NEWSLETTER
Live Jesus !
Samarpanaram, June 9th,2006
Dear confrere!
1.) During the last General Meeting in the middle of May we had also a small meeting of the confreres who are working on a formation program. In a shared experience, I had to realize how little I still know of Fr. Brisson. How little I know, and how much there is to learn. Almost twenty years back, the then Superior General gave to the Congregation a collection of 34 themes of sayings or writings of Fr. Brisson, in which he invited us to start a dialogue with these words of his. I started to revisit them and take the freedom to confront you with one of these passages today. “We are called to make these texts our partners in a dialogue willed and conducted for the sake of comprehension, more comprehension, acceptance, fidelity, and ultimately salvation: the community’s salvation, which is its survival, and the personal salvation of its members,” Fr. Balducelli writes in his introductory remarks to these 34 texts. I decided to share with you one passage of text No.6.: “The Oblate meditates to arrange his affairs.”
I started to read this text, because I know that the question about what meditation is, in a general way, keeps occurring in our reflections, discussions and personal talks. Fr. Brisson says to that:
“In order that preparation might be like a forerunner to all our actions, the Oblates will take for their subject of this exercise the activities of the day, and their religious obligations relative to the Directory and the Constitutions; they will occupy themselves with this, according to the diversity of occurrences, and will strive, by means of this, to predispose themselves to carefully and laudably deal with and carry out their affairs. … There you have a primary method recommended by our Founder Saint. According to it, the Oblate makes his meditation in order to organize his affairs. …This preparation, according to Saint Francis de Sales, need not content itself with being a simple preparation; it must be accompanied by affection, by brotherly love. Without this fraternal love the preparation would be nothing but a too human act. With fraternal love it becomes a prayer.”
As the new academic year starts for us in India, I invite you to take a look at your meditation. Reflect on what Fr. Brisson says to it, start a dialogue with this statement of his. Direct your will towards coming closer to what Saint Francis de Sales has to say to you personally as perceived by Fr. Brisson. May be, you can initiate a discussion among yourselves in community, share your experience and discover during the dialogue one or the other step that will bring you closer to your being an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales. I look forward to do this with you as well.2.) We are only two months before the 18th General Chapter of the Congregation. A good occasion for us to do two things:
a. In the name of Oblate Asia I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the outgoing Superior General, Most Rev. Fr. Lewis S. Fiorelli, as well as to the outgoing General Councilors: Fr. Mark S. Mealey, Fr. Leoclides Dalla Nora and Fr. Konrad Esser. All of them have come at least once to see us. All have accompanied with love and attention the development of our Region. Their guidance and support have been a source of encouragement and strength for us here. Thank you so much.
b. As Asian Mission we are a part of a greater community. I feel it is important to remind us constantly of that reality. Continuing to pray for the success of the General Chapter I especially urge you to cultivate within you that spirit that is mentioned in Constitution 16: “Always be united, in heart and in action, with our entire Congregation, in heart and in action.” Three of us will be there: Fr. Mathew, Fr. Josef and myself; but we all are called to be united to the events taking place in Fockenfeld, in heart and in action. Please keep the General Chapter in your thoughts and prayers.
3.) Many things have happened since my last newsletter. Let us review them together:
a. On April 8th 2006 the Bishop of Kannur ordained our confrere Deacon Balaswamy Dande. It was a great feast, well organized and prepared by the community of Salespuram under the guidance of Fr. Mathew. Thank you Balaswamy Dande! Thank you Salespuram! Immediately after his ordination Deacon Balaswamy Dande assumed his ministry as deacon in the diocese of Visakhapatnam. Find his address and phone number in the attached list. Though a final date has yet to be settled, it looks like Balaswamy’s ordination will be in November 2006. I will keep you informed.
b. Fr. Reji started his B.Ed. studies in Christ College and is a living part of the community in Samarpanaram.
c. Since April 12th 2006 Fr. Maichael was entrusted with the preparations for the establishment of our new community Bliss in Mangalore. He did very well and since June 4th we do have a community in Mangalore, the third community in India.
d. Since the end of April Fr. Vincent has returned to the community in Samarpanaram. As mentioned earlier he will be assisting me in my responsibilities with the brothers who are studying BA or +1. Furthermore he will also assist me as the procurator of Samarpanaram.
e. Fr. Xavier has also returned to community, but to Salespuram. He is now in charge of our orientation brothers as well as the procurator of Salespuram.
f. Fr. Bruzily has accomplished his assignment in Chandanakkampara, belongs now to the community in Salespuram. He will attend a one-month course in Pune in Overseas Mission Orientation. Pending a final word by the new General Administration after the General Chapter Fr. Bruzily is readying himself to go to the Philippines. (Address from June 10th to July 2nd: Ishvani Kendra, P.B. 3003, Pune 411 014).
g. Fr. Esser was in India from May 4th until May 31st. He gave us two retreats. Fr. Esser, it was a pleasure having had you for four weeks. We appreciated your kind words, your Salesian input and your fraternal presence in India. Thanks for staying so long with us, thanks for coming again; we hope!
h. From May 1st to 3rd an advisory board meeting took place. Among other items of discussion I am so happy to let you know, that following brothers have renewed their vows on May 30th:
- Br. John George, Balaswamy Pasala, Rayappa, Mathias I. Kumar. These four confreres are theologians and living since June 3rd in our new community Bliss in Mangalore.
- Br. Jayaraj will go for one year of studies in pastoral counseling at FISI in Bangalore. His 10-month course will start in August.
- Br. Bineesh accomplished his BA studies and has now been appointed as regent in Salespuram. On June 3rd he assumed his responsibilities there.
- Br. Bijesh, Christhu Raj, Jose Paul, Jomy, Mandoz and Prasad have completed their second year exams and are now fully ready to go into their 3rd and final year of Philosophy.
- Br. Bala Prasad, Biju, Dennis, George, Jijo, Johnson, Stanislas and Thambi are entering into their second year of Philosophy.i. The advisory approved also to their first vows Br. Asish, Balaswamy G., Jobish, John Gali, Lalson, Paulraj and Sleeva. In a simple but beautiful celebration on May 31st Samarpanaram celebrated their new confreres.
To all confreres who renewed or made their first vows, I would like to say that I am delighted that you keep growing in your religious life and thank you for your commitment and presence in our community. May God continue to shower his blessings upon you! May he strengthen your vocation and may you touch others by faithfully putting into practice the Directory and your personal goals.j. On May 13th took place our General Meeting. Due to different reasons we kept it short. We discussed selected proposals to the General Chapter in small groups. Furthermore it was an opportunity for some committees to meet. Finally all perpetually professed members met for some time. Fr. Esser being in India he was invited to partake in our deliberations. Let me update you on the essence of the discussion that took place.
Ideally it is believed a novitiate should be in a separate community on its own. On the other hand we have to consider the Congregation’s financial possibilities as well as the region’s personnel situation in the coming years. In this light we may look for a temporary solution. E.g. we could start a novitiate at the place where we anticipate the school. A school takes time to take off. We could envision the then community building of the school community as novitiate for a few years. This would have two advantages. The financial burden on the region and the Congregation would be reduced from two projects at the same time to one after the other. The personnel burden of the region would be eased considerably as well, because the confreres starting the school could support the novitiate community and at the same time overlook the growth of the school. In a later stage the final place for a novitiate could be looked into. However, no final decision has been taken in that matter. The committees entrusted with the areas of school and novitiate shall continue their “homework” until the end of June, when the advisory board will meet. I ask both to add this new idea into their deliberations.
In the matter regarding the development of a formation program for the region, the confreres were updated. It is planned that a first draft of a formation program will be made available for discussion at our next General Meeting.
I would like to thank all who participated in the General Meeting for the fruitful and constructive discussion. The coincidental presence of Fr. Esser was helpful to us to understand congregational concerns in a better way. Thanks to the community of Samarpanaram under the guidance of Fr. Shaju, who made all feel at home.k. On June 4th 2006 Fr. Alfred Smuda osfs was installed as the new Superior of Bliss. In a small and simple function, in the presence of neighbors and staff of the theological faculty of St. Joseph’s Seminary as well as of fathers and sisters around us, we celebrated the birthday of the Church, Pentecost, and the birthday of our third community in India: Bliss. As you read this letter, our four theologians have started to attend their classes in theology. I want to express my special appreciation to Fr. Maichael, who did well in setting up the place. With Fr. Fred as the new superior I know our confreres in good Oblate hands. May the Holy Spirit inspire and touch this community in a way that enables them to fulfill our charism, to live and spread Salesian spirituality, as much as possible with the people of the diocese of Mangalore. Of course the next step in Mangalore is waiting around the corner. We soon will have to make a decision how we will continue. The next advisory board will discuss the next steps in that regard. Find also the new address and phone numbers of Bliss in the attached list.
l. As you read these lines, know that following things are happening:
- Samarpanaram has welcomed 10 brothers for their BA studies in SFS College in Hebbagodi and 3 brothers for their +1 studies in SFS High School in Hebbagodi.
- Brisson Bala Bhavan is growing. Yesterday 7 more children started their life in the hostel, which has now a strength of 12.
- Salespuram has welcomed back the +1 and +2 brothers and is awaiting the arrival of our newcomers on June 11th. By then the house should again be filled with new brothers desiring to look into their vocation as religious. A big thank you to all who were actively involved in Vocation promotion through visits, travels or through prayers. May your seed fall on good soil!4.) Let me now come to you in a personal matter. I have asked the advisory board and the General Council to give me a three-months break and allow me some time for a spiritual and personal renewal. I felt the need for it since quite a while. The presence of Fr. Shaju, Fr. Reji and Fr. Vincent in Samarpanaram enables me to be absent for some time from September to October. During that time I will go to the Philippines and attend programs conducive to my spiritual and personal growth. By Christmas I should then be back in India. May I kindly request your prayers for me personally!
5.) Please note down following important dates:
June 24th:Advisory board meeting in Salespuram
July 30th to August 11th: 18th General Chapter in Fockenfeld/Germany6.) Please remember in prayer and mass our deceased confreres:
HORST Heinen, OSFS died on March 29th, in his 75th year, his 53rd year of his religious profession and his 47th year of priesthood, Germany.
Alois bocka, OSFS died on April 17th, in his 71st year and the 48th year of his religious profession, Austria-South-Germany.
John J. Conmy, OSFS died on April 21st 2006, in his 96th year, his 76th year of his religious profession and his 70th year of priesthood, Wilmington Philadelphia.7.) Let me add in short what has been discussed at our last advisory board meeting.
1. Approval of minutes of the last advisory board meeting
2. Evaluation of requests for renewal of vows and first profession.
3. Decision regarding brothers studying for BA
4. Financial report and budget of the region.
5. Approval of a electrical riverside pump for Salespuram.
6. Organizational matters for Bliss.
7. Organizational matters for Salespuram and candidates.
8. Preparation of the General Meeting.
9. Fr. Sebastian’s request for a three-months sabbatical.
10. Next meeting scheduled for June 24th at 8.30 AM in Salespuram.I don’t want to close without greeting once more all confreres belonging to our region: Fr. Josef,
Fr. Baiju, Fr. John, Fr. Bruzily, Deacon Bala Swamy, and the communities of Samarpanaram, Salespuram and Bliss. May God bless all of you!Your brother in Christ and our Holy Founders
Fr. Sebastian
PS: Find an updated version of our addresses and phone numbers as well as birthday list of all confreres attached.
PPS: Visit our homepage on www.osfs-asia.net for the latest pictures and news.
Birthdays of Confreres
Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
ASIA - June 2006
January
1
Karakkattu, Dennis Jose
Scholastic
1
Mukulath, Asish Augustine
Scholastic
11
Kumar, A. Vincent
Priest
February
9
Puthussery, Baiju
Priest
9
Antony, Mandoz A.
Scholastic
25
Kumar, Mathias I.
Scholastic
27
Vettukallamkuzhy, Lalson
Scholastic
March
8
Gali, John
Scholastic
11
Kachappilly, Jomy
Scholastic
20
Gangarappu, Balaswamy
Scholastic
22
Thomas, George
Scholastic
23
Raj, Christhu
Scholastic
26
Költringer, Josef
Priest
30
Smuda, Alfred J
Priest
April
2
Vettukallamkuzhyil, Bruzily
Priest
14
Paulraj, A.
Scholastic
26
Choorakunnel, Reji
Priest
May
3
Yeruva, Rayappareddy
Scholastic
7
Sankarathil, John
Priest
15
Eattathottu, Maichael M.
Priest
16
Leitner, Sebastian
Priest
22
Thekkumthadathil, Jobish
Scholastic
June
9
Kanjiramparayil, Shaju J.
Priest
19
Onasseril, Johnson M.
Scholastic
July
2
Alappadan, Biju Simon
Scholastic
9
Erumala, Jose Paul
Scholastic
August
16
Urumbil, Bineesh
Scholastic
September
8
Bandanadam, Prasad
Scholastic
12
Kaligiri, Bala Prasad
Scholastic
14
Dande, Bala Swamy
Deacon
22
Bandanadam, Stanislas
Scholastic
26
Kadavumkandathil, John G.
Scholastic
October
12
Arepalli, Jayaraj
Scholastic
18
Mekala, Thambi Joseph
Scholastic
22
Pinapati, Chandra Sekhar
Scholastic
November
3
Kala, Sleeva Raju
Scholastic
12
Koonakiyil, Bijesh Thomas
Scholastic
23
Parackal, Jijo Thomas
Scholastic
December
2
Pasala, Balaswamy
Scholastic
5
Manchu, Xavier
Priest
17
Mukkath, Mathew Kutty
Priest
Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
ASIA - RESIDENCESEd. June 2006
Samarpanaram Tel.: 0091 80-(2)78.32.450
Hosur Road Fax: 0091 80-(2)78.32.550
Chandapura PO
560 081 Bangalore India
1
Kanjiramparayil, Shaju J.
Priest, Superior
2
Choorakunnel, Reji
Priest
3
Kumar, A. Vincent
Priest
4
Leitner, Sebastian
Priest
5
Alappadan, Biju Simon
Scholastic
6
Antony, Mandoz A.
Scholastic
7
Arepalli, Jayaraj
Scholastic
8
Bandanadam, Prasad
Scholastic
9
Bandanadam, Stanislas
Scholastic
10
Erumala, Jose Paul
Scholastic
11
Gali, John
Scholastic
12
Gangarappu, Balaswamy
Scholastic
13
Kachappilly, Jomy Mathew
Scholastic
14
Kala, Sleeva Raju
Scholastic
15
Kaligiri, Bala Prasad
Scholastic
16
Karakkattu, Dennis Jose
Scholastic
17
Koonakiyil, Bijesh Thomas
Scholastic
18
Mekala, Thambi Joseph
Scholastic
19
Mukulath, Asish Augustine
Scholastic
20
Onasseril, Johnson Mathew
Scholastic
21
Parackal, Jijo Thomas
Scholastic
22
Paulraj, A.
Scholastic
23
Pinapati, Chandra Sekhar
Scholastic
24
Raj, Christhu
Scholastic
25
Thekkumthadathil, Jobish M.
Scholastic
26
Thomas, George
Scholastic
27
Vettukallamkuzhy, Lalson J.
Scholastic
Salespuram Tel.: 0091 490-24.20.856
Vallithode Fax: 0091 490-24.21.067
Kiliyanthara P.O.
670 706 Kannur Dt. India
1
Mukkath, Mathew Kutty
Priest, Superior
2
Manchu, Xavier
Priest
3
Vettukallamkuzhyil, Bruzily A
Priest
4
Urumbil, Bineesh
Regent
“Bliss” – OSFS Study House for Theologians Tel.: 0091 824.24.14.395 – Ground Floor
Seminary View, 1st Cross Tel.: 0091 824.24.14.391 – First Floor
Jeppu
575 002 Mangalore India
1
Smuda, Alfred J.
Priest, Superior
2
Eattathottu, Maichael M.
Priest
3
Kadavumkandathil, John G.
Scholastic
4
Kumar, Mathias I.
Scholastic
5
Pasala, Balaswamy
Scholastic
6
Yeruva, Rayappareddy
Scholastic
Quilo-Quilo Tel.: 0063 917 922 4332
Balete 4219
Brgy Makina
Batangas Philippines
1Költringer, Josef
Priest
R.C.M. Church Tel.: 0091 8932.22.55.02
Pedaboddepalli - 531 116
Narasipatnam (via)
Visakhapatnam (Dt) India
1Dande, Bala Swamy
Deacon
Thaddäusheim Tel.: 0041 0264-9250.90
Hauptstrasse 40 Fax: 0041 0264-9250.91
CH-3186 Düdingen Switzerland
1
Sankarathil, John
Priest
De Sales University Tel.: 001 610-282-3300
2755 Station Avenue Fax: 001 610-282-3962
Wills Hall
Center Valley, PA 18034-9568 United States
1Puthussery, Baiju
Priest