For the first time,
an online portal has been designed in a social media platform for Mass offering
request by Christian faithful who used to request Masses in our friaries and
churches in person. Hence ‘Online Mass Offerings Request’ is made available to
all and could be accessed easily by clicking on the link and filling up the
necessary details. We will offer Masses for your specific intentions and pray
for you. Kindly share it with others too to avail this spiritual benefit. It is
a creative, collective and communicative pastoral venture of the Capuchin Friars
from Karnataka Province.
Inauguration
Ceremony of the Academic year 2022-23 : SNEHA JYOTHI VIDYALAYA POTHNAL Education
is the Mother of Leadership says Wendell Willkie.
The Inauguration of the Re-opening of the academic year 2022-23 was held
on 16th May 2022 at 10.30am. Fr. Thomas Parish Priest St. Clare’s church
Pothnal was the chief guest of the day. Headmaster Fr. Dominic Sunil
Lobo, Fr. Sunil Cornelio, Sr. Sarita Dsouza, Sir Yunus, student
representatives Spandana and Dev Bishwas were present on the Dais. The
welcome address was given by the headmaster Fr. Dominic. Thereafter it
was continued by invoking God’s blessings through a prayer service which
was led by the students of class 10th. Thereafter followed by lamp
lighting ceremony the chief guest, teachers and student representatives
lighted the lamp and inaugurated the academic year 2022-23. The teaching
and non-teaching staff were given floral welcome by Fr. Thomas and Fr.
Sunil. The chief guest and Fr. Sunil shared their thoughts and wished
good luck for the school. This first ever event of the academic year
2022-23 took a wind up while the Headmaster acknowledged the gathering
with his thoughts and ideas.
THE
FINAL JOURNEY OF BR CRISPIN LOBO, OFM CAP The
funeral mass of Br Crispin Lobo OFM Cap was held on 13th May, 3 p.m. at
St Fidelis Friary, Monte Mariano friary chapel, presided over by Bishop
Emeritus Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangaluru diocese along
with Fr Alwyn Dias, the Provincial Minister of Holy Trinity Capuchin
Province Karnataka, Fr Melwyn D'Souza, the Guardian of St Anne’s Friary
Mangaluru, Fr Gerald Lobo, Guardian of Monte Mariano Friary and many
other priests, religious men and women and laity. The Bishop in his
introduction said, “Brother Crispin was a kind and humble person. He was
helpful to all, living the true spirit of St Francis of Assisi”. Fr Joel
preached a heart touching homily. He said, "Brother Crispin was a simple
brother, lived his life for Christ. The death of the person is a day not
just to weep, to pray and to honour but also a day to thank, to confess
and to have a clear picture of death.” Fr Gerald Lobo, the Superior of
Monte Mariano Friary, in his eulogy beautifully narrated the life of Br
Crispin. He described Br Crispin was a man of patience. He loved
everyone equally, always ready to help out anyone. Even in his ill
health and suffering, he never blamed God or anyone rather endured
patiently. He also thanked everyone for helping out Br Crispin during
his suffering, specially the friars of Farangipet and the Novices who
always loved and cared for him.
Sad
Demise
We are extremely saddened to inform you that our Br. Crispin Lobo,
OFM, Cap., aged 80 years, passed away today (11/05/2022) around 4:00
pm in Father Muller's Hospital, Mangalore. The funeral will be conducted
at 03:00 pm on Friday 13/05/2022 at St Fidelis Friary, Farangipet,
Mangalore, Karnataka. May God welcome him into His eternal abode and
grant consolation to the bereaved family members and to all the friars
of the Province. May God grant him eternal bliss.
Vimukti
vocational Training Centers: Vimukti Pothnal “Do
not give fish but teach them to catch fish” is the motto behind
Vimukti vocational training Centers. In this regard, we stand with the
real needy youths to make them earn and support their families now or
later. One such kind of opening is our tailoring projects and these
tailoring centers give training to downtrodden students, the ones under
the line of poverty in tailoring training at economical cost. Thus,
Vimukti organised tailoring, cutting and dress making course nearly 25
students are getting trained and benefiting from this program.
Perpetual
Profession of 8 Capuchin Brothers @ St Anthony’s Church, Gangondanahalli,
Bangalore On
2nd May 2022 at St. Anthony’s Church, Gangondanahalli, the newly
re-elected Provincial Minister of Holy Trinity Province Karnataka, Rev.
Fr John Alwyn Dias presided over the Eucharistic celebration during
which eight capuchin brothers of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka
made their Perpetual Profession. Rev. Fr John Alwyn Dias received their
vows. The Holy Eucharist was concelebrated by the re-elected Vicar
Provincial, Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, the Councillors: Fr Denis Veigas and
Fr Vijay Kumar, Parish Priest, Fr William Prabhu, Fr Salvadore Fernandes,
Rector of Darshan Institute of Theology, Bangalore and many of the
Capuchin Friars and other Priests. The Solemn Profession was witnessed
by the parents, family members of the brothers who professed and number
of parishioners of Gangondanahalli and other faithful. The ceremony was
organized by the Community of Prem Nivas especially by Fr William Prabhu,
the Parish Priest and Fr Dancy Martis and Fr Richard Kadiwal. The Solemn
Rite of Profession was compared by Fr Naveen D’Souza. The felicitation
program was animated by Br Anthony Raj (Jnr).
Door
to Door Dr. Ambedkar Abhiyana: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
Pothnal organized Door to Door Abhiyana on the occasion of Dr. Ambedkar’s 131st
birth anniversary on 23rd April 2022. This abhiyana was being undertaken for
reaching out to children, youths, women and men, in spreading awareness on Dr.
Ambedkar and his prominent role in building up the nation as a great architect
of the Indian Constitution. On this occasion Fr. Sathish Fernandes vimukti
director said, "An economist and advocate of human rights and women empowerment,
Dr Ambedkar is considered as a leading nation builder of our country. He
contributed in promoting harmony and tried to eradicate the evils of the caste
system. A true believer in the rule of law, Dr Ambedkar constantly worked for
the rights of poor and backward classes. We should take inspiration from the
life of this great son of India. A true homage to Dr. Ambedkar would be to
develop our country on the principles of ‘Social and Economic Justice’ and
‘Equality of Status and opportunity’". On this occasion well- known speaker were
called and input sessions were organized to motivate people to imbibe his spirit
in safeguarding once own rights in building up the nation.
IX
Ordinary Provincial Chapter-2022: Day Six On
the Sixth Day 30th April 2022 at 6.00 the capitulars gathered in the
chapel for the Morning Prayer and the Holy Eucharist. Br Isaac Baptist
Rodrigues, the Delegate from Infant Jesus Delegation, Nagaland and
Manipur presided over the Holy Eucharist. Br Stany Roshan D’Souza, the
Delegate from Christ the King Delegation, Mizoram, Tripura & Barak
valley Region and Br. Arun Philomenaraj the Delegate from St. Pio
Delegation Sri Lanka, concelebrated the Eucharist. After the Eucharist
group photo session was held Immediately after the photo session the
Chapter President Br. John Baptist Palliparambil, newly elected
Provincial Minister Br. John Alwyn Dias, Vicar Provincial Br. Paul
Melwyn D’Souza and all the elected councilors participated in Blessing
of the Foundation Stone, for the New St Antony’s School in the premises
of Shanthi Sadhana FISI. At 9:30 the Capitulars gathered in the Chapter
hall. Br Maxim D’Silva the First Chapter Secretary invited Br. Denis
Veigas to moderate the session. After the Roll Call by Br. Elvin Lopes
the Second Chapter Secretary, the Moderator gave a short introduction on
the resolutions of the IX Provincial Chapter, April 2022 of the Holy
Trinity Province Karnataka. The first Chapter Secretary was asked to
read out the resolutions one by one for the discussion. Having thanked
Br. Denis Veigas, at 11:15 a.m Br Maxim D’Silva the First Chapter
Secretary invited Br. Edwin Colaco to moderate the further session.
IX
Ordinary Provincial Chapter-2022: Day Five On
the Fifth Day 29th April 2022 at 6.00 am all the capitulars gathered in
the chapel for the Morning Prayer and the Holy Eucharist. Br. Maxim
Valerian D’Souza, Custos from Custody of Japan presided over the Holy
Eucharist. Br Denis Oscar Ogwal from the Custody of Charles Lwanga and
Br. Charles J.R. Furtado, concelebrated the Eucharist. Having done with
the roll call of the day, the First Chapter Secretary Br. Maxim D’Silva
thanked the Moderator Br. Denis Veigas for moderating yesterday’s
session. Having thanked he invited Br. Joseph Dolphy Pais to moderate
the session. Br Dolphy Pais moderated the session touching upon these
following points: 1. Life of Prayer 2. Life in Fraternity 3. Life of
Vows: Obedience, Chastity, Poverty and 4. Vocation Promotion. In the
Afternoon session the First Secretary Br Maxim D’Silva thanked the
Moderator Br. Dolphy Pais for moderating morning session and he invited
Br Rocky D’Cunha to moderate the session in the afternoon. Having
continued with the agenda capitulars gave their opinions concerning the
Initial Formation, 5. Apostolic Charism 6. Grace of working 7. Economy
8. Administration. The session was concluded at 4:30 p.m.
IX
Ordinary Provincial Chapter-2022: Day Four On
the Fourth Day, 28th April 2022, at 6.00 am all the capitulars gathered
in the chapel for the Morning Prayer and the Holy Eucharist. Br John
Baluku, Custos of the Custody of St Charles Lwanga presided over the
Holy Eucharist. Br. Lorenzo Motti, Provincial Minister of the Province
of Emilia Romagna, and Br. Patrick Crasta, concelebrated the Eucharist.
At 9.00 a.m capitulars gathered together for the continuation of the
sessions in the Chapter hall. Br Maxim D’Silva, first Chapter Secretary
welcomed the moderator, Br. Rocky D’Cunna, Chapter President Br. John
Baptist Palliparambil and the re-elected Provincial Minister Br. John
Alwyn Dias. Br Elvin Lopes, second Chapter Secretary took the roll call,
after which Br. Rocky D’Cunna, the moderator welcomed Br. John Baluk.
Many Capitulars encouraged and appreciated the presentation of the
Custody Report along with Chapter President Br. John Baptist
Palliparambil. Br. John Baptist Palliparambil requested the Provincial
Minister to give a helping hand to the custody by sending the friars for
the mission.Br. Rocky D’Cunha, invited Br. Isaac Baptist Rodrigues, the
Delegate from Infant Jesus Delegation, Nagaland and Manipur. Br. Isaac
Baptist Rodrigues presented the Delegation report well and was
appreciated by all the capitulars for the strenuous missionary work and
for their recent plans of venturing into new places.
IX
Ordinary Provincial Chapter-2022: Day Three On
the third day, 27th at 6.15 a.m all the capitulars gathered in the
chapel for the Holy hour conducted by the Liturgy Committee. Br. Patrick
Crasta read the Gospel passage and gave a meaningful reflection by
calling us to move on with the Spirit of truth. At 8:30 a.m all the
capitulars gathered in the Chapter hall for the Election of the New
Provincial Minister. The Chapter President as per the norm, made a
prayer before the Election. The Second Chapter Secretary having done the
roll call, the First Chapter Secretary briefed the Capitulars about the
Election procedures, after which both the Chapter Secretaries and the
scrutineers. made a vow of secrecy before counting the ballots. The
Election of the Provincial Minister for Holy Trinity Province Karnataka
took place at 10:30 a.m. Accordingly it was announced, Br. John Alwyn
Dias was re-elected as the Provincial Minister of the Holy Trinity
Province Karnataka. Br. John Alwyn Dias willingly accepted the office
and requested the support from the brothers of the Province. Soon after
the Election of the Provincial Minister, the Chapter President moved
with the election the Councillors. Accordingly Br. Paul Melwyn D’Souza
was elected as the first councillor, Br, Robin Victor D’Souza as the
second councillor, Br. Denis Veigas as the third councillor and Br.
Vijay Kumar as the fourth councillor. All the four councillors willingly
accepted this responsibility and work for the betterment of the
Province. Among them Br. Paul Melwyn D’Souza was re-elected as
Provincial Vicar of the Holy Trinity Province Karnataka.
IX
Ordinary Provincial Chapter-2022: Day Two On
the second day 26th April 2022 at 6.00 a.m the capitulars gathered in
the chapel for the Morning Prayer followed by the Holy Eucharist which
was presided over by Br John Baptist Palliparambil, the General
Councilor and concelebrated by Br. Preetham Mendonca and Br. Edwin
Colaco. Br. John Baptist Palliparambil gave an inspiring homily during
the Holy Eucharist and gave us a call to be like the early Christians
who lived in unity with one heart and mind. At 9.00 a.m all the
capitulars gathered in the Chapter hall for day’s sessions. The First
Chapter secretary began the session with the Hymn to the Holy Spirit and
the Chapter Prayer. Thereafter the Chapter President, Br. John Baptist
Palliparambil, the General Councilor, and Br Rocky D’Cunha the moderator
of the session were invited to the dais. Br. Elvin Lopes the second
Chapter Secretary took the roll call. Br. Rocky D’Cunha, the moderator
of the session, invited Br. John Alwyn Dias, the incumbent Provincial
Minister, who presented the triennial report.
IX
Ordinary Provincial Chapter-2022: Day One On
25th April 25, 2022, Monday at 3.00 pm all the Capitulars gathered at
the Façade of Shanthi Sadhana Bengaluru. The newly compiled hymn book
“Sing with Nature” was released by Br. John Baptist Palliparambil, the
General Councilor, Br. Lorenzo Motti, Provincial Minister of the Emilia
Romagna Province, Br. John Alwyn Dias Provincial Minister of the Holy
Trinity Province Karnataka, Br. Paul Melwyn D’Souza the Vicar Provincial
and Br. Salvadore Fernandes. Thereby the all the capitulars joined for
the procession with lighted Pascal candle lead by Br. John Baptist
Palliparambil, the General Councilor towards the chapel of Shanthi
Sadhana. The liturgy committee conducted the prayer service that lead
all the brothers to invoke the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the
Lord’s presence for the celebration of the Ninth Provincial Chapter.All
the capitulars gathered at the Chapter hall immediately after the prayer
service for the inaugural talk. The Speaker Rev. Fr. Joe Mannath, SDB
was introduced and honored by the Provincial Minister Br. John Alwyn
Dias and Rev. Fr. Joe Mannath, gave the inaugural talk on ‘leadership
quality of superiors’ and on ‘what the chapters can do, and cannot do’.
Divine
Mercy feast celebration at Divine Mercy retreat centre, Bejai, Mangaluru Divine
Mercy feast was celebrated at Divine Mercy Retreat Centre, Bejai,
Mangaluru on 24th April 2022 at 10.30 am. Fr Richard Coelho, Director of
Fr Mullers Hospital presided over the Holy Eucharist. Earlier at 9.30
am, Fr Richard Quadras, animator of the retreat centre conducted Holy
adoration. Eucharistic Procession was organized around St Anne’s Friary.
Newly renovated St Anthony shrine was blessed during the procession.
During the mass, Fr Richard Coelho preached about the origin of Divine
Mercy Sunday & abundant Mercy of God quoting several scripture passages.
The Capuchins namely, Fr Paul Melwyn Dsouza Superior of St Anne’s
Friary, Fr Richard Quadras, Animator of Divine Mercy Centre Bejai, Fr
Prem Dsouza, Fr Lancy Rebello, Fr Fedrick Rodrigues, Fr Rupert Barboza,
Fr Francis Fernandes & Fr Prakash Colaco graced this occasion by their
gracious presence.
Free
health check-up and medical outreach camp organized on Dr. B.R Ambedkar
Jayanthi, more than 55 people benefited from this camp: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
pothnal celebrated the 131st birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Jayanti on 14th Thursday, April 2022 at Mudamaguddi Village, Manvi
taluka, Raichur Dist. On this occasion, a free health check-up camp was
organised, in which more than 55 people took part and benefited from
this health camp. Addressing the gathering Mrs. Jecintha said the health
issues in our rural areas as one of the biggest problems, where poor
women and children are deprived of the basic health facilities in the
villages. Timely health check-ups, taking care of the once health,
keeping clean environment, drinking pure water and eating nutritious
food will help us to become healthy persons.
It’s
never too late to have a happy childhood: Vimukti Pothnal In
all this world there is nothing so beautiful as a happy child. Let us
sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. It
is well said “don’t educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be
HAPPY. So, when they grow up, they will know the values of things, not
the price”.
MAGNIFICAT
- MORYAL SANZ AT DON BOSCO HALL, MAGALORE By Fr Stephen Dsouza St
Anne’s Friary Capuchin Friars presented ‘Magnificat’ - Moryal Sanz ‘An
evening of Marian Songs’, on 3rd April 2022, at Don Bosco Hall. The
programe began at 5.45 pm with the arrival of Dr Peter Paul Saldanha,
Bishop of Mangalore Diocese. Rupal D’Souza anchored the event. Fr John
Fernandes welcomed the dignitaries namely Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, Fr
Paul Melwyn D’Souza the planner of the event, Fr Prem vicar of St Anne’s
Friary, Fr Chetan PRO of Udupi Diocese, Fr Rupert Barboza, the religious
men and women and the laity. Fr Chetan speaking of the event
“Magnificat” explained the role of Mother Mary in the salvation history.
He said, “Mary was standing beneath the cross. She was a courageous
woman and not a sorrowful mother or a woman who cried on the way of the
cross. She stood under the cross when all others had deserted Jesus. She
accompanied Jesus in his suffering.”
UKG
CONVOCATION DAY HELD AT TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL, PERAMPALLI On
Friday 01st April 2022 the Convocation Ceremony of the Kindergarten
Section of Trinity Central School, Perampalli was held with much fanfare
at the school Trinitorium. Dressed in a grand hues of an eclectic blue
with the golden sunshine elevating their glow, the young minds of UKG
walked proudly to their seats of honour to the musical intonation of the
drum. Led by Leslia Soares, the graduating class were accompanied by
Chief Guest Fr. Johnson Sequeira, Principal of St. Mary’s English Medium
School Udupi, Principal Fr. Anil D’Costa, Primary Section In-Charge Fr
Lenson Lobo, Academic Co-ordinator Magdalena Lewis and Renita Monteiro,
Pre-Primary Section Head.
Vimukti
Pothnal Celebrated Ugadi -festival with migrant families: Vimukti
Pothnal organized the "joy of giving" activity in an Endeavour to
make Ugadi festival special and reached out to the migrated families at
pothnal on 2rd of April 2022, Saturday. Ugadi festival makes us to join
with our brethren in doing a little something extra for someone. It is
joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for coming together with less
privileged families and children. Ugadi is celebrated as a festival of
prosperity. Along with the onset of the year, it signifies the vibrancy
of nature and the springs. It is also a day of prayer, as Hindu brethren
pray for success in the new year. All the Vimukti staff, participated in
the Ugadi celebrations. All in all, the Ugadi celebrations at vimukti
along with migrant families set the tone for the coming New Year, a year
that promises to be full of smiling faces, unity and self-reliance. On
this occasion children had sumptuous meal and health checkup program was
organized. Nearly 65 stakeholders participated in the program.
Role
of Vimukti Children’s Club in safeguarding of children from School
dropout and fun-based educational outreach: Vimukti Pothnal VIMUKTI
children Club is a local forum of the village children, where they come
together to learn, share and plan their schooling or skills. Every child
in the areas is invited to come along and take part in educational and
recreational activities that are completely free. They are supervised by
the volunteer leader who has been trained by VIMUKTI. The children clubs
bolster the young children and encourage their development all with the
goal of improving their well-being. in all Vimukti targeted village
child clubs are formed depending on the number of children. The clubs
are conducted once in a week or as per the decisions of the children.
The children are given various trainings and motivational sessions about
their rights, life, health and education. The children may go to
different schools but in the clubs, they come together and share their
experience. They develop their personality, gain leadership skills and
improve decision making skills. Through a combination of games, songs,
theatre workshops and reading traditional tales, the children have great
time whilst learning and applying lessons that are useful in daily life,
gradually growing in their roles as future citizens. 572 children are
benefiting from these clubs.
Formation
of Adolescent Girls Clubs: Vimukti Pothnal Adolescence
is a crucial phase in the life of woman. This stage is intermediary
between childhood and womanhood and it is the most eventful phase for
mental, emotional and psychological well-being. The life-cycle approach
for holistic child development remains unaddressed if adolescent girls
are excluded from the developmental programmes aimed at human resource
development. Keeping these thoughts in mind Vimukti Pothnal has formed
adolescent girls’ clubs in various targeted Schools of Manvi taluka and
their main objective is to educate and guide the adolescent girls to
understand and accept their physical maturity and emotional changes they
undergo. They also need to take good care of themselves during this
period avoiding all kinds of fear and superstitious beliefs, prevalent
in the villages. They must know their rights to save themselves from
child labour, child marriage, child trafficking, school dropout, etc.
Nearly 650 girls, who profited from the programme expressed that they
were ignorant about these things and were happy to be the members of
this Adolescent girls’ clubs.
Birth
Day celebration of Fr. Sathish Fernandes Vimukti Pothnal: A
day to be remembered, a day to be shared, a day to be celebrated and
moreover a day to be lived at every moment was enhanced, strengthened
and nourished on 25th of March, 2022. Vimukti 28 staff came
together celebrated the gift of life of Fr. Sathish Fernandes the
Director; and thanked God for the gift life during the Eucharistic
celebration being the main celebrant. Fr. Dominic Lobo the guardian
preached an inspiring homily and the various works done by Fr. Sathish
Fernandes for the people for the orphan, semi orphan poor children in
the boarding and asked all present to pray for him. Gratitude
unlocks the fullness of life which is a free gift of God. With
these sentiments VCT staffs raise their hearts in gratitude for the
selfless service rendered by the Director by organizing short program
and wished all the best for this future ministry.
TRINITY
CENTRAL SCHOOL - ALUMNI MEET (RECONNECT ’22) The
2nd Alumni meet of Trinity Central School was held on Tuesday, 22nd
March 2022 at the school. Trinitorium at 2.30 p.m. Invoking the presence
of the Almighty, the programme commenced with the melody of ‘As a deer
pangs for water’ led by the teachers. The customary lighting of the lamp
is a beautiful custom that lives by the old adage ‘Light dispels
darkness’. The premises of the school trinitorium was further brightened
as the map was lit by Principal Rev, Fr. Anil D’Costa along with Primary
Section In-charge Rev.Fr Lenson Lobo, Academic Coordinator Ms Magdalena
Lewis, High School Coordinator Ms Jayanthi, Academic Coordinator Ms
Poornima along with alumna Ms Chythra. Ms Sunitha, Animator of the
Alumni Association welcomed the gathering.
28th
Convocation: Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India-FISI 28th
Convocation Ceremony of Franciscan Spirituality was held at Shanthi
Sadhana, Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India on the 19th of
March 2022. Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais welcomed the gathering. The ceremony
began at 10.30 Am, Rev. R. Dr. John Alwyn Dias ofm. Cap. Provincial
Minister, Holy Trinity Province-Karnataka, was the President of the
ceremony and Rev. Sr. Mary Leena CSSA was the Chief Guest with Fr. Robin
Victor D’souza, Fr. Robin Minin Lopez, Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais and Fr.
Maxim Nazereth along with other fathers and sisters from neighboring
convents were present. The ceremony began with a prayer dance followed
by the Academic Report by the Director. The President delivered the
Convocation Address and awarded the Diplomas for 20 Sisters and
three more sisters too
received the honors. Sr. Maria Rebello FMM read out the honor and
felicitation to the President and Chief guests. And Fr. Robin Minin
Lopez raised vote of thanks and Sr. Lincy FSPM compered the program.
Valedictory
Day 2022 : St. Francis of Assisi School, Chikodi Valedictory Day 2022, on the occasion of farewell to the X std students,
was celebrated on Saturday, 12th March, 2022 at 5:30 pm. Venue: St.
Francis of Assisi School Grounds, Chikodi, Chief Guest: Fr Pradeep Kumar
T. Msfs., President: Fr Vijay Kumar Ofm. Cap.
Teachers Remy Rodrigues, Rosie Lobo and Jeevan Fernandes along with the
Staff Mala Murale and Meenakshi Mane were honored for their dedicated
service to the school and the children for 10 and more years. Academic
Excellence Awards, in memory of Late. Dr. Sheikh were given to the
students of 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 Batches
Farewell
- Grade 10 students : TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL ‘Parting
is such sweet sorrow’. On the morning of Friday, 11th March 2022 the
hearts of the Grade 10 students were overwhelmed with bittersweet
emotions as they entered into the portals of the institution for one
last hurrah. Led by the formidable voices of Swasthik and Ruthwika of
Grade 9, the students of Grade 10 were welcomed with pomp and music. The
programme commenced with the invocation of the hymn ‘Oh Gracious Lord’
by the school choir. The august gathering was welcomed by Jnanesh.
Principal Rev. Fr. Anil D’costa, Vice-Principal Fr. Ravi Serrao, Primary
School In-charge Fr. Lenson Lobo, along with Academic co-ordinator Ms
Magdaliena Lewis, Ms Jayanthi , teachers and students of Grade 5-8 were
in attendance. Students of the graduating batch - Ms Aslyn, Ms Shristi,
Master Harsha, Ms Rania, Ms Prerna shared their experiences of being a
Trinitarian. Echoing similar sentiments, they expressed how grateful and
proud they feel, as Trinitarians.
International
Women’s Day- “the Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow-2022”
Vimukti Pothnal The
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Celebrated the International Women’s Day on
the 13 March 2022. The International Women’s Day, 2022 highlighted the
Motto: “the Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. Rev. Fr.
Satish Fernandes the Director of the Vimukti gave a key address saying
that ‘women live amidst the four walls called a house and a family. In
this 21st century, today women need to grow socially, literally, and
politically to make known the capacity of her to the inside and outside
world. For a better tomorrow one has to work today in instilling the
seeds of the equality of gender’. The administrator, Mrs. Chandrakala of
Shri Krishan Devaraya Education Trust, advised the women saying equality
should begin firstly in our own homes by eliminating the inequality of
the gender to build a better society.
SCHOOL
PARLIAMENT SESSION : TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL On
2nd March, the students of Grade 5 - 10 gathered at the Trinitorium to
be witness to the School Parliament in live session. Speaker Ms Rania
and Assistant Speaker Master Braden commenced the session. The
Opposition led by Master Harsha brought across the board the various
issues for the Ruling Party to answer. Speaker also conveyed her stance
and opinions, and also assured that the issues will be adhered to. The
audience was also given a chance to convey their grievieances and
suggestions. Convenor Ms Archana shared her opinion and also offered
valuable suggestions on how the issues raised by the students, would be
looked into and resolved.
VISIT
OF CBE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY FR. ROBIN D’SOUZA : TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL On
February 22nd 2022, students of Grade 1-10 gathered at the school
Trinitorium to extend a gracious welcome to the Rev. Fr. Robin D’souza -
Executive Secretary of the Capuchin Education Board. After the morning
prayer, Principal Rev. Fr. Anil D’costa welcomed Fr. Robin with the
customary shawl. Fr. Robin, in his message to the students conveyed that
discipline is a bridge between goal and accomplishment. Only when we are
disciplined, our goals are clear and we will accomplish our tasks and
win the day. He said that it is important to nurture ourselves in all
aspects and by this we, as Trinitarians become shining examples for
society to emulate. Fr. Robin said that he was extremely pleased to be
in the midst of the Trinity family that has so beautifully carved a
respectable niche for itself in society.
Praying
for Peace and Justice in Ukraine: Vimukti Pothnal “And
a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make Peace”
James 3:18
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal in collaboration with Clara Vihar
community came together and expressed the solidarity with the Ukraine
torn away by the war, devastated by destruction of their houses and no
food to eat, and in a special way those Innocent people and soldiers who
have lost their loved ones. And urged all the people of good will to
join us in prayer for peace for all the people of Ukraine.
Vimukti
children parliament members organised Swacch Abhiyan Campaign- “Keep
School premises Clean” Vimukti Pothnal Cleanliness
is next to Godliness, we all know. We also know that a journey of
thousand miles starts with a single step. Keeping this thought in mind
the Vimukti children-parliament team with the collaboration of school
children conducted cleanliness campaign to maintain the school
environment clean, neat and tidy. The objective of this campaign was to
make the children realize that action speaks louder than words and it is
good to act rather than merely complain. Accordingly, the campaign was
well planned and executed with the co-operation and support of the
school children. Through the campaign this awareness was created in
nearly 170 children.
Upholding
the Nonviolence: Saying No to War! Vimukti Pothnal The
Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, Capuchins in
Karnataka stood in support and expressed the solidarity with the Ukraine
torn away by the war, devastated by destruction of their houses and no
food to eat, and in a special way those Innocent people and soldiers who
have lost their loved ones. The commission and its members spent little
time in silence and prayer. During the meeting the commission decided to
appeal all the capuchin fraternities in Karnataka to join hands in
support of them in prayer to touch the hearts and to inspire the minds
of the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and its Government to come forward
to say No to war, and Yes for Peace and Justice.
Vimukti
Initiatives to combat trafficking of Women and Children 817 Stakeholders
benefited from this program: Vimukti Pothnal VIMUKTI
Pothnal organized mass awareness programs every month respectively. Lack
of awareness on human trafficking is the biggest barrier to prevent
human trafficking, most of those victimised are either women or minors
(consisted of individuals under 18 years of age who is recruited,
transported transferred, harboured or received for the purposes of
exploitation,). Kidnappers most commonly force women into commercial sex
and indentured servitude. Bride trafficking has also been a consistent
commodity due to skewed sex ratios in certain areas. Keeping this
thought in mind VIMUKTI has been creating mass awareness in the schools,
AWCs, public places, and in the residential area, so that children and
women are saved from these evil practices. Nearly 817 school children
and families have benefited from this program.
Vimukti
organized Free health check-up and free medicine distribution camps- 235
families benefited from this program: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
charitable trust® Pothnal visited 16 surrounding villages of Manvi
taluka and organized free health check-up and free medicine distribution
camps. Vimukti team found that there are areas where diseases are there
but because of poor background, people and children are not able to take
proper treatment and medicines at the proper time. By identifying these
stakeholders Heath check-up and free medicine camps were organised and
approximately 210- 250 BPL and APL families and referred them to various
hospitals; medicines were freely supplied and children’s height and
weight were recorded to be kept in individual children’s file. Children
were examined for iron deficit, de-worming optical problem, skin
problem, HB low, ENT and dental problems etc. there is lot of positive
impacts from the stakeholders who benefited from these camps.
Tailoring
Skills and livelihood support to women: Vimukti Pothnal Since
2013 Vimukti Charitable trust® is providing skill development trainings
for the deprived adolescents & women. Many of economically deprived
women & girls have been started their micro enterprise in stitching the
different type of blouses, zari work on sarees, school children uniforms
stitching. With this they are earning 4500 Rupees per month as
supplementary revenue for their family. After this initiative many
changes occurred in the families of poor women and sending the children
to good schools for excellent education. With this income parents are
able to educational material & school tuition fee to their children in
time. We have been providing 6 months skills training in fashion
designing courses for the women belongs to economically backward
sections through teaching classes, providing raw material like threads,
needles, clothes, scissors.
Extracurricular
activities at Sneha Jyothi Boarding Pothnal: Vimukti
organization is taking care of the Sneha Jyothi boarding. Here, the
children from 1stStd to 10th STD, study in 3 different schools. Their
presence in our campus brings joy and liveliness. They are spiritually
and academically brought up in the boarding. In our experience,
extracurricular activities play a pivotal role by channelizing energy of
children positively. Activities like singing, dance, Music, & sports
help children with their artistic expressions. The children were found
to be more energetic, cheerful, focused and disciplined.
Community
Day Celebration at FISI On
25th February 2022, Fr. Robin Victor D’souza-Director of Franciscan
Spirituality in India -FISI, celebrated his birthday at Shanthi
Sadhana-FISI. As it is the tradition the birthday of Director is
celebrated as the community day. Grand celebration began at 6.00 a.m.
with a meaningful birthday cum community day prayer service for the
occasion conducted by the Sisters followed by the Eucharistic
Celebration which was further embellished by the meaningful homily by
Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais and soulful choir by the Sisters guided ably by
Fr. Robin Minin Lopez. Later in the afternoon all gathered in the dining
hall to wish each other community day and thank Fr. Robin Victor D’souza
for his service to the province and to FISI, followed by a beautiful
Cake was cut by Birthday
Baby to mark this special occasion and Fr. Robin Minin Lopez and Fr.
William Prabhu Provincial Councilor appreciated the services of Director
to the fraternity of Shanthi Sadhana-FISI and to the Province at large.
Reaching
out to the 5,000 less privileged families with respect by contributing
the unused usable items: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
Charitable trust® Pothnal has been working for the welfare of the
society since for the past 12 years. We are working with socially and
economically poor and marginalized children, youth, unorganized
working-class men and women, daily labourers and persons with
disabilities like HIV/AIDS and recently along with the victims of
Covid-19. We also provide entrepreneurial life skills for the school
dropouts, small and marginalized farmers and the unemployed irrespective
of castes and creed. The concept of this program is to give an
underprivileged person a pair of clothes that are as good as dressing
him with self-respect. With this objective we distribute usable garments
/decent unused clothes to the poorest of the poor children, men and
women of all ages.
The
Lok Munch leaders and Janavedike members submitted the memorandum to
Basavanagowda Turvihala, MLA in demanding the basic facilities in their
village. Vimukti Pothnal In
collaboration with the Vimukti Charitable Trust®, the Lok Munch and
Jana-vedike leaders from Sunkunooru village, 1st ward, Manvi Taluka,
Raichur demanded Basvanagowda Turvihala, MLA in submitting the
memorandum regarding the basic facilities like water, street lights,
drainage facilities, etc. The entire village is surrounded by stagnated
water makes their life most difficult to live in. Most of the time
children are prone to various sicknesses like malaria, diarrhea, dengue,
and chicken gunya, vomiting, skin diseases, etc. Moreover, the village
is the potential ground for the breeding of the mosquitos where even the
animals also find difficult to cope with this situation. So, to say
along with the people they too are badly affected with the adverse
situation.
A
Memorandum was submitted by Child Rights Club to the Grama Panchayath
PDO to provide immediate basic necessities to the school premises.
Vimukti Pothnal The
Child Rights Club President and its members of Primary Higher School,
Markamdinni met together in discussing the needed basic necessities and
facilities in the school on February 16, 2022. All the members of the
club came together in discussing the issues that were affecting the
education due to the lack of facilities provided in the school. The
Markamdinni school caters more than 200 children (includes1-7th std).
The saddest reality of this school is being deprived of toilets, pure
drinking water facilities, the dilapidated midday meal kitchen, scarcity
of water to clean even their plates and hands forced them to carry their
plates unwashed to home places the entire environment of the school into
disgracefulness. This disgusting situation made them to voice out to the
concerned department officer through the memorandum.
Free
medical health check-up and free medicine distribution camps in every
month more than 250 to 300 patients benefit from these camps: Vimukti Pothnal The
Vimukti organization organized a free Medical Health Check-up and free
medicine distribution camps at Pothnal. The objective of the camps was
to provide information regarding diet, exercise and weight control. The
subjects diagnosed with hypertension or blood pressure and diabetes or
both were given free medicines and also treated for the cough, headache,
diarrhea, and vomiting. They too were advised for the follow-up with
their local doctors, or Public Health Centers or with one of our VIMUKTI-affiliated
doctors. Follow-up has been done for those subjects who have been
diagnosed with hypertension/blood pressure and diabetes or both on a
regular basis by our trained Staff Nurse for compliance with their
medications. Their blood pressure and blood sugar are monitored on the
daily basis or once in a 15 days/month. Around 250 to 300 patients
benefited from the16 villages of our working area.
Vimukti
free tuition Centers in the villages: Vimukti Pothnal “Education
has to produce the perfect man, sound in character, active in mind and
strong in body” says Plato. We know that education plays a very
crucial role in one's life regardless of age, caste, class, creed,
gender, religion, region and so on. Education is inseparable and has
become a part of the necessary requirements of life like food, shelter
and clothing. The aim of free tuition is to provide supplementary
education to children in our villages and to bring them up to an
academic level where they can compete with children from developed urban
when they reach 8th standard (at the age of 13). The leap from village
schools to secondary schools in urban often results in truancy
(drop-out) and depression. Since our village children, being financially
challenged they cannot afford tuition, hence the quality education still
remains elusive, irrespective of their geographical proximity to it.
Children's
rights clubs: Vimukti Pothnal These
clubs are envisaged to give a better understanding of their rights and
duties. Children are encouraged to share their autonomous ideas on their
rights and discussion them in their groups. In addition, the clubs serve
as a platform to bring out and develop their talents such as writing
poetry, writing articles, storytelling, singing, acting, painting etc.
Vimukti has become a strong force to help children develop in their
talents. Almost 1400 children form these groups and benefit from the
same.
Get
ready to fight Corona Virus : ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL, Chikodi Students
of IX and X std were administered vaccination in the school. Two of the
medical staff from the Chikodi Government Hospital registered students
details and administered Covid-19 vaccine. Students were allowed a brief
period under observation before they were permitted to go to their homes
for rest.
Priestly
Silver Jubilee Celebration of Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, OFM Cap : St
Anne’s Friary Bejai, Mangaluru, By Fr Stephen Dsouza Capuchin The Priestly Silver Jubilee of Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza OFM Cap, Vice
Provincial of Holy Trinity Capuchin Province Karnataka, Episcopal Vicar
of Mangalore Diocese & Superior of St Anne’s Capuchin Friary Bejai was
celebrated with a solemn thanksgiving Holy Eucharist at St Anne’s Friary
Bejai on Wednesday, 26th January, 2022. Most Rev Dr Ignatius D’Souza,
the Bishop of Bareilly, the brother of Fr Paul Melwyn, Fr George D’Souza
OFM Cap, companion & the Jubilarian, Rev Fr J B Saldanha, Parish Priest
of Bejai, Rev Fr J B Crasta, Rev Fr Vincent Monteiro, Dean of Episcopal
deanery, Rev Fr Peter Cyprian D’Souza, Provincial Councillor and more
than 70 priests, religious women and nearly 300 people joined Fr Paul
Melwyn in thanking the Lord for the numerous blessings received during
the last 25 years of his priesthood. Rev. Fr John Fernandes, preached a
befitting homily emphasizing on gift of priesthood. He said, a priest is
a mediator between God and His people. He quoted St Francis of Assisi
who once said, in case I meet a priest and an angel together, I would
bow before the priest than the angel because the priest holds the Body
of Christ in his precious hands during the Eucharist. A priest is chosen
from the people. Priestly life isn’t that easy because a priest too is a
human who faces problems, difficulties of everyday life. It is our duty
to pray for the priests.
REPUBLIC
DAY CELEBRATIONS AT TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL As
the cold breeze wafted across a sky dressed in the warmth of yellow, and
sequinned in white, mellifluous patriotic voices filled the air. Today,
we celebrate our 73rd Republic Day - a day embedded in the lives of
every Indian citizen reminding them of the responsibility towards their
nation, and to live in secular and democratic equality, solidarity,
justice and liberty. As the clock struck 0900 hours, teachers led by our
Principal Rev. Fr. Anil D’Costa gathered at the school grounds to pay
their patriotic obeisance, in commemoration of this wonderful day. Fr.
Anil D’Costa hoisted the flag. With hands raised in salutations, rich
tributes were paid with the rendition of the National Anthem and ‘Vijay
Vishwa Tirangaa Pyaara’. Wishing everyone a Happy 73rd Republic Day !
click on the image for an enlarged view
Let
us march forward to awaken the humanity to restore the worth of human dignity:
Vimukti Pothnal
The Vimukti Charitable Trust ® requesting to help a disabled parent’s family
from sindanuru, Raichur District with four kids who are in a dire need of the
financial support both for the daily sustenance and to have a decent house to
live in. Their disability has deprived them to have hardly one meal for the day.
Will you be a help to this needy family? You may not have plenty but give from
your little available resources. Even the one or two rupees that you contribute
to this family is worth. Therefore march forward to awaken the humanity to
restore the worth of human dignity. Inspire others by sharing it. Contact:
9448335778. May God Bless you all! click on the image for an enlarged view
SCSP,
TSP and vocational skill training: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
Pothnal organized SCSP/TSP and Vocational skill training in 15 villages
of our project area. Government has various schemes and programs under
its 33 departments for the development of people belonging to scheduled
castes and tribes. Out of these departments, the schemes and programs
that are provided under the agricultural department, animal husbandry,
forest department and transport and educational department were
described in detail by the resource person. The women were encouraged to
build a life based on vocational life skills and make use of the
different means of assistance provided by the departments of the
government. 135 women from various villages were the beneficiaries of
this trainings.
Empowering
women through vocational training: Vimukti Pothnal Women
have always been marginalized and relegated to the status of subjugated
class in our society. Especially in rural areas, women have not actively
participated in their emancipation due to their lack of economic
independence and illiteracy. Women should be organized and strengthened
at the grass root level to end their subordination. Vimukti Charitable
trust Pothnal is making an attempt in that direction to make rural women
self-sufficient through sewing training centers. The main aim of this
program is to enhance the quality of life of women through increased
knowledge and skills. VIMUKTI also realized that merely imparting
literacy would not be sufficient.
Distribution
of Nutritious Health Product (food) for the Malnutrition Children:
Vimukti Pothnal When
expecting mothers and young children get the nutrition they need, it
sets off a ripple effect of health and well-being that impacts entire
communities, helping create a more equitable world. The vimukti
organization pothnal trying its best to creates an important platform to
fight against malnutrition the aim is to ‘Nutrition Promotes opportunity
for all’. By improving access to vital nutrition, everyone gets an equal
chance to grow, thrive, and prosper. As a result, together with our
stakeholders we focus on reaching the unreached communities around us.
Pongal
Celebration At Shanthi Sadhana-FISI Pongal
is a harvest festival. In Tamil Nadu, the word Pongal means
"overflowing" which signifies abundance and prosperity. This Pongal
celebration was celebrated at Shanthi Sadhana-FISI on the 17th of
January 2022. We began the celebration at 7.a.m. with a grand
Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais, and
concelebrated by Fr. Robin Victor D’souza, Fr. Robin Minin Lopez and Fr.
Maxim Nazreth. Beautiful introduction and symbolic offertory prepared
by the Sisters.
Shanthi Sadhana - FISI had festive look with the colorful rangoli at the
entrance. The entire community of FISI joined in preparing pongal and
other traditional dishes and we shared the sweet pongal and sugar canes.
Sports
Day Organized for the unorganised Youths: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
Pothnal, organised Sports Day for the 20 pockets unorganised Youth at
Vimukti Premises. Fr. Sathish Fernandes Vimukti Director, inaugurated
the programme. The Youths were divided as two teams. They participated
in a variety of individual and team sports events like, ball and spoon,
musical chair, etc. It was a fun-filled day with Youths jumping,
shouting, encouraging and supporting their team members. The winners
were announced and prizes were distributed. Mr. Jaysheel, Coordinator
Vimukti, and Mr. Charlie Udbal, Mr. Arogyappa, Mis. Mamamtha Mrs. Shilpa
were present for the event. Hundred one Youth from 20 pockets
participated in the event. Mr. Arogyappa youth coordinator welcomed the
gathering and proposed the vote of thanks.
Personality
Development Training for the Staff: Vimukti pothnal Personality
development training for the staff was organized at vimukti Centre.
Around 25 vimukti staff participated in the training programme. Fr.
Sathish Fernandes Facilitated the training programme. The objective of
the training programme was to bring about personality development with
regard to the different behavioral dimensions that have far reaching
significance in the direction of organizational effectiveness.
HEALTH
FOR ALL: Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal
It is an important aspect of human development. It includes in a wider
holistic sense, all aspects of human needs such as physical, mental,
spiritual, social and intrapersonal relationships. Keeping in mind these
objectives, the VCT Health for all project, cater to the well-being of
the human persons and are proud to say that they have stepped up the
stairs but still long way to go. It serves the socially and economically
poor and marginalised people irrespective of their caste, class and
creed. Among them, we specifically target the most vulnerable like
children, pregnant women, neonatal and postnatal mothers, HIV/AIDS
patients, daily-labourers, persons with severe disabilities and the
aged, who cannot visit a clinic/hospital to receive medical care, either
because they are too poor to afford hospital costs or because they
belong to certain backward classes. Our intent, therefore, is to take
medical facilities to their doorsteps. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has
only rendered the situation much worse. VCT health program caters many
people around have seen and experienced a ray of hope in their lives
after regaining their health. click on the image for an enlarged view
Inauguration
of Tailoring and training Center at Vimukti Centre Pothnal: A
tailoring unit, which aims to provide livelihood opportunities for
Bhuvaneshwari SHG women who have suffered economic losses due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, was inaugurated in Vimukti center premises at Pothnal.
The unit will be run by SHG women from Pothnal. Vimukti organization
facilitated the setting up of the unit with five tailoring machines. Fr.
Sathish Fernandes Vimukti Director, said the pandemic had left many poor
women from underprivileged families in deep financial crisis. “With the
help of Ensemble Agissons sponsors, the Vimukti supplied essential
commodities to those who reached out to us during the lockdown. But it
was felt that they needed a regular source of income. So, the unit was
started”, he said. Initially seven women are employed five as tailors
and two others for other work- at the unit. The objective of the Vimukti
organization is women must turn their steps towards the self-employment
to help themselves and their families to make financially stable. This
Center first of all provides the training program to make them expertise
in stitching the new clothes with different designs, to prepare the bags
and paper covers. It also will train them to stitch or alter the old
clothes.
VACCINATION
DRIVE HELD AT TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL In
keeping with the directives issued by the government, a vaccination
drive was held in the school premises on Tuesday January 4th 2022. A
collective of 105 students from Grades 9 and 10 were inoculated with the
first dose of Covaxin. Dr. Charmaine (District Health Officer) and her
team of medicos from Government Hospital, Ajjarkad, Udupi administered
the vaccine to the students. With able support and co-operation from the
parents and students, the vaccination drive was a success.
CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATIONS AT TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL (SENIOR SECTION) ‘It’s a time of joy, a time of peace, and a time when hearts are
set free.’ It is the joyous moment when, we await the coming of
the Saviour of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Yes, the season of
cheer and joy is here - Christmas. With excitement in their hearts,
enthusiastic students of Grades 5-10 made their way in the portals of
the school Trinitorium eagerly awaiting to experience the joy of
Christmas. The Christmas festivities commenced with the hymn ‘Lord, I
lift your name on high’. With Jesus’ birth, a new light shone across the
world. This glorious light was illuminated in all its brightness as our
Principal Rev. Fr. Anil D’Costa, Pre-Primary In charge Fr. Lenson Lobo
and Academic Co-ordinator Ms Magdalena Lewis, along with the teachers
lit candles at the crib, thus ushering the augur of the Christmas
celebrations. Students of Grade 5 danced to the merry foot-tapping tunes
of ‘’, a Telugu Christmas song. Blending old Christmas traditions with
modern Christmas jingles, the students of Grades 9 and 10, conveyed to
the gathering the true significance of the Christmas season.
CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATIONS AT TRINITY CENTRAL SCHOOL (KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY
SECTION) ‘It’s a time of joy, a time of peace, and a
time when hearts are set free.’ It is the joyous moment when, we
await the coming of the Saviour of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ.’
Yes, the season of cheer and joy is here - Christmas. With excitement in
their hearts, our tiny tots of the kindergarten and students of the
Primary Section made their way in the portals of the school Trinitorium
eagerly awaiting to experience the joy of Christmas. The Christmas
festivities commenced with a beautiful prayer song, led by the lovely
children of UKG. Ms Seana of Grade 4 welcomed the gathering. The placing
of the Babe Jesus in the Christmas star by our Principal Rev. Fr. Anil
D’Costa, Pre-Primary In charge Fr. Lenson Lobo and Academic Co-ordinator
Ms Magdalena Lewis, heralded the commencement of the Christmas
celebrations. After the cordial welcome rendered by Ms Seana, the
portals of the school campus were filled with the mellifluous voices of
the students of Grades 3 and 4, as they sung a medley of Christmas
carols.
NEW
YEAR-2022- Celebration at Shanthi Sadhana (FISI) On
the 31st of December at 6.30 PM, Shanthi Sadhana (FISI) – Franciscan
Institute of Spirituality in India had one hour of Thanks giving
adoration for all the blessings God has showered on the institute and
the inmates throughout the year 2021. It was a meaningful adoration
conducted by the sisters. Later at 7.30 PM we had
Eucharistic celebration with
Fr. Robin Victor D’souza as the main celebrant along with Fr. Maxim
Nazareth as the concelebrant. Fr. Robin Minin Lopez conducted the choir
with the melodious voices of the sisters.
It’s a Christmas- a spirit of sharing and caring-Vimukti Charitable
Trust® Pothnal The
joy of Christmas was at its zenith when all the Sponsored children’s
families from the 16 remote villages gathered at the Vimukti premises on
23rd December 2021 for the Christmas program. Quoting Saint Mother
Teresa’s words of wisdom, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can
do small things with great love. It’s not how much we give but how much
love we put into giving. At the end of life, we will not be judged by
how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, or how
many great things we have done. We will be judged by “I was hungry, and
you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was
homeless, and you took me in. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet
come. We have only today. Let us begin.” ― and for that matter following
in the footsteps of Mother Teresa, the Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal,
did the right thing of “Giving and Sharing” during the Christmas Season by
distributing Christmas Gifts to all the sponsored children.
Sports
and Games for the Unorganized youths: Vimukti Pothnal Participation
in sports and games keeps every human person fit and healthy. Promotion
of game spirit is more essential than win or lose. Everyone cannot win
the game. One has to win and the other has to lose. Taking win or lose
in an equal manner and playing in good spirit will help us to stand
united in all situations and work as one team. In order to promote such
sports spirit among the youth of unorganized sector, Vimukti Charitable
Trust® Pothnal organized Sprots and games in its premises on 11th of
December 2021. Altogether 140 youth participated in these sports and
games out of them 65 were men and 75 were women. Men and women were
divided into separate groups. Filling the water in the bottles, blowing
the balloons and placing the Bindhi on the forehead were the games for
the women and for men, tug of war, musical chair and blasting the
balloons with the leg. The winners were awarded with prizes.
click on the image for an enlarged view
Christmas
tree Program at Shanthi Sadhana (FISI) On
the 27th of December at Shanthi Sadhana – Franciscan Institute of
Spirituality in India – FISI, celebrated the Christmas Tree program
along with the sharing of gifts to Christmas Friend. Whole community
gathered in the conference hall to celebrate together as one community.
Prior to the celebration FISI organized two days sports days for the
sisters and fathers, various indoor and outdoor games were organized and
prizes were
distributed for the winners of the various events. During the program
Director delivered a Christmas message to the gathering. Short cultural
program was organized by the sisters to mark the Christmas Tree program.
Christmas
Celebration at Shanthi Sadhana (FISI) On
the 24th of December at 11.30.pm Shanthi Sadhana (FISI) – Franciscan
Institute of Spirituality in India had Christmas Vigil Mass with Carol
Singing. Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais, was the main celebrant along with Fr.
Fr. Robin Victor D’souza and Fr. Maxim Nazareth as the concelebrant. Fr.
Robin Minin Lopez conducted the choir with the melodious voices of the
sisters. The Sisters gave a meaning introduction before the Eucharistic
celebration. The Crib, Alter Decoration and Decoration in the Dining
hall and around the Campus was beautifully and meaningfully done by the
Sisters. After the Eucharistic celebration Baby Jesus was brought in
procession and placed in the symbolic Crib
artistically created by the
Sisters Symbolically representing “Jesus the Heart of Renewed Green
World”. After which all gathered in the dining hall to wish each other
Merry Christmas .
TRINITY TRIUMPHS AT NATAL SOBANN CHRISTMAS
COMPETITION : : Trinity Central School Christmas
is a season of joy. And joy came in abundance on
19th December, when our school won the 1st prize in
the Natal Soban Christmas competition conducted
under the aegis of Daijiworld Udupi, held at St.
Mary’s School, Kannarpady Udupi. The Trinity team
performed a song, tableau and dance for the
competition. On behalf of all Trinitarians, we
congratulate the Trinity team for their astounding
success; and we thank Daijiworld Udupi for giving us
this wonderful opportunity.
INVESTITURE CEREMONY
: : Trinity Central School On 17th December, the Investiture Ceremony was held
in the school premises. The programme commenced with
the lighting of the lamp. Fr. Norbert was the guest
of honour. Joining him on the dais was our Principal
Rev. Fr. Anil D’costa, Administrator Fr. Ravi Serrao,
Pre-primary Section In-charge Fr. Lenson Lobo and
Academic Co-ordinator Ms Magadelina Lewis. The newly
elected leaders were rendered the oath of office by
our Principal Rev. Fr. Anil D’costa. Badges were
also pinned.
FAREWELL TO OUR CORRESPONDENT FR. CLAUD
MASCARENHAS : : Trinity Central School Said Shakespeare ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow,
but good byes are not forever’
On December 13th 2021, the Trinity family bid adieu
to the school’s stalwart, mentor and inspirational
motivator Rev. Fr. Claud Mascarenhas , our beloved
Correspondent, who moved seven seas across to the
American island of Guam. Fr. Claud Mascarenhas
started his tryst with Trinity Central School,
almost 8 years ago and he has been a visionary guide
and mentor in bringing the school to the threshold
of success that it is proud of today. Fr. Claud
always had a smile on his face, and though a man of
few words he was always there whenever one needed
him. Fr. Claud was honoured with the customary
shawl, flowers and fruits and a memento was also
presented, along with a card that carried the wishes
and sentiments of all the staff. Academic
Co-ordinator Ms Magdalena Lewis expressed her
emotions on behalf of all the staff, and students Ms
Ashlyn and Ms Adya, too shared their experiences. In
his swansong, Fr Claud conveyed that in order to
succeed one must have a dream, and be confident.
Confidence is the key to success, and we must be
faithful in our hard work and perseverance in all
that we do. The short programme concluded with the
staff and students extending their wishes to Fr.
Claud. The programme was compered by Ms Shifa.
Special Lunch was served to all.
click on the image for an enlarged view
click on the image for an enlarged view
Birthday
of Fr. Robin Minin Lopez 17th
December 2021, Fr. Robin Minin Lopez, celebrated his birthday at Shanthi
Sadhana-FISI. Grand celebration began at 6.00 a.m. with a meaningful
birthday prayer service for the occasion conducted by the Sisters,
followed by Eucharistic celebration. The Eucharistic Celebration was
further embellished by the meaningful homily by the Birthday baby and
soulful choir by the Sisters. Later in the afternoon the community of
Shanthi Sadhana wished Fr. Robin Minin Lopez with a bouquet followed by
a beautiful Cake was cut by Birthday Baby to mark this special occasion
and Fr. Robin Victor D’souza appreciated the services of Fr. Robin Minin
Lopez to the fraternity of Shanthi Sadhana-FISI and to the
Province at large as a
Program Coordinator and treasurer of the house. All the Sisters and
Brothers gathered wished the birthday baby many happy returns of the
day. A sumptuous spread for all our beloved guests added a generous
taste to the celebration.
International
Human Rights Day: Vimukti Pothnal “To
deny people their human rights are to challenge their very humanity
itself”- Nelson Mandela
Vimukti charitable Trust®, Pothnal celebrated international Human Rights
Day on 11-12-2021 in its premises. Mr. Charlie in his preliminary speech
said that attainment of human rights is our very birth right. Every
human being needs human rights to live in equality. Therefore, our
constitution has given prominent place for the human rights. Fr. Satish
Fernandez, the director who was the chief guest of the program
highlighted that every person has his own needs and desires. In the
present scenario issues regarding caste system, food system, equality
etc., are discussed everywhere which is very sad in itself. He
emphasized that the foundation of our life is laid on the human rights
that is provided in the constitution of our country. Fr. Edwin Dsouza,
Treasurer, Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra®, Ujire in his presidential
address commented that we are leading a lifestyle wherein we have
forgotten our basic human rights. Human rights provide us freedom,
equality, self-esteem, progress etc., we need to understand this and
live by it. Living a life of self-respect without violating the rights
of others and without being violated of rights by others are the very
right of us all. Vimukti staff Mr. Jayasheel, Mrs. Jecintha, Mrs. Shilpa,
Ms. Sunanda and Ms. Mamatha were present during the program. Mr.
Arogyappa anchored the entire program. Nearly 102 attended and benefited
from this program.
Distribution
of play materials to AWC centres- nearly 500 children in Manvi Taluka
benefiting: Vimukti pothnal “Play
gives children a chance to practise what they’re learning.” Pursuing
the importance of games for children’s life Vimukti charitable trust in
association with Antyodaya Centre, Mudhola Taluka, Bagalakote District
Distributed play materials to various AWCs on 9th December 2021.
Addressing the animators meeting Rev.Fr. Satish Fernandes, the director
of Vimukti opined that attractive environment in the AWCs is very
essential in order to make the children come to AWCs every day. Play
materials attract the children to come without missing and spend
allotted time joyfully in the centres. As per the decision in the
meeting the play materials were divided equally, packed as appropriate
play material bags and distributed in AWCs at Potnal, Jinnur, Jinnurcamp,
Tadakal, Udbal, Badlapura, Malkapura, Iralagaddi and Karabhdinni. The
play material bags consisted of cloth toys, plastic vehicles, plastic
balls, cloth balls, rings, playing kitchen sets, wooden toys, alphabets,
learning toys etc., Receiving these materials the children and the staff
of AWCs expressed their joy and happiness. Vimukti staff Mr. Jayasheel,
Mr. Charli, Mr. Arogyappa, Mrs. Jecintha, Mrs. Shilpa and Ms. Mamatha
were present during the distribution of play materials and 500 AWC
children are benefiting from this program.
Vimukti
Club children took out HIV/AIDS awareness rally: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
children parliament and club children pothnal organised awareness rally
at Malkapur Village, on the occasion of World AIDS day to make public
aware of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, human trafficking, child abuse,
malnutrition, to stop open defecation etc. the rally started around
10.30 a.m. from Government primary school and children and staff used
plcards, posters, slogans and flex to make the public aware. Mr. Ravi
raj sagar Malkapura school teacher said in his speech HIV caused AIDS
and interfered with the body’s ability to fight infection. If detected
early, a regular consultation and proper treatment will help in fighting
infection and allows a patient to live longer. The awareness rally helps
the people to know about the disease, its symptoms and prevention
methods. The children gathered for the rally took pledge to fight
against the dreaded disease. The parliament and club children, school
teachers and vimukti staff nearly 110 stakeholders participated in the
awareness rally.
Work hard to succeed in life: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
organized training program to our club children in the villages of our
working area. While interacting with the children staff advised and
encouraged the children to be confident to learn good things from
others, and should cultivate the reading habit to improve our
personality. Courage is a basic for everything to achievement. One
should have self-dignity and self- respect and should love one’s
profession. We can create our own destiny by molding our personality. We
should face challenges without fear and should convert them as stepping
stone for success. Tireless and honest efforts always pay fruitful
results. During the interaction, the students posed several questions to
staff and got clarified. Nearly 450 children attended this training and
got benefited.
click on the image to read the report
Memorandum
submitted to Utakanoor Grama Panchayath President in demanding to
conduct Children Grama Sabha without delay: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
children parliament members along with club children from Pothnal area
submitted the memorandum, demanding concerned panchayath president to
conduct Children Grama Sabha without delay. After the several reminders
to the concerned authority, have not given attention to the burning
issues, as a result Children’s parliament members identified the major
issues, discussed it in their meeting and took it to the Vimukti staff.
Surprised by the initiatives of the children Vimukti staff supported and
engaged this matter to the concerned authority. Children approached the
Panchayath president and pressed up on him to take earliest action and
solve the problems specially, clean drinking water, toilet, playground,
play materials, and compound wall should be provided in the school
premises. The school headmaster, teachers, SDMC members, VCT staff
applauded and encouraged children in this great venture.
National
Constitution Day Celebration: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
Pothnal organized National Constitution Day Celebration at Vimukti
Premises on 26th November 2021. On this occasion, as an important part
of the celebration was, all the gathered students took the pledge of the
Preamble. The speaker of the day emphasized the importance of
Constitution Day, the significance of its celebration and commemorated
the people who contributed to the development of Indian constitution. He
highlighted the basic differences of Indian constitution than that of
other countries with examples indicating the prerequisites of the
constitution such as societal, familial and individual needs. The
preamble of Indian Constitution i.e India to be a sovereign, socialist,
secular and democratic republic which is aiming to secure justice,
liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain
unity and integrity of the nation were stressed in his speech as these
rights are necessity and are not a privilege. The session ended with an
interactive session which lasted for almost half an hour, where the
audience shared and cleared their doubts with the chief guest. The
session was attended by 89 students.
CSSA
Sisters Golden Jubilee Celebration At FISI At
the end of 15 days of renewal program, the golden jubilee celebration of
15 Sisters of St. Anne, Phirangipuram was flagged off on the 27th of
November 2021 at Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India – FISI –
Shanthi Sadhana - Bangalore with a Eucharistic Celebration at 7. A.M. To
the entrance hymn, the Jubilarians marched to the altar of God with a
lighted Candles symbolizing their life spent in the service of God and
humanity. In the homily, Fr. Robin Victor D’souza, Director of the
Institute, centered his thoughts on thankfulness, joy, and God’s call.
It was a fitting moment to acknowledge in the name of the Congregation,
their generous contribution, selfless sacrifices, inspiring life, and
profound faith which made them instruments of God’s unconditional mercy
and love to thousands. A delightful felicitation program followed the
sumptuous breakfast. The Diploma Sisters who were extra generous in
animating the liturgy with beautiful Alter decorations,
choir and wishing songs. The Sisters will be celebrating their golden
jubilee celebration on the 15th of January 2022 at 9.30 A.M. at St.
Ann’s Degree & PG College for women, Gorantla, Guntur.
Congregation
day of the Franciscan Sisters of the Presentation of Mary (FSPM) at FISI On
the 21st of November 2021 as the Catholic Church celebrates the
solemnity of Christ the King and on this auspicious day, the Sisters of
Franciscan Sisters of the Presentation of Mary (FSPM) who are doing
their Franciscan Spirituality Course at FISI celebrated their 168th year
of the foundation day of their congregation. Franciscan Sisters of the
Presentation of Mary was planted in the year of 1853, 21st November in
the soil of Karumathampathy, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu by Rev. Fr. Joseph
Louis Ravel, M.E.P. Just twenty days after his ordination arrived from
France to India to serve with the missionary zeal. His arrival was
traumatized to witness the level of religious intolerance and bigotry he
found among the people. He realized that the need of the hour was an
organization that would
create awareness, and thereby help them to live in love, peace and
harmony. Thus with three young girls and a widow he started the
congregation. At present their Congregation had wide spread in five
countries, nine states in India and 40 dioceses.
Vimukti
Initiatives to combat trafficking of Women and Children1,256
stakeholders benefited from this program: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
Pothnal organized mass awareness programs in four villages of sindhanoor
taluka, Raichur District, Karnataka from 2nd to 9th November 2021. Lack
of awareness on human trafficking is the biggest barrier to prevent
human trafficking, most of those victimised are either women or minors
(consisted of individuals under 18 years of age who is recruited,
transported transferred, harboured or received for the purposes of
exploitation,). kidnappers most commonly force women into commercial sex
and indentured servitude. Bride trafficking has also been a consistent
commodity due to skewed sex ratios in certain areas. Keeping this
thought in mind VIMUKTI has been creating mass awareness in the schools,
AWCs, public places, and in the residential area, so that children and
women are saved from these evil practices. Nearly 1,256 school children
and families have benefited from this program.
Five
lacs worth Various Sports materials distributed to the Orphan, Semi
Orphan, disabled, AWC & School children, unorganized Youths and Women,
in 20 villages of Manvi Taluka: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
Charitable Trust® Pothnal in collaboration with India-win Sports Private
Limited Mumbai under the leadership of Mrs. Jennifer Pereria the
generous Benefactor, Mumbai organized programs from 1st of October to
7th of November 2021, in 20 villages of Manvi taluka. the various sports
materials, like T-shirts – 1500; Caps – 150; Cushions – 300; Notebook –
400; Paper bag – 1025; Led glass – 375; Malinga wig – 130; Whistle –
500; Led hat – 180; Wrist band – 500; Led; horns – 225; Buggles – 120;
Mini horns – 150; Handkerchief – 150; Umbrella small – 24; Goal net – 2;
Line machine with stand – 2; Poncho blue – 65; Poncho black – 65;
Photograph bibs – 25; Referee jersey – 6; Football – 20; Stocking – 40;
Jio wonderland t-shirt – 133; and the Immunity booster – 100 etc., these
various sports materials were distributed to the orphan, Semi-orphan,
disabled, School children, AWC centers, Government and Private Schools,
unorganized youths, Women in the targeted villages. Nearly 2890
stakeholders got benefited from the program.
Self
Employment Training Program for the Rural Youths: Vimukti Pothnal Vimukti
organized self-employment training program to the rural youths on 5th of
November 2021 at Vimukti premises. The Vimukti centre is helping
unemployed rural youth to generate self-employment through short term
training intervention. The primary objective of the program is to impart
quality training programme in skill development to the rural youth at
free of cost. our mission is to make easy for the Entrepreneurs to start
their own business. We have helped start and operate 20 entrepreneurs to
businesses by offering a range of business services. Our aim is to help
the entrepreneur on the legal and regulatory requirements, and be a
partner throughout the business lifecycle, offering support at every
stage to ensure the business remains compliant and continually growing.
Nearly 95 rural youths attended the training benefited from this
program.
The
blessing and laying of the foundation stone of St Francis of Assisi
School, Barkhedi Kurdh The
blessing and laying of the foundation stone of St Francis of Assisi
School, Barkhedi Kurdh, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh was done by the
Provincial Minister Br John Alwyn Dias and Br Maxim D'Silva the
Provincial Administrator, along with priests, religious and well
wishers. Br Wilson, the guardian of the Friary welcomed the guests. The
Provincial Minister blessed and laid the foundation stone, he also
thanked all the friars, benefactors and people for their support and
contributions. A fraternal Agape was served to the guests. As we express
our gratitude to all the brothers who contributed generously for the
start of this project, we count on your continued support and collective
efforts. May God bless the good work and bring it to its completion.
9th
Ordinary Chapter of St. Charles Lwanga Custody – Uganda The
Capuchin Franciscan Friars’ 9th Ordinary Chapter of St. Charles Lwanga
Custody – Uganda with the theme: “Living our Brotherhood in FAITH, HOPE
& CHARITY as Witnesses of the Gospel” held at St. Padre Pio Friary,
Kabulamuliro, Kampala – Uganda. The Chapter has elected Br. John
Fortunate Baluku, OFM.Cap as Custos, Br. Stephen Kabiito OFM.Cap as
First Councilor, and Br. Leo Lobo as Second Councilor. The President of
the Chapter was Br. John Alwyn Dias OFM. Cap, Provincial Minister, Holy
Trinity Province, Karnataka – India. Br Vijesh Loyed Menezes, Provincial
Secretary and Br Elvin Lopes, Provincial Secretary were present as
Observers.
Pastoral
Visitation of Assisi Friary and St Theresa Parish Kakira, Jinja Uganda
24 October 2021 The
Provincial Minister, Br John Alwyn Dias paid a pastoral visit to the
Parish Community of St Theresa and Assisi Friary, Kakira, Jinja Uganda
24 October 2021. The Guardian of the community, Br Lawrence Baluku and
Br Fortunate John Baluku welcomed Provincial warmly along with the Br
Godwin Ogam, Custos, Provincial Treasurer, Br Vijesh Menezes and
Provincial Secretary, Br Elvin Lopes. Provincial met the brothers of the
community personally. Provincial also paid visit to St Peter’s School,
Iguluibi, the Chapel and the convent of the Sisters of Joseph of Tarbes,
He addressed the brothers suggested his fraternal guidance and advice.
The brothers were appreciated for their committed services in services
in the Friary, Church, School Health Center and Training Center.
Provincial also visited St Francis Higher Secondary School, Kanyagoga
and Holy Cross Sisters’ Convent. The Pastoral Visitation was concluded
with a short prayer and benediction.
Pastoral
Visitation of St Padre Pio Friary/Curia/Shrine, Kabulamuliro, Kampala,
Uganda 23 October 2021 The
Provincial Minister, Br John Alwyn Dias paid a pastoral visit to St
Padre Pio Friary/Curia/Shrine, Kabulamuliro, Kampala, Uganda on 23
October 2021. After meeting the friars Br Francis Sseguya, Parish Priest
of St Padre Pio Parish and Br Remigius Kasibante, Curate of the Parish
and upon seeing the Parish construction works, Provincial met the Custos
and Guardian of the community, Br Godwin Ogam, Br Denis Oscar Ogwal,
House and Custody Economus, Br Mike Muhasa, Vicar and Director of St
Padre Pio Shrine and OFS Spiritual Director, Br Emmanuel Odong and Br
David Isingoma who warmly welcomed Provincial along with the Provincial
Treasurer, Br Vijesh Menezes and Provincial Secretary, Br Elvin Lopes.
Br Vijesh celebrated the Eucharist. Community dialogue was held wherein
Provincial briefed about his concerns and future plans. He appreciated
the good works done by all the friars carrying out various ministries
and thanked Br Godwin for animating the Custody well. Few suggestions
were given for the betterment of the Custody. The Pastoral Visitation
was concluded with a short prayer and benediction.
Pastoral
Visitation of St Lawrence of Brindisi, Novitiate House, Kanyogoga,
Kampala, Uganda 22 October 2021 The
Provincial Minister, Br John Alwyn Dias paid a pastoral visit to St
Lawrence of Brindisi, Novitiate House, Kanyogoga, Kampala, Uganda 22
October 2021. The Guardian of the community, Br Francis Ssekulima, Br
Kabiito Stephen, Br Paul Ebwangat , Parish Priest of St Lawrence of
Brindisi, Church, Kanyogaoga and the novices welcomed Provincial along
with the Provincial Treasurer, Br Vijesh Menezes and Provincial
Secretary, Br Elvin Lopes. The novice sang an entrance song of welcome
and were led to the chapel were an inaugural prayers were recited.
Provincial met the friars of the community personally and students in a
common gathering. He visited the poultry, piggery, garden and the
surroundings. He celebrated the Eucharist for the community and gave a
fitting homily. He addressed the community and encouraged and guded the
brothers through his fraternal sharing. He appreciated their dedication.
Parish Priest Br Paul invited to have see the Church dedicated to St
Lawrence of Brindisi. The Pastoral Visitation was concluded with a short
prayer and benediction.
Pastoral
Visitation of St Joseph’s Friary/Church, Busunju Uganda 21 October 2021 The
Provincial Minister, Br John Alwyn Dias paid a pastoral visit to the
fraternity of St Joseph’s Parish/Friary Uganda from 21th October 2021.
The Guardian of the community, Br Kiyemba Emmanuel and other brothers Br
Richard Ogom, Br Simon Peter Muyunga (Theology 1st Year) and Br Ssemanda
Francis (Post Novitiate) welcomed Provincial warmly along with the
Provincial Treasurer, Br Vijesh Menezes and Provincial Secretary, Br
Elvin Lopes. Provincial met the brothers of the community personally.
Provincial also paid visit to St Francis Senior Secondary School,
constructing works of the new Church building, Padre Pio Health Center
and the Nazareth Vocational Training Institute and the Holy Cross
Sister’s Convent. He addressed the brothers suggested his fraternal
guidance and advice. The brothers were appreciated for their committed
services in services in the Friary, Church, School Health Center and
Training Center. Provincial also visited St Francis Higher Secondary
School, Kanyagoga and Holy Cross Sisters’ Convent. The Pastoral
Visitation was concluded with a short prayer and benediction.
Pastoral
Visitation of Portiuncula Formation House, Mirembe, Kabbega, Kampala,
Uganda 20-21 October 2021 The
Provincial Minister, Br John Alwyn Dias paid a pastoral visit to the
Formation House, Mirembe, Kabbega, Kampala, Uganda 20-21 October 2021
along with the St Padre Pio School Busunju The Guardian of the
community, Br Matia Kibika, Br Leo Lobo, Br Francis Ssunna, Br Charles
Masereka and the Postulants welcomed Provincial warmly along with the
Provincial Treasurer, Br Vijesh Menezes and Provincial Secretary, Br
Elvin Lopes. The brothers sang and stepped to their local traditional
songs. Provincial met the friars of the community personally and
students in a common gathering. He visited the farms, poultry, piggery,
garden and the surroundings. He offered Eucharist and gave a fitting
homily. He addressed the community encouraging and rendering his
fraternal advice. The brothers were appreciated for their ministries in
forming the young brothers, the students in the school and the local
people through their pastoral ministry. The Pastoral Visitation was
concluded with a short prayer and benediction.
Pastoral
Visitation of St Padre Pio Shrine and Friary, Misaali, Masaka, Uganda -
19 October 2021 The
Provincial Minister, Br John Alwyn Dias had the pastoral visitation of
the fraternity of St Padre Pio Shrine and Friary, Misaali, Masaka,
Uganda on 19th October 2021. The Guardian of the community, Br Anthony
Eyuk, Br Adolf Omitta and Br Joseph welcomed Provincial warmly along
with the Provincial Treasurer, Br Vijesh Menezes and Provincial
Secretary, Br Elvin Lopes. Provincial met the brothers of the community
personally. He visited the shrine and the surroundings and joined the
community for common prayers. He addressed the community encouraging
them and rendered his fraternal guidance and suggestions. The brothers
were appreciated for their committed services for the local devotes of
St Padre Pio in the shrine. The Pastoral Visitation was concluded with a
short prayer and benediction.
Pastoral
Visitation of St Francis Theologicum, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Uganda 18-19
Oct 2021 The
Provincial Minister, Br John Alwyn Dias paid a pastoral visit to the
fraternity of St Francis Theologicum, Forta Portal, Mbarara, Uganda from
18 – 19th October 2021. The Guardian of the community, Br Antony
Jakwonga, Br Stephen Nsamba and Br Charles Kamoga (post-novice) welcomed
Provincial warmly along with the Provincial Treasurer, Br Vijesh Menezes
and Provincial Secretary, Br Elvin Lopes. Provincial met the brothers of
the community personally. He offered the Holy Eucharist and joined them
for common prayers. He addressed the community and suggested his
fraternal guidance and suggestions. The brothers were appreciated for
their committed services in services in the Theologicum. The Pastoral
Visitation was concluded with a short prayer and benediction.
Farewell
Mass to Franciscan Sisters of St. Aloysius Gonzaga (FSAG) On
the 02nd November 2021, Shanthi Sadhana (FISI) bid farewell to six of
the Franciscan Sisters of St. Aloysius Gonzaga (FSAG) who had come for
the intensive three months course on Franciscan Spirituality. The whole
community joined for the morning prayers followed by Holy Eucharist at
7.00 a.m. presided over by Fr. Robin Victor D’souza, Director , along
with Fr. Robin Minin Lopez,Program Co coordinator, Fr. Joseph Dolphy
Pais, Spiritual Director, Fr. Maxim Nazareth and Fr. Lotus Paul. The
Eucharist began with a meaningful introduction and the intercessory
prayers by sisters.
After the Eucharistic celebration, a short facilitation program was
arranged in the chapel itself and the certificates were distributed to
the Sisters. The director thanked the Sisters for their presence and
service to the institute.
Distribution
of Nutritious Health Product (food) for the Malnutrition Children:
Vimukti Pothnal
On
27 October 2021, the Vimukti Charitable Trust ® Pothnal organized the
distribution of the Nutritious Health Kit for the selected malnutrition
children. Mr. Arogyappa dumathi expressed saying, these days we are
succumbing to many types of viruses and fever. Children are not able to
withstand these viruses and fever. Thus, they need protein, minerals,
calcium, and so on as a substitute for their health. These need to be
given to the children without fail every day. Many a times we are not
able to provide them through the food, but when we give the children
“Kids Vitty Maxx” nutrition tablets, each day one, will increase
children’s immune system and helps them to remain always healthy.
Realizing the need and caring for the children’s health we are
distributing the Nutritious Health Kit. Mrs. Shilpa, Vimukti staff Nurse
explained the usefulness and effectiveness of consuming these tablets
daily. Thereafter, as a chief Guest, the Director of the Vimukti
Charitable Trust, Fr. Satish Fernandes addressed that gathering with
this message: it is the prime duty of the parents and elders at home to
cater the health of your children. Health is a wealth of the family.
Distribution
of Educational Kit for the Deserving Poor Children: Vimukti Pothnal On
27th October 2021, the Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal launched the
Magu-Nagu Program to cater to the economically backward children. During
the program the Trust distributed the free Educational Kit consisted of
the school bag and books for the selected children. Many students in our
service area are dropping out of school before graduation, since their
parents cannot to afford to provide uniform, text books, school bag and
such other items. Their parents are mostly day laborers, migrates who
have travelled other cities in search of work living their siblings in
their realities, or work as auto drivers, rickshaw pullers, vegetable
vendors, or domestic help etc. We motivate their parents through
counseling sessions to send their children to school. Vimukti has been
providing educational material to these poor children who attend
Government Schools. We provide educational material consisting of text
books, notebooks, geometry box, pencils, pens, and school uniforms,
clothes, shoes, school bag, lunch box. We select the candidates by
personal visits to their homes to assess the family background. We also
take inputs from the school head masters to select the students who are
doing well in studies.
18
_ 24 TH October 2021– Annual Retreat The
annual retreat was held at DSA from 18th to 24th October 2021. Fr.
Bonaventure Rodrigues, the Spiritual director of St. Peter’s Pontifical
Seminary was the retreat preacher. The general theme of the retreat was
‘Inward Journey to become an authentic disciple of Christ in the foot
prints of St. Francis of Assisi’. Each day we reflected on the various
aspects of authentic discipleship, its various demands, challenges and
struggles through the lens of Jesus, Scripture, St. Francis of Assisi
and other saints. Every day in the morning and in the evening we
participated in the meaningful meditations guided by the preacher. We
approached the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday and a session
and meditation on inner healing on Friday. We were also joined by some
of the friars from our province, namely from St. Annes, St. Fidelis
Friary, Farangipet, Chaplains from St. Ignatius Hospital, Honavar and
from Fr. Mullers Hospital, Mangalore. Over all it was a well organized
retreat with sufficient time for reflection. On the concluding day Fr.
Salvador Fernandes, the Rector, offered the Holy Mass and also thanked
the preacher Fr. Bonaventure Rodrigues for preaching a meaningful
retreat, with special appreciation for his availability and good will
towards our province.
Death
of parents due to Covid-19 deprived 65 children in Raichur District not
only of their presence but also leave them dependent on their relatives,
Vimukti supported by distributing food, education and hygienic kits: The
Vimukti Charitable Trust® Pothnal has soothed the humanity by reaching
out to the 65 children, who had lost their Parents due to the CORONA
VIRUS. When the entire world was threatened by the COVID-19, nations
were left in dilemma to face this fearful pandemic with its fast spread
all over the countries just to close themselves in. While humans were
frightened to come near the infected, even they could not touch them-
just a chaos to save oneself. The desperation was such that all the
migrated wage workers returned home either by a vehicle or walked
hundreds of miles together just to reach home; while the poorest of the
poor were dying without treatment just because they could not afford
one. If some of the parents have lost their children; others have lost
their parents bringing them the traumatic experiences of the greater
loss to go nowhere.
Birthday
of Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais On
15th October 2021, Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais, celebrated his birthday at
Shanthi Sadhana-FISI. Grand celebration began at 6.00 a.m. with a
meaningful birthday prayer service for the occasion conducted by the
Sisters, followed by Eucharistic celebration. The Eucharistic
Celebration was further embellished by the meaningful homily by the
Birthday baby and soulful choir by the Sisters guided ably by Fr Robin
Minin Lopez. Later in the afternoon the community of Shanthi Sadhana
wished Fr. Dophy Pais with a bouquet followed by a beautiful Cake was
cut by Birthday Baby to mark this special occasion and Fr. Robin Victor
D’souza appreciated the services of Fr. Joseph Dolphy Pais to the
fraternity of Shanthi Sadhana-FISI
and to the Province at
large. All the Sisters and Brothers gathered wished the birthday baby
many happy returns of the day. A sumptuous spread added a generous taste
to the celebration.
Vimukti
Sponsorship Programme aims at shaping a positive future for children
from the marginalized Community: Vimukti pothnal Vimukti
Charitable Trust® Sponsorship programme aims at shaping a positive
future for children from the marginalised community who cannot afford
the basic necessities of life. While VIMUKTI reaches out to many
children within the community; we have identified a particularly
vulnerable group: those children who have lost one or both parents.
Although many orphaned children are taken in by extended families, the
extra burden on family resources means that they are often required to
work, cutting short their childhood. The Vimukti sponsorship programme
provides their children with the best possible start to their life. In
an increasingly globalised world, quality education has become vital for
children to be able to progress and which would ensure an opportunity to
at least one child at a better life.
Vimukti
Charitable Trust® Pothnal mark the blessing of Vehicles on ‘Ayudha Pooja’
day: “All-powerful
God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, in the rich depths of your wisdom, you
have empowered us to produce great and beautiful works. Grant, we pray,
that those who use this vehicle may travel safely, with care for the
safety of others. Whether they travel for business or pleasure, let them
always find Christ to be the companion of the journey, who lives and
reigns for ever and ever. Amen.”
Vimukti Pothnal celebrated Ayudha Pooja day at vimukti premises on 14th
of October 2021. All the staff were present and Fr. Sathish Fernandes
Director vimukti offered prayers by sprinkling the holy water with the
words, “May these cars/bikes be blessed in the name of the Father and
the Son and the Holy spirit”. And also, he prayed to the Guardian angles
may guide and the drivers and protect them from all harm and all who
travel by these vehicles may arrive safely at their destination through
the intercession of our lady of Guidance. Speaking on this occasion, Fr.
Sathish Fernandes said that for the last many years we have been
blessing the vehicles on this Ayduha Pooja day, to respect the tradition
of the local Hindu community and also part of Indian culture. It’s a
nice devotional practice and an expression of faith.
Feast
of St Francis of Assisi: Secular Franciscan Oder - Bajpe Region The
Secular Franciscans of Bajpe region (comprising of 13 Parish
fraternities) celebrated the feast of St Francis of Assisi at Our Lady
of Immaculate Conception, Kinnigoli on 6th October 2021. Rev. Fr. John
Fernandes the Spiritual Assistant of the region was the chief celebrant.
Rev Fr William D'Souza, the Asst Parish Priest concelebrated. In his
homily Fr John spoke of the humanness of St Francis and called upon the
Secular Franciscans to practice this virtue. Rev Fr William, on behalf
of the Parish Priest Rev Fr Matthew Vas and the parish community wished
the gathering a happy feast of St Francis of Assisi. During the
celebration 7 members made their profession and 5 were vested. After the
Holy Mass all gathered in the parish hall. Brother Rocky Lobo, the
president of Bajpe region welcomed, the Secretary br William presented
the annual report, br Alwyn Monteiro the president of OFS Mangalore
region greeted the assembly and fr John Fernandes wished all a very
happy feast of St Francis. Around 180 members were present. All shared
the festive meal and returned back to their respective place with joy
and peace.
Prevention
and protection of youths, children and women from human trafficking 1257
profited from these programs: Vimukti Pothnal After
drugs and arms, human trafficking is the third largest profitable
industry in the world, and young girls from the district of Raichur
happen to be the worst victims. Human trafficking, particularly that of
underage adolescent girls shipped out work as domestic helps is big
cities has been decades-old phenomenon that has not been addressed
adequately. But recent reports indicate that a second, more heinous
level of exploitation is being perpetuated. Many of the trafficked
girls, according to reports, are impregnated and made to bear children
so that babies/children could be sold off. Lack of basic education,
traditional beliefs/practices and the girls having no say in the matter
because their socio- cultural up bring contribute to this state of
affairs. The project focuses on prevention and protection of children
from exploitation providing holistic education and raising community
awareness. This project has addressed the root causes of poverty leading
to trafficking and abuse of these hapless children youth and Women. The
project seeks to ensure “education” from a holistic perspective to bring
1257 vulnerable adolescents out of this complicated web of poverty and
misery to transform their lives with hope for a decent and dignified
future.
Free
Health checkup camps for the Women and children: Vimukti pothnal VIMUKTI,
Pothnal organized free health check-up camps in 14 surrounding villages
of Pothnal. After the brief survey at the village level, undernourished
lactating mothers’, women and children were made aware of the various
benefits available at the health centers. The need of special care at
the pregnancy period, the food intake, the precautions to be taken at
the delivery time, etc., were explained. Free health checkup was done
along with the distribution of nutritious calcium tablets and syrups
etc. For about 135 pregnant and lactating mothers, and children
participated in the camps and benefited from these camps.
Feast
of St. Francis of Assisi - 4th October 2021 The
Solemnity of our founder and patron St. Francis of Assisi was celebrated
at Darshan Institute of Theology on 4th of October 2021. We were joined
by our own Capuchin friars from various communities, Franciscan and the
other neighbouring religious communities, benefactors and some of our
parishioners. The festal Mass was officiated by Fr. Richard Britto, the
Rector of St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary who also preached a thoughtful
homily admitting the virtues of St. Francis, especially that of his
relationship and closeness to God as Father and the entire universe as
brothers and sisters. The melodious Choir by the brothers ably guided by
the Rector, Fr. Salvador Fernandes, enhanced the joy of the Eucharistic
celebration. The Rector welcomed and thanked the all the guests
gathered. Thereafter we gathered in the refectory to share the joy of
festal celebration by wishing each other followed by the fraternal meal.
Transitus
- 3rd October 2021 The
ceremony of Transitus was celebrated at Darshan Institute of Theology on
the evening of 3drd of October 2020. With a prayerful ambience we paid
homage to our seraphic father St. Francis of Assisi recollecting his
last moments on earth. The enactment of Transitus was done in a Pandemic
Scenario as a tribute to the millions of people who lost their lives due
to the Pandemic, especially the Friars of our own Franciscan Family. The
enactment of Transitus was directed by Br. Melroy D’Silva and the
brothers under the guidance of the Rector, Fr. Salvador Fernandes, acted
out prayerfully. Dn. Hubert preached a meaningful homily on this
occasion and blessed the bread. We were joined by our own friars from
various communities, the neighbouring religious communities and some of
our parishioners. At the end with lighted candles we venerated the relic
of St. Francis.
Pastoral
Visitation – Trinity Vihar/School, Perampally, Udupi The
pastoral visitation of the fraternity – Trinity Vihar/School, Perampally,
Udupi was held on 03rd – 04th of October 2021. The Guardian, Br Claud
Mascarenhas, Br Anil D’Costa, Br Cyril Roshan Menezes, Br Ravi Rajesh,
Br Lenson. The friars of the community organized Transitus the
commemoration of the passing away of St. Francis of Assisi. The
following day on 04th of October he celebrated the feast of St Francis
of Assisi, the catholic children gathered for the solemn Holy Eucharist.
He prayed for all the children, school management, teachers and the
friars of the community. A beautiful program was organized by the
children on the occasion of the feast of the Patron, St. Francis of
Assisi. It was well appreciated by Provincial and he encouraged the
student to dream and achieve the best in their life. The visitation was
concluded with benediction and sharing the festal wishes.
Second
free Vaccination drive & Health check up camp at St Anne’s Friary, Bejai
Mangalore Second
free Vaccination camp and health checkup for diabetes, haemoglobin and
BP was organized on Wednesday O6 October 2021 at Divine Mercy Retreat
Centre, Jail Road Bejai, Mangalore. Event was held with the
collaboration of Mediquest Health care Kankanady, Mangalore City
Corporation health Centre, Lions Club Bejai and Capuchins Fathers of St
Anne’s Friary. The camp began at 10 am in the morning with ceremony of
lighting of the light. Preeti Maria Dsouza, member of Lions club Bejai
was the MC for the event. The guests present on the Diaz were Sri
Vedavyas Kamath Honourable MLA, Fr Paul Melwyn Dsouza Capuchin, Superior
of St Anne’s Friary Mangalore, Sri Sudhir Shetty Kannur Corporator MCC,
Mr Richard Dsouza President of Lions Club Bejai, Mr Thomas Dsouza
Secretary, Mr Oswald Furtado Treasurer, other members of Lions Club and
members of Mediquest health care.
ST.
FRANCIS OF ASSISI FEAST-SHANTHI SADHANA - FISI Many
Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on
October 4 each year. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who
was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint
of animals and the environment. The community of Shanthi Sadhana-
Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in India-FISI, celebrated the feast
of St. Francis of Assisi, founder and Patron. The Eucharistic
celebration began with a entrance dance by the Sisters. The theme of the
celebration is all embracing love with the Lord to become the face and
voice of St. Francis of Assisi. The beautiful artistic decoration was
prepared by the Sisters who are doing their studies to obtain Diploma in
Franciscan Spirituality at the institute. As a preparation for the feast
there was nine days Novena prepared and animated by the Sisters. The
melodious choir was led by Fr. Robin Minin Lopez and Fr. Robin Victor
D’souza celebrated the Eucharist with Fr. Joseph Dolpy Pais and Fr.
Maxim Nazereth as the concelebrant. The Sisters prepared the
introduction, offertory prayers and the beautiful decoration. To mark
the celebration there was grand sumptuous
agape at lunch. The Director
thanked wholeheartedly the cooperation the hard efforts of all the
Sisters and Fathers especially sisters who are doing their Diploma in
Franciscan Spirituality for their generosity and disposition to make
this feast a grand celebration.
Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka
On
8 December 2008 the General Definitory by its Decree Prot. No. 00999/98
constituted and declared established the Most Holy Trinity Province of
Karnataka. By the same Decree the General Definitory appointed Br.
Vincent Gabriel Furtado as the new Provincial Minister, Br. John Baptist
Sequeira as the first Definitor and Provincial Vicar, Br. Patrick Crasta,
Edwin Colaco and Rudolf D'Souza as the 2, 3, and 4 Definitors
respectively.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be
consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.