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.

SCC Day Commemoration at Christ the King Church

SCC Day Commemoration at Christ the King Church, on November 6, 2022. The celebration began with a Bible procession led by a devotional group dance. The Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes, ceremoniously enthroned the Holy Bible, which was followed by the veneration of the Bible and solemn Eucharistic Mass cocelebrated by the parish priests, Fr. Basil Mandi and Fr. Ananda Haldar. In order to create a sense of expectation, solemnity, and reverence before the procession entered the church, Mrs. Lynette D' Souza, the day's moderator, spoke to the congregation about the significance of the enthronement of the bible and how they should honour it on ceit is held toward them. A sense of expectation, solemnity, and reverence was created before the procession entered the church by Mrs. Lynette D' Souza, who served as the moderator for the day. She informed the congregation of the significance of the enthronement of the bible and instructed them on how to revere it once it was held toward them.

A brief summary of the BEC/SCC was provided by Dr. Linda Louis, the SCC Parish Coordinator , who also highlighted how the BEC embodies all the traits of a real synod: lay people, clergy, and religious groups travelling side by side in unity. A quick summary of the numerous events that took place over the year was given to the entire congregation. In his moving homily, Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes discussed the importance of the SCC/BEC in the Church and how Pope Francis places a strong emphasis on a synodal church. He spoke brilliantly about life and life beyond death. Additionally, he exhorted the congregation to affiliate with the SCC/BEC, which currently satisfies all synodality requirements.

After the communion, the Secretary, Mrs. Jacqueline Tandon, expressed her gratitude to the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes, as well as to all the priests, choirs, action bodies, and parishioners in attendance who had packed the church for the celebration, and added to the significance of the day.

Light refreshment s were offered to the members and other parishioners in the church hall shortly after the Holy Mass.The parish priest Fr. Basil Mandi, gave a welcome talk after the Bible enthronement ceremony, which marked the start of the day’s activities.

Following the lighting of the lamp by Fr. Dominic Gomes, Dr. Linda Louis, Mrs. Glynis Vincent, a member of the parish council, and Mr. Mazumdar, a parishioner, Dr. Linda Louis, the parish coordinator, delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the history, development, and future goals. She also focused on how each unit conducted their Gospel Sharing meetings each month and the types of Action Plans carried out through the presentation and the charts of various units depicting the tasks. For the purpose of helping newcomer s and current members understand the fundamental tenets of BEC, Sr. Rashmi Soreng delivered a brief overview of the Four Marks of BEC, which are: ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, and APOSTOLIC church.

Thereafter, the moderator, Mrs. Lynette D'Souza, made an announcement for the cultural programme. After the SCC/BEC kids and members led a devotional dance and song, a performance based on Matthew chapter 25 and a quiz on the Gospel of John were presented. The finest part of the day was how animatedly the room buzzed each time a new question was put to them. By including the congregation and members in action songs and energising and encouraging the throng, Sr. Rajni and Sr. Rashmi kept the momentum going. The parish priest, Fr. Basil Mandi, thanked everyone for helping to make the SCC day a success and also noted that everyone needed to give the Lord the first priority and be devoted and dedicated in the mission taken. He then extended an invitation to a delectable fellowship lunch to the entire crowd.

Everyone was closely observing the charts of the various units that were on display while eating their lunch. It was a happy and fulfilling moment when they gave their positive feedback because many were influenced, inspired and motivated by the presentation and the powerful life changing testimonies shared by certain members. Following lunch, all the facilitators stayed behind to praise the Lord for the day through prayers and gospel sharing.

Mega Bible Convention and Healing Prayer in Kolkata

 On 25th, 26th and 27th October 2022, after two years’ gap due to Covid Pandemic, Fatima Charismatic Prayer Group organised a Mega Bible Convent ion and Healing Prayer, at Holy Child School,CIT Road, Kolkata-14. Around 3,000 faithful turned up, from far and near, to listen to the Word of God, praise and worship Him, and participate in Healing Services.Fr George Arackal V.C. -Director,Divine Voice Retreat Centre, Chopra , North Dinajpur was the Chief Preacher . Each day’s programme comprised : Invocation of the Holy Spirit,Reading of short scripture passages, their amplification by Fr Arackal, Holy Eucharist, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On 25th October Bishop Emeritus Salvadore Lobo celebrated the Holy Eucharist. He said every baptized Christian is called upon to preach the Good News. He recalled US President Abraham Lincoln who said that the Bible (the most widely-read book on earth), is the best gift God has given to humans, to understand right from the wrong.

On 26th, Fr Dominic Gomes- Vicar General, Archdiocese of Calcutta spoke on Luke 13:22- 30 where Jesus said: “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.... those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” He exhorted the audience to be rock-solid in their faith. On the concluding day’s Eucharist Fr Ramesh Cherian- Director, Auxilium Parish Renewal Centre, said “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24). He felt for Christianity to grow in India more martyrs are needed; and except the Kandhamal (Orissa) carnage, Indian Christians have not faced much persecution as Europe has. Had it been so, Christians in India would have been more than 2.3%now. The gems of wisdom from Fr George Arackal’s engrossing preaching are: 

• “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19–20). By praying and reading the Bible we invite His Spirit among us.

• One does not have to be a Christian to follow Christ.Christ is for all.

• We must give up all superstitions – cat crossing the road, ill omen, horse shoe on doorposts for protection.

• To live Christ-centred lives we must forget others’ past faults, and reconcile/renew ourselves to save our souls including those of others, in sync with the Convention’s theme: “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind” (Isiah 65:17).

• We must cut ourselves off from harmful persons, habits, greed for money, addiction (alcohol, drugs, mobiles, carnal pleasures, etc).

• Jesus served the destitute and the sick irrespective of caste, creed and colour.

• Jesus was totally sinless. Even when the high priests accused Jesus and the mob bayed for his blood, Pontius Pilate declared him faultless. Even then Jesus made the supreme sacrifice by dying on the cross to redeem us from sin – “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” (Acts 26:18).

• Jesus’ mission is to promote Life, not death. On the concluding day, Fr Arackal prayed for the recovery of the sick. He blessed children, students and married couples. Many bore witness that they had recovered from numerous long - standing ailments thanks to Fr Arackal’s powerful intercession. Credit for smoothly organising the event goes to the team work of Fr James - Spiritual Director, Fr Amar Bagh-CSSR Director, Probodh Ray, Richard Gilbert, Subhas Das, Vincent Biswas, Jerome Gomes (Catering In-charge), sisters of Holy Child School for magnanimously offering their school premises and the wonderful choir.

—ByISAACHAROLDGOMES

Archdiocese concludes PreSynodal process

Kolkata 15 May 2022 -With the Closing Holy Eucharist at the Diocesan Pre Synodal Assembly (DPSA) in Seva Kendra Calcutta (SKQ the curtain came down on months of animation, parish consultations and celebration in parishes across the archdiocese, in a process which began on October 17 2021 with Holy Mass at Cathedral of OL of the Most Holy Rosary,Kolkata. The concluding Mass began at 11.95 a.m., behind schedule, as it was decided to give more time to the intense and valuable sharing going on at the General Body meeting of Assembly. The main celebrant was Most Rev. Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, with con-celebrants Vicar General Fr Dominic Gomes Dean of North 24 Parganas Fr Henry Saldana, Director of SKC Fr Anthony Rodricks, and Contact Person for the Synod Fr.Michael Biswas. The entrance dance was performed by the Rainbow Girls. Archbishop in his Homily eloquently spoke on the transformation of the entire Church through synodality, as Priests, Consecrated Men, Women and Lay faithful journey together in communion, participation not Mission. s around us, but instead strengthen relationships with one another," said His Grace. He also spoke about the forthcoming Novena to the Holy Spirit, the guiding force of synodality, and requested Parish Priests to have the Novena in the Parishes. In an aside, the Oath-taking ceremony of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Executive Committee of the diocese was included within the service. The young new diocesan ExCo were overwhelmed to take their members. Near the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, Fr Michael Biswas called upon Fr Dominic Gomes to give the Vote of Thanks and the Vicar General obliged; first thanking the Archbishop for his interest in pursuing a synodal church and his constant support. He thanked the Diocese Synod Team Members by individually taking their names and praised them for their effort, dedication put together in conducting and organising the synod process at various levels, in parishes and elsewhere. He thanked Fr Anthony Rodridc for very generously agreeing to have the two day DPSA at Seva Kendra, and for the wonderful hospitality experienced. Fr Michael Biswas, the Diocese Contact Person, was thanked by Vicar General on his commendable efforts in to ma. the Synod a success with the Diocesan Synodal Team. Mr. Farrell Shah, Director of Social Communications, was thanked for preparing the Synod Consultation Toolkit, etc. and other media initiatives to make the synodal process alive. Mr. Ajoy Chaudhuri was also thanked for his contribution to animations in parishes and the Relator, Ms. Anancia Fernandes for coordinating the huge task of synthesing into a concise document the huge number of interventions sent by parishes. Many others were also thanked, as the VG did a thorough job of including each and every one, not the least being the Synod Members present. After the Eucharistic Celebration, a group photograph with all synod participants was taken followed by a sumptuous celebration Lunch before departure.

First profession at Bethany Novitiate Barasat, Kolkata

Sr ClareToppo 

16th May 2022 marked the golden day for our fifteen novices who made their first profession at Bethany Novitiate Barasat. They said a daring YES to the Lord and willingly accepted to be the handmaid of the Lord pronouncing their vows in the congregation of the sisters of the Little flower of Bethany. This was a grace filled event witnessed by many sisters and brothers. Rev Fr Dominic Gomes Vicar general of archdiocese of Kolkata along with the four other concelebrants officiated the Holy Eucharist. He appreciated the Novices for their courage to follow the Lord and their generosity to go out to proclaim the Gospel. 

He urged them to be the ambassador of Christ amidst the challenges and rejection from the world. Sr Benedicta Aranha the provincial Superior of Guwahati Province Felicitated the newly professed sisters and assured them that they are never alone on their journey God always walks with us. 

The presence of Sr Erasma the provincial Superior of Northern Province, Sr Lucious the provincial Superior of Silchar Province , Sr Jessy Maria the provincial superior of Eastern Province with their councilors Sr Ruth, Sr Surekha and Sr Helen D'Costa blessed and graced this event. The newly professed Sr Khone and Sr Roselin expressed their gratitude to God, To the Superior General Sr Rose Celine, her councilors, their provincials, Formators Sr Clare, Sr Jhansi, Sr Renita and Sr Jean Marie and to the entire Bethany family. Sr Jhansi the assistant Novice Directress compered the entire programme. Indeed this was a joyful event for the Novitiate community which rejuvenated our spirits and renewed or religious consecration.