Scholastic Gathering

Cuddalore – St. Joseph’s Seminary held a scholastic fraternal gathering on January 25th. The event was organized under the topic “Mercy and Compassion” by Fr. Vincent, SdC. Pondy- Cuddalore Minor Seminarians, SultanPet diocesan minor seminarians and St. Joseph’s Seminary students participated in the event. The spiritual session nurtured the hearts of the young chaps to march forward in their call. The sacrament of reconciliation was available to help the seminarians to become pure and holy. After the tea break, there was a friendly volleyball match. Therefore, this gathering boosted the seminarians both spiritually as well as physically.

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Pongal Feast and Paddy Harvest

Cuddalore – A remarkable Pongal celebration was celebrated including paddy harvesting on January 11th at St. Joseph’s Seminary. It was truly a thanksgiving feast as we reaped the paddy and celebrated the Tamilan’s feast. The St. Joseph’s Seminary confreres and staff toiled to gather the harvest from the fields. Holy Mass was also celebrated for the welfare of all the farmers in Tamilnadu. We shared the precious Pongal feast with one another, increasing the joy and excitement. Afterwards, everyone tasted sugarcane and entered the fields to collect the paddy bundles one by one. As Jesus says, “The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few,” was well understood on that day. By the grace of God we collected about 40 sacks of rice for the pantry. We truly thanked the Lord for His abundant blessings and graces showered upon us.

Annual Day Closes the Year

Cuddalore – On March 22nd, to conclude the academic year, Annual Day was celebrated with the Evening School Children in the auditorium of St. Joseph’s Seminary. The celebration began with the welcome address given by the rector of the seminary, Fr. Assisi. Fr. Amal Raj, vice-rector of the seminary, was also present and Sr. Maria, Principal of St. Mary’s Mat. High Secondary School was the chief guest. In her speech, Sr. Maria spoke about the Evening School as a great opportunity for the children as well as for their families. She invited the children to make good use of it for a better future. One of the parents shared her feelings and her gratitude to the Institute and to St. Guanella for the precious service given to their children. Fr. Assisi distributed prizes for various the competitions: regular attendance, best student, best attitude. After the vote of thanks given by Fr. Arockia Raj, Annual Day concluded by sharing a delicious meal. The children were very happy. They made the celebration much more joyful with their cultural programs.

Seminary Celebrates Christmas

Cuddalore – St. Joseph’s Seminary celebrated Christmas in a grand and meaningful manner for the evening school children. The program began on a spiritual note and also included singing, dancing, party games, gift-sharing and competitive programs. Fr. Francis Assisi, the chief guest, was very happy and amazed by the little works and gifts of charity rendered to the poor children. A thought provoking message about Christmas and New Year was given by Fr. Arockia Raj. His motivation and encouragement made the participants feel more energized and strengthened.

Celebrating the Birth of a Saint

Cuddalore – On December 19th, our Founder’s 175th birthday, and to honor his holy birth, life and his charitable patrimony St. Joseph’s Seminary, Don Guanella Boys Home, Sahaya Matha Parish, Divine Providence Convent, Guanellian Lay Movement and all the beneficiaries joined as one family to celebrate. The celebration included solemn Mass, during which three GLM members made their promise and became Guanellian Cooperators, cultural performances, gift sharing and an Agape meal. It was a time of revitalizing the spirit, mission and vision of St. Louis Guanella.

Freedom – Our Breath

Cuddalore – August 15th makes every Indian proud of their nation and life freed from all sorts of clutches. Also it is the day which begs every Indian to ponder his or her human, spiritual, emotional, gender, social and cultural freedoms. It compels everyone to appraise one’s internal and external liberty. It was the central message of the Independence Day, celebrated at St. Joseph’s Seminary. The young seminarians organized the event with many cultural and martial arts. It was headed by the Superior, Rector, DSMP sisters and other confreres and brothers of the local community. The day taught everyone to be a person of reciprocal freedom, love, and peace. Jai! Hind!

Ordination Anniversary

Cuddalore – On August 6th, the Ordination Anniversary of Fr. Paul Francis, Fr. Amalorpavanathen, and Fr. Anandhan was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Seminary. That evening the fathers concelebrated Holy Mass. Cake was served in the refectory, Fr. Rector presented them bouquets, and the brothers gave their wishes through cultural presentations. Each priest gave a message in honor of their anniversary. With a Marian hymn, the event came to end.

Inauguration of the Centenary Celebration

Cuddalore  – “God will think of you, there is His providence that will help you. Yes, I love you, yes, I pray for you, and how I pray! Indeed I sacrifice my life for you…. I will not abandon you. I will pray for you in heaven, I will help you and comfort you from heaven. May you follow me! Follow me by carrying out this program. To pray and suffer! Prayer and suffering!”
It’s worth remembering the words and promise of our Founder on his death bed, as he continues to intercede for us; his sons and disciples. Celebrating the 100 years of our Founder in heaven is surely a moment of grace and providence for us, the Guanellians.
The Centenary Celebration of our Founder’s Birth in Heaven was inaugurated on October 22nd at St. Joseph’s Seminary. The Guanellian Family (Priest, Sisters, GLM, Cooperators), stood together in organizing this event. Most Rev. Dr. Neethi Nathan, the Bishop of Chengalpattu, solemnized the Eucharistic Celebration in the presence of Rev. Fr. Soosai Rathinam (Provincial Superior), Rev. Sr. Victoria William (Delegate Superior) and a good number of local clergy and religious who took part in the celebration.
At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration the Bishop released the one year plan of the Centenary Celebration. He also launched the online Television Channel Servants TV, a new initiative from the Guanellian Communication Center in Cuddalore.

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Guanellian Alumni Meet

Chennai – The second meeting of Guanellian Alumni Association of India (a forum for Guanellian Ex-Seminarians) was held at Don Guanella Major Seminary, on October 5th to create a platform for the group from Chennai region. The day began with Eucharistic adoration animated by Fr. Samson. The meeting was then opened with a brief introduction and orientation for new members about the vision of GAII by Rev. Fr. John Paul Britto, GAII Animator. Fr. Gnana Raj, the chief guest, shared the spirituality of St. Guanella highlighting the Bond of Charity which calls us to love and be loved. Each participant expressed their happiness and gratitude for being reunited with the Guanellian family. The secretary of GAII reported the financial crisis that the Guanellian family is facing in India, and the president of GAII mentioned the urgent need for a new sound system for St. Joseph’s Seminary. The members all agreed to help spiritually and financially towards this noble cause. Mr. Suresh was elected as representative for Chennai region, and. Mr. William volunteered to create a website for GAII.

Holy Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Gnanaraj and Fr. John Paul Britto and Fr. Gnanraj presented a spiritual souvenir to the members. Dinner was served, during which Rs. 5000 were presented to Fr. Britto for the missionary work of Guanellian Society in India. Fr. Britto offered the donation, on behalf of GAII, for the missionary activities of DGMS.

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First Classical Academy

Cuddalore -The 1st classical academy of St. Joseph’s Seminary was held on July 26th, on the Topic ‘Today’s Politics.’ Fr. Visuvasam, community superior, was the chief guest and Fr. George, Don Guanella Boys Home Director, was the special invitee. The auditorium and the stage were decorated well, and the entire program of speeches, dances, skits, and songs were performed well with adequate preparation. The speakers introduced the theme and spoke on the priorities of Modi’s new government in India and how a welfare state should program itself. The Academy was concluded with the papal anthem.