On December 16, 2023, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of St Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) delivered the third Annual Christmas Lecture at Parasmani, Santiniketan. Parasmani is the Centre for Research and Social Outreach of SXUK in Ratanpally, Bolpur.

Jesuit Fathers and members of the organising committee led by Fr. Jeyaraj Velluswamy, Rector of SXCK, inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp of knowledge. The event was attended by numerous Jesuit Fathers, Sisters, notable civil society members, dignitaries and approximately 130 professors from both Santiniketan and SXUK, along with research scholars from VBU and Ashramites.

Fr. Felix Raj began his lecture with the wise words, “Unless and until a seed falls to the ground and dies, it does not sprout and bear fruit” (John’s Gospel 12:24-26). He said that ‘unless we die to our selfishness, comfort, individualism and so on, we cannot rise and bear fruit. Every fall is an opportunity to rise’.

He highlighted the role and impact of education in general and then made a precise overview of the Jesuit Education, its methods and characteristics. He said that the Jesuit education flows from the Jesuit Order’s Spirit which is the reflection of the Ignatian charism.

And the Ignatian charism is found in the Spiritual exercises of Ignatius (a Manuel for spiritual growth), the Jesuit Constitution, the Jesuit motto, AMDG – (For the greater glory of God) and Magis (greater, greater and greater), the philosophy behind any Jesuit mission.

He said, “Educational involvement has been synonymous with the mission of the Society of Jesus which was founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola and six of his fellow companions.”

He elaborated the uniqueness and the various characteristics of the Jesuit education and explained why Jesuit education is popular all over the world and widely sought after by people. Father Raj answered a large number of questions from the audience. The program ended with lunch.

Prof. Sovik Mukherjee
Dr. Somak Sen

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