Golden Jubilee of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, Celebrated with Solemnity

Bengaluru, September 17, 2025 — The Golden Jubilee celebrations of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, taking place from 17 to 19 September, witnessed a day marked by prayer, reflection, and academic engagement. The solemn Eucharist was celebrated by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and Archbishop of Goa & Daman.

Fr. Antony Lawrence, President of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, extended words of welcome, after which Cardinal Ferrão delivered the presidential address. The inaugural address was presented by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, Chancellor of the Institute. Words of felicitation were offered by Bishop Lawrence Pius of Dharmapuri, Vice-Chancellor of the Institute; Bishop Arulsevam Rayappan of Salem; and Fr. Richard Britto, Rector of St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary. The keynote reflection was given by Prof. Lucien Legrand MEP, a distinguished faculty member of the Institute.

The academic programme opened with its first session under the guidance of Sr. Virginia Rajakumari Sandiyagu SAB, Assistant Superior General. The session, devoted to a biblical and historical study of the Spirit’s presence and activity, featured scholarly contributions from eminent faculty. Fr. Guillaume Lepesquex MEP, Professor of Sacred Scripture, reflected on the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. Fr. Stanislas Savarimuthu, also Professor of Sacred Scripture, addressed the Spirit poured out upon the Gentiles. Fr. Nirmal Miranda, Associate Professor of Patrology, illuminated the understanding of the Spirit among the Early Fathers.

The day’s programme was further enriched by a felicitation ceremony and a cultural fest. Most Rev. Dr. Francis Kalist, Archbishop of Pondicherry & Cuddalore, delivered the presidential address on this occasion. The Institute paid tribute to its former faculty members, major superiors, and benefactors, acknowledging their lasting contributions. The evening also featured a cultural presentation, highlighted by the screening of From Vision to Legacy, a documentary tracing the Institute’s remarkable history.

By Catholic Connect Reporter