NORTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE, MSFS PROVINCIALATEGPO Box No. 308, GUWAHATI – 781 001Tel: 0361 2648507 / Fax 0361 2648510

Email:provincialnortheastmsfs@gmail.com/provincialsecretarynortheast@gmail.com FT/51 – Circular - June 2013

Dear Confreres,Greetings of peace!

The Monsoon Joy: The monsoon winds always bring joy to the hearts and minds of the people of our Country. Rains have come to several regions of the country. However, many of the "food bowls" of the country remain dry and if timely rains do not come, the food production would dive low. We know that millions of people work in the fields to produce food for the rest of us. We hardly think of them even when we have the best of food on our tables. Let us pray for a favourable weather so that the Farming Community can work and generate agricultural produces. Let us join the Farming community of our country by engaging ourselves in some form of manual labour. Let us salute all farmers, who through hard labour prove their commitment to the Nation.

Devotion to Sacred Heart of Jesus: Month of June is dedicated to Sacred Heart of Jesus. Although the devotion to Sacred Heart has a history of its origin and growth throughout the centuries, it is very much central to Salesian Spirituality. We are familiar with the promises given by Jesus to St Mary Alacoque, a visitation nun. We, the MSFS need to take a special effort to promote this devotion in our parishes and institutions. Though we would celebrate this feast on June 7th, the whole month could be utilised for assisting people to grow in love of Jesus, who has given himself in love.

Father's Day: In June, Father's Day is celebrated. Today the celebrations have become worldwide. It is a way of recognizing the contribution that fathers and father figures make to the lives of their children. Although it is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide, many countries observe this day on the third Sunday in June. Different families have different traditions on Father's Day. These can range from a simple phone call or greetings card to large parties honouring all father figures in an extended family. In our parishes, we can find ways to do special celebration of this day.

Dhemaji District at the Top: With the results all out, the school communities are in the midst of joy and celebrations. Our schools all over northeast have produced good results. Good Results, although shows commitment and dedication, need not be the guarantee for a good Catholic education. Christ King, Gogamukh student stood Fourth among the first 10 toppers in the HSLC examination of Assam. It is a matter of joy for us to know that Dhemaji district stood first among the districts of Assam for the highest percentage of successful students. The MSFS, through its 5 high schools, have contributed much to the success story of Dhemaji district. I take this opportunity to greet everyone involved in the noble vocation of teaching.

Education of the Poor: Our schools continue to bring light and joy to the lives of young people of our region. It should be our endeavour to make all schools healthy places for students to grow and excel in life's journey. In the midst of joy, at this time, the parents face the agony of finding suitable and affordable colleges for their children. Some of them may be struggling due to shortage of financial support. Let us assist at least some of the bright students who cannot afford higher education due to financial difficulties. We show our concern for the economically poor children through the Scholarship Fund. Building up this Fund through generous contributions from all of us and the schools is yet to be realised fully. Financial support is just one of the ways to support the young people. We will be able to offer Career guidance to the youth and direct them to opportunities that will give them a meaningful life. As there is a dearth of professionals in various sectors, students could be encouraged to take up Vocational training, for which avenues are in abundance. Anyone who follows the media coverage on Pope Francis would know the focus he strives to give to the poor in his homilies or addresses. He speaks of a Church that is fully immersed in the lives of the poor. Can we take this message to our hearts, to our personal and community lives, to our institutions, to our ministries and services?

The Travelling Jubilee Cross As part of the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Foundation, the Travelling Jubilee Cross is making its way through our communities. In it, we have an excellent opportunity for sharing about our Founder and the Congregation to people of our communities. I am glad that in many places, special efforts were taken to involve the neighbourhood communities also into the day's celebration. I express my thanks to everyone who has collaborated with this venture.

Fr Shaibu has received a number of reports from the communities.

Reports from some of the centres show that the Travelling Jubilee Cross has brought the people to a greater knowledge about the Congregation:

"... We never knew that your Congregation is so big and working in many countries. We were of the idea that you are working only in northeast". - Mr. Jagot Pegu, a parishioner, Jonai

"Mother of Compassion! What a lovely name! You must be fortunate to have such a mother to take care of your Congregation". - Mr. Simon Sangma, a parishioner, Jonai

Many of our confreres were impressed by the whole hearted cooperation and devoted attention given by the faithful to the procession with the Jubilee Cross. Almost in every place, good crowd gathered for prayer and devotion. (Reported by Fr. Shaibu Mathew Ezhanikattu)

The Conclusion of the 175th Anniversary Celebration As discussed and planned earlier, we continue with the celebration of the event at two levels: local and apostolic community. The Concluding Ceremony will be held at MSFS Provincialate, Narengi on Oct 17, 2013. A letter was already sent to the local communities regarding the celebration. Further details will be given in due course of time. I request everyone to pray for the success of this event.

Glad to inform you that a Grand Finale of 175th jubilee of MSFS foundation will be celebrated in India at Suvidya College Bangalore on September 23, 2013. The details of the program will come to us in due course of time.

Youth Retreat at St. Joseph's Church, KayingA well attended "Three days Youth Retreat" cum "One Day Program" was conducted from 6th to 11th May, 2013, at St. Joseph's School, Kaying. More than 98 youths from St. Joseph's Parish, Kaying, Divine Mercy Parish, Yingkiong and St. Mary's Parish, Aalo attended the retreat . The theme of the Retreat was "WALKING WITH THE LORD" a renewal of the baptismal commitment in the Year of Faith. The participants were encouraged and prompted to experience the Lord personally through personal prayers with the Word of God and meditations. Varied topics were preached to the participants mainly on the "Year of Faith". The programme was animated and preached

by Frs. Cornelius Bara Msfs, John Kalamkuzhackal Msfs, Johny Kuttikottayil Msfs, Sr. Fabiana SCC, and Mr. Bogiram Bori. The retreat came to an end with thanksgiving Mass at 08.00am on 11th May 2013. (Reported by Fr. Corbinus Soreng, msfs)

Superiors' Forum Meeting A meeting of the Superiors Forum was held at MSFS Provincialate, Narengi from May 14-15, 2013. In all, 37 confreres participated in the two day animation program, which was carried out by the Provincial Administration. Each of the Councillors and the Bursar animated the participants on matters pertaining to their respective areas of ministry. The program also highlighted the areas of strength and weakness; and suggested ways to improve our leadership in the communities.

Diaconate Ordination at MSFS Study HouseThe diaconate ordination of five of our brothers namely, Daniel Lalmuanzela, Shiju Poomarathinkal, Telesfor Lakra, Daniel Bara and K. Martin Anand, belonging to three different provinces of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales was held at MSFS Study House, Shillong on 23rd May 2013. The Candidates after a day of recollection was ordained deacons by His Grace, Most Rev. Dominic Jala, the Archbishop of Shillong at the Holy

Eucharistic Celebration, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil, the Provincial of North East India Province. The Presence of a good number of MSFS priests from neighboring communities, Rectors of various Study Houses, Professors and Students of Oriens Theological College, Religious Sisters from neighboring communities and Relatives of the Deacons made this spiritual event more solemn. After the Holy Eucharist, there was a short felicitation programme for the newly ordained deacons followed by a sumptuous meal. Congratulations to

the Staff and Students of MSFS Study House for making this day a memorable one.WE WISH HEARTY CONGRATS TO ALL OUR DEAR DEACONS......

First Profession of 16 Novices On 31st May 2013 was a day of rejoicing and gladness. 16 young men made their first profession at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua. The well-decorated chapel was filled to its brim with guests. Rev. Fr. Francis Thadathil was the main celebrant at the mass concelebrated by more than 16 priests. In a thought-provoking homily Fr. Francis reminded the newly professed the essence of their act of profession: "Yours is a call to live a life of holiness." Highlighting the role by the novitiate formation, he further encouraged them to adhere to the call and never leave the values you have learnt at the door- steps of the novitiate, but carry it along with you in your life".

During the holy mass 16 young men pledged publicly their "Yes" to the Lord and the Church. Fr. Provincial received them into the congregation with a paternal embrace. Kudos to Fr Jose Mundoly and Fr. Hriini Mark! They did a fantastic job in preparing the novices by guiding and accompanying them.

The Vianny Home choir sang beautifully during the mass. The neighbouring religious communities like Maria Bhavan community, Vianny Home, the CST Brothers, the Montfort brothers, the Missionary sisters of Mary Help of Christians, FMA sisters ,and Mother Theresa sisters extended their wholehearted cooperation in making the day an unforgettable experience. Among the prominent guests were: Rev. Sr. Ursula, the Provincial Superior of Missionary sisters of Mary Help of Christians and Bro. Devassy, the

Provincial Superior of Monfort Brothers. In his vote of thanks Bro. Standford Stephen thanked profusely the formators, the new novices, and the parents and loved ones and the neighbouring communities. The two-and- a- half hour ceremony came to a close with a sumptuous lunch prepared by the veteran cook of the novitiate Mr. Thadeus. (Reported by Fr. Augustine Vellaramkuzhy)

In the Novitiate this Year 11 Postulants were formally admitted to the novitiate period of formation during a celebration on 30th May 2013 at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua. At the end of the ceremony, Fr. Francis Thadathil, the Provincial gave them to the care and guidance of Fr Jose Mundoly, the Master of Novices. Let us wish them a very fruitful year of novitiate.

At our Minor Seminary, Thamaraserry, KeralaWe are expected to have about 40 students at our minor seminary. Candidates hail from various states of Northeast and from Kerala. I thank the vocation promoters who have taken steps in the promotion of candidates to our Congregation. The candidates undergo the first year of minor seminary training at Vinaya Bhavan. Let us keep these young people and the staff members in our prayers.

At our Minor Seminary, Medziphema, NagalandThe second and third year of minor seminary formation is carried out at SFS seminary, Medziphema. The candidates complete the Plus I & II level studies during this stage along with religious formation. There are 31 candidates in this year. They pursue their plus I and II courses at SFS School, Medziphema. Our confreres from the missions shall make it a point to visit the Seminary. Sharing the mission stories with seminarians strengthen their bond with the confreres and also inspire to grow in pastoral love.

Superior General's Letter AB-2Our Superior General's letter has been sent to everyone through email. Hard copies are also being despatched to the communities. Apart from sharing information and insights, the General has given invitation to every member to enter more deeply into our vocation as MSFS and to a dynamic living of the MSFS-ness in our communities. I also invite everyone to give a close reading of the letter; to discuss and develop further on the thoughts shared by the Superior General.

Father Augustine Tharappel, the Vice Provincial of USA Vice ProvinceThe USA Region is raised to the status of a Vice-Province and our Superior General has appointed Fr. Augustine Tharappel as the Vice Provincial of USA Vice-Province. He will assume his office on July 3, 2013 at Tyler, Texas. Fr. Davis Chackalackel is a permanent member of the USA Vice province. Our confreres Frs. George Thayilkuzhithottu, Jacob Dio.D, and Tomy Monnanamppillil are temporary members who serve the Vice Province. For all their religious and spiritual matters, they are under the immediate care of the Vice-Provincial. We shall extend our support to all the ventures of the Vice-Province. I congratulate Father Augustine and extend him our prayerful support.

Fr. Tumma Mariadas, Procurator General to the Holy SeeFr Thumma is appointed procurator General to the Holy See. We wish him all the best in his additional responsibility.

Joining us in the MissionsSt. Ann's of Luzern (Central Province) has given the green signal for their collaboration with us at Umwahlang, in the diocese of Nongstoin. Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy (Bhuvenswar Province) have also agreed to join us at Panbari, in the diocese of Bongaigaon. SABS (Dimapur province) will team up with us at Mawkhlam, in the diocese of Nongstoin. We thank them for their generosity to give themselves to the service of people of these missions. Let us offer a warm welcome to the group of sisters who would be our collaborators in these missions. I wish them all a very fruitful ministry.

Orientation Program for the Regents An orientation program was held at MSFS Provincialate, Narengi for the Regents of the year. The three-day program has given fresh insights into many practical aspects of their life and ministry in the missions. Frs. Joseph Thazhathukunnel and his team were the resource persons. Let us welcome the young confreres to our missions and support them in their first assignment in the missions.

Appointment of RegentsTaking into consideration the needs of the mission, the following confreres are appointed for regency period of formation:

1. Karimpanackal Jinto Thomas - St. Francis Xavier Church, Bashbari2. Kochutharayil Jobin K. Jose - SFS Church, Tening3. Pallattutharayil Libin Varghese - Holy Rosary Parish, Purul4. Parampukattil Melvin P. K. - St. Joseph's Church, Manikbond5. Sukiram Tanti (Luke) - Vinaya Bhavan Seminary, Thamarassery6. Thakadiyel Lijo Scaria T. P. - SFS School, Aalo

The First Annual Retreat of 2013 & Animation on GC 2013As announced earlier the first annual retreat will be held from July 1 to 6, 2013 at MSFS Study House Shillong. An animation of GC 2013 will be integrated with the retreat, which will be organised by Fr. George Parampukattil, the Secretary of Education. Important information to all the participants of the retreat: All the participants are requested to bring the copy of the booklet "Call of General Chapter 2013", and the Constitutions. Confreres are also requested to bring their Mass Registers when they come for the annual retreat.

Grateful to SE Confreres Two years ago Fr. Dharmaraj, the Provincial of SE Province, took the daring step to send dynamic priests to Northeast for pastoral ministry. Accordingly, three newly ordained priests- Frs. G. David, P. Anto Leegin Rex, Sheen Prisal Singh, were sent to northeast. I had the joy of

assigning them to their first place of pastoral ministry. Fr David served the parish community of Purul, Fr. Rex at Jonai and Fr. Sheen at Kangpokpi. As per the agreement, they are called back to their Province at the completion of two years of ministry. Frs David and Rex have already left and have taken up study programs. Fr. Sheen will be leaving shortly as he is given the appointment as Vocation promoter at Pudukottai Seminary. I offer my sincere appreciation to each of them for their committed service to the province. Each of them gave the best to the parish communities. In exchange, I believe that each of them has also grown in pastoral love by being in these missions. Their service would be remembered by people. Thank you dear fathers for all that you have been to us!

The SE Province also had sent brothers for regency. During the last two years 3 each were sent for their regency period of formation. After the completion of regency some of them continued with their theological formation at Shillong. Bros. A. Jerome, M. John Fernandes, Charles Berin have completed their one year of regency at Basar, Pasighat and Silapathar. Thank you dear brothers! I take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Fr Dharmaraj for this collaboration with Northeast Province. Thank you dear Fr. Dharmaraj!

School Results 2013The students of our schools have done well in the annual examinations of the various School Boards. The following chart compiled by Fr. Roy Muthedathu, the Secretary to the education Forum gives the full detail of the school results as received by him.

HSLC RESULT 2013

No. Name App Pass % 1st 2nd 3rd Star Dist Rank

1 Along 14 14 100 06 07 01

2 Amalarem Not Available

3 Bashbari 12 12 100 05 07

4 Chandrapur 11 11 100 02 05 02

5 Dhamaji 81 81 100 64 07 13 10

6 Gogamukh 65 65 100 44 15 06 05 4th

7 Guwahati 86 86 100 52 22 12

8 Hamren 41 40 97 05 27 08

9 Jonai 59 59 100 35 23 01 08

10 Kangpokpi 90 88 97 15 72 01

11 Kaying 19 19 100 18 01

12 Manikbond 16 16 100 02 04 10

13 Mawkhlam 62 31 50 02 15 14

14 Mawryngkeng 11 05 45 02 03

15 Medziphema 95 92 96

16 Nongalbibra 38 27 71 06 08 13

17 Panishali 12 09 75 01 08

18 Pasighat 29 29 100 29

19 Peren 76 72 94

20 Purul 43 41 95 05 33 3

21 Silapathar 93 93 100 68 18 02 07

22 Telam 23 23 100 13 10

23 Tening 20 16 80

HSSLC RESULT 2013

1 Guwahati 72 72 100 50 22

Arts 18 18 100 12 05 01

science 26 26 100 14 09 03

Commerce 28 28 100 12 08 07 01

2 Peren 14 14 100 02 07 05

3Medziphema (Arts) 68 60 88 03 13 44

Commerce 16 16 100 02 11 03

I take this opportunity to thank all the principals, headmasters, teachers and staff of the schools for their collaborative effort in this success story. I also offer my congratulations to students who have passed out from our schools this year. May your journey in life be strengthened by the foundation already received from our schools.

Additional Facilities at SFS Institute, Imphal A built up area of 200 sq ft was added to SFS Technical institute at Imphal. With this addition to the existing building, the institute has now a better office room, visitor's room, and computer room. I thank Fr. Tomy Anakallel, the current Director of the Institute, who took initiatives in this venture. The new addition was blessed by Most Rev. Joseph Mittathany, Archbishop emeritus of Imphal on 4th May 2013. Fr. CM Joseph, the cathedral parish priest, Fr. John Parvis, the

principal of the Christ Jothi School and all the staff and students of SFS Technical School witnessed the ceremony. We thank His grace for his gracious presence with us on that and spending time with us.

Fathers Jacob Mattathil, Benjamin Nakho and D.R Paul are scheduled to leave for South Africa on June 15, 2013. The delay in obtaining the Visa was the reason for rescheduling their travel plan to SA Region. Once again we wish them safe travel and a fruitful ministry in the Region.

For Medical Treatment and RehabFr Thomas Vanderkunnel and Fr. Stephen Marayikulam Jr. are expected to come to India for medical treatment. Fr. Thomas is already scheduled to be in Kerala from June to September. We wish them a speedy recovery.

The Land at Dispur (the old Provincialate) The land had become the lowest area in the locality and people had begun to throw waste into it. A new boundary wall around the land has been constructed to protect it from intrusion of others. Thanks to Fr Daniel, the Bursar and Fr Mathew Edattu for supervising the work and bringing it to a completion before the start of the Monsoon.

CBSE AffiliationThe St. Joseph's School Kaying has received CBSE affiliation. The procedure initiated by Fr. Augustine Thundathil and patiently pursued by Fr. John Kelamkuzhackal has finally paved way for the completion of the affiliation process, which is certainly a welcome news to everyone. The CBSE affiliation number of St. Joseph's School Kaying is 2230073. I offer my sincere thanks to all the confreres who gave their time for this much needed legal requirement. We also appreciate all the officers and friends who have assisted us in this effort.

Departure from the CongregationBose P. Jose Puthiyampurath, Nithin Paul Padinjarakutt, Melbin Francis Theruvil, who were doing regency have left the Congregation on personal reasons

Important InformationFor all official purposes, all are requested to use the official email IDs:

Provincial: provincialnortheastmsfs@gmail.com;Secretary: secretarynortheast@gmail.com;

There is change in the personal ID of Fr. Francis Thadathil. The new one is frfrancisthadathil@gmail.com; Kindly stop sending mail through fthadam@gmail.com as some abuse of this ID has been detected. Kindly make this correction in your Contact list.

For all the official contact to the Regional Superior: regionalsuperiorsaregion@gmail.comPlease use the above email ID for all official communications with the regional superior.

Let us Pray for the Sick¨ Fr. Stephen Marayikulam (Jr), who is admitted to the hospital in Austria

¨ Fr. Thoams Vanderkunnel, who is under treatment for lung infection

Let us Pray for the Departed K.C. John, Uncle of Fr John Pauvath who passed away on 1st June 2013. Mrs. Yongiru Caroline, Sister of Fr Simon Thaikho who passed away on 7th June 2013. She was

Suffering from Brain Tumor. Bro Joy Alex SG, who passed away on June 4, 2013 at Guwahati. Bro Joy was a close friend of

the MSFS and was actively involved in the education apostolate.

Visits and ProgramsJune 201323 : Blessing of the new chapel, Seminary Medziphema 27 : Core committee meeting, Don Bosco Provincial House

July 201301-06 : Annual Retreat – First Group 13-14 : Provincial Council Meeting15-20 : Annual Retreat – Second Group & Jubilee Celebrations 28 : Arrival of SABS Sisters at Mawkhlam

Concluding ThoughtsA new academic year has started. Teachers and students are back to their schools. It is again a very hectic time for the schools. I wish all our schools and teachers a very fruitful year. In these past years, special effort has been taken to provide basic facilities to students of our schools. Let us continue our efforts to improve the facilities for the sake of children.

Organizations are taking new efforts in using their resources- material, financial and personnel for the service of the poor and the marginalised. The local/apostolic communities must come up with new plans and programs to serve the poor of the area. In our neighbourhoods, we have the poor who live in abject conditions. Can we not do more than what we do now? The archdiocese of Guwahati has taken some initiatives to promote networking and collaboration among the Church personnel to give a collective witness of their service to the poor in the city of Guwahati. The aim is to make Guwahati a child friendly city- meaning, to provide the children of the poor sections of the society also enjoy their childhood and their rights. It is a dream, for which we are asked to work together.

In recent times, the Govt of India has passed a number of Bills, which have direct bearing on our institutions and the services we render through them. In the wake of increasing cases of rape of women and abuse of children, it is only natural that the Govt has passed Bills to guarantee greater protection of children and women. The Sexual Harassment of women at Work Places Bill of 2012 is particularly noteworthy. Educating ourselves on these Bills and their implications is an important task, which cannot be neglected. It is imperative for our institutions also to comply with the provisions of the Bill. The

apostolic community conveners should take leadership in educating the confreres on these and other legal matters. Ignorance of these Bills would not be bliss any longer.

Warm regards,

Fr. Francis Thadathil msfs Provincial Northeast India province

Mass suffrages

Please go through the Mass Register to see if the prescribed suffrages are fulfilled for our deceased Confreres (Const. No 118; General Directory No. 98).

Fr. Lourance Thadathil of East Africa Province on 7th January 2013. Fr. Devasia Kuzhupil of South West Province, on 12th January 2013. Fr. François COFFYof France-Suisse Province, on 27th January 2013. Fr. Alan Blackford, of English Province, on 25th February 2013. Bro. Joseph Thekkumthottam, of Vizag, on 11th March 2013. Fr. Nicolas DESBOEUF, of France-Suisse Province, 18th March 2013.

Walking on the Path of the PatronThe very prince of the universe is man, the crowning point of man is his heart, of the heart is love, and the perfection of love is charity. That is why the love of God is the goal, the crowning point, the be-all and end-all of the universe.

(Treatise on the Love of God, Book 10, Chapter 1)