Whenever I speak to my friends, they always ask me how long are you studying and what are you studying at this age? With little embarrassment and no regrets I proudly tell them I’m doing my theology in De Nobili College. All that I can explain to them is that it’s my last few years of study before Ordination.
The left block of De Nobili College is a happening place where gr8 minds are at work and rest. We are guys (Scholastics) from various provinces across India and have come here after many years in the Society of Jesus. The stage being the last phase of our formation before priesthood, one gets the impression that we are busy shaping our visions and goals for us as priests in the society. With gratitude in my heart for the society I can vouch for most of my companions and say this time of Theology in DNC is rocking.
We have scholastics with rich experiences in the society and also scholastics with limited experiences but all sharing the same table and goal of preparing for one mission. The differences in our age only add to the richness of our life here. Whenever any occasion calls for help we’re all geared to help to make a successful one. Each of us is called not only to be successful but also efficient as Priests, Teachers, Guides etc etc.
One important area that all theologians take seriously is the weekend ministry. This is done keeping in view the work we would be doing after few years. The touch of the ‘Magis’ that our brothers put into their ministry is really commendable. From the animation of Small Christian Communities to training children in singing and in leadership qualities, our brothers put in their best to inspire others. One ministry that has many brothers actively involved is ‘Taru Mitra’, (Friends of Trees). Our brothers go to various schools and create awareness among school children about the urgent need to develop a serious concern and sensitivity towards mother earth. This movement, if I could call it one, has had a ripple effect in the past few years in the campus and the schools around. Many schools have responded positively and have invited our brothers to conduct sessions in their respective schools.
This is just in a nut shell the process of doing theology in this wonderful house of DNC. All I can say at this point of time is that doing theology here involves a process of becoming integrated persons. In this world of individualism and living dichotomized lives what we need is to be integrated persons. We are learning to walk the Talk…………
