NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCEMSFS PROVINCIALATE

GPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510

Email: fthadam@gmail.com / frantv270208@hotmail.com FT/43 – Circular –

September 2012

Dear Confreres,

Greetings! Here’s the month of September again! As with other months, various groups have adopted the month for their own. September has been designated as "Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month", "International Strategic Thinking Month", "Sea Cadet Month" etc. Many days are also observed in September, among them, “ Teacher’s day”, "Remember Freedom Day", "Jewish New Year" etc. In song and story, September is thought of as a "mellow month". For us, the missionaries of St. Francis De Sales, the month is very special. We celebrate the feast of the Mother of Compassion (Sept 15), the patroness of the Congregation, and the death anniversary of our beloved founder, Peter Marie Mermier (Sept 30). We do have the custom of praying the Novena to the Mother Compassion, and also keep a Triduum prior to the celebration of the Founder’s day. The book Pray Always has the prescribed prayers for these occasions.

On 30th September 2012, we celebrate the 150th death anniversary of our Founder. The letters and writings of the Founder are filled with expressions of deep longing for

religious life and missionary zeal. Writing to Fr. Francois Decompoix msfs in 1849, Fr. Mermier shares his concept of

priestly life: “I would remind you that the work of a priest may be summed up in three words: piety, study and service”. Numerous other texts reveal the depth of his spirituality, the missionary zeal and a deep concern for the renewal of Christian believers. Let us use this occasion to speak about the founder and spread devotion to him; and also pray that he may be raised to the altar of the saints in the Church. I request all the local superiors to plan a fitting celebration of these special days in all our communities,

institutions, parishes and centers.

Our Country is facing turmoil. Social unrest, political upheavals and economic problems have adverse effect on the daily lives of all of us. The recent violence in certain parts of Assam has left a trail of sorrow for many families and children. I am very glad that the FAsCE India Staff has done great service to the victims. The Parish team at Chappar also has collaborated well with the initiatives of FAsCE India. I congratulate all the members of the FAsCE India for their prompt response to the needy people.

The Visit to Arunachal MissionsAs planned, the visit to Arunachal missions went on well. I am immensely grateful to Fr. Mathew Puthumana, the coordinator of Arunachal missions, and Fr Lukose Kavunkal, the animator of the apostolic community, who coordinated the entire visitation program. Thanks to the confreres who meticulously followed up the plan and made all the arrangement for various meetings. I offer my gratitude to God for the protection and safe travel that I enjoyed through the hilly terrains of Arunachal. I also thank everyone for accompanying me with their prayerful remembrances.

Our confreres in Arunachal keep sharing God’s love amidst many odd situations. I admire their patience, their endurance, their trust in God, their hope in people, despite all the difficulties. The personal and community meetings followed by a meeting of the apostolic community were special moments for me to delve deep into the life and ministry of our confreres. Thank you dear confreres of Arunachal missions for all that you are to the rest of the Province. Through many sacrifices, you carry out the mission of the Church. I salute all our confreres who have toiled hard in the past in the Arunachal missions; and those who valiantly continue today. I would love to include a complete write-up on the canonical visitation. I hope to accomplish it at sometime later.

Praying for the success of the Fourth Regional Assembly of SA RegionThe Fourth Regional assembly of the Southern Africa Region will commence on 3rd September 2012 at Pastoral centre, Keetmanshoop, Namibia. The Assembly will begin with a recollection preached by Fr. John Karondukadavil, the councilor in-charge of the Missions. With the theme, Fransalians in Southern Africa: A mystical and prophetic response to Africae Munus, the confreres of the Region would spend time in reflection, prayer, and discussion for three full days. Africae Munus is the post synodal apostolic exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI, and it shares many concerns of the Church to the people of Africa. The Region’s decision to take this document as basis for their discussion is truly praiseworthy. Let us assure our confreres in the Region, of our continual support and prayerful remembrance, especially during the days of the Assembly. Let us make sure that we pray in our communities for the successful completion of the proceedings of the Assembly.

Silver Jubilee CelebrationAs informed in the Circular (FT/37), Frs. Philip Thomas Kizhakumpurath, Joseph Thekkel, Sebastian Kuzhupil, George Vettukattil, George Panthanmackel, Joseph Puliyilakat are completing the jubilee year of their ordination. As a sign of gratitude to God for the gift of these confreres to the Province, a simple ceremony of felicitation is scheduled for October 6, 2012,

soon after the second retreat at Pastoral centre, Castle Road, Shillong. All the confreres are welcome.

FAsCE India reaches out to the victims of ethnic riot in Assam…In the wake of the current Bodo-Muslim riot in Assam, that displaced nearly 4,00000 persons

from their homes to relief camps, Fransalian Agency for Social Care and Education in India (FAsCE India), reached out to them with relief services. The most affected by these clashes between Muslim immigrants and indigenous Bodo tribesmen, being the districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baska and Dhubri, the relief works were carried out through our MSFS Mission Centre and FAsCE India Zonal Office at Bahalpur.

As soon as the relief camps were set up following the ethnic clashes between the Muslims and Bodos, the staff of FAsCE India, under the leadership of Fr. George Pekkadenkuzhiyil, the Zonal Director, made an assessment visit to some of the relief camps in Dhubri and Kokhrajhar Districts. Upon the reception of the report and assessment of the situation there, FAsCE India Central Office in Guwahati engaged itself in the mobilization of funds and relief materials. Fr. Francis Thadathil, the President and Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil, the Director, of FAsCE India, appealed for generous support in this humanitarian initiative, especially to the Fransalian Schools in Assam.

The immediate, spontaneous and generous contributions from our schools and the assistance rendered by the Provincial Administration helped us to rush the needed relief materials to the affected areas without much delay.

The FAsCE India staff, together with the priests and sisters from the Mission at Bahalpur, in their assessment visits, realized that the victims in almost all the camps undergo trauma experiences and are under the grip of fear psychosis. They were also running short off food provisions, medicines, mosquito nets, clothes, etc. People in the camps were also consulted to know their immediate requirements. Many of them asked for medical helps, since many persons, including children, were seriously ill. Therefore a medical camp was conducted on the 8 th of August 2012 at Tilapara M.E. School in collaboration with the local PHC Doctors and Sacred Heart Sisters, which was attended by nearly 7000 persons suffering from various illnesses in different camps. We distributed food materials like rice, dhal, potato, nutrella (soya beans), chocolates and milk in many relief camps of Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts. Other essentials like clothing, mosquito nets, steel plates, steel glasses and medicines were also distributed.

What we have achieved may be a drop in the ocean of the efforts to alleviate of the untold sufferings of many innocent people in the relief camps. But we would like to continue to reach out to the suffering people in the small strides that we take. We thank, appreciate and recognize the people who stood by us with their generous support and service in this humanitarian initiative of FAsCE India.

(Report from FAsCE India Office)

Social Retreat for The Fasce India Staff

“Sometime the road we travel is more beautiful than the destiny…”In order to motivate and reenergize its staff, Fransalian Agency for Social Care and Education in India (FAsCE India) organized a Social Retreat at FAsCE India Zonal Office, Gogamukh, from 09-12 July, 2012, under the leadership of Fr. Milkius Tirkey, the Zonal Director. In all 30 FAsCE India social workers from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam attended the three days of reflection animated by the Fransalians – Fr. Athnas Kerketta, Fr. John Bosco Khakha and Fr. Corbinus Soreng. The theme of the reflection was “Principles of Social Work: a Christian Approach”. It dealt with topics like Core Values of Jesus (Dignity of Human Being, Service, Social Justice, etc.), Jesus’ Style Leadership, and Indian Christian Contribution to the Field of Social Work. They also reflected together on the Vision-Mission-Core Values of FAsCE India in order to ground themselves as FAsCE India Social Workers.

The Social Retreat of this kind was the first venture in the Province, where all the social workers of FAsCE India came together as a family to share, reflect, renew and recommit themselves to their service to the humanity. It was also an opportunity to know each other, to share their life experiences in the Organization and to renew their commitment to their respective works, enhancing their knowledge of Social Work. On the final day, the Local Organizer of the programme, Fr. Milkius Tirkey arranged a Spot Visit to the NHPC Project at Girugamukh, which is one of the most discussed, relevant social issues of the area – whether the construction of the dam there is a boom or a doom for the area. The workshop, that followed the spot visit, enlightened the FAsCE India staff more on the relevant social issues and their social responsibilities.

The Social Retreat was concluded on the 12th with a Thanksgiving Mass and all the participants departed to their respective places of work with renewed as well as ignited mind and heart. The staff of FAsCE India remains grateful to the FAsCE India Team, especially to Fr. Francis Thadathil, Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil, Fr. George Pekkadenkuzhiyil, Mr. Shaji Fernandez and Fr. Milkius Tirkey for this opportunity offered, and to the Resource Persons as well as the Fransalian Community at Gogamukh for the excellent organization of this inspiring event.

(Report from FAsCE India Office)

Spoken English Course held at SFS College, Aalo A Spoken English Course was organized at SFS College, Aalo for the students of the locality. During the inauguration, Fr. Mathew Puthumana, the manager of the college, highlighted the importance of learning English well; and encouraged the students to make use of the chance given

to them. In all, 55 participants attended the one month course, which began on 25 th June, 2012. The course was carefully planned and meticulously carried out by Bros. Shiju and Martin Anand from MSFS study house, Shillong. During the course, the participants were taught the basic grammar, spoken English, pronunciation and public speaking skills. It also included various activities like games, personality development, and teaching through visual media. On the last day of the course, 24th July 2012, the participants organized a cultural programme and during which certificates were issued to the successful candidates.

(Report by Fr. Augustine Thundathil)

Blessing and Inauguration of the newly constructed school building at TelamAugust 18, 2012 became a memorable day for S. F. S. High School Telam, as the blessing and

inauguration of the newly constructed school building took place on that day. Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil, the Provincial blessed the new building in the presence of many confreres, parents, sisters, teachers and students. The inauguration of the building was done by Mr. Bosco Dabi, one of the parents and a political leader. Fr. Provincial dedicated the new class rooms for the use of students by stating that the new class rooms will provide better facilities for the students. During his brief address,

Fr. Provincial thanked everyone who were instrumental in realizing this for the children of the school. In particular, he exressed his deepest gratitude to all the benefactors and friends who provided the financial support for building up the additional rooms. The blessing was followed by a cultural programme, which was well organized by the Sisters and teachers.

(Report by Fr. Shiji Poonthuruthil)

Forums for the year 2012-2013The Council has updated the Forums for the year July 2012- July 2013:

1. Education Forum of the Province (EF-P) for 2012-2013

1. PUTHUMANA Mathew (Vice Chairman)2. MUTHADATHU Roy (Convenor & Secretary)3. MATTAPALLIL Siby (Core Team Member)4. MATTATHIL Jacob (Core Team Member)5. OVUNG Philip Mhonchumo (Core Team Member)6. PARAYANIYIL Roy (Core Team Member)7. VADAKKEPERINCHERIMANNIL George (Core Team Member)

8. ADANI James9. BAMHINGBE Joseph10. CHOTTAKARA Michael Jacob11. KADUTHANATHU Lijeesh12. KAIPALLIL Saji13. KATTATHARA Antony14. KELAMKUZHACKAL John15. KERKETTA Pratap 16. KULANGARA Augustine17. KUNNAPALLIL Thomas18. KUNNEL George19. MOONNANAPALLIL Tomy 20. NAKHO Benjamine21. PARAMPUKATTIL George (GS for

Education)

22. PARANKIMALIL Peter23. PEETHURUTHEL Francis24. PONVELIL Abraham25. POONTHURUTHIL Shiji Mathew26. POOTHANKUNNEL George 27. PURAYIDATHIL Philip28. RAISING Jacob29. SAPRÜNAMAI Ashihe Andrew30. SORENG Silanand31. THARAYIL Saji32. THEKKEL Tomy33. THUNDATHIL Augustine Joseph

2. Formation Forum Northeast India Province(FF-P) 2012-2013.

1. THAZHATHUKUNNEL Joseph (Vice Chairman)2. VELIYATH Benoy (Convener & Secretary)3. EDAKAZHIKAL Thomas (Core Team Member)4. MUNDOLY Jose (Core Team Member)5. TIRKEY Milkius (Core Team Member))6. PANTHANMACKEL George (Core Team Member)

7. BAROWA Carlus8. BOLWARI MARAK Peter9. BOROGAON Alois10. CHIRATTOLICKAL Gracious11. D.R. Paul12. HEPUNI John13. HRIINII Mark14. KALLAKULAM Jobin Thomas15. KANNAMANGALATH Joseph16. KAREKAT Dominic17. KIZHADEVEEDU Joseph18. KUMBATTU Praveen19. KUZHUPPIL Sebastian20. MANICKATHAN Varghese Paul21. MANNACHAMKUZHIYIL Shijo Paul22. MAROTTICKATHADATHIL Cherian23. MULLENKUZHY Abraham24. MUNDACKAL Baiju25. NELLIYANY Pius

26. NONGBAK Areng Clean27. OTTAPALLIL Mathai 28. PALLICHANKUDIYIL Mathew29. PATTARAKALAYIL James George30. PATTON Samuel31. POOVELIL Francis32. PUTHIYAKULANGARA Saji33. Puthiyidathuchalil Jacob34. SHYLLA Firstar35. THALILE Jacob36. THENGANAKUNNEL Jose37. UPPAMTHADTHIL Emmanuel 38. VARICKAMANTHOTTIYIL Alex39. VELLARAMKUZHY Augustine40. VETTUKATTIL George

3. Mission Forum, Northeast India Province (MF-P) for 2012 – 2013 1. KARONDUKADAVIL John (Vice Chairman) 2. KOLLATHUVAYALIL Thomas (Convenor and Secretary)3. BARA Nicholas (Core Team Member) 4. KAVUNGAL Lukose (Core Team Member) 5. CHAKKALACKAL Joseph (Core Team Member) 6. PATTIMACKEL Kurian (Core Team Member)7. THAIKHO Simon (Core Team Member)

8. CHAVARANAL Santhosh 9. CHETTANIYIL Jose 10. EATTIKATTIL Antony 11. KANICHERRY Biju Kurian12. KARIKKAMPALLY Job13. KERKETTA Athnas14. KIZHAKKETHALACKEL Reji15. KOCHUPARATHANATH Thomas16. KUDAKKACHIRAKUNNEL Babu

Joseph 17. KULLU Sudhir John18. KURIKILAMKATTU Joby Mathew19. KURISUMMOOTTIL Philip 20. MANALEL Devasia21. MANDA SANGMA Bernard22. MATHIRAMPALLIL Aji Cherian23. METHA Avilhou Stephen 24. MURIANKARIYIL Mathew 25. NARZARY Ronesh

26. NEENDUKUNNEL Sebastian27. OVELIL Kurian28. PALATTY Jijesh Paul29. PANII Paul30. PARAMPUZHA Augustine 31. PERUMANNIKALAYIL Lukose 32. PLAKOOTHATHIL Sanish33. POOVAKULATHU Jude 34. POU Stephen35. PRAKUZHY Varghese36. SAWMA Stephen T.37. THALAYINAKANDATHIL Rijesh

Thomas38. THEKKEL Jose39. TIRKEY Suleman40. TOPPO Kusumkant Samir41. VANDERKUNNEL Thomas 42. VANISSERY Varghese43. VARAPADAVIL Thomas Paul

4. Innovative Ministries, Northeast India Province (IMF-P) for 2012 – 2013 1. MAPPILAPARAMBIL Emmanuel Vice-Chairman of IMF-P2. EZHANIKAT Shaibu Convenor & Secretary of IMF-P3. KUTTIKOTTAYIL John (Core Team Member)4. CHAKALAMURIYIL Varghese (Core Team Member)5. PEKADANKUZHIYIL George (Core Team Member)6. PUTHENPURACKAL Abraham (Core Team Member)7. VAZHEPARAMBIL Mathew (Core Team Member)

8. AERATHEDATHU Thomas9. AMBYIL Shaju Varghese 10. KUNJAPARAMPIL Joseph11. AVITAPPALLIL Antony12. BARA Cornelius Constantine13. BARMAN John 14. BELO Francis 15. CHETTUPUZHA Varghese

16. DIO D. Jacob17. HASDA Sudhir18. ILLICKAL Joseph19. KANIYAMMATTEL Joy 20. KARIPADATHU Jose21. KHAKHA John Bosco22. KIZHAKUMPURATH Philip Thomas23. KONTHANANICKAL Jiji

24. KUNNEL Sijo25. ANAKALLIL Tomy Alex26. Lyngdoh Donsuk27. MADAPALLY James 28. MANASRAYIL Sabu29. MARAYIKULAM Stephen (Jr.)30. MATHIRAMPUZHA Jimmy31. Nikseng Sangma32. PANTHANAZHIVADAKETHIL Sunny33. PAZHEVEETTIL Joseph

34. PEZHUTHUMMOOTTIL James35. POOVATHUNKAL George 36. PULIYILAKAT Joseph 37. SAHAYARAJ Albert38. SHANGPLIANG Genes 39. SORENG Corbinus40. THALAYINAKANDATHIL Saju 41. THATTAPARAMBIL Salu42. THAYILKUZHITHOTTU George43. VELICAKATHU Joy

5. Stewardship Forum of the Province 2012 – 2013 1. CHENNALA Daniel (Vice Chairman, Convenor & Secretary)2. EDACHERRY PAUVATH John (Finance Committee Member)3. NIRAPPEL Thomas (Finance Committee Member)4. ARACKAL Thomas5. EDATTU Mathew6. ARACKATHARA Babychan7. KUNNUMPURATH Johnson8. MAMALASSERIL Jose 9. MANGHATT Philip10. MARAYIKULAM Stephen (Sr.)11. OLICKAMALAYIL Thomas12. PALATTY Jijesh Paul13. PAREDOM Sebastian14. PLATHOTTATHIL Jojan

6. Peace and Justice Commission for 2012-2013 1. THADATHIL Francis (Chairman)2. MATTATHIL Jacob (Vice-Chairman, Convenor and Secretary)3. KERKETTA Athnas 4. MAPPILAPARAMBIL Emmanuel 5. THAIKHO Simon6. TIRKEY Milkius7. VAZHEPARAMBIL Mathew

Training of Trainers onPrevention of child sexual abuse and promotion of Child RightsFAsCE India has successfully completed two batches of trainings for the schools of Lower Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. Three more programmes are scheduled and the details are given below:

No Date Participating Schools Venue

.

1 30 October to 02 November 2012

Gogamukh, Silapathar, Telam, Jonai, Dhemaji

MSFS Provincialate, Guwahati

2 13 January to 16 2013

Tato, Kaying, Aalo, Basar, Pasighat, Yinkiong

MSFS Provincialate, Guwahati

3 February/March 2013

Manikbond, Mawryngkneng, Nongalbibra, Amlarem, Mawkhlam Umwalang, Sindukpathar and Sateek

MSFS Provincialate, Guwahati

It will create awareness and capacity to offer timely intervention in cases of violations of Child Rights, provide counseling and support services to the victims and their relatives, and to form Child Right Clubs in the Schools. (Director, FAsCE India)

Moments to Cherish; News to share Teachers’ Day! On September 05, the Nation remembers all the teachers! Hearty

Congratulations to all those involved in the apostolate of education. Particularly, I offer my gratitude to all the teachers in all our schools!

Frs. Varghese Vaniserry, Francis Peethurethel and Alois Borogaon at Galsi in Asansol diocese are taking initiatives to build up the communities and develop the centre. The Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI) assist in the mission. The sisters also have succeeded in getting some land near to our mission. A village church at Channa is nearing completion. As a community “in mission”, they all exhibit a genuine spirit of collaboration. The school needs to be upgraded. Conversion and mutation of the land, and other legal matters are followed up by our confreres. Thank you dear confreres and sisters for your witness of life and ministry!

Fr. Tomy Monnanappillil from New York shares the news that he is enjoying his stay in the parish community. His pastor has undergone surgery and is on medical leave. Hence Fr. Tomy is kept extremely busy. He has already got admission to the university and will be pursuing the study program along with pastoral duties in the parish. All the best Fr. Tomy for your ministry and studies!

Hearty congrats to the Parish team at Chappar- Fr. Jiji Konthananicakl, Saji Kaipallill, George Pekadenkuzhiyil and sisters for their concerted effort to reach out to the victims of ethnic clashes of Kokrajhar area. They have extended their cooperation to the FAsCE India

team as well as to the CRS wing of the diocese in reaching out to people in need and offering relief services. Well done, the Parish team of Chappar!

Fr. Emmanuel Uppanthadathil from USA also shares the news that he is enjoying his teaching position at the university. He writes: “Besides the classes I am asked to deliver two seminars (for the faculty of two departments- Philosophy (18 faculty members) and Religious Studies ( 21 faculty members)- and one Public lecture - Open to all ( we are sending out flyers -typical american way of advertising- to get more audience)”. All the best in your programs!

The celebration of the Parent’s day at Fransalian School, Jonai was indeed a display of class of art. Congratulations to Fr. Peter Parankimalil and Fr. Rex for your leadership!

Fr. Francis Poovelil writes that the study program is very helpful and enjoying the courses. He will be coming to Kerala for a short visit for attending a medical problem and then return for the rest of the courses. During the summer time he has undertaken pastoral ministry in support of his study program. All the best to you Fr. Poovelil!

Fr. Augustine Parampuzhayil from Manila writes that he has been accepted to a parish where he can stay and pursue his study program. He is doing the needful for his admission to a university.Best wishes and prayers, to you Fr. Augustine!

The youth of Narengi parish spent two days (August 25-26) for a seminar on leadership at SFS School premises. Congratulations to Fr. Nikseng Sangma, who organized this program for the youth of the parish.

Fr. Thomas Edakazhy will be soon completing his M.Phil program at Christ University. He is expected to be in the northeast within the month. Hearty Congrats Fr. Thomas!

The Candidates of the IInd Year of the minor seminary program has moved to Sudhirvana on 24th August, 2012. We appreciate the efforts of Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, the Provincial of South West province for making this facility available for the formation of our seminarians. All the best to the team of formators- Fr. Vellaramkunnel and Fr. Clean Arengh!

Change of Address and Phone NumbersFr. Jimmy Sebastian MSFS: Hauptstr.15, 91367 Weißenohe, Germany. Ph: 0049 9192 280 (office)Fr. Augustine Parampuzhayil, Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, University of the Philippines

Diliman Campus, J.P. Laurel cr. Apacible sts., Diliman, Q.C. 1101: Tel. 0063 926-9496; 0063 926-1592

Fr. Tomichan Moonnanapillil: 914-963-7330 (Church), 914-963-8934 (Cell)tomymsfs@gmail.com Fr. George Thayilkuzhithottu: 715-832-0366 (Office), 715-340-1321 (Cell)

Fr. Benoy Veliyath, Cell No. 09436937534Fr. Varghese Prakuzhy, Cell No. 09980703204

Let us Pray for the Departed Rev.Fr. Joseph Victor Chappuis of Brazil Province, who passed away on July 30, 2012

at Caçador. Mrs. Mary Varghese (94 yrs), an Aunty of Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil, who passed

away on 5th August 2012. Mr. Emmanuel (60 yrs), brother of Fr. Regi Kizhakethalackal, who passed away on 9th

August 2012.

Visits and Programs

August 28- Sept 10 : In SA region: Regional assembly: Meeting with bishops Sept 11-30 : In Europe: Meeting with confreres: Visit to benefactors:

Meeting with bishops Sept 30 : Return to India: Oct 01-06 : Retreat at Shillong: Felicitation to the Jubilarians of the year Oct. 07-08 : Council meeting

Oct 10-11 : Canonical visitation: Novitiate

Oct 12-13 : Canonical visitation: Chandrapur parish

Oct 15-19 : Visit of Asst. General to the Province.

Concluding ThoughtsAs I conclude this circular, the latest news has come in: “Five people were found killed in communal violence-hit Chirang district in Assam's Bodo areas.” It is sad that communal violence continues on. In the wake of these new killings, some organizations have called for Bandhs. Communal violence erupted between the dominant Bodos and Bengali-speaking Muslim settlers in Assam on July 19 at Kokrajhar district. The violence soon spread to contiguous Chirang and Dhubri districts killing close to 80 people and displaced over four lakh

people in the three districts. Let us pray for peace. The northeast region needs it very much at this time.

Remember it is September 2012! I request all the local superiors to give proper animation for a fitting celebration of the 150th death anniversary of our Founder. Let this occasion be used for instructing our communities about our founder and the legacy he has bequeathed to us. I wish joy and peace to everyone. I request everyone to pray for me as I would be on travel to Southern Africa Region and Europe. As usual, during my absence from the country, Fr. Joseph Thazhathukunnel will be the Vicar of the province, and I request everyone to collaborate with him. With joy-filled thoughts of each of you during the special days of this month,

Fraternally,Yours in Christ Jesus,

Fr. Francis Thadathil MSFS Provincial Superior Northeast India Province

“Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence.”

St. Francis De Sales