First Vows of the Jesuit Novices

June 21 was a day of joy and celebration to the community of Mount St. Joseph and to the whole Province of Karnataka. On this day nine Novices of Karnataka Province- Anthony Sudeep, Joseph Jerald, Johnson, Kiran Leema, Roydon Misquith, Noel Dias, Maxim D’Souza, Cannon Fernandes and Infant Vivian committed themselves to the Lord by pronouncing the first vows. The vovents prepared themselves spiritually through the retreat preached by Fr. Scotus Fernandez.

The grand ceremony began at 5.45 pm. The chapel was decorated beautifully and meaningfully highlighting the theme “Rooted in Faith, Set apart for Service”. Fr. Francis Serrao the Provincial was the main celebrant. Fr. Jossie Lobo in his thought provoking homily urged the vovents to be persevering and faithful to their religious life than being merely successful and to be strengthened by the Cross. The climax of the ceremony was when the Novice-Director, Fr. William Sequeira gave the final conference to the vovents. Fr. Provincial gifted each vovents with a crucifix to make it their life companion in times of joy and sorrow. A short felicitation programme was organised in which the vovents cut the cake to mark this occasion. The second year novices wished them good luck with their song. There was a sumptuous dinner prepared by the kitchen staff. The presence of many Jesuits and the neighboring religious added grace to the whole ceremony. 

Enter into My Joy 

Faithful servant, well done 

Final Journey of Fr. Arthur Rasquinha SJ

May his soul rest in Peace

“To know and love the church from where I have been called”

Anush P. D' Cunha NSJ

First of all I thank Fr William Sequeira SJ our Novice Master and Fr Francis Fernandes SJ our Socius for having been found me worthy to spend my Sabbath day with the people of God in Immaculate Heart Church, Kalena Agrahara. I thank Fr John D’Souza SJ, the Parish Priest for his warm welcome on behalf of the entire parish.

Fr Pedro Aruppe SJ, our former General has given us the goals or the purposes of the Novitiate Formation in the Society of Jesus. Among them the very important goal is “to know and love the church from where I have been called.” It consists of teaching catechism, actively participating in the parish activities, visiting houses, knowing the other Religious Orders, knowing our Missions and missionary works, learning the Church history/documents/encyclicals etc.

I am sure this is a wonderful opportunity for me to meet this goal of the novitiate. As we are in the ‘year of Faith’ I would like to give more attention to the aspect of Faith through the Catechism classes to the children. Thus we may build the Church which is rooted in faith through them.

Sent on mission

The first year novices are glad to begin their Parish ministry. The appointments as follows:

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Kalena Agrahara

Anush Prasad D’Cunha

Kristakarunalaya, Jaraganahalli 

Arun Lobo and Prajwal Vincent  

St Francis Xavier Church, Chikkakamanahalli 

Nishanth Noronha and Preethesh Misquith

St Anthony’s Church, Basavanapura

Pruthvi Rodrigues and Steevan Sequiera  

Immaculate Conception Church, Dorisanipalaya 

Ovin Rodrigues and George CV 

HOSPITAL EXPERIMENT

The Second year novices had HOSPITAL EXPERIMENT in three different hospitals in the city:

·        Leprosy Rehabilitation Center – Sumanahalli

·        Snehadan Community Care Centre – Carmelaram, Sarjapur

·         Ashaniketan- Koramangala.

Three Novices were back in the house for the Administrative Experiment. 

SUMMER CAMP

SUMMER CAMP 2013

The first year Novices along with the Socius Fr. Francis Fernandes and camp Cordinator Sch. Kiran Pashan went to Sindagi (Bijapur) for the work experience. The work was in the new school campus – fencing the property. 

In the evenings they visited the neighbouring villages and gave the awareness programmes.   

Along with the work they also had an exposure to the various apostolates of Jesuits and other religious and the historical places in Bijapur. 

Kannada Kammata

Fr Henry D’Almeida SJ was kind enough to spend 4 days (April 2-5, 2013) with Second year Novices enabling them to acquire basic knowledge of Kannada language. Dhanyavaadagalu Fr Henry.

Fr Arun @ MSJ

Fr Arun D’Souza was at MSJ community during the Holy week. He celebrated the Eucharist in the Novitiate community as well as spoke to the Novices about his rich experiences in Japan. Arigatou Fr Arun.

WELCOME TO FR FRANCIS FERNANDES

Fr Francis Fernandes is the new Assistant Novice Director of Mount St Joseph Novitiate community. The Novice Director and the Novices extended a hearty welcome to Fr Francis on 3^rd of April. Have a pleasant stay dear Fr Francis.

ST JOSEPH, PRAY FOR US

The MSJ community celebrated the feast of St Joseph, its patron saint on 19.03.2013. Many  Fathers and Sisters who were attending a course at Prerana joined us at the Eucharist and also for the breakfast. It was indeed a meaningful celebration.

FR RALPH SPEAKS...

Fr Ralph D’Costa briefly summarized the apostolic letter ‘Porta Fidei’ (The door of Faith). His talk helped the MSJ community members to better their understanding about the letter as well as the year of faith.

MONTHLY RECOLLECTION

Fr Edward Philip, the newly ordained priest, shared his insightful reflections on the theme ‘REPENT AND BELIEVE IN THE GOOD NEWS’ and helped the Novices to have a fruitful monthly recollection.

NOVICES' DAY - 2013

Novices’ day of the Bannerghatta CRI zone was held on March 3, 2013 at Mount St Joseph. ‘Rooted in Fatih’ was the theme chosen for the day.  Fr Robert O Carm was the resource person for the morning session. Fr Henry Saldahna was the main celebrant of the Eucharist and Fr Sunil Fernandes preached an inspiring homily. Fr Augustine MCBS, the president of Bannerghatta CRI zone, was the guest of honour for the cultural programme in the afternoon.  The gracious presence of many Fathers, Brothers, Sisters and the children from the Holy Spirit children’s home added colour to the programme. Over all, the Novices had a meaningful and a memorable day.