It was exactly ten years ago in 1997 that Don Bosco Philosophate began to function as the post-novitiate formation house of the Province of St Joseph, Hyderabad. Located in the diocese of Warangal, the inter-Provincial community – today an inter-national community – was envisioned as a centre for philosophical and graduate level studies primarily for the Salesians of South Asia.

Recalling the ten glorious past years, the present community gathered together to thank the Lord for the pioneers who conceptualised and made real the existing structure at Karunapuram. Though typically a moment of celebration and rejoicing, the occasion was also aptly used as a moment of reflection and introspection. Taking the occasion of the conclusion of the Annual Provincial Visitation, the community along with Fr Noel Maddhichetty, the Provincial, renewed its commitment to achieving the ideals set before it by the congregation. During the concluding Eucharistic celebration, while elaborating the gospel of the analogy of the mustard seed (Lk. 13:18-21) Fr Noel, exhorted one and all to live up to the challenge of making the seed of vocation sown in each one to grow to its best.  

Don Bosco Philosophate is intrinsically linked with Vishwa Jyothi Don Bosco College. Today as ever, it continues to live up to its motto ‘The light that enlightens everyone’ (Jn 1:9), as it offers ecclesial and civil formation to the dioceses of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, all religious congregations and all lay Christian men and women, besides the Salesians of Don Bosco. Known for its academic excellence and integral formation, the college continues to be the point of reference for all the alumni who gladly recall their early formative years here. Over the last two years, the campus has welcomed with open arms the first ordained fruits of this institute of philosophy. Ever grateful and nostalgic about the three years spent here, they cherish these moments as ‘happy home-coming’.  

As DB Karunapuram takes on the challenge of guiding young men in their formation to priesthood and providing a solid philosophical foundation to all religious, here’s wishing it a happy and meaningful reliving of the abounding blessings of the past decennial.