JAMSHEDPUR JESUITS

JAMSHEDPUR JESUITS
Vol. 51 No. 1 JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA JANUARY 2003
Appointment by Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ
OFFICIAL
Fr Hilary Lobo
: Principal, St Xavier’s School, Purulia
Status
Fr Saleth Soosai
: Headmaster, St Xavier’s High School, Lupungutu
Fr Emmanuel Parappuram : Sabbatical
Schs Sushil Balmuchu, Sunny Jacob, Romanus Kerketta and Polidor Kujur have been
approved for ordination to Diaconate.
The Province Treasurer Br Wency D’Souza will be out of station from 26 January to 8
February.
We extend a warm welcome to Fr Thomas E Roach, SJ, Secretary for Education in Rome. He
will be in the Province from 25-28 January, visiting some of our educational institutions. The
concerned Heads of each institution will be intimated the exact date and time of Fr Tom’s visit
by the PCE, Fr Saleth Soosai in due time. We wish Fr Tom a fruitful visit and an enjoyable stay
in the Province.
Provincial’s Programme
January 08 – 09
: Manresa House, Ranchi – Visitation
10 – 11 : RTC, Ranchi – Visitation
14 – 17 : Calcutta – Visitation
18 (am) : Return to Tatanagar
1. : Lupungutu
2. : Rugudisai
3. : Return to Tatanagar
25 (am) : Consult

(pm)
: Jilling
1. : Jilling – Visitation
2. : Return to Tatanagar
February 03
: Basantpur/Jilling
08 – 09 : CRI Meeting
CHRISTMAS MEETING 2002
In view of celebrating the Ruby Jubilee of the Diocese and the Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee of
Msgr John Bodra, "Christmas Meeting 2002" was held at St Joseph’s School Hall, Golmuri.
The whole event was leisurely spread out throughout the day.
The first session began at 9.00 am with a welcome address of the Bishop Felix Toppo, SJ and
prayer led by the Novices of Jesu Bhavan. The session was chaired by Fr Augustine
Vattamattam and Fr Savarimuthu (Hazaribag) dealt with the theme "The Present Situation in
Jharkhand and Our Response". He pointed out a few main burning issues, i.e. (i) domicile &
survival, (ii) extremism originating from the experience of exploitation, oppression, poverty,
unemployment, etc (iii) extremism originating from the Hindu fundamentalism championed by
RSS, BJP and VHP (Sangh Parivar) for irreligious, political and economic domination, (iv)
Gram Sabha and Panchayti Raj which characterize the context of our being and ministry. Our
response must address these issues in favour of the Adivasi and other marginalised groups by
empowering them through constitutional means and structure of Gram Sabha under Panchayati
Raj. Many insightful interventions from the floor enlivened this first session.
This logically led to the second session at 10.30 am. It was chaired by Fr Hilarius Kongari and
Bishop Charles Soreng (Hazaribag) expounded the Christian response to the present situation of
Jharkhand under the theme "Adult Catechesis in the Present-day Situation". He stressed on
founding of the Basic Ecclesial Communities otherwise known as Basic Christian Communities
in our Dioceses. These Basic Christian Communities cannot overlook the Adivasi values of an
abiding experience of God in life, fellowship, sharing, cooperation, equality, hospitality,
joyfulness, etc.
The third session began at 3.30 pm. It was chaired by Fr John Ottoplakal. This session
consisted of basically "Sharing of the Affairs of the Diocese and the Province". Provincial Fr
James Kalapura and Bishop Felix Toppo presented the picture of the Province and the Diocese
respectively. Each of them highlighted the signs of growth and also of unfulfilled dreams. In
their address both the Provincial and the Bishop underscored the abiding spirit of collaboration
between the Diocese and the Province. We thank the Bishop and the Provincial for their
guidance, animation and inspiration which both of them manifest through their pastoral visits and
visitations. At the beginning of the session Fr John Vithayathil was called upon to share his
experience received through the Divine Mercy Devotion. Before the end of the session, Fr
Jesudoss, OFM Cap and Br Jacob, DDS spoke about their apostolate in the Diocese.

The great act of thanksgiving for all the blessings of God on the Diocese and the Province during
the past years took in the St Joseph’s Cathedral with a great eucharistic concelebration. The
eucharist was presided over by Bishop Felix Toppo and Msgr John Bodra, the Jubilarian and
Fr Prabhu assisted them. During the eucharist, two laymen, Mr Joseph Soy and Mr Ephraim
Dispute, were honored for their exemplary Christian life and service by conferring on them the
"Knighthood of St Sylvester". Fr C R Prabhu has become the "Domestic Prelate". Thus he is
the second Monsignor in the Diocese.
The Christmas Meeting 2002 ended with a delicious fellowship meal prepared under the
direction of Br Wency D’Souza. The persons who made the "Christmas Meeting 2002"
memorable were Fr George Mannarackam and Fr Gerry D’Souza who went all out to make
everyone feel at home and great by their meticulous arrangements of the meeting hall, the
accommodation and the delicious meals. We thank them in a special way and the Bishop and the
Diocese for hosting the annual Christmas meeting.
DNC
NEWS FROM HOUSES
- John B Mundu
In the month of November we were busy with Bal Mela and Golden Jubilee celebration of the
Philosophate. Bal Mela was held on the 16 th and about 1400 children of the neighbouring locality
came to have some fun and relaxation at least one day. Once that was over we were fully
involved in the preparation of the cultural evening of the Jubilee celebration, held on the 24 th .
The play "Even to the Indies" was apt for the occasion. The modern Nagpuri dance under the
direction of Sch Anil Dang was well appreciated.
We had a number of visitors in that month. First it was Fr Gilbert Menezes, returning from his
programme at Goa. Fr Stan Kujur, one of the former Superiors of the Philosophers, was here to
witness the Jubilee celebrations. Be Wency also paid a flying visit.

DNS
December was a month of joy, grace and tragedy. On the 8 th , the Main School conducted Sports
Day. The General Manager of Tata Collieries was the Chief Guest. The campus was filled with
proud parents, enthusiastic children and active teachers. The event was appreciated by one and
all.
15 December was the day of double ‘impact’ – Hindi School had the Sports Day and the
Community celebrated the birthday of Fr Pius. Fr Eric Cassel, the Founding Father of Hindi De
Nobili, was the Chief Guest. And Br Wency distributed prizes.
On 14 th morning, Mr Reddy, the School gardener, passed away. The School community -
workers, teachers, Jesuits – shared the sorrow of the family members.
Christmas lunch for the teachers was prepared by Br Wency. Thanks Wency.
Under the stewardship of Fr K C Anthony, the Parish organized Christmas gathering on 20 th .
And on 22 nd , Christmas celebration began with prayer service conducted by the Junior Section.
Seniors and Hindi School students entertained us with songs, dance and dramas.
Fr Provincial visited our Community on the 17 th ; his presence brought true union of hearts and
minds. It was a moment of grace and joy.
De Nobili Bhavan
December was a busy month with variety of activities. About 300 athletes of six Branch Schools
gathered at DNS Maithon on 15 th for the Inter-Nobilian Sports Carnival.
The Provincial, James Kalapura, visited most of the Branch Schools from 19-21 December.
His visit to DNS Sindri brought some solace to the staff and students of the School, who are
anxiously looking into an uncertain future due to the closure of the FCI by the Government of
India. He was also the Chief Guest at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of DNS Chandrapura, which

was also attended by George Hess, the Founding Director and Bishop Charles Soreng of
Hazaribag. He graced the Christmas celebrations at DNS Mugma, giving Christmas message to
various groups and met Gerry Kerketta and Pascal Burh at DNS Chandrapura and DNS
Mugma respectively.
De Nobili Bhavan hosted the Education Commission meeting on Sunday, 22 December. Eric
Cassel and Wency D’Souza were overnight guests on 16 December.
LCCC
- George Fernandes
The Communication Centre has entered into a mutually beneficial agreement with Photo
Mission, Inc of the USA. Our staff are listed on their website.
We have given courses in Kohima and Shillong as well as in Bhubaneswar. George Hess joined
a professional photographers’ group for a tour of Nagaland and Kaziranga for photography and
to plan further courses in those areas.
Our application for affiliation with the Utkal University of Culture is being processed.
We co-sponsored the first international exhibition of photographs and cartoons in Bhubaneswar
in an art gallery in early December. It was well attended and received favourable attention in
newspapers and on TV.
George also attended and delivered a talk at the AGM of the Association of Schools for the
Indian School Certificate. He attended the Silver Jubilee celebration of De Nobili School,
Chandrapura.
Loyola, Bhubaneswar
- George A Hess
The staff had a lovely picnic on 7 December on the beach at Puri, which was followed by a
number of class picnics throughout the month. Vally celebrated his birthday on 15 December
with the students, the staff and the Jesuits in three different ways.
20 December was the Community Participation Day. Several activities were put together to mark
this day. Loyola students and the students of the slum schools run by HLC & CYSD met together
in a socio-cultural interaction. The economically deprived children had the opportunity for selfexpression
through various cultural activities and the taste of good food served in packets. On the
same day Christmas programme was conducted through cultural items, which depicted the birth
of Christ. And finally five eminent speakers representing Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism
and Jainism came to share their views on "Approach to Peace and Communal Harmony in My
Faith". This was followed by the Christmas celebration with our co-workers on 21 December. To

express our gratitude for their service, a fellowship meal was given and a few games for fun were
organized.
After the closing for the winter, Tony P went to Dhanbad to attend the Province Education
Commission meeting. New Loyola campus looks lovely with the blossoming of varieties of
quality flowers, around which we find both people and bees more and more. The sale of forms
for admission to KG, Stds V and VI are in progress. The demands for teaching job are on the rise
and so more than 200 teachers have applied for a few vacancies in the School. Tony P is all set
to choose the best. Keep up the good work Tony.
Loyola, Jamshedpur
December has been a month of activities in the School. The Annual Sports Day held on 14
December was the main event in which the SP of East Singhbhum was the Chief Guest. The
well-decorated ground was almost full with interested parents and well wishers. The majority of
the staff in their evaluation suggested that the JRD Tata Sports Complex could be used for next
year’s Annual Sports.
Two exhibitions, one by the Junior School students on general theme and another by the Seniors
on Geography, caught the attention of one and all and brought laurels to the School from various
quarters.
Two of our Plus II students who secured 1 st and 3 rd ranks in an all-round talent search conducted
on the national level, made our School proud. The Seniors, mostly Catholics, put up a wonderful
Christmas programme which depicted the birth of Jesus in a dance-drama and kept the entire
School spell-bound inspite of sitting in the sun on the basketball court.
The process for the new admission in KG and Plus II is now in progress. Saby is busy with the
procedure to make it easy for the new Principal to give the final touch in the selection of the
candidates.
The Loyola Alumni Association conducted a well-organised medical camp in Jilling on 15
December. A good number of dedicated doctors, nurses and trainees offered medical help and
generous services to 1036 patients from different villages. Frs James and Augustine made a
point to be there with the people.
LCC – The staff and the students put their full energy during the month of Ramadan and worked
really hard in preparing for the Sports Day, which was held on 16 December. The Chief Guest
for this colourful event was our Provincial, Fr James Kalapura. Mr Ronnie D’Costa and Frs
Rector, Dincher, Saleth and Francis gave away the prizes in turns. The DBC Band played
excellently in the sports event. 21 December was the closing day before Christmas. The children
on this day presented the story of creation and stole the hearts of the audience. They too enjoyed
the carols presented by the Loyola Hall Candidates and joyfully received the Santa Claus enacted
by Sch Martin.

Rengra
The month began with the visit of SCJM General, Sr Anne, and her Councilor. On the same day
the Novices with their Master, Socius and Fr Manu visited us to have a glimpse of our work. Fr
James Keogh accompanied by Fr Deeney came to visit Rengra.
34 of our boys filled their Matric forms this year from Rungta School, Chaibasa. The tireless
efforts of Anthres need to be praised. He was seen in Chaibasa almost every day to get the
forms.
Arul was in front of the computers typing the question papers for the second terminal
examinations which began on 9 December. After the exams Arul took the hostel kids for a
picnic-cum-road repairing. A short-cut road is ready for your drive.
Sushil was busy visiting all the villages before Christmas. The Christmas gathering for the
teachers was arranged on the 20 th . Arul joined John Sumbrui in Rugudisai for Christmas.
Anthres began his retreat on 27 December at Lupungutu. We are ready to begin the new year
with the renewed spirit of the Superior after his retreat and the Regent after his triduum at
Mango.
XIM
- Arul Prabhakar Joseph
The Community celebrated the Feast of St Francis Xavier on 1 December. We had a large
gathering of Religious and clergy for Mass and dinner. George said the Mass, Eric gave the
homily. Abe led the choir and Oscar put out a delicious dinner. On the 2 nd we had a special tea
for the faculty, staff and students. Abe, as Director, inspired all by his wonderful speech
highlighting the life achievements of Xavier and his relevance for us today.
Abe and George went to Hyderabad to attend the Board Meeting of the Association of Indian
Management School. Before the Board meeting Abe inaugurated the ICFAI Centre for
entrepreneurship development. In his inaugural address as the Chief Guest, he pointed out the
urgent need for entrepreneurs today for taking the Indian economy forward. The country today
needs more wealth and job creators and not wealth and job seekers, he added.

XIMB had its first Management Development Programme on Basic Leadership Skills organized
by Abe and Ed McGrath. It was a brilliant success. Several other programmes are also in the
pipeline. The participants had high praised for the campus, the world-class accommodation and
above all the most interesting and enriching training sessions by Abe and Ed McGrath.
The air-conditioned auditorium-cum-classroom complex is nearing completion. We are planning
to inaugurate it by the end of February 2003. The auditorium has a capacity of 850 and
depending on the number of people, it can be instantly divided into two. It will also be equipped
with multi locational view projection services. The classroom will have world class facilities like
internet connection, state-of-the-art latest audio-visual aids and provision for students to key in
their laptops for interactive learning and collaborative problem solving.
Oscar went to Mumbai to attend his family get-together and to celebrate Christmas and the New
Year with them. Eric went to Jamshedpur to celebrate Christmas with his brother and then attend
the Province Christmas get-together. After Christmas, Abe went to Jamshedpur to attend the
Province get-together and to participate in the Jubilee celebrations of the 1977 batch of XLRI.
He was a special invitee as the most favorite junior. While the whole Community was away,
George held the fort.
Loyola School, Baripada – Clement brings the benefits of English education to the children of
a remote tribal village in Baripada. He started the School on 2 December, 2002 with 125 tribal
children, 2 lady teachers and Br Bene Kichingia. Currently, classes are held under thatch-roofed
sheds. The parents are highly interested in the School. There will be more admissions in April.
Congratulations to you Clement and Bene for this pioneering job and wish you every success.
The address is: Loyola School, Jion Marsal Loyola Centre, PO Sankhabhanga, via Laxmiposi,
Baripada 757 107, Phone: (06792) 258486.
At Atmadarshan, Patna:
COURSES
Mar 06 – 14
Apr 04 – 12
: Eight Day Retreat by Fr Joseph Pullickal, SJ
: Eight Day Retreat by Fr J Parakatt, SJ

May 02 – 12
: Journey to Freedom Retreat by Fr J Parakatt, SJ and
At Navjyoti Niketan, Patna:
Sr Amala, SND
Apr 23 – 29
: Leadership Programme for Unorganised Youth by Fr Philip
Kattakayam & team
May 03 – Jun 06
May 21 – 31
: Basic Hindi Course by Fr Jose Chirackal & team
: Lay Leadership by Fr Ozzie, SJ, Fr Philip K and Sr Rita, SCN
At Upasana, Jamshedpur:
Jan 13 – 31
: Course on Neuro-Linguistic Programme (NLP) by
Dick McHugh, SJ
Across the River
Fr Aloysius Coelho (PUN) died on 27.11.2002 at Shevgaon, Ahmednagar 74/54
Fr Oswald L Mathias (MDU)
Fr Arnaut Pinto (GOA) died on 17.11.2002 at Old Goa 84/56
ANNIVERSARIES
03 Jan – Fr John C Prabhu
13 Jan – Fr Michael K Love
14 Jan – Fr Simon C Kirsch
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