Lead Us Onward Link DIOCESE OF AGARTALA April 2012 Agartala Diocesan NewsVleOL.t t16e Nor.04

Pastor’s Corner The Power of One Make A Difference (MAD) is One handclasp lifts a soul. One touch can show you care. an organization that started in One star can guide a ship at sea. One voice can speak with wisdom. 2006 by a group of students in One word can frame the goal. One heart can know what's true. a college in Kochi, Kerala, One vote can change a nation. One life can make the difference. teaching the less fortunate. They were One sunbeam lights a room. You see, it's all up to you! (Anon) short of everything but not of enthusiasm. One candle wipes out darkness. Easter, the upcoming great feast They believed they were MAD, that is, One laugh will conquer gloom. reminds us of the power of one they could Make A One step must start each journey. manJesusto overcome death. It was the Difference, even One word must start each prayer. power of one! Happy Easter to one and though naysayers One hope will raise our spirits. all. +Lumen, CSC described them as a bunch of immature youngsters. Their Editorial Things 'Better and Bigger' than Money! work was a mere drop in the ocean, yet they family, however, solved the matter held on and today they Is turning out to physically. Next morning at the altar, have more than 900 be a land without the groom not only had a black eye, but volunteers in , transforming the lives 'volunteers'? also a deep gash and a sober look on his of more than 3,000 children. Each of us The concept of volunteerism is gaining face! should ask ourselves, am I MAD, that is ground the world over. We can see The bottom-line always seems to be am I Making A Difference? If you think them in Mother Teresa homes, in there's nothing 'better or bigger than that everything has been taken care of by environment groups, money'. It's a message our somebody and your contribution is not literacy missions, and youth and children are going to make much of a difference, then evangelical expeditions quickly picking up. There are think again. History has it that the little anywhere a 'cause' is no takers for engagements sparks ignited by MAD people spread like served and promoted. that do not pay. I have fire and changed the course of history. Volunteers render service celebrated Mass without Whoever thought that the man thrown out freely. servers despite many eligible of the train (M. K. Gandhi) would lead the We are told in earlier candidates being present in people of India against the mighty British times, marriages in the congregation. Of course, Empire? Tripura villages were quite there is no pay for serving These lines speak of the power of one that different from what they are today. Mass yet. can Make A Difference that one could be Neighbors would come over days in We see youth shy away from programs you or me! Editoriaaldvance and help with works and projects that do not pay. In a One song can spark a moment. pounding paddy, cleaning rice, convention or a spiritual retreat, a fee One flower can wake the dream. voluntarily. l e v i e d a g a i n s t f o o d a n d One tree can start a forest. Today, in many places, the norm is to accommodation is a dampener, and One bird can herald spring. do it against money even if it's the some even expect organizers to meet One smile begins a friendship. neighbor's marriage. travel expenses. Why, look at today's 'marriage' itself to It is not a question of poverty. It is a question of attitudes. wishes see what 'money' has done to the tribe. LINK The practice of giving dowry, which Along with geography and botany, we all our was non-existent among the tribal, is need to teach our children that there are Readers a fast catching up and being taken to occasions and 'causes' worth ridiculous extents. I know of a passionately engaging in, even if, they very Happy marriage where the boy went into a do not bring money. They bring things and Holy rage because 'motorcycle' was not part better and bigger; indeed, there are Easter. of the package offered by the girl's things 'better and bigger than money'! family. The male members of the girl's J. Pulinthanath, sdb 2 [2] News from the Parishes Agartala Parish Kathalcherra Parish Feast Day celebrations at Parish Sports Meet - 2012 Bagbasa Parish Agartala Parish celebrated the Feast Day of Holy Cross High School, Kathalcherra Inauguration of the newly th its Patron Saint Joseph on 19 March 2012. organized its erected Holy Cross Parish The Holy Eucharist was A n n u a l The newly erected Holy Cross Quasi presided over by Most Rev. Sports Meet Parish Bagbasa (bifurcated from Lumen Monteiro, CSC, in the 2012 on the Kumarghat th th presence of Priests, Religious 15 and 16 Parish) was and faithful of the Parish. The of March. inaugurated homilist for the day was Fr. Sri. Bimal and its first Cyprian Pinto, SVD. He Roy , P a r o c h i a l exhorted everyone to model SDM of LTV Administrat their life after St. Joseph especially focusing was the Chief Guest at the inaugural o r w a s on the virtue of humility and trust in divine function. Citing the example of young installed in providence. Fr. Paul Pudussery, CSC, the icons of the State Somdev Dev Verman the presence Parish Priest thanked everyone in helping to and Sourabhee Debbarama who have of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kallarackal, CSC organize the Feast in a meaningful manner. made the State proud in the recent past, he Provincial Superior on 25th March 2012, Fr. George Jacob, CSC called on the HCHS students to overcome during the Holy Eucharist presided over every odd and exhibit their inborn talents Ambassa Parish by Bishop Lumen Monteiro. The joyful and gifts. The two days Sports Meet ceremony was witnessed by 21 Priests, th Women's Role in Building A better ended on 16 evening by honoring the 20 Religious Sisters and Brothers and India medal winners. Sri. Subrato Roy, over 2,000 people both Catholics and For building a better family, society, state, Commandant of Nalkatta was the Chief non-Catholics. Before the Mass began Fr. nation or world of tomorrow, humanity Guest for the closing ceremony. He Emmanuel the Provincial Superior cut needs women's cooperation and awarded the winners and called upon the the ribbon of the temporary structure involvement. Today, women are entire student assembly to contribute to made for the school and the Priests' conscious of their rights and duties, in the glory of the State in the field of Sports Residence and Bishop Lumen blessed the every sphere of society. Focusing on the & Civil service. Fr. Agi Paul, former Building and the new site. During the theme “Women's Role in Building a Principal was the Guest of Honor during Mass the Decree of the Erection of Better India,” Ambassa Parish celebrated the closing Ceremony of the Sports Meet. Bagbasa Parish was read out and Fr. Paul Women's' Day and Fathers Day International Women's Day at Parish level was given the Key of the Tabernacle as a Celebration on 11th March 2012. International sign of entrusting to him the spiritual care Maria Sangha organized International of the faithful in the Parish. After Mass a Women's Day celebration began with Women's day on Sunday 11th March. Holy Mass presided over by Parish Priest short felicitation cum cultural program Representatives from all the mondolis was held. Fr. Emmanuel the Provincial Fr. Jaibu Mathew, SVD. After the Holy gathered at the Parish premises after the Mass, there was a Seminar on “Women's Superior recalled that the making of Sunday liturgy and felicitated the Bagbasa Parish was a decision of the Role in Building a Better India.” Fr. Jaibu members. SVD, Sr. Susheela, SSpS and Mrs. Provincial Chapter 6 years ago and that Fathers' Day Celebration: The Parish has been materialized today through the Surabhi Sangma were the Resource Ambassa Parish joined together to celebrate Fathers Day hard work and instrumentality of many Persons for the Seminar. After the th Mandwi Parish on the 25 March. After the Parish Mass confreres. Bishop Lumen pointed out that Seminar, all the mothers came together th Maria Sangha members organized a Bagbasa was the 8 Parish after the and chalked out an Action Plan for the felicitation program for all the fathers' erection of Agartala Diocese, bringing future. Over 70 mothers took part in this gathered from different mondolis. Both the total number of Parishes to 17, and Seminar and had fruitful discussion. After these celebrations helped to concientize this is indeed a sign of growth and pride the Seminar there was lunch served for all the people on issues related to gender for the Diocese! Fr. Cyprian Pinto, SVD, the participants. Every one left home equality, equal opportunity and role of in his homily spoke of the development of expressing their joy, happiness and sense healthy parenting in a family. Kumarghat Parish and how the new of satisfaction. Fr. Valerian Castelino, CSC Parish should become a sign of unity Fr. Nabin Lakra, SVD while making Jesus known to people. Fr. Thomas Pereira, CSC, PP of the 'mother News Briefs from just Parish' expressed his mixed sentiments of joy and sorrow to see yet another parish Inauguration of SMILE Foundation Education Program st emerging out of Kumarghat. While it is a On 1 March the Inauguration of SMILE FOUNDATION EDUCATION sign of growth “it is also sad to part with PROGRAM was held at Damdamia, Lembuchera at 11:30am.The Inaugural 11 modolis of my Parish,” he said. Census function began with a prayer dance by Fatima Grihini girls. It was followed by 2012 of the newly erected Bagbasa Parish Lighting of the Lamp by the Chief Guest Mr. Rabindra Reang, ADM, in the presence was prepared and handed over to the new of Mr. Prakash Das, former Minister, Govt. of Tripura. Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, Parish Priest. The day was filled with CSC, Mr. Partho Roy Regional Head of Smile Foundation, Mr. Subhrangshu Senior joyful celebration and end with a sharing Program Manager, Fr. Robert Mathias, CSC and other invited guests. This program of the fellowship meal. would help the drop out children from nearby villages to study and do well in their Fr. Agi Paul, CSC lives. Mr. Biswajit Debbarma

[LINK] HAPPENINGS IN THE DIOCESE [3] News from the Diocese Marxist Minister lauds Church's including the government.” The welfare network in the world after the Red Cross. 'Touch of of the BRU camp dwellers is one of the Jana Unnayan Samiti Tripura is the State love' many programs taken up Caritas India counterpart of the agency which brings to According to through its Diocesan counterpart, Jana the people of the State a variety of services T r i p u r a ' s Unnayan Samiti Tripura (JUST). for which Caritas is noted throughout the Mr. Choudhury, the Chief Guest at the world. M a r x i s t celebrations told the large gathering of Robert Mathias, the Holy Cross priest and Minister for invitees that thronged city's Nazrul Director of Jana Unnayan Samiti Tripura, R u r a l Kalakshetra auditorium that there was described the five decades of Caritas' Development, need of more Caritas-like interventions in intervention in the State, as 'fifty years of the State. He also expressed confidence Jitendra Choudhury, it is 'the healing touch nation-building' a process that began even that if all such benevolent organizations when Tripura was part of the erstwhile of love' that distinguishes the Catholic and government worked hand in hand, one Diocese of Silchar. Church's works of social development from could usher in “not only spiritual Development sectors in which the Catholic that of the Government. Choudhury was transformation but also the much-needed Church in Tripura operates fall within the speaking at the Diocese level celebrations changes in the living conditions of the framework of the Millennium Development people of the State”. Goals and include poverty alleviation, of the Golden Jubilee of Caritas India, held th The Holy Cross prelate of Agartala livelihood, micro-credit and income- at Agartala, on 29 Feb.2012. Diocese, Lumen Monteiro CSC, who is generation programs, peace building, Impressed by the 'confidence and also the new Chairman of Caritas India, repatriation and rehabilitation of BRU contentment' of a group of BRU described the occasion as a “celebration of refugees, relief and disaster preparedness. beneficiaries from the Refugee Camps of 50 years of Church's engagement with the The celebrations that also featured select Naisingpara in North Tripura that presented poor, the hungry, the illiterate and the songs and dances were attended by a host a couple of soul-stirring songs on the powerless”. While enumerating the of dignitaries from across the country occasion, Choudhury said such activities of the vast Caritas network including Fr. Emmanuel Kallarackal, CSC, transformation did not usually come about across the country and the world, Bishop the Provincial Superior of the Holy Cross solely from receiving monetary help. He Monteiro reiterated the determination of North East Province, Dr. Joseph Sebastian explained it as the result of “the healing the Church to continue its commitment to the Executive Director of IGSSS Delhi, touch of love that the Church is able to the uplift of the poor and the powerless. and Fr. Varghese Velickakam the impart along with its humanitarian works” Caritas, the social development wing of Executive Director of NE Social Forum and called it “the Gospel” that makes the Catholic Church today operates in 168 Guwahati. Church's developmental works “stand apart countries and is the largest humanitarian Fr. J. Pulinthanath, sdb, Spokesperson of from similar works performed by others the Diocese

IX Signis National Assembly production and promote their work. The Communication at Kolkata from 22nd to SIGNIS INDIA organized the IX themes dealt by experts in the field were 24th February. This Seminar was mainly NATIONAL ASSEMBLY at Don Bosco "Rich Media for Better Tomorrow”, organized for the web administrators of the Matunga, Mumbai, from February 24 to "New Media: Social Networking: a Bane Dioceses, to assist them to establish 28, 2012. SIGNIS is a nongovernmental or a Boon", "Creating Images for Family websites, and to form policy for its organization that includes Catholic media through the new media" and "Creating effective use. Various topics were dealt members from hundred and forty Images Fuelling Ambitions". Field trips with on how to make the best use of the countries. The theme of the Assembly was were also organized to the famous media Internet technology to proclaim the word "Creating Images for a Better Tomorrow". hubs in Mumbai. For me personally, it of God. It also provided tips to work with As a Diocesan Secretary for Social was a wonderful exposure to interact with the designer, making sure that website is Communications I had the privilege of people who are in this field and exchange technically sound, uncluttered, accessible, attending the Assembly. The Assembly ideas and experiences for better and has adequate scope for updates and engaged SIGNIS Members in serious communication. It was truly a great reporting, and ensuring that it reflects the discussion on current topics and learning experience. ethos of the Diocese and the Church at familiarized them with the latest Workshop for Website administrators large. Fr. Prasad of our Diocese happenings in the media, to share A three day Workshop was organized by participated in the Workshop. experiences, foster collaboration and co- t h e C B C I - O f f i c e f o r S o c i a l Fr. Arockiadoss, SVD, Secretary

Women's Commission gathering. Bishop Lumen by Resource Persons - Dr. Tapoti Women's Commission Agartala Diocese organized Women's Monteiro, CSC inaugurated Chakarwarti from Tripura State Women Annual Gathering at Holy Spirit the event in the presence of Commission, Sr. Marcelina Sangma, Convent Nandan Nagar from Fr. Robert Mathias, CSC, FMA, Principal Auxilium School, Dr. 13th to 15th March. The theme Sr. Ventura Fernandes and Ashok - helped the Women leaders to of the annual gathering was other invited guests. In his understand their role in the family and “Role of Women in Building a address to the Women, society. Bible quiz, Dance and Singing Better India”. 130 Women leaders from the Bishop dealt on the history of Women's competitions during the course of the day. Parishes across Tripura participated in the day celebration and the relevance of the Sr. Susheela Xess, SSpS, Secretary theme. The various Input Sessions given 2 [LINK] [4] Visitors at Bishop's House © Fr. Joseph Almeida, SDB, Provincial from ASHA Holy Cross achieve their goal. Guwahati C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e D a y & Leadership and Personality ©Mr. Joseph Sebastian, IGSSS Director Inauguration of newly furnished from Delhi Development Seminar mechanical lab ASHA Holy Cross organized a ©Mr. Jose P, SIB Manager from Kolkata A S H A C o m m u n i t y ©Mr. Jonas Lakra, Zonal Officer Caritas Seminar on Leadership and College, a part of ASHA Personality Development for the from Guwahati Holy Cross celebrated its © newly elected leaders of the Fr. Vincent Furtado, OFM. Cap., day on 18th February. The Provincial from Bangalore Catholic Schools of Tripura from © chief Guest for the program 23rd to 26th February. The 40 Fr. Joel, OFM. Cap., Regional from w a s S h r i . J i t e n d r a participants who came from Choudrury, Minister for Forest, Rural ©Fr. A. Jesu, SVD Provincial from across the State were fully occupied with Hyderabad Development, Industries & Commerce. different topics focusing towards the ©Fr. Bob Dowd, Tony Polan and Tamo from The presence of Fr. Emmanuel, CSC, development of the leadership qualities, Notre Dame, USA Provincial Superior, Shri. Rana Dey, [LINK] stage management skills and personality ©Sr. Isabella, BS, from Silchar Community College In-charge, IGNOU development skills. The Resource Persons ©Mr. Rajkumar, Director of HCDI, from Agartala, Parents and local people added were Fr. Theophilus CSC, Sr. Veronica BS, Pune more joy to the celebration. On the Fr. Paul Pudussery CSC, Fr. Abraham CSC ©Mr. Kiran Babu, Dept of HCDI, Pune occasion the newly furnished and Mr. Arul Selvan. The Interactive mechanical lab was inaugurated and sessions, group and descriptive slides Indians join Church leaders for blessed by Fr. Emmanuel, CSC. Shri. presentations, games, etc, had enveloped Mass in Israel Jitendra Choudhury lauded the different skills among the participants. Nearly 150 Indian Catholics braved rain and contribution of Holy Cross and the The young leaders of today were given freezing temperature to attend a thanksgiving religious in the State of Tripura towards ample opportunities to analyze the need for Mass by visiting Cardinals and Prelates from the uplift of the downtrodden. True its being effective leaders in the society. The India at Jerusalem's St. Saviour Church. "It is motto, ASHA community College two-day Workshop came to an end with a very special to have our cardinals and priests enlightens and sharpens the skills, campfire and a symbolic candle march here and be able to attend a Mass with them," especially of the dropouts, who have with a promise that each of them becomes said Aloysious Leone, a Catholic from little or no opportunities to expose their effective leaders in their milieu. southern India. Leone and women in skills to acquire their educational and Mr. Arul Selvan traditional Indian dress gathered around vocational development and then to Archbishop Mari Soosa Pakiam of Trivandrum to ask his blessing and kiss his News Notes ring. Trivandrum's Latin-rite archbishop was SCCs an answer to threats from part of an ecumenical delegation of church sects Bengal and northeastern India attended the leaders that visited Israel at the invitation of The best way to meet the challenges from March 9-12 meeting that sought ways to its ministry of tourism. The delegation was neo-Christian sects is to promote Small present “a new face” for the Church in India. led by Cardinal Oswald Gracias and Cardinal Christian Communities more vigorously, Bishop Mathias says the Church has to George Alencherry. Courtesy: US an Indian Catholic bishop says. “SCCs are promote SCC more seriously to provide its Catholic not just optional but pastorally obligatory member fellowship and bonding and a to make the Church more effective, deeper love for the Word of God that these pastorally fruitful and more visible,” new sects apparently offer. Bishop Lumen, LINK Mail Box Bishop Gerald Mathias of Lucknow told a Fr. Lancy and Mr. Oshim Uchoi represented regional meeting of the grassroots Agartala. I appreciate your determination to publish Catholic communities in Kolkata, eastern LINK on the first of every month. Congrats India. Some 90 delegates, including 12 Archbishop Tutu hails Bihar Chief for keeping it up for so many years and bishops, from SCC communities in West Minister publishing it REGULARLY on the first of Bishop's Program for April 2012 Nobel Laureate and anti-apartheid icon every month. Very often I realize it is the first Archbishop Desmond Tutu has praised of the month when I receive the LINK in my Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's steps mail box. Fr. Emmanuel CSC, Agartala 01: New Parish & Pastor Installation at Nandan to end child marriage. Archbishop Tutu LINK is my waking call on the first of the said, “I am impressed by the political will Nagar month... and the first reading of the month! being shown by the Chief Minister to end Conrad, CSC, Montreal 02-03: Pastoral Meet & Chrism discrimination prevalent in the society Fantastic newsletter! Congrats and prayers. Mass, Agartala against the girl child.” He told a press +P K George, sdb, 05-08: Holy Week & Easter, conference that Kumar has set himself MANY THANKS for LINK, which certainly Bodhjungnagar Parish “certain benchmarks, and is looking to "links" me to your faithful diocese and works! 15-16: Diamond Jubilee & NE achieve certain goals”. “Political will to My greetings and prayers for all of you! Rev. Bishops Meet, Aizawl fight the ills of child marriage is very David Schlaver, CSC, Maine, USA 23-25: Caritas GB Meet, important. It is not only a human rights Thank you for the March LINK which arrived Bangalore issue. It is also a development issue.” promptly. I guess you have an efficient team 25-28: CBCI Standing Committee, Nearly ten million girls are married out of workers on Media. Congratulations on Bangalore each year before the age of 18 across the your new appointment as National Chairman, 29-30: Caritas India Program, Delhi world. India stands 14th on the list. Caritas India. +Evarist, Karachi Courtesy: Hindustan Times

Published at: Jeevajyothi Diocesan Centre, Bishop's House, Airport Road, Durjoynagar, Agartala 799 009, Tripura, Tel:91-381-2342401, Email: [email protected], www.agartaladiocese.org