My Dear Confreres,
Greetings of peace and joy! On this great day of the feast of our Patron, St. Francis De Sales, I wish you all a happy feast of our Patron.
Every year, we celebrate the feast of our heavenly Patron St. Francis De Sales on 24th of January. As such, this year also, we are happy to celebrate the feast of this great saint and patron of our congregation. Having been born in a noble Sales family to noble parents in the year 1567, he grew up in the atmosphere that is distinct to any noble family of that time. He was intelligent and handsome. His father had great plans for him in line with the tradition of the family. After his study in law and theology, his father wanted him to follow the family tradition and a promising career. But God had other plan for him. He decided to dedicate his life for God, much to the chagrin of his father. At the end, his father had to agree to his request and he was ordained a priest in the year 1593.
What is more important is his contribution to the Universal church both as priest and as bishop. Inspite of the onslaught of Calvinism, he took up challenges, which no one was ready at that point of time, risked his life and worked tirelessly for the protection of Catholic faith in the region of Chablais. His missionary adventure and methods were unparalleled.
As bishop, he could not reside in Geneva and had to remain in Annecy, due to Calvinist control of Geneva. Inspite of that, he was an inspiring bishop and guided his dioceses with dedication and commitment. He was known for his virtues. Apart from that, he was a mystical writer. Through his book, ‘Introduction to Devout Life’, he emphatically asserted that holiness does not belong to a privileged few, but to all specially to lay people. It was unheard of in his days. His KIM/ 19 January 2019 book ‘Treatise on the Love of God’ is a classical example of his mysticism. His letters on spiritual directions are highly valued. He was gentle and patient. That is why he is called ‘gentleman saint’. He was canonized as a saint in the year 1665. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in the year 1877. He is proclaimed as the patron of writers and journalists in the year 1923. Many congregations follow his spirit and spirituality and have him as their patron.
Dear Confreres, we are fortunate to have St. Francis De Sales as patron of our congregation. Our venerable founder Fr. Peter Mermier was inspired and founded our congregation with the spirituality of this great saint. We have inherited the great legacy of our Patron St. Francis De Sales. We have inherited his spirit and spirituality.
Dear Confreres, as we celebrate our patron’s feast, let us re-energize us with his missionary zeal and his good qualities. Let all of us imbibe his qualities, more especially the quality of missionary zeal and be ready to launch out as missionaries in unknown terrain like Africa. Let us joyfully celebrate the feast of our Patron. May our Patron continue to intercede for us that we follow his footsteps in our missionary endeavor.
Congregation Matters
The 20th General Chapter 2019
As scheduled, the 20th General Chapter 2019 is to be held from the 1st of February, 2019 to the 13th of February, 2019 at Msfs Provincial house, Guwahati, Assam, India. All the preparations are underway. As part of the preparation, Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, our Superior General has appointed the Pre- Capitular Commission (PCC). This Commission is already involved in matters relating to preparation and organization of the General Chapter, 2019.
General Chapter is the Supreme Body in our Congregation. It represents the entire Congregation through the Ex-Officio members and the Delegates. Even though all the members of the Congregation do not physically participate in the General Chapter, yet all of us are part of it spiritually.
Let all of us be united with the members of the General Chapter, 2019, especially during the days of the Chapter. From the time of the convocation of the General Chapter, 2019, we have been praying for the General Chapter. Let us continue to pray for the success of the 20th General Chapter 2019.
Province Matters
Malawi Mission
The procedures of taking up Malawi mission in Africa are being finalised. Fr. Soosai Raj, Fr. Anandharaj and Fr. Nelson have completed their language course. At present, they are staying in different parishes for liturgical experience and cultural integration. Frs. Berin, Arockia Doss and Packia Sathish Kumar are serving in the East-Africa province and will be going to Malawi, as we take up the 2nd mission. Bros. Level Winner and Jerald are doing their theological studies in Morogoro. Bros. Adaikala Raj and Marshal are doing their regency in East-Africa province. The date of official taking up is being worked out and it will be finalised soon. We are taking steps to speed the process so that we can officially take up the mission in the last week of March, 2019.
From Malawi – Our Life in Malawi
Festal greetings of our heavenly Patron St. Francis de sales to all confreres from MSFS confreres in Malawi Mission!
Indeed it gives me immense joy to write to you regarding our life in Malawi at present. After having completed our preliminary language course at St. Mary’s parish, we are assigned to three different parishes; Fr. Anantharaj at Kazantha, Fr. Nelson at Chitipa and me at Chilumba for further learning the language and knowing the nuances in the administration of the parish according to the local church in Malawi. Well, we are happy to assist the priests in all the ways possible. We started to celebrate Eucharist and administer the Sacraments in the local language ‘Chtumbuka’. We go to villages to celebrate Mass for children and elders on Sundays. The Bishop, the local clergy and the people are very encouraging and supportive. They are excited to see us as missionaries. They are happy to know that we are talking, picking up to preach in their own language.
Right now, it is raining here and winter is approaching. We really enjoy the climate and the life. Once again we all wish you Happy Feast of our Patron.
Fr. Soosai Raj
Silver Jubilarian – Rev. Fr. C. Sebastin Raj
Father Sebastin Raj was born on 17th March 1967 at Mani Mankhurd, Bombay. His parents are Mr. Chinnappan and Mrs. Jayamarie. He has two elder brothers, one younger brother and one younger sister. He was baptized in the year 26.03.1967 at Kovilanur. In the year 1983, Fr. Sebastin Raj joined the SFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai. He did his Minor Seminary in SFS Minor Seminary at Pudukkottai from 1983 to 1985. He entered the novitiate at Salesianum in 1986 and made his first profession on 16th July, 1987. He did his philosophical studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore from 1987 to 1990. He did his regency at SFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai from 1990 to 1991. He did his theological studies at Fransalian seminary, Pune from 1991 to 1994. He made his final vows on 14th June 1993. He was ordained a priest on 25th August, 1994.
Places of Ministry:
At first, he did his ministry as Assistant Parish priest at Mary Help of Christian Church, Vaniyambadi (1994-1995). He was appointed at SFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in the year 1995 to take care of the responsibility of opening a new school at Pudukkottai. He took up the mission at Kalladithidal in the year 1996. He was appointed as parish priest and Headmaster of the school at Kalladithidal from 1996 to 2003. He was the Correspondent and Teacher at SFS School, Seethmandhra, Visakhapatnam in the year 2004. He was appointed as the principal of SFS School, Vaniyambadi in the year 2005. He was also the Superior of St. Thomas Community, Chennai in the year 2009. In 2010, he was appointed as the Parish priest of Holy Trinity Church, Adanur. In the 2011, he went for counseling for De Addition in Halcyon Home, Madurai under the guidance of Fr. John Kennedy and he did the ministry there till 2014. In the 2014, he was appointed at Dharmapuri to take care of the Sogathur land. From 2015 onwards, he is the director of Nalam De Addiction Counseling Centre, Dharmapuri.
Special Office held in the Province :
He was Councilor to the Provincial for a term of three years from 1988 -2000 for the Visakhapatnam Province.
He was also Councilor to the Regional Superior for a term of three years from 2005 -2008. He also served as Councilor and Admonitor to the Provincial for a term of three years from 2014 -2016.
Canonical Visitation – St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Kanakkanpatti
The 13th January 2019 was a joyous day for the parish of Kanakkanpatti. Our Provincial Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu came to Kanakkanpatti Parish for his canonical visitation. He was welcomed with a garland at the entrance of the church. He presided over the Eucharistic celebration with the theme “Live in union and harmony with one another”. After the mass, there was a small felicitation programme, in which all the reports of the parish movements and history of the parish were read and submitted. He visited all the substations of the parish. He checked all the records and registers of the parish. He also visited Kilasevalpatty, where we have some land. After completing his canonical visitation, he left to Provincialate, Trichy
Fr. S. Stephen Xavier
The Blessing and Inauguration of Mermier Block and Office Block
On 21st January 2019, Monday, SFS School, Nalattinputhur had the immense joy of witnessing the inauguration of the extension of Mermier Block and new Office Block by Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, our Provincial. At 9.30 am, the students, staff and the guests gathered for a short assembly and Rev. Fr. D. Amirtharajan, the Principal gave a warm welcome to all present there. Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, our Provincial, addressed the Children and the gathering with a message. Thereafter he blessed and inaugurated the new school office, Principal office and three class rooms in the presence of Staff and students. Some of our confreres, sisters, parents and well-wishers also graced the occasion. The Provincial and the guests appreciated the school management for the planning and the hard work. Fr. A. Maria John Franklin proposed a vote of thanks to everyone for making themselves available and making that day memorable.
Fr. A. M J Franklin
Blessing of the Foundation-stone for the Spirituality Center
It was a joyful occasion for the Fransalian community at Ammapatti parish to have our provincial Rev. Fr. Ignacimuthu visiting the proposed land for our Fransalian Spirituality Center at Kodai Road on 21st January, 2019. We have completed all the necessary procedures and continue to do the preliminary preparations for the construction. Hence, as our provincial visited the land and gave us his valuable suggestions regarding the work to be carried out, he also blessed the foundation stone for the Spirituality Center in the presence of Fr. Antony Christopher, the parish priest, Fr. A. Santhiyagu, Fr. S. Edward Xavier, Fr. A. Justin Dhiraviam, Fr. Santhanam, and some of the parishioners. I sincerely thank our provincial, the administration and all our fathers for their continued support and prayers.
Fr. A. Santhiyagu
MONTH OF FEBRUARY
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. A. Maria John Franklin | 27 |
We wish them Happy Birthday and God’s Abundant Blessings upon them
ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY OF OUR CONFRERES
- . D. Amirtha Rajan – 04
- Fr. G. Jagannathan – 19
We congratulate and pray for them
LET US REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR THE DEAD
MSFS OBITUARY – FEBRUARY
| 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. Francois Couturier |
| 16 | Fr. Henri Fournier 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 Sebastin Devaraj |
| 24 | Fr. Jean Anthonioz Fr. Joseph Charriere |
| 25 | Fr. Ferdinand Million Fr. Alexis Marrolliat Fr. Francois Gay |
| 26 | Fr. Joseph Meynet |
Let Us Continue to Pray for the Deceased Members of Our Congregation
LET US PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED
- Mr. Anthony Samy, the Father of Fr. A. Dharmaraj, aged 92, expired on 15th January, 2019.
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 her soul rest in peace!
MY PROGRAMME
| Date | Programme |
|---|---|
| 28.01.2019 | Jubilee Celebration at SFS Study House, Eluru. |
| 30.01.2019 | Visit to Novitiate, Salesianum, Visakhapatnam |
| 31. 01. 2019 to 13.02.2019 | General Chapter XX, at Msfs Provincial house, Guwahati, Assam |
Yours Fraternally in Christ,
Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, Msfs
Provincial Superior
THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
1. BIBLE QUOTE
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)
2. SALESIAN THOUGHT
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”]
– Saint Francis de Sales
3. STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART OF FR. PETER MARIE MERMIER
“Continue to form yourself with a great purity of intention and diligence for the exercise of holy ministry which is a vast field. Remember, even men of moderate talent can succeed since the grace of God is always at hand.”
– [Letter to Fr. Francois Marie SERMET, 06.07.1849, pp. 45-46]
4. A THOUGHT FROM GREAT POET THIRUVALLUVAR
Thirukkural :
உற்றநோய் நோன்றல் உயிர்க்குறுகண் செய்யாமை
அற்றே தவத்திற் குரு
விளக்கம்
தனக்கு உற்ற துன்பத்தை பொறுத்தலும் மற்ற உயிர்க்குத் துன்பம் செய்யாதிருத்தலும் ஆகிய அவ்வளவே தவத்திற்கு வடிவமாகும் .
Couplet :
To bear due penitential pains, while no offence He causes others, is the type of ‘penitence’.
Explanation :
The nature of religious discipline consists, in the endurance (by the ascetic) of the sufferings which it brings on himself, and in abstaining from giving pain to others.
Transliteration :
Utranoi Nondral Uyirkkurukan Seyyaamai
Atre Thavaththir Kuru