Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 5: St Aloysius PU College celebrated Ignatian Week 2026 with a series of spiritual, creative and intellectually enriching programmes centred on the theme ‘Be the light and serve with joy’. Organised by the campus ministry in collaboration with various college associations, the week-long celebration commemorated the life and legacy of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, inspiring students to embrace the Ignatian ideals of magis, discernment, reflection, love and service.
The celebrations culminated in the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Loyola Auditorium under the theme ‘Contemplatives in action: Living the Ignatian Spirit’. Prof Milos Lichner SJ, vice-chancellor of Trnava University, Slovakia, was the main celebrant.
In his homily, Fr Jason Pinto SDB reflected on the moral and financial challenges faced by the Catholic Church between the 13th and 15th centuries and examined the contrasting responses of Martin Luther and Ignatius of Loyola. While Luther pursued reform through separation from the Church, Ignatius sought renewal from within. Reflecting on Ignatius' transformation from a wounded soldier into a spiritual leader and founder, he highlighted his journey of prayer, discernment and service.
The homily also underscored the enduring contribution of the Society of Jesus to education, scholarship, science, languages and social service across the world, including India. The Ignatian ideal of being ‘contemplatives in action’ was presented as a call to unite prayerful reflection with purposeful engagement and selfless service.
The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr Brian Pereira SJ, rector of the institutions, along with Jesuit fathers, unit heads, principals and directors of various Aloysian institutions.
Throughout the week, students participated in a wide range of programmes designed to deepen their understanding of Ignatian spirituality. Prayer and reflection formed an integral part of the celebrations through a four-day Ignatian prayer service for students and non-teaching staff. Throughout July, posters featuring the words, works and inspirational videos of St Ignatius were shared with staff and across the college's social media platforms, offering opportunities for reflection on his spirituality and vision.
On the occasion, Fr Clifford Sequeira, principal, reflected on the Ignatian ideal of Magis. Drawing on the observation of Italian artist Michelangelo Buonarroti that the greater danger lies not in aiming too high and failing, but in aiming too low and succeeding, he encouraged students to recognise and develop their God-given potential. He explained that magis is not simply about doing more, but about becoming more generous, compassionate, responsible and committed to the service of others.
Inviting students to examine their choices and aspirations, he posed the question, ‘What more is God asking of me today?’ The lives of Joan of Arc, Isaac Newton and Malala Yousafzai were cited as examples of individuals who refused to settle for limitations and pursued their potential. He reminded students that genuine greatness is measured not merely by achievements or possessions, but by the person one becomes.
Adding an interactive dimension to the celebration, Fr Brian Pereira SJ conducted a quiz on the life of St Ignatius of Loyola for staff and students. The quiz drew enthusiastic participation and provided an engaging opportunity to revisit key moments and values from the saint's life.
A series of competitions brought Ignatian values into the academic and creative life of the college. Ignatian canvas, quizinigo, Ignatian mosaic, truth seekers challenge – Discernment, Ignatian Echoes and Ignatian voice provided platforms for poster-making, quizzing, creative expression, critical thinking, discernment and public speaking. The competitions witnessed enthusiastic participation and enabled students to engage with the life and spirituality of St Ignatius through diverse forms of learning and self-expression.
Ignatian Week 2026 concluded as a meaningful celebration of faith, creativity, discernment and personal growth. The programmes encouraged students to make thoughtful choices, recognise their God-given potential, serve others generously and translate reflection into purposeful action. The message of ‘Be the light and serve with joy’ thus extended beyond the week's celebrations, inspiring students to carry the Ignatian spirit into their families, communities and society.