Queen of Peace Church, Tollygunge, Kolkata

 JULIET KARAK

'Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have. for such sacrifices are pleasing to God' Hebrews 13:16 

SCC has taught us how to share and care for others.The SCC Hindi National Convention brought an awareness of unity and love among all our people. The Poor were happy that though they had nothing much to offer let people in our Parish increased their love for the community of Jesus by accommodating them in their houses. Thus the hospitality of the Calcuttans made them experience peace and love for coming forward and welcoming them into their homes. The Convention left a message for everyone that we all need to reach out to each other in good and bad times. The Parish SCC also grew as 2 new groups were formed and the inactive groups started their SCC Meetings again. The Pandemic restricted each one of us in many ways but nothing stopped the SCC and other members of Queen of Peace church to reach out to their parishioners as well as the needy as the Holy Spirit continued to work through all of us. During the lockdown our Parish having a lot of poor parishioners who work mostly on daily wages approached the SCC Animators who discussed the matter with the Coordinators and with the help of our Parish Priest. Fr. Peter Pradhan and the Parishioners came forward and helped in giving ration in March 2020 to 44 families. with a budget of Rs. 300/-per family. The second time the ration was given in April to 79 families keeping a budget of Rs. 350/- per family and again in June. 40 families were helped with a budget of Rs 600/- per family. Apart from the help that was given through the Parish. many SCC groups individually helped many non-Catholics in and around their areas: the old and the needy were given dry ration and some were also given cooked food. The Amphan (Cyclone) had affected severely 7 families of our Parish. Their roofs were flown off and in some places. trees fell on their houses and damaged the roofs and the walls. The families were helped with Rs. 50001- in cash and with tarpaulins so that immediate house repairs could be done. All the SCC members kept in touch with the Parishioners and prayed (for each other) strengthening their faith by sharing the Word of God and advising them to read small passages from the Bible and also to send small Bible quotes to each other. The 1st SCC Anniversary of the SCC National Convention which was held in October 2019. was celebrated by Queen of Peace Church on 15th November 2020 keeping the current situation in mind of social distancing and avoiding large gatherings the Parish celebrated the SCC Day by having 3 High Masses in 3 languages: in Bengali. English and Hindi. The same program was followed by all the 3 groups attending the different Masses: Bengali at 730 am. English at 930 am and Hindi at 11 am. The Eucharistic celebration started with a beautiful dance in a grand procession by our Parish kids followed by flower girls sprinkling flower petals and welcoming 'The Word'. -The Holy Bible. The Bible was enthroned at the altar by the main Celebrants during all the 3 Masses: Fr. Peter Pradhan in Bengali Fr. Subhasis Mondal in English and Fr. Benjamin Roy in Hindi. An introduction was given in the beginning regarding the "Small Christian Community".

Infant Jesus Church, Behala, Kolkata

 ABHIJIT MINJ

"Go to the ends of the World: teach them to carry out everything I commanded you". 

Matthew 28:20 .

To achieve the objectives of the 'The Prophetic Role Of SCC Today the theme of Small Christian Communities National Convention - Hindi held in October 2019 in Kolkata. SCC Animators of Infant Jesus Church,Behala under the leadership of the Parish Priest Fr. Patrick Rodriguez started approaching the parishioner safety. They visited Parishioner's to be part of the area-wise SCC units. Faith Formation Community activities were conducted not only at the Church but also at the Parishioner's houses on weekly basis. Undeterred by the pandemic restrictions members promptly took to innovative methods sharing the spirit of SCC: digital online meetings, whatsApp video meetings took shape Advocating family prayer helping elderly sick neighbours and needy children assisting the unemployed, providing online tuitions Bible' sharing sessions providing Internet connectivity and sanitary napkins to needy students paying continued salary to domestic helps by all members during the Lockdown and helping KMC cleaning staff calamity struck again with Super Cyclone Amphan causing widespread damage in the state during May 2020. The SCC members extended help to neighbours with relief operations in whatever way they could like reaching out to approximately 50 needy families, helping bustee dwellers by providing provisions, medicines, old clothes, paying house rent and also giving Financial assistance to repair houses. The Archbishop House. courtesy Vicar General, Fr. Dominic Gomes extended help by providing packets containing; rice, pulses,potatoes,onions,cooking oil, spices, kerosene oil, bread. etc: and tarpaulins. which were distributed locally to needy, supervised by our Parish Priest. As the lock down norms were eased out a concrete plan like training existing animators and members forming zonal networks consolidating existing units etc.

The First Anniversary of the SCC National Convention was celebrated on 15th November. 2020 It started at 9:00AM with a Bible procession followed by Enthronement and celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Fr. Patrick Rodriguez Parish Priest. The Bible Readings and the Prayers of the Faithful were read in Bengali Hindi and English. Alter Mass and tea break. the Input Session started at 11:00 AM with a short introductory speech by Fr. Abhay Minx followed by Sr. Pratibha sharing the importance of SCC as a New Way of Being Church. Then three groups were formed for the Gospel Sharing Session with the passage taken from Matthew 10:26-33. The Word of Life was: "Do not be afraid". The Action Plan was 'Reach out to more families of the Parish urging them to be a part of the neighbourhood SCC unit. Proclaim the Glory of JESUS CHRIST the saviour and KING without fear'. Testimony was given by Renu Valmiki a non-baptized who was inspired by the Gospel Sharing. Gospel sharing made me read the Bible more attentively and helped me understand it better. It has helped me to identify God's message all over again to lead a better spiritual and righteous life.

Celebrating First Anniversary of SCC Hindi National Convention 2019

 ■ FR. DOMINIC COMES

Kolkata:Last year from 24-27 October the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta was teaming with activity hosting over 2500 delegates coming into Kolkata from 15 Dioceses to attend the SCC National Convention 2019. There is no doubt that the convention was a big success in many ways. even the heavy downpour on that threatened to drown the event on the lust day dried up as continuous prayers praise and worship went up to send the sun out the next day. Behind the success of such a big event there is always a huge amount of sacrifice, hard work, and contribution that prevails with perseverance of the people involved who are far too many to be mentioned here. Undoubtedly the event manifested and was a witness to the spirit of unity within the Church and highlighted the importance of family - the Domestic Church in fulfilling the prophetic role of the Church.Moreover as one Religious Sister put it. It was so exciting and such a great joy to be working together with so many people for the success of such a great event. It was to recount and uphold this spirit funny and great joy that the Archdiocese celebrated the first anniversary of the convention with a day's program on Sunday the 15 November 2020 across all parishes of  Archdiocese.

All the various celebrations started with Holy Mass in the morning wish an entrance procession holding up the Bible accompanied by prayerful dance and singing and veneration of the Bible. After this in many Parishes a short animation preceded the SCC leaders presenting reports of the enonnous spiritual and temporal words done by SCC units during the dire times of the COVID -19 Pandemic and catastrophic aftermath of Super-Cyclone AMPHAN to help the most needy and poor families, elderly people and children in their neighbouring communities, Tasteful, colourful and entertaining cultural programs showcasing the talents of young and old alike culminated with thanksgiving and fellowship meals. For these celebrations too a great amount of effort was again expended by many people Laity, clergy and Religious under challenging conditions of pandemic restrictions. Encouragement by Archbishop Thomas D'Souza and led by Diocesan Secretary of the SCC Commission Fr. Dominic Gomes, animators and SCC members were holding regular meetings mostly online to guide and iron out every detail of the celebration program months in advance. 

Strengthening the Foundations of Small Christian Communities (SCC) in the Archdiocese of Calcutta (Part 1)

The formation and operations of Small Christian Communities (SCC in the Archdiocese of Calcutta slatted way back in 1989 by Sybil and Dominic J. Azavedo in Christ the King Parish Park Circus Kolkata. Now in more recent times, a concentrated and intensive drive for 'Awareness. Formation and Training of Small Christian Communities SCC) in all parishes of the Archdiocese of Calcutta' was carried out from April 2018 onwards by holding animation programs in the Parishes to make our people aware about the extremely important role of new evangelisation and social union that the SCC is expected to play in the modern amid, The efforts towards revitalisation of SCC bore good fruit at the time of the SCC National Hindi Convention on the theme of 'Prophetic Role of SCC' hosted by the Calcutta Archdiocese from 25th to 27th October 2019. 

This Convention was attended by 2950 delegates from 51 Dioceses of the country. The participants were lodged as guests in the homes of our parishioners at various places while some were hosted in our institutions too. The Annual Archdiocese Priests' Conference was held from 27th to 29th January 2020. It was facilitated by Bishop Ignatius Mascaranliss. Chairperson of the National SCC Commission (CBI New Delhi The growth of SCC was the main theme of the meeting where 85 priests deliberated on the concerns related to the effective spread of SCC, As a result of these efforts. in the past two years. many SCC units fainted in Parishes and some old ones were revised. It needs to be understood that the SCC units have a unique positioning by being rooted in and operating from the level of the family the domestic church)  families of believers who are living among non-Christian communities in the areas of the Archdiocese Coupled with this physical positioning its mission is based on the four operational principles or characteristics which make SCC well suited and situated for working towards Communion of Communities. The four principles are : (1 members of SCC Units are families living in a particular neighbourhood who meet in their houses giving them a sense of mutual belonging through continuous fellowship: (2) the central activity of Gospel Sharing helps them to live their life and build relationships based on the Word of God (3)SCC is firmly grounded to work as an extension of the universal church: (4) they minister to and care for each other by providing social services to all those around who are in need. In short we form- One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church. However. some major findings and learning that saw emerged as challenges, they are: - The church in modern times is challenged with peoples' focus on an overly secular life style at the cost of faith and belief which in turn is adversely affecting social values and ethics. Many SCC members (especially women and mothers) are concerned as other members of the family are 'too busy' to participate and be a part of SCC units. Lay leadership in a genuine 'servant leadership' form is not growing due to a combination of over clericalism and because few lay leaden are coming forward to take up responsibilities. 

Finally, there are very few trained animators who are reacting out to the Catholic population of over 1.5 lath in the 65 parishes and Mission Stations of the Archdiocese spread over a vast 30.000 square kilometres area in 10 districts of West Bengal.

Tomb of Jesuit Pioneer Fr Peter Vanderstraten SJ (1818-1860) Discovered and Restored!

 FR. JEYARAJ VELUSAMY SJ

The twin institutions of St Xavier's College and St Xavier's Collegiate School crossed the milestone of 160 years of then existence and service at the heart of Kolkala on 16th January 2020. The Foundation Day of the twin institutions. It was on 16th January in 1860 that St Xavier 's College had its humble beginning at 10 Park Street. Calcutta as was known then. The first seven pioneering Jesuits were: Fr. Henry Depekhin SJ, Fr. John De Vos. SJ, Fr Louis Deynooth SJ, Fr Peter Vanderstraten SJ ( Belgian Jesuits) and Fr Henry Everard SJ, Fr Henry Shea SJ and Brother Thomas Sharpies SJ (English Jesuits). Fr Henry Depekhin led the team and started St Xavier's College thus at the same time laying the foundation of the 'Bengal Mission' from which the English Jesuit Province withdrew its members in 1846. 

Sudden Death of Fr Peter John Vanderstraten As records tell us Fr Peter Vanderstraten SJ was one of the first out Belgian Jesuits to land in Calcutta. He was born on 15th December in 1818 in (Belgium) He joined the Society of Jesus on 3rd November 1844 and made his final profession on 2nd February 1855. The young priest was sub-prefect in the High School of Turnhout (Belgium) and in charge of the Brothers when he was chosen to join the team being sent to open a school in Calcutta. Along with the others he arrived in Calcutta on 28th November 1859 and yet although sickness was a permanent visitor in the college there was only one death: Fr Vanderstraten prefect and sub-prefect who ardently studied languages without bothering about the climate. In August he was struck down by a liver sickness that carried him off on September 11 at the age of 42."Bengal was then infamous for its hot and humid climate, cholera and malaria. 

Miraculous Discovery of the Tomb

On the morning of 28th December 2019 when Fr Etienne Degree and myself (Fr Jeyaraj Veluswamy set out from St Xavier's College at about 10am heading towards the LC Road Cemetery we had in our hands just a small piece of paper in which were written: 'Fr Peter Vanderstraten SJ) died 11th September 1860. We said to ourselves 'Let us give it a try even if we don't succeed to find the grave it doesn't matter .We could enjoy a nice peaceful morning walk together.' lt was a three hour long search going from one disappointment to another right at the start itself the person in charge of the Burial Register could not find the name in the register and so he plainly told us 'No such person was ever buried here.'

But we ventured in going from one grave to another. It was past lunch now, We were almost giving up and about to wind up our search when suddenly my eyes fell on an abandoned cross half fallen and particularly on those two Letters "SJ" engraved on it. I told Fr Etienne. ' Please stay here on the path I see something like an SJ let me go and see it. It was 15 feet away. I went over and knell down on the grass to tried to read and it was 'SJ' at the end of a long name. I took time to read the engraved name carefully. Lo and behold it was the name of Fr Peter Vanderstraten SJ ! The engraving on the tombstone aces read thus : "SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF REV PETER VANDER STRATEN SJ OF ST XAVIER'S COLLEGE BORN IN BELGIUM DIED IN CALCUTTA 11TH SEPTEMBER 1860 AGED 42 YEARS."

Also "REVD EDWARD FERRARIO DIED 10th JULY 1917 AGED 36 YEARS." This second name on the same cross seems to be that of a Diocesan priest. who was also buried in the same grave 57 years later. Therefore it was a Min grave. Needless to say how much joy we both felt at that moment! Truly 160 years later Fr Peter Vanderstraeten came alive again Restoring and Blessing of the Grave on All SoulsDay On 2nd November 2020. All Souls Day Rev Fr Raphael Joseph Hyde SJ Jesuit Provincial in the presence of many Jesuits from St Xavier's College and Fr Jerome Francis Socius visited the grave and offered special prayers for the repose of the dead blessing and restoring the renovated grave with the sprinkling of holy water placing of rose petals and lighting of candles. Later in the morning his Grace Archbishop Thomas D' Souza and Fr Dominic Gomes the VG also visited this restored grave and offered their prayers for the two priests buried in this twin grave.  

KOLKATA WALK FOR FR. STAN SWAMY

KOLKATA: A silent and prayerful solidarity walk for Fr. Stan Lourdu Swamy was organised on Saturday. October 17 in Kolkata by Mother Teresa International Award Committee. The Centre should release Father Stan Swamy otherwise all minorities will come together and agitate an Imam of Nakhoda Mosque said at the end of a silent walk on Park Street expressing solidarity with the 83-year-old Jesuit priest. 'If one brother is facing injustice, the other brothers will be silent spectators said Maulana Shalique Qasmi.

Maulana Qasmi added: 'Father Stan Swamy has been arrested without having committed any qasoor and it is our request that the government release him unconditionally. Else, all minorities in the country will agitate against The Imam was part of a protest where a group of Christians including priests and nuns walked through Park Street,School principals and teachers joined them. Archbishop Thomas D' Souza who joined the event after the walk concluded, said: The way he was treated, very inhuman way, cruel way I might say is not acceptable to us, Therefore, along with all countrymen right-thinking people, people of goodwill, we also want to show our displeasure and certainly want to protest against that treatment to an elderly sick person who has worked for the poor,Therefore, today we appeal and demand that he be released and like him so many others.Thank You for coming here to show your solidarity for this particular cause, Once spin we appeal to the government to release Father Stan Swamy-The archbishop added: are here to show our solidarity with him. He is not alone but we are with him so that his suffering and the cause for which he has fought and has been lighting for the tribals the Dalits, their issues of injustice, their human rights has been uppermost tor him all his life to tell him we are with him. Father J Felix Raj one of the leaders of the sally, said the Calcutta protest would inspire many others to raise their strict. 'We are here as brothers and sisters of Father Stan Swamy and raising our voice. And I am sure our rally our attempt our effort will be an Inspiration to many, many churches to many, many communities and centres to many, many organisations to start and express their opposition express their protest raise their voice.' said Father Felix Raj.

This is the 10th day he (Father Stan Swamy) is in jail. Let us wait and see what happens.... Father Felix Raj added. He has been working for the people of Jharkhand particularly for the tribal community. for more than 50 years lie is not an activist alone a man who has studied a man who has researched the lives, the problems of the tribal communities. His life has been Issue-based. His stand for the tribal community has been Issue-based, He has (aced all these issues and stood with the poor tribal people particularly the youth, particularly for their rights for their language so he has been standing with the tribal community and this is the consequence that has happened.

Father Felix Raj said the case against Father Stan Swamy could continue but there must be a compassionate concerned approach towards a senior citizen 'There are protests, rallies, solidarity marches all over the country and in international forums. This is the first solidarity march and this march is irrespective of religion, irrespective of political affiliation and to show solidarity to Father Stan Swamy who Is 83 years old. Fr Felix Raj said "India is a country where senior citizens are respected and there should be a compassionate concerned approach for them. lf the police think there Is something they should investigate but be more compassionate not only this Jesuit father but all senior citizens should be treated with compassion .I want the government to change the attitude of arresting and keeping in jail any senior citizen, Father Raj said "The arrest is politically motivated". As a true Jesuit who follows Christ Fr Stan Swamy is sharing in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of justice and truth.

Doctoral Colloquium at St. Xavier’s University

 DR. NIRAJ KUMAR

. 

ST Xavier's University Kolkata organised a two day Doctoral Colloquium on 3rd and 4th October 2020. The University is offering Ph.D Programmes in disciplines of Commerce English Mass Communication Economics and Management. Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj S.L. Honourable Vice-Chancellor delivered the inaugural address and highlighted the need to undertake research journey with Xaverian ethos. 

Dr. Niraj Kumar Programme coordinator of the Doctoral Colloquium stressed upon the need for researcher, to focuson s-curve and H.index.

Dr.R S Shukla IAS Secretary Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Govt of India and Dr. Anju Seth Director Indian Institute of Management Calcutta delivered the keynote addresses during the inaugural session Dr. Lynn Martin Professor Anglia Ruskin University UK and Dr. Soumyen Sikdar Professor of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. addressed the Ph.D Scholars from India and abroad during the Valedictory Session.The Doctoral Colloquium was designed to provide a supportive and constructive platform to the PILE/Scholars of St. Xavier's University Kolkata and the Ph.D Scholars of other Institutions of repute in India and abroad tore than 50 PhD Scholars, Fr. Devraj Fernandes presented papers in the Colloquium and interacted with peer knowledge communities across sectors and disciplines under the mentorship of Faculty andTechnical Chair. The Doctoral Colloquium was conducted on Microsoft Team virtual platform. The Inaugural and Valedictory Sessions were live streamed on Facebook and YouTube. 

ST. XAVIER’S CARES FOR THE COMMON HOME

FR. NARENDRA SINGH, SJ

The four Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP) promulgated by Rev. Fr. Arturo Sosa S.J.. the Superior General of the Society of Jesus on 6th February 2019 are: To show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and Discernment to walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world those whose dignity has been violated in a mission of reconciliation and justice to accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future and to collaborate in the cased our Common Home.

Keeping in mind the fourth Universal Apostolic Preference (UAPI - Caring for our Common Home - St  Xavier's School,Kolkata. has been trying to enhance a healthy and green campus by organizing seminars and planting about 100 Ashoka (debdarul saplings in the campus. It also has given Pongamia (karanfi saplings to the St Xavier's University and mango and Ashoka saplings to Dhyan Ashram. St. Xavier's School Burdwan Mission Stations in Kalna and Gurap besides supplying fruit yielding and timber plants. In addition. for the last two months, Fr. Dr. M. Thamacin Arulappan SJ.. the Principal of the School with the help of some school staff and the Old Boys of the school had been going to various places to collect medicinal plants. The fruit of their hard labour was seen on 18 September 2020 as Fr Dr. Dominic Savio SJ the Principal of St.Xavier's College inaugurated the Herbal Garden in St. Xavier 's Primary School campus in the presence of Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy.

SJ the Rector and St.Xavier's Community some of the ALSOC members and the school staff. This new herbal garden - named Assisi Herbal Garden' - has about 70 kinds of medicinal plants. The school is trying to promote such herbal gardens in different Jesuit communities of the province. The school also has done some beautiful paintings- focusing caring for our Common Horne - on the wall next to the gymnasium to bring greater awareness and to instill genuine love and concern for nature in the stall and students. This beautiful and much needed initiative is an encouragement for other, to do their part in taking care of our Common Home which is disfigured by the carelessness and consumerist attitude of people. A Webinar on Care for Common Home's planned for 16 October 2020 by the Province Ecology Commission in association with the Nature Club of St. Xavier's Collegiate School Fr. Dr. M.Thamacin Arulappan. SJ.. the Convener of the Province Ecology Commission has been in touch with the resource persons. 

Mother Teresa feast passes off quietly amid pandemic restrictions

The feast of Mother Teresa of Kolkata was a subdued affair this year as covid-I9 restrictions prevented the faithful from visiting the headquarters of the saintly nun's congregation in Kolkata city in eastern India. Archbishop Thomas D'Souza of Calcutta led a concelebrated Mass on Sept 5th and prayed at the tomb of the nun who founded the Missionaries of Charity congregation in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) Missionaries of Charity nuns celebrate the feast of St. Teresa popularly known as Mother Teresa with solemnity each year drawing people from all over the world into the packed tomb room and courtyard of the headquarters, also known as Mother House but only a handful of nuns, including the congregation's superior Sister Mary Prerna Pieria attended the Mass that Archbishop D'Souza concelebrated with two other priests Mother Teresa's spirituality was based on the person of Jesus. She believed in the dignity of every person created in the image and likeness of God he said explaining the foundation of the Missionaries of Charity. 

The archbishop distinguished between "true spirituality and artificial religiosity" and said Christian prayers should help make inner changes to share resources without selfishness. The world is witnessing an unprecedented pandemic. If Mother Teresa was alive today she would tell us to see Jesus in every suffering person dying person and care for him or her in whatever way you can and share whatever you have and do not be indifferent. Farell Shah the archdiocese's social communication director said that this year due to the Covid- 19 restrictions and safely concerns, numbers were strictly limited to a handful of participants. He said they arranged to livestream the Mass online considering the global interest in the Mass from Mother House and told UCA News. The death anniversary has gathered significant crowds since the nun died on Sept 5th 1997 aged 87 . It is an official feast day in the Church since her canonization on Sept 4th 2016. The United Nations has designated the feast day of St. Teresa as the International Day of Charity. The Albanian nun born in Skopje in 1910 came to India as a Loreto nun at the age of 19. She left the Loreto congregation following a call within the call 'to 'serve the poor's poorest' her biography states.She began working in the slums of Kolkata and in 1950 founded the Missionaries of Charity congregation. The nuns. now identified by their blue-bordered Indian sari work worldwide among the poor. The congregation has some 5,000 nuns in over 770 houses 243 of them in India. They work for the destitute and dying besides providing shelter homes for unwed mothers and orphanages. 

Kolkata remembers Mother on her 110th birth anniversary.

SYLVIA M. MAYNE

Kolkata: the city woke up with joy on 26th August, 2020 to celebrate the 110th birth Anniversary of beloved Mother Teresa of Calcutta Owing to the pandemic situation the city observed a quiet birth celebration with around 20 people participating at St. Thomas’ Church in Middleton Row for special holy Eucharist and Floral tribute at Mother’s statue on Mother Teresa Sarani. This year Mother House was not allowed for public to gather around Mother’s tomb for celebration. A special mass was organised only for the sisters residing at Mother House. Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, Fr. Dominic Gomes offered the holy Eucharist. In his homily he said, one woman, one mission: that’s all it took to change this world.” Later in the evening the Catholic Association of Bengal (CAB) left no stone unturned to celebrate the birthday of their Patron Saint, Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The celebration began at the decorated Statue of Mother Teresa near Allen Park on Park Street. The beautiful balloon decorations of blue and white reflected the colour adorned by the Missionaries of Charity sisters and Mother herself. Among the many dignitaries present, were Janab Javed Khan and Janab Nadim-ul-Haque, honourable Ministers of the State who paid their floral tributes to Mother. Fr. Moloy D’costa and Fr. Orson Wells conducted a short prayer service to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mother Teresa. Fr. Devraj and Fr. Rodney joined in the prayer service along with the core team of the CAB. The Celebrations continued to St.Thomas’s Church Middleton Row at 4:00 p.m with a Solemn Eucharistic Service, concelebrated by Fr. Orson Wells, Fr. Devraj Fernandes, Fr. Rodney Borneo, Fr. Michael Biswas and Fr. Basil Mandi. The first reading was read by Mrs Angelina Mantosh Jasnani, the President of CAB. In His homily Fr. Rodney gave a beautiful message that how Mother Teresa turned to Jesus each time she served the humanity, for it is from Jesus that she derived her strength. Trinamool councillor and friend of CAB Ms Juhi Biswas was also present on the occasion. The Vote of thanks was proposed by the Treasurer Mr. Collin Fitzgerald,who sincerely thanked all the people, whose contributions made the day a grand success. The Kolkata Police, the core team of CAB, the Religious and even elements of nature the rain and sun. The holy mass was screened live for people all over the world to participate. Thanks to the Director of Media commission, Mr. Farrell Shah and his team for telecasting live the holy mass in this pandemic time. The President of the CAB made a final announcement that there will be similar celebrations on the 5th September, on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the details of which will be notified later through social media. The Holy Eucharist ended with a final blessing followed by the hymn-Tumi amar Bondhu Jishu. The CAB under the leadership of President Mrs. Angelina Mantosh Jasnani and her core team, have been very active and promising in organising such events. May Mother Teresa bless them with strength and courage to carry on their work, for the greater glory of God.

Free Fruit Plant Distribution by CAB.

FRANCIS SUNIL ROSARIO

Kolkata: At the initiative of CAB President, Mrs. Angelina Mantosh Jasnani, a free plant distribution was organized to visit North 24 Parganas Deanery on Aug 13 among the beneficiaries of this project were Sisters of Charity, Gerosa /Oasis Convent, Barasat, Providence sisters, Missionaries of Charity, Green Park, John Mary Vianney Minor Seminary, Novitiate, Daughters of the Cross, (FC) and Proggaloy, Diocesan Pastoral and Development Centre. Collaborating with the Forest Department, West Bengal, the honourable Minister of disaster Janab Jawed Khan, the Police, the CAB President took this initiative to visit the centers to distribute 1500 plants free of cost. Distributing free fruit plants was to cooperate with the concerned departments towards protecting environment and promoting Green revolution. After distributing hundreds of such fruit plants, there are still in the stock.

Before these get over, the institutions interested may contact the CAB office in Kolkata. Due to Super cyclone Amphan (May 20), West Bengal suffered colossal damages. Many fruit trees and vegetation were uprooted. The poor and the marginalized suffered the most. Some drastic changes in India’s environmental policies recently goes against environmental concerns in favor of profit by the corporate sectors, devaluing and even destroying the lives of million of Indians. The natural disasters are not under our control, however the roots of our collective failure to be stewards of creation is due to some destructive policies implemented at the cost of the most vulnerable in society becomes our matter of deep concern. 

The encyclical of Holy Father, Pope Francis, ‘Laudato Si’ is a call to address the fragile ecosystems that are deeply encroached, polluted and destroyed. Distribution of free plants is to find a set of solutions to environmental problems caused by some natural environmental disasters. This encyclical also calls all humanity towards a Free Fruit Plant Distribution by CAB, Kolkata spirituality and spiritual tradition, and to educate people in regard to proper treatment of the environment. Due to lockdown, such input sessions could not be organized for the children, to conscientize them and to teach them the ways to protect environment and  God’s creation, project like, ‘plant a tree and nurture that’. One of the concerns of Holy Father Pope Francis is to protect God’s creation and our environment. His encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, speaks thus, “…our common home is falling into serious disrepair” and “the Gospel of Creation,” explains why this should be of concern not only to Catholics but to all humanity by considering our place in creation. The encyclical highlights, some of the environmental problems specific to our day and how they impact especially the poor: pollution, climate change, scarcity of drinking water, loss of biodiversity, and human isolation from nature. 

Creation belongs to God who entrusts it to us to have a dominion over it; this involves cultivating the earth to satisfy human needs and keeping the earth by protecting and preserving it, both because of the inherent goodness of the creatures it contains and because these diverse creatures give glory to God and lead us to knowledge of God. Contrary to what some environmentalists maintain, human beings are not just one species among others, but rather the existence of each individual human “presupposes a direct action of God and a particular call to life” (par. 81). May the initiative of CAB bear much fruits in their creative action towards protecting environment and God’ s creation. This will help this oldest Lay association to reach out to those living in the margins of our society. They are the beloved of God and CAB can do wonders to help them to gain dignity and life.

Fortis celebrates Independence Day with discharge of 94 year old COVID patient .

KOLKATA : The 74th  Independence Day became truly special for Fortis Hospital Anandapur today as it also coincided with freedom from COVID-19 for a 94 year old priest from Don Bosco who hoisted the tricolour becoming a symbol of hope and clinical excellence. Reverend Father Peter Vincent Lourdes from Don Bosco was diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to a private nursing home. He was eventually brought to Fortis Hospital and was being treated under the supervision of Dr Basab Bijoy Sarkar, Consultant Internal Medicine at Fortis Anandapur.

After days of treatment he was tested negative and regained his strength in due course. Today the Father hoisted the tri-colour in presence of the doctors, nurses and caregivers to celebrate the Independence Day. He was later wheeled out to a big round of applause from everyone at Fortis. "My oldest COVID patient Rev. Fr. Peter. won the battle against coronavirus and is going home today. It was heart-warming to see him so happy. Really a great honour and pleasure for me to be able to cure him and send him back home, fit and rule", said Dr Basab. We are very happy with the care that has been provided by all the doctors and staff at Fortis. 

While he was admitted, he was unable to recall our faces. Now that he has recovered, he recognises us. We are delighted he has returned to his normal health and doing so well," added one of Father's associates. Mrs Richa Singh Debgupta, Senior Vice President at Fortis Healthcare Ltd said, "Fortis Hospital group is putting its best efforts to fight the battle against COVID-19. It is very encouraging to see the way the team is tirelessly working towards recovery of each and every patient. It was humbling to hear from Fr. Peter's associates that they feel like he has been given a new life". 

A Tale of Two Priests: Two Years in Two Days!

Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB

It was a new world for me when I reached Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata on 5 June 2018 after twenty years in Bangalore. The following day, when I went to the chapel early morning to pray, I saw a frail priest sitting alone praying with the fan in maximum speed. It was so hot then. Coming from an airconditioned city like Bangalore, Kolkata was like a burning hell for me that morning. He introduced himself and told me: "Fr. Gilbert, if you wish, you can put on the AC. It is quite hot here." That was the first face of Fr. AC in my life. He was the first one to introduce about the life at Nitika Don Bosco. During the breakfast, I came across another priest, Fr. MC Mathew who was limping and walking towards the dining Hall. 

He had a subtle smile. He introduced himself and his illness, Parkinson's Disease. These two priests made lasting impression in my life for the past two years. But, within a span of two days both were gone. Fr. AC Jose was a man of multiple faces. I saw him spending long hours in the chapel especially at 3 pm daily. He was there to help me in my catechetical ministry with his compositions of Biblical rhymes. He personally encouraged me for all my new catechetical initiatives at Nitika. I saw him regularly leaving for Charismatic prayer at a church in the city on every Wednesday. During lockdown, He continued the service by sending recorded adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with his talks for the faithful on Wednesdays. 

The other face of Fr. AC was more visible to the locality around. He was the face of the poor at Nitika Don Bosco. He introduced the parallel tuition for slum children at Nitika Don Bosco where circa 400 children benefit free education and food. His love for the poor was obvious at the slum at Kapali Bagan.(about two kilometres from Nitika). Once I had the privilege to visit this slum along with Fr. Mathew George who was his close collaborator and see for myself this living proof of his charity-works. He continued to serve and feed the poor of this area without interruption from the day one of Lockdown. It was touching to see the visuals of their homage to Fr. AC after hearing about his death. I had the privilege of being the part of his food for the poor by feeding 400 poor people during my jubilee sponsored by my family.

He organised the feeding and asked me to serve them. Amidst all other unwanted celebrations, this event was a memorable moment of Grace in my life. Fr. MC Mathew came to my life as a person who was struggling with his own body. The man who was able to speak and walk a little could not speak much or walk the last months of his life. He was gradually becoming weak finally confined to wheel chair and bed. His inability to move and speak made him silent witness to our own community life. Seeing him sitting alone in his chair or lying in his bed and occasionally tears falling from his eyes were not that uncommon sight in the last few months. He had his share of physical and mental pain. He was prepared well to meet his creator the week before he met Him. Thanks to his brother, Fr. Cyriac and Fr. Patrick Lepcha who prepared him well and he had a peaceful death on 17 July 2020. While his body was taken to Bondel Church, I had to take Fr. AC to Fortis Hospital that day evening.

Fr. AC had developed difficulties with regard to prostate related issues and grown weak. He was saying en route that he might not return. I had to enthuse him to be positive and proactive. The man who blessed many people passed silently to the emergency ward in Fortis as I was the last one to accompany him. Hardly anyone knew that was his last journey. It was shocking for me to receive the death news from Fortis on 19 July evening and communicate to other fathers. He has run his race. He was elated to meet his Creator to hear His Words: "When I was hungry, you gave me food (Mat. 25:35)." Adieu Fr. AC. You are still alive in and around Nitika. You actualised the words of St. Chrysostom to the poor of Nitika Don Bosco Locality "Do not honour the Eucharistic Christ with silk vestments, and then, leaving the church, neglect the other Christ suffering from cold and nakedness (St. John Chrysostom from 4th Cent.)." Dear Frs, MC and AC. as you enjoy His everlasting presence, pray for me, a sinner, now and at the hour of my death, Amen. 

Salesian who brought free education to Kolkata slums dies.

 
 A pioneer educationist who brought free Don Bosco education to Kolkata's slum children died on July 19 in a hospital in the eastern Indian city. Salesian Father Joseph Aymanathil is the first Catholic priest to die in Kolkata archdiocese and the fifth in India. He was the 73.

Kolkata Salesian Provincial Father Joseph Pauria wrote in WhatsApp message, "Dear Confreres, it is with great sorrow that I communicate another sad news that Fr. Joseph Aymanathil passed away Sunday (19 July 2020) at 9:45 PM in Fortis Hospital, Kolkata." The message also said Father Aymanathil, who popularly known as FatherA. C. lose, was admitted for prostate related problems and was diagnosed with Covid•19. "He passed away while undergoing treatment." As Father Aymanathll was member of Provincial House Kolkata community, the entire Provincial House and Nitika Don Bosco complex has been sealed with 21 Salesians, most of them above 60 years old, inside. Father E. A.Thomas. a former Calcutta Salesian provincial who is currently in Sri Lanka says, You did such great service to the church, the Salesian congregation and to the poor wherever you ministered! We miss you. The poor will miss you more." 

Thomas, principal of the Salesian College where Father Aymanathil studied, also writes, "Adieu Fr A.C. Joseph. You have shown us the way to be a missionary" The former also hailed Father Aymanathil as "the solace to the downtrodden and the marginalized of the neighborhood in the city" 

He was a spiritually motivated person's in all that he did or spoke. The priest died on 115th clay of uninterrupted feeding program for Covid relief he had launched at Kapali Ragan and Kolkata's Sealdah Railway Station area. For some 30 years, Father Aymanathil pioneered quality education among slum children when he offered free tuition classes for those studying in Kolkata's Corporation schools of Tangra and Sealdah area. 

Some slums from which children and teachers came for daily classes included Bibi Bagan, Kapali Bagan, Motijheel, Merlai Lane, Suarmari, Bamonpara, Seal Lane, Pottery Road. Dui Number Bridge. Theen Number Bridge, Palmer Bazaar, and Muchipara. 

Each year, some 600 children profited from the project of Don Bosco education. Divided into primary section (2:30 pm to 4:30 pm) and senior section (5 pm to 7 pm) children used to be helped to study and do their home works in a comfortable environment with lights, fans and teachers. The slum children would come with clean dress and on time, were disciplined. eager to learn and proud to say that they were studying at Don Bosco, testified Lokhan, retired Security Guard at Nitika Don Bosco. Father Aymanathil was the first Salesian of Kolkata province who secured a doctoral degree in Canon Law from Salesian 

University Rome in 1989, and served also on Calcutta Archdiocesan Tribunal for several years. As a canon law lawyer, he was specialized in marriage rectification. He also served as the consultant for laicization of priests and religious for several congregations and dioceses. Alumnus of Salesian College Sonada 1973 batch, Father Aymanathil did his theological studies in Kristu broil College Bangalore and was ordained priest on December 19, 1977, at Pannimattam, Pala diocese, Kerala. 

After serving as assistant parish priest in Murshidabad and Nadia missions like Polsonda More, Joypur, and Ranaghat, he went to Rome in 1984 for doctoral studies in Church Law. On his return he was posted in Kolkata Provincial House. Auxilium Parish and Nitika Don Bosco in 1989. He remained there until 2020. From 2003, he was spiritual director of Calcutta Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (CCCRS) group. In 2006. he pioneered the Bible Study program at Archbishop's House Kolkata. 

SXUK offers cuts in Semester and Hostel fees.

CHRISTINE CRAMER 

St Xavier’s University, Kolkata has decided to offer a 20 per cent concession on semester fees for all undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the current semester, July to December 2020, Vice-Chancellor, Father Felix Raj said on Saturday, July 11.

University has decided to allow students to pay the sum in two installments. Students using the university hostels will pay less for the months they don’t stay in the hostels. The vice-chancellor said the university decided to reduce the fees for the July-December semester to offer some relief to guardians who are going through financial problems because of the COVID lockdown. “The decision has been taken with a humanitarian approach…. We believe in helping our students. But we also have to think about the problems of our guardians…The Covid -19 and the lockdowns have created an unprecedented situation. Many people are going through a very difficult situation.. We have decided to reduce the semester and hostel fees to give some relief to our guardians,”

Father Felix Raj said. In addition to reducing the semester fees by 20 per cent, the university will allow students to pay the semester fees in two installments. The last date to clear the second installment for all students, including old and new students, is December 15. The last date to clear the first installment for intermediate semester students is August 31.

New students will have to pay the first installment as per notification regarding admissions. In the normal situation students are required to pay the entire semester fees at the start of the semester unless excused for valid reason. The waiver in the semester and hostel fees will be offered to existing students as well as to new students. Set up in 2017, the Jesuit-run University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses and runs a business school and a law school. The relaxation in the fees will apply to all students. The vice-chancellor said the hostel fees for the current semester (July to December) will be reduced by Rs 5,000 a month. Normally, students have to pay the full hostel fees semester-wise at the time of admission.