St. Albert’s College Holds Annual General Body Meeting to Strengthen Formation and Academic Mission

RANCHI, July 24, 2026: St. Albert’s College (SAC), Ranchi, held its Annual General Body Meeting from July 23 to 24, bringing together 12 bishops, the Jesuit Provincial of the Ranchi Province, resident faculty and visiting professors to review the institution’s academic, formative and administrative mission.

The two-day meeting provided a forum for reflection, dialogue and planning as the college continues its mission of preparing future leaders for the Church.

The gathering began with the celebration of the Eucharist in the college chapel, presided over by Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi and Chancellor of St. Albert’s College.

In his homily, Bishop Binay Kandulna of Khunti and Vice-Chancellor of the college, emphasised the importance of formation houses in the life and mission of the Church.

“The task of a formation house is very challenging, yet it is essential for the Universal Church,” he said, encouraging those engaged in priestly formation to remain committed to their vocation and mission.

The morning sessions brought together the Board of Bishops and college staff to review the institution’s progress during the past academic year. Rector Fr. Ajay Kumar Xaxlo welcomed the participants and introduced three newly appointed faculty members of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology: Fr. Paul Bharathi CM, who teaches Scripture; Fr. Sushil Kumar Minj, Canon Law; and Sr. Anupa Kujur DSA, Canon Law.

The sessions, moderated by Bishop Kandulna, included annual reports from the President and Vice-President of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology, the Rector, the Director of SAIP and the Treasurer.

The afternoon programme included class-wise interactions between theology students and the bishops. The sessions provided students with an opportunity to share their experiences, aspirations and challenges related to their formation.

The second day began with Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Francis Tirkey of Purnea, who offered the Eucharist in thanksgiving on the occasion of his birthday.

Reflecting on priestly vocations, Bishop Tirkey underlined the importance of family faith and personal spiritual commitment. “A good vocation comes from a good Catholic family. We must nurture our personal faith in God and avoid becoming overly dependent on social media,” he said.

The subsequent sessions focused on formative policies, institutional resolutions and priorities for the coming academic year before the meeting concluded with lunch.

Participants expressed appreciation for the organisation of the programme, coordinated by Fr. Ajay K. Xaxlo, Fr. Anthres Soreng, Bro. Michael Lugun and Bro. Bishal Basumatary.

For the academic year 2026–27, St. Albert’s College has adopted the theme “Called to Rebuild the Church.” With 17 resident staff members and 184 students enrolled in the Pontifical Faculty of Theology and SAIP, the institution continues its mission of forming committed and faith-filled leaders for service to the Church and society.

By Fr. Alok Toppo