msfs provincialate, 23, 24 residency road, sadar, nagpur ... · it’s hard to say goodbye gyan...
TRANSCRIPT
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Mother of Compassion – Full of Concern for Her Children
The greatest compliment given to
Mother Mary in the Gospel is,
“Blessed is the womb that bore you
and the breasts that nursed
you!” To this Jesus added the most
worthy accolade, as there is no one
who has listened to and obeyed
God, like Mary, “Blessed, rather,
are those who hear the Word of
God and obey it!” (Luke 11:27-28)
Mary became the mother of Jesus
not only because she gave birth to
Jesus, but also because of her deeds as well. Until Jesus’ last breath, she was with him, supporting
the design of God for him, his decisions and his struggles. She never tried to change the plan of God
for Jesus, but strengthened him and bore everything in her heart. She was a perfect imitator of the
compassionate heart of Jesus. Mary witnessed in Jesus the sentiments of a compassionate heart, that
of healing the sick, preaching about the love of God and teaching the eternal truths about the
kingdom of God. This made Mary’s heart throb with compassion. Two passages in the Gospels
especially manifest Mary’s merciful love and compassion for others: Her intervention at the
wedding feast at Cana and her visit to Elizabeth.
During the wedding at Cana, Mary was eager to protect the family from shame and embarrassment.
To run short of food or wine at any social function would be embarrassing to the host. And if this
happens at a wedding, the family would never be able to face the disgrace. Mary not only became
aware of the embarrassing situation, but she dared to involve her son by simply informing him, that
they had no more wine. (John 2:1-3) Mary did not need to explain the situation or even ask Jesus to
do anything; she just trusted and believed in Him. Those four simple words, “They have no wine” became Mary's prayer. She made Jesus know what was wrong and then left it in His hands.
Compassion knows what the situation demands before it could be expressed. Compassion, once
again, made her to reach out to her cousin Elizabeth, a visit which she could have easily avoided on
account of her own struggle with pregnancy and the uneven roads she had to traverse. Neither the
hills and mountains, nor the fear of the journey stopped her from reaching out in compassion. Joy
had no bounds as Elizabeth greeted Mary and the baby in her womb leapt for joy. Serving Elizabeth
at the time she needed it most is no less than compassion personified. In Mary, compassion has a
new meaning, that of responding to the needs of others without waiting to be asked for.
In January 1687, in Paris, St. Francis de Sales experienced the power of Mary’s intercession. As he
prayed the ‘Memorare’ he was set free from the temptation against his vocation and his crisis of
predestination; so he had an extraordinary devotion to Our Lady. Once when he was visiting his
diocese, he arrived at the foot of a steep and rugged hill, on the top of which was the church of the
MSFS PROVINCIALATE, 23, 24 Residency Road, Sadar, Nagpur 440001 Ph: 91-712-2527805. Mobile: 09422189042
[email protected]; [email protected] [email protected]; [email protected] [email protected]; [email protected]
JBM – 10 CIRCULAR TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCE 14.09.2018
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most Blessed Virgin of Nancy-sur-Cluses. He climbed it with great difficulty, though blood
streamed from his feet. In reply to those who would dissuade him from the attempt he said; “It is
true that I am almost sinking from fatigue, but whilst I am ashamed to be so unaccustomed to labour
for the service of God, I feel the greatest joy to shed my blood in honour of the Mother of God. On
continuing his visitation, he found three more parish churches, which were dedicated to Mary. He
said, “What a consolation I feel, to see so many churches in my diocese dedicated to the Mother of
God! Whenever I enter a place consecrated to this august Queen, well do the beatings of my heart
tell me that I am in the house of my Mother; for I am the son of her who is the refuge of sinners.”
During the time of her intense sufferings, St. Jane de Chantal was heard to address Mary with the
prayer, “O Mary, Mother of Grace, Mother of Mercy, defend me from the snares of the infernal
enemy and receive my soul into your hands at the moment of my death.” She kept a picture of
Mary always near her bed and when her speech failed, she made great efforts to turn her eyes
frequently towards this dear picture. Before she breathed her last, she asked to kiss it once more and
to have it buried with her in the tomb. In the context of the third step taken to obtain the approbation
of the Congregation, Fr. Mermier wrote to Mother Claudine Echernier on 10 September 1847,
“…since our work is eminently the work of God, I am convinced that we can do nothing, we will
obtain nothing without prayer. That is why I propose to you a novena to Our Lady of Compassion
that we shall begin this evening and end on the eve of the feast, which falls on 19th September this
year, a week hence from this Sunday. Here are the exercises for this novena: in the morning
meditate on one sorrow of Mary and in the evening pray the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. Pray to
Our Lady of Compassion the subject of next day’s meditation; daily mortification is the perfect
accomplishment of the Rule.”
Following the spirit of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal and the inspiring surrender of Fr.
Mermier to Mary, let us be moved by the needs of those around us. Let us launch into action before
people realize they are in need of someone in our quotidian affairs. I wish all of you the joy of our
Compassionate Mother. HAPPY FEAST OF OUR MOTHER OF COMPASSION!
My maiden visit to Mozambique
My visitation to
Mozambique took place
from 20th August to 6th
September 2018. I have
been reading and hearing
a lot about our mission
for a long time. My
visitation provided me an
opportunity to have a
first-hand knowledge and
experience of our
mission. I wish to
acknowledge that much
has been accomplished by our confreres who have been working tirelessly since our arrival in
Mozambique. I must confess that a lot is required to be done and l believe our confreres are gearing
up to the challenges that lie ahead of them. I was impressed by their cheerful availability and
readiness to run the extra mile, to carry out their duties and their future plans for the development of
their respective centres.
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Fr. Petrus Kullu, the Delegation Superior, and Fr. Ranjit Tirkey, the Delegation Bursar, received me
at the Maputo International Airport in the wee hours of 02.30 a.m. My visitation was planned in
advance and members were informed. I visited all our communities and had meeting with individual
confreres, as well as, collectively. l met our scholastics both at Arusha and Maputo individually and
in groups. Our confreres are motivated to give their best and each of them is working hard to
strengthen our presence and ministry. I got a chance to meet our veteran pioneering missionary Fr.
Seby in Tanzania It was a wonderful experience to listen to him about our missionary adventure in
Mozambique. He is doing well and, at present, offering his services in a boarding school in
Tanzania.
I have encouraged our confreres to continue their work and assured them our constant support and
prayers. I had the opportunity to interact with “Friends of Fransalians” in Mozambique and thanked
them for the support and encouragement extended to our Fathers. I returned to India on 8th
September and will give a detail report of my visit to Mozambique in my next newsletter. Let us
continue to pray for our Mozambique Delegation so that they may continue the Lord's mission
entrusted to our care.
Lead by Example
In accordance with the proposal of
the Superior General to celebrate
2018 as the Year of the Local
Community, a seminar was
organized at the Provincialate on
21st and 22nd July. All the local
superiors with the exception of one
were present for the seminar. The
animator of the seminar was Rev.
Fr. Navin Saldanha OP, the
Provincial of the Order of
Preachers. Fr. Melroy, the superior of the Provincialate community welcomed the august gathering
and introduced the animator. He was then warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. Muthuswamy MSFS,
Provincial of the Nagpur Province. After the lighting of the lamp and the invocation of the Holy
Spirit, the first session began at 9.00 am. Fr. Navin touched upon various topics in the 5 sessions
that he took. A superior has a call within a call. His motive should be love. He should challenge the
members to grow in the perfection of holiness. The topics were the following: 1) Role of the Local
Superior – accept the essentials; build up your person; create community; develop community
beyond mission; evils to be avoided in community; key functions. 2) Qualities of a Superior:
mission awareness; credibility; fidelity to gospel values; human maturity and judgement; love for
community; optimism and enthusiasm; humble servant; concerned for God’s will. 3) Religious
Commitment as a Superior: Professional Commitment and Personal Commitment. 4) Various Types
of Personalities: perfectionist; server; achiever; specialness; reflective; living in fear; avoidance of
pain; being a boss; laid back mediator. 5) Temptations: they are a part and parcel of our life. The
focus was on jealousy and the use of the tongue. Diseases of the Tongue: excessive talking; careless
words; gossip; back-biting; back-stabbing; slander; tale bearer. 6) Religious Renewal: there is a lot
of negativity within us so the need of renewal; there is loss of focus; disintegration of prayer and
community life; we are burdened with lack of forgiveness. We could be suffering from any of the
fifteen of the diseases as enumerated by Pope Francis. 7) Challenges – Need to Look Within:
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Psychological dimension – challenge for excellence; of our identity as priests; mid-life integration;
to live the vows, with special focus on the vow of obedience. Spiritual dimension – called to live in
conformity with Christ; seek to live a modest life-style; admit our limitations; be a joyful priest; be a
genuine missionary disciple.
Father Provincial said that the local superior plays a pivotal role in the community. He shared with
us certain observations after having visited the communities. He also emphasized that to certain
important practices we need to give serious thought to and put into practice in our community life –
prayer, meals, monthly meetings, maintaining of accounts; reading from the Constitutions,
Directory and Province Statutes on community life. Fr. William spoke on proper maintaining of
accounts and certain problems we face for not following a proper accounting system.
Fr. Oscar proposed the vote of thanks. He said that the seminar was really an eye opener to all of us
and it was very practically oriented. All those present benefitted to the maximum. He also thanked
the Provincialate community for the arrangements made for the seminar. It was a joy to be together
and then to be sent back to our communities to give the proper guidance and accomplish the Lord’s
mission with joy and enthusiasm. Fr. Melroy Almeida MSFS
It’s Hard to Say Goodbye
Gyan Mata Vidya Vihar Sr. Sec. School, Nanded, bid farewell to three of its staff members who had
reached the age of retirement, after serving the institution for many years.
On 31st July 2018 a farewell program was organized for Mrs. Margaret Mary, who had joined Gyan
Mata right from its inception. She dedicatedly served the institution for 31 long years. She
especially took care of the little ones and her selfless service went beyond the corridors of the pre-
primary and primary sections, to give whatever help was possible to the senior students, the staff
and the Management. At the crack of dawn she was at the entrance of the school, waiting for the
gates to be opened. Mrs. Padmaja Reddy in her speech shared nostalgic experiences of her many
years of association with Mrs. Margaret. The little ones of the primary section choir sang a
melodious song to felicitate her. The Principal Rev. Fr. Marcus, on behalf of the Management
expressed his gratitude towards Mrs. Margaret for her dedication and hard work towards the
institution. Filled with a mixture of emotions - joy, sadness, gratitude to God, Mrs. Margaret
expressed it all in her speech. She also inspired all present with her motivational song.
On 31st August 2018, during the General Assembly, Mrs. Sunita Shirodkar, our beloved teacher of
the primary and Mr. Michael Pillai, one of the first of our service staff, were given a formal
farewell. Mrs. Sunita S. had served as teacher for 19 years and Mr. Michael had served as a peon for
23 years. Mrs. Meeta Kapoor who has worked with Mrs. Sunita for many years shared about mam’s
life as a dedicated teacher who was loved by her students. The primary nightingales added a dash of
cheer to the program with their rhythmic action songs. Fr. Principal shared about the great service
that both of them had given to the institution. He especially thanked Mr. Michael for his brotherly
love and selfless service. Through their speeches both of them conveyed their feelings of gratitude
and shared fond memories of their long years of association with the school. Although they are no
more physically present in Gyan Mata they will always remain close to our hearts and will always
be remembered for their love, affection, moral support and guidance. Mrs. Harpreet Kaur
Parish Youth Day
As per the guidelines received from the diocese of Jamshedpur to celebrate Youth Day in every
parish of the diocese, Our Lady of Nativity Church, Sini, celebrated Youth Day on 15th August. To
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make this day a memorable and meaningful one the parish youth had a whole day recollection
animated by Rev. Fr. Valerian Lobo S.J. the Youth Director of the diocese.
The day began with Holy Mass at 5.30 am
presided over by Fr. Valerian Lobo. The MSFS
fathers and the faithful from Seraikela and
Konamarcha mass centres participated in the
Eucharistic celebration. On this occasion 13
candidates for the Krusbeer became full fledge
members by taking the pledge. Each of them
was given a badge. During the program which
followed Fr. Valerian and the parish youth were honoured by the parishioners. Meaningful songs
were sung and flower bouquets were given to each of them. The program concluded with sharing of
delicious refreshments provided by Parish Catholic Sabha. Fr. Emil Tirkey MSFS
Justice and Peace Commissioners’ Meeting
The Justice and Peace Commission
is a long-awaited dream of the
Church and as MSFS we join hands
with the Church to realize this
dream. Hence our Superior General
in his message to the newly
appointed Justice and Peace
Commissioners of the seven MSFS
Provinces has stated, "The Justice
and Peace Commission has its
roots in the Pastoral Constitution
Gaudium et Spes. (No. 90) Vatican Council II considering the immensity of hardships which still
afflict mankind today set up an organism of the Universal Church in order that both the justice and
love of Christ toward the poor might be developed everywhere. We join the efforts of the Church in
her mission to promote a spirituality and apostolate based on Justice and Peace in all our forums of
apostolates. We are committed to involve ourselves in those movements which strive to safeguard
human dignity and well-being (MSFS Constitutions No. 29). This is a significant and historic
meeting as this is the first of its kind in our Congregation. It is my belief that these three days will
accomplish its desired effect of a clear analysis of the opportunities for MSFS Justice and Peace
Commission and of committing ourselves as a Congregation/Province on matters of Justice and
Peace, Integrity of Creation and Preferential Option for the Poor.”
Having this vision in mind, the Justice and Peace Commission Forum meeting was held from 25th
to 27th August 2018, in the MSFS Provincial House, Trichy, under the able leadership of Fr.
Agnelo Fernandes, the General Secretary of Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministries. The
commission studied the draft of the Terms of Reference of Justice and Peace Commission with the
help of two eminent resource persons, Mr. Martin a leading advocate, who is actively involved in
social ministry, besides his legal profession; and Rev. Fr. Ignaci Muthu, the Provincial of South East
India Province and a High Court lawyer of the Madurai Bench, who deals with many legal and para-
legal issues. There were twenty-three participants from seven provinces. Rev. Fr. Jayaseelan, the
Provincial of Pune Province moderated the sessions. Fr. Bosco P, the Justice and Peace
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Commissioner of Nagpur Province and Fr. Dominic Savio of South East India Province were
appointed as the Secretaries to note the minutes. Fr. Silbester Xalxo and Fr. Wilson Abraham of
Nagpur Province also participated in the meeting. The sharing and discussions of all the sessions
focused on issues related to “Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. As a result, the realization of
the work of the commission can be summed up under three heads: 1. Social Work; 2. Para-Legal
Aid; 3. Legal Aid. Members from every Province voiced the justice and peace concerns of the
people whom they are serving. The commission has sent the entire draft and proposals to the
Superior General for his study and approval, and the tentative action plans have been forwarded to
the Provincials for deeper discernment and planning. Fr. Bosco P MSFS
Understanding Oneself for Better Service
An update programme was
organized in the Nagpur
Provincialate from August 27-
30, 2018 for the priests of the
Province who were ordained
after 2010. It was a privilege
to have one of our very own,
Fr. Tom Pannalakunnel
MSFS, as the resource person.
A confrere from the South-
West India province, he was
very resourceful and was the apt person for the sessions, as he is a learned scholar in the field of
Psychology and Counseling and has many years of practical experience. The program was formally
inaugurated on 27th August at 9.00 am in the conference hall. Rev. Fr. Melroy Almeida, superior of
the Provincialate, welcomed the participants and introduced the resource person. Rev. Fr. George
Kurickal, on behalf of Provincial, wished all those who were present a fruitful time.
After the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the singing of a hymn, Fr. Tom began the first session.
The sessions were based on the theme Affective Maturity and Psychosexual Integration. Though the
sessions were hectic the resourcefulness of Fr. Tom made it quite simple and interesting. The three
and a half days of program challenged all the participants to look at things from different
possibilities. They were urged to improve rather than prove; to become best for the world instead of
becoming best in the world. The program ended on the 30th August. The members during the vote
of thanks shared what they had personally gained from the sessions. After enjoying a tasty lunch
confreres began to leave for their missions. It was really an enriching experience for all the
participants. Fr. Jomon MSFS
Orientation Program: SPA-2018
The Pre-SPA 2018 orientation program was organized at the MSFS Provincialate from 1st to 10th
August 2018. The three animators were Fr. Isaac [Nagpur], Fr. Philip [NE] and Fr. Adaikalarajan
[Pune], who had participated in the SPA 2017 program. The six participants, one each from the six
different Provinces of India, were Fr. Pakki [Vizaj], Fr. Jijimon [NE], Fr. Melroy [Nagpur], Fr.
Sheen [SE], Fr. Abey [SW] and Fr. David [Pune]. All were warmly welcomed to the Provincialate
and were given comfortable accommodation. Fr. Isaac the Chief Coordinator had meticulously
planned the 10 days program in consultation with a few others so that the participations would get
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the maximum from it. Besides regular three classes every day, of one to one and half hour, the
evenings were fruitfully spent visiting various places and the local MSFS communities. Besides
sharing their personal
experiences of SPA 2017, the
animators dealt with different
topics. Fr. Isaac focused on
SFS and his Spirituality; Fr.
Philip based his sharing on his
understanding of the Love of
God and Fr. Adaikalarajan
shared about Fr. Mermier and
the History of the
Congregation. The teaching
methods used were mainly power point presentation, the lecture method and discussions. Timings
of the lectures: 8.30 – 10.00; 10.30 – 12.00; 3.30 – 5.00. All the sessions were held in the
conference hall. They participants also faithfully followed the daily time table of the Provincialate.
The seminar began with an Inaugural Ceremony on 1st August at 3.00 pm. The General
Administration was represented by Fr. Noel Rebello [GCIF]. Others members present were Fr.
Muthuswamy, the Provincial of Nagpur Province, the animators, the participants and the members
of the Provincialate community. Fr. Isaac gave a brief introduction of the program and spoke of it
the light of one of the sayings of SFS; “Knowledge is the 8th sacrament for a priest.” He then
invited the dignitaries to light the ceremonial lamp. Fr. Noel, Fr. Muthuswamy and the animators
were welcomed with floral bouquets. Fr. Noel in his Inaugural Address spoke briefly on the mission
of SFS and Fr. Mermier and related it to two stalwarts of the Church – St. Ignatius of Loyola and St.
Alphonsus de Ligouri. He wished the members of SPA 2018 ‘Good Luck, in their journey to the
very roots of our Congregation. Fr. Muthuswamy warmly welcomed the members and wished them
a comfortable stay in the Provincial House. Fr. Isaac then gave a brief introduction of the program
and spelt out the details of the time table. The other animators then shared their experiences of SPA
2017 and the items that need to be taken for a comfortable stay and a fruitful outcome of the
program. The participants made a few queries which were responded to by the animators.
At 7.00 pm the members assembled in the chapel for the Eucharistic celebration. The main celebrant
was Fr. Muthuswamy; the main con-celebrants were Fr. George K. and Fr. Patras. Fr. Muthuswamy
told the participants that they have been chosen by the Congregation for a special mission and they
should take full advantage of it, especially to grow in Salesian spirituality. The homily was preached
by Fr. Noel. He focused on the theme of Local Communities. He dwelt especially on the four main
aspects – Eucharistia – “It is the sun of spiritual exercises, the centre of the Christian religion, the
heart of devotion, the essence of piety. Through it God touches us in reality and gives us his graces
and favours with abundant generosity.”[SFS] Thus by our daily participation in the Eucharist the
other three areas of Koinonia, Kerygma and Diakonia are positively affected. We live together
joyfully as brothers; we effectively proclaim the Word of God and we reach out in loving service to
all, especially to those in need.
Every day from 2nd to 9th August three lectures were held on different subjects of Salesian
Spirituality, Life of SFS and Fr. Mermier, the History of the Congregation and Treatise on the Love
of God. Every evening the participants visited different places. First they visited our three
communities in Nagpur and shared a fellowship meal with them. They also visited Kamptee where
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are pioneers lived and worked; Seminary Hills and the cemetery; SFS Cathedral and Bishop’s
House; the tomb of Sr. Gertrude, Co-Foundress of the SMMI Congregation. They also got an
opportunity to visit the Ashram of Gandhi at Sewagram. All the outings were very fruitful and a
learning experience.
On the 9th evening all the members of the Nagpur Apostolic Communities joined for dinner and
wished the SPA-2018 participants the very best for their program. On 10th morning the concluding
Eucharist was held in the Holy Cross Provincialate as it was the birth anniversary of Mother
Claudine their foundress. The sisters served us a sumptuous breakfast. The participants express their
gratitude to the animators and expectantly look forward to their program at Annecy from 15th
September to 31st October, and to meeting our confreres in France, Rome and Germany. We leave
from Nagpur on 13th September and return to India on 17th November. Keep us in your prayers.
Fr. Melroy MSFS
On the Chair, So Take Good Care
The Stewardship Forum Meeting
was held on 7th August 2018 in the
Provincial House, Nagpur. Rev. Fr.
Augustine Mangatt, the General
Bursar, Fr. William Antony, the
Provincial Bursar, and eight
members of the forum participated.
The day began with half hour
adoration in the chapel. The
members then assembled in the
conference hall and were warmly
welcomed by Fr. William. Fr. Wilson Abraham introduced Fr. Augustine Mangatt to the gathering.
In his Keynote Address Fr. Augustine mentioned the call of the last General Chapter: “Involvement
of every confrere in the life, growth, development, religious and missionary qualities of the
Congregation.” He then answered a few queries that were put forward by the participants. He said
that the duties of the local bursar are clearly specified by the Provincial to avoid any confusion in
handling of different accounts. He also insisted that in every monthly community meeting account
related matters should be discussed. It is the duty of the local bursar to present the accounts of the
previous month in the meeting.
The second session started at 10.30 am and was moderated by Fr. William. Every member was
given an Orientation Paper and based on the contents of the paper they made many suggestions.
Guidelines were given on paying of TDS and obtaining of GST bills. Every community should
properly plan the budget of the community. Before executing any major project, three quotations
should be studied by a team and a report has to be presented to the Provincial. Fr. Augustine
suggested that every local bursar and office administrator should read the Action Plan of the last
General Chapter and the Provincial Congress. He appreciated the fact that there is greater financial
transparency among the members. He said that we need to constantly organize update programs in
finance and taxation. A member said that the Government is on the watch through its different
agencies like Income Tax, Charity Commission, Professional Tax and Provident Fund to penalize
defaulters. We need to prepare a proper list of our assets, both movable and immovable and strictly
adhere to FAST. We need to have different schemes for resource mobilization, like getting
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assistance from NGOs and other International Organizations. We can organize Talent Hunt and so
help boys and girls who are talented and hardworking, but financially very weak. We need to make
use of the available sources and exiting structures to help the poor and the needy.
The third second session began at 3.00 pm. The minutes of the earlier two sessions were read and
necessary corrections were made. Fr. Wilson who was the Provincial Bursar for the last six years
then shared some of his personal experiences as bursar. By his constant hard work and timely
reminders it was possible to implement FAST in all the communities. All appreciated his hard work
and especially his efforts to implement FAST. Fr. William specially thanked Fr. Augustine for his
guidance. He also thanked all the participants for the presence and wished them the very best in
their work of financial accountability. Fr. Jnanamani MSFS
Fransalian Associates of Chota Nagpur Meet at Latapara
A seminar for Fransalian Associates of Chota Nagpur Region was held at Divya Jyoti Ashram,
Latapara, on 2nd September 20I8. Members of the following parishes and institutions participated in
the seminar:
1. St. Joseph’s Church, Pabura, in Simdega Diocese - 9
2. Our Lady of Nativity Church, Sini – Seraikella, in Jamshedpur Diocese — 15
3. St. Peter’s Church, Raidhihi, in Rourkela Diocese - 18
4. St. Joseph’s Church, Ambapani, in Rourkela Diocese - 9
5. St. Francis de Sales Church, Panderpalli, in Rourkela Diocese - 37
6. Divya Jyoti Ashram, MSFS Minor Seminary - 34
7. SFS School Bamra, in Sambalpur Diocese – 3
Together with these 125 faithful, 13 MSFS confreres also took part in the seminar. After all had
assembled in the hall the inauguration ceremony was held. Fr. Melroy and representatives from each
of the parishes lit the lamp signifying the Lord’s presence among us. Then a passage from the Bible,
dear to SFS, was read: "You are the salt of the earth you are the light of the world." [Mt 5/13-16].
Fr. Lalit shared a short reflection on the text and the ceremony cum prayer service concluded with a
hymn sung by the minor seminarians.
The parish priests then
introduced themselves and their
parishioners. On behalf of the
Provincial, Fr. Melroy welcomed
all the participants. He said that
this is for the first time we are
organizing a seminar for the
Fransalian Associates. He spoke
of the need to study and to live
the spirituality of SFS and be
collaborators with the MSFS
fathers who serve in your
parishes. He also briefly spoke about the contents of the two booklets – Guidelines for Fransalian
Associates and MSFS Spiritual Directory. He hoped that with the cooperation of the participants the
Fransalian Associates will be strengthen and in future more members will join the group.
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To give certain inspirations to the participants three talks were given.
1. Fr. Lalit Tigga explained about the Place and Role, Scope, Dignity and Value, Specificity,
Foundation, Purpose and Objectives of Fransalian Associates.
2. Fr. Vincent Minj highlighted the spirituality and the virtues of St. Francis de Sales.
3. Fr. Emil Tirkey narrated about the life and mission work of SFS and the MSFS, especially in
the Chota Nagpur areas.
The participants then took part in the Eucharistic celebration. Fr. Melroy Almeida was the main
celebrant and eleven MSFS confreres concelebrated. Fr. Sandeep Tirkey preached an inspiring
homily based on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales and the theme of the day.
The minor seminarians made the liturgy very lively with their melodious singing.
The Eucharist was followed by a short felicitation program. Fr. Melroy and the other fathers were
honoured by the people. The participants from each of the parishes sang a song to the
accompaniment of the local musical instruments. Mr. Ephrem Topno of Panderpalli parish shared
his experience saying that it was a very good program. It was a good occasion to know about St.
Francis de Sales, his spirituality and his work. It was also a good opportunity to meet our brothers
and sisters from other MSFS parishes. He encouraged the participants to readily help and cooperate
with the MSFS fathers in their mission work and be strong supporters of the Church, by following
the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. Fr. Lalit Tigga then thanked all the participants of the
different parishes, the sister collaborators and especially the MSFS confreres for taking the pain in
bringing their members for the seminar. Fr. Melroy also thanked all the participants and asked them
to give a loud applause to Fr. Lalit, the fathers and seminarians of Divya Jyoti Ashram for all the
trouble they took to organize the seminar and for their kind hospitality. All were then invited to join
for the family meal and as they enjoyed the same there were a lot of interactions among the people
and clicking of photos to carry back happy memories of the wonderful time spent together. To the
beat of the drums many danced to their hearts contents and looked forward to many more such
spiritual and growth promoting seminars. Live Jesus! Fr. Lalit Tigga MSFS
Promises Are Made to Be Fulfilled
Fransalian School of
Excellence, in order to produce
qualified and competitive
students, and to fulfil its
objectives, has made various
activities an integral part of the
school curriculum. With this
intention, the school undertook
many activities, especially the
celebration of Independence
Day, which was a grand
success. Just half the year is
over and the school has
conducted the following competitions – spell well, maths and science quiz, solo dance, solo song,
character depiction, on the spot painting, Hindi and English hand writing, speech and group
recitation. The school also gives importance to national and other important days like Raksha
Bandan, Teachers’ Day, etc. by organizing appropriate celebrations.
11
Independence Day celebration was the first endeavour of the school to showcase to the parents the
talents of their wards. Students sang patriotic songs and put up skits on the independence struggle
and danced to the tune of patriotic songs. More than two hundred parents witnessed the program and
they were extremely satisfied with the wards’ performance on stage. In his speech the chief guest
gave a very positive and encouraging feedback. Feeling enthused with the positive feedback the
staff and the students celebrated Raksha Bandan and Teachers’ Day with great pomp and colour.
Believing that parents are an integral part of the school and play an important role in its
development, to get their valuable suggestions, Parents – Teachers Meetings were held on 23rd June
and 4th August. This has proved that sound relationship and co-operation are essential in the smooth
functioning of school and for a successful academic year. The Investiture Ceremony and honouring
English speaking students with ELC (English Language Council) badges was very helpful in
encouraging the students to speak in English. Through all these celebrations and activities, the
school is providing lots of opportunities to its students to bring out their talents and build up their
confidence. The school also pays great attention to create a learner friendly atmosphere in the
campus. It aims at building up a generation with dignity, self-reliance, accountability, co-operation,
generosity, brotherhood and responsibility. Fr. Saiju MSFS
Our Delegates for the General Chapter 2019
Delegates
1. Fr. Manoj Tirkey
2. Fr. Jacob Karamakuzhyil
3. Fr. George Kurickal Substitutes
Substitutes
1. Fr. Benedict De Souza
2. Fr. Issac Mankulathil
3. Fr. Anthony Amalados
Congratulations and Best Wishes.
Information ➢ Fr. P C Paul is admitted in Alexis Hospital, Nagpur, since 9th September, for breathlessness and
swelling of both legs. He is kept in ICU for recurring asthmatic problems and malfunctioning of his
kidneys. Please pray for his speedy recovery.
Let us Pray for
Miss. Maria, the cousin of Fr. Rajesh Jayaseelan who passed away on 15th August 2018.
Mr. Patras Minj, the father of Fr. Vincent Minj who passed away on 24th August 2018.
Mr. Anthony, the uncle of Fr. John Peter who passed away on 02nd September 2018.
Mrs. Chandrakala Torne, the aunty of Fr. Vishwas Torne who passed away on 08th September 2018.
Provincial’s Itinerary:
September
24-25 Nagpur - Superior General’s visit to Nagpur.
25 Inauguration of new block in St. John’s Public
School.
30-01 Baradurgapur
October
02-03 Kandor
05-06 Neemuch
14-16 Visakhapatnam- Provincial Congress
17-27 Holidays
29 Nagpur
Salesian Thought:
“There is no better means to attainment to the spiritual life than by continually
beginning again.”
Fraternally yours in Christ
Fr. J. B. Muthuswamy MSFS