My Dear Confreres

MISSIONARIES OF ST. RANCIS DE SALES NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE MSFS PROVINCIALATE My Dear Confreres, GPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001 The feast of Easter is here again! The FortyTel: 0361days’ 2648507 preparation / Fax in 0361 fasting, 2648510 penance and prayers finally culminates to a joyful celebrationEmail: each [email protected]. As the Gospels / [email protected], when the Sun arose on that Easter morning, the despondent disciples saw a new ray of hope. DespiteFT/10– Circulartheir doubts – April and 7, fears, 2009 hesitation and unbelief, the Easter event clearly chartered a new direction to the lives of the disciples. The New Testament depicts that each disciple, in very personal and stirring way, was healed by the Resurrection experience. Each encounter was unique and ineffable; incomparable and deeply moving; not a single apostle could just hold the experience for himself. The encounter led them to a new mission, to a new way of responding to the call they had heard on the shores of Galilee. The Acts of the Apostles vividly testifies to the power of the resurrection experience. Those twelve men were on fire! Whoever has really encountered the Lord must testify of him and spread the news of the resurrection. 0034948 884005 Habian madrid 003491 5174178 5174289 Not a Memorial but a Daily Event Resurrection is not an event of the past, but a daily experience. Numerous stories of our people in the northeast and elsewhere demonstrates very powerfully that human beings can withstand evil, find courage in crisis, and faith in the most hopeless situations. Even in the stories of terror, we hear of the endurance, healing, and forgiveness that human beings are capable of offering to others. Resurrection becomes a living reality when each of us show the readiness to walk from darkness to light, from death to life, from bitterness to compassion, from anger to forgiveness, from brokenness to wholeness, from evil to good. As members of the Congregation, we evoke this sense of daily rising in the Prayer to the Holy Spirit: “ Purify us from sin and selfishness, from all forms of greed and impurity, from disregard and disrespect, from self will and distortions, from laziness that hurts and indifference that kills, from love that has gone cold.” In these concrete occasions of our daily lives, the Risen Lord manifests his presence to us; and there He lives amidst us in a new way. Like the apostles, we too shall be healed by the power of the Resurrection! The Challenge of the Resurrection Experience In many ways, we all have received the grace to know and to rejoice that in our mission today the Risen Lord lives and works in us. Each day, our lives intertwine the depths of the Cross and the mystery of resurrection. When unspeakable evil spreads around our lives, we have to dig deeper and deeper the mystery of the resurrection to find hope and redemption. The men and women who were encountered by the risen Lord have changed the course of history and destiny of people. What has become of our daily encounter with the Lord? Easter experience has its challenge on us, too! I wish, each of us take the Easter challenge joyfully and courageously! May we all come to experience the power of the Risen Lord in our life, I pray! Easter House Blessing In the Church’s Pastoral Care, blessing the homes of people during the Easter season holds a very important place. Every Catholic home is a microcosm of the Church, with the Father as the head, Mother as the cherished spouse (both equal before God in dignity and, always, treating each other equally in charity), and with the children brought up learning how to know, love, and serve God. The house blessing reminds the importance of family and home, and the significance of faith within its walls. The house blessing is not about chasing out evil spirits, but serves as a symbolic gesture of living one’s faith. As far as I know, people love their priests to visit them and to bless their homes. As pastors of faith communities, let us be serious about this tradition and reach out to our Catholic homes of the region. Promoting Authentic Eucharistic adoration in our communities The General Directory of our Congregation has recommended (Cf. #78) the practice of keeping an hour of adoration in common as one of the weekly spiritual exercises. Reverence for the Eucharist is on the decline, and it threatens the very nucleus of Catholic Christianity. It is sad that we priests who handle the Eucharist fail to manifest the reverence, which is due to the Eucharist. In many parts of the world, today people do not receive the correct teaching on the Eucharist. Poor catechesis and the lack of proper reverence have been the cause for the Eucharistic abuses. Addressing the plenary assembly of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Benedict XVI said that “The doctrine of transubstantiation of the bread and wine, and of the real presence, are a truth of faith, already evident in Holy Scripture and later confirmed by the fathers of the Church.” Let us hold on to the Tradition of the Church and help the faithful in our communities to grow in devotion for the Eucharistic Lord. Once again, I request all the superiors to promote the devotion by arranging the weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in their respective Communities / Parishes. Fr. Philip Purayidathil leaves for Pastoral Ministry in SA Region Having obtained the required documents for pastoral ministry in Namibia, Fr. Philip Purayidathil is scheduled to travel to Namibia on April 8 2009, from Cochin airport. Fr. Philip Purayidathil is appointed assistant priest at Soweto, Windhoek. His address is: R.C. Mission P.O. Box 61234, Soweto, Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia Tel. 00264- 61-262400. We shall accompany him with our prayers, especially as he takes up the ministry in a new continent. Collaboration with the Brazil Province At the request of Very Rev. Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, the Superior General, the service of Fr. Thomas Aerathedathu has been offered to Brazil Province. The process for obtaining the necessary documents for pastoral ministry in Brazil has already been initiated. An agreement with the Brazil Province is yet to be drawn. Fr. Thomas is preparing for the ministry through personal study of the language. He will be residing at the Provincialate till his papers are ready. Fr. George Panthanmackel on the Syllabus Committee of IGNOU The Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), through a communiqué from Shri. N.V. Narasimham, Director (ACD), has offered Fr. George Panthanmackel the post of Senior Consultant in the School of Humanities, IGNOU. Such an important position in a secular university is a rare privilege and honor accorded to one of our confreres. Indeed, the appointment brings reputation to Suvidya College, the premiere institute of Philosophy in Asia; and for every msfs confrere, it is also a cause of great rejoicing. Hearty Congratulations to you Father George! We wish you every success in this new responsibility.

The initial appointment is for a term of six months with effect from April 1, 2009. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has taken a lot of effort in proposing a qualified religious personnel to such an important post. Fr. George will be on leave from Suvidya College for the next six months and will be residing with the Pilar Fathers, in Delhi: Fr George Panthanmackel, msfs, Father Agnel School, Gautam Nagar, New Delhi – 110049, Tel: 011- 26859283, 26863286, 26863928, Mobile: 0-9717756520, E-mail: [email protected]. Appointments and Transfers Fr. John Karondukadavil is appointed as one of the visiting staff members of Holy Redeemer Renewal Centre, Umroi, with effect from April 14, 2009. He will be residing at MSFS Provincialate, Udayan Vihar, Guwahati 781171. Mobile: 9435049716, email: [email protected]

Fr. Panii Paul is designated to appointed assistant priest at SFS Parish, Pasighat, with effect from March 16, 2009. Fr. Lukose Perumannikala is transferred to St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, Ongha, in the Archdiocese of Windhoek (Namibia), as Parish Priest, w.e.f. 15 March, 2009.

Fr. Thomas Vanderkunnel is appointed as Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church, Steenberg, in the Archdiocese of Cape Town (South Africa). He is waiting for the Employment Permit from South Africa. In the meanwhile, he will be residing at St. Augustine’s Church, Soweto, Windhoek.

Fr. Philip Mangatt is appointed as Parish Priest of St. Thomas Church, Vredendal, in the diocese of Keimoes-Upington (South Africa). While he awaits the approval of the Employment Permit from South Africa, he will be residing at Christ the King Church, Luderitz. Update Courses and Programs The following confreres will be attending courses and programs as part of their Ongoing Formation and renewal: Fr. Mathew Muriyankariyil, for a 40 day Renewal Program at Cenacle Prayer centre, Bilaspur starting from March 20, 2009. Fathers Francis Poovelil, Sibi Mattapallil, Jacob Mattathil and Thomas Aerathedathu for the Salesian update program conducted at Bangalore from April 14-19, 2009. Fr. Joseph Thazathukunnel, for an animation course on Leadership, authority, and obedience for Religious Superiors at Dhyanavana, Mysore from April 13- 30, 2009. Fr. Sibi Mattapallil, for Psycho Spiritual Integration at Dhyana Sadhana, Mysore from April 27- May 30, 2009. Fr. Jacob Thaile, for an Intensive Course on Consecrated Life at Sanyasa, Carmelaram, Bangalore from April 26- May 23, 2009. Renewal Program from the Secretariat for Innovative Ministries Two programs have been arranged by Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, the General councilor for IMRM. The details are as follows: 1. A Six-Week Clinical Pastoral Education Program (3 confreres from each Province) For Whom: Confreres between 35 and 45 years young, engaged in any Ministry For What: To hone skills in Pastoral Ministry To provide supervision in the style of Ministry To deal with emotional and personal conflicts in Ministry To develop leadership skills to facilitate groups and communities When: October 4th through November 13th, 2009-03-11 Venue: S.F.S. Vidyashram Aluva, Kerala How: An intense therapeutic program with personal supervision and therapy 2. One week Program for Community Superiors (4 participants from each province) (The same program is repeated to accommodate more participants) For what: To facilitate religious life in communities according to MSFS constitutions To develop leadership skills to facilitate communities For whom: Four participants from each Province Venue: S.F.S. Vidyashram, Aluva, Kerala (from Nov. 15th thru 20th 2009) MSFS Provincialate, Nagpur (from Nov.22nd thru Nov. 27th,2009) Promotion to Various Stages of Formation With the consent of the Provincial Council, I provisionally promote the following confreres and candidates to the next stage of their formation. Promotion to Diaconate Avilhou Stephen, Kerketta Pratap, Soreng Silanand, Tirkey Solomon are promoted to the Order of Deacon. The ordination to diaconate will be officiated by Most Rev. Dominic Jala, SDB, Archbishop of Shillong, on May 21, 2009, at MSFS Study House, Mawroh. All the confreres of the Province are welcome to join in the celebration. Promotion to Third Year Theology 01. Borogaon Aloysius (Alois) 02. Fristar Asterius Shylla 03. Hasda Sudhir 04. Kaduthanathu Lijeesh 05. Kumbattu Praveen Johny (George) 06. Mannachamkuzhiyil Shijo Paul 07. Palatty Jijesh (Chacko) 08. Plakoottathil Sanish (George) Promotion to Second Year Theology 01) Kunnel Sijo George 02) Lyngdoh Donsuk 03) M. Sangma Nikseng 04) Sawma Stephen 05) Thalayinakandathil Rijesh Thomas Promotion to First Year Theology

On successful completion of their regency, Huwn Francis Reyland, Kanjirathinkal Joseph, Nellisery Jose Varghese and Venghathadathil Jobins Mathew are promoted to theological studies at Oriens Theological College, Shillong. Promotion to Regency On the successful completion of their philosophical studies, the following confreres are promoted to Regency period of formation. 01) Awungshi Shimray Sophayo Joseph 02) Chiraparambil Libin C.J. 03) Islari Lucas 04) Lalmuanzela Daniel 05) Naduppadavil Shijo Thomas 06) Poomarathingal Shiju P.M. 07) Vadakkekuttu Bibin Thomas 08) Vechukunnel Joji Joseph 09) Xaxa Binod 10) Zothansanga Alwyn Promotion to Third Year Philosophy 01) Aramphadathil Donal Jose 02) Chennamkulath Rijesh Joseph 03) Daimary Xavier 04) Kannampally Jibin Chacko 05) Maiong Nicholas 06) Nakathingal Noble Jose 07) Pehausuiding Peter 08) Tedo Kilok Mathew 09) Terang Rajen Samuel 10) Thadathil Jaimon Joseph 11) Thekkekara Anoop Jose 12) Toppo Laulin 13) Vettukuzhiyil Jineesh Mathew 14) Vilangapara Jyothis Jose Promotion to Second Year Philosophy 01) Baruah Anthony 02) Ezung Mhonchan Lucas 03) Khongsit Priyor 04) Maliyil Mathew (Mathew MV) 05) Meenpallil James (Abin Paul) 06) Vamattathil James (Joldin George) 07) Vattekattukandam Augusthy (Libin AV) 08) Warbah Edilbert Promotion to First Year Philosophy At the completion of the canonical year of novitiate and the profession of first religious vows, the following confreres shall begin philosophical studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore from June 2009: 01) Ajit Daimary 02) Kayathumkara Jibin Joseph 03) Kharumnuid Wanlambor 04) Meembanal Shithin Jose (Mathew) 05) Nirmal John Narah 06) Padinjarakutt Nithin Paul (Devasia) 07) Pullattuvaliyaparambil Rojin Joseph 08) Puthiyampurath Bose P. Jose 09) Puthuppaliyil Bibin Martin (Joseph) 10) Riawed Mardona War 11) Theruvil Melbin Francis (Anthony) Admission to Novitiate With the consent of the Provincial Council, the following candidates are admitted to the canonical year of novitiate at Chabua, Dibrugarh from June 2009. 01) Damlong Evedic Lawrencius 02) Kamei Victor 03) Karimpanackal Jinto (Thomas) 04) Kochutharayil Jobin (Francis) 05) Marwein Jonathan 06) Madampurath Jibin (Joseph) 07) Pallattutharayil Libin (Varghese) 08) Parampukattil Melvin (Joseph) 09) Poovathel Abhilash (Thomas) 10) Raikhan Shairei Dominic 11) Shimray Luckyson Samson 12) Tanti Luke 13) Thakadiyel Lijo (Scaria) 14) Tharappil Sijo (Joseph) 15) Thundathikunnel Jobish (Thomas) Renewal of Religious Vows At MSFS Study House Shillong The following Confreres will renew their religious vows at MSFS Study House Mowroh, Shillong. Fr. Francis Poovelil or his delegate will receive their vows. 01) Borogaon Aloysius (Alois) 02) Hasda Sudhir 03) Kaduthanathu Lijeesh 04) Kumbattu Praveen Johny (George) 05) Mannachamkuzhiyil Shijo Paul 06) Palatty Jijesh (Chacko) 07) Plakoottathil Sanish (George) 08) Kunnel Sijo George 09) Lyngdoh Donsuk 10) M. Sangma Nikseng 11) Sawma Stephen 12) Thalayinakandathil Rijesh Thomas 13) Kanjirathinkal Joseph 14) Nellisery Jose Varghese 15) Vengathadathil Jobins Mathew At Vinaya Bhavan seminary Huwn Francis Reyland will renew his vows at Vinaya Bhavan Seminary, Thamarassery. Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy, the Rector or his delegate will receive the vows. At Suvidya College, Bangalore The following confreres will renew their vows at Suvidya College, Bangalore and Fr. Jolly Chackalckel, the Rector or his delegate will receive their vows:

01) Awungshi Shimray Sophayo Joseph 02) Chiraparambil Libin C.J. 03) Islari Lucas 04) Lalmuanzela Daniel 05) Naduppadavil Shijo Thomas 06) Poomarathingal Shiju P.M. 07) Vadakkekuttu Bibin Thomas 08) Vechukunnel Joji Joseph 09) Xaxa Binod 10) Zothansanga Alwyn 11) Aramphadathil Donal Jose 12) Chennamkulath Rijesh Joseph 13) Daimary Xavier 14) Kannampally Jibin Chacko 15) Maiong Nicholas 16) Nakathingal Noble Jose 17) Pehausuiding Peter 18) Tedo Kilok Mathew 19) Terang Rajen Samuel 20) Thadathil Jaimon Joseph 21) Thekkekara Anoop Jose 22) Toppo Laulin 23) Vettukuzhiyil Jineesh Mathew 24) Vilangapara Jyothis Jose 25) Baruah Anthony 26) Ezung Mhonchan Lucas 27) Khongsit Priyor 28) Maliyil Mathew (Mathew MV) 29) Meenpallil James (Abin Paul) 30) Vamattathil James (Joldin George) 31) Vattekattukandam Augusthy (Libin AV) 32) Warbah Edilbert Pre-Novitiate Program The candidates who have completed their formation from our minor Seminaries are admitted to a month long Pre-novitiate program under the direction of Fr. Joseph Thazhathukunnel. Fr. Francis Poovelil, the Councilor in charge of Formation has chalked out a program in view of preparing the candidates adequately for their entry to Novitiate. I thank all those confreres who are involved in the supervision of this program and for their service. I thank the rectors and other formation personnel who have accompanied the candidates in their journey to religious life. Thank you dear confreres. A Visit to the Confreres in Europe The confreres who work in Europe are close to us in thought and prayer. My personal visit will be a sign of our common appreciation of them and their hard work in the name of the Province. I will be visiting the confreres from April 23, 2009 to May 20, 2009. Fr. Johny Kuttikottayil, the Convener of the apostolic community, has chalked out the program of visit to confreres and benefactors. I request you to accompany me with your prayers. During my absence from the Northeast, Fr. Francis Poovelil will administer the day to day affairs of the Province. I request you to give him the best of cooperation. Supporting the Ventures of the Southern African Region The Province has been consistent in its support to the Southern African Region. Personnel have been sent to the Region on a regular basis to meet the requests for pastoral ministry. I am very glad that the confreres are being nurtured and strengthened by the dynamic leadership of Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil, the Regional Superior. The reports show that a lot of work has been accomplished by our confreres in Southern African Region. Moreover, the pastoral satisfaction expressed by many of our confreres demonstrates that the region is poised for greater growth. In our sustained effort to support the Region, we begin yet another venture, namely, sending scholastics to SA Region for regency with the plan to carry on the rest of their formation in Africa itself. I thank the scholastics who have volunteered to go to Africa this year. Regional House in Windhoek, Namibia Sufficient land and buildings is an important key to the growth of the Region. With the consent of the Provincial Council, and in consultation with the confreres of the region, Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil has identified a plot of land with the buildings and has purchased the same. Citing the importance of having a house for the Region, Fr. Joseph writes:

“The MSFS Fathers of the Southern African Region work in the two neighboring countries of Namibia and South Africa. In South Africa, the MSFS work in four parishes under two dioceses, while in Namibia the MSFS render pastoral service in 6 parishes, also under two dioceses. The missions are very far from each other. In Namibia the southernmost mission is 1700 kms away from the northernmost mission. The distance cannot be covered in a day. The only International Airport in Namibia is 900 kms away from the Luderitz as well as from Anamulenge.

Hence, it was a long-felt need of the Region to purchase a house of its own. A house was bought in Cape Town in 2007. The transfer process of another house in Windhoek is underway, and is expected to be completed by the end of April. The house in Cape Town has 4 bed rooms, a kitchen, a sitting room and a prayer room. The house in Windhoek has 5 bed rooms, a kitchen, two lounges, and a dining room. In addition, there is a flat consisting of two sleeping rooms and a lounge. Both the houses are well situated in the town itself and are easily accessible. The confreres of the Southern African Region would like to express our profound sentiments of gratitude to our benefactors and to all who made it possible to acquire the houses.” We thank all those who have collaborated with us and supported our new venture in the Region. General Meeting of the Province Superior’s Forum The Superiors Forum Meet was held on Friday, March 27, 2009 at MSFS Provincialate, Guwahati. With 47 participants in attendance, the meeting begun at 8.40 am. At the start of the meeting, Fr. Francis Thadathil, the Provincial introduced the day’s program and welcomed all the participants. Fr. George Parampukattil, the General Councilor for Education gave an input session with the theme, “The Role ofSuperiors and Formation of Local Communities.” And in the course of the ensuing sessions, the councilors in-charge of different forums made short presentation on topics such as “Our Missionary Presence and Ventures in the Northeast” (Fr. Simon Thaikho), “The Priority, Focus and Concerns of the Apostolate of Education” (Fr. Tomy Moonannapallil), “The Formation of our Personnel: Concerns and Challenges” (Fr. Francis Poovelil), and “Venturing out to Newer Forms of Innovative Ministries in the Province” (Fr. Jacob Mattathil). In the absence of the Provincial Bursar, Fr. Francis Poovelil presented the Financial situation of the Province and highlighted the importance of raising funds locally for the developmental projects. Besides these, topics like Fransalian Educational Institutions; Role, Rights and relationship between Manager and Principal and Service rules for teaching and domestic staff were discussed. There were also group discussions on various matters pertaining to our life and ministry in the province. The meeting was the first of its kind in the Province; as such, it is an eye-opener for many of the confreres on various matters and it will have a fruitful impact in the days to come. The meeting came to an end with a con-celebrated Mass at 6.45 pm, which was followed by a sumptuous dinner. General Meeting of the Formation Forum Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil , Convenor cum Secretary, Formation Forum, N-E India Province shares the following: “The General Meeting of the Formation Forum of North-East India Province (FF-P) was held on the 28th of March 2009 at MSFS Provincialate, Narengi from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. It was attended by a good number of the members of the Forum. However, due to some unavoidable circumstances, everyone could not be present for the meeting. The meeting was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Noel Rebello MSFS, the General Secretary for Formation. Fr. Noel enlightened the Forum how to put into practise the ‘New MSFS Governance’ especially on matters regarding Formation; and explained to the Forum the ‘Step 1’ of the implementation plan. He also highlighted on the themes: ‘Formation in Community influences Formation; Formation for Mission determines Formation’. Expanding further he also dealt with some ‘Issues in Community’ and following the thoughts of our beloved Superior General, he invited all the members to return to ‘the Basics of Religious Life’. The session was followed by meetings where the members took time to evaluate each stage of Formation. The members have suggested a number of ways to provide a better formation to the candidates in various stages of formation. This General meeting gave an opportunity for everyone to get acquainted with the policies of New MSFS Governance and take stock of the formation scenario in the Province. The next General Meeting of the Forum is scheduled for the second week of April 2010.” I sincerely thank all the formation personnel for their work and service to the Province. General Meeting of the Education Forum The General meeting of the Fransalian Education Forum of North East India Province was held from March 11-13, 2009, at Provincial House, Narengi, Guwahati. In all, 19 participants attended the Three- day seminar which was animated by Rev. Fr. KP Mathew. Fr. Mathew appreciated the hard work of the MSFS in North East and the great achievements they have made inspite of the tough terrain and uncertainties of life in the region. He also exhorted everyone to promote and encourage creativity in our schools through Computer education, Science exhibition, Parents’ day celebration and similar activities. He also recommended the use of preventive method to ensure better discipline in our schools. Topics like Private Tuitions, Recruitment of Teachers, Minority Certificate, Vision and Mission statement for each school, Statistics, Fransalian Edu Times and Contribution for Education Forum Fund were also discussed during the meeting. The Sessions gave a new focus to everyone involved in educational ministry. Parents’ day Celebration at Don Bosco, Hojai A grand celebration of the Parents day was held on March 7, 2009 at Don Bosco School Hojai. The huge stage and an exquisite hall, with an excellent array of performances by the students and staff members made a deep impression in the minds of a throng of 4000 people. Fr. Shaibu Ezhanikatt’s efforts were loudly applauded by everyone. The Province has given the service of Fr. Shaibu to the archdiocese of Guwahati. We congratulate Fr. Shaibu’s administrative expertise and skills and wish him all the best as he continues to serve the community. Nomophobia - A new sickness Nomophobia (NO MObile contact PHOBIA) is reported to be the latest of the Phobias. The victims afflicted with this new sickness are growing in leaps and bounds. As we know too well today, not many are willing to go to a place where there is lack of mobile connectivity. We also notice that many get upsetand even panicky when the person on the other end does not respond immediately to a call surprisingly, even the Church personnel including bishops, priests and religious are also victims of this Phobia. Learning to use this gadget wisely and properly is still an art we are yet to master. Shouldn’t Churches, Chapels and other places of worship be constituted “Cell-free Zones?” In such places and gatherings, can we make ourselves free from the terror of attending to cell phones? Archbishop Joseph Mittathany Celebrates Two Milestone Moments The Year 2009 marks two important events in the life of Most Rev. Joseph Mittathany, archbishop emeritus of Imphal: the Golden Jubilee of his Sacerdotal ordination and Ruby Jubilee of his Episcopal ordination. A celebration of these two events is scheduled for 19 th April, 2009 at Imphal. His Grace has played an important role in the arrival of the MSFS to Northeast India. On this occasion, we wish His Grace good health, and assure him once again the support and prayers of all the confreres of the Province. Fr. Thomas Manjaly in the Pontifical Biblical Commission Rev. Fr. Thomas MANJALY is appointed a member to the Pontifical Biblical Commission. The Pontifical Biblical Commission is a committee of Cardinals, aided by consultors, who meet in Rome to ensure the proper interpretation and defense of Sacred Scripture. This function was outlined in the encyclical Providentissimus Deus. The first Commission was formally established by Pope Leo XIII on October 30, 1902 and was composed of 3 Cardinals and 12 consultors. Most of our young priests in the province have been students of Fr. Manjaly. Departure from the Congregation The following scholastics have been asked to discontinue from Suvdiya college, Bangalore: As they have left for home, Ottathaickal Jince Jose and Antony Kaipallil cease to be members of the Congregation. For the departed members Fr. Anil Francis Topno, who was killed in a car accident on Monday, 30 March 2009, at Calvinia, South Africa. He was working as an Assistant pastor at Catholic Church, Vredendal, South Africa after his ordination. Thresiamma, mother of Fr. Thomas Nirappel, who died on March 25, 2009 at Kozhuvanal, Kerala. She was 84 years old. Fr. Thomas was present with members of the family for the funeral service. Visits and Programs April 2009

1-2 : At Tetenbari: Memorial Mass for Fr. Anil Topno 3-4 : Council Meeting 7 : Chrism Mass at Kohima 8 : Blessing of the New School Building, Peren 9-12 : Easter Triduum : Guwahati 14-15 : At Shillong: Funeral of Fr. Anil Francis Topno 16-21 : At Guwahati 22 : Leaving for the Visit to Confreres in Europe. May 2009 20 : Return to India 21-24 : To Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh 25 : Blessing of the Presbytery, Silapathar 26 : Return to Guwahati 27-30 : At Guwahati Conclusion Easter is the greatest of the feasts in the Church. We are blessed to be part of this holy Season, once again. From the experiences of death and dying, we move to the experiences of resurrection, and daily rising. During the past months, many of us have experienced death in one form or the other. In somecases, death’s power was manifested in the loss of our loved ones; in other cases, it expressed itself in the struggles of our daily living. As members of the Province, we too have experienced the power of death in both ways. In the loss of Fr. Anil Francis Topno, we have literally tasted the power of death. The Province is impoverished by such a loss. And life in the missions of our region, as all of us know, is always mingled with the mystery of death. St. Paul offers an apt articulation of this mystery: “We are afflicted in every way, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body” ( II Cor 4:8-12). Each day of our life in the missions of the Northeast is a witness to such a reality.

As I conclude, allow me to recall the words of Gladys Steins, the wife of Graham Steins, who was burned alive by Hindu fundamentalists on Jan 22, 1999: “ Because He’s risen I can forgive…. ....” In the power of the Resurrection, each of us can also move on with a renewed hope; gather strength to forgive one another; strive to live a renewed life in our communities with a fresh determination to offer a solid witness of religious life and pastoral collaboration in the northeast. In the power of the resurrection, let us all march on.

Yours in the Lord,

Fr. Francis Thadathil, msfs Provincial

Look at afflictions in themselves, and they are dreadful; behold them in the will of God, and they are love and delights. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 9, Chapter 2)

LIVE JESUS

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus He came to love, To heal and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Jesus lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, All fear is gone!

Because I know He holds the future

My life is worth the living, just because He lives!

And then one day, I’ll cross that river,

I’ll fight life’s final war, life’s final war with pain.

And then as death gives way to victory,

I’ll see the lights of glory and

I’ll know my Jesus lives.

Courtesy: http://www.alighthouse.com/lives2.htm