JAMSHEDPUR JESUITS

JAMSHEDPUR JESUITS
Vol. 49 No.5 JAMSHEDPUR, INDIA 1 May, 2001
OFFICIAL
Appointments By Fr General
Fr Armando Raffo, Provincial of Uruguay, extended for three years
Fr Janez Poljansek, 42, Provincial of Slovenia
Fr Juan Luis Orozco Hernandez, 53, Provincial of Mexico
Fr Jan van de Poll, Provincial of the Netherlands
Fr Severin Leitner, 56, Provincial of Austria
Status
Fr Hilary Lobo
Fr Gautam Chaudhury
Fr Gilbert Menezes
Fr Joseph Puliparampil
Fr Victor Joseph
Fr Jerome Kujur
Fr Francis Bodra
Br Benedict Kichingia
Br Francis Tiru
Sch Thomas Dungdung
: Sabbatical, Namchi (Sikkim)
: Sabbatical (place later)
: Acting Director, Upasana
: Residence at XLRI
: Deepti Bhavan, Balasore
: Minister, Director Slum Schools, Bhubaneswar
: Chaira (Dalbhumgarh)
: Chaira
: Tumudibandha (Farm)
: Regency - St Xavier's, LPG

Sch Victor Soreng
: Regency - Jilling
Provincial's Programme
May 02 - 03
: Dhanbad, Tundi
04 : Jilling
05 : Education Commission Meeting
07 : Gande Dungri
10 (pm): Home Visit
Jun 03 : Consult
04 - 06 : Province Gathering
Fr Bernard Bodra, our latest "Gospel Ambassador" to Africa leaves for Nigeria at 3.10 am,
Wednesday 2 May from Bombay. Three years ago, while studying theology, Bernard
volunteered to be a missionary in Nigeria. Since the Nigeria-Ghana Region's need was (and is)
for priests - it has numerous Scholastics - Bernard had to wait to fulfil his desire. As we know,
he was ordained in January last year and now, 16 months later, he is able to fly out. Last week he
wished his family good-bye and took the Steel Express to Calcutta. He had to get a yellow fever
injection and complete other formalities.
When you read this Bernard would have arrived at Christ the King Church, Lagos. He will, for a
time replace our first missionary, Francis Perumalil, who is coming next month to Hazaribag
for tertianship. God will surely reward the Province for the generosity of its missionaries to work
in distant Africa.
The Province cordially welcomes Sch Philip Hurley (MAR) and Sch Kevin Buckley (CLF) who
will spend 6 to 7 weeks, from mid June, in the Province. They will be assisting mainly at DSWC.
We wish them deep and enriching experience of the ministry here.
All are, once again, reminded of the Province Gathering, 4 to 6 June. The Province members
will, individually, receive a copy of the preparatory booklet.
The Diocese of Balasore will re-assume, next month, responsibility for the Parish of
Keutunimari, which was under our pastoral care for the past seven years (nearly). Both Fr
Francis Bodra and Br Benedict Kichingia will move out on 3 June from Keutunimari.
Ordination of Fr Cyrinus Topno, SJ

The Torpa Parish, started by none other than Fr Constance Lievens, was the venue for the
spectacular event, the Ordination of one of its sons, Fr Cyrinus Topno. An impressive crowd of
more than 1500, along with fifty plus priests and a larget group of Sisters, witnessed the raising
of Deacon Cyrinus Topno to the priesthood by Rt Rev Stephen Tiru, Bishop of the Khunti
Diocese, on 19 April 2001. The presence of Provincial Charlie with a large number of
Jamshedpur Jesuits added colour to the occasion. There were times when Cyrinus could not be
seen as he was buried under the garlands during the "Swagat" ceremony. The priests, Religious
and other guests departed after a sumptuous meal, thanking God for the gift of one more priest to
Thorpa parish, to Jamshedpur Province and to the Church at large.
- Sebastian Puthenpura
DNS
NEWS FROM HOUSES
On 7 and 8 April the Matric class of the Hindi School went on a trip to Tata. The group was
accompanied by Joe Anthony and Gulshan Kujur. The group was impressed by the hospitality
of Loyola School and XLRI. On 25 April the Hindi School has exams and they get report cards
before the summer holidays says Joe Anthony.
On the 2nd April Saleth conducted an Orientation programme for the new XI Std boys.
Woolsie and K C Anthony were in Tata for the Chrism Mass. KC later found time to go to
Jilling to divine water for village wells.
John Guidera, accompanied by Romanus Tete, George Joseph, Arul Prabhakar and
Bernard Bodra, drove to Torpa for Cyrinus' Ordination.
On 19 April the DNS Community bid farewell to Bernard Bodra who leaves for Nigeria on 2
May
On 28 April DNS Main had its Prize Nite. The Director of BIT, Sindri, was the Chief Guest.
Mr Denis Mendonca, after 29 years of service at DNS, retires on 30 April. He will settle in
Mumbai. He was close to several Jesuits during his years at DNS. We wish him all the best.
Kuru hosted Alex Misquith's birthday. All the Jesuits of Dhanbad attended the celebration. A
very convivial party!
The DNS Alumni Association (Calcutta Chapter) meets on 29 April in Calcutta. George Hess
will be the Chief Guest.
- Emile Coelho

LCE
The present batch of trainees completed their final exams by the third week of April and then
spent a week of hard work in practicing for the Silver Jubilee celebration held at the Tata
Auditorium on 28 April 2001.
A good number of alumni, their friends and relatives and some of our acquaintances from the
city Schools were present for the Jubilee celebration. Indeed, it was a well prepared and a very
colourful programme.
Mr Sarosh Ghandy, the Chief Guest, pointed out the value of Teachers Training Programme
today, and called upon the State of Jharkhand to promote such programmes all over the State in
order to overcome the present problem of illiteracy.
We congratulate our students and staff for their hard work and cooperation and express our
heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of our Silver Jubilee celebration.
To express our gratitude further for the years of service rendered to LCE, a dinner was given to
the staff on the 29th at the College to which the Governing Board members were also invited.
Loyola
- C Gautam
Rector Vatta had a nagging knee problem for years. He was operated upon by a super specialist
who had come for an Orthopaedic Conference to Jamshedpur. The operation was a great success.
After staying ten days at TMH, he is limping back to normal.
Vice-Principal Saby made a flying visit to Namchi to register himself for B Ed for the next
academic year.
Fr Kenna and Fr Thana conducted Holy Week services in the House for the old and the infirm.
Amal prepared the choir for Sacred Heart Easter Congregation.
The boundary wall of the campus has been raised by three feet to ward off unwanted intruders.
Sr Aquinas, AC, conducted a three day seminar for the LCC teachers which was well
appreciated. 38 students have begun their NOS exams. Director Bene expects good results this
year.
In an Inter-School Basketball Tournament organised by TISCO, our LCC team reached the finals
to be defeated only be one basket against the giant TISCO team. Though they lost the match,
they won the hearts of the spectators and sports officials. Great show Bene.
Fr Swami went into solitude at XLRI for his annual "encounter" with the Lord. He looks
refreshed, cheerful and has an angelic smile!

Alumni Association contributed their mite for the Gujarat earthquake victims through the
Provincial.
The month of April was filled with guests and visitors. Br Maxi welcomed all with open arms,
keeping up with the tradition of Loyola.
Fr Felix is busy with the auditors, clearing up the accounts of last financial year.
Over 500 students were felicitated on the Annual Prize Nite 2001. As every year, students were
awarded for academic excellence as well as human excellence. Mrs Indira Natrajan and Mrs
Amy Rao were honoured on the occasion for their 25 years of service in the School.
Loyola Bhavan
- Pius Fernandes
Fr Robert is busy with his auditing work for the just concluded fiscal year. Most of the time Fr
Njara is out, for giving retreats as well as recollections. Whenever he is at Loyola Bhavan, he
conducts Reiki and Pranic Healing sessions. People also come to him for counselling. Fr Jerry
Kujur came to Loyola Bhavan from Balasore during the Easter week. Br Tiru led the way of
the Cross on Good Friday in Bhubaneswar parish for the Hindi speaking group. It was well
appreciated by the whole congregation.
At HLC, there are presently 720 students for the Spoken English, 105 for computer, 28 for
typing, 74 for shorthand, 84 for tailoring and embroidery and 210 students make use of the
reading room.
In March HLC started the IGNOU programme. The MCA students for the 4th and the 5th
semesters come to HLC for computer classes (both theory as well as practical). Since the
IGNOU programme has been started, the old typing room has been converted into a computer
lab. It will have 30 computers and the old computer lab will become the typing room.
The strength of our 7 model slum schools is 400 students. After the super cyclone, Fr Provincial
provided funds for the renovation of the broken slum schools. Now we have "pucca" walls for 6
slum schools.
Fr Oscar and Sch Jerome visited Phulbani and Tumudibandha during Easter week. Sch Isidore
had gone to Jamshedpur for his B Ed interview on 17 April. Sch Arockiadass is at HLC after
two years of regency at Koraput.
Rengra
- Isidore Minj
From 5 to 7 April, Fr Raphael gave a retreat to eight of our Catholic teachers. He also had some
time to move around Rengra where he had done his Regency.

Fr Francis Ezhakunnel accompanied the CSWC team of doctors and technicians to our place
and had a thorough check up of our 700 school children. Our children cooperated well.
This year's Easter preparations and celebrations were well thought of and planned by Fr
Anthres. So we had a very meaningful Easter. Our Catholic children had a 2 day retreat directed
by Fr Sushil. On Good Friday our children enacted the passion of the Lord which deeply
touched the hearts of the audience.
Before the Easter vigil ceremony, we showed a video cassette on the mission, passion and death
of Jesus Christ to our Catholics. It was followed by confession. Easter vigil was marked by the
melodious choir directed by Sr Tusy and Fr Mike's sermon based on tribal people's struggle
today.
On 20-22 April Jan Vikash Kendra conducted a seminar on "Legal Aid" for people in and around
Rengra and Tonto Block. Some 60 participants attended. The resource person was our own
lawyer Fr Tom Nelli and his colleagues from Chaibasa court.
Fr Charlie visited us on 23rd and inaugurated the newly built teachers' quarters.
Fr Sushil is going around the villages for the Easter house blessings. Fr Mike is very active in
Gram Sabhas. After Easter he went to Delhi to attend a seminar on "Social Action".
The visitors of the month: Sch Sunil Lakra who accompanied Father Provincial to Rengra and
also Sch Ranjeet Bilung who is here to learn the language, culture and customs of the people.
Rugudisai
- A Alexander
A sort of miracle was witnessed by the people of village Narsinghpur when Sini, a six year old
girl, returned home with her father after a successful operation for cleft lip at Mercy Hospital.
Thanks to Fr Provincial's timely initiative and generous help. Fr Joseph Surin was with them
to help out. Meanwhile, Joe preached a retreat to the St Xavier's High School students.
Fr John Sumbrui was away at Bonua, a mission centre, preaching a two-day retreat to the Ho
faithful. Besides, he is busy meeting different people with the purpose of acquiring land. The
response of the local people and the Revenue Inspector is quite positive.
At Easter vigil we had a good number of people for the Mass. They were well prepared
beforehand for singing and they had an opportunity for confessions as well.
After Easter, Fr Joseph Surin went to Torpa for Deacon Cyrinus Topno's ordination. From
there he will proceed to Bangriposi parish in Mayurbhanj Dt and spend a week among the Hos
who are showing keen interest in us.

Fr John Sumbrui is in Loyola for a check up and rest.
- Joseph Surin
XIM
George C L, our Superior, says that the Potta Retreat has cured him of the many ailments that
have been troubling him over the years. In his absence Eric has been acting Superior and taking
care of all Community needs. He has completed the accounts of the year and is waiting for the
revisor's visit.
Abe attended the IRMA Board Meeting and Convocation and met the Vice-President of the
World Bank who was the Convocation Speaker. She recalled and appreciated the studies that
XIM had done for the World Bank. On the way back he met the Rural Development Secretary in
connection with the funding of the PGPRM Programme and attended the exchange of documents
ceremony with the Canadian High Commissioner in Delhi for a large project called WATER for
a period of 5 years.
George Hess attended the Silver Jubilee celebration of Loyola B Ed College where he was
Principal for 13 years. He also participated in the alumni gathering in Calcutta and Jamshedpur
of both De Nobili and Loyola Schools.
Gyan and Tony S went for a Social Action programme at ISI, Delhi and they helped with the
interviews of the PGPRM students.
Clement is putting the final touches to the infrastructural needs of Regional Resource Centre of
CENDERET at Baripada.
- Abraham Enthemkuzhy
Tony P with Oscar Horo and Jerome Sequeira went to Tumudibandha for the Holy Week. At
Loyola School, Bhubaneswar, the classes for Stds I to V began on 3 April. There are altogether
610 students in the School. Fr Pius Fernandes addressed the students on 4 April and the parents
on 6th. Sch Blacius Ekka is helping me out in the School.
XLRI
- P Anthonyraj
Since the beginning of April, a strange quiet pervades our campus. Our students are all away on
their permanent jobs or for their two months of summer work. The hum of activity will resume in
the third week of June when the new academic year starts again.
Meanwhile, several of our Community members are also away on different ministries. At the end
of March, Fr Ignatius Puthiyadam went to Germany at the invitation of a University there to

deliver lectures. He would also do priestly ministry among the students and others. He is likely to
return only at the end of May after a brief home visit.
Fr Joe Saldanha is away on his usual visit to Sri Lanka on his educational leadership work. He
too will be back at the end of May.
Fr Joe Puli is in a great demand inside and outside the Institute for various innovative
programmes that he conducts. Among them, the most sought after is his Personality
Development Laboratory through which he is able to help a number of participants know
themselves better as a prelude to self improvement - the sort of work that a spiritual director
does. Fr Puli has also completed a manuscript on the Enneagram which should emerge shortly
from Sage Publications. A second book is also on the way.
Fr Jesurajan spent time conducting training programmes for Kirloskars.
Fr Gilbert who was recently out on a home visit is now leaving our Community and joining
Loyola College of Education as a faculty member. Though he was only on sabbatical here, we
shall miss his cheery presence and his willingness to help out in ministry outside the Community.
Fr Mathew Areeparampil continues to bring blessings on the House by his patient and
uncomplaining acceptance of the crippling motor neuron disease that the Lord has seen fit to
afflict him with.
The rest of us: Frs Augustine, James, P D Thomas, Welch and your humble servant continue
the quiet tenor of our lives.
- Theo Mathias
Kindly note the change in St Xavier's, Lupungutu Telephone Number. It is 56513.
The correct e-mail address is: sxlpg@satyam.net.in
Publication
"The Origin and Nature of Religion" by Augustine Perumalil (Delhi: ISPCK, 2001), pp. 316,
price Rs 95. Those interested in having copies of the book may send Rs 80/- for each copy to
Sacred heart College, Satya Nilayam, 81 Lattice Bridge Road, Chennai 600 041.
At Atmadarshan, Patna:
Courses
Sep 02 - 12
: Hypnotherapy for Counselors by Frs J Kunnumpuram, SJ and

Tony Mattapally, SJ
Sep 04 - 11
: Religious Life Today - Seven Day Retreat by Sr Amala, SND
and Fr A Puthumana, SJ
Oct 01 - 12
: Vipassana by team deputed from International Vipassana
Academy, Igatpuri
At Navjyoti Niketan, Patna:
Aug 14 - 19
: Youth Training Programme by Frs Ozzie Saldanha, SJ
and Tony Dias, SJ
Aug 24 - 27
Sep 08 - 15
: Marriage Preparation Programme by Fr Ozzie Saldanha, SJ
: Scripture Course for Jesuit Brothers by Fr Pius Thekkemury, SJ
Across the River
Fr Joseph Nelapaty (KAR) died on 23.03.01 at Bangalore 66/48
Fr Cyprian C A Pai (KAR) (Swami Supriya) died on 01.04.01 at Dharwad 74/54
Fr Alphons Oesch (PUN) died on 15.04.01 at Pune 90/69
Anniversary
02 May - Fr John C Baker
16 May - Br Guy Ames
22 May - Fr Julien Bilmeyer
23 May - Fr Jesus Calvo
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