Greetings to all of you! Tonight, we are going to celebrate Christmas. It is a celebration of God taking the human nature. It is a celebration of God’s manifestation as human person. It is a celebration of Word became flesh. In short, it is a celebration of God’s love for the humanity.
Christmas signifies many things. It gives us many messages. This year, I would like to emphasize one of the most important virtue that God has given us through the Christmas. That is humility. It is our human experience that those who occupy certain offices and positions, when they come to a place, it is accompanied by all kinds of fanfare and glory. Even a very small ward councilor comes with a lot of publicity. But in contrast to the worldly ways, God came down to earth as a human person in a very unassuming way. He was not born with fanfare. He was not born with glory. He was not born wth all kinds of celebration. On the contrary, the Second Person of the Trinity, the All Powerful God was born in a most humble way. He was born in Bethlehem, a very small and insignificant town. He was not born in a rich family, but in a poor carpenter’s family of Joseph and Mary. He was born not in a house or home, but on a tiny stables, what we call today a cow-shed. The birth of God as human person was not celebrated in a grand way, as birth in the families of leaders, rich people and celebrities are celebrated, but the birth of Jesus went unnoticed, except by a small group of shepherds and magi. In short, our Lord Jesus was born in a most insignificant, unassuming and humble way. As such, our Lord, by His very birth, emphasizes the virtue of humility.
Christmas gives us a profound message of virtue of humility. The virtue of humility is most lacking in today’s world. In today’s world, nothing happens without publicity, advertisement, fanfare etc. Every human – person has a tendency to expose himself or herself as big, great or as a person of importance in some way or the other. We priests and religious also fall prey to this tendency. Forgetting the virtue of humility that Christmas implies, we tend to follow the worldly virtues of vain glory. Many a times, we lord it over the people entrusted to our care, as other leaders and officers do in an arrogant manner. We are not called to lord it over the people, but be servants of the people. The celebration of Christmas once again calls us to return to the virtue of humility of God’s Incarnation, in our personal life and in our ministries.
Dear confreres, imbibing the virtue of humility of God the Incarnate, let us make this virtue part of our personal life and also part of our ministries in the New Year of 2023. Let us not lord it over the people, but let us be servants as our Lord Jesus Christ, who by his very birth became a servant. Our patron St. Francis De Sales, our patroness Mother of Compassion and our founder Fr.Peter Mermier also lived a life of humility and are perfect examples of this virtue. Let this year’s celebration of Christmas change our lives to be more humble and be servants of God and His people. Let the New Year of 2023 be a year of God’s blessings and grace.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a fruitful New Year of 2023!
1. THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW ASSISTANT SUPERIOR GENERAL
Fr. JOHNSON KALLIDUKIL is appointed as Assistant Superior General in accordance with the Constitutions of Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (Art. 212).
On behalf of the province family, we congratulate him and wish him all the best.
2. APPOINTMENT OF PROVINCIALS
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Fr. SABU FRANCIS is re-appointed as Provincial of Guwahati Province for the second term of three years.
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Fr. BENNY VALIYAVEETTIL is re-appointed as Provincial of England Province for a term of three years.
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| On behalf of the province family, we wish them all the best. | |
3. DIBRUGARH PROVINCE : NEW ADMINISTRATION
The following confreres are the new Dibrugarh Province Curia
On behalf of the province family, we wish them all the best.
4. YEAR OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES CELEBRATION AT PROVINCE LEVEL
I. ERECTING OF SFS STATUE
To mark the 400th Anniversary of Heavenly Birth of our Patron St.Francis De Sales, on 24th October, 2022, the Statue of St. Francis De Sales was erected in all our parishes and communities with special veneration, including procession and special liturgy.
II. SFS QUOTES IN TAMIL – NATTRUKAL
To mark the 400th Anniversary of Heavenly Birth of our Patron St.Francis De Sales, popular sayings of St.Francis De Sales were translated in Tamil and published in a book form with the name “Nattrukal”. The translation and compiling were done by Rev. Fr. A. Santhiyagu. It was released on 30th September, 2022 on our Founder’s Day at MSFS provincialate, Nagamangalam, Trichy. It was also was released in our parish at R.S. Nagar, Chennai on the occasion of Grotto inauguration of Our Lady of Lourdes.
We appreciate Fr. A. Santhiyagu for his effort and contribution.
III. “MEGA EVENT” – TO MARK THE YEAR OF SFS – 24th of November, 2022
On 24th November 2022, we the South-East India Province family had gathered together in our Provincialate at Nagamangalam, Trichy, to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Heavenly Birth of our Patron St. Francis De Sales. The Mega Event comprised of the following:
A. SEMINAR FOR THE PARISHIONERS OF OUR PARISHES
An inspiring seminar was organised to animate and disseminate the spirituality of SFS for the parishioners of our parishes. Five representatives from each parish participated in the seminar. It was well organised and the parishioners were introduced to the spirituality of SFS.
B. SEMINAR FOR THE STUDENTS OF OUR SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS
The representative students of schools and the students from our children’s home participated in the seminar. The spirituality of our patron was introduced to the students. The students were very enthusiastic and eager to learn about our patron.
C. LITURGICAL CELEBRATION
Solemn Holy Eucharistic celebration was held at 11 am. It was presided over by Most. Rev. Dr. Arokiaraj Savarimuthu, the Bishop of diocese of Trichy and con-celebrated by our MSFS priests and a number of religious and diocesan priests. A good number of sisters from different congregations, SFS minor seminary students from Pudukkottai, well-wishers and friends from Trichy and Pudukkottai participated in the mass. In his sermon, the Bishop being himself a member of an organization of diocesan priests following the spirituality of St.Francis De Sales, inspired the faithful of the spirituality of our patron. It was a great spiritual celebration.
D. VENERATION OF THE RELIC OF ST.FRANCIS DE SALES
A chain veneration and devotion of the relic of our patron is done in our parishes, institutions and communities. During the Mega Event on 24th of November, 2022, the relic of St.Francis De Sales was brought to the provincialate and a special veneration was conducted.
E. VIDEO PRESENTATION ON THE LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
As part of the Mega Event on 24th of November and in order to disseminate the spirituality of SFS, a video format on the life of St.Francis De Sales was presented to all those who were present. The video presentation was very informative and inspiring to all.
F. QUIZ, GAMES AND CULTURAL PROGRAMME
In the afternoon, there were quiz, games and cultural programmes were conducted for the parishioners and the children. The quiz and the cultural programmes were based on the life, ministry and spirituality of our patron St.Francis De Sales. The cultural programme included skits, dances and singing. The parishioners and the children participated enthusiastically in all the events.
The Mega Event was a great event with large gathering, representing all the four forums (Mission, Education, Formation and Social) and from all our centres. The whole provincial house campus was filled with celebration with various activities. The whole campus was also filled with the spirituality of SFS with the display of quotations and information of St. Francis De Sales. It was really a Mega Event.
On behalf of the province family, we extent our heartfelt appreciation to Organizing Committee under the leadership of Fr. C. Yesuraj for their dedicated service.
IV. UPCOMING EVENTS – 400th ANNIVERSARY OF HEAVENLY BIRTH OF OUR PATRON
To continue to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Heavenly Birth of our Patron, further events are and planned and are under preparation. They are the following:
i. SFS Album in Tamil
ii. A Book in Tamil on the life of St.Francis De Sales
iii. A Day with SFS: SFS Exhibitions in all our Schools
iv. Salesian Seminar for the Seminarians
5. MALAWI MISSION, AFRICA
I. BLESSING AND OPENING OF ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH IN MKOMA, KAMEME PARISH
The 7th October, 2022 was long awaited day for the faithful of St. Augustine of Hippo parish, Kameme and St. Joseph’s Church, Mkoma. The day was marked for the blessing and opening of St. Joseph’s Church, a long-awaited dream of the people of Mkoma. Almost for the last 52 years, the people were praying and celebrating the sacraments in an old church. We thank God for His numerous blessings to construct new church dedicated to St. Joseph. The church was opened and blessed by His Lordship Martin Mtumbuka, the Bishop of Karonga Diocese. The Holy Mass was celebrated by his Lordship Martin Mtumbuka, and con-celebrated by Fr. Augustine, the parish priest of St. Andrew’s Parish, Likumbiro, Tanzania. We thank all the donors and benefactors, who generously assisted us to complete St. Joseph’s Church, Mkoma. We thank God for his abundant blessings.
II. BLESSING AND OPENING OF THE PRESBYTERY, PARISH HALL AND COOK’S HOUSE
The 6th October, 2022 was a joyous day for the Faithful of St. Augustine of Hippo Parish, Kameme. The day was marked with three events, as Bishop Martin Mtumbuka, the Bishop of Karonga Diocese blessed the new Presbytery, the new Parish Hall and the Cook’s house. I thank and appreciate the tireless efforts made by the Bishop and the Provincial and his Administration to complete the presbytery. We are grateful to Provincial Administration for supporting us in all the way possible. We also thank Fr. Thomas Vargheese, the MDO for supporting us to complete the parish hall. We do remember and pray for the benefactors especially the Church in Need, Sisters of St. Peter Claver and the Little Way Association for supporting us to complete these projects. In fact, the faithful of Kameme worked hard, day and night to complete the construction of the Presbytery, Parish Hall and the Cook’s house. May God bless all our benefactors and well-wishers, who have contributed towards the construction of these projects.
– Fr. C. Charles Berin
III. BLESSING AND OPENING OF PRIESTS’ RESIDENCE, ST. MARTIN DE PORES PARISH, NGERENGE
The 23rd of December, 2022 was a great and joyous day for the parish of St. Martin De Pores, Ngerenge, karonga diocese, as we had the blessing and opening of the priests’ residence.This joyous occasion was graced by Rt. Rev. Martin A Mtumbuka, the Bishop of Karonga diocese, Rev. Fr. Ignacimuthu, our provincial superior from India, Monsignor Lorent Dziko, the Vicar General of Karonga diocese and MSFS priests in Malawi mission and the faithful of the parish.
All were very happy with the completion of the priests’ residence. Rev. Fr. Nelson the parish priest welcomed the Bishop, Vicar General, our Provincial and all priests and people. Rt. Rev. Martin A Mtumbuka, the Bishop of Karonga diocese blessed and opened the house along with Rev. Fr. Ignacimuthu our provincial. The Bishop also blessed and installed the new Tabernacle in the parish Church.
At the end of the ceremony, the parishners gave gifts to the Bishop and the Provincial as a sign of gratitude. Fr. Nelson thanked everyone for their valuable presence. Fr. Provincial also thanked the Bishop and the faithful and exhorted them to give their full support and cooperation to the priests. He also thanked Fr. Nelson and Fr. Nirmal for their dedication and service.
The Bishop, in his address, thanked and appreciated Fr. Ignacimuthu and the congregation taking up the missions. He also thanked the MSFS priests for their selfless service among the people and the well inspiring ministry. He was very much appreciative of all the MSFS priests working in his diocese.
We thank all the donors, the Bishop of Karonga and our Provincial for their constant support. We the parish of St. Martin De Pores wish you all a happy Christmas.
IV. THE VISITATION OF FR. IGANCIMUTHU, OUR PROVINCIAL TO ST. FRANCIS DE SALES PARISH, EDINGENI.
St. Francis De Sales Parish, Edingeni was in joyful mood as Rev. Fr. Ignacimuthu, our Provincial Superior visited St. Francis De Sales parish, Edingeni on 11th December 2022. On this auspicious day, the whole parish welcomed Frs. Eugine and Jerald and Sisters. Chriset, Sherly and Elsa of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation to the Parish, as they start off their ministry. During the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Ignacimuthu inaugurated the Fransalian Associates. He exhorted them to follow the virtues of St. Francis De Sales such as gentleness, patience and humility and be example to the faithful through their lives. The Parishioners gave very memorable gifts of Malawi to Fr. Provincial. The celebration ended with fellowship meal to the guests and Parish leaders.
6. BLESSING OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO AND CATECHETICAL HALL, R.S. NAGAR, CHENNAI
The lord has done great things to All Saints Church at Raja Shanmugam Nagar, Thirvottiur, Chennai. The 30th September, 2022 was a blessed day to our parish community. We have reached another development in our spiritual life and growth. We, as one parish community, have built a beautiful Grotto to our Lady of Lourdes and alos Catechetical Hall for the children and other Pious Association. On 30th of September, 2022, Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, our Provincial, together with 25 MSFS and Diocesan priests, blessed and Inaugurated the Grotto and the Catechetical Hall. Thereafter, we had a meaningful and joyful Eucharistic Celebration on our Founder’s Day. A large number of faithful participated in all the spiritual activities. At the end of Eucharistic Celebration, in the midst of Priests and faithful, we released the book by name “NAATRUKAL” containing the popular sayings of St. Francis De Sales and Fr. Mermier both in Tamil and English. We thank everyone who participated personally and all those who supported us through their prayers and wishes.
– Fr. S. Selvaraj
7. BLESSING OF THE RENOVATED CHURCH: NALATINPUTHER PARISH
The 15th October, 2022, was a day of happiness and grace for the faithful of Veilukanthapuram, to have a renovated church of St. Joseph, belonging to Sahaya Annai Parish, Nallatinputhur. The renovated Church was blessed by Most. Rev. Dr. S. Anthonysamy D.D., D.CL., the Bishop of Palayamkottai and opened by our Provincial Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu MSFS in the presence of our MSFS Priests, Diocesan Priests, Religious sisters and the Parishioners. There was solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop of Palayamkottai and con-celebrated by our Provincial and respected priests. The faithful of Veilukanthapuram happily welcomed Bishop and our provincial and honored them for their love and constant support. Together with the people of Veilukanthapuram, Nallatinputhur Community, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our Bishop and our Provincial Administration for their Prayers and financial support.
– Fr. Vedharaj
8. BLESSING AND OPENING OF NEW PRESBYTERY, VANIYAMBADI PARISH
It was a joy-filled moment for the Parish of Vaniyambadi to have a new MSFS House (Presbytery) for the Parish Priest. Our Superior General & Curia, Provincial & Curia doubled our joy and happiness with their presence. On 31st of October, Monday at 11:00 am Our Superior General Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, Very Rev. Msgr. I. John Robert, Diocesan Administrator of Vellore Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, our Provincial along with General and Provincial Curia, Religious and Diocesan Priests, Sisters were warmly welcomed at the Church entrance. Then the dignitaries were taken in procession from the Church to the house with Nadashwaram. After reaching the MSFS House, the Diocesan Administrator blessed the house, Our Superior General cut the ribbon and our Provincial opened the culvet. The prayer service was conducted with lighting of the lamb, followed by a short felicitation program.
I express my sincere gratitude and thanksgiving to our Provincial Administration, for their great support and help.
– Fr. I. Joan Gregori
9. FINAL PROFESSION AND DIACONATE ORDINATION, KOLA STUDY HOUSE, MOROGORO, TANZANIA, AFRICA
The Kola Fransalian study house was indeed joyful to have the gracious occasions of the Perpetual Profession on 21st and Diaconate ordination on 22nd October 2022 of six of us namely, Bro. M. Adaikala Arul Raj, Bro. P. Arokia Marcel, Bro.C. Arun Raj, Bro.A. John Britto, and S. Bro. Vimal Raj for South-East India Province and Bro. Moses Okoth for East Africa Province. The Final Profession was Graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, the Provincial Superior of South-East India Province, who presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebration along with Rev. Fr. Mathew Thazhathukunnel, the Provincial Superior of East Africa Province. To witness this auspicious celebration, Fr. Anantharaj and Fr. Nelson Arockiasamy from Malawi Mission were also present.
On the following day, Diaconate ordination was conferred by His Grace Most. Rev. Lazarus Vitalis Msimbe, SDS, the Bishop of Morogoro Diocese at the Jordan University College, Divine Saviour Chapel. Hence, both the days were graced by the presence of friends and religious around the Kola campus and MSFS Communities in Tanzania. We thank all the MSFS priests and formators for the valuable prayerful wishes.
– Dn. Vimal
10. PERPETUAL PROFESSION
On the evening of 15th November 2022, we Bro. A. Sesu Prabakaran and Bro. S. Pradeep Jerald were made our Perpetual Profession along with the three Nagpur Province brothers and one Pune Province
brother.
We were indeed privileged to make our vows at the hands of Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelli, MSFS the Superior General of our Congregation. He received our vows and warmly welcomed us into the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales. As the witnesses for our vows were Rev. Fr. John Britto Muthuswamy MSFS, the Provincial of Nagpur and Rev. Fr. Ignacimuthu MSFS, our Provincial. We had also the esteemed presence of the General Councilors, all the provincials of our Congregation and the participants of the Extraordinary General Chapter. The Solemn Eucharist was presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Superior General, “Live Jesus to Give Jesus” was the theme of the Perpetual Profession around which, the whole liturgy marched through with creative planning and successful execution. During the Homily, Fr. Superior General insisted us to prepare ourselves for the people at our Missions keeping in mind the spirit and spirituality of our Patron and our Founder. After the solemn ceremony, we had the felicitation program, wherein all the guests were honored. It was very well arranged and organized by the Brothers of the Fransalian Seminary.
– Bro. S. Pradeep Jerald msfs
11. BLESSING AND OPENING OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES CHAPEL AND THE RENOVATED COMMUNITY CHAPEL, ST. THOMAS MOUNT IN CHENNAI
Be praised and glorified God, for His mighty Hand, has been shielding and sustaining the lives of the Fransalians of the St. Thomas Mount Community, Chennai.
Indeed, Sunday 30th October, 2022 was a day of immense joy, a day of thanksgiving for the wonders God has done in the lives of Fransalians of the St. Thomas Mount Community as we witnessed our long-cherished dream of having a SFS Intercessory Chapel coming into reality. The day was illuminated with the presence of Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS, our Superior General along with the General Curia, Very Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, our Provincial Superior and the Provincial Curia, MSFS confreres from St. Thomas apostolic community, Rev. Fr. Shylock Stephen, the Parish Priest and other Diocesan priests, religious priests and sisters from the neighborhood, well – wishers, benefactors and friends. The gathering was warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. D. Kanikkai Nathan MSFS, who also explained the significance of the triple celebration. The day’s celebration began with blessing and the Inauguration of the newly renovated community Chapel. The beautiful community chapel was blessed by Rev. Fr. Shylock Stephen, the Parish Priest of St. Patrick Church and was opened by Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS, our Superior General. The adjacent room which would serve as a community room as well as guest room was blessed and opened by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Raj, MSFS, the Admonitor of South East India Province.
Then the newly constructed Chapel in memory of the 400th Heavenly Birth Anniversary of St. Francis De Sales (1622 – 2022), known as the St. Francis de Sales Intercessory Chapel was blessed by Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS, our Superior General and inaugurated by Very Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, our Provincial Superior. The inscription stone was unveiled by Very Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, our Provincial Superior and the inscription on the stone was read by Rev. Fr. P.S. Joseph, MSFS, Provincial Councillor for formation. In order to honor, to familiarize, and to spread the spirituality of our Patron St. Francis De Sales (1622 – 2022), to all who participate in the retreats organized by our Family Prayer Peak Centre, a statue of the Saint was erected at the entrance of the MSFS House Campus.
Then the newly constructed Chapel in memory of the 400th Heavenly Birth Anniversary of St. Francis De Sales (1622 – 2022), known as the St. Francis de Sales Intercessory Chapel was blessed by Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS, our Superior General and inaugurated by Very Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, our Provincial Superior. The inscription stone was unveiled by Very Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, our Provincial Superior and the inscription on the stone was read by Rev. Fr. P.S. Joseph, MSFS, Provincial Councillor for formation. In order to honor, to familiarize, and to spread the spirituality of our Patron St. Francis De Sales (1622 – 2022), to all who participate in the retreats organized by our Family Prayer Peak Centre, a statue of the Saint was erected at the entrance of the MSFS House Campus.
It was blessed and inaugurated by V. Rev. Fr. Johnson Kallidukil MSFS, the General Councillor for mission and the message on the inscription stone was read by V. Rev. Fr. Jacob Karamakuzhyil MSFS, the General Councilor for education. The First Eucharist in the SFS Intercessory Chapel was celebrated by our beloved Superior General Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS, who interceded for all of us and for our ministries and wished that this Chapel may became a place to receive the power of the Holy Spirit and to experience the wonders of God. The colorful and sprit filled celebration culminated with a sumptuous fellowship meal. We thank everyone, especially Very. Rev. Fr. Superior General and his Curia and Very. Rev. Fr. Provincial and Curia, all the MSFS Confreres, Priests, and Sisters, benefactors and well-wishers for their presence and participation in our joy.
– Fr. A. Jayakumar
12. BLESSING OF RENOVATED HOUSE AT SENDURAI COMMUNITY AND THE NEW TABERNACLE AT NALLAPITCHAPATTI
The presbytery at Sendurai got a new shape, as it is renovated. In remembrance of 400th Death anniversary of St. Francis De Sales, the renovated house was blessed by Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, the Provincial Superior of South East India Province, in the presence of our community members and the Parish council members. SFS community at Sendurai whole heartedly thanks the Provincial administration for their support and prayers. It was the long-awaited desire for the faithful at Nallapitchanpatti to install the Tabernacle in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. On the first Saturday of every month, a good number of faithful come over here to thank Our Lady of Mount Carmel for the favours they received. After the due permission received from the Bishop of Dindigul, on 29.09.2022 on the feast day of Archangels, Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, our provincial celebrated the Eucharistic Celebration and blessed the tabernacle and offered it for the people for prayer and worship. He also, during the sermon insisted upon the people to have recourse to the Archangels for guidance and protection. He also wished the faithful to experience the presence of the Eucharistic Lord in their day today life.
13. BLESSING OF ST.DEVASAHAYAM GROTTO -MANKUZHY
It was a great joy on 23rd October 2022, at the parish of St. Francis Xavier, Mankuzhy, because of the blessing and inauguration of the newly built grotto of St. Devasahayam, the native Saint of Kanyakumari district, who was raised to the altar on 15th May 2022, at Vatican. Most Rev. Dr. Peter Remigius, the Bishop Emeritus of the diocese of Kottar blessed and inaugurated the Grotto together with many diocesan priests and the religious and the faithful.
– Fr. S. Alexander
14. BLESSING OF THE NEWLY BUILT ENTRANCE ARCH AND SPORTS DAY CELEBRATION, SFS SCHOOL, SENDURAI
As Fransalians are celebrating the 400th Heavenly Birth anniversary of our great patron St. Francis de Sales, we the SFS School Sendurai are blessed to experience the visible presence of invisible God and creator. During this historic year of the 400th Heavenly Birth anniversary of St. Francis de Sales, we the management of SFS School Sendurai together with the parents and all our beloved children from the school, thanked God for the tangible gracious presence and tremendous blessings. On this day, 5th November the joyful occasion was graced by the Provincial, members of South East India province, parents, teachers and students. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, MSFS, Provincial South East India Province blessed the statue of St. Francis de Sales and opened the newly built Entrance Arch, Gate and the New Road to the School. SFS School Sendurai witnessed the gracious day with the culmination of the Sports Week. The children were awarded for their outstanding performance in sports and games. With greatest joys we thank the Provincial administration for materializing this project for the glory of God.
15. SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAM, COMMUNITY HALL, ANNAMALPURAM, THIRUKOGARNAM PARISH
A long-awaited dream of Annamalpuram faithful to have a Community / Multipurpose Hall in their village. The dream has been fulfilled on 1st of December 2022. Very. Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS, the Superior General of our Congregation had blessed and opened the newly built multipurpose Hall at Annamalpuram. Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu MSFS, the Provincial Superior of South East India Province had opened the memorial stone. Invoking the presence of God, Very. Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil MSFS, our Superior General blessed the new hall and gave the wheel chair and walking materials to the deserving physically challenged persons.
Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu addressed the Annamalpuram faithful to make use of this hall for the good of the education and other useful requirements. Fr. P. Johnson Jeyabal, the parish Priest of Thirugokarnam, wholeheartedly thanked Fr. Superior General and Fr. K. Ignacimuthu our Provincial in helping the poor children through scholarship and aids. He thanked all the fathers from the seminary and apostolic community members and other guests present. He also thanked sisters, all the village heads, faithful, and the children.
16. ENTRANCE ARCH AND COMPOND WALL BLESSING: NALAM
The 30th of November, 2022 was a great day for the Nalam community, Dharmapuri, as Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, our Superior General blessed the Nalam Entrance Arch and Compound Wall. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, our Provincial opened the new Gates. All the members of the SFS Apostolic Community graced the occasion.
17. PARENTS MEET IN HONOR OF THE YEAR ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, SFS SEMINARY, PUDUKKOTTAI
The invitation was sent to all the parents by what’s up, and the program was planned ahead of time. The events began at 9.30 a.m., as planned, with a hymn to the Holy Spirit. Fr. Jerry gave a presentation on seminary formation, the status of each student, and the significance of St. Francis de Sales’s year. There was an open conversation, in which parents discussed their personal experiences with their children. All the staff members discussed their perspectives on the seminary and the level of development they provide to seminarians. Students wore white dress and scheduled the day’s activities in an orderly manner. Fr. Rector officiated the Holy Eucharist and delivered the homily. The readings and prayers of the faithful were done by the parents. The brothers led the singing, which has been accompanied by their parents and our fathers. Immediately following the holy service, we had cultural events. The brothers performed a skit with the topic of St. Francis de Sales’ gentleness. At the conclusion of the cultural activities, parents received the office file and the book “Natrukal.” The photo shoot marked the end of the sessions. The whole-day activity was a great experience for the parents and all the fathers enriched interacting with the parents.
– Bro. Augustus
18. MONTH OF JANUARY
I. BIRTHDAYS OF OUR CONFRERES
| 2 | Fr. J. B. Thadews |
| 3 | Fr. M. Nicholas |
| Fr. S. Anantha Prabu | |
| 4 | Fr. S. Antony Rajesh |
| 6 | Fr. G. Jegannathan |
| 8 | Fr. A. John Peter(Jr) |
| 16 | Fr. L. Arul Sundaram |
| 17 | Fr. P. Anantha Raj |
| 18 | Fr. D. Kanikai Nathan |
| 25 | Fr. M. Raj Kumar |
| Fr. C. Martin Kumar | |
| 27 | Fr. P.S. Joseph |
| 28 | Fr. S. Simon Raja |
| 29 | Fr. D. Tharcius |
| 30 | Fr. S. Arockia Doss |
We wish them Happy Birthday and God’s Abundant Blessings upon them
II. ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY OF OUR CONFRERES
| 21 | Merry Benzer. G |
| 26 | Darline Joseph M |
| 27 | Arulanantham Y |
| 28 | Packia Sathish Kumar. J |
| 29 | Britto. D |
We congratulate and pray for them
19. REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR THE DEAD
I. MSFS OBITUARY – JANUARY
| 1 | Fr. Antoine BESSON |
| Fr. Jean Marie BERGER | |
| Bro. Jacob TRUNIGER | |
| 2 | Fr. Joseph FAVRAT |
| 3 | Fr. Francois AVRILLON |
| Fr. Adolphe SOUCHON | |
| Fr. Bernard RUFFIEUX | |
| Bro. Isaac ENAMATTAM | |
| 4 | Fr. Louis COLLOMB |
| Fr. Jules BRUGGER | |
| 6 | Fr. John LAWRENCE |
| 7 | FR.LOURANCEANTONY |
| THADATHIL | |
| Fr. Elanjipuram VARGHESE | |
| 8 | Fr. André KIEFFER |
| Fr. Joseph Kunnapilly | |
| 9 | Fr. Kenneth FRANKS |
| 10 | Fr. Gabriel AMIRTHANAY |
| AGAM | |
| Bro. Antoine BELLEVILLE | |
| Fr. Aloysius MORET | |
| 11 | Fr. Constant BOUVARD |
| 12 | Fr. Devasia KUZHUPPIL |
| 13 | Bro. Antoine GAVET |
| Fr. Leon BOUVIER | |
| Fr. Antony Mary | |
| NAZARETH | |
| 14 | Fr. Bernard SCHNECK |
| Fr. Marcel BAECHLER | |
| 15 | Fr. Camille DUBASSAT |
| Fr. Henri WIDER | |
| 16 | 16 Fr. Alphonse LARRIVAZ |
| 17 | 17 Fr. Marius REY17 Fr. Cherian |
| KARUKAPARAMBIL | |
| Fr. Simon Rodrigues | |
| 18 | Fr. Joseph MABBOUX |
| 19 | Fr. Jean Marie CROCHET |
| 20 | Fr. Francois CONUS |
| 23 | Fr. Eugene GOUX |
| Fr. Camille MEYNET | |
| 25 | Bro. Anthony NEDUNGATT |
| 26 | Fr. Hyppolite GAYDON |
| Fr. Alphonse FAVRAT | |
| Bro. Francis | |
| THEKKAMILADIYIL | |
| Fr. Nellikunnel GEORGE | |
| Fr. Mannukuzumpil | |
| ZACHARIAS | |
| 27 | Bro. Joseph PUTTUR |
| Bro. Madanu JOJI | |
| Fr. François COFFY | |
| 28 | Bro. Maurice COSTER |
| 29 | Bro. Philip MONZEL |
| Fr. VelamparableEPHREM | |
| 30 | Fr. Francois ROSNOBLET |
| 31 | Mgr. Peter Joseph REY |
May I request those who have not fulfilled the suffrages to do the same at the earliest. (Const. No.118; General Directory No.98)
May their souls rest in peace.
II. LET US PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED
1. Fr. Ganji Bala Joji Reddy, aged 62, Vizag Province, expired on 16th October, 2022
2. Fr. Francis Stephen, aged 53, Vizag Province, expired on 20th October, 2022
3. Mr. A. Antony, aged 86, father of Fr. A. Joseph Amalraj, expired on 28th October, 2022
4. Mr. Santhiyagu, aged 84, father of Fr. S. Edward Xavier, expired on 29th October, 2022
5. Mrs. Maria Pushpam, aged 75, mother of Fr. X. Vincent, expired on 5th November, 2022
6. Fr. Tomy Thekkel, aged 58, Dibrugarh Province, expired on 10th November, 2022
7. Fr. K.T. Thomas, aged 88, Vizag Province, expired on 13th November, 2022
8. Mrs. Arul Mary, aged 88, the paternal grandmother of Fr. S. Ashir Johnson, expired on 20th November, 2022
9. Mrs. Innaciyammal, aged 78, the mother of Fr. A. Santhiyagu, expired on 20th November, 2022
10. Fr. Noel Rebello, aged 79, Pune Province, expired on 2nd December, 2022
May their souls rest in peace.
