Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 14: Feast of St John Berchmans, patron saint of students of Philosophy was celebrated with solemn vespers on August 12 at St Joseph's Inter Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu.

Bro Vigil Silva helped the congregation to reflect on the virtues of St John Berchmans. He invited everyone to make this feast all the more special by imitating St John Berchmans.

The festal day began with a holy eucharistic celebration presided over by Rt Bishop Dr Agnelo Rufino Gracias, the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Jalandhar and con-celebrated by Fr Ronald Serrao, rector of the seminary, Fr Ivan D’Souza, human formation director of the Philosphers, Fr Francis D’Souza and Fr Jerome D’Souza. Bishop Agnelo in his homily encouraged the congregation to live a life of love and wonder. After the eucharistic celebration, the annual magazine of the philosophers- ‘Anthology’ was published by the bishop.

In the evening a refreshing and inspiring entertainment and cultural programme was organised by the philosophers under the guidance of Fr Ivan DSouza. Fr Alexander Kallarikkal was chief guest of the programme. He distributed prizes to the winners of the various competitions that were conducted as part of the Philosophers’ Day celebration. In his message, Fr Alex highlighted two profound qualities needed for a seminarian, namely kindness and constant fidelity to God. The day concluded with night prayers.