Lead Us Onward Ink DIOCESE OF AGARTALA Agartala Diocesan Newsletter November 2011 VOL. 15 No.11 To lead with humility Pastor’s Corner LThe world and especially its music-savvy youth in the digital “intense and disturbing”. The country may not his love and his passion. In his resignation letter era have mourned the death of have delighted him but through his inventions he Steve Jobs says, “I hereby resign as CEO of Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, had developed many a fan among the Indians. Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, who revolutionized the world of Eric Porteous of Life Teen says: "I as chairman of the Board, director and technology. The 56-year-old never really knew much about Apple employee.” Notice those words, “I technology wizard died of Steve Jobs. I've never really would like to serve if the board sees fit.” pancreatic cancer on October 5 at Palo Alto, been into technology and all the He goes on to say later, “I believe Apple's California in the United States. “His invention the nuances that come with it, so all I brightest and most innovative days are iPod, the iPhone and the iPad are among the really knew about him was what ahead of it.” This man, who was like a god prized possessions today. Rarely will we get to others told me. Then in late to many, cared more about the future of see a genius like him,” says journalist Alpana August an announcement came the company than what happened to Kaul. Condoling Jobs death, Prime Minister that shocked many: “Steve Jobs him." Manmohan Singh said “he was truly an resigns as CEO of Apple.” A question for all of us who minister in the innovative man and taught us new ways to Intrigued by this, I read a few role of leadership; is our ministry about connect and communicate.” articles, including his resignation letter, and us or about something greater? Do we get The Silicon Valley icon started Apple Computer learned one important lesson from Steve Jobs: caught up in our pride, or do we lead with with friend Steve Wozniak in his adoptive parent's humility. humility? So, rest in peace Steve Jobs. You gave garage in 1976 and touched dizzy heights in Now, some of you may be shocked by this, and us MacBooks, iPods, iPhones, iPads and more. digital technology. Prior to entering the world of others may not be, but when this man who had You gave us Apple Care plans to protect our technology in a big way, Jobs came to India in revolutionized the world stepped down from his purchases. But the most important lesson you early 70s in search of enlightenment or 'nirvana' seat of power, do you know what he cared about taught us was that the best “care plan” is to lead but returned dejected seeing the poverty and most? Apple. When the whole world made it with humility. squalor. His biography says he found India about him, he made it about something greater: +Lumen, CSC

In Quest of 'Sacred' Kokborok Editorial of worshippers in Tripura's numerous scenario, that can sound to be an exceedingly village chapels will not even notice there has ambitious program. In fact, normal, Efforts are on throughout conversational Kokborok often runs into English-speaking Catholic been some 'difference' in the Mass they just attended. Even those that notice differences problems for lack of commonly agreed and world to get familiar with the understandable vocabulary. There is a great new text of the Mass, which might find it hard to pinpoint them. deal of consternation among sections comes into effect later this month. The biggest about the incursion made by Bangla overhaul in liturgy since Vatican II has resulted The changes seem easy enough to handle and even into Kokborok. Some prefer Roman in a set of worship documents, which, script for Kokborok; some others according to proponents, are 'richer in its get accustomed to, given the fact that the community as a prefer Bangla. There are people who poetry, more relevant in its references to God feel that Kokborok ought to steer clear and fuller in its allusions to the Bible and whole is in the 'getting-used- to' stage with regard to of both Bangla and Roman script but church needs'. The Church also feels confident retreat into the “fabled” Koloma they will bring about 'fully conscious and attending Mass and might as well get used to the new script. And so on, the list goes on. active participation' of the lay people in the One only hopes the pursuit of Mass, the central act of Catholic worship. liturgy. There is, however, a more challenging area: devotional Kokborok takes wings although The change has implications for us too, users of it's a great deal to ask of a language which in languages like Kokborok that got their use of 'sacred vernacular'. The Vatican seem to insist on using a 'sacred vernacular' in the course of time, seem to have lost much translated Mass prayers from the English vocabulary, abstractions and many other missal. The Nov 27 changeover, therefore, liturgy - one which people recognize as devotional language. It is tantamount to essential aspects. makes it imperative that we incorporate the The revised text of liturgy offers Kokborok changes into the Kokborok liturgy. evolving a sacred Kokborok - one which people can recognize as 'devotional and its speakers untold challenges. What do these changes mean to ordinary J. Pulinthanath, sdb Christians inhabiting the villages of Tripura? Kokborok'. Chances are that on 27th November, hundreds Now, given the present-day Kokborok 22 Link November Mission Congress at Ambassa: A Post Mission Congress at Ambassa Script (To be the Salt of the Earth and Light of Landmark 'Congress' teaching sessions were the Word) redefines Laity's Role in the The Mission Congress at Ambassa from centered on the words of Church Christ, 'You are the salt of Oct.6-9 was unprecedented. It was Agartala, 11 Oct 2011: The Catholic beyond all our expectations. The faithful the Earth and Light of the Church in Tripura is all set to see greater world.' Some of the gathered in large numbers from different involvement of laity in the Church's Parishes of the Diocese. The organizers Speakers were Mr. Daniel Jamatia mission. Calling the just-concluded MLA, Mr. Eugene Gonsalves, the had to redraw their plans and recast the 'Mission Congress' on Laity's role in estimates. Indeed it was a new Pentecost National Vice-President of All India Evangelization, a 'landmark' in the 15- Catholic Union, and Dr. Vincent for the faithful who took part in the year old history of the Diocese, Lumen Congress! Darlong from UNO Delhi. Besides Monteiro CSC, DD, the Bishop of instruction, the 'Congress' also spent We sang and Agartala, clarified that true lay vocation p r a y e d i n much time in prayer, devotional singing consisted 'not in running the Church but and listening to God's Word. The one voice in bringing Christ to the world.' thanking and congress also provided the participants, particularly the youth, who made up praising the Centered on the Biblical invitation to be Lord with more than half the gathering, 'the salt of ample opportunities to t h e the earth and accompanim showcase their talents in light of the singing and acting. ent of the melodious music. We listened world', the to the Resource Persons, missionaries C o n g r e s s and committed laity. There were cultural Mr. Paul Darlong, Chief focused on Organizer of the Congress dances and competitions showcasing the lay people's culture and faith. Strengthened by the sees the enthusiastic turnout role in the as a sign of faith. “Whereas Congress we bore witness acclaiming evangelizin we had expected only about 1200 Jesus our Saviour and Master through a g mission of the Church. Held at St. people, on the first day itself, the colourful procession in the Town. Arnold's Ambassa in Dhalai District, the registered number of participants Thanks be to God and to all those who four-day event (6-9 October 2011) crossed the 2500 mark. It made it possible. We go forth brought together 2500 people from the is a sign of our people's recharged in faith to be the Light of the 16 parishes of Tripura and provided eagerness to know more world and Salt of the earth. them, in the words of Bishop Monteiro, about Christ.” The Fr. Cyprian, SVD “ u n p r e c e d e n t e d i m p e t u s a n d purpose of the Congress, encouragement”. in Mr. Darlong's words Seminar at NVSC-Pune for Bishops was to “thank the Lord, of India The Congress concluded and to renew our faith”. The National Vocation Service Centre with the Annual Eucharistic Ambassa not having hosted such large (NVSC), Pune, a National Institute for the Procession in which over events earlier, there was anxiety about training of formators, administered by 3000 enthusiastic crowd of logistics and other facilities. The local C.B.C.I., organized a four-day Seminar for believers, clad in colorful organizers took it as a challenge and Bishops of India from 17th to 21st October cultural attire, braved the admirably rose to the occasion. “Despite 2011. The central theme of the Seminar scorching heat and walked many constraints, we tried hard to was: "PRIESTS FOR OUR TIMES- THE from St. Arnold's Lalchuri provide an ambience of prayer,” said Fr. ROLE OF THE BISHOPS". The main to Ambassa Town and back, Jaibu Mathew SVD, Parish Priest of purpose of the Seminar is to create holding placards, waving Ambassa and principal host of the awareness among the Bishops regarding flags, uttering prayers and Congress. “And seeing hundreds of the importance and urgency of a paradigm singing devotional songs. faces lost in communion with God, we shift in the formation of candidates to The centre of the colorful procession knew we had succeeded.” priesthood and the ongoing formation of was the canopy that sheltered the Fr. Thomas Pereira, the Convener of the pastoral clergy in India. A galaxy of 'Blessed Sacrament', which Catholics Congress called it 'a historic event'. It Resource Persons presented papers on believe is the real Body of Christ. was the first time that an event of such topics that emphasized the need for In the concluding Mass, Bishop magnitude was being organized by the integrity and psychological maturity to Monteiro reminded the lay people of cope with the stresses of modern times. lay people themselves. He said that it their duty to bring the 'light' of Christ, augurs well for the Church in Tripura. The Seminar included a Panel Discussion through selfless love, forgiveness and on the theme: "What Type of Priests India “The train service, which is relatively peace, into the dark arenas of life where new in Tripura, contributed a great deal Needs Today?" poverty, hatred, and selfishness still hold I was among the 32 Bishops who to the large numbers turning up for the sway. event,” Fr. Pereira said. attended and thank to Fr. Joe Mathias, Fr. Robin Gomes sdb, from Kolkata led S.J. Director-NVSC and Team for the J. Pulinthanath sdb the band of eminent Speakers and Spokesperson, Diocese of Agartala Seminar. Resource Persons, all of who were +Lumen, CSC assigned various topics to speak on. The HAPPENINGS IN THE DIOCESE

3 Link November

What they wrote about the Diocesan Mission Congress Walking with the Lord Then and next five years, I had taken held at Ambassa Now t h e s a m e r o u t e a n d In the month of August 1974, I was told Thank you for the Report and pictures of the Lalchhori always happened D i o c e s a n M i s s i o n C o n g r e s s . to replace Fr. Thomas Thengumpally, to be the first stopover for Congratulations! These events bring life CSC, for three months as he had to go to my missionary journey. among the people, otherwise it is daily Bangalore for some renewal course. On 9th October 2011 (some routine and the usual problems. You people That is how I came to Kumarghat from 36 years later), at the conclusion of the are doing really great work, planting the Mariamnagar in those days. There was Mission Congress, thousands walked on Church in your part of the world. Abp. one Fr. John Joseph CST and Bro. the same road sweating out profusely. As I Evarist, Karachi C y p r i a n C S C t o walked with the Lord Congrats on your celebration of the Mission welcome me there. At together with the singing and Congress. God bless your ministry in that that time, Kumarghat praying crowd, these eastern end of our country. I am in the Parish extended from western end. Abp. Stany Fernandes, memories flashed my mind Churaibadi to Ambassa and deep down in my heart, I Gandhinagar and Kailasahar to Hearty Congratulations!! The programmes was thanking the Lord for Gondacherra. I made making me a humble must have enriched the Faith and Unity of my maiden trip to the Catholic population of the Diocese. Fr instrument in sowing the Vincent Furtado OFM Cap. Bangalore Ambassa at that time seed in the same place where Congratulations for the great event of the with catechist late thousands could gather and sing the Mission Congress. Thank you for the Lukas Master. From Ambassa we took praises of the Lord. It is so gratifying to report. I had already read a report from the same road to Bagmara and know that our labor is not wasted, but Catholic India. Though it is not easy to Kochucherra through Lalchhori. In rather it has been amply rewarded. It is organize such big events it does contribute those days Lalchhori had not yet figured true that many of those faithful who much to the faith formation of the people in the missionary map and therefore gathered there may not be able to answer and their identity as Catholics. I know that after covering some more Garo villages all the questions with regard to their faith so many people worked earnestly for the like Komlacherra and Kekogma or to mutter all the prayers by heart; but a event. Congratulations and appreciation to through Kulai bazaar (there was one all of them. Roy Thalackan, CSC, Rome good many of them manifested their faith family near Kulai bazaar), I ended my through their endurance and some of Congrats, looks like a great gathering!! missionary trip for the time being. Praying with and for you! Sean, CSC, USA them did go away in the middle of the After the great commotion of 1980 June Congress, as they could not endure that Congrats for the success of the Mission communal disturbances, I was Congress you have just held. Tony itself was a manifestation of their faith or Fernandes, sfx, Kolkata appointed to take care of the Parish of lack of it. I express my heartfelt thanks to Thank you for sharing the "good news" - Kumarghat. That year in the month of all those who worked hard day and night very inspiring and encouraging, indeed. December, as I got down from the truck to make the Mission Congress at Appachan, Dubai at Ambassa bazaar, I was greeted by an Ambassa a great success. At this moment Thank you bishop for sending me the news old rickshaw puller whose name was the words of St. Paul seem to be very about the Diocesan Mission Congress. Mahendra Sangma (popularly known as appropriate for me. He said, “After all, Tomy Palely, ORIENS, Shillong Sotilla's father). He told me that that who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are Thank you for the beautiful photographs night I had to halt in his house at simply God's servants, by whom you and the report of the Congress. The Lord has Lalchhori. Late in the evening he came were led to believe. Each one of us does blessed all the hard work put in by bringing with some onion and dal and late so many of the faithful together to sing and the work which the Lord gave him to do: I Mahendra Sangma served me his simple sowed the seed, Apollos watered the glorify his name. Sr. Fay AC, Kolkata banquet in his simple hut. In the Thanks for sending us the report of the plant, but it was God who made the plant morning I was greeted by late grow. The one who sows and the one who Mission Congress held at Ambassa. Hearty Sonabahadur and his family members Congratulations to you and your co- waters really do not matter. It is God who workers for organizing such a big event and Fr. Uttom Malsom's mother and her matters, because God makes the plant participated by so many lay leaders. Fr. family members. A small community of grow” (1 Cor: 3: 5-7) Jose Chirackal, Rector, ORIENS, believers began to take shape in those Fr. Hormis John, CSC Shillong very humble circumstances. For the Congratulation for your daring work. You took the risk of giving witness of what we believe. It is interesting that the laity played these information. Devasia, Tezpur Christ "through selfless love, forgiveness the vital role in the Congress. Even though Hearty Congratulations for the and peace, into the dark arenas of life where we are afraid of the laity I think that is the success....Thank you for the report and poverty, hatred, and selfishness still hold way it should be. And all praise go to them. photos of our Diocesan Mission Congress. sway." Lawrence Darlong That means your formation work is very The Lord has been good to us and has It was a nice glimpse of the mission strong with the laity. You took the risk in the blessed our diocese; the event is really congress that I got from the pictures; may midst of political turmoil which I appreciate special for its emphasis on the laity's role in God bless our zeal for evangelizing our very much. The laity should stand on their evangelization, I fervently pray that the people. George Rod sdb, Rome own and fight for justice with strong faith faithful carry out their mission in their own and religious values. Parimal, CSC, Dhaka little ways to spread the Good News of Congratulations !!!. Thanks for sharing all Gachirmpara Parish News from the Parishes Bodhjungnagar Parish Charismatic Retreat Grotto Blessing A Charismatic Retreat was organized on with religiosity and fervor. On this October, the month of Mary was 3 0 t h S e p t e m b e r a t day we had we had a solemn Eucharist celebrated in St. Andre parish, presided over by Bishop Lumen Budhjungnagar . in the morning of Gachirampara parish. It was t h led by Fr. Joshy and his Team. Monteiro, CSC. During his homily S a t u r d a y, 1 5 People in good number Bishop Lumen exhorted the faithful to October a grotto dedicated to Our flocked to the Church to follow the life of their patron. Neighboring Priests and Sisters lady of Lourdes was experience the touch of blessed by Rt. Rev. God in their lives. Many of joined the celebration. A short and sweet cultural program was the Bp Lumen CSC in our parishioners benefited the presence of Fr. highlight of the celebration. The from this Retreat and many Emmanuel CSC, the provincial superior received inner healing. This Retreat was celebration ended with a fellowship of Holy Cross, many religious and the an enriching experience and it energized meal. The day and the event were parishioners. Bishop Lumen in his the faithful of our Parish. memorable. Fr. Godwin,OFM, Cap address to the faithful gathered for the Parish Feast News bits from all over occasion highlighted the role of Mother Mary in our faith journey as well as St. Francis of Assisi Chief Minister inaugurates Parish, Gachirampara, invited the women to pray to Mary and ILS Hospitals inculcate in their children devotion to celebrated their patronal Chief Minister Manik Sarkar inaugurated feast on 2nd of October Mother Mary. The day was also Tripura's first multi specialty ILS celebrated as Mother's Day. Parish priest, Visitors at Bishop's House hospital run by Kolkata-based Fr. K.J Abraham organized one day GPT Healthcare Private sAC Srs. Agnelita and Marie Fay from Kolkata seminar for all mothers of the parish on Limited at Capital Complex sFr. Joe Almeida, SDB, Provincial from Guwahati on October 2. The seven- topics such as health care, role of mothers sCSC Frs. Arul, K.O. and Clement from Shillong storied and 200 bed hospital in the education of children, and faith sSABS Provincial Team from Dimapur: would also cater to the needs formation and practice in families. sSrs. Annie, Philomy, Rosely & Catherine Bro. Chandrakant, CSC sFr. Robin Gomes, SDB from Kolkata of the patients from neighbouring sMr. A.J. Anthony, Immanuel & Ms. Vandana, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan besides the entire eastern and northeastern Depacherra Parish Jesus Youth National Animators Youth Day Celebrations sSrs. Rosin & Bibiana, SABS from Burunga India," GHPL managing director Dr Om s Tantia told reporters. A total of 26 ICU On October 12, 2011, the Youth of our Bro. Rene Delrome, SG Superior General from Parish were invited to actively Rome (intensive care units) and ICCU sBro. B. A. Kurian, SG Provincial from Guwahati (intensive coronary care units) and eight participate in the Parish Youth Day sSr. Martina, SJA General Councilor from France state-of-the-art ultra modern operation (PYD). We began the day by celebration sSr. Pauline, SJA Provincial from Orissa theatres, the hospital has also set up a big of the Eucharist, which was animated by sFr. Ronald Coutinho from Mangalore Diocese dedicated captive Oxygen generation the Youth. After Mass, we assembled in sSr. Philomena, FMA from Kenya plant, considering the crisis of oxygen in the Parish Hall for the programme the mountainous region during animated by Rev. Frs. Paul Puduserry, Bishop's Program for November emergency needs, Dr Tantia said. 2011 CSC and Cyprian Pinto, SVD. The Latest modern medical technologies, programme commenced with the most 02: All Souls Day, Mariamnagar equipments and machineries have been powerful prayer Jesus taught us - The Cemetery imported from the US's GE Healthcare “OUR FATHER”. The entire programme and commissioned in the hospital, first of was well presented with a power point 03: Meeting SSpS Asst. its kind in the entire northeastern region, presentation in the form of prayers, General said Dr Tantia. 05: SSpS Girls Hostel Blessing, Source: tripurainfo.com songs, etc. During the first session, the Gandacherra Resource Persons spoke about “Journeying with the youth”. They 06: Nalicherra Chapel Blessing, Cardinal Gracias new FABC emphasized that Youth is a crucial stage Ambassa Parish Secretary General of life and one needs to understand and 08: Malbassa Chapel Blessing, The Cardinal was elected to the post in handle them carefully at every step. In Depacherra Parish the Federation of Asian Bishops' the second session the Resource Persons 10-13: Evangelization Seminar, Conference Central Committee meeting told the youth about discovering inner on October 21 in Bangkok. The Cardinal, Shillong potential, being faithful to principles of who is also the President of Catholic 16-18: Pastoral Visit, Bishramganj Bishops' Conference of India, has been life and being rooted in the Catholic Parish appointed with effect from January 1, faith. Our post lunch session included 19-21: Bandra Parish Program, 2012. He succeeds Archbishop Orlando indoor games and film. It was quite Mumbai B. Quevedo from Philippines. The interesting, enjoyable and all of us participated enthusiastically. We 26-27: Sinaikami Chapel Blessing, Secretary General's term is for 3 years, concluded the day with a short prayer. Mandwi Parish which is renewable. Source: press release/ FABC Mr. Nirmal Uchoi

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