OFFICIAL

CELEBRATE THE EXTRAORDINARY MISSION MONTH WITH JOY

Dear Brothers and Sisters, open mind and heart to men and women”. “This divine life is not a product for sale -we do not practice proselytism -but a The missionary activity today must be treasure to be given, communicated and shared with the laity. According to the proclaimed: that is the meaning of mis- teaching of the Vatican II on Mission sion.” As Pope Francis released the “The Church is not truly established nor theme for the World Mission Sunday, does it become a sign of Christ, unless October 20, 2019, he gives us a dynamic there is a genuine laity existing and meaning of mission in these words. This working alongside the hierarchy” (AG year the theme is “Baptized and Sent: #21). Just as the whole Church is mis- The Church of Christ on Mission in the sionary, it is also ministerial. A ministry World” and Pope Francis wants us to is the humble service for which Christ is redefine our understanding of the mis- our model and inspiration. Through her sion and the missionary. World Mission ministry Church carries out her mission Sunday instituted by Pope Pius XI in of ‘building up the Body of Christ” (Eph 1926 wants a Catholic to think about the 4, 12). Time has come that in our local missionary character of his/her faith. Church, we should encourage the lay ministries. Lay ministries are services And this year being the centenary year rendered by lay persons in virtue of their of the Apostolic Letter Maximum Illud personal charisms. Ministries are those issued by Pope Benedict XV on 30 No- services to which the members of the vember 1919, the Mission Sunday ac- Church commit themselves in a stable quires greater significance. Pope manner. This is a kind of sharing for- Benedict XV tells the missionary to mally in the Church’s responsibility to present himself/herself as an “ambas- bring about Christ’s redemptive mission. sador of Christ not as a messenger of All ministries are to be recognized by his own nation”. That is also what Pope the community and authenticated by the Francis is also telling when he says that community leader. This takes the form proselytizing has no place but we must of ‘ordination’ in the case of priestly min- give that treasure Jesus who can make istry and ‘installation’ in the case of lay- a radical difference to peoples and na- ministry. The services that the lay per- tions. This Jesus will definitely bring dif- son can render are based upon personal ference in the thinking of people and charism. These ministries are to be nations in favour of a humane world as roped in according to the needs of each Vatican II says, the missionary brings “an local Church.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 1 OCTOBER 2019 OFFICIAL The following lay ministries are identified carry in their hearts the proclamation of back in 1976 during a Research Semi- the Gospel and the mission conversion nar at NBCLC. They are: Evangelist, of our communities, so that the passion Catechist, Preacher, Religious Teacher, for Christ and his people will grow. How Ministry for Liturgical Animation - Prayer do we live it out? Through Prayer, Proc- Leaders, Acolyte, Lector, Cantor, Minis- lamation of the Gospel, Bible and Theo- try for Family Apostolate, Ministry of Heal- logical Missionary Reflection, Works of ing, Health Services, Counselling, Min- Christian Charity and the Collaboration istry of Inter-Religious Dialogue, Minis- and Solidarity among Churches. try of Social Concern, Ministry of Justice and Peace, Ministry of Youth Apostolate, I request everyone to celebrate the Ex- Campus Ministry, Ministry for Domestic traordinary Mission Month with joy and Workers, Ministry for Education, Adult enthusiasm discovering the Mission Literacy Programme, Animators of Ba- mandate of Jesus to everyone who is sic Christian Communities, Prison Min- baptized. I met Holy Father Pope istry, Ministry of Communication, Mass Francis on Tuesday, September 17, and Media, Print Media, Ministry of Pastoral conveyed him good wishes from all of Service in the Parishes, Family Ministry you. He said, ‘You are a big force and etc. If one is innovative such ministries keep up the good spirit. Please do not can be given to the responsible and forget to pray for me.’ So let us pray for humble laity. him and for the success of the forthcom- ing Synod for the Amazon. I share with What is the purpose of the Extraordinary you the Apostolic blessing he has im- Missionary Month? Pope Benedict XV, parted upon all of us. the extraordinary Missionary Pope wrote Maximum Illud in 1919 and he chal- With good wishes and prayers, lenged us to proclaim the Gospel with a more evangelical approach to the mis- sion work in the world. The purpose of this Extraordinary Mission Month is to + Thelagathoti J. Raja Rao, S.M.M. keep alive the universal mission-con- science of the Church, so that all may Bishop of Vijayawada

GRATITUDE As you already know, Msgr. Mesapam Gabriel, Vicar General and Parish Priest of Rajarajeswaripeta underwent by-pass heart surgery on 7th September, 2019. The surgery was successful and Msgr. Gabriel is slowly recovering and regain- ing his normal health. He wholeheartedly expresses his gratitude for the prayers offered by all the clergy, religious and laity of the diocese. Please do continue to pray for him to regain his normal health and resume his ministry at Rajarajeswaripeta parish and in the diocesan administration.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 2 OCTOBER 2019 OFFICIAL A BRIEF REPORT ON THE AD LIMINA VISIT OF OUR BISHOPS 10 - 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 The Ad Limina Visit of the bishops of and open discussion with him. Andhra and Telangana regions took place this year from 10th-19th Septem- A few bishops registered their apprecia- ber nearly after 8 years. 55 Latin bish- tion to his Petrine ministry and presented ops from the ecclesiastical regions of their pastoral concerns and challenges Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, to the Holy Father. The Holy Father with Karnataka and Kerala took part in this paternal concern and care responded visit. The bishops had the opportunity to to all the queries raised by the bishops meet and discuss with various present for the audience. At the end, the dycasteries in the Vatican on their re- Holy Father thanked the bishops who spective affairs and express the con- were present for the Ad Limina Visit and cerns of the particular local churches. assured of his love, prayers and apos- tolic blessing to all the clergy, religious On the 17th of September 2019, the 55 and the faithful in the respective dio- bishops met the Holy Father in an audi- ceses. The audience came to an end ence which lasted for nearly 2 hours. with the recitation of the Angelus, fol- Archbishop George Antonysamy pre- lowed by a short moment of farewell in- sented to the Holy Father the various dividually from the bishops present for pastoral concerns and challenges of our the visit. dioceses on behalf of all the member bishops present for the audience. In re- sponse to his presentation, the Holy + Thelagathoti J. Raja Rao, S.M.M. Father also invited the floor for a free Bishop of Vijayawada

RETREAT FOR THE PASTORAL CLERGY IN TWO GROUPS: The annual retreat for the pastoral clergy of the diocese will be held in two batches like last year. The retreat for the Senior Clergy (above 10 years of Priesthood) will be held from the 14th to 18thOctober, 2019. It will start at 9.00 a.m. on 14th October and conclude at 1.00 p.m. on 18th October. Fr.Selva Rathinam SJ, president of JDV, Pune, is the preacher of the retreat.

The retreat for Junior Clergy (10 years of Priesthood) will be held 6th-10thJanuary, 2020. Fr. Tony Menezes SVD will preach the retreat for the Junior Clergy.

All the diocesan clergy and the religious priests working in the parishes are expected to attend this Retreat without fail. Express permission of the bishop is required for exemption from attending this Retreat.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 3 OCTOBER 2019 OFFICIAL BISHOP’S ENGAGEMENTS : OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019

Date Day Programme October 02 Wednesday : Priestly Ordination of Deacon Prathipati Kiran Kumar, Piarist Fathers, Mylavaram, 10.00 a.m. 03 Thursday : 175thJubilee FIHM Sisters, Kanchikacherla, Holy Mass 6.30 p.m. 04 Friday : Vestition for Regents, St. Ambrose Minor Seminary, Nuzvid, 10.00 a.m. : St. Francis of Assisi, CMSF Brothers, ITI-Gunadala, Holy Mass 6.45 p.m. 05 Saturday : ITI- Gunadala, Lay Missionaries of Charity, Mass at 10:30 a.m. 06 Sunday : First Communions & Confirmations at Telaprolu, 9.30 a.m. : Parish Silver Jubilee, Satyanarayanapuram, Mass at 6.30 p.m. 09 Wednesday : Adoration Sisters, Profession and Jubilees, St. Paul’s Cathedral, 10.00 a.m. 10 Thursday : Secunderabad, Marriage 10.30 a.m. 12 Saturday : Meeting with Provincial Team of ICM Sisters, 11:30 a.m. 13 Sunday : Edara Parish: First Communions & Confirmations, 10.00 a.m. 14 - 18 : Clergy Retreat 16-17 : UCPI, Hyderabad 19 Saturday : Mancherial, Adilabad, Mass. 10.00 a.m. 22 Tuesday : Silver Jubilee of Fr. Praveen, OFM Cap & Sr. Jayasree DW, Avutapalli, 10.30 a.m. 26 Saturday : Final Vows, Holy Cross Sisters, Gudivada, 10.30 a.m. 27 Sunday : Holy Mass, Kaikaluru Parish, 7.30 a.m. 28 Monday : Sahayamatha Parish Jubilee & Silver Jubilee of Fr. Jojaiah, MSFS, Ibrahimpatnam, 10.30 a.m. 30 Wednesday : Extraordinary Missionary Month Celebrations, Gunadala, 9.00 a.m.-3.30 p.m. 31 Thursday : O.L. Holy Rosary Feast, First Communions & Confirmations, Gampalagudem, 7.00 p.m. November 04-07 : Bangalore at Montfort House 09 Saturday : Silver Jubilee, JMJ College, Hanuman Junction, Holy Mass 10.00 a.m. 12 Tuesday : Mass at St. Anthony’s Shrine, Nagarampalem, Guntur, 6.00 p.m. 14 Thursday : First Professions and Jubilees, FCC Sisters, Nidamanuru, 9.30 a.m. 21 Thursday : Final Vows, Sisters of St. Ann-Phirangipuram, Bandlaguda, Don Bosco Church, 10.00 a.m. 23 Saturday : Jubilee Celebrations, Nirmala Sisters, 10.00 a.m. Nirmala Convent (Auditorium). 24 Sunday : Christ the King Feast, Mass at Christurajapuram, 10.30 a.m. 26 Tuesday : Feast of Blessed James Alberione, SSP Fathers, Enikepadu, 6.00 p.m.

December 02 Monday : Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Christ the King E.M.High School, Christurajapuram, 6.00 p.m. 03 Tuesday : Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Palvancha, 6.00 p.m.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 4 OCTOBER 2019 OFFICIAL 05 Thursday : Annual Day Celebration of St. Joseph’s E.M. High School, Gunadala, 5.00 p.m. 07 Saturday : Final Profession of St. Ann’s, Luzern, Prasanth Bhavan, 10.00 a.m. 08 Sunday : Mass at Rajarajeswaripeta parish , 6.00 p.m. 21 Saturday : School Day Celebration of St. Francis E.M. High School, Machilipatnam, 4. 30 p.m. 27 Friday : Priestly Ordination of Deacon Velpuri Sunil, Salvatorian, Vellaturu Parish, 5.00 p.m. 28 Saturday : Final Profession of MSI, Gudivada, 4.30 p.m.

HEARTY CONGRATS TO OUR DEAR PRIESTS

The diocese of Vijayawada wholeheart- The diocese of Vijayawada wholeheart- edly congratulates Fr. Dr. Kurma Tho- edly congratulates Fr. Dr. Dasi Suresh mas who successfully defended his doc- Kumar who successfully defended his toral dissertation “The Significance of doctoral thesis, “The Literary and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Theological Function of Exodus 19- in the Code of Canon Law in Indian 24 in the Composition of the

Context” on 17th June 2019 at Pon- Pentateuch” on 9th September, 2019 tifical Lateran University, Rome, Italy. at the Catholic University of Paris, He was awarded Doctorate in Canon France. He was granted the Doctorate Law (JCD) marks 90/90, “Summa cum in Sacred Scripture with Magna Cum Laude”, with approval for total publica- laude requiring the publication of com- tion of the thesis. He is teaching Canon plete thesis. He has been teaching Law as resident professor at St. John’s Scriptures (Old Testament) as resident Regional Seminary, Ramanthapur since professor at St. John’s Regional Semi- August, 2019. nary, Ramanthapur since June, 2017.

While we congratulate both our priests, we also wish them a fruitful tenure of teaching at our Regional Seminary.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 5 OCTOBER 2019 OFFICIAL CIRCULAR TO THE PARISH PRIESTS

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 6 OCTOBER 2019 CIRCULAR TO THE RELIGIOUS OFFICIAL

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 7 OCTOBER 2019 VATICAN

INTENTION OF THE HOLY FATHER OCTOBER, 2019

Evangelization – Holy Spirit A Missionary “Spring” in the Church POPE’S QUOTE That the breath of the Holy Spirit “God forgets our sins after engender a new missionary “spring” in the Church. confession”

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 105th WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES 2019 [29 September 2019] “It is not just about migrants” Dear Brothers and Sisters, Faith assures us that in a mysterious become emblems of exclusion. In addi- way the Kingdom of God is already tion to the hardships that their condition present here on earth (cf. Gaudium et entails, they are often looked down upon spes, 39). Yet in our own time, we are and considered the source of all saddened to see the obstacles and op- society’s ills. That attitude is an alarm position it encounters. Violent conflicts bell warning of the moral decline we will and all-out wars continue to tear human- face if we continue to give ground to the ity apart; injustices and discrimination throw-away culture. In fact, if it contin- follow one upon the other; economic and ues, anyone who does not fall within the social imbalances on a local or global accepted norms of physical, mental and scale prove difficult to overcome. And social well-being is at risk of above all it is the poorest of the poor marginalization and exclusion. and the most disadvantaged who pay the price. For this reason, the presence of mi- grants and refugees – and of vulnerable The most economically advanced soci- people in general – is an invitation to eties are witnessing a growing trend to- recover some of those essential dimen- wards extreme individualism which, sions of our Christian existence and our combined with a utilitarian mentality and humanity that risk being overlooked in reinforced by the media, is producing a a prosperous society. That is why it is “globalization of indifference”. In this not just about migrants. When we show scenario, migrants, refugees, displaced concern for them, we also show concern persons and victims of trafficking have for ourselves, for everyone; in taking IN VINCULO CHRISTI 8 OCTOBER 2019 VATICAN care of them, we all grow; in listening to human life... The progress of our them, we also give voice to a part of peoples... depends above all on our ourselves that we may keep hidden be- openness to being touched and moved cause it is not well regarded nowadays. by those who knock at our door. Their faces shatter and debunk all those false “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” idols that can take over and enslave our (Mt 14:27). It is not just about migrants: lives; idols that promise an illusory and it is also about our fears. The signs of momentary happiness blind to the lives meanness we see around us heighten and sufferings of others” (Address at the “our fear of ‘the other’, the unknown, the Diocesan Caritas of Rabat, 30 March marginalized, the foreigner... We see this 2019). today in particular, faced with the arrival of migrants and refugees knocking on our “But a Samaritan traveller who came door in search of protection, security and upon him was moved with compassion a better future. To some extent, the fear at the sight” (Lk 10:33). It is not just is legitimate, also because the prepara- about migrants: it is about our human- tion for this encounter is lacking” (Hom- ity. Compassion motivated that Samari- ily in Sacrofano, 15 February 2019). But tan – for the Jews, a foreigner – not to the problem is not that we have doubts pass by. Compassion is a feeling that and fears. The problem is when they con- cannot be explained on a purely ratio- dition our way of thinking and acting to nal level. Compassion strikes the most the point of making us intolerant, closed sensitive chords of our humanity, releas- and perhaps even – without realizing it – ing a vibrant urge to “be a neighbour” to racist. In this way, fear deprives us of the all those whom we see in difficulty. As desire and the ability to encounter the Jesus himself teaches us (cf. Mt 9:35- other, the person different from myself; it 36; 14:13-14; 15:32-37), being compas- deprives me of an opportunity to encoun- sionate means recognizing the suffer- ter the Lord (cf. Homily at Mass for the ing of the other and taking immediate World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 14 action to soothe, heal and save. To be January 2018). compassionate means to make room for that tenderness which today’s society so “For if you love those who love you, what often asks us to repress. “Opening our- recompense will you have? Do not the selves to others does not lead to impov- tax collectors do the same?” (Mt 5:46). It erishment, but rather enrichment, be- is not just about migrants: it is about cause it enables us to be more human: charity. Through works of charity, we to recognize ourselves as participants demonstrate our faith (cf. Jas 2:18). And in a greater collectivity and to under- the highest form of charity is that shown stand our life as a gift for others; to see to those unable to reciprocate and per- as the goal, not our own interests, but haps even to thank us in return. “It is rather the good of humanity” (Address also about the face we want to give to at the Heydar Aliyev Mosque in Baku, 2 our society and about the value of each October 2016).

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 9 OCTOBER 2019 VATICAN tifies injustice to others for my own gain “See that you do not despise one of or that of my group. “Me first, and then these little ones, for I say to you that the others!” Instead, the true motto of their angels in heaven always look upon the Christian is, “The last shall be first!” the face of my heavenly Father” “An individualistic spirit is fertile soil for (Mt 18:10). It is not just about migrants: the growth of that kind of indifference it is a question of seeing that no one is towards our neighbours which leads to excluded. Today’s world is increasingly viewing them in purely economic terms, becoming more elitist and cruel towards to a lack of concern for their humanity, the excluded. Developing countries con- and ultimately to feelings of fear and tinue to be drained of their best natural cynicism. Are these not the attitudes we and human resources for the benefit of often adopt towards the poor, the a few privileged markets. Wars only af- marginalized and the ‘least’ of society? fect some regions of the world, yet And how many of these ‘least’ do we weapons of war are produced and sold have in our societies! Among them I in other regions which are then unwill- think primarily of migrants, with their ing to take in the refugees produced by burden of hardship and suffering, as these conflicts. Those who pay the price they seek daily, often in desperation, a are always the little ones, the poor, the place to live in peace and dignity” (Ad- most vulnerable, who are prevented dress to the Diplomatic Corps, 11 Janu- from sitting at the table and are left with ary 2016). In the logic of the Gospel, the the “crumbs” of the banquet last come first, and we must put our- (cf. Lk 16:19-21). “The Church which selves at their service. ‘goes forth’... can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek “I came so that they might have life and those who have fallen away, stand at have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10). It the crossroads and welcome the out- is not just about migrants: it is about the cast” (Evangelii Gaudium, 24). A devel- whole person, about all people. In Jesus’ opment that excludes makes the rich words, we encounter the very heart of richer and the poor poorer. A real devel- his mission: to see that all receive the opment, on the other hand, seeks to in- gift of life in its fullness, according to the clude all the world’s men and women, will of the Father. In every political ac- to promote their integral growth, and to tivity, in every programme, in every pas- show concern for coming generations. toral action we must always put the per- son at the centre, in his or her many “Whoever wishes to be great among you aspects, including the spiritual dimen- will be your servant; whoever wishes to sion. And this applies to all people, be first among you will be the slave of whose fundamental equality must be all” (Mk 10:43-44). It is not just about recognized. Consequently, “develop- migrants: it is about putting the last in ment cannot be restricted to economic first place. Jesus Christ asks us not to growth alone. To be authentic, it must yield to the logic of the world, which jus- be well-rounded; it must foster the de-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 10 OCTOBER 2019 VATICAN velopment of each man and of the whole those living in the existential peripher- man” (SAINT PAUL VI, Populorum ies, who need to be welcomed, pro- Progressio, 14). tected, promoted and integrated. If we put those four verbs into practice, we “So then you are no longer strangers will help build the city of God and man. and sojourners, but you are fellow citi- We will promote the integral human de- zens with the holy ones and members velopment of all people. We will also of the household of God” (Eph 2:19). It help the world community to come is not just about migrants: it is about closer to the goals of sustainable devel- building the city of God and man. In our opment that it has set for itself and that, time, which can also be called the era lacking such an approach, will prove dif- of migration, many innocent people fall ficult to achieve. victim to the “great deception” of limit- less technological and consumerist de- In a word, it is not only the cause of mi- velopment (cf. Laudato Si’, 34). As a grants that is at stake; it is not just about result, they undertake a journey towards them, but about all of us, and about the a “paradise” that inevitably betrays their present and future of the human family. expectations. Their presence, at times Migrants, especially those who are most uncomfortable, helps to debunk the myth vulnerable, help us to read the “signs of of a progress that benefits a few while the times”. Through them, the Lord is built on the exploitation of many. “We calling us to conversion, to be set free ourselves need to see, and then to en- from exclusivity, indifference and the able others to see, that migrants and throw-away culture. Through them, the refugees do not only represent a prob- Lord invites us to embrace fully our lem to be solved, but are brothers and Christian life and to contribute, each sisters to be welcomed, respected and according to his or her proper vocation, loved. They are an occasion that Provi- to the building up of a world that is more dence gives us to help build a more just and more in accord with God’s plan. society, a more perfect democracy, a In expressing this prayerful hope, and more united country, a more fraternal through the intercession of the Virgin world and a more open and evangelical Mary, Our Lady of the Way, I invoke Christian community” (Message for the God’s abundant blessings upon all the 2014 World Day of Migrants and Refu- world’s migrants and refugees and upon gees). all those who accompany them on their journey. Dear brothers and sisters, our response to the challenges posed by contempo- From the Vatican, 30 April 2019 rary migration can be summed up in four verbs: welcome, protect, promote and integrate. Yet these verbs do not apply only to migrants and refugees. They FRANCIS describe the Church’s mission to all

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 11 OCTOBER 2019 COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS RETREAT FOR THE PASTORAL able. Kindly collect your packet from the CLERGY IN TWO GROUPS: The an- Bishop’s House. nual retreat for the pastoral clergy of the diocese will be held in two batches like The heads of the religious houses last year. The retreat for the Senior and institutions are requested to Clergy (above 10 years of Priesthood) send their Mission Sunday Collection will be held from the 14th to 18thOctober, to the Procure’s office directly inde- 2019. It will start at 9.00 a.m. on 14th pendent of parish collections. October and conclude at 1.00 p.m. on 18th October. Fr.Selva Rathinam SJ, MONTH OF OCTOBER, PRAY THE president of JDV, Pune, is the preacher ROSARY: As we all know, the month of of the retreat. October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. I request all the parish priests The retreat for Junior Clergy (10 years to see that the rosary is recited daily in of Priesthood) will be held 6th- the parish headquarters and in the sub- 10thJanuary, 2020. Fr. Tony Menezes stations! In a special way encourage our SVD will preach the retreat for the Jun- catholic families to pray the rosary daily ior Clergy. in the family and in person. Organize processions and prayer services to ex- All the diocesan clergy and the religious press special devotion and veneration priests working in the parishes are ex- to Our Blessed Mother. These occasions pected to attend this Retreat without fail. are good for the ongoing catechesis of Express permission of the bishop is re- our people. quired for exemption from attending this Retreat. NEW ORDO-2020: As the new Ordo is being prepared, all the priests and the MISSION SUNDAY COLLECTION: Mission Sunday is to be celebrated in religious are requested to make sure that their personal names, dates of or- all the parishes and the institutions. All dinations and the feast days of the con- the Parish Priests should explain the role of the faithful in mission activity and in- gregations are rightly indicated in the vite them to pray for the missionaries all Ordo. If anything has to be rectified from the previous Ordos of the diocese or over the World. Parish Priests and anything to be added newly, please con- heads of the institutions should send the Mission Sunday collections to the dioc- tact: Rev. Fr. N. David Raju, Coordi- esan procure as soon as possible. Mis- nator, Diocesan Liturgy Commission, Parish Priest, Kankipadu. Cell no: sion Sunday material is ready and avail- 9849925526

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 12 OCTOBER 2019 COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING FOR NEW CATECHISTS : Qualifications: This is to inform all the Parish Priests • Practicing Catholic that the Pastoral Centre takes initiative • Minimum 10th class. Pass/fail to train the new catechists as it is the • Service oriented need of the time because some of our catechists are becoming very aged and JYOTIRMAI BIBLE EXAM: As already retiring. The target number is 50 and the published in the previous IVC, time and duration of the training is one Jyothirmai Bible Exam will be conducted month (30 days). The training on 3rd November, 2019. Note: The Cou- programme will be in the month of June pons with details of the candidates who 2020.Therefore, I request all the parish are writing the exam are to be returned priests to inform to the Director of Pas- to the Pastoral Centre before 15th of Oc- toral Centre if there are any aspiring tober. candidates for this training.

SEMINAR FOR THE CATECHISTS ON “THE EXTRAORDINARY MISSIONARY MONTH: OCTOBER” One day Seminar is arranged by the Pastoral Centre for the Catechists on “The Extraordinary Missionary Month: October” at Vicariate level. Therefore, all parish priests are requested to inform the catechists about the seminar and send them without fail. The details:

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE OF THE DIOCESAN CHARISMATIC TEAM FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 2019 2nd - Intercessory Day. All night prayer at St. Paul’s Cathedral from 9pm-5am 11th-13th - Three days village retreat at Edupugallu Village of Uppaluru parish 12th - Monthly meeting at Avutapalli Parish 27th - Full day prayer at Chandarlapadu Parish.

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 13 OCTOBER 2019 COMMUNICATIONS CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIOCESE IN SEPTEMBER, 2019 SECOND SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION 1. St. Paul’s Cathedral 12,345 37.Jyothinagar 2,315 2. St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral 16,740 38.Kaikaluru 2,068 3. Agiripalli 367 39.Kalidindi 1,546 4. Ajithsinghnagar 2,310 40.Kambhampadu 440 5. Arugolanu 631 41.Kanchikacherla 2,456 6. Assisi Nagar (Konkepudi) 1,210 42.Kankipadu 2,923 7. Avanigadda 1,780 43.Kanuru 4,100 8. Avutapalli 8,548 44.Keesara 566 9. Azzampudi 974 45.Kesarapalli 6,295 10.Bantumilli 527 46.Koduru 583 11.Bhaskaraopeta 344 47.Kondapalli 5,140 12.Bhyravapatnam 810 48.Kondapavuluru 927 13.Bodavada-Jammavaram 1,009 49.Korukollu 521 14.Bommuluru 951 50.Kotapadu 305 15.Carmelnagar 836 51.Kothapalli 164 16.Challapalli 2,235 52.Kuchipudi ----- 17.Chandarlapadu ----- 53.Labbipeta 4,220 18.Chanubanda 310 54.Lourdunagar 1,057 19.Chatrai 745 55.Machilipatnam ----- 20.Chillakallu 490 56.Mallavalli 486 21.Christurajapuram 2,060 57.Manginapudi 371 22.Edara 2,085 58.Mariapuram (Lakshmipuram) ----- 23.Edulagudem 648 59.Mucchintala 1,021 24.Enikepadu 870 60.Mudinepalli 1,110 25.Gampalagudem 354 61.Mulapadu 965 26.Gannavaram 1,820 62.Munagalapalli 578 27.Gollapudi 2,060 63.Musunuru 623 28.Goodmanpeta 1,738 64.Mylavaram 2,178 29.Gudivada 3,500 65.Nagayalanka 955 30.Gudlavalleru 2,740 66.Nandigama 3,557 31.Gunadala 48,543 67.Nawabupeta 727 32.Guntupalli 1,453 68.Nehrupeta (July -1,384 (Aug. 1,342) 2,527 33.Jagannadhapuram 484 69.Nunna 1,220 34.Jaggayyapeta ----- 70.Nuzvid-Town 3,006 35.Jakkampudi (Jeevan Nagar) 437 71.Pamarru 536 36.Joji Nagar 4,714 72.Pedda-Mustabad 1,187

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 14 OCTOBER 2019 COMMUNICATIONS S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION S.No. PARISH CONTRIBUTION 73.Pedana 817 89.Tiruvuru 820 74.Penamaluru 2,027 90.Uppaluru 1,380 75.Penugolanu 271 91.Vanukuru 951 76.Pezzonipeta 6,150 92.Vatsavai 185 77.Polukonda 842 93.Velagalagudem 420 78.Pydurupadu 362 94.Vellaturu 1,170 79.Rajareswaripeta 910 95.Velpur 614 80.Ramanakkapeta 700 96.Vennanapudi 675 81.Ranigarithota 885 97.Ventrapragada 435 82.Sahayanagar (Ibrahimpatnam) 1,008 98.Vissannapeta 942 83.Saradhanagar 1,028 99.Vuyyuru 2,406 84.Satyanarayanapuram 3,241 100. Yesupuram 350 85.Siluvagattu 176 86.Siluvagirinagar 372 TOTAL 2,14,099 87.Telaprolu 885 88.Thukkuluru 736

MASSES

29.08.2019 Gundalamatha Shrine @Rs.100/- 566 56,600 05.09.2019 Gannavaram @Rs.100 50 5,000 11.09.2019 Siluvagattu @Rs.100 05 500 11.09.2019 Uppaluru @Rs.100 10 1,000 23.09.2019 Kesarapalli @Rs.100 70 7,000 25.09.2019 Gudivada @Rs.100 15 1,500 27.09.2019 St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral @Rs.100 73 7,300 30.09.2019 St. Paul’s Cathedral @Rs.100 44 4,400 30.09.2019 Gundalamatha Shrine @Rs.100/- 622 62,200 Total 889 88,900

FAMILY CARDS

29.09.2019 St. Peter’s Co-Cathedral 6,500 30.09.2019 Gunadalamatha Shrine 6,470

Total 12,970

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 15 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE

Feast Day Celebrations of Mass was celebrated by Fr. Valle Vijaya Nandigama Parish Joji Babu who exhorted people to find God in little events and simple circum- The Christian community of Nandigama stances of our lives as God did in the parish witnessed divine assistance and blessings as we celebrated the parish feast on the birthday of Our Blessed Mother on 8th September, 2019.The cel-

person of Mary and all through salva- tion history. After the Eucharistic celebra- tion, felicitations and gratitude moments made the evening more memorable. The cultural events too added joy to the ebration began with the procession of gathering. Later on, the dinner was the statue of Our Lady of Velankani led served. Over 2000 people took part in by a band of musicians and followed by all these events along with 55 priests, the faithful. nuns and religious brothers. The evening was more like a family get-to- gether exchanging pure smiles and true Christian love as we shared our meal.

Thanks to the divine providence and God’s abundant blessings for the cel- ebration was memorable and spiritually elevating. And we gratefully acknowl- edge the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary!

“They all joined together constantly in - Fr. K. Mariyadas, Parish Priest, prayer and Mary, the mother of Jesus Nandigama WAS WITH THEM” Acts 1:14.The Holy

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 16 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS NEWS FROM THE RELIGIOUS Missionary Mandate and Apostolic event of call of Abraham who left every- Sending of Sr. Rosilla MSI thing in faith and travelled to the un- known land despite his age and health, I have to go to other towns also, for is repeated in the life of Sr. Rosilla when this I came (Lk4:43) she accepted the mission mandate of The congregation of the Missionary Sis- Jesus during the Holy Eucharist offici- ters of the Immaculate (Nirmala Sisters), ated by the newly consecrated Bishop Most Rev. Vijaya Kumar Rayarala PIME, driven by its Charism and the mandate th of Jesus, the Apostle of the Father, the the Bishop of Srikakulam, on 6 Sep- Sower and the Seed, strives ever to pro- tember, 2019 at Nirmala High School Auditorium, Vijayawada. “Take up your cross and follow me.” This focal point of cost of discipleship is re- sounded when she was given a crucifix with interpretation that cross is a sign of inseparable companion of her apostolic work. A Missionary is the herald of the Gospel by the witness of life, proclama- tion and making evangelized to be evan- gelizers. ‘Go into the whole world, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mk claim the Gospel to all peoples. Being 16:15) is mission command of Jesus. aware that there is still a great mission- This mission command of Jesus is en- ary task to be accomplished, our con- trusted to her by the local church as she gregation is striving towards the realiza- tion of the theme of XI General Chap- ter, “Prophetic communities that an- nounce Gospel in the Peripheries of the World.” Every member is invited to com- mit herself to enter into the dynamism of mission of Jesus who focused His attention from Centre to the peripheries of the world. Vatican II Document AG6 is resonated in the missionary mandate and the ap- ostolic sending of Rev. Sr. Rosilla was given a Holy Bible by the bishop. It Velamparambil MSI who readily ac- was a touching moment for all who as- cepted to be sent out to proclaim the sembled when the parting missionary, Gospel and to plant the church in the made an Act of offering of her life to God other parts of the world. The historical for mission through a prayer which was

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 17 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS composed and prayed by blessed John dinary missionary month of October. So Mazzucconi, the first martyr of PIME a group of 23 Youth members including when he left for Oceania, the same land 2 priests – Frs. Jomish and Sony and 2 to which Sr. Rosilla is sent. nuns led by Sr.Vandana MSI from Tellicherry diocese visited few mission The province of Vijayawada rejoices in stations of Odisha (Berhampur diocese), sending missionaries to the peripheries of the world specially Sr. Rosilla to Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada dio- Papua New Guinea to make Christ ceses of Andhra Pradesh. They stayed known. We are ever grateful the local at Gudivada where the MSI began their church for the co-operation and support first missionary apostolate in India in we receive from the diocese in carrying 1948 and still continuing their village outthe mission in the diocese of apostolate in rural areas of Gudivada. Vijayawada. We congratulate Sr. Rosilla who goes to the periphery of the world Another im- in faith and with missionary passion. We portant rea- join our hearts ingratitude to Most Rev. son for their Bishop Joseph Raja Rao whose timely visit was to guidance we receive and Most Rev. promote vo- Bishop Vijaya Kumar Rayarala PIME for cations for his availability. We remember mission re- gratefullyall the fathers who gions. They concelebrated and all others who par- felt their visit ticipated in the apostolic sending of Sr. to different ar- Rosilla and prayed for her. eas of Odisha It was indeed a moment of pride for us and Andhra to felicitate the newly Consecrated Pradesh were Bishop Most Rev. Vijayakumar very successful. After having seen and Rayarayala PIME and the parting mis- witnessed Odisha Mission they felt the sionary Sr. Rosilla MSI need to pray for that Missionary Church every day. As they visited Odisha, they - Sr. Jerry, MSI, Nirmala Niketan, could find a sprawling National park Vijayawada known for its verdant land scrapes, pic- turesque waterfalls and abundant flora Visit of Kerala Youth to the Mis- and fauna which totally differs from the sion stations. frenzied paces of city life in Kerala. 23 youth members of Tellicherry Arch- Those youngsters who came to visit the diocese of Kerala made a visit to Andhra interior villages of Gudivada in order to and Odisha States to have a firsthand see and experience how the Gospel experience of the evangelical activities proclamation is done by the priests and of Nirmala sisters who are working far- Nirmala sisters felt quite satisfied. The away from Kerala in view of the extraor- youth were guided by Fr. Ganta Praveen,

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 18 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS the vibrant parish priest of Gudivada and Regarding Orissa Mission, they felt the the Nirmala sisters. They went in groups newly converted Christian communities to various villages accompanied by the need to get more spiritual and material sisters and priests. The youth interacted assistance from the Catholic Church it- with the people of the villages with the self. According to them, they should be assistance empowered by social service teams, of sisters Insurance and so on. The youth also and priests realized that in our missionary activities translating in Gudivada, Fr.Praveen, the parish their words. priest and his assistant Fr. Tamalam The villag- Ravi Kumar do encourage, support and ers were strengthen the sisters and parishioners very happy to face the challenges vigorously to carry to see out the proclamation of the Word of God them, who fruitfully. The youth wholeheartedly put forward thanked the parish priest and the sis- various ters for their services and also for their questions. cooperation in fulfilling their purposes The youth and interests. The visiting Kerala youth felt it was a left Gudivada at 4.00 p.m.to Vijayawada good place with elated spirits having successfully for them to completed their mission. They felt that engage in the church in India conversa- tions and spent quality time with the vil- - Sr. Treasa Joseph, Sacred Heart lagers to know about the evangelical Convent, Gudivada works done by the priests and sisters in Gudivada area . NEWS FROM THE CENTRES / COMMISSIONS Youth Meeting at Guntupalli Parish and Fr. John Babu, the diocesan Youth

Youth Meeting was held at Guntupalli parish on 25th July, 2019. The youth from five parishes namely, Guntupalli, Kondapalli, Mulapadu, Paidurupadu, Ibrahimpatnam came together for this big meeting. It started at 9.30 a.m. with Holy Spirit song followed by lighting of the lamp in the presence of Fr. Jayaraju Gudise, the parish priest of Guntupalli

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 19 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS Director along with the youth. Then, are two resource persons who gave there was an icebreaking session and talks on different themes. There was a action songs animated by Sr. Rosy and great emphasis given on four parts of her team. There were almost 155 youth YOUCAT by Fr. John Babu, explaining who attended the meeting. Fr. John the contents of YOUCAT to the young Babu spoke the introductory words ex- people. Fr. Bala Joseph SAC, the par- plaining about the YOUCAT. Fr. Suresh ish priest of Mustabada, encouraged SDB, the principal of Don Bosco CBSE youth to be active participants in the School, Guntupalli, gave a talk on “how Church today and tomorrow and he youth should be in the Church today and made the entire group to understand the tomorrow” and Mr. Jayaraju gave talk role of youth today in the Church. on the theme, “the personality develop- Mr.Jayaraju, who is known for person- ment skills at present”. The meeting ality developmental skills, explored the ended at 4.00 p.m. with Holy Eucharis- skills of the individuals and offered tips tic celebration. ondeveloping skills. There was a great response from the youth and their at- Youth Meeting at Jakkampudi Par- tentiveness was very well marked in the ish meeting. The meeting ended at 4.00 On 20th September, Youth Meeting was p.m. with the Eucharistic celebration. conducted at Jakkampudi parish at St. Benedict School. In this meeting the Youth Meeting at Gollapudi Parish youth from the parishes of Youth Meeting was held at Gollapudi Satyanarayanapuram and Vellaturu too parish on 22nd September, 2019. It joined. It began with the invocation of started at 10.30 a.m. with the Holy Spirit song followed by lighting of the lamp in the presence of Fr. Pamiti John Stephen, the parish priest and Fr. John Babu the Youth Director along with the youth.

the Holy Spirit song and followed by the lighting of the lamp. Fr. James, OSB, the Provincial Superior, and Fr. John Babu the Youth Director lighted the lamp. The inaugural address was given to the youth by Fr. James, OSB. There were Then, there was ice-breaking session about 75 youth in the meeting. There with action songs animated by Sr. Rosy and team. 75 young students were

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 20 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS present for the meeting. The introduc- programme, the social service centre tory words were addressed by Fr. John appointed two computer teachers to Babu in which he gave a brief illustra- teach 300 school children the basics of tion of YOUCAT for the youth, and also computers for two months. After the emphasized the importance the four completion of the basic computer parts of Youcat in the lives of the present course, anexam was conducted for all youth. There were two resource per- the children at Village level. The children sons. Ms. Mrunalini spoke on “Don’t al- who scored well in the exam were low one’s life to be controlled by five awarded with certificates by Social Ser- things in the life.” It was very enriching talk where youth showed a lot of inter- est by interacting with the questions and answers. There was a lot of interest and enthusiasm expressed by youth and ap- preciation to their active participation. Mr. Jayaraju gave a talk on “the person- ality development skills.” The meeting ended at 4.00 p.m. - Fr. Ch John Babu, Diocesan Youth Director vice Centre and 30 more merit students were given cash prizes of Rs.300 each th CSR initiative of V-Guard foundation: on 13 September 2019. Certificates and Cash Prizes Distri- bution Ceremony at Bantumilli For the Certificate awarding function, the Mandal on 13th September 2019. following guests were present, V-Guard Industries General Manager, Mr. Rajesh, The Social Service Centre, under cap- Sri Jogi Ramesh, MLA, Pedana constitu- tion “E-learning for better tomorrow” ency and Sri KVS Prasad, MEO, Fr. Tho- distributed 10 computers and printers to mas Pasala, the Director of Social Ser- vice Centre and Fr. Anil Francis, Parish Priest, Pedana. We wholeheartedly thank all the school teachers and MEO for supporting to make this programme a successful one, and we thank V-Guard foundation for their generous financial support. - Fr. Pasala Thomas, Director, Social Service Centre, Vijayawada rural village schools of Bantumilli and Kruthivennu mandals. Under this

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 21 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS New BCC Villages of Manginapudi Parish and Bodagunta I am happy to place on record that we of Pedana Parish.

have started BCC Programme in two - Fr. Damala Vijay Kumar, new villages of the diocese: Kothapudi Director, Pastoral Centre NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS Odisha girl nominated for Interna- vinced their parents to send them back tional Children’s Peace Prize 2019 to school, said headmaster of the school September 19, 2019 Matters India Biranchi Narayan Tripathy.

Kendrapara: Subhasmita Tripathy, a vil- lage girl from Odisha, eastern India, has been nominated for International Children’s Peace Prize 2019. The eighth grader of Upper Primary School in sea erosion-hit Pentha village is among 119 child leaders from across the globe nominated for the prize.

The 13-year-old Indian girl has been bestowed the honor for managing to bring 22 dropouts back to the school and “We educated the children and their provide support to continue their edu- parents about the importance of educa- cation with the help of villagers, school tion. Most of the dropouts were working authorities and social organizations. in the fields with their parents and catch- Thripathy’s noble work was supported ing fish in the river and creeks near the by teachers. She first identified the 22 village,” said Subhasmita. The winner of children who had dropped out of schools the International Children’s Peace Prize owing to various reasons and then con-

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 22 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS receives a study and care grant and a Mejia’s statement. worldwide platform to promote his/her ideals. “The circular pattern of the Holy Spirit shows that it navigates all around the Philippine Church releases logo for world as God is a missionary God who 500 years of Christianity commissioned the Church for world mis- sion,” it added. The central figure on the The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the logo is taken from national artist Philippines (CBCP) has released the Fernando Amorsolo’s “First Baptism in official theme and logo for the 500th the Philippines” painting. anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country which will be marked in The sun, a trademark of Amorsolo’s vari- 2021. The theme and logo of the cel- ous artworks, was derived from the Phil- ebration, dubbed “500YOC”, was ap- proved by the members of the perma- nent council of the CBCP on Sept. 18.

“Gifted to Give”, taken from Matthew’s Gospel (10:8), is the theme for the cel- ebration. In a statement, Father Marvin Mejia, secretary-general of the confer- ence, identified the various elements of the logo, including a cross, a ship, the sun, a rosary, among others. ippine flag, suggesting the idea that the The cross planted by Portuguese ex- country is “the pearl of the orient sea.” plorer Ferdinand Magellan on the island “It also signifies new life, a new begin- of Cebu signifies Christianity and serves ning, the risen Christ, the hope of our as the mast of a ship. The ship repre- salvation,” added the statement. sents the navigators of the expedition that brought the faith to the island. It also The “ichtus” or the fish, which symbol- signifies the Church and its sacraments. izes Jesus, is a reminder that the faith we professed is the same faith as that A dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, which of the early Christians. Its red color sig- shares the “Divine Life” in the sacrament nifies the blood of the martyrs, the “seed of baptism. It also looks like a cloud that of Christian faith in imitation of Christ.” manifests the presence of God. “It is also slightly attached to the cross or the mast Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick as a sail of the ship, significantly telling Pabillo, chairman of the Episcopal Com- us that through the Holy Spirit the mis- mission on the Laity, earlier said the sionaries were led to our country, bring- 2021 observance “is a reminder of how ing us to Christianity,” read Father Filipinos embraced the Catholic faith.”

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 23 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS “It is not a reminder of how we were Ad Limina visit. colonized but of how Filipinos embraced Pope Francis listened to the bishops, Catholicism,” said the bishop, adding encouraged them to continue their work that “colonization and the arrival of with courage and enthusiasm, while Christianity in the country are two dif- asking the bishops to be close to Jesus, ferent things.” to their priests and to their people.

Christianity was brought to the Philip- The pontiff also told the prelates that he pines in 1521 when the Portuguese ex- was aware of the challenges facing the plorer, Ferdinand Magellan, landed Church in India. He told them not to be there. He was leading a Spanish expe- discouraged with the challenges but dition in his bid to reach at the East continue their service to people and so- Indies, sailing west. The Philippine ar- ciety with faith in God and patience. The chipelago, which was named after King Pope assured the bishops of his prayers Philip II, became a colony of Spain until when they told him about a Missionar- 1898. ies of Charity nun and other church people languishing in Indian jails. Since 2012, the Catholic Church in the Philippines has been on a 9-year prepa- ration for the 500 years of the arrival of the Gospel in the country, with each year assigned a specific theme and aspect of the Church and Christian life. With about 81 percent of its estimated popu- lation of some 100 million identifying themselves as Catholics, the Philippines is home to Asia’s largest Catholic popu- lation. (Source: UCANEWS) The bishops prayed at the tombs of Pope urges Indian bishops to work Saints Peter and Paul and at the other with courage basilicas in Rome. A week earlier, an- September 19, 2019 Matters India other group 38 bishops from India had a 90-minute meeting with the Pope. Vatican City, September 19, 2019: Pope Some 200 bishops from India, in three Francis has told a group of Indian bish- separate groups, are conducting their Ad ops that he was aware of the challenges Limina visits between September 13 and confronting the Church in their country October 3. but they should continue their work with courage and enthusiasm. The Pope on The visit ad limina (literally, the thresh- September 17 met with bishops of India old for) technically means an obligation led by Archbishop Peter Machado of of members of the hierarchy of visiting, Bangalore, who were in Rome for their at stated times, the “thresholds of the

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 24 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS Apostles,” Saints Peter and Paul. They his house and apprehended him, the also present themselves before the SDPO said. Dara Singh, the main ac- Pope to give an account of the state of cused in the triple murder, was convicted their dioceses. The object of the visit is and sentenced to death by the CBI court not merely to make a pilgrimage to the in 2003. The Orissa High Court com- tombs of the apostles, but to show the muted the death sentence to life impris- proper reverence for the successor of onment in 2005, which was upheld by Saint Peter, to acknowledge practically the Supreme Court in 2011. his universal jurisdiction. Mehendra Hembram, another accom- 20 years after Staines murder CBI plice of Dara Singh, is also serving life nabs an accused in Odisha imprisonment in the case, while 11 other Posted on September 23, 2019 accused were acquitted by the High

Two decades after the ghastly killing of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, CBI has ar- rested one of the accused persons in the triple murder case.

The CBI sleuths arrested Budhadeb Naik (45), a close associate of Dara Singh who was convicted in the case, from his house at Nischitapur village Court due to lack of evidence. Staines under Thakurmunda police station in and his wife Gladys worked in Mayurbhanj district, the sub-divisional Mayurbhanj Evangelical Missionary or- police officer of Karanjia, Narayan ganization at Baripada caring for leprosy Chandra Nayak said. patients.

Naik was allegedly among those who Gladys Staines, who was awarded the had set fire to the station wagon in which Padmashree in 2005, had said that she Australian Missionary Graham Stuart had forgiven the killers of her husband Staines and his two minor sons - Philip and sons and that she holds no bitter- (10) and Timothy (7), were sleeping in ness against them. front of a church at Manoharpur village in Keonjhar on the night of January 22, This secular Franciscan lived among 1999. The three were burnt to death in lepers. Could he become Zimbabwe’s the incident, which rocked the country. first saint? Harare, Zimbabwe, Sep 26, 2019 / 04:00 Naik was absconding since the incident am (CNA).- British-born John and the CBI, acting on a tip off raided Bradburne, who died in Zimbabwe 40

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 25 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS years ago, could be on his way to be- Bradburne spent hours with patients. He coming the country’s first canonized rose at 3:00 each morning, and washed saint. patients, bandaged them, ate with them, and talked with them. Some of them he Bradburne is a revered figure among the carried to Mass. But he clashed with Catholic community in the landlocked leaders at the center over the conditions southern African country of Zimbabwe. in which patients lived, and eventually, According to reports, Bradburne was he was fired. shot in the back after he was abducted from his hut in Mutemwa in the north- He was allowed to live in a deserted east of Zimbabwe. single-roomed tin hut in the settlement compound. His house had no running Who was he? Born in 1921 to Anglican water, but he was glad to be within the parents in Cumbria, England, Bradburne vicinity of the lepers, whom he contin- converted to Catholicism in 1947 while ued helping in whatever way he could. living with Benedictine monks, after he had a religious experience during World During Zimbabwe’s civil war, which War II. He lived after his conversion as a pilgrim, shuttling between England, the Middle East and Italy, living out of one bag. He was a prolific poet. Bradburne joined the Secular Third Order Franciscan in 1956.

He later made contact with Fr. John Dove, a Jesuit friend living in Zimbabwe. Bradburne asked whether there was a “cave in Africa” where he could pray. Dove encouraged him to move to Zim- lasted from 1964 until 1979, Bradburne babwe, where he arrived in 1962. In Zim- protected the lepers from exploitation, babwe, he told a Franciscan priest the something that raised suspicion, espe- three desires of his life: “to serve lep- cially, locals say, because he was a for- rosy patients, to die a martyr, and to be eigner, and his motives were frequently buried in the Franciscan habit.” suspect. Locals became hostile towards him, but he refused offers from other In 1969, seven years after his arrival in Christians to take him to safety. the country, Bradburne’s desire to care for leprosy-afflicted patients was fulfilled, Bradburne died on Sept. 5, 1979 when when he was appointed the lead care- he was shot dead at age 58. He was taker at Mutemwa Leprosy Settlement, buried in the Franciscan habit, as he had a center that cared for leprosy patients. hoped to be. During his burial, three

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 26 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS unexplained drops of blood were found Thrissur town in Kerala state, southern below his coffin, reports say. For his India. The Indian nun will be canonized compassion toward the afflicted, Bradburne has been called the “Damien of the 20th century” in reference to St. Damian of Molokai who cared for lep- ers in Hawaii. Mariam Thresia canonization matter of pride for India: Modi September 30, 2019 Matters India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ex- pressed happiness that an Indian is among five Catholics who will be canon- ized by Pope Francis next month. “It is a during a Mass along with Cardinal John matter of pride for every Indian that, on Henry Newman from England, Italian the coming October 13, his holiness Pope Josephine Vannini, Swiss Marguerite Francis will declare Sister Mariam Thresia Bays, and Brazilian Irm Dulce Pontes. a saint,” the prime minister said on Sep- The canonization will take place at St. tember 29 during ‘Mann Ki Baat’ (Heart’s Peter’s Square. Voice), his monthly radio program. Modi said Mariam Thresia’s canoniza- Sister Mariam Thresia Chiramel tion is a matter of pride for India. “I pay Mankidiyan (1876-1926) founded the heartfelt tributes to Sister Mariam Congregation of the Holy Family to im- Thresia and congratulate the citizens of part Christian values to families on May India, and especially our Christian broth- 14, 1914, at Mannuthy, a village near ers and sisters, for this achievement,” the prime minister said.

VATICAN NEWS a rejection of hope, Pope Francis told an oncology association Sept. 2. Pope Francis condemns euthanasia as utilitarianism, not freedom “The practice of euthanasia, which has By Hannah Brockhaus already been legalized in several Vatican City, Sep 2, 2019 / 07:13 am countries, only apparently aims to (CNA).- Euthanasia is a way of treating encourage personal freedom,” he said the human person as an object; while it Sept. 2. “In reality,” he continued, “it is may appear to give freedom, it is really

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 27 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS based on a utilitarian view of the person, the value of each person.” who becomes useless or can be equated to a cost, if from the medical The countries with legal euthanasia are point of view, he has no hope of the Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia, improvement or can no longer avoid Luxembourg, and Canada. Assisted pain.” suicide is legal in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany, and in the “If one chooses death, the problems are U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, solved in a sense; but how much Colorado, Hawaii, Vermont, Montana, bitterness behind this reasoning, and Washington, D.C., New Jersey, what rejection of hope involves the California, and Maine (starting January 1, 2020).

Pope Francis spoke about euthanasia Sept. 2, to a group of about 150 members of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology, in an audience at the Vatican. He encouraged the medical personnel to “never lose heart for the misunderstanding you might encounter, or before the insistent proposal of more choice of giving up everything and radical and hasty roads,” adding that breaking all ties!” he declared. Pope their work includes raising awareness Francis stated that medical technology in a society “which is not very aware and is not being used for its right purpose, is sometimes distracted.” the service of the human person, when it “reduces him to a thing,” or makes Francis described a sort of “Pandora’s distinctions between who is not box,” in which everything is explained deserving of treatment because of except hope. “And we have to go look supposedly being “a burden” or “a for this,” he said. “How to explain hope, waste.” indeed, how to give it in the most limited cases.” The contrary approach is a commitment to accompany a patient and his loved In the audience, the pope praised the ones at all stages, trying to alleviate association’s focus on providing the best suffering through palliative care, or the care for each individual patient, family environment of hospice, he according to his or her unique biology, argued. This “contributes to creating a calling it “an oncology of mercy,” culture and practice more attentive to because personalizing care puts one’s

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 28 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS attention on the individual, not only the pursued by the Catholic Church, illness, he argued. especially with the Orthodox Church and the Oriental Churches, are of an He encouraged the medical workers to ecclesiological nature. They have a take Jesus as their example, also canonical dimension too, since stressing the importance of Christ for ecclesiology finds expression in the those who are sick. Jesus, he said, institutions and the law of the Churches,” “helps them to find the strength not to Pope Francis said Sept. 19. interrupt the bonds of love, to offer their suffering for brothers, to keep friendship In an audience with members of the with God.” Society for the Law of the Eastern Churches, Pope Francis said: “Canon “Inspire everyone to be close to those law is essential for ecumenical who suffer, to the little ones above all, dialogue,” adding that “ecumenical and to put the weak in the first place, so dialogue also enriches canon law.” that they can grow a more human Canon law is the Church’s legal society and relationships marked by discipline, it gives expression to gratuitousness, rather than opportunity,” concepts like natural and divine law, and he urged. orders the Church as an ecclesiastical society. It explains and safeguards the Pope Francis: ‘Canon law is essential rights and duties of the faithful of all for ecumenical dialogue’ orders of church life: laity, clergy, By Courtney Grogan bishops, and religious. Vatican City, Sep 19, 2019 / 07:30 am (CNA).- Pope Francis said Thursday that As the Society for the Law of the Eastern Churches marks its fiftieth anniversary this year, Pope Francis remarked that the society’s founder, Father Ivan •u•ek, made significant contributions to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. The pope met with Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople the day prior for lunch in Vatican City. Bartholomew, to whom Pope Francis gifted relics of St. Peter earlier this year, canon law is essential for ecumenical was the law society’s first vice president. dialogue with Orthodox and Oriental Churches. Pope Francis said that the Church can “Many of the theological dialogues learn from the synodal experience of the

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 29 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS Eastern churches. “Synodality on the Pan-Amazon. Its main objective expresses the ecumenical dimension of is “to find new ways for the canon law,” Pope Francis said, evangelization of that portion of the explaining: “the commitment to build a People of God, especially the synodal Church - a mission to which we indigenous, often forgotten and without are all called, each with the role a perspective of a good future, also for entrusted him by the Lord - has the cause of the crisis of the Amazonian significant ecumenical implications.” forest, lung of fundamental importance for our planet.” “How much we can learn from one another in all areas of ecclesial life: The Pan-Amazon is made up of Brazil, theology, the experience of spirituality Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and liturgy, pastoral activity and, Venezuela, Suriname, Guiana and certainly, canon law,” he said. French Guiana. The list includes all the diocesan bishops of the nine countries “Based on the common canonical from the Amazon region. heritage of the first millennium, the current theological dialogue between the The list also includes representatives of Catholic Church and the Orthodox the indigenous peoples of the Amazon Church seeks precisely a common region, 12 top officials of the Roman understanding of primacy and synodality Curia offices, and 15 members elected and their relationship in the service of by the Union of Superiors Generals of the unity of the Church,” Pope Francis the men’s religious orders, most of said. whom work in the Amazon region. The Vatican has listed 25 experts (including Cardinal Gracias in Amazon Synod at least four women) who will collaborate participants’ list with the Special Secretariat of the Synod Vatican City, September 21, 2019: and 55 auditors. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, head of the Catholic Church in India, is among The list also includes six “fraternal participants the Vatican has listed for the delegates” from the Evangelical, Special Assembly of Bishops for the Anglican and Presbyterian Christian Pan-Amazon region. The Vatican on Churches in the Amazon region. September 21 published the list of participants for the October 6-27 to be Among the 32 members nominated by held in Rome. Pope Francis are Cardinals Christoph Schonborn (Austria), Angelo Bagnasco Pope Francis on October 15, 2017, (Italy, president of the Conferences of convened a Special Synodal Assembly European Bishops), Jean-Claude

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 30 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS Hollerich (Luxembourg). In addition to special secretaries: Jesuit Father O’Malley the other members of the Michael Czerny, who will be made a Council of Cardinal Advisors: Oscar cardinal later this month, and Bishop David Martinez de Aguirre Guinea, a Dominican from Peru.

The three president delegates who will chair the plenary sessions and were also nominated by Pope Francis are: Cardinals Baltazar Porras Cardozo (Venezuela), Jesuit Pedro Barreto Jimeno (Peru), and Joao Braz de Aviz (Brazil and the Vatican). Rodriguez Maradiaga, Reinhard Marx, Oswald Gracias and Giusseppe The Amazon Synod is a great ecclesial, Bertello. civic and ecological project that seeks to overcome the confines and redefine Twelve “special” guests have been the pastoral lines, adapting them to invited to the synod, including Ban Ki- contemporary times. Amazon region is Moon (Korea), former Secretary General an important source of oxygen for the of the United Nations; René Castro whole earth, where more than one third Salazar (U.S.A.), assistant director of of the world’s primary forest reserves are the FAO department on Climate, found. It is one of the largest biodiversity Biodiversity, Land, Water at the United reserves on the planet, containing 20 Nations; Josianne Gauthier (Canada), percent of the not frozen freshwater. Secretary General of CIDSE, the international Catholic Alliance of The first time the Pope visited the Agencies of Development; Carlos Alfoso Amazonian territory (in Peru) on January Nobre (Brazil), winner of the Nobel Prize 19, 2018, he expressed his concern for for Peace in 2007, Jeffrey Sachs the indigenous people affirming: “The (U.S.A.), professor of sustainable native Amazonian peoples have development at Columbia University, probably never been so threatened on and Hans J. Schellenhuber (Germany), their own lands as they are at present. professor of atmospheric physics and The Amazon is being disputed on emeritus director of the Potsdam various fronts.” On that occasion he Institute for Climate Impact Research. officially opened the preparation for the The pope had already appointed Synod. Cardinal Claudio Hummes (Brazil) to the key position of chief relator, and two

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 31 OCTOBER 2019 REMEMBRANCES

DAYS TO REMEMBER IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

ORDINATION DAY : HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS

21st Fr. Jada Joji Chiranjivi SJ 26th Fr. Kothana Arogyadas SAC 31st Fr. Peter Anthony Kishore SJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY : MANY RETURNS OF THE DAY

1st Fr. Mocherla Balayesu 2nd Fr. Bandi Maria Sagar Babu 5th Fr. Maddala Vinay Kumar 12th Fr. Polimetla Jacob 13th Fr. Mannala Peter 14th Fr. Arava Bruno Jesu Stephen 15th Fr. Mathangi Suresh Babu 17th Frs. Kondru Simharayalu, Darsi Jeeva Kumar, Kama Anil 23rd Fr. Neeluri Mariadas 24th Fr. Gone Joseph Thambi 25th Fr. Teneti Yesupadam 26th Fr. Amire Ajay Kumar 27th Fr. Gunturu Don Bosco

OBITUARY : MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

15th Fr. Rimondi PIME (1985) 16th Fr. Gioanni B. Calderaro PIME (1985) 21st Fr. Kavalam Francis (2004) 23rd Fr. Kudilungal George

IN VINCULO CHRISTI 32 OCTOBER 2019