Morning Star Seminary in Kolkata Releases Festschrift Honouring Distinguished Prof. Romus

Kolkata, Nov 21, 2025: Marking a noteworthy academic moment, Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore, Kolkata, unveiled a Festschrift titled Religion for Human Well-Being, edited by Fr. Henry Jose Kodikuthiyil, a Fransalian priest and Dean of Theology. The volume was published in honour of Prof. Dr. D. John Romus on his 75th birthday, recognising his longstanding contributions to theological education and interreligious dialogue.

The Festschrift was unveiled during the seminary’s annual convocation ceremony, where 33 students graduated after completing their four-year theology course. Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur, Chairperson of the Governing Board, officially released the book. The first copy was presented to Prof. Romus, a gesture that reflected the esteem and gratitude of the academic community.

Prof. Romus, a permanent faculty member at Morning Star for nearly three decades, has been a significant figure in the fields of Systematic Theology, Missiology, Religious Pluralism and Dialogue, Ecumenism, Indian Christian Theology, and Church History. His academic service extends beyond Morning Star, having also taught at the Philosophy Department of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, as well as at the Protestant Serampore Theological College and Bishop’s College, Kolkata. A prolific author and editor, he has contributed to numerous respected journals, making him a distinguished voice in theological and philosophical scholarship.

Edited by Fr. Kodikuthiyil, the Festschrift is divided into four parts and comprises 16 researched articles across interdisciplinary themes. It reflects the breadth of Prof. Romus’s scholarly impact. “It was a fitting honour to celebrate his legacy with this Festschrift,” noted Fr. Kodikuthiyil.

Morning Star Regional Seminary and Morning Star College, owned and managed by the Bengal Catholic Priests’ Training Institute, are prominent institutions dedicated to the theological formation of the West Bengal region. Founded on 4 June 1968 as the Calcutta Archdiocese Seminary, the institution began its first theology course in 1972. It now serves eight dioceses—Asansol, Bagdogra, Baruipur, Calcutta, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Krishnagar, and Raiganj—as well as most dioceses of East and Central India.

The seminary is primarily administered by the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, in collaboration with diocesan and other religious congregations. Offering three years of philosophy and four years of theology, it is affiliated with Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth (Institute of Philosophy and Theology), Pune. With 17 full-time faculty members and nearly 30 visiting professors, Morning Star remains a centre of theological excellence and spiritual formation. Its patroness, Mary, the Morning Star, continues to guide the community in faith and scholarship.

The release of Religion for Human Well-Being highlights Morning Star Regional Seminary’s commitment to advancing theological research and nurturing interreligious understanding. The publication stands as a tribute to Prof. Romus and as a testament to the seminary’s mission of forming priests and theologians who are intellectually grounded, pastorally sensitive, and rooted in faith.

By Fr. Irudhaya Jothi SJ