ARCHDIOCESE OF GANDHINAGAR Dharmacharya Nivas, Shantivan, Pethapur, Gand hinagar – 382 610, State () Tel. 079-23227541. Email: thom [email protected] CHRONI CLE 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, , 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,

Annual Day forms an integral part of our school and Rev Fr. Teles Fernandes, Vicar General, activities. It is an occasion of celebration, Archdiocese of Gandhinagar. Invited Guests, Felicitation and festivity when students present priests and religious and about 3000 Parents and their wonderful performances. St. Xavier‟s audience were extremely moved to see the School, Mehsana celebrated its Fifteenth Annual students perform beautifully depicting how Day, based on the theme „Our Culture exactly a farmer struggles in various ways and Agriculture‟ with zest and enthusiasm, on the 4th how people ignore the importance of farming. and 5th December 2018. The stage was decorated We appreciate Fathers Augustine and Das, sisters elegantly with professional sound and light Regina and Messiah and the staff for their hard systems. The first day was celebrated as „KIDS work to bring the best out of the students. DAY‟ as a part of 15th Annual Day. The students of standard I to V performed variety of Seminar on Effective Parenting;“ programmes based on the theme „Our culture – Stop trying to perfect your child, but keep trying Agriculture” depicting the hardships faced by our to perfect your relationship with him/her. ”Dr. farmers who toil day and night. The Second day Henker A seminar on“Effective Parenting” was programmes were performed by the students of held at St. Xavier‟s School, Mehsana on 25th VI to XII of both mediums. The Chief Guests for November, 2018 by Rev. Fr. Varghese the programme were Ms. Smitaben Patel (DPEO) Alengaden. The aim of the seminar was to sensitize the parents about the importance of current issues that affect the growth and parenting in the current era. About one thousand development of the children. parents attended the seminar and benefited. This was indeed an eye opener for the parents on -Fr. Augustine

Christmas celebration at Vadgam

“Christmas comes just once a year Sarpanch of one of the villages was very But in your heart you know for sure generous to provide delicious meal to the huge Christmas is not Christmas crowd. The celebration began by welcoming If it does not last forever!” Archbishop Thomas Macwan, the leaders of different communities, children, women and Every Christmas is a miracle that brings us light faithful. The Archbishop gave the message of the and loves even during the darkest days of the joy of Christmas and sharing that joy with others. year. All we have to do is open our eyes to it. 25th December, 2018 was a colorful day for The efforts of the Fathers and Sisters at Vadgam Vadgam Mission, “A real Christmas Day” is to spread the message of love of Jesus and to celebration with more than a thousand people of enjoy being with the poorest of the poor through “other faith” along with a small Christian various activities. Such involvement is the only community. The congregation not only witnessed reason we are able to bring various communities

the event but partook in the celebration. under one umbrella. Because of our love

The celebration was a kind of „unity in towards people, many people shared their joy diversity‟ because members of all communities by their contribution to make the Christmas a of Vadgam taluka were present for the joyful event every year. My Sincere thanks celebration. Each village came with their own to Archbishop for being present for this items to share in the joy of Christmas. There was program and to the people who contributed lots of enthusiasm in our brethren of other faith. generously to make this Christmas a joyful They were full of joy to celebrate Christmas. Our one. boarding children both girls and boys presented

Christmas message to the audience. The -Fr. Isidore Almeida

Meeting with officials

On 28th of December, Archbishop Thomas for their humanitarian services being rendered Macwan called for Christmas gathering of the for the welfare of the people through various officials at Xavier‟s Residence, Gandhinagar. activities. The present Mayor of the City of Many responded to the call. A good number of Gandhinagar expressed his gratitude by present government officers from various acknowledging our good works in Gujarat. departments, as well as retired officers and other Likewise other higher officers too appreciated honorable guests were present. The archbishop and encouraged us to continue to do good works welcomed all the invitees, addressed the for the enhancement of the people. After the gathering and wished them the best sharing those present were offered delicious

complimentary of the season. He appreciated and refreshment specially prepared by Bro. Pravin thanked the officials for their help and support. Falcao SJ. We are grateful to him. We very He also highlighted the importance to work much appreciate and thank Fr. Durai, SJ. for together for the growth of the nation. He taking the over all responsibility to organize this expressed his concern regarding global warming event and to formally invite and welcome the and appealed to the officials to take up this officials for this important Christmas gathering. matter at all levels with urgency. After We also appreciate the Apostolic Carmel Sisters, Archbishop‟s address the stage was open to all the Vedurna Sisters, the Parish Community and and the former Collector of Gandhinagar took the Fathers from Pethapur for their support, over, appreciating the Archbishop for his -Fr. Arul Britto leadership and the fathers and sisters

JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD HAS COME…

Archdiocesan Seminarians came together on 28th Seminarians), Fr. Britto, Fr. Victor Pais, Fr. and 29th at Pethapur to celebrate Christmas. It Valley and Fr. Salvadore. Having gathered at 4 was a joy and fun to celebrate Christmas with p.m. at Pethapur, we warmed up with a round of Archbishop Thomas, Fr. Siby (Director of football match in a spirit of sportsmanship and

competition. After Rosary and dinner, it was time to the others. Thereafter, the Seminarians for fun as well as learning through indoor games joyfully shared their life in the formation places from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. These fun-games brought and their experiences of Christmas ministry.

us together as a family and community. Seminarians were quite candid and positive in Togetherness and companionship were the high their sharing and views. In his concluding points of this activity. The winners were awarded address, Archbishop Thomas shared the progress with prizes and gifts. We applaud the co- made by the Archdiocese in various spheres at

coordinators Brs. Ajay Tigga and Lourdusamy. different places. He advised the brothers to be On the 29th Morning, Archbishop Thomas true evangelizers, to be more communicative, to presided over the Eucharistic Celebration and be humble, to be positive in life, to be prayerful moderated a session on sharing experiences and and to take up the challenges in life. It was ministries. In his homily, His Grace exhorted us indeed a fruitful coming together that ended with to be to be prayerful, humble, devout and a light a delicious lunch.

-Br. Lourdusamy Grace descending on Unteshwari hill!

On 30th December, 2018 was a great day for the this much loved parish of our Archdiocese. It was parishioners of Unteshwari parish. God blessed a matter of great joy when 40 young people were this parish with His special graces!The hard given the Sacrament of Confirmation, nine were efforts and constant visits of the Fr. Velanganni, given First Holy Communion and a little baby Fr. Victor Davamani and the Sisters of Charity of boy was baptized on the same occasion! The St. Anne have brought in abundance of fruits in prayer hall on the hill was packed with faithful.

The solemn Mass on the Feast of the Holy rejoices while gathering the harvest of his hard Family began with a joyous note. We could sense work, such is my joy today.” Yes, we agree with the feeling of joy in the hearts of all those who his sentiments. God bless him! had come to participate and be witnesses to God‟s intervention. The great pioneer missionary We appreciate our two simple priests and the of North Gujarat missions, Rev. Fr. Diaz Garriz sisters at Unteshwari for bringing about this S.J. was there to witness this happy occasion. At transformation with the help of God! We pray the end of the Mass he said, “As a farmer that this mission grows to the fullest.

† Archbishop Thomas Macwan

Exposure Visit of Women’s Co-operatives

“Seing is believing” is what happened to 55 core promptness to their attitudes. There was mutual committee members of 5 women co-operatives sharing and exchanging of thoughts and from Mehsana, introspection of Siddhpur, works done at their Mandali, Kadi and own centres. This Khiloda when visit not only they visited brought joy of Hangati Trust in togetherness but also Mandal on 29th & revitalised a feeling 30th Nov 2018 of belongingness and along with their identity in being the respective core committee of operating partners. women‟s co- Exposure visit operative. The was a time to coordinators, energize the spirit Mr.Vaibhav and of these women Mr.Jaifin of working in unison Sabarmati for a cause; clear their numerous doubts, Samruddhi Seva Sangh (SSSS) now are in crystallize their vision, and deepen their complete elegance to revamp this exposure into knowledge to give impetus to their skills and fully packed transforming action.

-Fr. Salvadore Fernandes

Archbishop’s Programme for the month of January-2019

01. Infant Jesus feast day celebration and Confirmation at Nanakantharia

06. Marriage Jubilee Mass in St. Xavier’s Parish, Navrangpura

07- 14. CCBI plenary meeting at Chennai

14. Feast of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara at Merubaugh, Bhavnagar

20. A.m Confirmation at Bhiloda

P.m. Unity Octave prayer meeting at Alliance Church, Maninagar

22. GVD Governing Body and Staff members’ meeting at Sevasi

23. Visit to Mehsana

24. Visit to Siddhpur

25. Visit to Palanpur

26. Republic day celebration at the Rajbhavan, Gandhinagar

27. Priesthood Silver Jubilee celebration of Frs. Alex Clement, Savariraj, Arulanantham and priests of Ahmedabad Diocese at Khambholaj

29. Think Tank meeting at Mizapur, Ahmedabad

Happy Birthday to Our dear Fathers Happy Ordination Anniversary dear Fathers 05. Fr. Teles Fernandes

06. Fr. Glasious Raj 05. Fr. Dominic Savio

12. Fr. Xavier James 11. ABP. Thomas Macwan-EOA

19. Fr. Justin Prabu 27. Fr. Siby Mathew

Please send your articles for Gandhinagar Ch ronicle to the Editor, Fr. Arul Britto on adg [email protected], Published from Dharmacharya Nivas, “SHANTIVAN”, Pethapure, Randheja Road, Ganghinagar-382610, Gujarat.