Yazha Thoni: OMI Newsletter Sep-Dec 2009 - oblate province of ...

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Provincial Speaks...REALITYThe year 2009 says adieu and the year 2010 dawns.Undoubtedly, the yester year leaves us behind withan unprecedented record of human misery thatplagued the whole nation, particularly the TamilCommunity. The Tamil Community went throughthe most horrendous and heinous human tragedy.Words will not suffice to put in black and white themany dastardly and immoral acts meted out againstthe Tamil Nation. Deaths, displacements,destructions, separation, poverty, nakedness,anxiety, loss, fear, suicide, imprisonment andhopelessness are their daily vocabulary andcondition of Life. The IDP camps still speakpowerfully of their present and future. Some arereleased under the pretex of rehabilitation andresettlement, some are like nomads on the streets,and still others prefer to return to the IDP camps asthe situation was better in the camps. There is noneed to explain how they were even inside the socalled welfare centres. Both national andinternational media exposed to the world themiserable condition these displaced people wentthrough.NO TO VIOLENCEAny peace –loving human being will say “NO” toviolence and safeguard the human dignity of eachone. A just person will always respect thefundamental rights of all the people irrespective oftheir ethnicity, religion or culture. A person whorespects life will guarantee and promote the safetyand security of each individual. A spiritual personwill reach out to others and accept them as theyare, to form healthy human relationship. Much isbeing spoken of mass scale crimes and violation ofhuman rights in Sri Lanka. There is a cry from thepublic to identify these culprits and bring thembefore the Law. There should be no compromisewith falsehood and injustice by those who believein good governance. Those who engage in violentacts, whoeverthey are, shouldbe punishedaccording tolaws. Everyperson of good will should say “NO” to violence.RIGHT USE OF HUMAN FREEDOMFreedom is given to man to do the right thing not todo the things he likes. One should understand andaccept his limitations and always should act towardsthe common good. For this a person shouldcontinuously form his conscience to have the rightknowledge of persons, things and of himself. Thiswill pave the way to build a healthy human society.“Freedom is exercised in relationship betweenhuman beings. Every human person, created in theimage of God, has the natural right to be recognizedas a free and responsible being. All owe to oneanother this duty of respect. This right must berecognized and protected by civil authority withinthe limits of the common good and public order (CCC1738)”. In our country, there is immediate need tofoster human, moral and spiritual values among allwalks of people. Every individual should be madeaware of one’s own responsibility towards theothers and country. For this, every person should firstbecome true to his own nature as a human beingand be true to the things he does. In this sense onlycan he love his brothers and sisters. Going beyondone’s comfort zones, needs spiritual motivations andobjective judgment of others. What is fundamentalto this is meaningfully explained in the followingwords, “Common good presupposes respect for theperson as such. In the name of the common good,public authorities are bound to respect thefundamental and inalienable rights of the humanperson. Society should permit each of its membersto fulfill his vocation. In particular, the common goodresides in the conditions for the exercise of the2 Yazha Thoni

natural freedoms indispensable for the developmentof the human vocation”( CCC 1929).COUNTING THE BLESSINGSThe year 2009 has also brought numerous blessingson our Oblate Province of Jaffna. In spite of manyhardships and painful moments, God’s gracioushands were with us. As a Province we were able tocome together twice for spiritual animationprogrammes. Practically all the membersparticipated. In August we came together for aRenewal Programme of the Province in Mannar andJaffna that was animated by our Indian oblatefathers Anthony Francis and Anthony Jeevaratnam,and for the annual retreat in December. We are alsograteful to God for the gift of four new oblate priestsand for the sixoblate deacons to our Province. God’sprovidence was experienced in all our efforts toreorganize the displaced Instutuions and ministriesin a new environment and places at leasttemporarily. Our oblates responded generouslywhen we needed their collaborartion and support.We were able to provide some humanitarianassistance to the inmates of the IDP camps. ThankGod also that we were able to complete three newblocks at the scholasticate at Colombuthurai, atSangamam, Kopay and at Anjali Aham at PointPedro. All our ministries continue though some needto be regularized yet.VISIT OF SUPERIOR GENERALAs the grand finale of 2009, the visit of FatherSuperior General to our Province is gratefullyremembered and recorded in our annals. Howwonderful it was to have him preach our AnnualRetreat, the second spiritual animation program in2009. More than forty five Oblates came togetherto listen to their chief Shepherd and to be spirituallymotivated. It was a significant event of the year. Hispresence revealed to us his oneness with us. Ofcourse we learned a lot from his simplicity, humility,spirituality and sensitivity. We are indeed proud tohave a person of such caliber as our SuperiorGeneral. We were more than privileged to have himopen two of our newly constructed centers. TheHigh lights of his visit are recorded in this issue. Itake this opportunity to thank Father General for hiskind visit to us and all our members for their highstyle welcome preparations. All of you dear Oblates,worked hard and cooperated fully in all the events.May God Bless you all.Let me also wish you all a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFULL 2010M.Paul Nadchethiram OmiThe People who walked in darknesshave seen a great light;those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, onthem has light shined. (Is 9:2)Yazha Thoni3

Most Rev. Fr. Wilhelm Steckling Omi,The Superior GeneralFr. Steckling was born on April 23, 1947,at Verl in North Rhine-Westphalia, in thediocese of Paderborn, Germany. It was duringa parish mission in his village that he cameto know the Oblates. After his seconda­ryeducation at the Gymnasium in Gütersloh,and then at the Oblate Juniorate in Borken,he entered the novitiate at Engelport wherehe made his first vows on the 1 st of May, 1967.He did his scholasticate at Hünfeld andlater at Mainz where he made his perpetualoblation on 15 th of April, 1973. He wasordained a priest in his native parish ofSpexard, near Gütersloh, on the 20 th of July,1974. The same year, he received his firstobedience to he then Vice Province ofPilcomayo and left for Paraguay.His early ministry was among the ruralGuaranis in the parish of Independencia,diocese of Villa-rica. He later worked inAsuncion as a formator, notably at the prenovitiatewhich is located in a working classneighborhood.In 1986, and again in 1989, he was electedProvincial of the Vice Province of Pilcomayo.He had just finished his term of office andreturned to his work at the pre-novitiate whenthe 1992 General Chapter elected him secondAssistant General. This new post made him avery close cooperator of the Superior General,Fr Marcello Zago, in all that pertaining to theordinary and extraordinary government of theCongregation. During those six years asAssistant General he was responsible for theformation portfolio.In that capacity he visited the Oblatehouses of formation throughout the world,directed the revision of the “Norms for OblateFormation”, organized sessions for formatorsin several languages, as well as a session fornovice masters. He was elected the twelfthSuperior General of the Congregation in 1998,succeeding Marcello Zago, who had becomethe Secretary of the Congregation for theEvangelization of Peoples. The 34th GeneralChapter (2004) reelected Fr Wilhelm Stecklingfor a second term as Superior General of theMissionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.IT’S BETTER TO LOSE YOUR EGO TO THE ONEYOU LOVE,THAN TO LOSE THE ONE YOU LOVEBECAUSE OF EGO.- JOHN KEATS -4 Yazha Thoni

Highlights of Father General’s Visit tothe ProvinceIn Jaffna PeninsulaAt ‘Anjali Aham’At the Palaly Air PortOn the 12 th of December 2009, Fr. Superior Generalarrived at the Palaly Air Port together with theProvincial. He was garlanded and welcomed at theairport by some of our Oblates in the presence ofthe high officers of the security forces, and then wasdriven to “Thodarpaham”, the Provincialate inJaffna. At the entrance of the house, he wasaccorded a warm welcome according to Tamiltradition by the Provincialate community and otherOblate fathers and scholastics who were presentthere. Fr.Hilarian Vethanayagam OMI garlanded theGeneral.At the ProvincialateIn the evening of the same day, Father General wasagain accorded a grand welcome by the staff andstudents of ‘Anjali Aham’ (counselling Centre) inPoint- Pedro. He was taken in procession by Fr.Damian OMI, the director, the staff and the childrenwho are the beneficiaries of this institution. Theband and music by the girls and boys of the nearbyschool added grandeur to the occasion. FatherGeneral blessed the new Centre at ‘Anjali Aham’.A cultural programme was organized by the ‘AnjaliAham’ community. Many priests, religiousdignitaries from the Hindu temples, religious nuns,the parents, children and many officers of variousgovernment sectors were present to grace theoccasion.Yazha Thoni5

mission and ministry of the Oblates in the dioceseof Jaffna. While appreciating the Oblates fortheir contribution to the local church, his Lordshipexpressed gratitude and indebtedness ofthe diocese to Fr.General for the oblate missionarieswho were the forerunners in the building up ofthe diocese.Fr. Director briefed the work carried out by theinstitution among the multi religious people and especiallyamong the victims of war. He stated thatthis counseling Centre was serving also the childrenwho are mostly the victims of Tsunami andwho became destitute consequent to the war.Going beyond religious and social barriers, the centreembraces all of them. Thus it provides psychosocialanimation programmes to the traumatizedand widows and orphans. There were many culturalitems staged and Father General was admiring thetalents exhibited by the little ones. The programmecame to a close with a fellowship dinner.At the Institute for Counsellingand Ongoing Formation (ICOF)At the Bishop’s HouseOn the 13 th morning Father General paid a visit tothe Bishop of Jaffna diocese. His Lordship welcomedhim and had a brief sharing about thepresent situation of his diocese and the types ofministries pursued in the post-war period. Therewas an exchange of views also regarding theOn the 13 th morning at 10.30, Father Generaltogether with Fr. Provincial was welcomed at theICOF by Sr. Rina HC, the directress, the staff, theparents and the children of different religions whoare the beneficiaries of this institution. Fr. Generalwas led to the conference hall to view the exhibitionprepared by the children and then there was acultural programme with varieties.The centre is focusing on our youth and young adultsin order to create a peace – loving and healthysociety in our land that is torn apart by war andviolence. We try to create a new culture of peacesaying no to a gun culture. It is very difficult toconvince the youngsters that there are other healthyways of dealing with conflict. The work is verychallenging but we go on targeting many schools.Our priority is to help the students who experiencetrauma in the post-war era. This centre trainscounselors and social leaders.6 Yazha Thoni

At the Rosarian ConventFr. General also paid a short visit to the RosarianConvent on his way back from the ICOF. The RosarianSisters gave him a warm welcome and expressedtheir joy and happiness for the visit of Fr. General.They expressed their affection to the Oblates andassured of their continuous prayers for the Oblates.Fr. General too was very happy to see theircontemplative way of life.inmates of this institute. Fr. General also blessed andopened the newly built cultural hall, “KALAYAHAM”.A highly organized series of cultural programmeswere performed by the children and the teachers atthe newly opened Hall.Fr.Amalathas OMI, the director of the centre exposedto the audience the types of ministries pursued bythem among the children who come from very poorsocial status. We concentrate mostly on theeducation of the children and on their human valuein formation. The children include also someHe requested them to pray for the Church and forthe Oblate Missions spread out globally. The sisterswere very keen to know about their Founder Fr.B.Thomas OMI and the cause of his beatification.Prayers will do everything, replied the General.At ‘Sangamam’orphans together with the victims of tsunami. Thechildren are with us from 2.30 pm to 6 pm, six daysa week and are provided with substitute classes byeighteen teachers. There are presently one hundredand eighty children from 8- 14 years of age and thecenter feeds them with nutrition. This centre willcontinue to promote culture, arts and inter-religiousdialogue. In his speech, Father General appreciatedthe efforts made by the Oblates of the JaffnaProvince to promote brotherhood and solidarityamong children and people of different walks of life.Children are to be cared for in this postwar era, hesaid.Fr. General was accorded with a warm welcome byFr. A. Amalathas OMI, the director, Bro. Amirtharaj,the teachers, parents and the children who are theYazha Thoni7

At the Rosarian AshramFr. General also paid a visit to the Rosarian Ashramand talked to the priests and the candidates. FatherGeneral also visited the tomb of Fr. B.A. ThomasOMI, the founder of the Rosarians, and prayed athis tomb.At the Centre for Peaceand Reconciliation (CPR)At the Ordination to thePriesthoodOn the 14 th afternoon, soon after the ordinationat St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fr. General also visitedthe Centre for Peace and Reconciliation (CPR).The director of the Institute, Fr. PraveenMaheshan OMI and his staff warmly welcomedFr. General. Fr. Director explained the types ofwork that CPR is undertaking in spite of possiblethreats and risks. Fr. General was very muchedified by the activities performed through thisinstitute especially among the victims of War,namely widows, widowers, parentless childrenand the destitutes. Fr. General, whileappreciating the work, also promised his fullestsupport to this type of work done by theOblates.On the 14 th morning, Rev. Bros. Robert RobinsonOMI and Christy Nirmalarajan OMI were ordainedpriests by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. ThomasSavundaranayagam, the bishop of Jaffna at St.Mary’s Cathedral Jaffna. Fr. General concelebratedat the ordination liturgical ceremony. A largenumber of priests, religious, the parents and therelatives of the ordinandi and the lay faithfulparticipated at the Eucharist. The presence ofFr.General at this service was a grace and a boost tothe Oblates of the Province.8 Yazha Thoni

Fr. General visited our Juniorate on the 18 th morning.He was welcomed by Fr. G. Wenceslaus OMI, therector, Fr. Confucius OMI, the vice rector and by theJuniorists. During a brief meeting with themFr.General spoke of fostering their Oblate vocationfocusing on their future mission. The juniorists werevery happy and inspired by the presence of theGeneral.At ‘Amala Utpavam’At the Annual RetreatThe main purpose of Father General’s visit was topreach the annual retreat to the Oblates of theProvince of Jaffna. The annual retreat began on the14 th evening with the introductory talk given by Fr.General. Forty five Oblates of the Province of Jaffnaparticipated in this retreat. It was remarkable thatmany Oblates came together in Jaffna after manyyears of separation because of the closure of the A9main road. Father General led the community withinspiring reflections basing mostly on personal andcommunal conversion. He made much reference tothe forth coming Chapter Theme. These days werespirit filled and grace-filled moments to eachmember. The retreat ended on the 18 th morning withthe celebration of the Jubilee Eucharist which waspresided over and preached by Fr. Superior General.At St. Joseph’s JuniorateOn the 18 th , Father General paid a visit to our retiredFathers at Amala Utpavam, Colombuthurai. Theinmates Fathers Louis Anthonipillai (92),Mariathasan (90) Sebasti Nicholas together withtheir Superior P.P.Phlip welcomed him and sharedtheir own concerns with the General.At De Mazenod ScholasticateFather General was warmly welcomed by the DeMazenod scholasticate community. The scholasticstook Father General from the entrance with anoriental welcome dance performed by the fourthyear students in theology. Then Father Generaladdressed the scholastics. The General was happyto see many young scholastics and thanked God forthe gift of vocation to the Province.Yazha Thoni9

He also spoke of the necessity of helping the foreignmissions in future. The scholasticate communityfeted Father General with delicious lunch.At the Holy Family ProvincialateWith the Formation CommitteeAfter the warm welcome by scholasticatecommunity, Fr. General, together with Fr.Provincial who is directly in-charge of formation,met the formation team of the Province at thescholasticate. While listening to the views of theformators, Fr. General also expressed the prioritygiven by the Congregation in the ministry offormation. Frs. Jerome Lambert, Anthonimuthu,Jayanthan Pachchek, S.J. Francis, PeterRajanayagan, Wenceslaus and Confucious werepresent at this meeting.On the 18 th afternoon Fr. General also paid a visit tothe Holy Family Provincialate together with Fr. PaulNadchethiram, the Provincial. Rev. Sr. Yolande, theProvincial of the Holy Family Sisters and theProvincialate community warmly welcomed FatherGeneral. They expressed their happiness andgratitude to Fr. General for his thoughtfulness andhis presence in their midst. They shared their viewswith Fr. General in a cordial manner and also assuredhim of their prayers and support to the Oblates intheir ministries.At the tomb of late FathersJesunesan OMIand Pavilupillai OMIOn the 18 thafternoon Fr.General visited thetombs of late Rev.Fr. P. JesunesanOMI and Rev. Fr.Pavilupillai OMI,and paid tributeto them at theirtombs.Fr. Jesunesan was a close associate of Fr. Generalas he also served as the General Councillor forAsia – Oceania region from 1998 to 2004 during10 Yazha Thoni

the first term of Fr. General’s tenure of office asthe Superior General of the Oblates of MaryImmaculate. Fr. General also recalled the sweetmemories of Jesunesan.Addressing the Priestsand ReligiousAt St. Francis Xavier’sMajor SeminaryFather General was welcomed cordially by theRector, the staff and the members of the Xaveriancommunity. The Rector Fr. Michael Savundaranayagamwelcoming Father General to the communityremembered the Oblates with gratitude andappreciated their outstanding contribution to thediocese. He also thanked Father General for theservices of the Oblates to the Seminary in academicministry. Then Father General addressed thecommunity basing on the challenges of the presentworld in relation to formation to the priesthood. Healso emphasized on the need for peace andreconciliation in Sri Lanka and that the Church couldplay a vital role in peace building.On the 19 th, Father General addressed the priests andreligious working in the diocese in the conferencehall at Thodarpaham, the Provincialate. More thansixty priests and religious participated in thisprogramme. Father Provincial introduced FatherGeneral to the gathering. After the address by FatherGeneral, there were spontaneous exchange ofquestions and answers. The Vicar General of thediocese, in his talk, recalled the history of the Oblatesin Sri Lanka and expressed the sentiments ofgratitude that the diocese of Jaffna owes to theOblates. This was followed by a high tea.At Chaddy and AllaipiddyOn the 19 th , Father General also visited the Parishof Allaipiddy and the Shrine of Our Lady of GoodVoyage. Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Philips OMI, theYazha Thoni11

administrator of the shrine and the parish priest ofAllaipiddy, accompanied Father General to these twoplaces. Father General saw for himself the variousministries and a few projects implemented in theseplaces among the poor by the Oblate Social Service(OSS). Fr. General expressed his satisfaction andappreciated the work and the zeal of the Oblates.On the 21 st of December Father General visited theOblates at ‘Amaithi Aham’, in Vavuniya. He waswarmly welcomed by the community of the Preachers.Then he met the Oblates and expressed his solidaritywith them in their mission and ministry.At CheddikulamFather General inProvincial CouncilOn the 19 th evening Father General was present atthe Provincial Council meeting held atThodarpaham, the Provincialate. Father ProvincialPresided over the meeting having all his councilmembers present. Father General proposed hisagenda for the day and followed it one by one. Itwas mainly a fraternal sharing of bothadministrative and missionary concerns. TheGeneral was in great admiration of the differentministries pursued by the Oblates and of course oftheir commitment to the poor. There were alsocertain areas of concerns indicated by the Generalthat have to be given attention. Te Provincial Councilwas very grateful to Fr. General for his inspirationand guidance. Father General left for Colombo byplane with the Provincial on the 20 th .In VavuniyaOn the 21 st , evening, Father General, after visitingthe people at the IDP camp, also paid a visit to theParish of Cheddikulam, an oblate parish. Fr. CelestineMascringhe OMI, the parish priest of Cheddikulamwarmly welcomed Fr. General and briefed the workof the Oblates in the parish of Cheddikulam and inthe several IDP camps situated in and aroundCheddikulam. Fr. General was very impressed by thework carried out by the Oblates among the IDP(Internally Displaced People) and was veryappreciative.12 Yazha Thoni

In MannarFather General arrived in Mannar on the 22 ndmorning together with Father Provincial. FatherGeneral was accorded a colourful welcome by theCommunity of Gnanodhayam and by the Childrenof ‘Anpaham’. Father General was taken in processionfrom the entrance of Gnanodhayam with bandmusic.With the Bishopof MannarSoon after the reception at Gnanodhayam, Fr.General paid a courtesy visit to His Lordship,Rayappu Joseph, the bishop of the Diocese ofMannar. Father General was well received by HisLordship and by the Vicar General of the Diocese.Father General was accompanied by the Provincial,A good number of priests, religious and the childrenof ‘Anpaham’ were there to receive him.A short cultural programme was staged at the conferencehall at Gnanodhayam. The children of the‘Anpaham’ entertained the audience with variouscultural items exhibiting their talents. Father Generalwas very much pleased to see the children of‘Anpaham’ who had been just released from the IDPcamps.Fr. Vincent Patrick OMI, the District Superior and byFr.P.Arulnathan OMI, a veteran working in thediocese. His Lordship expressed gratitude to theGeneral for the Oblates who contributed much tothe building up of the diocese and for their presentspecialized ministries in his diocese. There were alsoviews of national interest such as peace - buildingand reconciliation mission in Sri Lanka, exchanged.With Rosarian SistersYazha Thoni13

On his way back to Gnanodhayam from the Bishop’shouse, Father General paid a short visit to theRosarian Sisters. The sisters were very happy to seeFather General in their midst. The happiness of thesisters was that they saw a father in the person offather General. They expressed their concern for theOblates and assured of their prayers.Addressing the Priestsand Religiousreflecting on the need for reconciliation. After theaddress, there were spontaneous questions andanswers. His Lordship, Rayappu Joesph, the bishopof Mannar, also addressed the gathering. This wasfollowed by the fellowship tea.With the‘Anpaham’ ChildrenOn the 22 nd evening, after the addressing the priestsand religious, Father General also visited thechildren of the ‘Amala Annai Anpaham’ Orphanagepresently residing in Mannar due to thedisplacement.Fr. Benignus OMI, the director of the orphanagewelcomed Father General in the presence of thechildren and some oblates. The children wereoverjoyed to have Father General with them.Father General too was very happy to be with thechildren who had just returned from the IDP camps.On the 22 nd evening, Father General was given awarm welcome by the Parishioners of St. Sebastian’scathedral under the leadership of Fr.K.Devaraja, thePastor of the Cathedral. Father General wasgarlanded at the entrance and taken to theconference hall led by the school musical band.A large number of priests and religious working inthe diocese gathered on this occasion. FatherProvincial introduced Father General to thegathering. Father General addressed the gatheringFr. Alfred OMI who brought all the children out fromVanni safe and sound amidst numerousdisplacements, bombing and shelling, shared withFather General the heart aching experiences, thedifficulties they underwent during the last lap of thewar in which thousands of people were killed.14 Yazha Thoni

Father General was moved very much on hearingthe sad and heart breaking experiences of ourchildren and our people have undergone. Thechildren individually thanked Father General for hisunstinted support and encouragement given tothem. The children also exhibited some of theirtalents by performing certain entertainmentprogrammes. Sr. Iniga of the Holy Cross congregationand the members of the staff assisted Fr.Benignusand the children in all their efforts to welcome theGeneral.Joint SessionJaffna - ColomboAt the Centre for Rehabilitationof Alcoholics and Drug Addicts(CRADA)On the 23 rd evening, Father General visited theCentre for Rehabilitation of Alcoholics and DrugAddicts at Thoddaveli. The Director of the Centre,Fr. Vincent Patrick, Fr. Alfred and the inmates of thecentre warmly welcomed Fr. General. Fr. Generalwas very pleased and satisfied with the work doneby the Oblates at this centre for the rehabilitationof the addicted members of the society.The 23 rd of December, 2009 should be marked in thehistory of both the provinces of Colombo and Jaffnato have had a joint session in the presence of theSuperior General of the congregation for the firsttime. This was remarked by one of the counselorsof the Province of Colombo.At the Madhu ShrineAt the conclusion of the visit to the Province ofJaffna, on the 24 th morning Fr. General visited therevered shrine of Our Lady of Madhu. Fr. Provincialaccompanied Fr. General to visit the historical Shrineof Our Lady. Fr. General was very happy to visit theShrine. The Administrator of the Shrine, Rev. Fr.Desmond Kulas, warmly welcomed Fr. General andshared with him the present situation of the Shrineand he also thanked Fr. General for his visit.The two provincials and the councilors of both theprovinces were present at the session. The mainagenda included the possibilities of workingtogether in peace-building and reconciliationmission and among the members of both provinces,in the field of formation and other parochialministries.Yazha Thoni15

P l a c e m e n t sInstallation of the NewSuperior of the ScholasticateFr. Stanislaus Swampillai OmiRev. Fr. Anthonimuthu Croos is the newsuperior of the De Mazenod Scholasticate,Columbuturai. After the untimely death of Rev. Fr.P. Jesunesan OMI, the former superior of theScholasticate, the name of Fr. Anthonimuthu wasrecommended by the Provincial Council to TheSuperior General as the new Superior o f theScholasticate. Fr. Superior General in Councilconfirmed the appointment of Fr. Muthu. Fr.Anthonimuthu Cross OMI was installed as theSuperior of the De Mazenod Scholasticate on the20 th of October, 2009 during the Eucharisticcelebration. Fr. Provincial presided over thecelebration. We are very happy and hopeful that Fr.Muthu will form the scholastics as true oblatereligious priests.Fr. Jeyanthan Pachchek OmiFr. Jeyanthan has joined the De MazenodScholasticate community at Colombuthurai andserves as one of the formatorsi. Fr. Jeyanthan, whowas attached to the ‘Amaithi Aham’ community,Vavuniya, serving as a lecturer at the College ofeducation, as the chaplain to the General Hospitaland College of education, received the obedienceto De Mazenod Scholasticate Jaffna. Fr. Jeyanthangained much experience from the Hospitalministries, and from the college of Education. It isto be noted that he worked tirelessly at the IDPcamps in Cheddikulam with other Oblates. Thisexperience will certainly be a source of inspirationand encouragement to his new community as aFormator. Dear Fr. Jeyanthan, we wish you a fruitfulstay and a happy ministry in your new communitywith our young scholastics.Rev. Fr. Stany has been appointed as the Directorof OBTEC (computer centre) and Boys’ Home atKanahapuram, Kilinochchi. The institute had to bemoved out due to the war. At present Fr. Stany isworking out the possibilities of reorganizing theinstitute while staying in Vavuniya at ‘Amathi Aham’.As the resettlement is in progress, we are alsospeeding up the restarting of our institute in itsoriginal place. Hope that very soon, we will be ableto make the institute function at the original place,accommodating the poor students in the boys’home. Fr. Stany has already started the work ofreorganizing the institute.Fr. Robert Robinson OmiFr. Robinson was given the first Obedienceto the mission in Japan. He is temporarilyassigned to the Centre for Rehabilitation ofAlcoholics and Drug Addicts, in Mannar. He willassist Fr. Vincent Patrick OMI at this centre. Herehe will continue his ministry till he leaves forJapan. We wish him all the best in his firstministry as a priest of God.Fr. Christy Nirmalarajan OmiFr. Christy was given the first Obedience to themission in Japan. He is temporarily assigned tothe diocese of Badulla. He will assist Fr. PriyalalCooray at St. Mary’s Cathedral, in Badulla. Herehe will continue his ministry till he leaves forJapan. We wish him all the best in his firstpastoral ministry.16 Yazha Thoni

News and ViewsAmala Annai AnpahamAs we all are aware the Amala Annai Anpahamorphanage was displaced several times andfinally during the final battle between the LTTEand the Security Forces, the children togetherwith Fr. Alfred omi and Reginold Omi managedto come out of the battle zone risking their lives.They were kept at the IDP welfare centre inCheddikulam for more than six months withlimited facilities and difficulties. Aftercontinuous efforts by the Oblates and other wellwishers, the children were released from the IDPcamp in the first week of October. To housethese children temporarily, the Provincialadministration put up shelters in Gnanodhayamcompound in Mannar with basic facilities. Atpresent the Amala Annai Anpaham isfunctioning in Mannar. The Director, Fr. Benignusand Sr. Iniga of the Holy Cross congregation, aretrying their best to cater to the needs of thesechildren. Once the orphanage buildings atMulankavil are renovated, this will be againshifted there.A New Block to theScholasticateA new block with the library and a conference hallwas built by the provincial administration at the DeMazenod Scholsticate adjoining the existing buildingwith the generous contribution of MISSIO. It tookalmost one year for the completion of the building.This new building was blessed and opened by Rev.Fr. A. Jeevendra Paul OMI, the Grant Director of theMissionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, on the 30 thof October, 2009. We are very grateful to MISSIO forits financial assistance and Fr. Jeeva for his support.Election of Delegateand Alternate for the35 th Chapter 2010An election was conducted in the Province to electthe Chapter Delegate and an Alternate by thecommittee appointed by the Provincial. Thecommittee is comprised of Fathers S. AnthonimuthuCroos OMI (Chairman), Praveen Maheshan OMI andSebamalai Perera OMI as tellers.Yazha Thoni17

It successfully conducted the election process withyour our support and cooperation. I take thisopportunity to express my sincere thanks andappreciation on behalf of the election committee forthe cooperation you gave for the election of theChapter Delegate and the Alternate. I am also happyto inform you that Rev. Fr. Chandraboss Croos OMIand Rev. Fr. Edmund Reginald OMI are elected asthe Chapter Delegate and the Alternate respectively.Jubilariansof the YearFr. S. Anthonimuthu Croos OMI(Chairman – Election Committee)Annual RetreatThe Oblates of the Province of Jaffna were verypleased and happy to participate in the annualretreat this time for a significant reason that theannual retreat for this year was preached by MostRev. Fr. Wilhelm Steckling omi, the Superior Generalof the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Theretreat was a very enriching experience and callingus for a renewal of our self with the inspiration ofthe Spirit. This was the first time, after so manyyears, many of the Oblates were able to cometogether. More than forty five Oblates participatedin this annual retreat. This retreat was held from the14 th to 18 th of December, 2009 at Pandaterrupu,Jaffna. It was a time of grace and a blessing of Godand we could experience the Spirit moving in ourmidst during the retreat. We shall share with yousome of the Reflections of Fr.General on anotheroccasion.The annual retreat which was preached by Most Rev.Fr. Superior General culminated with the celebrationof the Jubilee of our Oblates Fr. S.J Francis Omi,50years in priesthood, Frs. S.M. Selvaratnam Omi,Stanislaus Philips Omi, Celestine Soosaithasan CroosOmi, 50 years in religious life, Fr. Stany Antony andFr. Victor Jeyasingham, 25 years in priesthood andFr. Edmund Reginald omi, 25 years in religious life.The Jubilee Eucharist was presided over by Fr.Superior General with Fr. Provincial and theJubilarians concelebrated with him. After theEucharist, a felicitation ceremony took place. Fr.Jerome Lambert Omi gave the felicitation speechabout the Jubilarians.Gifts of the Province were given away to theJubilarians by Fr. Superior General as a token of loveand appreciation of their services as Oblates andpriests of God. Frs. S.M. Selvaratnam omi and StanyAntany omi due to their sickness and Fr. VictorJeyasingham omi who is out of the country, couldnot be present at the jubilee celebration.We the Oblates of the Province of Jaffna wish all theJubilarians all the best and much more fruitfulservice in the vineyard of God. Congratulations dearJubilarians and we are proud of you.18 Yazha Thoni

THE DEMISE OF A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GODThe Province of Jaffna has lost the third Oblate this year. Rev. Fr.Patrick Gnanapragasam OMI, who was at the retired Fathers’ homeAmala Utpavam, has gone for his eternal rest on the 21 st of December,2009 in Jaffna. Fr. Patrick was born on the 16 th of October 1945 atDelft in Jaffna. He made his first religious profession on 31 st May,1966 at Mont Eden, Kalutara, and made his final profession in thecongregation in 1966. He was ordained a priest of God on 26 th of April,1972.He was a talented preacher, writer and pastor. He served as parishpriest in the parishes of Urumpirai, Navanthurai, Puthukudiuruppu,Chavakachecheri, Valaipadu and Negombo. For the last few years, hewas residing at the retired father’s home, Amalautpavam. Fr. Patrickbreathed his last on the 21 st of December, 2009 at the General HospitalJaffna. His funeral took place on the 23 rd of December, 2009 at StMary’s Cathedral Jaffna and his mortal remains were interned at St.Mary’s burial ground Jaffna.“WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT”.Visit to VanniMAY HE REST IN PEACEThe Suffering and the plight of the people living in the northern part of Sri Lanka still remains unresolved.People have been displaced several times losing their loved ones, properties, and all their belongings. Thepeople who were kept at the welfare centers are being resettled in their own places with minimum facilities.As many of our houses and institutions were also situated in Vanni, we also have to restart our work andministry in Vanni. As a preparation for resettlement of our institutions and restarting our ministry in Vanni,Fr. Provincial together with Frs. Beshman, Edwin and Basti took a risky journey to Vanni with the priorpermission from the security forces. With much difficulties and risks, we were able to visit our houses andInstitutions in Vanni.It was a shock to see all our houses and Institutions, some fully and some partly destroyed. They arecovered with trees and bushes and the whole area looks like a jungle. We have to start our ministry inVanni from zero. the Amala Annai Anpaham in Mulankavil, Obtec in Kilinochchi, Annai Ilam in Kilinochchi,Amathipuram Parish and Amathi Thendral in Mullaitivu are completely destroyed. Fr. Provincial is workinghard to get some financial support from his Oblate friends and other donors to renovate these Institutions.We trust in divine providence.Yazha ThoniPresent view of ‘Anpaham’, Mulankavil19

A Reminder for the CommitteesIn order to ensure administrative stream-liningand networking, the Provincial Councilappointed the following as Portfolio holders forthe various sectors of the Province’s life andmission: Formation : Fr. Provincial Mission : Fr. Chandrabos Croos Ongoing Formation: Fr. S. Damian JPIC : Fr. G. Atputharajah Young Fathers: Fr. G. Atputharajah Finance Committee : Fr. Stanislaus PhilipsThe Province should continue to remain vibrantand proactive in the various fields of apostolate.In view of this, the Provincial in Councilappointed the following members to enliven thevarious Province Committees :InformationINFORMATIONThe Congress of our Province is scheduled to takeplace from the 22 nd to the 27 th of November,2010.A committee has been already established bythe Provincial Administration and very soonFr. Provincial will write to all the membersindividually giving more detailsFormation : Superior of the Scholasticate(Chair), Director of the Pre-Novitiate, Directorof the Juniorate, Vocation Director.Mission : Stan Philips (Chair), A. Emmanuel,Celestine Mascringhe, Kamalanathan, GodfreyJoel.Ongoing Formation : Jeyanthan Pachchek(Chair), A. Poncian, G. Wenceslaus, A. Sylvester.JPIC : P. Maheshan (Chair), M. Selvaratnam,Vincent Patrick, Jeyarajan Coonghe, FredrickThevarajahFinance Committee : Rene Beshman (Chair),C.S. Croos, Mr. Anthony (Accountant)Jan 07 thJan 13 thJan 20 thJan 22 ndJan 24 thJan 26 thJan 28 thFeb 02 ndFeb 04 th- DeMazenod Scholasticate-Holy family ChapterInauguration,Jaffna- Scholasticate, Ampitiya- Novitiate, Bandarawela- Amala Uthayam, Trincomalee-Amathi Aham, Vavuniya- Provincial Council Meeting, Jaffna.-Inauguration of the Pre-Novitial,MannarFeb 11 th , 12 th & 13 thFeb 16 thMar 06 th- Seminary Lectures, Jaffna- Joint ProvincialCouncil Meeting in Jaffna(Jaffna - Colombo)- CMRS Executive CommitteeMeeting-Installation of the Holy family NewAdministrationMar 08 th -13 th - Meeting the ScholasticsMar 18 thPROVINCIAL’S DIARY- CMRS Executive Meeting20 Yazha Thoni

Formation“Come and See” programme inthe Juniorate“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to sendout labourers into his harvest (Mt 9: 37 – 58)”.According to this instruction of Jesus, as a way offulfilling his wish, we had the “Come and See”programme on 22 nd November, 2009 at St. Joseph’sJuniorate. The Juniorists play an important role inthis process. Vocation is a gift from God. TheAlmighty God continues to bless our Juniorate withhis boundless love by providing us with a goodnumber of Vocations, as a result of pains taken byFr. Wenceslaus, the vocation director and Fr.Confucius, the vice rector and Fr. Vimalarajan.The “Come and See” programme started with ashort opening prayer. After that our Rector, Rev. Fr.Wenceslaus omi, gave an introductory talk to thecandidates. In his speech he welcomed andappreciated the presence of the candidates and gavesome words of encouragement to respond positivelyto the call of God. He further explained the purposeof the “Come and See” programme and how it couldhelp understand the meaning of Oblate vocation.After his introductory talk, Rev. Fr. P.P. Philip omi,our spiritual director addressed the audience. Withhis vast experience and knowledge, he urged theDon’t make promise when you are in JOY...Don’t reply when you are SAD.Don’t take decisions when you are ANGRY...Think twice, Act wise.new comers to reflect deep into their desire to serveGod as Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Thus his lovingand kind presence was more profitable andbeneficial. We were also much pleased to have Rev.Fr. Anthonimuthu omi on that day. He gave a talk tothe students with much fervour and zeal. So hisparticipation gave encouragement to the studentsand was an added earnestness to know more aboutthe Congregation.Then it was our great pleasure to have Very. Rev. Fr.Paul Nadchethiram OMI, the Provincial Superior, onthat occasion. When he addressed the candidates,he explained about the formation and the Oblateway of life, and he also highlighted some aspects inthe life of our Founder. His presence enriched theday and added colour to that programme. Then theJuniorists gave talks about the founder St. EugeneDe Mazenod and gave a detailed explanation aboutour congregation using the power point system.Musical interludes were part of that programme andour students staged an excellent play depictingcertain events in the life story of our founder.This was followed by interview held by Rev. Fr.Provincial and the vocation director, to select thecandidates to be admitted to the Juniorate next year.Finally the “Come and See” programme came to anend with the fellowship meal with the participants.By God’s infinite grace this endeavour, not only wasconducted without any hitch, but with ease andprofit. We wish to emphasize that this event was notonly a great success but also an opportunity for theJuniorists to rededicate themselves to the formationprogramme with more enthusiasm andunderstanding.Mas. V. V. Morris ( Juniorist)Yazha Thoni21

Conferring of Minor OrdersTen of our scholastics received the minor orders ofLector and Acolyte on the 20 th of October, 2009.Bros. Michael Jegan Kumar Coonghe, Paul MatthewMathan Raj and Thevarasa Jeno Harance receivedthe minor order of Acolyte and Bros. A.Vimalanathan, V. Anton Justin, A. ThevaVasantharasa, J. Robinson Satheeskumar, J. Gerald,S. Reginald, S. Antony Sebastian Reval, S. ArulSutharson, S. Patrick Leo, And P. Antony Jesuthasanreceived the minor order of Lector. The conferringof ministries of Lector and Acolyte coincided withthe installation of Fr. Anthonimuthu OMI as the newsuperior of the De Mazenod Scholasticate. Rev. Fr.Provincial who presided over the Eucharistconferred the minor orders on the brothers.Congratulation and best wishes dear Scholastics.They were also ordained deacons on the 22 nd ofOctober, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Church, Colombuthurai,Jaffna, by the bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. ThomasSavundaranayagam. The diocesan priests, Rev.Sisters and the parents of the brothers were presentat this ordination ceremony.Ordination to the PriesthoodPerpetual Vows and DiaconateSix of our Scholastics, Bros. Mary Joseph AntonyHubert, John Mary John Patrick, PathinathanSathiyaseelan, Joseph Raj Claier, Innasimuthu SelvaVijendran and Tharcious Anson Regikumar madetheir Perpetual Profession on the 21 st of October,2009 at St. Joseph’s Church Colombuthurai , Jaffna.Fr. M Paul Nadchethiram OMI, the ProvincialSuperior, officiated at the ceremony and receivedthe Vows as delegate of the Superior General. Abig number of Priests, religious, and the parents andrelatives of the brothers were present at thisceremony.Rev. Bros. Robert Robinson. Omi, PakianathanChristy Nirmalarajan. Omi, were ordained priestsby His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. ThomasSavundaranayagam, the Bishop of Jaffna, at St.Mary’s Cathedral, Jaffna, on the 14th of December2009. The Superior General of the Oblates of MaryImmaculate, Most Rev Fr. Wilhelm Stickling Omi,was present to grace the occasion. They made theirperpetual profession in the Oblate congregation onthe 17th of July 2009. They were ordained deaconsby Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam , thebishop of Jaffna on the 18th of July 2009. The newlyordained priests P. Christy Nirmalarajan OMI andR. Robinson OMI offered their thanksgiving massat St. Antony’s Church, Chunnakam on the 17th ofDecember 2009, and OLR Church, Jaffna on the 19thof December 2009 respectively. The Province ofJaffna is blessed with two more priests in the yearof priests.CONGRATULATIONS DEAR FATHERS AND WEWISH YOU A FRUITFUL MINISTRY IN THEVINEYARD OF GOD.22 Yazha Thoni

Oblate Social ServiceNorth KopayA hall, measuring eighty feet long and thirty feetbreadth, was built at St. Joseph’s Church premises,by the Oblate Social Service (OSS) to accommodatethe very poor children of this area, and to help themhave their evening classes. Earlier these childrenwere studying under the trees seated on the ground.Therefore, the OSS identified the need of thesechildren and came forward to help them with thehall in order to facilitate their studies. This serviceis an outstretched project undertaken by the OSSas part of “Sangamam” Centre. The OSS hasemployed teachers for this evening school.Point PedroThe Oblate Social Service conducted four monthsof training in sewing for the poor girls who havestopped their studies abruptly and are unemployed.The training Course included tailoring &embroidering, flower making, cake making andicing, personality development and leadershipcourses. This was the first sewing centre started bythe OSS at Thumpalai, Point Pedro. Seventeenyoung girls participated in the four months courseand benefitted from this. At the conclusion of thecourse, certificates were awarded to thebeneficiaries in a ceremony organized by thestudents to mark the completion of the course. Rev.Fr. Provincial was the chiesf guest. Variousprogrammes, like drama, dance, singing andexhibition were organized the by students.VelanaiWith the end of the civil war and the cessationof hostilities, one hundred and fifty thousandfamilies, who were barricaded in refugee camps,were permitted to resettle in their own placeswith their relatives, in Velanali district. Theuntold misery that these refugees experiencedin the hands of the parties to the conflict, havean indelible mark in the lives of the people. Themost affected are the children and women.Some lost their dear ones, others weretraumatized by the constant shelling, thecrackling of gun fire and the destruction of theirlife savings and property, contributed to thedisorientation of their lives.The after effects of the war are even worse. Adegradation of moral lives, disruption of familylife, the loss of young men bringing the ratio towoman 7 – 1 and the competition in giving theirdaughters in marriage and the exorbitant sumdemanded as dowry, have left a good numberof young girls of marriageable age single. Livingin refugee camps has also seen an increase ininfidelity in married men abandoning their wivesand children. It is in this background that we arecontinuing our work of relief and rehabilitationand self – help support programme.Self - Help programme atChaddy and Allaipiddy isletsOver one hundred young women, widows andsome living under the poverty line were chosenas beneficiaries of this project. Six sewingcentres were the main focus of the programme.Yazha Thoni23

of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The childrenwere under nourished, prone to sicknesses,traumatized by their past experiences. Thesechildren have gone through hell havingwitnessed the slaughter of their own parents andloved ones. The life in the refugee camps, andtheir experience there, and the abuse theyencountered have left an indelible mark in theirlives.These centres were used to harness their inborntalents and develop their self image. To boosttheir self image, life skill in the field of non formaland formal education were provided. Sewingbeing the main focus and other skills like cooking,hair dressing, and soft toys making, flowermaking and floral arrangements, the importanceof savings, singing and drama were some of theskills of non formal education. A computercentre to give them the basic knowledge of hightech is also established. The end result lookspromising. A new ray of hope has dawned in thelives of these people. The fear trauma that hadgripped them seems to be vanishing. They areable to stand on their own feet; they sew andmend their own clothes and that of the family.Some have already found employment. Theyhave a better self image. This course alsoprepared them for family life. Basic food habitswhich lack basic nutrients have changed and abetter health awareness has been created.Feeding programmeThe beneficiaries of this project are childrenfrom internally displaced families from thevillages of Chaddy, Allaipiddy, Mandaithivu,Naranthanai, Punguduthivu, Sinna Madhu andDelft.Before we started the programme, a needassessment was made by the social service wingProgramme organized for them were, asubstantial meal after school, followed by somerecreational activities like games... play time;during these programmes, qualified councellorsworked with these children. Opportunities wereprovided for the development of their talents inthe form of music drama and art. The visit ofthe medical personal and the monitoring of theirweight and health were done bimonthly. Thenutrition meal consisted of green gram, milk,sugar and coconut. All these centres weremanned by volunteers housed in the parish hallsand supervised by the parish priests.VavuniyaRev. Fr. Sylvester omi, the Director of OSS, hasalready started rehabilitation work among thepeople who have just returned from the IDPcamps and resettled in and around Vavuniya andMannar. With the assistance of his staff, Fr.24 Yazha Thoni

They were given assistance to start poultry andother income generating projects. Now he hasabsorbed many families, students, and childrenand provide them with basic necessities for life.Clothes, stationery, exercise books, milk powder,medical facilities are also given. Fr.Sylvester isplanning to extend this ministry to manyreturnee families.Sylvester has taken the details and the statisticsof the families who are resettled. As the firststep, he has identified twenty families andhelped them to start occupation of their own.Fr. Provincial together with Fr.Jeevendra PaulOMI, , the Provincial Treasurer and Frs. Basti andyogarajah , the coordinators of the OSS in Jaffnaand Mannar, were present at the ceremonyorganized by Fr. Sylvester to give away the loansfor the beneficiaries.WHAT IS THE SECRET OF SUCCESS....?“RIGHT DECISIONS”HOW DO YOU MAKE RIGHT DECISIONS...?“EXPERIENCE”HOW DO YOU GET EXPERIENCE....?“WRONG DECISIONS”Dr. ABDUL KALAMYazha Thoni25

THE BIRTHDAYS, THE FEAST DAYS AND THEORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES OF OUR OBLATESMONTH OF JANUARY02 nd January Fr. Balasingham Jeyabalan Birthday 196908 th January Fr. P. Benignus Birthday 197611 th January Fr. P.P. Philip Birthday 193612 th January Fr. Jeyanthan Pachchek Ordination 200015th January Fr. A. Thevarajah Omi Ordination 1994Fr. S.J. Jeyachandran Omi Ordination 199419 th January Fr. S.M. Sebastian Birthday 195620 th January Fr. S.M. Sebastian FeastFr. Meno Basti JayanthaFeast23 rd January Fr. S. Edmund Reginald Ordination 199226 th January Fr. D.Emmanuel Ratnarajah Birthday 1972MONTH OF FEBRUARY02 nd February Fr. Jerome Lambert Birthday 195022 nd February Fr. M. Sebamalai Perera Birthday 196923 rd February Fr. Stany Swampillai Ordination 1995Fr. Renald Remindran Ordination 199525 th February Fr. V.A. Jerome Birthday 1970MONTH OF MARCH02 nd March Fr. Meno Basti Jayantha Birthday 197903 rd March Fr. P. Arulnathan Birthday 194807 th March Fr. G. Atputharajah Birthday 196308 th March Fr. A. Emmanuel Birthday 196310 th March Fr. Celestine Mascringhe Birthday 195717 th March Fr. Vincent Patrick Feast19 th March Fr. C. Soosaithasan Croos FeastFr. Jeevanathas FernandoFeastBIRTHDAYS OF OUR DEACONS17 th February Bro. J.M. John Patrick Omi 197926 th March Bro. P. Sathiyaseelan Omi 197928 th April Bro. I. Selva Vijendran Omi 198030 th April Bro. T. Anson Regikumar Omi 198026 Yazha Thoni

MONTH OF APRIL03 rd April Fr. H. Vethanayagam Birthday 192906 th April Fr. P. Vimalarajan Birthday 197609 th April Fr. A.B. Vincent Birthday 197310 th April Fr. Philip Stanislaus FeastFr. Stany AnthonipillaiFeast13 th April Fr. P.P. Philip Ordination 196214 th April Fr. Godfrey Joel Ordination 200415 th April Fr. Joy Fernando Birthday 197416 th April Fr. A.F. Loshington Birthday 1962Fr. Jeyarajan Coonghe Ordination 200519 th April Fr. C.Soosaithasan Croos Ordination 196821 st April Fr. G. Wenceslaus Ordination 199822 nd April Fr. Sebasty Nicholas Birthday 195723 rd April Fr. Sebamalai Anpurasa Ordination 1998Fr. Juvanal Kamalanathan Ordination 200524 th April Fr. S.M. Sebastian Ordination 198126 th April Fr. Patrick Gnanapragasam Ordination 1972Fr. S. Damian Ordination 1972Fr. A. B. Vincent Ordination 200329 th April Fr. Linus Soysa Ordination 1986Fr. J. Jude Bernard Ordination 2004Yazha Thoni27