Golden jubilee of Anekal mission inaugurated

On : 2024-07-31

Anekal Jesuit mission inaugurated the Golden Jubilee of the presence of Jesuits in Anekal on July 27. ಜ್ಞಾನ - ಧ್ಯಾನ - ಸೇವೆಯ ಸಂಗಮ, ಸುವರ್ಣ ಕಾಲದ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ was the theme of the day. The celebrations began with a thanksgiving eucharist officiated by Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, provincial of Karnataka Jesuit province. Fr Chinnapan Mariaraj SJ, one of the pioneers of Anekal mission, was also present reminiscing memories of this mission. Around 25 priests, including Jesuits and parish priests of neighbouring parishes, graced the altar.

In his homily, Fr Arun Kumar SJ, socius to the provincial, stressed the need to sing the Magnificat, like Mary and Isaiah did, to proclaim the wonders of the Lord in this mission. The choir theologians of JFCT and Navatare choir group of St Joseph’s Church, Anekal, sang during the eucharist songs of praise.

After the eucharist, there was a stage programme. Fr Cyprian Tellis SJ, the co-ordinator of the Jubilee committee, gave a bird’s eye view of the history of the mission. Provincial, Fr Vaz in his presidential address remembered the wonders of the great Jesuits in this mission and the contribution of many collaborators to level up the works in an effective manner.

This day was also graced by the presence of TALDEKA group from Spain, the benefactors of our hostels. Mr Carmelo and four other members of his group were felicitated for their generous help in running the hostels efficiently. One of the pioneers of the mission, Fr Mariaraj SJ was also felicitated.

The Golden Jubilee Logo designed by Sch. Avin A SJ was unveiled by Fr Vaz SJ. Balajyothi hostel children through their folk dance expressed the joy of the jubilee.  A meaningful jubilee song composed by Sch. Royster Monis SJ was sung by the JFCT theologians.

Superior Fr Ivan Mendonca SJ welcomed the gathering.

-  Sch. Cannon Fernandes SJ