Issue : 9 Volume No : 009 (Jan. to Apr. 2016) igen ence ake Min csscdInternational News
icis announces Global Teacher Prize
PU CRSee AVAlecinactl
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Sunday evening
announced through a video-message the winner of
B| the Global Teacher Prize, a $1 million award
presented by the Varkey Foundation.
The Pope's announcement had been previously
recorded in the Vatican, and was played at the
awards ceremony in Dubai.
Pope Angelus: From misery Jesus brings mercy
2016-03-13 Vatican Radio
During his Angelus address on the Fifth Sunday
of Lent, Pope Francis drew inspiration from the
Gospel reading of the day which the Pope
himself described as so beautiful that he reads it
and rereads it.
It tells the story of the adulterous woman, which
the Pope said, highlights the theme of the mercy
of God, who never wants the death of the sinner
but wants them to convert and live.
‘the Lord walks with us through the ‘dark valleys’ of our lives”
2016-03-14 Vatican Radio
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday spoke of a
series of events and situations that shed shadows on our
lives and lead us to ask difficult questions.
Speaking during morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta,
the Pope remembered a homeless man who recently
died of the cold here in Rome; he recalled the
Missionaries of Charity who were killed in an attack in
ps] Yemen; and his thoughts flew to the many people who
continue to fall ll in the so-called "triangle of death" in the
southern Italian region of Campania where the illegal
burning of toxic waste causes cancer and despair.
As we are forced to face these "dark valleys” of our time, he said, the only answer is to trust in
GodBushep Elias Bonseboes
DIOCESE OF AMRAVATI
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‘RI TATA area.” (FAA 24:4)Divine Mercy Sunday and the Sacrament of Mercy
OM CO
Episcopal Vicar, Amravati Diocese
Several years ago, the Catholic Church declared the
Sunday after Easter "Divine Mercy Sunday.” So what.
exactly is "mercy" anyway, and what does it have to do
with the Easterseason?
Mercy is not just pity. Neither is it simply sparing
someone the punishment that they deserve. No, mercy
is love's response to suffering. When mercy encounters
suffering, it ultimately seeks to alleviate it. God the
Father is so "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4) that Paul calls him,
"the Father of all mercies and the God of all comfort" (2
Cor 1:3
Jesus is the perfect human image of the Father's mercy.
‘When he meets those suffering from hunger, he feeds
them, When he encounters someone suffering from
physical sickness, he heals them, But true mercy is not
superficial, but radical. And Jesus sees that the deepest,
suffering in human life, the root cause of all other
suffering, is sin, Sin debases us, robbing us of our
dignity, weakening and even rupturing our connection,
with God, our loving Father and the source of our life.
Sin is not just a transgression of some arbitrary law; it,
creates a wound in us that can fester and, if not attended
to, corrupt us entirely. It gives the Prince of Darkness a
hold in our lives that he tries to turn into complete
control of our lives. True mercy seeks to alleviate this,
deeper suffering that can lead to eternal suffering,
Jesus died to do precisely this. And the risen Christ
instituted the sacrament of penance to apply the
medicine of mercy, won on Calvary, to each individual
sinner atthe moment of their deepest need.
‘Wait a minute. So Jesus, not the Church, established
this sacrament? Where does the Bible say he did that?
Right there, in John's gospel, on Easter Sunday
afternoon. Despite the locked doors, he stands amidst,
the apostles and says "As the Father has sent me, so I
send you." Jesus is the original "apostle" of the Father -
the word means "one who is sent." As he was sent ona.
mission of mercy, so he sends out his "apostles" on the
same mission. He breathes on them and says "Receive
the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men’s sins, they are
forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held
bound." (Jn20:19-22),
Ifyou havea problem with the Church intruding on what,
you think ought to be between just you and God, you'll
have to take that one up with Jesus. Itwas his idea. From
the looks of this text, he gave the apostles and their
successors, whom we call bishops, a great deal of
authority in this matter. But he also gave them a great
deal of power. The same Holy Spirit responsible for the
bringing of order out of chaos (Gen 1) and causing a
virgin to conceive and bear a son, is breathed upon the
apostles. Heis the Spirit of Mercy, the Spirit of healing,
the Spirit of liberation and resurrection.
Going to confession is not just meeting an official of the
institutional church. It is meeting a man who has been
anointed with the Spirit of Mercy to stand in the place of
Christ (in persona Christi) and serve as an instrument of
the divine physician, True, this instrument is a sinner in
need of mercy himself. Peter and doubting Thomas
make that abundantly clear right from the start, But they
are instruments of God's healing, merciful love,
nonetheless. That is the case whether or not they are
wise counselors and whether or not they are
exceptionally holy.
The Spirit Christ breathed on the apostles on the first
Easter afternoon has been passed on to these men
through the sacrament of Holy Orders. That means that
rst is the one you meet in confession. And he comes
not just to forgive, but to heal, to liberate, strengthen and,
transform.
His merciful love means that he died not just to "cover
oursins," to wipe them off God's record book, leaving us,
the same miserable creatures we'd always been. No, his,
mercy kills, the infection, heals the wound, and breaks
the bonds.
In the sacrament of reconciliation, Jesus invites us
penitents, like he did Lazarus, to come out ofthe place of
darkness and decay. And he says to his priestly
confessors the same thing he said to the people standing
around Lazarus's tomb: "unbind him, and let him go
free!"
That's divine mercy. I don't know about you, but | want
asmuch of tas Ican get!
Divine Mercy Sunday or the Octave of Easter presents
us with one of the most famous of gospel stories - the
story of Doubting Thomas. But it shows us how and
when the sacrament of penance and reconciliation was
instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ -and why.
Let's experience Easter Jesus all in the door of Mercy!THRUST AREA
1. Faith Formation
Christian Unity Day Celebrated | (Diocesan ) Zonal Level Christian
at Mt. Carmel Church, Akola Unity Prayer Meeting at Buldhana
Rn OTe ARCS NE MOMENI The Universal Church keeps Christian Unity Octave
es from January! 8th to 25th. In order to get maximum
Church, Akola. Invited guests were accorded a
floral welcome by the Priests, religious and laity
OOS OMe over Mt Te Mtr
a at eae Cameras program on 26th January 2016.
: SESS omCCMERT MESS The Christian Unity Prayer Meeting was held in the
SSO auditorium of St. Joseph High School, Buldhana, at
hat day, the Priests, Pa eee 04,30 p.m, The Parish Priest of Buldhana Catholic
SUD MNOMSMY Church, Fr K.V. Joseph, in his welcome speech
. Bishop Elias,
participation of Christians from all denominations,
our Zone, Akola-Buldana, organised a half day
extended a warm welcome to Rt. Re
COR SM Cs ee Mee men mY
Crees
HAT a the bishop of the diocese of Amravati, and all the
CCR ENTE SMR CMad Pastors. Rev. Fr, Scaria K. J. welcomed the dignitaries
Ve CC RCM SMe with shawl and bouquet of flowers. After the
CU MSY traditional lighting of the lamp by the astors/Leaders,
renee rhe the cat
hism children of Khamgaon and Buldhana
performed a prayer dance with the help ofa melodiou
and meaningful devotional hymn, Rt. Rev. Bishop
Elias read the Holy Scripture, said the oper
prayer
and urged everyone to feel sorry for their
shortcomings. The guided prayer service enriched the
participants in an atmosphere of prayer. All the pastors
read out various relevant passages from the Bible on
UNITY and shared their thoughts and offered
meaningful prayers at the end of their reflections, In
the concluding message, the president of the function,
COMME NeMRaed Rt Rev. Bishop Elias, spoke about the need for unity
Gams i an can) val RRM NOREES and love among the Christians, connecting the theme
NURS ome ocAMAWAM—
DE JUBLEE MEMORIAL
of unity to the theme of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. He
gave a powerful message by referring to Pope Francis,
"Be Merciful like the Heavenly Father”. Thereafter all
stood up and recited the Lord's Prayer, holding the
hands of those standing next to each other and shared
sign of peace with one another, After the concluding
prayer and blessing by the Bishop, the choir groups
from all churches sang beautiful hymns and songs of
praise, Adding more colour to the programme was an
audio visual program in the same venue, which
included the thematic song on the occasion of the
Jubilee Year, Pope's message on Mercy, patriotic
songs and performances by army personnel etc.
honouring the solemnity of the Republic Day of India
‘The Christian Unity day celebrations we concluded
with a Fellowship Meal in the quadrangle of the
School. Around 500 Christians belonging to all
denominations took part in the Christian Unity Day
Program.DECAY C MEME G Eien
CReroe ese eE LT)
Sears)
Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenical Wing
On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of our
Diocese, the Inter-Religious Dialogue Centre,
Khamgaon, organised a drawing competition at the
Diocesan level for the High School students. The
theme of the Drawing was "Promoting love, unity,
peace and harmony in our multi-religious society and
country".
All the High Schools run by the Priests and the
Religious of our Diocese were invited to take part in
the competition. Schools were urged to encourage
participation by as many students as possible. Schools
‘were required to conduct the competition in their own
schools and the best five entries were to be sent to
Khamgaon by the Principals. The duration of the
competition was 2 hours. Nine schools took part in the
competition and each of those nine schools sent their
best 5 entries. All the 45 (9x5) entries were exhibited
in our Fransalian Social Centre Hall. Students from
various schools of Khamgaon came to see the
drawings and they were all inspired by the theme
through the beautiful drawings and colourful
paintings by the multi-religious students of the
Catholic Schools of our Diocese. The first prize was
won by Fatima School, Achalpur, the second (2) prize
was shared by the Holy Cross, Akola, and St Anne's,
Akola, and the third (3) prize was shared by
Dnyanmatha, Amravati, Mount Carmel, Washim, and
St Joseph's, Buldana. All the participants of the 9
schools were given certificates and all the winners
were given along with the certificates first Prize of Rs.
1,001/- second prize of Rs. 751/- each and the third
prize Rs 501/- each. The drawings received are given
below.
Let us promote peace, harmony, unity, brotherhood
and love among all the brethren in our
neighbourhood, society, country and in the world at
large because we all are under the same roof of the
universal family Vasu Daiva Kudumbakam whose
creatorand head is our heavenly Father. May the good
Lord help all of us specially in this year of the
Diamond Jubilee of our Diocese build Basic Human
Community (BHC) where all of us despite differences
of religion, caste, creed and colour live like brothers
and sisters to make this world a beautiful home for the
Good Lord to dwell within us! May the festival of
Diwali, the celebration of light, which will be
celebrated soon, dispel the darkness of disunity,
disharmony, hatred, violence, chaos, injustice, non-
corporation, inhumann from the universe!
May the light of the world enlighten each and
everyone to be peace lovers and peace makers!
S ete.
FrK.V. Joseph msfs
Director,
Fransalian Vidya Niketan
feryenena ty)
CATHEDRAL RENOVATION & SUPPORT
PRONE SUES TULEN
SN ORC Ne CM eT
religious and the lay faithful of the diocese of
Amravati expresses sincere gratitude and
eae CECT OCR Sec
ORO eS eee
So eits
ort
SORE eae Nee ea)
Peter Tt
Without the support and contribution of each of you
Senna Ce ESO isco cd
Peroni
Sree Rah noha
erie Orme ite nl
Congeec enemies ta
eM g
era
PCC ACSA ERC TS
y side we are able to reach out during the 'Year
RY ame ere cela he
cua WEE RUE UE NES EL Sense
Seca Seca TTS
received and through the fin
received from Fr. Cyriac Thomas msfs, Archt
Seana MSN re Sao
Byculla, through the untiring efforts made by Mr
Adrian Rosario and very many others who are
Poe hore a eC
implore the blessings of the Blessed Trinity and our
Mother of Mercies on each one of youAMMVUWAME
Selected entries of the Inter School Drawing competition
of Amravati Diocese.2. Education
COU CM ROC nme I cme met
PO OMen em CC parang ae
Crm ORS Ce Nm wc
joy in my heart. This is a very important landmark in
SRR CROCS ROR UCR CROC
Cross of Chavanod: Amravati Province.
Having reached this Milestone after 100 years, our|
responsibilities have also increased. I quote Pope
Francis who tells us on this Jubilee Year of
Consecrated Life. "We look to the past with gratitude,
we are called to live the present with passion and we
embrace the future with Hope.”
As I thank and praise God for these precious years, I
like to express my life experience in these words;
"People aren't beautiful for the way they look, walk or
talk. They are beautiful for the way they love, care
and share."
1 greatly appreciate the pioneers who toiled hard for
the growth of this School; moreover for each one of
the students, who today recall the love and care they,
received from their teachers and say "what | am today
is because of my school which gave me the values of
life." Its the way our dear pioneers loved, cared and
shared their knowledge with the students who
attended the school in the past 100 years. I feel proud
of our students who are today in high offices and
politics, business. 95% of population of Paratwada
has passed out from Amma's School. We gratefully
thank all our Sisters and lay teachers who left no stone
unturned to make our students what they are today.
Today indeed we enjoy the fruit of theirzealous work.
Centenary celebration (1916-2016), at Holy Cross, Paratwada.
May this Jubilee celebration help us to build up our
students on solid Christian values. I pray for God's
choicest blessing upon all who have given their best,
and helped to make this year of Centenary a
memorable one for all of us. [twas not only centenary
celebration but the great revelation of the treasures
hidden in the hearts of many ex-students. I personally
witnessed that they were the instrument of love, joy,
peace, truth, justice and forgiveness in the society
today. While we listened to their experiential
speeches I felt that they have lived the motto of our
School and charism of our Congregation
"EDUCATION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE" and
"MAKE THE GOOD GOD KNOWN AND
LOVED".
1am grateful to our General Sr. Eugene D'souza and
her team, Provincial Sr. Jolly George, all the
Provincials and their teams, each and every Sister of
the Congregation, Bishop Elias Gonsalves, all the
priests, Religious, Benefactors, All the Head
Mistresses, Teaching and non teaching staff, Ex-
students, Students, Parents, Civil authorities, people
who have granted support and encouragement in our
endeavours and undertakings in the favour of
Centenary Celebration. May the Good Lord grant
eternal bliss to our Sisters and teachers and laity who
have served the School and returned to their heavenly
reward. Congratulations to one and all and May the
Lord make youall abound in grace and love.
= Sr. Connie Collisto, Head Mistress.AMAWAM
SACRED HEART SCHOOL,
PARATWADA ANNUAL DAY
Sacred Heart School, Paratwada celebrated its annual
day with the theme ‘Care for Common Home! on
February 2, 2016. Most Rev. Elias Gonsalves, the
Bishop of Amravati and Dr. Dhananjay Jawalikar, the
Chief Officer, Achalpur graced the occasion, The
prayer dance, story of creation, skilful presentation of
cosmic elements, group dances, mime and sweet
home skit performed by the students on the
importance of the mother earth made the day more
significant, meaningful and colourful. The winners of
various co-curricular events and competitions held
during the year were awarded with shields, medals
and certificates at the hands of the chief guest and
guest of honour. The yellow house was declared to be
the best house of the academic year 2015-16.
The dignitaries, guests and parents were extremely
happy with the splendid performance of the students
and went home with the message of planning a tree
and grow a garden and protecting and preserving the
laws ofnature,
Sports Day Celebrated in Mount
Carmel School, Akola
9th_Jan, 2016, Akola
Mount Carmel Secondary & Higher
eee OM ORC cm Cn
SS SEUS RP Se ae Umut Se
Bae Sec omen ey
Ee ane MI Mo ERC SCOTS
Ca ce ett a eT
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Ce ee ee menace tert
ere CLM CS
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Shri, Ambadasji Mankar, Education Officer, Zilla
See aco ag Vc A ST
ST RCS CCN asc
Society, and Rev. Fr. Cyriac, Parish Priest of
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Peete See RTE Tanto
Rev. Fr. Mathew Karickal, Principal of the school,
ere Tent Meee te Thar mee cc
eer tone emery
PO ea US cece AC te mT
lighting of torch by the President, Rt. Rev
aie eo NCO ORR NR toc
POTS Coe MCR aes
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Ted
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Sharma. Then the
SES
re
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Penretet
ores
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POO ARCR oT
oro oi
oy
Sed were
honoured by Rt. Rev oor
The track events like Slow Cycle Race continued
Fone Se nS cae ot Beas Cirogirls and boys. The winners for Slow Cycle Race
were honoured at the hands of Rev. Fr. George
Then the dainty girls from Std. IX gave a warm
welcome with the beautiful welcome dance to
honourable guests and parents. After which was
the inspection of various organizations of N.C.C.,
RS.P, Scouts and Guides by our honourable
guests, Then was the Ceremonial Parade of
different of various organisations, A
troops
wonderful prayer dance was presented by the
students of Std. IV. The track events of 100m
race then continued for boys and girls below and
above 14 years. After which the winners were
felicitated at the hands of Chief Guest, Hon.
Shri, G. Shrikanth, Collector of Akola. Then the.
students displayed various drills like Little Star,
Butterfly, Yoga in India, Rt. Rev. Bishop Elias
Gonsalves enlightened the minds of Staff,
Students and parents with his words of
encouragement and appreciation. The Drill
display continued with Dumbbells, Umbrella
Dance, Calisthenies, Lazim, Talnad, Jhaanj and
Flag Drill by the students from Std. V to X.
Among them Umbrella Drill and Talnad were the
star attractions. The programme was conducted by
Mrs. Rajshree Sharma, Mrs. Naghma Javed and
Sir Stephen Augustine. The vote of thanks was
proposed by Sir. Stephen and the programme was
finally concluded with the National Anthem.
wor SAAT BRT A alle Fist
FRICT Bele WIS BieiT. UT wefparca TAT
squreara sifveft at. oi. wels
(Rreronrent seats) ara. qeaearg Xe.
re ana rh, wuAvareafiter RTE sei
ofa), ura. qearearfepr fee|ex Gilera afl, erste
Bee (rider) sme array vufterd ea.
doer gare fer orercaTyS usgitar ARTA
ae area fete eri gw urgvaia
RarTea GROAT siret. wT fasten ervey
Sear, cSt anfe erat Year sea. TTgvaTeAT
eed fort exinin Ase a wdifhde tour
one, wa wy squrew af. ei. cnx. wetssiftaret eed ftenearar walfirer
faorea eeareetar arom fragt
wart aT ee al ES
ar oo aittad Gan 3 Says As TT
PRM die soe ars eae 100 A,
200%, 400%, 600%, soo, era wef 4 x 100
100 Ret Ye suf eset Nearer sree.
fafer Tenia Piece efpiar ales,
flex, arise aT wary evant sire
order ure awarendt Rea fea
Rac vad, aca ee onftr fer @
Rebar ofan art sere oer det.
3. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
CELEBRATION
International Women Day is celebrated all over the
India by the Indian people with great zeal and passion
on 8th of March to increase the awareness about
women rights. This event celebration plays a great
role in distributing the real message about the women
right and their place in the society.
The diocese of Amravati celebrated this day on the
13th of March. The liturgy for the day in the parishes
were taken up by the Women Sodality or the Mahila
Mandals.
At St, Xavier's Cathedral Parish the Women Sodality
planned the whole programme so meticulously that
the end result was a grand and a meaningful
celebration. Bishop Elias Gonsalves The Bishop of
the Diocese who was the main celebrant at the
AMANWANME__
concelebrated Eucharist highlighted the role of the
women and the place that she has in the society.
Though she is a minority yet she is a very essential
part of the society, the home and the church. He
stressed the need of every woman being aware of that
power that lies within her and to come forward
placing it at the disposal of the family, the community
and the Church. He appreciated the women who have
come in large numbers for the celebration and
exhorted them not only to make stage appearances but,
to get integrated into the very life of the church's
ministries.
Bishop Elias in his homily drew attention to the most
recent insertion the pope has made with regard to the
Liturgy of Maundy Thursday of the Washing of the
Feet. Itis no more the washing of the feet of" pemeoly
but washing of the feet of the "People of God", thus
working towards the establishing of an inclusive
‘community.
The liturgy of the Eucharist was followed by an input
talk given by Mr. Simon Martin from Vasai a
renowned Marathi literature scholar and writer, in his
exhortation said it was Jesus who brought the woman
to the centre stage from the margins and who invested
her with the rightful dignity. Itis the responsibility of
the women toassume this dignity.
‘The happy ending to this celebration was a delicious
breakfast sponsored by members of the Sodality.
‘The women of the Parish are a great hope for the
Parish. The Times of India of 8th March carried an
article where it said that the Women are considered as
the most beautifull of God's Creation. May they
continue to add flavor to the life of our Parish
‘community
Mrs. Anju Dhule
President Women Sodality, Amravati,THE REPORT OF THE SURVEY OF THE
DUS UU SOMA Leh
WNC SUELO LO)
ZARI-JAMNI.
Ores a ste
PSU E STS PU et eee eC
diocese celebrates DIAMOND JUBILEE
fe 0 TNO) RC Bari URLs
jubilee a burse named ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Help’
burse for distressed farmers was declared at the hands
of His Grace Archbishop Salvarore. The diocese is
Soomro RCT ea eo
Cys BOR
ered
be given after proper survey and
inquiry made.
From Amravati University 4 MSW students had come
to Zari ae STU SSSIe)
FON SOA IIB
the staff of the MANAV SHAKTI SANSTHA visited
63 distressed families from two TALUKAS ZARI-
PAINE AAG
found 25 families who are in very pathetic condition
jamni to do the surv
RR
nn S SCC ETS
and require immediate help for their survival
Social Justice and Social Development
[SupportitoyDistressed Farmers
THE REPORT OF THE STONE BLEESING OF
‘THE ZARI-JAMANI CENTRE
We had our DIAMOND JUBILEE
CELEBRATION OF THE DIOCESE OF
AMRAVATI on November 22, 2015 at 9.30 am. The
solemn Eucharistic celebration on the occasion of the
diamond jubilee of our mission diocese of Amravati
was presided by His Grace Archbishop Salvatore
Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio to India. In the
presence of His Grace Archbishop Abraham
Viruthakulangara, Archboshop of Nagpur and by
some other bishops.
a i] wo
We had inauguration of St. Xavier’s Cathedral School
(CBSE), a diamond jubilee memorial at 9,00 am by
His Grace Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, We also
had blessing of the stones of the ZARI-JAMANI
CENTRE, Tivasa School and Convent by His Grace
Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio,THE REPORT OF THE HELP GIVEN TO
DISTRESSED FARMERS FAMILIES FROM
YAVATMAL DISTRICT.
As per the survey ofthe DISTRESSED FARMERS’
FAMILIES the staff of the MANAV SHAKTI
SANSTHA visited 63 distressed families from two
TALUKAS ZARI-JAMNI & WANI. 25 families
who are in very pathetic condition and require
immediate help for their survival we started from Ist
MARCH onwards to give them some financial help
inkind form, worth of Rs. 10,000.
Many have prefered to have goats so that th
Trace SRS nO SOC)
Pree a tke ee SMSO anced
Ure ee anne eM eA CoNg TU
to receive these help and very grateful to MANAV
SU aU STU ema Ron eal
Peon aE
See nes eenercar tr)
by Sr. Ashalata SRA, Washim followed by the
lighting of the lamp. The dignitaries and gu
Sono au asa we Cun rcsmuearty
ee et Ree)
SCC Ce MECC
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difficulties faced by illiterate adults and innovative
methods used in teaching the adult illiterate persons,
It was a very enriching lecture which created an
Pea eee ni ers TRO
Pola a aeraAMAWAM
After the tea break the second session began with the
motivational talk by Rt, Rev. Elias Gonsalves, the
Bishop of Amravati. He enlightened the participants
further on the three main thrust areas to be focussed
on, namely pastoral, social/health and educational,
Bishop once again reminded the participants that we
should not compartmentalize the areas of our work as
they are all interconnected. Our work should move
from charity to
creating Awareness, community building, focussing
on government schemes, collaborative work,
capacity building, networking, creating models,
planning, evaluation and people's participation. He
exhorted the participants to. make-key-shifis in
structures, systems;policies and finance management
quoting from the diocesan perspective plan.
He further added that the Diocesan Social Forum has
a three-tier structure of Melghat, SC/ST Plains and
Washim, Akola, Yavatmal, Buldana (NT). All of us
should move from our respective areas of work
towards, social development. Our clinics and
dispensaries should not be just institutionalised. Our
medical apostolate should never-become centre-
based but community based reaching out to at least
five villages with quality health services and social
development activities. Bishop then shared some
theological reflections on the topic especially from
the guidelines given by the CBCI regarding the
disaster preparedness, campaign against hunger,
issues of health, awareness and empowerment, Then
the participants discussed how people generally
perceive us both common people and professional
agencies and it was brought to our notice that we need
to improve in the way we function especially in those
areas where we lack behind. We need to be more
professional and alert in our approach and we need to
organise ourselves in all the areas of human life like
leadership both civic and political, in professionalism
and net working in order to face the new challenges
weare facing today.
The following \objectives are essential in order to
evolve anew paradigm of social outreach: collective,
coordinated and secular. The objectives are
identifying common works and evolving common
thinking and approaches, launching coordinated
action with partner organizations during the normal
times ag well as times of disaster or other
emergencies, reaping economies of scale, generate
and leverage synergies, pooling resources! and
considering the need to have a long term. vision for
social outreach and developing mechanisms and
structures to carry out various tasks.
Tasks Ahead of us - Identify partners (Christians and
non Christians) to network and to build alliances and.
solidarities, map and pool resources that can be made
available or accessed during times of need,
relationship building and image makeover through
pro-active engagements with all sections of society
and government, learning from/experiences both
good and bad and evolving séts of best practices,
capacity building of local areas and parishes and
facilitating connectivity with eachother and with the
central coordinating team, Research, Documentation,
Publication and Dissemination.
"Social action is not at the periphery butatthe core of
theChurch’s Mission" says Cardinal Oswald Gracias.
Before the conclusion we had a group discussion to
discuss the difficulties that we come across while
working with the people and the possible solutions
‘that we see- to prepare an action plan to tackle these
problems like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment,
health issues etc, Each group came up with various
solutions to at least mitigate these issues. The day's
program ended with the vote of thanks proposed by
Sr. Mukta SCC, Chikhaldara.
0Training Program At Jeevan
Vikas Sanstha, Paratwada
AMAWAM
Jeevan Vikas Sanstha, Amravati conducted a two day
residential training program for village animators of
supplementary tutorial classes on 10 and 11
December 2016. There were about twenty
participants from five different local centres of
Melghat region and Zari-Jamini, The program was
inaugurated by the resource person Fr. Godfrey SJ,
the Director of MPSM Nashik.
The resource team began the sessions with division of
letters, groups division levels and English writing
with capital and small letters in different ways. The
resource person taught the participants how to use the
blackboard and charts for the purpose of learning and
teaching, He focused his sessions on health, pollution
and ayurvedic medicine by using colorful thematic
charts and boards. He also taught the participants how
to teach action songs through power point
presentation. He further added that the traditional
blackboard method is a playful learning and creative
way of leaming whereby the teacher leams first and
then the students. The first beneficiary is in fact the
teacherand the secondis the student.
‘After the sessions the participants were divided into
ten groups and each group was given a chart to look
carefully and demonstrate what they observed in the
charts. The groups creatively presented different
charts on First Aid, Fever, Cold and Cough, Health
and Cleanliness, Besides chart presentation there
were other topics such as education of children,
organic farming, kitchen garden, people's
participation in gram panchayat and MNREGA.
Fr, Benjamin the assistant director, JVS exchanged
his views on Children’s Parliament and the functions
and responsibilities of the children assigned with
different portfolios in the parliament. Mr. Holkar
conducted an interactive session on the importance of
Gram Panchayat, gram sabha, aamsabha followed by
distribution of booklets and CDs to the participants
Mr. Atul Gawai thanked the resource persons for their
wonderful and informative sessions and all
participants for their active participation in the
training. The training program successfully
concluded with lunch on the second day.AMMUWAM
Entrepreneurship Development Program in JVS,
Paratwada
One day EDP (Entrepreneurship Development
Program) was conducted for the newly active
beneficiaries of Save A Family Plan project of
Paratwada and Anjangaon Regions in JVS Paratwada
on International Women’s Day, 8th March 2016.
‘The program began with the lighting ofthe lamp and a
prayer followed by a word of welcome by the
Executive Director Fr.Ramsheen. Sr.Leena, HC
motivated the participants regarding general health
and hygiene with the help of Audio Visual. The
Family Development Program was also explained to
the beneficiaries with the help of a PPT as they were
coming to the centre for the first time,
The resource person for the training was Mr.Gosavi a
government recognised professional EDP trainer
from Wardha motivated the beneficiaries to think
about starting some innovative Income Generation
Program. He first gave a lecture on how to think, plan,
how to have the positive attitude towards life, how to
believe in their own strength and how to be
economical in taking up any activity
After the lunch break he demonstrated to the
participants how to prepare the phenol, agarbati and
candles. The resource person involved the
participants well as he called them to participate in
preparing these items,
The beneficiaries were interested and were inspired to
think about different Income Generation Programs
andaalso the possible markets where they can sell their
products. On the whole the EDP program was
motivating and inspiring for the new beneficiaries.
prc aa Te
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Be ents Dukes telA Great Success
Village: HartalaGrampanchayat: Hartala, Block:
Bhatkuli
District: Amravati State: Maharashtra
TotalNumbersofGroup: 04
‘Total Members: 52
Historical Background:
With lack of irrigation facilities for agriculture in arid
and semi - arid regions becoming uneconomical,
Divya Sadan Social Centre venturing with Hartala
farmers for sustainable agriculture is producing
productivity and sustainability.
During British Period, around 70 to 75 years ago 13
acres of land was under government possession,
having a pond, Over the years it was ignored by the
villagers and remained unused. In the month of
December the farmers of the said village rose up to
action with motivation and training given by Divya
Sadan Social Centre. They prepared a Micro plan for
their village. In this plan they pinpointed the need of
irrigation, Community Hall, approach roads and
Burial place. The CBO members began to generate
the possibilities of getting things done. With the
submission of the micro plan to the Gram Panchayat
during the Gramsabha in 22.03.2015 action followed,
Today a watershed is under construction with the help
of the government after processing the micro plan
through all the connected departments. After a year or
two this village will have irrigation facilities for over
200 families with the utilisation of 13 acres of ignored
land.
Constant follow up of CBO members has resulted the
success of watershed coming in to existence in
Hartala village. For their good luck this village was
under the Jel Shivar Yojana who took interest. The
farmers lost no time to begin the work in the month of
May 2015, covering the area of 13 acres of land for the
watershed project. They have already covered 3 acres
and the work is in progress. At present it has slowed
down due to the rain and cultivation period. It is
expected to be completed in a year's time, This project
will irrigate 500 acres of land once it is completed. It
will keep the farmer occupied with several
cultivations like vegetable, Horticulture and other
varieties round the year as per the water availability
This will also create more confidence among the
farmers to venture further. More and more are
encouraged as the time roles out. Sustainability will
bea guaranteed result.
- Divya Sadan Social Centre, Wadali.National News
Bishops ask to include women in feet
Ree kere
The new regulation puts no restrictions on the
number of people selected; but asks to select a small
group of the faithful
New Delhi:
Women can be included in the feet washing liturgical
ceremony of Maundy Thursday in Catholic parishes
across India, says a note circulated by the
conference of Latin ite bishops.
Pope Francis has directed the Congregation for
Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
to make some changes in the earlier regulations that
said only the feet of 12 men be washed during the
ceremony, the circular said.
The term "12 men" has been changed to "people of
God" and the prescription to wash only the feet of
men no longer holds. "Women too could be part of
the group whose feet are washed, " said the circular.
Pope Francis, on the first Maundy Thursday service
after his election as pope washed the feet of several
inmates of a prison in Rome. Among those whose
feet he washed were some girls and some not
belonging to the Catholic faith
"Although the Vatican Spokesman Father Federico
Lombardi said that this was not to be taken as
changing the discipline of the Church, it is now clear
that the Holy Father was giving a message,” said the
circular signed by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the
president of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.
It said the new regulation also does not put
restrictions on the number of people selected for
washing the feet but simply says "the pastor may
select a small group of the faithful.”
The group could include "men and women, and it is
appropriate that they consist of people young and the
old, healthy and sick, clerics, consecrated persons
and lay people,” it said quoting from the new
regulation.
Both the number and composition of those selected
would vary from parish to parish. "For example, in
some parishes there may not be clerics available to
form part of the group. So one should not go outof the
way to make sure that each of these categories are
part of the group,” the circular said.
Cardinal Gracias said although number 12 is no
longer binding, "I do think this was a logistically
convenient number" and having "too big a number
would disturb the service” and “having too small a
number might not give the Washing of the Feet its
adequate significance."
The circular asked to discuss issues in pastoral
council if pastors face the resistance to the change
and get the councils assistance in deciding the
composition ofthe group.
SUMMARY OF THE FINAL STATEMENT OF THE
EP PIN SAIN TACO BEL
PONTO M COM NC SRO I COENEN
(oe O RT OPN BOTT Nor ery
WITHTHE MAINTHEME
PRESENT DAY CHALLENGES”
‘Asleaders of the Church, 182 Bishops from 170 Dioceses of
the Church in India ate gathered at St. John’s National
‘Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, from 02 to 09
March 2016 to deliberate on "The Response of the Church in
India to the Present Day Challenges” during the 32nd
Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
India (CBCI). The Church in India is a vibrant community
‘making significant contribution to nation building through
education, social development, health care and service,
especially to the poor. The CBCI appreciates the spirit of
understanding and collaboration among the three Sui Iuris
Churches. The composite culture of India has noble values
of religiosity, peace, simplicity and tolerance as lived by
Mahatma Gandhi and various Indian sages. We, however,
express our sorrow over the killing of innocent people by
extremists in India and in various parts of the world, We are
shocked by the recent killing of the nuns of the Missionaries
of Charity and their collaborators in Yemen.
The Bishops have resolved to respond to the challenges
facing the Church in India within the Church and within the
Country.
‘The following areas were chosen by the Bishops for review
and foran appropriate response:
1) Family Life Today
ii) Renewal of Consecrated Life
iii) The Lay Faithful and the Mission of the Church
iv) Ecumenism
iv) Inter-religious Dialogue
v) The Education Apostolate and
vi) Care ofthe Earth, our Common Home and
vil) ANew Way of Being Church for an effective response.
CONCLUSIO!
‘As authentic citizens of the country, we repose our
confidence in the democratic values and the Constitution of
India. Trusting in God's grace, love and merey, we march
ahead to carry out our God-given mission, confident of the
goodwill and support of our people every where.et
Nh aa ig . Dy)
NY ay ea
WY ere Maik
This issue is sponsered by Holy ieee eT School, Paratwada.