St. Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary joyfully celebrated the Golden Birthday of Rev. Dr Alexander Kalarikkal, the Director of SJIT in an atmosphere of gratitude, prayer, and fellowship. The celebration commenced with the Holy Eucharist, solemnly presided over by Fr Alex. He was joined at the altar by the Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza Bishop Emeritus, the Rector, and the staff members of the seminary. The Eucharistic celebration was a moment of thanksgiving to God for Fr Alex’s life, vocation, and dedicated service to the Church.

Following the Holy Mass, a brief felicitation programme was held in honour of Fr Alex. Fr Manoj and Br Loywin conveyed their heartfelt wishes and appreciation, highlighting Fr Alex’s inspiring presence and valuable contributions to the seminary community. The Rector, Fr Milton, the Bishop Emeritus, and Br Shenil also felicitated Fr Alex, expressing their gratitude and best wishes on this special occasion. Adding to the joy of the celebration, the seminary choir rendered a beautiful felicitation hymn. Fr Alex then addressed the gathering, expressing his sincere gratitude to everyone for their prayers, love, and thoughtful wishes.

The programme was efficiently compered by Br Anthony Prajwal. The celebration concluded with a spirit of thanksgiving and joy as the seminary community joined together in honouring Fr Alex on his Golden Birthday.

St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary joyfully commemorated the Silver Jubilee of the priestly ordination of the priests ordained in the year 2001. The occasion was celebrated with a solemn Eucharistic celebration followed by a felicitation programme, creating an atmosphere of gratitude, joy, and thanksgiving. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr Richard Pais of the Diocese of Shimoga together with his batchmates. Members of the seminary staff joined the celebration as concelebrants, expressing their fraternity and support for the jubilarian priests.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, a brief felicitation programme was conducted. Rev. Fr Rajesh M. Rosario, Rector of St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, extended a warm welcome to the gathering and compered the programme. As an expression of love and appreciation, the seminarians honoured the Silver Jubilarians with a beautiful song and the presentation of flowers, assuring them of their prayers and gratitude for their dedicated priestly ministry. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Rev. Fr Stany Pinto of the Diocese of Karwar, who expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the jubilee celebration meaningful and memorable. The Silver Jubilee celebration served as a special occasion of thanksgiving, renewal, and inspiration for the entire seminary community, encouraging all to continue their journey of faith and service with renewed zeal.

The inaugural ceremony of the Theologian's Social Academy for the academic year 2026-27 was held on June 9, 2026, at 2:30 pm. The event was graced by Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of the Seminary who gave inaugural address and Rev. Fr. Praveen Joy Saldanha, the co-ordinator of Theologians Social Academy. In his address, Rev. Fr. Rector emphasized the importance of theology in the practical world. He urged students live theology in day to day life. Rev. Fr Praveen Joy Saldanha enriched the gathering by giving the necessary instruction for the social academy and the changes in this academic year. The ceremony was coordinated by Br Melroy, the academy’s secretary, ensuring a smooth and meaningful event. The inauguration set a promising tone for the academy’s activities in the year ahead.

The Inauguration of the Sunday Ministry for the academic year 2026–2027 was held successfully on 4 June 2026, marking the beginning of a new phase of pastoral formation and service for the theology students. The program commenced with a prayer service led by the seminary choir, invoking God's blessings upon the ministry and its participants. Br Blany Fernandes, the student coordinator, graciously welcomed the gathering and served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

The chief guest, Fr Stany Pereira, Parish Priest of Bejai Church involved in parish ministry, delivered an enlightening orientation session. Drawing from his pastoral experience, he highlighted the practical dimensions and challenges of parish ministry, offering valuable insights especially for those undertaking Sunday Ministry for the first time. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of the theology brothers and fostered a spirit of commitment, readiness, and zeal for pastoral ministry. It laid a strong foundation for a fruitful and meaningful Sunday Ministry experience in the coming year.

The academic year 2026–27 at St Joseph's Seminary was solemnly inaugurated on June 3, 2026, with the celebration of the Holy Spirit Mass followed by the Lectio Brevis programme. The theme chosen for the occasion, “Pastoral Formation: Being Connected to One Another in a Fragmented World,” set the spiritual and academic direction for the new year of formation.

The inaugural Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese together with Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop Emeritus Mangalore Diocese and other priests. During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha delivered the homily, inviting the seminarians to remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to grow in their vocation through prayer, communion, and service.

Following the Mass, the Lectio Brevis programme formally marked the commencement of the academic year. The gathering began with a warm welcome by Fr Alexander Kalarikkal, Director of SJIT. The orientation address was delivered by the Rector, Fr. Rajesh Rosario, who encouraged the seminarians to approach the new academic year with commitment, discipline, and zeal for formation. He also gave insights on changes in the present academic year.

The Lectio Brevis address was then delivered by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, reflecting on the theme of pastoral formation, he emphasized the importance of fostering genuine human and pastoral relationships in an increasingly fragmented world. He highlighted the need for connectivity and communion among individuals and stressed that a Christ-like way of life enables seminarians to remain united with God and one another throughout their journey of formation. Drawing inspiration from the life and mission of Christ, he underscored the role of pastoral formation in shaping compassionate and servant-hearted leaders for the Church.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Br. Judhin, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful organization of the event. The proceedings were compered by Br. Melvin. The inauguration witnessed the active participation of formators, faculty members, seminarians, and distinguished guests. Their prayerful presence and involvement added significance to the occasion, renewing the seminary’s commitment to nurturing future servant-leaders dedicated to the mission of the Church and the service of society.

Mangaluru: St Joseph’s Seminary celebrated the 77ᵗʰ Republic Day of India with deep devotion, gratitude, and patriotic fervour, organised by the Hindi Academy. The celebration beautifully reflected the seminary’s theme of Human Formation, fostering values of responsibility, truth, unity and service.

The day began with a Holy Mass at 7:35 a.m., celebrated in Hindi, highlighting unity in diversity. The main celebrant was Rev. Fr Meckenzie Mendonca, OP, Assistant Parish Priest of St Dominic Church. The concelebrants included Rev. Fr Jencil, Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Rector and Hindi Academy Moderator, along with four other priests.

The liturgical singing was meaningfully led by the brothers of the Hindi Academy, creating a prayerful and solemn atmosphere. In his inspiring homily, Rev. Fr Meckenzie beautifully connected Republic Day, the Word of God, and Christian responsibility. He reminded the community that Republic Day calls citizens to recognise their shared national identity and their duty to work for justice, peace, and unity.

Reflecting on the first reading, he emphasised that praying for leaders and authorities is not a mere ritual but a true Christian duty rooted in hope, peace, and human dignity. He further observed that in today’s world, many voices—media, politics, fear and public opinion—shape human thinking. However, true freedom, as taught by Jesus in the Gospel, does not come from power or position, but from truth. This truth becomes meaningful only when lived according to God’s Word. He invited everyone to grow in inner freedom—freedom from hatred, prejudice, division and falsehood—so that their lives may reflect the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, lived with love and compassion.

Following the Holy Mass, the community gathered for the Flag Hoisting Ceremony, expressing love and respect for the nation. Br Savio Fernando welcomed the gathering, while Br Ankit Toppo led the parade command. The National Flag was hoisted by Mrs Flavia and the Preamble to the Constitution was read by Br Rajath, followed by an address by Rev. Fr Meckenzie.

The programme was conducted with enthusiasm and a strong sense of national pride, reflecting values essential for human and priestly formation. The 77ᵗʰ Republic Day celebration proved to be a grace-filled and formative experience, nurturing patriotism, responsibility, truthfulness, and unity—key elements of human formation. It encouraged the brothers to become responsible citizens and committed servants, guided by Gospel values and constitutional ideals.

Mangaluru:The concluding ceremony of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was held on Sunday, January 26, 2026, at St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary. The programme was jointly organised by St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary and Karnataka Theological College, in collaboration with the Mangalore Christian Council.

The ecumenical prayer service brought together Christians from various denominations in a spirit of unity, prayer, and fellowship. The theme for the programme was “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”

The service began with the opening hymn “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,” led by the students of St Joseph’s Seminary. This was followed by a reflective greeting highlighting Christian unity as a gift of the Holy Spirit rather than a human achievement. Rev. Fr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, extended a warm welcome to the gathering and emphasised the importance of prayer, dialogue, and cooperation among Christian communities.

The Liturgy of the Word featured readings from Proverbs 9:10–12, Psalm 119:97–104, Ephesians 4:1–13, and the Gospel according to John 17:3–7. These readings underscored the call to wisdom, love for God’s Word, and Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers. The homily was delivered by Rev. Dr H. M. Watson, who reflected on Christian unity as a visible witness to the world, rooted in truth, humility, and love.

The congregation then professed the Nicene Creed and participated in the Prayers of the Faithful, offering intercessions for the Universal Church, unity among Christians, peace in the world, and those who are suffering and persecuted. A solemn litany and the sharing of peace further strengthened the spirit of reconciliation and fraternity among the participants.

The service concluded with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a message from Rev. Dr Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese. A seminarian from St Joseph’s Seminary proposed the vote of thanks. The final hymn, “We Are One in the Spirit,” was sung by the UFS Sisters.

The programme served as a meaningful reminder of the Christian call to unity and bore witness to the shared faith and hope that bind believers together in Christ.

Mangaluru, January 19, 2026:

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was solemnly inaugurated on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Karnataka Theological College. The prayer service marked the beginning of the annual unity octave, bringing together Christians from different denominations to pray for unity, harmony, and mutual understanding.

The inaugural service was graced by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Mangaluru Latin Catholic Diocese, who officially inaugurated the week-long observance by lighting the ceremonial lamp. His presence added significance to the ecumenical gathering, highlighting the Church’s commitment to fostering Christian unity.

The prayer service commenced with an opening hymn, setting a reverent and prayerful atmosphere. Rev. Dr H. M. Waston extended a warm word of welcome to the gathering, followed by a brief invocation prayer seeking God’s guidance and blessings for the unity octave.

The service was prayerfully led by Rev. Fr Rajesh M. Rosario, Rector of St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, along with priests from the Church of South India (CSI) and the Believers Church of India, reflecting the true ecumenical spirit of the occasion. The congregation together recited the Nicene Creed, professing their shared Christian faith.

The Scripture readings and Gospel proclamation were moments of deep spiritual reflection, enriching the prayer service and drawing the congregation closer in faith.

Fr Jencil Alva, Professor at St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, delivered a thought-provoking reflection centred on the theme of Christian unity, emphasizing the call to walk together in love, dialogue, and mutual respect despite denominational differences.

The prayer service concluded with words of greeting and encouragement from Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, who appreciated the ecumenical participation and urged all present to continue working towards visible unity among Christians.

Priests from various Christian denominations, religious sisters from different congregations and students of St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary and Karnataka Theological College actively participated in the inaugural prayer service.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be observed across various institutions in the coming days and will conclude on January 26, 2026, at St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, Mangaluru.

Mangaluru, January 15, 2026: St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary joyfully celebrated the Tin Jubilee (10th anniversary) of the priestly ordination of priests ordained in the year 2016. The celebration was marked by a solemn Holy Mass, followed by a brief felicitation programme, held in an atmosphere of gratitude and thanksgiving.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr Nelson from the Diocese of Shimoga, along with his batchmates. Members of the seminary staff also concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration, expressing their fraternity and support for the jubilarian priests.

The homily, delivered by Rev. Fr Viven John Monis from the Diocese of Bengaluru, was deeply thought-provoking and inspiring. He called the priests to renew their commitment to faithful and joyful service in the vineyard of the Lord.

Following the Holy Mass, a short felicitation programme was held. Rev. Fr Rajesh M. Rosario, Rector of St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, warmly welcomed the gathering. Rev. Fr Praveen Joy extended words of felicitation and formally introduced the Tin Jubilarians to the congregation, highlighting their journey and dedicated service over the past ten years.

As a mark of love and gratitude, the seminarians honoured the Tin Jubilarians with a melodious song and the presentation of flowers, expressing their appreciation and prayers for the priests’ continued ministry.

The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Rev. Fr Chaithanya, acknowledging all those who contributed to making the jubilee celebration meaningful and memorable.

The Tin Jubilee celebration served as a moment of thanksgiving, renewal and inspiration for the entire seminary community.