OFFICIAL

MARY, BEACON OF HOPE

Dear Brothers and Sisters, God loves us; it tells us that there is a love in this world that is stronger than The month of February brings us lot of death, stronger than our weaknesses joy because of the proximity of the Feast and sins. The power of love is stronger of Our Lady of Gunadala. As we spoke than the evil which threatens us. It is this many times in our common meeting that mystery of the universality of God’s love it is the Feast for our entire Diocese and for men that Mary revealed in Lourdes. it has been a tradition for the people of She invites all people of good will, all our Diocese for the past 97 years. In those who suffer in heart or body, to raise 2023 we shall celebrate the Centenary. their eyes towards the Cross of Jesus, In view of it we are planning to build a so as to discover there the source of life, Church in her honour. “Go and tell the the source of salvation. priests that people should come here in procession, and that a chapel should be The primary purpose of our shrine of built here.” This is the message Lourdes is to be a place of encounter Bernadette received from the “beautiful with God in prayer and a place of ser- lady” in the apparition of 2 March 1858. vice to our brothers and sisters, notably For 97 years, pilgrims have never through the welcome given to the sick, ceased to come to this grotto of the poor and all who suffer. In this place, Gunadala hill since its establishment, to Mary comes to us as a mother, always hear the message of conversion and open to the needs of her children. hope which is addressed to them. Through the light which streams from her face, God’s mercy is made mani- “What a great thing it is to possess the fest. Let us allow ourselves to be Cross! He who possesses it possesses touched by her gaze, which tells us that a treasure” ( Andrew of Crete, we are all loved by God and never aban- Homily X on the Exaltation of the Cross, doned by him! Mary comes to remind PG 97, 1020). It is significant that, dur- us that prayer which is humble and in- ing the first apparition to Bernadette, tense, trusting and persevering must Mary begins the encounter with the sign have a central place in our Christian of the Cross. More than a simple sign, it lives. Prayer is indispensable if we are is an initiation into the mysteries of the to receive Christ’s power. “People who faith that Bernadette receives from Mary. pray are not wasting their time, even The sign of the Cross is a kind of syn- though the situation appears desperate thesis of our faith, for it tells how much and seems to call for action alone” (Deus

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 1 FEBRUARY 2020 OFFICIAL Caritas Est, 36). To allow oneself to be- tiny. She accompanies us with her ma- come absorbed by activity runs the risk ternal presence amid the events of our of depriving prayer of its specifically personal lives, our family lives, and our Christian character and its true efficacy. national lives. Happy are those men and The prayer of the Rosary, so dear to women who place their trust in him who, Bernadette and to Lourdes pilgrims, at the very moment when he was offer- concentrates within itself the depths of ing his life for our salvation, gave us his the Gospel message. It introduces us Mother to be our own!We need to keep to contemplation of the face of Christ. alive the message of Lourdes in From this prayer of the humble, we can Gunadala: Prayer and Reconciliation. draw an abundance of graces. Let’s all work together and complete this project with joy and enthusiasm. Mary’s message is a message of hope for all men and women of our day. On Personally, I would like to request your the paths of our lives, so often shrouded prayers as I enter my fifth year of Epis- in darkness, she is a beacon of hope copal Ministry on 2 February. I need your who enlightens us and gives direction collaboration, encouragement and to our journey. Through her “yes”, prayers. through the generous gift of herself, she has opened up to God the gates of our world and our history. And she invites us to live like her in invincible hope, re- + Thelagathoti J. Raja Rao, S.M.M. fusing to believe those who claim that Bishop of Vijayawada we are trapped in the fatal power of des-

MONTHLY RECOLLECTION FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2020: The monthly recollection for the pastoral clergy for the month of March, will be held on 9th March, 2020, Monday. It will start at 09.30 a.m. and will close by lunch. All the pastoral clergy are in- vited to attend without fail.

CHRISM MASS AND MONTHLY RECOLLECTION, APRIL 2020: There will be a monthly recollection for the pastoral clergy of the diocese on 6th April, 2020, Monday. It will start at 9.30 a.m. and will end with lunch. In the evening at 5.30 p.m. there will be Chrism Mass in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Vijayawada. All the priests are obliged to participate in the Chrism Mass.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 2 FEBRUARY 2020 OFFICIAL INSTRUCTION ON THE USE OF such songs are sung! I would like ev- RESPONSORIAL PSALM IN THE eryone to stop this practice and encour- CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST age the use of Responsorial Psalm. I heartily request and encourage the Responsorial Psalm is the composers to set tunes to Psalms that assembly’s response to the Word of are melodious with proper Antiphon God that has been proclaimed and it which can be sung by the assembly. should be sung whenever possible. It Please discard the habit of ‘Anukrama fosters meditation on the Word of God Geetham’ that does not correspond to (GIRM # 61). On some occasions the the Responsorial psalm. When the responsorial is a canticle from the OT psalm is sung, it is the Psalmist/cantor or NT, not precisely a psalm. It is pref- who should sing it from the Ambo and erable that the psalm be sung. The one help people sing the antiphon, assisted who leads the psalm should have the by the choir. Let not choir rob the role skills of singing and enunciating (GIRM of the assembly, rather choir must help # 102) prayerfully entering the spirit of assembly to sing the Antiphon. I re- the psalm and leading the assembly’s quest everyone in our parishes and the worship. Religious communities to take note of it and when the Mass is celebrated by During our Eucharistic celebrations un- the Bishop, it is obligatory to sing a fortunately we are not paying any at- Responsorial psalm, as indicated in the tention to it. Even during the feast days liturgy of the Day. During the public when we have a choir, in most cases celebration this liturgical discipline must the choir sings not a psalm assigned be observed. for the purpose but always a song de- scribing the Word of God. How unfor- tunate that on the Feast day of Holy + Thelagathoti J. Raja Rao, S.M.M. Cross, or Mary or another Saint, Bishop of Vijayawada BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS : FEBRUARY - APRIL 2020

Date Day Programme FEBRUARY, 2020 01 Saturday : Holy Childhood Celebration, 12:00 Noon : Mass at Allipalli, Eluru Diocese, 06:30 p.m. 02 Sunday : Fourth Anniversary of Episcopal Consecration of Bishop; : Laying of the Foundation Stone for the New Shrine Church in Gunadala, 5:00 p.m. : Mass at Grotto, Gunadalamatha Shrine 04 Tuesday : School Day Function of St. Anthony’s U.P.School, Atkur 3:30 p.m. 06 Thursday : Holy Family Feast Day, Mass at Velagalagudem, 6:30 p.m. 07 Friday : 100° years of the arrival of Sr. Mary Glowrey, JMJ, Guntur, 4:00 p.m.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 3 FEBRUARY 2020 OFFICIAL 08 Saturday : Provincial Chapter of SAB, Guntupalli, Inaugural Mass, 7:00 a.m. 09 Sunday : GUNADALAMATHA FESTIVAL 10 Monday : GUNADALAMATHA FESTIVAL 11 Tuesday : GUNADALAMATHA FESTIVAL 12 Wednesday : Leaving for Bangalore for CBCI Meeting 13 -19 : CBCI Plenary, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore. 20 Thursday : Returning to Vijayawada 22 Saturday : Arogyamatha Chapel blessing, Lankala Kalavakonta, Konkepudi Parish, 6:30 p.m. 23 Sunday : Feast of Siluvagirinagar Parish, Mass at 6:30 p.m. 24 Monday : Rajavaram Feast, Agiripalli Parish, Mass at 6:30 p.m. 25 Tuesday : Recollection, PIME Community, Eluru, 9.00 a.m. 26 Wednesday : ASH WEDNESDAY, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mass at 6.30 a.m 28 Friday : Feast of the Holy Cross, Siluvagattu, Mass at 6:30 p.m. 29 Saturday : General Body Meetings at SSC, Gunadala, 11:00 a.m.

MARCH, 2020 01 Sunday : Arogryamatha Feast at Kalidindi, 6:30 p.m. 02 Monday : Leaving for Hyderabad 03 - 05 : TCBC Meeting, Hyderabad 06 Friday : Returning to Vijayawada 09 Monday : MONTHLY RECOLLECTION for the Clergy 09 -18 : Pastoral Visits to Parishes. 11 Wednesday : Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Vennanapudi, 6:30 p.m. 17 Tuesday : Mass at St. Antony’s Shrine, Guntur, 6:30 p.m. 19 Thursday : New Chapel Blessing, Nagar, Telaprolu, 10:00 a.m. 20 Friday : Our Lady of Lourdes Feast, Bodavada-Jammavaram, 6:30 p.m. 23 - 04 April : Pastoral Visits to Parishes APRIL, 2020 06 Monday : MONTHLY RECOLLECTION for the Clergy : Chrism Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 05:30 p.m. 15 Wednesday : Blessing of Renovated chapel at Puttagunta, Arugolanu, 10:00 a.m. 17 Friday : Blessing of New Chapel at Patha Poranki, Kanuru Parish, 09:30 a.m. 18 Saturday : Blessing of Grotto at Jayapuram, Bantumilli Parish, 06:00 p.m. 22 Wednesday : DIOCESAN PRIESTLY ORDINATIONS at Gunadala, 5:00 p.m. 26 Sunday : Golden Jubilee Celebration of Pedana Parish, 6:00 p.m. 27 Monday : Blessing of Parish Church of Kanchikacherla, 10:00 a.m. 29 Wednesday : Parish Feast of Musunuru, 6:30 p.m. 30 Thursday : First Holy Communion and Confirmation at Mudinepalli, 6:30 p.m.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 4 FEBRUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN

INTENTION OF THE HOLY FATHER FEBRUARY, 2020 Listen to the Migrants’ Cries ’S QUOTE We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, “The Gospel is a call to holiness in victims of criminal trafficking, may concrete actions.” be heard and considered.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE XXVIII WORLD DAY OF THE SICK 2020 11 February 2020 “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

Dear brothers and sisters, ways give hope!” (Angelus, 6 July 2014). 1. Jesus’ words, “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will On this XXVIII World Day of the Sick, give you rest” (Mt 11:28) point to the Jesus repeats these words to the sick, mysterious path of grace that is revealed the oppressed, and the poor. For they to the simple and gives new strength to realize that they depend entirely on God those who are weary and tired. These and, beneath the burden of their trials, words of Christ express the solidarity of stand in need of his healing. Jesus does the Son of Man with all those who are not make demands of those who endure hurt and afflicted. How many people situations of frailty, suffering and weak- suffer in both body and soul! Jesus urges ness, but offers his mercy and his com- everyone to draw near to him – “Come forting presence. He looks upon a to me!” – and he promises them com- wounded humanity with eyes that gaze fort and repose. “When Jesus says this, into the heart of each person. That gaze he has before him the people he meets is not one of indifference; rather, it em- every day on the streets of Galilee: very braces people in their entirety, each per- many simple people, the poor, the sick, son in his or her health condition, dis- sinners, those who are marginalized by carding no one, but rather inviting ev- the burden of the law and the oppres- eryone to share in his life and to experi- sive social system... These people al- ence his tender love. ways followed him to hear his word, a word that gave hope! Jesus’ words al-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 5 FEBRUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN 2. Why does Jesus have these feelings? In your experience of illness, you cer- Because he himself became frail, en- tainly need a place to find rest. The dured human suffering and received Church desires to become more and comfort from his Father. Indeed, only more the “inn” of the Good Samaritan those who personally experience suffer- who is Christ (cf. Lk 10:34), that is, a ing are then able to comfort others. home where you can encounter his There are so many kinds of grave suf- grace, which finds expression in close- fering: incurable and chronic diseases, ness, acceptance and relief. In this psychological diseases, situations call- home, you can meet people who, healed ing for rehabilitation or palliative care, in their frailty by God’s mercy, will help numerous forms of disability, children’s you bear your cross and enable your or geriatric diseases… At times human suffering to give you a new perspective. warmth is lacking in our approach to You will be able to look beyond your ill- these. What is needed is a personalized ness to a greater horizon of new light approach to the sick, not just and fresh strength for your lives. of curing but also of caring, in view of an integral human healing. In experienc- A key role in this effort to offer rest and ing illness, individuals not only feel renewal to our sick brothers and sisters threatened in their physical integrity, but is played by healthcare workers: physi- also in the relational, intellectual, affec- cians, nurses, medical and administra- tive and spiritual dimensions of their tive professionals, assistants and volun- lives. For this reason, in addition to teers. Thanks to their expertise, they can therapy and support, they expect care make patients feel the presence of and attention. In a word, love. At the side Christ who consoles and cares for the of every sick person, there is also a fam- sick, and heals every hurt. Yet they too ily, which itself suffers and is in need of are men and women with their own frail- support and comfort. ties and even illnesses. They show how true it is that “once Christ’s comfort and 3. Dear brothers and sisters who are ill, rest is received, we are called in turn to your sickness makes you in a particular become rest and comfort for our broth- way one of those “who labour and are ers and sisters, with a docile and humble burdened”, and thus attract the eyes and attitude in imitation of the Teacher” (An- heart of Jesus. In him, you will find light gelus, 6 July 2014). to brighten your darkest moments and hope to soothe your distress. He urges 4. Dear healthcare professionals, let us you: “Come to me”. In him, you will find always remember that diagnostic, pre- strength to face all the worries and ques- ventive and therapeutic treatments, re- tions that assail you during this “dark search, care and rehabilitation are al- night” of body and soul. Christ did not ways in the service of the sick person; give us prescriptions, but through his indeed the noun “person” takes priority passion, death and resurrection he frees over the adjective “sick”. In your work, us from the grip of evil. may you always strive to promote the

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 6 FEBRUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN dignity and life of each person, and re- attacking those who devote themselves ject any compromise in the direction of to the service of the suffering members euthanasia, assisted suicide or suppres- of society does not serve the interests sion of life, even in the case of terminal of anyone. illness. 5. On this XXVIII World Day of the Sick, When confronted with the limitations and I think of our many brothers and sisters even failures of medical science before throughout the world who have no ac- increasingly problematic clinical cases cess to medical care because they live and bleak diagnoses, you are called to in poverty. For this reason, I urge be open to the transcendent dimension healthcare institutions and government of your profession that reveals its ulti- leaders throughout the world not to ne- mate meaning. Let us remember that life glect social justice out of a preoccupa- is sacred and belongs to God; hence it tion for financial concerns. It is my hope is inviolable and no one can claim the that, by joining the principles of solidar- right to dispose of it freely (cf. Donum ity and subsidiarity, efforts will be made Vitae, 5; Evangelium Vitae, 29-53). Life to cooperate in ensuring that everyone must be welcomed, protected, re- has access to suitable treatments for spected and served from its beginning preserving and restoring their health. I to its end: both human reason and faith offer heartfelt thanks to all those volun- in God, the author of life, require this. In teers who serve the sick, often compen- some cases, conscientious objection sating for structural shortcomings, while becomes a necessary decision if you are reflecting the image of Christ, the Good to be consistent with your “yes” to life Samaritan, by their acts of tender love and to the human person. Your profes- and closeness. sionalism, sustained by Christian char- ity, will be the best service you can offer To the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of for the safeguarding of the truest human the Sick, I entrust all those who bear the right, the right to life. When you can no burden of illness, along with their fami- longer provide a cure, you will still be lies and all healthcare workers. With the able to provide care and healing, assurance of a remembrance in my through gestures and procedures that prayers, I cordially impart my Apostolic give comfort and relief to the sick. Blessing.

Tragically, in some contexts of war and From the Vatican, 3 January 2020 violent conflict, healthcare profession- Memorial of the Most Holy Name of als and the facilities that receive and Jesus assist the sick are attacked. In some areas, too, political authorities attempt to manipulate medical care for their own FRANCIS advantage, thus restricting the medical profession’s legitimate autonomy. Yet

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 7 FEBRUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE and Convents who have not yet col- EPISCOPAL CONSECRATION OF lected the Annual Returns Forms, kindly OUR BISHOP: 2ndFebruary, 2020 is the collect them from the Bishop’s House fourth anniversary of my Episcopal Con- and submit the same duly filled in, to secration as the Bishop of the Diocese. the Bishop’s House. When filling the I request your valuable prayers for me forms, kindly pay attention to the record that the Spirit may strengthen me to lead of the previous year in order to avoid you to good pastures and be at your glaring inconsistencies and irregulari- service for your good and the good of ties. Undue delay in submitting these the diocese.I also appreciate and whole- forms causes a lot of inconvenience to heartedly thank you for your kind coop- the office. eration and immeasurable service in God’s work. Please continue to support PASTORAL COUNCIL AND FINANCE with the same zeal and dedication. COMMITTEE: All the parish priests are requested to send the names of the of- MONTHLY RECOLLECTION: Monthly fice bearers of Parish Pastoral Council Recollection for the Pastoral Clergy for and Parish Finance Committee to the the month of February, 2020 will be at Bishop’s Secretariat at the earliest. Very Vicariate level. All the priests are re- few parish priests have sent the quested to attend the recollection with- names..For any guidance on the forma- out fail. The Vicars Forane are requested tion of these councils/committees, to intimate the dates of their respective please approach Fr. Kolakani Marianna, Vicariate Recollections to the Bishop. the Judicial Vicar.

SUBMISSION OF ACCOUNTS : Those DATA OF THE LOCAL VOCATIONS: who have taken money from the We are trying to take stock of the Voca- Bishop’s House during the current finan- tions to Priesthood/Religious Life that cial year, i.e. 2019- 2020 should submit the diocese has produced and we seek an up-to-date statement of accounts with the assistance of all the Parish Priests bills and vouchers for audit, before the in order to collect this data. The data has th 15 March 2020. All those who have already been requested from the Par- taken money and have not spent the ish Priests through an email from the money are to return the balance amount Bishop’s office. to procure before the 25th March, 2020 as no balances should remain outside We appeal once again to the Parish the Society Accounts at the end of the Priests to collect the data of all Voca- st financial year, the 31 March 2020. tions to Priesthood/Religious Life that your parish has produced. Please take ANNUAL RETURNS FORMS-2019: the help of the Catechists in your parish Parish Priests, Heads of the Institutions

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 8 FEBRUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS to collect this information. The data re- from 19th April, 2020 to 24th April, 2020. quired is the following: It will be directed by Fr. Augustine 1. Name and Surname of the Priest/ Vallooran VC, Fr. Jose Prakash and Fr. Brother/Sister: John Prince Puthenpurackal VC. Please 2. Name of the Village from which he/she do make avail of this special retreat to hails: renew and nourish the spirit. 3. Name of the Religious Congregation/ Diocese to which he/she belongs: 4. Year of Ordination/Religious Profes- sion: 5. Current Appointment/Place of Work: 6. Contact Information: Address, Mobile Number, Email 7. Date of Death, if expired:

Kindly collect the above information for each of the Priest/Brother/Priest/Semi- narian hailing from your parish and send the same to the Secretaries of the Bishop.

INNER HEALING RETREAT FOR PRIESTS & RELIGIOUS AT DIVINE RETREAT CENTRE, MURINGOOR, POTTA: Divine Retreat Centre is con- ducting a special Inner Healing Retreat (in English) for Priests and Religious

COMMUNIO INDIA SUNDAY: As it is already published in the previous issues, Communio India Sunday in our dio- cese is shifted to the second Sunday of February, 2020 in order to facilitate bet- ter contributions by placing it at a more suitable period of the year within the con- text of calendar of collections in the dio- cese. We will take the special collection th for Communion India on 9 February, 2020. The Parish priests hereby re- quested to send the Communio India Sunday Collection to Bishop’s House as soon as possible.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 9 FEBRUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIOCESE IN JANUARY, 2020 SECOND SUNDAY COLLECTIONS S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION 1. St. Paul’s Cathedral 15,569 37.Jyothinagar 2,210 2. St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral 17,220 38.Kaikaluru 2,050 3. Agiripalli 413 39.Kalidindi 1,321 4. Ajithsinghnagar 3,324 40.Kambhampadu 289 5. Arugolanu 676 41.Kanchikacherla 2,412 6. Assisi Nagar (Konkepudi) 1,270 42.Kankipadu 2,239 7. Avanigadda 1,735 43.Kanuru 4,250 8. Avutapalli 7,275 44.Keesara ------9. Azzampudi 1,155 45.Kesarapalli 5,363 10.Bantumilli 601 46.Koduru 654 11.Bhaskaraopeta 420 47.Kondapalli 2,846 12.Bhyravapatnam 830 48.Kondapavuluru 730 13.Bodavada-Jammavaram 1,135 49.Korukollu 420 14.Bommuluru 1,387 50.Kotapadu 365 15.Carmelnagar 1,103 51.Kothapalli 170 16.Challapalli 1,562 52.Kuchipudi ------17.Chandarlapadu 378 53.Labbipeta 3,870 18.Chanubanda 319 54.Lourdunagar 644 19.Chatrai 650 55.Machilipatnam ------20.Chillakallu (Nov.376, Dec. 493) 455 56.Mallavalli 620 21.Christurajapuram 2,120 57.Manginapudi 394 22.Edara 1,260 58.Mariapuram (Lakshmipuram) 887 23.Edulagudem 943 59.Mucchintala 1,135 24.Enikepadu 900 60.Mudinepalli 1,170 25.Gampalagudem ------61.Mulapadu ------26.Gannavaram 1,820 62.Munagalapalli 598 27.Gollapudi 1,950 63.Musunuru 526 28.Goodmanpeta 1,618 64.Mylavaram 2,057 29.Gudivada 3,000 65.Nagayalanka 1,036 30.Gudlavalleru 2,000 66.Nandigama 3,230 31.Gunadala 47,598 67.Nawabupeta 879 32.Guntupalli 1,328 68.Nehrupeta ------33.Jagannadhapuram ------69.Nunna ------34.Jaggayyapeta ------70.Nuzvid-Town 2,336 35.Jakkampudi (Jeevan Nagar) 409 71.Pamarru 577 36.Joji Nagar 4,411 72.Pedda-Mustabad 1,030

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 10 FEBRUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS

S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION 73.Pedana 1,035 88.Thukkuluru 835 74.Penamaluru 2,067 89.Tiruvuru 942 75.Penugolanu 240 90.Uppaluru 1,350 76.Pezzonipeta 7,126 91.Vanukuru 1,237 77.Polukonda 956 92.Vatsavai 149 78.Pydurupadu 310 93.Velagalagudem 419 79.Rajareswaripeta 1,582 94.Vellaturu 1,180 80.Ramanakkapeta 767 95.Velpur 830 81.Ranigarithota 940 96.Vennanapudi 430 82.Sahayanagar (Ibrahimpatnam) 1,129 97.Ventrapragada 430 83.Saradhanagar 1,087 98.Vissannapeta 1,056 84.Satyanarayanapuram 2,546 99.Vuyyuru 2,210 85.Siluvagattu 252 100. Yesupuram 370 86.Siluvagirinagar 410 TOTAL 2,05,027 87.Telaprolu ------

MASSES

04.01.2020 Jaggayyapeta @Rs.100 40 4,000 13.01.2020 Challapalli @Rs.100 50 5,000 23.01.2020 Uppaluru @Rs.100 11 1,100 25.01.2020 Gudivada @Rs.100 10 1,000 20.01.2020 Kesarapalli @Rs.100/- 110 11,000 27.01.2020 Joji Nagar @Rs.100/- 26 2,600 28.01. 2020 St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral @Rs.100 107 10,700 30.01.2020 Gundalamatha Shrine @Rs.100/- 829 82,900 31.01. 2020 Edara @Rs.100 425 42,500 Total 1608 1,6,800

FAMILY CARDS

28.01. 2020 St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral 5,590 31.01. 2020 Gunadalamatha Shrine 7,230 Total 12,820

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IN VINCULO CHRISTI 18 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE Annual Retreat for the Junior Clergy was complimenting each talk with his life 42 priests of the Diocese participated in experiences to help the retreatants. He the Annual Retreat for the Junior Clergy also expressed his gratitude to all those of Vijayawada which was held from who facilitated the retreat in various 6th January to 10th January, 2020 at ways. Fr. Marlapati Bhanu Yeswant Kumar, Bishop’s House, Vijayawada.

Parish Feast of Jagannadhapuram

The parish feast of Jagannadhapuram parish was celebrated on 17th January, 2020. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by His Lordship Most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao SMM, the Bishop of Vijayawada in the presence Bishop’s House. The retreat was guided of 25 priests and over 2000 faithful. His by Fr. Antony Menezes SVD, the former director of Ishvani Kendra Pune, and the present director of Atma Darshan, Mumbai. Welcoming the preacher and the priests on the first day of the retreat, His Lordship said that retreat is not only a time of being with the Lord but an op- portunity to rejuvenate and reinvent our- selves in our pastoral life. The preacher who holds a doctorate in counselling psychology helped the young clergy of Lordship in his homily, preached about the diocese by his psycho-spiritual ap- how each of us is called to be the living proach and self-help techniques during temples of the Holy Spirit and that it is the retreat. Fr. Kuchipudi Prasanth, the possible only when everyone lives in parish priest of Vennanapudi, while unity by the fruits and gifts of the spirit. thanking the preacher at the conclusion of the retreat expressed how Fr. Tony The parish priest thanked His while being informative, was also pos- Lordship and all the priests and the reli- ing thought-provoking questions and gious who added grandeur to the cel- ebration through their gracious pres-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 19 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS ence. He also thanked the parish com- Srinagar. munity for their generosity in Nine priests contributing towards the feast. from Jammu- Srinagar dio- Fr. Neeluri Mariadas, Parish Priest, cese and few Jagannadhapuram others priests of different Ordination Celebration at Korukollu congrega- Parish tions and dio- 18th January, 2020 was a memorable ceses and re- day to the parishioners of Korukollu as ligious sisters they witnessed the solemn ordination were present ceremony of Deacon Kurma Bhagya for the cel- Raju. He hails from Prodhuvaka, the ebration. substation of Korukollu parish. On that The faithful day, Most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph participated in large numbers. The new Raja Rao SMM, the Bishop of priest, Fr. K. Bhagya Raju celebrated his Vijayawada presided over the solemn first thanksgiving Mass on 19th January, Eucharistic celebration, while Most Rev. 2020 at Prodhuvaka village. It was in- Ivan Albert Pereira, Bishop of Jammu- deed a great cause of joy to the faithful Srinagar ordained the deacon for the of Prodhuvaka village as the son of the diocese of Jammu-Srinagar. soil is going on a mission to Jammu- Srinagar diocese. Rev. Fr. Jose Johh Neelamkavil pre- Fr. Merugumala Anil Kumar, sented the candidate to the Bishop on Parish Priest, Korukollu behalf of the diocese of Jammu- NEWS FROM THE RELIGIOUS 75th Death Anniversary of Bro. Jo- cial minister of Marymatha Capuchin seph Thamby at PedddaAvutapalli province during the holy mass on 13th morning; he was the main celebrant 1. The Holy Masses and the Cel- of the mass , along with priests of ebrants:-The Holy Masses were the the community in Avutapally. All the core and centre of all the celebrations solemn masses were offered in the each day. Each day’s celebration was morning and in the evening on the begun with the Holy Eucharistic cel- stage (Br. Joseph Thamby ebration. Dignitaries of Capuchins Kalaavedika). There were masses of- and dioceses were the main cel- fered for the faithful in the main ebrants along with many other church during the day time too. Most concelebrants. Jubilee celebrations Rev. Jayarao Polimera, the bishop of were declared open by Rev. Fr. Eluru, Most Rev. Paul Maipan, the Melchior Kata OFM Cap, the provin- bishop of Khammam, Most Rev.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 20 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS Antony Poola, the bishop of Kurnool 3. New Ventures and Religious Articles: diocese, Most. Rev. Joseph Raja Rao • Br. Joseph Thamby: “Br. Joseph Thamby” a biography (in Telugu) writ- ten by Fr. Praveen Kumar Gopu OFM Cap, the editor of “Thamby Velugu “ magazine and Fr. Devadas Duguta OFM Cap, the Rector of Br. Joseph Thamby Shrine was released by Most Rev. Joseph Raja Rao SMM, the bishop of Vijayawada, during the

SMM, the bishop of Vijayawada, Fr. Devadas Duguta OFM Cap, the rec- tor of Br. Joseph Thamby Shrine Pedda Avutapally were the main cel- ebrants of the holy masses respec- tively for the morning and the evening solemn masses on 13th, 14th and 15thJanuary, 2020. Many priests from different dioceses participated in Holy Eucharistic celebration on 15th these Eucharistic Celebrations. of January. 2. Faith and Faithful ( Pilgrims):- • Mementoes :- Mementoes labelled Lakhs of pilgrims visited the shrine not “ Br. Joseph Thamby’s, 75th Death An- only on the designated three days of niversary“ conceived and designed the festival but also the later days, up by Fr. Melchior Kata OFM Cap, and his definitors, were released by Most Rev. Joseph Raja Rao SMM, the bishop of Vijayawada, on 15th of January. • The Image (statue) of Br. Joseph Thamby:- The Image (statue) of Br. Joseph Thamby was unveiled , prayed over, and blessed by Fr. Melchior Kata OFM Cap, in the pres- ence of all his definitors, Fr. Devadas Duguta OFM Cap, Fr. Innababu to 18th of January. People of all faiths Polamarasetty OFM Cap, Fr. Joseph visited and prayed for their intentions Paladugu OFM Cap, many other through the intercessions of the ser- priests and a huge number of pilgrims vant of God, Br. Joseph Thamby. on 13th of January.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 21 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS • Br. Joseph Thamby Kalaavedika:- mass with aninspiring message con- The renovation and extension of “Br. gratulating Sr. Jyothi on the auspicious Joseph Thamby Kalaavedika” is an- occasion and preached on how to live other remarkable venture of the year as well as the jubilee.

4. Thanksgiving Holy Mass:- A Thanksgiving Holy Mass was offered in the evening of the last day of the jubilee i.e 15th of January by the members of the community (Pedda Avupally) i.e., Fr. Devadas Duguta OFM Cap,the rector of the shrine, Fr. Innababu Polamarasetty OFM Cap, the parish priest, Fr. Joseph Paladugu as a jubilarian and a consecrated per- OFM Cap, the assistant parish priest, son in her future years with renewed Br. Francis Kunnapalli, along with spirit graciously and joyfully.

Many sisters of different congregations including Nirmala sisters, her family

other priests. Glory be to the Triune Godhead, Amen. Fr. Innababu Polamarasetty OFM (Cap), members, friends and parishioners Parish Priest, PeddaAvutapally joined the celebration imploring God’s blessings upon her and congratulated Silver Jubilee Celebration of Sr. Jyothi her. Sr. Jyothi is rendering her services Joseph MSI in Penamaluru Parish in Brazil as a missionary for the past 13 On 11th January, 2020 Sr. Jyothi Joseph years. She thanked each one present Satyanapalli MSI (Nirmala Sisters) cel- and requested their prayers so that she ebrated the Silver Jubilee of her First could continue to live in her mission joy- Profession at the parish church of fully. The celebration ended with the fe- Penamaluru, her native place. His Lord- licitation followed by a delicious meal. ship, Most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Fr. Nuthalapati Kishore, Parish Priest, Raja Rao, SMM along with 11 priests Penamaluru celebrated a beautiful and meaningful

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 22 FEBRUARY 2020 GUNADALAMATHA FESTIVAL SPECIAL

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 23 FEBRUARY 2020 GUNADALAMATHA FESTIVAL SPECIAL

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 24 FEBRUARY 2020 GUNADALAMATHA FESTIVAL SPECIAL

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 25 FEBRUARY 2020 GUNADALAMATHA FESTIVAL SPECIAL

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 26 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS Blessing and Inauguration of Sacred the ever growing faithful. Previous par- Heart Parish Church, Nunna ish priests made efforts to build a new Sacred heart Parish, Nunna(1958) which church. Rev. Fr. Nannam Ratnasamy is situated on the outskirts of Vijayawada MSFS took great interest, under the was bifurcated from Pezzonipeta and guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Chinnappa became an independent parish in April Reddy, the Provincial Superior, 1971. Rev. Fr. C. Rimondi PIME, when Visakhapatnam Province laid the foun- he was parish priest of Pezzonipeta had acquired eight acres of land on the Vijayawada-Nuzvid highway. The presbytery was built in 1973. Fr. Jose Nedumackal built the parish church in 1976 Fr. M. Masala PIME remodelled the presbytery. This mission is now entrusted to the MSFS Fathers in 1979 during the time of late Bishop Joseph Thumma. It was begun with 25 Catholic families but now it has grown into 150 families. It has dation stone on 26th June 2017. Under the supervision of Fr. Madanu Vijaya Raju MSFS and Fr. Jangam Ravi Kumar MSFS the church was completed. The newly constructed Sacred Heart Church was blessed and consecrated by Most Rev. Dr. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao SMM, the Bishop of Vijayawada in the presence of Rev. Fr. Chinnappa Reddy, the Provincial Superior of MSFS, who inaugurated the Parish Church on got 7 substations. Fr. Joseph Karachira (Tuesday) 21st January 2020. The MSFS was the first parish priest who blessing and consecration of the new belongs to MSFS congregation. Later Fr. church was witnessed by number of Joseph Vichatt designed and built a priests and religious, and a vast num- beautiful entrance gate and erected the ber of faithful. statues of Our Lady and Jesus on the Fr. Madanu Vijayaraju MSFS, Cross in 1999. Parish Priest, Nunna

Few years ago, Frs. Ratnasamy, Dola Velangani Rao MSFS made efforts to extend the church, but in the course of time the church could not accommodate

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 27 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS NEWS FROM THE CENTRES / COMMISSIONS The Formation of New Youth Group mass. Let us wish them all the best that in Vellaturu Parish our good Lord may guide them in their ministry. New Youth Group was formed in Kandulapadu; one of the substations of Fr. John Babu, the Diocesan Youth Vellaturu Parish on 15thDecember by Fr. Director, Prayrana Youth Centre, John Babu, the Diocesan Youth Direc- Carmel Nagar, Gudadala tor and Fr. Raraju, the parish priest of Vellaturu. There were 25 youth who vol- YSM/YCM Students of Atkinson cel- untarily came forward to render their ser- ebrate Christmas with the aged at vice to the Church. On that day, Fr. John Nambur

On the 21st of Dec. 2019, the YSM/YCM students visited the ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ a Home for the aged at Nambur together with Fr. John Babu the youth di- rector and Sr. Christia the Principal of Atkinson Senior Secondary School, Tarapet, Vijayawada. As planned in ad- vance, all the generously donated items were collected by YSM students. The Babu celebrated the Holy Eucharist items included soaps, detergents, along with the parish priest. During the clothes, fruits etc. homily, Fr. John Babu welcomed and ap- preciated the step taken by the youth The inmates of the Home for the Aged, and encouraged them to build and carry gathered in the hall, were totally im- the faith formation in the community mersed in watching the Christmas skit. level in order to inspire the coming gen- eration to take the responsibility of car- rying the faith in their day to day life. All the 25 youth swore an oath to continue the spirit of being a real Catholic youth to work and serve the people in faith and charity. It was a grand celebration where all the villagers were present and the new youth group was given T-Shirts and Diocesan Youth Calendar. The celebra- tion ended with grand meal after the Amidst the singing of carols, with joyful hearts, the people in the home joined the

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 28 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS celebration with clapping of hands and Bible Exam for Catechists- 2020 broad smiles. As the fruits were distrib- Bible Exam for Catechists was held on uted, the students interacted with the eld- 22 January 2020 at Pastoral Centre, erly; some of them recollected their past Carmel Nagar. 57 catechists wrote the days and some with eyes filled with nos- talgia. Undoubtedly, there was happiness around. Fr. John Babu and Sr. Christia addressed the inmates accentuating the spirit of sharing and caring for the help- less. The students felt truly involved and expressed their desire to make frequent visits, most of all to see the radiance on the faces of the elderly people.

This small gesture proved that YSM/ YCM could bring value to the lives of exam. Prize money, Certificate and Me- people. A special thanks to Sr. Christia, mento will be awarded to the winners on the Principal of Atkinson Senior Second- the last day of Gunadalamatha Festival ary School, YSM students and staff. after the Holy Eucharist by His Lordship Fr. John Babu, the Diocesan Youth Most Rev. Dr. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Director, Prayrana Youth Centre, Rao, SMM, the bishop of Vijayawada. Carmel Nagar, Gunadala

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 29 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS Diocesan Catechism Examination -2020 which was conducted on 28th January, I am happy to bring to your kind notice 2020 at Bishop Grassi High School. The that 250 best Catholic students of 4th to prize money, Mementos and the Certifi- 10th classes from our Catholic Schools cates will be distributed to those who se- cured First, Second and Third in each class on 11th February, after the Mass by our bishop, His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao SMM. Sincere thanks to Fr. Inti Antony, the correspondent of Bishop Grassi High School for the timely support and to all who supported and encouraged this programme. Fr. Damala Vijaya Kumar, Director, of our diocese have appeared for The St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Diocesan Catechism Examination Carmel Nagar

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 30 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS

NEWS FROM THE SCHOOLS

Annual Day Celebration of Holy gusto. The spectacular evening was Cross English Medium High School, eventful with the distinguished assem- Kaikalur

The School Annual day celebration of Holy Cross English Medium High

bly of guests headed by His Lordship Most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao SMM, Bishop of Vijayawada, Rev. Fr. Guzzula , DGM of the RCM Schools, Sri. Dulam Nageswar Rao School, Kaikalur was celebrated on 9th MLA, Kaikalur constituency, Rev. Sr. January, 2020. It was a hilarious and Veena Panamkatt UMI, the Provincial enraptured celebration and the Holy Superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Cross family was in great elation and Immaculate and other invited dignitar-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 31 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS ies. The Bishop lauded and appreciated the Bishop, His Excellency, Most Rev. the management and staff for the un- Dr. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, wavering personal commitment and SMM, and to the invited priests by conviction to the cause of education and Fr. Michael DGM, Sr. Shiby Antony for being an instrumental for social trans- FMSC, the Principal, the staff & students formation. of St. Francis School. Little children dressed in pure white stood like little The theme of the annual day outlined angels in long queues with flowers to the vision of the school that aims at im- welcome our beloved Bishop and the buing a strong value system in the young aspiring students. The annual exhibition of talents that showcased the enchant- ing performance of the students was appreciated by one and all.

Sr. Litty Mathew UMI, Headmistress, Holy Cross Eng Med High School, Atapaka, Kaikalur A New Feather in the Cap of St Francis E.M. High School, Machili construction committee members. patnam Laying of the foundation Stone was done in a solemn manner starting with Our heart overwhelmed in gratitude to prayers, invoking God’s blessings on the Almighty; the campus of St. Francis proposed venture. The ceremony was school echoed the noise of festivity. On presided over by His Excellency. The esteemed presence of diocesan con- struction committee members, Fr. Eleti William Jay Raju, Rector and Parish Priest of Gunathalamatha shrine, Fr. P.K. Joseph, Parish Priest of Kesarapalli, Fr. Marianna, the Director of Education Desk and other priests added grandeur to the occasion.

His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Raja 10th January 2020, a formal ceremony Rao SMM, during the ceremony, men- was held to lay the foundation stone for tioned that the School Management has the new block of ISC Class XI & XII, in successfully offered quality education to St. Francis School, Machilipatnam. Prior everyone especially to the poor for the to the actual laying of the foundation last 40 years. The school has a long list stone, a warm welcome was given to of eminent persons who are its alumni; the two engineers, who have undertaken

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 32 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS the construction, cherished their memo- The day was filled with the grateful pres- ries of their school days in the same ence of our Chief Guest, His Lordship campus. Most Rev.Dr.Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, Bishop of Vijayawada, Sri Dulam The Bishop lauded the services ren- Nageswara Rao, MLA of Kaikaluru con- dered by the management and staff un- stituency, Rev. Mother Jane Mary, Pro- der stressful conditions to develop the vincial Superior, Vijayawada, Former people of the region. By upgrading, the Principals, MEO, MRO, and MDO of School can give better service to the so- Mudinepalli, other Priests and religious ciety; it is definitely a milestone in the of the neighbourhood, Parents and well history of the school as well as in the wishers added grandeur to the occasion. growth and development of the society. The Bishop appreciated the manage- The correspondent Fr. Michael ably ment and the staff for their efficient man- steered the upgradation of the academic agement of the school and services. He level from ICSE to ISC (XI and XII classes). It was the significant event and a great venture in the history of the school. The institute is now poised for its growth and today’s occasion is a land mark in this direction.

Sr. Shiby Antony FMSC, Principal, St. Francis School E.M.High School, Machilipatnam Silver Jubilee Celebration of Sahayamatha English Medium High congratulated the students and urged School, Mudinepalli the parents to strive for the goal of the institution. As a Silver Jubilee memorial Sahayamatha English Medium High our Alumni contributed money for the School celebrated the Silver Jubilee of construction of a new entrance gate for the school on 10th January 2020. It is an the school. In connection with the Silver occasion to raise our hearts in gratitude Jubilee we conducted various competi- to the Almighty God for all his blessings, tions for the parents and distributed loving protection and providence all prizes on that day. The celebrations through the past Twenty Five years. It have a great success due to the great was really a Joyous celebration and a effort of the management and staff. great event for the children of the school to put up a talented and wondrous show. Sr. Elvin, Headmistress, Sahayamatha E.M. High school, Mudinepalli

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 33 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Indian Church to use new English subsequently recognised by the Congre- lectionary from April gation for Divine Worship and Discipline January 13, 2020 Matters India of the Sacraments in 2018.

Bengaluru, Jan 13, 2020: The Confer- Father Alathara says for many years ence of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) there has been a general unease and will release the new English lectionary frequent dissatisfaction with the present for the Church in India on February 16 scriptural texts used in the celebration and it will come into effect from Palm of Mass. “When biblical books are put Sunday, April 5. into modern languages several prob- lems arise regarding the integrity of the The conference claims the new lectionary’s publication is a landmark in the Indian Church history and that it is a contribution of the Church in India to the Universal Church. “It shows our biblical scholarship and liturgical competence,” says a CCBI press note from its deputy secretary general Father Stephen Alathara.

The CCBI, the national body of the Latin text. Biblical scholars worry that some rite bishops in the country, had in 2015 versions in English do not respect its ac- directed its Bible and Liturgy Commis- tual meaning. They are more para- sions to prepare the lectionary and they phrase than translation, meaning the took “almost five years to complete this original texts are interpreted rather than significant and important project.” rendered accurately,” he explains.

The lectionary presents has been pre- “In recent years the importance of ac- pared by experienced and prominent curacy in translation has been stressed. biblical scholars ensuring compatibility It was felt by the members of the CCBI with Catholic teaching and textual ac- that the English versions in use did not curacy from the original texts of the do this sufficiently and scripture schol- scriptures. The English Standard Ver- ars were engaged to help us with an sion Catholic Edition has been used accurate English translation.” The throughout in the new lectionary. The CCBI’s 29th plenary assembly, held on Psalms have been adopted from the February 7, 2017, in Bhopal, unani- Abbey Psalms approved by the Episco- mously approved the English Standard pal Conference of the United States and Version Bible Catholic Edition, granted

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 34 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS the Imprimatur for this translation and Here are six women who played a piv- approved it for liturgical use. otal role in shaping India as a republic:

The Lectionary is prepared in accor- 1. Rani Lakshmibai dance with the Indian liturgical calendar. She was one of the key figures behind Special readings for solemnities, feasts the First War of Independence of 1987 and memorials of the Indian and against the East India Company. Here votive Masses for our country is the was a woman who wouldn’t take no for unique specialty of the lectionary. The an answer. When the British wanted to revised liturgical calendar for the Church take over the Jhansi Fort in the absence in India was approved by the Vatican on of a legitimate male heir, she fought March 2. 2015. against them for two straight weeks, making herself heard loud and clear. The new lectionary was presented to the Congregation for Divine Worship and 2. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit Discipline of Sacraments on October 16, 2019, and it was scrutinized by a schol- A diplomat and a politician, Vijaya ars’ team led by Cardinal Oswald Laksmi Pandit was the first woman to Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay. The become the president of the UN Gen- confirmation came on December 9, eral Assembly. Prior to that, she was the 2019. The three volumes of the first woman to hold a cabinet position in lectionary have been prepared over two British India. She had also served as an years by the CCBI Commission for Lit- ambassador to the Soviet Union, United urgy in collaboration with the Commis- States and was the Indian High Com- sion for Bible. “Great care has been missioner to the United Kingdom. taken to present the readings in a way especially suitable for reading in the re- 3. Sarojini Naidu quired manner. The long journey to pro- A freedom fighter and a poet, Sarojini vide accuracy and integrity to the sacred Naidu was the first women governor of scriptures has now been realized,” Fa- an Indian State and the first Indian ther Alathara says. woman president of the Indian National Congress. Having joined the indepen- Six women who shaped India as dence movement soon after the parti- republic tion of Bengal in 1905, she helped form New Delhi, Jan 25, 2020: Virginia Woolf of the Women’s Indian Association. She had once said, “For most of history, even joined Annie Besant to present the anonymous was a woman.” But when it case for the women’s right to vote in came to the Indian Independence Move- London. ment, women walked shoulder-to-shoul- der with men to help India receive its 4. Aruna Asaf Ali Independence. An Indian Independence activist, Aruna

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 35 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS Asaf Ali became Delhi’s first mayor in the Minister for Social Welfare and Mi- 1958. She is also remembered for her norities. Begum Rasul was awarded a role in the Quit India Movement of 1942, Padma Bhushan in 2000 for her contri- during which she hoisted the Indian bution to social work. National Congress flag at the Gowalia Pope asks Cardinal Gracias to con- tinue as Bombay archbishop January 29, 2020 Matters India

Mumbai, Jan 28, 2020: Church leaders in India have welcomed Pope Francis Tank maidan in Bombay. She was im- asking Cardinal Oswald Gracias to con- prisoned in Tihar jail, from where she tinue as the Bombay archdiocese. ““It is launched a hunger strike to protest good news. We welcome the cardinal’s against unfair and indifferent treatment extension as the Archbishop of of prisoners. In 1997, she was posthu- Bombay,” Bishop Allwyn D’Silva told mously awarded the Bharat Ratna, Matters India on January 28, respond- India’s highest civilian award.

5. Annie Beasant A women’s right activist, socialist and orator, Annie Beasant was part of the Indian National Congress. She was elected as its president after World War I broke out in 1914. To campaign for democracy in India and dominion sta- tus within the British Empire, Beasant helped launch the Home Rule League. ing to the Pope’s decision. Annie Beasant continued to campaign for the Indian Independence movement Cardinal Gracias had on November 30, until her death in 1933. 2019, submitted to the Pope in person his resignation from the archbishop’s 6. Begum Aizaz Rasul post as he was to complete 75 years on December 24 the same year. A letter Begum Aizaz Rasul was the only Mus- from the Congregation for the Evangeli- lim woman to be part of the be a mem- zation of Peoples to Cardinal Gracias ber of the Constituent Assembly of In- says the “Holy Father has asked you to dia. She remained a member until 1952, continue ‘donec aliter provideatur (until and was one of very few women who other provision is made).” was elected to be a part of the UP legis- lative assembly after contesting from a The congregation’s December 6 letter non-reserved seat. She also served as expresses its gratitude to the cardinal

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 36 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS for what he is doing for the service of archdiocese by Cardinal Valerian the Church in Mumbai, in India and the Gracias (no relation) on December 20, Universal Church. “Permit me to add my 1970. From 1971 to 1976, he served as own personal esteem and affection,” chancellor and secretary to Jesuit said Cardinal Filoni Fernando, prefect Bishop Joseph Rodericks of of the Vatican congregation. Jamshedpur.

Bishop D’Silva, one of the auxiliaries of He then went to Rome to study at the Bombay archdiocese, says people in Pontifical Urbaniana University from Mumbai had expected the extension where he obtained a doctorate in canon because of the cardinal’s caliber, knowl- law, and a diploma in jurisprudence. On edge, and experience of Church affairs his return to Mumbai, he was named both in India and the Universal Church. chancellor, judge of the metropolitan tri- bunal, and judicial vicar. He served as The environmentalist-turned prelate the chancellor of the archdiocese dur- hailed the cardinal as “an effective spiri- ing 1982-1988. He also served as a vis- tual leader, who is respected across the iting professor to the seminaries of political spectrum in India and abroad. Bombay, Poona, and Bangalore, as well Gracias has guided the church in India as serving as president of the Canon with courage and prudence.” Law Society of India.

Cardinal Gracias is one of the six advis- Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxil- ers of Pope Francis. He is the president iary Bishop of Bombay on June 28, of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of 1997. He was named the Archbishop of India, which is scheduled to hold it bi- Agra on September 7, 2000, and Arch- ennial plenary meeting in Bengaluru mid bishop of Bombay on October 14, 2006. February. The cardinal is eligible for He served as secretary general of the another term as the head of the Indian Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, as he continues as the and its president of the Conference of Bombay archbishop. Until a year ago, Catholic Bishop in India (Latin rite). Pope he was the president of the Federation Benedict XVI made him a cardinal on of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. October 17, 2007. Christians faced 1,774 hate crimes in Gracias Gracias was born in Mumbai to four years Jervis and Aduzinda Gracias of Goan origins. He completed his school stud- Bhopal, Jan 28, 2020: From 2016 to ies at St. Michael’s School in Mahim and 2019, Indian Christians have faced joined Jesuit-managed St. Xavier’s Col- 1,774 cases of hate crimes across 25 lege, Mumbai. After a year, he entered states and 3 Union Territories, says Per- the Seminary of St. Pius X in Bombay, secution Relief report. In other words, for his philosophy and theology studies. India witnessed 59.6 percent rise in hate He was ordained a priest for Bombay crimes against Christians during the

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 37 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS same period, says Persecution Relief’s Himachal Pradesh making a total of 8 much-awaited “Annual Report-2019. out of 28 states to have passed the same law. Persecution Relief is an ecumenical fo- rum that records Christian persecution The Persecution Relief started in 2017 in India. In 2019 alone, the forum docu- a toll-free number 1800-1234- 461 to mented 527 cases compared to 447 provide comprehensive support to the cases in 2018, 440 in 2017 and 330 in persecuted. Between 2017 to 2019, it 2016. It was a drastic leap of 179.4 per- received 2,718 calls from Christians cent. desperately seeking help and relief. As many as 739 such calls were recorded Uttar in 2019 alone. Pradesh, India’s most The ecumenical forum says Christian populous persecution is no more confined to a state, particular state. The authorities have emerged as made trivial efforts to dissuade the BJP- the most controlled states and mobs from con- hostile place tradicting religious liberty and breach- for Chris- ing the constitutional rights of religious tians for minorities. three con- secutive The police often misuse and abuse their years. Tamil Nadu continues at the sec- authority and operate as extended ond spot with 75 cases, followed by hands of the religious fanatics, the re- Karnataka, 32 cases, Maharashtra 4 port said. In many instances, hate with 31 cases and Bihar with 30 cases speeches by influential leaders some- at number 5. What stands out among times involving the lethal narrative the hate crimes in India is that four Chris- around national identity based on reli- tians were murdered in 2019. gion, have played a massive role in bringing division among the once ami- In the same year, the forum recorded cable masses. These conditions among 199 incidents related to threats, intimi- many others have attributed to the un- dation and harassment against Chris- usual spurt of violence in India. tians, 104 attacks on churches, 85 inci- “We at Persecution Relief are an orga- dents of physical violence, 100s of nization that creates a global awareness house churches forcefully closed by re- about Christian Persecution in India by ligious fanatics and the local adminis- reporting authentic information and ad- tration in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. vocating on behalf of the persecuted The anti-conversion law was introduced Christians by providing them with com- in two states ruled by the Bharatiya prehensive support,” said Shibu Tho- Janata Party (BJP) — Jharkhand and mas, founder, Persecution Relief. “Our

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 38 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS Annual Reports are trusted and utilized population of 1.3 billion. However, they by various governments and organiza- have never faced a situation as hostile tions across the globe. Our reports are as the current one since independence logical and all-inclusive about the atroci- in 1947. Information on the plight of the ties faced by the Christians in India,” he persecuted people will empower the added. weakening religious minorities in India and free the masses of their ignorance Thomas has recently written an open about hate crimes against Christians, letter to the Prime Minister of India, high- Thomas said. lighting the plight of the persecuted Christians in India.Indian Christians amount to 2.3 percent of India’s total

VATICAN NEWS

contributed to the book’s introduction and conclusion, and whether he gave What does Benedict XVI actually permission for publishers to identify him say in new book on priestly celi- as a coauthor of the text. bacy? Vatican City, Jan 14, 2020 / 12:37 pm While that controversy is ongoing, less (CNA).- In his chapter in a new book on discussed is what Benedict XVI actually priestly celibacy, Pope Emeritus said in the chapter of the book that the Benedict XVI says a historical under- pope emeritus did write. What did standing of the priesthood in the Old and Benedict XVI say in his chapter of the New Testaments makes it clear that celi- bacy is an ontological, rather than op- tional, part of the Catholic priesthood.

“From the Depths of Our Hearts” is set to be released in French this week and in English next month. The book con- sists of chapters written individually by Benedict and Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, as well as a joint introduction and conclusion. Controversy has book? At the core of his writing is an shrouded the book since its publication argument that the sexual abstinence that was announced Jan. 12, largely over was merely “functional” for the priests disagreement about how much Benedict of the Old Testament has been trans-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 39 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS formed into something “ontological” in Since the entire life of the priest in the the priesthood of the New Covenant, New Covenant is “in contact with the according to a draft text of the book seen divine mystery,” he says, it demands by CNA. “exclusivity with regard to God” and be- comes incompatible with marriage, Benedict’s chapter examines the history which also requires one’s whole life. of the priesthood in the Old and New “From the daily celebration of the Eu- Testaments, saying that a proper under- charist, which implies a permanent state standing of the nature of the priesthood of service to God, was born spontane- is crucial in answering contemporary ously the impossibility of a matrimonial questions about priestly celibacy. “At the bond. We can say that the sexual absti- foundation of the serious situation in nence that was functional was trans- which the priesthood finds itself today, formed automatically into an ontologi- we find a methodological flaw in the re- cal abstinence. Thus its motivation and ception of Scripture as Word of God,” its significance were changed from Benedict says. within and profoundly.”

Abandoning a Christological interpreta- Benedict’s text seems focused on the tion of the Old Testament has led to a Latin Catholic Church; many Eastern “deficient theology of worship” among Catholic priests do not celebrate Mass many modern scholars, who fail to rec- daily, and the former pope does not ad- ognize that Jesus fulfilled the worship dress specifically theology of Eastern owed to God, rather than abolishing it, Catholic married priests. The pope he continues. Looking at the history of emeritus rejects the idea that priestly the priesthood in the Old Testament, celibacy is based on a contempt for hu- Benedict says that “the relation between man sexuality within the Church. He sexual abstinence and divine worship notes that this claim was also dismissed was absolutely clear in the common by the Church Fathers, and that the awareness of Israel.” Church has always viewed marriage as a gift from God. He notes that the priests of Israel were required to observe sexual abstinence “However, the married state involves a during their time that they spend lead- man in his totality, and since serving the ing worship, when they were “in contact Lord likewise requires the total gift of a with the divine mystery.” “Given that the man, it does not seem possible to carry priests of the Old Testament had to dedi- on the two vocations simultaneously,” he cate themselves to worship only during says. “Thus, the ability to renounce mar- set times, marriage and the priesthood riage so as to place oneself totally at were compatible,” he says. “But be- the Lord’s disposition became a crite- cause of the regular and often even daily rion for priestly ministry.” celebration of the Eucharist, the situa- tion of the priests of the Church of Jesus Just as the priests from the Tribe of Levi Christ has changed radically.” renounced ownership of land, priests in

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 40 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS the New Covenant renounce marriage Fr. Luigi Maria Epicoco which took place and family, as a sign of their radical com- from June 2019 to January 2020, ac- mitment to God, he says. This is seen cording to its preface. in the Psalm prayed when a man en- tered the clergy before the Second The book is expected to be published Vatican Council, he says: “The LORD is sometime ahead of the 100 year anni- my chosen portion and my cup; you hold versary of the birth of Karol Wojtyla on my lot. The lines have fallen for me in May 18. When Wojtyla became Pope pleasant places; yes, I have a goodly John Paul II in 1978, a 41-year-old Fr. heritage.” Jorge Mario Bergoglio was serving as the provincial superior of the Jesuits in Benedict concludes with a reflection on Argentina. Pope John Paul II appointed the words of John 17:17-18: “Sanctify Bergoglio to be an auxiliary bishop in them in the truth; your word is truth. As 1992, elevating him to become Arch- you sent me into the world, so I have bishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and cre- sent them into the world.”He says these ating him a cardinal in 2001. Pope words struck him deeply on the day be- Francis canon- fore he was ordained a priest, and led ized St. John Paul him to reflect on the lifelong calling of a II in 2014. priest to continually unite himself to Christ and renounce “what belongs only The book’s co- to us.” author, Fr. Epicoco, 39, has “Thus, on that eve of my ordination, a written two dozen deep impression was left on my soul of books on spiritu- what it means to be ordained a priest, ality since his ordination in 2005, includ- beyond all the ceremonial aspects: it ing “John Paul II: Memories of a Holy means that we must continually be pu- Pope” which he wrote with Archbishop rified and overcome by Christ so that He Piero Marini in 2014. Epicoco is a pro- is the one who speaks and acts in us, fessor of philosophy at the Pontifical and less and less we ourselves,” the Lateran University in Rome, and offers pope emeritus says. numerous lectures and spiritual retreats throughout Italy. The pope is known to Pope Francis to publish a book with admire Fr. Epicoco’s writing. Before reflections on St. John Paul II Christmas, Francis gave each member of the Roman curia a copy of the Italian Vatican City, Jan 28, 2020 / 08:00 am priest’s book, “Someone to look up to: A (CNA).- Pope Francis has co-authored spirituality of witness”. a book of reflections on the life of St. John Paul II to be published in Italian. The book, entitled “St. John Paul the Great,” is the product of a series of con- versations between Pope Francis and

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 41 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS OBITUARY

Sr. Elsy Ann SAL Sr. Stephany SAL (1953 - 2020) (1940 - 2020)

“My soul finds rest in God alone. My loved the master of her life so deeply, salvation comes from him. He alone is that she left her parents and dear ones my rock and my salvation. He is my for- to belong to Him forever and joined the tress, I will never be shaken”. (Psalm: Society of the Sisters of St. Ann in the 62: 1-2). year 1970. She made her First Profes- sion in 1974 and her Perpetual Profes- God came down to the garden of St. sion in 1979. She was a nurse by pro- Ann, gently plucked the beautiful flow- fession and rendered her services in ers, Sr. Elsy Ann and Sr. Stephany, to Ghodegaon in Maharashtra, Chirala and adorn His seat of glory. And we their Vijayawada hospitals. She was Supe- Sisters are left sad as we have lost them. rior in Chirala and St. Ann’s Home, The Lord visited Sr. Elsy Ann on 24th Gunadala for a period of time. She was January 2020, Friday morning and Sr. taking rest for the past 7 years in our Stephany on the wee hours of 25th Sat- Community at Tiruvuru. urday at 1.30 am. He wanted them to be with him in His heavenly garden, to As a young sister she developed rheu- keep them close to His bosom forever… matic fever and she was on prophylactic penicillin therapy. For the past couple of Srs Stephany and Elsy hail from the years, she was suffering from poor health same village Velichiyani in Kanjirapally and was on regular treatment. During the diocese, Kerala. Both of them are the year 2019 she took very ill and was ad- youngest of the four siblings. They be- mitted in our ICU. The treatment contin- long to very devout families and there ued. She was physically weak and was are many priests and religious in both taking rest. On 24th morning she had a of their families and some of them be- fall and became unconscious and was long to our Congregation. treated locally. Thereafter she was brought to St. Ann’s hospital and was Sr. Elsy Ann was born to late Mr. declared dead at 10 am. and Mrs. Rosamma Kunnumpuram on 27-10-1953. From her child hood she She is known for her love and affection, care and concern, courage and outgo-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 42 FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS ing nature. For her, every one whom she caped from her lips. She believed that met was dear to her and she did her God has given her this disease for her maximum to bring a smile on their faces. sanctification. For us it was clear that her She was a committed religious, serious health was deteriorating but she was still and responsible to the task assigned to filled with cheerful enthusiasm. During the her. She maintained very good relation- past one month she was on ventilator ship with the poor people and reached care. She finished her race and the Lord out to them in their time of need. called her to Himself…

The end came so silently and she is Deep sentiments of gratitude and indebt- gone leaving us all in deep sorrow. But edness to Most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph we have the hope that the Lord who Raja Rao S.M.M., the Bishop of loved her so dearly in her earthly life will Vijayawada diocese, for being the main give her the crown of victory and allow celebrant of the Holy Eucharist on 26- her to see His eternal Bliss... 01-2020 and for praying for the souls of our Sisters. Our thanks to Rev. Fr. Joji Our beloved Sr. Stephany was born to Babu, Chancellor and procurator of the late Mr. Mathew and Mrs. Aleyamma on 15.01.1940. She joined the Society of the Sisters of St. Ann in the year 1959. She made her First Profession in 1964 and her Perpetual Profession in 1969. She was a nurse by profession and worked in St. Ann’s hospital, Vijayawada for 4 years. Afterwards she was sent to our Mother house, Luzern, Switzerland. She worked there for 40 years with commit- ment and dedication, and with love and concern. The Sisters, doctors, co-work- diocese for enriching us with his thought ers and patients loved her immensely. provoking and meaningful homily and to She was very cheerful, kind, humble and Rev. Fr. Eleti William Jayaraj, the rector ready to help anyone in need. and parish priest of GundalaMatha Shrine and the Assistant Priests for help- She used to spend hours on end in front ing us with the arrangements of the Fu- of the Blessed Sacrament and recite ro- neral of our dear Sisters. We extend our sary, praying for the entire world. After sincere thanks to all the Concelebrants, coming back from Switzerland in the year Sisters and all others who shared our 2011 she was doing pastoral care in St. grief and prayed for our Sr.Stephany and Ann’s hospital, VJA. Subsequently she Sr. Elsy Ann. May their souls rest in developed motor neurone disease which Peace. progressed and almost crippled her. Inspite of her crippling disease she was Sr. Ancilin SAL, Secretary to always joyful and was grateful to God and Provincial, Prasanth Bhavan, to the congregation for whatever is done Carmel Nagar to her. Never a word of complaint es-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 43 FEBRUARY 2020 REMEMBRANCES DAYS TO REMEMBER IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

ORDINATION DAY : HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS

2nd Fr. Vadakel George 3rd Fr. Basani Pranay OFM (Cap) 9th Fr. Devupalli Jaya Prakash MSFS 16th Fr. James M. OSB 22nd Fr. Lakra Anil OSB 24th Fr. Udumula Balashowry Reddy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY : MANY RETURNS OF THE DAY 1st Fr. Darsi Don Bosco 2nd Fr. Itta John Pratap 5th Frs. Eleti William Jaya Raju, Pamiti John Stephen 7th Fr. Saliketi Emmanuel 8th Frs. Gonthupulugu Kiran Babu, Kondru Velankanni Raju 10th Frs. Akurathi Lourdu Bernard Kumar, Golla Suvarna Raju 11 th Frs. Bontha Lourdhu Francis, M. Philomin Raju 13th Fr. K. Thomas 15th Fr. Daram Satish 14th Fr. Mangilate Mathew 16th Fr. Godavarthi Maria Raju, 26th Fr. Lingathoti Ratna Kishore 28th Fr. Jyothi Ruben (Ramesh)

OBITUARY : MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

8th Fr. Duggempudi Rakesh Reddy (2019) 14th Fr. Romulo Campus PIME (1985) 19th Fr. Purathechirayil Francis Sales (2005) 25th Fr. P. F. Andrade (1953)

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 44 FEBRUARY 2020