bnl - february 2015

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Bishop's House, Baruipur P.O., Kolkata - 700 144, India
FEBRUARY 2015
A Prophet to the Nations – St. Joseph Vaz (1651-1711)
“It is Blessed Joseph Vaz's intercession that
saved my life” says Fr. Cosme Jose Costa, a 76
year old member of the Society of Pilar based
in Goa, birth place of St. Joseph Vaz. Fr. Joseph
Costa's birth in 1938 was accepted by Vatican
as a miracle needed to beatify Fr. Joseph Vaz in
1995. He is enthusiastically attended the
canonization ceremony on January 14, 2015 in
Sri Lanka.
St. Joseph Vas was born on April 21, 1651 at
Benaulim, Goa as the third of the six children of
Cristao Vaz and Maria de Miranda. His parents
were fervent Catholics with modest means. Vaz
family was fruitful in vocations, Joseph his two
brothers and a cousin became priests in the
Oratorian Institute.
He was ordained a priest in 1676. Soon after his
ordination, he started going barefoot to live like the
poor and acquired a reputation as a popular
preacher and confessor. In 1677 he consecrated
himself as a 'slave of Mary' sealing it with a
document as a 'Deed of Bondage'.
His first mission was in Canara (Mangalore) in
Karnataka in 1681. He was sent to intervene in a
messy dispute where rival groups of clerics and
bishops were bent on excommunicating each
other. He wrote, “Many in fact believe that the
Catholic Church is divided, and that we are not the
children of the same mother church.; our doctrines
and our sacraments are different; what the ones
do , the others destroy..” He tackled the chaotic
situation with great diplomacy and humility,
convincing the warring groups that they should
quickly reconcile because, people of other
religions were scandalized and the Christians
bewildered by these jurisdictional fights of no
spiritual consequence.
He also tackled a serious shortage of priests by
establishing irmidades (village chapels)
throughout Canara, where local Catholics could
gather in small huts and pray.
In 1685 he started Congregation of the Oratory of
St. Philip Neri on September 25, 1685 – then first
native religious community in the diocese.
He was greatly distressed by the news of the
woes of the Catholics in Ceylon (today Sri
Lanka) and decided to do something about it.
He reached Jaffna in 1687. As Catholic priests
were banned by the Dutch Calvinist authorities ,
he disguised himself as a beggar and worked in
secret flock by night. He lived in constant
danger and arrest and punishment by the
Dutch.
In 1692 he settled in Kandy and learned Singala
language. From then onwards he was under
protection of the Buddhist King, Vimaladhrna
Surya II, and free to carry on with his mission.
He complied English Sinhala dictionary and. He
was a true light to the nations.
In 1705 he was offered the post of the bishop
and the first Vicar Apostolic of Ceylon, but he
chose to remain a humble missionary.
He died on January 16, 1711 in Kandy. He was
beatified by Pope John Paul II in Colombo on
January 21, 1995 and was canonized by Pope
Francis on January 14, 2015.
Let us imitate St. Joseph Vaz's humility,
simplicity, a strong sense of mission and deep
loyalty to Jesus Christ, his mater and our
master.
+ Salvadore Lobo
New Appointments
Present Parish Priest of St. Stephen's Church, Kalyanpur Rev. Fr. Panneer Selvam has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary of Bengal Regional Bishop's
st
Council (BRBC) of Bengal & Sikkim Region from 1 February 2015. We sincerely thank him for all his service to us in the past and we congratulate him as the New
Secretary of BRBC.
st
Rev. Fr. John Britto the Secretary of Gyan Deep has been appointed as the New Parish Priest of St. Stephen's Church, Kalyanpur from 1 February 2015.
Congratulation and we wish him all the success.
Gratitude from Baruipur Diocese : We are very grateful to Rev. Fr. S. Irudaya Raj for doing the job efficiently as the deputy Secretary of BRBC for last three
years, we wish him a very happy ministry in future.
- Fr. Jonas Singha
[2]
February 2015
A final Fare well to Fr. Ponkoj Kumar Poti
A priest, composer, singer, kirtaniya, friend of
children, pan-walla father, fondly known as Ponkoj
Father, breathed his last on December 30th at St.
Joseph Hospital, Midnapur. On 2nd January
morning accompanied by Fr. Faustine Brank Fr.
Ponkoj's mortal remains reached Sajanaberiaya,
St. Joseph's Church where he served as Parish
Priest till he fell ill. Many parishners and friends of
Fr. Ponkoj gathered there to pay final respect to
their Parish priest. A prayer service was held in
Sajanaberiaya, St. Joseph Church at 9.00 a.m.
After the prayer service with Kirtan Fr. Ponkoj was
taken to Raghabpur, his birth land. He was born
here, studied here, received Holy Communion
confirmation here. He was ordained as priest here.
For the 'first time' he went by the Peace Heaven
vehicle, for the 'last time' on the road on which he
would have walked and ran and played for
thousands of times. From his home, the vehicle
moved very slowly. He saw everything for last time,
bit farewell to the familiar trees, ponds, houses,
people and for his own, for good. When the moral
remains reached the church it was received with
'Kirtan'. As per the custom of Raghabpur, they took
his body and went around the church for three times
accompanied by the Kirtanias. From the church the
final solemn procession with Kirtan accompanied by
family people, religious Sisters, deacons, Priests and
Bishop to St Paul's School where the final right was
held.
Rt. Rev. Bp. Salvatore Lobo, the Bishop of Baruipur
was the main celebrant. Fr. Jayaraj Veluswami S.J.,
Provincial of Calcutta Jesuits, Fr. Himangshu Pati,
nephew of Fr. Ponkoj were on the altar. Fr. Francis
Makhal, priest from the same parish gave a moving
homily to console the relatives and friends of Fr.
Ponkoj. Nearly 100 priests of different congregations
and Dioceses concelebrated the funeral Mass for Fr.
Ponkoj Poty. More than 100 religious sisters from
various congregations have reached from far and
closer distance to say good bye to their beloved
Priest. It was roughly estimated that nearly 4000
faithful, almost from all the parishes of Baruipur
Diocese attended the funeral service. The school
Assembly Hall was packed, hardly any place was left.
Choirs from various parishes namely Thakurpukur,
Keorapukur, Sajnaberia, and Raghabpur merged as
one grant choir, sang the songs composed by Fr.
Ponkoj himself. Fr. Molloy Mondal a friend and
PRIEST – SINGER - COMPOSER
companion to Fr. Ponkoj for many years offered
'Smriti Charan' with his personal experience of Fr.
Ponkoj, with few light moments. Fr. Himangshu Poti
thanked everyone for their prayers, love and
respect given to his uncle Fr. Ponkoj. At the end of
the service the body was blessed by Bishop.
The final homage to the Priest lasted for some time,
as the crowd was too big. No doubt the queue was
longer. The Bishop, priests followed by nuns and
the family people, followed by the faithful. It was
clear from the occasion how the faithful loved and
respected their priest.
With the Kirtan of the land, which he loved, learned
and sang for the people, his body was finally taken
to the final resting place that is Raghabpur Parish
Cemetery, where his own father and mother are
resting. The procession to the cemetery was a sight
to see with many priests and nuns and thousands of
faithful. Fr. Himangshu Poti, nephew of Fr. Ponkoj
blessed the grave, and officiated the final rite at the
cemetery. The cemetery was crowded. There was
hardly any place to stand.
Thoughtful of the Poti family, food was arranged for
those who are coming from far places. Food was
served after the burial for all; priests, religious, and
the faithful who attended the service.
Raghabpur Parish council had looked in to the
minute detail of the service.
DIES
Rev. Fr. Ponkoj Kumar Poty, the Kirtan-Singing Priest, died on December 30, 2014 at 06:50 p.m. in St.
Joseph's Hospital, Midnapur after a prolonged treatment. He had sustained a fall in the washroom on
the night of November 23, 2014. He was found unconscious on the following morning. After initial
treatment in Kasturi Nursing Home in Thakurpukur, he was shifted to the Institute of Neurosciences
Hospital in Kolkata in a very critical condition. On December 19, 2014 he was shifted to St. Joseph's
Hospital, Midnapur where he was cared for by his classmate-friend Fr. Reginald Fernandes till he
breathed his last, having never recovered his consciousness.
On January 2, 2015 he was laid in state at St. Joseph's Church, Sajnaberia for a short while for the
people to pay their last respects. Thereafter, he was taken to his native parish, St. Joseph's Church,
Raghabpur where the funeral Mass had been organized by the parish. The funeral Mass was presided
by Bishop Salvadore Lobo, concelebrated by 120 priests and attended by more than 1500 people along with over 130
Religious Sisters and Brothers.
Fr. Ponkoj Kumar Poty was born of Mr. Louis and Mrs. Tarangini Pati on December 21, 1947 at Chalk Balai Bag, one of the
villages of Raghabpur parish. He is the sixth child of his parents and has six brothers and two sisters. After finishing his initial
studies in St. Paul's School, Raghabpur and his Madhyamik from Manmatha Nath Vidyamandir, Bolorampur, he went to the
Apostolic School at Dos Bosco, Bandel. In 1967 he joined Calcutta Archdiocese and was sent to Vianney Hall, Kolkata for his
minor seminary training. He completed his Philosophy and graduation from Morning Star Regional Seminary (MSRS),
Barrackpore. He did his regency at St. Anthony's High School, and went back to MSRS for Theological studies. Eventually he
joined the diocese of Baruipur when it was bifurcated and was ordained for it on April 1, 1979 at Raghabpur.
After his ordination, Fr. Ponkoj was appointed a curate at Sacred Heart Church, Morapai and then he was sent to do his B. Ed
studies at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. He continued to be curate at Kumrakhali parish till 1984. From 1984 till 2014 he was
the parish priest of Basanti, Morapai, Kumrakhali, Baruipur, Khari, Keorapukur and Sajnaberia respectively. He was a priest
for 36 years and parish priest for 30 years. He was known to the people for his “Padabali Kirtan”. He has evangelized through
this medium in many parishes of the Bengal Region. A sample of it was published in a VCD format as Amrita Bani (Eternal
Word). He was a born composer and singer of church hymns. During his lifetime he has composed over hundred hymns.
Many of his famous hymns are being sung in various churches and many of the hymns are printed in hymn books. There are
at least 8 cassettes and 2 Mp3 CD produced by him. In his unexpected demise the diocese has a lost a great singer and
composer. RIP.
-Fr. Himangshu Poti
Fr. Amulya Kannanaikal SJ
SCC Animation Programme
On 10th January 2015, One day
SCC animation programme was
held in Kumrokhali Parish. More
than two hundred SCC members
from substations and from
Kumrokhali attended this
programme. The days programme
started with the Bible procession led
by Fr. Sarajit Das. Rev. Fr. Shyamal
Bose took the session on
Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and
Confession. The Parish Animator
Sr. Shallina MC reminded the SCC
members about their responsibility
and duty towards the Church that is
visible in the Para-community. The
Participants responded positively to
attend weekly SCC meetings. The
days programme was concluded in
the Holy mass and fellowship meal
for all the participants.
Congratulations and thanks to
Parish Priest, Curates, Sr. Superior,
Sr. Shallina MC and Catechist Mr.
Ajoy Naskar. Also the diocesan
commission is grateful to the
volunteers who made this day very
fruitful and memorable one.
- Fr. David
February 2015
[3]
Words from
Sajnaberia
Diamond Jubilee of Mata Florence DSA
It was a joyful event for all of us to share the joy with Sr. A.
Florence , Daughter of St Anne who had celebrated her
Diamond Jubilee on January 10, 2015 at Loreto St Mary's
Convent, Entally. Sr. Florence was born in Nagori, Bangladesh
on 5th October 1935 in a Jaminder family. She is the eldest child
among the eight children of her parents Nicholas and Emilia
Rozario. Her family was very pious and she was humble and
meek as well. As a child she did her primary Schooling in Shanti
Rani Convent, Panjora, Bangladesh. During her stay in the
convent she was inspired by the life and missionary work of Sr.
Angela. Thereafter she cherished a dream of becoming a nun,
eventually she was sent to her uncle Benedict Rozario at
Kolkata for higher studies. At the outset, she aspired to be a nun of Missionary of Charity. But God spoke through
Mother Teresa of Kolkata who suggested and guided her to be a nun in Daughter of St Anne. Her heartfelt aspiration
came to be true when she devoutly dedicated her life for Christ to love and serve His people. To be a handy instrument
of God she underwent formation and being formed she continues to form others.
Sr. Florence was sent to Morapai, a formation house for Postulants and Novices in 1952. She took her First Vows on
26th July 1954. In 1964 she was involved in the school as a teacher in Asansol. Then she was sent to Ranchi University
for further study and from there she did her double M. A. in History and Political Science. 26th July 1979 she celebrated
her Silver Jubile. Admirably twice she became the Mother General for the Congregation of Daughter of St. Anne; in
1980 for the first time and in 1986 for the second time. Through her ardent work and much sacrifice she was able to
build two High Schools, one in 1984 at S B Gori Road and the other one in 1999 at kalipahari (Jyotinagar). In 2002 she
was awarded with the West Bengal Governments Award for Girls Guide at the district level. As a Mother General she
celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 2004. Diamond Jubilee was also celebrated in Asansol on 20th December 2014.
On 10th January 2015 a solemn thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration officiated by Archbishop Thomas D'Souza. It
was a well prepared liturgy with entrance dance and hymns. Bishop Linus Nirmal Gomes was a special invitee who
has delivered an inspiring and meaningful homily in a very fitting manner. Bishop Linus highlighted that our life and
achievements are gift of God. Sr Florence in her short and sweetest speech she said that all of us need to Love Jesus
more deeply, serve Jesus sincerely and Proclaim Jesus Joyfully. She expressed her deep sentiments and gratitude to
God and thankfulness to the people of God. She also said that she has experienced the love of God in a deeper way
and truly felt that God is always walking with her and beside her throughout her ministry. After the Eucharistic
celebration there was a short felicitation on behalf of the community. Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and a good number of
faithful were present to witness the joyful events. The celebration was wrapped up with a delicious lunch.
The Traditional Mela of Sajnaberia St.
Joseph's Catholic Church was stand on
the numerical pyramid of 69 years which
was held from 1st to 3rd January 2015 in
the church compound, and the theme
was “ Atit Amader Prerona” (past is our
inspiration). It was quoted by Lt. Rev.
Fr. Ponkoj Kr. Poty. The 1st day of 2015
began with the Holy Eucharist which
was presided over by His Grace
Archbishop Most. Rev Thomas D'
Souza of Kolkata and concelebrated by
Rev. Fr. Faustine Brank. In his Homily
he dwelt regarding Time, Relationship
and share a lot about Christmas & New
Year. I think it was a memorable day for
the Parishioner. After that at 2 p.m our
Bishop Rt. Rev. Salvadore Lobo as a
chief guest along with Rev. Fr. Rosomoy
Kanji, Rev. Fr. K. Thottam S.J. and all
our respected guests inaugurated the
Mela by flying Dove as a sign of Peace.
Then our Bishop and all our Guests
delivered their New Year messages.
Like every year this year also Sri
Shovan Chatterjee hon'ble Mayor of
K.M.C. visited the Mela as a Guest of
Honour who was also given a warm
Reception. In Mela all the shops and all
the necessaries were same as every
year, but all the programmes were
cancelled because of the death of Fr.
Ponkoj Kr. Poty. Finally the day was
come on 2nd January when the body of
Fr. Ponkoj was brought to our Parish at 9
a.m. who breathed his last on Tuesday
30th December 2014 in St. Joseph's
Hospital, Midnapore. As soon as the
news reached here, surroundings filled
with sorrows. Then the body was send
to St. Paul's High School, Raghabpur for
the funeral mass in order to pay the last
homage. On the same evening in our
Mela Prangon the parish council
organized a prayer service which was
conducted by Fr. Rosomoy Kanji and
other priests along with the choirs
followed by Padabali Kirtan by Mr.
Sudha Naskar.
We are very much grateful to our Bishop
Salvadore Lobo, Fr Faustine, Fr.
Rosomoy, our catechist, all parish
council members, all the parishioners
and all those who helped us in many
ways to run the parish smoothly in
absence of the parish priest. We are
very much thankful to Rev. Fr Ponkoj Kr.
Poty who is still alive in our heart, May
his soul rest in peace.
23rd January 2015 a great joy and happy day for Morapai because Sr.
A. Maryclare DSA celebrated her silver jubilee at St. Ann's Convent
Morapai. Fr. Jonas Singha the Vicar General of Baruipur Diocese
presided over the Holy Eucharist with a large number of teachers,
students, sisters and priests from the diocese of Baruipur and
Dumka, joining the liturgy to thank God for the abundant blessing
showered upon Sr. Maryclare DSA.
Daughters of St. Anne Sr. Anneyasa DSA gave meaningful
commentary during the liturgy, while the presence of Mata Amala
DSA, Mother General of Daughters of St. Anne (Calcutta) added a
special significance to the celebration and the choir group led by Sr.
Stelle DSA was very much fitting to the liturgy.
Sr. A. Maryclare DSA born in 1975 in Jharkhand in a family of Mr. James Jadu Marandi and Mrs. Bibianna Kisku
among four children she was the third one. She studied in St. Anne's School Tarai, she was a very brilliant student.
After completing her studies, inspired by the life of St. Anne's sisters, she joined for the congregation of St. Anne in
1986 and today she has completed her 25th fruitful years in religious life. She has worked in different parishes in West
Bengal and out side of West Bengal, teaching in many schools efficiently and effectively. Her many students are now
priests and sisters working in different congregations and societies. Rev. Fr. Dominic Tudu is one of them present
here in this jubilee celebration. Her prayerfulness, sociability, joyfulness, generosity and compassion for the poor
inspire everyone who comes across in her life.
The students, teachers of Loreto School, Morapai and relatives of Sr. A. Maryclare DSA staged a variety of
entertainment to felicitate her.
- Hrittick Hazra
– Fr. Jonas Singha
- Fr Prolay Boidya
Silver Jubilee of Sr. A. Maryclare DSA
February 2015
[4]
A Visit by Fr. Jean Bouhelier, V.G. of Belfort-Montbeliar Diocese, France
01
02
06
08
13
14
18
Fr. Gregorious Koikaleth OIC
Br. Johon Anup Pore
Br. Uttam Naskar
Fr. John Britto
Br. Abonindro Das
Fr. Prolay Boidya
Fr. Molloy Mondal
It was a great joy for the people of Banspalla to welcome their
own son Fr. Sisir Khan along with distinguished Priests and
laity from France on 19th of January 2015. They welcomed and
honoured Fr. Sisir Khan, Fr. Jonas Singha – the Vicar General
of Baruipur Diocese, Fr. Soosaiappan Y. – the Parish Priest of
Morapai Parish, Dn. Ramen Pailan, Fr. Jean Bouhelier – the
Vicar General of Belfort-Montbeliar Diocese, Fr. Didier
Sentenas – the Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Parish and three
other parishioners of that parish by garlanding and blowing
Shankhas. After that there was an inauguration of a newly
build concrete road by Fr. Jean Bouhelier – V.G by cutting a
ribbon. Then the people welcomed them by melodious singing and colourful dancing which led them to the
Church. The holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Sisir Khan as an occasion to thank God for the
wonders, The Lord has done to his people. On his homily he highlighted how to live authentic Christian life by
following the foot print of Jesus. After the mass the honourable Vicar General Fr. Jean Bouhelier thanked the
people of Banhpalla for their love and respect. Indeed he was very much taken up by the rich culture of the
people. At the end there was a fellowship meal and then Fr. Sisir honoured all the Priests and guests with a
shawl.
– Dn. Ramen Pailan
NOTICE BOARD
First Communion at
Panchamkhanda
th
25 January 2015, was the joyful day for
Panchamkhanda Parish. 52 children (boys / girls)
of Panchamkhanda, Keoratola and Jota received
first Holy Communion during the Eucharistic
celebration by Fr. ALoke Kanji concelebrated by
Fr. Sirnus Topno – Parish Priest and Fr. Faustine
Bank. In his homily Fr. Aloke said that we should
begin the day with Jesus and end the day with
Jesus. Children were prepared by Deacon
Goutam and local catechists. Liturgy was well
prepared where all the faithful participated. The
Parish Priest thanked everyone for their presence
and co-operation.
- Fr. Sirnus Topno
In Your Charity Pray For . . . . ..
Smt. Minoti Das passed away on 10th January
2015 at the age of 70 years and Sri Amiyo Das
passed away on 16th January 2015 at the age of
75 years. Both were the uncle and unty of Dn.
Abonindro Das. They left behind their three sons
and four daughters with their children. May their
souls rest in peace.
Acting Parish Priest of Sajnaberia
Sunday Ministry at Sajnaberia
: Fr. Rosomoy Kanji
: Fr. K. Thottam, sj
Diocesan Priests Recollection on 10th - 11th February 2015 at Dishari, Baruipur.
Priestly Ordination of Dn. Goutam Naskar on 13th February 2015 at Rakkhaskhali (Dakshin
Gobindapur)
Missionaries of Charity - Sisters
Arrival
Sr. Narisha MC – Gangarampur
Sr. Kalpona M.C. – Kirtonkhola
Out-going
Sr. Nomita M.C. - Monshada
Daughters of St. Anne's - Sisters
Arrival
Sr. Deepa DSA - Kalikanan
Sr. Ancilla DSA - Ranigarh
Sr. Swantona DSA - Gobrachak
Sr. Sunanda DSA - Gobrachak
Sr. Supriti DSA - Gobrachak
Sr. Riya DSA - Raghabpur
Sr. Jacinta DSA - Raghabpur
Sr. Divia DSA - Raghabpur
Sr. Paulina DSA - Morapai
Sr. Mary DSA - Khari
Sr. Ricta DSA - Khari
Sr. Regina DSA - Khari
Out-going
Sr. Dipanwita DSA - Baruipur
Sr. Martha DSA - Khari
Sr. Deepa DSA - Gobrachak
Sr. Ancilla DSA - Khari
Sr. Kamini DSA - Raghabpur
Sr. Darothy DSA - Raghabpur
Sr. Suchismita DSA - Morapai
Sr. Allo DSA - Ranigarh
Sr. Mercy DSA - Raghabpur
Sr. Lucy DSA - Gobrachak
Bishop's Programme for February 2015
INTENTIONS FOR THE
APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER,
MONTH OF FEBRUARY
General: That prisoners, especially the
young, may be able to rebuild lives of
dignity.
Mission: That married people who are
separated may find welcome and support
in the Christian community.
Date
01
02
03-10
11
12
13
15
Day
Sun
Mon
Tue-Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sun
19
20
24
27
Thu
Fri
Tue
Fri
Time
09.00 a.m.
02.05 p.m.
01.40 p.m.
10.00 a.m.
11.00 a.m.
03.00 p.m.
11.00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
03.30 p.m.
Place
Programme
Mother House Inaugural Mass for General Chapter
Goes to Bangalore
Bangalore
Attends annual general meeting of CCBI
Bangalore
Meets Frs. Sandeep and Surajit at the places of their study
Returns to Baruipur
Rakkhaskhali Ordains Dn. Gautam Naskar
Baruipur
Meeting of G.B. Gyan Deep
Thakurpukur Youth Mass at Abhilasha
Baruipur
G.B. Meeting of Paribar Jyothi
Asansol Mission in Communion
Baruipur
Meeting of Board of Consultors
Baruipur
Meeting of Finance Committee (Budget for 2015-16)
Published from Bishop's House, Baruipur, Kolkata - 700144
Printed at : Media Fx, 6/2A Dr. Suresh Sarkar Road, Kolkata 700014, Ph. 9007017544 / 8479907740