aint

ugene Niwas
mbellishing
ivinity
Magazine - No. 01 - Issue Date: 21st May 2020
Motto: To leave nothing undared…for the grater glory of God through newer heights - St. Eugene

a “bishop with a heart

as big as St. Pauls’, as big as the world”
of
“the servant and priest of the poor.”

1st August 1782 - 21st May 1861

Founder of OMI Congregation
& Bishop of Marseilles, France


Impelling forces for EDM

“the glory of God, the good of the Church
and the sanctification of souls”.

Editorial Board: Frs. S.D. AROKIARAJ, OMI & JOHN SELVARAJ, OMI
OMI Seminary, St. Eugene Niwas, Eugene Road, Near Carmel School,
Namnakala, Ambikapur - 497 001, Surguja District, Chhattisgarh State
 CONTENTS
1. SEED - From the Rector’s Desk
- Fr. S.D. Arokiaraj, OMI
2. Experience Sharing - Fr. Gnanapragasam, OMI
3. Brief History of OMI
4. Orientation and Motivation
5. OMI Seminary - St. Eugene Niwas, Ambikapur
6. Juniorate in North India & Oblate Vocations
7. Inspirations & Lessons from the Former
Rectors of Oblate Juniorate, North India
A) Bilha to Lambar - Fr. Peter Sakra, OMI
B) Lambar to Ambikapur - Fr. Bbiyan, OMI
C) Ambikapur – Fr. Valan, OMI
D) Fr. V. Arockiasamy, OMI
E) Fr. S.D. Arokiaraj, OMI
Gardening
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
8. My Experience - by Candidates
9. Annual Report of St. Eugene Niwas - 2019-2020
10. Oblate Day: 17 February
11. BOSOM - 2019 & Visit to Chennai
12. Annual Day Celebrations & Events – 21May
And releasing of SEED - Magazine
13. COVID-19 - Relief works of OMI India
14. An Experience of Fencing the Property
15. BC Cultural Academy - Minutes & Speeches
16. Visit of the Dignitaries
17. Community Guidelines & Annual programs
18. SEED - Becoming Fruit - Dr. Gregory, OMI
19. House Administrator Speaks
– Fr. D. John Selvaraj, OMI
02 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur

- Fr. S.D. Arokiaraj, OMI,
Rector, Ambikapur
SEED is the name of the FIRST Oblate
magazine from OMI Seminary, St. Eugene Niwas,
Ambikapur. It was released on 21st May 2020, by
Most Rev Bishop. Patras Minj, S.J., Bishop of
Ambikapur diocese, Chhattishgarh, on the occasion
of the 13th Annual Day Celebrations of St. Eugene
Niwas, and on the 159th Heavenly Birth
Anniversary of St. Eugene de Mazenod, the
Founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the
Bishop of Marseilles, France.
SEED – is an acronym for “SAINT
EUGENENIWAS EMBELLISHING
DIVINITY”. A seed represents different shape and
size with these traditional and symbolic meaning :
Potential, Trust, Hope, Nourishment, Sacred,
Earthiness, Initiation, Reproduction, Cycles, Time,
Provision. It takes time and patience to plant a seed
and wait for the plant to rise and become full in its
expression.
The terminology implies the following nature and
objectives of the OMI Minor Seminary at
Ambikapur, C.G. Oblate Juniorate or Minor
Seminary is the first formation to enter into Oblate
way of life. First impression is the best impression.
This is why, “we leave nothing undone” to uphold
the highest training standards, in the maiden entry
of our candidates, into Oblate formation.
1. S – for “SAINT” – the final goal of the Oblates
is that, “they must strive to be saints”
themselves first, and to lead people by their
saintly exemplary life. That is, “We must lead
people to act like human beings first of all, and
then like Christians, and, finally, we must help
them to become SAINTS” – St. Eugene,
Preface to OMI CCRR.
2. E – for “EUGENE NIWAS” – i.e., “NIWAS”
or “NIVAS” in the Indian languages means, an
abode, residence, domicile, dwelling place etc.
Here, by “EUGENE NIWAS”, we mean that,
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
Title of the Magazine
our institute or the house is an abode where the
values and the lifestyle of our beloved Founder
St. Eugene de Mazenod is being lived by the
inmates or the nivasi. Secondly, “EUGENE
NIWAS” implies the name of the house
christened after the name of our Founder St.
Eugene. (Refer the plaque at Ambikapur dt. 1st
October 2015).
3. E – “EMBELLISHING” – refers to -
embracing or enhancing the beauty of God by
our beautiful activities and by right living and
doing the Oblate Charism in our given context.
“By great works of salvation …..to rekindle the
flame of faith….striving solely for the glory of
God….” (-St. Eugene, Preface to OMI CCRR),
we embellish HIS sublime NAME.
4. D – “DIVINITY” – the DIVINE is the central
to the Oblate life and ministry. So, “Nothing
against God and nothing without God”. And
thus, filled with unbounded confidence in
God….fight, even unto death, for the greater
glory of his most and sublime Name – by St.
Eugene. (Preface to OMI CCRR). Therefore,
just as a natural seed goes through
transformation and bears fruits, so also the
candidates are invited to seed-experience and
thus be planted in missions and as missionaries
to bear fruits of the holy spirit and finally give
glory to God through our good deeds.
5. Other applied or implied meaning of the
word SEED :
 “All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the
SEEDS of today.” This would sum up the
purpose of the acronym “SEED”.
 The word SEED or SEEDS refers to the new
and the fresh candidates who join the Oblate
way of life. Oblate Formation house or the
Seminary or Juniorate or by whatever name we
call it, is the fertile ground or soil that facilitates
its growth.
 Saint Eugene Niwas is an abode for
Embellishing the Divinity. That is to say, we,
the Oblate Community at Ambikapur, are like
the seeds with full of sap and potentiality for
growth and progress.
 This Oblate formation house at Ambikapur,
which is in the center of India, is the hope/
future of the Oblate expansion in North and
03 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 North East. We thank God for the gift of many
Oblate Vocations from the North and North
East India.
 Oblate candidates are like the SEEDS.
Therefore, all our efforts are towards teaching
and nurturing the young with the Oblate values,
and to equip them with skills and knowledge
they need to become good fruits for better
tomorrow.
 Oblate Houses of Formation are like the
Nurseries, where the seeds, the candidates
germinate or blossom into beautiful priests and
religious in the future.
 Just like in nature, our spiritual growth takes
time. Formation is like a nursery garden. We
plant the seeds and help them grow. Our
candidates are like seeds, we have planted in
formation house. We water them, we give
them fertilizer, we make sure they have the
right amount of sunlight, and interrupt the
seed’s progress by digging it up to see how
much it has grown….
6. Literal meaning of the word SEED(s):
A seed is basically a baby plant — it's the way
plants reproduce. A SEED can potentially grow
into a beautifully huge tree if it is sown in the
good ground. The seed “becomes” according to
its “ground-reality”.
7. Meaning of the word SEED in Botany :
An encapsulated plant embryo; a fertilized
ovule of a plant. Or A seed is a fertilized ovule
containing the plant embryo. Given the
appropriate growth conditions, it will become
the new plant.
8. Biblical meaning of the word SEED:
Biblically, “SEED” means the word of God. (Luke
8:11).
9. Therefore, amidst the implied meaning of the
SEED or SEEDS, in formation, we are called to
realize the nature of SEEDS, namely;
1.Seeds take time to grow :
A whole garden isn’t created over night, and
neither is a dream life. But, by focusing on the
positives, and seeing the little seeds that start to
peek out from the earth in the form of something
new, we can start to see the progress we are
SEEDS 2019-2020
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
making in our journey to start living the life
we’ve always wanted.
2. Transformation - Seeds must break their
shell and change to grow :
A seed can’t stay a seed forever. When cared for
with nourishing soil, rays of sunlight, and water,
they change shape and start to become whatever
it is they were meant to be. To really experience
positive change, you too, must let go of your past
and embrace the transformation that’s about to
take place. Have confidence knowing you will
take on a better form, even if it takes time. The
seeds go through a spiritual transformation and
awakening.
3. When a seed flowers, everyone recognizes
its beauty : After a seed under goes a
transformation and takes on a new form,
everyone appreciates it for whatever it has to
offer, whether it’s a smile-inducing sunflower or
a crisp carrot. Each seed has something new,
something more to contribute. And how did it
get to this point? With time and a transformative
change.
10. A few Quotes on SEEDS:
 "Only God can make a tree, but I'm in charge of
seeds and weeds!" - Author Unknown
 "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap,
but by the seeds you plant.- Robert Louis
Stevenson
 The seed includes all the possibilities of the
tree. ... The seed will develop these
possibilities, however, only if it receives
corresponding energies from the earth and the
sky.
I acknowledge my sincere gratitude to my
community and specially my oblate-friends who
inspired us with this titling of the first magazine of
the North Indian Oblate Formation House.
 Frs. S.D. A R O K I A R A J , OMI
Rector , OMI SEMINARY
St. Eugene Niwas, Ambikapur
04 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 EXPERIENCE SHARING
Construction of Oblate Juniorate
St. Eugene Niwas – Ambikapur, C.G
- Fr. K. GNANAPRAGASAM, OMI
Parish Priest and SEEMS – Mendrakala, Ambikapur
History & General Background of Oblate
Juniorate in North India :
Greetings from Mendrakala, diocese of Ambikapur.
I am happy to share my experience alongwith the
staff and Brothers of Ambikapur, Oblate
Community. I appreciate the community for giving
me an opportunity to recall and share the mammoth
work of carrying out the task of establishing the
Oblate Juniorate for the North India. First and
foremost I remember Fr. Pathinathan, OMI, the
then Delegation Superior and his team who
envisioned this noble project of Oblate Juniorate for
the North Indian candidates. They commissioned
me to carryout a project, namely, to look for a
parish location at Bilaspur, in the Archdiocese of
Raipur. I stayed in a rented house in Bilha and by
the end of the year 2006-2007, we were able to
work out the task by identifying and registering 7.5
acres of land at Mudipar village, Bilaspur, under the
Society of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
With the new Delegation administration, under Fr.
Francis Nallappan, OMI, I had to move to Chennai,
as the Treasurer. Thereupon, Frs. Peter Sakra, OMI
and Amirtharaj, OMI, occupied the same rented
house for two purposes, firstly, to take care of the
new mission works at Mudipar and to establish
Oblate juniorate for North India.
Secondly, I wish to bring to our notice or furnish a
few details of the formation house at Ambikapur,
North India. I was the Parish priest and School
correspondent at Boda, in the diocese of Ambikapur
during 2010-2013. At the request of Fr. Francis
Nallappan, OMI, the then Provincial Superior of
OMI India, I was mediating for the purchase of
Rosarian land at Ambikapur. So, hereby I present
the details as available in the GIFT DEED of the
ECCLESIASTICAL AGREEMENT of the
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING made on
4th September 2013. The Provincial Administration
team, under the leadership of Fr. Francis Nallappan,
OMI, and his councilors representing, The Society
of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, purchased the
land from M/s. Nishkalanka Ashram Namnakala
Ambikapur, a branch institution of the
Congregation of the Rosarians, represented by Fr.
Xavier Tirkey, C.R, Ambikapur.
05
Construction of OMI Seminary - Juniorate
Formation for the candidates of North and
North East India:
St. Eugene Niwas, the Oblate Seminary for
Juniorate Formation for the candidates of North
and North East India is situated in Ambikapur,
Surguja district, Chhattishgar State. After a
prolonged emphasis and a felt need of Oblate
Juniorate Formation house for North and North
East India, and with a number of meticulous
processes, studies and experimentation from
Bilaspur to Lambar and from lambar to
Ambikapur , finally, of course permanently, the
OMI Indian Province launched the project for
formation house at Namnakala, the diocese of
Ambikapur, Surguja district, Chhattisgarh State and
thus fulfilled the dream of the OMI Indian
Province.
Since we were at the beginning of the Bicentenary
of the Foundation of the Oblates of Mary
Immaculate (OMI-1816 – 2016), the OMI Juniorate
Seminary was rightly christened as St. Eugene
Niwas, after the name of our Founder St. Eugene
de Mazenod. On 1st October 2015, the OMI
Seminary for Oblate Juniorate formation at
Ambikapur, was blessed by Most Rev. PATRAS
MINJ, S.J., Bishop of Ambikapur Diocese and
opened by Fr. Francis Nallappan, OMI, the
Provincial of St. Eugene Province of OMI India.
The ceremony was carried out in the presence of
Fr. Peter Gerard Daly, OMI, and Mazenod College
mission team from Western Australia and also we
extended our gratitude to all the benefactors. We
appreciate Fr Kulandai Gnanaprakasam, Omi, the
project manager and coordinator and the Oblates of Sweet Memories of the construction
the Cebula District of North India for their
cooperation in making this dream-project a reality. & inauguration of the
Oblate Juniorate at Ambikapur
22 November 2017 – Registration of the
Property:

The Society of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate

represented by Fr. S. Chinnappan, OMI, the
president of the said society and his team of
councilors were instrumental in registering the OMI
property at Ambikapur. I was authorized as the
liaison for the registration of the land. The above
said GIFT DEED was registered under Certificate
No.:IN-CG06127495424695P dt.22 November
2017. The details of the land : Survey (Kasra)
No.108 - area 171 cents, Survey No.109 -area 38
cents, Survey No.110 area 60 cents, Survey No.425
–area 10 cents, the total area of 2.5 acres excluding
the road, of the said society.

Being very close to this house, I have witnessed its

gradual growth starting with Rectors and vice
Rector, namely, Frs. Bbiyan, OMI – Sathees, OMI,
Valan, OMI – Satheesh, OMI, Arockiasamy, OMI
– Deacon Suvarkin, OMI and presently, Frs. S.D.
Arokiaraj, OMI and John Selvaraj, OMI.
I appreciate the present staff of the community for
their various efforts in documenting the various
details of the house and its historical
establishments. I could see the tremendous growth
of the candidates with their creative skills and hard
work and efforts in safeguarding the property by
putting up the fencing.

CONGRATULATIONS
Fr. GNANAM, OMI
As you begin the
YEAR of SILVER JUBILEE
of your FIRST Religious Profession

06

Brief history of the OMI Congregation
The Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of
Mary Immaculate (OMI), for pr iests and
religious brothers, was founded in Aix-en-
Provence, France, on January 25, 1816, by St.
Eugene de Mazenod. Mary Immaculate is the
patroness of the Oblate family. St. Eugene de
Mazenod was a bishop of the diocese of Marseilles
in South France.
As of January 2020, the Oblates are present in five
continents, and 73 countries, with a total number of
3631 (namely, 2 Cardinals, 8 Archbishops, 37
bishops, 1 Prefect Apostolic, 2696 priests, 262
brothers with perpetual vows, 7 Brothers who are
permanent Deacons, 23 Brothers with temporary
vows, and 595 scholastics).
The Superiors General since the foundation of
the Congregation are:
Rev. Fathers Eugene de Mazenod (1816-1861),
Joseph Fabre (1861-1892), Louis Soullier (1892-
1897), Cassien Augier (1897-1906), Augustine
Dontenwil (1906- 1931), Théodore Labouré (1932-
1944), Léo Deshâtelets (1944-1972), Richard
Hanley (1972-1974), Fernand Jetté (1974 -1986),
Marcello Zago(1986-1998), Wilhelm Steckling
(1998-2010), Louis Lougen (2010- till date).
OMI General House is in ROME, Italy: Casa
Generalizia OMI, Via Aurelia 290, 00165 ROMA,
Italia (C.P. 9061-00100 Roma Aurelio).
Founding of the Oblate mission in India
1. Oblates from the Colombo Province of Sri Lanka
established the Oblate mission in India. Oblates
were welcomed to Indian soil by Most. Rev. Dr. R.
Arulappa Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore.
2. Oblates who have been working in SriLanka
since 1847, were the first to set foot in India on 29th
of June 1968, in the persons of Frs. Emmanuel
Mariampillai and Stanislaus Philips, the first OMI
pioneer missionaries to India.
3. Faithful to the Oblate charism, the pioneers
declined city parishes offered by the archbishop and
chose voluntarily to serve in Kancheepurm, the
farthest and poorest mission of the diocese. It is
from there, the history of Oblate missionaries in
India starts but we do have certain historical proofs
of their ministry in other places of Tamil Nadu
prior to their proper settlement at Kancheepuram.
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
Oblates in
Ambikapur
4. OMIs grew initially as a mission till 1979 and
then as a Delegation of Colombo Province of Sri
Lanka. Their apostolic works were carried out
among the Tamils because the first Oblate
Missionaries were Tamils from SriLanka. Tamil
Nadu became a prominent mission station for the
Oblate pioneers, namely, Frs. Emmanuel
Mariampillai, OMI and Stanislaus Philips, OMI.
5. The Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore
supported their initial accommodation and
formation of the candidates etc. It was a strong
base for establishing their Oblate presence,
prosperous vocations and settlement and gain
influence.
6. It has taken almost one and half a decade for the
Indian Oblates to cross borders within the same
land. Andhra Pradesh and then Karnataka were the
first states that Oblates could extend their presence
next to Tamil Nadu.
7. Oblate Missionary work progressed on a large
scale and with great success along the South
Indian States. Several Oblate missions were
established in the South.
8. In 2010 the Indian Oblates blossomed as St.
Eugene Province of India with Fr. Francis
Nallappan, OMI as its first provincial.
9. Right from the beginning our missionary vision
in India, was to be “pilgrims with the poor towards
fullness of life”.
10. OMI Indian province gives more importance to
promote and defend the dignity of oppressed
people, and working for the religious harmony
through the promotion of interreligious dialogue.
11. From Tamil Nadu, OMI extended its
missionary presence and evangelizing ministry to
Andhra Pradesh (1984), Karnataka (1986),
Chhattisgarh (2004), Maharastra (2005), West Bengal
(2012), Assam (2012) and Meghalaya (2014).
12. Fr. S. Chinnappan, OMI is the present
provincial of the Oblates in India since 2016. We
have 100 oblates working in India, 17 Indian
oblates working abroad as missionaries and 43
scholastics.
13. The Address of the OMI provincial house in
India: OMI Provincialate, St. Joseph Bhavan, 2/17
-Z, Opp. to OTA, Rudhra Road. St. Thomas
Mount, Chennai- 600016, Tamilnadu.
Tel. no.: 044-22346766 / 22346769.
Email: steugeneprovinceindia@gmail.com.
Web: www.omiindia.com
07 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 Orientation at the beginning of the year- Purpose of the Juniorate Formation
Additional Ref – “The Scope and Goals of Juniorate Formation”
- from Indian Oblate Formation Directory (Pvt Circle)
Spiritual Growth
The candidate gives ample evidence of his growth in
faith by his interest as well as punctuality to community
prayer (Iswara pranidhana - devotion to the Lord). He
should have a good grounding in basic catechism of the
Catholic Church, good knowledge of the Gospels, Bible
stories, sacramental life of the Church, various methods
of prayer, the life of the Founder, the Beginnings of the
Congregation and the Oblate way of life.
Spiritual formation is catered to with an introduction
into Y ogasanas, Pranayama and other methods of
prayer and meditation. To help the spiritual formation,
liturgy as well as para-liturgical services are conducted
both at the level of the community as well as in groups.
Formation does facilitate means and milieu of
communion with God. Lively Community prayers
become participatory and meaningful to community life.
Inculturated Creative liturgy is organized on
Solemnities, Feast days and days of special significance
considering the cultural and linguistic plurality.
Guidelines to Foster Spiritual Growth
 The candidates have to know basic prayers of the
Catholic Church and of the Congregation.
 Spiritual conferences on prayer has to be given.
Sacraments, liturgy and faith life have to be taught.
 The candidates ought to know the basic prayers viz.,
Our Father, Hail Mary, Gloria, Credo, Mass Prayers,
Sole of Christ, Memorare, Salve Regina, Angelus,
Regina Caeli, Act of Faith, Act of Hope, Act of
Charity, Act of Contrition, Mysteries of the Holy
Rosary, Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Seven
Corporal Works of Mercy, Seven Deadly Sins,
Prayer to the Holy Spirit, Ten Commandments, Six
Abstinences, Seven Sacraments, etc.
 Prayer for Oblate Vocation, Prayer for
Perseverance, Prayer to St. Eugene and Oblate
Prayers at Mid-day are prayed.
 English Hymns and Hymns in vernacular languages
are taught.
 A candidate is expected to know the basic
catechism.
 Personal prayer/community prayer, guided
meditation, Creative Liturgy, shared prayers are
coordinated.
 Oblate Religious call is to be nurtured.
 Indian form of prayers like Nama Japa, Bhajans,
introduction to Yogasanas, silent prayers, centering
prayers, etc. are incorporated into liturgy.
 Regular spiritual reading is done during supper.
 Spiritual direction is introduced.
 Monthly Recollection with individual confession
and annual Retreat are conducted.
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
 15 minutes of singing practice for the following day
liturgy.
 To improve singing, daily practice for about fifteen
minutes is encouraged.
Personal Growth and Human Maturity
Growth in discipline involves the ability to get into a
systematic life and silence. As the candidate physically
grows, his state of health is closely watched. Any sign
of physical weakness, hereditary illness or any other
serious illness that will stand in the way of his
becoming a sturdy missionary in the future should
disqualify him.
At the end of the Juniorate Formation a thorough
medical test (Lipid Profile) is done by a Physician. He
should be noted for his good character: honesty,
simplicity, hard-working, forgiving, pleasing manners,
good etiquette, readiness to undergo privation joyfully.
For a balanced growth of personality and emotional
integration, on the one hand they receive sex education
and on the other hand free communication among the
genders. They are also very much encouraged to learn
various skills like singing, playing musical instruments,
games, sports, etc.
‘Work’ being the mother of formation and an
expression of concrete identification with the poor,
apart from skilled-work like cooking, all the other
household chores will be done by the candidates and the
staff. Parents have to financially support the students till
they go to the novitiate.
Manual labour forms an essential part of the efforts
towards self-sufficiency in formation. Work in the fields
to produce vegetables, greens and fruits needed for their
upkeep gives them a sense of belongingness. Animal
husbandry besides serving the same goal inculcates in
the candidates a sense of compassion and eco-
friendliness.
Guidelines to Achieve Human Maturity
 Affective Growth: Healthy interpersonal
relationship among themselves, with the formators,
staff, both teaching and non-teaching, with
complementary sex and other people.
 Contact with other communities through activities
like sports and cultural programmes to enhance
deeper relationship.
 Contact with wider Oblate communities through
live-in sessions during the semester holidays.
 To develop a level of human emotional maturity to
respond to the demands of his community and to
face the challenges of peer group influence as well
as modernity in a positive way.
08 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 To strengthen and develop their talents and abilities
in sports and fine arts (lyal, Isai and Nadagam)
such as dance, music (vocal and instrumental) and
library activities.
 To grow in media awareness and use of modern
communication system.
 Creative leisure like sports and games, recreation,
prepared entertainments for the development of the
whole person.
 Manual labour, responsible cooperation with one
another, dynamic life relationship with Mother
Earth.
 Basic manners and public etiquette are taught to the
students.
 Inviting members gifted with talents and skills to
motivate and to teach. In this regard singers and
instrumentalists for Ex., for Tabla, Keyboard,
Guitar, etc. should come forward.
 Productive habits are encouraged in the formation.
 Practical arts and crafts to be developed (paper
cuttings, puppet- making etc.)
 Productive hobbies like rearing rabbits, fowls,
pigeons, pigs, cows, goats, beehives, etc.
Intellectual Growth
In the academic field, the emphasis is given to ‘learning
English’. At the end of the year, every candidate is
expected to have a good knowledge of basic grammar,
which would enable him to grasp and express himself
with sufficient clarity both in speaking and writing
satisfactorily. He should keep abreast of the happenings
around him, especially in the State and in the Country.
Modern means of teaching techniques such as
PowerPoints, audio-visuals and English Learning
software have to be made available to create an interest
in the students for learning the language.
Guidelines to Achieve Intellectual Growth
 Study Methodology is taught.
 Reading Newspapers & watching TV News to
update their general knowledge and to keep track
of the events and happenings around them.
 Vocabulary building strengthens the fluency in
English.
 Textbooks are to be fixed in consultation with
experienced Formators and English Teachers.
(High School English Grammar and Composition
by Wren & Martin. Brighter grammar V ol.1, 2 ,3, 4
by C. E Eckersley and Macaulay revised by D.K
Swan).
 An integral approach to teaching English is to be
adopted: Written & Spoken, Penmanship,
Constructions and common mistakes, Regularity,
Correction & Re-correction of homework, practice
of habit of thinking and speaking English, etc.
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
 Periodic tests and follow up of the improving pace
and constancy are done.
 Semestral progress report is to be sent to the
candidate’s home.
 Parents meet could be organized once in a year with
the vocation promoter.
 Group study is encouraged.
 Eugene Academy enhances and develops their latent
talents and communication skills.
Community Life
The community of the Apostles with Jesus is the model
of our life. Life in community, with its joys and
tensions, its spirit of charity and mutual support help the
candidates identify themselves with the Oblate family
and will initiate them into living together as brothers in
the Lord. He should not be a loner but involve himself
in the life of the community. He must show a certain
amount of sensitivity to others. He should learn to relate
himself to others especially to people with different
temperaments and cultures, and even with people of the
complementary sex.
Guidelines to Enhance Community Life
 Regular community meetings.
 Develop qualities such as honesty, sincerity,
transparency and accountability.
 Regular personal encounter with the formators.
 Confronted with the changing value system due to
the impact of modernity ushering in an urban
lifestyle in our society, there is a felt need for an
Oblate who could specifically accompany our
students so as to challenge and help them assume
right values which are consonant with the stage of
their growth, the vocation they have chosen, and the
cultural values of the land.
 For greater participation and involvement, the
community is divided into smaller groups.
 Usually at the beginning of the academic year, the
staff and the students draw up the annual
programme keeping in mind both the curricular and
extra-curricular activities.
 The Oblate Missionary Dimension is lived in their
own way in and through their participation in the
life of nearby parishes and Oblate Missions. They
actively
 participate in awareness programmes and common
socio-religious activities.
 Being youngsters they need frequent outing, walks,
as well as entertainment in groups; these should be
encouraged.
 Codices and Chronicles: All important events,
visitors and happenings have to be recorded and
maintained.
 Games and sports, and indoor games are important
components for community building.
09 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 OMI Seminary - St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
Nature, Objectives, History
Introduction:
St. Eugene, our beloved Founder interpreted the
signs of his time and invited his Oblates to adapt
life according to the needs of the time and place.
St. Eugene Niwas, christened after the name of our
Founder St. Eugene, is the OMI Seminary or the
second juniorate of the Indian Oblate Province
established in North India in 2007. Establishing of
this house was indeed a pressing need as per
reading the signs of that time.
Geographical and Demographic situations of
Ambikapur:
St. Eugene Niwas is located in Ambikapur, at
Namnakala, Eugene Road, near Carmel’s School.
Ambikapur is a city in Surguja district of
Chhattisgarh state. Surguja district is located in the
northern part of Chhattisgarh State of India. Major
population comprises tribal population. Among
these primitive tribes are Pando and Korwa , who
are still living in forest. About 58% of the area in
the district lies under forests. The district is one of
the oldest districts of the Indian state of
Chhattisgarh, in east-central India. Ambikapur is
also the divisional headquarters of Surguja
Division which consists of the five districts of
Surguja, Koriya, Balrampur, Surajpur and Jashpur.
The name of the city is derived from the Hindu
goddess Ambika (Mahamaya) Devi, who is the
central figure of worship in the area. Ambikapur is
the 8th largest city in Chhattisgarh. Most of the
district's terrain is forested and hilly. Natural
resources include bauxite, forest products and
paddy crops.
Some of the land is barren and uncultivated while
most of the land is forest cover and the rest is
occupied by people for their infrastructure. The
cultivated land reflects the patterns and intensity of
early agricultural practices and the extent of the
population, combined with physical factors. As per
the 2011 census, Ambikapur municipal corporation
had a population of 114,575 and the urban had a
population of 143,173. The municipality had a sex
ratio of 920 females per 1,000 males and 11.3% of
the population was under six years old. Effective
literacy was 88.20%; male literacy was 92.73% and
female literacy was 83.29%.
Ambikapur is inhabited by people from across
India. The district population comprises aboriginal
populations including the Pandos and Korwas, who
still live in rural areas. Ambikapur is home to a
large number of Tibetan migrants who took refuge
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in India after the Chinese annexation of Tibet in
1959. The local tribals are known by different
names, namely, Gond, Orrawn, Munda etc.
Regarding the mode of Railways, Ambikapur is
connected to the Anuppur railway junction, a
bordering town in Madhya Pradesh, by a broad
gauge railway. Trains reach Ambikapur from Katni,
Satna, Jabalpur, Durg, Bhopal and the state capital
Raipur. More destinations, such as New Delhi, can
be reached from Anuppur railway junction.
Jabalpur - Ambikapur Express, Ambikapur –
Shahdol, Ambikapur – Surajpur – Anuppur –
Bilaspur – Raipur – Durg Express and Bhopal –
Chirmiri Passenger run from major cities Bhopal,
Gwalior, Katni, Raipur and Jabalpur.
Ambikapur is also well connected by road to other
major cities of Chhattisgarh such as Raipur,
Bilaspur, Durg, Bhilai, Korba and Raigarh. Daily
bus services also runs for Varanasi, Renukoot in
U.P (170 km), Raipur (345 km) and Garhwa in
Jharkhand (160 km). Bus services from Anuppur to
Ambikapur operate via Manendragarh and
Surajpur. The bus journeys from Bilaspur and
Anuppur take between five and six hours.
Ambikapur Airport or Darima airport is located 12
km from the city which is for emergency purposes.
The nearest active airport is at Raipur, the capital of
Chhattisgarh state.
Ambikapur is a multi-religious place. Hinduism is
the major religion in Ambikapur with 79.07 %
followers. Islam is second most popular religion
with approximately 11.46 % following it.
Christianity is followed by 8.21 %, in Ambikapur.
And other religions like Jainism, Sikhism and
Buddhism also have their followers in Ambikapur.
Values of the Institute
As an Oblate community, we wish to live the
present vibrantly and dynamically and become
effective members as salt and light. We accept to
follow or practice the following values that are
summarized from the Indian Oblate Formation
Directory. The staff and the candidates become
aware of their call to religious life and commit
themselves whole heartedly towards achieving the
common goal of the community as prioritized here
below;
1. Human Formation : imbibe humanitar ian
values in the words of our Founder St. Eugene,
“Lead men to act like human beings first of
all…”
10 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
2. English: Lear n and communicate in English
3. Oblate Spirituality : gr ow and shine as
Oblates as intended by St. Eugene by following
the Oblate traditions, values and charism.
4. Hospitality : “Practice charity charity charity
among yourselves….” These words of our
Founder St. Eugene would guide our
community for mutual respect, appreciation
and recognition of ones’ presence and
contribution.
5. Communion : the hear t of the Oblate
Community is communion among the members
of the community. Having a common vision
and mission, planning together, periodical
review (daily/weekly/monthly) and periodical
evaluation and common prayers and Mass etc.
Courses, Academic Requirements
and Objectives of
St. Eugene Niwas – Ambikapur :
Candidates aspiring to become religious
priests, join the institute voluntarily after
their 12th standard or above. They are
required to fulfill the basic expectations and
set goals of the institute as mentioned
below. The duration of this particular
period is for ONE year.
Part - 1
1. Orientation & Initiation
2. Introduction to Oblate Congregation
3. Introduction to Oblate Religious Life
4. English Grammar : Brighter Grammar – 4
Volumes
5. Phonetics – Dictionary
6. Daily Reading Practice
7. Daily Journal and News
8. Conference
Part - 2
1. Mass Responses
2. Basic prayers of the church & Oblate Prayers
3. Basic Catechism, Sacraments, Ten
Commandments
4. Spoken English & Vocabulary Building
5. Reading and writing practices
Morning Yogasanas
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6. Conversations
7. Tongue twisters
8. Stories
9. Idioms – phrases – letter writing etc.,
10. Daily News – correction
11. BCCA – Speeches (correction, reading, practice
etc.)
Part - 3
1. Introduction to Bible – I
2. Introduction to Bible - II
3. Breviary + Liturgy of the Hours
4. Basic Mannerism
Part - 4
1. Music Class
2. Teaching Hymns
3. Basic English
4. Spiritual Direction and Conference
Part - 5
1. Spoken English
2. Moral Stories & basic conversations for
interaction
3. Basics and usage of Computer
Learning outcomes :
At the end of this stage of formation or the
academic year, the candidates will be able to :
achieve certain level of spiritual growth as
mentioned in the formation directory and they
would equip themselves with human maturity,
intellectual competence, fluency in English
Language, love for the community, etc.
Motto, Vision and Mission Statement of St.
Eugene Niwas – Ambikapur
Motto of the Community for the year 2019-2020:
To leave nothing undared…for the greater glory of
God through newer heights - St. Eugene
Vision of the Province : Pilgr ims with the Poor
towards Fullness of Life
Mission of the Province : We, the disciples of
Jesus Christ, walking in the footsteps of our
founder St. Eugene, living in a witnessing apostolic
community characterized by simplicity and
interiority, commit ourselves to live in solidarity
with poor with their many faces towards fullness of
life, in the pluralistic context of India.
11 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
Culture, Lifestyle, Values & Beliefs -
Influence North Indian Oblate Vocations:
1. India is the seventh-largest country in the
world. It is one of the oldest civilizations with
rich cultural heritage.
2. The geography of India is extremely diverse,
with landscape ranging from snow-capped
mountain ranges to deserts, plains, hills and
plateaus.
3. And it is the same with its diverse monsoons,
cultures, language and life style.
4. Our border-neighbors are, Pakistan, China,
Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan and
Afghanistan. Sri Lanka and the Maldives are
island nations to the south of India.
5. Politically, India is divided into 28 states 8
union territories. The political divisions
generally follow linguistic and ethnic
boundaries rather than geographic transitions.
6. India is bounded on the southwest by the
Arabian Sea and on the southeast by the Bay of
Bengal. On the north, northeast, and northwest
are the Himalayas.
7. Kanyakumari constitutes the southern tip of the
Indian peninsula, which narrows before ending
in the Indian Ocean.
8. It is difficult to generalise India's climate. India
is prone to several natural disasters, droughts,
flash floods, as well as widespread and
destructive flooding from monsoonal rains,
severe cyclones, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions,
hurricanes, landslides, avalanche, snowstorms,
dust storms, hailstones and earthquakes.
9. Therefore, with these aforementioned basic
assumptions and a few realities of our country,
let us focus on the specific experiences and
challenges faced by the Indian Oblate unit in
founding the Oblate formation house for North
India.
Candidates in their regular spiritual
activities with their formators
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Oblate Entry into North and Northeast India:
1. India is a composition of cultures that can be
compared to a garden of flowers of various
colours and shades of which, while maintaining
their own entity, lend harmony and beauty to
the garden – India!.
2. People speak in different languages, dress
differently, follow different religions, eat
different food and practice different cultures.
3. The food, clothing and habits of an Indian differ
in accordance to the place of origin.
4. For long time, Oblates confined themselves
within South India (Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka).
5. Many vast regions of North and North-East
Indian regions were practically untouched by
the Indian Oblates.
6. Then after a prolonged, three and a half decade
of trail and failure experiences, the Oblates
ventured into the North Indian regions.
7. Steps were taken to recruit candidates from
north India.
8. The north Indian Oblate candidates were sent to
Bangalore and later to Perambakkam juniorate
in the south.
9. This practice continued for quite many years
even though the perseverance rates of the
students were almost nil.
10. Every year quite many students from north
India join the Oblate Juniorate, but somehow
they didn’t survive or persevere. There were
many factors affecting this venture.
11. It was brought to the notice of the formation
team and many reasons were discussed several
times as to why the north Indian students could
not persevere.
12. The formation team and the Provincial
(Delegation) administration felt the need to
have a separate juniorate for the north Indian
candidates. But this felt need was not actualized
immediately. It took for some years to come to
a decisive moment.
Fencing works and the visit of Fr,
Gnanam, OMI
12 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 Juniorate in North India & Oblate Vocations
For several years, from the inception of Oblate
mission in India i.e., 1968 until 2007, Oblate
Juniorate in India has been on a shift from place to
place for various reasons and experiences. And
further, depending on our fast growth and
expansion, decisions were effected in favour of a
strategic bifurcation of Oblate Juniorate according
to the need of the vast subcontinent of India. There
are several reasons to present here but I am
interested to articulate a few specific reasons.
1. The process to establish another Juniorate in the
North, was quite a lengthy and stressful
experience. We must appreciate the initial
challenges and limitations and difficult
situations faced by the Oblate pioneers
including the candidates of the initial years. But
it is not that we won’t face such circumstances
in the future.
2. In the beginning, the north Indian candidates
were sent to south, i.e., Bangalore-Nivedanam
or Poonamalle-St.Paul’s Institute and later
Perambakkam-Gnanalayam to join the Oblate
juniorate. But their perseverance was very
minimum due to cultural shock and vast
distance to travel.
3. India’s ancient cultural heritage, its complexity,
Cultural differences, long distance, different
languages, food-habits, traditions etc all these
paved ways and means for the establishing of
the separate Oblate Juniorate for the North
Indian candidates.
4. Considering and taking the repeated
suggestions of the Oblate fathers who work in
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
north India and the opinions/experiences of
many formators, the then delegation
administration team felt the need for a separate
Oblate Juniorate for the North Indian
candidates.
5. Despite the fact that we are limited in resources
to support the new formation program, the
objective was achieved through the moral and
financial support of the generous benefactors.
6. To carry out the proposals of the previous
administration, the Provincial administration
(Delegation) of 2006-2007 set up a committee
to study the viabilities for establishing a
formation house in the north. The committee
was composed of the councilor for formation
and Rectors and of course with the expertise of
the north Indian Oblates.
7. A very common reason for bifurcation was that,
the Indian Oblate unit is young and energetic
and growing in number.
8. Another common reason – to establish the
Oblate presence and footing more strongly and
more contextually among the northern regions.
9. A crucial reason for bifurcation or the
establishing of one more Oblate Juniorate in
India would be its ‘multi-culturalness’.
10. We understand the important value of Oblate
vocations. So to recruit more quality vocations
for the Indian Oblate Province as well as for the
OMI Congregation and Mother Church at large.
11. By crossing among the borders of Indian States,
we are faced with enormous opportunities for
our missionary works and presence in North
India.
Judges for
Elocution Contest
16-02-2020
St. Eugene’s
Preface to OMI
CCRR
13 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 Inspirations and Lessons from the Former Rectors of North
Indian Oblate Formation House, Chhattisgarh State

Formation House in North: Bilha - Lambar - Ambikapur

Remembering with gratitude Rectors & assistants
and their service in North Indian Oblate Formation
Bilha to Lambar
Lambar to Ambikapur - Fr. Bbyiyan Francis, OMI - 2013-2017
Ambikapur
Ambikapur
Ambikapur
Name : Fr. Peter Sakra, OMI
Rector: 2007-2013
Experience Place : Bilha - Lambar
Assistants:
Sharing 1. Fr. J.D.A. Amirtharaj, OMI
2. Fr. D. Arokia Vijay, OMI
3. Fr. Shantha Kumar, OMI
Actual day of starting the North
Indian Oblate Juniorate
June 29th the feast day of Saint Peter and Paul of
2007 will always be marked as a red lettered day in the
annals of the history of the north Indian Oblate
Juniorate. Because it was on this day, in the context of
the district meeting the new Juniorate was officially
inaugurated at Bilha, Bilaspur, in a rented house of
Mr.Sahu. Fr. Peter Sakra, OMI was appointed as the first
Rector and Fr. Amirtharaj, OMI, as the vice rector. The
then delegation superior Fr. Francis Nallappan presided
over the Eucharistic celebration followed by the agape
and the district meeting. That was how life began with
seven candidates. As Fr. Gnanam, OMI had to go
Chennai for his new appointment, the care of the
Mudipar land was left to the care of this new formation
community.
We thank all our Oblate pioneers, Administration
and the Rectors, who have worked this noble
project of Oblate Formation for North and North
East to expand the Oblate presence and recruit
more vocations. “By honouring the attributes we
see in others, we start to water those same positive
seeds inside of ourselves”. The work of these
veterans has helped create the tradition for this
Oblate House of Ambikapur. Though, the work of
all these people are invisible to most of us today,
but their life has lead us to certain sustainability.
Thank you dear pioneers.
- Fr. Peter Sakra, OMI - 2007-2013
- Fr. Valan, OMI - 2017-2018
- Fr. V. Arockiasamy, OMI - 2018-2019
- Fr. S.D. Arokiaraj, OMI - 2019-2020
As such this community could not do much for
the development of Mudipar land except the bore well
that Fr. Peter Sakra was able to make. Our life at Bilha
was not easy as we had to face water scarcity, the house
was too old and the playground was so limited and the
house rent was going higher and higher . Therefore,
while staying at Bilha itself we were asked to look out
for suitable place for the formation house.
After much search Tilda was chosen to be next
new formation house as the diocese has a land just near
the railway station and the presence of the sisters
community to be of support. This new plan was
discussed with Most Rev. Augustine the then
Archbishop of Raipur and orally the archbishop too
agreed and told that besides formation house we can
have the new parish as there were twenty catholic
families or so in that town. We successfully completed
one year of formation at Bilha in 2007.
As we were preparing to begin another
academic year, all of a sudden in the month of May
2008, I got the message from the delegation superior
that we are not starting at Tilda but will have to move
immediately to a place called Lambar in the same
archdiocese of Raipur. Thus the juniorate which was in
Bilha was shifted to Lambar in the first week of June
2008. And the official inauguration by the archbishop in
the presence of the delegation superior and the
councilors were held after a few months. Thus, from
2008 to 2012 we had Oblate formation house at Lambar.
My assistants were Fr. Vijay, OMI, now a missionary in
Canada, and Fr.Shanta kumar, OMI.
- Fr. Peter Sakra, OMI
CONGRATULATIONS
Fr. PETER SAKRA, OMI
As you begin the
YEAR of SILVER JUBILEE
of your FIRST Religious Profession

SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020 14 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur

 Inspirations and Lessons from the Former Rectors of North
Indian Oblate Formation House

Rented House -2007

First Year of
Formation in
North India at
Bilha, Bilaspur

Formators : Fr. Peter Sakra, OMI

Fr. J.D.A. Amirtharaj, OMI

North Indian Formation House, known as Jeevan Jyothi Juniorate,

moved to Lambar from Bilha - 2008

Formators : Fr. Peter Sakra, OMI, Fr. Arokia Vijay, OMI with candidates during the
visit of Fr. Francis Nallappan, OMI, the then Delegation Superior, India - 2008

SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020 15 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur

 Inspirations and Lessons from the Former
Rectors of North Indian Oblate Formation
House, Chhattisgarh State
Experience Sharing
Fr. Bbiyan Francis , OMI
Rector :
June 2013 - May 2017
Place : Lambar - Ambikapur
Assistants :
1. Fr. Jesus Dias, OMI
2. Fr. Valan, OMI
3. Fr. Satheesh , OMI
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020 16
My Journey as Rector
in North India
I was appointed as the rector of Jeevan Jothy
Nivas Juniorate, Lambar. Ther e wer e six
students in the beginning, but less students in our
Juniorate in Bengaluru. Therefor all the six students
were sent to Bengaluru for formation. Thereafter I
was left with a regent. In order to keep our community
active and alive, I started Tuition for the children and
spoken English for the grown ups. I had a desire to
make Lambar as a pilgrimage center where many
faithful come to pray and experience the presence of
God. On August 15, 2014, we erected a cross near the
road side. With the help of the local people from
neighboring parish priest, we started to conduct
annual retreat for the people of Kutela denary. This
brought tremendous changes. Within one year we built
five grottos in order to make a prayerful atmosphere for
the people. On January 15, 2015, an
Oblate Cross was erected in Lamber. It is
a historical event. Still today our oblate
cross stands high.
Journey from Lamber to Ambikapur
 Along with nine brothers and a
regent we shifted our north Indian
Juniorate from Lamber to Ambikapur
on January 20th 2016.
- Fr. Bbiyan Francis OMI
OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 Former Rectors of North
Indian Oblate Formation House
My Experience at
St. Eugene Niwas Community
Ambikapur (2017-2018)
I believed that it was a God given opportunity to
guide the young students for one full year. It was
new and challenging task to lead and guide the
young students. Placing my full trust in God and
Mother Mary’s assistance, we the staff began to
give our best to our students. Fr. Satheesh, OMI
was an assistant rector to guide and lead the
students. We had twelve students from three states
of India such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and
Jharkhand.
Students were good enough to learn things for their
BCCA Cultural Events
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
Experience Sharing
Fr. Valan, OMI
Rector:June 2017 - May 2018
Place : Ambikapur
Assistant : Fr. Satheesh , OMI
life. We had focused primarily for their integral
growth of their formation specially to have thirst to
read and meditate on the Word of God, to learn the
fundamental prayers, the importance of sacraments,
the need of English language and few competitions
to develop their talents and abilities.
Students were also going to parish to attend Sunday
mass and they were leading the choir which was
welcomed and appreciated by the parish priest and
people. Students also participated in the BOSOM
meeting and won many prizes in the quiz
competitions. They were encouraged and
congratulated by everyone for their creative
presentation.
As being Rector, it was an eye opening year for me
to learn many things from everyone. I really
cherished and thanked God for the rich experience
and blessings that the Lord had showered on me
and on everyone, especially to see and experience
that students were growing better and better. It was
a rich experience at St. Eugene Niwas. I specially
thank Fr. Chinnappan Sandhappan, OMI the
provincial superior and the administration for
trusting me. I too thank Fr. S.D. Arokiaraj, OMI for
giving me this chance to share my experience.
Candidates and the Staff with
new musical instruments
17 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 Former Rectors of North
Indian Oblate Formation House
Experience
Sharing
Fr. V. Arockia Samy, OMI
Rector :
June 2018 - May 2019
Place : Ambikapur
Assistant:
Deacon. Suvarkkin, OMI
FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD
As our Oblate formation aims at the integral
growth of the person, Dn. Suvarkkin, OMI and
myself decided to help the candidates to set them
on track towards achieving the aim of our oblate
formation. It was a challenging task put forth
before me but by the Grace of God I had a great
satisfaction at the end of the year by looking back
the road we travelled together, the great
achievements and wonderful learnings for our
improvements.
We had sixteen candidates from four different
states namely, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha &
West Bengal. They were mainly taught the
following subjects to help them grow intellectually
such as: Basic Prayers, Oblate Prayers, Grammar,
Phonetics, Oblate Values, Reading & Writing
Practice, Vocabulary Building, Stories, Idioms and
Phrases, Letter Writing, Tongue Twisters,
Conversations, Music, Good Manners, Introduction
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
to Bible, etc., by the staff at St. Eugene Niwas as
well as Fathers, Sisters and Lay People from
outside.
We gave importance not only to academic
curriculum but also to spiritual activities and
extracurricular activities. The spiritual activities
were: Eugenian Devotion on all Thursdays,
Eucharistic adoration on all Fridays, Cultural mass
and Marian Devotion on all Saturdays. They also
had Monthly Recollection, Spiritual Direction and
annual retreat. The extracurricular activities are:
Six Blessed Cebula Cultural Academy (BCCA),
Monthly Supper Out & Party Games, Monthly
Competition, Participating in the Parish
Programme, Weekly Outing, One Day Outing
Twice in a Year, Annual Tour etc., At the end of
the year we had eight candidates with their
academic and ecclesiastical certificates and others
did not have their academic certificates. Eight of
them were promoted and five of them reached
Nivedanam, Bengaluru.
We introduced the Oblate candidates coming from
Northern part of India to religious life and formed
them afire with zeal for the salvation of the souls
and for the Glory of the Church envisaged by our
loving Founder, St. Eugene. The motto for the year
2018 - 2019 was, “For the Greater Glory of God”.
- Fr. Arockiasamy, OMI
18 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 Academic Year 2019 - 2020
OMI Seminary
St. Eugene Niwas
Fr. S.D. Arokiaraj, OMI
Rector : June 2019 –May2020
Place : Ambikapur
Assistant: Fr. D. John Selvaraj, OMI
From Left to Right: SONU TIRKEY, ASHISH ABHISHEK KUJUR, PAULUS HANSDA,
SIDHANT NAYAK, ALEXIUSH MUNDA, UTKAL NAYAK, SOMNATH SOREN
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
Experience Sharing
Ambikapur – an invigorating area for
seminary formation of the Oblate
Candidates:
a re-visit of its journey on the occasion of
the 13th Anniversary of its establishment.
1. In the midst of our secularized society, Oblate
formation to the candidates is very crucial task
and I appreciate the members involved in
identifying this right place for our juniorate
formation in the north.
2. OMI Ambikapur is suituated almost in the
central part of India. A place that could be
easily accessed by transportation like bus or
train. Candidates from North and North East
India could easily reach OMI Seminary,
Ambikapur and have similar living standards
without much cultural shocks, as it used to be
in the past when the candidates went to south
India. Infact, Ambikapur strengthens their
vocation.
3. OMI Seminary, St. Eugene Niwas, Ambikapur,
is one among the privileged areas of our Oblate
19 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 formation. Ambikapur is a conducive region in
many aspects. It’s an apt place for transmitting
the fundamental values of human and Christian
formation as our Founder St. Eugene intended.
Only those who have gone through this place
would be able to share these sentimental
experiences. Because, this place exposes a lot
of challenges as well as avenues for learning
and becoming strong in Oblate charism.
4. The novelty at Ambikapur, is that, we the
formators, in confronting the challenges of our
boundary premises, discovered a constant need
to be effective in all our undertakings. It was an
experience of team work and a spirit of
communion.
5. For our candidates, St. Eugene Niwas is a
second experience of community life after that
of their family. Most of our candidates come
from a reality, tribal regions, culturally
enriching each other. It is an ideal place for
initial formation as well as increasing
vocations. At Ambikapur, the fresh-candidates
don’t experience any cultural shock or physical
distances. And they could be gradually and
systematically prepared to study in south
according to their requirement.
6. Ambikapur is also the district headquarters,
having most of the needed civil services. We
are also privileged to be in Ambikapur which is
also the diocesan headquarters. The CRI
Ambikapur has always admired at our presence
in this place. There are number of religious
institutions with appreciate our presence and
they too collaborate with us. They are expecting
great works of service from us.
7. The OMI Seminary at Ambikapur is an open
reality for formation. Given to its local religious
and political realities, we are very careful to
avoid fantasies or imaginations or unrealistic
expectations of priestly formation. We make
ETC - Eugene Tuition Center
At St. Eugene Niwas
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
sure that the individual candidate is capable of
facing up to his personal reality and the reality
of his surroundings, even though it may be
painful. Here, I would like to remind an
experience of a group of local public who
planted their religious flags within our premises
in order to occupy a portion of our property for
their temple. A few experiences that we
encountered had a strong motivation to deepen
their Christian faith and human maturity and
oblate vocation.
8. Some of the experiences were vital for us to
examine the concrete signs of the everyday life
of our candidates. Their relationships, prayer
life, fraternal life, sports and games, garden
work, love for truth and sincerity, loyalty,
respect for persons, a sense of justice, and
consistency and balance in judgments and
behavior etc.
9. Therefore, except for a few limitations like the
need for boundary wall, house renovation, and
other basic requirements, the OMI Seminary at
Ambikapur is in its central place of India to
attract more vocations from the North and
North East and serve as the hub of the Oblate
unit in the North India.
10. We hope and wish that this Oblate formation
house at Ambikapur would become a major
institute of the OMI Congregation in India and
thus pave ways and means to launce new
frontiers and Oblate expansion in the north and
north east in near future. May God give us the
wisdom to make our Oblate presence more
vibrantly vital and dynamic in and through this
Oblate center of Ambikapur. Our best
complements to all the pioneers of Oblate
formation program that began in Bilaspur and
shifted to Lambar and finally and permanently
established in Ambikapur. God Bless You.
20 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 My Experience Bro. UTKAL NAYAK
- St. Eugene Niwas
at St Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur community is very dear to
(Sharing by Candidates) my heart and special in
many ways. It is a house
of learning basic values
and house that exposed
Bro. SONU TIRKEY me to the world by way of
- St. Eugene Niwas, English language. I am
Ambikapur, has changed extremely grateful to my
my life and gave a lot of Rector Most Rev. Fr. S.D.
opportunities to grow. Arokiaraj, OMI and Fr
John Selvaraj, OMI, the
I thank Frs. S.D. administrator. Whatever I
Arokiaraj, OMI, Rector am today with English,
and John Selvaraj, OMI, talents, stage skills,
the Admin, for their love organising, music and
and sacrifice towards my
growth. I have learnt sports etc., all these are signs of their contribution,
English language and hard work and sacrifice towards my growth. I too
developed a lot of talents place on record my sincere thanks to OMI Fathers
in our OMI Seminary. I of Cebula District, who have inspired me by
thank all the OMI teaching various subjects, especially Frs.
Fathers, Mr. Arun, our Arputharaj, OMI, Jesus Dias, OMI, Satheesh OMI.
Teacher for Spoken I too thank Master ARUN, our spoken English
English and Mrs. teacher. Finally, I appreciate Mrs. Alphonsa, for
Alphonsa, our Kitchen giving us good food even among inconveniences
caused by continuous rains. I pray that God bless
staff for their hard work and sacrifice towards my you with good health. Thank you dear all!
growth. May God Bless all of them.
Bro. ALEXIUSH
MUNDA (Topno)
Bro. SOMNATH – St. Eugene Niwas,
SOREN Ambikapur, is a
– the Oblates of place of learning
Mary Immaculate English as well as
(OMI) and our many other values.
beloved Founder St. I thank my Rector
Eugene’s historical Fr. S.D. Arokiaraj,
background and our OMI and Fr.
Oblate Charism etc. Selvaraj, OMI for
have so much their accompaniment
attracted me and throughout this year
inspired me to love 2019-2020. I
our Founder more experienced their
deeply and love and care for
passionately. me at the time of
Special devotion to my health
Queen of Oblates problems. They
motivated me to took care of me
become an ardent and
zealous oblate in the
very generously by taking me to hospital, further
medical treatment and medical observation. I thank the
congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. I Provincial for attending to my medical care and
extend my sincere gratitude to Frs. S.D. Arokiaraj, OMI and finances. My community Fathers are very kind and generous
John Selvaraj, OMI, for their love, care and concern towards to correct my English, pronunciation, stage performance. I
my growth at St. Eugene Niwas, Ambikapur. I too thank was given ample opportunities to grow and develop my
all other local Oblates and Mr. Arun, Spoken English skills. I learn the value of hard work and many technics
Teacher and Mrs. Alphonsa, and my dear as to how to manage and organise myself. I thank
companion brothers for their moral support and all those who have contributed their best towards
cooperation. May God bless them all. my growth.
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020 21 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
Bro. PAULUS Bro. SIDHANT
HANSDA NAYAK
– I am very happy to – I am very happy to
say that I come from write a few lines of my
an Oblate Parish, experience at OMI
Ekpere, W.B. and to Seminary, Ambikapur. It
become an OMI was a wonderful time
priest. I thank Fr here learning English
S.D. Arokiaraj, OMI grammar, prayers and
and Fr. John Oblate congregation. I
Selvaraj, OMI, the cherished the oblate
Rector and the values and way of life
administrator for that Frs. S.D. Arokiaraj
their selfless service and John Selvaraj taught
and guidance. They me. I sincerely thank
taught me to speak them for their love and
English as well as to guidance towards my
lead a good religious growth. They helped me
understand the religious
life. I learnt to give speeches, organise stage
programs. I learnt a lot of values regarding hard
work and creativity. I too thank other Oblate life as well as the need and importance of English
Fathers and district Fathers for guiding me language for the international congregation. I
throughout this year 2019-2020 at Ambikapur. I improved myself and my talents by way of English
sincerely thank the Oblate community at my home exercises, stage performance, speeches, dances and
parish who have inspired me to become an Oblate. other extra curricular activities. I too thank all the
I too thank Mr Arun, our Teacher and Mrs Oblate Fathers who have taught us Music, singing,
Alphonsa, the domestic staff, for her generous Bible, Oblatology, phonetics etc. I thank Mr. Arun,
works. I am privileged to have a good company of our Teacher and Mrs. Alphonsa, our domestic staff
brothers who have helped me by journeying with for their contribution towards my growth. May God
me in this year. Thank You. bless you all.

Bro. ASHISH ABHISHEK KUJUR

– I thank God for this academic year at OMI
Seminary, Ambikapur. I cherished good memories
and experiences here. Though learning English was
rather difficult, but yet, Fathers have taught me
easy methods to learn the language. I thank them
for their dedication towards my growth. Reading,
writing, exercises, home works, garden works,
games etc have helped me to grow and become a
talented Oblate in future. I thank all other visiting
professors, local district Oblates, Mr. Arun and the
domestic staff. May God bless you. Thank you!

SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020 22 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur

 Annual Report
OMI Seminary, St. Eugene Niwas, Ambikapur
1. Good morning everybody!! It gives me an
immense pleasure to welcome you all on the
occasion of the 13th Annual Day function of
our community at St. Eugene Niwas,
Ambikapur. And today, 21st May 2020, we also
keep the feast of the 159th heavenly birth
anniversary of our beloved Founder St. Eugene
de Mazenod. We are, indeed, grateful to you for
accepting our invitation and gracing the
occasion of the Annual Day Function of our
Minor Seminary at Ambikapur.
2. In the first place, I would like to extend a warm
welcome to our esteemed Chief Guest, Rt Rev.
Patras Minj, S.J., our beloved Bishop of
Ambikapur Diocese, Cebula District Oblates,
Sisters and other Distinguished Guests, Dear
Students, teaching and non teaching staff,
MAMI members...
3. We are privileged to have our Parish Priest and
the parish community of Namnakala Parish for
today's function. We are indeed grateful that
you have been constantly sparing your valuable
time for our Oblate Candidates. On behalf of
the entire community fraternity, I extend a very
warm welcome to you.
4. Today, is a momentous occasion for us, the
Oblate community at Ambikapur to celebrate
the annual day of the community. Its a day,
filled with sentiments, a day, representing the
journey of our hard works throughout the year
culminating in an event of the annual day to
mark our integral achievements.
5. You will witness in this report, as to how St.
Eugene Niwas, the Oblate Minor Seminary,
Ambikapur, has taken significant steps in 2019
-2020 towards discharge of its wider
responsibilities, not only just teaching English
to the candidates. These include steps to deepen
our sense of belonging to the Oblate property,
its safety and security, physical works, creative
adventures taken up within the campus,
relationship with the local religious
communities, and its related commitments.
6. The OMI Seminary at St. Eugene Niwas,
Ambikapur experienced the excitement of
commencement of the academic year 2019-
2020 due to the delayed arrival of the Rector.
But however, we accelerated meticulously
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
every program with more radical and energetic
approach and indeed I can assure you that we
have witnessed the targeted pinnacle of
academic and overall success under multi-
dimensional growth of the students of the
Oblate community at Ambikapur.
7. I am indeed honoured to have this opportunity
to present before you the consistent
achievements of our 7 candidates of this
academic year 2019-2020, who formed the
community for this year. They come from three
states, namely, Sonu Tirkey, and Ashish
Abhishek Kujur from Chhattisgarh State, Utkal
Nayak and Sidhant Nayak from Odisha and
Somnath Soren, Paulus Hansda, and Alexiush
Munda from West Bengal.
8. I am very much satisfied to announce that our
Oblate candidates have well performed in all
their programs and campus projects. I
congratulate them for their hard work and
perseverance in picking up English in a very
short time and continue to wish them that they
achieve better laurels in the years to come.
9. We also place on record our sincere gratitude to
Fr. S. Chinnappan, OMI, Provincial, OMI
India, Fr. David Kumar, OMI, Councilor for
Formation and Fr, Varam, OMI, Provincial
Treasurer, for their trust and confidence in us
and entrusting the formation of the North Indian
candidates to our care. We thank the provincial
team for their overall concerted moral and
financial support without which we could have
not achieved our common goal of the
community at Ambikapur. I would like to thank
each one of you for being thoughtful and
sensitive to the needs of the formation house,
and being a significant part of this glorious
journey of our OMI Seminary at St. Eugene
Niwas, Ambikapur, especially at a time of
fencing our property, as well as supporting us to
buy many things for the community.
10. The community is fortunate to have committed,
energetic, hardworking and dedicated staff in
the person of Fr. D. John Selvaraj, OMI. I say a
23 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 big thank to him. He has played predominantly
a huge part towards the success of the
community. The community is grateful for his
generous efforts. It is a privilege to be a part of
a relationship of trust and collaboration that we
share at our community. We have enjoyed his
excellent cooking too.
11. We thank all the Oblates of Cebula District of
North India, for volunteering their time to be
with us in time of need and extending their
moral support. We appreciate their availability
for the Oblate community at Ambikapur. We
believe that the closer we work together, the
more fruitful it is for our Oblate candidates. It is
worth noting the local Oblate communities,
namely, our farthest district oblates from
Lambar, Bilaspur, Telaidar, Boda and our
nearest Oblates from Mendrakala.
12. A good neighbor is a blessing. The Oblate
community at Ambikapur is indeed surrounded
by a lot of religious institutions. We thank
them for their support and encouragement and
appreciate for their kindness and family spirit.
13. We thank our dear domestic staff, Mrs.
Krishnarajwad, fondly called as ALPHONSA.
She comes from Parsodi village, near
Ambikapur. She deserves our highest praise of
honour and gratitude for her selfless service for
past 4 years.
14. Today, we are happy to mark the SIX
significant events of our community, namely,
(1) the annual day of the community, (2)
concluding of the academic year 2019-2020, (3)
celebrating the 13th anniversary of the
establishment of the formation house for the
northern region (2007-2020), (4) publishing of
a simple photographic albums, (5) publishing of
EUGENE SPEAKS – daily quotations from
Oblate literatures, and (6) we begin the 14th
Anniversary of Oblate Formation Program for
the North region for the academic year 2020-
2021.
15. Having introduced about the year, hereby I
would like to brief the events, works and
academic and spiritual activities of the OMI
Seminary, St. Eugene Niwas, Ambikapur for
the year 2019-2020.
16. The academic year 2019-2020 has seen simple
but unprecedented academic and infrastructural
developments, I call it…. settlements in the
campus.
17. The whole community-team including teachers,
students and the non-teaching staff and
including the visiting district Oblates were
geared towards promoting basic values and
spirituality of our beloved Founder St.
Eugene…. To leave nothing undared…for the
grater glory of God through newer
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
heights…..that guides us as the year-motto of
the community 2019-2020.
18. Our brothers continued to excel academically, a
point reflected in our occasional gatherings and
encounters with the local communities….
19. Daily programs, starting with yoga, Exercise,
regular but creative spiritual exercises and
games, extensive access to reading practices,
phonetics, vocabulary, and exceptional
personalised attention given to each candidate
produced tremendous results…..
August 2019
st
 1 August 2019 - To wrap an eventful academic
year 2019-2020, strenuous efforts were
undertaken about integral formation of the
oblate candidates. We celebrated the 237th birth
anniversary of our Founder St. Eugene on 1st
August. Fr. Gnanaprakasam, OMI, Mendrakala,
presided over the mass and some of the district
oblates joined the community. In the evening,
we began three days of orientation and
introducing the candidates to the community
way of life.
th
 7 - Oxford Dictionaries and Bibles were given
to the candidates. Community programs,
namely, daily, weekly, monthly, annual and
other responsibilities were drafted.
th
 10 - mango plants, neem plants etc were
planted and iron-mesh was worked out for all
the plants to protect them from animals.
th
 15 August - Independence Day – we set up an
iron post on the house terrace, organized a
simple program and hoisted the flag. Candidates
were given opportunity to speak about the
significance of the day. Then there was
volleyball match followed by good lunch.
th
 16 August – Brother Alex was admitted in
Holy Cross hospital for medical treatment.
nd
 22 – amidst continuous rains, a lot of
initiatives and creativity put in the planning of
the house gardening as well as beautifying the
house premises.
September 2019
th
 5 – Teachers’ Day – we conducted the first BC
– (Blessed Cebula) Cultural Academy. The
theme of the day was, “Teachers’ Day”. One
major speech and one minor speech along with
other cultural performances added colour to the
event.
October 2019
th
 19 - Saturday – Anniversary of the
beatification of St. Eugene by Pope Paul VI
th
 20 – Sunday – Birthday celebration of Fr. S.D.
Arokiaraj, OMI, Rector. We thank all our
district fathers and neighbours for their
24 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 presence and prayers.
 Blessing the photo-frames of the stations of the
cross gifted by Elamayankottur substation of
Sellampattidai parish, diocese of Chingleput.
 Purchase and blessing of a new bicycle. Thanks
to Fr. D. Arokia Vijay, OMI, Missionary,
Canada for his support.
 22nd – ploughing and levelling the land
 25th – District Meeting – Cebula District
meeting was held at our house. We appreciate
our local oblates for their encouraging presence
November 2019
th
 4 – a big photo of St. Eugene was installed in
the refectory. Thanks to Fr Varam, OMI, for
giving us the photo.
th
 6 – Blessed Cebula Cultural Academy -
BCCA.
th
 26 – visit of Fr. Varam, OMI, Treasurer and
Mr. Puthumai.
th
 27 – District Oblates meeting at St. Eugene
Niwas. Fr. Varam and Mr. Puthumai addressed
the oblates regarding starting an Oblate
Institute of Employment Training Center at
Ambikapur for the youth through TATA
consultancy.
 Blessing and opening of a new gate at the
entrance of the house by Fr. Varam, OMI.
After the Mass, he also blessed various photos
and wall pictures etc.
December 2019
st
 1 - St. Eugene T-Shirts distributed to the
candidates
rd th
 3 – celebration of the 24 Anniversary of the
Canonization of St. Eugene de Mazenod,
Bishop of Marseilles, and Founder of OMI
th
 5 – extension of boundary fencing works
continued
 Novena of the Immaculate Conception - Most
Rev Bishop Patras Minj, S.J., Ambikapur
diocese, presided over the evening novena
prayers and gave the blessings. After a simple
cultural program, Bishop joined us for a the
dinner. We extend our gratitude for his
availability and presence.
th
 8 – Feast of Immaculate Conception –
Candidates joined the Feast day celebrations at
Telaidhar, the Oblate Tribal Mission, in the
diocese of Ambikapur. It was a good
opportunity for a pastural exposur. We thank
Fr. Jesus Dias, OMI, the Parish Priest, for
giving them and helping them learn pastoral
experience.
th
 9 – Community Picnic to Mainpat, near
Sitapur: Mainpat is a hill station and small
village and it is called as the Shimla of Surguja
district and it lies about 55 kilometres by road
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
from Ambikapur. The hill station features the
Tiger Point Waterfall, Fish Point Waterfall.
Budha Temple is a famous tourist spot at
Mainpat. Tibbettians are rehabilitated at
Mainpat.
th
 15 – Quiz Competition and other Christmas
events
th
 24 - Christmas Celebrations in the Community
th
 25 – BOSOM – travel to Chennai and visiting
tourist places in Chennai and Kancheepuram.
Candidates participated in the annual BOSOM
2019 – Bharath Oblate Students on Meet –
organized at Perambakkam, near Chennai.
BOSOM was a good opportunity to mingle with
other students of the OMI Indian Province.
Thanks to all those who supported with
accommodation and hospitality.
January 2020
st
 1 – New Year Celebrations and Mass
th th
 6 – 17 – Annual Retreat for the Community
Staff in Hosur, TamilNadu in different batches.
th
 10 - Annual Retreat for the candidates by Fr
Mariaselvam, Rosarian, Nishkalanka Ashram,
Namnakala, Ambikapur
th
 20 – Ground levelling by JCB and tractors and
mud-wall at the boundary works were carried
our these days. Thanks to the friends of Fr. S.D.
Arokiaraj, OMI, for their generous financial
support and encouragement.
rd
 23 – Monthly Recollection and Novena
towards Oblate Foundation Day.
th th
 25 – 204 Anniversary of the Foundation of
OMI (1816-2020) – Feast of the conversion of
St. Paul and Oblate Foundation Day were
celebrated with enacting St. Eugene’s preface to
OMI CCRR.
 Eugene Speaks : we finally completed different
quotations and sayings and displayed the daily
quotes titled ‘EUGENE SPEAKS” for daily
refectory reading and marked the event of the
204th Oblate Foundation Day in our community.
th st
 26 – two events were celebrated, namely 71
Republic Day of India was well organized by
the community with hoisting of the national flag
and other related ceremonies and secondly, the
death anniversary of Servant of God Fr. B.A.
Thomas, OMI, the Founder of Rosarians was
also oraganised with special prayers for his
blessings and intercessions.
 Simple repair and renovation works were
undertaken for the Kitchen staff residence.
th
 27 - Community Inventory Day – (CID) – to
mark the beginning of the new year and the first
month, the community spent the whole day with
their respective portfolios and renewing and
reminding their inventories.
th
 28 – installing of fencing posts and fencing
25 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur
 works continued after the financial support
extended by the Provincial team. We thank our
Provincial and his team for their generous
support towards the protection of our boundary
with temporary fencing works.
February 2020
st
 1 – the community participated in the new
house opening ceremony of the Holy Family
Sisters at Boda by Bishop Patras Minj, S.J.,
Ambikapur diocese.
nd
 2 – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord –
candle procession was followed by the Holy
Mass by Fr. S.D. Arokiraj, OMI
 Water accident : about 3pm, a child at our
neighborhood, aged 4 years, by name PRIYA,
drowned in the nearby river. We immediately
rushed for rescue works. Assisted the family to
police station to lodge a case and then
accompanied them to G.H hospital in Ambikapur.
We called the neighbors to join by supporting us
for repairing the nearby bridge and the broken road.
 5th - visit of Holy Family Provincial Rev Sr Jaya,
HF and her team. After a simple reception and
cultural program, they joined us for the lunch.
 Monthly Recollection…. Theme: Oblate prayers
and tradition. Emphasis was given to journal
writing as well as daily bible reading.
 8th - NOVENA for the Oblate Day – 17th February
2020 began with a lot Oblate histories and events.
EDM quotes displayed inside the house.
 15th – Partitioning the Parlour : Oblates are known
for hospitality. Within our simple capacity, we
began works for a parlour at the entrance of the
corridor as well as beautifying the front garden.
And in the evening, we conducted Eucharistic
adoration and regular Novena towards the
Oblate day.
th
 16 – Elocution Contest on OMI Preface : to
mark the Oblate Day celebrations, we
conducted the elocution contest for the
candidates. In the evening, 4 sisters from
different convents of Ambikapur, came to
conduct the contest and judged the event. St.
Eugene’s preface to OMI CCRR was given to
the candidates as their contest material. After
the contest, the participants were honored
according to their performances.
Oblate Vocations
SEED - 01 - 21st May 2020
 17th – Oblate Day Celebrations : 194th –
Anniversary of the approbation of OMI CCRR.
Rev Fr. Antony Bara, VG, Ambikapur Diocese
celebrated the Massand the Cebula district
Oblates joined the Feastday events.
th
 26 - Ash Wednesday – fathers and brothers
attended the Parish Mass_Namnakala
March 2020
th
 27 - Friday – fasting and way of the Cross was
followed by the community. At 10.30pm, the
community participated in the online media
adoration of the blessed sacrament live telecast
from Rome through Madha TV and the Pope’s
indulgences, - Urbi et Orbi blessing as special
blessings during the CORONAVIRUS
pandemic.
April 2020
th th
 5 - Palm Sunday – ceremonies and 9 -
Maundy Thursday Mass and washing the feet of
the brothers, Eucharistic adoration in special
place were undertaken to deepen the traditional
faith of the church.
th
 10 - Good Friday : at 10.30am, we began the
way of the cross around the fields. More
reflections were taken from the Oblate
traditions and the simple lunch with porridge by
kneeling down and 3pm – passion of the Lord,
veneration of the cross etc were moments of the
faith expressions of the community that helped
the candidates deepen their love for Christ and
our Founder. On 12th – Easter Sunday - the
community had a long ritualistic ceremonies of
the catholic faith practices.
May 2020
st th
 21 May 2020 – 13 Annual Day celebrations
of St. Eugene Niwas community (2007-2020)
and the 159th Heavenly Birth Anniversary of
our founder St. Eugene de Mazenod brightened
the house. The day was so wonderful and
meaningful with full of guests and local oblates
along with our good shepherd Most Rev Patras
Minj, S.J., the Bishop of Ambikapur diocese.
26 OMI St. Eugene Niwas - Ambikapur