Happy Feast of St. John Bosco, January 31, 2015

Happy Feast of St. John Bosco, January 31, 2015

Today we celebrate the patron saint of youth, boys, and editors, St. John Bosco. Well known across the globe as the founder of the Salesian Order, he was also the educator of St. Dominic Savio, one of the youngest canonized saints the Church has in her communion.

Don Bosco

Hailed as one of the greatest teachers of his time, St. John Bosco, or affectionately known to many as Don Bosco, viewed education as the means to help Christian youth find their place in corporate society. He was the master of classroom management, good discipline rooted in liberty, and a strong Catholic identity. For Don Bosco, interpersonal relationships were his primary approach when reaching children. He advised many of his teachers to take this approach with the children under their care.

He was the first priest to introduce daily reception of Holy Communion into boarding schools. When asked by his students how one could live a long and healthy life, his maxim consisted of four things: always have a clear conscience, moderation in eating, live an active life, and surround yourself with good companions.

We could spend a plethora of blog posts talking about his educational philosophy, but for today, I want to provide you with 10 sayings of his when it comes to teaching and life in general. If you are an educator and would like to know his educational pedagogy, I suggest the book, The Educational Philosophy of St. John Bosco. It’s an excellent read and you will surely gather practical insight for your classroom and for life.

Don Bosco said…

1. “Without confidence and love, there can be no true education. If you want to be loved…you must love yourselves, and make your children feel that you love them.”

2. “The school was not the end; it was rather the instrumental means for improving the way of life.”

3. “If one is to do good, he must have a little courage, be ready for sacrifice, deal affably with all and never slight anybody. By following this method I have always had significant success, in fact, marvelous success.”

Particularly to Youth he would say…

4. “Act today in such a way that you need not blush tomorrow.”

5. “Do not put off till tomorrow the good you can do today. You may not have a tomorrow.”

6. “Let us strive to fare well in this life and in the next.”

7. “Be slow to pass judgment.”

8. “Do you want your companions to respect you? Always think well of everyone, and be ready to help others. Do this and you will be happy.”

9. “Run, jump, have all the fun you want at the right time, but, for heaven’s sake, do not commit sin!” (from St. Philip Neri).

10. “Servite Domino in laetitia!” (Serve the Lord joyfully!)

For me, Don Bosco was a major influence in my teaching when I taught high school theology in both Phoenix and Austin. I have read his educational philosophy a couple of times and often used many of the quotes from above in my classroom. Although my new position at the parish is fantastic, reading through the text and writing this blog post has made me miss teaching a bit, well at least the part of teaching that doesn’t have to do with grading.

St. John Bosco…Pray For Us!

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Funeral service video - Late Fr. Chelstone (Charlie)

Please click on the video. Would request you all to share the video with his friends, family, staff and with the his students

Please click

Late Fr. Charlie was clicked by BBN at Rosary - Baroda, It was the Golden Jubilee celebration of Bro. Agnelo and the other Jesuits who celebrated the Golden Jubilee

This was clicked at Rosary - Baroda 

- BBN

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Funeral Service : Late Fr. Chelston (Charlie) Dias S.J.

The Funeral Service was held in St. Xavier's Church - Loyola Hall, Ahmedabad at 3:00 pm, Many of his ex-students, Catholics and non catholics paid last visit. 

Please click Funeral Photos  

Dias Chelston

Fr.Chelston was the ninth child in a family of twelve. He joined the Apostolic School at Loyola Hall and passed SSC from Loyola in 1964. Influenced by the Jesuit Community at Loyola, he joined the novitiate the same year and took his vows in 1966. As a student of St.Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, he presented the college in football, hockey and athletics. Though chosen to represent the Gujarat University in these various disciplines, he had to step out ‘in virtue of holy obedience’. In 1968, Fr.Charlie Dias was the fastest runner in Gujarat University standing first in the 100 m. race.

After an illustrious college performance, both in and off the field, he proceeded for the novitiate at Mt Abu and then for philosophy to Pune. After completing his regency and theology, he was ordained a priest in Bandra in 1979. After his B.Ed. Charlie had four assignment at Rosary, Baroda in 1984, landed at Loyola hall as Vice Principal, with additional charge of sports and scouts.

Charlie has a motto that reads: A true Xavierite is a better person for others. His great hobby is arranging leadership camps and ‘future leaders’ vie with each other to find a place on these camps. The leadership camps surely went beyond the ordinary and the mundane routine of the textbook learning and spewing what was learnt in examinations. These camps have been, a unique contribution of fr.Charlie to engage young people in understanding themselves, discovering their inner potential, sensitizing them to society’s challenges and egging them on to leadership. His faith formation camps for Catholics students have him personally involved and devoted every bit of his time and energy. As a Vocation promoter, he organized many camps and through these camps many have joined for priesthood and for religious life.

All through the years at St.Xavier’s Loyola Hall, Fr.Charlie has held many offices and important ones such as Principal of St.Xavier’s Loyola Hall Primary Section, Director of Leadership Training programmes, Director of Sports and games, Director of alter servers, Chairman of Cubs and scouts, Director of the Social service league and Minister of the Jesuit residence. Holding all these portfolios, Fr.Charlie’s main focus has been the children.  He instilled in his students the spirit of sportsmanship. ‘Play the game to enjoy it. Winning and losing don’t matter. Participation is the most important thing’.

Fr.Charlie’s generosity knows no bounds reaching out to the poor and the needy far and wide. He is very often addressed as Fr. Santaclaus.

 By Fr.Lancy D’Cruz

Responsibility Held In Society

Responsibility                                                                  Place of Responsibility_                    Year

Vice principal primary Loyola Hall                                Ahmedabad                              1984-1998

Minister of Jesuit Community Loyola                           Ahmedabad                              1996-2006

Principal primary section St.Xaviers Loyola Hall          Amedabad                               1998-2005

Primary in charge St. Xaviers                                       Surat                                        2006-2007

Director of sports St.Xaviers Loyola Hall                      Ahmedabad                             1990-2005

Director Leadership Program St.Xaviers Loyola Hall   Ahmedabad                             1986-2006

Director Social Service St.Xaviers Loyola Hall             Ahmedabad                             1986-2006

Director of Sports St. Xaviers                                                 Surat                                              2006-2012

Asst PP & School Animator                                                   Ankleshwar                                     2013-2015

With best wishes and in Union of Prayers,

Socius- Gujarat Province

Fr.Lawrence Dharmaraj

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1st Annual day - St. Xavier's School Gamdi-Anand

 1st Annual day was organised by St. Xavier's English Medium School Gamdi-Anand on 24th January 2015. Mrs. Jyoti Shahikantbhai Macwan (Secretory - SEWA) was the chief guest who encouraged the students to be the bright future of the country.

The principal Rev. Fr. Xavier Amalraj S.J. organised the first Annual Day in he history of the school to make the students vibrant in other skills and to make a better platform for the students to perform their talents.

It was a wonderful evening with a lot of dances, songs. the winners of the school programs were awarded at the end of the program.

Rev. Fr. Jerry Sequeira the manager of the St. Xavier's Schools (Gujarati and English), Rev. Fr. Albert S.J. - Principal of the St. Xavier's School - Rev. Bro. Abril S.J. - Anand Press - The sisters and many parents were present during the program.

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RIP : Fr. Chelston (Charlie Dias) S.J.

Late Fr. Charle Dias S.J.

We are sorry to inform you about the passing away of Fr. Chelston(Charlie Dias) at 10.45p.m on 27 January 2015 at Gomtipur, Nursing Home in Ahmedabad. 

The funeral of Fr.Charlie Dias will be held on ( Thursday) 29 January 2015 at 3.00p.m in Loyola Hall, Ahmedabad.

Fr.Charlie Dias was admitted in the Sterling Hospital in the second week of November 2014 for the treatment of cancer in his right arm. The doctors were trying their level best to save his right arm. After a prolonged treatment at Sterling, on 16 January 2015 the doctors then in consultation with the superiors concerned decided to go for the amputation of the arm in order to save his life.

Fr.Charlie Dias accepted the decision of the doctors and  then he had sent his personal message to his near and dear ones:

“It is hard to believe i have finally after more than a month i have now been recommended to take the harsh step of consent of amputation of my Right hand, this is in consultation with the team of my Superiors, Socius and my family members having met with the Panel of doctors including Dr Somesh and Dr Mandeep to save my life. They did all the best to save my hand but at the end i lost the battle and had to surrender my right arm. 

Tomorrow 16th Jan 2015 morning 7.30 am my Right Arm will be amputated at Sterling Hospital.”

The right arm was amputated on 16 January 2015. For a week he was in the ICU and then he was transferred to a private room. He showed a lot of improvement. With the support of Bro.Pravin Falcao, he even tired to walk  in the room. Once again on 25 January, he had to be put in the ICU since his vital organs were not cooperating to the treatment that was given to him.

Finally his prolonged suffering came to an end on 27 January 2015  at 10.45 p.m and he departed for the eternal home. May his soul rest in peace!

Socius-Gujarat

Stay tuned on BBN, BBNApp for funeral service.

- BBN

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Indian faithful save church in England’s Catholic heartland

Indian faithful save church in England’s Catholic heartland

Syro-Malabars will take over St Ignatius after it was closed last year

 A historic church in Preston that was closed two months ago will re-open after the Bishop of Lancaster offered it to Syro-Malabar Catholics.

St Ignatius’ Church, opened in 1836, was due to be merged with the nearby English Martyrs Church because of a shortage of priests. Parishioners said they were stunned by the decision.

But on New Year’s Eve Bishop Michael Campbell received a letter from Cardinal George Alencherry requesting a church and presbytery for Syro-Malabar Catholics under the charge of Fr Mathew Jacob Choorapoikayil.

There are an estimated 17,000 Syro-Malabar Catholics in England, with four million worldwide. The Church traces its origins to the Apostle Thomas, who according to tradition travelled to Kerala in AD52. The Church has had a chaplaincy in Lancaster since 2004, and there are more than 100 Syro-Malabar families in Preston. Bishop Campbell said: “I readily welcomed this request from Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, as I believe that St Ignatius church and presbytery will be a wonderful and vibrant centre for the St Thomas (Syro-Malabar) Catholics in Preston.”

Appealing to the Catholics of Preston, the bishop said: “I am hopeful that local Catholics will genuinely rejoice in what is both an imaginative – and surprising – decision and will be proactive in their support of our brother and sister Syro-Malabar Catholics going forward.”

St Ignatius is a Grade II* listed building with an interior designed by Augustus Pugin. An estimated 140 people attended its last Mass in November. Parishioner Ralph Cooper had said the decision to close the church had come as a “bolt from the blue”.

New parish priest Fr Mathew Jacob Choorapoikayil said: “We’re very pleased to have our first church in England.”

The community has grown out of the local hospital which employed migrants. Fr Matthew added that Bishop Campbell and his predecessor Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue “have been very good to us, have welcomed us and given us our opportunity”. He also said that there would be an official opening Mass announced shortly.

Courtesy: .catholicherald.co.uk

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Seminar on Legacy of Nehru: Analysis and Appraisal by CCD - Vadodara

 As a political paradigm shift is taking place in the country since 2014 elections from Nehruvian vision for India to Hindutva vision, the Centre for Culture and Development (CCD), Vadodara is organizing a three day seminar on the Legacy of Nehru during 29-3-31st Jan 2015. For the concept note and details

 visit www.ccdgujarat.org. Lord Bhikhu Parekh will give the Key Note address and four time Lok Sabha secretary, Dr. S. Kashyap (Padma Bhushan) will give the valedictory address. A host of reputed academics from leading universities will be presenting papers. See the schedule of the seminar. Participation is by invitation only.

SCHEDULE

Legacy of Nehru: Analysis and Appraisal

 (January 29-30-31, 2015)

Please click SCHEDULE

News by Fr. Dr. Lancy Lobo

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RIP : Fulkeriaben Paulbhai Christian

Late Fulkeriaben Paulbhai Christian died on 27 - Jan -2015. The Mother of Mr. Sanjay Christian and Mother-In-Law of Vandana Christian. The Funeral service was in St. Joseph's Church - Maninagar-Ahmedabad at 3:30 pm evening.

The prayer service:

Date:  01-02-2015 Sunday 

Place: 17, Edenpark Society, Maninagar (E)

           Ahmedabad  

May her soul rest in peace

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“Mission Green Award to Dr (Fr) P.D. John

  TURA, Garo Hills -- The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul M. Sangma,

conferred “Mission Green Award to Dr (Fr) P.D. John, SDB, Principal of Don Bosco College, Tura on Republic Day at Tura Stadium, 26 January..

 The Certificate of Appreciation reads: this is to place on record our sincere appreciation for Fr. Dr. Pd.John, Sdb, Principal, Don Bosco College, Tura in taking up a leadership role in awareness dissemination for ‘Clean & Green Meghalaya’ and motivating stakeholders, youth and partners to preserve our environment and keep our surroundings clean and pristine.

 The citation further says: Your exemplary leadership in all environmental campaigns that you have spearheaded has earned you the title of ‘Mission Green Champion’.

Courtesy : Rev. Fr. cmpaul | January 27, 2015

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“Come,” he replied, “and you will see” - Sunday Gospel Reflection

Second Sunday of the Year B

- John 1, 35-42 – 

Believe in Jesus

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.  When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.  Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”

 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.  The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter.)

Two disciples, on the instructions of John, begin to follow Jesus. For some time they walk behind him in silence. There has been no real contact. Suddenly Jesus turns to them and asks a crucial question: “What do you want? What are you looking for from me?

They answer with another question: Rabbi, where do you live? What’s the secret of your life? Where does your strength come from? What is the meaning of your life? Jesus replies: “Come and see”. Find out for yourselves. Don’t look for information elsewhere. Come, stay with me. You will discover who I am and how I can change your lives. This little dialogue can shed more light on the essentials of Christian faith than long complicated discourses. In short, what is important to be a Christian?

In the first place, it is “to seek”. When one does not seek anything in life and is satisfied with getting along or having a good time, it is not possible to meet with Jesus. The best way not to understand anything about the Christian Faith is not to have any interest in living rightly.

The important thing is not to look for something but to seek someone. Do not discard anything. If one day the person of Jesus “touches” you, it is time to let him find you by dropping your defenses and reservations.  Forget your convictions and doubts, doctrines and views. You are not asked to become religious or pious; only to come to know him better. 

It is not a matter of knowing a lot about Jesus, but to empathize with him, to make your own his basic attitudes, and to find out for yourself that relating to him does you good, revives your spirit, and imbues your life with strength and hope . When this happens you begin to understand how little you believed in him and how badly you understood almost everything. But what’s crucial in being a Christian is to try to live as he lived even though we fall far short:

·         to believe in what he believed in 

·         to give importance to what he gave importance to

·         to take interest in what he took interest in

·         to see life as he saw it

·         to treat others as he treated them

·         to listen to, accept, and accompany others the way he did

·         to trust God as he did

·         to pray as he did

·         to transmit hope as he did.

What do you feel when you try to live life this way? Isn’t this learning to live life?

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

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Celebrating 76th Birthday Of Spanish Missionary

Rev. Fr. Ignas Sanchez Guardamino, S.J

76th birthday of Rev. Fr. Ignas Sanchez Guardamino S.J. celebrated at St. Xavier's English Medium School, Bavla- Gujarat. 

Rev. Fr. Ignas Sanchez Guardamino, S.J. has worked in Bharuch, Nanakantharia and at Sanand for 20 years. Now, for the past two years he is at Bavla and taking care of the Pastoral apostolate. He loves the children. The Children presented and blessed him on his birthday. He loves nature and he is very good at farming and Gardening. He has made a beautiful veg. Garden at Bavla with veg. like doodhi, gawar, choli, papdi, beatroot, carrot, raddish, brinjal, sweet potetos, and plenty of tuer.

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Celebrating 76th Birthday Of Spanish Missonary

News and Photos : Rev. Fr. Roy Joseph, Bavla

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Pope Francis Declared Goan Saint Joseph Vaz in Colombo

COLOMBO: Pope Francis declared Blessed Joseph Vaz a saint at an Eucharistic celebration at Galle face green park on Wednesday, ending a long wait for the canonization of the 17th century Goan priest.

Church bells rang and lakh of people clapped as Pope Francis said, "We declare and define Blessed Joseph Vaz to be Saint and we enroll him among the Saints, decreeing that he is to be venerated as such by the whole Church."

Pope arrived at the venue on the sea front at 8 am and went round the packed ground waving to the crowd. Later, around 9 am, he conferred sainthood on the deeply respected priest, as Sri Lankans grateful for their faith, Goans and others who had traveled to the venue and camping since late evening on Tuesday, braving the cold reacted with joy.

READ ALSO: In Lanka, Pope calls for truth and healing

Ordained a priest in 1676 in Goa, he arrived in the island nation in 1687 and is known to have founded several churches and chapels, helping revive the faith amidst persecution of Catholics by Calvinists.

Pope Francis blesses a sick child before a canonisation mass for Joseph Vaz in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo on January 14, 2015. (AFP photo)

Pope Francis lauded the perservance and hard work of Vaz, stating that he lived as a true icon of the Lord's Word.

READ ALSO: Pope urges 'respect for human rights' in Sri Lanka

The Goan priest died in 1711 and was beatified by Pope John Paull II in Colombo on January 21, 1995.

Source: Times Of India

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Dharmasetu - Januray - 2015 - ધર્મ સેતુ

Please click  on the below given picture for Dharmasetu - Januray - 2015

ધર્મ સેતુ - જાન્યુઆરી - 2015 વાંચવા માટે નીચે આપેલ ઉપર ક્લિક કરશો 

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Audio Bible Diary 2015 Test and BBNApp traffic

Click to listen podcast test

Testing For Audio Bible Diary 2015 Podcast.

This will be available soon in BBNApp

Please click the beside podcast picture to listen to our podcast

the test music is taken from Sandhyavandana - Gurjarvani 

Are you Android? Have you downloaded BBNApp ?

Here are the people who are connected with BBNApp. 

Download and be part of the first Catholic App of Gujarat Church.

Now the Church is in your loving palms

People who are connected with BBNApp

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BBN completes 5 years on 15-Jan-2015

Pray for BBN and help us make the church vibrant.

- Vijay BBN

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Silver Jubilee of Sr. Roshni F.C.

Date : 10-01-2015 Saturday Evening,

Silver Jubilee of Sr. Roshni F.C. celebrated in Mumbai with Fr. Ishwan Gamit and Rev. Fr. Tony Britto.
News by  - Kuvarji Vasava

સિસ્ટર રોશની વસવા મૂળ ઉમરખાડીગામના (ચિત્તલદા -ઝંખવાવ) કેટેકીસ્ટ પિતાશ્રી દામાંનીયાભાઈ વસવાના ધાર્મિક કુટુંબમાં તેમનો જન્મ 01-06-1961 માં થયો હતો.. તેમના માતાશ્રી આશાબેન વસાવાના માતૃત્વ હેઠળ તેમનામાં વિકાસ અને ધાર્મિક સંસ્કારોનું સિંચન થયું.

સેન્ટ ઝેવિયર્સ હાઈસ્કુલ - ભરૂચ 1976-1981ના દાયકા દરમ્યાન તેમણે અભ્યાસ પૂર્ણ કરી અને વડોદરા ખાતે એસ. એસ. જી. હોસ્પીટલમાં સ્ટાફ નર્સિંગ ટ્રેઈનીંગ 1982 થી 1986 સુધી પૂર્ણ કરી કોટેચ ગવર્નમેન્ટ હોસ્પિટલ, ઉમરપાડા ખાતે સ્ટાફ નર્સ તરીકે 1987 માં નોકરી શરૂ કરી હતી. 

1987માં તેમણે અનુભવ્યું કે તેમનું જીવન ઇસુ માટે છે અને તે ઇસુ હાકલને અનુસરી ડૉટર્સ ઓફ ધ ક્રોસ મંડળમાં 1989માં મુંબઈ ખાતે સાધ્વી તરીકે જીવન ગ્રહણ કર્યું. 

આજે એ ઇસુ હાકલ અને સર્વસ્વ તેનાજ મહિમા માટે જીવન અર્પણના સિ. રોશની 25 વર્ષ પૂર્ણ કરે છે 

આ શુભ પ્રસંગે રેવ. ફા. ઈશ્વન ગામીત અને રેવ ફા ટોની બ્રિટો મુંબઈ ખાતે ખ્રિસ્તયજ્ઞ અર્પણ કરી સિ.રોશની તથા તેમના કુટુંબીજનોને પ્રાર્થનામય દોર્યા હતા.

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સિ રોશનીને આ મંગલ ટાણે હાર્દિક શુભેચ્છાઓ

ફોટો : રાકેશ વસાવા તથા મોહન વસાવા 
સમાચાર : કુવરજી વસવા

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Funeral and life of late Br Paul Macwan SJ

Please click on the below given video and do share with all his friends

Br Paul Macwan SJ

Br. Paul Macwan was inspired to join the Society while he was doing his primary school at Nadiad, by observing the saintly life of Br. Augustine Lobo. He joined the novitiate at Vinayalaya, Mumbai, in 1961.

 After spending four years in Vinayalaya, for his noviciate and juniorate, he was sent to De Nobili College, Pune. That was his home for 15 years till 1980. He was moulded there and had been in charge of several offices, including being the first Brother Minister of De Nobili College. He was the founding member of De Nobili College Trust.

 In 1980, he was sent to the Thailand Border to serve the refugees of Cambodia and Vietnam, at the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees. Paul was in charge of coordinating the construction works, sanitation, electricity and water supply of the camp for over 50,000 refugees. He received a letter of merit from the UN High Commission and a congratulation letter from the then General Fr. Aruppe.

 In 1981, Paul was sent to Dediapada and worked there for seven years as Treasurer, Farm Manager, In Charge of Social Work and Secretary of Adivasi Samajik Kendra Dediapada, Relva and Nani Sigloti. He collaborated with Fr. Berechi in starting the first educational project in South Gujarat, opening three Primary schools, a High school and later on a Higher Secondary school. At the same time He was asked by Fr. Berechi to improve the management of the milk cooperative society. So he went to NDDB, Anand for a course in the relevant skills.

 From Dediapada he was sent to Africa (Ethiopia). It was one of his dreams fulfilled. He was given charge as Field Director of JRS, and had to oversee a huge multi project: establishing 70,000 displaced people of that country. The project was contracted with the government of Ethiopia which acknowledged the JRS project as a model project. There too Paul was given a letter of appreciation by the Ministry of Health. The Provincial of East Africa with the approval of the Gujarat Provincial, wanted to send him to Somalia for refugee work there.

 In the meantime he was asked to join his tertianship at Bangalore in1989. At Bangalore he also did a diploma course in catechetic. Since he could not obtain a visa to Somalia, he was sent to Khambhat mission in 1990.

 At Khambhat he worked for eight years as an Administrator, Treasurer and the director of Agricultural project, building the high school, hostel, renovating the Fathers’ residence and building a compound wall. He was also in charge of buying land and building a school, hostels and a convent at Varasada and the Shrine and the Retreat House in Nagra. He also took care of the construction of the extension of St Xavier’s, Gandhinagar.

The sudden demise of Fr. Herero at Ankleshwar resulted in the transfer of Paul to take charge of completing the construction of one wing of the Technical school and the fathers’ residence at Catholic Church, Ankleshwar.

In 1998 he was called to Premal Jyoti, Ahmedabad, to work in the Province Curia. He was appointed Province Treasurer, the first Brother to hold the job. He was also the Province Revisor of Arcarum and Domorum and the Director of XKM Vehicle Office. He was a secretary and treasurer of the Province-run trusts including the Secretary of Xavier Kelvani Mandal Pvt. Ltd. He resided with the community of Gurjarvani. There too he was made Secretary of the Gurjarvani Society and given the charge to supervise the building of the Parish Church (Prayer Hall) on the college campus.

Br. Paul had been trustee of several trusts and had taken keen interest in the development of many centres. Paul was very reliable. He was very good in human relationships. He made friends easily and his friendships lasted long. He was a good administrator, and good at organizing things. He was good at accounts. He was creative. He wrote and spoke well, especially in Gujarati. Before joining the Society he had written a play which was staged at the Town Hall in Baroda.

 Since Last 20 years he was assisting a centre for the handicapped children run by an ex-Jesuit Brother at Inderanaj in Varasada mission.

In 2010, he was given a year off to study scripture, Catholic doctrine and catechetics to help in the Pastoral line and for his own spiritual good. In 2014, he was appointed, Treasurer, Building Incharge and Farm Incharge at Nanisingaloti.

Fr.Lawrence Dharmaraj

Socius- Gujarat Province

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Christmas Carnival at St. Xavier’s, Mirzapur....

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The concept of Mega Christmas Carnival of 2014 around the Ahmedabad city was the dream project that evolved in the Principal Rev. Fr. Titus’ mind immediately after the small Christmas budding venture initiated in December, 2013 from St. Xavier’s Mirzapur School premises, across the Siddi Saiyed Mosque, Lal Darwaja and back to school.

After Annual Fests and the Grand Parents’ Day in December 2014, the Principal’s office buzzed with activities preparing for another Megha event, the Christmas Carnival 2014.

The Planning of the Carnival route, personal invitations to the honorable revered head Priests of different religions, the Special Chief Guest, Minaxi Patel, the Mayor of Ahmedabad City, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporators, inviting School Principals of Sister concern to join, and also the Adivasi group of Dancers, acquiring permission of the Police Commissioner and of course, the DJs, photographers and the Media.... everything was accomplished immediately before 23rd December, 2014, the destined for the vibrant Christmas Carnival.

After a mock-drill of the Carnival settings on 22nd December, 2014, the Xaviers’ Parivar was under a wave of excitement. On 23rd December dawn, the students of Std. 8 to 12 were busily engaged in decorating their jeeps and the Camel carts. The students in their uniforms with the Santa Caps captured and spread joyous mood of the festivity. The procession was to start at 8.15 a.m.

At 8.00 a.m. after the prayers in their classes, the students of Std. 1 to 7 gathered on the Basket ball grounds, while the students of Std. 8 to 12 assembled den wise before the Church in the order of threes. The Municipal Corporator, other religious leaders, Fathers, Sisters all awaited patiently on the Church platform for the arrival of His Lordship, the Bishop Thomas Macwan, The Swami Adhyatmanandaji and the Honorable Mayor Minaxi Patel, the Chief Guest of the function. Mrs Sheetal, our Higher Secondary Teacher was the Main Conductor of the event on the stage.

At last the 3 dignitaries arrived. Along with the Principal Fr. Titus and Vice Principal Ms. Unwala, the flag bearers escorted the Dignitaries towards the stage, to hoist the School Flag and the 4 Den Flags. They were invited on the stage by a welcome Speech by Mrs. Sheetal. After introductory speech the Bishop and the Swamiji were felicitated with the garlands by Fr. Titus and Ms. Unwala offered a bouquet of flowers to the Chief Guest Minaxiben. Everyone cheered to welcome them. His Lordship Bishop Thomas was then invited to Bless the Holy procession with his prayers. The Hon. Swamiji and the Hon. Mayor gave their inspiring message for the occasion. The audience appreciated and applauded the gesture. After this, the Mayor waved the Green Flag to start off the Carnival. The Media then interviewed the 3 dignitaries.

With a loud cheer and applaud the procession began, lead by 10 Bullet Bikers along with the Flag bearers on the pillion, in pairs. Then the camel cart of Mount Carmel School, Navrangpura proceeded with the live Christmas Tableau representing Baby Jesus’ birth event in the manger. The next 2 carts from Carmel Cote and St. Xavier’s Hansol depicted the arrival of the Shepherds and the 3 Kings with their gifts for the Prince of Peace. Following them was the specially decorated jeep in which the Hon. Swamiji and Rev. Fr. Seby, with His Lordship the Bishop entered to join the procession. The DJ’s jeep followed after the Lions Den and the Tiger’s Den Started their march along with the Principal Fr. Titus and Fr. Arthur. The Panthers and the Bears Den groups joined after them and other decorated Carts and Jeep and DJ’s truck playing charming carols. Their tunes enticed not only the Xavierites but also the city public on the route to dance and enjoy with ardent zeal. There were Lady Teachers and Masters in their Cars along with the police protection to take care of the students on the long route, selected to move around the city covering Delhi Chakla, Income Tax Circle, Ashram Road, Nehru Bridge, Siddi Saiyed Mosque and back to Mirzapur School Campus.

The most memorable part of the Carnival was the Adivasi (Tribal) Dancers, who along with the people of all castes and creed in the procession and on the roadsides, who unitedly geared up with carols and dances, capturing the Spirit of Christmas in total joy and enthusiasm. Everyone unanimously congratulated Fr. Titus for creating this effect in the hearts of the people by setting up this Grand Carnival.

They returned to the school at 10.45 a.m. The Primary students and staff cheered for them. Though tired, everyone felt the joy and excitement of their successful venture of Noel. The Adivasi troupe continued their performance in the School campus, by whirling the coconuts and saucers in the air, and cracking them with their heads while dancing. The students were thrilled by the show. Their dances reached the peak with the latest songs played by the DJ. At 11.35 a.m. the Adivasis and the DJs left and the students returned to their classes hungry as ever, to enjoy the Christmas Party and games prepared for them by their classmates who could not join the Carnival.

The carol singing competition on 22nd Dec. for 5 to 8, Fancy dress contests from KG to 4 on 18th and 19th Dec and of course the Live Crib by KG tinny tots and Live Christmas Tree Decor by Std. 8 to 12 were the highlights of the festive season at St. Xavier’s Mirzapur along with the Grand Finale – The Christmas Celebration on Christmas Eve, full of Carols, Messages, Christmas Tableau and Dance performances proved the height of excitements at the year end of 2014 to welcome the New Year 2015 with Best wishes, full of love, joy and peace for everyone around.

- BBN 

Christmas Carnival 2014

01. When - 23rd December, 2014

02. What - Christmas Carnival – 2014.

03. Why - 

(i) To spread the message of Joy and Peace of Child Jesus  to the neighborhood.

(ii) Christmas is an occasion that we proclaim to the world that God loved the world so much that he gave His only Son.

(iii) Christmas is not just for Christians but it is for all humanity, that is to say in St. Paul’s language that Jesus not only came for the Jews but also for Gentiles.

04. How - (i) St. Xavier’s Mirzapur having kept in mind the “Why” of Christmas Carnival, invited other 

schools like Mount Carmel, Convent, Navrangpura, St. Xavier’s, Hansol and Mount Carmel Cote, Khanpur.

(ii) Also invited the religious Heads of other Faiths.

(iii) The first citizen of Ahmedabad city, Mrs. Minaxi Patel, The Mayor of Ahmedabad was also invited.

(iv) 15 Bullet Bikers followed by 6 camel cars, 5 open jeeps, 2 DJ vans, troupe of Afro Indians and about 1500 Peace lovers made up the procession.

St. Xavier’s Mirzapur was happy at the end to see that the message of Child Jesus was warmly welcomed in the city of Ahmedabad. Principal Fr. Titus D’Costa said that Christmas Carnival will be a yearly feature.

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