Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Visit to Ranchi Novitiate Under Construction


Ranchi is an Archdiocese with a Cardinal. It is one of the leading dioceses in whole of North India. It has more Catholic Population too, There are many vocations for priestly and religious life. It is a Capital of Jharkhand state which is created a new some years ago. It is a rich state with a lot of minerals and there are steel plants in this region. The Church is very active in educational and social field.  The Church runs a lot educational institutes.
The Capuchins are late arrivals in this part of the world. But the province has got a lot of vocations from here. The state is full of different tribes very strong in their beliefs and customs.  The Province is thinking of a division and if it happens Ranchi will be one of the provinces. The capuchins have parishes and some new educational institutes but still young. They need to develop a little more. The capuchins have a Novitiate under construction and Theology house. The students go to St. Albert Seminary for classes.
 A Cat fish from the Pond of Postulancy house - i know fishing
 The Postulance, 9 of them.
 A Hindi medium school run for the poor in Tata Nagar
 A NEW SCHOOL BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN TATA
 THE PROVINCIAL, VICAR AND FRIARS FROM TATA FRATERNITY
 ANOTHER PIC WITH ME
 THE NOVITIATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
 IT IS TO BE BLESSED IN FEBRUARY 2014
 EXTERNAL VIWE BR. JOHN STANDING OUTSIDE AND INSPECTING
 A CENTURY OLD ST. ALBERTS SEMINARY IN RANCHI
 BR. PRASAD PINTO, EX-PROVINCIAL OF ST. FIDELIS, WHO IS THE RECTOR IN THE SEMINARY. ANOTHER VIEW. THERE ARE 270 STUDENTS

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Three Days of Fraternal sharing comes to an end

This Morning during the Mass the Celebrant said that it was an experiential coming together and it has been blessed by the presence of the Lord Jesus. The brothers who had prepared the Liturgy well was the hallmark of the day. After the breakfast we gathered together for a final session which ended at 12.30pm. The New Zealand Mission was discussed as one friar from there was invited to speak about the collaboration. There is request from Ireland Province to take over the custody of New Zealand. The brothers asked many questions which were professionally and experientially answered by Br. Ephrem who is in New Zealand for last 7 years. The brothers agreed to take over if asked to.
The question of formation was discussed at length. The Province is blessed with many good vocations and the promotion is systematically done by vocation promoters. The very essential elements of Capuchin Formation were given to them by me. I called all the friars to form our young friars for fraternal living.
At the end there was time for some clarifications and any other points.
I once again voiced out the concern of the Order and the Church regarding the abuse of Minor and vulnerable adults. We discussed the statement of the General Chapter too.
The Provincial minister thanked one and all.
I concluded with some reflection regarding animating oneself and the fraternity.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Afternoon Session





Afternoon we spent time in prayer and adoration. A jesuit priest gave a talk on community life which was apt and fitting the occasion. The Friars then profited their presence for making confession. The friars spending time before the blessed sacrament one by one frequented the sacrament of confession. A real spiritual renewal and asking pardon and forgiveness from one another.

In the evening we then celebrated the Eucharist presided by the Provincial Minister.

2nd Day Morning Session





The morning began with a special prayer conducted by me on the theme of "Challenges to be Capuchins and Interpersonal relationships". We spent one hour in reflection and mediation in the chapel. 

At 8.30am we started our session with a hymn and the topic on the agenda was about reconciliation among the brothers. We had a very open and fraternal discussion. Everyone spoke that we dont have any kinds of differences and serious problems. But some friars expressed that there are hurt feelings nursed by some but not tackled by the leaders. We agreed that those who have hurt feelings must have a dialogue with the provincial Minister. 

We also discussed the issue of Bifurcation of the Province. There were opinions expressed in favour of the division with immediate effect and others expressed opinion against reasoning that we need some more time. The final recommendation was that we take up the matter in forthcoming chapter in 2014 as to within how many years we should divide. The decision everyone accepted that we need to divide in order to grow, North indian Province of St. Fidelis is very huge with 7 civil states.


Then we took up the circular letter of General Minister "YOU are our Faith". There was a lively personal sharing. Many shared what was done in the year of faith in their communities and parishes.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Afternoon session



What a lively session! Participation cent percent! wonderful and thought provoking interventions of young and old friars. I am impressed the way moderators handled the day. This afternoon the discussion revolved around responsibly handling the finances and being transparent. No private bank accounts without the permission of the Provincial Council. All agreed with voice saying we are Capuchins and we need to be poor and depend on the grace of God.

I presented a short background of the economic situation of the General curia and how it is difficult to support the provinces through economic solidarity, A call given to all in order to be self sufficient. I suggested some ways and means to achieve this goal. One of them is to train young talented friars for the apostolate of teaching, The Province has got number of schools and the friars can teach and ear. Teaching could be a way to be evangelizers to non-christians. Most of the students are all non-christians. The friars have a golden chance to spread the good news of the Lord.

Morning session of chapter of Mats




The session began with lightining the traditional indian Lamp by provincial, General councilor and senior friar, while a Mantra was being recited. The Provincial welcomed all the friars officially and then he announced the nomination of two secretaries and got approved the time table. I delivered my key note address on the significance of the chapter of mats and the fraternal life.

The agenda was then take up. The first point was how to have an equity among us regarding life styel. A lively and fruitful discussion took place. All agreed that a moderate life style keeping in mind our Capuchin charism.



The the question of economy was discussed and suggestions were offered. All agreed that we need to plan our economy keeping in mind the economic situation in General Curia. The Budget system has to be insisted and improved upon.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Chapter of Mats begins





Yesterday evening all the Brothers from all the corners of the Province began to arrive. There are 78 friars, young and old but mostly young, full of enthusiasm and life. At dinner the provincial John welcomed one and all. The dinner was simple but the atmosphere of brotherhood was great. All hugging and with Franciscan kiss welcoming one another. Oh how wonderful it is when brothers live in unity.
This morning I celebrated the Eucharist with Bro. Simon who celebrates his Birthday. I preached on communion among us.


In a world disrupted by war, terrorism and oppression, the call and challenge comes to us as Capuchins and religious community to become instruments of peace, to partake in the ministry of reconciliation by prayer and service. To do this we need to understand and take seriously our own vowed and Capuchin Franciscan life.
We must keep our religious, Capuchin and priestly character and identity intact and unchanged. Do not let yourselves be manipulated by the spirit of the world, but rather, being sons of God, by the spirit of God.
 
The order desires and wants that we free us from all earthly attachments. On this difficult road the order, as good guide provides us with a true abundance of grace through Constitutions, rules and regulations and the strong Capuchin Franciscan heritage.


To conclude in the words of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, “if you are wise, be a vessel, not a conduit, for the conduit simply lets the water it receives run away without retaining a singly drop. The vessel on the other hand, starts off by filling up and then, without emptying but indeed while being constantly replenished, it overflows and irrigates the fields.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Chapter of Mats - St. Fidelis Province, North India

Great North India! Great in its culture and history! The Land is blessed with many things. It is simply awesome to be here. The friars in this province come from various states of North India and South India, the missionaries from Karnataka. There is a great Capuchin tradition and heritage in this part of the world. The Chapter of Mats will definitely reflect on continuing and growing in it. 




Statistics on May 17, 2011

How Many
Priests
Lay Friars
Students
Total
Professed Friars
(Perpetual + Temporary)
90

04

33

127
Friars in Perpetual Vows
90

04

Theology    : 04

98

Temporary Vows


Theology    : 03
Regents      : 06
Philosophy : 20
29
Novices


04
04
Postulants


16
16
Aspirants (+2  Students)


29
29
Candidates


22
22


Fraternities and Presences
Friaries - 24
Parishes - 17
Prayer Centers - 2
Education Institutions - 13
Formation Houses: Candidacy to Novitiate – 5


Mission and Presences
2 Collaborations with Solidarity of Personnel (New Zealand from 2006: 4 friars working in New Zealand; and 1 friar working in the General Vice Province of Arabia from 2002).

Fraternities with friars
Fraternities with 6 and above
2
Fraternities with 4 to 5 friars
11
Fraternities with 3 friars
10
Established Fraternities with fewer than 3 friars
1
Total
24

Main Apostolates  of the Province
-          Pastoral: 17 Parishes
-          Educational: 11 Schools (6 English Medium Schools, 5 Local Medium Primary Schools)
-          Prayer/Retreat House: 1
-          Social work: 2 Informal Literary Classes. Besides, identifying and helping out the poor and the dropouts to complete at least their std. 10 studies from different places.