OSFS INDIAN MISSION

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OSFS INDIAN MISSION NEWSLETTER


Live Jesus ! Samarpanaram, February 3rd,2003 My dear DeSales-Oblates confreres! I come to you after quite a long absence. It is the day after the Anniversary of our Founder’s death and the time indeed has not been uneventful. The most significant event is of course the back pain of Fr. John Dolan (discitis), which became so severe that we had to decide to change some of our earlier arrangements. Though Fr. Dolan is still with us, he will at the earliest convenience go home to the States and have a thorough health check up in order to determine the origin of his pain which nailed him to bed for almost three months. With this letter I also wish John all the best. John leaves no doubt in me that his intention is to return to India in order to continue to support OSFS Asia. I ask you to pray for his good healing and an early return to India. This situation led of course to a significant change for the Novitiate. Since Christmas Fr. Smuda has assumed the job as Assistant Novice Master and as of last week he has also moved to the Novitiate Building. He is the acting Novice Master. Please do not forget him in your prayers as well. I will assume the other remaining responsibilities in the house until the new team starts at the beginning of June. Please pray for me! Concerning next year’s arrangements we had a very intense meeting at the middle of January and decided following assignments for the coming year. The necessary approval of the Superior General has been sought and granted. Academic year 2003/2004: Samarpanaram: Superior Fr. Josef Koeltringer Treasurer Fr. Josef Koeltringer Master of Scholastics Fr. Josef Koeltringer Novice Master Fr. Alfred Smuda Assistant in all areas Fr. Shaju Kanjiramparayil Part Time Counseling Fr. Shaju Kanjiramparayil Salespuram: Superior Fr. Baiju Puthussery Treasurer, Staff Fr. Sebastian Leitner Staff Fr. Mathew Mukkath Part Time Parish or School Ministry Fr. Baiju and Fr. Mathew I do thank all the confreres for working together and accepting those assignments. Another result of the meeting is a list of criteria, which we agreed upon together. This list will be used while discussing and finding out which new apostolates to undertake in Asia as well as to evaluate already existing apostolates. We will revisit these criteria every three to five years. I believe they have value and you will find them at the end of this letter. On January 25th we were lucky enough to celebrate the ordination to the priesthood of our confrere Fr. Mathew Mukkath osfs. It was a grand celebration. Fr Baiju, Fr. Josef, Fr. Eugen (visiting from Austria), all scholastics and myself witnessed a well-prepared ordination and first mass in the Cathedral, Mathew’s Home Parish. In the evening of that day the gathering of Indian DeSales Oblates with the family of Mathew remains a happy memory. Thank you Fr. Mathew for allowing God to work through you. In a few days we expect the arrival of Fr. Albertus Joseph (Allie) osfs from South Africa for a six-month stay in India. I extend a warm welcome to him. After a few days of settling in Bangalore he will join the Salespuram community to help in the formation of our candidates there. With his arrival in India we will for the first time in Oblate history (I think) have a community built of representatives of five Continents: Asia, represented by our Indian confreres, North America represented by Fr. John Dolan, Fr. Tony Ceresko and Fr. Fred Smuda, South America represented by Fr. Fred Smuda (a true Brazilian by heart), Africa represented by Fr. Allie and finally Europe represented by Fr. Josef and myself. I am exited about this and am looking forward to the richness of our differences. Let us see how it works out! On February 1st 2003 Fr. Josef Koeltringer left for the Philippines for one month. His visit there has more reasons. First and foremost it is meant, to keep in touch with Fr. Ceresko who has not seen an Oblate in at least one year. Then there are some formalities with the SVD College where Fr. Ceresko works that have to be clarified. Fr. Josef will also visit some bishops of the new 6 or 8 dioceses developing out of one diocese in Manila after Cardinal Sin’s retirement next year. Finally Josef’s duty is to submit a concrete financial plan for the next three to five years, should we really start there. I had originally planned to accompany Fr. Josef at least for 10 days. I decided to cancel my journey, because of the situation here in India. It seems at the moment very clear that we don’t have enough personnel to make this step. But we want to continue to look into the possibility. The criteria we agreed upon will help us to make the right decision at the appropriate time. A Brazilian proverb says, that only when the bull cart moves forward things in the cart will fall into place through the agitation due to the bumpiness of the road. I truly encourage us all to continue to move forward, not to worry about the bumps on the road. Once we start sitting back, things cannot fall into place. This is why I will continue to foster the Chablais Spirit of our Congregation. Especially the encounter with other cultures helps us to grow deeper in what we are about. Nobody has to worry that we will not take proper care of the ‘Formation of our young confreres in India’ (first priority), whom God has numerously sent to us. But next to this priority the ‘Spreading of the Salesian Spirituality’ (second priority) should always take place with a part of ‘Chablais Spirit’ (third priority). Subsequently to these three main priorities, which I envision, I also see a ‘Certain financial independence’ (fourth priority) of the Asian Region as well as ‘Possible future vocations’ (fifth priority) as major goals. During the Christmas break our philosophers worked on Salesian spirituality as well as on their English. In addition they had a day of self-evaluation to find out more clearly where they are at present as DeSales Oblates. One fruit of this time before the BA Semester started is worth to be shared. In groups they were asked, what would they see as major differences to other Congregations? The result of their reflections can be found at the end of this letter. In a quiet moment, in a moment of reflection of where you are right now within the Congregation as professed member, I recommend to you to do your own list and not only that. After having written your personal list, you could evaluate where you are. Are there differences? Similarities? Are these differences something, which can be found on paper only, or have they become a reality in my life, for which I am responsible. And maybe you could share them with one or two other brothers, if you can find similarities, differences. I encourage the personal exchange about these matters. Let me close with some thoughts from the Introduction to the devout life. In it St. Francis de Sales speaks about the “Spiritual Bouquet”. In the last months this “bouquet” has become a word that we have heard again and again in Samarpanaram. I encourage you to create your personal “spiritual bouquet” every day. “By this I mean: People who walk in a beautiful garden never leave it willingly without gathering some flowers to ‘smell’ throughout the day. So too with us. From the mystery we have meditated upon, we ought to gather some few thoughts which are more to our taste and more suited to our advancement, so as to reflect upon them and ‘smell’ them throughout the rest of the day.” (IDL Chapter 7, Part 2) The spiritual bouquet is a good means to remain in the presence of God throughout the day. In Chapter 8 of the same part of the Introduction Saint Francis de Sales uses another image to help us to find the right combination between our meditation and its resolutions and our daily activities. He recommends going from meditation into our active life like someone carrying a costly liquid into his home in a beautiful porcelain vase. “That is what we must do after meditation. We must not permit ourselves to be too quickly distracted, but simply look directly ahead. Understandably, if we meet someone whom we must speak to or listen to, we must do so, but in such a way as to keep an eye on our heart so that only the very least amount of the liquid of mental prayer is allowed to be lost.” It is always a challenge for me to remain in the presence of God and to keep the precious liquid in its vase. I have days, where right after meditation I pour out the whole thing and forget to refill it. I have days, where neither the “Spiritual bouquet” nor the “precious liquid in a beautiful vase” come back to my mind before night prayer. I have also other days! Thanks be to God! I greet all the brothers in Salespuram, Samarpanaram, Pallakad, Nidadavole, Monaco and the Philippines. I greet also all other DeSales-Oblates all around the world. Let us be united in prayers! God bless you! Fr. Sebastian Leitner osfs Criteria for Evaluating Apostolates Does the apostolate reflect Our Call as Asian Region (Declaration)? Does this apostolate provide the opportunity to live and share with others our Salesian Spirituality? Does this apostolate allow for living the vows in community with other DeSales Oblates, a community that gathers regularly for prayer that lives simply and is characterized by the struggle for God’s kingdom? Does this apostolate reflect our option to “promote justice with regard to the oppressed and downtrodden”? Does this apostolate provide opportunities for contact, interaction and dialogue with people of different Christian Churches, religious traditions and secular ideologies? Does this apostolate enable to maintain alive the missionary Spirit of St. Francis in the Chablais? Does it answer the needs of the local church and the signs of the time? Does this apostolate enable the members of the region/area to meet each other regularly? Is the continuity of this apostolate ensured for a reasonable amount of time? Does it enable us to live and practice our priesthood? Does it respect the origin and culture of our members? Does it ensure the need of minimal number of personnel for internal ministries? (Formation, Administration) Does it allow our new priests to get some different pastoral experiences after their ordination (2 years)? Does it allow Ongoing Formation/further studies as a help for - personal growth and - pastoral ministry and/or internal ministry. Does it take into consideration future vocations? 20 Things that make us different from other Congregations! (Inquiry among the Philosophers of Samarpanaram) We have the spiritual Directory Love is our special bond We have a Good Mother We don’t have any sort of hierarchy among ourselves. We are the total imitation of the will of Christ! Our relation with our superiors is indeed friendly. We consider our Congregation as our home as well as our house. We are charitable toward our superiors and other brothers Our obedience is not a blind one Oblates are essentially interior persons. We love more those who come from other countries and who are strangers. Our superiors make us aware of the Presence of God by asking loudly if we are in the presence of God. We obey to God directly. We do it freely lovingly spontaneously. We not only imitate Saint Francis de Sales but also we continue his work. We are called to enter the society seen as it is. Ample freedom is given to ones who are under formation Our congregation includes cleric religious and lay religious. We are apostles of the Gospel We understand well our dignity in being our own master. Our obedience is an act of true independence of the will of Christ. (Mathias, Bhasker, Alex Martin) Spiritual Directory and Constitutions Motto Live Jesus Our Founder Virtues Our Approach towards vows Emphasis on Community Life Charity Charism Spreading the Salesian Spirituality Formation Direction of Intention Acting according to the needs of the time Preparation of the Day Love Equality Spiritual Bouquet We never show that we are better than others Accept the person as he is Consecration to the Blessed Sacrament once a month Bloom where you are planted (Bala, Albert, Thomas) Spiritual Directory Practicing the Spiritual Directory Special honor to our Lady of Light We have no bond but the bond of love Practicing Charity Direction of Intention Planning of the Day Nothing by force, everything through love Renewal of vows on 1st of every month Respect for one’s own will Freedom with responsibility Respect to the sacred heart on 1st Friday Ask Nothing and refuse nothing Profession cross We are thankful for our vocation Spiritual Bouquet Community weekend Respect for the workers House Council Movies on Fridays (John George, Chandra, Alex Simon) Directory Our congregation has a female touch Oblation We are following spiritual aspect of Saint Francis de Sales, which is very personal. Adapted to modernity Founder had a scientific spirit. We consider knowledge as the 8th sacrament We accept individuality Our Motto is to LIVE JESUS We reprint the Gospel by living the Directory We clearly believe that all are called to holiness. We are founded in 1873, October 12th. Lady of Light is our patroness Very close to St. Francis We are known for hospitality and gentleness. Able to read the signs of the time. Our charism is very special, not only spreading but continue the work of Saint Francis de Sales. We are not conservative and freed from old religious dogmas and practices. Our aim is Union with God No Superior Inferior Outlook (Jayaraj, Jinesh, Shanees) TOP \| HOME

Live Jesus !
Samarpanaram, February 3rd,2003

My dear DeSales-Oblates confreres!

I come to you after quite a long absence. It is the day after the Anniversary of our Founder’s death and the time indeed has not been uneventful.

The most significant event is of course the back pain of Fr. John Dolan (discitis), which became so severe that we had to decide to change some of our earlier arrangements. Though Fr. Dolan is still with us, he will at the earliest convenience go home to the States and have a thorough health check up in order to determine the origin of his pain which nailed him to bed for almost three months. With this letter I also wish John all the best. John leaves no doubt in me that his intention is to return to India in order to continue to support OSFS Asia. I ask you to pray for his good healing and an early return to India.

This situation led of course to a significant change for the Novitiate. Since Christmas Fr. Smuda has assumed the job as Assistant Novice Master and as of last week he has also moved to the Novitiate Building. He is the acting Novice Master. Please do not forget him in your prayers as well. I will assume the other remaining responsibilities in the house until the new team starts at the beginning of June. Please pray for me!

Concerning next year’s arrangements we had a very intense meeting at the middle of January and decided following assignments for the coming year. The necessary approval of the Superior General has been sought and granted.

Academic year 2003/2004:
Samarpanaram:           Superior                                  Fr. Josef Koeltringer
                                   Treasurer                                Fr. Josef Koeltringer
                                   Master of Scholastics             Fr. Josef Koeltringer
                                   Novice Master                                   Fr. Alfred Smuda
                                   Assistant in all areas               Fr. Shaju Kanjiramparayil
                                   Part Time Counseling             Fr. Shaju Kanjiramparayil

Salespuram:                Superior                                  Fr. Baiju Puthussery
                                   Treasurer, Staff                      Fr. Sebastian Leitner
                                   Staff                                       Fr. Mathew Mukkath
                                   Part Time Parish or School
                                   Ministry          Fr. Baiju and Fr. Mathew

I do thank all the confreres for working together and accepting those assignments.

Another result of the meeting is a list of criteria, which we agreed upon together. This list will be used while discussing and finding out which new apostolates to undertake in Asia as well as to evaluate already existing apostolates. We will revisit these criteria every three to five years. I believe they have value and you will find them at the end of this letter.

On January 25th we were lucky enough to celebrate the ordination to the priesthood of our confrere Fr. Mathew Mukkath osfs. It was a grand celebration. Fr Baiju, Fr. Josef, Fr. Eugen (visiting from Austria), all scholastics and myself witnessed a well-prepared ordination and first mass in the Cathedral, Mathew’s Home Parish. In the evening of that day the gathering of Indian DeSales Oblates with the family of Mathew remains a happy memory. Thank you Fr. Mathew for allowing God to work through you.

In a few days we expect the arrival of Fr. Albertus Joseph (Allie) osfs from South Africa for a six-month stay in India. I extend a warm welcome to him. After a few days of settling in Bangalore he will join the Salespuram community to help in the formation of our candidates there.

With his arrival in India we will for the first time in Oblate history (I think) have a community built of representatives of five Continents: Asia, represented by our Indian confreres, North America represented by Fr. John Dolan, Fr. Tony Ceresko and Fr. Fred Smuda, South America represented by Fr. Fred Smuda (a true Brazilian by heart), Africa represented by Fr. Allie and finally Europe represented by Fr. Josef and myself. I am exited about this and am looking forward to the richness of our differences. Let us see how it works out!

On February 1st 2003 Fr. Josef Koeltringer left for the Philippines for one month. His visit there has more reasons. First and foremost it is meant, to keep in touch with Fr. Ceresko who has not seen an Oblate in at least one year. Then there are some formalities with the SVD College where Fr. Ceresko works that have to be clarified. Fr. Josef will also visit some bishops of the new 6 or 8 dioceses developing out of one diocese in Manila after Cardinal Sin’s retirement next year. Finally Josef’s duty is to submit a concrete financial plan for the next three to five years, should we really start there. I had originally planned to accompany Fr. Josef at least for 10 days. I decided to cancel my journey, because of the situation here in India. It seems at the moment very clear that we don’t have enough personnel to make this step. But we want to continue to look into the possibility. The criteria we agreed upon will help us to make the right decision at the appropriate time.

A Brazilian proverb says, that only when the bull cart moves forward things in the cart will fall into place through the agitation due to the bumpiness of the road. I truly encourage us all to continue to move forward, not to worry about the bumps on the road. Once we start sitting back, things cannot fall into place. This is why I will continue to foster the Chablais Spirit of our Congregation. Especially the encounter with other cultures helps us to grow deeper in what we are about. Nobody has to worry that we will not take proper care of the ‘Formation of our young confreres in India’ (first priority), whom God has numerously sent to us. But next to this priority the ‘Spreading of the Salesian Spirituality’ (second priority) should always take place with a part of ‘Chablais Spirit’ (third priority). Subsequently to these three main priorities, which I envision, I also see a ‘Certain financial independence’ (fourth priority) of the Asian Region as well as ‘Possible future vocations’ (fifth priority) as major goals.

During the Christmas break our philosophers worked on Salesian spirituality as well as on their English. In addition they had a day of self-evaluation to find out more clearly where they are at present as DeSales Oblates. One fruit of this time before the BA Semester started is worth to be shared. In groups they were asked, what would they see as major differences to other Congregations? The result of their reflections can be found at the end of this letter. In a quiet moment, in a moment of reflection of where you are right now within the Congregation as professed member, I recommend to you to do your own list and not only that. After having written your personal list, you could evaluate where you are. Are there differences? Similarities? Are these differences something, which can be found on paper only, or have they become a reality in my life, for which I am responsible. And maybe you could share them with one or two other brothers, if you can find similarities, differences. I encourage the personal exchange about these matters.

Let me close with some thoughts from the Introduction to the devout life.

In it St. Francis de Sales speaks about the “Spiritual Bouquet”. In the last months this “bouquet” has become a word that we have heard again and again in Samarpanaram. I encourage you to create your personal “spiritual bouquet” every day. “By this I mean: People who walk in a beautiful garden never leave it willingly without gathering some flowers to ‘smell’ throughout the day. So too with us. From the mystery we have meditated upon, we ought to gather some few thoughts which are more to our taste and more suited to our advancement, so as to reflect upon them and ‘smell’ them throughout the rest of the day.” (IDL Chapter 7, Part 2) The spiritual bouquet is a good means to remain in the presence of God throughout the day.

In Chapter 8 of the same part of the Introduction Saint Francis de Sales uses another image to help us to find the right combination between our meditation and its resolutions and our daily activities. He recommends going from meditation into our active life like someone carrying a costly liquid into his home in a beautiful porcelain vase. “That is what we must do after meditation. We must not permit ourselves to be too quickly distracted, but simply look directly ahead. Understandably, if we meet someone whom we must speak to or listen to, we must do so, but in such a way as to keep an eye on our heart so that only the very least amount of the liquid of mental prayer is allowed to be lost.”

It is always a challenge for me to remain in the presence of God and to keep the precious liquid in its vase. I have days, where right after meditation I pour out the whole thing and forget to refill it. I have days, where neither the “Spiritual bouquet” nor the “precious liquid in a beautiful vase” come back to my mind before night prayer. I have also other days! Thanks be to God!

I greet all the brothers in Salespuram, Samarpanaram, Pallakad, Nidadavole, Monaco and the Philippines. I greet also all other DeSales-Oblates all around the world. Let us be united in prayers!

God bless you!

Fr. Sebastian Leitner osfs

Criteria for Evaluating Apostolates

Does the apostolate reflect Our Call as Asian Region (Declaration)?

Does this apostolate provide the opportunity to live and share with others our Salesian Spirituality?

Does this apostolate allow for living the vows in community with other DeSales Oblates, a community that gathers regularly for prayer that lives simply and is characterized by the struggle for God’s kingdom?

Does this apostolate reflect our option to “promote justice with regard to the oppressed and downtrodden”?

Does this apostolate provide opportunities for contact, interaction and dialogue with people of different Christian Churches, religious traditions and secular ideologies?

Does this apostolate enable to maintain alive the missionary Spirit of St. Francis in the Chablais?

Does it answer the needs of the local church and the signs of the time?

Does this apostolate enable the members of the region/area to meet each other regularly?

Is the continuity of this apostolate ensured for a reasonable amount of time?

Does it enable us to live and practice our priesthood?

Does it respect the origin and culture of our members?

Does it ensure the need of minimal number of personnel for internal ministries? (Formation, Administration)

Does it allow our new priests to get some different pastoral experiences after their ordination (2 years)?

Does it allow Ongoing Formation/further studies as a help for
                    - personal growth and
                    - pastoral ministry and/or internal ministry.

Does it take into consideration future vocations?

20 Things that make us different from other Congregations!
(Inquiry among the Philosophers of Samarpanaram)

We have the spiritual Directory

Love is our special bond

We have a Good Mother

We don’t have any sort of hierarchy among ourselves.

We are the total imitation of the will of Christ!

Our relation with our superiors is indeed friendly.

We consider our Congregation as our home as well as our house.

We are charitable toward our superiors and other brothers

Our obedience is not a blind one

Oblates are essentially interior persons.

We love more those who come from other countries and who are strangers.

Our superiors make us aware of the Presence of God by asking loudly if we are in the presence of God.

We obey to God directly. We do it freely lovingly spontaneously.

We not only imitate Saint Francis de Sales but also we continue his work.

We are called to enter the society seen as it is.

Ample freedom is given to ones who are under formation

Our congregation includes cleric religious and lay religious.

We are apostles of the Gospel

We understand well our dignity in being our own master.

Our obedience is an act of true independence of the will of Christ.

(Mathias, Bhasker, Alex Martin)

Spiritual Directory and Constitutions

Motto Live Jesus

Our Founder

Virtues

Our Approach towards vows

Emphasis on Community Life

Charity

Charism

Spreading the Salesian Spirituality

Formation

Direction of Intention

Acting according to the needs of the time

Preparation of the Day

Love

Equality

Spiritual Bouquet

We never show that we are better than others

Accept the person as he is

Consecration to the Blessed Sacrament once a month

Bloom where you are planted

(Bala, Albert, Thomas)

Spiritual Directory

Practicing the Spiritual Directory

Special honor to our Lady of Light

We have no bond but the bond of love

Practicing Charity

Direction of Intention

Planning of the Day

Nothing by force, everything through love

Renewal of vows on 1st of every month

Respect for one’s own will

Freedom with responsibility

Respect to the sacred heart on 1st Friday

Ask Nothing and refuse nothing

Profession cross

We are thankful for our vocation

Spiritual Bouquet

Community weekend

Respect for the workers

House Council

Movies on Fridays

(John George, Chandra, Alex Simon)

Directory

Our congregation has a female touch

Oblation

We are following spiritual aspect of Saint Francis de Sales, which is very personal.

Adapted to modernity

Founder had a scientific spirit.

We consider knowledge as the 8th sacrament

We accept individuality

Our Motto is to LIVE JESUS

We reprint the Gospel by living the Directory

We clearly believe that all are called to holiness.

We are founded in 1873, October 12th.

Lady of Light is our patroness

Very close to St. Francis

We are known for hospitality and gentleness.

Able to read the signs of the time.

Our charism is very special, not only spreading but continue the work of Saint Francis de Sales.

We are not conservative and freed from old religious dogmas and practices.

Our aim is Union with God

No Superior Inferior Outlook

(Jayaraj, Jinesh, Shanees)

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