FAMILY BOND - Vincentian Congregation

FAMILY BOND(VINCENTIAN BULLETIN)

Have charity the bond of perfection(For private circulation only)

Vol.48 / No.4 December 2014

PageI. Editorial 03II. Vincentian Generalate. 06

i Events ii Engagements iii. Directory – changes

iv. News from Renewal Teamv. The Centre for Vincentian Animation

III. News from Mary Matha Province 15 i. Engagements & events ii.News from Missions

IV. News from St. Joseph Province, Kottayam 27V. News From St. Thomas Province, Rewa 30

i. Engagements and events,

ii. North East and UP MissionsVI. Formation Houses : 36

i. De Paul, Bengaluru, ii. Janampet, iii. VidyabhavanVII. Media and Education: 41

1. i. DiST, ii. GiFT, iii. Hubli, iv. Music Album2. Schools: i. Thodupuzha, ii. Nazareth Hill

VIII. Popular Missions and Retreats: 47

IX. Our Missions Abroad 55X. The Mission Gathering - 2014: Key-note address 58XI. Our Houses and Institutions 64

i. Choondal ii. MyladiXII. Our New Priests 70XIII. Vincentian Community Life 87XIV. The Social Dimension of Evangelization 93

Notification: The next issue of the FamilyBond is due in March 2015. Kindly sendthe news and concerned pictures forpublication for the conferrers to knowand get encouraged.

Fr. Varghese Chackumkuzhy VC Editor

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Family BondFamily BondFamily BondFamily BondFamily Bond

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!I

he whole world is watching if there would be any longstandingparadigm shift in the Church under the leadership of theenergetic Pope Francis; whether the so-called Christian world

would use this season to prepare for the traditional promotion ofcommerce and merry making or would show a renewed spirit in thespread of the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ on earth! Change will happen ifthe God of creation is also God of consummation!It is true that weare living in the messianic age of ‘peace on earth’ which seems stillto be elusive for many and at several parts of the vast world. We tellpeople to try to avoid temptations and occasions of sin in thisexpectation that they would be found watching and eager to greetHim at the second coming of Christ! The faithful do earnestly praydaily - ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ ; ‘Marana ita’. It may take time thatthe whole world is evangelized and the ‘Kingdom’ is established, forJesus himself did not desist from comparing the current generationof his time to the wayward children … . (Mt.11.16-17). Therefore itwas quite appropriate that the Vincentians also made retreats beforeChristmas and discussed on a ‘mission policy’ in the Mission-Gatheringin Kolkotha!

‘Evangelize cultures to inculturate the Gospel’ was the theme Pope

T

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Francis presented before the Zambian Bishops during their ‘Ad LiminaVisit’ on 17th Nov. 2014. Several points for a mission policy could beextracted from that discourse.The Pope recalled the “rich deposit offaith” brought to Zambia by missionary religious from Europe: “plentifulspiritual harvest is evident in the many Catholic-run clinics, hospitalsand schools, and parishes; Work with the political leaders for thecommon good, deepening your prophetic witness in defense of thepoor in order to uplift the lives of the weak. It is imperative toevangelize cultures in order to inculturate the Gospel... Each cultureand ethnic group needs purification and growth. Continue also topromote the treasure of religious life in your dioceses. Invite thosewho have grown lukewarm and feel lost to return to the full practiceof the faith. Seek out the weakest members, for the great majority ofthe poor have a special openness to the faith; they need God and wemust not fail to offer them His friendship, His blessing, His word, thecelebration of the Sacraments and a journey of growth and maturityin the faith. Form solid Christian families through catechesis, whowill know, understand and love the truths of the faith more deeply,and affirm Catholic couples in their desire for fidelity in conjugal lifeand in their yearning to provide a stable spiritual home for theirchildren”. There is a word for those who run schools and parishestoo: “Be close to the young as they seek to establish and articulatetheir identity in a disorienting age. Help them to find their purpose inthe challenge and joy of co-creation with God. Encourage youngCatholics by living lives of virtue to experience the liberating gift ofchastity as adults”.

Naturally here a question arises whether our missionary effortsper schools as it is today are really Christian under the presence of

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only a single priest as principal or manager! How far shall he be ableto convince the Non-Christian staff about the Christian convictionsand value system applicable in their dealings with the students andtheir futuristic aspirations for establishing ‘the kingdom of God’! Inthis Christmas season and new year the missionary task is moreprecarious as our interactions are less welcome when the country isbeing ruled by the elected representatives who are staunch religiousto the core of their own convictions. The ‘wise men of the east’ inspite of a kind of revelation regarding the new-born savior searchedfor the infant king in the king’s palace. This mistake was heavily paidby the innocent infants of the period by their life. The Holy Familyitself had to flee at night to the distant Egypt! Perhaps we too makethe same mistake and pay heavily in our zealous missionary efforts!

Joseph’s family became the Holy Family among the Yahweh’s‘Chosen Holy People’ by the birth of Jesus in a ‘manger’. The humbleshepherds reached there in search of the savior and understood whathad been told of him.. All who heard of it were astonished at thereport given them by the shepherds (LK.2.17-18). Let us take courageand be happy.

Wish all the readers a very happy Christmas and a BrightNew Year for establishing the ‘Kingdom of God’!

“Youth Pastoral Ministry is required to offer to the young apath of vocational discernment, to prepare them to followJesus on the way of conjugal and family lfe, or that of specialconsecration in the service of God’s Kingdom”.

(Pope Francis . 11 Dec.2014)

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Vincentian GeneralateII

II. i. Events

II. i. 1. Founder’s Day:

The 83rd Death Anniversary of Very Rev. Fr. Varkey Kattarath,the founder of our Congregation, was commemorated at Thottakomon October 24, 2014. A good number of people and relatives ofFr. Kattarath attended it. There was good participation from our priestsand seminarians. Fr. Sam Koonamplackil gave a talk which wasfollowed by con-celebrated Holy Mass with Very Rev. Fr. VargheseParappuram , our Superior General; the homily was by Fr. MathewPonneduthakkallel. After the agape, Fr. Joseph Vaniamthara led thecommunity through a Healing Adoration. The event ended by 3.30pm with tea. A special word of thanks to Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhy,the organizer and to Frs. John Kodiamkunnel, Anto Chirapparambil,Philip Punchal and Bro. Karedan Varghese, who made thearrangements and gave a warm reception to our confreres.

II. i. 2. The Mission Gathering - 2014The Biennial Mission Gathering (Oct. 12-14.) was held at Divine

Love Retreat Centre, Jalalkhalli, Krishana Nagar, Kolkotha, just afterthe annual retreat. Fifty-eight priests participated and shared thereports and their ideas.

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Inaugural Session:- Very Rev. Fr. Varghese Parappuram, theSuperior General, in his inaugural speech addressed all participantsespecially the senior missionaries by their names and recollected thehard works and hardships of the pioneering missionaries. Then hespoke about the two streams of Evangelization in the Church: NewEvangelization and the Re-evangelization, and he mentioned that theVincentians are involved in both. He pointed out the three fold purposesof missionary Gathering, namely, 1) sharing of experiences; 2) arealistic assessment of our missionary efforts; 3) planning for thefuture.

During his address Very. Rev. George Arackal (Sr.), Provincial ofSt. Joseph’s Province said that there are two Biblical icons ofmissionaries: one the Samaritan woman who had a passion for theexpected Messiah, and the other, the Samaritan Man, who had passionfor humanity. He said that in our missionary endeavor we shouldkeep both these icons in our mind.

Very Rev. Fr. John Kandathinkara, Provincial of St. ThomasProvince in his address said that we should proclaim the gospel at alltimes, but using words only in need. Rev. Fr. Francis Naduviledath,the Asst. Provincial of Marymatha Province and the RegionalSuperiors Rev. Frs. Tony Chakkungal (MM) and Cyriac Kodamullil(SJ) and the Mission Superior, Fr. Jacob (Sajoy) Ethakkattu ofAhmednagar spoke on the occasion. Frs. Sam Valliath, SebastianMoolechalil, and Arackal George (Jr.) shared on their missions inArunachal, Delhi and West Bengal respectively.

13th Oct. 2014:- The first session was presided over by VeryRev. Fr. John Kandanthinkara. He introduced and welcomed VeryRev. Sr. Prema, the Superior General of Missionaries of Charity ,who would give the key note address. She spoke on the spirituality ofBl. Mother Theresa focusing on her Charisma of serving the poorest

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of the poor, as well as her vision about how a priest should be involved?She gave a wider explanation on “who is poor in this modern world?”Then she beautifully explained the various realms of ‘Silence’. Shereminded the priests, of the words of Bl. Mother Theresa, that theyare contemplatives in the heart of world. She said that Mother workedwith the motto, “Souls to God & God to souls.”

Group discussion:- After the tea break group discussionsfollowed on the questions: (1) How can we deepen our relationshipwith Jesus in the light of the retreat we had? (2) “The poor are ourmasters” - how can we live this teaching of St. Vincent De Paul inour missionary life? (3) What concrete changes shall we make in ourprayer life based on the talk by Rev. Sr. Prema.

Sharing session:- After the lunch the third session was presidedover by Rev. Fr. Tony Chakkungal. Fathers from the following Regionsand Missions presented their reports in power point presentation.

Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhy African MissionFr. Tony Chakkungal Andhra MissionFr. Cyriac Kodamullil Tamil Nadu and Karnataka MissionFr. Sajoy Ethakkattu Nagar MissionFr. Jose Pareckattil UP mission

Thereafter a short outing was arranged to visit Christo Mandhir,Krishnana Nagar.

When we started the evening session at 6.45 p. m Frs. JamesMarattil and Yesudas Aymanmkuzhy shared about the activities ofthe centres in Tissa (Arunachal) and Margritha (Assam). Fr. AbrahamNeeruvelil shared about the Mission Centres of St. Joseph Provincein Europe.

Future Planning:- This session was presided over by Fr. EbinNeeruvalil, the mission councilor of St .Joseph’s Province. For

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discussion three themes were given, namely; 1) Should we need amission policy in the Congregation? 2) Do you think that the presenttype of missionary formation requires any improvement? 3) Is therea Vincentian way of Missionary work? If there is one how can weimprove it?

There was a detailed discussion on the first question. Fr. JosephParekkatttil said that there are cultural differences from place toplace and hence it may not be possible to make a common policy.According to Fr. Paul Kottaram, we cannot have a strict missionpolicy. According to our present situation we are starting missionsonly when we are invited by a diocese. Therefore we have to abideby the agreement made with the diocesan authorities. According toFr. Cyriac Kodamullil, we need to have a policy which could guideour future missionaries when they face with problems and difficulties.Fr. Alex Valliyamthadathil was of the opinion that we shall continueto follow the vision we had from the beginning. Fr. GeorgeVettaparambil said that we do not need a policy as it would createmore restrictions in mission work. If we had such policies earlier, wewould not have got such missions as we have them today. We couldnot go for further discussions on other themes as there was a shortageof time. Fr. John Kanadathinkara declared that the next gatheringwould be arranged by St. Thomas Province.

Concluding Session:- Many of the fathers expressed theirhappiness about the fruitful retreat. Fr. Jose Parayaruthottam who isin the 47th year of Priesthood and Fr. Paul Edasseriyil who workedfrom the very beginning of the priestly life in the missions, expressedtheir happiness in the mission work they have done.

As concluding remarks the Superior General appreciated thearrangements Fr. George Arackal with his team had done and thankedFr. Mathew Vattakuzhy, the coordinator. Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhy in

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turn expressed deep sentiments of gratitude to one and all, who workedhard to make the retreat and the mission gathering 2014 a success.He also thanked Frs. George Arackal (Jr.), Vincent, Leenus, Bro.Paimpillliy Sebastin and their assistants in a special way for theirhard work and support. He expressed his special thanks to Frs. JojoAssariparambil and Fr. James of the Vincentian house, Minto parkfor making the participants’ stay comfortable.

On the next day (14.10.2014) the priests paid a visit to the MotherHouse of MC Sisters and offered Holy Mass near the tomb of theBl. Mother Theresa. Then the participants were taken to Victoriamemorial and the famous CNI Church. In the afternoon they visitedthe Science City of Culcutta. With this the Mission Gathering – 2014came to an end.

Report by Fr. John Paul Thottungal & Fr. YesudasAymanmkuzhy

II. i. 3. Annual Retreats:The Retreat at Jalalkhali, Kolkata 07-12 Oct. Forty five of our

confreres attended the retreat along with two SDB priests. Fr. DomnicValamnal, the Director of Marian Retreat Centre, Anakkara,Kanjirappilly Diocese guided the retreat.

Annual Retreat in Africa: Annual retreat for our priests in Africawas from 04-8 Oct., guided by Fr. Bobby Embrayil VC .

II. ii. EngagementsCanonical Visit of Superior General: The Superior General,

Fr. Varghese Parappuram and the General finance councilor,Fr. George Vettaparambil visited our Ashrams in Madhya Pradesh,Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh from 31 Oct to 13th Nov. 2014 and reachedthe Generalate on 15th. They visited: V.H. Ambattur, Chennai,

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Vincentian Study House, Kothi; Provincial House, Rewa; MaidaniVillage; Madhavgarh, Satna; in Delhi: Vikaspuri, Ujwa, Tagore Garden;Faridabad, U. P. Mission: Veerpur, Aonla, Chandausi,Bilari, Budaun& Meerganj; and Divine Vachan Ashram, Ballarpur,Maharashtra.

National Day Celebration in honor of our New Saints: On29th November 2014, Fr. Varghese Parappuram, the Superior Generaland Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhy, the Asst. Superior General along withFr. Paul Karayil participated the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist held atRajagiri in honor of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and St. EuprasiaEluvathingal.

Canonical Visit: Fr. Superior General along with Fr. GeorgeVettaparambil made canonical visit to Vachanolsavam, Potta onDecember 02. On December 03, they visited Vincentian Vidyabhavan,Aluva.

Annual Retreat: The last batch of annual retreat of this yeartook place from 07 to 12 December, 2014 at Vincentian Generalate,Edappally. 75 members attended the retreat preached by Fr. JomonKochukaniamparambil MCBS.

On December 13, Fr. Superior General went to Andhra Pradeshwith Fr. Paul Karayil to participate in the blessing of the new PerpetualAdoration Chapel, Premagiri. He opened the chapel to the faithfulon the next day. He also participated in the ordination of Fr.Rajasekhar Annepogu on Dec.15th. VH Karivena was visited on hisway to Velugode. On December 16 he came back to the Generalate.

Fr. Superior General participated in the Bible Convention atPuthuppady on Dec.20th. Fr. Jojo Marippattu gave a few classes tothe Priests and Religious attending retreat in Divine Retreat Center,Muringoor. The Superior General celebrated Holy Mass and gave ahomily for the same group on December 18. Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhyvisited VH and De Paul Care Center, Thiruvananthapuram.

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Diaconate and Minor Orders: Diaconate and Minor Ordersare conferred on 22nd Dec. 2014 at the Vincentian Generalate,Edappally, by Most Rev. Mar Mathew Vaniakizhakkel. List ofSeminarians who received Holy Orders at Generalate:

Diaconate :- Bros. Aluvassery Antony (Dibin), Arackal Thomas(Shiril), Chakkungal Thomas, Edathazhe Joseph (Joyal), KollakkottilJohn, Koshackal Jose, Kulathumkarottu George, KurinjikanathilAntony (Ibin), Manjooran Jose, Moolecheril Joseph, PayyappillySebastian (Vineeth), Poovelil Joseph (Binu), PulickakandathilSebastian

Heuppadyakkona :- Adappoor Joseph, Elampassery James,Kalapurackal George (Joyel), Kulathinkal Joseph, KunnappilliyAugustine, Madhanu Anil Lourdhu, Manjooran Jose, MoolayilSebastian, Mukkattukavumkal Antony, Varekulam Joseph (Jojo),Velickakathu Thomas.

Karoya: Chakrampully Davis (Santo), Chirayath Antony (Libin),Kannamkulam Francis (Sonu), Kumbukkal Thomas, MalieckalThomas, Manjila Joseph (Arun), Nedumbakkaran Joseph (Tinu),OnattuKuriakose, Palackal Joseph (Tibin), Tharayil Jose,Vaniyapurackal Thuruthel Rintu (Job), Veshnal Thomas

Bros. Sebastian Parecattil and Thomas Mulayannur, studying inEast Africa, received the Order of Diaconate at Vincentian PrayerHouse, Nairobi on 3 January 2015. Bro. M. Pushparaj received theOrder of Diaconate at Cathedral Church, Vijayapuram on December21, 2014. Bros. Panthackal Jacob and Vilakkunnel Sebastian receivedthe Order of Heuppadyakkona at St. Ephrem’s Theologate, Satna,on December 20, 2014. Bros. D. Santhosh Tondiarpet andKurinjiparambil Terry K. Job received the Order of Karoya at St.Ephrem’s Theologate, Satna, on December 20, 2014.

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II. iv. News from Renewal TeamThe present renewal team of our Congregation began its renewal

program. Fr. Jojo Marippattu and Fr. Antony Thachethukudyconducted the renewal program on 15 & 16 October 2014 in theVH, Thottakam. The renewal team intends to visit our other Housesalso.

II. iii. Directory - New Address / Changes:

Fr. Joseph Arackal VC, Superior, V.H. St. Cloud, USA.

Fr. Joby Kachappilly, Divine Retreat Centre, 69 William Street,Toronto, On M9N 2G6, Canada.-Email: drctonto@gmail. com +1 647979 4932 (cell); Land: +1 647 949 4932

Fr. Babu Vadakkekara VC, 496 Princess Highway, Narre Warren,Vic 3805, AUSTRALIA. - Mob. +61 402 172 237

Fr. Johnus Cherunilath: - 09495929626

Fr. Jose Vettiyankal, Bangalore - +91 [email protected]

Fr. Antony Kolenchery, Puthuppady - +91 7025070274 [email protected]

Fr. Sebastian Chekkakuzhiyil (Peru) - frchekkakuzhiyilvc@gmail. com

Fr. Antony Padinjarekumblath (Kerala) - +91 9496939605

Fr. Joby Kallungal (Durg) - 917747985842E-mail: [email protected]

Fr.Augustine Naduvilpurayidathil - [email protected]

Fr. Joy Kalayil (Pala) - 7034410987

Fr. Saju Kochukunnathumparambil Antony, Poststrasse 38/2, 88416Ochesenhausen. Cell. 0049-15255274651, Land 0049-73522079875

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II. v. The Centre for Vincentian Animation‘DE PAUL QUIZ – 2014’ Winners:

The Centre for Vincentian Animation has conducted a Quiz onSt. Vincent de Paul for the students of our De Paul Schools in Kerala.In the first level a written exam was conducted for all the students ofthe schools and cash prizes and medals were awarded to the winners.The second level was conducted for a team of two students each,both for the UP and HS section separately. It was conducted onNovember 15, at De Paul School Angamaly, in which the teams fromall our 7 schools participated. The winners were awarded cash prizes,medals and certificates.

UP Section:

First Prize: De Paul Public School, Kuravilangadu (Rs. 5000-)

Second Prize: De Paul Public School, Rajamudy(Rs. 2000-)

Third Prize: De Paul Higher Secondary School, Angamaly (Rs.1000)

High School Section:

First Prize: De Paul Public School, Rajamudy (Rs. 5000-)

Second Prize: De Paul Public School, Kuravilangadu (Rs. 2000-)

Third Prize: De Paul Public School, Thodupuzha(Rs. 1000-)

The Quiz programme was organized by Fr. SebastianThundathikunnel, the director of CVA, and the quiz masters wereFrs. Shji Chilambikunnel and Jolly Thadathil. Fr. James Chelapurathinaugurated the function and Fr. Francis Naduviledath gave awaythe awards. The seminarians from Vidyabhavan were technicalassistants. Congratulations to the winners as well as to the co-ordinators.

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Visit of Provincial: Fr. Provincial and Fr. James Kokkandathil,Councilor for Finance and Construction, visited our mission in EastAfrica. They conducted the Canonical Visitation in all the housesand centers in the Sacred Heart Region from the 07th to 29th Oct.2014.

Fr. Alex Chalangady took classes for the novices at Meenangady.

Fr. Francis Naduviledath attended the Mission Gathering at Kolkotaand also the Episcopal Ordination at Chanda.

Fr. Provincial and Fr. Francis Naduviledath went to Canada on26th Nov. 2014 to attend the Blessing and Inauguration of our newretreat centre in Toronto.

Fr. Sebastian Mappilaparambil (Australia) and Fr. SebastianVandanamthadathil (New Zealand) went back to their respectiveplaces of ministry after their vacation. The Archbishop Denis Hartof Melbourune has appointed Fr. Sebastian Mappilaparambil as ParishPriest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Bayswater, w.e. f. Nov. 28,2014 for a term of six years.

On 29th November 2014, Fr. Alex Chalangady, Fr. JosephKavalakkatt, Fr. George Poonely, Fr. Varghese Perinchery and

Marymatha Province,Angamaly

III

III. i. Engagements and Events:

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Fr. Jomson Kunnel attended the Thanksgiving Mass held at Rajagiriin honour of the two new saints from Kerala - St. Kuriakose EliasChavara and St. Euprasia Eluvathingal.

Rev. Fr. Provincial, Fr. Francis Naduviledath and Fr. AlexChalangady attended the Priestly Ordination of Dn. AnnepoguRajasekhar VC on Dec.15.

Fr. Paul Parekkattil has gone for Popular Mission Retreat atAyathuppady.

The Provincial Superior Fr. Paul Puthuva visited VH Puthuppadyon December 19 in relation to the Bible Convention.Thereafter theyproceeded for VH Mysore to attend the Annual Day Celebration ofDe Paul School, Mysore on 20th Dec..

Arrival and Departure: Fr. Thomas Chirayil, who was assignedfor pastoral ministry in the archdiocese of Spoleto, has returned fromItaly due to health problems. He is temporarily appointed at VincentianHouse, Angamaly.

Fr. Paul Kalarickal is relieved from Vincentian House, Muringoorand is appointed temporarily a member of the VH Freudenstaldt inGermany. Fr. George Kammattil has been appointed Acing Superiorof VH,Muringoor.

Health Corner:

The father of Fr. Saju Kochukkunnathuparambil was admitted inPariyaram Medical College for angiography due to a minor heartattack.

R.I.P. Pl. remember in your prayers:Mary (78), paternal aunt of Fr. Thomas Mandy, was called to

eternal rest on 07 October 2014. Frs. Augustine Puthenpura andFrancis Puthenpura’s paternal aunt (Rosamma) expired on November5. Rev. Fr. Joseph Parekkattil’s maternal aunt (Kochannam–87 years)

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was called to eternal rest on 14th December 2014. Fr. PaulThiruthanam’s younger brother (George – 66 years) expired due tobrain hemorrhage on November 7, 2014. Fr. Antony Kakkanattu’sSister (Sr. Peter Damien - 78) expired on Dec. 20.

New Designation:Fr. Jose Mecheril is appointed as Pievano means coordinator

of five near parishes or Forane Vicar, by Bishop of Spoleto-Norcia,Renato Boccardo in this new pastoral year.

Jubilee Celebrations, AngamalyHouse level celebration

A House level celebration of the silver Jubilee of the Provincialwas organized at the Vincentian Ashram, Angamaly on 1st November.Priests and Sisters from nearby parishes and convents, and the closefamily members of Fr. Paul Puthuva participated in the celebration.There was a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by the Jubilarian at 10.30a. m followed by felicitation and lunch in the college auditorium.

Province level celebration

There was concelebrated Mass by the Jubilarians at 11 am in theAshram Church. Golden Jubilarian Fr. George Appassery, and SilverJubilarians Frs. Mathew Elavumkal, Sebastian Nediyani, AntonyPayyappilly, Paul Puthuva and Joseph Thazhathemuriyil were present.Silver Jubilarian Fr. Varghese Kanjamala, who is working in Germany,could not attend the celebration. A good number of our priests turnedup for the event. Close Relatives of the Jubilarians were also present.Altogether 350 guests participated in the Jubilee celebration.Fr. Joseph Erambil gave the homily. After the Mass, there was asmall felicitation arranged in the College Auditorium followed by lunch.Fr. Francis Naduviledath, Asst. Provincial Superior, felicitated theJubilarians. Fr. Mathew Vattakuzhy, Asst. Superior General, and

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Fr. George Arackal Sr., graced the occasion with their presence.

EdathottyThe Star played a pivotal role in the life of kings in their search for

Christ, the new born at Bethlehem. De Paul campus, Edathotty,identifying the significance of Star in search of Jesus and to mark thecommencement of the Christmas celebration in the campus, made ahuge star of 36 ft. height and 25 ft. width which covered the height ofthe De Paul Arts and Science College (DASC). It was the initiativeof M Com-13 batch (2ndyear) of the campus. The star is now thepoint of attraction to people of the area and is reported in thenewspapers.

III. ii. News from the Missions

III. ii. 1. DRC, Khetri, GuwahatiAdoration Chapel, KhetriThe silent adoration chapel was blessed by His Grace John

Moolachira, the Archbishop of Guwahati Archdiocese. Most of ourconfreres were there in the blessing ceremony. This cave like chapelis meant for silent adoration and many Priests and religious are comingfor meditation and prayers. Everyday there is intercessory prayers inthe Center. Retreats are conducted in 11 local languages of NortheastIndia at Khetri. Fathers, Sisters and team members are doing theministry here and out accordingly. All are most welcome to thegateway of Northeast, Guwahati.

III. ii. 2. Toronto Blessing & Inauguration of Divine Retreat Center, Toronto,

Canada.

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Fr. JobyKachappilly, who has been assigned to initiate our ministriesin Canada, left for Toronto on October 16, 2014. The Archdiocese ofToronto had extended an invitation to us to open a prayer centerwithin the city periphery. A lay association called Family PrayerMission (Ontario) has come forward to offer a building in a placecalled 69 William St., Toronto for this purpose. This building wasformerly a United Church and has all the convenience for conductingprayer services.

The much-awaited inauguration was held on November 29th 2014at 10:30 am. It was an historic day for the faithful in Toronto as itwas eagerly prayed for by the Family Prayer Mission (FPM) andcountless people of God for many decades. They have workedtirelessly day and night for months to renovate the former UnitedChurch located near Weston, in Toronto, so that it could have beensanctified as a Vincentian Prayer House.

The event was blessed by His Grace Lawrence Saldanha,Archbishop Emeritus of Lahore, in the presence of Fr. Ivan Camilieri,Vicar General and Msgr. Thomas Kalarathil, Director of PriestsPersonnel.

Many Priests and Deacons from the Archdiocese of Toronto, Fr.Paul Puthuva, Provincial Superior of Marymatha Province, Fr. FrancisNaduviledath, Asst. Provincial Superior, Fr. Antony Thekkanath,

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Director DRC Tampa, Florida and many other Vincentian Priestsworking in Canada were also present on this occasion.

The ceremony began with a beautiful procession of the priestsinto the main church building where the faithful welcomed them withthe joyful waving of papal flags. The upper church hall as well as thelower level retreat hall were filled with guests and well-wishers. Afterthe procession into the sanctuary, a number of holy, unique and solemnprayers and blessings were invoked for the Retreat Center, by hisEminence, Archbishop Lawrence J. Saldanha, and the concelebratingpriests. The altar was vested for the very first time by the Sisters ofthe Disciples of the Divine Master. The celebration of the HolyEucharist was held for the very first time with much love and devotion.

The celebrations culminated in the Bible Convention held onSunday, November 30th, 2014, the first in a long stream of retreats,Bible conventions, healing services and other functions that will beheld in this house of prayer. Pens, Calendars, brochures and visitingcards were distributed to propagate the ministry in Toronto. A specialword of appreciation and thanks to Rev. Fr. Joby Kachappilly VCwho has made the arrangements as a pioneer here.

III. ii. 3. RomeThe Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on Family concluded on 19

October 2014 with the Beatification of the Servant of God, theSupreme Pontiff Paul VI. And now we are awaiting for theCanonization of Indian saints in November. These are UniversalChurch news from Rome.

Coming to V.H. Rome, we started our new academic year onOctober 7th 2014. We were privileged to have with us Fr. PaulParekkattil VC, Provincial Councilor, on 3rd October to start this newbeginning. Fr. Anto Vayalamannil who came here this year started

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his Licentiate studies in Moral Theology. And Fr. Jose Palliyil starteddoing Doctorate in Philosophy. We had privileged guests like Fr. GeorgeArackal from Kerala, Fr. Sanjai from USA, Fr. MathewKakkattuppillil from Germany and Fr. Jose Mecheril. Fr. Anto startedhis pastoral ministry. We are slowly entering into our academic studieswith cool atmosphere around us.

“SAINTLY GATHERING” IN ROMEIn view of Canonization of two Indian saints Kuriakose Elias

Chavara and Euphrasia on 23rd November, all the Vincentians in Italygathered together in Rome. It was really a saintly gathering in Rome.We were fortunate to be present on that beautiful occasion toparticipate in the Eucharist among the thousands of the people ofGod. To add colour to this gathering, our dear Fathers Jose Mecheriland Jose Thekkumattam came all the way from their parishes. Itwas really joyful moments for all of us Vincentians to spend twodays together in praying together, in sharing meals together on thisoccasion of canonization. It is a matter pride that Pope Francisappreciated the Church in India, especially Church in Kerala. AndFr. Jose Mecheril and Fr. Jose Thekkumattam remained forThanksgiving Mass celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica on the followingday in the Syro-Malabar rite. And recently, we also had anotheroccasion of get-together in the parishes of Frs. Jose Mecheril andJose Thekkumattam. They invited us cordially in their parishes andtreated us very well. And this Gathering had two specialties. 1. Thiswas the first time that all the Vincentians in Italy came together inthe near past. 2. And, it was also to mark the beginning of the Year ofthe Consecrated Life. Thus, we celebrated the feast of ImmaculateConception of Mother Mary in a solemn way. Wishing you all HappyChristmas and New Year!

Fr. Mariadas Jujjavarapu, Rome

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III. ii. 4. Australia!Recently I got transferred to a new parish. I took charge at Our

Lady Help of Christians Parish, Narre Warren. This is still the singlelargest parish in Australia - very multi-cultural and vibrant.

Fr. Babu Vadakkekara.

III. ii. 5. Blessing of the VH Joram,

Arunachal PradeshArunachal Pradesh is a land of Rising Sun. On October 31st,

Friday, 2014 the Joram witnessed not only rising of the Sun on theEastern horizon, but also in the hearts of the people. A new light ofhope was radiant on the face of the people who attended the blessingand inaugural ceremony of the Vincentian Mission at Joram. Due tothe hard work of Fr. Santo Payikkattu a beautiful and spacious house

was built adjacentto the existingvillage chapel. Theenthusiasm of thepeople reachedhigh as theywelcomed Rt. Rev.John Joseph, theBishop of Itanagar,and Mr. Likha

Saaya, the honourable Parliamentary Secretary, Home and Gamesand Youth affairs. The villagers came in their colorful traditionalcostumes and welcomed the guests with singing and dancing. Theprogramme started with the Holy Mass presided over by Rt. Rev.John Joseph. Fr. Paul Parekkattil representing the ProvincialAdministration, all our fathers working in the North East, Pallotain

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Fathers and priests from the neighboring missions were concelebrants.After the Holy Eucharist Mr. Likha Saaya cut the ribbon andinaugurated the new house, which was followed by the blessing byhis Lordship John Joseph. During the felicitation meeting the mainspeakers were, the Bishop, Fr. Paul Parekkattil, Mr. Likha Saaya,Mr. Hage Kobin, Zilla Chair Person. All the special guests weregiven shawls and mementos. Fr. Santo during his vote of Thanksexpressed gratitude towards all who contributed to the realization ofthe Dream of a Vincentian Mission at Joram. All were entertainedby the traditional tribal dancers. The Christian Community at Joramdeserves special thanks and gratitude for their selfless service inmaking all the arrangements and serving food for all who participatedin the event.

III. ii. 6. Vincentian Seminary, Vikindu,

E. AfricaTumsifu Yesu Kristu…. At the very outset we, Fathers and

Brothers of Vincentian Seminary, Vikindu wish you all prayerfulChristmas and New Year greetings…. Happy Christmas and NewYear….. Now, lend your minds and eyes please, to listen us fromAfrica.

Canonical Visit of Provincial Team

The Canonical visit days of Provincial Team were on 16th and21st of October. Rev. Fr. Paul Puthuva, the Provincial Superior andFr. James Kokkandathil, the Financial Councilor arrived here in ourhome on 15th October along with Regional Superior Rev. Fr. BijuValliparambil. We welcomed them in a traditional way as we do atsuch occasions with dancing steps and they too moved accordingly.We also celebrated the silver jubilee of the priestly ordination ofFr. Provincial. They left us on 22nd October giving so many blessingsand sweet memories.

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Volley Ball Match with TTC Students

On 17th October, accepting the invitation from nearby collage ofTTC students, we went for a volleyball vs them. When we, 14 playersentered their compound of thousands of students they thought thatthey got a good number of preys for the day. But the strong groundsupport for the opposite team could not conquer us. The marvelousperformance of fathers and brothers with powerful smashes andcunning placings defeated them for 2-0.

Saturday Services in Vikindu

While understanding the spiritual needs of the people of Tanzaniawe started a half-day prayer service on every Saturdays in Ki-Swahilisince 25th of October. As a preparation for this ministry of God,around 25,000 Rosaries were recited by different people with thisintention and on 24th of October we also conducted 12 hours ofAdoration. We get good responses from the people. Dear conferers,we ask your valuable prayer support for the success of this Vincentianministry.

“Is Abortion Justified?”

On 31st of October, we conducted a debate on the topic “is abortionjustified”? Brothers, who were divided into two groups debated onthe topic with strong arguments with evidence and examples.Bro. Linto moderated the debate and Fr. Biju evaluated the program.

Fr. Antony from Nairobi

Rev. Fr. Antony Parangimalil visited and stayed with us while hegave retreats for sisters and lay people in Dar-es-Salaam. Our fathersalso assisted him in different ways in these retreats. He also led aSaturday Service in Vikindu. Asnate sana Fr. Antony na karibu tena….

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Construction of Compound Wall and Parish Grotto

The long-awaited dreams for a compound wall for our land andgrotto for our parish are going to be fulfilled! The construction worksare in progress. Since past three weeks we all, fathers and brothers,are in the field from the very morning up to evening leaving theclassroom and other busy schedules. Now we understand that it isnot just cement or bricks that build up the wall, but our unity andprayers. We also went for a one-day outing to the Indian Ocean forrelaxation. The grotto of Mother Mary and St. Vincent De Paul is inits finishing stage.

Being Busy in God’s Works

God’s works make our community more vibrant and busy in Hisworks. Even in the middle of classes and all other pastoral activities,Fr. Biju conducted a retreat for Urslain Sisters in Tanzania and anotherone for our theologians in Nairobi in December. Fr. Shaiju conducteda one-day retreat for Malayalee Communitiy in Dar-es-Salaam aspart of Christmas preparation. Both of them are busy also in preparingpeople spiritually for Christmas in parish and in the sub-stations.

Asanteni Sana na Karibuni Tena….

We thank all the fathers and brothers who visited and nourishedthe Vincentian fraternity among us. We also remember and thankFrs. Tomy, Joby and Jibin from Uvinza and Fr. Joy from Kigoma.Asanteni sana….Once again we, the Vincentian fathers and brothersin Vikindu convey you greetings and prayers of Christmas and NewYear…. We welcome you all to our home- Karibuni nyumbani kwetu,Vikindu, mwakaribishwa.

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On certain continents poverty is more spiritual than material,poverty that consists of loneliness, discouragement and thelack of meaning in life. But a person who is shut out, feelsunwanted by society, unloved and terrified — how muchmore difficult is it to remove that hunger? You in the Westhave the spiritually poorest of the poor much more than youhave the physically poor. Often among the rich are veryspiritually poor people. To console or to remove thebitterness, anger and loneliness that comes from beingspiritually deprived, that takes a long time.

(Bld Teresa of Calcutta No Greater Love, p. 93)

III. ii. 7. RamsgateSome robbers entered our House at Ramsgate in the night of

October 2, 2014. They stole some valuables from the House. Theyeven entered the rooms of Frs. George Panackal and Vinod Edattu,and robbed money from Fr. Edattu. A complaint has been registeredwith the Police.

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IV St. Joseph’sProvince, Kottayam

Greetings to all from Vincentian Provincial House, Kottayam!!!

New VenturesJalalkhali: The Blessing of the Newly Constructed Building for

Divine Love Retreat Center, Jalalkhali (Krishnagar Diocese, W.Bengal) is on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 10.00 am by HisExcellency Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Gomes S.D.B., D.D., Bishop ofKrishnanagar. Very Rev. Fr. Varghese Parappuram, VC, SuperiorGeneral, will inaugurate the building. In the absence of Rev. Fr.Provincial, Rev. Fr. Jose Chettoor, Asst. Provincial Superior will beattending the ceremony.

Hubli: The New Block of St. John's Polytechnic was inauguratedon 20 Oct 2014 solemnly. Most. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado (Bishop ofBelgaum) Presided over the Blessing Ceremony and Prayer, withVery. Rev. Dr. George Arackal VC (Provincial Superior of theVincentian Congregation). Shri Jagadish Shettar (Hon'ble oppositionLeader, legislative Assembly & Former Chief Minister, Govt. ofKarnataka) was Chief Guest of the function and inaugurated theNew Block and addressed the gathering. P. V. Alexander (Co-Founderof St. John's Polytechnic), G. M. Goni (Nodal Center Chairman &Principal of Govt. Polytechnic For Women- Hubli), Rajesh Hongal(Principal of Govt. Polytechnic- Gadag), S. G. Hasabi (Principal ofSt. John's Polytechnic-Hubli) and Rev. Fr. Bijoy Scaria VC (Director

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& Manager of St. John's Polytechnic-Hubli) spoke on this auspiciousoccasion. (Photos attached)

Feast of St. Vincent de PaulWe celebrated the feast of St. Vincent de Paul on 27th with due

solemnity with the concelebrated Holy Mass in the morning and aprayer service and agape at noon. Priests and religious from ournearby houses were present for the Feast celebrations. Rev. Fr. JohnNirappel gave the Feast message and led the prayer service. Thevisit of Hon. Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan doubled the joyof the occasion.

AwardedRev. Fr. Varghese Muzhuthett was awarded the 'V. Rev. Kuriakose

Parackal Cor-Episcopa Award 2014' (cash prize, mangalapathra andtrophy) for his contributions to alcohol-prohibition, in a functionconducted by All Kerala Joint Christian Temperance Movement.Congratulations dear father.

Regency MeetThe gathering of the all regents of the province was held at

Vincentian Provincial House, Kottayam from 25 to 27 Novemberunder the direction of Provincial Regency Director Rev. Fr. SebastianThundathikunnel. There were prayer sessions, conferences and outingfor the regents.

Family day of St. Xavier's Region, Tamil NaduThe family day of St. Xavier's Region was celebrated at V. H.

Trichy on 03-12-2014, on the feast day of St. Francis Xavier. Rev.Fr. Provincial Superior presided over the meeting.

29 2014 December


New ReleasesRev. Fr. Shinto Mangalath published a new book of spiritual insights

"Cloud at Day, Fire at Night". The new song "mele manathe eesoye"written by Rev. Fr. Michael Panachickal (Album- GOD) has becomevery popular.

Parithrana Bible Convention & Japamala rallyParithrana Bible Convention begins on 26th of December as usual

and as immediate preparation for the convention a "Japamala rally"was held from Vincentian Provincial House to Parithrana RetreatCentre, Adichira on 20th. A good number of people participated in it.Rev. Fr. Samuel Kanathukad, the Provincial Finance councilor flaggedoff the rally with an inaugural message.

Delizia 2014 - Annual day celebrations at DePaul Public School, Rajamudy

The XIII Annual Day celebrations of De paul public school,rajamudy, Delizia-2014 was held on 20th December at 4.00 pm. Rev.Fr. Provincial Superior presided over the function.

Visit abroadRev. Fr. Ebin Neeruvelil had gone to Zambia to preach a retreat

for priests and nuns and came back on 23rd December.

A Word of Gratitude & WelcomeWe remember with gratitude all those who visited us and who

spent time with us and also with our elderly priests at VincentianHouse, Adichira. Dear Fathers and brothers, always hearty welcometo the Provincial House!

The Vincentian Provincial community, Kottayam wishes youall a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

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V ST. THOMAS PROVINCE,REWA

V. i. Engagements and Events:The birthday of Fr. Augustine Parathanam was celebratedon the 05th October, Sunday. The anticipation was due to thetravel of the Provincial to Kolkotha for retreat on the nextday.

Fr. Sales Marattil is back after giving a retreat in Durg.

Fr. Martin Pynadath is appointed as the Parish Priest inVincentian House, Ghoradongri.

Fr. Abraham Vettickal is having a spirituality course inAdhyatma Vidya Peetham, Carmelaram, Bangalore.Fr. Thomas Kolenchery is at the Provincial House and is toproceed for a spirituality course.

The Rosary Devotion was solemnly concluded on 31st

October. Fr. Augustine (Binoy) Puthiyedath, the ProvincialCouncilor and the Director of Divine Retreat Centre,Hazaribag was the main celebrant.

Fr. Varghese Parappuram, the Superior General andFr. George Vettaparambil, the General Councilor for Financereached Rewa Provincial House for the canonical visit on 3rd

November.

Fr. Provincial and Fr. Finance Councilor conducted canonical

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visit at Vincentian House, Vindhyanagar.

Fr. Michael Panachikal visited the Provincial House, afterconducting annual retreat to the priests of Satna Diocese.

The birthday of Fr. John Paul Thottungal was celebrated on1st November. Vincentian Priests from nearby houses cameto share the joy of the occasion.

Fr. Pozhaliparamban Joseph has come back after the HolyLand visit and is now at Madhovgarh, Satna.Fr. Kandathinkara John, the Provincial Superior andFr. Karingen Johnson, the Finance Councilor made thecanonical visit at Durg Ashram, Chattisgarh. They came backon 16th November.Fr. Mangatt Thomas is at present a member in VincentianStudy House, Kothi.

Bishop Mar Mathew Vaniakizhakkel, as he has resigned hisoffice from the Eparchate of Satna, was given a farewell atour Provincial House on 19th Nov.2014. He resides inVincentian VidyaBhavan, Aluva.

Fr. Provincial and Fr. Johnson Karingen are back aftercompleting the Canonical Visit to Vincentian House,Vindhyanagar.

Fr. Parathanam Augustine returned from North East onDecember 19.

Fr. Francis Kolenchery has completed a short course of Italianat the Renewal Centre, Ernakulam.Fr. Provincial returned to the provincial house on 19th Dec.after a visit to his sick relative at Vijayawada.

Fr. Thomas Pullomparambil had a minor surgery in Germanyon 22nd October.Fr. Varghese Puthussery’s father is under treatment at Little

32 2014 December


Flower Hospital, Angamaly. His critical situation is over; stillneeds your prayer help.

Pl. pray for the Paternal Uncle of Fr. Martin Mundackal expiredon Monday, 12 Oct. ‘14.

V. ii. North East Missions and U.P MissionsNews from Margherita, AssamPrayerful and Festal Greetings from Vincentian Fathers,

Margherita to all the Vincentian Fathers!House activities and retreats: At present there are 120 volunteers

from different parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh who arerendering their selfless service to the community. They are all involvedin one or the other Ministries of the Ashram. 24 hrs PerpetualAdoration, Daily Adoration and other ministries (Bible Ministry, Divineoutreach Ministry, Ave Maria Ministry, and Matrimony Ministry etc.)are going in full swing. Every month we are conducting six NightVigils in different Parishes. People are participating in it with greatenthusiasm and receiving abundant Lord’s blessings. As per therequest of the Parish Priests we are also conducting lots of one dayprogrammes in many parishes and villages. Besides that, an averageof 60-100 non-Christian people are coming for Divine Satsangconducted every third Sunday of the month. Proclamation of the wordof God, counseling, teaching songs and catechism and healing prayersare done in Divine Satsang..

In October we conducted Retreat for alcoholics in which 430people participated in it. Many received healing and witnessedmiracles of the Almighty God. As October is dedicated for Mariandevotion, we recited chain rosary without interruption. It was niceexperience for all the volunteers to express our intimacy and love toour Mother Mary and intercede her for our needs.

33 2014 December


Ministry in the camps of Riot victims atUriamghat, Assam:

When the whole country was preparing for the independence daycelebration, one part of Assam was under threat and thousands ofpeople were fleeing for life, when the Naga militants group called‘NSCN’ attacked almost 800 families in the Dhanshiri sub-divisionof Golaghat District, Assam. Naga people attacked 16 villages startingfrom 12th to 14th of August bringing complete destruction of 697 housesby burning down into ashes. People ran for life carrying whateverpossible in their hands and reached 18 km far and found shelter inone of the Parish Uriamghat and neighboring four government schools.A group of more than 150 people with guns and other weaponsattacked the villages causing the death of 16 people. More than 80%of the affected people are Aadivasi Catholics belonging to the parishesof Lachitgaon and Uriamghat in the diocese of Dibrugarh. The onlypurpose behind the attack was to chase the people from the disputedland and capture it.

Following the incident, Frs. Bobby and Paul Kottaram visited therefugee camps and affected areas. Along with the financial andmaterial support given by the government, diocese and otherorganizations, it was felt that spiritual support also have to ensured tothem in their desperate condition. Therefore a team under theleadership of Fr. Yesudas, comprising of 6 members went toUriamghat. They visited each camp for 5 days spending whole day

34 2014 December


with the victims and conducted prayer services for them. They listenedto their sorrowful stories and encouraged the faithful to deepen theirfaith in the Lord. Fr. yesudas also offered Holy Mass and preachedthe Word of God in one of the affected village called Rajapukari andanother day in the parish Lachitgoan. People experienced lots ofconsolation and hope by the ministries undertaken by the Margheritateam. After the incident, a special intercessory team is praying forthe riot victims at Ashram for 8 hrs every day. Fr. Bobby hasconsented to accommodate some of the homeless in the RetreatCentre.Divine Renewal Retreat Centre requests the prayers andsupport of the Vincentian family for the affected people of Lachitgaonparish.

Annual Retreat: - Frs. Paul Kottaram and Yesudas attended theAnnual Retreat and Mission Gathering held at Jalalkhali, Calcuttafrom 7-14 October. Thereafter they made a short visit to Jameshedpurand Hazaribag.

Silver Jubilee of UP Mission

Inauguration of the Silver Jubilee of UP MissionFr. Parappuram Varghese, the Superior General inaugurated the

Silver Jubilee celebrations of UP Mission at Vincentian House,Veerpur on 9th November. Fr. Naickomparambil Varghese, the pioneerof this Mission witnessed the event along with our confreres

35 2014 December


Night Vigil:- Rt. Rev. Michael Akasius Toppo, Bishop of Tezpur,made his maiden visit to Divine Renewal Retreat Centre on 30th ofNovember and offered Holy Eucharist in the Night Vigil. After theHoly Mass, Bishop was given a warm welcome in the presence of3000 people. In his homily he appreciated the wonderful and hardwork of Vincentian fathers and exhorted the faithful to lead anexemplary Christian life. His presence made the Night Vigil morecolorful and lively. Every month we are conducting six Night Vigils indifferent Parishes and villages in the diocese of Dibrugarh and Maio.Participants of the Night Vigils are increasing more and more. Manyare receiving healings and abundant blessings.

Sick diary: - Fr. Birender Kujur made a visit to his family membersin October as his father had been seriously ill with Fever, Malariaand Pneumonia. Now he is recovering his health.

Higher StudiesHappy to inform that I am teaching in Carmel Hill Philosophy

College on methodology and research in OCD Malabar Province,Vazhuthakkadu. Started teaching on 31st October. I shall be here till10th November.

Fr.Biju Paulose Pallippadan

First of all, we should train our tongues to be ministers of thegrace of the Spirit, expelling from our mouths all hostility andill will, and the habit of using obscenities. We have the powerto make each part of our bodies a tool of evil or ofrighteousness.

- St. John Chrysostom, Homily 4 on the Statues, 11.

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VI Our Formation Houses

VI. i. De Paul Institute, BengaluruOn 13th of Oct. we had a debate on the topic of 'Is capital

punishment needed or not'. Fr. Varghese Parekkattil had been inDivine retreat centre, Muringoor for the Tamil Bible convention.

De Paul community gratefully remembers the presence of Fr. PioKanakkunnel OSB who enriched our priestly vocation through hisinspiring thoughts and life style.

Frs. Shinto Mangalath and Thomas Njarackel were here for aweek to take classes. Fr. Varghese Chakumkuzy took classes onYOUCAT from 20 to 27 Oct. 2014.

Oct. 24th was a memorable day for De Paulians, as we celebratedthe Founder's day in a vibrant manner. The whole day was set apartfor a seminar on Aquinas' vision of God in which our brotherspresented three papers, followed by a round table discussion andevaluations.

On 26th there was a solemn rosary prayed at our Marian Grottowhich was organized by the holy family prayer unit. As thecalumniation of the rosary devotion, we had arranged a Marian nighton 31st October in which many sisters and lay men took part.

As part of DPCA programme we held a debate on "What kind of

37 2014 December


democracy does suit to India; Parliamentary or Presidential".

Fr. Varghese Puthussery was in Thailand last week for attendingan International Conference for Formators. As he returned he visitedthe Generalate.

We conducted a quiz competition on St. Vincent De Paul and TheStatutes and Practical Norms of the "Vincentian Congregation".

Many of the brothers took part in a seminar organized in DarmaramVidya Kshetra in which one of the papers was presented by Bro. JithFrancis (Rosminian), a third year philosophy student of De Paul. HisPaper on Neassian idea "Deep Ecology" was well appreciated in theseminar.

This year our community picnic was both an invigorating journeyand a spiritual nourishment. Starting from our house we first took abreak at our Elavoor Retreat Centre; we gratefully remember thehospitality rendered by the fathers and staff there. Then we followedthe paths of St. Thomas and we finally reached Mareena beach, thefinal destination of our trip. On Nov. 30th at the outset of this year?sChristmas season we placed a wonderful Christmas star and it waslighted by Fr. Rector, Varghese Puthussery. With this gesture wehave solemnly entered into the season of advent.

On December 6th there was a basketball match here betweenTejas (MSFS Theologate) vs De Paul. Though we lost the game itbecame an occasion for fostering the brotherly love and cooperationbetween the two communities. The next day, on December 7, weparticipated in a Christmas carols competition at Tejas Theologateand bagged the second prize. In the evening we had Marian Nightmeditating the life of St. Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes as part ofthe feast of the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our Christmas exams have started on 11th December. Weparticipated in the CRI Christmas gathering held at Darsan Institute

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(Capuchins' Theologate) on 13th December. We staged a beautifulmusical presentation. Edappazhathil Tony of second year philosophyhas left the Congregation. Frs. Puthussery Varghese, Vallayil Johnand Varakath John (Roy) participated in the ordination ceremony ofDn. Rajasekar at Kurnool.

VI. ii. St. Vincent's College, Janampet, A.P.On the day of the auspicious festival of light we the brothers of

St. Vincent's College Janampet also lighted our hearts from the diyaswith joy and happiness!

Flying birds: We have successfully completed the first semesterexams and brothers have puffed off their academic tensions. Now itis time to have something different and colorful. We have got to dowith our vegetable garden, rabbits, fishes and so on. The preparationsfor the Yesuvartha retreat are on the full swing. Along with them thefollowing events took place…

Out into the fields: As the part of theology course the first yearbrothers had gone for a mission exposure programme. They hadexperienced the stark realities of the society by being with the poorestpeople in the villages. They spent two weeks with the people, workedwith them and shared the joys and sorrows of the people.

Canonical visit: We were blessed to have the loving presence ofour Superior General, Very. Rev. Fr. Varghese Parappuram andGeneral Councilor, Rev. Fr. George Vettaparambil in our communityas a part of their canonical visit. We experienced the care and concernof our Superiors during those days. We are so grateful to you, dearfathers…

From the Desk of Achievements:Fr. Rector has bagged the first prize for the essay competition

39 2014 December


conducted at the district level on the topic 'World Tourism Day'.Congrats to dear father.

St. Vincent's College is on its paramount of glory even in the IndianChurch! Our dear brother Ajeesh was a special representative ofVijnananilayam Theologate in the seminar conducted under thepatronage of CBCI in Mumbai. He opened the seminar with a prayerservice and also had the rare privilege of presenting a paper on'Pastoral Strategies in Media Communication for Indian Church'. Hewas one among the two seminarians from all over India to have thisprivilege! Congratulations, Dear Bro. Ajeesh.

A Time for Renewal…: We are going to have our annual retreatfrom 24th onwards in our retreat centre at Mangalagiri. We are surethat you all will keep us when you are with the Lord.

VI. iii. Vincentian Vidyabhavan, AluwaThe Victorious Vidyabhavan: As you may know, this is the sixth

year of the volley ball match for the Kolbe Cup, between the numerousseminaries in and around Aluva. In spite of various limitations weplayed well and secured the second place, upholding the trophy andthe cash award. Congratulations to the players and well wishers…..

The Rank Holders of the First Semester: We are very proud tosay that Vidyabhavan is continuing its journey getting hold of manyranks in the first semester exams in the Mangalapuzha seminary.Congras to:

Bro. Joe Moolacherry - First Rank - Third year theology

Bro. Thomas Malieckal - Third Rank - First year theology

Bro. Rintu Vaniyapurackal - Fourth Rank - First year theology

Bro. Lijo Kollakkottil - Fourth Rank - Third year theology

Bro. Jimmichen Kulathinkal - Fifth Rank - First year theology

40 2014 December


Rectors Become Students: Vidyabhavan rector Fr. SebastianThundathikunnel V.C. and vice Rector Fr. Rinson Ambathadom areattending a School Counselling Course at Jyothi Darsana,Perumbavoor, run by CMI fathers. It is a diploma course affiliated toCalicut University, comprising of 90 hours of theory classes and 60hours practical. The rectors go to classes on every Saturday. All thebest to both of them, to be professional counsellors to help the futuregeneration.

Priestly Orders: All the students of Vidyabhavan are receivingsacred orders in this season. 6 deacons got ordained priests on thedays just after Christmas. Among the rest 8 are ordained deacons, 6are ordained sub-deacons and 7 are ordained Karoya on December22nd at the Generalate.

Joint Christmas Celebration: A Christmas celebration of allthe theologians who got ordained at the Generalate was beautifullymade at Vidyabhavan. It was also an opportunity for them to sign theregister of Orders, kept at Vidyabhavan.

Presence of His Excellency: Vidyabhavan is now blessed withthe presence of his Excellency Mar Mathew Vaniyakizhakkel. Hejoined our community on November 26. We extend a warm welcometo your Excellency.

Family is the fundamental cell of society, where we learnto live with others despite our differences and to belongto one another; it is also the place where parents pass onthe faith to their children.

(Evangelii Gaudium. 66)

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VII Media and Education

VII. 2. i. DIST. AngamalyAn essay competition with the theme 'Saint Vincent de Paul: A

Man of Timeless Values and Timely Vision' was conducted inconnection with the celebration of the feast of St. Vincent de Paulunder the auspices of the Center for Vincentian Animation. Manystudents actively participated in it. All the winners were awardedcash prizes and certificates. There were separate prizes for both PGand UG sections. All the participants were also given a copy ofYOUCAT.

A job training programme for women was conducted on 04 October2014 under the auspices of DES (De Paul Extension Service) andNSS unit in collaboration with Kerala Task Force and IMA. Therewere around 250 participants from the nearby parishes. All theparticipants were also given certificates. There will be a follow upprogramme by the end of this month.

International Conference in DiST: An International Conferenceon Social Work Practice in Mental Health was organized by De PaulInternational Centre for Well Being (DICW) and De Paul School ofSocial Work, DiST in Association with Centacare, North Queensland,Australia & James Cook University, Australia at De Paul institute ofScience & Technology on December 10, 11 & 12, 2014.

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The inaugural meeting was presided over by Very Rev. Fr PaulPuthuva VC, the Provincial Superior and the conference wasinaugurated by Dr. Babu Sebastian, the Vice Chancellor of theMahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Dr. Abraham Francis (SeniorLecturer, James Cook University) introduced the theme of theConference. Professor Nola Alloway (Dean College of Arts, Society& Education, James Cook University, Australia), Dr. Vimla Nadkarni(President, IASSW), and Dr. Tony Mc Mahon (Former DirectorCentacare, North Queensland) made felicitations to the conference.Fr. (Dr.) James Chelapurath VC welcomed the gathering, and Mr.Rajeev S.P. HOD (De Paul School of Social Work) proposed thevote of thanks. There were more than 200 participants from 20countries and 19 Indian States. The valedictory function was chairedby Fr. (Dr.) George Manalel VC and Fr. George ElenjickalputhentharaVC, Vice Principal, welcomed the gathering. The conference cameto an end at 4 P.M. It was a very enriching experience for all of us inDiST.

Fr. James Chelapurath VC Principal, DiST

VII. 2. ii. GiFT, KochiThirakadhakoottom: THIRAKADHAKOOTTOM is one of the

major activities of Goodness Institute of Film and Television. It's aone day workshop conducting on script writing for all the secondSaturdays for the year 2014-15. Shri. JOHN PAUL is the chairmanof this forum. Thirakadhakootom is a place where the aspirants andinterested people can gather together and study the principles of scriptwriting. The eminent personalities from film and television industrywill teach aspirants with their life experience. The eminentpersonalities from film and television industry will teach aspirantswith their life experience.

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The fourth "Thirakadhakoottom"was organized in GiFT campuson October 11, 2014. Eminent film-script writer and actor Shri. P.Balachandran made the event a grand success. He explained fromhis experience how a thread/concept becomes the script for a film.Sri. Murali Menon, film artist emphasized the need of hard work andcommitment for the aspirant to become an actor.

The fifth workshop was on Script Writing on 08th November 2014.Shri. Sahadevan (Indiavision Fame) and Dr. Dominic J Kattoor (MediaGuru) led the workshop with their life experience and academicexcellence. It was inaugurated by Shri. Sahadevan and Mr. BabuKuruvila welcomed the gathering and Mr. Sebin made vote of thanks.The workshop concluded with the distribution of participationcertificate to 55 participants.

GiFT cochin organised 6th one day workshop on Script Writing atGiFT auditorium on 13th December 2014. Rev Fr. Babu Vavakkat(Script Writer) inaugurated and Shri. K Giressh Kumar (Film Maker)led the workshop with his life experience and academic excellence.

The meeting was presided by Fr. Daison Vettiyadan VC, Director,GiFT and Mr. Babu Kuruvila welcomed the gathering and Mr. Sebinmade vote of thanks. The workshop concluded with the distributionof participation certificate to 65 participants.

- Fr. Daison Vettiyadan VC

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VII. 2. iii. St.John's Polytechnic, HubliThe New Block of St. John's Polytechnic was inaugurated on 20

Oct 2014.. Most. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado (Bishop of Belgaum)Presided over the Blessing Ceremony and Prayer, with Fr. GeorgeArackal (Provincial Superior of the Vincentian Congregation). Shri.Jagadish Shettar (Hon'ble opposition Leader, legislative Assembly &Former Chief Minister, Govt. of Karnataka) was Chief Guest of thefunction and inaugurated the New Block and addressed the gathering.

P. V. Alexander (Co-Founder of St. John's Polytechnic), G. M.Goni (Nodal Center Chairman & Principal of Govt. Polytechnic ForWomen- Hubli), Rajesh Hongal (Principal of Govt. Polytechnic-Gadag), S. G. Hasabi (Principal of St. John's Polytechnic-Hubli) andFr. Bijoy Scaria Kizhakkethottam (Director & Manager of St. John'sPolytechnic-Hubli) Spoke on this auspicious occasion.

VII. 2. iv New Music Album

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"Yesusagaram", a new Music Album written by Fr. PaulPuthuva and music given by Fr. Augustine Puthenpura was introducedby Fr. Alex Chalangady. Mar Jose Puthenveetil released the CD byhanding it over to Mr. Jerry Amladev. Fr. Varghese Menachery, theSuperior of the Vincentian House, Angamaly was the felicitator. Fr.Augustine Puthepura thanked the dignitaries, the participants of theprogramme and the audience. The general gathering was followedby various music and dance performances by the students of theMusic Academy, and the ex-alumni.

Hearty Congratulations to Fr. Paul Puthuva and Fr. AugustinePuthenpura!

VII. 3 SchoolsVII.3.i. De Paul EMHSS, Thodupuzha has won the championship

in 'State Tug of War Competition' held at Kollam for both the Sub-junior boys and the Sub-junior girls. Junior girls and junior boys grabbedsecond and third prizes respectively.

Kerala team has got third prize in NATIONAL LEVEL TUG OFWAR competition held at Amaravathi-Maharashtra in the Sub- JuniorSection. All the team members were from our school. One of ourstudents was selected for the Junior team and they are the NationalChampions. Congratulations to the Principal, staff and students!!

Our De Paul School team which has won the NATIONAL

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LEVEL TUG OF WAR at Amaravati.

VII. 3. ii. De Paul School, Nazareth Hill,

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t‚msS \{k-Øvln¬ Un t]mƒ F®v.-F-kv.-F-kv. c≠mw Xh-Wbpw

IncoSw \ne-\n¿Øn. bp.-]n. hn`m-K-Øn¬ 78 t]mbn‚pw sslkvIqƒ

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Øn¬ 112 t]mbn‚p t\Sn \memw ÿm\hpw Ic-ÿ-am-°n.

Hearty Congratulations De Paul, Nazrathhill!!!

Poverty doesn’t only consist of being hungry for bread, but ratherit is a tremendous hunger for human dignity. We need to love andto be somebody for someone else. Not only have we denied thepoor a piece of bread, but by thinking that they have no worth andleaving them abandoned in the streets, we have denied them thehuman dignity that is rightfully theirs as children of God.

(Mother Teresa of Kolkota)

47 2014 December


VIII Retreats and PopularMissions

VIII. i. Popular Missions have beenconducted at:

St. Joseph Province:Popular Mission retreat was held at St. John’s Nepunsians Church,

Kozhuvanal. The preachers were: Frs. Antony Mecherimannil, JerishKunnackattu, Sam Koonamplackil, Jomon Kaippadakunnel, ClementKodakallil, Shijo Plathottam, Mathew Eayalayil, AneeshPonneduthukallel and Dn. Tony Veliyathukunnel.

St. Xavier’s Church, Adukkam, Diocese of Pala (Oct 19-24,2014). Preachers are: Frs. Jomon Kaippadakunnel, JerishKunnackattu, Clement Kodakallil.

Good Shepherd Church, Kottayam (Diocese of VIjayapuram).The preachers were Frs. Jomon Kaipadakunnel, Jerish Kunnackattu,Johnus Cherunilath, Mathew eyalayil, Clement Kodakallil, SamKoonamplackil, Aneesh Ponneduthkallel, Ebin Neeruvelil.

Palayam Parish, Pala diocese: A Popular Mission retreat hasbeen conducted from November 16 to 21. The preachers were: Fr.Joseph Kaipadakunnel and Fr. Sebastian Kunnackattu.

Kattoor, Alapuzha : Popular Mission Retreat was held on at St.Michael’s Church, Kattoor, Alapuzha diocese from 14th to 19thDecember.

48 2014 December


St. Thomas Moor church, Alacode: A Popular Mission retreatis started at St. Thomas Moor church, Alacode in the diocese ofKothamangalam (Nov 30 – Dec 5). The preachers are: Frs. AntonyThachethukudy, Jerish Kunnackattu, Jomon Kaippadakunnel, JomeshVallathu, Johnus Cherunilathu, Clement Kodakallil, AneeshPonneduthkallel, and Mathew Olickal.

Marymatha Province:Seethamount: A Popular Mission retreat was organized at St.

Joseph’s Church, near Pulppally in the diocese of Mananthavady.Frs. Varghese Kottaparambil, Derbin Eattikkattil and MathewManthuruthil were the preachers.

St. Antony’s Church, Chakkittapara (Dio. Thamarassery) fromNov 2 to 7, 2014, (at 3 Centres).

St. Mary’s Church, Thangi, Diocese of Kochi (Oct 19-24, 2014).

St. Thomas Kottakavu Church, North Paravoor: Mission wasconducted at this historical church from November 16 to 21 at 3Centers.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi: This week (Nov 30 –Dec 5) Popular Mission retreat is being conducted at Santa CruzCathedral Basilica in the Latin diocese of Kochi. There are fourcentres and Frs. Varghese Kottaparambil, Derbin Eattikattil, PaulParekkattil, Joice Parappillil, Saji Avangattu, Sabu Adimakiyil, JosValyakadavil, Robin Kuruchithara and Dn. John Erambil are thepreachers in these centres.

Ayathupady: (Dec 14-19) Popular Mission is held at Our Ladyof Perpetual Succor Church, in the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

49 2014 December


Divine Ashram, Faridabad

It was an anointed 3 days of prayer, Holy Mass, adoration, healingand thought provoking messages delivered by three very renownedpreachers, our very own Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil VC and Fr.Bobby Emprayil VC and Fr. Anil Dev IMS. The Convention wasgraced by Most Rev. Anil J.T. Couto (Archbishop of Delhi), KuriakoseBharanikulangara (Archbishop of Faridabad Diocese), Francis Kalist(Bishop of Meerut), Jacob Mar Barnabas (Apostolic Visitator of SyroMalankara Church) and Fr. Paul Parekkattil VC (representing theMary Matha Provincial Administration).

It was heartening to see hoards of people of other faith turn up inlarge numbers to have a glimpse of the glory of our Lord. Many ofthe healings were claimed by hundreds of attendees, especially whenFr. Mathew announced for those who ve received peace and alightening of their burdens almost all the people gathered under thepandal covering more than an acre of space, raised their hands in ajubilant wave. On the auspicious occasion,the book „Divya SnehatinToovalsparsham written by Fr. Thomas Ettiyil VC (Administrator,Divine Retreat Ashram Faridabad) and a Hindi Musical Album –„Yeshu Sabka Raja Hai by Fr. Joby Kachappilly VC (Director, DivineRetreat Centre, Toronto) were also released.

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Good Shepherd Region: Mahabunagar parish, Nalgonda: Popular Mission retreat has

been conducted at at Mahabunagar parish in Nalgonda diocese (Oct12-16) and at Vejandla parish, Diocese of Guntur, A.P. (Oct 23-27,2014).

Kamalapuram parish, Warangal: A Popular Mission has beenconducted at in Kamalapuram parish in Warangal Diocese (Nov. 9-13).

Kesara Parish, Vijayawada: A Popular Mission has beenconducted at Kesara Parish in Vijayawada diocese (November 23-27).

Vanukur parish, Vijayawada: A Popular Mission Retreat is alsogoing on at Vanukur parish in the diocese of Vijayawada in A.P. fromNov 30 to Dec 4, 2014.

The Perpetual Adoration Chapel, Premagiri, A.P.

We, the Vincentian community at Premagiri, express the heartfeltjoy and gratitude on the joyous occasion of the inauguration & blessingof the newly constructed perpetual adoration chapel.

It was a long awaited dream of the retreat centre to have aPerpetual Adoration Chapel! We had a small perpetual chapel early.

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After the construction of the new prayer hall we were waiting forthe new Adoration Chapel. Rev. Fr. Jose started the work and wecould complete it by the grace of God. Local contribution andProvince’s support made this dream come true. Now the appointedtime has come and the time of blessing is at hand, Most Rev. Dr.Poola Anthony, the Bishop of Kurnool blessed the chapel in thepresence of our Superior General Very Rev. Fr. Varghese ParappuramVC, and our Provincial Superior Very Rev. Fr. Paul Puthuva VC on14th December, 2014.

News from St. Paul Mission: We are happy to report thedevelopment of our preaching ministry in Ahmednagar Mission. Westarted a prayer center/ retreat center in Kedgaon - Divine Ashram.We conduct retreat every month in the1st week and one-day servicesevery week. We plan to hold a Bible Convention from Oct.30th toNov. 2nd. The final day’s service shall be in Malayalam.

Fr. Jaimson Thomas Thekkekkara

Popular Mission Center, Meerganj.

November 10-16 Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh ConventionNovember 16-23 Power House Bhilai, Durg Popular Mission RetreatNovember 30- Dec. 7 Gorakhpur Cathedral Popular Mission RetreatDecember 12-14 Tagor Garden, Delhi Parish RetreatFebruary 14-22 Gorakhpur Popular Mission RetreatFebruary 23- March 1 Jammu Tawi Popular Mission RetreatMarch 1-8 Indore Popular Mission RetreatMarch 9-15 Koderma Popular Mission RetreatMarch 16- April 5 Jamshedpur Mega Popular Mission Retreat,

3 centres with 1050 familiesApril 22-26 Minto Park, Kolkata Residential Retreat

Please pray for the following retreats:

52 2014 December


Fifth Anniversary of Divine Renewal Retreat Center: The 5thAnniversary of Divine Renewal Retreat Center was held on Monday8th December 2014 at Divine Centre, Margherita. The celebration ofthe Holy Mass will take place at 10:30 am followed by Felicitationand Lunch.

Charismatic Convention at Doimukh, Itanagar, ArunachalPradesh (Nov 12-14, 2014).

The pastoral care of the Infant Jesus Church, Doimukh is entrusted

16 Divine Satsang 14-17 General Residential Retreat

19-21 Digboi (Parish Retreat)

20-22 Couples’ Retreat (Tagore Garden,Delhi) 20-24 Perpetual Bible Reading

23–27 Priests Retreat (Indore, M.P) 21 Divine Satsang

28–30 Bible Convention (Faridabad, Haryana) 27–31 Children’s Retreat(200/-)

DRRC, Margerita: programmes:· Divine Renewal Retreat Centre requests your prayer support

for the upcoming Retreat Programmes of the coming months(November and December 2014).

2-5 General Residential Retreat 04 Night Vigil (Bimlapur)

06 Night Vigil (Bimlapur)

7-9 Women Convention (Tissa, Arunachal) 05 First Friday Programme

07 First Friday Programme Night Vigil (Sonari) Night Vigil (Moran & Jagun) Night Vigil (Lakwa)

08 Night Vigil (Sonari & Lakwa) 06 Night Vigil (Moran & Jagun)

9-13 Retreat for Alcoholics (Fees 300/-) 7-11 Retreat for Couples’ (300/-)

08 5th Anniversary of Divine Margherita

14 Night Vigil (Rajanagar) 13 Divine Youth Fellowship meet14–16 Bible Convention (Sitarganj, U.P.) Night Vigil (Rajanagar)

November 2014 December 2014

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to the Salatian priests. Fr. Sebastian sdb, the parish priest of the church,arranged this convention in preparation of bicentenary of the birth ofSt. Don Bosco. The convention was held in the school ground andmore than 850 people participated in the convention. People weregiven accommodation in the school premise. The people of this parishbelong to the Nyshi tribe and they have Nyshi as their language andmajority of people knew Hindi as well. For a better understandingwe had a translator for our preaching, special thanks to Mr. Markand Miss. Pepi for helping us with the translation. Rt. Rev. Dr. GeorgeP K SDB, Bishop of Miao, guided the concluding Holy Eucharist.

The team consisted of Frs. Joby Palatty, Jomy Kallath and Mr.Joshy reached Doimukh on 11th November. It is 30 kms away fromItanagar and 8 kms away from our retreat centre at Gumto. On ourtravel we could see Khetri and could visit Gumto retreat centre. Wealso had an opportunity to have nice time with Frs. Sam Vallieth,Santo Payikkattu and Santhosh Moolan.

Popular Mission

Cathedral Church, Gorakhpur: A Popular Mission has beenalready started at Cathedral Church, Gorakhpur, UP (November 30– December 07).

54 2014 December


KenyaWe conducted a Residential Retreat for the youth at Vincentian

Retreat Centre, Thika from 14th to 18th December 2014, which wasattended by about 4,000 (including 145 team members) young peoplefrom all over Kenya. It marked the largest number of people everattended a residential retreat in Thika. In fact it was beyond ourcapacity of accommodation (our actual capacity at present is toaccommodate 1,500). By the mercy of God we could hire tents, beds,mattresses etc. for the smooth running of the retreat. The facilitatorsof this retreat were Fr. Biju Valliparambil VC, Fr. Antony ParankimalilVC, Fr. Biju Moonjely VC, Fr. George Kocholickal VC, Fr. JilsonValyaparambil VC, Fr. Geejo Pattath VC, Fr. Jaimi Parathanal VCand Fr. Michael OFM.

Fr. Biju Valliparambil VC, Fr. Biju Moonjely VC and Fr. JilsonValyaparambil VC are leading a parish renewal retreat (20-12-2014to 24-12-2014) in Homa Bay Cathedral Parish. VincentianSeminarians are attending their annual retreat (19-12-2014 to 23-12-2014) at Vincentian Study House, led by Fr. Biju PuthiyaparambilVC. Kindly pray for the success of these retreats.

Puthuppady - Bible Convention

Jubilee Vincentian Retreat Centre witnessed mighty outpouringof the Holy Spirit and miraculous healings through the preaching ofthe Word of God during the Advent Bible Convention conducted on19, 20 and 21 December 2014. The Convention was blessed with thepresence of Mar Thomas, the Bishop of Batery, on the inaugurationDay, and Mar Remegius, the Bishop of Thamarassery on theconcluding day. Fr. Paul Puthuva, the Provincial Superior, Fr. VargheseParappuram, the Superior General, and Fr. Paul Parekkattil celebratedHoly Mass on the three days respectively. Fr. Mathew Thadathil, Fr.Biju Koonan and Fr. Anto Kannampuzha were the leading preacherson three days.

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Our Missions AbroadIX

Sacred Heart Region, AfricaBlessing of Retreat Centre at Nsangi, Kampala

Under God’s Providence the Sacred Heart Region in East Africahas been blessed with a new retreat centre in Uganda. In the year2013 August 15th, on the feast day of Assumption, we began theprayer services in the proposed land for Vincentian Retreat CentreNsangi – Kampala by Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese Rev.

Msgr. Charles Kasibantealong with our RegionalSuperior Fr. BijuVallipparambil andRegional Vicar Fr. Jeejopattath. Since then wehave started regular firstFriday prayer serviceover there. Under theleadership of Fr. Raphael

Karalathukaran and Fr. Antony Vadakkemury, the Vincentian PrayerCentre team is conducting the prayer service. We have got verygood response from the people; more than one thousand people attendour prayer services. Many people have already started coming daily

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for prayers and counseling. Since we had no permanent structure,we were conducting our services in hired tents. We are grateful toThe Almighty God for He has enabled us to have a big retreat Hall.Fr. Joby Kalathil is the priest-in-charge of the Center and constructions.We have great hope for the further development of this retreat centre.The blessing of the newly constructed Vincentian Retreat Centre atNsangi, Kampala in Uganda took place on Saturday 25th October,2014 at 11 am. His Grace Dr. Cyprian KizitoLwanga (Archbishop ofthe Archdiocese of Kampala) blessed the Vincentian Retreat Centreand Very Rev. Fr. Paul Puthuva VC (Provincial Superior, MarymathaProvince) officially opened the Prayer Hall. To view the photo pleasefollow the link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/102971214435050726992/Vincen t i anRe t rea tCen t reNsang iKampa laDoc?au thkey=Gv1sRgCOakj9fnieGcYQ#6072859126412596482

To China Through Africa

This was for the second time Rev. Fr. Biju Valliparambil VC andFr. Antony Parankimalil VC were invited to China to preach the Wordof God. We find it as a historical intervention of God that the VincentianFathers could go to the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Guangzhou by theinvitation of the Parish Priest of the Cathedral through the DivineLove Catholic Charismatic Renewal Group run by the NigerianCommunity. We were staying in the presbytery of the Cathedral,with official permission of the Archbishop Joseph. This is the officialCatholic Church run with the knowledge of the Government. Thereare also priests coming and working in civil dress hoping one-day thedoor will be opened.

For the first time, the Government had agreed to Pope Francis tofly on the airspace of the China on his way to South Korea and the

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Christians in China are truly excited. We have noticed that there areso many Christians who strictly follow the teachings of the Church.As per the Chinese law they have no problem that its foreignerspractice their worship; that is how we could go to the Africancommunity in China and by God’s grace the Chinese community alsoinvited us for a special class and recollection while we were therefor around 7days.

We were protected and supported by the prayers of so manyKenyans who also do business in China. We are also bringing lots ofreligious articles from China. According to the Chinese community,this is the first time they could listen to missionary priests about theCatholic Faith. Even though, the impact is very small, we pray andhope in the remote future we may be able to do God’s Work in theLand of China.

By Rev. Fr. Antony Parankimalil VC

Hospitality is a good thing which has its own special reward:first of all, it attracts men’s gratitude; It also receivesrepayment on God’s part. All of us in this land of exile arepassing guests. For a little while we have a roof to shelterunder but we must move out in no time. If we have beenhard or negligent in welcoming strangers then, when thecourse of this life has passed away, the saints might wellrefuse to welcome us in their turn. “Make friends foryourselves with dishonest wealth,” says the Lord in theGospel, “so that when it fails, you will be welcomed intoeternal dwellings.”

(Saint Ambrose c.340-397)

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X THE MISSION GATHERING -2014, KOLKOTHA

REFLECTIONS OF SR. NIRMALA, S.G, S.C.(Based on the sayings of Mother Theresa and Evangelii Gaudium

of Pope Francis.)

“Today God loves the world through each priest who takes theplace of Christ Himself. He is another Christ” (Mother). E.G.267: “In union with Jesus, we seek what He seeks and we love what Heloves: The Glory of the Father! Beyond all our own preferences andinterest, our knowledge and motivations, we evangelize for the greaterglory of the Father who loves us”.

I would like to share my reflections: for the glory and honour ofGod, and for the salvation and sanctification of the poorest of thepoor – the hungry; the thirsty; the naked; … all those who are aburden to human society; those who have lost all faith and hope inlife; … those not touched by the light of Christ …”.

E G. Pg.24 “ The aim of the work is to bring souls to God … andGod to souls, therefore, the work needs much deep and fervent prayersand much penance”. In our world of progress, conflict and competition,… the meaning and value of human life is forgotten.

E.G. 89 “Today our challenge is not so much atheism, as the needto respond adequately to many peoples’ thirst for God, lest they try tosatisfy it with solutions which neither make life truly human nor give

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glory to God”.

Our Mother was profoundly spiritual. She was very self-disciplinedand strong-willed, with an intense focus on her mission, and she waswilling to sacrifice everything to be faithful to God’s plan. She had avery personal and intimate love for Jesus.

Silence: Mother says: “ Dear priest, to be able to pray, a priestmust know silence, for in the silence of the heart God speaks. Theprayer of a priest is to allow Jesus to pray in him and through him. ..Prayer is the food of life for a priest”.

Attachments: Any attachment divides my heart – could be theoverly concern about my health, my good name and my family;temptation to cling to my work, my project, my way of thinking anddoing things. These destroy the relationships in community and thecommon good. Spiritual worldliness consists in seeking not the Lord’sglory but human glory and personal well-being. Evangelical fervor isreplaced by the empty pleasures of complacency and self-indulgence.Watching worldly films for entertainment is gravely harmful, especiallybecause of the deceit involved. Empty your boxes of these films.

Prayer Life: “ The first duty of all religious is to be thecontemplation of things divine and constant union with God in prayer”(Canon 663, #1). EG 264: “Standing before Him with open hearts,letting Him look at us, we see that gaze of love … crucifix, or on ourknees before the blessed Sacrament, and simply to BE in Hispresence”! How much good it does when He once more touchesour lives and impels us to share His new life! What then happens isthat ‘we speak of what we have seen and heard’ (1 Jn.1.3).

Mother says, “Dear priests, go with Mary in haste to give Jesus toothers. But remember, you cannot give what you do not have. To beable to give, you need to live that ONENESS WITH CHRIST, andHe is there in the Tabernacle where you put Him. Make it a point

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that first thing in the morning that Jesus be the center of your life.During the day, learn to pray the work: work with Jesus, work forJesus”.

Holy Spirit: EG 280: “Keeping our missionary fervour alive callsfor firm TRUST in the Holy Spirit, for it is He who ‘helps us in ourweakness’ (Rom.8.26). We need to invoke the Hoy Spirit constantly.There is no greater freedom than that of allowing oneself to be guidedby the Holy Spirit, renouncing the attempt to plan and controleverything to the last detail, and instead letting Him enlighten, guideand direct us, leading us wherever He wills”. Jesus grants to thosewho believe in Him to do greater things even than those He Himselfdid on earth (Jn.14.12). With an interior conviction, we live and dothings which we would never have dreamed of doing.

Total surrender is a total commitment, it is complete, generousand liberating gift of ourselves in love for God and for God’s purpose.EG #88: “Many try to escape from others …yet the Gospel tells usconstantly to run the risk of a face- to- face encounter with others,with their physical presence which challenges us , with their pain andtheir pleas, and their joy… True faith in the Incarnate Son of God isinseparable from self-giving, from membership in the community, fromservice, from reconciliation with others.

Penance: Mother says: “ Dear priests, to be able to really be apriest you need much prayer and penance. A priest needs to unite hisown sacrifice with the sacrifice of Christ if he really wants to becompletely one-with-Jesus on the altar. Then his life of sacrifice, hislife of penance, must complete Jesus’ sacrifice because as St. Paulhad said, we must complete the things that are missing in thesufferings of Christ”.

Pascal Mystery: Our life as religious and the life of the poor weserve are deeply rooted in the Pascal Mystery. On the Cross, Jesus

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was deprived of every consolation, was left alone, was despised,was afflicted in body and soul. We are called to embrace these humanrealities of desolation, loneliness, being despised, bodily sufferingsand interior sufferings in our lives. We see that often in the face ofrejection, humiliation and lack of appreciation, our minds become busylooking for justice, logic and reason for the suffering, and our heartsrefuse to look at Jesus and the Cross, but we look at the people whoinflict it or we turn to self-pity.

Self-emptying: We also suffer when we experience our ownweakness, sin and lack of virtues. We are hurt and suffer from others’weaknesses, bad examples and sins. Sometimes we are afflictedwithin by the apparent silence of God in our moments of trial. Yet wego to the dark holes of the poor where the poor live in disbelief,despair and depression. Jesus uses someone who is going throughthe struggles of faith to be a light for others.

The willingness of many of our sisters to keep on believing, hopingand persevering in spite of all their feelings is bringing much fruit inthe work for souls. I feel convinced the Church needs our willingacceptance of the cross, the rejection, the humiliation, as much asthe apostolate we do for the poor. Mother purposely chose for herselfand for us a life of insecurity in order to grow in trust in God’s Fatherlycare. I think today’s world needs more and more of our lives asvictims of God’s love, rather than social help. Jesus is calling us to alife of Beatitudes, to self-emptying to the blessedness of beingpersecuted which will make us open to receive all things from Godour Father.

Fraternity: EG #91: “ A committed relationship with God, at thesame time, comits us to others … learning to find Jesus in the facesof others, in their voices, in their pleas, and learning to suffer in theembrace of the Crucified Jesus whenever we are unjustly attacked

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or meet with ingratitude never tiring of our decision to live infraternity”.

EG #82: “Today’s obsession with immediate results makes it hardfor us to tolerate … disagreement, possible failure, criticism, the cross”.

Mother says: “ Dear priest, in you today Jesus wants to reliveHis complete submission to His Father… allow Him to do so. Doesnot matter what you feel as long as He feels alright in you. Takeaway your eyes from yourself and rejoice that you have nothing –that you are nothing – that you can do nothing. Give Jesus a big smile– each time your nothingness frightens you.

This is the poverty of Jesus. You and I must let Him live in us andthrough us in the world. Keep giving Jesus to your people not bywords but by your example – by your being with Jesus – by radiatingHis holiness and spreading His fragrance of love everywhere yougo. Just keep the joy of Jesus as your strength. – Be happy and atpeace. – Accept whatever He gives – and give whatever He takeswith a big smile. You belong to Him, tell Him I am Yours and if Youcut me to pieces, every single piece will be only all Yours. Let Jesusbe Victim and the Priest in you”.

Model of Evangelization: EG #269: Jesus is the Model of thismethod of evangelization which brings us to the very heart of Hispeople. How good it is for us to contemplate the closeness which Heshows to everyone! If He speaks to someone, He looks into theireyes with deep love and concern. Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross isnothing else than the culmination of the way he lived His entire life.Moved by His example, we want to enter fully into the lives of all,listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually,rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep armin arm with others, we are committed to building a new world”.

Mother: “The poor are great people. We must know them, they

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are very lovable people, they are great people, they are Jesus in thedistressing disguise. They can teach us beautiful things”.

Pope Francis (25.9.13): “We must do works of mercy withmercy!, pitting our heart in them. Works of charity with love, withtenderness, always with humility! … sometimes we also find arrogancein serving the poor. Arrogance in serving those who are in need ofour service. Some put on a show, they say what they do with thepoor; some exploit the poor for their own personal interests or theinterest of the group. This is not Jesus way. And I will tell you more:This is sin! It is a grave sin because it is using the poor, those who arein need, who are Jesus’ Flesh for my own vanity!

EG # 198: “God shows the poor His first mercy … we are to have‘this mind … which was in Jesus Christ’ (Phil.2.5). This is why Iwant a Church which is poor for the poor. They have much to teachus. Not only do they share in the sensus fidei, but in their difficultiesthey know the suffering Christ. We need to let ourselves be evangelsedby them. The new evangelization is an invitation to acknowledge thesaving power at work in their lives and to put them at the center ofthe Church’s pilgrim way….”.

Mother says: “My dear priests, holiness is nothing special for apriest. It’s a duty for a priest to be holy because he comes in suchclose contact with Jesus. How holy his words must be , how holyhis life must be, how holy his touch must be, if he has to be that livingsacrifice on the altar. Especially that holiness, a living holiness thatwill be able to allow Christ to live His life in him. Holiness for thepriest is that complete oneness with Christ so that He can live Hislife in him, that’s the holiness that is his. There is no comparison, theonly comparison a priest can have in holiness is Jesus Himself becausehe has to be so completely one with Him that Christ can really counton him and live His life totally in him, and that the Father can love theworld through him”.

64 2014 December


XI Our Houses andInstitutions

XI. i. hn≥sk≥j≥ B{iaw, Nq≠¬

m. B‚Wn sX°n-\n-bØv

Bcw- hpw hf¿®bpw

1977- ¬ Nq≠¬ ]≈n-bpsS hnIm-cn-bm-bn-cp∂ _.- tPm¿÷v Nq≠-

e-®s‚ Hcp B{K-l-am-bn-cp∂p, Nq≠¬ {]tZ-iØv Hcp CwKvfojv

aoUnbw kvIqƒ Bcw-`n-°pI F∂-Xv. B \mfp-I-fn¬ Xe-t°m-´p-

Ic, ]md-∂q¿ ]≈n-IfpsS hnIm-cn-bm-bn-cp∂ lnem-cn-tbm-k-®≥

Nq≠-e-®s\ klm-bn-°p-hm-\mbn ]e-t∏mgpw Nq≠-en¬ sN∂n-cp-

∂p. Hcn-°¬ kwkm-c-at≤y kvIqƒ Bcw`n-°p-hm≥ A©c G°¿

ÿew hn≥sk≥j≥ k`bv°p kuP-\y-ambn \evIm-sa∂

hmKvZm\ap≠m-bn. A∂sØ kp∏o-cn -b¿ P\-d -em -bn -cp∂

_. tPm¿÷v IΩ- n-e-®≥ N¿® apt∂m v \bn-®p; _. eq°v \ºym-]-

dºne®\v XpS¿ \S-]-Sn-Iƒ°v Npa-X-ebpw \evIn.

1981 s^{_phcn 9˛\v kp∏o-cn-b¿ P\-dm-f-®-\pw Btem-N-\-°m-

c\m-bn-cp∂ _.- Ip-cym-t°mkv Bcn-bw-Im-em-bn¬, tXmakv Rm-d-°¬

F∂n-hcpw {_Z¿ ]utemkpw IqSn _. eq°m-®s\ kl-bm-{X-sNbvXv

Nq≠-en¬ FØn®p. a‰v Xma-k-ku-I-cy-ßƒ C√mXn-cp-∂-Xn\m¬

hmkw hnIm-cn-tbm-sSmØv _wKvfmhn¬ \SØns°m≠v eq°m-®≥

{]m-cw` \S-]-Sn-Iƒ Bcw- n-®p c≠p ¢mkvap-dn-Iƒ°pw Hcp tÃmdn-

\p-ambn ]Wn-Xo¿Ø sjUv Bkv_-tÃmkv ta™v ]q¿Øn-bm-°n.

65 2014 December


1981 G{]n¬ 17- \v ZpxJsh-≈n-bm-gvN-bnse ]cn-lmc {]Zn-£-Whpw

Ipcn-ins‚ hgnbpw B{ia°p∂ns‚ apI-fn-te-°mbncp∂p \S-Øn-

b-Xv. Ip∂n≥ap-I-fnse \nc-∏n¬ Hcp-°n-bn-cp∂ ]¥-en¬ Cutim-

bpsS Xncp-kz-cq-]-Øn\v ASp-Øp-\n-∂p-sIm≠v _. tXmakv aT-Øn-

\m-e-®≥ ZpxJsh-≈n-bmgvN {]kwKw \S-Øn. CS-h-I-bn-tebpw

kao-] -C-S-h-I-I-fn-tebpw P\-ßƒ ‡n-\n¿`-c-am-bn-cp∂ NS-ßp-I-

fn¬ kPo-h-ambn ]s¶-Sp-Øp. Aßs\ \Ωp-sS- sk-‚dns‚ Bcw`w

\mń-seßpw hm¿Ø-bm-bn.

1981 Pq¨ 1 \v A©mw Ivfmkv (Cw-Kvfojv aoUn-bw) BZy-ambn

Bcw`n-®p. {io ]mhpÆn amkvd-d¿, ]n.- hn.- kn-knen F∂n-hcm-bn-

cp∂p A≤ym-]I¿. B{i-a-Øn-\mbn ]Wn-X- sI- n-S-Øn-tebv°v \ºym-

]-d-ºn-e-®≥ Xma-khpw- am-‰n.

1982 tabv amk-w H∂mw XnbXn tPmk v Ihe-°m- -®≥ hS-°mw-

tN-cn-bn¬\n∂v ÿew amdn-h∂v kvIqfns‚ {][m-\m-≤ym-]-I-\mbn

Nm¿s÷-Sp-Øp. 14.2.1983˛¬ tXmÍw kp∏o-cn-b¿ Bbn-cp∂

^m. lnem-cn-tbmkv Ac-™m-Wn-bn¬ Nq≠-en¬ FØn ]pXnb B{i-

a-t{i-jvT-\m-bn. Xma-kn-bmsX Xs∂ kvIqfn\v AwKo-Imcw e`n-®p.

hnZym- ymka{¥n-bm-bn-cp∂ {io ‰o. Fw tP°∫ns‚ ]cn-Nbw AXn\v

klm-b-I-am-bn. kvIqfns‚ ssii-h-Z-i-bn¬ Xs∂-bmWv

^m.-tPm¿÷v hmg-]vfmwIpSn {][m-\m-≤ym-]-I-\mbn 1985- ¬ Nm¿s÷-

Sp-Ø-Xv. At±-l-Øns‚ A£oW ]cn-{i-a- -e-ambn ]e Ivfmkvap-dn-

Iƒ ]Wn-Xo¿Øp.

1979 ¬ kvIqfnse BZy-_m®ns‚ S.S.L.C Examination \S-∂-t∏mƒ

100% hnPbw t\Sn. 29 t]cm-bn-cp∂p ]co£ \¬In-bXv. aq∂v Ip-ń-

Iƒ°v UnÃn-ßvj\pw 18 t]¿°v ^Ãv Ivfmkpw Inń-b-t∏mƒ

BlvfmZw Ae-X-√n. ]n∂oSpw Cu \ne-hmcw \ne-\n¿Øp-hm≥ km[n-

®p. 1987 ¬ _. tP°_v Adm-°-e®≥ B{i-a-t{i-jvT-\m-b-tXmsS

hnI-k-\-Øns‚ ]S-hp-Iƒ Db¿∂pXp-S-ßn. 1992˛¬ B{i-a-Øn\v

aq∂p apdn-Ifpw, 1993 ¬ kvIqfn\v Hcp lmfpw \n¿Ωn-°-s∏- p. 2005

am¿®v 3 \v C∂p ImWp∂ B{i-a-Øns‚ sh©-cn∏p \S-∂p.

66 2014 December


2006 P\p-h-cn-bn¬ kvIqfns‚ cPX Pq_nenbpw hm¿jn-Ihpw

BtLm-jn-®p. cm{Xn H∂-c-a-Wn-hsc Ipń-I-fpsS ]cn-]m-Sn-Iƒ \o≠p-

t]m-bn. Pq_nen {]am-Wn®v, kvIqfn¬ D∂X hnPbw t\Snb 21 Ipń-

Isf ]vfkv 2 hsc ôkn-√msX ]T-∏n-°p-sa∂ {]Jym-]-\-hp-ap-

≠m-bn. AXn-cq-]-Xm-Xy£≥ am¿ tP°_v Xq¶pgn A≤y-£-{]-

kw-K-w -\-S-Øn. {io. ‰n. hn. N{μ-tam-l≥ Fw.-F¬.-F, kvIqƒ amt\-

P¿ m. h¿Kokv ]md-∏p-dw, m. h¿Kokv ]pXp-t»-cn, m. tXmakv

Rmd-°¬ XpS-ßn-b-h¿ ]s¶-Sp-Øp. m. hn≥sk‚p Nnd-°-a-W-hm-

f≥ Bbn-cp∂p {]n≥kn-∏¬. hnI-k-\-Øns‚ ]mX-bn¬ kvIqƒ

apt∂-dp-∂p-sh∂Xv ÿe-Zm-Xm-hm-b ^m. tPm¿÷v Nq≠-en\v (])

Nmcn-Xm¿∞yw \evIp∂p!

tkh\w sNbvX-h¿:

_. tPmk^v ]¥-°¬, amXyp ]men-b-Ip-t∂¬, CΩm\p-

th¬ dm-Ø-∏-≈n, t]mƒ Xncp-X-\-Øn¬, tPm¿÷v NmtØm-en¬,

h¿£okv s]cn-t©cn, h¿Kokv h≠-\m-°-c, tPm¿÷v ]qtW-en,

dmt^¬ thg-]-d-ºn¬, h¿Kokv Xpcp-Øn-®nd, tPm¿÷v s]m -bn¬,

tPmk^v ]p∂-t»-cn, tPmk^v awK-e-ØpIcn, sPbnwkv tIm°-≠-

Øn¬, tXmakv shń-bm-S≥, tPm¨ hmc-I-Øv, tXmakv Nnd-bn¬,

h¿£okv ]md-∏p-dw, tPmk^v ]´-Øv, sk_m-Ãy≥ If-∏p-c-sXm-ń-

bn¬, am¿ń≥ Imfmw-]-d-ºn¬, , tPmk v amtf-bv°¬, sk_mÃy≥

s\Sn-bm-\n, t]mƒ ]m{_-bn¬,- amWn Ipºp-fp-th-en¬, tPm¿÷v taep-

°p-t∂¬, ]o‰¿ aWn-a-e-°-≠w, F∂o sshZn-Icpw {_. tXmakv

Ipt∂epamWv B{i-a-Ønepw kvIqfnepw CXn-t\m-SIw Hm-tcm-X-c-

Øn¬ tkh\w sNbvX a‰w-K-ß-ƒ. _. Ipcym-t°mkv ]pt∂m-en¬,

sk_m-Ãy≥ a≠m-\n-bn¬, t]mƒ Xc-I≥, B‚Wn sX°n-\n-b-Øv

F∂o sshZn-I¿ 2014 ¬ tkh-\-\n-c-Xm-Wv.

67 2014 December


(Aff. No. DGET 6 (11) 80 TC)History at a glance:

St. John’s I T I is the actualization of the long cherisheddream of the Vincentian Congregation to provide technical educationto the young in order to equip them for an income- generating career.It was started first as an ITC and was the first of its kind everattempted by us.

St. John’s was started in 1976 by the initiation of late Fr.Joseph Peechanattu VC. He did it staying at the presbytery of theNedumkunnam Parish until accommodation could be made in thenew structures he built up for the ITC. He functioned as the firstPrincipal as well at the beginning. He received full support and hardwork from Fr. Antony Thottithara who was deputed to build theAshram and Church in Myladi Village beside the ITC. The reputationof the ITC grew far and wide in a short period of time but we couldnot give admission to every candidate due to the seat fixations by theState.

Courses:The ITC was functioning in full swing until the year 2000

with four trades – Draughtsman Civil, Electrician, Plumber andWireman Courses. The other courses are Basic Computer (BCC),Tally and Auto CAD (2D). By the completion of the 20thc there wasseen a decline in the number of applicants to some trades. Thus thePlumber and the Wireman Courses and the additional batch of theElectrician Course sanctioned in 1986 were to be wound up. The

XI. ii. ST. JOHN’S I T I, MYLADI,

NEDUMKUNNAM

68 2014 December


proliferation of ITCs could be one reason of the decline. The shift ofinterest from ITC to Engineering and Nursing Courses and the easyavailability of such seats in Kerala had its say on the adverse futureof these trades. By the turn of the new century our institution hasgrown thinner. Still banking on the previous records of reputation wedo hope for the better.

Milestones in the history of St. John’s: The I T C startedfunctioning with a temporary sanction in 1978 and celebrated its SilverJubilee in 2003. In 1986 we received permanent affiliation from theN C V T and sanction for an Additional Batch of Electrician Course.The up-gradation from ITC to I T I was done in 2012.In the year 2013 we started the Diploma Course of Karnataka OpenUniversity (KSOU). It is functioning well and ensures a better scope.Thus St. John’s ITI is also St. John’s Polytechnic.

Office-bearers: There is a long list of the people who have contributedtheir whole hearted services to the growth of the Institute. Weremember them with so much of gratitude.

Principals:1. Fr. Joseph Peechanattu Aug.05, 1978 to Aug. 05,1982.2. Fr. John Parayil Aug.06, 1982 to June 14, 19833. Fr. Jose Edayadyil June 18. 1983 to Aug.09. 19874. Fr. V. Perumcheril Aug. 10, 1987 to Feb. 13, 19895. Fr. John Parayil Feb. 14 , 1989 to Oct. 31, 19986. Fr.Pius Kodakathanath Nov. 01, 1998 to May 31,19997. Mr. Xavier Devasia Nov. 01, 1999 to July 17, 20018. Fr. John Parayil Aug. 01, 2001 to Feb. 28, 20039. Fr. Antony Karikilamattam March 1, 2003 to July 31, 200610. Mr. K.J. Joseph Aug. 01, 2006 to Oct. 31, 2006

69 2014 December


11. Mrs. Anni Zakaria Nov. 01, 2006 to Sept.19, 200712. Mr. Sebastian Joseph Sep. 20, 2007 to May 08, 200813. Mr. Michael Xavier May 09, 2008 continues to date.

Rev. Fr. Directors who guided the growth:Antony Karikilamattthil (2003 – 2006), George Mekkattu (2006 –2010), Antony Mecherimannil (July 2010 – 2010 Oct.), JerishKunnekkattu ( Oct. 2010 – May 2013), Thomas Madathinal (June2013 - …).

Rev. Fr. Bursars who served here:Xavier Kalappurackal ( July 1987 …); George Asariparambil (July1997…); Johnus Cherunilam (June 1998 – May 2001); FrancisPuthenpura ( July 2001 – Feb. 2004); Thomas Mankuthel (Feb.2004 - …); Antony Mecherimannil July 2010 – Oct. 2010); JerishKunnekkattu ( Oct.2010 – May 2013); Thomas Madathinal ( June2013 - …).

May the good Lord bless everyone to take the noble works forwardin the service of His Church and the people in all sincerity!

Our Lord Jesus Christ must be loved by the true disciplewith all his heart, well over all kind of ties, even the closestones: “If you come to me, without being ready to give upyour love for your father and mother, your spouse and children,your brothers and sisters, and indeed yourself, you cannotbe my disciple” (Lk 14:26-27). In the follower’s life, He isalways the first one. In following Jesus even our love for lifemust rank as a second priority.

70 2014 December


XII New Priests

01. Fr. Annepogu Rajasheker V CIt was on 4th Jan.1987 that God wanted to give a fine gift to the

world from a humble village called Santhajutur in AP. So was born, alittle babe to Shri. Balashowry and Smt. Meramma, as their 3rdchild. The child grew up in wisdom in Zip School, Santhajutur and inSpirit in Sacred Heart Church, Velugode. The people who visited thenew born would have indeed thought who this child would be! Afterthe excellent completion of Secondary School, this boy again surprisedhis beloved parents and teachers with a radical and solid decision forhis life - "to be a steward of Christ", instead of a doctor or engineerof their dream.

People who heard of it looked in dismay! The one who was withthem until then was going away for a nobler cause beyond theirexpectations! With tearful eyes he bid goodbye to his near and dearones and stepped in to the Vincentian Minor Seminary, Velugode on18th June 2003.

Fr. Rajashekhar has left a trace of his own everywhere he livedand studied. This sociability would be the reason that Dn. Rajashekaris known to such a large number of people in and outside theCongregation. He makes a relationship of belongingness with whoeverhe is associated. During the periods of intermediate at Pinakadimi,

71 2014 December


novitiate at Meenamgady and philosophy in Bengeluru and regencyat Bhimadole. He was noted for his outstanding and multifacetedtalents of music, preaching, leadership and organizing and so on. Pastfour years of theology studies in Vijnanilayam Institute, Janampet,AP, he proved himself exceptional in academic field by securing 2ndrank and also by being exemplary in pastoral, spiritual and communitylife. Dn. Rajashekar is a man of prayer, commitment and responsibility.He is so loving to anyone who approaches him and is always availablefor them.

As our deacon is preparing himself to be ordained as the ministerof the Lord, on 15th December, 2014, by his Excellency Bp. AntonyPoola, let us pray for him that he may be an instrument in the handsof the Lord and a blessing for the congregation.

02. Dn. Joseph [Sony] Edasseril VCDn Joseph (Sony) is well-known with the title 'Achayan'. He is

the firstborn of Thomas Joseph and Kuttiyamma. His brother is Sijoand sister is Simi. He is from the Nalukodi parish of Changanacherrydiocese. Following the scriptural tradition the firstborn has acceptedthe call of God and joined Vincentian congregation.

Dn. Sony joined Vincentian congregation on 12th June of 2004, atChristhu Nivas, Thrikkakara. Before joining he had completed hisITI and was working abroad. Then he answered to the call of Jesusand followed him. He has completed Novitiate in 2007 and philosophyin 2010. In Philosophate St Thomas Aquinas was his favouritephilosopher. Then he was sent to Rahury for his practical training.He was a successful teacher there. The messages he receive fromhis students indicate that. He has completed his theology in SHTC,Shillong. In Shillong he has proved that like Thomas Aquinas he is asuccessful theologian also. Every time his name appeared on therank list. He is known among the students as "the walking

72 2014 December


commentary" on scripture and morals. In missions his active presenceinspires many youth to come back and join Sunday worship in theChurch. He was up to date with his wide experience before joiningthe seminary and in two different missions and this helps him to blendwhat he has learned with his activities. He is famous in shilling ingiving recollections and retreat talks and superiors appreciate himfor that. He is actor, singer, pencil artis,..and so on.

"The Lord himself is my portion and inheritance" is his ordinationmotto. On 26th December he will be raised on the altar as the priestof Christ. Let us pray for him.

03. Dn. Erambil JohnDn. John Erambil V.C who will be ordained priest on 27th Dec

2015 at St. Antony's Forane Church, Paingottoor was born on April7, 1987 as the elder son of Mr. George and Mrs. Celine. His brother'sname is Jins.

John joined the Vincentian Congregation in 2004 at Christunivas,Thrikkakkara. He did his novitiate at Meenangadi and Philosophy inBanglore. His regency was in Meenangadi and he completed hisTheology from Mary Matha Major Seminary Trichur. He was therank holder there.

Jibin always moves with a beautiful smile and his presence is apleasant one for everyone. As an eloquent speaker as his uncleFr. Joseph Erambil, he has won prizes in the speech competitions.Surely we can say that his choice to join the Vincentian Congreationwas a right one. On 27th Dec. 2014 we get a new priest, a greaterpreacher priest through the hands of his Excellency Mar. GeorgePunnakottil.

We wish you Dear Jibin all the best and prayers.

73 2014 December


04. Dn. Varghese Pulicken VC"I give you thanks, O lord and king, and praise you, O God my

Savior. I give thanks to your name, for you have been my protectorand helper". (Sirach: 51:1)

When I think about a person, these words of the Bible reflect inmy mind because these words are echoing in the private chapel ofVidyabhavan. We find this man pray in front of the tabernacle whenothers do sleep. This is none other than Dn. Varghese Pulicken.

Varghese was born as the seventh and beloved child of Sri. AntonyPulickan (late) and Smt. Annie Antony on 9th February 1980. Hebelongs to, St: Antony's Forane Church, Pudukkad in the Arch- dioceseof Thrissur. He did his high school education in Pudukkad. After thathe did ITA course for two years and worked as an electronic mechanicin Bombay.

Varghese recognized his call to the priesthood and the Holy Spiritled him to join the Vincentian Congregation at the age of 23 in 2003.He did his Minor Seminary studies in Nedumkunnam and Palairespectively. His father was called to eternal bliss whenVarghesewas in minor seminary at Palai. Novitiate was at Kattappana. Afterthe first vows dedication he perused his philosophical studies at DePaul Institute, Bangalore and did his regency at Padamugham Ashramand completed theological studies at St. Joseph's, Mangalapuzha withDistinction. His motto is "I can do all things through Him whostrengthens me".

Dn. Varghese is our 'chettai'. He is expert in electrical field and indriving. He is also a man of prayer and knowledge. One of his bestqualities is that he has the courage to speak and correct others. Hewill be really an asset to the Congregation. He is a powerful speaker,singer, hardworker and blessed with many other talents. He is well-versed in Hindi and English. He is looking forward to the most holy

74 2014 December


occasion of his priestly ordination. Dn. Varghese will be ordained atSt: Antony's Forane Church, Pudukkad on 27th December 2014, byHis Excellency Mar. Jacob Thoomkuzhy, Bishop Emeritus of Thrissur.

Let us pray for Dn.Varghese on this special occasion and Maythe Lord strengthen him to fulfill his ministerial duty that comes onhis way. May the Lord shed His divine light on his path.

05. Dn. Joseph Peter (Denny )Mandapathil V.C

Dn. Joseph Peter( Denny) Mandapathil was born on 24, Nov.1986 as the second child of the three of Mr. joseph M.P and ValsaJoseph. It is a happy and joyful occasion for the Vincentiancongregation as well as to the Kurupampady parish that Dn. DennyMandapathil is going to be ordained on 28th December 2014 by hisExcellency, Mar. George Madathikunnel.

The desire to become a priest welled up in the young boy, Josephpeter from childhood. He came to know about VincentianCongregatian from the Vincentian priests. After his schooling hejoined the Vincentian Minor Seminary, Christu Nivas, at Thrikkakara.After his minor seminary formation he entered the Novitiate atMeenangady and made his first profession. Then he moved toBangalore for philosophical studies. He did his regency in theSSSMILE village at Vettikuzhy with all sympathy to the inmates.And he completed his last years of formation in Vidhyabhavan.

Dn. Denny, who has very clear vision and perception aboutpriesthood, is a man of prayer, who has proved his excellence instudies. He is very good in keeping relationships with all around himwith a smiling face. He is a good player too. His motto is "To fulfillthe will of God up on me."

In his venture to the priesthood we wish him all the best and prayfor him, may the Lord strengthen him to fulfill his ministerial duties

75 2014 December


that come on his way. May the Lord shed His divine light on his path.

06. Dn. Peter Vellara.You will be a Blessing (Gen.12:2). Dn. Peter ( Roney) was born

as the fifth child of late, Mr. Antony and Mrs. Annamma Antony inManimooly, Nilamboor. He did his schooling from Christ the KingHigh School, Manimooly and he had his PDC in govt. ITCPerinthalmanna. While he was working in Mumbai, he realized hisvocation to become a priest and as a result he joined in the VincentianCongregation in 2003. He did his minor seminary at Christunivas,Thrikkakara. Soon after he entered the power house of ourcongregation to be strengthened in prayer and he made his firstcommitment on 21 May 2006. Then he studied philosophy atBangalore, thereafter he did his regency at SSSMILE Village,Vettikuzy and at Karivena respectively. The last years of his formationwas at Vidyabhavan, Aluwa.

Dn. Roney is a man of commitment. He has a deep vision of hisvocation to priesthood in Vincentian Congregation. He is a man blessedwith various talents. He is good in studiesand singing .He has alsohproved his excellence in play ground. As a good preacher he provedhis excellence in various retreats like Popular Mission, Jesus Missionand Depaul Mission. As a sign of a good social worker his support toSSSMILE fellowship is remarkable. One of the most important qualitythat ever appreciated by all is his hard work. One of the examples isthat he restructured all the electrical works of the seminary. All thesequalities made him a good seminarian and a model to otherseminarians. The hours he spent before the Eucharistic Lord madehim a man of success in every field. He has taken his motto from thegospel of St. John 6:51 "I am the bread that came down from heaven".

As Dn. Peter Vellara is going to be ordained on 29th December2014 at Christ the King Church Manimooli, by His Excellency Mar

76 2014 December


Jacob Thoomkuzhy lets us raise our hearts to Jesus, the eternal priest,to strengthen him and bless him in his future endeavors. We wish himall the best on his way to priesthood.

07. Dn. Thomas (Dony) Vazhavelikkakathu)

"Your help has made me great" (Psalm. 18:35). This is theordination motto of Dn. Thomas (Don), who has been describedvariously as an ardent lover and disciple of St.Vincent De Paul. Donywas born on 28th February 1988 in Mananthavadi (Wayanad), thesecond of the two children of Luka V.T. and Lucy LukaVazhavelikkakathu. After completing his high school studies inVazhavatta he joined the St.Joseph Province aspirantate atNedumkunnam. After two years of aspirantate, during which hecompleted his Higher Secondary studies, Dn. Dony entered theVincentian Novitiate at Krupalaya, Kattappana and made his Firstprofession on 21st May 2007. He did his Philosophical studies at ourown Depaul Institute, Bengaluru and during this period he alsocompleted his Graduate studies in B.A. English Literature from theM.G. University. Then he was sent to Logos for the practical training,where he proved that he is an amazing preacher and a faithful servantof the Lord. After that year he was sent to Kristu Jyoti College (KJC)for his Theological studies. He has passed his theological studieswith second rank. He will be ordained as a priest on 29th December2014 at 9am at St. Sebastians Church, Vazhavatta by His GraceMost. Rev. George Njaralakkat, Archbishop of Thalassery.

Dn. Dony is a cheerful and friendly person who is easilyapproachable. He is a man who knows how to convince people withlove and ready to help whoever is in need. He is also a man of prayerand faithful servant of Vincent De Paul which is very much evidentin his life and homilies. With his powerful homilies in KJC he kindledthe fire of divine love and brotherly care in the hearts of everybody.He is the backbone of KJC Volley ball team and is very famous with

77 2014 December


his thunder strikes in the volley ball court. He conquered the heartsof all with his delightful personality and brotherly concern. Dn. Donywe wish you all the best for your future ministry.

08. Dn. Sebastian Chooranolickal VC

We are living in a world which talks a lot about transparency inaccounting and integrity in behavior. We, the Vidhyabhavancommunity, is happy to present before the Congregation a mancredited with such great qualities. He is our beloved Dn. Chooran.Though he looks short in stature, he has got a noble soul, admit peoplewho really know him.

Dn. Sebastian was born on 4th October, 1985 as the second of thethree-men- army of Mr. Julian Joseph and Smt. Sherley Julian, a Godfearing and hardworking couple at Piravithanam. He completed hisSSLC from St. Joseph's, Neelor and plus two in Science stream fromSt. Antony's, Plashanal. He joined the Vincentian Seminary at Myladyin 2004 and was admitted to Novitiate from Pala Seminary. He madehis first commitment in 2007 and marched to Bangalore to explorewisdom and De Paul proudly remember him as its one of the beststudents.

He was privileged to do his regency at the Provincial house,Kottayam. Surely this brought him well knitted relations throughoutthe province. His theological formation was at Mangalapuzha. DnSebastian committed perpetually to our Lord in 2013.

He was an indispensable part of Vidyabhavan whether in court,discussions, chapel or kitchen. Rarely dowe find simple, transparent,hardworking and innocent souls. And our deacon perfectly matchesto this mould. His nature tempts me to say 'he is an incredibleVincentian'

09. Dn Jacob( Shince ) Kochuthazath V C"To be the herald of Good news", is the motto of our beloved Dn.

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Shince who will be ordained on 30th December 2014 at AmbayathodeSt. George Church by his Excellency Mar. Sebastian Kallupura,bishop of Buxar. This beautiful flower blossemd in the Kochuthazathfamily garden as the last born of Chacko K. J. and Gracy Chacko on8th February 1987. He has two elder brothers and an elder sister.Having studied in his home- town up to seventh standard, he movedto Kottiyoor IJMHSS for his high schooling.

Recognizing his vocation to Vincentian Congregation he joined inthe Vincentian Minor Seminary, Velugodu, A.P, with an ardent desireto live for Christ. He had his plus two studies at Edathoty. Then hemoved to Meenagadi Novitiate house and has experienced the lovingtouch of God. He made his first profession on 21st May 2007. Henurtured his rationality by learning different philosophies at De Paulin Bengaluru. He grew up in pastoral ministry and practical formation- regency at Velugode. Upholding banquets of applause he travelledover to St. Vincent's College, Janampet. Over these four years oftheology he is in full spirit at academic and pastoral level.

Shince is a talented orator in both English and Telugu, of course inmother tongue, good organizer and silent sports man that make him agreat promise to Vincentian Congregation. Let us join our hands andprayerfully wish him all the very best for his steps ahead.

10. Dn. Abraham (Abin) Mundackal VCDn. Abraham, the first child of Mr. Mathew and Mrs. Lissy, was

born on 26.07.1986. He has a younger brother Mr. Albin. Dn. Abindid his LP School studies at Fathimamatha G.H.S. School,Koompanpara, and High school studies at St. Sebastian's High School,Thokkupara. From childhood onwards he had an ardent desire tobecome a priest to follow Jesus in His ministry of preaching the wordof God, so, he joined St. Joseph province of the VincentianCongregation. He had his minor seminary formation of three years

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at Chethimattom. He was sent to the novitiate house at Krupalaya,Kattappana to have the Christ experience. During this period he madehis first profession on 21st May 2006. In search of wisdom andknowledge he was promoted for the philosophical studies at De PaulInstitute, Bangalore. To serve the orphan boys and the sick people hewas appointed as a regent at Denkanikotta and Trivandrum. Hismissionary zeal for the service of the poor led him to the theologicalstudies at St. Ephrem's Theological College, Satna (M.P.). Whilepursuing theology, on 19th May 2012, he made his final profession.He will be led to the altar 'to be broken and shared' by His ExcellencyMar Mathew Anikuzhykattil, Bishop of Idukki, on 31st December2014 at 9.30 am, at Fathimamatha Forane Church, Koompanpara.

Dn. Abin who has very clear vision and perception about priesthood,is a man of prayer and hard work. He is a good preacher too. He hasbeen gifted with a lot of qualities. He is always sincere to the entrustedwork. He is an approachable person to everybody. His hobbies arereading books and listening to music, especially poem, etc.

In his venture to the priesthood we wish Abin all the best to besigned with the voice of Christ in gathering his people and spreadingthe waves of the Word of God.

11. Dn. Augustine (Anoop) Vellaplackal VCDn. Augustine (Anoop), son of Luka and Elsy Luka of Kotiyoor

parish of St. Sebasitan in Kannur District of the Diocese ofManathavady, was born on 30th May 1987 at Kazargodu. He is thethird in the Vellaplackal family having two elder brothers and oneyounger brother. He did his schooling at G. H. S. Kalliot in KazergoduDistrict. Anoop started his minor seminary studies at Thrikkakaraand after the successful completion of the first year, shifted toPinakadimi for the intermediate studies.

Augustine made his first profession on 21st may 2007 after the

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novitiate at Meenangadi under the guidance of Fr. Davis Arackal.Then he stepped into the philosophical studies at our De Paul Institute,Bengaluru. During philosophical course Anoop secured B. A. Engilishliterature from M. G. University. He did his regency at De Paul hostel,Pinakadimi. He made his perpetual commitment on 19th May 2012.He completed his theological studies (2010-14) at VijnananilayamInstitute of Religion and Philosophy in Janampet. He will be ordaineda priest on 31st December 2014 at 2.30 pm at St. Vincent's Church,Edathotty by His Exacellency Mar. Sebastian Kallupura bishop ofBuxar.

Anoop is a man of prayer, commitment and hard work. He is veryjovial, with a charming personality ever attractive. He is able to formfriendship with all and is able to render a helping hand at any time.His expertise is seen at Volleyball and Basketball courts and othersuch outdoor activities. To summarize one could see him as an all-rounder. Dn. Anoop's watchword is "to offer spiritual sacrificesacceptable to God". We wish him all the best in his future ministry.

12. Dn. Antony (Justin) VattamattamIt is a happy and joyful occasion for the Vincentian Congregation

as well as to the faithful of Sacred Heart Church, Rajagiri that Dn.Antony (Justin) Vattamattam is going to be ordained on 1st January2015 at 9.15 am by his Excellency Mar Jacob Manathodath.

'Love like Jesus' is the slogan of this great young dynamicmissionary. He embraces priesthood to pray, love and serve. Thehero was born on 01.02.1987 as the third child of Mr. George andElsy George. He was given the name Antony in baptism. He has anelder sister and elder brother. He completed his studies from G.S.S.UP School, Kanakkenthuruthy and Mary Matha High School,Panthalampadam.

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Receiving inspiration from his sister as a missionary in North India,he joined the St. Thomas Province of Vincentian Congregation inJune 2003 with an ardent desire to live for Christ and his people. Hecompleted his minor seminary studies in Kristu Vidya Niketan Maidani,Rewa. He made his first profession after the completion of the novitiateat Kristu Krupalaya, Madhavgarh, Satna on 21st may, 2007. And thenhe reached De Paul Institute of Philosophy and Religion, Bangalorein search of wisdom and truth. Bro. Justin was sent to SanthomeMinor Seminary, Munoorpilly for regency. Then He proceeded to St.Ephrem's Theological College, for theological studies. During thisperiod he took his final profession on May 19, 2012. He was ordainedas deacon on 20th December 2013.

Justin is a man of prayer, trusting in God's grace and relying onthe promise of His strength, is ready to work for the spread of gospelof Christ. Let God, the Almighty give him the power to do so. He isvery jovial, with a charming personality ever attractive. No one everforgets him after a meeting. He is a good musician; able to drawothers to God through is melodious voice. We, the Vincentian familyassure him of all the support and prayers in his priestly ministry. Hismotto is To share the joy of the Gospel.

13. Dn. Varghese (Steby) Kallorkattu VCBorn on 29th April 1988 at the parish of Kabanigiri, Wayanad,

Kerala, a child to Mr. Devassia K.V and Mrs Saramma Devassia,Steby joined Vincentian Seminary in the year 2003 and he made hisfirst profession on 21st May 2007. After his philosophical studies inIndia he arrived in Africa on 26th June 2010. He did his pastoral yearat De Paul Mission School in Uvinza, Tanzania. After the pastoralyear, he joined Hekima College, Nairobi for his Theological Studies.He made his final dedication to the Master as a religious on 22nd July2012.

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Dn. Steby is a man of many hats: an artist, good organizer, excellentsportsman, preacher, brilliant student etc. He is a mighty instrumentin the hand of the Lord, a great blessing to the East African mission.As he is getting closer to the priesthood, his dream is "to be fragranceof God's love in this world."

14. Dn. Paul (Sudhin) PallichankudiyilThe Saints are not supermen, nor were they born perfect. They

are like us. When they recognized God's love they followed Himwith all their hear,t without reserve or hypocrisy. These words ofpope Francis stand as a mirror in the life of Dn. Paul. The 27 year oldDn. Paul is a prominent figure, yet remains a simple man and isloved by all those who know him.

Dn.Sudhin was born on 22 February,1987, at Chulliyana in wynadin a middle class family.His parents, Paulose and Susy brought himup as one who is specially consecrated to God. He did his secondaryschooling at Sacred Heart Dwaraga and then chose the path topriesthood, entering the Vincentian Minor Seminary, Thrikkakara. InMay 2007 he entered the novitiate. In Bagalore he did his Philosophicalstudies and served as a Regent at Thotakam Balabavan. His lastyears of formation have been in Vidyabhavan at the heart of theVincentian congregation. During this period in Vidyabhavan he servedmany parishes and excelled in his pastoral ministry. As he movesfrom here for his mission to serve the poor let us join our handstogether for him so that becomes a real apostle of his master, JesusChrist. When gets ordained on 3rd January 2015 we shall join him andhis family in giving thanks to the Lord for this favour and wish himthe best of blessings!

15. Dn. Paul (Anish) ThekkanathuDn. Paul (Anish) Thekkanathu was born on 27th May 1988 at

Kothamangalam. He is the youngest of the three children of

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Mr. George Varghese (late) and Mrs. Elsy George. He did his schoolingin Fr. J. B. M. U.P. School, Malayinkizhu and St. George HSS School,Kothamangalam.

Dn. Anish realized his vocation to priesthood as a call to work forthe people of North India; so he joined the minor seminary of St.Thomas Province at Munnoorppilly in June, 2003. He did hisintermediate studies at Kristu Vidya Neketan, Maidani, (M.P.). Hemade his first profession after the completion of the novitiate at KristuKripalaya, Madhovgarh on 21st May 2007. After three years ofphilosophy course at De Paul Institute Bangalore, Bro. Paul wassent to Vincentian House, Vikaspuri, Delhi for Regency. Then heproceeded to St. Ephrem's Theological College, Satna for furtherstudies. During this period he took his final profession on 6th February,2012. He was ordained a deacon on 20 December 2013. Dn. Paulwill be made a humble instrument in the hands of God by His GraceMar. Mathew Vaniakizhakel VC, (Bishop Emeritus of Satna), on 3rd

January 2015 at 9.15 a.m at St. George Cathedral Church,Kothamangalm and will celebrate his first Holy Qurbana thereafter.

Dn. Paul is a lovable and approachable person. He is able to formfriendship with all. He is a true missionary. He is also a good preacherand a very good co-ordinator. He is able to render a helping hand atany time. His expertise is seen at volleyball and in other such outdooractivities. Dear Anish, we wish you the choicest and abundantblessings of God on the gracious occasion of your priestly ordination.May the Lord shed his divine light on your path.

16. Dn. Tony VeliyathukunnelDn. Tony was born on August 11, 1987 at Cherpungal in the diocese

of Palai. He is the second son of the three children of Mr. Joseph andMrs. Theresa. With an ardent desire and aspiration he stepped intoVincentian Congregation and completed the minor seminary at Mylady

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and Palai. Then he entered the power house of formation, Novitiateat Kattapana. He also nurtured his rational thinking by differentphilosophies taught at De Paul , Bengaluru. When he completed hisphilosophical studies successfully he was sent to the minor seminaryat Palai for his practical training. There he excelled in training theyoung seminarians. He studied his theology at St. Joseph's,Mangalapuzha, Aluva.

He is a preacher, good organizer and excellent artist. He playsviolin beautifully. above all this our rector, Rev. Dr. SebastianThundathilkunnel observes that he is a straight forward man andstudious in his studies. So let us join our hands when he will beordained by Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kollamparambil (Bishop ofJagadalpur) on 3rd January 2015 at Holy Cross Forane Church,Cherpungal. At his venture to the priesthood we wish him all thebest in gathering his people and spreading the waves of the Word ofGod.

17. Dn. Joseph (Jinso) Kallerikajirakkadan VcJoseph was born on 23rd April 1988 in the parish of Potta, Thrissur,

Kerala. His parents are Vincent K.A and Rosily Vincent. After thesecondary schooling he joined the Vincentian Congregation in theyear 2003 and made his first profession on 21st May 2007. Afterphilosophical studies in India Br. Jinso Kallerikajirakkadan landed inthe African soil on10th June 2010. He did a great service in his pastoralyear at St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish, Mbarara, Uganda. In the year2011 he joined Hekima College for theological studies. He made thefinal commitment to the lord as a religious on 22nd July 2012.

Jinso is a man of actions and a great asset to the VincentianCommunity. God has blessed him with leadership quality to add colorto his multifaceted personality. He proved himself to be an eloquentspeaker and a community builder. As he is heading nearer to the altar

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of the Lord he dreams "to become a channel of Christ's peace"

18. Dn. Xavier Dilip Kumar vcDn. Dilip will be ordained priest on 04th January 2015 by his grace

most rev. Dr. Soundararaju SDB, Bishop of vellore. He belongs tothe parish of Our Lady of Presentation Church, Perunduraipattu, ofthe diocese of Vellore. Xavier Dilip Kumar was born on 9th of Januaryin 1981 as the third child of his parents, Mr. S. Lourdu Swamy andMrs. Rajamani. He secured his degree studies from Bangalore. Hejoined in the Vincentian congregation on June 21st 2003 in Myladi.He had his pre-noviciate formation in Chethimattom. He had hisnovitiate in Vincentian noviciate house, Kattappna. He was sent forphilosophical studies at De Paul Institute of Religion and Philosophy,Bangalore. He had his regency at the Vincentian ashram Pungavadi(Tamilnadu) in 2011. He entered Morning Star Regional Seminary,Kolkata in 2011, for his theological studies.

Bro. Xavier is a man of hard work, and a good orator also. Hisskill in vernacular language is appreciated by all. The ability to minglewith others is one of the traits of his personality. Now, his only dreamand motto is "to exalt the lord, to equip the church, and evangelize theworld". Yes, he is in full vigour and enthusiasm to go out to the endsof the world as the bearer of good news and be a witness to JesusChrist. Let us remember Dn. Xavier Dilip Kumar in our prayers andwish him all the best.

19. Dn. Varghese NirappelDn. Varghese Nirappel was born in 1984 August 19 as the fifth

and the youngest Son of Mr. Varkeychan and Mrs. Celine. He has 2brothers and 2 Sisters. After completing his schooling he joined theVincentian Minor Seminary, Edathotty and then did his second andthird year in Christunivas, Thrikkakara and he successfully completedhis novitiate at Meenangady. Then he had his philosophy at Banglore.

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He did his Regency in Thottakam. Then he studied German Langugaestaying at Logod Retreat Centre, Banglore and went to Germany, toAugsburg University for theological studies. And after completing itsuccessfully returned back on 19th August 2014. Then received theorder of Deaconate on Sep. 8 from His Excellency Mar, ThomasChakkiyath at a function at the Mary Matha Provincial house,Angamaly. His deacon ministry was in Ahamednagar Minor seminary.We must notice one thing that one of his elder brothers is a priest inthe Diocese of Palakkad and works in Germany right now. His secondelder sister is a nun in the CMC congregation and she also is workingin Germany.

Bro. Varghese used to play harmonium even as a school boy. Hewas a known sports man during his Philosophy. He continues thesame spirit still and so let's hope we are going to get a man full ofenergy as a priest through the hands of his Excellency Mar. JacobManathodath on 12th Jan. 2015 at 9.30 am in St. Joseph's Church,Neethipuram, Palakkad. What he wants to convey to everyonethrough his motto is, "By the Grace of God I AM WHAT I AM." (ICor. 15/10). Dear Deacon Varghese, we wish you all the best andprayers.

The compassion of the Gospel is that which accompanies intimes of need, that is, the compassion of the Good Samaritan,who “sees,” “has compassion,” approaches and providesconcrete help.

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XIII hn≥sk≥jy≥ k`m-Po-hnXw

tXm -IØv ÿm]n-X-amb sImth-¥-bpsS \ne-\n-ev]nepw ]ptcm-

K-Xn-bnepw AXo-h-X¬]-c-\m-bn-cp∂p, A`n-hμy ]tg-]-d-ºn¬ am¿

fqbokv sa{Xm-\-®≥. At±lw 1912 BKÃv 2˛mw XnbXn _. Im´-

dmØv h¿°n-b-®\v \¬Inb Iev]\ AXv \nXcmw hy‡-am-°p-

∂p-≠v. B Iev]-\-bnse {]k‡ `mK-ßƒ Xmsg tN¿°p-∂p:

sdKp-sf-bpw -a‰pw A\p-k-cn®v {Ia-{]-Im-c-ap≈ N´-ßƒ \S-Øp-

∂-Xn\v C\n H´pw Xma-kn∏n°p-hm≥ ]Sn-√m-Ø-Xm-Ip-∂p. Ihn-

™m¬ ASpØ P\p-hcn Bcw`w-ap-X¬ B sImth¥°p

th-≠p∂ kIe G¿∏m-Sp-I-tfmSpw i´w-sI- p-I-tfmSpw IqSn \S-

∏n¬h-cp-tØ-≠-Xm-sW∂v \ap°v \n¿_-‘-ap-≠v. AXn-\m¬ (1)

B sImth¥ th≠pw-{]-Imcw \SØn AXn¬\n∂pw B{K-ln-

®n-cn-°p∂ ]q¿Æ êw hcp-Øp-∂-Xn\v \ΩpsS tIm˛-A-Zyp-

tØm¿ s].-s]. _. I≠-Øn¬ BKp-kvXo-t\mkv sa{Xm-\-

®s\°qSn \mw Npa-X-e-s∏-Sp-Øn-bncn-°p-∂p .

sdKp-fbpw a‰pw A\p-k-cn®v {Ia-{]-Im-c-ap≈ N´-ßƒ \S-

Øp-∂-Xn\v C\n H´pw Xmkn-∏n-°m≥ ]mSn√m-Ø-Xm-Ip∂p F∂p

]d-bp-tºmƒ \S-∏n¬ hcp-tØ≠ sdKp-fbpw N´-ßfpw GXm-

bn-cn°pw F∂ tNmZyw Db-cp-∂p. tXm´-IØp sImth¥ XpS-

^m. tPmk v ]mº-°¬ V.C.

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ßn-b-t∏mƒØs∂ Hcp \nb-a-kw-lnX \evI-s∏- p. GXmWv AXv?

_. Im´-dm-Ø-®≥ tXmÍw sImth-¥-bpsS Bcw-`-sØ-°p-dn®v

Hsc-gp-Øn¬ C{]-Imcw ]d-™n-cn-°p∂p: Rßƒ kaq-l-Po-hn-

X-Øn¬ A\p-k-cn-t°≠ \nb-a-kw-ln-X-bm-Is´ hn. hn≥sk‚ v

Unt]mƒ ÿm]n® tIm¨{Kn-tK-j≥ Hm^v Zn anjt‚Xm-bn-cn-

°p-sa∂v A`n-h-μy-sa-{Xm≥ \n¿t±-in-°p-Ibpw kn.-Fw. Kp∏o-cn-

b¿ P\-dn¬\n∂v e`n® {]kvXpX \nb-a-kw-lnX Rßƒ°v Xcn-

Ibpw sNbvXp. _. Icn-bm-]p-c-bn-S-Øn¬ butk-∏-®\v tXm´-I-

Øp-\n-∂v t]m-Ip-hm≥ A\p-hmZw \evIn-sIm-≠p≈ Iev]-\-bn¬

am¿ fqbokv Xncp-ta\n ]d-bp-∂p, emk-dn-Ãvk-`-bm-bn-cp-∂m¬

sIm≈m-sa∂v \nßfpw kΩ-Xn-°p-Ibpw A{]-Imcw Rm≥ ]mco-

kn-segpXn emk-dn-Ãp-k-`m-t{i-jvT-t\mSv \ymb-{]-amWw hmßn-

°p-Ibpw AXns\ \nßƒ°pXcn-Ibpw Rm≥ AXns\ X¿÷n-

a-sN-øp-Ibpw Znh-kw-tXm-dpw- Im-t°-≠p∂ aWn-°q-dp-I-tfm-Sp-

IqSn \nßƒ°p Xcn-Ibpw sNbvXp.

sImth¥ th≠pw -{]-Im-cw-\-SØn AXn¬\n∂pw B{K-ln-

®n-cn-°p∂ ]q¿Æ-êw hcp-Øp-∂-Xn\v am¿ fqbokv Xncp-ta-\n-

bm¬ \nbp-‡-\mb s].-s].-_. I≠-Øn≥ am¿ AKp-kvXo-t\mkv

Xncp-ta\n, k`-bpsS ]p\-cp-≤m-c-W-Øn\v Xøm-sd-Sp-Øp-h∂

_. aÆmd Koh¿Ko-k-®\pw _. ]Δ-Øn-¬ At¥m-Wnb-®\pw

_. h´w-I-≠-Øn¬ tPm¿P®\pw \evInb Iev]-\-bn¬ hy‡-am-

°p-∂p-≠v, am¿ fqbokv Xncp-ta\n Dt±-in-°p∂ Cu ]q¿Æ-

êw ]pd-s∏-Sp-hn-°m≥ Fß-s\-bp≈ Pohn-X-amWv \bn-t°-

≠sX∂v. Cu \√ DZy-asØ ssZhw Bio¿h-Zn®v Cu k`-h-

gn-bmbn ssZh-kvXpXn h¿≤n-∏n-°p-∂-Xn\pw \nßƒ kmwtKm-

]mw-K-ap-≈-h-cm-bn-Øo-cp-∂-Xn\pw \ΩpsS \mSn\v CsXm-c-\p-{K-

l-am-bn-Øo-cp-∂-Xn\pw ssZhw CS-h-cp-Ø-s´-sb∂v \mw AXy-

[n-I-ambn B{K-ln-°p-Ibpw At]-£n-°p-Ibpw sNøp-∂p.

89 2014 December


CXns‚ A`n-hr≤n-°mbn \Ωm¬I-gn-bp-∂-sXm-s°bpw sNøp-

hm≥ \mw Ft∏mgpw Hcp-°-am-Wv. F∂m¬ Cu k`-bpsS \ne-

\nev]pw A`n-hr-≤nbpw CXn¬ tNcp∂ AwK-ß-fpsS ]cn-]q¿Æ-

amb kzbw-]-cn-Xym-K-sØbpw Ffn-a-sbbpw henb ipjvIm-¥n-

sbbpw ]pWy-kmw-tKm-]m-wKw- {]m-]n-∏m-\p≈ F{Xbpw i‡n-

bp≈ B{K-l-sØbpw ]cn-{i-a-sØbpw ssZhm-\p-{K-l-Øn-ep≈

Dd-∏mb ic-W-sØbpw a‰pw B{i-bn-®m-Wn-cn-°p-∂-Xv. AXn-\m¬

ssZh-kvXpXn h¿≤n-∏n-°Wsa∂p≈ henb B{K-l-tØm-Sp-Iq-

Snbpw \nß-sf-Øs∂ Dt]-£n-®p-sIm≠pw Bcw`n-®p-sIm-≈p-

hn≥. ssZhw \nßsf A\p-{K-l®v F√mw- ip-`-am°nØo¿°m-

Xn-cn-°pI-bn-√.

Cu Iev]-\-bn-eqsS \mw Fß-s\-bmWv k`m-Po-hnXw \bn-

t°-≠Xv F∂v am¿ AKp-kvXo-t\mkv Xncp-ta\n hy‡-am-°p-

∂p≠v. IrXyhpw hy‡-hp-amb \n¿t±-i-ß-fmWv At±lw \evIn-

bn-cn-°p-∂Xv: 1) k`mw-K-ß-fpsS ]cn-]q¿Æ-amb kzbw]cn-XymKw,

2) Ffn-a, 3) hen-b-ip-jvI-¥n, 4) ]pÆy-]q¿ÆX {]m]n-°m-\p≈

Xo{h-amb B{K-lhpw ]cn-{i-a-hpw, 5) ssZhm-\p-{K-l-Øn-ep≈

Dd-∏mb ic-Ww. Cu \n¿±njvS ]pWy-ßƒ hn.-hn≥sk‚ v

Unt]mƒ D]-tZ-kn-°p∂ ]©-kp-Ir-X-ßƒXs∂-bt√?

ChnsS \mw Hcm-fl-]-cn-tim-[\ \S-tØ-≠-Xp-≠v. A`n-hμy

]nXm-°-∑m-cp-sSbpw hn. hn≥sk‚nt‚bpw BZ¿i-ßfpw B{K-

l-ßfpw \mw F{X-am{Xw Dƒs°m-≠n-´p≠v; F{X-am{Xw

{]mh¿Øn-I-am-°p-∂≠v? \ΩpsS k` cq]-Xm -]-cn-[n-hn v BtKm-

f-]-cn-[n-bn-te°v Db¿∂n-cn-°p-∂p. ÿm]-\-ßfpw kwcw- -ßfpw

ASn-°Sn apt∂-dn-sIm-≠n-cn-°p-∂p. AX-\p-k-cn®v \ΩpsS hy‡n-

Po-hn-Xhpw kaql Pohn-Xhpw ]ptcm-K-a-Kn°p-I-bmtWm inYn-

eo-IrX-amhpI-bmtWm? \njvIr-jvS-amb Hcm-fl-]-cn-tim-[\ sNøp-

90 2014 December


∂-]£w Cu inYn-eo-I-cWw GsX√mw taJ-e-I-fn¬, {]ÿm-\-

ß-fn¬ D≠m-Ip-∂-≠v, D≠m-bn-´p≠v F∂v a\- n-em-Ipw.

C√m-bva-bn¬\n-∂p-h-f¿∂p-h∂ hn≥sk≥j≥k- -bn¬ C∂v

Zmcn-{Zy-Øn-\p-]-Icw [q¿Øpw BUw-_-c-hpw, kzbw-]-cn-Xym-K-

Øn\p ]Icw kz¥w ta[m-hnXzw ÿm]n-s®-Sp-°m-\p≈ hy{K-

Xbpw \S-am-Sp-∂nt√? ]q¿ÆX {]m]n-°m≈ B{K-l-amtWm {]i-

kvXnbpw {]m-am-Wn-I-Xzhpw ÿm]n-s®-Sp-°p-hm-\p≈ hy{K-X-

bmtWm C∂v IqSp-X¬? Ffn-abpw ssZhm-\p-{K-l-t_m-[hpw

Hs° \jvS-s∏- p-sht∂m! ssZh-kvXpXn h¿≤n-∏n-°W-sa-∂p≈

henb B{K-l-tØm-SpIq-Snbpw kzbw Dt]-£n-®p-sIm≠pw Bcw-

`n-®p-sIm-≈p-hn≥ F∂p≈ Blzm\w BZn-]n-Xm-°-∑m¿ kzoI-

cn®v A\p-jvTn-®p-t]m-∂p-sh-¶nepw AhcpsS ]n≥X-e-ap-d-°-m¿

ssZh-kvXpXn h¿≤n-∏n-°m-\p≈ Xo£v-W-X-bn¬ Gs‰-Sp-Øn- p≈

]≤-Xn-I-fn¬ Bfl-kvXp-Xn-]q-c-I-amb Fs¥√mw \S-°p∂p!

Bflo-bm-tLm-j-ß-fpsS ]cn-[n-hn´v s]mß-®-Øns‚ \ng-en-

te°pw BtLm-j-ß-fn-te°pw hgp-Xn-ho-gp∂ ImgvN-Iƒ \mw

ImtW-≠n-h-cp-∂nt√? Bflo-b-tI-{μ-ßƒ a‰p-≈-h¿°v {]tbm-

P-\-s∏-Sp∂p-sh¶n¬Øs∂bpw \ap°v F{X-am{Xw {]tbm-P-\-

s∏-S-∂p≠v?

C∂v icn-bm-b-hn-[-Øn-ep≈ Hcp kaq-l-Po-hnXw, ]c-kv]-c-

k-º¿°hpw sFIyhpw ]¶p-h-bv°epw D≈ Hcp kaq-l-Po-

hnXw {]mh¿-Øn-I-am-Ip-∂pt≠m? kp∏o-cn-b¿°pt]mepw

Adn™p-IqSm AwK-ßƒ Fhn-sS-t]m-bn, F¥n-\p-t]m-bn,

Ft∏mƒ Xncn-s®-Øp-sa-s∂ms°! t]mbn-°-gn™v samss_¬

t^mWn-eqsS Andnbn-t®°pw CuhI hnh-c-ßƒ! A\p-k-c-W-

{h-X-Øns‚ B¥-cn-Im¿∞w-t]mepw C∂v If-™vIp-fn-®n-cn-

°p∂p! kaqlw Gs‰-Sp-Øp-\-S-Øp∂ Imcy-ßƒ \n¿Δ-ln-°p-

∂-Xn¬ AwK-ß-fpsS DØ-c-hm-Zn-Xzhpw ]¶pw F{X-am{Xw! AXn¬

91 2014 December


Ahsc kl-I-cn-∏n-°m≥X-°-hn[w kp∏o-cn-tbgvkv s]cp-am-dp-

∂pt≠m F∂Xpw Nn¥-\obw! kp∏o-cn-b-tdmSv kl-I-cn-°m≥

F¥p-am{Xw Xm¬]-cy-ap≠v C∂v kaq-lmwKßƒ°v; AwK-ß-

fpsS kl-I-cWw kwe-_v[-am-°p-hm≥, DØ-c-hm-Zn-Xz-ßƒ ]¶p-

h-bv°p-hm≥ kp∏o-co-tb-gvkn\v F{X-am{Xw Xm¬]-cy-ap≠v?

\ΩpsS hnZym`ym-k-ÿm-]-\-ßƒ, [ym\-tI-{μ-ßƒ XpS-ßn-

b-h-bn¬ hym]r-X-cm-bn-cn-°p-∂-h¿°v \ΩpsS kaq-l-hp-ambn

F¥p-am{Xw _‘-ap≠v? ss\bm-an-I-ambn Ah-sc√mw AXXp

kaq-l-ß-fnse AwK-ßfm-Wv. F∂m¬ kaq-l-{I-a-ß-fnepw A\p-

jvTm-\-ß-fnepw Ah-cpsS km∂n[yw F{X-am{Xw? \ap°v A[nIw

kaq-l-IrXyßfn-√-t]mepw. cmhn-sebpw sshIp-t∂-chpw D≈

kaq-l-{]m¿∞-\-I-fn¬ ]¶p-sIm-≈p-hm\pw a‰w-K-ß-tfmsSmØv

`£n-°m\pw Aev]-t\cw kw`m-j-W-Øn¬ G¿s∏-Sp-hm\pw hnti-

j-ßfpw Xam-i-Ifpw ]¶p-h-bv°p-hm\pw Cu cwK-ß-fn-ep-≈-

h¿°v Ign-tb-≠-Xt√? ]Øn-e-[nIw AwK-ß-fp≈ kaq-l-Øn¬

]Øp-an-\n-s‰-¶nepw a‰w-K-ß-tfm-sSmØv Ign-bm≥, kw`m-jn-°m≥,

{]m¿∞n-°m≥ CS-bm-Ip-∂pt≠m? Xm¬]-cy-ap-≠-¶n¬ km[n-°pw.

AXn\v k`mw-K-ßƒ DZyp-‡-cmtb aXn-bm-hq. t]m∏p-e¿an-j≥

[ym\-ßƒ°p-t]m-Ip-tºmƒt]mepw Imt\m-\-\-a-kvIm-c-ßfpw

\ΩpsS kaq-l-{]m¿∞-\Ifpw Iq´-am-bn-Øs∂ \S-Ø-W-sa∂v

\njvI¿jn® hn. hn≥sk-≥dv Un t]m-fns‚ k¥m-\-ß-ft√ \mw?

kaq-l-Po-hnXw C√m-Xm-°n-sIm-≠v, hy‡n-K-X-Po-hn-X-hp-ambn

kz¥w Xmev]-cy-ßƒ°v hgßn Pohn-°p∂ k`mw-K-ßƒ C∂v

F{X? Nne XkvXn-I-Iƒ kz¥-am-°n-h®v hmgp-∂-h¿, AXn¬\n∂v

am‰w B{K-ln-°m-Ø, AsXms° kz¥w IpØ-I-bm°n h®n-cn-

°p-∂-h¿ C∂v \ΩpsS k`-bnens√t∂m? taP¿ kp∏o-cn-tb-

gvkn\v Hcp tSw \mep-h¿jw; ]ns∂bpw thW-sa-¶n¬ Hcp \mep

h¿jw-Iq-sS. AXn-\p-tijw Ipd-®p-\m-ftØs°-¶nepw k`m-]-

92 2014 December


c-amb A[n-Imcw ssIbm-fm≥ ]‰p-I-bn-√. AXp \nb-a-am-Wv.

]t£ \ΩpsS Nne ÿm]-\-ß-ƒ kz¥-ambn ssIb-S-°n-h-®v,

Ahn-tS°v \ntbm-Kn-°-s∏-Sp-∂-hsc Aev]-Im-e-Øn-\p-tijw

Ahn-sS-\n∂pw ]mbn®v A[n-Im-c-a-Ø-cmbpw kzm¿∞-cmbpw ]b-

‰p-∂-h¿ C∂v \ΩpsS k`-bn-en-s√t∂m? hntZ-i-Øp-t]m-bm¬

Ahn-sS-XØs∂- X-ßp-∂-hcpw, k`-bn¬tN¿∂-Xp-Xs∂ hntZ-

iØp hkn-°m-\m-sW∂v hn{`m-¥n-sIm-≈p-∂-hcpw \ΩpsS k`-

bn-en-t√? Zb-\ob ImgvN! \n -lm-bX! kpa-\- p-I-sf-t∏mepw

Xf¿Øp∂ Zp¿KXn! \ho-I-cWw hc-Ww.

Hmtcm-cp-Øcpw X\n-sb-bmWv {hX-hm-KvZm\w sNbvXn-cn-°p-

∂-Xv. Hcm-fpsS Ipd-shm∂pw \sΩ \jvS-ss[-cy-cm-t°-≠-Xn-√.

a‰p-≈-h¿°v kXvt{]-c-Wbpw klm-bhpw \evIp-hm≥ Ign-bpw.

AXmWv kaq-l-Øn¬\n∂v, kaq-l-Po-hn-X-Øn¬\n∂v Imw£n-

°p-hm≥ Ign-bp-I. hn. -hn≥sk‚ns‚ {Im¥ZrjvSn-bm-Wt√m

Hcp {]tXyI PohnX]Yw shń-Xp-d-°p-hm\nS-bm-°n-bXv: Htc-

k-abw k\ym-knbpw I¿Ω-tbm-Knbpw Bbn-cn-°p-I. hy‡n-]-c-

ambn k\ym-k-Po-hnXw \bn-®p-sIm≠v I¿Ω-]-cn-]m-Sn-I-fn¬ DZyp-

‡-\m-Ip∂ Hcp hn≥sk≥j≥ Bbn-cn-°pI! F{X al-\o-b-

amWv AXv! {]m¿∞-\bpw {]h¿Ø-\hpw ka-÷-k-ambn ktΩ-

fn-∏n-®p-sIm-≠p≈ Hcp PohnXw! k\ym-k-Po-hn-X-Øns‚

-G-IXm\X-bn-√msX, {]h¿Ø-\m-fl-I-Po-hn-X-Øns‚ IvfnjvS-X-

Isf ad-∂v, Htc-k-abw ssZhsØbpw ssZh-P-\-sØbpw D]m-

kn-®p-sIm-≠≈ Hcp Pohn-X-am-bn-cn-°s´ hn≥sk≥j≥ k`mwK-

ßfp-tS-Xv. AtX, k¿tΔm]cn Hcp hn≥sk≥jy\m-bn-cn-°p-I.

93 2014 December


The inclusion of the poor and care for the vulnerable members ofthe society is themes here closely related to our Vincentian charismand the on-going and necessary process to achieve our charism!Vincent placed the poor at the center of his message, his activity, andthe programme that he passed on to the members of the Congregationof the Mission, the daughters of Charity, and the Confraternities ofCharity. That was Vincent’s spiritual experience, one that he sharedwith the Vincentian family and with the Church of his era. When welisten to the phrase, preferential option for the poor, we begin to recallVincent’s words, teachings, and ministry.

It is true that there was an evolution in Vincent’s thinking as wellas that of the church: from serving and caring for and providing forthe needs of those who are poor, we moved to a vision to give thepoor an active role in the process of evangelization. The poor are nolonger simply the object of our assistance and care, but they are thesubject of their own human promotion and that of their brothers andsisters. There has been a movement away from a passive attitude inwhich the poor become protagonists in this whole process. Vincenthad similar insights in this regard, for example, when he sought the

XIV The Social DimensionThe Social DimensionThe Social DimensionThe Social DimensionThe Social Dimension

of Evangelizationof Evangelizationof Evangelizationof Evangelizationof EvangelizationVincentian Echoes in E.G. 176 – 288

by Bishop Vicente Bokalic Iglic, C.M Diocese of Santiago del Estero - Argentina

94 2014 December


human promotion of poor people so that they themselves would beable to better appreciate their own worth as human beings.

There is a beautiful phrase in the exhortation: “To draw closer tothe poor, to become their friend, to lend our voice to their cause”; inother words, we should not look at the poor from afar. This meanswe become involved in the life of the poor and we allow the poor toevangelize us, and so with their faith, culture, their understanding oflife, and their experience of divine providence and hope. We allowthem to evangelize us in their ability to celebrate, even in the midst ofpoverty and marginalization. Becoming a friend to the poor is a valuethat should make us raise questions and examine the way in whichwe live our life: who are our friends? Do we allow the poor to teachus? The poor can teach us: the closer we are to the poor, the moremeaningful Vincent’s words become, namely, “love is inventive untoinfinity”.

There are times when we become powerless and overwhelmedby so much misery and suffering that surrounds us. There are timewhen our ecclesial communities experience desert moments,monotony, lack of joy; and yet, if we draw closer to the poor in thosemoments. Our missionary spirit and frvour will be renewed. If webecome that church that goes out to encounter the poor, we willbreath in new air and experience new graces that will enable us tocontinue to renew the Church. It is also true that as we become thechurch that goes out to encounter the poor, we move out beyond ourcomfort zone. As we do this repeatedly, we will discover that thoseencounters with the poor will change our appearance and give usnew vitality.

The poor are the sacrament of Christ. Our option for the poor isrooted in our faith; it is not something ‘extra’, but rather an essentialelement of our faith. We could say this is not an option, but a command

95 2014 December


of Jesus, namely, that we do what Jesus did and teach what Jesustaught. Every brother and sister, every community ought to askthemselves what they are doing for the poor and with the poor. AsVincentians, we cannot avoid such a question. We cannot live ourlife on the level of beautiful ideas, insightful reflections, and goodintentions. A concrete real commitment with the poor is the authenticsign of our faith and fidelity in following Jesus.

In both our personal and community plans, we encouraged to movefrom ideas to action, from affective love to effective love. Such isthe personal and pastoral conversion of which Pope Francis refers.Together as a Vincentian Family, we are exhorted to seek out andengage in concrete projects and plans to draw us closer to those whoare poor. This means that we must become involved in the life of thepoor and allow the poor to interrupt our calmness and security. Weare challenged to make this vocation of love manifested in simple,humble, and effective service, to make this vocation a reality that isattractive to others.

The Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis provides us with greatermotivation to live our Vincentian charism. We should feel trulymotivated at the present time. As we read and re-read the exhortation,let us discover in the background of that document the life, the spiritand the ministry of St. Vincent de Paul.

[After each Synod, the Holy Father has published an ApostolicExhortation. Such was the case with Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joyof the Gospel”). The document that Pope Francis published onNovember 24, 2013 was developed as a result of the conclusions ofthe XII Ordinary Synod (October 7 – 28, 2012) that had as its theme,“The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”.EG 176-258 highlights the social dimension of the proclamation ofthe Gospel and speaks energetically about the option for the poor and

96 2014 December


their social inclusion in society and in the Church. EG 169-288develops the theme of spirituality and mysticism of the evangelizer,the missionary disciple.]

(excerpts from Vincentiana July-September 2014)

A Church goer wrote a letter to the Editor of a newspaper andcomplained that it made no sense to go to Church every Sunday.

“I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time Ihave heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me,I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wastingmy time and the Priests are wasting theirs by giving sermons atall.”

This started a real controversy in the ‘Letters to the Editor’column. Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeksuntil someone wrote this clincher:

“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife hascooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recalthe entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do knowthis... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I neededto do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I wouldbe physically dead today. Likewise, if I have not gone to churchfor nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today.”

FAMILY BOND - Vincentian Congregation

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