• Fr. Vincent Minj’s sister-in-law who is hospitalized.

• Fr. Timothy’s younger brother David, who died on 8th January 2010.

• Fr. Thavamani’s (PP of Amravati cathedral) aged father who died on 13th Jan 2010

• Bishop Joe who is become very weak. He is mostly on bed – the water-bed with electricity facility keeps him safe from any bed sore. However, using the walker he is able to move about – but rarely during these cold days – in the room and verandah with help. The Dayasagar hospital Sisters visit him thrice a day – during this week he will be in ‘Dayasagar’. The other day his niece and grand-nephew visited him. However, his memory fails him often. He is cheerful as ever.

• Bro. Aajo’s grand-mother who suffers from a stroke recently.   

 

News from:

HIMAYAT NAGAR: “Inauguration of the Inter-religious Dialogue Centre building at Himayat Nagar, five hours journey by road from the Bishop’s House, took place on 6th December 2009 in the presence of the MSFS Provincial from Nagpur, several Priests, Sisters, Brothers and the Bishop. Fr. Thomas Kuttiankal MSFS, the pioneer and architect of the centre has done commendable work to erect this Centre and promote its activities – the need of the time. The team-spirit, at the function, among the MSFS Fathers and Brothers working in the diocese of Aurangabad, needs to be appreciated and emulated by all the priests and religious in the diocese. I congratulate the Provincial and the MSFS Fathers and in particular Fr. Kuttiankal”. (from ‘Bishop Edwin’s Bulletin (27)’.

 

KHAMGAON:  Fransalian Vidya Niketan celebrated Christmas 2009 with a Satsang and Fellowship for the people of all religious traditions on 25th December at 4 p.m. with the theme ‘what is Christmas for me’ by eminent people from various religious traditions of India. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Fr. Nazareth Miranda, the Priest-in-charge of Shegaon and Rajura Mission Centers.

 

JHAJJAR: Fr. Jacob and Bro Joseph Arulraj, the Regent, are getting themselves ready to begin SFS School at Jhajjar from April 2010. Following in the footsteps of our Patron, they have gone door to door, advertising the school for LKG to Std. V after identifying 52 villages and 4 townships through 20,000 pamphlets, a vehicle making daily rounds with a pre-recorded announcement, TV channels roped in for scrolling their message, 25 big and 260 small flex boards at strategic locations within a radius of 35 kilometers of SFS School, Birdhana Village, Jhajjar. A local effort is made world-wide with a web-site (www.sfsjhajjar.in) to highlight ‘Fransaliana Jhajjar.’ Both have ‘birthing pangs’ and hope for safe delivery on April 1st, 2010!

 

Divya Jyoti Ashram :This year we have 37 candidates in Latapara. We are three priests on the staff including Fr. Sunil Ekka of the South-West Province. The regent of Divya Jyoti Ashram, Bro. Vibhishan is in our Tuman Community to teach in SFS School, Nimkheda since last November. We are concentrating on the all round development of the brothers. Besides academic activities we encourage and carry out outreach programs like helping the poor in their field works i.e. planting, harvesting etc. We organize night classes for children of the close by villages with the help of the youth. These night classes take place in their respective villages. Every Friday we have Holy Hour followed by Mass at two of our neighbouring sub-centers of the SFS Church, Panderpalli. Brothers have the ministry of visiting families, praying for the sick and animating children. The staff is fully committed to the growth of the future generation of MSFS.        

 

Raidihi Parish: The parish had the house blessing from 11 Nov. to 28 Nov.2009. The marriage preparation course was conducted in the parish. There were 21 boys and girls preparing themselves for marriage. The course was for 14 days starting from 10th Dec evening to 25 Dec morning. Within this period there was retreat for three days from 21 Dec to 23 Dec. The resource persons for this course were Fr. Ignatius, Fr. Deepak. Sr. Jyoti, Sr. Pasca and catechist Mr. Clement Kullu. The parish has fixed date for solemn marriage on 18th January.

 

This year we celebrated Christmas with great joy. The procession from the presbytery started at 22.30 hrs on 24th. There was police protection throughout the night. The church was packed to capacity with the faithful, many had to stand outside in the cold. On 25th morning too the church was overflowing. This year’s special feature was that we had community lunch with all our Hindu brethren – our neighbours – on 26th.  

 

Ambapani Mission: We have completed House-blessing and family visits in all three Dehats before Christmas. The People made it a point to be present when the priest visited them. The people were very co- operative and helpful.

 

On the Eve of Christmas, we had Holy Mass in an open place at 06 p.m. Nearly a thousand faithful took part in the celebration. Fathers from Kusumdeghi also joined for the concelebration. The Charismatic preacher Fr. Blasius Lakra was the main celebrant. Fr. Raj gave homily on “The Word Was Made Flesh”. The Beautiful crib was made by Bro.Telespore and the Parish youth. It was said that it was the first time the people stood in a line and paid their homage to the Infant Jesus.

 

New Year celebration was in the old chapel. There were nearly 500 faithful for the Holy Mass. After the Mass, the people went out and made a circle to greet each other. It was a great occasion for the people to express their happiness and joy.  Thanks to the parishioners and the school committee - we have also done the water proofing of the school building which was leaking badly.

 

Prakash Bhavan: "the House of Light", as the name suggests, is really full of life and light through the young people who are here. We were getting vocations from different south Indian states in an average of 25 students per year. This year (2009 June) unfortunately we had only 13 vocations from 4 South Indian states, of which 4 have dropped out.  Prakash Bhavan has about 15 acres of cultivable land and the entire land is cultivated by different crops – rubber trees, cashew-nut trees, pepper plants, plantain trees, coconut trees, tapioca plants etc. We also produce certain amount of vegetable for the house use. As brothers are interested in manual-work they are put in charge of various departments. They have an hour of work daily and they put their heart and soul in what they do. We hardly employ any workers for the field work.

 

We have a piggery and we feed the pigs from hotel-left-overs. So it is a source of income for the house. We also have few cows and we get milk for our house use and extra milk is sold to our neighbours. We also keep few fowls for eggs.

 

Besides the seminary responsibilities, Fathers are often called for celebrating Mass, recollections, confessions etc. in Parishes and retreat centers.  Fr. K. Joseph and Fr. Kurian C. have been transferred to Nagpur in last June. Fr. Austin Correia joined us in July 09 and is actively involved in teaching -especially phonetics, music and guitar - and guidance.

 

Mozambique: Good news; today at 17 hours we had the first novena to our Patron. We have distributed each novena day for each Fransalian (except the Mavila confreres) with different Fransalian themes. I hope to have a children's gathering on 23rd evening after the Solemn mass (some games and a little festa). I couldn't do it at Christmas.

And surprises of surprises almost 40 persons participated in the evening Mass!  Bro. Manoj preached on the theme HUMILITY  in beautiful Portuguese, while I celebrated the Mass. At the initiative of Sr. Carmen and myself, the conselho pastoral is busy preparing a projeto pastoral for the year 2010. (Fr. Paulo Gonsalves msfs).

 

Please note: While I am away in Germany, Fr. Jacob will be the Vicar.

 

Wishing you a meaningful ‘Unity Octave’ (Jan  18-25) and a beautiful ‘day of the consecrated’ on 2nd Feb.,