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Bishop's House, Baruipur P.O., Kolkata - 700 144, India
November 2014
Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Saint Euphrasia
Werejoice with CMI Fathers and CMC
sisters in the diocese and else where in
the world as the founder of CMI
Congregation and one of the older
members of CMC Congregation will be
canonized in Vatican City on November
23, 2014. There will be a national
celebration on November 29, at Rajagiri
Valley, Ernakulam in Kerala. CMI Fathers
had come to the diocese in 1992 and
CMCs in 1997. Both the congregations
are involved in educational ministry in the
diocese with good success. This
canonization gives us, in India, the joy of
having three saints from Syro-Malabar
church in Kerala. This is a great honor to
the Indian Church.
St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara: Kuriakose
Elias Chavara was born to Kuriakose
Padinjarechavara and Mariam
Thokkatton February 10, 1805 at
Kaiakary in coastal Kerala as the
youngest of the six children born to devout
Catholic parents. When only a child, his
mother dedicated him to Our Lady at her
altar in Vechoor church and she renewed
this dedication annually. As a seminarian
he was labeled as a model seminarian.
He was ordained a priest on November
28, 1829. Soon he began working with Fr.
Thomas Palackal, his teacher and Fr.
Thomas Porukura for a new religious
initiative. The institute of men religious
which he founded, was canonically
erected as a Carmelite Congregation in
1855. He was made its first superior. He was
a man of God who blended contemplation
and action in the right measure. He also was
an inspiring leader of the people of God of
his time in his diocese in Kerala. As a proactive thinker, St. Chavarawas known as an
active social reformer, publisher and
educationalist. He founded schools,
including a Sanskrit school, for all castes,
religions and genders. He started the first
printing press in Kerala. He founded two
congregations – Carmelites of Mary
Immaculate (CMI) in 1831 and the
congregation of Mary Mother of Carmel
(CMC) in 1866. After a dedicated and holy
life, he died on January 03, 1871. He was
beatified in 1986 by Pope John Paul II. His
feast day is fixed on January 03.
St. Euphrasia: Euphrasia was born on
October 17, 1878 as the first child of Antony
EluvanthikalCherpukaram and Kunjethy
Chalissery at Edathuruthy in Keralla. She
was baptized as Rose. At the age of nine
privately she had made a vow of chastity.
Rose entered a boarding school attached to
a Carmelite convent at Coonnamavu
started by Fr. Leopard Beccaro and Elias
Chavara in 1866. Young Rose loved her life
in the boarding school. In 1890 at the age of
12 she had an attack of Rheumatism. She
was unable to move a limb. She was cured
miraculously through a vision she had of the
Holy Family. She accepted the religious
name Euphrasia. On May 24, 1900 after a
Pontifical Mass attended by several priests,
there was a vestiture ceremony followed
by the profession. St. Euphrasia made her
self-oblation in the words, “Lord, behold
my entire life, a total sacrificial offering to
you. Accept and do with me according to
your holy will. Accept me as a holocaust.”
In 1904 she was made novice mistress
and continued in this office for nine years.
She lived a saintly life in the Congregation
of the Mother of Carmel (CMC). In 1913
the saint was appointed the superior of the
convent at Ollur. The Mystic Euphrasia
was called “Praying Mother.” People also
loved and venerated her for nursing the
sick and caring the needy. She led an
austere life and interceded for the needs
of the church, especially in times of
schism. She was a great devotee of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Virtues of
faith, hope and charity shone brightly in
her life. She died on August 29, 1952 at
the age of 75. She was beatified in 2006
by Pope Benedict XVI. Her feast day is
celebrated on August 29.
The fragrance of the sanctity of these two
saints has spread throughout Kerala,
India and the world itself. Many people
visit their graves, acknowledge favours
received miracles worked through their
intercession. May their lives help us to
complete our heavenly pilgrimage in the
same zeal as saints Kuriakose Elias
Chavara and Euphresia.
+ Salvadore Lobo
[2]
November 2014
The Annual meeting of BRBC–CRI–CDPB of 2014
th
th
The annual meeting of BRBC–CRI–CDPB was held at Darjeeling from 6 – 9 October, 2014. The
theme of the meeting was:“Empowering Our Laity for Greater Pastoral Collaboration and
Political Responsibilities”. Six bishops and 60 religious priests, brothers and sisters and diocesan
priests from most of the dioceses attended the meeting. Fr. Cyril Desbruslais S.J. of Jnana Deepa
Vidyapith, Pune, was the main resource person. Four panelists, Mr. Rajen Banerjee, Mrs Monica
Mukhaya of Darjeeling, Sr. Anita Braganza, provincial superior of Loreto Sisters and Fr. I.P. Sarto of
Asansol diocese shared their views on empowering the laity in the region. It was felt that bishops,
clergy and the religious need to take many steps to make the laity feel more comfortable in our
presence and also give them a greater space to voice their opinions, express their needs and exercise
their power. The local CRI unit, regional office bearers of CRI and Bishop Stephen Lepcha with this
priests saw to every detail to make the stay during the meeting comfortable and deliberations fruitful.
From Baruipur Bishop Salvadore Lobo, Fr. Sajeev Painunkal SJ, the secretary of diocesan CRI and
Sr. Flower SABS one of the counsellors attended the meeting.
+Salvadore Lobo
36th Foundation Day celebration of PUS
Palli Unnayan Samiti, Baruipur celebrated
its 36th Foundation Day on October 14,
2014. A colourful eye-catching decoration
ofthe office building and training centre
created a festive environment. The day was
marked as a thanksgiving to God, as well as
all our donors, beneficiaries and wellwishers for their collaboration in serving the
poor, marginalized, and needy for the last
36 years. The day began with a
thanksgiving Eucharist presided over by Rt.
Rev. Salvadore Lobo and concelebrated by
14 priests. A good number of sisters and
well wishers were present to show their love and encouragement to PUS. In his inspiring homily
Bishop Salvadore Lobo said that the words of Jesus, “I have come to serve, not to be served.”
should be the motto for all the Christians, specially an organization like Palli Unnayan Samiti,
Baruipur. All the running projects were symbolically offered to God as thanksgiving during the
offertory.
After the Eucharist a short cultural programme was staged by the Brothers of Samarpan
Seminary, a group of Girls and PUS Staff members. The Bishop then addressed us as to how to
continue PUS service now and in the years to come. Fr. Parimal Kanji, the director, then
expressed a sincere thanks to all who were present and to all who are directly and indirectly
associated with PUS in its journey. A festive meal was served to all who came to share the joy of
the day.
-Mr. Ardhendu Sinha
Rev. Fr. Mitra's
Funeral Mass in Raghabpur
Fr. Anil Mitra sj breathed his last on Saturday
27th September 2014 while asleep.
On Monday 29 September, his remains were
brought to St. Paul's Higher Secondary
School Raghabpur, where he had served
many years. From the entrance of the school
to the assembly hall the body was taken in
procession with Kirtan singing. Around two
thousand people attended the funeral mass
presided over by Bishop Salvadore Lobo,
along with the Provincial and other priests. At
the outset Ms. Sadhana Karali gave a brief
introduction about Fr. Mitra.
Fr. Thottam sj gave an inspiring and touching
homily. He shared a lot of his personal
experiences of Fr. Mitra. They were
companions (same batch) during the years of
formation and later on. The parishioners
took full responsibility to arrange the entire
service.
There were many Jesuits, priests of the
diocese, sisters and relatives present. Mr.
Amit Chatterjee, the teacher-in-charge, Mr.
Amrito Rong, Mr. Robin Poti, Fr. Indrajit
Sardar shared their personal experiences of
Fr. Mitra. After the service people came in line
to pay their last respects.
After the Eucharist the body was taken to
Dhyan Ashram for the last rites. Fr. Mitra will
always remain alive in the hearts of many here
in Raghabpur and elsewhere.
Sch. Suresh Antony SJ
Feast of Our Lady of Pilar at Gangarampur Parish
The 12th October 2014, was a grace-filled day for the faithful of Gangarampur as 9 children
received Holy Communion and 37 children received Confirmation. The joy of the children was
seen flowing in the Church. The Eucharistic celebration commenced at 5.30 p.m. with a
procession. Brother Nelson Pereira SFX, welcomed the guests and spoke about the significance
of the feast of Our Lady of Pilar. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rt. Rev. Bishop
Salvadore Lobo and concelebrated by 12 priests. The Bishop in the homily highlighted the feast
of Our Lady of Pilar and told us how to emulate her virtues in our Christian lives. He invited the
children who received Confirmation to open their hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit who can
guide and transform their lives.
After the mass, there was a short cultural programme prepared by the children themselves. After
the function, sweet packets were distributed to the parishioners by the Parish Council Members.
- Fr. Santosh Mondal SFX
November 2014
[3]
Kumrokhali Parish :
26th Death Anniversary
of Late Fr. Ante Gabric SJ
This year the 20th October 2014, as in other
years, was an auspicious day for the
parishioners of Kumrokhali Church,
Mariapalli Parish, as we observed the day
as the 26thDeath Anniversary of Late Fr.
Ante Gabric SJ. From early morning
onwards, people gathered in the Parish
Church to express their gratitude to God for
showering His blessings on us through the
person of Fr. Gabric. This year, nearly 350
people from different sub-stations where Fr.
Gabric worked during his lifetime flocked to
the Parish Church to attend the Holy
Eucharist at 7.30 a.m. Though the people
ardently know that their beloved father is in
heaven, they continue to pray that he will
soon be declared a saint.
The Holy Eucharist began with the
garlanding of his portrait. During the
Eucharistic celebration, the Secretary of the
Parish Council recounted his experiences
with Fr. Gabric. Thereafter, the whole
congregation gathered at the foot of his
statue where the Superior of the convent
placed a garland on behalf of the people. All
then offered flower petals at his tomb, the
occasion ended with a festive lunch.
-Fr. Shyamal Bose
Kumrokhali Parish : All SCC groups meet together
With the active involvement and support of the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, all SCC
groups from different sub-stations under this parish gathered in the parish church on 24th October
2014 and spent the day in prayer and fruitful reflection.
Nearly 200 women of SCC groups, few men, some local people not under SCC, all the sisters and
priests joined the Bible procession. A priest held the Bible accompanied by altar servers with
lighted candles and incense at the end of the procession. The procession started from the
convent and proceeded towards the parish church through the bus route. The people participated
with the display of placards, slogans and took time to turn around and incense the Bible. It was
indeed a thrilling experience for all the participants. Having reached the church, we placed the
Bible on a table in the middle of the Church, put a garland around it and did an arati with incense.
We then started a session on basic information on the Bible that every believer should know.
During the session, there were lots of interactions and questions by the participants which are
answered to their satisfaction. This session lasted for nearly two and a half hours. After the
session, there was a thanksgiving Eucharist. A Bible quiz was held after the lunch and the day was
concluded with light refreshments at 5-00 p.m.
-Fr. Shyamal Bose
Christio Padaboli Kirtan
Inspired and encouraged by the Chief Minister of West Bengal Miss Mamata Bannerjee a State
Convention of Kirton was very well organized by the officials of “Information and Cultural Wing of
West Bengal at Nabadweep, Nadia. It is the birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who
originated the kirton singing. This place is filled with peaceful Ashrams, beautiful Mandirs and
Kirton schools. There is a very well decorated permanent stage and hall at Radhabazar,
Nabadweep where this great event was arranged for the first time. Hindu, Muslim and Christian
Kirtonias (Singers) were invited with their teams from all over West Bengal from 17th October to
19th October 2014. Each chosen singer was given just one hour to present Kirton before a very big
and very well disciplined crowd. Through the auspices of Prof. Suranjan Midde Fr. Ponkoj Kumar
Poti was invited on 18th October along with his team. Fr. Ponkoj writes, “I sang kirton on John 4: 142, the story of Samaritan woman which was very much appreciated by the audience and the
Organizers and I was requested to sing for a few more minutes. I thanked the Lord for giving me
this unique opportunity to sing in His name.
- Fr. Ponkoj Kumar Poty
FR. CHINNAPPAN REMEMBERED
BY
BELFORTAINS
The RIP mass for Rev. Fr. S. Chinnappan was celebrated in the diocese of Belfort
with deep pain and tears. Bishop Claude SCHOCKERT along with large number
of priests and parishioners offered mass for the repose of the soul of Fr.
Chinnappan. The Bishop in his homily said that Fr. Chinnappan who came to our
diocese in the month of September 2013 as priest and missionary won the hearts
of many and picked up the language unimaginably fast. He adopted our culture,
custom, food etc. with lots of enthusiasm and courage. He entered into the
diocese as one of our family members and discovered it very fast. The other
priests also remarked the same. During his language course and ministry in the
parishes, he was welcomed by many families where he stayed and spent
memorable moments with them. All these families had very high regards and
esteem for him. They said that he was very simple, sympathetic, jovial, friendly
and always going around with a smiling face. He was noticed to be engaged
actively in the different inspirational activities with the different groups of persons
like children, adults and the elderly. His simplicity and intimacy with the people
was depicted in a slide show prepared by a family who was very close to him. I was astonished to see the way hundreds of people who attended the
mass were emotionally moved and shed tears for their beloved father. In my personal observation, I have seen him as a person of prayer and
responsibility. As priest he was regular for the Mass, prayer and other spiritual activities. As a student of language he worked tirelessly to pick up the
language well. Helping others was one of the many good qualities that he possessed always. He is still alive in the hearts of many. May his soul rest in
peace.
- Fr. Sisir Khan
November 2014
[4]
This is to inform you that Commission for Social
Communication for the Diocese of Baruipur has
organized a Seminar on 3 & 4 November 2014 at
Dishari Pastoral Center Baruipur.
04
04
06
16
20
22
26
27
Fr. Francis Makhal
Br. Sarbeswar Chakrabarty
Br. Mrinmoy Sardar
Br. Amrit Ekka
Fr. Sushad Baidya
Fr. K. Thottam, S.J.
Br. Sanjay Dhara
Fr. Sylvester Xavier
Catechist Seminar cum Retreat
Rev. Fr. Saroj Mollick, SDB was the
resource person from 28th evening till 30th
evening and animated the catechists on
various topics such as Family, Faith, SCC,
Society, methods and Content of
Catechesis. The Catechists were very
appreciative of his presentations. Rev. Fr.
Mukul Mondal CSSR of Tahirpur parish,
Krishnanagar led the catechists into a spirit
filled retreat from 01st October' evening till
4th October '14. The Catechists were
edified and moved by the talks and sharing
of his convictions concerning their ministry.
He said that the Catechists should make it a habit of reading the Bible regularly. They should set
an example through their lives. The catechists expressed their desire to start SCC in their
parishes. They will also take catechism classes very seriously when they go back.
- Fr. David
In Your Charity kindly pray for ….
#
04
09
15
19
24
28
29
#
Fr. Himangshu Poti
Fr. Durlov Bar
Fr. Arul Raj, SJ
Fr. Sirnus Topno
Fr. Ujjwal Mondal
Fr. Francis Baraik
Fr. Joseph Raj, SJ
Mr. Jaganathan the Father of Fr. J. Pathinathan went to his eternal abode on 27th October
2014 at the age of 79 years in Irudayampattu in Tamil Nadu. May his soul rest in peace.
Mr. James Dhara who was a founder body member of Palli Unnayan Samiti, Baruipur from
Sajnaberia Parish expired on 14th October 2014 at the age of 80 years. May his soul rest in
peace.
Bishop's Programme for November 2014
INTENTIONS FOR THE
APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER,
MONTH OF NOVEMBER
General: Lonely people. That all who
suffer loneliness may experience the
closeness of God and the support of
others.
Mission: Mentors of seminarians and
religious. That young seminarians and
religious may have wise and well-formed
mentors.
Date
01
Day
Sat
03-04
05
07
08
09
Mon-Tue
Wed
Fri
Sat
Sun
10
12
13
15
16-22
23
27
28
29
30
Mon
Wed
Thu
Sat
Sun-Sat
Sun
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Time
10.00 a.m.
11.00 a.m.
04.00 p.m.
10.00 a.m.
07.00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
05.00 p.m.
01.55 a.m.
02.00 p.m.
04.00 p.m.
Place
Baruipur
Programme
Conducts a seminar “The Year of the Consecrated Life” for DSA
sisters at Dishari
Baruipur
Seminar for Diocesan Social Communication Team at Dishari
Baruipur
Eco meeting of Family Commission at Paribar Jyothi Centre
Baruipur
G.B. Meeting of PUS at PUS Training Centre
Keorapukur
Seminar for women’s commission
Keorapukur
Mass and Confirmation
Baruipur
Laity Commission Meeting
Baruipur
Ecumenical Fellowship Meeting at Dishari
Baruipur
New Priests Meeting in Bishop’s meeting room
Kolkata
Exco meeting of ABCD
Goes to Macau in China
Macau, China Attends a meeting of Asian Social Communication Com.
Baruipur
Mass and Eucharistic Procession for Christ the King Feast Day
Baruipur
Meets Sr. Jaya and her team
Goes to Mangalore
Mangalore
Blesses the wedding of Ms. Bluma Pinto
Mangalore
Published from Bishop's House, Baruipur, Kolkata - 700144
Printed at : Media Fx, 6/2A Dr. Suresh Sarkar Road, Kolkata 700014, Ph. 9007017544 / 8479907740