The Ignatian Year inauguration in the Kerala Province was held online at 6.30 pm on 20th of May. Fr. Salvin Augustine extended an affectionate welcome to the guests and Fr. Roy Alex effectively compered the programme. Fr. E. P. Mathew, the Provincial, delivered the presidential address by reminding and reiterating the words of Henri Nouwen: “our hearts are stronger than our wounds.” Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Church, officially inaugurated the Ignatian Year. In his inaugural speech, Cardinal Cleemis invited the Jesuits to serve the Kingdom of God beyond the borders of Catholic Church without overlooking the needs of the Church. Bishop Vargheese Chakkalackal highlighted the significant contributions of the Jesuit missionaries to the Calicut diocese and pointed out that Bishop Patroni’s period in office as its golden age. Mar Jose Porunnedam, bishop of Manathavady, indicated that the Jesuit should defend the Catholic faith by bringing to their ministries an intellectual character as in the former times. Adv. M. Anil Kumar, Mayor of Kochi, spoke of the significant role of Christian educational institutions in India in shaping the good citizens. Fr. Stanislaus D’Souza, SJ, POSA, pointed out that though at Pamplona Ignatius’ “earthly dreams were shattered by a
cannonball, it made him more fit for a deeper reality, the reality of the Spirit to see things differently.” Fr. Geo Thekkiniyath, CLC Kerala State Promoter, told that the Ignatian Year would be an excellent opportunity to the CLC members to deepen and grown in their Ignatian Spirituality. Sr. Veena Panamkatt, UMI, Provincial of Ursuline Congregation, pointed out that St. Ignatius’ and the Jesuits were inextricably intertwined with the Ursline Congregation. Fr. Benny Chiramel energetically and beautifully sang the Jesuit Anthem which marked the conclusion of event. Xavier Tharamel, the Ignatian Year coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks to everyone.

Ignatian Year Team
The link of the program on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCk4Ny5wrsg