The new academic year began with the arrival of both Philosophy and Theology students on 20 June 2025. On 22 June, the day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Fr Aquin Noronha OP. After the Mass, Fr Rector addressed the seminarians in the Aula Magna, inviting everyone to enter the retreat with a spirit of silence and openness. The annual retreat officially began at 9 pm with an introductory talk by Fr Antony Lopez CSSR, the preacher for this year. His introduction set the tone for the coming days and helped us reflect deeply on our vocation and personal relationship with God. Throughout the retreat, the atmosphere in the seminary remained calm and prayerful, with daily Mass, meditations, spiritual conferences, adoration, and silent personal reflection guiding our spiritual renewal. On 26 June, Fr Antony Lopez celebrated the Eucharist in the morning, and in the evening, the sacrament of reconciliation was made available from 5 pm to 8 pm. Many students made use of this opportunity to experience God’s mercy and inner peace. On the final day of the retreat, 27 June 2025, Fr Agustin Lopez celebrated the concluding Mass. During the celebration, a few brothers from the Theology department came forward to share their reflections and gratitude, expressing how the retreat had touched their hearts and helped them grow in faith. Fr Aquin OP offered a heartfelt note of thanks to Fr Antony Lopez on behalf of the entire seminary community, appreciating his presence and inspiring words.
Inauguration of the Academic Year
The inauguration of the new academic year 2025–2026 was also held on 27 June 2025, making the day both spiritually and academically significant. The community began with morning prayer at 6:30 am. At 8:00 am, the solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev Elias Gonsalves, Archbishop of Nagpur. The occasion was made more joyful with the participation of fathers, sisters, and brothers from nearby religious communities and study houses. The liturgy was prayerful and well-prepared, marking the beginning of the academic year in a truly meaningful way. At 10:00 am, everyone gathered in the St Charles Centenary Auditorium for the lectio brevis. Fr Roby Mathew OP delivered the inaugural lecture on the topic liturgy of the hours. He explained its significance and encouraged us to live our prayer life more intentionally through the Divine Office. Following the lecture, Fr Rector read the report of the previous academic year, highlighting the academic and formation activities carried out and the progress made. The programme concluded with an encouraging and motivating message from Fr Peter Mendonza OP, Provincial, who reminded the seminarians to grow in both knowledge and holiness, and to use every opportunity for personal and spiritual development.
Conclusion
The annual retreat and the inauguration of the academic year gave a strong and graceful beginning to our life in the seminary for 2025–2026. The retreat helped us to pause, reflect, and renew ourselves before stepping into new responsibilities, and the inaugural celebrations reminded us of the purpose and mission of our priestly formation. With renewed strength, spiritual clarity, and the blessings received through the Holy Eucharist and the Word of God, the seminary community has now begun the academic year with unity, joy, and a deep sense of dedication to the path ahead.
