PHOTOGALLERY

March 23, 2017 dawned with successful accomplishment of the first batch of Diploma in Pastoral Health Theology (DPHT) of Upasana Indian Institute of Pastoral Health Theology (UIIPHT), which began its existence with the launching and inauguration on 2^nd June 2016, with its affiliation to Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bengaluru. Rev. Fr. Jaison MI, Vicar Provincial of Indian Camillian Province and Director of Snehadaan celebrated the Holy Eucharist at 7 am and invoked God’s blessings on the Institute and on the outgoing 16 students for their future ministry. He congratulated the Indian Camillian Province and Fr. William Eronimoose, Director of UIIPHT, for their hard work, sincere effort and commitment for this success of the course.

In the afternoon at 3 pm, there began the official 1^st Convocation. The students welcomed the Dignitaries, Msgr. S. Jayanathan, Chief Guest of the day, Rev. Fr. Paualachan Kochappilly, President of DVK, Rev. Fr. Joy Kakkanattu, Dean of Faculty of Theology, Rev. Fr. Jose Kizhakkekuttu, Registrar, DVK, Rev. Fr. Bijoy Kuliraniyil, Provincial Secretary of Camillians, major superiors, superiors, friends and well-wishers from near and far for the convocation. The students invoked the presence of the living Lord through a prayer dance.

The Director Rev. Fr. William Eronimoose presented the welcome address, after which the ever-living presence, Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, was symbolically bidden by lighting the lamp. It was with great joy and gratitude to the Almighty God that Fr. William Eronimoose proudly presented the first annual report of the Institute in detail, acknowledging the contributions of DVK, Indian Province, major superiors, and the students for the success of the diploma.

Msgr. S. Jayanathan, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Bangalore and the Chief Guest of the day inspired the students through his address to be credible ministers in their service by smiling, entreating, reaching out, visiting and empathizing. Therefore, he has said that this convocation is not the end of the learning but the commencement of a beautiful healing ministry. He wished the students to be credible to serve, and to lead the Church so as to become better followers of Christ.

Rev. Fr. Joy Kakkanattu CMI, Dean of Faculty of Theology in his convocation address reminded us to grow in “I- thou” relationship, which considers the other as dignified person, created in the image and likeness of God, instead of “I-It”, which considers the other as an object.  The world is facing conflict and confusion, wherein people, instead of being called to service and minister, end up in business. In this situation, the role of a Pastoral health theologian is well-defined to eliminate this conflict and confusion.

“There is joy in their face, there is hope in their face, they are no more suffering students but promising candidates to the suffering humanity”, exalted Rev. Fr. Paulachan Kochappilly CMI, the President of Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, in his presidential address. He presented three key words to remind the students as they go out to the world of suffering: to contemplate, to commit oneself and to celebrate the ministry and mystery of Jesus. Therefore, he wished them to “go and do likewise” as per the commandment of the master the Divine Healer. He also wished that UIIPHT should go higher and higher to the level of conducting degree programs. Soon after his address, the students were honoured by him as he distributed the Diplomas to the students.

Fathers Bijoy Kuliraniyil MI, Chris Vimal Raj, Sagaya John, and Sr. Corona Mary wished the students with their felicitation addresses, filled them with encouragements and appreciations. Maintaining the relationship is very important to remain happy and healthy so as to consider every human as person created in the image and likeness of God.

The first three rank holders (Fr. Woothichai Boonbunlu, Sr. Josphin Sahaya Loura, and Sr. Tessy Philip) were honoured by Msgr. S. Jayanathan. Then followed group dance, solo, group song and skit performed by the students. It was really curious and exiting to know that among the students there is one star of the year, the best outgoing student, namely, Sr. Rophina Marwein, and she was honoured by Sr. Rose Francis, the Provincial of Daughters of Mary congregation. The releasing of the manuscript was done by the Sr. Shelly, the Provincial of the Hospitallar Sisters of Mercy.

After that, the students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Institute, especially to the Indian Camillian Province, the Director Fr. William Eronimoose, the chief guests, the community of Upasana, all the faculty members, Dharmaram College, and to all the benefactors and friends for their constant support in various forms of encouragements during this year of journeying and forming together to be a pastoral care minster and wounded healer in the future. The ceremony came to an end by invoking heavenly blessing through Camillian Anthem, followed by refreshments.

Fr. William Eronimoose MI

Director, UIIPHT

23^rd March 2017

Bengaluru.