July 2009 Newsletter
by Admin - July 1st, 2009
Vol. 25 No. 6
Fr. General has appointed:
- Fr. Jean Yves Grenet as the Provincial of France
- Fr. Michael P. Gallagher, of the Irish Province, as the Rector of St. Robert Bellarmino College in Rome, effective as of the 17th of September
- Fr. Luke Rodrigues, of the Bombay Province, as the International Secretary for Christian Life Communities (CVX)
- Fr. Alfons Swinnen as the Provincial of North Belgium
- Fr. Joaquín Barrero as the Superior of the Community of the General Curia. He replaces Fr. Gregory Naik. The appointment will be effective from 15 September.
Fr. General’s Letter
In a letter to all Major Superiors dated 19 June 2009, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. General has gratefully welcomed the initiative of the Holy Father in declaring June 19, 2009 to June 19, 2010 a special “Year for Priests.” Fr. General saw this as “a God given opportunity to reflect more deeply on three most important issues… (1) The first is concerned with how ordained Jesuits are called to live the priesthood… (2) The second involves our understanding of the Society of Jesus as a “sacerdotal Society, (3) the third centers around the vocation and life of the Jesuit Brother.” Fr. General invites all Jesuits to “take time for prayer, reflection and conversation these issues” and entrusts the Provincials and Major Superiors with the task of sending Fr. General a report of the fruits of these processes by February 2010. Toward the end of the year Fr. General would organize an International Study Week to which he will “invite a small group of Jesuits including among them theologians and those with special competence in our Institute, to study the material [he has] received and to produce, if possible, a text that can help the Society today.”
Fr. Regional Superior has appointed:
- Fr. Paul Chemparathy as the full time Vocation Promoter for Nepal Region. He will be residing in St. Xavier’s, Godavari.
Regional Superior’s Program
10 July Return from Japan
19 July Region Consult, Local Superiors’ Meet
20 July Vicariate Consult
Please Note
- Fr. Lawrence is away visiting China and Japan till 10 July. During his absence, Fr. Antonysamy will serve as the Acting Regional Superior.
- Fr. Lawrence’s personal email id has been changed to lmaniyarsj@gmail.com
- The curia has been shifted to the premises of St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar. Please note the change of phone number. Office: 977-1 4101.540; Fax: 977-1 4101.541
Congratulations
To Fr. Jim Donnelly who celebrated his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee on 14 June. The celebrations began with a thanksgiving prayer which included a presentation on the life of Fr. Jim. After the prayer service, Fr. Cap gave a soulful rendering of his personal experience of Jim. Fr. Cap noted that among many qualities that Fr. Jim is appreciated for, it was for “his computer memory with a warm human heart” that people remembered him most. Fr. Cap emphasized the fact that Fr. Jim, even though confined to a wheel chair for several years now, is not retired yet as he fulfils his mission of praying for the society and others very earnestly. Before the khada felicitations, hugs and kisses (including a sweet one from Sahuni) and sumptuous meal began, Fr. Jim, who held himself well in his black suit, thanked all in a few words and reminded us all that “…it is not over yet.” Over eighty priests and religious in the valley had gathered to congratulate Jim.
AROUND THE REGION
St. Xavier’s, Jawalakhel
We began the month in a spirit of solidarity with the bereaved family members of the Assumption Church bomb blast victims. On 2 June, most of our community members joined the funeral mass of Buddhi Laxmi Joesph the third victim of the blast. She was the mother of Celesti Joseph who was killed on the spot.
Soon after the Region Days Fr. Cap left for his new pastures in Pokhara, entrusting (his) The Mouse Trap to Mr. Mahesh Sajnani who successfully staged it on 6 June. Sr. Geraldine, FMA who served as the vice-principal of the junior section for the last four years was transferred to Ranchi. We are grateful to Sr. Geraldine for her dedicated service to the school. Sr. Maria Goreti, replaced Sr. Geraldine; we extend a warm welcome to her and wish her a fruitful ministry in the school.
The school had an array of activities in the past month. On 6 June, the school facilities were used to conduct the SAT exams with helps from staff volunteers and scholastics from Kamal Niwas. Remuneration received from this is used for the scholarship program. On 6 and 13 June, Fr. Niesen Six-a-side Invitational Football tournaments for girls and boys were conducted. While the girls’ teams could not get past the semis, both the boys’ teams, team A and B, made it into the finals. And in the face off between both the Xavier teams, team B emerged victorious. On 20 June, the school provided the family members of Class 5 students with an opportunity to interact with their teachers on the occasion of Class 5 Family Day. At the end of the month, it was exam time with the beginning of the first term exams on the 28th.
-Irenius
St. Xavier’s, Godavari
Early in the month we bade farewell to St. Anne’s Sisters Marykutty and Expedit who served SXG with commitment and dedication since 2006. Their selflessness and friendliness endeared them to students and staff alike. SXG family is deeply indebted to them and will miss them sorely. At the same time, we extend a warm welcome to Sr. Vimali who replaced Sr. Marykutty.
Besides preparing for the term exams which began from 26 June, our students have been actively participating in many extra curricular activities. Four of our students participated in the Inter-School English Literary Contest at SXJ on May 26. Pratigya Shakya Pradhan (10A) won the sixth position. On June 4, two of our students participated in a Debate Competition organized by ECR FM Radio Station, Badegoan, to mark the International Environment Day. Rastra Raj Bhandari (9A) won the third prize and Urusha Silwal (9A) received the consolation prize. On June 6 and 7, our Scout took part in a Cooking and Marching Competition. Our Scout won the third prize in Cooking. Likewise, our girls’ and boys’ football teams took part in Fr. Niesen Six-a-Side Football Tournament held on June 6 and June 13 at SXJ respectively. Our girls’ team-A won the first runner up trophy. Our senior boys’ football team also participated in Inter-School Coca-Cola Football Tournament organized by ANFA.
Amidst all these flurry of activities, the students of classes 9 and 10 entertained their parents with songs, dances and dramas on 26 May and the students of classes 7 and 8 on 21 June. The parents highly appreciated the performance of their children.
In the third week of June, we had an Inter-School Teachers’ Exchange Programme. Ms. Junashree KC from SXJ and Mr. Kalyan Singh from Rosebud were with us for a week. They were highly impressed by the discipline and family atmosphere of SXG. From SXG, Sch. Tek Paudel went to SXJ and Mr. Gyan Guragain to Rosebud. They too had a very enriching experience.
On June 21, our students’ programme was aired on Classic FM, 101.2 MHZ at 6:25 pm. Henceforth, you could listen to our students on Classic FM, 101.2 MHZ every first Sunday of a month (B.S.) from 6:25 – 7:00 pm.
Fr. Juel has started a Multi-media Club in the school and Sch. Tek a Yoga Club which are much sought after by the students. Fr. Amrit gave a half day Orientation Programme to St. Mary’s Class 10 students.
One afternoon Fr. Victor had a severe chest pain. He was taken to B & B Hospital and the doctors examined him and an ECG was taken. Thank God, everything was normal. The pain disappeared after a few days and he is fine now. Man Bahadur Chaudhary, one of our main co-workers lost his mother. May her soul rest in peace! Mr. Choodamani Ghimire, our Math teacher’s father in-law is critically injured in an accident. He is convalescing in a hospital; we pray for his speedy recovery.
-Amrit Rai
St. Xavier’s College
With the arrival of Fr. E.C. Sebastian to the Campion Community, our number has gone up to six. Fr. Lawrence Maniyar is expected to join us very soon and then we will be seven, a Biblical number meaning fullness. Fr. E.C. left for Rome on the 18th for the Procurators’ Meet. He is expected to be back in mid July after a brief stop over in the US.
The guests of this month, Fr. Mani Nedumattam, the previous Socius to the Provincial of Delhi, Fr. Peter Pappu, the Provincial of Darjeeling, the St. Paul Sisters from Pokhara on a study tour on Gangabu Mobile Clinic, added spice to our life. Frs. Paul Chemparathy, Norbert, P.S. Amal, the outgoing JRS Director, Asia Pacific, and Prakash Louis, the incoming JRS Director, Asia Pacific, added sound and light to our evenings.
In the college front, the first Year B.Sc. Physics students produced a documentary titled, “Hubble and the Universe” – an exciting presentation of some of the unravelled mysteries of the universe. It is a worth watching two hour long presentation. Copies of the CDs of the same are available from the Department of Physics.
The Social Work Department welcomed the first year MSW students and bade farewell to the third year BSW students with a cultural program followed by a snack party.
A farewell Dinner was arranged in honour of Sr. Anice, SCCG who moved on after her nine years of meritorious service in St. Xavier’s College. His Excellency Bishop A. Sharma, S.J. graced the occasion.
-Fr. Paul
Baniyatar
On 31 May, in spite of the persistent rain, many parishioners rallied from Baniyatar to Ratnapark to join the peace procession and expressed their solidarity with the victims of the bomb blast at the Assumption Church. Around 5000 people belonging to all faiths marched down the streets of Kathmandu that day, displaying placards with messages of peace and religious harmony.
Baniyatar has become a favourite destination for sisters looking for local vocations. Holy Cross Sisters Annie and Ranjita from Pokhara interacted with the parish girls on 30 May and C J Sisters Neena and Vinita on 13 June. In the second week of June the Legion of Mary members from Godavari, Dhobighat and Baniyatar gathered at St. Ignatius’ Church, Baniyatar for a day of prayer and sharing.
23 children (9 boys and 14 girls) received their first communion during a solemn mass presided over by Bishop Anthony Sharma and concelebrated by Frs. Paul and Jomon on June 20. We used the occasion to declare the closing of the Pauline Jubilee year which the Bishop did by veiling the Pauline image in front of the altar at the end of a short cultural program that included a skit on the conversion of St. Paul and a Pauline song composed by one of our parish youth. Our heartfelt thanks to Srs. Roseline, Jaya and Jiliola whose hard work made the day a blessing to all!
-Sanjay Ekka
Kamal Niwas
These are history making times for Nepal Region as it tries to expand itself to the western part of the country. We were happy to be a part of it as we helped out in the shifting of the Candidates’ formation centre to Pokhara. With the help of our faithful staff Gopal and Krishna we managed to pack off most of the things needed for an immediate start. Regent Peter Chhetri and candidate Sideeyou accompanied the truck all the way to Pokhara. Fr. Norbert, back in Kamal Niwas from his sabbatical, lent a helping hand; and two weeks later packed himself off to Pokhara.
As a part of the re-organization of the Region, and as the Curia moved out of HRDRC, Kamal Niwas community was missioned to take care of the Research Center. Schs. Amit and Raja moved in immediately. They had no trouble settling down except for the first couple of nights, when Raja had “invisible visitors” in his room and had to wake up Amit to deal with them. Raja survived. And now with Fr. Paul Chemaparathy staying with them and attending to their spiritual well being, all is well.
As a follow up to the Region Days, in our community meeting we resolved to put into practice some of the concrete suggestions that came up during the Region Days to build up companionship in our community: regular community meeting (every first Saturday of the month), community recollection (every second Saturday of the month) and faith sharing (every last Friday of the month), are some of them.
-Ait Tirkey
St. Xavier’s Social Service Center
Mr. Gorakh Bahadur Thapa (40), a polio victim from Humla, passed away on 29th of May, after 25 years of stay at the Center. He had been in coma for the last four months due to a blood clot in the brain. Mr. Chitra Gurung an arthritis patient and a wheel chair user has been hospitalized at Model hospital after he vomited blood profusely. He is in a critical condition. A mentally sick man who cannot even remember his name was picked up from the streets and admitted to Gafney Bhawan.
Ms Manisha and Ms Suja from the department of BA in Social work, St. Xavier’s College, organized an ex- SXSSC men’s meet on 20th of June It was very inspiring to listen to boys sharing about their life inside and outside the Centre. Mr. Rajendra, the Freedom Centre in charge, is away in Poland for an international conference on drug abuse.
-Dilip Toppo
Research Centre
HRDRC family express their heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Krishna Maharjan who retired from office after 40 years of dedicated service with the Jesuits (1969–1977 St. Xavier’s Jawalakhel and 1979-2009, HRDRC Sanepa). In his very emotional farewell speech, he recounted that he never felt like a servant in the Jesuit houses, but a member of the Jesuit family. We also thank Mr. Jog, the gardener who has moved on after 15 years with us.
–Socius
Jhapa
Cyclone Aila delayed the community’s return from Region Days. Our newest community member, Fr. Sanctius, returned with us and after a quick trip to Ranchi to see his doctor, settled into his new home at Maheshpur. He is now helping Fr. Roy with office management.
Frs. George and Roy continue to guide the schools. Despite challenges, the work of teaching and learning continues well. Three months of hard work will end with first term exams in mid-July. Deonia now has proper registration as a high school. Construction on the Maheshpur school toilet has started, and the stream along the east side of our new land has been diverted to stop erosion, we hope!
Fr. David continues to animate parish ministry. Physical developments include new hand pumps, and, at Patapur, a new chapel. He and Fr. Mathew worked their way through strikes to witness weddings in Sadakbari and Bhuttabari. Sch. Samuel has been a great help. He has been staying in villages and teaching catechism.
We welcomed Sch. Narun who braved a transport strike to travel from Lahan to Deonia. He immediately started his retreat at Deonia and then started rounding up candidates from New Jalpaiguri Station and the Siliguri bus stand. We enjoyed visits from Sch. Augustus, returning to college, Sch. Vijay, on his way home, and Sch. Ajit who brought us our first candidate for the year, Sideeyou Toppo.
This has been a great month for Caritas. Frs. Prakash Louis and Amal Raj came to inspect their new territory. Varkey and Peter helped organize a successful road run on June 20. Fr. Bill was the only Jesuit runner. Other potential runners were laid up. Half the community members have problems with their right feet! The climax of the month was Mass and supper at Damak to celebrate Fr. Amal’s golden Jesuit jubilee.
We offer condolences to Sch. Anil on the loss of his father, Benedict. Anil had been a great help at Maheshpur, but rushed home on the day of his father’s death, and will continue on to Delhi later.
-Bill
Pokhara
Many of our students and some staff members were sick due to excessive heat and delayed monsoon. This resulted in the closure of Shishu Bikas a week ahead of schedule for summer holidays. We will reopen on July 12th. Because of the growing safety and security concerns, we have kept two watchmen at the gate, one for the night and the other for the day. After two years at Shishu Bikas, Holy Cross sister Ranjita left for college studies in India and in her place we welcomed Sr. Shalini.
Fr. Cap had a hoping visit to KTM to join in Fr. Donnelly‘s jubilee celebration. Cap has become quite an expert in our post supper card game of “Oh Hell” and is putting up a good fight against the youngsters. When he makes a mistake he blames either the cards or his old specs, commenting, “When I get back from the States I will have much clearer glasses.” Sch. Peter Chhetri and a candidate Sideeyou Toppo arrived with a truck load of things from Kathmandu. They have been busy setting up the place to welcome the candidates who will arrive by the end of the month. We are also happy to welcome Fr. Norbert for ministry in Pokhara.
Fr. Arul Selvam is busy preparing the parishioners for the closing of the Pauline year on 27th of June. Sch. Tomson Amakkatt left for KTM en-route to Patna Regional Theology Center. We thank him for his one year of regency in Pokhara. At his farewell dinner the VIP guest was the CDO of Pokhara, a former parent of SXJ and a good friend of many Jesuits. Visitors to Pokhara community included Prof. Anthony Chhetri of SXC and Br. John from Bandipur. Please note the Candidates’ House phone number: 061-524828 (to contact Fr. Cap, Sch. Peter Chhetri and candidates). You can also contact all of us at pokharasjs@wlink.com.np
-Mathew A.
From the Diaspora
Fr. Leo Cachat writes from Detroit: “Sunday, June 7th, we at Manresa celebrated Fr. Walter Farrell’s 93rd birthday with a Picnic for about 300 or 400. Fr. Walter taught Fr. Cap, Fr. Marty, perhaps Fr. Donnelly and myself when we had our Philosophy/Theology at West Baden Springs, Indiana…”
Sch. Ayar writes from DNC, Pune: “After passing a tough entrance test, we have begun the classes from 11th of June. We are getting help from Sch. Tej to learn the rules of DNC.”
Prayers for the departed
- Brother Joseph A. LaMielle, S.J., (PAT) who died on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at the Colombiere Center.
- Mr. Benedict Beck (73), Scholastic Anil Beck‘s father, who passed away on 18 June, 2009 in Ranchi
Announcements
Indian Social Institute, New Delhi announces a five-day Training Programme in Accounting and Financial Management. For details, you may contact Br. Tony, SJ, at ISI. Contact Number: (0091) 9968031214
Happy Birthday
06 July Paul K.C.
07 July Narun Darshandhari
14 July Arul Selvam
15 July Juel Kispotta
16 July Varkey Perekkatt
30 July Marty Coyne
