Frs Santhosh and Edward Philip pronounce final vows

On : 2021-12-06

Frs Santhosh Fernandes SJ and Edward Philip SJ pronounced their final vows in the Society of Jesus on December 3. It was also the feast day of St Francis Xavier. The celebration was held at St Ann’s Church, Vijayapura.

The celebration began with Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, the provincial of Karnataka province inaugurating the piety stall and the statues installed in the church campus. It was followed by the Holy Eucharistic. Fr Vaz was the main celebrant and Fr Anthony Joseph broke the word of God. In his homily Fr Anthony Joseph explained the significance of the final vows and asked the vovents to follow the example of St Francis Xavier to be committed and zealous for the Lord.

Fr Vaz, the representative of the General of the Society of Jesus, received the Final Vows of Frs. Santhosh Fernandes and Edward Philip. The relatives of the vovents and Jesuits from different communities were present on the occasion. There were around 250 people present, including the local staff, parishioners and children.

A short programme was organised after the mass to felicitate the vowents. The students of Loyola PU College, Vijayapura danced for the prayer song. Fr Anthony Das SJ, superior of Vijayapura mission welcomed the gathering. Fr Shantharaj SJ raised the toast for the vowents after which Fr Santhosh shared his experiences. Vidyaniketan scholastics sang the wishing song and felicitated the vowents with a shawl and garland. Fr Vaz in his address congratulated the vowents and explained the importance of the Final Vows. Finally, Fr Edward Philip thanked the organisers and the gathering. There was a meal organised in the parish hall after the felicitation programme.

- Sch. Pruthvi Rodrigues SJ