પુસ્તક વિમોચન - આલ્ફોન્સ મેકવાન " પારસ "

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LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW JESUS

Rev. Fr. Valentine de Souza S.J.

LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW JESUS

John 10, 27-30

Jose Antonio Pagola

Translated by Rev. Fr. Valentine de Souza S.J.

​

 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them,  and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all;  no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”

 It was winter. Jesus was walking along the pórtico of Solomon, one of the galleries in the open air surrounding the large esplanade of the Temple. This portico in particular was a place frequented by people. Apparently, it was protected against the wind by a wall.

   Soon, a group of Jewish leaders swarm around Jesus. There is a heated exchange of words. The Jews heckle him with questions. Jesus finds fault with them for they accept neither  his message nor what he does. Specifically he tells them: “You don’t believe because you are not my sheep.” What does this metaphor mean?

   Jesus is very clear: “My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me; and I give them eternal life.” Jesus does not compel anyone. He only calls. The decision to follow him depends on each one of us. Only if we listen to and follow Jesus, we establish with him a relationship that leads to eternal life.

   There is nothing as decisive to being Christian as taking the decision to live as followers of Jesus.  The great risk of Christians has always been to assume one is Christian without in fact following him. The truth is that many of those who have been leaving our communities are people whom no one has helped to take the decision to live their lives following in his footsteps.

   This, however, is the first decision a Christian must take. It’s the decision that changes everything,  For it is to begin to live in a new way one’s adherence to Christ and belonging to the Church: to discover finally the way, the truth, the meaning and the purpose of the Christian religion.

   

And the important step in taking that decision is to listen to his call. No one gets on the road to walk in the footsteps of Jesus by following his own intuition or desires to live an ideal. We begin to follow him when we feel attracted to and called by Jesus. Hence, faith does not consist primarily in believing something about Jesus but in believing him.

   When the following of Jesus constantly fostered and reaffirmed in one’s heart and in the believing community is lacking, our faith runs the risk of being reduced to an acceptance of beliefs, a practice of religious obligations, and obedience to the discipline of the Church.

   It is easy then to establish ourselves in religious practices, without allowing ourselves to be exposed to the challenges Jesus faces us with in the Gospels we listen to every Sunday. Jesus is at the heart of that religion, but he does not drag us along in his footsteps. Without realizing it we get used to living in a routine and repetitive manner. We need the  creativity, joy and excitement of those striving to follow Jesus.

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Life of Late Sr. Angela Martin - popularly known as “Mother“

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Late Sr. Angela Martin

Late Sr. Angela Martin

Sr. Angela Martin Poveda born on 18th October 1922, in Salamanca, Spain. Her parents were Manuel Martin and Maria Del Rosario. She entered the convent on 24th Feb. 1943 and made her first profession on 21st August 1944 in Pamplona, and perpetual vows on 3rd Sep. 1949 in Pamplona, Spain.

 Sr. Angela Martin came to India, on 6th May 1964, together with late Sr. Conchita Boladeras. She had been animator in many communities in Spain before her arrival to India. By profession she is a nurse. She took over in 1966 as a superior in the community of Junagadh . She was a dynamic animator in spite of the barrier of language and climate. Her hard work and admiration of the mission were noticeable and she was popularly known as “Mother“ as she worked hard and cared for everyone. She had great love for the poor and the sick. She always spent her time in stitching even with small bits of clothes and made them into beautiful dresses for babies. she even loved to see the sisters dressed well and stitched clothes for the sisters and novices as perfectly as she could make. She had a special love for the little children and new born babes that even in her advanced age she made tiny dresses for them and enjoyed putting on them . she worked many years in leprosy hospital at Junagadh even after retiring as a nurse.

 She was then appointed as the first Superior of the community of Dhandhuka in 1981 at the start of this community. Her commitment, faithfulness, discipline and the capacity for observation was great that she was asked to be part of the team in the novitiate. In the novitiate too she taught the novices of virtuous life and to do even the little things with great care and love. She continued to teach others how to make dresses.

 In Dediapda mission, she helped in the dispensary as long as her memory and health permitted and helped in all the household works. Wardrobe is one of the favorite job that she took upon herself voluntarily.

 She loved the poor and freely mingled with any one small or big, rich or poor. She loved and respected the priests and religious and was a strict observer of rules and norms.

She rendered her soul to her Divine master on 15th April 2013 at 9 a.m after a short period of illness and suffering. May her soul rest in peace. May her exemplary life be a model for all of us.

- Sr.Nancy Monteiro cm

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Sr. Angela Martin passed away

Sr. Angela Martin passed away today at 9:30 in the morning. 

Funeral details

Date:16-April-2013
Time: 8:00 am 
Place: Sagbara, South Gujarat 

About Late Sr. Angela Martin

Sr. Angela Martin Poveda born on 18th October 1922, in Salamanca, Spain. Her parents were Manuel
Martin and Maria Del Rosario. She entered the convent on 24th Feb. 1943 and made her first profession
on 21st August 1944 in Pamplona, and perpetual vows on 3rd Sep. 1949 in Pamplona, Spain. More will be available on BBN tomorrow

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DEDICATION OF THE UMBERGAON SHRINE TO DIVINE MERCY

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Divine Mercy Shrine - Umbergaon 

The long awaited dream of the faithful of Umbergaon parishioners was realized on Sunday, 7th April, 2013 when Rt. Rev. Bishop Godfrey de’ Rozario, Bishop of Baroda dedicated the new shrine to Divine Mercy in the august presence of about 30 priests, large number of sisters and a mammoth crowd of more than 1500 faithful. People from Vasai and other parts of Maharashtra and faithful which included people from different missions and city parishes of the Diocese of Baroda flocked to the shrine.

 At the main gate, the clergy were welcomed in the Indian traditional style by applying chandan tilak on the foreheads of the priest and the Bishop and the Parish Priest was garlanded. The Bishop unveiled the stone and then asked the Parish Priest, Fr.Kanti Vasava to open the doors of the shrine for the faithful to enter. The 3.5 hour service included blessing of the water and sprinkling all over the shrine, anointing of the altar and other areas of the shrine by applying chrism oil and incensing of the altar before proceeding with the Eucharist. In his homily, Bishop mentioned that the shrine will look grander after the final touches are given but stressed that it was more important to practice the virtue of showing mercy and forgiveness in our daily life.

 The Zaroli school girls put up a splendid entrance dance and performed aarti. Post communion, the tabernacle was blessed, which housed the monstrance for the first time. After the mass, the priests were felicitated. Later on, Fr. Pascal Ninama, the Incharge of Umbergaon mission specially thanked the contractor, Tarachandbhai, Mrs. Mary Fernandez and Mr. Joseph Veliyath for their contribution. Sumptuous food was served to all before the dismissal.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Godfrey de’ Rozario,

 The shrine looked really majestic with the risen Christ and the different pictures depict the scenes of the bible in the main shrine hall. 7th April, 2013 is a day to remember for Umbergaon mission, the first and the only Divine Mercy Shrine in the Diocese of Baroda.

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Photos of Divine Mercy Shrine - UMBERGAON

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Ordination Mariyampura-Petlad

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Photos of Ordination Mariyampura-Petlad

Congratulations to four newly ordained priests 

Rev. Fr. David

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Rev. Fr. Rajan


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Rev. Fr. Ravi


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Rev. Fr. Jignesh


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Ordnataion inroduction from Vijay Macwan

Details courtesy

Rev. Fr. Nilesh, 

St. Joseph Seminary, Nadiad.

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From doubt to faith

Second Sunday of Easter 

John 20, 19-31

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

From doubt to faith

José Antonio Pagola

Modern man has learned to doubt. It is typical of the spirit of our times to question everything to advance scientific knowledge. In this climate, faith is often discredited. Human beings go through life full of uncertainty and doubt.

So we all tend to support without difficulty the reaction of Thomas when the other disciples tell him that during his absence they had an extraordinary experience: "We have seen the Lord." Thomas could be a man of our times. His answer is clear: “If I do not see him, I do not believe.”

His attitude is understandable. Thomas does not say that his companions are lying or that they are mistaken. He only says that their witness is not enough for him to cling to their faith. He needs to have his own experience. And Jesus will not ever hold it against him.

Thomas has been able to express his doubts within the group of disciples. Apparently they were not scandalized. They did not expel him from the group. Neither did they believe the women when they announced they had seen Jesus risen from the dead. The incident with Thomas allows us to see the long distance the small group of disciples had to cover before they reached faith in the Risen Christ.

Christian communities ought to be in our times a space for dialogue where we can honestly share the doubts, questions, and the quest of believers today. We do not all undergo the same experiences. To grow in faith we need the stimulus that comes from dialogue with others who share our concerns.

But nothing can substitute personal contact with Christ in the depths of our hearts. According to the Gospel account , Jesus appears once more to the disciples eight days later. He does not reproach Thomas for doubting. His reluctance to believe only reveals his sincerity. Jesus shows him his wounds.

But nothing can substitute personal contact with Christ in the depths of our hearts. According to the Gospel account , Jesus appears once more to the disciples eight days later. He does not reproach Thomas for doubting. His reluctance to believe only reveals his sincerity. Jesus shows him his wounds.

They are not “proofs” of the resurrection, but “signs” of his love and surrender unto death. So he invites him to enter more deeply with confidence into his doubts: “Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas refuses to verify anything. He no longer has need of proofs. He only knows that Jesus loves him and calls him to trust: “My Lord and my God.”

One day Christians will discover that many of our doubts, honestly experienced, without losing contact with Jesus and the community can rescue us from a superficial faith that is satisfied with repeating formulas, in order to inspire us to grow in love and trust in Jesus, the mystery of God incarnate who constitutes the core of our faith.

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Feast Of Divine Mercy Shrine, Salun

 

I shall sing forever the Lord's mercy." (Ps 89 [88]) The first Sunday after Easter is popularly known as Mercy of God Sunday. Between 1930 and 1938 Christ appeared to Sister Faustina, a Sister of Mercy in Poland who initiated the Divine Mercy devotion. On Good Friday, 1937, Jesus requested that Blessed Faustina make a special novena before the Feast of Mercy, from Good Friday through the following Saturday. Jesus also asked that a picture be painted according to the vision of Himself as the fountain of mercy. He gave her a chaplet to be recited and said that it was appropriate to pray the chaplet at three o'clock each afternoon (the Hour of Great Mercy).

  Being the 1st Friday of the month, the Divine Mercy Shrine, Salun anticipated the Feast which falls on 1st Sunday of Easter , this time on 7th of April. As usual the people began coming right from early morning to late evening to receive God’s blessing. The main celebration was in the afternoon. Around 3000 people attended this “Bhaktimela”. At 1.30pm our Parish Priest Fr. Francis Xavier conducted the adoration and lead all of us to worship. The choir members with their devotional singing helped us to experience celestial bliss.

 At 2.30pm Our Rt. Rev. Bishop Thomas Macwan along with 11 other priests con -celebrated the Eucharist and gave us the message to place our Trust totally in God, the merciful Father who takes care of us, sinners and rejoices over the one repentant sinner. After the Eucharistic celebration Bishop and other priests prayed over people who had come to experience God’s Mercy.

Sr. Smita, Salun

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Divine Mercy Feast in Salun

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Late Sr. Sabina RJM - Life Sketch and Funeral

 Sr. Sabina a true daughter of St. Claudine lived her life like the hidden violet yet spread her fragrance through her love of duty. In the healing ministry she touched with His healing hands the numerous patients she served all the years and was remembered by her cheerful smile that brought them solace and health. With St. Paul she could very well say,

“ I have fought the good fight to the end, 

I have run the race to the finish; 

I have kept the faith” 2 Tim. 4/6 

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Sr. Sabina was born on 24th January 1947 in Chengalam, Kerala. She was the fourth among ten sibling. Among these, one is Fr. Devasia S.J. and another was Sr. Denise RJM who died in 1986. Sr. Sabina joined the religious life on July 21st 1970. and on 3rd Sept. 1973 made her vows in Pune.

Late Sr. Sabina,  Photo: Rev. Fr. Devasia S.J.

 By profession she was a nurse and her first assignment was Kendal mission in Maharashtra. Sister was in Anklav dispensary in 1974. She also served in Agra, Khandala, Gothada, Hampton Court- Mussoorie and Pune . Sister did her nursing training at St. Martha’s Hospital in 1984 and in 1987 she worked in Khambhat dispensary. Sister was Superior in Anklav community in 1994 and worked in Gothada in 1997. In 2001 she was the Econome and the Superior of Mariampura. In 2006 Sister was once again in Khambhat.Then it was discovered that she had breast cancer and she struggled through the sickness with chemotheraphy and radiation. In 2008 Sister was sent to Mariampura. Where she served as an Econome and nurse.

Though she seemed to show signs of improvement, last year the cancer returned to her and nothing could be done to arrest it. She continued the duty of Econome of the house till lately, and then initiated the next Econome to the work. Since her health was deteriorating Sister Provincial decided to shift her to Baroda because of better medical facility available for her treatment. Sr. Sabina was thereby shifted to Baroda last Wednesday 27th March 2013.

 On Easter Sunday evening Sr. Sabina seemed to be very low. Early Easter Monday morning Fr. Saby Lemos the Asst. Parish Priest was called to administer the Sacrament of the Sick. Sister was fortunate to receive this sacrament surrounded by the sisters of the community in her room. Father then celebrated the Holy Eucharist and the Sisters prayed Lauds and renewed the vows with her.

 Fr. Devasia S.J. her brother was with her as she was sailing through the last moment of her struggle. Also present were Dr. M.N. Shah , Sr. C.R. Mary ,the Superior of Our Lady of Pillar Hospital and Sr. Jay along with our Sr. Provincial, Sr. Nayna and Sr. Sushma. The end came slowly but steadily the good Lord seemed merciful towards her as He blessed her with a peaceful bliss of His sight. She returned Home to the Heavenly Father at 12 noon.

The smile on Sr. Sabina’s face is proof enough to tell each one of us that our Lord has welcomed her into His abode.

“I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in me ,Though she may die, she shall live’. Jn 11: 25

Courtesy
Sr.Rosaria RJM and RJM Sisters

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Bishop Thomas Macwan - A person for others!

Rev. Bishop Thomas Macwan

Bishop Thomas Macwan: a person for others! 

 By  Rev. Fr. Cedric Prakash S.J.

There are several enduring and endearing qualities which characterize Bishop Thomas Macwan! As someone who has known him very closely for several years now, I would like to highlight three of these qualities which, in a way, are his forte:
Bishop Thomas is a compassionate Pastor.

Bishop Thomas is truly a Pastor with a compassionate heart. In the most insignificant places in the rural parts of his diocese, among the poor and neglected or among the dying destitute of the Mother Teresa home, ‘Shanti Nilaya’, Bishop Thomas is completely at ease reaching out in a manner which few can do. In this great gift of witnessing, he clearly shows that his compassion is for all, irrespective of the background of the person.

On February 28, 2012, when several groups and individuals came together to observe the tenth anniversary of the Gujarat Carnage, he made it a point to visit Gulberg Society to console the victim-survivors and to assure them that he stood by them in their quest for justice and for truth.
Bishop Thomas consults.

Fifty years ago, Vatican II, gave the Church a new way of proceeding, as it tried to create a more participatory approach at every level of its functioning. Unfortunately, as we look back, the sad truth is that the Church today is hardly a participatory one. But taking a cue from the directives of Vatican II, Bishop Thomas has ensured that the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Priests Council and several of the Parish Councils in the Ahmedabad diocese are in place and even operational!

The high point, I guess in his consultative approach is to put together a ‘Think-Tank’ in the diocese which meets regularly to deliberate on matters concerning Church and Society and to see how best the Bishop and the diocese could respond to various situations. This ‘Think-Tank’ is a fairly broad umbrella consisting of Priests and religious with no juridical standing; but in bringing together diverse minds, Bishop Thomas proves that the best way to run a diocese is through a consultative process.
Bishop Thomas is a person of commitment.

Commitment is another key quality of Bishop Thomas. He is able to radiate this - both in small and big things. If he knows that there is someone who is sick, old and lonely, he makes it a commitment to go and meet and spend some value time with that person.

In one of the first CBCI General Body meetings in which he participated (in Trichur in 2004), all the Bishops of India had pledged to put together a Commission for Social Communications in their respective dioceses. Today, thanks to Bishop Thomas, the diocese of Ahmedabad is one of the few dioceses, to have such a Commission (and which works)!

Much more can be said about Bishop Thomas but his three outstanding qualities are that he is a Bishop who with a compassionate heart, who has the humility to consult with others and above all with a high degree of commitment.

Bishop Thomas is truly a person for others!

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Funeral Of Sr. Sabina ,Jesus and Mary Convent, Baroda

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Funeral Of Sr. Sabina ,Jesus and Mary Convent, Baroda

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60 Years of Life, 25 Years Of Priesthood, 10 Years Of Bishop - Rev. Bishop Thomas Macwan

01-April-2013 Rev. Bishop Thomas Macwan celebrated 60 years of Life, 25 years of Priesthood and 10 Years of Bishop of Ahmedabad Dio. yesterday in Hansol, Ahmedabad . The report will be sent to you soon.

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Photos Of The Celebration - Rev. Bishop Thomas Macwan

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