Life’s a Celebration – Course on Preserving Life

“The glory of God is man and woman fully alive; moreover the fulness of human life is the vision of God” St Irenaeus.

Fr Lucose Chamakala CMI, guided and enriched the knowledge of over 50 Novices of six religious congregations in the inter-novitiate course - Preserving Life. Set in the silent and conducive atmosphere of Holy Spirit Convent, the classes were charged with the life and energy of the resource person as well as the participants. The sessions kept us occupied to learn and reflect on life matters from 16 to 18 January. Fr Lucose drew clear lines of distinction between the principles of Quality of life and Sanctity of life, always coming back to the practical aspects of religious life. Insights poured in as the twisted threads of our knowledge of life aspects were unraveled. The seminars punctuated by visual presentations were very interesting and also revealing. The main theme was a call given to stop taking life for granted and to enjoy every moment of life as it is a precious gift from God.

Interview with the New Priest - Fr John Pradeep SJ

Fr John Pradeep took a great leap of faith on 29 December 2011, the day of his Priestly Ordination. He is currently residing in Prerana and is involved in pastoral ministry. As he opens, day by day, the new doors of an exciting future, we found a very good occasion to talk to him. The gentle and soft spoken Fr John is very apt and brief in his words as he shares about himself.

Congratulations to you Father. What are your feelings at present as a new priest?

My heart is full of gratitude to God for calling me to be the companion of Jesus, His beloved Son. I feel privileged to be a Jesuit priest.

How do you see your life in the future – your plans, aims or desires?

First of all, I desire to be a Jesuit priest who is holy and happy. I wish to know more about Ignatian Spirituality and I wish to involve myself in the Retreat Apostolate.

Which part of your formation years did you like the most? Why?

I cherish fond memories of my formative years. The Novitiate formation helped me to come to know the mind and the heart of St Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuit Way of Proceeding. My Theological studies deepened my love for God and for God’s people.

Which quality do you think is the most important to become a priest – a Jesuit priest?

A person has to transcend one’s self-love, self-interest and self-will in order to be an effective Jesuit priest. He has to be a discerning person in order to make his service fruitful.

Who is the role model of your life? Why?

I have drawn great inspiration from Lord Jesus, dear Father Ignatius and Rev. Fr. Pedro Arrupe. Because all of them had fallen in love with God and with God’s people.

Throughout your formation years, what has been your strength, that has kept you committed and lively?

A deep conviction that Jesus is always with me (Mt 28:20)

Thank you father for your thoughts and insights.

Province Congregation at Prerana

Prerana (Centre for Ignatian Spirituality) was in the spotlight as it hosted the Province Congregation between January 3 and 5, 2012. Jesuits from the many branches of our province were here to take part in the sessions that involved discussing the various postulata. Fr Jossie Lobo was elected as the Procurator and Fr Dion Vaz was appointed as the substitute. The occasion became a most suitable time for a ‘Big Family Re-union.’ After the demanding sessions, the members of the congregation played a friendly game of Basketball with the Novices. The hard fought match with the veterans gave the Novices a good run for their money!

New Year 2012 - New Expectations

We ushered in the New Year with gratitude and great expectations. Counting the blessings and keeping watch with the Lord during the final moments of 2011, we began the run of 2012 with the Eucharistic celebration in Kalena Agrahara Parish. New Year Day in the house was a time to re-enter the joy of Christmas and to vibrate with newness. At the end of a busy week, the movie ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ kept the Novitiate community enchanted and entertained in the afternoon. A relaxing game of cricket in the evening was a special time indeed. The community dinner late in the evening gave a fitting finish to a week that kept Fr Minister on his toes! The youngest member of our community, Novice Rohan D’Souza cut the New Year cake. We wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year 2012.

“There exists only the present instant…a Now which always and without end is itself new.” Meister Eckhart

A New Magnificat – Ordination of John Pradeep

“My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

December 29 was an auspicious day for the Mount St Joseph community when God rewarded the ‘Fiat’ of Deacon John Pradeep and brought him closer to Himself to sing his ‘Magnificat’. A rich harvest in the picturesque ‘Malenadu’ - Hassan, has brought in its wake a lot of cheer to us. The Priestly Ordination of Deacon John Pradeep increased our joy of Christmas. He celebrated his First Mass on December 30 at Shettihalli, Hassan. We congratulate Fr John Pradeep and wish him success in his priestly life.

When we Reached Out to the Elderly...

It was an uplifting experience for the Novices to spend time with the elderly this Christmas. On December 26, the Novices presented a short Christmas programme in the Holy Spirit Home for the Aged in our neighbourhood. Time flew by fast as we acted a skit, sang carols and danced with the bouncy Santa Claus. We also took time to talk to the seniors in the home. The smiles on the faces of the elderly gladdened us and fulfilled our hearts. We thank the sisters of the Home for giving us an opportunity to sip the essence of Christmas.

“The miracle is this – the more we share, the more we have” – Leonard Nimoy

Contemplating Christmas in the Cribs

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of humankind” (John 1:4)

Creative, yet conventional, the five cribs in our house that put us into Christmas mood have an appeal of their own. The 'Big crib' became the centre of attraction for the many visitors to our house. Giving the theme, “Shoot of Hope”, it shows the Nativity scene over the stump of a cut tree. On the background is a picture of the 'fall of humankind' painted on cloth by the Novices. The sombrely floor covered with dry leaves stands in sharp contrast to the starry night sky heralding the Good News of the coming of the Saviour. The other four cribs are made in the usual way. Nevertheless the Christmas tree crib made under the beautifully decorated evergreen tree deserves to be mentioned. The theme, “Climb up to Welcome the Lord” was given to match with the steps built around the birthplace of Jesus. The natural settings shown in the crib gives added charm to the simplicity of this crib.

Rejoice! The Sun has Risen - Christmas 2011

HAPPY CHRISTMAS from all of us at Mount St Joseph!
Every passing hour of December and every sparkle of the Advent wreath reminded us of the arrival of the coming of the Lord. The day finally arrived to spread the light of joy. To recover from the “Christmas fever” and to prepare ourselves internally, the community went under a day of silence and recollection on December 22. In the silence of the cool night of Christmas Eve, Fr Francis Menezes, the Rector, blessed the cribs with the community gathered near the entrance facing the Big Crib. The touching scenes in the five cribs in the house carried us deep into contemplating the scene of the First Noel. The Vigil Mass in the Parish was animated by the Novices. The choir was a combined effort which brought three religious houses together - Holy Spirit sisters, FSI sisters and the Jesuit Novices. With a deep feeling of joy and jubilation, the community came together for the Christmas programme in the afternoon of Christmas Day. The pleasant tunes of carols, laughter, gifts and then the community lunch spread our joy everywhere. Novices Cannon Fernandes and Noel Dias celebrated their birthdays on the 23 and 24 December respectively and we were doubly glad to share in their joy. This was our experience of Noel 2011. We hope that you too had memorable experiences this year to cherish for the years to come.

"...behold and consider what they are doing...journeying and toiling, in order that the Lord may be born in greatest poverty....AND ALL THIS FOR ME!" Spiritual Exercises Number 116

Christmas Cheer for our Co-workers

Joy is doubled when it is shared with others. A joyful atmosphere took over the ambience in the roomy refectory hall on December 23 when we celebrated Christmas with our co-workers. The compere Sch Norwin Pereira along with the Novices put up a lively programme with games, carols and dances that made us all bounce off the walls! Fr Robert Cutinha’s brief and pointed words reminded us that Christmas is for everyone. He surely drove the Christmas message home! As the sprightly Santa Claus unabashedly went about playing his pranks on his embarrassed targets, Fr Francis Menezes, the Rector and Fr Tom D’Souza gifted the Christmas presents to our co-workers. Our celebration with our co-workers gave added meaning and value to our Christmas celebration.

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you Good News of great joy for all the people..." Luke 2:10

Welcoming the Lord with Song - Carol Competition

A lively audience swayed their heads to the rhythm of Christmas music presented by ten groups during the carol competition held in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Kalena Agrahara. Music surely touches the heart. The event became an apt occasion to celebrate the joy of Christmas. The parish became a meeting point for the members of different parishes and the neighbours of different faiths gathered to drink in the spirit of Christmas. The Novices making a group of 26 members also took part in the competitions. The team from Basavanapura parish staked claim to the trophy. A cultural programme in the evening kept us entertained. The proud hosts, Fr John D’Souza and Deacon John Pradeep and the progamme committee looked into the nitty gritty of the event. The event was a wonderful occasion to spend time in the company of the Parish family.

“Christ is the light to be lifted, the truth to be told, the peace to be promised, the love to be shared”

Christmas Cheer for the Little Ones!

No season gives the message of joy and sharing as profoundly as Christmas season. Our joy was doubled as our young parishioners rolled in a big number into our campus for a morning of games and entertainment in the second week of December. The new man on the job Deacon John Pradeep who is assisting Fr John D'Souza in the Parish ministry was the chief architect of the entire programme. Many parishioners, youth association members, sisters and brothers pooled in their assistance and carved out a successful event. It was a wonderful occasion to share the joy of Christmas with the young.

“Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs” Luke 18:16

Remembering the Great Jesuit - St Francis Xavier

St Francis Xavier still reigns in our inspiration today. Like the millions of devotees that flock to Goa to catch a glimpse of the saint’s incorruptible body, our community too was brought together around the Lord’s altar after a gap of a month on December 3. The Novices who were involved in the core Ignatian Experiments – The Month-retreat and the Mission Experiment were back to the community. Joy was visibly evident in the gathering and it was expressed in wholehearted participation in the Liturgy. Our knowledge of St Francis Xavier was heightened by Fr Tom Quadros’ insightful homily during the community Mass. The incredible life of St Francis Xavier continues to inspire many and captivates our attention unfailingly. Together with the pilgrims of Goa, we too journeyed closer towards understanding the saint and loving the Lord with a radical sense of faith.

“Be a life long or short, its completeness depends on what it has lived for" David Starr Jordan

Back to the Marks

“We learn to love truly when we have learnt to love all.”

The life in the Novitiate is back to full swing after a month of long experiments coming to a successful finish. Retracing the steps of St Ignatius into the cave of the heart guided by Fr Willie Sequeira, the Novice Director, the First Years completed their Month’s Retreat. Stepping out of the safe haven of Mount St Joseph to live the Spiritual Exercises in the hard reality with the Lord’s poor, the Second Years are back after their Mission Experiment. Three days of recollection to muster energy, to rest and to relive the experiences brought us all back to where we left off. The sharing of the varied experiences put us into the shoes of the other. The month-long walk with the Lord has made us stronger and closer to God and each other. We are thankful to you for your prayerful support as we took the steps of faith with the Lord.