Msfs Provincialate

NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE

MSFS PROVINCIALATE

GPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001

Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510

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FT/30 – Circular – May 2011

Dear Confreres,

Greetings of peace!

The exhortation of St. Paul that “You must be made new in mind and spirit, and put on the new nature” (Eph 4:23-24), is a call to echo the Easter experience of the disciples. Like the disciples, in the joy of Easter, we too continue our missionary journey in the region. We thank God for the gift of our religious and priestly calling. The Lord can lead us only if we are generous enough to give our total person. In the surrender of our love, distances disappear; and the tough terrains become holy grounds, where the Lord of love meets on a personal relationship. This close and unique relationship with God alone can transform us into genuine mystics and prophets.

The month of May offers special moments of grace for our onward journey: It begins with the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, and goes on with the special devotion to our Blessed Virgin. During this month, Mother’s day is celebrated in many of the communities. Moreover, on May 24th, Blessed Virgin is remembered under the title of “Mary help of Christians”, and on 31st we celebrate the feast of Visitation. Then the fourth Sunday of Easter, which falls on May 15th, is celebrated as World day of prayer for vocations. This year is the 48th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. All these moments have something to offer for our spiritual life and journey.

Marian Devotion in our communities

During this month, let us make every effort to instruct our communities about the role played by Mary in the Salvation history and highlight her discipleship. It should be our privilege to use this month in order to offer a fresh catechesis to the faithful. And in our instructions, we could easily underscore the title of Mary, the Mother of Compassion, which is dear to our Congregation. I encourage all our confreres to develop themes pertaining to the title and share the insights at some forums so as to develop a systematic presentation on the Mother of Compassion, the patroness of our Congregation.

I. The Acts of the Chapter

A. The Statement of the Provincial Chapter 2011

We, the members of the Northeast India Province of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, assembled for the Fourth Ordinary Provincial Chapter at MSFS Provincialate, Narengi, Guwahati, from 27 to 31 March 2011, prayerfully reflected and deliberated on the theme, FRANSALIANS AS MYSTICS AND PROPHETS IN NORTHEAST INDIA: Re-discovering the heart of the Charism for prophetic mission.

The Special call of the Fransalians in the Northeast India is to be MYSTICS and PROPHETS. The mystical experience and the prophetic mission form the dual dimension of our religious life as Fransalians. As mystics, we grow in our consecration through an intimate experience of God in personal and common prayer and in our common living according to the Fransalian way of life. We commit ourselves to the prophetic mission through our apostolates of parish missions, foreign missions and education of the youth in the context of Northeast India.

FRALIANS AS MYSTICS IN NORTHEAST INDIA:

Our Mystical Experience: The foundation for our prophetic life is the profound personal God-experience. We become effective in our witness and ministry when we transmit the God-experience to the people we serve. Our call is to be Christian mystics, with a Salesian and Fransalian thrust. The personal discipline, regularity with regard to personal prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, daily common celebration of the Eucharist and developing a personal program of life enable us to make progress in our God-experience. The mystical experience is lived in the prophetic mission and the prophetic mission is rooted in the mystical experience.

FRANSALIANS AS PROPHETS IN NORTHEAST INDIA:

Our Mission is a Prophetic Mission: Our commitment to the mission is the expression of our commitment to the Lord. The personal commitment of our founder expressed in his “1 want Mission”, flows from his mystical union with the Lord. This inspires us as Fransalians in the Northeast India to commit ourselves wholly and without reserve to our apostolates.

Parish Mission: We commit ourselves to consolidate the existing parish missions, and to venture into new areas wherever it is feasible. We resolve to recommit ourselves to the preaching and renewal ministries by strengthening the existing renewal centers and extending our services to the other areas of the region.

Formation: We continue to impart an integral formation in all our formation houses with special emphasis on Salesian spirituality and Fransalian way of life. We resolve to qualify our personnel for this cause. In order that the formees be equipped for the prophetic mission, they shall be formed in the Salesian values of harmonious co-existence, and understanding that leads to the appreciation of local cultures and religions.

Education: We resolve to commit ourselves to the holistic development of the youth through formal and non-formal education by providing a Fransalian atmosphere in our educational institutions. We shall strive to provide God-experience for the students through our way of life and commitment to the Gospel values by living a life of joyful optimism and respect for others in disinterested self-sacrifice. We share the vision of our apostolate of education with all our collaborators and parents.

Innovative Ministries: We shall be open to read the signs of the times in the context of the Northeast India Province and to respond creatively and effectively through specialized apostolates like social work, Counseling & Family Apostolate, and empowering the marginalized and the vulnerable.

VIVE JESUS! LIVE JESUS!

B. ACTION PLAN

1. OUR MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE: PRAYER AND COMMUNITY LIFE

1.1. The members shall be present for all the common prayers (L.Com)

1.2. Read daily a passage from any of the Salesian Writings (L.Com)

1.3. Make the Fransalian Prayer Book published by the lIS available in our communities

(P. Adm)

1.4. Show mutual respect to each other (L. Com)

1.5. Promote effective communication among the members by having common meals and recreation (L. Com).

1.6. Community meetings presided over by the superior be held once a month. The minutes of such meetings shall be kept (L.Com)

1.7. Read the MSFS Obituary in common (L. Com)

1.8. Practice devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mother of Compassion in our communities (L. Com)

1.9. Constitute Local Communities and appoint Local Superiors (P. Adm)

2. OUR PROPHETIC MISSION

2.1Mission

2.1.1. Appoint the new priests exclusively for pastoral activities for a period of two to three years (P. Adm)

2.1.2. Define the roles of the Parish Priests and the Assistant Parish Priests (P. Adm)

2.1.3. Give appointment with specific period of service and with clear description of the duties and responsibilities (P. Adm)

2.1.4. Consolidate and expand the preaching ministry (P. Adm)

2.1.5. Enter into/Renew Mutual Agreements with our collaborators in each parish (P.Adm)

2.1.6. Have regular campus meetings with our collaborators to chalk out programmes

(L. Com)

2.1.7. Arrange annual Renewal Programmes like retreats, administering sacraments, shoba, Eucharistic Processions, etc. in all the parishes (L.Com)

2.1.8. Spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother of Compassion and St. Francis de Sales in all our centres (L. Com)

2.1.9. Introduce Pious Associations such as Legion of Mary, Vincent de Paul Society, and other sodalities in our parishes (L.Com)

2.1.10. Make regular house visits (L. Com)

2.2. Education

2.2.1. Introduce scholarships instead of free education for poor children (L. Com)

2.2.2. Each school shall set apart annually 5% of the Gross Income of the Tuition Fees towards the education of the disadvantaged (L.Com)

2.2.3. Classify the schools into different grades to decide upon the yearly contribution to the province (P. Adm)

2.2.4. Appoint qualified counsellors in every school as per the strength of the school

(L. Com)

2.2.5. Appoint a confrere to coordinate the recognition, affiliation, provident fund, upgrading and other school-related matters (P. Adm)

2.2.6. Initiate the process of upgrading all the High Schools into Higher Secondary Schools, especially in Upper Assam (L.Com)

2.2.7. Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Mass for the catholic Children

of the School once a month (L.Com)

2.2.8. Form Alumni Associations in all our schools (L. Com)

2.2.9. Create Fransalian Board of Education (P. Adm)

2.2.10. Provide basic facilities like toilets, drinking water, recreational and other educational facilities in the school (L.Com)

2.2.11. The Principal shall ensure that all the important documents and files of the centre are maintained and updated in compliance with the Legal requirements. Copies of such shall be sent to the Provincial Archives (L. Com)

2.2.12. Offer more Honours subjects and build necessary infrastructure at SFS College, Aalo (L. Com & P. Adm)

2.3. Formation

2.3.1. Create an atmosphere of belongingness in our formation houses (L. Com)

2.3.2. Appoint qualified counsellors and spiritual directors to our formation houses

(P. Adm)

2.3.3. Common orientation for all the candidates shall be given at Vinaya Bhavan Thamarassery, and the Minor Seminary formation shall be at SFS Seminary, Medziphema (P Adm)

2.3.4. Write the history of the MSFS in the Northeast India Province and include it in the curriculum in the minor seminaries (P. Adm)

2.3.5. Through different media, present our pioneering missionaries as role models for our students (L.Com)

2.3.6. Present the biographies of St. Francis de Sales and Fr. Mermier in the form of Dramas, Skits, etc. (L. Com)

2.4. Innovative Ministries

2.4.1. Establish a Resource-cum-Research Centre for the province (P. Adm)

2.4.2. Equip adequate number of personnel to cater to the different innovative ministries in the province (P. Adm)

2.4.3. Establish a youth centre in Aalo (P. Adm)

2.5. Stewardship

2.5.1. Revive the planning commission for developmental projects as well as new ventures (P. Adm)

2.5.2. Maintain the daily accounts (L. Com) .

2.5.3. Draw up a master-plan for the permanent centres (P. Adm)

2.5.4.Develop measures to deal with those who do not comply with the financial norms and guidelines of the province (P. Adm)

2.5.5. Appoint local bursars in every community (P. Adm)

2.5.6. The Local Superior shall ensure that all the important documents and files of the centre are maintained and updated in compliance with the Legal requirements. Copies of such shall be sent to the Provincial Archives (L. Com)

2.6. Southern Africa Region

2.6.1.Consolidate the Region by increasing the number of personnel (P. Adm)

2.6.2. Strengthen the financial resources of the Region (P. Adm & R. Adm)

2.6.3.Recruit vocations for the Region from India (P. Adm)

3. SELECT CONCERNS

3.1. Revise the Provincial Statutes before the next Provincial Chapter/Congress (P. Adm)

3.2. Initiate the process of the division of the province (P. Adm)

II. Promotions to Various Stages of Formation and Renewal of Vows.

Having studied the reports of the scholastics and considered their applications, the Provincial Council which met on 15th April 2011 has promoted the Scholastics to various stages of formation and for their renewal of religious vows.

1.Promotion to the Renewal of Vows (Theologians and Philosophers)

Sangma M. Nikseng, Huwn Francis, Kanjirathinkal Roshan, Nellissery Chethalen Joe Varghese, Vengathadathil Jobins Mathew, Lalmuanzela Daniel, Poomarathingal Shiju, Jaimon Thadathil, Xavier Daimary, Maiong Nicholas, Pehausuiding Peter, Toppo Laulin, Zothansanga Alwyn, Nakathingal Noble Jose, Baruah Antony, Khongsit Priyor, Maliyil Mathew (Mathew MV), Vamattathil James (Joldin George), Vattekattukandam Augusthy (Libin V A), Warbah Edilbert, Daimary Ajit , Kayathumkara Jibin Joseph, Kharumnuid Wanlambor, Nirmal John Narah, Padinjarakutt Nithin Paul (Devasia), Pullattuvaliyaparambil Rojin Joseph, Puthiyampurath Bose P. Jose, Puthuppaliyil, Bibin Martin (Joseph), Theruvil Melbin Francis (Anthony), War Riawed Mardona, Karimpanackal Jinto Thomas, Kochutharayil Jobin K. Jose, Madampurath Jibin M. C., Pallattutharayil Libin Varghese, Parampukattil Melvin P. K., Poovathel Abhilash Thomas, Sukiram Tanti (Luke), Thakadiyel Lijo Scaria T. P.

2.Promotion to Diaconate

Kunnel Sijo George, Lyngdoh Donsuk, Sawma Stephen T., Thalayinakandathil Rijesh Thomas are promoted to the Order of Deacon. The ordination to diaconate will be officiated by Most Rev. Dominic Jala Archbishop of Shillong, on June 2, 2011 at MSFS Study House Mawroh. All the confreres of the province are welcome to join in the celebration.

3.Promotion to the Ministry of Acolyte

Huwn Francis, Kanjirathinkal Roshan, Nellissery Chethalen Joe Varghese, Vengathadathil Jobins Mathew are promoted to the ministry of Acolyte. Fr. Provincial will confer the ministry of Acolyte on 12th May 2011.

4.Promotion to the Ministry of Lector

Lalmuanzela Daniel, Poomarathingal Shiju are promoted to the ministry of Lector. Fr. Provincial will confer the ministry of Lector on 12th May 2011.

5.Promotion to the First Profession

Athikho Isaac, Houkhanlung Victor K., Kanjirakkattu Jobin Varghese, Mailadumpara Shiju Joseph, Marwein Albert, Narzary Japeth (Joseph), Nirush S. Marak, Palathara Ajeesh Salu, Tigga Alock, Vemballykunnel Sibin. Fr. Provincial will receive their vows on 7th June 2011.

6.Promotion to the Novitiate

The Following candidates are provisionally admitted to the canonical year of novitiate at MSFS Novitiate Chabua, Assam.

Chimneilian (Clement) Halam, Daimari Sebastian, Fernandez Sharlock, Lakra Philip, Marak Romilson Ch. (Robert), Mark Napolean L., Pulluvayalil Nibin James, Sorhie Vikepelie Leonard, Tirkey Bikash.

A.Students in Theology

Promotion to Third Year Theology

Huwn Francis, Kanjirathinkal Roshan, Nellissery Chethalen Joe Varghese, Vengathadathil Jobins Mathew.

Promotion to Second Year Theology

Lalmuanzela Daniel, Poomarathingal Shiju.

Promotion to First Year Theology

JaimonThadathil, Xavier Daimary, Maiong Nicholas, Pehausuiding Peter, Toppo Laulin, Zothansanga Alwyn, Nakathingal Noble Jose (SA Region). All except Noble Jose will be doing Theology at Oriens Theological College, Shillong.

B.Students in Philosophy

Promotion to Third Year Philosophy

Daimary Ajit , Kayathumkara Jibin Joseph, Kharumnuid Wanlambor, Nirmal John Narah, Padinjarakutt Nithin Paul (Devasia), Pullattuvaliyaparambil Rojin Joseph, Puthiyampurath Bose P. Jose, Puthuppaliyil, Bibin Martin (Joseph), Theruvil Melbin Francis (Anthony), War Riawed Mardona

Promotion to Second Year Philosophy

Karimpanackal Jinto Thomas, Kochutharayil Jobin K. Jose, Madampurath Jibin M. C., Pallattutharayil Libin Varghese, Parampukattil Melvin P. K., Poovathel Abhilash Thomas, Sukiram Tanti (Luke), Thakadiyel Lijo Scaria T. P.

Promotion to First Year Philosophy

The following Novices who have completed the canonical year of novitiate and made their first profession of religious vows will proceed to SuvidyaCollege, Bangalore for philosophical studies. Athikho Isaac, Houkhanlung Victor K., Kanjirakkattu Jobin Varghese, Mailadumpara Shiju Joseph, Marwein Albert, Narzary Japeth (Joseph), Nirush S. Marak, Palathara Ajeesh Salu, Tigga Alock, Vemballykunnel Sibin.

Southern African Region

Promotion to the Renewal of Vows

Vadakkekuttu Bibin Thomas, Chiraparambil Libin Jacob, Ndunda Maingi Nicholas, Nuwamanya Godwin, Wasonga Wawi Fabian.

Promotion to the First Profession

Ventino Peter Mutume, Vincent Olowo Oliver

Hearty Congratulations to Bishop John Moolachira

His Holiness Benedict XVI has appointed Rt. Rev. John Moolachira, the Bishop of Diphu, as the co-adjutor Arch bishop of Guwahati. These ecclesiastical provisions were made public in Rome on Saturday, 9th April 2011. By this provision, he succeeds Archbishop Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil SDB at his retirement. To our dear Bp. John, we offer a warm welcome to Guwahati and look forward to his pastoral leadership in the Church.

Vocation camps

MSFS Northeast India Province conducted vocation camps at Vinaya Bhavan Seminary Thamaraserry on 1st & 2nd May 2011 and MSFS Provincialate Narengi from 3rd to 5th May 2011. 42 aspirants - 25 from the states of Northeast and 17 from Kerala participated in the camps. The camps were organized by the Vocation Directors of the Province. Hearty congrats to all of them. Let us pray that these young men may be inspired to follow their vocation to religious life and Priesthood.

Pasighat Parish Sabha at Pasighat

The 2nd Parish Sabha Of Pasighat was held at Pasighat from 29th April 2011 to 1st May 2011. Fr. George Poothankunnel the priest in charge gave the welcome address and the sabha was begun with the lighting of the lamp by Fr. Belo francis, Sr. Aruni Padung and the catechists. The three-day programme brought together 200 people including youth from the various village; and classes were held to motivate the youth on sacraments of Eucharist, marriage, and confession. The topics of in-culturation, the Role of Catechists in the church and Ten Commandments were also dealt by the resource persons. Sr. Aruni Padung, the first religious sister from Adi Minyong community also spoke about her calling to “Religious Life”. Prizes were distributed for the cultural competitions held during the Sabha. During this occasion the Third Edition of Prayer book ‘Aun Bedang’ was released of by Fr. Jacob Mittathillani, the VG of Itanagar. The book was published with the financial support of the benefactors of MSFS Congregation. Moreover, a New Executive Council for Pasighat Parish also was formed. The Parish Sabha was concluded with the Holy Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday by the VG of Itanagar. The youth were enthused by this gathering and they left for their home with a new fervor and joy! Jacob Taggu, (Local catechist)

SFS College Conducts Summer Camp.

The NSS unit of Saint Francis De Sales College, Aalo conducted a two day summer Camp at Bene Village on 29-30 April, 2011. The camp was attended by 22 energetic and enthusiastic volunteers along with three lecturers and the coordinator of the NSS Unit. As part of the social Service the volunteers along with some village leaders and youth undertook the sanitation of the whole village area. They physically collected the Garbage, cleaned up the ‘nalllas’, the school building and its surroundings, and the village community hall. They also educated the participants about the Goal and objectives of the NSS. Shri, Binge Ete, Head Gaon Bura and Shri. Limi Ete, Chairperson Gram Panchayat, were present with the volunteers all the time providing logistical support and encouragement. The volunteers donated 24 mosquito-nets to the elders of the village and a water filter to school community. At the concluding meeting, the villagers expressed words of thanks and appreciations to the volunteers. It was a very enriching and memorable experience for both the teams. The volunteers realized the dictum ‘Service to humanity is Service to God’.