Archbishop Vincent Aind Calls Future Priests to Rebuild the Church Through Wisdom and the Holy Spirit

RANCHI, July 9, 2026: Archbishop Vincent Aind called on seminarians and formators to rebuild the Church by seeking true wisdom through the Holy Spirit and aligning their lives with God's will as St. Albert's College, Ranchi, inaugurated the academic year 2026–27.

Presiding over the inaugural Eucharistic celebration at the college's Common Chapel, the Archbishop of Ranchi said that God is the ultimate source of all knowledge, wisdom and spirituality. He reminded students that intellectual excellence alone is insufficient unless it is rooted in a deep relationship with God.

"True wisdom and spiritual maturity are attained only through the guidance of the Holy Spirit," Archbishop Aind said, urging students and teachers to grow continually in knowledge, faith and holiness as they prepare for the Church's mission.

Reflecting on the year's theme, "Call to Rebuild the Church," the Archbishop encouraged the seminarians to shape their lives according to God's will so that they may become effective ministers capable of responding to the pastoral needs of the people.

The academic year was formally inaugurated during a programme at the college auditorium following a welcome address by Rector Fr. Ajay Kumar Khalkho and the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

Fr. Dr. Suman Kumar Ekka, President of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology, Ranchi, urged students to pursue their studies with dedication, discipline and academic excellence.

During the ceremony, Archbishop Aind conferred academic degrees and diplomas on successful candidates. Twenty-one students received the Bachelor of Philosophy degree, five were awarded Diplomas in Philosophy, 20 received Bachelor of Theology degrees and two were conferred Diplomas in Theology.

Bishop Binay Kandulna, Vice Chancellor of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology, congratulated the graduates and stressed that philosophy and theology together form the foundation of priestly formation. Quoting St. John Paul II, he encouraged future priests and consecrated persons to begin anew with Christ by deepening their personal relationship with Him. He added that rebuilding the Church also requires renewing humanity, society and creation through intellectual, spiritual and human formation.

The programme also featured the Schola Brevis lecture by Fr. Suresh Mathew, OFM Cap., Editor of Magnet magazine and Catholic Connect, who reflected on the theme "Call to Rebuild the Church" in the context of the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi. He highlighted the saint's enduring witness through service to the poor, care for creation, simplicity of life, universal fraternity and commitment to peace.

The occasion also marked the release of the book Awakening the Indigenous Soul: Possibilities, Promises and Perils, edited by Fr. Dr. Raju Felix Kresta.

Clergy, religious, faculty members, representatives of Gossner College, Naveen Domaine Theological College and other educational institutions, along with students, participated in the inauguration of the new academic year.

By Catholic Connect Reporter