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JEPASA
came into existence with the first Assistancy-wide consultation
of provincial/regional coordinators of the pastoral apostolate
in 1989. Reflecting together on the current thrust, problems
and possibilities of the Jesuit pastoral ministry, they articulated
in a statement a common goal and vision: "To build up an
integrated, fully alive, inter-faith human community, in order
to actualize the reign of God. This service would generally
start with the local Christian community and eventually, in
and through that community, reach out to the larger community."
In 1989 the JCSA granted JEPASA official recognition. Strengthened
by Decree 19 of GC-34 on parish ministry, the JEPASA had a convention
in 1997 with Fr General, and decided to move on with more creativity
Robert
Mascarenhas, S.J.
Secretary, JEPASA
Catholic Ashram,
Post Box 14,
Radhanpur 385 340
Ph: 91 2746 276225
Mobile: 9427678223
Email: mascarenhasrobert14@gmail.com
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Province/Region
Coordinators of JEPASA
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Andamans and Nicobar
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N.N
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Andhra
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Fr. A.e. Selvaraj
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Bangladesh
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N.N
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Bombay
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Fr. Jerry D'Souza
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Calcutta
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Fr. Eric Tigga
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Darjeeling
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Fr. Jagdish Parmar
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Delhi
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Fr. J Dayal
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Dumka-Raiganj
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Fr. Benjamin Ekka
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Goa
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Fr. Menino Gonsalves
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Gujarat
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Fr.
Andrew Silveira
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Hazaribag
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Frs.
Suresh Kindo & Sylverius Minj
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Jamshedpur
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Fr.
Cyril Tigga
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Karnataka
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Fr. Francis Noronha
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Kerala
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Fr.
Paruthipallil Augustine
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Kohima
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Fr.
Susaimanickam Arul
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Madhya Pradesh
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Fr. Aajay Kumar Kujur
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Madurai
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Fr. Marivalan Rayappan
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Nepal
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N.N
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Pakistan
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Fr.
Zecchin Renato
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Patna
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Fr.
Gregory Gomes
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Pune
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Fr. James Shelke
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Ranchi
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Fr.
Chistopher R. Toppo
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Sri Lanka
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Fr.
Winston Rosairio
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ADDRESSES
OF PROVINCE PASTORAL COMMISSION CO-ORDINATORS
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ANDHRA PROVINCE
Fr. A.E. Selvaraj, S.J.,
Church of St. Joseph the Worker,
Gudlavalleru Post,
Gudlavalleru, Krishna
Dt.
Andhra Pradesh 521-356
Phone: (08674) 273724
Mobile: 09440883407
Birthday 2-10-1958
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GUJARAT PROVINCE
Fr. Andrew Silveira, SJ,
Adivasi Pragati Kendra, P.B. 64,
VYARA, Surat District,
Gujarat - 394 650
Phone: (02626) 223054; Mobile: 09427879108
E-mail: andrewsilveirasj@gmail.com
Birthday - 11-10-1949
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DARJEELING PROVINCE
Fr. Jagdish Parmar,
SJ
St. Peter's Church,
Namchi
Sikkim. Pin -
737 126,
E.mail: jagdishsj@jesuits.net
Phone: (03595) 264042;
mobile: 434179246.
Birthday 2-08-1952
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HAZARIBAG PROVINCE
Fr. Suresh Kindo, SJ
c/o St. Xavier's School,
Post - Bokaro Steel City,
Dt Bokaro 827 001, Jharkhand
Mobile: 099345 69479
Birthday - 20-02-1969
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DELHI PROVINCE
Fr. J. Dayal, SJ,
St. Xavier's Church,
Ashok Marg, Jaipur,
Rajasthan 302 001.
Phone: (0141 ) 2374933 (M) 09414442959
E-mail: dayalsj@gmail.com
Birthday 01-08-1957
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HAZARIBAG PROVINCE.
Fr.
Sylverius Minj, S.J.,
Catholic Ashram,
Jamuniatanr, Post - Ranka-Raj,
Garhwa Dt. 822 125,
Jharkhand.
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DUMKA-RAIGANJ PROVINCE.
Fr. Benjamin Ekka, SJ
C/o Fr. Provinical's Residence,
Jisu Jaher,,
Dudhami, Dumka Dt.,
Jharkhand - 814
101
Mobile: 09431310695
Birthday 12-06-1957
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JAMSHEDPUR PROVINCE
Fr. Cyril Tigga, SJ,
Loyola School,
JAMSHEDPUR, Jharkhand - 831 001
Phone: (0657) 2231842; Birthday 18-03-1965
Email: ctiggasj@gmail.com
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GOA PROVINCE.
Fr. Menino Gonsalves,
SJ,
St. John the
Baptist Math,
Snanika Arulappara Virakta Math,
Deshnur, Bailhongal Taluka,
Belgaum Dt.
Karnataka - 591 147,
Maharastra Pin
416 505.
M: 09448210781.
Birthday 31-12-1960
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KARNATAKA PROVINCE.
Fr. Francis Noronha, SJ
Mount St. Joseph
Bannerghatta Road,
11MP. P.O. , Bangalore
560 076,
Karnataka.
Phone mobile: 09980338771
E-mail: frankie_noronha@rediffmail.com
Birthday 14-09-1959
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KERALA PROVINCE
Fr. Paruthipallil Augustine,
SJ
Catholic Mission,
Kanul P, Bakkalam,
Kannur Dt. Kerala Pin 670 302
E-mail: augustinsj@sancharnet.in
Phone: (0497) 2783055;
Birthday
8/01/1943
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MUMBAI PROVINCE
Fr. Jerome D'Souza, SJ,
Jivan Vikas Sadan (Retreat House),
6, Kane
Road,
Bandra - Mumbai 400 050.
Phone: (022) 26422095;
Mobile: 09869543496
E-mail: dsouzajerry@rediffmail.com
Birthday 10-05-1949
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KOHIMA REGION
Fr. S Arul, SJ,
Good Shepherd School,
P.O. Gunjung, (via Haflong),
North Cachar Hills Dt.,
Assam Pin
788 819.
Phone: (03673) 206387 (M) 09435559776
E.mail: arulsosaisj@gmail.com
Birthday
03-07-1957.
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NEPAL REGION
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Maniar, SJ,
Regional Superior,
St. Xavier's Residence, Jawalakhel, Kathmandu,
NEPAL.
OFFICE: HRD Research Centre, Sanepa,
GPO Box 50, Kathmandu, NEPAL.
Phone: 00977-1-5535464
Email: maniyarsj@yahoo.com;
jnepal@mos.com.np;
jnepal@mos.com.np
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KOLKATA PROVINCE
Fr. Eric Tigga, SJ,
Premananda Ashram,
Chamrusai, P.O. Demouli,
West Midnapore Dt.
West Bengal - 721 145.
Mobile 09434560056; Birthday: 09-05-1953
E-mail:erictsg@gmail.com
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PAKISTAN MISSION
Fr. Zecchin Renato, S.J.,
28, Waris Road,
Post Box 536,
Lahore 54000
Pakistan.
Phone (042) 7586963 / 5860586
E-mail: jesuits@jesuits.lcci.org.pk
Birthday
30-11-1946
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MADHYA PRADESH PROVINCE
Fr. Aajay Kumar Kujur
S.J.,
Catholic Church,
Joseph Nagar
Manedragarh Rd, P.O.
Kotma 484 334
Dt. Anuppur, M.P.
Phone: M: 09425839638;
E.mail: ajay_kujur08@yahoo.co.in parapullil_04@yahoo.com
Birthday - 08-02-1963
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PATNA
PROVINCE
Fr. S.P. Lourdsamy, S.J.
Catholic Church
Barbigha, Sheikhpura Dist.
Bihar - 811 101
Phone: (06341) 236005
Mobile: 09430245957
Birthday - 03-04-1955
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MADURAI PROVINCE
Fr. Marivalan R, SJ,
St. Arulanandar High School,
ORIYUR,
Ramanathapuram Dt.,
Tamil Nadu - 623 309
E-mail: brittoshrine_oriyur@yahoo.com
Phone: (04561) 255261; 255209.
Mobile: 09442480044.
Birthday - 07-06-1948
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PUNE PROVINCE
Fr. James Shelke, SJ,
Holy Spirit Church,
Shanti Niwas, Shevgaon,
Ahmednagar Dt. -414 502
Maharastra.
Phone: (02429) 221843;
Mobile: 09442274197
E-mail: jshelkesj@jesuits.net
Birthday - 15-03-1941
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RANCHI PROVINCE:- C/O Provincial.
Fr. Christopher Rajendra
Toppa, SJ
c/o Sadbhavana,
Purulia Road, P.B.
4,
Ranchi - Jharkhand - 834
001
Phone: (0651) 2312479
E-mail: rch_sadbhavna2007@sancharnet.in
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SRI
LANKA PROVINCE
Fr. Winston Rosairio,
SJ,
St. Anne's Church,
Kahawatta, Kandy
Dt. 70151
Sri
Lanka.
Phone: 0094-45-2270271.
Birthday - 03-09-1946
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RANCHI PROVINCE
Fr. Christopher Rajendra Toppo,
SJ
Catholic Church,,
Rumtukel, P.O.
Binda,
Dist. Khunti,
Jharkhand Pin
835 206.
Phone : (M) 09431102052
E-mail: Christop_sj@rediffmail.com
Birthday - 21-09-1960
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A
BRIEF REPORT OF THE JEPASA WORKSHOP HELD AT THE RETREAT
HOUSE, MUMBAI.
SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2008
The
day began with a prayer conducted by Fr. John Lobo,
SJ. Soon after the prayer session, Fr. Jerome D'Souza,
(Mumbai province Co-ordinator), Fr. Thomas Reddy (Superior
of Retreat House) and Fr. Robert Mascarenhas (JEPASA
Secretary) welcomed all the Jesuit pastors from Mumbai
province and the JEPASA province co-ordinators of South
Asia. The participants then each gave a small introduction
of themselves.
In
the second session after coffee break Fr. Tony D'Souza
(Provincial of Mumbai province) in his inaugural talk
led us into some deeper thinking by posing questions
such as why are we Christians? Why are we Jesuits? What
is our pastoral work about? He, then
extensively explained the nuances of the same.
Why
do we do pastoral work? Because any religion follows
these concentric circles.
1. Jesus experienced the Father at His Baptism in the
Jordan. (red) - Consciousness.
2. Jesus communicates this experience of his father
to his disciples (Blue) - Communication.
3. Jesus forms a community of disciples - (green) -
Community.
4. Community feels the need to communicate to others
(yellow) - Commission.
Religion is institutional. It depends upon three Cs.
The triangle symbolizes all holy books of different
religion
CREED
CODE (Dos & Don'ts - right & wrong)rCULT (practices
- devotions, Sacraments)
Creed,
Code and Cult are only means to experience the DIVINE,
but as time goes r becomes absolute and this leads to
FUNDAMENTALISM.
Around
the r there is another 'C' called CULTURE, but this
culture can be destructive, rigid, when it becomes absolute.
AS
JESUITS, the above applies to us. St. Ignatius experienced
the DIVINE and he communicated it to St. Francis Xavier
and other Companions. They then decide to form a community,
and the community is commissioned to communicate this
experience to all. The Society of Jesus is formed with
a Creed, (Constitution), with Code, and Cult. We are
called to be mystics.
As
Jesuit pastors, how are we vis-à-vis our parishners?
Pastors Parishners
As Pastors - the parishners have high esteem for the
pastors, because of our knowledge of Philosophy, theology,
etc, etc. People bow down to us in reverence, respect,
etc. It is one upmanship relationship
Parishners are ignorant of many things spiritual. They
are the receiver - not much contribution from them.
They simply follow blindly whatever the pastor tells
them. One up - one down relationshipl
But it not like Jesus - the Good shepherd relationship
with his flock.
Jesus knows the sheep and the sheep know Him.
Close relationship. Sharing Himself as person for the
sheep.
Shepherd - Sheep = both sharing; both transformed; both
empowered.
Is
our work as Jesuit pastors to make the parishners good,
lovable and holy? But this is a distorted image.
We are all make in the image of God, who is good, lovable
and holy. We are not aware of it, and hence as pastors
we need to make our parishners aware of this.
JESUIT
PASTORS ARE TO BE PERSONS WHO HAS DISCOVERED THE DIVINE
AND THEY MUST COMMUNICATE THIS DIVINE LIKE THE RAIN
THAT COMES DOWN; LIKE THE FLOWER THAT EMITS FRAGRANCE
WITHOUT ANY THING IN RETURN.
And
as a result both pastors and parishners become - CONSCIOUS.
- COMMUNICATIVE,
- FORM COMMUNITY,
- COMMISSION.
As
pastors we need to enter by their (parishners) door
and bring them out through our door.
We need to work with our HEART, MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.
(GC-35 - Triptyic = INDENITY - COMMUNITY.
Taking
the cue from Fr. Provincial, Fr. Jerry Rosario began
his workshop on Pastoral Ministry and GC-35 with a quotation
from Rev. Bishop Oscar Romero, "What we have accomplished
in our life time is a tiny fraction of the magnificent
enterprise of God's work. No prayer expresses the totality
of one's aspirations, whatever we do should be a new
beginning stepping along the way for God's grace to
enter and we to do the rest of the work."
We
moved from here to the historical perspective JEPASA.
Starting from the vision statement of JEPASA of 1989,
he directly led us to GC-35. While talking on this he
led us back and forth to the previous GC documents on
"Our Mission" and in particular the pastoral
ministry. Her also referred to Vatican II documents
extensively.
The
following sessions were all tuned toward building up
of an integrated -inter-fail-fully alive human community
in order to actualize the reign of God in South Asia.
This service would generally start with the local Christian
community.
Jerry
further stressed that the pastors are in touch with
the ground reality unlike in the ministries in the Society
of Jesus. Therefore, the challenge was to reach out
to all, irrespective of caste, colour or creed and other
dividing factor. The challenge to the pastors, therefore,
is to be creative, credible, and original with the ability
to reach out to all.
He
also said that we run parishes not for the sake of it,
but run it with a difference deeply rooted in Christ
through our Jesuit tradition and spirituality. During
the course we also felt that we needed to reaffirm "faith
that does justice" aspect in our pastoral ministry.
Some
of the challenges to be faced by the pastors were spelt
out with special reference on globalization, religious
fundamentalism, and ecological solidarity. We are asked
to be beacons of light, that is, hope in the hopelessness
of the world today.
Prepared
by Frs. Jay Dayal, P.T. Augustine and Augustine
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JESUITS
PASTORS OF SOUTH ASIA
XAVIER ASHRAM, MANDALI, POST AMBALIYASAN, MEHSANA DT.
382 732, GUJARAT
PHONE: 91 + (02762) 260 312; Mobile: 09427678223. Email:
mascarenhasrobert14@gmail.com
MUMBAI WORKSHOP AND MEETING - 9TH TO 13TH SEPTEMBER,
2008
The scheduled meeting of JEPASA co-ordinators was to
be held at Jaipur from the 25th - 28th of September,
2008. But it had to be anticipated and held at Mumbai
Jesuit Retreat House, Bandra from the 9th - 13th September,
for the following reason.
One of the items of the agenda for the Jaipur meeting
was to call a resource person to reflect our Jesuit
pastoral ministry in the light of GC 35 and to chalk
down some important practical and pastoral actions for
us Jesuit pastors in South Asia. The National Secretary
requested Fr. Jerry Rosario, former National Co-ordinator
and also one of the delegates to GC 35 to give us the
input at our meeting in Jaipur. Jerry Rosario had already
committed himself to give the same to the Jesuit pastors
of Mumbai province, and he requested me to anticipate
the Jaipur and request province the co-ordinators to
go to Mumbai for the workshop on Jesuit pastoral ministry
and GC 35 from 10th to 11th September, 2008.
The day began with a beautiful prayer service led by
one of the pastor of Mumbai province, and an introduction
of all participants. There were 16 co-ordinators present
for this workshop and meeting. Province co-ordinators
from Darjeeling, Karnataka, and Madurai were absent.
Goa was represented by Fr. Augustine.
The
provincial of Mumbai, Fr. Tony J D'Souza in his inaugural
address asked us Jesuit pastors to be persons who has
discovered the Divine, and communicate this divine experience
like the rain that comes down, the flower that emits
fragrance, without anything in return. Jerry Rosario
then began workshop on Pastoral Ministry in the Light
of GC-35. There is a separate report prepared by Fr.
Jay Dayal, & team on the two days workshop by Jerry
Rosario.
September
12-13th were spent in discussing the JEPASA National
Convention to be held in October 2009.
1.
Should we have it?
Since in the Shillong meeting, last April, the decision
was taken unanimously to have the National Convention
in October 2009, there was no further on this question
and there was total unanimity on having the National
Convention in October 2009.
The only decision was taken that it should be during
Puja (Dassera) holidays, as most the people in North
India have more holidays during Puja festival than Diwali
festival.
2.
Where will the Convention be held?
In the Shillong meeting the first choice was to have
the convention at Bhopal. This place was chosen, because
it had all the infrastructure for the smooth working
of the convention and also accommodation for more than
200 persons.
But some members expressed the concern of reaching Bhopal,
as there were few direct trains to Bhopal from different
parts of India. The Ranchi co-ordinator informed the
group that Ranchi could accommodate very easily more
than 200 persons for the convention and that they have
the necessary infrastructure for such large convention.
At this all the co-ordinators preferred Ranchi as the
venue for the JEPASA CONVEVTION 2009.
3.
Theme for the JEPASA CONVEVTION 2009.
All the members were unanimous on the theme:
"FIRE THAT ENKINDLES OTHER FIRE."
4.
Topics for the Convention:
1."Historical, theological, Spiritual perspective
of Jesuit Pastoral
Ministry." - emphasis on spirituality -
Speakers could be Fr. Jerry Rosario. SJ
Fr. Aloysius Pieris, SJ
2. "Socio-Cultural Perspective of Jesuit Pastoral
Ministry."
Emphasis on Culture and Globalization
Speakers could be Fr. Franco Fernando, SJ,
Fr. Xavier Manjooran, SJ,
Fr. Prakash Louis, SJ
3.
"Pastoral Ministry and Dialogue."
Speakers could be Fr. Isanand Vempany, SJ
The
members requested the National Co-ordinatoron the following:
1.
Consult Jerry Rosario regarding the persons best suited
to speak on the above topics.
2. Request the speakers or Resource persons send their
talk well in advance so that it is available to all
the participants at the convention.
3. Key note address by Fr. Hector D'Souza, SJ - POSA.
4.
INVITATIONS:
-Fr.
General and Assistant Fr. Lisbert D'Souza, SJ
-All Jesuit Bishops of SA
-All National Jesuit Commission Secretaries.
-All Jesuit Provincials and Regional Superiors.
-All Jesuit Provincials of Far East and Pastoral Commission
Secretaries.
-All Jesuit Pastors of South Asia.
5.
During the Convention short trip to some important parishes
in nearby Ranchi area - a pilgrimage place.
JEPASA
DOCUMENTION:
Many of the province co-ordinators gave CDs on the pastoral
activities in their provinces. The National Co-ordinator
will compile it and prepare a ;CD on JEPASA and Its
Activities along with Fr. Jerry Rosario.
THE NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR AND ALL PROVINCE CO-ORDINATORS,
WHO ATTENDED THE WORKSHOP AND MEETING IN MUMBAI THANK
VERY GRACIOUSLY THE MUMBAI PROVINCE FOR ITS KIND AND
GENEROUS HOSPITALITY, AND ESPECIALLY FR. TONY D'SOUZA,
THE PROVINCIAL AND THE PROVINCE CO-ORDINATOR FR. JEROME
D'SOUZA.
16TH SEPTEMBER, 2008. (Fr. Robert Mascarenhas, SJ)
JEPASA National Secretary
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JESUIT
PASTORS OF SOUTH ASIA
XAVIER ASHRAM, MANDALI, POST AMBLIASAN, MEHSANA DT.
- 382 732, GUJARAT
MOBILE: 09427678223 E-mail: mascarenhasrobert14@gmail.com
SHILLONG MEETING
To download the report
in Word Click here
The
annual meeting of JEPASA coordinators was held in the
Jesuit Novitiate at Shillong from 16th till 20th April,
2008. The main agenda of the meeting was to get all
the co-coordinators apprised of the new decrees of the
recently concluded GC 35 and its implications on the
pastoral ministry, especially in the context of South
Asia. Out of the 22 coordinators, only twelve were present.
Two of the coordinators - Stephen Raj of Kolkatta and
Fr. Melquides Guedes of Gujarat gave prior information
about their inability to attend due to illness. The
rest gave no prior information about their absence.
Two other provinces sent in their substitutes as they
were busy with other pressing matters. The provincial
of India, Fr. Hector has taken serious note of the absence
of coordinators without prior notice and without valid
reason.
On the 15th evening, after supper at the warm up get-together,
Fr. Charles D'Souza, Kohima regional superior welcomed
the all the coordinators to the region and explained
the Jesuit works in Kohima region
The day began with the Eucharistic celebration in the
Jesuit novitiate chapel. Fr. Jerry celebrated the Eucharist
and in his homily he exhorted both the novices and all
of us that we are set apart by the Lord for a special
mission. And to fulfill that mission we need to co-mingle
with our Lord and be one with Him in spirit and truth.
The first session began with a prayer led by Fr. Dayal
of Delhi province and the lighting of the lamp by Fr.
Hector, Provincial of South Asia, JEPASA secretary and
four regional coordinators. Fr. Hector then began sharing
with us his perception of GC 35, beginning with the
resignation of Fr. Kolvanbach. The acceptance of his
resignation by the General Congregation and a resounding
applause for full 15 minutes, with tears of gratitude
in the eyes of most of the delegates for the great and
marvelous service of Fr. Kolvanbach, as Superior General
of the Society of Jesus for a quarter of a century,
were one of the moments of grace to all during GC 35.
The second most moment of grace was the election of
Fr. General. Though there were many probable names as
successor to Fr. Kolvanbach, and some were considered
favourites, there was no mention of Fr. Adolfo Nicolas
any where as the possible candidate to succeed Fr. Kolvanbach.
This was due to the fact that he was 72 years old, and
there was an understanding among the delegates to chose
the new General who would be anywhere between the age
of 55 -65. But in the atmosphere of prayer and fasting
(prescribed by Ignatius) and prayerful consultation
among the delegates, the Holy Spirit was inspiring the
delegates to choose a person that God has chosen. And
the delegates, inspired by the Holy Spirit chose Fr.
Adolfo Nicolas. It reminded me of the Gospel quotation,
"the stone that was rejected, became the corner
stone."
Fr. Hector described the meting with Pope Benedict very
positive and encouraging. The Holy Father in his exhortation
to the Jesuits encouraged the Jesuits to thread new
paths where other have not thread, just as our predecessors
De Nobili, Mateo Ricci and others. This was again a
moment of grace for all Jesuits to know that the Pope
was behind them to back up creative thoughts and ministries
taken up by the Jesuits.
Before expounding the decrees of GC 35, Hector showed
us what is really new in GC 35. He enumerated 15 new
things in GC 35:
1. The emphatic confirmation of past GCs, especially,
GC 32 & 34.
2. The call to look analytically at the GLOBALIZED world
- (positive and negative aspects)
3. The ecological concerns and consciousness very strong
in GC 35 document on Mission - 3 major sins towards
God, ecology and mother earth.
4. The migrants, especially the INTERNALLY displaced
- work for the internal displaced.
5. The indigenous peoples - major contribution of South
Asia - especially of Fr. Marianus Kujur.
6. The Jesuit governance - changes.
7. The appropriation of 2003 - apostolic priorities
(China, rather than eastern Europe/GC 34).
8. The youth -concerns.
9. The APOSTOLIC obedience; trust and transparency.
10. The VERY LIFE-STYLE. Relationship....community as
mission (model - South Asia)
11. Our ministry following that of Jesus' boundary transcending
12. The fourth vow for mission, not just geographically
but also SOCIOLOGICALLY (To take up any other work,
not just work of evangelization, propagation of faith).
13. The recognition of Ignatian-works and Jesuit works
by others, even belonging NOT to any religious or spiritual
traditions.
14. The call ;to form 'Ignatian families/Ignatian communities.'
15. The brothers (especially Coadjutor) as electors
for GC
Besides these some of the theological and Spiritual
insights.
He also pinpointed some of the most important insights
in the four decrees: On Identity; On Mission, On Governance
and on Community life.
IDENTITY:
1. "Jesuits know who they are by looking at Him
- JESUS" - 2
2. "Jesuits find their identity not alone but in
companionship" - 3
3. "Identity, Community and Mission are a kind
of triptych" - 19
ON MISSION:
1. "The ministry of Reconciliation knows no boundaries."
- 14
2. "Care for the environmental affects the quality
of our relationship with God, other human beings and
creation itself." 32
3. "Our mission is not limited to our works....a
life style responsible to creation...is an important
aspect of our lives as Jesuits which give witness to
and authenticate what we proclaim...." 41
ON GOVERNANCE:
1. "A comprehensive revision of the Formulae of
GC, Congregation of Province etc." 2
2. "Review the effective implementation of and
accountability in governance." 15
3. The stress on manifestation of conscience - 24
4. Role of Superior, which was weakened over the years,
brought to its rightful place. 33ff.
ON COMMUNITY LIFE:
1. "Community is a mission not only a base for
mission."
2. "Community is the credibility of our consecration...is
a fundamental part of our mission.
3. "Community is the sign of the reign of God"
4. "The Congregation commits the Society to care
for its superior."
Fr. Hector then posed some questions from each of the
four decrees to reflect from our pastoral ministry point
of view.
ON IDENTITY:
1. HOW MANY FIRES ARE KINDLED TODAY THROUGH MY LIFE
AS A JESUIT AND AS A JESUIT PASTOR?
2. DO I LIGHT A FIRE OR DO I EXTINGUISH THE FIRE OF
LOVE & FORGIVENESS?
ON MISSION:
1. AS JESUIT PASTORS, HAVE WE FOUND CREATIVE WAYS OF
IMPLEMENTING THE MISSION IN OUR SITUATION?
2. BY CREATIVE WAYS IN OUR PASTORAL MINISTRIES ARE WE
RESPONDING TO POPE BENEDICT XVI, WHEN HE SAYS: "THE
CHURCH NEEDS YOU, COUNTS ON YOU AND CONTINUES TO TURN
TO YOU WITH CONFIDENCE."?
3. ARE WE BUILDING RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS, WITH
CREATION AND WITH GOD IN OUR PASTORAL MINISTRY?
4. HOW DO WE OPERATIONALIZE OUR MISSION TODAY IN THE
PASTORAL MINISTRY ?
ON COMMUNITY LIFE:
1. IS OUR PARISH OUR MISSION?
2. IS OUR LIFE STYLE AS PASTORS A SIGHN OF THE REIGN
OF GOD?
3. IS OUR PARISH COMMUNITY A SIGN OF THE REIGN OF GOD?
ON COLLABORATION:
1. IS OUR GOAL TO MAKE OUR PARISHES AS MODEL DIOCESAN
PARISHES OR AS MODEL JESUIT PARISHES?
2. HOW TO DEVELOP TOOLS OF EVALUATION FOR OUR PASTORAL
WORKS IN THE EXECUTION OF THE MISSION?
3. HOW CAN JESUIT PARISHES OFFER HOSPITALITY AND SUPPORT
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLLABORATION IN MISSION?
The second day was spent in going to see Cheerapunji
(the place, which receives the world's highest rainfall)
The place has its own beauty with many water falls.
From there one could see the plains of Bangladesh. We
also visiedt the Salesians' Cultural museum of the North
East. It is really very enriching experience to see
the cultural life of all the different tribes and people
of the seven states of North East in one single building.
The last day was spent in reporting. Below are some
of the striking points taken from the reports
DELHI PROVINCE:
" In January JEPASA Secretary visited the provinces
and met the pastors of the province.
" Started Xavier Medical Fund for the poor from
the 3rd Sunday Mass Collection.
" Makes use of Alumni for parish work - legal,
medical, and also for scholarships for poor students.
JAMSHEDPUR
PROVINCE:
" New Parish in Sundarganj District.
" Even though Jesuits are working in Khandemal
area (the area attacked during 2007 Christmas), no Jesuit
parishes or institutions were attacked. This was due
to the different approach of the Jesuits, wherein they
did not divide the tribal community when evangelizing.
KARNATAKA
PROVINCE:
" Youth festival for all Jesuit parishes, and whole
village took care of the arrangements.
" Celebrated International Women's Day, but invited
even the non-Christian women to participate.
" Lenten Retreats for the first time in all Jesuit
parishes.
DARJEELING:
" Pastoral plan of each of the Jesuit parishes
in the province prepared, discussed at the Province
Pastoral Commission meeting. Also discussed how the
plan will be executed.
" Apostleship of Prayer prepared in Nepali Language.
" Two parishes handed over to the diocese in Kalimpong
sub-division.
KOHIMA:
" New parish started in Liyai - Manipur.
" Tension between Baptist and Catholics.
MUMBAI:
" Jesuits fall in line with the programmes of the
Archdiocese, because the archdiocesan clergy run their
parishes in a professional manner.
" Medical fund started in all parish, as it is
the policy of the Archdiocese to help the poor medically.
" Archdiocese has asked the Jesuits to help set
up Family Counseling Centres in every parish to help
families to cope up with family problems..
GOA:
" New dialogue centre started in Ratnagiri.
" Special faith formation for youth started.
RANCHI:
" Four new parish in Kunti diocese with a new school.
" Creation of a new co-operative Bank in Kunti
to help the tribals into the habit of saving.
" Celebration of the Year of the Bible - by encouraging
families to install Bibles in their houses
KERALA:
" At present conflict with the Communist government
- a big challenge.
" Three parishes handed over to the diocese due
to lack of personnel.
" Newly ordained priests and novices are sent to
parish for pastoral experiences.
HAZARIBAG:
" In the Santhal mission, the focus is on evangelization,
presenting Christ and his to the Santhals in their own
culture, language.
" In the Dalit mission, focus is on empowerment
of the Dalits
" In the Korwa mission the focus is on building
the Korwa community based on gospel values, especially
with the Korwa youth.
MADHYA
PRADESH:
" Three new parishes in Raipur diocese.
" Zones are formed (four zones in all) according
to target groups. Plans are prepared in each zone taking
into consideration all the needs of the area and after
year the zonal members meet to evaluate the whole plan
and its execution.
Thereafter all of us put our heads together to discuss
certain business matters:
1. JEPASA CONVENTION:
SHOULD WE HAVE IT?
" Traditionally we have convention every three
years. The last one was in Bangalore in 2006.
" We need to evaluate what have we achieved from
the last convention - how much of it has been useful
in our Jesuit pastoral ministry? Discuss at the province
level, then decided whether we need another convention.
" Conventions help us to move forward, therefore
another one is good as it will help us to move creatively
forward in our pastoral ministry.
" Process to have a convention in 2009 can be started
.
" Coming together as Jesuit pastors of South Asia
helps to build the body of the Jesuit pastors.
" It will help us to be more focused on on our
pastoral ministry in the light of GC 35.
ALL PROVINCE CO-ORDINATORS WERE UNANIMOUS IN HAVING
THE JEPASA CONVENTION IN 2009.
WHEN AND WHERE?
DURING 2009 DIWALI VACATION.
VENUE: FIRST CHOICE BHOPAL - Because place is central
and accommodation easily available.
SECOND CHOICE IS RANCHI - accommodation available and
it will give pastors of the South to experience the
richness of the tribal church.
SUGGESTED THEMES:
¢ Transcending Boundaries.
¢ New Trends in Pastoral and Theological thinking.
¢ Pastoral Ministry - "Fire that enkindles
other fires."
¢ Jesuit Pastor (theologically, socially, spiritually
and culturally) integrated person
¢ Pastoral Ministry - Building Relationship (God,
man & creation).
¢ A Jesuit pastor - who traces foot-prints of God
in all.
¢ Jesuit Pastoral Ministry in the light of GC 34
& 35.
¢ Integral Evangelization (Net-working with other
ministries).
¢ Zeal of St. Paul in Pastoral Ministry - Year
of St. Paul
- St. Paul - Ideal Missionary, ideal pastor.
- "Woe to me if I do not preach the Word of God
(1 Cor. 9/16)
2. A. Compact disk on JEPASA AND ITS ACTIVITIES
DO WE NEED? YES - To document our activities at international
level.
- To document our province pastoral activities, so as
to learn from one another.
- Gather from different provinces what we already have
- Kohima, Mumbai, Delhi, Kerala, Jamshedpur, Goa, Ranchi,
Darjeeling, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Hazaribag.
- Fr. Jerry D'Souza will help Jepasa Secretary in preparing
the CD.
3. NEXT COORDINATORS MEET WILL BE FROM 25TH T0 28TH
SEPTEMBER AT JAIPUR.
AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING - CONVENTION,
OTHER MATTERS.
ZONAL COORDINATORS:
1. WEST -----FR. JERRY D'SOUZA, SJ
2. SOUTH ---FR. P.T. AUGUSTINE, SJ
3. CENTAL--FR. AJAY KUMAR, SJ
4. NORTH ---FR. JAGDISH PARMAR, SJ.
FINALLY A NOTE OF THANKS TO FRS GRATIAN (NOVICE MASTER,
FR. ROBERT AND THE NOVICES FOR THEIR KIND HOSPITALITY
AND FOR MAKING OUR THREE DAYS STAY IN THE NOVITIATE
VERY, VERY PLEASANT AND ENRICHING. THANKS TO ALL THE
FATHERS AT LOYOLA SCHOOL, JHAKHAMA, NAGALAND, WHO WELCOMED
US WARMLY AND ARRANGED ALL THE VISITS TO DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS
IN KOHIMA AND FOR GIVING US OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER MASSES
IN DIFFERENT VILLAGE PARISHES ON THE SUNDAY WE WERE
THERE. GOD BLESS KOHIMA REGION IN EVERY WAY.
(Fr. Robert Mascarenhas, SJ)
Jepasa Secretary
Date: 10th May, 2008
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