Niropya

Niropya, a Marathi monthly, was established in 1903, near Kendal in Ahmednagar Dist., by Father Henry Doering, S.J., for the Catholic community. Now it is circulated among all Christians and other communities too. It goes all over Maharashtra, especially to Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Nagar, Aurngabad, Nagpur, Raigad and Vaasai. A few copies are also sent out of the state and abroad. It is run by NIROPYA TRUST, Pune. 

Director

Fr. Bhausaheb Sansare SJ

An inspiration to write: Pune Jesuit Booklet

To initiate and publish "Pune Jesuit Booklet" emerged during my annual retreat in Panchgani this year 2018, three basic questions confronted me: “What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ?and What more can I do for Christ?” it stirred something deep within me. Allowing the Spirit to be the source of pragmatic inspiration, I thought of a small booklet to be published. It centers on the Jesuits and our work in the Pune Jesuit Province. This thought continued coming to me even though I concluded my retreat. My brother Jesuits in their respective communities silently influenced me. By the world they do and the change they bring in society. Change that deserves to be seen, spoken of, commended and even replicated.

St. Ignatius of Loyola said, ‘Any pious thought has to be tested with fire and reality.’ I reached Sanjeevan and brought up the idea of a ‘Pune Jesuit Booklet’ with our Provincial, Fr. Andrew Fernandes SJ. I had assumed that he would need time to think about it, but I was encouraged when he promptly said, “Go ahead with your plants; I shall confirm it in the Province Consult.” It was confirmed, and the discernment completed.

God’s ways are not our ways. We are only instruments in God’s hands. God leads us, directs us and urges us continuously to collaborate meaningfully. This booklet is an attempt to portray Pune Jesuits and highlight our apostolates. We shall savour this spiritual endeavour and if God wills it, strive for subsequent publications. It is together with other Jesuit priests and scholastics and lay-partners in mission. The two-fold purpose of this publication is to put on display the vibrancy of the Pune Jesuits and in turn inspire youth to surrender cheerfully to the Lord.

Fr. Robert Das SJ

Interview of Fr. Sandeep Philip Jagtap SJ by Fr. Robert Das SJ on “Walking with the Lord”

Can you tell us about your childhood, your parents, and your early schooling?

I was born on 7^th August 1981 in my mother’s native village, Shedgaon. It comes under St. Mary’s Parish, Sangamner. I was baptized by late Fr. James Shelke SJ. Both, my father Mr. Philip Jagtap and my mother Mrs.Mandabai Philip, are very devout and pious Catholics. I belong to St. Francis Xavier Church, Rahata. I completed my primary schooling from my village. Then I pursued my high school studies from two prestigious High Schools in Shirdi.

After your matriculation, what did you do?

Having passed the matriculation in 1997, I equipped myself with two years Technical studies in Mechanics of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning at Shirdi. Then I successfully completed my technical studies, I worked for a few years in various capacities in the Air-Conditioning line in Shirdi.

Can you share with us your call to the Jesuits? How did this happen?

In the year 2000-01, I was doing my apprenticeship from Government Milk Scheme, Ahmednagar. That year something beautiful happened to me. Besides my duty hours I had plenty of time at my disposal. Instead of just wasting my time, I started reading the Holy Bible more intensely than ever before. I was very much touched by the person of Jesus portrayed by the for Gospel writers. In my free time I started going to the nearby Don Bosco Church, Savedi. I used to spend most of my free time there, taking part in the Mass, the recitation of the Rosary and various spiritual activities. Gradually I felt that our Lord was whispering in my heart to follow Him more closely.

After having finished my apprenticeship, I returned home. I expressed my desire to become a priest to my Parish Priest Fr. Dominic Rosario. He invited me to come and stay with the Parish community for three months. During those months he assigned a job of writing a history of our Parish, St. Francis Xavier Church, Rahata. While I was going through the inspiring life stories of the Swiss and German Jesuit missionaries in the Ahmednagar Mission, my heart was filled with gratitude to them. It was on account of their sacrifice that I got to know Christ. Therefore, I decided that I will become a Jesuit priest only as a sign of gratitude to all those missionaries who worked in our land.

A call is precious to every priest, and you surely treasure these moments. Please continue and tell us of your other stages of formation as a Jesuit Scholastic…

I passed H.Sc. from DnyanamataVidyalaya, Sangamner. Prior to joining the Novitiate I did my first year B.A. course from Sangamner College. I did my Novitiate in St. Xavier Technical Centre, Desur, Belgaum from 2006-08. The following year I was at Berchman’s Training College, Vitthalwadi, Pune for my Juniorate. I completed my graduation from R.B.N.B. College, Shirampur. I acquired my Master’s Degree from the Pune University. For my Philosophical and Theological training I was sent to JnanaDeepaVidyapeeth, Pune and VidyaJyoti, Delhi respectively. In view of joining the faculty of Indian Philosophy in the common houses of the Assistancy I am presently pursuing higher studies in Philosophy.

Wonderful! You are a Priest today, Congratulations!! Who else inspired you?

There are many priests who have played a vital role in forming me as a priest today. In discerning my vocation to be a Jesuit, Reverend Frs. Dominic Rozario, Gilbert Dinis, Polly D’Silva, RajuSonawane and AllwynMisquitta, and late Fr. Joe Palliparambill SJ have helped me very much. After having joined the Society of Jesus, I was very much influenced by my Novice Master Fr. Lawry Trinidad and my Spiritual Fathers namely Frs. Joe Gaikwad and Cyril Desbruislais. They have guided me spiritually, and inspiration. I have benefited a lot from their constant spiritual accompaniment.

Which apostolate do you love working in as a Jesuit? Why?

I love working as a pastor. As a priest of the Society of Jesus, I firmly believe that our primary responsibility is to reach out to the people of God especially to the youth of today. In my academic quest at JDV Pastoral work is always my first priority.

Your hobbies? Your favourites past time?

I like to read a variety of materials based on various themes and I have special interest to write in Marathi. I also love listening to the old Hindi songs and genres. I regularly play table tennis as well. I am interested in contextual philosophies and Indian Religious Traditions.

Any ambitions and future aspirations?

To intellectually form, shape and mould the young minds and hearts to respond to the signs of time.

Wonderful gentleman! Your piece of advice to the youth who would like to join the Jesuits?

Let God’s love govern our lives. Fall in love, stay in love and it will decide everything. Listen to your inner voice and God will do the rest. Simple as that!

It was a pleasure interacting with you and listening to your vocation story. We wish you all the best in your ministry and your study at JDV.

Thanks. I love sharing too! God bless.

[Fr. Sandeep Jagtap SJ was ordained on 28^th of October, 2017 in St. Francis Xavier Church, Rahata. He is presently doing his MPH (Masters in Philosophy) in JDV, Pune][Fr. Robert Das SJ is the Principal of Dnyanamata Convent School, Sangamner and Superior of Dnyanamata Jesuit Community, Sangamner]

Source: “Pune Jesuit Booklet”. Biannual Magazine, September 2018 issue, pages 5-6

St. Vincent's High School (International Standard Basketball Court)

St. Xavier’s Technical Institute, Shrirampur

The institute began with the initiative of Fr. Bacher and Br. Apollinaris Pinto
to train rural boys with PWD certification for well-boring in 1967. Fr. Edmund
was appointed Director in 1969-70 and permission was obtained to set up ETI
and conduct ITI certificate courses from Maharashtra Govt. In 1978, Fr. Joe
Menezes took charge as Director, assisted by Br. Thomas D’Souza, and for
some time by Fr. Luis Rebelo. During this time, the I.T.I. Trade of Fitter was
added to and a shed was constructed for this purpose on Loyola Sadan grounds.
The name of the Institute was changed to XTTC. A new building was constructed
for the Hostelites opposite Loyola Sadan.

In 1984 Br. Noel Oliver was appointed Director. Non-formal trades of Welder
cum Fabrication Fitter was introduced Youth began to be sent to local workshops
for training. The Wireman Trade was discontinued for lack of employment. In
1986, the Administration and classroom block was completed. Fr. Luis Rebelo
joined as Principal together with Fr. Jerome Gonsalves after his ordination,
while Br. Noel attended to building supervision and developmental needs of
the Institute.

In 1989, Fr. Jerome Gonsalves was appointed Director, and Fr. Luis R. Principal.
Basic Electronics course was introduced, and girls admitted for Electricians’
Trade. The Institute was involved in the planning stage of Area Plan for Rural
Industrialization (APRI)for Shrirampur and Parner Talukas. In 1999, Br. Noel
Oliver was appointed Director, and expanded the training program of Rural
Youth in Rural Workshops in the wake of growing unemployment.

Director: Fr. Sampat Bhosle SJ

ADDRESS:

Xavier Tech. Training Centre,
Shrirampur 413 709 
Telefax (02422) 222961

St. Xavier’s School, Pune

St. Xavier's School, Shankarshed Road, Pune is a Proposed CBSE English Medium Co-Ed. School founded in 2013 and named after St. Francis Xavier, a 16th century saint who led an extensive mission into Asia, mainly in the Portuguese Empire of the time. He was influential in the spreading and upkeep of Catholicism most notably in India. 
 The Society of Jesus, to which the Jesuit Fathers and Brothers belong, is a Christian Religious Order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. 
Fr. Andrew Fernandes S.J., principal of St. Vincent's High School, Camp Pune whose initiative and tireless efforts materialised in setting up the new School at Vitthalwadi as a 150th year gift of St. Vincent's (1867-2017) to Pune city.
Apart from L.K.G. & U.K.G, from the Academic Year 2014-15, the school will admit student's to Std. I and will have a natural progression.

St. Xavier High School, Georai

What began as a classroom with 6 students in the year 2000 started by Fr. James Shelke SJ,  is today a full-fledged Marathi medium school in Georai. St. Xavier’s School Georai caters to students from the town of Georai and the nearby villages. The boarding provided accommodation for students from remote areas in the Beed district. However it was closed with better discernment of the management. Presently the same management has an English Medium School of the CBSC Board and the Marathi Medium School.

Principal:
Fr. Peter Khandagale SJ

ADDRESS:

St Xavier’s School,
Survey No. 65, 
Takadgaon Road, Georai 431 127
Dt. Beed – Tel (02447) 262998

ST. JOSEPH’S NIGHT HIGH SCHOOL

The advent of Indian independence had given a boost to industrial growth in
Poona. Employment was available but education was required. Fr. James Alt.
SJ, Teacher in St. Vincent’s High school, was involved in social work. He
realized the need to provide on?going education to young adults, who had not
gone to school or dropped out before completion. He formed St. Joseph’s Workers’
Association, started a literacy drive among uneducated workers, and opened
St. Joseph’s School on Dec. l, 1950, on the premises of St. Vincent’s with
the help of three teachers – Gelasius Coelho, J.P.D’souza, Walter D’Souza.
By April 1951, 400 students and 8 teachers were on the rolls. The school received
official recognition from the Education Dept. The first batch of five SSC
students appeared for the public examination in October 1952.

“I was particularly happy to find a very high degree of motivation among both staff
and students of the evening college and night school. I realize that it is
not easy to educate drop-outs and working students as we do not have them
with us for a long time, and moreover, they have other pre-occupations like
their work: this makes it difficult for them to give themselves totally to
their studies. Nevertheless their eagerness to study in spite of personal
odds and the enthusiasm of the staff make up for the handicaps that one faces
in such institutions.” (Fr. Herman Castellino – J.E.A. Secretary)

ADDRESS:

Fr. Francis Raja SJ

St. Joseph’s
Night High School, 
St. Vincent’s Residence, 
2004, St. Vincent Street, 
Pune 411 001, 
Tel 26340554

ST. XAVIER’S HIGH SCHOOL, KOLHAPUR

St. Xavier’s owes its origin to the express desire and concrete efforts of
the local citizenry in response to their felt need. 145 prominent citizens
signed a petition sent to Fr. Pius Geisel, SJ on Sept 17, 1956. In March that
year, Belgaum and Poona Missions were created into a Jesuit Vice Province.
There was no Jesuit institution between these cities which were separated
by 355 Kms. Fr. Geisel liked the idea because a school in Kolhapur could serve
as a link between the Missions. 

Fr. C. C. Coutinho, SJ Minister and Boarding Director at St. Paul’s, Belgaum, was
appointed to pioneer the project. 200 students were enrolled within three days.
A year later, on Oct. 29, 1958, Mudhol House and the surrounding grounds was
purchased and the school was christened St. Xavier’s on Nov. 11, 1958.

The foundation stone of the school building was laid on Mar. 5, 1959, by
His Highness Shahaji Maharaj of Kolhapur. Within a year the rear wing was
completed and inaugurated by Princess Indumati Ranisaheb. The buildings were
completed in 1966. Bro. John Alphonso replaced Bro. Eric D’Silva to make the
playfields, while Fr. Gregory D’Souza arranged the school laboratories. Fr.
Miranda was responsible for the academic performance and value education in
keeping with the tradition of the Society’s standards of excellence.

Principal

Fr. Andrew Fernandes SJ

ADDRESS:

St. Xavier’s High School,
Kolhapur 416 003
Tel Res (0231) 2654835, Sch 2651360

History of Loyola School

Loyola  high School has its pre-history in the school the Jesuits had at the National Defense Academy (Joint Services GOI). In Oct, 1954, Fr. R. Schoch on behalf of the PJSS, approached the authorities with the help of Mr. W. X. Mascarenhas, “to offer services of our Society in establishing a school.” On Feb. 2, 1955, an English section and a Hindi medium section were started. The Hindi section was handed over to the Maharashtra Rashtra Bhasha Sabha, Poona.

In April 1960, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), gave immediate approval and promised to lease necessary land for an English medium school, which would serve the neighborhood of National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), University of Poona and others. Prof. M. S. Thacker, Director General of CSIR laid the foundation stone of the school on Jan. 29, 1961. Subsequently, the Jesuit Residence, Staff Quarters, and a swimming pool grew into a large complex.

The school has an active alumni network (ELAN).

List of Principals:

1960 - 1961 Fr. Rudolph Schoch, S.J.
1961 – 1963 Fr. Anton Rehm, S.J.
1963 – 1966 Fr. Alphonse Oesch, S.J.
1966 – 1973 Fr. Rudolph Schoch, S.J.
1973 – 1976 Fr. Vincent Gomes Catao, S.J.
1976 – 1978 Fr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J.
1978 – 1979 Fr. Vincent D’Souza, S.J.
1979 – 1983 Fr. Joseph Toscano, S.J.
1983 – 1984 Fr. Thomas Ambrose, S.J.
1984 – 1986 Fr. Vincent Gomes Catao, S.J.
1986 – 1990 Fr. Vivian Lobo, S.J.
1990 – 1993 Fr. Savio Rodrigues, S.J.
1993 – 1996 Fr. Anil Soares, S.J.
1996 – 2003 Fr. Joseph Palliparambil, S.J.
2003 – 2007 Miss. Fatima Oliver
2007 – 2011 Fr. James Thorat, S.J
2011 – 2014 Fr. Mario Fernandes, S.J.
2014 – 2016 Fr. Robert Das, S.J.
2016 – 2017 Fr. Francis Patekar, S.J.
2017 –           Fr. Nelton Thomas, S.J.

2018-      Fr. Anish Kochanikotil  SJ

Present - Fr. Nelton Thomas SJ

ADDRESS:

Loyola High School, Pashan Road, Pune 411 008

Tel. Res. (020) 25675681 School: 25656699

L.T.C. 25659084

Origin of St. Vincent High School

St. Vincent High School

In 1865, a year after St. Xavier's Church was completed; the Society of St. Vincent de Paul under the presidency of an eminent lay catholic, T.C. Loughnan, Esq., took up the matter of education under its serious consideration and set up a special School Committee with Mr. Charles Cook as its chairman. At its meeting of December 27, the Committee passed the following resolution that was forwarded to Bishop Steins. "That as the want of an additional English School for boys, this has been a long felt need by the inhabitants of Poona, an effort to establish such an institution be made without delay." The Committee opened a subscription list for the necessary funds and the Cantonment authorities agreed to give gratis a piece of land on the East Street. However, both the subscription and the piece of land were inadequate and so a year later on December 15, the Committee proposed a new plan to the Bishop. The proposed St. Vincent de Paul's Boys School would be started by the Bishop with the active collaboration of the Society which "resolved to guarantee to Your Lordship a monthly sum of Rs.100 with a proviso that should we be able to make up the balance of Rs.50 as originally promised, the same will be made good. We further bind ourselves to collect and make over to Your Lordship the sum of Rs.3123 already subscribed and to endeavour to continue making up the stipulated sum of Rs.8000." To this the Bishop agreed.

In March 1867, news arrived in Poona that Bishop Steins was being promoted and sent as Archbishop of Calcutta, and so the Poona Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society requested that it be allowed to name the upcoming school as "Bishop Steins Boys' School" in order to perpetuate, as they wrote "your name as a friend and Patron of Education which you have proved your self to be ever since your arrival in Bombay". The name of the school, however, was never changed and Mr. Charles Cook agreed to give up his own bungalow (at the site of the present school library) for the purpose of the school. It would be rented for Rs.50 per month.
On Friday, April 5, 1867, Mr. Cook shifted from his house to a new one and next day two Fathers arrived from Bombay to start the school: Joseph Brunner and John McDonnough. The school was started on Tuesday, April 9, with just 5 pupils. The very next day, Fr. Brunner wrote to the Bishop: "Boys are coming every day, though they are not numerous till now. On Sunday last, St. Vincent's School Commission met and showed most zealously to give us any kind of help and encouragement, which in faith we are greatly in need of. The Rs.50 Your Reverend gave me are gone to the last farthing and I can defy all the filoux de Paris and de London to rob me of money..."A month later, Fr. Brunner had more interesting details to give to the Bishop: "Alas, the days are so short here in St. Vincent's School and yet rather than complain we give thanks to God that however short they are - we have nearly fifty boys all well disposed and doing nicely. I received these poor Portuguese (Goan) boys, many of them without parents, or sons of butlers and cooks for One Rupee per month, which all paid most willingly in advance. For the others the fees are at Rs.4 for one chap (T. McDonough's) and Rs.3 for mine. But I am in need of an assistant teacher who be sent without delay.... My money nearly gone again, as I paid to Mme. St. Catherine (Superior of the Convent) a bill of Rs.66.4 for things she purchased for us. From St. Vincent's Society no cash has been received as yet, as they will be able to collect some only in about a months time, people being absent from Poona now. Besides our support, we should have furniture, cots, chairs, table, chest of drawers etc. I suppose you will hardly be able to send us many things. I hope we'll go on well and the school will be a success."

Progress
Mr. Cook's bungalow was purchased in August 1867 for Rs.12,000. But the increase in the number of the students and the fact the "purchased spot is much exposed and infected by the poisoned air that arises from the outhouses in the rear of the Police Barracks", compelled Bishop Meurin to apply to the Cantonment for a piece of land in the neighbourhood of Liberty Cinema. The request was turned down and consequently a wing had to be added (ground floor of the old "Red Building"). Its inauguration on January 10, 1868 was reported by the BOMBAY GAZETTE (January 14) in the following glowing terms: "The new school-room of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was blessed and declared open a few days ago. It is a spacious, elegant and substantial structure, and has sprung up as it were by the touch of a magical wand. Wonderful people, these Jesuits! Nothing appears to checkmate their progress. The word 'impossible' after the great Napoleon is not to be found in their vocabulary. Within a period of a few years, look at their convents, chapels, schools, etc., certainly their energy is exemplary, for they fully demonstrated the saying of the great Prince of Painters - nothing is denied to well directed labour, and nothing can be attained without it." Naturally, the same year the Government recognised the school, and sanctioned Rs.936 as grand-in-aid.

As the number of pupils kept on increasing, more classrooms had to be constructed. In 1882, a top storey was added at the cost of Rs.14,000 and a year later Payne's Bungalow (near the present cycle-stand) was purchased for Rs.4000 and used for Jesuit Residence. In 1909, the roof of this bungalow collapsed, almost killing Fr. F.X. Gallati. The adjoining Meade's bungalow was bought and within a year Br. Joseph Heagele put up a new residence for the Fathers. The second floor was added in 1935-36).
In 1908, the school purchased Hanson's bungalow (parish hall compound) and in 1922 exchanged it for Lavina Hall or Luxa Bungalow, which the Bishop had earlier purchased from a certain Laxman. This bungalow was turned into a boys' hostel and finally replaced by the Gulati Hall. In 1920 a porch was added to the Red Building and a wing towards the West. The work progressed fast and the Governor of Bombay, Sir George Lloyd, inaugurated the new wing on the feast of St. Vincent, July 19, 1921. Two years later, the play-field beyond Maneck Nullah (dividing the city from the Cantonment) was acquired for Rs.22,000 and the nullah covered in the early sixties. Fr. Riklin constructed the imposing wing with the statue of the Patron Saint from 1933 to 1935, and 25 years later Father Schoch replaced the original Red Building with the present office block, library, laboratories and classrooms, completed in 1963 at the cost of Rs. 8,41,910. Soon after, the AV Room was furnished and the stadium built in time for the Centenary Celebration in 1967. In the year 1977, Fr. Edmund D'Souza extended the primary section by one floor. Fr. K. Misquitta constructed the second storey of the building in 1985. Extension of the stadium started in October 1999 and was completed in May 2000 by Fr. K. Misquitta.

Swimming Pool was built in 2015 and international standard basket ball court in the existing Qesh Hall.

Former Principals

1867	Fr. Joseph Brunner, S.J.
1872	Fr. Henry Depelchin, S.J.
1873	Fr. Henry Schumacher, S.J.
1879	Fr. George Weniger, S.J.
1880	Fr. Ignatius Kunzler, S.J.
1881	Fr. Jusoph Nuckle, S.J.
1883	Fr. William Althoff, S.J.
1886	Fr. Bernard Beider-Linden, S.J.
1887	Fr. Ferdinand Hillenkamp, S.J.
1889	Fr. Kilian Hahn, S.J.
1890	Fr. Joseph Willy, S.J.
1895	Fr. Julius Mayr, S.J.

1903	Fr. Killian Hahn, S.J.
1908	Fr. William Windhausen, S.J.
1914	Fr. Francis X. Larbolette, S.J.
1915	Fr. Ernest Hoogewerf, S.J.
1915	Fr. Peter Alborghetti, S.J.
1916	Fr. Thomas Baret (USA), S.J.
1916	Fr. John Lauder, S.J.
1918	Fr. Charles Ghezzi, S.J.
1929	Fr. Maximillan Riklin, S.J.
1950	Fr. Anton Rehm, S.J.
1955	Fr. William Clement, S.J.
1957	Fr. Rudolf Schoch, S.J.

1966	Fr. Edmund D’Souza, S.J.
1967	Fr. Romauld D’Souza S.J.
1973	Fr. Rudolf Schoch, S.J.
1977	Fr. Edmund D’Souza, S.J.
1983	Fr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J.
1993	Fr. Bertie Rozario, S.J.
1998	Fr. Kenneth Misquitta, S.J.
2003	Fr. Mario Fernandes, S.J.
2009	Fr. Andrew Fernandes S.J.
2017	Fr. Francis Patekar S.J.

Dnyanamata Marathi Medium (Pics)