by Brothers Charles Raji and Dinimemon Shylla
NASHIK, JUNE 12, 2019: The academic community of Divyadaan, Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Nasik, held an inauguration ceremony to welcome the new academic year 2019-2020 on June 11.
The theme was ‘Holy Spirit, Be Our Guide.’ The gathering included students, teaching staff, and representatives from neighbouring religious communities and friends. The event began with the Holy Eucharist invoking God’s blessings upon the institute.
The main celebrant Father Lourdes Daniel, Bishop of Nashik, presided over the Holy Eucharist along with Father Philip Gonsalves OFM Cap, the Provincial of the Bonaventure province of the Capuchins and priests from neighbouring religious communities.
Bishop Daniel encouraged the students to be enthusiastic about the intellectual formation that the institute offers and thereby grow into reflective ministers of God. After a short break for refreshments, the gathering then moved to Father Vincent Vaz hall in the Academic Block for the inaugural function.
A prayerful choral piece entitled ‘Wonderful, Merciful, Saviour’ conducted by Cleric Lawrance Vincent sdb, was sung by the first year Bachelor of Philosophy students. Father Robert Pen sdb, the Rector of Divyadaan welcomed the gathering and felicitated the guests. Father Gonsalves then released the handbook of Divyadaan.
Bishop Lourdes Daniel released the newly approved statutes and regulations of the institute. The book, ‘Brief History of Medieval Western Philosophy’ authored by Father Joaquim D’Souza sdb, the librarian of Divyadaan, was also released by Bishop Daniel. Father Banzelão Teixeira sdb, Principal of Divyadaan, presented the annual report of the last academic year.
Dr. Malcolm Nazareth, a guest speaker, then delivered a masterful inaugural lecture on the person and teachings of Narayan Vaman Tilak. He highlighted Tilak’s teaching on harmonious blending. A question hour was conducted followed by the lecture in order to clarify the doubts of the audience.
Cleric Daikho Matthew sdb proposed the vote of thanks and concluded the inaugural function in a fitting manner.