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VPP – 64 NEWS LETTER JANUARY 2017

E-mail: (Provincial) provincialpunemsfs@gmail.com E-mail: (Provincial) provincialpunemsfs@gmail.com E-mail: (Provincial) provincialpunemsfs@gmail.com

(Secretary) secretaryprovincialpune@gmail.com, +91 8975708535(Secretary) secretaryprovincialpune@gmail.com, +91 8975708535(Secretary) secretaryprovincialpune@gmail.com, +91 8975708535

Website: www.punefransalians.comWebsite: www.punefransalians.comWebsite: www.punefransalians.com

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Pune ProvincePune ProvincePune Province

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Dear Confreres,

Wishing you a very happy feast of our dear heavenly Patron St. Francis de Sales.

Once St. Vincent de Paul said, "If Francis de Sales is so compassionate, how much

more God would be". St. Francis de Sales saint so gentle and humble inspiring

everyone in their life, invites us to be more gentle and compassionate. Every year

the feast reminds us to practice the virtues of St. Francis de Sales. We make novenas

and meditate upon some of the virtues like, Humility, Gentleness and Compassion.

Our Patron gave more importance to these virtues. As we honour of heavenly patron, let us strive to make

these virtues part of our Fransalian way of life. May our Patron, so gentle, humble and compassionate

inspire and make us to be like him.

“Francis de Sales was a man of initiatives, open, ready to listen to others and learn from others. At the same

time he was able to think differently with originality, ready to leave beaten paths and try new ones. This was

clear when he proposed Love and Charity in place of violence , as the tools of conquering souls and when

he paid attention to conversion of sinners rather than neglecting them.”

-Formative Biography of St. Francis de Sales: Fr. Anthony M

HAPPY FEAST OF OUR HEAVENLY PATRON TO EACH OF YOU AND TO ALL OUR PEOPLE IN OUR CENTRES.

Fr.Simon Rodrigues aged 61 years thwent to his heavenly abode on 17 Jan. 2017 in

Pune. Due to his illness he was taking rest in theProvincialate for last few months. He was

showing signs of improvement during the stay after treatment in the hospitals. Winter

season affected his breathing and at times thhe was having problems. On 13 he traveled to

Uchgaon to witness the Feast cum Laying of the Foundation stone for a new church. In the

afternoon we returned to Pune and after reaching Pune he had breathing problem and

when we suggested to go to the hospital he said it would be alright if he took some rest. But

on climbing the steps he found it difficult and collapsed and lost heart beat and was thrushed immediately to the hospital and was revived. But on 17 evening he was declared dead. His family was

thinformed and his father and sister were with him till the end. The funeral mass was conducted on 19 by Rev.Bishop

Thomas Dabre in the presence of many confreres, priests, religious and people from different places especially from

Kalambist . Fr.Mario D'souza preached an inspiring homily. Eulogy was given by the Provincial. He is buried at the

new cemetery at Vadgaonsheri. May our confrere enjoy the eternity with God.

ArgamTuka somia Argam tuka Dhonia Argan Tuka argam tuka atam and sassnak.

"My soul give praise to the Lord, I will praise the Lord all of my days, make music to my god while I live'"

(Ps.145/1). Like the psalmist, Fr.Simon has lived his life singing praises and playing music to god in his life. And

we believe that he continues to be in the choir of the angels from today.

Simple Simon and His Call: In the gospels we read that Jesus called the apostles two by two to himself , and later

sent the disciples two by two to do his ministry. When Jesus called Simple Simon( like Simon Peter and Andrew in

the gospel) to the MSFS way of life he was called along with his friend and companion Fr. Francis Dias who is in

Brazil province. After his ordination wherever he was sent he always went along with one more companion . In all the

mission parishes in the province he has worked with a companion priest and even when he went to Chile he went with

Fr.Melky from this province. He lived a simple way of life, singing the praises of God. 'You are a priest foreve , a

priest like Melchizedek of old' He has been a priest forever. We thank god for the gift of this unique call given to

Simple Simon.

Inspiring and Innovative Simon and Choice of ministry : Liker his founder Fr.PeterMermier, the servant of God,

he has been firm about being a lover of Missions, ' I WANT MISSION PARISH'. All his 29 years of priestly life the

Innovative Simon has preferably made his choice to work in the mission parishes in the rural set up, like Kakkeri,

Uchgaon in Belgaum diocese, Kalmist in Sindhudurg diocese and Cotto and Valpoi in Goa archdiocese. He spent all

his years as a Pastor , pasturing at periphery level of the society. The only time he lived in a larger community besides

his seminary days is the provincialatecommunity for last few months as he came down to rest and get well. Even from

here he was willing to go to a new mission station at Nippani. When we offered him any institution he would

convincingly say ' what am I poor parish priest going to do there? I can work only in the mission parishes'. Though he

was born and grew in elite towns of Mumbai and Goa, his heart always went for interior and rural villages and

people. .

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EULOGY

Musician Missionary Simon and his Talents: It is said 'Jack of all trades and master of none'. But the

Musician Missionary Simon was master of many musical instruments , like violin, Key board, mouth

organ, guitar etc. A very good musician, singer and composer. He is good at goanmandos, the cultural songs

of Goa. He has been a linguist, knowing and able to converse fluently in Konkani, English, Marathi, Hindi,

Portuguese, Latin and Spanish which he is very fluent with even today. He could fit in anywhere. He has

been a creative artist too. He has enriched the community with this art work at various events. There has

been a treasure of talents abound in him.

Optimistic Simon and Life's struggle: He has undergone certain disappointments, discouragements

during his life as a priest and he has suffered physically during the last few years due to diabetics and BP .

This had affected and afflicted him a lot. But towards the end , while staying with us last one year, the

Optimistic Simon has been very positive in looking at things in life including his sickness. He would not

much complain of any pain or struggle. Even his end came without us realizing seriousness of it, as he

would always say , when asked to go to doctor, this is nothing and this would pass off.

Noble Simon: The Noble Simon has helped many people in many ways very conspicuously , not letting

the right hand know what the left hand was doing, in charity. The presence of people here reveals his noble

attitude he had towards people and life. He was soft spoken, joyful and jovial and always helpful when he is

approached.

Yes, Dear Simon, this is what you have been: A simple Simon, An Inspiring and Innovative Simon,

Musician Missionary Simon, An Optimistic Simon and a Noble Simon.

Today we say goodbye to you dear Simon that you may go and be with your creator. It was very

unexpected and sudden that you went away from us. Thank you for wht and who yo have been to us.

Simon's last days

Though he knew he was not feeling well he dared to travel to Uchgaon to participate in the feast and laying

of foundation stone, as he was part of planning of the new church as he had worked last in the parish.

However he could not attend the programme. I returned with him and others the same day, not realizing that

he was not too well as he did not show any serious sign of being very sick. Because he said 'let us go'. He

said he did not sleep the previous night as it was bit chilly and during winter he saidthat he gets some

breathing problem. But on arrival that night he could not make it to his room .We rushed him to the hospital

and there they declared that his heart had stopped functioning and they would try to revive which they said

they managedto but had to wait to see if the brain was functioning. After two days when they did the MRI

we were told that there was global block in the brain and there was no scope to revive it. That was the last

stroke and blow that came upon us.

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His young daddy of 93 years was there besides him all these days along with his daughterCasia. They

and Simon have been very fond of each other. Many a times it is Simon's dad who has taken care of him

and driving him even at this age. His acceptance of God's will even at this painful moment is something

very wonderful. He was there animating prayers for his son on his death. We offer our sincere

condolence to you dear uncle, Casiaand her husband Louis and all other relatives who have come from

far and wide. And our sincere gratitude to all of you dear people and friends who have come from

different places.

Our special thanks to our beloved bishop, who on hearing the news, said he would make it to be here

for the service. Thank you dear Bishop Thomas Dabre for the great pastor and friend you are to us all. .

Gratitude to all our confreres, priests from other places , religious and to all our dear parishioners for

being with us and praying for the soul of Fr.Simon . Dev boremkorumtumkamsoggleank and God bless

you. I wish to thank my community members for standing together to make this funeral event a

memorable one. God bless you my dear confreres.

MAY FR.SIMON REST IN ETERNAL PEACE AND SING AND DANCE TO THE ANGELIC MUSIC

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God of love, You care for usAnd You guide us in numerous waysWe thank You for inflaming the heart of Fr. Peter MermierWith an intense love for YouAnd a zeal for the salvation of people

You blessed him with a total trust in You,And in humble surrender to Your Holy WillIt was your desireThat he should found the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales,And with Mother Claudine Echernier,The Congregation of Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod,To spread your mercy and compassion to all,And to give witness to Your love through prophetic ministries. His life of holiness was his supreme act of glory to You.

Loving Father,You blessed many individuals and familiesWith the renewal of Christian faith,Through the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales.You raised our Founder to the saintly state of Servant of God.Thus You testify that he is Your highly favoured sonFor whom You refuse nothing.

So we pray, through his holy intercession, That you bless us now

th· With true success in our 20 Ordinary General Chapter,· And with an interior spiritual renewal of every MSFS

In his consecrated and missionary life,To give a new direction to our Congregation

We make this prayerThrough Christ Your Son,Who lives and reigns with YouAnd the Holy Spirit,One God, forever and ever, Amen.

(One Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be)

The following is the prayer in preparation and for success of 20th General Chapter 2019. Kindly recite regularly in the community.

06

Every year the feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated in St.

Milagris Church, Gauthan, at the Rakshak Jezu Hill. The feast of the

MIRACULOUS CROSS was celebrated on 28th December 2016 at 11.30

am. We began with praise and worship and the prayer service was conducted

by Guru Santaji and his team with music and hymns. Every month the prayer

services and healing services sre conducted by different Charismatic teams.

Holy Mass was celebrated by His Lordship Bp. Alwyn Baretto. 600 and

above Faithfull from all SaatWadas and the people of other faith participated

in this feast. The serene ambiance of the Grotto of the Holy Cross brought real blessing for the faithful. The

Holy mass was ended with final blessing and special prayer prepared by Fr. Anthony. After the Mass a short

felicitation programme was conducted. Bishop Alwyn, the Bishop of

Sindudurgh Diocese and other priests were felicitated. Thereafter, a

fellowship meal was shared by all. People of other faith also

participated in this fellowship. The Festive meal was sponsored by

Gauthan Parishioners settled in Mumbai. The faithful nourished

themselves both spiritually and physically and returned home with

burning hearts with the rays of the MIRACULOUS CROSS. This feast

has been gaining popularity among the faithful and from others

surging from various corners of the hamlets of Kadgaon-Gauthan area.

Fr. Anthony D'Souza (Jr)

The Scholastics who are sent to Marathi exposure program are at present doing their technical

skills and are seen with their projects prepared at Don Bosco Centre at Karjat. Our sincere thanks to

SDB community for the enriching experience of our brothers.

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The celebration began on 18th December with Carol singing for

three days among the migrant Catholic brethren living in the

factories and in the villages. The Christmas Midnight mass was

celebrated by Fr. Romeo and the word of God was preached by Fr.

Mathew at CRPF Gandhinagar. On 25th Morning we had our

migrants coming for the Holy Eucharist. After the Eucharist, the

fellowship meal was served for almost 275 people. Christmas tree

Games were organized for all the faithful as well. Snacks packets were distributed to all who witnessed the

birth of Jesus in our campus.

On 1st January our migrants made it a point to attend the feast day mass of MARY MOTHER OF GOD.

Faithful participated in the Eucharist and after the Mass there were games organized for all the volunteers

those who helped us during Christmas season and fellowship

lunch for them. Towards the end of the day there was friendly

volleyball organized for the youth.

Fr. Romeo, Fr. Mathew and Bro. Peter Alphonse thanked all the

Benefactors and well wishers those who contributed towards the

celebration of the Christmas and New Year 2017.

This year Rev. Fr. Superior General has declared this year as the MSFS Year of Education and Social

Apostolates. The theme for the year is "Social Empowerment through Education and Innovative

Ministry". Let us all make this year a meaningful and eventful one with relevant programmes. The

respective councilors incharge will help organizing .

08

The long dream of our people to have a better place for their spiritual nourishment has seen the ray of hope.

As the cool breeze touches our folks, the warmth came in the form of our double celebration of the parish

feast and laying of the foundation stone for the new church. The concelebrated Holy Eucharist was presided

over by Most Rev.PeterMachado,Bishop of Belgaum. The day was illumined with many priests, religious

and lay faithful.

Laying of the foundation stone commenced at the end of the Eucharist celebration by Most Rev.Peter

Machado, Bishop of Belgaum in the presence of Rev.Fr.Vincent msfs, provincial, the priests, religious and

lay faithful. Our bishop in his homily expressed his sense of satisfaction and appreciation with regards to

our missionary endeavors. The journey began by placing our trust in the divine providence of God and the

support on our confreres, friends and benefactors. Let's continue to pray for this noble cause through the

intercession of our patron St.Jude..-Fr. Nelson

The parishioners of Patne

praised God for the gift of a

n e w P r i e s t F r. Vi c k y

Mendes. 27th December

2016 will remain a red letter

day as he was ordained a

priest on that auspicious

day by His Lordship Most

Rev. Peter Machado, the

Bishop of Belgaum Diocese

at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Patne. The

concelebrants were as follows: Fr. Vincent the

Provincial, Fr. Sunny, Fr. Cajetan the Parish Priest,

Fr. Joseph Kutty, the Chancellor of the Diocese.

The ordination was also attended by many of our

confreres, friends and benefactors from Mumbai,

Pune and Goa. The celebration ended with a

festive lunch on this blessed day.

Fr. Vicky celebrated his first Mass on 28th

December in the evening 7 pm. It was well

attended by the confreres, relatives and

parishioners. It was a moment of joy and blessing

for all. We wish him a fruitful and meaningful

ministry in the service of the Lord.

BirthdaysFebruary01 Fr. Joseph Malayil

01 Fr. A Jesuraja

01 Fr. Joagrish Fernandes

03 Fr. Vincent Lourduswamy

03 Fr. K. Thomas

05 Fr. Leo James

06 Fr. Anthony Maria Prakash

08 Fr. Andrew P

10 Bro. Christal James

11 Bro. Karbinus Tete

13 Dn. Rawson Fernandes

14 Fr. Lourduswamy A

14 Bro. Peter Alphonse

15 Fr. G. Samuel Rayer

25 Fr. Prince Arockiaraj

28 Fr. Juze Fernandes

Ordination AnniversaryFebruary01 Fr. Sushanth Mantry

03 Fr. Prabhakar

12 Fr. Anthony D’Souza

Wishing you Happy Birthday

and

Happy Ordination Anniversary

Fr. Marcos and the editorial team for bringing out yet another new issue of Saakshi.

Fr. PeppinJayaraj for penning a book named 'Journey to Jerusalem' about his Holy Land experience.

Provincial Community, Shaanwadi for meticulous planning and arrangements for the funeral service of

Fr. Simon Rodrigues.

Valpoi Community for the reconstruction of the Church. Special thanks and appreciation to Fr. Thomas

Fernandes, benefactors and well wishers for their kind generosity for funding for the construction of the

Church.

Congrats to Fr. Ignaci Muthu, the new Provincial of South East India Province and Fr. George

Panthanmackel, the Provincial of North East India Province as they are being installed as Provincials.

Heartiest congratulations to the Scholastics to be ordained Deacons on 28th Jan. at Fransalian Seminary at

the hands of Rev.Bishop Rebello, Bishop of Aurangabad Diocese. Our sincere thanks to the formators.

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Fraternally,

Fr. S. Vincent Lourduswamy msfs (Provincial Superior)

For the soul of Fr. Simon Rodrigues.

For the good health of Fr. Armind Nazareth.

22-23 Chennai

24 Trichy-Pudukottai

25-26 Salem

28 Diaconate-Pune

10

Due to the illness and death of Fr.Simon the visit to Rajasthan communities will be done from 1st to 5th Feb. and Dahanu on 5th and 6th.

Wishing you a very happy feast of

our Heavenly Patron St. Francis de Sales

A kind request to all the members not to send any important messages or information to

Fr. Provincial’s whatsapp. Please send it to the email: provincialpunemsfs@gmail.com or SMS

to 9860993835

Hearty welcome to Fr. Thomas K who has come for his holidays. We wish him all the best.

SALESIAN THOUGHT

“When you face with difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.”