NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCEMSFS PROVINCIALATE

GPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510

Email: fthadam@gmail.com / frantv270208@hotmail.comFT/34 – Circular – October 2011

Dear Confreres,Greetings to everyone! October is traditionally celebrated as the month of Rosary. For Catholics, the month is a time of intense spiritual renewal. Praying the rosary in small and large groups is a common sight during the month. Rosary has been the favorite prayer of many saints and popes. Both the learned and the ordinary people have found strength from it. The power of praying the Rosary is well recorded in the tradition and even today, people share their personal experiences of receiving blessings. Our Constitutions recommend fostering special devotion to our Blessed Mother. Let us also deepen our relationship with Mary through daily praying of the Rosary. Moreover, the month is a good occasion to educate our people on the Sorrows of Mary and to relate those sorrows with the sufferings that surround the lives of people. It is a great opportunity to help our communities draw inspiration from Mary’s own acceptance and response to sufferings. Let us also take a special attention to spread the devotion to Mother of Compassion through the seven dolours. I entrust all of you to the maternal protection of our blessed Mother. May she guard us and the communities we serve! The Action plans of the Provincial Chapter 2011It is about six months since we concluded the Provincial chapter 2011. Let us all review the Action plans of the Provincial Chapter 2011. All of us have a role to play in the implementation of the action plans we have commonly adopted. A constant re-look at these action plans will assist us to implement them. I call upon every confrere of the Province to do what is expected of as a member of the religious family of the Province. Moreover, I request everyone’s cooperation in implementing these plans to the best of our good intentions.

Regional Pastoral Conference 2011The North eastern Regional pastoral conference was held at NEDSSS, Guwahati from Sept 12- 15, 2011. In all, 133 members participated in the three day program, which deliberated at length on the theme of Formation of men and women for pastoral ministry. The papers presented by different persons highlighted the various aspects of formation and the necessity of providing a formation suitable to all the formees. The sessions have highlighted the challenge to instill the kind of attitude and disposition needed for today’s missionaries and pastors. At this Conference, I also was given the opportunity to give a presentation on the missionary-pastoral aspects of formation. CRI Regional MeetingThe Regional conference of the CRI was also held at NEDSSS from Sept 9-12, 2011. The Conference discussed on the theme of Educational leadership. The resource persons placed the characteristic traits of Catholic policy on education and the requirement of networking among the religious communities to achieve the goals of catholic education in the region. It calls for a greater collaboration and sharing of personnel. Some discussions were also held concerning the provisions of the RTI and RTE. The annual meeting usually brings all the religious superiors of both men and women congregations working in the region on a common platform and to deliberate on relevant issues and concerns. The Second annual Retreat for the year 2011The second annual retreat for the year concluded on Oct 7 th. 55 confreres participated in the five day retreat, which was animated by Frs. Thumma Mariadass and Fr. Wilson Adackaparayil. Based on the theme of Community living, the retreat has given a better awareness for the participants regarding the value and importance of community living. Let us all take special effort to become better members of

our communities! We thank the animators for giving their valuable time for us. Thank you dear Fathers Thumma Mariadass and Wilson.

Local Communities and Local superiorsDuring the last three decades of our presence in the region, we have spread to all the states of the Northeast. Many speak of this fast growth that we have made in the region. We all know that the growth of our province is a gift from God. And we thank God for this growth. However, it is clear that certain Constitutional formalities were not taken into consideration as we spread out in the northeast. One anomaly is that our communities have not been constituted as local communities according to the norms laid down in the Constitutions of the Congregation. The General administration has asked us to attend to those formalities and take care of the religious life of our confreres. I am grateful to the Superior General in assisting us to rectify the anomalies by permitting us to have local communities in the province. In the First Phase of this process, the Superior General as approved the following communities to be formally constituted in the province:

Proposed Local communities in Northeast India ProvincePhase I

No. Community Place Other places included in the proposed community

Diocese ProposedSuperiors

1 L.C MSFS Provincialate Narengi

Nill Guwahati --------

2 N.L.C Rukmanigaon Chandrapur, DBU Guwahati Fr. Jose Mundoly

3 N.L.C Chappar, Bashbari, Panishali Bongaigaon Fr. John Bosco Khakha

4 L.C MSFS Study House Mawroh Shillong

Nill Shillong Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil

5 Formed Community

Holy Redeemer Retreat Centre Umroi,Shillong

Nill Shillong Fr. John Karondukadavil

6 N.L.C Amlarem Mawryngkneng Jowai Fr. Roy Parayaniyil

7 N.L.C Mawkhlam Umwahlang Nongstoin Fr. Joby Kurikilamkattu

8 L.C Nongalbibra Nill Tura Fr. Thomas Nirappel

9 L.C Medziphema Nill Kohima Fr. Kurian Ovelil

10 L.C SFS Seminary Medziphema

Nill Kohima Fr. Sebastian Kuzhuppil

11 N.L.C Peren Tening Kohima Fr. Kurian Pattimackel

12 N.L.C Kangpokpi Mantripukhri Imphal Fr. Thomas Kochuparathanath

13 L.C Purul Nil Tezpur Fr. Simon Thaikho14 N.L.C Silapathar Dhemaji, Gogamukh Tezpur Fr. Thomas

Kollathuvayalil15 N.L.C Jonai Telam Tezpur Fr. Peter

Parankimalil16 L.C Pasighat Nill Itanagar Fr. George

Poothankunnel17 L.C Yingkiong Nill Itanagar Fr. Joseph

Chackkalackal18 N.L.C Basar Likabali Itanagar Fr. Thomas

Varapadavil19 N.L.C SFS College

AaloMarjum Mem. Public School, St. Mary’s Church, Aalo

Itanagar Fr. Mathew Puthumana

20 L.C Kaying Nill Itanagar Fr. Augustine Thundathil

21 L.C Tato Nill Itanagar Fr. Lukose Kavungal

22 L.C Diphu Nill Diphu Fr. Varghese Chackalamuriyil

23 L.C Hamren Nill Diphu Fr. Biju Kanicheriyil24 L.C Chabua Nill Dibrugarh Fr. Joseph

Thazhathukunnel25 L.C Sindukpathar Nill Agartala Fr. Tomy Thekkel26 L.C Manikbond Nill Aizawl Fr. Abraham

Puthenpurackal27 L.C Sateek Nill Aizawl Fr. Santhosh

Chavaranal28 L.C Galsi Nill Asansol Fr. Varghese

Vanisseril29 L.C Vinaya Bhavan

ThamarasseryNill Thamarassery Fr. Pius Nellianiyil

Animation Program for the Local superiorsIn view of appointing superiors to the above mentioned communities, a two day animation program has been scheduled for October, 26-27. The animation program is mandatory for the proposed local superiors. The newly appointed apostolic community conveners are also to attend this animation program. May these efforts become a source of blessing to all of us in the province!

Frau Sümpelmann turns 100 yearsFrau Irmgard Sümpelmann, a great friend of the msfs, has turned 100 years on September 12, 2011. She

hails from Hildesheim in Germany. On this great occasion we join her in praising God. She served as a teacher and has been involved in the life of her community. For her 100th birthday celebration, she sent me a handwritten invitation letter! Although, I missed the opportunity to be present for the celebration, some of our confreres were there to greet and pray with her. Her life is an inspiration to all of us. She has supported our province in many ways. While acknowledging her love and support to our missions, we fondly recall the motherly care given to

many of our confreres. Thank you dear Frau Sümpelmann! May the Lord reward your generosity and love! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our Mission in Mizoram- another milestoneOur mission in Mizoram is another milestone in the history of our missions in the northeast. We have established our presence in Mizoram with a small but a well constructed presbytery, which was inaugurated and blessed on August 27th in the presence of a large number of people, children, religious and priests of the diocese of Aizawl. We thank God for this new establishment and remain ever grateful to all our benefactors and friends who have supported this humble beginning. (Fr. Lijeesh Kaduthanat msfs)

Cemetery, Stations of the Cross, Seven Dolours Rosary Path at MowrohOur Cemetery at Shillong has a beautiful trail of Stations of the Cross and Stations of the sorrowful Mother. The Trail provides an excellent path to the Cemetery. Mr Hubert Sangma and his team of workers have done the work and the fibre fresco depicting the various scenes of the Stations of the Cross and Stations of the sorrowful Mother have been bought from Krishnagar. The execution of the project was supervised by Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil and Joseph Kannamanagalath. They deserve our sincere thanks and appreciation. Thank you dear confreres for your patient

and meticulous supervision of the work!

The Study house also has a fresh look with new paints. Moreover, a few more guest rooms have been added to accommodate our confreres and other guest who visit Shillong. All these were possible due to tireless efforts of our confreres. In particular, I thank Fr. Emmanuel for contacting benefactors and friends in support of this project. We owe our gratitude to all the friends who supported us with finance. The Grotto and beautiful front area at novitiate, ChabuaA beautiful surprise waits for those who have not visited Novitiate in the recent past. A well designed pool surrounded by a lawn and flowers, offers a warm welcome to the visitors to Novitiate. It is elegant! Enter the novitiate, you stand facing an exquisite grotto of our Blessed Mother, drawing even a casual visitor to a deep sense of calmness, peace, and serenity. The project has been designed and implemented by Fr. Jojan Plathottathil under the leadership and guidance of Fr Joseph Thazhathukunnel, the novice master.

It is indeed a work of love, and an art of beauty. I truly appreciate the hard work put in by our confreres and the novices. I offer my sincere thanks to all of them. Fr. Joseph Thazhatukunnel has raised funds for this work through his contact with several benefactors. I also offer my thanks to all the benefactors and friends, who supported this project.

Developmental projects: Village Churches, village schools, extension of school, and vehiclesA number of projects are under various stages of implementation in the province. All these have been possible due to the assistance of our confreres working and studying abroad. Their keen interest in finding resources and saving them for the various needs of the province is admirable. I sincerely thank all our confreres for their sincere efforts in raising funds for the needs of the province. Some of the current projects in the province are implemented because of the efforts of John Kuttikottayil, Mathai Ottapallil, Saji Puthiyakulangara, Sabukuttan Francis, Benoy Veliyath, Sunny Panthanazhivadakethil, Emmanuel Mappilaparambil, Joseph Thazhathukunnel, and Davis Chackaleckel. These and other confreres also have found sponsors for seminarians and poor children. They also find financial support for several programs and projects as well as getting mass intentions. I wish to acknowledge the efforts of all our confreres in mobilising funds. There are also a number of benefactors whose love for the missions has no limit. They also find creative ways to mobilise funds for our missions. I gratefully remember all the benefactors and friends who have been generous in sharing their love and generosity with us. May the Lord reward them all abundantly! Social ministry through FAsCE India FAsCE India, the social ministry organ of the province, has been actively involved in social ministry. Now, Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil has taken the charge as executive director of FAsCE India. The patient work of Shaji Fernandes, the assistant director and coordinator of project works in the province, has borne rich fruits. He has been meticulous in his work and planning of the projects and we have been able to mobilise funds through some agencies for certain social projects. Now, we need to implement the programs well and show FAsCE India as a credible and responsible agency fully engaged in relevant social action. We have a long way to go but we can certainly do it. It calls for the cooperation of everyone in the province. Particularly, I thank the confreres who are directly involved in social work ministry. Let these small efforts become new milestones in our common commitment to the marginalized and the poor!

Renewal of Christian lifeThe service of our confreres in preaching ministry continues to offer life-renewal to people. Today, Holy Redeemer Renewal Centre continues to cater to people of all walks of life. We thank God for the gift of our confreres in preaching ministry that has contributed to the growth of Christian life. Fr. John Karondukadavul had preached a series of retreats in Poland in the month of July- September. I sincerely thank him for taking up that ministry. Through his ministry in Poland, the Province has received some funds for its works. I sincerely thank Fr. John for his commitment. Our centre at Umroi requires more structures and other needs. We are also in the process of starting another renewal centre at Mawkhlam. The plan for a hall is underway. Pray that we may find sponsors who might support us in building up this new venture. I seek your prayers for the success of this new venture.

Italia Solidale, a movement originated in Italy, has spread all over the world. It is an excellent tool for renewing Christian life in the villages. Fr. Milkius Tirkey, who participated in the international meeting of this movement in Kenya this June, is very much associated with this movement. Currently he has introduced the concept of this movement in Gogamukh parish. I have been able to participate in one of their gatherings. The animators have spoken about the parivarthan ( Transformation) that has happened due to the introduction of this movement within the villages. Gradually, it is possible to introduce this movement to all our parishes.

New Venturesa. Mawkhlam in Nongstoin diocese

Mawkhlam is a village at a distance of three kilometres from the town of Nongstoin. The village has a good catholic population. Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, bishop of Nongstoin has been inviting us to open a retreat Centre. The Bishop has already created the parish of Mawkhlam by bifurcating 6 villages of the parish of Nongstoin. It is being entrusted to us on a permanent basis. There are two village schools and a high school at Mawkhlam. The area has high prospects for pastoral works and educational ministry. The Bishop also expects us to start a retreat

Centre at this place and for which he has donated a plot of land to the Congregation. In view of our ministry at this place, Fr. Joby Kurukilamkatt and Fr. Mathew Edattu are already staying in a house, which is donated by the village people. The diocese has great expectations from us. We cannot let down the diocese and the people. I invite everyone to pray for the success of this new venture of our province.

b. Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh

Tuting is a remote village under Yimkiyong parish in Arunachal Pradesh. Bishop John Thomas of Itanagar has been requesting us to open a centre at Tuting. Starting of an independent Centre in this remote place may be a distant reality. However, the province has taken the step to meet the pastoral needs of the community at Tuting. Fr. Bernard Sangma, who is no stranger to Arunachal missions, has been assigned to the community at Yimkiyong. With the support of the other confreres, he will be attending to the pastoral care of the people of Tuting and surrounding villages. Let us support Fr Bernard as he gives himself to this mission. Provincial Chapters and CongresesSouth West Province: Provincial Chapter of South West Province will be held in Vinayalaya, Bangalore from October 17-21, 2011. The theme: “Re-Discovering msfs Identity: A Prophetic Response to emerging threats to our Missionary life and Religious life”

Nagpur Province: Provincial Congress of the Nagpur Province will be held from October 24-29, 2011. The theme of the Congress is “Imbued with the spirit of Christ, for community-Centered life and Mission as Prophecy”.

Pune Province: Provincial Congress of the Pune Province will be held from October 24-28, 2011. The Theme: “I Want mission” – Rediscovering the new Spiritual and Prophetic Horizons of our Fransalian Vocation”. Let us keep the confreres of these provinces in our prayer. May these Provincial Congresses and Chapter become resting places for their continued journey as Fransalian missionaries.

Retreat for children at MawkhlamWe the youth of Mawkhlam and the neighboring villages came together for a retreat at Mawkhlam village Church. The three day retreat ( 15-17th July 2011) took us to the mystery of God’s immense love. During these days, we were helped to come out of our fears, doubts and be healed of our wounds of the past. The Retreat animated by Fr. Joby Kurikilamkattu MSFS has helped us to come closer to God. We also received a lot of instruction as well as practical guidance on spiritual life. We thank God for the blessings we have received during this retreat. (Reported by Mr. Melansius Kharbani, Youth President)

Hearty Congratulations

Congratulations to Fr. Siby Mattapallil, for securing first class for M. Ed from National Institute for Teacher Education, Guwahati, Assam.

Confreres on home visits, treatment and other programs

Frs. Joseph Illickal and Thomas Vanderkunnel are on home visit. They will be also undergoing some medical treatment while in Kerala. As such, they will not be in a position to make visit to northeast.

Fr. George Thayilkuzhithottu is on home visit. He is expected to reach Northeast on Oct 12 and will be visiting some of the centers.

Fr. Carlos Barowa has completed the German language course at Max Mueller Bhavan. Due to the delay in the process of his passport, he is not able to leave for the proposed study in Switzerland in October. He will be at the service of the community at Gogamukh till he obtains the visa.

Fr. Stephen Marayikulam (jr) is waiting for his visa. As soon as it arrives, he will be leaving to Austria for pastoral ministry.

The immigration process for Frs. Saneesh Plakoottathil and Jijesh Palatty is almost nearing completion. If everything turns out for the good, they will be able to leave for Southern Africa by the end of November.

Fr. Francis Poovelil has reached Rome and has started his study program in Angelicum. His

address is: Instituto Oblati, Via Casilina, 205, 00176, Rome. Ph. Tel Phone: 0670614386-222/ 0670614542-222

Fr. Athnas Kerketta will be defending his thesis on October 26. Let us keep him in our prayers.

Important moments to remember October 24: The Foundation day of our Congregation. Let us have the Devotional renewal of

vows on this day. For more details please see the Supplementary to the MSFS Directory p.49-50 October 26-27: The animation program for the local superiors and apostolic conveners at msfs

Provincialate, Guwahati. Rev. Fr. Jose Parappillil msfs will be animating the sessions. Oct 30: The Centre at Galsi in west Bengal will be raised as a parish in the diocese of Asansol.

The provincial curia will be present for the ceremony. Nov 1-7: The animation of the Provincial team at Visakhapatnam by the General curia members.

All the Provincial councillors and bursars are expected to participate in the animation program. Let us pray for the departed

Fr. Placide Dayer, a member of Franco-Swis province, who passed away on 14 th September 2011. He was 84 Years Old.N.M. Thomas, Elder brother of Fr. Sebastian Needukunnel, who passed away on 29 th September 2011. He was 72 years old.Mr. Kurian Uppamthadathil Uncle of Fr. Emmanuel Uppamthadathil, who passed away on 23rd

September 2011.Mr. Jonas Hasda, Grandfather of Fr. Sudhir Hasda, who passed away on 16th September 2011.

Programs and visits of Fr. ProvincialOctober 2011

2-7 : Annual Retreat #02, Narengi09 : Shillong archdiocesan Youth day, Mawryngkneng13-15 : Visit to Manikbond16-17 : Aizawl diocesan Women Convention, Mammit.24 : Parents Day Celebration, Silapathar 26-27 : Animation for local superiors and apo. Conveners.

Visit of the Provincial of St. Ann’s Sisters.

28: : Parents Day Celebration, Panishali29 : Visit to Galsi30 : Opening of Parish at Galsi, Asansol diocese31 : Travel to Visakh

November 20111-7 : Animation for the provincial team, Vizag08 : Suvidya Governing body meeting, Vizag09 : Return to Guwahati11/12 : Holy Cross sisters- provincial’s visit.12-13 : Mission Congress, Shillong15 : Blessing of the New wing, Medziphema

Conclusion As conclude this circular dear confrere, my thoughts are suddenly directed to the Survey Results. As you know, prior to the Provincial Chapter, we allowed ourselves to be evaluated by us and others. We looked at our life, ministry and organizational capacity. The Survey clearly points out that an enemy called Average is eating us up. The results call us to break the chains of mediocrity and strive to live our life and witness with a fresh enthusiasm as consecrated persons fully committed to a common mission.

Dreams! Do we not hold in our hearts certain dream for our Province? For that dream to be realised, the Province needs nothing less than the complete commitment of all of us. From this average-ness we have to take our province to the dream we hold in our hearts. The dream can become a reality only when we place unreservedly all the unique qualities and abilities. Moreover, as a Province community, we are endowed with a certain mixture of abilities and opportunities that make us unique in the map of this region. It is very clear that no mixture is insignificant. And I believe that there's something within each of us crying out to be above average and extraordinary. "Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything"(Napoleon Hill). Each of us has to desire the new journey for removing every limiting area of mediocrity. We have to become more vibrant in our ministry and truly fervent in our religious practices. We have to be on the right track. "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" (Will Rogers). In the joy of a renewed spirit, we have to keep moving on... To that hallowed journey, let us show the dogged resoluteness. FraternallyYours in Christ,

Fr. Francis Thadathil, msfs ProvincialNortheast India Province

Walking in the path of the Patorn

“Prayer must be loved, but it must be loved for the love of God ” SFS