Live Jesus !
Samarpanaram, October 2007

Dear Confreres,

Greetings from Salespuram.

Change is a natural phenomenon; associated with it are often pain, struggles, adjustment to a new situation or to people etc. Some times we have no control over the changes that happen around us. It would have been so wonderful if changes take place as we plan. But sometimes changes happen so unexpectedly that seemingly upset all our plans and we tend to catastrophize the outcome. I feel situations like that invite each one of us to live the present moment in a more meaningful way. As you all may have heard already, the De Sales Oblates in India experienced many sudden changes in the past few months and that calls each one of us, confreres, to love and support one another and to face these challenges together. That is our reality and we are called to face it. Let us live that reality as our ‘present moment’ to live. I think ‘there is no time like the present’. Of course it is an effective truth for time management, but for us it is also a pillar of stability for the spiritual life. By focusing on the present, we are able to avoid two extremes: living in the past, where we often think of failures, missed opportunities, likenesses and our comfort zones; and yearning for future, where we easily drift into day dreaming. Where we are now is more important than our past or future. Let us find God and His will for us in the here and now.  “Let us serve God well today. God will provide for tomorrow. Each day must shoulder its own care.”

It was a surprise and confusion for everyone in India to hear the shocking news of the resignation of Fr. Sebastian from all his offices. Having been assistant to Fr. Sebastian in India, our Superior General asked me to continue in the office of Fr. Sebastian. I was fully confused and taken by surprise when the Advisory Board finally asked me to take up the challenge to lead the Indian Mission. The first thing that came to my mind was the passage from the prophet Jeremiah where he says; “I don’t know Lord, how to speak, I am a boy”. But I firmly believe that the one God who called me will continue to guide me throughout and will strengthen me to do the work. I am reminded of the words that Fr. General wrote to me after the first day of our advisory board meeting. “God never asks us to do more than we are able to do, but He asks us to do it with all our heart, all our mind and all our will what He wants us to do. If he asks us to do something, it means that we are able to do it, because He knows us better than we know ourselves.” I thank all my Oblate confreres, especially those from India, for their trust in me and for giving me their support and prayers. I thank Fr. General and his council for their trust and confidence in me and for all the support and prayers that I received during this time of crisis.
 
I trust in the providence of God and the support of all the Oblates especially of the Indian Oblates and I am sure that their prayers and support will help me to lead the Indian Mission forward. I wholeheartedly accept this transition and I assure each and every one of you of my prayers and humble service for the greater glory of God and one another. I believe the spirit of St. Francis de Sales will lead us forward.

I believe that any amount for words cannot contain the true gratefulness that we are indebted to Fr. Sebastian for all he had been to us for the past seven years in various capacities.

We are very delighted about what Fr. Sebastian has been to the Oblates, especially to the Indian mission. It’s since seven years that he has been our shepherd. He has been guiding us, leading us, taking us through… We worked together, grew together in many ways, celebrated together… There were times of joy and difficulties and he helped us to hold together. He made sure that we are equipped to function and grow together. He has been a father figure to us on whom we could depend and look up to. It’s tough to say good-bye to him. However now we are faced with that reality.

Dear Fr. Sebastian, thanks to you. We have a strong bond of love and we will make that bond grow and flourish. We are deeply indebted to you for being a model and guide to us for the past seven years. Your enthusiasm and commitment for the congregation and your missionary spirit and your personal interest in each one of us makes you special to be remembered.

Let me take the privilege of thanking Fr. Sebastian in the name of the Indian Mission. A BIIIIIIIIIG thanks to you Fr. Sebastian and all the best to you for your new assignment.

Now let me share with you what has been happening in the last few months.

1. On October 19th we celebrated the perpetual profession of Br. Mathias and Br. Rayappa in Samarpanaram.At the same time we remembered our Founders’ Day and we celebrated the Farewell for Fr. Sebastian. “Always be united in heart and in deed.”

 Br. Rayappa and Br. Mathias, finally you decided to unite your heart and your whole life with the Oblates. I thank you for your commitment and dedication to the Oblates. My hearty congratulations. I wish you all the best. I look forward to live and work with you as DeSales Oblates throughout our life. As we heard from Fr. Sebastian, let us not fight about cats but be focused on what we are called to live “our charism and commitment.”

2. It was very appropriate to receive their final commitment them on our founders’ day. I am happy that we could celebrate this day with our neighbors, friends well wishers and benefactors, and remembering all those who brought the vision and dreams of our founders to the Indian soil. Fr. Sebastian led us through the prayerful liturgy, and Fr. Frank inspired us with his homily.

Fr. Frank Danella, Thank you for your presence with us in the past weeks. You have enriched us in many ways. I am looking forward to welcome you again soon. 

3. I am happy that Fr. Josef Koeltringer has come back to India. In the August Advisory Board meeting, we decided to ask Fr. Josef to come to India and support our work.

I am happy Fr. Josef, that you accepted our invitation, I know that for India you made a sacrifice (leaving Philippines). I value your experience, contributions, and provocations at this moment of Oblate history in India.

Fr. Josef was unanimously elected to be the fifth member of the advisory board. He has already begun his office as Regional Treasurer and is the contact person for the society matters. I asked Fr. Josef to be my Assistant in my office as Delegate Superior. Fr. Josef has accepted my request and is ratified by the General Council.
 

4. Fr. Josef wanted a few months of transition period before he assumes the office of the superior of Samarpanaram. Therefore the Advisory Board unanimously agreed that Fr. Shaju continues to be the superior until the end of December 2007, and then Fr. Josef will assume that office.

 Fr. Shaju, I appreciate your leadership and dedication as a formator. Being the superior there I know that the community is in good hands.
Fr. Shaju is still considering different possibilities where he will do his doctoral studies.

5. We are growing in India. On November 14th Dn Chandra is going to be ordained at his home parish, Epiphany Church, Chiluvuru, by Bishop Gali Bali, Bishop of Guntur. We are looking forward to celebrate the gift of priesthood in Chandra. I request your prayers for him.  After his ordination Chandra will work in a parish as assistant parish priest in the diocese of Eluru. The Bishop of Eluru has agreed to give him a parish close to Brisson Nilayam. 

 

6. On November 21st Br. John George received the ministry of Acolyte, and Br. Mathias and Br. Rayappa received the ministry of Lectorship. May their service be a blessing for those who need to be nourished by the body and the word of God. After the successful completion of their exams they have resumed their second semester in their theology studies.

7. Fr. Maichael passed in first class in the first year of his studies of Master Degree in Social work. I hear him always very busy with studies and his fieldwork in the villages. He is doing well as the treasurer of the Bliss community.

 

8. Fr. Fred is back in the community, refreshed and energized after one month of holidaying in the States. He underwent treatment for his knees, and now he can move around faster giving retreats and recollections.

9. I would like to share with you what I heard from Fr. General and Fr. Josef Koeltringer about the Philippines. Fr. General in his last newsletter has asked the provinces and regions to consider the possibility to release a confrere for the Philippines. The General Council will make a final decision about the Philippines in Troyes in February 2008. Until that time Fr. Bruzily will remain in Philippines. At present he continues to work in the diocese of Lipa. If the Oblates continue Fr. Bruzily will return after his holidays by middle of February and one or two more Oblate priests would join him.

Fr. Bruzily, you are not alone there, we are united with you in prayers.

10. Fr. Baiju completed his studies in M Ed. At present he is gaining experience in the field of teaching and administration in St Anthony of Padua School.  He moved out from De Sales University and resides in St. Anthony of Padua community.  A great part of his salary as a teacher is supporting us here in India. We are grateful for that.

 Thank you Fr. Baiju for what you are to us.

11. I have not heard anything new from Fr. John Sankarathil lately. As I know he is busy in completing his doctoral thesis.

I wish you all the best Fr. John for the defense of your thesis. I wish you best of luck. 

12. It is not easy for Br. Jayaraj in Eluru. He misses the community and Oblates.  I am sure that our occasional visits are a blessing for him. As I heard him today he will join with the seminarians for five days of retreat. And together with them he will receive lectorship in the coming week. Congratulations Br. Jayaraj. 

 

13. Fr. Vincent is in the third semester of his studies in Counseling and Psychology at Montfort College. He is doing very well in his studies and has come first in the college. I wish him all the best for his research paper and practicals.

 

14. I would like to appreciate Fr. Reji and Fr. Xavier for responsibly leading the community in the absence of Fr. Sebastian and Fr. Shaju. In spite of his teaching outside, Fr. Reji by his dedication and availability helped the community to grow. I appreciate the amount of time and energy Fr. Xavier has put into Brisson Bala Bhavan as its director and as treasurer of the community.

 

15. Salespuram is in the midst of academic activities. The commitment and dedication of our teachers is very inspiring for me. It’s amazing to see the energy, enthusiasm and receptiveness of our young brothers here. I see a bright Oblate future in these young ones. I am supported by Fr. Bala Dande, and the regents. Fr. Bala Dande is focused on his work as a formator and has adjusted well to the life of Salespuram. Br. Bijesh accompanies the students in their search for identity in everything. However, it is also my duty to inform you that the advisory board unanimously decided to ask Br. Christhu Raj to discontinue his life with the Oblates. Let us continue to pray for him.

16. As Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales we are close to celebrate a very special event. On February 2nd , 2008 we will celebrate the centennial of the death of Fr. Brisson. For us and for the Oblate Sisters this is a special occasion to give thanks to God for our existence, for our charism and our mission. It is also a moment to give thanks to God who chose Fr. Brisson as His special instrument to perform His holy Will. The General Council decided to have also the Major Superiors Meeting of 2008 together with the celebration in Troyes. The theme will focus on the life and mission of our founder and the Spiritual Directory. I have asked Fr. Fred Smuda to join me for this meeting and the celebration.

 

17. I am happy to share with you that the registration process of our of land in Eluru is completed. Now the land is in our own name. We, the advisory Board, having consulted you at the General Meeting, decided to name our future novitiate ‘Brisson Nilayam’.

18. On 21st of November, on the Feast of the Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Oblates all over the world will renew their vows. We shall do this in our respective communities.

 

19. The 18th of November will be a special day for us. It is an opportunity for us to be with Fr. Sebastian and to express our gratitude as we bid farewell to him. I invite all the Oblates and candidates in formation to Bangalore on this day. Please make yourself available. On 19th of November Fr. Sebastian will leave India.

20. Recently we have updated our website. Please find some time to visit www.osfs-india.net

 

21. Please note my new email address for my office, osfs.india@gmail.com

22. Let me also share with you in short what was discussed at the last advisory board meetings:

 

 

A. Advisory Board Meeting, June 30, 2007

• We decided to name our future novitiate in Eluru as Brisson Nilayam
• We decided that Fr. Shaju or Fr. Xavier would look into the registration and fencing.
• We decided to keep Rs. 30,000 as support of the families for those being ordained.
• The timing of the retreat 2008 for all will be April 20 – 25 in Sanyasa.
• If brothers leave we will ask them to contribute Rs. 5000 toward their study expenses in philosophy. .
• We discussed Vocation Promotion and how to improve in the coming years.
• We decided to ask theologians to do vocation promotion for two weeks in December.
• We reviewed the general meeting 2007 and the decisions.
• We decided to have a pilgrimage to “Brisson Nilayam” in January 2009. We will invite the Superior General and his Council to be part of it. Advisory Board is organizing committee for : Brissonanjaly, Dedication of new House, Statue of Fr. Brisson, T Shirts, caps, etc.
• Bliss community will look into the making of the calendar for the year 2008.
• We decided to ask Fr. Maichael to become the person envisioned by the proposal of General Meeting 2007 with regard of peace and justice.
• We discussed how to participate in the Chablais Mission Fund: to put up a offering box in the Samarpanaram Chapel, A letter addressed to our families inviting them to support us in our Oblate projects.

B. Advisory Board Meeting, August 25 – 26, 2007

• We approved Br. Mathias and Br. Rayappa for final vows.
• We approved Br. Mathias and Br. Rayappa for the minor order of Lectorship.
• We agreed to suggest to Superior General and his Council to appoint Fr. Mathew Mukkath as Delegate Superior until May 2009.
• We agreed to ask Fr. Josef Koeltringer to come to India and support out work
• We agreed to request to Superior General to appoint Fr. Shaju as Acting Superior of Samarpanaram and Master of Scholastics until the next meeting with Fr. Josef.
• We agreed to release Shaju for his studies.
• The timing of the final vows was set as 5.30 pm on 19th October.
• We decided that Fr. Shaju and Fr. Xavier will complete the registration process in Eluru and Fr. Shaju together with Dn Chandra will supervise the fencing work.
• We discussed certain transition of responsibilities which Fr. Sebastian held: Fr. Shaju as in charge for Dn Chandra and Br. Prasad, Fr. Sebastian would continue as Regional Treasurer.
• We discussed the reports of Fr. Sebastian, Fr. Reji and Fr. Xavier on Br. Prasad, and we decided to send him for studies in B. Ed.
• We discussed about the visit of Fr. Frank Danella.
• We entrusted Fr. Maichael to initiate a discussion in the community about a new set up in Mangalore.
• We approved the roofing of cottages in Salespuram.
• We decided to open a separate account in USA.

C. Advisory Board Meeting, October 10 –11, 2007.

• Fr. Josef was unanimously elected as the fifth member in the advisory board.
• We decided that Fr. Josef shall be the Regional Treasurer and contact person for society matters.
• We decided that by December 2008 we would come down to one flat in Mangalore, which should be sufficient for one formator and two theologians.
• We decided that the future theologians would study in Eluru for a period of time.
• We decided that Fr. Shaju shall continue to be the superior and master of scholastics until the end of December 2007, and then Fr. Josef shall assume that office.
• We decided that Fr. Josef together with Fr. Xavier will do the needful regarding the construction.
• Dn Chandra will work in a parish in the diocese of Eluru for one year beginning January 2008.
• Fr. Sebastian presented to us the financial statement of the region.
• We discussed about the number of persons going for the ordination of Dn. Chandra.
• We decided that on 18th of November all the Oblates and Candidates will come together in Bangalore to wish farewell to Fr. Sebastian.
• We unanimously voted to ask Br. Christhu Raj to discontinue from the Oblates.
• We decided to ask Fr. Bala Swamy to coordinate the vocation promotion for 2008 – 09.
• We discussed the traveling arrangements for Fr. Frank.
• Fr. Josef spoke about Florian who wants to visit India.
• Fr. Josef briefed us about Fr. Bruzily in Philippines.
• We decided to have the next advisory board meeting on 15th December in Salespuram.

PS: Find an updated version of our addresses and phone numbers, birthday list of all confreres and the deceased confreres attached.

1. Addresses and Phone numbers:

 

Samarpanaram                                                         Tel.: 0091 80-(2)78.32.450
Hosur Road                                                                Fax: 0091 80-(2)78.32.550
Chandapura PO
560 081 Bangalore                                                   India

Salespuram                                                              Tel.: 0091 490-24.20.856

Vallithode                                                                   Fax: 0091 490-24.21.067
Kiliyanthara P.O.
670 706 Kannur Dt.                                                  India

Sacred Heart Church                                              Tel.: 0091 (0)9448-83.43.37

62, Richmond Road
560 025 Bangalore                                                   India

Kumar, A. Vincent

St. Francis College                                                  Tel.: 0091 8812.22.54.21

Eluru 534 475
Janampeta, West Godawari Dt.                             India

Arepalli, Jayaraj

Bliss - OSFS Study House for Theologians         Tel.: 0091 824.24.14.395

Seminary View, 1st Cross                                         Fax: 0091 824.24.14.391
Jeppu
575 002 Mangalore                                                   India
 

Brisson Nilayam                                                        Tel.: 0091 (0)9440-423.094

Ratnalakunta Road
Vijayarai PO
534 475 West-Godawari                                          India

Quilo-Quilo                                                               Tel.: 0063 917 922 4332

Balete 4219
Brgy Makina
Batangas                                                                   Philippines

Vettukallamkuzhyil, Bruzily

Thaddäusheim                                                         Tel.: 0041 0264-9250.90

Hauptstrasse 40                                                         Fax: 0041 0264-9250.91
CH-3186 Düdingen                                                  Switzerland

Sankarathil, John

St. Anthony of Padua                                              Tel.: 001 302-421-3700

901 North DuPont Street                                           Fax: 001 302-421-3709
Wilmington, DE 19805                                             United States

Puthussery, Baiju

 

1. Birthday List

Name	Born
Mukulath, Asish Augustine	1 January 1986
Karakkattu, Dennis Jose	1 January 1984
Kumar, A. Vincent	11 January 1976
Puthussery, Baiju	9 February 1972
Kumar, Mathias I.	25 February 1980
Vettukallamkuzhy, Lalson	27 February 1987
Gali, John	8 March 1984
Thomas, George	22 March 1986
Költringer, Josef	26 March 1960
Smuda, Alfred J.	30 March 1938
Vettukallamkuzhyil, Bruzily	2 April 1978
Paulraj, A.	14 April 1985
Choorakunnel, Reji	26 April1975
Yeruva, Rayappareddy	3 May 1981
Sankarathil, John	7 May 1965
Eattathottu, Maichael M.	15 May 1971
Name		Born
Kanjiramparayil, Shaju J.		9 June 1971
Onasseril, Johnson Mathew		19 June 1984
Bandanadam, Prasad		8 September 1983
Kaligiri, Bala Prasad		12 September 1985
Dande, Bala Swamy		14 September 1972
Bandanadam, Stanislas		22 September 1982
Kadavumkandathil, John George		26 September 1978
Arepalli, Jayaraj		12 October 1978
Mekala, Thambi Joseph		18 October 1983
Pinapati, Chandra Sekhar		22 October 1979
Kala, Sleeva Raju		3 November 1986
Koonakiyil, Bijesh Thomas		12 November 1982
Manchu, Xavier		5 December 1975
Mukkath, Mathew		17 December 1973

 

 

1. Deceased Confreres

 

Name	Status	Age	Deceased on	Prov. of Origin
Broeders, Salesius (Adrianus)	Brother	86	8 March 2007	Dutch Pr.
Fiegl, Henry J.	Brother	74	20 March 2007	Wilmington Pr.
Kelly, James P.	Priest	80	6 April 2007	Wilmington Pr.
Bugliosi, Mario	Priest	87	1 May 2007	Wilmington Pr.
Spaeder, Paul V.	Brother	75	4 May 2007	Toledo Pr.
Glund, Alois	Priest	75	6 May 2007	Austrian Pr.
Wessling, Hans	Priest	85	7 May 2007	German Pr.
Rieg, Hermann	Priest	82	14 May 2007	Austrian Pr.
O'Sullivan, Rory	Priest	98	15 June 2007	French Pr.
Rehrman, Eugene J.	Brother	78	19 June 2007	Wilmington Pr.
Elias, Rupert	Priest	74	3 September 2007	Austrian Pr.
Dean, Walter R.	Priest	84	18 September 2007	Wilmington Pr.

 

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits!

God bless you!

Fr. Mathew Mukkath osfs

 

 

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