Fr. Soosai Rathinam - Servants of Charity

News and Views
Newsletter of the Divine Providence Province
March 2014
Volume 7 Number 3
Luxurious Poverty...U-Turn!!!
avoided “spending uselessly and
refusing ourselves what is necessary
for food, clothing and health."
Our founder underwent umpteen
sufferings, miscomprehensions,
the FOUR F’S (fame-hungry,
freddo-cold, fumo-smoke, fastidiadversity) He always encourages us
to love poverty, love the cross, and
embrace penances and thus we can
ascend the ladder of perfection.
Our Holy Father’s Lenten message
is an eye opener to make an
examination of conscience on a
life of evangelical poverty in three
types (of destitution): material,
moral and spiritual and show our
‘Diaconia’ in meeting the needs of
the poorest and alleviate the poverty
with compassion, tenderness and
solidarity of His love. Lent is a
fitting time for self-denial in order
to enrich others by our own poverty
and solidarity. The recent Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of India also
urged us to become an example
of simplicity, transparency, justice
and mercy in a society polluted by
corruption and violence.
St. Joseph loved poverty and
suffered the privation of life with
patience and without murmur
or complaint! He is a model of
patience and was full of the virtue
of humility and, with a righteous
attitude, obeyed the plan of God.
May he bless each one of us to be
generous through our personal
and community poverty!
Fr. Soosai Rathinam
“
Bring in the most
abandoned of all,
sit him at your
table and make
him yours, because
he is Jesus.
“
“No one can live without delight
and that is why man, deprived of
spiritual joy, goes over to fleshly
pleasures” (Thomas Aquinas).
Our reliance on other persons and
attachment to worldly possessions
in this hedonistic culture is quite
normal. For some, a car is a wife
for others, computers, cell phones,
friends and financial security and
so on and so on. I have trusted
him/her like a mountain but he/
she has abandoned, betrayed me…
these are the desperations and
cries of today’s lives. In this context,
possessions lead to attachment
which leads to greediness and a
grabbing mentality.
Instead of relying on material
security, we should rely on God
and in His Providence and thus
we become voluntarily poor like
St. Francis of Assisi who said
“My God and my all” which was
his prayer. In the life of Jesus, He
identified Himself with the poor
and His lifestyle had no security,
comfort, permanent house, and
He was even buried in a borrowed
grave. The followers of Jesus also
left everything- nets, boats, hired
servants, tax office, etc.
“Give what you have to the poor”
and "poverty depends on Charity,"
says our father of the poor St.
Guanella. His eyes were able to
see Jesus in the poor, “the most
abandoned of all, bring him in,
sit him at your table and make
him yours, because he is Jesus”. Fr.
Guanella warned the religious “let
the two sins against providence be
March Calendar of Fr.
Provincial
1
Bangalore: Formators
gathering at GPN
3
Mysore: Superior General visit
at Preethiya Sevakaru
4-5 Thalavadi: Nazareth Illam
10-15 Krishnagiri: Annual Retreat
18-20 Poonamallee: Personal
Meetings at DGMS
22-23 Kumbakonam: Our Lady of
Providence Church
24-26 Dindigul, Madurai and
Sivagangai: Pastoral Visit
28 Skype Council Meeting
First Steps at Pforzheim
Time to withdraw and leave younger people to building
the future in this new tent of charity. As the rumors
of the official introduction of our new confreres has
passed and all visitors have returned to their apostolate
domiciles, the daily normality has begun for Fr.Wieslaw
as the director of the Guanellian community, while Fr.
Rocky continues his German lessons at Freiburg until
April 1st. Everyone knows that new beginnings are
quite difficult, and one must be careful moving during
the first steps in an unknown environment. But our two
pioneers are doing their best to obtain sympathy in their
new pastoral field.
The daily work of the MCI absorbs the attention of Fr.
Wieslaw, and the weekends also fulfill the apostolate
of Fr. Rocky, who is working between Freiburg and
Pforzheim.
New relationships have been established with the St.
Josef nuns at St.Trudpert Catholic Hospital, where our
confreres are celebrating Holy Mass twice a month for
the thirty sisters there; most of them from Kerala, South
India.
Fr. Wieslaw has been introducted to the director of
Charitas Pforzheim, Mr. Lemke, who during the meeting
on February 6, 2014, made a surprising offer to help our
confreres obtain practical experience in his numerous
disabled and elderly homes. He also offered to channel the
efforts of our Procura
into a districtwide
fundraising campaign
in favor of the project
which Fr. Mimi had
so longingly dreamed;
the creation of a
special center for the
children of parents
with leprosy on Mindanao in the Philippines. He was also
open to eventually support our new presence in Ho-ChiMihn, Vietnam. Meanwhile we are waiting for feedback
from Fr. Charlton Viray in Manila and Provincial
Treasurer, Fr. Joseph Rinaldo, for the new religious and
disabled residence in the former City of Saigon.
Another interesting initiative was our contact with the
Mother General of the St. Josef Daughters in the Abbey
of Münstertal, in order to join forces in India between
the Guanellians and the DSJ in Kerala, AP and TN with
the intention of creating a common Pious Union in
India. During the short visit of Provincial Fr. Rathinam,
we have detailed this project, and in a short time we shall
get a formal reply of the DSJ of St.Trudpert after the
return of Mother Simone from India and the translation
into the Keralian/Tamilian language of the Pious Union
targets.
Holy Providence has furthermore blessed our efforts
for a significant Project in R.D. Congo, where Fr. Guido
Mattarese has conceived a five hectars irrigatiton project
at Bateké in order to redeem several disabled boys
and girls through manual labor. This project will be
approved on 3/27/14. We ask our Indian communities
to pray also for the positive results of both projects; a
van for Sivagangai and a kitchen for Vatluru. Both
will be submitted at the end of March to the awarding
commission of our greatest benefactors, Kindermission
at Aachen.
Finally in my introduction, I stated my firm decision to
slowly withdraw from my activities. Starting in April, Fr.
Rocky will begin contributing to our DPP bulletin, while
Fr. Wieslaw will write about some issues for the Italian
and Polish news.
The time of Gero as procurator is coming to an end, and
soon I will take up a better task; that of the silent carpenter
Josef helping my community to construct a new building
on a solid basis. If the procurator nomination does not
end in December 2014, I'll resign and eventually find
someone else to continue the precious work of this
Guanellian entity. Somehow it will be a pity because
“begging" for unknown poor people is a very sensitive
art which requires tact, savoir faire and a real passion to
dedicate someone's whole personality into the solidarity
of love. If this happens "our Patrons" will be the ones
who are abandoned, and they will continue to suffer
injustice! Still, I did not start singing the 'Canticle of
Simeon,' because I'm convinced that in God's vineyard
there is still a need for old, experienced arms, minds and
especially inflamed hearts!
To all our readers around the globe, I wish copious
Blessings from God, and a Joyful Easter Season. May the
Lord inspire and link the minds of all those who have
to decide about the
future presence of
Guanellians in my
blessed and very
generous adopted
Homeland.
Et nunc, Domine,
dirige
animam
meam quia nemo
Profeta in patria
sua est!
Gero Lombardo, German Guanellian Procura
2
Camaraderie and Support
Communio 2014
Chelsea - Even though
Michigan has been
experiencing one of the
coldest and snowiest
winters in the last 36
years, the camaraderie
amongst our Guanellian
supporters was warm
inside the dining hall
at St. Louis Center on
Thursday February 6, 2014, as fifty supporters came out
to enjoy “Pasta and the Priests.” This event, which has
now become an annual affair, is an outgrowth of the Fall
Dinner Auction in November, when supporters bid on
an opportunity to join the Servants of Charity during
the month of February for a beautiful pasta dinner, a
glass of wine, and the privilege of sitting down with our
priests and breaking bread with them during a meal. Fr.
Enzo Addari, administrator of St. Louis Center, thanked
everyone for attending, and reminded them, “You are
doing God’s work by being here, and our children and
adults need your continued support for the success of our
organization.”
Manila - The communities of priests, sisters and
brothers of the Servants of Charity, Caritas Sisters
of Jesus, Dorothy Sisters of St. Paula Frasinetti and
Carmelite Missionary (CM) in Brgy. Pasong Tamo
gathered at the CM Novitiate Formation House in
Centerville Subdivision for the annual Communio
on February 1st. The evening began with Holy Mass
celebrated by Fr. Charlton Viray, SdC. An icebreaker
activity followed. Games were played to warm the
occasion. There were bao racing (coconut husk racing),
cup stacking, word making/puzzling (CHRISTO) and
song singing with the lyrics of Lord, Jesus and Faith.
Presentations were also given by the different religious
congregations; the CM sisters dramatized the life of
their founder through dance; their novices presented
the song “One Bread, One Body;” a song and dance
by the Dorothy sisters; aerobics presentation by
Caritas sisters; and “Far Greater Love” was sung by
the Servants of Charity brothers. Dinner was then
served; followed by a movie on the life of St. Charbel
Makhluf. Communio ended with a prayer program
led by Sr. Socorro Garachico, CM; choosing prayer
partners and exchanging candles with the words, “be
a bearer of Christ’s light” in celebration of World Day
for Consecrated Life.
Valentines Dance at SLC
Chelsea - In honor of St. Valentine, Caitlin Blomquist,
fitness specialist at St. Louis Center, organized a dance
for the residents and participants of the Community
Fitness
Program
held February 13th.
The main goal was
to make it fun for
the residents to
'move more.' Each
group prepared a
dance presentation.
The highlight was the
ballet
performance
by the women of St.
Louis Center. The
Chelsea High School
Girls Basketball team came to help the residents with
dancing to old favorites like the 'Hokey Pokey,' as well
as new ones like the 'Cha Cha Slide.' The parents of
the teenage girls were so happy to see their daughters
making a difference in the lives of people less fortunate
than themselves. Healthy snacks were served and the
entire crowd enjoyed dancing.
Youths Attend 'Love Forum'
Manila - On February 23rd, 72 youths from different
walks of life attended the Love Forum at the Servants of
Charity compound. The Love Forum is another group
partnered with the Live Pure Movement that advocates
purity and chastity especially to the youth. The event
began with a doxology by the Guanellian Youth Ministry
(GYM). A “getting to know you” game broke the ice
among the attendees of the event. Then the actual Love
Forum followed; emphasizing the love that should be
given to every individual, the way Jesus loved, was made
clear by the speaker. After the presentation, the GYM
entertained the crowd with dance. Searchee-Searcher
game followed and brought more joy to the event.
3
Superior General visits Soosai Thottam
“An Inn for those who have No One”
Madurai - On February 1st in the name of St. Louis
Guanella, the superior general, Fr. Alfonso Crippa, and Fr.
Gustavo De Bonis visited Soosai Thottam. The confreres
and Guanella Karunai Illam mission beneficiaries
welcomed them wholeheartedly. Their presence at Soosai
Thottam brought
marvelous joy
and
spiritual
nourishment
especially
for
fifteen
guests
that came to see
the mission. Fr.
Crippa praised
the work being
done at Madurai
for the good of
the needy brethren. His visit boosted the movement of
grace and brought conversion, that is a renewal of quality
of life to the confreres; their personal life, fraternal life
and Guanellian mission. It also helped improve their
ability to serve the beneficiaries. Fr. Crippa witnessed the
presence of the Lord in each confrere and their mission.
Mr. Manogar, a benefactor, and his family provided a
meal for the community in honor of the superiors.
Bangalore - The Novices of Guanella Preethi Nivas
and their Master went to Thalavadi on a mission exposure
for one week. The Guanellians at “Nazareth Illam”
minister to mentally ill patients with some government
aide. The sixty patients came from three different districts
of Tamilnadu, where they were picked up from the streets,
were unattended, violent and pathetic. The service of
Guanellians to these inmates is praised by neighbors and
anyone who visits, in
fact they are ready to
help provide for the
needs of the center,
because the priests
commit themselves
to serve them with
immense love and
live with them as
one family. This
mission has brought
the identity of our
institute to the lime light. The four novices were trained
in how to serve them before interacting with the inmates;
creating a bond with the inmates; some of whom then
shared about their families, life stories and explained
their journey to Nazareth Illam. Though the inmates do
most of the works of the center, it was a time of joy for
Perpetual and Diaconal Ordination
the novices to be with them, chatting, working, feeding
Chennai - After six months of very intensive and playing. The medical treatment, loving ambiance of
the house, concern, love and care of the fathers
preparation,
ten
cure them. Some of them even recover and return
brothers were finally
home
presented to the altar
by the Community
Canonical Visit and Institute
of Chennai. On Feb
Cuddalore - The grace of St. Louis Guanella
11th, the Feast of Our
filled St. Joseph's seminary on February 15–16th. On
Lady of Lourdes, a
behalf of the community Fr. Visuwasam welcomed
tremendous gift was
the Superior General and the Secretary General
given to the DIVINE
with garlands; Fr. Alfonso as Abba Father, Fr.
PROVIDENCE
Gustavo
PROVINCE.
That
evening in the presence of their parents, relatives and as Mother Mary
friends, Brothers Achariyam, Anil Francis Kumar, Arul, and Fr. Soosai as
Charles, Edal Vinoth Joe, Francis Sunil Kumar, John Jesus, the blessing
Kennedy, Loyola Diraviam, Prakesh Philemen Raj and of the Holy
Vincent professed perpetual vows at St. John the Baptist Trinity. Everyone
to
church, Poonamallee. Frs. Alfonso Crippa and Gustavo processed
the
chapel
for
Debonis were present, Fr. General Superior celebrated
the holy Mass during which the young men courageously adoration. Later,
Superior
said 'yes' to the Lord. Fr. Alfonso delivered a short homily the
with the message of religious consecration. He encouraged General had a
the brothers to grow in charity and the charism of our personal chat with each confrere of the community. That
founder. The following day was their Diaconal Ordination evening all the seminarians gathered for a conference. The
Superior General and the Secretary General taught the
followed by a fellowship meal to celebrate.
4
seminarians about the congregation and the expectations were taken to different rides to participate joyfully.
Younger children were accompanied to one particular
of our founder.
area and elder students were accompanied to a different
On Sunday, Holy Mass was celebrated by the superiors at one. The most entertaining events were water games.
Sahaya Matha church. The parishioners honored them
Nearly three
as our founder, gave them Ponnadai and performed a
hours
of
cultural program. In the evening local confreres held
time was
a council meeting with the superiors. Afterwards,
spent
by
the seminarians and students of Don Guanella Boys
children
home, gathered for Agape; also performing a cultural
in
the
program. Fr. Crippa, Fr. Gustavo and Fr. Rinaldo
water. They
enjoyed the celebrations and congratulated the
enjoyed the
community.
day to the
fullest. They
Parish Welcomes Superiors
played in
Cuddalore - On February 16th, the Superior
Queensland
until 7.30 PM. Their faces looked sad when it was time
to leave. Upon returning home safely, they thanked Fr.
Provincial who, though busy with canonical visitation,
gave permission for the picnic, and Fr. Samson who
drove the van safely.
Superiors Visit Anbagam
Sivagangai - On February 19th the Superior
General, Fr. Alfonso Crippa, the Secretary General,
Fr. Gustavo and the Provincial Superior, Fr. Soosai
arrived for a visit. The children were eagerly
waiting to see them. Upon arrival at Anbagam, the
good children welcomed them and honored them
General, Secretary General
with garlands. The good children were in return
and Provincial Superior
given love and affection. Superior Kulandaisamy,
visited Sahaya Matha
Director
Paulraj,
Church. The parishioners
and
Administrator
were happy to welcome
Franklin
also
them and participate in
welcomed
them
the holy mass offered for the people of God. After
honored them with
the mass, the newly elected parish council organized
Ponnadai.
The
a short program for them including the presentation
children of Anbagam
of a traditional shawl and small gift to each major
performed wonderful
superiors. The people were pleased with the wellprograms including
organized event.
dance, song, and
thirukural. Fr. Crippa
Wonderful Queensland
spoke about the
Chennai - The day of happiness, enjoyment and mission in India. Fr. Gustavo gave an enriching talk to
amusement was February 16th for nearly sixty students the good children; and they gave their precious blessings
of the Don Guanella Evening School; they were taken to to all.
Queensland for a picnic. The previous day they were given
GLM Meeting
instructions about their behavioral pattern at Queensland
for safe and careful fun by Bro. Deva and the staff. Rev. Sivagangai - The Guanellian Lay Movement gathered
Fr. Samson, Superior of DGMS, started the journey with at Yesuvanam on February19th. Evening adoration
a small prayer and, the children were divided into groups was conducted by Fr. Kulandaisamy, superior of the
accompanied by particular brothers; especially, Dn. Sunil, community. After adoration, the meeting was began
Dn. Loyola and Dn. Achariyam. Upon arrival, the children with many benefactors participating. When Fr. Crippa
5
spoke about the movement he expressed his happiness.
Fr. Gustavo also gave some instructions about the
movement. The GLM members asked lots of questions
with interest and enthusiasm which were answered by
the major superiors. When Fr. Kulandaisamy spoke and
expressed his goal of trying to reach around the entire
diocese. With the help of the GLM, anything is possible.
After the meeting holy Mass was celebrated by our fathers
and a simple Agape ended the evening.
Superiors visit Aspirants
Mysore - Preethiya Sevakaru welcomed Frs. Joseph
Rinaldo & Visuwasam the Provicial Treasurers of the
Divine Providence Province with joy. Fr. Visuwasam
celebrated Mass and Fr. Rinaldo preached a beautiful
sermon which encouraged and motivated the brothers. At
beginning of the month there was a quiz competition for
the initiation brothers on the gospel of Mark. The brothers
studied well and participated actively. The 2nd classical
academy
was
recently conducted
for the initiation
brothers on the
topic, “Major Evils
in our country”.
Fr. Ranjith SAC,
a Pallotine priest,
was invited as the
chief guest for the
academy; Ursaline
sisters were also
invited.
Our
brothers exhibited
their talents through
speeches, dances,
songs and skits.
6
March Calendar of Events
2
Bangalore: Oratory and Evening School Annual Day Celebration- GPN
5Ash Wednesday
Manila: Special Ash Wednesday Services
5-6 Sivagangai: Tutelage Program
7
Manila: First Friday Adoration
7-10 Bangalore: Mission Experience for GYM in Thalavadi
8
Chelsea: Vocational Retreat for Boys
Grass Lake: Prayer and Pizza Girls Group
8-9 Manila: Vocation Seminar
12
Grass Lake: Mother of Divine Providence Day at PUSJ
14
Pforzheim: Parish Pilgrimage
15
Manila: Lenten Recollection
14-16 Grass Lake: Come and See
16
Grass Lake: GLM Family Day at PUSJ
19
St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Grass Lake: Solemn Celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph Day
23
Cuddalore: Lenten pilgrimage to our Lady of Vallankanni
24-28 Bangalore: Liturgical Training’ for Novices in NBCLC
25Annunciation of the Lord
28
Skype Council Meeting
30
Cuddalore: Lenten Retreat for the People of God - Sagaya Mathat
31
Bangalore: 'Life of the Founder' Seminar for Novices at GPN
Manila: Pre-Easter Egg Hunt for Persons with I/DD
Best Wishes and Prayers to:
1
2
4
5
10
13
15
17
19
Bro. Jesu Doss: birthday
Bro. Prakesh Philemen Raj: birthday
Bro. Maria Julian Bernard: birthday
Fr. Kulandaisamy: birthday; Fr. John Joseph: feast day
Bro. Antony Kalai Selvan: birthday
Fr. John Bosco, Fr. Paulraj P.: birthday
Bro. Abraham: birthday
Bro. Jegan Patrick Daniel: feast day
Fr. Joseph Rinaldo, Fr. Soosai Rathinam, Fr. Jayasoosai, Bro. Edal Vinoth Joe, Bro. Joseph Fernandez
S., Bro. Joseph S., Peddarappu Joseph, Bro. Vellington, Nov. Joseph Rajarathnam: feast day
20
Fr. Louis: birthday
21
Bro. Rishar Raffee Jegan: birthday
24
Bro. Antony Jayaraj: birthday
25
Fr.
Roosewelt: birthday
Have questions or comments about this
29
Fr.
Ligori:
birthday
newsletter? Contact the Communications and
30
Fr.
Dominic
Sebastian Baskar: birthday
Community Relations Office at:
16195 Old US 12
Chelsea, MI 48118 USA
Telephone: 734-475-8430
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.servantsofcharity.org
7