Happy New Year 2014

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Orphanage Home visit with Doot editor - Dr. Thomas Parmar

Dt.30-12-2013
 BBN team and Dr. Thomas Parmar (Doot editor) visited Matruchaya orphanage Home -Pillar-Nadiad to add more joy and hope. During our visit Dr. Thomas Parmar also shared his concern for the orphanage house. He said that the orphanage home should be kept in our day to day life. Also during the maariage or sad dismis we should donate the orphanage as we donat for other cause. He said that he would be sharing his experience with his friends and society and ask them to come forward to donate and help the ministry done by Sr. Banita, Sr. Sheetal (St. Anne sisiters) and Matruchaya Parivar.

 A lot of Children till today are thrown out in the dust bins and in the fields or road sides which has to be solved by each others support.During our Christmas visit, Dr. Thomas also donated the Matruchaya Orphanage.

 Let us hope that people may come forward and help the orphanage, it would be a greater help for those children.

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Orphanage Home visit

- BBN
( Bhumel Broadcast News)

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R.I.P.- Fr.Rocky D’Silva, Vicar General of the Arch Diocese of Gandhinagar

 Fr. Rocky D’Silva, Vicar General of the Arch Diocese of Gandhinagar met with an accident just outside of his residence at Pethapur and died ( 30 Dec 2013). His body has been taken to Apollo Hospital for postmortem. He had tea with the Archbishop in the evening and left the house. As he was going out of the house a truck came and hit him. Kindly pray for bereaved family fo Fr.Rocky D’Silva and for the Arch diocese.

Time and Place for Funeral of Late Fr. Rocky D'Silva 

Date: 02-01-2014 evening
Time: 4: 00 pm
Place : Sector 8
Catholic Church
Ghandhinagar - Gujarat

Note : His family member is coming from Kenya for the funeral.

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Photos of Late Fr. Rocky D'Silva

-  BBN

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Youth get together at Don Bosco Kapadvanj

આજે તા 29-12-2013 ના રોજ ઉમરેઠ ડીનરીના યુવાનો માટે  ડોન બોસ્કો કપડવંજ દ્વારા સ્નેહ સંમેલનનું આયોજન  કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું. ધર્મસભાની ઉમરેઠની  ઉગતી યુવાપેઢી આજે અહી 48 સંખ્યામાં હાજર રહી હતી. બાળ  ઇસુની જન્મ જયંતીની ઉજવણી અહી રમતો, ગભાણ હરીફાઈ અને ગરબાની રમઝટ સાથે કરવામાં આવી હતી. યુવાનો દ્વારા આજે  ગુજરાતની ધર્મ સભામાં આવી ઉજવણી થતી રહે તે  એકતાનું અને સમૃદ્ધ યુવા પેઢીનું પ્રતિક બની રહે છે.

 ડોન બોસ્કોના પુરોહિતો રેવ. ફા. આઇવન,  રેવ. ફા એલેક્ષ અને રેવ. ફા મયંક પરમારનું સ્વપ્ન ધર્મસભાની એકતા અને યુવા પેઢીનો વિકાસ અને વ્યક્તિત્વ ઘડતર થતું રહે અને આ દ્વારા પ્રભુ ઇસુનો સંદેશ સર્વે ને મળતો રહે તે છે અને આજે તે સ્વપ્ન સાકાર થતું દેખાય છે.

 આ સ્નેહ સંમેલન ડોન બોસ્કો પરિવાર, સિસ્ટર ઉર્મિલા (બાલાસિનોર-દોમનીકન સિસ્ટર) તથા શાંતિલાલ ભાઈ તથા આવેલ યુવાન યુવતીઓના સહયોગથી સફળ બન્યો હતો.  
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Youth get together at Don Bosco - Kapadvanj


- BBN

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Dance N Singing Competition at Town Hall - Anand

અમદાવાદ ધર્મપ્રાંત દ્વારા તા 28-12-2013 ના રોજ આણંદ ટાઉન હોલમાં ગીત સ્પર્ધાનું આયોજન કરવામાં  આવ્યું હતું શહેર અને ગામડાઓમાંથી મોટી સંખ્યામાં યુવા પેઢીએ અને વડીલોએ ભાગ લીધો હતો. મોટી સંખ્યામાં આવેલ શ્રોતાઓનો સંખ્યાથી માહોલ રંગત ભર્યો બની રહ્યો હતો. પુરોહીતગણ  અને  સાધ્વીગણની અને બાળકો તથા યુવા પેઢીની  હાજરીથી ઉષ્માભર્યો અને આનંદભર્યો કાર્યક્રમ બની રહ્યો હતો.  માનનીય રેવ. બિશપ થોમસ મેકવાન (અમદાવાદ ડીઓ.) દ્વારા દીપ પ્રાગટ્ય કર્યા બાદ સર્વેનું આગમન કર્યું હતું ICYM યુથ ડીરેક્ટર રેવ. ફા સંદીપ અને યુથના સભ્યો દ્વારા આ કાર્યક્રમની મોટી સફળતા મળી હતી.

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Singing Competition at Town Hall - Anand

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Amrut Mahotsav - Mahemdavad Church

Amrut Mahotsav was celebrated at Mahemdavad on 24-12-2013. Rev. Bishop Thomas Macwan (Ahmedabad Dio) celebrated the Mass.

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Amrut Mahotsav - Mahemdavad Church

- BBN

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Christmas News and Events

Christmas Celebration at St. Joseph Church - Baroda

St. Joseph Church - Baroda

1) 24-12-2013 Mass celebration at St. Joseph Church Baroda, Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Vinayak Jadav. Rev. Jayant Rathod, Rev. Fr. Rapai, Rev. Joseph Mattam and Rev. Fr. Fedelis

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Christmas Celebration in St.Joseph Church - Baroda

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Crib compition at St. Anne's School - Disa

St.Anne's School - Disa

2) Crib competition was organized by the principal Sr. Lucia Dabhi- St. Anne's School - Disa, non christian students participated to share the love, joy and peace of Baby Jesus

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Feliz Natal - Cribs in Disa

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Distribution of clothes and vegetables-  Sisters of St. Anne - Disa

Sr. Lucia - Disa

3) Cultural programs and distribution of clothes and vegetables for needy people of Disa. The sisters of St. Anne share the joy of celebrating Christmas with the needy people of Disa.

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Christmas Celebration- St. Anne's School - Disa

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CJM - Petlad

4) Christmas season brings joy and happiness to all mankind, It also has a meaning of sharing joy is caring to all. This Christmas the CJM High school shared a message "Service to Humanity is Service to God" through the skits and cultural programs. 

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Annual Day Celebration at CJM High School-Petlad

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St Ursula High School - Dabhan

5) St. Ursula High School - Dabhan shared the joy of Christmas by organizing Sports Day for the students and parents. 

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Sports Day at St.Ursula School-Dabhan

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St.Xavier's School - Dadhvada

6) St. Xavier's School - Dadhvada celebrated Christmas season by organizing Annual day for the students and parents. Cultural programs and skits were presented by the students.

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Annual Day Celebration in St. Xavier's School -Dadhvada

Note: we will be taking time for videos of the program due to slow Internet.

- BBN

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Testing for Radio Service

Testing for BBN Radio service

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Golden Jubilee of Sr. Scholastica - સિ. સ્કોલાસ્ટીકા આપિયન મેકવાનના સન્યસ્ત જીવનની સુવર્ણ જયંતી

તા.15-12-2013 ના રોજ માતૃછાયા - પિલાર -નડિયાદ ખાતે  સિ. સ્કોલાસ્ટીકા આપિયન મેકવાનના સન્યસ્ત જીવનની સુવર્ણ જયંતીની ઉજવણી કરવામાં આવી હતી.  

Please click on the below given link for the photos 

 Golden Jubilee of Sr. Scholastica

ખરેખર કોઈ કવિએ સાચેજ કહ્યું છે

"તારું નથી કશું તો છોડીને આવ તું
અને તારુ જ છે બધુ તો છોડી બતાવ તું"

આ કવિની પંક્તિઓ સિ. સ્કોલાસ્ટીકા આપિયન મેકવાન માટે યથાર્થ લાગી રહી છે અને એ વાત ની સાબિતી પૂરે છે એમના સન્યસ્ત જીવનની સુવર્ણ જયંતી.  સગાં સબંધીઓ તથા સર્વસ્વ છોડી પ્રભુ ઈસુની પાછળ  શ્રદ્ધાની સાથે નીકળેલા સિસ્ટર આજે સન્યસ્ત જીવન 50 દાયકાની સફર પૂરી કરી રહ્યા છે.

સિ. સ્કોલાસ્ટીકા આપિયન મેકવાન જીવનની ઝાંખી

તેમનો જન્મ : 30 માર્ચ 1937
સ્થળ : આણંદ
અભ્યાસ : B.Sc
નોકરી : સેન્ટ ઝેવિયર્સ હાઇસ્કુલ, અમદાવાદ અને
                             સંત આન્ના  સ્કુલ , નડીયાદ ટીચર તરીકે સેવા આપી.

 પ્રભુ ઈસુની હાકલ અને તેમના નેજા હેઠળ સેવાઓ:

1963 સંત આન્ના મંડળમાં જોડાયા.

પ્રથમ વ્રત : 1965 

 1969માં બેંગ્લોર ખાતે MBBSનો અભ્યાસ પૂર્ણ કર્યો  અને સયાજી હોસ્પિટલ,ખાતે ઇન્ટેનશીપ પુર્ણ કરી આંદમાન નિકોબારમાં ડોક્ટર તરીકે  સેવા આપી અને ત્યાજ શૂન્યમાંથી સર્જન કરી એક વિશાળ હોસ્પીટલની શરૂયાત કરી  અને ત્યારબાદ નડીયાદ , મોતીનાલા ,વડોદરા અને ભાવનગરમાં ઉત્તમ સેવાઓ આપી. આ શ્રેષ્ઠ સમય દરમ્યાન તેમણે પ્રભુ સેવા માટે ઉમદા પ્રયત્નો કર્યા, ભાવનગરમાં HIV પીડિતો માટે My care Community ની શરૂયાત કરી, નડીયાદમાં ગરીબ બાળકો માટે પોષણયુક્ત  ખોરાકની વહેચણી તથા TB awarness  Program. અને જરૂરિયાત લોકોને દવા પૂરી પાડવાની શરૂયાત કરી. 

 તેમણે  મહાન વૈધ ઈસુની માફક લોકસેવાનો ભેખ ધર્યો. આંદમાન નિકોબારથી લઇ નડિયાદ સુધી શ્રદ્ધાકીય સારવાર આપી પ્રભુ ઈસુના પ્રેમનો ઉત્તમ દાખલો પૂરો પાડ્યો  છે. આજે જયારે તેમના સન્યસ્ત જીવન ના 50 વર્ષ પૂર્ણ થાય છે આ ટાણે  એવું કહી શકાય કે સિસ્ટરે શ્રધ્ધા પર વિજય મેળવ્યો કહેવાય, ઈસુના પ્રેમની મૈત્રીનો વિજય મેળવ્યો કહેવાય,પરમેશ્વરે આપેલી હાકલ અને જવાબદારીનો વિજય મેળવ્યો કહેવાય. 

 આ અર્ધ શતાબ્દી ટાણે પ્રભુ ઇસુ તેમના પ્રેમનું ઝરણું તમારામાં સદાય વહેતું રાખે તેવી પ્રાર્થના અન અઢળક શુભેછાઓ.

સિ બેનીતા , સિ શિતલ  અને માતૃ છાયા પરિવારનો આ ટાણે  BBN આભારની લાગણી વ્યક્ત કરે છે અને સિ. સ્કોલાસ્ટીકા આપિયન મેકવાનને શત શત પ્રણામ.   

News By Sr. Shital Parmar

Photos by BBN

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Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh apologizes to Archbishop Anil Couto

News By Anto Akkara for CNS

New Delhi :

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh apologized to church leaders for the police beating of protesters — including priests and nuns — during a march to Parliament advocating for rights for low-caste Christians.

Singh apologized Dec. 12 when a 10-member delegation, led by Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto, called on him to press for the Christian demand for end to discrimination against Christian dalits, or members of the low castes.

Archbishop Couto was among six Catholic bishops and about a dozen of different denominations detained with 400 protesters during the march the previous day. Hundreds of the protesters from across India broke

through police barricades and marched to Parliament shouting “We want justice.”

In 1950 the Indian government established a quota system in education and government jobs as a type of affirmative action for Hindu dalits.

Though these statutory privileges were later extended to Sikh dalits in 1956 and Buddhist dalits in 1990, the repeated requests of the Christian dalits — who account for two-thirds of 27 million Christians in India — have gone unanswered.

During the Dec. 11 march, police with batons charged and beat up several protesters. Undeterred, the protesters, including Catholic priests in cassocks, knelt on the road with crosses in hand, and a police truck mounted with water cannons sprayed them with muddy water several times. Church leaders alter courted arrest and were released.

“We are not going to tolerate this injustice (to the dalits) any longer, said Father Devasagayraj Zakarias, secretary of the Dalit Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. “We have made our stand clear, and the prime minister has promised to try to build consensus on our demand.”

The priest said Catholic leaders were happy that the prime minister apologized.

“Even nuns were beaten up,” said the dalit priest, who had his cassock muddied by spray from the water cannons

News Courtesy

silentmaj.wordpress.com

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સ્વ સિસ્ટર મારિયા ઝેવિયર્સ ની 17મી પુણ્યતિથિ

તા 12-12-2013 ના રોજ સ્વ સિસ્ટર મારિયા ઝેવિયર્સ ની 17મી પુણ્યતિથિ તથા જીવનજ્યોત સ્કૂલ ના બે નવા ક્લાસ રૂમ નું ઉદ્ઘઘાટન અને આ મંડળ ચલિત બહેનોની હોસ્ટેલ માટે સંસ્કૃતિક કાર્યક્રમનું આયોજન અહી લીમડાપુરા લિટલ ડોટર્સ  ઓફ સેન્ટ ફ્રાન્સીસ ઝેવિયર્સમાં કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું

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 સ્નેહનાં  સંભારણાં 


News report will be uploaded soon

- BBN

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Book Releasing at Unteshvari - "Inspirational Icon"

Please click on the video



We are not here to satisfy our elder Ignas Bapu but to pray together to God, the God of Life, that the soul of Fr. Ignacio Ordoñez may ever Rest In Peace (RIP) in His presence and Ignas Bapu may continue to have the beatific vision of God and cherish the eternal life in the company of the angels and saints within the serene environment of the Eternal home of the Father.

 On this auspicious day, it is very much appropriate to release the compiled and edited book of Fr. Girish Santiago, SJ - INSPIRATIONAL ICON FR. IGNACIO José Ordoñez SJ 1928 – 2012, the Grace-filled Testimonies of various inspired persons. Indeed it is my true labour of love to my joyfull, noble and loyal Jesuit and a missionary companion Fr. Ignas Ordoñez, SJ.

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Book Releasing at Unteshvari - "Inspirational Icon"

Photos - Fr. Girish

Video : Francis Parmar BBN

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Faith-filled Shraadh – Punyatithi of Fr. IGNACIO José Ordoñez, SJ

  It is exactly a year back on this date 8th December 2012, Feast of Immaculate Conception, about 7.30 am our beloved Ignas Bapu departed from this physical world to the eternal world. On this day about 4 pm from all walks of life, especially from the mission stations where Fr. Ignas laboured for Christ, from there and elsewhere people thronged to pay their final tributes and to attend in the funeral rite (antim kriya / samaadhi) with full respect. Many of us witnessed from such a funeral ceremony, how this ‘Immaculate Ignas’ ignited and inflamed many simple persons to grow FULL in their human and Christian life. 

 It is exactly after a year on this date we are gathered here on 8th December 2013 again at this Unteshwari Shrine, the Tirthadhaam of the pilgrims, as a believing community of Jesus to commemorate our beloved departed Ignas Bapu’s First Death Anniversary – Punyatithi. Very devoutly and enthusiastically we the Unteshwari Parivar (Fathers, Sisters and People) planned this happy and holy event to CELEBRATE together as a FAITH-FILLED FAMILY EVENT. 

 Just last month on 14th November 2013 we all joined as members of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of the Gandhinagar Archdiocese in the celebration of the closing ceremony of the Year of Faith at Gandhinagar Mount Carmel School Campus. There, as part of the celebration, the report reader of the Sabarkantha Deanery brought out beautifully the heroic Christ-filled missionary activities of the Jesuit missionary Fr. Ignas Ordoñez, especially in Nanakantharia and Meghraj Missions. We were extremely happy to listen to the unconditional labour of love of our late Fr. Ignas to the Adivasi brethren of the Sabarkantha Mission. In this way Ignas Bapu was made present once again in our Faith-filled happy and harmonious celebration. Truly it was the day of our Experienced Faith’s Faith Expressing Celebration - Shraddhani Ujavani.

Today’s our celebration here at Unteshwari can be called locally as Shraddhani Shraadh. This needs to be seen and understood from the perspective of our ongoing Christian inculturation process within the context of our North Gujarat Mission. Thus, Shraadh, originally a Sanskrit word, is combination of two words ‘Sat’ meaning truth and ‘Adhar’ meaning basis. So, it means anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith. It is said according to the popular Indian Hindu tradition Shraadh is the ritual accomplished to satiate one’s ancestors. This ritual expresses one’s unconditional reverence towards the ancestors. 

 But, here for us as Isupanthis – the followers of Jesus, it is our unconditional loving Respect and Reverence towards our beloved Ignas Bapu and Ignas Dada that we are gathered here to celebrate joyfully with the Christian hope the Holy Eucharist and to dine together as one joint family in the fellowship meal in the vicinity of our Blessed Unteshwari Matrudham. We are not here to satisfy our elder Ignas Bapu but to pray together to God, the God of Life, that the soul of Fr. Ignacio Ordoñez may ever Rest In Peace (RIP) in His presence and Ignas Bapu may continue to have the beatific vision of God and cherish the eternal life in the company of the angels and saints within the serene environment of the Eternal home of the Father. Truly, as our elder, in our midst, he lived his life to the FULL (cf. Jn 10: 10). His self-emptied love did attract many to the person and message of Jesus and his death, like the wheat, has brought many more fruits (cf. Jn 12 : 24) in the mission land of his grace-filled karmabhoomi Gujarat . With this strong Faith let us keep the agni (FIRE) of Ignas Bapu burn in all over Gujarat and elsewhere! Ignas Bapuni agnijyot sada salagati raho! Que el fuego del Padre Ignacio inflame! 

On this auspicious day, it is very much appropriate to release the compiled and edited book of Fr. Girish Santiago, SJ - INSPIRATIONAL ICON FR. IGNACIO José Ordoñez SJ 1928 – 2012, the Grace-filled Testimonies of various inspired persons. Indeed it is my true labour of love to my joyfull, noble and loyal Jesuit and a missionary companion Fr. Ignas Ordoñez, SJ. 

Girish Santiago, SJ

Unteshwari – Kadi

8 December, 2013

video and the photos will be uploaded soon

- BBN

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Pope Dedicates 2015 “Year of Consecrated Life”

The Holy Father made the announcement during the 82nd General Assembly of the Union of Superior Generals, which concluded today in Rome.

Although a brief meeting with the union was planned, the Holy Father spent an estimated three hours in a question and answer discussion with participants.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the first questions to the Pope dealt with the mission and identity of consecrated life. “A radical approach is required of all Christians, but religious persons are called upon to follow the Lord in a special way: They are men and woman who can awaken the world,” the Pope said.

“Consecrated life is prophecy. God asks us to fly the nest and to be sent to the frontiers of the world, avoiding the temptation to ‘domesticate’ them. This is the most concrete way of imitating the Lord.”

While acknowledging that vocations in young Churches are “bearing fruit”, the Holy Father also stated that the Church itself must re-evaluate its “inculturation of charism.”

Citing the example of the Servant of God Matteo Ricci, Pope Francis told participants that the Church must ask “forgiveness for, and looking with shame upon, apostolic failures caused by misunderstandings in this field.” Ricci, a 17th century Jesuit priest, was one of the founders of the Jesuit Mission in China.

“Intercultural dialogue must press for the introduction persons of various cultures, expressing different ways of living charism, in the governance of religious institutes,” the Pope stressed.

Regarding the formation of religious, the Holy Father called on the Union of Superior Generals to avoid all forms of hypocrisy and clericalism. Formation, he said, is not a watch dog but rather, “an artisanal craft.”

“It’s aim is to form religious persons with a tender heart, not acid, not like vinegar. We are all sinners, but not corrupt. Sinners are to be accepted, but not the corrupt,” he said.

Other questions asked by the Holy Father were on the subject of brotherhood and the relationships between those in consecrated life and their particular Churches. The Pope also emphasized the importance of the educational mission of schools and universities.

“The pillars of education are transmitting knowledge, transmitting methods, transmitting values. By these means, faith is communicated. The educator must measure up to those he educates, and must give careful thought to how to proclaim Jesus Christ to a changing generation,” he said.

Before concluding the meeting, the Holy Father thanked participants for their years of service to the Church and announced 2015 as a Year dedicated to Consecrated Life.

“Thank you for what you do and for your spirit of faith and your service,” he said. “Thank you for your witness and also for the humiliations through which you have had to pass.”

Source: Zenit.org

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FINAL VOWS OF SR. ANITA LEONIE

Sr. Anita Leonie with her mother

FINAL VOWS OF SR. ANITA LEONIE

 The Final Vows ceremony of Sr. Anita Leonie was held at Mankroda – Bhiloda on 30th November, 2013 at 11.30 am. Rt. Rev. Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandez was the chief Celebrant of the ceremony. Around 23 priests concelebrated the Holy Eucharist.

 Sr. Anita Leonie is from Dodisara village which belongs to Bhiloda parish. She did her schooling in the village school up to 3rd class. She was in Asha Niketan boarding from class 4rth to 12th & studying in St. Xavier’s School, Bhiloda. She completed her college studies at Shamlaji, remaining in the same boarding. Answering the call of God, she joined the ‘Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate’ (SMMI) congregation. She took her 1st vows in 2006. She was in Maninagar for one year & then did her English medium P.T.C. in Himmatnagar. She was teaching in St. Xavier’s Primary School, Umreth for 4 years. She was in Banglore for 7 months for the preparation. 

 The procession was carried out to the alter with an entrance dance by the boarding girls of Umreth. Then the Eucharist began. The prayerful melody of the singing filled the atmosphere & led everyone into the prayerful mood. There was a pin drop silence & all were amazed with awesome feelings. During the profession ceremony, there was interrogation through Rev. Archbishop. There was blessing of the ring and the smmi provincial made her to wear the ring which is the sign of final vows and dedicated life. The Mass followed with the symbolic offertory procession with prayer of the faithful. 

 After the Eucharist, there was felicitation ceremony. Sr. Anita Leonie with her mother & brother, Archbishop, SMMI Provincial Sr. Elizabeth Trinity, V. G. Fr. Rocky Disilva and the Parish Priest Fr. Stany Pinto were led in front for the same. They were welcomed & honoured. Sr. Anita cut the cake and all sang the congratulation song. Everyone wished & congratulated her.

 After the felicitation programme, there was a fellowship meal for everyone.

News By Sr. Varsha

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Photos of the final vows ceremony 

- BBN

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Mother Teresa Memorial Award

Mother Teresa Memorial Award

 Fr Cedric Prakash was awarded ‘Mother Teresa memorial Award for Social Justice 2013” by ‘The Harmony Foundation’ on 27 October 2013 at the Leela Hotel, Mumbai.

 Here is the MP3 version of an Interview (Part 1)with Fr.Cedric Prakash by Radio Vatican which was aired on Thursday 28th November. Part 2 will be aired on Thursday 5th December. Congratulations Fr.Cedric.

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MP3 courtesy : Vatican Radio

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New Provincial - Happy Birthday - Rev. Fr. Francis Parmar

 Rev. Fr. Francis Parmar is the new provincial of the Society Of Jesus- Gujarat Province. Today 02-12-2013, He is celebrating his birthday. Congratulations to him and many many Happy returns of the day and may God bless him

Rev. Fr. Francis Parmar (Left) with the people of Mogri village

 Fr.Francis Parmar S.j has been appointed as the New Provincial of Gujarat Jesuit province, on 30 November 2013 by the Superior General of Jesuit order, Rev. Fr. Adolfo Nicolas from Rome. He will assume charge a little later.

 Fr.Francis Parmar was born in Nadiad, Gujarat on 02-12-1950. He began his initial training in the Jesuit order at Mt Abu, Rajasthan. After finishing his theological studies at Vidya Jyoti, Delhi, he was ordained a priest on 05-05-1979.

 Having completed his B.A in Gujarati-Sanskrit at Gujarat University, he studied for M.A in Socio-Linguistics at the University of George Town, Washington D.C. He had also done Masters in pastoral theology at Vidya Jyoti, Delhi. All through out his life in the Society of Jesus, he has held very many responsible posts such as Juniorate in-charge, Rector of the formation houses, Dean of the theologate and Principal of two colleges. He was twice elected as the Procurator of Gujarat and he took part in the meetings of the procurators of the Society of Jesus in 1999 and in 2012. The Gujarat Jesuit Province is really blessed in having the first local Jesuit to lead the province as the New Jesuit Provincial of Gujarat. The Gujarat Jesuit Parivar extends best wishes and prayers for a fruitful service in his new responsibility.

News Courtesy
Fr.Lawrence Dharmaraj

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Feast of Christ the King - Valasan and Ahmedabad

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Feast of Christ the King at Valasan - Nr. Karamsad


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Feast of Christ the King - Mt. Carmel to Mirzapur


Note: The report will be published soon

- BBN

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Ending the Year of Faith in South Gujarat at Mandal

To the sound of ALLELUIAS rising like a benign mushroom cloud into the atmosphere of South Gujarat, the Year of Faith came to a glorious end. People of many faiths or no faith gathered in the thousands filling the large, colourful tent designed to accommodate ten thousand devotees.

The star of the celebration was undoubtedly Fr. Anil Dev, whose faith in and love for the Word of God gave life, joy and vibrancy to the occasion. He is the charismatic head of Matrudham Ashram in Varanasi where thousands, mostly Hindus, gather every week-end to listen to the Word of God free from the complications of ritual and Canon law. (Watch him on U Tube or the TV channel ZeeJagran). He was ably supported by a team of lay preachers and a group of lay men and women who prayed night and day for the gift of the Spirit for preachers and faithful all through the event.

South Gujarat Catholics were well represented: devotees from 23 of 24 mission centres, from Jhalod in the North to Borpada in the South, made it to the festival of faith. Distance did not deter Bishop Godfrey and the Jesuit Provincial Changa from attending it. Accomodation was provided in the Hostels of the school, and Mahila Mandal halls for those who stayed overnight. A community kitchen on the grounds of Jagruti High. School run by the Christian Brothers provided meals, tea and snacks for those who attended the sessions.

Credit for the obvious success of the function goes to the members of the Parish Council of Mandal and their parish priests, Frs. Kishore and Francis who met every month for a year to plan the event. They had the generous help and experience of Fr. James Vaz who had earlier staged the opening of the Year of Faith in Dadhwada. Those who had it generously lent their expertise to the different kinds of jobs that had to be done. It was heartening to see the enthusiasm and joyous spirit with which the lay leaders, men and women, went about the tasks they had planned and taken responsibility for with a minimum of supervision but with great joy and spirit. Fr. Francis also prepared a brand new choir of boys and girls and a group of altar servers that included girls in smart uniforms just for the occasion.. Fr. Jelastine used his expertise in Charismatic preaching, prayer and singing to prepare the parish for the event with retreats in the villages and aided the main preacher during the convention.

An offshoot of the event was the interest of the missionaries of South Gujarat in the missionary methods of the Ashram in Varanasi so well adapted to the culture and genius of the nation. Fr. Anil has agreed to return in the very near future to train the missionaries and lay leaders of South Gujarat in the methods he has developed. He stressed the importance of breaking the Word of God for the continued development of the faith of the people.

Please watch the convention

 

- Rev. Fr. Vally de Souza,

   Mandal - Gujarat

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Bible Conviction - Mandal - Vyara

John 16:8 (NEB) "When he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world, and show where right and wrong and judgment lie.

He will convict them of wrong..."The first work of the Holy Spirit is the conviction of sin. If we are temples of the Spirit, His presence, His name in us will convict us, and others, of sin. We will feel more affinity towards those who, like us, long for more conviction, repentance, and the power of God to live a life that will stand the test of fire.

Bible convention was held at Mandal-Vyara in South Gujarat on 15th -16th-17th Nov-2013. More than five thousands people from the interior villages of South Gujarat flocked to show love for Christ. The detailed report will be uploaded soon.

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Photos Of The Bible Conviction - Mandal-Vyara

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Youth Seminar - Day 2

The day began with Nature meditation. Some of the youth felt that this was the first hand experience of being one with nature.

Then the first session began at 8.00 am on group building by Mr. Rajesh Christian. The session was well animated with lot of activities and input. The second session was conducted by Fr. K. Tony the parish priest of Limdapura parish on Today’s Youth. He stressed on the importance of family life and having parents and elders as their mentor.

After the tea break, Fr. Sandeep the Ahmdedabad diocese Youth director addressed the youth on “Youth and Values of life”. He guided the youth basing himself on Christ’s values to have value based life to be successful in life.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Thomas Macwan was the main celebrant for the day’s Eucharist. He was pleased to see so many youth participating in this seminar. Being the feast of All Saints day, in his Homily, he challenged the youth to be Saints. He cited few examples of saints whose body is still intact; namely St. Francis Xavier.

After sumptuous meal, the youth again gathered in the seminar hall at 2.30 pm. Sr. Fulmani, in charge of Prison Ministry for the diocese of Ahmedabad shared her experiences of animating the prison inmates. Mr. Deepak the president of Legion of Mary, informed the youth about his own experiences of being touched by Mother Mary and how he goes about spreading the devotion of Mary.

Today being the first Friday of the Month, Fr. Stanny The parish Priest of Umreth led the youth in adoration of Jesus.

This was followed by another session on “Youth and Public Life” by Fr. Joseph Appavoo and Mr. Vincent Luis. They challenged the youth to form a federation and come out strongly in public life and make difference in the society. Mr. Jashvant the convener of the St. Vincent De Paul also added to that saying how he tapped the local people to sponsor these three days event.

The climax of the day was the Night Dhamaka. The youth really showed their talents on the stage and made this evening wonderful. Around thirty youngsters participated in individual talent show and then the general Garba was organized. Mr. Shailesh Jadav, Mr. Jwalant and their team provided an excellent music while Mr. Nileshkumar was the singer of the day for Garba. The day ended on a happy note. 

News and photos

Rev. Fr. Mayank Parmar

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“We may be mutually encouraged be each other’s faith”

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Youth gathering by St.Vincent de Paul at Don Bosco - Kapadvanj

31-102013

The Umreth Deanery in collaboration with St. Vincent De Paul Society is conducting three days camp for the Youth of Umreth Deanery from 31st October 2013 to 2nd November 2013 at Don Bosco, Kapadvanj.

Today was the first day of the camp. The day began with eighty nine youth registering themselves. Fr. Anthony Raj, The principal of the St. Xaviers’ school, Umreth was the main celebrant for the inaugural mass. In his Homily, he emphasized the importance of youth and the contribution they can make to the church and society at large. After the Eucharist, The seminar was officially inaugurated in the presence of Fr. Alex Fernandes, sdb the director of Amrut Dhara and the vice rector of Don Bosco Kapadvanj and the other dignitaries. 

Mr. Shailesh Christi the first speaker of the day showed the youngsters through his life examples and other anecdotes “The Map of Life”. 

Dr. John Parmar, the second speaker gripped the youngsters on “The Power of Mind” through various meditation techniques. He made them aware of the journey inward and the benefits of meditation. The three hours session really made an impact on the youngsters.

After some refreshment, the animated rosary was prayed by the youngsters as today was the last day of the month of Rosary. 

The culmination of the day was the night dhamaka organized Bros. Aristo and Jerome together with Fr. Mayank. The youth participated in all the events with great enthusiasm and enjoyed themselves. 

We hope and pray that the youth will cooperate with us in the coming days with same enthusiasm and zeal.

News By Fr. Mayank Parmar

Kapadvanj

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Feast of St. Jude at Thaltej, Ahmedabad

St. Jude - Thaltej -Ahmedabad

 The annual feast of St. Jude was celebrated at Thaltej church in Ahmedabad on Sunday 27^th October 2013 with much devotion and enthusiasm. St. Jude’s Church at Thaltej is the one and only Church in Gujarat dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron of the hospitals and better known as Saint of the impossible. The Holy Relic of the miracle worker is also kept for veneration here. Thaltej church has become the refuge and hope of all who call on this Saint, irrespective of caste or creed

 During the nine days of Novena, which started on Friday 18th October with the Hoisting of St. Jude’s Flag, hundreds of devotees thronged to the church. This year, being the Year of The Faith, the theme for the feast was Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Nine different virtues of the Holy Spirit – Love / Joy / Peace / Patience / Kindness / Goodness / Faithfulness / Humility and Self Control were preached by different priests in their homily during the nine days of novena and Eucharist.

On Sunday 27^th Oct, The Feast Day, there were three masses. In Malayalam in the morning, English Mass at 3.30 pm and Solemn Holy Eucharist in Gujarati at 6.00 pm. His Lordship Bishop Thomas Macwan of Ahmedabad Diocese was the main celebrant. After the English Mass, the traditional procession with the statue of St. Jude was taken out on the streets of Thaltej area with Bishop Thomas Macwan carrying  the statue of St. Jude in the open vehicle. 

The Chairman of the Standing Committee of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Mr. Bhupendra Patel visited the church and garlanded the St. Jude’s statue just before the starting of the procession.  Police band was at the front playing traditional Christian songs and hymns. The Altar servers with Cross and Candles in their uniform gave a different look to the passer bys. Large number of faithful followed singing hymns and reciting Rosary in Gujarati, English and Malayalam languages.  Just before the mass, Bishop blessed the newly installed Candle stand at the grotto of Mother Mary. The Holy Eucharist was bilingual – Gujarati and English. In his homily, Bishop Thomas Macwan advised that we all must follow the path shown by St. Jude and always keep faith, whatever is the situation. Just before the final prayer, Bishop installed the main sponsor of next year’s feast and blessed the family. The melodious choir sung beautiful hymns in Gujarati, English, Hindi, Konkani and Malayalam.

 After the Holy Eucharist, the traditional Prasad of Thaltej church – Thotha – was distributed to all. Thotha is the recipe made out of whole Tuvar which grows in plenty in surrounding area. And the local non Christian community celebrates all their social gatherings with Thotha. Thotha is distributed to all in Thaltej church as the adoption of local social culture and being one with the local community.

 The success of the celebration is due to the hard work put in by the parishioners of Thaltej under the guidance and support of ever smiling parish Priest Fr. Xavier Amritham. Truly, the Feast of St. Jude at Thaltej is the shining example of Unity in Diversity.

Please click here on the  video

By Rajesh Christian

Photos By BBN

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Passed away - Late Fr. Terence Joseph Lobo S.J. Funeral Mass

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Fr.Terence was born in Belgaum and educated in St Paul’s High School. Later he studied in St. Xavier’s College, Bombay, pursuing studies for a degree in mathematics. He had the good fortune of coming in touch with some of the great Jesuit stalwarts of the twentieth century, like Gaspar Balaguer. However, after acquiring his B. Sc. he joined a multinational company and worked for some years.

As a young man in Bombay, he was very active in the Marian Sodalities along with his relative Lovett Fernandes. Eventually, in 1957, Lovett joined the Jesuits to work in Gujarat. After six years, Terrence followed him and joined the new novitiate at Mount Abu. He received his early training in the Society from a most experienced novice master, Fr Gregorio Conget. Being a ‘late vocation’, all through the years of formation, he was a big brother and guide to his much younger companions.

An outstanding quality of Terence was his great facility to mix with all the ethnic groups. This had made him a much loved companion in every Jesuit community where he had been. His religious studies in the national institutes at Shembaganur and Pune gave him the opportunity to have contact with the whole East Asian Assistancy.

For his generation, Terence had been a most successful Pastor. He was known for his availability and he had been assigned to various mission centres and parishes. His services in the rural parish of Vadtal and the urban parishes of Sabarmati and Surat were outstanding.

Fr. Terence was a devout Catholic priest. A man of prayer, he used to be seen with his breviary or Rosary in hand and spending time before the Blessed Sacrament. This had an impact on the life of the people in the parishes. He sat for Confession regularly and thus drew people in his parishes to have recourse to the Sacrament. He spent time reading books and articles and prepared his sermons well. As a pastor, he had been most outstanding in caring for all his parishioners, rich and poor, locals and migrants. He used to visit all of them and offer them spiritual and material help. His capacity for remembering the names of all his parishioners, their place of their origin, and their various relations was fabulous.

Fr.Terence had been an excellent spiritual guide. At least four young Jesuits have been recruited by him for the Gujarat Province. He had a vast experience in pastoral ministry and many of his old parishioners used to seek his spiritual help.

Fr. Terence Lobo was a member of Sughadpanth, the Jesuit Pre-novitiate since December 2010. He was a true companion and a friend in the Lord. He was a well-read person. He used to find delights in the works and spiritualities of St Ignatius, St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross.

On 2 September 2013, Fr.Terence had an attack of viral fever. First he was taken to Gomtipur and then from there to ‘Life Care-Hospital’. He was in the Hospital for 3 days. Once the fever came down, he could walk and fend for himself. After getting discharged from the hospital, he was brought back to the Prenovitiate. However on 9 September once again the fever came up. He was rushed to Gomtipur and then to Pilar Hospital Baroda on 10 Sept. After an hour in the ICU at Pilar, he was taken to Bhai Lala Amin Hospital, where he was put in Medical ICU and then on a ventilator. He was succumbed to the disease called Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) sometimes called Landry's paralysis or Guillain–Barré–Strohl syndrome. It is an acute polyneuropathy, a disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. This disease had already reached his brain stem and he was treated with a very expensive medicine called Immunorel 5 gm for 5 days. Later on he was brought to Lady Pilar Hospital for further treatment. He remained in the ICU over a month. Br.Malcolm and others tired their level best to keep him alive to complete his golden jubilee celebrations with his beloved province men in Gujarat. But the Beloved Lord had a different plan and the Lord invited him for a grand celebration with his dear cousin Fr. Lovett and with his very Dear Mother Mary.

Dear Fr.Terence, with heavy hearts we accept our Lord's plan for you and wish you an everlasting celebrations in heaven!

By: Rev. Fr. Lawrence Dharmaraj s.j

- BBN - Bhumel Broadcast News

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Inter Faith Dialogues -Mariyampura- Petlad

Inter Faith Dialogues was organized by the manager of the Convent of Jesus And Mary school Mariampura, Petlad (Sr. Christine & the principal Sr. Anne in the CJM) at 5.00 pm on 19th Oct -2013. Well known people like Shree Mahantshree Harisevak Dasji, Mr.Shaikh Kalimuddin Sharifuddin, Rev. Fr Jimmy Dabhi S.J ,Brahammakumari Bhagavatibahen were called to share their views on religion. Mr Jitendra Philip as a co-coordinator of the program made the whole program beautiful.

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- BBN (Bhumel Broadcast News)

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Feast of St Jude at Thaltej Church, Ahmedabad

Feast of St Jude at Thaltej Church, Ahmedabad

The Feast Of St Jude of Thaltej started on 18th Oct 2013 with Hoisting of St Jude Flag followed by Holy Eucharist & Novena to St Jude.

St Jude's church at Thaltej, Ahmedabad is the one & only church in Gujarat dedicated to St Jude Thaddeus, the patron of the "Impossibles". The Holy Relic of the miracle worker saint is also kept for veneration at Thaltej church. During the last few years, this church has become the refuge and hope of all who call on St Jude, irrespective of caste or creed

After the nine days of Novena, the Feast of St Jude will be celebrated at Thaltej Church on Sunday 27th October 2013.

St Jude Feast Programme at Thaltej Church 

19th  to 26th October 2013 :
Daily Holy Rosary at 6.45 pm 

and at 7 pm Holy Eucharist & Novena to St Jude

Feast Day Sunday 27th October 2013

9.30 am - Holy Eucharist in Malayalam
(Fr George Vazhapallil MCBS)

3.30 pm - Holy Eucharist in English
(Fr Rocky D'silva - VG Gandhinagar)

5.00 Procession

6.00 Solemn Holy Eucharist in Gujarat 

(Rt Rev Thomas Macwan - Bishop of Ahmedabad Diocese)

Veneration of St Jude's Relic

N.B. For details contact Fr Xavier Amirtham (Parish Priest - Mobile no : 9427252823)

News and photos
Mr. Rajesh Christian

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