Issue: 1 Volume: 18
June 2024
ST. PAUL PROVINCE OF HERALDS OF GOOD NEWS
CENACLE
(ST. PAUL PROVINCIAL HOUSE) KONOOR - KORATTY NALUKETTU P. O.
PIN - 680308 THRISSUR DIST. KERALA, INDIA Mob: +91 7909157677
Email:stpaulprovinceofhgn@gmail.com Web: www.hgnstpauls.org
Editor in Chief
Rev. Fr. Saji Thomas Pamplaniyil HGN
Sub Editors
Rev. Fr. Tony Cheeramkuzhiyil HGN Rev. Fr. Sibi Thadathil HGN
Rev. Fr. Shaiju Berkmans HGN
Rev. Fr. Joseph Cherian Panthappallil HGN
The DOOR….
Door is an interesting concept that has a lot of things to communicate to the reader. First and foremost, in the word door, there lies an irony of entry and exit. It is like two edges of a needle with different functions. At times the traveler gets stuck at the entrance and other times the passage is crystal clear. And that is the irony of the door as well as the life. Either the traveler may get stuck in front of the door or have an entry at ease. We are all travelers in other words ‘Pilgrims’ on this planet earth in search of the desired doors.
Perhaps, the beginning texts of any literary work in a way points out to the door through which the pilgrim enters in and travels through the path set ahead. Many contributed to the making of the way clear for the pilgrims. Let us make this door of the Newsletter one of our desired doors. Ahead of us is a
path that is vivid and impressive. The door is open and let us enter in. Let this entry be a time of feeling one with the other, embracing each other and making perfect the imperfections. As it is well said, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” Let us be the pilgrims with our doors open for the co-pilgrims.
A Closed DOOR…
When a pilgrim finds that the door is closed, and no way to pass through to reach the goal, it becomes a sad reality. The pilgrim can push and pull to open the door but if it is hard as stone, every effort goes in vain. One’s spiritual sojourn when faced with temptations most often becomes like a closed door. When life becomes a closed door there is no scope of entry for God to interfere in the life of the person. A very good example for a closed door is explained in the Gospel according to Mathew 8:29, “They cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Behind the closed door there is a mystical area, and the journey into the closed door becomes like searching for a black toy in a dark room where the toy does not exist at all.
An Open DOOR…
An open door is a realistic and authentic area where the pilgrim can make out a clear vision. The people like Mary, Joseph, Zacchaeus, Magdalene are best examples for an open door. Into their hearts the one who searches the heart and mind, the Lord enters in and brings about drastic changes. As a result, these open doors could become the dwelling place of God. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If
anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). This is what exactly happens in prayer. The process of Prayer is opening the door, and the result of prayer is the life in Christ.
The DOOR and the HEART…
In the book of Ezekiel, we come across the heart compared with stone and flesh. The difference between a heart of stone and a heart of flesh is the same as the difference between a closed door and an open door. A closed door which is a heart of stone points to spiritual death. An open door which is a heart of flesh points to spiritual life. In both Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26, God says he will put a new spirit within the people. In that case one has to open up one’s life before the Master. The Lord says he will remove the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. May our lives be an open door with a heart of flesh.
To Conclude…
The theme of the present issue is from the context of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope. In his Angelus address on 21st January 2024, Pope Francis announced a year of prayer that will lead up to the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. He described it as “a year dedicated to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in one’s personal life, in the life of the Church, and in the world. So, it will be a great blessing for us when he opens the door and comes at an hour unexpected and sees our lamps kept burning with the surplus of oil in them.
Rev. Fr. Shaiju Berkmans HGN
St. Paul Province of Heralds of Good News
PROVINCIAL’S DESK
‘Lord, Teach us to Pray (Luke 11:1)’
For the word of God is active and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12), is the verse of Bible that comes to my mind immediately. The ordinary men of Galilee were chosen by Christ to be his Apostles to continue His mission after the Resurrection and Ascension. They were also in contact with John the Baptist and the community of disciples formed by him. They might have also witnessed the disciple of John the Baptist pray as one ought to pray. Keeping in mind the reality of prayer and the mode of prayer, the apostles asked Jesus Himself to teach them to pray as John the Baptist taught his disciples. These men of Galilee never knew the mode of prayer of an established religious community like that of John the Baptist or Essene community at Qumran. Jesus teaches the apostles the basic and comprehensive prayer ‘Our Father Who art in Heaven.’ This request of the apostles during the public ministry
of Jesus is very much relevant even today after millenniums. Today too we stumble in our life of prayer, not knowing how ought we pray. The faithful ask us how they should pray. In all the probability, people will make the same request tomorrow and till the end of time. Those words written in the Word of God is still relevant and will always be relevant.
In the great Indian spiritual tradition, the Guru used to teach his shishyas how to pray. This was the important duty of the guru in the ancient times. This particular system is disappearing gradually from the Indian tradition too. There are serious measures undertaken by different people and different spiritual schools to make a revival of the spiritual treasure. A student of Tendai, a philosophical school of Buddhism, came to the Zen abode of Gasan as a pupil. When he was departing a few years later, Gasan warned him: “Studying the truth speculatively is useful as a way of collecting preaching material.
But remember that unless you meditate
constantly your light of truth may go out.” Now let me place before your consideration some of the doubts, some queries, debates, some fundamental attitudes about prayer: Do we need to pray at all? If yes, how often one needs to pray? Is there a specific hour stabilized for prayer? God is omnipresent, if so, is it permissible to pray everywhere, anywhere? Then what is the purpose of a chapel or Church? Online prayer and participation in the Holy Eucharist?
Saint Paul is a realist. He knows that life has its joys and sorrows, that love of God is tested amid trials, and that hope can falter in the face of suffering. Even so, he can write: “We boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Rom 5:34). For the Apostle, trials and tribulations mark the lives of those who preach the Gospel amid incomprehension and persecution (cf. 2 Cor 6:3-10). Yet in those very contexts, beyond the darkness we glimpse a light: we come to realize that evangelization is sustained by the power flowing from Christ’s cross and resurrection. In our fast-paced world, we are used to wanting everything now. We no longer have time simply to be with God and with others; even families find it hard to get together and enjoy one another’s company. Patience has been put to flight by frenetic haste, and this has proved detrimental, since it leads to impatience, anxiety and even gratuitous violence, resulting in more
unhappiness and self-centredness. Patience is very essential in prayer.
The spiritual dimension of the Jubilee, which calls for conversion, should also embrace these fundamental aspects of our life in society as part of a coherent whole. In the realization that all of us are pilgrims on this earth, which the Lord has charged us to till and keep (cf. Gen 2:15), may we never fail, in the course of our sojourn, to contemplate the beauty of creation and care for our common home. It is my hope that the coming Jubilee Year will be celebrated and experienced with this intention too. Growing numbers of men and women, including many young people and children, have come to realize that care for creation is an essential expression of our faith in God and our obedience to his will. There are documents, books, articles, stories, anecdotes written on prayer that we have glanced through or read through. We have also personal and collective experiences on prayer. The only statement I make here in this brief message on prayer is nothing other than ‘Lord Teach Us to Pray;’ constantly and without getting desperate like the widow in the Gospel according to Luke 18:1-8. May our heavenly patrons intercede for us constantly to have that humble attitude to ask the Lord to teach us to PRAY. May the good God Bless Us All!
Rev. Fr. Selvan Lazar HGN
Provincial Superior
RECENT APPOINTMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS...
1. Rev. Fr. Manickathan Paulose : Relieved from Vagamon & Assigned to
the Centre
2. Rev. Fr. Velamparambil Sunny : Pastoral Ministry, Archdiocese of
Changanassery
3. Rev. Fr. Kuzhiplakkil Roy : Procurator, St. Mary’s Minor Seminary,
Vocation Promoter
4. Rev. Fr. Kosakuzhikunnumpuram Abin : Formator, St. Paul Minor Seminary,
Cenacle
5. Rev. Fr. Akampadiyil Abijith : Procurator, G N A B, Vagamon, Vocation
Promoter
6. Rev. Fr. Kalpakasseril Mathew : Relieved from St. Mary’s School,
Bonakal & Diocese of Kannur
7. Rev. Fr. Shaiju Berkmans : Relieved from Seminary & Archdiocese
of Trivandrum
8. Rev. Fr. Melattu Jijomon : Relieved from Minor Seminary & Assigned to Thamarassery
9. Rev. Fr. Paradiyil Johny : Proposed to Mendi, PNG
10. Rev. Fr. Padayatty Varghese : Sabbatical Leave, Canada for Chaplain
Course
11. Rev. Fr. Mlakuzhiyil Binesh : Proposed to U S A, Chaplain Course
12. Rev. Fr. Panthappallil Joseph : Relieved from G N Ammaveedu,
Proposed for Higher Studies
13. Rev. Fr. Maramattathil Joby : Relieved from Ernakulam-Angamaly &
Secretary to Provincial
14. Rev. Fr. Kanjirathumkunnel Reji : Relieved from Centre & Formator,
St. Mary’s Minor Seminary
15. Rev. Fr. J. Marydasan : Cenacle Community
16. Rev. Fr. Pulickal Mathew : Cenacle Community
St. Paul Province of Heralds of Good News
NEWS FROM THE PASTORAL MINISTRY & COMMUNITIES
Greeting and prayers from PNG Mission, Aitape. We hope and believe that all are keeping fine and doing good. Bishop Siby and I are fine through your prayers and doing well in Aitape. The below mentioned are some of the major events occurred in our diocese and we are happy to share that news with you.
The 3rd Aitape Diocesan General Pastoral Assembly was held from 9th to 15th October 2023. 200 participants made up of priests, religious nuns, brothers and pastoral agents from the 32 parishes in the three deaneries of Aitape, Nuku and Lumi attended the week-long assembly at St. Martin Pastoral Centre. Also joining the group were professional teachers and nurses. The participants were taught of the objective
and spirituality of the renewal program in the context of a synodal church journeying together to grow. A church of communion and participation as they integrate into the life and mission of Jesus. Many of the discussions during the assembly pointed out the fact how people really lived their faith through the spirituality of communion and how they live out what they believe; the values that they are networking locally to all levels.
In the past three years, the diocese of Aitape has lived out the value of self- reliance and at the same time encouraging them to stand on their feet especially when it comes to planning and programming. Rev. Fr. Andrew Moses of Daru Kiunga diocese was an expert priest of the renewal program. The assembly ended with huge celebration and significant activities, such as;
1 : Closing of the 3rd Aitape Diocesan General Pastoral Assembly
2 : Launching of Phase
3 : Feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch, (Saint of the Diocese)
Bishop Siby Mathew Peedikayil was the main celebrant with thirteen priests and one deacon who assisted him during the celebration. Beautiful music, with lovely and creative decorations and traditional processions made the Holy Mass more meaningful.
On 28 February 2024, Aitape deanery youths held its first meeting and elected the new team of deanery executives. From 12-15 March 2024 the parish executives of Aitape deanery youths gathered at St. Martin Pastoral Centre and discussed the issues affecting their lives and prepared the Deanery Youth AAP for 2024. Thirty-seven participants from six parishes attended the workshop and they actively participated in it. The workshop promoted harmony, self- reliance, participation, and open dialogue at all levels. The participants realized that as parish leaders they need to look more seriously at the strengths and weaknesses of different areas of their respective parishes, do something more concrete and motivate the youths in the communities.
The workshop concluded with Eucharistic celebration, launching of Aitape Deanery Youths AAP, and blessing of the newly elected executive of the deanery youths.
Diocese of Aitape held a nine weeks rally with more than three thousand people of every denominations from east and west, inland and islands who actively involved in the program from 28th April to 2nd June with emphasis on missionary evangelization. In fact, Aitape is one of the dioceses in the country having shortage of religious/priest, yet structures at the diocesan level are progressing to enforce and enable growth in the people to be pastoral agents, and agents for change at all levels depending on their strengths.
We assure our daily prayers to everyone and we request you to pray for Aitape mission. Once again, we thank everyone for all your prayers and support. With love and prayers, I remain.
Rev. Fr. Pradeesh Chirackal HGN
Warm wishes from Mendi mission, we are very happy to see you all through
our Newsletter. Here in Papua New Guinea especially in the diocese of Mendi Rev. Fr. Shijo Mattathilanickal and Myself are doing well. Now Rev. Fr. Shijo is on his holidays to India. Our ministry is going on well. I would like to update few things that happened in the parish and in our secondary school. Recently we renovated St. Thomas Church, Tolapu which is one of our substations. We are also in the process
of making a new Substation in the parish. The landowners have donated a piece of land to make the new church. Another great news is that our school was elevated to the status of the secondary school. We have good number of students pursuing their studies at our school.
With regard to the Ministry of Rev. Fr. Shijo, this year his parish is celebrating 25th anniversary of its establishment. In the month of December our Provincial
Superior and Vice-Provincial made a visit to our Mission in Mendi. We were together for few days visiting Bishop Donald Francis Lippert and the nearby communities. Thanks for your special prayers and support to Mendi mission, we also keep in our prayers all your intentions. Let us all be united in Christ.
Rev. Fr. Selvinivas Johnson HGN
Prayerful greetings from Vanimo. My pastoral ministry in Vanimo is going on well at St. Bruno Parish. A new diocesan priest was appointed to be the formator of minor seminary replacing me. That gives more time to focus on parish activities. Nine were baptized on Easter Vigil and twenty- four children received the sacrament of confirmation on 5th May. Sixteen children received their first holy communion on the solemnity of Corpus Christi. In the month of June, we consecrate families to the sacred heart and also do enthronement of the sacred heart.
The Provincial Superior and Vice- Provincial made their canonical visit to PNG in the month of December. They visited all the HGN missionaries of St. Paul Province beginning with Vanimo (Rev. Fr. Johnson Antony), Aitape (Bp. Siby Peedikayil and Rev. Fr. Pradeesh Mathew), Lae (Rev. Fr. Tomy Thomas), Mendi (Rev. Fr. Shijo and Rev. Fr. Selvinivas Johnson). We made a visit to Most Rev. Francis Meli, the Bishop of Vanimo.
At present the diocese is very excited and preparing programme for the Papal Visit. The Pope His Holiness Francis will be visiting Papua New Guinea from 6th to 9th September. He will be visiting Vanimo on September 8th if everything goes well. We have frequent meetings to appoint committees and responsibilities at present. Let us be united in prayer and mutual support.
Rev. Fr. Johnson Antony HGN
Dear Loving Fathers and Brothers, we are sending you our warm compliments and best wishes from Italy. We hope and pray that you experience good health of mind and body in your respective ministries. May God continue to bless your ministry and aspirations. We are doing well and thanks to God’s providence and your prayers. We are delighted when our fathers who work in various parts of the world visit us and partake in our fraternal joy. We held our annual gathering of our
priests working in Italy at Cuneo from 22
- 23 May, 2024. Seven of our fathers who are working in Italy were present. We were fortunate to have our Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Fr. Selvan Lazar, with us at the annual gathering. We had wonderful days together in prayer, fellowship, and we really cherished spending time as a family. These two days of annual reunion strengthened our bond with one another, friendship, and love. Special appreciation to Provincial Administration and fathers from the Cuneo community for organising the annual gathering in such a magnificent way. We would appreciate your prayers for our mission and the people in our care. We assure you of our daily prayers. May the providence of God be with you always.
Rev. Fr. Vipin Chirakkalakathu HGN
We wish the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ to everyone. Happy to share few updates regarding our ministry in the United States. We are all together fifteen priests from our Province working in
different dioceses of America. All are doing well in their respective ministry places. All the Heralds of Good News of St. Paul Province working in USA had a beautiful community gathering at Conway, AR, USA in the month of May 2024. All members were present. It was a time of sharing the love and joy as members of one family.
With regard to the pastoral activities at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, all the activities are going on in a good manner. In the month of May 17 children received First Holy Communion and 11 people received
Confirmation. It was a joyful occasion to congratulate OLG faith formation students on receiving their sacraments. God bless each and every one of them and their families. In the month of June, we have retreat for women and in August retreat for Men. In November we will have Holy Mass with Healing services. These
are some of our major events. Like such many activities the family of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is marching forward with much enthusiasm. Please remember our parishioners and our priests working here in your daily prayers.
Rev. Fr. Biju Thoompunkal HGN
Dear brothers in Jesus Christ, loving regards to you from Josegiri Parish in the Diocese of Thalassery. This Parish comprises of 150 families, and has St. Joseph as its Patron. People are very much devoted to St. Joseph. To share something more about the parish, this is in hill area, located in a very beautiful place and people are very cordial, loving and welcoming. Speaking about their life and economical background, most of them are very poor and live by their daily wages. Once upon a time the parish was reasonably huge and there were 320 families in Josegiri. The number got reduced because many moved to the urban area for their livelihood. In general, most people are fed up to live here, because due to the climatic change people lose their cultivation in the land. We pray that the situation changes in course of
time and God makes it conducive for them to live and flourish. Other than that, I find it very peaceful to live here and to do my ministry.
Different committees and the parish organizations are very active and they are very motivating and helpful in carrying out pastoral ministry. It is my joy to share with you that our parish has many vocations to priesthood and religious life. This year two boys joined our Congregation to pursue their call to priesthood. The parish activities are going on very well. At present we are planning to do some maintenance work in the presbytery, please keep this intention in your prayers. Our fathers make frequent visit to the parish and they are very helpful to me for the ministry and I am so happy to have them here. I sincerely thank everyone for your support and prayers. We seek your continuous prayers and support for the further growth and development of our parish and for the wellbeing of all the families in the parish. And be assured of our sincere prayers for your intentions and all you do. May God continue to bless us all abundantly.
Rev. Fr. Justine Meprath HGN
Loving wishes to you all from the Holy Family Church, Edamon. We are all fine here by the grace of God. As you know, Holy Family Parish consist of one main Church and two substations. We have a school and a community of sisters in our parish. They help us in our parish activities and in running our school. Recently the superior of the convent was transferred and Rev. Sr. Mariya C. K. joined Sneha Jyothi Convent as the new mother superior. The parishioners thanked the outgoing superior
Dear loving Fathers and Bothers, Greetings and wishes from St. Antony’s
for the great service and extended a warm welcome to the new superior.
By God’s grace, and with the collaboration of the parishioners the dream of having a new church in our substation came to the realization. Another important landmark in the history of the parish was having a new cemetery. This long awaited will of our parish people of St. Joseph Church at Karikattoor came to reality recently. And now we are blessed with a new cemetery. At the beginning of this new academic year, by the collaboration with Vijayapuram social service society and youth members, our parish could provide school bags and notebooks to forty students. It was a great support to the students from poor family background. Please continue to pray for us, remembering all our upcoming events. May God bless us.
Rev. Fr. Sunny Ellickal HGN
Church, Vagamon. All the daily affairs in the parish are going on well as usual. We have different spiritual events organized from time to time in order to keep the flock strong in faith. This year we had twelve of our children who received First Holy Communion. The youth in the parish are very active and recently we had a youth revival program conducted for the second time. It was guided by Rev. Fr. Varghese Kochupurackal, the former youth director of the diocese of Kanjirappally. It was a
motivating factor and an inspiration for the youth.
We have begun the new scholastic year for catechism students. The children are regular for Sunday catechism. For the parents, we organized a guidance program on the topic “Good Parenting.” The session was guided by Mrs. Asha, who is a social worker in Pala government hospital in the department of de-addiction centre. It
was an awakening session for the parents. Likewise, our parish is coloured with many such activities. Everything happens by the grace of God and with the collaboration of the people. We are making every effort to give our best to work for the glory of God and spread good will to all. Thanking you all.
Rev. Fr. Mervin Varayankunnel HGN
Greetings from Good News Asha Bhavan, Vagamon. We are happy to share our tidings through this Newsletter. We the Asha Bhavan Family members, are fine and doing great. The community gave sent off to Rev. Fr. Paulose Manickathan who rendered his service as the director of this community. We thank him for his selfless service and wish him all the best as he took the new appointment under the Central Administration. Rev. Fr. Abin Thomas was here from the month of December until the end of February. He was doing his diaconate ministry in our parish by staying at Asha Bhavan. He was very helpful to the parish as well as to the community in
taking care of the inmates. We thank him also in a special way and wish him the very best in the new assignment.
After the great summer, it has started to rain heavily. This year it was a hard summer and everywhere there was shortage of water. We too suffered the scarcity of water. As a result, we had to find some other water source. The Province granted the permission and the money for a borewell and new pump set. Last year the wall (stone works) of the water pond was collapsed. Last month it was reconstructed. Now we have very good water pond with clean water and a bore well for extra water source. We are grateful to the Provincial Administration for the financial help.
It was our dream to put interlock for our courtyard. Because each time, when our inmates go out for exercise or walk and come back, the whole building becomes full of sand and dirt. Now we had managed to put interlock in the front courtyard. It looks
very beautiful and clean. It was done with the support of the local benefactors and donors. We are grateful to them. On 15th May, I assumed the office as Procurator in this community. We request your further prayers since we are still in need of some
urgent works to be done in the house. We also cordially welcome everyone to our community. Keeping you all in our prayers. May God bless us all.
Rev. Fr. Abijith Akampadiyil HGN
Overview: Over the past three months, Good News Retreat Centre in Pampady, Kottayam has seen significant positive developments across various areas. Here is a summary of the key highlights:
1. Spiritual Growth and Activities:
Attendance at retreats and spiritual sessions has increased by 20% compared to the previous months. Positive feedback and testimonials from participants regarding the impact of spiritual teachings and guidance.
2. Infrastructure and Facilities:
Improvement projects are completed on schedule, enhancing the overall ambiance and comfort for retreat participants, Marian Koodaram now being a gem to the eyes. We are now praying for an addition of new dormitory spaces and kitchen to accommodate growing interest.
3. Community Outreach and Engagement:
Expanded community outreach programs, including parish retreats and forane conventions, reaching over to many dioceses in Kerala, other states and abroad.
4. Looking Ahead: Plans are underway for specialized retreats targeting specific demographics (e.g., youth, families, elderly), all which will be finalised after enough time for prayer and discussions in community.
The Good News Retreat Centre remains committed to its mission of providing spiritual renewal and community service, aiming to further strengthen its impact in the region and beyond. All the good news from here purely depends on the collaborated works of Rev. Fr. Jince Cheenkallel, Rev. Fr. Noble Thottathil, Rev. Fr. Lijo Alanickkal and Rev. Fr. Joseph Kandathiparambil, now being strengthened further with the assistance offered by Rev. Fr. Abin Thomas and Rev. Fr. Abijith Manuel. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Rev. Fr. Lijo Emmanuel HGN
Greetings from Good News Snehabhavan, Kakkoor! We are indeed happy to share with you some of the tidings from Kakkoor Community through this Newsletter. We had a colorful Christmas celebration with a beautiful crib, a large Christmas tree and wonderful illuminations. All our inmates actively participated in making the celebration alive one. As usual, the carol group from the parish made the entire celebration a very vibrant one. Different groups visited us during Christmas days and shared their joy with delicious food, sweets and new dress. All of them appreciated and valued very much our ministry.
Mr. Jomy Thomas from Aryankavu is employed for one year as we don’t have a regent for this year. One of our inmates,
transferred to Maria Sadhan, Palai for better palliative care that he needs. In return we had to take two persons from Maria Sadhan itself. They both look physically healthy but have some minor ailments. Another inmate was taken back home by his brother. He was becoming uncontrollable by us. We took care of him for about nine years. At present we have 12 inmates at Snehabhavan.
We had a hard time in April and May as most of us were affected by ‘chickenpox.’ It was severe to those who had it in April and early May but later it became tolerable after the summer rain. We isolated ourselves from outsiders as it is very contagious. Now we are back to normal again.
Dear Fathers and brothers, once again we, Good News Snehabhavan Family acknowledge your great support, concern, encouragement and love towards us. Let us pray together, work together and encourage each other in our ministry. We are very grateful to our fathers and Brothers for your kind visit in the recent past.
Rev. Fr. Tony Cheeramkuzhiyil HGN
Life in Good News Ammaveedu is an occasion to incessantly remember before God the Father our works of faith and labour of love. In these months Good News Ammaveedu perceived the love of Almighty which recaptured the vigour and rigour through our human healthy relationship with one another. We could carry out all our activities in a normal way which is ultimately the work of faith and labour of love.
The following is a minuscule report of the activities that has happened in Good News Ammaveedu. On 4th September Sri. Chandy Oommen visited our house before the election to the legislative assembly of Kerala. On 25th September we conducted a medical camp in Ammaveedu for the inmates. It was jointly organized in association with our primary health centre, Meenadom. All the inmates were treated during the camp by a team of three doctors, nurses, and other paramedical staff from the health department. The camp also provided medical advice for everyone.
The Pampady congress committee arranged the 80th birthday celebrations of
our former Chief Minister Sri. Oommen Chandy at Ammaveedu on 31st October. Including Rev. Fr. Joseph Kandathiparambil and other Congress leaders remembered Sri. Oommen Chandy for the good works he has done especially to Good News Ammaveedu. The congress committee expressed their love and care by giving us breakfast. In the evening Sri. Chandy Oommen MLA also visited and shared some memories of Sri. Oommen Chandy in Ammaveedu. Rev. Fr. Jineesh Emmanuel Manganthanathu visited Ammaveedu on 17th November along with his friends from Germany. They were so happy to see the inmates and the activities of Ammaveedu.
Christmas is the season of joy, greetings exchanged, and getting united. The Christmas celebrations took place in Good News Ammaveedu on 24th December. On Christmas day special mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Kandathiparambil in our chapel. The celebrations included a rhythmic performance from our staff and inmates and an add-on surprise package by Santa Claus. Both Christmas crib and Christmas tree made us to go back to the originals. The staff and inmates were completely spellbound with the Christmas gratification and the day was called off with a cutting of Christmas cake. Many students from neighbouring colleges visited our home and shared their time with inmates. They also performed many cultural programmes and some of them were performed along
St. Paul Province of Heralds of Good News
with the participation of our inmates. Their presence and care gave an extra happiness to our community.
Ammaveedu witnessed a kind of resurgence in agriculture and farming. Our banana, tapioca and vegitable plantations are running successfully. We get sufficient outcome for our community needs. The diary and piggery farm also turned out to be profitable. We also introduced new ventures such as poultry and fish farming. We are immensely grateful to all the fathers for your prayers and support. In a special way we express our loyalty and place on record our sincere gratitude and constant support of the Provincial Administration. This report will be incomplete if we don’t gratefully remember our benefactors and well-wishers who generously helped Ammaveedu to face the overarching financial crisis.
As I am completing my term in Ammaveedu, in a special way, I express my gratitude to our director Fr. Joseph
Kandathiprambil, the staff and all the inmates of Good News Ammaveedu. These two years were the best days in my life. Sincerely I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. A word of special thanks goes to all the members of the staff for their wholehearted cooperation for the better functioning of Good News Ammaveedu. In a special way I thank all the fathers and staff of Good News Retreat Centre. Rev. Fr. Jince Cheenkallel, Rev. Fr. Noble Thottathil & Rev. Fr. Lijo Alanickal their life was an inspiration for me in the retreat centre and I thank them for their guidance and brotherly love. I also remember and thank Bro. Jibin Keeramthadathi, Bro. Christo Chackal, Jinu Joseph and Alan Joeph for their valuable support and prayers.
“No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1Thess 5:18)”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Cherian Panthappallil HGN
16
Gathering of our Priests Working in India during the Annual Retreat from 6th to 10th May 2024 Led by Rev. Fr. Saiju Thuruthiyil MCBS
Congratulating our New Priests at Cenacle
Fr. Shijo Mattathilanickal in the Diocese of Mendi, PNG Fr. Shijo Mattathilanickal in the Diocese of Mendi, PNG
the Diocesan General Pastoral Assembly Diocese of Aitape, PNG
Level in the Parish of Fr. Selvinivas Johnson at Mendi, PNG Fr. Selvinivas Johnson in Mendi, PNG
the Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in Vanimo, PNG and the Flock in the Diocese of Aitape, PNG
Annual Gathering of our Priests Working in the United States, Held at Conway, AR, USA
Fr. Biju Thoompunkal along with the First Holy Communicants from his Parish at Corpus Christi, USA
Germany along with our Superior General
Visiting the FCC Sisters who are Rendering their Service in the Parish of Fr. Shijo Mattathilanickal at Mendi, PNG
Vanimo, Papua New Guinea during their Visit to the Diocese
Meeting with Most Rev. Donald Francis Lippert, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mendi in PNG
Events at Seminarians Gathering
Bro. Ajin, Bro. Thadause and Bro. Reneesh after Making their Final Commitment in the Society
New Permanent Members are being Congratulated and Appreciated for their Final Commitment in the Society
Our Seminarians who Renewed their Promise of Evangelical Counsels of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience for a Period of one Year
The Resourse Person, Sr. Sunitha Ruby CCR Taking Class for the Major Seminarians
Bro. Ajin, Bro. Thadause and Bro. Reneesh Making their Final Commitment in the Society
Our Seminarians who Made their First Promise of Evangelical Counsels of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience for a Period of one Year
Seminarians while renewing thier Promise of Evangelical Counsels of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience
Fr. Jince Cheenkallel Addressing the Gathering and Sharing Points to Become Effective Missionaries
by Cutting the Cake the Initiation Ceremony
The Seminarians being Awarded for their Meritorious Achievements during the Formation
Cultural Programme during Annual Seminarians Gathering Held at Cenacle
School Children at his Parish, Edamon in the Diocese of Vijayapuram to his Parish, Edamon in the Diocese of Vijayapuram
St. Antony’s Church, Vagamon, Kerala his Parish at Josegiri in the Archdiocese of Thalasserry
Students at St. Mary’s E. M. School Bonakal, Telangana at St. Mary’s E. M. School Bonakal, Telangana
during the Sports and Arts Competitions at St. Paul’s School,
Dhonekhona, Arunachal Pradesh
Inauguration of the New Academic Year in St. Paul’s School,
Dhonekhona, Arunachal Pradesh
at St. Joseph’s School, Yernagudem, Andhra Pradesh Yernagudem, Andhra Pradesh
at St. Paul School Patharlapadu, Telangana Patharlapadu, Telangana
Diaconate Ordination is being Conferred by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil, the Archbishop of Verapoly at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Verapoly, Kerala
19th March at Good News Campus, Pampady, Kerala
The Birthday Celebration of Fr. Binesh Mlakuzhiyil in Dhonekhona, Arunachal Pradesh
The Birthday Celebration of Fr. Jeffy Illickal in Dhonekhona, Arunachal Pradesh
Heralds Spiritual Orientation Centre, Kurukuru, Andhra Pradesh Office as the Rector of Heralds Spiritual Orientation Centre
Inauguration of the New Academic Year at
St. Mary’s Monor Seminary, Karunapuram, Kerala
Fr. Roy Tomy Assuming the Office as the Formator at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Karunapuram, Kerala
Karunapuram, Kerala Koratty, Kerala
Giving Farewell to Fr. Joby Maramattathil at Cenacle Farewell to Fr. Johny Paradiyil at Cenacle
The Imnates of Good News Ammaveedu Pampady along with the Students of District Institute of Education and Training
Send off Mass by Fr. Joseph Cherian at Good News
Ammaveedu, Pampady, Kerala
The Staff and Inmates at Good News Asha Bhavan, Vagamon bidding Farewell to Fr. Paulose Manickathan
The Inmates Enjoying a walk on Newly Laid Interlock at Good News Asha Bhavan, Vagamon
with its Director and the Guests Snehabhavan, Kakkoor, Kerala
The Japamala Rally Conducted at the Conclusion
of the Rosary Month October at Pampady, Kerala
The Japamala Rally is graced by His Excellency
Rt. Rev. Dr. Sebastian Thekethecheril, the Bishop of Vijayapuram
St. Paul’s School, Dhonekhona, Arunachal Pradesh by
Bishop George Pallipparambil
St. Paul’s School, Dhonekhona, Arunachal Pradesh by
Fr. Saji Pamplaniyil
Yernagudem, Andhra Pradesh by Fr. Saji Pamplaniyil Yernagudem, Andhra Pradesh by our Fathers and SABS Sisters
Bala in the Presence of Distinguished Guests at Patharlapadu, Telangana
Bala in the Presence of Distinguished Guests at Patharlapadu, Telangana
A New Project Came to the Realization in the Form of St. Paul Tailoring Centre at Patharlapadu, Telangana
The Renovated Marian Koodaram at Good News Retreat
Centre Campus in Pampady, Kerala
Death Anniversary of Rev. Fr. Thomas Alencherry Fr. Raju Peter
Fr. Jobi Jose Nadayil Bishop of Verapoly, Kerala
Christmas Celebration at Cenacle along with the Fathers from Neighbouring Communities and the Domestic Staff
The Birthday Celebration of Fr. Johny Jose Paradiyil
St. Paul Province of Heralds of Good News
NEWS FROM THE
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Warm greetings and prayerful wishes to you from St. Paul’s School, Dhonekhona, Arunachal Pradesh. I feel immense joy to share with you some news from our Arunachal mission. As for the mission here in Arunachal Pradesh we Rev. Fr. Jeffy Francis and myself are fine and doing good. Soon after the half early exam we had an innovative science exhibition program. The exhibition revealed the capacity and the creativity of our students. It was inaugurated by the commandant of CRPF of Jaipur. Inter school meet radiance was conducted in Tezu District. Among the 15 participated schools, we could achieve the overall third price and many individual prices too. Children’s annual sports day was conducted in the month of November. School was divided into four
groups including teachers, and we had a
healthy competition among the group, the annual sports day was inaugurated by our local village head Mr. Nareswara Paleng. It was for a week long and those who received prices were awarded. St. Paul’s school celebrated Semi-Christmas on 20th December with Christmas tree competitions. We divided all the students into three groups and all of them performed well according to their ideas and abilities. It was followed by some cultural programs, and the prices of Christmas day and sports day were given out on that same day.
Board exam for fifth and eighth class was conducted on 3rd February. From fifth class forty-two students and from eighth class thirty-two students appeared for the exam and we secured a good result this year. CBSE final board exam started on 27th February. Twenty-four students appeared for exam and it is the second batch of our school under CBSE syllabus. Annual Exam for our school at Dhonekhona was from 13th to 24th March. The school was closed on 24th March for the summer vacation. We are very proud to inform you that students in all the three sections; fifth, eighth and
tenth obtained 100% result for the exams.
The grand opening of the new academic year 2024-25 was inaugurated on 28th May, for which DDEC of Namsai and Rev. Fr. Deepak, the parish priest of Namsai were present. This year the total number of the students is around 600 from the KG section to 10th class. We celebrated the world environment day on 5th June in a creative mode, planting lot of trees by class wise. And besides that, we too had made a rally for two kilometres for showing the solidarity for our mother earth. We are indeed happy to spread God’s word through our active ministry.
As my pen downs to halt the tidings of our mission here, let me also inform you about our newly constructed St. Paul Hostel which is under final touch and scheduled for the blessing on 29th June. We firmly assure you that our mission here in Dhonekhona is flourishing with your prayers, love and support and we request you all to keep our Arunachal mission in your humble prayers. Let us be united in Christ. We remain with love and prayers.
Rev. Fr. Binesh Mathew Mlakuzhiyil HGN
Loving greetings from St. Joseph’s School, Yernagudem. To start with, we have celebrated Children’s Day with great joy and pomp on 14th November. On 23rd December, we celebrated Semi-Christmas with grandeur and ecstasy. On this day, we the management and students pooled up some amount for charity and we donated Rs. 54,000/- to “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Old Age Home, Krishnampalem.” In the same month, we organized Intra-School Sports Competitions between 29th to 30th of December. All the students participated in these competitions with a lot of enthusiasm and sportsman spirit.
On 9th January we had grand
Sankranti celebrations reflecting our Telegu culture and traditions. On 26th January our national festival Republic Day was observed. We invited honourable Home Minister of our State, Srimati Taneti Vanitha as the chief guest of the programme. Flag hoisting, commemoration of our national leaders and some cultural programmes were organized on that day. On 13th February with love and best wishes, we bid farewell to our 10th standard students who were appearing for public exams from 18th March.
28th February was observed as “Science Day’ in our school, in which the primary students and teachers organized science fair. Many parents and students of other classes visited the exhibition and appreciated the innovative ideas of the young upcoming scientists. On this same day, i.e. on 28th February, we laid the foundation stone for the new building
“St. Joseph’s Bhavan” a residence for SABS sisters. As part of construction, on 7th June, slab work was done for the building. The Convocation Day of the school was celebrated on 4th April. Our Kindergarten students got graduated and were promoted to first standard which was a memorable day in their lives. A staff picnic was arranged by the school on 5th April. The management and the staff went on a picnic to ‘Papikondalu’ on a boat journey. It was an amazing experience and all of them enjoyed a lot.
The annual exams were conducted in the month of April, and the academic year came to an end by 23rd April, 2024.
Finally, 10th results were announced on 22nd May, the day for which we all had been eagerly waiting with great excitement and thrill. We are very proud to say that our students have secured one of the highest and top most marks in Devarapalli Mandal
-587/600. Along with this, 13 students secured more than 550/600 carrying the legacy of St. Joseph’s School. The dedication, discipline and commitment of our students brought laurels to our school, like every year, once again proving that St. Joseph’s is one the best schools in our Mandal and District. Thank you all for all your prayers and support.
Rev. Fr. Saji Thomas Pamplaniyil HGN
Greetings of love and peace to you all. It is a great joy to meet you all once again through this Newsletter. Indeed, we are glad to bring to you some news from our St. Paul’s Community at Patharlapadu, Khammam.
Regional and other Celebrations: On 13th October we celebrated together “Bathukamma,” the famous regional festival of Telangana State in which all our
teachers and students together performed their traditional dance in different circles with large heap of flowers and made the school campus so colorful.
Similarly, we had the celebrations of Children’s Day, Christmas & New Year with due importance of the occasions. 26th January 2024 was another important day to have expressed our patriotic spirit, as we celebrated the Republic Day of our country. After the flag hoisting by Rev. Sr. Rekshavathi DSS a meaningful message was delivered by one of our primary students about the significance of the day. We had also an enthusiastic cultural performance like patriotic dances, singing etc. to mark the special occasion.
Blessing of St. Paul Tailoring Centre &
Annual Day Celebration of St. Paul School: It was a source of Divine Providence and God’s blessing in the history of our St. Paul School campus on 18th November, that our long-awaited desire, the new building in the form of St. Paul Tailoring Centre got blessed and inaugurated along with 8th School Annual Day Celebrations. A large number of dignitaries and esteemed guests were present at this most significant gathering. The grand arrival of 30 German guests led by Rev. Fr. Raju Peter, and their gracious presence gave special attraction for our celebration. In this regard, we specially thank Rev. Fr. Raju Peter for his extraordinary contribution for the mission here with the great cooperation and support of his friends and parishioners.
Our new building of St. Paul Tailoring Centre was blessed on 18th November by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Udumala Bala, the Bishop of Warangal Diocese & the then Apostolic Administrator of Khammam Diocese and was inaugurated by Very Rev. Fr. Selvan Lazar, the Provincial Superior, St. Paul Province of HGN in the gracious presence of many fathers and brothers of HGN, some religious and our special guests from Germany. On this colorful day our students gave an outstanding and spectacular performance of various cultural dances and exhibited their unique skills on the stage where they drew the attention of all those who were present at the celebration. There was a large gathering of parents and others at the celebrations.
Picnic for Staff and Students: One day Picnic was organized on 9th March 2024 to Velugumatla Urban Park in the outskirts of Khammam. It was a day of pleasure and refreshment not only for our students but also for all our teaching and non-teaching staff. Thus, we cherished the day with some good memories.
Parents Day Celebration & the Convocation Ceremony: On 24th April, we had grand celebrations of Parents Day & Convocation Ceremony of our UKG Students. At first, we had parents meeting to evaluate the performance of our students and to update the growth and the progress of our children in the academic year 2023-24. We also discussed about the responsibilities of the school management, the staff and parents for the good future of the students. Simultaneously we had a stage programme, where our students made the parents and others very happy with their stage performance. Thus, the academic year 2023-24 was concluded in a grant way.
On this same occasion our senior students, the outgoing fifth class students arranged a farewell party for themselves with our staff members. They had a party meal with some sharing and spent their final moments in the school with their friends and teachers and bid a final good bye to their second home.
Finally, we are grateful to God for all the abundant blessings in the last academic year by the providential care and protection of the Lord. May the Almighty God continue to bless us all abundantly.
Rev. Fr. Sibi Thadathil HGN
St. Paul Province of Heralds of Good News
NEWS FROM THE
SEMINARY FORMATION
ST. PAUL MINOR SEMINARY, KONOOR - KORATTY
feel proud of that. On 16th November the seminar
