ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE

"The soul should always stand ajar,ready to welcome an ecstatic experience. "

                                                                                                                   Emily Dickinson

What tongue, human or angelic, may ever describe a power so immeasurable as that exercised by the simplest priest in Mass? Which authority, vested by God, has the ability to rouse us to concerted action for collective good? Which philosophy for life seeks the upholding of virtues by setting an example to emulate? What is the driving force, indeed?It is the exalted, enlightened and ever inspiring vocation of priesthood.

28th June,2024 marked a turning point in the history of St.Joseph's College, Prayagraj as the entire staff, teaching, office and ancillary, gathered in the famed Hogan Hall, to give a rousing welcome to the new Principal, Rev.Fr.Walter D'Silva. The Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs.Sumona Banerjee, started the proceedings with welcoming the current Principal, Rev.Fr.Thomas Kumar, the Headmaster Rev.Fr.Melwin Pais, the Additional Administrator, Mr.A.Mc Gowan, the Staff Coordinator, Mr.J.Dube and the new Principal, Rev.Fr.Walter D'Silva. Ushering in a serene devout atmosphere with her reading a select passage from the Holy Bible, Ms.A.J.D'Cruz next, offered a special prayer for both the Principals and the entire staff under their exemplary guidance. Thereafter,the KG Section Staff, under the expert guidance of Mr. R. Solomon, created an increasingly tranquil atmosphere with a soulful prayer song. Post this, Dr.(Mrs.) Sheetal Sebastian elucidated on the various accomplishments and accolades of Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva, throwing light on his spiritual journey so far, his keen acumen and his vast administrative experience. She also echoed the depth of gratitude the entire St. Joseph's family has towards such a humanitarian and visionary as the outgoing Principal, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar. Words, when accompanied by the correct gesture, go a long way in making a person truly welcome. Never to leave any stone unturned in welcoming its honoured guests and new members, the St. Joseph's family showered its new Principal with beautiful bouquets. Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar, the outgoing Principal, Rev .Fr. Melwin Pais, the Headmaster, Mr. Aubrey Mc Gowan, the Additional Administrator, Mr. Jyoti  Dube, the Staff Coordinator, Ms. Saumya Prakash from the Junior Section, Ms. Lynette More, the Primary Section Coordinator, Mrs. Aparna Ranjan, the Middle School Coordinator, Mrs. Linda Gaffney, the Senior School Coordinator, Mr. P. Horo, the Senior most Office Staff and Mr. Peter from the Ancillary staff, offered their tokens of warm wishes,  one by one, to Rev .Fr. Walter D'Silva. Mark Twain once said, "The right word may be effective but no word is as effective as a rightly timed pause."Ever pithy, witty and candid in his insightful speeches, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar,  thanked the Almighty for the blessing of Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva, his successor. He dwelt on the superb leadership skills and the terrific administrative prowess of Rev. Fr.Walter D'Silva. He also presented the new College diary, the Annual Calendar and the College Magazine, to Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva, mentioning that they will all be formally released on 1st July, 2024. Needless to say, the College diary, magazine and annual event calender are all representative of the long standing tradition of assembly prayers, patriotism, the college rules, the human resource and the multifarious college activities.

In his subsequent address to the gathering, Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva thanked everyone for the profusion of warm wishes and bouquets while exhorting everyone to remember to be true to their calling. He also emphasised on the need to be true to one's potential so that the greater good may be achieved.The events for the Day wrapped up with Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva saying the Grace before the feast.