Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 5: The inauguration of the academic year 2019-20 at St Joseph Inter Diocesan seminary, Jeppu was held on June 3 with the Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru diocese and the chairman of the Board of Administration of the Seminary and concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul D' Souza along with the newly appointed rector, Fr Ronald Serrao, members of the staff, superiors of the day scholars and seminarians.

In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul exhorted the students and staff to be leaders filled with Holy Spirit, knowing that it is only through the Holy Spirit we will know our ministry better and give ourselves to God fully. After the homily, the rector Fr Ronald Serrao made his profession of faith and assumed the office taking the oath of fidelity placing his hand on the book of the Gospel.

After the Eucharistic celebration, the official inaugural programme of the academic year took place at the Centenary Memorial Hall. Welcoming the gathered assembly, Fr Ronald Serrao drew the attention of the gathered on the thrust of the year ‘Jesus the source of divine wisdom, reveal to us the mystery of God's Kingdom’. He thanked the splendid service of the former rector, Fr Joseph Martis for his selfless service as rector for nine years. He also expressed his gratitude to Fr Maxim Rosario, the former administrator, Fr Jenson, the former dean of Philosophy and Fr Baptist Menezes for their priceless contribution to the seminary.Welcoming the four new staff members to seminary, Fr Alex Kallarickal of the diocese of Calicut, Fr Francis D' Souza and Fr Nelson Dalmeida of the diocese of Mangaluru and Fr Jerome D' Souza, he wished them well. Thereafter, Fr Rajesh Rosario recounted the leadership of Fr Joseph Martis and on behalf of the Board of Administration, Bishop Peter Paul honoured the former Rector. Fr Boniface Pinto, the silver jubilarian was felicitated by Bishop Aloysius D'Souza. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha then delivered the Lectio Brevis 2019. In his speech, he pointed out the need and importance of intellectual formation not only to gain information but more to assimilate divine wisdom so that transformed by truth one would be a true disciple of Christ.

Br Jeveen Lobo rendered the vote of thanks and the programme came to an end with the seminary anthem.

St Joseph Seminary is one of the known seminaries in India and currently has 19 resident staff and 218 seminarians with a well furnished library and attractive premise.