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FAREWELL
MASSAGE
Dear
Readers and well wishers of CATHOLIC INDIA,
As this is the last issue of Catholic India edited by me, I thank
you all for your interest and support and I bid you farewell!
After almost 7 years of service as the Deputy Secretary General
of the CBCI, I return to my diocese, Lucknow, from June 2006,
to involve myself in other ministries: my training and interests
have been Sacred Liturgy and the formation of future priests.
May God bless you, your communities, your work, your ministry,
your talents and initiatives. May the Kingdom of God be established
in our country through your life and work.
God bless you, each one of you. Thanks and Farewell!
Fr. Donald H. R. De Souza
Dy. Secretary General, CBCI
CHURCH
UNIVERSAL
POPE SPEAKS
1.
Serving in the ‘Workshop’ of Peace
On Sunday, 1st January, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and
the day designated as World Day of Peace, the Holy Father presided
at Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. During his Homily, the
Pope stressed that all must do their part to promote and build
peace in the world.
“By choosing the theme ‘In truth, peace’ as
the Message for the World Day of Peace, I wanted to express the
conviction that ‘whenever men and women are enlightened
by the splendour of truth, they naturally set out on the path
of peace’ (n.3). How can we not see in this an effective
and appropriate realization of the Gospel just proclaimed, in
which we contemplated the scene of the shepherds on their way
to Bethlehem to adore the Child? (cf. Lk 2:16).”
2. The Key to ecumenism: ‘inner conversion’
On Saturday morning, 7th January, the Holy Father received in
audience in his Private Library Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick,
President of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, together
with a Delegation of Alliance member:
“The Decree on Ecumenism affirmed that ‘there can
be no ecumenism worthy of the name without interior conversion’
(n. 7). At the very beginning of my Pontificate I voiced my own
conviction that ‘inner conversion is the prerequisite for
all ecumenical progress’ (Homily in the Sistine Chapel,
20 April 2005), and recalled the example of my Predecessor, Pope
John Paul II, who often spoke of the need for a ‘purification
of memory’ as a means of opening our hearts to receive the
full truth of Christ.”
3. Shine with the love of Christ, Light of the World
On Thursday evening, 2nd February, the World Day of Consecrated
Life, the Holy Father presided at Holy Mass in St. Peter’s
Basilica for the Presentation of the Lord with representatives
of the consecrated life who live in Rome:
“Your way of living and working can vividly express full
belonging to the one Lord; placing yourselves without reserve
in the hands of Christ and of the Church is a strong and clear
proclamation of God’s presence in a language understandable
to our contemporaries. This is the first service that the consecrated
life offers to the Church and to the world. Consecrated persons
are like watchmen among the people of God who perceive and proclaim
the new life already present in our history.”
4. Prayer and Penance for lasting peace
On Sunday, 26th February, The Holy Father, after concluding the
Angelus, made the following peace appeal:
“In these days there has been constant news of tragic violence
in Iraq, with attacks even on mosques. Such acts sow bereavement,
nourish hatred and seriously hinder the already difficult task
of the country’s reconstruction.
In Nigeria, the clashes between Christians and Muslims have lasted
for several days, with many victims and the destruction of churches
and mosques. As I express firm condemnation of the violation of
places of worship, I entrust all the deceased and those who are
mourning them to the Lord.
5. The Love of Christ urges us on
On Ash Wednesday, 1 March, the Holy Father traveled to Rome’s
Aventine Hill, and after a Penitential Procession with the Dominicans
and Benedictines from the neighbouring Sant’ Anselmo, he
presided at Mass and the Rite of Imposition of Ashes in the Dominicans’
Basilica of Santa Sabina. The Holy Father said on this occasion:
“Fighting against evil, against every form of selfishness
and hate, and dying to oneself to live in God is the ascetic journey
that every disciple of Jesus is called to make with humility and
patience, with generosity and perseverance.”
“Another aspect of Lenten spirituality is what we could
describe as ‘combative’, as emerges in today’s
‘Collect’, where the ‘weapons’ of penance
and the ‘battle’ against evil are mentioned.”
“It is a spiritual battle waged against sin and finally,
against Satan. It is a struggle that involves the whole of the
person and demands attentive and constant watchfulness.”
CBCI
CIRCULARS
January
02, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy on the amendment
to the Memorandum of Association of the CBCI to include developmental
works.
January 05, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy
informing them of the appointment of Most Rev. Mar Mathew Moolakkatt,
OSB, as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kottayam and of the retirement
of Most Rev. Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry, Metropolitan Archbishop
of Kottayam.
January 14, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy
sharing with them some information concerning the General Body
Meeting of the CBCI to be held in Bangalore in February 2006.
January 30, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy
informing them of the establishment of the two new Dioceses of
Nongstoin and Jowai and the appointment of Mons. Victor Lyngdoh
and Mons. Vincent Kympat as their first Bishops respectively.
The Members of the Hierarchy were also informed of the appointment
of Mons. Paul Alois Lakra as the new Bishop of Gumla.
February 01, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy
informing them of the appointment of Mons. Clement Tirkey as the
new Bishop of Jalpaiguri.
February 03, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy
informing them of the appointment of Mons. Peter Machado and Mons.
Anthony Chirayath as the new Bishops of Belgaum and Sagar respectively
and of the retirement of Most Rev. Mar Joseph Pastor Neelankavil
of Sagar.
February 06, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy
informing them of the appointment of Rev. Fr. John Barwa, SVD
as the Co-Adjutor Bishop of Rourkela.
February 22, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy
on the Final Statement of the 27th General Body Meeting of the
CBCI, CBCI Directory for 2006 and the nomination of Bp. George
Alencherry of Thuckalay as a co-opted member of the Standing Committee
of the CBCI.
February 27, 2006: To the Members of the Standing
Committee requesting them to send agenda points along with explanatory
notes for the forthcoming Standing Committee Meeting in April
2006.
March 08, 2006: To the Members of the Hierarchy
informing them of the appointment of Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil
of Itanagar as the Apostolic Administrator of Diphu.
March 14, 2006: To the Directors of Diocesan
Pastoral Centres, Directors/ Secretaries of National Catholic
Organizations, CCI Executive Committee Members and CRI Office-Bearers
informing them of the election of new Office-Bearers of the CBCI
and Chairmen/Members of the various Commissions of the CBCI.
CBCI COMMISSIONS
CLERGY & RELIGIOUS
Fr.
Joe Mathias, S.J., the Executive Secretary of CBCI Commission
for Clergy and religious, was one of the resource persons for
the seminar on ‘Formation of Formators’ held at the
Basilica of Our Lady, Bandel, W.B., from 19-25 January 2006. There
were 33 participants consisting of Salesian Provincials, Superiors
and formators of Guwahati, Shillong and Calcutta provinces. Fr.
Joe dealt at length the issues concerning ‘Discernment of
Vocation and Integral Formation for Religious Life in India Today’.
He
was also one of the resource persons for a Seminar for priests
of Agra Ecclesiastical Region held at Nav Sadhana, Varanasi, U.P.
from 28th January to 2nd February 2006. He dealt with the
theme: ‘Personality Integration for Pastoral Leadership’.
On
9th March 2006, NVSC felicitated the newly-elected Chairman of
the CBCI Commission for Clergy & Religious, Bishop Valerian
D’Souza of Poona. During the solemn Eucharistic Liturgy,
which he presided over, he emphasized the centrality of Jesus
as the Healer and also the important role the Holy Spirit holds
as the formator. The liturgy was followed by a dinner during
which Bishop Valerian was accorded a special welcome in his capacity
as the New Chairman of CBCI Commission for Clergy and Religious
and as the President of NVSC Institute.
DIALOGUE & ECUMENISM
CCI
General Body Meeting - 2006
The Commission participated in the biennial meeting of the Catholic
Council of India, held at Retreat Centre, Shrine Basilica, Vailankanni,
Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, from 06-08 January 2006, on the theme
‘Catholic Education and the Church’s concern for the
marginalized’. Fr. M. D. Thomas, Executive Secretary of
the Commission, presented the biennial highlights of the activities
of the Commission at the Interface Session with the CBCI Commissions.
Agra Regional Consultation
A Consultation of the Diocesan Directors for Dialogue of the Agra
Region was held at Archbishop’s House, Agra, on 13th January
2006. Fr. M. D. Thomas, Executive Secretary of the CBCI Commission
was present at the Consultation, in addition to Most Rev. Frederick
De Souza, Regional Chairman for Dialogue, Fr. Jose Akkara, Regional
Secretary, Diocesan Directors and Delegates of the Region. Planning
the activities for the coming year was the agenda of the Consultation.
National Consultation of World Council of Religions
The Commission collaborated in organizing the National Consultation
of the ‘World Council of Religions: India Chapter’
on 29th January 2006, at India International Centre, New Delhi.
People of diverse religious affiliations gathered from different
part of the country. This was an initiative from the Norwegian
Church. Leaders from all traditions addressed the Consultation.
Fr. M. D. Thomas spoke on the topic ‘Commonalities unite,
Diversities enrich’.
Inter-Faith Seminar
The Commission participated in a seminar on ‘The Concept
of Peaceful Co-existence in World Religions’, organized
by Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India (a Muslim initiative),
at India International Centre, New Delhi, on 31st January 2006.
People of diverse religions addressed the audience. Fr. Dr. M.
D. Thomas spoke on ‘The Concept of Peaceful Co-existence
in Christianity’ in Hindi.
Multi-Faith Meet
The Commission participated in a Multi-faith Meet organized by
International Bhajansukh Sewa Mission at Sarveshwar Mandir, Vasant
Kunj, New Delhi, on 3rd February 2006, on the occasion of Vasant
Panchami. Fr. Dr. M. D. Thomas spoke on ‘Religious Communities:
Towards the making of a Better Society’ in Hindi.
National Day Celebrations of Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka High Commission, New Delhi, conducted its National
Day Celebrations on 4th February 2006. Fr. M. D. Thomas and Fr.
Chinnappa were present on the occasion, on behalf of the Christian
community in Delhi. Fr. M. D. Thomas presented a message to the
High Commission, full of appreciation and good wishes for Sri
Lanka.
Multi-Faith Friendly Get together
The Baha’i House of Worship organized a ‘Friendly
Multi-Faith Get-to-Know-Each-Other and Inter Religious Prayer’
at the Lotus Temple, New Delhi, on 9th February 2006. This was
an exceptional inter-faith gathering, where there were no speeches
by the religious leaders. Friendly introduction to the other and
interaction as well as sharing the meal together were the unique
manner of the evening.
CBCI General Body Meeting - 2006
The Commission was part of the 27th General Body Meeting of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India on ‘Catholic
Education and the Church’s concern for the marginalized’,
held at St Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore, on 08-15 February
2006. The Commission presented the biennial highlights of its
activities from 2004 to 2006 before the General Body of Bishops.
National Conference on Human Rights
The National Human Rights Commission conducted a National Conference
at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on 02-03 March 2006. The main
theme was ‘The Concept of Human Rights in the Indian Culture
and the Importance of Human Rights Education in India’.
The sub-theme was ‘The Concept of Human Rights in Different
Religions’. Fr. Dr. M. D. Thomas was invited to speak on
‘The Concept of Human Rights in the Christian Tradition’
in Hindi.
Inter-Faith Dialogue
Prajapita Brahma Kumari Vishwavidyalaya organized an inter-faith
dialogue session at Om Shanti Retreat Centre, Gurgaon, on 4th
March 2006, on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The theme was ‘Exploring
spiritual dimension of peace’. Fr. M. D. Thomas addressed
the gathering representing the Commission and the Christian community.
Diocesan Seminar
The Diocese of Udaipur organized a two-day seminar for the priests
and nuns of the Diocese on the ‘Harmony Mission’,
at the Diocesan Centre, Udaipur, on 14-15 March 2006. This was
the initiative of Bp. Joseph Pathalil. Fr. Dr. M. D. Thomas was
the resource person. He exposed the Harmony Mission under the
titles: ‘Harmony Perspective of Life’, ‘Implications
of the Harmony Perspective of Life’ and ‘Towards an
Action Plan’.
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
New
Team
The Commission for Education and Culture extends a hearty welcome
to the members of its newly elected team, namely:
Chairman: Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, sdb,
Archbishop
of Guwahati
Member: Most Rev. Albert D’Souza, Bishop of
Lucknow
Member: Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Bishop of
Bagdogra
Secretary: Fr. George Palackapilly, sdb.
The Commission also thanks its outgoing members, namely, Most
Rev. Charles Soreng, sj, Chairman, Most Rev. Dominic Jala, sdb,
Member and Most Rev. Albert D’Souza, Member, for their continued
support, encouragement and initiative for the work of the Commission.
CBCI General Body Meeting, Bangalore, February 8-15, 2006
The hard work done by the Commission in collaboration with the
Commissions for S.C. and S.T. and Justice, Peace and Development
over a period of one year, to make the Church in India become
aware of the theme of the General Body Meeting (GBM) of February
8-15, 2006, namely, Catholic Education and the Church’s
Concern for the Marginalized, came to a fruition with the successful
conduct of the GBM. The Final Statement of the GBM brings out
in bold relief the stand of the Church in India regarding Catholic
Education.
The Catholic School - A Labour of Love, published by the Commission,
was released during the GBM. It is written by Fr. Abraham Vettical.
It is the result of one year’s patient research. It centres
on principles, priorities and characteristics of the Catholic
School and how to strategically plan together to bring about continuous
improvement in education. The book challenges every educational
community to share the Good News with young people by making every
experience education.
National Catholic Education Policy for the Church
The CBCI General Body has also entrusted the Commission with the
task of drawing up a National Education Policy for the Church.
The Commission hopes to complete the drawing up of the Policy
within a year. Once this Policy is approved, all the Catholic
educational institutions will be expected to implement it. The
Policy will contain a monitoring system to ensure its implementation.
Minority Status Certificate
In June 2004 the Government of India set up the National Commission
for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) with a Chairman
and two Members. Rev. Dr. Valsan Thampu has been appointed as
the Christian Member of NCMEI. Fr. P. P. George and Mrs. Annie
Koshy have been appointed as the Co-ordinators of Delhi Region
to represent Catholic and other Christian Minority Educational
Institutions, respectively.
The Commission held a meeting of the Christian Educational Institutions
of North India on March 4, 2006. The meeting was well attended.
Justice Siddiqui, Chairman, and Rev. Dr. Valsan Thampu, Member,
also participated in the meeting. Rev. Valsan Thampu explained
in detail the procedure for obtaining Minority Status Certificate
for Christian Educational Institutions. A similar meeting was
convened in Kottayam on March 29, 2006 for the Christian Minority
Educational Institutions of Kerala. The Commission plans to cover
all the regions within a few months. Meanwhile, the process of
Issuing Minority Status Certificates to institutions that have
applied to the NCMEI is in process.
HEALTH
Success
stories from PMTCT and VCT Centers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
“Prevention efforts can work to turn the tide against AIDS
at last!” - explains the editorial of the on-line edition
of the Lancet, a medical journal from London. The editorial was
commenting on the impressive decline in HIV infections in Tamil
Nadu and Karnataka, revealed by a study sponsored by the University
of Toronto published on March 30, 2006. The key findings are based
on an analysis of the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women ages
15 to 24 in four southern Indian states.
Can the Church take some credit for this drop in HIV infection
in these states? Definitely! Various organizations of the Church
have been in the forefront in the fight against the epidemic in
these states. In the recent past, as for example, with the support
of CMMB and Core Care, the CBCI Health Commission initiated two
programmes such as voluntary counseling and testing centers (VCTC)
and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT).
Through the VCTC programme fifty parishes and 17,852 students
in one hundred schools have been reached as on March 31, 2006.
343 teachers and 8026 youth have been trained. As a part of the
training, at present 287 teachers have enrolled for the IGNOU
study programme on ‘HIV and Family Education’, which
in fact is another initiative of the CBCI Health Commission.
Each of the VCTC is located in a hospital. The counselors spend
the morning working hours in the hospital and in the evenings
they work in the different parishes mainly among the youth. Two
programme officers supervise them under the guidance of Dr. G.
D. Ravindran from St. John’s, Bangalore, who works also
as the country director of CMMB and technical advisor on HIV/AIDS
to the CBCI Health Commission.
At present the voluntary counseling and testing centers that are
operational are the following. St. Theresa’s Hospital (Archdiocese
of Bangalore), St. Joseph Hospital, Rajajinagar (Mysore), Our
Lady of Lourdes Hospital or the German Hospital (Belgaum), Bellary
Diocese Board of Education, Concetta Hospital, Kinnigoli (Mangalore),
St. Isabel’s Hospital, Chennai (Madras-Mylapore), Assumption
Hospital, (Coimbatore), Veeramamunivar Sidhar Hospital (Palyamkotai),
Arokia Hospital (Sivagangai) and Child Jesus Hospital (Trichy).
There are nine hospitals that provide prevention of mother to
child transmission services. Two of the hospitals, Narsapur Christian
Hospital, and Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Bangalore are from
the network of the Christian Medical Association. The Catholic
hospitals that offer PMTCT services are: St. John’s Medical
College Hospital, Bangalore, Jeevadaan Hospital, Nizamabad, A.P,
St. Vincent’s Hospital, Prakasam Dist, A.P, St. Xavier’s
Hospital, Guntur Dist, A.P, St. Theresa’s Hospital, Hyderabad,
A.P, Holy Cross Hospital, Chikmagalur, Karnataka, Nirmala Hospital,
Badhravathi, Shimoga, Karnataka.
Apart from testing, the centers provide drugs to the mothers.
The staff of these hospitals were trained to manage the HIV infected
positive mothers and their families. Both the Government and the
civil society appreciate Church’s concerted efforts for
prevention of HIV.
JUSTICE,
PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
Contributions
and involvements
The FABC Consultation on Harmony through reconciliation
In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Gaudium et Spes, the
FABC organized a Consultation on Harmony through reconciliation
in Pattaya City, Thailand, during January 16-21, 2006. At this
Consultation, Cardinal Raphaele Martino, President of the Pontifical
council for Justice and Peace, presented a paper on Joy and Hope
amidst grief and anguish. Bishop Remigius, the Chairperson of
the CBCI Commission for Justice, Peace and Development, on The
Post modern world of Globalisation and the Church in Asia and
Fr. Nithiya, the secretary on the Status of Catholic Educational
Institutions in reference to the Marginalised.
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance for Fair Trade
On an invitation from the Franciscans International, Fr. Nithiya
participated in the interdenominational meeting of the Ecumenical
Advocacy Alliance, in Porto Alegre, Brazil from 25-27th February,
2006.
Reflection process
Jointly nominated by the CRS-India and the CBCI Commission for
Justice, Peace and Development (JPDC), a team of three experts
namely Fr. Prakash Louis, Fr. Allwyn D’Silva and Ms. Marita
Ishwaran carried out an evaluation of the undertakings and programmes
of the Commission. The findings and recommendations of the evaluation
team and the encouraging support from the CRS have enhanced the
zeal and zest of the JPDC not only to carry forward what it has
been already doing but also to envisage new vistas and to explore
new possibilities.
Forging New Ties
In February 2006 as well as in March 2006, Mr. Victor and Mr.
Sebastian of the Justice and Peace Commission, the Netherlands,
and Ms. Stephanie Joubert from Cordaid were in Delhi to hold several
rounds of discussion with the New Chairperson of the JPDC, Bishop
Yvon Ambroise, and with Fr. Nithiya Sagayam, the Executive Secretary.
Seminar on Accountability for Mass Crimes against Women
On March 13, 2006, Rev Fr. Nithiya Sagayam and Mr. Antony Arulraj
represented the Commission at a Seminar on Accountability for
Mass Crimes against Women and the Relevance of International Criminal
Court (ICC). The Seminar was jointly organized by ICC-India Campaign
& Partners for Law in Development, at the Indian Social Institute,
New Delhi.
Seminar on the Social Doctrine of the Church
In the last week of March, Fr. Nithiya Sagayam represented the
Commission at a seminar organized in St. Pius College, Mumbai.
This seminar on the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
was organized by the CCBI. This was well attended by laity from
the Western Region. It is on the agenda of the JPDC to convene
meetings on the social Doctrines of the Church at the national
as well as regional levels in the country.
Publications
The JPDC avowedly disseminates the social teachings of the Church
through its publications. Early this year, the JPDC released the
first issue of its quarterly journal: Just Peace! During the General
Assembly of the CBCI held in Bangalore early this year, the first
copy of the journal was presented to Cardinal Telespore Toppo,
the President of the Conference.
The publication of the following books is underway: 1. Human Rights
and the pastoral Mission of the Church; 2. Justice and Peace:
An ever-present Challenge.
Peace Initiatives
The national Commission initiated the India Pakistan Peace Initiatives
(IPPI) during the world social Forum in 2004 in Mumbai. In pursuance
of the same endeavour the JPDC is organizing an Inter-religious
peace pilgrimage in the months ahead. The Commission will be hosting
a 16-member Pakistani team in the first week of July. There will
be a joint meeting that will enable group interactions and future
plan of action.
LAITY
The
activities of the Commission during the last three months could
be group under two heads namely;
1. Animation, Motivation and Formation programs,
2. Meetings and Conferences.
Animation, Motivation and Formation programs
The Commission organized several training programs and seminars
during the last three months.
Ø
The Secretary offered a pastoral course on the ‘Vocation
and Mission of the Laity and Small Christian Communities’
for the Deacons at St. Charles Seminary, Nagpur from 30th of January
to 3rd of February 2006; Ø
A seminar
was held on ‘the New Way of Being Church through Small Christian
Communities’ for the Priests and Sisters of the Diocese
of Raigarh at the Bishop’s House, Kunkuri from February
19th to 24th 2006. It was attended by two hundred priests and
sisters working in the diocese. Rev. Fr. Paul Toppo, the Vicar
General of the diocese inaugurated the seminar. Fr. Varghese Pullan,
the Secretary for the Commission was the main resource person
who animated the seminar; Ø
A training
program was held for the Diocesan Animators of Small Christian
Communities of Simla-Chandigarh from 21st to 23rd March 2006.
After the opening prayer and welcome, Bishop Gerald John Mathias
of Simla-Chandigarh inaugurated the seminar. He spoke on the renewal
of the diocese by strengthening the Small Christian Communities.
Fr. Varghese Pullan, SAC, animated the seminar.
Meetings
and Conferences
During the last three months the Commission participate in several
meetings and conferences.
Ø
8th
General Body Meeting of the Catholic Council of India held at
Vailankanni Shrine-Tamil Nadu from 6th to 8th January 2006; Ø
Consultation
meeting of the Chairman and Secretary of the Laity Commissions
for CBCI and CCBI held at Kovalam, Trivandrum on 23rd January
2006; Ø
The
General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of India held at St. Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore, February
8-15, 2006; Ø
Most
Rev. Soosa Pakiam, the Commission Chairman, called for a meeting
of the newly elected member Bishops and the secretary on the 14th
January 2006. He took the opportunity to welcome and felicitate
the new member Bishops, Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop
of Goa and Daman and Most Rev. Agnelo Rufino Gracias of Mumbai;
Ø
27th
Regional Catholic Council of North Region held at Maithri Bhavan,
Jammu on 25th and 26th March 2006; Ø
The
organizing Committee for the forthcoming AsIPA General Assembly
met at Mumbai 30th March 2006.
LABOUR
“Work
is indispensable that man not allow himself to be subjected to
work, that he not idolize it, intending to find in it the ultimate
and definitive meaning of life”: Pope Benedict XVI, March
19, 2006.
New Team
The General Body Meeting of CBCI conducted at Bangalore re-elected
Mar Joshua Ignathios (Chairman), Bishop John Thattumkal of Cochin
(Member), Bishop Oswald Lewis of Jaipur (Member). Fr. Jose Vattakkuzhy
of the Archdiocese of Trichur is the new Executive Secretary.
Farewell
The Commission is very proud of former Secretary Fr. Xavier Pinto,
C.Ss.R, Members of Commission Most Rev. Raphael Cheenath, Archbishop
of Bhubaneshwar and Most Rev. Julius Marandi Bishop of Dumka.
Their services have been recorded and dedications will be remembered.
Highlighted labour issues
The elections being announced in some of the states, the Commission
gave inspiration to local labour movements to highlight some labour
issues. As a part of it, the labour movements submitted memorandum
containing some points related to laborers to the political leaders
in order to induct these issues in their election manifesto. In
Kerala it was done by the Kerala Labour Movement and by local
Units of Christian Workers Movement in Tamil Nadu.
Main points highlighted
Ø
Government’s
Labour Department should take necessary steps to ensure the conditions
such as accommodation, wages, welfare etc, for migrant workers
in the field of construction; Ø
Preventive
measures to be taken by Government in the field of child trafficking;
Ø
Strengthening
of worker’s Welfare schemes of the states; Ø
Taking
care in implementing welfare schemes and job securities for unorganized
workers like domestic workers, sales persons, drivers and IT professionals
etc; Ø
Government
to withdraw the measures taken to enlist the inboard, outboard,
other fishing boats with engine to abstain from travelling in
the months of June and July; Ø
Generation
of new schemes which increase the job opportunities; Ø
Government
employment exchanges should be up-graded with on-line facility.
Labour Movement started
On 5th April 2005, Daniel Acharuparambil, Archbishop of Verapoly
officially inaugurated the Labour Movement in the Archdiocese
of Varapuzha, State Fisheries Minister Shri. Dominic Presentation
and the CBCI Labour Commission Secretary Fr. Jose Vattakuzhy addressed
the function. About 5000 construction workers participated in
the programme.
Publications
1.Two articles were published in magazines
a. ‘Worker’s Movement Activities
in a Globalized World’ Mary Vjjayam;
b. ‘Relevance of CBCI Labour Commission’
Diomedia.
2. May Day Message 2006 “The Greater Digital
Divide-Where We Stand?”-
issued by the CBCI Commission for Labour
on 20th April 2006.
SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS
One
of the top priorities of the CBCI Commission for Social Communications
during the last three months has been to implement the major thrusts
of the final statements of the Catholic Council of India GBM ’03
and CBCI GBM ’04 which deliberated on the theme: ‘Church
and Social Communications’. We are happy to report that
with God’s grace and the cooperation of many, we have been
able to achieve a good deal.
Regional Pastoral Plans for Communications
With the active collaboration of the Regional Commissions for
Social Communications, the Commission has been able facilitate
the preparation of the pastoral plans for the following regions
during regional workshops: Jan. 16-18, 2006: Andhra Regional Workshop,
Jyotirmai, Secunderabad; Feb. 27-Mar.1, 2006: Kerala Regional
Workshop at POC, Kochi; Mar. 17-19, 2006: Western Regional Workshop
at Atma Darshan, Mumbai; Mar. 22-24, 2006: North East Regional
Workshop at NESCOM, Guwahati; Mar. 28-30, 2006: Bijhan Regional
Workshop at Social Development Centre, Ranchi.
Workshops
Besides the above programmes, the Commission also conducted the
following workshops: Jan. 26-28, 2005: Christian Communicators’
Workshop, Bangalore; Feb. 18-19, 2006: Communications workshop
for pastoral clergy, religious and lay leaders, Pastoral Centre,
Jammu.
The Commission presented to the CBCI GBM ’06, a report of
the implementation of the Final Statement of the Trichur General
Body meeting and the highlights of the nation-wide survey of Catholic
Communications in India.
Catholic Communications Survey
As mandated by the CBCI GBM ’04, the Commission began the
work of evaluating the activities of the communication centres
in India through a nationwide survey of huge magnitude. The evaluation
was intended to take stock of the existing situation and to evolve
a new thrust for the future. Prof. Valerian Rodrigues from the
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, guided the huge effort.
The survey unveiled a number of ‘learnings’ and opened
up numerous possibilities. The results of the survey would be
made available in a book entitled, “Catholic Communications
Survey 2005”. It would be released by the end of April 2006.
Important ‘learnings’
Ø
Growing
importance of communications - like education, healthcare &
social development, it has profound bearing on the lives of Catholics
and people of other faiths; Ø
Enormous
levels of participation of the youth and laywomen in the activities
of Catholic communications; Ø
Regional
centres (RCC) are better organized than Diocesan centres (DCC);
Ø
Heartening
factors: We can notice a mix of various kinds of media: traditional
and modern, material and human, some have launched into electronic
& cyber-communication; Ø
Catholic
Communications is diverse, uneven and has been largely ad-hocist
in some regions and several dioceses; Ø
Reach
of some RCCs & DCCs is truly commendable. But sometimes there
is a lack of perspective, priorities are distorted and much effort
has gone into the acquiring of resources, which may find no adequate
users; Ø
In
quite a few regions, the role that Bishops play in Catholic Communications
is well-appreciated, particularly by the laity.
Some immediate tasks
Ø
Constituting
RCCs & DCCs and appointing appropriate personnel; Ø
Better
interface between RCCs, DCCs, media & civil institutions; Ø
Consolidation
of Regional & Diocesan networks; Ø
Improving
RCC broadcasts’ quality;
Ø
Popularising
RCCs and DCCs activities; Ø
Fostering
communication in local languages; Ø
Popularising
existing broadcasts, audio-visual productions & publications;
Ø
Harnessing
the new opportunities: Community/Campus FM broadcasting and Internet
Broadcasting; Ø
Introducing
e-governance and joining the mainstream Information Super Highways.
India Communications Day
India Communications Day 2006 would be celebrated on Sunday, Nov.
19, 2006. The theme for the day is: “The Media: A Network
for Communication, Communion and Cooperation.” In order
to facilitate the meaningful celebration of the day, a booklet
containing the message of the Holy Father, the suggested readings
and prayers for Liturgy and the reflections for homily and a colourful
poster would be prepared and sent to all the bishops, diocesan
directors, major superiors, rectors of seminaries, media persons
and others.
SCHEDULED
CASTES / TRIBES
BACKWARD CLASSES
The
Commission is pleased to present a brief report of the first three
months of the year 2006. Activities at the national level took
more space in this quarter.
Commission and the GB Meeting of the CBCI
Biennial report of the Commission was presented in the GB Meeting
of the CBCI held at Bangalore in February 2006. Following were
the highlights of the report: The Commission actively engaged
itself in the struggle for equal rights to the Christians of Scheduled
Caste Origin. The Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court
was closely followed. The Commission also lobbied with the leaders
of many political parties and also worked at the state level lobbying.
The Report also highlighted the capacity building activities of
the Commission by way of Intensive Coaching for Employment Programme
and the animation and motivation work in the different regions.
Other activities such as the participation in the Third session
of the UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous Peoples, First Pan Asian
Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Consultation and the World Mission
Sunday Programme of MISSIO were also highlighted.
The Commission actively participated in the shaping of the Message
of the CBCI at the end of the General body. New office bearers
of the Commission were elected with Bishop Johannes Gorantla of
Kurnool as the Chairman and Bishops Charles Soreng SJ of Hazaribag
and Bishop Thomas I. Macwan of Ahmedabad as members of the Commission.
While warmly welcoming the new team, the Commission would like
to place on record the services of Archbishop A.M. Chinnappa of
Madras-Mylapore and Bishop Mathew Arackal of Kanjirapalli the
outgoing Chairman and member respectively, in relentlessly championing
the cause of the marginalized.
Struggle for equal rights
Meeting with Political Leaders: On 25th January 2006 a meeting
of the political leaders from various political parties was held
at Santhome Communication Centre, Chennai. Archbishop A. M. Chinnappa,
Chairman of the Commission presented a memorandum to Mr. Veerappa
Moily of the Congress party demanding equal rights to Christians
of Scheduled Caste Origin.
Status of the PIL: The Public Interest Litigation came for hearing
in the Supreme Court on 15th of February 2006. As the National
Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities had not submitted
its report, the case was adjourned to the first week of April.
(This was subsequently postponed to 12th July 2006)
Coordination at the region
AICUF Meeting: The Tamilnadu Unit of the AICUF had its 2nd State
level convention at St. Joseph’s College Trichy on December
28-30, 2005. The Secretary of the Commission participated in the
meeting. He explained to the participants the various efforts
of the Commission for equal rights to the Christians of Scheduled
Caste Origin (lobby and court case). The importance and the implications
of the theme of the General Body meeting of the CBCI, that is,
Catholic Education and Church’s Concern for the Marginalized
were also explained to them.
Golden Jubilee of the DCMS: The Commission participated in the
Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Dalit Catholic Mahajana Sabha
held at Kottayam on 16-18 February 2006. A national convention,
rally and public meeting were held to mark the occasion.
A special consultation with Bishop Stephen Athipozhiyil, Chairman
of the KCBC Commission for SC/ST/BC, the Secretary of the Commission
and Dalit Lay Leaders was held at Alleppey on 13-14 March 2006
in order to better coordinate the work of the Commission in the
Kerala region.
Other related activities
CCI Meeting: The Eighth General Assembly of the Catholic Council
(CCI) was held at Vailankanni on 6-8 January 2006. The Secretary
presented the report of the Commission to the assembly. A resolution
was passed demanding equal rights to Dalit Christians.
Meeting with the UN special Rapporteur: In a consultation organized
by the National Commission for Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) on February
28, 2006 at the ISI, New Delhi, the CBCI Commission for SC/ST/BC
represented to the special rapporteur, Ms Chin-Sung Chung, Member,
UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights,
the issue of discriminations by the Government of India meted
out to the Christians of Scheduled Caste Origin on the basis of
religion.
Meeting with the Justice and Peace Commission of Netherlands:
On 8th March 2006, along with the CBCI Commission for Justice
and Peace, the Commission held discussion regarding the area of
cooperation with Cordaid and the Jusitia et Pax of Netherlands.
Study of socio economic status of Tribals and Dalits, Trainings
of leaders, networking were some of the areas identified during
the discussions.
WOMEN
Regional
Reports
Karnataka Region
Commission for Women, Karnataka Region conducted three days training
programme for the animators of the region from 12 – 14 January
2006 at St. Anthony’s Center, Bellary. 23 members from 6
Dioceses – Bellary, Belgaum, Karwar, Gulbarga, Shimoga and
Bangalore participated. The theme being “Eucharist and Women”.
Kerala Region
Kerala Regional Seminar for Diocesan Secretaries and Directors
were held on 20, 21 & 22 January, 2006 at Pastoral Orientation
center (POC), Kerala. There are 28 Dioceses. 60 participants actively
attended the workshop. The topic was “Women & Eucharist
and with the Eucharistic experience how women can effectively
become the instruments of social change through advocacy, lobbying
and networking”.
Thuvanisa 2006
The 4th regional freshers seminar for women leaders was inaugurated
by Sr. Lilly Francis SMMI (Executive Secretary, CBCI Commission
for Women) on 26th January, 2006 at Emmaus, Kochi. Fr. Jose Navithookil
(Chairman KST) presided, Smt. Beena Sebastian (Exec. Secretary
KCBC Women’s Commission and Sr. Sergius CMC gave felicitations.
Fr. Jose Kottayil (Sec. KCBC Commission for Family) led the 3
days seminar based on the encyclical ‘Mulieris Dignitatem’.
58 persons including sisters, youth and ladies from the various
dioceses (15) attended the seminar.
Orissa Region
Annual meeting cum Training programme for Diocesan Secretaries
and the women leaders of Orissa Region were held from 21st to
24th February 2006. 16 Women from the Dioceses of Rourkela, Bhubaneswar,
Sambalpur and Balasore participated. The general theme of the
meeting was ‘Role of Women in the Family Church and Society’.
Rev. Fr. Sunder, SVD, the Director of the Regional Pastoral Centre,
Jharsuguda and Sr. Lilly Francis the Secretary to Commission for
Women were the resource persons.
North East Region
Bishop Andrew Marak of Tura, Chairman for North East Regional
Commission for Women’s with CBCI Commission for women organized
a Seminar-cum-Workshop on “Eucharist and Women” &
“Women and Church” from 13th to 15th March 2006 at
EDSF Guwahati with the participants numbering up to twenty six.
Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil, Bishop Andrew Marak, Sr. Lilly
Francis, Fr. Santiago, the Director of EDSF Guwahati, were the
Resource Persons.
Diocesan Programmes
Ahmedabad Diocese
In the Diocese of Ahmedabad Women Commission is active in many
activities, namely, empowerment of women, Social Upliftment, Self
Dependence through IGPs and CBOs. Women’s Commission is
working in collaboration with the Diocesan Social Service Centre
i.e. Kaira Social Service Society.
Activities Through Women’s Commission
Spiritual Activities
Ø
This
year we conducted retreat for women at Denary Level in Nadiad
Pastoral Centre & Nagara Pastoral Centre; Ø
Bible
Quiz for women (it was conducted at village level as well as Parish
level final was at Diocesan level).
Gwalior Diocese - Women’s Day Celebration
Women’s Day was celebrated in Gwalior Diocese on 5th March
2006. The day’s programme started with the holy mass offered
by Most. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kaithathara, Bishop of Gwalior and eleven
priests of the Diocese Liturgy for the day was adhered to. About
400 women from different parishes attended the programme.
Liturgy Kits
The Commission had prepared liturgy kits for Girls Child day (8th
Sept.) Women’s Day (8th March) and for the International
Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was sent to
all the Dioceses.
YOUTH
XVIII
National Council Meeting and IV Biennial Election
The 18th National Council Meeting and the 4th biennial elections
were held at Navaspoorthy Kendra Bangalore from February 4th to
6th 2006. The National Council Meeting commenced in the presence
of his Lordship Rev. Bp. Cyprian Monis. In the council the regional
reports were read and passed. Bro. Jean Patric from Taize Community
France conducted Taize prayer. Rev. Fr. Vernon Vaz shared his
thoughts with the members, about the topic “You are Chosen
to be the messengers of the good news”.
On 6th February 2006, all the new NEXCO Members took the oath
of their office at Mass:
1. President: Ms Ashrita Arokiam (A.P. Region); 2. Vice President
I: Mr. Jerry Jose (M.P. & C.G.Region); 3. Vice President II:
Ms. Maria Roseline (T.N. Region); 4. Secretary: Mr. Saiby Mathew
(Kerala Region); 5. Spokesperson I: Ms. Michelle Sherard (Orissa
Region); 6. Treasurer: Mr. Anthony Pushparaj (Karnataka Region);
7. Joint Treasurer: Mr. Thomas Peter (W.B. Region); 8. RYD Representative:
Fr. Sebastian Puthen (Kerala Region); 9. RYD Representative: Fr.
Ujjwal Mandol (W.B. Region); 10. RYLA Representative: Sr. Anitha
D’Souza UFS (Karnataka Region); 11. RYLA Representative:
Sr. Kiran SCJM (Northern Region); 12. Governing Body Member: Ms.
Shalini Rai (U.P. Region); 13. Governing Body Member: Ms. Brithnilla
Marak (North East Region); 14. Governing Body Member: Ms. Aarti
Bhatti (Northern Region); 15. Governing Body Member: Ms. Preety
Bodra (Bhijan Region); 16. Governing Body Member: Mr. Pinakin
Mackwan (Western Region).
After the Mass, a touching farewell was given to the outgoing
Chairman, Bishop Cyprian Monis. Thereafter the outgoing NEXCO’S
handed over their office to the newly elected NEXCO’s with
a symbolic exchange of files.
ICYM, Nexco Freshers’ Orientation Programme
The ICYM NEXCO Freshers orientation programme was held at Don
Bosco Okhla, New Delhi from March 10th to 14th. There were sessions
on various topics like Enneagram, Youth Spirituality, ICYM Theme
and thrust. Fr. Alwyn D’Souza was the resource person. Four
days of Prayer and Discussions helped the new NEXCO’s to
know more about themselves and about ICYM.
Taize Orientation Programme, T.O.P. No. 42
The Orientation Programme for Taize Pilgrimage (Group No. 42)
was held from 30th March to 2nd April at CRI House, New Delhi.
There were Sessions on Team Work, Taize - The Land of Peace, and
on Bible Reflection. The Programme helped the participants to
know more about Taize and also about various programmes in Taize.
ICYM in Andaman
The ICYM team visited Andamans from February 15th to 22nd 2006.
The team consisted of the National Youth Director, Fr. Alwyn D’Souza,
National Youth Lady Animator Sr. Maria Sangma, Resource Person
Mr. Arul Raja, Hyderabad and Mr. Richard Sarkey, Bhijan Youth
Co-ordinator.
The Youth Leaders Training Programme entitled “Youth Dreaming
for Development from Poverty to Prosperity” was held in
Port Blair Pastoral Center from February 17th to 20th 2006. The
programme started with an inaugural Mass by Msgr. Fr. J. Almeida
V.G. of Port Blair Dioceses. There were 47 Participants from 15
Parishes. Fr. Alwyn D’Souza made an elaborate presentation
of the Aims, Objectives, Vision and Background of ICYM. At the
end of the Programme, he assured that a special training will
be given to five chosen Youth of Andamans to further develop the
Youth Ministry in the dioceses.
MEDIA/INFORMATION OFFICE
The
Media/Information Office organized a Press Conference on January
21, 2006 at New Delhi. His Eminence Telesphore Cardinal Toppo
addressed the media and briefed them about the 27th General Body
Meeting and on its theme, ‘Catholic Education and the Church’s
Concern for the Marginalized’. Cardinal Toppo in his address
touched upon many other issues concerning the Church in India.
Fr. Babu Joseph coordinated the Press Conference. The news about
the General Body Meeting was widely covered next day in the newspapers
and television Channels.
CBCI General Body Meeting and Coverages in Media
The 27th General Body Meeting of Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of India (CBCI) held at St. Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore
from February 8-15, 2006 was prominently covered in all newspapers
and television channels throughout Karnataka and in other parts
of the country. Fr. Babu Joseph, SVD, Spokesperson of CBCI was
fully at the service of the media before the meeting of the CBCI
and during it and was in constant touch with the press to get
a wider coverage of the General Body Meeting.
On reaching the venue of the General Body Meeting of CBCI, St.
Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore, the Media/Information Office
organized a press conference at the Archbishop’s House on
the eve of the GBM in which almost all the reporters, photojournalists,
cameramen and correspondents participated. Cardinal Telesphore
Toppo, President of CBCI along with the Secretary General of CBCI,
Most Rev. Percival Fernandez, Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore,
Dr. Donald H. R. De Souza, Dy. Secretary General of CBCI and Dr.
Babu Joseph addressed the press Conference and answered to the
queries of the journalists. Thereafter everyday there was a press
briefing during the General Body Meeting which was addressed by
Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Agra, Archbishop Malayappan Chinnappa
of Madras, Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati and Archbishop
Stanislaus Fernandes, the new Secretary General of CBCI.
Media Contacts
Interviews to Fides Agenzia, Vatican Radio, Jeevan T.V. Sun TV,
ETV, Doordarshan, Aaj Tak, Headlines Today, Deepika, Indian Express,
Rajasthan Patrika, Malayalam Manorama, Press Trust of India, SAR
News, United News of India.
Meetings with Government and Civil Society
Meeting with Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource and Development,
Shri Arjun Singh. Meeting with Hon’ble Minister of Minority
Affairs, Shri A.R. Antuley. Meeting with Hon’ble Minister
for Tribal Affairs, Shri P.R. Kyndiah. Meeting with Hon’ble
Chief Minister of Delhi, Srimati Shiela Dixit. Meeting with Hon’ble
Minister for Law and Justice, Shri Bhardwaj. Meeting with Hon’ble
Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Shivraj Patil. Meeting with Hon’ble
Minister, Shri Oscar Fernandes. Meeting with the Ambassadors of
Poland, Philippines, German, Canadian High Commissioner, Belguim,
U.S. Political Councellor and Joint Secretaries of various Ministries.
Articles published in the National Dailies and Catholic
Journals
Collective Route to Social Justice published in Sathyadeepam.
January 1-15, 2006; Catholic Council of India meets at Vailankani
published in Sathyadeepam. January 16-31, 2006; Ending Education
‘Apartheid’ published in Sathyadeepam. February 1-15,
2006; Church’s Renewed Commitment to Education published
in Sathyadeepam. February 16-28, 2006; Crisis of Judicial Credibility
Averted published in Sathyadepam. March 1-15, 2006; Futile Yatra
published in the Sathyadeepam. March 16-31, 2006.
Press Releases and Press Statements
Ø
Catholic
Council of India (CCI) elects new Office Bearer, January 12, 2006.
Ø
Catholic
Church to focus on ‘Catholic Education and the Church’s
Concern for the Marginalized’ during 27th General
Body Meeting of CBCI, January 21, 2006.
Ø
CBCI
General Body Meeting, Theme: The Catholic Education and the
Church’s Concern
for the marginalized, February 7, 2006.
Ø
Catholic
Bishops make an in-depth study of Catholic Education in India,
February 9, 2006.
Ø
Cardinal
Toppo re-elected CBCI President, February 13, 2006.
Ø
Archbishop
Stanislaus Fernandes of Gandhinagar elected as new Secretary
General, CBCI. CBCI Commissions highlight Church’s
services to the
marginalized, youth, laity and women, February 14,
2006.
Ø
Final
Statement of the GBM, February 15, 2006.
Ø
CBCI
Condemns the bomb blast in Varanasi, appeals for peace, March
10,
2006.
NATIONAL
VOCATION SERVICE CENTRE
(NVSC)
Counselling
Practical
The
months of December, January & February were very hectic for
the Diploma students. Under the supervision of NVSC Staff
the students did their Counselling Practicals among 65 formees
chosen from various houses of formation of men and women religious
from the diocese of Poona. Both the Counsellors and Counselees
benefited immensely from this ministry of healing.
Dissertation
Paper
The
Diploma students were deeply immersed in doing a scientific research
on topics related to priestly and religious formation and other
current pastoral problems like Alcoholism, Child Abuse, Gender
Discrimination, etc.
Annual Evaluation
On
9th March 2006 NVSC staff and students had an evaluation of all
the aspects of its life and ministry for the year 2005-2006. The
feedback from the students was very positive and highly encouraging
for the staff. The students were very appreciative of the team
spirit among the staff, the excellent standard and quality both
of the content and methodology of various courses taught during
the year. They were full of praise for the skills they learnt
on Counselling from the practicals held from December to February.
Graduation
Day
As
a help to synthesize and integrate their rich experiences of the
year, the Diploma Students had an-eight-day directed retreat guided
by Frs. Pravin Severkar, S.J. and Drago Caridade, S.J. 21st March
2006 was the grand finale of the diploma course. During the Solemn
Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Joe Mathias, S.J.
the Director of the Institute, 29 students (16 women and 13 men)
received their Diploma in Religious Formation & Pastoral Counselling. The
programme was attended by a number of guests from the neighbouring
houses.
Transformative Leadership for Superiors - Animators –
Pastors
In
response to the request made by several Major Superiors, NVSC
had designed a special one-month course on Leadership from 15th
January to 11th February 2006. The programme consisted of
the following topics: 1. Dynamics of Transformative Leadership;
2. Interpersonal Relationship and Community Life; 3. Basic Skills
in Counselling.
VARIA
Our
Distinguished Visitors
The CBCI Centre was happy to welcome several visitors from India
and abroad besides many Bishops from the various Dioceses of India
during the last 3 months, from January - March 2006.
v His
Eminence Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, President of CBCI.
v Archbishop
Stanislaus Fernandes, Secretary General of the CBCI.
v Cardinal
Theodore Edgar McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington, U.S.A.
v Shri
Oscar Fernandes, Hon’ble Union Minister.
v Several
Christian Members of Indian Parliament.
Venerable Kunjachan to be proclaimed ‘Blessed’
Venerable Fr. Augustine Thevarparampil (Kunjachan) will be proclaimed
‘Blessed’ on Sunday 30th April, at St. Augustine’s
Forane Church, Ramapuram at 2.30 p.m. His Holiness Pope Benedict
XVI has authorized His Eminence Varkey Card. Vithayathil, Major
Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, to declare Kunjachan Blessed
in a special liturgical ceremony, according to the norms of the
Catholic Church. It is the first time in the history of the Catholic
Church in India that a saintly person is beatified, in the very
place where he was born, worked, died and buried.
Born on 1st April 1891, Venerable Fr. Augustine (popularly known
as Kunjachan) worked for the uplift of the downtrodden people
- the out castes - for more than four decades, always at his own
parish, Ramapuram, as an assistant parish priest. Fr. Augustine
died on 16th October 1973, in the odour of sanctity. Called as
‘Servant of God’ in 1987, he was declared ‘Venerable’
in 2004, by his Holiness Pope John Paul II.
Jesuit Priest Appointed Member of the
University Grants Commission (UGC)
Dr. Xavier Alphonse, S.J. Director of Madras Centre for Research
and Development of Community Education (MCRCE) has been appointed
as Member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi,
for a term of three years. Hearty Congratulations to Dr. Xavier
Alphonse!
New Office-Bearers of the CB.C.I.
The CBCI General Body Meeting, which was held in Bangalore (Karnataka),
from March 8-15, 2006 has elected/re-elected the following as
Office-Bearers of the CBCI for a term of two years:
1. President: His Eminence Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo,
Archbishop of Ranchi (re-elected).
2. Vice-President-I: Most Rev. Gratian Mundadan,
Bishop of Bijnor (elected).
3. Vice-President-II: Most Rev. Isaac Mar Cleemis,
Bishop of Tiruvalla (elected).
4. Secretary General: Most Rev. Stanislaus Fernandes,
Archbishop of Gandhinagar (elected).
New Deputy Secretary General of CBCI Appointed
Rev. Fr. Thomas D’Aquin Sequiera has been appointed as the
new Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI. He will take over from
Fr. Donald H. R. De Souza on June 1, 2006. CATHOLIC INDIA wishes
him heartiest congratulations and extends to him a warm welcome
as he assumes this important responsibility in the Church in India.
Fr. Thomas Sequiera, 52 years, is a priest of the Archdiocese
of Goa and a scripture scholar, having specialized in the subject
in Rome. He comes to his new job with vast pastoral, administrative
and academic experience. He has been Rector of the Archdiocesan
Major Seminary (Rachol) in Goa, Parish Priest and Director of
the Diocesan Pastoral Centre. Hearty congratulations, dear Fr.
Thomas!
New Assistant Secretary at C.B.C.I. Centre
Rev. Fr. Pradeep Kujur, a priest of the Diocese of Rourkela, has
joined at the CBCI Centre as Assistant to the Deputy Secretary
General on March 25, 2006. Fr. Pradeep, 41 years, has done his
Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University Urbaniana
in Rome. He comes to the CBCI Centre with much and useful experience
in pastoral, academic and other responsibilities. The ‘Catholic
India’ warmly welcomes him and wishes God’s choicest
Blessings on his new ministry for the Church in India. Welcome,
Fr. Pradeep!
27th General Body Meeting of the CBCI
The 27th General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of India was held from February 8-15, 2006 at St. Peter’s
Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore. The main theme was “Catholic
Education and the Church’s Concern for the Marginalized”.
The General Body Meetings of the CBCI are a regular feature of
the activities of the Catholic Bishops of India and are held once
in two years in the various dioceses of India. At every General
Body Meeting, a particular theme of relevance to the Church and
the nation is discussed by the leaders of the Church. Some of
the themes of the past few years were: The Church’s Responses
to the Challenges of Contemporary Society with Special Reference
to the Role of the Laity (1984), The Role of the Catholic Church
in National Integration (1988), Priestly Formation in the Present
Circumstances (1989), Evangelization (1994), The Role of the Church
in India Today and Concern for the Poor in the light of Gaudium
et Spes (1998), The Church at the Service of the nation: the Role
of the Bishops (2000), Church in Dialogue (2002), Church and Social
Communications (2004).
Over 160 Catholic Bishops of India from the Latin, Syro-Malabar
and the Syro-Malankara ecclesial traditions in the country attended
the meeting. Others who attended were the Executive Secretaries
of the CBCI Commissions, Directors of the National Centres, Representatives
of Men and Women Religious and representatives of the CCI.
The details and dynamics of the meeting and its deliberations
are given in summary form in the ‘Press Statement’
published in the current issue of ‘Catholic India’.
The Catholic Council of India (CCI)
The Catholic Council of India, popularly known as the CCI, held
its 8th General Body Meeting from January 6-8, 2006 at the Holy
Shrine Church of Vailankanni in Tamil Nadu. About 200 delegates:
representatives of Bishops, Priests, Men and Women Religious but
above all representatives of the laity participated in the meeting
for 3 days to share, reflect and discuss on the theme “Catholic
Education and the Church’s Concern for the Marginalized”.
The Catholic Council of India is a sign of the unity and mission
of the Church in our country. It was established by the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) on 12th January 1993
so that all sections of the people of God may come together to
discern the Father’s will for the Church in India.
Every two years, the Catholic Council of India meets in a ‘General
Body’, where the theme chosen by the CBCI is also discussed
by the CCI. The theme for the 8th General Body Meeting of the
CCI was ‘Catholic Education and the Church’s Concern
for the Marginalized’. At the end of the Meeting, the CCI
issued a Final Statement, which was disseminated among all sections
of the People of God in the country.
Though the Catholic Council of India does not have any legislative
authority, its conclusions and recommendations are directed to
the entire Church. The implementation of its recommendations is
primarily the responsibility of the concerned ecclesiastical authorities
and, at their level, of the members of the CCI.
PRESS STATEMENT
Catholic Bishops make in-depth study of Catholic Education
in India
Bangalore, February 09, 2006
The Indian Catholic Bishops have gathered at St. Peter’s
Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore for the 27th General Body Meeting
of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) from February
8-15. The theme of the CBCI General Body Meeting is, ‘Catholic
Education and Church’s concern for the marginalized’.
The biennial meeting of the Catholic Bishops of India began on
February 8 with the inaugural Eucharist presided over by His Excellency
Pedro Lopez Qunitana, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and concelebrated
by Cardinal Toppo, the president of the CBCI, Cardinal Varkey
Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, over
160 bishops and a host of priests representing a cross section
of the Clergy here in Bangalore.
The Keynote address on Catholic Education and Church’s concern
for the marginalized was given by Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil
of Guwahati. He began his presentation with some startling data
on the education front in India. It is quite distressing to know
that half of the world’s illiterates are in India and nearly
75% students drop out of school system with girl children topping
the list. In spite of all the plans and schemes by the Government
and all other agencies involved in bringing education to the masses
it is pathetic that such a situation still remains in India.
The Archbishop of Guwahati said that the Christian education promotes
a culture that does not yield to pragmatism, consumerism and hedonism
but offers values which generate the human attitudes of freedom
that includes respect for others, conscious responsibility, sincere
and constant search for truth, a calm and peaceful critical spirit,
a spirit of solidarity and service, a sensitivity of justice,
a sense of being called to become agents of change in society.
He termed parents, lay people and religious as agents of education
who contribute immensely in the formation of good citizens. Archbishop
said that the Catholic schools are for all, but gives special
attention to the weakest, socially and economically disadvantaged
and young people left to fend for themselves.
Archbishop Menamparampil said that 55 percent of catholic educational
institutions are today in rural areas, 42 percent of students
come from families below poverty line, another 33 percent are
of the lower income group and 25 percent from Dalits and tribals.
He said that the Catholic institutions educate over 10 million
students among them 62 percent of students are non-Christians,
23 percent of them are catholic and 5 percent of them are of other
Christian Churches. Archbishop told the gathering that the catholic
institutions educate 54 percent of students who are girls. He
called for quality education for all-round development of the
human person, mental acuteness, social awareness, healthy relationships,
refined manners, dignified self-presentation, intelligent and
clear self-expression.
Sr. Mirabelle, A.C. in her response to the keynote address said
that education is not for gaining power but rather it is for developing
skills of relating well with other people. Sr. Mirabelle said
that the education services of the religious personnel must be
integrated in the overall plan of the local church. She proposed
that the self-confidence would bring a desired change in the Catholic
Educational System and bishops and heads of Religious Institutes
must take leadership roles to change the situation.
Dr. Victor Louis Anthuvan in his presentation highlighted the
Church’s concern |
