VOWS DAY – 2023

 

With praises to God and His mighty deeds, the Karnataka Jesuit Province celebrated another batch of novices as they professed their first and perpetual vows. The ten novices – Abhishek, Akshay, Harrison, Jeevan, Manvith, Princeton, Robert, Royal, Sudarshan, and Vivek – wholeheartedly answered the divine call as they pronounced their first vows. Fr Clarence rejuvenated their spirits through an eight-day retreat, igniting their love for God. The day of vows was a graceful event centered around the theme "IGNEUM AMOREM" – 'Ignited by Love' – chosen by the novices themselves. One could see their faces aglow with the love of God they intimately experienced during their time in the novitiate.

The Eucharist was presided over by Fr Dion, the Provincial, and concelebrated by Fr Anthony Joseph, the Rector, Fr John Pradeep, the Novice Director, Fr Jossie Lobo, the homilist, and Fr Clarence D’Souza. 

In his homily, Fr Jossie spoke about the significance of love in strengthening the Jesuit vocation. The novices added beauty to the Eucharist through their heavenly choir. Sch Vivek shared a few words about the Navataranga, the Mount St. Joseph Novitiate bulletin. The magazine which focused on the theme of ‘Synodality’ was released on the same day. 

Additionally, the second-year novices added a touch of joy by recreating their memories in a skit-cum-toast on the following day as they organized the ‘Farewell day’. Emotions ran high as the novices listened to the farewell song, and memories flooded their minds all at once. Truly, it was a memorable day for all of us who witnessed the new-born Scholastics and heard their final expressions.

ENTRANCE DAY - 2023

On June 19, 2023, eight enthusiastic would be novices – Anish, Sujay, Edmund, Kiran, Lestern, Oswin, Roshan, and Vishwas, four from Navasadhana and four from Loyola pre-novitiates – marched eagerly toward Mount St. Joseph Novitiate. They underwent 15 days of probation which included the Triduum under the gentle guidance of Fr. Nithin Machado, the Socius. They received meticulous guidance from their guardian angels Avin, Jayanth, and Jackson. After being shaped during these 15 days, they officially joined the group of novices on July 3, 2023, during the Eucharistic sacrifice.

The chosen theme for the Eucharistic celebration was ‘Invited by Love to Love’, which perfectly matched their conviction. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Anthony Joseph, the Rector. Fr. Nithin Machado, the Socius to the Novice Director, handed over a nest full of eggs symbolizing the eight first probationers to Fr. John Pradeep, the Novice Director.

The second-year novices warmly welcomed the budding Jesuits with their melodious singing in the refectory, followed by a delightful dinner that met the expectations of the newly initiated novices. With the arrival of the first-year novices, the crew is now complete and ready to navigate and explore the Lord's vineyard under the pivotal direction of the Divine Master.

Work Experiment of Novices

“Every morning, it bestows upon you a captivating allure, altering your disposition, alleviating stress, and fostering youthfulness and optimism." Throughout our fifteen-day endeavor in Mundgod, the essence of the aforementioned quote reverberated in our ears and echoed within our hearts. Despite our modest numbers, our collective impact was noteworthy. 

Every individual among us embraced their true selves and fulfilled their potential. "We radiated like luminescent artwork, though not akin to stars, our efforts emulated the resilience of pulleys, even if not comparable to a train." A multitude of tasks lay before us, fortifying us as we completed each one. We embarked on new experiences, gaining knowledge and mastering skills such as leveling the ground, tidying the hostels, harvesting coconuts and palm leaves, and categorizing objects made of metal, wood, and plastic. 

Beyond our assigned duties, we were privileged to explore into the world of Mundgod, plunging ourselves in their culture. Interacting with the Siddhi tribe and participating in their wedding anniversary bestowed upon us a sense of kinship, making us feel like cherished members of their extended family. 

This laborious endeavor served to refine our aspirations, teaching us the importance of resolute decision-making in times of crisis. We extend boundless gratitude to Fr. Nithin Machado and Sch Merwin Mathias, our guiding lights, and offer a special appreciation to Fr. Melvin, the Superior, and Fr. Jeevan Gomes for their seamless coordination of our work experiment. 

Rosary Procession

Hail Mary, full of grace! Commemorating the feast of Our Lady of Rosary brought in repels of joy to the novitiate community. 

We had a devotional celebration of the feast with the entire community of Mount St Joseph. The novices enlightened the celebration by praying to Our Lady through a reflective Rosary. 

The reflection revolved around the theme ‘Synodality.’ An ornate car was prepared for Our Lady which went around the house.

We prayed fervently through the intercession of Our Lady to bless all of us and the entire world during this Synodal year.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (psalm 133)

Novices sojourned at FISI (Franciscan institution of Spirituality, India) from October 10-14, 2022 to have a diligent study on the book of Psalms. Fr Salvador Fernandes, OFM Cap, the Director of FISI, welcomed us with winsome smile and love. The two-fold goal of the course was developing love towards Psalms and psycho-sexual integration. Franciscan charism was in action for couple of days. 

The movie on the life of St Francis of Assisi stimulated the novices to build the church in this contemporary world. Breviary was an apple of the eye which helped the novices to pray better with psalms. Novices savored the taste of the liturgy of the hour and began to love it. On October 14, we meticulously planned for recreation where everyone danced and enjoyed. 

The novices from SMMI congregation and the religious sisters who were doing their course on Franciscan spirituality accompanied us during the study of Psalms and doubled our joy.

Celebration of Mothi Fest at Mount St Joseph

Mount St Joseph, Sept 8, 2022: The 9 days of creative novena prayers by the novices and the senior Jesuits added rich essence to the commemoration of the Nativity of Mother Mary. 

The celebration of the birthday of Mama Mary brought forth an aura of ecstasy. The novices partook in the Eucharist celebrated in the pure coastal Konkani, in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Kalena Agrahara. 

The novices collaborated with the laity in reaching the higher notes and meddling with the lower ones to provide an experience of a mellifluous choir to the faithful gathered at the Eucharist. 

The tradition of the coastal belt of Karnataka, that is to have a festal meal as one family, sitting on the floor and eating from the banana leaf, was memorable. The novices were indeed delighted to help out in serving the delicious vegetarian meal. It was a boon for the novices as they were relieved from doing the scullery. 

We sang in unison ‘Laudate Omnes Gentes’, bearing in mind the graces received through our Lady. The novices had a splendid time as they shared their consolations with their parents over the phone.  

A creative rosary was conducted by Nov Royal R K and Nov Princeton D’Souza to mark the enchantment of the day and to enhance the love for our Lady.

Entrance Day of the Novices

“The holy banquet has been set, Lord has cleared our sinful debt” was the song soothing the minds of our five brothers on 19 June, 2022. 

Five passionate would-be novices Ranjith, Reuben, Jayanth, Avin and Pavan, three from Navasadhana and two from Loyola, ebulliently marched towards Mount St Joseph Novitiate. They savoured 15 days of probation together with Triduum under the tender care of Fr Nithin Machado, the Socius. 

They were meticulously guided by guardian angels Manvith, Abhishek and Vivek. After being moulded for 15 days they joined the crew of novices on 5 July, 2022 through the highest form of sacrifice. 

Fr Anthony Joseph, the Rector, celebrated the Mass. Fr Nithin Machado, the Socius to the Novice director, handed over the five loaves of bread symbolizing our five brothers to Fr John Pradeep, the Novice director.  

The 2nd year novices welcomed the nascent Jesuits through their mellifluous singing in the refectory followed by scrumptious dinner which met the expectation of newly born Jesuits. 

The sheep named Jackson which was missing from the herd of five companions joined the novitiate on 09 August, 2022 after finishing his degree final exams. Fr Socius directed him through the help of guardian angel Abhishek during his first probation. He was meaningfully led into second probation during the service of benediction on 14 August, 2022. 

Now the Crew is whole and positioned to navigate and explore in the vineyard of the Lord under the decisive direction of the Divine Master. The MSJ novitiate is now jam-packed to commence their journey inward with the arrival of 1st year novices.

Celebrating the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola

July 31, 2022: “All things were made anew!” the novitiate community was sparkling with richness and cherishing the joy of celebrating the feast of St Ignatius. The feast was celebrated with much gusto. The novices with all their might and desire, worked hard to make the celebration a fruitful one. 

The feast of St Ignatius brought with it the gifts that St Ignatius had passed on to his followers: The Ignatian spirit. The Jesuit novices were reminded of the Ignatian charism and identity. The novitiate community celebrated the feast by animating the liturgy in the Jesuit Parish ‘Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Kalena Agrahara.

The novices honoured the mysticism of St Ignatius through the variant talks given by remarkable Jesuits during the celebration of the Ignatian Year. The community ended the Ignatian year with a gathering of the priests, religious and well-wishers during which a play was put up by the novices on the life of Fr Pedro Arrupe titled ‘Servant of God Pedro Arrupe: A man who saw all things new in Christ’. 

The novices showcased their creativity by adding tune to the poem “fall in Love, Stay in love” of Fr Arrupe. 

The feast of St Ignatius left an indelible mark in the hearts of all the people who joined us to celebrate the joy of the feast.