voice of gurgaon - the syro malankara diocese of gurgaon
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voice of gurgaon - the syro malankara diocese of gurgaon
VOICE OF GURGAON Bulletin of The Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon Vol:02 2016 February-March Edition:05 Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day... (1 Corinthians 15:4) Happy Easter Prayerful wishes and Hearty Congratulations to His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis on being elected as the CBCI President for the second consecutive time. Photo- Bava Thirumeni being received at the Delhi Airport on 9 March 2016 after CBCI meeting in Bengaluru Humble Thanksgiving to the Almighty God! Prayerful wishes to all on the first anniversary of the announcement and erection of the Diocese of Gurgaon 26 March 2016 This issue of the Bulletin is sponsored by St. Thomas Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Bhopal. Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Diocesan Bulletin Mar Ivanios Bhavan J-Block 61-62, Paryavaran Complex IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai New Delhi-110 068 Krupa Nidhan Patron H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas The Bishop Circulation Bishops, Priests, Pastoral Council Members Editors Fr. Visakh Scariah Fr. Jinto John Cover Design Elizabeth Bobby Layout Jiss Andrews Support Reny Mathew, Shinu James Printed at: Bosco Society for Printing & Graphic Training Okhla Road, New Delhi - 110025 Ph: 26910729, boscopress@gmail.com Cover Photo- Holy week service in Odisha Published by the Chancellor Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon J 61/62, Paryavaran Complex, IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai New Delhi 110 068 © Copyright Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon. For private circulation only 2 Krupa Nidhan Message of the Shepherd The feast of Qyomtho is celebrated yet again. Every Easter is a renewal of the assurance of our destiny which does not fade away here. It is the guarantee that our faith is not futile and that our proclamation is not in vain (1 Cor 15: 17). Out of his infinite love and mercy, God gave His only son to redeem this world. (John 3:16). The Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffered, died and resurrected so that we may have life in abundance (John 10:10). All this was realized only because the Mercy of God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, our Master. The Year of Mercy reiterates this reality. And the feast of resurrection, in this context, becomes for us an obligation to ‘be merciful like our heavenly Father (Luke 6:46). This obligation is to be lived in our daily lives through our small acts of love and kindness to our fellow beings especially those in need. We fulfill this mandate from the Lord not just by doing good deeds but when we give Jesus Christ to others. Therefore, all our missionary activities aim at handing over Jesus to others thereby sharing the Mercy of the Heavenly Father which we have humbly received. I wish and pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit that all of us may be deepened in our faith in these challenging times so that we may be able to proclaim like Mary Magdalene that, “I have seen the Lord.” (John 20:18). In doing so, may we become a community of believers who have seen the Risen Master and not just heard of Him and continue to spread His love and Mercy all throughout our lives. I wish all of you a blessed feast of Qyomtho. May God Bless you all! Jacob Mar Barnabas Bishop of Gurgaon 3 Krupa Nidhan FINAL STATEMENT OF THE 32ND PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF INDIA (CBCI), HELD AT ST. JOHN’S, BANGALORE, FROM 2ND TO 9TH MARCH, 2016, WITH THE MAIN THEME “RESPONSE OF THE CHURCH IN INDIA TO THE PRESENT DAY CHALLENGES” 1.0. PREAMBLE The Second Vatican Council declared in the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World: “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.” (Gaudium et Spes, no. 1). Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God (Mark 1: 14-15) and called upon His followers to pray and work (Matthew 6: 9-13) for the realization of the Kingdom of God. As sacrament of salvation, the Church is a sign and instrument of communion with God and with humanity (Lumen Gentium, no. 1:1). In this YEAR OF MERCY, in communion with the Universal Church, let us be channels of God’s mercy to one and all, especially the poor, the deprived, the sick and suffering. And thus, making our contribution to our beloved nation. As leaders of the Church, 182 Bishops from 170 Dioceses of the Church in India are gathered at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, from 02 to 09 March 2016 to deliberate on “The Response of the Church in India to the Present Day Challenges” during the 32nd Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). The Church in India is a vibrant community making significant contribution to nation building through education, social development, health care and service, especially to the poor. The CBCI appreciates the spirit of understanding and collaboration among the three Sui Iuris Churches. The composite culture of India has noble values of religiosity, peace, simplicity and tolerance as lived by Mahatma Gandhi and various Indian sages. We, however, express our sorrow over the killing of innocent people by extremists in India and in various parts of the world. We are shocked by the recent killing of the nuns of the Missionaries of Charity and their collaborators in Yemen. 4 Krupa Nidhan The Bishops have resolved to respond to the challenges facing the Church in India, identifying the following: 2.0. CHALLENGES WITHIN THE CHURCH AND WITHIN THE COUNTRY 2.1. CHALLENGES WITHIN THE CHURCH i. Declining family values – tensions and break ups in families, an increasing number of divorces, abortions and a lack of understanding of marriage as a sacrament. ii. Growing materialism, consumerism and addiction to social media, due to decline of spiritual and moral values. iii. Growing indifference and lack of commitment to the Christian vocation. iv. Insensitivity regarding gender, caste, language, creed, status and region. v. Lack of commitment to Ecumenical unity vi. Excessive preoccupation with institutionalization. vii. Insufficient zeal and fear of proclaiming Christ as unique Saviour. viii. Large scale migration of families affecting community life. 2.2. CHALLENGES WITHIN THE COUNTRY i. Large scale poverty and growing gap between the rich and the poor ii. Corruption, illiteracy, child labour, increasing unemployment, growing addiction to alcohol and drugs. iii. Atheistic Secularism (and practical atheism) iv. Narrow unitary cultural Nationalism v. Sensationalism and dictatorship of a section of the media. vi. Systematic concerted effort to manipulate the education system vii. Opposition to the fundamental human right of every person to convert. 5 Krupa Nidhan viii. Widespread intolerance, religious fanaticism and fundamentalism, attacks and atrocities against intellectuals, social activists, religious personnel and institutions. ix. Violation of Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution, esp. minority rights x. Growing criminalization and terrorism. xi. Denial of SC status to Christian Dalits. 3.0. Restating the Vision and Mission 3.1. VISION: As a community of Christ’s disciples, the Church is at the service of the Kingdom of God. As an inclusive and welcoming community, the Church which is a continued presence of Christ, actualizes the values of love, justice, equality, mercy and peace. As light, salt and leaven of society, she lives in total solidarity with people, especially the poor. 3.2. MISSION: The Church is called to lead people to an encounter with Christ, practising the Gospel values and living for the wellbeing of people without fear and discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, gender, language, culture or status in society. 4.0. The Response of the Church in India to the Present Day Challenges The following areas were chosen by the Bishops for review and for an appropriate response: i) Family Life Today ii) Renewal of Consecrated Life iii) The Lay Faithful and the Mission of the Church iv) Ecumenism v) Inter-religious Dialogue vi) The Education Apostolate and vii) Care of the Earth, our Common Home and viii) A New Way of Being Church for an effective response 4.1. FAMILY LIFE The well-being of the Church and the society at large are intimately linked with the nurturing of the family. It is the lifeline of the Church and society (Instrumentum Laboris, nos. 32, 38). However, “married love is too often dishonoured by selfishness, hedonism and unlawful contraceptive practices” (Gaudium et Spes, no. 47). The two recent Synods on the Family, held in Rome, have drawn attention to the urgency of providing sustained pastoral care to families. 6 Krupa Nidhan Proposals: 1. Frequent visits of Parish Priests to the families 2. Organizing Marriage Encounter and Marriage Enrichment Programmes. 3. Educating families to live in unity and to reach out to others. 4. Responding to the challenges, the media and society pose for family life. e.g. prolife issues, issues in human sexuality, pornography and marital fidelity. 5. Promoting Family counselling centres and Diocesan Family Commissions, training seminarians and priests to be family counsellors, accompanying them constantly. 6. Promoting family values, family prayer, family meals, family outings and use of bible sharing methods through SCC’s. 7. Creating facilities for care of the elderly, respecting them and learning from them. 4.2. RENEWAL OF CONSECRATED PERSONS The Catholic Church in India is blessed with over one hundred and twenty five thousand religious priests, religious brothers and religious sisters, who serve the Church significantly through a large network of educational, health care and social service institutions. Even as we greatly appreciate the selfless and dedicated life of the consecrated persons, in recent times, there is a decrease in the number of candidates opting for consecrated life. A fresh, creative and a self-critical approach is needed in order to make this gift of God more attractive and relevant. While appreciating the generous commitment of thousands of clergy who are witnessing the mercy of God through parish community and their attached apostolate, we are of the opinion that priestly life needs a thorough renewal and updating. Proposals: 1. Rediscovering the Founder’s charism and rededicating oneself to pastoral ministry with a clear shift of emphasis from maintenance to mission. 7 Krupa Nidhan 2. Consecrated way of life should be a combination of contemplation and active service, as recommended by St. John Paul II. 3. Maintaining the quality of Consecrated life by careful selection of candidates and Christ centred formation and commitment to the poor. 4. Participating in the mission of the Church through greater collaboration with the Bishop and integration into the pastoral life of the parish community. 4.3. THE LAY FAITHFUL AND THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH The lay faithful have a distinct role in the spreading of the Gospel, which the Church really needs them to carry out with the authority, creativity, and power that the Holy Spirit has given them in Baptism. Lumen Gentium no. 31 states: “the laity, by their very vocation, seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by ordering them according to the plan of God. They live in the world, that is, in each and in all of the secular professions and occupations. … They are called there by God that by exercising their proper function and led by the spirit of the Gospel they may work for the sanctification of the world from within as a leaven”. The laity likewise share in the priestly, prophetic, and royal office of Christ (Apostolicam Actuositatem, no. 2). Proposals: 1. Accepting the dignity, role and importance of the role of the lay faithful in the Church 2. Encouraging the laity to involve themselves in the Church and temporal order, through the Small Christian Communities (SCC’s). 3. Undertaking faith programmes. formation and professional training 4. Encouraging our laity to take up important leadership positions in the Parliament, Assemblies, Civil Services, Entrepreneurship in business and in the judiciary. 8 Krupa Nidhan 5. Recognizing the dignity of labour by providing just wages and social security. 6. Helping and encouraging lay faithful by providing them with scholarships and facilities and promoting lay participation in the life and mission of the Church. 4.3.1. THE MARGINALIZED AND WEAKER SECTIONS WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY (VIZ. THE DALITS, TRIBALS, DIFFERENTLY ABLED and WOMEN) The Church commits herself to the liberation of the weaker sections, like tribals, women and dalits. She wants to reach out more to the unorganized groups like fisher-flock, farmers, migrants, domestic workers, victims of trafficking, through advocacy and networking with NGO’s and other like-minded groups and individuals, dedicated to the cause of the poor. Proposals: 1. Realizing that caste system is a reality in India, which has also crept in certain parts of the Church, we need to pursue with the Government that Christian Dalits be treated on par with the Hindu Dalits. 2. Introducing positive measures to integrate Christians of Dalit origin along with others in the Church through education and employment. 3. Strengthening advocacy on the socio-political, economic and cultural rights of Tribals, enshrined in the Constitution of India. 4. Fostering advocacy and networking to address the issues of land alienation, induced displacement, human trafficking and migration. 5. Showing sensitivity to the differently abled by providing facilities that suit their needs. 6. Alleviating the plight of the farmers in distress and preventing suicide of our farmers. 7. Fostering gender equity and providing a greater role of women in our collaborative structures. 9 Krupa Nidhan 8. Establishing/ Revitalizing Grievance Cells to address women’s issues to protect their rights. 4.3.2. YOUTH APOSTOLATE: Recognizing that India is predominantly young, so is the Church in India, there is an urgent need to prepare tomorrow’s leaders today. Proposals: 1. Promoting youth apostolate at all levels, such as the Jesus Youth, YCS/YSM, ICYM and AICUF and Youth Associations of the Sui Iuris Churches (SMYM and MCYM) in all parishes and institutions. 2. Encouraging faith formation for youth through YOUCAT, DOCAT and Youth Bible, fostering ethical and moral values, enhancing critical thinking and problem solving. 3. Promoting young talents for leadership roles in the Church and society, particularly in political life and civil service. 4.4.1. ECUMENISM Our common faith in God through Baptism is the foundation for us to overcome divisions among Christians and to promote mutual relations, friendship and collaboration. “The restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council. Christ the Lord founded one Church and one Church only…However, many Christians…differ in mind and go their different ways, as if Christ Himself were divided” (Unitatis Redintegratio, no. 1). Therefore, the need of the hour is to take initiatives to foster better cooperation among Christians through dialogue and common ecumenical services. Proposals: 1. Creating ecumenical bodies such as Inter-Church Councils and United Christian Groups (at Regional and National Level) 2. Dialoguing with ecumenical groups to study social and legal issues (such as environmental issues human rights and legal issues). 10 Krupa Nidhan 3. Organizing of special programmes for training seminarians, priests, religious and laity in Ecumenism. 4. Reaching out and dialoguing with fundamentalist groups and sects. 5. Promoting Spiritual Ecumenism - common prayers, using common ecumenical bibles and sharing spiritual riches. 4.4.2. INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE: Inter-religious dialogue has become an urgent priority today. The goal of dialogue is to establish friendship, peace and harmony and to share spiritual and moral values and experiences in a spirit of truth and love. Redemptoris Missio clearly states that “inter-religious dialogue is part of the Church’s evangelizing mission”. “In the light of the economy of salvation, the Church sees no conflict between proclaiming Christ and engaging in interreligious dialogue… Each member of the faithful and all Christian communities are called to practice dialogue. Dialogue is a path toward the kingdom” (Redemptoris Missio, no. 56, 57). Proposals: 1. Introducing Formation Programmes on inter-religious dialogue in our institutions, seminaries and formation houses. 2. Including Inter-religious dialogue as a subject in school catechism classes. 3. Promoting Inter-religious dialogue through SCC’s. 4. Respecting the sentiments of the people of other religions. 5. Using Catholic Guilds and other Associations to promote dialogue with businessmen, politicians, journalists. 6. Organizing training programmes for promoting justice and peace. 7. Promoting religious harmony and National Integration through a proactive and conciliatory role. 8. Breaking the divisive and intolerant walls of caste, language and ethnicity. 11 Krupa Nidhan 4.5. THE EDUCATION APOSTOLATE Educational Institutions need to rise above the maintenance mode to impart holistic education with a heart for the poor and the marginalized. The CBCI Education Policy has clearly stated: “The Catholic educational institutions are to provide inclusive and holistic education especially for the marginalized and girls enabling them to live life to the full and responsibly, thus transforming the individual and society” (AICEP 2007). Proposals: 1. Having recourse to legal action when Constitutional rights are violated and the appointment/approval of staff, issue of Minority certificate, grant in aid, scholarships and other support systems are denied. 2. Promoting Faith formation of Christian students and value education, reaching out to those living in “social and geographical periphery” and providing quality education in the slums and rural areas. 3. Recognizing the need to positively promote higher education institutions, to form persons of character and conviction, capable of delivering quality leadership and administrative service, upholding the constitutional values and the socialistic, secular and democratic character of our country (National Education Coordinators’ Meet, 18 December 2015). 4. Networking with local, district and state leaders and administrators and befriending people of the neighbourhood and all people of good will to ensure administrative autonomy, proper to the Minority institutions. 5. Providing educational opportunities, especially to the socially backward and girl children, and ensuring administrative transparency, financial accountability and participatory management. 4.6. CARE OF THE EARTH, OUR COMMON HOME The ruthless exploitation of the earth’s resources has adverse effects on humanity. Pope Francis affirmed: “As stewards of God’s creation, 12 Krupa Nidhan we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling” (Speech, Manila, Philippines, January 18, 2015). In this regard, we must go to the heart of the ecological degradation and advocate an education in ecological responsibility because “we are all really responsible for all”. Proposals: 1. Every Diocese and Parish to draw up an Environment (Green) Policy. 2. Organizing programmes for protecting the environment and fostering love for nature. 3. Encouraging use of solar energy, rain-water harvesting, and use of bio-gas plants. 4. Promoting sustainable development through change of lifestyle (reuse, reduce, recycle). 5. Encouraging organic farming and say no to pesticides and plastics. 6. Facilitating Conversion Environmental Education and Ecological 4.7. A NEW WAY OF BEING CHURCH FOR AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE Both Blessed Mother Teresa and Pope Francis are exemplary models for living with such a vision and mission. Mother Teresa changed her routine way of living and made a radical decision for living her religious / consecrated life in a thoroughly new way. So also, the lifestyle of Pope Francis challenges us to be authentic in our Christian vocation, by freeing ourselves of traditional structures, institutionalisation and to break new ground, shedding the comforts and privileges of office and status, embodying the gracious mercifulness and love of Christ and bringing the joy of the Gospel to one and all. “…All of us are asked to obey his call (the Lord’s) to go forth from our own comfort zones in order to reach all the “peripheries” in the light of the Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 20). We are also challenged and inspired by the exemplary life of the 13 Krupa Nidhan Saints of India, namely, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Francis Xavier, St. Gonsalo Garcia, St. Alphonsa, St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, St. Euphrasia, St. Joseph Vaz, Blessed Mother Teresa, Blessed Devasahayam Pillai, Blessed Maria Theresa Chiramel, Blessed Augustine Thevarparampil (Kunjachan), Servant of God, Father Constant Lievens and others. 4.0.1. BISHOPS AND PRIESTS: Bishops and priests, while exercising their role as administrators, should be first and foremost, shepherds of the flock, available and service minded. Their lifestyle should be an example of simplicity and spirituality that can be an inspiration to everyone. Proposals: 1. Shunning excessive extravaganza. institutionalization, clericalism and 2. Animating pastoral structures, such as Diocesan/Parish Pastoral Councils and Finance Committees, etc. 3. Adopting simple lifestyle, following the example of the Good Shepherd and opening our houses and our institutions to the poor. 4. Rediscovering the power of the Word of God and prayer 5. Making apostolates, such as healthcare, social development and education into agents of evangelisation. 6. Refashioning the formation of priests and religious, enabling them to respond to the challenges of our times with faith and courage. 7. Promoting transparency and accountability at all levels of Church’s administration. 5.0. CONCLUSION: As authentic citizens of the country, we repose our confidence in the democratic values and the Constitution of India. Trusting in God’s grace, love and mercy, we march ahead to carry out our Godgiven mission, confident of the goodwill and support of our people 14 Krupa Nidhan everywhere. We appeal to all people of goodwill in India to join hands with us in solidarity to work for a better Church and a better society. May Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy and Star of Evangelization, who brought joy and hope to the world, guide us and help us to fulfil our mission. 09.03.2016 Sd/Bangalore Baselios Cardinal Cleemis President, CBCI Photo- H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas addressing the CBCI in Bengaluru. 15 Krupa Nidhan DEPARTMENT OF CATECHESIS St. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM DIOCESE of GURGAON MAR IVANIOS BHAVAN, SYRO-MALANKARA CATHOLIC CHURCH Paryavaran Complex, Block J- 61, 62, IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai, Saket e-mail-catechesisgurgaon@gmail.com, www.catechesisgurgaon.blogspot.in GD/DOC/6/2015-16 15-03-2016 Dear Rev. Fathers, Sisters, Headmasters, Animators, Staff Secretaries and Teachers We are happy to know that the catechism classes are going on well. The Catechism Second Semester Examination is scheduled to be conducted on 24th April 2016. Hope everybody is preparing for the examination. As mentioned in the previous Circular 03, I am still awaiting the return of filled forms with the details of the students beginning from Class I and the contact details of HM’s and all those concerned with the MCCL from some of our Parishes/Mission Stations. As you know, the process of Documentation can be finished only when the data is made available from our Parishes/Mission Stations. I am sending herewith an updated list of our students as on 10th March 2016. Please go through the list of your Parish/Mission Stations and update the list in all aspect (including spelling) and return to me before 4th of April 2016. Please do not make correction on the given entries of the list, please do the correction, below the entries with a note. If the list seems OK please give me a confirmation note. The HM’s are requested to forward the names of those students of previous academic years of Class X who are in need of Certificates or Completion Course Certificates. A request letter with details (1) Name of Student (2) Male/Female (3) Year of Passing (4) Name of Father, with recommendation of the Parish Priest is required to issue the same. Please do the needful before 4th April 2016. The Certificate shall be issued along with the Certificates of Academic Year 2015-16. Please note that no request will be entertained after 4th April 2016 in this regard. 16 Krupa Nidhan Please try to conduct re examination for students who got less than 20 marks in the Ist Semester Examination, and send the mark to our Diocesan Office/Catechism, so as to finalise the result after Second Semester Examination. Please notify through mail the requirements of Catechism Text Books needed for your Unit before 4th April 2016, so that the Department can make it available in time. Please feel free to contact me for any clarification in this regard and also requesting you to make sure that all our students will attend the IInd Semester Examination without fail. Yours Sincerely, Fr. Mathew Koodaparambil Director Sunny Konnathu Diocesan Co-Ordinator/Catechism-MCCL Diocese of Gurgaon (M) 9871859812: 8860078122 17 Krupa Nidhan DEPARTMENT OF VOCATION PROMOTION St. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM DIOCESE of GURGAON Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Mar Ivanios Bhavan, Paryavaran Complex, Block J- 61/ 62, Ignou Road, Neb Sarai, New Delhi - 68 GD/DOV/1/2016 24-03-2016 The newly erected Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon is one of the biggest Dioceses in the Catholic Church in terms of Mission possibilities. This Diocese comprises of 22 states in the central and northern part of India. The Catholic Church especially the SyroMalankara Catholic Church has a special obligation in spreading the Good News in this vast Vineyard of the Lord. The Mission orientation is the primary thrust of the Diocese. By the grace of God, we have initiated Mission activities in small scale in three different areas which include the states of Odisha, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Assam. The main challenge in these mission fields is not financial or material problems but the short number of missionaries. At this initial stage, there are 22 Priests and 7 lay Missionaries working for the Diocese. There are 11 brothers undergoing Seminary formation for our new Diocese of Gurgaon. Out of them, 2 are in the Major Seminary for their Philosophy course and 9 are pursuing their seminary studies in the Girideepam Minor Seminary, New Delhi. Thus, it is clear that our infant Diocese requires good and zealous vocations both for Priesthood. The vocation for women Religious is also to be promoted highly. At the same time, the aspect of mission by the Laity is to be considered seriously as privileged calling since this era is greatly favourable for the lay mission activities. Keeping in view the serious need of vocations for our new Mission Diocese, the Department of Vocation Promotion of Gurgaon Diocese requests each one of you to pray and promote young boys and girls in your respective parishes and mission stations to come forward to accept this call. 18 Krupa Nidhan Special orientation sessions for this purpose have already been started in the individual parishes on Sundays. A special vocation (daivavilli) camp will be arranged in the coming school holidays, the details of which will follow soon. Dear all, earnest prayer and wholehearted support is necessary to find out the seeds of divine calling spread among us by the Lord. Hence, I request all our families to pray for vocations in their daily prayers. For further information, suggestions or directing anyone interested, you may please contact the address given below. Expecting your prayers and cooperation, Fr. Jinto John Priest in charge, Department of Vocation Promotion Contact details: Fr. Aji Thannimootil (Mob-(0) 9999468393) Rector, Girideepam Minor Seminary Mar Ivanios Bhavan, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Paryavaran Complex, Block J- 61, 62, Ignou Road, Neb Sarai. email-gmseminary@gmail.com Fr. Jinto John (9560614737) 19 Krupa Nidhan Birth Centenary of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios National Conference and concluding celebrations The Birth Centenary of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios was concluded on a high note with a national level conference held at the Constitution Club in the National Capital, New Delhi this national level was hosted by the Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. This high level ceremony took place on 15th February 2016. Dr. Hamid Ansari, the Honourable Vice-President of India was the chief guest. The ceremony was presided over by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis the Head and Father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Several eminent dignitaries and VIPs participated in the program including Smt. Najma Heptulla, Honb’l Minister of Minority Affairs, Prof. P.J. Kurian, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The Ceremony was marked by the release of special cover by the Postal Department of India in honour of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios. A special award was also presented to highlight the exemplary contribution of Archbishop Mar Gregorios in the Society and for the Nation. The Archbishop Mar Gregorios Award was given to the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa for their selfless devotion to God and service to the poorest of the poor. The Regional Superior of the Congregation received the award. A special commemoration lecture was delivered by Honourable Justice Kurien Joseph, the judge of Supreme Court. The talk included a very vivid and heartfelt portrayal of the life and history of the late Archbishop Mar Gregorios. A special documentary was displayed on the life and works of Archbishop Mar Gregorios during the ceremony. This documentary was prepared by the Media department of the Diocese led by Rt. Rev. Msgr John Kochuthundil and Rev. Fr. Visakh Scariah along with Mr. John (journalist in Deepika). To sustain and promote the great social efforts of Archbishop Mar Gregorios, two social projects were launched under the auspices of 20 Krupa Nidhan the Diocese of Gurgaon, 1. Accompany a family 2. Accompany a child to school. These two projects initiated by the Gurgaon Diocese aims at the welfare of the families and the education of the children. It is an endeavor to help the needy at the grass root level with the help of any individual willing to support. The Diocese of Gurgaon takes this opportunity to express it sincere gratitude to one and all who guided and supported in making this event happen. Remarks by Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Hon’ble Vice President of India on the occasion of the birth Centenary celebrations of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorious at Constitution Club, New Delhi on 15th February 2016. His Grace Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregarious was the Archbishop of Trivandrum for more than four decades, heading the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, till the day of his demise on 10th October 1994. He was a scholarly spiritual leader and a great spokesperson for secularism and Indian culture. He was a person loved and honored by all, irrespective of caste or creed. With his charisma and dynamism he involved himself in almost all the developmental activities of the State. He gave a new dimension to spirituality by special emphasis on improving the living conditions and betterment of human life. His contribution to the fields of Education, Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing for the poor has been significant. Born in 1916 at Kallooppara in Thiruvalla as T.E. Vargheese, he joined the Bethary Ashram, receiving the name ‘Benedict’, symbolic of the renunciation of his household life to embrace spiritual life in priesthood. He was ordained as a priest on 24 August 1944 and was introduced as the Bishop of Trivandrum on 29 January 1955. He was the president of Kerala Bishop’s Conference and the Catholic Bishop Conference of India. He was an eloquent speaker, a linguist and a social worker. His contributions in Running Nutrition Programmes to improve the 21 Krupa Nidhan health of the poor, Special Care for Children, Juvenile Guidance, Maternity care, Family Planning through Responsible Parenthood, Sanitation and Rehabilitation of the Disabled contributed to the improvement of lives of millions. He was also an ardent supporter of Nature Cure and Yoga Treatment. The thousands of people who have reaped the benefit of the Schools and Colleges started by Benedict Mar Gregarious are living witness to the vision of this great educationalist. He was the first Principal of Mar Ivanios College and remained its Patron for four decades. Archbishop Mar Gregorios was an ardent lover of nature. He advocated maintaining ecological balance and preservation of the natural environment. He was a staunch practitioner of cleanliness and general hygine. Archbishop Gregorios was a promoter of inter- religious dialogue and harmony. He was ever willing to intervene on behalf of the administration in resolving communal tensions. Such were the qualities that led Shri K. R. Narayan, the former President of India to remark that Archbishop Mar Gregorios was “the ideal representative and symbol of Indian secularism which is suffused with spiritual heritage”. It is most appropriate that The Malankara Syrian Catholic Church is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Archbishop Mar Gregorios. The life of Archbishop Mar Gregorios serves as an example for all of us. His selfless dedication for the betterment of society and the improvement in the living condition of the underprivileged and the poor, his focus on ecological balance and his advocacy of education as an empowering platform could well be the template for building a sustainable and empowered India. I pray that his spirit may continue to guide us. Thank You. 22 Krupa Nidhan Presidential Address By His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos At The Concluding Celebration Of The Birth Centenary Of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios (Excerpts From The Speech) It is indeed an honour and great privilege for me to preside over this function which is graced by Shri. Hamid Ansari, the Honorable Vice-President of India and the most revered Ambassador of Holy Father Pope Francis in this Country and others in this very hall of the Constitutional Club. There have been many national and international Conferences convened as a part of the birth centenary celebrations of Late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios. Many charity projects were implemented during the period including the launching of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Memorial Cancer Care Home in Trivandrum, for the benefit of poor cancer patients. This Conference at the capital city, New Delhi marks the finale of the Birth Centenary Celebrations.! Anyone who is privileged to know Late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios could speak eloquently about the Archbishop's amazing personality and about the manifold contributions that he could make to the human society. The Archbishop's sublime religious ideals, his educational insights, his agricultural initiatives, his creative economic interpretations, his timely social interventions, his Contributions to religious harmony, etc. have been an essential part of the experience of all who knew him, and have been joyfully treasured in their consciousness. The most predominant aspect of his multifaceted personality was that of a spiritual leader. His basic value was spirituality. The true motor of all his religious and social Involvements and activities was his spiritual depth. Mar Gregorios had a very radical spiritual vision. This vision was not confined to the limited interests of any particular community, caste or religion. By spirituality he understood the integrity of life that a person is called to live as a child of God. This integrity is to be achieved by the maximum possible development of all that is good in human person – of his/her mind, soul and body. Mar Gregorios understood his priestly and Episcopal vocation to be at the service of this integrity, that is, to help his brethren to live in the dignity of the children of God. For this mission, the Archbishop set aside his whole life. All that he did as a priest and as a bishop, - teaching his people to pray, giving food to the hungry, promoting agriculture, protecting the nature, starting educational institutions with a difference, creating job opportunities, toiling for social harmony etc. were reflections of his unwavering commitment to this value of human integrity. It was to strengthen this basic spiritual conviction and experience that he spent hours every day in prayer, maintained a very serious distance from wealth and from the pleasures and pomp of this world, lived an amazingly simple life, sided conscious\ with the poor and the marginalized, etc He made the famous maxim of St. Irenaeus his philosophy of life, namely, "The glory of God is man fully alive". The Archbishop believed that the true criterion to assess one's spirituality is the amount of space that one spares in one's heart 23 Krupa Nidhan in order to accommodate others, including the whole of God's creation. This conviction helped Mar Gregorios to transcend the limits of any particular caste, community, language, religion, nation, etc. Like the ancient sages of this great nation, he tried to find the spark of the divine in everything around him. Our world is in dire need of true leaders who can rise above personal and parochial considerations in order to love the human person and to promote his/her cause. In this universe and beyond. Joyfully I pay my deep respect and homage to the memory ofthis great gift of God to humanify! Once again I take this occasion to express my deep-felt gratitude to all the dignitaries who have gathered here, especially to the Honorable Vice-President of India His Excellency Shri. Hamid Ansari and all the distinguished guests, well-wishers, friends of the SyroMalankara Catholic Church in the capital city and all over the country. God bless you all ! God bless India ! Jai Hind ! Address by Dr. Najma Heptulla Hon'ble Union Minister of Minority Affairs (Excerpts From The Speech) I deem it a privilege to have the opportunity to associate myself with the Birth Centenary celebration of archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios of Thiruvananthapuram. He was one of the finest human beings Indian Christianity has ever produced. He was a versatile and compassionate personality, a true messenger of God and his life personified the Christian commitment of reaching out to the needy. His appeal transcended caste, creed, culture, region and religion. He made a sincere attempt to concretize the Indian vision contained in the axiom lokasamastha sukhino bhavanthu and emerged as a spectacular icon of Indian secularism and of all the finer values enshrined in our Constitution. A truly spiritual leader, Mar Gregorios influenced all realms of human life and lived up to his motto 'Sneham mama Deepam' which I believe means, 'love is my light.' His motto, I would say, fully encapsulates the essence of Christian existence. Through his tireless and dedicated service as the archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram, he embodied the true spirit of universality and Catholicism. He went around the world not only to radiate the Sanathana dharma of India but also to look for new knowledge, new avenues and new ways of helping the poorest and the needy. He was also an environmentalist and did his best to protect nature by promo9ting agriculture, animal husbandry and other ecological enterprises. He advocated cleanliness of surroundings through responsible practices and by planting trees, and cleanliness of mind by constant and universal fraternal love. His passion for the environment and for cleanliness closely resonates with our Government's Swacch Bharat Mission today. Through the thousands of hospitals, health-care centres, homes for the aged, the poor and the destitutes, orphanages, educational institutions and its remarkable missionary works, the Christians in India have been translating the idiom, manavseva is true madhavseva. If we have to achieve meaningful progress, we must together take lessons from the lives of spiritual leaders like Mar Gregorios. Thank you. 24 Krupa Nidhan Birth Centenary Celebration of Late Archbishop His Grace Most Rev. Dr. BENEDICT MAR GREGORIOS 25 Krupa Nidhan 26 Krupa Nidhan 27 Krupa Nidhan Front & back Images of the Special Cover28 realised by the Postal Department of India in honour of Late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Krupa Nidhan DIOCESAN NEWS Suvisheshasangham The second round of Suvisheshangam ongoing formation program took place in the Diocese of Gurgaon in the first and second week of March, 2016. V. Rev. Fr. Antony Kakkanattu Rev. Fr. Johnson Pallipadinjatethil, Rev. Fr. Sam Pathackal, Rev. Sr. Franseena DM and Rev. Sr. Nirmal SIC led the team of Suvisheshangam. This phase included two regional sessions in the Delhi Region (West Delhi Parish) and Bhopal Region (Bhopal Parish) and two unit level formation initiation at Mayur Vihar Parish and Surat Parish. Diocesan Priests’ Retreat All the priests of the Diocese of Gurgaon came together for the Diocesan Annual retreat from 1-5 February 2016. This was the first Priests’ annual retreat since the formation of the Diocese. The priests along with H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in the 5 day retreat which was led by Rev. Fr. Mathew Assariparambil, Director of Mother Home Retreat Center in Thalassery, Kerala. SCST Dharna A special Dharna was organized by the CBCI Office for SC/ BC to show solidarity and involvement of the Christian community in the struggle of Dalit Christian Brothers and Sisters for their legitimate demand for equal status with other Dalits. This big gathering was 29 Krupa Nidhan staged at Jantar Mantar on 10 March 2016 which included several Catholic Bishops as well as the bishops from the sister churches. Several other religious leaders and prominent social activists also participated in this effort to support the SCST brethren. Girideepam Minor Seminary The academic year 2015-16 of the Girideepam Minor Seminary will end on 13 April 2016. The brothers shall go to their homes and shall return in the first week of June. Bro. Bazil Titus and Bro. Thomas Edayachalil have completed their four years of Minor Seminary formation and will be promoted to the Major Seminary in the coming academic year. As the final part of their formation in the Minor Seminary they shall be having a month long mission program in Odisha under the care of Rev. Fr. Johnson Pallipadinjatethil. The brothers studying for the Exarchate of Khadki shall be moving back to Pune on April 14 for the rest of their Seminary formation. The Girideepam Minor Seminary bids them adieu and extends prayerful wishes to them for their formation ahead. Vocation Orientation Visit Keeping in mind the mission thrust of the Diocese of Gurgaon and lack of priests, there is serious need of ardent prayer and efforts to encourage vocations for priesthood and sisterhood from among the children of our Diocese. Hence the Department of Vocation Promotion along with the Girideepam Minor Seminary is arranging a vocation orientation visit beginning with the parishes of Delhi. On 13 March 2016, V. Rev. Fr. Aji Thannimootil, Rector of Girideepam Minor Seminary and Fr. Jinto John visited the West Delhi Parish. After the Holy Qurbono, the fathers met the catechism students especially the students of class 8-12 and discussed with them about vocation and missionary aspects of our Diocese. A brief vocation orientation was also arranged for the Madbaha Servers of the Delhi Region who gathered at the Cathedral, Neb Sarai on 28 February 2016. The session was led by the Girideepam Minor Seminary 30 Krupa Nidhan Holy Week at the Cathedral H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas led the Holy Week Celebrations of this year in the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Neb Sarai. The Hossana Sunday, Pesaha Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Service were attended by large number of faithful and solemn processions were arranged during the occasion. A prayerful atmosphere was maintained all throughout the week. Farewell to H.E. Abraham Mar Paulos, Marthaoma Bishop The Bishop of Delhi Marthoma Diocese H.E. Abraham Mar Paulos was accorded a heartfelt farewell on 7 February 2016 at the St. Mary’s Syro- Malankara Catholic Cathedral, Neb Sarai. H.E Jacob Mar Barnabas the Bishop of Gurgaon was present at the occasion. Several priests, sisters and lay faithful participated in this meeting which was arranged during the close of the Delhi Malankara Catholic Convention. H.E. Abraham Mar Paulos was felicitated and honored at the eve. H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in a solemn farewell ceremony for H.E. Abraham Mar Paulos organized by the Marthoma Delhi Community at the Constitution Club, New Delhi on 27 March 2016. 31 Krupa Nidhan Bishop participates in the Holy See Day celebrations. The III anniversary of the inauguration of the Pontificate of the Holy Father Pope Francis was celebrated along with the solemnity of St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church on 19 March 2016. H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in the pontifical Holy Mass arranged in the Sacred Heart Cathedral on the evening of 19 March. The Apostolic Nuncio and the Archbishop of Delhi and Bishop of Faridabad were present on the occasion. Several priests, religious and lay leaders attended the gathering. In connection to this H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas attended a special dinner arranged at the Nunciature on 15 March 2016. Movement against stray Dog Menace H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas attended and spoke at an awareness campaign held at Jantar Mantar on 19 March 2016 on the issue of the Stray Dog Menace in our society. This event was organized by the Stray Dog Free Movement chaired by Shri Kochuseph Chittilappilly. This event aimed at bringing about awareness among the masses about rising and uncontrollable menace of stray dogs and disease of Rabies due to this menace. Several people especially children have been severely affected even killed due to this growing problem and serious measures have to be adopted in this regard. 32 Krupa Nidhan Visit by H.E. Joshua Mar Ignatios H.E. Joshua Mar Ignatios, Bishop of Mavelikara, made a short casual stay at Mar Ivanios Bhawan, Bishop’s House, New Delhi on 17 and 18 March 2016. A brief dinner was arranged in honour of His Excellency in the bishop’s house who later visited the Girideepam Minor Seminary and met the Seminarians and joined them for tea. Visit by H.E. Kuriakose Bharanikulnagra On 26 March 2016, H.G. Kuriakose Bharanikulangra, Bishop of Syro Malabar Diocese of Faridabad, visited Mar Ivanios Bhawan, Bishop’s House, New Delhi. He was warmly received by the Bishop House family along with the brothers of the Girideepam Minor Seminary. 33 Krupa Nidhan MCA-Gurgaon Diocese An Ad hoc committee was formed for the smooth functioning of diocesan MCA. Before the proper elections, the formation of this committee shall monitor and direct the activities in the diocese and shall represent the diocese in the church. This committee was approved officially and consists of the following members. 1. Abraham M. pattiyani (President) Mob.9560614737 pattiyani@yahoo.com 2. K.K.Jose (Secretary) kkjosedelhi@gmail.com Mob. 9811208119, 9311208119 3. Sabu Samuel (Treasurer) sabusamuel19@yahoo.co.in Mob 9867214289 4. Reji Thomas (Vice President) trinityexim339@yahoo.co.in Mob. 9879339439 5. Hearty Binoy (Joint Secretary) heartybinoy@gmail.com Mob.9406765849 6 Fr. Jose Kuntharayil (Director) josekuntharayil@gmail.com Mob. 9725337046 Diocesan Representation in MCA central Assembly Mr. Abraham Pattiyani (President – MCA Gurgaon Diocese) and Mr. Regi Thomas(Vice President – MCA Gurgaon Diocese) represented the Gurgaon Diocese in the Central Assembly of the MCA held on 13 March 2016 at Pazhassiraja College, Pulpally, Bathery. Adv. Abraham Patiyani conducted a class on the theme of ‘Minority Rights and Challenges in India’. Representatives from different Dioceses participated in the assembly which was inaugurated by H.E. Joshua Mar Ignatios, chairman, MCA. North East Mission Visit The SIC provincial team from Trivandrum, Bathery and Pathanamthitta visited the Mission stations of the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur in order to explore the mission possibilities. They visited these North Eastern states from 31 March to 3 April. 34 Krupa Nidhan REGIONAL NEWS Delhi Region 4th Malankara Catholic Bible Convention, Delhi From 5-7 February 2016, the fourth Malankara Catholic Bible Convention took place at the St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Cathedral, Neb Sarai, New Delhi. This year’s convention was led by Rev. Fr. Mathew Assariparambil, Director of Mother Home Retreat Center in Thalassery, Kerala. He was assisted by his team. The three day convention had common sessions as as well as special sessions for the youth and the children. The session for MCYM was led by Rev. Fr. Antony Valan SJ (professor in Vidya Jyoti institute, Delhi). A special musical praise and worship was arranged for the youth which was led by ‘Ignite for Christ’ musical band (C/o Mr. Ashish Alex, Neb Sarai Parish). The classes for the MCCL children were taken by Rev. Fr. Mathew (Jigmy) Koodaparambil and the brothers of the Girideepam Minor Seminary. This convention of the Diocese of Gurgaon was organized by the Diocesan team under the leadership of DMCA. Friends Of Christ (FOC) Winter Camp for Children A One day Children’s Camp for MCCL was organized at the St. Thomas Parish, West Delhi on 2 January 2016. 52 students from Class-IV to Class-XI participated in the camp. A dozen members of Friends Of Christ (FOC) Team of the Youth-MCYM from the Parish was the Resource team who conducted the camp. The theme chosen for the event was ‘Warriors of Mercy’ keeping in view the ongoing Year of Mercy. Thematic Classes, Action Songs, Games, Quiz, Moral insights, Inaugural and concluding sessions, Prize distribution, were the highlights of the camp. The youth members of the parish who led the camp as resource team were specially appreciated. 35 Krupa Nidhan MCYM Night Vigil and Residential Gathering, West Delhi MCYM West Delhi Unit organized a Night-stay Gathering on Saturday, 9 January 2016 at the Parish. The program started at 7.30 pm. Prayers, Adoration, Discussions, Action Songs, Games, Classes, Camp-fire, etc. were conducted. Rev. Br. Jaison OIC, Rev. Br. Christuraj OIC and Rev. Br. Deepu from Pratiksha Major Seminary, Delhi led the classes. There were 42 youth who participated in the gathering. MCYM Unit Executives gave leadership for the arrangements. Mar Gregorios Birth Centenary Parish Celebrations, West Delhi As part of the Centenary Celebration of His Grace Late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, St. Thomas Parish, West Delhi organized a special Memorial Day on 10 January 2016 (Sunday). A solemn Memorial Holy Qurbono followed by the Dhoopa-prarthana was offered. The commemorative message was delivered by Rev. Fr. Sam Pathackal. A special 45 minute presentation of Comparative Analysis of the life of Pope Francis and Archbishop Mar Gregorios with special reference to the Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ was given by Rev. Fr. Thomas Pallath (Syro-Malabar Parish). A Quiz competition based on the life of Archbishop Mar Gregorios was also organized. About 300 members were present on the occasion. Parish Family Day celebrated at West Delhi St. Thomas SyroMalankara Catholic Parish, West Delhi celebrated Parish-Family Day on 31 January 2016. His Excellency Dr. Jacob Mar Barnabas was the main Celebrant of the Holy Qurbono and the Chief Guest for the day’s gathering. A liturgical reception was accorded to the Bishop. After the Divine Liturgy a solemn Public Meeting was conducted during which the couples celebrating the Wedding Silver Jubilee were specially honored. Several cultural programmes were 36 Krupa Nidhan presented by the different departments of the parish. Rev. Fr. Jigmy Thomas, Fr. Jinto John and a 25 member delegation from Punjab Mission were also present. Catholicos Visits St. Jude Syro- Malankara Catholic Church, Jasola His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the head and father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church visited the St. Jude Syro- Malankara Catholic Church, Jasola on Sunday, 14 February 2016. His Beatitude was received by the committee member and pastoral council members at the Church premises. Following this, a liturgical reception was given to Bava Thirumeni. After the Holy Qurbono, His Beatitude addressed the parish family and took photos with individual families of the whole parish. Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Kochuthundil and Rev. Fr. Anoop T Thomson (secretary to His Beatitude) accompanied the Bava thirumeni. The priests of the adjacent Parish, Fatima Matha Syro-Malabar Catholic Church joined the gathering. His Beatitude visited this Syro Malabar parish and met the committee members and Sunday School teachers. Catholicos Visits Shanti Ashram, Jasola His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the head and father of the SyroMalankara Catholic Church visited the Shanti Ashram, Jasola on Sunday 14 February 2016. Bava thirumeni met the inmates of the house, prayed for and blessed the community. His Beatitude distributed sweets to the members of the house and appreciated Mr. Anil and Mrs. Gina for their committed service. 37 Krupa Nidhan Madbaha Servers’ Class A one day class and training session was arranged for the Madbaha servers from all the parishes in the Delhi Region on 28 February 2016 at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Neb Sarai. This special session was organized by the Catechism department of the Delhi Region. The sessions were taken by Rev. Fr. Mathew Kalarikalayil, director of the Eparchial Commission for Liturgy. 62 children from the parishes of the Delhi Region participated in the session. This was the first regional session arranged by the Diocese for the organization and disciplined growth of the Madbaha Servers. This course shall be obligatory for all the servers in the Diocese in future. Catechism Teachers’ Class On Sunday 28 February 2016, a special orientation class for the Sunday School teachers of the Delhi Region took place at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Neb Sarai. It was led by Rev. Sr. Nirmal SIC who guided the teachers to encourage and promote the students and effectively transmit the faith to the children. 50 teachers attended the session. 38 Krupa Nidhan Suvisheshasangham in Delhi In West Delhi, the second round of formation class was arranged on Sunday, 13 March 2016. All the parish members and regional Suvisheshasangham members participated in the formation course which was led by Rev. Fr. Johnson Pallipadinjatethil and team. The unit level Suvisheshasangham formation at Mayur Vihar was arranged from March 1-6 wherein all the parish houses of the St. George Parish, Mayur Vihar were visited. It culminated with a one day orientation session on Sunday 6 March 2016 which was arranged for the whole parish. This retreat and formation session was led by V. Rev. Fr. Antony Kakkanattu. Holy Week Spiritual Preparation, West Delhi A special retreat talk and confession day took place at the St. Thomas Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, West Delhi on 13 March 2016. Rev. Fr. Joby VC, Assistant Parish priest of the Malabar Parish, Vikaspuri was the preacher. MCYM Delhi Region Lenten Program In the Lenten season, the members of the MCYM, Delhi Region came together for a food distribution and interaction program on 12 March 2016. Under the leadership of the Delhi Region Youth Director Rev. Fr. Benedict OIC, 45 youth members from the different parishes of the Delhi Region gathered to prepare food and distribute it to the children and the people living at the slums in Mansarovar Park, New Delhi. The youth members prepared the food in Dilshad Garden. From there all the youth and elders proceeded to Mansarovar Park. The children of the place were gathered in a shelter utilized by the Prachodana Social Service Society. 58 children participated and presented their same and beautiful songs and activities. Some of the youth spoke to the children regarding basic hygiene and good habits and also taught a few action songs. Rev. Fr. Sam Pathackal, Delhi Region Proto Vicar and Fr. Jinto John were present along with Rev. Sr. Amal and the sisters of the DM convent in Dilshad Garden. The youth animators and lay leaders were also present during the event. 39 Krupa Nidhan The two teachers helping this mission at Mansarovar park were felicitated by all present. Towards the end of the program all the children were given the noon meal prepared by the youth members. The people of the Mansarovar Park were also given food. The program concluded with a prayer. The youth members gathered also shared the same food after all those residing there were filled. Delhi Region, Women’s Day Celebration On 13 March 2016, a special celebration with regard to the International Women’s Day Celebration (March 8) was conducted at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Neb Sarai. This was organized by the Mathrusangam members of the Delhi Region of the Diocese. The function began in the afternoon with an hour long session on the role of women taken by Rev. Sr. Nirmal SIC. This was followed by a group wise debate on the topic, ‘necessity and relevance of Malayalam in the Delhi Region’. A few cultural programs were also staged by the Mathrusangam members including a poetical recitation and a small skit. The program concluded with a message by H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas. Approximately 60 people participated in the function which also included lay leaders from other apostolates. Dilshad Garden Prachodana Destitute Home Visit A 25 member delegation from St. Antony’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Church made a charity visit to the Shanti Ashram, the Destitute Home of the Prachodana Social Service Society on 5 March 2016. The group was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Titus OIC, the Assistant Parish Priest. The members spent some time with the individual inmates of the home and cleaned the house and premises. The afternoon meal was cooked by the parish members and the whole community shared the meal together. 40 Krupa Nidhan Holy Week Punjab Mission The Major Liturgical services for the Holy Week in the Punjab Mission were arranged at the Mission center at Jalandhar. These included Hosanna, Pesaha, Good Friday and Easter services. Approximately 50 to 100 faithful participated in the services during these days. This was the first ever community holy week arranged in the Malankara Liturgy for the mission faithful in Punjab. Rev. Sisters from the congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Kapurthala assisted in the services which were coordinated by Bro. Haggai, Bro. Jose and Bro. Jomon (Missionaries of Punjab). Members from the communities in Ludhiana and Moga also attended the services. During the week days, prayers services were arranged in the families. Bhopal Region Mar Baselios Nursing College, Bhopal, Graduation Ceremony On 23 January 2016, a formal Graduation and Lamp Lighting ceremony was arranged at the Mar Baselios College of N u r s i n g , Bhopal. The function was inaugurated by H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas. 41 Krupa Nidhan The chief guest of the day was Shri. Umashankar Gupta, Minister for Higher Education, Madhya Pradesh Govt. 50 students got graduated and 44 students were there for lamp lighting. The meeting was presided over by Manager, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Daniel Kuzhithadathil Cor-Episcopo. Mar Baselios College of Nursing Results, Bhopal The results of the Mar Baselios College of Nursing came out. The institution recorded 100% success for BSc in all the batches from Barkathulla University of Bhopal. The University rank holders are :First year: Celesty Benny ( first rank), Pooja Yadav (second rank) Second year: Nimitha Mary Jose (first rank), Lincy Thomas (third rank) Third year: Vipitha Viswam (second rank), Shiny Wilson (second rank). Congratulation to all the rank holders. St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Parish, Episcopal Visit H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas was officially received in the St. Thomas SyroMalankara Catholic Church, Bhopal on Sunday, 24 January 2016. A formal liturgical reception was accorded to His Excellency followed by solemn Holy Qurbono. The parish level birth centenary celebration of His grace Benedict Mar Gregorios was conducted on 42 Krupa Nidhan the same day. A commemorative lecture on the life of Archbishop Mar Gregorios was delivered by Rt. Rev. Daniel Kuzhithadathil Corepiscopo. On the occasion an Education help fund was inaugurated by receiving the first aid from Mr. John Cherian, Diocesan pastoral council member from the parish. One Day MCYM Retreat, Baroda The MCYM members of the parishes of Baroda, Ahmedabad and Surat gathered for a one day retreat arranged at Baroda Parish on 13 March 2016. 42 youth members participated in the program which included talks, sharing sessions, prayer and adoration. The main speaker for the day was Rev. Fr. Jithu SJ. Youth animators and a few parents also participated in the retreat. The day’s program concluded with a meeting of the MCYM executives of the three parishes which participated. Suvisheshasangham The regional level formation reached its second phase. Accordingly, a formal retreat session and class was arranged on 13 March 2016 in St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church, Bhopal. Rev. Fr. Antony Kakkanattu and team led the proceedings. The second unit level visit was arranged at the Malankara Parish in Surat from 8-11March 2016. All the houses of the parishes were visited by the Suvisheshasangham team. 43 Krupa Nidhan Odisha Region Mission Visit and Church Blessing, Korshahandi H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas blessed the new parish building at Korshahandi on Sunday 21 February 2016. The parish was named as St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Korshahandi. This is a major step in the faith activities of the region. After the blessing service, the bishop interacted with the faithful of the community and discussed about their faith formation and social situations. Priests, Sisters and other lay leaders of the region participated in the service. Holy Week in Odisha Mission Hossana Sunday – The services were conducted in Shimlimunda parish. On the same day a warm farewell was accorded to Rev. Sr Amal SIC and Sr. Anjali SIC who served in Odisha mission for more than an year. They shall move back to Kerala. The Pesaha (Holy Thursday) services were conducted in Korshahandy parish. 6 members from the community of Korshahandy and Dongriguda received their First Holy Communion during the Holy Qurbono. On Good Friday a solemn way of the Cross was arranged at Korshahandy in which approximately 200 people participated. In the 44 Krupa Nidhan other stations, prayer meetings, preaching of the Word of God and way of the cross were arranged. Holy Easter – The region’s grand Easter liturgical service and gathering were arranged in Korshahandy in which other communities also joined. Services were also arranged in the far off smaller communities of the mission. MCYM Unit Inaguration Two new MCYM units were formed and inaugurated in the mission stations of Korshahandi and Dongriguda on 13 March 2016. The formation of these two units is an important development in the mission activities of the region as it will boost the faith formation activities. Mr. Jerin Johnson (MCYM member, West Delhi Parish) was present on the occasion along with Rev. Fr. Devasya Kuthrikallil and sisters of the region. Madbaha Servers’ Class An introductory madbaha servers’ class was arranged at Korshahandy on 14 March 2016. 8 children from the parish community participated in the class which was taken by Rev. Fr. Devasya. 45 Krupa Nidhan Spoken English Class A series of Spoken English Class was inaugurated and conducted from March 13 onwards in the villages of Korshahandi and Dongriguda. Mr. Jerin Johnson who is on a mission visit to Odisha led the classes. 50 children and youth attended the classes which will help them to elevate their educational standards. Odisha Mission visits Individuals and families from the Diocese and also visitors from outside are showing interest in visiting the Mission stations in the Diocese. Mr. Gabriel Cina and Mrs. Daniel Cina (from Switzerland) visited Odisha from 21-23 February 2016. The mission community expresses sincere gratitude to all the people supporting us and visiting the community. All are welcome for the same. Manasarovar Park Prachodana News On 13 February 2016, a temporary shelter was inaugurated at the Mansaraovar Park for the non formal education of the children at Manasarovar Park. The shelter was inaugurated by Rev. Sr. Immaculate DM and blessed by Rev. Fr. Visakh Scaria, director of the Prachodana Social Service Society. Rev. Sisters from the DM convent, Mr. Anil and Mrs. Jeena Anil and other staff members of Prachodana participated in the brief function. 52 children were given a short class followed by meal. Child Rights Protection Workshop A four day seminar on the topic of Child Rights Protection was conducted by Caritas India and organized by Prachodana from 30 March to April 2. The Main speaker of the Seminar was Dr. Ronita Chatoppadhya. Ms. Lisa and Mr. Alan supported the event. 10 persons including the staff of the Prachodana Social Service Soicety were present for the sessions which were arranged at the St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Cathedral, Neb Sarai. The child rights protection policy of the Diocesan social service unit was formulated in this workshop. 46 20.02.2016 Krupa Nidhan 20.02.2016 ImtXm-en-t°‰v hm¿Ø-Iƒ ImtXm-en-t°‰v hm¿Ø-Iƒ 20.02.2016 ImtXm-en-t°‰v hm¿Ø-Iae¶c ƒ kpdnbm\n ItØmen°m k`bpsS ]sØm-º-Xm-aXv km[mcW F∏nkvtIm∏¬ kp∂ltZmkv kam-]n®p ae¶c kpdnbm\n ItØmen°m k`bpsS ]sØm-Xm-aae¶c Xvhkm[mcW F∏nkv tIm∏¬ kp∂ltZmkv kam-]Bcwn®p `n® ae¶c kpdnbm\n k`bpsSsk‚dn¬ Xncph\¥]pcw: 2016ºs^{_pcn 16˛\v Xncph-\ItØmen°m -¥-] pcw ImtXment°‰v kpdnbm\n ItØmen°m ]sØm-º -Xm-aXvtkm[mcW F∏nkvtIm∏¬ kp∂ltZmkv 20˛\v ]sØm-º-Xk`bpsS m-aXv km[mcW F∏nkv Im∏¬ kp∂ltZmkv kam]n®p Xncph\¥]pcw: 2016 s^{_p-hcn 16˛\v Xncp-h-\-¥-]pcw ImtXment°‰v sk‚dn¬ Bcw-`n® ae¶c kam-]n-®p. kpdnbm\n ]sØmºhnhn[ -X-\ m-a-¥ Xv-]km[mcW tIm∏¬ kp∂ltZmkv 20˛\v Xncph\¥]pcw: 2016 s^{_phcnk`16˛\v Xncph pcw ImtXment°‰v sk‚dn¬ `n® ae¶c kp∂l-tZm-ItØmen°m kn-t\mS\p_k`bpsS -‘n®v bnse k\ymkn-˛F∏nkv -k-\ym-k n\n kaqlBcw-ßfpsS kp∏okam]k n-®pambpw p. ItØmen°m kpdnbm\n k`bpsS ]sØmm-aXv F∏nkv cntbgv Soaw-K-ß-f p-ambpw IqSnImgvº N-X\SØkm[mcW n hnhn[ hnjb-ßt-fIm∏¬ n-t∑¬ kp∂ltZmkv N¿® \S-Øp-I20˛\v bpw kp∂Zm-kn-t\mS\p_-e-‘ k`-b nse hnhn[ n-˛-kj -\ymkf n\n l-ßfpsS sNbv Xl k`m-X -Øn®v n-ep≈ hnhn[ kp∂-lk\ym-tZmkvkIΩo\pIpsSkaqhm¿jnI Ah-tkp∏oem-Ikam-] n-p.®-tp.XpS¿∂v cntbgv k -f-‘ p-atmbpw mgvn®v Nhnhn[ \SØnk\ymhnhn[ n-t∑¬ Øp-ß Ibpw \hpw \S--tpambpw ∂ WKy--ß h_ ¿jØmSIqSn-\p-b _I -‘ hnhn[ cq]Xk -In--fhnj\S∏-fn¬ hcptN¿® Ø≠ Imcyfpw kp∂-l Zm-p.kImcpn-tSoaw\mS\pn®v k`nse ˛n¬ -k-\b ym--ß k n\n kaql-ß\SfpsS kp∏osNbv p. pambpw XpS¿∂v k`mX ep≈ IΩojb\pIemIk`bX pse s]mXpSoawip{iqj-e f-n-° p-dIqSnn-®hnhn[ p≈ Btem-l \-I fpw \S∂p cntbgv k K-ß -f-I-p-Ø a-smbpw Imgv Nkp∂\S-N Ø n-tZmkv hnhn[ hnj-ß-ffn-psS t∑¬hm¿jnI N¿® \S-AhØtp-I bpw \hpw p._ ImcpWI¿Zny-hX¿jtmƒ ØmS-\p-_tk_ -‘n®v cq]X-IIΩo-fImtXmn¬j\Sn¬ hcpfpw taP¿ B¿®v n-j∏v en-kp∂thnhn[ bmkv e∏n-° m-_ m-hm¿jnI htm-Ø≠ bpsS ImcyA≤y-X sNbvX\Sp. ∂ XpS¿∂v k`m-e\-Ø n-eam¿ p≈ hnhn[ l-t¢oankv Zmkv \pIfpsS Ah-ß t£ emIk`bpse s]mXp ip{iq-In¬ -stf-Øm° p-Sdb n-®nse p≈-‘ BtemN-\-I∑ fpw \S∂p bn¬ tN¿∂ l k k`F√m sa{Xmmcpw p-Ø∏p.n¬ hcp-tØ≠ Imcy-ßfpw \hpw \S-∂ p. kp∂ImcpW-ty-Zmhj¿j-\ p-_ n®v hnhn[ cq]X -I]s¶-fn¬ S\StaP¿ B¿®v _n-jip{iq∏v I¿Zn\-smƒ en-tbmkv ImtXm-en-°m-_m-hm-bpsS A≤y-£-Xk`-bpse s]mXp j-I f-°am¿ p-dn-®_tkp≈ BtemN-\-I¢oankv fpw \S∂p bn¬ kp∂Zm-k\n¬ bnse F√m sa{Xm-¢oankv ∑mcpw ]s¶Sp-Ø taP¿tN¿∂ B¿®v_ n-j∏vl-tI¿Znmƒk`am¿ _tken-tbmkv ImtXmen-p.°m-_m-hm-bpsS A≤y-£-Xbn¬ tN¿∂ kp∂-l-tZm-kn¬ k`-bnse F√m sa{Xm-∑mcpw ]s¶S pØ p. am¿ At¥m-Wn-tbmkv -˛ _nj∏v tXmakv Nm≥ke¿ & Iqcn-bm-_n-j-∏v, -˛ _nj∏v tXmakvF∏nkv am¿ At¥mWn-tIqcnb bmkv taP¿ B¿°n t°m∏¬ Nm≥ke¿ Iqcn-bW m-_ n-j-∏v, -˛ _nj∏v tXmakv am¿ & At¥mn-tbmkv taP¿ B¿°n F∏nkv °m∏¬ Iqcnb Nm≥ke¿ &tIqcnbm-_ n-j-∏v, taP¿ B¿°n F∏nkvt°m∏¬ Iqcnb Mar Ivanios Pilgrimage 2016 It is the time for the Mar Ivanios Pilgrimage 2016. As it is conducted earlier years, this year also the Diocesan Padyatra shall begin on 11 July from New Delhi. Already the booking of tickets is underway. Those who are joining the pilgrimage are requested to give their names to the parish secretary at the earliest so that we can book the tickets together. Those who would like to walk from Ranni Perunnadu (July 10-15), may contact contact Rev. Fr. Devasya Kuthirakallil for further details. New Delhi - Trivandrum Date of Journey : 11 July Train : 22654 Nizammudin-Trivandrum Exp Contacts persons: Fr.Philips Vazhakunnathu +919999248393 Fr.Devasia Kuthirakkallil +918455936682 Reny Mathew +919891296487 E-mail: gurgaondiocese@gmail.com Fr.Sam Pathackal Coordinator 9971511205 Mar Ivanios Pilgrimage Diocese of Gurgaon 47 Krupa Nidhan kphn-tijkwL kwK-aw ae-¶c kpdn-bm\n ItØm-en°m k`-bpsS kph-nt- ij kwL-Øn-te°v ssIhbv]v kzoI-cn® Aw-KßfpsS Hcp kwKaw 2016, Pm\p-hcn 29, 30 Xob-Xn-If- n¬, ]´w, ImtXm-en-t°‰v sk‚-dn¬ \S∂p.29-˛\v, sh≈nbmgvN cmhnse 9 aWn°v I_¿Nm∏-en¬h®p-\-S∂ {]m¿∞-\-tbmsS kwKaw Bc-w`n-®p. AXy-`n-hµy _tk-en-tbmkv I¿Zn-\mƒ ¢naokv ImtXm-en°m _mhm Xncp-ta\n A\p-{Kl{]`m-jWw \SØn. ae¶c kpdn-bm\n ItØm-en-°m-k-`-bv°v, C≥Uy-ap-gp-h≥ kphn-tijw {]tLm-jn-°p-hm≥ A\phmZw e`n-®Xv kt¥m-j-tØmsS A\p-kva-cn-®p. k` kphn-tij-tØmSv lrZbw tN¿Øp-h-®-t∏mƒ kphntij {]tLm-jW thZn hnim-e-am-bn. hy‡n-Ifpw IpSpw-_-ßfpw hN-\-hm-b-\, bma-{]m¿∞\, t\mºm-N-cWw, IqZm-im-kzo-I-cWw, kphn-ti-jm-flI PohnXkm£yw Ch-bn¬ {]tXyIw {i≤n-°p∂ Hcp Bflob A¥co£w kwPm-X-am-bn. am¿ Cuhm-\n-tbmkv Xncp-ta-\n-bn-eqsS kz¿§w B{K-ln® Imcy-߃ \Ωn-eqsS \nd-th-dn-s°m-≠n-cn-°p-∂p. [mcmfw XojvW-aXnIfmb A¬amb t{]jn-X¿ cq]s∏´p-h-cp-∂pF∂pXpw hµy]nXmhv FSp-Øp-]-d-™p. A`n-hµycmb F{_lmw am¿ Pqen-tbmkv Xncp-ta-\n, kmap-th¬ am¿ sFtd-\n-tbmkv Xncp-ta\n F∂nh¿ 29, 30 Xob-Xn-I-fn¬ bYm-{Iaw hn. Ip¿_m\ A¿∏n®v ktµiw \evIn. A`n-hµycmb tP°_v am¿ _¿W-_m-kv Xncp-ta-\nbpw A`n-hµy tXmakv am¿ At¥m-Wn-tbmkv Xncp-ta\nbpw ktΩ-f-\-Øn¬ BZy-h-km\w ]s¶-Sp-°p-Ibpw kphn-tij kwLmwK-ß-fpsS IS-a-I-sf-∏-‰nbpw Pohn-X-km-£y-Øns‚ Bh-iy-I-X-sb-°p-dn®pw hni-Zo-I-cn-®p D¬t_m[n-∏n-°pIbpw sNbvXp. _. B‚Wn Im°-\m´-®≥, kphn-ti-j-kwLw e£ywhbv°p∂ hnip-≤-Po-hn-X-sØ-°p-dn-®pw, _. Zm\ntb¬ ]qh-Æ-Øn-e-®≥ kphn-ti-j-{]-tLm-j-W-Øns‚ Bh-iy-I-X, -sh-√p-hn-fnIƒ AXns\ AXnPo-hn-t°≠hn[w F∂n-hs- b-°d- n®pw ¢mkp-Iƒ FSp--Øp. {Kq∏p-Iƒ Xncn™v N¿®-Ifpw \S-∂p. IqSmsX Bcm-[\, hn. Ipº-kmcw Ch ktΩ-f-\-Øn\v IqSp-X¬ Bflob i‡n ]I¿∂p. 176 t]¿ kwK-a-Øn¬ ]s¶-Sp-Øp. (_nj∏v ˛1, sshZo-I¿˛ 10, kntÃgvkv ˛ 25, Aevam-b¿ : ]pcpj∑m¿˛ 101, kv{XoIƒ˛ 39). 30-˛mw XobXn D®-bv°v, 1.30˛tXmSp-IqSn ktΩ-f\w kaw-Kfw ]cy-h-km-\n-®p. Welcome to Rev. Fathers who have come forward to serve the Diocese Rev. Fr. Thomas Alumkal (Tiruvalla) Rev. Fr. Joseph Thattaamparambil (Kanjirapally) 48 Krupa Nidhan The silent and docile service of Rev. Sr. Bensitta SIC for long years in the erstwhile ETRI and Gurgaon Diocese is fondly remembered especially her last service for the regular and daily distribution of food packets to the hungry and poor in streets was an exemplary service along with the Prachodana Service Society. May her soul rest in peace eternally in Heaven. REV. SR. BENSITTA SIC Born 26/4/1969 Native Place Chambakulam, Idukki Parents Thomas & Annamma Thomas Baptized on 5/5/1978 at St. Joseph Catholic church, Naarakakkanam Joined convent 30/8/1992, SIC Convent, Thirumoolapuram First profession 01/5/1995, named as Sr. Bensitta Second profession 4/5/2000 2001 to 2003 Served at Pune (in school) 2003 to 2009 Service at Uthamnagar (Delhi) in school 2010 to 2016Neb Sarai (Delhi), working for Prachodana social service society in the distribution of daily food packets. Died 16/2/2016 Welcome to Brothers to the Diocese of Gurgaon Bro. Jose Mundaplavila (Tirvandrum) who is joining the Diocese of Gurgaon Bro. Pathiruvelil John (Anchal) going to do his Regency in the Diocese 49 Krupa Nidhan Days to be remembered APRIL 1 All Confessors 3 New Sunday-Seminary Day 8 Comm. of Bp. Lawrence Mar Ephrem 12 Feast of H.E. Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios 13 Mar Zeraphion 14 Mar Simon Barsaboye 23 St. George, the Martyr 25 St. Mark, the Evangelist 27 St. Cleetus 28 Comm. of Bishop. Isaac Mar Yoohanon 29 St. Catherine of Sienna 30 Apostle Mar James, Son of Zebede MAY 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 Syro Malankara Catholic Laity Day St. Joseph, the Worker, Prophet Jeremiah Mar Athanasios of Alexandria Suloko (Ascension of our Lord) Job the Just Finding of the Cross of Our Lord St. John, the Apostle Prophet Isaiah Mar Simon the Zealot,the Apostle Mar James of Nisibis Mar Isaac of Antioch Mar Adai, the Apostle Great Sunday of Pentecost Comm. of Our Lady of Harvest, Mar Pachomios 50 Krupa Nidhan 18Comm. Of the First Holy Qurbono Celebrated by St. James, the Apostle 20 The Four Evangelists 21 Queen St. Helena 22 St. Rita 25 St. Sophia 26 St. Philip Neri 29 St. Theodotia, Vocation Day 30 Feast of H.E. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius St. John of Arc Birthdays April 8 Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Kochuthundil 14 V. Rev Fr. Philips Vazhakunnathu May 8 10 12 20 Rev Fr. Mathew Shobi OIC Rev Fr. Biju Edayalikudiyil Rev Fr. Eldo Baby Pallithazath OIC Rev Fr. Titus Cheravallil OIC Feast Days April 12 H.E. Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios 23 Rev. Fr. Sam Pathackal 23 Rev. Fr. Binoy George OIC 23 Rev. Fr. Aji Thannimoottil 23 Rev. Fr. Varghese Neduvelil 23 Rev. Fr. George Abhayanand OIC May 8 30 V. Rev. Fr. Johnson Pallipadinjattethil H.E. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius 51 Bishop’s Diary April April April April April April 1 - 3 5 6 7–9 10 - Mission Visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam - Monthly Recollection - Meeting with FIAT, New Delhi - Suvisheshasangam, Trivandrum, Kerala -Parish Feast at Tamalam, Trivandrum, Baptism at Nalanchira, Trivandrum, Kerala April 11 -Academic Year Conclusion, Girideepam Minor Seminary, New Delhi April 16 – 19 - Odisha Mission Visit April 20 – 21 - First Holy Communion, Bastar, Madhya Pradesh April 22-23 -Religious Profession, DM Punjab Province, Kapurthala, Punjab Jalandhar Mission Visit April 24 - Jalandhar Parish Feast April 25-26 - Suvisheshasangam, Trivandrum, Kerala April 27-29 - CBCI Standing Committee Meeting, Delhi May May 1 May 2-4 May 6 May 7-8 May 11 May 19-21 May 25 May 27 -First Anniversary of the Official Inauguration of the Gurgaon Diocese - Mission Visit to Manipur - Monthly Recollection - Parish Feast at Thiruvanvandoor, Tiruvalla, Kerala -House Blessing, Vadasserikara, Pathanamthitta, Kerala - Suvisheshasangham, Trivnadrum, Kerala - Wedding, Tiruvalla, Kerala - Visit to Europe Festal Greetings H. E. Abraham Mar Julios April 12 H.E. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius May 30 Prayerful Rememberance If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. (Romans 14:8) Bp. Lawrence Mar Ephrem April 8 Bishop. Isaac Mar Yoohanon April 28 Krupa Nidhan - Bulletin of The Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon