"My life is my message," says Fr Alfonso Elengikal and "I am the gift of God", says Fr Thomas Poovathinkal whose Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee was celebrated with much solemnity on Tuesday 26 November 2024 in Mumbai. The Solemn concelebrated Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Emeritus of Agra, Most Rev. Albert D'Souza, a seminary companion of the Jubilarians at St Joseph Seminary, Allahabad. Archbishop Albert too celebrates his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee. In his homily, Fr Joby Mathew, the Provincial Superior appreciated the generous services of Fr Alfonso and Fr Thomas rendered to the Province. He further shared that the Province is celebrating God’s miracles in their life, their perseverance in living the vision of Christ, and their conviction, confidence and commitment to the Pauline Vocation.
The felicitation programme that followed witnessed the energetic dance performance of the Candidates from the Daughters of St Paul and a short video presentation on the life and ministry of the Jubilarians.
On 19 November 2024, the community members of Calicut gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of Brother Isaac, a beloved member whose life has been dedicated to serving others.
The celebration concluded with a festive dinner and cake-cutting ceremony. As Brother Isaac blew out the candles on his birthday cake, the room erupted in applause and well wishes. The event was a testament to the love and respect that Brother Isaac has earned throughout his life.
Brother Isaac's 80th birthday celebration was more than just a party; it was an opportunity to reflect on a life well lived. His dedication to religious life and his commitment to serving others have left an enduring legacy. As we celebrated his 80th birthday, we also celebrated the countless lives he has touched and the positive impact he has made on the world.
A significant gathering of the local community and the Pauline Family came together on 25 November 2024, in the evening, to celebrate the feast of Blessed James Alberione, a visionary priest and founder of the Pauline Family. Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal, the Bishop of Calicut, graced the event with his presence. In his message, the bishop emphasized Alberione's pioneering spirit in utilizing modern media for evangelization and his unwavering dedication to the Word of God.
The feast day celebration was a testament to the enduring legacy of Blessed James Alberione. It inspired attendees to embrace his vision of using modern media to spread the Gospel and continue his mission of evangelization.
After having a great celebration of the feast of Blessed James Alberione, on 27th November, the members of the Maynooth and London community gathered for a significant meeting, focused on apostolic activities in the UK and Ireland. The meeting was chaired by Fr Joshy Joseph, the Apostolic Coordinator for the UK and Ireland, who facilitated discussions on various aspects of their collective mission. The gathering provided a platform for members to express their gratitude to Fr Joshy for his diligent coordination of activities across both communities, highlighting the importance of effective leadership in fostering collaboration. During the discussions, members shared the multifaceted responsibilities and challenges faced both in London and Ireland. This dialogue proved enriching, as it allowed for the sharing of best practices and strategies to enhance their apostolic work. The meeting concluded with a heartfelt note of thanksgiving from Fr Joshy, emphasizing the unity and commitment of the members to their mission. Following the meeting, the members participated in a pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Knock Shrine, further enriching their time together. The three days spent together by the members from the London and Maynooth communities were truly joyful and recreational, and reinforced their shared commitment to the apostolic mission. The fellowship and collaboration exhibited during this gathering reflect the vibrant spirit of the communities involved, marking a significant step forward in their apostolic endeavours in the UK and Ireland.
Pune: The Society of St Paul (SSP), Pune, recently organized a day-long book exhibition at St Joseph's Convent Girls' School, Kirkee. The event coincided with the school's open day, providing the opportunity for parents to collect their children's report cards while exploring the wide array of books on display.
Led by Fr Joseph Tirkey, the community superior, the exhibition was a resounding success, drawing enthusiastic responses from both parents and students. It served as a valuable platform to promote BYB publications and engage with the local community, especially children.
The exhibition showcased a diverse collection of titles, including self-help and inspirational books, educational resources, and children's colouring books. Many parents and students expressed their appreciation for the relevance and quality of the books on offer.
Encouraged by the positive feedback, the Society of St Paul plans to organize similar events in the future. With a rich legacy of publishing and promoting Christian and wholesome literature, we remain committed to making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities.