M’lore: St Joseph’s Seminary Day Celebrated with Grandeur and Beauty

By Johnson Sequeira & Praveen J Saldanha
Pics by Nelson Pais
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 7 Dec 2013: St Joseph’s Inter diocesan Seminary, Jeppu celebrated its most delectable day, the ’Seminary Day’ on Thursday, December 5, 2013.

The seminary day celebrations started with the Eucharistic celebration at the Seminary Oratory, celebrated by Fr William Barocas, a priest of Ajmeer Diocese.  Fr William Barocas, alumni of St Joseph’s Seminary, offered festal Thanksgiving Mass on the occasion of his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee.

The public function commenced at 5.30 pm. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, presided over the programme. In his message, Bishop Gerald I. Lobo, the first Bishop of Udupi Diocese, lauded the contribution of the Seminary in forming the future priests. At the same time, Bishop highlighted the missionary dimension of the Church.

 

Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore and Chairman of the Board of Administration of the Seminary was also present. Fr Joseph Martis, the Rector, welcomed the gathering and presented a succinct report of the seminary activities.  The report recalled the generous support given by the people. Currently 222 students hailing from 29 dioceses and 9 religious congregations are studying in Jeppu Seminary. In addition, 84 laity are attending weekend theology classes.

The English play - ‘The Crown’, depicting the worth of suffering in one’s life to receive the Heavenly Reward, captured the attention of the audience. The cultural extravaganza in various languages by the seminarians with well blended creativity was appreciated by the audience. Deacon Jerald S D’Mello compered the programme. Fr Praveen Leo Lasrado systematically coordinated the entire programme.

The alumni, neighbours, ecumenical leaders, relatives of the seminarians, benefactors, religious and laity participated in large numbers. The Mangalore Seminary in its 136 years has been the Alma Mater for over 2000 priests who have gone out of the portals of this seminary to various parts of India and overseas.