“Phloem of Love" NAVATARANGA-2008

The Annual bulletin “Navataranga-2008” of the Novitiate was released by Fr Simon Furtado SJ.
Editor (Novice Lumnesh) Speaks: The world is in shambles because of globalization, corruption, poverty etc. We are suffocated with misery, suffering, weeping, helplessness and confusion. We do not know which way to go. The world waits for liberation, every creature on earth cries to us to save and redeem. Yes the world is hungering for Christ. Where is Christ then? Does He not heed to the agony of His children? Human persons are gradually getting alienated in this globalised world without having any roots at all. Human persons are fugitive in this world. We have to arise and walk like the prodigal son to the home of the Father to taste the fruits of the Life Giving Tree.
Christ is in us. This is what the Novices try to explore, experience, and in turn express and share with others. Like the 'phloem' – the food conducting tissue in the plants, each one of us is called to transport Christ’s Love to others. We are called to be wounded healers. Navataranga-2008 brings forth the rich and precious experiences of the Novices as they partake in finding God in all things and all things in God. I wish all of you to experience God’s touch as you read Navataranga. I do pray and wish that each one of you becomes a “Phloem of Love.” If you need a copy of Navataranga (limited copies available), Kindly contact us.

“PLACED WITH CHRIST YOUR SON”

(contributed by the Vovents)

Eighteen of our Novices (Derrick, Dayle, Jeevan Gomes, Jeevan James, John Baptist, Kiran, Lumnesh, Merwyn, Ronald, Sudhir and Suman in Bengaluru; Joel, Nithin and Vivian in Belgaum; Antony, Canet, Jaysheelan and Leo in Guntur) pronounced their First Vows on the 21^st of June.
“Only You, only you will I Seek,Only You, only you will I Praise, Only You, only you will I Love Because You made me to desire only You.”

This hymn was an outpouring from the depths of our hearts to the Almighty God on the day when we offered ourselves to Him. The chapel of Mount St Joseph looked heavenly amidst the angelic choir led by Fr Henry Saldanha. The presence of a large number of religious to celebrate our heart’s ‘Magnificat’ added to our joy. “Placed With Christ Your Son” was the theme of the Eucharist. Fr Vijay Kumar Prabhu, the Provincial of the Karnataka Province, presided over the Eucharist and received our vows. We express our sincere thanks to him. Fr Jossie D’Mello gave an inspiring and thought provoking homily and Fr Dion, the Novice Director, inspired us with his moving message. Soon after the Eucharist, we had a short felicitation ceremony in the community refectory to greet the vovents. During the Programme, the Annual bulletin of the Novitiate “Navataranga-2008” was released by Fr Simon Furtado. We owe a deep sense of gratitude to the Lord for His benevolence and love. We thank Frs William Sequeira, Dion, Manoj and Sunil for their encouragement and leading us to commit ourselves entirely to the Lord. We also thank all the Fathers of Mount St Joseph community for their prayerful support. Our Special thanks to our senior companions who lead us during the first year of our Novitiate and our junior companions who shared our life for the last one year. We thank them for making our vows day a memorable one. We will cherish and treasure this day all through our lives. We also thank all of you for your prayers.

Inauguration of Loyola Composite PU College

(Contributed by Sch. Alphonse Fernandes)
It is a moment of joy to the Community and to Karnataka Province as our Mother house climbs the ladder of glory. The inauguration of Loyola Composite PU College was held on June 11, 2008. We had the whole Institution coming together to celebrate the event. The event was witnessed by over 1200 people. Mr C Kanthraj (senior teacher of the school) was the MC for the event. Fr Henry, the Principal, introduced and welcomed the guests and the invitees. Fr John D'Souza, who worked hard in realizing the dream of starting the new college, spoke to us on his efforts and the way how things have shaped up in the past few months. The Chief guest for the occasion was Mr Puttana (MLC) who inaugurated the new building. He praised the Christian Institutions for the discipline and values they inculcate among the students. He has promised many things and we hope that he will be an instrument in fulfilling them as well. Fr Provincial graced the occasion and blessed the new building. Fr William Sequeira, the Rector, was the President and he too joined Fr Vijay Kumar Prabhu, Provincial, in thanking all those toiled in carrying out the plan and also to wish all the very best to the people who will be carrying it forward. The students who secured highest marks in Mathematics were honoured in the presence of dignitaries. Eight students received the honour. We thank the benefactor (under strict order we do not let out the name of the person). Few dances by the children also doubled the joy on the occasion. We thank the Jesuits who directly as well as indirectly made the event a grand success.

Happy Diamond Jubilee Dear Fr SHENOY

Jubilee bells of joy and gladness rang in the heart of Fr Frigidian Shenoy as he celebrated 60 years in the Society of Jesus. It was jubilation and celebration time at MSJ on the 8th of June. The Chapel which looked heavenly on this special occasion was full of Jesuits and the relatives of the Jubilarian. Fr Freddie D'Silva's homily inspired the entire congregation. During the felicitation programme, Fr Denis Coelho raised the toast in his usual inimitable style. The jubilee song, the LCD presentation and the dance by the novices was well appreciated by all. Fr Shenoy, filled with immense gratitude to the Lord and all people, expressed his heart-felt sentiments.

This is our Humble Invitation

Dear Friends,

It gives us immense joy to Welcome You for a special occasion. The Loyola Institutions at Mount St Joseph are marching ahead to start a PU College. Interested to know the date and the time? Please click on the INVITATION. Thank you.

SAHODAYA - 2008

(Contributed by Sch. Jason Furtado SJ)
Sahodaya (the Annual Get-together of the Scholastics) took place at Mount St. Joseph from 22nd to 27th May. Every Sahodaya makes the entire MSJ campus vibrate with life and laughter. The MSJ community is proud to host Sahodaya for the fifth consecutive year! 83 scholastics took active part whereas some of the scholastics could not participate in this programme due to their University exams. Sch. Jason Furtado organised the 5-days programme along with the other RTEC scholastics. Fr William Sequeira (Rector of MSJ), Fr John D’Souza (Administrator of Prerana) and Fr Francis Menezes (PCF) inaugurated Sahodaya-2008. The Jesuits of MSJ community witnessed the momentous inauguration programme. Speaking on the occasion, Fr Rector gave clarion call to the youngsters to be men of GC 35. Fr Francis asked us to be seekers and to find answers for the questions raised by the competitive world.
“World of today and being a Jesuit Today” was the topic for our reflection on the 23rd. Fr Cyril Desbruslais SJ conducted the session for us. He gave us many reasons why one should not be a religious, after which he divided us into groups and told us to reflect why one is still a religious. In the evening, we felicitated the new priests who were part of our fold and now gone ahead of us. Fr Sunil Ranjar offered the Holy Eucharist for us and Fr Sunil Fernandes preached a meaningful homily. Fr Melwyn Lobo gave us his priestly blessing.
On the 24th we dwelt on the topic “Jesuit Community-A community in Tension.” Fr Pradeep Sequeira enlightened us about Jesuit Community life and tried to reason out why tension exists in it. We celebrated the golden jubilee of Br Gabriel in the evening. His presence increased the beauty of the whole celebration.
“Where does a Modern Jesuit fit in, in a Rapidly Globalising World Heading Towards Mono Culture” was the topic for our panel discussion on the 25th. Fr Prashanth Madtha addressed us on the topic after which a number of questions were raised. Fr Cyril Desbruslais and Fr Pradeep Sequeira along with Fr Prashanth Madtha were present on the panel. Sch Jerald D’Souza ably moderated the discussion. Our Province delegate for GC 35 Fr. Jerome D’Souza took us to Rome through his sharing about the GC proceedings. Listening to him made us all feel proud about our mother Society.
26th was the picnic day. It was a memorable picnic to Kalathur Gardens, everyone enjoyed the day. Fr. Provincial celebrated the Eucharist for the scholastics on 27th; he also addressed us and answered our queries. The five days programme rejuvenated the spirit of companionship among the scholastics. It energised them body and spirit and all took leave to their respective places with a lot of vigour and hope though their hearts were heavy.

Welcome and Farewell

June 2^nd was a significant day for the school. We thanked Fr John for his services as a manager of the school. For the past two years he has brought about several changes. In his farewell speech, Fr John thanked all the people for joining hands to carry out the mission of Christ. Fr Rector (William Sequeira) thanked Fr John and welcomed the new Principal. The man of the hour Fr Henry took over the reign while promising to carry on the good works that are already undertaken. The children put up some cultural programme to mark the occasion.

New Beginnings!

The academic year for 2008-2009 began on 30^th May. Over 130 students for class 8^th and new faces for 9^th and 10^th standard has brought cheer to the school. Fr Henry, the Headmaster, extended a warm welcome to newly recruited staff members and the students while thanking Fr John SJ and others. This year we have three Jesuits working in Loyola High school. Fr Frankie Noronha besides teaching has accepted to render his services as a counsellor.

The New Principal at Work

Loyola High School and PU composite College has a new dynamic, active and creative leader- Fr Henry Saldanha SJ. He is the first Jesuit Headmaster and Principal of this school from its inception. Congratulations Fr Henry and wish you all the very best.

Thank you Sr Theresa

Last 10 years Sr Theresa to the best of her ability served the school with utmost dedication. We thank her for her selfless service and wish her well in her future endeavours. Thank you Sr Theresa.