The Society of Jesus is observing the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius' "Canonball Moment" and the Ignatian Year from May 20, 2021 to July 30, 2022. The Inaugural Programme was held on May, 20, 2021, Thursday, at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. on virtual platform (ZOOM) at SXUK.

At the onset of the programme, a short video on "the Life of St. Ignatius Loyola" was screened. The short film provided insights on the transforming experience of personal conversation of the Founder. Honourable Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. inspired the audience with his motivational speech. He explained the role and the mission of Jesuits and that one of the main objectives of Jesuits is to serve the poor and the marginalised people. He also mentioned the four universal apostolic preferences of Jesuits, namely

1. Showing the way of God
2. Preferential option for the Poor
3. Service of faith and Promotion of Justice
4. Caring for our common home

Fr. George Ponodadath, S.J., delivered the inaugural address on 'Milestones of the Higher Education History of the society of Jesus'. Through his speech he conveyed the most informative history of the Society of Jesus. He also described the Journey of St. Ignatius of Loyola, from a soldier to a priest to help the poor souls spiritually. He elaborated in his speech the main objectives of the expansion of Jesuit Educational Institutions throughout the world to serve almost three million students for the purpose for helping the poor, aged and marginalized.

He also expressed his concern on how people would be ready to face the new normal situation after the pandemic. Also how educational institutions would be instrumental in developing a healthy student community in this fragmented digital world. He further elaborated on how to manage the new normal situation by being service-centered, focusing on students and not on syllabus, and to remain committed to help people.

The programme was followed by a vibrant Question-Answer session. A plethora of programmes that would be organized by the University throughout the Ignatian year was delineated.

The Programme ended with a Vote of Thanks by Fr. Mourlin K. the convener of the Organising Committee.

Prof. Krishna Roy