Aug 14 : The feast of St. John Berchmans, the patron saint of the students of Philosophy, was celebrated with solemn vespers on 12th August, 2019 at St Joseph’s Inter Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu. Bro. Vigil Silva helped the congregation to reflect upon the virtues of St. John Berchmans. He invited everyone to make this feast all the more special by imitating St John Berchmans.
The festal day began with the Holy Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rt. Rev. Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jalandhar and con-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ronald Serrao, the Rector of the Seminary, Rev. Fr. Ivan D’Souza, Human Formation Director of the Philosphers, Rev. Fr. Francis D’Souza and Rev. Fr. Jerome D’Souza. Bishop Agnelo in his homily encouraged the congregation to live a life of love and wonder. After the Eucharistic celebration the annual magazine of the philosophers- ‘Anthology’ was released by the Bishop.
In the evening a refreshing and inspiring, entertainment and cultural program was organized by the philosophers under the guidance of Fr Ivan DSouza. Rev. Fr. Alexander Kallarikkal was the chief guest of the program. He distributed the prizes to the winners of the various competitions that were conducted as part of the Philosophers’ day celebration. In his message, Fr Alex highlighted two profound qualities needed for a seminarian, namely, kindness and constant fidelity to God. The day concluded with the night prayers.
