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Cir.3/10 1st March 2010 “O, how great is the priest! ... If he realized what he is, he would die." St. John Vianney Greetings from Nagpur!
I am just back from the CBCI Meeting in Guwahati which was well organized. Nearly 150 Bishops from our country participated actively in the meeting. The main theme was “Youth for Peace and Harmony”. A statement was released on the last day. The face of India is Young. The average age of the people of our country in 2020 will be 30. Education should propel the young to create a culture of peace and harmony. Pope Benedict XVI strongly affirmed “without the young face the Church would appear disfigured” at San Paulo on May 10, 2007. A youth friendly Pastoral plan in which the young people should be encouraged to have recourse to Word of God, Sacraments, esp. Eucharist was a Road Map proposed. I will send you the message in original later on.
During the General Body meeting we also had some business matters like electing the new office bearers and other things. His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, Archbishop Moran Mor Cleemis of Trivandrum, Bishop George Punnakottil of Kothaamanglam, Archbishop Albert D’Souza of Agra were elected President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President and Secretary General. Our heartiest Congratulations and prayers!
The Cultural Extravaganza of North-east was many times displayed during the meetings. The Chief Minister of Assam Shri. Tarun Gogoi hosted dinner for the Bishops and the Delegates of CBCI. Archbishop Thomas Menanmparambil and his dedicated team did marvellous job for this mega event.
Nine weeks of spiritual journey of Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, to celebrate the great feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on 14th Feb. 2010 had seen the day as the preparation culminated in a breathtaking and enriching celebration, inviting flooding crowd of both Catholics and brethren of other faith in seeking the blessing and favours from the Mother of God at the grotto fondly called lourd mata mandir. The lay participation and enthusiasm is praiseworthy and a living example of living Church. This year’s celebration also marked the 10th anniversary of Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes as a pilgrim centre. I take this opportunity to express my deepest sense of gratitude to Fr. Justus Paul, Fr. George Raj, Fr. Rector, Staff and students (St. Charles’ Seminary) and lay faithful of the parish and of the city who actively participated to make the celebration more organized and meaningful.
The 2010 Lenten message of the Holy Father Benendict XVI has been made public. The text has as its title as passage from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans: “The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ” which was very well explained by Fr. Vincient SAC at the recollection talk on 15th evening. Pope explains the meaning of justice against the background of the creation of Man and viewing man amidst poverty and hunger. Elucidating the cause of injustice Pope goes back to the fall of man emerging as ‘egoism’. He also sheds some light on the meaning of ‘sedaqah’ showing how one can free oneself from this bondage of injustice by surrendering to the will of God and creating a relationship with one’s neighbour. The letter is very enriching and full of Christian thought on the subject of justice so, I request all of you to have a copy and read and meditate upon during this season of grace.
The Global Theme for International Women's Day 2010 is “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities - Progress for All” Every year around the world International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th. Various events occur not just on this day, but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations, Governments and Women's groups around the world choose different themes each year to reflect global and local gender issues. Therefore our Diocese will celebrate the International Women's Day with the theme: “Women are Equal Partners in Building God's Kingdom.”
Each parishes may celebrate the Day on any Sunday in March with this theme. At the diocese level the International Women's Day will be celebrated on Saturday 13th March 2010 at the Diocesan pastoral Centre from 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. The priests of city parishes are requested to send at least 20-25 women representatives from each women’s groups and SCCs from your respective parishes. Reg. fee per person is Rs. 10/- only. Further details will be communicated to you by Sr. Anjana FCC, the Secretary of Nagpur Diocesan Women's Organization. Kindly cooperate with the organization to make this event a success.
Mr. Peter Ghadge, President of CAN is appointed as the member of Nagpur Dist. Minority Commission; we congratulate him.
Rev. Fr. Satish, of Vocationist Fathers is appointed as the 2nd Asst. at St. Anthony’s Parish, Ajni. Some of my Appointments for March
Requesting your prayers for me, assuring mine for you, Yours in the Lord Jesus
+Abraham Viruthakulangara Archbishop of Nagpur |