CHRISTASHRAM & Xavier's School, Mancotta, Dibrugarh

FAREWELL : Sr. Asrita, MSMHC, who was Assistant Director of Christashram for the past two and half years, has gone for her studies in “Human Resource Management”. On transfer of Fr. Kurien Joseph  to Kanubari, now falls under the Diocese of Miao, Sr. Asrita carried out her responsibilities here with great dedication and diligence. As she had done her studies in Catechetics in Rome she had a very fruitful and satisfying ministry in the diocese. During the sumptuous dinner hosted in her honour on May 5, 2008, we bid her farewell with heartfelt gratitude and wished her God’s blessings on her future endeavours. The Pastoral Centre and the Catechists of the Diocese will certainly miss her.

FORMATION OF CATECHISTS : The Programs concerning the Formation of Catechists for our Diocese has been suspended during the summer of 2008. There was a very encouraging response to the programs conducted at Christashram, the pastoral centre of the diocese, so far. Most of the parishes of our Diocese had sent their catechists for the program.  Since the meeting of the Pastoral Council of the Diocese on May 10, 2008 put forward a valuable suggestion that our ‘catechists should be well trained to conduct church services in village communities,” we hope all the persons concerned will take more interest in sending their catechists to Christashram. The Staff of Christashram, in turn, promises to offer a full hearted support in this important pastoral mission of the Diocese.

MATRICULAITON RESULTS :  The Principal, Staff and Students of St. Xavier’s School, Mancotta, feel proud to announce that the sixth batch of students appeared for this year’s Matriculation exams conducted by SEBA in February-March 2008 has maintained the tradition of securing good results. From the 46 students appeared for the final exams 36 have passed in the first division and the rest in the second. On this occasion we like to inform all our well wishers that the school is growing from strength to strength every year.

Fr. Timothy Saldanha   E-mail : Christashram@gmail.com 

CATHOLIC YOUTH CENTRE

The Catholic Youth Director of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, Rev. Fr. Ruben Dungdung, organized the Seminars till date at following Parishes of the Diocese of Dibrugarh. First it was held at Woka parish from 29th to 30th March 2008 and the total Youth participants were 410. The theme was “DO SOME THING AND BECOME ONE”. At Bogapani T.E. under Digboi Parish, the seminar was organized from 17th to 18th May 2008 and the youth participants were around 375. The third youth seminar was at Bimalapur Parish from 24th to 25th May 2008. The Youth participants were 250. The Marian month was solemnly concluded with the fourth youth seminar at Rajabari Parish which was organized from 31st May 2008. the Candle procession and Marian Drama competition was organized by the parish youth in honour of Mary our Mother. The procession lasted for one hour and every body took active part for singing and praying. The unity among the youth was tremendously felt in all these places. Youth have put their heart and energy in organizing the seminar and made it a real success. Catholic youth have shown their interest by collecting funds both in cash and kind for the seminar.

Twelve successful catholic metric students 2008 were felicitated on 1st June 2008. Each of them was honoured by the Catholic Youth Director with Adivasi “gamcha” and envelopes were given by Fr. Albert Hembrom. Vocation camp for the Matric students was conducted in St. Joseph’s Seminary from 11th to 13th March 2008. The animators were Rev. Fr. Leander Kerketta, Fr. Ruben Dungdung and Fr. William Horo.

“The Youth awakening and Entrepreneurship” were the main theme of the Seminar. The topics discussed in all the seminars were Faith formation, Education, Leadership and Self initiative, Entrepreneurship, Culture and Socio-politics. During the group discussions many have shared their activities in various fields of the entrepreneurship such as weaving, knitting, tailoring, garage, hotel, grocery, tea stall, selling and buying of vegetables etc., are the result of the seminar which were conducted from time to time in the Diocese of Dibrugarh. However, one aspect is clear that the youth of the Diocese are getting more and more motivated for entrepreneurship and I feel that the youth will definitely be a new hope to the Family and at large for the whole society.                       Fr. Ruben Dungdung

NEW MEN AT THE WHEEL FOR MINISTRY 

01) Rev. Fr. Andreas Indwar, Financial Administrator

02) Rev. Fr. Paul Thettayil, Secretery of the NE Commission for Evangelization

03) Rev. Fr. Anthony Xalxo, Parish Priest of Naharkatia

04) Rev. Fr. Andrew Vadakumpadam, Rest in Bishop’s House Dibrugarh

05) Rev. Fr. Paulinus C. sdb. Parish Priest of Amguri

06) Rev. Fr. Hilarius Ekka sdb, Parish Priest of Doomdooma

07) Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Kerketta sdb, Parish Priest of Tongna

08) Rev. Fr. Louis Tirkey sdb, Assistant Parish Priest of Khobong

09) Rev. Fr. Bimal Lakra sdb, Warden of Bishop Marengo College Hostel 

10) Rev. Fr. Rajesh Lakra sdb, Assistant Parish Priest of Golaghat

11) Bro. Thomas Surin, Regent in Boniface Apostolic School, Dibrugarh

Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind sdb, DD. 

Report of Seva Kendra, Dibrugarh

VDMC Trainings

(Mr. Jimmy Topno and Mr.Rinku Toppo)

The members of the Village Disaster management Committee (VDMC) of the project areas were given a two days training on the functioning of the VDMCs and their roles and the responsibilities of the members. The participants arrived on 3rd and departed on 4th April 2008.  The training was conducted at Christasharm, Mancotta. The chief guest for the inaugural function was Fr. Joy Pallikunnel the Vicar General of the Diocese of Dibrugarh. The other members present for the inaugural function were Mr. Robert Bhengra, the staff of Seva Kendra and Mr. Pores Aind, the reporter of the Assam Tribune.   The resource person for the programme was Mr. Vishnu Das from NEDSF Ghy., Ms. Sujata Suchibrata ACS, the UNICEF Facilitator for Dibrugarh District who also took some sessions for the programme. The others who assisted for the programme were Mr. Jimmy Topno, Mr. Rinku Toppo and Mr. Joseph Kawa.The following topics were mainly dealt with during the two days programme: Concept of CBDP, the roles and the responsibilities of the VDMC members,  Sustainability of the programme, preparing the Plan of Action, government Linkage and the various Govt. schemes for the flood affected people. There were 30 participants for the programme from the project areas.

St. Dominic's School, DHURIA

(Mr. Benedict Indwar, HCD coordinator)

St. Dominic School under Seva Kendra is taking innovative measures to help many poor students to receive quality education at a very minimum fee and at their door steps.

with the establishment of this school in a interior location now people can educate their children in the English medium at their door steps. The village children are able to communicate in English because of the school. The health of the children has improved because of the nutritious food bulgur provided to them by seva kendra Dibrugarh in the form of Mid Day Meal.

Coaching for matriculations exams and tuition classes on difficult subjects are given to the students. activities like the Quiz competitions, annual sports, parents' day, and the other competitions are encouraging the other parents to enroll their children to this school.

Rehabilitation Programme at Maria Basti Under Doom Dooma Parish

(Mr. Anthony Bonkor, Coordinator)

Mariabasti is a village situated at 30 kilometers from Doomdooma town. There are forty six house holds with total population of 450.This village is inhabited by the migrants from the river bank of Brahmaputra. Prior to the present settlement they were living very comfortably with their family members with good paddy cultivation and domestic animals like cows, bulls, goats and chickens. They had everything in surplus as they had everything required in a village set up, but their happiness lasted for a short while because of the mighty deluge of 2004 and 2007 which washed away their village entirely. They had to bear enormous losses and compelled to leave everything in search of a safer place.

When they came to this new village holding the same name Maria Basti is retained. This land has been allotted to them by the Government as Aid to the flood victims in the year 2007. Seva Kendra came out on war footing to rehabilitate these people. Seva Kendra helped them with tarpaulins, tin sheets and food supply. Since 2008 Seva Kendra has come up with mega programmes to help them with a kind and generous helping hand of the Catholic Relief Service (CRS).

GOAL        :   Reduced vulnerability among flood affected communities in Maria Basti.

Objectives   :      Targeted HHs are living in appropriate/flood resilient shelter.

                      Targeted HHs have restored their livelihoods.

                      Targeted HHs protect themselves from flood related health hazards.

Mr. Bonkor Anthony and two Volunteers  Mr. Tarcius Minj and Miss. Geeta Bongkor of Maria Basti are spearheading whole program to complete it within the time frame of one year. Till date 2 water points have been set up and 15 houses have been constructed and hopefully 46 houses will be completed by end of June. Communities are donating the elephant grass as walling material and they themselves are involved in construction work in the form of cash for work (CFW). As for monetary support, families will be given Rs. 1600.00 (Male Rs. 800.00 & Female Rs. 800.00) and single headed house will receive Rs.1000.00. This to start with a small livelihood option for better tomorrow.

Behaviour change Communication(BCC)

( John Paul Tirkey)

The Behavior Change Communication (BCC) campaign of UNICEF has been entrusted with overseeing the BCC campaign in three development blocks, namely Joypur, Tingkhong and Khowang. Under the able leadership of Project Support Officer, Mr. John Paul and under the guidance of the Director, SKD, Rev Fr. Philip Purty, SKD has succeeded in assuring the penetration of the BCC activities to the remotest corners of the blocks they are looking after.

These are four key areas which BCC focuses :

1. Promotion of Hand Washing : The teachers of many primary schools have taken the initiative to provide soaps in their respective schools. They have promised to shoulder the responsibility of providing soaps on a continuous basis without any break. 

With respect to many children keeping long nails, some of the VYVs have taken steps to make the villagers/tea garden laborers understand about the significance of maintaining shorter and clean nails for maintaining good health.

2.  Girl Child Education: The BCC campaign has adopted an approach based on creating awareness about the benefits of educating the girl child. It has also tried to see to it that the drop out rates among the girls is reduced and wherever possible to take those girls who have dropped out of school, back to the classrooms. Seva Kendra, Dibrugarh (SKD) along with the VYVs have come up with lot of innovative methods to promote the cause of Girls' Education and with reasonable success.

3. HIV/AIDS : As per the data collected by SKD during the Village Planning Exercise, it was found that the awareness level about HIV/AIDS among the rural folk is very low.   There are several misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Seva Kendra team conducts street plays, rally, forming small clubs , peer groups to discuss on HIV/AIDS.

4. Exclusive Breast Feeding. : "Breast Milk is the best food for your baby"- Unfortunately many people in India are ignorant about this fact and as a result, it is being observed that a considerable number of babies in India are suffering from malnutrition. Again in India, a general practice is to avoid giving Colostrums (First Milk) to a child which is also a cause of concern as it has been scientifically proved that Colostrums strengthen the immune system of a child. Therefore, UNICEF has taken up Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) for the first six months from birth as a part of the Behavior Change Communication (BCC) campaign wherein it is not only promoting EBF for the first six months but also trying to make sure that a new born baby is not deprived of the Colostrums. As per revisit sample data collected by SKD, in Joypur block, the percentage of mothers who were practicing EBF reached 95% from the earlier figure of 86%. Fr.  Purty Philip

St. Joseph’s Institute of Information Technology

New Building for SJIIT

On October 8, 2007 St. Joseph’s Institute of Information Technology (SJIIT)’s new building located above Catholic Literature Centre (CLC) was inaugurated and blessed by Sri Ashutosh Agnihotri IAS, DC, Dibrugarh and Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind, Bishop of Dibrugarh respectively. SJIIT is proud to be the Authorized Training Centre for C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), whose head office is in Pune. The Leap Office and a few Super Computers of India are built by them. We have been imparting both short (up to 3 & 6 months) and long (up to 1 year) term computer courses of C-DAC to all the sections of the society. Many are employed in different offices after completing course from the Institute. There are 15 computers in Computer Lab with 24 hours power backup, Library, Hardware Room and well furnished Class Rooms for the Students. One of the best features of the Institutes is that there is one Computer per student. Further, the Institute has well qualified faculties. Sir. Francis Xavier Osga 

Mary Help of Christians, Khobong

Our Diocese is indeed blessed to have a new presbytery in KHOBONG. This presbytery is named as Mary Help of Christians.   It was blessed and inaugurated by Rev.Fr. Nistor Guria (the acting provincial of Dimapur) on 4th of April - ‘08.  There are 14 villages with 2700 Catholics approximately. At present Rev. Fr. Jerome Minj is the Parish Priest. There were many fathers and sisters who came for the blessing of this Presbytery. For instance, Fr. Joachim, Fr. Sebastian, Fr. Nathaniel, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Santilal, Fr. Jonas, Fr. Anthony, Fr. Noas,  Sr. Rose, Sr. Anna, Sr. Margaret, Sr. Charli and Sr. Alice came for the programme. There were around two hundred faithful who gathered for the blessing.

Wishing Gods blessing over the people and the land so that the people of the soil may grow and flourish bearing witness of our Lord Jesus Christ.            Fr. Jerome Minj 

CATHOLIC CHURCH NAMTOK TURNS SILVER

(Under Margherita Parish, Assam)

 “The Mighty one has done great things for me and holy is his name!”. This was Mary’s hymn of praise and thanksgiving! Today along with Mary, spontaneously we repeat the same words, thinking of the marvels that the Lord has accomplished in the past 25 years in Namtok.

The Namtok Catholic Church celebrated its Silver Jubilee of the establishment of the Church and the arrival of the first missionaries on 12th, 13th and 14th January, 2008, in a spectacular show of faith and festivities. About 3500 people dressed in their Sunday best and reflecting great enthusiasm on their faces actively participated in the twin Jubilee celebrations like Silver Jubilee of St. Joseph’s Church and Silver Jubilee of the Catechist Mr. Robert Kullu. Adding solemnity to the festivities was the presence of important dignitaries like Bishop Joseph Aind of Dibrugarh and Mr. Ponte (MLA of Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh).

The festivities commenced with the hoisting of the Jubilee flag by Bishop Joseph Aind after which there was the blessing of the Church and the Jubilee Hall. In his inaugural speech Bishop Aind lauded the hard work of the faithful of Namtok and thanked the parish priest and assistant parish priest for seeing to every detail of the celebration. Today Namtok has over 47 Catholic families. Bishop also congratulated the Catechist Mr.Robert Kullu and the faithful for their hard work in preserving and spreading the Catholic faith.

The Mass was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind SDB, DD. During the mass about 80 adults received the sacrament of Confirmation. Other highlights of the Jubilee celebrations included presentation of Jubilee mementos and gifts to the chief guest and special invitees. Traditional and cultural dances, songs and skits presented by the residents and neighboring villages added flavour to the colourful celebrations. As part of the programme, there was also the solemn releasing of the well prepared Jubilee Souvenir by the chief guest. The Jubilee celebrations were crowned by a sumptuous lunch served for all and video programme on social themes organized by Fr. Bimal Lakra the Director of AGUA. Bro. Igness Hans 

Don Bosco Provincial House, Dimapur

The Feast of St. Joseph

On the 15th March we celebrated the feast of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and the patron of the Universal Church. This feast reminds us of the need to be more faithful to the call we have received. Imitating the virtues of St. Joseph, let us follow the Lord more closely. May Joseph inspire us to take better care of all those who are entrusted to our care, especially the poor as St. Joseph took care of Jesus.

Diaconate Ordination

We congratulate Dn. Kerketta Shilanand and Dn. Lokho Athili Martin who were ordained deacons on 15th March 2008, at Kristo Jyoti College, Bangalore. Let us continue to pray for them as they will be carrying out their diaconate ministry in the province and as they prepare for their ordinations.

New CBCI President

Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Ernakulam-Angamaly, was elected as the president of CBCI on 19th February 2008, during the bishops’ plenary assembly. He is 81 years old. He succeeds Cardinal Telesphore Toppo of Ranchi.

Varkey Vithayathil was born in 1927. He joined the Redemptorists and was ordained a priest in 1954. He was ordained a bishop by Pope John Paul II in 1997. In 1999, he was appointed the major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and as the archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

He was made a cardinal in 2001. He is a member of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts and of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. We congratulate the new president of CBCI  and assure him of our prayerful support. Rev. Fr. Nestor Guria SDB (Vice Provincial)

BONIFACE APOSTOLIC SCHOOL, DIBRUGARH

The total strength of Boniface Apostolic School for the Academic Year 2008 is 70. Bro. Thomas Surin joined our community in the month of May. We wish him all the best in his stay with us. For the non-scholastic activities the house is divided into four groups viz., ICELAND, DREAMLAND, FINDLAND AND DISNEYLAND. The co-curricular activities are going on full swing along with the scholastic activities.

During the Marian month special rosary services were conducted by the students of BAS. There was also the Marian Quiz competition. Our students participated in the Marian Skit competition and Marian Song competition held in Cathedral Parish. They brought home a statue of Our Lady by bagging the Second prize in the Skit and Singing Competitions. This year 6 students joined St. Joseph’s Seminary after finishing their Matriculation. We wish them a happy seminary stay in the heart of the diocese.          Fr. Lebanus Kujur      

ST. XAVIER’S HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, DULIAJAN

New Flesh for the Old Bone :

St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School is taking altogether a new shape and look in its structural arena. The construction of this institution is worth mentioning. The pride of the diocese is exceedingly very high because it is a way for many of our Catholic students to receive their education and get qualified for further studies. The guardians are extremely happy not only with the magnificent structure of the institution but also with the standard and the cent percent results it is able to produce in the HSLC & P.U.C.  Thanks to the Principal and all the teachers for their selfless and tireless zeal in dedicating and sacrificing their time and energy for the well being of our students.

Keep Green & Keep Growing: 5th June-‘08 was “The World Environment Day.” For the Xaverians of classes VIII, IX & X it was a day of great joy and excitement in planting new plants  to save our earth from global warming and air pollution. Having studied all about the external conditions that are influencing the behaviour and growth of living beings, plants and nature, our students planted many plants to make the environment of our Earth clean, green and free from global warming and air pollution. Thanks to M’am Arifa and all the students for their love towards their Mother Earth.

New Turn for Young Freshers: On 10th June-’08, the new batch of students for the Higher Secondary first year course were given a solemn welcome by the Xaverian family. Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind sdb.; Fr. G..P. Amalraj the Principal; Prof. Tintus Bhengra of Kanoi College Dibrugarh; Prof. Amiya Khanikar, H.O.D. English - Duliajan College and Sir Ranjit Mohan of the Assam Gas Company, gave an inspiring talk and encouraged the young freshers not only to be a successful person in life but also to be good, honest, God fearing citizen of our country. They were welcomed and felicitated by our Xaverian family with a colourful classical dance, songs and snacks. Welcome and all the best! Sir. Jerry Selastin

COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSOCIATION,

DIBRUGARH  (CHAD)

22nd AGBM At Cathedral Hall Dibrugarh

Community Health Association, Dibrugarh (CHAD) is committed to be partners in bringing Health to the Grass root level. With the help of Miserior we are serving in 50 villages under 10 parishes in 5 districts namely Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat.

After a week long training for the Member Institution Coordinators and Parish Health leaders at Nilmoni. The members arrived at Dibrugarh on 30th March 2008 for the 22nd AHGBM of CHAD. There was high expectation and discussions for they knew that they are going to have a new President for CHAD after 8 long years.

The inaugural session started at 9.30 am with Hoisting of the Unit flag by Rev. Fr. Paul Thettayil the Financial administrator of Dibrugarh. The members and staff sang the CHAD anthem. Father in his speech encouraged the members for the effort they put in for rural health.

Then they proceeded to the hall for the inaugural session. The Nursing Students of Gerosa Institute of Nursing presented a prayer dance with their gentle steps. Every service should spring from love and the source of love is Christ. As a symbol of his presence among us, the chief Guest Rev. Fr. Joy Pallikunnel Vicar General of Dibrugarh Diocese and other dignitaries lighted the lamp. Sr. Martha SCCG unfolded the theme “Every one together for health” In her speech she highlighted the necessity of making health possible for all by the concerned effort of every one. The people of every walk  of life should be convinced that they too have a role in bringing good health to people around them. The PHL presented a role-play depicting “how organized they should be and how they can do lobbing advocacy collectively to bring health and development in their community.”

In his inaugural speech Rev. Fr. Joy congratulated the organization for its untiring effort to be partners for a healthy and developed society in their villages and to their neighboring communities. He wished the organization every success.

Rev. Fr. Leander Kerketta gave out the award to the best Village Health Worker (VHW) from all 10 parishes. In his speech he expressed his appreciation for the work done by CHAD. In the afternoon during business session the new president was unanimously elected in the presence of Rev. Sr. Lins FCC. Every one thanked the out going president and congratulated the new president. I wish and pray that there will be a new face, new life and fresher air in the new board and in the CHAD and that the tree of CHAD will grow. Sr. Sandra          

ST. JOACHIM & ST. ANNE’S CHURCH, MORANHAT

The Moranhat Parish witnessed hectic activities in the month of April and May, ‘08. The house blessing ceremonies got over in the middle of May and immediately we started the Marian Procession and Masses in the village communities. Our touring sisters were in the villages-Badgum, Khoomtai and Meslong - to prepare the children for first communion and rectify the marriages.

Mr. Alphonse D’Souza from Bombay was in Khowang - T.E., for the family Animation programme from 22nd May to 25th May 2008. A strong team of 164 members took part in the renewal service. Khowang witnessed a huge crowd on the conclusion day of the animation programme as well as the Marian Day of the animation. Fr. William Horo, from Bishop’s House, Dibrugarh was the main celebrant for the Mass. There was a grand cultural  show after the Mass. The winneres were given prizes by the Khowang Marian celebration committee.

We had a beautiful candle-lit Marian procession in the Parish on 24th May. On 25th May, 25 boarding children received first Holy Communion. Rev.Fr. Philip Purty from Seva Kendra - was the main celebrant to officiate the Holy Mass.

This year, St. Joseph’s High School, Moranhat, got a very good result in the Matric Exams. 42 students appeared for the Matric Exam, out of 42, 30 got 1st division 10 second division and 2 got third division. Above all, one of the student merited 5th Rank in the State level. We are glad because all our boarding girls and boys have really come out successful in the Examination. We wish them all the best for their further studies.

From 29th May to 1st June we had our regular Health Awareness Generation in the Parish. There were 20 participants from Nilmoni and Moranhat parish. Fr. Sebastian Ekka and the touring sisters took active part in the house blessing ceremonies and in the Marian Procession.Fr. Jacob Edasseril

MODEL ENGLISH SCHOOL, LAKWA

This Model English School was established in the year 1994 by the local people. It was handed over to the Diocese of Dibrugarh in the year 2004. Rev. Fr. Louis Dhan was the first Priest In charge of this Model English School at Lakwa. It is under Sonari Parish. There are three Catholic Communities in this area which is under the care of Rev. Fr. Louis Dhan. So far five batches have already completed their HSLC Examination. This year one of the Student of this School has stood 20th rank in the State level. All the five batches have come out successful with cent percent results.          Fr. Louis Dhan 

MY PREACHING EXPERIENCE IN THE

DIOCESE OF DIBRUGARH

The retreat was based on family life and God’s plan starting with Genesis and the First couple to Jesus time and the modern Church. All aspects of family life were taught upon but always related to God’s word making it relevant for their present needs and feelings. All vices-superstitions-abortions and adultery was shown in the light of Ezekiel’s vision of adulterous Jerusalem.

God’s continuous love and forgiveness down the ages gave hope to present day Catholics that if they desired they too could change with the help of Jesus’ saving grace. It was frightening to see how God’s people are subdued but surely being sucked into the hand of consumerism and sex through TV-film-books and songs. The answer is prayer either individually or collectively in prayer groups.

A commitment Mass was offered for the faithful so that they could change their way of life. The faithful offered all their problems together with the Host in the ciborium during the offertory.

The statistics of the Retreats are as follows:-

     i)   Nilmoni -               Sorojini -                   380              People

                                     Tinkong -                  570                  ,,

    ii)   Naharkatia -          Jaypur   -                  290                  ,,

                                     Dilli -                        120                  ,,

    iii)   Golaghat -             Sockeiting -              255                  ,,

    iv)   Sarupathar -          Ornalpur -                 187                  ,,

    v)   Naojan -                Chongajan -              237                  ,,

    vi)   Uriamghat -           Hatiguli -                   192                  ,,

   vii)   Sonari -                Nahorhabi -                55                   ,,

  viii)   Woka -                 Girga line -                202                  ,,

    ix)   Moranhat -            Khowang -                 164                  ,,

It was thrilling to see our youth participating and helping in Tinkhong, Dilli, Sockeiting, Ornalpur, Hatiguli and Girga line. for they are the hope of the Church and its future, growth and development entirely depend on them. I thank Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind sdb, DD; Fr. Terence and all the Parish Priests for giving me this opportunity to work for God’s Kingdom. Mr. Alphonse D’Souza(Bandra - Mumbai)   

HOLY NAME SCHOOL, SIVASAGAR

Inauguration of the newly constructed auditorium cum Parents Day Celebration

The inauguration of the newly constructed auditorium was held on 25th May 2008. It began with a grand reception of the Chief Guests and other important dignitaries. A group of dancers led the dignitaries from the convent to the auditorium. The new auditorium was blessed by his Excellency Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind sdb. DD. Other important dignitaries present on this occasion were Mr.N.M. Hussain, the Deputy commissioner of Sivasagar district, SP Mr. Shyamal Saikia and other eminent personalities of the district.

Soon after the inauguration ceremony the Parents Day Celebrations began. The students of class I-VI felicitated their parents with their colourful steps and voices. The celebrations lasted for two days. The second day’s cultural programme was staged by the students of VI-X. Every body present on the occasion was highly impressed. A special gratitude goes to the school management headed by Fr. Jose Muloparampil, the principal of the school.  

HSLC  Results - 2008

Holy Name School  Sivasagar was very glad to receive the news of the matriculation results on May 27, 2008. A total of 80 students appeared for the examination. Like other years, this year too, the school achieved cent percent success. Miss. Karishma Bhuyanj brought laurels to the school by securing the 14th rank in the state. CONGRATS! 76 students secured First Division and Four obtained Second Division. There were 8 distinctions. The following day the matric students were felicitated by the school children for their excellent performance. Miss Karishma Bhuyan was specially honoured by the Principal of the school with a certificate of merit and a bouquet of flowers. The students who secured distinction were honoured with a phulan gamosa and a bouquet of flowers. The credit for the achievement goes to the head of the institution Fr. Jose Muloparampil and the teaching staff. The school looks forward to excellent performance by the students in future too.            Fr. Bartholomew Tete 

St. Francis Xavier Parish : Naharkatia

Saphai Abijan - On 18th of May 2008, we had a general cleaning drive of the whole parish compound. The thick bushes occupying the campus were chopped off completely giving a new look to the parish compound. There were about nine hundred people from different centres who voluntarily came forward for cleaning up of the jungle from the Parish compound.

Saphai Abijan - On 1st of June again there were around 300 people for the final touch of the Saphai Abijan. They cleaned up all the rubbish surrounding the boundary. They also went around visiting those families staying around the parish compound and were told very sternly not to throw any rubbish or waste materials inside the Parish compound. The people who came for the work were served tea and buns.                       Fr. Anthony Xalxo  

ST. JOSEPH’S MINOR SEMINARY - DIBRUGARH

At present we have 80 seminarians hailing from 5 dioceses of North East India - Dibrugarh, Diphu, Tura, Tezpur and Miao. Besides for the first time Missionary of Charity - Mother Teresa has sent 4 of its candidates to study Higher Secondary. The First year seminarians arrived on 12th of April 2008.

Inauguration of New Academic Year - 2008-2009

On 14th of April 2008, in the morning Bishop Joseph Aind celebrated the Holy Eucharistic. At 9.00 a.m. there was the solemn inauguration of the new academic Session-2008-09. Mrs. Sujata, Dibrugarh district coordinator of UNICEF was the chief guest. The function began with the lighting of the lamps followed by a hymn to the Holy Spirit. Fr. Rector welcomed all and specially the new comers. He also thanked Bishop for his constant support, and all those who were in some way or the other involved in formation of the young seminarians. Fr. Counsellor presented the reports of 2007-08 and the plans of 2008-09. Mrs. Sujata in her inaugural speech said that we are lucky because we received education from some prestigious schools. But there are places where education has not reached to the people till now. She mostly spoke from her experience. Still education is far from the common people. She urged the seminarians to take seriously the education which they are receiving. Together with it the disciplines and other opportunities. Bishop in his speech asked the seminarians to burn out those elements which do not make them seminarians and absorb those elements which mould them to be good priests in the future. The ceremony came to an end with a vote of thanks by Br. Tintus.

Inauguration of SISOL

On 20th of April at 3.00 p.m. there was the solemn inauguration of SISOL activities. Fr. William Horo was the chief Guest for the occasion. He encouraged the seminarians to participate whole heartedly in the SISOL activities because of three reasons: it develops personality, brings out hidden talents and helps channelizing the energy in a right direction. He declared the SISOL 2008-09 open. SISOL  - Skills in the Service of the Lord includes activities like - stage performances, literary - Lichubari Bulletin, gardening, academic activities, outer games and indoor games and other mental and physical competitions.

Higher Secondary Results - 2007-08.

There were total 23 boys who wrote Higher Secondary Final Examination. All of them successfully passed the examination - 15 first division and 8 second division. 13 letter marks and 2 star marks.

To Vianney Home - 2008

This year 2008 - 16 seminarians went to Vianney home for their spirituality course. From Dibrugarh there were 6 (six). We wish them all the best in their spiritual formation.           Fr. Lakra Cyprian, SJS-Dibrugarh 

NAOJAN PARISH

We had Parish Pastoral Council Meeting on 20th April 2008. On the same day there was the blessing of seeds for sowing as well as meeting about the Health Care Fund where each family responded to collect hundred rupees for five years. This money will be utilized for the sick and for education.

On 25th March there was a retreat in Amguri III, where Fr. Norbert Xess and his Jharkhand team preached the retreat. People were so much taken up that they started to fast for eight Fridays. Another retreat was preached by Mr. Alphonse at Christian Basti Chongajan, where many have decided to changed their way of life.

On 31st May we had Marian procession from Parish to Mr. Prakash Manala’s house and to Sister’s convent and then back to the Parish Church. On 1st June we conducted Marian Quiz as well as Rosary Quiz for both girls and boys. The boarding girls won the first prize and the Holy Cross boy’s the second prize. Fr. Victor Toppo 

Jottings From our Bishop's Diary

Month of April 2008

     Date    Day    Programme

        01    Tue     Fr. Andreas Indwar takes up the Financial Administration

        02    Wed    Dibrugarh Council meeting 5.00 pm - dinner

        03    Thu     Dibrugarh

        04    Fri      Tinsukia - Profession of Disciples at Bible School

        05    Sat     Golaghat

        06    Sun    Golaghat - Rangajan Church blessing

        07    Mon    Duliajan - St. Xavier’s M.C. meeting 3.00 pm

        08    Tue     Sadia

        09    Wed    Sadia - Siling Church blessing

        10    Thu     Sadia

        11    Fri      Dibrugarh

        12    Sat     Rajabari

        13    Sun    Rajabari - Purus Diwas

        14    Mon    Dibrugarh - SJS Academic session Inauguration

        15    Tue     Golaghat

        16    Wed    Golaghat

        17    Thu     Guwahati - NEDSF General Body Meeting                   

        18    Fri      Dibrugarh  

        19    Sat     Chabua - Vianney Home Session Inauguration

        20    Sun    Pregaree - School building blessing

        21    Mon    Dibrugarh

        22    Tue     Dibrugarh

        23    Wed