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Mission |
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Cir.10/09 1st October 2009 “The Priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus” - St. John Vianney
Dear Fathers Brothers & Sisters, I wish you all a happy feast of St. Theresa of Lisieux the patroness of the missions. Though her life was confined to the Convent, and was very sick generally, she used Prayers the weapon of missions, and she is called the patroness of the Mission. May her spirit imbue our life and activities, and encourage us to be more committed to the mission.
The Indian Mission Congress is being held in St. Pius X Seminary from 14th to 18th October. This is a great national event which is the culmination of Diocesan Regional Mission Congresses. The purpose of the Mission Congress is to share our Faith, to proclaim it loudly and to be more enthused in our commitment to the mission. From our Archdiocese seven representatives including myself will attend the Congress. Please support this national event by your prayers.
This year the Mission Sunday will be celebrated on 18th of October. By now we all should have a clear understanding of the purpose of Mission Sunday, and how it is to be celebrated. We have been steadily growing up in our contributions to the Church Universal. Please try to keep this spirit up. Please use the materials you have already received for meaningful celebration of this day. Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for the 83rd World Mission Sunday 2009. "The Nations will walk in its light" (Rev. 21:24). “On this Sunday, dedicated to the missions, I turn first of all to you, my brothers in the Episcopal and the priestly ministry, and then to you, my brothers and sisters, the whole People of God, to encourage in each one of you a deeper awareness of Christ's missionary mandate to "make disciples of all peoples" (Mt 28:19), in the footsteps of Saint Paul, the Apostle of the nations.” Praying for the mission is a great missionary way. Over the years our Archdiocese has been making steady progress in Mission Sunday Collections to Propagation of Faith. I hope this year too, the Parish Priests and heads of institutions will make serious efforts to increase the contribution from our faithful and others and forward the same without delay to the office.
I am happy to re-constitute the Priests’ Council of Nagpur Archdiocese for the ensuing three years. The Members are: Elected: Frs. Felix Moras, Albert D’ Souza, Dominic Mendonca OP, Joseph Quadros, Rudolf Toppo, Anthony D’ Souza, Anto Kaitharath SAC, Robert Nicholas. Ex Offcio: Frs. Jerome Pinto V.G, Sebastian Annaikandathil MSFS Provincial. Nominated: Frs. John Monteiro, Patrick Lemos, Justus Paul, Daniel Rodgers and Ignatius Anthony.
The first meeting of Priests Council was held on 30th September and Fr. Robert was elected the Secretary Annual Clergy retreat will be preached by Fr. L. Legrand a great Scripture Scholar from Bangalore. Please try to be here by Sunday 18th October for Supper and the retreat will be over by Friday 23rd evening. Please request your parishioners and community to pray for a fruitful retreat esp. during this year for Priests.
Maharashtra State goes to the Assembly Elections on 13th of October. I encourage all our Catholics to exercise their voting rights, and vote for secular democratic candidates who will work for the welfare and progress of the state and the Country. Let us pray for a peaceful election process.
On Saturday 24th morning at 6.30 we have the usual Mass for the deceased members of the Archdiocesan family at S F S Cathedral. All are invited and also for the simple breakfast after the Mass
Once again I remind you of the Charismatic Retreat from 29th October to 1st November by Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C. and team from Muringoor. This will be held at the SFS High School Grounds. Elaborate preparations are going on for this Diocesan Spiritual event. Please encourage your faithful to attend this spiritual Banquet in large numbers. Please contribute generously towards defraying the expenses. There will be special arrangements for the faithful coming from mission stations.
I will be going Germany (Regensburg) for the beatification of Blessed Bro. Eustachius Kugler a member of the Order of St. John of God. I am an aggregate member of this Order. Few delegates are going from India for these celebrations from 3rd -5th October. I will be accompanying this group. Please pray for me.
Some of my engagements for October 1st - 6th : In Germany 8th : Pastoral visit to Padri Thana (feast of St. John Calabria) 9th-10th : Guwahati & Imphal 11th : Pastoral visit to Jaitala parish 12th : Gathering of Priests ordained in October 13th : Mass at Convent Charity Sisters for the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Irma 14th-18th : Mumbai for Mission Congress 18th : Evening to 23rd Evening attend Clergy Retreat 24th : Morning Mass for the deceased members of the Archdiocese, at SFS Cathedral 31st : 11.00 a.m. Blessing of the Convent of Claretian Sisters, Buti Bori 30th- 1st Nov. : Charismatic Retreat “Ish Vachan Mahotsav” at Nagpur
Requesting your prayers for me and promising mine,
Yours fraternally, +Abraham Viruthakulangara |