Dated: 1st, January, 2014
Ref.DSC/Cir.12/2013
To All the Lay Faithful, Clergy and Religious of Simla-Chandigarh Diocese
Dear People of God,
Brothers and sisters as 2013 comes to a close and we step into New Year 2014,
I wish you a Blessed New Year. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the
love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Not very long ago
we had a memorable conclusion of the Year of Faith in our Diocese in October 2013,
let us in 2014 unlock the Doors of Hope as we make a deliberate decision to be and
to do what Jesus is, for the coming year will be of great significance for the future
of India. "Our task today is not to speak about Jesus, but to be Jesus!”
as Thomas Merton puts it.
We read in John 1:3-5 “All things came to be through him, and without him nothing
came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of
the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome
it.”
Pope Francis in his Christmas Day message announced 'I hope for a better world'
when he called for peace in the land of Jesus' birth, Syria and Africa, as well
as for the dignity of migrants and refugees fleeing misery and conflict. He said
he was joining in the song of Christmas angels with all those hoping 'for a better
world', and with those who 'care for others, humbly'. He had in his encyclical also
written that "An authentic faith….. always involves a deep desire to change the
world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it."
(Evangelii Gaudium, N.183).
“We are people on a journey,” Pope Francis said “Beginning with Abraham, our father
in faith,” the Pope continued, “our identity as believers is that of pilgrim people
on the way to the Promised Land.” He said God was a constant companion on that journey
and sent Jesus to offer his “grace, mercy and tender love” to us when we preferred
the darkness to the light. “On the part of the people there are times of light and
darkness, fidelity and infidelity, obedience, and rebellion; times of being a pilgrim
people and times of being a people adrift.” But he added: “Our Father is
patient, he loves us, and he gives us Jesus to guide us on the way that leads to
the Promised Land.
(Emeritus)- Pope Benedict xvi in the first volume of his trilogy on Jesus of Nazareth
leads us to the great question; what did Jesus actually bring, if not world peace,
universal prosperity, and a better world? He What has he brought? The answer is
very simple: God. He has brought God…..He has brought God, and now we know his face,
now we can all upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take
in this world. Jesus has brought God and with God the truth about our origin and
destiny: faith, hope and love. It is only because of our hardness of heart that
we think this is too little.
I am reminded of this wonder filled
story of four-year-old boy David.
A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening
to the little ones' chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them
listen to their own heart. Their eyes would always light up with awe, but she never
got a response equal to 4-year-old David's comment. Gently, she tucked the stethoscope
into his ears and placed the disc over his heart. "Listen," she said. "What do you
suppose that is?" He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up
as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap-tap-tapping deep in his chest. Then
his face broke out in a wondrous grin and he asked, "Is that Jesus knocking?”
And in the words of Pope Francis “Let us allow ourselves to be warmed
by the tenderness of God. “We need his Caress”. Here, profoundly, is
the reality we celebrate. Jesus brings God into the world.
Yes he knocks and he calls us to open the door for hearts and reach out, stretch
out and touch our brothers and sisters in love, mercy and compassion and this
“calls for daily commitment, starting from God’s gift, from the grace which he has
given us in Jesus Christ.”
Let me also appreciate those of you who have planned, worked hard, and made the
three-day retreat at the closing of the Year of Faith in 2013 and the Christ the
King procession and celebration in November 2013, a memorable and moving spiritual
encounter for the laity priests and religious who gathered in such large numbers
that exceeded our calculations and expectations. Many were touched, blessed and
healed. I received feedback asking that suchlike renewal programs should be held
if not annually at least biannually. In fact all through the Year of Faith we have
had different programs like regular parish adoration, recollections, retreats, parish
feast Day celebrations, Bible and catechetic, my faith journey handouts every
month, quiz programs, motivating and forming the small Christian communities, the
various pastoral commissions sessions, seminars for laity priests and religious,
and other such activities have surely brought us closer to the Lord and to each
other in the mission of bringing the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to so many
who are hungry and thirsty.
I conclude wishing each of you a Blessed, Eucharistic, and a Spirit Filled New Year
2014!
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+Ignatius L. Mascarenhas
Bishop of Simla Chandigarh
Dated: October 29, 2013
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To All the Lay Faithful, Clergy and Religious of Simla-Chandigarh Diocese
Dear People of God,
Greetings of peace!
I would like to share with you the important forth-coming event of the Closing Ceremony
of Year of Faith
PREPARATION FOR THE YEAR OF FAITH – NOVEMBER 2013
a. As we are concluding the Year of Faith, we will be having a
Charismatic Convention at the Diocesan level from November 21 (evening) to 23
(evening) led by Rev. Fr. Bobby Thomas V.C. (Assam) & Team, to help
the faithful to be spiritually prepared to join the Universal Church in the closing
of the Year of Faith, which will be on
November 24 (Sunday), 2013 (Feast of
Christ the King). The
Core Committee, headed by Rev.Fr. Dominic Bosco,
Vicar General, held a meeting on
16th (Tuesday) July at 5 pm at Diocesan
Pastoral Centre. The Committee assigned the duties to the Coordinators
to work together for the success of the event.
a. The Core Committee along with the co-ordinators of the sub-committees will meet
on
30th October 2013 at 05.00 p.m. in DPC, Chandigarh.
|
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CONVENER
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Fr. Dominic Bosco, Vicar General
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a.
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Liturgy
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Fr.P.Sahaya Raj & Sr. Swati AC
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b.
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Choir
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Fr.John Maria Vianney & Fr. Kejus
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c.
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Registration & Hospitality
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Sr. Gracy UMI & Mr. Sameer Lakra
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d.
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Venue (Tent /P.A.System/Lights)
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Fr.Ambrose D’Souza
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e.
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Transportation
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Fr.Sebastian, SDB, Fr. Sandeep IMS & Fr. Powlish
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f.
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Accommodation
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Fr. Francis Xavier & Sr. Nisha CFMSS
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g.
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Food
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Fr. Ambrose D’ Souza & Fr. Edwin Jegadish
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h.
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Promotion/Media/Publicity
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Fr.Anil Seqeuira & Fr. Ivo Dias sfx
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i.
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Finance
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Fr.Ambrose D’Souza & Fr. Henry Raj
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j.
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First Aid
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Sr. Gracy & Mrs. Rosy (St. Anne’s Church)
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k.
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Security & Ushers
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Fr. Dominic Bosco
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b. On
24th (Sunday) November 2013 there will be
no Holy Mass in the Parishes/mission stations/institutions in our Diocese.
Since the Diocese has a common celebration on 24th November, may I request all of
you to come as one family of God to raise our voices, hearts and minds in thanking
and praising God for His unconditional love and mercy, graces and blessings in our
faith journey.
c. Please pay attention: You may reach the venue (St.
Anne’s School, Chandigarh, on 21st Nov 2013) directly for tea (4 pm). You are requested
therefore, to give the list of the
number of your parishioners
(above 5 years of age) latest by 18th November 2013, who would be attending this
Convention namely, number of
male & female members separately so
as to provide a proper accommodation to them.
d. Make a banner mentioning
YEAR OF FAITH - Ruhani Satsang
and place it in front of your vehicle as you travel for the Convention
to Chandigarh.
e. Kindly bring along with you the list of the people for registration
in your parish letter-head. You are requested to park your vehicles outside the
premises of St. Anne’s School. A special instruction will be given with regard to
the night stay at the venue.
f. The Schools which are run by both the
Diocese and Religious
(Men & Women) are requested to permit our Catholic teachers, students
and catholic employees to attend this Charismatic Convention.
g. The Parish Priests may approach the Principals of the schools run
by lay persons within your parish, where our Catholics are either teaching or studying
or working in their schools, requesting to allow them to attend this Convention.
h. I wish to make an earnest appeal to you to support generously towards
the Closing Ceremony of the Year of Faith from your Deaneries/Parishes/institutions/
by way of advertisements in SHARING magazine of our diocese (Fr. John Vianney, Editor)
or contributions. You may send it to
Diocesan Procurator Fr. Ambrose D’ Souza,
Bishop’s House, P.B.No: 709, Sector 19 A, Chandigarh – 160 019. Cheques/DD to be
made/drawn in favour of Simla Chandigarh Diocese Society.
i. ADVERTISEMENT TARIFF (SHARING Magazine – Special
issue For YOF)
TECHNICAL DATA
Overall Size 26 cm
X 20 cm
Print Area 24 cm X
17 cm
|
PARTICULAR
|
(Colour) Amount Rs.
|
B/W
|
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a. Back Cover Page
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20,000/-
|
|
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b. Front Inside Cover Page
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15,000/-
|
|
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c. Back Insider Cover Page
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15, 000/-
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d. Full Page
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10,000/-
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3000/-
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e. Half Page
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5000/-
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1500/-
|
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f. Quarter Page
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2500/-
|
1000/-
|
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g. Strip Sponsors
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1000/-
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500/-
|
BREAK UP OF THE ITEMS (Contributions / sponsorships are welcome)
|
Particulars
|
Amount Rs.
|
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ONE MEAL SPONSOR
|
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1. Breakfast
|
60,000/- (4000 x 15 ) per day
|
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2. Lunch
|
1,20,000/- (4000x30) per day
|
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3. Dinner
|
1,00,000/- (4000x25) per day
|
j. I am pleased to inform you that Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier who celebrates
his silver jubilee of priestly life will be felicitated on 24th Nov 2013.
I wish you all the best and praying for God’s blessings
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+Ignatius L. Mascarenhas
Bishop of Simla Chandigarh
Dear people of God,
1)
FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP
GILBERT B.REGO
I was happy indeed to see many of you who joined the Holy Eucharistic
Celebration and prayed for the repose of the soul of Bishop Gilbert B.Rego on
21st (Friday) June 2013 on his First Death Anniversary.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you. On this occasion, it was
announced to the Faithful present about the Charitable Trust, which we have now
started in the name of Bishop Gilbert.
Hence the Trust shall be known as, “BISHOP GILBERT REGO CHARITBALE
TRUST”.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUST SHALL BE
a)
To provide financial assistance to individuals and institutions who take
care of Orphans and
Destitute Children.
b)
To provide financial assistance for higher studies to deserving orphans
and poor
children.
c)
To provide free medical and legal aid to less fortunate and economically
down trodden children.
d)
To provide shelter, care and education to orphans, destitute.
1.
YEAR OF FAITH
All of us are aware that the Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict
XVI is a “call to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one
Saviour of the World” (Porta fidei 6). The Year of
Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back
to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him. To
mark this Year of Faith, we will be having a Charismatic Convention at the
diocesan level for three days (from November 21 to 23) led by Rev. Fr. Bobby
V.C. & Team, helping the faithful to be spiritually ready to take part in
the concluding ceremony of the Year of Faith, which will be on
November 24 (Sunday), 2013 (on the Solemnity of Christ the King). Hence
the Core committee, headed by Rev.Fr. Dominic Bosco, Vicar General,
will plan out in a meeting which will be held on 16th (Tuesday)
July at 5 pm at Diocesan Pastoral Centre, so as to how to celebrate this
event in a more meaningful way. The Committee will
communicate to the respective in-charges about the duties to which the team will
have to work together for the success of the event.
2.
PRIESTLY ORDINATION
This year our Diocese is blessed with two new Priests, in the persons of
Rev. Fr. Ashok Saldanha and Rev. Fr. Rhymon Henry. I was happy to
ordain them in their respective home parishes in the month of May and now they
are with us to exercise their priestly ministry in the vineyard of the Lord.
Rev. Fr. Ashok Saldanha is appointed as the Assistant
Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Church,
Ajrawar & Notary for the Marriage
Tribunal of our Diocese. Rev. Fr. Rhymon
Henry is appointed as the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Thomas Church, Pehowa.
I extend a warm welcome to both of them and wish all the best.
3.
CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS UTTARAKHAND
RELIEF WORKS
I wish to make an earnest appeal to you to support the victims of the
recent flood in Uttarakhand and some parts of the District of Kinnaur in
Himachal Pradesh from June 14th to 17th, 2013. The cloudburst
and ensuing landslides has been described as a “Himalayan Tsunami”.
The human toll has been immense, with the count of the dead increasing every
hour. The call of the Gospel does not allow us to be indifferent to the immense
suffering the people in the affected areas are undergoing. With this circular, I
am making an appeal to all our people and Institutions to join in the relief
effort by contributing generously. We need to extend total solidarity and
support to enable the people of Uttarakhand and
Kinnaur to return back to normalcy. CARITAS INDIA will coordinate
all our efforts.
Hence, I am requesting that all the Parishes and Institutions make an
appeal to our people to contribute generously. Contributions may be sent to in
the name of “Simla Chandigarh Diocese Society, Chandigarh”
before July 30, 2013 and the same will be forwarded to Caritas India, Delhi.
4.
FAITH FORMATION
The Commission for Liturgy and Catechetics has prepared the
Catechism Books for Class VI – X. I
hope all the Catholic Schools in the diocese which are run by the Diocese,
Religious and Laity promote in your respective schools the
regular catechism classes in order to open the ‘door of faith’ to our
Christian children. I appreciate your goodwill, support and encouragements
towards the cause of the spread of the Good News. For
Catechism Books: Please contact- Fr. Sahayaraj, the Director of Diocesan
Pastoral Centre, Chandigarh – 09216489777.
5.
COLLECTIONS/CONTRIBUTIONS
Kindly forward your valuable contribution towards the
Society of St. Peter the Apostle (June 30, 2013) and
St. Peter’s Pence on Aug 18, 2013 (Justice Sunday) as
part of the Universal
Church’s collection as a sign of
solidarity and ecclesial communion with the Church . These collections
help the Holy Father to help others.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+Ignatius L. Mascarenhas
Bishop of Simla Chandigarh
Dated: 29.01.2013
DIOCESAN REGULATIONS – 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
All Christ’s faithful are obliged by divine law, each in his or her own way, to
do penance. The Church, however, prescribes some days when all the faithful are
in a special manner to devote themselves to prayer, to engage in works of piety
and charity and to deny themselves, especially by observing the fast and abstinence
(c.1249). Following Church Law and in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution
“Penitemini” of Feb 27, 1966, some regulations and instructions for the year
2013 are given below. They are to be faithfully observed in our Diocese:
1. Days of Fast and Abstinence: Ash Wednesday, (February 13) and Good Friday
(March 29). All Fridays of Lent are recommended as days of fast and abstinence in
our Diocese.
Abstinence becomes mandatory from the age of 14, and fast from the age of 18 to 60.
2. Days of Penance: All Fridays of the year, days of Lent and Advent.
Since on these days, one is no more bound by law to fast and abstain, a penitential
work must substitute them. Substitution may be one of the following devotional practices
and good works or similar ones:
a). Assisting at Holy Mass with devotion
b). Visit to the Church
c). Eucharistic Adoration
d). Reception of Communion
e). Stations of the Cross
f). Alms-giving
g). Visiting the poor
h). Visiting the sick either at home or in the hospital
i). Reading the Bible or Spiritual Books
j). The Family Rosary
k). Abstaining from watching movies or from smoking or from alcoholic drinks
or such other means of recreation or luxury
l). Bearing sickness or suffering patiently
m). Engaging in other corporeal works of mercy.
3. The usual faculties of Parish Priests or Confessors are still in force
for dispensing substitutes, even in case of No. 1.
4. The
time for fulfilling the Easter duty begins on Ash Wednesday,
i.e. February 13 and ends on Trinity Sunday, i.e. May 26.
5. Sundays and Holydays of Obligation: All Sundays of the year, Christmas
(25th December) and Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15th August).
The obligation of assisting at Mass is satisfied whenever Mass is celebrated in a
Catholic Rite, either on a Sunday or Holyday itself or the previous evening (after
4.00 p.m.). One who has received Holy Communion may receive it once more on the
same day only within a Eucharistic celebration in which he/she participates (Can.
917). In other words, a person who assists at two or three Masses, say on All Souls’
Day or Christmas Day, may receive Holy Communion at two Masses.
6. Days on which Parish Priests are obliged to offer Masses
(Missa Pro
Populo) for the faithful:
a. All the Sundays of the Year. b. Christmas Day
(Dec 25) c. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Aug 15)
7. The following
collections for the Universal Church must be made
on the days mentioned in all the Churches and Institutions and sent to our Diocesan
Curia:
a. For the Society of the Holy Childhood -
February 10
f. For St.Peter’s Pence -
Aug 18
(Justice Sunday)
b. For Campaign against Hunger & Disease -
During Lent (Maundy Thursday, March 28)
c. For the maintenance of Holy Land -
Good Friday, March 29
d. For the Society of St. Peter the Apostle -
June 30
e. For the Society of the Propagation of Faith -
Mission Sunday, Oct 20
N.B. On other Sundays of the year and Holydays of obligation, the collection should
be taken for the maintenance of the church. Priests who take their monthly allowance
from the Diocese must send the Sunday collection to the Curia. Other priests who
do not take the monthly allowance from the Diocese may retain the Sunday collection
for Church maintenance.
8. Special Days During the Year:
a. World Day of Peace - 30th January
b. Day of Consecrated Life - 02nd February
c. Holy Childhood Day – 10th February
d. World Day of the Sick - 11th February
e. Divine Mercy Sunday – 07th April
f. Laity Sunday – 23th June
g. Justice Sunday – 18th August
h. Day of the Girl Child – 08th September
i. Mission Sunday – 20th October
j. World Communications Day – 17th November
9. Church Unity Octave -
January 18 to 25 every year.
10. The following Churches are declared to be
places of pilgrimage
in the Diocese:
a. Christ the King Cathedral - Chandigarh
b. St. Michael’s Cathedral - Simla
c. Holy Redeemer Church - Ambala
d. Our Lady of Fatima Church - Patiala
e. Holy Rosary Church - Bhatinda
f. Immaculate Heart Church - Karnal
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+Ignatius L. Mascarenhas
Bishop of Simla Chandigarh
Ref.DSC/Cir.01/2013
Dated: 30th January 2013
LENTEN PASTORAL LETTER - 2013
To All the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of Simla-Chandigarh Diocese.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,
There are many sad incidents taking place, and we are aware of the growing spread
of evil tendencies, incidents, and experiences in our own cities, towns and villages,
Parliament, assemblies, and offices and these are getting daily coverage in the
media. We read reports of murder, rape, exploitation, insensitivity, female foeticide,
and also of death-producing phenomena, cancer, and natural disasters which inflict
death, pain, disease, and destruction randomly and senselessly. We continue to ask
repeatedly what’s going wrong
what’s wrong with the world. Hence a passionate
cry to stop such crimes, evil, and from the depths of our hearts we too cry out
and say
“God Come Back, Just Come Back take us out of this darkness.”
This is the very darkness that Christ came into the world to dispel.
Aren’t we also dejectedly conscious that no single law, no set of laws can eliminate
evil from the world or prevent every senseless act of violence in our society. Haven’t
we busied ourselves calling for the reform of structures, systems, institutions,
and people other than ourselves? Yes, this is good. But the answer to the question
'What's wrong with the world?” is not the politics, economy, secularism,
pollution, global warming... no." To quote G.K. Chesterton, the answer to the question
'What's wrong with the world?' is two words:
I am.' Admitting this
"leads
to conversion of heart and repentance” the core of the Gospel invitation. This happens
in the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/confession.
Pope Benedict XVI
has said,
“The New Evangelization . . . begins in the confessional!”
This is the Sacrament of Evangelization."
“Peace be with you!” were the words, the Risen Lord greeted his frightened
Apostles in the Upper Room on the day of his Resurrection. They were troubled, anxious,
and fearful—much like each one of us at some point is experiencing in our lives.
Christ repeated the words, “Peace be with you.” But then He added,
“Receive the
Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (Jn 20:19-23).
What an extraordinary gift! The Risen Lord was proclaiming that all the suffering
he had just endured was in order to make available the gifts of salvation and forgiveness.
He wanted the Apostles to receive these gifts. He wanted them to become apostles
of this forgiveness to others. The U.S. Bishops recently released a statement encouraging
Catholics to go to confession, especially during the period of Lent,
In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation also called confession; we
meet the Lord, who wants to grant forgiveness and the grace to live a renewed life
in him. In this Sacrament, He prepares us to receive him free from serious sin,
with a lively faith, earnest hope, and sacrificial love in the Eucharist. The Church
sees confession as so important that she requires that every Catholic go at least
once a year. The Church also encourages frequent confession in order to grow closer
to Christ Jesus and his Body, the Church. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, we seek
forgiveness and repentance, let go of patterns of sin, grow in the life of virtue,
and witness to a joyful conversion. We, whom Christ has ordained to minister this
forgiveness in his name, are also approaching this sacrament, as both penitents
and ministers, throughout our lives and at this special moment of grace during Lent.
We want to offer ourselves to you as forgiven sinners seeking to serve in the Lord’s
name.
During Lent— in addition to the various penitential services during which
individual confession takes place—we Priests will be making ourselves available
often for the individual celebration of this sacrament. We pray that through the
work of the Holy Spirit, all Catholics—Clergy/Religious and Laity—will respond to
the call of the New Evangelization to encounter Christ in the Sacrament of Penance
and Reconciliation.
“The Church also encourages frequent confession in order to
grow closer to Christ Jesus and his Body, the Church.” Come to the Lord
and experience the extraordinary grace of his forgiveness!
NB: This Lenten Pastoral Letter is to be read out or its contents to be explained in Hindi or Punjabi in all Churches on 1st or 2nd Sunday of Lent.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+Ignatius L. Mascarenhas
Bishop of Simla Chandigarh
POPE BENEDICT XVI COMMENDS TO MARY
The world Synod of Bishops and the Year of Faith
The Church devotes the month of October to the Rosary, in order to honour our Blessed
Mother in a special way. Our love for this devotion should be constantly renewed
in our families, communities, parishes, mission stations and institutions. With
attentive and thoughtful devotion, we meditate on different aspects of the great
mysteries of salvation including the Incarnation, the Redemption, and Resurrection.
We rejoice as the events leading to our salvation unfold and suffer compassionately
with the Holy Family during their many trials. We look ahead which sure hope towards
the final radiance and glorious victory of the Risen Christ. Through reflection
on the lessons of the various scenes, the Rosary becomes a conversation with Mary,
leading to Intimacy with her Son. The life of Jesus and Mary becomes the love of
our life as we learn to perceive their ordinary greatness in a deeper way.
Pope Benedict XVI during a visit to the
Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto
in Italy, on
October 04, 2012, entrusted to Mary the Mother of God two important
ecclesial initiatives:
(1) The Year of Faith," which begins on Oct. 11 (2) The
Synod of Bishops, on Oct. 7.
The small house inside the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto is traditionally venerated
as the house of Mary, miraculously transplanted from the Holy Land. The Pope was
marking the 50th anniversary of
Blessed John XXIII's visit to the Marian
shrine, about 175 miles northeast of Rome, when he entrusted to Mary's care
the Second
Vatican Council, which began Oct. 11, 1962. At the end of his homily, Pope
Benedict turned to Our Lady of Loreto with
several petitions.
- "I wish to entrust to the Most Holy Mother of God all the difficulties affecting
our world as it seeks serenity and peace, “the pope said.
- He prayed for Mary's intercession in responding to the "problems of the many
families who look anxiously to the future” and for young people just starting to
build their adult lives.
- The Pope prayed for the poor, lonely and suffering who are "awaiting signs or
decisions of solidarity and love."
- And, finally, he returned to the Year of Faith and the synod on new evangelization,
saying,“I also wish to place in the hands of the Mother of God this special time
of grace for the Church, now opening up before us." Pope Benedict's homily
focused on Mary as the best possible example of following God's will and bringing
Christ to the world."She placed her entire being at the disposal of God's will, becoming
the 'place' of his presence, a 'place' o f dwelling for the Son of God," the Pop
said.
At a time when the world is struggling with a global financial crisis and crises
in many spheres of social life, he said,
"the incarnation of the Son of God speaks
to us of how important man is to God, and God to man." Without God and without faith-inspired
values, he said,
"man ultimately chooses selfishness over solidarity and love,
material things over values, having over being. We must return to God so that man
may return to being man." Pope Benedict XVI told the crowd that with
faith,
"even in difficult times or moments of crisis, there is always a horizon of
hope: The Incarnation tells us that we are never alone, that God has come to humanity
and that He accompanies us." United in faith, he said, all men and women
become brothers and sisters, caring for and supporting one another. Often today,
he said, people think making
a faith commitment means giving up their freedom,
when in reality
God liberates people from the selfishness and thirst for power that
can consume them and harm others. Just as God wanted Mary to agree to carry
his son,
"God asks for mankind's 'yes.' He has created a free partner in dialogue,
one from whom he requests a reply in complete liberty.
As a help in
The Year of Faith, some handouts/materials have been
prepared and enclosed in a
Faith Kit to be used and distributed
among
laity/the SCC’s (Small Christian Communities). Do collect the first set
of the 12 Faith Kits.
The Kit contains the following:
- My Faith Journey - Issue.1 (leaflet) in English, Hindi, Punjabi (for the Laity)
- Six-Study Lessons For SCCs - booklet - (Resource material only for Animators)
- Liturgy for the Inaugural Holy Mass of the Year of Faith on 14th (Sunday) October,
2012
- Catechesis
- Prayer Card -in English, Hindi, Punjabi (for the laity)
- Posters to be displayed on the Notice Boards of the Church
- A bigger Flex Print to be displayed
Make sure that the following are collected from Fr. Sahayaraj at the Diocesan Pastoral
Centre, to be made use in your Parish/Mission Station/Institution.
(Fr. Sahayaraj
- Mobile Number 09216 489777)
POPE BENEDICT XVI AUTHORIZES INDULGENCES FOR YEAR OF FAITH
(October 5, 2012) Catholics worldwide who participate in pilgrimages, visits,
prayers, practices of piety and other activities that lead to more profound faith
life can obtain
PLENARY INDULGENCES DURING THE YEAR OF FAITH that begins on
Oct. 11 and ends on Nov. 24, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI has authorized the
indulgences for the faithful
“who join the Successor of Peter, during this time of
spiritual grace that the Lord offers us, in recalling the precious gift of faith,”
said a decree released on Friday by Cardinal Manuel Monteiro de Castro, head of
the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary, which deals with indulgences.
An Indulgence
removes fully or partially the temporal punishment due for sins that have
already been forgiven in confession. There are
a number of prerequisites
that a person must fulfill in order to obtain an indulgence, namely
going to confession,
receiving Holy Communion, praying for the intentions of the Pope and total detachment
from sin. The penitent can alternatively obtain indulgence for the souls
of the dead. The decree, signed Sept. 14 but made public on Friday, listed numerous
occasions in which Catholics who are truly repentant can participate in order to
obtain plenary indulgences.
They include programmes such as: reading in churches
or any suitable place of Sacred Texts, the Acts of the Second Vatican Council or
and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, making a pilgrimage to a Basilica, Catacomb,
Cathedral or Minor Basilicas and Marian Shrines, participating in a Sacred function
or meditating and praying the Our Father and the Credo. One can also visit
the baptistery or the place where he or she was baptized and renew the baptismal
vows. The decree noted that those unable to participate in public manifestations
of faith because of valid reasons such as sickness, old age or imprisonment, can
also obtain indulgences if they are spiritually united with the events in which
the words of Pope or Bishops are broadcast on television or radio, or pray the Our
Father and make the Profession of Faith.
A) PILGRIM CENTRES IN OUR DIOCESE
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1.
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Christ the King Cathedral
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Chandigarh
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2.
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Holy Rosary Church
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Bhatinda
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3.
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Immaculate Heart Church
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Karnal
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4.
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Our Lady of Fatima Church
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Patiala
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5.
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St. Michael’s Church
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Shimla
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B) AREAS (DEANERIES) OF OUR DIOCESE
I have mentioned to you in my last Circular
(DSC/Cir.05/2012, dated 29th August,
2012, no.7) about the Areas and its Coordinators of our diocese, in which I had
requested the present Area Coordinators to call for a meeting to have a formal election
to elect a
New Dean as per the Norms and Directives given by the Diocese. We know
that our Missionary Diocese has been divided into 5 Areas
(Bhatinda, Chandigarh,
Karnal, and Patiala & Shimla). These Areas had a Coordinator. From now on, these
FIVE AREAS will be called as
‘DEANERY’ and its head will be known as
‘DEAN’. Now,
I am pleased to announce the appointments of
NEW DEANS of our four Deaneries (after
having conducted the election successfully in all these Four Deaneries):
CHANDIGARH
DEANERY – Rev. Fr. Ambrose D’ Souza,
PATIALA DEANERY - Rev. Fr. Angelus Antony,
KARNAL DEANERY – Rev. Fr. Sandeep IMS and
SHIMLA DEANERY – Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier
. The appointment takes its effect from
14th (Sunday) October 2012 for a period
of three years from the date of appointment
(CIC c. 554 # 2).
With all my good wishes,
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+Ignatius L. Mascarenhas
Bishop of Simla Chandigarh
Dear People of God,
Greetings in name of Blessed Holy Trinity!
I am writing just to thank all of you for having come to Chandigarh from far and
wide to bid farewell to Late beloved Bp. Gilbert B. Rego (fondly called Gilly),
Bishop Emeritus of Simla Chandigarh Diocese .
Though you had a busy schedule on 24th June Sunday 2012, yet you made it possible
and graced the occasion by being present for the Funeral Mass to pay your
loving tribute to Bishop Emeritus Gilbert Blaize Rego .
Bp. Gilbert was born on September 3, 1921 in Mumbai and was ordained Priest on December
5, 1953. He was appointed Bishop of Simla Chandigarh Diocese on September 11, 1971
and retired on November 10, 1999. He was noble in his thoughts, words, deeds and
in sharing God’s Love and Joy to everyone who came in contact with. He served the
Diocese selflessly for twenty eight years and had left us an indelible mark of faith
to serve God and His people.
Our beloved Late Bishop Gilbert Blaize Rego, had left for his eternal reward on
21st June Thursday 2012 at Clergy Home, Bandra, Mumbai. He died of long illness
(Alzheimer) at the age of 91. The mortal remains of Bp. Gilbert was brought to the
Diocese for burial from Mumbai to Chandigarh by air on 23rd Saturday 2012 at 12.00
noon for public homage. There were large number of Catholics and people of other
faiths who joined us in prayer service and followed by the Holy Eucharist. On the
following day, 24th June Sunday at 4.00 pm at Christ the King Cathedral, Chandigarh,
the entire Catholic Community of Simla Chandigarh Diocese participated devotionally
in the Holy Eucharist presided over by Most. Rev. Abp. Vincent Concessao, the Archbishop
of Delhi in the presence of Most Rev. Gerald John Mathias, the Bishop of Lucknow,
Most Rev. Patrick Nair, the Bishop Emeritus of Meerut and Clergy, Religious and
Laity.
I convey a Special thanks to Fr. Vernon D Souza , the Director of Clergy
Home, Archdiocese of Bombay and Sr. Sahayam PDDM and Mr. John for
all their support, love and care shown towards our Bp. Rego.
As part of the observance of Months Mind we would be having a SOLEMN HOLY
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION in loving memory of late Bp. Gilbert B. Rego on 19th
July Thursday 2012 at 06.00pm at Christ the King Cathedral, Chandigarh . All of you
are cordially invited to join us and pray for the departed soul.
May God bless you!
Yours sincerely,
+Ignatius L. Mascarenhas
Bishop of Simla Chandigarh
The year 2012 is God's gift to us. I greet you with all good wishes, and blessings
of God in the New Year. Another Year to give and make the best to all that God will
pour into our hearts and lives. Do we not all desire that the New Year will be a
year in which we will do and give of our best having known and experienced and reflected
on all that took place in 2011. And like every gift received it makes us feel recognized,
appreciated, and thereby bringing from within us the desire, the longing, to do
and give our best to what is necessary to bring a transformation and growth in our
families, communities, our institutions, society, and nation.
In the past year 2011, we have seen large gatherings of people in countries across
the world including our own country rise in protest against misgovernance and corruption,
thereby shaking governments and toppling regimes. The dictators that ruled much
of the Middle East -Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt, and Libya saw their wealth, power, reputation,
acquired at the expense of being dishonest and ruthless, and began to crumble one
after the other by the spring of 2011. And now in Russia and in Europe rulers are
being warned that they cannot take their people for granted. Populations across
the world, including India came out in vast numbers to forcefully and vigorously
say not just “no” but “enough was enough". St Paul described it in very vivid
terms: "We are not contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities
and powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph 6:12).
The Lokpal Bill also referred to as the citizens' ombudsman (-watchdog) bill,
is a proposed independent anti-corruption law in India to help citizens in
grievance redressal mechanisms. After almost 12 hours of spirited debate in the
Lok Sabha, The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011, was passed through a voice vote.
And this is also an invitation and a reminder and a challenge for the Church to
turn our attention continually in this New Year 2012 toward the anguish that afflicts
people today, and our concern goes first of all to the most humble, the poorest,
the weakest, children and youth. Following Christ example, we feel compassion for
the crowds that suffer from hunger, misery and ignorance; we turn constantly to
those who, deprived of the necessary help, have still not attained the kind of life
that they deserve. For these reasons, as we carry out our work we will keep in serious
consideration everything that is conducive to the dignity of the human person, and
that contributes to the true fraternity of peoples (-Vatican Council II)
We pray with Rabindranath Tagore in his collection of “song offerings to the Creator
-Gitanjali – XXXV:
Where the mind is without fear and the head his held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depths of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever widening thought and action-
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Dear brothers and sisters, we call on the Blessed Virgin Mary to help us, may she
guide us with her maternity in our journey together in seeking justice and peace
and solidarity for the marginalized.