Yazha Thoni - oblate province of jaffna: omi jaffna
Yazha Thoni - oblate province of jaffna: omi jaffna
Yazha Thoni - oblate province of jaffna: omi jaffna
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<strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong><br />
1
The Message from the Provincial<br />
Dear brother Oblates,<br />
Blessings and Cordial Greetings in the Risen Lord.<br />
We are still in the Easter season walking with the<br />
Risen Lord and being inspired by His Spirit. The<br />
gift <strong>of</strong> this new life-experience is our Hope for<br />
future endeavours. The disciples were invigorated<br />
to the extent <strong>of</strong> boldly announcing the Good News,<br />
“Jesus is Risen and We are all witnesses to it”, is<br />
because they were convincingly and deeply rooted<br />
in their master’s love and Spirit. This extraordinary<br />
attachment to their master gave them power, impetus<br />
and conviction to face any sort <strong>of</strong> antagonism created<br />
by the Jewish leaders when they began their ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> Evangelization. The disciples were even happy to<br />
be killed and accept martyrdom for the sake <strong>of</strong> their<br />
master. Their faith should become the foundation<br />
<strong>of</strong> our ministry <strong>of</strong> Evangelization in a fast changing<br />
world that chooses short cuts for fascination and self<br />
satisfaction. It is only, “in growing in faith, hope<br />
and love, we commit ourselves to be leaven <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Beatitudes at the heart <strong>of</strong> the World”.<br />
We have a tendency to emphasize on the fact <strong>of</strong> the<br />
resurrection <strong>of</strong> Christ and to downplay or minimize<br />
the aspect <strong>of</strong> his death on the CROSS. Jesus Our<br />
Lord and Savior yielded himself first to be nailed<br />
to the Cross and be killed. He humbly accepted this<br />
most ign<strong>omi</strong>nious death in order to save us from evil,<br />
to purify us <strong>of</strong> our sins and to make us children <strong>of</strong><br />
His Father. He conquered death and the evil <strong>of</strong> the<br />
world in His Resurrection and leaves us with the<br />
gift <strong>of</strong> everlasting peace that the world cannot give.<br />
He is risen from the dead and lives forever inviting<br />
us to experience the pain <strong>of</strong> the Cross, “whoever<br />
wishes to come after me must deny himself, take<br />
up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to<br />
save his life will lose it, but<br />
whoever loses his life for my<br />
sake and that <strong>of</strong> the Gospel<br />
will save it” (Mt:8/ 34-35).<br />
I wish you all A Very Happy<br />
Easter with the gift <strong>of</strong> Peace<br />
and Happiness. May the<br />
Risen Lord guide you and<br />
accompany you on your missionary journey.<br />
I am very much delighted to say that “St. Eugene<br />
de Mazenod Day Gathering”, held on the 19th <strong>of</strong><br />
April at St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna, was a grand<br />
success. The Oblates <strong>of</strong> the Province worked hard<br />
putting their heart and soul for many days to make<br />
this event a remarkable one. The children and<br />
youth from our mission centers more than 1400 in<br />
number gathered at St. Patrick’s College premises<br />
witnessing to solidarity and brotherhood. The spirit<br />
<strong>of</strong> our Founder whose 150th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the<br />
heavenly birth was being concluded on this day, was<br />
hovering everywhere making those present witness<br />
to the day’s theme,” Ever Shining Brightly”. The<br />
Oblates won great admiration from all those who<br />
graced the occasion and felt proud <strong>of</strong> being closer<br />
to the youngsters. While appreciating the efforts<br />
and the spirit <strong>of</strong> collaboration <strong>of</strong> our Oblates, I urge<br />
you to continuously accompany these children and<br />
continuously commit yourselves to their integral<br />
formation. I also thank all the Oblates who were<br />
present on this occasion.<br />
Priestly Ordinations<br />
Our Oblate Deacons, Santhiogu Anthony Sebastian<br />
Ravel OMI and Sebastian Reginald OMI will<br />
be ordained priests at St. Sebastian’s Cathedral,<br />
2 <strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong>
Mannar on the 17 th <strong>of</strong> May, 2012 at 09.30 am and<br />
Pakkiyanathan Antony Jesuthasan OMI, Jakkop<br />
Robinson Satheeskumar OMI, Sinniah Patrick Leo<br />
OMI and Siluvairasa Arul Sutharson OMI will be<br />
ordained priests at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Jaffna on<br />
the 24th <strong>of</strong> May, 2012 at 09.00 am.<br />
May I kindly invite you all to pray for these young<br />
Oblates and be present at these two important events<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Province. The Deacons begin their retreat on<br />
the 6th <strong>of</strong> May preached by Fr.Vincent Patrick OMI<br />
in Mannar. I shall be with them too during these<br />
days.<br />
A kind reminder to the District and community<br />
Superiors and to the respective Teams (Mission<br />
and Spiritual Animation) to faithfully organize<br />
programmes periodically enabling one another to<br />
grow, “That Oblate Superiors and the Community be<br />
attentive to on-going formation, Scripture reflection<br />
and Oblate studies, for their own spiritual good and<br />
for the authenticity <strong>of</strong> their missionary work” (Cf.<br />
Chapter calls for Conversion on Community –<br />
Personal and Communal).<br />
Underway :<br />
� Two <strong>of</strong> our Deacons, Sebastian Reval<br />
& S.Reginald would be ordained<br />
priests on the 17 th <strong>of</strong> May 2012 in<br />
Mannar and the other four - Patrick<br />
Leo, Arul Sutharson, A.Jesuthasan,<br />
R.Satheeskumar on the 24 th <strong>of</strong> May<br />
2012 in Jaffna.<br />
� The preliminary works are underway<br />
to build a chapel at St.Joseph’s<br />
Juniorate, Jaffna.<br />
<strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong><br />
Future Events<br />
Asia Oceania Formation Committee (AOFC)<br />
will hold its next meeting in Manila in January<br />
2013. Being the chairman <strong>of</strong> this Committee, I<br />
am already involved with the preliminaries.<br />
The AORC Meeting and the AORC – GENERAL<br />
ADMINISTRATION (Joint Session) will be<br />
held in Bangkok in April 2013. Preparation for<br />
this great event is underway.<br />
The Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Louis<br />
Lougen OMI will be visiting both our Provinces<br />
(Colombo and Jaffna) in November 2013.<br />
Please keep these events and pray that we<br />
successfully organize them.<br />
I shall be away in Europe from the 1st <strong>of</strong> June to<br />
1st <strong>of</strong> July 2012. My visits to the Oblates <strong>of</strong> our<br />
Province include Rome, Paris, Denmark and<br />
Norway. In my absence Fr.Stanislaus Philips<br />
OMI will act for me. May God Bless you and<br />
protect you always.<br />
M.Paul Nadchethiram OMI<br />
“What you’ve done becomes the judge<br />
<strong>of</strong> what you’re going to do – especially<br />
in other people’s minds. When you’re<br />
traveling, you are what you are right<br />
there and then. People don’t have your<br />
past to hold against you. No yesterdays<br />
on the road.”<br />
- William Least Heat Moon<br />
3
Fr.F.L.N.Croos <strong>omi</strong><br />
was assigned as the pastor <strong>of</strong><br />
the parish <strong>of</strong> PeriyaVilan in the<br />
Diocese <strong>of</strong> Jaffna. Fr.F.L.N.Croos<br />
prior to this, has been serving<br />
for a short term as the pastor <strong>of</strong><br />
Karampon, Kyts in the Diocese<br />
<strong>of</strong> Jaffna.<br />
Fr.Stany Anthonipillai <strong>omi</strong><br />
was installed as the Superior <strong>of</strong><br />
the Preaching Community at<br />
AmaithiAham, Vavuniya on the<br />
11 th <strong>of</strong> Apr. 2012 by the Provincial<br />
Superior.<br />
Fr.P.Vimalarajan <strong>omi</strong> is preparing<br />
for his new mission in Palermo,<br />
Italy. He served as a preacher for<br />
more than five years being part<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Preachers’ Community in<br />
Vavuniya. Fr.Vimal has taken<br />
residence in Colombo to organize<br />
his travel. He will be leaving<br />
towards the 15 th <strong>of</strong> June 2012. On the 29 th <strong>of</strong> April<br />
2012, Fr.Vimal has launched another audio CD,<br />
‘Thiyahi’ (Oblate) – a collection <strong>of</strong> Oblate hymns<br />
and songs in Tamil.<br />
Fr.Christy Joy Fernando <strong>omi</strong><br />
has taken up the mission <strong>of</strong><br />
Kokilai in Mulaithivu. Having<br />
contributed to the Preaching<br />
Community in Vavuniya for the<br />
last four years, Joy has started<br />
this typical mission at the region<br />
<strong>of</strong> Kokilai-Nayaaru where there<br />
are Singhalese and Tamils coexisting. Though<br />
the material facilities for a resident to work<br />
at Kokilai are wanting, Fr.Fernando joyfully<br />
progresses in the mission field with a committed<br />
Oblate Spirit. It is a new Oblate Mission recently<br />
undertaken by the Oblates <strong>of</strong> Jaffna at the request<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Bishop <strong>of</strong> Jaffna under a contract. While<br />
congratulating Joy for being the pioneer, we urge<br />
our Oblates to support him by their prayers and<br />
fraternal visits.<br />
Placements<br />
Fr.Eugene Amalraj <strong>omi</strong> who<br />
has been serving as Bursar at<br />
Sangamam, Koppay, is assigned<br />
as a member <strong>of</strong> the Preaching<br />
Community in Vavuniya on 12<br />
Jan 2012.<br />
Fr.Antony Poncian <strong>omi</strong> has<br />
gone back to Trincomalee after<br />
the successful completion <strong>of</strong> his<br />
M.Ed. Graduate Study Programme<br />
at the University <strong>of</strong> Jaffna in<br />
January 2012. At the request <strong>of</strong><br />
the Bishop <strong>of</strong> Trincomalee &<br />
Batticoloa, Fr.Poncian worked out<br />
his transfer to take up St.Joseph’s College in Trinco<br />
as the new Principal, as Fr.Jevanadas Fernando is<br />
completing his service at this College. Fr. Poncian<br />
is already at St. Joseph’s College as a teaching staff<br />
member.<br />
Fr.David Ratnarajah <strong>omi</strong> has<br />
been assigned to assist Fr.Stan<br />
Philips <strong>omi</strong> at Chatti-Allaipiddi<br />
Missiom in the Diocese <strong>of</strong> Jaffna.<br />
Fr.Ratna will also serve as the<br />
person in-charge <strong>of</strong> the Website <strong>of</strong><br />
the Province. The site- <strong>omi</strong><strong>jaffna</strong>.<br />
com - is under way and is hoped<br />
to be <strong>of</strong>ficially launched soon.<br />
Fr.Pethuru Arulnathan <strong>omi</strong><br />
has taken up his residence at the<br />
Bishop’s House, Pattim, Mannar.<br />
Fr. Arul was residing for a few<br />
months at Sithamparapuram,<br />
Vavuniya.<br />
Fr. Fredrick Thevarajah<br />
<strong>omi</strong> who has been serving as<br />
the Superior <strong>of</strong> the Preaching<br />
Community in Vavuniya for the<br />
last four years, has got his visa<br />
to his new mission in Denmark<br />
and he would take up his new<br />
mission very soon.<br />
4 <strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong>
LEBARA VILLAGE,<br />
MANIYANTHODDAM, JAFFNA<br />
The Oblates <strong>of</strong> the Jaffna Province built 40 houses<br />
for the resettling <strong>of</strong> the people at Maniyamthoddam,<br />
Jaffna with the generous support <strong>of</strong> the Lebara<br />
Foundation. The building construction was started<br />
in the month <strong>of</strong> August, 2011, and was completed<br />
in February, 2012. Rev. Fr.Thevathasan Edwin<br />
<strong>omi</strong> coordinated this programme. The housing<br />
scheme was named as Lebara Village in gratitude<br />
to the Lebara Foundation. The houses were handed<br />
over to the beneficiaries at a function organized<br />
on the 12 th <strong>of</strong> February, 2012. In his absence,<br />
Mr.Leon, the founder <strong>of</strong> the Lebara Foundation<br />
has deligated his mother to be the chief guest for<br />
the handing over ceremony. The Government<br />
Agent <strong>of</strong> Jaffna District, the Grant Director <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Oblates <strong>of</strong> Mary Immaculate Rev.Fr.A.Jeevendra<br />
Paul <strong>omi</strong>, Fr.Clement Waidyasegara <strong>omi</strong>, the<br />
General Councilor for Asia-Oceania, the Oblate<br />
Provincial <strong>of</strong> Jaffna, the Vicar General <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Diocese <strong>of</strong> Jaffna, Oblates <strong>of</strong> the Jaffna Province,<br />
the diocesan Fathers, brothers, Rev.Sisters and<br />
the villagers graced the occasion. The people<br />
<strong>of</strong> Maniyanthoddam and the Oblates <strong>of</strong> Jaffna<br />
Province are very grateful to the Lebara Foundation<br />
for their generous support to rebuild the life <strong>of</strong> our<br />
affected people.<br />
<strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong><br />
News in Brief<br />
LEBARA LIBRARY, KILINOCHCHI<br />
The foundation stone for a modern library at Annai<br />
Illam, Kilinochchi, was laid by the mother <strong>of</strong><br />
Mr. Leon, the founder <strong>of</strong> the Lebara Foundation,<br />
on the 14 th <strong>of</strong> February, 2012. This library is<br />
named ‘Lebara Library’. Many priests, the staff<br />
<strong>of</strong> Annai Illam, the students who receive monthly<br />
scholarship from the Lebara Foundation were<br />
present at the ceremony. The Oblates <strong>of</strong> the Jaffna<br />
Province and the people <strong>of</strong> Kilinochchi district,<br />
especially the students, are very grateful to the<br />
Lebara Foundation for its generous contribution<br />
and support. This library will undoubtedly help<br />
hundreds <strong>of</strong> children and students to better their<br />
education and will serve as a source <strong>of</strong> knowledge<br />
to the people <strong>of</strong> Kilinochchi/ Vanni in the post<br />
war era.<br />
OPENING OF THE PRIESTS’<br />
RESIDENCE AND THE<br />
COMMUNITY HALL<br />
A long felt need for a mission house for<br />
Amathypuram - Akkarayan Mission, was realized<br />
on the 15 th <strong>of</strong> February, 2012. During the war,<br />
the priests’ residence at Amathypuram was<br />
completely demolished to the ground and the<br />
people were all displaced in many neighbouring<br />
villages. After the resettlement, the people were<br />
not willing to resettle at Amathypuram as it is<br />
5
occupied by the army, and there was no facility.<br />
Therefore, the parish priest had to move to<br />
Arokkiyapuram together with the people. Since<br />
there was no mission house, the pastor took<br />
shelter in the Sacristy. As it is an Oblate mission,<br />
the Oblates <strong>of</strong> the Jaffna Province built a priests’<br />
residence at Skanthapuram, with the financial<br />
assistance from Missio. The new residence<br />
was blessed and opened by Rt.Rev.Dr.Thomas<br />
Savundaranayagam, the Bishop <strong>of</strong> Jaffna on the<br />
15 th <strong>of</strong> February, 2012.<br />
Golden Jubilee celebration<br />
Fr.P.P.Philip <strong>omi</strong> thanked the Lord for the 50 years<br />
<strong>of</strong> God’s grace in and through his priestly life on<br />
the 13th <strong>of</strong> April, 2012. St.Joseph’s OMI Juniorate<br />
Community, where Fr.P.P.Philip serves, organized<br />
a simple but colourful Eucharistic Celebration at<br />
the Chapel at Amala-Utpavam, Jaffna. Fr.Paul<br />
Nadchethiram <strong>omi</strong>, the Provincial Superior,<br />
Fr.Stephen, the Prior General <strong>of</strong> the Rosarian<br />
Fathers, a good number <strong>of</strong> other Oblates, Diocesan<br />
priests, religious sisters and handful <strong>of</strong> Fr.Philip’s<br />
family members graced the occasion.<br />
The parish church <strong>of</strong> Pasaiyoor thanked the<br />
Lord with its Jubilarian son, Fr.P.P.Philp <strong>omi</strong> on<br />
the 29th <strong>of</strong> Apr. 2012 in a solemn thanksgiving<br />
Eucharist. His Lordship Rayappu Joseph, the<br />
Bishop <strong>of</strong> Mannar and His Lordship Victor<br />
Gnanapragasam, the Bishop <strong>of</strong> Quetta, Pakistan,<br />
Fr.Paul Nadcethiram <strong>omi</strong>, the Provincial Superior,<br />
On the same occasion, a Community Hall built for<br />
the benefit <strong>of</strong> this mission in the same boundary,<br />
which is named ‘Amthivanam’ was also blessed<br />
and opened by the Bishop <strong>of</strong> Jaffna. The Grant<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> the Oblates <strong>of</strong> Mary Immaculate,<br />
Rev.Fr.Jeevendra Paul <strong>omi</strong>, the Provincial <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Oblates <strong>of</strong> the Jaffna Province, the <strong>oblate</strong>s, the<br />
diocesan priests and the parishioners were present<br />
at the opening ceremony. The Community Hall<br />
was built with the financial help from the Tamil<br />
Diaspora Community ( md;id G+gjp jkp;o;<br />
fyhrhu epiyak;) in Norway.<br />
Fr. Justin Gnanapragasam, the Vicar General<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Diocese <strong>of</strong> Jaffna, priests, religious and<br />
parishioners graced the occasion.<br />
New Auxiliaries for the Archdiocese<br />
Two new bishops were n<strong>omi</strong>nated by the<br />
Holy Father to be the auxiliary bishops for the<br />
Archdiocese <strong>of</strong> Colombo, Sri Lanka. Msgr.Fidelis<br />
Lionel Emmanuel Fernando and Msgr.Maxwell<br />
Granville Silva were consecrated bishops on<br />
the 11 th <strong>of</strong> Feb. 2012 at St.Lucia’s, Colombo.<br />
We extend our heartiest congratulations and<br />
prayerful wishes to these two shepherds.<br />
New Leadership Team for the Holy<br />
Cross Sisters<br />
On the 1st <strong>of</strong> March, the Holy Cross Sisters<br />
(Menzingen) were blessed with a new Leadership<br />
Team for the next six years. Rev.Sr.Victorine<br />
James was elected as the Provincial Superior.<br />
Congratulations!<br />
6 <strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong>
Visits, Arrivals & Departures<br />
Fr.Renald Remindran <strong>omi</strong>, a missionary from<br />
the Delegation <strong>of</strong> Pakistan, visited his family in<br />
Jaffna and went around the <strong>province</strong> visiting his<br />
friends in the month <strong>of</strong> Jan. 2012.<br />
Fr.Francis Daniel <strong>omi</strong> who ministers in London<br />
at the parish <strong>of</strong> English Martyrs as its pastor<br />
visited the Province in the month <strong>of</strong> February<br />
2012.<br />
Fr.Clement Waidyasegara <strong>omi</strong>, the General<br />
Councilor for Asia-Oceania was present for<br />
the opening <strong>of</strong> the Lebara Housing Scheme<br />
collaborated and coordinated by the Jaffna<br />
Province at Manianthoddam, Jaffna on the 12 th<br />
<strong>of</strong> February 2012.<br />
Fr.Jeevendra Paul <strong>omi</strong>, the Grant Director in<br />
Rome visited the <strong>province</strong> to grace the occasions<br />
<strong>of</strong> the opening ceremony <strong>of</strong> the Lebara Housing<br />
Scheme at Manianthoddam, Jaffna on the 12 th <strong>of</strong><br />
February 2012 and the AmaithyVanam-priests’<br />
residence at Skanthapuram on the 15 th <strong>of</strong> Feb.<br />
2012, and the laying <strong>of</strong> the foundation stone to a<br />
Library at the Counseling Centre, Annai Illam,<br />
Kiinochchi.<br />
Fr.Maria Sebastian <strong>omi</strong> went on a family visit<br />
to Australia for about 3 weeks in the month <strong>of</strong><br />
March.<br />
Fr.A.B.Vincent <strong>omi</strong> travelled to Singapore<br />
for a short family union visit during his school<br />
holidays in mid-April 2012.<br />
Fr.Edwin Vasantharasa <strong>omi</strong> has taken wings<br />
to the Philippines to pursue his Doctoral Studies<br />
in Canon Law. Fr.Edwin has been serving<br />
as the director <strong>of</strong> the Study Programme at<br />
Gnanodayam, Centre for Religious Studies<br />
and Lay Formation in Mannar. We wish him a<br />
successful study Programme.<br />
Fr. Jegankumar Coonghe <strong>omi</strong>, having<br />
completed a few months <strong>of</strong> pastoral ministry<br />
assisting Fr.Alban at Arippu in Mannar, has<br />
flown to Rome on the 29<br />
<strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong><br />
th <strong>of</strong> April, 2012, to read<br />
for his licentiate in Sacred Scripture at Biblicum,<br />
Rome. Let us keep him in our prayers.<br />
Fr.Godfrey Joel <strong>omi</strong>, having completed his<br />
studies very successfully in England in the Field<br />
<strong>of</strong> Education, has come back to St.Joseph’s<br />
College, Trinco in February, 2012.<br />
Fr.Mariyanayagam <strong>omi</strong>, a missionary in<br />
Lesotho is currently visiting Jaffna.<br />
Fr. Sebasty Nicholas <strong>omi</strong> who was in India for<br />
the last eight months, is to arrive home soon. We<br />
thank the Oblate Province <strong>of</strong> India for the care<br />
and hospitality extended to Fr. Nicholas.<br />
Fr. Anpurasa <strong>omi</strong> visited India for about a week<br />
to attend a seminar sponsored by the Center for<br />
Performing Arts, Jaffna.<br />
Fr. Sathiyaseelan <strong>omi</strong> is in India to solemnize<br />
the wedding <strong>of</strong> his sister.<br />
Fr. Atputharajah <strong>omi</strong> who has been the Pastor<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Haputale Mission in the Diocese <strong>of</strong><br />
Badulla for the last five years has completed his<br />
services in the Mission. Currently he is visiting<br />
his sister in France before taking up his new<br />
ministry.<br />
Rt. Rev. Dr. Victor Gnanapragasam <strong>omi</strong>, the<br />
Bishop <strong>of</strong> Quetta, Pakistan who is currently<br />
in Jaffna on a family visit, visited few Oblate<br />
Communities in the Province.<br />
The ultimate measure <strong>of</strong> a man is<br />
not where he stands in moments <strong>of</strong><br />
comfort, but where he stands at times<br />
<strong>of</strong> challenge and controversy.<br />
- Martin Luther King, Jr.<br />
7
News and Views<br />
The Centenary <strong>of</strong> Priestly Ordination <strong>of</strong> the Servant <strong>of</strong> God,<br />
Very Rev.Fr.B.A.Thomas OMI,<br />
the Founder <strong>of</strong> the Congregation <strong>of</strong> the Rosarians.<br />
The centenary <strong>of</strong> Priestly Ordination <strong>of</strong> the Servant<br />
<strong>of</strong> God, Very Rev. Fr. B. A. Thomas <strong>omi</strong> (1886-<br />
1964), the Founder <strong>of</strong> the Congregation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Rosarians, was Commemorated on 06 th January<br />
2012 at Arul Ashram, Jaffna under the patronage<br />
<strong>of</strong> Rt.Rev.Dr.Thomas Savundaranayagam, the<br />
Bishop <strong>of</strong> Jaffna. This was organized in order to<br />
make him known in a better way to the other parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> the island. He is well known in the North and<br />
East. On this occasion there was a large number<br />
<strong>of</strong> priests, religious and people gathered at the<br />
Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by His<br />
Lordship. During his h<strong>omi</strong>ly His lordship stressed<br />
on the importance <strong>of</strong> contemplative vocation and<br />
its effects.<br />
Thereafter, the Memorial Celebration was held<br />
where the newly built Memorial hall <strong>of</strong> Fr.<br />
B.A.Thomas was declared open by Very Rev.<br />
Fr.A.M.Stephen CR, the Prior General <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Congregation <strong>of</strong> the Rosarians, and the renovated<br />
Tomb <strong>of</strong> Fr.B.A.Thomas was blessed by His<br />
Lordship and he unveiled the mural figure <strong>of</strong><br />
Fr.Thomas <strong>omi</strong> at his tomb.<br />
Rosarians, also spoke on Fr.Thomas in the<br />
context <strong>of</strong> India.<br />
The Servant <strong>of</strong> God, Fr.B.A.Thomas <strong>omi</strong>, the<br />
Founder <strong>of</strong> the Congregation <strong>of</strong> the Rosarians<br />
was widely known as a saintly Priest, holy<br />
monk, and sage who lived at Tholagatty Rosarian<br />
Monastery since its inception, 1928 – 1964. Many<br />
sought his spiritual guidance, did their retreats,<br />
listened to spiritual talks and visited him from<br />
far and wide, even from different parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
world. His whole life became a great light for<br />
the bishops, priests, Religious and all walks <strong>of</strong><br />
people through his mission <strong>of</strong> Contemplative life<br />
and preaching. He was considered a living saint<br />
by many during his life time. As he is a Servant <strong>of</strong><br />
God, His beatification process is being done, and<br />
soon the diocesan process and its records will be<br />
submitted. There are Bishops, Priests, Religious<br />
and faithful who have responded bearing witness<br />
to his life, mission and his sanctity. And many<br />
who have experienced miracles and favours have<br />
sent their records. They are a great contribution<br />
towards the beatification process. Let us pray<br />
that the loving God may raise him to the state<br />
<strong>of</strong> sainthood.<br />
Rev.Fr.Paul Nadchethiram <strong>omi</strong>, the Provincial<br />
Superior <strong>of</strong> Jaffna Province <strong>of</strong> the Oblates <strong>of</strong><br />
May God continue to bless us through<br />
Mary Immaculate was the main speaker <strong>of</strong> the<br />
the intercession <strong>of</strong> our Servant <strong>of</strong> God<br />
event on Fr.Thomas <strong>omi</strong>. Rev.Fr.K.P.Xavier,<br />
Fr.B.A.Thomas <strong>omi</strong>.<br />
the Vicar General <strong>of</strong> the Congregation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
- Rev.Fr.Justin CR<br />
8 <strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong>
The Oblate world had the opportunity to<br />
commemorate the 150th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the<br />
heavenly birth <strong>of</strong> the Founder, Saint Eugene<br />
de Mazenod during the year 2011 -2012.<br />
This memorable event has given rise to<br />
number <strong>of</strong> meaningful gatherings in the Oblate<br />
community worldwide. This special occasion<br />
was characterized by celebrations with the people<br />
to whom and with whom the Congregation<br />
is involved in the ministry. Main thrust <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ministry, namely, to be with the most abandoned<br />
was focussed in these gatherings.<br />
Accordingly, in the Province <strong>of</strong> Jaffna plans were<br />
forged under the title, “Saint Eugene de Mazenod<br />
Day Gathering - 2012”. One full day, 19th April<br />
2012, was devoted entirely for this memorable<br />
event; and it was held at Saint Patrick’s College,<br />
Jaffna, an educational institution which stands<br />
straight witnessing the undaunted pioneering<br />
mission <strong>of</strong> the Oblates. The Oblate ministries<br />
among the children and youth were highlighted<br />
in these events.<br />
It was significant in the history <strong>of</strong> the Province<br />
as it gathered large number <strong>of</strong> children and<br />
youth under one banner, and it was the biggest<br />
gathering and Oblate event in the recent past. The<br />
words <strong>of</strong> Saint Eugene de Mazenod to one <strong>of</strong> his<br />
Oblates, “I have no use for smouldering wicks in<br />
this society. I want you to burn, give light” were<br />
chosen to lay foundation for the whole concept<br />
behind the event giving challenge to children<br />
and youth. These words were powerful spur to<br />
the theme <strong>of</strong> the day “enrum olirum thiriyaga”<br />
<strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong><br />
Saint Eugene de Mazenod Day<br />
Gathering - 2012<br />
(wick that ever shining brightly).<br />
The participants, children and youth, <strong>of</strong> more than<br />
1200 <strong>of</strong> all walks <strong>of</strong> life irrespective <strong>of</strong> religion<br />
along with their animators were chosen from our<br />
various Oblate institutions and mission stations<br />
under the care <strong>of</strong> the Oblates in Jaffna, Mannar,<br />
Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu, Trincomalee districts<br />
and upcountry regions were gathered together<br />
for this one-day programme was remarkable<br />
one. The Oblate Province <strong>of</strong> Jaffna was fully<br />
immersed in them in their ministry realizing their<br />
importance in the society. Especially the wartorn<br />
community is in need <strong>of</strong> such involvement.<br />
The above ministry is centred on their needs <strong>of</strong><br />
psychological counselling, growth in the field <strong>of</strong><br />
education, wholistic approach to life, leadership<br />
etc.<br />
The day’s programme started at 9 am with<br />
common worship. The day was spent on various<br />
meaningful activities. The time till noon was<br />
made use <strong>of</strong> to conduct suitable activities for the<br />
children and youth separately and it was animated<br />
by many experts in the fields. The children were<br />
made to involve in meaningful programmes to<br />
enrich their friendship among themselves and<br />
realize their role in society and in their own<br />
growth. The youth were given opportunities<br />
through various activities to discover their<br />
leadership role in the society. Through many<br />
role-plays they were helped to identify the hidden<br />
talents in them and were made to understand that<br />
these were gifts to be made use <strong>of</strong> to become<br />
better people. These programmes were better<br />
9
assisted by the trained animators <strong>of</strong> our Oblate<br />
institutions. On the whole it was an enriching<br />
experience for the participants and organizers.<br />
After a delicious lunch served for all, the<br />
time between 2.30 to 5.00 was given to<br />
cultural performances. The variety <strong>of</strong> cultural<br />
performances by the children from the Oblate<br />
institutions and parishes were appreciated very<br />
much by the audience. The cultural features were<br />
based on promoting human values. A short drama<br />
by the Oblate Juniorists on the life and Charism<br />
<strong>of</strong> the founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod and<br />
a short musical and orchestra performance by<br />
the Oblate Scholastic brothers were also well<br />
appreciated.<br />
The afternoon stage programme was graced by<br />
the presence <strong>of</strong> the Bishop <strong>of</strong> Jaffna, Rt. Rev.<br />
Dr.Thomas Savundaranayagam as chief guest,<br />
From the Juniorate to the Pre-Novitiate<br />
Seven Juniorists from St.Joseph’s Juniorate,<br />
Jaffna sat the English Entrance Exam at the<br />
National Seminary, Ampitiya, and all except<br />
one got through. Two out <strong>of</strong> the six have joined<br />
the Pre-Novitiate Programme in Mannar in mid<br />
April. Now there are three pre-novices from<br />
the <strong>province</strong> <strong>of</strong> Jaffna along with other 14 from<br />
the <strong>province</strong> <strong>of</strong> Colombo – which includes pre-<br />
Formation<br />
and dignified by the presence <strong>of</strong> the Chief Priest <strong>of</strong><br />
Nallur Hindu Temple, Chief Priests <strong>of</strong> Buddhist,<br />
the Government Agent <strong>of</strong> Jaffna, Prior General<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Rosarians, Provincials <strong>of</strong> the Holy Family<br />
Sisters and <strong>of</strong> Holy Cross Sisters as special<br />
guests. The Bishop <strong>of</strong> Jaffna while thanking<br />
the Oblates for their commitment to mission,<br />
expressed his satisfaction and appreciation for<br />
their ministry among the youngsters. All guests<br />
in their speeches appreciated the Oblate mission,<br />
urged for a need <strong>of</strong> formation <strong>of</strong> the values in the<br />
growth <strong>of</strong> children and youth. The Provincial <strong>of</strong><br />
Jaffna, Rev.Fr.Paul Nadchethiram thanked the<br />
participants for their acceptance <strong>of</strong> the Oblate<br />
ministry, thanked the organisers and called for<br />
vigorous and fruitful engagement in the ministry<br />
to children and youth in the growing society.<br />
- Fr.Edmund Michael <strong>omi</strong>.<br />
novices from Pakistan (5) and from Bangladesh<br />
(1) It is remarkable that we have an international<br />
community.<br />
Personality Awareness Growth and<br />
Development at the Pre -Novitiate<br />
Rev.Sr.Rina Rasiah, a Holy Cross nun conducted<br />
a counseling session from the 16 th <strong>of</strong> Apr. to 21st<br />
<strong>of</strong> Apr. for the pre-novices at the Pre-Novitiate, at<br />
the invitation <strong>of</strong> Fr.Jesuthasan <strong>omi</strong>, the director.<br />
10 <strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong>
Mission and Ministry<br />
Ministry Among the Needy - A Mission<br />
Accomplished: It is three years since Oblates<br />
<strong>of</strong> Jaffna Province launched a Relief Mission in<br />
those camps in Cheddikulam area where about<br />
238 000 people from Sri Lankan war fronts<br />
<strong>of</strong> Vanni settled in temporary shelters behind<br />
barbed-wires.<br />
Early February 2009, people started to flee<br />
from the north eastern war territory to come<br />
to army-controlled areas. Government forces<br />
brought them to Cheddikulam, a north central<br />
region in the district <strong>of</strong> Vavuniya. Fr.Celestine<br />
Maschringhe <strong>omi</strong>, who was the parish priest,<br />
acted promptly to cater to the people, for they<br />
were people without anything except their very<br />
lives. The Oblates in the neighbourhood also<br />
appeared on the scene to join in the relief work.<br />
Eventually a massive Oblate-Relief operation<br />
was undertaken by the Oblates.<br />
Cheddikulam by nature is a mission area in the<br />
far end <strong>of</strong> the Diocese <strong>of</strong> Mannar sharing its<br />
border with the central District and Diocese <strong>of</strong><br />
Anurathapura. Being on the border it has been<br />
affected severely by the three decade civil war.<br />
Good number <strong>of</strong> people here are either Tamil<br />
settlers from the South or re - settlers after the<br />
relative calm situation in the area. Now it has<br />
become a refuge for the fleeing masses from the<br />
North.<br />
<strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong><br />
It is hard to involve in any sort <strong>of</strong> relief work<br />
without the knowledge and permission <strong>of</strong> the<br />
military. It is still harder to involve with the<br />
most deserving people from the war fronts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
North. But The Catholic Church did it best to<br />
help the people in need. The Caritas, Diocesan<br />
Institutions and other religious humanitarian<br />
wings extended their timely assistance by being<br />
close to these little ones <strong>of</strong> Jesus. Fr.Celestine,<br />
as the pastor <strong>of</strong> the area, was there fulltime to<br />
coordinate and to directly involve in the huge<br />
relief mission.<br />
Along with his spiritual and sacramental services,<br />
Fr.Celestine catered with cooked meals, dry<br />
ration, medical and sanitary care, education<br />
facilities, clothes and baby-needs, family reunion<br />
etc. to these hundreds <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> internally<br />
displaced people (IDP) –who were both Hindus<br />
and Christians. The pastor did not leave his<br />
flock unattended. Another young Oblate,<br />
Fr.Sathiyaseelan joined Fr.Celestine in this noble<br />
mission to the poor.<br />
Fr.Celestine built 15 churches, all <strong>of</strong> them are<br />
permanent, except three inside the IDP camps.<br />
Consequently weekly masses were organized in<br />
those churches especially inside the camps with<br />
the help <strong>of</strong> the neighbouring priests. Some 20000<br />
buns were distributed daily to the people in the<br />
camps. In organized vision clinics more than<br />
1500 were given spectacles. More than 1500 pre-<br />
11
school kids were given fresh milk daily, former<br />
militants in detention camps were helped with<br />
clothes, toiletries etc., the most deserving people<br />
• Call to Eternal Bliss!<br />
were helped financially for their daily living and<br />
30 students were gifted with bicycles without<br />
which their education would have remained a<br />
question mark.<br />
It was, on the whole, a massive Oblate endeavour<br />
to respond to the needs <strong>of</strong> the time. What is<br />
observed here is not the monetary value <strong>of</strong> the<br />
assistance but much more than that the closeness<br />
to and the solidarity with the needy. The personal<br />
care <strong>of</strong> the Oblates with these people stands<br />
out and is fresh even after years <strong>of</strong> the Oblate<br />
presence in the camps and in the areas. Now<br />
similar mission is undertaken by some other<br />
Oblates in other areas where it is needed now – <strong>of</strong><br />
course always close to the people.<br />
Fr. Peter Thurairatnam – a diocesan Priest from Jaffna passed away on<br />
the 21 h <strong>of</strong> Jan. 2012.<br />
Sr.Mary Bernarda Swampillai – a Holy Cross nun in Jaffna was called<br />
to Eternal Bliss on the 25 th <strong>of</strong> March 2012.<br />
Mr. John Clementine, the brother-in-law <strong>of</strong> Fr.Poncian expired on the<br />
19 th <strong>of</strong> Jan. 2012 in Jaffna.<br />
While extending our condolences to our fellow Priests, Religious and<br />
their family members, we also pray for the repose <strong>of</strong> the souls <strong>of</strong> these<br />
dear ones.<br />
Rely on your own strength <strong>of</strong><br />
body and soul. Take for your star<br />
self-reliance, faith, honesty and<br />
industry. Don’t take too much<br />
advice - keep at the helm and steer<br />
your own ship, and remember that<br />
the great art <strong>of</strong> commanding is to<br />
take a fair share <strong>of</strong> the work. Fire<br />
above the mark you intend to hit.<br />
Energy, invincible determination<br />
with the right motive, are the<br />
levers that move the world.<br />
- Noah Porter<br />
Editorial Board: Fr.S.P.J.Pachchek, Fr.Vincent Patrick, Fr.P.P.Philip & Fr.Meno Basty.<br />
12 <strong>Yazha</strong> <strong>Thoni</strong>