Message from the Delegation Superior
-Fr. Angelo Martyn OMI
We had to wait 1000 years and had to have a three-year preparation
for this Great Millennium Jubilee. The year is already gone and can we
marvel at what has taken place? I suppose we could. Like the drops that
necessarily make the boundless oceans, what we Oblates have done here in
Sylhet, are not insignificant and what the Church has done in Bangladesh is
monumental.
For 2000 years we enjoyed the fruits of the transformation of the world,
brought about by the Babe Jesus. There is neither nook nor corner that has
not come under his influence. When Jesus said, “I have come to give life
and life in abundance”. He did give life and promised many other things,
which He fulfils. We, because of our faith, can accept them all, conceding the
authority by which Jesus can do so. The mammoth task, we have now is,
how to invite those who have not experienced this graciousness, to a
celebration.
In our efforts to celebrate the Jubilee in parishes, what we saw was a
new working of the Holy Spirit and a powerful assertion by Jesus Christ that
He is present in Bangladesh. What we became aware of, was an awakening
in the Church: dormant leadership became alive, faith, that we thought was
mediocre blossomed. Days of prayer with relevant themes, retreats for the
Religious people were conducted. New programs were organized with the
appendage; “Jubilee Year”, New life and a new spirit prevailed. Every Oblate
Parish had its Jubilee celebration with the distribution of Bibles, celebrations
for married couples, the Youth and Children.
The climax was the celebration of the jubilee in Sylhet Region. More
than 4000 colourfully dressed tribals were there. Two Bishops and many
Fathers and Sisters were in attendance. There was a special joy that we all
experienced as we proclaimed that Christ is King. Doesn’t the Jubilee
prepare us for the new millennium where we could go with renewed
convictions that can take on a prophetic mission adding quality to our life?
Our Founder said, “ Let us be saints,” today we can also say. “ Let us
decide to be prophets”. As we move into the season of Christmas, let us
welcome Emmanuel, reminding ourselves of what Jesus came to do.
MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR.
1
Jubilee Year & It’s Tidbits
Fr. Henry Rebeiro OMI
A Jubilee Year is a special time
when, among other things debts are
forgiven, unjust situations among brethren
are corrected religious motivation and
spiritual values are set right. The jubilee
year was a very special time of grace for the
people of Israel. The reference to such a
celebration is clearly marked in the Bible,
in the Books of Exodus, Deuteronomy and
Leviticus. Following this tradition the
Church celebrated the year 2000, as a
Jubilee Year and admonished all local
churches to organize programs to celebrate
the event as the 2000th anniversary of the
birth of Jesus. Similarly the Oblate Parishes
carried out the three years of preparation
stipulated by the Church.
The theme was very difficult for the
common folks to understand, hence there
was a communication gap between the
people and the organizers. Three main
Sacraments; Baptism, Confirmation and
Priesthood took special place in all the
catechesis. Some tribal priests from India
were invited to address the people in their
natïve language on the importance of the
power and the action of the Holy Spirit in
their daily lives. During this period many
adults received the Sacrament of
confirmation.
Phase III: Journey towards the Father.
Great emphasis was placed on the
mercy and the forgiving love of God the
Father who sent his son into this world to
die on the cross. The Cross became the
living symbol of that great love. A big
wooden cross was made and carried from
village to village and from house to house.
The cross was placed in the house and
peolpe in the neighbourhood gathered
around the cross and kept vigil. Some
extraordinary events and incidents took
place in the families and villages where the
cross was placed. Many broken families
were rejoined and long-standing disputes
and
quarrels
were
settled,
and
reconcilliation took place between villages
and tribes.
Phase 1: We are baptised in Christ.
Initially, an intensive orientation
programme was organized for parish
council members and Catechists and
Religious, who got down to work and
prepared programmes for the people. In
order to prepare themselves spiritually, a
daylong retreat for all the priests and nuns
took precedence over all else. Bishop
Theotonius conducted the day of
recollection and reconciliation. The
catechists too had their day of spiritual
renewal.
The emphasis was placed on
deepening the faith of the people to the
commitment made to follow Christ and to
renew their baptismal vows. Many
sessions were held in different villages.
The people became more and more aware
of their dignity of being baptised and their
responsibility to be witnesses to Christ,
in their life. As many as 235 adults and
children were baptised during this season.
Phase II: W e are one in the Spirit:
This phase started in November
1997 and was carried to November 1998.
Last Phase: Joy in communion. The
Jubilee 2000.
The jubilee Year 2000 began with the
symbolic opening of the “ Holy Door “ in all
Churches and Chapels on the Christmas
night. The Main features of this phase were as
follows:
Pilgrimages in groups and villages
to the churches assigned by the Bishops
took place at different times. Catechists and
village leaders were trained in art of Bible
sharing and the first edition of the Bengali
Bible under the title “ Jubilee Bible “ was
2
distributed to families and sessions on
sharing of the Word of God were
introduced in all villages. The Oblate
Fathers forgave all minor debts and loans
given to the domestic staff.
As commemoration of the Jubilee
year 2000 a groto to the Blessed Virgin
Mary was erected in Lokhipur Parish. A
souvenir magazine was published by Fr.
Robi Rozario that covered various aspects
of the tribal people’ way of life and the
history of all mission centres.
The main feature of the Jubilee was the
involvement of the Oblate Fathers in the
.
issues of Justice ant Peace. Fr. Joseph
Gomes OMI was assigned to deal with, and
help out the tribal people to solve many of
their legal and communal disputes over
land issues.
The Final celebration took place on
November 26th on the Feat of Christ the
King, the traditional Feast of the Khasia
people. More than 2000 people from
different tribes participated in the Holy
Mass and the holy Eucharistic procession,
which was presided over by the Archbishop
of Dhaka. A festive meal for all followed
THE THIRD MILLENIUM-PREPARATION AND CELEBRATIONMUGAIPAR MISSION ( Fr. Subash Costa OMI )
Mugaipar Mission is situated at the
foot of the Himalayan hills, at the extreme
border of Bangladesh and India. It is
separated from the main city of Sunamgonj
by the river Surma. The Catholics of this
parish are from the tribal group called,
Garos who, according to history, have
migrated from the district of Mymensingh,
having a culture very different from the
Bengalis and a dialect of their own. Due to
their past history, they are generally
illiterate and have no great ambitions in
life. Therefore, their lands and properties
are easily sold or mortgaged, consequently
they become poor. The Oblates have the
privilege of serving them from 1973. The
area covers 13 sub-centres.
1997: We are baptized in ChristSilver
Jubilee: Traditionally, the Garos are
matriarchal and believe in trial marriages.
During this year more emphasis was placed
on the sacraments of Baptism and
Matrimony. We selected 15 married
couples and gave them sessions on the
dignity of Baptism and the sacredness of
marriage. They, in turn, were sent to
different villages to organize sessions for
married couples. The climax of the year
was the grand jubilee celebration of couples
completing the 50 and 25 years of their
married life.“The Jubilee Cross” marked
with 2000 gave an added symbolic meaning
to their prayer meetings in all the villages.
Veneration of the cross and whole night
vigil services in different villages have
strengthened their faith and given meaning
to their sufferings.
Wangala or Harvest Festival: The Garos
have a tradition of celebrating, very year,
the harvest festival where they gather to eat
and enjoy the first fruit of their labour. The
Catholic Missionaries have given an added
significance to it as they created a new
tradition to celebrate that event on the feast
of Christ the King. A mobile team went
around to all villages to screen a film on the
life of Christ. This provided a good
opportunity to renew their commitment to
Christian life by having recourse to the
sacraments of reconciliation and Holy
Communion. Many marriages were
rectified during this period.
1998: We are one in the Spirit.
Youth groups took precedence during this
year. Motivated by the Spirit the youth took
the initiative to form a Mission wide Youth
Club. Seminars and training sessions were
conducted to highlight the importance of
the role of the youth in the society. The
youth played a very active role in all the
celebrations both in the parish and in the
sub-centres.
A Holy Childhood programme for the
children received much attention this year.
Though there were regular group meetings
and functions in the past, sports events gave
a renewed vigour. The animators received
special training to continue their task of
guiding the children.
1999: Journey towards the Father.
Family life was a central theme during this
year. In all the hostels and families, the habit
of daily prayer was introduced as a means
of family reunion. This brought about a
renewed family bond. The curse of
alcoholism which destroyed many family
bonds, was slowly eliminated.
A Revolving fund was created to assist the
landless peasants to recover their lost
properties and pay back the loans taken on
mortgage of lands. Traditionally the garos
owned lands in the hills, but gradually, due
to lack of management and ambition, they
lost most of them to local Bengalis.
Consequently they began to lose their
culture and traditions. This revolving fund
has become a self-help and community
project.
2000: The Great Jubilee Year.
The three years spiritual preparation led
the people to a meaningful celebration of
the Jubilee Year. In March 2000, people
from all the villages, in great numbers,
gathered in the mission centre for three
days of celebrations. Competitions in
singing, Bible readings, dramas and
cultural performances marked the events.
About 100 children and adults were
confirmed on the final day celebration by
His Grace the Archbishop. The
celebration ended with a festive meal to
all participants.
Jubilee at Khadim.
Fr. Alphonse Jengcham,omi.
It was May 13.14.2000. The celebration of
the historical event, the Great Jubilee, the
2000th birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus
Christ took place at the Khadim Parish.
Like all others, the people of Khadim took
3 years for its preparation. The parish had
chalked out different programmes for the
people to prepare spiritually for this event.
The 3 Persons of the Holy Trinity were the
themes for 3 years. 1997 was dedicated to
Jesus, 1998 to the Holy Spirit and 1999 to
the Father.
While reflecting on Jesus, the second
person of the Blessed Trinity, the emphasis
was placed on the sacramental life, family
prayers and living according to the plan of
God. The preparations for the second year,
1998, was on the Holy Spirit. This was
mainly to establish peace, joy and harmony
in the society. The parish had programmes
on prayer services, forming small Christian
groups like ASIPA, and programmes for the
children. The idea was to make the
Christians more aware of their spiritual life.
The theme for the third year was journeying
towards the Father. The necessary element
for the unity
with the Father was
“Recollection”. The parish organized
penitential services, prayer services, and
programmes for the different groups in
different places.
Parishioners having prepared for this great
Jubilee gathered together on the 13th and
14th to celebrate this event with joy and
enthusiasm. The theme for the Jubilee was
“Joy in Union”. Bishop Theotonius Gomes,
CSC was invited for the occasion. It was his
first official visit to the Khadim, parish. So,
a hearty-welcome was given to him by the
parishioners. Frs. Angelo and Emil, our
distinguished former parish priests were
present at the function. They explained the
importance and significance of the Jubilee
year by stressing on renewal of our faith
relieving the Poor, promoting self respect
and dignity and above all, building up a
community by forging unity. The
remarkable event on this occasion was the
distributing the Jubilee bibles to the punjees
and tea garden, and taking the Jubilee Cross
from house to house. This Jubilee Cross
had been more venerated ever since a few
miracles took place.
Some cultural programmes were introduced
to enhance the Jubilee celebration to make
it more meaningful. Our parishioners
numbering 400 hundred returned home with
fervour
and
renewed
faith.
EXISTENCE OF KHASIA TRIBE THREATENED IN SYLHET
Fr. Joseph Gomes OMI
The Khasis are a distinctive group
of tribal people in Bangladesh. The Khasis
live in the Sylhet Division on hills. They
have been living in the forest areas of
Sylhet Division for more than a century.
They have distinctive characteristics of life,
culture and society. By religion, the Khasis
are animists, but a good majority, in the
course of time have accepted Christianity as
their way of life. The Oblate Fathers from
1973 have taken care of their spiritual and
social needs of the catholic population,
especially the education of their children.
Presently there are two major mission
centres in Sylhet Division, Lokhipur
mission in Kulaura and Khadim mission in
Sylhet.
It is estimated that about 20,000
Khasis are living, scattered along the border
forest areas of Sylhet Division comprising
90 villages called, punjees. They have a
natural and holistic life. They are
fundamentally and basically cultivators of
hilly areas. Today, the majority earn their
livelihood by the production of betel-leaf
and betel-nuts. These are a mild
intoxicating ingredients commonly chewed
by all Bangalis. The Khasis sources of
income is the betel leaf cultivation.
Presently over 15,000 acres are under betelleaf cultivation. The betel plant is a creeper
type that requires trees of at least of 7 feet
in height for climbing, when taller and
bigger, the trees are better for plantation.
The life span of a betel-leaf plant is 10 to
15 years. No doubt, this way of life of the
Khasis has added beauty and flavour to the
already agricultural country of Bangladesh
and to its environment.
With the initiation of a government
plan to develop an Eco-park around the
famous, one and the only, water fall at
Madhabkundo, under Borolekha Upazilla,
and Lukhitilla at Muraichera under Kulaura
Upazila, in the deep forest area of
Moulvibazar District, the existence of over
1000 Khasis families is threatened. About
654 acres of Madhavkundo hilly land and
830 acres of Muraichera hilly land are
supposed to be brought under this project. It
is reported that the forest Department has
already approved of Taka 11 million from
ECNEC last June 2000 for the
implementation of the Eco-Park in
Madhavkundo and Moraichera hilly areas.
This project when completed will
destroy many Khasi punjees and will
endanger age-old human habitation and
pose a threat to the natural environment and
forest as well. Moreover, the socioeconomic and cultural situation of the tribal
families will be severely affected. The fear
is that in the final stage about 1500 tribal
families will ultimately face eviction from
their
century
old
habitation
and
environment.
In this deplorable plight the Khasias
turned to the Oblates Fathers for their
support and the Oblates responded
promptly. They have appointed me to
attend to their needs. It is a task that needs
tremendous courage and patience, not to
mention the time spent, and the expenses
incurred for legal assistance. The matter
needs urgent attention. The arduous task is
to organise the leaders of the tribals to fight
for their own cause. The matters have been
brought to the knowledge of the Human
Rights organisation and advice has been
sought from lawyers and experts.
In order to bring the matter to the
knowledge of the public, many journalists
and reporters have been notified, and they
have taken the initiative to flash the issue in
the daily papers. The matter has been
already taken up to the ministry level, if
needed, the final stage would be to file a
case against the project in the legal court.
If all attempts fail, then, the Oblates
have been left with only one alternative,
purchase some land, available in and
around the hills, from landowners and settle
them in the same environment where they
could continue their way of life. This needs
big financial assistance. We like to appeal
to our well wishers and our good
benefactors to come to our aid. At the
moment, we need money to attend to the
filing of cases, lawyers fees, travelling and
other expenses. We know that we are never
alone when we fight with you by our side.
Homily, given by the Apostolic Nuncio, Edward J. Adams
Jubilee Celebration for Dhaka City Seminarians, Candidates for Religious
Life and their Formators
Isaiah 61:1-2; 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5, Luke 4: 16-22
Holy Spirit National Major Seminary, Dhaka.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus inaugurates
his mission. The occasion is offered to him
in his hometown Synagogue where, as was
his custom, Jesus went every Saturday. He,
the carpenter of Nazareth, opens the book
of the Prophet Isaiah.
The passage – the first reading of
today’s Mass refers to someone who would
be sent by God. That someone would be
full of the Spirit of God, who would preach
the good news to the poor, release to
captives, recovery of sight to the blind,
deliverance to those who are oppressed.
That someone would, on behalf of the Lord
God, proclaim a “ Jubilee Year”, a time of
joy and happiness.
Jesus them gave the meaning of
what he just read. What he says, goes well
beyond the wall of that synagogue and well
beyond that Saturday 2000 years ago:
“Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in
your hearing”. The fulfilment of the
Scripture, and therefore God’s promise of
the Messiah, takes place with Jesus. It
began on that Saturday, has continued
throughout the history of the Church, is
with us now on this Saturday and will be
completed only at the end of time.
The Jubilee, the Year of grace”,
which Jesus announces, is different form
the Jubilee Years which the Jews celebrated
once every fifty years. He opens a Jubilee
Year that will never end. Yes, it is a time of
“ cancellation of debts”, of “ the restitution
of what has wrongly been taken”, a time of
“ welcome back, to those who had gone
astray”, of “ putting together what had been
broken”, a time of a “ general
reconciliation”, but of so much more. It is
the time of the Messiah. God comes,
finally, to save the human race. It is God
with us, in us, through Christ, in the Holy
Spirit.
The Jewish Jubilee year was
symbol, a sign (Leviticus 25,10), and a
shadow of what, with Jesus, becomes a
reality for those who welcome him, who
accept his person and listen to and obey his
words. The man Jesus is also the Messiah
the Saviour, the Son of God. His actions
and words have saving power far beyond
any given time of place.
At Corinth, twenty years later, the
apostle Paul would be talking about this
Jesus. He would be standing in public
preaching the Gospel of the Messiah, the
Saviour come to save the human race. the
results of St. Paul’s mission in Corinth
where a thriving Christian community was
born were no owing to his speaking
capacity nor his theological knowledge nor
even to his human personality.
At Corinth, St. Paul must have
appeared to the local people as odd. He was a
foreigner, a tentmaker, and a man without any
special qualifications. Yet they listened to
him in amazement when he spoke to them of
the crucified Jew whom he described as his
Lord, their attention was riveted to him as
he explained to them a new way of living, a
way of life totally different from anything
that they had heard of or imagined.
Many were captivated by his
enthusiasm for the message he brought to
them: this strange story of a God who
became a man, so that men might become
like God, indeed so that men become God’s
children.
Paul had success, unbelievable
success. Many, many, became follower of
Christ. The fruit of St. Paul’s mission can
be attributed only to the power of the Spirit
of God, working though his weakness. In
his weakness he became strong, thanks to
his faith in kthe Lord Jesus.
Our Scripture this morning is instructive for
us who have been called to bring the good
news of God’s love to our world. We must
understand that, like St. Paul, we are the
weak and awkward and sinful human
beings whom god has chosen and who have
been asked to undertake a holy mission.
The Word of God should encourage
us and help us to understand that the
mission we have been called to is for God,
to participate in a mysterious way in God’s
plan to save mankind. Our work is God’s
work.
But St. Paul shows us how it is to be
done. God can work through us only if we
believe. If we believe, if we really believe,
and so dedicate ourselves completely to
God’s plan, and allow God and his plan to
change our very lives. It we let ourselves
take on a new identity, and find it
impossible to conceive of ourselves as
anything else than as belonging to God and
as being a part of his plan to save the
human race. If we do, God will work
miracles for us and through us. He will
make our mission thrive. With all our
limitations and imperfections, we will
become powerful instruments in god’s
hands.
Those who committed to spreading
the Gospel – all of us - sometimes feel
frustrated our missionary efforts don’t seem
to produce results. The reponse from our
people does not come. And we look for
reasons why.
We say: “ if only we had the money,
we could do a lot more to spread the Gospel
and deepen the faith of our people. So much
has to be done, and we are so poor, we have
so little, we do not have what we need to do
the work”. Yes, we tell ourselves, if we had
the resources, we could do so much more.
But if in fact we had a lot of money
at our disposal, and all that we could buy to
help us, what would really change? The
problem of preaching Christ, making
known the Messiah, the Saviour of
mankind, in fact has nothing to do with
money and everthing to do with our faith.
Everyday I ask myself: is this
Gospel on which I have stalked my whole
life and death, is this Gospel true? Is the
Gospel true? Is it true or isn’t it? Is Jesus a
good human being, a revolutionary, a
prophet of the Jewish people, or is he really
what I say he is: the Son of God, the
Saviour, and the Messiah?
This is the crux of the problem of
whether or not our mission is successful.
Do we really believe what we say/ is Jesus
is what we say he is, if what we preach is
true, if the sacraments are real, if the
Eucharist is Christ in our midst, if we trust
in his promises, if we believe that our sins
have been forgiven and that we now lead a
new life in God, then, what more do we
need? The problem is not one of money, or
special resources, or study weeks, of special
theological courses, or renewal workshops,
or liturgical inculturation, or new or better
organisations of clergy and religious, or
more participation of kthe laity. The
problem is faith. Do we really believe and,
because of this, allow God and His Spirit to
take possession of us and to use us?
One of the aspects of the Church
today is that we continually hear about
pastoral methods, how we should catechise
( the new catechesis), how we should
evangelize of re-evangelize, how we should
build small Christian communities, “ the
new way that we should be church.’ We
talk constantly and what we are not doing,
and we forget about the obvious.
We forget the obvious. So many
documents, so many meetings, so much
talking….. all these things have a certain
importance, but a secondary importance.
Let us be quiet, believe and, in wonder and
gratitude, open ourselves to the Spirit of
God and to the truth of kthe Gospel: that
God who became a man, so the we might
become like God.
The really important things the
Gospel. Without the Gospel, and the truth
of kthe Gospel, all the rest is nothing.
Nothing. Morality, the sacraments, the
Church, the Pope, the Vatican, all are
meaningless, through the Holy
spirit,
remains with us and, through our humble
efforts, is saving our world.
Our apostolic works will begin to
bear fruit when we really believe in what
we tell the people, when God and his love
is really a part of outlives, when our faith is
transparent in how we act, how we speak,
how we live. This is the beginning of the
new awareness, and the power behind a
new commitment to mission that all of us
must have a we enter the new millennium.
May God and his love be forever preached,
forever praised, forever believed- really
believed. Amen.
DELEGATION NEWS
Delegation.
The Oblate Trust After more than 28
years of existence in Bangladesh, the
Oblate Delegation has become a legal
entity. Thanks to the untiring effort of Fr.
Angelo Martyn, our Delegation Superior,
the Delegation has been registered in the
state as an “Oblate Trust”. We can, now,
buy properties in the name of the Oblate
Trust. The Oblate Juniorate property had
been already registered in the name of the
above Trust.
Ordination. Most Rev. Paulinus Costa, the
Bishop of Rajshahi, will ordain Deacon
Kazal Linus Gomes OMI, a Priest on 29th
December 2000 at his hometown. He will
offer his first Thanksgiving Mass for his
parents and relatives on 30th December
2000. Bro. Linus hales from Muthurapur in
the District of Pabna. His parents are Mr.
Philip Gomes and Mrs. Margaret Rozario.
He has two sisters who are Religious, Sr.
Helen Gomes, the Provincial of the
Congregation of the Capitanio Sisters and
Sr. Mary Lia from the Congregation of
Mary, the Queen of Apostles. We extend
our heartiest congratulations to Bro. Linus
and assure him of our prayers for a
successful ministry. Father Superior
General had given the First Obedience to
Bro. Kazal Linus Gomes to the Delegation
of Pakistan. This is the first Oblate from the
Delegation of Bangladesh to be assigned to
a foreign mission. It is indeed a matter of
great joy and pride, and occasion to thank
God for this gift to our Delegation. We
extend our Congratulations to Linus and
assure him of our prayers.
Formation.
Ongoing Formation. Fr. Ajit Costa OMI
returned from Rome after successfully
completing his specialised studies in
Mission Theology at the Gregorian
university, obtaining a licence. He has been
assigned to the Oblate Juniorate as Rector.
Fr. Emil Moraes will assist him. Fr. Ajit
will also lecture at the National Major
Seminary of Bangladesh.
Fr. Robi Robert Rozario returned from
Manila, after completing his renewal course
at the East Asian Pastoral Institute. He
continues his ministry at Lokhipur Mission.
Fr. Joseph Gomes has been requested by
the Delegation to take up Law. While
continuing his apostolate in the parish and
Justice and Peace ministry he will pursue
his studies on law.
Scholasticate Fr. Bejoy D’Cruze OMI has
been appointed to the Oblate Scholasticate
in Dhaka as Superior. The Delegation
superior installed him on 8th December
2000. Fr, Emil Moraes will assist him. Fr.
Bejoy who successfully defended a
Doctoral Thesis at the Gregorian University
in Rome last Year will continue to lecture
at the National Major Seminary. Fr.
Thiruchelvam OMI had returned to Sri
Lanka, after sustaining a heart attack.
Doctors have advised him to remain in Sri
Lanka for further treatment, We thank him
sincerely for his valuable contribution to
the formation programme and assure him of
our prayers for his speedy recovery. Bro.
Ranjit Costa has successfully completed a
B. TH. programme in the National Major
Seminary.
Philosophate Fr. Anton Rex Kulas had
been appointed as full time Superior of the
Philosophate. Fr. Emil will assist him. Fr.
Rex participated in the AOFC programme
in Sri Lanka. Presently he is on his wellearned home leave, visiting his relatives
and friends in Sri Lanka. Four candidates
who have completed their philosophy
studies in the National Major Seminary in
Dhaka are preparing to leave for Sri Lanka
to begin their Pre-Novitiate.
Juniorate. Seminarians bade farewell to
their outgoing Rector, Fr. Bejoy and
welcomed Fr, Ajit Costa, the new rector.
Five candidates who are sitting for their
final B.A. examination will be promoted to
the Philosophate, they will begin their study
of Philosophy at the National major
Seminary in February 2001.
Missions.
LOkhipur. On the 26th November 2000
Lokhipur mission organized a grand
celebration for the closing of the Jubilee
Year. About 2000 people from different
tribes participated in it. With assistance
from ESNAC, a NGO in Japan, Lokhipur
mission is contemplating the possibility of
purchasing a piece of land in order to
construct a hostel for the tribal boys.
Khadimnagar: Fr. Antony Monohor and
Fr. Alphonse Jengcham are preparing a
radio programme to be broadcast on
Christmas day. A plot of land had been
purchased near the mission to be used as a
cemetery. Fr. Subash Costa and Fr. Angelo
Martyn have been assigned to Khadimnagar
as new pastors.
Maugaipar The Catholic High school has
been declared as the best school in
Sunamgonj Upazilla. Fr. Dilip Sarkar
OMI had been declared as the best Head
Master in Sunamgonj District. In a
ceremony held at the Education Office
in Sunamgonj Fr. Dilip had been
presented with an award. The oblate
Fathers,
students
and
parents
participated in a celebration organized
by the school. We congratulate and
felicitate Fr. Dilip Sarkar and Fr. Subash
Costa on their great achievement in
maintaining a high standard, both in
studies and in discipline. It must be
mentioned that out of 32 students 27
passed with 20 obtaining First Division.
This is a commndable feat for a village
School. Fr. Alphonse Jengcham has
been appointed new pastor of Mugaipar
mission
The Jubilee Symbol and Its Significance
Fr. Anton Rex OMI
On the 15th of January 2000 of
Dhaka diocese witnessed the inauguration
ceremony of the Millennium Jubilee, On
that occasion a huge poster depicting the
Jubilee emblem for the (arch diocese) was
exhibited in the Cathedral of Dhaka. It had
a wreath of creepers woven around 8
oriental
artistic
postures
in
an
anticlockwards direction. In the centre was
a circular blue fields, with a cross inscribed
and 5 coloured doves, hovering about and
underneath the blue filed was seen the
infant Jesus lying in a cradle surrounded by
radiant golden beams.
The artist’s presentation of these
symbolic designs depicting spiritual
realities was in keeping with the liturgical
renewal of Second Vatican Council which
encouraged the local and regional Churches
to initiate a movement whereby the faith
experience of the people would be
grounded in their own culture and their
celebration of faith would be deeply rooted
in their soil. We Asians heirs of great
cultural heritage, have experimented with
various indigenous symbols, idioms, art,
dance, music and postures to make
religion
relevant
and
liturgy
participatory and meaningful.
The 8 artistic postures, depicted
in the design, have sprung from the
aesthetic experience and artistic vision
of inspired men. They are taken from
the classical dance of India and are
symbolic in character.
Interpretation of these Postures:
First word of God:
It is alive and life giving. It
comes down to the human sphere to
saturate the whole humanity with its
love, joy, and justice, forgiveness
reconciliation and communion. The
right hand represents the living word
which comes down to us at every
moment, and the left hand shows
humanity in the terrestrial milieu.
Second: God the Father:
The gesture of the right hand
indicates that the Father is omnipotent,
sovereign Lord and Master of the
Universe. He is righteous and just. He is
the judge of mankind. The second
aspect expressed by left hand is the
gesture of imparting blessing whole
heartedly. This gesture indicates that
God is the loving Father, kind and
merciful. He loves, blesses and forgives
everyone, unconditionally. During this
Jubilee we are encouraged to approach
the throne of his grace.
Third: the Holy Spirit:
Eighth: Jesus the Son of God:
The right hand depicts the dove that
represents the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit
descends upon the human race which is
represented by the left hand. The left hand
is compared to a bowl to receive his gifts
and fruits.
The two natures of Christ are
indicated by the two hands. The left hand
shows his humanity and the right hand his
divinity. The left hand expressed obedience
and love of Jesus. The right hand shows his
glory and triumph, the destiny to which we
are called one day.
An Explanation of the Emblem: In a
blue circle filed which indicates the
universe, a cross is inscribed sustaining and
upholding humanity gathered in the five
continents represented by five doves.
Fourth: Holy Cross
A cross is made by the little fingers
of both hands. The cross is seen here as the
symbol of communion between heaven and
earth.
Fifth: The Church:
The two index fingers of both hands
are crossed to indicate the house of God
pointing to heaven and the two hands being
placed together indicate communion among
the people of God.
Sixth: The Risen Lord:
The left hand indicates holding
down or grave, while the right hand
shows rising up in freedom. The
sepulchre cannot imprison him. The
posture of the right hand shows rising in
victory and reigning in glory.
Seventh:
Mother
Mary
handmaid of the Lord):
(The
The two open hands kept
downward, with the fingers indicating
the ground, expresses her humility,
simplicity, obedience, openness and
holiness of Mary.
1. The cross is represented with the same
colours as the doves in order to signify the
mystery of the incarnation whereby Christ
assumes our human condition. God thus
enters into human history and redeems it.
2. The light which emanates from the centre
of the design stands for Christ who is the
light of the world. He is the one Saviour,
yesterday, today and forever.
3. the circular form in which doves are
represented underlines the spirit of
solidarity which animates the Great Jubilee
of the year 2000.
4. The vivacity and the harmony of colours
remind us that joy and peace are integral
part of the Jubilee celebration.
Picture of Jesus Lying in the Cradle:
The Millennium Jubilee celebrates
the birth of Christ 2000 years ago. At the
centre of Christianity is a person of Jesus of
Nazareth, the only Son of the Father who
now after rising is living with us forever. It
is this Jesus alive and active who has the
ability to transform our hearts.
Third: the Holy Spirit:
Eighth: Jesus the Son of God:
The right hand depicts the dove that
represents the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit
descends upon the human race which is
represented by the left hand. The left hand
is compared to a bowl to receive his gifts
and fruits.
The two natures of Christ are
indicated by the two hands. The left hand
shows his humanity and the right hand his
divinity. The left hand expressed obedience
and love of Jesus. The right hand shows his
glory and triumph, the destiny to which we
are called one day.
An Explanation of the Emblem: In a
blue circle filed which indicates the
universe, a cross is inscribed sustaining and
upholding humanity gathered in the five
continents represented by five doves.
Fourth: Holy Cross
A cross is made by the little fingers
of both hands. The cross is seen here as the
symbol of communion between heaven and
earth.
Fifth: The Church:
The two index fingers of both hands
are crossed to indicate the house of God
pointing to heaven and the two hands being
placed together indicate communion among
the people of God.
Sixth: The Risen Lord:
The left hand indicates holding
down or grave, while the right hand
shows rising up in freedom. The
sepulchre cannot imprison him. The
posture of the right hand shows rising in
victory and reigning in glory.
Seventh:
Mother
Mary
handmaid of the Lord):
(The
The two open hands kept
downward, with the fingers indicating
the ground, expresses her humility,
simplicity, obedience, openness and
holiness of Mary.
1. The cross is represented with the same
colours as the doves in order to signify the
mystery of the incarnation whereby Christ
assumes our human condition. God thus
enters into human history and redeems it.
2. The light which emanates from the centre
of the design stands for Christ who is the
light of the world. He is the one Saviour,
yesterday, today and forever.
3. the circular form in which doves are
represented underlines the spirit of
solidarity which animates the Great Jubilee
of the year 2000.
4. The vivacity and the harmony of colours
remind us that joy and peace are integral
part of the Jubilee celebration.
Picture of Jesus Lying in the Cradle:
The Millennium Jubilee celebrates
the birth of Christ 2000 years ago. At the
centre of Christianity is a person of Jesus of
Nazareth, the only Son of the Father who
now after rising is living with us forever. It
is this Jesus alive and active who has the
ability
to
transform
our
hearts.
The cover story
Bro. Bejoy Rebeiro OMI (Scholastic)
Brother Topon Halsona OMI designed the cover page of the current
issue of Bangladesh Flashes. It is a reproduction of the cover page of the
souvenir magazine, produced under the direction of the Scholastics on the
occasion of the Jubilee Year celebration, at Noyanagar Church.
The words written on it in Bangali language means: “ The Living
Word- a Source of joy in communion “. The words in the Bible say, “ I am
the Way, the Truth and the Life”. This was the main theme chosen by the
Scholastics to prepare the people who live in the vicinity, to celebrate the
Jubilee Year. The many hands in different colours, holding the Bible,
express the unity and joy of people of different walks of life, whether rich
or poor, literate or peasant, when they share the word of God with one
another.
The Catholic community in Noyanagar area, part of the parish of
Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka had carried out many programs to make the
Jubilee Year celebration a successful event. The Oblate Fathers and the
Oblate Seminarians had the privilege to work with them, providing them
with guidance and facilities.
The program began with the establishing a Church committee from
among the leaders of the various sections. A Jubilee committee was set
up to chalk out various programs. An intense Spiritual preparation of the
people began with prayer services and group meetings at the grassroots
level. A symbolic “ Jubilee Cross “ accompanied them in all the sections
during their prayer meetings, The Jubilee Year 2000 began on 1st January
with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration officiated by the Apostolic Nuncio,
followed by a whole day program and a festive lunch.
Then the Jubilee committee organized, various programs,
highlighting the significance of the Jubilee theme every month “ Joy in
communion “. The programs carried out included 1) A pilgrimage to the
Church of St. Nicholas at Nagari, 2) A Session for married couples, 3)
Gathering for all women, 4) Holy Childhood day for all children, 5)
Introduction of ASIPA 6) A Day for the sick 7) Youth Day and 8) InterChristians community gathering.
The highlight of the celebration was the distribution of Jubilee Bibles
to all the families and the proposed plan to introduce ASIPA Bible sharing
methods in all the sections, and to train the leaders to carry out the
programme in future. The climax of the programs was the final and the
closing celebration of the Jubilee Year on 24th November 2000. The
Scholastics concluded the celebration with a drama written and staged by
them.
THE ECO PARK TO BE OR NOT TO BE
(An open letter to all Ambassadors in Bangladesh- By the Tribal Leaders)
Your Excellencies,
Greetings from Kulaura! We are Montris (leaders) of our Tribal groups, situated of the
small hillocks in the Moulvibazar District. We are a dwindling minority and sometimes wonder
whether we will disappear for this earth. We like to submit in a nutshell, our present situation
for your kind consideration and perusal. With weightier matters on your mind, please leave a
nook for us.
We have been inhabiting some of the hilly areas of Moulvibazar District for more than a
century, roaming the jungles and planting pan(betel leaf) and fruit trees. The forest is always
our home and we love the forest, but in the last few months the Bangladesh Forest Department,
has made plans to take over more than 1500 acres of our land and establish “Eco Parks”
considering us, almost, as enemies to the forest. This is a blatant threat to our livelihood and
our very existence. We are incapable of living in a city as we are still uneducated and we are
educating our children only now. We are incapable of working anywhere except on forestland.
If this land is wrested from our hands, we really do not know what our future will be.
We understand the Government wants to bring 20 percent of land under afforestation
which is extremely important and the Minister of Forest and Environment, the Hon. Said
Sagged Choudhury said that she would like to have privately owned lands side by side with
Social afforestation programmes, under the participatory basis to create, develop and expand
forest land in the country.
Our plea is that in the Moulvibazar District, the lands under the Tribals, are the most
protected areas and boast of trees, animals and biodeversity, stability of Forest Management
and genuinely protects the environment, in comparison to many of the other areas. We humbly
request the Government to let our lands remain under our care, we will look after it and
preserve it, but the request apparently falls on deaf ears.
The Bangladesh Forest Department has earmarked 1,500 acres land now being occupied
by the Tribals, mostly Khasis and Garos for an Eco Park. Some of these lands have legitimate
records to prove that taxes were paid to the Government. Today, roads are being cut and an Eco
Park is being created, not considering the plight of more than 2000 tribals living in that area.
Our question is; why our land and not the land that has already been denuded of
Forests? We need big trees for the cultivation of betel and we replace trees and we do not
destroy trees, if this is not afforestation par excellencee, what is?
We are glad to inform you, that the Chittagong Hill Tract Ministry forward our petition
to the Prime Minister’s Office which showed immense goodwill. It requested the Forest and
Environment Ministry to ensure the rights and interests of the Tribals. The petition itself had a
few demands only. It said that the Tribals are not against an Eco Pare but wanted it in the land
not presently occupied by the Tribals, because there is much idle land still available. This
would mean that a greater area of land would be under afforestation programme. They also
wanted the Government to ensure their permanent land rights, fundamental human rights and
rights to education, health and culture because they too are part of this country.
We, the Tribals regretted the fact that when plans were made to study the feasibility of
an Eco Park by the Forest and Environment Ministry, we were not even consulted, even though
the land to be taken over was ours; no mention was made in the report, about the physical
presence of more than 2,000 Khasis and Garos living in the actual area to be taken over.
Your Excellencies, we are a voiceless minority, like our brother Tribals everywhere in
the would, utterly helpless. We turn to you with confidence. Please be kind enough to intervene
on our behalf on purely humanitarian grounds in a way that if fitting, so that we Tribals, could
be able to live with human dignity, ensured of our basic inalienable human rights. Without
knowing it, we have been maintaining the best Eco Parks, because the areas in our occupation
can be easily rated as the best examples of biodiversity and afforestation. Let our land remain
in our possession as they have been for the last century, let us live in peace and not imminent
threat of eviction, and we would cooperate with the Government, to fulfil the dream of a 20%
afforestation Programme in the country, thusmaintaining an ecological balance
Whilst thanking you in anticipation for your concern and brotherly understanding, we remain,
Sanjeeb Drong,
Member Secretary National Adivasi,
Co-ordination Committee,
173, Tejturibazaar,
Tejgaon,
Dhaka- 1215.
T’Phone Res. 8122881
T’Phone Off. 9339625
Oneil Yeng Young
Convenor
Greater Sylhet Khasi Garo
Oikya Parishad,
Muroicherra,
Kulaura,
Dt. Moulvibazaar.