XISS commemorates Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola with special celebration
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, commemorated the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Thursday with a solemn celebration of faith, gratitude, service, and fellowship on campus. The celebration commenced with an entrance hymn, a Gloria dance, and a Bible procession, followed by the Holy Mass in the XISS auditorium. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, Assistant Director, XISS, along with Fr Ashok Kandulna and Fr Nicholas Barla, SVD.
The celebration centred on the theme, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” (For the Greater Glory of God), reflecting the Ignatian call to live a life of faith, discernment, and service. Welcoming the congregation, Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, reflected on the importance of gratitude and discernment in everyday life. He said, “The Ignatian experience teaches us that every moment of challenge is an opportunity for transformation. When we cultivate gratitude, discern wisely, and embrace change within ourselves, we become capable of leading others with compassion, purpose, and a commitment to creating a better world.”
Drawing from the Cannonball Experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Fr Pradeep reminded the gathering that moments of adversity often become opportunities for personal growth and transformation. Addressing the management students, he encouraged them to view challenges as stepping stones to resilience, self-awareness, ethical leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.
As prayer hymns resonated through the auditorium, the Offertory was solemnly presented. They offered bread and wine along with the Holy Bible, books, lighted candles, flowers, the dove, and fruits as symbols of faith, hope, commitment, and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings.
Dr Amar E. Tigga, Dean Academics; Heads of programmes including Dr Kumar Mohit Spring, Dr Anant Kumar, and coordinator of the event, Dr Shyamal Gomes were also present during the celebrations. The celebration concluded with the final blessing, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony and a fellowship meal attended by faculty members, staff, guests, and students, bringing the Feast Day celebrations to a joyful close.
Director represents XISS at WUJA Meeting in Indonesia
Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director, XISS Ranchi, along with Dr Sharda Singh, Coordinator and Ms Aayurshi, Assistant Coordinator, Alumni Relations Office, participated in the Inaugural Mass of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) gathering in Indonesia. The event featured the keynote address by Rev Fr Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus. More than thousand participants have registered for this meeting and 115 participants from India are present.
