Dumka plans for Synod- BEC Convention

A group of priests and Religious from Jharkhand region decided to hold a Convention from October 12 to 15, 2023 in Dumka . 80 priests and religious present for the orientation on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) July 10 to 12 in Dumka social service center unanimously decided to animate people for the convention. The theme for the convention is “to enlarge the Tent in our neighbourhood for all people”, said Bishop Julius Marandi of Dumka and chairman of Jharkhand BEC Commission.

This is also an occasion to thank God for 150 years of blessings on Jharkhand, said Sr. Christin Joseph, HC from Calcutta. The Gospel message have reached all corners of the state during these years.

Sr. Christin facilitated the sessions on synod, BEC and the role of Priests and religious in the BEC. Fr. I.P. Sarto, Regional Coordinator of BEC in Bengal took a session on Ministries in Basic Ecclesial communities and in the parishes.

The Diocesan Service Team (DST) members of Dumka diocese conducted meaningful Bible veneration everyday. Bishop Julius Marandi of Dumka inaugurated the orientation and encouraged the priests and religious to be prophets in the present world. Fr. Solomon, SJ of Dumka Province spoke to the participants about the need of unity among all people of good will and to work jointly for the welfare of the marginalized tribals in Jharkhand.

The Synod-BEC Convention will gather people form nearly 20 dioceses, said Fr. Sonaton Kisku,Vicar General of Dumka. This convention will empower people to know the constitutional rights of all and to work for the dignity of all without any discrimination, said Sr. Christin, one of the main organisers of the convention.

Representatives of youth, Lay animators, pastoral sisters, priests and bishops will attend the convention. Different committees are formed to plan for the convention. Sharing of faith experience, role of laity, social analysis of the present situation, enlarging our tents for all people of good will to experience the love of Christ, Exposure to villages, Gospel sharing and a mega Bible procession are some of the events planned for the convention. We expect more laity for the convention, said Fr. Louis Maria Joseph, Parish Priest of Maharo in Dumka I have sent personal invitation to all the Bishops of Jharkhand, Bengal and Bihar and hope all would attend this convention, said Bishop Julius Marandi, the host for the convention. We plan to accommodate the participants in the families of our faithful, said Fr. Pius Marandi, Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dumka.

Bible Commission on track to Launch Theology Course for the Laity

On Saturday 24th June 2023 members of the Bible Commission gathered for a special meeting chaired by the Commissions’ Head Fr. Dominic Gomes. The agenda was finalization of the inaugural program to launch the ‘Theology for the Laity’ course that is slated to start shortly on 8th July 2023 at the Archbishop House.

At the start, Bible Commission members who had been visiting different parishes to announce the course and motivate people to join the course reported their largely positive and encouraging response from Parish Priests and parishioners. The total number of persons enrolled for the course was 56 and rising with a few more days to go the Commission expect s the numbers to cross 65. It was also agreed that one-time payment of the nominal registration and course fees (total of Rs 1,200) should not be an impediment to enrol for the course and people may pay a sis convenient for them. 

A WhatsApp group is being setup to keep all course students informed about classes and other relevant information. All those who have enrolled should already have seen their numbers included on this ‘Theology Course Group’, if not then should please contact the person they enrolled through or Fr. Dominic directly.

Another important matter of maintaining continuity of the course and it was suggested that students taking this course who are not already members of the Bible Commission Cells in their Parishes join the Cells and if there is yet no Bible Cell in the Parish then they should start such a Cell with the help and encouragement of the Parish Priest. Also, the students will be provided with short encapsulated modules on each of the themes covered during the duration of the course and they should take this back for sharing sessions in their own parishes through the Bible Cells and or other types of special sessions organized in consultation with Parish Priests. This will ensure an opportunity for the joy of sharing and spreading the learnings related to the Word of God and Catechism of the Catholic Church with others. The inaugural program for 8th July would start with a solemn Bible procession and enthronement with opening hymns and prayer followed by felicitation of the dignitaries. A welcome message will be delivered by Archbishop, His Grace Thomas Dsouza and a message by Rector of Morning Star Seminary Rev Fr. Dr. George Panthanmackel MSFS. Fr. Dominic Gomes will speak on the genesis, continuation and purpose of the Bible courses held so far in the Archdiocese followed by Rev. Fr. Dr. Henry Jose’s talk on the dynamics and salient features of the course. Closing hymn, Bible blessings, vote of thanks will close the inaugural program. Following a fellowship tea-snack break the first class of the course will start after a self-introduction by all the students.

Based on his earlier discussions with Rev Fr. Dr. Henry Jose MSFS (Dean of Theology), Most Rev Archbishop Thomas D’Souza imparted encouraging message through his announcement at the recently held Priests’ Recollection regarding the importance and vitality of this Course. It is also recorded in Archbishop’s Circular RCAC/Cir-10/2023 to the Clergy, Consec rated Persons and Lay Faithful. My Sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the Bible Commission members for their generous help and support for mobilising all the parishes for the Theology Course of the Laity.