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• Provincial Speaks...

• Communication from theSuperior General

• Participants for theProvincial Chapter

• Committees

• Silver Jubilee Celebrationsat Tripuranthakam Parish

• Erection of the New Parishat Tallarevu

• New Priests' DayCelebrations

• A HumanitarianResponse to Covid-19

• Tribute to Fr. Devasia

• Let us Pray for the Departed

• Provincial's Programme

• Salesian Insights

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Dear Confreres in Jesus Christ,

Cordial greetings and prayerful wishes fromStella Maris, Visakhapatnam.

The month of September is quite an eventful month for theMissionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), because we have threeimportant days to celebrate in this month. They are: September 8(Birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary), September 15 (Feast of the Motherof Sorrows), and September 30 (Founder's Day). The whole month ofSeptember we will be quite busy with the novena prayers in honourof our Blessed Mother and also with reflections of our patroness,Mother of Sorrows or Compassion as well as our beloved Founder,Servant of God Fr. Peter Mary Mermier. Added to these importantdays mentioned above, this year we have another great spiritual eventto celebrate from 27th to 30th September, that is, the Provincial Chapter2021. These are truly the most significant days for the VisakhapatnamProvince since it is in these days we are going to review, revisit andevaluate the life of the Province for the last three years and also discuss,deliberate and plan for the coming three years. In other words, on theone hand, we need to review seriously our life and mission and onthe other hand, we need to resolve to strive for the mission of Christand for the glory of the Church, besides the good of the MSFSCongregation.

In fact, according to the MSFS Constitutions, the Provincial Chapter"is a symbol of fraternal union and a forum of collective discernmentand accountability for the life and mission of the entire Province"(233). Therefore, we are obliged to seriously prepare for this mostsignificant spiritual event in order to evaluate, discover the strengthsof the Province and "to find ways and means to make the spirituallife and the mission of the Province more vibrant and effective" (234).As the delegates both ex-officio and the elected, and the special inviteesare getting ready to participate physically in the Provincial Chapter,all other confreres of the Province are expected to participate in thesame spiritually through their prayers and good will.

Provincial Speaks...

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I sincerely wish therefore that the forthcoming Provincial Chapterwould be a great success providing us sufficient opportunities for aserious soul-searching in order to facilitate a true transformation atboth personal as well as community levels. I am absolutely surethat the discussions and deliberations of this Provincial Chapterwould enable us to go forward with a renewed spirit as transformedFransalians to establish the mission of Christ, the Good Shepherdwith the same zeal and missionary fervor that our heavenly Patron,St. Francis de Sales and our beloved Founder and Servant of God,Fr. Peter Marie Mermier exhibited in their life and mission. MayJesus our Lord and Master guide us in our endeavours and ourBlessed Patroness, Mother of Compassion assist us with herpowerful intercession!

Mother of Compassion

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1. Communication from the Superior General• Extraordinary General Chapter 2022 (EGC) will take place at

Fransalian Seminary, Pune from February 01-07, 2022.• Triennial Mandatory Meeting 2022 will be held at Fransalian

Seminary, Pune from 10-12 February 2022.

Let us pray for the success of these forthcoming meetings.

2. Ex-officio Members, Delegates and Special Inviteesfor the Provincial Chapter 2021

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS1. Baviri Suresh Babu 8. Perumalil Thomas2. Pentareddy Chinnappa Reddy 9. Karickal Jose3. Sesetti Mariadas 10. Panthanmackel Mathew4. Dola Velangani Rao 11. K. V. S. Prasad5. Pathuppallil Manoj 12. Karnam Dhaman Kumar6. Gundapureddy Sandeep Reddy (Delegation Superior for7. Bellamkonda Anil Bosco Vizag Province in Germany)

ELECTED DELEGATESMISSION FORUM1. Gade Bhaskar Reddy 6. Pudota Satish Kumar2. Narisetty Gova Showraiah 7. Bonela Prasad3. Chirayath Jose 8. Bandi Sagar Sathosh4. Mekala Sebastian Reddy 9. Mendem Guru Prasad5. Paicatt Simon 10. Gade Kishore Reddy

SUBSTITUTES1. Nagothu Ravi Prashanth 3. Mandagiri Jojaiah2. Kavuluri Joshi

FORMATION FORUM1. Mampally Joy 2. Thumma Mariadas Reddy

SUBSTITUTE1. Chakkalakkal Jolly

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EDUCATION FORUM1. Mallela Joji 4. Pothireddy Inna Reddy2. Kurella Vijaya Shekhar3. Bonthu Prasad 5. Devupalli Jaya Prakash

SUBSTITUTES1. Jonnala Gadda L. Ravi Kumar 2. Narisetty Joseph Kishore Babu

STEWARDSHIP FORUM1. Alangadan Albert 2. Kolukulapally Devaraj

SUBSTITUTE1. Muchakarla Anand Prakash

SOCIAL AND INNOVATIVE FORUM (SAIM)1. Jaddu Joseph Reddy 3. Kondala Joseph2. Nelapudi Balaraju

SUBSTITUTE1. Yannam Jacob Reddy

CONFRERES FOR BROTHERHOOD1. Kanjirathingal Sebastian

SUBSTITUTE1. Edakarot Thomas

THEOLOGIANS (PERPETUALLY PROFESSED)1. Saketi Sateesh Kumar

SUBSTITUTE1. Kokkirigadda Kumar Rao

SPECIAL INVITEES1. Maddineni Anand Prasad 5. Nagothu Ravi Prashanth2. Potnuru Dominic Savio 6. Yannam Jacob Reddy3. Mullenmadackal Jose 7. Muchakarla Anand Prakash4. Alapatt George

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3. CommitteesSponsorship :Fr. P. Inna Reddy, Fr. P. Manoj, Fr. J.L. Ravi, Fr. Anil Bosco

Food :Fr. M. Anand Prakash, Fr. J.L. Ravi, Fr. B. Anil Bosco, Fr. Y. Jacob

Hall Decoration :Fr. Jaddu Joseph, Fr. Ch. Vijay Kumar, Fr. Pakki Dilip

Chapel Decoration :Fr. Kondala Joseph, Fr. Shyju, Fr. B. Vijay

Accommodation & Transportation :Fr. Y. Jacob Reddy, Fr. E.C Vijay Peter, Fr. K. Joice

File Preparation :Fr. Ch. Rajesh, Fr. G. Showry Kumar

Photography & Technical Assistance:Fr. M. Anand Prakash & Bro. S. Sateesh Kumar

Choir:Fr. D. Jaya Prakash, Fr. Bonela Prasad, Fr. Sagar Santhosh,Bro. S. Sateesh

Liturgy:

Day1: Fr. G. Showraiah, Fr. G. Bhaskar, Fr. Jaddu Joseph

Day2: Fr. Kondala Joseph, Fr. M. Joji, Fr. N. Balaraju

Day3: Fr. G. Kishore Reddy, Fr. M. Guru Prasad, Fr. P. Satish

A word of GratitudeI express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of SteeringCommittee and Sub-Committees who tirelessly worked to plan andprepare the questionnaires and the necessary requirements for theProvincial Chapter 2021. I too express my profound thanks to allthe Apostolic Communities, especially Conveners and Secretaries,who took efforts to convoke meetings from time to time to discussand deliberate on the questionnaires and Statutes, and also all theparticipants who contributed their valuable suggestions for the forthcoming Provincial Chapter.

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NEWS FROM THE PROVINCE4. Silver Jubilee Celebrations at Tripuranthakam Parish

August 5th was an unforgettable day in the life of TripuranthakamMission. The Parish Church named as NITYA SAHAYA MATHACHURCH, was built under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Denis in 1996.The Parish Church completed 25 silver years by 1st of May 2021.Due to Covid-19 we could not celebrate its Feast during month ofMay. The auspicious day was fixed on 5th of August by our belovedProvincial. The celebration began with the grand welcome of Very.Rev. Fr. B. Suresh Babu MSFS, Provincial Superior of VisakhapatnamProvince. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by His Grace Most.Rev. Dr. M. D. Prakasam, Bishop of Nellore, along with Rev. Fr. B.Suresh Babu, the Provincial Superior. There were 28 Priests fromdifferent Congregations, Diocesan Clergy, large number of MSFSPriests and 15 Religious Sisters from 5 Congregations, in and aroundTripuranthakam Mission. There were more than 500 people whoparticipated in the Holy Eucharistic celebration.

After the mass, we felicitated our Bishop, our beloved Provincial,Councilor In-charge of Mission, Rev. Fr. Dola Velangani MSFS, andformer Parish Priests Frs. Abraham and Alphonse. After the mass,Bishop congratulated MSFS Priests for the services in NelloreDiocese. He felicitated our Provincial Superior. After the meals, at04:30 pm there was car procession with the statue of Our Lady ofPerpetual Help, in and around the Tripuranthakam Village streets.After the procession cultural programmes were conducted by ouryouth and children. Church was renovated with help of the Province,especially Fr. Bonela Anthony, Fr. Aadari Amarnath, Fr. Y. Amar,Fr. Naidu Prakash and few donors from Tripuranthakam. We whole

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5. Erection of the New Parish at Tallarevu

It was long awaited desire for theMSFS Visakhapatnam Provinceto have a Parish at Yanam, inmemory of the landing of our firstMissionaries. It is during thereign of His Grace, Most. Rev. Dr.Mallavarapu Prakash, theArchbishop of Visakhapatnam,who took initiative to actualize it.

He entrusted to MSFS, Visakhapatnam Province, three Villagesforming Tallarevu as the Parish, bifurcating from the Yanam Parish.Fr. Polamarasetty Maridas, Parish Priest of Yanam along with Fr. P.Chinnappa Reddy, the designated Parish Priest of Tallarevu tookall efforts to make necessary arrangements for the inauguration ofthe New Parish.

The officiating ceremony took place on 25th of August 2021, wherebyHis Grace Most. Rev. Dr. Mallavarapu Prakash announced the decree

heartedly thank our fathers for all their support, and prayers for thesuccess of our Jubilee. We also thank Very Rev. Fr. B. Suresh Babuour beloved Provincial for his timely help, besides being busy, withgreat heart he has agreed to preside over the celebration. We alsothank all our Parish faithful, and all other people from 18 sub-stationsfor all their hard work and presence. I thank whole heartedly Fr.Joseph Sundar MSFS the assistant Parish Priest for all his supportand help to make the Jubilee a memorable one. A special thanks toall our youth, choir members and all the faithful.

Fr. Sagar Santhosh MSFS

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of the erection of the New Parish at Tallarevu in the solemnEucharistic celebration, in the presence of Very. Rev. Fr. B. SureshBabu MSFS, the Provincial of Visakhapatnam Province. Good numberof MSFS Priests and Diocesan Priests from vicinity were present. Afterthe Holy Eucharistic celebration His Grace Most. Rev. Dr. MallavarapuPrakash, entrusted the responsibility of the New Parish to Rev. Fr. P.Chinnappa Reddy, who took charge as the first Parish Priest ofTallarevu. The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal.

Fr. Ch. Rajesh MSFS, Provincial’s Secretary

6. New Priests' Day CelebrationsThe New Priests' DayCelebrations at SFSStudy House, Janampettook place on 11th

August 2021. Indeed, itis a day of great joy andhappiness for thecommunity to welcome

the New Priests to their Alma Mater where they schooled themselvesin theologizing for the last three and half years. The Celebrationbegan at 6:30 am with the Holy Eucharist. The solemn con-celebratedHoly Eucharist was presided over by Fr. N. Sampath and the Homilywas preached by Fr. G. Thambi. The Eucharistic celebration wasfollowed by Breakfast where the community wished the New Priestswhile they cut the cake. A Friendly Volley Ball Match was conductedbetween New Priests and Community at 9.15 am. It was followedby planting Coconut Saplings by New Priest's to mark their firstarrival as Priests to the community.

At 6:30 pm, a lively cultural gathering was organized by thecommunity in honour of New Priests. During the gathering theywere felicitated by Staff and Students. The New Priests shared theirsweet memories in the seminary, fresh pastoral experience and gavevaluable messages to the community. The Celebration was concludedwith sumptuous dinner at 8:00 pm. The community expressed sincerethanks to the New Priests for their availability and generosity.Thanks to Fr. Rector, Staff and Students for their cooperation inmaking this event a memorable one.

Live Jesus!Bro. K. Stephen, MSFS

III Year Theology

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7. A Humanitarian Response to Covid-19i. Distribution of Provisions at Ibrahimpatnam

On 12/8/2021 at Ibrahimpatnam Parish we have distributedgroceries and food items to 370 Catholic Families on humanitarianresponse to second wave of Covid-19. Each kit contains of Rice(8Kgs), Freedom Oil, Dall, Wheat Atta, Sugar and Chilli Powder.I could see more joy and happiness on the faces of people. I thankGod for giving this opportunity to serve people. I did this goodwork because of my friends Mr. Greg and Mrs. Barb Trum familygenerous support. I sincerely thank and appreciate them alongwith my Parishioners for their generous heart towards the poorand needy in lending a helping hand to the families in thepandemic time. May God bless them abundantly for their loveand concern. I remain with gratitude and prayers.

Fr. Mandagiri Jojaiah MSFS

ii. Distribution of Clothes and Groceries from Bibinagar Parish

Jean Pierre Camus says that the love of St. Francis de Sales for thepoor was so intense that in their case he seemed to become arespecter of persons, preferring them to the rich, both in spiritualand in temporal matters. Under the inspiration of SFS I believethat to love our neighbor is not only to wish him well, but also to

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do him all the good that is in ourpower to do. Some of my friendsfrom Axtell, Kansas helped meto reach out to poor in ourParish. As a result the followingactivities are done in August2021 with the permission fromour Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr.

B. Suresh Babu: distribution of clothes for 160 people at MNJGovernment Cancer Hospital, Lakadikapul, Hyderabad;distribution of 92 bags (14 quintals) of essential groceries for threedifferent non-Catholic Christian communities in my Village ofThurakapalem, Guntur; distribution of groceries and clothes to50 families in our MSFS Parish of Arogya Matha Church at Shabad,Ranga Reddy District. Many thanks to my friends from Axtell,Kansas!

Fr. G. Showraiah Narisetty MSFS

iii. Distribution of Groceries in Dayanand Nagar Parish

We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has made life difficult;especially the poor people struggled for survival during the firstwave and second wave. As we witnessed their struggle, we asDayanand Nagar Parish made a small attempt to help themthrough different donors.1. On 14th August, 2021, Rev. Fr. Pratap, Director of Hyderabad

Archdiocese Social Service Society (HASSS), and Rev. Sr.Flora (SJT) distributed the groceries and medical kit for fiftypoor families in our Parish. We thank them whole heartedlyfor their generous act.

2. On 16th August 2021, Rev. Fr. Benny (Superior & Director),Rev. Fr. Shiju (Administrator) and other Camillian Fathersdistributed one month grocery items for hundred poorfamilies. We thank them for their kind heart towards the poor.

Fr. N. Balajoji MSFS

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A Loving Tribute toRev. Fr. Devasia Ayilukunnel MSFS

The Congregation of the Missionaries of St.Francis de Sales mourns at the sad and suddendemise of Rev. Fr. Devasia Ayilukunnel

MSFS. Today we acknowledge withgratitude all his services to the Congregation

and the Church at large.

Fr. Devasia Ayilukunnel was born on 29th January 1951 to the devoutparents of Mr. Devasia Sebastian and Mrs. Alykutty Sebastian atPeruvanthanam, Idukki District, Kerala. He was Baptized on 4th

February 1951 and received Confirmation on 17th May 1964. Hecompleted his Primary and Secondary Education at Peruvanthanamfrom 1957-1968. After completing his Secondary Education he joinedin the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales at SFSSeminary, Ettumanoor, Kerala. He made his first Religious Professionon 10th June 1975 at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He pursued hisphilosophical studies in St. John's Seminary, Hyderabad from 1970-1972. He did his Regency in SFS Seminary, Ettumanoor, from 1973-1974. He completed his Theological studies in St. John's Seminary,Hyderabad after which he made his Final Profession and Diaconateon 10th June 1978 at SFS Seminary, Ettumanoor, Kerala. He receivedhis Priestly Ordination on 10th March 1979 at Peruvanthanam byBishop Cornellius Elanjickal.Places of Ministry:1980-1983 Parish Priest Ajithsingh Nagar, Vijayawada

1983- 1986 Procurator Vinayalaya, Bangalore

1986-1989 Parish Priest Yerragondapalem, Nellore

1989-1993 Parish Priest Attili, Eluru

1993-1998 Parish Priest Shabad, Hyderabad

1998-2010 Pastoral Ministry Italy

2010-2012 Parish Priest Shabad, Hyderabad

2012-2020 Director Nirmala Bhavan, Janakampet, Nizamabad

2020-2021 Member Mermier Bhavan, Vadakkenchery, Kerala

2021 Eternal Rest Mermier Bhavan, Vadakkenchery, Kerala

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On 30th August 2021, Fr. Devasia Ayilukunnel entered into new lifein God, leaving behind a great legacy of being a Priest and Religious.As a Priest and Religious he has accomplished great things duringhis earthly life. He was a man of deep faith in the Lord, a man ofprayer and commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him. Heaccepted the sufferings and in convinces of his life with a sense ofSalesian optimism.

Sweet Memory of Rev. Fr. Devasia Ayilukunnel MSFSFr. Devasia Ayilukunnel breathed his last on 30 August at 12.35

am. At 12.20 am I received the call from St. Joseph Hospital,Valliyode, informing me that he was slowly sinking. While we weregetting ready to go to the hospital, 12.35 am next call, he is no more.It was shock for me personally, because the previous day I calledhim over phone and asked about the sacrament of the sick, heresponded positively. So Sunday evening I went over there and spenthours with him, he was steady but never in my wild dream had Ithought that was our last meeting. His brother was with me atHospital as he was anointed. On 25th the Parish Priest heard hisconfession and administered the Holy Sacrament. He was wellprepared to meet the Lord both physically and spiritually and bodily.

Sir 2:5: For good gold is tested in the fire so those acceptable toGod are tested in the furnace of humiliation. Fr. Devasia preachedthat he accepted the cancer pain as God's will. As we all know bone-cancer is very painful. Even in his most agonizing moment, he neveruttered a word of complain but left everything to His Holy will. Hissister visited him in the hospital on 21st and contacted all his sistersand brothers and said bye bye.

Fr. Devasia was an inspiration to the community. Even in hispainful days, he used to talk with us as normal. We miss him verymuch. Final holy service as you all have seen went on very well andon time. He was a true Salesian bloomed where he was planted. Maythe Good Lord grant him Eternal Bliss in His Abode.

Fr. Vadakumparambil John MSFS

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9. Let us Pray for the Departed

Mrs. Arlamma Kola, aged 78, Mother of Fr. Kola Prakash passedaway on 16th August 2021.

Sr.Vincent, aged 91, Cousin of Fr. K.T. Thomas passed away on 17th

August 2021.

Mr. Pothula Balappa, aged 65, Father of Bro. Pothula Bala Anthonypassed away on 26th August 2021.

10. Provincial's ProgrammeSeptember10th - Nidadavole and Eluru.11th - Feast of Arogya Matha Church at Ballepally, Khammam.12th - Feast of Our Lady of Good Health at SFS Church, Chinna

Waltair.14th - Recollection and Memorial Mass of Fr. Devasia Ayilukunnel

at Stella Maris15th - Inauguration of St. Aloysius Non-Formal Industrial School19th - Feast day Celebration & Foundation Stone at Pamidi27th to 30th - Provincial Chapter

October07th - Feast of Our Lady of Rosary at Ross Hill24th - Inauguration and Blessing of the New Presbytery

at Pulakurthy

Rev. Fr. Sean FleuryAged 91, belongs to English Province,Passed away on 6th August 2021.

Rev. Fr.Varghese PuthuparambilAged 73, belongs to South West Province,

Passed away on 5th September 2021.

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True Devotion Makes Everything PerfectAs God commanded the plantsto bear fruit, he also commandsChristians "to produce the fruitsof devotion, according to eachone's ability". For, devotioncannot be practiced by all in thesame manner. It is required "tobe practiced differently by thenobleman, the workman, the

servant, the prince, the widow, the young girl, the wife". In fact, devotionmust be practiced according to one's strength, life-situation andresponsibilities of life.

A Bishop cannot live like a hermit and a family man cannot desire tolive in abject poverty, devoid of all property. A workman cannot spendall his time in the Church as a religious, so also a religious cannotdesire to be like a Bishop or to be always in the service of others. Suchdevotion is undoubtedly ridiculous, utterly intolerable and indiscrete.Accordingly, imprudent and disorderly practice of devotion givesway to unnecessary problems and misunderstanding. As a matter offact, true devotion "makes everything perfect" rather than spoilinganything. Indeed, it does not damage any life-situation or one'soccupation rather it makes it delightful and attractive. In other words,"devotion makes the care of the family peaceful, the love of husbandand wife more sincere, the service of the ruler more loyal, and everysort of occupation more pleasant and more loveable". It should beclearly noted that it is not right to exclude soldiers, workers, rulersand the couples from the devout life.

In the Old Testament we have Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Job,Tobias, Judith etc. and in the New Testament, we have people likeMary, Joseph, Martha etc. who practiced devotion while living in theworld though occupied with their own diverse responsibilities.Whether in the world or separated from the world (religious and monks),each one needs to be serious with regard to the practice of devoutlife. For, we see that while many have lost their devotion even if theconditions are so favourable and many others who lived devotionquite faithfully in the midst of so many unfavourable conditions.

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Yours fraternally in Christ

Fr. Baviri Suresh Babu MSFSProvincial Superior

In brief, devotion must be lived by all differently though, that is, itshould be practiced by people of all walks of life in the mannersuitable to their life-situation and occupation. For, no one isexempted from seeking God and His salvation. God does not desireto lose anyone of His children but wishes that all His children to besaved. Therefore, He sends His only Son Jesus to lead us to the wayof perfection, the very purpose of the life of devotion. To conclude,"no matter where we are, we can and we should seek a life ofperfection", i.e. a way of devotion.

Fr. Baviri Suresh Babu MSFS