St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a two-day international conference on the theme of ‘Integrating Ignatian Pedagogy into Research and Practice’on December 11 & 12, 2021 at the University campus. This conference is a testimony to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the cannonball moment of St. Ignatius. As the Jesuit community across the world celebrates the Ignatian year between May 2021 – July 2022, this conference is an endeavour of SXUK to unite scholarson Ignatian philosophy. Academicians from SXUK and across the world presented their valuable research works on different sub themes in the conference. The Welcome Address was delivered by Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ. The inaugural address was presented by Rev. Fr. Jerome Stanislaus D’ Souza, S.J., President, Jesuit Conference of South Asia.

At the onset, Rev. Fr. Felix Raj extended a very warm welcome to Rev. Fr. Stany D’Souza and others presented.“As little drops of water make a mighty ocean, our little moments of life make our life big and worth living,”he uttered.He also mentioned that humility and meekness are hallmarks of leadership which the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius teach us.In his inaugural address, Rev. Fr. Stany D’Souza complimented SXUK for organizing the conference on the Ignatian theme.He also expressed hopes for the University to rekindle the pious fire of St. Ignatius in each Xaverian so that we may relive the mission and vision which Ignatian philosophy brought in this world.

Two different panel discussions were held entitled ‘Challenges in Higher Education and Jesuit Response’ and 'Ignatian Spirituality for Life and Leadership’ respectively. On the second day, the inaugural address was delivered by Rev Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy. He specially mentionedthat ‘personal and social transformation are at the heart of Ignatian leadership paradigm’. During the valedictory session, Rev. Fr. Felix Raj stated that the vision, mission, and motto of SXUK are based on the Ignatian charism and principles. This has helped to create a learning environment where these values can be realised, appreciated and imbibed, he further added. The Vote of Thanks was offered by Fr. Dr. Mourlin, S.J.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Mourlin S.J. and Dr. Ipsita C. Patranabis