Dear Confreres
Greetings of peace and love! We have just celebrated the feast of our Heavenly Patron St. Francis De Sales. We have learnt a lot about our patron from our formation days onwards like his birth, his early childhood, his studies, and his decision to become a priest, his untiring missionary activities among Calvanists and his exemplary life as bishop. He is known for many outstanding virtues and qualities. However this time, I would like to highlight two most important virtues.
One is his missionary zeal. When Calvinism was ruling the roost and when no one was willing to go to the Calvinist area to work, St. Francis De Sales as a young priest willingly came forward to work among the Calvanists. It was his missionary zeal that drove him to take up such a very challenging task. While working among the Calvinists, he faced all sorts of challenges, threats, loneliness etc. But because he was full of missionary zeal, he overcame all odds and became a successful missionary. We are greatly in need of imbibing this great virtue of our Patron. As priests, we must be full of missionary zeal just like our Patron.
Another virtue of our Patron is his love for the common people. When people thought that holiness was reserved for a privileged few only, his love for the people led him to define that holiness is for all. Through his book, ‘Introduction to Devout Life’, he categorically asserted that holiness does not belong to a privileged few, but to all including ordinary and common people. His assertion of holiness for all was against the trend of his time and he was the champion of this.
Dear confreres, as we have celebrated the feast of our patron St. Francis De Sales, I appeal that let all of us be imbibed with these two virtues of our Patron – his missionary zeal and his love for common people. If we follow these two virtues of our Patron, we will able to effectively bear witness to our Lord Jesus Christ.
I. Congregation Matters
1. Convocation of the Extraordinary General Chapter of our Congregation 2021
Rev.Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, our Superior General by his circular dated has convoked the Extraordinary General Chapter of our Congregation dated 24th of January, 2020 in SG-AB2-03 to be held from 1st to 7th of February, 2021 at MSFS Pune Provincial House, Nagar Road, PUNE, INDIA. The theme of the Extraordinary General Chapter is “MSFS, WAKE UP TO THE BASICS”. Fr.General has sent us a special prayer and it is circulated. I exhort all of you to pray for the success of the Extraordinary General Chapter 2021.
2. Coordinator of Delegation Superiors in GAH
Rev.Fr.AbrahamVettuvelil, our Superior General has appointed Fr. Dhaman Kumar as the Coordinator of Delegation Superiors of GAH for a term of three years with effect from January 24, 2020.
We congratulate him and wish him all the best!
3. A Tribute to Fr.Antony Mookenthottam, the Legend
In the contemporary times, if we look for an outstanding, inspirational, exemplary and gentleman religious, the first person that comes to our mind is Fr.Antony Mookenthottam, Msfs, who expired on 3rd of January, 2020. A multifaceted personality, he had been a parish priest, General Councilor, Provincial, professor, formator, translator, philosopher, theologian and spiritual guide etc. He also served as Panchayat councilor. He has guided numerous priests, religious and congregations.
His contribution to dissemination of Salesian spirituality and Salesian literature is unparalleled. The virtues of our patron and our founder were more visible in his life, including his gentleness and humility. What stands out more than anything else is his exemplary life as a priest and religious. In Fr.Antony Mookenthottam, we have a perfect example of an inspiring priest and a religious. His very life itself is a message for us to emulate. His death is a great loss for us Fransalians.
May his soul rest in peace!
II. Province Matters
4. Installation of provincial
Rev.Fr.K.IgnaciMuthu, took charge as provincial for a second term of three years on 24th of January, 2020, the feast day of our Parton St. Francis De Sales during the Eucharistic celebration. It was a simple ceremony and it was attended by the Local Superiors, Conveners of the apostolic communities, the provincial administration and the steering committee members, other fathers and some religious from neighbouring communities.
Congratulations and we wish him all the best.
5. Convocation of Provincial Congress, 2020
After his installation as Provincial for the second term, Rev.Fr.K.IgnaciMuthu has convoked the 5th Ordinary Provincial Congress. The 5th Ordinary Provincial Congress will be held from 9th to 12th of March, 2020 at Retreat Centre, Poondi. The Theme and the Shedule are approved by Rev. Fr. Superior General.
6 The Theme of the Provincial Congress, 2020
BEING ROOTED IN THE BASICS OF THE MSFS, WE WITNESS CHRIST THROUGH
OUR APOSTOLATES AND MINISTRIES
7. Steering Committee
For the smooth conduct of the Provincial Congress, a Steering Committee is appointed. The following are the members of the Steering Committee:
- Fr.Provincial
- Fr.A.Luckas (Convener)
- Fr.M. Nicholas
- Fr. S. Arul Selvamani
- Fr. D. Sheen Prisal Singh
- Fr. D. Jayakumar
- Fr. S. Ashir Johnson
- Fr. S. AnanthaPrabu (Secretary)
8. Apostolic Community Meetings
In order to have a fruitful and successful Provincial Congress, we need to have sufficient preparing. As such, Apostolic Community meetings are arranged to come together and share our experiences and views regarding the life and the ministries of the province. The schedule of the Apostolic Community meetings is as follows:
| January | |
| 25th | Pudukottai, John De Britto Apostolic Community. |
| 27th | Trichy, Fr. Peter Mary Mermier Apostolic Community |
| 28th | Virudhunagar, Fr. John Bosco Apostolic Community. |
| 30th | Dharmapuri, SFS Apostolic Community. |
| February | |
| 1st | Chennai, St. Thomas Apostolic Community. |
| 3rd | Vilupuram, St. Mary’s Apostolic Community. |
9. Forum Meetings
As part of our preparation for the Provincial Congress, Forum meetings are also arranged. Forums will more specifically concentrate on its functioning for the last three years and make proposals and recommendations for the next three years. The schedule of the Forum meetings is as follows:
| February | |
| 10th | Formation Forum Meeting. |
| 11th | Mission Forum Meeting. |
| 12th | Education Forum Meeting |
| 13th | Innovative Forum Meeting. |
| 14th | Stewardship Meeting. |
In the coming days, let us more intensely reflect on the theme and make it part of our life. You are requested to take note of the schedule of the meetings. Participation in the Apostolic Community meetings and Forum meetings is mandatory. If anyone is not able to attend the meeting of the particular Apostolic Community or Forum that he belongs to, due to very serious reasons, with the prior permission of the Provincial, he will have to attend any other Apostolic Community meeting/Forum meeting.
10. Appointment of Delegation Superior and Delegation Bursar for GAH
With the approval of our Superior General, Fr. S. Simon Raja is appointed as Delegation Superior of GAH of members belonging to our South-East India province for a period of three years with effect from 24th of January, 2020. Fr.S.Joseph is appointed as Delegation Bursar for GAH for a second term of three years with effect from 24th of January, 2020.
We thank Fr. M. Joseph Amalraj, the outgoing Delegation Superior of GAH. He was Delegation Superior for the last six years. He had done a lot of good things in animating the confreres as Delegation Superior. We greatly value and remember his dedication, commitment and service to the Province as Delegation Superior and also for his service as Coordinator of Delegation Superiors in GAH.
11. Appointment of Local Superior in GAH
As we know, there are two Neighbourhood Local Communities in GAH. Fr. M. Victor is appointed as Local Superior of RAP community with effect from 24th of January, 2020. In the same way, Fr. P. Aloysius Bensiger is appointed as Local Superior of Fulda Community. We wish them all the best!
12. Silver Jubilarians
i. Fr. S. Antony (Tony)
Fr. S. Antony (Tony) was born on 1st June, 1962 at Alangudi, Tamilnadu, India. His parents are Mr.Savarimuthu and Mrs.Annamal. After completing his 10th grade in 1982, he joined MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, TN. He did his Pre-Novitiate at SFS Training Institute, Philip Nagar, Andhra Pradesh in 1985. He completed his Novitiate in Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Predesh and made his first profession on 15th of December, 1986. He had his Philosophical studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore from 1987 – 1990. After his regency at MSFS Seminary, Pudukkottai in 1990 – 1991, he completed theological studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute of Theology, Bangalore in the year 1994. He made his perpetual profession on 8th of December, 1992 and was ordained a deacon on 31st of May, 1994. He was ordained a priest on 28th of April, 1995. In his first years as priest, he was Socius at Salesianum Novitiate, Vizag (1995 – 1996) and he did a Spirituality course at Bangalore (1996 – 1997). He was the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Miracles Church, Kadapakkam from 1997 to 2000. Thereafter he served as Director of boys Home and the Parish Priest of RC Church, Kolli Hills from 2000 to 2008. He was the Parish Priests of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Kodungal from 2009 to 2012. He was also the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Manavalan Nagar from 2012 to 2017. As of now, he is the Director of boys Home and Parish Priest of RC Church, Kolli Hills from 2017 onwards.
ii. Fr. R. Mathias
Fr. Rajain Mathias was born on 2nd of July 1966 at Madapuram, Tamil Nadu, India. His parents are Rajain Sebastiankannu and Sundaramary. After completing his 10th grade, in 1982, he joined MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai. He completed his Novitiate in Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Predesh and made his first profession on 15th of December, 1986. He had his Philosophical studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore from 1987 – 1990. After his regency at Devadanam Home, Andhara Predesh in 1990 – 1991, he completed theological studies at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad,(AP) in 1994. He made his perpetual profession on 8th of December, 1992 and was ordained a deacon on 8TH of December 1994. He was ordained a priest on 28th of April, 1995.
After his ordination, he served as Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Vaniyambadi from 1995 to 1996. He was the Principal of SFS Matriculation School, Pudukottai from 1996 to 2004. From 2004 to 2006, he was the Principal of SFS Matric. Hr. Sec. School, Alangayam. From 2006 to 2008, he was the Parish Priest of St. Antony ‘s Church, Ammapatty in Madurai Archdiocese. He was appointed as Principal of SFS School, Virudhunagar in the year 2009. He served as Parish Priest of Christ the Redeemer Church, Kelembakkam from 2010 to 2012. He went to USA for pastoral ministry in 2012 and till date he is in USA doing his pastoral ministry. He was a priest in residence at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Flint, 2013 – 2015; Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Church, Palestine, 2015 – 2017; Administrator at Sacred Heart Church, Palestine and Parochial Vicar at St. Mary’s Church, Bronson from 2017 – 2019. As of now, he is the Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception, Three Rivers, MI USA. He holds the authorship for one book.
iii. Fr. D. Robert
Fr. D. Robert was born on 18th of April, 1967 at Kunankuruchy, Tamilnadu, India. His Parents are Mr. M. Diviyanathan and Mrs. M. Theresammal. After completing his 10th grade, in 1982, he joined MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, TN. He completed his Novitiate in Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Predesh and made his first profession on 15th of December, 1986. He had his Philosophical studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore from 1987 – 1990. After his regency at SFS School, Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh in 1990 – 1991, he completed theological studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute of Theology, Bangalore in 1994. He made his perpetual profession on 8th of December, 1992 and was ordained a deacon in the year 1994. He was ordained a priest on 26th of April 1995.
After his ordination, he served as Assistant Parish Priest at Sacred Heart Church, Kadayal from 1995 – 1996. He served as Parish Priest in the same Parish from 1996 to 2001. From 2001 to 2003, he was Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christian Church, Vaniyambadi. Thereafter he served as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Kodungal from 2003 to 2009. He was appointed as Director of boys Home and Parish Priest, RC Church, Kolli Hills from 2009 to 2010. He also served as Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church, Perungozhi from 2011 to 2014. He was as appointed as Parish Priest of Risen Christ Church, Nazareth, Trichy from 2014 to 2015. He also did his Diploma in Sacred Scripture at Chalakudy, Kerala. As of now, he is the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Annunciation Church, Kanankadu from 2016 onwards.
iv. Fr.A. Arockiam
Fr. A. Arockiam was born on 8th of September, 1964 at Arasadipatty Tamilnadu, India. His parents are Mr. T.G Antony and Mrs.Lourdu Mary. After completing his 12th standard in 1983, he joined MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, TN. He completed his Novitiate in Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Predesh and made his first profession on 15th of December, 1986. He had his Philosophical studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore from 1987 – 1990. After his regency at MSFS Community, Anantapur, Andhara Pradesh in 1990 – 1991, he completed theological studies at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh in 1994. He made his perpetual profession on 8th of December, 1992 and was ordained a deacon on 8th of December 1994. He was ordained a priest on 28th of April, 1995.
After his ordination, he was appointed as Procurator in SFS school Seethammandhara, Vizag from 1995 – 1998. He served as Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians Church, Vaniyambadi from 1998 to 2000. In the year, 2000, he was sent to Germany for pastoral ministry. From 2000 to 2012, he was serving in Germany in two parishes. After 11 years of pastoral ministry in Germany, he returned to the province and then he was helping the Infant Jesus Parish in Othayal as residing priest for almost two years from 2012. Once again, he was sent to Germany for his Pastoral ministry from 2014 to 2018. As of now, after his return to India in June 2018, he is serving as Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church, Sendurai.
13. A short report of the On-going formation program
As recommended by the Action Plan of the last Provincial Congress of our South-East India province, on-going formation program for priests from one year to ten years was organized by Rev. Fr. A. Santhiyagu, msfs, the councillor in-charge of formation at Gonzaga Animation Center, Edayarpalaym, Pondicherry from Jan 13 – 15, 2020. There were 32 participants and five confreres were absent and a few of them were excused due to pastoral reasons. The resource person was Rev. Fr. Thomas Kalariparambil, Msfs and he concentrated his talks on theme “Rekindle the Gift of God within You” (2Tim 1:6). He exposed in his presentation the call and challenges of biblical personalities like Elisha the prophet, Aaron the priest, and Moses the Leader. He emphasized and explained the various aspects of leadership qualities in the context of religious life and the importance of growing in the graced-relationship with God and others in the community.
The talks were thought-provoking and inspiring to revitalize our passion for effective pastoral ministry and motivating personal and spiritual growth. All the fathers enjoyed the talks, the food and accommodation. It was indeed a wonderful moment of fraternal gathering, prayer, personal sharing and relaxation. On behalf of the Province, I express a wholehearted thanks to Rev. Fr. Thomas Kalariparambil for his generosity to guide our fathers for two days in their prayer, reflection and sharing. I express my gratitude to all the fathers, who earnestly participated in the programs and to the Sisters of the Gonzaga community for taking care of us with love and affection. On the last session of the second day, there was opportunity for all the participants to share their personal experiences and expectations in their religious communities and pastoral ministries.
Rev. Fr. A. Santhiyagu, Msfs
14. Decennial Celebration : SFS Sendurai
(2010 – 2020)
St.Francis De Sales Matriculation School, Sendurai was officially founded ten years ago. SFS Schools are known in India for imparting quality education not only for the fortunate people, but also for the less fortunate and for the poor. On 11th of January, 2020, SFS Sendurai had its Decennial celebration. His Excellency Most.Rev.Thomas Paulsamy, the Bishop of Dindigul was the Chief Guest of the day. At the very outset, he inaugurated the statue of St.Francis De Sales our Patron. Rev.Fr.K.Ignaci Muthu, the Provincial and the General Manager of all the SFS Schools in Tamil Nadu was the President of the function and the newly elected Panchayat President Mr.S.Savarimuthu was the Guest of Honour. Fr.S.Britto, the Principal welcomed all the Gusts, fathers, sisters, parents, well wishers, teachers and students. Fr.Arockiam the Parish Priest of Sendurai honoured the guests with a shawl and Fr.P.Johnson Jeyabal, correspondent and procurator gave the memento.
The Bishop in his address gave a thought provoking and very inspiring exhortation. He insisted that life is a constant struggle and one has to overcome it through education and he also advised the students to be strong to fight against all the superstitions. He gave away the prizes for the meritorious students. The General Manager of the school, Fr. Provincial deeply appreciated the dedication and commitment of the management, staff and students and he said that the discipline is the hallmark of a quality education. Mr.S.Savarimuthu, the newly elected Sendurai Panchayath President gave a short message and distributed the prizes. Decennial souvenir was released by the Bishop and the copies were given to Fr.K.Ignacimuthu and Mr.Savrimuthu. Fr.S.Britto, the Principal gave a digitalized annual report about the growth and the development of the school. There were thematic presentation of all the programme, including dances, drama etc on the theme of Nature and inspired the audience. Finally, Fr.P.Johnson Jeyabal thanked the gathering for their presence and participation.
Fr. S. Britto MSFS
15. DECENNIAL CELEBRATION: SFS Nalattinputhur
(2010 – 2020)
SFS Matriculation School, Nalattinputhur, celebrated its Decennial Celebration with unprecedented fanfare on 20th January, 2020. The mega event started off with a prayer dance. The Principal, Rev.Fr.J.Savarimuthu, welcomed the august gathering, while Fr.C.John Brito, the Correspondent and Fr.Maria John Franklin, the Procurator felicitated the Special Invitees. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the distinguished guests
The panel of dignitaries consisted of the Chief Guest Rev. Fr.K.Ignacimuthu MSFS, the Provincial of South-East India Province and the General Manager of the SFS Group Schools, Mr.V.Mariyappan, the DEO of Koilpatti, and fathers, sisters, parents, staff and students. Rev. Fr.K.Ignacimuthu MSFS, the Provincial of South-East Province, lauded and praised the School Management for raising the educational standard around this locality through their hard work and commitment. The DEO was very much appreciative of the service, rendered by the MSFS Fathers, in this locality. There was a well organised mega Cultural Event by the students. The students presented mesmerizing cultural events such as dances, plays, yoga demonstration and Karate demonstration etc. The gathering was visibly impressed by the impeccable performance showcased by the students across different grades.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the Correspondent, Rev.Fr.C.John Britto. In his address, he thanked the Chief Guest, Dignitaries and parents for having spared their time to attend the function. He also thanked staff and students and the management for organizing the function successfully. The entire school participated wholeheartedly towards the success of this grand event.
Fr.J.Savarimuthu
16. MONTH OF FEBRUARY
i. BIRTHDAYS OF OUR CONFRERES
| Fr. S. Arockia Charles | 03 |
| Fr. A. Dharmaraj | 08 |
| Fr. J. Stephen | 09 |
| Fr. M. Rayappan | 14 |
| Fr. S. Joseph | 16 |
| Fr. P. Aloysius | 22 |
| Fr. Maria John Franklin | 27 |
We wish them Happy Birthday and God’s Abundant Blessings upon them
ii. ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY OF OUR CONFRERES
| Fr. AmirthaRajan D | 04 |
| Fr. Jagannathan G | 19 |
We congratulate and pray for them
iii. LET US REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR THE DEAD : MSFS OBITUARY
| 01 | Bro. John Mary Prayraud |
| 02 | Bro. Emile Maillard |
| Fr. Francois Dougoud | |
| 03 | Bro. Michel Beauquis |
| 04 | Bro. Lucio Borges |
| 07 | Fr. Crispin D’souza |
| 08 | Fr. Patrick Wall |
| Bro. Raphael Schneider | |
| Bro. Eugene Oppold | |
| 09 | Fr. Joseph Ducrest |
| 11 | Fr. Joseph Currat |
| Fr. Francis Hamilton | |
| 12 | Fr. Regis Maniouloux |
| 13 | Bro. Ignatius D’Souza |
| 14 | Fr. Francois Sage |
| Fr. Henri Jules Comerson | |
| 15 | Fr. Jean Thvenet |
| Fr. John Kurandiarkunnel | |
| Bro. Louis Brunier | |
| 18 | Bro. Alexandre Druz |
| Bro. Innaiah Gali | |
| 19 | Fr. Francois Longerey |
| Fr. Emile Chautemps | |
| Fr. Anselme Rey | |
| 20 | Fr. Louis Valluet |
| Bro. Eugene Debons | |
| Fr. James H. Lahiff | |
| Fr. Adophe Duval | |
| Fr. Earnest Lavorel | |
| 21 | Bro. Joseph SebastinDevaraj |
| 24 | Fr. Jean Anthonioz |
| Fr. Joseph Charriere | |
| 25 | Fr. Ferdinand Million |
| Fr. Alexis Marrolliat |
Let Us Continue to Pray for the Deceased Members of Our Congregation
iv. LET US PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED
- Fr. Antony Mookenthottam MSFS, aged 89,expired on 3rd January, 2020.
- Mrs.Kasimir Lilly, the mother of Fr. P. Johnson Jeyabal MSFS, aged 82, expired on 8th January, 2020.
- Rev. Bro. Arockiasamy SJ, the uncle of Fr.A. Lawrence MSFS, aged 72, expired (Bike accident) on 19th 0f January, 2020.
- Mr.Rayor, the maternal uncle of Fr. K. IgnaciMuthu MSFS, aged81, expired on 20th January, 2020.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
May I request those who have not fulfilled the suffrages to do the same at the earliest. (Const. No.118; General Directory No.98)
17. MY PROGRAMME
| January | |
| 25th | Pudukottai, John De Britto Apostolic Community. |
| 27th | Trichy, Fr. Peter Mary Mermier Apostolic Community. |
| 28th | Virudhunagar, Fr. John Bosco Apostolic Community. |
| 30th | Vaniyambadi, SFS Apostolic Community. |
| February | |
| 1st | Chennai, St. Thomas Apostolic Community. |
| 3rd | Pondicherry &Vilupuram, St. Mary’s Apostolic Community |
| 4th & 5th | Meeeting with the Bishop of Bagdogra, West Bengal. |
| 6th | Jubilee celebration, MSFS Seminary. |
| 10th | Formation Forum Meeting. |
| 11th | Mission Forum Meeting. |
| 12th | Education Forum Meeting. |
| 13th | Innovative Forum Meeting. |
| 14th | Stewardship Meeting. |
Yours Fraternally in Christ,
Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, Msfs
Provincial Superior
