Welcome to Archdiocese of Guwahati

Archieves

March - April 2009

For private circulation only

Vol. 15 No. 2

Archbishop’s Message

Last few months have been extremely heavy for me. After the Synod on the “Word” in October, I have had to go to Rome almost every month: for the Plenary of several Congregations and Councils. What I greatly regret is my absence at several sabhas and my failure to visit some parishes in the villages as I used to do every year. I must make up for this failure in some manner.

But I was very happy to spend four days with our young people in formation at Mariampur where I was also busy writing the Way of the Cross for the Holy Father. Please pray that it may serve its purpose.

The effort was made by the Joint Peace Team to bring the Udalguri groups together after their clash was not a perfect success. But both groups have expressed their confidence in us independently. We have to continue to make efforts. But we are not unused to failures and partial failures. Success comes rarely. But we have never given up.

Please pray for peaceful elections, and the choice of good leaders.

News from the Parishes

Zonal Eucharist brings together Families
Guwahati Cathedral parish: Eucharistic celebrations were organized in 10 Zones of St Jospeh’s Cathedral Parish during March with the theme ‘A Family that prays together stays together.”

The people of each zone appreciated the zonal programmes. Every family of the particular zones was present for the Eucharist. Zonal Eucharist brings together the faithful and helps to build up and strengthen the Christian Communities. It also provides an opportunity for the homebound sick and elderly faithful to receive sacraments.

The Parish Priest is grateful to Srs Roveinai fsp, Stevina fsp, and Rosy ufs, Carmela msmhc and Mr Carltan for animating the zonal programmes.

St Jospeh’s Parish comprises of 522 families scattered within Guwahati city.
Fr Marcus Lakra sdb

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Guwahati, Panbazar: The Pastors of different Churches in Guwahati city organized a Cricket Tournament on January 26, 2009 (60th Republic Day). Speaking on behalf of the Koinonia Cricket Tournament, Fr Mark Lakra sdb, the Parish Priest of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Guwahati, said, “We were anxious how it would be, due to the announcement of bandh in the city. But we took courage leaving everything in the hands of God.”

Braving the bandh in the city, 14 teams of pastors gathered at the CNI Church grounds at Guwahati. Prior to the Tournament the teams joined the audience in hoisting the Flag and in a prayer for Peace and harmony in the Nation, and for the leaders of our country. The prayer consisted in the reading of Scripture and a short reflection.

“This first ever Koinonia Tournament between the Churches in the city enthused everyone. We are encouraged to organize similar events in the future,” commented Fr Marcus brimming with joy. “We pastors in the city share many things in common. Hence we are also able to plan and achieve many things in the city,” he added.

News from Youth Commission

Guwahati: The National Charismatic Youth Council (NCCYC) Mumbai organized a three-day programme —KAIROS for the youth at Our Lady of Fatima High School, Vidyavihar, Mumbai from 27-29 Dec., 2008.

Fifty youth from Guwahati Archdiocese were among the 500 Youth from the 14 North Eastern Dioceses who participated in the programme. About 800 Youth from All over India, Bishops, priests and Religious participated in the event.

The programmes conducted by the international preachers during the three days enriched the youth. Mark Nimo (International Preacher, Chicago) Cyril John, National Service Team of the CCR in India, Most Rev. Valerian D’Souza (Episcopal Adviser to NCCRS), Bishop of Pune, Rt Rev. Thomas Dabre, Bishop of Vasai were among the resource persons.

Inspiring sessions, Challenging group discussions, games, counselling, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and planning for the future youth ministry left indelible mark in the participants.

The participants also visited sites of Nov. 26, 2008 bomb blast : Taj Hotel, Trident-Oberoi Hotel and Nariman House.

National Youth Cross in Guwahati
Guwahati: The Archdiocese of Guwahati received the National Youth Cross from the Diocese of Diphu on 3 January, 2009. Fr Marcus Lakra sdb received the Cross from the representatives of NERYC (North Eastern Region Youth Commission) and placed it in St Joseph’s Cathedral, Panbazar. The parishioners gathered to venerate the Cross on Saturday( 3 Jan) evening and on Sunday (4 Jan).

News from GGSS

Awareness Programme
Guwahati: GGSS organized an awareness programme for the monitoring team of 5 federations (self help groups) in Rangjuli, Mariampur, Goalpara, Rangia and Kumarikatta in February, 2009.

The three-day training aimed at bringing awareness in the community through the monitoring team of federation members. A team comprising of 12 members per centre was trained on health issues, sanitation, importance of education, knowledge on environment affecting our earth, and sustaining rural livelihood NREGA schemes. The resource personnel included PHC staffs, College professors, (Rangia) block personnel and staff from the agriculture department.

After the training in each centre the monitoring team decided to impart the same knowledge to the clusters and to the SHGs. Once the SHG members are aware, they start organizing activities in the society on health & sanitation, education, right to food and environment.

State and Country Representatives visit Goalpara Centre
Catholic Relief Services State Representative Mrs. Eanakshi Dutta, and the country Representative Jenifer Poidatz, along with Kim Wilson and Brett Mathew from Micro Wave institution, USA, and Mr. Abhijit Sharma from Indian Institute of Business management, Guwahati, visited Goalpara on 6th Feb, and met the federation members and interacted with them. The CRS members also visited St. Paul, St. Mary and St. Joseph SHGs and interacted with the members and witnessed grain bank, rice mill and goatary activity.

Sr Veronica fs

News from Snehalaya

Annual Day Celebrations
Guwahati:Snehalaya, an outreach programme of Don Bosco Educational Society celebrated its 8th Annual Day in February. The occasion was memorable as Archbishop Thomas inaugurated the new building “Savio Niwas”, dedicated to children in need of care and protection, for their survival and development. In his speech Archbishop Thomas lauded the efforts of Snehalaya in working for the emancipation of the children and wished it success in the years to come.

The Annual Day programme began at Dhirenpara with a prayer dance by the children of Jyoti Snehalaya followed by the welcome speech by Fr. Lukose, Founder Director. The children performed a heart -touching dance drama titled ‘The Dream Continues’, based on the dream of Don Bosco. The programme was attended by a galaxy of prominent persons from Government departments, UNICEF, Salesian Society of Don Bosco, Non- Governmental Organizations, Corporate houses, Educationists, Media partners and above all by a host of children lovers.

Vocation Camp

Sonaighuli: Jerome Institute, the Seminary of the Archdiocese conducted a Vocation Camp for the Christian boys, studying between Class VII & IX from 6th to 10th January, 2009.

43 Teenagers, coming from various parishes participated in the camp.

The camp was organized by Fr Jose Mathew. Student brothers from Christ King College helped him. Priests and Religious Sisters who animated the group helped them to know about the missionary life through the sharing of their life experiences.

Archbishop Thomas sdb celebrated the Eucharist with the group on the third day. The Participants were happy to have Archbishop Thomas in their midst.

Fr Varghese Kizhakevely, Vicar General of the Archdiocese presided over the concluding Eucharist.

Jerry K John, Jerome Institute

Women’s Day Celebrated

Joypur:Women Development Centre, Joypur (WDC) celebrated the“Women’s Day” on 8 March in Kharghuli at “Lalsingh Academy” school Play ground. More than 1000 people were present for the programme from 18 villages of Joypur, Kharghuli, and Uzan Bazar.

On 7 March the Self-Help Group’s (SHG) products were exhibited for sale. Chief Guest Mrs. Nilima Kakoti, Working President, Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samity, Guwahati inaugurated the exhibition and addressed the group. She appreciated their hard work. Encouraging their efforts she said, “Womanhood is a process and each step has its beauty and growth.” She urged them to take things positively for a positive change.

The competitions for 100 selfhelp groups were organized on the evening of 7 March. Dr. Jeuti Boarooha Director of North Eastern Law Research Institute Guwahati distributed the prize to the winners and congratulated all the participants.

Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, the Guest of Honour expressed his happiness over the participation of a large number of women in the programme. He wished all the women to have a brighter future by empowering themselves with dignity and honour.

Sr Betsy Devasia

Annual Sabha

Every Parish in the Archdiocese of Guwahati organizes Sabhas every year during the months of January or February. Generally lasting for three days, it is a time of intense faith formation for the faithful living amidst their non-Christian neighbours. Living together for three days, the faithful interact with one another and with the resource persons.
The days are organized well with various programmes, providing time for relaxation.

As the parishes are spread in distant areas the pastors are able to reach every village only a few times a year. Hence the Sabha becomes the chief source of catechism for the faithful in the villages. For many of them it is a time to receive the first communion and the sacrament of confirmation. The sacrament of baptism is also administered during this previleged time. Thus it is a time for faith sharing as it is for faith living.

In 2009 many parishes chose the theme “The Word” for their Sabha.