Lead Us Onward Link DIOCESE OF SEPTEMBER 2012 Agartala Diocesan NewsVleOL.t t16e Nor.09 Pastor’s Corner Teachers as Leaders and Learners celebrates it’s Teachers Day on September 5 since 1962, the one has good hands. The first H and second TAN SRI Dr Yahaya Ibrahim, 82, retired birth anniversary of Dr Sarvapalli H have to work together if we are to be Govt. teacher, says "I believe that you need Radhakrishnan, a prominent successful in life… In UK, that's where I to keep learning and developing yourself no thinker, philosopher and an educator. l e a r n e d a b o u t e a r l y matter what your age. Because when Teachers Day is celebrated as a tribute to the childhood education and you stop learning, you become old. valuable contribution made by teachers to the started asking the question But I don't only preach lifelong society by imparting knowledge and everywhere I went.” learning, but lifelong contributing. enlightening and shaping the career of Ibrahim was first posted to Your knowledge can only make a students. Malacca where he took up difference if you use it to help others Teaching has long been considered an his first teaching post. `One in the area you love most and which isolated profession with little opportunity for thing I always emphasized you are best at." collaboration. Teachers are a valuable was discipline. If I ask you to I like to end by wishing all our resource and each one possesses expertise bring your homework, your Teachers a Happy Teachers Day, at in strategies and methodologies that can be a job is to bring your the same time reminding them of the benefit to others. homework . I am not powerful metaphor of the teacher as a bridge But teachers are also learners. Yahaya interested in whether you have finished it or by Nikos Kazantzakis who says, “Ideal Ibrahim of Singapore, who studied at the not. You could finish it tomorrow. But if you teachers are those who use themselves as famous teacher's training college in Kirkby, didn't bring it, I would make you stand on the bridges over which they invite their students UK asks: “How do you use your hands? chair. Today, I have many of my former to cross; then having facilitated their Whether you're a cook, a tailor or a surgeon, students who are now in high positions crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging you need good hands. Sometimes, I ask a coming up to me and saying they are what them to create bridges of their own.” mother, which of your daughters can cook they are because of the way I treated them. +Lumen, CSC well, and she will point to one and say, that They thank me for it,' he says.

About ten days Ediagotor I ialwas Liturgy Matters! part of a workshop that into Kokborok lexicon. t r i e d t o f i n e - t u n e How absence of such key concepts supremely befits liturgy. liturgical expressions in impacts the belief of Because liturgy is more than Kokborok language. The worshippers, and thereby a set of well-dressed words, program, attended by a society itself, could be an their search for adequate section of clergy and some Kokborok exciting study in itself. linguistic vehicles must be experts, was in many ways unique. It did Such a state of affairs also c o m p l e m e n t e d b y bring to light quite a few linguistic and places a new responsibility uncompromising adherence liturgical insights although it did not on the young shoulders of to truths of faith. Kokborok always succeed in coining new words believers who constitute ears and hearts have the right, and expressions that might have o n l y a m i c r o s c o p i c like other tongues of the engendered use of some hitherto s e g m e n t o f n a t i v e world, to enjoy and benefit uncelebrated concepts in Kokborok speakers. Rather than from the indescribable liturgy. continuing to lament the loss of real wealth the Word of God and If Wittgenstein's claim “the limits of my and unreal worlds (Koloma et al) of the Sacraments provide. language are the limits of my world” yesteryears, they must take up the task The workshop I attended ten days ago (Tractatus) is true, the Kokborok of uplifting an emaciated liturgy, by was a beginning, merely. One liturgist, indeed, has reasons to worry. identifying words that resonate, and devoutly wishes that more such efforts Many concepts, including some connotations that satisfy; they would would soon make the 'impoverished rudimentary ones like 'worship', 'adore', thereby be lending the skeletal form Kokborok liturgy', a thing of the past. and even 'celebrate' are yet to find entry with a depth and character that J. Pulinthanath, sdb 2 [2] Bodhjungnagar Parish Mandwi Parish News from the Parishes New P.P. at St. Andre Mandwi Thrice Blessed success. After the Mass, lunch was St. Andre Parish community is grateful t h to God for having given them yet 1 5 A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 served to all. It was the another Parish Priest. Amidst a large opened with the flag parishioners who donated community of faithful gathered, Most hoisting in the Don the rice. This was prepared Rev. Lumen B o s c o S c h o o l in advance the same compound at 8.30am to morning, by the parish M o n t e i r o , t h CSC, Bishop m a r k t h e 6 6 council members, so that o f A g a r t a l a Independence day of they could all be present at installed Fr. our country. Major the Eucharistic celebration. Mariaraj, CSC Abishek Singhal of Truly it was a day that was as the new Assam Rifles was the Chief Guest thrice blessed, with celebrations that Parish Priest. All the village leaders on the occasion. Soon after at 10.30 were international, national and local and representatives from different am the Catholic faithful gathered and a day that will be remembered villages were present on the occasion. together in the Church to honour the for long! At the felicitation program after the Assumption of Mother Mary. Dn. Luke, SDB Holy Eucharist the Parish community The day was special for the faithful thanked Fr. K.J. Abraham, CSC, who in Mandwi as it was the day that the Bishop Lumen Monteiro csc, would tirelessly served the Parish for the past Depacherra Parish eight months, before being elected install Fr. George Rodrigues sdb, as Provincial of Holy Cross. Though the the new Parish Priest. Priests and time he spent at the parish was short, Sisters from the nearby parishes as Pastors day with the Bishop the community gratefully remembered well as brother Salesians joined in Bishop Lumen was here in our the great contribution he made to the the celebration. Fr. P. Joseph sdb of parish for his pastoral visit from 3-5 parish through his ever living spirit, Nandan nagar in his homily August, 2012. On the first day he enthusiasm and spirituality. reminded the congregation of the had Mass for Burburia mondoli and The community warmly welcomed Fr. humility of Mary which earned her had a good Mariaraj as their new pastor and the title of being called blessed by discussion all generations. He drew attention assured him their support, cooperation w i t h t h e to God's choice of Mary who and prayers. Fr. Mariaraj has done his m o n d o l i praises God, for raising the lowly to Licentiate in Sacred Theology of p e o p l e , great heights, and called upon the Consecrated Life and Masters in even though Spirituality at the Claretian Institute for people to pray for their newly appointed parish priest. it was late in Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA), the night. Manila, and prior to this appointment The 250 people who had gathered th On 4 August, he went to Isachari he was the Rector of the Holy Cross stayed in silence and in awe right Seminary at Pune. through the installation ceremony. and had Mass with the people there. Fr. Jilson Tom, CSC The silence was profoundly felt, but After a sumptuous lunch there, he went to Bhagavantila and met a Mandwi Parish in it was also serenity that filled Bagbasa Parish one's soul. The usual movement of small portion of the faithful who had children moving around or crying a discussion on the mondoli Youth Seminar at Panisagar was absent today as though some development. A Youth Seminar was power was moving and soothing The grand finale was on the th organized on 8 July, 2012 them to understand the purpose of following day, Sunday, when the for all the youth of the moment. Many came out parish community celebrated Bagbassa Parish. The expressing this fact, frankly pastors day (Vianney Day) at the Seminar focused on acknowledging that the service to Parish centre. Bishop offered Mass Leadership and Career. them was very beautiful. There was for the people in the morning and Ms. Sara Pangchopi, from nothing that was extraordinarily reflected on the life of the holy man Diphu animated the done, yet, the power of the moment John Mary Vianney, inviting the session. The program included, group held everyone spell bound. priests and people to emulate his work, workshops, and input sessions. The Bishop in his concluding words holy life. Bishop joined in the Number of young people from different informed the faithful that this evening felicitation program that centers of our parish participated in the particular day was chosen by Fr. was well organized by the people. Seminar. The Seminar gave them an George as he had come to Bishop Lumen expressed his great opportunity to know one another and experience the great love and help satisfaction at the practice that has learn the leadership skills for their life that Mother Mary had given him all been going on in this Parish since and their involvement in the society and through his life. With words the past 4 years and encouraged the Church. expressing gratitude, Fr. George the people to keep it up. Fr. Sojan Augustine, CSC thanked all those who had lent a Fr. Bosco Lathees helping hand to make the day a

[LINK] HAPPENINGS IN THE DIOCESE [3] News Briefs from LINK Congratulates: Fr. Francis Carvalho, a veteran missionary Graduation Ceremony of Holy Global Class Room Training of the Andaman Islands is the new Cross College, Agartala. Global Class Room is an organization Superior General of SFX, Pilar TRIPURA which provides training to School Fathers. The priest had studied The historic Teachers at various levels. It's a 3-year cultural anthropology in f i r s t program accredited to the Dublin London. Fr. Carvalho has G r a d u a t i o n University, Ireland. At the completion worked several years in the Ceremony of of the program the Teachers will be Holy Cross Andaman and Nicobar islands, given a Diploma in Teacher Education besides serving as the society's vicar C o l l e g e , Agartala, the by the Dublin University. At present, general and novice master. first Catholic discussions are on to affiliate this 2 New Bishops in the Syro-Malabar College in the program with Don Bosco University, Church: whole State of Tripura, Northeast India was Guwahati, so that teachers may get an Mgr. George Rajendran SDB as the held on August 9th, 2012 at 11.45am at the Indian accreditation. Bishop of Thuckalay is College and School campus at Durjoynagar. This year too, the Global Class Room the Principal of St. The function was a grand success due to the came to Tripura and Meghalaya to A n t h o n y ' s H i g h e r prayerful support of confreres and friends impart training to the Teachers of our S e c o n d a r y S c h o o l , from all over the world and the support of schools. Bodhjungnagar, Tuikarmaw Shillong. He has civil the administration, staff and students of and Panisagar were the centers in degrees of I.T.I (Electronics), B.Sc., M.A. Holy Cross School. 42 students graduated Tripura for the training. (Education), B.Ed. and M.Ed. with their BA and BCA degrees. His The Teachers had 15 days Mgr. Jacob Muricken as the Auxiliary Excellency, Dr. D.Y. Patil, Governor of Bishop of Palai is the Pastoral coordinator Tripura presided over the function. Prof. of inputs and were given of the Eparchy of Palai. The new Arunoday Saha, Hon. Vice-Chancellor, v a r i o u s t e a c h i n g Auxiliary of Palai is assigned the titular , (A Central University) methods during that time. was the chief guest. Other dignitaries See of TINIS by the Apostolic See. Second half of the included Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, CSC, program was mainly DD, Bishop of Agartala, Fr. Robert Mathias, observing the teaching practices of the News from the JUST CSC, the Vice-chairman, Holy Cross teachers. The Resource Persons gave Educational Foundation, Fr. Felixraj, SJ, the Principal of the 153 years old St. Xavier's various suggestions so that they could Teachers' Training Program College, Kolkata and Prof. Tamo make learning more interesting to the JUST organized a Teachers Training Chattopadhay, from Notre Dame children. program for the Bru Teachers of University, USA. A host of dignitaries, Holy Cross School, Tuikarmaw: Holy Balwadi schools at JUST Hall from principals, priests, sisters, brothers and Cross School, Twikarmaw held this 7th to 9th August under Ride-B guardians graced the occasion. The program for the second year for its project assisted by the European representatives of the graduating class, teachers and teachers from Holy Cross Union. Mrs. Nandarani Debbarma Merelyn Darlong and Arijit Debbarma had School, Depachera. The resource was the Resource Person and trainer. all praise for their College and they persons were Miss Daphne Woods from committed themselves to keep the flag of Ireland and Mrs. Caroline Kolek who There were 13 teachers taking part in the college flying high and give their 100% the program. The trainees were to the society, because they have received came from the English Union of taught action songs, rhymes and much. (www.holycrosscollege.in) teachers, Southampton, England. many other topics. It was very fruitful Holy Cross School, Panisagar: Mr. for the teachers as they learned many Tommy and Ms. Dorothy were the things new. Women's Commission Dairy Resource persons for the Global School Room this year at Panisagar. There Daniel Debbarma The months of July and August women's Leadership Training Commission organized various programs, were 55 participants this year in the On 16th August a training program in the different parishes. Theme of the Panisagar school for this programme, was conducted on Leadership at program s were, Gender in the family at which included teachers from Uruwakami. Debasis Debbarma was Bodhjungnagar, Nandannagar and Panisagar, Kathalcherra, Bagbassa and the Resource Person of the program. Bishramganj Parishes, Women Leadership Ambassa. There were altogether 38 participants in the family at Mandwi, Sabroom, St. Andre School, Bodhjungnagar: present in the training program. Khumlwng, Gandacherra and Tuikarmaw Bridin Nic Aogain, Ann Marie Lynch Parishes. The Resource Persons were Sr. Points explained in the training were and Michelle Fitzpatrick were the Susheela Xess, Ms. Gita Debbarma, Sr. the importance of a good leader, Global School Room Teacher Juliana, Sr. Muktta, Fr. Sunny, and Fr. P.J. Education volunteers who came to Skills and talents a good leader Joseph. The topics covered are Women should possess to lead a group and Leadership in the family, ,Sign for the Bodhjungnagar. They trained the inter-relationship between a leader healthy Christian family, tips for the healthy teachers from Montfort Champaknagar, and his fellow mates. The Training family, parents responsibility in the family, Notre Dame Holy Cross, Moharpara was indeed a success and the Gender equality in the family and society, and the host school. participants were grateful to the Gender responsibilities in the family, Frs. Sijomon, CSC, Sojan, CSC & Jilson, organizers. Gender development in the family. CSC Debasis Debbarma 2 Sr. Susheela Xess

[LINK] [4] [ ] LINK Visitors at Bishop's House News Briefs from all over tFr. Sebastian Alackapally, CMI Rally and Demonstration in Prov. from Jagdalpur New Delhi on 1, August 2012 31, for his efforts in promoting tDr. Shampa Nag, Dr. Bency & Ms. Demanding Scheduled Caste status to understanding through dialogue Rodi, from Caritas Delhi Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims, between peoples of different beliefs in tMr. Stephen Gangmei, from t h o u s a n d s o f Africa and, particularly, in his country, Caritas Guwahati Dalit Christians Nigeria. “Archbishop Dr. John tSr. Jozy, SCG Prov. Superior from a n d D a l i t Onaiyekan's consistent and tireless efforts in advocating for justice, peace, Guwahati Muslims rallied inter-religious dialogue and action tFr. P. A. Augustine, SVD Prov. from the Ram earned him the 2012 Pax Christi Superior from Guwahati Lila Maidan to International Peace Prize.”, reported the tSr. Ventura Fernandes, FS Jantar Mantar in organization. (Zenit.org) Regional Superior from Rangia the heavy downpour, demanding the tFr. Valeriano Vaz, Archdiocesan repealing of the unconstitutional Constitution (Scheduled Caste) order, Procurator from Goa Nuns pray for peace as Assam tMr. Jim Manjoran, Architect from Goa 1950 and reinstate SC status for Christian and Muslim Dalits. The continues to boil adverse climate could not alter the The Daughters of St. Paul in Guwahati News from the JUST determination of these thousands of Saturday invited people who have been struggling for the their neighbors to pray for peace as Many greetings from missio Aachen and past sixty years for their constitutional the Assam violence many thanks for sending LINK. It has rights. saw no let up even reached me without fail since November The rally began with the prayers by Mr. after a month. In a 1996! And I always enjoy reading it. It Alwan Masih (General Secretary, the fresh outbreak of violence on August 25, warms my heart and keeps me in touch Church of North India) and Maulana unidentified people killed five people with the NE, my "mother region" in Rafeeque Alum. Meanwhile various who were going to their village from a India! Margarethe, Germany delegations comprising representatives relief camp in Chirag district, one of the After reading about the power outages from the Catholic Bishops Conference four districts of the Bodoland. One in India, I was surprised to receive your of India, National Council of Churches person is reportedly missing. wonderful newsletter. You manage to India, and the National Council of Dalit The death toll in the clashes between get it out each month right on time. Christians, visited the Central ministers indigenous Bodo tribesman and Muslim Congratulations! Tony Krisak, USA of India Mr. A. K. Antony, Mr. Salman settlers since July 20 has gone up to 88. Another hit! +P K George, sdb, Miao Khurshid, Mr. Kapil Sipal and Mr. Some 500,000 people are now living in Diocese Mukul Wasnik, and have submitted Your August Link is at hand; many memorandums and discussed about the r e l i e f c a m p s . ( S r. L i s s y Maruthanakuzhy) many thanx! Harry D'Silva, CSC issue. Thank you very much for the Link of This rally and demonstration on 1st August. Vincent Furtado, OFM, Cap. August was organized under the Bishop's Program for September 2012 Thank you for August LINK. It helps us to leadership Most Rev. Neethinathan keep up contact, as does my reply. To bring Bishop, Chairperson, CBCI office for 01-02: Pastoral Visit, Mariamnagar out a newsletter every month is not easy. SC/BC Fr. Devasagayaraj, Secretary, One has to be creative and be it may be for Parish CBCI office for SC/BC, Rev. Sunil Raj 03: Clergy Meet and hours. Thank you for the labour of love. Philip, Mr. Samuel Jayakumar (NCCI), +Evarist, Karachi Recollection, Agartala and Mr. V. J. George, Prof. Mary John, 05-06: Balasore Bishop Jubilee, Adv. Franklin, and Fr. Bosco (NCDC). Orissa (csf news) Kokborok Course 07-08: Caritas Visit, Orissa 09: Dumacherra Chapel Blessing, Kathalcherra I n t e n s i v e C o u r s e o n Archbishop Onaiyekan Named Parish 'Communicative Kokborok' 2012 Pax Christi Laureate 10-13: NERPC, Guwahati (basic) for priests and religious Nigerian Prelate Lauded For Promoting 14-15: NE Bishops Meet, Shillong 30 October to 13 November Justice, Peace and Inter-Religious 23: Machli Reang Chapel 2012 Dialogue A r c h b i s h o p J o h n Blessing, Kumarghat Parish Don Bosco Peace Centre, 25-29: CBCI Standing Committee Agartala Onaiyekan, the 2012 International Pax Meet, Bangalore (non-refundable registration 29-30: Parish Feast & fee: Rs. 200; course fee: 2800; Christi Laureate, will b e h o n o r e d i n Confirmations,Kamaranga inclusive of lunch) Parish Register early to ensure a Mechelen/Brussels, seat) Belgium, on, October

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