Media Release

Shivamogga, Oct 20: Diocese of Shimoga organised a three days seminar on spirituality of St Paul from October 18 to 20 at 'Sannidhi' Centre for Pastoral Renewal, Shivamogga.

Fr Dr Selva Ratnam, professor of JDV Pune was the resource person. On October 18 programme began with prayer led by Fr Stany D'Souza and Fr Alvin Stanislas read the Word of God. Fr Eugene D'Souza SJ introduced the resource person.

Dr Selva Ratnam dealt first day on: Paul the missionary, Paul the theologian and after noon session he explained the Journey of St Paul. Questions for reflection and group sharing also led by the resource person.

On the second day he dealt on: Existence without Christ; in which he explained Pauline thought in Flesh, Sin, Law and Death. After noon he explained St Ignatius rules for spiritual growth in the light of St. Paul. He explained; 14 rules for the discernment of spirits in the first week, 8 rules for the discernment of spirits in the second week and also spiritual conversation as a method for discernment.

On the third day he dealt on these topics: Examination of conscience and process of examination of conscience, Salvation, Work of Christ; Justification, Reconciliation, Redemption and Expiation, Justification through faith; The law and Faith, Life in the spirit; a) Christian existence: life in the spirit, b) Christian community: the gifts of the spirit, c) Christian conduct: walking according to the spirit.

Seminar concluded with Vote of thanks proposed by Fr Anthony Peter. Together with bishop Francis Serrao SJ, thirty five priests and religious from the diocese of Shimoga participated in the seminar.