Report of the Novices Day

WILSON: When the sun smiled our Novices danced. A day of great joy and celebration as all the Novices came together as one family to celebrate the Novices day. It was a new and splendid idea to bring with an enriching talk given by Fr Jossy Lobo, who inspired us to be a prophet and mystic in today’s world. So the whole day was very colourful and filled with lots of fun and frolics.

ASHWIN: Joy filled my heart when I think about the Novices day. What I personally enriched is the community bond. It was a time of interaction, prayer, understanding, sharing, festivity & gratitude. I enjoyed this day very much beginning with the inspiring seminar by Fr Jossy. We thanked the Lord with hymns of praise and thanksgiving by sharing the Body & Blood of Christ. The plays by the Novices were like a golden glitter in my eyes.

JOHN: 'These are my members yet one body '(1 Cor 12, 26). This was the overall experience for me on the ‘Novices day’. Yes, though we are different parts, with different mission, we fit into one body of Christ. Fire in bones blazes constantly to partake in Christ mission. The manifestation of our mission is towards the vision of Christ, “Kingdom of God.” I enjoyed my day it was a wonderful and joyful occasion to be one in Christ.

Creative Fidelity-Earn and Live Experiment

Joyson Sujay Vas: "Never avoid the struggles in life, face it, this is really God's greatest gift." Life of a religious is becoming challenging in this globalized world. It is really difficult to delay gratification, in order to embrace the values of the Gospel. I truly experienced this in my earn & live experiment. It was a golden oppurtunity given by the Society to analyse the struggles of the outside world & to realize the value of money. I worked as a kitchen steward in a resort, owned by 'Manipal Group' at Singasandra, Bangalore. This hard labour helped me to realize the value of money to earn my daily bread. I found great meaning in remaining faithful to God & to myself while working. When I failed to respond to God's love, the Spirit awakened me to walk on the right path. After this fruitful experience, I feel strengthened spiritually, emotionally & socially. I strongly feel that it is not easy for a religious to be faithful to God in today's materialistic world unless s/he is deeply rooted in Christ's love.

Ryan Savio Rodrigues: "To each according to need, from each according to capacity." I was sent on an 'Earn & Live' Experiment for two weeks. The greatest challenge I faced was to search for a job without revealing my identity. After a day's search I got a job as a helper to the painter at a garage. My employer was very generous & patient as I went about learning the job & helping him in his work. What kept me going was long hours of work that were combined with the intercessory prayers for all those who have entered into my life. I learnt a lot about myself. I managed to survive with bare minimum things & lived a simple life. In the end I could save a little money even though I had to feed myself. I realized two important things...... God is the Ultimate & everything else is temporary. I learnt tough lessons in humility & understood that only humility can foster compassion. I was assured that God is compassionate to those who humble themselves.

An Exhilarating Day Out – Novices' Picnic Day

It was Novices' day out on May 20. Our excitement peaked as we reached Manipal County, our choice destination for this year’s annual picnic. The much sought after picnic spot set in natural colours at Singasandra (Hosur Road) was an appropriate spot for us to relax and refresh. There was no stopping us to swim and enjoy when we jumped into the cool waters of the swimming pool. The enjoyment aside, we found the occasion as the best time to build our community and to cherish in the presence of each other. We are grateful to Fr Dion and Fr Sunil our formators for their presence and support during the day out.

The New Rector, Fr Francis Menezes, Takes Charge

The winds of change have blown over Mount St Joseph! On May 9, the Shepherd’s staff was handed over by Fr Willie Sequeira to the lively and dynamic new Rector of Mount St Joseph, Fr Francis Menezes. The Thanksgiving Mass was at 6:30 pm in the Main Chapel followed by the handing-over ceremony. The homily aptly reflected the sentiments of this day. The new man on the job, Fr Francis, was welcomed into the community by the veteran Fr Frigidian Shenoy. The Novices, who were just back after a month of experiments, took care of the backstage works. Our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the service that Fr Willie has rendered to the community for the past 6 years and the principal guiding role that he has played. As we welcome the changing tide, we wish Frs Willie and Francis happy and fruitful life in the new phases of their lives.

“Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully." Philip Brooks.