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. 

Bible Sunday Quiz in Christ The King

 DOMINIC J. AZAVEDO

Christ the King Parish Christian Life Cell (CLC). under the leadership and guidance of Mr. Stanley Velloz President CLC, provided an educative and entertaining evening on Bible Sunday 21st February 2021. The evening was educative because Mr. Velloz Quiz Master had done a thorough study and intelligently drafted the questions on the Gospels of Matthew. Mark, Luke, and John. The quiz was entertaining because the participants due to the 32A years of SCC monthly Gospel meetings were acquainted with the tens but missed the details. Some answers were revealing and showed the research put-in by Stanley. 

Stanley questioned on Early Ministry of Jesus, lessons from the parables, fill in the blanks, identify the places,Crucifixion,Resurrection & Ascension of Jesus.etc. 

The 30 plus participants were divided into 4 groups.The leaders were: Anita Mondal (Luke). Sybil Azavedo (Matthew). Linda Louis (Mark). and Neville Louis (John). For the benefit of the Bengali speaking Mr. Ajoy Chaudhury the score and time-keeper translated into Bengali. The scores were close: John scored 80 points, Matthew 75, Mark 70, and Luke 65. All went home happy as Fr. Basil Biman Mandi our Parish Priest offered chocolates, singaras, and tea for all. Stanley's election as President (MC on 14th August 2016 brought life in the Parish as he took his responsibility seriously from 2016 itself by having from 11th September 2016. 1 hour Bible Classes every Saturday in Bengali and on Sundays in English. Initially. he was helped by Fr. Franklin Menezes. (Salvation History). Then by Fr. Jesu Retchahar. (Gospel of Mark): Fr. Ranjit Rozazio. (Matthew). Stanley Velloz (Luke and Acts of the Apostles) and the same topics were taken for the Bengali speaking by Fr. Stephen Tudu as Stanley till 15th March 2020 when the lockdown forced the Bible classes to be stopped. 

Before the Bible Classes Stanley did a survey of the Parishioners and discovered that 50 families were without Bibles so with help from CLC members collected funds and on 21st August 2017. Fr. Dominic Gomes Vicar General offered the Bibles at a special Mass. The CLC also saw to the Animation of the Liturgy Cell., Catechetics Cell, Catechism Teachers, Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Ministers of Hospitality. 

ARCHDIOCESE OF CALCUTTA CELEBRATES BIBLE SUNDAY

 

FR. DOMINIC GOMES VG

LIVE THE WORD ! WOE TO ME, IF I DO NOT PREACH THE GOSPEL

Pope Francis In his Apostolic Letter "Misericordia et Misen" to mark the end of the Year of Mercy had called for to be celebrated a "Bible Sunday" to appreciate the inexhaustible riches contained in the constant dialogue between the Lord and his people.. Bible Sunday Ls adayo Mitch the Cubelic Church celebrates the continuing Impact the Bible has on Individuals and communities the world over. There is an increasing hunger among Catholics to study the Bible in.depth. and in a way that integrates Saipem with Catholic doctrine. An Angel gives Ezekiel a scroll and says: "Son of man feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you." Then I ate it and it was sweet as honey in my mouth. (Ezekiel 3-31) Then only the Prophet was able to go and preach with wisdom and understanding the very words the angel gave him to chew and swallow (Ezek.33: Rev.10:9; Jer.15:6: Isa.9:20:Gen.41:211) What we get out of the Bible will largely depend on how we approach the Bible. So how must the lord of God be approached? Unless we live a sustained and disciplined life of prayer we will never have the reverence the profound humility or the grace we need to see the Scriptures for what they really are for Jesus Christ became flesh for our salvation and hence "the name by which he Is called is The Word of God". One of the greatest gifts of our time is the rediscovery of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church and the faithful as the Church celebrates the First Sunday of Lent on 21st February 2021. The Archdiocese of Calcutta's Bible Commission under the guidance of Fr. Dominic Gomes. Vicar General has been making preparation for the last two weeks to celebrate Bible Sunday in all Parishes. The Theme for Sunday the Word of God (SWD) chosen is: "LIVE THE WORD, WOE TO ME,IF I DO NOT PREACH THE GOSPEL (1st Corinthians 9:16).

The Resource Materials a flex proclaiming the occasion is sent to be displayed In a prominent place outside the church. The Menu of suggestions for events based on the Bible to be organised In the Parish / Institution are any of the seven (7) events viz : Bible Symposium Bible Marathon, Bible Quiz /Bible Play/ Tableau Bible Distribution ,Biblical Film Show and Kids' Biblical Drawing contest. . Bible-related activities throughout the year to be executed In the Parishes are: (1) Survey of Bible Ownership (2) Talks on the Bible or Biblical themes (3) Biblical Prayer Services Promote or start Bible Study groups/courses (5) Bible sharing groups through SCC. (6) Bible Camps for the Youth (7) Enthronement of the Bible in the Families during every family visit by a priest. (8) Promote Lectio Divine in the Parishes. Families and Religious Institutions and (9) Encourage giving of Bible copies as a gift for every occasion. Isaiah 52:7 says: 'How beautiful are the feet of one who brings good news and by the Grace of God. 

This has been happening over the months of the PANDEMIC in 2020/21. Many programmes and services were organised on virtual social media through Google meet / Zoom by the Archdiocesan Bible Commission. The Word of God was the main foals for as our precious Lord Jesus has proclaimed in John 15:5 "I am the vine: you are the branches. If you remain In me and I in you, you will beau much fruit:apart from me you can do nothing." Programmes such as Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Coronation of our priests to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena to Our Lady of Health Vailankanni. With God Nothing is Impossible Novena to St. Jude Maranatha Come lord Jesus. The Bible Commission members with a new zeal are now going to go all out with executing the follow up programmes to proclaim God's Word to the ends of the earth by bringing alive all the parishes in our Archdiocese to taste His word and to thereby live victorious In His presence. 

SCC ANIMATORS’ WORKSHOP TO STRENGTHEN FOUNDATIONS

JULIET K. & JACINTA LAKRA

The Small Christian Community Commission (SCC C) efforts to strengthen its foundations to grow and spread in the Calcutta Archdiocese continues on track with Phase 1 SCC Animators’ Formation workshop held at Seva Kendra Calcutta on 30^th and 31^st  January 2021. This residential workshop, the first in a series to be followed at regular intervals and at different levels, was attended by 40 lay persons, 7 priests and 6 Religious including Sr. Christin Joseph (National Service team member,  Fr. I.P. Sarto ( SCC Regional Director for West Bengal & Sikkim region &   SCC Commission Head for the Archdiocese,  Fr. Dominic Gomes.Starting with a fun-filled icebreaking self-introduction session, the pre-lunch sessions disseminated knowledge on key concepts of Adult Learning that highlighted that ‘Formations’ should be a life-oriented, inclusive, fully participatory process that is ongoing, systematic and goal oriented. Only in this way will the Formation journey be a joyous process of accompaniment that fosters maturity, equality, and co-responsibility. It stressed that Formation is not a linear but spiral process executed with interdependent effort by lay leaders, priests and religious, fully involving the community at all stages, thereby ensuring growth of all  leading to a genuine Communion of Communities.

The unique process of making every participant read and reflect on portions of a 9-pages presentation in sequence followed by the required inputs from the resource persons, Sr. Christin and Fr. Sarto, kept-up the focus of the participants and impressed the lesson. 

One topic of the first lesson in the DIIPA Introductory Manual ‘We need Small Christian Communities’ was facilitated by the Diocesan group of volunteers. This was explored through two questions, ‘Is there a feeling of community in the Church today?’ and ‘Is there a misguided sense of faith?’. The first question was presented through a Role Play and the second by Story Reading processes, both followed by ‘Bible Study’ of reading specific scripture passages in groups to examine what the Word of God teaches us about being a true community and having the right sense of faith. This was followed by a feedback from the participants that was summed up by the facilitators along with specific supplementary information and inputs. The entire three step process helped to impress learning and consolidate the knowledge gained by the participants.

This was followed by an action-reflection (not evaluation) process where each of the facilitators were led through a self-examination exercise to understand what they did right and where  their technique needed improvements. Here the resource persons and participants also contributed with their own observations.  This process will help Animators and Facilitators to ‘empty themselves’ mainly of their ego and fill the space with fresh knowledge with love and compassion.

The Bible was enthroned at the beginning with some innovations and closed with blessings on each day. The hour-long Adoration towards the end of the first day allowed all to surrender their efforts to Jesus as the only Lord and Master and sing praises with grateful hearts. The second day began with a very inspiring Sunday Mass where Fr. Sarto delivered the Homily to remind us of our Prophetic Christian role of being rooted in the Word of God, to live and proclaim it.

The last session of the workshop was devoted to planning for the immediate future. After a brief presentation of the scope of the work ahead in the SCC growth and strengthening process, the participants deliberated in Zone groups. The outcome of their planning had details of how and when they would approach other parishes and gave tentative dates when the  Diocesan Group of Volunteers led by Fr. Dominic would visit the different Zones in the four Deaneries to start the Zone Service Team formation workshops. It is expected that members of the National Resource Team, especially Fr. Sarto and Sr. Christin, will also be present at some of these workshops from time to time.