Website: GPA/15 Circular- December 2015

Transcription

1 NORTHEASST IINDIIA PROVIINCE,, MSSFFSS PROVIINCIIALLATE GPO Boxx No.. 308,, GUWAHATII Teel l: : // FFaaxx Website: provincialnortheastmsfs@gmail.com/provincialsecretarynortheast@gmail.com GPA/15 Circular- December 2015 WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY SOLEMNITY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY, A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BRIGHT NEW YEAR 2016! On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX defined the dogma of Immaculate Conception in the following words of the apostolic constitution, Ineffabilis Deus: We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God in view of merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful (DS 2803). The primary theological reason implied in the definition is that she was Theotokos (God-Bearer), for the sake of her divine Son s dignity. The sinless Son could be born only of a sinless woman, conceived virginally and immaculately through the action of God as presented by the evangelists in the Gospels, especially in the Gospel of Mathew. The Gospel of Mathew begins by telling that Mary was betrothed to Joseph. Betrothal already established a juridical bond between the two parties, so that Mary could be called Joseph s wife, even though he had not yet taken her into his home. During betrothal, the woman still remained in her parents home. After a year, her husband would come and take her into his home, thereby sealing the marriage. Now Joseph had to come to terms with the fact that Mary was with the child of the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:18). Mathew is anticipating here something that Joseph does not yet know. Joseph thought that Mary has broken the engagement, and hence he must dismiss her. He has a choice between a public juridical act and private form. He can bring Mary before the court or he can issue her with a private writ of divorce. Joseph decides on the latter course of action in order not to put her to shame, as he was a just man. The designation of Joseph as a just man goes far beyond the decision he takes here, and it aligns him with all saintly personalities of the Old Testament. The angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and revealed to him the truth. In the dream he perceived and discerned the plan of God concerning Mary. After the message about the child s conception through the power of the Holy Spirit, Joseph is entrusted with a further task: Mary will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Mt 1:21). Only God can save people from their sins. So this is divine child. The promise of forgiveness of sins implies that one who saves his people from their sins must be free from sin, should be immaculately conceived of immaculate virgin, Mary. How can a sinner save others from sins? Only Jesus, the sinless one, can save others from their sins. All of us have a similar role to play, participating in the mission of Jesus to save others from their sins. We can all do it in union with Jesus Christ and with his help. So it is very important that all of us take care of striving to be in union with Jesus Christ and do what he has already told us through the Gospels, through the Church. Ours is a double task: strive daily to be free from sin and help others to be free from sin. The result will be glorification of God and sanctification of humans, which will bring lasting peace among all people of goodwill. Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of goodwill (Lk 2:14).

2 Regional Superior for the New Region of Northeast India Province of MSFS Rev. Fr Emmanuel Mappilaparambil has been appointed Regional Superior of the new Region in Northeast India Province of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales by Rev. Fr Abraham Vettuvelil, our beloved Superior General, on November 28, He will be installed Regional Superior on January 20, Fr Emmanuel Mappilaparambil was born on July 21, 1966 as the seventh child of Thomas and Elizabeth. He hails from Holy Family Church, Venappara in the Diocese of Thamarassery, Kerala. He HAD his High School Education at Sacred Heart School, Thiruvampady and joined the SFS Seminary, Ettumannor in the year He completed his Miner Seminary course and PDC in the year 1984 and was promoted to Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatanam. He made his First Profession on December 15, He had his Philosophical studies at Suvidya College from 1986 to After his Philosophical studies he was appointed to Vinaya Bhavan (Minor Seminary), Thamarassery for his Regency. He completed his Theological studies at St Peter s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore in the year He made his Perpetual Profession on Decmber 08, 1991 and was Ordained Deacon on May 31, He was Ordained a Priest on April 21, After the Ordination he was appointed Associate Parish Priest at SFS Church, Silapathar from 1994 to After that he was made the Provincial Secretary and served the office for two years and was sent for the studies to Collegium Canisianum at Innsburg, Austria in the year 1998 and returned to India after completing his Doctoral Studies in He was appointed administrator of the MSFS Study House, Shillong and later on he was made Rector of the same Institute from In 2012 he was appointed as the Executive Director of FAsCE India. Fr Emmanuel has been in the Administration of the Province as Councillor twice and served the Congregation as Convenor, Chairman and Secretary of the Theological Service Commission of the Congregation from 2005 to The entire Province wishes him all the best in carrying out his new responsibility while invoking God s choicest blessings upon him. May Our Lady of Compassion, the Patroness of the Congregation, St Francis de Sales, our dear Patron, and Fr Peter Mary Mermier, our beloved Founder, assist him in his new ministry of leadership. New Provincial of South West Province Our Superior General, Rev. Fr Abraham Vettuvelil, has appointed Fr Benny Koottanal a the new Provincial of South West India Province. On behalf of the entire Province I congratulate Fr Benny and wish him God s abundant blessings in guiding the Province. Ordination to Priesthood Dn Mathew Maliyil was born on August 09, 1987, as the first child of Varghese Mathew and Mary Varghese. He hails from St George Forane Church, Edathua, Alappuzha in the Archdiocese of Changanassery, Kerala. After completing his P.D.C. in 2005, he joined Vinaya Bhavan Seminary, Thamaraserry. He made his first religious profession on June 07, 2008 at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua, Assam. After the completion of philosophy course at Suvidya College and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Bangalore, he was sent for Regency to St Joseph s Church, Manikbond. In 2012, he was promoted to pursue theological formation at MSFS Study House, Shillong. He completed his theological studies at Oriens Theological College, Shillong, and was ordained a Deacon on May 14, Having successfully completed his theological formation and diaconate ministry, Dn Mathew Maliyil will be ordained a priest on January 04, 2016, by His Excellency Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Archbishop of Changanachery. Dn Augustine (Libin) Vattekattukandam was born on October 10, 1987, as the first child of VA Augusthy and Lilly Augusthy. He hails from St Sebastian s Church, Kottapady, Ernakulam in the Diocese of Kothamangalam, Kerala. After completing his P.D.C. in 2005, he joined Vinaya Bhavan Seminary, Thamaraserry. He made his first religious profession on June 07, 2008 at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua, Assam. After the

3 completion of philosophy course at Suvidya College and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Bangalore, he was sent for Regency to Rosary Church, Purul. In 2012, he was promoted to pursue theological formation at MSFS Study House, Shillong. He completed his theological studies at Oriens Theological College, Shillong, and was ordained a Deacon on May 14, Having successfully completed his theological formation and diaconate ministry, Dn Augustine (Libin) Vattekattukandam will be ordained a priest on January 01, 2016, by His Lordship Most Rev. Thomas Pulloppillil, the Bishop of Bongaigaon Diocese. Dn Khongsit Priyor was born on November 14, 1986, as the second child of Blassius Khongshei and Beronica Khongsit. He hails from Church of the Resurrection, Pynursla in the Archdiocese of Shillong, Meghalaya. After completing his High School in 2003, he joined SFS Seminary, Medziphema, Nagaland. He made his first religious profession on June 07, 2008, at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua, Assam. After the completion of philosophy course at Suvidya College and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Bangalore, he was sent for regency to SFS School, Aalo. In 2011, he was promoted to pursue theological formation at MSFS Study House, Shillong. He completed his theological studies from Oriens Theological College, Shillong, and was ordained a Deacon on May 14, 2015.Having successfully completed his theological formation and diaconate ministry, Dn Khongsit Priyor will be ordained a priest on January 18, 2016, by His Lordship Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, the Bishop of Nongstoin. My Visitation to MSFS Northeast Confreres in Germany-Austria (GA) Delegation: Fr Sabukuttan Manasrayil, the Delegation Superior of GA, and all confreres in the Delegation, Fr Sunny Panthanazhyvadakethil and Fr Hepuni John in Switzerland, who organized my visitation to confreres with great care and much attention. May I thank all confreres in Europe for their love for the Province and Congregation. They keep the confreres in India close to their heart in their prayer and ministry. They also try to help the Province monetarily even sparing money from their pocket money. Some of them take a lot of trouble to get mission-projects from agencies and benefactors.some others get Massintentions for the Province. Some took me to different agencies and benefactors in view of receiving help for the Province. Two confreres organized special talks on our Congregation and Province and received help for the Province. Let us also hold our confreres in Europe close to our heart and pray for them in a special way. Information of/ Thanks/ Congrats/ Appreciation to: Fr John Barman, Fr Thomas Edakazhy, Fr George Vettukattil, Fr Augustine Thundathil, Fr Genes Shangpliang and Fr Roshan Kanjiratinkal for organizing a Youth Programme at SFS College, Aalo, for the youth of St Mary s Church, Aalo, on August 8-9, The Theme for the Youth meet was To Pass on the fire of Jesus. Fr Varghese Manickathan, msfs, was the chief animator of the Youth Meet. He led the participants to an experience of being touched by the Lord. Fransalian Peace Club, Aalo, conducted an outreach Programme for Youth at Kamba on October 04, The Program began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Roshan Kanjirathinkal, the youth coordinator of Aalo. Fr Joby Kurikilamkatt, Fr Francis Peethuruthel and Fr Mathew Muriankariyil and the Catholic Community of Mawkhlam for the newly blessed village church at Nongthymmai village under Mawkhlam parish. It was blessed by Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Bishop of Nongstoin, on October 11, Fr Varghese Manickathan and Fr Jojan Plathottam for the Inter-School Competition conducted at SFS School, Pasighat, on November 21, Six schools, viz SFS Yingkiong, SFS Aalo, SFS Kaying, SFS Tato, SFS Basar, SFS Pasighat of Siang region participated in the events. Fr Simon Thaikho, Fr Rijesh Thalayinakandathil and the staff of the Rosary High School, Purul, for an Inter-School Literary Competition held there on September 29, 2015, Ten Neighbouring Catholic

4 Schools in Senapati District came for the Competition. The foundation stone of new School building of Rosary High School, Purul, was laid by Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, the Archbishop of Imphal, on November 1, The day also witnessed Silver Jubilee celebration of St. Mary s FCC Convent, Purul. His Grace Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal, presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebration. On the same day, POU REIHNAI PARK in the Rosary High School campus was blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Fr Joseph K. P, the Provincial Bursar. Fr Kusumkant Toppo, Fr Philip Mhonchumo and the Community of Peren for organizing the Golden jubilee Celebration of All Saints Higher Secondary School, Peren, on November 21, Sri T.R. Zeliang, the chief Minister of Nagaland, was the Chief Guest of the function and Most Rev. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, as Guest of honour. The programme was attended by many fathers, sisters, district administration, public leaders, church leaders from Peren, alumni, parents and students. There were about 4000 people who attended the programme. Fr Joseph Chackalackal, Fr Jacob Raising and Fr Peter Pehausuiding for getting a Water Tank completed at SFS School, Yingkiong, with the help of FAsCE India. The newly constructed water tank was inaugurated by Shri Babung Sangha, the District Transport Officer (D.T.O), Yingkiong, September 12, A new feather is added to the Divine Mercy Parish, Yingkiong, as the sisters of St Ann of Luzern of Visakhapatanam Province (Andhra Pradhesh), have arrived there for ministry on October 28, Fr Ronesh Narzary and Community of Panbari organized the third Annual Sabha of Mary Mother of Compassion Parish from September 13 to 15, Fr Mathew Kottaram, the Vicar General of Bongaigaon, animated the programme on the fourth day and on 15 th Most Rev. Thomas Pulloppillil D.D, the Bishop of Bongaigaon, led the people to the spiritual celebration of Holy Eucharist and conferred the first Holy Communion and Confirmation. Fr Abraham Puthenpurackal and Fr Stephen Sawma organized the 8 th Children s Convention at St Joseph Church, Manikbond, from October 16 to 18, A total of 301 children from 16 villages belonging to different tribes like Halam, Chorei and Khasis participated in it. The theme of the convention was based on Mt. 16/24 if anyone wants to come with me, he must forget self, carry his cross and follow me. Classes were conducted on various topics so as to make children conversant with catholic habit of reading Bible and learning prayers. Fr Bernard Sangma who organized a Charismatic Retreat at Kaying from October 5 to 9, The retreat was animated by Fr Aji Mathirampally and people from Pasighat, Aloo, Kambaa, Tato and Manigong participated in this retreat. Mr Shaji Fernandez, who has served FAsCE India as its Deputy Director for the last five years. He has always committed himself to it with much zeal and joy. With an acknowledgement of gratitude for his service the Province of Northeast India wishes him God s abundant blessings as he takes leave of his assignment. Fr Kurian Ovelil, Fr Alvin Zothanzanga and SMMI Sisters for initializing Catechism classes for the Catholic Children on every Sunday in the Parish. May God bless your efforts to impart Catholic faith to the Children in the Parish. Fr Lukose Kavungal, Fr Augustine Thundathil and Fr Roshan Kanjirathingal for the formation of Small Christian Community, Mariyan Solidarity and Christeen (Kids for Christ) at St Mary s Church, Aalo. Fr Antony Avittapallil who is formally admitted to the Indian Catholic Press Association on September 27, Fr George Pekkadenkuzhiyil who has been elected Local Secretary of CRI in the Diocese of Bongaigaon. Rev. Sr Celine Kunnel, who is the new Provincial of Daughters of St Francis de Sales in India.

5 Fr Thomas Aerathedathu, Fr George Kunnel and Fr Augustine Parampuzha, who were on holidays in India, extend their greetings to all the Confreres in Northeast India. Updates from Southern African Region by Regional Superior Fr Salu Thattaparambil has reached Vredendal on October 9 and is currently busy refreshing his Afrikaans language. His cell number is: Annual Retreat 2016: The retreat dates were published in my previous e-news, since I did not receive any apologies or difficulties for the dates we can consider July 12 18, 2016 as confirmed dates for our 2016 annual retreat. The retreat will take place at the Christian Brothers Retreat Center in Stellenbosch about 40 km out of Cape Town. Welcome to Fr Noble Nakathingal: After the long wait Fr Noble has finally arrived in Windhoek on October 21, On behalf of the region I welcome him to Southern African Region and pray that he enjoys his life and ministry in Namibia. Fr Shiju Poomarathingal is currently in Piet Retief near Swaziland assisting the parish community there. During the first week of November he will leave for Ixopo near Durban to continue his language course with the Assisi sisters. He will stay there until the end of December and travel to Ermelo our new parish in Dundee diocese during the first week of January Superior General's visitation to the Region will take place from 16th February to 1st March He will spend February be in South Africa from February 16 to 23 and from February 23 to March 01 in Namibia. I request the apostolic community to send your proposal regarding his visitation so that I can finalize his travel plans. Jubilee Year of Mercy and Year of mission project in Ongha: The project is taking shape in Ongha while we continue to raise funds for this special project that we decided to undertake as a region. I wish to take this opportunity to thank those who have already made some efforts in their parishes. Following are the amounts that we have received till date through fund raising efforts besides the funds from Europe that is available for the project: Grassy Park - R , Elsies River-R 10, and Steenberg - R Following are the planned fund raising programmes for the coming months to raise the much needed funds: Cape Town Friends of Fransalians Annual Dance, Golf day, and Special collection. I am sure that all the confreres will make a special effort to raise as much as they can to support the project. MDO - Student support programme: those who have submitted the names of the needy children for educational support can now go ahead and provide equivalent local amount for Euro 100 for the year. Kindly make sure that the amount is used for school expenses and for the needs of the children. You will be refunded in December It would be important to keep the invoices along with the details of the project on a file. Fr Dataomai Rona Paul arrived in Austria on November 12, It was a long wait for Fr Paul to get his visa for Austria. We wish Fr Paul everything of the best as he begins his ministry in a new environment and pastoral reality. Bro. Mutume Ventino Peter lost his maternal grandmother, Theresa, on Tuesday, 10th November She was 91 years old. On behalf of the region, I wish to express my condolences to Bro. Ventino and his family. May she rest in peace. Co-ordinator for Friends of Fransalians (FOF): The Southern African Region has a good number of friends of Fransalians both in Namibia and South Africa. The regional council felt the need to regularize the role of co-ordinators of FOF to run the groups efficiently. Having consulted the stake holders I would like to appoint Fr Thomas Vanderkunnel as the co-ordinator for South African groups and Fr Saju Joseph for the groups in Namibia. The term of office is three years and their main role is to co-ordinate

6 the activities of different FOF groups in the respective country and to organize common events. May I request all the confreres to support the group and if possible to organize a group where there is none. I wish to thank Frs Thomas and Saju for availing themselves to this additional duty and wish them well in the future endeavors. New mission undertaking in the kingdom of Swaziland The Kingdom of Swaziland is a sovereign state part of Southern Africa. It is neighbored by Mozambique to its east and by South Africa to its north, west and south. The country and its people take their names from Mswati II, the 19th-century king. Swaziland is one of the smallest countries in Africa with an absolute monarchical political structure. The population is primarily ethnic Swasis whose language is Siswati. Swaziland has a population of 1, 130, % of the total population adheres to Christianity, and Catholics are only a meagre 5.2 % of the total population. In Oct 2014, Bishop José Luis IMC formally invited the MSFS to work in his diocese as the numbers of priests there are rapidly dwindling. The proposed parish, St Philips, is 89 years old and has six Catholic Schools besides various other institutions that provide services to the community. Our primary task is pastoral and renewal of faith in the community. The Southern African Region intends to take up the parish of St Philips during the month of July The pioneering team, Frs. Augustine Paramapuzha and Francis Huwn will arrive in the country during the first week of February Let us keep the team in our prayers as they prepare themselves to take up this challenging task. Language studies: Currently Frs Shiju Poomarathingal, Nikseng Sangma and Noble are undergoing language course in different mission stations. We wish them well as they strive to learn the local language. Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy: Responding the call of our Holy Father, the members of the region has planned to promote the themes of Mercy and reconciliation in the parishes through retreats and other spiritual events. Besides the above-mentioned, we need to undertake something tangible for the Year of Mercy. Hence, the MSFS in Southern African Region have decided to build a dormitory at Roman Catholic Mission of Ongha, one of the remote missions under the care of the MSFS. The facility will provide accommodation for 40 participants who come to the mission for various weekend programmes who otherwise will have to spend the nights in the nearby crèche. Part of the funds will be raised locally involving all the parishes in the region. On 15th November we laid the foundation stone for the year of Mercy project in Ongha. I thank Frs. Lukose and Sanish for all the efforts taken to initiate the project. May I once again remind everyone to raise as much money as you can for this project. As we discussed in our common meeting, it would be good to do some personal sacrifice to spare some money for this project. Congratulations: Fr Job Karikkampally is re-appointed as the Vicar of Religious and to the college of consultors in the archdiocese of Cape Town for another term of 5 years. Fr Lukose Perumannikala is re-appointed to the college of consultors in the archdiocese of Windhoek. Departure from the Congregation Nirush S. Marak and Houkhanlung Victor K. Cease to be members of the Congregation. Please note the New Contact Number and IDs of following Confreres: Fr Francis peethuruthel: francispmmsfs@gmail.com Fr James Pattarakalayil: Fr Salu thattaparambil: Fr Roshan Kanjirathikal: ; SFS School, Narengi (website):

7 SFS School, Narengi (Principal): Let us pray for the Departed Fr A. Antony Savary Raj MSFS (32), belonging to South East India Province died of brain haemorrhage on October 13, Mr Paulus Kiri Makri (60), father of Bro. Andreas Syngkli, who passed away on October 09, Mrs Annamma Chakkalamuriyil (95), Grandmother of Fr Varghese Chakkalamuriyil, who passed away on November 29,2015. Mr Joseph Kochuparampil (58), Brother-in-law of Fr Jose Chettaniyil, who died of heart attack on November 30, Mrs Elizabeth Poomarathingal(85), Grandmother of Fr Shiju Poomarathingal, who passed away on December 02, Mrs Mary Rosalia (80), Mother of Fr Sudhir john Kullu, who passed away on November 30,2015. Mrs Theresa (91), Grandmother of Bro Mutume Ventino Peter, who passed away on November 10, Update programmes Retreat in English for Priests led by Fr Xavier Khan Vattayil and team at Sehion Retreat Centre, Palakkad, Kerala. Retreat Schedule 2016: January 25 to 30; March 28 to April 02; June 13 to 18; and August 22 to 27. For registration please contact Provincial s Programme December Dec. 8: Father Gabriel Memorial Symposium at Suvidya College Dec. 11: Bashbari Dec. 12: Bahalpur Dec. 13: Mawkhlam Church Blessing Dec : Assamese Course at MSFS Provincial House, Guwahati Dec. 16: Provincial Council Meeting January Jan. 1: Ordination of Dn Libin Vattekattukandam Jan. 2-3: Thamaraserry Jan. 4: Ordination of Dn Mathew Maliyil Jan : Sindukpathar, Amarpur, East Harina Jan.14: Village Church blessing, Panishali Jan. 15: Somonpara-Tura Jan. 17: Ordination of Dn Prior Khongsit Jan. 20: Concluding Celebration of Mission Year Jan. 21: Superiors Forum Meeting and Provincial Council Meeting Jan. 22: Hamren Jan. 23: Regional CRI Gathering, Diphu Jan. 29: Manikbond February 15-March 15: Extended Apostolic Community Meetings (EACM) Feb. 15: Guwahati-Hamren EACM Feb. 16: Lower Assam EACM Feb. 18: Upper Assam EACM Feb. 19: Arunachal EACM Feb. 22: Nagaland EACM Feb. 24: Manipur EACM Feb. 26: Provincial Council Meeting

8 March Mar. 1: Agarthala-Aizawl EACM Mar. 4: Galsi-Ranchi EACM Mar. 7: Khasi Hills EACM Mar. 9: Garo Hills EACM Mar. 15: Thamaraserry EACM Mar : Novitiate, Chabua Mar : Provincial Council Meeting A Concluding Thought As we know well, there is a difference between proactive approach and reactive approach. Proactive persons subordinate their feelings to values, their inclinations to the mission entrusted to them. They are highly responsible for what they are and what they do. Responsibility is the ability to choose one s responses. They do not blame circumstances, conditions and conditionings for their behaviour. On the contrary, reactive people blame circumstances, conditions and conditionings for their behaviour and attitude, without showing responsibility for the same. For instance, if weather is good, a reactive person feels good; if it is not, it affects the person s attitude and behaviour. For proactive persons, it makes no difference whether it rains or shines. Jesus and all saints were proactive persons who always chose their responses and acted positively, keeping in mind the kingdom-values. For Jesus, Father s Will and the kingdom values took upperhand in all his responses, approaches and attitudes. The same was true of St Francis de Sales and Fr Peter Mermier, who were proactively valiant against all discouraging and negative circumstances keeping in mind Jesus and his kingdom-values, the visionary and missionary goal of the Church. Fraternally, Yours in the Lord, Fr George Panthanmackel Provincial of Northeast India Province WALKING ON THE PATH OF THE PATRON Let us always belong to God, unreservedly and without interruption. May He ever live and reign in our hearts. SFS