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!

Selected for National Level Kho Kho...

The beauty of a game is not in training nor in winning but in trying… trying with a will to win and a heart to accept when we don’t: trying with a passion to excel with a spirit to appreciate when others do, trying with a sense of commitment and with sportiveness to bow to the judgment.

This is the beauty that the sports person Balaji has imbibed at Loyola Higher Primary School, Kalenagrahara.

We are proud of this child prodigy for his wonderful achievements for the first time in the history of our school in the field of sports. He stands for his irrevocable virtues of self discipline, simplicity, and hardwork at studies too.

I extend my hearty congratulations on behalf of Management, The correspondent, Teachers, Mr.Harish & Mr.Chandru ( old students of ours ) and the students well

-Sr. Rosaline

Once Upon a Time..... M.S.J......!!!

Jubilee Bells Ringing

The curtains came down on the Silver Jubilee Year of Loyola High School on 11 November, as the day witnessed a grand celebration to mark the event. Archbishop emeritus Ignatius Pinto was the chief guest who gave a thundering speech to enthuse the students and the staff. Mr. Sangliyana was the guest of honour, who spoke fluently in Kannada and won the hearts of the audience. Fr. Vijay, the Provincial, highlighted in his speech, the commitment of the Jesuits to the poor students of the locality. All the past Managers and the HMs of the school were remembered with gratitude and those present were honoured. The cultural programme that followed was much appreciated by all. Br. Marcel slogged hard for this. No doubt, the painstaking efforts of Fr. John and Sr. Tresa made a deep impression on everybody.

Hushh... Silence Please......

Dhyanashrama is the most sought after Retreat House in the city. The month of November is a witness to it, as one can find no corner left free in the house. At present three Long Retreats are taking place in Dhyanashrama and Prerana, this apart from the Novices' Long Retreat. All these retreats are guided by the well known retreat masters of the place- Frs. John Mendonca, Furtado and Robert. Freddie is also directing a huge group for 8 days. The whole place is filled with silence. Fr. Willie sees that no one at any time is denied of spiritual need. Thanks to his keen interest, MSJ has become 'the house' for retreats!

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Face to face with the leopard!

It was past midnight. Fr. John Mendonca was returning from Mangalore. After getting down from the auto, he took quiet steps to MSJ from the main gate. Barely a few steps had he taken, he was stunned with horror to see a strange animal making its way towards him. It took no time for Fr. John to guess that it was the same leopard that the forest officials had made desperate futile effort to trap sometime ago. Only heavenly intervention could help John as there was no one around to look for help. Only thing he could do was to stand still and stare with courage at the leopard. Even the leopard stood still for moment and stared at Fr. John. Thank God, it was not saying the grace before the meals... soon it left him and went its way. Fr. John narrated the traumatic episode to the community members on the following day though many found difficult to believe whether it was real leopard. In fact, sometime ago, Fr. John had made lots of inquiries about leopards. He even downloaded few pictures of leopards from the internet and displayed on the community notice board. However, this time leopard himself gave him unforgettable darshan!

Daily Inspirational Story

Who doesn't like short stories, anecdotes, stories for inspiration and motivation? When was the last time you desperately looked for an apt anecdote for your sermon, lecture, catechism or talk? You must have definitely looked for it everywhere and when you didn't find a suitable one, you must have felt restless. Well then... here is a good news for you! Just see a small link on the left side of this page... ' Daily inspirational story'.. Cick on it today if you haven't yet and it will lead you to the world of inspiration. A best collection of anecdotes you can find nowhere than this. All this done by Fr. Eugene S.J., who himself is a treasury of stories and anecdotes for any occassion. Our thanks to Eugene for his collaboration with our blog. May his dream to make us see God in all things be realised through you.

Novices begin Long Retreat and Mission Experiment

Second Year Novices are leaving for Mission Experiment. They are sent in three batches of four each to three mission stations of our province- Pannur, Bijapur and Mundgod. As they are going to experience the life of the poor, we wish them all the best.

First Year Novices are all set to begin their Long Retreat under the direction of Novice Director Fr. Dion on 1st November. Kindly keep them in your prayers.