To be celebrating the twenty fifth anniversary of Liguori Province is a great event. Twenty five years is a long time filled with memorable events. It is a history. And today I am very much honoured to be with you on this important and memorable occasion.
Twenty five years ago, branched out from the Province of Bangalore on 19th February 1992, Liguori Province – then the Region of Alwaye came to a modest beginning. After a few years on 3rd July 1995 it became a Vice-Province and later a Province on 27th June 2008. All these years, Liguori Province with its vision and venturing spirit, a desire to dream the impossible and to make the Church a beacon of hope to all those who felt lost, abandoned and deprived, committed itself to the Redeemer and the Spirit of St. Alphonsus. After twenty five years, today this jubilee celebration bears witness to its outstanding achievements, to name a few – the number of houses, priests and the students it has, number of Parish Missions and the retreats preached to the religious, youth and children; social apostolate, apostolate of the pen, etc. Such a brilliant record owes much to the able leadership in the past and present; to its members who are zealous, discerning and hard-working; and its creative and effective missionary strategies for the benefit of the faithful.
As the Liguori Province looks back on its twenty five years of journey with pride, satisfaction and gratitude, knowing its venturing spirit, I think the Liguori Province, building on its strengths and facing the challenges ahead, would strive and go forward with a can-do spirit, with determination and hope – a hope to be witnesses of the Redeemer and in solidarity for Mission to a wounded world.
On this memorable occasion, on behalf of Fr. Arulanandam and his Council, all the members of the Province of Bangalore and on my behalf, I wish to congratulate Fr. Joy Poonoly, the Provincial Superior and his Council and all the members of the Liguori Province for their faithfulness to the Redeemer and his Mission and their remarkable achievements. I wish you all continued success in the future and wish you the best in your prospective endeavours. May our Holy Father St. Alphonsus, all the Saints, Blessed and the great Missionaries of our Congregation from every age accompany and inspire you to preach the gospel ever anew as a missionary community dedicated to Christ the Redeemer under the patronage of Mary, our Mother of Perpetual Help. Thank You.
Fr. Edward Raju C.Ss.R.
Vicar Provincial, Bangalore Province
