Vol 05 January 2017 Issue 02

Birthdays

Dear Reverend Fathers, Brothers and Sisters, Let me wish you all a bright and prosperous NEW YEAR. I would like to begin with an anecdote which is inspiring. A fat, overweight Mon was sitting under a tree one day. An arrogant, young soldier walked by, saw him, and said: “You look like a pig!” The monk looked up at the soldier and said: “And you look like God!” Surprised, the soldier asked him: “Why do you say that I look like God?” The Monk replied: “You see, we don’t see what’s outside us, we see what’s inside and project it outwards. I sit here all day and think about God and when I look out, that’s what I see. You, on the other hand, must be thinking about something else!” On the first day of the year as we step into the New Year the Church gives us Mary, Mother of God as our Model of Faith, Hope and Love. She believed that everything is possible for God. He makes the impossible, possible. She hoped that God will fulfil His promises. Mother means love. Mother means mercy. She is the perfect model of love. Now we may question ‘what is the difference between the love of an ordinary mother and the love of Mary, Mother of God? ‘ Mary had the power that whatever she asks Her Son, He would grant her without refusing (Jn 2:1-11). Thus we can affirm that nothing is impossible for Mary. Mary plays a unique role in our human life. it was through her body that Incarnation became possible. She carries the extraordinary title of ‘Mother of God’, as well as being our Mother. Through Jesus, who is our Brother, we both have God as our Father, whom we are encouraged to address in the most intimate and childlike way as ‘Abba’ and we have Mary as our Mother. We celebrate that today in a special way when we remember how God gave us Himself in Jesus through Mary who becomes our Mother. “WITHOUT GOD, I CANNOT.

WITHOUT ME GOD WILL NOT. GOD PLUS ME ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE”

May God Bless you all.

Feast days Bro R P Bosco FC 31st

VOICE OF THE SHEPHERD

Rest in Peace

Yours in Christ,

+Joseph Ponniah.

How to Be Happy Always

Fr John Joseph Mary SJ 04th Fr R Thiruchchlevam 07th Fr M Stanisaus 10th Fr Hyrudayaraj Vendi CRS 15th Fr R Pius Prasanna 16th Bro Stephen Mathew FC 30th

Sr Mable AC th

Sr Esme FMM 12th

Fr W M Lumber 12th

Fr R S Lopu 16

th

Fr M S Soosaipillai 17th Fr R S Terrence Arnants 28th

Oli Vila at SILOAM

Bp. Joseph Ponniah participated at

an Oli Vila held at SILOAM Hospital

on Dec 04th.

o Decide, "Whatever the circumstances I want to be happy and I will be happy always." There are no terms and conditions for happiness. Most people are as happy as they decide to be.

o Happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have. It depends on what you think.

o Reduce complications. Life is simple. Don't complicate it. Tension or worrying are forms of negative thinking.

o Understand balance. It's all about balance. If you are feeling sad or unhappy then ask yourself, "Am I emotionally, mentally and physically balanced?" If not, then try to maintain that balance and you will find that you are now happy.

o Have self belief. People often become what they believe themselves

to be. If you believe you cannot do something, it makes you incapable of doing it. Remember, when you believe you can, then you acquire the ability to do it even if you didn't have it in the beginning. Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for the month of Jan- 2017

01st 09.30 am Mass at Prison.

02nd 11.00 am Mass at Thannamunai.

07th 10.30 am Silver Jubilee Mass of Rev.Fr. Ignatius SSS at Thannamunai.

15th 07.00 am Feast of St. Joseph Vaz at Thandavanveli.

16th 05.00 pm Festive Mass at St. Joseph Vaz’ Church, Vipulanandapuram.

18th 09.30 am Wedding mass at Veechchukalmunai.

28th 09.00 am Diploma class

29th 07.00 am Festive mass at St. Antony the Hermit, Karuvapankerny

Christian Unity. That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching by striving with

prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial communion and by

collaborating to meet the challenges facing humanity.

The health benefits of fenugreek include relief from anemia, loss of taste, fever, dandruff, stomach disorders, biliousness, respiratory disorders, mouth ulcers, sore throat, diabetes, inflammations, wounds and insomnia. It is beneficial post pregnancy in lactation and helps in improving digestion, as well as in various hair care applications. It is also shown to reduce cholesterol levels and protect heart health, while simultaneously boosting the immune system and protecting you against flu and various infections. Fenugreek is an annual plant that is also known as methi in many places of the world. It is native to the Middle and Near East, and is widely used on the Indian subcontinent. It has small round leaves that can be dried, as well as seeds. There is even evidence that the ancient Egyptians understood the benefits of fenugreek, since its seeds have been found in tombs, particularly of Tutankhamen. This plant is grown in countries across the globe, but the majority is cultivated and consumed in India.

This plant is grown in countries across the globe, but the majority is cultivated and consumed in India. Fenugreek is interesting, because it can be used for three distinct purposes. The leaves can be dried and used as herbs, the seeds can be ground into a spice, and the plant matter itself can be used as a vegetable, like sprouts and microgreens. This makes fenugreek so important, because there are healthy attributes in all of those plant parts that can boost your health! Most of the health benefits of fenugreek are due to the presence of saponins and fiber that it contains. Fenugreek is also used for herbal healing. Its seeds contain a gumming substance called mucilage and when mixed with water, mucilage expands and becomes a gelatinous salve for irritated tissues. It is a member of the bean family and its scientific family name is Fabaceae. These health benefits are due to the nutrients, vitamins,and minerals found in this powerful plant.

Fr L K Mariathasan - administrator - Senior Priests Home w.e.f 12.10.2016

Fr A Thevathasan - administrator - Divine Mercy Shrine w.e.f 20.11.2016

Fr Setrick Jude - Parish Priest, Korakalimadu w.e.f 01.01.2017

Fr Jerristan Vincent - Ass Parish Priest, Kallar w.e.f 01.01.2017

Fr Jude Nicholas - Ass Director, Minor Seminary w.e.f 01.01.2017

Fr Ignatius - Parish Priest, Navatkudah w.e.f 18.12.2016

Fr Pius Prasanna - Parish Priest, Pulumalai w.e.f 20.12.2016

Fr Joseph Nigustan - Ass Parish Priest, Cathedral w.e.f 01.01.2017

Fr Antny De lima - Ass Parish Priest, Kalmunai w.e.f 01.01.2017

Fr Iruthayanathan Jemilton - Ass Parish Priest, Vaharai w.e.f 01.01.2017

Oli Vila at St. Cecilia's National

School

Bp. Joseph Ponniah attended the Oli Vila celebrations at St. Cecilia's National School, Batticaloa on Dec 01st. Bp. Joseph being the Patron of the school was also honored as the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Bp. Joseph Ponniah attended

Oli Vila at St. Theresa's

Convent

On Dec 01st Bp. Joseph

Ponniah presided at the Oli Vila

program held at St. Theresa's

Convent.

Another one for St Antony

Another church for St Antony was blessed and opened at Thanga –Velayuthapuram On Dec 04th at 09.00 am by Bp. Joseph Ponniah Most of the people who are setters from Sorri Kalmunai for chenai cultivation along with their pastor was there to honor their saint

First Communion and

Confirmation at the Cathedral.

On Dec 08th Bp. Joseph Ponniah

administered First Communion

and Confirmation at the

Cathedral.

A summary of the Bishop’s sermon

on the day of the Ordination

Silver Jubilee Mass for Srs.

Maria Gratia MS & Sarena MS.

Srs. Maria Gratia MS & Sarena

MS of Thannamunai Parish

celebrated their Silver Jubilee in

the Religious Life on 08th Dec.

Bp. Joseph Ponniah presided at

the Festive Mass.

Diploma Awarding Ceremony.

This year as it was scheduled a

diploma course on Bible Study

was arranged by the Diocesan

Ecumenical commission. The

students were awarded with

certificate by the Bishop of

Batticaloa on Dec 10th..

Oli Vizah for Catechists in

Batticaloa.

On Dec 13th at 09.30 am Oli

Vizah for Catechists in Batticaloa

was held at Cathecatical Centre.

Bp. Joseph Ponniah presided at

the function and gave away the

gifts for the catechists.

Oli Vizah at Home for the

Elders.

Bp. Joseph Ponniah attended Oli

Vizah at Home for the Elders on

Dec 10th at 3.00pm. He was the

Chief Guest for the occasion.

Christmas get together for

Religious

The Christmas get - together for

Religious was held on Dec 19th

at Home for the Elders Hall. Bp.

Joseph Ponniah participated at

the celebrations and distributed

the Christmas gifts.

First Mass

Bp. Joseph Ponniah

participated at the first

Mass of Rev. Fr. Antony at

Akkaraipattu on Dec 18th.

Oli Vila at Kalmunai

for The Catechists

Bp. Joseph Ponniah

participated and

enjoyed the Oli Vila

functions at Kalmunai,

it was the Oli Vila of

the Catechists of

Kalmunai.

Christmas Carol

Competition

Bp. Joseph Ponniah

participated at the

Christmas Carol Competition

at Miani Centre on Dec

18th..

Pope Francis urged the faithful to open their hearts to the Good News of the Saviour’s birth. The Pope was addressing the pilgrims gathered in the Vatican Paul VI Hall for the weekly General Audience. His catechesis on Christian hope focused on these last days of Advent and on how we prepare to receive the message embodied in the nativity. Reflecting on the fact that a catechesis focusing on Christian hope is more than appropriate during the time of Advent, Pope Francis recalled the words of the prophet Isaiah, “the Lord himself will give you a sign: the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel” and also “a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” He said that the sense of Christmas transpires in both of these verses: “God fulfills his promise by coming in the flesh, (…) and He gives his people a new hope for humanity: eternal life”. The Pope said this hope is realistic and reliable, it is a hope that redeems and saves, for Christ, by coming in the flesh, has opened the way for us to ascend to the Father .He also said it is especially visible in these days preceding Christmas .“When we prepare the Christmas crib in our homes and churches, he said, let us be attentive to the message of hope it embodies”. And with our gaze on the nativity scene that takes us to the little town of Bethlehem, the Pope said we can see revealed God’s love for each of us, however small or lowly. We see it in Mary, who trusted in God’s word: “She is the Mother of Hope”.Next to Mary is Joseph. He too, the Pope said, is the man of hope, who gave Jesus his name, which means “God saves”. In the crib, he continued, we see the joy

He said that the sense of Christmas transpires in both of these verses: “God fulfills his promise by coming in the flesh, (…) and He gives his people a new hope for humanity: eternal life”. The Pope said this hope is realistic and reliable, it is a hope that redeems and saves, for Christ, by coming in the flesh, has opened the way for us to ascend to the Father .He also said it is especially visible in these days preceding Christmas .“When we prepare the Christmas crib in our homes and churches, he said, let us be attentive to the message of hope it embodies”. And with our gaze on the nativity scene that takes us to the little town of Bethlehem, the Pope said we can see revealed God’s love for each of us, however small or lowly. We see it in Mary, who trusted in God’s word: “She is the Mother of Hope”. Next to Mary is Joseph. He too, the Pope said, is the man of hope, who gave Jesus his name, which means “God saves”. In the crib, he continued, we see the joy of the shepherds who represent the humble and the poor who were awaiting the Messiah They were the ones, he said, to receive with joy the peace proclaimed by the angels .“Dear brothers and sisters: every time we say ‘yes’ to Jesus a bud blossoms into hope. May we trust in this bud of hope” and open our hearts to the Good News of the birth of Jesus who came to save us”.

'Open your hearts to the good news of

Christmas'

St. Joseph Vaz - our Exemplar

Flourish like the Palm Tree

Never in the history of our planet earth has there been a time when so much

emphasis was placed on physical culture. We are constantly bombarded with the idea

that we owe it to ourselves to lose weight, eat the right food and take regular exercise- all

good advice no doubt. But, some people’s sole aim seems to ward off sickness and delay

the moment of death – they are totally taken up with the state of their body. Thus, when it

decays, they decay. “What good is it to gain the whole (read physical) world, while

destroying your soul?” (Mk. 8/36, Lk. 9/25).

But, as our Bishop Joseph, quoting a theologian, says in his Nov’16 message to our

Bulletin “In each individual there are two DNAs. One is the spiritual DNA that we

receive from God and the other DNA is the physical DNA that we receive from our

parents, which will perish one day with our physical death. Not so, however, our spiritual

DNA, which is the abode of the Spirit, is meant to go on growing and thriving until we

step out of the physical realm into eternity”.

In this New Year dedicated to St.Joseph Vaz, let us invite ourselves to ask this very

pertinent question: How close are we to the Pauline saying “I live, not I, but Christ lives

in me” (Gal. 2/19-21 & Phil. 1/21). Am I thriving or just surviving? Let us take the

exemplary life of St. Jos.Vaz, who accepted and tried to live this invitation of Christ to

the fullest: “Be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5/48)- not simply to

survive but to thrive. The Creator God made us for creative growth – a Christ like

growth. It is required by our Father in Heaven and is essential for our spiritual

upliftment during this New Year. Violate this expectation and we violate ourselves. We

will find ourselves unfulfilled, unhappy and frustrated.

Hence, here are ten “Vazian” marks of someone who like the palm “tree besides a

brook, produces its fruits in due season, its leaves never withering” (Ps. 1/3 & 92/1). In

the course in the year, let us try to become a people who -

1. Understands God’s design for each one of us.

2. Is in touch with ones deepest longings.

3. Knows that one can only find total security and significance in God alone.

4. Has set a goal for 2017, which determines all other goals.

5. Manages ones emotions.

6. Cultivates a rich and deep relationship with Christ in prayer.

7. Fills one’s mind with wisdom that comes from God’s Word, the Bible.

8. Is free of anger, resentment, anxiety, fear, guilt and shame.

9. Loves others in a way as one is loved and accepted by God.

10. Respects one’s physical being as living temple of the Spirit. (1 Cor. 3/16, 6/19)

God has given us a clear cut chart and an accurate compass in the

Bible and these provide us with all the information we need to keep on course. Has there

been a slowing down in our sailing last year? Tell the Lord, now you want to get back in

the race again, moving with the more ardent believers we know. Resolve now to become

a pace-setter like our apostle St.Jos.Vaz. – Fr. Mari

Flourish like the Palm Tree

Never in the history of our planet earth has there been a time when so much

emphasis was placed on physical culture

SMILEY Wit and wisdom

01. On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of a

Priest, his grand nephews and nieces visited him at the “Home of Love” and exchanged many pleasantries. Before their departure, they presented him with a memento with the following wording, “We have not seen God, dear Father grand-uncle, but, we see God through people like you. The more we see you, the more we see God. You are someone with silver in your hair and gold in your heart. You give us love, patience, comfort, humour and mature lessons in life. You are a wonderful role-model. You are God’s gift to children like us. May the good Lord bless you, protect you and give you good health. Yes, blessed are we, if our people say this of us.

02. A man suffered a serious heart attack and

had an open heart by-pass surgery. He awoke after the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at our Siloam Hospital. As he was recovering, a nun questioned him regarding payment for his treatment. She asked him if he had health insurance. He replied in a raspy voice: “No health insurance”. The nun continued to ask if he had any money in the bank. He replied in the negative. The nun, continuing her question, asked the man: “Do you have any relations who could help you?” He said, “I have a spinster sister who is a nun. The good Sister became agitated and said loudly, “Nuns are not spinsters, they are married to God”. The patient smilingly replied: “Then, send the bill to my brother-in-law.

following wording, “We have not seen God, dear Father grand-uncle, but, we see God through people like you. The more we see you, the more we see God. You are someone with silver in your hair and gold in your heart. You give us love, patience, comfort, humour and mature lessons in life. You are a wonderful role-model. You are God’s gift to children like us. May the good Lord bless you, protect you and give you good health. Yes, blessed are we, if our people say this of us.

04. A man suffered a serious heart attack and had an open heart by-pass surgery. He

awoke after the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at our Siloam Hospital. As he was recovering, a nun questioned him regarding payment for his treatment. She asked him if he had health insurance. He replied in a raspy voice: “No health insurance”. The nun continued to ask if he had any money in the bank. He replied in the negative. The nun, continuing her question, asked the man: “Do you have any relations who could help you?” He said, “I have a spinster sister who is a nun. The good Sister became agitated and said loudly, “Nuns are not spinsters, they are married to God”. The patient smilingly replied: “Then, send the bill to my brother-in-law.

05. An 80 year old man but with young ideas had married a girl of 22 years and more than anything else in the world, he wanted a son. He went to his family doctor and explained his long cherished dream. “I am sorry” said the doctor sympathetically “you may be heir-minded, but you are not heir-conditioned”.

Presenter: Fr. Mari

02 A man suffered a serious heart attack and had an open heart by-pass surgery. He awoke after the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at our Siloam Hospital. As he was recovering, a nun questioned him regarding payment for his treatment. She asked him if he had health insurance. He replied in a raspy voice: “No health insurance”. The nun continued to ask if he had any money in the bank. He replied in the negative. The nun, continuing her question, asked the man: “Do you have any relations who could help you?” He said, “I have a spinster sister who is a nun. The good Sister became agitated and said loudly, “Nuns are not spinsters, they are married to God”. The patient smilingly replied: “Then, send the bill to my brother-in-law.

06. An 80 year old man but with young ideas had married a girl of 22 years and more than anything else in the world, he wanted a son. He went to his family doctor and explained his long cherished dream. “I am sorry” said the doctor sympathetically “you may be heir-minded, but you are not heir-conditioned”.

Presenter: Fr. Mari

said, “I have a spinster sister who is a nun. The good Sister became agitated and said loudly, “Nuns are not spinsters, they are married to God”. The patient smilingly replied: “Then, send the bill to my brother-in-law.

03. An 80 year old man but with young ideas had married a girl of 22 years and more than anything else in the world, he wanted a son. He went to his family doctor and explained his long cherished dream. “I am sorry” said the doctor sympathetically “you may be heir-minded, but you are not heir-conditioned”.

Presenter: Fr. Mari