Gurjari - the CMI Bhavnagar Province

Team
Views
wishes you all
Mary Shows
the Way
Dear Brothers and Fathers,
Christ is born for us!
Glory to God in the highest and
peace on earth to the men and
women whom he loves. May all
people hear an echo of the
message of Bethlehem which the Church sings
with joy in every continent, beyond the confines
of every nation, language and culture. The Son
of the Virgin Mary is born for everyone; he is the
Saviour of all.
This is the meaning of the Child's
name, the name which, by God's will, Mary and
Joseph gave him: he is named Jesus, which
means "Saviour" (cf. Mt 1:21; Lk 1:31). He was
sent by God the Father to save us above all from
the evil deeply rooted in man and in history: the
evil of separation from God, the prideful
presumption of being self-sufficient, of trying to
compete with God and to take his place, to
decide what is good and evil, to be the master of
life and death (cf. Gen 3:1-7). This is the great
evil, the great sin, from which we human beings
cannot save ourselves unless we rely on God's
help, unless we cry out to him: "Veni ad
salvandum nos! – Come to save us!"
The very fact that we cry to heaven in
this way already sets us aright; it makes us true
to ourselves: we are in fact those who cried out
to God and were saved (cf. Esth [LXX] 10:3ff.).
God is the Saviour; we are those who are in peril.
He is the physician; we are the infirm. To realize
this is the first step towards salvation, towards
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emerging from the maze in which we have
been locked by our pride. To lift our eyes to
heaven, to stretch out our hands and call for
help is our means of escape, provided that
there is Someone who hears us and can
come to our assistance.
Jesus Christ is the proof that God
has heard our cry. And not only this! God's
love for us is so strong that he cannot
remain aloof; he comes out of himself to
enter into our midst and to share fully in our
human condition (cf. Ex 3:7-12). The answer
to our cry which God gave in Jesus infinitely
transcends our expectations, achieving a
solidarity which cannot be human alone, but
divine. Only the God who is love, and the
love which is God, could choose to save us
in this way, which is certainly the lengthiest
way, yet the way which respects the truth
about him and about us: the way of
reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation.
Dear Brothers and Fathers let us
then turn to the Child of Bethlehem, to the
Son of the Virgin Mary, and say: "Come to
save us!" Let us repeat these words in
spiritual union with the many people who
experience particularly difficult situations;
let us speak out for those who have no voice.
Let us turn our gaze anew to the grotto of
Bethlehem. The Child whom we
contemplate is our salvation! He has
brought to the world a universal message of
reconciliation and peace. Let us open
our hearts to him; let us receive him
into our lives. Once more let us
say to him, with joy and
confidence:
"Veni ad salvandum nos!"
CHAVARA CORNER
(Honouring Bl. Chavara,a
commemorative postage stamp of
Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara was
released on 20 December, 1987 by the
then President of India Mr. R.
Venkataraman. Here are a few excerpts
from the speech of dignitaries at the
function:)
“…..It is well
over a hundred
years since
Father Chavara
left us. And yet he
is a living
inspiration for
thousands and
thousands of
persons. He is gratefully remembered as
a profound scholar, an educationist, a
builder of institutions for the
underprivileged, the illiterate, the
destitute and the needy.
Few people have been able to
[
combine the
contemplation
of God with
the service of
man as naturally and creatively as Father
Chavara did. There was in fact no
dichotomy in his mind between the world
of faith and the world of action. Father
Chavara represented both. A mystic, he
could also be an engine of activity.
Capable of withdrawing in to his
innermost being, Father Chavara was at
the same time a motive force for the
establishment of a social order in which
every one could live in dignity and faith…”
(R. Vekataraman, President of India)
"…..Fr. Chavara is the pride not only of
Kerala, but of entire mankind. It is rare
indeed where so many sterling virtues
have blended so perfectly in one
individual. Fr. Chavara was born a mortal,
but the good he did over a span of six and
a half decades cast him in the mould of
immortal of humanity. Yesterday, today
and forever to the last syllable of recorded
time this God-realized soul will remain
among mankind's most cherished
possessions…." (P. Ramachandran,
Governor of Kerala)
“Few of us can do great things but all of us can do small things
with great love.”
- Mother Teresa
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[
Blessed Chavara Province, Bhavnagar is blessed with two new
priests this year. Deacons Jaison Pulickal and Santhosh
Kizhakkethil will be ordained priests on 1, 2 January 2013.
Gurjari asked them to share some of their experiences in life during
their years of formation. Here they share with us the back ground of
their vocation and some touching life experiences.
Deacon Santhosh was born on 15 April, 1981. He
belongs to Pezhumpara parish of Kanjirappally diocese.
He did his novitiate at Kappad and made first profession
on 8 September,2001. He completed philosophy and
theology at Dharmaram, Bangalore.
Gurjari: Santhosh, Will you share with us any
memorable experience that touched your life?
Santhosh: Of course. About six months ago I was at
Dn. Santhosh Kizhakkethil Dharmaram, Bangalore. The date of ordination was
almost fixed and preparations were going on in full swing. I was busy with learning to
celebrate Holy Mass by saying dry mass, exams and pastoral ministry, . Every body was
waiting eagerly for the great day of our life.
On a Friday I got a phone call at 3.30 p.m. saying that my father was seriously sick and
reach hospital soon. I got a real shock. I asked Jesus why he was testing me like this at
the most joyful occasion of my life. My father was the happiest person to see me as a
priest. Since his health was deteriorating I used to pray to God to give him the chance to
see me celebrating a Qurbana at our home parish. He used to say that he wanted to kiss
the hands of his son that had taken the body and blood of Jesus Christ, before he would
die. We were very close to the fulfillment of this great dream and then the Lord putiing
me to test.
As soon as I got the news I prepared to go. I got into a train from Jolarpettai station.
Since it was a special train, to my surprise I could not find anybody else in my bogie. In
fact those were the moments I really wanted somebody near me so that I could share my
heart's grief . I wanted somebody near me who could understand the agony of my heart.
This is a mystery of life. AT the moment when I longed for the nearness of somebody, I
am sitting alone in a lonely compartment of a train in an unknown station. I remembered
about the last journey of Jesus. That gave me consolation. He had plenty of people
around him in his company, but in the crucial last moments of his life he was left alone
amidst the enemies. I too was left alone but to my consolation not amidst enemies.
I fell asleep with these thoughts and prayers for my beloved father. At around mid night I
got up and felt that my entire body was wet. I could not understand how it happened.
Then I loked around and found that a person was sleeping on the upper berth and the
water was dripping from there. His body was ice cold. I did not know what to do. I tried to
wake him up but in vain. He was not moving. When I checked the compartment I could
find one more person sleeping there. I requested him also to come to do some help.
I tried to massage his feet and hands in an attempt to warm his cold body.
I forgot my sorrows and loneliness for some time. Here was a person whose life was in
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my hands. As the train stopped at a station I ran to the engine room and informed the
driver. The engine driver told me that there was no hospital in that station and so try to do
some thing until you reach Aluva station. I ran back to the person and continued to
massage the person. Since engine driver had alerted the police, as we reached Aluva
station there were police to take care of that man. I too helped them to carry that man to the
ambulance. I do not know whether that man was saved or not. When I came back to the
station I found that my train had gone. There I waited for another train. But it was too late
for me to reach in time to see my father alive. His condition became worse and he left for
his eternal abode without seeing me. Still I have the satisfaction that I could save the life of
another man who was in need of my care and assistance. I could not see my father alive
but I could help another person live.
Deacon Jaison was born on 7 July, 1979. He belongs to
Chakkupallam parish of Kottayam diocese. He did his novitiate at
Kappad and made first profession on 8 September,2001. He
completed philosophical studies at Darsana, Wardha and theology
at Pune.
Gurjari: Jaison, Will you share some thing about your vocation?
Jaison: After completing my higher secondary in September 1998,
Dn. Jaison Pulickal
I had to wait for a year for my higher studies. At that time I had not
given a serious thought about my future. I was making plans for the studies that may
help me for a bright future.. Mean while I was regularly attending all the prayer services
in Girijyoti Ashram Kumily.
One day while I was assisting in a Eucharistic adoration, one father who came from
Jagdalpur mission province asked me: “What is your future plan?” My answer was
quick. “I want to become a priest.” My quick reply was really shocking to myself
because till then I had not thought seriously about becoming a priest. That was the first
time I told anybody regarding my desire to become a priest. Then I made up my mind to
join Jagdalpur province. But God had his own plans. The reply from Jagdalpur province
was late to come. Meanwhile I got call from Kottayam province. Then after novitiate I
decided to opt for Bhavnagar mission region.
Gurjari: What is your favourite bible quote?
Jaison: Psalm 23/1. “The lord is my shepherd. I Shall not be
in want.
Gurjari: All the Best, Jaison. May you reap hundred fold in the
Lord's vineyard with your enthusiasm and talents.
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News Glimpses
Devdarshan Provincial House,
Merubaugh
First plenary assembly of our
province was held on 1-2 October, 2012.
Fr. Provincial and all the department
secretaries presented the reports of their
respective departments. Though the
schedule was rather hectic it was a fruitful
attempt for a mid term evaluation. Let's
hope for the best.
The canonical visitation of Rev.
Father Prior General was done on 1112 November 2012. It was the first
canonical visitation of the province by
Fr. Prior General after the errection of
the province. General auditor and Fr.
Prior General gave suggestions for
improvement. Along with him, General
councilors Rev. Frs. George Thanchan,
Jose Kuriedath, and general auditor Fr.
Anto Puthussery were also present.
General councilors visited all our
mission stations. We had a common
gathering of all the priests of our
province with Fr. Prior General and his
team at the end of the canonical
visitation at the Provincial house.All the
members were present for the meeting.
All the fathers of the province
participated in the renewal programme
held at St. Xavier's Provincial House,
Rajkot from 14-16 November. The three
day's program was full of inputs and
reflections that helped all to go deep into
our core religious values and challenged
all to become a transforming contrast
community.
The annual retreat for the
priests was held from 18 to 23 November,
in the Pastoral centre, Rajkot. It was
preached by Bp. George Njaralakkattu of
Mandya Diocese. Many of the fathers
from our province participated in it.
The Ground floor of one wing of
Devdarshan public school is completed. It
was blessed on 8 December by Rev. Fr.
Emmanuel Kariyapurayidam, our Vicar
Provincial. Primary section of the school
is shifted to the new building. After the
teething troubles of infancy, slowly
Devdarshan Public school is setting up its
own roof. Construction work of the
remaining blocks is going on in full speed.
After a long wait, at last the new
province directory is published. It is
being distributed from the provincial
house . Congratulation to the
Secretary of Dept. of Communication
and the team members for their
beautiful work. The directory looks
elegant and beautiful. It is designed in
such a way that it becomes a handy
reference for almost all the
information needed for effective
communication.
Fr. Provincial attended the CRI
meeting held in Hyderabad from 27
October. He participated actively in
the sessions that elected the new office
beare of national CRI for the next term.
Three of our members who are
working abroad visited us during their
vacation in the previous months. Fr.
Pius Areeplackal and Fr. George
Areekuzhy from UK and Fr. James
Narithookil from USA were the visitors.
They took time to go around all the
mission stations of the province and
shared the fraternity. Come again dear
fathers. Fr. Jossy Vattoth and Fr. Reji
Koodappatt came from Kerala to attend
the renewal programme and they were
with us for a few days.
Br. Inson and Br. Jithin attended
the regency meet held in Dharmaram,
Bangalore from 24 to 28 November.
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Br. Albin Tharappil and Br. Bobin
Thekkanal who were doing their novitiate
at Anudhavana Mission Novitiate made
their first profession on 8 December at
Mancherial. Fr. Provincial received their
vows. All the best dear brothers in your
journey ahead.
Br. Shaiju Maniyakkupara of our
Province entered canonical novitiate in
Vinayalaya, Bhanpuri on September 8,
2012, the Feast of Nativity of our
Blessed Mother. His Excellency Mar
Gratian Mundadan CMI guided
postulants in their preparatory retreat.
Dev Ashish Aspirants House,
Merubaugh
First semester has been
successfully completed and the second
semester started on 3rd of December.
During Diwali vacation brothers had
special volley ball coaching. Brs. Libin
and Jithin spent their Diwali vacation
with the aspirants and taught them
music and drama. During his visit to the
province, Fr. Prior General celebrated
Holy Mass in Dev Ashish and spent
some time with the brothers. We had
Diwali celebration with provincial
house community in Dev Darshan.
Aspirants went to Rajkot for the
Candidates' get together held there. All
appreciated the get-together. It gave them
a chance to meet aspirants and the
candidates of various men and women
congregations and the minor seminaries
of the Diocese of Rajkot. Brothers
participated in all the competitions and
performed a dance there.
Brothers had three days retreat
preached by Rev. Fr. Jacob Marangattu.
RIP
Beloved father of Fr. Kuriakose
Kallamullil and the Uncle of Fr. Sebastian
Vayalilpurayidam slept in the Lord. Let us
remember both of them in our prayers.
St. Mary School, Amreli
MARIAN FEST-2012 was organized on
22 December, 2012 at the school
grounds. After a short gap the luminaries
of St. Mary, Amreli, stand tall on the
school stage for a spectacular show of
talents. It was well appreciated by the
parents and the invited dignitaries.The
galaxy of guests included, Mr.
Alokkumar Pandey I.A.S (DDO),
Amreli, Mr. P.A. Pandya (DEO,Amreli),
Dr. J.G.Pathak (DPEO, Amreli), Ms.
Shobha P. Bhutada, IPS (SP), Mr. O.S.
Jadeja (Labour court Judge), Mr. R.B.
Devdha P. I.(L.C.B). It was a proud
moment for the Marians. Congrats.......
St.Thomas, Mahuva
As part of Fr. Prior General's
visit to the province Rev Frs. George
Thanchan, Jose Kuriedath and Anto
Pudusserry visited us in the month of
November and shared their joy and
fellowship with us. Fr. General's
secretary Fr. Jossy was their guide and
charioteer.They also visited and stayed at
Premjyoti Ashram,Wanker.
Nuclear Energy, a Blessing…?
That was the theme for the second inter
house debate competition excellently
moderated by Fr. Jaino in the month of
November. All unanimously felt it as a
very well conducted programme with
the spontaneous and well appreciated
performance of the moderator,
understanding the need and situation of
each and every participant. On this
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occasion we also cherish the contribution
of Deacon Santhosh as the moderator in
the First Debate conducted earlier.
Rev. Sr. Tarcisia, the Abbess of
Prem Jyoti Ashram, entered in the Sixty
Club and Rev. Fr. Jacob Marangattu
entered into the silver line in his ordained
life. We celebrated it on15 December, at
Wanker. Fr. Immanuel during his homily
rightly spoke about them as two lamps
lighted and kept on the table giving light
and life to many by reflecting the light of
Jesus through them. Zonal members
and Parishioners came together to
greet and pray for them in good
numbers. Fr. Binu, the Chaplain of the
sisters, was the Master of all
ceremonies of the day.
Fr. Binu Kunnel the
house administrator and
vice principal here,
joined Devgiri College,
Calicut before 2 years
and 2 months back
carried back not only
many hearts but a Rank also to his
credit by simply scoring just 95% in the
Final M.Sc. He stood second rank in the
university. Congrats Fr. Binu.
In this season of renewal, we
also renovated our residence so that the
renewal of life may reflect in and around
our living situations. The blessing of the
face lifted Sudarshana was on 16
December by Fr.Provincial. Rev. Frs. Jose
Thumbelett and Joseph Kallampally from
Bhavnagar joined us along with the Zonal
members in the joyous occasion.
Congratulations to Fr. Joy and team for
taking up this timely mission and finishing
it colorfully. Now the renewed inmates in
the renovated residence are waiting for
visitors to share their joy and fraternity
with all of you.
St. Xaviers, Botad
Foundation stone laid for Xavier CMI
Bhavan on 11September 2012 at Botad by
Rev. Fr. Provincial. Thus another dream of
Botad CMIs is getting realized.
(Foundation stone of Xavier CMI Bhavan, Botad
being laid by Fr. Provincial)
This is the silver jubilee year of
the Religious Profession of Rev. Fr.
Emmanuel Kariyapurayidam CMI,
V i c a r- P r o v i n c i a l . M o d e r a t e
celebrations are being contemplated.
December 4th was the birthday
of Rev. Fr. Emamnuel Kariayapurayidam.
Itwas celebrated solemnly in the
School and in the local community.
On December 8th, we
celebrated the feast of the Immaculate
Concepton of Blessed Virgin Mary at
Botad. As it was a joint celebration,
Palitana community also joined us for the
feast in the evening.
Christmas Celebration of Saint
Xavier School, Botad, is scheduled on
24th December, 2012 and Rev.
Fr.Provincial consented to give the
Christmas Message.
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St Xavier's church, Jail road,
Bhavnagar
Fr. Abraham Kizhakkekutt took
charge as the parish priest and the
chaplain of Fatima convent Jail road and St.
Anne's convent. After taking charge as
the parish priest the first thing Fr.
Abraham planned was a survey of the
parish. It was conducted this year after
sixteen years. Now the parish has one
hundred and seventeen families and five
hundred and sixty six members in the roll.
Holy Father Benedict XVI
declared this year as the year of faith.
Our Prior general Very Rev. Fr. Jose
Panthaplamthottiyil inaugurated the
year of faith in our parish on 11th
November. He blessed and distributed
the holy picture of Jesus of mercy and a
prayer leaflet which should be recited
every day in each family throughout
this year. Provincial Fr.Jose, Vicar
Provincial and Pastoral councillor
Fr.Emmanuel also were present on the
occasion.
(Inauguration of the year of faith at St.
Xavier's Church,Bhavnagar by
Fr. Prior General)
Parish feast was celebrated
most solemnly on 3rd December on the
Feast of St. Francis Xavier. Fr.Martin
Mallath was the main celebrant and he
preached the homily too. Cultural
programmes were conducted after the
Holy Mass and the solemn procession.At
the end of the cultural programme, prizes
were distributed to the catechism
students. Sr.Mariamma, Mrs.Seira and Mr.
Rocky were honoured for their valuable
and selfless service, to the parish since
long.
St. Xaviers English School, Junagadh.
St. Xaviers English School
organized 'Xaviers Expo-2012'
Sciecnce, social, maths and arts
exhibition. Fr. Provincial was the
president of the inaugural function. Dr.
Philip Ratnakumar, the Principal
Scientist of groundnut research centre,
Junagadh, was the chief guest. More than
ten thousand parents and people of
locality benefitted from the expo. It was
a mega event in which 635 students
participated.
We have started a monthly
leaflet consisting of the news, stories,
poems, anecdotes etc. by the literary
club of the school. The first copy of it
was released by Rev. Fr. Abraham, the
Educational Councilor of our province.
This year more than
50
students from our school represented
the district at the state level sports
competitions.Two students of our school,
one boy for tennikoit and the other a girl,
for soft ball represented the state in the
National Games. It was a moment of
pride for St. Xavier's Junagadh.
The new team of School Band
was trained and passed out in the
presence of Subedar Major of the 8th
Battalion of Gujarat.
We celebrated our family day
solemnly on the feast of St. Francis Xavier.
It was coloured by the variety of
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programmes conducted by children and a
separate cultural gathering of the staff.
The message of the day was given by Rev.
Fr. Roy Kanneettukandam CMI. A special
message was given by Rev Fr. Vinod
Kanattu CMI to the staff members.
In order to extend the activities of the
social service club, we have started to
supply food packets in the civil hospital on
every Saturday.The packing and supply of
the lunch are done by the students. The
project is funded by the students from
their pocket money.
As a sign of our charity, the
social service club collected the old
clothes from the students and we are
distributing it to the poor and needy
people of slum dwellers. We distribute
it on every alternate month when we
visit them.
Porbandar
A Christeen residential faith
camp was arranged in our parish
from11-13 November for the
catechism children of the parish. The
catechism teachers led the program.All
enjoyed the program and benefited
well from it. The beloved father of Fr.
Kuriakose Kallamullil passed away on
16th Novermber.
Visamo, Fulzar
Rev. Fr. James Narithookkil
visited Visamo on 16 September 2012 and
Fr. Pius Arreplackal visited Visamo on 23
October. Vsamo gratefully remembers
their generosity. Beloved sister, brother
in-law and nieces of Fr. Noble
Manakandam paid a visit to Visamo on 7
November.
St. Xavier's, Palitana
The construction work of the
second floor of the school building is
completed. Navratri and diwali were
celebrated in the school. Rhymes and
drawing competitions were conducted to
explore and develop the talents of the
young artists.
Christ School, Chitra
SVS level science and Maths
exhibition was organized at Christ school,
chitra this year. In the high school
section three of our entries and in the
primary section one entry were
selected to the district level. At the
district level exhibition our entry of
making eco friendly road from plastic
waste is selected to the state level. Mr.
Ankur and Mr. Himanshu, two of our
teachers are behind the innovative
project.
One of our
students Ms.Anjali
Trivedi won second
prize in yoga
competition at the
national level.
Another girl of our school, Ms.
Sanskruti Upadhyaya won second prize
in mono act competition at the
Regional level held at Rajkot. She is
selected to the state level. One of our
teachers, Mr. Hiren wrote the script on
the theme of pollution through the eyes of
a butterfly and prepared the student.
GEBCI NEWS:
On 13 t h Oct. 2012, the
Orientation for a selected group of
Principals of four Dioceses was held at St.
Xavier's Loyola, Ahmedabad. The group
has begun a process of reflection and
introspection, thanks to SWOT analysis
that we were led into taking an objective
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look at our schools through the Power
Point Presentation and also from the
effective feedback of Prof. Mr. Alan
D'souza.The process to review and take a
hard look at our institutions has begun
and with a management perspective, we
could surely start new strategies in the
future.
This process has been
initiated and facilitated by a very able,
p ro f e s s i o n a l a n d e x p e r i e n c e d
professor in the field of Education. He is
Prof. Alan D'souza, an IIMA Graduate
who is also a trainer. Prof. Alan is
'Former Executive Director, Mudra
Communication Ltd.' 'Founder
Member, MICA,' 'Former Acting Dean,
MICORE,' 'Former Director, Goa
Institute & Management,' 'Former
President: IIMA Alumni, Association
Ahmedabad Chapter.'
A person of his caliber could
help us build our Institutions
academically and also enhance an able
Alumni Association. GEBCI looks
forward to a whole hear ted
cooperation from all the Principals to
make this Process a reality and a
continuous movement.
The Clerks' seminar for
Ahmedabad and Baroda Diocese was held
on 17th October, 2012 at Jeevan Darshan,
Baroda. The total number that was
present was 53 of which 15 were from
Ahmedabad Diocese and 38 from the
Baroda Diocese.
The inaugural session was by the
GEBCI Secretary, Fr. Royston SJ. He gave a
clear message to the participants to take
keen interest in the day's seminar so as to
be a role model in their school.
The sessions began with Fr.Amalraj SJ. He
spoke in detail about the various
exemptions that the minority institutions
are entitled with reference to the Code,
Act and Regulations. He dealt on
Recruitment of staff. A detailed
information from the taking of NOC to
getting of Bahali was given. The new
Marking Scheme was explained. Though
the new marking scheme for appointment
was sent to the Principals and Managers of
various schools in July, the clerk's were
unaware of it.
Mr. Jayanand and Mr. John,
experienced Clerks, took up the
session on the Duties of the Clerk
giving detailed information on how it
came into existence. Being thorough
with CAR and a wide experience gave
various examples quoting Circulars,
GRs etc with utmost confidence. The
participants were very attentive till the
end of the seminar.
Our next Seminar for the Clerks
will be on reopening of the schools for
Gandhinagar and Rajkot Dioceses.
AINACS NEWS
Under the leadership of Fr.
Martin Mallath, the president of
AINACS (Saurashtra and Kutchch),
different activities are progressing. The
new syllabus was prepared and sent to
schools in time this year.
The first level of AINACS GK
Olympiad was conducted in September.
The parricipation was really encouraging
with more than 2500 students. The
selected students from the first level are
taken to the second level which was
conducted at Zonal level on 20 December.
The third level will be conducted at Rajkot
in February.
The 19th AINACS Camp was
conducted at St. Francis School, Jamnagar.
Record number of schools and students
participated in it. 35 schools took active
part in the three days camp. Mr. Dhanajay
of Christ School, Chitra was selected as
the MR.AINACS after a series of different
levels of evaluation. Ms. Mudra of St. Mary
School, Bhavnagar was selected as the
best camper.
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Botad is a
municipal city in
Bhavnagar district in the
state of Gujarat. It is one of the
fastest growing cities with a
population of just above 1,30,000
according to Census 2011. It is
centrally located from many of
the big cities and district head
quarters. It is 170 km away from
Ahmedabad 90 km from
Bhavnagar, 120 km from Rajkot-120, 90
km from Surendranagar and 93 km from
Amreli. Botad is surrounded by many
small villages. So lot of people from these
villages are settled in Botad and are still
coming for better opportunities. Thus the
population of Botad is doubling every few
couple of years.
It is said that Botad city is best
for living for average income people. It is
one of the fastest growing diamond
business hubs. Recently Botad is declared
the 30th district of Gujarat by the Chief
Minister just before the elections. Botad is
known as the gateway of Kathiyawad and
junction point of Gohilwad, Zalawad and
Panchal.
Botad is a vibrant business
oriented town surrounded by small
beautiful hills on east and west forming a
valley. River Utavali flows right in the
middle of the town while another creek
Madhu joining Utavali near Dash Nala.
Average literacy rate of Botad city is 83.21
percent. The sex ratio of Botad city is 922
females per 1000 males.
Botad is theKarma Bhumi of many great
people like Javerchand Meghani - a
Gujarati Literateur and Freedom Fighter
BOTAD
whom Mahatma Gandhi
spontaneously gave the title of
Raashtreeya Shaayar
(National Poet)), Kavi Shri
Damodardas Botadkar (Poet),
Mohammad Makad
(Literateur and Teacher), Kavi
Pal (Poet) , and Bhanushankar
Joshi (Freedom Fighter).
Mahatma Gandhi visited Botad
during one of his tours to
Kathiyavad.
Before couple of years the economy of
Botad used to be heavily dependent on
agriculture but now things are changing
very fast. The town is currently thriving on
industries like diamond cutting/
processing, real estate, cotton processing
and packing, healthcare, etc. Among all of
them the diamond market is growing very
fast because of cheap labor.
Botad is well connected to
Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara,
Bhavangar, Rajkot, Surendranagar etc. by
Railway and Road. Botad is very well
connected with Gujarat State Highways.
Botad saw its first phase of rapid
development during the rule of Maharaja
Krishna Kumar Sinhji and Takht Singhji of
Bhavnagar State. Shri Damodardar
Jagjivan Shah built the Clock Tower of
Botad. Today there is a library in the
building on his name.
The Lake that supplies water to
most of the areas of the town even today
was built by Maharaja Krishna Kumar
Sinhji (Bhavnagar State). Haran Kui
(Spring or Well for Deers) was a fresh
water spring on northern part of the town
(12)
Bhimdad
The entrance gate of St. Xavier's School, Botad
where thousands of deers and other semi-wild animals used to thrive. Sarangpur
famous for Hanumanji Mandir and Swaminarayana Mandir is only 12 km away from
Botad.
Christian presence in Botad is very recent. In 1999, when Fr. James Narithookil
was the regiona superior eight acres of land was bought on Khas road, in Botad for
starting an English Medium School for the CMI Region. It was started in a rented building
in Swastik society in June 2000 as St. Xavier's School, with Fr. Kuriakose Kallamullil as
the first Principal. The school was shifted to the new building on 8 July, 2004. Frs. Vinod
Kanatt, Paul Kalathiparampil, Joyce Aryasseril succeeded him. The school developed fast
under their care and reached higher secondary level in 2012. Fr. Jilson Mathasseril is the
present principal. SABS sisters are also serving at the school from the beginning.
Kind
Businessman
One afternoon, a wealthy businessman was riding in the back of his
limousine when he saw two men eating grass by the roadside. He ordered his
driver to stop and he got out to investigate. "Why are you eating grass?" he
asked one man.
"We don't have any money for food," the poor man replied.
"Oh, come along with me then."
"But sir, I have a wife with two children!"
"Bring them along! And you, come with us too!" he said to the other man.
"But sir, I have a wife with six children!" the second man answered.
"Bring them as well!"
They all climbed into the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large
as the limo.
Once underway, one of the poor fellows says, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank
you for taking all of us with you.”
The rich man replies, "No problem, the grass at my home is about two feet
tall."
(13)
FEEDBACK
Dare
At a church meeting a very wealthy
man rose to tell the rest of those
present about his Christian faith. "I'm
a millionaire," he said, "and I attribute
it all to the rich blessings of God in my
life. I remember that turning point in
my faith. I had just earned my first
dollar and I went to a church meeting
that night. The speaker was a
missionary who told about his work. I
knew that I only had a dollar bill and
had to either give it all to God's work
or nothing at all. So at that moment I
decided to give my whole dollar to God.
I believe that God blessed that
decision, and that is why I am a rich
man today."
He finished and there was an awed
silence at his testimony as he moved
toward his seat. As he sat down a
little old lady sitting in the same pew
leaned over and said to him: "I dare
you to do it again."
Here & There
I know. But may be
if you spoke just a
little softly, I could!
Johny, You know
you can't sleep
during my homily
Thank you very much for the bulletin.
Please change my id in the mailing list
to [email protected]
- Jomon llickan
The new colouful edition looks fine. But I
think some fonts are not looking good.
- Bejoy
It doesn't appear much of a problem that
I don't know the meaning of Gurjari to
relish myself with a rapid browse of its
maiden issue. Nearly half of the contents
I read in the limited time today. Will be
reading it cover to cover without delay.
I would say, of course it is praiseworthy,
If you expect a one word feedback from
me. But being in media industry for nearly
quarter of a century, I just have some
opinions which don't really require much
of sugar coating. First of all the slug given
for your clinching note 'log out' stands
apart from the general air of routine
contents of a newsletter. Hope you would
define this product with no lapse of time
as either a home journal or a news letter.
Some other observations from the
professional angle. 1. The opening page is
too cluttered with lots of doves and colours,
despite the fact that the colour scheme
followed is a cool one. 2. Uniformity in font
in all articles would have given it an extra
edge. 3. One relief this newsletter offered
was the small snippet on palm Sunday mass.
Let there be more number of them.
- Mneme George
First of all let me thank you very sincerely
for bringing out the Province News letter.
It is so wonderful with all the news. I am
very happy to hear that you all are doing well.
Thank you very much. With love and prayers
- Pater Dominic V.K
Got Gurjari. Very well done ! Congrats
- Fr. Francis Aykaraparampil
(14)
My Views on Residential
- Fr. Noble Manakandathil
In this article we are discussing
about the ways and means of an effective
residential child care. There are 14 residential
Child Care Centres in Rajkot Diocese, run
both by the diocese and by different religious
congregations. The following Table shows the
statistical abstract of the number of inmates
in these boarding house. There are 1477
inmates taken care of in these child care
centres. So it is good that we know some
important facts about residential child care
programs.
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Name
Total No.
Visamo- Balashram, Fuljhar
32
Sri. Sachidananda Gurukul Vidyalaya, Sihor
482
Sambhavana Boarding, Jamjodhpoor
80
St. Xavier's Boarding House, Bhachau
42
Kutch Vikas Trust, Raidhanpar
170
Archana Boarding House, Nakhatrana
29
St. Xaviers Boarding, Naliya
25
Catholic Ashram, Gondal
157
St. Thomas Boarding, Limbdi
104
Prathiksha Bhavan, Vasavad
45
Nirmal Bhavan, Wankaner
8
Jeevan jyot Chathralaya, Junagadh
70
Chavara Bhavan, Anjar
35
Prem Niketan Training Centre, Lodai
198
Total
1477
A child should not be separated
from parents unless it is for child's good; and
in any way child should not come under
pressure. According to United Nations the
best interest of the child should be taken care.
The child has the right to say what he\she
thinks, to share information, to meet
together and to organize, right to survival and
development, right to standard of living and
relax.
Counselling should be done before each
admission. In each district there is a child
welfare committee. They should know that
you are running a shelter home.
Many experts who visited many
boarding-houses commented that very strict
discipline spoils the boarding children. Some
children complained to them that they do not
go to toilet due to lack of time. Some get up
early in the morning at 3 O'clock to get ready
for the day. The child needs acceptance by the
care givers and space to grow. Care givers are
some time worse than step-mother. Many a
time the care giver makes himself a person
very difficult to approach. That will create a
fearful atmosphere. It will not in any way
allow the child to grow himself.
Opportunity must be given to the
child for a good education. There must be
sufficient resources. Nutritious food is an
essential part of child development. Due
attention must be given to smaller children. In
many places smaller children go through fear
from bigger children. Many of the bigger
children play the role of informers. Informers
somehow become very favourite to the caregivers. This favouritism creates a hidden
havoc in the boarding. The informers make
sure that the things go according to their
whims and fancies. They manage things in
favour of them and their favourable ones.
They don't even hesitate to lie many times to
get favours. As a result a vast majority will
suffer in the boarding.
There should be a paradigm shift in
the Boarding house management. If not, our
ministry may face counter effect in future.
Remember, those who attack institutions run
by Christians are in fact the product of our
own boarding-houses and educational
institutions.
(15)
Fr. James Narithookil CMI
I would like to commence this shot
account by recollecting a few memorable
events and periods in my life as a
religious.
The day I joined the Aspirants' house at
Mannanam in 1961, is very much alive
and fresh in my memory.
My novitiate in Chethipuzha (1963) was
the year of intimate God experience and
spiritual growth under the guidance of
Rev. Fr. Benjamin, the then Novice
Master.
I had my Philosophy (3 years) at
Dharmaram College, Bangalore,
followed by Regency in Mumbai. I did my
Theology (4years) also at Dharmaram.
Community life and active participation in
many activities and ministries at the
seminary helped me grow and made me
really happy and enthusiastic.
My Priestly Ordination (on 25th April 1972),
the most precious moment in my life was
the culmination and fulfillment of a long
cherished desire.
A turning point in my life began when I
said 'yes' to the request of Rev. Fr.
Canisius, the then Prior General, to
specialize Islam at Aligarh Muslim
University. My two year stay in Aligarh
gave me ample opportunities to develop
many of my God given talents. While
doing MA at Aligarh Muslin University, I
was appointed by the Most Rev. Dominic,
the then Archbishop of Agra, as the parish
priest of St. Fidelis parish in Aligarh. I was also
appointed as the University chaplain and
chaplain of the nuns of St. Mary Convent. I had
to organize inter-religious dialogue in Aligarh
which is a sensitive area due to the frequent
communal riots between Hindus and Muslims.
My contact with Muslims, Hindus and
Buddhists taught me that Christians can play a
decisive role in bringing about harmony and
peace among the conflicting religions in India.
These two years was a vey good start in my
Priestly life due to the active involvement in
several ministries at the same time.
As I pursued my higher studies at McGill
University, Montreal, Canada (1976-81) I could
gather lot of experience by doing pastoral
ministry residing in English speaking parishes
in Montreal, Canada.
When I returned to India after my studies, I was
given the assignment to teach at Dharmaram
and give formation to students as Master. For
many years I lived in the seminary teaching the
seminarians and giving them formation. I
learned a lot from seminarians during this
period. I could see the rapid and all round
progress of the seminarians when a healthy
atmosphere is created for their growth. I
learned from experience that we have to
accept them as they are. My contact with
seminarians taught me that the success of a
formator is dependent on several factors. He
has to be non-judgmental, patient, transparent,
honest, straightforward, and empathetic. He
has to be humble enough to learn from the
seminarians. Talk to them with respect and
dignity, free from prejudice, humorous and
optimistic. Treat them as adults and equals,
trust them and love them. Never try to humiliate
them to teach spirituality.
My six years as Major superior of Kottayam
province gave me a chance to learn more
about the art of administration. The most
severe crisis I had to face was how to save the
daily news paper Deepika which was running
at a huge loss. The Lion share of the finance of
the province had to be spending for running the
paper. Still it reached a point that we could not
(16)
run it by using all the available resources of the
province. Then we approached the Prior
General of the CMI Congregation and then the
Syro Malabar Hierarchy for rescue. None of
them was confident to run it. Eventually we had
to end up making Deepika a company, Rashtra
Deepika. Ever since that we are struggling to
keep the daily paper alive.
My three years in Gujarat as regional superior
taught me my limitations and handicap to work
effectively in a mission like Gujarat. All the
same I could witness and appreciate the
commitment and hard work of our missionaries
in Gujarat. It was the first time I lived in a small
community and it was a unique experience.
My life in Dharmaram as Rector for 6 years was
the time of hectic activities and challenges.
The sweet memory of that time is the unlimited
love and care the seminarians lavished on me
and the chances I got to encourage many
projects proposed by the heads of different
institutions on the campus. My experience
teaches that the rector of Dharmaram needs to
be endowed with all qualities of an
experienced formator, a far-sighted visionary,
an able administrator with magnanimity and
the skill to co-ordinate efficiently. He should be
generous to encourage and support the
initiatives of the members of allied institutions
with a view to enhance the growth of the
respective institutions.
At present I am serving as the pastor of St.
Mary parish in the diocese of Sacramento,
California state, USA. This is originally an
Italian parish and the present strength is 1700
families. My pastoral ministry in this parish is
vey much fulfilling and rewarding. I am also
working as the Director of the Chavara Center
for Indian and Inter-religious Studies (CICIIS)
attached to this parish where I do organize
inter-religious programs frequently which is
attended by a good number of Americans. I am
fully engaged in pastoral ministry and my
pastoral work as pastor of this parish gives me
tremendous fulfillment as a priest. To be a
priestly priest is a great value, I believe.
Across
2. Though I walk through the valley of the
__________ of death, I fear no evil.
5. He leads me in the paths of _________
for his namesake.
6. Surely _______ and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life.
8. He makes me lie down in greern ________
9. He restores my ____________
Psalm 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
Down
1. You prepare a table for me in the presence of
my ________________ .
2. The Lord is my ____________ ; I shall not
want.
3. You anoint my head with __________ ; my
cup runs over.
4. Your rod and your staff, they _______ me
7. He leads me beside ________ waters.
7
8
9
" If you are not satisfied with
what you are getting,
check what you are giving"
" We often judge ourselves by
our ideals and others by their acts.
Try doing the opposite sometimes"
(17)
GANDHIAN STUDY CENTRE
RY
C STO
I
O
R
HE
OF SWAS
BI
N
U
BAR
Source: ucanews.com(Julian Das sj; Chitrabani)
Barun Biswas was not a great person with remarkable
powers. He was a soft-spoken, committed schoolteacher, a
40-year-old human rights activist. But no one could question
his commitment to the people of Sutia village. Hired killers
shot dead Biswas, a months ago in the state of West Bengal.
His crime? He opposed gangsters who raped women to
intimidate villagers. He was murdered at Gobardanga railway
station on July 4 because he had become a sign of hope in
extortion and rape-ridden Sutia, about 80 km from Kolkata.
The police never dared to enter the village, controlled by local
gangsters who enjoyed the ruling party patronage.
From 1992-2003, Sutia had been known as the
“rape village,” because these gangsters, numbering several
dozen, would break into a house and rape all the women in
front of their fathers, husbands and children. No woman was
spared and there was nothing the hapless people could do to
oppose them. The goons used rape to silence villagers who
refused to pay what they demanded.
According to women's rights activist Rimi
Chatterjee, the attackers saw rape as both an enforcement
tool and a form of taxation. The gangsters also exploited the
villagers' ignorance about their rights and their intrinsic
distrust of state officialdom.
That was the scene when Biswas came to the
village when he was just 23. He wanted to find a way out of
this cursed situation.
He began talking to the villagers, their
administration and government officials, and encouraged
people to make use of the state machinery to get justice done.
One by one people came forward to register their grievances
against the gangsters. Within a few years, extortionists and
rapists found themselves behind bars, some sentenced for
life.
Biswas decided to forego marriage, so that he
could be of greater help and support to the people. His
parents do not regret his death, because they know their son
had stood for an ideal that others could not dare, and he paid
the price for it. However, much of his dream had been already
fulfilled, and his elderly parents now wish many other young
men would take up his mantle.
The fact that more than 40,000 people gathered
to bid farewell to the man, who had braved all opposition and
the gangsters, was enough proof that the silent movement he
started is now taking a new direction.
The people would not tolerate inaction of the
government, nor would they allow any other local gangster to
take the law into his own hands. And this time, the police had
been fast enough to nab the hired killers, all of them students
in school and college.
The path that Biswas had dared to walk was risky
and harmful. However, thanks to his gesture, the women of
Sutia now can walk freely, and even throw the state
machinery awry, demanding action against those who killed
their champion.
Biswas was an exception to the kind of people
we see today: self-centered, narrow-minded, trying to run
away from problems rather than facing them squarely. Most
give in to pressure and force instead of standing up against
them. His death is sure to inspire many more like Biswas who
would stand by the voiceless in far flung villages.
Should such murders intimidate people who
have opted to work for social justice? History has shown that
anyone who tries to oppose oppression and exploitation,
injustice and coercion is sure to face violent opposition, even
death.
Fortunately from time to time some people
emerge forgoing their personal lives to reach out to others,
and pay a heavy price. Much of the social revolution was
brought out by bloodshed, and that is what Biswas had done
for the people of Sutia.
The death of Biswas cannot be in vain, because
his life was a model for others to emulate. Perhaps many more
like Biswas will have to shed their blood to cleanse society of
all evils, and give to the poor peace and joy they truly deserve.
(18)
Mary Shows
the Way
What is the significance of beginning
the new year with (honouring) our
Blessed Mother?! Because Mary
shows us the way, in this journey of
faith. She shows us the way to Jesus
and to the Father because she is the
light of the Holy Spirit. Our Holy Father
Pope Benedict once said, 'study the
lessons of faith in the school of Mary'.
She will teach us the lessons of
humility and wisdom.
In the Gospel of Luke, we
read, 'Mary treasured all these things
and pondered them in her heart'.
Pondering on something is not
figuring it out; it is not just thinking
about something or analyzing it. It is
much deeper than reflection.
Pondering involves a sense of wonder
and mystery. One ponders a mystery,
because it is so beautiful but so
incomprehensible , something so
real but something from beyond.
Mary was carrying a mystery
in her arms! But Mystery he was! A
child from above! From Heaven!
Something incomprehensible to a
human mind. But this child from
heaven, described by the angel as the
Son of God, is born in a manger, not in
the luxury of a palace or even the
comforts of an ordinary home.
Here is the visit from the
shepherds! And they speak
about angels and about the
songs they heard from
heaven! The beginning of this
child is a mystery and what
lies ahead, what this child
is going to be, is still a
deeper mystery!
Mar y looks at
Jesus with wonder and
adoration, because she is
holding a mystery which is beyond the
understanding of her little brains! She
just believes and trusts the God of the
impossible and incomprehensible
and opens her heart and mind, and
says yes to the plan God that lies
ahead that has not yet been revealed.
Mary teaches us to trust God.
Faith involves not knowing all the
answers. If we know all the answers
we don't need to use the word faith at
all. God does the impossible and the
incomprehensible and I don't need to
know all the answers, the little whys
and whens and hows. I don't need to
ask him silly questions, because I can
trust him, He has got a most beautiful
plan for me and you, and I don't need
to understand all that is happening,
and I don't need to worry about all that
is going to happen to me or to you.
Knowing his love and care, I can relax
and rest.
Let our Mother teach us how
to ponder, wonder at and adore the
mystery, whether it is the mystery of
the Word becoming flesh in the Holy
Eucharist or the mystery of a tiny baby
or a little lily in our hands.
(19)
th
On 25 of this month we celebrate
the joy of the birth of our Lord. We call
it Christmas. I would like to call it the
Magnificent Experience of God's
Constructive Interference in the human life
and history. This calls for an evaluation of our
levels of interferences in our community life.
There are many people who would
prefer not to interfere in any way in the life of
others. They may call it the first law of peaceful
co- existence. But it is a humbug. In one way or
other, whether you want it or not, you are
interfering in the lives of others and influencing
them. Then let us do it positively,
constructively and consciously.
Interference is a term used in
physics too. There it is used to refer to what is
happening when two waves come together.
Sometimes the peak of one wave joins with
the peak of another wave, so the resulting
peak is twice as high. It is positive interference.
Sometimes the peak of one wave falls into the
trough of another wave, and the surface is
then flat. It is also positive interference. In
short when waves add their effects, it is
positive interference. When one wave
subtracts from the effects of the other, it is
called negative interference. Same is the case
in inter human interactions too. Is my
presence subtracting from the effects of the
other? The peak of my interaction need to be
joining with the peak of the other to create a
resulting peak that is twice as high. What a
marvelous experience!!!!
There is another interesting
analogy from the world of Maths. When a
positive number is added to a positive number the
result will be always positive. Also a positive
number when multiplied with a positive number
will result in positive number always. See, a
positive plus a positive and a positive times a
positive both equal a positive always.
What hinder us often from positive and
constructive interferences are an unfounded fear
of what will happen if I interfere and a false
presumption that everything will be ok and
peaceful if I don't disturb the apparent peace. Both
these attitudes will give a garb of peace. But
beneath the beautiful garb the reality may be
stinking.
Be a positive catalyst, not “inert
gases”(chemistry). That is the challenge of
Christmas. Interference in another person's realm
does not mean to be harsh and hurting. It can be
done in a gentle but coercive way. There is no
need for language of subordination expressed by
words like “no”, “should”, “stop”,” have to”, “don't”
etc. Instead we can use non judgmental and
peaceful language that may express the need.
Language of subordination creates negativity.
In short let us allow love in our life. Love
is the most basic human trait. Fear based
emotions are symptoms of disconnectedness in
communities. Connectedness and
reconnectedness happen when people interact
constructively with the freedom of children of God.
May this Christmas 2012 be a
celebration of connectedness through
constructive interferences.
Chief Editor, Gurjari