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71/8 Ranchi Jesuits, Sadbhavna P.B. - 4, Ranchi - 834001, Jharkhand AUGUST 2012

Bage Roshan Catholic Church, SosoBeck Anand Amar Catholic Church, TongoKullu Francis David Catholic Church, BardihMinj Ajay Prakash Catholic Church, Rengarih

FR. PROVINCIAL ’S PROGRAMME

DIACONA TE MINISTR Y

AUGUST 2012

10 To Gumla (Morning): Visitation14 Exhoration (Evening)15 To Soso (Morning)16 CONSULT24 GB, Satya Bharati 6:00 p.m.25 Meeting with Parish Priests

Manresa House,Time: 10:00-12:0027 To Khunti (Morning)28 Exhortation (Evening)29 To Ranchi (Morning)31 GB XISS

SEPTEMBER 2012

3 To Bingaon (Morning): VisitationTo Dolda (Afternoon): Visitation

4 To Kochang (Afternoon): Visitation5 To Ranchi (Afternoon)7 To Vijaygiri (Morning): Visitation8 To Dorea (Morning): Visitation9 To Bundu (Morning): Visitation10 To Maranghada (Morning): Visitation11 To Rumtukel (Morning): Visitation12 To Ranchi (Morning)15 CONSULT17 To Muri (Morning): Visitation18 To Patrachauli (Morning): Visitation19 To Kanke Parish (Morning): Visitation21 To Prabhat Tara Dhurwa (Morning):

Visitation / Exhortation (Evening)22 To Inigo Saparom (Morning): Visitation

Exhortation / to Ranchi23 To Jharna (Evening till 3 Oct. Morning):

Retreat

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MANRESA HOUSE

This year seventeen newcomers arrived in Manresa

House in June-end for their college studies at St. Xavier’s,

Ranchi. The old-timers – the second and the third years –

returned in the first week of July after their summer

vacation. On July 5, Br. Stanislaus was admitted to

Apollo Hospital and later shifted to HFH Mandar after

a few days. On July 7, Fr. Alexius Tirkey lost his younger

brother John. Along with some of the community

members, Fr. Rector joined Alex in the Gami Mass. Our

heartfelt condolences to Fr. Alex.

We are still very vividly connected with Fr.

Constant Lievens, the zealous missionary and great

apostle of Chotanagpur. This familial and brotherly bond

is further cemented every year as the students from

Belgium particularly from his own hometown Moorselede

and the university where he had studied, come to pay a

visit to the Ranchi mission. The Community rendered a

warm welcome to twenty five young boys and girls, who

along with their two guides, were on a visit to the mission

and “motherland” of Fr. Constant Lievens. Post dinner

they had a brief interaction with the Manresa collegians

who initiated them to shake a leg to the Jharkhandi adivasi

numbers with melodious beat. They were impressed and

enthralled by the tribal amiable, hospitable and convivial

culture. The fragrance of Jharkhand and especially the

Ranchi mission will ever remain engraved in their hearts

and minds.

On 20 July the community commenced the novena

in preparation for the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The

collegians facilitated us to imbibe and be renewed with the

spirit of the Society of Jesus as they conducted meaningful

community prayers based on various Ignatian themes. Our

novena prayers climaxed in a conference by Fr. Erik Breye

that was followed by sacrament of reconciliation.

On the solemnity of St Ignatius of Loyola, our

collegian choir led us into a grand melodious liturgical

service at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ranchi. Thanks to

Frs. Alexius Tirkey, Jaywant Soreng and our promising

musicians of Manresa for their efficient execution. The

entrance and the offertory dances respectively by the

Ursuline and the St. Anne’s college hostel girls added more

solemnity to the occasion.

There was a traditional friendly football match

between the Manresa collegians and the staff Fathers. The

match between Italy (collegians’ team) and Spain

(fathers’ team) resulted in a draw with 6-6. Like every

year Fr. Peter Paul Ekka again scored two goals and was

declared the man of the match. It was a pure entertain-

ment as Fr. Walter Ekka and Sch. Sanjeet Ekka kept all

the spectators uproarious with their innovative and lively

running commentary.

Sanjay Ekka

LOHARDAGA

The month of July had brought some kind of

Olympic fervour in St. Stanislaus’ School campus as the

community, High School, hostel and AROUSE Lohardaga

tried to show their strategy, stamina and strength with mixed

results.

Fr. Ignatius Lakra ran one legged race one month

and may continue for another because one of his toes

remains bandaged and at the same time, he started taking

doses for migraine. Fr. Ignas Xalxo fought bravely against

his rising bodily temperature during the Eucharistic

celebration at the Ursuline Convent, on July 8. He

managed to conclude the celebration but his delayed exit

from the toilet alarmed the caretakers who promptly took

him to the Ursula Hospital for test. Lo and behold, his

body temperature was 104º, and was diagnosed as Brain

Malaria. Surprisingly Fr. Albert Kullu, at the other end of

the hospital corridor, remained cool and calm despite high

sugar volume and typhoid in his lean physique and

interacted with Ignas without any trace of exhaustion. Fr.

Albinus Tete went to comfort Frs. Ignas Xalxo and Albert

Kullu, but himself wanted to go through a medical test for

INSTITUTIONS & FORMA TION HOUSES

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his unusual weakness. The medical test reportnecessitated

Fr. Albinus for immediate hospitalization and blood

transfusion for very low HB. No sooner did he wonder

and speculate how his blood spilled out from his

body than Frs. Ignatius and Tej promptly showed their

generosity by donating one unit of blood each that boosted

him up. Br. Modestus also experienced a pricking

sensation on his left leg that left him walk barefoot and visit

the Ursula Hospital. Although the pricking sensation con-

tinues and sometimes disturbs his proper rest, he

feels younger than the hostellers. In any case, he is sure to

lose excess cholesterol and sugar. Fr. Tej received

everyone’s blessings and best compliments from different

communities in Lohardaga and left for Goa for his

Tertianship.

Our school campus and the students created an

amicable ambience for the ‘Live-in-experience group’ from

Belgium. It was a memorable time for the 58 boys and

girls coming from remote villages who saw, met, sat, inter-

acted and played the ‘mixed kabaddi’ together. Meetingthe girls and boys from different cultural backgrounds,

colour and country was a unique and enriching experience

of fellow-feeling.

Staff and students of the high school observed

‘Paryawaran Diwas’ with a difference as Br. Modestus

led the students and staff by planting trees in and outside

the campus. Three students were honoured on July 31 for

their care and innovative endeavour to preserve the

eco-system. On the Inigo Day the staff, members of the

managing committee, girls and boys of the hostels in

Patratoli joined the Eucharistic Celebration led by Fr. Soy.

The day-long activities concluded with an evening prayer,

“table fellowship,” and Cartoon ka Tadka cherished and

relished by sisters and fathers from different communities

in Lohardaga.

Eight SHG members had an opportunity to visit

the Khatkhor village in Gumla district to see the poultry

farm as an Income Generating Activities (IGP) and its

management by SHGs promoted by AROUSE Gumla.

They were also delighted to see the Tribal Museum in

Gumla. Uncertainty and lack of sufficient rainfall has

affected the paddy cultivation through the System of Rice

Intensification (SRI). We tried to initiate chilli cultivation

as a cash crop but the farmers have low motivation and

expect everything to be provided by the BPL (Below

Poverty Line) grants. Those involved in lac cultivation

suffered some loss due to the summer scorching heat but

did not lose their enthusiasm and confidence.

Fr. Sushil

VIDYAJYOTI

July being the opening month of the academic year

2012-13 was a time of inauguration and orientation

programmes for the students of Vidyajyoti. The first years

started their journey at VJ with five days of rewarding and

meaningful psycho-spiritual sexual orientation programme

under the guidance of Fr. Gracian Carlo (ADF) and Fr.Tony

Andrade (PCF, Delhi). The long experience of the

skilled resource persons in the field of formation and the

tactfulness with which they conducted the course was wellappreciated by all the participants. With the arrival of the

second and third years, on July 5-6, the community was in

its full strength of 82 theologians. July 7 was marked by a

well planned community orientation programme. The day

began with a meaningful Eucharistic celebration with

the theme of the day “Let your light shine.” The highlights

of the day were the friendly Basketball match between

the ‘Old and the Newcomers.’ The former were the

champions of the day. As our classes resumed on July10,

the first two days were devoted to the orientation

programme. The College Fieldwork orientation talk was

held on July13. The field work is a part of theological

formation at Vidyajyoti. It gives us the opportunity to go

beyond our familiar horizons and enter into the thoughts,

feelings, struggles and miseries of the helpless and the needy

ones. Fr. Rector, Joe Sebastian invited all the students to

step in the fieldworks with 5 Cs imprinted in our hearts

and minds: Conviction, Commitment, Courage, Creativity

and Compassion.

On July19, there was a requiem mass for our

beloved late Fr. Arockiasamy Soosai, S.J (1937 -2012)

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who breathed his last on April 20. Fr. Arok was one of

the very popular professors in Vidyajyoti. He was well

respected and appreciated for his classes, writings and

interventions during meetings. The entire Vidyajyoti family

gratefully remembered long years of his committed

service to the college and prayed for his departed soul.

The feast of our Founder brought us showers of blessings

as the day began with a much awaited spell of rain in

Delhi. On this auspicious occasion we were delighted and

privileged to honour His Grace Vincent Concessao, the

patron of the Vidyajyoti College who just celebrated his

Golden Jubilee as a priest. The theme of the Eucharistic

celebration, ‘More than Gold,’ characterizing the Ignatian

apostolic passion and fifty golden years of His Grace

Archbishop Vincent Concesso, rightly summed up the

message of the day.Edwin Dang

ASHIRVAD-JHARNA

The Principal of Loreto School, Ranchi, arranged a

three-day seminar for twenty five mostly Catholics,

+2 students in Jharna, from July 9 to 11. Fr. Deepak

helped the students in their programme. Fr. Giorgio guided

Sr. Pratiti (OSU) in her eight-day retreat. From July 15 to

23, eleven MC Brothers came to Jharna with their

preacher for their eight-day retreat. On July 19, Fr. Samir

helped 7 Charity Brothers in their recollection. Under the

guidance of Fr. Sylvanus Kiro, 4 Sisters of St. Charles

Boromeo from Mizoram made their eight-day annual re-

treat, from July 26. Fr. KC Philip conducted a one-day

orientation course for 52 Loreto teachers in Jharna on

July 28.

On July 01, the probationers went to Ulhatu for a

pilgrimage with Fr. Raymond. St. Anne’s Sisters of the

parish were very generous in providing the pilgrims with

lunch. The community of Ashirvad-Jharna had a farewell

Mass for the outgoing novice master, Fr. Benedict Lakra,

on July 6. He presided over the Mass. We had invited our

Jesuit companions from the neighbouring communities for

the occasion. The two novices, John Patrick Kujur and

Francis Tirkey were taken to clinics; the former for his

dental problem and the latter for his eyes. Two other

novices, John Fabianus Ekka and Sunil Lakra donated

blood to two different patients.

As usual, the Solemnity of St. Ignatius was celebrated

with lots of festivities. The novices together with the

nurses-in-training led the choir during the solemn

Eucharist at the ATC under the direction of Frs. Irenius

and Samir. The novices also staged a short skit in honour

of their elder brothers; it was much appreciated.

Fr. Raymond was the main celebrant at the Eucharist

and also the chief guest for the traditional friendly

football match afterwards between the Kishor Nagar

boys and the novices. The excited match ended in favour

of the novices who won by 4-3. They seem to have

gained confidence from the match and now aspire to join

the Olympics!Samir & Sylvanus

ST. XAVIER ’S, BUNDU

At the beginning of July, Fr. Benjamin Kerketta was down

with typhoid. He was admitted to Seva Nilaya, Aragate

for a better treatment and rest for a week.

The new academic session for the Inter College

began on July 11 with a brief opening session. On the same

day, the members of the staff were very happy to receive

the Government Grant – Anudan – for the first time. It so

happened that they collectively decided to host a dinner

for the staff of the High School. Later this initiative was

designed into a ‘Fresher’s Day’ on July 21.

It was a maiden but pioneering endeavor when Fr.

George Burh, the Chief Guest of the day, tickled the minds

of the young students. Since it was the beginning of the

academic session, Fr. Ashok Sandil took this opportunity

to state the objective of the College and the push of the

Province so as to introduce the staff and students to the

Jesuit spirit of education. The academic session began with

great zest but classes were suspended from July 28 to

August 04 due to the Compartmental Intermediate

Examination in the College. On July 29, the College

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conducted an interview for the recruitment of the new staff.

Now two new members have joined the College Staff from

August 2012.

The new kitchen in the hostel was inaugurated

on July 22, on the birthday of the Hostel Prefect. It was

blessed by Fr. Clement Kullu. But Br. Yacub Xalxo had

the honour to cut the ribbon! The hostellers made it

memorable with a good dinner and dance at noon.

The Zonal Coordinator had arranged an evening

recollection on July 29 for the Khunti Zone I, in Bundu.

Fr. K.C. Philip from Jharna came to facilitate the exercise.

A week-long inter-house football tourney was held in the

School and College to commemorate the solemnity of

St. Ignatius of Loyola which was celebrated in

anticipation on July 30. However, the parishioners made

it splendid on July 31 by felicitating the Jesuits during a

short swagat-programme after the Holy Mass.Fr. Ashok Sandil

TARUNODAY

July was a series of cumulative events. On July 6, the

Second Years introduced and explained about their

diverse ministries to the first Year Theologians, which in

fact is a non-negotiable part of our formation. Hence it

gave them a new way to understand unmistakably the very

essence of our involvement both inside and outside the

premises that authentically marks our Jesuit charism as

being “Sent on a Mission.” The RTC Community bade

adieu to the Deacons on July 12, with a Thanksgiving Mass

in the evening. The two Deacons, viz. Rakesh Bara (MP)

and Biranchi Soreng (JAM) expressed their “Toda Rabba”

(“Thanks Very Much” in Hebrew), a deep sentiment of

gratitude towards the community in their sharing. The

community wished them every ‘Best of Luck’ for their

Comprehensive Exams which were scheduled for July

18-21. Fr. T.K. John (DEL) and Fr. Shailendra Bara

(RAN), our two guest professors, were also on the Board

of Examiners.

On July14, Fr. Henry gave an introductory

presentation at the meeting of the Ranchi Jesuit Local

Superiors. On July18, Fr. John Mundu (JAM) returned

from the Procurators’ Congregation in Nairobi. The

Liturgical Committee of the House had proposed

“St. Ignatius and Adivasi Moral Heritage” as the annual

theme for the Ignatius feast. For its first part, Fr. Henry

was requested to address the community with a Triduum

Talk on July 22, evening. In his presentation he highlighted

the Jesuit legacy which we have received from St. Ignatius,

“Our Way of Proceeding.” The two divergent perceptions

of the Jesuits, i.e., by the Media and by the Jesuits

themselves, were not only symbolical but also an

intelligible way of presenting the Two Standards of the

world and of Christ. His talk aimed at introspection of the

cascading spiritual priorities in the present generation reeling

under the onslaught of consumerism and other postmodern

values. On 24, Fr. Prem Xalxo complemented the latter

part of the same theme, i.e., Adivasi Moral Heritage. He

effectively stimulated our reasoning capacities with some

fundamental questions which had escaped our theological

search. He superbly elucidated the cosmotheandric

relationship with our ancestral communities in the past and

our relationship with the virtual communities at present.

We are now somewhat aware and reasonably proud that

our Adivasi worldview is an essential constituent of our

life-system and Regional Theologate, and its moral values

are worldwide accredited.

On 25, the Board of Central Zone Provincials

paid their official visit to the RTC. The five Provincials

met the student body and the staff separately to listen

to and discuss various aspects of our common life

here.

In the run-up to the solemnity of St. Ignatius, the

three living groups viz. Akhra (Common Meeting Place),

Sengel Gama (Rain of Fire) and Híhidi Pípidi (Paradise)

led each day’s morning Mass and evening prayer creatively.

On 31st the Holy Mass was held in the Kanke Parish and

the main celebrant was Fr. Amrit. Fr. Francis brought out

his best the idea of “Choices” in his vibrant sermon. The

choir led by the Taruns was in angelic rhythm which

exhilarated the entire atmosphere of the liturgy. The guests

were in and out all through the day. Br. Isidore and his

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team delighted the guests with the sumptuous dinner in the

evening. Toda Rabba !!! Sch. Ravi B. Xess

ST. ALOYSIUS M INOR SEMINAR Y

The 35 second year collegians, including 4 Jamshedpur

Diocesan and 2 Hagaribag candidates, arrived on June

20. Fr. James gave them an orientation and classes on the

history of the Society of Jesus. Fr. Michael Kerketta was

the main celebrant to inaugurate the academic year for the

Pre-Novices, on June 23, the feast of our patron

saint St. Aloysius Gonzaga. He focused on relevance

of the life of our patron saint and stressed on intellectual

pursuits.

After a long summer vacation 34 first year

collegians of the language school and 35 candidates

arrived on July 4, but some due to Jharkhand Bandh

could not arrive on time. The following day St. John’s

Inter College celebrated Freshers’ Day. The Principal

welcomed the first years and gave away the prizes to the

toppers. As chief guest Fr. Nicholas Tete, the Principal of

the St. Xavier’s College, gave a special message to the

students to inculcate a habit of learning through

commitment and hard work. On July 6, the second year

collegians had their promotion test. On July 16 -17,

Fr. Vincent Toppo and his team members namely

Mr. Christopher and Mrs. Angela Lakra shared their

valuable experiences of life on the theme of ‘Human and

Personality Development.’ The orientation left a deep

impact on and strengthened them in their priestly

vocation accepting the challenges of today. On July 19,

Fr. Florence Kujur, the Principal of St. John’s, motivated

our students on the theme of ‘Being Together as Sharing

One Mission.’ Both these talks gave enthusiasm and

encouragement in their life.

The preparation of our Founder’s feast was marked

by the Novena Prayers. As the feast day approached, all

of them were kept busy with cleaning and decoration work

in the Cathedral, in Manresa House and at home. On July

30, St. John’s Inter College anticipated the feast of

St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. Superior, Patrick Kerketta,

presided over the Eucharist and gave eloquent and

inspiring homily. The candidates conducted the choir

under the leadership of Sch. Rajesh A. Sandil. On the

feast day a friendly football match was organized among

the four groups namely St. John Berchmans, St. Aloysius

Gonzaga, St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius Loyola.

St. John Berchmans group won the friendly football match

by three goals.Sch. Rajesh A. Sandil

PREMAL JYOTI , AHMEDABAD

We reached Ahemadabad safely after spending

our holidays in the province. From June 18, we had

workshop on different subjects, which lasted for ten days.

On July 2, we began our classes. July 3, our Superior

came back from the US. In the house in order to begin the

new academic year we had the Bishop of Barodra to

offer the Mass of the Holy Spirit on July 9. Preparation

for the feast of our Founder began and the Loyola Hall

invited us for dinner. On 30th evening we had Satsang in

preparation for the feast of St. Ignatius. On 31st we had

our celebration in the house; Fr Provincial was the main

celebrant. In the evening we had a short cultural

programme. Our house repair work is still going on. We

are happy to have a new minister, Fr. Saji. We are still

waiting for rain. Valentine was down due to sickness. He

took some rest and is now getting better. Subodh had to

run to the university and college offices collecting the

certificates of Gabriel. Sch. Subodh

SSC SITAGARHA

We, 20 Juniors from 5 different provinces, arrived here,

on June 29. We had a three-day orientation Programme

from July 1 to 3. It was conducted by the Juniorate staff

namely Frs. Davidraj, Joachim Dungdung and Samir. The

inauguration of the scholastic year began with the Holy

Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Provincial, Francis Kurien.

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recollection on July 28 -29. The Feast of St. Ignatius was

a day of joyous celebration. Basketball and football

matches were held to double our joy and excitement on

this day. The following day, the Tertians began their

one-month spiritual journey with the Lord. We wish them

all a very fruitful period of spiritual enlightenment.Sch. Alok

On 3rd we familiarized ourselves with the neighbouring

religious communities of the campus, and on 8th we had

an opportunity for the Hazaribag darshan.

We had a seminar on IPP by Fr. Bob Slattery from

4 to 6 which was quite insightful and enlightening. Our

normal classes commenced from 9th July. The Novena to

St. Ignatius began on July 21, in preparation for the Feast

of St. Ignatius. A tertian Father Sunil guided us through a

PARISHES

KANKE

Fr. Patrick revealed to the parishioners the secret of my

Golden Jubilee in the Society. So the parishioners quickly

arranged for a short but meaningful celebration on July

01. The day began with the Eucharist at 7.00 a.m. To

mark the occasion appropriate hymns had been selected

and relevant prayers of the faithful had been prepared.

Before the post communion prayer, the main celebrant

asked me to kneel down in front of the altar while all

the faithful extended their hands towards me and blessed

me together with the main celebrant! Soon after the

Eucharistic celebration, a short felicitation programme

followed. To my surprise, many useful gifts were heaped

upon me.

On July 19, about 5.20 a.m., Br. Amos Kandulna

S.G., headmaster of St. Joseph’s Middle School Kanke,

met with a fatal road accident. As he was coming for the

Mass, he was hit by a speeding motor cyclist. He was

rushed to hospital (RIMS) where he was declared ‘brought

dead’ - a shocking event for the Kanke Parish. He was

laid to rest two days later at the Konbir-Noatoli

cemetery.

As usual, on July 31, the feast of St. Ignatius of

Loyola, both the Tarunoday and the parish communities

came together for the Eucharistic Celebration in the

parish. A good number of parishioners joined us. While

Fr. Amrit Tirkey was the main celebrant, Fr. Francis Minj

delivered a thought provoking and an inspiring homily on

“St. Ignatius and the tribal moral heritage.” Theologians

were at their best in leading the congregation with superb

singing and beautiful prayers of the faithful. Parishioners

and school children, with their bouquets and melodious

songs, enhanced the festive mood of the day.

Fr. Emmanuel

PATRACHAULI

Patrachauli parish was lucky to have a gathering of

“All Churches of Itki” on June 30. We all came for a

seminar on “The Bible Society of India, Itki Branch”.

Fr. Shailendra Bara gave a talk on the introduction

to the Holy Bible. There was also a group-singing

competition based on the Bible. The R.C. church led

by the Semra village received the first prize. About one

thousand people participated in it.

The youth of the parish came for the football

tournament on every Sunday in the month of July. It was

organized by the youth themselves.

On July 15, Fr. Lalit went to the Bara Khuta

village especially to visit the four newly converted

Catholic families and bless their houses.

On July 29, Fr. Provincial offered Holy Mass for

the parishioners and blessed the renovated Grotto and the

Parish Hall. Fr. Patrick Tete (the former PP of Patrachauli),

Frs. Lalit, Gabriel, Bruno, Anthres Minj and Anthony Ekka

and a Marianist Father concelebrated with Fr. Provincial.

There was a short reception for Fr. Provincial after

the blessing. Mr. Bandhu Tirkey was also present on this

occasion. There was the football final match between

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Semra and Ladda village youths. Semra won the match

and was awarded a goat and many other prizes. All the

teams which participated in this tournament also got some

consolation prizes. This football match was organized to

bring the youth of the parish together. This year only two

girls’ teams, Malar and Tilaksuti, came forward for the

football tournament. Tilaksuti was the winning team.

On July 31, Bishop Binay Kandulna came to offer the

Holy Mass at 9.30 a.m. The church was full with school

children and parishioners. The school children led the choir.

There was a cultural programme after the Mass. It was a

grand celebration.

Fr. Lalit

TONGO

The church bell was silent for a week because its ring was

broken and had slipped away from its position. It was

taken to Chainpur for welding and then it was fixed back.

At St. Peter’s Tongo, a seminar was held for the teachers

of the Jesuit-run schools of the Barway zone from July 6

evening to 8, noon. Fr. Florence Kujur was the resource

person. About 55 teachers of both Middle and High

Schools attended and profited from the seminar. On July

13, twenty seven Belgian students and their guides visited

Tongo. They stayed at the Ursuline convent, Tongo. They

visited Bendora and thereafter went to Sarkhi to have a

glimpse of the adivasi cultural programme. On July 14

(evening), they went to different villages two by two and

spent a night in the adivasi families. On Sunday, July 15,

they attended the second Mass at 7.00 a.m. Fr. Aurel Brys

was the main celebrant. After the Mass they had

breakfast in the parish with the family members where they

had spent the night. On July 16, they left for Ranchi.

The Jesuits of the Barway zone had recollection

on July 21 at Noadih. Fr. Elvius gave us the talk followed

by prayer and reflection. Since we were a good number

of priests, the High School boys and girls had their

confessions. We had Mass at 11.45 followed by a

fellowship meal.

Feast of St. Ignatius was celebrated in a festive way.

Mass was offered at 7.15 by Fr. John Horo, TOR, the

parish priest of Murumkela. After the Mass breakfast

was served to the teachers, catechists and panches, etc.

Thereafter a short felicitation programme took place to

honour the Jesuits. As the programme got over around

12.30, festive lunch was served to all the guests. At 3.00

p.m football match for the youth was held. The condition

was that each village had to take part in it and players

would be only the bachelors. The final match was between

Tongo and Kating in which Tongo emerged champion and

got the bigger Khassi (goat). In the evening the religious of

Chainpur Vicariate joined us for the festive dinner.

Fr. Linus

ASSAM

Assam Mission: Annual retreat: 14 Jesuits of the

Assam Mission were at Shillong Jesuits’ Novitiate for

their annual retreat under the guidance of Fr. K.C Philip,

from July 4-13. The atmosphere and climate was very

conducive to the retreat. The inputs for the retreat were

also very apt and suitable for us. All of us enjoyed the

retreat at the Shillong Novitiate. Prior to the annual

retreat we had a one-day meeting concerning the joys and

sorrows, successes and failures and what could be done

to be effective instruments in the hands of the Lord. Some

action plans for every community were drawn.

After the retreat Fr. Xavier took Fr. K.C. Philip to

all our mission centres starting from Kathalguri in the west

till Pengaree in the east. Finally, Fr. K.C. Philip left for

Ranchi, on July 21. Fr. K.C. Philip, we are grateful to you

for helping us experience the presence of God in our

daily life and to find God at all times, in all the places by

practicing the awareness of NOW.

The Final Vows of Fr. Pradeep and the InigoFeast at Balipara: On Sunday July 29, parishioners

of Balipara celebrated the feast of St. Ignatius of

Loyola, and on this day Fr. Pradeep Kullu made his

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final profession at St. John De Britto Church, Balipara.

The liturgy was well prepared by Fr. Ranjit Horo and

Sister Pratibha. Parishioners actively participated in the

programme. Fr. Xavier Lakra, was the main celebrant and

he gave a meaningful homily for the parishioners

cum the Jesuits. We had a wonderful celebration at Balipara

at the parish level to celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius

combined with the final vows of Pradeep. Nearly 1,300

parishioners, 15 nuns from the nearby communities, 3

Jesuits from the Kohima Region and 10 of us from the

Assam mission were present for the celebration. After

the Eucharist there was a very colourful cultural

programme by various groups of Balipara to felicitate

and thank the Jesuit Fathers for their various services and

wish them all the success in their mission and to cooperate

with them. After the cultural programme all were served

snacks and the invited guests were served a delicious

meal.

On Tuesday July 31, the Jesuits working in the

Tezpur Diocese had gathered for the Eucharistic

celebration in the morning with the Holy Cross and the

Ursuline nuns of the neighbouring parishes and a few

parishioners of Balipara. Fr. Theodore was the main

celebrant and Fr. Ranjit Horo preached the homily on the

purpose of our lives. In the evening the neighbouring

parishes of the Tezpur Diocese namely Bishops, priests,

nuns and some lay people gathered at the Jesuit Bhavan

Tezpur to thank and praise the Lord and to share in the

joy of the Jesuits. Some 60 people were present for the

occasion.

Flood affected relief Work by Gana ChetnaSamaj: In the middle of July there was incessant rain in

Assam and many areas were badly affected by flood. Many

marooned people were evacuated and shifted to high

places. Gana Chetna Samaj under the leadership of

Fr. George and his team is out for the survey of the flood

affected in Jamuguri area, looking for relief works in

6 Panchayats which covers 2 blocks namely Sotea and

Noduar tin 31 villages, totaling a population of 8,124 in

2,000 families. The flood affected people are Adivasis,

Nepalis, Muslims and Biharis. We plan to have the relief

materials distributed on 11-12 August in these areas. The

local M.L.A. has assured all his support during the

relief work.

Fr. Anup had his B. Ed. compulsory trainingclasses in Guwahati from July 8-19. After the training

programme, he went to Baroda to get the teaching

materials and to have the expert advice for Science

department at Sonabheel St. Xavier’s Junior College. He

returned to the Jesuit Bhavan on July 30.

St. Xavier’s Junior College Class XI studentsand parents meet. On August 01, at 10.00 a.m. on the

opening day of the College, there was the parents cum the

Class XI students meet organized by the new Principal,

Fr. Ranjit Horo, in St. Xavier’s College Campus

Sonabheel. The response was very positive. Most of the

parents were present for the meeting. Fr. Xavier Lakra

was the chief guest and Fr. Theodore Ba’a was the guest

of honour. Fr. Ranjit Horo, the new Principal of

St. Xavier’s Junior College, welcomed the parents and

each student, staff, the invited guests and the managing

committee members. It was followed by the lighting of

candles symbolizing the removal of darkness from the

minds of the students. Then the Principal introduced

the staff members to the august body of parents and new

students. The chief guest said the words of blessing

and challenges which lie ahead of the students. There

was a lively interaction between the parents and the

management. Parents expressed their expectations

from the College. The meeting was conducted in a very

cordial atmosphere. Finally, the meeting ended at 1.00 a.m.

and all the parents and students were served tea. Till date

there are 210 students for Class XI in St. XAVIER’S

Junior College, Sonabheel.

Xavier Lakra

BALIPARA

With the dawn of July, we could relax a little from the

regular school activities. St John’s School Balipara

remained closed for one month summer holidays. The

classes resumed on August 01. To utilize the summer

10

holidays meaningfully and get them recharged,

Fr Ranjit and Fr Theo went for their annual retreat at

Ka Rympei Arrupe Jesuit Novitiate, Shillong. During

their absence the school and the parish campus was

guarded by Sch. Rosario. This year unlike others, we

celebrated the Inigo feast on July 29, in anticipation

because we had combined the final vows of Fr Pradeep

Kullu. We were glad that we could accommodate nearly

thirteen hundred parishioners for the celebration. We also

congratulated Fr Pradeep Kullu for his great sacrifice for

the Lord. The Eucharist was very colourful. Fr Xavier Lakra

was the main celebrant. The choir was well managed by

Fr Ranjit Horo. We thank all those who helped the Balipara

community during our celebration. As the summer

holidays got over we welcomed the students back to the

school.

The construction of boys’ hostel is underway and

we hope to shift to the new building in two months’ time.

The convent residence is being painted and soon the

Sisters will be shifting to the new building.Sch. Rosario

PENGREE

Pengree was very quiet in the month of July since the

school was closed for the summer vacation. Frs. Dominic

and Telesphore joined other Jesuits of the Assam

mission for their annual retreat at the Shillong Novitiate.

It was a very graceful time. All Jesuits seemed praying

well in the cool weather of Shillong. After the retreat

Fr. Dominic came back to Pengree to celebrate the

Sunday Eucharist and also his 70th birthday, whereas

Telesphore continued his holidays at Guwahati and

Siliguri where he met some of his relatives. He had a very

enriching and relaxing holiday. Fr. Dominic continued

his pastoral work in the parish since there are no holidays

in the pastoral field.

The month ended on a joyful note when St. Ignatius’

Feast was celebrated on July 31 with great fervour.

The neighbouring parish priests and Sisters were invited

and all of them responded well. Many priests, nuns

and friends came to share the joy with Dominic and

Telesphore. The parishioners were served refreshments

and tea after the felicitation programme. Fr. Telesphore

KATHALGURI

All of us went for the common annual retreat in

Shillong Jesuit Novitiate from July 5 to 13. Fr. K.C. Philip

was our guide for the retreat. After the retreat Fr. K.C.

Philip along with Xavier Lakra visited Kathalguri on

July 15. They had Holy Mass at the Mornai Tea

Estate. The ethnic violence between the Bodo community

and the Muslims claimed many lives and has created

havoc in Kokrajhar district. Close to Loyola School

there are 5-6 relief camps in which Muslims have been

kept. On July 28, Fr. Mukul left for Balipara to take

part in the final profession of Fr. Pradeep Kullu. The feast

of St. Ignatius was celebrated in the parish on July 29

with pomp and gaiety. The day was observed as a

parish day. Fr. Jerome Dungdung conducted the

whole programme successfully. In spite of rain a good

number of people turned up for the Holy Mass. Some

representatives together with the choir group were

served meals; the rest of them were served tea with

snacks.Fr. Jerome

MUSHALPUR

The construction work of the Middle School is nearly

over. Frs. Vital and Pradeep along with 2 Franciscan

Sisters of Mushalpur reached the Jesuit Bhavan

Tezpur, on Friday July 27 itself to avoid the curfew

and bandh in Assam. These two Sisters helped very

much in the decoration of the church at Balipara.

Fr. Pradeep took his final vows during the Eucharist

on Sunday, July 29, in John De Britto Church, Balipara

which was combined by the Balipara parishioners as

the feast of St. Ignatius.Fr. Vital

11

MANAS BANSBARI

Soon after the summer holidays Fr. Ajay went into

hibernation by switching off his cell phone in order to

seriously prepare for his M. Ed exams. He went to the

Jesuit House Guwahati, on July 15, one week ahead of

the exams. In the meantime Fr. Severius joined the Jesuits

of the Assam Mission for the annual retreat at the Shillong

Novitiate. After the retreat he visited one of his cousin

sisters in Shillong and then came back to Manas Bansbari.

Fr. Xavier along with Fr. K.C. Philip visited Manas

Bansbari, on July 16-17. This year, there was very heavy

rain at the foothills of Bhutan and Becky and the Manas

Rivers were flowing above the danger mark yet the people

of Manas escaped the floods.

Fr. Severius

LET US REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS

Mrs. Teresa Dungdung, aunt of Fr. Emile Dungdung died on 1 July 2012.

Sr. Majela, DSA (89), elder sister of Fr. Albert Dungdung died on 22 July 2012.

Sri Dominic Minj (68), father of Sch. Celestine Minj passed away on 22 July 2012.

Fr. Jos de Cuyper, S.J. (92) passed away on July 27, 20012.

ANDAMANS

PROTHRAPUR

July started with the canonical visitation of the Bishop Alex

Dias to Prothrapur parish on July 1. The Eucharistic

celebration was presided over by him. The liturgy was well

prepared and actively participated by the faithful in good

number, though the Church cannot accommodate such a

big number quite often, but the shed attached to the Church

on either side are always conducive. We therefore always

remember and are grateful to the province for the financial

help for that extension work. Just after the Holy Mass a

short felicitation programme was organized to show our

love for His Lordship. He spoke on the “Year of the

Faith” in his talk. It was followed by his meeting with priests

and religious. He was practically the whole day occupied

as this visitation was for a daylong. Everything went off

smoothly.

Fr. Benedict Kiro landed at the Port Blair airport,

on July 14, fresh after visiting the province and his

relatives. During his stay for a couple of days at Prothrapur

he helped in the parish especially for celebration of

Mass; then later he pushed off to Ramnagar, his final

destination.

Frs. Amrit Kumar Kujur and David Bara began their

Novena to St. Ignatius on July 21, in preparation for the

Inigo Day. Fr. Amrit, who is the Spiritual Director of the

Port Blair diocese, took the initiative. The same was also

suggested to other two Jesuit parishes of ours namely

Diglipur and Ramnagar. Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola was

celebrated with gusto, on July 31. Rev. Fr. Gabriel

Benziger, V.G. graced the occasion and presided over

the Holy Mass whereas twelve priests from various

congregations and parishes concelebrated with him.

In his sermon he effectively brought out St. Ignatius’ lifestyle

and thoughts which was appreciated much by all. Many

Sisters from different congregations too witnessed the

occasion. There was a short felicitation programme

shortly after the Eucharistic celebration followed by

fellowship meal for our guests, various committee

members and friends.

Fr. David Bara

12

BIRTHDAYS

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

04 Ekka John 02 Delporte Anthony Toppo Suman Prabhat 04 Kerketta Patrick

05 Ekka Juel Xess IsayasBarla Rajenius 07 Ekka SeveriusHassapurty Anuranjan 08 Kadookunnel Anthony

10 Surin William Saras Ajit Ekka Cyprian Kullu Elias

11 Ekka Noel 12 Kerketta Elvius12 Lakra Telesphore 13 Kindo Beatus13 Dungdung Linus 14 Tigga John Crus

Xalxo Prem 15 Bara David14 Xalxo Yacub 16 Ekka Patras

Tirkey Modestus Tirkey Alexius15 Toppo Samuel Ekka Anthony

Kerketta George 21 Toppo Christopher Raju 18 Soreng Charles Bage Tej Mati 21 Van Winckel Steve Dang Edwin26 Xess Ajit Kumar 23 Kujur Linus

Kujur Pingal 24 Tirkey Ignatius

Mennini Piergiorgio Kullu Pradeep

25 Baxla Tej Kumar