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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
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