My Dear Confreres,

Greetings of peace and joy to all of you!

We are in the season of Advent. We are preparing ourselves to celebrate the feast of Christmas. What does it mean to us? Christmas give us a lot of Good News. I would like to high light the virtue of sacrifice that Christmas signifies.

THE SACRIFICE OF GOD THE FATHER

When god wanted to redeem the world, he made different attempts without success. Finally “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.” (Jn 3: 16). Giving up His only son is not a simple thing, but signifies God choosing the way of sacrifice than His power. It means a lot of sacrifice, from the part of God. And He sacrificed His only son for our sake. It is a sacrifice par
excellence.

THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST THE SON

When God wanted His only son to come down to earth and be born as a human person to redeem the humanity, the second person of the Trinity readily agreed. “Who though he was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be seized. Instead, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and accepting the state of a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, even death on the cross.” (Phill 2: 6 – 8). Our catholic faith is that Jesus Christ gave up all his godly nature and power and sacrificed all and became a man. There is no other parallel to this sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

THE SACRIFICE OF MARY OUR MOTHER

It is normal for any young woman to dream of a happy family life. In spite of all the development in all various fields and even after 2000 years, still family name, cultural values etc are sacrosanct for our girls and women. But in an era of secluded thinking, and in a male dominated society, a young woman to become pregnant before marriage is unthinkable and is an abomination. “Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Mk 1:38). Mary our mother sacrificed everything – her family name, he own name, her future etc for the sake of bringing to the world the Redeemer. As a human person, her sacrifice was supreme.

As Christmas signifies, we need to follow the virtue of sacrifice. As religious, our sacrifice must be much more than of the ordinary people. Having taken solemn Evangelical Vows, we cannot hold anything of our own and we need to make sacrifice continuously and consistently. With deep trust in God, let us live a life of sacrifice and thus glorify God and bring Good News to the people.

CONGREGATIONAL MATTERS

GENERAL CHAPTER

As you know, we have the 20th General Chapter to be held in the year 2019. By way of preparation and involvement of all the confreres, Rev. Fr. General has sent us three working papers and a circular. I have already forwarded all these documents for your personal reflection and also for discussion at the community and apostolic community level. You have to send the proposals to the General Administration to be considered in the 20th General Chapter. The convener of the respected apostolic communities and the superiors of the respected communities are requested to have a meeting as specified for this purpose to reflect, study and to give concrete proposals.

OFFICIAL LOGO FOR THE GENERAL CHAPTER 2019

Our Beloved Superior General has presented to the Congregation the Logo for the General Chapter 2019. My dear fathers we have a LOGO prepared for the next General Chapter 2019. The Logo includes of the 19th General Chapter and its thrust points such as the Community Life, Mission, MSFSness and the Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. Hereafter this Logo will officially used in reference to Chapter 2019. As requested by the Superior General this LOGO shall be displayed in our Provincial House, Formation Houses and local community.

INTER – PROVINCE MATTERS

REGIONAL FORMATION FORUM MEETING

Two days of Regional Formation Forum meeting w as held on November 22nd and 23rd at Nagpur Provincialate under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Noel, the General Councillor in-charge for Formation. The forum was coloured by the presence of the entire six province Councillors, in – charge for formation and the secretaries of the formation forum. It was an experience of collective discernment and deliberations. The meeting was aimed at bringing structural changes at respective stages of formation as we introduce Graded formation from the coming academic year. The Forum came up with several proposals for each stage of formation beginning from Vocation Promotion to On-going formation of priests.

Fr. D. Sheen

PROVINCE MATTERS

RECTIFICATION

Fr. L. Arul Sundaram and Fr. L. Sahaya Basker were designated to US Vice Province. In respect of Fr. L. Arul Sundaram and Fr. L. Sahaya Basker joining the US Vice Province, a procedural mistake occurred inadvertently. On the advice of the General Council, the Superior General has directed the Provincial Administration to rectify the mistake and follow the norm. As such, the procedural mistake is hereby rectified. Both the fathers will have five years of discernment period. Thereafter a decision will be made in accordance with the norms of the Congregation, involving both the provinces and with the approval of the General Council. During this discernment period, both the fathers will have their active and passive voting rights in the South-East India Province.

TRIPLE CELEBRATION

In view of celebrating the Feast of St. Francis De Sales, the 450th Birth Anniversary of our Heavenly Patron St. Francis De Sales and the Silver Jubilee of Fr. S. Alexander & Fr. A. Lawrence, an organizing committee is constituted. The following are the members of the committee:

  1.  Fr. D. Kanikkai, the Convener
  2.  Fr. M. Nicholas
  3. Fr. D. Sheen
  4. Fr. M. Benjamin

ONGOING FORMATION

Giving impetus to ongoing formation of our confreres, an organizing committee is constituted. The following are the members of the committee:

  1. Fr. A. Santhiyagu, the Convenor
  2. Fr. D. Kanikkai
  3. Fr. C. John Britto
  4. Fr. A. Christu Raj
  5. Fr. N. Arokia Selvam

APPOINTMENTS

Fr. George Kootinal Correspondent SFS School, Pudukkottai
Fr. A. Lawrence Superior SFS School Community, Pudukkottai

CONCLUDING CEREMONY OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL “EN PARAMPARIYAM”

St. Francis De Sales Matric Higher Secondary in Vaniyambadi had the concluding ceremony of the sports festivals which began on 05-09-2017. It was conducted under the theme “En Parampariyam 2017.” Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, Msfs the provincial superior was the chief guest and the guest of honor was Mr. Venkatesan, a parent of the school.

The program was tuned to show the Indian culture and the heritage, and special reference to Tamil tradition. There were cultural dances reflecting various regions of our country and of our state. Traditional games of our state were staged. In the chief guest address, Fr. Provincial emphasized on the Holistic education and congratulated the SFS Family for the wonderful program. The prizes were distributed for the winners of the sports and games. The fund arising out of amount collected for coming late to school was given to two Government Schools of the locality for its development. Fr. Correspondent gave the vote of thanks. There were also many fathers and sisters from far and near to grace the occasion.

Bro. S. Pradeep Jerald

LITTLE PICASSO – 2017 (STATE LEVEL DRAWING COMPETITION)

In the Year of Education and social apostolates, the SFS family at Vaniyambadi is glad to organize, for the first time, a Province level drawing competition for the students of all our schools in the South- East India Province.  reliminary round will be conducted in the respective schools and the final competition will be held on 19.01.2018 at SFS School, Vaniyambadi. There will be Prizes for the winners at both the School and the State level.

SFS Family, Vaniyambadi

INTER- SCHOOL COMPETITIONS OF THE PROVINCE

To bring out the talents of our students and to show the oneness, the SFS Group of Educational Institutions of the South East India Province has decided to conduct an inter- School games, sports and literary Competitions on 19th of January 2018 at SFS school Vaniyambadi. Rev. Fr. George Parampukattil, Msfs, the General Councilor -in-charge of Education will be gracing the day in the presence of the Provincial.

FLAG HOSTING OF THE ANNUAL FEAST OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER, PANDIAN NAGAR, VIRUDHUNAGAR

The Parish Community at Pandian Nagar was joy filled and jubilant on 24th November 2017 as the 18th Annual Parish Feast began with the Flag hoisting. On the same our MSFS Family in South East India Province released a C D named “Anbin Adhisayam”. Our beloved Provincial Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, and the Provincial Councilor and Admonitor Fr. A. Santhiyagu and good number of MSFS Confreres were present for this occasion.

There was a solemn procession with the flag around the Church. Hoisting of the flag was indeed a great experience. Fr Provincial preached an excellent homily during the Eucharistic celebration on the importance of confession. The Parish Community was happy to celebrate these two events on the occasion of 450th Birth Day of our Heavenly Patron St Francis De Sales. It was indeed a great blessing for all of us.

After the Eucharist Celebration during the cultural program our Provincial appreciated and thanked all the people. In a special way, he appreciated the Parish Priest of Pandian Nagar Fr. N. Arokiaselvam, and the community for creative and innovative way of celebrating.

Fr. Santhiyagu the Provincial Councilor and Admonitor shared his personal experiences telling us how God works inspiring us in various ways. The C D was released by the Provincial and the first copy was given to Fr. C. John Britto, Parish Priest of Nalattinputhur. After the Mass and the cultural programs, there was a fellowship meal (Anbin Virunthu). It was shared by the Parishioners. The events of flag hoisting, Eucharistic celebration, and the cultural evening with a fellowship meal revived and strengthened the bond of fraternity and brotherhood in the Parish
family.

Fr. N. Arokiaselvam, MSFS

PASTORAL CARE, LEADERSHIP AND COUNSELLING

The course on Pastoral Care, Leadership and Counselling was held in HARMONY, a Pastoral Theological Institute at Belgaum, Karnataka. This program was arranged from 5thto 24thNovember 2017. The instructor of this course was Dr. Charles Gravenstine, a retired University professor from USA. Dn. Sathish, Dn. Britto and Dn. Arockia Doss attended this course as part of the pastoral program. The lectures and the discussions of the course consisted of pastoral care, models of communication, family systems theory, leadership and counseling. The course was helpful to make one understand the pastoral situation with the help of feelings in ministry, listening skills and theological reflection.

Dn. S. Arockia Doss

ORDINATION TO PRIESTHOOD

DN. G. MERRY BENZER

Dn. G. Merry Benzer, Msfs hails from Kadiapattanam, Kanyakumari (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. S. George and Mrs. Mary. He has two younger sisters and one younger brother. He had his primary school at St. Peter’s Primary School and high schooling at Sacred Heart High School at Kadiapattanam. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2004 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 10th June, 2008. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at SFS School, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. He completed his M.Ph at Suvidya College and theology at JDV Theological College, Pune. He was ordained a deacon by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Rebello, the Bishop of Aurangabad at Fransalian Seminary on 28th January, 2017. He will be ordained a priest by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Nazarene Soosai, Bishop of Kottar at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Church, Kadiapattanam on 21st January, 2018.

DN. J. PACKIA SATHISH KUMAR

Dn. J. Packia Sathish Kumar, MSFS hails from T. Sindalacherry, Theni (Dt), Tamilnadu. His parents are Mr. P. Jesu and Mrs. Salathammal. He has a younger brother. He had his schooling in Amala Annai Higher Secondary School at T. Sindalacherry. He began his minor seminary at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukottai in 2007 and had His Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 10th June, 2010. He pursued his Philosophical studies and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

 

He did his regency at SFS School Residential School, Kolli Hills. He had his Theological Studies at Tejas Vidya Peetha, Bangalore and was ordained a deacon by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Mores, the Archbishop of Bangalore at Tejas Vidya Peetha on 18th February, 2017. He will be ordained a priest by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Antony Pappusamy, the Archbishop of Madurai at Sacred Heart Church, T. Sindalacherry on 28th January, 2018.

DN. D. BRITTO

Dn. D. Britto, Msfs hails from Ammapatty, Dindigul (DT), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. R. Devasahayam and Mrs. D. Vimalamary. He has two elder brothers. He had his primary school at R.C. Middle school in Ammapatty and high schooling at R. C. High school, Silukuvarpatti. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2005 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 10th June, 2009. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

 

He did his Regency at SFS Matriculation School, Perumbakkam and in Vayalogam and SFS Seminary Pudukkottai and theology at Tejas Vidya Peetha, Bangalore. He was ordained a deacon by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Mores, the Archbishop of Bangalore at Tejas Vidya Peetha on 18th February, 2017. He will be ordained a priest by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Antony Pappusamy, DD., S.T.D Archbishop of Madurai at St. Antony’s Church, Ammapatty on 29th January, 2018.

MONTH OF DECEMBER

BIRTHDAYS OF OUR CONFRERES

Fr. S. Stephen Xavier 03
Fr. N. Arokiaselvam 04
Fr. A. Christu Raj 14
Fr. M. Darline 24
Fr. P. Johnson Jeyabal 25
Fr. S. Jose Devasahayam 27
Fr. S. Ashir Johnson 28
Fr. M. Joseph Anish Kumar 31

We wish them Happy Birthday and God’s Abundant Blessings upon them

ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY OF OUR CONFRERES

Fr. Ignacimuthu K 10
Fr. John de Britto M 26
Fr. Arockiam S 26
Fr. Arokiaselvam N 27
Fr. Christu Raj A 27
Fr. Kanikkai Nathan D 27
Fr. Joseph Anish Kumar M 27

We congratulate and pray for them

LET US REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR THE DEAD

MSFS OBITUARY – DECEMBER

02 Bro. Joseph Rannard
Fr. Albert Dangelmaier
03 Bro. Jean Pierre Piccot
Fr. Blaise Deleaval
Fr. Mathew Nadackal
05 Fr. Joseph Lavorel
Fr. Jules Rey
Bro. Maxime Gendre
06 Fr. Francois Decompoix
Fr. Jean Grosfort
07 Bro. Anton Betz
Bro. Laurentius Hein
08 Fr. Antoine Guillermin
Bro. Anthony Monicum
12 Fr. Vincent Coffy
Fr. Charles Polamarachetty
13 Fr. Henri Grandjacques
14 Fr. Sebastian Puthutundiyil
16 Fr. Jerome Ribeira
17 Fr. Francois Granjux
18 Fr. Louis Orsier
Bro. Francis
Fr. Francois Guenard
Bro. Nicholas Appao
Bro. Paul Chauffat
19 Bro. John Cosgrove
20 Fr. Ernest Thevenet
21 Bro. Lawrence Botha
Fr. Maria John Bosco
Fr. Paul Samy
23 Fr. Jacques Fulpin
Fr. Jean Exartier
24 Bro. Joseph D’santos
Fr. Jean Baptiste Salomon
26 Bro. Augustine Vas
29 Fr. Jules Contat
Fr. Johnn Paul Utz
30 Fr. Alphonse Grorod
31 Fr. Antoine Mordasini
Fr. Elie Meynet

Let Us Continue to Pray for the Deceased Members of Our Congregation

LET US PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED

  • Mrs. Jessy, the Mother of Bro. S. Desas, aged 57, expired on 20th November, 2017.a

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

December

08th Fr. Gabriel’s Memorial Lecture at Suvidya College, Bangalore.
15th Blessing of New Church at Maharajapuram, Thirukogarnam, Pudukkottai.
16th Council Meeting at Provincialate, Trichy.
17th Regents Meet at Provincialate, Trichy.
22nd Christmas Celebration at Holy Cross Blossom School, Trichy.
25th Christmas Mass at St. Joseph Church, Sendurai.
28th Mission Team Going to Africa (Fr. Soosai & Bro. Winner).

Yours Fraternally in Christ,
Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, Msfs
Provincial Superior

THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION AND MEDITATION

  1. BIBLE QUOTE
    1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” [Isaiah 40: 1-5]
  2.  SALESIAN THOUGHT
    “Just as there is a dead faith, there must also be a living faith which always bears good fruits in all seasons. It is excellent. Joined and united with charity and vivified by it, it is strong, firm and constant. It performs many great and good works which deserve the praise: So charity united to faith is not only followed by all the virtues, but from this results the multitude of good works of a living faith.”
  3. STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART OF FR. PETER MARIE MERMIER
    “May the members of our congregation obtain from the perfect model, the Holy Apostolate of the Chablais, a little of that zeal and gentleness which will make us die to ourselves in order to live only for God and for the welfare of the people, like other St. Francis De Sales.” [Circular to Confreres in India, 17-04- 1952]
  4. A THOUGHT FROM GREAT POET THIRUVALLUVAR
    THIRUKKURAL
    தானம் தவமிரண்டும் தங்கா வியனுலகம் வானம்
    வழங்கா தெனின்விளக்கம்:
    இப்பேருலகில் மழை பொய்த்து விடுமானால் அது பிறர் பொருட்டுச் செய்யும்தானத்திற்கும் தன் பொருட்டு மேற்கொள்ளும் நோம்புக்கும் தடங்கலாகும்Couplet:If heaven its watery treasures ceases to dispense, Through the wide world cease gifts, and deeds of ‘penitence’Explanation :If rain fall not, penance and alms-deeds will not dwell within this spacious world

    Transliteration :
    Thaanam Thavamirantum Thangaa Viyanulakam
    Vaanam Vazhangaa Thenin