At Easter we are reminded of living our life as persons who believeand experience the life of resurrection. We believe that living the lifeof resurrection has already begun at Baptism. It will culminate whenour journey on earth ends with death. Our faith in the life ofresurrection has to be re-discovered and renewed. Renewal of faithwill give us the necessary strength and motivation to live our life as‘Citizens of heaven’. All this will be seen in the way we value thethings of the present world and the way we handle the things relatedto our bodily sphere of life. We can manifest what we truly believe inthe way we live. In the liturgical celebrations of the Holy week weare celebrating our faith in the “Mystery of the Death and Resurrectionof the Lord” and we celebrate not just because it is the tradition ofthe Church but because this paschal mystery is the very foundationof our Christian life. We hope in Christ for something more than thethings of this world, life beyond death. We have to re-discover themeaning and meaningfulness of this faith. We have to recover fromdeficiencies in our faith by trying to examine and see if this faith hasbecome weak or is overshadowed with thought patterns or ideas, oraffected by the particular ways of living contrary to the tenets of faith.Sin is stopping to believe in God and stopping to obey God.
In our life journey we often go away from the Lord through oursinfulness. But the period of forty days of Lent gives us a tremendousassurance of God that no matter how many and how serious oursins may have been, no matter how low we have fallen, the mercyand forgiveness of God is ever there for us. On our part we need totake a U turn and come back to the Lord.
May the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of the death and theresurrection of Jesus help us to have faith in the Risen Christ. I wishyou a Happy Easter.
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Congregation Matters
20th General Chapter:
I request the Superiors and the Conveners of the apostolic Communitiesto discuss the Working Paper II and send the reports to the ProvincialOffice latest by 15th April, 2018.
Year of Local Community:
To strengthen our consecrated life in Local Community under the LocalSuperior, we have chosen 4 objectives to strive at during this year.
• My role in revitalizing the Local Community
• Various dimension of Community as “space”
• Building Communion in Community
• Community for Mission and Apostolates
All the communities could celebrate October 24, 2018 (the day of theFoundation of the Congregation) as the Community Day, to be markedwith prayer and consecration of the local Community.
Statutes of Lumen Christi Institute, Arusha:
The General Council observed that the present Statutes of LCI, Arushaare inadequate to assist those involved in the administration of LCI intheir responsibilities. This is because of the vast changes anddevelopments that have taken place at LCI during the last 7 years.There is need for a revision of the Statutes based on the current situationin LCI and its future direction. The statutes will incorporate theparticipation of all the Provinces and the MSAF in the function of LCI asa Congregational venture.
The General Council approved the appointment of a “LCI StatutesRevision Committee” by the Superior General at the earliest. TheCouncil proposed the following confreres to be members on the LCIStatutes Revision Committee. Fr. Mathew Thazhathukunnel (Convenor),Fr. Johnson Kallidukil, Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy, Fr. Thomas Kochalu,Fr. James Panthalany as members
The following are proposed to the Committee as some points for termsof reference:
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• The committee will draft the statutes in reference to the foundingvision of LCI and other elements that have been added in course ofits evolution, and the current statutes.
• The committee will ensure clarity and details of responsibilities ofdifferent departments and roles of those in charge.
• The committee will ensure clarity of immediate points ofaccountability and subsidiary in the governance and administrationof LCI and the overall arching unity in vision and mission of LCI.
• The committee will submit its first draft to the MSAF for its study andrecommendations .
• The committee will submit the 2nd draft to the Superior General by31st December 2018. The Superior General after consulting thePIF - PEA and General Council will finally approve the RevisedStatutes of LCI, Arusha.
Regional SAIM Forum Meeting:
The Regional Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministries Forum Meetingwas held on 20th and 21st March at Stella Maris in Visakhapatnam. Itwas inaugurated with the keynote address by Very Rev. Fr. P. ChinnappaReddy, the Provincial of Visakhapatnam. The General Secretary ofInnovative Forum Rev. Fr. Agnelo Fernandes moderated the sessionswith his well and meticulous planning. Very Rev. Fr. Jeyaseelan, theProvincial of Pune had enlightened the members of the need of SocialApostolate to be strengthened in the congregation. All the forummembers i.e. 5 councillors , 6 secretaries form six Indian Provinceswere present for the meeting. Rev. Sr. Nirmala Mathew of St. Ann’s ofLuzern, Vizag had given a beautiful talk on the second day.
Highlights of the Meeting
1. Discussed the possibility of publishing social directory of theCongregation.
2. Strengthening and updating the social ministries in the provinces
3. Having biennial social training programme for the Innovative Forummembers
4. Having a common social magazine for the congregation
Fr. J. L. Ravi Kumar MSFS
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Annual Day Celebrations at SFS Schol, Seethammadhara
S.F.S.SCHOOL, SEETHAMMADHARA had its Annual Day Celebrationson 2nd Feb 2018 at 5p.m. with an ambience of an open air stage withthe theme “VAUDEVILLE” - Variety is the spice of life.
Very Rev. Fr. ChinappaReddy, General Managerand Provincial Superiorpresided over thecelebration and Rev. Fr.Sandeep Reddy, CouncilorIn charge of Education wasthe special invitee. Many
eminent dignitaries like the Commissioner of Rajahmundry, JointCollector of Visakhapatnam, Asst.Commissioner of GST Kochi [Alumni] were the Chief guests of the day.
The school had a festive lookand there seemed to be greatexcitement on the faces of allthose who entered the portalsof the institution . Thedignitaries, special invitees ,parents and well wisherswere cordially invited to theAnnual Day Celebrations byRev.Fr. Vijay. A power point presentation of the schools assets andfuture plans was done by Rev. Fr. Inna Reddy.
There was a spectacular Cultural Galla which set our feet tapping andwere a feast to our eyes. The programme ended with the school anthemand everyone left with the satisfaction of having spent a memorableevening.
A word of thanks to the dear staff for their tireless efforts and a specialappreciation to Rev. Frs. Reddy Joseph, Rev. Fr. Anand Prakash, Rev. Fr. Inna Reddy and Rev. Fr. Vijay.
SFS Community, Seethammadhara
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Marriage Preparation Course:
The Marriage preparationCourse was held on 10th
February 2018 at MSFSDhyanashram, ChinnaWaltair Vizag. Theprogramme began at 9.45a.m. with a prayer song bythe SFS Church choir,followed by an openingprayer, scripture reading and
lighting of the lamp by Most Rev. Dr. Mallavarapu Prakash, theArchbishop of Visakhapatnam. There were eight sessions and 44candidates participated in the course.
In the first session, HisGrace spoke about theInstitution of Marriage ingeneral and its changing andchallenging situation in thepresent day society. Heemphasized that thisinstitution is the creative planof God and it is permanentand therefore we need to cooperate with the designs of the Divine. Inthe second session, Very Rev. Dr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS,Asst. Superior General, Rome, spoke in detail about the importance ofmarriage and its valuable implications in the church and in the societyat large. In the third session Rev. Dr. Velangani Rao MSFS, Director,Ross Hill, spoke about the Biblical perspective and the sacramentalnature of marriage.
In the fourth session Rev. Fr. Yugal Kumar, the Parish Priest of St.Antony’s Church, enlightened the would be couple all about Canon Lawand Marriage and its significance in their marital bond. In the fifth sessionAdvocate I. M. Ahmad spoke about the civil law and marriage andenlightened the candidates about its advantages and disadvantagesand so greater awareness is created. In the sixth session Rev. Sr.Cecilia spoke about the personality development and the need ofpossessing a strong will power and positive regard for one another ascouple. In the seventh session Fr. Francis Stephen spoke about theparenting skills based on 4T’S: Trust, Talk, Time and Touch and how
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these simple tips help towards better parenting. In the last session wasall about the sharing of the Marital experiences by the senior couple.Mr. & Mrs. Albert & Jancy, 28 years of married life was beautifully shared,which truly motivated and inspired the would be couple.
Father Francis Stephen proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked ourbeloved Archbishop for his presence, prayers, blessings and beautifulmessage. Thanks to very Rev. Fr. Mariadas Reddy and very Rev. Fr.Chinnappa Reddy, Provincial Superior for his encouragement and allother resource persons. Besides, thanks to all the parish priests, thebishop’s secretary, the catering persons, the domestic staff, parentsand everyone who cooperated for the success of the programme.Special thanks to the new couple Shanice & Dominic for helping inregistration and preparation of the certificates etc.
Fr. Francis Stephen, MSFS
Informations
Salesian Annual Retreat 2018:I would like to bring to your notice that the annual retreat for the year2018 is scheduled to be conducted between 3rd – 8th September 2018(First Retreat) and 7th – 12 January 2019 (Second Retreat). Fr. WilsonMSFS from Nagpur Province will animate the retreats.
Fr. Antony Bonela:Fr. Antony Bonela is in the process of getting incorporated into the USAVice Province.
Fr. Bharath Reddy:Fr. Bharath Reddy is recovering. He is at home under treatment andrest. He needs some more time to recover. I request you to pray for him.
Frs. Lijo Jose & Gova Showraiah:They are on holidays. We wish them a happy stay in India.
Elkathurthy Parish:At the request of the Bishop of Warangal we have handed over theparish to the Diocese.
Principal’s & Correspondent Meeting :Will be held on 8th April, 2018 at Stella Maris, Visakhapatnam.
Fransalian Associates (FA) Meeting :Will be held on 12th, 13th April, 2018 at Khammam.
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Congratulations:
Fr. Stephen Francis has completed his Ph.D. inIndian Philosophy on the topic “Relevance ofVedanta Philosophy with a special reference toGandhi’s concept of Sarvodaya and Education”.On behalf of the Province I congratulate him forhis great achievement.
My Ph.D. in Philosophy is Purely a Gift of God.
I have been thinking of doing my Ph.D. in Philosophy in a SecularUniversity. I had applied in Andhra University as I am in Visakhapatnam.But now-a-days as many know the story through the news papers thatthe university is not taking new admissions into Ph.D., so with the helpof known professors of A.U. I got seat in World Trinity University, Calcutta.I am lucky to get a former Vice Chancellor of Singhania University,Rajasthan Prof. Dr. Sohan Raj Tater as my research supervisor. At firstI thought of doing my research on the Relevance of Vedanta Philosophyin Modern Global Human and Environmental Perspective. But laterwith the further suggestion of the guide, I did it on the topic “Relevanceof Vedanta Philosophy with a special reference to Gandhi’s concept ofSarvodaya and Education”. Recently on 6th March 2018 I had Viva -Voice at Jodhpur University as arranged by my guide. It’s a beautifulexperience of God’s divine providence and presence guiding all throughout not only on journey to Jodhpur but the entire process of attainingthis Ph.D. in Philosophy.
I was able to do my Ph.D. in Indian Philosophy primarily due to God’sgrace and also due to the kind, fraternal and financial support of veryRev. Fr. Chinnappa Reddy, the Provincial Superior of Vizag and theProvincial Curia. I gratefully acknowledge the true concern andencouragement of my former provincials especially very Rev. Fr. SimonPaicatt, for all his initial support and also for the constant encouragementof Fr. Thomas Perumalil. I am grateful to the entire Stella Mariscommunity, the senior confreres, the Superior and the entire staff fortheir fraternal love and prayers. I am grateful to the entire province andall the confreres for their support, prayers and greetings and also thanksto Rev. Fr. Bhaskar Reddy, as my close companion at MSFSDhyanashram all my professors who taught me Indian Philosophy inparticular Rev. Fr. Mookenthottam MSFS (Bangalore) and Rev. Fr.Subhash Anand, Pune. I remember all those fine hearted people whocooperated in one way or another in achieving this Ph.D. Thanks a lot.
Rev. Fr. Francis Stephen MSFS
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Internal Audit – March-2018
Dear Fathers,
This is to inform you regarding Internal Audit for the financial year 2017- 2018. It starts from 1st April 2018. So kindly keep all the particularsready at the time of Auditing.
Keep all the Registers & Files ready for Internal Audit1) Receipts & Payment vouchers from April -17 to till date
2) Income & Expenditure Reports
3) Bank Statements till date
4) FD Statements
5) Agreements ( Ex: Land, Rent, Lease etc…)
6) Sundry Creditors & Debtors
7) Closing balances (Cash in Hand & Cash at bank)
8) Hand over Budget papers & Proposals etc…(Those who failedto send on time)
Fr. Anil Bosco, Bursar
TRANSFERS AND APPOINTMENTS -2018
C.N. Kota Fr. Xavier Michael, Parish PriestLRG School Fr. Raja Reddy, Superior, Procurator & Principal,
Fr. Boilla Vijay, Asst. Parish PriestSt. Aloysius’ School Fr. S. Mariadas, Principal & CorrespondentKhammam Fr. Satish, Parish Priest,
Salesianum Fr. Antony Raj, Socius (South East Province)Ross Hill Fr. Kondala Joseph, Preaching MinistryPithapuram Fr. R. Anil, Parish Priest & Procurator,
Fr. M. Alphonse, Superior & Principal,Fr. M. Praveen, Asst. P.P & Correspondent
Gajuwaka Fr. N. Francis Xavier, Superior & ProcuratorJaggampet Fr. Joseph Nellimalamattam, Mission-in-ChargeKothapally Fr. Mathew Manayathumariyil, Parish PriestRajupalem Fr. Savari Rajan, Principal & Superior
Fr. Boila Ravi, Asst. Parish PriestSFS Press Fr. M. Shantaiah, SuperiorNunna Fr. M. Vijay Raju, Parish Priest,
Fr. Vijay Kiran, Asst. Parish PriestReddipalem Fr. Ch. Joseph Thambi, Parish PriestShanthinagar Fr. M. Francis Reddy, Asst. Parish Priest &
CorrespondentNidadavole Fr. P.J. Mathew, Rector,
Fr. P. Praveen, Dean of StudiesFr. Joseph Padannamackkal, Spiritual Director
Nenmara Fr. Joy Kuzhinjalil, Parish PriestVadakkencherry Fr. Vijay Peter, Dean of Studies
Fr. K. P. Mathew, Spiritual Director
Designated to North East Fr. Swarna AnilFr. Tom Jose
Designated to USA Fr. Konda Reddy,Fr. Noble DominicFr. N. Ratna Swamy
Designated to Australia Fr. Arockia SamyFr. Mendem Bhaskar
Designated to PNG Fr. Sagar SanthoshFr. Praveen Mathew
Designated to Franco-Swiss Fr. Johnson & JoannesDesignated to Trier Diocese Fr. ShaibinStudies at Salzburg, Austria Fr. Yannabothula AmarPreaching Ministry Fr. Badugu Thambi Raj(Stella Maris community) Fr. Showry Kumar
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SILVER JUBILARIANS
REV. FR. KODIGANDALA JULIANPlace of Birth : Chinnamanyanikota
Ananthapur Dt.Date of Birth : 27 – 07 – 1963Parents : Mr. K. Showri and MariyammaPrimary School : ChennamanyankotaHigh School : AnanthapurMinor Seminary : Nidadavolu (1981-1984)Novitiate : Salesianum, Visakhapatnam ( 1984-1985)First Profession : 15 – 12- 1985Philosophy : Suvidya College, BangaloreTheology : Vinayalaya, BangalorePerpetual Profession : 8 -12 -1991Priestly Ordination : 5 – 5 – 1994
Congratulations, best wishes and God’s BlessingsTentative Programme:April - 201805th Kothakota8th Principal’s Meeting, Stella Maris11th Priestly Ordination at Gnanapuram12th - 13th Fransalian Associates Meeting14th St Aloysius’ ITI, Autonagar17th Council Meeting19th to 20th Kerala25th Arilova29th SFS Church Inauguration, Chinna Waltair
Let us Pray for the departedMost Rev. Dr. K. Mariadas MSFS, Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, aged82 passed away on 26-02-2018Rev. Fr. Bilavendran MSFS, aged 44, belonging to South East Provincepassed away on 22-03-2018Fr. Thomas Illikattil, aged 73, belonging to South West Province passedaway on 24th March 2018 at BangaloreMr. Bavari Chakravarthy, aged 50, Brother of Fr. B. Suresh Babu passedaway on 27-02-2018Mr. Jaison Joseph, aged 52, Brother of Fr. Sylvester passed away on02-03-2018. May their souls rest in peace.
SALESIAN THOUGHTEven if we are to lose our good name, we are not to leave virtue or turn away fromthe path of virtue. In fact, fruits are to be preferred to leaves, that is, interior andspiritual good to all the external. – St Francis De Sales.
Yours fraternally in Christ,
Fr. P. Chinnappa Reddy msfs Provincial Superior
His Grace Most Rev. Dr. K. Mariadas, MSFS
Most Rev. K. Mariadas was born on 7th September 1934 toRayappa and Annamma at Gnanapuram, Visakhapatnam. Hedid his primary school in St. Peter’s Primary School atGnanapuram and his Secondary education at St. Paul’s HighSchool at Guntur. Adhering to the call of God, he joined theSt. Joseph’s Mission Home, at Palai, Kerala. He did hisnovitiate in Fransalianum, Pune. He made his first religiousprofession on 5th June 1958. He pursued his philosophicalstudies in Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamalee, Chennai andhis theological studies in Pontifical Athaneum, Pune. He wasordained a priest on 10th June 1961 by Most Rev. MummudiIgnatius, Bishop of Guntur. After a few months of pastoralexperience he was sent to pursue his Licentiate in PastoralTheology in Paris, France. Then he moved to Rome to do hisDoctorate in Canon Law and Civil Law in Gregorian University.While in Europe he learned fourteen foreign languages. Beingthere he participated in the MSFS General Chapter and waselected as the General Councilor.
On return to India, he was appointed as the parish priest of St.Joseph’s Church, Bobbili. After one year of pastoral ministryhe was transferred as the Rector of Vinayalaya, and also aprofessor in St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore. Hewas elected as Bishop on 19th December 1974 and wasconsecrated as Bishop of Guntur on 5th June 1977. He wastransferred as the bishop of Visakhapatnam on 10th September1982 and was installed on 26th January 1983. He was raisedas the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam on 16th October 2001and was installed on 24th January 2002. He retired on 3rd July2012. From then on he remained in Jubilee Home, a housefor the retired priests. For the past two months he was notwell and being treated in St. Joseph’s hospital, Visakhapatnam.On 26th February 2018 he passed away at 2.30 p.m.
As a bishop he held important responsibilities both nationaland international levels. He was a member of the Pontifical
Council for Inter-religious Dialogue for two successive terms.He was the leader of the Bishop of Andhra Pradesh andKarnataka for the Ad Limina Visit and also for Andhra andKerala. He was the member of the Canon Law Society ofIndia. He was the chairman of the admission committee ofSt. John’s Medical College, Bangalore. He was the Presidentof the APBC. He took the responsibility in raising funds andplace for the construction of St. John’s Regional Seminary,Kondadaba after the collective decision of the Bishops ofAndhra Pradesh. He is responsible for the erection of Dioceseof Srikakulam. He has promoted two VisakhapatnamDiocesan priests as Bishops. He had invited many religiouscongregations into the diocese. He has raised funds for theeducation of tribal children. During his tenure as bishop hehas built up the church of God in the diocese ofVisakhapatnam. He was committed to the Gospel valuesand lived a heroic life in his thinking and action. At his deathwe lose a great missionary and a visionary.
