1

Ranchi Bulletin

75/8

August 2016

Ranchi Jesuits, Sadbhavna P.B. - 4, Ranchi - 834 001, Jharkhand

AUGUST 2016

Fr. Provincial’s Programmes 20-21: Visitation – Soso 23 : Holy Mass at AC Carmel, Loadih at 6.00 am 27 : Holy Mass at St Albert’s College

August 2016 01 : Inauguration of St Xavier’s College, Simdega 03 : GB Meeting – Catholic Press at 6.00 pm 04 : Feast of St. John Mary Vianney in the Cathedral 05 : Visitation - Bundu 06 : GB Meeting of Xaviers Ranchi at 6.00 pm 07 : Meeting with Porticus 07-9: CZ Seminar on Education 08 : Meeting with the General of Montfort Brothers 10-12:CZ Provincials’ Meet 13 : Province Consult Installation of the new Rector – Manresa House 16 : Rainbow Meeting at 9.00 am 17 : Talk by Fr. Bimal Kerketta, SJ, on Crisis in the Middle East at 6.00 pm 18 : Major Superiors' Meeting at OCD Kokar 19 : Meeting at SDC at 9.00 am

September – November 2016 05 : Province Consult 10 : Follow-up – Laudato Si at XISS 13 : Visitation – VidyaJyoti, Delhi 16 : Rome 17 : Visitation - Madrid, Spain 23 : Visitation of Scholastics – Germany 27 : Brussels 28 : Rome 1 Oct. -27 Nov. : General Congregation 36 28 Nov. : Back to Ranchi from GC 36 5 Dec. : Visitation to Assam Begins

Recent Changes and Status in the Province: Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr

Dungdung James Vikrant SJ Kujur Anselm SJ Tete James Pascal SJ Xalxo Pius SJ Beck Suman SJ Kerketta Michael SJ Tete Callixtus SJ Tirkey Justin SJ Toppo Binod SJ

Ranchi Bulletin

PP, Catholic Church Muri Acting PP, Catholic Church Noadih PP, Catholic Church Bingaon PP, Catholic Church Kanke PCF, Sadbhavna Ranchi Lecturer, RTC Boreya, Kanke Hostel, St. John's HS Ranchi Acting Rector, Manresa House Ranchi Director, St Aloysius' Minor Seminary Ranchi 1

August 2016

2

Ranchi Bulletin

August 2016

Spiritual Animation Retreat Raiganj, Dumka (October 8 - 16, 2016) 1. Fr Alex Tirkey 2. Fr Gabriel Xess 3. Fr Jerome S. Xalxo 4. Fr Christopher R. Toppo 5. Fr Vital Ekka 6. Fr Alphonse Kullu 7. Fr Vijay M. Tirkey 8. Fr Beatus Kindo [Two more seats are available] SSC, Sitagarha (October 8 - 16, 2016) 1. Fr Praful Ekka 2. Fr Manohar Khoya 3. Fr Sylvanus Kiro 4. Fr Severius Ekka [Seats are full]

Jharna, Ranchi (October 8 -16, 2016) 1. Fr Christopher Lakra 2. Fr John Lakra 3. Fr Vinod Bilung 4. Fr Emmanuel Barla 5. Fr Solomon Barwa 6. Fr Lalit John Tigga 7. Fr Emmanuel Horo 8. Fr Cyril Guria 9. Fr Nabor Lakra 10. Fr James V. Dungdung 11. Fr Christopher Dungdung 12. Fr Severius Ekka 13. Fr Tejkumar Tigga 14. Fr Gyan Prakash Minj 15. Fr L.Francken 16. Br Felix P. Tete Four more seats available

Note: All the others who have given their names for their retreat at SSC, Sitagarha, has not been accepted for lack of place. However , 2 can join Raiganj Group and 4 at Jharna. Others kindly arrange your own according to your convenience. Sorry for the inconvenience.

HOUSES & INSTITUTIONS St Ignatius’, Gumla All community members, except the elderly fathers, attended the mini Province Meet held for a day on 7 July. Those stayed back guarded the house well in our absence.There were a few casualties in this month of rainy season. Four members, including one Loreto Sister Shakuntala, got viral fever who were taken for check-up to Urmi Hospital. Thank God nothing serious turned up except the fever. A public meeting was held in our campus regarding the tribal land problem. Mr Benjamin Lakra, former IAAS, addressed the people on the issue of registration of the non-settled tribal land in Jharkhand. The purpose was to make people aware of this crucial issue which will affect their interest and identity. Fr Vijay and Manohar Khoya had a long meeting with the boys of Hostel B and C Blocks on 11 July regarding some problem that had arisen among them. With a judicious and tactful handling of the problem it came to a

peaceful settlement. Well done Frs Vijay and Manohar! The 12th of July was full of activities here. The Inter-House football tournament of the school started with full gusto among the students. The finals were played on 21 July. The same day there was EID Milan Samaroh, organized by the Sarva Dharma Sadbhavna Manch, Gumla, in the local Urdu Middle School Hall. The DSP was the chief guest in the well-attended ceremony. You may remember, some two years ago under the umbrella of AROUSE we had taken this initiative for promoting communal harmony among different religious groups. In the evening of the same day we all the community members went for dinner to Notre Dame Convent on their founder’s Feast Day. We had an enjoyable evening! The two Loreto Sisters of the English medium school have started home visit of our pupils. Their visit is met with enthusiastic welcome by the parents and guardians. They braved the rains and bad roads in the bastees (hamlets) as a result one of them caught cold and fever.

Ranchi Bulletin

2

August 2016

Ranchi Bulletin

3

This year we did not have a good crop of mangoes but our jackfruit trees were laden with fruits. Our hostel boys enjoyed the ripe fruits and we also shared some of these with the Sisters of different convents. You can see how jackfruits help build companionship with convents! The Compartmental Exams for the matric started in the third week of July; our school was one centre among three in the town. This kept the Headmaster tightly busy and occupied. The month of July is a very busy month for us. Preparations for the School and the Society’s Feast Day kept our students and teachers much occupied with Drama and choir practice rigorously. The Drama, Chambal ka Heera was acted by the hostel -A Block on 28 July for outsiders and on 29th for the entire school and InterCollege. It was a great success; the credit goes mainly to Fr Florence Guria and his Assistant Regent Libin Kerketta. Congratulations! Amidst busy days, one day recollection was held for our students with confession as preparations for the feast. So was it done also for the Apostolic boys on 24 July guided by Fr Pradeep Tirkey. The meeting of School Managing Committee was also held on 21 July in the Fathers’ Rec. Room. Fr Mark celebrated his 91st B’Day on 29 July; the same day he was back from Ranchi on his Rajdoot M’Bike, also of the same age. On 30th two Belgian guests arrived here in our place, namely, Mr. Wouter and his daughter Sylke. Wouter is the nephew of late Fr. PP Van Nuffel. They were our guests for three days who visited our 'apostolic fields' started by his uncle. The 31st July was celebrated with usual pomp and gaiety. The climax came on the football ground where the school staff defeated the students’ team by 3-2 in the well contested match in the Jubilee Stadium. After the match Fr Principal announced, “Tomorrow is a rest day for the students to mourn their defeat”. The students, however, applauded and shouted with excitement hearing the announcement. Thus 31st July was the crowning of the month. St Mary’s, Samtoli The Inter-College conducted a two-day orientation programme (1-2 July) for the class XI. Fr Prakash Lakra (Redemptorist) was the resource person to conduct it.The meeting of Headmasters, Headmistresses and clerks of the minority schools took place at St Mary’s High School. 40 participants were present.

Sch Samir Bhawnra has joined the community. He has begun teaching in the newly born college and assisting the hostel prefect with Sch Nirmal. All of us, except Frs Albert, Gilbert, Emmanuel and Ireneus, attended one-day mini province gathering at St Xavier’s School, Doranda for which more than 200 Jesuits were present. Frs Emmanuel, Principal of the College, Gilbert (Registrar) and Sch Samir were in Ranchi for four days for the recruitment of the professors. They came back on 29 July after accomplishing their task. The executive members of Catholic Religious of India (CRI) of Simdega in their meeting unanimously agreed to have a joint meeting with the diocesan clergy on 18 August. It was also expressed that all the Superiors, PPs and Headmasters of the schools could be requested to attend this meeting. The only single agendum will be to deliberate upon the new domicile policy of Jharkhand government [which goes totally against the interests of the tribals], so as to plan out proper strategies and actions for halting its implementation in the present form. Fr Isaac gave recollection and triduum to the Sisters of St Anne in the first week of July. I gave recollection to St Anne’s Sisters of Lachragarh deanery. I have also begun taking classes for St Anne’s candidates. This year we are happy to receive good and plentiful rain as a result we could finish the work of transplantation on time. We spent two days in uprooting the seedling which were transplanted on the third day. Hostel boys, Apostolic boys, girls from St Joseph’s of Tarbes and Angela Hostel rendered their service diligently in finishing the work little more than two hours. Inigo Day: St Mary’s High School and Inter College celebrated the feast with joy and zeal. On 31 July Bishop Vincent Barwa was very kind to celebrate the solemn Eucharist and delivered a very inspiring homily. He also challenged us to update ourselves in order to be more effective in our apostolate. Thereafter the Mahila Sangh, hostel girls, boys from hostel and Apostolic School felicitated us as a sign of their appreciation. The customary football match between Jesuits and the staff of St Mary’s High was held at the parish ground after 4.00 pm. The team of Fathers won by 1–0 goal. The match was so thrilling and interesting that many spectators remained till the end. The festive dinner at 7.00 pm for the clergy and religious was the concluding item of the Inigo Day. Nearly 60 were present for the fellowship dinner.

Ranchi Bulletin

3

Fr. Christopher Lakra

August 2016

August 2016

Ranchi Bulletin

4

August 2016

Birth of St Xavier’s College, Simdega the Registrar of the college, proposed the vote of thanks The birth of SXC Simdega took place with the blessing of to all. the College building on 1 August. It was truly a historic On this occasion, Frs Sudhir Minj (Socius), Michael day. Kerketta (PCF), Ajay Minj (Asst. Province Treasurer), George Kerketta (Province Development Director), Vinod Bilung (Mathematics Professor of SXC, Ranchi), Bimal Kerketta (Missionary in Egypt) and Alois Beck and some others were present to witness the birth of St Xavier’s College Simdega. The 400+ admissions is a very encouraging positive response received by the college. This new-born college will inevitably play a very positive role in imparting quality education and bringing socio-cultural change in Simdega district where tribals are in majority but neglected and discriminated. Thus the long awaited Bishop Vincent Barwa performed the act of blessing dream of having a degree college in Simdega became a and Fr Provincial Marianus Kujur cut the ribbon.The reality. We wish all the best to this new born higher institute programme started at 9.30 am by lighting the lamp by of learning and its staff and students. May it prosper and Bishop Vincent, Fr Provincial Joseph Marianus, Mr flourish in coming days and years in the service of humanity Benjamin Lakra (retired IAAS), Fr Emmanuel Barla, Fr especially the tribals of the area. John Tirkey and a few others. Thereafter prayer dance Fr Linus and welcome song were presented by the SJT Girls’ Hostel Tarunoday Samtoli. Fr Linus Dungdung (Rector) welcomed all the eminent guests, staff and students. Thereafter followed a Five new theologians reached Tarunoday on 16 June to series of speeches, addresses and exhortations, highlighting begin their theological journey. The staff guided them during the importance of and expectations from SXC Simdega. the orientation programme and Fr Deepak Toppo directed Bishop Vincent imparted his best wishes and blessings, the retreat. Meanwhile Fr Milianus Beck represented and articulated the need of a degree college in Simdega Vidyajyoti College for the Comprehensive Examination of for the people of the area for quality education and social our five Deacons. Soon after the exam the five newly transformation. Fr Provincial gave the statistics of the graduated Jesuits left for their diaconate ministry and the population and the educated people of this area. He also five new ones remained with us, no gain no loss! Overall, highlighted the dream of his predecessors being fulfilled though, the number of students has decreased. The second by opening the the college in this area. Mr Benjamin Lakra, year theologians returned to Tarunoday on 30 June after former Chief Accountant General, narrated his personal their POP and summer vacation and immediately plunged experiences and struggles to inspire the students to aim into planning for the inauguration day. On 2 July, the Inauguration of the Academic Year high: ‘If I could achieve my higher goal with minimum facilities,why can’t you achieve much higher goals with 2016-17 began with a Solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit at better facilities’. He challenged the students to have clear 9.00 am presided over by Bishop Anand Jojo, DD, the goal, strong will and determination, spirit of perseverance Bishop of Hazaribag. Customary washing of hands of the and hard work in order to be successful. Fr Emmanuel Bishop and the concelebrating priests Frs Amrit Tirkey, Barla, the Principal of the College, articulated some major John Mundu, Michael Kerketta, (PCF) and Deepak challenges before the new born college. He expressed Toppo, (Director, Jharna) preceded the liturgy. Connecting the expectations of the management from the staff and the his thoughts to our annual theme Adivasi Karuna ki students, and the expectations of the professors and Jhankiyan evam Chunautiyan, Bishop Anand highlighted students from the college management. These expectations that family is the first place of mercy, and hence family will be met only when all the staff, students and management plays important role in promoting mercy. He also linked work together. He called upon all to work hand in hand the famous encyclical Laudato Si to mercy in the lives of for the good of the college. At the end Fr Gilbert D’Souza, Adivasis. Ranchi Bulletin

4

August 2016

Ranchi Bulletin

5

With liturgy and the chai-paani (snacks) over, the second part of the programme began at 11.30 am with the lighting of the seven symbolic diyas (lamps). Bhajan and prayer by Rakesh Kerketta and Amit Lakra added to the devotion. In the absence of Fr Francis Minj, who was away in Patna for the GC 36 meeting, Fr John B. Mundu welcomed the dignitaries – Bishop Anand Jojo and Rev Dr Manmasih Ekka, the Principal of the Gossner Theological College, Ranchi – and Fr Amrit Tirkey honoured them with bouquets and gamchhas (shawls). Then, Fr John B. Mundu introduced the theme. In his keynote address, Rev Manmasih Ekka emphasized that the Year of Mercy demands love, mercy and generosity from everyone. On his part, Bishop Anand Jojo said that humility is the way to receive God’s mercy. With the inauguration done, our classes began with two veterans as our guides. Fr Agapit Tirkey taught Adivasi life and theology to the first year students while Fr Henry Barla made us to get into the minds of different biblical “Prophets.” On 6 July, we had a brief sharing on our Sarna and Christian ministries. Then, the whole community joined the mini Ranchi Province Day at SXD on 7 July. The enthusiastic parishioners of Kanke welcomed all our Taruns, especially the newcomers, on 10 July and handed papaya saplings that we planted in our places of ministry. As part of our course on Adivasi Theology, we celebrated Hariari on 14 July and transplanted paddy in our garden and then the first year brothers cycled to Sutiambe, an ancient and historical village to know the roots of our history in Jharkhand known to humanity since 6th century B.C. On 9 July Tarunoday community found itself blessed with a truckload of 33 gunny bags packed with books sent by the Jesuits of Tongo for our Library. In fact, their “restructuring” strategy in the residence necessitated this shift. Fr Francis has already discovered some precious books of the nineteenth century but Br Isidore has his eyes on the gunny bags for mopping the floor! We thank Fr Philemon and the Tongo Jesuit community for their generosity. We all Taruns prepared ourselves spiritually with nine different creative themes for the novena to St Ignatius. It was interspersed with inspiring talks by Fr Ajit Kumar Xess on Our Jesuit Legacy and Theology and Intellectual Depth and Our Jesuit Identity by Fr Francis Minj on two different days. We also joined the feast day celebrations of St Anne with the DSA Sisters at their place in Kanke

on 26 July. Finally, on 31 July, the festive Eucharist began at 7:00 am in the Parish, presided over by Fr Ignatius Minj. Felicitations followed and all the parishioners, including women and children, enjoyed the breakfast but the leftovers were almost 12 baskets! We concluded all festivities at Tarunoday together with our neighbouring religious communities. Our feast day joy doubled when Fr Michael Kerketta, SJ rejoined the Tarunoday staff on 2 August after serving the Province for more than six years as PCF. Welcome Mike! The Central Zone Provincials made their annual visit to Tarunoday on 10 August. They met both the students and staff separately; they listened to us, encouraged and challenged us to depth in doing theology in our changing milieu.

Ranchi Bulletin

5

August 2016

Roshan Ba’a

Jharna-Ashirvad, Namkum Jharna-Ashirvad building wears a new and welcoming look after a thorough renovation. Thanks to Fr K.C. Philip, Superior of the community, whose close monitoring of the task is indeed laudable. While the workers engaged themselves in the work even in the scorching sun of May and June, different retreat and seminar groups kept coming in to the centre. The last group in June was of the nineteen scholastics - collegians and regents who made their annual retreat here. Fr Vijay Kr Minj, SJ guided them. The Jharna staff busied themselves in giving retreats to different groups of retreatants. The House saw three out-going members last month – Fr Binod Toppo, Fr Ashok Kandulna and Br Modestus Tirkey. As Binod had to leave the community in haste due to the school matter, the community bid him farewell during thanksgiving Mass on 30 May evening followed by a fellowship dinner. Fr Ferdinand Kullu was formally welcomed during the programme. However, he joined the community only on 5 June evening. The same day Br James Barla joined the community to take charge of his multiple responsibility in Jharna-Ashirvad. Fr Ashok left for St Michael’s Khunti to take charge of his new assignment in the Loyola English Medium School on 20 June. Some of the community members reached him. Br Modestus due to his health joined his new community, St Xavier’s Bundu on 25 June accompanied by three community members. From 7-15 June, the whole Novitiate went into silent retreat: the second years made their Vows’ retreat guided by Fr Master while the first years their annual retreat guided August 2016

Ranchi Bulletin

6

August 2016

were divided into three groups namely CLC, nonCatholics and non-Christians. Fr Ashok Kandulna, Fr Amrit Lakra and Fr Ranjit Horo gave recollections to these groups respectively. Fr Augustine Kujur gave recollection to the staff of Loyola High School and Inter-College. We celebrated the feast of St. Ignatius with great joy and enthusiasm. Bishop Binay Kandulna DD was the main celebrant and Fr Ranjit Horo preached the homily. The choir led by Pre Novices and Loyola High School Hostel students under the direction of Schs Alok Ekka and Ajit Kerketta was highly appreciated by all. The parish priest was so impressed by the choir that he asked the choir to lead the hymn for St John Mary Vianney’s feast as well. After the Mass there was a solemn felicitation program for the Jesuits in the parish premises. Seeing the big number of students we had cultural programmes simultaneously at two places. Loyola High School and Loyola English Medium School were combined together and staged it on the school hall, whereas Loyola Inter-College had its programme in the parish hall. To mark this special occasion the football match between Jivan Deep and Loyola College Hostel was organised. The Pre-Novices outplayed the Fr Raymond team of Loyola College Hostel and defeated them by 3-0. The neighbouring religious men and women came to share St Michael’s Residence, Khunti our joy in the evening. After a very meaningful evening In the first week of July Jesuit staff was engaged in prayer led by Fr Ranjit Horo, all of us enjoyed the dinner imparting Jesuits and their Legacy to the staff and the and thus concluded the day of celebration. students of Loyola High School. It was indeed a good Sch Alok Ekka opportunity for them to know about the Jesuits and their De Nobili College, Pune charism. The representatives of Loyola High School and Loyola Inter-College went to participate in the Inter Jesuits With the arrival of the scholastics after summer vacation Fiesta held at Ranchi. on 2 June, DNC became alive and vibrant. This year DNC We had novena to St Ignatius in St Michael’s is blessed with 36 new philosophers. The community had Cathedral with the laity. Each member of our Jesuit orientation programme on 3-4 June with its theme Rooted Community took his turn to conduct the prayer. The content to Branch Out. On the first day philosophers and of the reflections, creativity and the use of modern theologians had the programme separately while on the technology in the prayer were much appreciated. Fr second day it was a combined one. The objective was to Sylvanus Kiro, SJ gave recollection to the Jesuits of Khunti make us aware how a Jesuit could be deeply rooted in Zone in view of the spiritual preparation for the feast of philosophical and theological understanding of the world our founder. before branching out for mission. Later JDV had orientation Ignatius’ Week was observed in the school. We had programme on 6 June with its theme Blessed are the combined assembly for Loyola English Medium, Loyola Merciful. Classes commenced from 7 June onward. High School and Loyola Inter-College for a week. Each This year DNC has taken up slum ministry in two alternative day the lay staff of Loyola High School and places along with the existing various ministries. The Inter College took their turn to share about St Ignatius in purpose of taking it up is to immerse ourselves to the hard the assembly. At the end of this special week we had realities of life confronting the slum dwellers. Thus we can combined recollections for the students and staff. Students attain experiential knowledge about the life and culture of by Fr Socius. On 19 June morning, 13 new comers arrived here for their Novitiate accompanied by Frs Michael Kerketta and Francis David Kullu. Two from Assam reached here the following afternoon due to the train timing. Jharna Spirituality Centre accommodated them during their First Probation; they shifted to the Novitiate wing only on 3 July evening. 21 June was the day of celebration as 12 second year novices pronounced their first vows in the presence of may Jesuits, religious from the neighbouring communities and close neighbours. Fr Provincial Joseph Marianus Kujur received their simple perpetual vows during a well prepared liturgy. Thereafter, festive dinner was served to all. The following morning the Novice Master and the Socius reached the new Juniors to Manresa House, Ranchi. Annual Inigo Day was spent with usual celebration and togetherness. To prepare ourselves for the feast, all of us Jesuits from four communities in the campus assembled in Jharna-Ashirvad for Recollection on 30 July. Fr Louis Francken, SJ gave us thought-provoking points for prayer and reflection which culminated with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Ranchi Bulletin

6

August 2016

Ranchi Bulletin

7

the people which could affect our philosophical reflection and formation. This year Fr Eric from Jamshedpur province joined our community as our spiritual Father. The faith-sharing and living group dinner on 8-9 July helped us to strengthen our bond of companionship. The Spiritual Animation Programme (16-17 June) given by the core Committee was insightful. We had lots of discussions, sharing and reflections in different groups. It certainly gave us some understanding about the process of re-structuring in the Assistancy. The spiritual preparation for the Feast of St Ignatius began from 22 July with the novena. Novena prayers were conducted on various themes with lot of creativity and insights. The Feast of St Ignatius was celebrated in a grand way. Apart from all these, this year the community has taken the initiative to make the DNC-campus plastic free zone. A group of scholastics is given responsibility to implement this initiative.

coast of the Arabian Sea. Our residence is surrounded by different kinds of trees. We can hear the chirping/ singing of the birds (especially the Peacock), the roaring of the waves in this beautiful place. The weather is very pleasant here. The morning hours are very conducive to meditation. All these make us cheerful and ecstatic. We have a good and happy community. The staff is very much stimulating and inspiring. I enjoy their companionship. We are 31 Juniors from 12 Provinces. So, this is a good opportunity for us to improve our English, enrich ourselves in this multi-cultural milieu by engaging ourselves in different activities. We have regular daily classes and Saturday ministries. ‘Grama Pravesham’ is a good time to learn the ABC of Malayalam. We also have Beach Meditation once a month. This is a new experience for us . On Sunday we go out for a stroll on the beach. This is very helpful for us because we four of us come together and share our experiences and feelings. Now we have settled down to our studies and other activities. All seems to be putting on flesh except Fulit. South Indian food was at first difficult to digest, but now we are relishing it. We have some interesting subjects like Music, Time Management, Games Training, etc. These are helpful for our growth. Before the feast day of St Ignatius , we had a well prepared Novena, a Recollection Day followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The feast day was very good. Now we are preparing ourselves for the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Sch. Lazarus Basumatary

Vidyaniketan, Trivandrum Greetings to you all from the Juniors of Ranchi Province at Vidyaniketan. We (Vicky, Fulit, Rohit and Kanchan) are keeping fine in Vidyaniketan Juniorate, Trivandrum. In the beginning, Vicky had health problem , but now he is all right. We went through some initial difficulties and challenges for a couple of days: different language, different climate, different food habit, culture and so on. By the way, Vidyaniketan is beautifully situated on the

August 2016

Sch Kanchan

ASSAM & ANDAMAN Jesuit Bhavan, Tezpur We had two days of Spiritual Animation Programme (SAP) for the Jesuits of Assam Mission on 2-3 July at Jesuit Bhavan. Fr Victor D’Mello from Kohima and myself conduct it. All the Jesuits of Assam Mission were present for it. All of us went to Phesama (Nagaland) on 3 July morning for our annual retreat, directed by Fr Scotus Fernandez, SJ of Karnataka at Phesama, Nagaland. The weather of the place was very conducive. The retreat ended on 12 July evening with the renewal of vows and agape meal. Under the leadership of Sch Romeo Brama (KOH), who studies in Taiwan, 14 students of Fu Jen Catholic

University, Taiwan visited Assam Mission from 18-20 July. They visited Missamari-Banderhabi centre where they had some glimpses of Adivasi, Nepali and Assamese cultures. Tarabari centre presented glimpses of Boro Cultural dance while Panipotta Tea Estate and Kochubil centres presented Oraon and Munda dances. The Taiwanese guests, hailing from 6 different tribes, also showed some glimpses of their different cultures. This cultural exposure really enriched them and made them happy. They also visited the teafactory of the diocese of Tezpur. On the feast day of St Ignatius, we had Eucharistic celebration in the morning at St. John De Britto Parish Balipara with the parishioners. Fr Satyajit Ekka, the Director of Social Centre of Tezpur diocese, preached the homily. I was the main celebrant while other 9 Jesuits

Ranchi Bulletin

7

August 2016

Ranchi Bulletin

8

concelebrated. After the mass, Jesuits were felicitated by the parishioners with their cultural items. All the parishioners were given snacks at the end. To the close collaborators, namely teachers, catechists, priests and sisters were served delicious food. In the evening we had the inauguration of the newly built St Xavier’s College Boys’ Hostel. Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo DD blessed it while I cut the ribbon. Thereafter we had agape meal with the religious and priests of Tezpur town at St Xavier’s College hostel, Sonabheel.

Mushalpur

Ranchi Bulletin

8

August 2016

I had already started working as the functional headmaster of the school from 1 July. However, handing over was done on 26 July. Fr Elvius reached Fr Roshan Bage to Pengaree on 27 July. On the occasion of the feast of St Ignatius, thanksgiving mass with the parishioner was held at the parish. Thereafter followed a short colourful felicitation programme for the Jesuits by the faithful. In the evening nearby communities Fr Xavier Lakra of Domini, Baganpara and Barama and religious sisters were invited for the festive dinner. The construction of the Gana Chetana Samaj, Tezpur new presbytery is expected to be over by the end of Gana Chetana Samaj kept open all the study centres for August. Deacon Rozario children and the training centres for the youths whole throughout July. The staff kept themselves busy in giving Prothrapur System of Rice Intensification (SRI) training to the farmers in different villages. On 18 July a cultural exchange There were a series of celebrations of SCCs days and programme was organized in Banderhabi village with the feast days in July. The parishioners celebrated the feast of students of Taiwan. People from many villages participated St Thomas (3 July) enthusiastically. I celebrated the solemn in the programme and were amazed to see the dresses, mass while Fr George Beck SJ, the spiritual director of dances and songs of Taiwani tribals. The villagers also the Port Blair Diocese, preached an inspiring homily. Three showed their cultural dances. On the same day Tambul other SSC centres (Bathubasti, Kamrajnagar, plants were distributed to the farmers of three villages. Pathargudda) dedicated to St Thomas had separate dates Each farmer was given 30 plants. Since the villagers were for the celebration. Bathubasti had the celebration on 4 busy in the month of July in the paddy transplantation, no July where Fr Edward Kerketta, Asst PP, went for the mass; Fr David availed himself for St Thomas SSC other activities were conducted in the villages. th Fr. Thomas Barla Kamrajnagar. On 7 July St Thomas SCC at Pathargudda had its SCC day. Fr Jayaraj SDB availed himself for the Kathalguri Eucharistic celebration. Similarly St Maria Goretti SCC Like others years, Loyola school has arranged coaching Daudnagar had its feast day on 9 July for which both of us classes during summer vacation for classes IX and X for were present. two weeks. It was done in view of Pre-Final Examination The feast of Blessed Anne Marrie Jouvehey the and Board Examination. Students and parents displayed Foundress of Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, was celebrated good cooperation. Students were pleased to have such in the parish premises on 15 July. Later in the evening of opportunity. Teaching staff took keen interest and put extra 23 July both of us (Frs David and Edward) went to Range effort in teaching their subjects. This has created a very Office for the celebration of SSC day as St Anne SSC positive impact among the teachers and students for better celebrated its day. This is also the year of Jubilee of Maha Mahila Sangh teaching-learning atmosphere. All of us joined the Spiritual Animation Programme of Port Blair Diocese. To mark the year it has planned to held at Jesuit Bhavan Tezpur and the Annual Retreat at have various activities for different groups. Rangoli Phesama. The Feast of St Ignatius on 31 July was Competition was one among them. It was held for the celebrated as the parish day. It was very simple due to youth on 24 July at Prothrapur parish. 9 groups took part flood. The most of our neighbouring places were affected in it. Daudnagar, Kamrajnagar and Bathubasti secured first, by the flood. We had holy mass and small cultural second and third prizes respectively. Both of us went to St Alphonsa SCC for the programme and concluded by serving tea and snacks to celebration of SCC day at Range office on 30th evening. the parishioners. Fr. Pradeep Kullu Rev Fr Dharampal Tirkey, V.G. of Port Blair Diocese, August 2016

9

Ranchi Bulletin

August 2016

presided over the mass. Finally the month of July ended parishioners. Thereafter we were felicitated by the faithful. with the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola on 31st. It was Thus both of us were busy in our pastoral and spiritual celebrated in a very ordinary manner. Three of us ( Frs. care of the parishioners whole throughout July. Fr David David, Edward and George) celebrated the mass with the

DIASPORA Jerusalem

June-July were two busy months for Ranchi Jesuits in Rome. Until 27 June, almost all were busy either in completing their final exams or in preparing themselves for

the summer ministries. Edwin Dang was the first one to come out of the grip of exam fever as he had already completed by mid-June the assignments required by the Institute of Psychology. Ediwn Ritesh had his final paper on 24 June while Ravi Hemant had to wait until 27 June to celebrate the completion of the first year of theological studies. As their senior member, Kulwant successfully completed his three years of theological studies and showed them the way to fulfil the demands and challenges of academic life. His final dissertation was on the theme Mystery of God written under the guidance of Prem. Amidst the exam fever of our students, Fr Provincial Joseph Marianus Kujur arrived in Rome on 8 June to participate in the Meeting of the Commission on Governance. He was sweetly surprised to see Sr Superior General Linda Mary Vaughan at the airport, who had come to extend a cordial welcome to Rome and to offer heartfelt condolences for the great loss of Fr Ranjit Pascal Toppo and Fr Paul Vijay Minj. He was equally surprised to see Biju Sebastian (DUM), our RTC Scripture Professor, along with her. Despite being busy in exams, Ranchi Jesuits came together on 9 June for a memorial Holy Mass for Frs Ranjit Pascal Toppo and Paul Vijay Minj. During the homily, R.P. Provincial recounted the feelings and experiences of the entire Province arising out of the great loss of two young, dynamic, energetic and promising Ranchi Jesuits. Rev Mother Linda Mary Vaughan, Mata Alma Xalxo, Superior of St Anne’s Sisters in Rome, represented their Congregation to offer prayers and condolences. After the Holy Mass, we shared a simple fellowship meal prepared Fr Biju Sebastian. From 11 to 14 June, R.P. Provincial was busy in the intensive meetings of Commission on Governance as part of the preparations for the upcoming General Congregation. After completing the essential meetings with R.P. Lisbert D’Souza and R.P. Rectors of both Collegio Bellarmino and International College of Gesù, he was relatively free for one day. Despite their tight exam schedule,

Ranchi Bulletin

9

July month kept all the community members a bit more busy than the previous months. We received twenty scholastics from Rome for one month faith-experience in the Holy Land. They hailed from many different countries: India, Brazil, Tanzania, America, Myanmar, Poland, Vietnam, Slovenia, Slovakia, Equador and Madagascar. Our Deacon Kulwant Minj was one among them. They visited the Holy Land before their diaconate ordination. Their programme consisted of Retreat in the beginning and then visiting other holy places in Israel. First two days were allotted for brief guided tour to the Holy places in Jerusalem. From 7 -15 July they entered into silence. Listening to Jesus and knowing Him in the holy places was the recurring theme of the retreat. Everyone had a wonderful experience specially of the discipleship of Jesus. They spent four days in Galilee and two days in the desert after the retreat was over. These visits were precious moments for deepening their faith experience. The feast of St Ignatius, turned out to be a grand and joyous celebration. We set up for the Holy Mass in our Garden. The Maronite Bishop (emeritus), the Italian and French General Consuls were the VIP guests present for the occasion. Besides the VIPs there were about hundred and fifty religious, priests and lay persons who participated in the Mass. The beautiful singing led by the Philippino ladies was much appreciated. The dinner followed immediately after the Liturgy. Varieties of dishes were served to all the guests and everybody was satisfied. To our great surprise, we collected little less than twelve baskets full of leftover food. Fr Camil Kerketta

Rome

August 2016

Ranchi Bulletin

Kulwant, Edwin Dang, Edwin Ritesh, Ravi Hemant and Biju Sebastian invited him to their community. Edwin Dang had already finished his exams on 13 June, and hence, along with Biju Sebastian, he readily availed himself to accompany R.P. Provincial to visit one of the most famous and beautiful monasteries in the world situated on the mountains of Subiaco. The monastery houses the Sacred Grotto (Sacro Speco), where St Benedict lived as a hermit almost for three years. The existing monastery, filled with beautifully maintained spectacular mosaics and frescoes, was built around the grotto from 9th to 18th centuries. According to one of the traditions, when the devil tried to tempt him as a beautiful girl, he threw himself on a thorny rose bush to win over the temptation. A rose garden adjacent to the monastery still bears witness to his victory over the devil’s temptation. Below the Benedictine Monastery stands in grandeur the Abbey of St Scholastica, who was the sister of St Benedict. The Abbey is well-known for housing three cloisters in three distinct styles – the oldest is in Cosmatesque style built in 12-13th centuries, the second is in Gothic style built in 14-15th Century and the last one is in Renaissance style. The entrance to the Abbey with the inscription “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work) underlines the motto and the spirit of the monastic life. Indeed, the pilgrimage to both the monasteries was profoundly enriching and fruitful! Our Missionary in Egypt Bimal Kerketta arrived in Rome on 25 June. After 14 years of hard work and complete dedication to different missions in Egypt, he was offered the trip to Rome and Naples for a bit of rest and Retreat. A well-deserved break indeed! He was warmly received at the entrance of Collegio Bellarmino by Kulwant and Prem. The latter brought him to Gregorian community for his 3 days’ sojourn in Rome. On the first day itself, Bimal was extremely pleased to walk through the stony pavements of Rome and to visit the Roman Forum and Colosseum. On the following day, Kulwant led him to a guided tour of the tomb of St Ignatius in Gesù Church, the Room of St Ignatius, Catacombs and all the major Basilicas. On 27 June, Bimal was accompanied by Kulwant, Edwin Ritesh and Prem to Assisi. Bimal was deeply impressed by the way the life and works of St Francis of Assisi and St Clare are depicted and kept alive in Assisi. He was glad to visit the places where St Francis Ranchi Bulletin

10

August 2016

lived, won over the temptations, worked and died. He spent enough time in front of the tomb of St Francis to pray for his mission in Egypt as well as for Ranchi Province. On their way back home, they also visited one of the St Anne’s communities, which offered them delicious evening meals. Happy, satisfied and spiritually rejuvenated, Bimal came back to Rome in the late evening. He proceeded to Naples for the Annual Retreat on the following day. For the month of July, Edwin Ritesh and Ravi Hemant left for Ethiopia to work with Jesuit Refugee Service in Dollo Ado. By living with the refugees in the Refugee Camp, both were deeply enriched to see and experience the agony, difficulty and uncertainty faced by the Somalian refugees. In their own way, they contributed to the threefold program run by JRS – Youth Development, Adult Education and Psychosocial Counselling to the traumatized refugees. On 4 July, Kulwant went to Jerusalem to participate in the Jesuit Scholastics Program organized annually for the Scholastics of Gesù community. He is greatly indebted to Camil Kerketta for his help and guidance during his sojourn in Jerusalem. After coming back to Rome, he left for India on 4 August. Edwin Dang too left for Ranchi on 15 July. Apart from dedicating his time in writing two assignments on psychology, he plans to take some classes for the Pre-Novices. Before leaving for Ranchi, Linus and Prem participated in the Jubilee celebrations of the 25 Years of St Anne’s Sisters’ presence in Europe. The celebrations were held in Cittadella on 5 July. Except Kulwant, all others will come back to Rome during the first week of September. Fr Prem

Guyana Arrupe House community Georgetown, the mother house of the Jesuits in Guyana was privileged to receive four Venezuelan Jesuit Scholastics- Alexis Moreno, Argenis, Johan Alarcon and Rafael Mendoza for two weeks to polish their English language. They made their annual retreat under the guidance of Fr Edward Bermingham, SJ in St Ignatius Lethem. The exposer in Guyana has certainly helped them to grow in their vocation. St Teresa’s Mission Karasabai was blessed with another Jesuit Scholastic- Phil Harrison, a theology student from British Province who spent a month with Ursuline Sisters- Anima, Berna, Divya 10

August 2016

11

Ranchi Bulletin

and Seraphina. He was a great help to the community as the new Church Building construction work is in progress. Fr Mark Mukul celebrated his birthday on 4 July in his community, Britto Hall Berbice. Fr Joachim De Mello, Fr Joseph Raj and Fr Mark Mukul are making their best effort to proclaim the Good News in Port Mourant Berbice, Black Bush Polder, Spring Land and Siparuta with their regular visits. Fr Ramesh Vanan, SJ, the former Parish Priest went to Los Angelos, USA for his higher studies. Fr Anil Kishore and Fr Anthony D’Souza are very regular in giving classes for their catechists on the Holy Eucharist and the Scripture in East Coast Demerara, Gerogetown. In Our Lady of Lourdes Hosororo, NorthWest Region to mark the Year of Mercy, pilgrimage was arranged where 500 pilgrims arrived from different communities and offered their prayers. Fr Amar Bage

August 2016

celebrated his birthday on 9 July with Fr Marlon Innis and Fr Malcolm Rodriguese and the Missionaries of Charity Sisters. 31 July was a historical day when Bishop Francis Alleyne, OSB, the Bishop of the Diocese of Georgetown, blessed the newly constructed magnificent church dedicated to St Ignatius of Loyola in the Central Rupununi, Lethem. On this joyous and auspicious occasion all the parishioners, friends and well-wishers expressed their love and gratitude to the Jesuits. All the Jesuits- Frs Paul Martin, James Conway, Ronal Fernandes, Poulose Thomas, Edwin Anthony, Elias Surin and Ursuline Sisters who are working in the interior were present for the celebration. Nineteen young and energetic people were confirmed on this occasion. Fr. Elias Surin

Information : Sch Tigga Ravindra left the Society on 16.08.2016 Let us Remember in our Prayers : Mr Sylvester Nag (65+) father of Sch Bimal Nag passed away on 10 June 2016 Mr Tobias Soreng, father of Sch Alok Soreng died on 17 August 2016.

BIRTHDAYS: AUGUST & SEPTEMBER AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

01 04

02 04 07 08

05 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 18 26 28 30 31

Minj Robin Ekka John Toppo Suman Prabhat Barla Rajenius Hassapurty Anuranjan Surin William Ekka Cyprian Ekka Noel Lakra Telesphore Dungdung Linus Xalxo Prem Xalxo Yacub Tirkey Modestus Soreng Vicky Roshan Kerketta George Purty Florence Hassa Soreng Charles Xess Ajit Kr. Dungdung Emile Kullu Jayprakash N. Barla Ajay Roshan

Ranchi Bulletin

10 12 13 14 15 16

17 21

23

11

Delporte Antoon Kerketta Patrick Ekka Severius Kadookunnel Anthony Saras Ajit Kullu Elias Ekka Prakash Kerketta Elvius Kindo Beatus Tigga John Crus Bara David Ekka Patras Tirkey Alexius Dhanwar Fulit Minj Claber Toppo Christopher Raju Bage Tej Mati Dang Edwin Kandir Stephen Kujur Linus Kujur Pingal August 2016

Ranchi Bulletin

24 25

Tirkey Ignatius Baxla Tej Kumar

12 09 10

OCTOBER 04 08 09 11

12

14 15 16 19 20 21 22 24 26 27 28 30

Tirkey Anil Kishore Lakra Ignatius Ekka John Fabianus Beck Walter Toppo James Ignatius Minj Anthres Beck Suman Kerketta Michael Surin Victor Minj Billianus Kerketta Pradeep Tete Callixtus Soreng Jyoti Bhushan Baxla Suman J. Dungdung Albert Lakra Xavier Ekka James Bilung Francis Xavier Minj Abraham Barwa Solomon Ekka Anselm Tirkey Francis Soy Raphael Kujur Florence Guria Florence Tigga Mahendra Peter Kujur Sudhir Soreng Kennedy Prabhat Aind Alphonse

NOVEMBER 04 05 06 07

Jaecques Raymond Kerketta Camil Minj Damian C. Lakra Peter C. Lakra Amit

12 13 14 15 16 17 21 23 24 27 28

August 2016

Kerketta Ranjan M. Minj Sudhir Kr. Kujur Augustine Soreng Ajay R. Toppo Alok Lakra Sunil Soreng Vinod S. Tirkey Alexander Bage Roshan Soreng Joseph Kennedy Kujur Marianus J. Soreng Fuldeo Minj Walter Xavier Barla Thomas Brys Aurel Tigga Swarn Ekka Clement Topno Patras Soreng Gabriel Kandulna Justin

DECEMBER 01 07 04 10 11 12 17 18

19 22 23 24 25 26 29

Surin Elias Tirkey Vijay Manohar Kujur Ashish Breye Erik Kerketta Sanjay Dungdung Rohit D. Baghwar Marius Xalxo Ignatius Bage Kamal Chandra Toppo Bruno Bilung Nitin Bilung Gilbert Kullu Ferdinand Toppo Christopher Lakra Christopher Barla Emmanuel Kujur Ernest Beck Milianus Dungdung John B. Basumatary Lazarus

WISHING Y OU ALL - A VER Y HAPPY BIR THD AY YOU VERY BIRTHD THDA Ranchi Bulletin

12

August 2016