“A JOYOUS CELEBRATION OF LIFE, FAITH, AND GRATITUDE”

March 11, 2025: The KPRT family gathered in great joy to celebrate the birthdays of our esteemed spiritual directors, Fr. Preetam Vasuniya and Fr. Jonedius Toppo. Though Fr. Preetam’s birthday falls on March 13, the community came together on this special day to honor both fathers with deep gratitude and heartfelt happiness.

The day began at 6:30 AM at the Marian Grotto, where invited guests, fathers, and brothers assembled in prayer. Fr. Jonedius, the main celebrant, offered incense to Mother Mary, entrusting the day’s celebrations into her loving care. A beautiful tradition followed—the ceremonial washing of the hands of the birthday celebrants, symbolizing respect and gratitude. Bros. Francis Meda and Amit Bhuriya then shared inspiring biographies of both fathers, inviting all to reflect on their remarkable lives of service.

The community then processed to the church for the Holy Eucharist, the highest form of thanksgiving. Presided over by Fr. Jonedius, the Mass featured a deeply moving homily by Fr. Preetam, who spoke on God’s love and the transformative power of sacrifice. His words reminded all that true peace is found only in Christ, leaving a profound impact on the congregation.

At 1:00 PM, the joyful noon celebration unfolded in the refectory with a lively cake-cutting ceremony. Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria, Rector, and Fr. Antony Akkanath, Dean of Studies, offered touching words of appreciation, praising the birthday celebrants for their invaluable contributions to the community. The KPRT family lifted their voices in a wishing song as the celebrants cut the cake amid cheers and blessings, while their spiritual sons offered thoughtful gifts as tokens of love and gratitude.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). The celebration concluded with a festive meal, where laughter, conversation, and joyful fellowship deepened the spirit of unity. It was truly a day of thanksgiving, love, and spiritual renewal, reminding us of the beauty of faith, fraternity, and God’s abundant blessings.

As we give thanks for the lives and ministries of Fr. Preetam Vasuniya and Fr. Jonedius Toppo, we pray that God continues to bless them with health, wisdom, and many more years of fruitful service.

✍ -By Bro. Prabeesh Sebastian, Archdiocese of Kingston

A DAY OF GRATITUDE: RECTOR’S DAY CELEBRATION 2025

On February 27, 2025, the KPRT community joyfully celebrated Rector's Day, commemorating the birthday of our esteemed Father Rector. The day was filled with love, faith, and gratitude, honoring the guiding presence of Father Rector, who has touched our lives with wisdom and care.

The day began with the uplifting energy of a special Thursday Morning Prayer, followed by a peaceful meditation led by Brother Manish and his group. A brief yet heartwarming birthday greeting was shared with Father Rector during breakfast at 7:30 a.m., marking the start of the celebrations. The grand breakfast was filled with joy and togetherness.

At 10:30 a.m., the community gathered in front of the Portico for the Holy Eucharistic celebration. Brother Tinku Kumar gave a brief biography of Father Rector, the 'birthday boy,' highlighting his inspiring journey. The Eucharistic procession, led by the main celebrant Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria, along with con-celebrants, nearby community sisters, and all the brothers, proceeded towards the chapel.

Rev. Father Peetam Vasuniya opened the Holy Mass with personal reflections on his experiences with Father Rector, underscoring his impactful presence. The Thanksgiving Mass, offered by Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria, was a special tribute to the KPRT community. During his homily, Father Scaria emphasized the importance of holiness, using the metaphor that cutting off a body part is easier than ridding oneself of sin. He urged everyone to flee from sin as they would from a venomous snake.

Following the mass, the KPRT community gathered for a memorable photo session, capturing the joy of the day. At noon, we moved to the auditorium for a vibrant cultural program, which began with a welcome speech by Brother Baskar, acknowledging the presence of distinguished guests and the entire community. A series of performances by the brothers entertained the audience, showcasing talent and camaraderie. During the program, Rev. Fr. Antony Akkanath praised the qualities and inspiring leadership of Father Rector, recognizing him as a source of motivation for everyone.

Father Rector shared his heartfelt message with the community, expressing deep gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the day’s success. The Rector’s Day celebration concluded with a sumptuous meal at 2:00 p.m.

In the evening, the KPRT community hosted a special KPL Friendly Cricket Match between the staff of Pushpa School and the brothers of KPRT, Ashta. The cricket match, sponsored by Fr. Melvin, Principal of Pushpa Higher Secondary School, added excitement to the day. With the ground beautifully prepared for the event, a large audience gathered to witness the match.

The KPRT team won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a challenging target of 130 runs in 12 overs. The Pushpa School team, despite a slow start and early wicket losses, fought hard to chase down the target. However, the KPRT bowling attack was relentless, and the team successfully defended their score, lifting the KPL Cup. The KPL Trophy was presented to the winning team by Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria, while the runner-up team received sweet treats as a token of appreciation.

Both teams exchanged congratulations, and the day ended on a high note with snacks and a delightful dinner, leaving the community with joyful memories of a day well-spent.

Rector's Day 2025 will be remembered as a celebration of unity, joy, and the profound influence of Father Rector's leadership on our lives.

✍ -By Bro. Parsingh Damor III Year

“CELEBRATING THE 76TH REPUBLIC DAY WITH PRAYER, PATRIOTISM, AND PURPOSE”

January 26, 2025: Republic Day 2025 was a momentous occasion for the entire KPRT community, marked by a spirit of unity, reverence, and reflection. The second-year brothers, with dedication and enthusiasm, meticulously prepared for the event, ensuring every detail was in place a day before the celebrations began.

The day unfolded with a solemn and sacred Holy Mass, led by Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria, the esteemed Rector of the KPRT family. His profound homily, centered on the theme of Biblical Sunday, resonated deeply with the congregation, urging us to align our spiritual values with our civic duties. Together, we prayed for our beloved nation, its leaders, and paid homage to the courageous freedom fighters whose ultimate sacrifices secured India's independence and paved the way for a just society.

Following the Holy Mass, a sense of pride filled the air as we marched in a disciplined parade, heralding the arrival of our distinguished chief guest, Most Rev. Father Preetam Vasuniya. He was warmly welcomed with a traditional garland and bouquet, a gesture symbolizing our respect and gratitude. The flag-hoisting ceremony that followed was a powerful and emotional moment, as the tricolor soared high, reflecting our nation's steadfast commitment to sovereignty, democracy, and the noble ideals enshrined in our Constitution.

In his keynote address, Father Preetam Vasuniya delivered a stirring and thought-provoking speech. He passionately called upon us to stand firm against injustice and corruption, urging each of us to become the voice for the marginalized and the oppressed. His words echoed a clarion call for action—to leave behind our comfort zones and work tirelessly toward building a more equitable and just society. His message was a poignant reminder of our role as stewards of justice, advocating for the dignity and rights of all.

The second-year brothers further ignited the spirit of patriotism with a soul-stirring patriotic song that stirred the hearts of everyone present. Their performance, a tribute to the power of music, evoked deep feelings of love for our motherland and the unbreakable bond of national unity and solidarity.

Adding to the significance of the day, Brother Manish Baskey took the stage with a speech that left a lasting impact. His eloquent words on the theme "A Journey of Democracy" resonated with us all. He traced India's remarkable progress since gaining independence, paying tribute to the freedom fighters and visionary leaders who shaped the nation's destiny. Brother Manish emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of justice, equality, and liberty—the cornerstones of our Constitution—and inspired us to continue walking on the path of progress with a sense of responsibility and purpose.

✍ -By Bro. Br. Vishal Sulya I Year

“HARVEST FESTIVALS OF PONGAL & MAKAR SANKRANTI”

January 25, 2025: On the 25th of January, 2025, the brothers from the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana had the distinct privilege of celebrating the harvest festivals of Pongal and Makar Sankranti at Khrist Premalaya Regional Theologate. The day began with a solemn Morning Prayer, where we gathered in gratitude to thank the Lord for His abundant providence and blessings in our lives.

Following the prayer, the community gathered in front of our residence for the traditional Pongal celebration and to warmly welcome the chief guest for the day, Rev. Fr. Edward Francis, a priest from the Archdiocese of Bhopal. We were truly honored by the presence of His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Madathikunnel, who graced the occasion with his blessings.

The celebration continued with a Holy Mass, beginning with a dignified procession from our residence to the main chapel. During the Mass, we expressed our heartfelt thanks to God for His constant guidance and blessings. The homily, centered on the conversion of St. Paul, was an inspiring reflection on the transformative power of Christ. It urged us to reflect on both the pre-conversion and post-conversion aspects of St. Paul’s life, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing call to follow Christ in our own lives.

The festive spirit extended into the afternoon as the brothers dedicated themselves to preparing a sumptuous meal for lunch. I would like to sincerely acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all those who contributed to the preparation of the meal and the overall organization of the event. Their efforts ensured that the day was a resounding success.

In the presence of His Excellency Bishop Augustine, Rev. Fr. Rector, the esteemed staff members, and all the brothers, a brief program was conducted. Bro. Tamilarasan, as the Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the dignitaries and all participants with warmth and respect.

We were also fortunate to have the neighboring community of Fathers and Sisters join us for the meal and celebration, further enriching the joy and spirit of fellowship. A video presentation highlighting the significance of these festivals was shared, followed by a grand meal. As one united family, we enjoyed the meal in an atmosphere of joy, fellowship, and mutual gratitude, cherishing the efforts and support of everyone involved. Ultimately, this celebration served as a poignant reminder of God’s continuous presence and His abundant gifts in our lives.

✍ -By Bro. Arockiadas IVD III Year

“WALKING IN FAITH: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD AT KPRT”

January 17, 2025: On January 17th and 18th, KPRT Seminary hosted a joyous and spiritually uplifting Silver Jubilee celebration, honoring the priests of the 2000 batch who have dedicated 25 years to their sacred vocation. Of the 22 jubilarians, twelve were able to attend, while others were unable to join due to various responsibilities.

The KPRT family warmly received the jubilarians in front of the seminary portico, marking the commencement of the festivities with a traditional welcoming ceremony. Adorned with garlands and tilak, the priests were honored in accordance with the rich cultural traditions of KPRT.

The Silver Jubilee celebrated the unwavering commitment of Fr. Iruduyaraj, Fr. David Elias, Fr. Gnanapragasam, Fr. Joby Kalarickal, Fr. Joseph Thomas, Fr. Paul Correa, Fr. Pradeep Tigga, Fr. Sabu MJ, Fr. Sabu Niarolikal, Fr. Siby Poovathinkal, Fr. Somy, and Fr. Cyprian Kujur.

The event formally commenced on the evening of January 17th, with Bro. Tamilarasan serving as the master of ceremonies. The jubilarians were introduced and welcomed back to their alma mater with floral bouquets, followed by a melodious welcome song performed by the KPRT Brothers’ Choir Committee.

Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria, the Rector of KPRT, extended his heartfelt greetings, setting the tone for an evening of reminiscence and wisdom. The jubilarians shared profound reflections on their priestly journeys, recounting the joys and challenges of their vocation. Their words deeply resonated with the brothers, offering invaluable lessons on faith, perseverance, and service.

< Fr. Cyprian Kujur from the Diocese of Gumla captivated the audience with his missionary experiences, infused with humor and inspiration. Similarly, Fr. Paul Correa from the Diocese of Lucknow emphasized the importance of unwavering obedience to ecclesiastical appointments, urging seminarians to trust in divine providence. The first day concluded with a soul-stirring Marian hymn.

On the morning of January 18th, the entire KPRT community gathered at the main entrance to extend another warm welcome to the jubilarians. The Jubilee Mass, presided over by Fr. David Elias from the Diocese of Muzaffarpur, featured an enlightening homily by Fr. Cyprian Kujur, reflecting on Christ’s words: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Following the Mass, Fr. Somy from the Diocese of Jabalpur delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of the KPRT family. A group photo session captured the joyous occasion.

The celebrations continued with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, accompanied by the Deep Shikha song, symbolizing divine enlightenment. The jubilarians resumed sharing their experiences, offering insights into the trials and triumphs of their 25-year journey. Their interaction with the KPRT brothers was deeply enriching, as they addressed thought-provoking questions on the mission of the Catholic priesthood in India’s diverse socio-cultural landscape.

The jubilarians urged young seminarians to remain steadfast in their divine calling, resisting materialistic distractions. They emphasized the need to give to God what belongs to Him and to Caesar what is due, stressing that true evangelization is achieved through personal witness rather than institutionalized service. Their guidance left an indelible impression on the seminarians, inspiring them to embrace their calling with greater zeal.

The celebrations culminated in a grand luncheon, where the jubilarians cut a commemorative cake as the gathering sang in their honor. The event concluded on a warm and joyful note, leaving behind cherished memories and renewed spiritual fervor among all participants.

✍ -By Bro. Tinku Kumar Jooseph, Diocese of Gwalior, 1st Year Theology

“ENCOUNTER WITH AN IDEAL MODEL OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP”

January 17, 2025: Christian leadership is a vocation to imitate Christ. This call demands our readiness to imitate Christ and radiate the rays of love, joy and hope to whole creation. This indicates that Christ is near us, Christ is with us and Christ is in us.

The Khrist Premalaya Theologate was very fortunate and privileged to have been visited by His Excellency Mar Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church, and the chief shepherd of about 4.53 million faithful of Syro-Malabar Church all over the world, on January 17, 2025. His Excellency was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Pullat MST, Regional Director of MST, Ujjain. We were gladdened at the arrival of His Excellency Mar Thattil and his team. We, headed by Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria, the Rector, rendered a warm welcome to the Supremo of Syro-Malabar Church with a lovely melody echoed by the seminarians and a solemn welcoming words spelled by Rev. Fr. Antony Akkanath, the Director of Studies, KPIT.

In the fast advancing world of today where power and position blindfold human hearts and minds, only some individuals become a beacon of humility, simplicity and serenity despite being bestowed with great power and authority. Mar Thattil manifests all these qualities and stands out as an ideal model for Christian leadership. His smile, charm, words of wisdom, simplicity and serene nature spoke volumes of his inner joy, and created a long-lasting impact in all of us. In his address he exhorted us to be ‘HUMAN’ in every sense which in his own words would mean – having Happy attitude towards life, cultivating the ability to Understand everyone around, growing in Maturity, readiness to utilize all Abilities for good, and exercising Nobility. He advised that cultivating these qualities makes us effective in our pastoral life. He further emphasized the importance of purity and love for God’s word and His mission in priestly life.

His sharing enriched our spirit and ignited a spark of renewal of our commitment in our journey towards priesthood. At the end we treasured this memory by capturing a group photo with this great personality and sought the blessings of the Almighty and His unending accompaniment in our faith journey.

✍ -By Bro. Tamilrasan Pauldhas, Archdiocese of Bhopal, II Year

“KRISPO 2024-2025”

January 01, 2025: The much-awaited KRISPO 2024-2025 Sports Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour, spanning three days from January 1st to 3rd January 2025. We began the day with Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria the Rector at 7 o’clock. Fr. Rector delivered an inspiring homily based on the theme, “Compete with Grace, and Celebrate with Hope,” encouraging participants to uphold values of integrity and hope in every competition.

The inaugural ceremony of KRISPO 2024-2025 began at 10:00 AM on January 1, 2025, at the KPRT ground, graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. Timtius Toppo. The event commenced with a grand parade showcasing the discipline and enthusiasm of the participants. Following this, the melodious KPRT Choir invoked God’s blessings with a prayer hymn, setting a solemn tone for the occasion. The welcome address was delivered by Bro. Kapil Dev, the KRISPO President, who expressed his joy and gratitude to all present for their support and participation. The Chief Guest, Mr. Timtius Toppo, hoisted the KRISPO flag, symbolizing the official start of the event. This was followed by the unveiling of the logo representing the motto, “Compete with Grace, and Celebrate with Hope,” by Rev. Fr. Francis Scaria and Mr. Timtius Toppo.

A highlight of the ceremony was the torch-lighting, performed by the Chief Guest along with the captains of the three participating teams - Brave Sailors, Path Finders, and Sky Toppers symbolizing the spirit of sportsmanship and unity. Subsequently, the Chief Guest, Mr. Toppo, declared KRISPO 2024-2025 officially open, marking the beginning of three days of competitive and cultural activities. An oath-taking ceremony was conducted, led by the KRISPO President and the team captains, reaffirming their commitment to fair play and integrity. The Chief Guest then delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and grace in every endeavour. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Bro. Amit Soren, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to making the event possible.

Three vibrant teams - Brave Sailors (Captain: Manish Khadiya), Path Finders (Captain: Parsingh Damor), and Sky Toppers (Captain: Amit Bhuriya) and all the participants of all three groups participated in the games. Sports competitions began in the afternoon of January 1st and continued until January 3rd, showcasing various sports events. The games and sports were conducted during the day (9:00 am – 5:30 pm). Each evening, cultural programs featuring artistic performances added colour to the festivities. Judges from neighbouring communities, including St. Joseph’s Sisters, OLG Sisters, DSS Sisters, and IMS fathers were invited to evaluate the cultural events.

The closing ceremony was held on 4th January 2025, with Rev. Fr. Ishwardas Minj, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Bhopal, as the Chief Guest. The program began with Fr. Rector extending a warm welcome to all dignitaries. As part of a noble initiative, Fr. Ishwardas distributed tailoring machines to the poor people. Prizes were awarded to the winners of various events, with Brave Sailors emerging as the champions of KRISPO 2024-2025. The KRISPO flag was ceremonially lowered by the Chief Guest, who delivered an insightful address before declaring the event officially closed. A vote of thanks was proposed by Bro. Amit Soren. The event concluded with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Ishwardas, bringing KRISPO 2024-2025 to a solemn and joyous end. We express our heartfelt gratitude to staff members, all the participants, judges, and an organizing committee for their contributions, which made KRISPO 2024-2025 a grand success. The spirit of sportsmanship and unity displayed throughout the event truly embodied the motto: “Compete with Grace, and Celebrate with Hope.”

✍ -By Bro. Amit Soreng, Diocese of Muzafarpur, 3rd Year Theology

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