Philosophical Symposium 2011

The annual Philosophical Symposium of the academic year was held on August 29, 2011 on the theme 'Creationism and Evolutionism'.  With two speakers from each of the three courses, presenting the varied opinions and proofs for either of the theories of the origin of life on this earth, the day was rife with intense input sessions and discussion. The whole process was intelligently moderated by Fr Anthony Pudussery, the Parish Priest of Gnanapuram and a visiting faculty at St John's, Kondadaba.

The speakers of the symposium with Fr Antony Pudussery and Fr Wilson Jose

From the first course, Brs M. Banu and V. Solomon prepared and presented the papers while from the second course, Brs T. Vijay and K. Velankanni presented the various views.  Brs K. Joy and G. Devaraj represented the third course.  Beginning with the various theories of life and its meaning, the papers presented led the students to a clear picture of the many nuances of the theories of creation and evolution. The final set of presentations were an attempt to synthesize these seemingly contradictory theories of origin.  The rich insights of Pierre Theilhard de Chardin were much used herein.

Besides the well researched and edited papers, thanks to the meticulous follow up of Fr Wilson, the presence of Fr Antony Pudussery made a rich impact on the students.  Through his sharp observations and additions he helped those present see things in a much better light. 

To make matters more clearer and interesting, Fr Wilson Jose, the Principal screened enriching videos which added meaning and depth to the presentations made by the 6 Brothers.  He was ably assisted in organising this half-day symposium by the members of the Rainbow group. 

Why Violence? (Whyiolence?)

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 Jerome Emmanuel (Archdiocese of Hyderabad)

What is corruption?

Both hands full
all the pockets stuffed
yet yearning for illegal earning
That is corruption.

Seeing all around the tears of poor
and carrying the capacity of comforting them
yet rejoicing in being the cause of their tears
That is corruption.

Food rotten in huge godowns,
when people die of hunger;
The one to mobilize food, contempt with his full plate,
That is corruption.

When sickness becomes a member of every poor family,
and the life giving doctors become life takers for money;
Letting the sickness decrease the poor numbers,
That is corruption.

Giving the best of education to our own,
and harassing the others' child with heavy labours;
in a way making a bud to dry before it blossoms;
That is corruption.

Watching our neighbours fight for religion,
Knowing all God's are one and fight is wrong;
Yet adding oil to the fire instead of ceasing it;
That is corruption.

Raising the hand over the head of own as a blessing,
and bringing the same hand under the table as curse for others;
In power to help selflessly yet taking bribes selfishly;
That is corruption.

Not only corruption is wealth or money
but it is in all good could be done yet refrained
ask your heart if it is corrupt and greedy
if yes, then kill it, become free.
Then be a Hazare and so 'no to corruption'.

Br Jerome Emmanuel Lewis (I year)

Youth Day at Kondadaba

The annual youth meet of the year 2011 held on August 21 at St John's Regional Seminary, Kondadaba was a fitting finale for the Year of the Youth (August 21, 2010 - August 22, 2011) declared by the United Nations last year. Neatly coinciding with the World Youth Day, the youth meet witnessed 275 young people from 29 neighbouring villages and Parishes spend a day in earnest, discussing and learning some serious issues of the Indian socio-political scenario. The day was animated by Fr Pallithanam Thomas sdb and two of his staff members, Mr John and Mr Kumar, in active collaboration with the Youth Alive group.

Much before the day dawned, the Youth Alive team members had planned, prepared and set everything in place to receive the youngsters at the Seminary. The programme was initiated through a Prayer dance and the lighting of the lamp. After a few words of welcome, Fr Pallithanam led the group into some serious reflection on issues that plague the Indian society. Steadily he guided the participants, the Brothers included, through the Indian Constitution and its various amendments, with the sole purpose of highlighting the fundamental rights of every citizen of the country.

After the break, the youngsters were divided into small groups (according to their respective villages) for a practical panchayat type discussion of their own village problems and possible solutions for the same. The presence of Brothers in each group served as catalysts. These issues and their possible solutions (as which could be initiated and carried out by the young people themselves) were collated and presented to the whole group after lunch. From there on, Fr Palli and his team, proposed and highlighted some means through which these problems could be tackled headlong. The best and the most effective means being the Right to Information (RTI).
The programme which had a lot of awakening words, challenging proposals, entertaining dances and a few recreating games ended with an elaborate note of challenge by Br Bolle Bhaskar. The simple lunch was facilitated by the Speed n' speed group with generous assistance from the youngsters themselves. Besides the presence of the community members, Frs Santhosh and Prashanth from Chodavaram Parish and Kailasapuram Parish respectively graced the occasion along with a large contingent from both the Parishes. Much credit goes to Br Behera Sateesh, the Regent for having coordinated the whole programme right since its conception along with the Youth Alive team members.

Photos: Br T. Kamalesh
Text: Br Jerome Emmanuel

Coursewise GK Quiz Competition

The maiden General Knowledge Quiz competition of the academic year 2011-2012 was held as per the three different courses on August 19, 2011. The preparations for this were done since the beginning of the academic year and the sources for the questions shortlisted. Relevant information pertaining to the fields of discussion and covered areas was displayed or made available for the courses to go through and gain information. The course leaders along with the rest had allocated the various resource material among themselves so as to ensure overall increase of knowledge.
Fr Wilson Jose, the Principal was the backbone of the whole process right till the end. He was ably supported by the Rainbow group, especially Brs Suresh and Roopesh. The quiz proper was for nearly 90 minutes and consisted of 19 rounds of varied sorts: video clips, song interludes, direct questions, written tests and still photos. With spirits soaring as the time and moment drew near, the final years took the lead early on and easily won the competition. The first years were the runners up. The next quiz competition as per growth groups is scheduled for the next semester.

To dream and dare

Kadiyala Kamala (in the pic, with her younger brother) could very well have been just another name in the list of residents of Seethampet village in the Kothavalasa Mandal of Vizianagaram District (Andhra Pradesh). That it still is. However Kamala is a well known name in the whole town of Kothavalasa. A little further into the city of Visakhapatnam, especially amidst the medical fraternity of the government facilities, the same Kamala is fast gaining popularity. Besides being the youngest government employee, Kamala is today looked up to by many a youngster, even her own seniors from school, college and nursing school. But this was not the case earlier.

Born the eldest in the family is not always a blessing, so did Kamala realise early in life. With a mother who did everything in her might to keep the family together, and a father who barely was there at home sober and attentive, it was up to Kamala to find her way to fulfill her passion of doing her studies so as to become a doctor. With no financial means of procuring the required study material, she would borrow them from her companions late in the night after they had finished their study, sit up the whole night and return the books early next morning, so that her companions could study again. The lit stove at home was not an everyday reality. Much less, the lunch box. It was her sheer determination to study that saw her secure 82% in her tenth standard board exam from the local Catholic missionary school, St Mary's. Having secured one of the highest ranks not only in her school but also in the vicinity of Kothavalasa mandal, some intermediate colleges offered her a free seat. She chose the one closest to her house, so as to be of help at home too.

It was during this time, as she contemplated, what next, that she began to speak to Fr K.T. Jose, the Rector of St John's Regional Seminary, whom she knew since her school days and who had often helped her with some books, uniform and class fees – thanks to the generous educational support of Fr Luigi Zuffetti, through Don Bosco Missioni, Italy. Thanks to his guidance she saw a beacon of light for the fulfilment of her dream of wearing the white coat one day.

Fr K.T. Jose explained to her the different options she could choose from and then recommended her to the St Ann's Nursing School at Malkapuram, an institute run by the St Ann's Sisters of Luzern (India), on the outskirts of the city of Vizag. That, according to Kamala, proved to be the turning point of her life. Today she cannot stop thanking and singing the praises of the Sisters who according to her, turned her life into a miracle. “They really taught me how to be the best of who I could be. It was from them that I learnt how to live, share, pray and love. I can never ever forget what they did for me,” shares Kamala. Everytime she utters 'St Anns' she almost jumps up in the air for joy! She is specially all praise for Srs Mercy Tom and Regi. She has imbibed the 'St Anns' spirit so much that listening to her speak English, none would doubt that she is from a purely rural Telugu background. All along Fr K.T. Jose was her constant guide and help.

Much before she completed her five year stint at the nursing school and notched the second best mark (84.3%), she was offered a top job at the Rajiv Gandhi Medical Institute, Visakhapatnam. Of the 20,000 job applicants for a mere 270 government posts, Kamala holds the record for being the youngest to be selected to date. Today, the 21 year old Kamala, with just a year of working experience at the institute, has been handpicked to undergo a specialised training in Visakhapatnam itself.

Though financially secure, she has not forgotten her early days. It is her mother that she loves dearly. Her example of hard work and love for the family are something Kamala cherishes most. Her father too is a changed man now. When asked as to what is the cause of this dramatic development in her life as well as that of her family, Kamala is quick to respond: “Jesus Christ and His gracious blessings!” Her initial dream of becoming a doctor has now a definite shape: she has set her mind on becoming the medical superintendent of the hospital. “Thus I can not only help people with their sickness but also get others to assist those in need and effect major health policies for the greater benefit of the poor,” is what Kamala is sure about. And her primary goal? To be the start of a series of success stories... to get others to dream dreams and have the will power to make those dreams come true.

Assumption and Independence Day

On the occasion of the Independence Day of our country, the Community gathered in prayer and celebration on August 15, 2011 in the Chapel. After a solemn Eucharistic Celebration of the twin solemnity of Assumption and Independence the community hoisted the national flag with full honour and respect. The Pratyasa group members prepared for the event, through a song, dance, message and the also saw to the nitty-gritties of the event. The message for the day was delivered by Br G. Hruday.

In the afternoon, the Brothers were permitted to pay a visit to Our Lady's Shrine in Gnanapuram and participate in the evening procession. The morning Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr K.T. Jose, the Rector.

Marian Month 2011

The month-long festivities around Mother Mary, as in any typical Salesian formation house, were the highlight of the latter part of July and the first half of August 2011 at Kondadaba. The climax of the activities and programmes was the grand Marian Nite held on August 12, 2011. Animated by Br Behera Sateesh, the regent and ably assisted by Brs Daniel, James and S. Anil (Mariadalam members) the three hour programme was a rich mix of fun, games, acting, singing and all sorts of activities with a Marian tinge. The Rainbow group emerged victorious among the eight participating teams.
The Marian tournament too was a tough one, as this year all the competing eight teams were equally held at the score board till the final day. That kept the enthusiasm and competitive spirit very much alive to the last whistle of the game. Suvartha Sunadam kept up their lead and narrowly managed to upset the previous year winners, Youth Alive. The second place is shared by three teams!!

Besides these, there were regular Prayer services, Rosary services, competitions (singing, drawing, drama, essay...) animated by different groups and participated by the whole community, dotted the whole past month. The conclusion of the Marian Month was the solemn Eucharistic celebration we had on the feast of the Assumption and Indian independence day.

The highlight of this year's activities was the beautiful decorations that the Brothers prepared as a sign of love and devotion to our Mother on the various occasions. The liturgical and para-liturgical animations too were well organised. Several guests to the Seminary during the past month were very much surprised to see the fervour of the students to do their best for the various events of the month.

New Priests' Day 2011

"This Seminary has given us love and here we are to offer this Eucharist and return back the same love," were the words of Fr Manoj, on the occasion of the New Priests' Day on August 5, 2011 at St John's, Kondadaba. It was the day on which the whole community rejoiced with and for the ten New Priests (of the 26 who were ordained this year) of the batch of 2003-2006.


The day long celebration began with the Holy Eucharist in which the staff along with the new Priests celebrated the joy on the commemoration of the feast of St John Mary Vianney. Immediately after the Mass, there was a well orchestrated cultural programme during which the new Priests were felicitated. Fr Wilson welcomed the guests for the celebration and Fr K.T. Jose (who began his 9 year term of Rectorship with this batch) highlighted the theme of the day: Be Jesus, Share Jesus (a quotation of Bl. Mother Teresa). Each of the three courses made a well prepared song-dance presentation. The address to the newly ordained was given by the Vidya Jyoti and Suvartha Sunadam group, so was a song too as the concluding of the felicitation.

The real learning and touching moment of the day was the frank sharing of the new Priests. Each of them, shared what and how the Seminary, especially Fr Rector, played a key role in their formative years. Every member in the hall was all ears to their heartfelt sharing. Besides the many good things and experiences they shared, something which they unanimously agreed upon was that this Seminary offered each student equal and abundant opportunities to shine out in various fields. For this Fr K.T. Jose was specially thanked and appreciated. They also offered the community a gift - a 3D picture of Christ.

The sumptuous lunch followed the programme and later each Diocesan group spent some time with the Priests from their respective dioceses. The finale of the day was the challenging basketball match wherein the new Priests, with a bit of assistance from their beloved Rector, just narrowly defeated the Seminarians!

Text: Br M. Banu
Photos: Br T. Kamalesh

Childrens' Fest (Irugu Porugu) at Kondadaba

The photos below are of the Childrens' Fest, Irugu Porugu Programme that we had for more than 500 children of the neighbourhood, on July 31, 2011. The day long animation was coordinated by Chaitanya Deepika group under the able and dynamic guidance of Fr K.T. Jose, the Rector and Br Behera Sateesh, the Regent of the Seminary. Fr Alex Jeyaraj sdb was the chief guest for the occasion and was greatly liked by the children for his impressive message and style. Srs Claire, Prasanna and Abilasha from the Kondadaba convent were the judges for the day.

The children of 25 villages participated in the various events of the day: tableau, dance and song. All of these were participated by all the children from the village. Rather than have a select few perform each item, all the children from the village were expected to be on stage. This made the whole programme a mega show of strength and preparation. The respective Brothers going to the different villages for ministry too did well in preparing the children for this day.

Speed n' speed and Mother Theresa groups lent a great helping hand in the packing and distribution of lunch to all the children. The announcement of nearly 12 prizes, all to the whole village rather than individuals, was a great source of cheer for the children, besides the many songs, actions songs and fun they had all through the day.

Seminar on BCC

A three day seminar on Basic Christian Communities (BCC) was organised at St John's Regional Seminary, Kondadaba from July 18, 2011. Fr Dusi Devaraj, the director of Jyotirmai Society, and his team comprising of Mr Rayappa Reddy, Mr Christopher, Mr Deva Kumar, Mr Lourduraj and Mr Mariadas, were the chief animators of this seminar.
Tracing the origin of the BCCs to the lived experience of the early New Testament itself, the animators, stressed on fraternal love as the foundation stone for this grouping. With its motto of self-rule, self-nourishment and self-development, the need and importance of BCCs was highlighted in the initial two days. A brief historical review of the emergence and need of the Catechetical wing of the Andhra Pradesh Bishop's Conference (APBC), the Jyotirmai Society, too formed part of the input sessions.
The other practical sessions were coordinated by the team from Jyotirmai Society. They helped the Brothers understand and imbibe the seven step prayer of Lectio-Divina. To make this tangible, gospel sharing sessions too were organised. Through these sharings the Brothers were helped to train themselves and others for a deeper and enriching study of the Bible and our Catholic tradition. The team also screened a couple of movies to highlight the impact of the BCCs on faith formation and community building.

The liturgy of these three days too was animated by the team in line with the main theme of the seminar. Though consisting of long sessions, the participants found the seminar very enriching for their personal and pastoral lives.

An Orphan's Childhood

Sorrow buried deep in the heart
which can be seen clearly through the eyes.
Body designed with bruises on its every part
falling every moment they try to rise.

They stare at people with a glance of hope
but get pity or warnings, not compassion in return.
The good tidings of happy childhood they wanna gallop,
instead they achieve spits and scolds and shuns.

Seeing children going to school and study
they are filled with inferiority and self-pity.
Dreaming of being rich and famous in future
they spend their present in marshes muddy.

At the age of being fed
they go in search of food themselves.
By this unbearable hunger and temptations they are misled
into crimes like robbing, cheating and spoiling themselves.

Rejected by the womb which gave birth to them,
deserted by the hand which had to take care of them.
They open their eyes to the morn of this world
from a bin or a garbage or in a river being hurled.

Voices filled with pain and suffering
blamed and tortured by their surrounding.
Dressed with dirt and painted with fear
seems like everyone is their foe and they've no one dear.

Cleansing their wounds with a solution of tears
finding not even a soul to console their fears.
If such a childhood to these orphans is given
how then can we expect them to become respectful citizen.

Just food or money or small favour done
nothing of this sort can soothe their pain.
A loving heart and a caring soul of one
if they gain it, the whole world they gain.

Br Jermore Emmanuel Lewis (I year)

First years at SJRS, Kondababa

A snap of the first years at SJRS, Kondadaba: 23 of them resident at Kondadaba - in their official attire. The other 9 OCDs residing at Pendurthy, who are day scholars are not in this photo.

Marian Month fervour

The first Saturday of the Marian Month was made special by the Pratyasa group members through their well prepared animation for the morning prayer and meditation. The Mass thereafter was presided over by Fr Wilson who emphasised upon the covenantal aspect of Mother Mary and described her as the Ark of the Covenant. The whole celebration of the liturgy was held in the lawn outside the Chapel.

With animations and devotions like these the community is slowly catching up with the fervour of the Marian month.

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.