Afghanistan

Afghanistan

There were about 350 students attended for the concluding ceremony of the English Access program that was conducted in four centres. The Hall was packed with the students, parents and the invited guests. It was a memorable experience. The students were able to show the people their talents and knowledge of English through the Drams, Skits, songs, speeches and declamations. Though it was a hectic job to organize the programme for such a big number and that to bring the students from 4 different schools in the same place, it has brought out the best in me. I am ever grateful to the community here for giving me the courage and freedom. (Jestin)

November 19, 2012

Mayor Eric J Kellogg’s speech honoring renowned human rights activist and Jesuit priest, Fr. Cedric Prakash, s.j.

Dear Council Members and my fellow citizens,

It is my privilege to welcome you all today to this event, which symbolizes the values of our nation and the spirit of the City of Harvey. We are gathered here today to appreciate and honor a man who lives thousands of miles away, but whose heart beats for peace, justice and the wellbeing of all humanity. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming renowned human rights activist and Jesuit priest from India Fr. Cedric Prakash!

You may recall that in March of this year, our City Council passed a resolution condemning the horrific massacres in Gujarat in 2002, and expressing solidarity with the victims and survivors of that pogrom. The Gujarat pogrom is known for the killing of over 2,000 people and the displacement of over 150,000, and indeed represents one of the darkest chapters in Indian history. On the other hand, the struggle for justice in the aftermath of the Gujarat carnage is a story of selfless service, of a relentless quest for peace and of undying love for humanity. Fr. Cedric Prakash is one of those rare individuals who symbolize these great qualities.

Fr. Cedric Prakash is the director of an organization called Prashant in the city of Ahmedabad, which was the epicenter of the horrendous crimes against humanity that were perpetrated in Gujarat in 2002. The organization is in the forefront of monitoring and documenting human rights violations and advocating for religious harmony. Fr. Prakash himself, as the founding director of this organization has worked tirelessly to build bridges among various groups, and to secure justice and rehabilitation for the survivors. He has also been vocal in highlighting the ongoing plight of minorities in Gujarat and other parts of India.

Fr. Prakash’s work in the field of humanitarian advocacy predates the tragic events in Gujarat.  He has worked ceaselessly to bring about religious harmony in the diverse religious landscape of India. This cause, for which he has worked selflessly for several decades, has been recognized in India and abroad. In 1995, the President of India conferred him with the Kabir Puraskar, for his work in the promotion of religious harmony. In 2003, the Indian American Muslim Council presented him with the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award for Humanitarian Work. In 2006, he was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, one of the highest French civilian awards, in recognition of his commitment to the defense and the promotion of Human Rights in India. The same year, the National Minorities Commission of India also honored him with the Minorities Rights Award.

Today, we in the City of Harvey have the honor of having Fr. Cedric Prakash in our midst. As Mayor of this wonderful city, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Fr. Prakash, and the cause of justice and interfaith harmony that he and his organization symbolize.

Fr. Prakash’s work shows us that in the midst of appalling cruelty and terrible crimes against humanity, there exists compassion, selflessness and an inspiring conviction in the brotherhood of humanity.  Fr. Prakash’s persistent struggle for justice is a reminder of the proverb, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkeness.”

Thank you and God Bless You!

Katha by Fr.Vinay Macwan in MP3 CD

Katha by Fr.Vinay Macwan in MP3 CD , named ‘Bhala Mora Deva’ was released at Khambholaj by Bishop. Thomas Macwan on Diwali. It was the second one of this kind. The first one, named ‘Katha Sangat’ was released in the year of youth 2012 by BBN. “Katha Sangat” was the fruit of the joint effort of the Katha team at Khambhat and the keyboard player Anand J.Macwan. Both the CDs were well received by the Catholics of Kheda and South Gujarat. Many Congratulations to You!

Bal Sahitya Puraskar Sahitya Akademi

Kavi Yoseph Macwan Will be felicitated on 20 Nov 5.00p.m and 21 Nov 9.00 a.m at Bal Ghandharv Rang Mandir, Jungli Maharaj Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune. He is given the award from the  Bal Sahitya Puraskar Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi for his work on “Bal Sahitya” on this occasion at Pune. Many Congratulations to Kavi Yoseph Macwan!

Xavier’s Rocks at Youth Festival - Fr.Vincent Braganza

Xavier’s Rocks at Youth Festival

College played host to the 2012 Gujarat University Ellisbridge South Zone Youth Festival named ‘Tarang’. The event brought in waves of students from nearly 50 colleges who participated in 27 events. 26 of these were held in the superb infrastructure of the college premises which were highly appreciated by participating students as well as in-charge staff and Principals. The coordinator for Youth Affairs, Mr Chavda, was deeply impressed and was specially taken up with the organizational capabilities instilled in our students. At the events level, Xavier’s topped in 15 events, creating a record. For the first time in the 57 years of the college, it won the folk dance event. Proof of the pudding came at the inter-zonal which was hosted by a college in Viramgam, where over 150 colleges participated. We came away winning 14 out of the 15 events which we were allowed to participate in. We were declared overall champions and once more created a record in the history of the college.

Year of Faith - Fr.Nagin Macwan

Year of Faith

The inauguration of the Year of Faith was held on the grounds of Catholic Church, Gamdi-Anand on 14 October. Bishop Thomas Macwan presided at the Eucharist which began at 3 p.m. The liturgy was meticulously planned out by the event coordinator Fr Titus D’Costa. Sr Manisha, principal of St Ann’s, Nadiad was the MC for the ceremony.

It began with a procession, with different age-groups of people from different deaneries lighting the lamp. There was a beautiful prayer-dance by Vimal Miriam Girls at the Offertory. The outstanding figure was Fr Pariza, the oldest living missionary of Gujarat Mission who, together with the old catechist master Mr Paul Damian, unveiled the LOGO of the Year of Faith. During his homily Bp Thomas encouraged the laity to partake daily in the mass during this year of faith. About 3000 people were present to witness this event along with 24 Fathers at the altar. Anand Mission is the cradle of the Gujarat Church. (Fr Nagin Macwan)

The Pilgrims Scho.Nilesh Macwan

The Pilgrims

Under the able guidance of Fr Joseph Valiamangalam, Rector of G.V.D, we the second year students of theology had gone to Haridwar, Rushikesh and Jaiharical as part of our contextual theology programme (CTP).  It was truly a divine experience in “Dev Bhumi”- the abode of God, in the midst of the Himalayas. The pilgrimage to these cradles of Hinduism opened the way for us to understand the spirituality of this multi-branched religion called Hinduism. This enabled us to go deeper into the socio-cultural analysis of the so called Hinduism and their spiritual formation. It was nothing but a pure witnessing of God at work through various religions and in particular Hinduism. It was not merely a visit to the holy lands of Hinduism but it became part and parcel of the divine experience through the means of the faith of Hinduism. This CTP-12 will remain a memorable one as it strengthened our rootedness in Christ and cultivated openness to the other religions. This experience has become a means to prepare ourselves to the new ways of evangelization and to present Jesus in an Indian way. We were fortunate enough to have a little taste of Ashram life at “Jeevan Dhara Ashram” in Jaiharical run by CMI congregation. The soothing atmosphere of silence, solitude, prayer and oneness with the nature at the Ashram blended with noble values of simplicity, poverty and purity of thoughts in experiencing God there. We are much obliged to our Rector for arranging such an enriching pilgrimage and his availability. We are indeed indebted in kindness to Fr Devis CMI, Fr Thomas Kochumattam CMI, Acharya   Atmaswaroopnanda of Shivanand Ashram, Turiya and Atmajyoti matajis for their valuable contribution to make this CTP a great success. (Sch Nilesh Macwan)