Come On, Let's Play!

We were happy to host a game of basketball between the students of Theology (from VidyaJyothi, RTEC-Anekal and DNC) and the Mount St Joseph community. The match split into four quarters saw the MSJ’s in the drivers seat during the first three. Just when the spectators thought that all was over the Theologians bounced back like a Tsunami almost as if to take the lead. The Final Scores were 29-34; the MSJ’s winning by 5 points. It was a thrilling game. A word of gratitude ought to be given to the referees, Fr Dion and Sch Syju. Congrats to the winners and cheers to all.

EXPERIMENTUM STUDIOSUM (Study Experiment)

The last two weeks have been a time of silent, personalized and integrated study in the Novitiate. We, the Novices, were seated for long hours at our desks planning, reading, reflecting and presenting our first scientific paper: the fruit of our study experiment. This experiment has also taught us techniques of presenting a research paper. This experiment has served as a launching pad for the bright budding researchers of the future.   

Home Sweet Home!

(Two of our novices, Roshan Pinto and Olwin Fernandes, share their experiences during the Home Experiment)

*Home experiment means to be sent on a mission, to evangelize and give witness to the place from where God had chosen me. It was wonderful  for me to experience Christ at home. A time of integration of both religious and family life so as to become aware of my formation. My vocation is strengthened  because of the Home experiment. The days I spent at home helped me to discern, reconcile and relive. I was reminded of  fond memories of my childhood especially during prayers. When I recall the memories of the home experiment, I feel happy to be a Jesuit novice and thank God for all the blessings showerd upon my life.

*Heavenly atmosphere, God’s creation, Scenic beauty, Peace and Joy. God experience, Divine wisdom, Enlightment to the new areas of God’s love, Life in the spirit, Inner healing, power of a child, Forgiveness to the past hurts, Power of  praise, Divine touch, Deliverance from past guilt, Grace and blessings in abundance. We learnt many things at home. I would like to explain in this way: "Home is the place where we decided to dedicate ourselves to Christ. Home is the womb that holds the soul; Home is the place where I became whole; Home is where the family meets; Home is a place of restful retreats; Home is the place you know you’ll be heard; Home is the place where nothing blurs. Home is all these wonderful things; Home is the place you develop wings; Home is the place that you’ll find one day; Home is the place where we ultimately say THANKS for the things that we have learnt for rest of the day."

Fr Vijay Prabhu passes on the baton to Fr Francis Serrao

The 16^th of April was a red-lettered day for the Karnataka Jesuit Province and for the Mount St Joseph Community. A large number of Jesuits representing different communities of the Province gathered for a two-fold celebration. Firstly,  six stalwarts (Frs Simon Furtado, Denis Alvares, Rossi Rego, Lawrence Castelino, Frederick Menezes and Vijay Prabhu) of our Province celebrated their Jubilees. Secondly, it was also a day for Fr Vijay Prabhu, our outgoing Provincial to pass on the baton to Fr Francis Serrao, our New Provincial. At the end of the Eucharist, Fr Vijay read the letter of appointment by Fr Adolfo Nicolas (the Superior General of the Jesuits) and then handed over the responsibility symbolically by placing a stole on Fr Francis. The newly appointed Provincial gave the final blessing to the congregation gathered. Congratulations Fr Frankie and we wish you all the very best as you take on the challenge of steering the Province.

Fr Lawrence D'Souza - Called by the Lord to the Heavenly Abode

Fr Lawrence D’Souza passed on to the Lord peacefully at the age of 77 having spent 56 years in the Society of Jesus. With the passing away of Fr Lawrence on 11^th April, the Karnataka Province has lost a great Jesuit who was restless for Christ all his life. The funeral mass was celebrated at the Chapel of St Joseph’s Boys’ High School on the 13^th morning. The funeral service took place at the cemetery of Mount St Joseph. Along with the relatives and friends, a large number of Jesuits bid goodbye to the mortal remains of Fr Lawrence. Let the Risen Lord help us to increase in faith and hope as we return the life of Fr Lawrence to God and pray for his eternal life with Him. Thank you Lord for giving us a simple and committed Jesuit in the person of Fr Lawrence. May his soul rest in peace and may he enjoy the bliss prepared by the Lord for his faithful servant.

HAPPY EASTER - Radiate JOY!!!

Dear friends,

From all of us here at Mount St Joseph, a joy-filled and grace-filled Easter to you.

“We are an Easter People; Alleluia is our Song!” May the Risen Lord bless you all and fill your hearts with His love, peace, joy, hope ….. RADIATE JOY!!!

Heartfelt Gratitude: Second Anniversary of our Blog

Dear friends,

All of you have been part of the ‘msjblog’ family. It is indeed great joy to know that so many of you browse our blog and appreciate it. Your comments on the blog page were encouraging to go ahead. Do you know the Birthday of msjblog? It is April 10, 2007. So, it is the Second Anniversary of the blog. Over the last two years, msjblog has spread its wings beyond imagination. It is a moment for us all to feel happy and proud.

We request you to support us by contributing your comments and valuable suggestions. Remember, the very fact you read this, you belong to the msjblog family.

A BIG Thanks to all of you for your constant support and appreciation.

Holy Week Services in the Parish

Maundy Thursday (09/04/2009)

5.00 pm : Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the Parish (Kannada)

7.00 pm : Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the Parish (English)

Good Friday (10/04/2009)

8.30 am : Stations of the Cross in the Parish (English)

2.30 pm : Stations of the Cross in the Parish (Kannada)

4.30 pm : Celebration of the Lord’s passion (Kannada)

6.30 pm : Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (English)

Holy Saturday (11/04/2009)

8.30 am : Coming down the Mount of Calvary with Mary

7.00 pm : Easter Vigil Service in the Parish (Kannada)

9.30 pm : Easter Vigil Service in the Parish (English)

Easter Sunday (12/04/2009)

8.30 am : Easter Mass in the Parish (Kannada)