Archdiocese celebrate Chrism Mass and Priestly Ordination

Kolkata: The Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary was a hive of activity on 25th March 2021 as Archbishop Thomas D'Souza. was joined by the clergy and faithful of the diocese for the annual Chrism Mass. Each year the diocese comes together at the cathedral to consecrate the oils to be used in the Sacraments over the course of the year and to give witness to and support the brother priests as they renew their ordination promises. This year there was a particularly joyful tone to the celebration as Deacon Arun Raj was to be ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Calcutta. Deacon Arun Raj was born to Mr. Balaraj and Mrs.Jayamary as an eldest son on 4th Feb 1988 at Nagenahalli in Karnataka. He has a younger brother Mr. Antony Raj. He grew in faith and knowledge by the exemplary life of his parents. He did all his schooling in Karnataka. In the course of time he felt the call of God and expressed generously his desire to join Archdiocese of Calcutta through Fr. Gregory his vocation promoter.

In his homily Archbishop Thomas reflected on Pope Francis encyclical "Fratelli Tutti" and highlighted the aspect of Fraternity and brotherhood of priests in building up of presbyterium. He spoke of friendly fire that could erupt at anytime. how we can hurt one another by our acts of omission and commission. It can undermine moral and can cause a deep hurt. He shared his own experience of Fraternity and living the joy of priesthood. He reminded the priests to be aware of the friendly fue and not to give into hurting others. Finally He exhorted the brother priests to be healers. forgivers and reconcilers. After the instruction by the Archbishop the ordination proper for priesthood began Fr Irudaya Raj the Director of Formation for archdiocese of Calcutta called upon Deacon Arun Raj to come forward with his parents if he wishes to be ordained as a Priest. After expressing his consent Deacon Arun Raj was presented by Fr. Irudaya Raj to the Archbishop to ordain him for service as a Print. The ordination was followed by the offertory and presentation of the oil of Catechumens oil of the Sick and oil of Chrism for blessing. The liturgy was well organized and a sense of solemnity and prayerful atmosphere was maintained throughout the celebration. The Archbishop felicitated the priests who are celebrating their silver and golden jubilee of their priesthood. The Newly ordained priest. Fr. Arun Raj and his family were felicitated. Fr. Robert Johnson proposed the vote of thanks and invited all the priests and religious gathered for a sumptuous meal after the solemn celebration. 

Regional Youth Meeting at Auxilium Convent School, Barasat

 ALDRINA LAKRA

The Regional Youth Meeting of the West Bengal & Sikkim Region was held at Auxilium Convent School, Barasat on 4th March 2021. The Upcoming 8th Regional Youth Convention will be held at Auxilium Convent School, Barasat from 11th -14th Oct 2021. The Meeting was attended In, Regional Chairman Bishop Rev Bishop Fulgence Aloydus Tigga. Regional Youth Director Rev Fr. Nimai Mardi, Regional Lady Youth Animator Anancia Fernandes, Regional South Zone Representative and Diocesan Youth Director Krishnagar, Rev. Fr. Rakesh Biswas. Regional North Zone Representative and Diocesan Youth Director Bagdogra Fr. Michael Kerketta Diocesan Youth Director Kolkata Archdiocese Rev. Fr. Sandip .

The various points discussed related to upcoming 8th Regional Youth Convention are: Banner competition for all the 8 dioceses the banner should reflect the speciality or originality of that particular diocese. Theme for Bible Quiz Competition 4 participants from each diocese, theme for Fashion Show is yet to be decided registration closes for RYC i.e last week of July. Few suggestions were given regarding the workshop and the resource persons. Transport. Accommodation Food and logistics to be hooked after the host diocese. Budget needs to be drawn up and submitted for the same. Next Regional Meeting to be held in Kolkata after Easter for members in the South Zone. The Rexcos and the working committee members along Michael Biswas, Sr Rose Superior and Sr Clara Principal of Auxilium Convent School the Rexcos and some of the Working Committee members. The Meeting started at 10:30 a.m with a short prayer by the Regional Youth Director Fr. Nimai Mardi followed by post birthday celebration of Rt. Rev Bishop Fulgence A Tigga with the cutting of the cake. A short introduction by everyone present in the meeting and a warm welcome by the sisters of the Auxilium Convent with the religious had an overview of the campus under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Sandip Michael Biswas. We ere happy that Chairman Bishop Fulgence A Tigga made time and attended the meeting and also the sisters of Auxilium Convent for showing us the venue and sharing their joy in letting us host the 8th RYC 2021 in Auxilium Convent School, Barasat. The meeting ended with a short prayer and blessing by Rev. Bishop Fulgencer A Tigga.

Women’s Day Celebration at St. Thomas’ Church

 ESTHER THOMAS

St. Thomas' Church. Middleton Row celebrated Women's Day on Sunday 7th March 2021. The Celebration commenced with a solemn service conducted by Fr. Jesu Retchahar. The service commenced with the Women of our parish walking in procession with lighted candles and singing the hymn. 'Carry your Candle. Thereafter. the statue of Mother Mary was venerated with incense and garlanded. Mrs Angela Secretary of the Women's Cell and Vice President of the CCWI gave a brief introduction on the Spiritual Advisor of the Women's Cell. 

The programme began by inviting our guests on the dais and felicitating them with bouquets. the Opening Pray was said by our parish priest Fr. Lucas D'Cruze, Mrs. Sandhya was asked to give a brief introduction on the works that the CCWI and the Women's Commission of the Archdiocese does at the Archdiocese level, Then Sr. Agnes our main speaker for the day spoke to the women on the theme stressing on the strength of women and encouraging our parish women to take up challenges with purpose of Celebrating the International Women's Day in our parish. During the service the women took part in the Liturgy by reading the the word of God and helping in the collection. The Offertory Gifts was offered by members of the women's cell which included a House, a Bible, Rosaries, Candles and Fruits along with Bread and Wine. At the end of the service Fr. lent blessed all the women and sprinkled holy water on them. Soon after the service all the women gathered in the parish hall where a small seminar was organized on the theme "CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE'. Our main speaker was Sr. Agnes Bhutia Head of the Loreto Community. Also present among us was Mrs. Sandhya Vincent. President of the CCWI and Women's Commission of the Archdiocese of Calcutta and Sr Phyllis Morris, IBVM, our new bravery which they face in their daily lives. After her speech, the women were divided in 8 groups and one member of the women cell spoke to each group on different topics. viz.. what is the role of women in the society, in its church and at the home front how can they get involved in church activities and what hinders /block them from joining in the women's cell group of the parish. etc. etc.. The group discussion was very fruitful as the women came up with brilliant ideas and solutions and ways to cope with problems. The same was then read out in the open hour session and the icing on the cake was - 90% women agreed to join the women's cell of the parish. Praise God!! After the open hour the vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Pansy who was also the Emcee of the programme. The women were given rosary which was blessed during the service followed by refreshment. 

Regional Bishops hold Pastoral Council at Kolkata

The annual Bengal Regional Bishops Conference (BRBC) Pastoral Council was held in Kolkata. March 2-3. 2021. at Seva Kendra Calcutta ISM in Tangra. Eight bishops Including Calcutta Archbishop Thomas D'Souza attended the Council which makes pastoral policies and guides dioceses with establishing thrusts and themes for the year. The first day began with an inaugural programme, a classical dance by Park Circus girl Rashmi John. followed by the inaugural Mass at the beautiful SKC Chapel presided over by Bishop Salvadore Lobo of Baruipur president of the BRBC. In his homily he emphasised on St. Joseph. the Patron of the Universal Church. He prayed for the families in particular to have special devotion to St. Joseph and to receive the special intercessory blessings from the universal father as this year is dedicated whim. The first session of the day was an input by Fr Henry Jose MSFS moderated by Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur on Patris Corde the apostolic letter of the Pope on the year of St. Joseph. Fr. Henry explained about the purpose of this Apostolic Letter and presented an overview of the Apostolic Letter. He elaborated on the devotion to St. Joseph in the History of the Church. the special virtues of St. Joseph and the pastoral Implications of 'Paris Corde. His session was thought provoking and set the tone for the entire meeting. This session was followed by reporting on the previous year's activities by the Secretaries/Directors of 18 Regional Commissions which brought to light a good amount of Invaluable work done during the pandemic year 2020. On day two, diocese representatives reported on their activities in the respective dioceses and then it was time for a deliberation on current regional affairs headlined by the upcoming elections in West Bengal. The final session began with an open session to evaluate the meeting and to offer suggestions for the better tomorrow. It was decided that the next meeting is to be held at Darjeeling from 26th of April to 28th of April 2022. The meeting came to an end with a vote of thanks by Bp. Vincent Aind the secretary of BRBC. A team was formed to propose a regional theme for the year 2021-2022.