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.

St Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy (SJIP), in collaboration with St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), hosted an engaging and thought-provoking debate session on Wednesday, January 14, at the seminary campus. The programme served as an enriching academic exercise, encouraging students to enhance their critical thinking, communication, and listening skills.

The event commenced at 2:30 p.m. with an inaugural session graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Dr Rose Veera D’Souza, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University); Rev. Dr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of St Joseph Seminary; Vishal Nayak, Assistant Professor, Department of Media and Communication; Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza, Director of SJIP; and Rev. Fr Nelson D’Almeida, faculty member of SJIP.

The programme began with the recitation of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, reflecting the ideals and vision of the nation. Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza formally welcomed the gathering and set the tone for the session, while Rev. Fr Nelson D’Almeida explained the methodology and structure of the debate. The inaugural session was ably compered by Br Akash.

The debate revolved around the topic, ‘Is Social Media a Bane or a Boon?’ Students from SJIP and St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) were divided into two groups to critically examine the positive and negative dimensions of social media.

The first phase of the programme involved group discussions, during which participants collaboratively shared ideas and prepared their arguments. This was followed by the formal debate, during which group leaders presented impactful keynote speeches. Both teams passionately defended their positions, offering well-reasoned arguments and thoughtful counterpoints.

Vishal Nayak moderated the debate and delivered insightful concluding remarks. He commended the students for their enthusiasm and active participation, emphasizing the importance of such academic platforms in nurturing effective communication, attentive listening, and critical thinking skills.

The session was well received by participants from both institutions, who described it as a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and the broadening of perspectives. The programme concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, leaving the students inspired and eager for future collaborative initiatives.

The debate session marked a significant step in fostering academic interaction and mutual learning between SJIP and St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), setting a strong precedent for future engagements.

Mangaluru, Jan 8: The Philosophical English Academy of St Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy (SJIP), in collaboration with the Chair in Christianity, (CIC), organized an inspiring and thought-provoking lecture on “Being Human in a Digital Age: Mind, Morality, and Public Life” on Thursday, January 8, at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. Dr P. V. Bhandary, D.P.M., D.N.B., a renowned psychiatrist, delivered the keynote address, offering deep insights into the psychological, moral, and social challenges faced by individuals in the digital era. The session was moderated by Rev. Dr Sunil D’Souza, Head of the Chair in Christianity, Mangalore University.

The event commenced with a prayer, invoking divine guidance and blessings, followed by the recitation of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. This was followed by the presentation of a video. Austin Vas, the student coordinator of the academy, then extended a warm welcome to the guests and the gathering.

Dr. P. V. Bhandary conducted an insightful and thought-provoking session on Being Human in a Digital Age, focusing on mind, morality, and public life. He sensitized the audience to the growing influence of digital technology on modern human life, especially its impact on the human mind. He explained how continuous digital exposure affects brain plasticity and leads to constant stimulation, gradually reducing the capacity for deep focus and reflection.

Highlighting the changing priorities in the digital era, Dr. P. V. Bhandary spoke about the idea that “data is the new oil” and warned against the rise of various digital addictions. He drew attention to issues such as nomophobia, the fear of being without a mobile phone, and the fear of missing out. He observed that people today often tend to believe what becomes viral rather than what is valid, posing serious challenges to moral judgement and responsible public life.

Dr. P. V. Bhandary stressed the importance of consciously shaping the self by cultivating attention and inner discipline. He encouraged practices such as prayer, silence, and deep listening as means to regain balance in a fast-paced digital world. Emphasizing the value of authentic human relationships, he called for strengthening real social connections over superficial digital friendships, reminding the audience of the need to remain truly human in an increasingly digital age.

The session concluded with an engaging interaction, during which participants actively raised questions and shared reflections with the speaker. Rev. Dr Sunil D’Souza, the moderator, offered the concluding remarks, succinctly highlighting the key insights of the discussion. The event witnessed the active presence of Rev. Dr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of the Seminary; Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza, Director of SJIP; along with staff and students of St Joseph’s Institutes of Philosophy and Theology, and brothers, sisters, and lay participants from nearby institutions.

Joyal Crasta a student of philosophy, delivered the vote of thanks then the programme ended with the singing of the Seminary anthem. The event was smoothly compered by Denson D’Silva, a student of philosophy.

A distinctive feature of the Academy’s activities leading up to this session was the presentation of research papers by philosophy students on contemporary philosophical and societal concerns. These monthly presentations included:

Team Ethos: A Philosophical Analysis on Gender Performance in the Feminism of Judith Butler;

Team Logos: Nature, Women, and Resistance: Ecofeminist Philosophical Insights from Vandana Shiva’s Staying Alive;

 Team Kairos: A Feministic View of Abjection in Religion, Culture and Society According to Julia Kristeva;

Team Pathos: Re-reading Simone de Beauvoir’s Writings on Gender Equality;

Team Mythos: The Invention of Women: Reimagining Gender through the Yoruba Perspective.

This initiative highlights SJIP’s emphasis on integrating academic inquiry with real-world relevance. By encouraging students to critically engage with philosophical thought and contemporary issues, the Academy nurtures intellectual depth, social awareness, and leadership qualities essential for today’s changing world.

Mangalore, Dec 4:

St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, celebrated its annual Seminary Day 2025 on Thursday with a vibrant gathering held at the Father Muller Convention Centre, Kankanady, following a last-minute venue change from the seminary premises. The event drew priests, religious, benefactors, parents, and well-wishers in large numbers.

The celebration was marked by the presence of Most Rev. Dr Vincent Aind, Archbishop of Ranchi and an alumnus of the seminary, who served as the Chief Guest. Delivering the keynote address, Archbishop Vincent Aind stressed the need for seminarians to embrace genuine pastoral identity.

Quoting Pope Francis, he urged them to be “pastors who smell of the sheep,” cautioning against becoming “businessmen or boring preachers.” He recalled with gratitude his own years of formation at the seminary, crediting it for shaping his priestly and episcopal journey.

The event was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Among the dignitaries present were Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi; Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore; and Very Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, former Rector.

Very Rev. Dr Rajesh Melwyn Rosario, Rector of the seminary, presented the annual report, highlighting the institution’s growth, the challenges faced during the past year, and the renewed emphasis on formation policies in its 146th year of service to the Church.

A cultural extravaganza featuring performances by the Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and Konkani academies added colour to the celebration. The highlight of the evening was the English drama “The Lore of the Robes: An Ancient Blindness, a Timeless Test,” which conveyed a powerful message on human formation and the inner preparedness required of future priests.

The programme concluded with the singing of the Seminary Anthem, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of unity and hope for the future of priestly ministry. Despite the sudden relocation, Seminary Day 2025 was marked by smooth organisation and a strong sense of community spirit.

MANGALURU, November 11, 2025 — The Christian community of Mangaluru gathered at the Bishop Jathanna Auditorium, Karnataka Theological College (KTC), Balmatta, to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—celebrating it as a timeless foundation of Christian faith and unity. The event, held under the theme “Celebrating Faith that Unites Us,” was jointly organised by St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu; the Ecumenical Commission of the Diocese of Mangalore; the Mangalore Christian Council; the All-Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights; and Karnataka Theological College.

Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the gathering. Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha, Secretary of the Ecumenical Commission and the Mangalore Christian Council, opened the programme with words of welcome, after which the dignitaries inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp—a gesture of shared faith and witness.

Theological Reflections: The Power of “We”

The first keynote address was presented by Rev. Dr Prof. Dexter S. Maben, Presbyter of the CSI-Karnataka Central Diocese and Visiting Professor at UTC, Bengaluru. He offered a deep reflection on the Nicene Creed’s historical origins and ongoing relevance, interpreting the collective affirmation “We believe” as a profound response to the modern tide of individualism. His analysis highlighted the Creed’s enduring theological, ecclesiological, and ecumenical significance.

The Creed as Identity and Mission

Rev. Dr Alexander Kalarikkal, Director of St Joseph’s Institute of Theology, Jeppu, emphasised that the Nicene Creed remains the doctrinal foundation and identity marker of the universal Church. Drawing on the wisdom of the early Church Fathers, he noted that the Creed continues to preserve and transmit the Church’s faith across generations.

A Creed for All Time

In his presidential address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reaffirmed the Creed’s abiding vitality within Christian tradition. “The great and unique Creed preserved by the Church down the ages cannot be suppressed. It will be preserved for eternity, for ever and ever,” he declared, affirming the Church’s enduring continuity of faith.

Ecumenical Presence and Leadership

Reflecting Mangaluru’s vibrant ecumenical spirit, the meet brought together leaders from diverse Christian traditions, including Rt Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese; Most Rev. Dr James Patteril, Bishop-elect of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Belthangady; Rev. Fr S. Charles, Diocesan Vicar, Believers Eastern Church; Rev. Prabhuraj M. of the CSI fraternity; Rev. Goldin Bangera, noted ecumenical collaborator; and Dr Sebastian K. V., ecumenical scholar and professor. The organisers felicitated the newly elected Bishop James Patteril during the programme. Rev. Dr H. M. Watson, Principal of KTC, moderated the proceedings with scholarly precision.

Faith in Communion

The celebration drew strong participation from priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and lay faithful from St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary and Karnataka Theological College, testifying to a shared commitment to the unity of the Body of Christ. The programme concluded with a cultural performance presented by students of both institutions. Rev. Dr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of St Joseph Seminary, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt appreciation and calling for sustained ecumenical collaboration in the years ahead.

The Mission Symposium for the academic year 2025–2026 was held on 16th October 2025 in the CM Hall at 5:30 p.m. The programme was compered by Bro. Regis, and it began with a prayer song led by the Seminary Choir, invoking God’s blessings for the fruitful conduct of the event.

The welcome address was delivered by Rev. Fr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Mangalore. In his message, he warmly welcomed the guests, staff, and students and highlighted the importance of the mission in today’s world.

The session was moderated by Rev. Fr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore. The keynote speaker for the evening was Rev. Fr Antony Lawrence, President of St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore. He spoke insightfully on the theme “Mission in the Contemporary Church: Challenges and Opportunities”, emphasising the need for renewed missionary zeal, adaptability, and deep human formation in pastoral ministry.

A question-and-answer session followed, allowing the participants to share their reflections and seek clarifications from the speaker. The symposium concluded with a vote of thanks and the singing of the seminary anthem.

The event witnessed the active participation of Theology and Philosophy brothers, along with all teaching staff, domestic staff, and visiting professors. It was a meaningful and enriching experience for everyone, helping us to understand our missionary call in today’s challenging world.

As the focus of our seminary this year is on human formation under the theme “Mission in the Contemporary Church: Challenges and Opportunities”, the symposium greatly contributed to our growth and understanding of the Church’s mission today.

We express our sincere gratitude to Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, our Rector, all the staff members, and seminarians for their encouragement, support, and cooperation in making this event a success.