theology courses – Servants of Charity

Rome, Italy: During the first week of July four confreres from the Divine Providence Province (Fr. James Stanley Babu, Br. Jesu Arokia Doss, Br. Augustine Joseph Abraham, and Br. Bob Niemeyer) arrived at the Msgr. Michele Bacciarini International Theological Seminary, in Rome, to begin their Italian Language studies. They are learning to speak and write in Italian in order to prepare them for their upcoming studies in Rome. Fr. James will be studying for his Licentiate, and the brothers will begin their first year of theology studies (classes will commence at the beginning of October.)

The four confreres were met (and given a hearty international welcome) by a houseful of Guanellian priests and theologians, hailing from all parts the congregation. Later in the week, the brothers were joined by two other first year theologians (Brothers Giscard from Congo, and Achillus from Nigeria) from the Our Lady of Hope Delegation.

The brothers did not have a chance to experience jetlag, because they arrived at the beginning of a pilgrimage in Rome for young people who are discerning their vocations to either the priesthood and/or religious life, and the Guanellian seminarians were asked to participate in and to help with the pilgrimage (which lasted from Wednesday, July 4^th until Sunday, July 7^th). The days were full of activities, catechesis, and prayer. The highpoints of the pilgrimage were when Pope Francis decided to join the pilgrimage and share his thoughts on vocation, and the closing Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.

After that event packed initiation, the brothers began their Intense Italian Language Program, at the Urbaniana Pontifical University (which is the former seat of the Propaganda Fidei). The classes lasted from 8:30AM-12:00PM (Monday thru Friday) for the month of July. Each of the brothers did well in the course.

Towards the end of the month, the confreres from the Divine Providence Province were overjoyed to meet, visit, and share a meal with the members of the Divine Providence Provincial Council (Fr. Soosai, Fr. Kulandai, Fr. Visu, Fr. Charlton, and Fr. Dennis), as well as Fr. Joseph, the provincial treasurer.

Fr. James and the brothers are looking forward to the opportunity given by Fr. Allesandro Allegra (the rector of the seminary) to stay one month in a Guanellian house in Perugia, Italy (close to Assisi). During this time they will begin the next level of Italian Language studies At the University for Foreigners, in Perugia.

The four confreres feel blessed and are grateful to God for the wonderful opportunities that Divine Providence has bestowed upon them.

Chennai – After Theology courses were complete, the students of Don Guanella Major Seminary jumped into the camps to prepare themselves for perpetual preparation. They are experiencing different communities through various ways. They spent several days during October in the Thalavadi Community. The regular programs were arranged by Fr. Ligory in order to enjoy their stay with the special children. Basic orientation was given to help them attend to the needs of the poor while understanding the pastoral necessities of the community.

In November, they arrived in Yesuvanam; experiencing a warm welcome and orientation by Fr. Gnanaraj. Fr. Praveen organized a short seminar on ‘The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.’ There was also a talk on ‘Administrative Skills in the Ministry’ by a Salesian priest. A valuable talk, ‘Challenges in Religious Life,’ was given by a Servite priest. The Students share experiences and spend precious time with the ‘good children’ of Anbagam every day. Fr. Gustavo De Bonis joined the group to present ‘Guanellian Spirituality and Charism’