Media Release

Bengaluru, Jul 9: The Jnana Jyothi Campus in Anekal came alive with joy and reverence on June 28 as the Anekal Jesuit Institutions marked the grand concluding ceremony of their golden jubilee celebrations, under the inspiring theme 'ABCD – Accompanying, Building, Caring and Dreaming'.

The day began with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Dr Peter Machado, the archbishop of Bengaluru. It was a heartfelt thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings over the past five decades on the Anekal Jesuit Mission and all its stakeholders. In his deeply reflective homily, Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ emphasized the Lord’s overflowing grace that has sustained and nurtured the Mission’s journey.

The jubilee celebration encompassed all the integral units of the Anekal Jesuit Mission St Joseph’s School, St Joseph’s PU College, St Joseph’s Church, the Centre for Integral Rural Welfare (CIRW), and the Jnana Jyothi Jesuit Community. The event was graced by the presence of nearly 60 priests and a large number of Jesuits who have served in various ministries over the years, each leaving behind a legacy of commitment and compassion.

Following the Eucharist, a felicitation ceremony was held to honour the selfless contributions of Jesuits, collaborators, and benefactors. This was followed by a colourful cultural programme, beautifully presented by the students and staff from the different units of the mission. From vibrant dances to soulful songs, each performance reflected the spirit of unity, service, and gratitude. Over 600 people students, staff, alumni, friends, and well-wishers participated in the celebrations, making it a truly memorable occasion.

In his keynote address, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province, spoke with deep appreciation of the Mission’s enduring impact on the lives of people in and around Anekal. Fr Shantharaj Thomas SJ, the superior of the Anekal Jesuit Mission, warmly welcomed the gathering and did the honours during the felicitation.

The celebration culminated in a festive community meal, reinforcing the sense of belonging and shared purpose among all gathered.

As the curtain fell on the golden jubilee year, the Jesuits of Anekal Jesuit Mission expressed their profound gratitude to all donors, benefactors, collaborators, and friends who have supported their mission of faith, education, and social upliftment. With hearts full of hope, they look forward to journeying ahead with the same spirit of accompanying, building, caring, and dreamingx for a more just, humane, and compassionate society.