A major regional seminary in Odisha, eastern India, offers theological classes for the laity.
Inaugurating the theological classes for laity on August 7, Divine Word Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar appreciated the staff at the Khristo Jyoti Mohavidyaloyo (KJM, Light of Christ College) for accepting the additional responsibility to impart theological education to the laity.
Sambalpur, a major town in the Eastern Indian state of Odisha, is where KJM is situated.
Barwa shared some of his experiences with beginning this program in this region of Odisha.
He also explained the vision of the Odisha Catholic Bishops’ Council (OCBC) to spread the theological program for laity throughout Odisha, though presently it is beginning with the laity of Sambalpur diocese.
The prelate shared some of the challenges India faces today as Christians while gratefully remembering the great missionaries who worked to spread the faith among the people in the Odisha region.
Earlier, Fr. Imulus Tete, the vice-rector of KJM, introduced the guests and was the master of ceremonies for the short program.
He welcomed the gathering as the program began. The inaugural ceremony was blessed with the presence of Barwa, Fr. Bartholomew Bilung, Fr. Lancy Rodrigues SVD, Fr. Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh, Fr. Jesuraj Rayappan SVD, Fr. Victor Rodrigues SVD, Fr. Bhakti Sabhanayak, Fr. Imulus Tete, 13 lay students for the theological classes, brothers, and sisters.
Father Ranasingh, principal of KJM, officially welcomed the gathering.
"Offering theological education for laity is a milestone in the history of KJM," he said.
He appreciated the efforts put in by all those who were running to make this program happen, especially Fr. Bartholomew Bilung, the Vicar General of Sambalpur diocese.
Followed by the lighting of the lamp. Barwa, Fr. Bilung, Fr. Rodrigues, Fr. Rayappan SVD, Mr. Thomas Minz, and Mr. Julius Lakra, as the representatives of lay theology students, Br. Sudharshan, and Sr. Manini Nayak, as the representatives of brothers and sisters, lit the lamp. A Holy Spirit hymn was sung during the lighting of the lamp.
After the lighting of the lamp, Fr. Rodrigues, the Rector of KJM, read the Gospel passage from John 8:31–35, followed by Fr. Bartholomew Bilung, who led with a prayer.
Mr. Thomas Minz and Mr. Julius Lakra, two representatives for the lay theology students, shared some of their experiences and their intention to be part of this program.
They expressed their gratitude to all those who supported and helped make this program a reality.
The inauguration ceremony ended with a blessing by Barwa. The whole gathering had a photo session in front of Vianney Hall.
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