Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Karnataka Jesuit Province is consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary whose feast we celebrate today. Mount St Joseph community is involved in a number of ministries - one among them being the Parish apostolate. Our Parish in Kalena Agrahara is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary whose feast will be solemnly celebrated on Sunday, 28 June 2009 in the Parish. Mother Mary is a powerful intercessor and "belonging to Mary is a privileged means of belonging to Christ." We greet everyone of you on this joyous occasion.

Buds to Blossom - 14 join the MSJ Family

The Karnataka Jesuit Province is blessed with a good number of vocations. On 19 June 2009, 14 of God's generous gifts (Arvind Royce, Ashwin Rebello, Avinash D'Souza, Dolwin Cutinha, George Pinto, Jaison Pais, Lawrence D'Souza, Mark Pereira, Noel Nazareth, Praveen Gonsalves, Rocky D'Souza, Roshan D'Souza, Shanthraj and Wilson Saldanha) safely arrived to the nursery (MSJ Novitiate) of our Province. We can see them bubbling with eagerness, joy and enthusiasm as they are beginning a new phase in their journey of life. Each of them is very promising and special; they are indeed God's precious gift to us. A short welcoming ceremony was held in the Aula followed by an Ice-breaker session which made all of us feel at home. A meaningful Eucharistic celebration commemorating the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus nourished our spirits. We wish that their stay in the Novitiate will help them to discover God, discover themselves, discover the love the Society of Jesus has for them and that they may reach out as shining stars to touch the lives of people they come across.

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart and today is the day on which we commemorate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This Feast has been a Solemnity in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar since 1856, and is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost.

The most significant source for the devotion to the Sacred Heart in the form it is known today was revelation to St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690), who received visions of Jesus Christ. St Margaret Mary Alacoque, a nun of the Visitation Order, was praying in the Chapel (Paray le Monial) of her convent. Jesus appeared to her several times and opened up to her the revelations about the devotion to the Sacred Heart. One of the important revelations is the devotion to the Sacred Heart. Jesus opened His heart wide and invited Margaret to see the heart which loved people so much and yet in return it received only ingratitude.

In another apparition, Jesus wanted Margaret Mary to open up to people to devotion to His Sacred Heart. Jesus told Margaret Mary that Jesuits would be entrusted with the work of spreading this devotion. He wanted the feast of the Sacred Heart to be celebrated by the whole Church on a Friday after the Octave of the feast of the Corpus Christi. Margaret Mary was told by Jesus that St. Claude de la Colombière (Superior of the small Jesuit house at Paray) was His trusted friend and faithful witness. These revelations are the foundation on which the devotion to the Sacred Heart is based. The Church has approved of these apparitions and revelations. And therefore, today all over the world the Jesuits celebrate the feast as a means of spreading this devotion to the Sacred Heart all over the world. As the Church celebrates the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the wounded heart of Christ symbolizes love that God has shown to us through Jesus and is an example for us to love God and fellow human beings in return.

Loyola ITI Musings.....

The Loyola Technical Training Institute in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit organized a Summer camp at Mylasandra village from 8-13 June.

Some of the works undertaken during this camp were to clean up the areas surrounding the village, to repair the drainage systems, to plant saplings and to promote Ecology, to generate self-employment schemes, to teach the youth about traffic rules and to educate the villagers about basic health care techniques. As a part of the program different competitions were conducted. These included Essay writing, solo and group singing, volleyball and dance competitions. In addition to these, the students from the ITI put up fun game stalls and a few cultural items too. This camp has certainly helped our students to reach out in service to others and has built bridges of hope in the lives of the poor who can now proudly look up to themselves for a better future.

"Heal & Comfort"

The Second-year Novices too were out for a month doing various “Experiments” - like taking care of the sick and suffering, binding the wounds of the lepers, comforting the HIV afflicted. Some were left to fend for themselves during the three weeks in the “Earn and live” experiment. Here is an account of some of the experiences of a few of them.....

Rayan: I went to Sumanahalli, a Leprosy rehabilitation center for my hospital experiment. Sumanahalli as the name itself suggests is truly a village of the people of good heart. Many religious congregations work here towards one Mission as one family. The inmates are fervent persons of prayer. We are indeed privileged to listen to the peoples joys and sorrows. The people here really have a heart that beats for others.

Roshan: Hospital experiment was a time for me to be with the abandoned of the society. I was sent to Snehadan HIV Center run by the Camelean Fathers whose Charism is “Heal the sick and live the Gospel.” It was indeed a joyful experience to serve the Lord through these people. I received an opportunity to focus on the 'Incarnation' from the Spiritual Exercises. I grew in compassion, patience and became an instrument of God’s love to them.

Kamalakar: My mission was to serve the mentally challenged people at Asha Nikethan. I was happy to spend close to three weeks with them. It was a challenge for me to understand them as they found it hard to express themselves. Though they are not as fortunate as we are, they have genuine care and concern for each other. I have learnt that “It is not what you do that matters but how much love you put in what you do.” This experience has made me realize the value of life and taught me to be compassionate to the sick and the suffering.

Ashwin: God is the author of life’s adventurous journey. I relished the writings of God and enjoyed my encounter with him during my ‘Earn and Live’ experiment. I moved forward though with fear, insecurity and anxiety but with complete trust in Him. I got the job of a painter. During my struggles and difficulties, Jesus showed me His comforting presence. I realized “What it means to break oneself.” I also understood the value of life, food and money. This encounter has strengthened my vocation and has helped me realize the preciousness of it.

New Beginnings... (Loyola Institutions re-open)

The Primary, High School and PU classes began on 2 June. The new academic year began seeking the blessings from the Lord with a Eucharist dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The main Celebrant was Fr Henry Saldanha. This year, Loyola PU College has begun two Science courses (PCMB & PCMC) which has turned out to be a great opportunity for the Urban poor children to avail this new stream. It was a wonderful occasion to see our Loyola Institutions get back united and in full strength, poised to begin afresh, a new academic year.

ORA ET LABORA (Pray and Work)

We, the first year Novices, were happy to undertake the Summer Work Camp experience that was organized this year at Pannur (Pannur is our Jesuit mission station in Raichur district). Our camp began on 2 May and concluded on 27 May. Sch Pratap Chandru was our Camp Co-ordinator. The company of Jesuits in Fr Maxim, Fr Eric and Fr Ambrose alongside Fr Sunil and Sch Pratap enriched our enthusiasm and refreshed our spirits. We experienced hard labour that helped us toughen ourselves. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20,35), these words of our Lord have come true through our work experience. We were also privileged to celebrate the Parish feast at St Peter’s Church with all the people. Through this experience we have come close to the realities of our times. “Indeed it is the poor who evangelize us.” This camp has helped us to integrate different aspects of our lives specially prayer, community life and work. Truly, we are enriched by the simple life-style of the people of Pannur. The smiles of the children remain etched in the memories of our hearts. We have come back home with renewed spirits and look forward to a fruitful year ahead!

Fr Denis Alvares is no more

Fr Denis Alvares, one of our community members, passed on to the Lord on 30^th April at 3:45 PM while recuperating from an operation. He was aged 87. He was a vibrant Pastor, an ever available confessor and had completed his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee on the 16^th April. The Funeral Mass was at 9 AM on 2nd May in the Chapel of Mount St Joseph, and burial took place there after in the Mount St Joseph Cemetery. Thank you Lord for giving us a simple and committed Jesuit in the person of Fr Denis. May his soul rest in peace and may he enjoy the bliss prepared by the Lord for his faithful servant.

Come On, Let's Play!

We were happy to host a game of basketball between the students of Theology (from VidyaJyothi, RTEC-Anekal and DNC) and the Mount St Joseph community. The match split into four quarters saw the MSJ’s in the drivers seat during the first three. Just when the spectators thought that all was over the Theologians bounced back like a Tsunami almost as if to take the lead. The Final Scores were 29-34; the MSJ’s winning by 5 points. It was a thrilling game. A word of gratitude ought to be given to the referees, Fr Dion and Sch Syju. Congrats to the winners and cheers to all.

EXPERIMENTUM STUDIOSUM (Study Experiment)

The last two weeks have been a time of silent, personalized and integrated study in the Novitiate. We, the Novices, were seated for long hours at our desks planning, reading, reflecting and presenting our first scientific paper: the fruit of our study experiment. This experiment has also taught us techniques of presenting a research paper. This experiment has served as a launching pad for the bright budding researchers of the future.   

Home Sweet Home!

(Two of our novices, Roshan Pinto and Olwin Fernandes, share their experiences during the Home Experiment)

*Home experiment means to be sent on a mission, to evangelize and give witness to the place from where God had chosen me. It was wonderful  for me to experience Christ at home. A time of integration of both religious and family life so as to become aware of my formation. My vocation is strengthened  because of the Home experiment. The days I spent at home helped me to discern, reconcile and relive. I was reminded of  fond memories of my childhood especially during prayers. When I recall the memories of the home experiment, I feel happy to be a Jesuit novice and thank God for all the blessings showerd upon my life.

*Heavenly atmosphere, God’s creation, Scenic beauty, Peace and Joy. God experience, Divine wisdom, Enlightment to the new areas of God’s love, Life in the spirit, Inner healing, power of a child, Forgiveness to the past hurts, Power of  praise, Divine touch, Deliverance from past guilt, Grace and blessings in abundance. We learnt many things at home. I would like to explain in this way: "Home is the place where we decided to dedicate ourselves to Christ. Home is the womb that holds the soul; Home is the place where I became whole; Home is where the family meets; Home is a place of restful retreats; Home is the place you know you’ll be heard; Home is the place where nothing blurs. Home is all these wonderful things; Home is the place you develop wings; Home is the place that you’ll find one day; Home is the place where we ultimately say THANKS for the things that we have learnt for rest of the day."

Fr Vijay Prabhu passes on the baton to Fr Francis Serrao

The 16^th of April was a red-lettered day for the Karnataka Jesuit Province and for the Mount St Joseph Community. A large number of Jesuits representing different communities of the Province gathered for a two-fold celebration. Firstly,  six stalwarts (Frs Simon Furtado, Denis Alvares, Rossi Rego, Lawrence Castelino, Frederick Menezes and Vijay Prabhu) of our Province celebrated their Jubilees. Secondly, it was also a day for Fr Vijay Prabhu, our outgoing Provincial to pass on the baton to Fr Francis Serrao, our New Provincial. At the end of the Eucharist, Fr Vijay read the letter of appointment by Fr Adolfo Nicolas (the Superior General of the Jesuits) and then handed over the responsibility symbolically by placing a stole on Fr Francis. The newly appointed Provincial gave the final blessing to the congregation gathered. Congratulations Fr Frankie and we wish you all the very best as you take on the challenge of steering the Province.

Fr Lawrence D'Souza - Called by the Lord to the Heavenly Abode

Fr Lawrence D’Souza passed on to the Lord peacefully at the age of 77 having spent 56 years in the Society of Jesus. With the passing away of Fr Lawrence on 11^th April, the Karnataka Province has lost a great Jesuit who was restless for Christ all his life. The funeral mass was celebrated at the Chapel of St Joseph’s Boys’ High School on the 13^th morning. The funeral service took place at the cemetery of Mount St Joseph. Along with the relatives and friends, a large number of Jesuits bid goodbye to the mortal remains of Fr Lawrence. Let the Risen Lord help us to increase in faith and hope as we return the life of Fr Lawrence to God and pray for his eternal life with Him. Thank you Lord for giving us a simple and committed Jesuit in the person of Fr Lawrence. May his soul rest in peace and may he enjoy the bliss prepared by the Lord for his faithful servant.