Message

Dear Readers,

Seek joy in what you give not in what you get. Life is not made up of great sacrifices and duties but made up of little smiles and kind acts of giving. Even God loves a cheerful giver as the scripture says.

Giving requires good sense. The manner of giving shows the character of the giver more than the gift itself. Rich gifts are poor, when givers prove unkind. He that gives quickly gives twice. Giving expands the heart and remove creases of the heart. Rightly said, Paul Gold- 'When God measures man, He puts the tape around the heart, not the head.'

Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself. A man's giving in alms one-piece of silver in his lifetime is better than giving one hundred when he is about to die.

We must experience extreme joy in giving because happiness depends on what we can give and not what we can get. It is possible to give without loving but it is impossible to love without giving.

So friends, we must saw before we can reap ; we must give before we can get.

"What we keep to ourselves we lose, what we give away we keep forever." - Axel Munthe.

Happy Giving !

Yours in Child Jesus,

Fr. Noas Lakra  

Editor :

Fr. Noas Lakra

St. Xavier's Higher Secondary School

Post Box : 2

P.O. : Duliajan

Dist. : Dibrugarh, Pin : 786602

Ph : 0374-2803619, 9957530384 (M)

E-mail ID : lakranoas@gmail.com

Layout & Design :

Fr. Noas Lakra

Mr. Raju Baruah

Miss. Adlin Bajrai

Mrs. Aruna Baruah

Printed at :

Raj Enterprise

16 No. Tiniali, Gulokpur Namghar, Duliajan

Ph. : 9957646903

Published by :

Bishop's House, Dibrugarh

Post Box : 50

Dibrugarh, Assam, Pin : 786001

Phone : House 0373/2324436

Fax : 91-373-2321496

E-mail : dibdiocese@hotmail.com

www.dibrugarhdiocese.org

Contributors :

Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind sdb., DD.

Fr. Joy Pallikunnel

Fr. Jacob Edassery

Fr. William Horo

Fr. Reuben Dungdung

Fr. Noas Lakra

Fr. Robert Kachua

Sr. Lins Fcc

Mr. Anthony Bongkor

John Paul Tirkey                             

LETTER TO THE CLERGY FOR THE YEAR FOR PRIESTS 

VATICAN CITY, 18 JUNE 2009 (VIS) - The Pope Benedict XVI has sent a Letter to the Priests of the World for the occasion of the Year for Priests, which has been called to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Mary Vianney. A brief text of the English language version is given below: 

Dear Brother Priests,

On the forthcoming Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday 19 June 2009 - a day traditionally devoted to prayer for the sanctification of the clergy - I have decided to inaugurate a “Year for Priests” in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the “dies natalis” of John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests worldwide. This Year, meant to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world, will conclude on the same Solemnity in 2010. “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”, the saintly Cure of Ars would often say. This touching expression makes us reflect, first of all, with heartfelt gratitude on the immense gift which priests represent, not only for the Church, but also for humanity itself. I think of all those priests who quietly present Christ’s words and actions each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord in their thoughts and their will, their sentiments and their style of life.

He spoke of the priesthood as if in capable of fathoming the grandeur of the gift and task entrusted to a human creature: “O, how great is the priest! ... If he realized what he is, he would die. ... God obeys him: he utters a few words and the Lord descends from heaven at his voice, to be contained within a small host”. Explaining to his parishioners the importance of the Sacraments, he would say: “Without the Sacrament of Holy Orders, we would not have the Lord. Who put Him therein that tabernacle? The priest. Who welcomed your soul at the beginning of your life? The priest. Who feeds your soul and gives it strength for its journey? The priest. Who will prepare it to appear before God, bathing it one last time in the blood of Jesus Christ? The priest, always the priest. And if this soul should happen to die [as a result of sin], who will raise it up, who will restore its calm and peace? Again, the priest. ... After God, the priest is everything! ... The priest holds the key to the treasures of heaven: it is he who opens the door: he is the steward of the good Lord; the administrator of His goods. ... Leave a parish for twenty years without a priest, and they will end by worshipping the beasts there.... The priest is not a priest for himself; he is a priest for you”.

St. John Mary Vianney taught his parishioners primarily by the witness of his life. It was from his example that they learned to pray, halting frequently before the tabernacle for a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. “One need not say much to pray well” - the Cure explained to them- “We know that Jesus is there in the tabernacle: let us open our hearts to Him, let us rejoice in His sacred presence. That is the best prayer”. And he would urge them: “Come to communion, my brothers and sisters, come to Jesus. Come to live from Him in order to live with Him. ... “Of course you are not worthy of him, but you need him!”. This way of educating the faithful to the Eucharistic presence and to communion proved most effective when they saw him celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Those present said that “it was not possible to find a finer example of worship. ... He gazed upon the Host with immense love”. “All good works, taken together, do not equal the sacrifice of the Mass” - he would say - “since they are human works, while the Holy Mass is the work of God”. He was convinced that the fervour of a priest’s life depended entirely upon the Mass:

In today’s world, we priests should feel that the following words, which he put on the lips of Christ, are meant for each of us personally:” I will charge my minister stop proclaims to sinners that I am ever ready to welcome them, that my mercy is infinite”. From St. John Mary Vianney we can learn to put our unfailing trust in the Sacrament of Penance, to set it once more at the centre of our pastoral concerns, and to take up the “dialogue of salvation” which it entails.

To the Most Holy Virgin I entrust this Year for Priests. I ask her to awaken in the heart of every priest a generous and renewed commitment to the ideal of complete self-oblation to Christ and the Church which inspired the thoughts and actions of the saintly Cure of Ars.  May his example lead all priests to offer that witness of unity with their bishop, with one another and with the lay faithful, which today, as ever, is so necessary? Despite all the evil present in our world, the words which Christ spoke to His Apostles in the Upper Room continue to inspire us: “In the world you have tribulation; but take courage, I have overcome the world”. Our faith in the Divine Master gives us the strength to look to the future with confidence. Dear priests, Christ is counting on you. In the footsteps of the Cure of Ars, let yourselves be enthralled by Him. In this way you too will be, for the world in our time, heralds of hope, reconciliation and peace!

BXVI-LETTER/YEAR FOR PRIESTS/...         VIS 090618 (4360) WWW. Vatican.va 

St. Theresa of Child Jesus – Digboi

                            Rev. Fr. Cyril Purty

St. Theresa of Child Jesus Parish – Digboi gave a third priest to the Diocese of Dibrugarh when Deacon Cyril Purty of Bogapani – Line No. 10 of the T. E. was ordained a priest on April 26, 2009 by Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind Sdb DD at the Tea Garden Bihutuli stage, attended by above ten thousand people including 58 priests and some 60 religious sisters.  Earlier in 1999, Fr. Philip Purty and Fr. Louis Dhan of the T. E. were ordained. 

The program began at around 9.30 am when the Bishop and the priests were led to the altar by a dancing troop of Adivasi young maidens who danced graciously balancing a well decorated pot each on their heads to the mandar tal. More than ten thousand people who had gathered to witness the events prayerfully stood as the ordaining prelate along with the deacon and the priests went in procession to the altar and gave them a standing ovation.

During the celebration of the Holy Eucharist the Deacon was examined by the Bishop and once satisfied with the candidate’s willingness and worthiness to be a priest of God he ordained him by laying his hands and saying the prayer of consecration. He was then vested with the garments of alb, stole & chasuble necessary to say mass as priest. He was also provided with a holy pattern with bread on and a chalice filled with wine, authorizing him to preside over the Holy Eucharistic celebration. Obeying the commission of Jesus, every Catholic priest consecrates the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus during the holy mass.

The choir led by Fr. Robert Kachua and his team and accompanied by the modern as well as Adivasi classical musical instruments such as keyboard, guitar, drum set, madars, nagaras, flute & kartal etc. sang beautifully the hymns and bhajans of the liturgy and brought about a prayerful atmosphere in the celebration.

Later, the newly ordained, Fr. Cyril Purty was felicitated with a variety of cultural program that included jhumur, bihu, prayer dances, action songs, film dances etc entertaining everyone to their heart content. Humbled by the great elevation, Fr. Cyril attributed everything to God. He said, “Today I am ordained a priest by Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind. I thank him sincerely. It is the work of God. It is not my achievement; I give all credit to God and God alone. Whatever I am today it is by the grace of God.”

Kudos to the Parish Priest of Digboi, Rev. Fr. Ambrose Ekka and his team who managed every aspect of the program very efficiently. The entire crowd was accommodated well and fed sumptuously.

Fr. Cyril Purty, the 6th of the seven children of Johan and Late Cecilia Hansoy joined the St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary Dibrugarh in 1999 after his higher secondary and began his studies for priesthood. He completed his philosophical and theological studies from Good Shepherd Seminary – Dimapur & St. Albert’s Seminary – Ranchi respectively. He is the 76th Diocesan Priest of the Diocese.           Fr. William Horo                                                   

COMMUNION ‘09 

A Jesus Youth Family Gathering of Priests & Religious in North East

(On 10th to 12th June 2009 at DAN Carmel Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, Nagaland).

Moved by the power of the Holy’s Spirit, the role of Jesus Youth within India and outside India has been constantly on the rise and move to a great extend. Today this Jesus Youth Movement has spread to furthest end touching 25 countries around the World. Indeed this Movement is playing vital role in spreading the gospel values in the hearts of the young boys and girls around the world.

This year ‘Communion’ – 2009 for North-East was something marvelous and wonderful that attracted 76 priests and religious from various dioceses of North East. During those three days session various topics relevant to youth animation were covered by animators of Jesus Youth. Some of the thought-provoking and enriching sessions that impressed all of us were the sessions of Praise and Worship, Sharing of spontaneous testimonies from the Jesus Youth, Taize prayer, Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, Mass and Music everything was very touching and challenging.

Thanks to the Bishop of Nagpur, Kohima and Imphal for arranging this programme. We wish all God’s blessing upon the Jesus Youth International & Nation Coordinator and his team members for spreading the message of Christ all over the World. As the Scripture says “Go, then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”   Fr. Noas Lakra  

                  Valediction programme of 13 Days

              Foundation Training on Village Planning 

The 13 days training to 66 facilitators organized separately by Seva Kendra and NESPYM on Village Level Planning ended on 9th May at Cathedral Training Hall. The Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh district Mr. G.D. Tripathi, IAS was the Chief Guest, Fr. Philip Purty, Director of Seva Kendra, Mr. Swarup Bhatta, Programme Coordinator from NESPYM, Mr. Pinaki Haldher Programme Communication Officer, UNICEF, Mr. Praveen Bhandari, District Support Officer, UNICEF, Ms. Sujatha Suchibrota were all present in the concluding ceremony of Village Planning training.

The Deputy Commissioner and the UNICEF team was given a warm welcome by Fr. Philip Purty. Mr. Pinaki apprised DC of the Village Planning in Dibrugarh District which started in 2005, the 5 Flagship Program in the Integrated Districts all over India and indicators on which UNICEF has been giving priority. Mr. Parveen Bhandari in his speech said that UNICEF with these two NGOs has covered 905 villages in the first and second phase in which all the villages of Joypur and Lahoal blocks are completed through village planning. The third phase will cover the remaining 479 villages of the 5 remaining blocks, Khowang, Tingkhong, Borbaruah, Tengakhat and Panitola blocks. Mr. Bhandari also stated that the Block Level Task Force had been held once a month regularly during the preceding year.

Sri G. D. Tripathi IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh District began his  addresss by welcoming all the members present in the meeting and specially thanked the partner NGOs Seva Kendra and NESPYM of Dibrugarh District and UNICEF functionaries working for such a noble cause in helping the community to take part in the process of development and have a say in it. He further stated that rural and community development issues are of great interest to him that is the reason he has come to attend the valedictory session.

The Deputy Commissioner further emphasized that the VLP programme generated the need and improved the level of community participation which is a dynamic process for doing away with any kind of stagnant state of affairs. The need to use VPE process as a system to develop a data base which would truly reflect a dynamic plan was also stressed upon. The resources are being marked out and accordingly prepare a database to identify the problems and also judge or measure how we are able to solve the issues well. Further he pointed out that through the participatory process of village appraisal, where the visiting teams are able to apprise themselves of the village set up and its particular characteristics the people, its resources, its culture and in the process also identify its Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) i.e. the locally available skills and mark out and encouraged because even being deprived lot they have survived the hardships of life and moving on. Through the VLP process, the community that is the deprived lot has been able to make demands to the systems thereby generating indirect pressure on the delivery system. Further he stressed upon the need for up-gradation of the Village Planning process and updating the Village Action Plan.  Mr. John Paul Tirkey                                                      

REHABILITATED VILLAGE IN DOOM DOOMA INAUGURATED 

A new village named New Maria Basti, created within Doom Dooma revenue circle in   Tinsukia district to rehabilitate the displaced families of Maria Basti Bakjan Gutibari, was formally inaugurated by the Bishop Joseph Aind sdb DD of the Diocese of Dibrugarh in the presence of Durga Bhumij MLA on Tuesday, 26th May 2009.  Fr. Philip Purty, director Seva Kendra, Dibrugarh was also present,. and other political as well as the church leaders were also present on May 26, 2009 at 2pm. Bakjan Gutibari Maria Basti was washed away by the deluge of the Brahmaputra in 2004, since then they were displaced. The New Maria Basti consists of 44 semi concrete houses. 

Officiating in the Holy Eucharist, Bishop invited people to be grateful to God for the wonders God has done in their life in the form of the houses they received. After the Mass, Bishop Aind, lighted a lamp, prayed, cut the ribbon, sprinkled the holy water in the houses and inaugurated the village. Later, the Bishop spoke on the occasion and said, “This New Maria Basti is a concrete example of God’s love for you. Have more faith and more prayer and you will receive more blessings.”

MLA Durga Bhumij of Doom Dooma constituency, the leader who had helped villagers to get the land in 2007 also spoke on the occasion and congratulated them for their courage and determination to build their village. “Whatever I did for you was my duty as your MLA,” he said and assured them of a school, a prayer hall and a health centre. “You got two and half kata of land from the government, be united among yourselves and with the government,” he exhorted them. 

Fr. Philip Purty, the man who masterminded the project of building the village thanked Catholic Relief Service (CRS), Guwahati on the occasion for its monetary contribution and the people of the village for their cooperation. He praised Mr. Anthony Bonkor who was immediate guide of the project. Other leaders who were present for the inauguration ceremony included Mrs. Rupjyoti Konwar-Mondal Congress Mahila Samity, president, Kakopathar block; Ranjan-Tanti, Doidum, Zila Parishad president; Mr.Ratan Tanti-councillor , Mankhowa; Fr. Jacob- Parish Priest, Moran church; Fr. Hilarius Ekka-Parish Priest, Doom Dooma church; Ms Juli Purty- President Zila Parishad,  Mankhowa ,  Fr. William Horo from Dibrugarh and others. The day ended with a community meal. People gathered for the inauguration numbered nearly five hundred.

The Seva Kendra, Dibrugarh was associated with the people of Maria Basti from 1980 in giving relief materials as since then they were affected by the flood of the Brahmaputra every year.       Mr. Anthony Bongkor                                                         

ON YOUTH LIVELIHOOD 

The Youth Director of the Diocese of Dibrugarh made a research analysis on the youth livelihood. He visited some establishment of self entrepreneurship and training centers. He has been following up very closely the SHG Programmes. He has made several visits to the SHG centers like Singlijan, Margarita, Golaghat, Doomdooma and Sarupathar. These SHG have started functioning in a progressive manner. These centers are trying to promote their best personnel for the spread of the cultural values.

Few girls are being trained for making manure out of earth worm excretion and the demands in the Tea Gardens in and around SHG Centers are above their expectation. Today, these girls are getting orders from the neighboring tea gardens but then they being few in number are not able to meet the required demands of the people.

The SHG Centre at Singlijan is giving training for two months in which rupees three thousand is charged for training. After being trained they move out to their respective localities to begin their livelihood. Today, this SHG centers are being supported by SIRD (State Institution of Rural Development) which finances two lakhs of rupees out of which 50% as subsidy, which means the institution would return only fifty percent of the amount received from the sources. Today, this SHG centres have progressed to a great extent in providing self employment to number of youth to earn their livelihood.

Well, we hope that the youth of the Diocese of Dibrugarh would take up such issue than definitely it will bring radical changes in their economical and social status of life. From the youth ministry it has been observed that there was lot of failures with regard to the continuity of the self entrepreneurship where some have failed due to lack of persistence and perseverance as well as not receiving proper guidance and encouragement and also appreciation from the society.

            Fr. Reuben Dungdung (DYD, Dibrugarh) 

               COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSOCIATION - DIBRUGARH 

Community Health Association Dibrugarh (CHAD) is devoted to an aim to bring the rural population, the marginalized and the vulnerable to a healthy society, through the process of community health movement, where all people enjoy equality and unity.

Training of PHL’S:-

The five days of training programme for the parish health leaders was held from 24th to 28th March 2009 at Mancotta, Christ Ashram. The total participants were 19 representing the 10 parishes. The resource persons were Fr. Jacob Ed, Sr. Anna Toppno, Sr. Lins, Mr. Francis & Ms. Prisca.

The following topics were covered during the PHL’S training:

i) General awareness on personal and environment hygiene.

ii) Girl child education.

iii) Awareness on HIV / AIDS,

iv) Waterborne diseases and its prevention.

v)   Communicable diseases and its prevention

vi)   Uses and preparation of herbal medicine for the minor ailment.

Annual General Body Meeting:

Community Health Association Dibrugarh celebrated its 23rd AGBM on 28th March 2009 at Christ Ashram, Mancotta. The theme of the AGBM was “A healthy mother begets a healthy child.” The day began with the Holy Mass offered by Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind, Fr. Philip Purty, Fr. Lazar, Fr. Augustine Toppo & Fr. Paulus Kullu concelebrated the Mass. His Lordship, in his speech congratulated all those who were involved in making community health a reality in our interior villages. Inaugural session began at 9.30 am by hoisting of the unit flag by Rev. Fr. Andreas Indwar, the financial administrator of the Diocese. In his speech he gave thanks to M.I’s PHL’s and VHW’s those are working in the grass root level and making a healthy society and community in the diocese. 

Dr. P. C. Hazarika, the Joint Director of Health Services Dibrugarh was the chief guest. He unfolded the theme and spoke on the various programmes under the NRHM project, also spoke about the various ongoing initiatives that are being undertaken to promote mother-child health care and reduce mortality. In his deliberation he covered almost all programmes of the health department such as project palna, majoni, project mamoni etc. The PHL’s performed a street play on the theme which was very miuch informative and educative. There were 85 participants including the MI’s, PHL’s, Priests, Religious and well wishers of CHAD. The days programme was concluded with lunch.

Awareness programmes held in the following areas:-

a) Dhuria Parish on 21st to 23 Feb. ‘09. Villages are Borbam, Teposali & Juktoli.

b) Sasiya Parish on 25th to 28th Feb. ’09. Villages are Torani, Bogari Bari & Borgorah.

c) Bimlapur Parish on 14th to 16th March ’09. Villages are Samuda Basti No. 1, Gohaingoan &  Moranhabi No. 2.

d) Rajabari Parish on 21st to 23rd March ’09. Villages are Gorajan, Bebijia No. 1 & Nouton Matti.

On 6th of April ’09, Sr. Lins, President of CHAD and Programme coordinator Mr. Francis went to meet Dr. S. N. Konwar, District T. B. Officer (DTO) of Dibrugarh for the DOTS  training programme. The names of the persons for the DOT’S Programme are given to Dr. S. N. Konwar. The names of the persons are from the following parishes Cathedral,  Dhuria & Nilmoni.

On 22nd April ‘09 President of CHAD meet the state T. B Programme Coordinator Dr. Adhikari and discussed regarding the training of our health workers as DOT’S provider as to join with the Govt. schemes like sputum collection and transportation etc.

On 6th May ’09 one day training programme was conducted in Bethany Village for women on ANC, Immunization, hospital delivery etc were stressed.

On 20th May ’09, there was meeting in Sivsagar at the office of District T. B. Officer with the State T. B. Programme Coordinator Dr. Adhikari, Dr. Dhiribjyoth, the WHO Consultant, Sr. Lins, CHAD President regarding the selection of the centre.  We do intend to take Nazira as centre.

On 26th – 27th May ’09, School health programme was held in Naojan. Topic covered was on Sex Education to the high school students.

On 29th May ’09, the Programme Coordinator of CHAD attended the Health Mela at Borbam, Balbari High School. During this Health Mela the joint director of Health Services Dibrugarh, Programme Manager of NRHM and Doctors from all departments like Medicine, Cardiology, Skin, Neurology, Gynaecology, Paedfiatrics & Pathology were present. In this Health Mela their was free check up and free medicine was given. The participants from our projected areas came to the Mela was 57.

Health is a social economic and political issue and above all a fundamental human right. Inequality, poverty, exploitation, violence & injustice are at the root of ill-health and death of poor and marginalized people.Sr. Lins FCC (CHAD – President)             

                              STS. JOACHIM AND ANNE CHURCH, MORANHAT 

This year Moranhat Parish had a very beautiful celebration of the feast of Easter with a strong crowd of people. Fr. Paul Pudussery and Fr. Philip Purty were generous with their presence during the Holy week services. After the Easter celebration, our two touring sisters – Sr. Victoria Kujur & Sr. Jemma Sebastian – were busy in the village Christian communities, preparing the children for first communion and preparing the couples for the sacrament of marriage. Fr. Sebastian Ekka was fully occupied in the month of April & May with the house blessings.

The Catholic community of Gorshinga is lucky to have a pucca church with the active support of Fr. John Mannathany. The church is almost ready. We thank Fr. John Mannathany for his generosity towards the Catholics. The Marian devotion in the Parish as well as in the various village communities was celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm. The Khoownag circle had a two days grand programme with Bible Drama, Bible Quiz & Cultural dances. Fr. Ambrose Ekka, officiated the programme. 

This year St. Joseph’s High School – Moranhat, had a fantastic Matric result. 61 students wrote matric and 61 passed. 51 got first division and 10 got 2nd division. Two Catholics passed in the 2nd division. Also 9 got distinction, 16 got star marks and 166 letter marks. The parish celebrated the 10th ordination anniversary of Fr. Sebastian Ekka on 21st of April – 2009.  The fathers from neighbouring parishes came to greet Fr. Sebastian on 1st of May – 2009.   Fr. Jacob Edassery                                                

CHURCH RUN SCHOOLS IN UPPER ASSAM

EXCELL IN HSLC EXAMINATION – 2009 

Schools run by the Catholic Church in Upper Assam excelled in recently declared HSLC result securing four state ranks, 10th, 18th and two 20th and obtaining as many as 1286 first division, 156 distinction and 423 letter marks.

The Catholic Church in Upper Assam ecclesiastically known as the Diocese of Dibrugarh runs 33 schools managed by different congregations as well as by the diocese within its jurisdiction of five civil districts namely Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat. 2157 students from these schools appeared in the HSLC examination this year and 2094 of them passed out successfully keeping the pass percentage to 97.08  

The 10th rank holders, Mallika Priyadarshna belongs to Sacred Heart School, Golaghat, the 18th rank holder, Tanaya Sarma, is from Little Flower School, Dibrugarh and the two 20th rank holders, Prayasee Baruah and Shreyoshi Borah belongs to St. Xavier’s Duliajan and St. Xavier’s Mancotta, Dibrugarh respectively.

Bishop Joseph Aind sdb of the Diocese of Dibrugarh attributed this success to God’s blessings, to a sense of dedication on the part of the management of the schools including the teachers and to the hard work of the students. Talking to this correspondent the Bishop said, “Since 1951 the Diocese of Dibrugarh is rendering service in the field of education in Upper Assam. This excellent result is the fruit of God’s blessings upon the dedicated service of my personnel including the teachers and the tireless efforts of the students to scale the heights of success.” Fr. William Horo                           

BISHOP BLESSES HIGHER SECONDARY BUILDING OF

LITTLE FLOWER SCHOOL, DIBRUGARH 

Bishop Joseph Aind sdb of the Diocese of Dibrugarh blessed the Higher Secondary building of the Little Flower School, Dibrugarh on May 30th 2009 in the presence of the former MP of Dibrugarh constituency Mr. Sarvanando Sonowal, Sr. Teresa FMA, Provincial of Guwahati Province, other Fathers, Sisters, guardians and the students of both the High School and the Higher Secondary.

Before the blessing a reception was accorded to the chief guest, Mr. Sarvanando Sonowal, the guest of honour, Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind and other invited guests. At the reception Sr. Elsy, the superior of the Little Flower Convent gave a word of welcome to the guests and read a brief history of the FMA congregation. The students put up a colourful cultural programme which delighted the guests.

In his speech the ex- Member of Parliament appreciated the works of the Little Flower School and asked the students to take full advantages of the opportunities and be ready to face the world of competition. The Bishop too spoke on the occasion and said, “Education is the part and parcel of our mission because we believe that the education alone can liberate the people from every evil.”  It is to be mentioned that the Little Flower School started its Higher Secondary section in 2008 for arts and commerce streams and there are some 50 students in the first batch. Fr. William Horo                                              

EDUCATION BOARD OF THE DIOCESE OF DIBRUGARH

FELICITATES RANK HOLDERS IN HSLC/HS – 2009 

The Education Board of the Diocese of Dibrugarh felicitated the state rank holders of HSLC/HS ’09 from its schools on June 1, 2009 during a colourful programme organized in a newly built auditorium of the Holy Name School, Sivasagar. Anusmita Dutta of St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Duliajan and Prayasee Baruah and the same school got 2nd and 20th rank respectively in their HS/ HSLC examination whereas Shreyoshi Borah of the St. Xavier’s High School, Mancotta, Dibrugarh secured also the 20th rank in the HSLC examination. They were given a cash prize of Rs.5000 each along with a Certificate of Merit and a book, You Can Win of Shiv Khera. After handing over the prizes to the rank holders, Bishop Joseph Aind sdb asked the students to work hard and contribute positively to the society. He appreciated the Education Board Secretary, Fr. Emil Baa for organizing the felicitation programme. Fr. G. P. Amal Raj, Principal of the St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary, Duliajan and Fr. Alphonse, the principal St. Xavier’s Mancotta received a very special accolade from the prelate for producing the state rank holders from their schools.Fr. William Horo                                                

DIVINE RENEWAL RETREAT CENTRE – MARGHERITA 

The Retreat centre which has been started here in this parish is  gradually soaring higher. The vincentian fathers who are already here from last august ‘08 have started conducting prayer services in the villages and now there is a Chain  Adoration programme in the parish church since last March. It  is the third consecutive month for the Eucharistic Adoration service which is being conducted here. The blessed Sacrament is exposed at 9.00 a.m and it is concluded at 3.00 pm. everyday. Many villagers are coming everyday to adore the lord and it is bringing tremendous change in their lives. Personally, I feel this is the way of living when the Lord said as recorded  in Mk. 1:15 “Repent and believe in the Good news”. Now  many people have realised to give God the first place in their lives keeping in mind the words of St. Mathew  Mt. 7.33. “Seek first God’s kingdom and the  rest shall follow thee.”

The temporary shed for the retreat house is taking its shape and within two months it will be ready for use. The people from other parishes and centres will be able to get their accomodation. Thanks to the initiative of Bishop Joseph Aind for this new venture.

There was the parish feast Day celebration on 24th May where bishop was also present. The marian drama and the quiz  competitions which was organized by Mr. Jeevan Xess and his team had real competitive spirit.

On 7th of June, a new Church was inaugurated by the bishop in Margherita-Basti line which is also known as Dirok Basti line. There were around 700 faithful who had gathered for this programme. The community thanked  the Power and the Industry Minsiter  Mr. Pradut Bordoloi , the Bishop, and the Parish priest for their help towards the construction of this Church.                                                             Fr. Robert Kachua

Renewing faith in real

presence of christ in Eucharist 

VATICAN CITY,11 JUNE 2009 (VIS) - At 7 p.m. Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Benedict XVI celebrated Mass on the square in front of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, then led a Eucharistic procession to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. In his homily, the Pope commented on the words pronounced by priests at the moment of consecration: “this is My Body ... this is My Blood”.

Addressing his remarks to priests, the Holy Father said: “Becoming the Eucharist: let this be our constant desire and commitment! So that the offer of the Body and Blood of the Lord we make upon the altar may be accompanied by the sacrifice of our own lives. Every day we draw from the Body and Blood of the Lord the free and pure love that makes us worthy ministers of Christ and witnesses to His joy. What the faithful expect from a priest is the example of authentic devotion to the Eucharist. They like to see him spend long periods of silence and adoration before Jesus, as did the saintly ‘Cure of Ars’ whom we will especially recall during the imminent Year for Priests”.  “Aware that, because of sin, we are inadequate, yet needing to nourish our selves from the love the Lord offers us in the Eucharistic Sacrament, this evening we renew our faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Such faith must not be taken for granted!

 “Today there is a risk of insidious secularization, even inside the Church”, Benedict XVI added. “This could translate into a formal but empty Eucharistic worship, in celebrations lacking that involvement of the heart which finds expression in veneration and respect for the liturgy.”There is always a strong temptation to reduce prayer to superficial and hurried moments, allowing ourselves to be overcome by earthly activities and concerns”, he warned.  “With the Eucharist”, the Pope explained, “heaven comes down to earth, God’s tomorrow descends into the present moment and time is, as it were, embraced by divine eternity”. During the Eucharistic procession which traditionally follows today’s Mass “we will ask the Lord in the name of the entire city: Stay with us, Jesus, make us a gift of yourself and give us the bread that nourishes us for eternal life. Free this world from the poison of evil, from the violence and hatred that pollute people’s consciences, purify it with the power of your merciful love”.

After Mass, the Pope presided at the Eucharistic procession along Rome’s Via Merulana to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Along the route, thousands of faithful prayed and sang accompanying the Blessed Sacrament. A covered vehicle transported the Sacrament in a monstrance, before which the Holy Father knelt in prayer.

HML/CORPUS CHRISTI/...                                              VIS 090612 (470) WWW.vatican.va               

DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS 

Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque with twelve promises for those devoted to His Most Sacred Heart.

Promises for those devoted to the Sacred Heart are as follows:-

1.    “I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.”

2.    “I will establish peace in their homes.”

3.    “I will comfort them in their afflictions.”

4.    “I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death.”

5.    “I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings.”

6.    “Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.”

7.    “Tepid souls shall grow fervent.”

8.    “Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.”

9.    “I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored.”

10. “I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.”

11. “Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.”

12. “I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.” 

                              CONGRATULATIONS 

The following 11 Catholic students from five parishes of our Diocese who were supported with a full Scholarship through CMC-AMA Netherlands, for two years higher secondary course at St. Xavier’s College, Balipara, Tezpur have all passed out successfully in the higher Secondary Exam-2009.           

NAME                       PARISH               VILL/T.E                      MARKS         DIVISION

Lorence Barla          Naharkatia P.        Umatara T.E.                257                II nd (Arts)

Manjulina Sanga      ———————-    Deasam T.E.                203                IIIrd

Jyoti Bhengra          ———————-    Boscobari Vill               292                IInd

Momi Bhagwar        ———————-    Mohmari Vill                 206                IIIrd

Anjoli Bara              Sarupathar P.       Tengahola Vill               282                IInd

Jyoti Lakra               ———————-    Rajapukri Vill                324                1st 

Jimmy Horo             Moranhat P.          Khoomtai T.E.              209                IIIrd

Didiam Xalxo           ———————     Duliabam T.E.              261                IInd

Niraj Ekka                ———————     DoomurDolong              199                IIIrd (Com)

Remis Surin             Naojan P.             Milanpathar Vill             291                IInd

Ajit Tirkey                Doigrong P           Suffela T.E.                  321                Ist (Com)

Rev. Fr. Joy Pallikunnel (Vicar General)                                      

NEW MEN AT THE WHEEL FOR MINISTRY 

Regency brothers               * John Minj & * Sanjeev Ekka       St. Joseph’s Seminary,Dibrugarh

Regency brother                Robert Kujur                               Boniface Apostolic Home, Dib

Chancellor                         Fr. Vijay Kumar Toppo                Bishop’s House Dibrugarh     

Parish Priest                     Fr. John Mannathany                  Naharkatia

Parish Priest                     Fr. Joseph Manickathan              Sarupathar

Parish Priest                     Fr. Rajesh Lakra Sdb                  Golaghat

Assistant P.P.                   Fr. Cyril Purty                             Cathedral - Dibrugarh

Chaplain                            Fr. Norbert Xess                         Valankanny Shrine, Tamil Nadu

M.Th. Study                      Fr. Anthony Xalxo                       Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore

Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind Sdb. DD.

                          Annual Spiritual Retreat-2009 

            Dear fathers and brothers, there will be an annual spiritual retreat preached by Bishop Anil Couto, the Bishop of Jalandhar. The retreat will start from July 26th evening and will end on 31st evening – 2009.        Venue: Bishop’s House, Dibrugarh  

                                                      PRAYERFUL BIRTHDAY GREETINGS! 

      July

05. Fr. Jose Kaniyampady Sdb

08.  Fr. Gregory Dungdung

10.  Fr. Edward Soymurum

14.  Fr. William Horo

17.  Br. Joseph Kizhakedath Cst. 

    August

19.  Fr. Timothy Saldanha

28   Fr.  Shantilal Kujur  Sdb

30   Fr. Ambrose Ekka 

   September

02.  Fr. Romanus Baghwar

05.  Fr. Thomas Kalapurackal Sdb

07   Br. Benarius Topno  Sdb

09   Fr. Xavier Paul

10   Fr. Sebastian Thekaparampil 

19   Fr. Terence D’Souza

19   Fr. Anil Lakra

23   Fr. Anthony Xalxo

29.  Fr. Philip Purty

29.  Fr. Andrew Vadakumpadam                                    

PRIESTS MUST TEND CONSTANTLY TOWARDS SANCTITY 

VATICAN CITY, 20 JUN 2009 (VIS) - At 6 p.m. on 19th June-2009, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Pope inaugurated the year for Priests, which has been called to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Mary Vianney. Among those attending Vespers in the Vatican Basilica were large numbers of priests and seminarians from Rome. Before the celebration began, the Pope prayed in front of the relics of the holy “Cure of Ars”, brought to Rome by Bishop Guy Bagnard of Belley-Ars.

In his homily the Holy Father explained how “the Heart of Jesus expresses the essential core of Christianity: the fact that all the revolutionary novelty of the Gospel was revealed and given to us in Christ: that is, the Love that saves us and causes us, even now, to live in God’s eternity”.

“His Divine Heart appeals to our hearts and invites us to emerge from our own selves, to abandon our human security and entrust ourselves to Him and, following His example, to make of ourselves an unreserved gift of love.

“If it is true that Jesus’ call to ‘abide in His love’ applies to all the baptized”, Benedict XVI added, “then on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, day of the sanctification of the clergy, that call sounds out with even greater force for us as priests, and particularly this evening at the beginning of the Year for Priests”.

The mission of priests is “indispensable for the Church and for the world”, said the Pope. It “requires complete faithfulness to Christ and constant union with Him. In other words, it requires us to tend constantly towards sanctity, like St. John Mary Vianney”.

“Allowing oneself to be completely conquered by Christ: this was the aim of St. Paul’s entire life, to which we have been dedicating our attention during the Pauline Year that is now drawing to a close; this was also the goal of the entire ministry of the holy ‘Cure of Ars’, to whom we will particularly address ourselves during the Year for Priests. May this also be the main objective of each one of us”.

In order to be ministers of the Gospel “study is certainly useful, as is careful and permanent pastoral formation, but what is even more necessary is the ‘science of love’ which can be learned only ‘heart to heart’ with Christ. It is He, in fact, who calls us to break the bread of His love in order to remit sins and guide the flock in His name. ... Only in this way will we be able to co-operate effectively in the mysterious ‘plan of the Father’ which consists in ‘making Christ the heart of the world’. This plan is achieved in history as, little by little; Jesus becomes the Heart of human hearts, beginning with those called to be closest to him: that is, priests”.

“Even our shortcomings, our limitations and weaknesses must lead us back to the heart of Jesus”, said Pope Benedict. “If it is true that sinners, by contemplating His Heart, must learn the necessary ‘suffering of sins’ that leads them back to the Father, this holds even truer for ministers in holy orders. In this context, how can we forget that nothing makes the Church, Body of Christ, suffer so much as this sins of her pastors, above all of those who become ‘stealers of sheep’, either by misleading them into a private doctrine or binding them with bonds of sin and death? Dear priests, the call to conversion and the recourse to Divine Mercy apply to us too. We too, with heartfelt humility, must ask the Heart of Jesus to preserve us from the terrible risk of harming the very people whom we are required to save”.

The Holy Father invited his audience to cultivate the same feelings for” the dignity of priests” as those felt by the “Cure of Ars”, in order to” accomplish our mission with generosity and dedication, and to maintain an authentic ‘fear of God’ in our hearts: the fear that, by our negligence or sin, we deprive the souls entrusted to us from such goodness, or that we may- God forbid! - do damage to them.

“The Church”, the Pope added, concluding his homily “needs holy priests, ministers who help the faithful experience the merciful love of the Lord and who are themselves convinced witnesses of that love”. The ceremony concluded with adoration and Eucharistic blessing.

HML/VESPERS YEAR FOR PRIESTS/...                            VIS 090622 (760) www.vatican.va

BOUQUETS ALL THE WAY 

Dear father Noas,

It is really great that you have taken the Herculean task and responsibility to compile the “Dibrugarh Diary” which I thought would diminish after father Terence. But I knew in my heart that father Terry would not let it happen. Thanks to the Lord! Dibrugarh diary is something that reminds me of my old days in the B.B.S. and whenever I get it I feel so much attached to the Bishop’s House where I spent so much time. I look forward to meet you and our first Assamese Mishing Priest of the Universe when I am in Dibrugarh.

Kudos to you and your team!

Mr. T. Karmakar (Barooahs & Associates Ltd.,) Jorhat-1 

               Jottings From our Bishop's Diary

Month of April-2009

  Date     Day          Programme

      03    Fri            Moranhat-St. Joseph’s School

      04     Sat            Sonari

      05     Sun          Sonari-Palm Sunday

      07     Tue          Dib-Chrism Mass

      09     Thu          Dib-Maunday Thursday

      10     Fri            Dib-Good Friday

      11     Sat            Dibrugarh

      12     Sun          Easter

      15     Wed          Guwahati

      16     Thu          Imphal

      17     Fri            Imphal

      18     Sat            Imphal

      19     Sun          Jubilee

      21     Tue          Dib-SJS

      22     Wed          Doigrong

      25     Sat            Philobari-SMI Conv-Jubilee

      26     Sun          Digboi-Priestly Ordination of Deacon Cyril Purty

      30     Thu          Kolkota-Ranchi 

Month of May-2009

  Date     Day          Programme

     1-3     Fri-Sun      Ranchi

   6-11     Wed-Mon Goa

      13     Wed          Dib-LFS

      14     Thu          Dib-Vestition –SJS

      16     Sat            Golaghat

      17     Sun          Golaghat-Murphullani Blessing

      18     Mon          Tinsukia-Holy Child School

      19     Tue          Margherita

      21     Wed          Dib-Council meeting

      22     Thu          Duliajan-St. Xavier’s School

      23     Fri            Dib-St.Mary’s >Mariani Grotta blessing

      24     Sat            Margherita-Parish feast

      26     Sun          Doomdooma- Mariabasti new houses inauguration

27-28     Wed-Thu  Guwahati-Social Forum

      30     Sat            Dib-LFS new building blessing>Sonari

      31     Sun          Sonari Feast  

Month of June-2009

  Date     Day          Programme

      01     Mon          Sivasagar HSLC awarding

     2-4     Tue-Thu   Dib-Priests’ Recollection

      05     Fri            Dib-Boniface feast (BAH)

      07     Sun          Margherita-Dirok Church blessing

   8-11     Mon-Thu  Dibrugarh

      12     Fri            Dib-MC Convent

      13     Sat            Teok

      14     Sun          Mariani-Parish feast

15-16     Mon-Tue  Dibrugarh

      17     Wed          Doigrong

      18     Thu          Nagaon-Jail ministry

      19     Fri            Dib-St. Mary’s

      20     Sat            Amguri

      21     Sun          Amguri-Parish feast

22-25     Mon-Thu  Mumbai-Social communication meet

27-28     Sat-Sun    Rajabari-St.Paul’s Year: conclusion;   Diaconate of Boniface Samad

      29     Mon          Jorhat-St. Paul’s celebration

           30     Tue           Dib-V.G. Hospital (Mercy Home)