MISSIONARIES OF ST. RANCIS DE SALES
NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE
MSFS PROVINCIALATE
GPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001
Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510
Email: /
FT/22– Circular – August 2010
Dear Confreres,
Greetings to you in the name of the Lord! Months have come and gone; and during the past months, we have accomplished many things for our communities. I thank everyone for their committed service to the people. As consecrated persons, sent on a mission, we become the channels of grace for the people through our obedient and committed service. It is extremely important for every community and individual to evaluate critically both the personal and common witness. The Focus 2010-2011 invites us to offer our best to the people:
Our unconditional commitment to proclaim the good news is the inspiration behind every form of our involvement with people. As religious missionaries, ever docile to the workings of the spirit, we pledge to involve integrally and respond creatively to the changing situations of the people; and thereby, leaving memories of our transforming presence in the heart of the community, for the greater glory of God.
Our involvement with the people must usher in positive change to their lives and provide certain excellence to their personhood and human dignity. Religious are catalysts of change. Religious consecration is like the “fire in the ashes” (Joan Chittister), ever ready to enkindle a new fire. Whether we like it or not, the social and technological changes would always challenge us. We have to respond to these changes in a new way without diminishing the value of our spiritual and religious traditions. There’s no doubt that we are in a better position to bring about positive change through our schools, parishes and hostels and by the ministries. Religious are not meant to function merely as “maintenance personnel”; on the contrary, they are called to become motivators and imaginative agents of constructive changes. Called to become harbingers of fresh hope for the people, we need an attitudinal change in several fields of our service. Today, more and more people look for innovative solutions to complex development and social problems of the region. Can we not offer some share of our Fransalian heritage to the people of the region? I believe, we can, but possible only to the extent we open ourselves to the workings of the Spirit in us. When we allow the Spirit of God to guide us we become spiritual persons.
As religious, we belong to a community guided by the lawful superior. Through my close contact with the members, I have seen the varying faces of faithfulness to community life lived out by our confreres. I admire those confreres who live their religious life as enshrined in the Constitutions and the Directory. However, the spirit of obedience and sense of belonging to a religious community is vehemently attacked by a mistaken notion of individualism. Sadly, the dreadful effect of the individualism is visible in our communities. I urge the confreres to live their personal life and witness in the spiritual tradition of our congregation. We must be willing to be guided by the legitimate authorities; and show receptivity to mutual correction and guidance. It should be clear to us that we will be useful to the Church in this region only if we are committed to religious living in its fullest sense. I trust in God’s grace for each of us. I believe in the capacity of every confrere to rise up to the demands of our consecration. The MSFS in the region must become a “movement”; the kind of movements in the history of the world that has brought in social and developmental changes. And to create changes, we must also walk the path of change! Change, we must, if we love our Congregation!
With Nostalgic memories
On August 15, 2010, we too join the millions of our country to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Independence from the British Rule. The Nation has made phenomenal progress in various fields; however, even after six decades, many people of the country are deprived of their basic amenities. We also know that the governments have made numerous efforts to reach out to the poor; yet, only a small percentage of the welfare schemes reach to the poor. As leaders in the grassroots, we all have a significant and prophetic role to play in assisting the rural poor.On August 15, with much devotion and love, we also celebrate the feast of Assumption of our Blessed Mother. The numerous feasts celebrated in honor of Blessed Virgin clearly show the display of Church’s irresistible love for her. Let us approach Mary as her devoted children.
The Birth Centenary of the “Saint of the Gutters”
Throughout the world, several programs have been planned to mark the birth centenary of Mother Teresa on Aug 26, 2010. A national-level symposium on the ‘Life and Message of Mother Teresa’ will be held in the capital on Aug 27. Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil would officially introduce the coin during a celebration of the centenary in New Delhi on Aug. 28. In Kolkata a series of programs has been jointly organized by the Church and civil society to observe the birth centenary. In many parts of our country, the day will be remembered and celebrated recalling the service of Mother Theresa, the saint of the Gutters. Mother Teresa was born on Aug. 26, 1910. She arrived in Kolkata in 1929 as a Loreto nun and began her mission among “the poorest of the poor” in the slums of Kolkata and launched the Missionaries of Charity congregation in 1949. She died on Sept. 5, 1997. We are closely associated with a number of communities of Missionaries of Charity. Let us also join the whole world to remember the “Mother”.
The Circular from the Superior General
The circular of our beloved Superior General has been sent to every member of the province. It should be a joy to receive the circular from the Superior General. As always, the letter contains a wealth of thoughts, rich reflections and fresh directives for our lives. I request the communities and apostolic communities to read, reflect and discuss on the contents and seek inspiration for our lives.
The Circular from the Provincials of India Forum
As you know, some time back, the Provincials of India Forum was constituted by the Superior General for effective collaboration and sharing among all the Indian provinces. Fr. Mario D’Souza is the chairman of the Forum. I am happy to enclose the first circular from the chairman of the Provincials of India Forum. It shares some common concerns and news and views. Enjoy reading! Begin discussing on common concerns! Share your intelligent and innovative thoughts with your confreres. The msfs provinces must grow together and we have enormous resources to give a visibility to our presence in India. It is good to remember: Divided, we perish; united, we grow steadily!
Recollections 7 with St. Francis De Sales
The new set of recollections has been distributed to the members of the Province. It is a rich source of Salesian spirituality. Once again, we offer our thanks to the team of confreres who have worked earnestly to prepare the set of recollections. Fr. Devasia Manalel is the convener of this team. In glowing terms, the Superior General offers his appreciation for this set of Recollections: “Rarely have I seen a simple, down to earth, and cajoling pedagogical approach in presenting spirituality as a way of life…” Let us use this booklet profitably.
The Annual retreat at MSFS Study house
The MSFS Study house, once again received the participants of the first group of confreres who were registered for the annual retreat 2010. Forty eight confreres of the province participated in a five- day retreat animated by Fr. Jacob Parapally MSFS, a well known theologian and Fransalian missionary. Centered on the theme of priesthood, the talks were filled with rich insights into the mystery of priestly call, with lively sharing from practical examples and experiences drawn from day to day life. I sincerely thank Fr. Jacob Parapally for his availability for the confreres of the Province.
The Four-week Salesian Retreat for the Theology Students
The theology students of MSFS Study House Shillong participated in a Four- week Salesian retreat at Holy Redeemer Retreat centre, Umroi. Fr. Anthony Mookenthottam and Devasia Manalel were the resource persons. The retreat aims at helping the young Fransalians grow in Salesian Spirituality and to a deeper awareness of their distinct call as religious. The participants share their personal experiences: “ at first I found it very boring, but as I entered deep into it, I found myself growing…”; “I feel I have improved my relationship with God and others”; “I have gained a lot from this retreat in the area of self discovery.”
We thank the director and staff of the retreat Centre for providing a prayerful ambience to the participants. The Province is deeply indebted to Fr. Anthony Mookenthottam and Devasia Manalel for guiding the young confreres. The retreat is a one of those mandatory programs for the scholastics, expected to be completed prior to their perpetual profession in the Congregation.
The First Three msfs confreres from the African Continent for the South Africa Region
The First Religious Profession of three novices belonging to the Southern African Region took place on the 10th of July 2010 at Fransalianum Novitiate,Kibaha in Tanzania. In all there were 7 novices who made their first profession: 3 for East African Province, 3 for Southern African Region and 1 for Mozambique.TheEucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Thomas Olickal, the provincial of the East African Province. Thelively singing with the traditional African musical instruments andrhythmadded solemnity to thecelebration. Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil preached the homily on the parable of the Vine and the branches. The vows of the three novices of the East African Province as well as that of the Mozambican novice were received by Fr. Thomas Olickal, while the vows of the three novices of the Southern African Region were received by Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil. The names of the newly professed for the SA Region are: Fabian Wasonga Wawi, Godwin Nuwamanga and Nicholas Ndunda Maingi. The ceremony was witnessed by 17 priests, religious sisters from the nearby communities and the laity. The Eucharistic Celebration was followed by felicitations and the festive lunch. Congratulations to the newly professed! We welcome them warmly into the family of the MSFS and wish them God’s blessings in their commitment. (Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil)
The Inauguration of the Higher Secondary Block
The newly constructed block of the St. Francis De Sales Higher Secondary School comes as a blessing to the people of the area, providing more facilities for the education of the students. The new block was inaugurated on 15th July 2010 at 10 am in the presence of a large gathering of dignitaries, local community leaders, parents, staff and students. Shri Mhathung Kithan IAS (Commissioner and secretary education, Govt of Nagaland) inaugurated the building and Very Rev. Fr. Carlous Neisalhou (Vicar General, diocese of Kohima) led the ceremony of the Blessing. Very Rev. Fr. Thadathil, the provincial Northeast India province was the guest of honor at the function. The Chief Guest, in his address, highlighted the great contribution of Catholic Church to the field of education. The students of the school presented a beautiful cultural program to mark the occasion. The construction of the block took exactly one year. (Fr. Kurian Ovelil msfs)
Note: On behalf of the province, I truly appreciate the hard work of Fr. Kurian Ovelil in accomplishing the construction work in a record time. At the same time, I thank the benefactors who supported us with financial assistance and the team of workers who diligently carried out the construction work.
Superiors Forum Meeting
The annual meeting of the Superiors’ Forum was held from 29-30 July 2010 at the MSFS Provincialate. In all, 44 members participated in the two- day program, which dealt with a variety of matters pertaining to the life and ministry of the confreres in the province. A brief report will be sent to the communities in the course of time.
Strategy Planning Session
As arranged earlier, a core team consisting of eight confreres spent two full days with the animator of the Strategy Planning and has developed the necessary tools to assess the MSFS as an organization engaged in service of the people of the region. The details of the process and tools of assessment were shared with the participants of the Superiors’ Forum. The entire process is expected to be completed by January 2011. In the course of time, these details also will be circulated among the members of the province.
The Ongoing Formation program in the Congregation
Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil MSFS, General Secretary for innovative Ministry and Resource Mobilization is arranging THREE pastoral programs during the months of October, November, and December. The participants of last year’s Clinical Pastoral Education Programme and Superiors’ Training Programme have opined that the programs were highly enriching and helpful. So, here’s again:
1. Four Week Clinical Pastoral Progamme:
Venue: MSFS Provincial House, Guwahati, Assam
Time: October 20 – November 16, 2010
Participants: Confreres who had any pastoral ministry – experience for 5 to 15 yrs
Number of participants: 18 (three from each province)
Resource person: Rev. Dr. Charles Gravenstine (Catholic University of America, Washington D.C.)
The following confreres of the Province will be participating:
Joseph Puliyilakat, Joseph Chackalackel and ------
2. Two weeks training for superiors and those in leadership in animating groups and community
Venue: MSFS Provincial House, Guwahati: Time: November 24 – December 7, 2010
Participants: Superiors, Principals, Parish Priests, and anyone in leadership
Number of participants: 24 (four from each province)
Resource person: Rev. Dr. Charles Gravenstine
The following confreres of the Province will be participating:
Joseph Thazhathukunnel, Tomy Moonnamppillil , Augustine Thundathil, Thomas Kollathuvayalil, George Kunnel.
3. Inner Home Improvement: Developing skills as Spiritual Directors
Venue: SFS Vidyashram, Aluva ; Time: November 21 – November 26, 2010
Participants: Seminary staff, novitiate staff, retreat preachers, and those in counseling ministry.
Number of participants: 24 (four from each province)
Resource person: Rev. Dr. Paul Mast
The following confreres of the Province will be participating: Joseph Kizhakeveedu, Jose theganakunnel, Emmanuel Upppanthadathil, Varghese Manikathan.
Confreres in Study Programs:
Fr. Tomy Anakallil, Diploma course in printing technology at Salesian Graphic Arts, Chennai. He resides with the Holy Cross brothers. His address: Brothers of Holy Cross, Sterling Towers, 123, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034.
Fr. Shaibu Ezhanikatt; for the M.Sc Degree in Visual Communication, at Loyola College, Chennai. He resides at MSFS House (St.Thomas Mount). His address: MSFS Hosuse, Hill Top, Butt Road, 3rd Lane, St. Thomas Mount, Channai-16.
Bro. Alwyn Zothansanga is studying the musical instrument Violin; and Fr. John Barman, is studying Western Classical Music ( professional course). Both are admitted to Chetana Music Academy, Trichur, Kerala. The academy is run by CMI fathers and it is affiliated to Trinity College, London. They reside with the MSFS community, Desom, Aluva.
Fr. Mark Hriinii; for diploma course in Formation at Bangalore. His address: Adhyatma Vidya Peetham, International Insstitute of Spirituality, Carmelaram P.O. Bangalore-560035.
Fr. Anthony Kattathara; for B. Ed Studies at Dr. Anita Baruah Sarmah College of Education, Guwahati.
Fr. Francis Peethurethel; for B. Ed Studies at Daying Ering College of Teacher Education, Pasighat.
Fr. John Kelamkuzhackel; for M. Ed Studies at National Institute for Teacher Education, Guwahati
The Team of Vocation Directors
I thank the team of vocation Directors of the province, who have made every effort recruit worthy candidates to our congregation. Due to transfers and other factors a new list of vocation direcors has been prepared and the following confreres are assigned to the task of recruiting the candidates from the specified areas:
1.POOVAKULATHU Jude (Vocation Driector, Khasi Hills, Mizoram and Tripura)
2.EATTIKATTIL Antony (Vocation Director Arunachal Pradesh)
3.BELO Francis (Vocation Director, Upper Assam)
4.BOLWARI MARAK Peter (Vocation Director, Garo Hills)
5.KAREKAT Dominic (Vocation Director, Manipur)
6.NARZARY Ronesh (Vocation Director, Lower Assam)
7.MANICKATHAN Varghese Paul (Vocation Director, Kerala)
8.OLICKAMALA Thomas (Vocation Director Nagaland)
The confreres of the province are expected to get in touch with the respective vocation director whenever a suitable candidate is found for our province. I thank everyone for their cooperation.
Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy takes on a challenging ministry in Tanzania.
Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy has been in the forefront of our missionary ventures in Northeast India for the last three decades. His foresight, diligence, patience, and perseverance have taken the Province to greater heights. The members of the province recall with gratitude the witness of his life and rich contribution he has made for the growth of the Province and its members.
At the request of Fr. Augustine Manghat, the Coordinator of Lumen Christi Institute, Arusha Tanzania, Fr. Mullenkuzhy is embarking on a new missionary enterprise. Fr Abraham will be leaving India on August 18, 2010 to take up a teaching position at LCI, which is to start the session in September 2010. As the senior most member of the province, Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy sets example of missionary spirit and demonstrates the generosity to be at the service of the Congregation. Age cannot wither the missionary dynamism of Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy! His service to LCI is only for a short term, which is to be discerned in the course of time. As he undertakes the ministry in a new continent, let us assure him of our prayers and support. Bon Voyage, Dear father!
The Forums 2010-2011
According to the policies of the New Governance the forums are to be updated in June each year. Please find the list for 2010-2011
1.Education Forum of the Province (EF-P) for 2010-2011