Pilgrimage Experiment 2023

“Spirit is willing but the body is weak”

We reached Harihar on September 5, 2023.  As it was the feast day of Mother Teresa of Kolkata, Bishop Francis Serrao of Shimoga diocese was invited to preside over the Mass. During this occasion, the novices had the opportunity to visit the Missionaries of Charity Sisters'. They also conversed with the residents of that ashram which helped them realize the true purpose of their vocations. 

The aforementioned Bible slogan, “Spirit is willing but the body is weak,” became very familiar to all of us throughout the entire journey. Our 'Paada Yatra' commenced at 3 a.m. from Davangere railway station to the Minor Basilica at Harihar. The novices were full of energy throughout the journey, reciting the Rosary on the streets, which infused them with spiritual energy to continue their pilgrimage experiment.

 The novices stayed at Harihar for a few days, bearing witness to the faith of the people, interacting with them, assisting in the liturgy with their melodious voices in the choir, and spending time in intercession to our Mother for their future formation.

At the end of this pilgrimage experiment, the novices felt that the void within them had been filled by our Lady of Health, 'HARIHAR MATHE.’ We are indebted to our facilitators for this life-transforming opportunity in our life.  

Independence Day Celebrations at Mount St Joseph - 2023

Let our Country awake!

Novice Edmund shared the significance of the day with the message above during the flag-hoisting ceremony. He also emphasized how the current political leaders are bound by corruption. 

Mr. Srinivas, a co-worker of the MSJ community, served as the chief guest for the ceremony. A considerable number of religious individuals and faithful attendees joined the novices in singing the national anthem.

The commemoration commenced with the Eucharistic celebration, highlighting the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, under the theme "Mary Bless Manipur!" 

This added a deeper meaning to the day, creating a prayerful atmosphere. Father Mohan Joseph, SJ, presided over the highest form of sacrifice. 

In the evening, Novice Jackson took the initiative to lead a creative rosary. The novices ascended the stairs in remembrance of Mother Mary's assumption. 

Throughout the day, all novices were immersed in an atmosphere of freedom, marked by responsibility, creativity, faithfulness, and prayerfulness. The sense of unity, or "we feeling," remained with us all day and never left us forlorn. We were filled with renewed vigor and zeal.