missionaries of st.francis de sales – msfs

MISSIONARIES OF ST.FRANCIS DE SALES – MSFS
SOUTH WEST INDIA PROVINCE
Tel. 080 23340379 Mob: 91 9448853187, Fax: 080 23341329
Website: www.msfssouthwest.org e-mail: provincialsouthwestmsfs@gmail.com
[
VINAYALAYA, MSFS Provincial House
P.B.No.5557, Malleswaram West P.O
Bangalore 560 055, INDIA
Circular JK/8
June 07, 2014
My dear Confreres,
We are at the beginning of a new academic year. It is time for us to set new targets and
goals and to revamp ourselves for action, following the invitation of the Lord “to put the
nets into deep waters for a catch” (Lk 5:4). This new academic year is also marked by
the paradigm shifting experience in the political atmosphere of our country with the
results in the recent general elections. We felicitate our new national leaders and pray
for God's abundant blessings on the new government and on our home-land. The two
new Saints for the Catholic Church in the persons of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul
II are the two new blessings for the universal Church. We pray through their
intercessions for the Church and for our Congregation. We are blessed with more
perpetually professed members in our Province and also with the newly professed
brothers. With renewed enthusiasm and confidence in the providential care of the Lord
we march forward and try to “be who we are (Fransalians) and to be that at its best”
(SFS). I wish you God's abundant blessings on all your endeavours during this academic
year and also I assure you of my support in our common struggles and difficulties.
VISITATION OF FRANCO SWISS PROVINCE
My visitation of the SW confreres working
in the Franco Swiss Province was
scheduled from 28th January 2014 to 8th
February, 2014. I was received at the
airport of Geneva by Rev. Fr. Ives Carron,
the Provincial Superior of the Franco Swiss
Province. He had meticulously arranged
my visitation of every confrere of the SW
Province and their centres and he also
made sure to accompany me to most of the
places of ministry of our confreres. South West Province has 8 of our confreres working
in the Franco Swiss Province and all of them are fully engaged in the pastoral work and
some are also in the administrative task of the Mother Province.
Fr. Viju Kunnathottel arrived in France on 20th March,
2004. Initially he served as assistant parish priest and
today he is the Parish Priest of St. Mathew en Genevouis
Church in Chablais. It consists of 7 churches. He is well
appreciated as a pastor and he has put in a lot of life and
enthusiasm in the parish. His services to the Franco Swiss
Province are extended for a period of five more years at
the special request of the Franco Swiss Provincial and
with the approval of the General Council.
Fr. Jose Puthiaparambil (Jr) reached
France on 8th October, 2006 and initially
served as assistant parish priest. From
27th September, 2009 he is the parish
priest at St. Martin-Bellevue, which
consists of several churches. Fr. Jose is a
vibrant pastor and he is well appreciated
in the Diocese of Annecy. I was in his
parish on the day dedicated to
Consecrated Life and he had organized a
very meaningful prayer service and panel
discussion. There were many invited lay
people, religious and priests and the dean appreciated his initiatives. He is appointed as
pastor of this big parish for a term of six years by the Bishop of Annecy.
Fr. Binoy Kidangathkarot is the present
Local Superior of Florimont community and
he is also the Provincial Councilor. He has
arrived in Franco Swiss Province on 22nd
January, 2008. Fr. Binoy was teaching at
our Florimont School before, but now he is
assistant parish priest in the neighbouring
parish, helps in another parish which is also
close by. His work is well appreciated in the
province and he has mastered the French
language well. He is very much in touch with the local community of the parishes and he
organizes their visit to India. During my visitation I had the opportunity for a guided
visit of our Florimont School, which is one of the prestigious Catholic Schools in
Switzerland. The present Director, Mr. Sean Power, has taken the school to new heights
with insistence on academic excellence together with the personal discipline of the
students. Fr. Binoy is the only confrere of the SW Province working in Switzerland now.
We have a scholastic, Bro. Josemon, who made his final profession on 12th January,
2014 at Vinayalaya, continuing his theological studies at Fribourg University and
residing at Bonlieu Community, in Fribourg.
Fr. Martin Richard reached Franco Swiss
Province on 27th September, 2008. After
being Asst. Parish Priest in different parishes
and serving different communities of the
Province, now he is the parish priest in
Bons-en- Chablais from 1st September 2013.
He now belongs to the local community of
Les Allinges. On the day of my visitation to
his parish, the parishioners were celebrating
his ordination anniversary. He is very much
loved by the people and he shows a lot of
enthusiasm in serving the people. He has
brought a lot of new life in the parish.
Fr. Johny Cheruvil reached France on 27th September, 2008. From 2nd February 2009
he served as Asst. Parish Priest and on 1st September 2010 he was made the Parish
Priest of Notre-Dame des Hermones. It consists of a vast territory and includes 15
churches. He is assisted by Fr. Camille Meynet, Fr. Jean Blanc and Fr. François Meynet.
Fr. Johny is very enthusiastic with the work entrusted to him and he is very much loved
by the people of the parish.
Fr. Thomas Payattukandathil has arrived in
France on 25th June, 2012 and he serves as
Asst. Parish Priest at Allinges from 1st
September 2012. He is a member of the
community of Les Allinges and he is loved by
the fathers in the community, as he takes care
of the elderly fathers and cooks delicious
dishes for them. Fr. Thomas is very much
loved by the people and the members of the
community.
Fr. Antony Valiaparambil reached France on 28th August 2012. After completing
almost one year of formal French lessons he is now appointed as Asst. Chaplain at Villela-Grand School from 1st September, 2013. He puts his heart and mind to the teaching
and the pastoral care. He belongs to the religious community of Ville-la-Grand.
Fr. Thaddeus Lakra reached France on 28th August 2012. After completing one year of
French course he is now Asst. Pastor at SFS Parish St. Martin Bellevue from 15 th
September, 2013. He is very enthusiastic about the pastoral work and he is very much
loved by the parishioners and confreres.
Meeting with the Bishop of Annecy
Fr. Ives Carron, the Provincial of Franco
Swiss Province, had scheduled my
meeting with the Bishop of Annecy on
4th February, 2014. During my talk with
him, the Bishop expressed his gratitude
to the MSFS fathers supporting the
diocese and he was very positive and
appreciative of the work done by the
Indian confreres in the Diocese of
Annecy. He has placed our fathers
mostly in the Chablais region, where our patron realized the missionary work. It is very
encouraging to note that almost the entire Chablais region is under the pastoral care of
the MSFS once again. During my talk with him I presented to him the need to support
our Chad-Cameroon Mission and he has promised to send regular mass stipends for our
fathers who are in the formation houses in Chad-Cameroon for the coming two years.
Fr. Ives Carron, the Provincial of Franco-Swiss Province, explained to the bishop the
different needs of our African Mission and he was very helpful in organizing this
meeting with the Bishop.
Meeting with Rev. Fr. Emile Mayoraz: On 6th February, I visited our community in
Bonlieu, Switzerland and had meeting with Fr. Emile Mayoraz and Fr. Kurian
Poochavalel, the Rector of the Scholasticate in Fribourg. I had a long talk with Fr.
Mayoraz. He is ever active and enthusiastic about the missions. I place on record his
untiring efforts in support of our Chad-Cameroon Mission from the very start of it. Fr.
Mayoraz is now looking forward to supporting the founding of a Salesian Spirituality
Institute in Annecy, which is one of the dream projects of the Mother Province for the
coming years to revive Salesian Spirituality and our missionary dynamism in the Mother
Province.
Franco Swiss Province - General Chapter Decision: One of the decisions of the last
General Chapter was to support and strengthen
the diminishing provinces in the West,
particularly the Franco-Swiss Province. It was
decided also that no existing centre or parish will
be closed in the Mother Province due to the lack
of personnel and that the Indian Provinces
should be generous and willing to help the
Mother Province in reviving the missionary
dynamism. South West Province is committed to
this task and we assure Fr. Ives Carron, the
Provincial and the members of the Franco-Swiss
Province that we will do all that is possible to support our Mother Province by
providing necessary personnel.
Support of Chad Cameroon Mission: One of the objectives of the visitation of
confreres in Franco-Swiss Province was to ensure the
strengthening of ties that exist between the Franco
Swiss Province and the Chad-Cameroon Mission.
Since a few years fathers from the Franco Swiss
Province go to Chad Cameroon for animation of
annual retreats and visit to confreres. Fathers
working in Chad-Cameroon also go for holiday
ministry to some of the parishes in the territory of
Franco Swiss Province. I thank very sincerely the
keen interest and love shown by Fr. Ives Carron, the
Provincial of Franco Swiss Province and the confreres
of the Franco Swiss Province towards the Chad Cameroon Mission and the love and care
he takes of the SW confreres working in the Mother Province. After he has assumed the
office as Provincial he has revived many missionary endeavours in the Province and we
as a Province wish him our support and assure our prayers.
Meeting with Fr. Leo Tanner at San Galen :On
29th January, 2014 I had a meeting with Fr. Leo
Tanner, at San Galen, in Switzerland. He is one
of our benefactors through the contact of Fr.
James
Manjackal
and
Fr.
Mathew
Kozhuppakalam. He has financed us for the
building of the Tejas Chapel in Kengeri. Due to
the problem of the registration of the land and
the permission to be obtained from the DC for
the construction of the chapel, the work is
delayed. I was well received by Fr. Tanner in his
parish residence and I shared with him the concerns regarding Tejas. Fr. Leo Tanner
has agreed to support us for the formation of the seminarians in the future. I thank
sincerely the good offices of Mrs. Margrit Germann and Mr. Albert Germann in making it
possible the meeting with Fr. Leo Tanner and also for accommodating me at their home
and taking me for the meeting with Fr. Leo.
Visitation of Fr. James Manjackal in Germany
On 30th January, 2014 I went to meet Fr. James Manjackal at his place by the border with
Austria in Germany. Fr. James stays at the house of Richard and Gaby and ground floor
of their house is adapted as a rehabilitation centre for Fr. James. I stayed in the family,
met Fr. James and had Holy Mass with him twice and I also spoke with Richard and
Gaby. Fr. James is unable to stand up and walk on his own. But he has tremendous faith
that God will make him do it. I admire his trust in God and will- power which make him
to do the work-out every day and his passion for bringing people to Christ. He has made
tremendous progress from when I met him in July 2013. Gaby, Richard and his family
have put their heart and mind in the care of Fr. James and I take this opportunity to
thank them sincerely on behalf of the Congregation and SW Province for the love and
care shown towards Fr. James. From 8-11th May, he was preaching a retreat in Poland.
Fr. James has sent me the following message on the eve of his first retreat after the
recovery: My dear Confreres in Christ Jesus,
I use this opportunity to thank you for your valuable prayers for my recovery of health. I
could really feel the power of the prayers of my confreres while I was fighting for life in
three hospitals. Thank God Jesus gave me back my life. Now I have my private therapies in
the house of my friend. Still I am unable to stand up or walk by myself. I say mass, hear
confessions, and pray for healing for those who come here; and sometimes give talks and
retreats through skype. From May 8th to 11th I will go to Poland to preach a large retreat
for 10 000 people. Of course I will be preaching from my wheel chair!.On 24th April I fell
down while trying to stand up from the bed and I have sprain on my left knee and foot. I
have swelling and pain. This year I will have five more other retreats. Although I was in the
ventilator for four months, the Lord gave me back my voice. So I have to be grateful to my
Lord by using my voice in preaching the Gospel. That is why I go to preach in spite of my ill
health. Please continue to pray for my full recovery if it is God’s plan. Otherwise pray that I
may preach Jesus even if I am on bed or on the wheel chair-that’s all what I desire in my
life. Daily in my Mass, prayers and sufferings I think of my dear confreres. Yes, I love you
and pray for you. God bless you richly in your ministry.
Fr. James Manjackal
VISITATION OF SW CONFRERES IN THE U.S.A VICE PROVINCE
I made the canonical visitation of the SW confreres working and studying in the U.S.
from 8th to 28th February 2014. Fr. Augustine Tharappel, the U.S.A. Vice Provincial had
made all the arrangements for my visiting Visa and also welcomed me to the U.S. I
landed in Houston on 8th February and fathers Mathew Thottiyil and Fr. Jaison
Pezhathinal picked me up at the airport.
SW Province Confreres in the Houston Galvestine Archdiocese
SW Province has got four of our confreres
working in the Houston-Galvestine Archdiocese.
Fr. Mathew Thottiyil is Asst. Pastor at Sts.
Simon and Jude Church, The Woodlands, TX. He
is very much loved by the pastor and the
parishioners. I had the joy of celebrating holy
Mass in his parish and dining with his pastor. Fr.
Mathew is very much mission-oriented and he
makes all possible efforts to find out sponsors
for our seminarians and for other specific mission projects of our Province. He is
instrumental in organizing an annual second collection for our missions in India. Fr.
Mathew will be completing his term of services in the U.S soon and we expect him to be
back in India by March-April 2016.
Fr. George Vattappara is Asst. Pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Church at Woodlands, TX.
This is a big parish with a lot of activities organized in the parish. Fr. George is very
much loved by the pastor and the parishioners. I had the joy of celebrating holy Mass in
this church too. Fr. George is organizing a lot of help for our missions in India and Africa
by way of finding sponsors for our seminarians and making annual second collection in
the parish for specific mission projects in India. He is also completing his term of
pastoral services in the U.S and is expected to return to India by March-April 2016.
Fr. Santy Kochupurackal is serving as Asst. Parish Priest at St. Lawrence Church, Sugar
Land, TX. This is one of the biggest parishes in the Archdiocese and the services of Fr.
Santy are very much appreciated by the pastor and the parishioners. Fr. Santy is very
enthusiastic in finding sponsors for the specific mission projects of the Province and he
had introduced me to a few benefactors of the Province in Houston. From his parish too
the annual second collection for the Province’ mission is done since a few years. Fr.
Santy is also in the U.S.A Vice Province Council as advisor, representing the short term
members.
Fr. Jaison Pezhathinal is also Asst. Pastor at St. Antony of Padua Church in Woodlands,
TX. He has well endeared himself to the pastor and to the parishioners and his services
are well appreciated. Fr. Jaison is also keen in finding sponsors for seminarians and for
the Nest Project and was instrumental in the annual second collection taken in the
parish for the SW missions together with Fr. George Vattappara. I had the joy of
celebrating Holy Mass in all the parishes in Houston where our fathers are working.
Meeting with the Auxiliary Bishop of Houston: As part of my canonical visitation of
the confreres I met the Auxiliary Bishop of Houston, who is immediately in charge of the
priests in the Diocese. He was very happy with the services of our fathers in the
Archdioceses and asked me to make available the services of at least two more priests. I
thank sincerely our four fathers in Houston for their team-work, commitment and love
for the mission of the Province.
Meeting with Fr. Augustine Tharappel, U.S.A ViceProvincial: On12 February 2012 I travelled to Tylor
along with Fr. Jaison and Fr. Santy and spent the day
with Fr. Augustine. He welcomed us warmly at WellSpring and I had a formal meeting with the Vice
Provincial of U.S.A concerning different areas of
collaboration between SW Province and U.S.A Vice
Province. A few things that emerged in the
discussions were:
 Agreement with U.S.A Vice Province for providing priests in two permanent
parishes that will be taken up by the Vice Province.
 Collaborating with the Well-Spring ministry directed by Fr. Augustine.
 Giving more permanent members for the Vice Province from SW Province.
 Having a joint retirement home for the SW confreres and U.S.A Vice Province
members in the territory of the SW Province in India.
I place on record the keen interest and support given by Fr. Augustine to SW Province
and to the SW Province confreres working and studying in the U.S.
From Houston I travelled to Atlanta. Fr.
Sunny Punnakuzhiyil is made pastor
at St. John Neumann Church, Lilburn,
GA. It is a big parish and he has an
associate pastor who takes care of the
Hispanic community. Fr. Sunny is very
much appreciated by the Archbishop
and the parishioners. He stepped in as
pastor at a difficult moment in the
parish and he has brought order,
financial stability and cooperation of
the members. Fr. Sunny too supports our various mission projects in the Philippines
Delegation, by finding benefactors and supporters.
Fr. Mathew Eledathumadathil is the parish priest at St. Alphonsa Church, Loganville,
GA, which belongs to St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago. Fr. Mathew is very
much loved by the parishioners for his balanced approach and amiable dealings with
people. When I met Bishop Angadiath of Chicago St. Thomas Diocese, he was full of
appreciation for Fr. Mathew. He is recently made the Proto-Presbyter (Forane
Vicar) and as one of the Eparchical Consulters of the Diocese. Fr. Mathew too is very
active in finding benefactors and supporters for the Province.
Fr. Joseph Kuzhupil is the pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Signal Mountain, TN.
It is a parish very adjacent to the Alexian Village of Tennessee. Because of the inclement
weather, I could not visit the Bishop of Knoxville nor stay overnight with Fr. Joseph. The
people whom I met in the parish speak very well of Fr. Joseph and his services to the
parish. He has constructed a beautiful Stations of the Cross with the inscription of the
MSFS contribution to the Parish. Fr. Joseph is very much active in the mission appeal
program which is organized by the U.S.A Vice Province. Fr. Joseph is completing his
tenure of services in the U.S. and his future plans are being discussed and they will be
finalized soon.
Fr. Augustine Mannaparambil is rendering his pastoral services as chaplain to the
Alexian Village of Tennessee at Signal Mountain TN. He will be completing six years of
services in this capacity and he wishes to move to a parish. Preparations are on for his
move from Signal Mountain. Alexian brothers and the residents of Alexian Village are
full of praise for the dedicated services and availability of Fr. Augustine. I met the
community of Alexian brothers and their Superior General and thanked them on behalf
of our fathers for the care shown to them.
In Atlanta, Fr. Joseph Pottemmel, the Vice Province Director of MSFS Development
Office, had arranged a dinner for me with all the MSFS fathers working in Atlanta area at
our Fransalian Centre for Spirituality. I thank Fr. Joseph Pottemmel for his kind gesture
and for the hospitality. Fr. Joseph Mullakkara, Fr. Mathew Thayyil and Fr. John DeVore
were present for the dinner, with our SW Province fathers. I thank Fr. Joseph
Mullakkara for his support for the Province and also for making special arrangements
for my travel on the day of my arrival in Atlanta, as the roads were icy with the recent
snow. Our fathers in Atlanta had arranged for me a meeting with the Archbishop of
Atlanta and the bishop spoke very highly about the dedicated services of our fathers in
the Archdiocese. He also requested me to send more fathers to work in the Archdiocese
and proposed the idea of entrusting the MSFS with a permanent parish.
From Atlanta I flew to Harrisburg, where two of our fathers have joined in the Diocese
of Harrisburg. Fr. John Melukunnel, who is at present the Asst. Pastor at St. Patrick
Cathedral, came to the airport to pick me up and I was staying with him during my visit
of the confreres in Harrisburg and Allentown. Fr. John is learning the American culture
and making earnest effort to engage in active pastoral ministry. His pastor was very
kind and hospitable to me and I thank him for his welcome and facility made available
for stay.
Fr. Anthony Swamy is Asst. Pastor at
St.
Elizabeth
Ann
Seton,
Mechanicsburg. He has integrated
himself very well in the parish and
the Pastor as well as the parishioners
were full of praise for his intelligent
homilies and dedicated services. I
celebrated the Holy Mass in his parish
and his pastor had hosted a dinner in
honour of me together with another
two important priests of the deanery.
From Atlanta we three of us travelled
to Allentown, where Fr. Binoy Kurakalayil is doing his M.Ed studies at De Sales
University, while residing at Assumption Parish Rectory and helping in the parish. We
were cordially welcomed by the Pastor of Assumption Church, Allentnown where Fr.
Johy Kuttikottayil is also staying and teaching at De Sales University. Fr. Bernard
O’Conner, the President of De Sales University had invited us all for a lunch with him
and I thank Fr. O’Conner for his loving gesture and welcome.
From Atlanta I visited Chicago, where Fr.
Tom Pannalakunnel is working with
Alexian Brothers and also completing his
Ph.D studies in Counselling. I met the
brothers in the Alexian community in
Arlington Heights and celebrated Holy Mass
together with the community. Fr. Tom is
working as chaplain to the Alexian Brothers
Health Systems and he resides at St. Thomas
Syro-Malabar Church Rectory at Bellwood, IL.
The Alexian brothers and the hospital staff
are very pleased with the services of Fr. Tom. He is at the verge of completing his
studies and will return to India by March-April 2015. Fr. Tom had arranged for me a
formal meeting with Mar Angadiath, the bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar diocese in
the U.S. The bishop was very appreciative of our pastoral works in the diocese.
Fr. Binu Edathumparambil is doing his studies in Counselling and Psycho-Therapy in
St. Louis and he resides and helps at St. Joseph’s Church in Manchester, MO as Associate
Pastor. I could not visit Fr. Binu in his place, but he drove up to Chicago and we were
together one day. Fr. Binu puts his heart and mind to his studies and he is also
supportive of the mission of the Province by finding sponsors for the formation of
seminarians. He is also very well appreciated by the pastor and the parishioners for his
availability and services. Fr. Binu is expected to complete his studies by 2016 and return
to the province.
Provincial Retreat Information and Reporting to the Secretary
The first General Chapter Retreat for SW Province will be held at Charis Bhavan from
June 15th to 20th, 2014. Arrival for this retreat is at 6.00 pm on 15th June at Charis
Bhavan and it ends on 20th June at 7.45 p.m. All the participants have to attend the full
retreat and no exemptions will be allowed. All the participants should bring along the
MSFS Constitutions and Bible. SW Province has only two of these retreats. The next one
will be at Vinayalaya from 5th to 10th of October, 2014. It is mandatory that all the
members of the Province attend this retreat, as it is also the directives of the Superior
General. This is an exercise of renewal that all the members of the MSFS do together in
the light of the General Chapter and I request all the members to ensure your places for
these retreats. As we have limited rooms in both the places, I suggest that you enlist
yourselves for the retreat at the earliest with the Provincial Secretary, Fr. Joji
Kazhukanolickal, at the earliest. The administration has the responsibility of making
sure that all the members participate in the renewal retreat. If any member does not
participate in the retreat in the Province, he has to attend it with other province
members. Kindly send your personal plan for the retreat to the Provincial Secretary
before 15th June, 2014. There will also be the same retreat for the scholastics at Tejas
and also in Suvidya.
Jubilee Celebration during the Annual Retreat
We will be felicitating the Jubilarians of our Province during the Annual retreat as it was
decided earlier. So I request the jubilarians to make sure your participation in the
retreat and make it known to the Provincial secretary for making necessary
preparations.
Division of the SW Province
The Provincial Administration did the follow up of the referendum we had taken during
the Provincial Congress of 2013 concerning the division of SW Province. The Provincial
Council which met at Vinayalaya on 3rd and 4th of April, 2014 unanimously endorsed the
mind of the majority of the members of the province represented in the Congress and
passed a resolution to present it to the General Council. Accordingly the matter is sent
to the General Council for consideration with due importance and urgency. We await
the decision of the General Council on this matter.
Action Plan of Provincial Congress 2013
One of the resolutions of our Provincial Congress 2013 was that the Local Superiors of
each community will organize a community meeting of all the members at the beginning
of the academic year and have a detailed planning for the year, in terms of ministry and
other works taken up by the community. The local superior will draw a definite action
plan for the year regarding prayer life, common community activities and areas of
common interest. I remind the local superiors to implement this practise of holding a
well prepared community meeting at the beginning of the year for planning and goalsetting.
Sincere Thanks to You, Fr. Joshy Nellimalamattam
Fr. Joshy Nellimalamattam has served the Chad-Cameroon Mission as the Mission
Superior during the past two terms. He fulfilled his responsibility with fidelity and in a
spirit of true love for the Mission. The Provincial administration expresses its sincere
appreciation and gratitude to Fr. Joshy for his sense of dedication, commitment and love
for the mission. I place on record the cheerful availability of Fr. Joshy even when things
were not going well. On behalf of the entire South West Province and very particularly
on behalf of the Chad-Cameroon Mission, I express my sincere appreciation and
gratitude to Fr. Joshy and wish him God's abundant blessings.
New Provincial Administration of North East India Province
The Sixth Ordinary Provincial Congress of the North East India Province elected the
following Confreres to the New Provincial Administration:
1. Fr. Emmanuel Uppamthadathil
2. Fr. Athnas Kerketta
3. Fr. Benoy Veliyathu
4. Fr. Reji Kizhakethalackel
5. Fr. Joseph Kannamangalath
-Admonitor cum Secretary for Education
-Secretary for Mission
-Secretary for Formation
-Secretary for Social and Innovative Ministries
-Provincial Bursar
We wish Rev. Fr. George Panthanmackel, the Provincial, the new Provincial
Administration and all the members of the North East India Province God’s abundant
blessings and our prayerful wishes!
Congratulations to Fr. Tomson Aerathedam, Fr. Vincent
Lourduswamy, Fr. Johnson Kallidukil and Fr. Jacob Karamakuzhy
Superior General has announced the appointment of Fr. Tomson Aerathedam as the
provincial of Brazil province and re-appointment of Fr. Vincent Lourduswamy as the
provincial of Pune Province, Fr. Jacob Karamakuzhy as the provincial of Nagpur
province and Fr. Johnson Kallidukil as the provincial of East Africa province. On behalf
of the South West India Province I felicitate you, dear fathers, and assure the support
and cooperation of SW Province. We wish you God's blessings on your provincial
congress/chapter and pray that there be renewed commitment from all the members to
the mission entrusted to us.
Transfers and Appointments
Fr. Jose Puthiaparambil (Sr) is appointed as the Superior of MSFS House, Kuknoor,
Parish Priest of the future SFS Parish and as Correspondent and Financial administrator
of SFS School, Kuknoor, with effect from 30th of May, 2014 .
Fr. E. Erudaya Raja is appointed as the Financial Administrator of SFS State Syllabus
and SFS ICSE Schools in Koppal and also as the Financial Administrator of SFS High
School at Mundargi, with effect from 5th May, 2014.
Fr. Joy Kochupoovathummuttil is designated for pastoral ministry in the U.S.A.
Fr. Praful Ekka is appointed as the Master of Novices in the Philippine Delegation, with
effect from 3rd June, 2014.
Fr. James Thomas is designated to be appointed as Parish Priest at Sacred Heart
Church, Sidlaghatta with effect from June 3, 2014.
Fr. Thomas Illikkattil is designated to be appointed in the diocese of Chickmagalur
with effect from June 21, 2014.
Fr. George Choorapuzha is appointed as the Director and Administrator of Saumya
Sadan, Mysore with effect from June 5, 2014.
Fr. Joseph Kannadom is designated to be appointed as the Chaplain to Central Jail,
Kannur and as Zonal Director of Prison Ministry, Kannur with effect from 3rd June, 2014.
Fr. T. Paul Raj is appointed to Mermier Bhavan community for teaching French in the
PU College, Hebbagodi. He will reside at Mermier Bhavan till his Visa for Germany is
ready.
Fr. Ekka Sunil is appointed to SFS Seminary Ettumanoor for teaching Hindi and to be
on the staff till his Visa process is completed.
Fr. Shaju Arackal is designated for MSW studies in correspondence and he will reside
at St. John of the Cross Church, Adoor.
Fr. Sudeep Paul is appointed to pioneer in our Shimoga Mission at Shiralakoppa and he
has already taken his residence there from 3rd June, 2014. He is also appointed as the
Vocation Promoter for Karnataka.
Fr. Mathew Kavithazhe is designated for pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of
Angamaly-Ernakulam from 15th of June, 2014.
Fr. Varghese Puthuparambil is designated for pastoral ministry in the diocese of
Neyyattinkara with effect from 5th June, 2014.
Congratulations to our Silver Jubilarians
Very Rev. Fr. Vettuvelil Abraham was born on April 16, 1961 at Vazhoor, Kerala. After
S.S.L.C. he joined the SFS Seminary, Ettumanoor, where he completed his minor
seminary formation and secured first rank in P.D.C. Examinations,
from Kerala University. He did his Novitiate in Salesianum, Visakapatnam, from 1978 79 and made his first profession on June 30, 1979. From 1979-1981 he did his
philosophical studies at J.D.V Pune. He completed his
graduation studies from S.B. College, Changanacherry,
and later obtained his Masters Degree in Philosophy
from J.D.V. Pune. Fr Abraham completed his theological
studies
from
St
Peter’s
Pontifical
Seminary, Bangalore from 1986 - 1990 and was
ordained priest on May 1, 1990 at Holy Cross Church,
Elangoi. After his ordination he was appointed on the
staff of Suvidya College, Bangalore from 1990–1994.
From 1994-1996 he was the parish priest of St Mary’s
Church, Kurumulloor and later he served as the
Director of Charis Bhavan for a few months. Fr
Abraham was sent to the United States of America for
his Doctoral studies in Counseling and he pursued his studies in the U.S from 19972004. He obtained the Doctoral Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the
Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. in 2004. After his return from the U.S,
he was once again appointed as the Director of Charis Bhavan from 2004 - 2008. Fr
Abraham was elected in the General Chapter of 2007 as one of the General Councilors of
the Congregation and he was appointed as the General Secretary for Innovative Ministry
in the Congregation. From 2011-2013 he was the provincial of SW Province. In 2013,
the 18th General Chapter elected him to be the Superior General.
Fr. Kodikuthiyil Henry Jose was born on July 15,
1962 at Maduravely, Kottayam. He joined the Minor
seminary at Ettumanoor in the year 1978. He made his
first profession on June 10, 1982 at Salesianum, Vizag
and perpetual profession on June 5, 1987 at
Vinayalaya, Bangalore. He was ordained a priest on
April 23, 1990 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Thuruthikonam,
Bishop of Vijayapuram at Infant Jesus Church,
Maduravely. After his ordination he was first
appointed as the assistant Parish Priest at St.
Dominic’s Cathedral, Kanjirapally. He obtained
Licentiate in philosophy and Ph.D in theology from the
universities of Fribourg, Switzerland and Leuven,
Belgium respectively. On his return he was appointed to our community at Indian
Institute of Spirituality as the Asst. Director and later the Dean of the Institute. In 2005
he was appointed Rector at Vinayalaya, Bangalore. He was then appointed Rector and
Superior at Saumya Sadan , Mysore. In 2009 he was appointed to our community at
Tejas as the Dean of Studies of the Institute. Then he was appointed Local Superior and
Executive Director of Fides India Society, Kengeri. Fr. Henry is now rendering his
service in different capacities as the dean of studies at Tejas, Co-ordinator of
Benefactors to Scholastics and the Councillor in charge of Formation in the Province. He
is also one of the visiting faculties at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary Bangalore.
Fr. Conrad Sebastian was born on December 6, 1957
at Gumatapuram, Erodu.
He joined the Minor
Seminary, Ettumanoor in the year 1978. He made his
first profession on June 10, 1982 at Salesianum, Vizag
and perpetual profession on June 5, 1987 at
Vinayalaya, Bangalore. He was ordained a priest on
May 7, 1990 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Aruldas James D.D, Bishop
of Ootacamund at St. Mary’s Church, Talavady. The
following are his appointments: Asst. Parish Priest at
Mary of Help of Christians Parish, Vaniyambady,
Formator at SFS Seminary, Ettumanoor, Pioneering
mission to the diocese of Bellary- Church of Our Lady
of Fatima at Munirabad, Superior and Correspondent
of SFS School, Koppal, Provincial Councillor- Councillor in charge of Education, Parish
Priest of St. Mary’s Church, Kolar, Correspondent of SFS School, Srinivaspur, Manager of
SFS Technical Training Institute, Kolar, Pastoral Ministry in the diocese of Tyler-Texas
and Pastoral Ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston, Texas, U.S.A. At present
he is rendering his service at Hebbagodi, Bangalore as the Parish Priest of St. Francis de
Sales Church, Superior of SFS Parish Community, Manager of SFS High School (English
Medium), SFS High School (Kannada Medium), SFS Public School (ICSE) and SFS PU
College.
Fr. Choorapuzha George was born on August 16,
1959 at Ayarkunnam. He joined the Minor seminary at
Ettumanoor in the year 1976. He made his first
profession on June 10, 1981 at Salesianum, Vizag and
perpetual profession on June 5, 1987 at Vinayalaya,
Bangalore. He was ordained a priest on April 20, 1990
by Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathew Vattakuzhy, Bishop of
Kanjirappally at St. Sebastian’s Church, Ayarkunnam.
After his ordination he was first appointed as the
assistant Parish Priest at Parlakhamundi. The
following are his other assignments and centres of
work: Assistant Parish Priest at Palasa, In 1992 he
was appointed to the community of Indian Institute of
Spirituality, Manager cum treasurer of SFS Publications, Asst. Manager and Procurator
at Vinayakumar Estate, Chokkad, Priest-in- charge of the independent mission unit of
Neduveli under St. Xavier’s Parish, Vattappara in the diocese of Neyyattinkara, Parish
Priest of Immaculate Conception Church- Azhikode, Parish Priest of Kannadiparambu,
Procurator and then Rector of SFS Vidyashram -Aluva, Superior of MSFS community
and correspondent of SFS School- Kannur from 2008-2009, Procurator of MSFS House
and SFS School Kannur from 2009-2010, Superior and procurator of MSFS community,
Ulickal and warden of Boys’ Home from 2010-2011, procurator at Divya Jyothi Ashram,
Bathery from 2011- 2014. At present Fr. George is the Director and Administrator of
Saumya Sadan, Mysore.
As Province family we felicitate these four confreres on their entry into the Sacerdotal
Silver Jubilee year. We wish God’s abundant blessings on them and pray that God
continue to guide and protect them in the ministry they render and in their vocation as
consecrated Fransalians. Ad multos annos!
BOARD EXAM RESULTS -2014
In the Board Exam of 2014, all our Schools and Colleges have performed well. The hard
work and commitment of all those confreres in the apostolate of education is reflected
in the exam results of 2014. Our Schools have proved themselves to be the centres of
quality education. Congratulations to the Principals, Managers and Staff, students and
parents for their hard work, dedication and commitment.
School
Students
Appeared
D
I
II
III
-
SFS School, Koppal
89
26
60
3
SFS ICSE School, Koppal
17
8
9
-
32
Highest Total
Mark in Pass %
the
School
593
100
-
93.3%
100
16
3
529
100
585
98.36
SFS School Kannada Medium,
Chintamani
54
SFS School English Medium,
Chintamani
61
12
44
3
1
SFS School, Malur
92
26
55
10
1
SFS School, Savanur
38
22
16
-
-
601
100
SFS School, English Medium
Hebbagodi
98
34
63
1
-
612
100
SFS School Kannada Medium,
Hebbagodi
46
3
26
10
6
542
97.75
SFS ICSE School, Hebbagodi
22
17
5
-
-
94.2%
100
SFS PU College, Hebbagodi
307
15
569
78.50
592
100
SFS School, Kannur
11
7
4
-
-
89%
100
SFS Junior College, Ettumanoor
81
51
28
01
-
96%
98.76
SFS Public School, Ettumanoor
105
66
32
05
02
97%
100
D- Distinction, I- First Class, II- Second Class, III-Third Class
Catechism Camp at Malur
The
Kolar
Apostolic
Community organized its
annual catechism camp from
April 10th to 12th, at Malur.
127 children participated in
the
camp
hailing
from
different parishes of Kolar
Deanery such as Chintamani,
Gokunte, Kadisenahalli, Kolar,
Malur,
Marianpet
and
Srinivaspur. The program was
animated by a group of
confreres, Frs. Jabamalai,
Selvaraj, Jijo, Jerome, Sudeep, Aloysius, Saju, Prabhu, Charles and Robert, Bros. Joby and
Joseph and Pre novice Rosario. The scholastics and sisters from different congregation
in Kolar mission were actively involved in the organization of the program. This was an
occasion for intense faith formation for the children of the Kolar Deanery. The
valedictory ceremony was on April 12th, 2014. It began with the Eucharist celebration
by Rev. Fr. Jabamalai, followed by the distribution of certificates and prizes. We thank
all the confreres in Kolar mission for the deep appreciation they have for the mission,
the support that they give to each other and the communion, oneness they share and
promote among them. Fr. Jabamalai thanked everyone who helped for the success of the
Camp.
Reported by Bro. Joseph Ouseparambil
Sincere Thanks to Miss Rosamma Thomas
Since 2005 Miss Rosamma Thomas, who belongs to the Ancille Secular Institute, has
been working as Project directress of Nest home. As project directress she was very
much part of the growth of this project. She did her best for the development of our
Children’s Village. As a staff of FIDES India Society she has totally given herself for the
growth of the Organization. Very especially as the Project Directress of the Nest Home
she has played a vital role in the formation of the children, who are orphaned and semi –
orphaned.
She
gave
total
commitment to the responsibilities
attached to the project. She played
different roles of mother, teacher,
sister, counsellor and good guide for
the children as well as for the staff.
Since she has been elected as one of
the General Councillors in her
Institute, she is relieved from her
present responsibilities as project
directress of Nest home. We thank
her sincerely in the name of FIDES
India Society and South West India Province for her selfless services and commitment
for the growth of the children. We Wish her all the best in her new responsibility and
pray for God’s abundant blessings upon her.
Reported By Fr. Riju Vazhaparambil
Visit of our Fathers
Fr. Mathew Kozhuppakalam, Fr. Bobby Puthenparambil, Fr. Benny Valiaveettil, Fr. Shino
Puthussery, Fr. Sandeep Tirkey, Fr. Lakra Giridhari, and Fr. Jaison Pezhathinal will be in
India in May- June. We welcome them for their home visit and wish them pleasant stay
and safe trip back.
Change of Address and Phone Numbers
Fr. Chirackalpuraidathil Tomy
St. Joseph’s Church
Addahole PO
Nelliady Via, DK Karnataka
Pin- 574 229
Mobile: 0091 9141827187
Fr. Arokia Swamy
St. Xaviers Church
G.K Road
Sedam -585 222
Gulbarga Dt.
Karnataka
[[[
Fr. Nelson Padikara
Holy Cross Church
Shanti Nilaya
Santhpur PO, Aurad Tk
Bidar- 585 421
Fr. Sujith Pallassery
Orbit
N. H. No. 09, Humnabad TK
Bidar- 585 330
Karnataka
Fr. Shinto Parayankunnel
St. Joseph Church
Hyderabad Rd,
Nr. Shahapur Gate,
Haladkeri PO
Bidar- 585 403
Fr. Sudeep Paul
Vatsalya Nilaya
Opp. to Junior College
Sorabha Road,
Shiralakoppa
Shikaripura, Shimoga
Fr. Santosh Pereira
Shrine of Our Lady of Health
P.B No.19, Church Rd
Harihar PO -577 601
Davanangere Dt.
Fr. Joseph Charles
Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church
Tumarikop, Kalghatgi TK
Dharwad Dt-581 204
Karnataka
Fr. J. Perianayagam
Risen Christ Church
Kavital Manvi TK
Raichur Dt – 584 120
Fr. Jais Mecheril: 0091 9481404007
Fr. Majish Vallisserikettil: 0091 9449118829
Fr. George Choorapuzha: 0091 9611506817
Cease to be member of the Congregation
Bro. Tirkey Jugal, who has been doing regency at Mundargi, made his personal decision
to leave the congregation. We wish him all the best and assure him our prayerful
support.
News about Sick Confreres
Fr. Raison Kaduvakuzhiyil is undergoing a special type of chemo-therapy, which is the
costliest that is available in the country, for the tumour he has in the brain. He appears
to be weaker than before and he needs constant accompaniment for his movements. I
appeal to all of you to intensify our prayers for him.
Fr. Mathew Kavithazhe is undergoing Ayurveda treatment at home and he is keeping
well. He will be assigned for pastoral ministry in Kerala by the middle of June 2014.
Fr. Thomas Mattakarathundiyil is stable in his condition and he moves with the
community as and when he can. We assure you dear father, our prayers and support.
Fr. Antony Mookenthottam underwent the check-up after he experienced pain on the
left side of his chest when he was at Makkiad with the scholastics who were preparing
for the Final Profession. The doctors assure that his condition is stable and that he
needs more rest. He will be operated for hernia on 7th June, 2014. We assure you dear
father, our prayers.
Let us Pray for the Departed
1. Fr. Abraham Chirayil of Vizakh Province passed away on 18.04.2014.
2. Fr. Joseph Karuppannan of Nagpur Province passed away on 29.04.2014.
3. Fr. S.M. Peter of Pune Province passed away on May 21, 2014.
Kindly favour our departed confreres with the suffrages prescribed in our
Constitution.
4. Let us pray for Mariakutty, paternal grandmother of Fr. Bijil Chackiath, who
passed away on June 1, 2014.
My Programme
June 2014
3
6
9
11-12
14
15
16-20
21
22
Home visit for Father’s second death anniversary
Meeting with Bishop of Kannur
Chintamani School building, blessing, Visit to Kolar P.U. College
Suvidya College – Statutes discussion
Opening of the Academic Year – Suvidya
Parish Feast – Kadisenahalli
Province Retreat – Charis Bhavan
Education Forum Meeting – Vinayalaya
Provincial Council Meeting – Kolar
In the Footsteps of our Patron, St. Francis de Sales:
“Planning is useless without the recruitment and appointment of officers, and
appointment is useless without providence which is related to providing what is
necessary for the maintenance of the officers appointed or instructed. Finally, the
upkeep which is done through good government is nothing else than providence
realized. Hence, not only the planning but also the appointment and the good
government of Solomon were called by the name providence. So we do not say that a
person has providence only when he governs well” (SFS Treatise on the Love of God, Bk.
II, Ch. 4).
Fraternally in Christ,
Rev. Fr. Jose Kumblolickal MSFS
Provincial Superior