Circular
Cir.1/12
Cir.2/2012 1st February 2012
Dear Father Brothers & Sisters,
Greetings from Nagpur
The month of February is very special for all of us in the Archdiocese as we prepare ourselves and celebrate the Feast of Mother of Lourdes (Lourdes Martha) who is the patroness of our Archdiocese. She has been blessing us immensely also all the devotees who flock at her feet day after day, esp., on Saturdays and other important days during the whole year. This year being the 125 year of Jubilee of our Archdiocese the feast is all the more important. A lot of preparations are going on including Charismatic Retreat which was conducted from 27th to 29th of January. You have received ample literature about the details of the celebrations. As you know this year the feast is celebrated on Sunday 12th of February. The point I want to make here is encourage our faithful and other devotees to make use of this golden opportunity to thank Jesus Christ son of God and Mary for the many blessings we have received.
I wish all of you a very happy feast of Lourdes Matha
Healing Ministry week is observed from 6th - 12th February and the 20th world Day of the Sick is celebrated on 11th February 2012. The theme for this celebration is “The Special grace of the sacraments of healing”. Let us pray very specially for those who are sick and ailing in various ways.
The next general Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishop Conference of India (CBCI) will be held from 31st January to 8th February at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences at Bangalore. The theme of this biennial assembly is “The Church’s Role for a Better India” Many experts from India and abroad will be engaged as resource persons. The ritual Bodies will also have in build and day meeting. Please pray for the success of this meeting and that the shepherds of the Church be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Please keep in mind the 125 year Jubilee of our Archdiocese and various programs. Some committees are already at work. Please recite the Jubilee Prayer every day.
In this connection I like to inform you that preparations are afoot for the Charismatic Retreat for the faithful from 16th -18th March. Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran and 3 member team have agreed to come. Please inform our faithful also form far flung areas to make use of this golden opportunity. For people coming from the missions there will be space to stay here. Please inform in advance to the Fathers of Archbishops House the number.
We begin the season of Lent on 22nd February with Ash Wednesday where the Church reminds it’s faithful with the following words of the scripture, “Let your heart show your sorrow”, “Turn away from your sins and be faithful to the Gospel”, “you are dust and to dust you shall return” in a way calls each of us to repent and be sorry for the times we have wronged. Let’s make serious efforts to receive the graces of God who is forgiving. “For now is the acceptable time”.