SAC Re-opens

After two months of summer vacation, the seminary re-opened on 30^th 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.

Rev. J.P. Pinto OFM Cap.: Welcome address

Bishop Felix Toppo S.J.: Lighting the Lamp

Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxiliar Bishop Elect of Ranchi Arch Diocese
Lighting the Lamp

Student Representative: Lighting the Lamp

Rev. Selva Raj, the Dean Of Philosophy

Vice-Chancellor Awarding the BTh Degree

Bishop Awarding the BTh Degree

Bishop Awarding the BTh Degree

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.

Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxiliary Bishop Elect of Ranchi

Seminary Choir 

Degree Holders with the Vice-Chancellor and guests

Report By:

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta