On Saturday, 7 June 2025, the vibrant Pauline community of Bengaluru came alive with fervent celebrations for the Feast of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, a cornerstone of our spirituality. The day was marked by prayer, reflection, spirited activities, and communal joy, bringing together members, aspirants, families, and friends in a heartfelt tribute to Mary, the first disciple and apostle.

The feast day began with a solemn Visit to the Blessed Sacrament, setting a contemplative tone for the celebrations. Fr Dominic, the Superior of the Community, led the session, drawing inspiration from the writings of Blessed James Alberione, the founder of the Pauline Family. His reflections centred on the profound devotion to Mary, Queen of the Apostles, emphasising her role as a model of faith, discipleship, and missionary zeal. The community meditated on themes such as Mary, the First Disciple, and Mary, the Apostle, fostering a deeper connection to her exemplary life.

In a spirited revival of community traditions, the afternoon saw the formation groups—Juniors and Aspirants—join hands with community members to organise a thrilling volleyball match. Two teams, aptly named Divine Master and Queen of the Apostles, competed with enthusiasm on the sunlit court, cheered on by an animated crowd of supporters. After a fiercely contested match, the Queen of the Apostles emerged victorious amid roaring applause and laughter. This event not only rekindled the spirit of sportsmanship but also strengthened the bonds within the formation groups.

In the evening, the solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Joseph T.C. In his homily, Fr Joseph eloquently highlighted Mary’s pivotal role in the life and mission of every Pauline, urging the community to emulate her humility, obedience, and unwavering commitment to God’s call.

The festivities concluded with a lively bingo session organised by Br Richard and Fr Baji, transforming the community portico into a hub of excitement. The event saw enthusiastic participation from community members, parents of Aspirants, and friends, all gathered to share in the joy of the feast.

The Feast of Mary, Queen of the Apostles on 7 June 2025 was a memorable day for the Bengaluru community, blending spirituality, tradition, and festivity. From the morning’s sacred reflections to the evening’s joyful gatherings, the celebration honoured Mary’s enduring legacy as the Queen of the Apostles while strengthening community bonds. This day of devotion and togetherness will remain etched in the hearts of all who participated, inspiring them to carry forward Mary’s apostolic spirit in their mission.

On 31 May 2025, the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, during a solemn ceremony, five of our Novices—namely, Pradeep Bara, Santosh Kumar, Sumit Lakra, Savio Panmei and Wedneson Goyari—made their first religious profession in the Society of St Paul.

The Holy Mass, presided over by Fr Joby Mathew, the Provincial Superior, was attended by members of the Community in Eluru, along with special invitees and friends. During his insightful homily, Fr Joby emphasised the significance of their commitment and the need to remain always faithful to the Lord who has called them.

Prior to the First Profession, Fr Emmanuel Mundumuzhikkara, SSP, thoroughly prepared the Novices for this special day, challenging them to delve deep into their Pauline vocation and mission.

The celebration concluded with a communal gathering, during which the newly professed were warmly felicitated.

For the members of the India-Great Britain-Ireland Province, 30 May 2025 was truly memorable, as eleven of our enthusiastic aspirants—namely, Andrew Sanglyne, Budlang Rymbai, Walki Thayang, Rodhir Basumathary, Sahaya Nikson, Roshan Dungdung, Kyrshan Phawa, Abhishek H., Bishall Kerketta, Bikash Kerketta and Milshan Minz—entered the year of Postulancy and two postulants—namely, Silbester Dungdung and Westerwell Bamon—entered the canonical year of Novitiate.

Fr Joby Mathew, the Provincial Superior, during the Eucharistic celebration, reminded both the Postulants and the Novices of the significance of their respective years and invited them to enter into a serious and genuine relationship with Jesus, who has called them. Fr Prithviraj Philip, the Director of Vocation Promotion and Formation, offered them words of felicitation and encouraged them to persevere in loving their Pauline vocation. On behalf of the Province, the Provincial Superior thanked and appreciated the commitment and dedication of both Fr Philip Muthukulam, the Novice Master, and Fr Varghese Gnalian, the Master of Postulants.

The small village of Siphri in Chainpur, Gumla District, Jharkhand, was filled with joy and jubilation on Monday, May 19, 2025, as Fr Amit Toppo, a newly ordained Pauline Priest, celebrated his First Eucharist in his native village. The historic event marked a significant moment for the local Catholic community. Fr Toppo became one of the latest vocations to emerge from this vibrant village. It is to be noted that Deacon Toppo was Ordained a priest on the previous day, Sunday, May 19, by His Lordship Anand Jojo, the Bishop of Hazaribag, at St Anthony’s Church, Malam, Gumla.

The Eucharistic celebration took place in the Siphri village, the long served spiritual hub for the Catholic faithful in the region. The altar and the make-shift tent were adorned with flowers, traditional tribal motifs, and colorful decorations, reflecting the community’s pride in welcoming their son as a priest. Hundreds of villagers, along with his parents, siblings, family members, Pauline Brothers and Priests, clergy, and religious sisters, gathered to participate in the solemn Mass, which was conducted in Hindi. During the homily, the newly ordained, reflected and preached on a heart-moving theme ‘Grace’. The homily highlighted the origin of his calling, amidst struggles and confusions, further he reflected on the importance of prayer life which was centre of his family and the upbringing.

The choir, composed of the local youth, led the congregation in traditional hymns and Oraon devotional songs, adding a cultural richness to the liturgy. A special word is to be mentioned about ‘Jhangh Naach’ traditional Adivasi dance which further highlighted the deep-rooted Catholic faith in the region.

Following the Mass, a felicitation program was held where community leaders, including tribal elders, expressed their pride in Fr Toppo’s journey. The event concluded with a communal meal featuring traditional dishes, fostering a spirit of fellowship and celebration.

Fr Toppo’s journey to the priesthood began in Siphri, where he was inspired by the faith of his family and the legacy of missionary priests. His ordination is seen as a continuation of the thriving Adivasi Church in Jharkhand, which has produced numerous priests and religious vocations, notably exemplified by the Jesuits from Belgium.

As Fr Amit Toppo begins his Pauline Priestly ministry, may his service inspire more young men and women to answer God’s call. The celebration of his First Eucharist not only marked a personal milestone but also reinforced the deep faith of the villagers. We wish Fr Toppo God’s blessings!!!