Bangalore Archdiocese

News by Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza
Photos by Petrine Media, St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary

Bengaluru, Nov 18 : St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru organised two days ALUMNI 2022 gathering on November 16th & 17th.

Alumni 2022 was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp on November 16th at 9am by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado Archbishop of Archdiocese of Bangalore together with Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Vazhapilly, Bishop Emeritus of Diocese of Mysore, Rev. Fr Richard Britto, Rector of the Seminary, Rev. Fr Dr. Lucian Legrand MEP, Professor of St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary.

Rev. Fr Richard Britto, the Rector welcomed Archbishop and other dignitaries as well as Alumni members.

In his address to the Alumni Fathers Archbishop Peter Machado, President of St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary said , "Four reasons why that you are here - is to run down the memory lane, to go back to your roots, to look and Hope for the better and to have the Spirit of Synod". He wished all the success to the gathering. He appreciated looking at alumni who gathered in a good number.

At 9:30am to 10:30am Rev. Fr Moncy John SDB, Secretary CCBI Liturgy Commission took a session on "Liturgical Norms and its Practices in the Parishes". Rev. Fr Dr. Anthony Dias, Dean of Theology and Professor of liturgy at St. Peter's moderated the session. Time was given for discussion and clarifications.

At 11am Eucharistic Celebration by His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad and Alumni of St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary. He based his homily on the theme of the Hy Eucharist i.e., "Journeying together". Bishop Thomas Vazhapilly, Bishop Rayappa and Bishop Amalraj concelebrated the Holy Eucharist.

At 12:30pm Felicitations were organised for Cardinal, and the alumni Bishops who were elected and consecrated in the last six years.

At 3pm Rev. Fr Dr. John Mendonca, Former President of CLSI and Former Judicial Vicar of Diocese of Udupi, enlightened the Alumni on "Canonical Issues and Pastoral Prudence in the Parishes". This session was moderated by Rev. Fr Dr. Sunil D'Souza, Professor of Canon law and administrator of St. Peter's. Time was given for discussion and clarifications.

At 4:30pm, a friendly football match was organised between Seminarians and Alumni.

7pm was the evening prayer and Benediction was held at the main Chapel.

After the supper at 8pm a cultural night was organised by the Seminarians. Golden and Silver Jubilarians were honoured by Bishop Thomas Vazhapilly and Bishop Amalraj of Diocese of Ootacamund.

Rev Fr Dr. Jude Nirmal Dass, Vice Rectorof St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary, proposed vote of thanks. Bro. Immaculate Anthony was the MC of the day.

Second day's program began at 6:30am with Requiem Mass for the departed offered by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Arulselvan Rayappan, Bishop of Diocese of Salem. He based his homily on "God is rich in his mercy". He explained about death and life after death. He prayed for all the departed Professors, Alumni and non teaching staff.

After the Holy Eucharist Blessing of the tombs at Philosophy Section done by Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Vazhapilly. Then the Breakfast was served in the Philosophy section.

At 9:30pm Rev. Fr Dr. Lucian Legrand MEP , Professor of Sacred Scriptures at St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary spoke on "On Going Formation". Rev. Fr Dr. Xavier Terrence, Professor at St. Paul's Seminary Trichy as well as Alumni of St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary also previous Professor of St. Peter's moderated the session. Then Panel discussion was held. Bishop Rayappa and Fr Lucian Legrand MEP were on the panel.

Rev. Fr Richard Britto, Rector of the Seminary proposed the vote of thanks. Bro. Sanjay Juvanes was the MC of the day. From 11am to 12pm a batch wise gathering was held. 12pm was the midday prayer and Benediction. At 12:30pm by lunch Alumni 2022 came to an end.

St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary holds Alumni meet every five years. Next Alumni meet will be in 2027.

Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza is currently serving in the Diocese of Shimoga who belongs to Alumni batch 1999 of St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary.

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