(Bangalore, India) 10th June 2019 marked the opening of the Academic Year of the Inter-Provincial (3 Units of Bangalore, Liguori, and Majella) Theolgoate at Mt. St. Alphonsus Bangalore in India. This is the second quadrennium for the functioning of the Joint Theologate for the 3 Units. Fr. Edward Raju K, C.Ss.R. the Provincial of Bangalore presided at the Inaugural Eucharistic Celebration and called on the students and faculty to follow the example of Mary, Mother of the Church in her unity with the Head Jesus and her unity with the Body the Church. As students of Theology, one must be united to Jesus and from him united to his body the Church. He also called on the students to have the attitude of Mary, Openness to the Spirit who works in our lives, openness to new challenges and openness to people especially the wounded in our study of theology.
This year there are 26 Students of Theology from the 3 units. (12 in the 1st Year, 1 in the 2nd Year, 8 in the 3rd Year, and 5 in the 4th Year Theology). The Rector, Fr. Assisi Saldanha, C.Ss.R. addressed the students of the challenges ahead, the Dean of Studies, Fr. Shiju Mulleserril, C.Ss.R. encouraged the students to give of their best and thanked the Board of the Theologate consisting of the Major Superiors of the 3 units, Fr. Edward, Fr. Biju and Fr. Ivel. The newly appointed Prefect is Fr. Shane Varghese, C.Ss.R, and the Socius is Fr. Geo Tom, C.Ss.R. The Eucharist was followed by a lecture given by Fr. Iris Fernandes of the Archdiocese of Delhi a liturgist. The Dean then met with the students for a formal session. The classes for the Academic Year begin from the 11th of June.
Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R.
