On the Christmas evening, we had a cultural program in the Parish premises. Many Parishioners including the Religious were present. Carols, skits, mimes, dances etc were the main items which enthralled the audience. Our Novices put up a Fusion Dance highlighting Ecological Crisis, Human Rights and Fundamentalism. The program concluded as all joined in singing Carols.
“Joy comes when we put Jesus first, others second and ourselves last in the priority list of our lives.” With lots of good wishes and gifts, we gathered together (Christmas Tree) as one family to celebrate Christmas and share the gifts/blessings with each other on the 25 'noon. The Novices shared their gifts with one another. ('Christmas Friend' was chosen by each one of them by picking up a lot at the beginning of the Advent Season; during Advent, each one prayed for their friends and their bond of companionship strengthened). Fr Frigidian Shenoy, in his inimitable style, gave the message. Santa Claus added moments of fun, joy and laughter.
Dear Friends,
We, the Jesuit community at
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
There was happiness and peace in everyone's heart on 20 December as the CRI Christmas Gathering was held at Mount St Joseph. 'Born to Heal' was the theme of the program. The hall sounded as if the angels were singing Gloria to the wounded world & broken humanity. 12 Communities participated in this program highlighting the current issues like Terrorism, Poverty, Corruption, Economic Recession, Floods in North Karnataka, Global Warming, Globalization, Fundamentalism etc. "The Babe of Bethlehem is born to bring peace on earth & joy to all people" was the message conveyed through plays, mimes, dances and carols. Fr Francis Serrao, the Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuits, was the honorable guest who added joy to the celebrations with a meaningful Christmas message. Finally, Fr William Sequeira, the President of CRI-Bannerghatta Zone, thanked everyone for their active participation. 
18 of December was the greatest day in the lives of all the Novices. It was a three-fold celebration. 
First of all, we celebrated the feast of our patron St Stanislaus Kostka. Secondly, 14 of our First Year brothers received their Cassocks. They have made a definite choice to be set apart to bear witness to Jesus. In a way, they have put on Christ. And thirdly, our brothers were conferred the ministries of Lector and Acolyte by Fr Francis Serrao, our Provincial. Congratulations dear First Year Novices!
Our life as a religious is like a grind-stone and all that we must do is to allow it to polish us. Our life is a song and to sing it well, we need to listen to the melody or the inner voice of God. On 13 December, Fr Francis Noronha made his promises to the Lord through his Final Vows in the Society of Jesus. And all of us at Mount St Joseph and the Parish joined him in his song of praise. 
St Ignatius puts the following criteria for men to be incorporated into the Society of Jesus.
(1) Men outstanding in following Christ Jesus (2) Men outstanding in virtue (3) Men who have sound judgement and prudence in action (4) Men who humbly accept corrections & strive to correct themselves (5) Men driven by love (6) Men who have complete availability, mobility for mission & ministries of the Society. Congratulations dear Fr Frankie!
One Novice: Hey, guys, just remember the conference we got yesterday, didn’t Fr master say that Jesuits are meant to be really dispersed all over the place? So what are we doing here standing in one place?Another Novice (Work In-charge): You are absolutely right. We should not stay together in one place. We should be dispersed so, I shall go to the guvava garden. You go to the butter fruit tree. Stany can go to the vineyard and Henry can see if the bananas are finally ripe....
Br Vadaparam: I think your scales are definitive. I sent a novice to get 5 Kg of ra
isins. You have sent only 4.5 Kg
Whenever I think of you , I feel proud.
I was an infant, and you cared of me.
You understood me well. You brought me up with care.
You built me up with love.
Your concerne for me was overwhelming.
You took paine to mould me and shape me.
You gave me solid spiritual nourishment.
In your embrace I grow old and strong.
Behind your portals I made many friendships.
You gave me the joy of companionship.
There were times when you gave me bitter pills.
to cure me of innumerable illnesses.
You were every thing to me- doctor and nurse.
Teacher and friend, tyrant and mother.
You took me under your wings and then let me go.
When the time came for me to leave you,
You bade me farewell with moist eyes.
And now my hearts singes your praise.
And words of gratitude well up on my lips.
I hymn to your selfless service in love.
Mount my mother, events might have passed by
But memories will never fade.
(This Poem appeared in the Silver Jubilee Edition of the Navataranga…)
TO MOUNT WITH LOVE
My heart is full of green memories and sweet melodies
Pried fills my being and thrill is all that I feel
As I think of you O mount, my mother my friend.
For, I came to you a boy and you made me a man.
A heart for love not just for law you taught me to have
To know my strength and also may flaws you enabled me
To be rich in warm emotions while not being their slave,
To heed the cry of the poor and stretch a helping hand,
Through I myself be steeped in pain, you trained me to do.
Tell me, isn’t it natural that I feel so warm and grateful?
Tell me, where else will I get your peace and beauty my friend?
Wasn’t it in your embrace that I grew and matured
And learnt to walk the way of the man from
Indeed my friend, my mother, mount my mount, my gem,
Your glories.
(This Poem appeared in the Silver Jubilee Edition of the Navataranga…)
