October 2010 Newsletter

Vol. 25 No. 10

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Appointment by Father General

Father General has appointed Fr Charles Lasrado of Karnataka Province (India) Assistant to the Treasurer General of the Society of Jesus.

Communication from the Curia

Annual Letters: In a letter of September 7 to the whole Society Father General offers a synthesis of “ex-officio” letters, the annual letters sent from every Province on matters he himself indicates year by year. Last year he asked for information on two matters:vocation promotion and collaboration with others.

At the end of the letter Father General announces that the next Congregation of Procurators, whose convocation will be called soon, will be held in Africa in July 2012. This is the first time that such a Congregation will be held outside Europe.

Year for Priests: On September 9, Father General wrote a letter to the whole Society on the conclusion of the Year for Priests, officially closed by Pope Benedict XVI on June 18. (The letters have been sent to each community.)

Meeting of Ecumenical and Interreligious Consultants: From September 6 to 8, Father General met for three days with his newly appointed consultants on ecumenical and interreligious relationships. They discussed current developments in the Catholic Church’s relationship with other Christian communities, and with Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and indigenous religions. A principal focus was on how the Society should contribute to or participate in these encounters.

Tempo Forte: In the annual calendar of  Father General, there are three special meetings known as Tempo Forte, or days of intense consultation, during the months of January, June and September.  Thus, 16 to 19 September, Father General met with his advisers to address issues of universal government. This time devoted significant time to ongoing training. The monitoring of the Curia’s apostolic planning, government restructuring and the preparation of the next Congregation of Procurators completed the agenda items. (Courtesy: Electronic News Service SJVol. XIV, N.18 | 20 Sep 2010)

Regional Superior’s Program

1-3 Oct: Pokhara – Medical Camp
6 Oct: Region Consult
7-22 Oct: Kathmandu
23-24 Oct: Kolkata
25-31 Oct: Jamshedpur

AROUND THE REGION

St. Xavier’s, Jawalakhel

Father Lawrence was with the SXJ community recently for visitation, and Fr. Boniface left for Delhi to attend a training seminar on Jesuit Leadership from September 22nd to September 25th.  The theme of the training was “Leadership Challenges of the 21stCentury to Make Our Jesuit Schools Focal Points for Personal and Societal Transformation.”  In his absence Fr. Augustine was Acting Principal until Boni returned transformed and ready to apply leverage.

Scholarship students’ parents had a grand Teej to do at the school. The celebration was organized by the parents under the guidance of Mr. Om Shrestha, scholarship program coordinator.  Fathers Boniface and Augustine, along with some teachers, put on a short skit for the entertainment of all. Our scholarship students performed dances to entertain their parents. Around 300 people came for the program which ended with a meal prepared
by the parents themselves. Altogether, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and filling evening.

Again on September 10 we had Teej celebrations for the lady teachers. Gents hosted a tasty lunch for the ladies, who devoted some talented time dancing in their red saris.

We had a staff meeting on September 5. Morning session involved a guest speaker and time on the “Art of Living” and the afternoon was spent in school matters besides the art of living.  Interschool Nepali Literary Contest on 8 September followed closely by GK (general knowledge) Quiz on 9 September.

Children’s day was celebrated in a grand manner – teachers performed dances and entertaining skits, followed by a baffling magic show by principal. Children and others enjoyed a lot, especially when sweets were distributed to all.

Parents’ Day for Classes 6 and 7 was staged on September 25th.  The Donnelly Hall was full to overflowing with friends and family members delighted with songs and dances.

Father Jiju and Brother Tek continue to take up the ministry in Baniyatar on a regular basis with sacramental administration, catechism lessons, some tuition and singing practice.

Some children force enjoyment into their school day by shaking the hand of Fr. Marty, who welcomes every child in reach every day wherever and whenever he is around.  Small children come in and go out of the school with lovely smiles, larger ones with knowing nods and the largest of them with surly sneers.

School mela preparation has begun. The mela date is set in wet cement for December 18, 2010! ––  Marty

Loyola Parish, Baniyatar

The parish continued to be a hub of various activities and events in the month of September. Two more groups began catechism on a regular basis; one group for those who are getting ready for first communion and another group for all the smaller children who do not figure in any of the other groups. The parish warmly welcomed the SCN sisters from Baluwatar. They have volunteered to run the faith and life formation programs for the women of the parish.
Christina Tamang was chosen to represent the parish community in Sri Lanka for the South Asian Session of the Young Catholic Students. The youth are busy preparing items for a cultural show to be held in the Church of the Assumption, Dhobighat, on 2nd October. On two weekends the Legion of Mary organized a cleaning program of the church and its sounding. They were well supported by the other groups in the parish.  Two of our youth, Lawrence and Yoteman have gone to Pokhara to participate in a week long program organized by Religious Youth Service, a group which promotes inter-religious harmony and working together as a community.

As the Dasain holidays are approaching, a good number of the faithful are planning to be with their near and dear ones back in their home village, Tipling.

St. Xavier’s, Godavari

“Showers” of blessing poured down in Godavari this year through the late monsoon. The students took it well, except for a few, who found the hills and valleys too slippery for their comfort; here and there a couple of fractured hands were noted.

On 29 August, a one act play fest was held in SXG. The plays were a treat and focused on raising awareness on social issues. 30 August saw the distribution of the monthly report card day. Our last and usually the best Parents’ Day, that of Class 1 and 2, was well attended by parents as usual. Morning hours of the same day were dedicated to Family Day for Classes 5 and 6; on the occasion, Fr. Victor shared about OUR way of life to the parents.

11 September, Our Class 9 students celebrated the Teej festival with the inmates of the Old Age home at Pashupati, by serving and helping them. The Children’s Day celebrations were held with aplomb on 14 September; that day it was the turn of the teachers to entertain the students with songs and dances. We also had the Nepali Elocution on 17 September. The following day the school conducted a dental check up camp for Classes 1 to 6. On 21st September there was a joint school Principles’ meeting in our school. The preparations for the 2nd Term Exams and Sports Day are underway.

Fr. Victor will be on the road for the next three weeks. He will attend the PCFs’ meeting in Goa and visit the scholastics in various parts of India. –– Tej

St. Xavier’s College

The news makers of St. Xavier’s are once again in the lime light.   On 27th August Fr. E.C. Sebastian was seen wearing a Korean flight tag.  Off he went with Fr. Norbert of Pokhara who has captioned the flight as merely a “Plight on Friendly Terms”.  This friendly visit lasted until 6th September.  No details were furnished yet except that they paid homage to the First Korean Martyrs of Faith.  We hope that their friendly visit is only a beginning of future collaboration and interaction to come.

Fr. A. Samy too was seen flying around quite a bit.  The first trip was to Bangalore for the meeting of the Coordinators of Jesuit Education which was held in the 2ndweek of September; then again in the 4th week to Delhi for the North Zone JEA meeting.   He seized the gap between these two meetings to complete the Graduation Ceremony of the I.Sc. and BSW graduates.  Mr. Madhav Prasad Ghimire, the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal was the Guest of Honour for the function on Sunday, 19th Sept. 2010. The Pioneer 2010, the illustrious College Magazine with the theme ‘Breaking Grounds,’ was released on the occasion. Fr. Samy returned on the 25th accompanied by two of his nieces Sr. Nirmala, PBVM from Chennai and Sr. John Mary, MSI from Andhra.

Once again we had the opportunity to host our Spanish guest, Fr. Jose Alfaro from Jharkhand who was in Deonia, Jhapa for over a month.  He has now gone to Pokhara.  He wants to look into the possibilities of providing primary education to poor children in Nepal.

The South Korean Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres (SPC) have carved a new chapter in the annals of their Apostolic Ministry by opening a new house at Maitighar in Kathmandu, Nepal.  His Excellency, the Bishop Antony Francis Sharma, S.J. of the Vicariate of Nepal has given his Apostolic Blessings on Saturday, the 25th Day of the 9th Month of the Year of the Lord, 2010 at  3, O’ clock in the afternoon in the presence of many priests, religious and friends, formally naming the convent as the “Louis Chauvet House”.   The former SPC Provincial of the Province of Seoul, Sr. Gemma Luci Kim Yeong Hee who had appointed Sr. Chrispina Kang Bu Sun (Superior), Sr. Lydia Kim Hyeon Sook and Sr. Sophia Bara Kim In Ook to be the Pioneers of this new venture was present along with the newly elected Provincial Sr. Agnes Shin.  Welcome sisters to the Vineyard of the Lord. A very special thanks to Br. Clarence who toiled hard for days to set the Louis Chauvet House fit for sisters to stay for years to come. — Paul K.C

Kamal Niwas, Sanepa

Fr. Jomon organized a one day orientation programme for 30 dedicated Class XII students belonging to Universal Solidarity Movement (USM) of St. Xavier’s College. Held at St. Xavier’s Jawalakhel, the program included a presentation on Enlightened Leadership by Fr. Augustine Amakkat and a session on Social Awareness by Mr. Raj Kumar, lecturer at St. Xavier’s BSW department. Sr. Lisa, SCCG, who brought USM to SXC graced the occasion by her presence and advice. Narun finished his final exams and is looking forward to the last month of his internship after which his studies in General Health will come to an end. Merlin is busy as one of the student representatives of his department and is often seen in the Dean’s office at Tribhuvan University, asking the university to conduct their exams on time; a promise that has never been fulfilled for the past four semesters. A little bit of toilet-ering is going on at HRD as the Region is trying to create more comfort zones at the house. –– Merlin

Jhapa

St. Xavier’s School celebrated Children’s Day. Five schools including Moran Memorial School participated in the programme. All the five schools participated in the dance competition. St. Xavier’s won the second position and Vidur secondary school won the 1st prize. It was a grand celebration. St. Xavier’s also organized a Children’s Day programme for the PIE (Partnership in Education) students. Many PIE (Government School) students had a first time experience of Children’s Day celebration in their life. Class six students went for their class picnic to Dharan. Fr. Sanjay accompanied them. Fr. George made a trip to Darjeeling with a few graduated students to express the gratitude for their valuable contribution to the school.

Moran Memorial also had a grand children’s day celebration with various cultural programmes by the staff members. World Peace Day was celebrated at MM School. Fr. Ignatius gave the message to the students of MMS. Moran Memorial school started a system of educating weaker students in the School. The idea is to give more attention to the weaker students. So, the classes up to lower secondary level will be rescheduled from 10 to 3.15 p. m by knocking out a few periods and less-important subjects. Selected students who are below Minimum Learning Level (MLL) will have special remedial coaching class from 3.15 pm by school teachers.

Fr. Mathew Das gave a seminar for high school students at Damak. Fr. George has gone to Delhi for a meeting. Mathew filled his absence. Fr. Roy could not go because of ill health. Br. Hermon is back from home after visiting his ailing mother. Fr. Bill got an award from the Education Department for 30 years of service in Nepal. Fr. Boby‘s niece enjoyed staying at Deonia, teaching physics in the high school and helping out with the substitution classes. –– Boby

Pokhara

Fr. Norbert had a very fruitful visit to Korea at the invitation of the St. Paul Sisters’ Provincial. He visited many places and got to know a great deal about the Catholics and religious in Korea. He was impressed by the modern life there and he wrote back saying, “Life moves on pretty fast here on four wheels.” Back in Hemja, he has slipped into his half pants and T-shirt and is busy again planting all possible things in the land whether they will sprout or not! The sisters and Norbert are busy preparing for the Korean doctors’ medical camp starting on 1st October in Hemja.

Fr. Cap has almost fully recovered from the fall in front of the Phedi falls. Guided by Cap the candidates recently explored the Mountain Museum and many of them were inspired to go to the higher realms. The Candidates’ House garden is getting a face-lift with many new plants and flower pots.

Our visitors included Fr. Bill Grim, M.M. and Mr. Chirendra Satyal, Frs. Silas Bogati, Joe Thaler, Augustine Amakkatt, and Fr. Alfaro.

Fr. Arul is busy with different parish activities. Mother Teresa’s centenary celebration was inaugurated at a Saturday parish Mass. Arul had many film shows (all free) on Mother’s life in convents and for parishioners. The latest plan is to have a pilgrimage to Kolkata to visit Mother’s tomb and Bandel church. Mathew doubled up as a driver for a few of the Shishu Bikas Kendra students who regularly needed to be taken for physiotherapy to a nearby centre. — Mathew A.

St. Xavier’s Social Service Centers

At the Jawalakhel Centre, the children are busy with their academic activities as well as serving the elderly people at Pashupati Ashram. Most of the students have received the results of their terminal exams. The social work students of SXC launched tuition classes for Classes 8, 9, and 10. Our students also participated in an essay and art competition organized   by social work trainees on the occasion of World Literacy Day, 2010.  They also took part in the National Children’s Day program at Freedom Centre. 15 students attended an evening candle  light celebration event  on the occasion of International Day  of Peace  at Maitighar Mandal on 21st September, 2010. — Arulanandam

From the Diaspora

Peter Chettri writes from RTC, Patna: We are all busy with our usual classes and ministries. Tomson goes to Chota Khaspur to teach Musaghar children; Dilip is busy with parish ministry at St. Stephen’s Church, Danapur. Besides their regular ministry, both Tomson and Dilip help Fr. Dionysius in the library.

Samuel writes from Vidyajyoti, Delhi: Anil and Vijay are busy minutely preparing for their comprehensive. Samu is having exams these days. Vijay has contracted conjunctivitis (Jai Bangla or redeyes); he is going around in goggles. He looks great but he does not feel very comfortable.

Thomas writes from De Nobili, Pune: All of us are preparing for our first semester exams. Recently, we had our community days and all were enthralled by the varieties. The best item was the fashion show. Raja acted in an SSU play titled “Pearl”. It was a thrilling experience for him. We are looking forward to the visitation of Fr. Victor.

Augustus writes from Loyola College, Vijayawada: September was a hectic month for me. On 7th and 8th the Commerce Department conducted a national fest called Bemus, for which more than 300 students from different states came. We had to make all the arrangements for different events like quiz, personality context, and dance and even for meals and stay. Apart from this, we had to write our assignments and submit before the due date, and then prepare for the 2nd mid exams, which we finished just three days back. Now I am getting ready for the 5th end semester exams, which will be starting on 7th November.

Prayers for the Departed

Maryknoll Father Jack Corcoran, who passed away on 26 September 2010 at Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu. He first came to Nepal in 1991. He worked with the inmates of the Central Jail in Kathmandu till 1995 when in a true pioneering spirit he moved to Nepalgunj, western Nepal, and from there to then little known Surkhet. For the last ten years he personified Christ’s compassion and love for the people of Surkhet, especially to the mentally challenged people. Jack was 79 when he entered his heavenly abode after a cardiac arrest caused by a massive heart attack.

Happy Birthday

07 October Amit Lakara
15 October Masillamani
21 October Deepak Tigga
22 October Samuel Simick
26 October Vijay Toppo

Wishes 4 a Happy vijayadashami & colorful Tihar 2067