PROVINCIAL CIRCULAR INH

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1 PROVINCIAL CIRCULAR INH In your light we see light, light leading to life - INH Vision INH/PC/126 Nov. Dec., 2017 Rooted in the WORD When Swami Vivekananda was asked to describe his culture he simply said that he belongs to Agriculture. Initially the listening crowd laughed. But then he explained why he said that. More than 85% (in his time) were involved in agriculture. The Indians were much attached to the mother earth in many ways. Their survival and stability depended on the earth. That is why the Indian festivals have lot to do with the seasons of agriculture. The entire life and relationships were built around earth especially with the flora and fauna. Indians by nature are much attached to their roots. It gives them life and in turn they feel that they need to give back something to that mother earth. For a life to survive, the roots have to be stronger. The stronger and deeper the root, the tree is healthy and sturdy. When there is natural calamity and havoc, we can see at times, even the mighty trees are pulled and thrown. But the survival instinct in the tree is so much that even if a piece of root is within the earth then the new leaves sprout. Being rooted is such an essential element for every living organism. It is much more for the SVDs, not just to be rooted in the earth but much more to be rooted in the Word-Divine. It is no wonder why our General council has chosen this theme for our General chapter. Being rooted in the Word means to hold on to Him, to cling to Him, to possess His mind, to obtain His outlook, to attain His attitude and to share His Love. This calls for self emptying in the first place and then to grow, live, pray and work. This has to become our identity. Only when we have some semblance of this Word-identity can we call ourselves as SVDs? Only then can we become brothers to one another? Only then can we claim that His life is our life, His mission is our Mission? (C.Prologue). Being rooted in the word not only calls me to have a vertical relationship of 'Me and Christ'. Rather it calls to be proved by my horizontal relationships that I have with my brothers and sisters. Especially it is tangibly seen in the small or big communities in which I live. As SVDs it means much more. We are called to live inter-culturally embracing a simple lifestyle, being accountable and transparent, living a life of solidarity with the lay partners and collaborators with whom we deal day in and day out. If we are truly rooted in the Word then all these becomes easy and comfortable though it can be demanding at times. As we prepare ourselves for the General Chapter let us get more and more rooted in Christ. The Incarnate Word that took the form of flesh may help us who live in flesh to transform ourselves into his image and likeness. - From the Leadership Team SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD INDIA HYDERABAD (INH) Provincial Superior ARONLD BHAVAN H. No /1/A Ravindra Nagar Colony, Street No. 8, Habsiguda, Hyderabad T.S., India. Phone : , 85, inhsvd@gmail.com Website:

2 PARISH ACTIVITY Arockia Annai Shrine, Vadipatti The Shrine feast began on 29 th of August 2107 by hoisting the flag of Arockia Annai. The flag hoisting ceremony was solemnized by the Most Rev. Lawrence Pius D.D., STD Bishop of Dharmapui. Thereafter there was Novena Holy Mass for nine days. The bishop of Coimbatore Most Rev. Thomas Aquinas D.D., STL offered the holy mass for the pilgrims on 2 nd of September. Of course the feast day was a blessing and graced filled day for all especially for the parishioners and to the pilgrims because of three feasts, namely, the birthday of our Blessed Mother Mary, birthday of the Society of the Divine Word and the birthday of the Miraculous Holy Spring (Yesuvin Arumarunthu). The feast day mass was celebrated and solemnized by Madurai Archbishop the Most Rev. Antony Pappusamy and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Antony Joseph SVD the provincial superior of INH on 8 th of September followed by the Car procession at 7.00 pm. The feast was concluded by lowering of Arockia Annai s flag and with the thanksgiving mass offered by Fr. Y. Arockiadoss SVD the parish priest of Vadipatti. Thousands of people participated and received God s blessings through the intercession of Mother Mary. We would like to appreciate all the priests and the staff for their selfless service in the shrine. Annai Velankanni, Singampunari The 38 th Annual feast of Annai Velankanni Church at Singampunari began on September 06, 2017 with the hoisting of the flag of Annai Velankanni by Rev. Fr. Antony Joseph SVD, the Provincial Superior followed by Holy Eucharistic celebration. As part of the celebration, every day in the evening there was a car procession around the Church, praying the Holy Rosary and concluding with Holy Eucharistic celebration. September 10, 2017 was a graced filled day for the parishioners of Singampunari. Rev. Fr. I. Santhuraja SVD, Rector, St. Charles Seminary Trichy, led the solemn Eucharistic Celebration concelebrated by many SVD confreres and priests from nearby places. After the festive Mass, there was a solemn Car procession of Annai Velankanni around Singampunari town. The annual feast was concluded with the lowering of the flag of Annai Velankanni by Fr. Paulraj, the Parish Priest who thanked the confreres, sisters (Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph), the Parish Council members and the faithful for their collaboration and cooperation in making the annual feast a memorable and grace filled celebration. We appreciate Fr. Paulraj for his dedicated service in the parish. Our Lady of Rosary, Miyapur The parishioners led by their Parish Priest Rev.Fr. Devadass SVD, along with their relatives and friends came together for a joyful celebration of the annual feast of Our Lady of Rosary on October 29, The main celebrant of the day was Rev. Fr. Anand Raj Nagothu SVD, the Vice-Provincial Superior, Hyderabad Province. In the bilingual sermon, he enlightened the mind of the intent listeners with the meaning of 2

3 the event and everything went on very well. Rosary and the saving power of prayer in families. He recalled when and how the praying of Rosary began in early church. He led the homily prayerfully. Also present were priests and religious sisters from neighboring missions. The choir broke into a beautiful melody and alternated between many languages - English, Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil and brought about the uniqueness of this church in its cultural diversity. From beginning to end, there seemed to be the mysterious hand of the Holy Spirit coordinated all aspects of The hard work of parish council members and youth members who have spent long hours in making the day special for everyone was very evident. During the vote of thanks, Priests were felicitated and special note of appreciation was accorded to the Parish Priest Fr. Devadass for his leadership and shepherding the church with humility. A sumptuous meal to express the fellowship was served after mass. Overall it was a day that will be bringing back good memories and a desire to look forward to the next year celebrations. We express our appreciation to Fr. Devadass for his dedicated service in the parish. JPIC ACTIVITIES OF THE PROVINCE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO ASHA JYOTHI Everyone wants to be part of a winning team. Asha Jyothi ever remains as part of a team that wins various awards. This has been proved in the past and now once again it has been conferred with the Award of Excellence. IDF Indian Development Foundation conducts IDF Grants and Awards Function every year in which they give away the award of excellence to chosen NGOs. This year the award was given to Asha Jyothi on 24 th October, 2017 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Hyderabad. This particular award was given to Asha Jyothi as the best institution in terms of running the nutritional, Medical and educational program with the children suffering with HIV successfully. We are really proud to hear that Asha Jyothi is the winner of this year's meritorious award of Excellence and happy to congratulate Fr. Alwin Mascarenhas SVD. We thank all the committed staff whose dedicated hard work has achieved this award. Reaching Out with Relief materials to the flood affected victims There were several poor people who have been severely affected beyond measure by the recent torrential rains in Hyderabad. Their temporary huts have been totally washed away by the floods near Ramanthapur on 9 th October, The people were completely stranded without a house, having nothing to eat and spending sleepless night. JPIC coordinator, Fr. Alwin Mascarenhas SVD immediately plunged into action as soon as the Provincial Superior Fr. Antony Joseph brought the matter to his notice for an immediate relief measure. Most of the people affected were daily wage workers. The initial survey was done with the help of sisters of Nava Jeevan Vikas, a secular institute and Fr. Florence SVD. Immediate help was given in the form of food packets and clothes. 3

4 Later, a small programme was organized by JPIC Coordinator on 12 th October, 2017 for the distribution of relief material consisting of rice and other provisions. New clothes such as Saris, Lungis, T-shirts, Bathing towels and Bed sheets were distributed by Fr. Provincial Superior along with the JPIC Coordinator. The relief materials were handed over to 55 families. They were all very happy and joyful having received the materials as immediate help and were very grateful for this great gesture of human love, concern and kindness. LAY APOSTOLATE ARNOLD ASSOCIATION AT ASHA JYOTHI & GURUNILAYAM Arnold Association, Lay collaborators in Telengana and Andhra Pradesh had a Social Outreach program to Asha Jyothi and Guru Nilayam. A team of 11 visited these missions to spend some time and share in the ministry of these places. In Asha Jyothi they spent considerable amount of time with the HIV & AIDS infected and affected children and got to know the challenges they face physically, psychologically and socially. Yet the children who are known for their innocence and spontaneity welcomed them and shown their talents with dances. Arnold Association distributed Bedsheets, towels, and some financial aid to the centre. After visiting Asha Jyothi the members moved to the next mission Guru Nilayam, Bhongir our Health care centre. Here the centre cares for medical needs of the poor in and around Bhongir and surrounding villages. Medical camps are conducted in the centre as well as other missions. Arnold Association members were welcomed by Fr. M. Xavier and he explained to them about the mission work going on there. Later the Association sponsored one Medical equipment to the centre to support the mission work. Thanks to Fr. N. Ananda Raju SVD for motivating and leading the Arnold Association to make this Social Outreach program a memorable and meaningful one. EDUCATION APOSTOLATE THE SEMINAR ON MASS-MEDIA The seminar on MASS-MEDIA was conducted on 17 th October 2017 at St. Arnold s High school, at Ramachandrapuram by Rev. Fr. Selvam SVD. It was very effective and informative for the students. The Communication director Fr. Selvam addressed the students about the important role of Mass Media in the lives of the students. He emphasised that we live in an age of information and media, in a world where values projected by media seem to be more accepted than real values. The term mass-media describes many forms of entertainment like Television, Film, Music, Newspapers, Magazines, the Internet, and Advertising. The media has a strong social and cultural impact upon society. In competitive economic society, parents are forced to spend longer hours at work and fewer hours with their children. As a result, outside influences have greater access and negative impact over our youth than ever before. The Internet and the media are bringing the outside world into our homes. The staff and the students actively participated and appreciated Fr. Selvam for his hardwork and experiences in this field of Communication. We thank Fr. Selvam for his outreach activities. 4

5 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 5 TH ANNUAL RESEARCH SEMINAR OF SANSKRUTI SANSKRUTI Institute of Dravidian Culture and Research is glad to announce its 5 th National Research Seminar to be held on January 18 and 19, 2018 at Arnold Bhavan, Hyderabad. The main theme of the seminar is: Indigenous Knowledge system challenged by the Modern Information and Communication Technology and Empowering of the Marginalised people of India: Policies and Priorities. Prof. Dr. Komal Misra, Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University, Orissa, has kindly agreed to be the chief guest of the function, Prof. Dr. Srivastava, Head of the Department of Sociology, Delhi University has consented to deliver the keynote address, and Prof. Dr.Venkat Rao, Head of the Department of Anthropology, Hyderabad Central University will deliver the inaugural address. All are cordially invited to participate and share the richness of the long journey of our Indian civilization. Ever growing and most challenging! REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SVD INDIA SUBZONE FORMATION BOARD Atma Darshan, Mumbai, India September 16-17, 2017 Reminders & Recommendations The annual meeting of the SVD India Subzone Formation Board was held at Atma Darshan, Mumbai (INM) on September 16-17, Thirty six (36) members, including four Provincials and the Regional of the Subzone, Fr. Maria Michael ASPAC Zonal Coordinator and Fr. Scaria Pannackal, Superior Delegate participated in the deliberations. The meeting began with the concelebrated Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Antony Joseph, the chairperson of the Governing Board, India. The homilist, Fr. Ronald Pereira, the Provincial of INE, highlighted from his own life experiences, the importance of accompanying the formees in their formative journey. The morning session began with a short inaugural prayer, which included lighting of the lamp and enthronement of the Bible. Fr. Richard Mathias, the host Provincial (INM), welcomed the participants of the Formation Board. Fr. Luke Rodrigues SJ the resource person of the day addressed the participants on the theme, The Role of Accompaniment in Seminary Formation. He reminded that as formators we must know our formees and when we accompany them their performance is enhanced. In the process of accompaniment we are to face some challenges too. He also proposed a few good practices that are useful in the process of accompaniment. Fr. Xavier T, the Chairperson of the Formation Board, addressed the participants, elucidating some of the challenges arising out of the changing scenario in the ministry of formation. After he welcomed the participants, particularly the first timers, he thanked the participants for their commendable service to the Society and insisted that we need to learn to enjoy our ministry in formation. The Chairperson made the participants aware of the inevitable thrust of the trends in vocation and formation today, namely, from a climate of homogeneity to heterogeneity, from vocation to Christian life to consecrated life, from promoting quantity to quality, from initial formation to ongoing formation, from treating formation as congregational work to collaborative endeavor, from the spirit of Genext to Jio-next and from administrative approach to accompanying attitude that should form part of our strategy in addressing adequately the emerging challenges in the formation ministry. 5

6 The India Subzone Formation Secretary Fr. Pushpa Anbu, presenting his annual report, highlighted the activities and functioning of the secretariat. He urged the formators to be creative and to accompany the seminarians in their formative journey. Formators are to be witnesses, create a conducive / purposive climate in our formation houses and actively involve in all the community activities. The Rectors and Directors of our formation houses presented the implementation report on the previous year s Recommendation of the Board. The Secretary then presented a consolidated report of all our seminaries, highlighting the activities, challenges, opportunities and future plans. On the second day of the meeting, Fr. Maxim Rodrigues, Regional Superior of ING was the main celebrant of the Eucharist and Fr. Richard Mathias, Provincial Superior of INM during the homily stressed the importance of making our formees truly the light of the world and salt to the earth by our relentless accompaniment. The Board then took up for its discussion, a well worked out agenda which include, besides the regular exercise, some of the vital issues related to formation. The two days meeting was well appreciated for its meticulous planning, systematic execution, active participation and friendly atmosphere. Finally the members expressed their deep sense of gratitude to all concerned for organizing the meeting effectively. At the conclusion of the meeting of the Advisory council, Fr. Xavier T, the Chairperson of the SVD Formation Board, India convened a meeting of the SVD Governing Board for Formation on September 17, 2017 to consider the proposals and issues that emerged from the meeting of the Advisory council. All the members of the Governing Board for Formation, namely, the Provincial Superiors of INC, INE, INH, INM, the Regional Superior of ING and the India subzone Formation Secretary were present. After prayer, reflection and exchange of views, the Board arrived at the following Reminders and Recommendations. I. REMINDERS 01. We remind those the Rectors / Directors of our formation houses, who were not able to implement the recommendations of the previous Formation Board meeting (September 2016), to promptly execute them during the current academic year and present an action taken report in the next Board meeting in September 20l Having realized the importance of accompaniment in the seminary formation, we remind our formators that they continue to accompany diligently our formees at every stage of formation. II. RECOMMENDATIONS 01. We recommend that we follow the SVD Formation Manual, India with regard to the criteria for selection, training and promotion of our seminarians. Besides academic performance and records, the aptitude and disposition of our candidates need to be taken into serious consideration while fostering and promoting vocations. Proper screening be done at every stage of formation. 02. We recommend that we continue to make concerted efforts to improve the quality of English language of the seminarians at different levels of formation and promote reading habits in them. 03. We recommend that the Deacons of Divine Word Seminary, Pune appear for comprehensive exams in the month of June every year. The modalities and subsequent programs for them be worked out by the staff of DWS. 04. We recommend that the Deacons of Divya Jyoti, Sason, Sambalpur complete their comprehensive exams by November every year. Other details shall be worked out by the seminary staff in consultation with KJM, Sason. 05. We recommend that our formees are adequately animated to assimilate and personalize their mission experiences and exposures so as to deepen their missionary religious commitment. 06. We recommend that seminars / workshops be organized regularly in our formation houses for both staff and formees on the "Dynamics of Interculturality". 6

7 07. We recommend that our formees are guided to consciously cultivate and constantly nurture the fourfold Characteristic Dimensions, Prophetic Dialogue and the thrust of Congregational Directions, which are the marks of SVD missionary identity. 08. We recommend that our seminarians at the graduation level be provided with a smart phone for each class/group for academic purposes with internet / Wi-Fi facility. The mode of the mobile phone usage will be determined by each formation house. 09. In order to enhance in our formees greater familiarity and acquaintance with the Holy Bible, we recommend that prominence be laid on regular Bible study, and consistent steps to promote skills in homiletics in all our formation houses. 10. We recommend that a comprehensive medical examination for our postulants be carried out before they are promoted to Novitiate. 11. We recommend that our minor seminarians are introduced to music, singing, sports and games already at the very initial stage of formation, and sustained at the subsequent stages. The Governing Body also decided to hold the next annual meeting of the SVD Formation Board, India on September 16-17,2018, at St. Arnold Seva Sadan, Indore. The deliberations came to an end with a proposal of vote of thanks and a thanksgiving prayer at p.m. Fr. Xavier Thirukudumbam SVD Chairperson, Formation Board Fr. Pushpa Anbu SVD Formation Secretary Fr. Antony Joseph SVD Chairperson, India Subzone Governing Board Report of the Governing Body SVD India Sub-Zone Atmadarshan, Andheri-Mumbai September 19, 2017 The Governing Body of the SVD India Sub-Zone held its meeting on 19 th September 2017 at Atmadarshan, Andheri-Mumbai, at pm. The meeting was chaired by Fr. Antony Joseph SVD, the Chairperson of the Governing Body. All the members were present, including the outgoing mission secretary Fr. Baptist D Souza. The meeting began with a short prayer seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the deliberations and decisions. 1. The GB reiterates its commitment to migration ministry as an essential aspect of JPIC. It recommends the training and appointment of more confreres for this ministry left to the discretion of the administration in the respective Provinces and Region. 2. The GB recommends that every institution and ministry prepare an action plan following the common format for action plan prepared by Roy Chirappurath and Jeevan Kennedy and approved by the GB (module enclosed). The mission secretaries shall ensure the coordination, implementation and annual reporting of the 4CDS at the Province and National level. 7

8 3. The GB approved the proposal of the MER Coordinator to conduct a National Conference on a relevant topic related to mission during the triennium. Theme of the conference shall be selected in consultation with all concerned in the specialized apostolates, and the mission secretaries of the Sub-Zone. 4. The GB recommends that VIVAT India at Delhi coordinates the Tribal affairs activities of the SVDs at the National level and existing JPIC and Cultural centers at the Province level will ensure that priority be given to the work among the tribals. 5. The GB recommends that within a year Vademecum SVD be reprinted and copies made available to the PRMs according their need. The Mission Secretary, India Sub-Zone shall collect the information about the required number of copies from the Provinces/Region and coordinate with INC Province (Sat Prachar Press) for the printing. 6. The GB approves the proposal to bring out a volume on the life and works of late Archbishop Raphael Cheenath SVD in recognition of his contribution to the Church in Odisha and India. INE Province will take the initiative and seek assistance also from the lay people who were closely associated with him. 7. The GB endorses the proposal of the Sub-Zonal Biblical Coordinator to conduct a Biblical Seminar in November The GB constituted a 3 member committee consisting of Jose Kollemkunnel, S. M. Michael, and Ivan Vas to revisit and study the objectives given in the Guidelines for Inter Provincial Bodies of SVD India Sub Zone, to evaluate the functioning of the Forum, and its effectiveness in implementing the recommendations. The committee is requested to submit the report at the annual Inter Provincial Forum in September The GB recommends that the Sub-Zonal Brother Coordinator, VIVAT India Secretary and Sub- Zonal Education Coordinator shall also present a short report at the annual Inter Provincial Forum meeting along with other area Coordinators of the 4 CDs. 10. The GB endorses the proposal of the Provincial Treasurers of India Sub-Zone to increase the allowance of the Nemi renewal course participants from India Sub-Zone to Euros 600 besides the monthly allowance. The GB decided to hold the next Inter Provincial Forum meeting on September, 2018 at St. Arnold s Seva Sadan, Indore. Fr. Antony Joseph, the chairperson of the GB, thanked Baptist D Souza, the outgoing mission secretary, for his commendable service during the past six years in coordinating the activities. He also welcomed the new mission secretary, India Sub-Zone and wished him well. The meeting was concluded with a prayer by Fr. Maxim Rodrigues at pm. Antony Joseph, SVD Chairperson, India Sub-Zone GB NEMI PROGRAMS Jose Joseph Kollemkunnel SVD Mission Secretary, India Sub-zone Dates Programme For Whom? Application Deadline 11 February to 08 International Sabbatical SVD Confreres, other religious & 15 Dec May 2018 for Religious in English diocesan clergy 14 August to 06 December 2018 Tertiate Renewal Program in Bahasa Indonesia Venue: Steyl, Oies, Nemi Confreres: 40 to 60 years of age, a minimum of 10 years after Perpetual Vows (Const ); also for other religious & diocesan clergy 8 14 Mar. 2018

9 Congratulations! We congratulate Fr. A. Wilson Sagayaraj SVD for completing Licentiate degree in Sacred Scripture with distinction (Summa Cum Laude) at Biblicum, Rome. His research article on Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman; a narrative critical study was published in theological Journal Rho, USA. Information Preparatory Committee for Provincial Chapter January, Fr. Kulandaisamy (Convenor) 02. Fr. Bala Prasad 03. Fr. Thomas Kavumkattayil We thank them for accepting the additional responsibility. My Programme: November Nov. 3 rd to 4 th Nov. 08 December Dec. 09 Dec. 10 Dec. 11 Dec. 13 Dec. 27 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Narasaraopet Provincial Council Meeting, Arnold Bhavan Feast day Mass at Sangareddy Meeting with District Superiors Prov. Council Meetings, Arnold Bhavan Unit Meeting, Arnold Bhavan Ordination of Dn. Joe Arun Prakash, Trichy Youth Convention, Trichy Arockia Annai Shrine, Vadipatti HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOVEMBER DECEMBER 01 K. Anthoniswamy 17 Wilson Sagayaraj 01 A. Jesuraj 18 Blaise A. 02 Joseph A. (Jr.) 20 Kulandaisamy 11 Paulus Topno 22 Ambrose Beck 12 M. Xavier 22 Amalanathan C. 30 A. Selvam 23 Bala Prasad 30 Lawrence D Souza Fr. Antony Joseph SVD 9 Provincial Superior INH