DIVYADAAN

Divyadaan, which is primarily at the service of the Salesian Congregation and the Church in India, has as its scope:

1. The philosophical formation, with a special focus on the Indian context, of candidates to the Catholic ministerial priesthood (Salesian, Other Religious, Diocesan) and of the laity (Christian as well as persons belonging to other faiths);

2. The formation of specialists in Systematic Philosophy, Education, and Social Communication. The Institute aims at the elaboration of a pluridisciplinary but integrated curriculum of studies, in which philosophy plays a vital role in bringing together faith and life, faith and culture. This is done through serious dialogue with Indian thought and socio-economic realities (in particular of youth) and with the sciences of education and communication.

On January 18, 2025, the Divyadaan Institute of Philosophy in Nashik hosted a philosophical symposium titled ‘Philosophizing Hope: A Confluence of Faith and Reason’. This event, organized by the MPh and Pre-MPh brothers, aimed to explore the transformative potential of hope, both on an individual and societal level, by integrating the realms of faith and reason. The symposium began at 2.00 pm with a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit, followed by insightful talks that offered various perspectives on the concept of hope. The primary objective was to reflect on how hope, when philosophized and understood deeply, can be a force for positive change in our lives and communities. Three distinguished speakers were invited to share their expertise on the topic, enriching the understanding of hope through their unique lenses - faith, philosophy, and the synthesis of both.

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On January 11, 2025, Divyadaan hosted a thought-provoking philosophical symposium organized by the second-year students, centered on the theme, “The Eclipse of God: A Philosophical Response.” The event commenced at 2:00 PM with an opening prayer, followed by an introduction from Br Stefan Paul, the Moderator. The symposium featured four insightful presentations by esteemed speakers: Br Alroid Pinto OFM Cap, Br Jashbir Sanga SDB, Br Seymour Afonso SDB, and Br Jeremias Cardozo OFM Cap. Each speaker offered a unique perspective on the theme, with a particular focus on atheism.

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The Community of Divyadaan staged an English Play entitled, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, on November 30 and December 1 at Divyadaan, Nashik.

The annual play is an integral part of the extracurricular activity of the Divyadaan community. It provides the students in priestly formation, the opportunity to discover and develop their talents, skills and abilities. It is also an opportunity for the community to reach out to its neighbours and instill in them the gospel values in a creative way. 

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On November 10, the Divyadaan community organized a football tournament for the Oratory Children. The tournament began at 11: 00 am at the Divyadaan ground. A short prayer service was conducted by Br Stephen Haruk and Br Shaun, after which Fr Ian Pinto, the Administrator of Divyadaan gave an opening speech to all of the teams. He also declared open the Divyadaan Football Tournament 2024.  In his speech, he said that the sport was not about winning or losing, but rather it was about playing with dignity and with real sportsmanship. 

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From October 24 to October 30, the community of Divyadaan had their Annual Spiritual Retreat preached by Fr Joseph Rodrigues Sdb (INP). 

The Annual Spiritual Retreat is pivotal in the formation of the young clerics of Divyadaan and helps them to reignite the flame of their Salesian vocation and get more intimate in their relationship with the Lord. 

The preacher, Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, is well known for his charismatic preaching, both for lay and clergy groups. He is a well-sought-after preacher bestowed with various gifts of the Holy Spirit. The preacher introduced the brothers to various methods and techniques of prayers to grow in their spiritual life. He shared real life examples and his own personal testimony which inspired the brothers.

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