INH/PC/126 Nov. – Dec., 2017

“In your light we see light, light leading to life”

- INH Vision

Rooted in the WORD

When Swami Vivekananda was asked to describe his culture he simply said that he belongs to

‘Agriculture’. Initially the listening crowd laughed. But then he explained why he said that. More than 85%

(in his time) were involved in agriculture. The Indians were much attached to the mother earth in many

ways. Their survival and stability depended on the earth. That is why the Indian festivals have lot to do

with the seasons of agriculture. The entire life and relationships were built around earth especially with the

flora and fauna. Indians by nature are much attached to their roots. It gives them life and in turn they feel

that they need to give back something to that mother earth.

For a life to survive, the roots have to be stronger. The stronger and deeper the root, the tree is healthy and

sturdy. When there is natural calamity and havoc, we can see at times, even the mighty trees are pulled and

thrown. But the survival instinct in the tree is so much that even if a piece of root is within the earth then

the new leaves sprout. Being rooted is such an essential element for every living organism. It is much more

for the SVDs, not just to be rooted in the earth but much more to be rooted in the Word-Divine. It is no

wonder why our General council has chosen this theme for our General chapter.

Being rooted in the Word means to hold on to Him, to cling to Him, to possess His mind, to obtain His

outlook, to attain His attitude and to share His Love. This calls for self emptying in the first place and then

to grow, live, pray and work. This has to become our identity. Only when we have some semblance of this

Word-identity can we call ourselves as SVDs? Only then can we become brothers to one another? Only

then can we claim that “His life is our life, His mission is our Mission”? (C.Prologue).

Being rooted in the word – not only calls me to have a vertical relationship of 'Me and Christ'. Rather it

calls to be proved by my horizontal relationships that I have with my brothers and sisters. Especially it is

tangibly seen in the small or big communities in which I live. As SVDs it means much more. We are called

to live inter-culturally embracing a simple lifestyle, being accountable and transparent, living a life of

solidarity with the lay partners and collaborators with whom we deal day in and day out. If we are truly

rooted in the Word then all these becomes easy and comfortable though it can be demanding at times. As

we prepare ourselves for the General Chapter let us get more and more rooted in Christ. The Incarnate

Word that took the form of flesh may help us who live in flesh to transform ourselves into his image and

likeness.

- From the Leadership Team

PROVINCIAL CIRCULAR – INH

SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD INDIA – HYDERABAD (INH)

Provincial Superior

ARONLD BHAVAN H. No. 1-8-11/1/A Ravindra Nagar Colony, Street No. 8, Habsiguda, Hyderabad – 500 007. T.S., India.

Phone : 040 – 27154741, 85, E-mail : inhsvd@gmail.com Website: www.inhsvd.in

PARISH ACTIVITY

Arockia Annai Shrine, Vadipatti

The Shrine feast began on 29th of August 2107 by hoisting

the flag of Arockia Annai. The flag hoisting ceremony was

solemnized by the Most Rev. Lawrence Pius D.D., STD

Bishop of Dharmapui. Thereafter there was Novena Holy

Mass for nine days. The bishop of Coimbatore Most Rev.

Thomas Aquinas D.D., STL offered the holy mass for the

pilgrims on 2nd of September. Of course the feast day was a

blessing and graced filled day for all especially for the

parishioners and to the pilgrims because of three feasts,

namely, the birthday of our Blessed Mother Mary, birthday

of the Society of the Divine Word and the birthday of the Miraculous Holy Spring (Yesuvin Arumarunthu).

The feast day mass was celebrated and solemnized by Madurai Archbishop the Most Rev. Antony

Pappusamy and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Antony Joseph SVD the provincial superior of INH on 8th of

September followed by the Car procession at 7.00 pm. The feast was concluded by lowering of Arockia

Annai’s flag and with the thanksgiving mass offered by Fr. Y. Arockiadoss SVD the parish priest of

Vadipatti. Thousands of people participated and received God’s blessings through the intercession of

Mother Mary. We would like to appreciate all the priests and the staff for their selfless service in the shrine.

Annai Velankanni, Singampunari

The 38th Annual feast of Annai Velankanni Church at Singampunari began on September 06, 2017 with the

hoisting of the flag of Annai Velankanni by Rev. Fr. Antony Joseph SVD, the Provincial Superior followed

by Holy Eucharistic celebration. As part of the celebration, every day in the evening there was a car

procession around the Church, praying the Holy Rosary and concluding with Holy Eucharistic celebration.

September 10, 2017 was a graced filled day for the parishioners of Singampunari. Rev. Fr. I. Santhuraja

SVD, Rector, St. Charles’ Seminary Trichy, led the solemn

Eucharistic Celebration concelebrated by many SVD confreres

and priests from nearby places. After the festive Mass, there was

a solemn Car procession of Annai Velankanni around

Singampunari town. The annual feast was concluded with the

lowering of the flag of Annai Velankanni by Fr. Paulraj, the Parish

Priest who thanked the confreres, sisters (Franciscan Sisters of St.

Joseph), the Parish Council members and the faithful for their

collaboration and cooperation in making the annual feast a

memorable and grace filled celebration. We appreciate Fr. Paulraj

for his dedicated service in the parish.

Our Lady of Rosary, Miyapur

The parishioners led by their Parish Priest Rev.Fr. Devadass SVD, along with their relatives and friends

came together for a joyful celebration of the annual feast of Our Lady of Rosary on October 29, 2017. The

main celebrant of the day was Rev. Fr. Anand Raj Nagothu SVD, the Vice-Provincial Superior, Hyderabad

Province. In the bilingual sermon, he enlightened the mind of the intent listeners with the meaning of

2

Rosary and the saving power of prayer in families. He

recalled when and how the praying of Rosary began in early

church. He led the homily prayerfully. Also present were

priests and religious sisters from neighboring missions. The

choir broke into a beautiful melody and alternated between

many languages - English, Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil and

brought about the uniqueness of this church in its cultural

diversity. From beginning to end, there seemed to be the

mysterious hand of the Holy Spirit coordinated all aspects of

the event and everything went on very well.

The hard work of parish council members and youth members who have spent long hours in making the day

special for everyone was very evident. During the vote of thanks, Priests were felicitated and special note

of appreciation was accorded to the Parish Priest Fr. Devadass for his leadership and shepherding the church

with humility. A sumptuous meal to express the fellowship was served after mass. Overall it was a day that

will be bringing back good memories and a desire to look forward to the next year celebrations. We express

our appreciation to Fr. Devadass for his dedicated service in the parish.

JPIC ACTIVITIES OF THE PROVINCE

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO ASHA JYOTHI

Everyone wants to be part of a winning team. Asha Jyothi ever

remains as part of a team that wins various awards. This has been

proved in the past and now once again it has been conferred with

the Award of Excellence. IDF – Indian Development Foundation

conducts IDF Grants and Awards Function every year in which they

give away the award of excellence to chosen NGOs. This year the

award was given to Asha Jyothi on 24th October, 2017 at Bharatiya

Vidya Bhavan, Hyderabad. This particular award was given to Asha

Jyothi as the best institution in terms of running the nutritional, Medical and educational program with the

children suffering with HIV successfully. We are really proud to hear that Asha Jyothi is the winner of this

year's meritorious award of Excellence and happy to congratulate Fr. Alwin Mascarenhas SVD. We thank

all the committed staff whose dedicated hard work has achieved this award.

Reaching Out with Relief materials to the flood affected victims

There were several poor people who have been severely affected

beyond measure by the recent torrential rains in Hyderabad. Their

temporary huts have been totally washed away by the floods near

Ramanthapur on 9th October, 2017. The people were completely

stranded without a house, having nothing to eat and spending sleepless

night. JPIC coordinator, Fr. Alwin Mascarenhas SVD immediately

plunged into action as soon as the Provincial Superior Fr. Antony

Joseph brought the matter to his notice for an immediate relief

measure. Most of the people affected were daily wage workers. The initial survey was done with the help

of sisters of Nava Jeevan Vikas, a secular institute and Fr. Florence SVD. Immediate help was given in the

form of food packets and clothes.

3

Later, a small programme was organized by JPIC Coordinator on 12th

October, 2017 for the distribution of relief material consisting of rice

and other provisions. New clothes such as Saris, Lungis, T-shirts,

Bathing towels and Bed sheets were distributed by Fr. Provincial

Superior along with the JPIC Coordinator. The relief materials were

handed over to 55 families. They were all very happy and joyful

having received the materials as immediate help and were very

grateful for this great gesture of human love, concern and kindness.

LAY APOSTOLATE

ARNOLD ASSOCIATION AT ASHA JYOTHI & GURUNILAYAM

Arnold Association, Lay collaborators in Telengana and Andhra Pradesh had a Social Outreach program to

Asha Jyothi and Guru Nilayam. A team of 11 visited these missions to spend some time and share in the

ministry of these places. In Asha Jyothi they spent considerable amount of time with the HIV & AIDS

infected and affected children and got to know the challenges they face physically, psychologically and

socially. Yet the children who are known for their innocence and spontaneity welcomed them and shown

their talents with dances. Arnold Association distributed Bedsheets, towels, and some financial aid to the

centre.

After visiting Asha Jyothi the members moved to the next mission Guru Nilayam, Bhongir our Health care

centre. Here the centre cares for medical needs of the poor in and around

Bhongir and surrounding villages. Medical camps are conducted in the

centre as well as other missions. Arnold Association members were

welcomed by Fr. M. Xavier and he explained to them about the mission work

going on there. Later the Association sponsored one Medical equipment to

the centre to support the mission work. Thanks to Fr. N. Ananda Raju SVD

for motivating and leading the Arnold Association to make this Social

Outreach program a memorable and meaningful one.

EDUCATION APOSTOLATE

THE SEMINAR ON MASS-MEDIA

The seminar on MASS-MEDIA was conducted on 17th October 2017 at St. Arnold’s High school, at

Ramachandrapuram by Rev. Fr. Selvam SVD. It was very effective and informative for the students. The

Communication director Fr. Selvam addressed the students about the important role of Mass – Media in the

lives of the students. He emphasised that we live in an age of information and media, in a world where

values projected by media seem to be more accepted than real values. The term mass-media describes many

forms of entertainment like Television, Film, Music, Newspapers, Magazines, the Internet, and Advertising.

The media has a strong social and cultural impact upon society. In

competitive economic society, parents are forced to spend longer

hours at work and fewer hours with their children. As a result, outside

influences have greater access and negative impact over our youth

than ever before. The Internet and the media are bringing the outside

world into our homes. The staff and the students actively participated

and appreciated Fr. Selvam for his hardwork and experiences in this

field of Communication. We thank Fr. Selvam for his outreach

activities.

4

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

5TH ANNUAL RESEARCH SEMINAR OF SANSKRUTI

SANSKRUTI – Institute of Dravidian Culture and Research is glad to announce its 5th National Research

Seminar to be held on January 18 and 19, 2018 at Arnold Bhavan, Hyderabad. The main theme of the

seminar is: “Indigenous Knowledge system challenged by the Modern Information and Communication

Technology and Empowering of the Marginalised people of India: Policies and Priorities”. Prof. Dr. Komal

Misra, Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University, Orissa, has kindly agreed to be the chief guest of the function,

Prof. Dr. Srivastava, Head of the Department of Sociology, Delhi University has consented to deliver the

keynote address, and Prof. Dr.Venkat Rao, Head of the Department of Anthropology, Hyderabad Central

University will deliver the inaugural address.

All are cordially invited to participate and share the richness of the long journey of our Indian civilization.

Ever growing and most challenging!

REPORT

OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF

SVD INDIA SUBZONE FORMATION BOARD

Atma Darshan, Mumbai, India

September 16-17, 2017

Reminders & Recommendations

The annual meeting of the SVD India Subzone Formation Board was held at Atma Darshan, Mumbai (INM)

on September 16-17, 2017. Thirty six (36) members, including four Provincials and the Regional of the

Subzone, Fr. Maria Michael ASPAC Zonal Coordinator and Fr. Scaria Pannackal, Superior Delegate

participated in the deliberations. The meeting began with the concelebrated Eucharist, presided over by Fr.

Antony Joseph, the chairperson of the Governing Board, India. The homilist, Fr. Ronald Pereira, the

Provincial of INE, highlighted from his own life experiences, the importance of accompanying the formees

in their formative journey.

The morning session began with a short inaugural prayer, which included lighting of the lamp and

enthronement of the Bible. Fr. Richard Mathias, the host Provincial (INM), welcomed the participants of

the Formation Board. Fr. Luke Rodrigues SJ the resource person of the day addressed the participants on

the theme, “The Role of Accompaniment in Seminary Formation”. He reminded that as formators we must

know our formees and when we accompany them their performance is enhanced. In the process of

accompaniment we are to face some challenges too. He also proposed a few good practices that are useful

in the process of accompaniment.

Fr. Xavier T, the Chairperson of the Formation Board, addressed the participants, elucidating some of the

challenges arising out of the changing scenario in the ministry of formation. After he welcomed the

participants, particularly the first timers, he thanked the participants for their commendable service to the

Society and insisted that we need to learn to enjoy our ministry in formation.

The Chairperson made the participants aware of the inevitable thrust of the trends in vocation and formation

today, namely, from a climate of homogeneity to heterogeneity, from vocation to Christian life to

consecrated life, from promoting quantity to quality, from initial formation to ongoing formation, from

treating formation as congregational work to collaborative endeavor, from the spirit of Genext to Jio-next

and from administrative approach to accompanying attitude that should form part of our strategy in

addressing adequately the emerging challenges in the formation ministry.

5

The India Subzone Formation Secretary Fr. Pushpa Anbu, presenting his annual report, highlighted the

activities and functioning of the secretariat. He urged the formators to be creative and to accompany the

seminarians in their formative journey. Formators are to be witnesses, create a conducive / purposive

climate in our formation houses and actively involve in all the community activities. The Rectors and

Directors of our formation houses presented the implementation report on the previous year’s

“Recommendation” of the Board. The Secretary then presented a consolidated report of all our seminaries,

highlighting the activities, challenges, opportunities and future plans.

On the second day of the meeting, Fr. Maxim Rodrigues, Regional Superior of ING was the main celebrant

of the Eucharist and Fr. Richard Mathias, Provincial Superior of INM during the homily stressed the

importance of making our formees truly the light of the world and salt to the earth by our relentless

accompaniment.

The Board then took up for its discussion, a well worked out agenda which include, besides the regular

exercise, some of the vital issues related to formation. The two days meeting was well appreciated for its

meticulous planning, systematic execution, active participation and friendly atmosphere. Finally the

members expressed their deep sense of gratitude to all concerned for organizing the meeting effectively.

At the conclusion of the meeting of the Advisory council, Fr. Xavier T, the Chairperson of the SVD

Formation Board, India convened a meeting of the SVD Governing Board for Formation on September 17,

2017 to consider the proposals and issues that emerged from the meeting of the Advisory council. All the

members of the Governing Board for Formation, namely, the Provincial Superiors of INC, INE, INH, INM,

the Regional Superior of ING and the India subzone Formation Secretary were present. After prayer,

reflection and exchange of views, the Board arrived at the following “Reminders and Recommendations”.

I. REMINDERS

01. We remind those the Rectors / Directors of our formation houses, who were not able to implement the

recommendations of the previous Formation Board meeting (September 2016), to promptly execute them

during the current academic year and present an action taken report in the next Board meeting in September

20l8.

02. Having realized the importance of accompaniment in the seminary formation, we remind our formators

that they continue to accompany diligently our formees at every stage of formation.

II. RECOMMENDATIONS

01. We recommend that we follow the SVD Formation Manual, India with regard to the criteria for

selection, training and promotion of our seminarians. Besides academic performance and records, the

aptitude and disposition of our candidates need to be taken into serious consideration while fostering and

promoting vocations. Proper screening be done at every stage of formation.

02. We recommend that we continue to make concerted efforts to improve the quality of English language

of the seminarians at different levels of formation and promote reading habits in them.

03. We recommend that the Deacons of Divine Word Seminary, Pune appear for comprehensive exams in

the month of June every year. The modalities and subsequent programs for them be worked out by the staff

of DWS.

04. We recommend that the Deacons of Divya Jyoti, Sason, Sambalpur complete their comprehensive

exams by November every year. Other details shall be worked out by the seminary staff in consultation

with KJM, Sason.

05. We recommend that our formees are adequately animated to assimilate and personalize their mission

experiences and exposures so as to deepen their missionary religious commitment.

06. We recommend that seminars / workshops be organized regularly in our formation houses for both staff

and formees on the "Dynamics of Interculturality".

6

07. We recommend that our formees are guided to consciously cultivate and constantly nurture the fourfold

Characteristic Dimensions, Prophetic Dialogue and the thrust of Congregational Directions, which are the

marks of SVD missionary identity.

08. We recommend that our seminarians at the graduation level be provided with a smart phone for each

class/group for academic purposes with internet / Wi-Fi facility. The mode of the mobile phone usage will

be determined by each formation house.

09. In order to enhance in our formees greater familiarity and acquaintance with the Holy Bible, we

recommend that prominence be laid on regular Bible study, and consistent steps to promote skills in

homiletics in all our formation houses.

10. We recommend that a comprehensive medical examination for our postulants be carried out before they

are promoted to Novitiate.

11. We recommend that our minor seminarians are introduced to music, singing, sports and games already

at the very initial stage of formation, and sustained at the subsequent stages.

The Governing Body also decided to hold the next annual meeting of the SVD Formation Board, India on

September 16-17,2018, at St. Arnold Seva Sadan, Indore.

The deliberations came to an end with a proposal of vote of thanks and a thanksgiving prayer at 06.15 p.m.

Fr. Xavier Thirukudumbam SVD Fr. Pushpa Anbu SVD

Chairperson, Formation Board Formation Secretary

Fr. Antony Joseph SVD

Chairperson, India Subzone Governing Board

Report of the Governing Body

SVD India Sub-Zone

Atmadarshan, Andheri-Mumbai

September 19, 2017

The Governing Body of the SVD India Sub-Zone held its meeting on 19th September 2017 at Atmadarshan,

Andheri-Mumbai, at 03.00 pm. The meeting was chaired by Fr. Antony Joseph SVD, the Chairperson of

the Governing Body. All the members were present, including the outgoing mission secretary Fr. Baptist

D’Souza. The meeting began with a short prayer seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the deliberations

and decisions.

1. The GB reiterates its commitment to “migration ministry” as an essential aspect of JPIC. It

recommends the training and appointment of more confreres for this ministry left to the discretion

of the administration in the respective Provinces and Region.

2. The GB recommends that every institution and ministry prepare an action plan following the

common format for action plan prepared by Roy Chirappurath and Jeevan Kennedy and approved

by the GB (module enclosed). The mission secretaries shall ensure the coordination, implementation

and annual reporting of the 4CDS at the Province and National level.

7

3. The GB approved the proposal of the MER Coordinator to conduct a National Conference on a

relevant topic related to mission during the triennium. Theme of the conference shall be selected in

consultation with all concerned in the specialized apostolates, and the mission secretaries of the

Sub-Zone.

4. The GB recommends that VIVAT India at Delhi coordinates the Tribal affairs activities of the SVDs

at the National level and existing JPIC and Cultural centers at the Province level will ensure that

priority be given to the work among the tribals.

5. The GB recommends that within a year Vademecum SVD be reprinted and copies made available

to the PRMs according their need. The Mission Secretary, India Sub-Zone shall collect the

information about the required number of copies from the Provinces/Region and coordinate with

INC Province (Sat Prachar Press) for the printing.

6. The GB approves the proposal to bring out a volume on the life and works of late Archbishop

Raphael Cheenath SVD in recognition of his contribution to the Church in Odisha and India. INE

Province will take the initiative and seek assistance also from the lay people who were closely

associated with him.

7. The GB endorses the proposal of the Sub-Zonal Biblical Coordinator to conduct a Biblical Seminar

in November 2018.

8. The GB constituted a 3 member committee consisting of Jose Kollemkunnel, S. M. Michael, and

Ivan Vas to revisit and study the objectives given in the “Guidelines for Inter Provincial Bodies of

SVD India Sub Zone, to evaluate the functioning of the Forum, and its effectiveness in

implementing the recommendations. The committee is requested to submit the report at the annual

Inter Provincial Forum in September 2018.

9. The GB recommends that the Sub-Zonal Brother Coordinator, VIVAT India Secretary and Sub-

Zonal Education Coordinator shall also present a short report at the annual Inter Provincial Forum

meeting along with other area Coordinators of the 4 CDs.

10. The GB endorses the proposal of the Provincial Treasurers of India Sub-Zone to increase the

allowance of the Nemi renewal course participants from India Sub-Zone to Euros 600 besides the

monthly allowance.

The GB decided to hold the next Inter Provincial Forum meeting on 18-19 September, 2018 at St.

Arnold’s Seva Sadan, Indore.

Fr. Antony Joseph, the chairperson of the GB, thanked Baptist D’Souza, the outgoing mission

secretary, for his commendable service during the past six years in coordinating the activities. He

also welcomed the new mission secretary, India Sub-Zone and wished him well. The meeting was

concluded with a prayer by Fr. Maxim Rodrigues at 05.00 pm.

Antony Joseph, SVD Jose Joseph Kollemkunnel SVD

Chairperson, India Sub-Zone GB Mission Secretary, India Sub-zone

NEMI PROGRAMS

Dates Programme For Whom? Application

Deadline

11 February to 08

May 2018

International Sabbatical

for Religious – in English

SVD Confreres, other religious &

diocesan clergy

15 Dec. 2017

14 August to 06

December 2018

Tertiate Renewal

Program in Bahasa

Indonesia

Venue: Steyl, Oies, Nemi

Confreres: 40 to 60 years of age, a

minimum of 10 years after Perpetual

Vows (Const. 519.1); also for other

religious & diocesan clergy

14 Mar. 2018

8

Congratulations!

We congratulate Fr. A. Wilson Sagayaraj SVD for completing Licentiate degree in Sacred Scripture with

distinction (Summa Cum Laude) at Biblicum, Rome. His research article on “Jesus and the Syrophoenician

woman; a narrative critical study” was published in theological Journal Rho, USA.

Information

Preparatory Committee for Provincial Chapter January, 2018

01. Fr. Kulandaisamy (Convenor)

02. Fr. Bala Prasad

03. Fr. Thomas Kavumkattayil

We thank them for accepting the additional responsibility.

My Programme:

November

Nov. 3rd to 4th Narasaraopet

Nov. 08 Provincial Council Meeting, Arnold Bhavan

December

Dec. 09 Feast day Mass at Sangareddy

Dec. 10 Meeting with District Superiors

Dec. 11 Prov. Council Meetings, Arnold Bhavan

Dec. 13 Unit Meeting, Arnold Bhavan

Dec. 27 Ordination of Dn. Joe Arun Prakash, Trichy

Dec. 29 Youth Convention, Trichy

Dec. 30 Arockia Annai Shrine, Vadipatti

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 01 – K. Anthoniswamy 17 – Wilson Sagayaraj

01 – A. Jesuraj 18 – Blaise A.

02 – Joseph A. (Jr.) 20 – Kulandaisamy

11 – Paulus Topno 22 – Ambrose Beck

12 – M. Xavier 22 – Amalanathan C.

30 – A. Selvam 23 – Bala Prasad

30 – Lawrence D’Souza

Fr. Antony Joseph SVD

Provincial Superior – INH 9