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Cir.11/09. 1st November 2009 “Oh, how I love the priesthood!” – The Little Flower
Dear Fathers, Brothers & Sisters,
I wish you a very happy feast of All Saints. May the Saints be an example of holiness, pray for us to thank and praise the Lord. In the month of November we remember the dead and pray for their souls. Remembering our ancestors and those who have gone before us is a good practice in many religions. And for us Christians who believe in a life after death praying for the deceased is beneficial for us & those for whom we pray. Let this good practice be reflected in our liturgy and prayer life of this month.
The Mission Congress in Mumbai with the theme Let Your Light Shine was a grand success. The organization, participation and the input sessions were great. The most striking events were sharing by people who have witnessed Jesus in their lives, and sharing in the groups how personally the Lord has touched their lives. Nearly 115 bishops, many priests, religious and lay people totaling about 1500 people participated. A significant message has been sent out at the end of the Congress asking all Christians to BECOME THE MESSAGE AND THE MESSENGER and be witnesses by our lives.
The Charismatic Retreat in Nagpur was a land mark in the life of our Archdiocese. Fr. Augustine Vallooran VC, and team from Muringoor did a marvelous job in pouring the Word of God on the listeners. An average of 4000 people listened with captured attention to the preaching. The Liturgy, the Adoration etc., were very much appreciated as they raised the hearts of the faithful to the Lord. During the concluding Mass Fr. Augustine Valloran said “This is the new face of the Church in Nagpur, its Shepherd, Priests, Religious and faithful gathered in large numbers celebrating their faith at the Eucharist. Can we continue to show this face to others? This is a challenge we must all accept and do something about it. Only then all our efforts will have some lasting effect. Most of the arrangements and organization were done by our lay people, my sincere congratulations to them. Thanks to the Priests and Religious who helped out in this spiritual banquet. May the Spirit continue to live in our hearts even after this retreat, we pray. Jai Ho Yesu KI.
The Golden Jubilee of the Arrival of Dominican Fathers in Nagpur, India, will be very solemnly celebrated on 4th-5th of November. A good number of Bishops, some senior Dominican Fathers from aboard and many ex Carolians are expected for the jubilee Celebrations. The Archdiocese is very happy to congratulate the Dominican Fathers on this occasion and thank them very sincere for the long years of service to the formation of Priests especially in context of North India. Let us continue to support them in their arduous task of formation of Priests for many more years to come.
Children’s Fest on 15th November. A special program for the Catholic Children of our Archdiocese is planned for Sunday 15th of November (next day of Bal Diwas). Catholic Children of our schools from Middle and High Schools 6th-10th Class) are expected for this celebration. For further information please contact the Org. Committee, Secretary Education Board, Fr. Anthony D' Souza (SFS College).
40 Hour Adoration as annual feature before the Feast of Christ the King will be conducted in SFS Cathedral. It will start on Friday 20th November after the evening Mass and continue through next day ending at 12 noon on 22nd November. Different institutions and parishes will be allotted times as previously. The Concelebrated Mass will start at 4 p.m. followed by Eucharistic Procession. All City Parishes and Institutions are asked to join the 40 Hour Adoration, Mass and Procession on 22nd November. You will receive more details form SFS Cathedral Parish Priest shortly.
The following Priests are appointed members of College of Consulters for a period of 5 years: Namely, Rev. Fr. Jerome Pinto, Fr. Sebastian MSFS (Provincial.) Fr. John Monteiro, Fr. Patrick Lemos Fr. Dominic Mendonca O P, Fr. Anthony D’ Souza, Fr. Anto S A C and Fr. Robert Nicholas. While congratulating them, I wish their full cooperation to me for the administration of the Archdiocese.
Some of my Engagements for November 1st - Conclusion of Catholic Charismatic Retreat at S F S School Grounds 2nd - Mass in Tiger Gap and Jeripatka Cemetery, Blessing of Seminary Hill Cemetery. 3rd - Visit to Seoni Mission 4th - Evening: Jubilee Mass in St. Charles’ Seminary 5th - Evening: Jubilee Cultural program St. Charles’ Seminary 7th - In Mangalore for ICYM (CBCI) Youth Convention and National Award Distribution Program 10th - Mass at ASMI Provincialate 11th - Mass at PAC Anantnagar- National Meet of Family Commission 12th - Mass at Vinayalaya School 14th - Mass at St Martin’s Parish Jeripatka 15th - Archdiocesan Children’s Fest 18th- 20th Visit to Balaghat, Baihar & Garratola Missions 21st - Mass for the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Claire Agnes SMMI 22nd - End of Forty Hour Adoration, Feast of Christ the King & Eucharistic Procession 24th-26th - Visit of National Accreditation Committee to S F S College, Nagpur 28th - Final Profession at SMMI Provincialate 29th - Mass at Katol Parish 30th - Program in Dominican Sisters School, Kamptee Road
Requesting your prayers for me, and promising mine,
Yours fraternally,
+Abraham Viruthakulangara Archbishop of Nagpur
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