Mangaluru: St Aloysius Pre-University College celebrated Ignatian Week 2026 with a series of spiritual, creative, and intellectually enriching programmes centred on the theme “Be the Light and Serve with Joy.” Organised by the Campus Ministry in collaboration with various college associations, the week-long celebration commemorated the life and legacy of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, while encouraging students to embrace the Ignatian values of magis, discernment, reflection, love, and service.
Solemn Eucharistic celebration marks feast day
The celebrations culminated with the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, observed through a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Loyola Auditorium under the theme “Contemplatives in Action: Living the Ignatian Spirit.”
Prof. Milos Lichner SJ, Vice-Chancellor of Trnava University, Slovakia, was the main celebrant. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Brian Pereira SJ, Rector of the Aloysian Institutions, along with Jesuit priests, unit heads, principals, and directors of various Aloysian institutions.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Jason Pinto SDB reflected on the historical challenges faced by the Catholic Church and highlighted the contrasting approaches of Martin Luther and St Ignatius of Loyola. While Martin Luther sought reform through separation, St Ignatius worked towards renewal from within the Church through prayer, discernment, and service.
He also emphasised the lasting contribution of the Society of Jesus to education, science, scholarship, languages, and social service across the world, encouraging students to become “contemplatives in action” by combining prayerful reflection with meaningful service.
Principal highlights the spirit of Magis
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira, Principal of the college, reflected on the Ignatian ideal of magis—striving to become better rather than merely doing more.
Drawing inspiration from Michelangelo’s famous observation that the greater danger lies in aiming too low rather than aiming too high, he encouraged students to recognise and develop their God-given talents.
He reminded them that true greatness is measured not by achievements or possessions but by one’s character and willingness to serve others. He also invited students to reflect on the question, “What more is God asking of me today?”, citing the lives of Joan of Arc, Isaac Newton, and Malala Yousafzai as examples of individuals who pursued excellence with purpose.
Week-long programmes inspire students
Throughout the week, students actively participated in a variety of activities aimed at deepening their understanding of Ignatian spirituality.
A four-day Ignatian prayer service was organised for students and non-teaching staff, while inspirational posters, quotations, and videos highlighting the life and teachings of St Ignatius were shared throughout July across the campus and the college’s social media platforms.
Adding an interactive element to the celebrations, Rev. Fr. Brian Pereira SJ conducted a quiz on the life of St Ignatius of Loyola for staff and students, which received enthusiastic participation.
The college also organised several competitions, including Ignatian Canvas, Quizinigo, Ignatian Mosaic, Truth Seekers Challenge – Discernment, Ignatian Echoes, and Ignatian Voice, providing students with opportunities to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, public speaking, and understanding of Ignatian values.
Concluding the week, the organisers noted that Ignatian Week 2026 successfully inspired students to make thoughtful choices, recognise their potential, and translate reflection into meaningful action, carrying forward the message of “Be the Light and Serve with Joy” into their daily lives and communities.
