Vidyajyoti (VJ), Institute of Religious Studies – Faculty of Theology (1972-2022), formerly St. Mary’s College, Kurseong (1879-1971), is celebrating its fifty years – it’s golden jubilee.
On 11th July 2022, the inaugural jubilee Eucharist was celebrated with the theme: “Theology at the Service of Kerygma.” The entire VJ academic community welcomed His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal – the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist. In his message, he emphasized the study of theology must engage the contextual realities, and a follower of Jesus Christ has to be a compassionate Christian in the world. His Grace Anil J. T. Couto – Metropolitan Archbishop of Delhi, Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro – Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi, Fr. Stanislaus D’Souza SJ – the President of JCSA, staff-colleagues, technical and administrative staff, students, newcomers, collaborators from fieldwork centres, well-wishers and benefactors, participated in the celebration. After the solemn Eucharist, the newly revised “Statutes of Vidyajyoti” was released by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli.
On 12th July 2022, Fr. T. K. John SJ, former Principal of Vidyajyoti, delivered the inaugural lecture on the theme: “VJ@50 – (1972-2022) and the Question of Method in Theology.” He spoke of the urgency to restore the ‘redemptive knowledge’ and to be attentive to the ‘voices of the poor’, in order to experience the “redemptive love” of the Saviour. The institute pledged itself to be loyal and true to its motto from the Katha Upanishad (5:15): tameva bhāntamanubhāti sarvaṃ — “everything reflects the One who alone shines.”
P. R. John, SJ
Delhi
