Interview with Fr Hilary Pereira SJ

(1) How do you feel being here at Mount St Joseph since one year?

I am very happy. The presence of the Novices adds for my joy.

(2) What do you like most about the Society of Jesus?

The fellowship, community life and the opportunities which help us to grow. The Spiritual Exercises is the boon from St Ignatius, to grow in the right spirit.

(3) What is more satisfying and most difficult about being a Jesuit?

More satisfying is, opportunities are given to grow, especially in spiritual as well as in intellectual life. Sometimes it may be difficult to obey and to adjust oneself to various places.

(4) How can our young Jesuits become more creative?

Make use of the opportunities fully that you have in the Society of Jesus. Give more importance for reading good books and also listening to the experienced Jesuits who know about our way of life.

(5) What are your happiest memories?

My joining to the Society of Jesus & my day of Ordination. It was a great joy for me to serve in the schools and colleges and the opportunity of helping the most needy and backward students.

(6) What is your message for us, Novices?

Be a man of simplicity, integrity and hard work. Live one day at a time, work hard, pray much and always, & leave the result into God’s hands. Aim everything for the Greater Glory of God.

"Called to be a Prophet & a Mystic" (Novices' Day)

The Novices' Day (for the novices of the CRI Bannerughatta zone) was well organized at Mount St Joseph by Sr Ajitha and team. Br Felix (De LaSalle) was the overall Co-ordinator of the Novices’ program for this year. It was a memorable and enjoyable day for all. "Called to be a Prophet and a Mystic” was the theme of the day. In the morning session, Fr Jossie Lobo SJ gave an inspiring talk on the day's theme followed by a group discussion. The highlight of the talk was to compare ourselves to a child as we find in a child both the prophetic and the mystical dimensions. Surely, the talk geared us to be a prophet and a mystic.

The cultural program in the afternoon brought out the talents of all the novices. The program was entertaining, enthralling and gave a strong message to the novices i.e., “To be United always to face life courageously.” The novices were nourished in all the aspects of life. Programs of this kind give us an opportunity to interact with the novices of other religious congregations. The Novices' Day was held at Mount St Joseph this year as a part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Memories and special moments of this day lingers on .....

"Aatma Poorna Anubhaava" (Ashram Experiment)

NOEL: “Still water runs deep.” This was my thought after relishing the richness and beauty of Indian Spirituality. “Atma,Purna,Anubhava” was the important aspect of my experience in the Ashram. It has enabled me to be in touch with God, oneself, others and the whole of the cosmos. "Anjali Ashram" in Mysore is a very quiet, serene and prayerful place with its vast greenery. Mother Nature had a greater role to play in my life during the experience. I felt in the core of my being that God’s Creation flows into action in our reality through prayer. Truly, an experience of intense depth to be an integrated person.

WILSON: “God is the only reality; our only activity is to be aware of this reality.” To become aware of oneself and surrender oneself to God completely was the experience I cherished during my Ashram experiment. One of my special learnings which inspired me from the Indian Spirituality was the 3-ways of life (the path of knowledge-Jnana marga, actions-Karma marga and loving devotion-Bhakti marga) to reach God. Some people have been in this search of the Spirit from ancient times and Indian spirituality is the result of this. There is only one God & any kind of Spirituality must lead us to God. Ultimately, what matters the most is that each one of us should have a deep God-experience to relate with oneself, others and the whole Universe. Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi - Let the peace of God surround us always in our lives!

Unforgettable Memories to Cherish (Home Experiment)

ANAND: What I cherished the most in my home experiment is the love and affection of my family members. My main objective was to spend quality time with my family members & to discern about my vocation. Many rich experiences have challenged & strengthened me to leave everything & follow God whole-heartedly. The dream of my parents is fulfilled and it is difficult to express my feelings in words but I can boldly say that my vocation has strengthened through this experiment. I am ready "to love and serve the needy."
YESU: I had a fruitful time during my home experiment to discern and to be a witness to my vocation. At the end of the experiment, I was able to achieve my goals that I had set before me. It was indeed very challenging but with my full efforts and the grace of God I had pretty wonderful experiences. The word ‘Home’ reminds me about the beginning of life. I went back to the first memories of my life. My memories and experiences renewed my life again. My openness with others helped me to broaden my circle of friendship and to understand them deeply. “Be true to yourself because your happiness is in your trueself but not in the hidden.”
JAISON: “East or West; home is the best.” Home experiment was the best occasion for me to reflect on my vocation and to say a generous ‘yes’ to God. I was eager to see my family members. As I reached the house, they received me with open arms. It was the time to integrate my life and work. This experience has touched & inspired me the most; in awe & wonder I express words of gratitude to God, my parents, relatives, formators and many more people who have shaped my life.
JOYSON: It is from our homes our brightest dreams take root. Indeed this was a unique and different experience of going home as a Jesuit Novice. First of all, I am grateful to God for giving me this great opportunity to spend my quality time with my family members. This experience of living & being with them has given a new meaning to my way of life. The nostalgic memories carried me to a different world; where I realized the role of the family in building a new society. These 7 days I was grateful to my parents in many ways. When I equipped myself fully in praying, loving, understanding & working with them, I understood the richness & beauty in life.

Golden Memories: Third Anniversary of our MSJ-Blog

Dear Friends,

All of you have been part of the ‘MSJ-Blog’ family. It is indeed great joy to know that so many of you browse our blog and appreciate it. Do you know the Birthday of MSJ-Blog? It is April 10, 2007. So, it is the THIRD ANNIVERSARY of the Blog. From a tiny seed, it has grown into a healthy & stronger sapling. Surely, in the years to come, it will grow into a mighty tree. Let the journey continue.....Over the last three years, MSJ-Blog has spread its wings beyond imagination. As we are in the Golden Jubilee Year of MSJ, 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 MSJ-Blog family. A BIG Thanks to all of you for your constant support and appreciation.

ಕ್ರಿಸ್ತನಲಿ ಚಿಗುರಿತು ಹೊಸ ಬಾಳು

"We are an Easter People; Alleluia is our Song"
ಬಲು ದೂರ ಹೋದೆ ನಾ ನಿಮ್ಮಿಂದ
ಮಾರು ಹೋಗಿ ಪ್ರಾಪಂಚಿಕ ಸುಖ-ಭೋಗಗಳಿಂದ
ನಾನು ನನ್ನದು ಎಂಬ ಅಹಂಕಾರ ಭಾವದಿಂದ
ಸವೆದೆ ನಾ ಕತ್ತಲೆಯ ಹಾದಿಯ ನನ್ನಿಚ್ಚೆಯಿಂದ
ಆಹಾ! ಬಂದಿತು ಆ ದಿವ್ಯ ತಪಸ್ಸು ಕಾಲ
ಬೆಳಗಿ ಪ್ರಕಾಶಿಸಲು ನನ್ನ ಜೀವನ ಜಾಲ
ಕ್ರಿಸ್ತ ಯಾತನೆಯ ಹೃದಯಾಂತರಾಳದಿ ಸವೆದು
ಧನ್ಯನಾದೆ ಅವರ ಕ್ಷಮಾಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ನೆನೆದು
ಅದೋ ನೋಡು ಚಿಗುರಿತು ಈ ಬಾಳು
ವಸಂತಕಾಲದಿ ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯು ಚಿಗುರಿದಂತೆ
ಕ್ರಿಸ್ತನೇ ಬಾಳಿಗೆ ದೀಪಸ್ತಂಭ ನಮಗೆಲ್ಲಾ
ಸಾರಿರಿ ಧೈರ್ಯದಿ ಅವರನು ನೀವೆಲ್ಲಾ
ಪ್ರಭುಕ್ರಿಸ್ತರಲ್ಲಿದೆ ನಿತ್ಯ ಜೀವ ..... ಅವರೇ ನಮ್ಮ ಸರ್ವಸ್ವ .....

The Gift of Easter: New Life, Joy, Peace, Hope, Love!

The Gift of Easter: Easter is the gift of HOPE, Easter is the gift of JOY, Easter is the gift of PEACE, Easter is the gift of LOVE, Easter is the gift of NEW LIFE..... Let us rejoice in Jesus, who gives them all! "We are an Easter People; Alleluia is our Song" May the Risen Lord bless you all and fill your hearts with His love, joy, peace, hope, life,.....JESUS IS RISEN, ALLELUIA!