Vol. 26 No. 1 2014 Jesus was born poor. His parents had no place in the inn. So they had to go to a stable. Jesus was born there and they laid him in a manger. At Nazareth Jesus led the life of a village carpenter. During his public life Jesus said: “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the son of man has nowhere to lay his head” (Lk.9:58). Stripped of his garments, his death bed was a cross. Such a life has inspired millions of Christians, religious and clergy to lead a poor life. St Francis of Assisi followed the example of Jesus literally. He left everything. St Clare followed his example. St Francis de Sales lived like a Bishop at office hours. But at night he lived in a very simple room and lived a very simple life. Saints loved poverty and delighted in it. In the midst of riches or living an ordinary middle class life demanded by our office and situations in life, how can we lead a poor life? St Francis de Sales advises: Love the poor and poverty because by this love you will become truly poor; as the Scripture says we become like the things we love (Hosea 9:10). Love makes the lovers equal: Who is weak with whom I am not weak (2 Cor.11:29) says St.Paul. He could say: Who is poor with whom I am not poor? Indeed, love made him to be such as those whom he loved. If therefore you love the poor, you will certainly share their poverty and be poor like them. Be happy to see them at your home and visit them at their homes. Talk with them willingly. Be quite at ease when they come near you in the church, in the streets and elsewhere. Be poor in the language you make use of. Speak to them like their companions, but have generous hands giving them your gifts more in abundance (IDL pt.3.ch.15,p.211). - Fr Antony Mookenthottam, msfs. Saint Francis de Sales a saint so human (Insight XXIII): Poor in Life 27th April 2014 has become an unforgetable day in the history of the Catholic Church. It was on this day that something very unusual took place: the canonization of two Popes, Pope John the XXIII and Pope John Paul the II. There is a strange coincidence of events which followed their death. Pope John XXIII died in 1963, between the first two sessions of the Vatican Council II (1962-65). He was the main architect of the Council. Some of the Cardinals wanted the Council to declare him blessed. Similarly, the crowds of mourners at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, cried “Santo Subito” (Saint now). On July 5, 2013, when Pope Francis announced that both Popes would be canonized, Cardinal Angelo Amato, who read out their biographies, said, “John is the Good Pope, the father of all, Catholics and non-Catholics. He embraced humanity and blessed it. John Paul II is the Pope who in his hundreds of journeys visited the entire world, becoming a messenger of peace and a promoter of life, of brotherhood of all peoples, and generous hospitality to the needy.” Pope John XXIII is fondly remembered as the Pope of the Council and a reformer. He was the first Pope since the Reformation who acknowledged forthrightly that Catholicism stood in need of reform. At the beginning of his pontificate he convoked a Roman Synod for the diocese of Rome, established the Commission for the Revision of the Code of Canon Law and convoked Vatican II. Some of the Church historians have described him not just a liberal, but a radical shepherd. For Pope John Christianity was not simply a matter of legalism and ritualistic routines but rather a way of living in communion with a loving God and in solidarity with all humankind as God’s children. Consequently, he initiated ecumenical openings towards Eastern Orthodox and Protestant Churches. He received their representatives with extreme cordiality as observers to the Vatican II. Pope John also deleted from the Catholic liturgy certain words offensive to Jews. Pope John Paul II was a great evangelizer and world leader. He was the first non-Italian Pope in 445 years. He was basically a philosopher and scholar with two doctorates. His pontificate was marked by a mighty rush of apostolic engagements comprising missionary travels to 129 countries, flying press conferences, ecumenical visits and interfaith prayer services, besides hundreds of meetings with Heads of States and Prime Ministers on urgent concerns affecting humanity, publishing a wide-ranging variety of 14 encyclicals, 15 apostolic exhortations, 11 apostolic constitutions, 45 apostolic letters. In all this, as a modern day apostle of Christ and a prophet, he brought a philosopher’s intellect, a pilgrim’s spiritual intensity and an actor’s flair to all these undertakings. Evangelization took centre-stage in his pontificate. Fransalian International, while acknowledging the yeoman services rendered by these two great personalities in ushering in a new wind of change in the Papacy, like to wish all its readers and well wishers a grace filled time of blessings to effect this change in our day-to-day lives.
Transcript
Fransalian, June 2014 | 1
Vol. 26 No. 1 2014
Jesus was born poor. His parents had no place in the inn. So they had to go to a stable. Jesus was born there and they laid him in a manger. At Nazareth Jesus led the life of a village carpenter. During his public life Jesus said: “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the son of man has nowhere to lay his head”
(Lk.9:58). Stripped of his garments, his death bed was a cross. Such a life has inspired millions of Christians, religious and clergy to lead a poor life. St Francis of Assisi followed the example of Jesus literally. He left everything. St Clare followed his example. St Francis de Sales lived like a Bishop at office hours. But at night he lived in a very simple room and lived a very simple life. Saints loved poverty and delighted in it.
In the midst of riches or living an ordinary middle class life demanded by our office and situations in life, how can we lead a poor life?
St Francis de Sales advises: Love the poor and pover ty because by this love you will become truly poor; as the Scripture says we become like the things we love (Hosea 9:10). Love makes the lovers equal: Who is weak with whom I am not weak (2 Cor.11:29) says St.Paul. He could say: Who is poor with whom I am not poor? Indeed, love made him to be such as those whom he loved. If therefore you love the poor, you will cer tainly share their pover ty and be poor like them. Be happy to see them at your home and visit them at their homes. Talk with them willingly. Be quite at ease when they come near you in the church, in the streets and elsewhere. Be poor in the language you make use of. Speak to them like their companions, but have generous hands giving them your gifts more in abundance (IDL pt.3.ch.15,p.211).
- Fr Antony Mookenthottam, msfs.
Saint Francis de Sales a saint so human(Insight XXIII): Poor in Life
27th April 2014 has become an unforgetable day in the history of the Catholic Church. It was on this day that something very unusual took place: the canonization of two Popes, Pope John the XXIII and Pope John Paul the II. There is a strange coincidence of events which followed their death. Pope John XXIII died in 1963, between the first two sessions of the Vatican Council II (1962-65). He was the main architect of the Council. Some of the Cardinals wanted the Council to declare him blessed. Similarly, the crowds of mourners at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, cried “Santo Subito” (Saint now). On July 5, 2013, when Pope Francis announced that both Popes would be canonized, Cardinal Angelo Amato, who read out their biographies, said, “John is the Good Pope, the father of all, Catholics and non-Catholics. He embraced humanity and blessed it. John Paul II is the Pope who in his hundreds of journeys visited the entire world, becoming a messenger of peace and a promoter of life, of brotherhood of all peoples, and generous hospitality to the needy.”
Pope John XXIII is fondly remembered as the Pope of the Council and a reformer. He was the first Pope since the Reformation who acknowledged forthrightly that Catholicism stood in need of reform. At the beginning of his pontificate he convoked a Roman Synod for the diocese of Rome, established the Commission for the Revision of the Code of Canon Law and convoked Vatican II. Some of the Church historians have described him not just a liberal, but a radical shepherd. For Pope John Christianity was not simply a matter of legalism
and ritualistic routines but rather a way of living in communion with a loving God and in solidarity with all humankind as God’s children. Consequently, he initiated ecumenical openings towards Eastern Orthodox and Protestant Churches. He received their representatives with extreme cordiality as observers to the Vatican II. Pope John also deleted from the Catholic liturgy certain words offensive to Jews.
Pope John Paul II was a great evangelizer and world leader. He was the first non-Italian Pope in 445 years. He was basically a philosopher and scholar with two doctorates. His pontificate was marked by a mighty rush of apostolic engagements comprising missionary travels to 129 countries, flying press conferences, ecumenical visits and interfaith prayer services, besides hundreds of meetings with Heads of States and Prime Ministers on urgent concerns affecting humanity, publishing a wide-ranging variety of 14 encyclicals, 15 apostolic exhortations, 11 apostolic constitutions, 45 apostolic letters. In all this, as a modern day apostle of Christ and a prophet, he brought a philosopher’s intellect, a pilgrim’s spiritual intensity and an actor’s flair to
all these undertakings. Evangelization took centre-stage in his pontificate.
Fransalian International, while acknowledging the yeoman services rendered by these two great personalities in ushering in a new wind of change in the Papacy, like to wish all its readers and well wishers a grace filled time of blessings to effect this change in our day-to-day lives.
Fransalian, June 2014 | 2
On 31st May 2014, nine brothers of South West India Province and seven brothers of Pune province made their first commitment to the Lord. Rt. Rev. Dr Varghese Chakkalackal, the Bishop of Calicut Diocese was the main celebrant. Rev. Fr Jose Kumblolickal, the provincial of South West India Province and Rev. Fr Vincent Lourduswamy, the Provincial of Pune Province, received the vows of the brothers of their respective provinces. respectively. Fr Vincent, the provincial of the Pune province thanked South West India Province for accepting their novices to our novitiate for the past 3 years. He also thanked Fr Thomas Anchanickal, the novice master, and other staff of the noviciate community for taking care of their novices in our novitiate.
- Fr Joji Kazhkanolikckal, msfsOur Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish celebrated its feast on May 25. Most Reverend Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, bishop of Imus, presided over the Eucharistic celebration at 5 pm. Many people participated in the feast. The streets were so alive with different bands roaming around with beautiful and joyful music the whole day. There were also various activities calling for the participation of the parishioners, such as concert in honor of Mother Mary entitled “Awit Para Kay Maria”, medical mission and motorcade.
-Dn. Jundie Sumagaysay, msfs
The Feast of the Patron of the archdiocese, St Francis de Sales, was celebrated differently this year at Nagpur Cathedral with a seminar organized for the specially invited priests, religious and lay representatives of the archdiocese. The seminar was conducted by Rev.Fr Jacob Parapally msfs, who enlightened the gathering on the topic “Our understanding of Jesus Christ and how we transmit our faith in Jesus Christ to others” The initiatives of the Archbishop, Most Rev. Abraham Viruthakulangara, to involve the entire catholic community in the festal celebrations and thus help them grow in devotion to St Francis de Sales were well appreciated by everyone.
- Fr Rijo Machery, msfs
CORPUS CHRISTI IN CHERA PARISH FIRST PROFESSION IN SALESIANUm,VIzAg.
FIRST PROFESSION AT SILANg, CAVITE, PHILIPPINES
FIRST PROFESSION AT mAkkIyAdmay 25 - Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish Feast,
Citihomes, molino
St Francis de Sales in Nagpur
The parishioners of Chera Parish in Kenya boldly and enthusiastically bore witness to their faith on Sunday 22nd June 2014, at the celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi. There were more than six hundred faithful who joined the Holy Eucharistic Celebration and gave praise to the Lord. The children of Chera parish who belong to Pontifical Mission Children (PMC) played an important role in this celebration. The solemn procession
On 31st May 2014, twenty novices made their First Religioius Profession at Salesianum, MSFS Novitiate, Visakhapatnam. Of them eleven are for the Visakhapatnam Province and nine are for the South –East India Province.
- Fr Albert Alangadan, msfs
with the Holy Eucharist went around the Chera Parish, where the faithful had built three huts for the adoration. Fr Samy, the Parish Priest, led the sacred procession. There were also many political leaders who witnessed the event with devotion and piety and fervour. It was a day of great joy for all of us. May God bless all of us.
- Fr David Susai, msfs
June 3rd 2014 was indeed a joyful day for the Philippines delegation and to the congregation of Missionaries of St Francis de Sales as four of our novices namely; Dexter Rivera, Noli Villarba Yorong Jr, Leo L. Aquilar and Romnick S. Civico made their first profession at MSFS Formation House, Silang, Cavite. Rev. Fr Ginu Pathiyakam, the delegation superior was the main celebrant and he officially received the vows. The occasion was made more solemn by the presence of the family members of the newly professed and priests and religious from far and wide. The
temporary professed members in turn expressed their deep sense of gratitude to all those who guided them at different stages of formation.
A new batch of four brothers entered the Novitiate after their initiation ceremony on June 3rd. Two of our brothers also renewed their vows on the same day. The day was meticulously organized by the outgoing novice master. Fr Joy Kochupovathummuttil.
- Dn. Jundie Sumagaysay, msfs
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SALESIAN TOURNAmENT
FROm OUR dIARy… FACTS ANd ImPACTS
klostertag in germany
Salesian Primary School in Chera Parish, Kenya, launched a Hand Ball Tournament for the Primary Schools on 21st June, 2014, Saturday. The Tournament was
inaugurated by Mama Rita, the Director of Our Lady of Grace, Marimba, Meru. There were Six Primary Schools which participated in the tournament. Each school came with two teams, each consisting of Boys and Girls. The
Christ the Lord has wrought victory over sin and Death… break forth into joyous strains of Alleluia!!!
Season of Easter resonates with joyous strains of alleluia everywhere in the Church, filling our hearts with good news of Christ’s victory over Sin and Death. In consonance with the vibes of this season, the vibrant preaching team members of our province, in full zest, kept themselves quite busy, without losing any of the offered opportunities, with the mission of sharing the Easter message of Christ’s victory over Sin and Death, leading people to break forth into Joyous strains of Alleluia.
Rev. Fr Joseph Pullickal, a senior member of our team has successfully directed a five day retreat on Ross Hill, Visakhapatnam, between 21st and 25th April 2014, to three TOR deacons who were preparing themselves for their priestly ordination. On the first day, in the month of May, a day’s prayer was conducted for the devotees of Mother Mary. It was preached by Rev. Fr Joseph Kondala, who instructed the participants on the mystery of
10th May, the Eve of Good Shepherd Sunday, was a day of Enthusiasm and Vigour in the Parish
competition began at 10 am and ended at 5 pm. Mama Rita gave away the prizes to the winning teams. The first prize was a foot ball, the second prize a volley ball and the third a handball, for both boys and girls.
The aim of this tournament was to generate a positive inter-action among the pupils and teachers and to motivate pupils to focus their attention on education through broad exposure. The competition was intense and enjoyable. The teachers from other schools willingly co-operated and conducted the matches, thus adding more
enthusiasm and giving more encouragement to the pupils to play a good game. The head teacher of Salesian Primary School, Mr. Dominic Kirimi, with his organising Staff, Salesian Teachers and Salesian Pupils, worked hard for the success of the day and they all deserve our appreciation. Besides, people from the locality contributed by their presence and with their very enthusiastic applause. It is a good beginning for Salesian School and hope it will continue for years to come.
- Fr David Susai msfs
Easter and the significance of the Resurrection of Christ for us Christians. He also spoke to people about the May devotions practiced in the Church, honouring Mother Mary.
Maunadhyanam (a programme to bring the families together to help the Catholic families to be renewed spiritually, strengthen the relational bonds among family members and thereafter frequent the sacrament with devotion and faith regularly) was held between 6th and 8th June, 2014, ending with the prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A special ‘Invocation to the Holy Spirit’ was conducted on Sunday 8thJune, calling
it “Good Morning Holy Spirit” (people themselves named it) as it coincided with the feast of the Pentecost. The teachers, students and parents were the target group of this day, as they were to commence their Academic Year 2014-15 in the following week. The participants expressed a sense of extreme joy as they were helped to spend the day in prayer, that in the entire academic year they would be guided by the Holy Spirit and not to rely too much on their human strengths or resources only but on the power of the Holy Spirit. Fr Inna Reddy, the Principal of the SFS School, Gajuwaka, was the main celebrant of the concluding Mass. Special blessings were administered by the laying of hands on the participants in prayer. The appreciation goes to Rev. Fr Thambi Raju, the animator for this day’s prayer, who organized, preached and led the people in prayer so well to the happiness of everybody who attended it. We thank the priests who support and encourage us. Let us praise and thank the Lord for leading our confrères in this ministry, and let Alleluia be our song.
- Fr Joseph Kondala, msfs
Church of Maria Regina in Garbsen, Germany, where Fr. Jojo is assisting for the last 3 years. All
over Germany this day was declared as a Day of Religious, in order to have a closer and better view of Religious life in a Monastry or Convent and also to foster religious and Priestly Vocations. At the request of the Auxillory Bishop of Hildesheim we, the MSFS working in the Diocese, agreed to celebrate this day, even though here we don’t have a House of our own. And it was decided that it will be organized in Garbsen. The People were invited to come to this parish to have a
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better view of the MSFS and our Fransalian way of functioning. The parishners of Garbsen took it up seriously and were very helpful in organizing the event. We started the programme with Tea and the MSFS fathers working here (Sabu, Alex, Cherian, Jacob Thaile, Tomy & Jojo) took time to have a personal conversation with the guests, who had also come from various parishes of
the Diocese, especially where our Fathers are working. It was followed by a Film about the Congregation prepared by Fr. Jojo. After the Film we spent some time in discussion, clarifying the doubts of the People about our congregation and our field of work. The highlight of the Day was the Eucharistic celebration with the theme “Bloom, where you are Planted”, in which the
Church Choir of Maria Regina lead the Faithful in singing. Fr Jacob was the main celebrant. During the Mass the song ‘Bloom where you are planted’ was sung by the Fathers,which was a new experience for the Faithful. After the Mass the Fathers stood at the entrance door to express their love and gratitude to those who had come.
- Fr Jojo,msfs
8th June 2014 marked a great spiritual event at SFS Study House, Janampet. Nine scholastics (VZ:6 & SE: 3)committed themselves perpetually to God. While we express our hearty congratulations to them, let us continue to support them with our prayers.
- Fr Albert Alangadan, msfs
On 18th January 2014. at our SFS study house at Janampet, Eluru, witnessed the solemn ordination ceremony of diaconate 6 of our scholastics - Bros.Amar, Joshi, Showry Kumar, Anil (Vizag Province), Santhanam and Franklin (South East Province). Most Rev.Jaya Rao Polimera, Bishop of Eluru, ordained them Deacons in the presence of a good number of Priests, confreres, Religious, parents and relatives. We shall raise our hearts in thanksgiving for the gift of these young men to our Congregation.
- M. Praveen, msfs
After 20 years of the implantation of the congregation in the Philippines, the congregation is starting to see the fruits of the mission. Rev. Jundie Sumagaysay is the first Filipino who was ordained as a deacon in the congregation. He joined the congregation in 2003. Most Reverend Reynaldo Evangelista DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Imus, ordained Rev. Jundie Sumagaysay on 15th March, 2014 at the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales Formation House in Silang Cavite.
- Dn. Jundie Sumagaysay, msfs
On May 28, 2014, during a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr Jose Kumblolickal, the Provincial, six of our scholastics, Thottukadavil Jose, S. Innacimuthu, Kochuputhenpurayil Josemon, Ouseparambil Joseph, Pulikkalath Nirmal Joseph, Kamukumthottathil Anishmon (Philippines), made their Final Commitment to the Lord. Rev. Fr Jose Kumblolickal, the Provincial, receiving their vows, officially accepted them into the Congregation as permanent members.
- Fr Joji Kazhkanolikckal, msfs
L.R.G. has stood the test of time over the last 50 years, spreading the rays of literacy and human formation. On 10th January 2014, the thanksgiving holy Mass was offered by Rev.Dr Poola Anthony, Bishop of Kurnool with Rev.Fr Simon Paicatt, the Provincial and other priests.
There were many prominent people of the town, including some alumni who decended upon the campus for the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Many guests, Parents, Staff and Students and the parish
community joined the two day Golden Jubilee celebrations. May this institution continue to impart knowledge and instill in the minds of the young the human values.
- Fr B.Prasad,msfs
The year 2014 is a year full of God’s grace and blessings for the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales, Philippine-Delegation. The congregation welcomes the year 2014 with joyful celebration of the feast of Saint Francis de Sales on the 25th of January. The Philippine delegation customarily celebrates the feast of Saint Francis de Sales on the Saturday closest to January 24. The celebration was full of joy. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr Marty, the Parish priest of “Candelaria Parish, Silang Cavite.” All of the MSFS fathers were
present. Visitors from religious congregations were also present. The Friends of Fransalians also joined the celebration. Some neighbors and other friends were also present for the celebration.
- Dn. Jundie Sumagaysay, msfs
Perpetual Profession: SFS Study House, Eluru diaconate Ordination at Janampet, Eluru
march 15 - diaconate of Bro. Jundie Sumagaysay
Perpetual Profession at Tejas Vidya Peetha
L.R.g. High School @50- golden Jubilee Celebrations
January 25 - Feast of Saint Francis de Sales in Silang, Cavite
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The 25th May 2014 marked the “Coming Home” of our seminarians after 2 months of home vacation. It is Coming Home to the house of formation since the seminary is their home where they will be continuing their response to God’s call. This year we have twelve 1st year philosophers, six 2nd years and six 3rd yeas. In addition, the Philippines Delegation is happy to have four novices. On June 27, 2014, the day was filled with joy for it was a special day for our aspirants. Every year we hold the “Aspirants Day.” It is a day wherein the aspirant brothers share their talents and capabilities.
- Dn. Jundie Sumagaysay, msfs
The First Salesin Seminar was held at MSFS Dhyanashram, Vizag, form 10th to 13th January 2014. There were 53 participants including the resource persons. Rev.Fr Thumma Mariadas Reddy, the Asst.Superior General inaugurated the Salesian Seminar with the Mass of the Holy Spirit and gave the key-note address. Participants were
This year Pune Province has inaugurated two New Mission centers.
1. Nippani in Belgaum Diocese in Karnataka: is a mission station located on the Pune – Belgaum-Bangalore Highway, about 85 kms away from Belgaum, and around 40 kms from Kolhapur. People
here primarily are migrants who speak Marathi and Konkani. Our priests have established a community there, at the request of the Bishop of Belgaum and with the due permission from our Superior General and his council. At present they are catering to the Pastoral needs of the few Catholics settled there while also studying seriously the future prospects in this fast developing area on the High way. The mission was officially inaugurated on the 17th January 2014, by Rt. Rev. Peter Machado,
The first Salesian Seminar in Visakhapatnam Province
INAUgURATION OF NEW mISSIONS
Blessing and Inauguration of the Newly Constructed Administrative Block at Friendly Home, Alangayam
mSFS Formation House
very happy about the selection of the theme: “St Francis De Sales: An Inspiration to Imitate Christ” and its sub themes. Fr Dominic Savio and his team worked hard to organize the first Salesian Seminar.
- Fr Dominc Savio,msfs
Bishop of Belgaum Diocese, in the presence of Fr Vincent Msfs, the provincial of Pune Province and other confreres from the neighbouring local communities.
2. In Dadra-Nagarhaveli - Daman Mission, in the Arch Diocese of Goa Daman and Diu: It is a mission centre, one of the ten sub-stations of the Dapada parish run by the pillar fathers with whom we will
be working initially, given the fact it is they who primarily manage the Daman Mission entrusted by the Archbishop of Goa. It is located around 36 km away from Daman. People here primarily speak Gujarathi. The Mission was officially inaugurated on 28th June 2014, on the feast day of the two greatest apostles St Peter and St Paul, by Fr Vincent Lourduswamy MSFS, the Provincial,
November 09, 2013, became a memorable and unforgettable day for the inmates of Friendly Home at Alangayam, Tamilnadu, and its vicinity as on the very same day, a new Administrative Block at Friendly Home was blessed by Rev. Fr Anthony Dharmaraj, the Provincial and inaugurated by Friends from Eiffel, Germany, in the presence of many confreres, teachers and students of S.F.S. School, Alangayam. The inauguration was followed by a spectacular cultural programme, which was well organized by the caretakers and the teachers.
On this wonderful day, during his brief address, Rev. Fr Provincial thanked everyone, who was instrumental
in the presence of Rev.Fr Seby, the Superior of Daman Mission and Pillar Mumbai Provincial’s representative.
3. Hathikhera – Ajmer-Rajasthan: Hathikhera is a Shrine Cum Parish located in the Ajmer Denary itself. It was inaugurated and handed over to the MSFS of Pune Province by the Bishop of Ajmer Rt. Rev. Pius D’souza in the presence of Rev.Fr Vincent Lourduswamy MSFS, the Provincial of Pune Province, on 14th July 2014. Our confreres from Gangapur and Hindon also were present.
4. HARMONY: Fransalian Ashram at Uchgaon, Belgaum, which for long was the Novitiate, is modified and renamed as ‘HARMONY’, A Pastoral - Theological Institute. Courses on Pastoral theology and retreats and various update programs for the religious and priests are conducted on a regular basis.
- Fr Vincent Lourduswamy, msfs
in making this dream of ours to become a reality and eulogized the hard work and contribution of Fr J. B. John Thadews, the coordinator, who tirelessly works for this project and Fr L. Arul Sundaram, who put his heart and soul in the construction of the elegant building and cared for the well-being of the deprived ones at Friendly Home. He also gratefully remembered the magnanimity and the altruistic attitude of the German benefactors who support this project. He verbalized his special thanks to their representatives who were present at the function. The wonderful programme came to an end with the familial meal arranged by Fr L. Arul Sundaram.
- Fr S. Antony Rajesh, msfs
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The inauguration of Emile Mayoraz Children’s Home was held at Vayalogam, Tamilnadu, on 25th January, 2014. It was a matter of great joy for
In the month of May 2014, 54 educators form 6 Indian Provinces gathered together at DMI International Retreat Centre & Joe Beach, East Coast Road, Chennai, to participate in a four day ‘International Fransalian Education Seminar’ organized by the General Secretary of Education,
INAUgURATION OF EmILE mAyORAz CHILdREN’S HOmE, VAyALOgAm
6th Ordinary Provincial Congress of mSFS Northeast India Province 2014
The International Fransalian Education Seminar – 2014, held in Chennai, Tamilnadu
Christ the King Farm, Vayalogam, to have a home for the children in its premises. It was blessed by Rev. Fr Anthony Dharmaraj, the Provincial of the South-East India Province, and opened by Mr. Andre and Mrs. Hélène, our benefactors from France. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr Provincial. There were many MSFS priests, a few Diocesan priests, many sisters from the locality and many Catholics present at the Holy Eucharistic celebration.
At the end of the Holy Mass, Fr A. Selvaraj, the Director of Christ the King Farm, thanked the Provincial and his team, all the benefactors
Rev.Fr George Parambukattil. The co-ordination work was done by the South East India Province, under the able management of Rev.Fr Anthony Dharmaraj.
All the sessions were very enriching and enlightening. The themes and issues dealt with
and the people who helped to make the project functional.. Finally, Rev. Fr Provincial gratefully remembered Rev. Fr Emile Mayoraz, our former Superior General, for his great contribution in the realization of this dream project. The Provincial also congratulated Fr A. Selvaraj for his hard work and great efforts and Bro. C. Berin, the Regent, who supported him in all the ways for the successful completion of the Children’s Home. The function came to an end with a fellowship meal served to all present.
- C. Preen, msfs
The 6th Ordinary Provincial Congress of the MSFS Northeast India Province was held from 23 to 27 April, 2014, with the theme, Fransalians in Northeast
were relevant and provided practical ways of handling the issues, persons and problems in the schools. The active participation and valuable suggestions of the participants were highly commendable. The participants were very much appreciative of the arrangements for the seminar, food and accommodation, existential topics chosen and fine presentation by the resource persons. The days of Education Seminar were days of MSFS Confreres living together and strengthening each other in the ocean of Education Ministries, nourished by the vision of our Founder, Fr. Peter Marie Mermier..
- Fr C. Sebastin Raj, msfs
India Province: Towards a Renewed Missionary Thrust in the Footsteps of Fr Mermier, at Siloam, Transformational Leadership Resource Center, Umsaw, Berapani, Meghalaya. In all, 104 confreres took part in the Provincial Congress. The Congress was an invitation to walk in the footsteps of Fr Peter Mary Mermier, the Founder of MSFS Congregation. It was a call for fidelity to the Foundational Charism of the Congregation and for a re-capturing of the missionary spirit and fervour of the Founder, with a renewed missionary zeal. It was also an occasion to evaluate the life and ministry of the members in the province, to discern collectively the Will of God for the next three years and to revitalize the missionary activities in the present day context, opening new avenues in the proclamation of the Word of God.
The Congress elected Frs Emmanuel Uppanthadathil, Athnas Kerketta, Regi Kizhakethaleckal and Binoy Veliyath as Provincial Councillors and Joseph Kannamangalath as Provincial Bursar.
- Fr Shaju Ambiyil, msfs
Hearty Congrats to Fr Tomson (Thomas) AerathedathuFr Tomson Aerathedathu is the new Provincial of Brazil Province, appointed during the General Council Meeting held at the East African Provincial House, Morogoro, from May 25 to 30, 2014. At the request of the Superior General and of Fr Tomson himself, the latter was granted permission to have active and passive voice in the Province of Brazil for the next ten years by the Provincial Administration of Northeast India Province, prior to the process of consultation for the appointment of Provincial there.
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Fathers’ & Mothers’ day celebration in Yingkiong- Arunachal
HEARTy CONgRATULATIONS TO THE PROVINCIALS IN THEIR SECONd mANdATE…
Divine Mercy Parish, Yingkiong, celebrated the “Fathers’ Day” on June 22, 2014. The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Daniel Lalmuanzela msfs and concelebrated by Fr Jacob Raising msfs. The importance and speciality of the day was highlighted by Fr Jacob through his inspiring homily. During the homily he underlined the important role played by the fathers in the family by stating, “If the father of the family is good…then the family will be good, the church and the society as well….” Beautiful dances and songs were presented by the youth and the mothers. Each of the fathers was presented with a gift by the women group to show love, respect and appreciation.
Mothers’ Day was celebrated on May 11, 2014, at Divine Mercy Parish, Yingkiong. Rev. Fr Joseph Chakkalackal, the Parish Priest, was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist and Dn. Nijo CMI preached a meaningful homily. The day was marked by a number of innovative ideas showing love and respect towards mothers. Soon after the Holy Eucharist, children were asked to stand beside their own mothers and offer a special prayer for them while the priest prayed over. Each of the mothers was also presented with a beautiful rosary bag as a token of appreciation for their service to the church and the family.
- Fr Shaju Ambiyil, msfs
Fr Jacob Karamakuzhy, msfs
Very Rev.Fr Abraham Vettuvelil, msfs (Superior General)
Fr George Choorapuzha, msfs
Fr Vincent Lourduswamy, msfs (Provincial)
Fr Jose Cheriantharayil, msfs
Fr Joseph Kalekattil, msfs
Fr Paul Sagayam, msfs
Fr Ganji Bala Joji, msfs
Fr Ignatius D’Costa, msfs
Fr Sebastian Conrad, msfs
Fr Francis Poovelil, msfs
Fr Peter Dominc, msfs
Fr Henry Joseph, msfs
Fr Peter Paul, msfs
Fr Pius Kochuparambil, msfs
Fr Vincent Lourduswamy, msfs Fr Johnson Kallidukil, msfs
HEARTy CONgRATULATIONS TO OUR SILVER JUBILARIANS
FRANSALIAN, JUNE 2014 | 7
Fransalian, June 2014 | 8
The Fransalian International is an Illustrated Newsletter published by the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales. It highlights the activities of the MSFS family spread over all the continents and serves as a link among its members, friends and benefactors. You are welcome to send manuscripts and photos for publication to the following address: Indian Institute of Spirituality, P.B.5639, Dr Rajkumar Road, First Block, Rajajinagar, Bangalore 560010; Tel: 080-22901869, 23376857, Fax: 23473309; E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]; Editorial Board: Chief Editor: Dr Jolly Chakkalakkal msfs; Associate Editor: Dr Henry Kodikuthiyil msfs; Sub Editor: Dr Antony Mookenthottam msfs; Managing Editor: Dr Benny Koottanal msfs; Circulation Manager: Fr Jikson Cheravelil msfs; Literary Editor: Fr Joseph Pulloppillil msfs.
