Dear Fathers and Brothers,
First of all I wish you all a very Happy Feast. We are all privileged to have Most Rev. Peter Parapullil, Bishop of Jhansi as the Chief Guest at the Seminary Day Celebrations together with Most Rev. Ignatius Menezes, Apostolic Administrator, Allahabad Diocese, Priests and Sisters.
On this occasion I would like to give you a brief note on the Seminary. Our Community consists of 9 resident staff members and 87 Students of Theology enrolled, belonging to 16 Dioceses and 2 Religious Congregations. We have 21 visiting staff, one office staff and 7 support staff. Besides teaching and formation ministry, the Fathers continue to extend their spiritual ministry in various parishes, religious and formation houses in and around Allahabad and so do the Brothers. The Fathers and Brothers are the hands and they support and encourage me in leading this formation house. All that you see and enjoy today is the coordinated work of all the Fathers and Brothers. I say a big “Thank You” to all of them.
On this special occasion, I gratefully acknowledge the spiritual and financial assistance from the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle, MISSIO and its Benefactors, Board of Bishops, Superiors.
In the Year of Faith, we the Fathers and Brothers decided to organize various activities in the Seminary as well as outside keeping the theme of Faith and Evangelization. All the Seminary programmes will be focused on revitalization of faith, study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Vatican Documents and the Quiz on it. Our Seminarians will organize the seminars on Year of Faith, Bible Quiz in the parishes and conduct regular Prayer Meetings during their visits to the families.
It is praiseworthy to say that our Seminarians put in every effort and contribute to the growth of the Seminary and extend a hand in the spread of Christ’s mission while still in formation. Besides active pastoral ministry in various sectors, they also raise funds for charitable works, working on a single day, as one day labour, manifesting their solidarity with those poor benefactors and suffering brethren. Besides using these funds for the poor and the needy during the pastoral ministry, a portion of this amount is sent to the Pontifical Mission Society every year. Besides academic pursuit, the Seminarians are encouraged to participate in debates, symposia and sports competitions and organise pastoral and social awareness programmes. At this juncture, we acknowledge the immense love, support and encouragement we receive from the Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and friends in the city of Allahabad in the work of formation.
Together with variety of items, I am glad to announce that this evening’s Biblical Dance Drama, ‘Journey of Faith’ is written, music arranged and sung by our own Brothers, as an effort to enhance our own faith, inviting us all to a renewed commitment to Jesus’ mission in the Year of Faith. Once again, I pray for God’s blessings on you all. May St. Joseph, our Patron, pray for us.
St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary
Allahabad
Fr. Francis D’Souza
Rector