The
three prepositions, ‘by, of and for’ are
often used to define a democratic endeavor. The same prepositions can be used to
define the role of St. Albert’s College (SAC) in the local Church and in the
Universal Church at large. SAC is not only ‘of the Church, by the Church and
for the Church’ but also ‘of the people, by the people and for the people.’ It
has served the Universal Church as well as local Church in realizing mission
and also is continuing to serve and will serve always. The missionary mandate
of the Church says, “just as he [Christ] had been sent by the Father (cf. Jn.
20:21), so he sent the apostles into the world, commanding them: “Go,
therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all that
I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:19ff); “Go into the whole world, preach the
Gospel to every creature….”’[1] First
and foremost Christ was a missionary, who ‘preached the word of truth and begot
churches’ and sent his disciples to do the same. Therefore, it is the duty of
every successor to carry on this work so that the Kingdom of God is proclaimed
and renewed throughout the world.[2]
The
Vision statement of SAC clearly indicates the very purpose of its existence:
“To build the Kingdom of God on earth, a just and humane society based on the
values of Gospel.” The goal is achieved by means of various activities as
enumerated in its mission statement: “To impart a formation which enables the
students to be genuine disciples of Jesus; who constantly listen to God’s Word
and proclaim it to others fearlessly; who are trustworthy Stewards and
Servant-Leaders to build and nourish the faith community with the Sacraments,
God’s Word and a personal life Witnesses; who are socially awakened and stand
up for human dignity and rights; who are able to transcend all boundaries of
caste, creed and race to form human communities.”
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| Vision and Mission statements |
SAC,
true to this apostolic act, has been carrying out the mandate as a ‘good and
faithful servant’ over the century in forming zealous missionaries, catechists
and laity in the vineyard of the Lord as well as in establishing and preserving
socio-cultural heritage in the nation. It has formed thousands of priests, over
35 Bishops and a Cardinal, and this itself is a significant data to enumerate.
Apart from this, one cannot relinquish significant contributions to the
society, such as: demonstration and preservation the local cultural heritage, profound
insights in the international research journal known as Sevartham on the contextual theology, spirited participation in
curbing social menaces such as illiteracy, poverty and corruption, etc.
This
short write up is a humble effort to highlight some of the achievements of SAC
and areas of its pride.
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| Journal of SAC |
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| History revolves here... |
Spiritual Formation for Transformation
Transformation
and renewal of the world and Church in particular depend in great part upon the
priestly ministry animated by the spirit of Christ. Therefore, there is a great
need for an effective priestly training. For this purpose, Church believes that
“greatest contribution is made by the families which are animated by the spirit
of faith, charity and piety.”[3]
The families and parishes are the first seminaries in training the priests. Continuing
this, in the major seminaries, spiritual, intellectual and disciplinary
formation is achieved. “Spiritual formation should be closely associated with
doctrinal and pastoral formations, and, with the assistance of the spiritual
director in particular”.[4]
Formation
of priests and intellectuals is a first priority of SAC who build the Kingdom
of God in the society by means of - their life and example; teaching and
writing, giving leadership and denouncing evil practices. Thus, the formed
priests transform the unholy society into a holy society where justice and
peace reign.
To
nurture the seeds of vocation, seminarians are guided by able spiritual
directors who are men of spirituality and good learning.SAC has well-trained
counselors who guide the students in their spiritual journey. The associate teachers
are not only intellectual guides, but also walk along with the students in
their thick and thins. They correct and guide the students. Daily prayers,
meditation and Eucharistic celebrations in various groups and as community add
flavor to the formation. Similarly, timely novenas, pilgrimages, rosaries,
Eucharistic devotions and benedictions strengthen the student in the way to
priesthood. Seminarians are trained well in various parish ministries during
their stay in the seminary as well as when they go for parish experiences during
the vacations.
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| community Eucharistic celebration |
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| Retreat |
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| In prayer |
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| student-staff relation |
Most
of the priests who came for the Alumni gathering in view of SAC Centenary
Celebration held in the month of September 12-13, 2013, said that the holiness
and commitment of the professors and spiritual directors still inspire them.
Today, their success in their mission field is due to a well-inculcated
formation and guidance they received from their teachers during their stay in
SAC. One of the distinguished alumni, Bishop Francis Kalist of Meerut Diocese
said, “The staff, specially the Belgium Jesuits, were really holy and simple in
their life style, hardworking and committed. They taught us by their life-examples
more than through lectures. They accompanied us in true spirit. They prayed
with us, worked with us and played with us. They were our fathers as well as
our companions. They were great because they were truly humble.” Fr. Jos De
Cuyper S.J. in his booklet, St. Albert’s
College 1957-2007: A Brief Overview recalls with gratitude the indelible
seal left on people by three persons, Fr. T. Heyrman S.J., Fr. F. Eelen S.J.,
and Fr. F. Quirijnen S.J.as “Spiritual leavens” who gave both staff and
seminarians a solid sacerdotal spirituality.[5]
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| Alumni fathers in SAC |
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| Distinguished alumni |
Spiritual
contribution of SAC is not only to the priests of the past and present, buts
also to the laity of the past and present. Extensive recollections, retreats,
talks, seminars and spiritual input sessions to various people in and around
the seminary are noteworthy. Over 25 years Fr. Vincent Toppo S.J., is
conducting marriage counseling and catechism for the would-be-couples of
Chotanagpur plateau. Solving marriage cases and guiding the couples in their
marital life is a herculean task which the canonists of this seminary were and
are busy with, under the able leadership of Fr. David Bara, who was ably
supported by Fr. Linus Pingal Ekka and other professors. It will be a grave
mistake if I do not mention Fr. Jos De Cuyper S.J., who was an inter-diocesan
canonist and judge for many dioceses of Bijhan and its neighbouring dioceses.
He single handedly has solved many casus
and was an expert consulter for every matter. It is a matter of pride to say
that SAC is a centre of reference for any liturgical and divine queries for
every parish and dioceses of BIJHAN. In order to explain to the people, the
spiritual and liturgical significance in their own language, the seminary has published
a magazine called, “Word and Worship” by Fr. Jos De Cuyper S.J. and latter ably
supported by Fr. Linus Kujur S.J. The present younger generation in the
seminary and young priests will not forget the liturgist and missiologist Fr.
Linus Kujur S.J., for his systematic classes, meetings and above all
well-organized liturgical ceremonies in Ranchi. As it is said, ‘we learn by
doing’, he teaches by word and example which gets imprinted in the heart of
every one.
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| Fr. Jose De Cuyper S.J |
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| Silver Jubilee alumni (1982 batch) |
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| inauguration of a symposium |
Intellectual Transformation
Beginning
with the philosophical studies till the pastoral studies in theology, the seminary
zealously engages in high level intellectual formation. In line with the revised
ecclesiastical norms, the seminary’s philosophical studies lead the students
gradually to a solid and consistent knowledge of human being, the world and
God. Various courses and seminars, both in western and eastern philosophical
trends are conducted and modern and contemporary issues and challenges are
sufficiently addressed. In order to recognize the goodness and truth in other
faiths and to refute the errors occuring during the encounter with other
faiths, various eastern religions are taught and contextualized. The balanced
philosophical attitude enables the students to integrate the mysteries of
salvation in the higher light of faith and reason.
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| well equipped library |
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| Brothers relishing modern technology |
In
order to compete with the growing intellectual culture in the world, various
seminars, symposiums and extension lectures are held at SAC. Students actively partake
in these events. To develop intellectual skills, seminary conducts various
literary competitions. The best essays, poems and other works of various literary
genre are published in the seminary wall-board magazine and annul student
magazine, Darpan. Many professors
write scholarly articles and present them in various platforms.
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| Fr. Selvaraj, ready to present a paper in ACPI seminar |
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| Fr. Raju moderating a session in ACPI seminar |
SAC has
become an apt platform for many to excel in intellectual level. Many have
obtained Doctorates and other degrees and are doing great service to the Church
and nation. Alumni of this seminary are very much successful in various
capacities such as directors of social service, legal cell, youth groups,
schools etc., in their respective dioceses. The Seminary philosophy degree
issued is equivalent to BA-BEd is a recognized Government degree which was a
real boon to various minority educational institutes in the then undivided
Bihar. Efforts are on to re-recognize this degree in the present Jharkhand
government.
Transformation effected by the
transformed
‘A
good tree produces good fruit and a bad tree bad fruit.’ SAC has been producing
good fruits for the world. Over a century ago, missionaries came to Chotanagpur
and sowed the seed of faith. At that time no one may have ever thought that one
day this insignificant place would be the future seed-bed of missionaries.
Thanks to the Jesuit Missionaries who thought ahead of time. Today, there are missionary priests, brothers
and sisters all over the world who studied in this seminary. A little lamp lit
in a remote village of Bankuli in 1914, and transposed to its present location
in Ranchi is enlightening whole world.
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| SAC in Bankuli, 1914 |
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| Superiors and Rectors |
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| An over-view of SAC |
Among
the religious leaders formed in this seminary are His Eminence Telesphore P.
Cardinal Toppo, the first tribal Cardinal of India, over 35 bishops, and over 2000
priests.[6]There
are also many women religious who have studied philosophy and theology here,
and they are contributing to the Universal church in their own capacity, may be
in the form of formation in-charges of their congregations, retreat preaching,
recollections, catechisms, seminars and other pastoral areas.
In
order to achieve social transformation, one needs to understand the social
issues and problems. Then one needs to act concretely in the given situation.
SAC has them all. St Albert’s College has introduced various courses such as
Liberation Theology, Social Teaching of the Church, Praxis oriented Social
Analysis, study of various Grass-root Self-empowerment Movements, Basic
Christian Communities and several Seminars on burning Social issues of the time
like terrorism, communal violence, ecological degradation, emigration, human
trafficking, bonded labour, child labour, dowry system etc. In fact, the
Students find these issues very relevant and interesting, and actively involve
themselves in working out solutions for the problems.
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| H.E. Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo with Bijhan bishops & staff |
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| Fr. Rector along with the Women Students |
St
Albert’s College encourages students to participate in public demonstrations,
protests, seminars and programmes meant to protest injustice to the poor
sections of the society. They also take part in programmes and marches to
protest the violation of human rights, human dignity and tribal rights. They
also do not hesitate to join marches and protest against Government policies
which violate the Constitution of India.
Awakening Human Dignity and Right
Pope
John Paul in his Encyclical, Redemptoris Missio,
says that “Charity is the soul of missionary activity. Love is the driving
force of mission”.[7]There
are millions of people living in slums, dilapidated houses and asylums. They
have barely anything to eat. At this juncture Church teaches us to ‘fight
hunger by changing our lives’ so as to become brothers and sisters of the poor.In
his recent visits to Lampedusa and then to the Jesuit Refugee Service in Rome,
Pope Francis challenged the West on the
issue of treatment of asylum seekers. He said, “Where is your brother?' Who is
responsible for this blood?… Who is responsible for the blood of these brothers
and sisters of ours? Nobody! That is our answer: It isn't me; I don't have
anything to do with it; it must be someone else, but certainly not me. Yet God
is asking each of us: ‘Where is the blood of your brother which cries out to
me?’ Today no one in our world feels responsible; we have lost a sense of
responsibility for our brothers and sisters. We have fallen into the hypocrisy
of the priest and the levite whom Jesus described in the parable of the Good
Samaritan: we see our brother half dead on the side of the road, and perhaps we
say to ourselves: ‘poor soul ...!’, and then go on our way. It's not our
responsibility, and with that we feel reassured, assuaged. The culture of
comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the
cries of other people, makes us live in soap bubbles which, however lovely, are
insubstantial; they offer a fleeting and empty illusion which results in
indifference to others; indeed, it even leads to the globalization of
indifference. In this globalized world, we have fallen into globalized
indifference. We have become used to the suffering of others: it doesn't affect
me; it doesn't concern me; it's none of my business!”[8]
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| Slum Children in SAC |
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| empowering slum children |
As
future missionaries, one needs to experience existential reality. SAC is very
much involved among various slums in their education, sanitation and their
struggle against poverty. Once in a year, the slum children are collected and
brought to the Seminary and a mega cultural event called, “Day of Marginalized
People” is celebrated in which they are offered talks on current issues by
competent people, cultural programme and entertainment and above all a
sumptuous meal.
Further,
many brothers visit jail and help the prisoners in conscientizing them for a
better life. Seminarians also visit hospitals and asylums. Besides they do
ministries among youth and children in making them future leaders; they are
also motivated to become priests and religious.
Bearing Witness for the Kingdom
“Unless
a wheat grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single grain;
but if it dies it yields a rich harvest” (Jn. 12:24). Christ, the first
missionary, died on the cross and bore supreme fruit for the Father. Following
his example, his disciples too underwent the same fate. To be a martyr is a supreme
way of giving witness to the Gospel. Following this, the priests who formed in this
seminary too have given their witness to the Supreme Truth. Martyrs of
Karaundabera, Fr. Lawrence Kujur, Fr. Joseph Dung Dung, Br. Amar Anil Indwar in
the diocese of Gumla,[9]
Fr. Ignatius Bara in the diocese of Simdega who is a well-known musician in the
Jharkhand region, Fr. James Kottayil of the Archdiocese of Ranchi in 1960’s, and
many more such daring missionaries in remote villages of Chotanagpur are fresh
memories to thousands of faithful even today.
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| Martyrs of Karaundabera being remembered |
Many
priests in the parishes are selflessly working to realize the Kingdom of God:
spiritually by means of various religious devotions, retreats and evangelical
works; socially by means of gatherings, development and conscientizing
activities like youth camps, Self-Help Groups etc.; promote education by means
of formal and non-formal way schools, colleges, and vocational trainings; and
promote health-care by means of establishing dispensaries, hospitals and other
nursing schools. Many priests are living a holy life and thus give witness to
Christ by their very life, word and deed.
Conclusion
Priesthood
is a challenging task, so is the formation of the seminarians. Therefore, every
aspect of the life in the seminary has to be consideredprudently.
Globalization, consumerist attitude, post-modern tendencies and growing
fashioniestas, etc., challenge the formation of seminarians. Seminarians need
to go along with the times, but at the same time need to keep up the pulse of
the Church. On the one hand they have Kingdom ideal to follow and on the other
hand wrong conceptions of power and position of the earthly kingdom cause
enormous harm in their growth. Instead of choosing the suffering Christ as
their role model, they often chose wrong model of church, such as, priests as
builders of buildings and structures, Christ as Royal Messiah with power and
position, ‘Martha complexity’ of being busy in folly-issues etc.[10]We
need to head to the exhortation of St. Peter: “like living stones, let
yourselves be built into a spiritual house” (1 Pet. 2:5).
Kingdom
of God is an ideal to be achieved. It is already present amidst us, but not yet
fully realized. It is actualized in and through our words and deeds. Various
clauses expressed in the mission statement in fact lead us to the realization
of Kingdom of God. SAC is achieving this. However, there would be failures, but
they are stepping stones of our success. After realizing our failures, we try
to overcome them and make the world better.
Thus, the SAC formation enables the student to be genuine disciples of
Jesus, who constantly listen to God’s Word and proclaim it to others fearlessly,
who are trustworthy stewards and servant leaders to build and nourish the faith
communities with the sacraments, God’s Word and a personal life-witness, who
are socially awakened and can stand up for human dignity and right, and who are
able to transcend all boundaries of caste, creed and race to form human
communities.
Fr. Raju Felix Crasta
St. Albert's College, Ranchi
[5]Cf., Jos De Cuyper S.J., St. Albert’s College 1957-2007: A Brief
Overview (Ranchi: St. Albert’s College, 2007), 14.
[6] Cf., Jos De Cuyper S.J., St. Albert’s College 1957-2007: A Brief
Overview.
[8] Cf. Frank Brennan,
“What Pope Francis means for the Church in the modern world,” in ABC RELIGION AND ETHICS, uploaded on 13
NOV 2013, accessed from http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2013/11 /13/3890038.html,
accessed on 18 November 2013 2013, Internet.
[9] For some details on the
martyrdom and other details see,
http://stalbertscollegeranchi.blogspot.in/2013/09/ martyrs-of-karaundabera-remembered.html,
accessed on 18 November 2013.
[10] cf., Prince Franklin, “Wrong
Theological Emphasis: Cause for Crisis in Priestly Ministry,” Darpan (2009), 37-38.
