Events
Minor Seminary alumni meet instils new vigour
BELLARY, AUGUST 3-4, 2023:

Dheeksha Bhavan Bellary Diocesan minor seminary alumni meet held 3-4 August instilled joy and vigour in the priests.

The meet was organizedby the Rector, Fr Alphonse George and was inaugurated by Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary.

Most of the former Rectors of the Seminary, Frs. Vincent Rodrigues, Lourdu Marianna, Vincent O., Archibald Corea, Lourdraj and Herald Pinto were present.

Fr Alphonse George, the present Rector welcomed the alumni and the dignitaries.

Deeksha Bhavan was founded by Bishop Joseph D’Silva, the third Bishop of Bellary Diocese on the 29 June 1994, to nurture local vocations to priesthood. So far 33 seminarians have been ordained priests for the Diocese of Bellary from the Deeksha Bhavan.

In his address to the alumni priests, Bishop Henry said, “It’s an occasion to re-discover the roots and move forward in the synodal way. “To be priests today is very challenging. Many demands are made from priests. Only profound spirituality, authentic life-style and pastoral zeal will make a priest’s ministry abundantly fruitful,” said Bishop.

Bishop Henry, during the Eucharistic celebration on 3 August insisted on authentic prayer life and to have a vision to achieve mission mandated by the Lord.

27 alumni priests participated in the gathering joyfully.

Alumini priests participated with vigour, valley ball match organised by the organising committee.

Fr. Vincent Rodrigues, the first Rector of Deeksha Bhavan during his sharing session said, “Our interactions with one another, readiness to learn, willingness to adapt to the changing situations and needs, shape us. He also appreciated all their efforts in the service of the vineyard.”

Fr. O. Vincent, Vicar General and former Rector of Deeksha Bhavan guided the alumni priests on budgeting and accounting their parish/institution accounts. All the participants expressed their joy and satisfaction at this wonderful opportunity to meet their old friends, experience the family spirit and refreshed their sense of belonging more closely.

Fr. Alphonse George, the present Rector, convened the gathering said that they more energized.

The service rendered by the former Rectors, teachers, and workers was gratefully recalled on the occasion.