Christmas at MSJ

MSJ wishes all our dear readers, A Merry Christmas

May this Christmas bring you all the

LOVE, PEACE and JOY
of our saviour Jesus Christ

By
Fr.Rector and every member of the community

A fond farewell to dear Fr. Francis

Fr. Francis... a man of energy and enthusiasm, a man of availability for anyone, at any time...a man who is not satisfied doing just one thing at a time.. but many works simultaneously with great efficiency. These were the sentiments of every community member on the day of his farewell.
At the evening prayer service, every member of the community expressed that Fr.Francis was a blessing to Mount and prayed for his new mission. At the dinner, Fr. Willie expressed thanks to Fr. Francis for his service to Mount. The novices sang a moving song wishing him all success in his future mission.

Gloria

"Gloria"- is the song of angels in heaven, but at Bannerghatta-it's a song of angels on earth! It's an event to share the Joy of Christmas by singing carols conducted by Jeevalaya. Then Novices of Mount St Joseph, true to the spirit of Christmas sang a medley of carols in angelic-polyphonic voices and enthralled everyone present. Though they did not make it up in the list of winners, they were greatly satisfied with their performance.

My Mission Experiment.......

I am Suman Balu doing my second year of novitiate. I was eagerly waiting for the Mission Experiment because of my great desire to become a missionary. When the actual day came to set out I was filled with great enthusiasm. I stayed in Vaddar family in the Kopparasikopa in the Hangal Taluk of North Karnataka.

I did various kinds of works like.. carrying paddy, shifting stones, painting, leveling the ground and every other work of my house. My family accepted me as their own son. On the first day when I went to work in the field I discovered how difficult it is to work for a whole day in the sun. My back started aching. But God gave me the strength to carry on with full zeal. When I felt thirsty they took me to a nearby pond. When I saw the pond I was shocked. The water was stagnant and dirty. Even the cattle bathed there. I just wondered how to drink this water. But I was so thirsty I just drank with one breath. Later I found this water was tastier than mineral water. In spite of drinking this water people are strong and healthy.
One of the great qualities of my villagers is 'sharing'. They share food, joys, sorrows and anything. We all shared food in the field. Through this I learnt the real meaning of Eucharist.
I enjoyed greatly the love of my village people and utmost love and care of the Jesuits. I am back to novitiate with the experiences which have really strengthened my vocation.
(Suman with his family members in the photo)

Novices celebrate the feast of their Patron

On 13th of this month we celebrated the feast of our patron Saint Stanislaus Kostka. It was a delayed celebration because last month the Ist year novices were in the long retreat and the IInd years in the mission experiment. Our director Fr. Dion prepared us spiritually by giving points for the feast. The feast day began with the solemn Eucharist which filled us with new spirit and energy for the whole day. In the morning we watched the entertainment film.."Om Shanthi Om". Fr. Minister added to the festivity by providing a grand sumptuous meal. An exciting Basketball match was held in the evening. The evening recreation added still more colour to the day's festivity.
-Novice Rayan

Beware of the Advent Virus !!!

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in sweeping proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of THE ADVENT VIRUS:

• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy the moment.
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
• A loss of interest in conflict.
• A loss of the ability to worry.
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation and thankfulness.
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and God.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Arrupe Day

Arrupe Day- A day to mark the Birth Centenary of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, the Prophet of our Times- was set aside at Prerana on 8^th December. Over 75 Jesuits from Bangalore and the Missions were present for the seminar. The resource person was Fr. Amaladoss S.J, who had a personal experience of living with Fr. Arrupe. In his stirring talks he brought alive the magnificent, saintly personality of Fr. Arrupe and put forward Arrupean challenges for our apostolates today. A solemn High Mass was held in the beautifully decorated chapel for which Fr. Paul Puthanangady was the main celebrant. In his inspiring homily he called the Religious to be awakened. Many neighbouring religious came to share in our joy. The day came to a happy end by the sumptuous meal served to all.

Adieu dear Br. Peter!

"Jesuit Brother" is no more! Yes, Br. Peter Prabalam-well known for his paintings and photography returned to heavenly abode on Ist of December. One cannot forget the image of Br. Peter- in a neat tucked in shirt... boldly etched with words "Jesuit Brother" taking his evening strolls in the St. Joseph's college grounds. His youthfulness in fact concealed his age. Br. Peter's favourite dish was "Palluda", and he would lovingly prepare and serve anybody who stayed with him. Br. Peter' presence at Mass could not go unnoticed, for his loud acclamation of "Amen." All his life was marked with simplicity. The requiem Mass was celebrated in the presence of large faithful by the Provincial at BHS. Fr. Clarence preached the homily. Fr. Ambrose in his panegyric brought alive Br. Peter. The mortal remains were laid to rest at Mount St. Joseph cemetery.

A spectacular exhibition at Loyola Primary School

Loyola Primary Students are no less...! This is how they surprised everyone who went and saw the exhibition put up by these little children of the school. A neat, well planned, informative, creative exhibition on topics like science, social science, literature, maths and sports won the admiration of everybody. One cannot deny the hard work put up by the teachers and the Headmistress to make it a grand success. Congratulations to all of them!