By Thomas Scaria
Mangaluru, Jan 24, 2024: Mangaluru’s St. Joseph’s seminary on January 24 became an institute for ecclesiastical higher education.
The proclamation of the decree was conducted by Carmelite Father Mathew Attungal, the dean of the faculty of philosophy, Dharmaram College, Bengaluru, in the presence of Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore and the moderator of the institute.
The institute will function as an affiliate of the Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram.
“The Dicastery for Culture and Education, on October, 23, 2023, issued the decree of erection of St Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy, Mangaluru and approving its statutes,” says the decree, read out by the bishop.
“It is a God-sent moment for us to have the institute of higher education in philosophy in our center, providing access for all women religious to undergo education along with men,” said Bishop Saldanha while presenting the decree.
The prelate emphasized the versatility of philosophy as a discipline, covering dialogues across all fields of knowledge. He urged both students and staff to seize this opportunity, as the institute will undergo evaluation after five years.
Father Ivan D’Souza, the director of St Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy, said the institute of philosophy will prepare the students to obtain the degree of Bachelors in Philosophy.
“It also will motivate the teaching faculty to be rigorous, responsible and serious about teaching philosophy,” said the priest, adding that such a move would pave the way for the staff and students for the learning of local literature, culture, history, beliefs, practices and philosophy.
Father Mathew highlighted that the affiliation is valid for five years on an experimental basis, and the certification is recognized in Europe and America. He also announced that the online library of philosophy at Dharmaram is now accessible for students at St Joseph’s Institute.
“We assure our support and help in the journey of learning and imparting knowledge,” said Father Mathew who stressed the commitment to foster a conducive learning environment.
The ceremony concluded with a cultural presentation on the cultural heritage of Mangaluru titled as ‘Tulunadu Purana’ highlighting the rich culture and art forms of Tulunadu and Canara Christians.
A valid question posed to all the Formation Houses (Diocesans and Religious) in India:
Are you “informing” or “forming” the candidates?
As per my view based on my experience: Today most formation houses have become mere houses of “information”. In other words, “banking method of education” is followed in the formation houses.
The formation houses must adopt “Problem-solving method” containing a 3-H formula that means Head, Heart and Hands.
It is very unfortunate that today’s formation remains only at the Head level. It does not go to the next levels of Heart and Hands. What is the end result? A vast majority of the candidates are not “humane”. Sad indeed!