Republic Day Celebration on 26 January 2012

Celebrating the remaking of India (Republic Day Celebration) - The Constitution of India is one of the greatest gifts bequeathed to us by the founding fathers of our country. It made us stand on the firm platform of equality, fraternity, liberty, freedom and justice – the values that make our country very unique in the world. In the present context of increased atrocities and injustice meted out to certain sections of the people, we see the relevance of the day in a new light. To mark the day when our Constitution redefined our nation 62 years ago, we at Mount St Joseph thanked the Lord at his banquet during the morning Holy Eucharist. Fr Arockiasamy M unfurled the National flag high on the front of Mount St Joseph. Many students of Loyola ITI and Boarding were a part of the flag hoisting ceremony. We were filled with admiration and gratitude for the gift of a free and just India.

“The best of prophets of the future is the past” Byron

Unity Octave (Ecumenism)

Every year the Church invites us to pray for the unity of Christians. As the Church prayed intensely for this unity this January, the Jesuit community at Mount St Joseph joined the millions in prayer and supplication for the unity of Christ’s followers. The community came together every evening for the eight days of prayer during the Unity Octave. Through the prayers we were able to look more closely, not at the chasms and gulfs that divide us, but at the bridges that unite Christians. The Novices prepared for the Unity Octave with the help of Ecumenism classes taken by Fr Sunil Cletus Fernandes, the Assistant Novice Director. Our personal experiences have moulded us to broaden our vision and to be hopeful that one day we would all stand as one flock before the One Shepherd.

“Good nature and good sense must ever join; to err is human, to forgive divine” Alexander Pope

Vocation Camp - Here I am!

It was indeed satisfying to see 50 young men respond to our invitation for the vocation camp. “Come, stay and pray for a while”, was the call given and we are grateful to all those who came. To guide the course of the half-day programme at Prerana on January 22, Fr Arun Kumar, the Director of Navasadhana Pre-novitiate and Sch Juje Monteiro were here. Assisting them were the willing Novices, who, with Fr Sunil Cletus Fernandes, the Assistant Novice Director, tirelessly worked behind the screens. The enthusiasm of the participants cheered our spirits. Input sessions which included talks on leadership issues, facing exams and life in the Society of Jesus made a good impact in the young minds. The morning passed quick as a flash and it was a fruitful experience for us and for all the participants of the camp.
"All service ranks the same with God - there is no last nor first." Browning

Life’s a Celebration – Course on Preserving Life

“The glory of God is man and woman fully alive; moreover the fulness of human life is the vision of God” St Irenaeus.

Fr Lucose Chamakala CMI, guided and enriched the knowledge of over 50 Novices of six religious congregations in the inter-novitiate course - Preserving Life. Set in the silent and conducive atmosphere of Holy Spirit Convent, the classes were charged with the life and energy of the resource person as well as the participants. The sessions kept us occupied to learn and reflect on life matters from 16 to 18 January. Fr Lucose drew clear lines of distinction between the principles of Quality of life and Sanctity of life, always coming back to the practical aspects of religious life. Insights poured in as the twisted threads of our knowledge of life aspects were unraveled. The seminars punctuated by visual presentations were very interesting and also revealing. The main theme was a call given to stop taking life for granted and to enjoy every moment of life as it is a precious gift from God.

Interview with the New Priest - Fr John Pradeep SJ

Fr John Pradeep took a great leap of faith on 29 December 2011, the day of his Priestly Ordination. He is currently residing in Prerana and is involved in pastoral ministry. As he opens, day by day, the new doors of an exciting future, we found a very good occasion to talk to him. The gentle and soft spoken Fr John is very apt and brief in his words as he shares about himself.

Congratulations to you Father. What are your feelings at present as a new priest?

My heart is full of gratitude to God for calling me to be the companion of Jesus, His beloved Son. I feel privileged to be a Jesuit priest.

How do you see your life in the future – your plans, aims or desires?

First of all, I desire to be a Jesuit priest who is holy and happy. I wish to know more about Ignatian Spirituality and I wish to involve myself in the Retreat Apostolate.

Which part of your formation years did you like the most? Why?

I cherish fond memories of my formative years. The Novitiate formation helped me to come to know the mind and the heart of St Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuit Way of Proceeding. My Theological studies deepened my love for God and for God’s people.

Which quality do you think is the most important to become a priest – a Jesuit priest?

A person has to transcend one’s self-love, self-interest and self-will in order to be an effective Jesuit priest. He has to be a discerning person in order to make his service fruitful.

Who is the role model of your life? Why?

I have drawn great inspiration from Lord Jesus, dear Father Ignatius and Rev. Fr. Pedro Arrupe. Because all of them had fallen in love with God and with God’s people.

Throughout your formation years, what has been your strength, that has kept you committed and lively?

A deep conviction that Jesus is always with me (Mt 28:20)

Thank you father for your thoughts and insights.

Province Congregation at Prerana

Prerana (Centre for Ignatian Spirituality) was in the spotlight as it hosted the Province Congregation between January 3 and 5, 2012. Jesuits from the many branches of our province were here to take part in the sessions that involved discussing the various postulata. Fr Jossie Lobo was elected as the Procurator and Fr Dion Vaz was appointed as the substitute. The occasion became a most suitable time for a ‘Big Family Re-union.’ After the demanding sessions, the members of the congregation played a friendly game of Basketball with the Novices. The hard fought match with the veterans gave the Novices a good run for their money!

New Year 2012 - New Expectations

We ushered in the New Year with gratitude and great expectations. Counting the blessings and keeping watch with the Lord during the final moments of 2011, we began the run of 2012 with the Eucharistic celebration in Kalena Agrahara Parish. New Year Day in the house was a time to re-enter the joy of Christmas and to vibrate with newness. At the end of a busy week, the movie ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ kept the Novitiate community enchanted and entertained in the afternoon. A relaxing game of cricket in the evening was a special time indeed. The community dinner late in the evening gave a fitting finish to a week that kept Fr Minister on his toes! The youngest member of our community, Novice Rohan D’Souza cut the New Year cake. We wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year 2012.

“There exists only the present instant…a Now which always and without end is itself new.” Meister Eckhart