STELLA MARIS, CHINNA WALTAIR-530017 , , Provincial : 0891/ 2710259 Cell : 09985860195, Fax : 0891/ 2702589 Email: [email protected], [email protected] [email protected]

PC Lr. No. 18 MARCH 2018

HAPPY EASTER

Contents INTRODUCTION INTERNAL AUDIT – MARCH-2018 CONGREGATION MATTERS TRANSFERS & APPOINTMENTS -2018 REGIONAL SAIM FORUM MEETING SILVER JUBILARIANS ANNUAL DAY AT TENTATIVE PROGRAMME MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE LET US PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED INFORMATIONS SALESIAN THOUGHT CONGRATULATIONS OBITUARY Introduction

Dear Confreres,

At Easter we are reminded of living our life as persons who believe and experience the life of resurrection. We believe that living the life of resurrection has already begun at Baptism. It will culminate when our journey on earth ends with death. Our faith in the life of resurrection has to be re-discovered and renewed. Renewal of faith will give us the necessary strength and motivation to live our life as ‘Citizens of heaven’. All this will be seen in the way we value the things of the present world and the way we handle the things related to our bodily sphere of life. We can manifest what we truly believe in the way we live. In the liturgical celebrations of the Holy week we are celebrating our faith in the “Mystery of the Death and Resurrection of the Lord” and we celebrate not just because it is the tradition of the Church but because this paschal mystery is the very foundation of our Christian life. We hope in Christ for something more than the things of this world, life beyond death. We have to re-discover the meaning and meaningfulness of this faith. We have to recover from deficiencies in our faith by trying to examine and see if this faith has become weak or is overshadowed with thought patterns or ideas, or affected by the particular ways of living contrary to the tenets of faith. Sin is stopping to believe in God and stopping to obey God.

In our life journey we often go away from the Lord through our sinfulness. But the period of forty days of Lent gives us a tremendous assurance of God that no matter how many and how serious our sins may have been, no matter how low we have fallen, the mercy and forgiveness of God is ever there for us. On our part we need to take a U turn and come back to the Lord.

May the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of the death and the resurrection of Jesus help us to have faith in the Risen Christ. I wish you a Happy Easter.

– 2 – Congregation Matters

20th General Chapter:

I request the Superiors and the Conveners of the apostolic Communities to discuss the Working Paper II and send the reports to the Provincial Office latest by 15th April, 2018.

Year of Local Community: To strengthen our consecrated life in Local Community under the Local Superior, we have chosen 4 objectives to strive at during this year.

• My role in revitalizing the Local Community • Various dimension of Community as “space” • Building Communion in Community • Community for Mission and Apostolates

All the communities could celebrate October 24, 2018 (the day of the Foundation of the Congregation) as the Community Day, to be marked with prayer and consecration of the local Community.

Statutes of Lumen Christi Institute, Arusha:

The General Council observed that the present Statutes of LCI, Arusha are inadequate to assist those involved in the administration of LCI in their responsibilities. This is because of the vast changes and developments that have taken place at LCI during the last 7 years. There is need for a revision of the Statutes based on the current situation in LCI and its future direction. The statutes will incorporate the participation of all the Provinces and the MSAF in the function of LCI as a Congregational venture.

The General Council approved the appointment of a “LCI Statutes Revision Committee” by the Superior General at the earliest. The Council proposed the following confreres to be members on the LCI Statutes Revision Committee. Fr. Mathew Thazhathukunnel (Convenor), Fr. Johnson Kallidukil, Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy, Fr. Thomas Kochalu, Fr. James Panthalany as members

The following are proposed to the Committee as some points for terms of reference:

– 3 – • The committee will draft the statutes in reference to the founding vision of LCI and other elements that have been added in course of its evolution, and the current statutes. • The committee will ensure clarity and details of responsibilities of different departments and roles of those in charge. • The committee will ensure clarity of immediate points of accountability and subsidiary in the governance and administration of LCI and the overall arching unity in vision and mission of LCI. • The committee will submit its first draft to the MSAF for its study and recommendations . • The committee will submit the 2nd draft to the Superior General by 31st December 2018. The Superior General after consulting the PIF - PEA and General Council will finally approve the Revised Statutes of LCI, Arusha.

Regional SAIM Forum Meeting: The Regional Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministries Forum Meeting was held on 20th and 21st March at Stella Maris in Visakhapatnam. It was inaugurated with the keynote address by Very Rev. Fr. P. Chinnappa Reddy, the Provincial of Visakhapatnam. The General Secretary of Innovative Forum Rev. Fr. Agnelo Fernandes moderated the sessions with his well and meticulous planning. Very Rev. Fr. Jeyaseelan, the Provincial of Pune had enlightened the members of the need of Social Apostolate to be strengthened in the congregation. All the forum members i.e. 5 councillors , 6 secretaries form six Indian Provinces were present for the meeting. Rev. Sr. Nirmala Mathew of St. Ann’s of Luzern, Vizag had given a beautiful talk on the second day.

Highlights of the Meeting 1. Discussed the possibility of publishing social directory of the Congregation. 2. Strengthening and updating the social ministries in the provinces 3. Having biennial social training programme for the Innovative Forum members 4. Having a common social magazine for the congregation

Fr. J. L. Ravi Kumar MSFS

– 4 – Annual Day Celebrations at SFS Schol, Seethammadhara S.F.S.SCHOOL, SEETHAMMADHARA had its Annual Day Celebrations on 2nd Feb 2018 at 5p.m. with an ambience of an open air stage with the theme “VAUDEVILLE” - Variety is the spice of life.

Very Rev. Fr. Chinappa Reddy, General Manager and Provincial Superior presided over the celebration and Rev. Fr. Sandeep Reddy, Councilor In charge of Education was the special invitee. Many eminent dignitaries like the Commissioner of Rajahmundry, Joint Collector of Visakhapatnam, Asst.Commissioner of GST Kochi [Alumni] were the Chief guests of the day.

The school had a festive look and there seemed to be great excitement on the faces of all those who entered the portals of the institution . The dignitaries, special invitees , parents and well wishers were cordially invited to the Annual Day Celebrations by Rev.Fr. Vijay. A power point presentation of the schools assets and future plans was done by Rev. Fr. Inna Reddy.

There was a spectacular Cultural Galla which set our feet tapping and were a feast to our eyes. The programme ended with the school anthem and everyone left with the satisfaction of having spent a memorable evening.

A word of thanks to the dear staff for their tireless efforts and a special appreciation to Rev. Frs. Reddy Joseph, Rev. Fr. Anand Prakash, Rev. Fr. Inna Reddy and Rev. Fr. Vijay.

SFS Community, Seethammadhara

– 5 – Marriage Preparation Course:

The Marriage preparation Course was held on 10th February 2018 at MSFS Dhyanashram, Chinna Waltair Vizag. The programme began at 9.45 a.m. with a prayer song by the SFS Church choir, followed by an opening prayer, scripture reading and lighting of the lamp by Most Rev. Dr. Mallavarapu Prakash, the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam. There were eight sessions and 44 candidates participated in the course.

In the first session, His Grace spoke about the Institution of Marriage in general and its changing and challenging situation in the present day society. He emphasized that this institution is the creative plan of God and it is permanent and therefore we need to cooperate with the designs of the Divine. In the second session, Very Rev. Dr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS, Asst. Superior General, Rome, spoke in detail about the importance of marriage and its valuable implications in the church and in the society at large. In the third session Rev. Dr. Velangani Rao MSFS, Director, Ross Hill, spoke about the Biblical perspective and the sacramental nature of marriage. In the fourth session Rev. Fr. Yugal Kumar, the Parish Priest of St. Antony’s Church, enlightened the would be couple all about Canon Law and Marriage and its significance in their marital bond. In the fifth session Advocate I. M. Ahmad spoke about the civil law and marriage and enlightened the candidates about its advantages and disadvantages and so greater awareness is created. In the sixth session Rev. Sr. Cecilia spoke about the personality development and the need of possessing a strong will power and positive regard for one another as couple. In the seventh session Fr. Francis Stephen spoke about the parenting skills based on 4T’S: Trust, Talk, Time and Touch and how

– 6 – these simple tips help towards better parenting. In the last session was all about the sharing of the Marital experiences by the senior couple. Mr. & Mrs. Albert & Jancy, 28 years of married life was beautifully shared, which truly motivated and inspired the would be couple.

Father Francis Stephen proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked our beloved Archbishop for his presence, prayers, blessings and beautiful message. Thanks to very Rev. Fr. Mariadas Reddy and very Rev. Fr. Chinnappa Reddy, Provincial Superior for his encouragement and all other resource persons. Besides, thanks to all the parish priests, the bishop’s secretary, the catering persons, the domestic staff, parents and everyone who cooperated for the success of the programme. Special thanks to the new couple Shanice & Dominic for helping in registration and preparation of the certificates etc. Fr. Francis Stephen, MSFS

Informations Salesian Annual Retreat 2018: I would like to bring to your notice that the annual retreat for the year 2018 is scheduled to be conducted between 3rd – 8th September 2018 (First Retreat) and 7th – 12 January 2019 (Second Retreat). Fr. Wilson MSFS from Nagpur Province will animate the retreats. Fr. Antony Bonela: Fr. Antony Bonela is in the process of getting incorporated into the USA Vice Province. Fr. Bharath Reddy: Fr. Bharath Reddy is recovering. He is at home under treatment and rest. He needs some more time to recover. I request you to pray for him. Frs. Lijo Jose & Gova Showraiah: They are on holidays. We wish them a happy stay in India. Elkathurthy Parish: At the request of the Bishop of Warangal we have handed over the parish to the Diocese. Principal’s & Correspondent Meeting : Will be held on 8th April, 2018 at Stella Maris, Visakhapatnam. Fransalian Associates (FA) Meeting : Will be held on 12th, 13th April, 2018 at Khammam.

– 7 – Congratulations: Fr. Stephen Francis has completed his Ph.D. in Indian Philosophy on the topic “Relevance of Vedanta Philosophy with a special reference to Gandhi’s concept of Sarvodaya and Education”. On behalf of the Province I congratulate him for his great achievement. My Ph.D. in Philosophy is Purely a Gift of God. I have been thinking of doing my Ph.D. in Philosophy in a Secular University. I had applied in Andhra University as I am in Visakhapatnam. But now-a-days as many know the story through the news papers that the university is not taking new admissions into Ph.D., so with the help of known professors of A.U. I got seat in World Trinity University, Calcutta. I am lucky to get a former Vice Chancellor of Singhania University, Rajasthan Prof. Dr. Sohan Raj Tater as my research supervisor. At first I thought of doing my research on the Relevance of Vedanta Philosophy in Modern Global Human and Environmental Perspective. But later with the further suggestion of the guide, I did it on the topic “Relevance of Vedanta Philosophy with a special reference to Gandhi’s concept of Sarvodaya and Education”. Recently on 6th March 2018 I had Viva - Voice at Jodhpur University as arranged by my guide. It’s a beautiful experience of God’s divine providence and presence guiding all through out not only on journey to Jodhpur but the entire process of attaining this Ph.D. in Philosophy. I was able to do my Ph.D. in Indian Philosophy primarily due to God’s grace and also due to the kind, fraternal and financial support of very Rev. Fr. Chinnappa Reddy, the Provincial Superior of Vizag and the Provincial Curia. I gratefully acknowledge the true concern and encouragement of my former provincials especially very Rev. Fr. Simon Paicatt, for all his initial support and also for the constant encouragement of Fr. Thomas Perumalil. I am grateful to the entire Stella Maris community, the senior confreres, the Superior and the entire staff for their fraternal love and prayers. I am grateful to the entire province and all the confreres for their support, prayers and greetings and also thanks to Rev. Fr. Bhaskar Reddy, as my close companion at MSFS Dhyanashram all my professors who taught me Indian Philosophy in particular Rev. Fr. Mookenthottam MSFS (Bangalore) and Rev. Fr. Subhash Anand, Pune. I remember all those fine hearted people who cooperated in one way or another in achieving this Ph.D. Thanks a lot. Rev. Fr. Francis Stephen MSFS

– 8 – Internal Audit – March-2018 Dear Fathers, This is to inform you regarding Internal Audit for the financial year 2017 - 2018. It starts from 1st April 2018. So kindly keep all the particulars ready at the time of Auditing. Keep all the Registers & Files ready for Internal Audit 1) Receipts & Payment vouchers from April -17 to till date 2) Income & Expenditure Reports 3) Bank Statements till date 4) FD Statements 5) Agreements ( Ex: Land, Rent, Lease etc…) 6) Sundry Creditors & Debtors 7) Closing balances (Cash in Hand & Cash at bank) 8) Hand over Budget papers & Proposals etc…(Those who failed to send on time) Fr. Anil Bosco, Bursar

TRANSFERS AND APPOINTMENTS -2018 C.N. Kota Fr. Xavier Michael, Parish Priest LRG School Fr. Raja Reddy, Superior, Procurator & Principal, Fr. Boilla Vijay, Asst. Parish Priest St. Aloysius’ School Fr. S. Mariadas, Principal & Correspondent Khammam Fr. Satish, Parish Priest, Fr. Bontu Prasad, Superior & Principal Fr. Allam Pratap, Correspondent & Procurator Salesianum Fr. Antony Raj, Socius (South East Province) Ross Hill Fr. Kondala Joseph, Preaching Ministry Pithapuram Fr. R. Anil, Parish Priest & Procurator, Fr. M. Alphonse, Superior & Principal, Fr. M. Praveen, Asst. P.P & Correspondent Fr. N. Francis Xavier, Superior & Procurator Jaggampet Fr. Joseph Nellimalamattam, Mission-in-Charge Kothapally Fr. Mathew Manayathumariyil, Parish Priest Rajupalem Fr. Savari Rajan, Principal & Superior Fr. Lourdu, Parish Priest & Procurator, Correspondent Fr. Ratna Raju, Asst. Parish Priest

– 9 – Parchur Fr. S. Ignatius, Superior, Parish Priest & Correspondent Fr. Y. Vijay Kumar, Principal & Procurator Tripurantakam Fr. Ch. Rajesh, Asst. Parish Priest Garla Fr. Jacob Reddy, Parish Priest & Warden, Fr. Manohar, Asst. Parish Priest Tanuku Fr. Sebastin Reddy, Parish Priest & Correspondent, Fr. Boila Ravi, Asst. Parish Priest SFS Press Fr. M. Shantaiah, Superior Nunna Fr. M. Vijay Raju, Parish Priest, Fr. Vijay Kiran, Asst. Parish Priest Reddipalem Fr. Ch. Joseph Thambi, Parish Priest Shanthinagar Fr. M. Francis Reddy, Asst. Parish Priest & Correspondent Nidadavole Fr. P.J. Mathew, Rector, Fr. P. Praveen, Dean of Studies Fr. Joseph Padannamackkal, Spiritual Director Nenmara Fr. Joy Kuzhinjalil, Parish Priest Vadakkencherry Fr. Vijay Peter, Dean of Studies Fr. K. P. Mathew, Spiritual Director

Designated to North East Fr. Swarna Anil Fr. Tom Jose Designated to USA Fr. Konda Reddy, Fr. Noble Dominic Fr. N. Ratna Swamy Designated to Australia Fr. Arockia Samy Fr. Mendem Bhaskar Designated to PNG Fr. Sagar Santhosh Fr. Praveen Mathew Designated to Franco-Swiss Fr. Johnson & Joannes Designated to Trier Diocese Fr. Shaibin Studies at Salzburg, Austria Fr. Yannabothula Amar Preaching Ministry Fr. Badugu Thambi Raj (Stella Maris community) Fr. Showry Kumar

– 10 – SILVER JUBILARIANS REV. FR. KODIGANDALA JULIAN Place of Birth : Chinnamanyanikota Ananthapur Dt. Date of Birth : 27 – 07 – 1963 Parents : Mr. K. Showri and Mariyamma Primary School : Chennamanyankota High School : Ananthapur Minor Seminary : Nidadavolu (1981-1984) Novitiate : Salesianum, Visakhapatnam ( 1984-1985) First Profession : 15 – 12- 1985 Philosophy : Suvidya College, Bangalore Theology : Vinayalaya, Bangalore Perpetual Profession : 8 -12 -1991 Priestly Ordination : 5 – 5 – 1994 Appointments: Assistant Parish Priest : Tanuku, West Godavari Dt., 1994 - 1995 Parish Priest : Garla, Khammam, 1995 – 1998 Parish Priest : Siluvagirinagar, Vijayawada 1998 – 2000 Parish Priest : Owk, Kurnool, 2000 – 2001 Parish Priest : Kothapalli, Guntur, 2001 - 2006 Procurator : SFS School, Korutla, Warangal, 2006 – 2007 Parish Priest : Rajhamundary, 2007 – 2008 Parish Priest : Mandadi, 2008 - 2010 Parish Priest : Elukaturthy, 2011 - 2015 Parish Priest : Tanuku, West Godavari Dt., 2015 – 2017 Parish Priest : Shabad, Hyderabad, 2017 - REV. FR. AROKIA SAMY Place of Birth : Chettiapatty, Pudukkottai Dt. Date of Birth : 31 – 08 – 1963 Parents : Arulanandu and Annammal Primary School : Chettiapatty High School : Alangudy Minor Seminary : SFS Seminary, Ettumanoor, Kerala Novitiate : Salesianum, Visakhapatnam First Profession : 15 – 12 – 1985 Phylosophy : Suvidya College, Bangalore Theology : Vinayalaya, Bangalore Perpetual Profession : 08 – 12 – 1991 Priestly Ordination : 28 – 04 – 1994

– 11 – Appointments: Asst. Parish Priest : Kadayal, Tamil Nadu, 1994 – 1995 Parish Priest : Thirugokarnam, 1996 – 1999 On the Staff : SFS School, Parchur, 1999 – 2000 Parish Priest : St. Mary’s Church, Vaniyambadi, 2000 – 2001 Principal : SFS School, Alangayam, 2001 – 2004 Correspondent : SFS School, Korutla, 2004 – 2006 Principal : SFS School, Pithapuram, 2006 – 2011 Principal : SFS School, Khammam, 2011 – 2017 Procurator : SFS School, Parchur, 2017 - Congratulations, best wishes and God’s Blessings Tentative Programme: April - 2018 05th Kothakota 8th Principal’s Meeting, Stella Maris 11 th Priestly Ordination at 12th - 13th Fransalian Associates Meeting 14th St Aloysius’ ITI, Autonagar 17th Council Meeting 19th to 20th Kerala 25th 29th SFS Church Inauguration, Chinna Waltair Let us Pray for the departed Most Rev. Dr. K. Mariadas MSFS, Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, aged 82 passed away on 26-02-2018 Rev. Fr. Bilavendran MSFS, aged 44, belonging to South East Province passed away on 22-03-2018 Fr. Thomas Illikattil, aged 73, belonging to South West Province passed away on 24th March 2018 at Bangalore Mr. Bavari Chakravarthy, aged 50, Brother of Fr. B. Suresh Babu passed away on 27-02-2018 Mr. Jaison Joseph, aged 52, Brother of Fr. Sylvester passed away on 02-03-2018. May their souls rest in peace. Yours fraternally in Christ,

Fr. P. Chinnappa Reddy msfs Provincial Superior SALESIAN THOUGHT Even if we are to lose our good name, we are not to leave virtue or turn away from the path of virtue. In fact, fruits are to be preferred to leaves, that is, interior and spiritual good to all the external. – St Francis De Sales. – 12 – His Grace Most Rev. Dr. K. Mariadas, MSFS

Most Rev. K. Mariadas was born on 7th September 1934 to Rayappa and Annamma at Gnanapuram, Visakhapatnam. He did his primary school in St. Peter’s Primary School at Gnanapuram and his Secondary education at St. Paul’s High School at Guntur. Adhering to the call of God, he joined the St. Joseph’s Mission Home, at Palai, Kerala. He did his novitiate in Fransalianum, Pune. He made his first religious profession on 5th June 1958. He pursued his philosophical studies in Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamalee, Chennai and his theological studies in Pontifical Athaneum, Pune. He was ordained a priest on 10th June 1961 by Most Rev. Mummudi Ignatius, Bishop of Guntur. After a few months of pastoral experience he was sent to pursue his Licentiate in Pastoral Theology in Paris, France. Then he moved to Rome to do his Doctorate in Canon Law and Civil Law in Gregorian University. While in Europe he learned fourteen foreign languages. Being there he participated in the MSFS General Chapter and was elected as the General Councilor.

On return to India, he was appointed as the parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Bobbili. After one year of pastoral ministry he was transferred as the Rector of Vinayalaya, and also a professor in St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore. He was elected as Bishop on 19th December 1974 and was consecrated as Bishop of Guntur on 5th June 1977. He was transferred as the bishop of Visakhapatnam on 10th September 1982 and was installed on 26th January 1983. He was raised as the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam on 16th October 2001 and was installed on 24th January 2002. He retired on 3rd July 2012. From then on he remained in Jubilee Home, a house for the retired priests. For the past two months he was not well and being treated in St. Joseph’s hospital, Visakhapatnam. On 26th February 2018 he passed away at 2.30 p.m.

As a bishop he held important responsibilities both national and international levels. He was a member of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue for two successive terms. He was the leader of the Bishop of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka for the Ad Limina Visit and also for Andhra and Kerala. He was the member of the Canon Law Society of India. He was the chairman of the admission committee of St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore. He was the President of the APBC. He took the responsibility in raising funds and place for the construction of St. John’s Regional Seminary, Kondadaba after the collective decision of the Bishops of Andhra Pradesh. He is responsible for the erection of Diocese of Srikakulam. He has promoted two Visakhapatnam Diocesan priests as Bishops. He had invited many religious congregations into the diocese. He has raised funds for the education of tribal children. During his tenure as bishop he has built up the church of God in the diocese of Visakhapatnam. He was committed to the Gospel values and lived a heroic life in his thinking and action. At his death we lose a great missionary and a visionary.

May his soul rest in peace.