107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees celebrated in the Archdiocese.

Ajoy Xavier Gomes

Kolkata: The Archdiocese of Calcutta celebrated 107^th World day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 25-26. It was a twin celebration with a day spent on Seminar on the topic and on the second day, on Sunday, Sept 26 with a Thanksgiving Mass and a cultural program on the theme of this year, “Towards an ever Wider ‘We’ celebrated by the North 24 Parganas deanery at the Church of Lourdes, Barasat.

Holy Father, Pope Francis’ call to be “We” emerges out of ‘The truth is that we are all in the same boat and called to work together so that there will be no more walls that separate us, no longer others, but only a single “we”, encompassing all of humanity. ’ Pope Francis wishes to use this World Day to address a twofold appeal, first to the Catholic faithful and then to all the men and women of our world, to advance together towards an ever wider “we”. Under the leadership of Holy Father, Pope Francis, this pastoral concern has been taken up quite seriously and he has invited all the Church leaders to take up these in a systematic way and towards implementation.On behalf of the Commission for Migrants & Refugees, CCBI, this program was organized by the Archdiocesan Commission to help conscientize the Clergy, Religious and the faithful to be aware of their situations, their many challenges they face in their day-to-day lives and to promote those concerns of the Migrants and refugees gradually. At the deliberation during the Seminar on Saturday, Sept 25, all the participants realized that over 90% of our faithful, clergy and religious are the migrants in some way or the other. Most of them ‘Internal migrants’ and others ‘Inter’ or ‘intra’ migrants due to ‘Pull’ or ‘Push’theory. His Grace, Archbishop Thomas D’Souza gave a key note address at the Seminar held at Seva Kendra on Saturday, Sept 25. There were around 40 members present for the Seminar. Besides the keynote address on the theme,“Towards an ever wider ‘We’” and in the context of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, Archbishop elucidated with some  appropriate anecdotes and stories of the migrants, who come out spontaneously to help those in need in difficult situations. He cited the example of Mother Teresa alias St. Teresa of Calcutta; how she reached out to the poor, the downtrodden and the excluded of the society to give them God’s compassionate love and care for the migrants and refugees. “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do it to me” the teachings of Christ was always put into practice in her life. During the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971, Mother went from camp to camp to show her love for the refugees and to help them to feel 107th World Day of Migrants & Refugees Celebrated in the Archdiocese ‘TOWARDS AN EVER WIDER “WE” Welcome, Protect, Promote, and Integrate AJOY XAVIER GOMES protected and embraced by God’s compassionate love. Many others came forward to welcome them and to protect them from any harm. On Sunday, Sept 26 , the deanery of North 24-Parganas celebrated on the theme at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Barasat. His Grace, Archbishop Thomas D’Souza was the main celebrant at mass.The concelebrant priests were, Fr. Henry Saldanha, Dean of North 24- Parganas, Fr. Xavier Kujur, Parish Priest, Barasat, Fr. Shyam Charan Mandi, Director, Proggaloy, Fr. Arijit Bor, Rector, St. John Mary Vianney Seminary, Taki Road, Barasat, Fr. Robin Paul Banerjee, Land & Property In-charge, a guest priest from Dhaka Archdiocese, Fr. David Shaymol Gomes, and Fr. Francis Sunil Rosario, Director, Commission for Migrants & Refugees, and Regional Secretary, West Bengal region, under CCBI. Various congregations represented the thanksgiving mass on Sunday, Sept 26. Among them were the Prado sisters, Barasat, Our Lady of Providence, Barasat, Sisters of Charity, Oasis, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Kanchrapara, Auxilium convent, Barasat and the Conventual Fathers, Madhyamgram. Besides, the faithful of the parish, Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, who were the majority, the other members who came to be a part of celebration were from St. Joseph’s Church, Bongaon, Our Lady of Immaculate Mary Church, Kanchrapara, the Green Park faithful. Keeping in mind the protocol of social distancing, the Church was full. It  was  a  well attended thanksgiving Mass, with active participation. The Tri-language mass, in Hindi, Bengali and English, with entrance dance, singing in Bengali, Hindi and in English added color to the Mass to celebrate the world day of Migrants. Soon after the mass, there was a cultural program in the hall. Several groups took part. The most significant part of this program was the variety of cultural dances. It was well integrated and all the members felt that they were the part of the celebration. Archbishop Thomas thanked Fr. Sunil Rosario, Regional Secretary, and everyone who took the trouble to organize this great event and to bring together to celebrate this day to remember the migrants, displaced and the refugees.

Fr. Henry Saldanha, Dean of North 24-Parganas vouched to take such events to all the parishes of his deanery. A concerted way to reach out to all parishes will be a way forward towards implementing some of the plans of the Commission, CCBI.

New Catechetical Center at Archdiocese of Calcutta

Fr Robert Johnson

Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter Antiquum Ministerium (Ancient Ministries: Instituting the Ministry of Catechist) expressed his desire and vision to see in every diocese in the Catholic Church to have an active and structural catechetical ministry to serve the people of God. Sharing his vision, His Grace Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta has established a new catechetical center in the premises of Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary, 15 , Portuguese Church Street, Kolkata- 700001. 

This center will serve the Archdiocese of Calcutta and the entire region with catechetical materials and useful resources to strengthen the faith of the people. He also took the initiative to send the catechism teachers to the catechetical diploma course organised by Commission for Catechetics , CCBI , Go a through online platform. The Catechetical Centre was blessed by ArchbishopThomas on 5th September 2021 on the feast day of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, the Co-Patroness of the Archdiocese of Calcutta in the presence of Fr. Franklin Menezes, the Pro-Vicar of the Cathedral and Fr. Robert Johnson, the Director of Catechetical Commission.

Feast day celebration of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

FR. ROBERT JOHNSON

The Feast of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was celebrated on 5th of September 2021, Sunday at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary, Kolkata. His Grace Archbishop Thomas D’Souza was the main celebrant. The day began with the Holy Rosary at 8.30 pm followed by a Prayer service at St. Mother Teresa’s Statue situated infront of the Cathedral. After the prayer service, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated in which Fr. Franklin Menezes, the newly appointed Pro-vicar was welcomed and congratulated by the Archbishop. The parish council, parish religious community too congratulated and welcomed the new Pro-Vicar . In his homily , Archbishop highlighted upon these lf less service and ministry began by Mother Teresa and being carried out by her Missionaries of Charity sisters faithfully all over the world. He prayed for the sisters very specially. It was also the teachers’ day therefore Archbishop honored the Sunday school teachers with a gift and thanked them for their service and contribution towards the faith formation of the children. He also wished all the teachers and offered a special prayer for all the teachers. On this auspicious day, Archbishop Thomas presented the parish students, the certificate of excellence for scoring excellent marks in their class 10 and class 12 exams. He also presented the certificate and trophy to the parish youth for their active participation and becoming runners in Video making competition at National Youth Sunday organized by ICYM Calcutta. At the end of the festival celebration Fr. Robert Johnson proposed the vote of thanks and invited the congregation for a fellowship gathering with snacks and tea. The Entire celebration was live-streamed on the Archdiocesan YouTube channel by the Archdiocesan social communication team.

The 111th Birth Anniversary of St. Teresa of Calcutta

 

Kolkata: 26th August, 2021 marks the 111^th anniversary of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910 in Kosovo. At the age of 18, young Teresa left her home  to serve the needy. Mother Teresa laid the foundation of the Missionaries of charity in the year 1950. The Sisters of Missionaries of Charity all over the world celebrate the birthday of Mother with special prayer and thanksgiving to God. St. Teresa of Calcutta, being the patron saint of the Catholic Association of Bengal, the President Ms. Angelina Jasnani approached Sr. Prema MC, the Superior General of the Missionaries of the Charity, to organize a prayer service to mark the 111th birth anniversary of Mother. Sr. Prema was gladly accepted and even gave permission for the media and visitors to Mother’s tomb after a gap of one year. The tomb was beautifully decorated with flowers and was shining bright with the glow of tiny lamps lit by devotees.

The prayer service started at 3 p m a t Mother House. The Theme of the prayer service was “Make us your instruments Lord”. People from all walks of life gathered to seek the blessings of Mother on her birthday. The Archdiocese was represented by the Vicar General – Fr. Dominic Gomes. The Dean of Calcutta – Fr. Moloy D’Costa, Fr. Orson Wells, Parish Priest of the Church of Our lady of  Vailankanni and Fr. Devraj Fernandes, Principal of St. Aloysius School, Howrah, were present and presided over the Prayer Service. The program started with a welcome address and message by Sr. Prema, after which the Chaplet of Divine Mercy was chanted by Fr. Dominic Gomes and Fr. Devraj Fernandes and the congregation joined in one voice. After the scripture reading Fr. Orson Wells shared his personal experience with Mother. Intercessory prayers were led by Fr. Moloy D’Costa, and the members of Catholic Association of Bengal shared in interceding for the special intentions for our present time. The intercessory prayers were followed by prayer of Thanksgiving by Fr. Devraj Fernandez and other members of the Executive Committee. The whole congregation thanked God by reciting together the Lord’s Prayer “OUR FATHER”. The prayer service came to an end with a closing prayer and final Benediction by the V.G. Fr. Dominic Gomes and all the priests. Before the final hymn. “MAKE ME A CHANNEL OF YOUR PEACE”, a hymn loved by St. Teresa of Calcutta, Fr. Devraj Fernandes reminded the congregation that we are all called to be channels of God’s love, mercy and peace to the World. Mother Teresa.

The 111th Birth Anniversary of St. Teresa of Calcutta lived her life becoming an channel of Peace, it is our turn now. He commended the great work of the Catholic Association of Bengal is doing in the city of joy in particular and in the State of West Bengal at large. He exhorted the Catholic Association of Bengal to become true channels of peace, love and joy, and work with greater commitment in years ahead. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Treasurer of The Catholic Association of Bengal, Mr. Colin Fitzgerald. He shared his personal experience as to how Mother Teresa intervenes in sorting out difficult matters with ease and continues to guide the Catholic Association of Bengal in the right direction. Our thanks go out to MC Sisters and Sr. Prema for allowing the Catholic Association of Bengal to have this prayer service, which was not only very solemn but much appreciated by one and all.

Fr. Stan Swamy wasn’t quiet when tribals were tortured: Felix Raj

SUBHANKAR CHOWDHURY

He was speaking at a meeting on Sunday, July 25 In protest against the Institutional killing' of the 84 year old ailing jesuit and tribal rights activists Father Stan Swami was not a silent spectator  to the torture that was being unleashed on whosoever dated to question "The ruling powers of India'. said father Felix Raj, the vice-chancellor of St Xavier's University. 

The Vice-Chancellor quoted from a video message of Father Stan:What is happening to me is not something unique, it is a broader process taking place all over the country. We all are aware how prominent Intellectuals, lawyers, writers, poets, activists, student leaders are put in jail because they have expressed dissent or teased questions about the ruling power of India.

He "Father Stan" was happy to be part of the process because he was not a "silent spectator". I am ready to pay the price whatever be it  he said; Father Felix Raj said at the meeting organised by the Paschim Banga Samajic Nyay Mancha, Kolkata Jela Committee and held at Milli al-Ameen College in central Calcutta. His tragic death in custody is termed as a case of judicial murder .... His bail petition was rejected so many times and this proves the inherent weakness of a section of the judiciary.- The 84 year old ailing jesuit and tribal rights activist from Ranchi had died in custody in Mumbai earlier this month while waiting for bail for nine months. since his arrest by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the Elgaar Parishad Case. 

More than 100 people attended the protest meeting following all covid safety protocol. Father Felix Raj described the arrest of Fr. Stan as "politically motivated". 'Looking at the shameful way this senior Jesuit priest had been arrested, I find myself failing to repeat the words of Christ on the cross 'Father, forgive them: they do not know what they are doing'. The arrest was politically motivated.' said the Vice-chancellor who had led a march in Calcutta on October 15 demanding the release of Father Stan. . . . . . 

 

ST. JOSEPH: SHADOW OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER Released.

 SR. SOFIA THOMAS DSP

The latest book from Pauline Publications. -ST JOSEPH SHADOW OF HEAVENLY FATHER was released on 14th July 2021, Wednesday at daughters of St Paul, Kolkata. Most Rev. Thomas D' Souza Archbishop of Kolkata released the honk during a short programme after the Eucluulstic Celebration. More would have been no other day that would match than Wednesday a day dedicated to St Joseph !Museum. The first copy of the book was presented to Mrs Dorin John:. one of the Pauline Co-operators by the Archbishop. The Book St Joseph: The shadow of the heavenly Father is a memento of die year of St Joseph. which portrays the exemplary life of St Joseph the Patron and Protector the Catholic Church. He remains a Lighthouse for all people -living in family, workplace and consecrated life showing us the right path to a Holy life. This book is an effort  to take a claws and comprehensive look at St Joseph piecing together various aspects of his life through well researched articles and biblical theologies and Biblical experts bishops. priests, men and women tensions and laity (from many countries east and west.

The articles In the book: - showcase how Joseph did justice to his exalted and unique role as the husband of Mary and foster Father of Jesus: an exemplar for husbands and fathers. 

Throw light on the trait of St Joseph as a courageous man In the face of poverty. 'election and humiliation: a mentor for spiritual life. - Present Joseph as a shining example of a faithful companion and role model for happy family life.  

Go deeper into his life of selfless service and committed life model for Consecrated life. - Speak of the Papal writings which are proof enough to show the unique place St Joseph has in the Church. We need a renewed understanding of St Joseph which redeems and retrieves his two and important mission In the Divine plan along with that of his virgin Spouse. 

Installation of the New Provincial.

  SR. STELLA POTTEPARAMBIL FMA

The EMA Province of Mary Help of Christians Kolkata marked a new beginning on 24th June 2021 with the installation of its seventh Provincial.Sr Leelamma Palliparambil.The installation ceremony took place in the provincial house Dum Dum chapel in the presence of Provincial Council members. Kolkata Salesian provincial Fr. Joseph Pauria presided over the solemn Holy Eucharist along with the parish priest of St. Patrick's Dum Dum and three Salesians. During the Holy Eucharist. the outgoing provincial Sr Rose Ezarath read the Decree of Appointment by Mother General Sr. Yvone Reungoat and her General Council. 

The celebrant in his homily highlighted the two Mornesian symbols: 'the window of valponasca and the well of Mornese' denoting the Eucharistic piety and the slim that pervaded in Mornese and which spread across the world. The installation programme had two main parts- Thanksgiving of the outgoing provincial; and handing over of the Province of Kolkata to the new provincial. Superior of the provincial house at Dum Dum. Sr Stella, thanked Sr Rose for her dynamic governance and animation of the sisters during the past six years.

Sr Rose then handed over to the new provincial Sr. Leelamma, a symbolic representation of the tree of kolkata province with the names of the six past provincials and the present 25 communities with 151 Sisters spread across the seven states of India and Nepal. 

A short felicitation and fellowship breakfast followed.Only few sisters from neighbouring communities attended the event due to Covid 19 lockdown restrictions.