St John’s Regional Seminary, Kondadaba, Kothavalasa

Annual Philosophical Symposium – 2017-18

Monday, 28 August, 2017, from 9.15 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

“Revisiting Secularism in a changing India"

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It was a great day at St. John’s Regional Seminary, because it was the day which is long awaited one, has come to fulfill the dream of our own to know something about secularism. So, the days speciality is annual symposium on the topic “Revisiting Secularism in a changing India”. The days Moderator was Prof. Saileela from St. Joseph’s College of Mangalapalem. The time table as followed was, programme started at 9:15 am with a Holy Spirit Hymn along with Scripture Reading and followed by Fr. Jose.D. Maliekal the principal of the college introducted the moderater of the day. He welcomed her to felicitate and read out the Bio-data.Fr. Rector felicitated her with shawl and Br. Vamsi the college leader with a bouquet.

Then six speakers of the day were invited to take their chairs. First Br Rajesh Pothuraju presented his topic on “Towards a Genealogy and Archaeology of Secularism”, that is the presenting the meaning and the evolution of the concept of secularism. It is clearly known to us the term secularism means, separation of state from Religion and its faith experiences. Along with many others insights were presented to the pupils presented there. Then it was left for the forum for clarifications and to raise the questions.  Secondly, Manohar Akhil Difference of Approach to Secularism in the West and in India”. This topic dealt about people thinking about secularism in all the aspects and the way and approach towards secularism in the West and the East.  Thirdly, Kurapati David Raju  presented on “Specificity of Secularism in the Pluralistic and Democratic Constitutional Framework of India”.  Forthly Bonela Vinaykumar “Shifting Discourse of Secularism in the Changing Socio-Cultural and Politico-Economic Scenario of India”. Fifthly, Kowju Bala Raju “New Awakening of Religion in the Public Sphere in the world and in India: Challenges for Secularism and Democracy”.  Sixthly, Komarapu Pratap presented on “The Way forward: In Search of Alternative Narratives and Praxis”.

            Over all the brothers were contented for conducted on the relevant topic. Through which they learnt that, “Sarvadharma Sambhavana, Dharma Neerbhekshitha and Bhanda Neerbhekshitha”, are important elements in implementing and practicing secularism. So that the meaning of Secularism need not to face the deficit or implementing the real meaning of secularism to enhance the standards of life of Indian People.  The concept of Secularism (religion) should be implemented in India along with state affairs as like the coin which has two sides. We called it a day by 1:00 pm to this annual symposium.

New Priest’s Day

St John’s Regional Seminary

 Kondadaba: We had our new priest’s day dated on 18 August, 2017.It’s really our bounden duty to thank almighty God for making the day possible in a grand-scale. New Priest’s from all over the diocese of Andhra and Telangana who pursued their philosophy is invited and expected to offer thanks-givng mass and have a family gathering as the token of their love towards our alma mates St. John’s Regional Seminary, Kondadaba.

At 9:30 am accompanied soul-solicitation music and as the whole it was solimanized by all the 14 new priests. Their past ages work really enriching and thought-provoking. Some of the thinking points like “ all the expansion in life, all the contration in death; emphases on studies and utilizing opportunities, trying to be more of ourselves, to aspire to be inspired by other before we expire are really heart-touching. Fr. Santhose Alamanda proposed vote of thanks highlighting the formation of Salesian of Don Bosco connecting ot the these “You are called to the Mission of Mercy and Compassion”. At; 4:00 pm, we had a friendly volley ball match between new priests and seminarians. Its really hilarious and added gaiety to the day. They departed at 6:00 pm, to their respective place. We called it a day with gratitude in our hearts to the Almighty.

Independence Day

St John’s Regional Seminary

 Kondadaba, Kothavalasa

“Into Heaven…. Into Freedom…”

August 15, one of the most important day for all Indians. We remember the way we achieved our freedom from the clutches of the oppressors British who ruled India. It was a moment of pride and glory to remember the great leaders who fought selflessly for the freedom of our country, sacrificed their lives to free our motherland.

By remembering their struggles, this day, we celebrated 71 Independence Day in our community. It was an awesome celebration organized by mother Teresa Group. First and foremost, there was a speech on this glorious occasion delivered by Br Pranay Thathireddy. He emphasized on the richness of our country in literature, history, culture, creed, code and the uppermost and unique quality of India is to live “Unity in Diversity”. After which patriotic song gave life to celebration. Fr M.Rayanna the Rector of the community hoisted the flag and gave his inspiring speech. It was thought provoking speech, demands all of us to ‘dream big’, to see the colours of Independence Day spreading happiness and great joy all around. 

General Knowledge-2017-18

St John’s Regional Seminary

 ‘Knowledge is power’-Francis Becon

Kondadaba-2017-18: The Annual General Knowledge Quiz is being conducted on 14 August, 2017 at 6:00pm-8:00 pm at the Auditorium. It is been conducted by Br Ravi Kotte (the assistant), P. Israel and P. Balaswamy. It was a wonderful event, to bring out the hidden knowledge.  It was for the first time in the seminary history to have quiz with power point projected on the screen. In this quiz competition, there are 20 rounds altogether. From the same rounds there were passing rounds at the same time non-passing rounds with bonus points. There are four groups which actively participated in this quiz completion, they are Rainbow, Mother Teresa group, Youth Alive and Suvertha Sunadham.

                  The programme started with the Hymn to the Holy Spirit, after which the new administrator of our house Fr P. Anthaiah gave his inaugural speech. After that, we had wonderful and mesmerizing rounds named Bible, Magazines, Home Rounds, News Papers, General Rounds and Corrent Affairs etc.  At the end we had rapid round which changed the fate of all group’s position in their marks.

                At the end of this event, the concluding words were given by Fr Jose D.Maliekal ( The Principal). He enlighted us the importance of General Knowledge. He proposed the new thought that to have creative ways of General Knowledge quiz for the next time. At last he appreciated conductors and each of them present there. They have called it a day at 8:30 pm. 

Marian Olympics-2017-18

St John’s Regional Seminary

Sports do not build character. 

They reveal it.

-Heywood Broun

Kondadaba-2017-18: We the brothers of St. John’s Regional Seminary had our Grand Marian Olympics-2017-18 on 11, August. It is really a memorable event that each of us could unleash our potentialities and harness our talents. It is really enriching experience because; through this event we had learnt little more about Mother Mary. It also helped us to know the role of Mary in our formation to become future priests. So much so that each of us distinguished ourselves from routine rhythm of participating in all the programmes. It is the time where everyone elicits their hidden potentialities and enhances their team spirit. It was well organized and conducted by the coordinating team Br. Ravi SDB, (Regent). Fr Jose K. B. Vinay and K. Prathap as referees for Square Ball, Foot Ball and Volley ball games conducting at 8:45 pm.

In this Marian Olympics four groups participated. They are: Mother Teresa, Rainbow, Suvartha Sunadham and Youth Alive. We individually and collectively participated in this Marian Olympics. Each and everyone contributed their hard work for this memorable event. The atmosphere was filled with a healthy competitive spirit and it was very colourful in the night. Each group put forth a lot of sportive spirit and creative skills to score highest goals and points in other games.

                All these acitivites brought out the feats of team work. There were also other activities which helped the brothers to bring their talents and to discover new paths to honour our Lady, thus making ourselves more close to her. For us it was an indelible event and a rejuvenating experience enabling us to actualize our potentials. At the end Mother Teresa Groups scored 115, in first place, there other groups 105- SS, 105-Y.A, stands in the second place. Thirdly, Rainbow with 95 points.

Aaduthu…Paaduthu…

(Ooo..Balaa! Neeve Bhavishath Jvala….)

 Kondadaba: On 6 August, 2017, “Aaduthu Paaduthu” Programme was successfully celebrated for the Children in St John’s Regional Seminary at Kondadaba.  Fr Jose K. ( Vice-Rector), Community members and near by communities attended the programme and shared their joy and happiness with the children.  It was the tradition of the seminary to dedicate a day to bring all the children together for cultural fest. Altogether  seven hundred eighty (780 from different ministries place) children attended in the programme.  Brothers prepared the children nearly two weeks.

The programme was begun around 8.30 a.m. and concluded at 4.30 p.m.  The campus resembled and given Valdocco experience where good number of boys and girls engaged with lots of activities, games and spiritual animations.  Children came up with beautiful programmes which drew attention and left a note “we too can challenge…” above all the children enjoy the programme “The backdraft was good with proportionate theme, “Ooo..Balaa! Neeve Bhavishath Jvala...”  Don Bosco” says, ´It is enough that you are young to love you’ keeping in mind Salesians played a big role guiding the children and encouraging them, and they shared their happiness and joy with the children.

Special thanks to Fr M. Rayanna and his staff who was behind the curtain to encourage and supported the brothers.  A Special thanks to all the judges, Mother Theresa Group members and Fr  Putti Anthaiah, animator for sacrificing their energy and time.  Special thanks to Fr K. Joseph, who prepared brothers for ministry places.  Thanks to Fr P. Anthaiah (Administrator) by providing sumptuous meals. Finally the programme ended by distributing the prizes for the award winners.  Above all the programme was well planned and meticulously executed and inspired many children.  This event left us happy with Jesus words…. “Let these Children come to me, for their’s is the kingdom of heaven…”

Feast of St. John Maria Vianney

04.08.2017

Kondadaba: St John’s Regional Seminary celebrated Feast of St. John Maria Vianney on 4 Aug, 2017.  This day,



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the Holy Eucharist is celebrated by Fr. Jakkaiah Balaswori ( Procurator of Archdiocese of Vishakapatam), as co-celebrants  Fr. Mariar Ratnam, Fr.  Bandanadam Joseph and Fr. Jeevan Babu (Pp),  along with community fathers Rector, Dean and Principal.

The Holy Eucharist began at 9:30 am in the morning in St John’s Chapel. During the homily main celebrant emphasized on the Holiness of the Priest and his commitment towards his flock. Preaching about Maria Vianney, he said that , even though not qualified well in his educational areas, he became the Patron saint for the priest. This shows his greatness a simple priest who grew in spirituality.

After the mass, we had small cultural programme put up by 65 brothers with lot of practices prior to the performance. All the confessors those who come from outside on monthly recollection and parish priest are being felicitated for their availability for the confession of brothers. After the programme, we called it a day with great and grand lunch.

Feast of St. John Maria Vianney

04.08.2017

Kondadaba: St John’s Regional Seminary celebrated Feast of St. John Maria Vianney on 4 Aug, 2017.  This day the Holy Eucharist is celebrated by Fr. Jakkaiah Balaswori ( Procurator of Archdiocese of Vishakapatam), as co-celebrants  Fr. Mariar Ratnam, Fr.  Bandanadam Joseph and Fr. Jeevan Babu (Pp),  along with community fathers Rector, Dean and Principal.

The Holy Eucharist began at 9:30 am in the morning in St John’s Chapel. During the homily main celebrant emphasized on the Holiness of the Priest and his commitment towards his flock. Preaching about Maria Vianney, he said that , even though not qualified well in his educational areas, he became the Patron saint for the priest. This shows his greatness a simple priest who grew in spirituality.

After the mass, we had small cultural programme put up by 65 brothers with lot of practices prior to the performance. All the confessors those who come from outside on monthly recollection and parish priest are being felicitated for their availability for the confession of brothers. After the programme, we called it a day with great and grand lunch.

Arrival of  The New Administrator 

Fr P. Anthaiah SDB

 on 01.08.2-2017

 Kondadaba: The arrival of the new confrere to the community is a blessing Of Mother Mary. The arrival fo Fr P. Anthaiah has brought joy and gusto in the community, and now we are full in community. Fr Anthaiah’s arrival as administrator filled the gap the office, which was maintained for two months by Fr Rector. He in his simplicity and joyfulness cracked a joke at his welcoming time at refectory. First year brothers prepared a bouquet and greeting card for fathers. Second years along with community sung welcoming song. 

PICNIC TO ARUKU BY SECOND COURSE

Death is the sound of Distant Thunder at a Picnic!

-W.H.Auden

The Second course brothers, after much plan and expectations had gone to Aruku. Their dream has been fulfilled on the 2 August, 2017. This journey is to Aruku, to break the monotony of the community timetable and the daily class. They are 23 brothers who set their journey on 2 Morning to Aruku in private hired vechiles, accompanied by Fr. Jose K. First they visited Bhura Caves and in the afternoon to Kailasagiri. This day was most joy-filled and awesome day in the lives of these budding philosophical students of St. John's Regional Seminary.