St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, Commences New Academic Year with "Schola Brevis" Event

Ranchi, July 9, 2025: St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, inaugurated the new academic year 2025–2026 on Wednesday, July 9, with a Schola Brevis event held in the seminary auditorium. Archbishop Vincent Aind, Archbishop of Ranchi and Chancellor of the college, presided over the function. Several eminent dignitaries, visiting priests, college officials, staff, and seminarians attended the event.

The programme began with the celebration of Holy Mass in the morning. Archbishop Vincent Aind celebrated the Mass, joined by a few other priests who concelebrated it with him.

In his homily, the archbishop urged the seminarians studying at the college to remain committed to academic excellence and stay focused on their call to the priesthood and religious life. 

Following the Mass, the congregation gathered in the auditorium, where the house choir set a reverent tone with a welcome song.

Rev. Fr. Ajay Kumar Xaxlo, Rector of the college, warmly welcomed all the attendees, calling the occasion a "sacred celebration". Dignitaries on the dais then participated in the lighting of the traditional lamp. 

Fr. Dr. Suman Kumar Ekka, President of the college faculty, delivered the inaugural address. He urged students to “strive to be holy priests” as they embark on their formation journey. Fr. Suman subsequently presented the academic report for the past year and also announced the appointment of three new residential staff members: Fr. Dr. Bhushan Bara (Theology), Fr. Dr. Selvaraj, and Fr. Gerald David (Philosophy), as well as Sr. Auxlia SMI as the new infirmarian. He added that the college currently hosts 207 students, including 33 new theology students and 45 new philosophy students, supported by 20 residential staff members.

Rev. Fr. Raiman Tobias Toppo, the Registrar of the college, and Fr. Dr. Raju Felix Crasta, Director of St. Albert's Institute of Philosophy, announced the previous year’s results. This was followed by Abp. Vincent Aind conferring the degrees and diplomas on students and later officially declaring the new academic year open.

In his presidential address, His Lordship Binay Kandulna, Bishop of Khunti and Vice-Chancellor of the college faculty, highlighted the comprehensive approach to formation in the seminary. He urged all seminarians studying at the college to keep their goals clear and their motivation strong and to grow in spiritual, academic, human, and pastoral dimensions.

Fr. Dr. Francis Minj SJ, Director of Tarundoy, the Regional Theology Centre of the Ranchi Jesuits, delivered the keynote Schola Brevis lecture on the theme “Awakening the Indigenous Soul”. He captivated the audience with his meticulously prepared presentation and his profound knowledge of the history of the Chotanagpur plateau. “Adivasis are simple people. Yet we must learn to embrace the roots, especially in urban areas. Only then can cultural revival take place in this competitive world,” Fr. Dr. Francis said.

Bro. Jibin Sebastian, HGN, delivered the vote of thanks to conclude the programme. Bro. Mickey Kerketta from Tezpur Diocese anchored the entire event. The day's proceedings ended with a festive lunch.

By Fr. Alok Toppo,

SAC, Ranchi

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