Vol. 16 No.

8, August 2008

from the provincial’s desk...

Dear Brothers,

As you see below, we have received from Father General Nicolas two replies to the two postulates
sent by the Goa Province at the end of the Province Congregation held in January 2008.

Now our task is to study these replies and see how best we can implement the instructions of
Father General. I shall also take up this matter with my Consultors and at the Superiors and Directors
of Works meeting at XTC Belgaum in mid August, 2008.

However, if any of you have suggestions to make or reflections to share, kindly feel most welcome
to talk with me or any of the Consultors. I will also discuss various modalities of implementation
with the Province Commissions for Formation and Vocation Promotion, since these postulates touch
very much on early formation of our men.

As always lets keep updating whatever will help us in our mission to enkindle fires in ourselves and
others. The language problem is a serious one in our Province since we work in three different
States and Dioceses. Lack of language skills means lack of availability for mission in the different
linguistic areas of our Province.
Anthony da Silva SJ
Provincial

FR. GENERAL’S RESPONSE TO THE POSTULATES

Rev. Fr. Anthony da Silva, S. J. GOA 2008/05

Provincial 22 July 2008
Jesuit House, P.O. Box 112
Panjim 403 001 Goa
INDIA

Dear Father da Silva,

Peace and joy in the Lord!

I am responding to the two Postulates submitted to the Superior General by the recent
Goa Province Congregation.
Postulate:
Fr General is requested to direct Fr Provincial to introduce the teaching of Marathi/any regional language
within the culture of the respective regions of the Province to all its selected candidates at the Pre-Novitiate,
Juniorate or other stages of formation, leaving out the novitiate. Fluency in at least one regional language
should be a condition to be sent for philosophy.
This postulate reflect the desire of the Province to be as fully responsive as it can to the
needs of the people it serves who are spread over three States, each with its own regional
language. Those who have competence in one language only may often not be fully available for
mission outside their own State. This can be unduly limiting since it may mean that assignment
in the Province beyond one’s own State is not easily effected. Hence, ideally the Province would
seem to require that each Jesuit is capable of ministries in more than one regional language,
in addition to fluency in English.
This postulate, however, does not go quite that far and seeks a more limited competence,
namely, the ability to minister adequately in at least one of the three regional languages in use
in the Province, in addition to English. The postulate suggests how and when this could be done
and proposes that such linguistic competence be required as a condition to proceed to
philosophical studies.
I find this postulate makes a valid point and I am happy to support it. To avoid confusion
it may be wise to clarify the level of competence the scholastic should attain to be eligible for
philosophical studies. This could be an informal test, for instance, the ability to preach a homily,
conduct a discussion with educated youth in that language, be at ease in conversation with the
local intelligentsia. Or it could take the form of a more public test, successfully sitting for a
State recognized examination of a particular level.
I am happy to urge you, dear Fr. da Silva, to study this complex issue and see how soon
and how best this postulate can be pursued. The clause excluding the study of the regional
language in the novitiate probably has good reason. Nevertheless, total discontinuity may result
in linguistic gains made at some cost in earlier stages being entirely lost through disuse for
two years. Hence, it may be appropriate to see how the study of the regional language can be
maintained during the novitiate, without detriment to spiritual formation or growth in
competence in English which may be receiving special attention during the novitiate.
Postulate:
Fr General is requested to direct Fr Provincial to initiate the process of teaching the local language, namely,
Marathi at the Berchmans Training College, the common Juniorate of the western region, at Pune, Maharashtra.
This postulate is clearly related to the first but seems to import special elements that
would need careful study and consideration. In the first place, this Juniorate, though located in
Pune, is common to the four Provinces that presently constitute the Western Zone of the South
Asia Assistancy. While a Province which is responsible for a Juniorate programme, to which it
welcomes scholastics and/or brothers from other Provinces, may legitimately insist that the
language of the State be part of the programme, and may even make it a condition that those in
its study programme should also take the language course offered, one needs to be more
circumspect when one treats of a Common Juniorate programme. Further, your own Province
spans three States, each with its own regional language. The first postulate carefully limited
the regional language requirement to a single language. This postulate seems to make some
knowledge of Marathi compulsory for all in the Province, in addition to competence in Konkanim
or Kannada.
I find the postulate a more complex one than the first and would, as a first step, limit my
response to urging you to study this matter and its ramifications more fully, and to do this in
dialogue with the other Provinces of the Western Zone. Apart from the Province of Gujarat having
some difficulty with such a proposal, the Provinces of Pune and Bombay may well have alternative
arrangements for the study of Marathi for their Juniors, and may wish that the Juniorate
programme take the Juniors more deeply into English and/or more broadly into other aspects of
culture that are part of this stage of formation.
I look forward to hearing from you, no later than in your ex officio letter for 2009, what
steps you have taken with regard to these two postulates and with what fruit.
Wishing you the Lord’s blessings and assuring you of my prayers and support.
Sincerely yours in Christ
Adolfo Nicolás, S.J.
Superior General
PROVINCIAL’S PROGRAMME APPOINTMENT BY POSA
August 15 – 17: XTC, Desur: Meeting of Superiors and DOWs - Fr. Victor Edwin (DEL):
Ph. D. in Islamic Studies at
August 18: PAI, Raia: Inaugural Mass for the Tertians Birmingham University, UK.
August 21: XCHR, Porvorim: General Body Meeting
APPOINTMENT BY
August 29: St. Paul’s, Belgaum: SAS – General Body Meeting PROVINCIAL
September 10: Jesuit House, Panaji: Consult - Fr. Marialayam Vijayanand:
Superior: XTC, Desur

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Renewal Programmes: The Renewal Programmes for the Goa Jesuits are coming up very soon.
These programmes are based on the decrees of the GC 35. We have arranged for two programmes so
that all are able to sign up for either one of them. The first one is from September 23 (pm) to 26
(noon) at PAI, Raia. The second programme is from October 7 (pm) to 10 (noon) at XTC, Belgaum.
Both renewal programmes will conducted by Fr. Paul Vaz SJ, former Provincial of Bombay. He will
be assisted by Frs. Rosario Rocha and Tony da Silva, our delegates at GC 35.
Those who have not yet signed up are kindly requested to do so by writing to the Socius before
the end of August 2008.

• Fr Joseph Neuner (PUN), former Professor of JDV completes 100 years on 19th Aug 2008. He is the
senior-most Jesuit in South Asia. He resides at the Provincial House, Sanjeevan Ashram, 38 Sassoon
Road, Pune, 411001. Congratulations Fr. Neuner!

• While in Germany for some rest and medical check-up, Br. Werner Brand has taken seriously ill.
He is now in an intensive care unit at a hospital at Bad Mergentheim. His niece, Ms Fürst, is taking
very good care of Br. Brand and is in close touch with the Jesuits in Munich. Kindly keep him in your
prayers.

RESULTS:
• Sch. Jimmy Mendes B. Sc. Distinction St. Aloysius College, Mangalore
• Sch. Solon Fernandes B. Sc. Distinction St. Aloysius College, Mangalore
• Sch. George Menezes B. A. Distinction Vidya Niketan, Dharwad
Kudos to our young Scholastics for their excellent results!

LOYOLA HALL, MIRAMAR

Fr. Alban D’Souza is presently giving a management course to the students of Rosary College, Margao
and has begun the regular counselling training programme at Nirmala, Institute, Panaji. He has also
been giving seminars to the teachers of various schools.

On the July 27, 2008, the candidates put up a short programme to commemorate the feast of our founder
St. Ignatius of Loyola. The hour long programme consisted of skits, songs and a dance. It was a truly
enjoyable evening for the audience. The parents, neighbours, religious and the well wishers, were highly
appreciative of the items put up. A word of appreciation to Schs. Shawn D’Souza and Merwin D’Souza
for helping to train the candidates for this event. Sch. Merwin has started his M.Com classes at the
University. Sch. Shawn still awaits placement for a B.E. course. In the mean time he has begun his B.Sc.
electronics at St. Xavier’s, Mapusa. Br. Eric da Silva renders invaluable service as usual. The boys have
improved considerably in their speech delivery skills. Sashikant from Bangalore has made tremendous
progress in speaking English and coping with the instructions at Dhempe H. S. S.
Jude Carrasco SJ
MARTYRS CHAPEL, CUNCOLIM

When the five Jesuit Martyrs of Cuncolim, Salcete came calling

ten Goa Jesuits were there to honour them on July 27, 2008 at
the Martyrs Chapel in Cuncolim. The Feast Mass was at 5.00
pm. Our own stalwart and veteran Fr. Vasco do Rego was the
main celebrant. His impressive and heart stirring sermon
reminded one and all that we have many opportunities to witness
to the Lord, sometimes by death but often through the daily
events in life.

The Chapel and the attached pandal was full to capacity. The
melodious singing led by
the Parish Priest, Fr. Antonio Cotta, added to the solemnity.
He was thrilled by the Jesuit presence, and so were the people
of Cuncolim. Next year, with some renovations to the roof and
flooring planned, the feast will be even more special and
devotional. The Goa Jesuits have given a substantial donation
towards the renovation of the martyrs Chapel in memory of our
Jesuit brothers. My hope is that even more Jesuits from Goa
will turn up for the feast next year. This will verily bring the
Jesuit martyrs closer to us and we to them!
Colman de Souza SJ
ST. BRITTO’S, MAPUSA
Fr. Norbert Menezes conducted a St. Britto’s emerged champions at As part of our Outreach Programme,
day’s In-service Training Programme the Dr. Harish Naik Memorial (under the Jesuit Community and the school
for the Staff. The Focus was on the -13) Invitational Football Tournament have adopted a government school
Paradigm shift in the teaching conducted by The Don Bosco Youth in Sattari district. Thanks to Fr.
methodology and the Five Ingredients Centre, Parra, Goa. Simon Fernandes who made this
of Common Minimum Programme. possible. Guided coaching will be
The Jesuit Staff later met and chalked In preparation for the feast of St. given to the students of SSC in
out a follow-up programme. Action Ignatius, the community had a subjects like English, Maths and
plan is being organised so that the recollection on July 27. Fr. Patrick Science. In fact this was the request
Common Minimum programme de Melo gave the talk for the of the Headmaster of the school in
becomes a reality. Fr. Norbert also recollection. An Orientation Dabe, Sattari District. Our Staff are
met four sections of the society of programme was held for the parents quite enthusiastic in this outreach
Mapuca related to the school: the of SSC students. During the course programme and have volunteered to
Jesuit community, the Staff, the of the month, two General Body spend two Sundays of the month with
segment of parents and the Meetings of the Parent Teachers the students of the school. The
Executive members of the OBA. This Associations were held. The Family students of Dabe are very
was done in view of the mission Service Welfare team of the enthusiastic and eager to learn.
entrusted to him by the Provincial, Archdiocese conducted a day’s Pro
i.e. the evaluation of the School and Life programme for the SSC
planning for the future of the school. students. Apollo Cardozo SJ

ST. PAUL’S, BELGAUM

Most of the Jesuits working in the Ajra – Belgaum area, came together on July 11, 2008 at St. Paul’s to participate
in a seminar on Accounts and Land Laws. Mr. Chowgule, an eminent advocate associated with the local Jesuits
provided the key inputs. Thanks to him, a variety of issues regarding land records and rights of the land owners were
sorted out. Along with him, our auditors, Sanjay Kulkarni and Jyoti Mathad too shed some light on the various
nuances of book-keeping and accounts. The input sessions were followed by an informal gathering during which Fr.
Provincial expressed his gratitude to Fr. Gregory D’Souza for his 12 years of service to BXC. The occasion gave
Jesuits a time to catch up and relax.

From July 24 – 26 Fr. Norbert Menezes, the JEA secretary spent a few days animating the school staff and the
community. In the short time that he was here he met the alumni, parents of the students and the staff. During his
interaction with the community he stressed on the need to provide basic quality education. In all this we do miss our
Br. Jacob Chokar, who passed away on July 19. May he rest in peace!
Newton Sequeira SJ
CASA PROFESSA, OLD GOA

We have experienced a lot of changes since the start of this academic year. The Basilica is busy with a
host of dignitaries walking in and out almost every day. The Retreat House has also come up with a lot of
newness. The area of focus now has turned to ‘self-renewal.’ The effort on our part for Vocation Promotion
has leapfrogged. We are in touch with 60 probable candidates through our new venture of networking
with scholastics. We have already visited a couple of schools. The future will seem even more promising
with your support and prayers.

The books in the Community Library have been catalogued and a special section on all books written on
St. Francis Xavier is underway. A collection on Fr. Moreno’s books has begun. That’s not the end as now
with the new Minister in place we should look to propel our changes still further.

On July 30 we gave a farewell to Br. Paschal D’Souza who will be moving in to PAI. On July 31 we had Fr.
Simon Fernandes as our main celebrant. The theme was- “Now the Son of Man will be glorified.” The
Mass was followed by a get-together in the community that witnessed a large number of people who
enjoyed the snacks and the entertainment. The highlight of the day was when the Jesuits, both young
and old, rose to sing the anthem: Noble Knight, with one voice and one heart. And believe me it was
awesome.
Varun Rodrigues SJ
TSKK, PORVORIM

Undergraduate students of Goa University have to submit a project as part of their course. To guide these
students in their project work, TSKK conducted a Konknni course on “Project Methodology” in collaboration
with the Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Khandola –Marcel. It was held on July 26. Forty
BA students of four different colleges participated in this course. The course was conducted in the premises
of Khandola college where Fr. Pratap Naik and Ms. Shilpa Salvi of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr were
the two resource persons along with Dr. Rath of Govt. College, Khandola and Mr. Bhushan Bhave of P.E.S
College, Ponda. The participants were given inputs on how to choose a topic for the project, how to formulate
a project, data collection, its presentation and evaluation.

On July 30 TSKK held a celebration for its staff members to celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius. Fr. Reginald
Britto was the Chief Guest. He lit the traditional lamp to launch the ‘Learner’s TSKK English – Konknni
Dictionary’ Project. The main features of this dictionary will be to give a variety of Konknni equivalents from
written and spoken Konknni. As part of the celebration a short prayer service was held followed by refreshments
and exchange of greetings. Sch. Roque D’Costa compered the programme.

TSKK mini botanical garden has a flower tree called Kadamba. It has given plenty of lovely flowers. They look
like tennis balls.
Pratap Naik SJ

SATYA NILAYAM, CHENNAI

Satya Nilayam, Chennai did welcome us with the traditional warm hospitality (besides, of course, the humidity)
and delicious South Indian dishes. The three of us, Sch. Jovito D’Souza, Jimmy Mendes and Sch. Audrick
D’Mello arrived on June 3, 2008. After the introductory orientation programme which was held on June 4 and
5, we moved into our annual retreat which was guided by an Andhra Jesuit, Fr. Jayabalan. The retreat was an
enriching experience, which helped us focus on ourselves and recoup for the upcoming ‘brain heavy’ year
before us. The retreat ended on June 13. The three of us did some sightseeing on our own. On June 21 we had
a Chennai Darshan.

Classes began with a very fruitful and inspiring talk by Fr. Xavier Alphonse. He was the chief guest at the
inaugural function of the new academic year. The class schedule is heavy and it is still taking us a little time
to adjust to the curriculum. We had our English Entrance Test conducted by RACE of Loyola College, headed
by Fr. Peter Francis. The test made us sweat a bit!

Our apostolates too commenced. Jovito is involved in the Social apostolate with the MC Brothers, while Jimmy
and I are involved in the education apostolate. We conduct classes in two separate schools. The weather,
water and food is fine. We are sweating it out, thanks to the spicy fare. But nobody has got food poisoning,
nobody has started going bald and nobody has got dehydrated. Praise the Lord.
Audrick D’Mello SJ
 Br. Jacob Chokhar (1942 – 2008)

Br. Jacob Chokhar passed away on July 19, 2008 at 12.30 pm, after suffering a heart attack.
He had been ailing for many years but his health deteriorated quite rapidly lately. He experienced
severe breathing problems in recent days which affected his already weakened heart. All the
same, his end came suddenly, the cause of his death being certified as pulmonary cardiac
arrest.

Br. Chokhar or Shantwan, as he was familiarly called especially by his family members, was born
in Nimberi, a village in Rahuri Taluka of the Nagar district, in Maharashtra. His father Bimaji died
when Shantwan was only 8 years old, and he was brought up by his mother Sonabai. Sonabai
worked very closely with the parish priests of Songaon, namely Fathers Benz, Felix, Belser and
Coelho. His mother‘s work in the mission greatly influenced the young Chokhar who later opted
for mission work himself. Br. Chokhar did his primary schooling at St. Mary’s Sangamner and later
completed the SSLC at Dnyanamata Vidyalaya Sangamner. After the SSLC he fulfilled his youthful
desire to become a missionary by joining the
Jesuit Novitiate, in Vinayalaya, Mumbai in 1964
as a Jesuit Brother. After making his Vows he was sent
to the Ranchi Province for training in Farming and Animal
Husbandry. A few years l a t e r, h i s A l m a M a t e r
Dnyanamata Vidyalaya beckoned him to assist in the
school farm which he gladly did, becoming later the Farm
manager at the school, which incidentally had an
agricultural bias. Br Chokhar gained valuable experience in
farming at the school and so later was deemed to be
the ideal man to take charge of the very extensive
Novitiate farm at Desur, Belgaum. He worked on the
Farm for over 20 years and spared no effort in doing so.
Unfortunately this arduous work took a heavy toll on his
health and so his superiors decided he needed a break to recoup his strength. He was sent to
De Nobili College, Pune for a year of theology. Later he was posted at Ratnagiri, the Ahmednagar
district for few months and St. Brittos, Mapusa. His poor health continued to cause concern,
particularly his heart conditions for which no operation was deemed possible because of the
complications of his case. He was brought to St. Paul’s Belgaum for medical treatment and much
needed rest.

Although Brother Chokhar missed the farm a lot, he was happy

to spend his last years at St. Paul’s where he was well cared BIRTHDAY WISHES
for and was able to receive good medical attention. Being a
“medicine man” of no small repute himself Br Chokhar often
used his own home grown concoctions and herbal remedies. AUGUST
Although we know for sure that he suffered much, he rarely 23 – Apollo Cardozo
complained about this and was grateful for small kindnesses. 28 – Cecil & Cedric
An avid reader, as always, he spent much time in serious reading Fernandes
on various topics from which he gained his encyclopedic 31 – P. Augustine
knowledge.
SEPTEMBER
His rough exterior and menacing moustache belied a 04 – Rufino Coutinho
compassionate heart for the poor whom he befriended. He also 11 – Roland Coelho
loved children and spent long hours with the students of the 12 – Hector Almeida
boarding in conversation regaling them with his jokes and
Varun Rodrigues
anecdotes.
15 – Jerry Rodrigues
Br. Chokhar died a good death strengthened by the sacraments.
He was a good and faithful servant of the Lord, and a true son THE DEPARTED
of Ignatius. He belongs to the true mould of the Society, loyal,
dedicated, hard working, obedient and generous. • Fr. Hans Zwiefelhofer
(GER) 03/07 76/56
May the good Lord whom he served so well reward him
with eternal life. • Br. Jacob Chokhar (GOA)
Hector Almeida SJ 19/07 66/44