1st Anniversary of Ranchi Archbishop Celebrated During Grand Event at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi

Ranchi, March 20, 2025: St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, hosted a grand celebration on March 19, marking three significant milestones—the solemn conferral of Minor Orders on seminarians, the first anniversary of Archbishop Vincent Aind’s installation, and the release of notable literary works. The event culminated with a compelling English drama performance. The celebrations, held on the college premises, brought together clergy, seminarians, scholars, and dignitaries from across the region.

The event began with a welcome address by Bro. Michael Lugun from the Diocese of Purnea, followed by the celebration of the Holy Mass to commemorate the Solemnity of St. Joseph. The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Francis Tirkey, Bishop of Purnea Diocese. During the Mass, Bishop Tirkey conferred Minor Orders upon 68 seminarians. A total of 26 students received the Rite of Admission, 19 were instituted as Lectors, and 23 as Acolytes, including one seminarian from Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary, Ranchi. In his homily, Bishop Tirkey urged the candidates to embrace their formation journey with patience and obedience, trusting in God’s guidance.

The evening took a celebratory turn with a surprise tribute to Most Rev. Vincent Aind on his first anniversary as Archbishop of Ranchi. This was followed by the formal release of the college’s annual magazine, Darpan, edited by Fr. Praful Bara, and a book titled Lokasangraha: The Welfare of the Worlds in The Bhagavad Gita by Dr. Fr. Raju Felix Crasta. These were unveiled by Archbishop Vincent Aind, along with Most Rev. Binay Kandulna, Rev. Fr. Ajay Kumar Xalxo, Rev. Fr. Sudhir Kumar Minj SJ, and Rev. Fr. Francis Perumalil SJ.

The highlight of the evening was the English drama, "The Heart of Blessed Carlo Acutis," performed by First-Year Theology students. The drama, staged as part of te students’ academic curriculum, depicted the inspiring life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, emphasizing his deep faith in the digital age. The production was directed by Rev. Fr. Solomon Tirkey, in collaboration with the Cultural Academy team, providing students with a platform to showcase their talents in a creative and collaborative setting.

Archbishop Vincent Aind commended the students for their performance, stating, “Carlo Acutis stands as a shining example of a heart devoted to holiness, even in a digital world.” The first performance was attended by bishops, provincials, rectors, superiors, and institutional heads from Ranchi.

Adding to the evening’s spiritual ambiance, a prayer dance led by sister-students (Day Scholars) enriched the atmosphere with a sense of divine presence. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Bro. Nitesh Dungdung from the Diocese of Rourkela. The celebrations were made possible through the encouragement and support of Rev. Fr. Ajay Kumar Xalxo, Rector of St. Albert’s College. The event reaffirmed the college’s commitment to holistic formation, academic excellence, and cultural enrichment.

By Fr. Alok Toppo,

St. Albert's College, Ranchi