NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE, MSFS PROVINCIALATE GPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001 Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510 Website: www.msfsnortheast.com Email:[email protected]/;[email protected] GPA/02 Circular – February 2014 Dear Confreres, Wish you all a fruitful preparation for the Provincial Congress scheduled to be held (as already convoked through the previous circular), from April 23 (at 09 am) to 27 (at 08 pm) 2014, with the theme, FRANSALIANS IN NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE: TOWARDS A RENEWED MISSIONARY THRUST IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FR MERMIER.

The theme invites us to a renewed missionary commitment in the footsteps of Fr Mermier the Servant of God, our beloved Founder, who always remained committed to his mission, even though the people to whom he preached remained indifferent at the beginning of his mission. He responded to their indifference with persevering prayer, exemplary patience and Christ-like humility. For instance, in 1819 he was appointed parish priest of a country parish, Le Chatelard-en- Bauges in France. It was a small town of 1024 inhabitants. It was a prosperous town, but not much interested in religion. Fr Mermier started his work with great zeal, visited his parishners, taught catechism, prepared sermons, started a parish school, and built a chapel in a distant village. His parishners appreciated his efforts, but remained indifferent. In 1821, he decided to preach a parish mission. He invited Fr Joseph Favre to help him. The mission started on November 18, 1821. Eight days were spent in preaching several sermons, held prayers in church and visited the families. But, the parishners remained indifferent. Still, the two priests did not give up their project. They spent a few days in prayer and did penance. Again they resumed their preaching and people came in large numbers to listen to them. The mission ended with a renewed fervour for the whole parish (cf. Francis Moget, The Missionaries of St Francis de Sales of Annecy, Bangalore: SFS Publications, 1985, p.14).

Let us resolve ourselves to prepare for the 6th Ordinary Provincial Congress of Northeast India Province with similar attitude of our Founder: with prayer, penance, patience and humility. Let us be so as members striving towards a renewed Fransalian Community in the Northeast India Province with full of missionary zeal and visionary zest, strictly adhering to the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, while responding wholeheartedly to the “Call of the General Chapter 2013”.

Province Retreat 2014 As a follow up of the General Chapter 2013, a team of confreres have been assigned the task of preparing themes and talks to recapture the mission thrust of our founder, Fr Peter Mermier the Servant of God. Through a series of retreats during 2014-2015, the entire Congregation is expected to be animated by the team members. Basically, it is a call to re-founding of ourselves into the missionary zeal of our Venerable Founder. The following are the dates for Retreat in our Province:

 First Retreat : 30 June – 05 July  Second Retreat: 12 July-17 July

May I request every confrere of the Province to join for one of these two retreats without fail. Kindly inform the Provincial Secretary of your participation at the earliest with preferred dates.

Warm Welcome to our New Priests As planned the ordinations of our two deacons Shiju (Joseph) Poomarathinkal and Daniel Lalmuanzela were held in their own respective home parishes. Well organised liturgy, melodious choir, solemn felicitations and sumptuous meals were part of the event. We can be very glad that the new priests will be available for pastoral ministry by February 18, 2014. Let us warmly welcome them to our midst as well as pray that their presence and ministry will be a blessing to people.

Transfers and Appointments Fr Shiju (Joseph) Poomarathinkal is designated for Sothern African Region. Fr Daniel Lalmuanzela is appointed Associate Parish Priest at Yingkiong with effect from February 18, 2014. Fr Jiji Konthananickal is assigned to the community at Kangpokpi with effect from February 28, 2014. Fr Saji Tharayil is appointed Associate Priest at Dhemaji and Headmaster of SFS School, Dhemaji, with effect from February 15, 2013. Fr George Vadakkeperincherimannil is appointed on the staff of SFS College, Aalo, with effect from February 15, 2013.

Transfers and Appointments in Southern African Region Fr Joseph Kunjaparambil is appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at Keetmanshoop with effect from June 1, 2014. He will also serve the diocese of Keetmanshoop as its Vicar General. Fr Saju Joseph Thalayinakandathil is appointed Parish Priest of St Augustine’s Church, Soweto, Windhoek, Namibia, with effect from June 1, 2014.

Hearty Congratulations to His Grace Most Rev Thomas Menamparambil His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Most Rev. Thomas Menamparambil SDB, D.D, the Archbishop emeritus of Guwahati, as the Apostolic Administrator of Jowai Diocese. We wish His Grace our heartfelt congratulations.

Inter-Province Education Seminar 2014 Education Forum of Southeast Province is organizing an Education Seminar for the members of the Education Forum from May 7 to10, 2014. The venue of the programme is at DMI Retreat House at St Thomas Mount on May 7th and 8th. From 8th evening till 10th the programme will be at Joe Beach, EC Road, Krishnan Karanai Namallapuram, Kanchipuram Dt. I request all the members of the Education Forum in our Province to participate in the Seminar. Regional Education Forum under the leadership of Rev. Fr George Parampukattil has decided to declare the year 2014 as the year of Mermier with the permission of the Superior General. All Schools in our province are expected to conduct programs and activities to make Fr Mermier known to every child.

Forum Meetings at our Provincialate Mission Forum: The Mission Forum Meeting of the Northeast India Province of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales was on February 5-6, 2014. The meeting was animated by Rev. Fr Angelo Fernandez, General Secretary for Mission of the MSFS Congregation. The meeting began with a prayer led by Fr Simon Thaiko. Then, Fr Thomas Kollatuvayalil welcomed everyone to the meeting. (Reported by Fr Sijo Kunnel)

Education Forum: The Education Forum Meeting was held on February 7-8, 2014. The meeting was animated by Rev. Fr George Parampukattil, General Secretary for Education of the MSFS Congregation, and organised by Rev. Fr Mathew Puthumana, the provincial councillor in charge of education. It began on 7th morning with a prayer led by Fr Jacob Raising. Fr George Vadakkeperincherimannil welcomed the gathering. (Reported by Fr George Vadakkeperincherimannil)

Formation Forum: The Formation Forum Meeting was held on February 9-10. The meeting began with an opening prayer and words of welcome by Fr Joseph Thazhathukunnel, the councilor in charge of Formation. The two-day meeting was animated by Rev. Fr Noel Rebello the General Secretary for Formation. On both days, the members discussed and studied the new edition of Fransalian Formation Policies and Guidelines. (Reported by Fr Benoy Veliyath)

Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministries: A meeting of the Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministries Forum with the General Secretary was held on February 11, 2014. Being his maiden visit to the Province and to the Forum, Rev. Fr S. Jayaseelan, General Secretary of Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministries, was accorded a warm welcome. After having evaluated the different apostolates in which we are engaged in we deliberated on the core issues to be taken up for discussions in the forthcoming Provincial Congress. Fr Emmanuel Mappilaparambil, the Vice- Chairman of the Forum, thanked all the members for their active participation and valuable suggestions. (Reported by Fr Shaibu Ezhanikat)

Distribution of Aids and Appliances to the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at SFS School Basar The SFS School, Basar, organized a mega programme of distributing aids and appliances to 96 persons with disabilities (PwDs) of Basar area on Wednesday, February 05, 2014. Sri. K. Darang, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Basar graced the occasion as Chief Guest. More than 300 persons participated in the programme which was conducted in the spacious play ground of SFS School, Basar.

The programme was an undertaking of FAsCE India in collaboration with the CBR forum, Bangalore. More than 250 disabled persons have been recognized under this programme and home based programmes are going on every day in order to help the disabled persons.

The distribution of aids and appliances to the disabled persons became a reality through the collaboration of FAsCE India with ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) Guwahati. The distribution was based on the assessment medical camp that was conducted at Basar for the PwDs in the month of October 2013.

Fr Thomas Paul, the Local Director, explained to the people gathered about the work of FAsCE India and the importance of CBR programme. Father also thanked the PWDs as well as their parents for their cooperation, trust and willingness in working with the organization. ALIMCO was sincerely thanked for their generosity and help. The beautiful dances put up by the students of SFS School refreshed every one and added colour to the day.

Opening of SFS School at Panbari February 3, 2014 was a historical day for the people of Panbari as the SFS School Panbari was inaugurated on that day. Rev. Fr Francis Thadathil, the former Provincial of Northeast Province was the Chief Guest of the day. Sri Nageswar Goyari, Panbari Primary Tribal Sangha President, inaugurated the school and Rev. Fr Francis Thadathil blessed it in the presence of prominent boro leaders Mr Joleswar Daimary, the President of Manas Serfang Block Committee and BPF, Mr Manaranjan Basumatary, the President of PUC and ABSU, fathers, sisters, faithful, parents and students.

At the outset of the programme Fr Ronesh Narzary, the Headmaster, welcomed the gathering and introduced the ceremony. Sri Nageswar Goyari in his inaugural speech said that a great desire of the people of Panbari was materialized with the coming of MSFS Fathers. Rev. Fr Francis Thadathil, the Chief Guest in his speech cited the wonderful works that the Catholic Missionaries have been doing in India and in the world. He called for the support, co-operation and help of local leaders, church leaders, parents, teachers, villagers and students in this new venture. Mr Joleswar Daimary in his speech emphasized that there is no religion in educating people. Students of all religions, races, and colours are welcome to learn in the school. Mr. Manaranjan Basumatary cited that the literary rate of the bodos is very low. So, the Mission school like Panbari is a great boon to bodos in educating the young minds. He also invoked God’s blessing for the success of the new school. The program ended with a light tea and snacks for the attendants. (Reported by Bro. Ajit Daimary) Parents’ Day Celebration at Galsi January 9, 2014 was a remarkable day for St Francis De Sales School, Galsi, as it organized the parents’day celebration in a beautiful and befitting manner. The occasion was graced by the presence of Sri. Debu Tudu, Sabhadhipati Barddaman Zilla Parishat, Rev. Fr Francis Thadathil the Provincial and Sri. Swapan Kundu, SDO Baddaman North Sadar, Sri Drupabrada Santillya, BDO Galsi II, Fr Anand Raj, President of schools of Asansol Diocese. The people of Galsi, parents, students, priests and religious from Asansol Diocese, confreres from our Apostolic Community joined for the celebration. The programme was inaugurated with lighting of the lamp. Fr Varghese Vanisseril warmly welcomed everyone to the programme and it was followed by a variety of colourful cultural programme presented by the tiny tots of the School. The cultural extravaganza mesmerized everyone present. (Reported by Fr Joe Varghese) Let us Pray for the Departed  Mr Shaise (43), Brother-in-law of Fr Abraham Puthenpurackal who passed away on February 10, 2014.  Mr Johny Varickamanthotty (52), the brother of Fr Alex Varickamanthotty who passed away on February 12, 2014. Let us Pray for the Sick

 Mrs Ann Thomas, the ailing mother of Fr Philip Kizhakumpurath. Change of phone number Fr Thomas Kunnapally: 0043662873711

Provincial’s Tentative Programme

February 5-12: Forum Meetings at the Provincialate March (Continued) 13: Council Meeting 15: Aalo 14: Steering Committee Meeting 16: Tato 15: Panishali 17: Yingkiong 16: Bashbari 18: Silapathar 17: Bahalpur & Panbari 19: Chabua 18: Guwahati 20-21: Guwahati 19: Diphu 22-23: Tripura 20: Medziphema Parish 24-25: Manikbond 21: Peren 26-27: Mizoram, Sateek 22: Tening 29: Council Meeting 23: SFS Seminary, Medziphema 30: Imphal 24: Hamren 31: Kangpokpi 25-28: Guwahati April March 1-2: Purul 1-2: Somonpara, Tura 3-4: Guwahati 3: Nogalbibra 5-7: Galsi 4: Recollection at the Archbishop’s 8: Guwahati House 09: Umroi 5-7: Guwahati 10: Amalarem 8: Gogamuk 11: Mawryngkneng 9: Dhemaji 12: Nongstoin, Mawkhlam 10: Telam 13: Umwahlang 11: Jonai 15: Recollection and Chrism Mass at 12: Pasighat Cathedral 13:Basar 17-21: Holy Week, Guwahati 14: Kaying 22-27: Shillong, Barapani (Provincial Congress) A Forward from our Superior General:

VATICAN: People power - Popular devotion is key factor in sainthood process By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service, VATICAN CITY (CNS via CNUA) The sainthood process is long and technically complicated, and ultimately requires the approval of the pope, but the whole procedure is driven by Catholics in the pews and, especially, those on their knees. The Congregation for Saints' Causes and the official promoters of causes – known as postulators – do the paperwork, but if there is no evidence of widespread devotion to a candidate, no visits to the person's grave, no reports of favors and even miracles received through the potential saint's intercession, the cause just sits there. Even for centuries. Jesuit Father Marc Lindeijer, assistant postulator of sainthood causes for his order, says he has no problem waiting. On the contrary, as far as the Dutch priest is concerned, the more time passes, the more certain the church can be of the lasting importance of a candidate's witness.

"I think the process has to be long and complicated," he said. The solemn declaration that a specific person is in heaven with God and is worthy of global Catholic devotion "has to be treated with care." "It's not as if the Vatican is asking for a canonization, it's the people," he said. Nothing happens without grass-roots pressure at the start. That helps explain why members of religious orders occupy most of the places on the church's calendar of saints, and why lay saints are so few. "One could say a religious order is a mightier lobby for a cause," encouraging its members and the people they serve to pray to the habited holy one and report back any favors received, Father Lindeijer said.

Generally for canonization, the church requires a demonstration that the popular devotion to a candidate has extended over a long period of time. Canonization, Father Lindeijer said, "is not a stamp of approval" for how someone lived his or her life, but is a way for the church to hold that person up as an example for today's Catholics and the Catholics of tomorrow. For example, the Diocese of Macerata, Italy, recently concluded the preliminary phase of the cause of its native son Jesuit Father Matteo Ricci, the 16th- century missionary to China. The cause also has received strong support from Chinese bishops, Father Lindeijer said. However, he worries that outside of Macerata and China, Father Ricci is admired for his scholarship and culturally sensitive approach to missionary work, but not necessarily venerated as holy. To promote his cause successfully, Father Lindeijer will need to answer the question: "Are people praying to Matteo Ricci?"

"Massive popular devotion" is even more important than verified miracles in deciding whether or not to canonize someone, Father Lindeijer said. When "the cult is clear and many people receive many graces praying to them," the pope can waive the requirement of a miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession. For instance, Pope Francis will canonize Blessed John XXIII April 27 even though there is no papal decree recognizing a specific miracle; he is expected to do the same later this year with Blessed Jose Anchieta, a late 16th-century missionary to Brazil, and Blesseds Marie de l'Incarnation and Francois de Laval, who were missionaries in Canada in the 1600s. Father Lindeijer said he considers setting aside the miracle requirement a less serious exception than shortening the waiting period after a candidate's death. The 1917 Code of Canon Law stipulated that a sainthood cause could not open until 50 years after the candidate's death. Pope John Paul shortened the period to five years, but set even that aside for Mother Teresa of Kolkata. A month after Pope John Paul's death, Pope Benedict XVI announced he had set aside the waiting period for his predecessor's cause. "I've never believed in 'santo subito,'" Father Lindeijer said, referring to the calls for Pope John Paul's canonization immediately after his death. "Fame comes and goes, and fame of sanctity, as Pope Benedict rightly said, is something that should be growing," he said. "When that phenomenon can be proven, it shows that the Holy Spirit is at work." > > > http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1400547.htm

A Concluding Thought As part of our preparation for the forthcoming Provincial Congress, we will be participating in various meetings held at the levels of Local Community, Apostolic Community, Delegation and Region. Those meetings are to be seen as opportunities for entering into deeper communion with God and others. Remember, communion with God in prayer is never complete without communion with others in love, with our confreres.

Fraternally, Yours in the Lord,

Fr George Panthanmackel, msfs Provincial Northeast India Province

WALKING ON THE PATH OF THE PATRON

“ To shun the company of others is blameworthy as it manifests disdain and contempt. To crave the company of others is also blameworthy as it is a sign of idleness and lack of purpose.” (IDL Part III, p. 222).