Dear Confreres,
Wishing you all a happy feast of Pentecost! The Church world over celebrates this feast, descend of the Holy Spirit. The feast of Pentecost signifies empowerment. We receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to totally surrender to God and serve the humanity.
Contrary to the empowerment by the Holy Spirit, today the whole world is powerless in the face of the Covid – 19 Pandemic disease. The nature is powerless. The people are powerless. The mighty governments are powerless. The great doctors, scientists, healers, preachers etc. are as powerless as ordinary people in the onslaught of this pandemic virus. Economy has collapsed. Churches, temples, mosques remain closed. Schools and colleges are shut. Free movement is curtailed. Now we talk of new normal. We talk of change of pattern of life. We talk of living with the virus. Everywhere we find isolation. People are isolated from the public, from the places of worship, from family, from relatives, from friends etc. All that we hear is social distancing, isolation, trace, test and treat.
How did this happen? Who is responsible for this? Is it nature? Is it God? Is it fate? Is it man? Is it science and technology? Is it the greedy commercial interest of the few? Some say it is the act of the nature. Some say it is man-made. Some say it is lab- created. Some say it is bio-weapon. We hear number of hypothesis, theories and conspiracies about this virus. Governments blame each other. People are blamed for the spread of the virus. Ultimately no one is taking the responsibility. There is always the blame the other attitude. There is a kind of fear, powerlessness, isolation and distancing.
At this moment of this unequalled and unparalleled crisis, we celebrate the feast of the Pentecost. The Holy Spirit, as part of the Triune God, has the power to empower us to come out of this crisis victoriously. The Holy Spirit is with us. He permeates the creation. He is present in the world and the humanity. The Holy Spirit empowers us. All that we need is to recognize it, experience it and live in accordance with gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit by his presence and works will heal and protect the world, humanity and every one of us from this uncertain and trying times. Let us surrender to Him and live by the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that the nature, the world and the humanity is empowered to come out this catastrophic situation with renewed life, strength, power and vitality.
1. Extraordinary General Chapter, 2021
As it is notified and as we are aware, the Extraordinary General Chapter of our Congregation is going to be held from 1st to 7th of February, 2021 at MSFS Provincial House, Pune. The preparatory materials, including juridical matters have been already sent to you. The Juridical matters contain important issues for our reflection and deliberations. It has been informed to you to reflect on the issues and matters in each community and submits the reports. Some communities have submitted the reports. Some communities are yet to submit. Those communities, who have not yet submitted the reports, are requested to submit the reports at the earliest.
2. The appointment of New Provincials
Our Superior General, Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil has appointed new Provincials for the Provinces Brazil, East Africa, Pune and Nagpur. They are the following:
| Fr. Jaganathan Gnanadurai | Provincial of the Brazil Province (First Term) |
| Fr. Mathew Thazhathukunnel | Provincial of East Africa Province (Second Term) |
| Fr. Jayaseelan Selvaraj | Provincial of Pune Province (Second Term) |
| Fr. Muthusamy | Provincial of Nagpur Province (Second Term) |
On behalf of the South-East India Province, we extend hearty congratulations. We assure them of our prayer and support.
3. Change of Province – Common Norm and Procedure
In respect of change of province by a confrere, our Congregation has already formulated a common policy. I would like to bring to your attention regarding the policy in the context of two confreres belonging to other provinces serving in our province – Fr.D.Francis (East Africa Province) and Fr. A. Arockiasamy (Visakhapatnam Province). The Policy is as follows:
PROCEDURE FOR AFFILIATING CONFRERES TO OTHER PROVINCES
The Mission Policy clearly lays down the norm and procedure to be applied when a confrere needs to be affiliated with another Province.
“Change of Province is discouraged in our Congregation. In case of serious reasons, if a confrere desires a change of Province, he approaches his Provincial
The modalities to be followed are:
a. The Provincial tries to help the confrere concerned by giving him a change of ministry or place within or outside the Province for a maximum period of 5 years;
b. If all the efforts of the Provincial administration fail to resolve the issue, the Provincial will refer the matter to the Superior General who will assign the confrere to any Province. The decision of the Superior General is final and binding.”
(Extract from the Mission Policy of the Congregation. Ref: Red Book, P.No.129)
In the light of the abovesaid norm and procedure, Fr.D.Francis and Fr.A. Arockiasamy will only be rendering their services in our province. Fr.D.Francis is rendering his service in our province for the last two years and he will be serving for another three more years. Fr.A. Arockiasamy will serve our province for five years. Once they complete 5 years of service and after due procedure, the Superior General will assign the confreres to any province he decides and his decision is final and binding. Till the Superior General assigns them to any province, these two confreres will have their active and passive voice in their respective provinces of East Africa and Visakhapatnam.
4. Reconstituted Forums for 2020 – 2021
i. Mission Forum
| Fr. C. Sebastin Raj (Councillor in-charge) | |
| Fr. D. Antony Sahaya Tharcius | |
| Fr. A. Arockiasamy | Fr. S. Stephen Xavier |
| Fr. S. Antony (Tony) | Fr. S. Antony Raj (Sr) |
| Fr. D. Robert | Fr. I. Jone Gragori |
| Fr. A. Arockiam | Fr. A. Nayaga Seelan |
| Fr. P. Johnson Jeyabal | Fr. L. Jaya Raj |
| Fr. M. John De Britto | Fr. L. John Peter |
| Fr. M. Nicholas | Fr. M. John Fernandez |
| Fr. P. Felix | Fr. D. Britto |
| Fr. A. Selvaraj | Fr. S. Anantha Prabu |
| Fr. V. Vedharaj | Fr. A. Motcha Richard |
ii. Education Forum
| Fr. A. Luckas (Councillor in-charge) | Fr. A. Innaci Muthu |
| Fr. D. Johnson Sagayaraj | |
| Fr. A. Lawrence | Fr. S. Britto |
| Fr. S. Jerry Louis | Fr. D. Amirtharajan |
| Fr. J.B. John Thadews | Fr. S. Arockia Charles |
| Fr. A. Edward | Fr. M. Maria Francis Britto |
| Fr. P.S. Joseph | Fr. S. Sahaya Jerald Abin |
| Fr. S. Arockia Christu Raj | Fr. A. Charles Michael Raj |
| Fr. V. Vedharaj | Fr. M. Simon Prabhu |
| Fr. J. Savarimuthu | Fr. C. Martin Kumar |
iii. Formation Forum
| Fr. P.S. Joseph (Councillor in-charge) | Fr. A. Antony Christopher |
| Fr. D. Sheen Prisal Singh | |
| Fr. George Kootinal | Fr. S. Clement Prem Kumar |
| Fr. C. John Britto | Fr. A. ChinnasamyYesuraj |
| Fr. D. Kanikkai Nathan | Fr. D. Jaya Kumar |
| Fr. S. Arul Selvamani | Fr. S. Antony Raj (Jr) |
| Fr.H. Ebin Christopher | Fr. S. Arockiam (Jr) |
iv. Stewardship Forum
| Fr. S. Sagaya Wilson (Bursar – Convener) | Fr. A. Luckas |
| Fr. X. Vincent | |
| Fr. M. Sahaya Raj | |
| Fr. S. Alexander | Fr. S. Amirthanathan |
| Fr. A. Michael | Fr. M. Benjamin Sunder |
| Fr. S. Antony | Fr. S. Santhanam |
| Fr. P.S. Joseph | Fr. K. DomnicSavio |
| Fr. D. Francis | Fr. A. Maria John Franklin |
| Fr. A. Antony Christopher | Fr. S. Ashir Johnson |
| Fr. M. Maria Francis Britto |
v. Innovative Forum
| Fr. K. Joseph Xavier (Councillor in-charge) | Fr. A. Jeya Kumar |
| Fr. A. Jeyaseelan | |
| Fr. S. Alexander | Fr. M. Benjamin Sunder |
| Fr. S. Antony (Tony ) | Fr. S. Santhanam |
| Fr. C. Sebastin Raj | Fr. K. DomnicSavio |
| Fr. A. Santhiyagu | Fr. A. Edmund |
| Fr. A. Christu Raj | Fr. A. Jerome |
vi. Superiors Forum
| Fr. A. Alexander | Fr. X. Vincent |
| Fr. A. Lawrence | Fr. S. Amirthanathan |
| Fr. C. Sebastin Raj | Fr. D. Kanikkai Nathan |
| Fr. S. Antony (Tony) | Fr. D. John De Britto |
| Fr. D. Robert | Fr. S. Antony |
| Fr. A. Arockiam | Fr. P. Felix |
| Fr. A. Santhiyagu | Fr. J. Savarimuthu |
| Fr. A. Luckas | Fr. M. Benjamin Sunder |
| Fr. J.B. John Thadews | Fr. K. Dominic Savio |
5. Promotions of Scholastics
i. Promoted to 3rd year theology and for the Perpetual Profession
| C. Britto Clinton (Vijnananilayam, Eluru) | F. Eugene Ernest Raj (Tejas, Bangalore) |
| S. Maria Arockiam (Vijnananilayam, Eluru) | A. Mahimai Arockia Raj (Tejas, Bangalore) |
| R. Anbu Stalin (Tejas, Bangalore) | D. Emmanuvel Sathish (JDV, Pune) |
ii. Promoted to 3rd year theology, Acolyte and for the Renewal of Vows
| M. Level Winner Raj (Morogoro) | Michael Raja (Oriens, Shillong) |
| S. Jerald (Morogoro) | T. Anto Prabin (Oriens, Shillong) |
iii. Promoted to 2nd Year Theology, Lector and for the Renewal of Vows
| S. Vimal Raj (Morogoro) | |
| C. Arun Raj (Morogoro) | P. Arockia Marshal (Morogoro) |
| A. John Britto (Morogoro) | P. Aspel Kishok (Vijnananilayam, Eluru) |
| M. Adaikala Arul Raj (Morogoro) | A. David Amalanathan (Te jas, Bangalore) |
iv. Promoted for the Renewal of Vows and 1st Year M.Ph
D. Carmel Raj (JDV, Pune)
v. Promoted to First Year Theology and for the Renewal of Vows
| Arockia Renold Anand (Vijnananilayam,Eluru) | D. Mathew Jutto(Tejas, Bangalore) |
| A. Sesu Prabhakaran (JDV, Pune) | R. Renold Regan (Tejas, Bangalore) |
| S. Pradeep Jerald (JDV, Pune) | V. Ajin (Oriens, Shillong) |
vi. Promoted to Regency and for the Renewal of Vows
| A. Dony Diamond Raj | |
| A. Peter Clement | M. Arockia Charles Benny |
| I. Joseph Manicka Raj | F. Mathew Devoda |
vii. Promoted to 3rd year Philosophy and for the Renewal of Vows
| A. Selva Prakash | J. Thomas Ambrose |
| J. Justine Richard | M. Antony Vinodh |
viii. Promoted to 2nd year Philosophy and for the Renewal of Vows
| P. Ashok Kumar | |
| S. Augustus | L. James Raja |
| Bachan Bach Sing | Dilu Bach Sing |
ix. Promoted to First Profession and 1st year Philosophy
| A. Suresh Kumar | |
| Abhinadan Singh | R. Edwin Prashanth |
| JibanthaMajhi | J. DelingtonDenish |
| B. Sounder Raj | M. Abish |
| Mahesh Pradhan | DabidaUthan Singh |
| M. Sebastin Robin | B. Marshal Joseph |
x. Promoted for Admission into Novitiate
| S. Balsamy | |
| F. Milton Antony | J. Vincent Raj |
| A. Sagahya Sudharsan | A. Stephan Raj |
| Dennis D’Sepsa | A. Jeralden Raj |
| George Fernandes J. | Arman Baliar Singh |
| Mouli Wilson | Baban Nayak |
| P. Nelson Joseph Raj | AnandSual Singh |
| J. Felix Salamon | Harmikanth Balian Singh |
| G. Tamilarasu | Silan Singh Prathan |
| J. Joy VinnyPresanna | Prakash Sual |
6. Transfers & Appointments: 2020 – 2021
The Provincial Council, in its meeting held on 22.05.2020 at Provincialate has made the following transfers & appointments:
| Name | Designation | Name of the place |
| Fr. A. Innaci Muthu | Principal | SFS – Virudhunagar |
| Fr. A. Charles Michael Raj | Principal | SFS – Perumbakkam |
| Fr. X. Vincent | Procurator & Superior | SFS – Virudhunagar |
| Fr. M. Sahaya Raj | Procurator | SFS – Pudukkottai |
| Fr.M. Maria Francis Britto | Procurator &Correspondent | SFS –Sendurai |
| Fr.D.Francis | Procurator | SFS –Vaniyambadi |
| Fr.A.Luckas | Procurator & Superior | SFS – Kelambakkam |
| Fr.S. Amirthanathan | Superior & Procurator | Provincialate & CBSE School |
| Fr. S. Christu Raj | On the Staff | CBSE – Trichy |
| Fr.S. Jerry Louis | Correspondent | SFS – Virudhunagar |
| Fr.A.Edward | Correspondent | SFS – Pudukkottai |
| Fr.J. Savarimuthu | Superior (Additional) | Nalatinpudhur |
| Fr.D.AmirthaRajan | Correspondent (Additional) | SFS – Alangayam |
| Fr.V.Vedaraj | Parish Priest & Correspondent | Nalatinpudur |
| Fr. L. Jaya Raj | Parish Priest | Othayal |
| Fr. S. Stephen Xavier | Parish Priest | Virudhunagar |
| Fr.A. Arockiasamy | Parish Priest | Nachiyarkoil |
| Fr.L.John Peter | Parish Priest | Kanakkanpatty |
| Fr. P. Johnson Jeyabal | Parish Priest | Thirukogarnam |
| Fr.M. John Fernandes | Parish Priest | Ammapatti |
| Fr. P. Felix | Parish Priest | Kodungal |
| Fr.M.Nicholas | Parish Priest | Adanur |
| Fr. A. Selvaraj | Parish Priest | R.S.Nagar |
| Fr. A. NayagaSeelan | Parish priest | Sultanpet diocese –Kullarayanpalayam |
| Fr. Kootinal George | On the staff | Seminary –Vadakkancherry |
| Fr. A.Antony Christopher | Procurator | SFS Minor Seminary |
| Fr. A. Santhiyagu | Director & Superior | Spirituality Centre |
| Fr.A.Michael | Procurator | Spirituality Centre |
| Fr. M. Benjamin Sunder | Superior (Additional) | ITI/Press |
| Fr.S. Alexander | Procurator (Additional) | Mount community |
| Fr.A.Edmund | On the Staff | Children’s Home, Vayalogam |
| Fr.S. Santhanam | Director-in charge (Interim) | Friendly Home, Alangayam |
| Fr.C.JohnBritto | Formators course | |
| Fr.S. Arockia Charles | B.Ed | |
| Fr. V. Yesuraja | Language course | |
| Fr. C. Sebastin Robert | On the staff | LCI, Arusha – Tanzania |
| Fr. A. Arul Francis | Pastoral Ministry | US |
| Fr. I. S. Jesu Raj | Pastoral Ministry | US |
| Fr.K.Martin Anand | Pastoral Ministry | Germany |
| Fr.S.Santhanam | Pastoral Ministry | Germany |
| Fr. A. Maria Selvan | Pastoral Ministry | England |
| Fr.D. Arockia Raj | Pastoral Ministry | England |
7. Final Profession
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Rom 8: 35). It was again another display of God’s love to MSFS family. It was a blissful and gracious occasion for Tejas community as eight of the brothers professed their final vows to God with the theme “To Live Jesus as Fransalian Forever” on 28th of April, 2020 in the presence of limited faithful due to covid-19. Rev.Fr.Benny Kootanal, the provincial superior of South-west India province presided over the holy Eucharist and received their vows in the presence of Fr. Riju and Fr. Jacob Parapally as official witnesses. We the family of South-east India province have more joy, as three of our brothers namely, Bro. Anbu Stalin, Bro. Eugene Earnest Raj and Bro. Mahimai Arokia Raj made their Final Commitment. Along with them, some of our brothers also renewed their vows on the same day. We congratulate all of them for their bold step to be a witness to God’s love and pray for them.
8. First Profession
Eleven Novices belonging to our province will make their First Profession on 1st of June. 2020 (Tomorrow) in Salesianum Novitiate, Vizag. The following are the novices, who will make their First Profession:
| A. Suresh Kumar | |
| Abhinadan Singh | R. Edwin Prashanth |
| JibanthaMajhi | J. DelingtonDenish |
| B. Sounder Raj | M. Abish |
| Mahesh Pradhan | DabidaUthan Singh |
| M. Sebastin Robin | B. Marshal Joseph |
As they make their First Profession, let us congratulate them and pray for them.
9. Eventful days of the Month Of June
i. BIRTHDAYS OF OUR CONFRERES
| Fr. A. John Peter (Sr) | 01 |
| Fr. S. John Milton | 02 |
| Fr. G. David | 02 |
| Fr. S. Antony Raj (Sr) | 06 |
| Fr. S. Deivasakayaraj | 07 |
| Fr. A. Arul Francis | 08 |
| Fr. A. Luckas | 09 |
| Fr. G. Merry Benzer | 11 |
| Fr. S. David Vincent | 13 |
| Fr. V. Ferdinand Selvan | 13 |
| Fr. L. Basker | 18 |
| Fr. A. Santhiyagu | 21 |
| Fr. G. Viswasam | 23 |
| Fr. S. Arul Selvamani | 24 |
| Fr. A. Edmund | 25 |
| Fr. A. William Xavier | 25 |
| Fr. A. Jaya Raj | 30 |
We wish them Happy Birthday and God’s Abundant Blessings upon them
ii. ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY OF OUR CONFRERE
Fr. S. Alexander – 21st of June, 2020
We congratulate him and pray for him
iii. MSFS OBITUARY
| 01 | Fr. Eugene Plantaz |
| 02 | Fr. Maurice Domenge |
| Fr. FirminDafflon | |
| 03 | Fr. Joseph Rey |
| 04 | Fr. Marie Lucien Baltassat |
| Bro. Joseph Eluppakkatt | |
| 05 | Bro. Joseph Thabuis |
| Fr. Joseph Degeneve | |
| Fr. Jean Marie Favre | |
| 06 | Mgr. Jean Marie Crochet |
| Fr. Jean Francois Foulex | |
| Fr. Joseph Marie Favre | |
| Fr. Joseph Puthenkulam | |
| 08 | Bro. Joseph Vulliez |
| Bro. Francois Dufresne | |
| Fr. Victor Vermont | |
| 09 Fr. Francois Neyroud | |
| Fr. Joseph Bouvard | |
| Fr. John D’costa | |
| 11 | Fr. Alphonse Voisin |
| Fr. Charles Buck | |
| 13 | Bro. Alphonse Roustan |
| Fr. Anton Gabriel Lobo | |
| 14 | Fr. Alphonse Voisin |
| Fr. Joseph Quibler | |
| 15 | Fr. Francois Briffod |
| 16 | Fr. Pierre Vittoz |
| Fr. Georges Daviet | |
| 17 | Fr. Jean Marie Dupont |
| Fr. Louis Duperrier | |
| 18 | Bro. Francis Baussand |
| Bro. Francis Baussand | |
| 21 | Fr. Bro. Sulpice Fontanel |
| Fr. Joseph Augert | |
| 22 | Fr. Joseph Augert |
| Fr. Joseph Augert | |
| 23 | Fr. Joseph Augert |
| 25 | Fr. Joseph Augert |
| Fr. Joseph Augert | |
| Fr. Joseph Augert | |
| 26 | Fr. Joseph Augert |
| Fr. Joseph Augert | |
| 27 | Fr. Joseph Augert |
| Fr. Joseph Augert | |
| Fr. Joseph Augert | |
| Fr. Joseph Augert | |
| 29 | Fr. Albert Tissot |
| 30 | Fr. Albert Tissot |
| Fr. Albert Tissot |
Let Us Continue to Pray for the Deceased Members of Our Congregation
iv LET US PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED
Mr. Vedhamuthu, aged 78, father of Fr. V. Vedharaj, expired on 14th May, 2020.
May his soul rest in peace!
May I request those who have not fulfilled the suffrages to do the same at the earliest. (Const. No.118; General Directory No.98)
Yours Sincerely in Christ,
Fr.K.Ignaci Muthu, Msfs
Provincial Superior
South-East India Province
Missionaries of Saint Francis De Sales (MSFS)
Thirukkural:
தினைத்துணை நன்றி செயினும் பனைத்துணையாக்
கொள்வர் பயன் தெரிவார்
விளக்கம்:
ஒருவன்தினையளவாகிய உதவியைச்செய்த போதிலும் அதன்பயனை ஆராய்கின்றவர். அதனையே பனையளவாகக் கொண்டு போற்றுவர்.
Couplet:
Each benefit to those of actions’ fruit who rightly deem,
Though small as millet-seed, as palm-tree vast will seem
English Explanation:
Though the benefit conferred be as small as a millet seed, those who know its
advantage will consider it as large as a palmyra fruit
Transliteration:
Thinaiththunai Nandri Seyinum Panaiththunaiyaak
Kolvar Payandheri Vaar