Media Release
Bengaluru, Nov 18: St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru organised two days Alumni gathering on November 16 and 17.
The Alumni gathering was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp on November 16 by by Dr Peter Machado archbishop of archdiocese of Bangalore together with Dr Thomas Vazhapilly, bishop emeritus of diocese of Mysore, Fr Richard Britto, rector of the Seminary, Fr Dr Lucian Legrand MEP, professor of St Peter's Pontifical Seminary.
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 that by looking at alumni gathered in a good number.
Fr Moncy John SDB, secretary CCBI Liturgy Commission took a session on 'Liturgical Norms and its Practices in the Parishes'. 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.
Eucharistic Celebration by cardinal Anthony Poola, archbishop of Hyderabad and Alumni of St Peter's Pontifical Seminary. He based his homily on the theme of the holy Eucharist 'Journeying together'. Bishop Thomas Vazhapilly, bishop Rayappa and bishop Amalraj concelebrated the holy Eucharist.
Felicitations were organised for cardinal, and the alumni bishops who were elected and consecrated in the last six years.
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 Fr Dr Sunil D'Souza, professor of Canon law and administrator of St.Peter's. Time was given for discussion and clarifications.
A riendly football match was organised between seminarians and Alumni. The evening prayer and Benediction was held at main Chapel. Cultural night was organised by the Seminarians. Golden and Silver jubilarians were honoured by bishop Thomas Vazhapilly and bishop Amalraj of diocese of Ootacumund.
Fr Dr Jude Nirmal Dass, vice rector of St Peter's Pontifical Seminary, proposed vote of thanks. Bro Immaculate Anthony was the MC of the day.
On the second day Requiem Mass for the departed was offered by 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 Dr Thomas Vazhapilly. Then the Breakfast was served at the Philosophy section.
Fr Dr Lucian Legrand MEP Professor of Sacred Scriptures at St Peter's Pontifical Seminary spoke on 'On Going Formation'. 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.
Fr Richard Britto, rector of the Seminary proposed the vote of thanks. Bro Sanjay Juvanes was the MC of the day. Batchwise gathering was held. St Peter's Pontifical Seminary holds Alumni meet in every five years. Next Alumni meet is scheduled to be in the year 2027.