Final Profession of Fr. Francis Balaraj, S.J
Fr Francis Balaraj SJ, currently serving as Head of Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit of Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru pronounced his Final Vows in the Society of Jesus on the Feast of Queenship of Mother Mary on 22 August, 2023 in the chapel of Our Lady of the Way at Indian Social Institute. “To Give and Not to Count the Cost” the theme chosen by the vowent expressed his deep sentiments of gratitude to God and for the Society of Jesus for all that he has been today. Fr Jerome Stanislaus D’Souza SJ, President, Jesuit Conference of South Asia, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, Provincial, Karnataka Jesuit Province, Fr Edward Philip SJ, Superior, Xavier Sadan, Mysore, Fr Anthony Dass SJ, Superior, Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru, and the Vowent Fr Francis Balaraj SJ celebrated the Eucharist. A great number of Jesuits from Karnataka Province and priests from the archdiocese concelebrated. It was a happy occasion for the family members, close relatives and friends of Fr Francis Balaraj to join in for the celebration.
During homily, Fr Edward Philip SJ, companion of the vowent, shared on the significance of the Final Vows in the Society of Jesus and the Word of God in the light of the true discipleship of Mother Mary. The main celebrant, Fr Jerome Stanislaus, representing the Superior General received the final vows of Fr Francis Balaraj SJ.
The felicitation programme was a celebration of God’s love and grace manifested in the life and mission of Fr Francis Balaraj SJ. It was also an occasion to express gratitude and appreciation for his dedicated life in the Society of Jesus and the people of God. Fr Santhosh Fernandes SJ, great companion of the vowent, created fun and laughter, recalling significant events and persons in the life of Francis Balaraj in his address. Both Provincial, Fr Jerome Stanislus and Fr Dionysius Vaz felicitated the vowent appreciating the simplicity, honesty and his love for the marginalized. The vowent expressed his gratitude to all gathered and said, ‘what I am today is because of the Society of Jesus’. He profusely thanked God and Jesuit companions for their love, support and friendship.