Fr. William Eronimoose MI, Director

Monday 11^th June 2018 was an important day for the Indian Institute of Pastoral Health Theology (IIPHT) as it officially inaugurated the academic year 2018-2019 for the 3^rd batch in Diploma in Pastoral Health Theology. The official inauguration took place at 10.30 am through the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Kurian Kachappilly CMI, the President of Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, to which our Institute is affiliated. Rev. Fr. William Eronimoose MI, the Director of IIPHT welcomed Rev. Fr. Kurian, Rev. Fr. Biju Sebastian MI, the ministry in-charge of Camillians, Rev. Sunny MI, and the neighbouring community fathers and sisters to the Eucharistic celebration.

Rev. Fr. E. William, while welcoming, said IIPHT and its Diploma in Pastoral Health Theology is the fruit of the hard work of Camillians in India and we are proud to say that it is the first of its kind in whole of India, which has to take its wings higher and higher. 2 batches have passed out with good practical knowledge about pastoral care and its various applications together with training in bioethics, counselling, and clinical pastoral education. Again, he added as we are beginning this academic year 2018-2019, the needy people are waiting there for the students to receive the practical care so as to enable them to experience God’s compassionate presence. Moreover, he acknowledged the support of DVK for having approved our standard study program. Besides, Fr. William thanked Rev. Fr. Baby Ellickal, Provincial, his councillors and all dear Camillian confreres for their love and support.

After welcome address, Rev. Fr. Kurian Kachappilly solemnized the event and brought the heavenly blessings on the participants and on the Institute. After the Mass, he delivered the inaugural address, in which he stressed point that human person is made up of somatic, psychomatic and pneumatic layers and the layer which has to be stressed is the pneumatic layer and the students are requested to become Spirit-filled persons in order to be effective pastoral care ministers. He said the 10 months spent at IIPHT are to deepen in students the knowledge of pastoral care to the needy vulnerable people, with special training in pastoral care so as to become ministers of the healing Church. DPHT will make you all become the instruments of pastoral care and to own it up.

During the Mass, Rev. Fr. Biju Sebastian preached the homily based on the feast of St. Barnabas the missionary apostle, and he emphasized the missionary zeal each one should have. He said while carrying out the missionary pastoral health care, each one should have an empathetic zeal, and he requested the students whenever we visit the sick and suffering, we should be avoiding readymade answers that would harm the sentiments of the people. IIPHT aims at directing the students with design, inspiration and aspiration to make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable people and preparing the participants well-versed in project works, motivating and moulding with an inter-disciplinary approach of pastoral health theology.

At the end of the inauguration, Rev. Fr. Sunny thanked Fr. Kurian Kachappilly, CMI, the new President of DVK, Fr. Shaji Kochuthara CMI, the New Dean of Theology, Fr. Jose Kizhakkekuttu CMI the Registrar, Fr. Paulachan, the former president, Fr. Joy Kakkanattu, the former dean and the entire DVK administration for their support. He also thanked all the professors who will transmit to the students all wisdom, knowledge, experience, and good academic teaching. He thanked all the students, Fr. Bacil for leading the choir. The inauguration was ended with delicious lunch.