St. Joseph’s Seminary Reunites Alumni for a Celebration of Formation and Fellowship

Mangalore, November 15, 2024: St. Joseph's Interdiocesan Seminary in Mangalore hosted its Alumni Meet 2024 from November 13 to 15, reuniting priests from the past 10 batches for a three-day celebration of gratitude and fellowship. Approximately 100 priests from various dioceses across India participated in the event, which highlighted the seminary's legacy of human formation and freedom of expression, key factors in shaping successful pastoral ministers.

The event was organized under the leadership of the Rector, Fr. Ronald Serrao and his team. The meet began with a session on "Challenges in Priestly Ministry," led by former Rector Fr. Joseph Martis, offering insights into contemporary pastoral issues. The event featured an interactive session with current seminarians, allowing them to pose questions about the realities of priestly life. This was followed by the much-anticipated interaction with teachers, facilitated by the beloved Fr. Joy Painadath, during which alumni shared heartfelt tributes to their mentors.

A session on "Social Media and Challenges in Priestly Ministry," conducted by Fr. Anil Fernandes, provided practical guidance on navigating digital platforms. Fr. Vinay Kumar from the Diocese of Chikmagalur shared, “What we are today is because of the Seminary formation.” The event concluded with Mangalore Darshana, a tour showcasing the city’s heritage. Priests expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging the seminary's role in shaping their priestly journey.

By Fr. Vinay Kumar