Fr. Mervyn Carapiet Memorial Lecture Highlights Vision Beyond Academic Excellence

 

Kolkata, August 18, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Calcutta hosted the 2025 Father Mervyn Carapiet Memorial Lecture at the Church of Christ the King, Park Circus on August 17. This year’s distinguished speaker, Dr. Dominic Savio SJ, Principal of St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Kolkata, addressed the theme “Reimagining Education in the 21st Century: A Paradigm Shift Towards Inclusiveness and Transformation.”

Fr. Savio described education as “the cornerstone of progress, the catalyst for both individual and collective transformation.” He emphasised the importance of students feeling valued and empowered throughout their educational journey. At the same time, he acknowledged that many remain deprived of quality education due to lack of opportunities. “We need to correct such anomalies so that everyone can get a chance to educate themselves for a better tomorrow,” he urged.

While calling for broader access, Fr. Savio stressed that education must remain sensitive to cultural diversity so that it is meaningful and purposeful. He also highlighted the growing challenge of student mental health, calling it a chronic concern in today’s highly competitive world.

During the interactive session, Fr. Savio responded to a question by reflecting on the mission of Catholic institutions. He noted that while academic excellence is desirable, the true goal should be to provide “something more than academic excellence, which others cannot offer; otherwise, we are working for naught.”

Adding her perspective, Sr. Marisa Robert, the respected foundress of Marian Education Centre, contributed valuable insights to the discussion.

The lecture drew an engaged audience, including veteran filmmaker Firdausal Hassan, Kolkata Press Club president Snehashish Sur, school principals, teachers, clergy, nuns, and distinguished alumni from Catholic institutions across the city. Attendees listened attentively as Fr. Savio outlined his vision for inclusive and transformative education.

In a symbolic gesture of honour, Vicar General Fr. Dominic Gomes crowned Fr. Savio with a golden laurel diadem, recognising the wisdom and scholarship he shared. The event concluded with closing prayers led by the Vicar General, followed by light refreshments.

 

 

 

Celebrating 1700 years of the Nicene Creed at Bishop's College

- Isaac Harold Gomes 

Archbishop Thomas D’Souza lights the candle at Bishop’s College Conference on 02 August 2025

 

 

On Saturday 02 August 2025, Bishop’s College Kolkata, under the auspices of its principal Rev. Dr Sunil Caleb and his team, bettingly hosted the historic event of 1700th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed which was promulgated by Emperor Constantine in collaboration with bishops (from far and near) in Nicaea (now İznik, Republic of Türkiye) in 325 AD.
The historic convention was very aptly described by Bishop Paritosh Canning (Bishop of Calcutta, CNI and President-Bengal Christian Association). He wrote: “I am particularly moved to see the spirit of ‘Ut Unum Sint’ (that they may be one) embodied in the joint efforts of the Theological Colleges of Bengal – Bishop’s College, Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore, Serampore College, Calcutta Bible Seminary and Buntain celebration.
This collaborative endeavour, under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Bishops, CNI Bishops, and Orthodox Churches of Bengal, is a powerful testament to our shared faith and our commitment to Ecumenical Unity. As we gather as “Pilgrims of Hope,” let us seize this
opportunity to reflect on the Creed’s historical significance, reaffirm its doctrinal importance and explore its ongoing relevance for Christian Life and Ministry.”

After a brief introduction by Rev Sunil Caleb, Brahmabandhab Upadhyay’s (1861-1907) Sanskrit composition Vande Vande Sachidanandam Vande Sachidanandam, Vande
Vande meaning Worship, worship (the One who is) Being, Knowledge, Bliss…
The Supreme, Ancient, Higher than the high… (Who is) Fullness, Wholeness, Beyond… Worship, worship, worship) was  sung by Bishop’s College choir.
All then stood up and recited the Nicene Creed. Thereafter, a colourful souvenir on the historic event was released by Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Calcutta.
The Nicene Creed, is the only ecumenical creed on Christian statement of faith because it is accepted as authoritative by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and major Protestant churches.
Rev. Dr. George Panthanmackel, MSFS of Morning Star College, Barrackpore (holder of three doctorates) gave the keynote address. At the outset he clarified that the Nicene Conference in 325 AD was necessitated owing to the Arian Heresy. Arius, a priest from Alexandria,
challenged the traditional belief in the divinity of Christ, arguing that Jesus was a created being, and can’t be equal to God the Father.
To stamp out Arianism for good, and to establish that Jesus was Fully God yet Fully Human,   the Conference of Nicaea and emphasised on the inclusion of `consubstantial’ (literally, “of the same substance”).

Rev. George clarified that the Nicene Creed we recite today isn’t the same which was adopted in Nicaea in 325 AD. Some additions were made in subsequent conferences. For example, 381 AD Council of Constantinople further clarified the Nicene Creed, particularly regarding the Holy Spirit as: “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from
the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.” This addition was crucial in establishing the doctrine of the Trinity, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is also divine and equal to the Father and the Son.
During Question-Answer session on Rev. George’s keynote address, one participant said that the Nicene Creed which was written 1700 years ago, needs to be revised in keeping with times, to be more inclusive. Rev. George replied that for this another Council needs to be
held.
Ms Christine Nathan, President of International Catholic Migrants’ Commission (ICMC) was the next speaker. Her topic was the `Impact of Nicene Creed on the life of Christians.’ She has a vast experience of having worked with International Labour Organisation (ILO), several
NGOs and Civil Societies. She is also a noted trade unionist from Mumbai. Salient features of Ms Nathan’s dissertation are given below:
“Why do we need the Nicene Creed instead of the Word?
(She answered the Creed is an authoritative and incontrovertible church document).The Nicene Creed helps in cementing the faith in one God and His justice among migrants and refugees. She mentioned late Pope Francis was very supportive of migrants/refugees and this helped ICMC rehabilitate 500,000 refugees from Syria and other countries in the
USA.
After Ms Nathan, Rev. Dr Zadingluaia Chinzah of Serampore College spoke on the History of the Council of  Nicaea and the Nicene Creed. Key points of his talk were:
Arius, a highly-respected priest from Alexandria argued that Jesus was a created being, inferior to God the Father and not of the same substance (consubstantial) as Him.
After intense debate, the Council affirmed the divinity of Jesus Christ, declaring Him to be “co-eternal” and “consubstantial” with the Father. This statement of faith has shaped Christian doctrine for centuries.
The Council of Nicaea marked a turning point in Christian history, demonstrating the Church’s ability to unite on core doctrines. Today, the Nicene Creed remains a
fundamental statement of faith, recited in churches around the world.
Rev. Dr Swarup Bar (Professor of Christian Theology, Bishop’s College) spoke on the doctrinal and theological dimensions of Nicene Creed as follows:
Nicene Creed is actually Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (the more accurate term). It’s for continuity and unchangeability.
The Creed was developed by Emperor Constantine in a very political context.
Despite this limitation, there are many theological and doctrinal elements that continue to be relevant to the Christian faith today. The Creed has stood the test of time
for 1700 years. To embody the `Trinitarian’ framework of the Creed,
Greek terminologies were used as they were considered most appropriate.
There was only one line on the Holy Spirit in 325 AD Nicene Creed: “I believe in the Holy Spirit”. This contrasts with the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed of 381 AD, which expanded on the Holy Spirit’s role and nature. Divinity of the Son Jesus is very important because
otherwise the Salvation History doesn’t hold good. Nicene Creed establishes that Jesus’ Resurrection has indeed happened.
The feminist perspectives of the Nicene Creed are:
Jesus became Human, not man. We only highlight the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus but
not his birth. The Nicene Creed does. Chhotebhai speaks on Nicene Creed from Laity’s Point of view at Bishop’s College Chhotebhai (a towering lay leader, former President of All
India Catholic Union and currently Convenor of Indian Catholic Forum) dealt on the Pastoral dimension of the Nicene Creed from Laity’s point of view. He covered three areas on the Creed as follows:
The Trinity, Nicaea, Legalese.

Fr James Arjen Tete (third from left) Jesuit Provincial Kolkata holds the Souvenir

 

The credit for the seamless organization of the entire programme goes to Rev. Dr Sunil Caleb and to Rev. Francis Sunil Rosario, Regional Secretary, West Bengal Commission for Ecumenism, CCBI.

Feast of St John Marie Vianney

 

The Feast of St John Marie Vianney was joyfully celebrated with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza at Vianney Home at 6:45 am. Archbishop was joined by the Fathers from the Archbishop’s House and the Jesuit Provincial House , Fathers from.St Thomas parish as well as the Sisters of Vianney Home and our beloved sick priests Fr Babu and Mr Martin.

The Sisters beautifully organized the liturgy, with heartfelt singing and active participation, creating a prayerful and uplifting atmosphere.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Thomas along with Fr Dominic visited Fr Orson in his room, offered a special blessing, and administered Holy Communion with great tenderness.

The celebration concluded with a short but meaningful felicitation program, followed by a delightful breakfast, marking the day Joyful.

Inaugural Ceremony of Theology Course for Laity at Archbishop's House

The Inaugural Ceremony of the Theology Course for the Academic Year 2025–2026 was held with reverence and joy at the Archbishop’s House.

The program began with a solemn Bible Procession, followed by the Enthronement of the Holy Bible, led by His Grace Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, invoking God’s Word as the foundation of our academic and spiritual journey.

Fr Dominic Gomes extended a warm welcome to the Archbishop, the professors from Morning Star College, and all the participants of the course.

His Grace  delivered an inspiring Inaugural Message, encouraging the participants to grow in faith, understanding, and service through theological formation.

Rev Fr Dr Henry Jose MSFS presented the Dynamics of the Course, highlighting its objectives, structure, and spiritual relevance.

Rev Fr Dr Peter Lingdamoo shared a thoughtful message on behalf of Rev  Fr Dr  George MSFS (  Rector of Morning Star College,)  emphasizing the vital role of laity Empowerment  in the life of the Church.

Two devotional songs were rendered during the ceremony, adding a reflective and prayerful dimension to the celebration, uplifting the hearts of all present.

The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Fr Dominic Gomes, expressing deep gratitude to everyone whose contributions made the event meaningful and memorable.

The ceremony came to a fitting close with the soulful hymn "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart," echoing the collective spirit of gratitude and joy among all gathered.

May the year ahead be one of deep faith, fruitful learning, and spiritual growth for all.

 

 

 

'THEOLOGY FOR THE LAITY' COURSE TO START IN CALCUTTA ARCHDIOCESE COURSE-II / 2024 – 25

Hosea 4: 6 "My people will perish because of lack of knowledge."

On 25th May 2024 His Holiness Pope Francis addressing the general assembly of the pontifical mission societies insisted on a renewed commitment to the Second Vatican Council Constitutions on Sacred Liturgy, Light of the Nations, Word of God, and the Church in the Modern World. The purpose and mission of the Church is “making everyone know and live the 'new' communion that the Son of God made man has introduced into the history of the world” (Praedicate Evangelium, I, 4).

Following up on the success of 2023-24 Theology course Most Rev. Thomas D'Souza (Archbishop of Calcutta) and Father Dominic GomesVG (Director of Bible Commission) met with Rev. Fr. Dr. Henry Jose MSFS (Dean of Morning Star Regional Seminary) and the fruit of this meeting was the decision to structure the 'Theology for the Laity 2024-2025' course in line with the Holy Father Pope Francis's exhortation on the Constitutions of the II Vatican Council.

Theology for the Laity 2023-2024 course conducted by the Morning Star Regional Seminary faculty under the aegis of the Bible Commission concluded successfully on 24 April 2024. 58 lay members from our parishes completed the course with distinction and received their certificates at the hands of Archbishop Rev. Thomas D'Souza. This year-long course covered subjects such as Christology, Mariology, the Doctrine of the Trinity, sanctification through the Sacraments, Social Teachings of the Church, the fundamental principles of Catholic Liturgy, Lay Spirituality deals with the role of the Laity both in the Church and the society at large and much more.

From June this year the Bible Commission of Calcutta Archdiocese has started the process of training animators (from amongst the 2023-24 Course graduates) and forming Bible Cells in every parish with the aim of maintaining a continuity in theological teaching-learning process to ensure a spread in theological knowledge at the parish grassroots level.

To maintain the continuity of teaching-learning at the Diocesan level, the Bible Commission in association with Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore will commence the second year of “Theology for the Laity 2024-2025” course with an inauguration ceremony on Saturday 13 July 2024 at the Archbishop's House.

It is a reality that the Church in today's modern times is faced with a variety of challenges, both from within and without, that are temporal, spiritual, cultural and intellectual in nature. Besides, this our Holy Father Pope Francis has, through the Synodal process, exhorting the Church to live a Christian life in mission mode of service and hope in the world. The Church is the united body of Christ comprising the clergy, religious and lay faithful.

Today we have a large number of lay people, young and old, actively involved in the service of the Church and the communities at large through the Pastoral Commissions and various ministries of the parish action groups who also proclaiming the Word of God. Moreover, it is the laity who are truly immersed in the world of families, communities, work, and public life. In order to face these challenges, we need more and more lay Catholics who have sound theological knowledge of so as to the various aspects of the Faith be able to practice it meaningfully and fruitfully while engaging actively in the pastoral endeavors of the Church.

The lesson content for 2024 – 2025 course to be covered over a period of 32 days (classes) will provide an opportunity for the Laity to be well-informed on following subjects:

Besides an email letter to all Parish Priests from the Head of the Bible Commission, Father Dominic Gomes, the newly appointed Animators and other members of the Commission will be visiting the Parishes in the Calcutta Archdiocese to encourage the laity to register for the course. During the month of June, the Commission will also publicise this Course through posters, banners and flyers giving the subjects to be covered and other details of the course will be handed out for further information.

Archbishop Thomas D'Souza has announced that a course on 'Theology for the Laity' will be conducted by Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore in collaboration with Calcutta Archdiocese's Bible Commission headed by Father Dominic Gomes. From Morning Star, the course will be conducted and coordinated by Rector Revd. Fr. Dr. George Panthanmackel, MSFS; Dean of Theology Revd. Fr. Dr. Henry Jose, MSFS; and Dean of Philosophy Revd. Fr. Dr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy, MSFS.

Triduum Celebration at Our Lady of Happy Voyage Church, Howrah

 

Our Lady of Happy Voyage Church, Howrah did not only celebrate 77 years of Independence but two more great events that is The Feast of the Assumption of Mother Mary and The Feast of the church on 15th August, 2023. The day began with hoisting the Indian Tricolour flag, while little children waved the miniature version in pride. 

The day cannot be complete without the Word of God. The main celebrant for the bilingual mass was His Grace Thomas D’ Souza and the co-celebrants were Rev. Fr. Sunil Kujur the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Devraj Fernandes the Principal of St. Aloysius School and co pastor of the parish and Rev. Fr. Anjeet Ekka. At the end of the mass His Grace was felicitated as he is celebrating 25 glorious years of his Episcopal Ordination. 

After mass there was a cultural programme organised by the various groups of the church. The congregation gather in the school auditorium and enjoyed skits, songs and dances based on Mother Mary and the nation. During the programme around 30 plus children from Sunday school (English and Hindi section) was awarded for regularity by the Archbishop and 20 plus were felicitated as they accomplished success in various educational fields.

There was a scrumptious lunch served for all who joined in the celebration. The day ended with a football tournament organised by the parish youth. The youth of the church of OLHV had organized a intra parish futsal tournament for the youth of the parish. There were 6 teams and each team consisted of 6 players and after a day of great enthusiasm, dedication from the players the winner was Howrah Fc United , and the team who secured 2nd position was Jerusalem United and the team secured 3rd position was San Antonio Commanders. Among the players Anil Sebastian was the Best Goal keeper and Daniel Govia was the highest goal Scorer.

Kolkata WeCare & Seva Kendra combined to work with KMC

On 22nd July, 2023, Saturday, the Director of Seva Kendra Calcutta, Fr. Anthony Rodrick together with Fr. Dominic Gomes, Vicar General organized a gathering for the staff of Seva Kendra Calcutta, distinguished personalities from different fields of work and Principals of prestigious schools of Kolkata at the premises of Seva Kendra Calcutta. 

At the gathering the core committee of Kolkata WeCare got an opportunity to learn about the genesis of Seva Kendra Calcutta, it’s Vision and Mission, the thematic areas it covers, namely- Environment, Health Care, Education, Social Justice, Livelihood, Food Security and Campaigns & Events, its areas of operation within the Districts of West Bengal, namely – Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, 24 Parganas (N) and part of Bankura . 

The presentation touched several facets of work and involvement of Seva Kendra Calcutta within its area of operation. Rapport building and networking with the stakeholders of Khanaberia, Junior Balaka Sangha, Boinchtala, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, NRS Hospital D.N.DE. Homeopathy College&Hospital to name a few. 

Over the years and through many projects, Seva Kendra Calcutta worked in collaboration with Kolkata Municipal Corporation to create awareness on various subjects, life threatening diseases (such as Dengue, Malaria, HIV AIDS) would be one of them through rallies, auto campaigns, to reach out to a large mass of people within several wards of Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Over the years through various projects, Seva Kendra Calcutta has been successful in empowering the CBOs or Community Based Organizations or the beneficiaries – the children, the youth, the women, the men and the elderly through various workshops on Group Building, Community Led Development & Group Management for the Social Act ion Group and Community Action Group members, Situation, Problem and Stakeholders Analysis, 74th Amendment & Social Legislation, just to name a few, which subsequently resulted in the incontestable and incredible initiatives taken by the community members to improve their neighborhood, the environment, the social environment etc. 

Some of the incredible initiatives worth mentioning are – dropout re-enrollment in schools, pond cleaning in Motijheel, construction and repair of toilets in Motijheel and Vaishali, transforming Barua Maidan in Motijheel from a dumping g round into a playground for the community children and the youth of Motijheel, installation of compactor machine opposite Loreto Convent to improve conditions of sanitation, plantation drives within the community and at schools. 

Seva Kendra Calcutta has conducted several activities at schools such as health camps, plantation drives, awareness generation programs etc. in a bid to create awareness of environment, health & hygiene and social environment. 

SKC is privileged to run a project on Prevention of Substance Abuse and Tuberculosis wherein, it deals with drug addicts and links the latter with rehabilitation centers for recovery. SKC is currently, producing cotton bags to replace the use of plastic in a bid to save the environment. Thus, the involvement of Seva Kendra Calcutta in various activities was discussed in a nut shell. 

Next, we had the core members of the Kolkata WeCare, graciously took the time to present their commitment and sense of mission for the society by working with Seva Kendra Calcutta and other Non-Governmental Organizations in Kolkata,The City of Joy. They were delighted to learn that their mission aligned perfectly well with the mission and the activities implemented over the years by Seva Kendra Calcutta. They stressed on plantation drives, recycling of wastes, adoption of the practice of collecting wet and dry wastes separately at schools and institutions, conduct plastic free campaigns to promote the usage of eco-friendly products, cotton and jute bags at schools and introduce environment literacy to students at schools. 

Towards the end of the discussion, one of the dignitaries professed his desire and earnest intention to revive the heritage of Kolkata and bring back its glorious past. Prior concluding the meeting, the main pointers were revisited for more clarity. Finally, the discussion ended on a very positive note.