Catechists - Archdiocese of Delhi

THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF DELHI CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE VOL. 30, ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2021 `10

20SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION 2021-Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi

Papal Knighthood to Cyril John

56Servant of God Fr. Canisius Thekkekara CMI

Catechists Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

HOLY FATHER’S P R AY E R I N T E N T I O N F O R D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Catechists

Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in

the power of the Holy Spirit.

FR. STANLEY KOzHICHIRA

5 The Shepherd’s Voice

8 Musings of the Month

9 Theology & Christian Life - 25

10 Special

11 Parish Roundup

37 School Snippets

50 Diocesan Digest

61 Calendar of Feasts

patronArchbishop Anil J.T. CoutoeditorFr. Stanely Kozhichiraeditorial boardJose Punnoose Divya Joyfinance and circulation managerFr. Francis PrasadsecretariatTency Thomasdesign conceptMustardtree.inprinted and published byFr. Januario Rebelloon behalf of Delhi Catholic Archdiocesedesign & printed at Bosco Society for Printing & Graphic Training,Okhla Road, New Delhi - 110 025Tel.: 26839864, 26910729Published by Delhi Catholic Archdiocese1 Ashok Place, New Delhi - 110001Tel.: (+91-11) 23343457, 23362058Fax: (+91-11) 23746575Email: [email protected]: Voiceofdelhi Archdiocese DelhiWebsite: www.archdiocesedelhi.com

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from the editorContents

Catechesis leading to Synodality

May 21, 2021, Pope Francis established a ministry of Catechists. With a special emphasis to the reach out with “a commitment that must be carried out in a fully “secular” manner. This came in His Apostolic Letter named “Antiquum ministerium”. He says “Fidelity to the

past and responsibility for the present are necessary conditions for the Church to carry out her mission in the world”

There is a venerable custom in the catholic church, where the Pope Himself becomes a catechist, who instructs the people of God about the church and its role in the changing world. Fondly called as the Wednesday Catechesis.

The first Wednesday catechesis was held in April 1939 with Pope Pius XII, and the first meetings were specifically for newly married couples. Which continued to be a regular feature in the pontificates of the successive Popes.

“In the Synod of 1977, several bishops said: ‘Pope Paul’s Wednesday speeches are a true catechesis adapted to the modern world,’” John Paul II said. “I will try to imitate him, in the hope of being able, in some way, to help people become better. Since then, the weekly speeches have always been given as series based around a particular theme. John Paul II famously presented his “Theology of the Body” teachings during general audiences from 1979 to 1984.

So every bishop, priests and religious must consider catechesis as their primary responsibility. And lay ministers become the associates in the process. Most mission areas in our country we had and still has many catechists who build up the community in the absence of the priests by regular teachings of the doctrines of faith and prepare them to receive the sacraments. Therefore, each of us as believers in Christ Jesus and members of the church need to consider the aspect of faith sharing to the younger generation.

Holy Father Pope Francis wants us to pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And archbishop encouraging and explaining to us about the synodal church to walk together to build the church.

May the beautiful season of Christmas lead each of us back to where we have begun learning the faith and return there to share our faith experience.

Celebrate life and Happy, Joyful Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

3December 2021

Lettersthank you for writing to us, we're sharing it here for aLL to read!

October 2017

Dear Editor, “Discovering Identity” by Professor Dean Fernandes, was a great read this time. Like many youngsters I also have such confusions in mind about identity. The article did really help me to realize a great line of thoughts.

Zen Johnson AyyanadGurugram

Respected Rev Fr. Stanley Kozhichira, Prayerful greetings! For and on behalf of Parish Priests and parishioners of St. Michael’s Church, Prasad Nagar, I take this opportunity to express gratitude to your goodself and the Editorial Board for publishing write-up and photographs in the Voice of Delhi, October 2017 issue on the following: "Celebration of St. Thomas Feast And SCC Annual Day" With respects and regards, Yours sincerely

C M Thomas Prasad Nagar

Dear Father, grateful to you for the monthly Parish roundups. It is such a beautiful way of sharing and getting inspired through the activities of various Parishes. Thanks for the efforts put in to get us updated with everything happening in various Parishes.

Catherine ThomasAlaknanda

Thanks a lot for the beautiful Voice of Delhi every month with a lot of creativity and newness.I would like to say the “well issue” by Fr. Maxim Pinto is really enriching.

William HeraldRohini

St. Anna and Joachim presented young Mary to the temple. Mary Presented in the Temple, Pray for us.

Dear Editor, I happy to see the changes in the Voice of Delhi and your teams effort to make it look better and readable. Kindly pay attention to the the language and spellings.

ShreedharLaxmi Nagar

4 The voice of Delhi

4 The Voice of Delhi february 2017 5

It was a pleasant surprise to all of us to see January issue of the Voice of Delhi in a new shape with quality inputs for readers. Your efforts to make the VOD classical magazine of the Archdiocese has borne fruit. Please accept our congratulations and gratitude for the initiative put in by you and your team in revitalising VOD making it the readers' delight.Regards,

A ChinnappanMAYUR VIHAR III

While congratulating you for the new look VOD, I wish I am 50 years younger to read your script.Love and prayers

KC Jacob PITAMPURA

I take this opportunity to wish VOD A Very Happy New Year and congratulate the team on the NEW LOOK given to VOD. It is very

in Christ or life in the Spirit is a life of virtue. The New Testament constantly calls us to repent and lead virtuous lives if we are truly disciples of Christ and members of his Body the Church. The call of Christian life is to have “the mind of Christ” (cf. 1Cor. 2:14-16; Phil. 2: 5-7) which leads us to “empty ourselves” as Christ emptied himself so that we become joyful people.

The beautiful words of St. Paul to the Philippians: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church begins the section on “Virtues” by quoting the above words of St. Paul. Virtues are divided into “Human Virtues” and “Theological Virtues”. “Human virtues: are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will, that govern our actions, order our passions and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. They make possible: ease, self-mastery and joy in leading a morally good life. The virtuous man is he who freely practices the good” (CCC 1804). It is in the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments that give us the divine teachings on virtues. The Wisdom literature of the Old Testament is particularly filled with moral teachings pertaining to human behaviour. Human virtues are “acquired by education, by deliberate acts and by a perseverance ever-renewed in repeated efforts”, but they are also “purified and elevated by divine grace” (CCC 1810).

Four human virtues play a pivotal role in our moral life, hence they are called “cardinal” virtues. All other virtues are grouped around them. The cardinal virtues are:- Prudence “is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it” (CCC 1806). Justice “is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor” (CCC 1807). Fortitude “is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause” (CCC 1808). Temperance “is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honourable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good, and maintains a healthy discretion” (CCC 1809).

The human virtues are rooted in the theological virtues “which adapt man’s faculties for participation in the divine nature: for the theological virtues relate directly to

The Little Virtues

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the shepherd’s voiCe


The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. PSALM 19:1-2

we look forward to communicating more often with our readers, feel free to write to us, with the kind of information you would like us to include, your views on the content! Together we are the Voice of Delhi. email: [email protected]

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welcoming and refreshing. It has been given a VERY INTERNATIONAL LOOK. May God bless the team in bringing forthcoming issues successfully.My best wishes

Sophia Biju MathewSHAHBAD

I liked the entire new look of the Voice of Delhi - January 2017 edition. The change is very much appreciated and draws an instant attraction.The quality of paper and printing is of high standard and the cover design deserves special applauds. Articles are informative giving people insightful perspectives that allow to adapt the spiritual needs. Wishing you all the best and may the coming editions be of great reflections.With best wishes, Philamin PhilipALAkNANDA

Congrats on the very impressive makeover of VOD. The Look is polished and professional, the article layout very well done, as also the quality of the printing. Clearly a lot of thought and effort has gone into this remodeling and the result is there for all of us to appreciate. Once again congrats to you, and the team of VOD and Mustard Tree.

Audrey Carvalho Daver

It is with a stunning surprise to our eyes we all at our parish received the Voice of Delhi January 2017 issue having fascinating design, style, composition and as

if an international magazine of magnificence. Really incredible! It is indeed endearing. All of us at St. Michael’s Church, Prasad Nagar congratulate you and the entire team at VOD for such a marvelous make over in the beginning of its 26th year of publishing. With respects and regards,

C.M. ThomasPRASAD NAGAR

JANUARY 2017November 2021

Rev. Fr. Stanley KozhichiraEditorVoice of Delhi

Respected Rev. Fr. Stanley Kozhichira,

Greetings from St. Michael's Church, Prasad Nagar!

For and on behalf of Parish Priests and parishioners of St. Michael’s Church, Prasad Nagar, I take this opportunity to convey gratitude to your goodself and the Editorial Board for publishing write-up and photographs in the Voice of Delhi, November 2021 issue on the following:

*Pulinkalas Felicitated

*Triple Celebrations at Prasad Nagar : St. Michael's Feast, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

With regards, Yours sincerely,

For St. Michael's Church, Prasad NagarC M Thomas Mobile No. 8700617332

WRITE TO USWe look forward to communicating more often with our readers. Feel free to write to us, with the kind of information you would like us to include and your views on the content! Together we are the Voice of Delhi.Email: [email protected]

O Lord Jesus Christ, true God from true God, you became a little child for us so the world you made would be saved. Just as a child is born to us and a Son is given to us, may we be born again through you and always remain in the number of God’s faithful children; through your merits, O blessed Savior, with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Letter to editor.

Dear Father Stanley.

Much appreciated about the article by Mr. Colville last month. His thought process is so vibrant that we always get some new insights into the months saints.

Esha Mohan Najafgargh.

Hello Editors,

Greetings of peace. I am not a regular reader of VOD. But whenever I picked it up, I find it interesting as the news from various parishes of the archdiocese brings in new ideas. I was once a parishioner of the archdiocese and now outside. I happened to get a PDF of VOD through WhatsApp. Thanks a ton.

Mr. Selvey RajMeerut.

4 The Voice of Delhi





KC Jacob PITAMPURA







The Little Virtues

life





WRITE TO US



I liked the entire new look of the Voice of Delhi - January 2017 edition. The change is very much appreciated and draws an instant attraction.The quality of paper and printing is of high standard and the cover design deserves special applauds. Articles are informative giving people insightful perspectives that allow to adapt the spiritual needs. Wishing you all the best and may the coming editions be of great reflections.With best wishes, Philamin PhilipAlAknAnDA





C.M. ThomasPRASAD nAGAR

JANUARY 2017





KC Jacob PITAMPURA







The Little Virtues

life





WRITE TO US



I liked the entire new look of the Voice of Delhi - January 2017 edition. The change is very much appreciated and draws an instant attraction.The quality of paper and printing is of high standard and the cover design deserves special applauds. Articles are informative giving people insightful perspectives that allow to adapt the spiritual needs. Wishing you all the best and may the coming editions be of great reflections.With best wishes, Philamin PhilipAlAknAnDA





C.M. ThomasPRASAD nAGAR

JANUARY 2017

The Synodal Path – Gratitude, Healing, Joy

As we come to the close of the year 2021 myriad thoughts would definitely cross our minds but three should be uppermost – gratitude, healing and joy. These are germane to the synodal path we have embarked upon, a path that is re-awakening in us our

baptismal calling in the Holy Spirit to communion, participation and mission.

Synodality calls us to ‘listen to the Holy Spirit by listening to one another’, therefore the synodal process we have begun is a God-given time (kairos) to discover together each one’s responsibility towards the building up of the Church and human society. First and foremost, we are grateful to God for the over hundred-year journey we have already covered as People of God in this area ever since we were part of the Agra Mission. Along the way we have experiences of joy but also of difficulties and obstacles coupled with hope-filled insights for the future; and there may also be ‘wounds’ that have come to light, but we cannot obviously allow the wounds to fester and poison us – they have to be healed if we wish to live a healthy life of harmony of the body, mind and spirit. The synodal process is a process of healing - a process that begins primarily in the family and spreads therefrom to all other levels of the Church and society.

We know the number of times St. Paul exhorts us to be thankful to God which is the key to forgiveness and opens for us the door to living in love, peace and joy which are the fruits of the Holy Spirit (e.g., Col. 3: 12-17; Phil. 4: 4-7; Gal. 5: 22-26).

‘Gratitude’ as beautifully described in the conversation between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama (cf. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World) is the foundation of joy. It is the recognition of all that holds us in the web of life and all that has made it possible to have life that we have and the moment that we are experiencing. It allows us to shift and widen our perspective from complaining and grumbling about our hurts, unpleasant experiences and misfortunes to counting our blessings. The conversation between the two spiritual giants carries a quote from Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Catholic Benedictine monk, who is a scholar in Buddhist-Christian dialogue:

“It is not happiness that makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us happy. Every moment is a gift. There is no certainty that you will have another moment, with all the opportunity that it contains. The gift within every gift is the opportunity it offers us. Most often it is the opportunity to enjoy it, but sometimes a difficult gift is given to us and that can be an opportunity to rise to the challenge.”

The Dalai Lama was able to be grateful despite the vicissitudes of his exile from Tibet and becoming a refugee in India. He learnt that the door to joy was to gratefully accept the reality without fighting it but by embracing it. So also, Archbishop Tutu learnt to develop empathy and compassion for others by being grateful to God in the midst of his tremendous sufferings during the struggle against apartheid.

There is the moving story of Anthony Ray Hinton mentioned in the book, who spent thirty years on death row in the state of Alabama (USA) for a crime he did not commit. He spent thirty years in a five-by-seven-foot cell in solitary confinement, allowed out only one hour a day. When a unanimous Supreme Court ruling ordered his release, he was finally able to walk free and feel the drops of rain on his face which he had missed for three decades. In a television interview he was asked whether he was angry at those who had put him in jail. He responded

5December 2021


God” disposing Christians “to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity” (CCC 1812). The theological virtues are:- Faith which “is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself” (CCC 1814). Faith, which is indeed a gift of God, is “dead” if it is not allied to works (cf. James 2:26). Hope “is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1817). Charity “is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God” (CCC 1822). This is what Christ has taught us in the new commandment of love at the Last Supper.

above catechesis on virtues is of a classical nature. I would like to also mention the “Little Virtues” which Fr. Denis Pereira of Mumbai had spoken about during a clergy retreat 19 years ago. The Little Virtues are as important to our Christian life of discipleship as the two main

categories mentioned above. WhAT ARe The LiTTLe ViRTUeS? � Sometimes it is a little indulgence, which easily pardons the faults of others, without the least desire of a little consideration for self.� Sometimes it is a holy dissimulation, which blinds the eye to the patent faults of one’s neighbours, and which is entirely different, as is apparent, from that petty vanity with which some preen themselves on discovering the secret faults of others.� At times it is a tender compassion, which takes to itself the task of mitigating the sorrows of the unfortunate, and it is a joy which spends itself increasing the happiness of the fortunate.� Sometimes also it is a certain elasticity of spirit which recognizes spontaneously and without the effort the worth of an idea which another has had before us, applauding it as a discovery, and in no way being envious of the author of it.� Now it is a solicitude which anticipates another’s need, desirous to spare the pain or humiliation of asking for help.� Again it is a generosity of heart which does anything in its power to oblige, and which when it can do but little, would wish to be able to do more.� Finally it is a sweet quiet affability which listens to the troubles of another with no apparent weariness, instructing the ignorant without the bitterness of reproach or reprimand; or it is a certain politeness which fulfills all the requirements of urbanity not only interiorly, as happens in the world which makes show of these graces, but with artless and Christian cordiality.

Affability, condescension, simplicity, kindliness, sweetness of aspect, of action, of manners, of words, such are, to resumé, the pleasant Little Virtues. However, the Little Virtues are by no means of a lesser degree than the virtues expected of a Christian as taught by St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians:

AFFAbiLiTy, COnDESCEnSiOn, SiMPLiCiTy, kinDLinESS, SWEETnESS OF ASPECT, OF ACTiOn, OF MAnnERS, OF WORDS, SuCh ARE, TO RESuMé, ThE PLEASAnT LiTTLE ViRTuES.


@archbishopdelhi www.facebook.com/archbishopanilcouto/

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these (virtues) put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:12-17).

would like to end with a little story that may well fit into our Lord’s teaching on going the “extra mile” (cf. Mt. 5:41): A man was asked to paint a boat. He brought with him paint and brushes and began to paint the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him. While painting, he realized there was a hole in the hull and decided to

repair it. When finished painting he received his money and left. The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a nice cheque, much higher than the payment for painting. The painter was surprised:

-You’ve already paid me for painting the boat! he said.-But this is not for the paint job. It’s for having repaired the hole in the boat. Ah! But it was such a small service… certainly it’s not worth paying me such a high

amount for something so insignificant! My dear friend, you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened. When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention about the hole. When the boat dried, my kids took the boat and went on a fishing trip. They did not know that there was a hole. I was not at home at that time. When I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole. Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing. Then I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole! You see, now, what you did? You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your “small” good deed.

So, no matter who, when or how. Just continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively and carefully repair all the “leaks” you find, because you never know when God has a pleasant surprise for us to be helpful and important to someone. You may have repaired numerous “boat holes” along the way, of several people without realizing how many lives you’ve saved.

+ Archbishop Anil Coutoarchbishop of delhi

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Whatever life gives to you, you can respond with joy. Joy is the happiness that does not depend on what happens. It is the grateful response to the opportunity that life offers you at this moment. When you are grateful, you are not fearful, and when you are not fearful, you are not violent.

that he had forgiven all the people who had sent him to jail. The interviewer incredulously asked, “But they took thirty years of your life – how can you not be angry?” Hinton responded, “If I am angry and unforgiving, they will have taken the rest of my life.”

This episode underlines the absolute truth that unforgiveness robs us of our ability to enjoy and appreciate our life, because we are trapped in a past filled with anger and bitterness. Forgiveness allows us to move beyond the past and appreciate the present, including the drops of rain falling on our face. Hinton is a powerful example of the ability to respond with joy despite the most horrendous circumstances.

Brother Steindl-Rast explains, “Whatever life gives to you, you can respond with joy. Joy is the happiness that does not depend on what happens. It is the grateful response to the opportunity that life offers you at this moment. When you are grateful, you are not fearful, and when you are not fearful, you are not violent. When you are grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not out of a sense of scarcity, and you are willing to share. If you are grateful, you are enjoying the differences between people and respectful to all people. A grateful world is a world of joyful people. Grateful people are joyful people. A grateful world is a happy world.” So, rejoicing, celebrating our good deeds and the good deeds of others, focusing on what is good and right and not just on what is bad and wrong should be the spiritual practice of our daily life.

It is a known fact that people with a strong disposition toward gratitude have the capacity to be empathic and to take the perspective of others. They are rated as more generous and more helpful by people in their social networks. They are also more likely to have helped someone with a personal problem or to have offered emotional support to others. Grateful people report more positive emotions, more vitality and optimism, and greater life satisfaction as well as lower levels of stress and depression. They don’t deny the negative aspects of life but simply appreciate what is positive. Compassion and generosity flow from a grateful heart. When we recognize that what we have has been given, it is our natural response to want to care for and give to others.

It is important that we learn to cultivate what is called the ‘eight pillars of joy’. These are:

1. The self-distancing practice of widening the perspective: through meditation we work to shift our perspective from our reactive emotional brain to our more reflective, more evolved high-brain centres. By getting the ‘wider perspective’, we step back from our situation to see the bigger picture. This practice is called ‘self-distancing’, and it allows us to think more clearly about our problems, as well as to reduce our stress response and our negative emotions. This can also be called ‘God’s eye’ perspective – the ability to go beyond our own self-interest and which is essential for any good leader, whether of a nation, organization or family.

2. Humility: it helps us to remember our common bond with others. It helps us to avoid isolation, judgement, and indifference and remember that we are all equally children of God.

3. Laughing at ourselves to develop humour: humour is one of the best ways to end conflict, especially when you are able to make fun of yourself or admit that you are over-reacting or being silly. Laughing at ourselves is a way not to take oneself too seriously. It helps to bring us down from our high pedestal of self-importance and affirm our shared humanity, shared vulnerabilities, shared frailties. Allowing oneself to be target of wholesome laughter and humour will certainly help to overcome our ‘touchiness.’

4. Acceptance: any possibility of joy requires an acceptance of reality and meditation leads us in that direction. We need to accept our life moment by moment without judgement or the expectation for life to be other than what it is.

5. Forgiveness: truth, forgiveness and reconciliation are the only way to move beyond violent conflict and there are no two ways about it. Forgiveness is an involved process which includes asking for forgiveness and forgiving ourselves. Archbishop Tutu speaks of the four-fold path:

















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The ability to forgive comes from the recognition of our shared humanity and the acknowledgement that, as humans, we hurt and are hurt by one another. If we can accept that the other person is also ‘suffering’, we can definitely move from revenge and retaliation to healing. We have to also accept our own part in the human drama.

telling your story, naming the hurt, granting forgiveness, renewing or releasing the relationship. The whole process is aimed at healing of memories and avoiding retraumatizing oneself by integrating the memories in one’s consciousness and defusing some of the emotional reactivity. The ability to forgive comes from the recognition of our shared humanity and the acknowledgement that, as humans, we hurt and are hurt by one another. If we can accept that the other person is also ‘suffering’, we can definitely move from revenge and retaliation to healing. We have to also accept our own part in the human drama.

6. Gratitude: is an extremely important part of joy because it allows us to savour life and to recognize that most of our good fortune in life comes from others. Gratitude is intrinsically related to humility and to appreciation for all those who have made it possible for me to be me.

7. Compassion: is a sense of concern that arises when we are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to see that suffering relieved. It is intrinsically related to ‘love’ and is a skill that has to be cultivated from childhood though it is instinctual in us.

8. Joy: is much bigger and deeper than ‘happiness’. While happiness is often seen as being dependent on external circumstances, joy is not. It is a state of mind and heart that animates our lives and which ultimately leads to a life of satisfaction and meaning. The meditation on ‘joy’ is meant to review the eight pillars and to use them when we encounter a problem, confront pain, or face suffering, whether these are major life challenges or daily dissatisfaction (dukkha). The eight pillars are the practices that lead to greater inner peace and greater joy.

The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ fully contains these eight pillars and much more. May the synodal process be meaningful for us because we are walking together on the Gospel path.

7December 2021

When fall has given way to winter and snow covers the ground while lights twinkle from house to house, you know Christmas

is coming. Decorated Christmas trees are everywhere you look. Presents crowd for space under the tree and families come together for a turkey feast. Christmas is one of the most important Christian and cultural holidays of the year, but what is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts? Is it the annual economic boost?

The Christmas season, especially in the West, is a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular traditions. What’s interesting is the etymology of the word Christmas. It literally means Christian Mass. It’s a shortened form of Christ’s Mass.

Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith. It’s also a celebration. It’s when Christians celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. The Bible tells of his birth hundreds of years before, fulfilling prophecies.

The Christmas Story in the Bible

The Christmas story is recorded in Luke 2:4-19.

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at

What Is the Meaning of Christmas?Christmas is one of the most important Christian and cultural holidays of the year, but what is the true meaning of Christmas? For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Heather RigglemanCrosswalk.com Contributing Writer ( Courtesy christianity.com)

what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:4-19)

True Meaning of Christmas: Celebrating the Savior

Jesus was born in order to pay the price for the things we have done wrong: sin. God sent his only son to be the atonement for all our sins so that we would not be separated from God. Without Jesus, we would all die for our sins. We inherited our sinful nature from the first human beings God created, Adam and Eve. While being fully God and yet fully man, Jesus came into the world as an infant to save us all.

Most Christmas traditions vary in significance and symbolic meaning. For example, we exchange gifts because God sent us the most precious gift: his only Son. Also, three Wisemen visited Jesus and brought gifts as well. A poem titled A Visit from St. Nicholas penned in 1822 popularized the tradition of exchanging gifts too.

Although people worldwide celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th, it was likely that he was born on a different month and date. The church in the 4th century chose December 25th as it coordinated with the Solstice on the Roman Calendar. (See: When Was Jesus Born?)

For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Savior, Jesus Christ. We know that through belief in Christ we are daughters and sons of God. Heaven will one day be our home. Perhaps this will help you look at the Christmas season differently this year. A chance to truly take in the wonder and awe of the season.

Heather Riggleman calls Nebraska home (Hey, it’s not for everyone) with her three kids and husband of 20 years. She writes to bring bold truths to marriage, career, mental health, faith, relationships, celebration and heartache. Heather is a former national award-winning journalist and is the author of Mama Needs a Time Out and Let’s Talk About Prayer. Her work has been featured on Proverbs 31 Ministries, MOPS, Today›s Christian Woman and Focus On the Family. You can find her at heatherriggleman.com.


theology & christian life - 25

The Holy Family & Holiness of the Family

POULOSE MANGAI, SJ

The feast of the Holy Family, which is celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas, falls on December 26 this year. For our reflection this

month, we shall consider the theme of holiness of the Christian family in light of the holiness of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Our parishes are basically Christian families brought together as a community of worship, proclamation and service. In all our parishes we have families that strive to bear witness to the gospel amidst many difficulties and hardships. This must be appreciated. We find vices too in many families: abusive behavior, neglect in the Christian upbringing of children, subjecting women to indignities, ill-treatment of elderly persons, divorces, abortions, etc. It is in this context of grace and disgrace that the Christian families are called to turn to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, which is a model of family holiness.

First of all, Christ is the centre of the Christian family, as it was in the Holy Family. Christ rules the life of the family and its members. Loving and total dedication to Christ is the hallmark of Christian families. The image of Christ or his Sacred Heart enthroned at home is a reminder of the centrality of Christ in the family, which orders its life according to his teachings and the teachings of his Church.

The Christian family is a place where the triune God is praised and adored every day. The family, as a whole, reads and meditates on the word of God daily. It prays with the psalms and praises God in songs. The Christian family is a part of the parish which is a Eucharistic community on mission. As a family, the members give to Sunday the priority it deserves as the Lord’s Day. To be holy is to be devoted to God and God’s service, in obedience to God’s will. The Christian family rejects the false values and priorities the world offers and, like the Holy Family, seeks to do God’s will, even when it means a lot of hardships and sacrifices. As CCC teaches, the Christian family “is called to partake of the prayer and sacrifice of Christ. Daily prayer and the reading of the Word of God strengthen it in charity” (CCC 2205).

Like in the Holy Family, every member of the Catholic family cherishes deep devotion towards the Mother of God in whose honour they pray the daily family Rosary. “The family that recites the Rosary together reproduces something of the atmosphere of the household of Nazareth: its members place Jesus at the centre, they share his joys and sorrows, they place

their needs and their plans in his hands, they draw from him the hope and the strength to go on” (St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, no. 41).

Holiness is about unselfish and self-giving love. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) views the Christian family as “a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit” (CCC 2205). Communion in love of the members among themselves and with God is the vocation of the Christian family and its path to holiness. Every family member is called to give up all selfishness and at times make sacrifices even of reasonable personal desires in order to love and serve others in the family. The husband and wife must be willing to lay down their lives for each other, like Christ did for the Church, his bride. Parents should sacrificially pour out their love for the children. Their unconditional and enduring love will move children to love and honour their parents, as Jesus did in the Holy Family.

Finally, Christian families may take the instruction of St. Paul to the Colossian Christians as addressed to them: As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col 3:12-117). This will make our families holy like the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

9December 2021

SAINT OF THE MONTH

Servant of God Rev. Fr. Canisius Thekkekara CMIA Man of Prayer and the Lover of the Word of God!

speCiaLFr. Arokiya Raj J

february 2017 1514 The Voice of Delhi

speCiaL

New Delhi: Archbishop Anil J T Couto of Delhi on January 15 urged Christians

in India to muster courage to face persecution.

“We need the courage to face persecution. It can come anytime,” the prelate said while rededicating a church in an eastern extreme of the national capital that was gutted in a mysterious fire more than two years ago. St. Sebastian’s Church in Dilshad Garden was among six church institutions in Delhi targeted between December 2014 and January 2015. The attacks ended suddenly with the announcement of elections to the Delhi legislative assembly in February 2015.

The attack on the Dilshad Garden church on December 1, 2014, led to nationwide protests and drew international attention.

“Dedication of the church

Delhi’s arson-hit church rededicated

reminds our own dedication to Jesus. We need to be witnesses of Christ at anytime and anywhere. Jesus’s heart thirsts for the world’s salvation,” said Archbishop Couto at the rededication Mass that launched the annual parish feast.

Retired Archbishop Vincent M Concessao and around 50 priests concelebrated the Mass attended by hundreds of people from various walks of life.

Archbishop Couto acknowledged that help to rebuild the church came from various sources such as Bombay Archdiocese, Propagation of Faith, Nunciature and local sources.

The archbishop said the Catholic Church is not against anyone, but tries to reach out to all irrespective of their religions and other differences.

An archdiocesan official told Matters India that although

rePOrT

sTaNley KOzhichira aND arul elaNgO

both the federal and the state governments had promised to help rebuild the church, no aid came. The Archdiocese of Delhi undertook the reconstruction two years ago.

The church still waits for “a clear reason” for the fire, the church official added. Police and others dismissed it the result of electricity short circuit, while others suspected foul play.

Present on the occasion Oscar Fernandes, Member of Parliament. This is “a miracle church and it remains a powerful symbol of hope,” Fernandes later told Matters India.

Ranjit John, architect of the church, said he was happy to work on the project. “I welcome the Lord. Come Holy Spirit and sanctify this place of worship,” he prayed while speaking to Matters India. The church was opened on December 30, 2001, by then Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi. It served as worship place for both the Latin and Syro-Malabar Catholics living in and around Dilshad Garden, one of the largest residential areas in Delhi.

Parish priest Father Anthony Francis said that the burning of the church was “a blessing in disguise” and as the gutted Church enabled his flock to rebuild with modernity and expansion. After the blessing of the tabernacle, Archbishop Couto handed its key to Father Francis.

The Catholic church sits between a Hindu temple and an Orthodox Christian church.

Published on: 6:12 pm, January 15, 2017 by: mattersindia.com

parishroundupChristmas Tree Celebration

AlAknAndA

Holy Spirit ChurchParish Priest: Fr. Jesuraj

The parishioners of Holy Spirit Church, Alaknanda in a yuletide cheer on 8th Jan

2017 (which coincided with Feast of the Epiphany) as they geared up to celebrate the ‘Christmas Tree’, an annual community fiesta, at Don Bosco School, Alaknanda.

The celebration of the Holy Mass by Parish Priest Fr. Jesuraj, Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Mukesh, Fr. Jerry, SDB the Administrator Don Bosco School, Fr. Diamond, SDB and Fr. Illango, SJ. The main celebrant was

Father John Maria Vianney who in his inspiring sermon called for all present to have a daily encounter with Child Jesus and celebrate the Christmas Spirit throughout the year, in thought, word and action. At the cultural event, the SCC units carols competition emceed Franklin and Nikita. Adya Binson, a Class I student opened the event with a message on the true spirit of Chirstmas. The Catechism students of the parish performed the prayer dance which won the first prize at the

Fr. Canisius was born on 12 May, 1914 as the seventh and the youngest child of Thekkekara Pothaparambil Lonappan and Mariam in Anandapuram, Kerala.

According to Fr. Canisius he learned the ideal of his life, “God’s Will: All of That and That alone,” from his parents. As early as a boy, before starting his High School studies, Ouseph had the longing to become a priest and had his state of life chosen with clear vision and firm conviction. As per the account of his sister, Rev. Sr. Sarseela F.C.C. young Ouseph once experienced the apparition of the Mother of Carmel holding a scapular in her hand, while he was praying for discernment of his vocation. He felt then in his heart a strong inner attraction for the CMI Congregation. Without any hesitation he uttered his fiat to the divine will and told his parents: “I want to become a priest, and I want to become a religious priest in the Carmelite Order.” He joined the CMI congregation as an Aspirant at Pavaratty. After the Novitiate at Ampazhakkad he made his First Profession on 24 November 1935. He was given the name Canisius of St. Theresa. He completed his philosophical and theological studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, and was ordained a Priest on 21 December 1942. All through his life Fr.Canisius was convinced of the fundamental principle that one should lead a life according to the Will of God expressed through the legitimate superiors. His motto was always: “God’s Will: All of That and That alone!” and he lived this ideal wholeheartedly and faithfully. This humble and noble religious could give this testament in My Life Experience (Ente Jeevithanubhavangal).

Rev. Fr. Canisius Thekkekara CMI, the first Indian to have the degree of Doctor in Sacred Scripture (DSS) from the prestigious Biblical Institute, Rome in 1952, was a committed religious who led a Christ Centred life in the service of the Word of God in the Church for the Glory of God and well-being of all. With unparalleled devotion and dedication, he served the CMI congregation and Church at large as Professor of Sacred Scripture and Spiritual Father at Sacred Heart Seminary Chethipuzha (1953-57), Professor of Sacred Scripture and Spiritual Father at Dharmaram College Bangalore (1957-60), Rector of Dharmaram College for two terms (1960-1966), CMI Prior General (1966-1972) and Provincial of Devamatha Province (1972-1975), Superior of Dharmaram College (1975-1978) and Vicar General of the CMI Congregation (1978-1982).

Fr. Canisius is known for his simple life and consideration and care for the poor. Fr. Canisius used to be called ‘a praying priest’ and even the ‘personification of prayer.’ He

really took great delight in prayer. Besides saying the community prayers without fail, Fr. Canisius would spend long hours in prayer before the tabernacle, especially on days when he was to officially take major and serious decisions. Prayer was for him delight, rest and duty.

God provided Fr. Canisius an in-depth experience and sense of the mystery of suffering. Hence he wholeheartedly welcomed the sufferings as his beloved friend. The son of St. Teresa of Avila seemed to make his own her motto, autpatiautmori (either suffer or die). During his last years he had a lot of physical sufferings which he bore willingly. Besides ailments typical of age, he suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease, characterised by stiffness and inflammation of the joints, loss of mobility, weakness and deformity and tremendous pain. He could not stretch out his hands and legs as well as bend them. This saintly soul suffered all the pains without any trace of impatience and murmur, and told the bystanders with a smile, “let the divine will be fulfilled.” As Paul the Apostle he also rejoiced in what he was suffering. He wrote: “Let us with patience and joy accept the suffering and thank God for it.” “Whatever God the Father gives, is the gift of his paternal love.” In his great suffering he could say: “What a great joy! When we are fully poured out as an offering, the objective of our life is accomplished. Praise to Him!”In his final years he wrote on his decision in My Life Experiences “Briefly speaking this was my firm decision – to be only there, where the Lord demands me to be; to do fully whatever He asks me to do, without any further worries. I have tried my best to firmly persevere in that determination, without caring what the flesh and blood were saying. This was also my attitude towards accepting responsibilities and their execution.” After his earthly life, he was declared as Servant of God by Mar Poly Kannookadan, the Bishop of Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Irinjalakuda.

Servant of God Fr. Canisius Thekkekara, Pray for us!


february 2017 1514 The Voice of Delhi

speCiaL

New Delhi: Archbishop Anil J T Couto of Delhi on January 15 urged Christians

in India to muster courage to face persecution.

“We need the courage to face persecution. It can come anytime,” the prelate said while rededicating a church in an eastern extreme of the national capital that was gutted in a mysterious fire more than two years ago. St. Sebastian’s Church in Dilshad Garden was among six church institutions in Delhi targeted between December 2014 and January 2015. The attacks ended suddenly with the announcement of elections to the Delhi legislative assembly in February 2015.

The attack on the Dilshad Garden church on December 1, 2014, led to nationwide protests and drew international attention.

“Dedication of the church

Delhi’s arson-hit church rededicated

reminds our own dedication to Jesus. We need to be witnesses of Christ at anytime and anywhere. Jesus’s heart thirsts for the world’s salvation,” said Archbishop Couto at the rededication Mass that launched the annual parish feast.

Retired Archbishop Vincent M Concessao and around 50 priests concelebrated the Mass attended by hundreds of people from various walks of life.

Archbishop Couto acknowledged that help to rebuild the church came from various sources such as Bombay Archdiocese, Propagation of Faith, Nunciature and local sources.

The archbishop said the Catholic Church is not against anyone, but tries to reach out to all irrespective of their religions and other differences.

An archdiocesan official told Matters India that although

rePOrT

sTaNley KOzhichira aND arul elaNgO

both the federal and the state governments had promised to help rebuild the church, no aid came. The Archdiocese of Delhi undertook the reconstruction two years ago.

The church still waits for “a clear reason” for the fire, the church official added. Police and others dismissed it the result of electricity short circuit, while others suspected foul play.

Present on the occasion Oscar Fernandes, Member of Parliament. This is “a miracle church and it remains a powerful symbol of hope,” Fernandes later told Matters India.

Ranjit John, architect of the church, said he was happy to work on the project. “I welcome the Lord. Come Holy Spirit and sanctify this place of worship,” he prayed while speaking to Matters India. The church was opened on December 30, 2001, by then Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi. It served as worship place for both the Latin and Syro-Malabar Catholics living in and around Dilshad Garden, one of the largest residential areas in Delhi.

Parish priest Father Anthony Francis said that the burning of the church was “a blessing in disguise” and as the gutted Church enabled his flock to rebuild with modernity and expansion. After the blessing of the tabernacle, Archbishop Couto handed its key to Father Francis.

The Catholic church sits between a Hindu temple and an Orthodox Christian church.

Published on: 6:12 pm, January 15, 2017 by: mattersindia.com

parishroundupChristmas Tree Celebration

AlAknAndA

Holy Spirit ChurchParish Priest: Fr. Jesuraj

The parishioners of Holy Spirit Church, Alaknanda in a yuletide cheer on 8th Jan

2017 (which coincided with Feast of the Epiphany) as they geared up to celebrate the ‘Christmas Tree’, an annual community fiesta, at Don Bosco School, Alaknanda.

The celebration of the Holy Mass by Parish Priest Fr. Jesuraj, Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Mukesh, Fr. Jerry, SDB the Administrator Don Bosco School, Fr. Diamond, SDB and Fr. Illango, SJ. The main celebrant was

Father John Maria Vianney who in his inspiring sermon called for all present to have a daily encounter with Child Jesus and celebrate the Christmas Spirit throughout the year, in thought, word and action. At the cultural event, the SCC units carols competition emceed Franklin and Nikita. Adya Binson, a Class I student opened the event with a message on the true spirit of Chirstmas. The Catechism students of the parish performed the prayer dance which won the first prize at the

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Sacrament of Confirmation – October 30, 2021Ms. Vimal Maria Titus

Confirmation is the sacrament in which the candidates receive the Holy Spirit, thereby conforming them more perfectly to Christ and strengthening them so that they may bear witness to Christ.

On Saturday, 30th October, 2021, 18 children of Holy Spirit Church, Alaknanda received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Covid protocols were strictly followed to ensure the safety of all present. Only the children along with their immediate family members were allowed by the Parish Priest to participate in the Eucharistic celebration. His Grace Archbishop Anil J T Couto presided over the Eucharistic celebration and the Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Jesuraj, and Assistant Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Zecharias Bhengra were the concelebrants during the mass.

On his arrival, His Grace Archbishop Anil Couto was accorded a warm welcome by the Parish Priest, Assistant Parish Priest, two parent representatives, and two members each of the Parish Pastoral Council and Catholic Association. As a token of our gratitude, His Grace Archbishop Anil was felicitated with a bouquet of flowers in the Church.

Holy Spirit Church Parish Priest: Fr. Jesu Raj Asst. Parish Priest: Fr. zacharias Bhengra

alaKnanda

11December 2021

Sacraments of First Holy Communion and ConfirmationMs. Vimal Maria Titus

In his homily, the Archbishop Most Rev. Anil J.T. Couto stressed upon the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they help in one’s spiritual growth, and further help us to bear the fruits of the Spirit like love, joy, peace, charity etc. In this manner we grow closer to Jesus amidst life’s tensions and are able to live out our life as missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ. Following the Homily and the renewal of Baptismal vows, the Archbishop initiated the Rite of Confirmation and conferred the candidates with the seal of the Holy Spirit. The representative God Parents were Ms. Catherine Thomas and Mr. Thomas who generously committed themselves to the role of being sponsors for the confirmandis. It was a solemn and sanctifying moment for all present and especially for the young confirmands. At the end of the Holy Mass, a certificate, a rosary and a book on Catechism of the Catholic Church were presented to each of the English confirmandis while each of the Hindi confirmandis received a certificate, a rosary and the Hindi Bible. As a token of respect and gratitude from the parishioners, the Archbishop was also presented with a sapling by the Catechism coordinator.

Catechism teachers, especially Mr. Sujith, were acknowledged for their hard work in preparing the children for Confirmation. All the committees, sacristians, altar servers, parents, and parishioners were duly acknowledged for their contributions and efforts for the success of the programme. The melodious rendition of hymns by the youth choir helped all present to participate actively in the Eucharistic celebration and was well appreciated.

DECEMBER 2021


Youth Choir participated in two most coveted contests at the diocese, ‘Cathedral Bells’ and ‘Gloria’ (Syro-Malabar Carol singing

competition). The Choir bagged 2nd Position in “Cathedral Bells 2016” and ‘Gloria’ under the leadership and guidance of the choir master Jibin George.

St. John Mary Vianney church celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour on

24th December, 2016. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Pradeep. His homily centred, in the message of love and care towards each other. Reminding the parishioners that Christmas is not just about decorations and exchange of gifts but it is a time for us to prepare our hearts to welcome the Baby Jesus into our lives anew each year. The celebrant through his melodious singing inspired all of us to celebrate Christmas with joy and reconciliation with one another. The ecstatic parishioners made merry and danced on the beats of mandar in celebration.

New Year 2017 and the Feast of Our Lady at the thanksgiving adoration on 31st December, 2016. The Christmas tree on 8th January, 2017, tastefully arranged by Rev Fr Umesh Ekka, Sr Rajni and Sr Anupa, where every parishioner regardless of their age participated and won exciting goodies. The day, a celebration of one family in Christ Jesus. Cheers to a beautiful beginning of the New Year 2017. God Bless us all!

St. Luke’s Youth Group

christmas day

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St. John Mary Vianney ChurchParish Priest: Fr. Kulandai SwamiAsst. Parish Priests: Fr. Umesh Ekka

On Sunday, 27 November 2016 we celebrated Altar Servers Day. The Eucharistic celebration began with a short introduction on the life of St. John Berchmans, the Patron Saint of the Altar Servers. The Holy Mass

presided over by Rev. Fr. Arthur Pinto. The introduction, readings and prayer as well as prayer for faithful were done by the Altar Servers. Rev. Fr. Arthur Pinto, the Parish Priest said, “Serving at the altar is a special privilege", given to them by the Church. The closer you are to the altar, the more you will remember to speak with Jesus in daily prayer; the more you will be nourished by the word and the body of the Lord." It is considered to be the first step towards becoming priests and religious to serve the Lord and His people. He also exhorted the parents to inspire and encourage their children to join the Altar Servers Association and render their valuable service at the altar. After the church announcement, Rev. Fr. Arthur felicitated them and gave away Certificates. He thanked all those who actively involved themselves, especially Sr. Stella Lobo and Mrs. Teresa George, the animators of Altar Servers.

PrAsAd nAgAr

St. Michael ChurchParish Priest: Fr. Arthur R. PintoAsst. Parish Priests: Fr. Balraj L

rohini PArish

The Church of ResurrectionParish Priest: Fr.Ivan Madtha

Altar Servers Day at Prasad nagar

Thanksgiving Get-together at St. Michael’s, Prasad Nagar

defence colony

St. Luke’s ChurchParish Priest: Fr.James Peter RajAsst. Parish Priests: Fr.Balaraju Anthony Swami, Fr.Vijay Kullu

Feast of epiphany and christmas tree celebration

The St. Luke’s Church celebrated the feast of Epiphany and Christmas tree

on 8th January, 2017. Bi-lingual Holy Mass concelebrated by Fr. Mathew Koyical. Fr. James Peter Raj (Parish Priest), Fr. Vijay Kullu &, Fr. Balaraju Swami (Assistant Parish Priests) and Fr. Amit (Nepal Province) also concelebrated the holy mass. After the Mass, the fair was declared open by the Fr. James Peter Raj, There were food and games stalls organized

by different associations of parish. Fathers, Brothers and Catechism teachers also conducted a few games, much to the surprise of the parishioners. For the Christmas tree celebrations, the catechism students were presented with beautiful gifts but also the toddlers were given small presents. Also, the lucky draw for Christmas Hamper was drawn and the prizes were conferred to two lucky winners, we’re keeping their names a secret for security purpose.

On Saturday, January 14, 2017, St. Michael’s Church, Prasad

Nagar held thanksgiving get-together function at 7.00 p.m. at the Church Complex for the members of Parish Council, Catholic Association, Vincent De Paul, Youth, Mahila Samaj, Legion of Mary, Religious and Altar Servers. Rev. Fr. Arthur Pinto inaugurated the get-together. Amid fun and

The Church of Resurrection celebrated its parish Christmas Day on Sunday

January 08, 2017. Parish Priest, Fr.Ivan Madtha, celebrated mass. The choir along with the congregation added to the bliss by singing beautiful hymns and carols to mark the Feast of the Epiphany. The mass concluded with prize distribution of all the activities conducted, the children were awarded prizes and certificates.

Fr.Ivan conducted an innovative ‘sector-wise’game which served a double benefit; firstly to improve the bonding between people living in the same or nearby sectors and secondly to elect a member who would represent them at the New Parish Council to be formed.

Games conducted for the kids by the parish youth and food stalls put up by &for the parishioners added excitement to the event.

f e b r u a r y2 0 1 7

parishroundup

games anchored Ms. Aparna Babu a number of prizes were announced and presented by Mr Rajan George, Vice President, Parish Council. Fr. Arthur expressed heartfelt thanks to one and all for their whole-hearted collaboration and support extended throughout the year 2016 in the church activities. Encouraging the parishioners to continue to raise the power of community through 2017.

Christmas Day Celebrations at Rohini Parish

◗ C.M. Thomas◗ Rosmin S Maria

◗ Ms. Anjali Thomas

◗ Vanessa Lobo

13th November, 2021 was a blessed day for the parishioners of Holy Spirit Church, Alaknanda as 12 children

received the sacrament of Holy Communion and 2 candidates were administered the sacrament of Confirmation during the 9:30 a.m mass. After a lot of preparation to receive Jesus in their hearts, the candidates looked excited and happy. Auxiliary Bishop His Grace Deepak Valerian Tauro solemnized the respective sacraments. The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Jesuraj and Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Zecharias were the concelebrants for the mass.

Upon his arrival, His Grace was warmly welcomed by the Parish Priest, Assistant Parish Priest, parent representative, and two members each of the Parish Pastoral Council and Catholic Association. Amidst colourful umbrellas held by parishioners lining up the way, showering of rose petals and a traditional tribal welcome by the tribal community of the parish, the beautifully decorated Church premises resonated a festive look for His Grace’s first visit to our Church after his episcopal ordination. After the solemn entrance procession into the Church, as a token of our respect and gratitude, the Auxiliary Bishop Rev. Deepak was felicitated with a bouquet of flowers.


Inauguration of Synod – 2023 at Holy Spirit Church, AlaknandaMs. Rebecca Das

In his message, His Grace Bishop Deepak explained about the importance of Sacraments in our lives. He urged the children to regularly attend mass and receive the Holy Communion as it nourishes our souls spiritually. He invited the parents to be role models for their children and accompany the children on their faith journey towards a deeper faith formation. He exhorted the confirmandis to live their lives as true witnesses of Jesus, reflecting His mercy and boundless love for all human beings always. Thereafter, as the entire congregation prayed, the rite of confirmation was administered by the Auxiliary Bishop to the two confirmands.

After the Eucharist, all the communicants were presented with a scapular, a rosary, small pocket size new testament Bible and a certificate while the confirmands received a certificate and the complete Hindi Bible.

As a sign of our respect and gratitude, a shawl was presented to our Auxiliary Bishop Rev. Deepak. All the Committees, Sacristians, Altar Servers, Catechism Teachers, Representative God Parents, Parents and Parishioners were all duly acknowledged for their contributions and efforts for the success of the programme. The choir led by Mr. Errol Gonsalves also lend a meaningful touch to the entire celebration and was well appreciated.

On 17th October 21, we the parishioners of the Holy Spirit Church were privileged to have our Diocese Vicar General Rev. Fr. Vincent D' Souza in our

midst to inaugurate the beginning of Synod - 2023 at our parish. Upon his arrival, the Vicar General was warmly welcomed by our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Jesuraj and the Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Zecharias. Thereafter, he was accorded the traditional tribal welcome by the tribal community and escorted into the Church.

In his message, during the Eucharistic celebration, the Vicar General Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza spoke about the Synod -2023 and explained the theme for a Synodal Church which is Communion, Participation, and Mission. The mass was rendered more special for five of our parishioners, as they were administered the Rite of Confirmation by the Vicar General. It was a grace-filled moment for all present and specially for theconfirmandis as they had undergone several weeks of preparation to receive the Sacrament.

After celebrating the mass Vicar General had a word with met everyone present there and all the parishioners had a fruitful day in his presence.

13December 2021

DECEMBER 2021








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◗ Vanessa Lobo

Marian Bliss in OctoberDr. Julie Rose Joven

Traditionally, the month of October is dedicated to the most Holy Rosary. We follow this practice of reciting Rosary to honour the Blessed Mother, in thanksgiving, for the protection that she gives to the Faithful. It is on October 7th we celebrate the feast of OUR LADY OF ROSARY. October was also the month in which Mother Mary appeared for the last

time to the shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, urging them to say the rosary everyday and obtain peace for the world.

It was a month-long celebration with daily recital of Rosary followed by Mass at Holy Spirit Church, Alaknanda. The Women's Council took up the responsibility for organising the culmination of the Marian Rosary month on October 31, 2021. The church and the grotto were beautifully lit up with T-lamps. The evening started with a candle-light rosary at the grotto. The Glorious mysteries were recited, submitting five different intentions for every mystery. Each mystery was concluded with hymns of various regional languages too. Hymns were sung in Konkani [Ms. Anna Serrao], in Malayalam [Ms. Mary Mathews], in Bengali [ Ms. Poly Mondal].

Rosary was followed by Holy Mass,the main celebrant being Rev. Fr. (Dr) Jayapradeep, and concelebrated by Fr. Jesuraj (Parish Priest) and Fr. Zechariah (Asst Parish Priest). In his Homily, Fr. Jayapradeep recalled the intentions dedicated to each Glorious mystery of the Holy Rosary. Father described Mother Mary as a “Boundless Vessel “of honour and devotion and also gave us a reflection about the practical lessons that we can learn from our Blessed Mother.

The readers (1st reading in Hindi-Ms Sadhana, 2nd reading in English -Ms Andrea) and the prayers of the faithful (Ms Baby Francis) were done by specially chosen women for the bilingual liturgical service. The choir led by Mr. Errol Gonsalves with their soulful music made the liturgy more meaningful. The women members of the ministry also came up with offertory led by Ms. Catherine Thomas. After the mass, Fr. Jayapradeep was felicitated with a Shawl of joy and gratitude on behalf of the Parish priests and the community.

The celebration came to an end with the distribution of Prasad to the whole congregation by the Women Council. It was indeed a memorable day filled with a lot of spiritual experience for all the parishioners who were present. May our MOTHER continue to intercede for us forever.

Our Lady of Rosary, Pray for Us


Conclusion of the Rosary Month at Sacred Heart CathedralDr. Julie Rose Joven

The month of October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and the Sacred Heart Cathedral celebrated the conclusion of the Rosary Month on 31st October, 2021 with the Holy Eucharistic Celebration offered by Fr. Maria Charles along with the Parish fathers as concelebrants and all the faithful gathered. Every day evening during the month of October,

a good number of Parishioners gathered in front of the Grotto to pray the Rosary which was followed by the Holy Mass. On the concluding day, i.e., 31st of October, 2021 after praying the Rosary at the Grotto, the faithful proceeded to the Church in procession. Many parishioners have joined in this Marian devotion and made it a meaningful and a prayerful celebration for all. The celebration ended with sharing of refreshment.

Sacred Heart CathedralParish Priest: Fr. Lawrence P. RAsst. Parish Priest: Fr. John Britto XavierAsst. Parish Priest: Fr. Shinil JacobAsst. Parish Priest: Rev. Fr Aloysious V.R

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Mission Sunday

Annually, World Mission Sunday is observed on the next-to-last Sunday in October. The World Mission Sunday is “an

important day in the life of the Church because it teaches how to give: as an offering made to God, in the Eucharistic

celebration and for all the missions of the world.” This year Mission Sunday was celebrated on 24th October, 2021.

On that day at the Sacred Heart Cathedral parishioners prayed for Missions during the Eucharistic celebrations in a special

way. Usually every year on Mission Sunday, various Small Christian communities (CC) and all Associations come together

and put-up various stalls to raise funds for the Mission. Due to Covid Pandemic no such event was organized at the Cathedral

last year. However, this year keeping in mind the restrictions and SoP in place to contain Covid Pandemic, we put up very

few stalls to raise funds on 31st October, 2021 in the morning. All covid protocols were followed as responsible citizens by the

organizers. Only very few items viz., idli- sambar, sandwiches, chicken briyani, tea, coffee and cold drinks were sold during

the event. Few SCC Units and individuals also contributed their time, money and energy for raising fund for the Mission. We

appreciate and thank all those who took part in the event to raise funds for this noble cause.


All Souls Day Mass at York Cemetery

To commomerate all the faithful departed on all Souls Day, and three masses were celebrated at the Cathedral during the day to remember and pray for all the departred souls from the families of the Parishioners. In the evening at 4.00 pm, Most Rev. Deepak Valerian Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi presided over the all Souls Day Mass at York

Cemetry along with Rev. Fr. Lawrence PR, Rev. Fr. Francis Prasad, Rev. Fr. Shinil Jaob and Rev. Fr. Aloysious. The tombs were decorated with flowers and candles were lit for the faithful departed. Homily given by Bishop Deepak has been given here for the benefit of readers. Bishop Deepak started his homily with a storey about a Jewish Rabbi who had only one son very close to him. One day when he went to syoguge for his duty, an accident took plae and his son died. His mother brought his body, wrapped and kept in a room and waiting for her husband to return. When he returned, she did not tell him anything till he had his meal. Thereafter, she told her husband that she needs his guidance as she was in a dilemma. Then she said someone has gifted me a very very precious thing and now I am very much attached to it. But that person has come back asking me to return it. Since I am very much attached to it, I don’t want to detach myself. Should I return or not. Then the Jewish Preacher immediately told her to get up at once go and return it to that person. It does not belong to you. Then she took her husband to the next room, opened the door and showed him the dead body of his son. She told him that the Lord has given and the Lord has taken. This is the feast we celebrate today, “the Lord gives and the Lord takes”. The life doesn’t end there, that is our faith and why because Jesus says in the Gospel according to St. John 6:37, “all that the Father gives me shall come to me; and that comes to me I will not cast out”. This is the promise given to us by Jesus. He will not cast out anybody……

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…..He will open the door of heaven for every person. That is why it is written in the Gospel according to St. Luke 20:38, “God

is not the God of the dead, but of the living,” For God nobody is dead but everybody is alive. People may die but they continue to live in the sight of God and in the eyes of God. And that is why we come togather to pray for our dear and near ones. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that our prayers are very useful for the people who had gone ahead of us. In paragraph. Para 1030 clearly teachs us that “all who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed

assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy

of heaven.” This is our faith. Moreover when we pray for our near and dear ones, that expresses our ongoing communion with those. One day we all hope to be with them in heaven. Therefore, this is not just a Holy Mass but the celebration of our faith in life eternal and we have a very very solid proof of it. Let us remember the incident at Mount Calvari when Jesus was hanging on the cross, there were two thieves next to him. One rebuked to Jesus but the other one asked Jesus to take him to remember him in His Kindgom and please remember the answer Jesus gave, ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise’. My dear people, nobody has ever made such a promise, only Jesus has made sucah a promosie and we have seen the beautiful Gospel of today. Therefore, it is a celebration of our faith. Bishop has concluded his reflection saying that, the hope is in the Lord, the faithful departed are faithful actually returned. In the Lord our loved ones do not leave us, they reutrn home, the eternal home. We have to admit the fact, no amount of reflection, no amount of cermon can substitute the pain of the reality of death. But in such a situation, silene is the only answer. But for us Christians, the silenece is not ordinary silence, it is a silene of hope. Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ who will one day take us and keep us altogether. May our Blessed Mother Mary who bored the pain of the death of her son helps us to accept the reality of death and prepare ourselves for a worthy death. Our silence is silence of hope. Therefore, let us hopefully be silent for a few moments praying for the departed souls known and unknown to us. Soon after mass Bishop Deepak and other priests went around blessing all tombs and prayed for all the faithful departed.


Every year since 2016, the Sacred Heart Cathedral has been organsing “Memorial Garden” in remembrance of all the departed souls of the faithful in the evening on 2nd November. This year also on 2nd November 2021, after the 6.00 pm mass, Sacred Heart Cathedral organized “Memorial Garden” in which Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto, conducted special

prayers ‘the Office of the Dead’ in remembrance of all the departed souls of the faithful. Photographs of the faithful who have gone to the eternal abode were collected and placed in and around inside the Garden in front of the Cathedral. Flowers and candles were placed in front of the photographs In the memorial service, Archbishop was joined by all the Parish Fathers of the Cathedral, Fr. Ajeet Patrick. Many Parishioners, religious Sisters and others were present on the occasion and prayed for the departed souls. This service is an opportunity for all of us to remember by name our loved ones with thanksgivings and hopeful prayer.

Memorial Garden at Sacred Heart Cathedral

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Sacrament of Holy Communion 2021Leena Sunny

6th November 2021, was a day of great joy for all the Parishioners of Sacred Heart Cathedral. After the Pandemic a gap of two years, the children of the Parish received the sacrament of the First Holy Communion. The children were prepared a week before the occasion with special classes by Sr. Pousteena and Mrs. Leena Sunny along with a day of

recollection by Rev. Fr. Sampath. The mass began at 9 am and the 39 holy communicants were given the sacrament by the main celebrant, our very own Vicar General most Rev. Monsignor Fr.Vincent D’Souza along with his con celebrants, our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Lawrence and Assistant Priests Rev. Fr. Britto, Rev. Fr. Shinil and Rev. Fr. Aloysious. The celebration was participated by the parents, relatives, and well-wishers of the Holy communicants. The entire liturgy along with the welcome speech and the vote of thanks was led by the children themselves. The occasion was solemnly led by the melodious hymns sung by the Choir. Fr. Vincent D’Souza appreciated the children’s response to the church’s spiritual call and gave them advice on how to move on with Jesus in every aspect of their lives. Father Lawrence thanked all the teachers who had taught the children along with the Parish Council members and volunteers for their support and services. The chief celebrant our new Vicar General Rev. Monsignor Vincent D’Souza was felicitated and was presented with a memento as a token of love by the Parish Community The communicants were awarded a Rosary and Certificate. Under the able leadership of Fr. Aloysious and Catechism In charge Mrs. Leena Sunny, the event was organized in a solemn manner. After the photograph session, Monsignor spent some time with the children in the Maria Bhawan basement where they were provided refreshments. We thank God Almighty for His presence all throughout the day and making the day a blessed one.


The Solemnity of Christ The King at Sacred Heart CathedralFr. Aloysious

The Solemnity of Christ the King was celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral on 21st of November, 2021. Unlike other years where all the parishes of the Archdiocese gather at Columba’s School to celebrate the feast, this year the celebration was limited to parish level due to the Covid pandemic. As a spiritual preparation for the feast, the Triduum

was organized on 18th, 19th and 20th November from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm. The first day of the Triduum was animated by Mr. Mathew Antony, Secretary, and Commission for Evangelization with reflections on well-chosen and relevant themes on all the three days, the second day by YU4C(Youth United for Christ) and third day by Jesus Youth. On the Feast day, Holy Eucharist was presided over by His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli, Nuncio to India and Nepal and was concelebrated by His Grace Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto, Msgr. Stephen (CBCI) Rev. Fr. Lawrence P.R (the Parish Priest), Rev. Fr. Joseph Elamthuruthy, Rev. Fr. Ajeet Patrick, Priests from CBCI and the Assistant Parish Priests. In his homily His Excellency said that he was very happy to celebrate the Holy Mass in this Cathedral of Sacred Heart where People of God have great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this last Sunday of the Liturgical year, the Church celebrates the solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ king of the universes. The feast was established in 1925 by the Pope Pious XI but which has deep biblical and theological roots. It sums up the mystery of Jesus first born from the death and the ruler of the kings of the earth, expanding our case towards a complete fulfillment of the kingdom of God, when God will be everything to everyone. Jesus is, was and there will be King of the Universe until the end of the time. The Kingdom of Christ is a gift offered to the people so that those who believe in him may not perish but may have eternal life. This kingship of Christ remain completely hid him until he was 33 years old. Jesus spent an ordinary life in Nazareth. Then during his public life Jesus inaugurated the new Kingdom which does not belong to this World but finally with his death and resurrection he fully established it. Today’s readings remind us about the truth about the Christ the King, is the fulfillment of the prophesies of the Old Testament.

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His Excellency has quoted the first, second and Gospel readings to explain about this. In the First reading Prophet Daniel announces the coming of the son of the man who has been given dominion and glory and kingdom. …..The second reading from the Book of Revelation says that Jesus Christ is the faithful witness as he reveals the mystery of God and announces his Kingdom which is now in operation. He is the first servant of this Kingdom by becoming obedient on to death even death on the cross he has witnessed the Father’s power over creation in over the world. In fact everything on earth is subject to death instead the son of God that has the power over death open the prospects o immortal life to all humanity. He is the beginning and fulfillment of all creation so that every generation will be blessed with his kingdom that is coming….. In the Gospel of St. John today, Jesus revels that his Kingship is not of this world but another kind of kingship, the divine and spiritual Kingship…. The Church has a vital mission, yesterday, today and forever to proclaim and to witness to Christ the King so that every human being may totally fulfill his or her vocation… May the Virgin Mary whom God uniquely associated with the Kingship of his son obtain that we welcome him as the Lord of our lives as the centre of our history. In order to cooperate fulfill faithfully with the coming of his Kingdom of love justice and peace. …Towards the end of the Holy Eucharist, His Excellency was felicitated by the Parish Community. A brief introduction about His Excellency was read by Fr. Aloysious which was followed by presenting a shawl by his Grace Archbishop Anil to His Excellency. Fr. Lawrence thanked His Excellency for his inspiring homily and for celebrating the Holy Eucharistic in the Cathedral for the first time. He has also thanked Archbishop Anil who is always there to guide and lead us. Fr. Lawrence also thanked Fr. Stephen Fernandez for arranging everything for that day. Soon after the Holy Eucharist, there was a Eucharistic Procession in which His grace Anil J. T. Couto carried the Blessed Sacrament and all the faithful who were present participated in the same. The procession ended at CJM hall with the benediction and the celebration ended with small refreshment.


This year the Solemnity of Christ the King was celebrated at Parish level on 21st November 2021. His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Nuncio to India was the main celebrant at the Sacred Heart Cathedral which was concelebrated by Archbishop Anil, Parish Fathers and many Priests from Cathedral compound. Immediately

after the Eucharistic Procession, His Excellency Archbishop Leoplodo Girelli chaired a meeting at 11.30 am in Convent Of Jesus and Mary School room. The Meeting was attended by different Association members of the Parish which includes Parish Council, Catholic Association, Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Legion of Mary, Catechetical Department and Youth group. Msgr. Stephen Fernandez and Fr. Lawrence, PR, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral were present for the meeting. The meeting began with a prayer and welcome speech by Sr. Nesam who was also the MC for the programme. Sr. Nesam during her welcome speech welcomed Nuncio, Priests and the members of the various Associations of the Parish. Thereafter, office bearers of each Association presented their reports about the various activities undertaken by them in the Parish. Presentation of report began with Ms. Philomena. Member, Parish Council. In the report, she has highlighted the various action plans which are implemented on regular basis for the growth of the Parish by the Parish Council. Next, Mr. Ajit Soreng, Secretary of Catholic Association presented his report highlighting various activities undertaken by the CA members throughout the year such as Christmas, Holy Week Services, Christ the King Feast etc. This was followed by presentation of report by Mr. Anil Bernard Barla, President of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. His report highlighted few

Nuncio’s Meeting with all the Associations Members of the CathedralAkansha

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important activities undertaken by the Conference members such as adopting poor families and taking care of their needs, helping the poor under self help projects, providing medical aid, casual aid and educational aid to the needy people. During the Pandemic, the Conference collaborated with the Parish and Chetanalya and distributed food items, cooked meals, masks and other essential items to the poor. This was followed by a report by Ms. Catherine, President of the Legion of Mary. She has reported that the association was established in the Parish during the year 2012 and presently they have 15 active and 95 Auxiliary Legionaries who are mostly working women and are committed to the objectives of the association. During the Pandemic and the lockdown, the Legionaries conducted the weekly meetings online to pray and discuss the important matters to be of some service to the families in need. In the post-lockdown, they reached out to Catholic and non-Catholic to youth, women, children, elderly, disabled and patients suffering within and outside hospitals and expressed the unconditional love of Jesus and Mary. Ms Leena who is in charge of Catechism classes presented her report highlighting how catechists are imparting the religious education among the children which have helped them to build their relationship with God, highlighted man’s need for God and made known to them the importance of scriptures and the principles of faith. As of now, the Cathedral Parish have about 120 children and 14 catechists. The last report was presented by Ms.Ishita, Secretary, Parish Youth Group highlighting that at present Sacred Heart Cathedral Youth Movement has 24 members and 18 of them are registered youth member under Indian Catholic youth movement (ICYM ) Delhi and the Youth group has been active in the Parish, Zonal and Diocesan level. They have conducted and participated in almost all activities in all levels. New Council was also elected recently and have planned many things for the future time. After listing the all the reports, His Excellency congratulated all the Associations for their active participation and support to the Church. He also explained few points about the importance of different Associations and how they are important and play a vital role in the Church activities. Thereafter, he invited questions from the participants to clarify their doubts. Few questions were asked about the probable visit of our Holy Father to India after the Indian PM met him recently at Vatican, meaning of his name, in which area the Associations of the Parish need to improve upon etc. His Excellency briefly explained about the Synod on Synadality. The Meeting was concluded with Vote of thanks by Fr Lawrence, who thanked His Excellency and Fr Stephen Fernandez for their presence on the occasion of Solemnity of Christ the King in the Sacred heart Cathedral and for his blessings on all of us. Towards the end Final blessing was given by His Excellency and a group photo was taken. It was a memorable meeting for all the Associations members of the Parish.


St. Louis Marie De Montfort ChurchParish Priest: Fr. Savarimuthu Sankar

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On 31st October 2021 Montfort family celebrated St. Louis Marie De Montfort’s Feast

which was due since 28th April 2021. Feast day celebration began with three days novena conducted prior to the main event. The themes for the novena were ‘Christian Faith during global pandemic’, ‘St. Joseph as a model for Christian discipleship' and ‘Significance of Forgiveness for authentic Christian living’. We are thankful for Fr. Arockia Raj, Fr. Britto Durai Raj and Fr. Peter Emmanuel for their presence and wonderful sermon which helped us meditate on the themes in a meaningful way during the Novena.

The main celebrant for the Feast day celebration on 31st October 2021 were Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. Deepak Valerian Tauro whom we welcomed with an entrance dance by the ladies group. Bro. Alex Thampi, Principal of St. Montfort School enlightened us with the life of St.Louis De Montfort. After the Eucharistic celebration Bro. Edmond Soreng and Bro. William of Montfort were facilitated for their infinite love and support to the Montfort family. Mass ended with light refreshments for all, distributed by the youth followed by cultural program.

The cultural program began with the welcoming of Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro, Bro. Alex Thampi, Bro. William, Bro. Edmond, Sr. Sherly and Sr. Lucia with handmade cards and roses by our Parish priest Fr. Savarimuthu Sankar. The program was organized by the youth of St. Louis which included the participation of Catechism Children, Mahila sang and Youth actively. The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu Sankar and Grace by Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro followed by Agape (fellowship meal).

I would like to thank our beloved Parish priest Fr. S a v a r i m u t h u Sankar for his endless support and love, choir, youth m e m b e r s , P a r t i c i p a n t s , v o l u n t e e r s and Montfort family for making this a memorable day.

St. Louis Marie De Montfort Feast Day 2021Sarah Kujur

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"Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life's coming attraction". Albert Einstein

On the occasion of children's day St. Monica's youth council organised a drawing competition for children of class 3rd to 12th after their catechism class on the following

Topic:

Class 3rd to 5th - St. Joseph the Carpenter

Class 6th to 12th - What my father means to me-St. Joseph.

It was great to see the children coming up with beautiful ideas and showcasing their creativity. They drew their own work of art with distinct aesthetic qualities.

I t's amazing what we can do when we come together for the greater

good. Our youth council arranged cleanliness drive at Burari cemetery on 31st October 2021 in view of All Souls Day that was observed on 2nd November 2021. After the Sunday mass we all gathered at the cemetery and the caretaker explained as the chores. We cleared the piles of dried leaves, plants, twits and flowers. Though it was a large area to cover but with all the fun and laughter the work was done. The caretakers were helping us too but we all were more delighted to help them back.

burariSt. Monica’s Church Parish Priest: Fr. Valerian Baretto

Children’s Day CelebrationNeelima Tirkey

Cleanliness DriveAlice Bodra

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KanheiChurch of Immaculate Conception, GurgaonParish Priest: Fr. Paul RoyAsst. Parish Priest: Fr. Thomas Blessin

Apostolic Nuncio to India, H.E. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli visits The Church of Immaculate Conception, GurgaonJennifer Fernandez

Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli visited the parish of The Church of Immaculate Conception, Kanhei, Gurgaon on the 7th of November 2021.

It was an especially momentous and grace filled day as Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the parish family of The Church of Immaculate Conception and interacted in person with the various associations of the parish.

His Excellency greeted the beautifully diverse cultures of the parish, with a warm smile and shared wonderful thoughts and exchanged conversations, right from the time he entered the church gates. The Nuncio was led from quadrangle to the church by a graceful worship dance in true traditional spirits. After spending a few quiet moments in personal prayer, His Excellency spontaneously interacted with the parishioners around him. He shared a few smiles and encouraging thoughts with the choir and children of the parish. It was a humbling experience as he acknowledged every person present around, stopping briefly to smile and make eye contact.

As His Excellency celebrated the Holy Eucharist, he was joined at the altar by Archbishop Emeritus Vincent Concessao, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Paul Roy, Co-Pastor Rev. Fr. Thomas Blessin and Rev. Fr Stephen Fernandes, secretary to the Apostolic Nuncio. The Archbishop, through his gift of time to the parishioners, commended the parochial team and its ministries for continuing to serve and impart catechesis to children and youth, even in these unprecedented times.

His pastoral care and love were so clearly evident as he spoke, through his homily, about love and grace in the words of St Ignatius of Loyola and St Augustine, and of living the life of the beatitudes, like the poor widow who put in two coins – which was all she had – as her offering. Archbishop Girelli also reminded us of how our ‘faith life’ leads us on through the difficult paths in our personal lives.

He was quick and observant to highlight to an excited congregation, the significance of the 3 statues that adorn the façade of the Church – namely The Pieta, The Blessed Virgin Mary and The Immaculate Conception. His Excellency shared with us that Mary, Our Mother, continues to walk close with us through all life’s moments, as we march in faith towards Christ.

After a meaningful celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Apostolic Nuncio spent time with the various associations and ministries of the parish. He listened keenly to the representatives of the associations speak and was quick to appreciate and acknowledge

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the service of every member of these various groups. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli was delighted to know that through these ministries,the areas of faith and catechesis, love and service to neighbour and prayer were all actively happening in the parish.

His Excellency proactively engaged in taking questions from the parish team members and provided valuable insights into the ‘Church as a universal pastoral and caregiving body’, and the Pope’s leadership of love and service. The Nuncio also shed light on the Church as a governing body that has always focussed on administration and discipline, keeping Christ and His teachings at the centre of all its activities and engagements.

As one family, Archbishop Girelli entertained the ‘parish shutterbugs’ as he faced the camera surrounded by members of the parish ministries. He partook in a fellowship meal and kept the smiles and laughter going, with his thoughtful conversations and great sense of well-timed humour, thus spreading so much joy, before he bid farewell for the day.

It was a blessed day, more so, as Archbishop Emeritus Vincent Concessao shared with the parishioners that it was indeed the Nuncio’s request to Archbishop Anil Couto to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on the Lord’s Day at a remotely located parish in the archdiocese, (far away in terms of distance from Delhi). We were truly blessed to have been chosen.

As we continue the work we do, further strengthened and nourished in the Lord through Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli’s visit, we remain enthusiastic and engaged co-workers with Christ. We pray especially for His Excellency, Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, as he conducts his official engagements of the diplomatic service of the Holy See, and gives pastoral care, as he humbly serves in the Lord’s vineyard on our Indian soil.


hauZ KhasGood Shepherd ChurchParish Priest: Fr. James Peter RajAsst. Parish Priest: Fr. Richard Minj

Sacrament of First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Parish DayRose Mary Peter

October 30th was a very blessed and pleasant day for the parishioners of Good Shepherd Church as 24 Children were conferred with the Sacrament of First Holy Communion and 45 children were conferred with the Sacrament of Confirmation. The day becomes all the more important and grand as his Excellency Auxiliary Bishop Deepak Tauro

made his first pastoral visit in our parish after his Episcopal Ordination. The day began with a welcome note by a child receiving the Sacrament followed by traditional entrance dance with washing of the hands and putting Tilak on forehand of the main celebrant. Everything was done in order, keeping in mind the Covid norms.

Bishop Deepak during his address and homily was very down to earth, sweet and versatile. His sermon was simple and touched the hearts of one and all. Bishop was very happy and he did mention that all children were very well dressed, girls looking beautiful, and boys looking handsome, and were looking forward for various gifts, feast and celebration as it is very happy day for all, as children would be receiving the internal grace through the Sacraments especially through the hard work of parents, catechism teachers, Parish Priest and the Catholic Church.

Bishop Deepak in his address mentioned Children need to do deep reflection to receive the various graces as their journey of faith in Christ has started all need to be Holy as Jesus Christ is Holy. It is a simple logic that Jesus will come in your heart and the Holy Spirit will allow God to be invited in you hence it is joyful occasion for all receiving both the Sacraments. Bishop Deepak quoted various verses from the Holy Bible laying emphasis on the significance of the Holy Sacraments St John 6:35, “Then Jesus declared I am the bread of life”. St. John 6: 53-54 “Jesus said to them I am telling you the truth if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood you will not have life in yourselves. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him to life on the last day”. Therefore we all need to prepare ourselves to receive the body and blood of Christ with a pure heart and soul as we all are baptized in Christ and our journey to heaven would become easier with Jesus Christ. St John 14:15-17 “If you love me, you will obey my commandments. I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper who will stay with you forever. He is the Spirit who reveals the Truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you”. St. John 6:22 “Then he breathed on them and said “Receive the Holy Spirit”. After receiving the gifts of Holy Spirit that is wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord” Apostle started doing the missionary work of Christ with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Bishop Deepak very humbly stated that it is the duty of parents and also it is sacred obligation to do the church work and also encourage children to participate and contribute in Church activities. Through Sacrament of Reconciliation we have to be strong in our faith and be worthy of the Lord. Bishop Deepak also highlighted the inauguration of Synod 2023 by Pope Francis on 10th October 2021, in Vatican theme being Walking Together with the Lord and listening to each other, come back to the Lord, come back to each other and start beginning from, within your parish level, family level. Bishop laid emphasis a family that prays together stays together, we should develop habit of praying in unity be strong and grow in faith and in one God. Bishop Deepak mentioned that Sacraments are not only meant for children they are for all of us as they make us spiritually strong and God gives us strength. Therefore, we need to pray for our children that they may become good Christians. Through Rite of Anointing each one with the seal of Holy Spirit and Chrism oil our children have climbed up the ladder to grow in body and grow as beautiful Soul, kyuki Atmamei Parmatmahai.

The day concluded with thanks giving note by Fr. James especially to Bishop Deepak with flowers and token or our love. Fr. James also took this opportunity to thank each and every member/association, catechism teachers, religious sisters, the choir etc. who made the day grand and successful, followed by Photo session and certificate session. Snacks were served to all parishioners.

14th November, we celebrated our Parish Day ie feast of our Good Shepherd. Our Good Shepherd parish community was established 31 years ago, since then our parish was running in the Hall of St. Anthony’s School, Hauz Khas. Our church was constructed within the nearby premises of Sahoday School on 14th November 2016 hence we are celebrating 5 years of our new church. We are thankful to God for this wonderful gift of beautiful Church directly from heavenly father.

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The day began with traditional dance followed by washing of hands, and putting Tilak on the forehead of main celebrant. The main celebrant for the day was Fr. Alphonse Shah, Chancellor of Archdiocese of Delhi. Fr. Alphonse’s homily was spiritually very nourishing, he highlighted the repercussion of small virus COVID- 19 how dangerous it was. Fr. Alphonse laid emphasis how to make Sunday Mass active in your life. He quoted examples from the time of Fr. Cyril Patrick our first parish priest. Lastly he mentioned that our lives can only be secure and peaceful if we only walk through the door of Good Shepherd then our lives can be beautiful and safe. Jesus said I am the way, and the truth and the Life.

Fr. James thanked Fr. Alphonse for gracing the occasion and felicitated him with flowers and token of appreciation. Fr. James also wished Happy Parish Day to the three Convent Superiors Sr. Joyce of Bethany Convent, Sr. Claret of Clara Niwas and Sr. Daisy of St. Anthony’s Convent as Sr. Victoria was not present. Needless to say I and my husband Morgan Peter were also felicitated by Fr. Alphonse and Fr. James as we completed 31 years of togetherness on 14th Nov too; we thank the Almighty God and the large heartedness of our Parish Priest and Parish Community. The day become more joyful when our Parish Council members gave me and my husband opportunity to wish Fr. James and Fr. Richard, Happy Parish day.

We all are observing covid norms therefore no cultural program no dance no fellowship meal. The day concluded with snacks, refreshments and everyone enjoyed. God has different plan for each one of us and we should always remain thankful to Almighty for his Grace and Blessings – Praise be to God

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old delhiSt. Mary's ChurchParish Priest : Fr. Anthony William

Children’s Day CelebrationsSamuel. A. Fredrick

Christ The King Feast CelebrationsSamuel. A. Fredrick

On 14th November 2021, Sunday the parishioners of St. Mary’s Church celebrated children’s day. The Eucharistic Celebration started with a small procession by our children. The mass was offered by our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Anthony William and the choir and liturgy was done by Catechism Children and Teachers. In his homily Fr. Anthony

William gave a meaningful message about children and importance of children and the growth of a child. After the mass a cake was cut by our children and refreshments were served. A biblical movie was showed in the church followed by games prepared by the Youth. Children of all age were happy and enjoyed the day.

It was truly an enjoyable time for everyone present. After a long spell of monotony and uncertainties, it felt nice interacting with members and spending some happy time together. Certainly, it was an unforgettable day for us!

On 21st November 2021, Sunday the parishioners of St.

Mary’s Church Celebrated Christ the King Feast. The day started with a procession in which the catechism teachers conducted the rosary and praise and worship songs with full energy. After reaching in the church a small adoration was done followed by the Eucharistic celebration, mass was offered by our parish priest Rev. Fr. Anthony William. The choir was done by the Parish Council Members and Catechism Teachers, Liturgy was done by the Youth. In his homily the parish priest beautifully explained the importance of Christ as our King. In his church notices our Parish Priest gave thanks to all the associations and their respective members for giving their time and contribution for the preparation of the Feast and for decorating the statue as well as looking after the whole day. After the mass refreshments were served.

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paharganjSt. Anthony's Church Parish Priest: Fr. Manikya Raju

All Souls Day Mass at Paharganj CemeteryM.S.Stanislaus

Children's Day CelebrationRose Mary

Hundreds of faithful visited Paharganj Cemetery to pray for the departed souls of their dear ones buried in the cemetery. Graves were decorated

and lighted with candles as they were being blessed by priests after the Holy Mass. Main celebrant at the Holy Mass was Most Rev. Anil J.T.Couto, Archbishop of Delhi and Fathers Manikya Raju, Ajeet Patric and Balaraju Anthonysamy concelebrated. His Grace in his homily exhorted the faithful to pray for the departed souls to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and pave way for all of us. Fr. Manikya Raju thanked the Archbishop and the priests for celebrating mass. After the mass, graves were blessed by the priests. Archbishop Anil visited some of the graves and prayed for the departed souls. Indian Christian Cemetery Committee had made elaborate arrangements for lighting the cemetery and safety and security of the visitors who continued visiting the cemetery late evening. Guidelines of Delhi Police to maintain the COVID-19 protocol were strictly followed such as sanitation and wearing of mandatory masks, etc. by all the visitors to keep them safe. Faithful were jubilant as the Holy Mass is celebrated at the Cemetery after a gap of one year due to extreme pandemic situation in 2020.

The parish community celebrated Children's Day on 14 November 2021. Catechism

children of senior classes animated the Liturgy. Rev. Fr. Maria Susai celebrated the Eucharist. Children were taken to the Lord in prayer. They were exhorted to come closer to Jesus and bear witness to Him. Every child participated in the offertory procession.

At the end Fr. Maria Susai distributed sweets to all children.

r.K puramSt. Thomas ChurchParish Priest: Fr. Maria SusaiAsst. Parish Priest: Fr. Geo JacobTamil Ministry: Fr. A John Rosario


shahbadSt. Xavier's Parish, RohiniParish Priest : Fr. Scaria Pantham SJ

The Solemnity of 'Christ The King'Rose Mary

Session With Catechism KidsAbhishek Kumar

The Solemnity of 'Christ The King' was celebrated in our parish on 21 November 2021. Parish community assembled at the grotto in the morning. After the introductory prayers led by Rev. Fr. Geo Jacob,the faithful took a procession to church singing hymns Rev. Fr. Maria Susai celebrated the Eucharist. He explained the significance of the feast

and exhorted the faithful to develop unshakable foundation of faith in Jesus. As it was also the world day of the Youth,the community prayed for them. Fr. Maria Susai encouraged the youth to be the 'Living Gospel' by adopting the leadership qualities from Jesus.

The celebration of the day ended with benediction.

On November 14th Alberto Hurtado Youth Association (AHYA) organized a Biblical Education session for class 9 students in our parish to learn what the Church and the world teaches us about - Love, Lust, Premarital Sex & Relationship.

This session was taken by Abhishek Kumar & Sonal Fernandez.

Usually, such a topic goes unaddressed by educational institutions and is also not openly talked about in the church. As a result, children don't have clear information in their arsenal to guide them.

With the help of this session, we encouraged the kids to unabashedly ask questions and clear their doubts on the topic. We answered their questions based on various Biblical verses and also using examples from our own struggles which we experienced during our teenage life.

For us this was also a wonderful opportunity to help these youngsters understand the value and purpose of our body's creation. Why God created male and female, the emotional differences between them and the truth behind love and lust.

When we planned this session with their catechism teacher, we were honestly worried that the children might not

33December 2021

be interested or might not want to talk openly about this topic. But we were surprised to find ourselves in a completely different situation. There was this excitement and eagerness on their faces. We could see they wanted to discuss, to learn what the Bible and Church had to say about it. We received so many questions that we couldn't answer them all as we were short on time. So we ended our interaction on the promise to arrange more such sessions like this.

Personally it was a beautiful experience for me to be able to interact with these wonderful kids. Their eagerness to become pious was inspiring to see. I wish that the Mighty Lord may bless them and lead them in His righteousness.

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sonipatSt Jude’s ParishParish Priest: Fr. Kulandai SamyAsstt. Parish Priest: Fr. Sampath Kumar

St. Jude's feast day celebrationsSr. Edith Elenjikal SCCG

On 22nd October the feast of St. Jude in St Jude’s Parish, Sonipatcommenced with flag hoisting in St. Jude’s Academy premises. It is atraditional ritual of honoring God and the patron saint imploring blessings on the people

and environment and announcing to the parishioners and neighborhood that the celebration of the feast is on and reminding it to bea time of spiritual preparation and renewal of the people.

One of the parishioners Mr.Cyril gave an introduction about the life of St. Jude and an opening prayer was said by Fr. Balaraj the assistant parish priest.

After the flag hoisting the faithful were led prayerfully in procession to Holy child School auditorium which at present is serving as the place of Sunday liturgical services. Novena to St.Jude was conducted followed by the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Kulandai the Parish priest. Fr. Balaraj during his inspiring homilyemphasized the powerful mediation of St.Jude who makes the impossible possible through his intercession before the throne of the Almighty. A good number of parishioners were present.

On the eve of the feast Fr. Bellaro MMI was invited to hear the confessions of the parishioners, and the children who would be receiving the First Holy Communion on the following day. It was followed by the Eucharistic celebration.

On 24th St. Jude’s feast was celebrated with great joy. The auditorium appeared gorgeous with the decorations and flower arrangements.The enthusiasm and excitement of the parishioners knew no bounds. The angelic fist communicants clad in white radiated a heavenly aura around the place. The celebration began with the welcoming of Rev. Fr. Vincent D’Souza the Vicar General of the archdiocese of Delhi, Fr. Nicolus, Fr. Rajat from Chanda diocese, Fr. Kulandai and Fr. Balaraj with arati, chandan and bouquet. The melodious choir led by the youth lifted the heart and mind of the congregation to the heavenly realm.

Fr. Vincent in his homily reminded the importance of the mass. These days that the faithful are conveniently getting used to online Mass. Mass is not a program to be watched online he said, rather it is a community coming together to participate


in the supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and sharing his precious body and blood knowing that one is forgiven, accepted and raised to the dignity of the children of God. Highlighting the importance of the day the celebrant also said Mission Sunday is that we share the joy of the Gospel in attitude, words and deed to those who do not Know Jesus. The blind Bartimaeus in the gospel had known Jesus, so persistently and expectantly he calls out “Jesus son of David have pity on me”. The mission Sunday invites each of us to be the messengers of God’s love to all. At the conclusion of the Mass as a gesture of love and respect Fr. Vincent, Fr. Nicolus and Fr. Rajat were felicitated with a shawl. A beautiful program organized by the vibrant youth kept the audience in rapt attention for an hour. Fr. Vincent conveyed the archbishop’s blessings, greetings and appreciation to Fr.Kulandai and Fr. Balraj the assistant, the Sisters of Charity and each and every parishioner for their collaboration and participation. True to the words of Pope Francis “a parish should be a home with an open door” a delicious meal was prepared and served by the parishioners to all those who came for the celebration as a sign of fraternity and fellowship. Everyone returned home contented for having been spiritually and physically nourished.

35December 2021

Celebration of Annual Parish Feast of Our Lady of GracesM.S.Stanislaus

Amidst the Pandemic crisis preventing elders and children to pray at churches, the solemn celebration of Annual Feast of Our Lady of Graces, patroness of Vikaspuri Parish was held on Sunday, 24th October 2021. Prior to the feast, novena to Our Lady commenced with flag hoisting by Monsignor Susai Sebastian, former Vicar General of

Archdiocese of Delhi on 15th October 2021followed by Holy Eucharist concelebrated by MonsgrSusai Sebastian, Fr. Deepak Soreng and Fr. Arokiya Raj. In his homily, Monsgr Susai Sebastian brought out and exhorted how Mother Mary is a courageous Mother in suffering and urged to pray to Mary to guide us in our spiritual journey and be ready to do God’s will. Guidelines promulgated by the Government on COVID-19 restrictions were strictly followed and ensured limited participation of faithful at the Novena Masses. The nine day novena masses celebrated by priests of the Archdiocese of Delhi and congregations were solemn and the sharing by them on the theme of the day on Our Lady enriched us with spirituality. Exemplary sharing on the virtues of Mother Mary such as Mother of Families, Treasurer and listener of God’s Word, Model of Faith and Obedience, Ark of the Covenant, Model of Humility and selfless service, perpetual Intercessor, Vessel of the Holy Spirit, Mercy and Compassion by the priests giving their personal encounter with Mother Mary was marvellous and thought provoking. The choir and the liturgy animated by different wards of the Parish and the African community added solemnity to the occasion. Overall the live streaming of the Novena day Holy Eucharist on Youtube enabled hundreds of devotees of Mother Mary pray and participate fervently.

Rev. Fr. Alphonse Shah, Chancellor of the Archdiocese was the main celebrant at both the Eucharist celebrations on the Feast Day, 24th October 2021. Frs. Deepak Soreng and Arokiya Raj were the concelebrants. In his homily Fr. Alphonse Shah brought out how Mother Mary is full of Grace. He exhorted the people of God to get emulated from Mother Mary and practice faithfulness in God, pray, love and serve the humanity as set out by our Mother, full of Graces. Fr. Deepak expressing festal greetings thanked the choir, parish council members, Rosary group and all those who sponsored and supported celebration of the Feast as also the Novena day masses. After the mass faithful exchanged festal greetings with each other and were served with snacks.

ViKaspuriChurch of Our Lady GracesParish Priest: Fr. Deepak SorengAsst. Parish Priest: Fr. Arokiya Raj

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february 2017 29

Sahoday Sr. Sec. School’s efforts towards Clean India was applauded by NICER (National

Institute of Cleanliness Education & Research). The felicitation ceremony was held on 13th December, 2016, World Cleanliness Convention Day at India International Centre, Lodhi Road. Selected schools of Delhi NCR were awarded for their efforts in promoting a habit of cleanliness, hygiene and proper sanitation among the students. Sahoday Sr. Sec. School under the guidance of its Manager,

Rev. Fr. Vincent Crasta and Principal, Rev. Sr. Sudha and Eco-Club has been successfully able to instil these habits among the students. The award was presented by Hon’ble Ambassador of Nepal. Among the present were several dignitaries and learned men and women, Vice Chancellors of Universities and Professors.

Sahoday now feels the responsibility of taking the cause further by attempting to educate the residents of the neighbouring colony in this direction.

Sahoday Honoured!

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sAhodAy

Sr. Sec. School’sPrincipal: Sr. Sudha BS

s.no. name of the schools nursery prt/ asst. teachers tgt pgt others

1 St. Michael's Sr. School, Gurgaon

All subjects (1) All subjects (1) English (2), hindi (1)Social Studies (1)

- Receptionist (1), nurse (1), Supervisor (1)

2 Rosary Sr. Sec. School, kingsway Camp

All subjects (2) All subjects (2) English (1), Social Studies (1), Science (with chemistry background) (1)

- -

3 St. Mary's Sr. Sec. School, Mayur Vihar

- All subjects (1) - - Receptionist (1),Counsellor (1)

4 Sahoday Sr. Sec. School, hauz khas

- All subjects (1) English (1) - LDC(with computer knowledge) (1)

5 St. Michael's Sr. Sec. School, Pusa Road

- All subjects (1) English (1), hindi & Sanskrit (1), Western Music (1)yoga (1)

1- Chemistry -

6 St. Anthony's boys Sec. School, Paharganj (Govt.Aided)

- - - - Vice-Principal (1)

7 St. Mary's Sr. Sec. School, Rohtak

- All subjects (2) - - -

8 St. Michael's Jr. School, Prasad nagar

- All subjects (2) - - -

9 St. Jude's Academy, Sonepat - Music (1), PTi (1) English (1), Science (1), Maths (1)

- -

10 Maria Manzil School, nuh - All subjects (4) English (2), Science (1),hindi (1), Maths(1)

- Office administration (1)

11 Mata Mariam Jan Seva Vidyalaya, narnaul

- All subjects (1), PTi (1) English (1), hindi (1), Maths (1), Dance (1)

Commerce (1) Science Lab Assistant, (1), Receptionist (1) , Office Clerk (1)

12 Sahoday Primary School, Aya nagar

- All subjects (1) - - Accountant (1)

NOTE:

1. Applications forms must be collected from the School Office concerned between 6th to 14th Feb 2017 (excluding saturday & Sunday) during school hours. 2. Filled forms must be submitted by hand to the Director for Education, Yusuf Sadan, New Delhi- 01 between 13th to 16th February, 2017 (excluding saturday & Sunday) between 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm.3. Accommodation facility will be provided to the selected candidates in Narnaul, Rohtak and Nuh.4. Filled application forms of Narnual, Nuh and Rohtak can either be submitted to DCA Education office or concerned school. 5. Class IV posts(auxillary/helping staff) are filled through the outsource agency.6. The filled forms of the helping staff must be submitted to the school office concerned between 13th to 16th February 2017 (excluding Saturday & Sunday) during the school hours.7. Management reserves the right to call only the shortlisted candidates for the Interview.8. Filled application forms of St. Anthony’s Boys Sec. School, Paharganj must be submitted to school premises during school hours.

Rev. Fr. Vincent d’souza Director for Education

IN THE DELHI CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESAN SCHOOLSVacanciesF o R T h e Y e A R 2 0 1 7 - 1 8

◗ Miss Ravinder Kaur Channey

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Every moment is precious“DIWALI IS SYMBOL OF HOPE FOR HUMANKIND”Ms. Mahima

“Diwali is Celebrated to Declare the Victory of Good over Evil”

Rosary Senior Secondary School, Kheri Manajat also celebrated Diwali. We gathered in the assembly ground. First and foremost, we welcomed our chief guest Ms. Neha Gloria Soreng with a welcome card and bouquet.

The importance of light is darkness. Our chief guest and all our beloved teachers lit the lamp further on a student from class 7th, Tanishq gave a wonderful speech on Diwali. Moving onthe children of Red House presented “Nukkd Natak”. They portrayed a strong message on awareness of bursting crackersfollowed by the performance of Nukkad Natak. The incharge of red house Mrs.Seema had conducted a knowledgeable quiz competition. She questioned the children about The Life History of Lord Rama.

Our Chief guest Miss. Neha Gloria Soreng gave a spiritual speech on Diwali and she also mentioned a strong message to children that this year we will celebrate it as “Green Diwali”.

Kheri manajatRosary Sr. Sec. SchoolManager: Fr. Victor ImmanuelPrincipal: Sr. Amala Vincy

37December 2021

DECEMBER 2021

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“Competition reveals the Creativity that’s already within You”

Competition is never between two different people.It is always between the better and the best of you.

We organized competitions related to Diwali. Children participated in it with interest and also enjoyed it.

Class LKG: Diya Drawing Competition.Class UKG : Diya Drawing Competition.Class 1 to 3 : Diya Decorating Competition.Class 4 and 5 : Pot Decorating Competition.Class 6 and 7 : Rangoli Making Competition.

Our principal gave topics such as“Go Corona”for class 6 and “Save Our Mother Earth” for class 7 for Rangoli.

Children’s Day CelebrationMs. Mahima

“THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN’T BUY, ONE SUCH THING IS CHILDHOOD DAYS. AND THAT YOU WILL REALIZEONLY WHEN YOU GROW OLD.”

Children’s day is celebrated on the 14th of November every year on the birth anniversary of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. The day is

celebrated to increase awareness on the rights and education of kids. The Prime Minister, who the kids fondly addressed as ‘Chacha Nehru’. He considered children the real strength of thenation and foundation of society. Before his death, Children’s Day was celebrated on November 20, coinciding with universal Children’s Day by the United Nations, but after Nehru’s death in 1964, his birth anniversary was chosen as the date for Children’s Day in India.

Rosary Senior Secondary School, Kheri Manajat also celebrated the Children's Day. We gathered in the assembly ground to celebrate the 132nd birth anniversary of our first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on Children's Day. The function was conducted by Yellow House. First and foremost we welcomedour chief guest Rev. Fr. Victor Immanuel with a welcome card and bouquet. Our Rev.Fr.Victor Immanuel, Manager of Rosary Sr. Se. School, Kheri Manajat paid tribute to our "Chacha Nehru" with a garland. Then, the teachers and students also paid tribute to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru after which Mr. P.Antony gavea wonderful motivational speech about every child is unique in his own way. Our chief guest Rev. Fr. Victor Immanuel gave a speech about memory, which is human power and he spokeabout our nation and finally he told us a small story about two children who represent the high and low society which projected the moral that status cannot define your level of intelligence. At last, the sweets were distributed to the students.


“PLAY EVERY GAME AS IF IT IS YOUR LAST ONE”

Yellow house conducted various games for our childrenClass LKG : Balancing the balloonClass UKG : Minute to winClass I: Lemon and frog race.Class II: Candy race.Class III: Passing the ball.Class IV: Sea-Shore.Class V: Needle thread raceClass VII: Musical chair.Class VIII: Football for Boys, Kho Kho for girls

As we know it’s the day for our beloved children, they enjoyed and made that day a memorable one. Each and everyone believed that every minute is precious.

St. Mary’s Sr. Sec. School, Mayur Vihar Phase III were the proud hosts of ‘Marian Silvestra’- an inter school event that

was organized in the month of October 2021 to commemorate the silver jubilee year of the school. A wide array of competitions like monologue of Shakespearean characters, Disney character enactment, Lippan art, Singing, Dancing, Short film making, Doha recital etc. were conducted by the various clubs of the school.

Students from various schools participated with great enthusiasm and zeal. It was an online event, where the participants from classes VI-XII sent their entries.

‘Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours and weeks they spend preparing for it.’ T Alan Armstrong.

This could be rightly said about the remarkable performances of all the ‘champions’ in the various competitions. Their performances were not only a visual treat but also an opportunity to learn from each other.

Our Principal, Rev. Sr. Merlin C J expressed her thanks to all the schools for wholeheartedly participating in the various competitions and making the event a success. She said that the ultimate victory in a competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best, and that you have got the most out of what you had to give. The results were declared on 28 October, 2021. All the participants were given a memento and a certificate each. The winners were awarded special certificates.

Marian SilvestraMrs. Reema Marwaha

mayur Vihar phase iiiSt. Mary’s Sr. Sec. School Manager : Rev. Fr. Jose T.J Principal: Rev. Sr. Merlin C J

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A Virtual Meet with GodMrs. Amanda Victor

Deepawali: Overcoming darkness with LightsMrs Pragati Rani

“Come close to God and he will come close to you.” James 4:8

The catholic students of classes 6- 12 had a graceful time of prayer through a digital retreat organized on 23rd

October, ‘21. The lord had designed a day for us to renew our relationship with Him.

Brother Ajin Joseph and his team took us closer to the Lord by citing relevant incidents explaining God’s immense love for us along with some activities and a generous time of praise and worship. The retreat took place in two slots.

The session began with songs of worship by Ms. Snead Cardoza, leading us into the mood of prayer. God’s love is unconditional and no one can deny this reality. Our God is the greatest and children should look up to him for his mercy and support without hesitating. Ms. Cardoza made us realize that how important it is to say ‘yes’ to the Lord at all times.

Quoting St John Chrysostom, Mr. Ajin Joseph asked us to be drawn closer to God for his love is unconditional. He said that we must know, serve and love God more than anything and anybody. Different meanings of love as given in the Bible were introduced to the students. We can experience God’s love by inviting him in our lives and by asking the Holy Spirit to instill in us the understanding and wisdom to acknowledge God’s Love. We must acquire the habit of speaking to God with confidence just as we do with best friends. Brother spoke about the ‘Five finger theory- God, family, Studies- career, church and the ministry’ which should be followed.

The team’s down to earth attitude and simple way to emphasize on the small but important things of our lives was quite inspiring, powerful and motivating. The passion and spirits in each of the team members made the event spellbinding throughout.

This event has only been successful because of the orderly planning and execution of our Principal, Rev. Sr. Merlin and we Marians are ever grateful for having this opportunity to attend this date with God.

‘It is time to remove the darkness of ignorance within us and replace it with the light of hope and knowledge instead.’

Students of class 10B brought alive Diwali: The Festival of lights on 3rd November 21, on our Youtube Channel: E-Marians.

This digital assembly began with a Sanskrit Shloka, which created a festive mood. The importance of Diwali in people’s lives is not only with lighting Lamps or by decoration of homes but it’s many through cleaning our inner selves and accepting the reality.

All students who performed wore a festive look by wearing colourful dresses and illuminating their backgrounds. Mesmerizing dances, a thought provoking skit on celebrating a safe, pollution free; Eco Friendly Diwali and captivating songs enthralled the viewers.

Warm wishes were offered by our school Principal, Rev Sr.Merlin at the conclusion of the assembly. She further urged the children to celebrate a pollution free Diwali in its purest form by lighting the lamps and sharing with less fortunate.

DECEMBER 2021

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The Marian Month of RosaryMs. Gincy Paul

Love should not be measured: Respect your ParentsMrs Vibha Sisodia

The month of October was observed as the Marian Month of Rosary by the students and staff of St. Mary’s Sr. Sec School, Mayur Vihar Phase – III, Delhi.

A chain Rosary was recited religiously every day from 3.30pm to 5.30pm with teachers and a few catholic students, during this entire month.

An offline gathering was organized in the school auditorium on 30th October, 11 am onwards to mark the conclusion of the Marian Month. Catholic teachers and a few students from classes 6 to 12 were present on this occasion. The whole programme was gracefully conducted keeping in mind the Covid Protocol.

“The Rosary is a storehouse of countless blessings”- Blessed Alan de La Roche

With this faith, before every decade, intentions were offered for World peace, elimination of corona, for our families, our school and for the healing of the sick people.

The choir added to the prayerful spirit with its melodious songs to Mother Mary. Our Principal Rev. Sr. Merlin inspired every one with her beautiful message. Later rosaries were distributed among the students and the teachers as a token of her appreciation and love as part of the jubilee year. The programme came to an end with a touching vote of thanks by Mrs Elizabeth.

“Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the lord your god is giving you.”—Exodus 20:12

Students of St. Mary's Sr. Sec School expressed theirlove towards their parents and elders through a digital assembly streamed on E-

Marians on 25th October, 2021.

The assembly began with a quote welcoming our School manager, Principal, headmistress, teachers and parents followed by a prayer song and a dance invoking God's blessings.

Quotes from holy books of different religions expressed the need to always revere our mother because she is the root of kindness and humility and to be thankful to our father because he is our source of strength and inspiration. Nobody on earth can ever love us more than our parents, so it’s our duty to at least give them the respect that they deserve.

Students threw light on certain etiquettes which need to be practiced while talking to their parents. Videos of a few activities which we could observe to make parent’s feel happy and proud were recorded and presented.

Depiction of the famous story of Ganesha and Karttikeya – Sons of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was conveyed beautifully to emphasize on the love for our parents. Reflections upon the countless ways in which our parents help and support us were also thoughtfully depicted.

The assembly was concluded by Rev Sr.Tomsy’s motivating words for the students. Sister further made everyone realize the importance of giving respect to elders and parents, whose depth of love cannot be measured.

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DECEMBER 2021

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Clean India ProgrammeAvani (NCC Cadet)

To celebrate the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had organized a ‘Clean India Campaign’ in which the

38 NCC Cadets from St. Mary’s Sr. Sec. School along with 20 teachers actively participated in a cleanliness drive done in and around the school.

As part of the cleanliness drive, cadets made posters and wrote slogans on ‘No Use of Plastic’. The programme began with the cleaning of our school playground and the Herbal Garden by collecting disposable waste.

A beautification drive in which the statues placed in our school premises were wiped and cleaned with the instructions by the School PT teachers and keeping in mind the Covid Protocol. At the end of the programme, our principal addressed the NCC cadets and spoke about the importance of sanitation and cleanliness.

This event aimed at creating awareness, mobilization of people and ensuring their involvement in the clean India initiative

KingsWay campRosary Sr. Sec. School Manager: Fr. Januario RebelloPrincipal: Fr. Savari Raj

Rosary Senior Secondary School, Radio Colony, Kingsway Camp Delhi-110009

Winners of Online Inter-school Competition 2021-22Mrs Meena Mathew Interschool Competition InchargePrimary Wing

The students from the Primary wing of Rosary Senior Secondary School, Delhi participated in various Online Inter-School Competitions and brought laurels to our school.

MANVI GOYAL of II – E, participated in ‘MONSTER ENSEMBLE 2021’ organised by SAHODAY SR. SEC. SCHOOL, HAUZ KHAS, on 13th September 2021.She presented herself as an enchanting LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD. Her confidence, efforts, creativity and gracefulness brought her the 1st position.

MEHUL GARG of V-C, took part in ‘MONSTER ENSEMBLE 2021’ organised by SAHODAY SR. SEC. SCHOOL, HAUZ KHAS on 13th September 2021. He participated in the event ‘CREATIVE BROCHURE ON SIKKIM’.

His vibrant presentation, confidence, efforts and creativity in making a colourful, attractive and descriptive brochure on the state of Sikkim, made him win the 1st position and made the Rosarian family

proud.


hauZKhasSahoday Senior Secondary SchoolManager : Rev. Fr. James Peter RajPrincipal: Rev. Sr. Joyce Fernandes

Diwali Celebration in SahodayMrs Rashmi Narang

Std II and IX together put up the Diwali show to celebrate the auspicious festival of light. The celebration began with lighting the lamp followed by serene salutation to Lord Ganesha in the form of Ganesh Vandana. Later the students of std IX enacted through the musical drama the epics of Ramayana and stories related to deepawali celebration.

The audience sat enthralled as they witness the significance of deepawali. The children in their beautiful costumes aided by excellent backdrops and mellifluous music set the tone for the relevant function. The students of std II of the junior school ushered in Diwali with a comedy skit capable of reducing everyone into laughter. Lively music set the soul free while dance gives us the power to be energetic and enthusiastic Students of std II, std IX and XI managed to enthrall the audience through their spell binding dance performances by uplifting the spirit and thus created an aura of sublime bliss and ignited aesthetic sensibilities.

This was a Diwali with a difference where the main focus was on caring,sharing and save the environment Children carried home the message "Say no to crackers" and "protect our environment" The elaborate and poignant display of emotions by young actor "Aanvay Bhatt " of std II touched everyone's heart through his mime "save Birds Save environment, Celebrate Green Diwali"

Rev Fr. Susai Sebastian in his message wished staff and students happy Diwali and to enjoy the festival to the fullest and prayed to remove ignorance from the lives of people and to bring prosperity. The event drew to a close with vote of thanks followed by school song.

HARGUN MEHTA of class IV- E, participated in‘MONSTER ENSEMBLE 2021’ organised by SAHODAY SR. SEC. SCHOOL, HAUZ KHAS on 13th September 2021. She participated in a‘SOLO DANCE COMPETITION and bagged 1st position.She performed a fusion dance that included the rich culture of Sikkim folk dance and the elegant

mudras of Kathak.

SUHANEE AGGARWAL of class V C, took part in ‘SIMMIC-Poster Making Competition’, organised by QUEEN’S CONVENT SCHOOL, on

25th September 2021.Shemade a very artistic colourful poster, depicting kindness through Pointillism Art and bagged 2nd position.

Our Principal Rev. Fr. Savariraj & Primary Headmistress Sr. Shaila congratulated all the winners for their exemplary performance and appreciated all the participants.

43December 2021

pusa roadSt. Michael’s Sr. Sec. SchoolManager : Fr.Savarimuthu Shankar Principal: Fr. Jas Elanjickal

DECEMBER 2021

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Children’s Day Celebration 2021‘Children are the gifts of God, let them fly with their thoughts.’

This year too St. Michael’s Sr. Sec. School, Pusa Road had taken an initiative to organize Children’s Day celebration online with the prime purpose of giving their students fun, thrill and enjoyment. Teachers of St. Michael’s Sr. Sec. School made this 14th November exhilarating for all their students, as they virtually delivered special

performances for them. Teachers relived their childhood days acting like tiny tots which left the students elated on this special day.

The programme commenced by invoking God’s blessings in the form of a Special Prayer and a melodious Prayer Song sung by our talented singers. The hosts highlighted the significance of the day and welcomed the School Cabinet members as Guests of Honour followed by gracious blessings of our Manager Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu Sankar and kind words of our Principal Rev. Fr. Jas Elanjikal. Teachers then presented a plethora of cultural events consisting of songs, folk dances, action dance etc. A motivational video was also played to encourage the young minds. The Chief Guests of the day- Head Boy and Head Girl (both junior and senior) shared their messages and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to School Management and Teachers for their wonderful efforts. Students thoroughly enjoyed the PowerPoint Presentation that highlighted different shades of online classes and reminded them of their unlimited possibilities. Mrs Olinka Gulati (Senior Coordinator) proposed the Vote of Thanks. The programme concluded with the rendition of the School Anthem.

A 45-minutecelebration of this golden phase of life spread its vibrant hues and made the day joyful and memorable for everyone indeed.

Wishing the child within each member of St. Michael’s School, a very Happy Children’s Day!


Diwali Celebration“Let every spark that ignites a fire in your heart bring a new sparkle in your life.”

Diwali or Deepavali is the festival of lights that is celebrated in various regions across India. The name “Deepavali” literally means an “array of lights”. The festival usually last for five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November).

To make the students understand the importance of Diwali, St. Michael’s Sr. Sec. School, Pusa Road had an online celebration on 2nd November 2021. Mrs Nidhi Dhar along with her team of teachers organized the celebration.

Students of classes 5th Tulip, 6th Ruby, 7th Emerald and 8th Emeraldpresented the significance of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair through the medium of dance, music, and speeches. The importance of this festival was set forth in the form of Ramlila act which was the highlight of the programme.

The School Manager Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu Sankar enlightened the students on sharing divine light of knowledge and wisdom, bringing hope and positivity. Rev. Father expressed his best wishes to students and staff and prayed for the divine spark of light to illuminate everyone’s lives. Both teachers and students enjoyed the Diwali celebration wholeheartedly.

45December 2021

Farewell Ceremony of Our Loving SirDeepti Kujur

“The walls of this school will feel hollow, corridors will feel empty and classrooms will feel lifeless without the inspirational presence of a teacher like you.”

St. Michael’s Sr. Sec. School, Pusa Road gave an honourable farewell to their committed teacher, Mr Vivek Diwakar (PGT Physical Education), who retired from his active service after thirty-three years. A hybrid function was organised on 11th Nov 2021 (online through Google Meet) and 13th Nov 2021 (in the school) for the magnificent teacher committed

to dedicated service, renowned work in the field of Education and Sports.

The outgoing Principal, Rev. Dr Sabu Joseph felicitated him with a shawl, memento, gift, sapling and a card. Mr Vivek Diwakar addressed the gathering reminiscing the time spent with the School Managers, Principals, Teachers, Administrative staff, Coaches, Supervisors, Auxiliary staff, Students and Parents. He thanked them for their contribution, guidance, assistance, support, love and respect. The School Manager Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu Sankar acknowledged and appreciated the great works of Mr Vivek Diwakar who brought laurels and achievements in the field of sports. Rev. Fr. prayed for his good health and wished him the best for his future. Students shared their time and experiences spent with Diwakar Sir. They were grateful to their teacher for the knowledge and guidance shared over the years. Soulful singing and dance performances presented by students left everyone mesmerised. Sweet memories of Sir’s journey in the school was presented through a PowerPointPresentation.

Rev. Dr Sabu Joseph reflected on Mr Diwakar’s genuineness, kindness and willingness with which he served the institution for thirty-three years and thanked him and his family for their support and cooperation. The teachers and members of the school shared their experiences, reflecting on their long association with Mr Diwakar and his contribution to the State, Zonal and National level sports competitions.

An emotional and loving get-together was also organised in the school for Mr Diwakar. He graced the occasion with his wife Mrs Poonam Diwakar. Prayers were chanted and songs were sung with blessings and best wishes for our dear Sir. Rev. Dr Sabu Joseph, teachers along administrative staff honoured Sir with a memento and gifts as a token of their love and respect. All of his co-workers thanked him for his service and offered him a loving tribute. Mr Vivek Diwakar recollected his experiences, moments in the school and thanked everyone for their love and support. The ceremony was coordinated by Mr Manoj Verma and the team. The programme came to an end with the wishes of happiness, good health and long life for Mr Vivek Diwakar.

DECEMBER 2021

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Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day 2021)

“There is something unique in this soil, which despite many obstacles has alwaysremained the abode of great souls.”

- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

The birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is observed as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day). Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played an important role in uniting India. He was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement and was also known as an Iron Man of India. On his birth anniversary his statue called the

“Statue of Unity”, was unveiled in Gujarat in 2018. The occasion provides us with an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our Nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country.

In keeping with the tradition, St Michael's Sr. Sec. School, 3 Pusa Road, New Delhi celebrated National Unity Day on 30th

October 2021. Many activities were conducted by the Integrity Club under the leadership of Mrs Upma Chandra across all the classes and sections. Primary classes celebrated the day with great enthusiasm and passion. They paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s extraordinary attempt in building an integrated and inclusive modern India through Poster Making and Slogan Writing competitions. Middle school wholeheartedly participated in Map Marking and Speech competitions reflecting their thoughts on unity in diversity and their love for the motherland.

As an effort to build the bond of cohesion, the senior section engaged in various activities to celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Students celebrated the day by taking the Unity pledge. They ecstatically participated in debate and PPT making competitions and pondered on unity in diversity- a myth and moral integrity in life. All the events received overwhelming responses.

The celebration turned out to be a delightful and memorable experience for everyone. A total of 1217 students, 70 staff members took the pledge on the occasion of Unity Day.

47December 2021

St. Jude's Academy Patron's Day CelebrationSr. Roseline Rodigues SCCG

St. Jude's Academy celebrated its Patron's Day on 28th October 2021. It was a great annual event marked by vigour and enthusiasm of all the students, teachers and management.

The day started with a cultural programme by the students. The chief guest was Reverent Fr. Richard Jose, the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Matthews Church, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi. The others in chair were the Principal Rev. Fr. Kulandai Samy, Headmistress, Sr. Roseline and Rev. Fr. Balraj.

Dance performances, melodious songs, exuberant speeches, skit and humble offerings to St. Jude were a part of the programme. The students had generously collected various items for the poor beforehand, on the day of the function a representative from each class came forward to present a part of their collection.

The chief guest presented a motivational and inspirational message to the gathering, which was followed by the School Anthem and the program concluded up with the vote of thanks by the Head Boy. After the cultural programme students were offered snacks which they relished with delight.

DECEMBER 2021

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sonipatSt. Jude’s Academy Manager : Fr. Sabu JosephPrincipal: Fr. Kulandai Samy


SOULMATE

R.C Parents seeking alliance for their 27 years old daughter 5’5”, born and brought up in

Delhi. Convent educated, Post graduate, working in private firm in Gurgaon. Proposal

invited from well settled, God fearing Roman Catholic boys with sober habits in Private/

Govt. Jobs. Contact: 9953207240/9953845881

Parents seeking alliance for their son, Roman Catholic, 30 years, 5’7”, B.Com graduateand

Diploma in Computer Application. Currently working in a MNC as Finance Executive.

Looking for an educated and compatible girl. Contact: 8802280168,9654284038.

R.C Parents seeking alliance for their 29 years old daughter 5’4”, born and brought up

in Delhi. Convent educated, graduate, working with American Express in Gurgaon.

Proposal invited from well Delhi settled, God fearing Roman Catholic boys with good jobs

in Private/Govt.Contact: 9267950268, 9910702545.

Delhi-based Keralite RC parents seek alliance for their daughter 40, 5’5”, fair, PhD

(Edn)/MA/MEd/B.Pharma (addl) and worked as Asstt. Professor (Education) with

different colleges and departments of Delhi University, from parents for sons with suitable

qualifications and stable profession. Contact: 9821461327

Parents seeking alliance for our doughter 26 yrs, 5.4 height, fair, Roman Catholic girl,

completed graduation from Delhi University. Currently working in the NHS, UK. Also

perusing MSC in public health from Kings College London, UK. Proposal invited from

suitable well educated RC boys who is working in UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand or

Ireland. Contact No. 9899914430.

49December 2021


A New Team for CRI Delhi Unit

In a meeting held on January 14 at Jesus and Mary School Hall, the Conference of Religious India, Delhi Unit elected its new officials. The former team led by Fr. Poulose Mangai, SJ completed its term in

December 2016. The new team consists of Sr. Babita Kumari, Medical Mission (President), Fr. Valan Antony SJ (Vice President), Sr. P. Mary Shanti RJM (Secretary), Sr. Evelyn Menezes DHM (Treasurer), Sr. Mary Sebastian DSP, Sr. Jovianna & Sr. Tresa CHF (Exec. Councillors). The members of CRI Delhi Unit include all the consecrated persons of Delhi, Faridabad and Gurgaon dioceses who reside within the territory of the Delhi Archdiocese. The new team will hold office for three years.

dioCesandigest

Parents searching marriage proposal for their daughter, Roman Catholic, Mother

Tongue bengali, 29 years, 5’3” born and brought up in Delhi, fair and beautiful pleasant looking, convent studied from Delhi. Post graduate and pursuing M.b. A in hospitality.Currently working in kuwait as a store Manager.

9582831644, 9811888292, 9711386984

Alliance invited for north indian Roman Catholic boy 38/5’6”/12th pass working

in back office in a reputed hotel in bangalore. Looking for suitable working girl.

9899802613.

Parents seeking alliance for their daughter Roman Catholic, 32 years. 5’8” wheatish

complexion born and brought up in Delhi, b.A., b.Ed, convent educated from Delhi. Working in a very reputed iCSE school in Delhi as a pre-primary teacher, full-scale salary. Proposals invited from educated RC boys non-smoker, holding a fixed job in Delhi/nCR.

9717622840

SOULMATEAlliance invited for north indian Roman

Catholic girl 33 years, degree in Fashion Designing, working in SPA, Delhi. Proposals invited from educated RC boys.

7838028155, 9910882974

Alliance invited from suitable boys for RC girl (keralite) born and brought up in

Delhi, 26 years, 165cm, slim and fair. bTech (ECE) currently working with TCS, Gurgaon, Delhi nCR as System Engineer, upper middle class family.

9650517755 [email protected].

Catholic Tamilian, Vellalar family seeks alliance for their son 32 years old, 5’8”,

fair, born and brought up in Delhi, currently settled in bengaluru and working as a senior Consultant in a private company. Proposals are invited from RC, Tamil girls.

09591363149

Parents searching for their daughter 28 yrs., 5’, fair, beautiful, convent studied from

South Delhi, MA (Eng.), diploma in Office management, stenography. Proposals from north indian RC family invited.

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Alliance invited for a well educated and settled boy, 31/5’9”, Post graduate in

Mass Communication, presently teaching (Choreographer) at Gems international Public School, Gurgaon. Looking for a well-educated and working Roman Catholic girl.

9810550815

Alliance invited for keralite Roman Latin Catholic girl 26 years, 155cm, born and

brought up in Delhi, fair and pleasant looking, b-Tech(Computer Science), working as computer teacher in a reputed conent school in Delhi.

9810909862, 9718188552.

Alliance is invited from the parents a well reputed family of Delhi for their daughter

M.A., b.Ed., working in a reputed English Medium Senior Secondary School in Delhi. Age-28 years. interested candidates having good family background may apply through:

8826784717 [email protected].

RC Goan girl, 28 years, height 5’5”, born and brought up in Delhi, teacher by profession.

Employed boys with a minimum qualification of a Masters degree may send details. Please do mention contact number.

[email protected].

◗ Poulose Mangai

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

1st Haryana Rang Utsav30th Oct – 01st Nov 2021Bethania centre, A-2, Central Green, NH 5, FaridabadFourth wall productions in association with Bethania C e n t r e , F a r i d a b a d o r g a n i s e d three days t h e a t r e festival on the occasion of Haryana Diwas, 01st Nov 2021. The festival was started on 30th Oct and concluded on 1st Nov 2021. The timing of the festival was 06:00 – 09:00 pm e v e r y d a y at Bethania Centre, A-2, C e n t r a l Green, NH 5, Faridabad.

bethania


One month production oriented theatre workshop also concluded with this festival. Almost 20 students participated in the workshop which were felicitated with the certificates. Mr. Kamlesh Shastri (Bal vikas Adhikari, Faridabad), Rev. Sr. Zelie (Principal, Bethany convent school), Dr. Deependra Kant (Principal, Satyug darshan), Mr. P. K. Khullar (President, Able charities), Mr. Yash Dhamija (Global Peace foundation) and other distinguished guests were presented at the festival. The 1st Haryana Rang Utsav theatre festival’s was witnessed by almost 500 people altogether. The installations at venue were done by Mr. Anmol Bara to give the festival a utsav touch. All the participant actors, directors and guests were felicitated by a memento. The Utsav is successfully conducted under the direction of Mr. Deepak Pushpdeep. The coordinators for the festival was Dr. Ankush Sharma and Mr. Percival Holt.


The Holy Family of Celebration!

The very hectic commitments and problems of monstrous proportions, the crippling

effects of the sudden demonetization of old Currency Notes, failed to dampen our enthusiasm and efforts to prepare for the eagerly awaited Christmas Season 2016.

Our Choir led by Fr. Sherin Thomas and Fr. Arockia Dass, sang Christmas Carols at the campus from 21st and on the Hospital Floors on Christmas Eve, spreading joy and solace all around. A Cultural Programme was presented by the Doctors, Staff and Students at the Auditorium from 3 to 5 PM on 23rd. The participants displayed

Second and Third respectively for the quality of Decorations. A Special Prize was awarded to the Maintenance Department who constructed the iconic Nativity Crib in front of our Main Entrance. The Nursing School and College organized a Vandana Christmas Prayer Service at the Auditorium at 3 PM on 24th, which was followed by a High Tea. Christmas Liturgy was conducted at the same venue from 10 PM on Christmas Eve. Holy Mass was conducted at the Hospital Chapel at 8.30 AM on Christmas Day.

On the last day of 2016, a Thanksgiving Prayer was organized by Nursing Service at 3 PM. After

the prayer, Fr George PA, Director, Holy Family Hospital, awarded prizes to the winners of various competitions and felicitated each participant of the Cultural Events. The Sisters at Asha Bhawan offered Adoration and Thanksgiving Prayers at the Hospital Chapel from 8 to 9 PM. The New Year's Eve Celebrations commenced at 9.30 PM and carried on with full enthusiasm and fervour till the Burning of the Bogey Man at Midnight. The New Year commenced with Holy Mass at 6.30 AM followed by the Annual Lunch for the entire Staff and all students, on 02nd January 2017, which was blessed with the presence of His Grace, Rev Anil J.T. Couto Archbishop of Delhi.

Priestly Ordination of Fr. Robert Swamy, conferred by Most Rev. Anil J.T.Couto was held

at St. Anthony’s Shrine on Tuesday, the 27th December 2016, an historic event for the Paharganj Parish.

Fr. Robert was born on 07th November 1978 at Martalli and belongs to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Diocese of Mysore. Having completed his school studies from St. Mary’s composite Junior College, studied his Graduation at St. Philomena’s College and completed his B. Ed. from the University of Mysore. In 2001, He gained his Masters in English Literature from Karnataka State Open University.

Nurtured by his Parish Priests who gave enough opportunity to serve in the church and later as youth, in 2006 Fr. Robert discerned his vocation and joined ‘Vinay Gurukul’, the minor Seminary of Archdiocese of Delhi. In the year 2010, he completed his Philosophy from St. Pius College, Bombay. Did his regency at Catholic Mission, Nuh and completed his 4 years of

Ordination of Fr. Robert Swamy conferred byMost Rev. Anil J.T.Couto, Archbishop of Delhi

Theology from Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi. He served in Rosary Junior School at Narela, St. Mary’s Senior Secondary School and St. Mary’s Boys Hostel at Rohtak. Ordained as Deacon on 21st June 2014, he did his Diaconate Ministry at St. Mathew’s Church, Laxmi Nagar and Good Shepherd Church, Hauz Khas.

In July 2016 Fr. Robert was appointed as Administrator of St. Anthony’s Boys Secondary School and for diaconate ministry at St. Anthony’s Shrine, Paharganj. Fr. Robert has chosen “Do Whatever He tells you” (John 2:5) as his motto and commits himself completely to Lord Jesus Christ and become an effective instrument to serve Him as a Priest for the Archdiocese of Delhi.

Archdiocese of Delhi congratulates Fr. Robert and pray that God bless him abundantly that he may remain faithful to his vocation. May Fr. Robert continue to be sustained by His grace and may his life in God’s service always be filled with joy.

“Gold and silver i have none, but i tell you, in the name of Jesus get up and walk.”

The Seminarians of the Archdiocese of Delhi had a Christmas gathering on 27th December 2016 at St. Michael’s School, Gurgaon. The Seminarians studying in various seminaries: Jalandhar, Ranchi, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Vinay Gurukul participated in the gathering. holy Eucharist offered by the his Grace Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto and was concelebrated by Fr. John Monteiro and Fr. Jais A.

Christmas Gathering for Delhi Seminarians

Archbishop in his homily emphasized the importance of vocation and exhorted those present to follow the integrity of priesthood in its original form like Jesus Christ. he further added, “Priests must be able to tell the people those in need the words of St. Peter, “Gold and silver, i have none, but i tell you in the name of Jesus get up and walk.” Money, power and possession have replaced Christ. Jesus’ model of authority is of service not of autonomy and dictatorship.”

The mass was followed by Carols and introduction of brothers. Various interactive games added fun to the gathering. Each received Christmas gift from the Archbishop as well. This was followed by a delicious meal after which the brothers dispersed to their respective places of ministry.

amazing talent in traditional and contemporary dances, singing and instrumental music, keeping the audience entertained. The Crib Competition was conducted on 22nd with Fr. Joseph and Fr. Jerry of the OCD and Fr. Ajit of the Delhi Archdiocese as the judges for the event. The Nursing Hostel won the First Prize for the Outdoor Category, followed by the Herbal Garden and the Linen and Laundry Departments. In the Indoor Category, The Cathlab were awarded the First Position, followed by the Dialysis and Emergency Treatment Departments. The Second Floor, Third Floor and the Cathlab were adjudged First,

◗ Br Richard Jose

◗ Stanislaus

◗ Baljeet K Arun

f e b r u a r y2 0 1 7

dioCesandigestDecember 2021


Failed Ones: The Precious Ones PMI Ruby Jubilee (1981-2021)Sr Lini Sheeja MSCPMI Former National Secretary

prison ministry

Jeevitha (name changed), lost her mother at the tender age of 7. Her father was arrested in connection with the death of her mother. In jail he was visited by volunteers of Prison Ministry India, which indeed was a great source of solace and relief to him. Once out of jail, he tried to make a living by selling tender coconuts, but sad to say that his state of mental depression took a toll and he committed suicide. Jeevodaya - a rehabilitation centre in Bangalore for released women prisoners then became Jeevitha’s home, from the age of 14. There she was taught to read and write, and was sent to work as a baby-sitter. At the age of 19 her marriage was arranged with a man who painted buildings for a living.

By the Grace of God they were blessed with 2 children. Her peace and happiness did not last long however, as her husband became a drunkard. Because of ill-health on account of his addiction he had to be admitted into St John’s Medical College Hospital, off and on. Fate struck again in 2019 when her husband contracted COVID-19 and he succumbed to the infection. She lost her job, so tried her level best to do odd jobs and feed the children. She had managed to buy a small piece of land when her husband was alive... but couldn’t find the finances to build a house.

She heard that, as part of the Prison Ministry Ruby Jubilee project, Rev Fr Francis Kodiyan was coordinating to help construct houses for 40 needy persons. She was happy and very relieved to know that she was selected as one of the deserving beneficiaries. Glad to say that with the Rs 3, 00, 000/- that PMI donated, and with financial help from other benevolent people her house was completed at a total cost of Rs. 5, 50, 000. While thankfully acknowledging the timely intervention of the Prison Ministry, she is deeply grateful to God for realizing her dream for her. She now lives peacefully in the newly constructed house, earning her living off a food-cart.

“The Lord looks down from heaven and sees all mankind...” (Psalm 33:13)

Where are Your Brethren?

This true story invites humanity to understand the agony of poverty-stricken families and the strong belief of PMI that God came in search of the lost. Jeevitha went through mental agony from her childhood which continued after her marriage. The inconvenience and suffering that she went through as a child has shaped Jeevitha into what she is now. Her mother was killed, her father committed suicide and her husband succumbed to alcohol. There are lakhs of young girls such as Jeevitha who need to be picked up. “The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted,” said St Mother Theresa, the Saint of the Gutter who went around picking up abandoned children, men and women. Today many young girls like Jeevitha need to be picked up; children whose parents are serving life imprisonment behind the bars. Jeevitha’s father was thrown into the dark cells of the prison and was in a hopeless situation.

Every prisoner, together with their children, whom the PMI volunteers encounter is a God-given gift. The thief on the cross who had to be redeemed was the Father’s gift to Jesus. They are our brethren and children and we accompany them on their journey to receive God’s mercy and grace. As God asked Cain, where is your brother? In Genesis 4:9, the same God asks each one of us where our brothers and sisters are? For PMI volunteers, our brothers and sisters are behind the bars and we encounter our living God in their brokenness and woundedness. Jesus too was broken on the Cross; salvation came to the world from His brokenness.

PMI – A Call to be a Bold Servant

We, the PMI volunteers, are called to be bold. For, our Saviour was bold. He was bold when He stood for truth. He was bold when He cleansed the Church. He was bold when He called the Pharisees and Sadducees, white-washed tombs. He was bold when He allowed the sinful woman to wash His feet with her tears. He was bold when He ate with sinners and outcasts. He

53December 2021

was bold when He touched the lepers and healed them. He was bold when He asked the disciples to gather the lost after feeding 5000. He was bold when He went in search of the one, leaving the other ninety-nine. He was bold when He preached in public courageously. Jesus was bold when He said to the paralysed man, your sins are forgiven. He was bold when he said to the woman caught in adultery, neither do I judge you. Go, sin no more.

He was bold when He forgave sinners. He was bold when He carried the Cross and walked patiently to Calvary. He was bold when He forgave the thief on the Cross. He was bold when He gave up His life on the cross to scatter the children of God. And this is the call of every PMI volunteer who is called by the God of boldness. As we stoop through the prison gates to meet our brethren, we gaze upon our God who spoke boldly, walked boldly, acted boldly, lived boldly and died boldly. PMI volunteers go to prison in the night, stay in prison quarters, go to police stations at any time of the day, step into courts to be the voice of the voiceless.

Pigs’ Shed to Father’s House

Mathew, the tax collector, denied everything when he found Jesus. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector declared that he would offer half of his belongings to the poor by paying back four times as much to anyone he had cheated. Paul the persecutor, who was not a perfect human, became a zealous servant of the Master. As the sinners in the Bible teaches every believer to mend his/her way and to walk the straight path, the rejected ones from within the prison walls also teach us the lesson that no one is beyond redemption. The Prodigal Son sitting in the pigs’ shed remembered the Father’s house. Our brethren too come to themselves in the prison cells as they listen, read and internalise the Word of God.

Failed Ones: The Precious Ones

The people who witnessed the miracles of Jesus’ multiplication of five loaves, healing of the leper, the blind, and the walking on the sea, abandoned Him when He was on the Cross. But the Centurion who never saw any miracle of Jesus proclaimed, ‘Truly He is the Son of God’ (Mt 27:54) when he saw Jesus crying out from the cross Abba Father and witnessed the death of Jesus. This is a conversion of the heart. Watching the agony of Jesus, gazing at the way Jesus died for humanity he changed himself and became a strong follower of Jesus. Sinners teach about responsibility, redemption, bravery and charity as well as saints do. In many ways, the sinners may be better teachers. The failed ones are the ones most precious to God since He went through the valley, thorns and thistles to find the one that was lost.

Prisons in India

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), as of 31st December 2019, there were 1,350 prisons and 4,78,600 prisoners in India. There are 617 sub jails, 410 district jails, 144 central jails, 1386 open jails, 41 special jails, 31 women jails, 19 borstal schools and 2 other jails. There were 1,44,125 convicts, 3,30,487 undertrials, 3,223 detenues, and 765 other inmates. There were 19,913 female prisoners, 1942 children, 5,608 foreign prisoners and 1,543 women prisoners with children.

PMI – The Hospital of the Broken-Hearted

Jesus spent his life forgiving enemies, walking with sinners, and eating with sinners. We are all just a bunch of sinners. No one is perfect; we all make mistakes. No human being is exempt. Jesus sat with sinners and ate. It did not mean that He supported what they did, but it also did not keep Him from loving them and He loved them the most. The Church is a

hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints, said Ann Landers, an American Columnist. When Jesus departed from earth, He entrusted His mission to the 11 disciples 2000 years ago and now we have 2.382 billion Christians across the globe. On 8 December 1981, Bro Francis Kodiyan MCBS and Bro Varghese Karippery during a friendly conversation in the telephone cabin at St Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Kottayam decided to be love bombs. Not to kill but to heal the broken-hearted. Today PMI has 8000 volunteers to reach out to our brethren and their families. Can we have 4,78,600 volunteers to take care of the 4,78,600 brethren of ours, their families and to reach out to the failed ones who are precious in the eyes of the Redeemer?























◗ Br Richard Jose

◗ Stanislaus

◗ Baljeet K Arun

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Women commission

Women Commission Office Bearers’ Meeting Leelamma John

‘There is no greater happiness in the world than tobe in Union…’

On 14th November 2021, the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese Commission for women gathered at Yusuf Sadan for a meeting which began at 3 p.m. by singing Bhajans to praise and thank the Almighty.

The secretary Elizabeth Antony warmly welcomed all the participants who came from 7 parishes (Aaya Nagar, Alaknanda, Bhatti Mines, Burari, Dwarka, Mayapuri & Rohini )

The co-ordinators Presca Toppo & Leelamma John shared about ‘Synod & Synodality’ to create awareness among the group. They shared what they have understood from the training sessions.

‘Synod’ is not a new concept but it is an ancient word. It indicates the path along which the people of God walk together. It was Vatican II that brought back Synodality by emphasizing the nature and identity of the Church as people of God; and not so much the hierarchical structure; it brought about a shift from a pyramidal Church to a participating one.

The journey together is both a git and a task. It is an occasion for diverse members of the Church to learn from one another through listening to everyone. God calls us towards a deeper communion, fuller participation and greater openness fulfilling our mission in the world.

As women we must focus more on one another and listen to one another in our families and pray for the graces and blessings.

Our secretary shared her inspiring thought and insights with the Group. She urged us to read the Bible daily and learn the word of God which is powerful to bring us peace, strength, and solace. She reminded us of our duty to take care of our environment and suggested to grow herbal and nutritional plants in our own homes. Gifting each other a plant in our parishes is also a good activity. We could help women in our parishes to open a Bank account and teach themhow to manage it.

The group was happy and thanked God Almighty for gathering us after a long period of nearly two years. Suchita from Aaya Nagar parish concluded the meeting with a thanksgiving prayer.

55December 2021























◗ Br Richard Jose

◗ Stanislaus

◗ Baljeet K Arun

f e b r u a r y2 0 1 7


Papal Knighthood to Cyril JohnProf. Constantine Fernandez

Those selected for Papal Knighhood are persons found to be of unblemished character; who have promoted the interest of society, the Catholic Church and the Holy See (Vatican).

Papal Knight/Dame is an honour or title of nobility conferred by the Pope in his capacity as temporal sovereign.

There are five categories of papal knighthood. They are in descending rank: the Supreme Order of Christ, the Order of the Golden Spur, the Order of Pius IX, the Order of St Gregory the Great, and the Order of St Sylvester the Pope and Martyr.

The first is conferred directly by the Holy Father but extremely rare as its last member died in 1993 and is reserved for Catholic heads of state for key involvement in an event attended by the Pope.

Presently, there is no living member of the Order of the Golden Spur, an honour made by the Pope on his own impulse. The last member, Jean, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, died recently.

The remaining three orders are open to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, and to men (knights) and women (Dames), with the Order of Pius IX – the Pian Order–the highest award made at present, usually to diplomats.

The Order of St. Gregory the Great is for conspicuous lay service to the Church on the recommendation of a diocesan Bishop with the support of the Papal Nuncio.

Likewise the Order of St. Sylvester which is awarded on the advice of a bishop to laity distinguished by their service, particularly in any of the apostolates. Among the orders, are decorations, and medals of the Holy See which include titles, chivalric orders, distinctions and medals honoured by the Holy See, with the Pope as the fount of honour, for deeds and merits.

The Investiture Ceremony of Chevalier Cyril JohnTom George and Snead Joanna Cardozo

The Investiture Ceremony of Chevalier Cyril John who has been bestowed the title of Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great took place on 13 November 2021. This is the fourth highest Papal order in the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great. The title has been given to Chevalier Cyril John for his distinguished service to the Church at the diocesan, national, continental and international level, especially through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

The Investiture Ceremony began with a Holy Mass which was presided by the Archbishop of Delhi, Most Rev. Anil J. T. Couto at 6 pm in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Gole Dak Khana concelebrated by Most Rev. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop of Faridabad; Most Rev. Francis Kalist, Bishop of Meerut and Episcopal Adviser to the CCR in India; Most Rev. Ignatius Mascarenhas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh; Most Rev. Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar; Very Rev. Fr Varghese Vinayanad, OIC, Apostolic Administrator of Gurgaon; Rev. Msgr Susai Sebastian, Spiritual Director of Delhi Charismatic Renewal Services; Rev. Msgr Vincent D’Souza, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Delhi and Rev. Fr Jervis D’Souza, Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and other priests in the presence of His Excellency Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. During the Eucharistic celebration, the Apostolic Nuncio read out the text of the honour granted by the Holy Father, made Chevalier Cyril John do a pledge of loyalty to the Holy Father and thereafter blessed the insignia (medal of Knighthood) and bestowed it on him. After the Holy Mass and Investiture Ceremony, a short photo shoot took place with all the Excellencies, bishops, priests and family followed by a felicitation program.


The felicitation program commenced in the Diocesan Community Hall with a graceful dance performance by the Burning Bush, the audio-visual team of Youth United for Christ (YU4C), Delhi. This was followed by short messages delivered by Most Rev. Anil J. T. Couto, the Archbishop of Delhi who was very happy and delighted that the Church had honored Mr. Cyril John with the Papal Knight of the Equestrian Order. His Grace said that Mr. Cyril had been given a Holy sword to kill the evil one in the footsteps of St. Michael the Archangel. He said that may this recognition that has been granted to him by the Church, be a source of joy to each and all of us and an opportunity to Mr. Cyril John to always work all the more zealously for the Lord and his Gospel and to all of us, to renew our fidelity to our Lord Jesus Christ to become witnesses of His Kingdom always.

Mr. Ajin Joseph, the National Youth Coordinator of YU4C India and Administrator of Jeevan Jyoti Ashram said that he was inspired by the credibility, honesty and disciplined life of Chev. Cyril John. He said that Chev. Cyril John was a role model for youth like him and said many youth wanted to become like him. He thanked Chev. John for his life and for showing his life as a witness to the Church.

Most Rev. Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop of Faridabad said he was very happy to felicitate Mr. Cyril John who has been given the insignia of Chevalier. He said that this honor is the recognition given by the Church for the distinguished and meritorious service he has rendered at the local, national and international level. He exclaimed, that Chev. John was continuously smiling since the time when he received the honour, just like little children when they get a new dress.

Rt. Rev. Ignatius Mascarenhas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh started his speech by quoting the Evangeli Gaudim, “The laity is the overwhelming majority of the people of God and there is much to be learned from their participation. In the different expressions of the Ecclesial community, popular piety, commitment to the ordinary pastoral care, competence in different areas of cultural and social life.” He said this Knighthood conferred on Chev. Cyril may help him to bring hope which overcomes fear, light which overcomes darkness and optimism which overcomes despair.

Hon. Justice Kurian Joseph, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, said that Chev. John has been rated in the official circles with impeccable integrity. He said one has to be truly honest in one’s professional and personal life. And if we lead a true Christian life, like all of us are called to, then we will also be called by the Church to serve. He said that Chev. Cyril was always with the Church, for the Church and in the Church, and hence God had blessed him abundantly always.

Bishop Francis Kalist, Bishop of Meerut and Episcopal Adviser to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in India started by saying that a true Christian is one who is Spirit filled and Spirit led through the Sacrament of Baptism. He said that he has lived a life of communion, participation and mission. He has been inspired by the Spirit, led by the Spirit and filled by the Spirit to answer the challenges of the Church. His Grace mentioned that Chev. Cyril had taken up big responsibilities at the local, national and international level to bring the fruits of the renewal to the Church through the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He took it up as a challenge to bring renewal to the Church. He took up the ministry of Prophetic Intercession and made it into a course, which is now accepted far and wide. His Grace informed, that whenever they were travelling together, he would always find Chev. Cyril praying the Rosary or reading the Word of God. Bishop said that Cyril has been a great inspiration for him in his personal life and that it was a great moment of thanksgiving to God for bringing up the laity to be examples, to be powerful role models in the Church. He finally signed off by saying that if Chev. Cyril can do it, then all of us can do it.

Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal said that this honor was a sign of Papal appreciation which has been conferred on him as a public expression of esteem on the part of the Holy See, for what he has done, moved by his faith in Jesus Christ and as a living member of his Holy body, the Catholic Church. He said this Knighthood conferred on him by the Holy Father was to fight evil, promote good, defend the weak and marginalized against injustice. He quoted St. John Paul II, as mentioning in the Christi Fideles Laici that “the lay faithful precisely because they are members of the Church, have their vocation and mission of proclaiming the Gospel, as sharers in the mission of Christ, priest, prophet and king. The lay faithful have an active part to play in the life and activity of the Church. Pope Francis repeatedly acknowledges the contribution of the lay faithful. In Evangelli Gaudium, he explains that there has been a growing awareness of the identity and mission of the laity in the Church. We can count on many lay persons. They should have a deeply rooted sense of community and fidelity to the tasks of charity, catechesis and the celebration of the faith. In this regard, the Catechism of the Catholic Church exhorts us, all Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity, all are called to holiness. He concluded his speech by saying a prayer that almighty God may always accompany Chevalier Cyril in his service to his family, the Church and society, and in his professional, spiritual and pastoral ministry. Finally, Chevalier Cyril John himself shared a beautiful message with the gathering and thanked everyone. Before the fellowship meal, Bishop Ivan Pereira, the Bishop of Jammu Srinagar was invited to say a prayer of blessing.

Mr. Thomson George and Ms. Snead Joanna Cardozo were emcees for the day. Around 200 people joined us on this auspicious occasion, however due to covid-19 restrictions the program was live-streamed on the YouTube channel of Jeevan Jyoti Ashram Delhi for the rest, around 2000 people viewed the program. The video is still available on the YouTube for those who like to watch. Everyone had a joyful experience.

57December 2021

Press Report: YSM GOLDEN JUBILEEFr. Chetan MachadoNational ChaplainYCS/YSM India

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face towards

you and give you peace”.

11 November 2021, New Delhi: With extreme joy and enthusiasm, we are proud to share that YSM (Young Students Movement) has completed 50 years of its existence (1970-2020) and on 6th of November 2021 the jubilee was celebrated at NBCLC Bangalore during the Annual National Students Leadership Training Programme.

The Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Chetan Machado (National Chaplain) and Fr. Anil D’sa, Asian YCS Chaplain preached. A number of former YSMers, NEXCOs, REXCOs & Members joined the programme from across the country and shared their experience of being a YCS/YSMer in the past and how they have lived the methodology of the movement in their life. They shared that YSM has helped them to become a better person even as a better Christian, Hindu or Muslim and they urged that the movement should not be restricted to religion as we are the agents of change who are to make a difference.

Some of the alumni present included Sr. Mary Margaret [1983-1986 National President, 2001-2002 National Coordinator], Mr. James Sylvester [National Treasure 1983-1986], Mr. Syed Akram [National Coordinator 1986-1988], Ms. Krithika, Mr. Leo Saldana, Ms. Ashma, and Ms. Sudha. Mr. Leo, Mr. Kamal from tamilnadu, Mr. Jimmt Pdang from the North East, Jovita D’Souza from Karnataka (all former office bearers) participated in the programme. Fr. Charles Menezes, the former IYCS Chaplain also addressed the students during the programme.

The celebration began in the evening; the MCs of the program were Ms. Anushka Ternopi [NEXCO North East Region] and Mr. Arpit Katara [NEXCO Madhya Pradesh Region]. Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara [Deputy Secretary General CCBI], Mr. George Joseph [former President 1978-1979], Mr. Deril D’Sa [National President], Fr. Raymond [Former YCS/YSMer and Secretary for VSCR CCBI], Fr. Lourd Raj [Karnataka Regional Chaplin], Fr. John Baptist [Director of NBCLC], Fr. Anil D’sa [IYCS Asian Chaplain], Fr. Chetan Machado [National Chaplain], were the dignitaries for the celebration along with 75 delegates which included animators, chaplains and students from six regions across India. The dignitaries were welcomed by Ms. Anjalina Ekka [Cultural and Liturgical Secretary] followed by cake cutting, later a brief history of YSM was shared by Ms. Ashita Jimmy [Search Editor]. Mr. George Joseph [Former President], Fr. Raymond, Mr. Joseph Kamal Francis shared their experiences of being in YCS/YSM movement. Later Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara shared his message with the young people followed by Fr. Anil D’sa & Fr. Chetan Machado. Mr. George Joseph, the second President of the movement was felicitated during the programme. Golden Jubilee mementos where distributed among the regions by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, followed by a short cultural programme. Mr. Deril D’sa, National Convener proposed vote of thanks. The jubilee celebration concluded with a meaningful inter-religious prayer followed by a sumptuous meal.

YCS/YSM (Young Catholic Students /Young Students Movement) is a students’ movement following the methodology of See, Judge,

and Act (Awareness-Reflection-Action-Evaluation). YCS began as a Christian Social Action Movement for students and YSM was

added for the students of all faiths. On 14th August 1970, YCS/YSM was affiliated to IYCS (International Young Catholic Students). YCS/

YSM was recognized officially by CBCI (Catholic Bishops Conference’s of India) in 1981 as Service of Young and Humanity and later

came under CCBI (Conference of Catholic Bishops of India) in 2018.

At present the movement has over a lakh student members and more than 1000 dedicated animators, youth workers spread out in

14 regions. The Movement has formed active and dynamic leaders, social workers and liberators who are involved in the process of

socio- economic-political-spiritual welfare of the people all over the country.


59December 2021

World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2021Alma Xalxo and Sushil Barla (Regional Youth Volunteer)

On the occasion of World Day Of Migrants and Refugees 2021, ICYM Northern Region took an initiative to run an awareness campaign from 23rd September, 2021 to 30th September, 2021. Through this awareness campaign we tried to reach out to everyone so that each one of us are aware about this day, the issues faced by the migrants and especially about the migrants and refugees who were affected by the Corona Pandemic.

Every year the World Day Of Migrants and Refugees is celebrated on the last Sunday of September; in 2021 it was celebrated on 26 September. As the title for his annual message, the Holy Father had chosen ‘Towards an ever wider “we”.

It is an occasion to express concern for different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for them as they face many challenges; and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.

This year we celebrated this day in a new way by spreading awareness among the youth by posting various aspects and issues faced by migrants across our country. Posts were shared each day on our social media platforms in which what can the youth do to make a difference in their lives was also discussed.


Pastoral Clergy

anniVersaries 15th december 2021 to 15th january 2022

DECEMBER 2021calendar of feasts

1 Saint Eligius

2 Blessed Rafal Chylinski

3 Saint Francis Xavier, priest

4 Saint John of Damascus

5 Saint Sabas

6 Saint Nicholas

7 Saint Ambrose

8 Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

9 Saint Juan Diego

10 Servant of God Bernard of Quintavalle

11 Saint Damasus I, pope

12 Our Lady of Guadalupe

13 Saint Lucy of Syracuse, virgin and martyr

14 Saint John of the Cross

15 Blessed Mary Frances Schervier

16 Blessed Honoratus Kozminski

BIRTHDAYS OF PRIESTS

DECEMBER

16 Kulandai Samy (1977)

17 Thomas Sherin M. (1977)

20 Sabu Joseph (1967)

18 Vincent Crasta (1975)

19 Thomas Paul (1975)

25 Jesuraj (1978)

30 Prakash Gill (1977)

17 Lazarus

18 Saint Rufus

19 Blessed Pope Urban V

20 Saint Dominic of Silos

21 Saint Peter Canisius, priest and doctor

22 Blessed Jacopone da Todi

23 Saint John Kanty

24 Christmas at Greccio

25 Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ

26 Saint Stephen, the first martyr

27 Saint John the Apostle and evangelist

28 Holy Innocents

29 Saint Thomas Becket

30 Saint Egwin

31 Saint Sylvester I, pope

JANUARY

1 P Geo Jacob (1985)

2 Francis Swaminathan (1962)

3 Denny George (1977)

6 Alphonse Shah (1963)

8 Balraju P. (1983)

11 Jose T.J. (1975)

14 Lancy Sunil Secundass (1991)

ORDINATION OF PRIESTS

DECEMBER

17+ Ignatius Mascarenhas (1977)

26 Aniyan Joseph (1995)

27 Robert Swamy (2016)

JANUARY

4 Johannes Ravi Kota (2006)

DEATH ANNIVERSARY

DECEMBER

Fr. Thomson Panackal 16-12-2016

61December 2021

archbishop anil j.t. couto

engagements

december 2021

1 Wed Golden Jubilee of Pilar Delhi Province-Bathinda2-3 Thu Holy Trinity Major Seminary, Jalandhar 4 Sat 10.30 a.m. Diamond Jubilee of Archbishop Vincent Concessao & Fr. Victor D’ Souza5 Sun 09.00 a.m. Feast and Silver Jubilee of St. Andrew’s Church, Faridabad6 Mon 11.00 a.m. Silver Jubilee of MC Sisters, 12, Commissioner’s Lane 05.00 p.m. Think Tank Meeting7 Tue 10.00 a.m. Available for Priests8 Wed 03.30 p.m. Ordination of Dn. Roger Fernandes at Our Lady of Health Church, Goa11 Sat 03.30 p.m. Nuptial Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral 06.00p.m. ConfirmationsatSt.Dominic’sChurch,VasantVihar12 Sun 09.00 a.m. Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting13 Mon 04.00-5.00 Available for Laity 06.00 p.m. Meeting14 Tue 07.00 a.m. Mass at Ish Bhavana 10.00 a.m. Meeting of “Prabhat Seva” at DCC Conf. Hall15 Wed 09.00 a.m. Monthly Recollection16 Thu 09.30 a.m. Curia Meeting 06.30 p.m. Governing Board Meeting, Anyodaya17 Fri DCA- Finance Manuel Meeting18 Sat 10.00a.m. ConfirmationsatSacredHeartCathedral19 Sun 05.00p.m. ConfirmationsatPavitraNaamGirja,Gurugram20 Mon DCAStaffChristmasGathering 04.00 p.m. Ecumenical & Inter-Rel. Christmas21 Tue 09.30a.m. CCBIOfficeBearersMeeting22 Wed 09.30 a.m. DCA Schools Christmas23 Thu Available for Christmas Visitors24 Fri Available for Christmas Visitors 11.00 p.m. Christmas Vigil at Sacred Heart Cathedral25 Sat 08.00 a.m. Mass at CJM Convent27 Mon Delhi-Jaipur Inter-diocesan Gathering at Nuh 04.00 p.m. Nuptial Mass28 Tue Clergy Christmas Gathering30 Thu Christmas Gathering of Seminarians at Aya Nagar31 Fri 07.00 a.m. MC Sisters Karkardooma

11.00 p.m. New Year Eve Night Vigil


THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING AT SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL, NEW DELHI.

63December 2021

Printed and published by Fr. Januario Rebello on behalf of Delhi Catholic Archdiocese and Printed at Bosco Society for Printing & RNI Cft. No. DELENG/2007/19942Graphic Training, New Delhi 110025 and Published by Delhi Catholic Archdiocese, 1 Ashok Place, New Delhi 110001. Editor: Fr. Stanley DL (ND)-11/6125/2019-20-21Kozhichira E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.archdiocesedelhi.org, Facebook: Voiceofdelhi Archdiocese Delhi DOP 9th & 10th

Happy Christmas

Rejoice, the Lord is King! May the Christ of Christmas

bring joy to your heart and peace to your soul.

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Catechists - Archdiocese of Delhi