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Fr. Louis Marie Léveil Fr. Pedro Arrupe

Happy New Year! Happy Pongal!!JANUARY 2020

JANUARY 202004-11 Retreat12 Veethi Viruthu Vizha, Loyola, Chennai 17-18 JAAI Congress, SJC, Tiruchi 19 Convocation, Loyola College, Vettavalam21 Mass for the Loyola Campus, Chennai22-23 Visitation: LAV, Vadamelpakkam23-24 Visitation: PAATHAI, Vallam25 CEN-MDU Joint Consult (Forenoon), Maduralaya28-30 Visitation: Kuppayanallur

FEBRUARY 202002 Mass, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, SJC, Tiruchi03 Meeting with German visitors, LAV, Vadamelpakkam06-07 Visitation: LCV, Vettavalam08-09 Meeting of Ordination companions 10-11 Visitation: Harur 12-13 Visitation: LCM, Mettala 15 Pilgrimage to Konankuppam (all CEN Jesuits with Co-workers & Collaborators)18 CEN- MDU Joint Consult – Maduralaya23-1 Mar JCSA Meeting, Kathmandu

CEN PROVINCIAL’S PROGRAMME

In February 2020, Chennai Province will come out with its own Newsletter. MNL will continue to be available to our CEN brethren in social media

(WhatsApp), in email soft copy as well as hard copy. Editor.

M N LMadurai Jesuits’ Newsletter

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Dear brothers and friends in the Lord, I am delighted to address you all gathered in Chennai for a very special Province Assembly. Today, you formally inaugurate the Province of Chennai which I have created through a decree dated 3rd December 2019. It may be good to look at a bit of history. Madurai Province traces its origins to St. Francis Xavier himself and has had a long succession of Jesuit pioneers such as the Society’s Proto-martyr Antonio Criminali, Robert de Nobili, St. John de Britto, Constantine Joseph Beschi who laboured tirelessly for the spread of the gospel adopting and advocating a thoroughly inculturated approach to life and mission.

The transition from the Old Madurai Mission to the New Madurai Mission was swift, spontaneous and smooth. After the Restoration of the Society of Jesus, with renewed vigour, Jesuit pioneers resumed their work, establishing and consolidating mission stations, parishes and dioceses. Educational institutions and other works were started one after the other to empower the people. For greater apostolic effectiveness and administrative convenience, new entities had to come into existence -- the dependent Jesuit Malabar Region in 1956 which became Kerala Vice-Province in 1960 and Province in 1983 and the dependent Jesuit Andhra Region established in 1972 which became Andhra Province in 1988.

After GC 32, there were consensus efforts in Madurai Province to work for the liberation of the poor, especially the Dalits, the Tribals, and other marginalised to live in dignity. Establishing a new Chennai entity to further enhance our mission, was a long cherished dream of the Madurai Province, repeated in the Postulates of successive Province Congregations.

Immediately after GC 36, I responded positively to your request and asked for a discernment process to get underway. I am extremely happy with the discernment process that happened here through Spiritual Conversation, involving the entire Province.

In the context of the restructuring that has been going on in the South Asian Assistancy and in the light of the UAPs, I am very happy to establish the new Jesuit Chennai Province and appoint Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj as its first Provincial, to further sharpen our mission for greater apostolic effectiveness. Please remember theChennai Province needs to:

• Ensure the sustainability of the existing and proposed new initiatives;• Promote quality vocations to meet the Jesuit personnel needs in Chennai itself and the universal Society;• Strengthen union of hearts and minds to work together as companions of Jesus;• Train our men for a wide variety of ministries with competence, commitment, and spiritual depth. I encourage the two Provinces to develop collaboration and engage in joint apostolic planning and sharing

of personnel and material resources in areas that are or may become apostolically fruitful.May God, through the intercession of our Lady of the Way, and that of St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier and

St. John de Britto abundantly bless all the members of both the Provinces, especially the new Chennai Province that is being established, their partners in Mission and the people they serve.

The motto of the Loyola Chennai Campus where this Province Assembly is held is Luceat Lux Vestra. Let your light shine. Let each one be the “fire that kindles other fires.” Let me conclude my video address by repeating the Theme of this Province Assembly: “Rooted in Mission, Rejoice and Shine!” God bless you all!

Province Assembly: Text of Fr. General’s Video Address

CEN Provincial’s Mailing AddressFr. L. Jebamalai Irudayaraj, S.J., Provincial, Jesuit Chennai Provincialate, Loyola

College Campus, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034, Tamil Nadu (India)Fax: 91-44 28173411 / Email: curia@censj.org, Tel: 91-44 28178411,

Official Email : provincial@censj.org, Personal Email : jerasj@gmail.com

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On December 28th, about 350 Jesuits assembled in front of the Main Block of Loyola College, Chennai, to offer a floral tribute to the statue of St. Ignatius before going in a procession, with Paraiyattam and folk dance, to the college church for the inauguration of the Jesuit Chennai (CEN) Province. Fr. Danis Ponniah, Provincial (MDU) was the main celebrant of the concelebrated Eucharist and with him were Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj, Provincial Designate (CEN), Fr. George Pattery, POSA, Fr. Jerome Stanislaus D’Souza (KAR), Fr. Amalraj Paramasivam (AND), Fr. Mathew Elanjipuram (KER), Fr. Dexter Gray (SRI) and Fr. Abraham Stanislaus Koppala, Provincial Designate (AND).

During his homily, Fr. Danis retraced the labour pains of the past years which resulted in the happy delivery of the newborn Chennai Province. He drew a beautiful analogy of M & C (Mother-Madurai) and C (Child-Chennai).

After the two Decrees of Fr. General establishing the new Chennai Province (CEN) and appointing Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj L. as its first Provincial, were read, Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj switched roles with Fr. Danis Ponniah and, as the Main Celebrant, continued with the Mass after washing the feet of two lay collaborators to symbolically represent our service for the marginalized.

At the start of the formal sessions of the Province Assembly in Betram Hall, Fr. P. Francis Xavier, Rector of Loyola, Chennai, and Convener of the Province Assembly PrepCo, welcomed the gathering and spelled out the dynamics of the day. A video address of Fr. Arturo Sosa, our Superior General, was screened (see p.2 for the full text of the address). Fr. L. Yesumarian who had been the first Chengai Mission Animator spoke on the initial work of animation and coordination of the Mission work. Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj gave a detailed account of how the dream of Chennai Province was realized with the starting of many apostolic ventures. He recalled important milestones in Chennai Mission history and gratefully remembered how the previous Chennai Mission Assemblies contributed to the growth and development of this independent Province. He listed the various apostolic activities through which we reach out to the most marginalized people: Dalits, Tribals, Migrants, Youth, Children and Women. He also presented the future plans and new initiatives for further development and expansion of the new Province.

The JCSA South Zone Provincials were honored by both the CEN and MDU Provincials. Each of them, in turn, offered their felicitations and prayers for the development of the new Chennai Province.

After a delicious meal in the Loyola Hostel, all those present gathered once again in Betram Hall to listen to the lay collaborators and beneficiaries from various Mission Stations of the Chennai Province. All those who shared about the contributions of the Jesuits remembered with gratitude the significant works done by Jesuits in their respective places. It was an informal sharing but the sentiments of gratitude they expressed came from the depths of their hearts.

Rooted in Mission, Rejoice and ShineProvince Assembly and Inauguration of Chennai (CEN) Province

(28 – 29 December) 2019

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NEWS DIGEST

Fr. C. Amalraj shared on the contributions of Madurai Jesuits to Myanmar and he extended a warm welcome to missionaries from the newborn Chennai Province.

In the evening, Fr. A. Irudayaraj coordinated a tasteful cultural programme from various mission centers of the Chennai Province. Cultural troupes from JESIM, PAATHAI, AHAL, Harur and the Dream Team of Loyola staged colorful and meaningful performances thoroughly enjoyed by all the Jesuits and lay collaborators present in the hall.

On the second day, the official group photo of the Province Assembly was taken in the college football ground before the formal sessions began in Betram Hall with a short prayer service conducted by the Arul Kadal scholastics. By way of recognizing the apostolic achievements within Chennai Province area, all the former Provincials of Madurai Province and the Animators, Superiors and Treasurers of Chennai Mission were honored with mementos.

Jesuits have been working in Chennai Mission but, some having gone to their eternal reward, are not with us at the dawn of the new Chennai Province. Their portraits were prominently displayed on the stage and floral tributes were offered to them by both the Provincials. Also, two trees were planted in their memory by the two Provincials and watered by senior Jesuits in front of Betram Hall.

The Province Assembly came to a grand finale with a concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving presided over by Fr. Danis. In his homily, Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj shared his expectations and dreams for the future of the new Chennai Province. Fr. Darwin, Superior of Dhyana Ashram, wholeheartedly thanked all those who made this two-day Province Assembly a grand success. After a sumptuous LOHO (Loyola Hostel) meal, the participants of the Assembly departed as members of two Provinces talking lightheartedly about “ours and yours,” the reason being that the list of members of MDU and CEN were out in digital form on the first day evening. It was indeed a historic and memorable Assembly in the annals of Madurai and Chennai Provinces of the Society of Jesus.

A.Irudayaraj, Pugal and Viji Bose

Total Membership of CEN 173With Final Vows – Priests 66Without Final Vows – Priests 48With Final Vows – Brothers 2Scholastics 57Total CEN 173

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Total Membership of Chennai (CEN) Province

1 P Alangaram Arockiam

2 P Albert Joseph S

3 P Albert William M

4 P Alexis Premkumar

5 P Alphonse Manickam

6 P Amaladass Anand

7 P Amaladoss Michael

8 P Andrew Francis

9 P Arul P Stanislaus

10 P Britto Vincent

11 P Darwin S Michael

12 P Devadhas Muthiah

13 P Devasagayam Manickam

14 P Dhanapalan Rayer

15 P Dominic Jayakumar M

16 P Dunstan Vinny Joseph

17 P Eugine Sebastine Rosario A

18 P Fernando Wellington G

19 P Francis Xavier Perianayagam

20 P Frederick Xavier Joseph S

21 P Gaspar Leonard A

22 P George C Joseph

23 P Gerlin Amaladoss

24 P Gnanasekaran Xavier

25 P Gunasekaran Rajaiah

26 P Ignatius Viagappa

27 P Ilanko Xavier M

28 P Irudaya Raj A

29 P Jebamalai Irudayaraj L

30 P Jerry Rosario

31 P Jesudoss Irudayam

32 P Jeyaraj Boniface

33 P Joe Arun C

34 P John Irudaya Kumar K

35 P John Peter Bellarmine

36 P Joseph Michael

37 P Josephraj Savarimuthu

38 P Justine Yasappan Emmanuel

39 P Lawrence Amalraj G

40 P Louie Albert A

41 P Louis Adaikalaraj

42 P Louis Arockiaraj A

43 P Lourduraj Arokiasamy

44 P Maria Arul Raj A

45 P Maria Augustine Sundarraj A

46 P Maria Joseph M. Mahalingam

47 P Maria Wenisch S

48 P Marianathan Chinnasamy

49 P Mark Stephen S M

50 P Masillamani D. Antonimuthu

51 P Raj Irudaya

52 P Rajanayagam Saleth

53 P Rajarathinam Rathinam

54 P Robin Sahaya Seelan S

55 P Rodrigues James

56 P Samuel Jeyaseelan S

57 P Savarimuthu Xavier

58 P Sebasti L. Raj

59 P Sebastian Soosai

60 P Selvanayakam Diraviam

61 P Selvaraj Arulnathan

62 P Soosai Raj A

63 P Vedanayagam Ignatius

64 P Xavier Alphonse S

65 P Xavier Rajan

66 P Yesumarian Lourdunathan

67 P Antony Anand S

68 P Antony Markus

69 P Antony Robinson J

70 P Arockia Alton S

71 P Arockia Dass J

72 P Arockia Selvam M

73 P Arockiasamy Antony S

74 P Arul Henry William A

75 P Baskar Antony S

76 P Benedict Santosh V

77 P Britto Arockiam

78 P Christu Raja M

79 P Ignacy Arockiasamy

80 P Infant Kingsley A

81 P James Antonyswamy

82 P James Raja P

83 P John Michael V

84 P John Paul K

85 P Joseph Antony Jacob M S

86 P Joseph Ignaci G

87 P Justin Prabhu A

88 P Leo Anand M A

89 P Mag Bay De Lawrence A

90 P Maria Felix Kennedy M

91 P Maria Packiam S

92 P Maria Viyahappan Gladwin A

93 P Michael Panimaya Raj T

94 P Michael Pugazhendhi A

95 P Packiaraj Soosai

96 P Parthasarathi Narayanaswamy

97 P Paul Benedict S

98 P Philip Kumar G

99 P Poondy Rajan Y

100 P Prabu Francis

101 P Rayappan Innasi

102 P Richard Hiruthyaraj John

103 P Richard Lourdhu Dass A

104 P Robinson Antony

105 P Sahayaraj Vijayan

106 P Sathayabalan Arockiasamy

107 P Sebastian Crossian

108 P Swaminathan Krishnamurti

109 P Vasanthakumar Irudayaraj

110 P Velankanni Arockiasamy S

111 P Victor Roch G

112 P Viji Bose V

113 P Vino Selukas A

114 P Wenishraj Rayappan

115 F Antony Sinnamuthu

116 F Sathanandam Rajasekaran R

117 S Albinus Martin

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118 S Alex Exroen A

119 S Alexander Gnanapragasam

120 S Anthony David M

121 S Anthony Rex Kumar A

122 S Anto Arputha Raja P

123 S Antony Donic Raja A

124 S Arockia Anand A

125 S Arokia Sundar M

126 S Baptist Kumar

127 S Berkmans Kasparaj

128 S David Francis A

129 S Dhanaventhar Nazreth Raj

130 S Earnest Stalin J

131 S Franklin Micheal Raj

132 S Franklin Peter Rex

133 S Fredrick Wilson S

134 S Gopi Santhosam

135 S Hansel Arokiasamy

136 S Immanuel Sharon Chakravarthy S

137 S Infant Valan S

138 S Jacob Prakasam

139 S Jayanth Frankly R

140 S Jayaraj Selvaraj

141 S Jeyasachin Jeyaseelan

142 S Jeyaseelan Saminathan

143 S John Vimal Felix J

144 S Joseph Vedanayagam

145 S Kiran Joseph P

146 S Lazar John

147 S Manickam Periyanayagaraj S

148 S Manojkumar Tharmam

149 S Maria Then Amirtharaj G

150 S Michael Sudherson M

151 S Milton Mervin Raj C

152 S Naveen Kumar A

153 S Pon Ruban C

154 S Praveen Kumar I

155 S Praveen Kuzhandhairaj S

156 S Prince Wilfred J

157 S Prithivi Kumar A

158 S Raja Jesu Raj

159 S Ronald Antony

160 S Rubistan Maria Joseph

161 S Samroy Terrence G

162 S Theophine Michael Raja P

163 S Thomas Alwa Edison D

164 S Titus Gnanaprakasam

165 S Udaya Prakash R

166 S Vijayasadhu Subramanian

167 S Vimal Robin R

168 S Vineshragul Munivel

169 S Vivekraj Amulraj

170 S Williams Charles

171 S Xavier Samuvel J

172 S Yowan Cyril L

173 S Zenith Lawrence M

MDU Average age before bifurcation: 50.93Average age as on 28-12-2019

Chennai Province 44.47 Madurai Province 54.36

MDU PROVINCIAL’S PROGRAMME

JANUARY 202001-04 Province Office05-06 Visitation: De Britto, Devakottai07-08 Visitation: St. Arulanandar, Oriyur09-11 Visitation: Vidyajyoti, Delhi12-13 Visitation: SatyaNilayam, Chennai14-15 Visitation: Arul Kadal, Chennai17-18 JAAI Congress, SJC, Tiruchi19 Visitation: Clive House, Tiruchi 20-24 Visitation: SJC, Tiruchi 25 CEN-MDU Joint Consult (Forenoon), Maduralaya25-27 Visitation: St. Mary’s, Dindigul28-31 Visitation: AAC, Karumathur

FEBRUARY 202001-04 Visitation: St. Mary’s, Madurai05-07 Visitation: Xaveriana, Thoothukudi08-13 Visitation: St. Xavier’s, Palayamkottai14-15 Visitation: Thozhamai Illam, Kanyakumari16-17 Visitation: Carmel, Nagercoil18 CEN-MDU Joint Consult – Maduralaya19 Province Consult – Maduralaya20-21 Visitation: DACA, Madurai23-1 Mar JCSA Meeting, Kathmandu

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fr. Arulanandam Arockiam, after his brain surgery at Apollo, Chennai, continues his convalescence at Beschi Illam, Dindigul.

TRANSFERS

Fr. Rex A. Pai, who has been convalescing at Beschi Illam, Dindigul, becomes a member of that community (Mobile: 94889-87316 Email: rexpaisj@gmail.com).

Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN)Promotion of World Peace In January 2020, we pray with Pope Francis that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

Province RetreatDates: 02 (evening) -10 (afternoon) May 2020Venue: Arrupe Illam, St. Joseph’s Retreat Centre, Kallar PO, Mettupalayam - 641305, Coimbatore Dt.Director: Fr. Francis Pudhicherry (GUJ) Contact Person: Fr. Devadhas Muthiah (80566-62524 devadhasm@gmail.com)

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Young Priests’ RetreatDates: 13th (evening) to 21st (afternoon) May 2020Venue: JMJ Retreat House, Sirumalai, Dindigul Director: Fr. Errol Fernandes (BOM) Contact person: Fr. Stephen Lourdu Pragasam (94869-48518 pcf@mdusj.org)

Summer Camps 2020 Superiors, Team Leaders and Directors of Work who require scholastics for organising / assisting in the summer camps in your respective ministries kindly contact Fr. Stephen L. Pragasam, PCF (pcf@mdusj.org) by 30.01.2020.

NEWS DIGEST Fr. C. Amalraj addressed the Province Assembly on December 28th and shared on the contributions of Madurai Jesuits to Myanmar and Myanmar’s contribution to Madurai Province as no fewer than three Provincials of Madurai (Frs. D. Jeyaraj, Aloysius Irudayam and Sebasti L. Raj) were born in Myanmar. Amal extended a warm welcome to missionaries from the new-born Chennai Province to Myanmar failing to note that one CEN missionary (Fr. M.S. Joseph Antony Jacob) is already in Myanmar. On January 8th, he writes: “After a soul-stirring sojourn of 75 days in the one and only Madurai Province l returned to Myanmar. By the time I left Chennai on December 29th, there were two Provinces and two Provincials. It was a joy-filled historic movement when 173 MDU men suddenly acquired a CEN identity. Much to savor! Personally I met many of my Jesuit companions after a long time. Loyola hosted me with grace opening many a medical portal. Jesuits showed deep concern. Doctors divined more illnesses, dispensed more medicines. I survived all and now I am back. It was a conspiracy of grace that brought me to witness history being made as two Provinces came into existence from one entity. I thank the Provincial and Socius who offered me this golden opportunity.”

The meeting began on December 4th in Ranchi with an invocation to the Almighty by Br. James Barla, Brothers’ Coordinator of Ranchi Province. The South Asian Assistancy Brothers’ Coordinator, Br. Siluvai Nathan, then introduced the Resource Person, Fr. Sunny Jacob, JEA Secretary, who took the brothers on a delightful journey through the UAPs. The Chairperson for the day,

Assistancy Brothers’ Meeting, December 4-6, 2019

Br. Alpesh Chauhan, then divided the brothers into five groups. They were requested to take up the matter for prayer.

“ Brothers by the uniqueness of our vocation are in a unique position to implement the UAPs. The vocation of a brother is blessed with spiritual freedom; the freedom from worldly pride and titles. This freedom allows the Jesuit brother to be sent on any mission. This is the orientation for walking with the poor and the displaced, accompanying the youth, protecting our common home as well as promoting the spiritual exercises.

Brothers, often perceived by the laity as down-to-earth and simple persons are easily approached by the poor and the youth. Many brothers lend a listening ear to the youth and provide advice without alienating the youth.”

In the evening, after a short break, the brothers gathered in the chapel to celebrate the Eucharist with Fr. Marianus Kujur, Provincial of Ranchi. He acknowledged the unique and indispensable contributions of the brothers and exhorted them to continue the excellent service they are rendering to the Society.

On Day 2, Br. Siluvainathan was elected unanimously to continue as the Assistancy Coordinator for the Brothers. The brothers were not in favour of the proposed amalgamation of the Brothers’ Commission with the Formation Commission for the following reasons:

• Brothers’ Commission is unique and if merged with the Formation Commission Brothers will lose their identity.

• Brothers’ commission is the only forum where brothers are able to deliberate freely and decide on issues concerning their life and mission.

• Formation commission deals primarily with the priestly formation and hence brothers’ concerns get ignored.

• As most of the brothers are not directly involved in formation, their ongoing formation could be better addressed by the Brothers’ Commission

Having said this, those present at the meeting felt that a brother should be a member of the Formation Commission at the Province as well as Assistancy levels. A brother must also be a member of the Vocation Promotion Commission/Team at the Province level.

The next annual Assistancy Brothers’ Meeting will be held at Mumbai in November 2020. The theme/topics/inputs for the meeting could be:

1. Pedro Arrupe and Challenges of Religious life in the present context

2. Indian Politics and Church3. Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults

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Six brothers from Madurai Province participated in the meeting and they returned in time for the South Zone Brothers retreat on UAPs that started on December 9th guided by Fr. Maria Arul Raja in Dhyana Ashram, Chennai. Note: Fr. Arturo Sosa, General of Society of Jesus, released a draft book on the profile of the brothers in South Asia in March 2019.

P. Arockiasamy

GBM: Finance CommissionWe, the campus treasurers of our communities

and the members of the Finance Commission had our General Body Meeting on December 4th and 5th at LIBA, Chennai. We started the first day with a Eucharist presided over by Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj. In his homily, taking a cue from the first reading of the day, he said that we need to remove the veils oppressing the poor and the veils preventing us from being transparent and accountable in financial matters. Fr. Maria Joe, Province Treasurer, not only welcomed the gathering but also gave us the dynamics of the two-day meet.

Aiming at a focused sharing on the implementation of the Province Apostolic Plans (PAPs) pertaining to the Finance Commission, Fr. Joe Arun spoke to us about the concept of MMA (Mission-Money-Accountability) from one of the writings of Fr. Kolvenbach and requested all of us to keep this in mind while sharing about our implementation of the PAPs. He also asked us to base our sharing on the following questions: 1) What progress have we made so far in the implementation of PAPs? 2) What challenges did we face during the implementation? 3) What impact did the PAPs make on the way we managed our finances?

Addressing the participants in the afternoon, Fr. Danis sincerely thanked and genuinely appreciated all treasurers for actively participating in the GBM. He urged that that all our ministries hereafter should somehow come under these five PAPs. Though it is quite early to evaluate what we have implemented in hardly five months, we still need to stop and take stock

of the challenges we face in implementing the PAPs and take the necessary corrective action. He also invited us to pay more attention to resource mobilization and professionalization of our financial management.

The second day was completely set aside for input sessions. Fr. Joe Arun introduced to us the guest speakers. We had three sessions on three different themes: 1. Practical Methods for Generating More Income by Mr. Joby, 2. Effective Financial Management by Dr. Pandikumar, and 3. Statutory Compliances for Registered Societies by Dr. Lakshmi Narayanan. Most of us found these sessions useful and relevant for our work as treasurers. The speakers were quite competent, welcomed questions from us, and clarified our doubts regarding the rules and regulations of financial management. Before lunch, we had the Eucharist in LIBA itself, celebrated by Fr. Sahayaraj Vijayan. At the end, Fr. Maria Joe proposed a vote of thanks to Frs. Danis, Jeba and Joe Arun. He also thanked the local organizing team comprising Frs. Andrew, Igni, Roch and Robinson for their cooperation and support.

M. A. SelvamChennai: Arul Kadal

We, the Arulkadalites, attended and added cheer to the Christmas programme hosted by the tuition centers of our neighbourhood ministry at Srinivasapuram on December 18th. Presentation of the first semester integration papers on the various themes related to the poor and marginalized was the crowning event of our first semester. The students of 100-hour Laity Theology Programme had their Christmas celebration in Arul Kadal on December 21st. Arul Kadal community made this year’s Christmas celebration very meaningful by sharing food packets and blankets with 200 people including pavement dwellers, beggars and the uncared for in the neighbouring area. Aikiya Alayam celebrated the Interreligious Festival of Light gy; rka xsp tpoh in a fruitful way. Representatives from Isalm, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikism and Christianity came, sang and shared the significance of light in their respective religions. Colourful dances by students from neighbouring schools and slums made the event very joyful.

T. Manojkumar

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Chennai: Dhyana AshramFr. Louis Adaikalaraj directed a one-month retreat

of 16 CIC Silver Jubilarian sisters at Mount St. Joseph, Bengaluru, from November 16th to December 16th.

The Archdiocese of Pondicherry invited Jerry to address its Extraordinary Synod (taking place after 175 years) on the demanding role expected of the Church in the political arena. At the invitation of Mannar Diocese, he had been to Sri Lanka for over 13 programs, during the second fortnight of November, meant for clergy, religious, lay leaders, government officials and political leaders in the light of the recently concluded Presidential Election. At Nagpur, he was the resource person for a 3-day orientation toward a new Franciscan (OFM) Province. Earlier, he had animated a 5-day retreat for an inter-congregational group of brothers, organized by the CRI at Bengaluru. He also gave sessions at Vailankanni on the Cosmo-Societal Spirituality of Pope Francis for 175 Superiors and Formators of the Franciscan Association of India (AFFI).

At Dhyana Ashram, Jerry conducted two special retreats, one for Principals and another for young religious focusing on current challenges in India. At Bede’s Academy of Santhome, he addressed 260 Catholic teachers working in the Madras Archdiocese on the Cultural - Familial Perspectives of Eucharist. He had an animation program from December 04-07 for 15 married Deacons of Mumbai Archdiocese. He also had two DHANAM - programs promoting human organ donations in the Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese of Goa.

Lawrence AmalrajChennai: Loyola College

A seminar on “Emerging Technologies in Biomedical Engineering Aiding Diagnostics Development” was organized by LCS and Shbaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Tokyo, Japan and Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), Chennai, on December 4th.

A lecture on “Rights of Differently Abled” for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy was organized in the Department of Sociology on December 6th. Loyola students Union organized a conference on the topic “Constitutionalism among Youth in Contemporary India” on 9.12.2019. Mr. Ramasubramanian and Dr. M. Victor Louis Anthuvan were the chief guests who delivered the lectures.

The Loyola Campus Ministry with Loyola Counseling Centre conducted an awareness program on “Mind Education” on December 18th. Mr Jang Young Cheoi, Director for Character Education Research, Korea,

was the resource person. An awareness programme on “Kavalan SOS App” which was organized by the Forum for Loyola Women Students (FLOWS) was inaugurated by Shri. A.K. Viswanathan, I.P.S., Commissioner of Police.

On the International Migrants’ Day (18.12.2019), the Sociology Department and the Jesuit Migrants Service (JMS) organized a poster competition on the upliftment of the unrecognized migrants.PU-LCS Graduation Day 2019: The Pondicherry Central University and Loyola College Society (PU-LCS) conducted their 17th Graduation Day in which

1,450 candidates received their MBA degree on 17 November 2019. Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Vice – Chancellor, Pondicherry University, was the Chief Guest.Christmas: The Loyola Campus Ministry team in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students conducted Carol competition, Crib-making Competition and Quiz for staff and students from December 16th to 18th. There was a campus Christmas get-together for all the staff (both academic and administrative from LCAS, LIBA, LICET, LCE, IDCR) on December 19th. Rev Dr. Sundar Wilson OFM delivered a thought-provoking Christmas message. Fr. Francis P. Xavier delivered the Christmas Message to the CRI in the city and he conducted an orientation program for the Province Chapter of the Sisters of St. Ann at Chengalpet .

Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, has appointed Fr. S. Maria Packiam as Theologian for the Institutional Ethics Committee-Biomedical and Health Research (IFC-BMHR) for a term of 3 years.

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LICETIt is a proud moment for LICET as it received NBA

accreditation for all its five departments. Fr. Maria Arul Raja conducted a one-day Spiritual Animation Programme on November 26th for all the teaching staff members of LICET. Sixteen French students of ICAM Exchange Programme bid adieu on November 9th in a formal farewell program with the farewell address by Fr. Francis P. Xavier. Mr. Eric Perrotel, Attaché for Promotion of French Language and Cultural Cooperation at the French Consulate, was the Guest of Honour.

The Women Cell of LICET - ‘SHE’ organized a wellness programme for all the teaching and non-teaching women staff members on “Women and Wellness”. Dr. Meera Ragavan, Uro-gynaecologist and Robotic Surgeon was the resource person. She interacted with the staff to know the common problems faced by different age groups of women and gave a clear and lucid explanation for the cause and the solution for those problems. The session gave valuable insights into healthy lifestyle, work-life balance and a positive approach in life.

ICT14 - Control and Automation: A five-day ICT-mode STTP on Control and Automation was organized by the Department of EEE in association with NITTTR - Kolkata from 18th to 22nd November 2019. Faculty members from EEE, Mechanical Engineering and ECE departments attended the programme. Dr. Sagarika Pal, Department of Electrical Engineering, NITTTR, was the resource person.

Justin Prabhu

Harur: ArulagamLoyola evening study centres efficiently organized

elocution competition in the month of October. For the final, all came together at Allalapatti on November 24th and successfully completed the competition. Nearly 240 students and their animators benefited from the competition. On December 10th, to commemorate the World Human Rights Day, human hand chain formation as a sign of solidarity and equality was made by the students of our higher secondary school. A meaningful Christmas celebration with no less than 30 Santa Clauses took place on December 20th in the higher secondary school where the students came bringing gifts for their poor classmates and shared the joy of Christmas. Fr. I. Vasanthakumar and our German friends Erinc Mary, Turgay and Hannah were the chief guests. They laid the foundation stone for the construction of the first floor of the Girls’ Hostel. On that day, our parish choir went to Loyola College, Mettala, to participate in the choral singing competition in which 16 parishes participated. On December 21st, we celebrated the birth of Jesus in

both the hostels. On December 22nd, we distributed gifts and served a delicious lunch to the widows and elderly people of parish. The Christmas celebration for the co-workers was organized in the evening. On December 23rd, Christmas was celebrated in the primary school in the morning, with the school staff at noon, and with pavement dwellers and abandoned people in the evening. On December 25th, we celebrated the birth of Jesus in the parish arranging the liturgy creatively. About 42 people from Harur including students participated in the Province Assembly on December 28th and were taken up with our preferential option for the poor and marginalized and our way of proceeding.

Anto S.A.

Kuppayanallur: LoyolaHostel Day preparations got underway on December

1st. Different games and cultural competitions were conducted for both boys and girls. On December 21st, Christmas was celebrated in Loyola Higher Secondary School. Our teaching and non-teaching staff selected 36 students from different classes who are orphans and semi-orphans and gave them Christmas gifts. The Christmas assembly was concluded with an examen on gratitude.

On the same day, we had Christmas celebration for our domestic and hostel staff. Students of our hostels exhibited their talents in the form of singing and dancing during the celebration. Students also shared their Christmas gifts with their Christmas friends.

On December 23rd, Fr. Antony Samy, Kuppayanallur Parish Priest, collected and distributed saris and dhotis to the widows and the elderly of our parish as Christmas gifts.

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Career guidance and motivational sessions were given to the X and XII students by the NGO, MAGIC BUS on December 27th. They instilled in the students the needed motivation through games and video presentations.

Amal BoscoKilpennathur: AHAL

From December 9th to 12th, a cadre formation and capacity building workshop on women and gender equality was organized by AHAL and ISI, Bangalore, for the cadres of AHAL, JESIM and TLM. Sr. Rosy from Kangeyam was specially invited as resource person to enlighten our cadres. From December 9th to 15th, awareness on local body elections was systematically given in Alaganandhal, Su.Pappambadi, Kacharapattu and Keekalur to ensure representation of Arunthathiyars in all possible wards. On December 19th, a general orientation was given by the ICRDCE team to the students and trainers of AHAL Skill Development Centre.

M.S. Amalraj

Makkampalayam: PARANOn December 8th, we brought all the Evening

Study Center staff from Thalawadi, Gundri, Sathy and Kadambur zones together at Kadambur for a training programme and Christmas celebration. Mr. Siruvadiu and Sch. Naveen talked on Women and Gender Equality. The Province Apostolic Plans were introduced to them and news of the impending bifurcation of Madurai Province was shared with them. Christmas gifts were distributed to all the staff. On December 12th, we organized a meeting for 170 members of women’s groups at Kadambur. ‘PARAN Revolving fund’-plan was introduced to them in order to take the activities of women’s groups to the next level.

ANBIAM meetings are regularly organized and ANBIAM Mass is celebrated regularly in the houses of the Parish. This helps the parishioners to grow in unity. On December 15th, we helped community leaders and members of women’s groups at Kilathur to establish a branch of the Urali Makkal Sangam by unveiling the Sangam’s name board in their village.

On December 21st, we went singing carols to

Kadambur, Pasuvanapuram and Gundri parishes and convents and on December 26th, we went for carol singing to houses in Makkampalayam .

On December 24th, Fr. Sathyabalan celebrated the Christmas Midnight Mass during which the Nativity of Jesus Christ was enacted by children. After the Mass, we had special Christmas cultural celebration with Urali Folk dance.

On 26th and 27th, twelve students from our Study Centers came for a two-day residential training on Study Skills and Methods. On December 27th, we organized an orientation-cum-training programme for eight college going Tribal students at Kadambur. Naveen KumarVadamelpakkam: Loyola Academy

On December 7th, the ‘Run Loyola Run’ Marathon was organized by the school for highlighting the dangers of Pollution, Climate Change and Global Warming in Maraimalai Nagar. It was an open-to-all event in which nearly 1,100 school students, both boys and girls, participated. Cash awards were given to winners in five different categories. Posters, hand bills and placards with appropriate slogans, were displayed, distributed and carried by volunteers. Campaigns like this, meant to create awareness of environmental degradation and ways to safeguard environment and save Mother Earth, are part of the Province Apostolic Preferences that mirror the Society’s UAPs and are reflected in our school’s action plans.

On December 21st, we had the Christmas celebration in the school in the morning with Fr. Paul John, the Parish Priest of Maraimalai Nagar, presiding and delivering the Christmas message. The students came up with some scintillating dances, inspiring skits and elevating carol singing. In the evening we had the gathering of all the families of staff members in our quadrangle to celebrate Christmas with a lot of dancing, singing, giving of gifts by Chris Ma to Chris Child and the Management showing their appreciation of the staff’s co-operation by giving them gifts. This event may not be unique to our school but the Chris Ma – Chris Child practice seems to be unique. It is through lots that the Chris Child is chosen and kept secret till the function. In the meantime, the Chris Ma is expected to pray for the Chris Child all through Advent.

On January 3rd we reopened school. We are busy preparing for the School Day scheduled for 25 January 2020.

Jayanth Frankly

Vettavalam: Loyola CollegeThe College campus was a beehive of activity in the

month of December. On December 3rd, nearly 800 XII Standard students from eight neighborhood government and private schools attended a one-day orientation programme in Arulalaya under the title Vetriyalar.

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Professors from the Department of English and Mathematics along with some school teachers served as resource persons and motivated the students to prepare well for the annual examinations. Fr. Albert William took the lead in mobilizing the students for this innovative event. The following day Fr. Maria Joseph Mahalingam organized a one-day seminar on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Thoughts for Societal Transformation. Mr Vadivel Ravanan, author of the book Viduthalai Veerar Ambedkar, highlighted the innumerable contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to Indian society. A day later, the students, professors and Jesuits paid floral tribute to him on his 63rd death anniversary. On December 5th, Fr. A. Selvaraj, Director of LiSOR, organized a one-day seminar on Locus of Power and Progress of Development. Twenty social activists and interventionists pointed out the social, economic, political and cultural situation in Northern part of Tamil Nadu which calls for our immediate attention and intervention. We organized a short function on December 12th to commemorate the International Human Rights Day in which Fr. Rajaratinam traced its historical background and sociological importance. On December 14th, as the President of CRI-Vellore Diocese, Fr. Maria Joseph Mahalingam organized a combined celebration of Christmas and the Golden Jubilee of the Religious Profession of Bishop Soundararaju SDB at Vellore. Prof. Sridhar, Department of Botany, Tiruvannamalai Government Arts and Science College, helped identify 93 varieties of plants in the College campus and plates, carrying their botanical, English and Tamil names, were attached to them. On December 20th and 21st, Loyofest was organized around the theme Thirukkural as directed by Thiruvalluvar University. Mr. Nassar, actor and film director, and Mr. Pava Chelladurai, popular short story writer, were the chief guests for the inaugural and valedictory functions, respectively. The students exhibited amazingly their extraordinary talents around various themes of Thirukkural. Although the Government declared holiday on December 21st, the students thronged Arulalaya for the second day of Loyofest. After the valedictory function, we celebrated Christmas and distributed New Year calendars to all the students. Hostellers, academic and administrative staff members had their separate Christmas celebrations. Much to the satisfaction and joy of the co-workers, Jesuit Management distributed useful gifts to them.

Maria Joseph Mahalingam

Dindigul: Beschi IllamOn December 7th, led by Frs. Michael Doss and

Swaminathan, seven novices participated in the Dindigul Ecumenical Christmas Carols 2019 and sang “Joy to the World.” On December 14th, we celebrated the Family Day 2019 with the family members of all the 12 first-

year novices. We had two input sessions and Eucharistic celebration and in the afternoon, the novices gave a splendid cultural programme at the end of which the parents assured us to co-nurture the Jesuit vocation of their sons. As Christmas gifts, the family members carried home plant saplings. From December 15th to 17th, Fr. Emmanuel Arockiam, Director, JESSCO, gave guidance and counselling to the novices and motivated them. On December 19th, at the invitation of St. Mary’s, Dindigul, the novices accompanied by Frs. Michael Doss, Yagoo, Inigo and Swaminathan went to Amali Farm, Ayyampalayam, for dinner and performed a few cultural items. On December 22nd, we had Christmas celebrations with our co-workers and their family members. Fr. Fidelis Jayabalan (AND), the chief guest, gave a captivating Christmas message and distributed gifts to our co-workers. A joint cultural programme by our co-workers, their children and our novices was enjoyed and much appreciated by all. On December 22nd and 23rd, the novices went round singing carols in Maduralaya, Domestic Workers’ Quarters, Valanagam and Apostolic Home enhancing thus the seasonal joy of all in Beschi campus. On December 26th, they gave a cultural programme and shared their Christmas joy with the students, staff and ICM sisters at St. Joseph Hospital, Dindigul. From December 26th to 31st, 29 sisters of the Irish Presentation Congregation made their annual retreat at CIS guided by Fr. George Beck from DNC, Pune.

JRS-TN: From December 1st to 7th, Fr. Leo Pereira and Sch. Manickam visited Vavunina, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Samboor, Muthoor, Paeyasalai,Vangavalai, Mannar, Mulaitheevu and Mulivaikal in Sri Lanka to study the actual state of the Tamil repatriates. Their study revealed the gratefulness of the repatriates to JRS-TN for its accompaniment, service and advocacy, and the ongoing struggles of the Tamil minority scattered across the post-war Sri Lanka. On December 19th, Fr. Leo participated in a consultative workshop conducted by UNHCR regarding the refugees’ voluntary repatriation, local integration and

resettlement in other countries. On December 22nd and 23rd, JRS-TN had a fruitful discussion with the staff members from LIBA, Chennai, Dr. Veni and Dr. Siluvai Raja. The duo interviewed the JRS staff and guided JRS-TN to work on its documentation. On December 23rd, there was a Christmas celebration at the Girihini Centre, Nilakottai. From December 23rd to 25th, Sch. Manickam stayed at St. John’s Hospital, Bengaluru, taking care of a seven-year- old boy Ruthrangan from Thoopukollai refugee camp. Financially supported by JRS-TN, the boy underwent successfully the first phase of his surgery on his deformed limbs. From December 27th to 31st, 15 youth from our refugee camps participated in a workshop on counselling organized at Ashirvad, Bengaluru, by JRS-RO, New Delhi.

After celebrating Eucharist in R.S. Mangalam on January 1st, on his way back to Paramakudi, Fr. Leo Pereira, fell off his motorbike at Thadikomban around 11.15 a.m. He received first aid at Ilayaankudi Government Hospital and was brought to St. Joseph Hospital, Dindigul, around 5:30 p.m. On January 3rd, he underwent an open reduction internal fixation of left orbit bone with titanium mesh repair wound debridement successfully. He was discharged from the hospital on January 7th and, presently, he is convalescing at Beschi Illam.

Swaminathan

Dindigul: St. Mary’s On December jpUtUl; Nguit and the Diocese of

Dindigul jointly organized Inter-Religious Christmas celebration at St. Mary’s. Officials, dignitaries, People from all the religions participated and it was a very meaningful celebration. “mwptpay; mwpNthk;” function was held at St. Mary’s. Dr. Mayilsamy Annadurai, Scientist, ISRO, was the chief guest. He interacted with 600 boys and

girls from 10 different schools around Dindigul. He released Fr. Britto Bonaventure’s 3-volume magnum opus The Flora of Central and North Tamil Nadu. On December 20th, Christmas celebration was held in the Primary and Higher Secondary Schools. Fr. Mahesh, SDB, Parish Priest of Savariyar Palayam, gave the Christmas message to the staff and Sr. Savari, CIC, gave Christmas message to all the boys.

On December 22nd, St. Mary’s Hostel celebrated Christmas and on the same day, its Annual Magazine “ePhpd;wp mikahJ cyF” was released by Fr. V. George and received by Fr. P. Joseph Xavier. Joemarsh

Karumathur:AACWomen’s Study Centre organized an awareness

programme for all the girl-students of our college on November 27th. Advocate S. Selva Gomathi from SOCCO Trust spoke on the legal rights of women. A Mega Signature Campaign and Open Painting Event, held on November 29th to mark the International Solidarity Day, drew a good response from the students. The AICUF unit joined hands with Marupakkam to coordinate a Documentary Film Fest between December 6th and 10th attended by R.P. Amudhan and Bhaskar, short film makers, and there

was screening of short films on social issues. The 2001 batch of RADAR students gathered on

December 15th and gratefully recalled their formative time in the campus. The Department of Chemistry organized CHEMFEST 2K19, an inter-collegiate event featuring numerous competitions on December 19th. The event drew 312 student-participants from 24 colleges in Tamil Nadu; Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College from Sivakasi bagged the over-all championship. The inter-departmental tournament conducted by the Physical Education Department

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between December 8th and 20th added flavor to the season. ARISE, the extension unit of the college, organized a bicycle rally to create awareness among people of the region about epidemics during the rainy season.

The College Christmas Celebration wore an interreligious colour with Sr. Lowrencia, Mr. Muthukannan and Mr. Nizamuthin, representing Christianity, Hinduism and Islam respectively speaking on unity in diversity. The Department of Human Excellence conducted two seminars for the UG students, one on Human Rights and the other on Religions, Peace, and Reconciliation. The orientation on Social Analysis given by Fr. Jayaseelan (AND) to the staff of the Department was much appreciated.

Fr. Vincent Sekhar participated in the Fifth Annual Vaishnava-Christian Dialogue in ISKCON, Chennai on 16-18 December and conducted the Advent prayer. He also addressed the Scholastics in Pune and Chennai on the Society’s Mission of Interreligious Dialogue. Earlier, Fr. Paul Pragash presented two research papers on Post-methods and English for Holistic Personality respectively in two recent international conferences in Delhi and Trivandrum.

Paul PragashPalayamkottai: St. Xavier’s

JCERT organized science motivation classes for VI Standard students on the theme ‘Science is fun’ and life motivation classes for X and XII students on the theme ‘you can win’ from 25th to 29th November at St. Xavier’s School. Dr. Ponnambalam, a renowned physicist, was the resource person for both.

John KennedyTiruchi: SJC

St. Joseph’s College conducted a one-day faculty development programme for 20 young staff at Sashthra University, Tanjore and NIT, Tiruchi, on December 2nd. A national level debate on ‘Climate Emergency’ was held on December 5th and 6th. The event drew 28 teams of student thinkers from colleges across the country to voice their concerns on environmental protection. Mr. Thirunavukarasu MP chaired the valediction and distributed prizes to the participants and 10,000 tree saplings to the representatives of villages covered by the SHEPHERD programme.

The family of former MLA, Arockiasamy (ASA) has instituted an endowment fund of Rs. 4 Lakh for organizing annual literary events in honor

of Veeramamunivar. The campus ministry team organized several activities that brought Christmas cheer to the campus. JIM launched the ‘Joy of Giving Week’ with a blood donation camp. A Christmas gathering on December 20th of the families of JIM staff became a memorable event. The students collected

money, clothes and other useful materials and donated them to the people of Panjepur, a leper colony on December 21st. JIM students had very stimulating courses on ‘Creativity and Innovation using Design Thinking’ by Mr. P.S. Lakshmanan and on ‘Quality and Six Sigma’ by Mr. K. Srinivasan. The second year students had a short course on ‘Business to Business Marketing’ by Mr. Mohan Kuruvilla.

On December 20, JIM organized a National Symposium on ‘Current Economy- The Way Forward.’ About 116 students from all over India presented papers, spelling out their ideas and suggestions on the current economic crisis in India. In the evening, there was a panel discussion with Dr. Arun Kumar from Indian Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, Dr. Sudarshana Nachiappan representing the Congress Party, Mr. Raghavan representing the BJP and Mr. Baalakrishnan representing the common man. The participants missed Mr. Seetharam Yechury, the General Secretary of CPI (M), who could not participate since he was detained for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Madha TV has telecast a series of talks given by Fr. S. M. Selvaraj on the Rosary, St. Francis Xavier and Christmas.

Leolin Arockiadass

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Fr. Edwin A. Sumit Menezes (68/47 PAT) passed away on 18.12.2019 at Bodhgaya.

Fr. Civiac Joaquin (87/68 GUJ) passed away on 27.12.2019 at Vadodara, Gujarat.

Br. Pascoal Colaco (78/55 BOM), passed away on 30.12.2019 at Shirpur.

Fr. Errol D’Lima (BOM) 77/61, passed away at Mumbai 05.01.2020.

Mrs. Savariammal (93), mother of Fr. Thomas Amirtham, passed away on 03.01.2020 in

Chennai.

Abide with the Lord

Vilangudi: VMIWith the theme “Flames of Love” VMI and

JPLI had the community day celebrations. We had healthy competitions in groups. Through literary and cultural events, indoor and outdoor games, our Pre-novices had plenty of opportunities to realize and express their hidden potentials. A course on ‘Human Sexuality’ by Sr. Jacqueline, FMM, was organized which helped them to have a right outlook of human sexuality and thus lead an integrated religious life.

A five-day course on Social Analysis by Fr. Philip made a remarkable impact on the Pre-novices, motivating them to critically look at the events that are happening across the country. On December 1st, the parents and family members of the Pre-novices were present with us. Through this coming together, we let them know of the Society’s way of life and of their responsibility to nurture the vocation of their sons.

Thiruvananthapuram: VidyaniketanWe were lucky to have the course on Media Education

by Fr. George Sabastian (KER) from December 2nd to 4th. It helped us to understand media as a platform to share our faith with people. We also learnt to use media critically. We celebrated the feast of St. Francis Xavier with the members of the community of St. Xavier’s College and we had our 2nd term exams from December 16th to 20th before entering the festive season of Christmas joyously.

Jefrin

A sharing by Fr. Sarathi on December 4th on Youth Ministry gave our Pre-novices an idea of the Society’s work among young people. The second term exams were conducted from 16th to 20th, followed by an evaluation of the term. On 21st, we had a simple, but meaningful Christmas celebration during which we exchanged gifts with our Christmas friends and sang carols. On 22nd, we made a bicycle pilgrimage to Poondi to receive Our Lady’s blessings.

Rex Reuban

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FR. FIDELIS JAYABALAN, S.J. (AND) Fr. Fidelis Jayabalan (71/55 AND) passed away unexpectedly on

December 26th at St. Joseph Hospital, Dindigul, because of severe heart congestion. Ordained in 1977, his active life as a priest has been in both Madurai and Andhra Provinces. A multilingual person, he was good in Tamil, Telugu and English. His recent works were a novel in Telugu. Na Thone Nuvvu, book on Meditation Dhyanam in Tamil, and a well-researched work on the Lamb of God in the Bible which may be published posthumously in Tamil. The well-attended Funeral Mass was presided over by Fr. P.S. Amalraj, Provincial (AND), in the domestic chapel of Beschi Illam, on 27 December 2019 followed by burial in the Beschi cemetery. RIP.

Vincent Amalanathan

Leonard Fernando, S.J.Jesuit Contribution to Nation Building in South Asia from the Nineteenth Century till TodayGujarat Sahitya Prakash Anand, Gujarat2019

Robert de Nobili, S.J.Standing up to Truth Tusana TikkaramTrans. Ed. by Anand Amaladass, S.J.Tamil Ilakkiya KazhahamTiruchirappalli 2019

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Fr. Pedro Arrupe is a legend still living vibrantly in and through the radiance of his radical holiness lived out in our modern world. I was just five years old when this great Jesuit had ended his earthly pilgrimage and entered into his heavenly abode. I couldn’t have known him then but, after joining the Society, I have heard and read about him, reflected on his life and have been renewed by this great Jesuit who continues to inspire me in innumerable ways. Though I love many qualities of Fr. Arrupe, I would like to reflect on one of his qualities that has touched me deeply. He was a man of depth. In a world, which gloried in shallow success, he lived and inspired his men to live as men of depth, who would delight not in shallow successes but in a deep-rooted and determined way of falling in love and staying in love. He was a man of spiritual depth. Every time, I see that graceful picture of Fr. Arrupe praying on his knees, I could only delight in his spiritual depth, the way he found God in the depth of spiritual delight and the way he radiated that spiritual depth in every sphere of his life as a Jesuit. He wanted us Jesuits to be men of depth-spiritual, intellectual, apostolic- in a holistic kind of way. Very often, I tend to go with the current and forget the importance of depth. Fr. Arrupe is a steady light shining in my heart to make me realize the importance of growing to be a man of depth. Our world is filled with many things that offer us instant gratification and we at times tend to move with the world. Fr. Arrupe inspires us all to forswear the worldly spirit of instant and momentary gratification and accept the Lord’s invitation to “row into the deep.” May this saintly Jesuit deepen our desire to live a life of depth!

Thayriam

THE ARRUPEAN QUALITY I LOVEARCA-SERIES: 04

Francis P. Xavier, S.J.Creating the 25th HourATC PublishersBengaluru2019