TWIN TOWERS
St. Joseph’s Cathedral Parish Newsletter
OVERCOME BAD HABITS THROUGH LOVE
The season of Easter is as long as Lent. So how do we make the Lenten
to Easter change? How do we move beyond deeply engrained bad
habits? John of the Cross, the Spanish mystic, suggests this: Try to set
the instinct that lies behind your bad habit into a higher love. What’s
meant by that? We begin to set an instinct behind a bad habit into a
higher love by asking ourselves: Why am I feeling this vengefulness,
this pettiness, this anger, this lust, this laziness, or this need to eat
or drink excessively? The answer might surprise us. Invariably the
deepest root undergirding the propensity for a bad habit is love. And so
we move to uproot a bad habit in our lives by recognizing and honoring
the energy that lies beneath it and inflames it. Then we need to reset
this energy into a higher framework of love, a wider, less selfish, more
respectful, more ordered perspective.
This season also includes devotion to the BVM. The May Devotion in
its present form originated at Rome where Father Latomia of the Roman
College of the Society of Jesus, to counteract immorality among the
students, made a vow at the end of the eighteenth century to devote the
month of May to Mary. The practice spread to the other Jesuit colleges
and thence to nearly every Catholic church. During the month fervent
homage of prayers and devotions are raised to Mary which include
pilgrimages, visits to churches dedicated to her, little sacrifices offered
up to her, and a more attentive recitation of the Rosary.
Here in our parish during the month of May we have been reciting the
Rosary with holy Mass at our grotto. Part of our tradition every evening
after Mass is distribution of snacks like peanuts, samosas, cholai, peas
etc., -- one way of bringing children to our Blessed Mother.
Easter concludes with the great feast of Pentecost -- a commemoration
of the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the early church. On the Day of
Pentecost, the sound of a violent wind filled the house and tongues of
fire came to rest on each of the disciples filling them with the Holy
Spirit. They were given the power of communication. The disciples
did not stay in the room basking in God’s glory but burst out to tell
the world. This was the beginning of the church as we know it. This
gift of the Holy Spirit, given to all believers on the first Pentecost is
promised for you and your children. Find out for yourselves which
among the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit do you possess -- wisdom,
understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the
Lord. These gifts, part of sanctifying grace, complete and perfect the
virtues of those who receive them, viz : Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering,
Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.
– Fr. Aloysius Ephrem Raju Alex
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER -- PARISH FEAST
We find our dignity in our work,
in raising a family, in participating
in the life of the Father’s creation.
Joseph the Worker was able to help
participate in the deepest mystery
of creation. Certainly, no worker
was ever more completely and
profoundly penetrated by it than
the foster father of Jesus, who lived
with Him in closest intimacy and
community of family life and work.
Following the flag hoisting on 22nd April, and the nine-day novena,
the Parish Feast is being celebrated on 1st May (Workers Day) with
Mass at 6:00 pm in the Apostolic Square followed by Parish Annual
Report, Cultural programme, Tambola, and Fellowship meal for all.
HAPPY PARISH FEAST TO ALL!
May 2015
MAY 2015 – AN OVERVIEW
The month of May is dedicated
to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The first 24 days fall within the
liturgical season of Easter, which
is represented by the liturgical
colour white -- the colour of light,
a symbol of joy and purity The
remaining days are in Ordinary
Time which is represented by the
liturgical colour green.
The Holy Father’s Intentions
for the Month -- Universal :
That, rejecting the culture of
indifference, we may care for
our neighbours who suffer,
especially the sick and the poor.
Evangelization: That Mary’s
intercession may help Christians
in secularized cultures be ready to proclaim Jesus.
Main Feasts: 1st St.Joseph the Worker, 2nd St.Athanasius,
3rd St. Philip, St. James the Lesser, 9th St. John of Avila, 13th
Our Lady of Fatima, 14th Ascension of Our Lord, St. Matthias,
20th St. Bernardine, 22nd St. Rita of Cascia, 24th Pentecost, 26th St.
Philip Neri, 30th St. Joan of Arc, 31st The Visitation, Trinity Sunday.
Focus of the Liturgy : The Gospel readings for all the Sundays. May
3rd -- 5th Sunday of Easter: In the day’s Gospel Jesus says He is the
vine and we are the branches. May 10th -- 6th Sunday of Easter: Christ
gives the commandment to love as He loves. May 17th -- Ascension /
7th Sunday: In this Gospel Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit. May
24th -- Pentecost Sunday: Jesus says the Spirit of truth will come and
that everything the Father has is His. May 31st -- Trinity Sunday: Jesus
tells the apostles to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
FR. RAJU ALEX’S 26TH ANNIVERSARY
Parishioners extended their warm wishes to our Parish Priest Fr. Alex on
19th April, the occasion of the 26th anniversary of his priestly ministry.
We are indeed very grateful for all that he does for the parish.
FAREWELL TO FR. RICHARD & FR. MATHIYAS
Though we are sad to see both our Asst. Parish Priests leave us, we
are happy to inform you that Fr. Richard John is transferred to St.
Thomas Church, Sultan Bazar as Parish Priest. He will also be the
Asst. Priest at St. Joseph’s Degree and P.G. College.
Fr. Mathiyas Reddy is transferred to St. Mary’s High School,
Secunderabad as Asst. Headmaster. The collection on Sunday, May
3rd will be a gift to them from all the parishioners. There will be a
Farewell Mass for them on Sunday, May 10th.
Fr. Y. Marreddy has been appointed as Asst. Parish Priest along with
Fr. Andrew Raj as Co-Pastor. We will welcome them on May 10th.
ARCHBISHOP’S DIRECTIVE TO PARISH
His Grace, Most Rev. Thumma Bala, has observed that the
Cathedral receives no subscriptions from parishioners. He
has directed the Parish Priest through his letter to introduce
monthly subscription from each family as per the Fifth Precept
of the Church -- “To help to provide for the needs of the Church
according to one’s abilities and possessions of Life.”
THE MESSAGE OF FATIMA -- AN URGENT CALL TO PENANCE
Our Lady of Fátima (Portuguese: Nossa Senhora de Fátima) is a title referring to the Virgin Mary, based on apparitions reported to be
experienced between May 13 and October 13, 1917, by three shepherd children at Fátima. near Lisbon in Portugal.
The three children were Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto.
Initial Apparitions : In the spring and summer
of 1916, nine year old Lúcia and her cousins
were herding sheep at the Cova da Iria near their
home village of Fátima. They claimed to have
experienced the visitation of an angel on three
separate occasions. The angel taught them to
pray, make sacrifices and spend time in adoration
of the Lord.
Vision of Our Lady : On May 13, 1917, Lúcia
described seeing a lady “brighter than the sun,
shedding rays of light clearer and stronger than
a crystal goblet filled with the most sparkling
water and pierced by the burning rays of the
sun”. While they had never spoken to anyone
about the angel, Jacinta divulged her sightings
to her family despite Lucia’s admonition to keep
this experience private. Her disbelieving mother
told neighbors as a joke, and within a day the
whole village knew.
Further appearances reported : On June 13 and July 13. the lady
appeared again to the children asking them to do penance and acts
of reparation and make personal sacrifices to save sinners.
Pray the Rosary : Mary asked the children to
pray the rosary for world peace, for the end of
World War I, for sinners and for the conversion
of Russia. Francisco died in 1919 and Jacinta the
following year. Lucia became a Carmelite nun
and died in 2005 at the age of 97.
Three Secrets : Mary gave the children three
secrets. Lucia revealed the first secret in 1927,
concerning devotion to the Immaculate Heart of
Mary. The second secret was a vision of hell. Pope
John Paul II directed the Holy See’s Secretary of
State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke
of a “bishop in white” who was shot by a group
of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows into him.
Many people linked this to the assassination
attempt against Saint John Paul II in St. Peter’s
Square on May 13, 1981.
“Worthy of Belief” : With millions of followers
and Roman Catholic believers, the reported visions
at Fatima gathered respect. After a canonical enquiry, the visions of
Fátima were officially declared “worthy of belief” in October 1930
by the Bishop of Leiria-Fátima.
FIVE VIRTUES A FATHER CAN LEARN FROM ST. JOSEPH
St. Joseph is invoked as the patron saint of Fathers precisely because he is such a great example of one.
He is a model father, hard worker, provider, chaste spouse and family man. Here are five virtues that a father can learn from St. Joseph.
1. HUMILITY -- It is the moral virtue that keeps a person from reaching beyond himself. It is the virtue that restrains the unruly
desire for personal greatness and leads people to an orderly love of themselves based on a true appreciation of their position
with respect to God and their neighbours. Religious humility recognizes one’s total dependence on God. Moral humility
recognizes one’s creaturely equality with other human beings. Yet humility is not only opposed to pride. It is also opposed to
immoderate self-abjection, which would fail to recognize God’s gifts and use them according to the will of God.
2. CHASTITY -- It is the virtue that moderates the desire for sexual pleasure according to the principles of faith. For married
people, chastity moderates the desire in conformity with their life. For the unmarried people who wish to marry, the desire is
moderated by abstention until (or unless) they get married. For those who resolve not to marry, the desire is totally sacrificed.
3. OBEDIENCE -- It is the test of our love of God. His laws are God’s way of enabling us to prove our love for Him; there is
no obedience where there is no love, there is much obedience where there is much love.
4. PRUDENCE -- We are to be silent when it is clearly necessary to do something and not talk about it. For some people talk
and more talk is an excuse for doing God’s will, but speech is no substitute for actions. As an act of virtue, prudence involves three stages of
mental cooperation: to take counsel carefully with oneself and from others; to judge correctly on the basis of the evidence at hand; and to direct
the rest of one’s activity according to the norms determined after a prudent judgment has been made.
5. LOVE FOR FAMILY – Saint Joseph deserves our admiration for his many virtues, but he is to be especially imitated in his love for Jesus and
Mary. Joseph put his love to work. He did not merely tell Jesus and Mary that he loved them. He acted out his love. He lived it.
SAINTS OF THE MONTH
ST. JOAN OF ARC
Born : 1412 Died: 1431 Feast Day: May 30
Patron : France, Military members
Burned at the stake as a heretic after a
politically-motivated trial, St. Joan was
beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920. Born
in a fairly well-to-do family near Paris, Joan
was only 12 when she experienced a vision
and heard voices that she later identified as
Sts. Michael the Archangel, Catherine of
Alexandria, and Margaret of Antioch. During
the Hundred Years War, St. Joan led French troops against the English
and recaptured the cities of Orléans and Troyes. Captured the following
year, she was placed on trial for heresy and witchcraft. In the end, she
was condemned for wearing men’s clothes. As she was being burned
at the stake, Joan called on Jesus. A second Church trial 25 years later
nullified the earlier verdict. Joan of Arc has been the subject of many
books, plays, operas, and movies.
ST. RITA OF CASCIA
Born : 1381 Died : 1457 Feast Day May 22
Patron : Abused wives, Impossible causes
Born in Italy, St. Rita was married at an early
age. The marriage lasted for 18 years, during
which she is remembered for her Christian
values as a model wife and mother who
made efforts to convert her husband from
his abusive behaviour. Upon the murder of
her husband by another feuding family, she
sought to dissuade her sons from revenge
before their calamitous deaths. She subsequently joined an Augustinian
community of religious sisters, where she was known both for
practicing mortification of the flesh and for the apparent efficacy of
her prayers. St. Rita is venerated due to various miracles attributed to
her intercession, and is often portrayed with a bleeding wound on her
forehead, which the Church claims she experienced as a partial stigmata.
Pope Leo XIII officially canonized Rita in 1900.
MAY 31 -- FEAST OF THE VISITATION
MAGNIFICAT -- THE SONG OF MARY
The Visitation is a fairly late feast, going back only to the 13th or
The Magnificat (Latin for My Soul
Magnifies) – also known as the Song
of Mary, the Canticle of Mary and in
Byzantine tradition, the Ode of the
Theotokos – is the canticle frequently
sung (or spoken) liturgically in Christian
church services.
It is one of the eight most ancient Christian
hymns and perhaps the earliest Marian
hymn. Its name comes from the first word
of the Latin version of the canticle’s text.
The text of the canticle is taken directly
from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55)
where it is spoken by the Virgin Mary
upon the occasion of her Visitation to her
cousin Elizabeth. When Elizabeth praises
Mary for her faith, Mary sings what is
now known as the Magnificat in response.
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in
God my Saviour.
For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is His Name.
And His mercy is on them that fear Him, throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with His arm, He hath scattered the proud in
the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the
humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent
away empty.
He, remembering His mercy, hath helped His servant Israel, as He
promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
14th century. The present date of celebration was set in 1969 in order
to follow the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25) and precede the
Nativity of John the Baptist (June 24).
The more visible characters in the visitation drama are Mary and
Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a
hidden way. Jesus makes John leap with joy -- the joy of messianic
salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses
words of praise to Mary -- words that echo down through the ages.
Elizabeth’s praise of Mary as “the mother of my Lord” can be viewed as
the earliest Church’s devotion to Mary. As with all authentic devotion
to Mary, Elizabeth’s (the Church’s) words first praise God for what
God has done to Mary. Only secondly does she praise Mary for trusting
God’s words. Then comes the Magnificat where Mary herself (like the
Church) traces all her greatness to God.
MARIAN GROUP PRAYS AT THE GROTTO
Few parishioners may be aware of a small group of women who
practise daily devotion to Our Lady at the Grotto of St. Joseph’s
Cathedral. Maria Shalini had the opportunity to speak to them at
one of their morning meetings.
Grottos intended as replicas of the one at Our Lady of Lourdes are often
described as “Lourdes Grottos” or the “Garden of our Mother”. To
keep this devotion to Our Lady alive, a group of parishioners, namely,
Abarnamary, Yanamma, Appal R.K Swamy, Susai Mary, Susai
Karunamma, Susheela, Benny, Josephine and Philomena Xavier
started this practice years ago at the grotto. They used to recite the
Rosary and Litany of Our Lady, following with intercessory prayers
to saints, and Marian hymns. They were committed to gathering daily
after evening Mass, and before Mass during May Devotions. Most of
them are no more but the devotion is still carried out by their children.
Maria Bhatt, Fatima Mary, Pokisha D’Cruz and Josephine
Anthony, continue the devotion every day after the morning Mass.
Few other ladies like Ms. Maryamma and Ms. Lily join the group
on Saturdays. The Marian group states that the devotion to Our Lady
is a trademark of Catholics and should not be discarded because of the
confusing views raised by brethren from other denominations.
MAY DEVOTION TO OUR LADY
The Devotion will start from 2nd May with daily Rosary at
6:00 pm followed by Mass. Volunteers are needed for the
entire month to arrange the devotion at the grotto. Those
interested should contact Errol Fernandes and Mari Susai.
DIVINE MERCY FEAST CELEBRATED
Pope St. John Paul II designated the second Sunday of Easter as the
Feast of Divine Mercy when he canonized Maria Faustina Kowalska in
2000. The Feast was celebrated in our Parish on 12th April, with Holy
Hour at 4.30 pm in the presence of the Eucharist in the tabernacle. Select
prayers from the diary of St. Faustina were recited along with hymns
to plead to the Lord for His mercy upon all. The Holy Hour ended
with Benediction and final blessing. A large number of parishioners
participated in the devotion to the Divine Mercy.
We wish all the mothers of our parish
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
A special programme will be held for them
after the 8:00 am Mass on May 17 in the Cellar.
TESTIMONY -- CLAIMING GOD’S PROMISE
Ps 9:12 – “He is mindful of them and does not forget the cry of the
afflicted.”
I am Lily Mary, a Prayer Warrior of the Spouse of Christ Prayer
Tower. I was introduced to Br. Nelson Israel in 2009 when he prayed
over my elder sister’s son at his residence in Gunfoundry. Br Nelson
invited me many times to attend the prayer tower services, but I could
not, due to the workload and time constraints. Since 2011 onwards, I
started attending the prayer services.
Often I used to have severe pain in my knee joints and hands. I used to
take a lot of painkillers. Br. Nelson’s prayer used to give me temporary
relief. Later, on Br. Nelson’s advice, I went for counseling and he
prayed over me to break the bondage. After the prayer and counseling,
I felt that a heavy burden was lifted off my head and my entire body
became light and refreshed. All my pain vanished and I was completely
healed. Now I have sound and peaceful sleep,
Br. Nelson prescribed a medicine three times daily i.e., Meditating on
the verse of Book of Isaiah 41:10. “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I
am your God. Let nothing terrify you. I will make you stronger and help
you. I will protect you and save you”. Since then, whenever I am sick,
or for others also, I claim this promise of God and have experienced
healing every time by the grace of Jesus.
I am immensely blessed, and my family too. My elder son got a job;
my daughter got a teacher’s job, my youngest son is also studying well.
There are days now when I feel restless if I do not go to the Prayer Tower
-- as if I’ve lost something very precious. A million thanks to Jesus for
his grace and mercy on us. All Glory and honour to God. I thank Br.
Nelson for his spiritual guidance and Fr. Alex for his support.
PARISH HAPPENINGS
HOUSE BLESSING : The Easter blessing of houses for Bogulkunta
Zone is scheduled from 3rd to 9th May between 5 pm and 8 pm.
PARISH FAMILY BOOK : Kindly fill the form for the New Parish
Family book and hand it over at the Parish Office before 15th May. The
Parish Priest will come to your residence and give the family book.
CATHEDRAL PAINTING: The painting of the church interiors has
begun. About Rs. 6 lakhs has been collected so far towards the estimated
cost of Rs. 8 lakhs. Please be generous and make your contribution.
SUMMER CAMP : The St. Joseph’s Summer Camp 2015 for children
studying from 1st to 10th class will be conducted from 11th to 16th
May from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at All Saints School.
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS : The feast will be celebrated in our
Parish on 25th May during the evening Mass.
HEALING CONVENTION : Catholic Hub is organizing Divine
Family Healing Convention (Mighty Anointing & Deliverance) from
29th to 31st May 2015 conducted by Rev. Fr. Christuraj, Rev. Fr.
Benny, Rev Fr. Cyril, Rev. Fr. Ravi and lay preachers.
PASSOVER MEAL : The parish will organize a Passover Meal on
6th June 2015.
CATECHISM CHILDREN’S PICNIC: 18th April @ Dream Valley.
picture of children’s pinic.
MAY 14 -- ASCENSION OF OUR LORD
The
Ascension of Our Lord,
celebrated on May 14, is one
of the great solemnities, in the
Christian liturgical calendar, and
commemorates the bodily Ascension
of Jesus into heaven in the presence
of His apostles. Ascension Day is
traditionally celebrated on a Thursday,
the fortieth day of Easter. However,
some Roman Catholic provinces
have moved the observance to the
following Sunday. It is one of the
ecumenical feasts (i.e., universally
celebrated), ranking with the feasts of
the Passion, of Easter, and Pentecost
and is a holy Day of Obligation
PENTECOST -- COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Pentecost
(Ancient Greek: Pentēkostē or “the fiftieth day”) is the
Greek name for the Feast of Weeks, a prominent feast (Shavuot)
in the calendar of ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Ten
Commandments on Sinai. Later, in the Christian liturgical year, it
became a feast commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the
Apostles. For this reason, Pentecost, which is celebrated on May 24th
is sometimes described by some as the “Birthday of the Church”.
Fr. Rich, please check correct date and venue of
picnic in the headline above box.
SJWWC FOUNDERS HAND OVER CHARGE
The outgoing General Secretary of the St. Joseph’s Women Who
Care, Mrs. Charlotte Domingo, reports on the activities of the
association conducted by members of the new committee.
SJWWC, which started as a voluntary group in 2008, had a change
of leadership on 8th March 2015, the occasion of Women’s Day. The
following new office bearers took over from the founding members.
President: Mrs. Veronica Fernandez (from Ms. Della Godfrey);
Gen. Secretary: Ms. Maria Shalini (from Mrs. Charlotte Domingo);
Treasurer : Mrs. Ann Sunita (from Mrs. Lucy Vaz); Vice President :
Mrs. Delphine Paul; Joint Secretary : Mrs. Shobna Mathews.
The first initiative the group took was to conduct the Lenten Adoration
service on 23rd March with the focus on Women in the Bible. Eve,
Esther and Mother Mary were dwelt upon by Delphine Paul, Veronica
Fernandez, Angelina Benedict and Charlotte Domingo, giving
weightage to virtues that women of today can emulate. Mrs. Christina
Andrews organised the programme which was interspersed with
Marian hymns, soft music, and visual aids presented by Ms. Shalini.
BAPTISMS / BIRTHDAYS / ANNIVERSARIES
Birthdays in May – 1st E.C. Simon, 2nd Catherina Lazarus, Shanaya Peter,
Mrs. Jaya Peter, 6th Raphael Lazarus, Vinal D’souza, 7th Mary Monica,
Theresa Joseph 9th Maria, Regina Sunil Ray, 12th Maria Celestina, 16th
Shanti, Noel Peter, 18th Theresa Francis, 19th Theresa Joseph, Maria Sujatha,
26th Sherlin Alexander, P. John Anthony, 30th Mary Esther Joyce, Sridevi.
Wedding Anniversaries in May – 1st Joseph Alexander & Mary Esther
Joyce 2nd Mr & Mrs. Helen Peter, 8th Anthony & Susai Mary, 11th Joseph
& Margaret Francis, 12th Alexander Simon & Vandana 18th John & Coreena
Lazarus, Joy Vaddaken & Philomena 27th K. Sunder & Lalitha.
PENTECOST VIGIL : To prepare for the Feast of Pentecost, there
will be a Night Vigil starting 9.30 pm on Saturday, 23rd May and
ending with Holy Mass at 5:00 am 24th, Pentecost morning.
TRINITY SUNDAY - CELEBRATING A DOCTRINE
Trinity Sunday falls on May 31, one week after Pentecost Sunday, and
it is the day that the Catholic Church has set aside to honour the most
fundamental of Christian beliefs -- the Holy Trinity. The belief that
God is Three Persons -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- and yet One
God. The Trinity is one of the most fascinating -- and controversial
-- Christian dogmas. It is a mystery. By mystery the Church does
not mean a riddle, but rather the Trinity is a reality above our human
comprehension that we may begin to grasp, but ultimately must know
through worship, symbol, and faith.
URGENT REPAIR OF CHURCH PREMISES
A portion of the dilapidated roof adjacent to the Asst. Parish
Priest’s room collapsed due to heavy rains. The Parish Priest
requests donations for the RCC replacement of the roof.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Gunfoundry, Hyderabad 500001
Church Office : Mr. George Bhatt
Timings : 9 am - 12.30 pm and 5 pm - 7 pm
For Queries : Contact Tel. 040 - 23234165
Newsletter Email ID: [email protected]
Website : www.cathedralstjoseph.org
Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/st.josephscathedral
TWIN TOWERS NEWSLETTER – EDITORIAL BOARD : Fr. Raju Alex, Fr. Richard John
Mr. Peter Martin, Mr. Alphonse Susai, Ms. Maria Shalini, Mr. M. Rajan
Printer : Mr. Robin Bose