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71/9 Ranchi Jesuits, Sadbhavna P.B. - 4, Ranchi - 834001, Jharkhand SEPTEMBER 2012

FR. PROVINCIAL ’S PROGRAMME

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS :

F Announcement from Fr. Sudhir Kr. Minj, S.J (Socius):Ranchi Catalogue 2013 is being dispatched to the province men. Kindly inform to Fr. Sociusin writing any omission or mistake in the catalogue.

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FFFFF Announcement from Education Commission:Sharing on 'International Colloquium on Jesuit Secondary Education' held in Boston.Gumla Zone: On 22 September 2012 at St. Ignatius' Gumla; Time: 6.00 p.mSimdega Zone: on 23 September 2012 at St. Mary's Samtoli; Time: 6:00 p.mKhunti Zone: on 24 September 2012 at Loyola Khunti; Time: 6:00 p.mRanchi Zone: on 29 September 2012 at St. John's Ranchi; Time: 6:00 p.m

N.B: All the Jesuits working in the Zone are expected to be present for the programme.

FFFFF IPP Programme for Central Zone Jesuits involved in Secondary Education Apostolate.Date: October 22 (Evening) to 24, 2012 (Noon)Venue: Manresa House RanchiResource Person: Fr. Norbert Menezes S.J.

FFFFF Announcement from Pastoral Commission:Ranchi Jesuit Pastors Meeting at Tarunoday from October 2 (eve) to October 4 (Noon)

The Church remembers Cardinal MartiniItalian Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, a renowned biblical scholar and former archbishop of Milan, died Aug. 31 at theage of 85 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. After six years in the Holy Land, where he had retired to continuehis studies biblical scholar, in 2008 he returned to Italy and was treated at Gallarate for Parkinson's disease thataffected him for 16 years. However he continued his work and released several books and until recently held a columnin the newspaper "Il Corriere della Sera" of Milan. In last June, Pope Benedict XVI met him in private during his visitin the Archdiocese.

Born in Orbassano, near Turin, Italy, Feb. 15, 1927, Carlo Maria Martini entered the Society of Jesus in 1944,was ordained a priest July 13, 1952, and took his final vows as a Jesuit in 1962. The cardinal, a biblical scholar, neverheld a parish post. With doctorates in theology and biblical studies, he was a seminary professor in Chieri, Italy, 1958-1961; professor and later rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, 1969-1978; and rector of the PontificalGregorian University from July 1978 until his December 1979 appointment to Milan.

(Courtesy: www.sjweb.info)

INSTITUTIONS AND FORMATION HOUSES

MANRESA HOUSE, RANCHI

Frs. Walter and Kennedy conducted a half-day seminaron motivation and study skills for the Ursuline Collegiansisters on 2nd August. Fr. Sebastian (CAL) is the newmember of the community. He is here to pursue his B.Edstudies at St. Xavier's College Ranchi. Before joining ushe went to the USA to present a paper on Education atBoston. Fr. Albert Kullu was in Manresa House for a fewdays for his treatment.

On the auspicious day of India's IndependenceDay and the Feast of Assumption Fr. Walter Ekkapresided over the Eucharist and gave an inspiringhomily. Thereafter the national flag was hoisted andSch. Albert Kispotta delivered a patriotic speech. On 17,Fr. Rector, Brs. Francis and Polycarp joined the pastorsfor their spiritual renewal and retreat at Jharna. The next

day Brs. Nicholas Topno and Telesphore Horo proceededto Baroda for theirs.

On 20th August, the Social Commission organizeda talk for the religious on the burning issue of Nagrirelated to land and displacement. Resource personswere Fr. Alex Ekka, Fr. Stan Swami, Mr. Gladson, andDayamani Barla who highlighted the complexity ofthe issue. The response was good and many religiousof the neighboring communities had turned up in goodnumber.

As the follow up of the agreement to have regularmonthly recollection, we had it on 25. Fr. Aurel Brys threwsome light on 'the community life'. The entire communityfelt inspired and energized.

Scholastics are busy with their studies and doing wellin co-curricular activities. On 14, they won second prizein group-singing in the college competition. On 19th, they

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celebrated monthly birthday get-together with a short andcreative cultural programme.

On August 4, we lost Br. Stanislaus Kerketta, whobreathed his last in the Holy Family Hospital Mandar. Manyrelatives turned up for his funeral, the following day. Hisnephew Fr. Bimal Kerketta, a missionary to Egypt, wasable to arrive on the same day to bid his last farewell. On21st, Fr. Bimal also shared his own experiences as well asthe current situation in the Middle East which seems to bevery volatile.

Fr. Sanjay D.

ASHIRVAD-JHARNA

Fr. Raymond guided Sr. Rosa who made her retreat inJharna. Fr. Deepak Toppo directed a retreat to the sevenMarianist novices and their Asst. novice mistress. He alsogave talks in Samlong parish and Doreya to the membersof Mahila Sangh who were preparing themselves for theMonica Day. Fr. Barry (HAZ) preached an eight-dayretreat to 20 Jesuits among whom 14 were pastors, 4 non-pastor Jesuit priests and 2 Jesuit Brothers. Fr. SylvanusKiro guided two religious nuns - Sr. Rita Kullu andSr. Joanna Tudu- in their spiritual journey. Fr.GiorgioMennini went to Kolkata to preach a retreat as well as toget his papers done regarding his passport. He came backhome safe and sound. Fr. K.C. Philip too left for Keralaon 1st of August for a month. Brs. Jayprakash and Blaciuswent to Baroda for their annual retreat.

On August 15, after flag hoisting at Jharna-Ashirvad,novices went to ATC for Holy Mass. During the culturalprogramme they presented a patriotic action song. Therewas a football match between the Kishor Nagar boys andthe Ashirvad novices on the Kishore Nagar playground.The boys defeated the novices by 3-0. Congratulations!Marius Baghwar, the first year novice was badly injuredduring the game. He was rushed to a nearby clinic for firstaid and where he spent a night and a day.

The feast of St. Monica was anticipated to 26th Aug.,and celebrated at the ATC. The novices participated in allthe activities of the day namely Holy Mass, culturalprogramme and friendly football match between novicesand 'CL educate' Students. The latter defeated thenovices by 4-1.

A second year novice, Ruben Xalxo went home on26th Aug. for the burial of his father, Mr. Raphael Xalxowho had died the previous day. Fr. Novice Master hadaccompanied him. He returned on 28th Aug., and the next

day the community offered the Holy Mass for the reposeof his father. Fr. Novice Master left for Ahmedabad forNovice Masters' meeting, on 31st Aug.

Samir & Sylvanus

ATC, NAMKUM

ATC completed paddy transplantation with the help ofANM trainees and Kishor Nagar students before the feastof Assumption and the Independence Day. Fr. Erenius andBr. Angelus planted 52 new mango plants of Malda,Amarpali and Langra. The repairing of the brokenboundary wall and gate of the ATC has been completed.As the rainy season is getting over Br. Angelus is planningfor the winter crop cultivation.

The Independence Day was celebrated by hoistingthe national flag followed by a short cultural programme inthe hall. For this occasion, Ms. Rashmi Beck, ISI tribalunit Delhi, was the chief guest; Fr. Stan Swamy gave aninspiring message while Ms. Sangeeta Xaxa delivered aspeech. The traditional football match between ATC-Ashirvad and Kishor Nagar was played in the afternoonin which Kishor Nagar won by 3-0 goals.

The Monica Day was celebrated on 26th August withgreat joy. The ANM trainees, novices, youth and childrenpresented beautiful cultural programmes. In honour ofmothers football matches for the boys and girls were held.ANM trainees won the match with 3-2 goals; so did theCL Educate boys. As preparation for the Monica Day, theMahila Sangh had a one-day recollection and confession.Fr. George Kerketta gave the recollection talk andoffered the Eucharist for them on 24th Aug.

Br. James Barla went to Baroda along with otherJesuit Brothers of the Province to make his annualretreat. Fr. Sylvanus went to Daltonganj to give seminarand retreat to catechists of Danltonganj diocese.127 catechists of the diocese attended and benefitedfrom it. Among them there were also five women catechists.Fr. Erenius Toppo gave recollection to the mothers ofBundu parish in preparation for the Monica Day and alsogave recollection talk to the Bethani Sisters at Ulhatu.

Fr. Erenius

ST. XAVIER'S, BUNDU

The Independence Day celebration was a gala event thisyear as the Tricolor was unfurled by the local MLAMr. Gopal Krishna Patar popularly known as Raja Peter.Our Institution was applauded during a meeting of the heads

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of the different educational institutions of the locality inSDO's chamber for its discipline and infra-structures andso the campus was preferred by the Block Administrationfor a Sub-divisional level Football Match. St. Xavier's teamreserved the trophy in boys' group, but the girls' groupsacrificed it to the Kasturba Gandhi team.

The first terminal examination began on August 17for the School. Fr. Clement Kullu joined the JesuitPastors' retreat in Jharna from Aug. 16, and was back forthe anticipated Monica Divas celebration on Aug. 26 tobe with the members of the Mahila Sangh. Fr. EreniusToppo from ATC was the resource person to prepare theMahila Sangh on Aug. 25. The youth with the help of thehostellers made it impressive by felicitating and servingthem breakfast after the Holy Mass.

Fr. Ashok

BERCHMANS ILLAM

In Aug., we had a hectic schedule, packed with variousevents. In the first week, besides our regular classes wewere busy preparing for the upcoming first internal testwhich began on 7 and concluded on 13. The feast ofAssumption and the Independence Day were celebratedon 14th Aug. in the College. Holy Mass was celebrated inthe College chapel for the staff and the students.

On Aug. 18, with the purpose of knowing oneanother better, the Berchmanites had a one-day livinggroup outing and faith-sharing. It helped us to builda better community. Aug. 25 was a special day-recollection for all the Jesuits living in the Loyolacampus. Nearly 160 Jesuits gathered to hear Fr. FrancisJeyapathy who shared about the 70th Procurators'Congregation held at Nairobi. Fr. Francis underlined threeaspects: Depth (spiritual, intellectual and apostolic),creative transformation and growth process. Thefollowing day the recollection ended with the Eucharistand fellowship dinner at Berchmans Illam. Indeed it wasan occasion to know one another better as companions inthe Society. In the last week of Aug., classes were a bitdisturbed due to Bertrum Memorial Tournament whichwas held in the Loyola college ground. Many school andcollege teams from different parts of Tamil Nadurepresented their schools and colleges in various gameslike basketball, volleyball, tennis and chess. Nevertheless,we benefited a lot by their excellent performance andtalents.

Sch. Nirmal

TARUNODAY

In the month of August change of offices gave usopportunities to serve the community in differentcapacities. Sch. Ajit Kalyan is appointed as the beadleand under his leadership all office-bearers took theirnew responsibilities with fervent zeal. On 3rd Augustwe had a talk on "marriage and sexual morality" bytwo couples. Their sharing of experiences was an eye-opening for us. Fr. Tom Chillikulam, S.J dean of RTCPatna was here for his course on Hinduism. We had achance to visit Rama Krishna Mission as part of thecourse which broadened our knowledge about Hinduism.On the Indigenous Days, Taruns acted a 'Nukad' atSt. Joseph's Club Hall on the "Nagri Land Issue' with itspowerful message of 'Tribal Unity' which was appreciatedby the audience. On 15th August, after the Mass andflag-hoisting in Kanke parish there was a football matchbetween Kanke youth and the Tarun Brothers. The latterwon the match by 4-3 goals. On the same day in theafternoon we had a Temple Darshan as part of thecourse on Hinduism. Now many of us understand therichness of Hinduism better. Fr. Tom Venad arrivedfrom Delhi on 20th Aug to take classes on 'The Acts ofthe Apostles' for the second years. The first yeartheologians went to St Albert's College for one dayseminar on 'The Priestly Formation in the Light ofVatican Council II'. On 23rd we started our classes on 'TheIntroduction to the Old Testament' by Fr Henry Barlaand the 'Christian Commitment' by Fr Amrit Tirkey. Webegan our recollection on 24th Aug under Fr. John Mundu.The topic for the recollection was 'The Priestly Formationand the State of the Society Today'. Br. Isdore went toGujarat for his retreat. In the last week of August, Fr.Michael Kerketta was here to take classes for the secondyears. On 30th Fr. Francis Minj went to Patna RTC totake classes. Fr. Henry Barla went to St John SchoolRanchi for his annual retreat.

Sch. Pradeep

DNC PUNE

An extension lecture on "God Particle" was held at JDVin the first week of Aug., to keep abreast with thelatest in science and technology. DNC had culturalcelebration of North-East on Aug. 9th led by thescholastics of the Kohima Region. The President of theJDV met all the philosophers and theologiansseparately to improve the academic curricula. The

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PREMAL JYOTIIn Aug. Ahmedabad received good rain. On 9th Aug., Br.George (GUJ) and Fr. George Ukken, who is currently inUganda, celebrated their golden jubilee in the Society ofJesus. On 14thSubodh went for university marathon torepresent the College and got 12th place out of 150competitors. Fr. Danish was kind enough to give usrecollection on Aug. 18-19 at Premal Jyoti. From 27th

Aug. to 1st Sept., we had our mid-term exams. Third yearstudents had to give their exams online. Valentine andSubodh were happy to see Ranchi brothers visitingAhmedabad after their retreat. However being exam dayboth of them could not accompany them.

Sch. Subodh

president inquired if the present syllabi were relevant intoday's context.

There was a double khassi tournament organizedby the Brothers of the Papal Seminary on Aug. 15. DNCChotanagpuri team got the second place and retainedthe tradition of bagging a khassi every year. The 1st mid-semester exams for this academic year were held fromAug. 20-25. With a purpose to make us aware of thereality, a seminar on "Scandal in the Church" was held inthe last week of the month. At present the whole DNC isgetting ready for the upcoming community days which willbe held on Sept. 7-9.

Sch. Ajit

PARISHES

SOGRA

In mid-July, Fr. Provincial came for visitation. He alsomet the religious sisters and parishioners.

Fr. Sikander Tirkey is promoting fruit-treesplantation among the parishioners. As a result manyparishioners are inspired to plant mangoes and leechisin their respective gardens. In Sogra parish, the youthsconducted hockey and football tournaments for boysand girls respectively from July 14 to Aug.15. Teams fromdifferent village units participated in the tourneysenthusiastically. In men's section, Mankitoli team won thekhassi (goat), while in women's group,Barkatoli team wonthe big Murga (cock), defeating the combined team ofKhedwatoli, Banetoli and Chunutoli. On 12 Aug.,Fr. Sikander and Sr. Manju conducted a one-day seminarcum recollection for the parish youths. About 84 youthsbenefitted from it.

On 15th Aug., Fr. Sikander hoisted the national flagin the school and delivered a speech. In his address, hecalled upon the people to promote good education andsafeguard the freedom of the people by working togetherin the parish. Sogra Gram Sabha conducted sports for theparishioners just after the flag-hoisting. On 26th, theparishioners celebrated the feast of St Monica observedas "Mothers' Day." Fr. Suman Toppo from Rengarihhelped the mothers spiritually by guiding them in theirrecollection. He highlighted relevance of the selfless loveof St. Monica that transformed the life of her husband andson St. Augustine. Just after the Mass, mothers presentedskits based on the Bible. Congrats to Sr. Margret and hercommittee members. Meanwhile on 20th Aug., someunknown people threw away the bamboo boundary ofthe school at night. The parishioners are collaborating withthe parish community to resolve the issue.

Fr. Mati

ASSAM MISSION

BALIPARASt John's School Balipara campus witnessed beamingsmile and joy on the faces of students and teachers as theschool reopened after summer holidays on 1st Aug. Theattendance in the school was good on the reopening day.Fr. Principal keeps on encouraging the students to beregular for their school. On the Independence Day theflag hoisting ceremony was grand; the national anthemechoed in the campus in unison rousing the spirit of

patriotism. The hostellers performed the march pastunder the guidance of Sch. Rosario which was quiteimpressive for the neighboring people.

In the parish the 'Mothers' Day' celebration washeld on 26th Aug. About thirteen hundred womengathered in the parish church for the occasion. Thesolemn Mass was presided by Fr Theodore Baa theParish Priest. Fr. Ranjit Horo conducted a session for theparticipants with a purpose to make them aware of their

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strengths, responsibilities and challenges. Balipara Parishextends a heartfelt thanks to Fr. Ranjit for his wonderfulservice. Another important event of the month was thevisitation of Fr. Xavier Lakra, the Mission Superior of theAssam Jesuit Mission. With his visitation many things gotclarified and new enthusiasm dawned in the community.We thank Fr Xavier for his visit and sharing his deepestconcerns of our Jesuit life and ministry. The new boys'hostel is almost getting ready as the painting work is inprogress.

Sch. Rozario

KATHALGURI

On the occasion of Society's Founder's feast nearly adozen priests and religious visited the Jesuit communityand shared the joy and fellowship meal with us. Schoolreopened on 2nd Aug., after a month of holidays. Initiallymany students were absent but slowly it gained themomentum and the school started running in full swing.In order to mark the Independence Day there were speechand singing competitions held in the school hall on 13th

Aug. Many students participated and displayed theirtalents.

Parish council meeting was held on 18th Aug. in theschool premises. All the catechists and headmen of differ-ent villages came for the meeting in which it wasunanimously decided not to have Monica divas, girl'schild day and parish Sabha. This important decision wastaken due to the recent ethnic violence between twocommunities in this area. People prudently thought not togive occasions for the anti-social elements. HoweverMonica Divas was celebrated in Jacobpur and MornaiT.E in the morning and evening respectively. Fr. Pradeepmade use of this opportunity and spoke on the Right toInformation emphatically. After the ethnic violence, strikeand curfew has paralyzed the normal life of the people ofthe area. We have been affected very badly because manykillings and burning of houses took place in Gossaigaonarea.

Fr. Jerome

MANAS BANSBARI

After summer vacation the school reopened on 1st Aug.Soon teachers -parents meet was organized which hascertainly put a positive impact on the students, the staffand the guardians.

Pending construction works of the Dispensary,St. Anne's Convent and St. Xavier's school are in full swingand all will be over by the end of Oct.

The feast of St. Monica was celebrated on 26th Aug.,which is also observed as the 'Mothers' Day'. Fr. CorneliusPanna, SDB, gave a talk, heard confessions andcelebrated the Eucharist for the faithful. In his homilyhe stressed on the role of a mother in the family andsociety. After the Eucharist there was a shortfelicitation programme in honor of all the motherspresent there.

Fr. Ajay

MUSHALPUR

On 1st Aug., the School reopened after summer vacationand to the surprise of everybody all the students cum thestaff were 100% present on this opening day. Three newteachers for English, Science and Maths have joined thestaff. All the parents and guardians are very happy thatthere are good and qualified staff members in the school.On 10th, painting competition on different topics namelyon science and environment were held. The winners weregiven prizes.

Mushalpur is less affected by the recent ethnicviolence because the area is dominated by the Boro tribe.On 15 Aug., our students were present for the flaghoisting in the district court-ground and they bagged thethird prize in the march-past on 1st Sept., there was Sci-ence and Arts exhibition in St. Xavier's school.

Monica Diwas was celebrated for the first time inthe parish on 25-26 Aug. Fr. Francis Basumatary, the parishpriest of Domini, helped 55 mothers in their recollection,and on Sunday there were 150 mothers present for theEucharistic celebration. With the help of Sr. Kusumand the parish priest, Fr. Vital, all the functions wenton well. The newly built hall with its good sound systemwas an ideal place for prayer and reflection. After theEucharist, children and youth of the parish felicitatedtheir mothers by offering them gifts during a shortcultural programme.

Fr. Pradeep

PENGAREE

The month of Aug. brought much good news for St.Xavier's Pengaree. First of all, the whole compoundechoed with the presence of the school children in the

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ST. XAVIER'S JUNIOR COLLEGE SONABHEEL

In general there is a lot of improvement in the areas ofdiscipline and attendance. There is recruitment of 4 newprofessors in the Junior College. On 1st Sept., there wasa grand welcome for the freshers by the second yearstudents. During the programme all those students ofmatriculation exams as well as that of the second year ClassXII students who have scored first division were giventoken prizes for their good performance.

St. Xavier's Junior College Campus looks green allover. Good paddy crops are coming up and this greeneryrefreshes the mind and hearts of the students as well of theprofessors.

St. Xavier's Degree College, one of the wings is alsocoming up very fast under the supervision of Md. Asmaul.

Fr. Xavier

GANA CHETANA SAMAJ, ASSAM

Gana Chetana Samaj (GCS) has collaborated withNABARD for the capacity building program of the SelfHelp groups and the promotion of the Farmers' Club. On3rd Aug., our coordinator met Mr. Anup Kr. Guha, AssitGeneral Manager of Sonitpur District to chalk out furtherprogramme for the farmers. This year farmers were wellmotivated for Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI) andbanana cultivation. The Organization is supporting thefarmers to develop themselves as model farmers intheir areas. On 6th Aug., Fr. George, director, met all thefarmers to motivate them.

First two weeks of the month were the busy daysfor all the staff members of GCS as all were involved inthe Flood relief survey in Noduar and Sootea Blocks ofSonitput District, Assam. Fr. George had a desire to reachthe most badly affected villages by boats which are madeup of the banana stems. Despite the survey work he evenfound time to visit the piggery farms promoted by theOrganization in two Blocks.

After the completion of the survey in two Blocks ofSonitpur District, on 11th, 12th and 20th Aug., the FloodRelief Material Distribution Programmes were organizedsimultaneously in Nijbasti, Kholiamari and Gohaisoparivillages of Noduar and Sootea Blocks. The M.L.As ofSootea and Bisnath constituency inaugurated theprogramme on 12th and 20th Aug. Besides them otherdignitaries like ZPC members, Anchalik Presidents, Block

school campus. In the North - East the hoisting of theNational Flag is scarcely done for the last 20 years due tothe Bandh called by different anti-social groups of Assam;but St. Xavier School had the flag hoisting in the schoolcompound. The school was fortunate to have thepresence of the Army Area Commander Mr. Vinay whogave a short message on the 66th Independence Day. On22nd of Aug., Fr. Xavier Lakra visited Pengaree to boostus up for the mission at Pengaree Centre.

On 25th of Aug., Fr. Dominic and the ParishPastoral Council went to Dibrugarh for the centralmeeting, where the declaration of the Year of Faith wasmade by Bishop Joseph Aind and all the members wereenthused to take up some concrete steps in the line of faithformation. Again 26th of Aug. was a joyful day whenPengaree parish celebrated the Monica day in Kathalgurivillage. A big number of women participated in theProgramme. Sr. Imelda, MHMSC encouraged theparticipants by her inspiring talk. Frs. Dominic andTelesphore also exhorted them to provide goodeducation to their children as there are several schools inthe locality.

Fr. Telesphore

TEZPUR JESUIT BHAVAN

Fr. Xavier Lakra had been to Sijusa, one of the centres ofthe Ursuline Sisters, in Arunachal Pradesh for the 15 Aug.celebration. He presided over the Eucharist with nearly150 parishioners and had flag hoisting. Then at 9.00 a.m.all the school children from different schools and peopleof the locality had gathered in big number in the civil courtground. The ADC hoisted the national flag and peoplesang the national anthem with great enthusiasm.

Fr. Xavier had been to Salana parish for thecelebration of Monica Divas on 26 Aug. Nearly 1000mothers from different units came together for thecelebration. In his homily he encouraged to follow themodel of St. Monica by always praying for the wellbeingof their husbands and children. He also exhorted them toput their trust in the power of God as did St. Monica. Healso gave a day of recollection for 40 Ursuline sisters andcollege students at Shanti Bhavan on 1st of Sept. He alsowent for visitation to different Jesuit centres: to Pengaree(20-24 August); to Balipara (27-28 August); to St. Xavier'sCommunity Sonabheel (29-30 August); and Jesuit Bhavan( 31 -1st September).

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Educational Officer and Ward members were also present.Gana Chetna Samaj distributed relief materials: rice 25kg,dal one kg, oil one liter, salt one kg., fodder 10kg andbathing and washing soaps to more than 2000 familiescomprising 8,124 population of 33 villages. Now GCS ispreparing itself to organize medical camps in those affectedareas.

On 19th Aug., Fr. George and two staff membersattended the meeting at Missamari organized by the people

of that area. The main agendum of the meeting was howto promote adivasi culture. Gana Chetana Samaj looksforward to preserve adivasi culture and heritage bymaking the adivasis aware of values of their own culturalheritage. In the meeting people decided to organize theKaram Folk Dance Celebration on 23rd Sept. It will be anoccasion for the people to know and appreciate theirculture.

Fr. George

PROTHRAPUR

As preparation for the feast of our Lady of Velankanni,the faithful of the Prothrapur parish had novena in her honor.They organized a Pad Yatra (pilgrimage) on 11th Aug.Despite heavy rain devotees could walk together shoutingslogans, reciting rosary and singing devotional hymns ofMother Mary. They reached the Panighat shrine at 4.00p.m and ended their novena with the Holy Mass presidedover by Fr. David Bara. Again, 12 Aug. was a day ofrecollection for the preparation of the feast. It was wellconducted by the parish charismatic team. Fr. David, Mr.Nirmal Ekka and Mr. Arulanand Swamy were thepreachers. Father Amrit Kujur SJ availed himself forthe sacrament of reconciliation and the Eucharisticcelebration.

The diocese of Port Blair celebrates 15th Aug. asthe feast of our Lady of Velankanni in a grand manner.Many faithful gathered at Port Blair cathedral for the feast.His Lordship Alex Dias presided over the Eucharist.

Soon novena to St. Monica began on 17th Aug. Priorto the feast a day of recollection was organized on 25th

Aug. and Rev. Fr. Dharampal Tirkey a diocesan priestwas the preacher for Mahila Sangh. The feast of St. Monicawas celebrated in the parish with great joy andenthusiasm. It began with a meaningful Eucharisticcelebration. Liturgy was well prepared by the Mahila Sanghwith the help of Sisters and some of the Catholic Sabhamembers. Singing was melodious and devotional. Soonafter the Eucharist, members of the Catholic Sabha,children and youth came forward to felicitate the mothers.At the end everyone received a sweet packet. Thus thefamily feast ended on a joyful note.

Fr. David

DIGLIPUR

The preparation for the Parish Day and the Feast ofSt. Ignatius of Loyola started with the singing practice fromthe first week of July. As a spiritual preparation, we begannovena to St. Ignatius on 19th July. We celebrated the feaston 29th July. We had a very grand celebration. It beganwith solemn Eucharistic celebration followed by anenjoyable cultural programme and ended with lunch forall.

Preparation for the feast of St. Monica began withnovena to her on 16th Aug.. On 19th Aug., one day'srecollection was organized for the mothers. Fr. Dharampaland Mr. Tony from Port Blair helped them by their talks.Monica Day was celebrated on 26th Aug. After havingsolemn Eucharistic celebration mothers were felicitated andhonoured by their sons and daughters. Lunch was servedfor all.

Fr. Anil

RAMNAGAR

31st July St. Ignatius' feast was celebrated with greatfervor and zeal. The parishioners actively took part in theHoly Mass. Soon after the Eucharist both the priests weregiven warm felicitation.Fr. Alexander gave a triduum tothe Missionaries of Charity Sisters, Diglipur from 12 to 14Aug. He came back on 15th Aug. early morning.Fr. Benedict had already hoisted the flag together withthe parishioners. This was followed by the Holy Mass.Thereafter the youth especially the boys rushed to theschool playground. There was a football final matchbetween A Plat and C Plat. Fr. Alexander joined C platwhereas our cook joined A plat. C plat won the match

ANDAMANS

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with a solitary goal. On 19th Aug., we celebrated 'AbbaDiwas'. The youth and children welcomed their fatherswith flowers and garlands. The very next Sunday on 26th

Aug., we celebrated 'Amma Diwas', Mothers' Day. Againall the mothers were thanked and wished by theirchildren. On 1st of Sept., Fr. Alexander with the help ofyouth organized a one-day Seminar for the youth onDe-Addiction. It was supported by the Association of

thanksgiving for their successful conference in Bostonand their safe journey to Rome. When they reached Rome,they were received warmly by Justin and Christdhari.The latter had arranged a meeting with R.P. Generalimmediately after the lunch. They were extremely pleasedto receive a cordial welcome by R.P. General. After a fewexchange of words, Christdhari captured in his photocamera their memorable moment with R.P. General. Thathelped them to relive the happy memories of his recentvisit to Ranchi. Apart from visiting some of the major placesof tourist as well as historical and religious importance,they made it a point to visit all the important Ignatian placesin Rome. They rightly began their Ignatian pilgrimage fromLa Storta. They prayed over the tomb of St. Ignatius andover those of the other Saints of the Society of Jesus inboth the Church of St. Ignatius and Gesù Church. Theirpilgrimage aptly concluded with a Holy Mass in the Roomof St. Ignatius. On 15 Aug., they left for Manresa andMontserrat. Apart from renewing their Ignatian spirit inand around Manresa, they also enjoyed the warmhospitality of the Community of Manresa. After a briefdarshan of the city of Barcelona, they came back to Rome.By and large, their pilgrimage to the Eternal City and theimportant Ignatian places brought forth rich experiencesand unforgettable memories. They left for London on 17August.

Suman Beck and Sylverius Chermako, our two newRanchi men, are gradually getting inserted into the Romanway of life. Initially, they were supposed to go to Veronafor their language course; but somehow the plan did notwork out, and they began to learn the basics of the Italianlanguage under the guidance of two experienced Jesuits.From 3 Sept., they will join a language school of Rome toimprove their speaking and writing skills. They seem to beconfident to prepare themselves mentally and linguisticallybefore the start of the academic year on 8 Oct. Justin

Catholic A & N Island. Around 51 youth participated in it.The youth had a procession holding placards in their hands.The main speakers were Mr. Rahul, Ms. Sony andMr. Subodh Mondal, the Pradhan of Ramnagar. Theyhighlighted the effects of alcohol on human body, brainand society. The youth from Mayabunder and Ramnagarparticipated and profited from it.

Fr. Alexander

DIASPORA

GREGORIAN UNIVERSITY ROME

Gregorian University officially closes during the monthof August; however, the students and the teaching staffmembers already leave as soon as the exams get over fordifferent destinations for summer ministries, courses,conferences or for vacations. Linus stayed back at homeuntil 22 July to complete some of his pending works andprepared his lessons to be given during the holidays inSt. Albert's College, Ranchi. I left for India on 30 June fora conference on Moral Theology in India, which washeld in Bangalore from 12 to 15 July. As one of themembers of the Organizing Committee, I arrived inBangalore two days prior to the commencement of theConference. I presented a paper on the use and themisuse of the Internet under the title "New MediaLandscape and Prevalent Ethical Issues".

After the conference, I stayed with Frs. Alex Ekkaand Ranjit Toppo in XISS - a community which alwaysencourages and supports me in every way possible.During my short stay, I had the opportunity to interact withdifferent groups of people. Among the different talksgiven in Ranchi, the two talks- one on "Tribal MoralHeritage" to our Tarunoday Theologians and the other on"Characteristics of Jesuit Education" to a group of XISSstudents were personally enriching. I came back to Romeon 7 Aug., to prepare the way for our Ranchi men AjitXess, Florence Kujur and Augustin Kujur, who arrived inRome on 13 Aug., on their way back from Boston toRanchi.

All three were accorded a warm welcome at theairport. Immediately after their arrival they were led to TreFontana (Three Fountains), where St. Paul was martyred.The popular tradition says that when St. Paul wasbeheaded, his head jumped three times and water sprangout from each place it fell. They offered prayers of

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The present year is the fifth birth centenary of Diego(James)Laínez, the second general of the Society of Jesus.The celebrations began at his birthplace Almazán (Castile,Spain), on April 21, and end in October. He was one ofthe giants of the first generation of Jesuits, but wassomewhat eclipsed by St Ignatius and St Francis Borgia,the first and the third generals of the Society.

Xavier was the only one of the original band toleave Europe. Among the remaining eight, Laínez was themost accomplished and the most influential because of hiselection to the generalship in 1558. Ignatius had met himin Paris at the age of 20, and ever since became lifelongfriends. In 1534 he made the Exercises in Paris. Amongthe early companions he enjoyed the most respectbecause of his grasp of scholastic philosophy andtheology. He and Salmerón were simply outstanding.From their preaching and writing they continued to learnthroughout their lives.

We may mention here Ignatius's foundationalexperience in a chapel at La Storta outside Rome, inOctober 1537. (The original chapel no longer exists as itwas bombarded in 1544.) We are familiar with the scene:the Father, Christ carrying his cross, colloquy betweenthe Father and the Son, and the change that Ignatius"experienced in himself and saw so clearly that God theFather placed him with Christ his Son." Fr. P.R. Divarkarnotes that "[t]he details recounted by Laínez have beencherished by Jesuits through the centuries, but seeminglyfor Ignatius they were all summed up in his being placedwith Christ."

Shortly after their arrival in Rome in 1537, PopePaul III appointed Laínez and Favre lecturers of theologyat the University of Rome. Upon their arrival andministries in Rome, the general public looked upon them"reviled as devils, and revered as saints." In preparationfor the approval of the Society, Polanco received a longletter from Laínez containing the first narration of what hadhappened: Who are we? What are we? Whence did we

come? This helped Polanco compose a "summary" of thebasic story.

Later the Pope appointed Laínez together withSalmerón and Jay as theologians to the Council of Trent.Again in 1551 when sessions were resumed at Trent,Jesuits had fierce clashes with the Dominicans, especiallyone Cano. Laínez lost his cool and responded to one ofCano's criticisms with "That's shit!" -istasmerdas, andstormed out of the room; but soon regretted and flunghimself at Cano's feet asking for his pardon. Ribadeneiranarrates this incident but stops short of Laínez'sconcluding words, which bolder Nadal reports with anexchange of insults that cut the confrontation short! -Ignatius was scathing in his reprimand to Laínez. Laínezthe firebrand submitted himself immediately to theGeneral: "I ask you, Father, as often as need be. . . .Deprive me of the guidance of others, put an end to mypreaching and to my studies, set me to serve in kitchenand garden and in the most elementary of grammar classesuntil my dying day!" Obedience is the virtue in whichIgnatius wanted his men to excel.

In mid-1550s in Trent, during yet another fiercedebates on reform of the papal curia, despite their"special vow" to the pope, the three Jesuits - Laínez,Salmerón, and Polanco - remained within the theologicaland canonical mainstream even regarding the papacy, andasserted that the sins, mistakes, and scandals of thepapacy had been responsible for the defection from theChurch of northern Europe. They further argued: ". . .thepopes had provided the worst example of all, and unless'the head' was reformed there was no hope for the reformof 'the members.' The pope had to remember that,although he was the shepherd of the Lord's sheep, he wasat the same time one of the sheep. The popes andmembers of the papal curia had become the scribes andPharisees 'devouring the substance of the widows'denounced by Jesus in the Gospels (Matt: 23:14)" -Fr J.W. O'Malley. - Perhaps what St Augustine said to his

guided them and kept their spirit high during the holidaysbefore he left for a northern city of Italy to preach Retreatto a group of Religious. During the first week of Sept.,he plans to visit Belgium, especially the birthplace of Fr.

Constant Lievens so as to have an enriching experience ofthe undying missionary zeal of our Belgian missionaries.He will come back to Rome on 16 Sept.

Fr. Prem

FIFTH BIR TH CENTENAR Y OF DIEGO LAÍNEZFr. Henry Barla, S.J.

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Christians still shows the way: "What I am for you terrifiesme; what I am with you consoles me. For you I am abishop; but with you I am a Christian. The former is a titleor duty; the latter, one of grace. The former is a danger;the latter, salvation" (LG 32).

Laínez (1512-1565) came from a wealthy family ofCastile still considered "New Christians" even though itwas his great grand-father who had converted fromJudaism to Christianity. His brothers and sisters: threepriests and a cloistered nun. There were other memberswho were of the Jewish origin (Juan de Avila, Franciscode Toledo, Juan Bautista Romano. . .). The fiercestcritic of Ignatius's Judeophilia was Martínez Siliceo,Cardinal-Archbishop of Toledo, the powerful primate ofSpain. He pressed Ignatius to exclude Jews, dangling manyprivileges. All in vain. Ignatius refused a similar rebuff fromthe Spanish court. Even his cousin (cousin of his belovedstepsister Madeleine) Antonio Araoz attacked Ignatius onthis point, and especially Polancoand Laínez, Ignatius's twomost visible fellow workers of Jewish origin. Pope PaulIV's dislike for Jesuits/ Spaniards is well known: a "pile ofMoors and Jews." In this connection if the bitter critics ofIgnatius's Judeophilia could only have recalled what theApostle says in Rom 11:17-20! All these detractors were"wild olive shoots" grafted in the olive tree! Laínez, Polancoand some more from the Jewish background - were theynot from the tribe of Jesus? Why should then suchdiscrimination within the Church?

Laínez's easy election in 1558 to succeed Ignatiusas superior of the Society, complicated though it was bythe difficult relations with Pope Paul IV, manifested thathis colleagues recognized his leadership qualities. The Popewas in good relationship with individual Jesuits, e.g., Laínezand Bobadilla, and occasionally quite cordial with Ignatius.But when GC 1 was convoked, the Pope's relationshipwith Jesuits was in full crisis. That led Nadal to pray thatthe Pope might die soon! GC was completely in disarrayand didn't know how to proceed. (Bobadilla filled thePope's ear: he was being excluded from the role of theGC.) Finally, Bobadilla found himself isolated. Laínez acted

as vicar general and asked the Pope to allow convokingGC. - 2 July 1558, Laínez polled (13 votes), Nadal (4votes). Pope overruled: Laínez was not to be general advitam but only for 3 years. (In Pope's perception Ignatiushad governed SJ as tyrant; no such occurrence to be anymore!). GC sent Laínez and Salmerón with a letter toPope not to change Constitutions: Pope didn't relent.Moreover he imposed chanting of Hours. Laínez askedonly the professed house to comply. On 18 Aug. 1559,Pope Paul IV died. Canonists advised Laínez the deadpope's order (that was against the Formula) was no morebinding! Laínez was at peace only when Pope Pius IVformally abrogated his predecessor's orders in 1561.

Laínez was extremely bold, eloquent, excellentleader, communicator and captivating. In disputes hisarguments outsmarted his interlocutors. A genuine personindisputably great enjoying most high regards from Ignatius.However, a big surprise awaits us and makes us feelalmost like fools: that the second Jesuit General, thebearer of Ignatius's torch, because of his Jewish descentwas not worthy of being declared a saint! The wave ofanti-Semitism in 16th c. was too strong; such acts werepart and parcel of the "spirit of the times," even if awfullyvexing and creating untold animosities.

The Italian Jesuit historian Paolo Sacchini has paida very fine tribute to Diego Laínez: "We are proud of ourLaínez, whose so-called stain is ignominious only to mindsboth vulgar and stuffed with prejudices. It is our duty tomake war on such prejudices and destroy them. Is it alsoignominious to encounter Our Lord at day's end? Whatpossible stain survives in a man become the temple of God,the son of God, and heir of God, and a fellow inheritor ofChrist? Must we blush at thinking like the Apostle to theGentiles? It is he who forbids the wild olive tree to lookwith disdain upon the broken branches of the domesticolive tree on which - though no merit of their own - theforeign branches have been grafted. How may a man wholoves Christ be offended at seeing one of His own raceapproach Him," - in Jean Lacouture, Jesuits: AMultibiography.

LET US REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS :

Br. Stanislaus Kerketta, SJ (60/82) passed away on August 9, 2012.

Mrs. Regina Bara (78), the paternal auntie of Fr. Ajay Anil Tirkey, SJ died on August 11, 2012.

Mr. Raphael Xalxo, father of Novice Ruben Xalxo passed away on August 25, 2012.

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BIRTHDAYS

SEPTEMBER

02 Delporte Anthony04 Kerketta Patrick

Xess Isayas07 Ekka Severius08 Kadookunnel Anthony

Saras AjitKullu Elias

12 Kerketta Elvius13 Kindo Beatus14 Tigga John Crus15 Bara David16 Ekka Patras

Tirkey AlexiusEkka Anthony

21 Toppo Christopher RajuBage Tej MatiDang Edwin

23 Kujur LinusKujur Pingal

24 Tirkey IgnatiusMennini PiergiorgioKullu Pradeep

25 BaxlaTej Kumar

OCTOBER

04 Tirkey Anil Kishore08 Lakra Ignatius09 Beck Walter11 Toppo James Ignatius

Minj AnthresBeck Suman

12 Surin VictorMinj BillianusKerketta Pradeep

14 Tete Callixtus15 Baxla Suman J.16 Dungdung Albert

Lakra Xavier 20 Bilung Francis Xavier

Minj Abraham21 Barwa Solomon22 Ekka Anselm26 Soy Raphael

Kujur Florence27 Guria Florence

Tigga Mahendra PeterPurti FlorenceXalxo Patrick

28 Toppo VincentKujur SudhirSoreng Prabhat Kennedy

30 Aind Alphonse