Dec - Jesuit Madurai Province

MNL
Newsletter of the Madurai Jesuits
DECEMBER 2014
(For Private Circulation)
Message from the Provincial
Joy of the Gospel
Dear Brothers,
As we are in Advent and
at the beginning of the Year of
Consecrated Life, let us reflect
seriously on the Apostolic
Exhortation of Pope Francis on
“The Joy of the Gospel” issued
on 24 Nov 2013. The Joy of the
Gospel should become part and
parcel of our life and each one of us
is expected and invited to radiate
and share that inner joy with one
another. Besides, Advent, leading
to Christmas, is definitely a time
to experience true joy, externally
and much more internally.
True inner joy germinates in
the very act of giving. With great
joy and willingness Jesus Christ
offered Himself to the Father
to come down to this earth and
subsequently, when he was actually
born on this earth, the Angels sang
“Joy to the world”. This Lord, the
source of joy, gave us the good
news, the Gospel, which shows
us the way to live a life of true
joy. As the Lord gave Himself
joyfully as a sacrificial lamb for the
salvation of all of us, each one of us is
invited to give ourselves joyfully as a
holocaust for His service and for the
service of the people, particularly the
poor and the marginalized people.
In our context and according to our
option, these are the dalits, tribals,
first generation learners, migrants,
widows, drug addicts, alcoholics and
other marginalized sections from
different social groups.
We have already made this
option of serving the poor and the
marginalized and we have been
trying, during the past three decades
and more, to put this option into
practice. We are happy that we have
succeeded to a considerable extent,
while we still have a long way to go
in this march towards the liberation
of our option people.
When we are genuinely
concerned about the poor and the
marginalized, we have already started
the process of giving ourselves for
their welfare and growth. In these
services, we do not seek our own
satisfaction, comfort, position or
power. Instead, we have only one
focus – the needs and expectations
of the neglected ones whom we have
1
consciously chosen to serve. This
inner disposition also gives us a
tremendous sense of inner joy,
even amidst external struggles and
difficulties.
Further, when we are
reflecting on the Joy of the Gospel,
we need to realize clearly that the
love for the poor and needy should
be manifested concretely in our life
and action and it should not stop
merely with theoretical or public
statements. We should be ready
and even volunteer, to move into
the remote areas, where the really
marginalized people live. This
approach will give us the true Joy
of the Gospel, because in such a
situation our only joy will be the
loving service we render to the
poor and marginalized people –
without the luxury of comfort,
prestige, power or position. Let
us, therefore, rededicate ourselves
joyfully and willingly for the service
of the poor and marginalized
people, particularly those in the
remote areas.
Fraternally,
Sebasti L. Raj, SJ
Provincial
Provincial’s Programme:
Announcements
Ordinations:
DECEMBER
01-
Deacons Britto Arockiam and
Cyril Suresh will be ordained priests
by Archbishop Antony Pappusamy
of Madurai at 05.30 p.m. on
Saturday, 03 January 2015 at the
Cathedral, St. Mary’s , Madurai. Fr
Britto Arockiam will offer his First
Mass at Alangara Matha Church,
Rajakambeeram at 10.30 am on Sun,
04 Jan ‘15 and Fr Cyril Suresh at
Beschi Illam, Dindigul at 10.00 am
on Sun, 04 Jan ‘15.
Visitation: Xaveriana
04-06 Visitation: Satya Nilayam
05
POSA Consult – Satya Nilayam
09-10 Visitation: Dhyana Ashram
11-12 Visitation: Arul Kadal
13-14 Discernment Retreat – PBVM Sisters
15-16 Visitation: Arul Kadal (continued)
18-19 Visitation: Oriyur
20-21 Visitation: De Britto
25
Christmas
South Zone Joint Programmes:
The Provincials of the South Zone
Provinces have taken the following
decisions in order to promote greater
networking and collaboration among
the South Zone Jesuits:
29-30 Meeting: LS/TL
30
Consult (afternoon)
JANUARY
01
New Year
03
Ordination, Madurai
05-08 Visitation: Beschi Illam
12-15 Visitation: St. Mary’s, Madurai
17 Visitation: Clive House, Trichy
18-23 Visitation: St. Joseph’s, Trichy
24
Consult
28-31 Visitation: Myanmar
Chennai Mission Superior’s Programme
DECEMBER
JANUARY
06
09-10 14
15-17 18
19
29-30
04 09
24
25-26
29-30
Human Rights Seminar, Chennai
Dhyana Ashram
Blessing of the New Houses, Ongur Parish
LCV, Vettavalam
PM: Chennai Mission Consult
9 AM: Meeting of Superiors and Treasurers on Local Fund Mobilisation,
Loyola, Chennai
5 PM: Mission - Christmas Celebration,
Vadamelpakkam
LS/TL Meet, Consult, Maduralaya
Seminar: Mission of
Fr Trincal SJ
(200 Years)
at W Pudupatti
Youth Convention,
Chennai
Province Consult
Companions Meet,
Trichy
LAV, Vadamelpakkam
2
Common Retreats: There will be
two retreats for the young Jesuits
before Tertianship from all the five
provinces of South Zone. One retreat
will be organized by Karnataka
Province in Bangalore and the other
will be organized by Madurai Province
in Shembaganur. The total number
of participants for each retreat will
be around 50. These retreats will be
organized in May and the exact dates
will be announced soon.
Leadership Programmes: There will
be two Leadership programmes,
one in Bangalore and the other in
Chennai for selected members from
the five provinces of the South Zone.
The total number of participants for
each programme will be 30 to 35
-- 8 each from Karnataka, Madurai
and Andhra and 6 from Kerala.
The same persons will attend both
these programmes. The programme
in Bangalore will focus on Jesuit
Governance system and it will have
two modules of 3 full days each.
The programme in Loyola College,
Chennai, will focus on Managerial
STATUS
Fr. Provincial has made the following transfers:
NAME
FROM
TO
Fr. Stephen Selvanathan A.
Fr. Leolin Arockia Dass Fr. Irudaya Valanarasu Fr. Darwin Michael Tertianship
Tertianship
Tertianship
De Britto, Devakottai
Loyola Industrial School, Ranipettai
Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur
LTI, Madurai
Dhyana Ashram, Chennai
Skills and Principles and it will be a
single module of 4 days.
Events
Workshop on Lay Collaboration:
Andhra Province will organize a
Workshop on Lay Collaboration
for all the five provinces of the
South Zone. The participants will
be Jesuits and lay persons from
these provinces. The Total number
of participants will be 40 – 10 each
from Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra
and 12 from Madurai -- with equal
number of Jesuits and lay people
Vocation Promoters Meet:
There
will be a common meeting of Vocation
Promoters of all the five provinces of
the South Zone. The PCF of Madurai
will be responsible for organizing it,
which will take place at Maduralaya,
Dindigul. The meeting will explore
ways and means of coordinated
efforts at vocation promotion for
each province and also for the entire
Assistancy. It will also reflect on the
concrete steps that can be taken to
promote vocations among the adults
– from the college students, from
among the young professionals, etc.
Motivated
Fr Marianathan C, Team
Leader, AHAL, and the organizing
committee worked hard to make
the feast of St Peter on 08, 09 Nov
at Elandhapuravadai, a substation
of Kilpennathur, very grand. At
meetings conducted on 17-20 Nov
in three study centres parents
were motivated to do all they can to
help their children study well and
develop their talents. On 09 Nov
the animators shared their views
freely on “Women’s education and
its importance.” - Selvandhiran
To
be evangelised
During his annual visitation
to Loyola, Fr Provincial visited
the Chennai Mission Office on 15
Nov and launched the revamped
Chennai Mission website.
New:
S. Maria Wenisch has a new
mobile: 9445284717 and a new
email id: wenischsj@loyolacollege.
edu. Stephen Selvanathan’s new
mobile no is: 98425 96898.
Left:
Kevin Robert, a first year
novice, left the novitiate on 12 Nov
‘14. Hetricks Frady K., a second year
novice, left on 16 Nov ‘14.
Chennai
Mission
Area
Scholastics’ Meeting was held on
28 Nov. The Eucharistic celebration
by Fr Victor SJ set the right tone for
the meeting. The power points of
3
Chennai Mission Superior fastforwarded 24 year-long history
and invited our commitment
for future direction. Fr Joe Mike
shared with the Scholastics his
life story with the poor Dalits
in the mission. He and other
pioneers recalled how God
has been leading this mission
and pointed out the need to be
evangelized by the poor people
through our connectedness with
them.
- Dominic Jayakumar
Empowered
The
entire
Arrupe
Illam community at AAC,
Karumathur enjoyed a twoday (19, 20 Nov) outing to Top
Slip, Ooty and other places. Fr
Xavier Vedam., Principal, using
a unique remote control, guided
a group of teaching and nonteaching staff who went on a
study tour - the first of its kind
- to Singapore and Malaysia
Beschi’s
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
W
ith
the
illumination
silhouetting
the varnished main building,
and colour lights sparkling all
along the newly-laid approach
road, with flex boards, festoons,
banana trees and Nadeswaram
music extending a warm
welcome to Jesuits and guests
on crack of dawn, Beschi geared
up for the grand finale of its
Diamond Jubilee celebrations
on 22 Nov. At 10 a.m we
assembled in the Chapel for
the Thanksgiving Eucharist
presided over by Fr Provincial.
A goodly gathering of about 200
Jesuits and a sprinkling of guests
of the Jubilarians including
Sisters and lay people participated
in the Mass. Fr Marivalan gave an
elegant introduction on Beschi
Illam’s past and present. The
Provincial read out the Papal
blessing, and the Message of our Fr
General, that briefly delineated the
history of Beschi, how from being a
benevolent Mother to more than a
thousand novices, she has reached
out to Jesuits beyond the boundaries
of Madurai Province. In his eloquent
homily Fr Jebamalai Raja, the CMS,
on the theme, “That you may bear
much fruit…”, dwelt on what Beschi
has given to generations of Jesuits,
and how we ought to reciprocate the
same by being faithful to the values
we have imbibed while we were
nurtured by her. He said we should
4
be ready to go to new frontiers
and to take up new challenges.
Soon after the Mass we
moved over to the portico
where Fr Provincial unveiled
and blessed the newly-installed
statue of Beschi. Fr Chelladurai
sang the prayer song of
Beschi’s, ”Arakkadal Neeiye”.
Br I. Jesudasan, one of Beschi’s
pioneers, and Fr Leo Tagore,
the Superior cut the ribbon
to inaugurate the newly-laid
tiled roads with a classy finish,
leading to the grotto and to the
cemetery. This was followed by
the entire crowd moving to the
renovated and beautified Grotto
for its blessing by Fr Ignaci,
the senior most member of the
Province. Fr Maria Jeyaraj, one
of the first batchmates, sang a
hymn to Mary. Then we moved
to the cemetery to pay homage
to our deceased brethren who
are buried there. Fr Provincial,
in a symbolic gesture, laid a
floral wreath on the grave of Fr
Rene Leguen, who was the first
to be buried here. Fr Michael
Alosanaya said the prayer of
blessing and sprinkled holy
water on the tombs. Every one
present there showered flower
petals on different tombs before
leaving the cemetery.
We returned to the House
by around 11 45 a.m. and got
ready for a group photo of all the
Jesuits present. The felicitation
function, emceed by Fr John
Wilson, Socius to the Novice
Master, began at 12 noon. The
curtain raiser was a gorgeous
prayer-dance performed to
perfection by St Joseph’s Hr
Sec School girls. The lyric
was composed by Fr M.A. Joe
Antony, and the music scored
by Fr Michael Amaladoss. The
orchestration and recording
were supervised by Fr Selva.
Fr
Tagore,
Superior,
welcomed the Provincial and
thanked him profusely for
the generosity he has shown
towards Beschi for all the
development works undertaken
prior to the Jubilee, and for his
continued interest in Beschi. He
welcomed the Jubilarians of the
community, Fr John Meempilikavil
(7o years as a Jesuit), Fr Alphonso
Miranda (5o years as a Priest) and
Fr K.C. George (60 years as a Jesuit)
and thanked them for their presence
and edification. He announced
the release of the Jubilee Souvenir
and promised to send copies to
communities in about ten days.
Fr A. Victor, felicitating the
Jubilarians,
highlighted
some
positive traits of each of the three
and wished that we follow in their
footsteps. The novices sang two
songs and presented a lively dance.
As a mark of our appreciation
of our co-workers we presented
them each with a rice-cooker. This
was followed by the Provincial’s
message. He, while sharing the joy
exuded by all on this happy occasion,
went on to say that he was more
indebted to Beschi for he has been
lucky to have done his novitiate,
juniorate and tertianship here, and
5
to have taken both his first and
last vows here. He added that he
might be celebrating his jubilee
also here. He then honoured the
jubilarians and the first batchmates with a shawl. They were
all presented with a memento
by our community’s senior
members.
Fr M. Amaladoss, in his
acceptance speech, said that this
was an occasion to remember
how much we have been blessed
by the Society over the years, and
how we have, in our own ways,
reciprocated by using our talents
to serve others. Citing some of the
recent statements of our Pope
Francis, he appealed that in the
midst of a world torn by violence
and injustice and divisions
of all kinds, we should bear
witness to a culture of peace and
justice, unity and solidarity. Fr
Lawrence Benedict, the Minister,
remembered all those who
contributed their mite to make
the day’s celebration memorable.
The dinner was served as the
piece de resistance of the entire
program by Br Savarimuthu
and his staff and novices. It was
memorable day for all of us that
put us in a nostalgic and thankful
mood, and prodded us to think
of all those pioneers, who have,
in the past 60 years of Beschi,
left us a legacy of hard work and
perseverance, and have inspired
us to follow in their footsteps.
- Leo A Tagore, SJ
(continued from p.3)
during
the
inter-semester
holidays. Our seven Scholastics
were spiritually empowered by a
Triduum they did at Royapuram
under the direction of Fr R Joe.
Fr A.G. Leonard, Chairman,
Association of the Economists of
Tamil Nadu, organized its Annual
Conference
at
Vivekananda
College, Agastheeswaram.
- A. G. Leonard
Propaganda
Having brainstormed the
community Schs. Christu and
Wenish of Arul Kadal efficiently
presented a paper on 13 Nov
on the theme, ‘The propaganda
of development and the agenda
of Hindutva: concerns and
challenges’ conducted at Gurukul
Lutheran Theological College and
Research Institute, Chennai. Fr
Britto Peter started a month-long
retreat on 17 Nov to a group of
CIC Sisters. - Wenish
we held a seminar on Fr Beschi’s
contributions to Tamil Literature,
Religion and Medicine at Maduralaya
on 15 Nov. It was a grand success
with about 150 priests, sisters
and teachers attending. They were
treated to some enlightening and
informative lectures by scholars. Fr
Manivalan, AAC, Karumathur, guided
us in this initiative and conducted the
proceedings. - Mano A. Einstein
Big
contingent
Golden Jubilarians Frs Antony
Arockiam, Ambrose Arockiasamy
and Br. Sadanandam were felicitated
at De Britto in appreciation of the
services they have rendered to De
Britto in different capacities. Fr
Ambrose preached a recollection
to our community and Fr Antony
Arockiam presided over the
Eucharist celebration with a
meaningful sharing by Br. Sada.
After a cataract surgery Fr Yagoo is
To Muslim
Renovated
The 1st year novices of
Beschi Illam completed their
long retreat on 12 Nov. The
2nd year novices went for their
pastoral exposure to different
parishes
like
Kilpennathur,
Ongur, Makkampalayam, Kundri,
Kadamalaikundu. Fr Bastian
gave the 8-day retreat to the 2nd
years. After the experiment and
the retreats, the Novices came
together and celebrated the feast
of St Stanislaus Kostka.
In view of the Diamond
Jubilee, along with the Grotto of
Our Lady and the road leading
to the grotto and cemetery, the
quarters for our co-workers’
families have been renovated and
repaired. The renovated houses
were blessed on 19 Nov and the
families have moved in. As part of
the Diamond Jubilee celebrations,
demand, with 3 or 4 always
travelling for a retreat to places
from Jaipur to Kanyakumari.
Fr Thambu preached a retreat
to the Jesuits of Mumbai
province and later the clergy
of Vijayawada. Jerry preached
the annual retreat to the clergy
of Kumbakonam, inaugurated
the Year of Consecrated Life in
Thoothukudi and helped the Seva
Missionary Sisters plan their
mission. Fr D.Jayaraj preached
an 8-day retreat to Sisters of
various congregations. Now he
is guiding the one-month retreat
for JMJ Sisters in Jaipur. Fr Xavier
Irudayaraj animated the CLC in
Nagarkoil, guided the deacons of
Chengalpat and a group of young
priests of Madras-Mylapore. We
hosted the meetings of Indian
Theological Association and
Tamil Nadu Catholic Association
for Education and the third order
of Franciscans.
- Xavier Irudayaraj
on medical leave and resting at St
Xavier’s, Palayamkottai. Our physical
education department is sending
a big contingent for State-level
competitions. Selvan R.Abimanyu
of VIIIth Std has been chosen to
represent the school at a State-level
elocution competition conducted
by the Dept. of Education. Fr Joseph
Kennedy attended a Seminar on
“Grant-In-Aid to our self-financed
Tamil medium schools started after
1991” conducted by AINACS at
Chennai.
- Yagoo
Great
demand
The retreat preachers of
Dhyana Ashram are in great
6
leaders
33rd training programme
for the Community College
Teachers was conducted by
ICRDCE on 10-15 Nov. There were
40 participants from 13 States of
India. Fr Xavier Alphonse was
asked to make a presentation on
the Community College system
at an international conference at
VIT University’s Chennai campus
on 21 Nov. He was also invited by
Al-Barkaat Educational Society,
Aligarh for one-day workshop on
Community Colleges on 22 Nov
attended by prominent Muslim
leaders from Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi and
Maharashtra. We hope that this
workshop will inspire the leaders
to start 10 Community Colleges
by June, 2015.
Secretary of the Central
Government’s new department
of Skill and Entrepreneurship,
Mr Pawan Agarwal, IAS, invited
Fr Xavier Alphonse to discuss
the recognition and funding of
Community Colleges in India.
- Xavier Alphonse
Blood
to the living
On 02 Nov the Dhanam
movement organised at St.
Antony’s Parish Cemetery, Park
Town, Chennai a special Blood
Donation Camp with an inviting
slogan: ‘Homage to the Departed
and Blood to the Living’. Jerry,
who helps in the parish as an
associate pastor, celebrated five
liturgies through the day since
the cemetery is one of the three
biggest in Chennai. This maiden
attempt yielded a good harvest
for the poor patients of Rajiv
Gandhi Government Hospital.
- Jerry
To Goa
The Madurai philosophers
at DNC, Pune went during our
semester holidays in Nov to Goa,
Ajanta and Ellora. The tour not
merely relaxed us, but provided
many learning and spiritual
moments – especially the ones
we spent at the Goa cathedral
with the sacred relics of St.
Francis Xavier. We began the
second semester on 29 Nov.
- Felix Sahayaraj
For
for the leaders of Dalit Women
Federation with a follow up action
plan. - Jeyaseelan
If
they would study
medicine
School: Br. A. Irudayam, the
coordinator of GSP (Government
Service
Project)
at
Loyola,
Kuppayanallur in collaboration
with Mr. Antony, the lay coordinator,
and other 6 staff, organized a
motivation session for 106 boys
and girls of GSP on 01 Nov. Dr
Divakar Vasudevan, M.B.B.S, the
resource
person,
highlighted
the importance of the study
of medicine and he promised
to sponsor books for the first
semester if the students promised
to study medicine. On 22 Nov a
one day mini-camp was organized
the first time
Stephen J Muthu conducted
a day-long seminar on Corporate
Social Responsibility and tips
on local fund-raising for the
members of CHAI in Mumbai.
He was also one the observers
for the National Skill Conference
held in Chennai. For the first
time in IDEAS skill training on
entrepreneurship and livelihood
programme was conducted
here for the LASAC students of
Loyola, Kuppayanallur and Loyola
Academy, Vadamelpakkam. Sch.
Magbay De Lawrence shared about
his ministry among the Tamil
Refugees from Sri Lanka with the
65 participants – boys and girls. The
students visited government offices
like the Police Station, Taluk Office
and Fire Service Station. The staff in
7
these offices gave the students
a clear picture of what they are
doing in the offices and clarified
the doubts of students.
JMAADD:
Our
nine
JMAADD staff felt privileged to
attend a one day session given
by Fr Jayapathy at IDCR, Loyola,
Chennai. The JMAADD Cultural
Troupe is getting trained in
‘Paraiyattam’.
Parish: The first phase
of Anandaraj Housing Project
(AHP) for about 10 houses is
nearing its completion. Under
the coordination of Sch. Lenin,
Catholic Youth Association with
30 members has been formed in
Ongur parish. Guided by Fr P.S.
Arul, the youth of all substations
are slowly initiated in church
activities. The youth at Nallur,
a substation of Ongur, are busy
preparing for the 125 year
anniversary of their church.
- Lawrence Arockiasamy
To
prevent student
suicides
Loyola College: As the
students were busy writing the
examinations, Loyola College of
Arts and Science had an intense
month gearing up the staff
for the second semester. The
administrative staff had a day
of Spiritual Animation, followed
by an Orientation Programme.
‘Transformational Leadership’
was yet another programme
for our staff. These were
organised by IQAC. AURA, the
centre for counselling services,
organised for the teaching staff
two separate training sessions:
‘SEE-SAW’, a day’s programme
on
Work-Leisure
Balance
and ‘Suicide, a Preventable
Epidemic’. Fr Arul Xavier, O.F.M.
Cap spoke on susceptibilities,
types, causes, myths, cues for
identifying suicidal intent and
how to intervene and prevent
suicides.
The
physiological
dimension of suicide, changes
in brain functions, levels of
severity and ways of approach
and intervention were topics
dealt with by Dr. Yamini. The
HR department provided the
impetus for these initiatives.
At the academic front four
workshops were conducted by
the departments of Physics, Social
Work and Computer Science on
Nano Technology, CSR, Android
and Mobility Applications.
The Secretary and the
Principal of Loyola College of
Education attended the JHESA
annual meeting at of XLRI,
Jamshedpur on 24, 25 Oct. Fr
Xavier Alphonse presented a
summary of the document on
“The Promotion of Justice in
the Universities of the Society”
and the Principal presented the
Justice and Faith dimension of
activities practiced in Loyola
College of Education. Professors
Mrs P.Jaya and Mr.N.Vinnaras
received the best teacher
awards. The college conducted
the meeting of the stake holders
on 08 Nov by inviting all the HMs
and principals of the schools
where the trainees had gone for
practice teaching. The feed-back
about the performance of the
students was highly gratifying.
LICET has got three
university ranks in Anna
University. It conducted a seminar
on:
Teaching
Engineering
Subjects, for the benefit of the
faculty members. In swimming
LICET has come second in India
and 2nd in sports in zonal games
of Anna University. In Tennis
(Women) LICET is the university
champion. The Squad that
comes for surprise checks during
the semester exams had this to say:
“Only at LICET exams are conducted
seriously and in an organized
manner”.
LIBA held the annual INSIGHT
with great aplomb at Hotel Hilton
on 14, 15 Nov. The theme was ‘New
Frontiers in the Changing Business
Landscape’. Mr.Shyam Srinivasan
delivered the keynote address.
The star speaker was Dr Kandeh
K. Yumkella, UN undersecretaryGeneral, who was introduced by Mr
Jebamalai Vinanchiarachi.
Entomology Research Institute,
Loyola College was requested by
the Corporation to help them in
identifying and controlling the
sudden appearance of an insect in
many parts of Chennai which was
causing great alarm among people.
Fr Ignacimuthu, Director, feels happy
that ERI was successful in helping
them. - Francis Jayapathy
Target 100
In the month of November
Paathai Centre, Vallam organised
coaching camps for the about 60
rural Dalit students in Cuddalore
and Kanchipuram districts. We
inaugurated a new unit of ESC for
about 30 students in Thoonthur
Village in Tiruvannamalai District.
On 16 Nov we organized a children’s
day program in Antoniarpuram
in Tiruvallur district. About 200
children from Susaipuram and
Pudhupattu attended the program
and the winners won attractive
prizes. On 21 we had Paathai-IACM
ESC animators meeting at which
we came up with a plan ‘Target 100
Villages’ as part of the silver jubilee
celebrations of ESC. On 23 we
organized a coaching camp for the
10th students in Sithalingamadam
in Villupuram district in which the
IACM cadres and ESC animators
8
trained the students in social
analysis,
legal
awareness,
politics etc. On 26 a one-day
coaching camp was organised in
Ansaldo High School, Navalur in
Kanchipuram District in view of
the public exams. - Regis
Training
for GSP
teaches
The province GSP Director,
Fr Simonraj, St Joseph’s,
Trichy organized a one day
teachers’ training programme
for all the GSP teachers from
our schools and colleges at St.
Joseph’s Trichy on 08 Nov. Forty
teachers, including eight Jesuit
GSP coordinators, participated
in the training programme. Two
Assistant Commissioners of
Customs and Central Excise - Mr.
Murugan Mourugaram, IRS and
Mrs. Jayabharathi, IRS - and the
Director of NR IAS Academy - Mr.
Vijayalaya – offered a highly useful
training programme, which was
very much appreciated by the
GSP staff. - Jesu Nesam
Pilgrimage
towards holiness
Our St Mary’s, Madurai
Cathedral Parish cemetery was
blessed on All Souls Day, preceded
by a devotional Mass with a
large gathering in the cemetery.
The Archbishop, along with
the diocesan clergy, celebrated
a solemn Requiem Mass in
our Cathedral on 05 Nov and
offered prayers for the deceased
Prelates, clergy and laity of the
archdiocese, and blessed their
cemetery. More than 100 children
took part in a Sports Day function
organized by Fr Leo Anand for the
parish. Our Archbishop preached
the monthly recollection to
the Jesuits of St Mary’s and LTI
communities. He stressed that we
need to undertake a pilgrimage
towards holiness in our mission.
Fr G. Packiaraj preached two
retreats in Hyderabad - to
the clergy and the JMJ Sisters.
Fr. Albert Joseph attended
the International Seminar on
Ignatian Pedagogy and Ignatian
Spirituality at Manresa, Spain
in November. Nearly 80 Jesuits
and laypeople attended the
seminar which insisted that the
Jesuit education must enable
our students to be persons
of conscience, competence,
compassion and commitment.
Our school basketball team has
won the championship cup at the
divisional level and has qualified
to take part in the state level
matches to be held in January.
- G. Packiaraj
Human Rights
education
XIBA, St Xavier’s: The
second National Conference
on “Skill Development in
Management Education” was
conducted on 20 Nov. The
conference was inaugurated by
Mr. Sakthivel, General Manger,
HR, Sterlite Copper, Tuticorin.
Fr Joseph Xavier, Director, JIM,
gave the valedictory address. We
had a three-day Corporate Boot
Camp for the “B’ batch students.
B.Ed College: A two-day national
seminar on Human Rights
Education for prospective teacher
educators was inaugurated by
Mr Henry Tiphagne on 31 Oct
which attracted 150 participants
from various institutions. The
college also compiled articles
on the topic and brought them
out in the form of a book. The
college has benchmarked itself
by being the first institution
in the southern region to have
conducted a workshop on E-Content
Development to the appreciation
of the staff and the participants.
Production of short films which
were later uploaded in the YouTube
and in the college website was
a commendable feature of this
programme. This year, acting on a
request from the public, the college
conducted Library Science and NET
coaching classes in Education on 21
and 28 Nov.
School: On 01 Nov our Sacred
Heart hostel boys celebrated the
hostel day. Mr N. Ganesh Raja, an
alumnus of the hostel was the Chief
Guest. The students enjoyed the
Fellowship Day, observed on 07
Nov. A dance programme presented
by the staff was the highlight of the
Children’s Day. Our school super
senior hockey team and volleyball
team have qualified for the Statelevel matches organized by the
educational department.
- Velan & William
Bishop’s
visit
Fr. I. M. Joseph offered a course
on Personality Development to our
candidates at VMI, Vilangudi on
26-30 Oct. The course on Human
Sexuality by Sr Vasantha.,SCC helped
the candidates clarify their doubts
and made them appreciate their
body as a wonderful gift of God. Ms.
Julius made the candidates learn
various folk arts through her course
on Folk Dance. Fr Bellarmine’s
course on Social Awareness
sensitized the candidates to the sad
social reality of our times. On 04
Nov a Charismatic Convention was
organized for our Parishioners at
Thirumanur. To commemorate the
Year of Family, seven Secretaries
from various commissions of the
Diocese of Kumbakonam visited
our Parish and appreciated our
mission. Bishop F. Antonisamy of
9
Kumbakonam visited our Parish
on 05 Nov and offered a Mass
at Karaivetti, one of our substations.
- G. S. Thayriam
To
help out in
Goa
The second term of our
Juniorate at XTC, Belgaum,
has been geared to preparing
us to get familiar with spoken
and written English, and this
through
declamations
and
poems. We had our declamations
on 10-15 Nov. A 3-day course
on communication, given by
Fr Lawrie (BOM), taught us to
evangelize modern people using
modern ways of communication.
During his visitation along with
Fr Vincent Boche (FRA), the
German Provincial shared with
us the ministries which the
German province is engaged in
and the difficulties which the
Church faces in Germany. On
22 Nov we Juniors set out to
Goa to help our Jesuit brothers
there during the novena and
feast of St Francis Xavier and the
exposition. The first year novices
are in their Long Retreat while
the second year novices finished
their pastoral experiment and
started their pilgrimage on 19
Nov. - V. Karlin Viju
Health
without
medicines
On 6 Nov a free Medical
Camp was organized at Loyola
Academy,
Vadamelpakkam,
by SRM Medical College. The
Staff, students and people of
our neighbourhood benefitted
from the camp. On 14 Nov,
Children’s
Day,
the
staff
entertained the students with a
cultural programme. On 15 Nov
a seminar on ‘Communicative
English’ was conducted for our
The Provincial and the members of the Curia
wish all the readers of the MNL
a joyful Christmas and a grace-filled 2015!
May the Christ Child and His Virgin Mother bless you and all your dear ones!
staff by Mr Jeyaseelan, Chennai.
On 21 Nov Fr Vincent Anes,
Claretian Provincial, offered
a course to our staff on ‘Good
Health without Medicines’.
- Deva A. Stephen
Jesuits
and
Salesians
20 Jesuit Tertians and
their two Masters from Sacred
Heart College, Shembaganur
visited Thozhamai Illam as part
of their pilgrimage to the coastal
shrines of the southern districts
of Tamil Nadu. Fr S. Josephraj
gave a one day recollection to 11
Salesians of Don Bosco Institute,
Koothankuzhi, on 04 Nov. On 11 13 Nov 20 scholastics from Clive
House came here for a Triduum
guided by Fr G. Arockiaraj. Fr.
Francis Sales addressed the CRI
gatherings of Kottar Diocese on
two occasions in Nov.
- M. Charles
Waiting
eagerly
We, at SICJ, Trivandrum,
began this month remembering
gratefully the dear departed.
A four-day course on film
appreciation was helpful to
analyse and appreciate movies
in proper perspective. On 09 Fr
Britto Vincent, our PCF, visited
us and encouraged us. Novena
to St. John Berchmans, our
patron, began on 17 Nov. With
special prayers on different
themes, we eagerly await the
arrival of southern Provincials
and the celebration of the feast
on 26 Nov.
- Antony Donic Raja
Sammanasoor &
Innaciarpuram
Sammanasoor
welcomed
us, the SUPAMites for our second
meeting, the first after the Ordination.
We shared our in-depth experiences,
our inner joys being reconcilers and
victims as young priests. We agreed
there were ample opportunities to
realize the servant nature of our
priesthood. The new priests thanked
profusely St. Joseph’s community
for going the extra mile to make the
Ordination event momentous.
The PCF, the SUPAM director
and Arul Kadal staff members
taught us never to give up creative
pastoral imagination, to be aware of
the occupational hazard that keeps
us at the centre. We celebrated
Eucharist at St. Ignatius Church,
Innaciarpuram, a sub station of
Sammanasoor. We heartily thanked
Fr Sebastian Crossian, SJ and his
Parish Priest, Fr. John Peter for doing
everything to make our meeting
memorable. - Viji Bose
Tracing
the saint’s
footprints
We,
the
Tertians
of
Shembaganur, for our month-long
Ignatian Experiment in September,
worked at Homes for the Aged,
Cancer Centres, HIV Centres, Homes
for the Street Children, Homes for the
Mentally Retarded and Homes for
the Destitute. Some Tertians directed
retreats for Sisters and students. We
also went on a three-day pilgrimage,
tracing the footprints of St Francis
Xavier, to Palayamkottai, Tutricorin,
Punnakayal, Alanthalai, Manapadu,
Uvari, Kottar and Aaralvaimozhi.
10
It was an inspiring experience.
Sixteen
Tertians
made
a
pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our
Lady of Vailankanni on 4,5 Oct.
They also visited Kalangarai,
Nagapatinam and St Joseph’s
College, Trichy. We were touched
by the warm reception and
hospitality at Jesuit communities
and are grateful to Frs Kulandai,
Jeyabaskaran, Britto Bonaventure
and Bro Arockiaraj.
Our intense study of the
Constitutions
was
marked
by personal reading, group
discussions and explanations
of
our
Instructors.
Frs.
Thomas Amirtham (Financial
administration), Jerry Rosario
(Challenges to Mission and
Justice), Stephen Martin (Social
Communication) and Britto
Bonaventure
(Environmental
concerns: GM Food) gave us
sessions that made us realize the
mission of the Society in today’s
context. Nearly 180 students
from Inigo Siruvar illam, Xavier
Illam and Pambarpuram and
children of our co-workers
attended the Children’s Day on
15 Oct and enjoyed the creative
games. Students gave a wonderful
cultural show and we made sure
that all of them received a prize.
We ended our Tertainship
with a pilgrimage to the Shrine
of Our Lady of La Salette and a
Triduum preached by Fr Arul
Sivan. Our sincere thanks to our
beloved instructors - Frs Michael
Alsonaya and Arul Sivan - for
accompanying us in this spiritual
journey for the past six months.
Birth-Centenary of Fr Wenisch
O
n 06 Nov we had the
finale of a year-long
commemoration of
the birth centenary of Fr Paul
Wenisch, SJ - an ardent devotee
of the Sacred Heart and a zealous
promoter of its devotion. He was
also the first National Director
of Apostleship of Prayer and
Eucharistic Youth Movement.
We began with Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament, conducted
by a lay group called ‘Models’
at the Sacred Heart Residence
chapel, where Fr Wenisch used to
spend hours on his knees. Later
we visited his tomb to pay floral
tributes while Fr. A. Arockiasamy
said a prayer. Fr Sebasti L.Raj,
our Provincial, presided over
the Thanksgiving Mass. Fr
S.P.Savarimuthu, a close associate
of the centenarian, preached an
experience-based homily.
The Felicitation function
was chaired by Fr Frederic
Fornos, SJ, Director General
Delegate of Apostleship of
Prayer and Eucharistic Youth
Movement, Rome, who hails from
Toulouse Province, France. Fr. K.S.
Arockiasamy, Administrator of
Dindigul Diocese was the Chief Guest.
All the associates of Fr Wenisch
and the Golden Jubilarians were
honoured. Four books, published by
the Institute of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, were released. The audience
appreciated a 12-minute video-
documentary, titled ‘The Journey
of a Heart,’ that brought to life Fr
Wenisch’s unique mission.
A day-long adoration was
held on 07 Nov at St. Joseph’s
Cathedral, Dindigul, Fr. A. J.
Thamburaj
celebrated
the
Eucharist in his charismatic style.
As the grand finale of the birthcentenary, Archbishop Antony
Pappusamy of Madurai presided
over the Thanksgiving Eucharist
at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dindigul.
Fifteen priests, AP/EYM Coordinators and others, joined the
concelebration. The Archbishop,
in his homily, recalled the
beautiful qualities, missionary
zeal, indisputable and innovative
efforts of Fr Wenisch and praised
his untiring travels throughout
India, in particular in Tamil Nadu.
- Marivalan
Abide with the Lord
Br. Eneriz Manuel (Manolo) (GUJ) 88/67, expired on 12 Nov ‘14 at Baroda.
Fr. Andre Bruylants, SJ (CCU), 88/68 died on 21 Nov 14 at St. Xavier’s, Kolkata.
Fr Santiago Velanganny, SJ (PAT 72/44) died on 30 Nov ‘14 at the Province infirmary, Patna.
11
Memories
History of St Mary ’s, Madurai
As soon as the enclosure work was over by
the end of January 1841 the foundations were laid
for a cross-wise church. After the completion of
the ‘Arokia Madha’ church, the present cathedral
in Trichy, Fr Garnier was called to Madura
and within a few months he realized his ‘town
planning scheme’. Catholics were few at Madura
and remained attached to the Holy Rosary church.
To have a congregation Fr Garnier took the bold
step of bringing some fifty Catholic families from
Pudupatti and installing them in the colony he had
built - three rows of houses in what is still called
the Saliers’ street.
The Fathers’ residence, ‘the best in the whole
Mission’ according to Fr Saint-Cyr, consisted of
four rooms. Church and residence were completed
by Easter of 1842 and the house occupied in May
by holding in it the first formal council meeting
of the new Mission.Were present with Fr. Joseph
Bertrand, the Superior, Frs Louis Garnier de
Falletan, Louis Chardon du Ranquet, Alexis Canoz,
Alexis Castanier and Louis Saint-Cyr. (from Caritas, Jan 1943)
Secrets for Well-being and Peace
The night had become lighter. The sky was filled
with stars. We returned to the cottage in silence. Ratab
put his arm warmly about my shoulder and held the
lamp before us. “It is a beautiful Christmas night,” he
said. In the door way stood a banana tree that had
been trimmed into the shape of a pine tree. On each
branch were tied several flowers of assorted colors,
and scattered about the tree were small clay oil lamps
like tiny stars. “Your Christmas tree,” he said simply.
I stood in the darkness before the tree. The lamp
lights flickered slightly in the warm breeze. My eyes
welled with tears.
I sat on the floor among them and the
conversation never stopped. They all wanted to hear
the story of Christmas from me. When the story was
told, I passed the fruit and, while they were eating,
went into the bedroom. What did I have to give them?
I had so little with me. I took everything from the
suitcase that I could give away - my T-shirts, briefs,
shirts, socks -no matter what, it was the spirit. They
were all delighted with their gifts. They began to dance
and sing and were pleased when I joined them.
The festivity continued for a while and then
Ratab announced that I must be tired and that it was
time for sleep. Then he explained that several of the
guests had asked for the honor of staying overnight.
“When you have made a new friend,” he explained,
“it is bad manners to leave him.” The bed was small
but Ratab picked six of the guests to join me. They put
me in the middle.
The light of a single oil lamp danced about the
room. Outside, the Christmas tree glittered beneath
the stars.
Ratab, who had taken the place of honor at
my side, slid his arm under my head. “I still don’t
understand why they could not make room for Mary.”
After a moment of silence he said, “Well, Merry
Christmas,” and fell asleep.
In the inn of the world there is room for everyone.
To refuse entry to anyone, for whatever reason, is to
risk an irreparable loss. - Leo Buscaglia
Congratulations
To the new Doctor, Fr M.S. Jacob who defended
successfully on 25 Nov his doctoral thesis on the
Indian Community College System.
To Sch Vasantha Kumar, St Xavier’s, who has
secured the first rank (and the gold medal) in M.Sc
Botany in Bharathidasan University.
Just for....
Many years ago, a woman wrote to her Bishop:
‘Dear Bishop, I feel that God is calling me to preach
the Gospel. The trouble is, I have twelve children.
What shall I do?’
The Bishop replied: ‘Dear Madam, I am
delighted to hear that God has called you to preach
the Gospel. I am even more delighted to hear that
he has already provided you with a congregation.
So you don’t have to go anywhere else to preach.’
(from Seven Stories of Christmas Love)
12

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