The newly constructed Formation House of the Society of St Paul at Ibadan, Nigeria, was blessed and inaugurated on 30 June 2018 by His Grace Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, Archbishop of Ibadan. The occasion coincided with the Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee celebration of Fr Blaise Kandathil, Superior of Ibadan Community, as well as the Feast of St Paul the Apostle. Present on the occasion were Rev. Fr Varghese Gnalian, our Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr Jikson Mullasseril, Provincial Councilor, priests, religious, members of the Pauline Family, distinguished guests and several friends of our communities in Nigeria.

The day’s celebrations began with the cutting of the ribbon and the Rite of Blessing of the new house presided over by Archbishop Abegunrin. Following the Rite of Blessing, the stone of commemorative inscription was unveiled jointly by the Archbishop and our Provincial, Fr Varghese. This was followed by a thanksgiving Eucharist presided over by the Archbishop within the multipurpose hall of the new Formation House. During his homily Archbishop Abegunrin profusely appreciated the presence of the Society of St Paul in Nigieria and particularly at Ibadan and praised them for their zeal, efficiency and professionalism in spreading the good news of Jesus through media apostolate. He recalled that Pauline Apostolate consists mainly in transmitting knowledge in its various aspects which is essential in today’s world. “People enrich their lives by reading books,” he said. He also congratulated the jubilarian Fr Blaise Kandathil for completing 25 years in priestly ministry and yet remains youthful and energetic always.

The Holy Eucharist was followed by a reception during which various speakers felicitated the members of the Society of St Paul for the magnificent edifice of our new Formation House and Fr Blaise on his Silver Jubilee. Many of those involved in the construction of the new house, from the Architect to the contractor, to the electricians, welders, plumbers and masons, were felicitated during the reception. Fr Blaise proposed the vote of thanks. A fellowship meal brought the curtains down to the celebrations and merriment of a memorable and historic day for the Society of St Paul, especially in Nigeria.

Earlier on the day His Grace Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, surprised us with a friendly visit before going for another important engagement. It may be noted that it was Archbishop Felix Alaba Job who invited us and procured for us our first house and the first Book centre at Ibadan, Nigeria, 27 years ago. His gracious visit was a sign of his paternal care and affection towardsr us, Paulines, and for our apstolate. As our Baba Archbishop celebrated his 80^th birthday on June 24^th, we wish him good health and many more years of active service.

Asc Tidings Vol. VI, No. 3, July 2018

St Pauls Institute of Communication Education, Mumbai successfully completed the second batch of the popular summer certificate program ‘Communicating Christ to Millennials’ (CCM) with a convocation ceremony held on 23^rd May 2018. Fr Francis Xavier, the Asst. Director, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the significance of the event. This three week summer program is a part of the Society of Saint Paul’s media ministry and its contribution to the Church in India.

Our chief Guest, Rev. Fr Varghese Gnalian, the Provincial Superior of the Society of Saint Paul, spoke about the need for new professionals in the media industry. He recommended instating a ‘media wing’ in every parish, institute(s); to remain connected, and ensure our thoughts are appropriately shared with any audience(s).

Fr. Dr. Dominic Savio D’Silva, Director, St Pauls Institute of Communication Education, and Program Director- CCM, in his note to participants, highlighted the importance of the fundamental purpose of Christian communication citing Pope Francis, “Communication is a part of God’s plan for us and an essential way to experience fellowship.” Further, he invited the participants to cultivate a ‘culture of encounter’ and urged them to prepare themselves to address any issue in front of the media.

A class video showcase’ CCM 2018’ was presented- in true news broadcast stylized capsules, including classroom activities, still photo shots, pictures, debates- providing an insight on new lessons learned in twenty-one days. This year’s students’ learnt about the use of digital and social media; identifying & using appropriate writing styles: news reporting, creative writing, feature writing; emphatic learning in replying and reaching out through PR strategies and Advertising; digital psychology, design amongst others. Interactive participation provided all participants- religious and laity-with an opportunity to network, share stories as well as learn new skills and techniques.

To sum up, and cite Jacob Srampickal, SJ “A true Christian will never forget, that the core of Christian message is unconditional love and service, without looking for a reward’. With these words, and a vote of thanks from both- the management and the students’ representative- the event came to an end. All CCM participants, received certificates for their participation in this certificate course. They were cheered on by their families, well-wishers, the staff and management of SSP, who wholeheartedly celebrated their success.

31 May 2018 was a day of great rejoicing and thanksgiving for the members of India-Nigeria- Ireland-England Province of the Society of St Paul in general and the members of the community of Bengaluru in particular, as four Novices namely, Ajay Patrick Xess, Arun Arogya Raj, Garmylo Pdang and Justin Benny Chettiyamkunnel made their first religious profession at St Pauls Church, Bengaluru. Fr. George Chathanatt, the vicar Provincial presided over the Eucharistic celebration and received the vows of our novices. In his inspiring homily Fr. George exhorted the newly professed religious to be radical witnesses of Christ by practicing what they professed. The meticulously organised liturgical celebration was attended by the family members and well-wishers of the newly professed, members of the Pauline family and a number of religious from our neighbouring communities. After the Holy Eucharist, a festive meal, a felicitation programme and colourful cultural evening were organised in honour of our newly professed members.