My Dear Confreres,
Greetings of peace and joy to all of you my dear confreres!
The month of August is very special for us both as Christians and Indian citizens. August 15th is a very special occasion, because we have twin celebration of Assumption of Mary and Independence day of our country. Both give us one message, the message of liberation. The cumulative understanding of both celebrations gives the message of total liberation – spiritual liberation (assumption of Mary) signifying hope, joy and glory and political liberation (Independence) signifying freedom, equality, progress and growth.
Mary, mother of our Lord Jesus was honoured to be the first human person to enter into promised heavenly glory. This honour was given to her for her total surrender to God’s will and her service to humanity. She gives the message that all those who surrender to God’s will and serve the humanity will enter the same glory.
Independence day gives the message that liberation is a result of long struggles, persecution and sacrifice. In order to strengthen this liberation and the country with its diversity, we need to root out all the evil of the society. We as Christians and citizens of India, have a responsibility of accompanying the people to the path of total liberation by our life in accordance the values of Jesus Christ, our saviour and in accordance with the values of the Constitution of India.
Let us be proud to celebrate the Assumption of Mary our Mother and Independence Day of India!
THE SIXTH BISHOP OF KOTTAR DIOCESE
MOST. REV. NAZARENE SOOSAI
| Date of birth | 13.04.1963 |
| Date of ordination | 02.04.1989 |
| Place of birth | Rajakkalamngalamthurai, diocese of Kottar |
| Academic studies | A Master’s degree in political sciences from the University of Madurai. |
| Ecclesiastical studies | Philosophy and theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Poonamalle, Chennai. |
| A licentiate in theology from the Catholic University of Leuven Belgium. | |
| And a doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. |
Pastoral Ministry
| 1989- 1990 | Asst. Parish Priest Our Lady of Presentation church, Colachel. |
| 1990- 1992 | Prefect of studies at the Tamil Nadu Xavier Mission Home, Nagercoil. Secretary of the diocesan Commission for vocations |
| 1992- 1998 | Parish priest of St. Helen’s parish, Enayam Ecclesiastical assistant of the Christian Life Community And secretary of the Diocesan Priests Personal Board |
| 1998- 2000 | Specialized studies in theology in Leuven, Belgium |
| 2000- 2003 | Studied for a doctorate in Rome |
| 2003- 2011 | Dean and professor of theology at the Sacred Heart seminary in Poonamalle, Chennai |
| From 2012 | Parish priest of the Shrine of Our Lady of Ransom, Kanyakumari and Vicar Forane of the vicariate of Kanyakumari |
| 20.05.2017 | Election as the Bishop of Kottar Diocese. |
| 29.06.2017 | Consecration as the Bishop of Kottar Diocese. |
In the name of the whole Province, I wish God’s choicest blessings in his pastoral ministry and I assure him of our continued prayerful support. May the good Lord guide him all throughout his lifetime!!!
APOSTOLIC COMMUNITIES OF SOUTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE – 2017
CONVENERS AND SECRETARIES
- ST. JOHN DE BRITTO APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY, PUDUKKOTTAI
Convener: Fr. A. Selvaraj
Secretary: Fr. A. Nayaga Seelan - FR. PETER MERMIER APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY, KUNNATHUR
Convener: Fr. P. Anantha Raj
Secretary: Fr. C. Martin Kumar - ST. THOMAS APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY, CHENNAI
Convener: Fr. P. Felix
Secretary: Fr. M. Simon Prabu - SFS APPOSTOLIC COMMUNITY, VANIYAMBADI
Convener: Fr. C. Sebastin Raj
Secretary: Fr. S. Arockia Christu Raj - ST. MARY´S APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY, VILLUPURAM & PONDICHERRY
Convener: Fr. D. Robert
Secretary: Fr. S. Ashir Johnson - FR. JOHN BOSCO APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY, VIRUDUNAGAR
Convener: Fr. M. John De Britto
Secretary: Fr. S. Antony Raj
FORUMS OF SOUTHEAST INDIA PROVINCE – 2017
CONVENERS, SECRETARIES AND CORE COMMITTEE
- FORMATION FORUM
Convener : Fr. A. Santhiyagu
Secretary : Fr. D. Sheen
Core Committee : Frs. A. Santhiyagu, George Kootinal, D. Kanikkai Nathan, H. Ebin Christopher & D. Sheen - EDUCATION FORUM
Convener : Fr. J. B. John Thadews
Secretary : Fr. M. Simon Prabu
Core Committee : Frs. J. B. John Thadews, A. Lawrence, A. Arul Francis, J. Stephen, A. Doss & M. Simon Prabu - INNOVATIVE FORUM
Convener : Fr. D. Amirtharajan
Secretary : Fr. X. George Navin
Core Committee : Frs. D. Amirtharajan, A. Alexander, C. Sebastin Raj, A. Jeyaseelan, A. Selvaraj & X. George Navin - MISSION FORUM
Convener : Fr. D. Kanikkai Nathan
Secretary : Fr. S. Stephen Xavier
Core Committee : Frs. D. Kanikkai Nathan, S. Tony, P. Johnson Jeyabal, N. Arokiaselvam, I. S. Yesu Raj, S. Sahaya Wilson & S. Stephen Xavier
THE EDUCATION AND STEWARDSHIP FORUM MEETING
Date & Time: 11th July 2017; 9 am to 2:30 pm
Venue: Conference Hall, MSFS Provincialate, Trichy
The members of the Forums arrived on time and having refreshed and relished themselves with breakfast and tea, we sought the blessings of God for the day’s agenda. We praised and worshiped the Eucharistic Lord for half an hour and began our meeting with an opening prayer prayed by Fr. Martin Anand followed by words of welcome extended by Fr. Thadews, Counselor in charge of Education Forum. After thanking Fr. Amirtha Rajan (Present Counselor in charge of Innovative & Social Ministry Forum) and the outgoing secretary for his hard work and dedication, the members selected Fr. M. Simon Prabu as the new secretary. The Forum had the participation of all its members in the presence of Very Rev. Fr .K. Ignacimuthu, the Provincial of South-East India Province. Rev. Fr. Thadews, the Counselor in charge of Education Forum appreciated all conferrers working in SFS Schools for achieving splendid results in both 10th and 12th standard. And he thanked Fr. Savari Muthu for his tireless effort for obtaining the Government Approval for SFS School land in Perumbakkam.
Concerns and Goals for the new academic year 2017-18 were taken for the meeting as follows: All our SFS Students should speak good and correct English fluently. The priority is to develop linguistic skills and right knowledge expansion. We have a unique identity and commonality in our choices of study materials and academic endeavours. We have already accomplished in perusing a common Textbooks, Grammar Books and Note-books including stationary from our SFS Printing Press, Technical School, Pudukottai. Concession for the Catholic Children and preparing a Common Concession Form and Concession for Deserving Children were discussed. While discussing on Budget, we arrived at providing Equal pocket money for all the confreres, Confreres salary is to be used only for their welfare and not for any construction. Concept of Co-coordinators is to be practiced. Appointment of Teachers and Selection is to be done in accordance with the academic qualification and Teaching Experience.
For the event of the 450th Birth Anniversary of our Patron St. Francis de Sales, we had the selection of the organizing committee. The members are Fr. Savari Muthu, Fr. Charles, Fr. Benjamin & Fr. Jayaraj. And the core-committee Members for Education Forum are Fr. Thadews, Fr. Arul Francis, Fr. J. Stephen, Fr. A. Lawrence, Fr. Doss, and Fr. Simon Prabu. The encouraging presence of the Provincial Rev. Fr. Ignacimuthu and fruitful discussion with the members of the Forum was actually a good start for the new academic year. After the final deliberations, we continued with the Stewardship Forum Meeting and then with gratitude we dispersed for Lunch.
Fr. Simon Prabu
THE MISSION FORUM MEETING
The first mission forum meeting was held at the MSFS Provincialate, Nagamangalam on 12th July, 2017. After half an hour of Eucharistic adoration led by Fr. William, the meeting commenced at 9.30 am. The councilor in charge of mission Fr. Kanikkai Nathan began the meeting with a prayer and welcomed all the members of the mission forum at the very outset. First of all, the election of secretary was done and Fr. S. Stephen Xavier was elected unanimously as the secretary of the mission forum after which a group of five members were elected as the Core Committee Members of the mission forum, namely; Fr. Tony, Fr. Arockia Selvam, Fr. Johnson Jeyabal, Fr. I. S. Yesuraj and Fr. Stephen Xavier the secretary.
The forum discussed various matters such as; The necessity of evolving a uniform core identity as MSFS in the mission stations, Areas of revival (Friends of Fransalian, Fransalian Associates, parish renewal with the help of MSFS mission preaching team, mission Sangamam, etc.), Creating a realistic Parish Social Survey, distribution of Scholarship Fund for the Poor Students, Promotion of Local Resources to ensure the basic education for all the catholic students within the parishes, Urgency and the Consolidation of the Frontier Mission and the Mission Abroad etc. Many such agenda were actively discussed and after the final prayer led by Fr. Kanikkai Nathan the meeting came to an end at 1.30 pm.
Fr. Stephen Xavier
THE INNOVATIVE FORUM MEETING
Date & Time: 10th July 2017; 1:00 pm onwards
Venue: Conference Hall, MSFS Provincialate, Trichy
Number of Participants: 14
Before the formal meeting began we had half an hour of adoration which was animated by Frs. Jeya Kumar and Christu Raj. Then we began the meeting officially at 2:00 pm. At the very outset Fr. Amirtha Rajan, the new councillor in charge of innovative forum officially welcomed all the members along with the Provincial and Provincial Bursar. After the welcome address, the new secretary for the innovative forum for this year was proposed and elected. The new secretary’s responsibility was accepted by Fr. X. George Navin.
The following points were taken for discussion: The action plan report of the provincial congress 2017 regarding innovative forum, full time project co-coordinator: Members strongly opined that we appoint a few persons to do the work of writing the projects. It was decided that Frs. Santhiyagu and Selva Raj will be the members to the work of writing the project along with the project holder of the individual project. Corpus fund for the education of the poor, to raise collection for formation, Mermerian retreat in all our parishes, re- vitalizing the Justice and peace forum, the specialization of confreres, Prayer and spirituality centre, Tamil magazine, Corpus fund for the medical insurance of our confreres and some common issues were also taken up for discussions.
Proposal to form a core committee: the core committee consists of following members: Frs. Alexander, Sebastin Raj, Jeya Kumar, A. Selvaraj and Navin. The duty of the core committee is to have as many meetings as possible in order to take any major decisions for the growth and development of innovative ministries.
Fr. Amirtha Rajan requested the director of various centres to give a short history of each centres latest by 30th July 2017. The next forum meeting which is scheduled on 15th & 16th September 2017 is a mandatory meeting. It will be organized by General Secretary in-charge for innovative and social ministry. Finally Fr. Amirtha Rajan thanked all the participants. The meeting came to an end at 5pm.
Fr. X. George Navin
FORMATION FORUM
“Formation for consecrated life is a work of art.” Pope Francis
In order to add more beauty to the art of formation we convoked the first formation meeting of this academic year 2017 & 2018 on July 10th, 2017 at 9 am with a half an hour of adoration. Majority of the members of the formation forum turned up for the meeting. The issues that were discussed in the meeting are;
- Recruitment of the Vocations from the neighbouring states (Esp., from north)
- Devising of plans for the school going brothers.
- Looking into the various possibilities of bringing back the old system of the minor seminary.
- Looking into the possibilities of opening up new rooms for our minor seminary brothers to do their class 11 and 12 in our own schools.
- An overall evaluation was done about the Pre- Novitiate programme that was held in Alangayam in May.
- Graded formation
- Postulancy programme that is going on in our minor seminary.
- An evaluation was done about the actualization of the action plans of the congress.
- Presentation of the income and the expenses of the province.
Fr. A. Santhiyagu, the councilor in-charge of formation thanked all the participants of the meeting and we concluded the meeting at 1:15 pm by glorifying the name of the trinity.
Fr. D. Sheen
ST. ANTONY OF DESERT’S PARISH FEAST AT AMMAPATTY
The 101st parish feast to St. Antony the hermit at Ammapatty in the Arch Diocese of Madurai began with the flag hoisting on 4th July at 6.00pm. It’s very first parish priest Fr. A. Santiago MSFS, the Provincial Admonitor and the councilor in-charge of formation hoisted the flag and officiated the Eucharist emphasizing in the homily on “exemplary family life.” On 5th the native priests of Ammapatty celebrated the novena mass. On 6th all the MSFS new priests of 2017 solemnized the event during which the new priests were welcomed and felicitated by the parish priest and the parishioners. On 7th Fr. Selvaraj MSFS solemnized the event with a special Eucharist Adoration and holy mass. The feast mass on 8th July was solemnized by Fr. M. Santiago, the diocesan procurator of Sivagangai. He preached on the “family values of poverty and humility” referring to the life of St. Antony. The village feast was celebrated with devotion, grandeur and pomp. Many of our MSFS priests from neighboring communities and vicariate priests and sisters form neighborhood participated in the feast.
Fr. D. Jaya Kumar
BLESSING AND INAUGURATION OF THE NEW CHURCH AT KOTHANGUDI, THE SUBSTATION OF NACHIYARKOIL PARISH
“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)
19th July 2017 marks an important day in the parish of Nachiyarkoil, as there was Blessing and Inauguration of the New Church in one of the sub-stations called Kothangudi. The function began at 6:30 pm. Very Rev. Fr. Amirtha Samy, the VG of Kumbakonam diocese blessed and opened the New Church dedicated to St. Anne, popularly called as Santhana Madha. Very Rev. Fr. Ignacimuthu, the provincial opened the memorial stone. The holy mass was celebrated by Fr. Amirtha Samy along with Fr. Ignacimuthu, Fr. Devadass, the VF of Kumbakonam diocese, Fr. Nicholas, Fr. Kanikkai, Fr. Santhanam, Fr. Nayaga Seelan and fathers from Kumbakonam diocese. The faithful participated in large numbers and made this event a very special one.
Dn. S. Arockia Doss
NEW PRIESTS’ ANIMATION DAY, 2017
The first Animation Program for the new priests for the year 2017 in our province was organized by Rev. Dr. A. Santhiyagu, the Councilor in-charge of formation on 19th and 20th of July in the MSFS Provincial house, Nagamangalam. The program started on the eve of 19th July with prayer and welcome by Fr. Santhiyagu. He then oriented the participants by explaining the thrust of the program viz., “Purpose- Oriented Priests.” He emphasized on the aspects of Ministry, focusing on personal talents and Fixing Proper Goal as the focal points of departure in priestly life. It was then followed by an open sharing session in which each one of the participants shared his own ministerial and community experiences in the mission station.
On the following day three input sessions were organized. The resource person for the first session was Rev. Dr. A. S. John Peter, a renowned priest from the Diocese of Thanjavur. He presented his reflections on the theme: New Horizons and the challenges in the ministry of the priests, namely he explained the 15 diseases of leadership and seven pillars of priesthood from the teachings of Pope Francis. He encouraged everyone to be sincere and authentic leaders. He inspired everyone by his words and way of life. The second session was animated by Fr. K. Ignaci Muthu, the Provincial, on the theme: “Legal Perspectives of Parish Administration and Sacraments.” It was indeed a great learning and sharing experience. The third session was animated by Fr. Santhiyagu on the theme: “Claiming my priestly identity: A pastoral Approach.” With various practical examples he motivated the participants to focus on the core values of priesthood and celebrating the sacraments meaningfully. The program came to an end at 3.45pm with the words of gratitude from the new priests and a prayer led by Fr. Santhiyagu. We had a great time together and it was a motivating experience which would be very much helpful to us to face the ministerial challenges with a positive approach.
Fr. D. Jayakumar
INFORMATION
FORUM MEETINGS WITH GENERAL SECRETARIES
| Formation Forum Meeting | 9th and 10th Sept 2017 |
| Education Forum Meeting | 11th and 12th Sept 2017 |
| Mission Forum Meeting | 13th and 14th Sept 2017 |
| Social and Innovative Ministry Forum Meeting | 15th and 16th Sept 2017 |
REGIONAL FORUMS MEETINGS
- Sept 26th to 27th: Regional Forum (India) Mission Forum with General Secretary in Bangalore
- Sept 28th to 29th: Regional Forum (India) Education Forum with General Secretary in Trichy
- Oct 4th to 5th: Regional (India) Stewardship Forum with General Bursar Nov 20th to 21st: Regional (India) Social Apostolate in Vizag
Nov 22nd to 23rd: Regional (India) formation Apostolate in Nagpur
- RETREAT FOR GENERAL CURIA, PROVINCIALS AND THE ANIMATORS
Oct 7th to 12th – Poondi Madha Basilica, Thanjavur (DT)
- PIF – PEA MEETING WITH THE GENERAL CURIA
Oct 14th to 16th – Msfs Provincialate, Kunnathur, Pudukkottai - COMMUNITY MEETING
There must be community meeting every month. And a copy of the minutes of the Community
meeting has to be sent to the provincial on or before 5th of the following month.
A WORD OF APPRECIATIONS AND CONGRATULATIONS
- New Provincial for the Nagpur Province: Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, our
beloved Superior General has appointed Rev. Fr. John Britto Muthuswamy, as the new
provincial of Nagpur Province.
In the name of the province I extend my heartiest congratulations to him and God’s abundant blessings in his ministry in the service of the Congregation.
- A word of thanks to Rev. Fr. Jacob Karamakuzhy, the outgoing provincial of Nagpur province for his fruitful & successful guidance of the province for the past six years with his selfless service and commitment.
In the name of the province I thank Dear Fr. Jacob for his wonderful commitment and dedication for the progress of the Nagpur province.
- Fr. A. Christu Raj has become the life member in Indian Sociological Society. His membership number is: 4274.
In the name of the province I extend my heartiest congratulations to him.
ON HOME HOLIDAYS FROM ABROAD
| Fr. P. S. Joseph (Germany) | From 08th August to 31st August, 2017 |
We wish him a good time with his dear and near ones.
MONTH OF AUGUST
BIRTHDAYS OF OUR CONFRERES
| Date | Names |
| 02 | Fr. Kootinal George |
| 06 | Fr. M. Simon Prabhu |
| 07 | Fr. K. Dominic Savio |
| 14 | Fr. A. Jeyakumar |
| 14 | Fr. B. Francis Xavier |
| 17 | Fr. G. Sebastin |
| 18 | Fr. G. Arockia Samy |
| 20 | Fr. A. Antony Christopher |
| 23 | Fr. S. Sahaya Wilson |
| 24 | Fr. A. Chinnasamy Yesuraj |
| 24 | Fr. L. Jaya Raj |
| 27 | Fr. S. Joseph Xavier |
We wish them Happy Birthday and God’s Abundant Blessings upon them
ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES OF OUR CONFRERES
| Date | Names |
| 12 | Fr. A. Lawrence |
| 25 | Fr. C. Sebastin Raj |
We Congratulate and Pray For Them
REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR THE DEAD
MSFS OBITUARY – AUGUST
| 01 | Fr. Cecil Cutlack |
| Fr. Alphonse Bosson | |
| Fr. Adrien Duval | |
| Fr. Patrick Waldron | |
| 02 | Bro. Louis Evraz |
| Fr. Joseph Tissot | |
| Mgr. Ignatius Gopu | |
| 04 | Fr. Henri Mudry |
| 05 | Fr. Bernard Carron |
| Fr. Marius Vagnat | |
| Fr. James Grmble | |
| Fr. Joseph Vulliez | |
| 07 | Fr. Santana Pereira |
| 09 | Fr. Thomas Marian |
| 10 | Fr. Carlo C. Fernandes |
| 11 | Fr. Basil Harrison |
| 12 | Fr. Chacko Varapadavil |
| 13 | Fr. Maurice Monnard |
| 15 | Bro. Corbinian Neumaier |
| 16 | Bro. Jean Marie Raphoz |
| Fr. Laurent Mugnier | |
| Bro. Bernard Vaz | |
| 17 | Fr. Oliver Moix |
| 18 | Fr. Ambroise Allaed |
| Fr. Paul Kizhakeparambil | |
| 20 | Fr. Alphonse Menthon |
| 21 | Fr. John Charles Lord |
| Fr. George Vayalil | |
| 22 | Fr. Aime Trosset |
| Fr. Petrus Descombes | |
| 23 | Bro. Joseph Depollier |
| 25 | Fr. Joseph Bansode |
| Fr. Henri Rime | |
| Fr. Joseph Oravanamthadam | |
| 26 | Mgr. Louis Francis Gayet |
| 27 | Bro. Joseph Leduc |
| 28 | Fr. Pierre Mollier |
| 29 | Bro. Hubert Guebey |
| 30 | Fr. Michel Ticon |
| Fr. Henri Bourquin | |
| 31 | Bro. Francois Ruffier |
Let Us Continue To Pray For the Deceased Members of Our Congregation
LET US PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED
- Rev. Fr. Sijo Olickal of Southwest India Province, aged 31, expired on 13th July, 2017.
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 his soul rest in peace
MY PROGRAMME
August
| 4th and 5th | CRI Meeting, Tindivanam |
| 7th Aug to 5th Sep | Canonical Visitation to USA & West Indies |
Yours Fraternally in Christ,
Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, Msfs
Provincial Superior
SALESIAN THOUGHT
“Religious life is not the place to look for a position of honour and esteem as one does when one chooses to follow a profession at the courts. To hanker after dignity and distinction in religious life is a sign that we have not yet arrived at a state of detachment that is required.”- Saint Francis de Sales