Excellence seasoned with altruism: Bocha Ravi, the Chemical Engineer

It was just a year ago that Bocha Ravi, a youngster from a hamlet near Kondadaba (Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh) started his specialisation studies at Kanpur and now having completed that, has six job offers, given his excellent performance as a Chemical Engineer. But the story is far from over. “This is just a stepping stone to my real dream,” says Ravi. “I shall soon be an IAS officer in Vizag or Vizianagaram and empower the rural interior villages.” Now this is not just some wishful thinking but a determination which makes him see what he wants to be as clearly as the shining sun. Welcome, once again, to the life of Bocha Ravi.

“All that I had was a passion to study and barely hundred rupees with me, when Fr Jose agreed to pay my entrance fees to the college. That is what has helped me to be what I am today...,” says Ravi amidst tears of nostalgic joy. Having stood third in the batch of 80 students (at IIT, Kanpur) and recruited within days of completing his engineering studies by nearly half a dozen Petrochemical industries, Bocha Ravi now stands a good chance to make a rich living. But Ravi has his eyes set on something else. “I'm not for accumulating money. I have my dream set and that I will achieve,” is what Ravi is sure of when lured by an offer to work abroad which certainly has a higher monetary benefit than the offers at hand.

With a fat paycheck assured, Ravi has not forgotten the little help he once received from a handful of well-wishers, especially St John's Regional Seminary, and in particular the person of Fr K.T. Jose (Rector). It was this sense of humble gratitude that saw this youngster walk through the gates of the Seminary, the job invitation letters in hand, to acknowledge in person, the great benefits that he received while still a school boy. That was just a day before he left for Delhi for a three-month training programme with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the offer he opted for.

After the training programme in Delhi, he plans to return to his village to take his aging mother, the only one whom he can call as family, along with him. For the mother, who has slogged it out through hard daily labour in the fields and construction sites, this achievement is certainly joyful. However, her true joy is not that he has become a successful job holder, but that he will certainly fulfill his dream of being an instrument of growth and empowerment for many more women (and families) like her. Mr Sastry, a resident and supporter of the educational dreams of quite a few young people in the village too feels the same.

Thanks to the generosity of benefactors, especially Fr Luigi Zuffetti and Don Bosco Missioni (Turin), that thousands of young people, like Ravi, have been and are being provided an opportunity to study and come up in life. The seminary looks forward to a day when more young people, inspired by Ravi and his life, take up as a challenge to redefine the socio-economic status of the remote villages of Kothavalasa Mandal.

Marian Tourney commences

The community of SJRS, Kondadaba gathered in the lawn this evening immediately after tea for a short inaugural programme of the Marian Month Games. Fr Dusi Devaraj, the director of Jyothirmai society (APBC, Hyderabad) was the chief guest of the occasion. He expressed his great pleasure and surprise at this novel way of celebrating Marian devotion - through a month-long celebration in various aspects. He reminded the community of one of the basic motive of such celebrations: unity.

Fr Rector in his introductory words, recommended that the participants of the various sporting events, all along the month, make good use of this opportunity to know Mother Mary a little more, to love her a little more and grow a little more in our personal devotion to her.

Fr Wilson was requested to be the torch-bearer on the occasion. The inaugural ceremony was planned, prepared and organised by the Youth Alive team. The sports include a range of outdoor games (football, basketball and volleyball) with a set of indoor games later in the month. The intra-community competition is brought to life by the eight growth groups which vie with each other for the highest score by the feast of the Assumption (Aug. 15).

The intensity of the games was evident on the first day itself, as one Brother had to be rushed to the town clinic for a displaced toe.

First Mass and Recollection

The second monthly recollection of the academic year which was scheduled today was also an occasion for the solemn thanksgiving first Mass of a newly ordained Salesian Priest, Fr Yandava Kalyan. The animator of the recollection was Fr Balaraj OCD from Pendurthy. Besides the reflections shared by Frs Balaraj and Kalyan (during the Mass), the one that touched most of the listeners was the few words spoken by the mother of Fr Kalyan after supper. She informed the community that Fr Kalyan, as a boy was very mischievous but now he, as a Priest he is very refined. She, in all her simplicity and ernestness, asked the Brothers to be mischievous but sincerely strive to be good Priests. It was also a very touching moment to remember the deceased father of Fr Kalyan, Mr Y. Prasad who was once the MRO of the Kothavalasa - a man much loved and admired by many.

Fr Balaraj, in his animation talk, spoke of the inevitability of suffering and trials in the life of a Christian. He attributed them all to God and stated that this is His way of making us stronger and grow deeper in His attachment. He listed six types of tests that every Christian has to undergo in order to deepen in one's faith: Test of wilderness, Patience, Motivation, Failure, Discouragement and Misunderstanding. Using relevant Biblical passages to prove his point and as references for further reading and reflection, Fr Balaraju kept the community attentive also through his informal sharing of amusing anecdotes and examples.

In his sermon, Fr Kalyan citing his own life as an example, stressed the need to place our trust in God, the spiritual director and the Rector. He exhorted the Brothers to become Priests 'worth their salt'. He assured that Priestly journey is not a bed of roses, but if we are faithful to God, He will lead and guide us. The Holy Mass, concelebrated by Fr KT and Fr Wilson, was animated by the Suvartha Sunadam and Vidya Jyothi groups.

Fr Kalyan, the only Salesian from the whole northeastern region of Andhra Pradesh (comprising of the districts of Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, Vizag, E. Godavari), hails from Vijayanagaram district and is presently posted in the novitiate at Manoharabad. Fr Kalyan was ordained on May 28, 2011 in Italy where he did his two years of regency and later completed his theology.

Why Violence (Whyolence)?

A dawn to come a dusk to go
so is life with all highs and low.

Life is good when lived with love
and love is gone when violence enters in somehow.

Violence is a great miracle wrought by human race
of turning a heart of flesh into a stony ace.

The same blood running through his nerves
is shed by him from his brothers curves.

Running in madness around a mad leader
with a motto to achieve foolish goals by stamping fellow brother.

With rage in eyes, sticks in hand and wishing others with taboos
they leave their respect and dignity for a reason unknown or loose.

Having their children at home crying for food
parents crying slogans on roads, doing no one no good.

Love is life and its poisonous to hate
yet these violent agitators term violence as great.

Living the food to be cooked at home, they fight for food and ungained
rejecting the rights resting in their hands they fight for rights unnamed.

Protesting is good if and only for good cause
it should boast our lives but not be a pause.

So protest well but test none
from groups yet remain one.

Catch sticks but hurt none
raise voices but not the gun.

Solve the problems by agitating with hoarding
but don't create problems like firings and chasing.

The bleeding bodies, wounds and corpse lying on the ground
if its considered solution then repeat it with louder.

Br Jermore Emmanuel Lewis (I year)

B'day of Fr Wilson

The b'day of Fr Wilson Jose, our Vice-Rector and Principal, was celebrated in all solemnity on July 6, 2011. The Brothers in all their creativity and love for Fr Wilson animated the various parts of the day to make him feel happily, especially this day: the morning prayers were animated by Br Syam, and the Mass and cultural programme were organised and coordinated by the Rainbow and Pratyasa groups (Fr Wilson is the animator for both these groups).

"God has called me as one of His disciples to preach the Good News," were the joyful words of the b'day boy as he presided over the Eucharisitc celebration. The special square ball game organised by the Youth Alive group was a big attraction of the day. Though difficult to say which team won, the b'day boy's or the opposing one, the game itself was great.

Br Hruday, reading the introduction to the Holy Mass in the morning.

The offertory procession during which Fr Wilson and his dear ones were specially prayed for.

Br Wilson, from the third course and belonging to the Rainbow group, reading the address to the b'day boy on behalf of the Community.

The first course Brothers were at their best in their expression of love and appreciation for Fr Wilson through their dance.

The second course Brothers came out in full strength to sing this b'day song for their Professor and Principal.

The third years tickled the laughing senses of the community through their comedy skit.

In the evening the community get-together was extended with the presence of the neighbouring religious and Salesian confreres. In his b'day message, Fr Wilson exhorted the Brothers to consistently strive for their best. That's the secret of a happy and committed life, he added. Fr K.T. Jose, the Rector, appreciated the zeal and sincere hard-working nature of Fr Wilson, be that in his assigned responsibilities as Principal, or Infirmarian, or the Librarian. Besides these virtues, his dedication to the mission stations in the neighbouring Catholic villages too was greatly appreciated. The programme was compered by Br Chaitanya.

(Text: Br K. Tony; Photos: Br T. Kamalesh)

Volleyball match with Cheedivalasa

The Cheedivalasa volleyball team, comprising of youngsters who just completed their intermediate or degree studies gladly made a visit to the Seminary and played a match with our Brothers. The Brothers in-charge of Cheedivalasa, Peter, Anthaiah and M. Naresh did a commendable job in getting to know the youngsters and furthermore getting them over here to play a game, within three weeks of their weekend ministry. They were nearly 10 of them and they played a couple of sets. During the official game, they beat the Brothers in the first two sets straight. Fr Wilson, the Principal of the Seminary, inaugurated the game after the youngsters won the toss and choose the side first. The youngsters left the campus happy and joyful, after a drink and a bite. From the Seminary side the following Brothers played: B. Lourdhu, D. Rakesh, Y. Anil, Maria Joseph, P. James, K. Ravikanth and M. Peter. The game was refereed by G. Devaraj and K. Lourdhu.

Trust this is only the beginning of a greater and closer rapport with the youngsters of the various villages that Brothers visit on weekends.

Pope's Day

On June 29, 2011 the Community celebrated the feast Peter and Paul in a solemn manner. Beginning with a conference on the Papacy by Fr Francis Pasupuleti, the Parish Priest of Yelamanchili, the day was marked by several interesting features. The hour long conference on the Papacy offered the community rich insights in the history and meaning of this great and divine office of service and honour. Later Fr Francis also presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebration, which was well prepared by the Suvartha Sunadam and Vidya Jyothi groups. Of course, special prayers were offered for Pope Benedict XVI. The chapel too was artistically decorated for the occasion.

After a sumptuous lunch the Brothers had their weekly shopping time till tea time. After tea, the Youth Alive group planned and organised a lightning tournament for the community. Each growth group got to play all the other groups either in the football field, or the volleyball court or the basketball court. Mother Teresa and Pratyasa emerged as the teams with the most number of points and victories. The day concluded with the screening of the movie about the life of St Paul.

Fr P. Arul Das SDB - First Mass

On the 24th of June, the feast of John the Baptist, the community Mass was presided over by Fr Pitchaimuthu Arul Das SDB... this being his first Mass here at St John's Kondadaba after his ordination in the month of December 2010. Fr Arul Das served here as the regent in the year 2004-2005. During the homily he exhorted the students to become aware of the spiritual mission awaiting us as per God's plan. To fulfill this, he proposed that each one ought to do the necessary preparation, be humble and thus be the voice to the voiceless. After communion he thanked the staff members (each of whom was a formator of his in his early stages of formation) and the Regent, Br Satish for their invitation and hospitality. After Mass, which was animated by the Suvartha Sunadam and Vidya Jyothi groups, Fr Arul was felicitated with a small gift in the dining hall. He was also kind enough to share his expertise on a few personality development traits, especially time management, with the students during the fourth hour of the day. Presently Fr Arul is the assistant Parish Priest and administrator at Bosco Ashram, Ponnur (Guntur district). He completed his theology at KJC, Bangalore.

Inauguration of another 'warfare'

"Today you commence another innings in your warfare against sin and ignorance here at St John's Kondadaba," were the words of Fr Karnam Joji Babu, the Vicar General of the archdiocese of Visakhapatnam, who officiated the Holy Mass and the programme at the Inauguration of the academic year 2011-2012 on June 15, 2011. Emphasing the need to own up formation and acquire the necessary tools to help in the warfare, Fr Joji Babu exhorted the students to grow in their Priestly vocation. Quoting often St Cyprian, he challenged the students to eliminate sin rather than get enslaved to it. To this end he recommended fasting, obedience and prayer as the most efficacious means.

Later speaking during the short inaugural session, Fr K.T. Jose, the Rector of the Seminary, welcomed the gathering and highlighted some of the special aspects of this year: the silent but generous presence of Br Behera Sateesh (of the diocese of Srikakulam) as the Regent of the Seminary, the new collaboration with the OCDs through the Seminary being the study house of their students for Philosophy and BA. Fr KT Jose specially welcomed the 9 students and the two Priests who would be part of the academic life of the Seminary while staying at Pendurthi and the other 23 first year students.

Fr Wilson Jose, the Principal presented the annual report and recalled to mind the significant events of the previous academic year using text and photos. Six students were awarded prizes for proficiency in their Philosophical studies last year. From the first year batch it was K. Thomas, K. Tony and T. Vijay while from the second years it was A. Syam, P. Chaitanya and M. Dileep who stood first, second and third respectively in their own classes. Besides this there was also the lighting of the lamp and a song lead by Br M. Naresh and his group. The vote of thanks was proposed by Br Kamalesh.

The total number of students this year is 84 (73 diocesans and 2 MSFS resident at SJRS, Kondadaba and 9 OCDs who would be day scholars for Philosophy and BA from Pedurthi). As of now, there are four on the staff: Fr KT Jose (Rector), Fr Wilson Jose (Vice-Rector and Principal), Br Vincent Castilino (Dean and Administrator) and Br Behera Sateesh (Regent).

Report filed by Br K. Tony (II Course)

Maiden Recollection of 2011-2012

The Community gathered in prayer on the first day of the new academic year 2011-2012 through a day of monthly recollection on June 13, 2011. To animate the community, Mr Claudius Rosario and his wife Mrs Maria, parishners of Buchirajpalem Parish were present with us for the day. Besides the community proper, the 9 OCDs who for part of the college this year onwards too were present in their habit. It was a sight to see the 9 habits, 2 cassock amidst the Diocesan Brothers.

Beginning with a long session of praise and worship, the two animators helped the community seek the Lord's presence and savour it prior to launching out into the various hectic activities of the year. They also animated the adoration in the evening. Frs Peter Sebastian, Fr Anithottam, Fr Prasad and Fr Ratnakar were gracious and generous enough to spare their time for facilitating the sacrament of reconciliation.

Fr Peter Sebastian, the Parish Priest of Buchirajpalem, presided over the Holy Eucharistic celebration. The recollection concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass at 6.30 pm.

Departure for Summer vacations

The Brothers left for their summer holidays/BA preparation leave on February 25, 2011. The conclusion of the academic year was held the previous day and on February 25th morning after the Eucharistic celebration, the first and second year students, along with those who had completed their B.A. exams left for their respective dioceses'.

The 23 third year students writing their B.A. final year exams stayed back. They commence their exams on March 8, 2011... a day before Ash Wednesday. The first and second year students would return to the Seminary on March 26, 2011 and both commence their exams a day after their arrival. By April 26th, all the Brothers would have left the Seminary for their Summer holidays or ministry and the year finally wrapped up.

Thanks to you all who have been part of this Seminary, in spirit and in kind, journeying with us in the formation and growth of the future Priests of Andhra Pradesh!

Conclusion of the academic year 2010-2011

On February 24, 2011 the community gathered together in the hall for the last monthly recollection of the academic year 2010-2011. The animator of the recollection was Fr Francis Stephen MSFS from Nidudabrolu. The theme of his talk was 'gratitude'. He stressed on the need to be grateful to God and several others, including oneself for all that we grow and gain throughout the year. Abbreviating the word, he highlighted gratitude as not only a great virtue but as the parent of all virtues.
The Farewell Mass for the 29 final year students was presided over by Fr K. T. Jose, the Rector. After lunch the Brothers had time to change their dormitories in order to organise their belongings during their absence till their return for their B.A. exams. The evening cultural programme in honour of the 29 final year students and Br Castilino (whose b'day celebrations were anticipated) began at 7 pm. The second year students organised and coordinated the programme with ample support from the first years.

The first year Brothers put up a comedy skit while the Speed 'n Speed growth group sang a b'day song for their animator, Br Castilino. The farewell address to the third years was prepared by the second year students. Each of the third year Brother was given a patron Saint according to their most liked characteristic... it was interesting to see them stand around in sashes like that of a beauty pageant... only this was a spiritual virtue pageant! The third year students in turn thanked each of the staff members, both past and present for their valuable contribution towards their formation at St John's, Kondadaba. As a small sign of their gratitude they presented to the community a statue of the Risen Lord. The statue was blessed by Fr Rector during the gathering itself.

In his goodnight, Br Castilino thanked the Community for the support and affection showered on him, especially during his illness in the beginning of the year. He also took the opportunity to thank the head of the Community, Fr K.T. Jose for his role of animation and guidance. He finally exhorted each one to give their best for each and every act and thought of theirs.

After the programme, the community had their final solemn supper for the year together in the refectory.

Community photo 2010-2011

Here are a couple of photos of the whole community (83 students and 4 formators)...

These are the Benjamins of the Community (the first course, 25 of them)...
These are the second course students, 29 of them...
Here are the 29 third course Brothers...

Semester Exams

Today the Brothers begin their second semester exams for the year 2010-2011. The one and half week long exam schedule will conclude with the Comprehensive Oral exam of the third year students on February 23, 2011. The other two courses conclude the previous day. The final day is left free for them to attend the defence of their seniors.

The following day we have the final monthly recollection of this academic year, followed by farewell for the third course Brothers, in the evening. The concluding Mass for the year will be celebrated on February 25, 2011 morning by Fr Rector.

As for now, the exam fever is on... so are the midnight lamps and fervent prayers!

Laxmi's wedding

This evening was the marriage of Laxmi, one of our kitchen staff, at Vizag. All the other staff members, except Appa Rao were present for the occasion. From the Teaching staff, Fr Rector, Fr Devadas and Br Castilino too were present for the occasion.

The wedding began sometime in the evening after 6 and went on upto 9.30. The muhurtham was at 7.30 for which all of the staff were present. That was followed by a simple meal at the same venue, a community hall near the bridegroom's place.

Laxmi joined the kitchen staff nearly 7 years ago as a helper and was chiefly responsible for the main table and the serving of the bowls in the refectory. Of course, she also lent a helping hand in the kitchen everyday.

God bless her and her new life!

Our Lady of Lourdes

The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated in the community on February 11, 2011. The main celebrant for the occasion was Fr Devadas. The Mariadalam (legion of Mary) members had prepared the animation for the day. They had also decorated the Chapel for the feast. Fr Devadas being the animator of this spontaneous group was requested to preside over the celebration in Telugu. Fr Devadas during the introduction requested special prayers for the clergy and faithful of the Kurnool and Kadapa dioceses which have special Shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. He also offered special prayers for all those in the community having Our Lady of Lourdes as their patron.

In the evening the same Mariadalam members, under the leadership of Br Dileep organised the community Rosary in the chapel itself.

New Priest: Fr N. Sagar sdb

This morning Fr Narisetti Sagar sdb celebrated the Community Mass. This was his first Mass as a newly ordained Priest in a Formation house since his ordination exactly two months ago at Don Bosco Technical School, Guntur. Fr Sagar, though never a member of the St John's, Kondadaba community was a student of Fr Wilson and Br Castilino at Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram, a fact he gratefully acknowledged during his post communion thanksgiving. He also thanked and appreciated Fr KT Jose and Fr Devadas for their hospitality and warm welcome to the community.

In his message for the Brothers he exhorted them to continue to persevere in their vocation even when things seem rough and unsure. Quoting his own example he stated that he always trusted and surrendered himself into the Lord's hands. This enabled him to be what he is today... a Salesian Priest. He recommended everyone to do the same and one day share the altar with him, just as he is today sharing the altar with his formators.

Farewell to Lakshmi (Feb. 8, 2011)

This afternoon we had a short felicitation gathering for Lakshmi, one of our cooks, as today was her last working day. She is getting married this weekend on February 12, 2011. The Brothers had collected some money which was handed to her by the course leaders and on behalf of them all, Naveen spoke a few words. Fr Devadas too appreciated her six year long service to the community and wished her well on our behalf. Asked to speak, we thought Lakshmi wouldn't, but she did stand up. After a couple of moments of silence, she blurted, "All are looking at me!!" Everyone burst out laughing. She then spoke just two sentences, and we were all in tears.

I do not have parents. All I know is Fr (pointing at Fr KT Jose, the Rector) as my father and Annapoornamma (another senior cook) as my mother. These two friends of mine (pointing at Kasi and Yedulamma) looked after me as their own younger sister. You all (referring to the Brothers) are my brothers. I am eternally indebted to you all!

She could not continue any more. Neither did we want to embarrass her further. We concluded with a prayer. For an orphan, uneducated and typically rural girl to stand up before a group of 90 young men and speak with such meaning and depth, there has to be a driving force. It was surely her sincere commitment to her job and her confidence that this was her family.

God bless her!

Feast of Kondadaba

The annual feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patron of the Shrine/Parish of Kondadaba was celebrated in a grand manner on Feb. 5 and 6, 2011. Thousands of pilgrims and faithful (even non-Christians) visited, participated and prayed during the feast of Our Lady. The Seminary Brothers, as always, were present the full two days manning different responsibilities in ensuring that the pilgrims have a pleasant and devotional trip. The Brothers were directly incharge of the decoration of the Shrine, grotto and stage. They were also involved in greatly helping out the Parish Council members for the law and order (along with the police personnel), the regulation of the traffic, food arrangement and distribution, water supply and guiding the pilgrims along the hill and around. Brothers too spent quite a time in praying and blessing the people who made it a point to stop at each statue, grotto, and religious monument.

The seminary too was opened up for the pilgrims to rest and wash during the two days. Nearly 1,500 people slept for the night on February 5, 2011 (saturday). The women were accommodated in the hall while the men folk slept along the verandas. The following day groups of people came in and spent some time admiring the campus and having a family meal in the cool shade of the trees and the verandas.

Bp Paul Maipan of Khammam was the main celebrant of the Solemn Mass on the feast day. The Archbishop of Vishakapatnam could not make it due to health reasons. The English Mass of the day was presided over by Msgr Karnam Joji Babu, the Vicar of the Archdiocese of Vizag. The choir for both the high Masses of the day was by the Brothers from the Seminary, with the active collaboration of the Parish youngsters.

Presentation of the Lord

The feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple was solemnised in the liturgical celebration of the day, especially by the candle-lit procession from the A-block to the Chapel through the main outdoor. Fr Biju, Missionaries of Compassion, was the main celebrant for the occasion. He was here for taking classes for the third year students in Philosophy of Religion. Interestingly he belongs to the first batch of students to pass out of Kondadadaba in 1995.

The liturgy for the day was animated by Suvartha Sunadam under the guidance of Fr KT Jose, the Rector. Owing to the practical exam of the second and third year student for BA, the shopping for that day was postponed to the following day. For the rest, the Brothers had the regular schedule for the day.