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72/2 Ranchi Jesuits, Sadbhavna P.B. - 4, Ranchi - 834001, Jharkhand FEBRUARY 2013

Congratulations to our Newly Ordained Priests:

Francis David,S.J. Anand Amar,S.J. Ajay Prakash,S.J.

Fr. Francis David Kullu, Fr. Anand Amar Beck, Fr. Ajay Prakash Minj got ordained in the month of January2013. Fr. David was ordained at Salangapos parish by the Bishop of Simdega Rt. Rev. Vincent Barwa D.D. on13 January, and on the same day Fr. Amar was ordained at Dighia parish by His Eminence Telesphore P.Cardinal Toppo, D. D. Fr. Ajay was ordained on 21 January at Bardih parish by the Bishop of Gumla Rt. Rev.Paul Lakra, D.D. The faithful of Salangapos, Dighia and Bardih did wonderful service by making theseordinations very meaningful and joyful events. We congratulate and wish our newly ordained priests veryfruitful priestly ministry.

Fr. General has appointed:Father Antonio Mor eno Provincial of the Philippine Province (PHI).

Solidarity in the Formation of Jesuits.In a letter dated January 12, 2013 to all Major Superiors, Father General “requests assistance in addressing amajor difficulty in the Society: some Regions and Provinces do not have enough money to pay for all theexpenses for their men in formation. At the same time, however, others have more resources than they can use.After giving special attention to this situation, GC 35 decided to stress the Society’s shared responsibility forsupporting Jesuits in formation throughout the world. A helpful summary of conclusions can be found indecree 5, nn. 12 and 18 and in the section about Finances included in the Issues for the Ordinary Governmentof the Society of Jesus Studied at the 35th General Congregation. To respond to the directives of the Congregationand to promote our solidarity, interdependence, and mutual support as members of this least Society, I ask thatwe take some steps together toward finding a way to sustain the costs of formation throughout the world.” Andafter having given some practical guidelines, he concludes: “Through this letter I would like to encourage anongoing process at the local and Conference level for taking the steps I have outlined and to help prepare thework that must be done at the universal level (...).This is the beginning of a process that will unfold differentlybecause of local circumstances, but it will help us grow in solidarity with one another as companions ofJesus.”(www.sjweb.info)

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Appointments: after tertianship (ad tempus): Fr. Damian C. Minj, SJ Catholic Church Kochang, (Pastoral work) Fr. John Crus Tigga SJ Catholic Church Bingaon (Pastoral work) Fr. Laurentus Kiro, SJ Manas Bansbari, Assam (Pastoral work) Fr. Manhendra Peter Tigga, SJ Pengaree, Assam, (Pastoral work)

R.P. PROVINCIAL ’S PROGRAMME

February 20134 To Kishor Nagar (Morn): Visitation5 To ATC Namkum (Morn): Visitation /

Exhortation (Evening)6 Ashirvad/Jharna (Morn): Visitation9 Exhortation (Evening / Back to Curia)13 Ash Wednesday14 CONSULT17 To Bangalore19 To Chennai: Satya Nilayam: Visitation22 Chennai: Berchmans Illam23 To Dindigul JCSA MEETING

March 20132 Dindigul: JCSA MEETING ends in the evening

/ To Chennai

3 To Vijaywada5 To Ranchi6 Back to Ranchi8 Budget 2013-20149 Budget 2013-201412 Meeting of RAINBOW Project:[ MH : 10.00

A.M]14 CONSULT17 Bardih: Visitation (Afternoon)18 Noadih: Visitation (Afternoon)19 Tongo: Visitation (evening)20 Soso: Visitation (Evening)21 Gumla: St. Ignatius HS: Visitation (Afternoon)23 Exhortation (St. Ignatius’ & Soso: Evening)24 PALM SUNDAY: Back to Ranchi31 EASTER SUNDAY

INFORMA TIONS

l Scholastics Dang Edwin, Ekka Anup Arvind andKullu Rajesh K. have been approved byFr. Provincial for Major Orders in the Church.

l Ranchi Province Days will be held from Wed.May 22 (eve.) to Friday 24 (eve.), 2013. You arerequested to propose some suitable theme/s for theProvince Days.

l Summer Course - 2013Fr. James Dungdung, Director Minor Seminary

Ranchi informs that the Summer Course Programmewill be held from 2nd April to 1st May 2013, in MinorSeminary, Ranchi. The candidates willing to join theRanchi Jesuit Province must meet the Director or Asst.Director personally after their matriculation orintermediate exams. This does not apply to theapostolic candidates and those who have met themalready during the vocation tour. The candidates haveto bring the following essentials along with them forthe programme:

Board and Lodging fee – Rs. 1,200/-(twelvehundred only); Mosquito net; toiletries; plate &tumbler; accessories (things for personal use); EnglishBible (NT).

The candidates should arrive here latest by 6.30 p.m.,on Tuesday, 2nd April 2013.

l Seminar for Brothers at South Asian AssistancyLevel:Theme – I: The History of 200 years of theRestoration of the Society of Jesus with SpecialEmphasis on the Contribution of BrothersResource Person: Fr. Thamburaj James, SJ (MDU)Theme II : Managing Life Transitions: ResourcePerson: Fr. Joe Arun, SJ (MDU)Date : April 8-11, 2013 (Arrival: April 7th Evening,Departure: April 11th Evening)Venue : Dhyana Ashram, Chennai - 28Charges per Person: Rs. 1,700/-Contact Person: Br. A. Thomas, SJ, AssistancyCo-ordinator, Arul Kadal, 136, Santhome HighRoad, Chennai – 600 028;Email: athomassj@gmail.com;Cell: 9444939444Participants are requested to confirm latest by 28th

February, 2013 and also kindly inform yourCoordinator for Brothers.

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l Distance Education in Christian TheologyVidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi, haslaunched a programme of distance education intheology (DEPTh) in the year of faith primarilyfor the lay faithful. It is available in two modes:correspondence mode and online mode.Completion of two phases of 30 credits each leadsto a Diploma in Theology. Minimum qualificationis 10 + 2. Details are available on thewebsite: www.vjdepth.inContact address: Director, Distance Education,Vidyajyoti College of Theology,4-A, Rajniwas Marg, Delhi – 110054.Email: director@vjdepth.in Tel: (011) 23943556; Mob: 09968190110

l JRS South Asia regional office in DelhiStan Fernandes, SJ JRS South Asia Director sendsthis message: During the past six months, JRS SAhas been building a website and setting up acommunications team. With the website(www.jrssa.org) going live this month, we are

happy to report that JRS-related news will soon beavailable to people around the globe. JRS SA iscurrently serving four countries – India (Delhi andTamil Nadu), Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan –by providing quality education, livelihood training,income generation programmes, health care andemergency/winter relief. With our new website,people can read news updates on all of our projects,personal testimonies of the people we serve, andin-depth articles about issues related to forceddisplacement. Friends of JRS could also nowchoose to donate to particular projects and followthe news of the projects that interest them. As JRSSA is launching its website, we are looking to getthe word out about the site and its features. Wewould like to begin by subscribing readers toreceive our news updates that will be sent out everytwo months. Hence, we request your assistance inproviding us with a soft copy of the contact emailids for your Province Jesuits, so we can startcommunicating with them directly.

INSTITUTIONS & FORMA TION HOUSES

Manr esa House, RanchiThe New Year 2013 came with a shocking news forthe entire Province, as we heard the death of Fr. BeniAlphonse Ekka, a versatile Jesuit, on the 1st of January.On the next day, we bid him final farewell in the newlybuilt St. Xavier’s College chapel from where he startedhis priestly ministry in the province. The chapel wasfull with students, staff, colleague and dignitaries whoparticipated in his requiem Mass on 2 of January at10.30 am. His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppopresided over the Eucharist while Bishop Anand Jojoand Bishop Charles Soreng concelebrated the Mass.Fr. Christopher Lakra S.J. illumined a stupendous brieflife sketch of late Fr. Beni A. Ekka S.J.

After Christmas break the collegians resume theirclasses on 3 and 7 of January respectively.

As there were two priestly ordination on same dayon 13 of January, one at Salgapus parish, deacon DavidKullu S.J. and Dighia, deacon Amar Beck S.J., a groupof community members and scholastics headed forSimdega on 13 before day break whereas the othergroup of scholastics along with Fr. Rector andcommunity hurried to Dighia at 6.30 am. On 20 Jan.once again some of the community members movedto Bardhi parish to attend the priestly ordination ofdeacon Ajay Minj.

We are fortunate to have a young and energeticinfirmarian Br. Telesphore Horo. He is always on histoes as the infirmary is getting packed with sick andold. On 19 Jan. he accompanied Fr. Leo Bara to HolyFamily hospital Mandar for better medical care. On25 Jan. Br. Samuel Toppo too was admitted at Mandardue to weakness and fever. Hats off to our loving Br.Tele who attends all the infirmary inmates tirelesslyand generously with smiling face.

On 25 Jan. Xavier Association of Religious wentfor picnic to Baghmura, Noatoli. On the Republic dayBr. Nicolas Topno as chief guest hoisted the tricolor inthe Manresa premises and Sch. Pramod Bara deliveredan eloquent speech.

Fr. SFr. SFr. SFr. SFr. Sanjay Danjay Danjay Danjay Danjay D. Ekka. Ekka. Ekka. Ekka. Ekka

Ashirvad-JharnaThe month of January, as usual, saw the incoming ofthe retreatants and those for seminar at Jharna: six St.Anne’s Sisters made their 6-day retreat from Jan 2 to8. An Ursuline Sister also made her annual retreat atthe same time. The LNN (Lok Netritwa Nirman) groupbegan their month-long training programme here onJan 16. Fr. Aurel Brys with his team has been guidingthe group. The CDF Brothers had their monthlyrecollection on Jan 27. Fr. Samir gave them a talk.

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Fr. Sylvanus Kiro gave a month-long Ignatianretreat to the seminarians in Jamshedpur. Fr. Menniniwas in and out from the community as he is one of theteam members of the NLP programme in Mango,Jamshedpur. The community members of Ashirvad-Jharnadivided themselves to attend the priestly ordination ofDeacons Francis David Kullu and Amar Beck, whichwas held respectively in Salangapos and Dighia. Someof us also went to Bardih for the ordination programmeof Deacon Ajay Minj.

Fr. Raymond went to Ranchi for the four-sheet testof the aspirants, from January 14 to16. Our novices resumed their classes on Jan. 5, after aminor quainzine. Novice Anil Nag finally went underthe scalpel for his boils that were constantly botheringhim for quite many months. Now, he has recoveredand is relaxed. Some of the novices got a chance toserve Sch. Suresh Aind at Manresa House. Suresh hadhis thigh operated upon after a fall and was confinedto bed rest. The novices celebrated The Republic Day at ATC.Soon after the Mass there was the flag hoisting, parade,and a cultural programme. They sang a patriotic song.John Patrick, a second year novice, delivered a speechon this occasion. It was well appreciated. About a weeklater, all of them will leave for their villageexperiments.

SSSSSamir & Raymond amir & Raymond amir & Raymond amir & Raymond amir & Raymond 

St. Mar y’s SamtoliThe New year began with joyful hope, shock andsurprise. On 2nd Jan., Frs. Albert Dungdung andSikander Kerketta went to Ranchi for the funeral ofFr. Beni Alphonse Ekka. But while we were stillmourning the sad demise of Fr. Beni, we receivedanother blow. On the same day while going to Gumlafor some official work Fr. Philemon Ekka met with anaccident near the Jharkhand Dipa More. He was sittingnext to the driver in our maruti van. At that dangerousbend the van took such a turn that it plunged into aditch and got so badly damaged that no one couldbelieve how Fr. Philemon survived after such anaccident. He got a little bruise on his chin and left legand right chest. Therefore, we firmly believe that onlyGod’s hand saved him, and we are very grateful toHim. However, he was taken to the Guru NanakHospital, Ranchi for a better treatment on 3rd Jan. Hestayed in Manresa House for a complete rest and

recuperation. He was back to St. Mary’s on 13th Jan.Since he was not here on his birthday, i.e., 7th Jan., thecommunity celebrated his belated birthday on 20th Jan.with a moving thanksgiving Mass and agape. TheEnglish Medium School reopened on 3rd Jan., whilethe High School and the Inter College reopened on 4th

after the Christmas holidays. Fr. Isaac Tete went toTamra to bless the marriage of his niece on 3rd Jan. Onthe same day Fr. Vinod Bilung arrived here from Ranchifor the golden wedding celebrations of Shri StanislausKerketta, our ex-bara babu. The next day, Fr. Vinodpresided over the Holy Eucharist at his house. Laterour staff members also joined in the celebrations. Fr. Vijay Manohar Tirkey went to Ranchi for theSuperior’s meeting on 8th Jan. The following day heattended the Parish Council meeting at 4.00 p.m. Inthe evening we had a community meeting focusing onthe maintenance of the House and the School. On 12th

Jan., Fr. Provincial Xavier Soreng, Fr. Socius Gabriel(DAR) and many Ranchi and Darjeeling Jesuits flockedtogether at St. Mary’s on their way to the priestlyordination of Deacons Francis David Kullu and NaborDungdung (DAR). The ordinations took place atSalangapos the following day. It was a very enrichingand joyful gathering. Frs. Vijay, Albert, Isaac and Ajitsaras went to Salangapos and were counted among anaugust assembly of about 70 priests witnessing andpraying during the ordination ceremony, which waspresided over by Rt. Rev. Bishop Vincent Barwa ofSimdega diocese. On 14th Jan., Fr. Rector Vijay wentto Taraboga to attend the first Mass of Fr. Francis DavidKullu, while Frs. Sikander Kerketta, Isaac Tete and AjitSaras went to Rengarih to bless the marriage of AbhaMinj, a staff member of our High School and InterCollege. Later during the day, Fr. Principal PhilemonEkka also joined in the celebrations at home in Galesera(Rengarih). The Annual Sports Day at St. Mary’s High Schooland Inter College are always very special because theseare a combined venture of our school and the UrsulineGirls’ High School and Inter College. We had ourcombined Annual Sports Day on 18th Jan. The venuewas St. Mary’s playground. It was beautifully decoratedand the tracks accurately made. Thanks to theprofessional touch of Frs. Philemon, Sikander, Alois,Ireneus and scholastics Ritesh Edwin Dungdung andPradeep Soreng. Shri Praveen Kumar Toppo, the DCof Simdega was the chief guest, and DDC Gosai Oraonwas the guest of honour. Eight Houses- Gandhi, Nehru,

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Neta and Shastri of St. Mary’s and Gulab, Kamal, Lilyand Suryamukhi of U.C. occupied the eight corners ofthe ground with their House dresses or ribbons oncheering their team mates, while the school staffmembers of both the schools monitored all the events.Obviously, the meet was a great success.

On 20th Jan., Frs. Vijay, Sikander, Albert and Sch.Ritesh Edwin went to Bardih to attend the priestlyordination of Deacon Ajay Prakash Minj. About 65priests were present there to witness the ordination.On 22nd Jan., Fr. George Kerketta came here to inspectthe building work of St. Mary’s English MediumSchool. For the next three days the roof casting wasdone. The work is going on a war footing because ithas to be ready for the next academic year. On 25th

Jan., a lot of activities took place at the district level,such as marathon in which even the DC took part,speech, painting and tableaux competitions. Ourstudents took part in them and did well. On 26th Jan.,Fr. Principal Philemon hoisted the national flag andFr. Isaac gave a sober speech which was wellappreciated. And in our English Medium School Mrs.Shobha Rani Kerketta, DDM of NABARD Bankhoisted the national flag and gave an inspiring message.Fr. Sikander went to Noadih to visit an ailing relativeand Fr. Vijay went to Bhikhampur. Both were back thefollowing day to add to the joy of the Ursulines, whohad invited us for a festive dinner in the evening. Ournewly ordained priest Ajay Prakash Minj paid us a visiton 30th Jan., to share his blessings and joy. Of course,St. Mary’s community accorded him a very warmwelcome.

Fr. Isaac TeteMinor Seminary, RanchiIn the month of January, our candidates arrived on3rd and resumed their classes on 4th with newenthusiasm and vigour in their studies. The Pre-Novices arrived on January 6th and some sciencestudents continued their practical classes whereasothers collected their admit cards from the college. Thefirst year candidates were given their results on 12th ofJanuary. The result is satisfactory but we expect betterresult in the third semester. The four- sheet exam washeld from 14 to 16 January. We are grateful to Frs.Provincial, PCF, Novice Master and Fr. Sushil Osga(HAZ) who conducted the four-sheet exams efficientlyfor the selection.

The students of St. John’s Inter College and schoolwent to view the science exhibition which was held in

Zila School, Ranchi. It was an occasion to discovernew ways of learning and get strength to tap theirpotentials. Dr. Fr. Marianus Kujur and team came toSt. John’s to give a stimulating talk based on SamajikSadbhavna Abhiyan. The eleventh class studentsparticipated and interacted well with the current issuesraising some pertinent problems of the country. TheRepublic Day was celebrated with great solemnity andDr. Fr. Marianus Kujur was the chief guest who gavean eloquent speech and stirred up the feeling ofpatriotism. The pre-novices participated in the yearlysports day held in St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi andPaulus Dungdung and Rajat Soreng won the secondand third prizes respectively in running race. On 27thJanuary, Dr. Fr. Marianus Kujur presided over the holymass in the Minor Seminary, Ranchi and infusedfreshness in our vocation focusing the presentchallenges of life. Interestingly, Sch. Alok Ekka’smotivational talk exhorted the candidates and pre-novices to imbibe the spirit of learning. Thanks to himfor sharing his words of wisdom and witty jokes withus during the session.

Sch. Rajesh Sandil S.J.

DNC, Pune No sooner had the big electric watch of DNC

chimed twelve on Wednesday night 2013 than the DeNobilites simply flowed (echoed) with the song, “Everytiny star that twinkles in the night sky …Tells thefascinating news to those who dare to hope… and themessage is …God still loves the world”. These wordsof the entrance hymn were very fitting for the occasion,when we were slipping away from the passing year2012 with gratitude and stepping into the New Year2013 with new hopes of joy and prosperity. Wewelcomed the New Year neither with burning the effigyand fireworks, nor with sending messages by thenetworks, but certainly with the Holy Mass andthereafter mouth-watering cake and a cup of Nescafé.The New Year celebration did not end there. Itcontinued with a series of picnics: like-minded picnicon the 1st; Khasi picnic (two goats we had won duringthe khasi hockey tournament) on 13th and the AHA(Adivasi Hindi Association) picnic on 20th Jan..

“One does not live by bread alone but …” (Mt 4:4).To nourish our spiritual hunger, we had a triduum from03 to 05 Jan. Fr. Keith D’Souza (BOM PCF) was ourguide, who made us revolve around the theme,‘ Identity, Community and Mission’. It was an apt time

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for us to assess the past, realize the present, and setforth new goals for the future at the very outset of theNew Year.

On 7th Jan., we resumed our classes. It is in fullswing now. As is the tradition of cultural celebrationin DNC, this time we had the Andhra cultural Massand Ugadi (New Year) celebration on 10th Jan.

Another landmark of the month was the JDV fiestaheld on 18th Jan. The celebration began with Holy Massin the Syro-Malankara Rite, which was new for mostof us. The special and memorable programme of theday was a colourful cultural evening with lots of theme-based dances and thought- provoking skits. A danceperformed by the 1st Year philosophers to the AdhunikNagpuri beat, ‘Khakari ker goia… and Dhol bajemandar baje…,’ drew a lot of applause from theaudience. Congratulations to all the dancers.

To show our solidarity with women, the JDV SocialWing had arranged a panel discussion on ‘Roots ofViolence against women,’ on 24th Jan. The panellists:Ms. Kiran Moghe, State President, All IndiaDemocratic Women Association, Pune; Ms. Sheena M.Durairaj, HOD (Psychology), Meera College, Pune;andDr. Cyril Desbruslais, SJ. Professor of Philosophy, JDV,Pune; enlightened us how violence against women issocially, psychologically and philosophically structuredand how we need to come out of these structures.

We Ranchians are fine here and enjoying ourstudies. Some of the 2nd Year philosophers havefinished their classes. They are busy preparing for thecomprehensive exam, which will probably be their lastexam as part of the requirement for the two-yearphilosophical study.

Sch. Jyoti PSch. Jyoti PSch. Jyoti PSch. Jyoti PSch. Jyoti Paulaulaulaulaul

St. Stanislaus Juniorate Sitagarha.January was a month of grace-filled experience for usJuniors because we renewed our religious vows andcommitment to the Lord. Fr. Geoff (HAZ) gave thetriduum and helped us to revitalize and renew our vowshappily. He also gave us a one-day orientation onBuddhism and Hinduism. All the inputs Fr. Geoff gavewere really very much enriching.

An important lesson we are learning from Bro. T.T. Matthew, the novice master of St. Gabriel Brothersis cursive handwriting. He is teaching us how toimprove our handwriting and make it legible. Wecelebrated the birthdays of Fr. Dean, Davidraj, Fr.Patras Tirkey and Fr. R.C Chacko in a grand manner.

Each birthday reminds us that God still believes in usand gives more opportunities.

On 17th we gave a pompous welcome at SSCcommunity to the Rt. Rev. Anand Jojo, the new Bishopof the Hazaribag Diocese. At 7 p.m he offered HolyMass for the community. We felicitated him with thesongs by the juniors especially composed for him andhe was very much touched by our hospitality. Thereafterwe had a sumptuous meal with Bishop Anand.

Br. Remis recovered from his fractured hand andis out of bondage now. The Republic day wascelebrated by hoisting the national flag followed by amarch past and short felicitation programme at the SSCcampus. A Junior (MAP) gave an inspiring message.A big number of religious sisters, fathers and brothersof the campus came to witness the flag hoisting at SSC.

Nowadays the Juniorate flower garden looks socharming and beautiful with a variety of fragrance-giving flowers. By seeing the flowers in the garden weare getting inspiration to become good flowers in theSociety of Jesus. Now we are busy with the classes ofthe second semester, annual drama practices, and agroup dance, and the weekly debates. We are makinga lot of efforts to learn the language skills, games,music, computer, and so on.

We have felt the prayerful support of the provincemen. Kindly keep on praying for us for the grace offullness and good health.

Sch. Nelson Minj SJ

Sanjivan Niwas, PatnaAfter having celebrated Christmas we had the renewalof our Vows on Dec.30. Guided by Fr. Tony, Fr.Armstrong and Fr. Raymond we spent quality timereflecting upon the Vows. The next day we participatedin the Christian Milan organized by Rev. ArchbishopWilliam D’Souza, S.J, at the Patna Women’s College.All the religious communities were invited. Weparticipated in games actively. We, the juniors stagedtwo dances choreographed by Schs. PawanKumar (DEL) and Sanjay Tigga (RAN). Schs. SudhirLakra (RAN) and Richard Rosario (PAT) grabbed someprizes. We bade farewell to 2012 with a colourful andentertaining programme. We stepped into the New Year 2013 with lots ofhope and zeal. On Jan 2, we spent a great deal of timein the Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden. We enjoyedwatching varieties of birds, animals and snakes. Wecommenced the second semester on Jan 3 with a lot of

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enthusiasm to excel in our studies. On 5th Jan, weparticipated in a seminar on Inter-Religious Dialogueorganized by the Commission for Dialogue at St.Michael’s High School. We were enriched by thegolden thoughts shared by the representatives ofdifferent religions. In the middle of the month, we had a four day courseon Ecology at Tarumitra. Fr. Robert Athickal and histeam left no stone unturned to make us realize the value

of the mother earth. Through this course we have learntto feel for the earth. After having known the patheticstate of our planet we have made some action plans tosave the mother earth. On our return to SN we had acourse on Human Sexuality given by Sr.Teresa (MMS)and Mr. Robin. This course helped us to knowourselves better. As of now we are busy with Englishhomilies.

Sch. Sameer Ekka

PARISHES

KankeOn 16 December 2012 early morning I received thesad news of the death of the husband of one of myniece. It was a day of inter-church Christmas gatheringin Kanke. I had to forgo it in order to attend his burialwhich took place in his native village, close toBandgaon. There were quite many deaths in the parishitself in the past two months, perhaps partly due to theunusually cold weather. For several days, Kankeexperienced a sharp drop in temperature; 24 and 27December the minimum temperature was recorded tobe 0° C. After a brief spell of relief, the month ofJanuary continued to be cold. Inclement weatheraffected the Christmas and the New Year celebrations.The attendance at midnight Masses on 24 and 31December 2012 was rather thin; most of theparishioners preferred to come in the morning.Christmas brought a special blessing in the form of anew 20 kv generator, the fruit of the sacrifice of theparishioners. All the families contributed their mite inorder to collect sufficient amount of cash for buyingan expensive generator. It was inaugurated just beforethe Christmas midnight Mass. On 28 December a goodnumber of the parishioners participated in the priestlyOrdination of Fr. Roshan Bage at Bhitha parish. Fr.Patrick took a break from the routine of the parish lifeand made a trip to Biru Raj; accompanied by some ofhis friends he paid a short visit to his near and dearones in Salangapos (29-31 December). We are thankfulto Fr. Jerome Xalxo S.J. and Fr. William Tirkey(Director, Loyola Hostel, Ranchi) who came to helpout in the parish Masses on 30 December and 1 Januaryrespectively.

Fr. Eammanuel

SograAs the Advent season arrived, Fr. Sikander was verybusy in touring different village. Even on Sundays he

availed himself for the Mass and thus prepared theparishioners for the Christmas celebration. On Dec.03, the students and staff remembered St. FrancisXavier, the great missionary to India, and prayed forthe successful completion of the second terminalexamination through his intercession. Just after theexamination on Dec. 17, thirty-two students and 4 staffmembers went for an excursion to Tata Jamshedpur.All of them were warmly welcomed by Frs. GeorgeBurh and Abraham at Dorea (Tamar) on their way. Fr.Rector and the Jesuit Community of Loyola SchoolJamshehpur were also very welcoming and helpedthem in all possible ways to visit the places ofimportance. On Dec. 16, the youth of the Parish andon 20th the students and the staff of the schoolcelebrated the Christmas gathering with joy andenthusiasm. On Dec. 21, the second terminalexamination results were declared in the school after ashort meeting with the parents. Fr. Ajit Saras was very generous to send five of hisapostolic boys for the Christmas preparation. With theyouth they formed a very good choir and made theChristmas celebration very prayerful and joyful. Fr.Sikander Kerketta, from St. Mary’s Samtoli, was themain celebrant for the Vigil Mass, who gave aninspiring homily to the faithful. The Parish Priestoffered the festive morning Mass and called upon theparishioners to celebrate the feast with love and joy.On Jan. 01, the parishioners welcomed the New Year2013 with the Eucharistic celebration and offeredprayers and supplications to God for a prosperous NewYear. After the Holy Mass, the Parish Priest and theHead Catechist released 13 balloons in the air,symbolizing the goals, dreams and opportunities of theNew Year. As the school reopened on Jan. 03, theteachers of the High School section began coachingclasses for the tenth class students that ended on Jan.20. It has made the students confident for the board

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examination. Meanwhile Fr. Tej Mati attended therevision meeting of the Gram Guru Syllabus that washeld in Ranchi. On Jan. 21, Fr. Sikander Tirkey, alongwith three Sisters and some parishioners, went to attendthe ordination of Fr. Ajay Prakash Minj held in BardihParish. On Jan. 26, the headmaster of RC Middle

Fathers. There are quite many new admissions for LKGclass there.

Xavier also participated in the Annual sports of St.John’s School Balipara on 25 Jan. He had been toPengaree from 28-31 Jan. This year Pengaree has gotmany new admissions for LKG classes and 8 studentshave come to St. Xavier’s School for class VIII fromSt. Stanislaus School Konapathar. At Pengaree the staffquarters first floor is getting ready for the casting whichwill serve as the girls’ hostel. There are 9 girls who arestaying in the hostel. In Konapathar a boundary wallis being built and toilet facilities for the students andfor the staff are getting ready. Prabhat Tara Bogapanischool building is coming up. Meanwhile Fr. Anupfaithfully guarded the house and did the entire pastoralministry silently and cheerfully.

Xavier Lakra, SXavier Lakra, SXavier Lakra, SXavier Lakra, SXavier Lakra, S.J..J..J..J..J.KathalguriOn 1st Jan., there was a grand celebration in Loyolaparish. A big number of faithful turned up for the HolyMass. Fr. Jerome had already made an announcementto bring sunum petha (homemade sweets). Thereafterthe people assembled in the playground and distributedtheir sweets and wished a prosperous New Year, 2013to one another. From 2 -5 Jan., marriage classes wereconducted and blessing of the marriage took place on7th Jan. for 24 couples in which 23 were gondogol(rectification) marriages. Fr. Xavier Lakra was herefrom 16-19 Jan. During his stay he visited Mornai TeaEstate church construction site. The readmission of oldstudents took place from 16-19 Jan. and reopening ofthe new academic year 2013 was on 21st Jan. On thefirst day very few students turned up because manyhad not taken readmission mostly due to financialconstraints. Fr. Jerome is happy as his two villagechurches are ready and one more church is gettingready, and once these village churches are ready thefaithful will have better facilities for prayer andworship. The finishing work of Loyola school buildingis in progress. With its completion a long-awaiteddream of the people will become a reality.

Fr. Jerome Dungdung S.J.

School, Sogra, unfurled the National flag and remindedthe students the importance of the Republic day. OnFeb. 01, the students and the staff of the Sogra Schoolwent to Palamada Sankh Sangam for their annualpicnic.

Fr. MatiFr. MatiFr. MatiFr. MatiFr. Mati

ASSAM MISSION

Balipara On 24 Jan., there was an inauguration of the new HolyCross Convent and Ignatius School at Bokola. BishopMichael A. Toppo D.D. blessed the Holy Cross’s newconvent there where three Sisters, Philomena Tirkey,Maria Tamang and Maria Murmu are staying. Rightnow they are staying in the school’s class rooms. ThisBokola property and school is fully given to the HolyCross Sisters. Bishop Michael Akasius expressed hisdeep gratitude to the Holy Cross Sisters to accept thebig challenge to stay in the village and work for thepoor and marginalized people of this area. Fr. Xaviersaid that with the cooperation of the people of the placethis Bokola centre will surely develop spiritually,educationally and economically. Education is a mustand only through education there is bright hope for abetter future of their children. On this occasion quitemany parishioners from different centres were alsopresent. After the Eucharist there was a short butmeaningful reception and the small kids, hardly oneweek in the school, performed the action songs andgood rhymes. This is a new beginning. We wish allsuccess to these Sisters.

Sch. Rozario MosahariSch. Rozario MosahariSch. Rozario MosahariSch. Rozario MosahariSch. Rozario MosahariJesuit Bhavan TezpurFr. Xavier Lakra had been to Lakhimpur to conductmarriage preparation classes for 18 couples from 11-13 Jan. He had been to Kathalguri from16-18 Jan. tosee the various construction works which are going onin and around Kathalguri. At Kathalguri we had ameeting of Jesuits to supervise the completion of worksand try to finish the incomplete works as soon aspossible before 15 Feb. Xavier and Mukul met Mr.Justin Lakra, one of the leaders of the area, who haslots of contacts with the MLAs and higher officials inconnection with some projects for Kathalguri as wellas for the Assam Mission. On 19 Jan., Xavier came toManas Bansbari where a lot of construction works likemaking of cycle shed, grills and ceiling are put up onthe first floor of the school, 3 new tube wells are sunkfor drinking water for the students. On 20 Jan., he camedown to Mushalpur. He met the Sisters and Jesuit

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Manas BansbariFr. Lawrentus Kiro joined Manas Bansbari communityon 17 Jan. Fr. Pradeep Kerketta from Kathalguri,accompanied him to Manas. Fr. Lawrence is fullygetting involved in the various activities of the parish.He preached for 100 aspirants of St. Joseph SchoolBarpeta Road and all the three Fathers of Manas helpedthese students for the sacraments of the reconciliationin preparation of the feast of St. Don Bosco. The JesuitFathers shared in the joy of the Salesians at BarpetaRoad on the feast of Don Bosco, their founder on 31Jan. This year there is a big number of new admissions.Quite many Adivasi children from Fatemabad also havejoined the school. The total number of the students onthe roll has gone up to 450. Two new teachers alsohave joined the school: Mr Arun Kerketta and MrsMonika Dey. The School has reached up to Class VIII.On 26 Jan., for the first time there was flag hoisting inthe school compound. The V.C.D.C. Chairman, Mr.Thareswar Goyary, was the chief guest for the occasion.New cycle shed is ready for the use of the students.The silent generator is installed. More computers areadded in the school for the use of the students.

Fr. Ajay TFr. Ajay TFr. Ajay TFr. Ajay TFr. Ajay Tirkey Sirkey Sirkey Sirkey Sirkey S.J..J..J..J..J.MushalpurSt. Xavier’s School Mushalpur has started its NewAcademic year on 18th Jan. First Day, there was goodattendance. Many new parents also came to the schoolfor new admission. This year 70 students have enrolledthemselves in L.K.G. The total number of newenrolment from L.K.G up to IX is 97. Reasons forincrease in the new enrolment is due to good resultof X, good infrastructure and other facilities. Ourschool has transport facilities for our students. Parentsare also happy with the school activities and itsperformance.

Like other years, our students participated in theRepublic Day Parade in DC ground in Mushalpur. Ourstudents did well in parade yet they did not get anyprize. But our students were happy with theirperformance. On 28th Jan., the students who have gotfirst, second and third rank in the school annualexamination were awarded prizes. Discipline Prizeswinners were chosen from all classes and prizes weregiven to first, second and third disciplined students ofdifferent classes.

Fr. Pradeep Kullu SFr. Pradeep Kullu SFr. Pradeep Kullu SFr. Pradeep Kullu SFr. Pradeep Kullu S.J..J..J..J..J.PengareeOnce again life came back to the Pengaree schoolcampus after Christmas and New Year holidays. The

school re-opened on Jan 17. It was a good responsefrom the beginning because the attendance was verygood on the first day itself. Teachers were all busy indistributing books while all children were enjoying incollecting new books for the new classes. This yearnumber of students in St. Xavier’s Pengaree has crossed800 marks, though, in the three feeder schools numberis not so satisfactory. Pengaree has to cater to 1,360children this year.

Fr. Dominic was very happy this year to conduct amarriage preparation course for the first time for 10couples in the Parish itself. Later 7 more couples joinedfor their rectification. Thus altogether 17 marriageswere blessed. Sr. Anna Topno MSMHC fromDibrugarh conducted the programme and most of thevillage catechists also joined to help her.

This year the Republic Day was celebrated in abetter way. Teachers were present there 100% for theflag hoisting though the number of students was less.Fr. Dominic hoisted the national flag whereas Fr. PeterMahendra gave an inspiring speech on this occasion.(Just for your information to those who are outside ofAssam, this is a “BUND” day because people hereboycott Independence and Republic days for nearly 25years).

Fr. Xavier, the Assam Jesuit Mission Superior,came for a three-day visit to Pengaree from 28th to30th Jan. He encouraged the Jesuits working here byhis talks and sharing.

This year some 22 Self Help Hostel High Schoolstudents are here in the campus. Fr. Peter Mahendra isall the time behind them guiding and inspiring themfor the character formation and better studies bydifferent methods and tricks. You can hear childrenhaving loud reading practice in Peter’s room very earlyin spite of the chilly morning. Thanks Peter.

Fr. TFr. TFr. TFr. TFr. Telespelespelespelespelesphore Lakra, Shore Lakra, Shore Lakra, Shore Lakra, Shore Lakra, S.J..J..J..J..J.

St. Xavier’s College SonabheelSt. Xavier’s College reopened on 3rd Jan., with a newvigour and enthusiasm towards academic performance.Board Exams for students with old course started on2nd Jan. To bring about more feeling of togethernessamong the staff, we had a staff picnic on 20th Jan. at 12Mile near Nameri National Park. Final exam for ClassXI and the board exam for class XII (New Course) areclose at hand. Keeping this in mind there was a staffmeeting on 1st Feb. Whitewashing of the Junior Collegebuilding is on. The First wing of the Degree Collegebuilding is coming up. Work is in its full swing.

Fr. Ranjit Horo SFr. Ranjit Horo SFr. Ranjit Horo SFr. Ranjit Horo SFr. Ranjit Horo S.J..J..J..J..J.

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Prothrapur (Andamans)It is a good tradition of Prothrapur parish to welcomethe New Year in a special way by having a thanksgivingVigil Mass followed by a cultural programme. Thisyear also the cultural programme came out well whichlasted for one and half hours. At the end Fr. Davidthanked all the participants and audience for theircooperation. It was concluded by giving away prizesby the jubilarian Sister Emilia, SJC.

On Jan 6, sports was organized for the people ofthe locality irrespective of caste and creed on theoccasion of New Year. It was held at Panchayatground of Bird Line just after the Sunday Mass. At theoutset children were divided into different groups.Different entertaining items: Jelabee race, Duck race,

three-legged race, needle and thread, breaking theballoons, cock fight, treasure hunt, cutting the tail,bombing the city, running events etc. were some ofthe items. Young, old, children took part in thecompetitions happily.

The members of the diocesan SCC team – Srs.Jyoti, Roshni, Binita and Kusumlata reachedProthrapur parish on 7th January. They organized aprogramme for two weeks in the parish. These sistersvisited different units of the parish and hold meetingswith the faithful in the evening. Parish pastoral sistersaccompanied these sisters. It was concluded on 19thJan. with positive impact.

Fr. David

Mission & Diaspora

Gregorian University, RomeWith the feast of Epiphany, the Christmas festivitiesfor our students came to an end. The classes resumedon 7 January. As usual quite many were yet to comeback from the holidays. To share the best wishes of theNew Year, the University organized a brindisi (raisinga toast) for the students and the staff on the first day ofthe lessons. Before raising the glasses for a toast, theRector delivered a short message of joy, hope andcontinuity. It was the final celebration of the FirstSemester. The last day of the regular classes was 25January, and then immediately began the exams.Suman and Sylverius seemed to be beaming withconfidence and enthusiasmafter coming back from theChristmas ministries far as the Italian language isconcerned. Both were happy and content with whateverministry they were assigned to do – hearing confessionsand sometimes, concelebrating with their respectiveParish Priest. That was one of the reasons why theywere upbeat to face the First Semester exams.

On 5 January, all the Jesuits studying or workingin Rome were invited to the Curia by R.P. SuperiorGeneral to celebrate the New Year. He kept up withthe tradition of greeting every Jesuit at the entrance ofthe Recreation Hall, whoever came to partake into thetraditional tea party, which always has been anappropriate occasion to meet and interact with theJesuits in Rome.

On 13 January, the adivasi brothers and sisters cametogether in one of the halls of the Jesuit Curia tocelebrate the New Year under the ABHAS umbrella(Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Samuday). As many as 40brothers and sisters participated in the celebration,which aptly began with an Eucharistic celebration

presided over by Justin, the ABHAS President. Everymember of ABHAS collaborated wholeheartedly tomake the get-together an enjoyable and successful one.Justin and Christi worked together hard to bring alladivasis together and to prepare a good festive mealfor all. At the end, the day turned out to be very pleasantand every one returned their home content after thetraditional community dance with full gusto.

On 22 January, immediately after my last classesof the First Semester, I left for India to participate inan International Conference based on the theme“Revisiting Vatican II: 50 Years of Renewal”, whichwas held in Bangalore from 31 January to 3 February.On my arrival in Ranchi, I was accorded a very warmand cordial welcome to XISS by Frs. Alex Ekka andRanjitToppo. With the kind permission of my Superior,I made the maximum use of my short time to pay ashortvisit to my family members in Mandar. The Conferenceitself was an extraordinary event both in the sense ofnumber of participants and the quality of paperspresented by the experts on the Documents of SecondVatican Council. There were as many as 350participants from all over the world – theologians andhistorians, Bishops, priests, nuns and laity. TheConference was inaugurated by H.E. Zenon CardinalGrocholewski, Prefect of the Congregation for CatholicEducation and the concluding message was deliveredby H.E. Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop ofBombay. Apart from participating actively in theproceeding of the Conference, I chaired one of theparallel sessions and also presented a paper on thetheme “Reading the Signs of the Times: Moral-Theological Perspectives”. During my absence, Linusgladly replaced me to take care of the liturgical

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activities of the community as well as that of theUniversity. The Second Semester will start on 18February. Fr. PremMinia (Egypt) 10th and 11th of Jan. were the days fixed for “Comingtogether” for all the Jesuits working in Egypt. The NearEast Provincial was present and appraised us with thelatest news of Jesuits working in Turkey, Lebanonand Syria. In spite of very challenging conditionsin Syria, Jesuits have kept trying to show the silver

lining in people’s lives. Jesuits in Lebanon are findingit difficult to cope up with the regular influx ofSyrian refugees. The harsh weather conditions ofwinter have agonized them all the more in the refugeecamps. The overall present situation of Egypt andthe Jesuits’ collaboration with various churcheswas also discussed. Now, Bishop of Minia has beenelevated to the grade of Egypt’s new Coptic CatholicPatriarch.

Fr. Bimal Kerketta

FEBRUARY03 Tigga Blacius05 Beck John Anuranjan06 Ekka Anup Arvind09 Kujur Ranjit10 Kujur Robert Pradeep11 Van Nuffel Peter Paul

Minj Anuj12 Kujur Ignatius14 Kujur Johny15 Ekka Samir16 Toppo Deepak22 Kerketta Bimal23 Tete Isaac

Ekka Alok24 Horo Emmanuel

Kerketta Edward25 Kujur Elvius29 Dungdung James W.

BIRTHDAYS: FEBRUARY & MARCH

MARCH05 Kujur Frederick

Xess Ravi Bhushan06 Lakra Ranjit Walter07 Toppo Bernard

Kindo Alexius10 Kujur Habil11 Kullu Anil14 K.C Philip16 Bara Leo

Dungdung ChristopherTireky John

17 Barla Henry19 Horo Sibil Joseph

Soreng Jaywant21 Lakra Benedict

Beck Anand Amar23 Bilung Brice25 Soreng George27 Tete Nicholas29 Kiro Benedict30 Toppo Ranjit Pascal

Fr. Beni Alphonse Ekka, S.J. (15-01-1947 – 01-01-2013)

Father Beni Alphonse Ekka was born on 15th January 1947 to the family of the lateEmile Ekka and Carilina Ekka in Deogaon then under Noatoli Parish. In the line ofeight children born to the couple Fr. Beni’s place was third, but after the death of thesecond child of the family, Beni’s position was upgraded to second among the survivors.Although there was a village school under the Parish, Fr. Beni went to Noatoli forstarting his schooling before moving to St. Ignatius Gumla for his primary andeventually, matriculation in 1965. For his primary school he came to Gumla and was aday - scholar living in his uncle’s house. It so happened one day that he had to leave

his uncle’s house. He had narrated to me years back how as a small boy he had to carry his bag and baggage andthe utensils for cooking and went around looking for a lodging (dera) in Urmi village near Gumla. Luckily hemanaged to get one before sundown, and darkness enveloped the day. Thus Fr. Beni had learnt to manage hisown affairs right from his young age. Besides, though his position was second in the family, he was the firstboy of the three surviving siblings; hence the onus of the future was felt on his shoulders.

He passed his matriculation in the first division in 1965. Since then he made a brilliant academic trackrecord all along till he was awarded Ph.D. from the Ranchi University in Political Science. To start with, after

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his Pre University studies in 1966 he joined theNovitiate the same year at Sitagarha. Different stagesof his priestly studies were done in Bangalore,Shembaganur, and Vidyajyoti, Delhi. He was ordaineda priest on April 24, 1977 at Noatoli. For higher studiesthe following year he joined the renowned JawaharlalNehru University (JNU) in New Delhi and completedhis M.Phil in 1982. He joined St.Xavier’s College Staffas a lecturer in Pol. Science, and additionally, assignedto the College Hostel as Asstt. Superintendent. In thecollege he was placed in different posts of Vice-Principal, Rector, and Superintendent, Loyola Hosteltill 1994. During this period he was also appointedVice-President of the Minority Commission in theun-divided State of Bihar.

The second phase of life and activities started whenFr. Beni joined the XISS as the Field Project Co-ordinator in 1994, after being released from the Collegefor good. Henceforth his attention was directed to socialwork in the rural development. He continued his postas the Vice-President, Minority Commission. His deepinterest was visible in the projects, especially, ofstarting the Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) inLapung, and Diaconia, a Swedish sponsored Project(inter alia).

He was made Director of the Institute in 1999succeeding Fr. Christopher Lakra. He remained in theoffice till 2009 when he was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the Kolhan University in Chaibasa inwhich he remained till October 2010. Fr. Beni thenwas missioned to Pengaree, Dibrugarh Diocese inAssam where he was working till date. He had justcome to Ranchi for a brief interval from which he neverreturned. His life journey ended in the early hours ofJanuary 01, 2013 while he was resting for a short spellof time at Maranghada.

Fr. Beni was a multi-talented person, withhandsome physique, affable in nature and wearing asmiling countenance. People were attracted to him atfirst sight and much impressed after talking. Hisleadership qualities with liberal mind enchanted theyouth who sought him keenly. This was visible inprogrammes he conducted for them like PersonalityDevelopment for High school and College students,and acted as Advisor of AICUF, CLC not tomention numerous other talks and seminars relatedwith youth. He was popular among them as a visionaryyouth leader and liked by them for his liberalmindedness and friendly approach. This attitude of hiswon him many friends and admirers. In the Society itdid not take much time to impress upon the authoritiesas talented and intelligent scholastic with lot of

generosity, initially, marked among a few who weremeant for “higher things”. Fr, Beni was very socialminded. He was an activist in his own way in that hedevoted his time in advising and guiding socio-politicalactivists, cadres of leaders and future politicians. As aProf. of Political Science he took much interest incurrent political issues and concerns touchingJharkhand State. He saw the Church in Jharkhand asan agent of social change apart from its religiouscontribution.

He was a man of ambition in the sense of thinking“big” about ordinary things. He always aimed high,performed with efficiency and effectiveness ineverything. As a Director he not only gave a handsomefacelift to the XISS main building but also increasedinfrastructural facilities for the staff and students.Addition of two more courses and the Poly-Techniquecame up under institutional building. Some of his ownways of resource mobilization were sometimescontroversial, but he made things happen to the finish.

A turning point in life for Fr. Beni came sometimein mid 80s with an attack of facial paralysis. His facewas contorted as a result of this stroke. A long treatmentof massage with indigenous herbal oil managed torestore his face. A strenuous job in the college andproblem-filled responsibilities turned him into a tenseman. Gradually he became a victim of high bloodpressure and diabetes. While at the XISS he also had amild heart attack that caused further healthdeterioration and debilitation. It affected his mentaltenacity as well. For all his open personality andoutgoing nature this situation drove him to relativeisolation even loneliness. He was inclined to look forsupport more from outside than from inside. Thisperhaps was unconsciously getting the better of himand virtually going even to the point of no return.Amidst all these circumstances, the authorities inSociety, however, showed the kindest possibleunderstanding toward him till the last moment.

His end came rather unexpectedly. At Maranghadahe exhibited his cheerfulness till the last moment isspite of hardships and lack of amenities in the place.Sure he wanted to live his life to the full till the lastdregs, but God had planned otherwise. Our ways arenot God’s ways; His thoughts are not ours. Fr. BeniAlphonse Ekka breathed his last as he was beingbrought to Ranchi in the night of the last day of theyear 2012. The next morning was the “New Year” forus mortals. For Fr. Beni Alphonse it was really theNEW YEAR MORN that will never see evening.May he find eternal rest in the Lord’s Kingdom!

Fr. Christopher Lakra S.J.