Let truth Shine! BangaloreApril, 2015

TEJAS vARTHA

From Rector’s Desk: Dear Friends, We are in the Holy Week. Very soon we will be celebrating the feast of Easter, it reminds us of the new life brought to us by Jesus. Does it mean anything to us? Our Holy Father Pope Francis tells us: “Let us not be closed to the newness that God wants to bring into our lives! Are we often weary, disheartened and sad? Do we feel weighed down by our sins? Do we think that we won’t be able to cope? Let us not close our hearts, let us not lose our confidence, let us never give up: there are no situations which God cannot change, there is no sin which He cannot forgive if only we open ourselves to Him.” Let the risen Jesus enter into our lives. Happy Easter to one and all!!!

January 27th, 2015 was a remarkable day for the Tejas family. Along with the Canonical Visitation of the Provincial Fr. Jose Kumblolickal, six of the second year theologians, received the Ministry of Acolyte and eleven of the first year theologains, received the Ministry of Lector during the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Provincial. Together with fathers from Tejas, we were blessed with the presence of fathers from N E S T. F r

Provincial stressed on the importance of the ministry that we received, the need to have belief in oneself and the courage to take initiatives. As part of the Canonical visit, father spent time with us personally, encouraging, supporting and guiding us stressing always on the importance and call to grow spiritually.

17th February 2015 was a day of blessing for Tejas Vidya Peetha and the Church at large as five of our brothers received the order of diaconate for the service of the church. Dns. Josemon John Kochuputhanpurayil, Joseph Ouseparambil, Nirmal Jose Pulikkalath, S.Innacimuthu and Jose Thottukadavil feel indebted to God Almighty and the congregation for this beautiful day in their lives. Most Rev. Dr Lawrance Pius, the

Bishop of Dharmapuri, presided over the Eucharistic celebration which began at 6.00 P.M, and ordained the Deacons for the mission of the church. The brothers took the theme, “Called to Love and Serve” for the Eucharistic celebration and for further reflection. The day was blessed with the presence of Rev.Fr. Jose Kumblolickal, the Provincial of S-WI Province and our confreres from different communities. The presence of fathers and sisters from various religious congregations and parishes made the day more colourful. The campus decoration reflected the joyful mood. The celebration ended with felicitating the newly ordained deacons and with a sumptuous meal thereafter. We sincerely thank all those who participated in the celebration and supported us through their prayers. Indeed, it was a day of blessings!

Called to love & Serve

leCtor and aColyte

Fr Henry Jose conducted a seminar on “The Joy of Consecrated Life according to St Francis de Sales,” for the Sister Handmaids of Charity of St Vincent De Paul on 27th December 2014 in Tagaytay City, Philippines. He also participated in a Seminar on Salesian Spirituality and presented a paper on “The Concept of Faith in the Teachings of St Francis de Sales,” on 3rd January 2015 at the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Molino, Philippines. Fr Henry was accompanying Provincial, Fr Jose Kumblolickal, on an official visit to the Philippine Delegations.

The Joy of Consecrated Life

Neethi Tejas department had organized Domestic Staff Day at Tejas on 28th February, 2015. Staff from various MSFS communities were invited for the programme. The programme began at 10am with an inaugural address by Fr Jose Pulloppallil msfs, addressing them as one family. Staff from Suvidya, Mermier Bhavan, Vinayalaya, Boys Home and NEST made the day eventful with their active participation. They were made aware of their participation in our mission and how we are grateful to them for their service. The family spirit was further enhanced by the active and funfilled games conducted by the brothers. After a hearty meal, being made comfortable, there was a sharing session. Each of the staff members were asked to share both the positive and negative aspects of their life as as they serve in our Fransalian communities as the domestic staff. The programme concluded with distribution of gifts by Fr Mathew Kalathungal, Rector at 3.30pm. All the participants went back to our communities with joyful hearts and smiling faces.

Domestic Staff Day

Tejas family celebrated the Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of Fr. Henry Jose with bustling joy and excitement, on 24th March 2015. The celebration was in a simple manner with the Thanksgiving Mass at 7.00pm; followed by cutting of the cake and the warm wishing. Fathers, brother and sister from the NEST community joined us in extending our loving wishes.

Hearty Congratulations

During the months April and May all the deacons will be having Diaconate Ministry in the dioceses of Ernakulam (Kerala) and Shimoga (Karnataka). The other theologians will have the Parish ministry in Kolar Mission, Social work in Navajeevan Trust, Kottayam, Destitute Home, Mysore and with Don Bosco Fathers , Bangalore. In the month of May there will be Salesian Retreat for the second years and Counselling course for the first years. Wish you all the best in your ministries and activities!!!

Summer Vacation Programme

Tejas Departments have conducted many innovative activities in the beginning of 2015. Vidya Tejas have conducted a quiz competition for the community on March 3rd. It was a very competitive, informative and funfilled programme. Marga Tejas gave a prayerful presentation on Christian persecution in India and the call for a loving yet just Christian response. On March 8th there was a special prayer session conducted in view of the World Women’s Day, reflecting upon the dignity and honour of women and the present situation worldwide. We reflected upon many contemporary incidents and united in prayer with many those who are are oppressed and de-valued in the present globalized world.

Departmental Activities

Tejasians have successfully completed tuition ministries for the whole year in four government schools of Anjapalaya, Chikkelur, Gopala Nagara and Vinayaka Nagara. Added to this there was music ministry in SFS School, Mailakkalu and St Claire School. The Third year and Second year theologians also completed Sunday Pastoral Ministries in different parishes across Bangalore. First years had taken catechism and tuition for children in NEST. Congratulations dear brothers for your comittment and dedication in the successful completion of your ministries.

Successfully Completed Ministries

Tejas Varta wishes all its Readers Happy Easter!!!