Vidyajyoti Journal Celebrates Platinum Jubilee
New Delhi (CBCI News): On December, 15, 2012 Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection (VJTR) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee – 75 years of its service to the Church and to the world at large. The journal was originally begun in October, 1937 by Archbishop Louis Mathias of Chennai as Clergy Monthly. In 1939 he handed over the responsibility of running the journal to the Faculty of St Marys Theology, Kurseong. After St Mary’s College came down to Delhi and changed its name to Vidyajyoti College of Theology, not only was the name of the journal changed into Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection in 1975 but also its vision was enlarged to include all the people of God and also persons of other religious traditions.
The entire Administration team of the Journal, along with the staff and students of Vidyajyoti College of Theology and special invitees, offered a thanksgiving Eucharist to the Source of all graces for the life and growth of the Journal during the last 75 years. “Listening Reflecting Celebrating” was the theme of the celebration. The Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Vincent Concessao. It was followed by a short program which began with an insightful and challenging talk by Fr. George Plathottam, SDB (Secretary, CBCI Office for Social Communications and Director of NISCORT on the theme “The Role of Critical thinking in Religion”. Fr. Edward Mudavassery, S.J. (Jesuit Provincial of South Asia) then read out the Congratulatory Letter of Fr. Adolfo Nicholas, S.J., the Superior General of the Society of Jesus to the Editor, acknowledging and appreciating the great work done and the zeal with which it has been carried out. Then the Platinum Jubilee issue of the journal was released and VJTR Website was inaugurated by the Archbishop. Fr. Gispert-Sauch, S.J. and Fr. Michael Amaladoss, S.J., former Secretary and editor of the journal respectively, were felicitated for their marked contribution and tireless work of editing along with the co-staff of VJTR.
This occasion also proved to be a right one for two other reasons, one, for the release of the books by the faculty members: Life for all – Ethics in Context by Late Fr. Arokiasamy, S.J. and Indian Faces of Jesus by Fr. P. R. John, S.J; and another, launching of DEPTh (Distance Education Program of Theology) Website and brochure.
Fr Leonard Fernando, S.J., editor of the journal, proposed the vote of thanks. The program was concluded with a special prayer of Thanksgiving, “… may we always continue to Listen, to Reflect, and to Celebrate Your presence in our world through Your Son and Your Spirit. Amen.”
Joel Noronha, SJ.