Karnataka Jesuit scholastics meet at Bembala for Sahodaya-2025

On : 2025-06-01

Sahodaya 2025 with the theme, “ಭರವಸೆಯುಕ್ತ ಯಾತ್ರಿಕ ಹಾದಿ ಸಹೋದರತ್ವಕ್ಕೆ ಬುನಾದಿ” was held at Bembala, Nelamangala from 28th May to 1 June. The event was inaugurated by Fr. Pratap Chandru, PCF of the Karnataka Province, who set the tone for a meaningful and joyful experience. Fr. Lancy Dias encouraged the scholastics to deepen their sense of universality and broaden their vision within the Society of Jesus. An ice-breaking session led by Fr. Lumnesh Swaroop fostered unity and brotherhood among the scholastics.

A key highlight of the gathering was a day of sessions conducted by Fr. Brian Pereira, who facilitated a reflective engagement with the process of Restructuring and Reimagining the Society of Jesus in South Asia (RRSJSA). The sessions offered a fresh perspective and raised relevant issues from the scholastics' viewpoint.

A particularly memorable moment was the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Arokiaraj Sathish Kumar, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bengaluru. His insightful talk on being pilgrims of hope in one’s personal life, community, the Church, and the world left a lasting impression. He also presided over the Eucharist, adding depth and solemnity to the event. On this occasion, he also released Prajwalana, the annual magazine of the Karnataka Scholastics, with this year’s theme: “Digital Pilgrim: Becoming an Alter Christus in the Digital Era.”

The presence of Fr. Dionysius Vaz, Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuits, along with Fr. Arun Kumar, Socius, and Fr. Jerome D’Souza further enriched the event. In his address, Fr. Provincial emphasized five key aspects of Jesuit formation: personalized, integrated, interiorized, accompanied, and transformative. Fr. PCF introduced new initiatives such as the Buddy System, the Kannada Language Learning Policy, and the commencement of ongoing formation talks.

Sahodaya 2025 joyfully welcomed three new juniors into the scholastic community and bid farewell to six newly ordained young priests, gratefully acknowledging their contributions and sending them forth with blessings as they embark on the next phase of their Jesuit journey.

On the final day, the scholastics elected Schs. Rudolf D’Souza and Macwin D’Souza as the Coordinators for next year’s Sahodaya.

Sahodaya 2025 concluded with a renewed sense of hope and strengthened brotherhood. The scholastics returned to their communities inspired and energized, committed to journeying together as pilgrims of hope.

Sch Chethan Kumar SJ