Diglipur completes the new gate of St. Ignatius Parish Church

Fr. John Dungdung and Edward Kerketta were working very hard to complete the gate of the Church, a project which was supported by the local town authorities. In a way, it is a path breaking step, as Churches normally rely on the private support systems from out side. In the recent times we have also seen some of the MLA have supported concrete paths in our premises. This has followed from what people have seen in other places of worship, Government money is utilized to create facilities.

Leaders of All Churches Committee and Sarna Samaj meet

Ranchi 18th Nov. Following from the earlier agreement, 25 representatives from All Churches' Committee and Sarna Samaj met to sort out the contentious issues, which arose after the 'Nemha Bible Issue'. The meeting among them was held in a very cordial atmosphere.  In this meeting they once again had deliberation on each issue and at the conclusion of the meeting, representatives signed on a document of common understanding. The same has been circulated amongst the people of both flocks. Chief among the agreement is that Sarna Samaj will consider the Nemha Bible issue as solved after the withdrawal of the copies from the market; which has already been done. On the other hand, Christians will celebrate Karam and Sarhul in the traditional places of worship instead of Churches. Both the parties will promote inclusion of 'Sarna Code' in the census and have a common policy for admission in the educational institutions. Both sides will endeavour to promote Adivasi culture by up-keeping traditions and customs.

 

Province Jubilee Celebrated at Manresa House

 

Ranchi 17th Nov. All Seven jubilarians gathered this year for the customary jubilee celebration at the Province level. Frs. Van Winckel and Michael Windey for the seventy years in the Society, Frs. Florent Jonckheere and Marc De Brouwer for their fifty years as priest, and Frs. Vincent Toppo, James William Dungdung and Bro. Francis Bilung for their fifty years in the Society. Bro. De. Bock was the only absentee who is in Belgium. The evening Mass was well attended by the Province men who came from far and near; also present were several guests from Hazaribagh , Dumka, Darjiling and Madhya Pradesh Provinces. Fr. Vincent Toppo was the main celebrant who preached the homily. The Juniors made the occasion festive by singing and festive drumming. On behalf of the Province Fr. Provincial honoured each with a customary shawl.

 

 

 

Fr. Nicholas Tete presented citation by the Jharkhand Govt.

Ranchi 15th Nov. Fr. Nicholas Tete ,s.j., the Principal of St. Xavier's College, Ranchi, was one of the selected ones who were honoured and felicitated  by the State Government on the Foundation Day of the State. Distinguished people were selected by the State Government for their contribution in different fields. In the field of higher education for making SXC a centre for excellence, the citation was awarded to Fr. Tete. One may recall that UGC has already declared  this autonomous college as centre of excellence.

 

Fr. Vijay Assumes the office of Rector of St. Mary's Samtoli

Simdega 14th Nov. Fr. Vijay Manohar Tirkey assumed the office of the Rector here during the evening Mass, which was presided over by Fr. Provincial and concelebrated by the community members. The outgoing Rector, Fr. Alois Beck thanked the entire community members for all the support and encouragement that he received from the Jesuits, Religious and laity. It was a beautiful moment for the community, which had begun reflecting on the strength and areas of concern in the life and work a few days back. Under the new leadership they once again pledged to work with a new zeal and sense of magis, making the community a place of warmth, simple hospitality  and encouragement.

 

Bardih Samachar

                            Nov. 7.  For a long time, Bardih was cut off from the rest of us, as the mobile phone was not having proper 'reach'. In the recent months, new cell-phone towers of different companies have come up nearby. With Jashpur becoming a new district, a powerful antenna has been installed. Thus our men in Bardih are getting signal from Jashpur. They end up paying more because they have to count the roaming charge. Ours are trying to sort out the problem with the concerned companies, chiefly, the Airtel. With the augmented communication system, ours feel more connected, but the ultra forces of the area are under pressure. They even plan to do away with the cell-phone towers, as it becomes easy for the police to trace their movement. The Ultra forces manage to take advantage of the inter-state boarder, which means their intense presence in the area.  Police in ordinary circumstances does not dare to venture out in this area. This has given rise to the criminal elements as well. Our parish and Sisters' convent are always under some kind of threat from both forces. Feeling of insecurity amongst the ordinary people including the Religious is quite significant and probably the main concern here. As many a youth are dragged into such forces, life orientation is missing in the villages.

 

Narega has not touched the villages in any significant way. Villagers do not have their employment cards. Hardly any development scheme seems to be underway. Even Caritas India is trying to reach out the villages ( courtesy: Fr. Savari), but the response is slow. As one moves in any road in Jharkhand, irrigation wells given on behalf of the Narega scheme are quite obviously seen. But not in Bardih side. Cut away from the rivers, Bardih area is also isolated from the development schemes, at least in the recent years.

 

Nawadih Samachar:

                              Nov. 5.  Talk of the Parish is the bumper paddy and ground-nut crops of the Parish field and farm. Bro. Stephen Kerketta is smiling. Five months back when he arrived in Noadih, he announced that he had no recent experiences in farming, as he was busy in St. Xavier's College in the library for many years lending and receiving books, so he would depend heavily on the local expertise  for farming. His readiness to listen to people around made the difference. Not only the Jesuits, but the catechist, and Munshi and Malis all joined hands with him, more enthusiastically. Help also came from the Middle school and High School children. The result is there for everybody to see. Soon Bro Stephen is going to throw a party for all of them.

 

A short history of the Parish written by the previous parish priest, Fr. Ajay Soreng has recently hit the stands. The book was planned as a part of centenary celebration. There were other plans like erection of a new grotto, a statue of Fr. Lievens, and repair of the parish church. All these will be undertaken under the leadership of the new parish priest, Fr. Elvius Kujur, who has almost finished one round of all the Dehat Girjas. He is also marshalling a young brigade of five Jesuits who are part of this vibrant community.

 

Tongo Samachar:

 

Nov 4:  Fr. John Tirkey recently organized an inter-school competition for Bible quiz, one act play, and speech for High School students  in St. Peter's School Tongo.  The response was quite encouraging, as not only from Barway, but schools Gumla too sent teams. Collaboration amongst the Jesuit high schools was very well appreciated.

A four-day charismatic prayer and healing programme organized in Tongo managed to draw around 4000 people from different faiths. Preacher Jesu Bhai kept the faithful enchanted, and many a people received healing both spiritual and physical. Fr. Pius is trying to send the preacher to different villages of the Parish, so that the faith of people is rejuvenated.

Fr. Walter Pillen is busy preparing an evening prayer book for the families. Apart from the rosary, scripture  reading will be the central point around which the families will converge. The idea is to bring the families together in prayer and make the Word of God more alive. Many educated families are finding difficult to pray together, which leads to the disintegration of the families. Fr. Pillen is consulting many people about the type of booklet we need to prepare.

 

 

Golden Jubilee of St. Anne's Middle School, Ranchi

Ranchi Nov, 3. Golden Jubilee celebration of St. Anne's School Ranchi was inaugurated here with Holy Mass and cultural programme. In the morning H.E. Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo, D.D. was the main celebrant where many priests joined him for concelebrating. A beautifully decorated big shamiana in the courtyard of the school was prepared. After the Holy Mass and small swagat of the guests, festive meal followed. From 1 p.m. onwards the cultural programme started which drew the main attraction. Mr. Bandhu Tirkey, the HRD minister of the State was the chief guest.

 

Many thought that it should have been a centenary year celebration. Sisters told that they took the year when the school was formally recognized by the Government. The nursery section which started long back is must older.

 

Fr. Amar Bage meets his Amerindians faithful after Sunday Mass. They are seven hundred of them in Aisholtan Parish, the biggest parish around.  Aisholtan is close to the boarder of Brazil, Amerindians are the original inhabitants of Amazonia. With the political division of the country, they are divided into Brazil, Venezuela, and several other Latin American countries. They speak different national languages, like English in British Guyana, French in French Guyana and Portuguese in Brazil and the like. Amerindians are very warm hearted, soft-spoken and peaceful people. Their appearance is very close to some of our North Eastern tribes.  Lay leadership among them is very strong as for a long time, hardly they had any residential priests among them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adivasis of Delhi meet to discuss issues affecting Society

Delhi 19th Oct.  'In the changing scenario issues before the Adivasi society' was the main theme on  which the Adivasis of Delhi gathered to have deliberations. Mr. Benjamin Lakra, the Accountant General of West Bengal and Fr. Ranjit Pascal Toppo were the two speakers on the occasion, where some 350 Adivasis participated. The programme was co hosted by Nishkalanka and ISI Delhi. Apart from providing social and economic security, the marriage in the Adivasi society featured as main topics for discussion. The Adivasi community has not found a suitable way of arranged marriages for her sons and daughters. In the traditional villages, it was very well organized where the villagers took care of getting the sons and daughters of village find suitable grooms. Nishkalanka can pave way for mediation for such relationship by matrimonial spaces. In fact, there are already some which are getting proper responses from people. If marriages are not settled properly in any society, then it begins to disintegrate. Fr. James Toppo chaired the session. Ashok Sandil welcomed the audience and Anil Kandulna proposed the vote of thanks.

 

Just before the session, a documentary on Kandhamal incidents Orissa was presented to the audience. The documentary lays bare the hate campaign by the the fundamentalist groups against the Christians. On this occasion a book entitled Tribal Women Domestic Workers in Delhi co-edited by Fr. Joseph Marianus Kujur and Vikas Jha was released.

 

Fr. Gabriel and Ranjit arrive at Guyana

 

Georgetown. 8th Oct. Fr. Gabriel and Ranjit touched down Georgetown airport on 5th Oct. at 10 p.m. local time. Fr. Anil and Amar were at the airport to receive them. Fr. Anil drove us back to Brickdam, a Jesuit community where he is the Minister of the house. After nine hours of continuous flight from Gatwick air port and three hours of wait in Barbados, then again a two-hour flight to Georgetown, both were quite exhausted. So upon arrival they decided to hit the bed. The following day in the evening, there was  a Jesuit gathering of the Region. Some twenty Jesuits came to attend the annual clergy meeting. It was a good occasion to meet practically all the Jesuit members of the Region. The same evening Fr. Gabriel joined the Jesuits who were staying at St. Paul's retreat house. After the warm welcome, the immediate starting for him. The following day we all joined the clergy meeting of the diocese, where Bishop Francis, B.S. welcomed us very specially. Joining the clergy of the diocese and praying with them, listening to their pastoral approach programme was very interesting. Though a very small number of clergy, it is rich in variety. Clergy from Argentina, Philippines, India, Britain, and Caribbean Islands form the team in Guyana. Georgetown seems to have a very rich Catholic tradition.  

 

Nemba Bible targeted in Ranchi

Ranchi: 23rd Sept. Sarna Adivasis under different banners have attacked the Nemha Bible (Holy Bible in Kurux), that it tries to degrade Sarna religion. On 22nd Sept. there was a protest rally in Tatisilway, some 20 k.m. from Ranchi. On 23rd September again some groups tried to take out rally on the Mahatma Gandhi road. The protesters were holding Sarna flags and placards demanding Government's action against the Christians. The police cordoned the protesters and arrested them before releasing them a little later. The entire incident has managed to create some ripple in the city, as the demonstrations are seen in the line of Orissa and Karnataka incidents against the Christians.

 

In the crux of the agitation lies Deuteronomy 12: Vs. 2. in which the word 'Sarna' has been used, which must also be destroyed. It looks that the use of the term is not accidental.  The Hindi translation of the Bible says 'green shady trees', so do the other translations into English. The Bible Society Ranchi has withdrawn the sale of  the Nemha Bible with immediate effect and has tendered an apology  with the promise that the objectionable section will be withdrawn, before the book is on sale. Incidentally, the Nemha Bible was brought into sale in the year 2000. No body had raised any objection till this time. Only now that Christians are being attacked in several parts of the country, did we hear the cry against the faulty translation.  In all the protest rallies and demonstrations effigies of H.E. Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo were attempted to be burnt. The city police has so far managed to avert any untoward incident. The Christian community in general has refused to be provoked.

 

Fr. Van Winkel celebrates Seventy years in the Society

Ranchi 20th Sept.  Fr. Stephen Van Winkel celebrated his jubilee of seventy years in the Society here. H. E. Telephore P. Cardinal Toppo and His Grace Bp. Gabriel Kujur were special invitees during this occasion. Jesuits and friends from nearby communities were too present. Fr. Stev had personally sent invitation to his near and dear ones, but with one condition, that no one should bring any flowers, garland or bouquet, and no speeches on the occasion. As a bursar he knew that the flowers were momentary and speeches he had heard in his previous two jubilees, so no need of repeating them as nothing new would have come. But when the turn came for his homily, Stev chose to speak on the reason de etre of the Religious Life today, and significance of evangelical counsel of Poverty, Obedience and Chastity. Using both inductive and deductive logic, like a well-oiled Jesuit mind, he painstakingly elaborated as to why we do not need Religious life today and why we need Religious life so much in the world of today. Audience was moved and edified by his life example and eloquence.  At the end of evening Eucharist, there was a traditional felicitation with 'Mandar'. Some speeches did follow. Fr. Pillen came all the way from Tongo, and as usual, there was a special song by him, where everyone had to join in the chorus.  A timely drizzle had cooled off the weather outside, but inside the refectory, all enjoyed the warmth of one another along with a sumptuous dinner, where all the community members of St. Xavier's college served at the table.

Cathedral Attacked in Jabalpur

Sept. 19. Jabalpur

Last night around 8.30 p.m. 2 boys came into the St. Peter  &  Paul Cathedral premises on bike. They left the bike on and immediately got in the church by breaking the glass of a door. Within no time they set  fire on the alter and St. Paul’s statue which is in the sanctuary part. They went off immediately. Two three Christians happened to pass through that way. Seeing some strange light inside the church they rushed in to the premises. They informed the parish priest. All hurried to the church and stopped the fire from damaging more. There are not much casualties or damage but the attack is the attack.

Immediately the news spread in the city. Christian in good number gathered and blocked the road in front of the church protesting the attack. Road blockage was carried on till 4am.

This morning again thousands of people gathered in front of the church for the meeting. With some of my colleagues I too went see what has happened. It was a surprise for me that people did want to stay for the meeting. The Bishop of Jabalpur and CNI Bishop addressed the crowd.  They said that we will have peaceful rally in protest of the church attack on Sunday. But youth didn’t like the proposal. They started shouting – Alleluia, Isaie ekta jindabad etc. they marched forward the stage. Bishop’s didn’t know what to do. They were asking the rally to be held today itself. Of course, in the beginning there was less number. The youth initiated the rally. No body could stop them. Finally, we too followed them. The protest rally was held in the city for three hours. There were around two thousands people on the road. The rally was unorganized but peaceful one. Except in two places police held us because the mob had torn the banner of BJP.
Finally we came back to the church. Meanwhile, those who did not join the rally had blocked the road and had prayer meeting. When the youth wing arrived from the meeting this blockage of the road took its full shape. The road is still blocked. I came back to write to you all.
On Sunday 10 o’clock there is all denominations’ rally.
Tomorrow Christians of Jabalpur close their all institutions against the act.

Alphonse
 

Fr. Leonard is fighting cancer with great courage

Jamsehdpur 17th Sept.  Though the pain has become simply excruciating,  Fr. Leonard has not given up hope.  His face has swollen up and so are his hands and legs. He does not look the same person anymore. According to the doctors, there is less circulation of blood through the veins, resulting in the swelling of the face and limbs. Fr. Leo cannot sleep on his bed on his back, because, by doing so he finds difficult to breath. He cannot sleep on his sides because the wound in the neck does not allow him to do so. So, he sits on the chair next to his bed and puts down his head on the pillow and tries to sleep. There is twenty-four hours of pain. His voice has become very feeble. He recognizes the visitors and can talk in a faint voice. His head is very clear. He can hear and understand everything.  The doctors in Mercy Hospital, where Fr. Leo has been shifted from MMH Jamshedpur, wanted to see the Provincial to tell him the latest condition of Fr. Leo. Intra-venal injections are being given to activate the veins. With the circulation of blood the swelling might go. According to the doctors,  Radio therapy is another alternative, but his body may be too weak for it.

 

At this moment, no one except Fr. Leo has to bear the pain and agony. We all can only stand by him with our hearts joining him in prayer. Courage and strength Fr. Leo! 

 

Mangalore attack on Christian Churches has surprised Jharkhandi Christians

Ranchi 16th Sept.  Two consecutive days of attack on dozens of Churches and Christian establishment in Mangalore city, where a very organized mob went round creating havoc amongst the Christians, has taken the Christians in Jharkhand by shock and surprise. Mangalore is traditionally considered a strong hold of Christians, where for centuries they have been part of peaceful coexistence in the city. Unlike Orissa, where the Christians are from the scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste background, upon whom the recent attacks were targeted, Mangalorian Christians are very educated, well placed and people of the main stream. One has not heard of the so called 'forced conversions' from any quarters. Mangalorians are very well placed in the State and National politics too. In fact, the ruling UPA has several heavy weights in its rungs from this stock. Attacking Christians in Rosa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other States can very well be understood, as they are in minority in those states and economically very poor. In this perspective, Mangalore attack on Christians, without any provocations is simply beyond any comprehension. Well, all secular parties may condemn such communal flares, but in this case, even statements have been so wanting from any corner. Is it a preparation for the next assembly elections, where the fundamentalist groups want to arouse Hindu sentiments against the ruling UPA government? If the communal forces are really strong and powerful, they would have responded after the serial blasts in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Hydrabad and the like, where hundreds of innocent people, especially, the Hindus are being targeted. Flouting all the securities, the Muslim fundamentalist groups are owning up the responsibilities for such blasts. And the Hindu fundamentalists are targeting the soft targets in Christians. This is simply beyond any comprehension.

 

What should Christians in Jharkhand expect?

No one believes that the Churches in Jharkhand will be attacked, although in some stray cases, small churches have been attacked on one account or another. In the recent years, H.E. Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo has grown in stature and acceptance from all section of people. He is undisputable Christian leader of the Church in Jharkhand. Several political leaders come to him for his blessings. He even invites all religious groups and leaders for Christmas celebration at the city level.  Secondly, Sadbhavana Munch, an  inter-religious front mainly supported by important citizens of Ranchi city, too has been coming together on several occasions to make statements against any religious divide or communal fights. Christians do not suspect that the local people will try to vandalize the churches as some fundamentalist groups are doing in other places. Common masses are not trying to arm themselves to protect against any eventuality. So, the belief is there that unless instigated by outside forces, Jharkhand is going to remain peaceful.

 

 

 

Human Chain to Protest the Carnage in Orissa

Ranchi 13th Sept.  A human chain, beginning from High Court Ranchi to the historic Morabadi ground was organized under the aegis of  Jharkhandi People's Initiative. His Eminence T.P. Cardinal Toppo, D.D. and Mrs. Rama Xalxo, the Mayor of Ranchi city garlanded the statue of Ambedkar before flagging off the silent procession. Protesters, which included people from different religions had white bandana tied to their foreheads,   carried placards depicting their demands. They demanded enquiry into the Orissa killings and rehabilitation of the victims with proper security and freedom to practice their religion. The march ended with the garlanding of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Morabadi, where speeches were made by a few speakers. A memorandum  was also submitted to the Governor of Jharkhand.

 

Incidentally, on the same day, in Orissa, Mr. Ashok Singhal, the leader of  Vishwa Hindu Parishad, met Sri Naveen Patnayak, the Chief Minister of the State and told him to protect the interests of the Hindu majority. He alleged that 'foreign hand' was involved in the killing of the seer Lakshamananda Sarswati and his four colleagues in Kandhamal district. In his talk, he tried to convince the Chief Minister that MCC is not involved in their killing, as this outfit never involves  in any religious concerns. He reminded the Chief Minister that if he wanted Hindu vote in the coming State Assembly elections,  he would have to protect the interest of the majority group. Apparently, Mr. Singhal very conveniently forgot to tell the Chief Minister as to how the Hindu carnage has taken toll of more than 20 lives of Christians so far, scores and scores of houses burnt down, Churches raised to the ground and thousands of people still forced to live in the jungle due to fear of VHP - Bajrang Dal outfits, who are still preying for hapless Christians in several parts of Orissa. This is the same Chief Minister, who has refused to meet any Christian delegation so far managing even to dilute the pressure of the Centre. Another Narendera Modi in making?

 

Mother Linda Mary inaugurates the Jharna: Spirituality Centre in Namkum

Ranchi 13th Sept. Mother Linda Mary, the Superior General of the Daughters of St. Anne's Ranchi, inaugurated the Jharna: Spirituality Centre, Namkum today. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Provincial, where Fr. Mennini G., the Superior of the community and Fr. Aurel Bryce, the Director concelebrated with him. Several Religious from nearby communities were present. With this, a long awaited desire of the Ranchi Province was fulfilled. At the end of the Mass, Mr. R. Roy, Fr. Francken and Bro. Polycarp were honoured by Fr. Provincial, who have taken care to build up the building . Later, Fr. Aurel gave some outline as to what the centre will try to do apart from arranging retreat programmes. Jesuits, Religious and laity will be the central focus of Jharna, he elaborated.

 

Trafficking of Jharkhandi girls continues unabated

Ranchi 12th Sept.  Railway Police Force stopped twenty-five Adivasi girls, who were about to board Delhi bound Sampark Kranti Express, in Ranchi railway station. The scheduled departure of the train is 2300 hours. One agent, who was trying to force one girl intoone of  the bogies, managed to escape, when he noticed that police was making a raid. All the girls were rounded up and the police handed them over to Women's Help Line of the city. XISS and YMCA are involved in the city based Women's Help Line.  When contacted, Mr. Sanjay Verma, the city coordinator of the women's helpline, told this correspondent that the girls were first brought to women's helpline. During interrogation, initially the girls tried to hide their real names and addresses. When they were pressed a little, they gave away the details. Fifteen girls were from Khunti district, nine from Gumla, one from Birmitrapur of Orissa. The Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts were contacted and the girls were handed over to their parents. So far, the parents of Birmitrapur girl have not been contacted as yet; so she has been kept in Niwaranpur Women's Shelter.

 

When asked about as to what kind of information was sought from the girls in the Women's Helpline, Mr. Verma told that the real names and addresses of the girls were the first concern. Secondly, to the question whether they were being forced to go to Delhi, the girls were mostly defensive. The girls said that they were poor and were told that if they work in the families as domestic help, they would be getting a fixed amount. Even some of them had taken the consent of their parents. When the  Women's Helpline told the girls  that it is likely that some of them would be forced into flesh trade, they only put down their heads, not knowing what to say or expect.

 

Mr. Verma told that many girls managed to go to Delhi from stations like Ramgarh, Tati Silway, Tory and other nearby stations. He feels that most of the girls will be trying their luck sooner or later. It is surprising that so many girls could come to Ranchi from different places for boarding the train. It is clear that the racket of the Delhi based Placement Agencies has wide network in Jharkhand. Not a single agent has been caught so far.

 

Regular trafficking and migration of domestic working girls to cities expose the ambitious  NAREGA project, which is supposed to provide 100 days of work to each red card holder. Labour force of Jharkhand is still facing exploitation.

 

Adivasi women whither?

   

 

Fr. Prem Pronounced  his Final Vows

Ranchi 8th Sept.  Fr. Prem Xalxo, S.J. pronounced his Final Vows here in Manresa House before Fr. Provincial. His Eminence T. P. Cardinal Toppo, D.D. was the main celebrant during the Eucharist. The neighbours and near and dear ones of Fr. Prem came with a very good preparation for entrance dance and other parts of the  liturgy. Fr. Alex Ekka gave a very inspiring homily mainly dwelling on the life sketch of Fr. Prem.  At the end of the ceremony, two books of Fr. Prem, one in English ( his doctoral thesis) and the other in Hindi (reflection on Sunday readings) were released. After a short swagat, festive meal followed. Good number of Ranchi Jesuits came from near and far to join in the happiness of Fr. Prem.

Prayer meeting organized by All Churches Committee

Ranchi 7th Sept. A prayer meeting was organized in Loyola Ground Ranchi, under the aegis of All Churches committee Ranchi for the victims of Orissa and floods victims of Bihar. Representatives from Sikh, Hindu and Islam too shared the podium. Choirs from different churches led devotional hymns. Bishops, pastors and other religious leaders recited prayers from the holy scriptures. His Eminence gave the main message of the day. Later, His Eminence T.P. Cardinal Toppo D.D. led the team for collection for the flood victims of Bihar. However,  Loyola Ground Ranchi did not witness the crowd as it normally does. Apart from the Catholic Church, members from other denominations did not participate in big number. The prayer meeting was kept at 3.p.m., and yet people did not turn up in big number. A short notice may have been the main cause. For the optimists, more than two thousand people was good enough. Normally Loyola Ground witnesses more than five thousand people.