INAUGURAL REPORT OF CELA
CELA is one of the associations of St. Charles Seminary, which began in the year 1997 with St. Francis Xavier as its patron saint The full form of CELA is Carolian Elocution and Literary Association. Its objective is to prepare the brothers in formation to become eloquent preachers and teachers in their future ministries as priests.
The inauguration of CELA was held on the 21st August for the academic year 2021-22, in Aula Magna at 8:30 PM. The event was enhanced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Aquin Noronha OP, the Rector, Rev. Fr. Saju OP, the newly appointed Director of CELA, Rev. Fr. Paul Periera OP, the outgoing Director and Rev. Fr. Charles O.P. the chief Guest of the day. The dignitaries were solemnly welcomed to the dais by Dn. Necodemus Xess, the General Prefect and Bro. Mukesh Kumar, the co-director of CELA.
The event began with a short prayer led by Bro. Sandeep James Thakur which was followed by the lighting of the lamb. The assemply felt at home at the gracious words of welcome by Bro. Rodwin Lobo. Everyone gave an attentive ear to the report of the closing ceremony of CELA as it was read out by Bro. Anuj Toppo, the Secretary of CELA. A short PPT on the history and the constitutions of CELA was presented in a video format. The important part of the inaugural session is the handing over of the Directorship from Fr. Paul OP, the outgoing Director, to Fr. Saju O.P. the new Director. This honor was carried out by Fr. Charles OP, the Chief Guest of the event and he delivered his inspirational and heart- touching talk in which he emphasized the importance of elocution and asked the brothers their full participation in the events yet to come. He said that it is only when each one utilized the opportunities and skills, we could become effective pastors in the vineyard of the Lord. The presentation of the yearly account of CELA by Bro. Alan Toppo, the treasurer of CELA was approved. Another encouraging moment of the day was the message of the new director Fr. Saju OP, in which he exalted all the brothers to take advantage of the opportunities CELA provides, and inspired them to be competitive ministers as we share in the mission of Jesus by focusing on to spirituality and preaching.
As per the tradition Bro. Soumik Mondal, a student from first year philosophy, was elected to the executive body of CELA. Bro. A. Prem Kumar, the President of CELA, addressed the gathering where he explained the rules and regulations of CELA, procedures of the ordinary meetings and introduced the members of the CELA Committee to the gathering. Fr. Aquin Noronha, O.P, the Rector, then inspired the gathering with his personal experience on to how one can become confident by using the given opportunities and how to equip oneself as an effective instrument in the Church.
After proposing vote of thanks, the president thanked everyone who made the inauguration of CELA a great success and all those who worked hard to make it a memorable one. The inauguration was concluded with CELA anthem.
