Mangalore, December 5, 2024: St Joseph's Seminary celebrated its Seminary Day 2024 on December 5th, with a dazzling array of cultural programmes and heartfelt expressions of gratitude.

The event was graced by esteemed guests,  Most Rev. Dr Duming Dias, the Bishop of the Diocese of Karwar as the chief guest, and Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese and the chairman of the board of administration of the Seminary, and other dignitaries.

The Rector of the Seminary, Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and the attendees.

The programme commenced with a prayer song of Jubilee Year 2025, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The hymn ignited a hope in the audience helping everyone to reflect deeper into the journey of life.

The Rector, Fr. Ronald Serrao, delivered a detailed report showcasing the academic and spiritual accomplishments, as well as the significant milestones of the institution during the 2023-24 academic year. He highlighted that this year, the seminary placed special emphasis on preparing the seminarians for the Jubilee Year, with a focus on spiritual formation as the core of its mission. The report also included heartfelt gratitude to the benefactors, whose generosity and goodwill have greatly supported the seminary.

The Chief Guest, Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, emphasized the significance of synodality in his address. He explained that the Synod on Synodality is an invitation to journey together and to actively listen to one another. This approach to being the Church underscores the value of communion. The Bishop also expressed his gratitude to the seminary for the formation he had received during his time there.

The cultural programme began with the skit by Hindi Academy titled ‘‘Today’s Battle for My Land, Safeguards My Tomorrow”. This skit sheds light on the struggles faced by indigenous communities when their land and rights are threatened. This powerful performance follows the journey of Sr. Valsha John, who stands firm against powerful forces trying to take away the land that rightfully belongs to the people. Through courage and determination, Sr. Valsha fights not just for land, but for justice and the future of the community.

The Kannada Academy joyfully presents: ‘Baravaseya Payana’. A story of hope in the darkest of times, a farmer's desperate struggle to survive, and the unexpected messenger who brings hope and gives him a new perspective to life. This is a tale of despair turning into hope. "Hope never disappoints us." Humanity searches for hope in various ways, including pilgrimages. The main aim of a pilgrimage is to seek God's blessings and mercy. However, we must cultivate hope during our pilgrimage; otherwise, it becomes meaningless.

The Konkani Academy presents the skit Sonthosacha Sodner (In Search of Happiness), a beautifully crafted performance with a philosophical touch. The skit conveys a profound message: true happiness resides within us. Searching for happiness in external worldly pursuits will always leave us unfulfilled. It reminds us that God is the ultimate source of meaning and joy in our lives.

The Malayalam Academy presents the Drama: ‘Babel’. It is a journey into the heart of human pride and selfish ambition. Inspired by the biblical story of the Tower of Babel and the pentecost event, this play unveils the futility of feudalism and self-centeredness, showing how such 'Babels' are destined to collapse. It challenges us to rise above division and discord, inviting each of us to participate in building the unshakable Kingdom of God—a realm of love, unity, and peace.

The English Academy presented the drama called “Footprints”. Footprints are left behind when a journey begins. God began His journey with human beings and accompanied them in all odd and even moments of life. He walked and moved with them and does it till today. God has imprinted his footprints in history and in the hearts of the people. The footprints of God are of LOVE, PEACE, LIBERATION and SALVATION. Each one of us called to walk on it.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks to the distinguished guests and all those in attendance for contributing to the joy of Seminary Day, followed by the singing of the Seminary Anthem.

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.