After
two months of summer vacation, the seminary re-opened on 30th of
May. Now the silent days are over. Seminary is blooming and vibrating with the
arrival of 24 theologians and 44 philosophers as new comers. The Rector, Fr.
Prasad Pinto OFM. Cap is seen in his usual wit, welcoming the students.
President and the prefects too are busy in making their stay comfortable.
Orientation Programme
Fr.
Raju Felix Crasta who is back in SAC after his successful completion of Diploma in Counseling and Spirituality,
conducted the orientation programme for both the Philosophers and Theologians.
He focused on the theme: “The Integral Personality Development”, a unique
module designed by him. It was a great eye-opener to all the participants to
delve into their personal life to begin with the serious formation in the Major
Seminary.
With
the Orientation, the Philosophers started their regular routine of classes.
However, soon after the orientation programme, the theologians began their
annual retreat.
Annual Retreat
Fr.
Pius Thekemury S.J., Theologian and Scripture scholar who at present the staff
of Atmadarshan (Center for Counseling
and Spirituality), Patna preached the Annual retreat for the Theologians. This
retreat is nothing but remembering the story of Jesus, His life, death and
resurrection and experiencing the love behind it, and listening to and
contemplating the story afresh. This will enable the seminarians to become attentive
to what is awakened in them as they gradually become His story witnessing to
this Love in their life and ministry.
The Retreat was well
arranged. The preacher used modern technology for the effective communication. It
helped the seminarians to enter into a deeper communion with God. The most
beautiful experience was the “YOGA MEDITATION” at the dawn. Beside he invited
us to listen to the talks of Tony D’Mellow on Silence, Peace, Joy, Life,
freedom and Love.
The New Professor,
Fr. Solomon Tirkey
Fr.
Selvaraj, the Dean of Philosophy has left no stone unturned to fetch able
philosophers for the philosophy Department. His effort is yielding fruits and
now we have Fr. Solomon Tirkey of Ambikapur Diocese as the new Philosophy
Professor. He has tones of experience as
a diocesan priest who was serving the local Church (Ambikapur) in various
capacities. Apart from teaching skills for he was a principal of the school, is
a good sports person. His favourite game is basketball and football. No sooner
he arrived, than the SAC made him the head of the department of sports and
games. His rich experience surely will be a handy tool in forming the young
seminarians. SAC DARPAN congratulates
and wishes him every best.
A tearful adieu to
Prof. Dr. Fr. Shailendra Bara S.J.
St.
Paul says it beautifully, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the
race,I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of
righteousness” (2 Tim 4:7-8). Prof. Dr. Fr. Shailendra Bara S.J., the Scripture
Professor of St. Albert’s College over 20 years passed away on July 6, 2014 at
the age of 62. This is a saddest day for the SAC. The SAC has lost one of its
best jewels. The students have lost one
of their loving professors. The staff of SAC has lost one of their loving
companions. Prof. Shailendra taught scripture from 1993 onwards, first as a
resident professor and then as a visiting professor. Just before his death,
(June 2014) the Vice-Chancellor of SAC had appointed him as the resident
professor. Before he could come and occupy his room, he said good bye to all of
us. His mortal remains were buried in the Kantatoli Cemetery in Ranchi on June
7, 2014. On this occasion, the Vice-Chancellor Most Rev. Felix Toppo S.J.,
presided at the Eucharistic Celebration.
Inauguration of the
Academic Year
Academic
Year 2014-15 was inaugurated with the solemn Eucharist presided over by His
Excellency Bishop Felix Toppo S.J., the Vice-Chancellor of SAC. Along with him
Rev. Fr. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxiliary Bishop Elect of Ranchi
Archdiocese, Rector, president, Vice-President, Prefects, Residence and
Non-resident Professors, and Priests of Ranchi Religious Communities
concelebrated at the Eucharist. Students, guests and religious people were
present on the occasion.
The
Eucharistic Celebration was followed by the formal Inauguration of the Academic
year. The Rector, Rev. Fr. J.P. Pinto OFM Cap., welcomed the gathering. The
President Rev. Fr. Suman Ekka gave the inaugural address in which he presented
the annual report. Then ceremoniously
the Academic Year 2014-15 was kicked off by the Vice-Chancellor. The
Vice-president, Rev. Fr. Selva Raj who is also the Dean of Philosophy of SAC
announced the results of BPh students and awarded the degrees. Then the
Registrar, Rev. Fr. John Crasta announced the results of MTh and BTh
Examinations and the Vice-Chancellor awarded the degrees.
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| Rev. J.P. Pinto OFM Cap.: Welcome address |
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| Bishop Felix Toppo S.J.: Lighting the Lamp |
 |
Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxiliar Bishop Elect of Ranchi Arch Diocese
Lighting the Lamp |
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| Student Representative: Lighting the Lamp |
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| Rev. Selva Raj, the Dean Of Philosophy |
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| Vice-Chancellor Awarding the BTh Degree |
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| Bishop Awarding the BTh Degree |
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| Bishop Awarding the BTh Degree |
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| Bishop Awarding the BTh Degree |
This
was followed by “Schola Brevis” on
the theme: “Adivasi Issues: Challenges
and Remedies” by Mr. Gladson Dungdung, the
Human Rights Activist and Writer. Everyone applauded the presentation as
it was the relevant issue of the time. At the end there was enough time for
interaction and queries. Many Philosophy students came up with innovative and
challenging questions which marveled all.
 |
| Mr. Gladson Dungdung |
 |
| President felicitating the Resource Person |
Rev.
Fr. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxiliary bishop Elect of Ranchi gave away the
words of Blessing. Earlier, the Albertine Choir welcomed all with a melodious
song. Br. Bibin proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the
Seminary Anthem and a sumptuous meal.
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| Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxiliary Bishop Elect of Ranchi |
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| Seminary Choir |
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| Degree Holders with the Vice-Chancellor and guests |
Report
By:
Fr.
Raju Felix Crasta
