Fraternal greetings to you!

We, the Fransalian family, whole heartedly thank God on 24th January as we celebrate the Feast of our Patron St. Francis de Sales. The Gentleman Saint inspires us that our whole life is to be an expression and fulfillment of the sympathy and understanding of the heart of Christ. The whole world ought to be able to look into our hearts and see in us the gentle Christ who called himself meek and humble of heart. He reveals the mystery of God’s Love in a more human way as the thoughts of those moved by natural human love are almost completely fastened on the beloved, their hearts are filled with passion for it, and their mouths full of its praises. When it is gone they express their feelings in letters, and can’t pass by a tree without carving the name of their beloved in its bark. Thus too those who love God can never stop thinking about him, longing for him, aspiring to him, and speaking about him. If they could, they would engrave the name of Jesus on the hearts of all humankind.” In the light of his inspiration, living the spirit and spirituality of St. Francis de Sales in our mission is the Charism that gives identity to our Congregation and is its distinguishing mark. As we celebrate with joy our Patron’s Feast on 24th January, let us reaffirm our missionary commitment and charism which unfolds in studying St. Francis de Sales, imitating his virtues and guiding the people in his method.  

On the 26th of January our Country is celebrating its Republic Day.  This day is one of the most important days in Indian history as the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly sovereign state. The patriotic fervor of the people on this day brings the whole country together even in her essential diversity. May this celebration encourage us working for a just nation based on the values enshrined in the Constitution of India.   

I take this opportunity to greet each of you affectionately “ A VERY HAPPY FEAST OF OUR PATRON ST. FRANCIS DE SALES AND HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY”. May our Patron intercede for us and may his apostolic zeal be a motivating force for all of us to “LIVE JESUS”

Please Note: 02nd February is commemorated as a Day of Consecrated life. Many of our dioceses have some common programme. Let us participate in these programmes and manifest our love & joy to be people who are consecrated to the Lord.

ORDINATIONS FOR THE PROVINCE

ORDINATION AT SALEM:   It was indeed a memorable event in the history of our province that eight of our deacons who were ordained priests in the month of Dec 2009in Tamil Nadu took place in four different parishes run by our MSFS.

It was a great event to organize a group ordination especially during this year of priests at our Lady of Good Health Church in Salem, Tamilnadu. Four of our Deacons namely Dn. Anthonysamy, Dn. David Ranjithkumar, Dn. MariaPrakash, Dn. Samuel Rayer were conferred the order of Priesthood by Rt. Rev. Dr. Singaroyan, the Bishop of Salem. The theme which the whole ceremony was focused on was “Faithfulness to Christ Faithfulness to Priesthood”. There were around seventy priests who concelebrated the Mass and around 1300 faithful whose presence and prayers filled the church compound. After the Eucharist there was a short felicitation for the bishop, the new Priests and the dignitaries followed by cultural programme and sumptuous Dinner. Rev. Fr. Daiy Sebastian (Provincial Delegate for the ordinations and provincial councillor), many other MSFS confreres whose valuable presence brought joy and added to the solemnity of the event. I thank the Jyothi Darshan community for their generosity and availability towards the success of  this spiritual event.

On the following day these new priests celebrated their first mass in their respective parishes were they were accorded a warm welcome and felicitations by the parish people. (Fr. Amal msfs)

Dn. John Paul: Ordained on the 28th of December by Bishop Soundaraju sdb of Vellore diocese at Vaniyambadi Church run by our msfs of the South East Province. The whole ceremony was well organized.  We specially thank the Parish Priests and the other msfs Fathers were their cooperation and support. They looked after the Guests priests and made them feel at home. I wish to thank his parents and family members for offering him so generously to the Congregation of the MSFS.

Dn. K.Thomas and Dn. L. Sagayaraj who belong to the Parish Our Lady of Annunciation, Kanangadu were ordained on the 29th of December 2009 by Bishop Singaroyan the bishop of Salem. Incidentally both Thomas and Sagayaraj have been companions from the First standard onwards. The msfs Parish Fathers and the parishioners left no stone unturned to make the ceremony solemn and memorable for us. Their parents who have been their support right through had the privilege to see them ascend the altar of God. We are grateful to them.

 Dn. P. Andrew: Privileged to have been ordained in his home town and parish run by the Fransalians of the South East Province by Bishop Anthonisamy Neethinathan of Chengalpattu. Many Fransalians and others were present for this great occasion. He celebrated his first mass the next day at 7 am. Gratefully his parents thanked the Lord for listening to their humble prayers for giving them the grace to see their son ordained for His service.

My gratitude to (1) Fr. Daiy Sebastian who was the official delegate of the Provincial at all the 8 Ordinations.  (2) Our Msfs Communities in all the Four Parishes where the ordinations were held for their tireless efforts in attending to all the minute details especially to the members of our confreres of the South East Province (3) To the parents of the Ordinadis and to their close relatives and friends for the support they have given them (4) to our Benefactors both Foreign and Local who have been supporting them with their prayers and finances all this while (5) To all their formators who have encouraged them right through and stood by them. May you enjoy the blessings of God and the protect of our Mother Mary.(6) As per official statistics during this academic year the congregation has 54 ordinations. We are grateful to God and to our Vocation promoters.  

It was held in Charis Bhavan, Kerala, from 5th to 10th Jan, 2010 and was attended by 41 confreres from our Indian provinces. We were four from Pune Province, Frs. Agnel Lawrence, Joseph Malayil, Francis Mulackel and Vincent. It was first of all a good and fraternal experience of meeting many members of other provinces. Secondly it was an enriching  experience of updating  ourselves through various  inputs given by  resourceful persons  on relevant  subjects like: 1. Moral Theology by Fr. George Therukattil, MCBS,  2. Priesthood and Human Development by Fr. George Manelel V.C,  3. Canon Law by Fr. Rayappan from Pondy diocese,  4. Legal Aid and Human Rights by Fr. Ignacimuthu msfs,   5.Theology of Priesthood by Fr. Jacob Parapallil, msfs,  besides  an address given  by Fr. Abraham Vettukattil, msfs and  sharing by Mr. Cyriac Thomas, a well learned  Layman and a religious sister on their expectation of Priests. We also had a half-day pilgrimage to St.Alphonsa’s Tomb and Church at Bharananganam and to the tomb of Blessed Augustine, known as Kunjachan, at Ramapuram. It was indeed a well organized programme and thanks a million to the organizers for making the programme a memorable one. (Fr Vincent)

DIACONATE AT FRANSALIAN SEMINARY:

On the 4th of January 2010, ten of our scholastics from Fransalian Seminary namely, D. James and A. Anthonysamy of Pune Province and Robin, Ignathi, Ranjit, Anand, Sojan, Stephen, Rijo, and Saiju of Nagpur Province. They were conferred the order of Diaconate by His Lordship Bishop Thomas Dabre, Bishop of Poona at Carmel Church in the presence of Fr. Thumma Mariadas, General Councillor, a number of Fransalian confreres, the parents of our Scholastics, guests and benefactors. The event was very prayerful and solemn. Bishop Thomas Dabre praised all the Fransalians for their wonderful service. We welcome them wholeheartedly into the Congregation and wish them all best in their future ministry as Fransalians. Bishop Dabre brought to this function guests who had come from abroad. I wish to sincerely thank Fr. Daiy the Rector and Fr. Kindo and the scholastics for making this day a memorable one in the history of our Congregation. 

The application for Theology at JDV Pune, for all the regents has been dispatched. The filled-in application along with the necessary documents should reach the Provincial’s office latest by the 15th of February 2010. Forms that are incomplete are liable to be rejected by the office of JDV. Therefore it is essential that all the certificates are to be attached. The application is also uploaded on our Province Website in circular column (www.punefransalians.com). For further details you could kindly contact Fr. Jayaseelan msfs.

FAREWELL TO MRS. MARIA DENIER:

Maria Denier, affectionately known as Mummy Mitzi by the Fransalians, peacefully passed away on the 7th December 2009 at the age of 82 years and 11 months. She was laid to rest on a beautiful but very cold winter day at her home town Wädenswil in Switzerland. The burial was followed by a thanksgiving concelebrated Mass. Those present were Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, our dear Superior General, Fr. Terrie Pinto, Fr. Cyriac Nellikunnel, Fr. Willie D'Silva, Fr. Marius Kaiser and the parish priest of Wädenswil, Peter Camenzind. According to Maria's wish Fr. Perry da Silva was the main celebrant.

The cemetery chapel was full with Maria's big family, her relatives, friends, well-wishers and many benefactors of the Fransalians. Fr. Perry touched in his homily on the words of psalm 27: our dear departed are in the “land of the living”. He summed up the salient features of Maria's life in the words of the Gospel text “What you have done to the least of my brothers and sisters you have done to me”. Fr. Perry also read out to the gathering the message of Fr. Mario D'souza, Provincial, Pune Province, thanking Maria for all that she has been for the Pune Province and conveying his sympathies and prayers to the bereaved family. Fr. Agnelo also spoke on behalf of the M.S.F.S and thanked Maria too for all she has been and done in such an exceptional way for the Congregation during more than 30 years.

During the Mass three of Maria's favourite songs were played on CD: “Where the roses never fade", "Amazing Grace" and to climax it all the Hymn: “How great Thou art!” Heidi Fehrenbach was the reader, made the personal intentions and gave some few thoughts of the "Where the roses never fade". As a symbol and a sign of love from India and for those who could not be present she placed a beautiful white rose on the altar. After the very meaningful ceremony those present were invited for an Agape meal as it was the wish of Maria. It was a good occasion to meet Fransalians’ benefactors and to refresh old contacts. May the Good Lord grant Maria His eternal peace and joy which surpasses all human understanding.  (Fr. Perry)

A FRIEND AND PHILOSOPHER - FR. GABRIEL MSFS IS NO MORE:

10th of January 2010 was a day of deep sorrow for us Fransalians as we heard of the sudden departure of Fr. Gabriel into his heavenly abode. Fr. Gabriel was born on 7th July 1949 to Mr. Amirthanayagam and Mrs. Annamal at Thikkurichi, Tamilnadu. He was ordained a priest on 4th May 1979. After serving for a while as an assistant Parish Priest in Kolar, Karnataka, he went to Rome to complete his doctoral studies in Scripture. With his vast knowledge and simple life-style he ignited the minds of many scholastics in various institutes such as JDV Pune, St. Peter’s Bangalore, Janmpet in Eluru, Suvidya College Bangalore and in Hyderabad, Goa, Mangalore, St. Pius Goregaon Mumbai and East Africa. He was a beloved teacher who touched the hearts of many young seminarians and nurtured their vocation. Besides his teaching, he served as the General Councilor for many years in the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales and as the Provincial Councilor in Vizag Province of the Fransalians. After his illness he was resting at St. Thomas Mount, Chennai as a member of the South East India Province of the Fransalians. The funeral ceremony took place at SFS Seminary, Pudukkottai, Tamilnadu in the presence of his dear relatives, over 100 Fransalian confreres, provincials, professors from Suvidya college and many religious nuns and people. All who spoke of Fr. Gabriel admired him as a simple and humble priest, an Intellectual genius, impartial professor, and a genuine friend. It is indeed a great loss not only for the South-East India Province but for the entire congregation and the Church. May His Soul Rest in Peace! (Fr. Daiy).

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR FOR NEW PRIESTS (16 Jan – 18 Jan 2010)

In view of launching into the deep, pastoral leadership seminar was conducted in the Provincialate for us nine new priests from 16 to 18 January 2010. It was a wholehearted venture of Fr. Mario D’souza and Fr. Jayaseelan the budding expert in pastoral management. It was in fact the fruit of two years learning by Fr. Jayaseelan in JDV. Towards the generation of new leadership, leading from where we are and leading by personal charisma were the cream of the various sessions all three days. We had the joy of personal sharing by Fr. Thumma Mariadoss, the General Councillor concerning the missions in the entire congregation, personal sharing by Fr. Joe Rebello about Australia, sharing by Fr. Alex about Africa as he was in the field for several years and also sharing by other resource persons from the field. The seminar concluded with sharing by Fr. Mario D’souza about the concerns of the province. A felicitation was arranged by the Shaanwadi community for the new priests in the presence of all the members and two of our benefactors, Werner and Hildegard. Their presence added joy to the celebration as it is our benefactors who enable us to reach this all important step in our religious life. (Fr. K. Thomas)

APPOINTMENT OF OUR NEW PRIEST TILL 31ST May 2010

I am very happy to announce to you that our new priests have taken up their new assignments from the 20th of January. These appointments will be till the 31st of May 2010.

We wish them all the best. May Mary the Mother of Priests accompany them

Confreres: To Fr. Joe Rebello, Thomas Fernandes and Perry da Silva who have come down for their well deserved holidays and personal programme.

Benefactors: Mr. Werner and Mrs. Hildegard who visited some of our centres. They were here when we felicitated our new priests. Mr. Werner in his address to them said “You need to be transparent in your dealings and in life. This will help many people to come to your help. He also said that they need to be men of God who are humble and approachable to people”.

WE REMEMBER TO PRAY AND OFFER OUR EUCHARIST FOR:

(1) Maria Denier our benefactress who died on 8th December 2009. She was 82 years

(2) Fr. Gabriel msfs who died on 10th January 2010. He was 61 years old

(3) David Raj brother of Fr. Timothy msfs who died on 14th January. He was 36 years old

(4) Fr. SM Peter, S. Jacob, Johnson Gonsalves & Dilip Tete who had minor accidents

(5) Fr. Jerson and Samuel Devraj who are recovering slowly

(6) Fr. Rajamani operated for appendicitis in Germany

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A COPY OF THE FOLLOWING

1.                  Superior General’s Letter sgmsfs-2af-11. We thank him for his sharing in this letter.

2.                  Fransalian International. We thank Fr. George for the news letter

3.                  Pray always( Fransalians at Prayer): We thank Frs. Henry, Tom and Anthony Mooken for updating this book

SALESIAN THOUGHT:

God is eager for our love. Because of this, He sends His inspirations to some people, separating them from others. These persons by a firm determination consecrate and dedicate to His honour and glory their hearts with all their love, their bodies and their possessions. (SFS)

Fraternally