In the spirit of Mission Sunday, St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, organised Mission Auction 2026, an enthusiastic and meaningful initiative to promote missionary awareness and extend support to the mission activities of the Church. The event was organised by the Students’ Council under the guidance of the Rector, Rev. Fr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, and the coordination of Rev. Fr Antony Lasrado, with the wholehearted cooperation of the seminarians and generous encouragement of the formators.

The programme took place at the C. M. Hall from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. As part of the preparations, the Students’ Council members visited the seminary community to collect various items for the auction. The seminarians and formators responded generously by contributing a wide range of useful and valuable articles, which were later auctioned during the event.

The occasion was marked by lively participation from the seminary community and the presence of invited guests, including religious sisters from neighbouring convents. Adding colour and excitement to the event, a Food and Fun Festival was organised alongside the auction, featuring a variety of refreshments and entertaining games. These activities created a cheerful atmosphere and brought everyone together in the spirit of fellowship and sharing.

The Mission Auction turned out to be a fruitful initiative, generating funds that will be channelled towards supporting the missionary activities of the Church. Beyond its fundraising purpose, the event served as a reminder of the missionary responsibility entrusted to every Christian. It beautifully reflected the spirit of generosity, collaboration and solidarity with those engaged in mission work.

St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore, organised its Mission Symposium for the academic year 2026–2027 at 5:30 p.m. in the Centenary Memorial Hall. The symposium focused on the theme “Promoting Human Dignity among the Oppressed,” highlighting the Church’s mission to uphold the dignity of every human person, especially the marginalised and vulnerable. The programme was compered by Br Charles and began with a prayer song led by the Seminary Choir, invoking God’s blessings for the fruitful conduct of the event.

Rev. Fr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of the Seminary, delivered the welcome address. He warmly welcomed the resource person, moderator, staff, and seminarians, emphasising the importance of mission in addressing the struggles of the oppressed and promoting justice, equality, and human dignity.

The session was moderated by Sr Dulcine Crasta, UFS, who guided the proceedings. The resource person, Rev. Fr Teyol Preetham Machado, SJ, from Bangalore, shared his insights on the theme “Promoting Human Dignity among the Oppressed.” He highlighted the responsibility of the Church to stand with those who experience poverty, discrimination, injustice, and marginalisation. He also encouraged the seminarians to develop a deeper missionary commitment through compassionate service, respect for every person, and a willingness to respond to the needs of the suffering.

A question-and-answer session followed, providing an opportunity for the participants to share their reflections, raise questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the theme. Br Kiran Dileep proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person, moderator, Rector, staff, and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the symposium. The programme concluded with the singing of the Seminary Anthem.

St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary celebrated an important occasion in the spiritual and ministerial formation of its brothers, as the Ministries of Reader and Acolyte were conferred during the Eucharistic celebration at 6.30 p.m. The Holy Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore.

During the celebration, 19 brothers of II Year Theology received the Ministry of Reader, while 29 brothers of III Year Theology were instituted as Acolytes. These ministries represent significant stages in their preparation for ordained ministry and invite them to serve the Church with greater responsibility and dedication.

The Ministry of Reader entrusts the brothers with the responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God, apart from the Gospel, during liturgical celebrations. The Ministry of Acolyte calls them to assist at the altar and serve the Eucharistic celebration with reverence and devotion.

In his homily, Bishop Aloysius Paul Dsouza encouraged the newly instituted ministers to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to God and His people. He emphasized that receiving these ministries involves more than fulfilling liturgical duties; it requires a life of humility, obedience, and sincere commitment to the mission of the Church. The rites of institution were conducted prayerfully, with appropriate commentaries highlighting the significance of the ministries. The celebration concluded with intercessory prayers and a vote of thanks by Br Judhin, as the seminary community prayed for God’s blessings upon the newly instituted Readers and Acolytes.

St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary experienced an evening of spiritual significance and ecclesial joy, when 20 brothers of I Year Theology were admitted to Candidacy for the Order of the Diaconate and Priesthood. The solemn ceremony took place at 7.30 p.m., presided over by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore.

Having formally expressed their willingness to pursue the path towards Holy Orders through written requests to their respective Diocesan Bishops, the brothers were officially accepted as candidates by the Church. This important step in their formation journey called them to deepen their relationship with Christ and prepare themselves to become faithful ministers, reflecting Christ in their thoughts, words, and actions.

In his homily, Bishop Aloysius encouraged the candidates to nurture their spiritual lives, remain steadfast in their vocation, and shape their hearts according to the Heart of Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest. He reminded them of the importance of prayer, dedication, and a sincere commitment to their calling.

The central part of the celebration was the Rite of Calling, Examination, and Acceptance of the Candidates, through which the Church formally acknowledged their readiness to continue their journey towards ordained ministry. The liturgy was enriched by prayerful participation and concluded with intercessory prayers, a vote of thanks by Br Flexon, and a recessional hymn.

St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru, organised a warm and memorable Farewell Au Revoir for the Ministerial Brothers on 17 September 2026 at the Centenary Memorial Hall. The gathering was a joyful occasion to express gratitude for their presence, service, and contribution to the seminary community as they prepared to begin a new chapter in their journey. The programme was compered by Br Navin Jose, who guided the gathering with warmth and grace. Br Blany Thomas delivered the felicitation words, expressing appreciation for the Ministerial Brothers and recalling the memories and experiences shared with them. The Seminary Choir presented a special farewell song, adding a beautiful and prayerful touch to the occasion. This was followed by a message from Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Rector, who expressed his gratitude for the Ministerial Brothers and encouraged them to carry forward the values, experiences, and formation received during their time in the seminary.

 A video presentation of past memories brought back many joyful moments from their journey in the seminary. The presentation created an atmosphere of gratitude and nostalgia as the brothers recalled the various experiences they had shared as a community. Br Loywin delivered the thanksgiving speech, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the formation and journey of the Ministerial Brothers and to the success of the farewell programme. The evening concluded with Night Prayer, placing the future journey and ministry of the Ministerial Brothers in God’s loving care. The farewell was not merely a goodbye, but a celebration of fraternity, gratitude, cherished memories, and a new beginning in their vocation and ministry.

St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru, celebrated Monthi Fest with faith, devotion and Konkani cultural tradition under the auspices of the St Joseph Vaz Konkani Academy. The celebration centred on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and brought the seminary community together in gratitude for the gift of Mary and the rich traditions of the Konkani Catholic community. The celebration began with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 6:15 a.m. in the Main Chapel. Rev. Fr Alwyn Richard D’Souza, Guardian of St Joseph Vaz Senior Priest Home, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The feast reminded the community of the importance of preserving and passing on the faith and cultural traditions received from previous generations.

At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, the book Christha Bhovari was released. The book is a collection of theological articles written by the brothers of the Konkani Academy, offering reflections on Christian faith and theology through the Konkani language. The book was released by the Main Celebrant, Rev. Fr Alwyn Richard D’Souza, together with Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of the Seminary; Rev. Fr Vincent Menezes, Director of the Konkani Academy and Br Loywin, Editor of the book. Br Johnson Crasta, Secretary of the Konkani Academy expressed gratitude to all who has been part of organizing the event. The celebration was a meaningful blend of faith, tradition, culture and intellectual endeavour, making Monthi Fest 2026 a memorable occasion for the entire seminary community.

The Kannada Academy of St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru, joyfully celebrated the feast of St Teresa of Kolkata on September 5, 2026. The celebration brought together the seminary community in prayer and fellowship, recalling the inspiring life and loving service of Mother Teresa. The celebration began with a Eucharistic celebration at 6:15 a.m. in the Seminary Main Chapel. Rev. Fr Santosh Almeida was the main celebrant. The Eucharist offered an opportunity for the community to thank God for the life and witness of St. Mother Teresa, whose dedication to the poor, suffering and marginalized continues to inspire people across the world. The feast was organized under the guidance of Rev. Fr Harry D’Souza, Director of the Kannada Academy. At the end, Br William Mendith, Secretary of the Kannada Academy thanked all who helped in organizing the celebration. The celebration strengthened the spirit of prayer, unity and fellowship among the members of the seminary community.

St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary joyfully celebrated the traditional festival of Onam on 26 August 2026 under the auspices of the Marthoma Malayala Samajam. The celebrations began on the evening of 25 August with a solemn prayer service led by Br Tony and Br Sham. The prayer service invoked God’s blessings upon the celebrations and set a spiritual tone for the festival.  The following day, the celebration reached its spiritual centre with the Festival Holy Eucharist, presided over by Rev. Fr Binoy Kuriyalachery, of the Diocese of Belthangady. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Vachana Mozhikal, the homily magazine of the Marthoma Malayala Samajam, was released by Rev. Fr Binoy Kuriyalachery. The Punjiri magazine was also released by Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of the Seminary. Br Jerin, Secretary of the Marthoma Malayala Samajam, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the celebration.

The festive spirit was further enhanced by a beautiful pookalam, a traditional floral design prepared by the members of the Marthoma Malayala Samajam. Various games and competitions were organized for both priests and brothers, providing opportunities for recreation and fellowship. The tug-of-war emerged as one of the major highlights of the celebrations, drawing enthusiastic participation and cheerful support from the seminary community. A traditional Onasadya, consisting of an elaborate spread of Kerala delicacies, was prepared for the festive meal. Adding a special touch to the occasion, Br Augustine, dressed as Maveli, the legendary and beloved king associated with Onam, brought smiles and laughter to everyone gathered. The festive lunch was accompanied by a vibrant cultural programme organized by the brothers in the seminary refectory. Traditional music and various performances added colour to the celebrations and provided a joyful conclusion to the day’s festivities.

The Onam celebration at St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary was more than a celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. It was a beautiful occasion of togetherness, gratitude, friendship, and shared joy, strengthening the bonds of fraternity within the seminary family and reminding everyone of the values of unity and fellowship that lie at the heart of the festival.

Mangaluru, August 20, 2026: The Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, in collaboration with St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, organized a National Symposium on the theme “Christian Thought in India: Context, Culture, and Social Transformation” on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Centenary Memorial Hall of the seminary. The day-long academic gathering brought together theologians, academicians, researchers and students to reflect on the contribution of Christian thought to Indian society, culture and social transformation.

The symposium began at 9:30 a.m. with a prayer song presented by the students of Lourdes Central School. This was followed by a graceful welcome dance by the students of St. Agnes Central School, Bendur. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Prof. Valerian Rodrigues, renowned social scientist and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Dr Preethi Dsouza, Head of the Konkani Adhyayana Peetha, Mangalore University; and Mrs Judith Mendonca, Syndicate Member of Mangalore University, graced the occasion as chief guests. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University); Rev. Dr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary; and Rev. Dr Sunil George D’Souza, Head of the Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, were also present on the dais. Rev. Dr Sunil George D’Souza welcomed the gathering. The inaugural programme was compered by Br Justin, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Rev. Dr Rajesh Melvin Rosario.

Prof. Valerian Rodrigues, in his address, reflected on the influence of the Gospel and the contribution of Indian thinkers such as Chennappa, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B. R. Ambedkar to social reform, democracy and the struggle against caste discrimination. He noted that values found in the Christian message, such as equality, fraternity, justice and liberty, have a meaningful connection with the ideals expressed in the Indian Constitution. He stressed the importance of critically engaging with Christian thought in the Indian context so that it may respond effectively to the challenges of contemporary society.

Dr Preethi Dsouza focused on the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and its ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity and justice. Drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s understanding of democracy, she explained how the life of a faith community can also reflect democratic values through participation, responsibility and collective action. She appreciated the efforts of the Chair in Christianity in creating a space for meaningful academic discussion and dialogue.

In his presidential and inaugural address, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha emphasized the need for Christianity to address continuing social challenges, particularly caste and gender discrimination. Referring to Pope Francis’ vision of universal fraternity, he called upon people to move beyond indifference towards compassion, inclusion and genuine encounter. He stressed the importance of promoting Bandhutva, or universal brotherhood, in society. He also offered the invocation and Episcopal Blessing.

The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru. During the programme, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ was felicitated for his recent distinction of being conferred the honorary rank of Colonel and appointed Colonel Commandant of the National Cadet Corps by the Government of India in July 2026. Sr Janet AC of St. Agnes PU College read the words of felicitation and citation. The gathering warmly congratulated Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ on this prestigious achievement.

The symposium continued with four technical sessions featuring ten research paper presentations. Faculty members and scholars from institutions including Mangalore University, St Aloysius University, Roshni Nilaya, Karnataka Theological College and St. Joseph’s Institute of Theology participated as presenters and moderators.The papers explored a wide range of themes related to Christian thought and its relevance to contemporary India. The discussions included Christian leadership in social reform, the influence of digital culture, indigenous Christian praxis, contextual approaches to biblical interpretation, and the contribution of Christian institutions to education and healthcare. The academic sessions provided an opportunity for participants to examine Christianity not merely as a religious tradition but also as a significant contributor to India’s social, educational, cultural and intellectual life.

The symposium concluded with a vibrant cultural presentation. The seminarians of St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary presented “Suranjalia,” a musical extravaganza directed by Rev. Fr Flavian Rajkiran Lobo. This was followed by an energetic presentation of traditional Gumta folk music by Gumta Dhaiz, Arva, directed by Mr Walter Crasta. The symposium served as a meaningful platform for academic dialogue on the relationship between Christianity and Indian society. By bringing together faith, culture, scholarship and social concerns, the event highlighted the continuing relevance of Christian thought in contributing to a more just, inclusive and humane society.