Come Let Us Pray…. Urged by the Catholic Association of Bengal.

 

“Where two or three our gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Mathew 18:20)

Sunday 11th June 2023: The Catholic Association of Bengal organised an ‘All Faith Prayer Service’ at Don Bosco School Park Circus to specially remember and pray for the situation in Manipur and the families of the victims of the recent train accident in Orissa.

There were more than hundred people attending the service of quiet reflection and intercessory prayers by various religious sections. The program began at 4 p.m. Different religious and political leaders flocked to pray as one big community.

There were prayers for different intentions: For peace in the country, for leaders of our country, for inter-religious harmony, for the well-being of the leaders and the people of West Bengal, etc.We had religious leaders from various faiths who were invited to pray. Among them were representations from the Catholic Church, Armenian Church, Orthodox Church, Methodist Church, Assembly of God Church, Church of North India, FGS Kolkata Temple, Parsi Fire Temple, Sikh Community, Sindhi Community , Shia Community, the Muslim Community and Rama Krishna Mission. There were also Religious Sisters from QMS and Missionaries of Charity. Indeed, it was a wonderful and large representation of so many leaders of different faiths coming together under one roof praying for the same cause.

One cannot deny the presence of political leaders who left their busy schedule to pray together. We at CAB were honoured and privileged to have them in our midst. Among them we had the honourable MP Smt. Mala Roy, MP Janab Nadim- Ul -Haque, Honourable Minister of Disaster Management - Janab Javed Ahmad Khan, Vice-President of the TMC Jay Prakash Ma zumdar, former MP Imran Hasan and Dr. Qasim and honourable MLA Vivek Gupta. We also had the presence of Mr Shibuprasanum - the Chairman of the Heritage Committee and an artist by profession.

The Prayer Service was held to pray and to stir a deep devotion in this difficult time to beseech the mercy of God on our Mother Earth and specially our Beloved country India in general and West Bengal in particular.

The success of this prayer service goes to the President, Mrs Angelina Mantosh Jasnani and the Treasurer Mr. Colin Fitzgerald who took this initiative and worked tirelessly and selflessly, along with their EC members. We at CAB feel so blessed and thank God for uniting us as one big family irrespective of caste and religion, praying together for peace, harmony and brotherhood

Calcutta Archdiocese Speaks from the Heart

Kolkata 27 May 2023 - The Archdiocesan Social Communication Commission (ASCC) organised a Panel Discussion, "Speaking with the Heart," on the theme of World Communications Day, which was marked the previous Sunday.

The panellists for the discussion came from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Sandra Singh, a retired teacher and Lay Missionary of Charity, has been actively involved in volunteering at the Emmaus Retreat Centre and teaching street children in Kolkata.

Father P.J. Joseph SJ, the Director of Chitrabani and former head of the Vatican Radio's English Service for South Asia, brought his expertise in media and communication to the panel. Mario Martin Louis, of St. Xavier’s University, who has also held senior positions in leading hospitals in Kolkata, and is also active in philanthropy.

Andrilla Mary Peterson, an MA in English and B.Ed. student , had previous leadership roles within the Church and is currently involved in the Parish Council and Synodal Team. Sister Monica Suchiang IBVM, a Loreto nun, currently the Director of Kolkata Mary Ward SocialCentre (KMWSC) and a strong advocate for women's rights.

The moderator for the panel discussion was the Reverend V. Gnana Peppin, a diocesan priest known for speaking from the heart. Father Peppin worked with youth for much of the 2 decades of priesthood and directs the family apostolate in the Archdiocese of Calcutta.

During the panel discussion, the participants spoke openly and shared their personal experiences , emphasising the role of love in communication. They expressed that love is essential in fostering empathy, understanding, and connection. When communication is grounded in love , individuals listen attentively, speak with kindness, and seek to understand others' emotions and perspectives. Love creates a safe and nurturing environment where communication flourishes, leading to deeper relationships and mutual respect.

The panel discussion was live-streamed for those who could not attend in person, and is also available for viewing on the Archdiocese YouTube channel. Mr. Farrell Shah, Archdiocesan Director for Social Communications, expressed gratitude to all the panellists for their active participation; and the Vicar General , V. Reverend Dominic Gomes, offered concluding remarks and blessed the event.

World Social Communications Day is an annual event observed by the Catholic Church to highlight the importance of effective and meaningful communication in fostering understanding, respect, and unity among individuals. By tradition Pope Francis delivers a powerful message setting the theme of the year on the Feast of Saint Francis de Sales – this time on 24 January 2023. "Speaking with the Heart," is this year’s theme and emphasises the need for authentic communication rooted in compassion, empathy, and love.

CAREER GUIDANCE SEMINAR FOR CHRISTIAN YOUTH

Christian students numbering over 500, from over 18 schools of the city attended the Career Guidance cum Motivational Seminar organised by the Catholic Teachers Guild of the Archdiocese of Kolkata. The Seminar was held at Don Bosco School, Park Circus, Kolkata on Saturday, 29th April, 2023 from 9 am to 1 pm. The program began by an introduction by the President of the Guild, Mr Joseph Chacko where he welcomed the dignitaries and participants and outlined the purpose of the Seminar, to empower the young Christian students to take up well placed careers in future and be exemplary Christians wherever they are. The Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Fr Dominic Gomes began the seminar with a very meaningful prayer. The President then called upon the Chief Guest and Motivational speaker, Mrs Hilda Peacock, renowned Academic consultant, Mr Solomon Nesakumar IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (STF) along with Fr Bikash Mondal, sdb. Principal of Don Bosco School, Park Circus , Fr Dominic Gomes and the Spiritual Director of the Guild, Fr Moloy D’Costa to light the inaugural lamp which was followed by the release of the book on ‘Career Guidance ‘ – a handy guide to all educators to motivate their students to choose the correct career options according to their potential.

Mr Solomon Nesakumar IPS delivered his address to the students. He rued the fact that in this State of West Bengal there are hardly any Christians in the police force or in the Government sectors inspite of us having the best Christian educational institutions in the city. Mr Solomon Nesakumar spoke straight from the heart about his humble origins and how he aspired with a dream and determination to become an IPS officer. He challenged the students that if he could do it, inspite of failures, then they could also but only if they have a passion for it. To see a Christian officer in uniform, share his life experience was truly inspirational to the young Christian students.

Mrs Hilda Peacock, Our Chief guest and motivational speaker, began by referring to the Biblical verse from Ezekiel 22:30 – “And I looked for a man to stand in the gap, but I found no one”. She referred to young Timothy who refused to stand in the gap inspite of being given the responsibility ,which led to the loss of the battle. She challenged the young to stand in the gap and make a difference. Her powerful speech left everyone spell bound.

The Christian resource persons were then felicitated and lead to the different classrooms to interact with the students on their preferred choice of careers.

We had Dr Sipra Goswami for those who wanted to take up the medical profession, Mr Raja Xavier for Law, Mrs Althea Philips for Journalism, Mrs Charlotte Simpson for Teaching, Mr Ransdale Manuel for Games and sports, Mr Xavier Gomes for those interested in the Hospitality industry, Mrs Jessica Gomes for Fashion designing, Mrs Janet Gasper for Management, Mr Promode Fernandes and Mr Stephen Dolby for the IT Sector, Mrs Tanishka Safri for Psychology, Mr Dominic Gomes and Mr Mario Louis for the General stream ,who also assisted for Media and Banking.

After an hour of fruitful interaction with our Christian resource persons in the respective classrooms the students assembled in the hall. Mr Shane Calvert and his team from the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation shared about the different loans, Scholarships and other schemes for the minorities. They expressed regret that these schemes and loans are not availed by the Christian community. Students could log into – www.WBMDFCscholarships.org for further information. The Guild could also help the students to initiate this process.

Fr Mani sdb, from Don Bosco, Liluah then spoke on the various technical courses offered by the Don Bosco Technical centres at Park Circus, Mirpara, Krishnanagar and Liluah. He also spoke to the girls about a lucrative career now in nursing and the various colleges where they can pursue their dream in the health sector.

The Career Guidance seminar ended with a short but important session of serving God and his people through “ A Call to Religious life” conducted by Fr Bijay Ghosh, sdb ,who urged young people to become Priests and nuns to serve Gods Kingdom.

Fr Moloy D’Costa, rounded off an extremely fruitful Career Guidance Seminar speaking about the “Way ahead’. Mr Derek Fernandes, Vice President of the guild delivered the Vote of thanks. The Guild is extremely grateful to the Salesians at Don Bosco Park Circus for the hospitality rendered to host the Seminar. The Resource persons all shared the fact that our young Christian youth, who are our future, need a lot of guidance and motivation and such seminars for them would do them a world of good and augur well for the future of our Christian community.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS HELPS US FACE LIFE

 

 Easter or the Resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle which the four Gospels narrate in simple and down-to-earth language. The empty tomb and the apparitions of the Risen Lord confirm the fact that Jesus truly rose from the dead. "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him" (Mk 16:6-7). "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen as he said. Come, see the place where he lay" (Mt. 28:5-6). "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen" (Lk. 24:5-6). This was the firm faith of the early Church. St. Paul preached this faith: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He appeared also to me. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead." (1 Cor. 15:3-4,8,17,20). 

As we celebrate this event of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we proclaim the Paschal Mystery of Faith: 'Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again'. This proclamation has many implications for us as Christians: Jesus died for our sins, he has redeemed us from the bondage of sin. In his resurrection, he has given us a new HOPE that we too will rise from the dead: Already now in this world, and in the next one too. We are called to live in hope despite many situations of despair and hopelessness. If Jesus has conquered death, He will surely conquer all obstacles and hurdles for us, of course in his time. We are called to do our best and leave the rest to him. Let us face life's challenges with courage.

Our world is going through a difficult situation caused by war, hatred, violence, religious and human persecution, injustice, and all this is a perfect recipe for despair. It is at this time that we hear Risen Jesus' voice: "Do not be afraid" (Mt. 28:10); "Peace be with you" (Jn. 20:5). As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors or messengers of the Risen Jesus, heralding hope, joy and peace. May we succeed in instilling hope in those who need it the most. n our personal and family lives,let us be optimistic in the face of adversities by being faithful to prayer, holiness of life, fidelity to the word of God and Sacraments, and works of charity. May our families and communities grow in the spirit of the Risen Lord - hope, peace and joy. Mary our mother is an example of Easter Hope. Let us imitate her.

I wish you a HAPPY EASTER! Alleluia, Alleluia!

International Women’s Day Celebration at Calcutta Archdiocese

 “Mangal Deep Jele” with this melodious song along with the graceful entrance dance, holding the diyas ,the Holy Eucharist of the International women’s day began at Church of Christ the King ,Hall, Park Circus on 5th of March at 9.30 am. The main celebrant of the day was Rt. Rev. Archbishop Thomas D Souza and concelebrants were Vicar General Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes and the parish priest Rev. Fr. Basil Mandi in the presence of nearly five hundred enthusiastic women of the Archdiocese of Calcutta and two guests from Croatia. The trilingual service was well organized by the members of Council of Catholic Women of India along with Women’s Commission of Calcutta Archdiocese.

 Archbishop Rev. Thomas D'Souza beautifully narrated the day’s Gospel on the feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ in His sermon. He mentioned in his preaching that Holy Father Pope Francis says in His meditation that all the people should have Divine experience in life, then only one can realize who is Jesus Christ to us. This Divine experience gives us the eagerness to go to church to experience Him as a family. The service of the Holy Eucharist ended with the worthy manner.

After a short Tea break the second part of the program started with the Introduction of the Women’s Day, keeping in mind the Theme, “ Digit All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality" which was read out beautifully by Mr. Dilip Rozario. It was followed by the Welcome Address and felicitation by the president of CCWI to the dignitaries of the day.

Archbishop Rev. Thomas DSouza was requested to say a few words to the women of the Archdiocese during the program where he wished all the women present and spoke on the Theme of the year.

“God has created man and woman in equal dignity and rights, no one is superior. Therefore all the girl children should be educated well and help them to empower themselves. The gender equality generally starts through the education in the family and it is necessary to create awareness in the church and community. Society needs to be transformed. Young women should be given respect and responsibility which is also possible together through synodality as we are going through Synodal phase. Seeing the huge crowd of the women for the program His Grace said whole community of women bring meaning and courage and empowerment to other women of our community.

Today the world has become Digital. So we need to give the girl children and young women an opportunity in digital education to walk along with the present situation. Women cannot be behind the digital world.

Vicar General also shared a few words to encourage the women of the Archdiocese and wished them all.

Thereafter, two active members of women’s commission shared about the women empowerment as well as social and welfare schemes of West Bengal Minorities and finance corporation to the women crowd to create an awareness as many of them are not aware of these schemes. Dr. Linda Lewis who is the parishioner of Church of Christ the King shared some important tips on the health issues to the young mothers as well as the senior citizens to keep themselves fit and healthy.

After the input session the cultural program started with the opening song by the women of Premnagar, followed by a skit and few numbers of colourful folk dances by the women of different parishes which was enjoyed by all.

The day’s program came to an end with a sumptuous fellowship meal.

Regional Family Commission – West Bengal &Sikkim Trains Laity in Family Apostolate

 The Family Commission of the West Bengal & Sikkim Region conducted two training programs for the priests, religious and laity in Family Apostolate. The South Zone event was conducted from 7 - 9 February at Proggaloy, Barasat and for the North Zone it was from 14-16 February at Seva Kendra, Siliguri. 

Fr. Joseph Biswas, the Regional Secretary of the Family Commission took the initiatives of brushing up the content of the Marriage Preparation Course under the title, “Skills for a Happy Marriage” that will be followed in the eight dioceses of West Bengal & Sikkim Region.

The topics included: Vision of Marriage, Know yourself and your partner, Effective Communication in Marriage, Budgeting and Practical Aspects, Prayer and Fidelity in Marriage, Marriage Law, Sex and Sexuality, Responsible Parenthood and Conflict Management. A note on Tribal Marriage Ritual was added later on. While the Syllabus given by the CCBI commission for Family is followed, the local concerns are also addressed.

The delegates included priests and nuns and maximum being lay people from respective dioceses. While 30 attended in the South Zone, some 90 attended in the North Zone. Delivering the key note address at the opening of the session at Seva Kendra, Siliguri, Bishop Vincent Aind said, “Our call is to move from human family towards a Holy Family.Man makes family, finally, it is family that makes man.”He added, “Devoid of human love and affection, man is prone to lower himself to the state of animal.”

At the end of the training program each diocese prepared their action plan. Bagdogra diocese came out strongly to form team of resource persons and has planned to have a training program in the near future. The diocesan Secretaries of the commission are fully involved in training their resource team.

The following were the resource persons for the training program in the two zones: Jaya Doloi, Rita Rai, Basil Bhutia, Rajen Banerjee, Jesuraj Kumar Reddy, Gloria and Gerald D’Rozario, John Lobo, Gurupada Doloi, Bishop Vincent Aind, Fr. Joseph Biswas, Fr. Uttam Naskar and Fr. Gnana Peppin

Fr. Dominic Gomes recieves Mother Teresa Award

Fr. Dominic Gomes , Vicar General of the Archdiocese received the prestigious Mother Teresa International Award for social work at a glittering function held on the 23rd of January, 2023 at the St. James’ School, auditorium. Fr. Dominic was conferred the award for social work in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the poor and the marginalised in the Archdiocese of Kolkata. The Chief Guest, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Mr Andalib Elias along with Rev P.S.P. Raju, Former CNI Bishop of Calcutta presented the Award to Fr. Dominic in the presence of several dignitaries from the city and Bangladesh. 

Fr. Dominic in his acceptance speech dedicated the award to the poorest of the poor emulating the example set by St. Teresa of Calcutta. He stated that he was greatly indebted to Mother Teresa for her indelible inspiration in his priestly life. He further reiterated that Mother taught us to recognise many types of poverty, besides economic poverty, especially the spiritually poor; those neglected in our family; just by loving them can be transformative. He urged everyone to reach out in service and betterment of our fellow human beings.

The Award function witnessed stellar dance performances from the Chitrangada Dance Academy and a touching performance of song and dance by the children of ‘Voice of World – Blind School’. The Mother Teresa International Award was also conferred to 15 other distinguished awardees for their notable contribution in the fields of sports, music, education and social work. The Mother Teresa Award Committee holds an award function every year to further the legacy of St. Teresa of Calcutta.