Mangalore, 14 November 2024: St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary marked a historic milestone by hosting its first-ever Alumni Meet for priests ordained between 2013 and 2024. The two-day gathering, held on 13th and 14th November, provided a platform for camaraderie, reflection, and collaboration among alumni.

Very Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, the Rector of the Seminary, presided over the event, which brought together priests from across dioceses to celebrate their shared formation experiences. The meet was expertly coordinated by Rev. Fr Antony George Pinto, Rev. Fr Naveen Pinto, and their dedicated team.

The event commenced on 13th November with an arrival tea at 4:00 PM, followed by Vespers and a warm welcome address by Rev. Dr Serrao. The highlight of the first day was a sharing session on “Challenges in Priestly Ministry” facilitated by Rev. Dr Joseph Martis, fostering an open discussion on the realities of pastoral life.

The second day, 14th November, began with a Holy Mass and breakfast, followed by enriching sessions on pivotal themes. Rev. Dr Vincent Sequeira facilitated a thought-provoking discussion on “Challenges in Faith Formation and Secular Education in the Priestly Ministry.” This was succeeded by an insightful interaction with seminarians on “The Impact of Seminary Formation,” led by Rev. Dr Serrao, and a dialogue between alumni and teachers moderated by Rev. Dr Joy Painadath. In the afternoon, a session was organised on the theme “Social Media and Priestly Ministry” facilitated by Rev. Fr Anil Fernandes, who highlighted the significance of using digital platforms responsibly in pastoral outreach. The day concluded with a group visit titled “Mangalore Darshan,” allowing attendees to reconnect with the local heritage and culture.

The event fostered a spirit of unity and renewed purpose among participants. Speaking on the occasion, Very Rev. Dr Serrao emphasized the importance of such gatherings in nurturing bonds within the priestly fraternity and addressing contemporary challenges in ministry.

The meet concluded on 15th November with Holy Mass and a shared breakfast, leaving participants inspired and grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater and fellow priests. This inaugural Alumni Meet exemplifies St Joseph’s Seminary’s commitment to its mission of holistic priestly formation, extending its influence well beyond the seminary walls.

On October 31st, St Joseph’s Seminary held its annual Mission Auction, a time-honored tradition cherished by the community for many years. Rooted in the Church’s core mission, this event echoes the Church's call to reach out in service and compassion, inspired by Pope Francis’ 2024 message for World Mission Sunday: “Go and invite everyone to the banquet.” Pope Francis emphasizes the Church’s mission as an open invitation to all, highlighting inclusivity, care, and a commitment to serve those in need through ministries like healthcare and social outreach.

In this spirit, the Mission Auction is held annually at the Seminary to inspire seminarians with the importance of mission work. The brothers contributed a variety of items for auction, and the entire seminary community participated with great enthusiasm. The event also featured an array of delicious treats, including kebabs, juices, and other refreshments, fostering a festive and family-like atmosphere.

The day was not only a joyful gathering but also an opportunity to support the Church's mission, instill a deeper commitment to service in young seminarians, and celebrate the unity within the seminary community.

On October 24th, the Golden Jubilee of Rev. Fr Andrew Lewis, marking 50 years of dedicated priesthood was celebrated in the seminary. Fr Lewis, originally from Kinnigoli Parish, was ordained on October 24, 1974, and has since served across the Mangalore and Udupi dioceses, as well as in Toronto, Canada.

The jubilee celebration was honoured by the presence of Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, and Emeritus Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza, who together with the seminary community and Fr Lewis’ family, priests, and religious gathered for the solemn Eucharistic celebration.

As we commemorate this significant milestone, we give thanks for Fr Lewis’ lifetime of ministry and rejoice in God’s enduring faithfulness. We pray for continued blessings upon him in the years ahead as he continues his journey in service to the Church and its people.

The 47^th Annual Research Conference on “Hope: Philosophizing from Multi Horizons” jointly organised by the Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI) and Mangalore University’s Chair in Christianity was officially inaugurated on October 19, 2024, at St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore.

The event commenced with a Bharatanatyam dance and the recitation of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Honourable Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University, Prof. P.L. Dharma, officially inaugurated the conference and Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the event. Very Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary and Rev. Dr John Peter Vallabhadoss, President ACPI were present as dignitaries.

Dr Parinitha, Head of the Department of English, Mangalore University delivered the keynote address.

The edition of ACPI Annual Series, “Engulfing Presence of Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities” was released by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, who handed the first copy to Prof. P.L. Dharma. Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha highlighted the importance of hope as a central theme in human existence. Drawing from Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, he addressed the philosophical challenges of despair, suicide, and moral degradation, asserting that hope is the key to survival and resilience.

In her keynote address, Dr Parinitha emphasized that hope is born at the intersection of dissent and discomfort with the material conditions of our existence. She argued that hope arises from recognizing the potential for change in these conditions and the historical possibilities that allow for such transformation. The annual conference, which took place from October 19-21, has brought together over 100  scholars and thinkers in the field of philosophy. 

On October 17th, the seminary hosted a thought-provoking Mission Symposium on the theme "Challenges and Opportunities in the Healing Ministry of the Church in India." The session was moderated by Fr Ajith Menezes, Administrator of Fr Muller Hospital, and featured Fr Santhosh Dias, National Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Health, Bangalore, as the keynote speaker.

The symposium highlighted the vital role of the Church’s healing ministry in India, resonating with Pope Francis' message for World Mission Sunday 2024: "Go and invite everyone to the banquet." This message calls the Church to embrace its missionary duty with renewed vigor, extending God’s healing love to all.

In India, the Catholic Church has long been at the forefront of healthcare, with many priests, religious sisters, and laypersons dedicating their lives to serve as doctors, nurses, and caregivers. However, the ministry faces significant challenges, including limited financial resources and insufficient government support.

Despite these hurdles, the Church remains steadfast in its mission. The passion for Jesus and genuine love for His people continue to inspire those serving in the healthcare apostolate, ensuring that the Church’s healing ministry remains a beacon of hope and care for the marginalized and suffering in society.

This symposium served as a powerful reminder of the Church's unwavering commitment to bringing Christ’s healing presence to all, especially in the face of adversity.