Page 1 - Darjeeling Province

Prabhu Jisu Residence, Post Box 3, Matigara – 734 010, Dt Darjeeling, West Bengal
NO. 05
Newsletter of the Darjeeling Jesuits
MAY~2015
Summer is here and therefore, the holiday season for many. Darjeeling Province is known for our
hospitality, a virtue very much stressed upon by our Father General, Adolfo Nicolas. I fully endorse it
and would encourage all to be hospitable, especially to the marginalized people who come to our
doorsteps. Be gentle and kind and never turn any of them away with a harsh word. However, we are
not in the tourism department, welcoming anyone and everyone seeking free and convenient
holidays in Darjeeling. Ours are not to leave their ministries for this purpose and move around the
Province. Some have too many casual guests recommended and referred to us, and spend time as
tourist guides. All Jesuits need to follow the usual practice of seeking permission from their local
superiors for receiving guests and follow house customs of each house.
PROVINCIAL’S PROGRAM
MAY
02St Peter’s, Gayaganga
03-05 Kolkata for British Visa
07-08 LCE, Namchi
14-22 St Joseph’s School, N.P.
23Province Consult at SJS, N.P.
24-31 Prabhu Jisu Residence
APPOINTMENTS BY FR PROVINCIAL
Dr. Sandhya Rai, Principal, LCE, Namchi, from the new academic session
Fr Francis George, Vice Principal, LCE, Namchi, from the new academic session
Fr Daniel Bara, Vice Principal, NBSXC , Rajganj, from the new academic session
Fr Joseph Boniface, Teacher, St Joseph’s School, Mungpoo, with immediate effect
NEPAL EARTHQUAKE
Fr Boniface Tigga, the Regional Superior of Nepal, writes, “On Saturday the 25th, a few minutes
before noon, a massive earthquake struck Nepal. The epicenter of the quake, which registered 7.8
on the Richter Scale, was approximately halfway between Kathmandu and the town of Pokhara in
central Nepal. Deaths and destruction have been reported from as far away as Tibet, Bangladesh,
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north India and Bhutan, but the major damage has been here in Nepal. The 68 Jesuits of Nepal,
along with other religious communities and the Vicariate of Nepal, are fortunate in that we suffered
no loss of life or serious injury. There has been some damage to buildings at our institutions. When
the risk of after-shocks has passed, we will assess the situation more closely, in order to assure the
safety of those we serve. The prayerful support, and material assistance of our brother Jesuits and
their colleagues, the wider church, and of the public, will be of enormous help to us as we provide
aid to those in immediate dire need, and begin to help Nepal recover from the devastating impact of
the earthquake.”
MISSION / VISIT TO MIZORAM
A glance at the map of North-East India quickly confirms that the Kohima Jesuit Region has its hands
full, and running over, unable to answer all the calls of the bishops from their flocks, scattered in an
area, not only vast, but extremely diversified. Thus it was that a recent request for assistance in
Mizoram had Fr Kinley and Fr Lobo, on April 19th, on the first leg of a trip to see for themselves how
Darjeeling Province might respond. (A similar request had gone out to the Kolkata Province
concerning Tripura). It turned out to be a short leg - just an overnight train trip to Guwahati! No
further legs of any kind were possible on the 20th because of bad weather up in the North-East,
except a visit to the novices in Shillong. On the 21st, a long leg brought them, accompanied by Fr
Arul, the Regional Superior of Kohima Region, to Aizawl via Kolkata. They soon found themselves
reaching for an atlas as new, unfamiliar names followed one after the other in quick succession.
After landing in Aizawl on the 22nd, where they were met by Fr Alban, a Capuchin, they were taken
on the 24th to Lingpui, close to the airport. There they saw the twenty acres (with electricity and a
good water source) that were recently purchased by the Bishop for higher education that he has
invited the Jesuits to begin. There is no Christian college in the whole of Mizoram, and the
Government College cannot handle the demand, with the result that many students leave the area
for their college education.
Next they were taken to West Phaileng to see the two and half acres of land that the Village Council
wants to hand over to the Society for a parish and school. From there they went to Damparengpui
to see a church (where there are two hundred and fifty Catholics) that is an out station of the main
parish some two and half hours distant.
After spending the night with the Capuchins at Mamit, they were taken to Knhmun. An agreement
between the Bishop and the Capuchin Fathers expires at the end of this year, and the Bishop would
like the Jesuits, if possible, to take up the high school, the boys’ hostel and the parish.
On April 24th, our travellers had a meeting with the Bishop when he outlined details of the diocese
and its needs: Catholics are a small minority in an area dominated by the Presbyterian Church,
though well established with parishes supported by religious men and women. Pastorally, there is a
need to promote unity among Christians and to project the true face of the Church if evangelization
is to succeed. There are good schools enough, but our focus could be on a centre for college studies
and higher education which could develop the leadership the Church needs.
Mizoram is totally a Christian State with a Presbyterian majority and the Catholic Church has only
20,000 members. Unlike in Nagaland the Presbyterian Church is very open and ready to dialogue
with the Catholic Church.
HLDRC, SILIGURI
The three Jesuits, namely Pascal Xalxo, Shiju Mathew and Lalit Tirkey along with some leaders from
Dooars, visited Bundapani Tea Estate that has been closed since 2012 and held a meeting with the
people of Jangal Line. In the course of the interaction it was found that government assistance and
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relief measures were inefficiently executed without proper study. As a result, distressed people are
being misled by some agents. Young women are made more vulnerable than ever before to
exploitation. HLDRC along with the gathered community leaders have planned to initiate a cooperative management of the abandoned garden after the legalities and technicalities are fulfilled.
Earlier in the month a two-day seminar was organized for 40 community leaders of about 18 tea
gardens in the Terai. Fr Kinley Tshering, the Provincial was the Chief Guest and Mr Bhagat, a senior
customs officer, was the Guest of Honor while Mr Mathias Lepcha (BDO), Bidotama Tirkey (Lawyer)
and Mr Lazarus Ekka (PF enforcement Officer) were the resource persons on government schemes,
legal awareness and PF/pension respectively. In the last session of the seminar, small action groups
were formed with the task of preparing a list of important documents in their tea gardens, such as
birth/death, ST certificates, Voter/Aadhar card etc. to facilitate access to any government scheme.
Other two important steps being undertaken at HLDRC are the conducting of leadership and
paralegal training in the tea gardens/villages themselves so that the maximum number of people will
benefit. Already, the Nandovita Division of Pahargoomiah T.E has been marked out for a one full day
paralegal training for 25-30 people. Simultaneously, Fr Lalit Tirkey and his lay staff are busy
preparing a booklet on how to access government schemes while Pascal Xalxo with his lay staff
responsible for leadership program is preparing a training manual for community leadership training.
HLDRC is happy to announce that it has already published a booklet titled, “Know about your PF,
Gratuity & Pension” written by Fr Lalit Tirkey SJ and Mr Lazarus Ekka (Retd. PF Officer). Another
small book on “A Magic of Spoken English” has been authored by Fr Pascal Xalxo, Mr Paul Lakra and
Mr David Johnson.
Fr Alvin Minj is away for five weeks in Chennai for “Roots and Wings” – an Ignatian Spirituality
Course, but the 15 weaving trainees have already made more than a dozen bed sheets and
“deshwali gumcha” under the tutelage of two Mechi trainers.
JESU ASHRAM, MATIGARA
Mr Martin Kopf, after working as a volunteer in Jesu Ashram for about ten months, completed his
term fruitfully and left for Germany in mid April along with his son, Johannes. He was particularly
sought after for dressing of patients suffering from big wounds, especially of leprosy patients. He
worked very quietly, patiently and with great love and respect for the sick and needy.
Fr Jose Oolukkaran gave a number of retreats and kept himself busy during the lenten season. A
three day retreat to the staff, students and precocities was one of them. Fr Paulose Ezhakunnel has
just returned from his trip to Kerala after paying his respects to his late Nephew who was terminally
ill for quite some time.
Recently some thieves broke in and tried to take away some pigs. They killed one, but failed to carry
it away on account of an alarm raised by the caretaker. Jesu Ashram had a great feast on the
following day.
LOYOLA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
A group of 27 B.Ed students accompanied by a staff of the college and Fr Julius Kujur went for a tour
to North Sikkim on March 28. The Tour was organized by Fr Hilary D’Souza and Miss Diki Lhamu
Lepcha. It was a thrilling and enchanting first-ever experience of snowfall. Everyone enjoyed playing
in the snow.
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The college campus has become a Wi-Fi compound. The initiative taken by the Principal to provide
this facility is well appreciated by all the staff and students.
After finishing the midterm exams on April 27, the B.Ed. students had three days of sports from April
28-30. However, after the major earthquake convulsed Nepal on April 25, a series of aftershocks is
proving just as frightening for students.
MANRESA JESUIT NOVITIATE
The Secundi, namely Augustine Mathew, Evan Basnet and Reuell Paul returned from their month
long stint at Sayedabad Tea State on March 29, having experienced the ordinary but laborious
working conditions of the poor at Jayabai CTC factory. Thanks to Fr Lalit Tirkey for arranging our
tough but enriching experience. Upon arrival our preparations for the Solemnity of Easter was
underway.
After our joyously meaningful Easter celebration we packed off to “Woodcot” on April 8 for our
“Major Holidays”. We spent a warm afternoon at Mt Carmel, as Fr Patrick Pradhan took us back in
time with his reminiscences. Our walk uphill to the “Carmel Cross” hidden amidst towering pines
was very fulfilling. Mr Peter Kerr, Vice president of DDCA and the President of Catholic Association
at St John Berchman’s Parish, St Mary’s Hill, Kurseong, joined us one evening to share his musings on
“what do lay expect from the Jesuits today?” We were left both challenged and encouraged. On
another occasion Fr Paul D’Souza inspired us with snippets from his religious life. Fr Van
Walleghem’s surprise and short visit brought us a lot of joy. Returning from our holidays we spent a
night at North Point. On the 18th Fr Master with the Secundi attended the silver Jubilee celebration
of Sr Bertilla SJC while the Primi left for Kalimpong on the morning of same day.
World Earth Day too was meaningfully celebrated in the house centered around the “Outdoor
Mass”. We had a plethora of communitarian activities to bond with nature with a heightened sense
of awareness.
Three scholastics preparing for their Pre-ordination Program (POP), Sch. Alex S. Arockiaswamy of
the Delhi Province, Schs. Robert Chawngthu and Rajesh Lobo of the Kohima Region who stayed
with us for two nights conducted a half day music orientation session for us.
NORTH BENGAL ST XAVIER’S COLLEGE
There is an atmosphere of silence and “busyness” in the College since our students are preoccupied
with the University Examinations from early April. Once the Higher Secondary results are announced
the process of new admissions and preparations for the new academic year will begin.
The principal attended a meeting in Guwahati of the Catholic Colleges (Xavier Board) in North East
India on April 18-19. Fr Felix Raj, S.J. was with us on April 24 to share with our Faculty members the
history of Jesuit involvement in Higher Education in India and the role of Jesuit institutions in the
present scenario. A meeting of the Principals of the Jesuit Colleges of West Bengal and Sikkim was
held on April 25 at Loyola College of Education in Namchi, Sikkim. While the meeting was in progress
the earthquake occurred forcing the Principals to take a break for 10 minutes. The meeting resolved
to initiate staff and students exchange programs as well as various competitions and events
involving the students of all the Jesuit Colleges.
With the departure of Fr Dennis Soosai for tertianship, Fr Sanjiv Lakra has assumed multiple roles of
College Bursar, Hostel Warden, Community Minister, A!CUF Chaplain, etc.
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SACRED HEART CHURCH, SINGAMARI
On Good Friday, the Way of the Cross was held at the Parish Grotto near St Michael’s School.
Thereafter the congregation proceeded to the church in procession reciting the Rosary. At Lebong
the Holy Week Services were conducted by Fr Alex Beck and in Soom by Frs Chiranjilal Kujur, K.J.
Joseph and Pragasan. Frs K.L. George and Donatus Kujur along with other Priests helped out at
Singamari.
This year the Parish organized the Novena to Divine Mercy from April 3-12 culminating with a
solemn Mass on April 13. Under the care of Fr Jagdish Parmar 8 people from 3 Deaneries of the
Diocese were taken for the Regional Resource Team Training Program held at Chetna Pastoral
Center, Barddhman. Efforts are made to constitute a Parish Finance Committee to take care of the
Parish and all its activities.
ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, NORTH POINT
The Department of Economics organized a two-day seminar on the theme, "Interrogating
Development: Regional and Sub-divisional Trends in India in the Era of Globalization" on March 2930. The event was co-sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Sciences (ICSSR). Twenty four
research papers were presented at the conference. The Department of Political Science then
organized a three day seminar on April 27-29 in collaboration with UGC and the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT), Guwahati, on the theme, "State Politics in India: Emerging Issues and Challenges."
More than fifty research papers dealing with core political issues of the states were presented. Fr
Donatus Kujur attended a number of meetings: North Eastern Xavier Board meeting of all Catholic
principals of North East region in Guwahati on April 18-19 and the meeting of Jesuit College
Principals of West Bengal on April 25-26 in Namchi.
The college campus had some minor damage during the earthquake and immediate repairing work
has been undertaken.
Having finished the Honours exams of Part I, II and III, the college is busy with the General and
practical exams.
ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL, NORTH POINT
The School organized a Mathematics Exhibition on April 1 at North Point to inspire staff and
students from the hills. This was a noble idea of Fr Shajumon, the Rector. On the 4th the boarders
were taken for a picnic to Mirik. On the 11th, the boys participated in the Aero-Space Science Camp
organized by the Science Club in the campus. On the same day the Fr Kinley Eight and Below
Basketball Tournament was held. The North Point boys were declared the runners up. However, the
School retained the Edinburgh Shield by winning the most prestigious Edinburgh Cricket
Tournament. They played the finals against St Paul’s School, Jalapahar. Even the ICSE and ISC
Basketball Tournaments held at North Point were won by the school. The school is indeed very
grateful to Mr Karma from Bhutan and Mr Seith Kirby from the USA. Both are professional
Basketball Coaches who coached the boys free of cost prior to the tournaments.
In the Community, Fr Van Walleghem has not been keeping fine. His movements are restricted to
his room. He has been suffering from memory loss. He is not able to recognize people. He has been
misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. All the readers are requested to pray for
him.
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REGIS COMMUNITY, TORONTO
Regis College held its annual Commissioning Mass on April 1 to celebrate and acknowledge the hard
work of the students who would be graduating from Regis College this year. The College also
honoured faculty and staff members. Prof Meg Lavin, McDonnell, Grace Brubacker and Desmond
Buhagar, S.J., were a few among them. Prof Meg Lavin, Director of the M. Div. and Sacred Theology
programs, taught at Regis for more than 18 years. Maureen McDonnell and Grace Brubacker
developed the College’s well-respected Spiritual Direction Program. Desmond Buhagar, SJ, Director
of the Field Education Programs, was the lecturer in pastoral counseling. Father Buhagar has been
appointed to teach at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
In the midst of Easter celebrations, the scholastics were busy preparing for their second semester
exams from April 6-13. Soon after the exams, most of the scholastics left for their theological field
placements while others remained at Huron Community to continue their summer courses at the
University of Toronto. Four scholastics, who will be ordained deacons this summer, are in their
retreat. The visit of Doug Marcouiller, SJ, the assistant of the new Canada-USA Assistancy and Peter
Bisson, SJ, the Provincial Superior of CDA, to the Huron Community was well appreciated.
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME, XLRI
62 Jesuits of South Asia gathered at XLRI, Jamshedpur, for the Transformational Leadership Program
from April 21-15. From Darjeeling Frs Nabor Dungdung, Henry Immanuel, John Banerjee and
Vincent George attended the program. After the warm welcome by Fr Jerry Cutinha, the Superior,
Fr George Fernandes, the Provincial of the Jamshedpur Province, initiated the program with a
meaningful Eucharistic Celebration on the 20th evening. The theme of the Mass was “Jesuit
Leadership”.
Frs R C Chacko, E Abraham, the XLRI Director, Fr S George, the Dean and other eminent scholarly
experts enthused all with their well-prepared inputs and interactions on Jesuit way of Leadership
characterized by inspirational motivation to work enthusiastically and optimistically fostering the
spirit of teamwork and commitment, intellectual stimulation by focusing on the “what” in problems
and not focusing on the blaming part of it, idealized influence by winning the trust and respect of
team members through our action and individualized consideration by treating every member
differently according to their talents and knowledge.
LEGAL NEWZ AND VIEWZ
The Word misconduct has not been defined under any enactments. It includes various acts or
omissions involving improper conduct in the discharge of duties. The Supreme Court of India
defines “acts which are subversive of discipline among the employees, Acts which are detrimental to
interest and prestige of the employer amounts to misconduct”. Thus the term misconduct has a very
wide connotation. It varies from case to case.
A charge-sheet is served for misconduct, misbehavior, indiscipline, lack of interest, negligence etc.
on the part of the employee which he should not have committed in contravention of existing rules
of the Institution. It is a document which should form the basis for subsequent enquiry proceedings.
The steps taken in disciplinary action are: i) Preliminary enquiry, if required. ii) Charge-sheet/Show
cause notice. iii) Delivery of charge-sheet. iv) Consideration of explanation. v) Selection of Enquiry
Officer. vi) Issuing Enquiry Notice. vii) Proper Domestic Enquiry. viii) Report of the Enquiry Officer. ix)
Consideration of Enquiry Report by the employer. x) Awarding of punishment. xi) Delivery of
punishment letter.
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The Kinds of Punishment for Misconduct are: i) Warning – It is a minor form of punishment and to
be given it in writing by the employer or the authority. ii) Suspension – Suspension as a punishment
should be given only after the domestic enquiry is conducted and the culpability of the employee is
well established. The suspension should not exceed 4 days at a time. The employee is not paid
during the suspension period. iii) Holding the Increment – The decision of withholding the increment
as a punishment should be told to the employee in advance. (Otherwise it infringes the payment of
wages act). iv) Relegation – Demotion as a punishment is a serious offence as it involves the loss of
status and pay for the employee. It should be done under extreme care. It is not to be confused with
“withholding of promotion”. v) Discharge – Discharge or removal carries a stigma on the employee.
It puts an end to the contract of service. The employee who is discharged is not disqualified from
future employment. vi) Dismissal – Dismissal is termination of services. It deprives the employee of
his employment and other benefits. It also disqualifies him from future employment as it carries a
strong stigma. So extreme caution is required before avoiding this punishment.
NEW RELEASE FROM SATYA NILAYAM:
The new edition of Satya Nilayam Hymnal “SACRED SYMPHONIES’ consisting of 800 Hymns is ready
for use. Price per copy is Rs. 250/-. For placing an order, please contact Br. Minister, Satya Nilayam,
Chennai. Email ID: [email protected], Mobile: 09444939444.
WORKSHOP
A leadership and administrative skills workshop has been organized for school principals, vice
principals, administrators, etc. at Navjyoti Niketan, Patna from July 23rd morning to July 26th evening.
The workshop will deal with various aspects of school administration. Those who are interested may
register by email to - [email protected] or [email protected]. There are only 35 seats
available for this workshop. The cost of the workshop will be Rs. 3500/- per person.(Rs 2500/- board,
lodge & hall charges; Rs 1000/- workshop fee & materials).
JCSA SOCIUS
Fr William Keith Abranches, S.J (GUJ) took charge of the Office of Socius to POSA – JCSA on May 4,
2015. In case of need contact him at [email protected]; mobile no: 09873045092; Landline is
011 24642862.
REST IN PEACE
Fr Jeyaraj Donatus (MDU - 75/57), 01/04/2015
Br. Francis D’Mello (BOM – 90/66), 03/04/2015
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