The Golden Jubilee of Father Felix Raj, S.J. as a Jesuit, was celebrated in the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) on January 4, 2024.

Father Felix Raj celebrates his 50 years of being a Jesuit in Kolkata this year. He began his Jesuit training in Patna from January 2, 1974. To make the celebration more meaningful, Father Raj had invited all his 1974 Novitiate companions to SXUK.

In his address at the function, he said, “Nine of us came together for two days, from January 2nd to 4th and had very fruitful and enriching sharing sessions, reliving our rich experience in the early years of our formation and rejuvenating ourselves. We gratefully remembered all, Jesuits and others who journeyed with us in these 50 golden years.”

On January 4 evening, the St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) oraganised a programme in which the alumni members felicitated all the nine Jubilarians.

Father Raj narrated his journey with a sense of deep gratitude to all those who were present as the audience. He said, “Jesus Christ had an inner circle of 12 apostles and hundreds of disciples at the peripheral level. Among the apostles, there were a few like Peter who denied Jesus thrice, like Thomas who doubted his resurrection and Judas who betrayed him.”

He further said, “Still Peter was chosen as the first Pope of the Church and Thomas was sent all the way to India. Inspite of shortcomings, weaknesses and sinful nature of human beings, God chooses the weak and makes them strong. And that is what God has done with me and with my companions.” Father also shared some of the anecdotes of his early life.

Father's nephew, Naveen David, his wife Priya David and their 6 year old daughter, Zarah David had come all the way from Tamil Nadu for the celebrations.

To make the celebration memorable, students staged a beautiful cultural show. The celebrations ended with a dinner hosted by the alumni association. Thanks to Vatsal Chirimar, Honorary Secretary and his team of council members for their efficient organisation of the programme.

Dr. Somak Sen

SXUK