GRADUATION AND VALEDICTORY FUNCTION OF THE 42ND INTENSIVE DIPLOMA COURSE ON CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY

The Graduation and Valedictory Function of the 42nd Batch of the Diploma Course on Christian Spirituality in Adhyatma Vidhya Peetham (AVP), Carmelaram, Banagalore was help on 17th March , 2018. The Chief Guest and the President of the Meeting was His Grace Most Rev. Bernard Moaras, the Archbishop of Bangalore. The Joy of this auspicious occasion was doubled by congratulating and felicitating His Grace the Most Rev. Bernard Moras, the Archbishop on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of his Sacerdotal Ordination. The Archdiocese has made rapid progress just because of his able administration, meticulous planning, firm resolve and an ability to engage in team work. The far sighted decisions and bold steps of his Grace have made the presence of the Church in Bangalore very impressive both before the multi religious population of this city as well as before the Government.
Adhyatma Vidya Peetham (AVP) has benefitted from the benevolence of His Grace, From 2005 onwards, every year except in 2016, he has presided over the Valedictory function of AVP, the pioneering Institute of Spirituality in Asia. Ever since it’s Foundation in 1976, more than two thousand and five hundred participants including Priests, Religious and laity have been awarded Diploma in Christian Spirituality. The Motto of AVP is “Taste and See” (Ps 34:8) and it is not just a house of speculative learning , but is intended to be a seat of genuine experiential wisdom and Knowledge, a true “Adhyatma VIdya” (spiritual wisdom), born out of deep personal God –Experience. AVP has been making substantial contribution towards the missionary and apostolic rejuvenation of the Church in India and in many other countries. The one year Spirituality Course of AVP is academically recognized by the International Institute of Spirituality “Teresianaum” Rome.
After Awarding the diplomas His Grace, in his valedictory address spoke on the theme of the CBCI meeting that was held in the month of February 2018: “I am with you always, even to the end of the ages” (Mat.28:20): UNITED IN DIVERSITY FOR A MISSION OF MERCY AND WITNESS. Jesus gives the assurance that he will accompany his Church at all times and in all circumstances. This is what gives the strength and courage to its mission of service and witness to the humanity.
AVP gratefully remembered an encouraging presence of the Archbishop amidst them, acknowledging their sincere gratitude and offered greetings and prayers on the occasion of the golden Jubilee of His Sacerdotal Ordination. Rev. Fr. George Vettikuzhiyil, the Director of AVP offered a bouquet of flowers and Rev. Fr. James Niravath Vice-Chairman of AVP decorated him with Ponnada.