By Lawrance Vincent
MUMBAI, JUNE 12, 2015: Divyadaan - Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Nashik echoed with the sentiments of newness at a ceremony held to mark a new academic year on June 11.
Father Savio Silveira, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian province of Bombay invoked God's blessings on the institute with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Father Silveira used examples set forth by Blessed Oscar Romero to induce some key attitudes that must characterise priestly formation. He emphasised the importance of the schooling of the entire person and released the academic handbook.
Catholic philosopher Father Bernard Lonergan's philosophy of culture was the subject of discussion and set the ball rolling for Philosophy students.
Father Lonergan - a Canadian priest - who died in 1984, was known for his seminal works on Theology. He saw the concept of culture as something dynamic and ever-evolving, rather than static.
Father (Dr) Maria Anthuvan, the key-note speaker at the event, used several practical examples to help explain the key contributions of Father Lonergan in the understanding of culture.
Father Anthuvan noted that culture is made up of the values that permeate life. He drew attention to the fact that humans and culture co-existed from the very beginning.
"We need to realize that all of us are cultured persons and we need to appreciate the differences in our respective cultures," he said.
A cross-cultural mix of students and academic staff identified with what Father Anthuvan had to say.
Father Robert Pen, the Rector, delineated four key elements that should characterize the philosophical journey in Divyadaan.
Father Felix Fernandes, principal of institute, also presented last year's academic report.
The ceremony infused a new vigour among the staff and students of Divyadaan, to embrace the academic year.