Gandhinagar Chronicle
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ARCHDIOCESE OF GANDHINAGAR Dharmacharya Nivas, Shantivan, Pethapur, Gand hinagar – 382 610, Gujarat State (India) Tel. 079-23227541. Email: [email protected] CHRONICLE JANUARY-2019 From the Archbi shop’s desk… I will be away from 7th to 16th January 2019 for the CCBI meeting at Chennai and St. Kuriakos Elias Chavara‟s feast day celebration at Bhavnagar. Rev. Fr. Teles Fernandes, Vicar General of Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, will wo rk on my behalf during my absence. You may approach him in case of need. Wishing You all a Ha ppy New Year-2019 † Archbishop Thomas Macwan Inauguration of a Presbytery and Chapel at Pahadiya Parish The dual inauguration of a priest residence at community was very happy to see their parish Rangpur and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of priest – Fr. Jeyaraj– at this function after a Guadalupe at Kadvath marked a milestone in the miraculous escape from a serious jeep accident. newly established Pahadiya parish in the The ceremony at Kadvath began with a brief Archdiocese of Gandhinagar. Most Rev. Thomas summary of the Virgin Mary‟s apparition on Macwan, the Archbishop of Gandhingar, blessed Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. Fr. Kiran Gohil and inaugurated the new residence and chapel on clearly explained the history of the apparition and December 12, 2018 (the feast of Our Lady of its relevance to the tribal community. Afterwards, Guadalupe). Additionally, the Pahadiya parish the archbishop blessed the chapel and presented a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Fr. Alex, who Although the inauguration was held on a will serve as a spiritual director of the Guadalupe working day, a large number of guests, Spiritual Centre. The inauguration of St. Joseph including the family members of Fr. Jeyaraj, Nivas, a priest residence at Rangpur, was another were present to celebrate the twin function. significant event for the Pahadiya parish community. In his address to the faithful, the The Pahadiya parish community wishes to archbishop expressed his sincere appreciation to Fr. Jeyaraj who worked very hard to construct the extend its gratitude to the priests and sisters at residence in a short duration. Indeed, the new Nana Kantharia who so graciously offered residence is a great blessing to both Fr. Jeyaraj, their time and talents to ensure a successful who currently is staying in the sacristy of the inaugural ceremony. Furthermore, we extend Pahadiya village chapel, and to Fr. Alex, who is our heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Thomas for staying with a family since June, 2017. The his continued support, as well as to all the Pahadiya parish community is well-known for its donors who generously shared their resources deep faith, generosity, number of vocation and in the construction of the residence and chapel. caring attitude toward missionaries; therefore, the inauguration of the residence and chapel marks a new chapter in missionary activities dedicated to -Fr. Jeyaraj and Fr. Alex Clement spreading the Good News throughout the Aravalli hill region. Deanery Boarding students’ meet of Banaskantha – Paten Banaskantha-Patan Deanery had its boarding the Holy Bible was taken in procession. students‟ meet on 1st and 2nd December 2018 at Archbishop Thomas Macwan, Fr. Xavier James, Vadgam. Fr. Isidore Almeida was kind enough to Dean and Sr. Arun, the superior of Bethany host this event in his parish. Students who were convent were formally welcomed and they accompanied by fathers, sisters, brother, masters together with the students lighted the lamp and arrived from Deesa, Palanpur, Radhanpur, inaugurated the event. The archbishop gave an Vadgam. As it is the faith formation programme, inaugural speech and encouraged the children to live a life with values derived from the Bible. preached by Fr. Harry Pinto. After breakfast, the Thereafter, as he declared the event open, all children participated in the Gospel quiz theteams were on the ground to show their competition conducted by Fr. Harry based on the talents in various games. It was worth watching Gospel of St. Mathew. Thereafter, winners and the spirit of the children on the grounds. Our runners were given prizes. This year the overall students have tremendous energy and winners were Palanpur children and runners up competitive spirit. The games were very well were Vadgam children. Kudos to them! We very conducted. After dinner the students participated much appreciate Fr. Isidore Almeida for being a in Bhajan and skit competitions. All the hymns very good host who had meticulously planned all were in honour of Mother Mary. The skits were the required arrangements. The Deanery is based on the Bible teaching connecting them grateful to Fr. Malar, Fr. Das, Ms. Pinki and Ms. with the present situations in life. Next morning Kajal for helping as judges for the various the day began with the Holy Eucharist presided competitions. All Glory goes to God the cause of over by Fr. Xavier James and the inspirational our gathering. homily -Fr. Xavier James Siddhpur Tidings... Women at Siddhpur; Shital Chhaya women‟s livelihood. 15 rural women come regularly for cooperative society of Umru-Siddhpur managed their classes at noon. They were also thrilled to by 68 women of the nearby villages have participate in the tailoring classes. This has given organized beautician course for women for their them the boost to stitch their own clothes. Nine rural women of Umru-Siddhpur got the opportunity for an exposure visit at Hangati Trust, Mandal. Here they learned the techniques to empower women. This exposure programme was organized by SSSS, the social wing of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar led by Fr. Salvador Fernandes, the director, Mr. Vaibhav Macwan and Mr. Jafin Dund. The women were overwhelmed to interact with other women who have progressed so well in co-operative society and its many works. First Communio India Sunday;Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Umru-Siddhpur had gathered on the First Sunday of advent to celebrate the First Communio India Sunday on 2nd December, 2018. After the Holy Eucharist, first Advent candle was lit by two families. Thereafter, the parishioners brought out the various dishes which they prepared at their homes and shared Siddhpur, Tharad, Deesa and Palanpur had them with all. It was a great agape meal in the participated in it. Fr. Maria Mentil Joseph from parish. Besides material sharing, good amount of Our Lady of Mercy Order, Trivandrum preached money was collected for the Communio Indian it and conducted the adoration in Malayalam. All Sunday. We thank God for keeping us all in were glad with the spiritual nourishment they communion with Him and with each other. We appreciate the faithful for being generous towards this good cause. Third Annual Sports Meet at St. Xavier’s The long awaited and much practiced third annual sports meet of St. Xavier‟s school, Umru- Siddhpur was held with the august gathering of parents and well wishers on 8th December, 2018, on the feast of Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. John Peter was the received. At night all enjoyed the dinner and left chief guest. The KG and Primary students for their destination to prepare for the great feast participated in running race, back race, frog race, of Christmas in a meaningful manner. lemon and spoon race and long jump. It was Spreading the joy of Christmas; On startling to see many of our students jumping 6 21st December, 2018 the parishioners of feet long at this young age. The parents also Siddhpur parish were out on the streets of participated in running and back race. There was Siddhpur town to spread the Good News of the much pleasure in their participation too. Fr. John birth of Jesus to the homes of the Catholics and Peter encouraged the parents, staff and the people of other faith. The presence of Bro. students by stating and enumerating that „Health Donald and Bro. Sugesh made it more joyful. The group went about singing Christmas Carols. is wealth‟. All the winners and runners were The presence of Santa Claus attracted the little awarded with certificates, gold and silver medals ones. This Christmas preparation brought about by Fr. John Peter. We very much appreciate the great joy in hearts of the faithful. People of other Children and their supportive parents. All praise faith were delighted to see Santa Claus and they goes to the dedicated and hard working teachers. remarked that it was for the first time they saw Advent Recollection at Siddhpur; Advent him on the streets. The children were dancing recollection was organized at Our Lady of and rejoicing! We have a heart filled with Lourdes Church, Umru-Siddhpur on th gratitude to God for giving us this opportunity to 16 December 2018. Faithful from bring joy to many. –Fr.James Got our Home…!!! On the 5th of December the parochial house of the Pilar Fathers was blessed and Inaugurated by the provincial superior of Mumbai province Rev. Fr. Hilario Fernandes SFX. The main celebrant for this ceremony was Archbishop Thomas Macwan. He appreciated the works of the Pilar fathers, and recalled to mind their simplicity, and their focus on the ministry in caring for the flock. During the mass the archbishop did lift up all those who have tirelessly worked for this residence, and imparted on them God‟s choicest blessings. During the felicitation programme, Fr Hilario Fernandes recalled to mind, all the priests and sisters who in the past and in the present are rendering their services in this mission station. After the felicitation, simple and delicious meal was served to all the priest, nuns and benefactors those gathered for the ceremony. -Fr Anthony Cardoz 15th Annual Day Celebration, Mehsana Annual Day forms an integral part of our school and Rev Fr.