December 2020

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THE ‘C’s OF CHRISTMAS 2020

CONTENTS Editorial.................................................. 03 Fr. Chollamadathil Mathew(CP)SDB... 04 3rd Graduation Day at DBC, Kohima... 15 Welcome back to Fr. Pottukalam SDB... 15 Online meeting of Rectors&Incharges... 15 Vestition at Emmaus Novitiate, Zubza... 16 DBHSS Alumni Meet at Alma mater...... 16 Scout Masters' Training Camp................17 Priestly Ordination: DN. G. Timothy......17 Blessing&Inauguration of HCHSS Building......................................................18 Hearty Congratulations............................18

Editor Fr. Jonas Kerketta sdb Sub - Editor Fr. Joseph Thuruthel sdb Design & Lay Out Fr. Christudoss sdb Publisher Fr. Provincial Don Bosco Provincial House PB. 40, Dimapur -797112, Nagaland Circulation Manager Fr. Benny Karinattu sdb

There are many ‘C’s linked to Christmas, beginning with the ‘C’s initiating words linked to things most ordinary to the words signifying most dignified realities. We may mention a few of the ‘C’s: ‘C’ for crackers, clothes, cakes, candles, cards, cribs, carols, Christmas and finally the central ‘C’, Christ himself. Christmas 2020 is marked by many other ‘C’s such as Corona Virus/Covid-19, cultivators’ (farmers’) crisis, etc. leading to cascading costs of essential commodities, colossal physical as well as mental health hazards, breakdown of community life, and the list of owes continues. Seemingly Christmas has ceased to cause the customary unblemished cheer among Christians and other communities.

A careful reality-check, however, would reveal that the original Christmas too was caught-up with ceaseless causes of concern for the Christ-child and his parents: initial doubt of Joseph regarding Mary’s integrity, lack of space for the divine Child to be born except the cattle-cave, Herod’s cold-blooded murder of innocent children causing Joseph to carry off the newborn Child and his mother in a hurry to a foreign country of Egypt…Today, in the midst of perhaps many more ‘C’s than ever before, we need to concentrate on the central ‘C’ of Christmas, Christ himself. Despite all our critical concerns let us strive to allow the divine Child to fully capture our attention during this unique Christmas 2020. It is only the Christ-child that can cause to bubble in the core of our beings, the purest joy that nothing can corrupt.

- Jonas Kerketta sdb

Editorial Team Fr. Christudoss sdb Fr. Paul Panii sdb Fr. Tete Blasius sdb Printing DON BOSCO IGACT Vennala, Kochi, Kerala Editorial Office Bosco Communications Provincial House, Dimapur, Nagaland +91 -9366667493 Email: frjonassdb@gmail.com DIMAPUR LINKS - DECEMBER 2020 /3

FR. CHOLLAMADATHIL MATHEW (CP) SDB Introduction

“God has blessed us more than our due!”

On 9th December, 2014 while returning from the hornbill celebrations, I slept off while driving and had an accident. When Fr. George Menamparampil heard about it, he spontaneously reacted: “Now there will be another storey.”

When Fr. Jonas asked me to write few pages on myself, I said I still have one unfulfilled dream: to write a novel but on real characters.

As our golden jubilee retreat cum get together at Sonada, West Bengal, with all our past companions with their families got washed off, Mr. Romanus Horo, narrated his past ‘salesian life.” At their insistence, I also wrote an event every year. But my narrative is to entertain.

I do not like holidays!

With his family members

Have you heard of a boy who loved school more than holidays! Well, here I am one of them. I always preferred a school day to holidays but not due to my love for learning. In fact, I always studied just fifteen days before the examinations. It is due to my laziness! On a school day, I had three hours of manual work: two in the morning and one in the evening. But on holidays, the work in the farm started at 5 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. with breaks for meals and rest.

The work at home was not tough. My job was to take the herd of goats and pasture them, tying them in a different place, every half an hour. While goats were my prime responsibility, I also helped my brothers to bathe the buffaloes and cows.

The perfect one

I was the fifth of the nine children. Being in the middle, I would boast that there were four trial editions, then the perfect one and then four 4 / DIMAPUR LINKS - DECEMBER 2020

by-products. The greatest blessing for me was to be born into a God-fearing family. My mother often said, “God has blessed us more than our due!” My eldest sister is an Adoration Nun, now based in Punjab; my eldest brother, a Jesuit Priest, is also a professional journalist; my two youngest sisters are also Nuns, one working in Gujarat and the other pioneering their convent with the Salesians at Mintong. I have three brothers and one sister who are married and have become grandfathers and grandmother.

Come follow me!

In June 1964, towards the end of the summer vacation I received the call letter asking me to report to Don Bosco at Pachalam, Kerala.

The post card took a month to reach my village.

Along with the others I was planting ginger, when the postman appeared. My joy knew no bounds.

Hiring a jeep, accompanied by my maternal uncle, a diocesan priest, we reached the portals of the training house, Don Bosco Pachalam. We were warmly welcomed. A group of young boys of my age came to help me to carry my belongings. I went with them.

My father’s eternal complaint to others, “He did not even once look back at us!” still haunts me. While it was my first time to be away from home, the presence of so many lively and enthusiastic faces, captured all my attention.

The first time in my life, I had to follow a routine – a fixed time for everything.

Washing and toiletries followed rising. We were encouraged to attend to nature’s call as soon as we got up. This practice helped me for years to enjoy a ‘tension free day’!

Classes were mainly to make us proficient in English. We could also boost our self-confidence through activities like music, singing, acting, dancing, competitions, etc.

Taste of Salesian Life

In Don Bosco Pachalam the Italian Rector, the Goan Dean of Studies, the Keralite Financial Administrator and the Brothers from Tamil Nadu, gave a glimpse of the cosmopolitan Don Bosco Society, inserting us into a multi-cultural society.

Apart from the tragic death of one of our companions from tetanus, life continued in full zest. Before we realised the year ended.

It was time to go home for a brief holiday and then go either to Tirupattur in Tamil Nadu or to Shillong, then capital of Assam. I chose Assam.

All that I knew was that I wanted to be a missionary, believing that the farther you are away from home, the better missionary you will be!

Welcome to the land of the clouds

During the first week of June1965, 35 of us “new students” and a senior batch returning from holidays, reached Savio Juniorate, Shillong. The journey led by Bishop Abraham, then a newly ordained priest, was memorable as it took a whole week to travel from the southern tip of India to the North-East.

It was the first time in my life, that I saw so many ethnic groups. The staff was equally heterogeneous: Italians, Irish, British, Maltese and Keralites.

Ceremonial welcome to Fr. Cassarotti

On one of his sudden visits to Savio Juniorate, Fr. Mauro Cassarotti, the Provincial, was impressed with the welcome he got.

Around 200 of us were standing in one line thunderously clapping hands right from the basketball court to the house. “How did these boys know that we were coming?” he asked in utter surprise. “No idea!” was the true reply.

Hearing the claps, the staff had rushed out to greet him. As the Provincial entered the building, the unfolding mystery shocked him. The lined-up boys were not there to welcome him. They were standing in queue for the toilets. There were six toilets for 225 of us! There and then Fr. Cassarotti ordered to demolish the six toilets and build a three storey building, each floor having some twenty-plus toilets. The outcome was that the trees in the jungle were deprived of their manure!

Life in Juniorate

I am questioned often, “How come your generation is so different from the rest?” The main reason is the staff of Savio Juniorate. In spite of all the limitation, we were well trained.

Bishop Thomas Menamparampil played a key role as he was a visionary. Just one example: We were allowed to write the examinations with all the books that we wanted! The questions were such that, if you had not studied, you could not answer at all. The only time I used the

book was for a date! Fr. Joseph Marchesi with his band; Br. P.M. Thomas with his choir; Br. Paul Petta with his hammer to squeeze out the last part of the tooth-paste that our tiny hands could not; Fr. N. J. Joseph with his shivering hands when he gave injections; Br. Joseph Cini who ran for life at the first earthquake; Br. Jerry Staundon with his Irish English; were all united in their efforts to make us well-trained Salesians.

In 1968 we were the second batch to attend St. Anthony’s College for science. As the majority of the boys who went to College had left the society, there was stiff opposition to our going to college. But Fr. M. C. Thomas was adamant.

As it turned out, from our batch, the majority of those who did not attend college left! My companions today praise “the sagacity, astuteness and perspicacity” of Bishop Menamparampil.

Novitiate with Fr. Med

Fr. John Med, our novice master, was known for his unconventional training methods to make us hardy. Though he did not enjoy very good health, he had tremendous stamina and amazing will power. He was known for putting his subjects through long and tedious walks.

Some people mischievously called him Fr. Mad. East Pakistan Beckons us

We were told that the previous batch had gone from Shillong to Sohra (Cherrapunjee), about 50 kms from our house, and returned on foot. Our destination this year was Dawki, the border with East Pakistan. As it was over 80 kms away, it would require a minimum of four days. To make matters worse, we had no Don Bosco institution to stay at Dawki. Even the hardy novice master did not fancy walking continuously for four days. So we decided to go by line bus to Dawki and return walking.

The 90 km road ride was bumpy with many twists and turns. I kept up my name of “lover of birds” by feeding them. The stunning sceneries, the mountains with their ever changing colours, the deep valleys, were all lost to me as I was busy vomiting my stomach out and struggling for survival.

We had completed two-thirds of our journey. Everyone was boisterous and enjoying the captivating vistas and the pristine beauty of nature. I continued with my hobby. I sat near the door to get maximum wind on my face and DIMAPUR LINKS - DECEMBER 2020 /5

would jump out as the bus came to a stop. This rickety bus, manufactured from an age-old truck, had planks both for seats and backrest. These village buses had their unique contraption of sending the exhaust right up to the sky. This devise prevented people from being killed with suffocation from the thick black emitting smoke.

Suddenly the bus stopped and the driver told us to have a view of East Pakistan.

We all jumped out in excitement and gazed towards the distant plains that belonged to a foreign country. The hills are part of India, but the far away flat land is of Pakistan. As the age of mobile phones had not yet dawned, all that we did was to capture the scene with the best cameras in the world, our eyes! Years later, traveling along these same roads, I was amused at the number of signs on this road that warned, “Beware when taking selfies!”

The Umngot River announced that we were in Dawki. It was the first time that I was seeing such crystal clear water. Shillong Rivers are quite clear on the outskirts where there are no habitations. This river undoubtedly would have the distinction of being the cleanest river in Meghalaya and most probably in the whole of India.

River Thames holds the record as the cleanest river in the world. Yamuna collecting all the sewage of the cities and industrial waste cannot be easily dislodged as the dirtiest river in the world.

Though we started our journey on foot at early dawn, it was only late in the evening that we got a glimpse of our main gate. Pynursla was a small village with around 100 houses.

The people were extremely homely, hospitable and welcoming. After replying “kumne” all along the way to the traditional greeting for ‘how are you?’ or ‘hello’, “kumno”, we reached the mission centre, started in 1957. The foreign priest at the centre was generous to a fault as he gave a sumptuous dinner with pork.

Philosophy at Salesian College, Sonada

After our profession on 24th May 1970, we left for our philosophical studies at Sonada. The ramifications of the Second Vatican Council were slowly being experienced by the Congregation. So our batch had only philosophy without degree subjects.

As I knew typing well, Br. Trophy D’Souza put me in charge of all the college correspondence. During the holidays in De6 / DIMAPUR LINKS - DECEMBER 2020

cember, we had scoutmaster’s training at Azimganj, West Bengal. The versatile Br. Trophy ensured that we were well trained in music and English. All of us had to learn a musical instrument, get training from Trinity College of music, London, etc. We were privileged to undergo a six months training in spoken-English and voice-control under a Franciscan priest.

Student and teacher

In 1972 three of us CJ Stephen, CT Lukose and I returned to Savio Juniorate to do our B.Sc. in St. Anthony’s College. We taught Mathematics during the first period for classes 8 to 10, and then we were dropped to the college by a van. We returned on foot.

In May 1973 I was transferred to Don Bosco Technical School. Here I used to teach Mathematics to the technical students of the evening school, from classes 7 to 10. The evening classes started by 4.20 and ended after three hours at 7.20, with a ten minutes break in between. After the usual routine of prayers, dinner and good night, I took one hour combined tuition for St. Anthony's High School students who were in the hostel. From 9.15 p.m. to 10 p.m., I coached the boys aspiring to Brotherhood in the Salesian Society. By 10 p.m., like the traditional overworked donkeys, I collapsed on to my bed. I was such an exemplary Brother that many a time, I slept in my cassock!

The uniquely trained engineer

Hardly had I got used to this gruesome schedule, when the provincial, Fr. Mathew Pulingathil, requested me, "Kindly go with Br. Andrew Xavier to Fr. Thomas Lopez in the Archbishop's House for engineering classes." When I described to him my killing time table, he said, "I just want peace. At his repeated requests, I had sent Br. B. O. Anthony. But he did not even last a week. Just go. No need of studying much."

So next day, after breakfast, Andrew and I appeared at the door of the Spanish Engineer. That is how the "reluctant engineer" in me was born.

I have never met anyone who was so meticulous and systematic not only for teaching but in life as well. Starting with measurements of basic geometry, through Trigonometry, Fr. Lopez led us step by step, to the portals of civil engineering. Andrew gave up after a fortnight.

I was captivated by his enthusiasm and gave my full attention. As he gave lot of exercises to

practice even for every silly thing like the area of a triangle, circle or arc, I was led on sure foundations. At 9.45, I took leave, to go to my room, change the books and attend the classes in the college. Fr. Lopez was a very committed teacher. He knew my college time table better than I, as he warned ahead, the places that I am going to visit on the next holiday. So I saw various types of foundations on different types of soil, and the variations which are necessary to make the building stable. I was amazed that this 70 year old man could scale the bamboo scaffolding with the agility of a monkey. I on the other hand, thought that I was climbing if not Mount Everest, at least K2. As there were 30 buildings going on at the same time in various stages of completion, I had schooling in engineering that students can only dream of.

ing around drinking and beating people in the evenings, was behind bars within 24 hours!

In 1974, as we were the only registered scouts under the national organization, I along with the scout troop, represented the state of Manipur at the7th National Jamboree at Faridabad.

Perpetual profession and theological studies

On 24th May 1976, I made my perpetual profession. The solemn service held at the Ca

Transfer to the Land of Jewels

By May 1974, my college degree classes as well as all the final examinations had come to an end. I was transferred to Don Bosco, Chingmeirong in Imphal, for practical training. In those days, no one discussed about transfers, but obeyed blindly. Had I reminded the provincial about my engineering classes, he would have kept me back in Shillong and the entire course of my life would have taken a different turn. God’s ways are mysterious. Reluctantly I took a break from my engineering classes.

For a practical trainee Brother, Fr. Sebastian Manianchira, was an ideal Salesian to work with. He stood behind us to support and encouraged all our initiatives. He placed full confidence in our decisions. During the first month, I sent a boy for correction to him. He was persecuting all the non-Meitei boys in the class. In those days, the class teacher took pride in those placed under him; he /she dealt with all matters that required correction. Only as a last resort a boy was sent to the headmaster for a dressing down. I had furnished meticulous details about the times and reasons when we had tried to correct him. My intention was that the headmaster should have a basis when he talked to the student. I was shocked to hear that the boy was dismissed. What I admired about Fr. Manianchira was that even though the entire political administration came with all show of power, he did not budge. He told them very calmly that the powerful parent should have better control over his son than allowing him to exploit his father’s position. The SP learned the lesson and his son, who was go-

A Student of Theology in Shillong thedral of Mary Help of Christians, Shillong was very impressive. I joined the first group of 23 Brothers taken from different batches to study theology in the newly opened Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong. The presence of Fr. Orestes Paviotti, the scriptural stalwart Fr. Sylvanus Lyngdoh, the freshly Rome-returned Fr. Sebastian Karotemprel, the ‘good man’ Fr. C.A. George as dean of studies, Fr. K.A. Cyriac and the saintly Fr. Paul Bernick made the institution an ideal centre for studies and formation.

On August 11th I had my first tryst with death. I had a little fever and Dr. Bhomick prescribed some novalgin tablets. I did not know that I was allergic to these tablets. I started vomiting blood and was rushed to the hospital.

The nurse on duty gave me a novalgin tablet at the telephonic instruction of the on-duty doctor.

Immediately I could feel life draining out from me. Fr. John whispered, “See how nicely he is sleeping! We should have brought him only in the morning.” I wanted to shout, “Do not leave me. I am dying”. But I could not even open my eyes! They left me in the room and went.

God decided to give me another chance. For no apparent reason, the nurse took my pressure again. All hell broke loose and I was given fifteen injections and three doses of morphine because “the patient is getting excited!”

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The mad adventurers

The "All India Don Bosco Scouts and Guides gathering" popularly called the "Boscoree" was the initiative of the Brothers from Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore. Its first edition was organised by them in 1974 in Bangalore, the second at Don Bosco, Matunga in December 1976. In both the events the Brothers from North-East actively participated.

As the organizers were moving out after they had finished their theological studies, they asked me whether we could organise the next Boscoree in Shillong. We accepted the herculean task without knowing the implications.

We immediately set to work. We had three full years to prepare. Imitating the Naga system of working through committees appointed well in advance, we too formed many committees.

The house council gave us their permission in writing with two conditions: 1) The provincial council should give you permission; 2) The house should have no financial involvement whatsoever.

Being close to the younger generation, we felt confident that the book would be sold like hot cakes. The printing cost was Rs. 1.20 per book; selling price was fixed at Rs. 6/-; bookshops would be given the standard 15% deduction and so would pay only Rs. 5/- per book.

Needless to say the book was a great success and I am told that it saw many reprints.

The 1979 Boscoree at Shillong was memorable in many ways. Shillong saw for the first time, a peace rally, with more than 5,000 participants, with 2,000 colourful flags fluttering and 15 open trucks with nursery children from 15 different schools all dressed in various costumes. The presence of the children guaranteed the presence of adults. It was the first time that colourful T-shirts were introduced. The cultural evenings with the whole of Shillong present showcased the rich cultural variety of India.

My first building

Armed with this letter, the Provincial council was approached. They gave us permission reiterating also their inability to take on any financial burden, “if you can find the resources, go ahead!”

Do it yourself Guitar

We began the uphill task of gathering funds with many small initiatives. One of them was the publication of the "Do it yourself Guitar!" VJ Louis Vernal, before he left the Salesian Society gave me a gold mine of materials that would be handy when dealing with youngsters.

There were also plenty of musical collections.

Justin Lyngkhoi, our renowned musician was given the task of methodically creating the step by step learning of guitar. As I am only a composer, who never sings the same tune twice, nor follow the others in singing their compositions, I put together a few pages of tonic sol-fa. As Louis Vernal had done a wonderful job, my task was only to trim and modify to suit our purpose. Finally the book was ready. "Do it yourself Guitar

by Justin Lyngkhoi, edited by Mathew C Paul."

As I did practical training in Don Bosco, Shillong, all the Brothers were familiar to me. So Br. Valerie accepted my request: "Kindly print 5000 copies of the book. Every fifteen days, we will give one thousand rupees."

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A Bold builder

As soon as I returned to Shillong, I resumed my engineering classes. Fr. Lopez made sure that I had first-hand information and experience about the various stages of building. So I got acquainted with various types of foundations, how to tackle challenging tasks like that of Oriens Theological College with seven floors, etc. One day, Fr. Lopez gave me a test. He laid before me all the requirements. I was to design and make the structure calculations. I did everything, as per the text book knowledge that I had.

You can imagine my shock, when he told me one day, “Let us go and see your building.” I had no idea which building, as I had drawn, part of many buildings for some time. Christ King, Oriens Theological College, Pynursla church, Bengtol church in the paddy field, etc. In all these there was counter check by my teacher. So basically I was like a draughtsman who was executing the wishes of the engineer. We went to see the three storey building of the Sisters of Christ Jesus or Nazareth Sisters, as they were popularly called.

Then I realised that this was the test and he had

given them the exact drawings. I was a little ashamed because, had I known that this building was going to be built, I would have made some structural changes to add beauty to it.

Ordination

I was ordained priest on 27th December 1979 at St. Sebastian’s Church, Anicadu, my home parish, by Bishop George Punnakottil of Kothamanagalam.

Asst. Headmaster of a closed school

My first appointment after ordination was as assistant headmaster of Don Bosco, Dibrugarh. As a Brother I had spent three months there, during the days of my operation and later because of my allergy to medicines.

So the place was familiar and a lot of nostalgic memories flooded me as I entered its portals.

After a week of doing nothing, except giving a pass certificate to a class X boy who had compartmental, I went to attend the installation of Bishop Mittathany as the first Bishop of the newly created diocese of Imphal.

After the service on 29th June 1980, one of the senior priests, Fr. Mathew Tharakan, pleaded with me to go for two weeks to Tamenglong. He wanted to go to Shillong for retreat and meeting. So off I went to Western Manipur.

1980 Halflong

I was amused, when Fr. Tharakan returned from Shillong. He carried a letter from my provincial, which just read: "If you can go to Tamenglong, you can also go to Halflong.�

As it was easy to go from Tamenglong via Silchar, I proceeded to Halflong. Luckily I was better equipped than most travellers, as I had seven sets of inner wares, two pairs of trousers, four sets of shirts and a cassock, in my classical backpack. These were the standard package for any journey that I undertook.

As I was a scout, I was always prepared!

On 24th July, I reached the Halflong Hill station to replace Fr. Peter Bianchi, who had already gone in June, to pioneer the new venture among the Konyaks of Mon. I was asked to help Fr. Sanglura Alexius sdb, the first Mizo priest, till the school reopened at Dibrugarh.

Halflong is a beautiful hill station, with a

soothing climate similar to Ootty, but not so cold.

It is also a "khitchady" of ethnic groups. Anyone sent out from any village for whatever reason, found a home here. The beautiful artificial lake, similar to the Ward Lake of Shillong, commands the central place. The only form of public transport was the British built metre gauge railway.

Perhaps, it is their best show piece of engineering skills. Thirty nine tunnels, some more than a kilometre long, the 30 to 40 feet high iron bridges over rivers and the natural vegetation, makes the Barrack Valley journey mesmerizing.

The Reckless missionary

Though the monsoon had not yet arrived, sporadic rains had already revived the vegetation. Everywhere there were signs of life and rich grass. Instead of idling, I decided to explore the villages of our parish. Fr. Sanglura discouraged me from going to the interior villages. At least three months had elapsed, if not more, since the remotest Zeme Naga villages had seen any priest. Besides I wanted to have a rough idea of the terrain.

Accompanied by five catechists belonging to five different ethnic groups, we set out from Lower Halflong railway station. We took an "unlawful" transport, the goods train! The guard, aware of the difficulties of travel and lack of proper transport in these regions, accommodated us.

He was generous and wouldn't take any remuneration. We pleaded with him to take the ticket fair. But to no avail. I always sat at the edge, like riding a horse, with both my legs dangling in the air. Should the train come to a sudden halt caused by any emergency, the iron post in the middle would ensure my safety. I always carried a story book, collecting ideas for my unending narration of the super hero, Johnny Bowman.

The normal train journey between Lower Halflong and Silchar took four to six hours.

The goods train covered the same distance in six to eight hours. On some rare occasions, the passengers had to change train at Badarpur.

We were lucky as this was not one of those occasions. We were relaxed and in no hurry as our first stop would be at Bishop's House, Silchar.

Early morning of the next day, we travelled some 30 kms towards Jiribam in Manipur. During the first two to three kilometres, as the local bus would wait even for any potential passenger, coming from far, the speed was comparable to that of a bullock-cart.

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After the bus journey, our next mode of transport was a "shared taxi." If we were lucky, we would get one immediately. Sometimes, it would even leave a few minutes prior to the arrival of the bus. Then we could relax till it made the 16 km road ploughing, unloaded the living cargo, and collected as many passengers as it could squeeze into this World War II contraption called Jeep. No one was in a hurry.

We were lucky again. As soon as we finished our breakfast of rice and fish curry, a transport was waiting for us. The road was so bad that I was wondering whether we were insane to pay for this shake up! May be we could take an hour extra, at least our bones would be safe! Reading my mind, one of the catechists said, “Father, enjoy the horse ride!” “My dear man, horse ride is smoother than this!” I replied.

Muddy roads are treacherous during rainy season. Breakdowns, getting stuck in the poodle of slush, puncture, etc. are all part and parcel of every trip. I gave a sigh of relief on reaching our destination without too much adventure.

After a cup of tea and hot ‘singaras’, we were ready for the last leg of our journey. The trek of four kms was brisk as we were reaching our destination. At about 5 p.m. I heaved a sigh of relief as we were entering the village. Suddenly the catechist behind me said, "Father, don't move!" The panic in his voice was unmistakable.

I froze! Slowly I turned my head inch by inch backwards and asked "Why?" "Look in front!" he whispered. His face was colourless! Something was very amiss! I retraced my head again in the same manner and looked. My heart stopped.

Just a feet away, a king cobra, was welcoming me, in his usual style of swinging from side to side. If I moved my leg back, it would strike.

I stormed heaven and called on all the saints to protect me. After what seemed like an eternity, the snake just moved away.

It was the first time, though not the last, that I came so close to a venomous snake.

Dipucherra is actually not part of Halflong parish, as it is geographically situated in Cachar District. As there is no vehicular road connection, the villages see only the priests from Halflong, who have to pass through their village, to go to the Zeme Naga settlements starting with Baladhon. The villagers were happy to see us especially because for three months they were deprived of the sacraments. A good 10 / DIMAPUR LINKS - DECEMBER 2020

service, a dinner with chicken and dried pork, and a deep sleep followed in quick succession.

The departure next morning was after Mass and meal. Four hours of walk through the forest brought us to the foothills of the mountains and the enchanting Jiri River. Luckily there was a small settlement here. A tea shop beckoned us.

Going down stream, we could still wade across the dangerous waters. The other option was to hire the country boat moored by the river bank.

As it was a small boat, it would have to make two trips. Calculating the cost, the leading catechist insisted on taking the longer route. My wearied limbs opted for the boat. As the rains had set in, the shorter walking route was unusable. So we followed the ‘saktiman truck’ route. It would take double the time. After crossing the river, the frightened missionary, made a simple suggestion. "Since it takes 10 years of training and a lot of money before one becomes a priest, it is better that I bring up the rear." All winked as everyone knew that the previous evening’s encounter with the king cobra was still fresh in my mind. I thought it was a smart move. But I was wrong.

We were all relaxed and chatting animatedly as the pure mountain air had invigorated us. Suddenly a big serpent dashed across my path. I screamed and jumped to avoid stamping on it. Every one turned back and queried the reason. I pointed towards the frightened creature escaping for its life. I was visibly shaken, but wanted to appear brave. “I want you to see how snakes will not harm the disciples.”...they will pick up snakes in their hands and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison" (Mk. 16:18).

"Were you scared?" A direct and honest answer would have been a simple "Yes!" But I chose the path of the village headmaster, who though vanquished, could argue still. This second encounter quenched my missionary enthusiasm. I followed the advice of the elders and didn't venture out on another tour in similar conditions.

Towards the fag end of the evening, we left the road to take the well-trodden footpath to the village. Zeme Naga villages are situated so far from the so called "civilization" that they have not travelled too far from the iron-age. The purity and the simplicity of these people made me humble. The spontaneous joy, laughter, giggling of children on getting a sweet is hard to find anywhere. Immediately there was a flurry of activities. The biggest cock was killed; the church was swept and wiped clean; sweet red tea with biscuits (preserved in bottles from their

last marketing for such an occasion as this); arrangements for accommodation; and most important "construction of a temporary toilet" and a bathing place; all happened simultaneously. Seeing the love and concern, the fatigue of three days’ journey to reach this village, was forgotten. A bath and a hot meal took precedence over confessions and holy Eucharist. The canonist, who made the law of fast before Mass, never experienced a ten hours’ hard journey.

All the pigs and animals have a free time in the village. We had rolled up our trousers a little, during the mountain journey, and maintained the same in the village, even though the reasons were far different. As I was new, the city boy decided to give a parting advice. After thanking everyone and promising to return in the first week of November when the rains would've spent their sheen, I told them, "Try to keep the village clean." I liked this young Zeme catechist. He was very intelligent, quick to grasp concepts, but above all his translations were superb. He would translate the ideas and not literal meanings. But I was in for a shock. What he was saying, I had no clue. But his pointed fingers and the frequent use of the Zeme word for pig (which unfortunately I knew along with chicken, Mithun and tea) left me very disturbed. I had no choice except to feel bad for insulting people.

As soon as we left the village I told him that I did not like the use of the word 'pig' in my exhortation. "Father, what did you say?" "I said to keep the village clean!" " Clean? What is clean? These people have no idea. But pigs, shitting, rolling in mud and dung, are all familiar concepts. So I told them ' Father says there is no difference between pigs and you. You have seen pigs shitting and rolling in the mud and dirtying themselves, you are doing the same. Pigs are roaming everywhere. Dung is all over the place.

Do something about it.'" Wow the intelligent Father looked foolish. I recalled that one of the theology professors had told me. "Mathew, you are not as foolish as you look, only much worse!"

The second village was only four hours away. It was a Hmar settlement. Hmars belong to the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group. The vast majority are Baptists with a few Catholic households.

This village had about 20 Catholic families.

As we reached early, the people opted for services before dinner. We were only too happy as we could sleep longer. Everything went on smoothly till the time for readings. I had already

said the "collect" and wanted to move to the chair when I realised that I just couldn't move.

My sandals were glued to the ground. Priestly decorum didn't allow me to investigate. As I did not believe in evil spirits attacking this poor soul, I tried the next best option. With great difficulty, I managed to extract one foot and then the other. Relieved, I went and sat down. While people were listening to the first reading in Hmar, I was investigating my feet. They were both painted with crimson blood. As I had not felt any pain, I was sure that I had not cut my feet. We had to wait for the end of the service to investigate.

As soon as I unvested on the altar, I checked for the cause. A chill went through my spine. My sandals were glued to the cement floor with blood. I did not cringe at the sight of blood. But there were four or five creatures lying all around. These "elephant leeches" as people called them, live in the water. I must have collected them from the river which we had crossed. This was the price for being the last in line. The front-liners had announced to these aggressive hunters (leeches) about the availability of easy prey. Besides, while the catechists were jumping from stone to stone, I was lazing through the cool water. The water was so refreshing I stayed longer than necessary. Unknown to me, few of the blood-suckers were feasting on me. While a leech sucks only about 10 to 15 ml. for its sustenance, its saliva makes the skin bleed continuously.

The villagers swung into action. Salt was brought to give capital punishment to the offenders. I learnt another lesson that day, first or last, "If Yahweh does not build a house, in vain do its builders toil" (Ps. 127:1).

The following day two catechists, the Zeme and Hmar translators, returned to Halflong, as their services were no longer needed.

After two other villages and the departure of two more helpers, I was in a dilemma. Nine days had passed since we began our journey and fatigue was setting in. There was one more village that could be visited. But it had only one family. What bothered me most was not the number of persons but the warning from the last village that the path would be quite difficult as no one from there comes in this direction. The catechist said it would take eight hours. Determined not to give in to lethargy, I decided to venture out. We chose to go early morning of the next day to be on the safer side. It took us ten hours. But the beaming smile of the man who ran to welcome us and DIMAPUR LINKS - DECEMBER 2020 /11

carry both our luggage was enough reward. I promised myself that this family would always be in my itinerary. The next day we returned to Silchar by taking a different route to the highway.

On the tenth day we reached back to our house dead tired but with a joy that is indescribable.

In my two years of stay, I did not cover all the villages as many times as Fr. Joe Ngamkhuchung did. He was a tireless missionary who was on his feet every day. In a month, I spent 20 days touring and 10 days helping the new school to come up.

Swimming in the unknown waters

The three communities of Christ King, Town Parish and Don Bosco School had gathered together for a fellowship meal to welcome me officially to Kohima. Though I was the youngest by many years, my appointment as “rector” gave me a unique juridical position. During dinner, someone suggested, “Let the takeover be solemn. Like India’s independence, let it be done at the stroke of midnight!” Veterans like Fr. Thomas Vattoth from Town Parish, Frs. Tom Karthik and P.K. Mathew from Christ King and Fr. Devasia from Mon made me feel that I was in a safe place.

He is an architect of minds too

In Don Bosco School computer education was introduced in February 1986 for all the students. Nagaland Computer Society was founded and they made me the President.

With the help of Br. Patric Warjri and later Fr. Sebastian Aelavanthara from Science College Hostel, three act musical dramas were staged. With Tony Pellissery’s arrival Don Bosco Kohima turned a new phase. Master Mind, an interschool interstate quiz competition; sports and games tournaments and computer education reached dizzying heights.

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In 1987 we started the construction of the Don Bosco Youth centre. It is a monument to the generosity and goodness of the people of Kohima. Apart from Rs. 2 lakhs from the government and 25 lakhs from the province, the rest of the finance was raised locally through voluntary donations.

To Belgium for Masters in Architecture

Even though we had paid the admission fee in Washington, USA for a four year course of Architect-cum-Engineering course, I did not receive the visa.

So in June 1993 I landed in the oldest university of the world to do first a postgraduate diploma in architecture followed by the Masters’ degree. Though I was promised admission, before I left India, on my arrival and at the counselling, the new head of the department asked me: “Father, you have been Principal continuously for the past 12 years, when did you get time to read a book on architecture.” “Sir, I was keeping track of architectural events through four magazines, but I have not read a single book on architecture during the past 12 years!” He was stunned that someone was coming without being up to date. “Then how can you do masters?” he asked. “That is the reason why I have come three months earlier” I responded. “What can you do in three months?” he questioned.

“Test me!” I replied. He wrote down the names of 36 books that I should read. Some were small with 125 pages, but others were big and heavy reading. I went to the library and borrowed seven books, the maximum that we are allowed to borrow. I had them photocopied. Armed with three markers, I sat down to study them.

It is easy to be active but to sit down and concentrate needs a different type of skill. I took the first book, started reading, highlighting the important points and sub-points. As soon as I felt that my concentration was slipping, I closed the book, wrote the time and went for a walk.

There is a basketball court behind the hostel.

I walked around doing all types of gymnastics to freshen myself up. As soon as I felt revived, I went back to my room and took the next book.

Sometimes I lasted half an hour, sometimes just ten minutes! The vicious circle was repeated. At the end of the first day, I had studied for six hours and 30 mins. I congratulated and rewarded myself by watching a movie. Luckily all movies are around 45 to 50 minutes only. Longer ones like Benhur, Ten commandments will

be put as serials. By the end of the first week, I clocked 8.5 hours. In the second week I devoted 12 hours and in the third week 15 hours to reading. On 72nd day, I was in the office of the head of the department of architecture.

He did not believe that I had gone through all books. So he asked questions from every one of them. Finally he said, “I see that you have gone through all the books. But you have not got the spirit of the movements.” One may read a book on Don Bosco, but his spirit will not be captured just by reading. I agreed with him. He gave me conditional admission and told me that he would review my case after the diploma course.

At the end of the course when I came out with first class first, announced solemnly over the huge gathering by the Rector of the University, I was standing next to the head of the department. Immediately he shook my hands and said, “Mathew, congratulations. I am sorry I doubted your intelligence.” But the companion from Taiwan had the correct appraisal: “Mathew, congratulations. But let me tell you, any idiot who studies like you will be first!”

1995 September Back in Dimapur

My first assignment was to help the constructions going on in the various centres. I also personally constructed AIDA (1996), Zubza (1997), Shajoba (1998), and five village churches of Punanamei parish.

From January 2000, I was stationed at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Kohima, as Assistant Director. From then on, I adopted the policy of giving the drawings and structural details and leaving to the initiatives of individual Salesians to execute as they pleased.

Very few can read and visualise a drawing. But as buildings are coming up, ideas prop up.

Work with UNICEF

After undergoing a Myers Briggs full personality test, I was inducted to work for the UNICEF. The first year was voluntary and I was heading the group of youngsters going from college to college initiating the vision of “Imagine Nagaland in 2020” through the Process of “Appreciative Inquiry.” In 2001 I was commissioned by the UNICEF with a salary of 24,000/ a month to lead young people in the art of film-making.

Accordingly I took 19 young people to Mumbai.

We were trained under the guidance of none

other than one of the greatest film makers of India, Mahesh Bhatt. Staying in a three star hotel and flying was totally new for all of these youngsters. The product of these training was a documentary “Yours Forever”. In the following year, they gave me a salary of Rs. 30,000/ In 2002, the country director of UNICEF offered me and two students of my choice to represent Nagaland in the 10th anniversary celebrations of “Imagine Chicago”. I took a boy and a girl, attended the meeting and showed them 10 states of America. During this time, at the request of the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, I produced the second documentary on AIDS titled, “The Invisible Enemy.” In 2003 through AIDA and Caritas, I produced the third documentary, “Greater Love.” In all these youngsters played key roles and soon after these films, two of them became film producers.

A Parish Priest who drinks!

In 2004, I was transferred to Don Bosco Youth Centre, Wokha as its director. Since Fr. P. K. Mathew was not feeling well, I was asked to take up the responsibility of the parish as well.

In the first year, after 2nd November blessing of all the graves, a lady came and asked me: “Father, can you bless my daughter’s grave?” “I am sorry, if I have missed. Where is it? Show me!” “Father, it is not here but outside”.

So I started moving. “Father, we have to go by vehicle.” We went by jeep 9 kms till we reached the outskirts of Wokha. Her daughter was buried in the common cemetery of the town. “Why was your daughter buried here?” “Because when she died, we were selling country liquor.

So the church elders did not allow our daughter to be buried in the Catholic cemetery.” The following Sunday, during the sermon, I started my sermon with “I drink!” and exposed the hypocrisy and double standards of the people.

The school at Rephym was also renovated and when I handed over, there were 343 students, 51 of whom were staying in the hostel. The hostel made sure that we could pay Kohima-scale salaries to all the teachers especially to science and mathematics teachers who were from Manipur.

In 2007, accompanied by Fr. George Mukala, I arrived at the gates of I-CARD, Jorhat. At the gate, I got down, put a gamcha on myself and said, “Mathew, welcome to Jorhat!”

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Then I opened the gate, took another gamocha and told Fr. Mukala, “Fr. George you are welcome to I-CARD, Jorhat.” I was appointed as assistant director and in- charge of constructions.

At the Lord's Table in Mintong

With the Director & students of Bosco Institute, Jorhat

From Jorhat I also looked after, among other buildings, the DBIDL (Don Bosco Institute of Development and Leadership) at Dimapur as well.

In 2015 I was asked to construct the two colleges at Kohima and Golaghat. I also took up the Providence Niwas, a hostel for college girls and Ashish Bhavan, a boarding for school children of Rangajan. Both of these were financed by Sisters of St. John the Baptist.

In July 2016 I was lucky to make a trip to China. It was a real eye-opener to me.

My first comment to the Chinese guide was typically that of the biased Indian. “Madam, does the Chinese government control even the growth of the trees?” On leaving the Guangzhou airport, I was amazed to see that on both sides of the road, all the trees were of uniform height and only a particular species occupied one street. The lady was visibly upset but kept her composure and enlightened us how it was a big industry in China to keep the roads in good condition. The trees were planted at the same time in one street. When they outgrew, they were taken back to the nursery, trimmed and transferred to another road. Their place was taken by another half grown tree. Wow!

The second shock was to hear the loud and energetic Christian service going on at 5 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The Chinese priest told us that he is allowed to conduct services, administer sacraments and preach. He could not propagate and advertise outside his campus.

In October 2016 I was transferred to Don Bosco College, Golaghat. I continued teaching soft skills for MSW College, Jorhat and also for the students at Golaghat.

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In 2018 I started completing the second and the third floor of Bosco Institute. By the end of this year, we should be completing the RAMP and a small ‘maker space’ building as well.

Looking back, I can truly say that I was blessed by God in a way more than is my due. In 1992, I almost died a second time, this time from allergy to chloroquine. Finally in 1998, I died on the operation theatre and was brought back to life.

Considering my fifty years of religious life, I see that it was a journey very similar to the growth of a child. Every day was a learning experience. The direct contact and working with the foreign missionaries instilled in me a few insights. It is okay to be ‘human’ and have temperaments provided you don’t compromise on the dedication and love for the people entrusted to your care; ‘in families, you will have differences of opinions, but the integrity of the family is not lost because of them’; adapt to the people and not vice-versa. Finally from Fr. Peter Schiavon, “After leaving behind a gold mine, do not pine for a necklace!”

Sharing cake on his Jubilee but shares life daily

I was asked to mention something that troubles me. I am a firm believer of the axiom: “Structure is at the service of the mission!” The core of the Salesian charism, “it is enough for me to know that you are young, to love you,” cannot be watered down for whatever reason.

Does our structure uphold the mission or have we been swallowed up by the Indian culture of caste system! Further, while I appreciate the many Fathers and Brothers, who are selfless and immersed totally in the work entrusted to them, I have been asking myself, “Can we project each of our institution as a visible sign of Don Bosco’s love for the young?”

We have been fortunate to have re-

ceived a very rich legacy, which our pioneers lived and executed admirably and have handed down to us. Till now when people hear the name “Don Bosco”, they have equated it with selfless service, caring for the less privileged, and bringing back the lost young people. Can we take this charism of our founder to newer heights?

- Fr. C. P. Mathew sdb, Don Bosco College, Golaghat

3RD GRADUATION DAY AT DBC KOHIMA

In a virtual event Don Bosco College, Kohima (DBCK) celebrated its 3rd Graduation Day on 7th November 2020. Dr. Neiphi Kire, chairman, Kohima Village Council, congratulated the Bosconian graduates, urging them to work hard as they pursue further degrees. He encouraged them to look beyond government jobs and work towards avenues on vocation and entrepreneurship.

- Don Bosco College correspondent,

Kohima

WELCOME BACK TO FR. POTTUKALAM SDB

Fr. Mathew Pottukalam has returned to the Province after his treatment in South India.

He is in Don Bosco, Dibrugarh and is continuing his treatment in Srishti Hospital and Research Centre, Dibrugarh.

ONLINE MEETING OF RECTORS AND IN-CHARGES

An online meeting of Rectors and Incharges was held from 5.00 pm - 6.30 pm on 04 December 2020. Most of the Rectors and In-charges participated and discussed on various topics of urgent importance.

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VESTITION AT EMMAUS NOVITIATE, ZUBZA

On 8th December 2020, 17 Novices namely Awomi A. Bosco Marshall, Borgoyari S. Francis (ING), Dangmei M. Benjamin, Dhan Anthony, Ekka A. David, Kamei G. Alex, Kerketta John, Khasouso T. S. Paul, Kongadi A. Joseph (ING), Kujur A. Ambrose, Kujur S. Charles, Lakra A. Nicodemus, Lakra N. Ignatius, Sangma A. Henry (ING), Sangma K. N. Joseph (ING), Shinglai L. George and Talie K. Clement received religious habit from Rev. Fr. Kuruvachira Jose, Provincial, while Br. Mark Peter (ING) was given the religious cross. They had been diligently prepared for this event by Fr. C. M. Joseph sdb, Novice Master. The immediate preparation was done through a spiritual retreat preached by Fr. P. X. Francis sdb from the evening of 03 Dec. to morning of 07 Dec. 2020.

- Emmaus Novitiate Correspondent, Zubza-Nagaland

DBHSS ALUMNI MEET IN ALMA MATER

Over 100 Don Bosco alumni tagged as Class Apart 1986-1995 celebrated their Silver Jubilee at the DB Hr. Sec. School campus, Dimapur on 12th Dec. 2020. The participants included, inter alia, Shri Imna Along, Minister of Higher & Technical Education, Minister of Tribal Welfare Govt. of Nagaland as well as BJP State President.

- DBS Correspondent, Dimapur

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SCOUT MASTERS’ TRAINING CAMP

The Scout Masters’ Training Camp was held in the lush green campus of Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur, from 09 to 15 Dec. 2020. The 41 Brothers of the said college were imparted thorough theoretical cum practical training in scouting, ready to be scout masters in the near future in various institutions of Dimapur Province and elsewhere. The experienced trainers in the Scout Masters Camp 2020 were: (1) Fr. Charuvila Francis (PX) sdb, first Leaders’ Trainer (LT) from Manipur, (2) Mr. Michael Vilasielie, State Commissioner of Scouts, Nagaland, and (3) Mr. Riikuongulie Albert Solo, State Training Commissioner of Scouts, Nagaland.

- Dimapur Links Correspondent, Dimapur

PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF DN. G. TIMOTHY GANGMEI

The sacerdotal ordination of Deacon Gailangam Timothy Gangmei sdb of Dimapur Province took place at 2.30 pm (IST) on 19th December 2020 at the Basilica of St. Sebastian, Barcelona P. G. (ME) in Sicily, Italy.

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BLESSING AND INAUGURATION OF HCHSS BUILDING

The newly constructed Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School building, Dimapur, was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, on 19 Dec. 2020. It was inaugurated by Shri Johnny Ruangmei, OSD to the Govt. of Nagaland, HoD of NSDMA, Home Department and President of the Catholic Association of Nagaland. Rev. Sr. M. Lucious BS, Provincial Superior of Silchar Province unveiled the two plaques.

pal, addressed words of welcome to the assembly.

In his words of presentation Fr. Thomas Panamthanam, Chairman of Holy Cross School, said the new edifice with four floors, has 24 class rooms, two staff rooms and one office. It is built at a cost of Rs. 3 crores.

- Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School Correspondent, Dimapur

Earlier Fr. Philip Yanpvuthung, Princi-

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS

To Rev. Fr. John Davis Maniparamben SDB, the Provincial-elect of the Province of New Delhi (INN). During the evening Holy Eucharist on 8th February 2021 at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Okhla in the national capital he will be installed as 5th Provincial of INN Province which is dedicated to the Good Shepherd and celebrates the Silver Jubilee of its foundation.

To Rev. Fr. Jose Koyickal SDB, the Provincial-elect of the Salesian Province of Bangalore (INK). He will be installed as 8th Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province of Bangalore on 11th February 2021 during the Holy Mass.

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