world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life. The Archbishop Speaks.... very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!”
The Vocation to Life: ‘ Christus vivit ‘ The mission of Christ’s coming is to give life and as our Holy Father rightly points out, this life manifests itself abundantly in the lives of our Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, young ones. Life brims in youth. This is most defining feature of this stage of life: the glory of life manifests itself in the most splendid manner On 02nd April 2019, Pope Francis published his sixth Papal document in the zeal, passion, energy and strength of the youth. As no. 109 of entitled Christus vivit, dated 25th March 2019. This post-synodal apostolic the document notes, “Jesus, brimming with life, wants to help you make exhortation is a fruit of a series of discussions and post reflections of your youth worthwhile. In this way, you will not deprive the world of the the Fifteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, held contribution that you alone can make, in all your uniqueness and in Vatican from 3rd to 28th October 2018 on the theme ‘Young people, originality.” Faith and Vocational Discernment’. One of the reasons that Christus vivit has been greeted with great The document was released on 02nd April 2019 at the Basilica of the enthusiasm and overwhelming joy by the universal Church is the positive Holy House of Mary in Loreto, Italy for a specific reason. It was the 14th evaluation and the optimistic vision that Pope Francis presents of/for Anniversary of the death of Saint Pope John Paul II, who was the first the Youth. This comes as a necessary correction to the general Pope to address a letter to young people in 1985. It was also him who pessimistic tone we employ in our evaluation of the youth of our age. initiated the World Youth days in the same year. In line with the spirit Pope Francis challenges us to appreciate, recognise and welcome the of this saint Pope, Holy Father Francis has invited the Church to turn gifts and qualities that the young people bring to our Church. To our our focus to the youth and their issues in our times. Holy Father, the youth are ‘the now of God’. Our youngsters make visible the ‘energy, audacity and creativity’ (No.178) of God’s presence to The Church in Tamil Nadu has therefore decided to celebrate the change the world today. In their unique way, the youth continue to coming year as the Year of the Youth. It is our hope to focus on the ‘radiate life’ (No.211). youth in a special way with the intention of not accompanying them, but also with a strong desire to learn from them. We hope to dwell on This vocation to life continues to remain the call and greatest challenge the issues of our youth today and work with them towards spiritual for our youth today. I invite the Archdiocesan family to adopt a positive enlightenment, social empowerment and selfless sainthood. Accordingly, approach in the accompaniment of the youth of our parishes and in the forthcoming liturgical year, I would like to propose in this column institutes. The Holy Father recommends us to appreciate their of Niraivazhvu, a few reflections on the Youth in the light of the document uniqueness and remove the criterions of our past prejudices in relating Christus vivit. to them. Let us open our doors to a true dialogue with our youth, not just to teach them but also to learn from them. Let us prepare ourselves This December, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of our to be challenged by the ‘now of God’ and give our youth the necessary saviour, it is important to affirm that Christmas is fundamentally a space and opportunity to live their vocation to life. celebration of life. “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”, said Jesus (John 10:10). Christmas is not just an annual I extend my prayerful greetings and cordial blessings of Christmas to memorial of a historical event that took place 2000 years ago. It is an all of you and your families and I assure you of my prayers for a affirmation of the fact that Christ lives in us today. He continues to wonderful New Year 2020. May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for take birth in our hearts, homes, churches and societies. Christ lives! us and lead us in our pilgrimage of faith.
Interestingly, this is also the title of this exhortation. The document With prayerful wishes, takes its name from the Latin translation of its incipit (opening words): Christus vivit, meaning ‘Christ is alive’. The Holy Father’s opening call to the youth is this vocation to life. Christus vivit opens stating, “Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our + Most Rev Dr George Antonysamy Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore ¨û\YôrÜ 1 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 2 december 2019 fpwp];J tho;fpwhH. mtNu ekJ vjpHNehf;F. mtNu kpf rpwg;ghd ‘fpwp];J]; tPtpj;’ - tho;tpw;fhd ,iwmioj;jy; topapy; ek; cyfpw;F ,sikia nfhzUfpwhH. mtH njhLtjidj;Jk; ,sikAk; GJikAk; epiwtho;Tk; ngWfpwJ. ,iw ,NaRtpy; md;ghHe;j rNfhju rNfhjhpfNs> fle;j Vg;uy; vdNt ekJ ,sk; fpwp];JtHfSf;F ehd; $w tpisAk; khjk; 2-k; Njjp ekJ jpUj;je;ij gpuhd;rp]; mtHfs; jdJ gzpf; Kjw;thHj;ijfs; ,itNa: “fpwp];J tho;fpwhH. ePq;fs; tho;it fhyj;jpy; vOjpa 6-tJ jpUj;J}Jt Mtzkhd ‘fpwp];J]; tPtpj;’ nfhz;bUf;f tpUk;GfpwhH”. (vz;.1) ,iwkfd; ,NaR ,e;j vd;Dk; jpUj;J}Jt kliy ntspapl;lhh;. khHr; khjk; 25-k; Njjp cyfj;ij te;jjw;fhd Kjw;fhuzk; tho;T vd;Dk; mtuJ ifnahg;gk; ,lg;gl;l ,e;j Mtzk; fle;j 2018-k; Mz;L mf;NlhgH kiwg;gzp. ekJ jpUj;je;ij Fwpj;J fhl;LtJNghy> ,e;j tho;T khjk; 3-k; Njjp Kjy; 28-k; Njjp tiu tj;jpf;fhdpy; eilngw;w ekJ ,isQHfspy; epiwthf njd;gLfpd;wJ. ,sik gUtk; 15-tJ MaHfs; khehl;bd; nghJmkHtpy; vOe;j tpthjq;fisAk; tho;it epiwthf nfhz;l gUtk;. ekJ ,isQHfspd; Ntfj;jpYk;> mjd; njhlHr;rpahf vOe;j rpe;jidfisAk; cs;slf;fpa Jbg;gpYk;> rf;jpapYk;> cw;rhfj;jpYk; tho;tpd; kfpik Gyg;gLfpd;wJ. njhFg;ghFk;. ,e;j Mtzk; Vg;uy; khjk; 2-k; Njjp ,j;jhypapy; Mtzj;jpd; vz;.109 Fwpg;gpLtJNghy> ‘tho;it epiwthf nfhz;l cs;s nyhNul;Nlh> khp md;id Nguhyaj;jpy; ntspaplg;gl;ljw;F ,NaR cq;fs; ,sikf;F mHj;jk; nfhLf;f tpUk;Gfpd;whh;. ,e;j xU rpwg;G fhuzk; cz;L. jpUmitapd; tuyhw;wpy; ,isQH cyfj;jpw;F ePq;fs; nfhLf;ff;$ba gq;fspg;ig cq;fs; jdpj;Jtj;ij fSf;nfd fbjk; vOjpa Kjy; jpUj;je;ijahd Gdpj ,uz;lhk; cq;fs; ,iwahz;ikia cyfk; ngWtjw;F ,JNt topahFk;.’ [hd; ghy; mtHfs; ,we;j 14-k; Mz;L epidT ehspy; ,e;j Mtzk; ntspaplg;gl;lJ. ,isQHfs; kPJ jdp md;G nfhz;l ‘fpwp];J]; tptPj;’ vd;Dk; Mtzk; mfpy cyf mstpy; ,j;Jiz Gdpj ,uz;lhk; [hd; ghy; mtHfs; 1985-k; Mz;L ,isQHfSf;nfd tuNtw;igAk;> cw;rhfj;ijAk; ngw fhuzk; jpUj;je;ij rpwg;G fbjk; xd;iw vOjpaNjhL kl;Lky;yhky;> mt;thz;L Kjy; ,isQHfis ek;gpf;if Cl;Lk; vjph;Nehf;if jUk; NeHkiwahd mDrhpf;fg;gLk; tUlhe;jpu cyf ,isQHfs; jpdj;ijAk; topapy; rpj;jphpf;Fk; tpjk; jhd;. ,isQHfis vjpHkiwNahL kl;LNk Njhw;Wtpj;jhh;. ,g;Gdpjhpd; mbr;Rtw;wpy; ,d;iwa ekJ jpUr;rig mZFk; nghJthd tpkHrdj;ij jhz;b> mtHfsJ rpwg;ig ,isQHfis Nehf;fp ekJ ghHitia jpUg;g Ntz;Lnkd mq;fPfhpj;J ghuhl;Lk; Gjpa mZFKiwf;F jpUj;je;ij ek;ik jpUj;je;ij gpuhd;rp]; mtHfs; ekf;F miog;G tpLj;jpUf;fpwhH. miof;fpd;whH. ekJ jpUmitf;F ,d;W mtHfs; nfhzuf;$ba Gjpaditfis jpUmit kfpo;r;rpNahL Vw;Wf; nfhs;s Ntz;Lk;. jpUj;je;ijapd; ,t;tiog;gpw;F nrtp nfhLf;Fk; tifapy; jkpof ekJ ,isQHfs; jq;fs; cw;rhfj;jpd; topahfTk;> ijhpak; kw;Wk; jpUr;rigahdJ tUfpd;w Mz;bid ,isQHfspd; Mz;lhf gilg;ghw;wypd; topahfTk; ,iwg;gpurdj;jpd; Mw;wiy ,d;W ekf;F nfhz;lhl KbntLj;jpUf;fpd;wJ. ,isQHfSf;fhd ,e;j rpwg;G czHj;Jk; milahsq;fshf jpfo;fpd;whHfs;. (vz;.178) ,t;thW Mz;L mtHfis topelj;Jk; Nehf;fj;NjhL kl;Lky;yhky; jq;fSf;Nf chpa topapy; ,iwtdpd; tho;it ,d;W ek; ,isQH mtHfsplkpUe;J fw;Wf; nfhs;Sk; Nehf;fj;NjhLk; rpwg;gpf;fg; fs; gpujpgypf;fpd;whHfs;. (vz;.211) tho;tjw;fhd ,e;j ,iw gLfpd;wJ. ,d;iwa ,isQHfisAk; mtHfsJ tho;tpaiyAk; mioj;jy; ,d;Wk; ek; ,isQHfSf;F chpa nghJthd gw;wp rpe;jpj;J mth;fNshL xj;Jioj;J Md;kPf vOr;rpf;Fk;> r%f miog;ghfTk; rthyhfTk; jpfo;fpd;wJ. khw;wj;jpw;Fk;> jd;ikaj;ij jhz;ba Gdpjj;jpw;Fk; ehk; tsu miof;fg;gLfpd;Nwhk;. vdNt vjpH tUk; jpUtopghl;L Mz;by; ,e;j ,isQH Mz;by; ekJ gq;FfspYk; epWtdq;fspYk; ‘fpwp];J]; tPtpj;’ Mtzj;ij ikag;gLj;jpa ,isQHfis Fwpj;j ,isQHfis cw;rhfg;gLj;Jk; tifapy; Mf;fg;G+h;tkhd Kiwapy; rpy rpe;jidfis cq;fNshL gfpHe;Jf; nfhs;s tpUk;Gfpd;Nwd;. mtHfis tuNtw;Nghk;. ekJ gioa vjpHghHg;Gfs; vd;Dk; ekJ Mz;lth; ,NaR fpwp];Jtpd; tUiff;fhf ek;ikNa rq;fpypfis fow;wp itj;J tpl;L> mtHfNshL cz;ikahd MHtj;NjhL jahhpj;Jf; nfhz;bUf;Fk; ,e;j brk;gH khjj;jpy;> fye;Jiuahlypy;
Rev Fr Joseph Manickam 01 12 1961 03 12 2019 St Francis Xavier, Pt., Feast Rev Fr Roche Chinnappa 03 12 1966 09 12 2019 Immaculate Conception of Blessed Rev Fr Joe Balasamy H 03 12 1977 Virgin Mary - Solemnity Rev Fr Eucharist F J X 05 12 1964 12 12 2019 Our Lady of Guadalupe - Feast Rev Fr Ronald Richard S 05 12 1987 14 12 2019 Christmas Celebration with the Religious Rev Fr Francis Michael 06 12 1954 Rev Fr Charles P 08 12 1951 18 12 2019 Recollection & Christmas Celebration for the Clergy Rev Fr Daniel Simonraj 08 12 1972 20 12 2019 Christmas Celebration with Collaborators Rev Fr James Michael Raj 10 12 1978 25 12 2019 Christmas - The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Rev Fr Ignatius N S 12 12 1959 Christ - Solemnity Rev Fr Arul Raj D 14 12 1973 Rev Fr Amala Doss 15 12 1943 26 12 2019 St Stephen Proto-Martyr - Feast Rev Fr Andrew D 16 12 1971 27 12 2019 St John, Ap, Ev., - Feast Rev Fr Paulraj R 17 12 1973 28 12 2019 Holy Innocents - Feast Rev Fr Manuvel E 20 12 1983 29 12 2019 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - Feast Rev Fr Christhu Raj O J 25 12 1984 01 01 2020 Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and New Year Rev Fr Balraj S 25 12 1986 Rev Fr Balaswamy L 26 12 1951 Note: 1.Chancery will remain closed from 24th December 2019 to Rev Fr Clement Balasamy 27 12 1975 1st January 2020. Rev Fr Samuel Savio J 29 12 1955 Rev Fr Pradeep Christopher V 29 12 1984 2. The Special Collection of St Peter the Apostle for the month of Rev Fr Balasamy M 30 12 1969 December, meant for the Seminarians and Novices in the Rev Fr Maria Devanesan A 30 12 1974 Mission Countries is to be made in all the churches and the Rev Fr Ubaldus Sunder A 02 01 1977 amount to be sent to the Curia as early as possible. Rev Fr Lawrence J 05 01 1974 The Chancellor NECROLOGY INVITATION TO THE RELIGIOUS Msgr John Kottaram 01 12 1997 Rev Fr K L Satur 07 12 2012 Dear Fathers / Sisters / Brothers Rev Fr S P Carmel 08 12 1980 Rev Fr R Antony 15 12 1971 We invite you to our Religious Christmas Gathering to be held on Rev Fr P M Mani 16 12 1991 Saturday 14th December 2019 from 9.30 am to 01 00 pm at the Pastoral Rev Fr S Mathew 21 12 1998 Centre. It is a moment to express our sense of solidarity and unity with Rev Fr Sebastian Kirubakaran 24 12 1998 which we carry out the demands of our holy vocation. You are Rev Fr P M Joseph Parampet 25 12 2005 requested to be on time for CRI Meeting, Cultural Gathering and join Rev Fr P J Kurian 26 12 1995 the agape meal. We will be happy to have at least three members Rev Fr M V Thomas Vattakottail 29 12 1981 (preferably the Superior and two members) from each community. Rev Fr K C Joseph 29 12 2010 Rev Fr S Anthiah 31 12 1976 May their souls rest in peace! ¨û\YôrÜ 5 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 6 december 2019 ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
Rev Fr E Manuvel 08 12 2014 The liturgy of Advent focuses on remembering Christ’s first coming at Bethlehem which then directs our mind to Christ’s Second Coming Rev Fr Francis Michael 15 12 1982 at the end of time. The readings focus on the people of the Old Testament Rev Fr K S Lawrence 18 12 1967 awaiting the Messiah, John the Baptist, heralding the way for Christ Rev Fr Thomas Simon 18 12 1969 and the Blessed Virgin Mary and her maternal preparations. Rev Fr Jebamalai Dharmanathan 19 12 1967 The main Feasts of Advent are St Francis Xavier (December 3), Rev Fr A J Joseph 19 12 1967 St John Damascene, (December 4), St Nicholas (December 6), Rev Fr M S Arputhasamy 19 12 1968 St Ambrose (December 7), Immaculate Conception (December 9), Rev Fr Kurian Thomas 19 12 1969 St Juan Diego (December 9), St Damascus (December 11), Our Lady Rev Fr S J Anthonysamy 19 12 1969 of Guadalupe (December 12), St Lucy (December 13), St John of the Rev Fr Amala Doss 19 12 1992 Cross (December 14) and St Peter Canisius (December 21) and St John Rev Fr P A Jacob 19 12 1996 of Kanty (December 23). Rev Fr Paul Moozariett 20 12 1970 Christmas tide begins with the First Vespers (Evening Prayer) of Rev Fr Thomas Joseph 21 12 1949 Christmas on December 24th and ends on the Sunday after Epiphany. Rev Fr S Simon Raj 21 12 1972 Christmas and Easter are the only solemnities with octaves attached Rev Fr Henrick Jose 22 12 1971 in the revised calendar. The Christmas octave differs from Easter in Rev Fr M Rayappa 22 12 1971 that it includes some major feasts: St Stephen (December 26), St John Rev Fr P K Mathew 28 12 1972 the Evangelist (December 27), the Holy Innocents (December 28) and St Sylvester I (December 31). The octave closes on January 1, Congratulations and Prayerful wishes! the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
SURPLUS MASSES FROM PARISHES The feast of St Thomas Becket (December 29) is superseded by the FROM 23-10-2019 TO 28-11-2019 Sunday liturgy. The feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) has been transferred to December 9 because of the Sunday Liturgy. Abiramapuram 100 Paruthipattu 4 CONGRATULATIONS AND PRAYERFUL BLESSINGS Adambakkam 90 Peravallur 100 Adyar 85 Porur 340 1. We heartily appreciate the Parish Priest and Parish community Ambattur 100 Pudupet 81 as they celebrate their Church Annual Feast – St Francis Xavier Church Anna Nagar 805 R A Puram 200 – Broadway; Immaculate Conception Church – Paruthipattu, Arul Nagar 181 Royapettah 90 Perambakkam; St John the Evangelist Church – Tondairpet; Holy Family Besant Nagar 2,938 Sastri Nagar 278 Church – Nazareth Nagar. Chinmaya Nagar 876 Sembiam 80 2. We thank our Archbishop for his eagerness and encouragement Egmore 5,588 Srinivasa Nagar 270 in celebrating the Year of the Holy Eucharist in our Archdiocese. We Kilachery 240 T Nagar 81 thank the Coordinator Fr Vincent Chinnadurai, our Vicars General, all Kilpauk 385 Thanigachalam Nagar 105 the Heads of the various committees, the VFs, all the Parish Priests Korattur 35 Tirumullaivoyal 90 and the Religious Men and Women for their support and witnessing this historical event. Last but not the least, we thank all the Laity for Thiruvottiyur 449 Luz 82 their fruitful participation in the Eucharistic Congress. Manali New Town 50 Velacherry 424 Manavalan Nagar 11 Vepery St Andrew’s 310 3. We heartily congratulate the new Province for Chennai of the Society of Jesus and its 1st Deputy Chairman and Mission Superior Rev Mathur 100 TOTAL 14,829 Dr Jebamalai Irudhayaraj SJ. He is also serving as the member of Nammalwarpet 100 Rev Fr B Stephen Tamilnadu State Minorities Commission. Archdiocese is offering our Nungambakkam 161 Financial Administrator prayerful wishes to him and to the Chennai Province. ¨û\YôrÜ 7 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 8 december 2019 LITURGICAL OVERVIEW OF THE MONTH ARCHDIOCESAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: AN AMAZING SUCCESS The month of December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, The Eucharistic Congress meticulously planned by the Archdiocese which is ordinarily celebrated on December 8 but since it falls on a of Madras - Mylapore and held on 24th November 2019, feast of Sunday, the feast has been transferred to December 9. The first 24 Christ the King, at the sprawling grounds of Loyola College has been a days of December fall during the liturgical season Advent and are phenomenal event. If anyone were to assess the success of the Congress represented by the liturgical colour purple - a symbol of penance, from an external viewpoint the crowds of devout Catholics who turned mortification and the sorrow of a contrite heart. The remaining days of out for the occasion from the remote village parishes as well as the December mark the beginning of the Christmas season. The liturgical nearby city churches were extraordinarily large totalling to a modest colour changes to white or gold - a symbol of joy, purity and innocence. estimation of nearly seventy thousand, though the Tamil media has put it as one lakh. The excellent weather in total contrast to the heavy Focus of the Liturgy rains of the previous day was a miracle honouring the Eucharistic Lord! The Gospels for the Sundays in December are taken from St Matthew and are from Year A, Cycle 2 of the readings. Inaugural and Input sessions: At 9.30 am, Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, Apostolic Nuncio to December 1 Watch, therefore; you do not know India, the Chief guest for the occasion reached the elegantly decorated 1st Sunday in Advent when the Lord of the house is coming. stage of the venue, accompanied by Archbishop George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, along with Rev Fr Vincent December 8 John the Baptist preaching in the Chinnadurai, the coordinator of the Congress, for the inaugural session 2nd Sunday in Advent wilderness. organized under the leadership of Fr Ignatius Thomas. After the usual formalities of welcome and prayer, the Nuncio hoisted the Congress December 15 The crowds question John the Baptist flag and officially declared the event open. At 10.00 am the first part 3rd Sunday in Advent asking him who he is. of the Congress commenced with input sessions in three groups: nearly 2000 children in the quadrangle behind the main Loyola block had December 22 The revelation to Joseph of Mary’s their catechetical sessions with some play, dance and music related 4th Sunday in Advent virginal conception. to the Eucharist under the leadership of Fr Raymond; a packed audience of over 3000 youth met in the spacious Bertram Hall and December 29 This Gospel recounts the Holy Family’s were motivated to social perspectives in their Christian life with a life Holy Family flight into Egypt. of witness to their Eucharistic faith under the leadership of Fr Anthony Doss; and the overflowing adult audience in the main venue was treated NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DAYS TO REMEMBER to three consecutive discourses on the Eucharist from a biblical, socio- cultural, and family perspectives under the leadership of Fr Y F Bosco. 01 Dec World AIDS Day Each of these sessions was interspersed with some heart-warming 02 Dec International Day for the Abolition of Slavery charismatic singing, prayer and praise with ecstatic participation from a thrilled audience in the presence of Jesus exposed in the Blessed 03 Dec International Day of Persons with Disabilities Sacrament all through the sessions. 05 Dec World Soil Day The scene of the midday lunch participated by the immense throng 07 Dec International Civil Aviation Day of people under the different Vicariate banners was a close 09 Dec International Anti-Corruption Day resemblance to Jesus’ own miracle of loaves for the hungry crowds of 10 Dec Human Rights Day Galilee. Fr P J Lwerenceraj and his team enabled the miracle of the 11 Dec International Mountain Day feeding to happen again during the Eucharistic Congress! After the meal the people visited the Eucharistic exhibition on the various symbols 18 Dec International Migrants Day of the Eucharist in the biblical narratives and it was followed by a time 20 Dec International Human Solidarity Day for confessions. The Blessed Sacrament was once again exposed and
¨û\YôrÜ 9 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 10 december 2019 a devotional hour of prayer was conducted by Fr Thomas Elango and his team. GRATITUDE TO THE GRACE FILLED WITNESS Eucharistic Procession: A colourful Manifestation of Faith: “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in The Eucharistic procession, one of the highlights of the Congress unity! For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore” (Psalm began at around 4.00 pm. The route of this devotional pageant of the 133:1,3b). The Eucharistic Congress 2019 and the Year of the Eucharist Eucharist around the Loyola College with several thousands of people 2018-2019 have indeed been moments of grace and blessing for our on foot was led by five horsemen. The crowd walked in prayer for over Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. At the conclusion of this historical one hour and half. The Eucharistic monstrance held by the Apostolic Nuncio and carried on a decorated chariot was in the rear, and was event, it is my humble privilege, as the co-ordinator of the Eucharistic accompanied by Archbishop George Antonysamy, and the suffragons, Congress, to pen this note of gratitude. Bishop Thomas Aquinas of Coimbatore, Bishop Soundararaju of Vellore, Bishop Neethinathan of Chinglepet, and Bishop Amalraj of Ooty. They Our hearts exult in thanksgiving to the Almighty for His loving were immediately preceded by numerous flower girls, hundreds of presence and providential guidance experienced throughout the past priests in their white cassocks and stoles, altar boys and girls in uniform, year. We owe our sincere gratitude to His Grace Archbishop George the women legionaries in colourful saris, and students from various Antonysamy, for this initiative, a true spiritual gift for our Archdiocesan schools in their sparkling uniforms, making the whole procession a family. It was indeed an honour to have His Excellency Archbishop spectacular manifestation of deep faith in the Eucharistic Lord. Giambattista Diquattro, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, bless our Congress and to have received the message of our Holy Father Pope The Eucharistic procession was followed by a solemn Mass with the Apostolic Nuncio as the main celebrant, and Archbishop of Madras - Francis through him. Mylapore by his side along with the other Bishops including Archbishop Emeritus Chinnappa and Bishop Lawrence Pius of Dharmapuri, with I sincerely thank the Archdiocesan presbyterium for their active nearly four hundred Priest - concelebrants seated behind and on either role in the Congress, especially in motivating the People of God. My side of the altar. The sea of participants seated before the altar were sincere thanks to the Archbishop, the Members of the Archdiocesan literally “a great multitude which no man could number” (Rev.7:9). Consult and the Council of Priests, for their confidence in entrusting The Nuncio read out the special message of blessings from the Holy me with this important responsibility. I place on record the generosity Father Pope Francis, and also preached a short homily on the Eucharist, of the Core Committee members who travelled with me from the initial which was translated into Tamil by Archbishop George Antonysamy. stages. We would like to thank all the Vicars Forane(past and present) The last part of the Eucharistic Congress was a practical expression of and leaders of different Committees for ensuring the success of the the year long prayer and the motto “Witness in Eucharistic Oneness”. Congress. As a token of our oneness with the service and sacrifice symbolized by the Eucharist the organizers had decided to put up twenty five houses We gratefully remember the Archdiocesan CRI, religious priests, for the poor, support twenty five cancer patients, and help twenty five brothers and sisters, seminarians, benefactors, Archdiocesan poor couple with their marriage expenses. A few books pertaining to commissions, lay associations, pious organisations and volunteers for the Eucharist were released along with a replica of the Congress Souvenir their valuable contributions in various capacities. Our sincere thanks being prepared under the leadership of Fr Charles Kumar. to the Loyola Jesuit Community and the staff for their kindness and to The programme ended with Archbishop George Antonysamy thanking Alpha Omega Creations, who designed the stage and the logistics. Our the dignitaries on the stage, the faithful and particularly all those who heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Greater Chennai gave a helping hand for the success of the Congress. Rev Fr Vincent City Police and various departments of the Government for helping us Chinnadurai, the coordinator of the entire event beginning with the in the smooth functioning of our Congress. Year of the Eucharist also made a final vote of thanks particularly thanking the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, Mr Edappadi We gratefully acknowledge the active participation of the Laity of Palaniswamy , the police and other government authorities for all the the Archdiocese, who had gathered in massive numbers, exceeding all civic facilities provided. expectations to powerfully manifest the Eucharistic unity of our Rev Fr S J Anthonysamy Archdiocesan family. A special word of thanks to those who extended
¨û\YôrÜ 11 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 12 december 2019 their crucial support when rains lashed out on the eve of the Congress and we were left stranded and uncertain.We sincerely acknowledge ,isQu; Mz;L - 2020 the generous support of our brethren across other faiths, who having (,isQNu> Mw;wNyhL khw;wk; Nehf;fp...) understood the sanctity of this celebration, volunteered to help at our request. jkpof Mau; Nguitapd; Rw;Wkly; (15-12-2019) As evident from the overwhelming response during the congress and the reaffirming positive feedbacks soon after from various corners, ,iw ,NaRtpy; md;gpw;fpdpatu;fNs> vd;Wk; capuhw;wYld; the Eucharistic Congress shall be remembered as a witness of the thOk; ,isQh; ,NaRtpd; md;Gk; mikjpAk; cq;fNshL ,Ug;gjhf! Eucharistic faith of our Archdiocesan family to the City of Chennai and an inspiration to march forward in Eucharistic Unity. Our sincere thanks ,uz;lhk; tj;jpf;fhd; rq;fk; Vw;gLj;jpa kWkyu;r;rpapd; xU to everyone who made this faith experience possible. ntspg;ghlhf> 1971Mk; Mz;L jkpofj;jpy; ,isQu; gzpf;FO J}j;Jf;Fb kiwkhtl;lj;jpd; gzpepiwT ngw;w Mau;> NkjF Athd; I wish to end my gratitude in the words of the Psalmist: “This is the mk;GNuh]; mtu;fshy; Kd;ndLf;fg;gl;lJ. 1985Mk; Mz;bid Lord’s doing; and it is marvellous in our eyes.” (Ps 118: 23) If;fpa ehLfs; mitNahL ,ize;J mfpy cyfj; jpUmitAk; Rev Fr Vincent Chinnadurai ,isQu; Mz;lhfr; rpwg;gpj;jJ. mt;Ntisapy;> jkpofj; Co-ordinator, Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress jpUmitapYk; ‘gq;Nfw;G> tsu;r;rp> mikjp’ vd;w fUg;nghUspy; ,isQu; Mz;L nfhz;lhlg;gl;lJ. mjd; njhlu;r;rpahf> NEWS FROM THE CHURCH ,isQu;fis xUq;fpizj;J> ,af;fg;gLj;Jk; Kaw;rpfs; njhlq;fg;gl;ld. 1985Mk; Mz;L Mfj;J 24Mk; ehs; md;W jkpof 1. This coming December 13, Pope Francis will celebrate the Mau; Nguitahy; jkpoff; fj;Njhypf;f ,isQu; ,af;fk;> (Mz;> 50th anniversary of his Ordination to the priesthood. To mark the ngz;) ,isQu;fis xNu Filapd; fPo; xUq;fpizg;gjw;fhfj; occasion, on Monday, November 4, 2019, the Vatican’s Philatelic and njhlq;fg;gl;lJ. 1994Mk; Mz;L Nk 14Mk; ehs; ,af;fj;jpw;fhd Numismatic Office issued two stamps, which reproduce two paintings ,yf;F> ,yl;rpid> nfhb> ghly; Mfpad cUthf;fg;gl;ld. ,isQu; made by Spanish painter Raul Berzosa. (see the back cover page) ,af;fk; njhlq;fg;gl;ljd; 25Mk; Mz;L epiwit Kd;dpl;L jkpofj; jpUmitapy;> ‘,isQNu> tpopj;njO> xsp tPR’ vd;w fUg;nghUspy; 2. We, the Archdiocese wishes the new bishop elect for the diocese of 2010 #d; Kjy; 2011 #d; Kba ,isQu; Mz;L rpwg;gpf;fg;gl;lJ. Palayamkottai in the person of Msgr Antonysamy Savarimuthu. His ,t;tuyhw;Wr; rpwg;Gfis mirNghLk; Ntisapy;> ,isQu; appointment by the Holy Father was made known to the public on 20th gzpahdJ Gj;JUthf;fk; nra;a Ntz;baJ fhyj;jpd; fl;lhak; November. His Episcopal ordination is fixed on 15th of December 2019 vd;gij jkpofj; jpUmitapd; Mau;fs; ehq;fs; czu;fpd;Nwhk;. in Palayamkottai at 5.00 pm. We wish the Palayamkottai Diocesan Clergy, Religious and Laity for the faithful shepherding and guidance. ,f;fhyr; #oypy; ngUk;ghyhd ,isQu;fs; vz;kpd; (Digital) cyfpd; G+u;tPff; Fbfshf khwpAs;sdu;. fy;tp> Ntiytha;g;G Mfpatw;wpw;fhfTk;> rhjp> rka fytuq;fs;> twl;rp> tWik Mfpa th 3. Pope Francis was addressing the 20 world congress of the fhuzpfSf;fhfTk; Gyk; ngau;fpd;wdu;. kJ Nghd;w Nghijg; International Association of Penal Law, held in Rome November 13-16 nghUl;fSf;F mbikahjy;> jpiug;gl kaf;fKWjyhy; jdpegu; 2019, under the scope of “Criminal Justice and Corporate Business.” topghL KjypadTk; mtu;fsJ cs;sq;fisr; rpijf;fpd;wd. He also said that the culture of waste, combined with other widespread Ntiyapy;yhj; jpz;lhl;lk; mtu;fisf; FLk;gk;> r%fk; phenomena in welfare societies, is showing the “serious tendency to Mfpatw;wpypUe;J me;epakhf;Ffpd;wJ. ,g;Nghf;Ffspdhy; ,d;iwa degenerate into a culture of hatred.” “It is no coincidence that in these ,isQu;fs; jq;fsJ ,sikj; Jbg;ig ,oe;Jk; jpUmitia tpl;L times, emblems and actions typical of Nazism reappear, which, with its tpyfpAk; cs;sdu;. persecutions against Jews, gypsies and people of homosexual orientation, represents the negative model par excellence of a culture jsu;e;J> Jtz;L> Nrhu;e;J NghAs;s ,isQu;fisj; of waste and hatred,” the Pope said. He says the Catholic Church is jl;bf;nfhLj;J> ek;gpf;ifA+l;b> ,iwtd; mtu;fSf;F tpLf;Fk; contemplating the introduction of “ecological sin” to the compendium miog;gpidj; njspe;J Nju;e;J> JzpTld; gjpy;nkhop ey;Ftjw;fhf> of Church teaching. ¨û\YôrÜ 13 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 14 december 2019 mtu;fSf;F Kd;Dupik nfhLf;f Ntz;baJ ,d;wpaikahjJ Nkw;$wpa Nehf;fq;fis ekJ ,isQu;fs; cs;thq;fpatu;fshf> vd;gjid ekJ jpUj;je;ij gpuhd;rp]; mtu;fs; ,iwthf;Fj; ‘Mw;wNyhL khw;wk; Nehf;fpg;’ gazpf;f ehk; cldpUe;J jd;ikAld; czu;j;jpf; nfhz;NlapUf;fpwhu;. ,e;Nehf;fpw;fhfNt cw;rhfg;gLj;JNthk;. Mau;fs; khkd;wj;jpw;fhd miog;gpid tpLj;J> 2016 Kjy; 2018 jkpofj; jpUmitapy; ,isQu; Mz;L - 2020If; nfhz;lhl Kba gy epiyfspy; jpUmitapid mzpag;gLj;jpdhu;. xUrpy gupe;Jiufis Kd; itf;fpNwhk;. ,k;Kd;ndLg;Gfspd; cr;rkhf ,isQu;fs; gw;wpa 15tJ Mau; khkd;wj;jpid 2018Mk; Mz;L mf;Nlhgu; khjj;jpy; $l;bdhu;. 1. gq;Ffspy; ,isQu; Mz;bid 2020 rdtup Kjy; ehshd> khkd;wj;jpd; epiwtpy; ntspaplg;gl;l KbTfSf;Fr; nray;tbtk; ‘md;id kupah: ,iwtdpd; jha;’ ngUtpoh md;W njhlq;FNthk;. nfhLg;gjw;fhf Nka;g;gu;fSf;fhfTk; ,iwek;gpf;ifahsu;fSf;fhfTk; 2. kiwkhtl;l mstpYk; njhlf;f tpohtpidf; nfhz;lhl ‘fpwp];J tho;fpwhu;’ vd;w jpUj;J}J Cf;fTiuapid 2019 Vg;uy; topKiwfisj; jpl;lkpLNthk;. 2Mk; ehs; md;W ntspapl;Ls;shu;. vd;Wk; capuhw;wYld; thOk; ,isQu; ,NaRtplkpUe;J jq;fsJ ,sikiag; GJg;gpj;Jf; nfhs;Sk; 3. jkpof mstpy;> rdtup 22 (Gjd;) md;W Nfhl;lhW ,isQu;fs;> cyif khw;Wtjw;fhd jq;fsJ Mw;wiyAk; kiwkhtl;lk;> Fsr;ry; gq;fpYs;s Gdpj kupad;id Nkdpiyg; Jzpr;riyAk; gilg;Gj;jpwidAk; ,d;Nw> ,f;fhyj;jpy; ntspg;gLj;j gs;sp tshfj;jpy; jkpof Mau;fs; jiyikapy; ,isQu; Mz;bd; Ntz;Lk; vd;w rpe;jidia ‘fpwp];J tho;fpwhu;’ vd;w jpUj;J}J njhlf;f tpohthdJ eilngw cs;sJ. ,t;tpohtpw;F kiwkhtl;l Cf;fTiu typAWj;JfpwJ. ,isQu; ,af;Fdu; topelj;Jjypy; ,isQu;fisg; gq;Nfw;fr; nra;Nthk;. jpUj;J}J Cf;fTiuapd; rpe;jidfSf;Fr; nray;tbtk; 4. jkpofj; jpUmitapy; cs;s midj;J gq;Ffs;> nfhLf;Fk; tpjkhf> vjpu;tUk; 2020Mk; Mz;bid jkpofj; fpisg;gq;Ffs;> fy;Y}up tpLjpfs; Mfpatw;wpy; cs;s 18 taJ jpUmitapy;> ‘,isQNu> Mw;wNyhL khw;wk; Nehf;fp…’ vd;w njhlq;fp 30 tajpw;Fl;gl;l Mz;-ngz; ,isQu;fis ,af;fkhfr; ,yf;fpd; mbg;gilapy;> ,isQu; Mz;lhff; nfhz;lhl cs;Nshk; nray;gl cw;rhfg;gLj;JNthk;. Vw;nfdNt ,af;fk; ,Ug;gpd;> vd;gjidg; ngUkfpo;NthL njuptpj;Jf; nfhs;fpd;Nwhk;. ,e;j mjidg; Gj;JUthf;fk; nra;Nthk;. ,yf;fpid Nehf;fpg; gazpf;f> jpUj;je;ijapd; jpUj;J}J Cf;fTiuapd; rhuq;fis Kiwg;gLj;jp> xt;nthU khjKk; xU 5. gq;Ffs;> fpisg; gq;Ffs; Mfpatw;wpy; 13 taJ njhlq;fp 17 Nehf;fj;ij ikag;gLj;jp> Mf;fg;G+u;tkhd tsu;r;rpf;fhd tajpw;Fl;gl;l (09 Kjy; 12 Kba gapYk;) khzhf;fiu xUq;fpizj;J nray;ghLfNshL nfhz;lhlyhk; vd jPu;khdpj;Js;Nshk;. ,sk; fj;Njhypf;f khzf;fu; ,af;fj;jpid (YCS) njhlq;Ftjw;F Kaw;rp nra;Nthk;. rdtup - %j;NjhUld; cwthLk; ,isQu;fs; 6. ,isQu; Mz;bid Kd;dpl;L> xt;nthU khjj;jpd; Kjy; gpg;utup - KO MSikAila ,isQu;fs; QhapW md;W gq;F mstpy; ,isQu;;fSf;fhd jdpj;jpUg;gypapid khu;r; - ghypd rkj;Jt cwTr; r%fk; gilf;Fk; ,isQu;fs; me;je;j khjj;jpw;fhd Nehf;fj;ij ikag;gLj;jpr; rpwg;gpg;Nghk;. Vg;uy; - Rw;Wr;#oiyg; ghJfhj;J>r%feyd; NgZk; 7. ,isQu;fs;> ,isQu; ,NaRit jq;fsJ md;whl tho;tpy; ,isQu;fs; re;jpj;J> mtNuhL cwtpy; tsu> ew;fUiz Muhjidfs;> Nk - mioj;jypy; Nju;e;JnjspAk; ,isQu;fs; jpahdq;fs;> jpUg;gazq;fs; Mfpadtw;iw Vw;ghL nra;J> #d; - Nghijapy;yhg; ghijapid cUthf;Fk; ,isQu;fs; mUs;tho;tpy; tsu cjTNthk;. #iy - vz;kpd; (Digital) Clfq;fisg; nghWg;Gld; 8. ,isQu;fs; jq;fis Mw;wy;gLj;jpf; nfhs;s kiwkhtl;lk;> gad;gLj;Jk; ,isQu;fs; kiwtl;lk;> gq;F> fpisikak; vd gyepiyfspy; toq;fg;gLk; Mfj;J - kz;rhu; gz;ghl;by; gilg;ghw;wiy ntspg;gLj;jp> gapw;rpfspYk; rpwg;G epfo;TfspYk; KOikahfg; gq;Nfw;f ,isQu;fSf;F topfhl;LNthk;. r%fkhw;wj;jpw;Fg; gq;fspf;Fk; ,isQu;fs; nrg;lk;gu; - murpaypy; gq;Nfw;Fk; ,isQu;fs; 9. gq;F mUs;gzpg;Nguit> jpUj;J}Jf; fofq;fs; (gf;j rigfs;)> mf;Nlhgu; - jw;rhu;Gg; nghUshjhuj;ijcUthf;Fk; ,isQu;fs; md;gpaq;fs;> Cu; epu;thfk; Mfpatw;wpy; cs;s cWg;gpdu;fs; eykhd ciuahliy ,isQu; ,af;f cWg;gpdu;fNshL Nkw;nfhs;tJ etk;gu; - rhjp xopj;j> rka vy;iyfs; fle;jcwtpy; rkj;Jtr; fhyj;jpd; fl;lha Njit. epu;thfg; nghWg;Gfis ,isQu;fSld; r%fk; gilf;Fk; ,isQu;fs; gfpu;e;J> jiyikj;Jtg; gz;Gfspy; tsu ,isQu;fis brk;gu; - ,iw-kdpj cwtpy; xd;wpizAk; ,isQu;fs; Mw;wy;gLj;JNthk;.
¨û\YôrÜ 15 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 16 december 2019 10. gq;Ffs;> kiwkhtl;l mstpy; ,isQu;fSf;fhd Ma;T ikaq;fis cUthf;fp> mwpTrhu; gq;fhspfshf ,isQu;fis YEAR OF YOUTH 2020 cUthf;f Kaw;rpg;Nghk;. GOALS: 10. ew;nra;jpf;fhd vz;kpd; Clfq;fisj; njhopy;rhh; Neh;j;jpNahL ,isQh;fs; cUthf;fpl tha;g;GfSk; topfhl;Ljy;fSk; 1. To Foster the Total Personal & Spiritual Growth for each young toq;FNthk;. person. 11. ,isQu;fs; murpd; epu;thfj;Jiwapy; gq;nfLg;gjw;F VJthf> 2. To draw young people into responsible participation in the life jFe;j tpopg;Gzu;tpid Vw;gLj;jp> Nghl;bj; Nju;Tfis vOjp> ntw;wp of the Catholic Church. ngWtjw;F Vw;wr; #oy;fis cUthf;FNthk;. 3. To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in 12. ,isQu;fspilNa eype;Njhu; eyg;gzpfis Cf;fg;gLj;j today’s world. Mjutw;Nwhu; ,y;yq;fs;> KjpNahu; ,y;yq;fs; Nghd;wtw;iwr; re;jpf;f Focus Areas: tha;g;Gfis cUthf;FNthk;. Focus Areas: 13. #oy; ghJfhg;gpy; fupridiaAk; mf;fiwiaAk; tsu;f;f> 1. Prayer 6. Leadership Development ,aw;if eil> #oy; cyh Mfpadtw;iw Vw;ghL nra;Nthk;. 2. Catechesis 7. Community Building 3. Pastoral Care 8. Cultural Empowerment 14. ek; jkpofj;ij mopf;f Mjpf;f mikg;Gfs; KOKidg;Gld; nray;gLj;jf; $baj; jpl;lq;fis mwr;rpdj;Jld; ek; ,isQu;fs; 4. Social Action 9. Young Women Empowerment vjpu;nfhs;s gapw;rp mspg;Nghk;. rkak; fle;J> nghJTilikr; 5. Personality Development 10.Rural Youth Development rpe;jidahsu;fs;> kdpj cupikr; nray;ghl;lhsu;fs;> ey;nyz;zk; nfhz;Nlhu; MfpNahUila Njhoikapy; Kd;ndLf;fg;gLk; ACTION PLAN mwg;Nghuhl;lq;fspy; mtu;fs; gq;Nfw;f topfhl;LNthk;. Prayer: gd;Kfg; gapw;rpfshy; Mw;wy;gLj;jg;gLk; ekJ ,isQu;fs;> ,isQu; ,NaRtpd; ,yl;rpaf; fdthk; ,iwahl;rpf;fhd khw;wj;ij · One Special Youth Mass in a Month in all parishes. Nehf;fpg; gazpf;Fk; ghijapy; cld; gazpf;f ,iwaUs; ek;ik · Every Monday 8.00 pm – 9.00 pm Holy Hour at Little Mount topelj;jl;Lk;. · Last Sunday of every Month Recollection at Pastoral Centre ,iwMrpAk;> md;id khpapd; ghpe;JiuAk; vd;Wk; cq;fNshL (4.00 pm – 7.00 pm) ,Ug;gdthf! · Annual Retreat at Elavur Retreat Centre (14th -16th February) fpwp];Jtpy; vd;Wk; md;Gld;> Catechesis: NkjF KidtH me;Njhdp ghg;Grhkp jiyth;> jkpof Mah; Nguit · Catechetical Manual for the Archdiocesan Youth Commission. · Monthly at least One Youth Catechism Class at Parish Level. (Fwpg;G: brk;gu; 15> 2019 QhapW jpUg;gypapd;NghJ mUs;gzpahsh;fs; · Catechetical Videos – You Tube Series ,r;Rw;Wkliy thrpj;J jFe;j tpsf;fk; mspf;FkhW Nfl;Lf; · Archdiocesan Level Catechetical Competitions. nfhs;fpNwhk;.) · Daily Bible Verse Sharing among Youth jpUj;;;;;je;;;;;ij gpuhd;;;;;rp!;;;;; mth;;;;;fspd;;;;; bghd;;;;;bkhHpfs;;;;;... Pastoral Care:
ntWg;Gf;F khw;whf> re;jpf;Fk; fyhr;rhuk; fhyj;jpd; fl;lhak;. · Appointment of a youth animator in every Parish Youth Group – ehk; ,wg;G gw;wp kwf;Fk; NghJ ,wf;fj; Jtq;FfpNwhk; preferably a Priest or a Religious. The animator may be a person who is available to accompany the youth daily. gazk; nra;Ak; jpUmitNa> cz;ikj; jpUmit
¨û\YôrÜ 17 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 18 december 2019 · Appointment of a Youth Coordinator preferably a lay person, ARCHDIOCESAN LEVEL PROGRAMS who helps in organizing the youth in every Parish Youth Group – represents them in Parish Council and functions like a link January 2020 between the Parish Priest and the Youth Group. 12th Inauguration at Santhome Hr. Sec. School – Competition (10.00 am to 5.00 pm) · Establishment of a Special Counselling Cell for Youth at Pastoral Inaugural High Mass – Archbishop George Centre. Antonysamy (6.00 pm to 8.00 pm)
Personality Development - Leadership Development Program - February 2020 Community Building 14th – 16th Retreat at Elavur – Gummudipoondi · – Thindivanam (18th – 22nd May) vOj;jhsHfs; gapw;rp April 2020 th · Santhome - 72 Disciples – Maximum number of beneficiaries 72 5 Penitential Walk (Palm Sunday) 3.00 pm - – two youth office-bearers from each parish, registered with TCYM Santhome Cathedral to Little Mount & recommended by Parish Priest. July 2020 12 Modules – One on Last Sunday of Each Month (10.00 am – 11th – 12th Job Skills and Entrepreneurship Workshop - 4.00 pm) concluding with the Mass. Santhome (2 from each Vicariate)
1. Workshop on Church Teaching – Jan 26th MARATHON - GREEN & CLEAN DRIVE 2. Workshop on Youth Psychology – Feb 23rd 24th August 2020 Day of Mother Mary – Salesians - Diocesan Level 3. Workshop on Relationships – March 29th 4. Workshop on Sexual Integration – April 26th October 2020 th st 25 Archdiocesan Youth Congress 2020 5. Workshop on Stress and Time Management – May 31 (9.00 am – 7.00 pm) 6. Workshop on Job Skills and Entrepreneurship – June 28th 7. Workshop on Team Work – July 26th November 2020 nd th 22 Archdiocesan Sports Day at Poonamallee 8. Workshop on Social Media – August 30 Seminary (9.00 am – 7.00 pm) 9. Workshop on Leadership – HRM – Sep 27th 10. Workshop on Political Action – Oct 25th December 2020 26th Archdiocesan Level Valedictory Function Mass– th 11. Workshop on Spirituality – November 29 Santhome Cathedral – 6.00 pm 12. Planning and Execution Workshop – Dec 27th REGIONAL LEVEL (TAMIL NADU)
,isQH Mz;L 2020 January 2020 22nd Inauguration (Regional Level) at Kottar Diocese PARISH LEVEL (5 from each Vicariates)
1st January 2020 Year of Youth Begins May 2020 18th – 22nd 2nd August 2020 First Sunday Youth Sunday vOj;jhsHfs; gapw;rp - jpz;btdk; (2 from each Vicariate)
¨û\YôrÜ 19 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 20 december 2019 27th – 31st Tamil Nadu - Youth Synod at Poondi “ADMIRABILE SIGNUM” September 2020 13th Charismatic Retreat – Acharapakkam – (4 Dioceses – North Zone) APOSTOLIC LETTER ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS CRÈCHE December 2020 27th Valedictory Function - Tamil Nadu Pope Francis has written an Apostolic Letter on the meaning and importance of the nativity scene. He signed the Letter during his visit VICARIATE LEVEL on Sunday December 1, 2019 to the Italian town of Greccio. February 2020 Greccio is the mountain village where Saint Francis of Assisi created nd 2 Political Empowerment of Catholic Youth - the first crib scene in 1223 to commemorate the birth of Jesus. Pope Thiruvottiyur Vicariate Francis returned to the town on Sunday to deliver his Apostolic Letter entitled, “Admirabilesignum”. 1st March 2020 Trekking With Christ to Arumbakkam Hill (9 am) (Alphonsapuram, Thiruvallur, Avadi Vicariates) An enchanting image The Latin title of the Letter refers to the “enchanting image” of the 3rd May 2020 Women’s Leadership Program – Ambattur Vicariate Christmas crèche, one that “never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder”, writes the Pope. “The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple 28th June 2020 Political Empowerment of Catholic Youth - and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of Alphonsapuram Vicariate God”, he says.
19th July 2020 Political Empowerment of Catholic Youth - A living Gospel Minjur Vicariate “The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture”, continues Pope Francis. Contemplating the Christmas August 2020, 23rd Political Empowerment of Catholic Youth - story is like setting out on a spiritual journey, “drawn by the humility of Avadi Vicariate the God who became man in order to encounter every man and 30th Women’s Leadership Program – woman.” So great is His love for us, writes the Pope, “that He became Thiruvallur Vicariate one of us, so that we in turn might become one with Him.”
September 2020 A family tradition 20th Women’s Leadership Program – Manali Vicariate The Pope hopes this Letter will encourage the family tradition of preparing the nativity scene, “but also the custom of setting it up in the HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTION - DECEMBER 2019 workplace, in schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares.” Praising the imagination and creativity that goes into these small masterpieces, UNIVERSAL – The Very Young : That every country resolutely commits Pope Francis says he hopes this custom will never be lost “and that, to taking the necessary measures to make the future of the very young, wherever it has fallen into disuse, it can be rediscovered and revived.” especially those who suffer, a priority. The Gospel origin of the crèche cyf mstpy; - ,sk; gUtj;jpdH : xt;nthU ehLk; ,sk; Pope Francis recalls the origin of the Christmas crèche as related gUtj;jpdhpd; vjpHfhyj;jpw;F nra;a Njitahd flikfis in the Gospels. “Coming into this world, the Son of God was laid in the Kd;DupikAld; jaf;fkpd;wp tpiue;J nra;jpl cWjp Vw;wy;.
¨û\YôrÜ 21 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 22 december 2019 place where animals feed. Hay became the first bed of the One who sign of fallen humanity, of everything that inevitably falls into ruin, decays would reveal Himself as ‘the bread come down from heaven’.” The and disappoints.” This scenic setting tells us that Jesus has come “to nativity scene “evokes a number of the mysteries of Jesus’ life and heal and rebuild, to restore the world and our lives to their original brings them close to our own daily lives”, writes the Pope. splendour.”
Saint Francis’ crèche in Greccio The shepherds Pope Francis takes us back to the Italian town of Greccio, which Turning to the shepherds, Pope Francis writes that, “unlike so many Saint Francis visited in the year 1223. The caves he saw there reminded other people, busy about many things, the shepherds become the first him of the countryside of Bethlehem. On 25 December, friars and local to see the most essential thing of all: the gift of salvation. It is the people came together, bringing flowers and torches, writes the Pope. humble and the poor who greet the event of the Incarnation.” The “When Francis arrived, he found a manger full of hay, an ox and a shepherds respond to God “who comes to meet us in the Infant Jesus donkey.” A priest celebrated the Eucharist over the manger, “showing by setting out to meet Him with love, gratitude and awe”, he adds. the bond between the Incarnation of the Son of God and the Eucharist.” The poor and the lowly The start of the tradition The presence of the poor and the lowly, continues the Pope, is a This is how our tradition began, continues Pope Francis, “with reminder that “God became man for the sake of those who feel most in everyone gathered in joy around the cave, with no distance between need of His love and who ask Him to draw near to them.” From the the original event and those sharing in its mystery.” With the simplicity manger, “Jesus proclaims, in a meek yet powerful way, the need for of that sign, Saint Francis carried out a great work of evangelization, sharing with the poor as the path to a more human and fraternal he writes. His teaching continues today “to offer a simple yet authentic world in which no one is excluded or marginalized.” means of portraying the beauty of our faith.” Everyday holiness A sign of God’ tender love Then there are the figures that have no apparent connection with Pope Francis explains that the Christmas crèche moves us so deeply the Gospel accounts. Yet, writes Pope Francis, “from the shepherd to because it shows God’s tender love. From the time of its Franciscan the blacksmith, from the baker to the musicians, from the women origins, “the nativity scene has invited us to ‘feel’ and ‘touch’ the poverty carrying jugs of water to the children at play: all this speaks of everyday that God’s Son took upon Himself in the Incarnation”, writes the Pope. holiness, the joy of doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way.” “It asks us to meet Him and serve Him by showing mercy to those of our brothers and sisters in greatest need.” Mary and Joseph The Pope then focuses on the figures of Mary and Joseph. The meaning of the crèche elements “Mary is a mother who contemplates her child and shows Him to Pope Francis reflects on the meaning behind the elements that every visitor”, he writes. “In her, we see the Mother of God who does not make up the nativity scene. He begins with the background of “a starry keep her Son only to herself, but invites everyone to obey His word and sky wrapped in the darkness and silence of night.” We think of when to put it into practice. Saint Joseph stands by her side, “protecting the we have experienced the darkness of night, he says, yet even then, Child and His Mother.” Joseph is the guardian, the just man, who God does not abandon us. “His closeness brings light where there is “entrusted himself always to God’s will.” darkness and shows the way to those dwelling in the shadow of suffering.” The Infant Jesus But it is when we place the statue of the Infant Jesus in the manger, The landscape that the nativity scene comes alive, says Pope Francis. “It seems The Pope then writes about the landscapes that often include impossible, yet it is true: in Jesus, God was a child, and in this way He ancient ruins or buildings. He explains how these ruins are “the visible wished to reveal the greatness of His love: by smiling and opening His
¨û\YôrÜ 23 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 24 december 2019 arms to all.” The crèche allows us to see and touch this unique and unparalleled event that changed the course of history, “but it also INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF PLANT HEALTH 2020 makes us reflect on how our life is part of God’s own life.” The United Nations General Assembly declared 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health. The year is a once in a lifetime The Three Kings opportunity to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health As the Feast of Epiphany approaches, we add the Three Kings to can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and the Christmas crèche. Their presence reminds us of every Christian’s boost economic development. responsibility to spread the Gospel, writes Pope Francis. “The Magi teach us that people can come to Christ by a very long route”, but What is plant health? returning home, they tell others of this amazing encounter with the In the context of the IYPH, plant health is defined as “the discipline that uses a range of measures to control and prevent pests, weeds Messiah, “thus initiating the spread of the Gospel among the nations.” and disease-causing organisms from spreading into new areas, especially through human interaction such as international trade”. Transmitting the faith The memories of standing before the Christmas crèche when we Why is plant health important? were children should remind us “of our duty to share this same FAO estimates that up to 40 percent of food crops are lost to plant experience with our children and our grandchildren”, says Pope pests and diseases annually. This leaves millions of people without Francis. It does not matter how the nativity scene is arranged, “what enough food to eat and seriously damages agriculture - the primary source of income for rural poor communities. Furthermore, as matters is that it speaks to our lives.” international trade and travel expands exponentially, the risk that plant pests and diseases will spread into new areas has increased. The Christmas crèche is part of the precious yet demanding process of passing on the faith, concludes Pope Francis. “Beginning in childhood, What aspect of plant health does the International Year of Plant Health and at every stage of our lives, it teaches us to contemplate Jesus, to (IYPH) focus on? experience God’s love for us, to feel and believe that God is with us and The IYPH focuses primarily preventing plant pests and diseases that we are with Him.” from spreading. Just as with human health, preventing disease is far more cost-effective than managing a full-blown health emergency. CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS! OBITUARY Christmas is a Season of Peace and Goodwill. It is a time to wish happiness, Rev Fr Roche Chinnappa, Parish Priest of St Paul’s Church, nd peace and God’s perfect Blessings to Thiruvottiyur lost his beloved mother Mr Viyagula Mary, aged 83, on 2 friends and our dear ones. It is a time November 2019. The Funeral Mass was held on 03-11-2019 by to share the joys of the past and the Archbishop George Antonysamy at St Antony’s Church, L N Puram hope of the future and to remember substation of Pathur, Diocese of Chingleput. The Archdiocese offers all we have to be thankful for. heartfelt condolences to Rev Fr Roche Chinnappa and his family members. We pray that the Lord may grant the deceased eternal rest.
The Archbishop, on behalf of the Rev Fr Louis Mathias, Parish Priest of St Roque’s Church, Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore Washermenpet lost his beloved father Mr Sebastian, aged 89, on 13th wishes all the Priests, Religious, November 2019. There was a concelebrated Funeral Mass by our Political and Civic Authorities and the faithful of all Archbishop at St Francis of Assisi Church, Walajabad, Diocese of Religious Communities - Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Chingleput. The Archdiocese offers heartfelt condolences to Rev Fr Louis Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Parsis, Jews and others abundant Mathias and his family members. We pray that the Lord may grant the blessings of the birth Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of deceased eternal rest. Peace. May their souls rest in peace ! ¨û\YôrÜ 25 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 26 december 2019 ARCHBISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS - DECEMBER 2019 01 12 19 M Confirmation Assisi Nagar 02 12 19 M Visitors by Appointment Abp’s House 03 12 19 M Visitors - Priests & Religious Abp’s House 04 12 19 M Mass Nazareth Ngr 05 12 19 Personal Works Abp’s House 06 12 19 M Visitors by Appointment Abp’s House 07 12 19 M Silver Jubilee Mass - Holy Cross Sisters Kamaraj Ngr E Convention & Mass Ayanavaram 08 12 19 M Confirmation & First Holy Communion SIDCO Nagar M Anbium GB Meeting & Christmas Pastoral Centre E Confirmation & Jubilee Mass Bharathiyar Ngr 09 12 19 M PMI State Executive Meeting Pastoral Centre 10 - 11 GB Meeting-St John’s Medical College Bengaluru 12 12 19 M Consultors Meeting Abp’s House 13 12 19 M CMES Executive Committee Meeting Abp’s House 14 12 19 M Christmas with Archdiocesan Religious Pastoral Centre E Inter-Religious & Green Christmas with CONGRATULATIONS AND PRAYERFUL WISHES TO Christfocus - Youth & Interfaith Commissions Santhome School MOST REV DR ANTONYSAMY SAVARIMUTHU 15 12 19 Episcopal Consecration Palayamkottai ON HIS CONSECRATION AS THE 16 12 19 Personal Works Abp’s House 17 12 19 M MSSS - Executive Committee Meeting Alwarpet TH BISHOP OF PALAYAMKOTTAI ON 15 DECEMBER 2019. 18 12 19 M Archdiocesan Clergy Recollection & Christmas Pastoral Centre Quotes of Pope Francis...... 19 12 19 M Blessing of Foundation Stone-CTC Convent Villivakkam The Resurrection is the aim and purpose of life 20 12 19 M Visitors by Appointment Abp’s House The Christian’s place is in the wounded hands of God E Christmas with the Collaborators Pastoral Centre 21 12 19 M Christmas with Prisoners’ Families Pastoral Centre Always build bridges, never aggression 22 12 19 E Consecration of the New Church Tondiarpet We begin to die when we forget about death 23 12 19 M Christmas with Seminarians & Parents Pastoral Centre View the other not as an enemy, but with intrinsic dignity 24 12 19 E Christmas Vigil Mass Cathedral Where many saw sinners and evildoers, Jesus saw apostles 27 12 19 E Salesian Priestly Ordination Perambur Be brave enough to dialogue 28 12 19 Death Anniversary Mass Trichy Use and possession of atomic energy for war is immoral 29 12 19 Yesuve Nam Meetpar - Retreat Mass Poondi Not using or possessing nuclear arms will be added to the 30 12 19 First Holy Communion Madurai 31 12 19 E New Year Vigil Mass Cathedral Catechism 03 01 20 M Visitors by Appointment Abp’s House Christ is the lens that helps us prioritize our lives 04 01 20 M Visitors by Appointment Abp’s House ¨û\YôrÜ 27 december 2019 ¨û\YôrÜ 28 december 2019