25 DEATH ANNIVERSARY MASS OF FR. N.V. JOSE SDB CELEBRATED AT DON BOSCO HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, MARAM


Maram 22 Nov 2022: “This blood of Fr. N.V. Jose will not be wasted”, said a catechist to Fr. P.J. Varghese, then the Provincial of Dimapur Province.

25 death anniversary Mass in honour of Fr. N.V. Jose SDB was presided over by Fr. P.J. Varghese SDB at 6.30 am today at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Maram. The church was jam-packed with all the fathers, sisters, faithful people and college students from in and around Maram. Altogether there were 12 priests present for the anniversary Mass.

Contents of Fr. P.J. Varghese’s Homily put together roughly.
Fr. Ravalico and Fr. Bianchi met a certain Tangkhul Baptist by the name Mr. John from Maram Khullen Village. He and his people expressed their desire to become Christians. They were directed to become Catholics. They were told to go to Imphal and meet the missionaries there at Imphal.

In 1956 Fr. Ravalico and Fr. Bianchi came to Maram Khullen Village. A few people had gathered in a small chapel built by them. Only men were present. “Where are the women?” asked the missionaries. “They will come afterwards. They are busy now at home”, said the people gathered in the chapel.

In the meantime Fr. John Med was appointed in Senapati to look after the centre. A school was opened at Maram with the figure of two elephants at the entrance. FR. MANIANCHIRA SEBASTIAN, SDB put forward the proposal for a higher Secondary School. Many human considerations were brought forth: will there be enough students, teachers, provisions, economic viability etc. In 1994 Don Bosco Higher Secondary School was established. Fr. N. V. Jose was appointed as the Principal of DBHS school Maram. Number of students began increasing. The proposal of starting a college was put forward by Fr. Manianchira and Fr. N. V. Jose. Again similar human considerations were put forward.

In 1997 the first Don Bosco college in the province was established at Maram. 18 June was the foundation day of the DB college Maram. Bp. Joseph Mittathany graced the occasion. On 18 November 1997 Fr. N.V. Jose took charge of the college.

On 22 November 1997, after supper, Fr. N. V. Jose SDB went to the school office to type question papers. At that time, he was typing SS question paper of class 9, a group of students were having night studies in the school building on that day. A knock was there on the door of Fr. N.V. Jose. He was shot at. There was noise of shouting by the students who were studying in the school building. When fathers came to the office from the residence, Fr. N. V. Jose was found in a pool of blood. His body was taken to the church. Many people came and expressed their condolences, shock and sadness. His mortal remains were taken to Dimapur Salesian College for the final rites and burial. In the context of the killing, at that moment, it was thought inappropriate to go ahead with the running of the college for the time being.

In 1998 Fr. P.J. Varghese celebrated Fr. N.V. Jose’s death anniversary Mass at Salesian College Dimapur. In 1999, on 22 November, he celebrated Fr. N.V. Jose’s death anniversary Mass at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Maram. Even at that time everything had enveloped in a mystery as to who was involved in the act of killing and why was he killed in that painful manner.

When no answers were got from any source in 2000, Fr. Provincial and his team decided to move ahead with the college. At this time there was a boarding at Don Bosco Punanamei. Few Maram students were there along with Mao and Poumei students.

In the meantime Fr. Jose Palely was appointed to see to the running of Maram College. After all these had taken place, a catechist met Fr. P.J.Varghese and seems to have said, “The blood of Fr. N.V. Jose will not be wasted.” From then till now many fathers and sisters have made lot of sacrifices. 25 years ago, we couldn’t think that things could turn out to be like what we see today.

As the scripture says, “Be faithful and I will bestow on you the crown of unfading glory.” We wish the same for Fr. N.V. Jose.

Reported by
Fr. Blasius Tete SDB

‘Dare and Hope’ video album was officially released at Don Bosco College, Maram – MANIPUR.


Maram 16.11.2022: Video of Centenary choir ‘Dare and Hope’ was officially released today at Don Bosco College Maram by Mr. Francis Ngajokpa, Former Minister Government of Manipur. The video is an initiative of DBYES Dimapur & Fr. Salew Peter SDB. The lyric was written by Fr. Shilanand SDB & Fr. KO Sebastian SDB. The tune was composed by Sr. Helen FCC, Sr. Helena FMA & Ms Boikim Haokip the students of DBC Maram. The choir is sung by the students of DBC Maram . Recording was done by Fr. Barnes Mawrie SDB at Shillong. Photography was by Fr. Daniel Jaojian SDB. The video was arranged by Bro. Samuel of KJC Bangalore.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DON BOSCO HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL – DIMAPUR


DBHSS overall champions of ANPSA Dimapur sports meet 2022

A two-day All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA) Dimapur sports meet-cum-Basketball & Volleyball tournament concluded with a befitting closing ceremony at Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur on November 8.
The two-day event saw the participating schools competing in various events including volleyball, basketball, march past, 100 mtrs race, tug-of-war, etc. The overall champion trophy was bagged by Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur. In march past, Livingstone Foundation International secured the 1st position while Herbert Spencer School and Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School came in the 2nd and 3rd places respectively. In volleyball boys category, El Shaddai Academy won the 1st prize while Community Education Centre and Greenwood Hr. Sec. School won the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. The team from Lorna’s Hr. Sec. School won the 1st prize in volleyball girls’ category while the 2nd and 3rd prizes were bagged by Herbert Spencer School and Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School respectively.
In basketball boys category, the team from Christian Hr. Sec. School came out as the winners while Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School and Greenwood Hr. Sec. School bagged the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. In the girls’ category, Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School won the 1st prize while St. Mary Montessori & Hr. Sec. School and Greenwood Hr. Sec. School came in the 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
The best player award for volleyball boys went to Albert Rangthang of El-Shaddai Academy while for volleyball girls it went to Livitoli V. Awomi of Lorna’s Hr. Sec. School. In basketball, the best player award for boys went to Rahul Yadhav of Christian Hr. Sec. School, while for the girls, it went to Kurhozu Nyuuri of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School.
In the higher secondary category of 100 metres race, the 1st prize in girls category was clinched by Sunepjungla Longkumer of Livingstone Foundation International while Kashili M. Yeptho of Greenwood Hr. Sec. School and Bengangsenla Jamir of St. Stephen Hr. Sec. School bagged the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. In the same event, the 1st prize in boy’s category was clinched by Ghunashe Chishi of Bethesda Hr. Sec. School while Mhajamo Kithan of Livingstone Foundation International and Chemtipong J. Sangtam of Greenwood Hr. Sec. School won the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. In the 100 metres race for high school level boys, the 1st position was bagged by Imtisunep Imti of El-Shaddai Academy while Albert Meetei and Elvin Misao of St. Mary’s Hr. Sec. School clinched the 2nd and 3rd places respectively. In the same event for girls, the 1st place was bagged by Mehrin of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School while Moamen of Greenwood Hr. Sec. School and Kezhangunuo Seyie of Herbert Spencer School came in the 2nd and 3rd positions.
In the event of tug-of war boys’ category, the robust team from St. Mary’s Montessori & Hr. Sec. School won the 1st prize while St. Mary’s Hr. Sec. School, Padumpukhri clinched the 2nd prize and Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School came in the 3rd place. The girls’ team from St. Stephen Hr. Sec. School bagged the 1st prize in the same event while teams from St. Mary’s Montessori & Hr. Sec. School and Lorna’s Hr. Sec. School won the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively.
Despite the bifurcation of Dimapur into Chumoukedima and Niuland districts leading to some schools not being able to participate in Dimapur, the turnout of member school participants was overwhelming and the sports meet was conducted in a very enthusiastic manner unlike other years. In fact, the Dimapur unit of ANPSA is one of the most proactive units in the state which regularly organizes many such events for the benefit of its members.
The closing ceremony began with the gathering of all the participating schools followed by the prize distribution. A word of encouragement was shared by the president of ANPSA, Dimapur, Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema which was followed by an enchanting number by the students of Lorna’s Hr. Sec. School. The vote of thanks was proposed by general secretary ANPSA, Dimapur, Reji Abraham.
The other highlights included the flag down and submission of the ANPSA flag to the president ANPSA Dimapur by the convenor of the sports meet, Dr. R. Francis, which was followed by the declaration of the ANPSA sports tournament meet closed by the president. The programme concluded with a benediction by co-convenor of the ANPSA sports meet 2022 and principal of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, Rev. Fr. Stephen Chazhisseril SDB.

THE LAUNCHING OF PROVINCE QR CODE.


On 06th Sept., 2022, “The Salesians of Don Bosco”, Dimapur Province officially launched the Province QR Code at Don Bosco Provincial House. The programme was graced by the President of Past Pupils Mr. Imti Imsong and the General Secretary Mr. Nzan. Fr. Chazhisseril Stephen, Principal of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Fr. Benny, Provincial Economer, Provincial Secretary and the Rector of the house along with the staff of Don Bosco Provincial House were also present for the event. The Provincial Economer, Fr. Benny delivered the welcome speech wherein he explained the meaning and utility of QR Code. Mr. Imti Imsong while giving the words of encouragement stressed on the simple life of Don Bosco and his love for the poor youth and urged the gathering to imitate Don Bosco. Fr. Linus concluded the programme with the words of gratitude and shared something about the office of Mission Procure in the province. Mr. Imti Imsong made the first scan transaction of Rs. 5,000/- and donated the amount for buying a bicycle for the Brothers of Salesian College for their Sunday Oratory.

India – Rector Major from Goa: “If we are all present here today it is because Don Bosco had a great missionary heart”


(ANS – Panjim) – A solemn Eucharist and at the same time a moment of great spirituality and fraternity between the Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, and the members of the Provincial Councils of the South Asia Region, as part of the Spiritual Exercises that began for all of them yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, September 7: is the one that the 10th Successor of Don Bosco presided over at noon today (UTC+5:30 a.m.) at the Basilica of the Good Jesus (Bom Jesus) – a World Heritage Site – in Old Goa, where the mortal remains of the Patron of the Missions St. Francis Xavier rest.

“We truly have an extraordinary opportunity of grace at the beginning of our Spiritual Exercises: we are not here as tourists, attracted by a historical fact, but to look together into the depths of the First Evangelization of this land. Today we bring here, to this place, all the missionary nature of our presence in South Asia,” said the Rector Major at the opening of the celebration. 

Later, in his homily, Fr. Á.F. Artime traced a single thread linking the figure of Mary, whose Feast of the Nativity falls today, with that of St. Francis Xavier and that of Don Bosco. “We can say that the spiritual depth of several people changed the lives of many others,” he summarized in a single sentence.

Of Mary, the Rector Major emphasized “the depth of heart, able to say ‘yes’ to God’s superhuman proposal.” 

Referring to St. Francis Xavier, “a young missionary from a young congregation,” the Rector Major recalled the humble origins of the Society of Jesus, which was born from some young university students in Paris and the experience of a Spanish soldier, Ignatius of Loyola, united by the desire to find new ways of living and spreading the Gospel.

“What was the passion of this noble Spaniard’s heart to do something so crazy as to go so far, even to death?” And he added another reflection, thinking about the five centuries of the Society’s life: “When something comes from God, it lasts a long time; when it is a human project, it soon decays.”

Finally, the Rector Major outlined the figure of Don Bosco “another great missionary, although he never went to mission places.” “How much passion Don Bosco had for dreaming of a Congregation for the salvation of boys!” the Rector Major recalled, going on to cite Don Bosco’s desire to leave for the missions and the fact that already 15 years after the founding of the Congregation he sent Salesians to Argentina.

“If we are all present here today it is because Don Bosco had a great missionary heart,” he significantly added, before concluding with an appeal for all present: “Let us all ask God for a heart filled with passion for the mission there where we are.”

At the end of the celebration, the Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Patricio Fernandes, SJ, took the floor and sent a message of greeting to all present, explained the history, beauty and messages contained in the works of the basilica, and emphasized the common commitment as religious for evangelization.

(https://www.infoans.org)

The Salesians with their Rector Major Rev. Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime SDB at the feet of St. Francis Xavier, on 8 September 2022 from the Sanctuary of St Francis Xavier, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa.

Fr. Dr. Peter Salew SDB honoured for his work towards assisting Prison inmates of DIMAPUR


DIMAPUR, August 30: Under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of Independence of India, the Income Tax Department of Northeast Region under the leadership of Mr. Gunjan Prasad, Principal Chief Commissioner, acknowledged and felicitated notable persons who have made significant contributions in different sectors from Nagaland. One among seven awardees was Fr. (Dr.) Peter Salew sdb, belonging to the Salesians of Don Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco Fathers, who was felicitated at Don Bosco Provincial House, Dimapur, for his yeomen service towards the betterment of the lives of prisoners. Fr. Peter, along with his staff, using the charism of Don Bosco, brought peace, respect and meaning of life through various activities. “We are not here to judge them,” he said while speaking to the people gathered for the programme, “but to transform them and reintegrate them into society with dignity and a sense of responsibility. All of us are children of God.” The programme was honoured with the presence of Fr. Jose Kuruvachira, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Dimapur and his council members, media personnel and dignitaries from various sectors.
With Fr. Peter, there were other six notable persons who were acknowledged in different places: Smti Neihunuo Sorhie: In recognition of her valuable contributions to keeping handloom heritage alive, Dr Roland Lotha: In recognition of his selfless and valuable work towards welfare of the downtrodden children, Smti Diethono Nakhro: In recognition of her praiseworthy contribution towards the upliftment and rights of persons with disabilities, Shri Rakesh Kochhar: In recognition of his untiring social service in donating and arranging blood for needy patients, Shri Sumit Kumar Patni: In recognition of his social service and efforts during the covid pandemic and Shri Methaneilie Solo: In recognition of his immense contribution in the field of music.

Rev. Fr. Mathew Pulingathil sdb: 60 years a Priest and 70 as a Salesian


Dimapur: 29th June 2022:

The first Provincial of the Missionary Province of Dimapur and the Veteran Salesian Priest celebrated his Golden jubilee of Priesthood and Plantinum jubilee of His Religious Profession. He is now 60 years a Priest and 70 as a Salesian. A memorable Jubilee mass was celebrated yesterday at the Catholic Parish, Tinsukia, Assam. The occasion was graced by the Bishop of Dibrugarh, Rt. Rev. Albert Hembrom and many concelebrants. Rev Fr Mathew Pulingathil poses here with concelebrants after the Jubilee Mass on 29 June 2022 in Don Bosco Shrine, Tinsukia.

A Salesian Specialized in Martial Arts


Fr. Pottukalam Mathew died SDB at 11 pm on14 June 2022, after a prolonged illness and medical treatment in Shristi Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam. He was 66 years of age. He was a diabetic patient on dialysis for around three years, had some heart problems and post – Covid complications. On 31 May his health deteriorated and he was put on ventilator for some time. He was given absolution, anointing of the sick and blessing of Mary Help of Christians.

Pottukalam Mathew was born at Changanachery, Kerala on 24 may 1956. He leaves behind three brothers and six sisters.

He had his novitiate formation in Yercaud where he professed on 24 May 1976. He studied theology in Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong. He was ordained priest on 27 December 1984.

As a Salesian priest he worked in many places: Asst. Headmaster and Administrator in Don Bosco Dibrugarh; Asst. Parish Priest of Mao (Manipur); Asst. Parish Priest and Vice Rector in Doom Dooma; Warden of Ravalico Hostel in Chingmeirong-Imphal; Asst. Headmaster in Don Bosco School, Chingmeirong-Imphal; Head Master, Counselor and Asst. Parish Priest of Harmutty; Headmaster, Counselor and Asst. Parish Priest of Senapati (Manipur); Headmaster and Asst. Parish Priest of Senapati; Headmaster and Asst. Parish Priest in Margherita; Headmaster, Counselor of Don Bosco Kheti; Asst. Parish Priest and Administrator of Mon; Asst. Headmaster and later Headmaster of Tuli; Administrator and Vice Principal of Don Bosco School Kohima; Director of Youth Centre Kohima; Administrator and Vice Rector of Salesian College Dimapur; Asst. Parish Priest and In-charge of Junior School in Tinsukia; from 2020 till death he was in Don Bosco Dibrugarh for medical treatment and rest.

He had the unique distinction of being good in martial arts (Karate), trained specially under Geeta Raj as a student of theology in Shillong. When asked why, he used to say he wanted to train youth in martial arts. Perhaps he was inspired by John Paul II who used to say that God creates billions of people none of whom are carbon copies of others (cfr. the late Pope’s book The Acting Person). He appreciated and zealously cultivated God’s special gift to him. The Province of Dimapur has lost a precious member in the person of Fr. Pottukalam Mathew, already third Salesian in 2022. May his soul enjoy eternal rest in heaven.

Salesian Chapter Refocuses On Needy Youth


DIMAPUR, 10 JUN: The Don Bosco Society of Dimapur Province, comprising the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Upper Assam, held its 14th triennial convention (provincial chapter) from sixth to ninth June at the Provincial House, Dimapur. It refocused its attention on the deliberations of the 28th General Chapter of the Global Don Bosco Society held in 2020 at Turin in Italy, with the theme, “What kind of Salesians for the Youth of Today?”

In the afternoon of 6th June, Fr. Jose Kuruvachira, Provincial, welcomed all the 75 Chapter members and five observers as well as the invited guests. In his message Bishop Dennis Panipitchai of Miao Diocese (East Arunachal Pradesh) invited the participants to revive Don Bosco’s mission to the poor youth, update formation of Salesians to meet challenges of today’s youth and to share their mission with the lay persons. Sr. AlphonsaKurisingal FMA, (Provincial of the Salesian Sisters of Guwahati Province), Sr. Ancy Varghese MSMHC, (Provincial of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, Province of Tinsukia), and MsKaisaKaikho, (on behalf of Mr. Joseph Adani, coordinator of Salesian Cooperators), delivered their messages and prayed for the success of the 14th Provincial Chapter.

Fr. Tony Pellissery, Secretary to the Don Bosco National Forum for the Youth at Risk (based in Delhi), delivered the keynote address of the 14th Provincial Chapter. He stressed on three urgent requirements to work for today’s youth: (a) Compassion that urges action, (b) Courage that dares to lead, and (c) Creativity that finds ways and means to help the needy youth. The Salesians,moreover, need holiness and heroism to be relevant in the context of Northeast India, he said.

On 7th June, former Bishop Joseph Aind of Dibrugarh, presided over the Eucharist, and urged the chapter members to acquire the heart of Don Bosco that was beating for the love of poor youth. Mr. WanphaiNongrum of Shillong, who has spent considerable years working for neglected youth in various parts of India, and who is associated with the Don Bosco MSW College at Jorhat, shared his valuable experiences of living with and working for the deprived youth.

On 8th June Bishop Albert Hemrom of Dibrugarh prayed for and invited the chapter members to look back and imitate the hard work Salesian pioneers who introduced Don Bosco’s work in Northeast India in 1922. Moreover, he invited all to combine the hard work of Martha and the piety of Mary (Lk. 10:33-42).

On 9th June, Fr. Karinattu Benny Kurian presented the financial status of the Province of Dimapur. He also urged for solidarity of all Salesian institutions while working for the neediest youth of the region.

In his valedictory speech Fr. Jose Kuruvachira, Provincial, exhorted all chapter members to continue Don Bosco’s workfor youth with greater zeal and enthusiasm while striving to adapt to the fast changing situation of the modern Youth.