The Inaugural meeting of Carolian Theological Forum (CTF) for the academic year 2021-2022 was held on 13th Aug 2021 at 8:30 in the class room 146, in the esteemed presence of Fr. Aquin Noronha, the Rector and the Patron, Fr. Charles, the Director, Fr. John Paul, the Former Director, Bro. Len Henry, the President of CTF and student brothers of theology.
Apart from the inauguration, the main items in the agenda were to welcome new CTF Patron, Director, the first-year theology students and to express gratitude to Fr. John Paul, the Former Director of CTF. The agenda also included the election of a new secretory to the CTF.
The meeting commenced with the invocation of God’s presence by Bro. Sanjay and his team. Fr. Aquin Noronha and the other dignitaries lit the traditional lamp to mark the occasion. Then Bro. Pramod Makasare welcomed the gathering, especially new Patron, Director and the first-year brothers of theology to the CTF. It was the privilege of Bro. Mukesh to read out the objectives and purposes of CTF.
The inaugural talk was given by Fr. Aquin Noronha, on the topic; “The challenges faced in African mission; Fr, Stan, missionary for the poor.” He shared his mission experiences in Africa, expressing both his difficulties and happy moments. Father also explained about the great work that Fr. Stan was doing for the rights of Tribal Communities. Fr. Rector emphasized that very often the poor and marginalized are victims of injustice and they are even denied of basic human rights and, at times, right to life. He reminded all brothers about the missionary vocation we have received and the life of Fr. Stan ought to challenge us. Followed by the talk, the floor was open for discussion where brothers raised their doubts regarding the mission in Africa and the life of Fr. Stan. Fr. Aquin replied to them all and gave satisfactory answers.
The gathering was indeed honored by the message by Fr. John Paul, the Former Director of CTF. Fr. John Paul expressed gratitude towards the previous in-charges of CTF. He remined us to exploit the opportunities that CTF provides for developing our skills for our future ministry in the respective apostolates. He concluded his message by assuring his full support to CTF.
Fr. Charles, the new Director of CTF, gave his message too. He stressed upon the point of being creative in our life. Father urged brothers to be inventive, committed and focused in our life. Dn. Tony Prasanna, with a heart of gratitude, expressed a big thanks to Fr. John Paul the Former Director, for all his support and encouragement for the previous years. Bro. Premento Narzary came forward with vote of thanks, expressing gratitude towards dignitaries and to all the brothers for their co-operation. The final event of the meeting was the election of secretary. With an absolute majority Bro. Roy Tomy was elected as the secretary of CTF.
We place on record the facilitating role played by Abin Thomas, the animator of the inauguration of CTF.
