The Mass of the Holy Spirit and Lectio Brevis – 2023-2024

The new academic year 2023-2024 at St Pius X Seminary commenced with the Mass of the Holy Spirit on 03rd June. The theme chosen for this year is, 'Made Salt and Light by the Spirit.' The mass was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias and concelebrated by the priests of the seminary. In his sermon the Cardinal spoke on the importance of the seminary formation in the life of a future priest and urged the brothers to have a clear vision of what God wants of them. Cardinal also reminded that we are the Church and at the same time Co-builders of the church. The homily was followed by the Oath of Office taken by the Rector and the staff promising fidelity to the teachings of Christ, His Church and its Magisterium. A pledge was then taken by the students to remain faithful to the Gospel values. The Commencement program also included the Lectio Brevis given by Fr Frazer Mascarenhas, SJ, the former principal of St Xaviers College and a much sought out speaker. Fr Frazer spoke on ‘Christian Discipleship: Lessons from the life and death of Fr Stan Swamy’. Fr Frazer was a close associate of Fr Stan. Fr Stan Swamy was a Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist known for working to protect the rights of Adivasi people and Dalits. He was detained and died in state custody for his civil society work helping tribal communities in Jharkhand. Fr Frazer recounted his experience with Fr Stan and how Fr Stan after coming to know the tribal people experienced the beauty of their culture. The speaker highlighted the need to focus on the works of justice and to work for the development of doctrines of Church so that we are more tolerant toward people of other faiths. Later His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias had a meeting with 17 new seminarians who have joined the St Pius X family this year.

Br Joywin Thadavious

2nd Year Philosophy