Mass of the Holy Spirit and Lectio Brevis (15th June 2024)

The Mass of the Holy Spirit at the start of the academic year 2024–2025 was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias and the seminary staff on 15th June 2024. The theme "He has cast down the mighty and raised the lowly" from the Magnificat was a fitting choice, a manifesto for the journey ahead.

In his homily, the Cardinal emphasized the importance of formation and highlighted the Synod’s view on the necessity for priests and bishops for ongoing formation to better equip them for the challenges presented by political and socioeconomic situations. He emphasized the importance of contextualizing the formation within our own current context. He urged everyone to approach the future with an open mind and a generous heart. He concluded by emphasizing the aspects of community, participation, evangelism and mission.

The Rector, Fr Gilbert de Lima and the staff took the Oath of Office, pledging to be faithful to Christ's teachings and that of His Church. The students led by the Community Beadle pledged to uphold the values of the Gospel and dedicate themselves to growing in their knowledge and love of the Lord, in order to become authentic ambassadors for Christ.

The Mass was followed by Lectio Brevis (A Brief Lesson) given by Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ. He spoke on the topic - India today: Challenges on the journey ahead. He discussed India's current challenges, reflecting on the past failures and situations of injustice, especially facing the poor.  He emphasized the Church's role and her need to support justice and humanity. Fr. Cedric called for unity and action to achieve lasting change, inspired by faith and a vision of a free, equitable and just society. He asked us to pray, internalize, and put Rabindranath Tagore's words into practice: "Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake!"

Anil Sequeira

1st Year Philosophy