Inauguration of the Academic Year and Lectio Brevis 2025–2026 :
Kripalaya – Institute of Philosophy and Religion, Mysore The inauguration of the new academic year 2025–2026 and the Lectio
Brevis at Kripalaya, the Institute of Philosophy and Religion, Mysore,
was held with solemnity and academic fervour on 18 June 2025.
The day commenced with an Hour of Adoration, a moment of recollection
and prayer, invoking God’s choicest blessings on the Institute and its
community. The spiritual atmosphere was further deepened by the
Sacrament of Reconciliation, led by the Rector, Rev. Fr Santa Lopes, who
also preached the homily during the Mass. In his address, Fr Santa
exhorted the staff and students to commit themselves wholeheartedly to
the pursuit of wisdom, allowing the Spirit of God to guide them through
prayer and dedication throughout the academic year.
At 10:15 AM, the Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated, officiated by
the Guest of Honour, Rev. Fr Anthony Raj, Provincial Councillor. The
Eucharistic celebration marked the formal beginning of the academic
year.
The focus then shifted to the Auditorium at 11:30 AM for the Lectio
Brevis 2025–26, an intellectual highlight marking the start of academic
engagements. The Chief Guest, Rev. Fr Jeevan Tauro OCD, delivered the
keynote address on the philosophy of Alexander of Hales, offering the
students and faculty deep insights and inspiration. His
thought-provoking message centred around key philosophical and ethical
themes:
• The pursuit of truth guided by faith
• A legacy of innovation and creative thinking
• The importance of freedom tempered by moral responsibility
• The dignity of the human soul shaped by virtues
• Commitment to justice, peace, and understanding the morality of just
war
• Living an ethical life rooted in virtue
• Making creation as the ladder to reach the Creator
• Seeking unity and simplicity as pathways to divine experience
• Practicing fraternal correction as a means to mutual support within
the community
On this occasion, the Handbook and Academic Calendar of the Institute
were formally released by the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour. This
was followed by brief introductions to the academic courses by the
permanent professors.
Kripalaya begins the academic year with a vibrant student body
comprising 12 students each in the First and Second Years, and 10
students in the Third Year of their philosophical formation.
The program was organized by the Director of the Institute, Rev. Fr
Prashanth Noronha and was compared by Br Nicholas Donbok. The day's
event served not only to mark the beginning of the academic term but
also to reorient the entire Institute towards a year of intellectual
rigour, spiritual depth, and community growth.
