INAUGURATION OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-16

Inauguration of the 36^th Annual Academic Year 2015-16 took place on 9^th July, 2015 with a solemn Eucharist presided over by H.E. Telesphore Cardinal P. Toppo, the Archbishop of Ranchi and the Patron of the St. Albert’s College (SAC) Ranchi. Most Rev. Felix Toppo S.J., the Vice-Chancellor of SAC, Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, Most Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, Most Rev. Charles Soreng S.J., the Bishop Emeritus of Hazaribagh Diocese, Very Rev. Joseph Marianus Kujur S.J., the Provincial of Jesuits of Ranchi, and other 26 priests concelebrated at the Mass. Bishop Telesphore Mascarenhas in his homily said, “We are afraid of so many insecurities in life. The Gospel gives us assurance. The Lord breaks all the walls of insecurities and gives us peace and entrusts us with a mission. Let us allow the Lord to come in to remove our fears and give us peace. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom comes from the Lord, for the fear of the Lord is the only fear worth having.”

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas breaking the Word of God

After the Holy Eucharist, there was a formal Inaugural Function at the SAC Auditorium. The Albertine Choir sang the welcome song. The dignitaries on the podium were, H.E. Telesphore Cardinal P. Toppo, Most Rev.Felix Toppo S.J, Rev.Fr. Rector, Deepak Tauro, Fr. John Crasta, the Registrar of the Faculty, Rev. Fr. Erik Breye, the dean of Post Graduate Studies, Fr. Bijay Kandulna, Rev. Fr. Suman Kumar. Ekka, the President of the Faculty, and Rev. Fr. Selva Raj, the Vice President of the Faculty. Apart from these several the other dignitaries present on the occasion were: Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, Most Rev. Charles Soren S.J, Rev. Dr. Man Masih Ekka, the principal of Gossner Theological College, Rev. Fr. Joseph Marianus Kujur, the Provincial of Ranchi Jesuits and several other religious of Ranchi. Fr. Deepak Tauro, the Rector of the seminary welcomed every one present. In his message he said, “Let us learn from Christ who is the source of Wisdom. There is no short cut for success. Only hard work is the way to achieve it.” To invoke the blessings of God, dignitaries, guests and the student representatives Lighted the Lamp. Then, the President delivered his Inaugural Address. In his address, invited everyone to keep a moment of silence as an obituary for Fr. Lucas Tirkey, who passed away on 25^th of April, 2015. At the end of his address, the Cardinal declared the Academic Year 2015-16 Open.

Welcome to the former Rector, Rev. Joseph P. Pinto

Rector, Rev. Fr. Deepak V. Tauro Welcoming the gathering

Lighting of the Lamp

The Presidential Address

This was followed by the announcement of Results of the previous academic year and awarding of degrees. Fr. Selva Raj, the Vice-President and Dean of Philosophy announced the results of 27 philosophy students who were awarded with BPh Degree. Then the Registrar of the Faculty, Rev. Fr. John Crasta announced the results of MTh and  BTh Examination held in the previous academic year.  Brs. Alex Lepcha, Bipin Kandulna, Patrick Barla and Xavier Topno topped in BTh exams. Cardinal Toppo awarded the degrees.  In the last academic year, 3 students – Frs. Bhushan Bara, Appunraj and Arulappan defended MTh  successfully, 20 finished theological studies (BTh) and got ordained priests and 30 finished the philosophical and college studies.

Vice President announcing BPh Results

The Registrar Announcing the MTh and BTh results

The Vice Chancellor, Most Rev. Felix Toppo S.J. congratulated the students who completed their studies. In his address, he said, “we receive rewards for the good we do. They have received the reward due to their effort. The staff too have contributed in their effort. I congratulate them all.” He further said, “Go beyond knowledge and acquire wisdom. Pray and contemplate and have a deep love for God. We need to recognize the beauty of God. We need to go in search of beauty of God in nature where we find our own beauty.”

Fr. Bijay Kandulna who completed his Philosophy here in SAC and pursued his BTh and MTh from the University of Urbanianum, Rome presented the Schola Brevis on the topic, “The Trinity as Principle and Modal of Hindu Christian Dialogue: Trimurti, Saccidananda and Blessed Trinity.” This was a comparative study on Hindu concept and Christian concept of Trinity from the Missiological perspective.

Schola Brevis: Fr. Bijay Kandulna

At the end, H.E. Telesphore Cardinal P. Toppo blessed everyone with his elegant message. He invited us learn at all stages of life. More so, keep our surrounding neat and clean.

Degree holders with the Dignitaries

Br. John Minj compered the programme. The programme concluded with a sumptuous meal in the refectory.

 

The Master of Ceremony: Br. John Minj

Report: Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

Installation of the New Rector: Rev. Fr. Deepak Valerian Tauro

1^st of July was the day filled with mixed feelings. The Albertine family bid farewell to Rev. Fr. Joseph Prasad Pinto OFM Cap., the Rector who served St. Albert’s College Ranchi (SAC) for the past 6 years (2009-2015). It was also the day of installation of the New Rector, Rev. Fr. Deepak Valerian Tauro. 

Fr. Deepak Valerian Tauro

Earlier, in the month of April, a grand welcome was given by the Staff and students when the Nunciature announced his name to  be the Rector of SAC.

[In the pictures below: Fr. Michael Ignatius, Fr. Raju Felix Crasta, Fr. John Crasta and Students]

Ceremonial Welcome

 Installation of the New Rector, Fr. Deepak V. Tauro

The programme began in the evening with the concelebrated Eucharist with His Eminence Telesphore Cardinal P.Toppo, the Archbishop of Ranchi and the Patron of SAC, Most. Rev. Felix Toppo SJ, the Vice Chancellor, Most Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxilary Bishop of Ranchi Archdiocese, Most. Rev. Charles Soreng SJ, Bishop Emiritus of the diocese of Hazaribag and the staff of the seminary. His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo, in his introduction thanked God for the gift of Fr. Prasad Pinto, as a Rector and formator of SAC for the past 6 years and prayed for the New Rector.  Most. Rev. Felix Toppo S.J., the Vice Chancellor of SAC broke the Word of God. After a beautiful homily, installation ceremony was conducted. Most Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi Archdiocese read in the decree issued by the Vatican on the appointment of the New Rector, Fr. Deepak Valerian Tauro, who was one of the Staff of SAC. Vice-Chancellor received the Act of Faith and Oath from the New Rector. 

Vice-Chancellor - Most Rev. Felix Toppo S.J
Breaking the Word of God during the Holy Eucharist

Reading In of the Decree by
Most Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, the Auxiliary Bishop

An Act of Faith by Fr. Deepak Tauro,
In front of the  Vice Chancellor

An Act of Faith by Fr. Deepak Tauro, 
In front of the  Vice Chancellor

Signing the Document

Vice-Chancellor Congratulating the New Rector

His Eminence Telesphore Cardinal P. Toppo
The Patron of the Seminary
along with other bishops and priests during the Eucharist

Farewell to the Outgoing Rector, Rev. Fr. Joseph Prasad Pinto OFM Cap.

After the mass, was a felicitation programme arranged in the SAC auditorium. There were two main programmes: Farewell to the outgoing Rector and Welcome to the incoming rector. Br. Xavier Topno, the compere of the programme welcomed the distinguished guests: H.E. Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo, Most. Rev. Felix Toppo S.J., Most. Rev. Charles Soreng S.J., Most. Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD and Rev. Fr. Joseph Marianus Kujur S.J., the Jesuit Provincial of Ranchi Province. Theology brothers sang a beautiful farewell song which was followed by a short video presentation prepared by Brs. Praveen Sequira and Bibin Thekkedath on the life and activities of the outgoing rector. In fact they were the ‘sweet memories’ of the beloved rector. The video made the outgoing rector emotional. This was followed by a short felicitation speech by Fr. John Crasta, the Prefect of theology and Registrar of the Faculty. In his speech he said, “Throughout the life, Fr. Rector had the passion to serve the humanity and the church. He played a key role of playing social work department by encouraging the brothers to interact and work with the socially deprived children. He was a man of humor which made even the most difficult challenges more bearable”. Most. Rev. Felix Toppo appreciated Rector thereafter and honoured him with a shawl and a sapling, not before thanking profusly for his wonderful service rendered to the church of Chotanagpur and to SAC in particular. Then, there were a few words of sentiments by the outgoing Rector, Rev. Fr. Joseph P. Pinto OFM Cap. He appreciated the Board of Bishops, Staff and students of St. Albert College. He also congratulated the New Rector and wished him the very best. With this the first part of the programme came to its end.

Farewell Song by the Brothers

Bishop Felix Toppo Thanking the Outgoing Rector

Dear Fr. Joseph Prasad Pinto, our beloved Rector, 

As you take your new road,

We wish you a cup of success,

A pint of happiness,

And a jug of achievements.

May you live the life of your dreams each moment

Welcome to the New Rector: Fr. Deepak V. Tauro

Felicitation Song by the Brothers

The second part of the programe was welcoming of the New Rector. There was a beautiful welcome song by the Philosophy Choir. Then, the New Rector Rev. Fr. Deepak Valerian Tauro addressed the gathering and expressed his vision and mission. First and foremost, he thanked God for electing him as the NEW RECTOR. He also thanked the outgoing Rector for his dedicated service. In his address, he said, “Let us build a good relationship with our Bishops, Gurus, Co-workers and all those who come in contact with us.”  He said that the term ‘authority’ in the church means ‘service’, and promised that he will be always at the service of the Church. He expressed his vision in terms of Spiritual Revival of the community, Intellectual formation, Fuller commitment of the Staff in the formation of the students and discipline of the self and of others. He proposed to create an Eco-task Force to protect the environment. Finally, he finished his address with a saying “a New born sweeps well” and asked all the staff and students to become a new broom so that the community remains vibrant and God living.

At the end of the programme, His Eminence Telesphore Cardinal P. Topp expressed the words of blessing but not before felicitating Rev. Deepak Tauro with a shawl and a sapling. The programme concluded with the seminary Anthem.

 News Report by Dainik Bhaskar

Blog Report by

Fr. R.F.Crasta and Br. Bibin V.

Fr. Lucas, We Miss You: An Obituary to Rev. Fr. Lucas Tirkey

“… Whether we live or die, we belong to the lord”  (Rom 14:8).

Rev. Fr. Lucas Tirkey, a dynamic and most loved priest, parish priest, formator, spiritual director, professor of Spiritual Theology, Prefect of Philosophy has gone to his eternal reward. St. Albert has lost its finest Jewel. Whole Albertine family is mourning with his sudden demise. But as true Christians, we believe that he is in the company of Saints and in the presence of God the Father.

On April 8, While going to Simdega for the blessing of a convent he experienced severe chest pain and was taken to dispensary in Hulhundu and soon he was taken to Orchid Hospital, Ranchi where he was diagnosed  as having two blocks in the heart, one 100% and the other 60%. Doctors were unable to clear the blocks for two days and therefore he was referred to Apollo Hospital, Ranchi. Though the expert doctors could clear the blocks and regained his consciousness his brain had already affected the attack. He remained unconscious for 14 days and slowly his brain started dying and other organs failing. On April 25 at 4.40 a.m doctors declared him dead.

Fr. Lucas Tirkey was born on April 20, 1955 as a sixth child among seven children of Late John Tirkey and Late Mariam Tirkey in Kurdeg parish. He was ordained priest for Ranchi Archdiocese by the Archbishop Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo on January 4, 1986. He turned 60 years when we was in Apollo Hospital. After the initial studies, he completed degree from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. Then he completed the philosophy from St. Albert’s College Ranchi, Theology from Orience theological Instutude – Shillong, and Licentiate in Spiritual Theology from St. Thomas Aquinas Pontifical University – Rome.  Ever since his ordination, he served the Church in various capacities: As Assistant Parish Priest of Torpa Parish, Archdiocesan Vocation promoter and formator of young candidates, secretary to the Archbishop of Ranchi, parish priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ranchi and as Professor cum Prefect of Philosophy at St Albert’s College, Ranchi.

Speaking on his death, Fr. Joseph Prasad Pinto Ofm Cap., the Rector of the Seminary said, “We have lost a precious Jewel. He was a role model for all Christians.” His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo said, “his death has incurred a great loss not only to the Albertine family, but also to the Archdiocese.” Fr. Lucas was very much sought person in many formation houses in and around Ranchi. In their condolence messages, many told us that they have lost “their guardian.”

The funeral ceremony was conducted in the St. Mary’s Cathedral Ranchi on April 26, 2015 at 11 a.m. His Eminence Telesphore P.  Cardinal Toppo was the main celebrant at the Eucharist. Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD, Rev. Fr. Joseph P. Pinto Ofm Cap. the Rector of St. Albert’s College, Rev. Fr. C.R. Prabhu the former Rector of St. Albert’s College and around two hundred priests concelebrated and prayed for Fr. Lucas Tirkey. Fr. Eustace Xalxo, companion and the best friend of Fr. Lucas preached a meaningful homily.  The cathedral was packed with the faithful.

Fr. David Anand Xalxo gave a short biography of Fr. Lucas while Fr. Joseph P. Pinto, Most Rev. Sr. Linda Mary Vaughan, the Superior General of DSA Congregation and Mr. George Lakra gave eulogy address. While Sr. Nilima Xaxa OSU thanked the congregation on behalf of family, Most Rev. Telesphore Bilung SVD thanked on behalf of the Archdiocese.

Fr. Jacob T.K. organized the whole funeral event efficiently and meaningfully. The body was kept at St. Albert's College for the public to pay homage and last respect. The Staff and Students of SAC especially the philosophy brothers along with their prefect, Fr. Raju Felix Crasta worked out with the arrangements. Brothers were assigned to perform various duties. It was a fitting and well deserved farewell.

Some highlights: for more pictures click the link given at the image "Fr. Lucas Tirkey - funeral pictures" placed just below the Blog Archives. 

May His Soul Rest In Peace

Report:

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

Blog Master