The Redemptorist community of Mt. St. Alphonsus, Bangalore, rejoiced on 21 August as the fourth-year brothers of St. Alphonsus Institute received their graduation degrees from St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, to which the institute is affiliated. The occasion marked an important milestone in the academic and formation journey of the students as they successfully completed their studies in theology.
The following brothers were awarded the Bachelor of Theology degree: Br. Samson R., C.Ss.R., Br. Prabin Ekka, C.Ss.R., Br. Roshan Tete, C.Ss.R., Br. Oliverpaul Kharbani, C.Ss.R., Br. Jaison Fernandes, C.Ss.R., Br. Richard Rodrigues, C.Ss.R., Br. Ajay Arun Fernandes, C.Ss.R., Br. Manuvel J. Kottackal, C.Ss.R., Br. Arun George Kuttickattu, C.Ss.R.
The celebration became even more joyful as two Redemptorist priests were also honored for successfully completing their licentiate studies. The following degrees were conferred: Licentiate in Missiology to Fr. Raja Vijayanand Nimmagadda, C.Ss.R. and Licentiate in Spiritual Theology to Fr. Periyanayagam Devadas, C.Ss.R.
The convocation ceremony was attended by members of the Redemptorist community from Mt. St. Alphonsus, who gathered to celebrate the academic achievements of the brothers and priests. Their presence reflected the community’s support and appreciation for the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of the graduates throughout their years of study and formation.
The degrees were conferred by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius, Bishop of Dharmapuri and Vice-Chancellor of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute. The ceremony was further enriched by the presence of the chief guest and keynote speaker, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Leslie Clifford D’Souza, Bishop of Udupi, who addressed the graduates and encouraged them to place their learning at the service of the Church and society.
The occasion was one of gratitude and celebration, recognizing not only academic excellence but also the ongoing formation of future missionaries and pastors. For the Redemptorist community, the achievements of these brothers and priests are a sign of hope and a testament to their commitment to preparing themselves for the mission of proclaiming the Gospel, especially to the poor and the most abandoned.
As they move forward in their respective ministries and formation journeys, the Redemptorist family gives thanks to God for these accomplishments and prays that the graduates may continue to grow in wisdom, faith, and missionary zeal, serving the Church with dedication and generosity.
Congratulations to all the graduates on this significant achievement and may God continue to bless their vocation and ministry.
Br. Samson. R C.Ss.R.
