World Disability Day at Seva Kendra Calcutta

-Stephen Gonsalves

Kolkata: Disability Day, or the International Day of People with Disability, is a day that has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992. Seva Kendra Calcutta held a confluence of persons with disability from Missionaries of Charity Shanti Dan and other communities with whom Seva Kendra Calcutta is engaged in. The aim of Disability Day, held on December 3 2017 was to encourage a better understanding of people affected by disability, together with helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity and welfare of disabled people, and how one can contribute to caring for them.

Sr. Karuna M.C. from Shanti Dan shared her experience in caring for people with disabilities as well as raise awareness about the benefits of integrating disabled persons into every aspect of life - spiritual, social and cultural. At the start of the evening’s programme Fr Franklin Menezes, Director of Seva Kendra Calcutta stated that Disability Day is not concerned exclusively with either mental or physical disabilities, but rather encompasses all known disabilities, from Autism to Down syndrome to Multiple Sclerosis all of which requires compassion and healing. Shanti Dan residents  comprising of 45 girls with various disabilities, performed cultural activities spiritual songs, dance and skits, which were ably led by Sister Superior of Shanti Dan.

At the start of the programme Fr Franklin Menezes stated that Seva Kendra Calcutta was launching the constructing a full-fledged residential center for those who are physically challenged. This center would be residential one with all facilities for rehabilitation, education, medical treatment and social  integration. The center, to be located on the outskirts of Kolkata, already has available land which has been donated by another organization called Swanirbhar. At this event “Dus Ka Dum” was launched which is a local fundraising event by all who are interested in this venture. Each coupon is priced at Rs.10 and hence the name. The first brick for the foundation was also presented at this occasion. The same will be blessed by His Grace Archbishop Thomas D’Souza on the day the foundation will be laid.

The Chief Guest for the evening was Rotarian Ms. Lovina Khan, Managing Trustee of Open Arms Education Trust; who stated that she would fully support such a venture by Seva Kendra Calcutta and committed to donate Rs.10,000 from Open Arms Education Trust. Others who donated for the cause were Guests of Honor Mr. Sharik Khanand Mr. Shamir Alam. A large gathering of the staff of Seva Kendra Calcutta and many of the others from the neighborhood communities participated at this event, which was another milestone for Seva Kendra Calcutta.

KAIROS 2017

- Subhodeep Biswas

Dum Dum: On the 2nd of December December, Mother Teresa’s Church, Dum Dum, hosted aninter parish fest named “KAIROS” meaning ‘opportune time’ or ‘time of grace.’

The day began with a prayer by Fr. Devraj Fernandes, the YCS Chaplin of Kolkata Diocese, then followed a time of praise and worship led by a national band “Bridge ‘000.” Fr. Sudhir Nayak, the parish priest of St. Damien’s Church, Dum Dum, gave the key note message and Fr. Joachim Ekka, the Chaplin of JY West Bengal declared the event open. Around 200 youth came for the event and took active participation in one way or the other. All the priests, including Fr. Jesu Rechahar from Christ the King parish, were present during the Eucharistic Celebration with Fr. Devraj Fernandes as the main celebrant. The ICYN West Bengal & Sikkim president, Mr.Alex Hembrom and the Kolkata Diocese president, Mr. Jovita Ekka were also present and showcased active participation.

The day also witnessed the performance of Mr. Nizel Samuel, the lead singer of the gospel band, ‘The Desert Voice’ (he was also one of the judges for the singing competition). After a full-day of intense competition, fellowship and laughter, Infant Jesus Church, Behala emerged as the winners while Our Lady of Happy Voyage, Howrah were the runners up. The perfect icing on the cake was the guest performance by Bridge ‘000. This was the first time in Kolkata where a national band has performed in an inter-parish fest.

FR JOSEPH D’SILVA(05.04.1952-19.09.2012)

The funeral Mass at St. John's Church, Sealdah at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, 22nd September 2012, followed by interment at St. John's cemetery.

Fr. Joseph D’Silva was born at Bondel, Mangalore, on 5^th April 1952 as the second of the three children and only son to the late  Mr. Alphonse Cajetan D’Silva and Mrs. Nathalia D’Souza.  He has an elder sister (Christina) and a younger sister (Mary Josephine).

Up to 1965, he did the Primary schooling at St. Joseph’s Higher Primary School, Kulshekar, and completed High School and Pre-University Class from St. Aloysius School and College, Mangalore in 1969. He decided to join the Archdiocese of Calcutta and did his Juniorate at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, and graduation from St. Aloysisus College, Manglore in 1972

From 1972-74, Br.Joseph studied Philosophy at Morning Star College, Barrackpore.  In 1974, he did his regency at St. Teresa’s Church, and St. Peter’s School, Moulali. From June 1975 to April 1979,  he studied Theology at Morning Star College, Barrackpore.  On 11^th May 1979, Fr. Joseph was ordained a priest by the late Bishop Basil S D’Souza of Managlore.

As a young and energetic priest, Fr. Joseph served the Lord and His people in different places and capacities:

Assistant at Sacred Heart Church, Burdwan (now Asansol Diocese): 1979 June – December 1980;

Assistant at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Midnapore and Acting Headmaster at Nirmal Hriday Ashram School, Midnapore : June 1981-May 1984;

Assistant at St. Teresa’s Church and at St. Peter’s School, Moulali: 1984 June to October;

Assistant at Boys’ Town of West Bengal, Orphanage: November 1984-December 1985;

Priest in-charge of Queen of Peace Church, Tollygunge: January 1986 to May 1988;

Parish priest of St. Anthony’s Church, Burnpur(now Asansol Diocese): June 1988-December 1994;

Priest in-charge of St. Paul’s Parish, Kulti (Now Asansol Diocese): January 1995 to June 1996;

Assistant, Infant Jesus Church, Behala: July  to December 1996;

Parish priest at St. Patrick’s Church, Dum Dum: January 1997 – June 2000;

Priest in-charge of Mary Immaculate Church, Kanchrapara, and in-charge of Calcutta Theology seminarians at Kristo Niketan Barrackpore: July 2000-June 2001;

Rector of St. John Mary Vianney Minor Seminary, Barasat: July 2001-December 2002;

Priest in-charge of Nishkalanka Maria Girja, Barasat and Director of Praggaloy Pastoral Centre, Kolkata Archdiocese, and coordinator for the deanery as Dean of North 24 Parganas Deanery: July - December 2002;

Rector of St. Joseph’s Chapel and St. Anthony’s Shrine, Market Street, Kolkata: January 2003 to December 2005;

Rector of St. Aloysius Orphanage and Boarding, Jholi, and Curate of Sacred Heart Church, Kharagpur: January 2006 to December 2011;

At Vianney Home, Middleton Row, Kolkata: December 2011 until he breathed his last on 19^th Sept. 2012.

That was the availability of Fr. Joe for God’s work with generosity and faith, carrying the Cross daily. In a note dated 26.2.2010 and signed by him, he considered his entire Priestly ministry as a Way of the Cross with 14 stations, a way that leads to death and through death, to resurrection and salvation.

Fr. Joseph had a miraculous cure of a pancreas-related ailment  about 9 years ago, and  the last 10 months he spent at Vianney Home fighting a brave battle with diabetes and  heart problem and finally surrendered his life to the Lord peacefully at 9.15 p.m. on Wednesday, 19^th Sept. 2012 as Archbishop Henry D’Souza administered to him the Sacrament of the Sick.  It was indeed a happy death.  As in life so in death, Fr. Joseph lived his simplicity to the end.

In the death of Fr. Joseph D’Silva, the Archdiocese of Calcutta has lost a   generous  and dedicated pastor.  The family has lost a dear one, and all of us a cheerful friend. We are grateful to the parents and family members of Fr. Joe who offered him to the service the Lord in this Archdiocese.  Today we remember in a very special way his dear mother, now 87 years of age, and sick, who, like Mary the mother of Jesus is grieving the loss of her only son. Fr. Joseph’s younger sister Mary, his niece Jane, and nephew Rohan   will represent the family at the funeral.   May the Lord grant Fr. Joe eternal rest and life.

R.I.P.