The Golden Jubilee celebrations of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, held from September 17 to 19, opened with a day marked by prayer, reflection, and academic exchange. The solemn Eucharist was presided over by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and Archbishop of Goa & Daman.
Fr. Antony Lawrence, President of the Institute, welcomed the gathering, followed by Cardinal Ferrão’s presidential address. The inaugural message was presented by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, Chancellor of the Institute. Words of felicitation came from Bishop Lawrence Pius of Dharmapuri, Vice-Chancellor of the Institute; Bishop Rayappan Arulselvam of Salem; and Fr. Richard Britto, Rector of St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary. The keynote reflection was offered by renowned biblical scholar and long-time faculty member, Fr. Lucien Legrand, MEP.
According to Catholic Connect, the academic programme began with a session led by Sr. Virginia Rajakumari Sandiyagu, SAB, Assistant Superior General. The theme focused on the Spirit’s presence and activity across Scripture and tradition. Fr. Guillaume Lepesquex, MEP, explored the Spirit in the Old Testament; Fr. Stanislas Savarimuthu reflected on the Spirit poured out upon the Gentiles; and Fr. Nirmal Miranda examined the understanding of the Spirit among the Early Church Fathers.
The day also included a felicitation ceremony and a cultural fest. Most Rev. Dr. Francis Kalist, Archbishop of Pondicherry & Cuddalore, delivered the presidential address at the evening session. The Institute honored its former faculty members, major superiors, and benefactors for their lasting contributions. The highlight of the cultural programme was the screening of From Vision to Legacy, a documentary film tracing the Institute’s remarkable history.
As reported by Catholic Connect, the Jubilee celebrations sought not only to recall the past but also to renew the Institute’s mission of forming priests, religious, and scholars rooted in Scripture, tradition, and service to the people of God.
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