Announcements
Annual Retreats for Priests
2016-05-16
As usual we will have two annual retreats for Priests in the year 2016. First retreat will be on August 22-27 preached by Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan, SJ, and second retreat on September 19-24, preached by Rev. Fr. Oscar Nazareth, OP. Kindly find the grouping attached herewith. Any change you wish to make should be done before 30th July with Mr. Rockey at Bishop’s House office.
Missionary Meeting
2016-07-14
Our Missionary Meeting will be held on 14-15 July 2016, beginning at 9.30 am on 14th at Nav Sadhana, Varanasi. All are expected to attend. Superiors, both men and women, head of institutions and formation houses, boarding in-charges and those engaged in social, health and educational ministries – all should benefit from the meeting.
Meeting of Association of Catholic Schools of Diocese
2016-07-15
The meeting of the Association of Catholic Schools of the Diocese will be held on August 20 -21, 2016. All in the ministry of education will please make note of it
Clergy Retreats
2016-07-15
Our Clergy Retreats are scheduled as follows. First retreat will be on August 22-27 preached by Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan, SJ, and second retreat on September 19-24, preached by Rev. Fr. Oscar Nazareth, OP. The grouping was given in the last circular dated April 28, 2016.
Pilgrimage at Ballia
2016-07-15
Pilgrimage at Ballia will be held on September 10 -11, 2016; and at Hartmannpur on October 15-16, 2016. Advance planning and preparation for these important events is necessary for making it fruitful, especially in the context of Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Successful completion of license in Christology
2016-07-15
Fr. Prince Frankline who has successfully completed his licentiate in Christology has been appointed as the Vice Rector of San Paulo Apostolo College, Rome. We congratulate him and convey our best wishes for his special ministry. He will also pursue his doctoral studies.
Spiritual Enrichment Programme for married couples
2016-08-12
The Family Commission, under the leadership of Sr. Ranjita, SRA is organizing Spiritual Enrichment Programme for married couples of the parishes in Varanasi deanery from September 30 to October 2, 2016 (evening hours). Kindly motivate all to benefit from it. Sr. Ranjita will contact you with details.
Orientation Programme for the newly appointed teachers
2016-08-12
There will be an Orientation Programme for the newly appointed teachers of our schools (English) on 27, August 2016 (9.30 am – 1.30 pm), at St. John’s School, Ledhupur, Sarnath. The Secretary of Education, Fr. Thomas Mathew, will coordinate the same.
Pilgrimage in Ballia
2016-08-12
Fr. P. Simon, the Parish Priest of Ballia would have already intimated to you regarding the pilgrimage in Ballia on September 10-11, 2016. Kindly organize women and young girls of your parish to participate in it with special sentiment of the Year of Mercy.
The meeting of the Association of Catholic Schools
2016-08-12
The meeting of the Association of Catholic Schools in the Diocese will be held on August 20 (9.30 am) – 21 (1.00 pm). All in the ministry of education will please attend.
Members of College of Consultors
2016-09-01
Members of the College of Consultors. Fr. Peter Colaco, Fr. David Vazhapilly, Fr. John Abraham, Fr. Vijay Shantiraj, Fr. Cyril Menezes, Fr. Thomas Mathew, Fr. Susai Raj, Fr. TelesphoreKerketta, Fr. Julian Fernando and Fr. Y. Joseph.
Hartmannpur Pilgrimage
2016-09-01
Sister Kritika SRA, appointed as the Directress of MahilaSangh, succeeding Sr. Nitya SRA, will intimate to you regarding the Hartmannpur Pilgrimage, October 14-16, 2016. I request every parish priest to encourage women and young girls of your parish to participate in it. We praise the Lord for the outstanding ministry carried out by Sr. Nitya SRA and pray for her health and recovery especially during the pilgrimage.
Spiritual Enrichment Programme
2016-09-01
This is again a gentle reminder about the Spiritual Enrichment Programme for married couples of the parishes in Varanasi deanery from September 30 to October 2, 2016 (evening hours). Sister Ranjita SRA, Directress of Family Apostolate, has already contacted you with details. Please motivate all married couples in your parish, institution to take part in the programme and benefit from it.
Teachers Day Celebration
2016-09-01
All the schools in the diocese will celebrate Teachers Day on 5, September 2016. I convey my very warm wishes to every teacher engaged in the education ministry of the Diocese.
Hartmannpur Pilgrimage Reminder
2016-10-04
You have already received information about the Hartmannpur Pilgrimage (October 14-16, 2016) from Sr. Kritika SRA. This is again a gentle, personal reminder to all to encourage our people to participate. Keeping the Year of Mercy in mind, all faithful can be instructed to receive plenary indulgence, entering through the Holy Door of Mercy, make good confession, receive Eucharistic communion and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
World Mission Sunday
2016-10-04
World Mission Sunday is observed on October 16, 2016. The message of Holy Father is enclosed herewith for our reflection. Posters, Calendar etc. are available with the Procurator. Please avail them for use in the Parishes and invite generous contribution for the cause of Pontifical Missions.
Holy Eucharist Celebration
2016-10-04
As indicated earlier, in honour of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, we will hold a celebration of Solemn Holy Eucharist and Civic Felicitation on 1, November 2016, the solemnity of All Saints at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Varanasi. More details will be given to you by your Dean / Parish Priest.
Golden Jubilee Invitation
2016-10-04
The invitation for the Golden Jubilee of our Fathers Augustine D’Souza, Cyriac Kuruvilla and Donatus Martis (October 22, 2016, 10.30 am) has been already sent to you. We warmly welcome all for the celebration!
Platinum Jubilee Celebration
2016-10-04
The Indian Missionary Society will be celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of the Society on 3, November 2016. We assure them of our prayers for a fruitful celebration.
Clergy Recollection
2017-03-03
Our Clergy Recollection will be on 05th and 06th (Wednesday and Thursday) April 2017 beginning at 09.30 am on 5th. The Chrism Mass will be at 5.30 p.m. on 05th April. Kindly bring your holy oil vessels in well-cleansed condition for receiving the new oils.
Priestly Ordination
2017-03-03
The Priestly Ordination of our Deacons Andrew Masih, Balaswamy, Brayn Barel, Manoj Kispota and Michael Rajan, will be held on April 20, 2017 at 9.30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Varanasi. Your prayers and spiritual support for the deacons are solicited. All are invited for the ceremony.
Student Motivation
2017-03-03
We must motivate students to attend summer school of music and dance, BA in Nav Sadhana Kalakendra, GNM in St. Mary’s Varanasi and Fatima, Mau. Some guidance and preparation for entrance test will certainly help them.
Summer Camp 217
2017-03-03
I earnestly request all to plan in advance the Summer Camp, paying attention to the syllabus, the team of Fathers, Sisters, Teachers, Catechists, etc. Including some creative activities and teaching aids will make the programme enjoyable for boys and girls. Summer camp must be seen as common concern of the parish and should get due priority over personal interests.
Annual Retreats
2017-05-02
Annual Retreats – The dates for Clergy Annual Retreat are: First - August 28 to September 02 (Pacchmarhi); Second – September 25 to 30 (Nav Sadhana); Third - Charismatic Retreat - October 22 to 27 in Goa.
Summer Vacation Tasks
2017-05-02
During summer vacation, please make sure that your parish / school / station is well attended to and is active with camps etc. It is a good time to clear up the common store and shelves and update the inventory. It would be edifying that all are back to station well in time before school commencing.
May Devotion to Mother Mary
2017-05-02
It is a good tradition that we have May Devotion to Mother Mary in the month of May. Make the ‘Marialaya’ the point of attraction during the month.
Pilgrimages at Ballia and Hartmannpur.
2017-09-16
This is gentle reminder to every parish priest to prepare the women and young girls of your parish to participate and benefit from the forthcoming pilgrimages at Ballia and Hartmannpur.
Teachers Day
2017-09-16
As you celebrate Teachers Day on 5, September 2016, I convey my very warm wishes to every teacher engaged in the education ministry of the Diocese. May God’s blessings bring joy in your ministry.
Second Retreat
2017-09-16
The second retreat for the Fathers will be from September 25 to 30 at Nav Sadhana. All those who did not opt for the retreats in Pachmari and Goa are expected to attend this.
World Mission Sunday
2017-09-16
This year World Mission Sunday is observed on October 15. I kindly appeal to every one to catechize the faithful on the subject and invite generous support from the parishes/institutions for the Church’s missionary need. Holy Father’s message for World Mission Sunday 2017 is enclosed.
Best Wishes to Fr. Y Joseph
2017-09-16
Fr. Y. Joseph has been admitted for Doctoral studies in Canon Law by St. Paul’s University, Ottawa, Canada. He is expected to join in the first week of September 2017. Our best wishes to him.
chancellor appointment
2017-09-16
Fr. Telesphore Kerketta is appointed as the Chancellor of the diocese, residing at Birabhanti.
renewal programme at Bilaspur
2017-09-16
Fr. Dolphy John Lobo who will return shortly after his renewal programme at Bilaspur will join the staff of Bishop’s House as Secretary.
Months Mind Mass
2017-09-16
The Month’s Mind mass for Fr. Ishwaranand will be celebrated on 21, September 2017 (4.00 pm) at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Varanasi. Please join.
Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting
2017-09-16
Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on October 28, 29, 2017. More details will follow.
