MARCH 2018

MARCH 2018 The Bridge 1

a newsletter from archbishop’s houseTHE BRIDGE

32 Mother Teresa Sarani (Park Street) Kolkata 700016

Jesus said: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40) During this Lenten Season, let us remember this powerful phrase and carry out our duty faithfully towards the Lord and the people around us.

The time to do this is right now during the Lenten Season with Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. This Lenten Season let us try to change our hearts and as Pope Francis advises us that “by devoting more time to prayer, we enable our hearts to root out our secret lies and forms of self-deception, and then to find the consolation that God offers. He is our Father and he wants us to live life well. Almsgiving sets us free from greed and helps us to regard our neighbour as a brother or a sister. Fasting weakens our tendency to violence; it disarms us and becomes an important opportunity for growth. It makes us more attentive to God and our neighbour.” With this message I urge my brothers and sisters to continue to love our brothers and sisters and do this in a more meaningful way during the season of Lent. Fr. Dominic Gomes

(Vicar General)

On 18 February, 43 young people of Auxilium Parish received the Sacrament of Confirmation. During the entrance procession, the candidates carried banners showing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, the Main Celebrant, exhorted the young people to allow them to be led by the Holy Spirit. Before the final blessing, Fr. John, the Parish Priest, congratulated the young people and exhorted them to be regular in religious observances. He called upon the parents to follow up the spiritual growth of their Children by being a good example, by bringing them to Church and encouraging them to approach the Sacrament of Confession. The Eucharistic celebration was made more prayerful by the angelic singing of the Youth choir.

Confirmation at Auxilium Parish

Fatima (Blue Army) Pilgrimage

The annual Fatima pilgrimage was held on 4 February 2018, to conclude the Centenary Celebration of the Apparition of Our Lady in Fatima. A procession was held from Bandel station to Bandel Basilica with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. A Solemn Eucharistic Celebration was held in the Fatima Garden. Nearly 1500 faithful from Kolkata, Chandannagar, Serampore, Krishnanagar, Malda and Raiganj were present. Fr. Orson Wells, the Dean of Howrah-Hooghly Deanery, concelebrated with Fr. Sunny, Chairman of the National Fatima Apostolate team and other priests. After the Holy Eucharist, there was a cultural programme with a skit based on the Fatima Apparition, followed by songs and dances.

Fr. Tom brought Joy to Kolkata Father TOM UZHUNNALIL, SDB, an Indian Priest who was abducted by Terrorists and remained captive for 557 days in Yemen, visited a number of Religious Houses, Convents & Parishes and offered Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist during his stay in Kolkata from 17 March to 26 March 2018 bringing much Joy, Hope, Inspiration and Blessings to the people of the City of Joy.

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St. Sebastian's Feast Day at Salua

The Archbishop, Most Rev. Thomas D' Sousa visited the only Nepali Church named St. Sebastian in the Calcutta Archdiocese on the Feast of St. Sebastian on 20 January, 2018. The faithful welcomed the Archbishop with a Band, colorful umbrellas and flower girls. The entire Mass was in Nepali. The Archbishop spent time interacting and visiting houses. The Archbishop also visited 'Chamrusai Premananda Ashram', the Biggest Boarding in the World for Primary School with 750 Children.

FMA Superior General concludes visit to Kolkata Province On 7 January 2018, 40 Sisters of the Province listened to Mother Yvonne's exhortations. She encouraged the Sisters to accompany young people, to always have hope, to be coherent in the faith and prophetic in the mission. Sr. Rose Ezarath, Provincial, offered 24 roses representing the 24 communities, in thanksgiving to God. Mother Yvonne in turn offered them to the Lord. The Celebrant Fr. Dominic Gomes, VG in his

homily said “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good!” highlighting His greatness “for His mercy endures forever” Psalm 107:1. On behalf of Archbishop Thomas D' Souza he appreciated their contribution to the Archdiocese in various fields. Fr. Dominic thanked Mother Yvonne abundantly and wished her God's blessings through the intercession of their saintly founders so that the Congregation grows more and more in Jesus.

SCC Orientation at Gurap MissionSr. Gulab MSMHC and Sr. Anastasia SMI visited the Gurap Mission for an Orientation Program of Small Christian Communities. Sr. Madhurai visited two families: one is a widow staying with her daughter and the other lives alone. Both are able to carry the Good News to their neighbours and bring them to Church through prayers and visiting the sick. The people are eager to know more about SCC and the Church. In this Parish there are about 106 families but they live far from the church. At the Orientation present were, 60 women and 20 men. At the end of the program, all joined in a fellowship meal.

On 4 February 2018, Fabrice Etienne, a Diplomat and author unveils Thakur Rabindranath Tagore's statue on a visit to Chandannagore

1st Annual Function, 2018

On 16 February, 2018 St. Joseph School, Choyghoria, held its 1st Annual Function. The Chief Guest Mrs. Kakoli Mukherjee, the SDO of Bongaon and Guests of Honour: Fr. Dominic Gomes, VG, Fr. Joy Cyprian D'Souza, Inspector of Diocesan Schools, Fr. Aroikiasamy, Principal of Morning Star College and Fr. Sebastian James, SJ, Principal of St. Lawrence High School were present. The Chief Guest assured help towards the School's progress. The Vicar General, on behalf of the Archbishop, said that in two years, the School had made so much progress that there is a great demand for admission. The beautiful cultural dances by the school Children made the function very enjoyable. Congratulations to Fr. Anthony Rodrick, Secretary of the School, Sr. Philomena, Principal, teaching and supporting Staff and children.

Confirmation at Gurap Mission

Archbishop Thomas D'Souza celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the Gurap Mission and administered confirmation to 23 grown-ups on 25 February, 2018. The Archbishop inspired them with his homily. Thereafter, the Archbishop bestowed blessing on each one and later spent some time listening to them. The Catholics of the area were very delighted to see His Grace.

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The Catechetical Commission led by Fr. Dominic Gomes, VG is planning along with Commission members to standardize the Sunday school to the calendar year, January to December term, to stay clear of the school and board examinations, held in February/March. A period when there is very poor attendance in the Sunday schools. The 1st draft of the Syllabus was formulated and presented to the Catechetical Commission on 17 February 2018 and a 2nd draft is being prepared on the guidelines of the 1st draft with a common Syllabus also catering to the respective needs of each parish. The 2nd draft will be presented on 13 March, 2018. The final draft will be discussed, consulted and approved by Archbishop on 20 March, 2018. After finalization, the Syllabus will be translated into Hindi and Bengali.

On 19 February 2018, Archbishop Thomas D'Souza inaugurated and blessed the Bakery set-up by Rozanna Kitchens. He also blessed the New Horizons Cafe, a set-up donated by “Save the Children” and the donor Lavazza to train youth in the art of coffee making. Mr. Renji Alex, Deputy Vice President & Regional Head of Federal Bank Ltd., inaugurated the Revelation Beauty Academy that will train youth in Skin and Hair services. The Archbishop then blessed the Computer Centre donated by Pernod Ricard India and the Solar Training Centre. Rozanna Kitchens provided a delicious breakfast to the invited guests.

MATA Florence Rozario, DSA, passed away on 21 February, 2018. She was a pioneer and a visionary and very passionate in her missionary work. Realizing that education was the way to free girls f ro m b o n d a g e , s h e dedicated her life to God in the service of the marginalized by educating them. Mata Florence was elected twice as the Superior General of Daughters of St. Anne, Kolkata. She touched many lives as a teacher and continued her work even in her old age by guiding the Sisters. May the soul of Sr. Florence rest in eternal peace, wrapped in the arms of God.

Sunday school Common Syllabus

First Communion Holy Eucharist at Sacred Heart Church

On 11 February 2018, four children well-prepared by Miss Donna Dias, received their First Communion at Sacred Heart Church, Dharamtala. The First Holy Communion and Holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Dominic Gomes, VG and concelebrated by Fr. Soosai Manickam, (Parish Priest), Fr. Devraj Fernandes and Fr. Michael Biswas. The Liturgy was meticulously prepared and the Choir led by Ms. Mitchel brought heavenly Bliss with angelic voices. There was a short cultural program and children were felicitated with gifts over tea and snacks.

Inauguration of New Block at Seva Kendra

Great Pioneer gone to the Kingdom

Animation to the Young CouplesOn 11 February 2018, an Animation Programme was held for young couples, married since 2005. 10 couples participated. This programme was organized by the Family Cell of the Parish and animated by Fr. John Babu Halder and Fr. Amar Bagh. Fr. Amar dealt with family stress and tension. Fr. Babu highlighted the sacramental aspect of marriage and

how to live together as one body. Mr. Christopher G o d f r e y d e a l t w i t h attitudes towards one another. The programme ended with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration.

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Fr. Dominic Gomes, VG. MARCH 2018

On 9 and 10 February 2018, St. Mary's School h e l d t h e C l o s i n g ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Year - 1967-2017 in the School premises. Fr. Dominic Gomes, VG, was the Chief Guest for the 1st day Cultural

programme. The 2nd day began with the Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration, on the theme: “A Journey with Gratitude”. Archbishop Thomas D'Souza was the Main Celebrant and Chief Guest at the Cultural programme. His Grace was warmly escorted into the auditorium by the N.C.C boys, accompanied by Fr. Joy Cyprian, Inspector of Diocesan schools, Fr. Neethidas, Principal, Fr. John Mohandas, Secretary of the School, former Principals: Fr. Kuriakose, Fr. Philip D'Souza and Mr. Joseph Monteiro. Archbishop Thomas congratulated the Principal, Teachers and Students for the wonderful programme. He went on to highlight the good work the school has done and is doing to uplift the changing society.

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Joseph Sudhir Tudu

05 Martin Boidyanath Singh

Jowakim Dungdung

11 Upendra Nayak

A. Soosai Manickam

17 Anthony Patrick Paul

Cyril Fernandes

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Martin Boidyanath Singh

15 Orson Wells

Alexander Rebello

24 Francis Laborde

Joseph Sudhir Tudu

Ordination Anniversaries

MARCH 2018

St. Mary's Golden Jubilee Year Closing Ceremony

The CMF (Claretian) Superior General and Provincial at Archbishop's House on 18 February, 2018

Archbishop's Programme: March 201801 Thu a.m. ABH Deacons’ Recollection

02 Fri ABH

03 Sat 05:00 p.m. ABH Meeting with Archdiocesan Youth Commission

04 Sun 08:30 a.m. Imm.Heart Ch:Kanchrapara Holy Mass; Confirmation

05 Mon 02:45 p.m. To Bengaluru

06 Tue 9 am-5 pm St. John’s, Bengaluru Governing Board Meeting

07-09 Wed-Fri 9 am-5 pm St. John’s, Bengaluru Seminar on New Evangelization

09 Fri 09:45 p.m. Arrival: Kolkata/ABH

10 Sat 06:00 p.m. Seva Kendra Kolkata Protsahan Programme

11 Sun 10:30 a.m. St. Mary’s Church, Ripon St. Holy Mass: Women’s Day Celebration

12 Mon 07:30 p.m. To Raiganj (from Kolkata)

13 Tue 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Bishop’s House, Raiganj Regional Liturgy Commission Meeting06:30 p.m. To Kolkata

14 Wed 05:30 a.m. Arrival: Kolkata/ABH

15 Thu 10:00 a.m. ABH Meeting with Priests (finance/audit)

16 Fri 05:00 p.m. St. Joseph’s Chapel, Kolkata Holy Mass: Thanksgiving for the relics ofSt. Anthony of Padua

17 Sat 03:00 p.m. MC Sisters: Green Park Holy Mass: Thanksgiving for the relics05:00 p.m. To Chhoygoria, Bongaon (night stay)

18 Sun 08:00 a.m. St. Joseph’s Ch., Bongaon Feastday Mass for the People (night stay)

19 Mon 06:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Ch., Bongaon Holy Mass; visit to sub-stations03:00 p.m. To Kolkata

20 Tue ABH

21 Wed 04:00 p.m. ABH Vocation Promoters’ Meeting

22 Thu 10:00 a.m. ABH Recollection/Penitential Service (Priests)

06:00 p.m. Cathedral of Chrism Massthe Most Holy Rosary

23 Fri ABH

24 Sat 10:30 a.m. Howrah Church Holy Mass for Retreatants

25 Sun 09:00 a.m. Cathedral Holy Mass: PALM SUNDAY

of the Holy Rosary

26 -28 Mon-Wed at Morning Star Seminary Meet Calcutta seminarians

28 Wed 04:00 p.m. to Kolkata/ABH

29 Thu 06:00 p.m. Cathedral of HOLY THURSDAY: The Lord’s Supper

30 Fri 03:00 p.m. - do - GOOD FRIDAY:Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

31 Sat 10:30 p.m. - do - EASTER VIGIL

On 10 February, 2018 the Diocesan Service Team Meeting was held in Archbishop's House. 26 Members were present and discussed the planning and coordination for the implementation of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan. Fr. Dominic Gomes, Vicar General and Commission Head of the SCCs, gave important guidelines. Father also gave deadlines to complete the work for the guidelines book for SCC which is to be launched by 23 March, 2018. To be self-supporting, the members contributed for the fellowship lunch.

SCC Diocesan Service Team Meeting

ARCHBISHOP'S PROGRAMME: MARCH 2018

MARCH 2018 issue of The Bridge is sponsored by Mr. Terence John, Principal of Albany Hall Public School, Kolkata. It is an Anglo-Indian Christian minority school. Mr. John is also the President of the YMCA, Kolkata. Thanks to you, Mr. Terence John!