Sonada: Two nuns from Kurseong were part of the opening of Bachelor of Philosophy course at Salesian College Sonada near Darjeeling in West Bengal state.
Jesuit Father Joseph Papadiyil, former rector of St Joseph’s College Darjeeling, led the opening Mass of the Holy Spirit on June 13.
For the first time this year, philosophy is offered to day-scholars as an elective subject.
Father Papadiyil encouraged the students and staff to be open to the Holy Spirit who is the giver of ‘wisdom.’
He recalled “the warmth, affection and outgoing spirit of the young seminarians” he has witnessed as he rode past the Salesian College for his weekend ministry in Kurseong. The priest has lived in Darjeeling region since 1964.
Fr C.J. Matthew, head of the philosophy department, said nuns studying philosophy is not new at Salesian college.
Rector of the Salesian seminary Fr James Chacko said the college has the “best results” this year as 50 percent of students secured ‘A’ grade” in the philosophy examination.
“This is indeed serious,” commented Sr Gloria Dungdung, who was called to light the ceremonial lamp on behalf of the students at the inaugural.
The college will have about 600 students in the new academic year starting July 1.
The seminary, which started exclusively for Salesians in 1933, today has Claretians as well as seminarians from dioceses of Assam and Bengal studying philosophy as well as degree courses in secular subjects.
Situated on a hillside some 6,500 ft above sea level, the college offers Honors and General courses for English, Political Science, History, Education and Sociology.
The seminarians apply their academic studies to grassroots by visiting villages on Sundays.
It was Darjeeling’s first prelate, late Bishop Eric Benjamin, who encouraged them to visit Darjeeling’s tea estates. The students conducted games and moral science lessons in Nepali language for young people, and visited homes to give medicines for the sick.
Today 66 seminarians visit more than 25 tea garden villages on Sundays.