VOL. XXI - No. 06 - June 2017 Pastor’s Corner Editorial WeResult-time are the Cathedral Blues! ThankWhy Yyoouur cLordhild doesn't need a Smartphone! The dangers of entrusting a child with a device Numerous schools and their thousands of outweigh the practicalities that many adults struggle students and parents are anxiously to use safely and appropriately. A parent writes in awaiting examination results these days. Cross Walk that parental guidance is at risk of being By the time this gets published, chances trumped by the Smartphone unless we put a foot are, most results would have been down. I found this write-up very insightful for us declared already. pastors and leaders, written as it is by a parent with teenaged kids, many of whom are in vacations with an At such waiting times as these, someone or other is electronic device as their only companion! +Lumen, CSC likely to remind us that good results alone don't add 1. Our society is addicted to Smartphones up. And that education is a lot about producing good The hardest part of parenting is teaching our children things we and honest human have not yet mastered. The beings…On our part, only healthy addiction we are we fully endorse the hardwired to foster is our idea. But frankly, we relationship with God, had always known through our walk with Christ. “I am,” present tense, is all we that. need. Yet a glance around a But say what you room full of people looking may, results are down at a screen instead of results! After all, at stake is the school's image, pride, each other illustrates the search for happiness elsewhere. Scientific identity and status determiner. It's also about years facts tell us the same chemical released when we partake in age- of struggle and hard work of students, their parents restricted activities like smoking, drinking alcohol, gambling, or and teachers. What can there be more important than drug use (not that I would advocate for any of those things) is also this! Schools might say. released when we use cell phones and social media. Equipping our kids to live outside the confines of their wireless network allows This piece is not to say that academic excellence is them to participate in reality, and depend on the One in whom we unimportant. Instead this is to reiterate that true truly find joy. education cannot ignore formation of one's character, 2. Parental controls can't control everything online social sensitivity, beliefs, hard work and honesty. Kids are obsessed with bodily functions (at least mine are). Given We see around us parents who go to any length to access to Google, it's not hard to guess what their curiosity will lead ensure 'good education' for their wards, but pay scant them to type into that blank box, and there's little worse than attention to forming their character. The alarming fielding questions from a youngster about something their little manner in which the parents abdicate theirduties eyes witnessed before ours. “Let the children come to me; do not signals nothing less than a 'crisis' in the family one hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14) Jesus gave us a living example of how to treat children, and that has untold implications on the future of the each other, when He welcomed all of us to be close to Him. How can society.While excelling in academics is a top priority, we guide our children through conversations and shield them from acquisition of simple human values like the capacity adult ones when we aren't close enough to whisper in their ear? to think about others and their needs, respect for Remember, it's impossible to go back and block something that's parents, teachers and elders, ability to honor words already been seen. and keep promises even when inconvenient, hard 3. Your child may be in danger work, sacrifice and growth in faith seem relatively low Technology can be used for evil. In fact, it is used for evil all the priorities. time. As parents, we must face a hard reality that the person on the other end of a message might be another innocent 12-year-old… or To overcome this crisis, it is necessary for the school, it could be a child predator. When you give your child a smartphone the parish and most importantly the family to join (or any other device that can download apps), you are putting your hands in a focused manner. Even if the school decides child at risk. In a technology-driven world, it is unrealistic to think to make amends and change tracks, the no-holds- that your child will never use a smartphone. So start teaching your barred approach at home renders all that ineffective. child how to use technology safely before the cell phone is in her Hence, the need to adopt a united approach. hands. As an entity engaged in a major way in education, the 4. You might not be aware of what they are posting Church has the obligation to move away from mere Did you know there is an app that allows users to post their darkest secrets online anonymously? (It's called Whisper.) What about an competition-basedmark-oriented approaches and app that sends texts and photos without being seen in the phone ensure healthier attitudes to education. We also have history? (That is the Kik app.) Finally, have you heard of Poof? That an equal obligation to be at the service of families in app can hide the icons for other apps that your child might not want their struggles to remain 'sane' while bringing up their you to see. children. J Pulinthanath, sdb Parish News [ 2 ]

AGARTALA PARISH Bishops of and made which the outgoing Parish Priest Fr. Installation of new Parish Priest at the festival more dignified. This was a Shaji CSC was thanked and praised for Cathedral Parish first time being organized at the Zonal his wonderful work for the past two At the Cathedral Parish of Saint Francis level. The SCC celebration was years. Around 500 parishioners Xavier Durjoynagar, on May 7, Bishop concluded with the feast day mass by enjoyed a sumptuous meal prepared by Lumen Monteiro installed Fr. Sahaya Bishop Stephen Rotluanga, C.S.C. one of the villages of this parish. In Lourdu Raj, CSC as the new Parish Priest. Thanks to Fr Lancy, CSC the parish gratitude Fr. Shaji also praised the Bishop Lumen priest and Fr Arul, CSC the Zonal parishioners for their excellent presided over coordinator the Bethany sisters for cooperation and contribution at all the Mass and cooperation and support as well as all levels and wished that they would was joined by the parish priest, secretary, president continue to do Frs. Harry, of north Zone parishes for the same with Emmanuel, their hard work and cooperation. May the new Parish Kannikai, God bless them. Priest Fr. Harry Shaiju, Arun, Jeevan and Valerian, the Another Religious from CSC. This Administrator of the NE Province of Holy Kathalcherra Parish parish was Cross who represented the Provincial My soul glorifies the Lord- We also initiated by the Superior. Fr. Robert Mathias, CSC. Fr. thanked God for the gift efforts of Fr. Valerian read the appointment letter of the of vocation to church C.R. Paul CSC Bishop. The Installation ceremony through Sr. Chandita BS five years ago (2012). After himFr. became an occasion for the new Parish from Joseph Nagar who Shaji CSC took charge. Am the third PP Priest to be formally presented to the recently, on 1st May, here. We have under our Parish a Holy Parish. The“ceremony is so arranged to made her perpetual Cross community with a well-built remind priest and people of their commitment. We had a School at Panisagar. The Charity responsibility together before God to Thanksgiving Mass on Sisters (Bambina) help out in the school serve Christ in his Church, and by their 14th May in the Parish. and visit the nearby families, pastorally. holiness and the example of their lives, Vocation Camp Another community is of the Bethany individually and as a local community, to Come follow me- A day of vocation Sisters at Dharmanagar. They too are promote the mission of their Lord.” After camp was organised in the parish and spirited and helpful being the part of the the Holy Mass the outgoing Parish Priest students from different villages co-missionary team. We have 13 Fr. Harry D'Silva, CSC, was gratefully responded to participate in the camp. villages, and the parish register in the and prayerfully remembered by the They were taught and introduced to making, says that we have 305 families. Priests and the Parishioners. A short Fr. Harry D'Silva, CSC Felicitation program was organized by PPC leaders Mr. Vinod and Manojin KUMARGHAT PARISH which the new Parish Priest was welcomed and the outgoing Parish Priest Fr. Harry was thanked with speeches and gifts. Fr. Sahaya Lourdu Raj, CSC, Cathedral Parish Priest

KATHALCHERRA PARISH Renewal of the Family through SCC various religious lives through the sessions given by different congregation's members. Fr. Ishwar, CSC Bible Camp for Children BAGBASA PARISH Children's Bible Camp was held from Installation cum Farewell Program May 15-17 with the theme “You are On 14 May 2017 at the Eucharist at 10 Precious to Me”. In the Inaugural a.m. at Bagbassa Parish centre there function Fr. Jilson CSC, reminded the was the Installation of Fr. Harry children ofhow precious they are to Good Shepherd Parish Kathalcherra D'Silva CSC as the new Parish Priest God. The program was an initiative of joyfully celebrated the SCC Festival from by the Vicar General of the Diocese Fr. the Missionaries of Charity, th th Hormis, CSC. It was attended by the 5 -7 May, 2017. The delegates more Shantipally and sponsored by them. Confreres, viz., Frs. P.V. Joseph, than 220 from all the seven parishes of There was a team of Resource Persons Tarun, Valerian, Shaji M.L. and the North zone Tripura came to participate. involved in running the camp. Sr. Asst. Parish Priest Francis Xavier. Festival was based on the theme renewal Pushpa MC, Frs. Lancy and Jilson, Sr. There was a cultural program during of family through SCC. The presence of Himani, Candidates from SAMS, News from the Diocese [ 3 ]

Catechists, and youth group of the parish Youth Commission of the West Zone Catholic Youth were the Resource Team. The camp was Diocese Convention May 19-21, 2017 a mix of input sessions, activities and Catholic Youth Connect Faith is a gift from God… It unites competitions. There were 83 children Tournament (CYCC 2017) heart and mind. It is a force that who attended the camp. The camp The Youth Commission of the helps people of different provided a platform for the children to Diocese organizedan Inter Parish personalities to join together one perform their cultural dance and hidden heart and mind. This same love talents, as well as to enjoy themselves. united 315 young and energetic The camp was concluded with prize distribution and by a thanksgiving prayer on May 17. Rahul R.J

Youth Fellowship at the Parish Tournament of Throwball for Girls th The Program was held from 12th to 14 and Football for Boys. The May. There were 83 Youth who Tournament's opening ceremony hearts and minds hailing from participated in this annual event. The was hosted by KCYM eight Parishes of our Zone for three-day Camp was filled with a lot of (Kathalcherra Parish Youth one common purpose to share activities and fun. The activities Movement) on the 13May.All the 6 faith and life together at the Parishes of North Zone Youth Convention held at St. (Kathalcherra, Kumarghat, Andre Parish, Bodhjungnagar Bagbassa, Kamranga, Ambassa from May 19-21.The Youth and Gachirampara) scheduled to Convention had a creatively play on the opening ceremony active timetable highlighting the day participated. Mr. Shubanker theme for the event, 'Rise in D/B the O/C of Kathalcherra Police Faith and Unity'.Creative and Station was the Chief Guest. He interactive sessions on 'Building included Holy Eucharist, Rosary was appreciative of the Faith among the Youth of Tripura' processions, input sessions, fun- Tournament and encouraged the were held in the morning. In the activities and competitions, football & Youth to play fairly. Fr. Ishwar the evening, the youth displayed throw ball matches, Bible Quiz, PYA of Kathalcherra Parish gladly their talents of music and singing cultural and Biblical competitions and welcomed the Organizing through the choir competition. the like. Competitions were conducted Committee and all the Youth. In The 2nd day was on the theme, group-wise as well as Zone-wise. The his address Fr. Lawrence 'Rise in Faith and Unity'. The reminded the Youth about the central theme of this Youth Meet was Youth Convention had its share Tournament's objective i.e., 'The Joy of Coming Together'. The of fun and dance with action 'competing joyfully for Resource Team for the program songs and fun games. There was strengthening our unity'. After included Frs. Arul J, Jilson Tom, a session on 'The Values of the short opening ceremony the Catechists Subia and Santosh, Three Cultures'. On Sunday all the matches were conducted. Sr. candidates from St. Andre Minor Youth along with the Prema, BS, was there with her Seminary, and Mr. Asan Halam and parishioners joined for the Team for the medical assistance Abraham Reang. The program was solemn Eucharistic celebration during the whole day. The Youth successful and every individual is presided by Rev. Fr. Lawrence of Kathalcherra showed great DYD along with the other priests. touched by 'The Joy of Coming hospitality to the visiting Teams The Convention was concluded Together'. I, personally, feel by providing them with snacks. At by the lowering of the encouraged to be a part of Youth Meet the end of every match the Player Convention Flag by Rev. Fr. every year, because of the positive of the Match was awarded to the Lawrence DYD. experience and response from the player of Throw-ball and Football. Youth. A positive response from all the Francis Gayang Parishes is hoped for. Sr. Mercy Nongsiej (Zonal Youth Fr. Lawrence Darlong Animator-West) Our Readers Write closing message for laughter. Sr. Marcella, AC, Thanks for sending us regularly LINK through Thank you very much for May Link. Well presented, which we know the happenings of the Diocese. Sr. Regis & community, Yercaud informative and inspiring. Fr. Varghese, NEDSSS Guwahati Thank you very much for LINK with a lot of news! Thank you very much for your On-Time Link. You Hearty Congratulations for the new Cathedral. Fr. are highly appreciated for your regularity and Zachary, SDB, Guwahati punctuality. Was pleasantly surprised to get the I thank you for the LINK. I also enjoyed your May issue on time, in spite of those busy days over there! Fr. Mariaraj, CSC, Shillong JUST News Roundup News Snippets [ 4 ]

Health Camp Migrant communities find pastoral care in A Medical Health Camp was organized by JUST at Dharmanipara under The participants included Khasis, Tangkhuls, Mizo, Ganganagar PHC on Nepalis, Garos, Bodos, Jaintias, Wanchos, 4th April. Dr. Philip Arunachallis and other ethnic groups. The Reang, Medical Officer, Commission for the migrants in the Archdiocese of Ganganagar PHC Bangalore organized a one day orientation examined the patients programme for the migrant Christian community during the Health from the North Eastern States of and Nepal, Camp. About 132 mostly comprising of students and working youth. patients (63 Male and Around 600 participants along with the priests and 69 Female) were religious sisters diagnosed and given who care for them free medicines through the health camp. The under various patients were mostly women and children. Most of ministries for the the patients had complaints of Fever, Headache, migrants, took part Cough, stomachache, skin diseases, etc. But the in the programme maximum number of patients were suffering from at St. Joseph's fever, cough & Mal-nourished. The doctor also Boys' High School, sensitized the people saying that fever is common Bangalore. Archbishop Bernard Moras assured during this season due to rise in temperature. So he support to the Northeast and Nepali Catholics warned the patients to stay indoors during extreme working and studying in Bengaluru, “We organized heat and not to consume water without treatment. this programme to welcome you and make you feel at home during your stay in Bengaluru.” ucanindia.in Capacity Building for the Disabled In the month of April, JUST under CBR project, It's about Forgiveness organized trainings on Capacity Building and It was an incredible Strengthening of the Village Disabled Peoples presentation about the Organization in all the horrific consequences of target villages under abortion. It affects not only CBR project. About 97 the unborn child and the people (Male-32, birth mother but also many Female-65) took part in other people as well. The the training programs. movie spells that out so clearly. The movie is October The training program Baby, a story about a college girl who learns she was was to capacitate the the product of a failed abortion and goes in search of VDPO Members and also her birth-mother and her life. Depressed beyond strengthening them on relief, Hannah walks into a and is confronted with the priest to whom she tells her story. their rights by developing action plan for their But he tells her that the greatest need is forgiveness entitlements at the Panchayat level. Inputs were and that because Christ forgave her, she has the given on maintaining account books and minutes power to forgive others and that put a new book for improvement of the Groups. It was also perspective on her life. I'll stop there as to not give learning for all the Groups on the importance of away the story's incredible ending. conducting their monthly meetings regularly. They I hope you will go see it, as we need to support were also told about all the rules and regulations that Christian movies. Don't miss it, but Kleenex is can be applicable for the improvement of their recommended.I believe forgiveness is a choice we groups. The Training was conducted successfully at make through a decision of our will, motivated by all the target villages. obedience to God and his command to forgive. The Mr. Vincent Debbarma Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. Mattersindia.com Our Distinguished Visitors Bishop's Program for June 2017 · Fr. Jerome CSC from 27: Return & Meeting · Frs. Robin Peter, Albert Michael, and Christudas 29: Inauguration: Holy Cross Sisters School, Philip from Kerala and Bodokathal Fr. Dominic Savio from Tamil Nadu Final Profession of Holy Cross Sister · Fr. George, MSFS Provincial from Guwahati

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