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70/3 Ranchi Jesuits, Sadbhavna P.B. - 4, Ranchi - 834001, Jharkhand MARCH 2011

APPOINTMENT BY FR. PROVINCIAL

Fr. Toppo Deepak Jharna Spirituality Centre, NamkumBr. Ekka Isidore Kitchen, Manresa House Ranchi (additional Charge) ad tempus.Br. Toppo Hilarius Rest, Manresa House Ranchi

ASSIGNING COMMUNITIES TO RANCHI JESUITS WORKING IN COMMON HOUSES :Fr. Beck Milianus St. Xavier’s College, RanchiFr. Kujur Linus St. Albert’s College, RanchiFr. Kujur Marianus Xavier Institute of Social Service, RanchiFr. Lakra Christopher Xavier Institute of Social Service, RanchiFr. Mathias Joseph Manresa House, RanchiFr. Soreng Vinod Sushil St. Xavier’s School, DorandaFr. Tirkey Justin Manresa House, RanchiFr. Xalxo Medard Jharna Spirituality Centre, NamkumFr. Xalxo Prem Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi.

FR. PROVINCIAL ’S PROGRAMMEMARCH 2011

11 : Meeting SXD SJ Staff (at Manresa House)11-13 : 4-Sheet Examination of the Pre-Novices (at Manresa House)14-15 : Budget Meeting, Manresa House Ranchi16 : Province Consult17 : Meeting Tom Garette19 : A.M.: Inauguration of the TV studio Satya Bharti Ranchi

P.M.: To Assam – Inauguration of the New Curia Assam MissionBudget Meeting of the Assam Mission

23 : Back to Ranchi

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Fr. General, Adolfo Nicolás, through his letter dated 11 February 2011 has canonically established theST. JOHN’S SCHOOL COMMUNITY , Karbala Tank Road Ranchi 834001 and he sends his good wishesto the Community of Jesuits and their collaborators.

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• NEW MOBILE NUMBER of FR. L. FRANCKEN, S.J - 8521455650• SCHOLASTICS’ GET-TOGETHER will be held in Bardih Parish on 18-22 May 2011• RANCHI PROVINCE DA YS will be held on 23-25 May 2011.• SUMMER COURSE PROGRAMME will be held from 1st May –15th May, 2011. The candidates

should arrive latest by 6.30 p.m. on 1st May, 2011. The candidate willing to join Ranchi Province mustmeet the Director personally either before their matriculation and intermediate exams. This does not apply tothe Apostolic candidates and those who have met him already on the vocation tour.

• HOLY FAMIL Y HOSPITAL, MANDAR : Application Forms for G.N.M will be available on workingdays between 8.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m on payment of Rs. 300=00 only from March 15 to May 1, 2011. The LastDate for submitting the filled application is on 30-05- 2011.

NEWS FROM INSTITUTIONS AND FORMATION HOUSES

ST. XAVIER’S COLLEGE, RANCHI

The month began with the Annual Day of the College onFebruary 1. Many teachers and Ex- Xaverians, includingMr. Victor Tigga, were felicitated by the Principal, Fr.Nicholas. The Chief Guest, Fr. Ranjit Pascal Toppo, wasall praise for the women power. “Women are leading inalmost each sphere of life. Be it academics, social sectoror sports, girls are continuously shining with their sheertalent.”

On Feb. 5, the College auditorium witnessed theholy presence of special papal envoy Cardinal CormacMurphy O’Connor, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster.Accompanied by the Ambassador of the Holy SeeSalvatore Pennacchio and Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppohe attended a symposium held to mark the Silver Jubileecelebration commemorating the visit of the Late Pope JohnPaul II to Ranchi 25 years ago.

Organization of the Annual Sports Meet onFeb. 22 this year clearly reflected the influence of 34thNational Games held in Hotwar Sports Complex as manyof us in the community had witnessed it. The number ofthe athletes participating in the College Sports was alsobig. The Chief Guest Shri Nitiren Topno, Manager ofUnited Bank of India at St. Xavier’s College campusencouraged the athletes saying: ‘sports are necessary forthe development of sharp mind and sound body.’

On Feb. 16, New Provincial Fr. Xavier Sorengalong with Fr. Ranjit P. Toppo, former Provincial, blessedthe Fathers’ Residence in the new building of St. John’sHigh School built at Gudri ground during the ThanksgivingMass. Many Jesuits witnessed this joyous occasion as itwas just on the following day of the taking over ceremonyof the new Provincial. Fr. Florence, the Principal of St.John’s School thanked Fr. Ranjit and Fr. Nicholas for theirvisionary plan and its execution in constructing the new

building of St. John’s High School and hoped that all theclasses will be held in the new building from the newacademic session of 2011. Congratulations Fr. Florence!

Fr. Ephrem Ba’a

ST. IGNATIUS’ GUMLA

An exposure visit and sports play a vital role in holisticpersonality development. Keeping this in mind St. IgnatiusSchool pays enough attention on extra-curricularactivities of students for their personality developmentand to enhance their capacity. On 1-3 February theschool basketball team took part in state level basketballtournament arranged under ‘Panchayat Yuva Khel KudhAbhiyan’ (PYKKA) in Gridih. The team captured thetrophy with their fabulous performance. The team of 34students took part in ‘Chakraview’ sports held inMahuandanr from 3–6 February. Miss Maxima Ekkafrom Inter Collage was declared the best athlete in girls’category. Apostolic school boys combined their picnic withChakraview sport visit and went to Mahuadanr viaNetherhat on 5th February. It was a great learningexperience for boys. On the following day hostel boysalso went to Sarwada, one of the oldest missionaryparishes in Munda belt for outing cum picnic. Again on20th February Apostolic School boys went to see the sportsand brand new infrastructure of 34th National Games heldin Ranchi at Khelgaon. On 24th February more than 500School students were also taken to Khelgaon for the same.

AROUSE is offering 30 days leadership programfor 30 youth from ‘Nehru Yuva Kendra’ Gumla. The tribalmuseum of AROUSE has got its momentum now. Manyvisitors from near and far are attracted towards it.Recently many visitors and students from different placesincluding St. Xavier’s College, history dept. Ranchi hasvisited it.

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Many dropout youngsters are unable to choose theright path in their lives. Jeevan Pravesh team ishelping youngsters to choose right path and also in livingqualitative lives. The team has conducted the program inSaparom, U.C, Gumla and for Nehru Yuva Kendra, Gumla.The team receives deserved appreciation and approvalfrom participants.

Gram Utthan Kendra has conducted trainingprograms on leadership and livelihood for villageleaders and supervisors successively under ‘CapacityEnhancement Program’ for three days each. Bothprograms were appreciated well by 80 participants.

Alphonse Aind

VIDYA JYOTI, DELHI

Theologizing demands genuine insertion of the word ofGod into a particular environment. In our effort to ‘reachout in love’ to the subaltern groups, particularly thetribals, the Vidya Jyoti College was seriously involved in atheological thinking on the life threatening issues oftribals. On 30th January, 2011 Adivasi ministry group ofVidyajyoti organized a seminar for domestic workinggirls/women. Two hundred and five girls/women from8 different centers actively participated in the Seminar.The topic was – ge vkt vkSj dy with sub-topics: “gekjhigpku ;gkWa vkSj ?kj ij** ] “vkfnoklh lekt e­ fookg dk egÙo ,oamÙkjnkf;Ro** A

The programme started with solemn and meaningfulHoly Mass concelebrated by Frs. Cornelius Ekka, S.J.,Medard Xalxo, S.J., and Milianus Beck, S.J. The maincelebrant Fr. Medard at the very outset gave the rightdirection to the Seminar by making the gathering aware ofthe sorry state of Chotanagpur. He urged the participantsto inculcate life giving values like generosity, sincerity, humility, patience etc., which can lead us into rightdirection. In the seminar the gathering felt full support ofVJ College, which in fact was visible by the presenceof Fr. Rector, Joe Sebastian, S.J., Fr. Principal, FrancisG., S.J., Fr. Paulus M., S.J. the Ministry in charge andFr. Tom Venad, S.J. They along with Fr. Milianus, MissFlorencia – a domestic working girl and Sch. James Samad– the Ministry coordinator inaugurated the Seminar bylighting the lamp. Fr. Francis made the girls feel at homeby saying; “you are part of our VJ family.” He appreciatedtheir role in forming VJ students, thus made them awarethat their contribution to society is significant. Fr. Rectorenlightened them to have three important values of life

namely, self-confidence, courage and character. Fr. Paulusadded that life is God’s gift and we have our responsibilityto give it a right direction. The speaker Sr. Reshmipresented the sad scenario of human society and stressedon cultivating positive outlook of oneself. Mr. Cyril Minj,deputy education director and the member of DelhiArchdiocese education committee for 5 years, spoke on‘Importance and Responsibility of Married life’.

On 18 – 19 Feb, 2011 Vidya Jyoti College andIndian Social Institute (ISI) organized a national seminaron ‘Violence and Adivasi struggle for livelihood’. Prof.Manoranjan Mohanty in his keynote address assertedthat the rising trend of Adivasi awakening is a definingcharacteristic of contemporary India. He acknowledgedthe fact that there is an unprecedented scale of assertionof not only the right to livelihood, but also right to dignityand the right to selfhood among the adivasis of India.Dr. Gladson Dungdung, Dr. Himanshu Kumar and SamirXalxo respectively reported the ground reality ofnaxalism in Jharkhand, Madya Pradesh and Chattisgarh.They appealed to all the participants to accompany adivasisin their ongoing struggle for integral well being.

Vidya Jyoti staff and class representatives had apacked one week PAC (Preliminary Academic Council)meeting from Feb 21 - 25. We were happy to welcomeFr. Francis Minj, the dean of RTC Ranchi, Fr. Henry Barlaand Sch. Milyan Xaxa (MAP) who represented RTCRanchi in the PAC meeting. Now Vidya Jyoti is all setfor the Diaconate ordination of our beloved third yearbrothers which is to be held on March 5, 2011.

Sch. Edwin

TARUNODAY

The shortest month of the year took away the severe coldand favoured us with the bright and pleasant sunlight. Thuswe embarked into the spring season that had loaded themango and Lychee trees with flowers and we’re hopingfor a good fruit this year. The month gave us the chance tocelebrate with the local church, the Silver Jubilee of thehistoric visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II toChotanagpur. On this occasion, we witnessed theEucharistic celebration presided over by the Papal Envoy,His Eminence Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor atthe Loyola ground. On 12th February, the Taruns wentfor the Community Picnic to Rukka Dam and releasedtheir theological tension. We had a Cricket match inthe picnic spot which was like the India-Pak tussle. The

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winners with their trophy led the whole group to dancewith the rhythm of Chadra and Nagara. On 14-16 Feb-ruary, Fr. Michael Kerketta, the PCF came to visit thetheologians and encouraged us with his loving words tohave a better touchstone and suggested to be happy al-ways. Fr. Francis Minj, the dean and Sch. Milyan Xaxaleft for Delhi to attend the PAC meeting. Two days later,Fr. Henry too went to Delhi to attend the same. After get-ting back from PAC meeting, Fr. Francis Minj and Sch.Milyan Xaxa presented the report in which it was stressedthat there is the need to create a better theological culturein all the theological centers. On 18th February, Schs.Roshan and Anup went to Bardih to prepare the way forthe forthcoming programme i.e. Scholastic Get-together2011. Receiving serious news about his father, Sch. FrancisDavid hurried for Rourkela, where his father washospitalized after a minor heart attack. There is lots ofimprovement seen in his health after the hospitalization.Together with the family members, all of us are expectingfor his speedy recovery.

Schs. Rajesh & Amar

LANGUAGE SCHOOL-CUM-MINOR SEMINAR Y,RANCHI

After the reopening of the Language School, students werekept in various co-curricular activities. The Languageschool students had a meaningful sharing of Christmas andNew Year holidays. After the re-opening of the college,pre-novices and collegians had regular classes. Pre-novices had remedial classes as well as the completion ofthe courses by the end of February.

Both the Director and Asst. Director went tovocation tour and also attended the ordination at Samtoli.They interviewed 26 Apostolics and 2 hostellers whoaspire to join the Society of Jesus. The extempore contestheld on 27th Jan. honed to their skill of spontaneity in theirimagination and presentation. While some of them fumbledand others took great courage in speaking right thingsthrough right manners. Fr. Director went to Gumla forvocation tour and met 26 Apostolic boys. MinorSeminary had flag hoisting having Fr. Peter Mahendra asthe chief guest who witnessed the march passed to markthe republic day. Fr. Director left for Patna to attend thepre-novitiate Directors meeting of the Central-East ZoneProvinces. Minor Seminary had a day of recollectioninstructed by Fr. Director on the theme of motivationfor vocation. On 23rd of February students actively

participated in the vocabulary quiz contest. It waskeenly contested game to increase the word power aswell as to gain self confidence. We went for a picnic toATC Namkum near the pond and enjoyed the day on26th February. The language school had poetryrecitation on 27th February. The students recited the poemwith overflow of emotions. They participated with greatenthusiasm and made an effort to give clear diction to thepoems. The co-curricular activities infused among them asense of competition.

Fr. James V. Dungdung, S. J.

DE NOBILI COLLEGE PUNE

With the entry of the spring season the month of Februarymade an entry into DNC bringing several celebrationsfor the community. The first week was totally packedwith singing and dance practice for the diaconateordination. On Feb. 5, seventeen third year theologiansof DNC community were ordained deacons by hisLordship Valerian D’Souza, the retired bishop of Punediocese. Chotanagpurian brothers actively participatedin the Hindi entrance dance ‘purohit hai nirali nirmalnadiya’ wearing ‘Biru Gamcha’, white banian and‘chunari’tied on their waists. They proved that brothers can alsodance like girls with the ‘rhythm of ‘mandar’. After theholy mass there was a felicitation program of the newlyordained deacons in the mango orchard followed by thefellowship dinner. The parents and close relatives of thedeacons came to share the joy and happiness of their ownsons. The neighboring communities also participated in thecelebration.

Feb. 12 was the day of recollection and Fr. Sunnyof the Post Graduate Block helped the community to walkwith the Lord for a day by giving a talk on the topic‘tension’. The following day, on Feb 13 All HindiSpeaking Association (AHA) bade farewell to theoutgoing Brothers and Sisters of JDV at MSFSauditorium and wished them good wishes. On the sameday DNC Philosophers participated in a skit competitionorganized by the JDV Literary Wing and won Rs. 1200/-as the second prize. Schs. Deonis and Bipin participatedin it.

The house was very quiet from Feb. 21 to 25,because the second year B. Ph. students were busywriting their semester exams. They are engrossed atpresent in the preparation for their forthcomingcomprehensive exams.

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On Feb. 26 DNC community said goodbye tothe Second year B. Ph., outgoing brethren of the house.In their honor the house had organized ThanksgivingMass in the morning and farewell program in the eveningfollowed by the fellowship meal. Frs. Rector, Superiorand Minister thanked them for their availability andcontribution to the community. The first year philosopherspresented a multi dimensional over view of the outgoingbatch through a skit that became the centre of the farewellprogram. Everybody of the community wished thembest wishes for their future mission. Sch. Rajesh Barathanked the community on behalf of the outgoing batchfor the brotherly love and care.

The month of February ended with the evaluation ofvarious apostolates of the house in their own groups in thepresence of the animators on Feb. 28.

Fuldeo Soreng

BERCHMANS ILLAM LOYOLA COLLEGECHENNAI

The last two months were quite hectic. We had our firstcontinuous internal assessment for the second semesterfrom 27 January to Feb 2, 2011. To mark the feast ofthe lady of Lourdes there was a solemn candle lightprocession in the evening on Feb 11. We gave farewellto our beloved Fr. Chelladurai who accompanied us forlast 6 months. On February 16, Fr. Jerry, the PCF ofJamshedpur gave us the points for the recollection. Heinvited all of us to become the men of magis.

On Feb 26, we celebrated our community day withgreat fervor. We began the day with the holy Eucharist

presided over by Fr. Michael Amaladoss. His sermonwas mainly how a Jesuit should aspire for magis. Theevening was really colorful by varieties of culturalprograms. Fr. K. Amal, the Rector was the chief guestfor the day. Ajit was in Tamil folk dance, David in mimeand Bimal in fusion dance. Around 300 guests came towitness the Jesuit cultural show. Many were astonishedby the spectacular performance of the scholastics.Later magazine of Berchmans Illam was released bythe chief guest. On 28 Feb., Bimal attended a seminarorganized by the Dept. of Chemistry, Loyola CollegeChennai.

Sch. Bimal Minj

PREMAL JYOTI, AHMEDABAD

There was nothing special than the 2nd term exam for P.J.Scholastics in the month of February. Keeping in their mindthe result of Mid-term and first-term the Scholastics keptthemselves extremely busy in preparation for the exam.Our 2nd term exam was suppose to start on Feb.7th butgot postponed due to University election.

Feb.18 was the last class for the year 2010-2011,and finally our 2nd term exam began on February 19thand ended on Feb. 28.

On the first day of the month of March, P.J.Scholastics and community are planning to go for apicnic to get relaxed and refresh their body and mindafter 2nd term exam and so as to prepare themselvesfor the university exam which will be held somewhere inthe months of March-April.

Rohit Kujur

NEWS FROM PARISHES

KANKE

Fr. Praful attended a meeting of vocation promoters and pre-novitiate directors of Northern and CentralZones at Navjyoti Niketan, Patna on Feb. 3-6, 2011. He found it was very enriching and inspiring. There were20 participants from 11 Provinces. Sharing by eachpre-novitiate and vocation promoter was the mainagendum of the meeting. The purpose of this exercisewas learning from one another and moving towardsthe highest common denominator regarding practicesin vocation promotion and pre-novitiate programme. Fr. Gratian Carlo, A.D.F. was the facilitator and theresource person.

On 15 Feb. all three of us witnessed the installationof the new Provincial, Fr. Xavier Soreng S.J. at ManresaHouse. The same night we lost our faithful dog calledRaju. It had followed the catechist to his residence inSunder Nagar; it was attacked by a gang of stray dogsand killed.

Fr. Praful has begun his pastoral ministry in earnest. Each evening he is out for family visit; at the same time heis completing the unfinished family census.

Emmanuel Horo, S.J.

ASHA NIWAS KEONDTANR

January 23 was the red letter day for the parishioners.On that day they celebrated the golden jubilee of their

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Marian Grotto, built in 1954 – a symbol of their faith andMarian devotion. On the same day a seminar on ‘Census2011’ was held in the Parish campus. Mr. Hilarius Topnocame from Ranchi as a resource person. It was a goodawareness programme for the parishioners.

On February 6, Fr. Samir Dungdung – newlyordained priest – was welcomed by the parishioners.He celebrated his first thanksgiving mass in the parish.Thereafter a short felicitation programme was held. The3-Days Annual Sports Day was held on 3-5 February.Students and staff enjoyed the event. On the final day Mr.Chaitu Oraon, the newly elected Zila Parishad member ofBasia was invited as the Chief Guest. After hoisting theflag he received the salute of the parade.

February 8 was the memorable and grace-filled dayfor Gumla diocese when closing ceremony of the Yearof Priests was held at St. Patrick’s ground, Gumla.Thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the event.Fr. Ignatius Tirkey and some parishioners went to Gumlato represent Keondtanr parish. Fr. Ignatius went to Ranchion Feb. 15 to attend the function of installation of newlyelected Provincial Fr. Xavier Soreng. On Feb. 19, HighSchool students and staff went to Ranchi to visit Khelgaonwhere 34th National Games were held. On the followingday Fr. Samir and Fr. Elvius arranged an enjoyable picnicfor the Parish Choir under the Banyan tree. Youth andchildren enjoyed dancing with new drums and Nagara.

After getting four days instructions under theguidance of catechist Emmanuel Barla and Fr. Ignatius,8 couples got their marriage rectified on 25 February.On the same day School managing committee and staffheld a meeting under the guidance of Fr. Secretaryregarding the new appointment of teachers in the MiddleSchool. These days again, Fr. Ernest Kujur is busy ingiving coaching classes to the High School students.

Fr. Ignatius Tirkey, SJ

TONGO

On January 23 there were well prepared sports forthe students of both our High Schools with a couple ofitems for the small boys and girls. The only drawbackwas that the chief guest, Mr. Kamlesh Oraon – M.L.A,Gumla –did not turn up as he had an engagement inRanchi.

On Feb. 7, our former Provincial, Fr. Ranjit P.Toppo blessed the new building of St. Paul Boys’ MiddleSchool whose construction had been very much delayed.

After the blessing there were sports for the children of bothmiddle schools.

Fr. W. Pillen

PATRACHAULI

Annual Sports Day of both Middle and High Schoolswas held on 12th Feb, the same day when 34th NationalGames was also inaugurated in Ranchi at Khelgaon.Students exhibited their sportive talents while staff ferventlycooperated to make the day more enjoyable.

On 13th Feb, parishioners gave a warm welcomeand felicitation to newly ordained priest Fr. Alexius Kindo,and they also gave an affectionate farewell to Fr. DeepakToppo who is transferred to Jharna Spirituality CentreNamkum.

Patrachauli community had gone to Ranchi on twospecial occasions. On 15th Feb the whole communitywent to Manresa House for the installation of the newprovincial Fr. Xavier Soreng and farewell and felicitationof the outgoing provincial Fr. Ranjit P. Toppo. Next dayevening again the community was present at St. John’sSchool for the blessing of its newly built residence in theNew School Building.

Br. Patras Minj went to his home village – NoadihaSarnatoli- for his silver jubilee celebration and houseblessing. Some teachers and students also joined on thisjoyful occasion. Soon after the Holy Eucharist there was ashort felicitation programme.

Fr. John Crus, SJ

SARWADA

Glorious 100 years old Church of Sarwada attractedthousands of pilgrims and picnickers in the month ofJanuary – February 2011. The Annual Catholic WomenAssociation “Mahila Sangh” at diocese level meeting tookplace in Sarwada on 30-31 January. One thousand womenparticipated in it. Talks on empowerment of women andtheir participation in the ministry of the Church werethe main agenda of their discussion. Parishionerswere delighted to host them. The annual sports on 2ndFebruary and picnic on 4th fostered the unity among thestudents and staff of St. Xavier’s High school, R.C. Boys’Middle School and R.C. Girls’ Middle School. TheAnnual Combined Sports were very much appreciated byall the local people. The newly elected Block Chairpersonas the chief guest and V.G. of Khunti diocese, PanchayatMukhiya as honorable guests doubled our joys on the

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sports day. The glow of joy and oneness was seen on thefaces of students of St Xavier’s School, Sarwada as theyremained excluded in many events in the past.

On 6th of February picnickers and pilgrims fromSt. Ignatius’ hostel Gumla about 300 of them innumber marked the day with their presence. A band ofreligious Xavierians from Ranchi came to Sarwada andhad their Mass and refreshment. Their visit resulted inadmiration of the work of evangelization and zeal of theformer Jesuits and work of consolidation and commitmentof the present Jesuits of Sarwada.

Frs. Brice and Frederick took keen interest to showtheir students the Khelgaon (sports complex) of the statein Ranchi. The students and the staff were fascinated bythe mega sports complex, players and the crazy crowedat hockey stadium. Fr. Victor made himself availablealways for the parish work. Though he is on his 76 yearsof age, he feels ever young and enthusiastic. He kepthimself busy and spent most of his day-time tirelesslyworking in the coffee garden and managed to collect somebaskets of the produce.

Fr. Frederick Kujur, S.J.

DOLDA

In the beginning of the year around eighty students andstaff and sixty parishioners witnessed the ordination ofdeacon Ashok Sandil in Kanke parish. School childrenand staff proceeded to Chokahatu for the first Mass. Itwas an eye opening for many of them. All were jubilantand excited to see the event. Soon after this program schoolwas reopened with new vigor and zeal. On 22 JanuarySr. Provincial along with her councilors (Daughters of theCross) came to see and finalized their stay and at presentthey are working with us. Republic Day was marked bythe presence of Rt. Rev. Stephen Tiru DD, Bishop ofKhunti. He was the guest of honour. In his address he

exhorted the students to inculcate values as well asintellectual pursuit. He gave prizes for the solo andgroup singing and march past competition respectively. On9th February parents–teachers meeting was held. Allagreed to co-operate with school and agreed to open classIX from next academic session. Fr. Ashok joined thecommunity after his successful honeymoon. Some studentsand staff went to see the mega sports complex in Hotwar.It inspired them to become good athletes and theimportance of game. Towards the end of the month unittest began to gear up for the annual examination.

Fr. Kamal

BURUDIH, KOCHANG

Guardians with their kids rushed in to StockmannMemorial Middle School Burudih Kochang for admissionin K.G. Section during the first two days of February. Thenumber of new admission was more than 180. NowFr. Anthony and the Staff is worried how to manage them.Fr. Joachim with sisters and catechists went to a far awayvillage to say ‘gami’ Mass for the solace of the bereavedfamily on 13th February. Fr. Anthony with the staff tookstudents to Khelgaon and Morabadi ground to have theglimpses of the 34th National Games on 24th February.Children were very happy to see the stadium and the gamesheld there. Fr. Joachim went along with the sisters andsome faithful to Vijaygiri on the auspicious occasion of theblessing and inauguration of the new Church and sisters’residence on 27th February.

A few hard stones were obstacles in leveling theplayground on the hilltop in the School campus. They weredrilled, blasted and removed. Now the leveling work is inprogress. The JCB machine and the tractors have becomethe centre of attraction and entertainment for men, womenand children.

Fr. Joachim Jojo, SJ

NEWS FROM ASSAM

BALIPARAVisitors from Europe: Fr. Klaus Vathroder S.J., Fr. ToniKurmann S.J., and Fr. Hans Tschiggerl, S.J., The Missionprocurators of Germany, Switzerland and AustrianProvinces along with Mrs. Christina Weber, the Boardmember of German Province visited a part of AssamMission from 18 to 21 February. They landed atChariduwar forest gate at 11.00 a.m. from Arunachal andwere taken to Tarabari, one of the Boro villages. The guests

were received very warmly by traditional Boro danceand music by our Boro brethren and they were servedgood tea and boro pitha breakfast. Mrs. Christina wasdressed in their boro dress and she also joined them intheir dance. Then the guests inspected the Churchbuilding which is coming up and they were happy that thefaith of the people is so strong and they expressed theirsatisfaction that they have been of some help to build theBoro community. Then they came down to Balipara Jesuit

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community where we had a fellowship meal along with theMother General of SMMI and our Holy Cross Sistersalong with few Jesuits who have come down with themfrom Arunachal. At 1.30 p.m. the troop moved toChepaguri. In this place nearly 600 people had gathered,who belonged to various SHGs, or different studycentres, or members of Coaching Class, and also thepeople who have been supported by our guests forsocial economic development programmes. This wasthe gathering of mixed groups of people, Catholic andnon-Catholics as well as of different ethnic groups Adivasis,Boros. Garos, Nepalese and Assamese to whom the GanaChetna Samaj, our Social wing, is serving. Our guests werereceived by traditional Adivasi cum Boro dances andwere given various token of their specific clans like Arnai,Nepali caps, Adivasi and Assamese gamosha. A goodprogress report was read and different groups of peoplepresented their different items showing that they havegrown due to the support they have received from theguests. In the field of socio-economic growth the peopleexpressed their love to the guests by offering a big goat,4 chickens, ducks, potatoes, vegetables of differentsorts and tomatoes from their fields, to tell the guests thateconomically they have grown due to the support theyhave receive by them. It was very touching moment forour guests and unbelievable that within such a short timethey have become self reliant and people have becomemore generous to share what they have produced. Theyeven offered big fishes to our guests from their fishery.On behalf of the guests Fr. Klaus expressed their deepappreciation of what they have become due to their helpand expressed deep gratitude for their generous gifts whichthey had offered to them. Our guests had the chance tosee the development of the St. Xavier’s collegeSonabheel community also. They saw that the collegebuilding structures coming up, where 4 years ago therewas nothing. They saw the living condition of our collegehostel boys and appreciated the willingness of the RanchiJesuits to adjust themselves according to the needs of theplace and time. Our guests have very hectic schedules.From Sonabheel we proceeded to Tezpur Bishop Housewhere Rt. Rev. Michael Akasius D.D. of Tezpur was readyto receive our guests with his community members andthey served us good tea and during the tea we had goodconversation about the diocese, number of priests,number of parishes, and target groups, different challengesthe diocese is facing etc. During the tea, the Bishop

offered to our guests different tribes’ dresses and shawlswhich usually the people wear to distinguish themselvesfrom the others. Finally at 6.00 p.m. we came back toSt. John’s School, Balipara where our school childrenboys and girls have gathered to welcome the guests.Fr. Xavier Lakra introduced the guests to the hostel boysand girls and informed them that these guests have helpedthe hostel boys and girls to have the temporary hostel toaccommodate them in the beginning stage of the school.The hostellers thanked the guests with the songs and borodance. In the evening the Jesuits of Balipara communitygathered together for a short meeting and for sharing thedifferent challenges and needs of the place with our guests.Fr. Xavier briefed the guests about the progress anddifferent challenges we are facing and different needs ofthe place. Then Fr. James told them that the College is inthe beginning stage, we need to build the infra-structure,we have been invited by the Bishop of Tezpur for the highereducation and different needs of the place like Jesuit priestsresidence, College hostel and staff quarters. Finally themeeting ended with agape meal as a sign of our love andgratitude together with all the Jesuits present both fromArunachal and Assam Mission.

Next day, 19 Feb. the group left Balipara at 6.00a.m. to go to Mushalpur some 185 k. m. On the waythe guests had a short halt to see the green tea plantationat Dekhiajuli and then we had a good breakfast preparedby Fr. Christoraj, a diocesan priest of Tezpur Diocese, atMangaldai parish. Then we started our long journeyand finally we reached Mushalpur at 11.00 a.m. whereFr. Vital Ekka, the Parish Priest was waiting to receiveus. Then there was a short reception programme atSt. Xavier’s school Mushalpur by the students and staff,because the guests have also helped to build the school.The reception was in a boro style. In the afternoon at 3.30p.m. we went to Morisupha village where the FranciscanSisters are staying for the time being till the convent is built.We had tea with the Sisters and for more than an hour wehad sharing of the struggles, difficulties they are facing, thementality of the people etc. In the evening we had thethanksgiving Eucharist presided by Fr. Xavier Lakra, theMission Superior, followed by fellowship meal. Next dayon Sunday we had Eucharist with boro people in Sonapurvillage at 8.30 a.m. It was a very good experiencefor our guests to be with the simple people in theirvillage. The guests were received by washing of thehands and welcomed by boro dance and then all the three

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Fathers sat for the confession. During the offertory thepeople made the generous offering. After the Eucharistthere was a common tea party with the people andduring that time lot of interactions took place. Amongthese people some are doing college studies, some havecome back from the convent so they were able to talk inEnglish with our guests and they gave lot of information toour guests about their day today life, their struggles andfinancial problems etc. People were very much touchedby the simplicity of the guests and their desire to mix withthe people. Though they did not know the language butthe heart spoke and they mixed with each other freely andwith great love. Then we went back to the parish wherewe had lunch then we proceeded to Jesuit HouseGuwahati. It was a long journey so on the way we hadstopped at Barama, the mother parish, where in 1626two Portuguese Jesuits Frs. Gabral and Cachella, on theirway to Tibet had passed through this way, whereFr. Johnny, the parish priest and Headmaster receivedus warmly and we shared with him the cup of tea. Andsaw the development of his parish and saw the inculturatedBoro Church and a big auditorium. Then we proceededto Rangia parish where again we had tea and thenfinally we landed at Jesuit house Guwahati where theRegional Superior Fr. Charles was waiting to receive theguests. Next day at 11.00 a.m our guests left forGuwahati airport to go to Darjeeling Province. As a wholethe visit of the guests was very short but it had made bigimpact on the people and on the guests themselves. Wecherish the moments very fondly.

Rectification of marriage for 23 couples took placein the parish from 31st January till 13 under the guidanceof the parish priest, Fr. Theodore, Catechist Subiron andSister Pratibha. The retreat for the catechist was also givenby Fr. Theodore Ba’a. The marriage blessing was doneon 13 Feb in the parish. Fr. Xavier had been to Ranchi forthe installation of the new provincial Fr. Xavier SorengS.J. on 15 Feb. A group of 9 catechists and pastoralSister Pratibha had been for Delhi darshan. They stayedfor 4 days in Delhi and enjoyed fully their stay in the familyof the elder brother of Fr. Theodore in Basant Bihar. Theyhad left Balipara on 18 February (evening) and came backto Balipara on 26 evening. This trip was a great eye-openerfor our catechists and to see the development of ourcapital Delhi.

Meeting of the Jesuit schools/CollegeHeadmasters on 11 Feb., the 8 Headmasters of ourJesuits schools met at Balipara to plan out the various

activities for the whole year for our school and students.In that meeting they planned forth in-service training forour teachers for 2 full days in the month of April 28-29 inBalipara. Holy Cross Convent building is coming to itcompletion. In Tezpur the Curia cum the Gana ChetnaSamaj building is getting the final finishing touch to be readyfor the blessing on 21 March at 11.00 a.m. All of you arecordially invited for the occasion.

Xavier Lakra, S.J.

ST. XAVIER’S COLLEGE, SONABHEEL

Class XII students stayed away from class and devotedtheir time for preparation for the final exam whichcommences on 14th February. Class XI studentscontinued with their classes. The council has decidedto allow each institution to run the final exam internally.Meanwhile a sent up test has been arranged in themonth of February. The final exam will be held inMarch. Two members of our regular staff got married inthis month. Miss Nobonita R. Sangma solemnized hermarriage at Guwahati Church and Mr. Madan Basumatarytied knot with a Boro girl and the marriage took place atKokrajhar Parish. The whole staff attended the receptionparty.

On 22nd February, the staff came together to reflecton IPP principles. The whole staff took up the mainobjectives of Jesuit Education. The starting point of ourreflection was the end product of Jesuit education i.e. –Men and women with and for others. In other wordsour students have to be men and women of competence,compassion and conscience. The staff agreed that thisvision of education promulgated by IPP has someprinciples and methods which can help the teachers toachieve that goal or objective of education. With thisconviction in mind the staff agreed to read and reflect ondifferent elements of IPP.

Outreach Programme

The survey of each unit is coming in. One can see a greatawareness for literacy is building up. More and moreilliterates are becoming aware of the importance of literacy.As a result more children are joining schools.

On 6th February, a brain storming session was heldfor the tribal students engaged in higher studies atTejpur. Around 40 students and a few professorsteaching in different colleges attended the session.Fr. Rajendra, a salesian priest running the hostel for

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college students provided a room in the hostel for themeeting. Two points were discussed – one what helpcan be given to our tribal students to do better in theirstudies. The second point was how we can prepare themfor different competitive exams so that by the end oftheir studies in the degree level, they have faced somecompetitive exam. Thus as they finish their degree coursethey are ready to take up a job. The tribals here don’tenjoy the ST status; they are put in OBC category. Theyhave to face the exam and the interviews as a generalstudent. They need to prepare themselves very well tosucceed in any exam. For discussion and reflection thestudents and the professors were put in different groups.Their report clearly brought out the need of a librarywith reference books and information about differentcompetitive exams.

Some regular seminars on different careers andcompetitions were also mentioned. The meeting endedwith a very positive note of working together for thebetterment of tribal society and to carve a place in thesociety of Assam.

The Principal, Fr. James visited the head office ofTea Tribe and Ex-Tea Tribe welfare departmentat Guwahati. We came to know that many schemes fordevelopment of these tribal youth is being conducted bythe department. All the youth of the parish are made awareof these schemes for the tea tribe youth. In near future theunemployed youth will be guided to fill in the applicationsfor those schemes for development.

Fr. James Lakra, SJ

MUSHALPUR

Three Jesuits, Fr. Klaus Vathroder S.J., Fr. ToniKurmann S.J., and Fr. Hans Tschiggerl, S.J., The Missionprocurators of Germany, Switzerland and AustrianProvinces and Mrs. Christina Weber visited the remoteboro dominated area Mushalpur on 19 February andwere very much touched by the challenges which ourJesuit Fathers are facing so courageously. They stayovernight at Mushalpur and experienced the simple lifeof our Jesuits over there and also had the Boro Eucharistat Sonapur village and interaction with the boro people.The visitors have come to see the lives of the people fromthe close corner. On 25 Feb. 52 students of Class VIII,IX and X have gone to Kaziranga National Park. Theconstruction of the Middle school under the capablesupervision of Fr. Vital Ekka is coming up fast. Fr. Pradeep

was the guest of honour for the sports day for Sunriseschool on 19 Feb.

Fr. Pradeep Kullu S.J.

MANAS BANSBARI

This year some 45 new admissions have been takenfor the L.K.G. section. St. Anne’s Sisters are fullyinvolved in the school and pastoral works. The newdispensary has started functioning for the medical care ofthe people of the area under the guidance of Sr. SushmaSoreng. Fr. Ajay is trying to complete the constructionwork of St. Xavier’s school and also the toilet block.

Fr.Ajay Tirkey S.J

KATHALGURI

This year the strength of Loyola school Kathalguri hasgone up to 350. Nearly 60 students have got theiradmission for L.K.G. Sr. Carmel and Sr. Ruth are fullyinvolved in Loyola school and St. Joseph’s schoolJacobpur respectively. The construction of the firstfloor of the convent is getting ready and boundary wallall along the campus is coming up fast. At the same timethe flooring of the first floor of Loyola school cum thesecond floor is also coming up fast. On 22 Feb. one ofthe AASSA leaders Mr. Bosco Chermako was shotdead by unidentified motor bike riders. He was a greatsupport for the Jesuits of Kathalguri. In him the Jesuitshave lost one of the good and great friends and closecollaborators. May the lord grant him eternal rest.

Fr, Mukul Lakra S.J.

PENGREE

The Irish benefactor Mr. Grattan Boylan is coming tovisit Pengree on 14 March therefore the constructionworks have taken much speed. The construction worksof the Hall cum 4 classrooms are coming up very fast andhopefully it will be ready before 13 March. Meanwhilethe construction work of the first floor of St. StanislausSchool Konapathar is also simultaneously going on. Thehealth of Fr. Telesphore was not good thereforeFr. Dominic had come for the meeting of the Headmastersto Balipara. Now there is much improvement inFr. Telesphore’s health. Fr. Beni is fully involved inteaching in St. Xavier’s school and also in the pastoralworks of the parish, helping Fr. Dominic.

Fr. Telesphore Lakra S.J.

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GREGORIAN UNIVERSITY , ROME

During the first half of February, the University wore aserious and tense atmosphere as the students preparedand appeared for their First Semester exams. Linusspend his time in correcting the assignment papers. I hadboth assignments and oral exams on CommunicationEthics. The hard work of the students was evident as mostof them did well in the exams. The University reopened on21 February for the Second Semester classes.

On 16 February, P. Mark Rotsaert was installedas the new Superior of the community during a solemnEucharistic celebration presided over by R.P. Delegate.P. Mark, who has served the Society of Jesus as theProvincial of Belgium and the President of the Conferenceof European Provincials, has visited Ranchi in the pastand has good knowledge of Ranchi Mission. He surprisedsome of our Adivasi Diocesan priests by greeting them ina perfect Jharkhandi style “Jai Jesu”. Now under a newRector and a new Superior, the community hopes to moveforward with new ideas and new spirit in its mission andway of life.

Before the start of the regular classes, somecommunity members took time out to rest and relax byvisiting some places of historical and cultural importance.Linus joined a group led by P. Ruiz Jurado, an expert onIgnatian places in Rome, to visit Frascati to relive theadventures of St. Ignatius with the Court officials. I joinedanother group to visit Viterbo, a city known for thelongest lasting Conclave to elect a Pope. According tothe history, the Cardinals gathered in Viterbo to elect thesuccessor of Clement IV in 13 century, but even after 20months, they were not able to elect a new Pope. Fed upwith the delay, the people of Viterbo under the guidanceof Captain Raniero Gatti locked the door of the hallwhere the election was being held. The Cardinals weregiven only the bread and water until they elected thenew Pope. That is how the word Conclave came intoexistence – conclave (clausi cum chiave) meansclosed with the key. An interesting story indeed. Theauthorities of the city have maintained well the historicalConclave.

Justin and his colleagues of Hindi section havesuccessfully finished translating in Hindi the threeencyclicals of Pope Benedict XVI – Deus caritas est,Spe salvi and Caritas in veritate. They hope to publishthem as soon as they get some financial assistance fromsome generous souls. The Hindi speaking Catholics andnon-Catholics are definitely going to benefit a lot from suchtranslated works. All the best, Justin.

Fr. Prem

BRITISH PROVINCE, UNITED KINGDOMAn annual gathering cum meeting of young Jesuit Priestseither studying or working in United Kingdom was held atHawkstone Hall, a Redemptorist International PastoralCentre, England from February 17-19, 2011. HawkstoneHall is an exotic English country side, an early 18th centuryGeorgian Mansion set in extensive parkland in northShropshire, about 160 miles away from Central London.Since 1926 it has been owned by the Redemptorists ofLondon Province where for nearly fifty years Redemptoriststudents were being trained for priesthood. But due to theconsiderable decline in vocations to religious life in thispart of the world, the centre has been serving the churchas an international centre for personal and spiritual renewalsince 1974. About 22 young Jesuits came together for thismeet. Fr. Vinod was one of them. The central focus of thisgathering was to give the young priests an opportunity tocome together and reflect on and share with each other,the lights and shadows of the first few years of their priestlylife. The members were also reminded of the recent callby Fr General to the entire society to be the “men of depths”and to be ready to go wherever the universal societyneeded them. Keeping these thoughts in mind the in-depthsharing was very much on the card. On February 17, thegathering began on a lighter note with a very creativeintroduction of each member present by Tim Byron ofBritish province, the chief coordinator of this gathering.

February 18 was specifically set aside for ameaningful and in-depth sharing on the “Lights andShadows” of the early years of priesthood. To facilitatemore intimate and purposeful conversation the memberswere divided in to the group of four. At the end of thisincredibly fruitful session, all felt that the sharing wasextremely encouraging and inspiring. Many couldresonate with the challenges and shadows faced bydifferent people at different times. What was agonizinglyimpressive was the way each one came out of all that theywent through. Another great feature of the sharing washow our research work or ministry could affect ourpersonal religious life and the integration of the two. Thelast day, February 19, gave the members a good chanceto meet with each other in the regions they come from.The biggest contingent was obviously from Asia, 8 of themand 3 not being able to make it. The aim was to share witheach other their life in general and the challenges they facehere in UK. The sharing was enormously rewarding as thegroup from Asia felt that we should come together asoften as we could for sharing of life and experiences. Togive this idea a definite shape, the group thought ofcreating a small platform called, AJC of UK (AsianJesuit Conference of UK). The group will regularly meetonce in two months, the first one being on April 8, 2011 at

DIASPORA

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Campion Hall, the University of Oxford. This will beco-ordinated by Fr. Sung hee of Korea province.

Fr Raymond completed his thirty-day IgnatianSpiritual Exercises on February 10. He says he hasreinvented himself and feels spiritually young andrenewed. He had a couple of days off but he wentagain to take another course on spirituality at RAINHILLSpirituality centre, Liverpool. He will be there until March24. He will then be back at Manresa House, Birmingham,the Jesuit Novitiate of British province, which is going tobe his residence for the entire duration so long he is here inUK and not St. Beuno’s Spirituality Centre, Denbighshireas reported earlier. Fr Amar is extremely busy with hisstudies and seems to love his time and diverse group offriends he has in the university. He was recently here inWimbledon to meet his regional superior from Guyana, FrDermot Preston. The entire battalion of those who workedin Guyana either as regents or as missionaries had a veryquiet but pleasant time at Jesuit Mission Centre,Wimbledon.

Vinod Sushil Soreng

EGYPT (Minia)The revolution of January 25, 2011 lasted for eighteendays and, drove ex-President out of power. It ended three

decades of Mubarak’s rule. Since then, it has unleashed awave of strikes at various ministries, institutions, factories,etc. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, ruling thecountry after the Mubarak’s ouster has failed to make somecitizens understand and those seem to be a challenge. Armyhas been warning that further strikes, protests, etc underthe present circumstance is not suitable and would bedisastrous. Ignoring everything, many need immediateresponse to their demands!

After the mid-term holidays, schools and collegeswere to re-open on February 12. It didn’t work out. Egyptis divided into 29 governorates and about six of themcouldn’t allow to re-open schools till March 05. Ourschools in Minia also remains closed. The re-opening ofthe universities is not yet decided. The Stock Exchange isclosed since January 27. More than eighteen thousandprisoners have escaped from various jails. Police serviceis off the road and it has made life insecure. Jesuits in Egyptare observing all these developments. On February 23,two Jesuit novices began their thirty days’ Ignatianjourney under the guidance of their novice masterFr. Nader Mitchel. The second year novices arealready out for four months in different countries forcommunity experience and work.

Fr. Bimal Kerketta

BIRTH DAYS : MARCH & APRIL

MARCH APRIL05 Kujur Frederick 01 Tete Albinus

Xess Ravi Bhushan 02 Lakra Polycarp06 Lakra Ranjit Walter Ekka Britius07 Toppo Bernard 04 Dungdung Anthres

Kindo Alexius 06 Barla James10 Kujur Habil 07 Doongdoong Anthony14 K.C. Philip Ekka Vital16 Bara Leo Kerketta Anand

Dungdung Christopher 08 Tete Felix PrakashTirkey John 09 Kujur Emmanuel

17 Barla Henry Guria Cyril19 Horo Sibil Joseph 11 Toppo Alexius

Soreng Jaywant 12 Xess Angelus21 Lakra Benedict Topno Nicholas

Beck Anand Amar 13 Tete James Pascal23 Bilung Brice 14 Kiro Sylvanus25 Soreng George Xalxo Pius27 Tete Nicholas Tirkey Justin29 Kiro Benedict 16 Mathias Joseph B.30 Toppo Ranjit Pascal 18 Lakra Placidius

20 Kerketta Sikander25 Kullu Santosh Vinay26 Minj Francis30 Baxla Emmanuel