OFFICIAL

GOT TO PRAY A LOT

Dear Brothers and Sisters, difference of opinion. It is necessary that the Government dialogues with those I wish everyone a Happy New Year filled opposing the Act, and come to an with grace and peace. Christmas has agreement about the way forward with opened the doors of this New Year justice equity and fairness. challenging us, like Jesus our Saviour, if we too are prepared to share in some We need, therefore, to pray for our way in the poverty, the suffering, the country as well as our State in particular, insecurity and the shame of our people. with this idea of shifting the Secretariat I have noted with great pleasure that and the Judiciary to two other different how every one of our personnel, Priests, cities. Everyone is very sceptic about the Religious and Catechists was involved outcome and the demonstrations though in preparing our people for this greatest in small numbers are also going on. So feast. You must have noted that that we we have enough material for our prayer must not only be for but also be with our to storm heavens. people. Only then we will have a personal experience of Immanuel, God- May 2020 bring all of us showers of with-us. blessings, joy and zeal for Christ and his Gospel. The country is facing a lot of disturbances. The ongoing controversy Yours sincerely, and demonstrations and counter demonstrations concerning the Citizenship Act is a cause of great anxiety for all of us and it could harm the country. There is a danger that there + Thelagathoti J. Raja Rao, S.M.M. could be a polarization of our peoples Bishop of Vijayawada along religious lines, which is very harmful for the country.

Religion should never be the criterion for citizenship of a country. Nor is violence a solution when there is a

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 1 JANUARY 2020 OFFICIAL BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS : JANUARY - MARCH 2020

Date Day Programme JANUARY, 2020 04 Saturday : School Jubilee Function of SFS School, Agiripalli Parish, 05:30 p.m. 06-10 : Retreat for Junior Clergy 08 Wednesday : Holy Childhood Celebration at Gunadala, 12:00 noon. 09 Thursday : School Day Celebration of Holy Cross English Medium High School, Kaikaluru, 4:30 p.m. 10 Friday : Silver Jubilee of Sahayamatha School, Mudinepalli, 5:30 p.m. 11 Saturday : Silver Jubilee of Religlious Profession of Sr. Jyothi MSI at Penamaluru, 4:30 p.m. 12 Sunday : Holy Mass at Holy Cross Parish, Machilipatnam, 8:00 a.m. 13 Monday : Not Available 14 Tuesday : In the office (receives by appointment) 15 Wednesday : Death Anniversary of Bro. Thambi, Mass at Peddavutapalli, 7:00 a.m. 17 Friday : Feast day Mass at Jagannadhapuram Parish 10:00 a.m. 18 Saturday : Priestly Ordination of Deacon Namburi Bhagya (for Jammu & Kashmir Diocese) at Korukollu, 4:00 p.m. 21 Tuesday : Blessing of New Parish Church, Sacred Heart Parish Nunna, 10.00 a.m. 23 Thursday : Silver Jubilee of Priesthood, Sattenapally, 5:30 p.m. 24 Friday : Visit of Sr. Celine , FMA, 10.30 a.m. 25 Saturday : Conversion of St. Paul, St. Paul’s Cathedral, 6:00 p.m. 26 Sunday : Mass at St. Agnes Church, Guntur, 6:00 p.m. 27 Monday : Mass for St. Sisters, Gannavaram, 7.00 a.m. 28 Tuesday : Leaving for Hyderabad 29 Wednesday : TCBC Extraordinary Meeting on Regional Dalit Policy 30 Thursday : Chapel Blessing at Chinna Avutapalli, 10:00 a.m. 31 Friday : Blessing of Grotto- Confirmations at Saradanagar, 10:00 a.m. Flag hoisting-Gunadalamatha Festival, 5:00 p.m.

FEBRUARY, 2020 02 Sunday : Fourth Anniversary of Episcopal Consecration of Bishop : Laying of the Foundation Stone for the New Church in Gunadala, 5:00 p.m.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 2 JANUARY 2020 OFFICIAL 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: Sr. Mary Glowrey, Guntur, 4:00 p.m. 08 Saturday : Provincial Chapter of SAB, Inaugural Mass, 7:00 a.m. 09 Sunday : First day of Gunadala Feast, Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar PIME 10 Monday : Second Day of the Feast, Bp U. Bala & Bp Anthony Prince. 11 Tuesday : Final Day of the Feast, Solemn Eucharist at 7.00 .a.m. 12 Wednesday : Leaving for 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, 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 28 Friday : Feast of the Holy Cross, Siluvagattu, 6:30 p.m.

MARCH, 2020 02 Monday : Leaving for Hyderabad 03 - 05 : TCBC Meeting, Hyderabad 06 Friday : Returning to Vijayawada 09 -18 : Pastoral Visits to Parishes. 19 Thursday : New Chapel Blessing, Joseph 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

COMMUNIO INDIA SUNDAY: As it is already published in the IVC, Novem- ber, 2019 Issue, Communio India Sun- day in our diocese is shifted to the first Sunday of February, 2020 in order to facilitate better contributions by placing it at a more suitable period of the year within the context of calendar of collec- tions in the diocese. We will take the special collection for Communion India nd on 2 February, 2020.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 3 JANUARY 2020 OFFICIAL

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 4 JANUARY 2020 OFFICIAL

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 5 JANUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN

INTENTION OF THE HOLY FATHER JANUARY, 2020 Promotion of World Peace ’S QUOTE We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people “A baby’s smile is a sign of God’s of goodwill may promote peace love” and justice in the world.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 53rd WORLD DAY OF PEACE, 1 JANUARY 2020 PEACE AS A JOURNEY OF HOPE: DIALOGUE, RECONCILIATION AND ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION

1. Peace, a journey of hope in the nerable. Entire nations find it difficult to face of obstacles and trial break free of the chains of exploitation and corruption that fuel hatred and vio- Peace is a great and precious value, the lence. Even today, dignity, physical in- object of our hope and the aspiration of tegrity, freedom, including religious free- the entire human family. As a human dom, communal solidarity and hope in attitude, our hope for peace is marked the future are denied to great numbers by an existential tension that makes it of men and women, young and old. possible for the present, with all its diffi- Many are the innocent victims of painful culties, to be “lived and accepted if it humiliation and exclusion, sorrow and leads towards a goal, if we can be sure injustice, to say nothing of the trauma of this goal, and if this goal is great born of systematic attacks on their enough to justify the effort of the people and their loved ones. journey”.[1] Hope is thus the virtue that inspires us and keeps us moving for- The terrible trials of internal and inter- ward, even when obstacles seem insur- national conflicts, often aggravated by mountable. ruthless acts of violence, have an en- during effect on the body and soul of Our human community bears, in its humanity. Every war is a form of fratri- memory and its flesh, the scars of ever cide that destroys the human family’s more devastating wars and conflicts that innate vocation to brotherhood. affect especially the poor and the vul-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 6 JANUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN War, as we know, often begins with the We cannot claim to maintain stability in inability to accept the diversity of oth- the world through the fear of annihila- ers, which then fosters attitudes of ag- tion, in a volatile situation, suspended grandizement and domination born of on the brink of a nuclear abyss and en- selfishness and pride, hatred and the closed behind walls of indifference. As desire to caricature, exclude and even a result, social and economic decisions destroy the other. War is fueled by a are being made that lead to tragic situa- perversion of relationships, by hege- tions where human beings and creation monic ambitions, by abuses of power, itself are discarded rather than protected by fear of others and by seeing diver- and preserved.[3] How, then, do we un- sity as an obstacle. And these, in turn, dertake a journey of peace and mutual are aggravated by the experience of war. respect? How do we break the un- healthy mentality of threats and fear? As I observed during my recent Apos- How do we break the current dynamic tolic Journey to Japan, our world is para- of distrust? doxically marked by “a perverse di- chotomy that tries to defend and ensure We need to pursue a genuine fraternity stability and peace through a false sense based on our common origin from God of security sustained by a mentality of and exercised in dialogue and mutual fear and mistrust, one that ends up poi- trust. The desire for peace lies deep soning relationships between peoples within the human heart, and we should and obstructing any form of dialogue. not resign ourselves to seeking anything Peace and international stability are in- less than this. compatible with attempts to build upon the fear of mutual destruction or the 2. Peace, a journey of listening based threat of total annihilation. They can be on memory, solidarity and fraternity achieved only on the basis of a global ethic of solidarity and cooperation in the The Hibakusha, the survivors of the service of a future shaped by interde- atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima pendence and shared responsibility in and Nagasaki, are among those who the whole human family of today and currently keep alive the flame of collec- tomorrow”.[2] tive conscience, bearing witness to suc- ceeding generations to the horror of Every threatening situation feeds mis- what happened in August 1945 and the trust and leads people to withdraw into unspeakable sufferings that have con- their own safety zone. Mistrust and fear tinued to the present time. Their testi- weaken relationships and increase the mony awakens and preserves the risk of violence, creating a vicious circle memory of the victims, so that the con- that can never lead to a relationship of science of humanity may rise up in the peace. Even nuclear deterrence can face of every desire for dominance and only produce the illusion of security. destruction. “We cannot allow present and future generations to lose the

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 7 JANUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN memory of what happened here. It is a cannot truly achieve peace without a memory that ensures and encourages convinced dialogue between men and the building of a more fair and fraternal women who seek the truth beyond ide- future”.[4] ologies and differing opinions. Peace “must be built up continually”;[5] it is a Like the Hibakusha, many people in journey made together in constant pur- today’s world are working to ensure that suit of the common good, truthfulness future generations will preserve the and respect for law. Listening to one memory of past events, not only in or- another can lead to mutual understand- der to prevent the same errors or illu- ing and esteem, and even to seeing in sions from recurring, but also to enable an enemy the face of a brother or sister. memory, as the fruit of experience, to serve as the basis and inspiration for The peace process thus requires endur- present and future decisions to promote ing commitment. It is a patient effort to peace. seek truth and justice, to honour the memory of victims and to open the way, What is more, memory is the horizon of step by step, to a shared hope stronger hope. Many times, in the darkness of than the desire for vengeance. In a state wars and conflicts, the remembrance of based on law, democracy can be an even a small gesture of solidarity re- important paradigm of this process, pro- ceived can lead to courageous and even vided it is grounded in justice and a com- heroic decisions. It can unleash new mitment to protect the rights of every energies and kindle new hope in indi- person, especially the weak and viduals and communities. marginalized, in a constant search for truth.[6] This is a social undertaking, an Setting out on a journey of peace is a ongoing work in which each individual challenge made all the more complex makes his or her contribution responsi- because the interests at stake in rela- bly, at every level of the local, national tionships between people, communities and global community. and nations, are numerous and conflict- ing. We must first appeal to people’s As Paul VI pointed out, these “two moral conscience and to personal and aspirations, to equality and to participa- political will. Peace emerges from the tion, seek to promote a democratic so- depths of the human heart and political ciety… This calls for an education to will must always be renewed, so that social life, involving not only the knowl- new ways can be found to reconcile and edge of each person’s rights, but also unite individuals and communities. its necessary correlative: the recognition of his or her duties with regard to oth- The world does not need empty words ers. The sense and practice of duty are but convinced witnesses, peacemakers themselves conditioned by the capacity who are open to a dialogue that rejects for self-mastery and by the acceptance exclusion or manipulation. In fact, we of responsibility and of the limits placed

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 8 JANUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN upon the freedom of individuals or the We are guided by the Gospel passage groups”.[7] that tells of the following conversation between Peter and Jesus: “Lord, how Divisions within a society, the increase often shall my brother sin against me, of social inequalities and the refusal to and I forgive him? As many as seven employ the means of ensuring integral times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say human development endanger the pur- to you seven times, but seventy times suit of the common good. Yet patient seven” (Mt 18:21-22). This path of rec- efforts based on the power of the word onciliation is a summons to discover in and of truth can help foster a greater the depths of our heart the power of for- capacity for compassion and creative giveness and the capacity to acknowl- solidarity. edge one another as brothers and sis- ters. When we learn to live in forgive- In our Christian experience, we con- ness, we grow in our capacity to become stantly remember Christ, who gave his men and women of peace. life to reconcile us to one another (cf. Rom 5:6-11). The Church shares What is true of peace in a social context fully in the search for a just social order; is also true in the areas of politics and she continues to serve the common the economy, since peace permeates good and to nourish the hope for peace every dimension of life in common. by transmitting Christian values and There can be no true peace unless we moral teaching, and by her social and show ourselves capable of developing educational works. a more just economic system. As Pope Benedict XVI said ten years ago in his 3. Peace, a journey of reconciliation Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate, “in in fraternal communion order to defeat underdevelopment, ac- tion is required not only on improving The Bible, especially in the words of the exchange-based transactions and im- Prophets, reminds individuals and planting public welfare structures, but peoples of God’s covenant with human- above all on graduallyincreasing open- ity, which entails renouncing our desire ness, in a world context, to forms of eco- to dominate others and learning to see nomic activity marked by quotas of gra- one another as persons, sons and tuitousness and communion” (No. 39). daughters of God, brothers and sisters. We should never encapsulate others in 4. Peace, a journey of ecological con- what they may have said or done, but version value them for the promise that they embody. Only by choosing the path of “If a mistaken understanding of our own respect can we break the spiral of ven- principles has at times led us to justify geance and set out on the journey of mistreating nature, to exercise tyranny hope. over creation, to engage in war, injus- tice and acts of violence, we believers

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 9 JANUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN should acknowledge that by so doing we favour the continued flourishing of life were not faithful to the treasures of wis- and the development of the common dom which we have been called to pro- good of the entire human family. tect and preserve”.[8] The ecological conversion for which we Faced with the consequences of our are appealing will lead us to a new way hostility towards others, our lack of re- of looking at life, as we consider the spect for our common home or our abu- generosity of the Creator who has given sive exploitation of natural resources – us the earth and called us to a share it seen only as a source of immediate in joy and moderation. This conversion profit, regardless of local communities, must be understood in an integral way, the common good and nature itself – we as a transformation of how we relate to are in need of an ecological conversion. our sisters and brothers, to other living The recent on the Pan-Amazon beings, to creation in all its rich variety Region moves us to make a pressing and to the Creator who is the origin and renewed call for a peaceful relationship source of all life. For Christians, it re- between communities and the land, be- quires that “the effects of their encoun- tween present and past, between expe- ter with Jesus Christ become evident in rience and hope. their relationship with the world around them”.[9] This journey of reconciliation also calls for listening and contemplation of the 5. “We obtain all that we hope for”[10] world that God has given us as a gift to make our common home. Indeed, natu- The journey of reconciliation calls for ral resources, the many forms of life and patience and trust. Peace will not be the earth itself have been entrusted to obtained unless it is hoped for. us “to till and keep” (Gen 1:15), also for future generations, through the respon- In the first place, this means believing sible and active participation of every- in the possibility of peace, believing that one. We need to change the way we others need peace just as much as we think and see things, and to become do. Here we can find inspiration in the more open to encountering others and love that God has for each of us: a love accepting the gift of creation, which re- that is liberating, limitless, gratuitous and flects the beauty and wisdom of its Cre- tireless. ator. Fear is frequently a source of conflict. All this gives us deeper motivation and So it is important to overcome our hu- a new way to dwell in our common man fears and acknowledge that we are home, to accept our differences, to re- needy children in the eyes of the One spect and celebrate the life that we have who loves us and awaits us, like the fa- received and share, and to seek living ther of the prodigal son (cf. Lk 15:11-24). conditions and models of society that The culture of fraternal encounter shat-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 10 JANUARY 2020 FROM VATICAN ters the culture of conflict. It makes of received his forgiveness in Christ, we every encounter a possibility and a gift can set out to offer that peace to the men of God’s generous love. It leads us be- and women of our time. Day by day, the yond the limits of our narrow horizons Holy Spirit prompts in us ways of think- and constantly encourages us to a live ing and speaking that can make us arti- in a spirit of universal fraternity, as chil- sans of justice and peace. dren of the one heavenly Father. May the God of peace bless us and For the followers of Christ, this journey come to our aid. May Mary, Mother of is likewise sustained by the sacrament the Prince of Peace and Mother of all of Reconciliation, given by the Lord for the peoples of the earth, accompany and the remission of sins of the baptized. sustain us at every step of our journey This sacrament of the Church, which of reconciliation. renews individuals and communities, bids us keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, And may all men and women who come who reconciled “all things, whether on into this world experience a life of peace earth or in heaven, by making peace and develop fully the promise of life and through the blood of his cross” love dwelling in their heart. (Col 1:20). It requires us to set aside every act of violence in thought, word From the Vatican, 8 December 2019 and deed, whether against our neighbours or against God’s creation.

The grace of God our Father is be- FRANCIS stowed as unconditional love. Having COMMUNICATIONS

THANKS FOR THE GREETINGS: I would like to express my thanks to all FR.REDAELLI PIME, SCHOLARSHIPS: the priests and the religious who con- This is to request the parish priests who veyed greetings of Christmas and New are still to submit Application Forms for Year either in person or through greet- Fr. Redaelli Scholarships. Please in- ing cards. I wish you all a JOYFUL NEW struct the students to send their respec- YEAR 2020. May the New Year bring tive applications by Registered Post with you all God’s choicest blessings! the self addressed postal envelope at the earliest. JANUARY-2020 RECOLLECTION: As Fr. M. Balaswamy, President, Fr. the junior clergy will have their Annual Redaelli Educational Society, Retreat in January, the Vicariate Recol- Gannavaram Parish lections will stand cancelled.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 11 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS ORDO - 2020: The Priests and religious and Parish Finance Committee to the are requested to collect ORDO- 2020 Bishop’s Secretariat at the earliest. Very from Fr. Marlapati Bhanu Yeshwanth few parish priests have sent the names. Kumar, the Secretary to Bishop. (Cell For any guidance on the formation of No: 8522936636). We thank Fr. Nakka these councils/committees, please ap- Raju, the Diocesan Director of proach Fr. Kolakani Marianna, the Judi- Commission for Liturgy, who has pre- cial Vicar. pared this Ordo and made it available to us on time. DATA OF THE LOCAL VOCATIONS: We are trying to take stock of the Voca- CHRISTMAS GIFT: “God’s Word 2020: tions to Priesthood/Religious Life that Daily Reflections” published by St. the diocese has produced and we seek Paul’s India, is given to the pastoral the assistance of all the Parish Priests clergy and the heads of the religious in order to collect this data. The data has communities of our diocese as a Christ- already been requested from the Par- mas gift. Please collect your copy from ish Priests through an email from the Rev. Fr. Marlapati Bhanu Yeshwanth Bishop’s office. Kumar, the Secretary. It will not be avail- able after 31 January We appeal once again to the Parish Priests to collect the data of all Voca- ANNUAL RETURNS FORMS-2019: tions to Priesthood/Religious Life that Parish Priests, Heads of the Institutions your parish has produced. Please take and Convents are hereby requested to the help of the Catechists in your parish collect the Annual Returns Forms from to collect this information. The data re- the Bishop’s House and submit the quired is the following: same duly filled in, to the Bishop’s House before 31st January 2020. When filling 1. Name and Surname of the Priest/ the forms, kindly pay attention to the Brother/Sister: record of the previous year in order to 2. Name of the Village from which he/ avoid glaring inconsistencies and irregu- she hails: larities. Undue delay in submitting these 3. Name of the Religious Congrega- forms causes a lot of inconvenience to tion/Diocese to which he/she be- the office. Therefore, you are requested longs: to return the duly filled forms by the end 4. Year of Ordination/Religious Pro- of January 2020. fession: 5. Current Appointment/Place of PASTORAL COUNCIL AND FINANCE Work: COMMITTEE: All the parish priests are 6. Contact Information: Address, requested to send the names of the of- Mobile Number, Email fice bearers of Parish Pastoral Council 7. Date of Death, if expired:

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 12 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS FEAST OF BRO. JOSEPH THAMBY, Kindly collect the above information for AVUTAPALLI: The annual feast of Bro. each of the Priest/Brother/Priest/Semi- Joseph Thamby will be celebrated at narian hailing from your parish and send Avutapalli on 13, 14 & 15 January 2020. the same to the Secretaries of the All the priests and religious in the dio- Bishop. cese are requested to extend the needed cooperation to the Shrine com- ANNUAL RETREAT FOR THE JUN- mittee of Avutapalli and encourage the IOR CLERGY: The annual retreat for faithful to attend the festival and reap the Junior Clergy (10 years of Priest- the spiritual benefits. hood) will be held from the 6th to 10th January, 2020. It will start at 9.00 a.m. GUNADALAMATHA FESTIVAL: th on 6 January and conclude at 1.00 p.m. Gunadalamatha Festival will be cel- th on 10 January. Fr. Tony Menezes SVD ebrated with solemnity on 9th, 10th and will preach the retreat for the Junior 11th February, 2020. This being the prin- Clergy. cipal shrine of the diocese, I appeal to all the Priests, religious and laity in our The Junior clergy and the priests who diocese, to extend the necessary coop- did not attend the senior clergy retreat eration for an orderly and meaningful are expected to attend this Retreat with- celebration of the festival by physical out fail. Express permission of the presence and involvement. All the bishop is required for exemption from priests and heads of the institutions are attending this Retreat. hereby requested to encourage the faith- ful to participate in the feast. UNITY OCTAVE WEEK: We observe th the Christian Unity Octave Week 18 - Please do extend all the collaboration th 25 January, 2020 to deepen our ecu- and cooperation to Fr. Eleti William Jaya menical communion. I appeal to all the Raju, the Rector of Gunadalamatha parish priests and the religious to do Shrine, and to all those who are in whatever is possible to promote good charge of different committees and are relationships with other Christian Com- given special responsibilities. The pres- munities, especially the pastors and ence of priests, both diocesan and reli- other leaders. This week of Prayer for gious, is desired by the devotees for Christian Unity is a wonderful occasion praying and blessing them in the church, to renew and strengthen our efforts to at the Grotto and the Cross. This is a promote unity and fellowship. Please diocesan festival and none of us should take initiative to conduct at least one shun ourselves from being present prayer service with members of other whenever and wherever needed so that Churches in your parish area. the festival is celebrated meaningfully. Please attend to the duties allotted to

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 13 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS you responsibly and enthusiastically. In Catechism Exam for 2020 for the Catho- the preparatory meeting a lot of lay lic children of 4th to 10th classes which people expressed their desire to see will be conducted on 28th January 2020 more priests for confessions, and for at Bishop Grassi High School, praying over the devotees that come. Gunadala, from 10.00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Therefore, I request the priests to make Therefore, I request you to prepare your themselves available to these ministries. students and bring only three students from each class for the final exam. I also request all the priests in the dio- cese, especially those in the pastoral General Instructions ministry, to prepare the people spiritu- o Please conduct the Exam in your ally for the Gunadalamatha Feast by School according to your conve- making arrangements for the novena nience before the final exam. prayers in all the parish headquarters and wherever possible in the villages o Please bring only those who secure too. These efforts will help the whole First, Second and Third in your lo- Christian Community in each parish to cal exam for the Final Exam. be part of the celebrations at this dioc- o Lunch will be provided for the teach- esan shrine. May this festival promote ers and students. unity and togetherness in the diocese! For any Clarifications please contact COMMUNICATION FROM PASTORAL Fr. Vijaya Kumar Damala:9550758297 CENTRE: CONDOLENCES: Bible Exam for the Catechists 2020: • Mr. Varakala Arlappa (66), father of This is to bring to the kind notice of all Fr. Varakala Gaspar Raju, passed away the parish priests that Bible Exam for on 14th December, 2019. We express the Catechists for the year 2020 will be our heartfelt condolences to Fr. V. conducted on 22ndJanuary 2020 at Pas- Gaspar Raju and to other bereaved toral Centre from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 members of the family. May the Lord of p.m. The syllabus for the exam is the mercies grant him Eternal Rest! Book of Revelation and the epistle of St. Jude. • Mrs. Lanke Nirmala (65), Mother of Rev. Fr. Lanke Sridhar, passed away on 22nd The Diocesan Catechism Exam for December, 2019. We express our heart- the School Children 2020: This is to felt condolences to Fr. L. Sridhar and to remind the Correspondents/Headmas- other bereaved members of the family. ters/Headmistresses of the Catholic May the Lord of mercies grant her Eter- schools of our diocese of the Diocesan nal Rest!

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 14 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIOCESE IN DECEMBER, 2019 SECOND SUNDAY COLLECTIONS S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION 1. St. Paul’s Cathedral 15,697 38.Kaikaluru 2,100 2. St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral 16,220 39.Kalidindi 1,530 3. Agiripalli 317 40.Kambhampadu 163 4. Ajithsinghnagar 2,798 41.Kanchikacherla 2,001 5. Arugolanu 904 42.Kankipadu 2,484 6. Assisi Nagar (Konkepudi) 1,240 43.Kanuru 4,007 7. Avanigadda 1,655 44.Keesara 587 8. Avutapalli 6,843 45.Kesarapalli 4,851 9. Azzampudi 1,159 46.Koduru 646 10.Bantumilli 545 47.Kondapalli 1,790 11.Bhaskaraopeta 400 48.Kondapavuluru 834 12.Bhyravapatnam 830 49.Korukollu 350 13.Bodavada-Jammavaram 981 50.Kotapadu 170 14.Bommuluru 1,465 51.Kothapalli 160 15.Carmelnagar 932 52.Kuchipudi ----- 16.Challapalli 1,964 53.Labbipeta 4,050 17.Chandarlapadu 466 54.Lourdunagar 926 18.Chanubanda 295 55.Machilipatnam ----- 19.Chatrai 707 56.Mallavalli 608 20.Chillakallu ----- 57.Manginapudi 626 21.Christurajapuram 2,710 58.Mariapuram (Lakshmipuram) 835 22.Edara 2,240 59.Mucchintala 1,100 23.Edulagudem 814 60.Mudinepalli 1,220 24.Enikepadu 950 61.Mulapadu 985 25.Gampalagudem (Nov. – 535) 595 62.Munagalapalli 581 26.Gannavaram 1,310 63.Musunuru 626 27.Gollapudi 1,880 64.Mylavaram 2,014 28.Goodmanpeta 1,808 65.Nagayalanka 1,073 29.Gudivada 3,000 66.Nandigama 3,250 30.Gudlavalleru 2,050 67.Nawabupeta 760 31.Gunadala 42,190 68.Nehrupeta 1,233 32.Guntupalli 1,445 69.Nunna 1,220 33.Jagannadhapuram 480 70.Nuzvid-Town 1,816 34.Jaggayyapeta ----- 71.Pamarru 574 35.Jakkampudi (Jeevan Nagar) 437 72.Pedda-Mustabad 1,240 36.Joji Nagar 3,879 73.Pedana 988 37.Jyothinagar 2,215 74.Penamaluru 2,086

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 15 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION 75.Penugolanu 210 89.Tiruvuru 931 76.Pezzonipeta 6,376 90.Uppaluru 1,660 77.Polukonda 1,025 91.Vanukuru 1,205 78.Pydurupadu 310 92.Vatsavai 188 79.Rajareswaripeta 1,147 93.Velagalagudem 418 80.Ramanakkapeta 700 94.Vellaturu 933 81.Ranigarithota 808 95.Velpur 730 82.Sahayanagar (Ibrahimpatnam) 1,070 96.Vennanapudi ----- 83.Saradhanagar 1,030 97.Ventrapragada 470 84.Satyanarayanapuram 2,871 98.Vissannapeta 1,138 85.Siluvagattu 256 99.Vuyyuru 2,156 86.Siluvagirinagar 422 100.Yesupuram 380 87.Telaprolu 972 88.Thukkuluru 773 TOTAL 2,01,084

MASSES

09.12.2019 Edara @Rs.100 332 33,200 10.12.2019 Uppaluru @Rs.100 07 700 16.12.2019 Gannavaram @Rs.100 70 7,000 20.12.2019 Gudivada @Rs.100 10 1,000 31.12.2019 Gundalamatha Shrine @Rs.100/- 632 63,200 31.12.2019 Kesarapalli @Rs.100/- 100 10,000 31.12.2019 St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral @Rs.100 105 10,500 31.12.2019 St. Paul’s Cathedral @Rs.100 36 3,600 31.12.2019 Kankipadu @Rs.100 50 5,000 Total 1342 1,34,200

FAMILY CARDS

31.12.2019 Gunadalamatha Shrine 7,660 31.12.2019 St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral 7,000 Total 14,660

ANIMATORS’ FUND

21.12.2019 Anonymous 5,000

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 16 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 17 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 18 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 19 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 20 JANUARY 2020 COMMUNICATIONS

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 21 JANUARY 2020 NEWS NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE The Re-dedication of St. Ann’s Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, SMM, Chapel at Malleswaram, Bantumilli blessed the renovated chapel and re- Parish dedicated it to St. Ann the patroness. His Excellency presided over the Holy Eu- The faithful of Malleswaram, the substa- charist on that festive day. The chapel tion of Bantumilli parish had a great day was renovated with the generous help of Cluny Sisters and the contribution from the local people. His Excellency hailed the generous act of the faithful and the religious nuns. The people es- pecially the children were very happy to celebrate the pre-Christmas with the shepherd of the diocese after the mass. More than thousand people from all the substations of the parish participated in the celebration and had the festive meal. nd of joy on 22 December, 2019. On that Fr. Bandanadam Francis, Parish day His Excellency Most Rev. Priest, Bantumilli NEWS FROM THE RELIGIOUS

The Celebration of Final Profession God’s blessings on our Sisters and all of the Sisters of St. Ann’s, Luzern. of us. His inspiring and thought-provok- ing message enables us to proceed with It was a great day of rejoicing for the enthusiasm and courage in our religious family of St. Ann’s Luzern, as six of our life without losing focus and direction. Tertians made their perpetual Vows to the Lord on 7th December, 2019. We His Lordship, in his sermon, exhorted were blessed to have the gracious pres- ence of His Lordship most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, SMM, the Bishop of Vijayawada diocese, Rev. Msgr. Muvvala Prasad, the Vicar Gen- eral and many other Reverend Fathers, Brothers, Sisters and our well-wishers. We are grateful to His Lordship for of- fering the Holy Eucharist, presiding over the profession ceremony and imploring

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 22 JANUARY 2020 NEWS our Sisters that religious life in the past Raja Rao SMM, the Bishop of was considered as a way of perfection Vijayawada, for his gracious presence and more insistence was given to renun- on this occasion with his prayers and ciation but today religious life calls each blessings. We do thank all the Fathers, of us for a deeper immersion into the Brothers, Sisters, friends and well-wish- world as a radical of Jesus. He ers who were present for this holy cer- told each of them to become the con- emony and prayed for our Sisters. science of the society as the society has lost its conscience. He gave the example Sr. Ancilin SAL,Secretary to Provincial, of St. Theresa of Calcutta, St. Catherine Prasanth Bhavan of Sienna and Sr. Rani Maria etc. who became the conscience of the Society. Inauguration and Blessing of New His Lordship quoted Pope Francis who Convent at Bantumilli challenged the priests and religious to go to the periphery, to have the smell of We, the Daughters of the Sacred Heart the sheep. He challenged the gathering of Jesus (DSHJ),began our services at specially the Sisters who made their Per- Bantumilli Parish, Vijayawada diocese petual Vows to take a ‘U’ turn in life not on 14th December 2019. The parish as efficient administrators but as spiri- priest and parishioners of Bantumilli ex- tual guides. He did explain to them the tended a warm welcome to us. His Ex- cellency, Most Rev. Joseph Raja Rao, blessed our convent building and the dispensary in the gracious presence of our Provincial, Rev. Sr. Rosemary Aniyaryil. Later, the Bishop officiated the solemn Holy Eucharist. The celebration ended with an agape meal. We are very grateful to His Excellency, Bishop Jo- seph Raja Rao, the Bishop of Vijayawada, for inviting us to this dio- cese and offering us Bantumilli parish importance and relevance of the three to institute our community and render Evangelical Vows.

After the conclusion of the Holy Mass a short felicitation was arranged for the guests and the perpetually professed Sisters. The programme was concluded with a delicious meal served for all.

We are indeed grateful to His Excel- lency, Most Rev. Dr. Thelagathoti Joseph

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 23 JANUARY 2020 NEWS our services. We are also grateful for all Fr. Sleevaraju SDM, the councilor del- the assistance extended by the Parish egated by the Superior General Fr. Priest, Rev. Fr. Bandanadam Francis, Antony Swami SDM, presented the can- in organizing the day’s event and help- didate. Fr. Ruben Lourdusamy SDM, the ing us to settle in the new place. We also councilor, and other priests of the SDM thank all the Catechists of the parish and congregation, Fr. P.D.Dath, the Vicar about 150 faithful who attended this Forane of Nuzvid Vicariate, several OMI event. We were delighted with the pres- priests, priests of other Congregations, ence of two of our sisters from the com- and religious sisters graced the occa- munity of Khammam. Sr. Shybi sion with their presence. There were Puthuparambil and Sr. Bindu about 25 priests and a good number of Naduparambil are the members of the faithful present for this great occasion. new community at Bantumilli. On the next day, the new priest, Fr. P.James offered his First Thanksgiving Sr. Shybi DSHJ, Bantumilli Mass in Chintalavalli village.

Ordination of SDM Priest at Fr. A. John Kishore, OMI, Parish Chintalavalli village, Musunuru Priest, Musunuru Parish Ordination of Salvatorian Priest at 21st December 2019 was a red-letter day Rayapuram village, Vellaturu Parish in the history of Chintalavalli village, the substation of the parish of Musunuru. On The faithful of Rayapuram village, the that day, Deacon Pulapaka James, be- substation of Vellaturu Parish witnessed the great moment of elevation of Dea- con Velpuri Sunil Babu, the son of the soil to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on 27th December 2019 at Rayapuram.

longing to the Order of the Society of St. Eugene De Mazenod was ordained priest by His Excellency, Most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao SMM, Bishop of Vijayawada, during the mass celebrated at St. Antony’s Church, On that day, Deacon Sunil Babu, who Chintalavalli, Musunuru Parish. belongs to the Order of the Society of Divine Saviour (Salvatorians) was or-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 24 JANUARY 2020 NEWS dained priest by His Excellency, Most Bishop of Vijayawada, officiated the sol- Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao emn Eucharistic celebration. SMM, Bishop of Vijayawada, during the mass celebrated at St. John’s Church, The Bishop invited and congratulated Rayapuram, Vellaturu Parish. the five Missionary Sisters of the Im-

Fr. Vimal Raju SDS, the Vicariate Ad- ministrator who was delegated by the Superior General and Fr. Alexus Aseervadam SDS, Vicariate Superior of Indian Mission, presented the candidate. Few Salvatorian Priests and Sisters were present for this great occasion. Several priests of other Congregations and the diocese, and religious sisters took part in the Priestly Ordination Cer- emony. There were about 30 priests and maculate for their perpetual YES to the a big number of faithful present for this Lord. Bishop Raja Rao, in his homily, celebration. Fr. Sunil Babu offered his reiterated the significance of religious life First Thanksgiving Mass in Rayapuram and the new way of living the conse- village on 28th December, 2019. crated life by getting involved in the Fr. Tera Raraju, Parish Priest, world and serve the Lord and the mis- Vellaturu sion wholeheartedly. He also elucidated the three vows vividly in the light of the Final Profession of Nirmala Sisters life of Jesus. He explained the rich at Sacred Heart Convent, Gudivada meaning of the vows. Poverty means to Five MSI sisters committed themselves live a simple life, chastity is to include in final profession to Christ and to the everyone and obedience is the willing- MSI Congregation on December 28, ness to do anything that is demanded 2019, Saturday at Sacred Heart Con- of a person. vent, Gudivada. Sr. Maria Kousalya Sahayam, Sr. Divya D’Souza, Sr. The bishop also appreciated the mis- Kalavathi Nimma, Sr. Leela Mandala and Sr. Sanjukta Digal professed their final vows before the Provincial, Rev. Sr. Amala Rani MSI, and other sisters, their parents, relatives, friends and the pa- rishioners gathered at Sacred Heart Convent for the ceremony of the solemn vows. His Excellency, Most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao SMM,

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 25 JANUARY 2020 NEWS sionary nature of the congregation and Holy Spirit to fill them with grace and invited everyone to be evangelizers in power. the modern world. Several priests and sisters of the other congregations be- A short felicitation ceremony was con- sides MSI sisters were present for the ducted in which the Bishop and the celebration. The choir sang delightful newly professed were honoured by the hymns in various languages and invoked Provincial. The memorable day ended also the in chanting the Litany of with the agape meal. the saints as according to the tradition of the Church during the final vows cer- Sr. Jerry, Secretary to Provincial, emony while the five sisters lay them- Nirmala Niketan, Vijayawada selves down on the floor invoking the NEWS FROM THE CENTRES / COMMISSIONS Pezzonipeta team gets first prize in with their heavenly appearance and LIVE Carol singing on Divyavani TV! soulful singing. A well-known Music Di- rector Anup Rubens was one of the As the Christmas season began this year, Divyavani TV has announced ‘LIVE Christmas Carol Singing Compe- titions 2019’, between 12 dioceses of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states in both parish and Institution category. December 15th witnessed a mega fes- tive celebration at St. Francis Degree College for women, Begumpet, Hyderabad with the LIVE carol singing by 17 teams from various Parishes & judges for the completions and the other Institutions of Telugu region. judge being Mrs. Baby, who got fame over internet with her singing talent. It was a moment of pride for our dio- Anup Rubens congratulated and cese to receive the first prize in the par- awarded the First Prize & certificates to ish category. An evergreen and youth- our winning team from Pezzonipeta. ful team from Pezzonipeta Parish per- One of the youth, exclaimed ‘It was a formed exuberantly which secured them dream come true moment, singing live the prestigious prize for the year 2019. on TV and receiving the award from fa- An excellent performance was also mous music director Anup Rubens!’ given by Maris Stella College Students Congratulations to both the teams from who participated in the institutions cat- Pezzonipeta parish & Maris Stella Col- egory and won the hearts of everyone lege.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 26 JANUARY 2020 NEWS iam Jaya Raju, (Rector, Gunadalamatha Special thanks to all those who encour- Shrine) and Rev. Fr. M. Lazar (The Zonal aged and supported our teams to be part Co-ordinator, Divyavani Television), con- of these competitions, especially veyed their message and greetings. Fr. Thota Mariadas sdb, parish priest of Later, the catechists organized a short Pezzonipeta, Fr. John Babu, Diocesan cultural programme and the celebration Youth Director, Sr. Jacintha Quadras, went on till 4.00 pm. I am glad to say the Principal, Sr. Innyasamma, Sr. that around 400 catechists have at- Lavanya, sisters of Maris Stella college tended the Prayer Service. I express my and Divyavani TV Zonal office team, heartfelt thanks to Mr. Y. Joji Babu (co- Vijayawada. ordinator, Jyotirmai) and to the inmates Fr. M. Lazar, Director, Divyavani TV of Pastoral Centre for their help to make Zonal Centre, Vijayawada the celebration a grand success. Pre-Christmas celebration for the Fr. Damala Vijaya Kumar, Director, Catechists St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Carmelnagar As a preparation for Christmas and to Three Day Meeting of TCBC Commis- bring all the catechists together in joy sion for Youth in Eluru Diocese from and happiness, a day of prayer and re- 29/11/2019 to 01/12/2019 flection was arranged for the catechists All the diocesan core committee mem- followed by pre-Christmas Celebrations bers and a few youth members of our on 12th December 2019. Our Bishop, diocese attended three days of TCBC Most Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao SMM, addressed the catechists and said that unless we bear Christ in our lives, we cannot give Christ to others.

Rev. Fr. Nagipogu Jaya Raju, OSB the

YOUTH COMMISSION FOR YOUTH organized in Eluru diocese for Regional Executive Committee Elections and Re- gional Youth Cultural Competitions. It was great experience to participate in the regional level meeting and to know Parish Priest of Jakkampudi animated how the youth is encouraged to carry the prayer service. Rev. Fr. Eleti Will-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 27 JANUARY 2020 NEWS the mission of Jesus in their day-to-day introductory words of Rev. Fr. Vijaya life. Most Rev. Jaya Rao Polimera, the Kumar Damala, the Director of Pastoral Bishop of Eluru, and all the youth direc- tors of TCBC presented themselves along with their youth. The new regional executive committee was elected under the leadership of Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera. The newly elected REXCO came forward and swore the oath and offered themselves for the service of youth in the regional level. We are happy to say that one of our core committee members, Ms. Mrunalini from Velpuru parish was elected as the treasurer of Centre, who welcomed the gathering, the regional committee. We wish her all wished all the best and declared open the bestat the regional level. The the competitions: Group Dance, Group programme ended up with the Holy Eu- Singing and Solo Singing. The chief charistic celebration at4:00 pm. guest of the programme, Rev. Fr. Valle Vijaya Joji Babu, the procurator and Diocesan Youth Christmas Celebra- chancellor of the diocese, delivered the tions and Cultural Competitions at Christmas message. He said that there Youth Centre, Gunadala were many stars in the different fields The Grand Diocesan Youth Christmas such as cricket, cinemas, etc. in society celebrations and Cultural Competitions today, but the ultimate star to follow for were organized at the diocese level at the youth should be the star of the Youth Centre in Carmelnagar on Bethlehem, Jesus, through whom the fallen human values can be brought back to the humanity. He was honoured by Fr. John Babu, the youth director along with his diocesan core committee and the Christmas cake was cut by him.

The winners of the competitions were as follows:

Group Dance: 8thDecember where almost 550 youth 1st Prize: Satyanarayanapuram were present for the celebrations and 2nd Prize: Nandigama competitions, hailing from 42 parishes 3rd Prize: Pezzonipeta of the diocese. The day opened with the

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 28 JANUARY 2020 NEWS Group Singing: spected in dignity, hence valuing peace, 1st Prize: Pezzonipeta love, truth, justice and equality. This 2nd Prize: Bhaskaraopeta programme was launched by Fr. John 3rd Prize : Satyannarayanapuram Babu, the youth director and his team. He addressed the young students and Solo Singing: briefed the history of YSM/YCM move- 1st Prize: Vissannapeta 2nd Prize: Ajithsinghnagar 3rd Prize: Nawabupeta

All the winners were congratulated with prize money and diocesan youth me- mento. The new diocesan youth calen- dar was inaugurated by Fr. John Babu along with his core committee members. The programme ended at 5:30 pm with distributions of Christmas cake and con- solation prizes to all the participants. ment and explained to them how to con- Special thanks to Rev. Fr. Matta Lazar, duct the cell meetings in their schools. Zonal Director of Divyavani, Rev. He also discussed with them the vari- Sr.Valsa Thomas SAL and Mr. Ram ous activities of the movement in detail. Babu Chilukoti for judging the competi- All the students were divided into groups tions. Also, thanks to all the parish and elected one president, secretary priests who encouraged and supported and treasurer in each group. All the their youth for this competitions. young students participated enthusias- tically in the event and were ready to Formation of YSM/YCM at Don Bosco implement the movement in their lives. High School, Guntupalli Fr. Chilukoti John Babu, Diocesan On 28-11-2019, the formation of YSM/ Youth Director, Vijayawada YCM was held at Don Bosco High School, Guntupalli, where 85 students The Meeting of the Committee of All of 8th and 9th were present for this move- India Catholic Union(AICU) ment. Rev. Fr. Nathan, the Correspon- AICU Working Committee meeting was dent and Principal of the school encour- held on 30th November 2019 at Social aged the students to participate in this Service Centre Gunadala, Vijayawada. movement. YSM/YCM was formed to It began with the Holy Mass celebrated evolve a new society, where people live by Rev. Fr. Muvvala Prasad, Vicar Gen- in harmony, where there is total freedom eral of the diocese at 9.00 a.m. along for the complete growth of the individual, with Fr.Kanaparthi Prakash, the Re- where each and every person is re- gional Director of Laity Commission, Fr.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 29 JANUARY 2020 NEWS I.M.Swaminadham, the Diocesan Direc- for their gracious presence. I also thank tor of Laity Commission and Fr. Pasala Franciscan Sisters for their beautiful Thomas, Director of Social Service Cen- singing during the Mass. Special thanks tre. There were 60participants that came to Dr. Madala Anthony, National Coor- from all over the country. Fr.Muvvala dinator, our diocesan AICU Secretaries Prasad preached the homily in which he Mr. Garikimukku Ashok Vardhan, Mr. appreciated the services of Catholic Repudi Vijaya Kumar, Mr. Union and explained about the role of MahakaliJayaraju, all the Regional AICU Members, Mr. Jayaraju, the State Sec- retary and all the participants.

Fr.I.M. Swaminadham, Diocesan Director for Laity Commission, Labbipeta

Christmas Celebrations at District Jail: Prison Ministry India Vijayawada Unit. laity in our society. At 10.30 a.m., the working committee gathered for the first Prison Ministry of Vijayawada unit cel- session. Mr.Lancy D’Cunha, the Na- ebrated Christmas in District Jail on tional President of AICU, National mem- 22ndDecember 2019 for 200 jail inmates. bers, and Fr.I.M. Swaminadham, State 50 volunteers of PMI, including children President (A.P & Telangana) and the Regional Body were present for this meeting. Dr. Madala Anthony, the Na- tional Coordinator and Dr. John Dayal, the spokesperson of AICU led the semi- nar. It was the Centenary celebration of AICU which was formed and approved by CBCI.

At 6.00 p.m., there was a public meet- ing with local MLA Mr. Malladi Vishnu and with other leader of Christian de- participated in the programme with great nominations. I thank Rev. Fr. Muvvala joy under the guidance of Fr. Pasala Prasad V.G. of our diocese, Fr. Thomas, Director of Social Service Cen- Kanaparthi Prakash, the Regional Direc- tre and PMI. tor of Laity commission, Fr. Pasala Tho- mas, Director of Social Service Centre The programme started with a Prayer

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 30 JANUARY 2020 NEWS Song by Sisters of Vijaya Mary School, the distribution of cakes and fruits and Carmelnagar, followed by Bible Read- final blessings and prayer by Fr. Tho- ing by Sr. Sangeetha from Nirmala mas. Niketan and a prayer by Shri.Ch Rosaiah of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Fr. Pasala Thomas, Director, Social Patamata. Intercessory Prayers were Service Centre & PMI, Vijayawada conducted by Sr. Rakkini of St. Joseph’s Convent, Gunadala. Sr. Suguna of International Day of Differently-Abled St. Ann’s Bhavan, Surampalli greeted Persons Celebrations at Nagayalanka the inmates in her address. The theme for the International Day of The cultural programmes werestaged by Differently-Abled Persons for the Year - St. Ann’s Hospital, Vijayawada, St. An- 2019 is “THE FUTURE IS thony Convent, Vijayawada, ACCESSIBLE”which means that all the differently-abled persons should enjoy the life as normal people do, with the help and support of the Government. The Social service Centre is working for the Rights of the Differently-Abled per- sons since one and half year in 20 rural communities of Koduru and Nagayalanka villages.

Our main objective is “Inclusion of Dif- St. Joseph’s Convent, Gunadala and ferently-Abled persons in all the activi- St. Ann’s Bhavan, Surampalli. Fr. Pasala ties and programs of government and Thomas gave vibrant Christmas mes- the community in which the Differently- sage of God’s immense love for those Abled persons are living.” In this con- who go astray and inviting the inmates text, we have celebrated in all the 20 to leave the past and get motivated to communities, the international day of start a new life. Differently-Abled personsand on 27thof December we have concluded the cel- The Prison campus was filled with joy ebrations by organizing grand celebra- of sharing the love of Christmas by wish- tions at Nagayalanka Mandal at the ing each other greetings of Christmas MDO office. In these celebrations we and New Year, 2020. Fr. Pasala Tho- gavesewing machines to three Differ- mas thanked the authorities of jail for ently-Abled women who are trained and their cooperation. Sr. Constantine of skilled in tailoring. Three Differently- Nirmala Convent coordinated the Abledmen who were trained were given programme. The programme ended with motors for their tailoring machines. How-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 31 JANUARY 2020 NEWS ever, the importance of these celebra- ently-Abled persons so that the they will tions is to boost the self-confidence and be included in all the Government to motivate the Differently-Abled per- schemes of education, health, social life and other programmes meant for nor- mal people. Fr. Thomas Pasala, the ex- ecutive Director of SSC, M.D.O of Nagayalanka Mandal, Mr. Prasad, the member of the Differently-Abled Per- sons Union, SSC Staff and scores of Dif- ferently-Abled people have participated in the celebration.

Fr. Thomas Pasala, Executive Direc- sons to lead their life with courage and tor, Social Service Centre, Gunadala hope. Social Service Centre is striving to bring into the mainstream the Differ- NEWS FROM THE SCHOOLS

Silver Jubilee of Christ the King ters and other special guests. Our Lord- English Medium School, ship congratulated the management and Christurajapuram, Vijayawada. staff of the school for serving the soci- ety by extending the value-based edu- Christ the King English Medium School cation and forming responsible citizens celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the for our country and expressed his confi- school on 2nd December 2019. It is be- dence that the school, with its remark- fitting to thank and praise the almighty able standards of teaching and disci- God for his loving protection and provi- pline, has been a powerful instrument dence all through the past twenty-five years. It was a great occasion for the school and the management. The cel- ebrations were a grand success due to the commendable efforts of our corre- spondent, Rev. Fr. Dr. M. Louis Raju, headmistress, and staff. The day was filled with the graceful presence of our chief guest, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, Rev. Fr. Guzzula , DGM of the RCM of social transformation. The event was Schools, Rev. Sr. Rosita, the provincial attended by a huge gathering of people of South East India Province -Cluny Sis- who were enthralled by many cultural

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 32 JANUARY 2020 NEWS and message-oriented programmes Rev. Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao, staged by the students of the school. SMM, Bishop of Vijayawada, Rev. Fr. The presence of many priests, religious, Guzzula Michael DGM of the RCM Schools, Rev. Fr. Eleti William Jaya Raju, Rector and Parish Priest of Gunadalamatha Shrine, Rev. Fr. Kondru

parents and well-wishers added joy to the celebration. We implore God’s blessing to continue His mission faith- Simaharayalu, the Vicar Forane and fully to the people around Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christurajapuram. Rev. Fr. Inti Anthony, the Correspondent of Bishop Grassi High School, Rev. Fr. Annual day Celebration of Pasala Thomas, the Director of Social St. Joseph’s English Medium School, Service Centre, Rev. Sr. Molly, the Pro- Gunadala vincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Aloysius and other priests and reli- The School Annual Day of St. Joseph’s gious of the neighbourhood added gran- English Medium High School, Gunadala, deur to the occasion. The bishop appre- was celebrated on 5thDecember, 2019. ciated the management and the staff for It was really a joyous celebration and a their efficient management of the school and services. He congratulated the stu- dents and urged the parents to strive for the good of the institution. The children compeered the whole programme and performed several cultural programmes which exhibited their talents. The profi- ciency prizes were distributed by the dig- nitaries. The teachers thanked the es- teemed guests, the students and the parents. great event for the children of the school Sr. N. Nirmala, Headmistress, to put up a talented and wondrous show. St. Joseph’s E.M. High School, The presence of the General Manager Gunadala of the RCM Schools, Krishna Dt., Most

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 33 JANUARY 2020 NEWS NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS

No harm in backtracking on dialogue between people of different citizenship law: Cardinal Gracias faiths. “This will knock off any prejudices and eventually help to understand and Mumbai, Dec 26, 2019: There is no harm appreciate each other. I want the in backtracking if the government thinks Catholic community to be at the forefront it has erred in amending citizenship of this… to build bridges,” he added. laws, says Cardinal , head of the in India. The Indian Church leader termed the love for the nation as an important trait “Religion should never be made a of citizens. “If we truly feel strongly about dividing factor,” asserted the cardinal India, then we must work for the country, to the point of being ready to sacrifice for it,” the cardinal asserted.

To foster patriotism, the cardinal suggests people engage in reflection and exchange of ideas. “Reading and knowing the thoughts of others helps one’s own thoughts to mature and conceptualize a better India, in which everyone is like one big family. This is when asked about the political turmoil what should be our priority,” Cardinal in India over the controversial Gracias explained. Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA) and the implementation of the National He urged students protesting against the Register of Citizens (NRC). CAA to come forward and discuss their difficulties with the authorities. “The However, the prelate disapproved government should be willing to engage. people indulging in violence to get their The government wants a better India, voices heard. “Violence is not right. A and if after reflection, they feel that they continuous discussion must take place,” have made some mistake, then there is the Bombay told friends and no harm in backtracking. We need to well-wishers who on December 24 look at the larger picture,” he added. greeted him on his 75th birthday. The cardinal celebrated his birthday at Cardinal Gracias, president of the the Archbishop’s House in Colaba amid Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India followers, friends, well-wishers and and an adviser of Pope Francis, says parishioners. he is “very keen” on inter-religious

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 34 JANUARY 2020 NEWS After the blessing ceremony in the address on the opening day on courtyard at 12 noon, some friends of December 28. the cardinalsaid a few words inside the main hall. This was followed by a chorus “We live in an age of turmoil,” Singh of “Happy birthday to you” while the noted in his speech. According to him, cardinal cut the cake, and some fun despite technical advancement activities and games between staffers. humanity is lost between a `vanishing past’ and an `indeterminate future.’ Speaking to Mid-Day amid the celebrations, Cardinal Gracias stressed “Climate change and global warming the importance of having an inter- have caused millions of ecological religious dialogue, and the refugees; terrorism has become responsibilities that come with being international, posing global challenges. “men of service.” We all must get our spiritual side together and introspect,” Singh added. “I have held multiple offices (he is also the president of the Catholic Bishops According to him, an inter-faith Conference of India) and I have realized movement would help meet the that it is important to be men of service challenges and urged the gathering to and have faith in God, no matter which accept multiple paths to the divine. religion you belong to,” he said. “Faith cannot tie down the illimitable “There are many challenges…in some splendor of the divine to one path. To circumstances, one might be pressured relieve sufferings, gender equality, to do the wrong thing, but in these cases, promoting positive values through it is even more important to do what is education, cherishing our natural right. If you appease people, then you environment and nurturing earth and will repent later.” honoring mother nature and enhancing the quality of human consciousness and Cardinal Alencherry addresses 12th achieving something higher, should be world confluence of humanity the goals the goals of the inter-faith movement. We can no longer be December 30, 2019 Matters India different on the basis of religion and the , Dec 29, 2019: Spiritual leaders time has come for us to awake, arise from six religions, including Cardinal and walk boldly towards a confluence George Alencherry, attended the 12th or sangam of religion,” he said. World Confluence of Humanity, Power and Spirituality in Kolkata. The two-day program was organized by H P Kanoria, chairperson of World Karan Singh, noted scholar, philosopher Confluence of Humanity, Power and and politician, delivered the keynote Spirituality. The participants included leaders from Buddhism, Christianity,

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 35 JANUARY 2020 NEWS Hinduism, Islam, Sikh, and Zoroastria dividing the people and causing many nism ills. Third, an ecological imbalance has assumed major proportion. A new The speakers on the opening day dialogue to make our planet livable for included Cardinal George Cardinal all of us and for the posterity is essential. Alencherry, head of the Kerala-based We have to be alert and correct Syro-Malabar Church. ourselves and our society through introspection. The whole earth is our He started the day one session by mother.” highlighting three major issues ailing the The cardinal urged people never to create communal disharmony, “All are created by the same God and come from the same source and are interconnected. The human society has to find its own internal unity and harmony,” he said in his closing remarks.

The World Confluence of Humanity, Power and Spirituality is organized by world. “First, the wealth is being Srei Foundation and Kanoria concentrated among few countries and Foundation that are engaged in few individuals causing hardship to spreading awareness for inculcating others. Second, conflict and communal humanitarian values, carry out social strife are undermining peace and welfare activities and meet sustainable harmony. Our selfish interests are environmental goals.

VATICAN NEWS new decade begins on January 1, 2020, CNA offers a look back at some of the What a decade! A look at the biggest most important stories for the Church in Catholic stories of the 2010s the 2010s:

Vatican City, Dec 21, 2019 / 04:00 am 2013 : Pope Benedict (CNA).- When Church historians look XVI announces his re- back on the last ten years, they’ll have tirement several historic and important moments to study. And Catholics who’ve lived When Pope Benedict through the last decade may feel that XVI announced that he changes, often one right after another, would retire in February were both dizzying and exciting. As a 2013, he was the first

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 36 JANUARY 2020 NEWS pope to relinquish his office since 1415. The pope emeritus said that he would “serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.”

Pope Francis, first Latin American pope, elected After the resignation of Pope Benedict XVi, the conclave of cardinals elected guide for both families and their pastors, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos and intended to address the unique chal- Aires, who took the name Pope Francis. lenges of family life in the modern world. The pope is the first Latin American to be elected to the papacy, and the first The document has proven controversial, Jesuit. however, and the debate has framed much of the dialogue regarding the pon- 2014 : Pope St. John Paul II and Pope tificate of Francis. Critics say the docu- St. John XXIII canonized ment is ambiguous regarding some as- pects of sacramental discipline and the John Paul II had been beatified in 2011 theology of the conscience, and epis- by his successor, Pope Benedict XVI. copal conferences have disagreed re- John XXIII had been be- garding its interpretation. atified in 2000, by Pope John Paul II. In 2016, a group of cardinals presented questions to the pope about the The two were canonized document’s theological meaning, and together by Pope some Catholics have raised concerns Francis. that those questions have not yet been answered. Pope John XXIII con- voked the , and 2016 : Pope John Paul II, the first Polish pope, canonized has been the longest-reigning pope Among the most well- since Vatican II, Pope Francis pointed known Catholic figures out during the . of the 20th century, Mother Teresa of At the canonization, Pope Francis Calcutta died in 1997 after decades of praised John Paul II’s “untiring service, service among the poor in India and his spiritual guidance, and his extraor- around the world, with her religious or- dinary testimony of holiness.” der, the Missionaries of Charity. She was named a saint by Pope Francis in Sep- 2015 : Pope Francis releases Amoris tember 2016. laetitia 2019 : Theodore McCarrick laicized Pope Francis’ pastoral exhortation on In 2018, revelations about the sexual marriage and family life is written as a abuse and coercion of then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick amplified a global

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 37 JANUARY 2020 NEWS crisis regarding clerical sexual abuse onized. and misconduct. 2014 : John Paul II and John Before the McCarrick scandal emerged, XXIII canonized as saints. Pope Francis had already faced a crisis in Chile, which led to mass protests dur- 2015 : St. named a ing his January 2018 visit to Latin . America, and eventually culminated in Junipero Serra, California missionary, every Chilean bishop submitting his res- canonized by Pope Francis in DC. ignation to the pope. 2016 : Mother Teresa of Calcutta can- The McCarrick scandal, however, onized. caught the attention of the globe, and Pope Francis beatifies martyrs of the led to a raft of charges from Archbishop Spanish Civil War. Carlo Vigano, to the resignation of Car- Pope Francis canonizes Sister Elizabeth dinal , and to the eventual of the Trinity, a Carmelite nun of the 20th laicization of McCarrick. century

The McCarrick scandal also led to new 2018 : Pope Francis canonizes Pope norms from Pope Francis on investigat- Paul VI and Archbishop Oscar Romero. ing allegations of abuse or misconduct Pope Francis beatifies Bishop Pierre by bishops, and has led to the emer- Claverie and his 18 companions, who gence of several other scandals regard- were martyred in Algeria between 1994 ing bishops. and 1996.

The Saints And Blesseds of the 2010s 2019 : Pope Francis canonizes Cardi- nal John Henry Newman. , Dec 22, 2019 / Pontifical Biblical Commission exam- 05:00 am ines question: What is man? (CNA).- Since a new decade A new book-length study by the Pontifi- begins Jan. 1, cal Biblical Commission examines the CNA offers a Scriptural understanding of the human look back at some of the men and being. Entitled “What is man? An itiner- women named saints or blesseds dur- ary of biblical anthropology”, the docu- ing the last ten years. ment aims not at giving an answer to every question about man, but rather, 2011 : Blessed Hermann Lange, Eduard Müller and Johannes Prassek, priests martyred under the Nazi regime:

2012 : St. John of Avila and St. named doctors of the Church.

2013 : Hundreds of Italian martyrs can-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 38 JANUARY 2020 NEWS providing foundational principles for dis- said. Recognizing that our “cultural situ- cernment. ation” is very different from the situations in which the Biblical books were written, That’s according to Father Pietro Bovati, Fr Bovati noted that we cannot neces- SJ, the secretary for the Commission. sarily find “immediate and precise” an- In an interview with Vatican News, he swers to contemporary questions in the explained the significance of the docu- Bible. Nonetheless, in the Scriptures we ment. “The Pope wanted this theme to can find principles, “useful indications for be addressed starting precisely from reflection” which can help “theologians, Scripture, which is the foundation and moralists, pastors” respond to modern soul of all Christian reflection”, Fr Bovati concerns. said. “At the basis of this is a question: what is man? This question runs through A systematic work the whole of the Bible as an itinerary”. Father Bovati said the Commission “kept in mind… the whole Christian tradition” Providing fundamental principles in the work, but at the same time wanted Emphasizing the need to be guided by to do the preliminary work of “showing Scripture, Fr Bovati said that “Scripture what Scripture really says”. That work, teaches man the truth about man”. This he explained, “had never been done”, kind of “methodology of biblical theol- since theologians normally only cite texts ogy”, he explained, is not intended to that are useful for the arguments they give answers to every possible question, are making. “We, on the contrary, but to provide foundational principles “for wanted to do a systematic work”, he a discernment of the sense of man in said, “in order to offer a path of what the history”. Bible says about all the complexity of the human being”. The Commission’s study is composed of four chapters, dealing with major This work, said Fr Bovati, is one of the themes including man as created by most original contributions of the new God; man in relation to the rest of cre- document. “We have not only tried to ation; the relational reality of anthropol- clarify some points, and perhaps give a ogy (focusing on spousal, parental/filial, more mature, more complex interpreta- and fraternal relationships); and the tion even of certain biblical texts”. The salvific plan of God for humankind. originality, he continued, “lies in the itin- erary, in offering to theologians, to those Helping respond to modern ques- involved in the transmission of the faith, tions an understanding of man that is more With regard to specific questions about complex, more organic, more in confor- human beings (for example, questions mity with our Biblical traditions”. In re- related to gender) Father Bovati said the sponse to the question, “What is the Commission did not intend to go beyond truth of man?”, Fr Bovati said “the Bible what the Bible actually says about those gives some indications that must be questions. “So we agreed to address the considered absolutely fundamental for issues, respecting the level of informa- all”. tion that we have from Scripture”, he

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 39 JANUARY 2020 REMEMBRANCES DAYS TO REMEMBER IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY

ORDINATION DAY : HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS

1st Frs. Roy Thalian VC, A. Pratap OFM, Thomas Enchackal CM 2nd Frs. Palamarasetty Inna Babu OFM, Kadavy Francis VC 3rd Frs. Melchior K, OFM, Suresh K. OCD 5th Frs. Puthussery Jojan VC, Vidyasagar SDB 6th Fr. Jose Parathottam OSB 17th Fr. Dodda Praveen Kumar OFM 21st Fr. N. MF 27th Frs. Macherla Balaswami OCD, Dhanaraj OCD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY : MANY RETURNS OF THE DAY 1st Fr. Gudise Jaya Raju, 3rd Fr. Joseph Puthukulangara 4th Frs. Karem Sekhar Babu, Kakumanu Kiran 6th Fr. Kamatham Mariyadas 7th Fr. Bondala Sleeva Raju 9th Fr. Gorrumuchu Joseph 14th Fr. Gorantla Datham 21st Fr. Damala Vijay Kumar 29th Frs. Medepalli Raju, Bathula Joji Sudhakar

OBITUARY : MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

3rd Fr. Arlati Paulo PIME (1971) 15th Fr. Leornardo Redaelli PIME (2018) 18th Fr. Merlo Carlo PIME (1957) 20th Bishop Gorantla Johannes (2007) 26th Fr. John Leoncini PIME (2002) 31st Fr. Lombardi Augosto PIME

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 40 JANUARY 2020