The Parish Feast

The parish church of Kalena Agrahara was all bedecked like bride celebrating the annual parish feast on Sunday, 19th August with a solemn concelebrated Mass by Fr. Freddie followed by the communal meal for all and a beautiful "Theru" procession in the evening.
The church was full and overflowing with people who took part in the festive liturgy with great devotion enriched by the melodious choir under the baton of Sch. Marcel. The Parish Priest Fr. Mohan was all beaming with wide smiles all the through the hectic but fun-filled day. All in all it was indeed an occasion to cherish and to remember.

Darkness at Noon - 8 Std Boy Passes Away

It was not exactly noon, but the day was bright and the sun still shone as tragedy struck Loyola High School, MSJ, in the evening of Thursday 16 August when Peter (13) studying in 8 std. was run over by a mini-bus driven by a drunkard at the wheel, who literally left the road and ploughed into the muddy track some feet away where the young was walking on his way precisely out of abundant caution to avoid exactly such a mishap. Death literally came chasing him as the drunken driver who drove his vehicle right on the top of the prostrate youngster and smashed open his skull, spilling his brains on the soil. The poor parents of Peter are inconsolable. A pall of gloom has descended over the school. We are grieving.

Experience of Freedom

Come August, the Garden City smiles in flowers. One cannot miss the Flower Show at LalBagh to appreciate the beauty of nature in flowers. The novices enjoyed this spectacular show as they had 'the Novice's day out' on 15th August. The main attraction of the show was Taj Mahal made not of marbles but Roses!

Fr. Peter Pinto - 50 Years in the Society.

Fr. Peter Pinto, a quiet, self-effacing Jesuit, is in fact a versatile individual, adept at setting right clocks, watches and sundry contraptions as well as human beings of all kinds and proportions. He holds a Masters Degree in Science and has occupied many positions of responsibility in Karnataka and Nagaland. His apparent calm and innocent persona masks a veritable prankster of epic proportions, with irrepressible humour, practical jokes and witty comments on men and matters, without however any malice or intent to hurt. For some years now he is a much loved and appreciated Minister at St. Aloysius College. As Gold turns to Diamond, Fr. Peter Pinto never seems to grow old because he has always been young at heart, ever so jovial, fun-loving and human. It is our pleasure to profile him on his Golden Jubilee.

Could you share with us your vocation story in brief?

I was an altar server in our parish at Bajpe. Attended Mass daily. They took it for granted that I would join the fraternity of priests. Our assistant parish priest, Fr L.V.M. Fernandes told me to join either the diocesan clergy or the Jesuits. When Fr Francis Rebello (then a scholastic) came to Bajpe on vocation promotion, I met him and showed my inclination to join the Jesuit rank. So, eventually I found myself along with 12 other young men at Christ Hall, Calicut.

What is the best thing about being a Jesuit?

The best thing about being a Jesuit is the family pride. We have so many illustrious saints and martyrs, so many scientists, educationists, missionaries social workers, retreat preachers ….. It is really quite fortune to be placed with Christ along with such noble band of men.

What are your happiest memories about?

My happiest memories are the 5 years I spent in Nagaland and 6 years I spent in Ooty in the service of needy and underprivileged. God made use of me to strengthen the Church in Nagaland, Jakama Parish and to help the most needy in both Jakhama and Ooty.

What lessons has life taught you?

Do not worry. Leave everything in His hands. When He takes care of you, you can take care of yourself.

Please share with us your dominant feeling at this moment of your life as a Jesuit.

One of gratitude and thanksgiving for all that Lord has done for me.

Any message to our readers?

People used to ask me to give message or advice. It used to tell them that I do not believe in giving advice as people after listening to your sermons or advice follow their own counsel.

“ Do not make the poor man weep because of harsh behaviour !”

“ A good smile drives out all the blues !”

Congratulations Fr. Peter! Ad multos annos!

SpirITuality of technology

To be relevant to the modern world, one cannot be ignorant of the Information Technology. The novitiate perceiving the signs of the times has provided computers to the novices so that they can learn to make the best use of modern technology. The computers were formally blessed and inaugurated on 6^th of August by Fr. Master and Fr. Socius. One can see eagerness in every novice to master the computers. The novitiate remains grateful to St. Joseph's College community for providing this facility.

Feast of St. Ignatius

It was a grand celebration at Mount St. Joseph - the celebration of the feast of St. Ignatius. As a preparation, the Novices conducted devotional novena marked with creativity, participation and devotion. Fr.Robert Cutinha brought St.Ignatius' experience alive during the recollection he gave. A solemn Mass was held in the morning. The beautifully decorated chapel and meaningfully arranged liturgy with the theme 'To set all afire', set the spiritual tone for the day. Later, the novices were led to a thrilling quiz competition which really tested their knowledge of the Society. A Benediction service was conducted for all the neighbouring Religious. For the dinner, a large gathering of our well wishers and neighouring Religious was present. In his brief welcome speech, the Rector introduced the new members of the community and the new ventures in the campus. An exhibition on the life of Ignatius won the admiration of the guests. Later in the evening a spectacular volleyball match was held between the Novices and the senior community. Indeed, the Novices were surprised to see the playing skills of the senior Fathers.

Get-together of the Loyola Institutions

It was a family get-together of the Loyola institutions at Mount St. Joseph on the occasion of the Feast of St. Ignatius. The programme began with a short prayer service conducted by the novices. The Rector warmly welcomed the gathering. Fr.Freddie in his humurous and thought provoking message asked the staff to be partners to carry forward the vision and mission of St. Ignatius. A short and well acted skit on the life of Ignatius by the novices put us in the mood of celebration. Mrs. Kripalini, the teacher in the school, reminisced her experiences in the school. Fr.John thanked everyone who made this event successful. The whole ceremony was well compered by Sch. Marcel.

IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY CENTRE (ISC):

Karnataka province has taken a new apostolic initiative in the form of Ignatian Spirituality Centre (ISC) shortly to be housed in a new building on the campus of Mount St Joseph, Bangalore, with the aim of sharing the riches of Ignatian Charism with all sections of the People of God through retreats, seminars, courses and guided study, with a special focus on Discernment, Spiritual Direction, Lay Leadership, Community Animation, Religious Formation, Retreat Direction, Personal Counseling, Youth Ministry and other related themes.

Apart from the regular courses to be organized by us, the residential and other facilities of the ISC will also be available for courses organized by others, for Assistancy-level meetings etc. The very first such programme will be the forthcoming JCSA meeting together with the Delegates of GC35, in mid-October 2007.Contact address:

Director ISC
C/o Mount St Joseph
PB 7645, IIMB Post
Bannerghatta Road
Bangalore 560 076

Tel: (080) 26580441, Mobile: 9901842750

'90, '91, '92 Novitiate batches

When I learnt to walk....

As the mother eagle feeds its young ones with love and care and makes them look up to the sky, so that one day they may fly, so was my experience of the First Probation in the Society of Jesus. Fr.Socius along with my guardian angel made me experience the love and care of the Society and gave me a glimpse of the life in the same Society.

Our First Probation lasted for fourteen days. During these days, Fr. Socius explained to us, what the Society expects of the candidates who wish to join the Society as mentioned in the General Examen of the Constitutions. Besides that Father took classes on Prayer and explained meticulously all the etiquette needed for a good living. Everyday, we had a talk from the senior member of the community. They shared about their past experiences in the novitiate, mission places where they turned iron into gold. I was very much touched when one of the priests said, “If you had no vocation and God had not called you then you would not have been here! This helped me to deepen my own call.

A good guide is the one who advises us on how to live and behave. I was accompanied by a good guide who taught me everything of the novitiate. Our Probation culminated in the Triduum preached by Fr. Socius. During those days, I experienced immense love of God. On 3^rd July, we formally entered the novitiate.

John Rayan Pereira

(Rayan is a first year novice, who shares his experience of the First Probation)

A warm welcome to Fr. Freddie

Don't you remember the parable of those maids waiting with lamps to receive that bridegroom? So were the novices, waiting eagerly to receive Fr. Freddie not with lamps but with bouquets, some half asleep...because this bridegroom too delayed to arrive and arrived only at 10 pm! Ably driven and accompanied by two strong men of Mundgod- Fr. Jeevan and Antony Joseph, Fr. Freddie reached safe and sound and looked fresh though the long drive of 13 hours was exhausting.
Fr. Freddie is a new member of our community from this year. Actually, he is the fourth time a member of this house. He was a novice, novice master and the rector of this place and now he will, with his expertise in the Ignatian Spirituality will animate the courses at the newly constructed Ignatian Spirituality Center.
A warm welcome to you dear Fr. Freddie!!!

NEW BUDS

Sitting: Leston, Prashanth, Fr.Dion, Fr.Manoj, Alwyn, Naveen
Standing: Royston, Olwyn, Avinash, Wilson, Roshan, Rayan, Dominic, Kamalakar, Ashwin, Praveen, Vijaya Kumar, Vincent

Our Mount St. Joseph community began to increase in beauty and splendour with the entry of sixteen new flowering plants from Andhra and Karnataka on 18th and 19th of June respectively. There is extra fragrance of silence, joy, hope and life in this paradise now.

They were rendered a cordial welcome and now slowly led into the novitiate life by their guides as they are doing their first probation. We are happy to introduce them to you.

Alwin Vijay Lobo is from Belthangady, Mangalore. He is a very friendly and God loving person.

Ashwin Praveen Cordeiro- his roots are in Renjal, Mangalore. His qualities like sincerity and trustworthiness are to be appreciated.

Avinash Ajay Lobo hails from Mangalore, a very humorous person and known for his consistency.

Austin Dominic D'silva hailing from Kable, Shimoga, he is a person who has concern for others,always cheerful, gifted with the skill of music too.

John Rayan Pereira - hails from Kelrai, is very jovial and simple who is also known for his understanding nature.

Kamalakar hails from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. He is a spiritual man, softspoken and hard worker.

Leston D'souza is a native of Balkuknje, Mangalore, he is very open and friendly, hardworking too.

Naveen fernandes comes from Arehally, Chikkmaglur. He is child like, holy and talented, he is a good singer and sportsman.

Olwin Arun Fernandes hails from Belthangady. He is very simple and known for his hard work and availability.

Prashanth Kumar ,has roots in Harobale, Bangalore. He is very cheerful, active, gifted with singing and creativity .

Praveen Kumar- comes from Hassan. He is known for his silence and systematic way of life.

Roshan Pinto hails from Virajpet, Coorg. He is known for his discipline, he is a good basketball player.

Royston hails from Permudem, Mangalore, well known for his qualities such as simplicity and transparency.

Vijaya Kumar hailing from Guntur, Andhra Pradhesh . He is a simple and transparent person. He likes to play basket ball and blessed with acting skills.

Vincent Jaison native of Marianagar, Hassan. Humour, community spirit and helping are his qualities.

Wilson Fernandes hails from Moodbidri , Mangalore. He is very sensitive and prayerful. Good at dancing and singing.

FIRST VOWS OF THE JESUIT NOVICES

Every year, June 21 is a day of celebration and joy, to witness young men offering themselves to the Lord through their vows. The feast of St. Aloysious Gonzaga doubles the joy as he becomes their patron. This year it was an unforgettable day for thirteen Novices of the Karnataka Province- Bryan, Ryan, Nithin, Paul, Vinod, Vishal, Kevin, Don, Sujay, Jeevan, Rayan, Arul and Jayprakash as they came forward and committed themselves the Lord by pronouncing the first vows. The vowents prepared themselves spiritually by the triduum preached by Socius, Fr. Manoj.

The grand ceremony began at 6.00 pm. The chapel was decorated beautifully and meaningfully highlighting the theme "Take and Receive". Fr.Vijay Prabhu the Provincial was the main celebrant. The entrance creativity organised by the second year novices was meaningful, pointing the need to be the streams of water in quenching the thirst of the suffering people in the world. Fr.Ambrose in his thought provoking homily urged the vowents to be persevering and faithful to their religious life than being merely successful and to be strengthened by the Cross. He concluded his homily keeping before us the challenge to lead a life with Christ values in this selfish, pleasure seeking world. The offertory was made meaningful by the creative imageries of Christ as presented in the Bible. The vowents vowed before the Lord perpetual poverty, chastity and obedience before the body and blood of Christ. Fr. Provincial received their vows.The vowents expressed their thanks to God through the song "God is my salvation and strength."
The climax of the ceremony was when the Novice-Director, Fr.DionVaz,S.J., gave his advise to the vowents. He talked on to have personal love for Christ, the Society and the poor. He urged them to be mystics and give love wherever they would go. Fr.Provincial gifted each vowent with a crucifix to make it their life companion in times of joy and sorrow. A short felicitation programme was organised in which the vowents cut the cake to mark this occasion. The second year novices wished them good luck with their song. The vowents also sang a moving song dedicating it to the suffering people in the world. There was a sumptuous dinner prepared by the hard work of the kitchen staff. The presence of many Jesuits and the neighboring religious added grace to the whole ceremony. Everyone bade a heart filled good-night and went back thanking the Lord for this graceful occasion where they really experienced God's hope in these thirteen young Jesuits. For more photos click on First Vows '07