NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE, MSFS PROVINCIALATEGPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001

Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510Email: provincialnortheastmsfs@gmail.com

FT/47 – Circular – January, 2013

Dear Confreres,Greetings of Peace! Here’s the Year 2013 for us! We are privileged to see the dawn of an exciting and promising new year. Each dawn in this year ushers us to a new hope-filled life. And each day, in a new way, calls us to give our life to turn the year into a blessing and life-giving to others.

For us, the Fransalians, Year 2013 assumes special significance, especially in the context of the 175th foundation anniversary of our hallowed Congregation. Moreover, during the year, the 19th General Chapter of the Congregation will also be held. Let us unite ourselves with everyone and join in the celebrations planned for this year. In many ways, the year invites us to a fresh introspection; to a deeper understanding of our religious consecration; and to better living of our call as Fransalian Missionaries in today’s world. The varied occasions are opportunities for us to take the Congregation and its mission to the hearts of the people as well as to certain new frontiers. The Feast of St. Francis De SalesOn January 24th we celebrate the feast of St. Francis De Sales in all our communities. Let us take every effort to have a meaningful celebration. I also take the opportunity to wish everyone a very happy feast of our patron, St. Francis De Sales. May the spirit of St. Francis De Sales continue to bless and inspire our life and to fulfill our mission in life!

Praying for the Success of the General ChapterThe 19th General Chapter of the Congregation is scheduled from January 31st to February 16, 2013. Throughout the Congregation, a lot of preparations have been carried out during the past two years. Finally, the time has come for the General Chapter. Let us keep praying for the success of the Chapter. Warm Welcome to our New PriestsAs planned the ordinations of our four deacons Huwn Francis Reylang, Vengathadathil Jobins, Kanjirathinkal Roshan and Nellissery Chethalan Joe Varghese were held in their own respective home parishes. Well organised liturgy, ordination ceremony, felicitations and sumptuous meals were part of the ordinations everywhere. I am very glad that the new priests will be available for pastoral ministry by February 15, 2013. I request the local superiors to welcome them to the respective communities and guide them well for pastoral ministry in the province. Let us warmly welcome them to our midst as well as pray that their presence and ministry will be blessing to people. Golden and Silver Jubilee of the Ordination In this year, we will have the joy of celebrating the golden jubilee of the ordination of Rev Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy, who is currently serving the LCI community, Arusha in Tanzania. Fathers Tomson Aerathedathu, Joy Velicakathu and Devasia Manalel are celebrating the silver jubilee of their ordination to priesthood. Let us join these confreres to thank God for the gift of priesthood and their committed priestly ministry to the province and congregation.

The Annual Retreat for the YearAs in the past, we will have two retreats arranged in the Province this year, particularly to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to attend annual retreat. There has been a

request from the confreres to have the second retreat also held in the month of July itself. This request has been favorably considered. I request everyone to mark the following dates in the Year planner: The First retreat will be held from July 1st evening to July 6th evening at MSFS Study House Shillong. The Second Retreat will be held from July 15th evening to July 20th evening at MSFS Study House Shillong. The preacher for both the retreats will be Rev. Fr. Hector D’Souza S.J. At the end of the second annual retreat we will have the Golden and Silver jubilee celebration of our confreres.

The Decision of the MCJ Sisters For almost three decades, the Jonai mission in the upper Assam area of Tezpur diocese has been blessed with the dedicated service of MCJ sisters. During the last Regional assembly, the Regional Government of the Missionaries of Christ Jesus (MCJ) took the decision to close their ministry at Jonai mission. However, the sisters have assured us of their service to the mission till we found a new community of religious sisters. The decision was made known to us and the bishop of Tezpur. Thereafter, in consultation with bishop of Tezpur, we began to search for sisters who would join us at Jonai. Thanks to the generosity of Sr. Kusuma, the Provincial of St. Ann’s sisters (SAS), we would be having a community of St Ann’s sisters at Jonai by the end of January 2013.

MCJ Sisters and Jonai MissionThe MCJ Sisters came to Jonai Mission in the year 1985; and they joined the MSFS in pioneering the works of evangelisation. At a time when the Arunachal was not even open to catholic faith, our fathers were involved in introducing them to the Gospel message. The particular political situation of Arunachal, in a way, made us to search for a group of sisters in ordinary dress who would not easily draw attention to themselves, as well as would have trouble-free access to the villages of Arunachal Pradesh. History shows that Fr. Mathew Puthumana in consultation with Bishop Thomas Menamparampil, the then Bishop of Dibrughrh influenced the MCJ sisters to come to Jonai. Sr. Ida Rodriguez, then provincial of the MCJ sisters, have played a significant role for the quick foundation of the MCJ at Jonai. As pioneer missionaries, the sisters were extremely helpful in the evangelization of Adis of Arunachal and Mishings of Assam. Despite persecution and threats from the political and indigenous groups, the fathers and sisters worked hard to share the Gospel message to many villages of Arunachal. The entire Siang belt came in contact with Catholic faith through the parish team of Jonai. Though visits were repeatedly made to villages, often the response was not positive. Yet the villages such as, Name, Rani, Mirem, Mikong, Ruksin, Nirlok of Arunachal, who embraced the catholic faith in the 80’s, are the first fruits of the common effort of the pastoral team. Several of those village communities have already celebrated the silver Jubilee of the arrival of catholic faith. Such events clearly speak volumes of the pastoral vibrancy of the team at Jonai mission. In the work of evangelization, the sisters have played a crucial role. And several of our priests have shared their fond memories of sisters and of their unstinted service to the mission.

At first, the Sisters were accommodated at the presbytery; then to a building in the campus; and later, they moved to the present campus. Despite the minimum facilities, the sisters were accommodated well and adjusted easily to the situations. Eventually, convent, boarding and dispensary came up in quick succession. In those days, Catholics belonging to various tribes such as, Bodos, Santals, Garos began to migrate to this area from different parts of Assam, especially in search of land and livelihood. The MCJ sisters have done yeomen service to those migrants who faced innumerable challenges and reached out to them in many ways, along with the services in the school, hostel and dispensary.

The establishment of the mission at Pasighat was a turning point in the mission history of Jonai. From then on, the entire east and upper Siang areas came to be looked after by

fathers and sisters from Pasighat. From then on, the Jonai mission placed its focus on the villages of Assam and efforts were made to contact the Mishings of Jonai sub division. The first baptism of Mishings took place at Jonai Parish. Through intense catechesis and family visits, new communities were established. Gradually, the formation of Self help groups, women empowerment and awareness program got intensified. The service of sisters in all these fields has given a new life, vitality and identity to the mission of Jonai. We owe our gratitude to MCJ sisters for their pioneering spirit, committed service in the villages and helping the mission of Jonai to evolve and grow to a maturity.

Now, after a distinguished service for the last 27 years, the MCJ sisters leave the mission with lot of enriching experiences. During the Eucharistic celebration on 18th January, in a fully packed parish church at Jonai, Sr.Maria D’Silva, the MCJ provincial officially signed the documents related to the ending of their service in the presence of Most Rev. Michael Akasius, bishop of Tezpur and Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil, the provincial of the MSFS. The parish community arranged a farewell function after the Holy Eucharist and the MCJ sisters left the mission of Jonai on 19th January 2013.

In all, twenty sisters have worked at Jonai mission during the past 27 years. And they all did the service with love and to every one of them we owe our gratitude. The MCJ will not only have a special place in the pages of the history of Jonai mission but the memories of their life, witness and ministry will be embedded to the hearts of the people of this area.

In Appreciation of the MCJ Sisters at JonaiSeveral of our confreres describe their experience of working with MCJ sisters as “pleasant and memorable”. One of the confreres wrote: “They [the sisters] were in the forefront for Arunachal ministry from Ruksin to Tuting”. He recollected further saying that “they made their own schedules and visited the villages on their own and reported what they accomplished. I admire their ability to mingle with people, effort to learn the local language and join in the cultural life of people. Villagers often celebrated and looked forward to their visits.” The sisters undertook mission tours and visited the villages regularly, catechized and prepared people for sacraments. One of the confreres recalled that “the sisters used to travel on truck to reach a village near Tuting”. Recollecting the services of the sisters to the villages in Assam, another confrere said that the sisters “often stayed with the people, conducted adult literacy classes; taught health and hygiene, admitted poor children to the hostel and educated them”. Yet another confrere said the sisters “gave themselves fully to the work assigned to them” and “accomplished a lot for the growth of the Mission”.

The work of the sisters in the medical field is also highly appreciated. The dispensary has served numerous poor people from all over the sub-division. Even the doctors of the Primary Health Center had openly acknowledged the service of the sisters; and they even have sent their patients to the dispensary for better treatment. People fondly remember some of the sisters for their specific contribution: sisters Mary Joseph, Jane Fernandes, Theresa Kurien, Pushpa Kujur, Usha Kujur, Helen Nongrum and Carolyn- these have carved special places in the hearts of the people. It does not mean others have not contributed to the growth of the mission. Whether known publically, or acclaimed before others, each sister has given her unique share to the building up what Jonai Mission is today.The members of MSFS Northeast India Province salute each of the MCJ sisters who have come and served at Jonai mission. As collaborators in mission, together we have accomplished small and great things. The MSFS appreciate the contribution of sisters. Thank you dear sisters! We all wish you well. May you continue to carry the gospel to new frontiers! Farewell!

Adieu to the MCJ Sisters – JonaiA grand farewell function was arranged at the parish on 18thJanuary 2013 for the MCJ sisters at Jonai. The farewell function was solemnized by the presence of Rt. Rev. Michael Akasius Toppo, Bishop of Tezpur, Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil msfs, Provincial of North East India Province, Sister Maria D’Silva, the Provincial Superior of the MCJ Province of Shillong, and fathers and sisters from various centres. The whole program started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo. At the begining Sr. Marlin, MCJ, presented the history of the existence of MCJ sisters in Jonai, mentioning their establishment in Jonai and the evangelization in and around Jonai and mainly in Arunachal Pradesh. In her address she said that “Any sort of missionary venture was unthinkable for any missionaries before a few decades. Despite the hurdles fathers could somehow make through the border and evangelize people. However sisters, as they were with habit, could not enter Arunachal. Therefore, MCJ Sisters who were with secular dress without a formal habit were brought in here to make the evangelization of Arunachal feasible. Accordingly the first group of MCJ Sisters began their ministry in Jonai since 1985 and carried it on efficiently and fruitfully. At the end the administration of MCJ Sisters felt that they had established the Christian Communities here and it was time for them move to another place. After fulfilling the requirements it was decided that they would be moving from here in January”.

During the mass many were administered the sacrament of confirmation and few families received baptism. At the end of the mass Sr. Maria the provincial officially signed the document related to the ending of their service in Jonai in the presence of Bishop, Provincial and everyone gathered there. After the mass, a short gathering was arranged, wherein the MCJ sisters were felicitated by the Bishop Michael Akasius, Provincial, Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil and the parishioners. The programme was followed by lunch for the parishioners. We thank the sisters for their sincere service in Jonai Parish. (Reported by Fr. Rex)

Silver Jubilee Celebration of SFS ParishSt. Francis de Sales Parish, Kangpokpi, celebrated Silver Jubilee of its existence on 23rd December 2013. Kangpokpi Mission was carved out of Senapati Parish. Late.Rev.Fr John Med was in-charge of the Centre. In 1987 with the opening of a new parish in Kangpokpi by MSFS, the erstwhile Holy Trinity Church in Daili village became the parish centre and the village church was renamed as SFS Church. Ever since its existence Church was close to the heart of people.

This closeness was translated in their spiritual preparation to welcome the day of Jubilee.

On the day of Jubilee, His Grace Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, the Archbishop of Imphal unveiled the memorial stone and presided over the Eucharistic Celebration. In his speech during the felicitation Archbishop spoke about those great heroes of bygone days who withstood all sorts of odds and hostile situations in the beginning, to nurture the Catholic faith. The faithful worked together with one heart and mind to make the programmes successful. The Baptist brethren of the village gave unreserved support to all the areas of work related to silver jubilee celebration. Many priests, including previous Parish Priests, and Sisters from neighboring parishes and communities came to share our joy. The Jubilee Celebration was a memorable event for all the faithful of the area.

( Reported by Fr. Thomas KJ )

FAsCE India Announces the Final ToT Fransalian Agency for Social Care and Education in India (FAsCE India) has successfully completed four batches of Training of Trainers (ToT) “on the prevention of child sexual abuse and child rights violations through human resource development”. It is organized for the headmasters, teachers, sisters, priests and social workers of the all the Fransalian schools of Northeast India Province.

The next and final ToT is scheduled for 09-12 March 2013 for all the schools that have not yet participated in it (Amlarem, Bashbari, Kangpokpi, Manikbond, Mawkhlam, Mawryngkneng, Nongalbibra, Sindukpathar, Sateek and Umwahlang). Kindly treat this as an invitation and confirm your participation latest by the 23 rd of February 2013 with the name of the persons attending the training programme. (Director, FAsCE India).

Twin Celebration of Golden Jubilee and Silver Jubilee at Holy Rosay Church, PurulGolden Jubilee of the arrival of Catholic faith in Purul and Silver jubilee of Holy Rosary Parish Purul were celebrated in Purul on 13th January 2013. It was a day of celebration of faith, expression of unity, joy and thanksgiving. The Eucharistic Celebration was officiated by His grace Most Rev. Domnic Lumon DD, the Archbishop of Imphal, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil, Provincial of MSFS Northeast India Province and many other priests from the neighbourhood. A colourful cultural programme was arranged by the Golden Jubilee Committee for which Shri. Shyam Kumar the honourable MLA of Manipur Assembly was the Chief Guest. The occasion was graced with presence of over 1000 people. The celebration ended with a fellowship meal served for everyone who were gathered for the celebration. Congratulations to the parish priest Fr. Simon Thaikho and all the members of the catholic community in Purul. (Reported by Fr. David)

Centenary Celebration at Mawryngkneng On the 13th of January 2013 the Catholic Community of Mawryngkneng Village, under Divine Mercy Parish, Mawryngkneng concluded the year-long Centenary celebration of the arrival of Christianity in Mawryngkneng. The Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dominic Jala, together with many Priests, Religious, political leaders and the faithful solemnized the event. Thousands of people from three dioceses of Shillong, Jowai and Nongstoiñ were gathered to join the celebration. The Centenary year was opened on 22nd

January, 2012. During the year, nine months long Novena, retreats and seminars for children, youth, women, and men and many other programs like sports, cultural competitions, were conducted. It was concluded with an active participation of the people of Mawryngkneng with the Centenary Week, where many spiritual activities like Baptism, Marriage and First Communion were held. The Centenary Celebration really became a year of spiritual renewal for the Catholic Church in Mawryngkneng. Congratulations to Fr. Nicholas Bara msfs, the Parish Priest and Church community for making the event a memorable one. (Reported by Fr. Shylla Firstar)

Welcome to St. Ann’s Sisters at JonaiSince a year, we were negotiating for a group of sisters who would be willing to join us at Jonai. After due consultation, Rev. Sr. Kusuma SAS, the provincial of St. Ann’s Sisters, has given us the green signal that a team of sisters would be sent to Jonai. We congratulate the provincial for her daring steps to establish more communities in northeast India. The sisters will be actively involved in health care, pastoral and educational services. On behalf of the entire province, I offer them a warm welcome to Jonai. The sisters will be officially welcomed on January 27, 2013. Fr. Mathew Puthumana, one of the pioneers of the mission and currently the councillor in charge of education, will be the official representative of the province at the welcome ceremony and function. We wish the sisters a very fruitful ministry at Jonai. May you be abundantly blessed for your generosity!

Administrator of the Province of Brazil The Superior General in his communiqué has informed that Rev. Fr. Tomson Aerathedathu is appointed as administrator of Brazil Province with effect from 12 December 2012. The Provincial of Brazil Province, Fr Gilberto Bugnon, due to illness had to come to Switzerland to undergo a prolonged treatment the duration of which is not certain. The official email contact of the administrator is: provincialbrazil@gmail.com and his personal email address is taerathedathu@gmail.com. We congratulate Fr. Tomson for accepting to shoulder the administrative responsibility of the province in the absence of the provincial. Let us assure him of our prayerful support.

Appointments & TransfersTaking into consideration the present need of the Province, the Council proposed the transfer and appointment of some confreres. Some of the confreres are given added responsibility with their present assignments or works. I thank the confreres for their generosity to accept their new and additional responsibilities. The Provincial council has also approved the transfers made by the Regional Superior with the consent of the council. The following are the transfers and appointments:

Name of the Confrere

Assigned to Designation/Functional Role

With Effect From

Fr. Huwn Francis Neighborhood Local Community, Amlarem

Associate Priest, Amlarem

February 15, 2013

Fr. Nellissery Chethalen Joe Varghese

Local Community, Galsi

Associate Priest February 15, 2013

Fr. Vengathadathil Jobins

Local Community, Tato

Associate Priest February 15, 2013

Fr. Kanijrathinkal Roshan

Neighborhood Local Community, Peren

Associate Priest, Tening

February 15, 2013

Fr. S. Ashihe Andrew

SFS Seminary Medziphema

Staff February 20,2013

Fr. Peethuruthel Francis

Neighborhood Local Community Mawkhlam

Headmaster and Associate Priest, Mawkhlam

March 5,2013

Fr. Anthony Kattathara

Neighbourhood Local Community, Mawkhlam

Headmaster, SFS School, Umwahlang

February 18,2013

Fr. Bashena Adani James

Neighborhood Local Community, Peren

Headmaster SFS School, Tening

February 22, 2013

Fr. Vanissery Varghese

Local Community, Galsi

Headmaster, SFS School

February 18, 2013

Fr. Mattapally Sibi Neighbourhood Local Community, Silapathar

Headmaster, SFS School, Dhemaji

February 28, 2013

Fr. Soreng Silanand MSFS Study House, Mawroh, Shillong

B.Ed Studies February 12, 2013

Fr. Kunnumpurathu Johnson

MSFS Study House, Mawroh, Shillong

B.Ed Studies February 15, 2013

Fr. Olickamalayil Thomas

German course, Max Mueller Bhavan, Pune

Fr. Poovelil Francis Continuing with Doctoral Studies in Spirituality, Rome

Fr. Jacob Puthiyidathuchalil

Luderitz Associate Priest December 20, 2012

Fr. Jose Mamalassery

Academia study House, Namibia

Rector January 02, 2013

Fr. Babu Kodackachirakunnel

Vredendal Associate Priest January 29, 2013

Fr. James Madapallil

MSFS Aspirancy House, Kenya

Staff March 2013

The Preaching Ministry in the ProvinceThe Renewal Centre at Umroi continues to rekindle Christian life. Persons of all walks of life continue to come to the Centre for spiritual nourishment and inner healing. Our confreres at the Centre are fully involved in the ministry of restoring people to a better relationship with God and one another. In addition to the programs at the Centre, the Umroi team has also been reaching out to communities of people in Tura, Medziphema and Nongstoin with one-day conventions. Everywhere, the one day conventions are well participated. Fathers Corbinus Soreng and Cornelius Bara are doing their best to arrange programs with the help of a number of volunteers at Renewal Centre Kaying for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Fr. Joby Kurukilakatu is making the best use of the available facilities at Mawkhlam for conducting renewal programs for the people Nongstoin area. The Renewal Centre with all the necessary structures at Mawkhlam is a dream yet to be realised.

I thank the confreres John Karondukadavil, Regi K Mani, Joby Kurukilamkatt, Jude Poovakulathu, Aji Cherian, Philip Kurissummottil, Corbinus Soreng and Cornelius Bara who are directly involved in preaching ministry. They are assisted by other confreres like Jojan Plathottathil, James Adani, John Kelamkuzhackal and a dedicated team of volunteers. We thank them all for their commitment. We need more confreres in preaching ministry to work for the renewal of Christian life in northeast. We are making every effort to improve the facilities at Umroi and construct new buildings at Mawkhlam. Let us be passionate about our charismatic call to become agents of renewal.

Suvidya Governing Body MeetingThe meeting of the Governing body of Suvidya College was held on 18th December 2012. The meeting discussed particularly on the promotion of sound formation to the candidates,

maintenance of the buildings and planning more personnel for the academic and formation needs of Suvidya. The Governing body appreciates the dedicated service of the staff of Suvidya.

The Results of Suvidya Survey The Governing Body had initiated a survey on Suvidya College. The task was entrusted to Dr. Paul Parathazham, professor at JDV, Pune who has conducted similar surveys for the seminaries in India. I thank all the confreres who responded to the questionnaire, which has contributed greatly to the results of the survey. On 18th after noon, Dr. Paul Parathazham shared the findings of the survey to the staff and students of Suvidya. The four-hour long presentation gave an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of Suvidya. Fr. Paul made the entire presentation interesting and understandable to everyone.

The presentation gave an open forum for listening and sharing. The interaction from the students and staff members brought more clarity to the findings. On many areas, he appreciated Suvidya and also brought notice of everyone areas that need greater attention. The survey shows that we can be proud of Suvidya and its achievements; and truly appreciate the personnel who toiled hard to make Suvidya what it is today. The Results also show the need for evolving new mechanisms to promote a sound formation of the candidates as well as to take care of the growing needs of the institute. The Governing Body is keenly interested in the growth of this institution and committed to providing a good ambience for the formation of the candidates. Let Suvidya grow!

Annamulenge Mission Handed over to the Archdiocese of Windhoek St. Peter Canisius parish, Annamulenge, is a mission located in the northeast part of Namibia and is about 900 kms away from Windhoek, the Namibian capital. At the invitation of the Archbishop Liborius Nasherda of Windhoek, the MSFS took charge of this vast mission in the year 2004. Fr. Jose Mamalasserril was installed as parish priest with Fr Baiju Mudackel to assist him pastorally. In 2007 Fr. Baiju was transferred and Fr. D. R Paul was appointed as assistant parish priest. The people of the area belong to Owambo tribe, which is the largest tribe in the Namibia. For the last 9 years, this vast mission, consisting 44 communities with almost a population of 30,000 Catholics, has been served by the MSFS. Faith formation of people was carried out through a sustained program of catechesis, village and family visits, and sacramental ministry. Our confreres picked up local dialect and served the people in love. Our ministry and witness have helped the communities to grow in faith.

At the request of the archbishop of Windhoek, the mission was officially handed over to the archdiocese on 29th December 2012. On the same day, the archbishop entrusted the mission to the OMI (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) Congregation. We thank God for the opportunity to serve this community. We too have grown through our ministry to these people. (Report by Fr. D.R. Paul msfs)

Mission SagamamThe Mission Sangamam at SFS Seminary Ettumannoor, Kerala, in memory of Fr. Late Fr. George Vayalil MSFS, concluded on 17, January 2013. The well-organised program by the Southwest India province brought together members from the Indian provinces together. The person and the spirituality of Fr. Vayalil were brought to a new focus of everyone through well prepared papers. As a number of Veteran missionaries of the MSFS shared their mission experiences, the young missionaries talked about the modern day challenges to mission. The mission Sangam also brought eminent personalities sharing their vision for mission today.The Thanksgiving Eucharist was presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Sebastian Thekethecheril, Bishop of Vijayapuram. Fr. Jacob Parappally and Fr. Jose Parappillil were the main organizers of the Sangamam.

Reminiscing Fr. Devasia Kuzhupil

Fr. Devasia Kuzhuppil died on January 12, 2013 at the age of 89 after a brief period of illness related to old age. The Charis Bhavan community, where he spent his last years, finally bid farewell to this veteran missionary at 10.30 am on 16th January 2013. He was laid to rest on the same day at SFS Seminary Cemetery, Ettumannoor in the presence of Bishops, Priests, Sisters, Family members, parishioners of Athirampuza, a large number of confreres from all the provinces. His contribution to the growth of Charis Bhavan and spiritual assistance he

rendered to people will live on in the hearts of all

Father Devasia Kuzhuppil is acclaimed for his administrative dynamism and was instrumental in the growth of the Visakhapatnam Province. He was a visionary and dreamt of the growth of the MSFS in India and spearheaded several initiatives and undertook many pioneering missionary enterprises.

As the first mission superior of the Northeast mission, Fr. Devasia Kuzhuppil gave a new vision for implanting the Congregation in northeast. From purchasing property at key places to planning a methodology for the missionary work, the visionary mind of Fr. Kuzhuppil is evident. The Northeast India province is indebted to his daring spirit of adventure and missionary thrust. His spirit of missionary dynamism and vision will continue to inspire all of us.

We all grieve the loss of an eminent member of the congregation. To all the members of South-West India Province, I offer our heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace!

Change of Address and Phone NumbersP.Alex GeorgeLiebfrauenstrsse 9D-38667 Bad HarzburgGermany

P. Jacob Th.PreisterseminarBruehl 16D-31134 HildesheimGermanyTel. 004951211791579 Mob. 004915737500710

Let us Pray for the SickWe are informed that Father James Manjackal of South West Province had a serious situation of partial paralysis and continues to be in ICU. The loved ones of a number of our confreres are also sick. They are in the hospitals, nursing homes or even at home. Let us pray for their speedy recovery

Let us Pray for the Departed

Fr James Nedungatt MSFS, (age 57), of East Africa Province, who passed away on December 17, 2012.

Fr Lourance Thadathil MSFS, (age 34), of East Africa Province, who passed away on January 08, 2013.

Fr Devasia Kuzhuppil, MSFS (age 88), of South West Province, who passed away on January 12, 2013.

Fr. Franḉois Coffy, MSFS (age 92), of Franco-swiss Province, who passed away on January 27, 2013.

Programs and Visits

January 201318-19 : SFS Parish, Jonai20 : Ordination of Bro. Napolian Mumru at Gogamukh21-25 : At Guwahati26-27 : SFS Parish, Medziphema29 : To Hyderabad for General Chapter

February 201301-15 : General Chapter16-18 : 175th Celebration at Vizag19 : Return to Guwahati

Concluding ThoughtsThe gangrape of young medic in Delhi saw the anger and frustration of India. The ghastly act, a reflection of the degradation which has crept into our society, raised heated discussion across the nation. Newspapers and channels carried views and opinions on as to how to deal with the heinous crime against women. Many have suggested various types of punishment to the rape criminals. Laws, however stringent they may be, cannot ensure the eradication of violence against women. Despite the laws and system of justice in the country atrocities against women go unhindered. Can we claim to be more civilized today than in the past? At least in the treatment to women, we cannot make that claim. Before the entire world, India became the epitome of brutality towards women. No doubt, the Indian male needs a change of mindset in dealing with women. Such a change is possible only when female and male children are given equal treatment at home and are taught to respect everyone. It all begins at home!

The increasing episodes of violence to women should lead us to introspect on our dealings with all our women collaborators in the missions, especially the religious women. We feel sad when some of the confrontations in the Church are splashed in the Newspapers and TV Channels. Such stories display our collective failure in giving due focus to the Mission entrusted to us. In everything we do, the mission has to receive the focus. We must become ever conscious of the fact that we are there for building up and nurturing communities of faith. Therefore, it is important to avoid the confrontational attitudes and learn to live harmoniously. As leaders of the communities, we need to shun from the overly patriarchal and condescending attitudes. As religious and priests, we must learn to respect them as persons with self dignity; and even readily acknowledge that they too enjoy legitimate rights and privileges.

From the mythologies of the ancient Greece to Postmodern literatures, we hear the echoes of male-female struggle in relationship. The reverberations of that struggle are deeply felt in our lives. The struggle will be there but creating a society where we recognize the dignity of every individual must be pursued by all of us. It is a role that we, as leaders of the

communities, cannot remain casual or careless. With a fresh mindset, we need to shoulder it more than ever before. With warm regards,

Fr. Francis Thadathil msfsProvincial

Northeast India province

Walking on the Path of the Patron

Let everything be in confusion, not only around us but even within us, yet always the highest point of our heart must look

unceasingly toward the love of God.( Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 13)