HIGHLIGHTS 1952 - 2002
You will find here the important events that happened in the Province or one of its institutions during the past 50 years, and other events that had some effect on the history of the Province. Events concerning individual Jesuits are also listed, not to give a list of prizes but to show how the Madurai Jesuits have been sent on missions to various places and assignments. These events are selected from the Newsletters of the Madurai Jesuits Province.
2002
Jesuit Statistics At the beginning of this year the south Asian assistance has 3,915 members 433 more than the United States and 18.9% of the total number of Jesuits.2002
Jan 12-13
Invited by the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh Fr. Aloysius Irudayam attends the State-sponsored National Conference for Intellectuals and Activists on "the Dalit Agenda for the 21 st century" and plays a key role in drafting the 'Bhopal Declaration'.
Jan The Botany Department of Loyola College organizes a 3-day national symposium on "Modern Trends in Biodiversity" for its golden jubilee.2002
February 14
Blessing and official inauguration of Veeramamunivar Illam, the pre-noviciate in Vilangudi.
2002
Feb
Frs. S. Ignacimuthu and Britto Bonaventuure are awarded the Tamil Scientist Award for the year 2000, given by the Tamil Nadu State Council of Science and Technology.
2002
March 4-30
In cooperation with the Darwin Initiative and the Botanical Gardens Conversation International, Fr. V.S. Manickam gives training on Environment to 8 batches of 25 primary teachers each selected by the District Elementary Education Officers of 5 Districts.
2002
April 9-10
After meeting the Rectors, Superiors and works Coordinates, Fr. Provincial postpones for 3 years the division of the province. Meanwhile works and houses of the Society must increase in the North.
2002
June 26
Fr. S. Ignacimuthu becomes Vice-Chancellor of Madras University, one of the three oldest in India .
As the Madurai province celebrates its Golden Jubilee, many of its members live their mission of outside the Province not counting those who are making higher studies abroad and the 17 Madureans now transferred to other provinces.
Within India : At the service of the CBCI: in the Tertianships, Scholasticates and social Institutes of the South Asian Assistancy and the territories of Andhra, Darjeeling , Delhi , Karnatakla and Jamshedpur .
Outside India : In the UNESCO programme for Somalia in the Jesuit Roman houses (Curia and Gregorian University) and in Australia, brazil East Africa, England, France, Germany, Guyana, Indonesia, Kampuchea (Cambodia), Seychelles islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
2001
Feb 8-10
An international seminar on "Profile of Poverty and Network of Power", is organized in DACA by Fr. Anand Amaladass.
2001
Feb 10
The Xaviers College of Education celebrates its golden jubilee year and releases a book "Reflection on Education" as audiocassette and a souvenir.
2001
March 24-28
An Asssistancy - level workshop on Environment brings 60 Jesuit from all over India to Shembaganur. Fr. Michael Czerny secretary for social Justice in the Roman Jesuit Curia, gives the Key-note address 21 other papers are presented.
2001
March 27-29
A hundred participants from 17 states attend the National Consultation on "Community College as an Alternative System of Education" organized in ISI, New Delhi, by MCRDCE, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Recourses development.
2001
March
Fr. Signacimuthu is appointed a member of the Tamil Nadu State Council, one of the two Vice-Chancellors in the 12 member Council.
2001
May 27
In St Joseph 's college, valedictory function for 100 young scientists (80% from the rural areas) who for 3 years have attended Science Training Intensive Summer Courses directed by Fr. M.Elias.
2001
May
The services of Fr. X. Irudayaraj are lent to the archdiocese of Madras -Mylapore, to form Lay Ministers in the Diocese, and help prepare the Archdiocesan Synod.
2001
June
The High Schools in kuppayanalur (Chengai M.) becomes a Higher Secondary School .
2001
July 6
Fr. Alphonse manickam deferred in French his thesis "Jesuits and untouchabilishers in Tamil Nadu" at the Sovbonne University and was awarded Doctorate with distinction.
2001
July
Fr.S. Arockiam goes to South Africa , as professor of Theology in the National seminary in Pretoria .
2001
Aug 9-11
Tri Jubilee in Dindigul 150 years of the St. Joseph 's parish school 100 years of acquiring the present compound and 75 years of the school becoming St. Mary's High Secondary School .
2001
Sep
Fr. Alphone Manuel represents the Tamil Nadu peoples forum at the Durban Conference against Racism, and works closely with the National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights.
2001
Oct 21-28
Twelve members of the Madurai province take part in the South Asian Assistance Assembly in Bombay .
2001
Oct
Fr. S Arokiasamy works for the Synod of Bishop in Rome as consulting theologian to the secretary of the FABC (Federation of the Asian Bishops' Conferences).
2001
Nov 6
AHAL (Action for Human Rights And liberation) Centre, the new social action venture of the Province for the empowerment of the Arunthathiyars in the Northern districts is inaugurated and the Arrupe Boy's Home too.
2001
Dec 3-4
A seminar on "The New Madurai", organized in Loyola College by the Province and the department includes a symposium on St. Francis Xavier's life and mission in India .
2001
Dec 8
In a seminar for the staff of Loyola College , the pros and cons of a " Deemed University are exposed to the staff members who then freely share their opinions in a group - discussion
2001
Dec
As director of MCRDCE, Fr. Xavier Alphonse is a nominated member of the organizing committee of the world Conference of Community Education to be held in New Delhi in 2003.
2000
January
St. Joseph 's College, after submitting its Self-Assessment to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), gets their highest rating, Five Stars. All our 5 Colleges will in course of time get the same highest rating.
2000
January 26
Golden Jubilee of the Republic of India , celebrated in our institutions in various manners.
2000
January
The Humanist Forum for Social Integration comes into existence at the initiative of the Conference of Religious of India (CRI), ably helped by Frs. Arockiadoss and Alhonse Manuel.
2000
Feb. 2
The Machado Science Block in Carmel School , Nagercoil, is blessed and opened.
2000
Feb.
Fr. VS Manickam organizes a Millennium Seminar on Medicinal Plants in St Xavier's College.
2000
Feb. 14-16
A seminar on "Human Rights" is given by a team from the Bangalore Indian Social Institute, for the Brothers of the Southern Jesuit Provinces in Secunderabad.
2000
Feb. 18
Fr. S. Rajamanickam is awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) by the University of Madras , -- the senior most person (82 y. o.) ever to be granted this degree.
2000
Feb. 18-19
National Workshop, organized by the MCRDCE on Community Colleges as an alternative and innovative system of education in India . A resolution to that effect is unanimously passed.
2000
February
On the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee of Loyola College, inter-college cultural competitions on the theme, "Religion in search of Humanism" are organized all through Tamil Nadu.
2000
March 2
As high-point of the Platinum Jubilee of Loyola, Fr General Kolvenbach blesses the new Platinum Jubilee Building in honour of Frs. Kuriakose and Lawrence Sundaram.
2000
March
The Folklore Resourcs and Research Centre (FRRC) of St Xavier's conducts a Post Graduate Diploma Course on Folkfore in three centers (Nagercoil, Tuticorin and Palayamkottai).
2000
April 14
Fr. Provincial blesses and inaugurates the Animation Centre at Vallam (Chengai Mission).
2000
May 16-18
Province Assembly. "Walking with the Poor" and "Promoting the Culture of inter-religious harmony in our ministers" are the talks that inspire the pane discussion on our various ministries.
2000
June 22
On the anniversary of St John de Britto's canonization, three quarters of the Province members go on pilgrimage to Oriyur. Sixteen novices pronounce their first vows during this Millennium Jubilee Mass.
2000
July 16
The Pre-novices enter Veeramamunivar Illam, specially built for them in Vilangudi.
2000
July
Fr Manuel Alphonse represents in Geneva the International Catholic Movement of Professionals at the special session of the United Nations held to evaluate the 1995 Copenhagen Social Summit.
2000
August
Opening of the Loyola Community hall at Somasipadi in the Kilpennathur mission.
2000
August 15
Invited by the Human resourses Ministry in New Delhi , Fr S. Ingnacimuthu address the state Educational Secretaries from all over India on "Newer Trends In Education".
2000
Sep 21 - 28
In Loyola ( Spain ), Fr. General and al the provincials and regional assistance reflect on creative fidelity in the religious commitment and ministers and on inter-provincial cooperation.
2000
Sep
Frs C. Amal and Vinny Joseph invited by the bishop of Mannar, visit the Internally Displaced persons camps and JRS projects in Sri Lanka and meet relatives of the Sri Lanka in Tamilnadu camps.
2000
October 17 - 20
As editor of vidyajyoti, Fr. S. Arokiasamy attends the international Missiology Congress for the Holy Year in Rome .
2000
October 17 - 20
As editor of vidyajyoti, Fr. S. Arokiasamy attends the international Missiology Congress for the Holy Year in Rome .
2000
October 23
Fr. S. Ignacimuthu, -- the first Jesuit to assume such a responsibility in India .
2000
Nov 14
The 20th anniversary of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is celebrated by 43 JRS workers from Nepal , Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka with the international team from Rome , in Shembaganur. A Souvenir shoeing the work JRS throughout the world is released.
2000
Dec 8
The 4 th conference of the Jesuit Alumni Association of Tamil Nadu, is conducted on the theme "my duty is to serve". It ends with a public meeting.
2000
Dec 10
Fr. S. Ignacimuthu is nominated to a five-member Vice-chancellors committee to restructure the administration of the Universities in Tamilnadu.
Fr. S. Ignacimuthu is nominated to a five-member Vice-chancellors committee to restructure the administration of the Universities in Tamilnadu.
1999
1999
January 10
Inauguration of the Madras Centre for Research and Development of Community Colleges (MCRDCE), directed by Fr. Xavier Alphonse and the "1 st South Indian Conference of community Colleges" attended by 160 delegates coming from 14 existing CCs and 11 planned ones.
1999
Jan. 14-16
LIFE (Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy) organizes an International Conference on "Environment and Bioethics", attended by 150 scientists from India and abroad, during which 124 research papers are presented. The UN High Commissioner for Repatriates presides over the valedictory function.
1999
Jan. 16-17
The AICUF celebrates its Platinum Jubilee in St Joseph 's College, where Fr. Carty founded it. The movement has today 70 Units in Tamilnadu, and exists in 12 States in India .
1999
February 8
In Arul Anandar College, the archbishop of Madurai blesses the new chapel, dedicated to God the Father. Symbols sacred to the diverse religions adorn the glass frame.
1999
Feb. 11
The archbishop of Madras-Mylapore blesses the new church of Dhyana Ashram , dedicated like the old one to Mary, Mother of God.
1999
Feb. 22
More than 350 students from 11 Jesuit schools participate in the Silver Jubilee of LASAC.
1999
Feb. 28-Mar. 6
The Jesuit Provincial Superiors in India make two important statements, 1), to support the South Asian Theologians in their efforts to inculturate the Faith into the local culture and reality; and 2), to protest against the recent acts of violence against Christians in India.
1999
March 30
The Platinum Jubilee of St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, is celebrated.
1999
May
Fr. Ignacimuthu is elected to the Syndicate of the University of Madras for a period of 3 years.
1999
June 5
Fr. Vinny Joseph, National Director of JRS is invited to attend a seminar in London .
About 450 students from all over India gather in Loyola for the Platinum Jubilee Convention of the AICUF. They prepare a 'Student Manifesto' that elaborates the real concerns of the nation for the marginalized and the oppressed.
1999
July 1
Fr. Provincial presides over the inauguration of the Sahayamatha Mission, an extended activity of the Chengai Mission with its headquarters in Kilpennathur.
1999
July 23
With the help of the Central and State Welfare Boards, SHEPHERD inaugurates in St Joseph's College a one year course on Computer Education for 25 rural girls, who get a monthly stipend of Rs. 250/-
1999
July 30
The Platinum Jubilee of Loyola College is officially celebrated.
1999
July
Fr. Sebasti L. Raj is appointed Director of the National Institute of Social Communications, Research and Training (NISCORT), the organizing and training centre of the CBCI for the Mass Media.
1999
August 6
Fr. Xavier Alphonse is appointed a member of the National Executive Council of the Human Resources Development Ministry to review and reactivate the 'vocationalization' of education.
1999
August
Fr. Leonard Fernando is appointed by the archbishop of Calcutta one of the three members of the Historical Commission for Mother Teresa's process of beatification.
1999
Sep. 8
Fr. Provincial blesses the foundation stone of the LIBA EXTENSION CENTRE in Loyola.
1999
Sep. 12
In Shembaganur, the new building of Inigo Siruvar Illam, for the boarders of PEAK, is blessed and opened.
1999
September
After an awareness seminar on the refugee situation to the students of Stds XI and XII, St Mary's School, Madurai , adopts a refugee camp of 300 families close to Madurai .
1999
October 8
The Jesuit Council for Educational Research and Training for secondary education (JCERT) is inaugurated in St Xavier's, Palayamkottai. A workshop on "Action Research" is then conducted.
1999
October 9
Fr. Francis P. Xavier takes charge as Provincial of Madurai in succession to Fr. D. Jeyaraj.
1999
October 11
DACA starts a 6-month residential computer Education Programme for 20 rural youth who have completed their higher secondary studies.
1999
Oct. 16-19
Fr. Leonard Fernando is appointed Editor of the ecumenical Indian Church History Review.
1999
October 30
After a consultative meeting, Fr. Provincial launches an assessment of the option for the Dalits, through a survey of the entire Province, -- the Assess, Renew and Plan (ARP) enquiry.
1999
Dec. 10
In St Joseph's Higher Secondary School, final function of the Silver Jubilee of LASAC, which has helped the younger generation to become involved in the school activities for a better society.
1999
Dec 11-16
The Provincial of France, Fr. Jean-Noel Audras and Fr. Edouard O'Neill Socius are on a short visit to the Madurai Province .
1998
Jan 24-25
Six hundred Jesuit Alumni of the Southern Provinces meet in Palayamkottai, and the speakers underline the role played by the Jesuit educational institutions in eradicating illiteracy and shaping the future of many young people through the quality education they offer.
1998
Jan. 26 to 31
Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Carmel High School , Kottar.
1998
Jan. 28-Feb. 1
The Platinum Jubilee of St Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, is celebrated.
1998
January
Fr. Lawrence Amalraj is called to Kampuchea to give 7 lectures a day for 21 days on Sociology and Development to Kampuchean students, who are "refugees in their own country"
1998
February 10
The renovated church of O. L. of Lourdes in Tiruchirapalli is dedicated.
1998
March 7-8
Sixty alumni of Arul Kadal together reflect on the impact of theologizing on their way of life in the mission field, and acknowledge its positive impact on their sensitivity to the poor and the Dalits.
March Fr. Pappuraj, Principal of St Xavier's College, is a resource-person at a tri-national ( USA , South Africa and India ) Seminar on "The Role of Higher Education in Building Democracy", in South Africa . - Felicitated by St Joseph's College for being awarded the Bharat Ratna title, Dr. Abdul Kalam replies: "All that I am today I owe it to St Joseph's and to the Fathers and Professors of my college. The formation I have received in my Alma Mater has enabled me to serve the Nation creditably".
1998
April 10-12
Fr. P. T. Chelladurai attends the International Carnatic Music Conference in Durban , South Africa , and presents a paper on "Carnatic Music in Christianity", besides giving a concert.
1998
May 1 to 4
Inauguration of a Seminar of Thozhamai Illam, Kanyakumari, on its goals: On-Going Formation of the Christian Community; Dialogue and Fellowship of Religions; and Ecumenism.
1998
May
Fr. Sebasti L. Raj is appointed by the CBCI the Secretary of a Commission for one-and-a-half years. Visitation of all Priestly Formation houses in India . - Silver Jubilee of the Summer School of Carnatic Music, guided from the beginning by Fr. Chelladurai..
1998
July 31
The 450 th anniversary of the first papal approbation of the 'Spiritual Exercises' of St Ignatius reminds all Jesuits of the importance of this method of retreat for their personal life and apostolate.
1998
May
Fr. Sebasti L. Raj is appointed by the CBCI the Secretary of a Commission for one-and-a-half years. Visitation of all Priestly Formation houses in India . - Silver Jubilee of the Summer School of Carnatic Music, guided from the beginning by Fr. Chelladurai..
1998
July 31
The 450 th anniversary of the first papal approbation of the 'Spiritual Exercises' of St Ignatius reminds all Jesuits of the importance of this method of retreat for their personal life and apostolate.
1998
August
'Culture and Communication' and the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board organize in Loyola's Bertram Hall a "Theatre for Child-Labour Elimination" when 10 NGOs present street theatre performances highlighting this problem.
1998
Sep. 21-23
Fr. Francis P. Xavier is the only physicist invited to take part in the International Symposium on Phthalocyannies organized in Edinburgh , Scotland by the Royal Socirty of chemistry.
1998
September
DACA manages 60 Study Centres for school-going Dalit children in the rural areas of 4 districts. The teachers are given an orientation programme.
1998
Oct. 10-11
The Institute of Dialogue with Culture and Religion (IDCR) in Aikya Alayam is inaugurated during a seminar on "Religions in conflict: the challenge of communal Harmony".
1998
October
The Tamil Nadu People's Forum for Social Development, presided by Fr. Manuel Alphonse, conducts a workshop on "Dalits and Social Development".
1998
Nov. 11
As Director of SHEPHERD, Fr. Elias is interviewed for half an hour on the All India Radio.
1998
November
Fr. Yesumarian attends in Kuala Lumpur ( Malaysia ) the 1 st World Dalit Leader's Conference, at which 750 leaders share their views and concerns about the future of the Dalits.
Dec. 1 to 6 Fr. Sebastian Anand reads a paper on Commonwealth Literature at the Conference organized by the Association of Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies, in Kuala Lumpur .
Dec. 27 The Province Assembly reflects on the "Challenges of the Third Millennium to Our Mission".
1997
February
In Arul Anandar College , the Post Graduate departments of Economics, Philosophy and Rural Development together conduct a 2-day Seminar on "Towards a Just World Order", during which a report is released on the College's efforts to reach out to the neighbouring farmers. For example, the RDS department sponsors a newly opened Veterinary clinic.
1997
March 4-7
Fr. Francis Peter and his team organize in the Madras Institute of Indian Technology an All-India Seminar on "Teaching English to the Disadvantaged".
1997
March 7-8
The Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy organizes a National Conference on "Energy Crisis and Environment" during which 12 invited papers and more than 50 contributed papers are presented.
1997
March
Fr. Antoniraj is appointed for three years, Director, central Board of Worker's Education , by the Central Government.
1997
April 7 to 19
Fr. Ignacimuthu attends a meeting at the Kunming ( China ) Institute of Technology and presents the progress report of a research project of the Entomology Research Institute in Loyola, Madras .
1997
April 14
During a consultation on "Re-engineering to employment and life" bested by the Loyola Technical Institute, Madurai, the possibility of establishing a Community College there is explored.
1997
April26-May 16
The Jesuit Management of Loyola College conducts with lay partners a preparatory training camp for the std XII Dalit Catholic students.
1997
May
Fr. Leonard Fernando lectures in Innsbruck ( Australia ) on the Eucharist from the Indian viewpoint and guides a seminar on Liberation Theology in India . --- Fr. Xavier Alphonse goes to England and to the United States , to experience their systems of skill-oriented training.
1997
June 11
The St. Mary's Computer Academy is inaugurated in St. Mary's, Madurai .
1997
June 15-22
Fr. S. Arockiam represents the Province in Naples , at an International Congress on the Social Apostolate, organized by the Social Justice Secretariat of the Jesuit Curia in Rome .
1997
June 22
A hundred Jesuits celebrate in Oriyur the Goldn Jubilee of St John Britto's canonization.
1997
July 6
The Good Samaritan Home is inaugurated in Ongur, Chengai Mission
1997
July 31
The Madurai Community College is inaugurated in the campus of the Loyola Technical Institute.
1997
Aug. 2-22
JRS South Asia organizes an in-service Seminar, including one week of fieldwork among the Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu, for JRS field workers and resource persons from 17 countries.
1997
August 9
The 300 th 'thematic dance' organized by Fr. Michael Irudayam, "the Pageant of India", is staged by the Rosary Matriculation H.S. School , Chennai.
1997
August 15
The Golden Jubilee of India's Independence is celebrated by our institutions and communities. As part of this jubilee, a seminar on "Political thinkers in India " is held in Satya Nilayam on August 29 and 30.
1997
August
Fr. James Thamburaj participates in the 12 th World Youth Day in Paris , during which he presents an Indian dance on the theme of the Youth Day, "Come and See", and together with the Indian dancer interacts with the audience in two Parish churches of Paris .
1997
November 9
In Madurai , Foundation of the Doctor Ambedkar Cultural Academy (DACA) in the presence of 3,500 people. Six foundation stones of various buildings are laid during the celebration.
1997
December 4-6
Fr. S. John Britto, the Principal of St Joseph's College organizes a National Seminar on "Framework of Education for the Indian Context: a New Perspective" attended by 171 teachers of our Day and Evening Colleges, plus 124 other teachers representing 56 Colleges from 12 States.
1997
Dec. 18
On the 100 th birthday of Fr. Jerome D' Souza, a stamp in his honour is released by the Chennai Post-Master General, and given to Fr. Provincial during a ceremony presided by the Governor of Meghalaya, a former student of Fr. Jerome in Loyola.
1997
Dec. 20-21
Brother M Devadoss organizes a Seminar for our Brothers on "Legal Affairs" during which expert lawyers explain what different legal steps should be taken in out institutions and properties.
1996
Jan. 20 to 30
Fr. Francis P. Xavier serves on the organizing committee of the National Conference on "the Fundamentals of Crystal Growth" and reads the three papers during the conference.
1996
January 28
The All India Dalit Students Forum (AIDSF) is born, proposed by the AICUF during a 3-day consultation in Madras attended by some 60 Dalit students and intellectuals from various states of India .
1996
January
P. T. Chelladurai is awarded the title "Kalai Maamani" (the Great Pearl of Arts) by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
1996
March
The Chengai Mission gets a plot of land (9.46 acres) at Janakipuram near Maduranthangam registered in the name of the Loyola Institutes, Kuppayanallur.
1996
May
Fr. M. Amaladoss is appointed member of Fr. General's Theological Commission, that undertakes to study "How to preach Jesus Christ Today?" and "How do we understand Integral Evengelization?"
1996
July 5
Fr. Xavier Alphonse is appointed Director of Curriculum Developpment and Project Planning of the Community College that the archbishop of Madras-Mylapore has decided to found
1996
July 5
In St. Xavier's, Palayamkottai, the "Tissue Culture Unit" is inaugurated and the first floor of the Botany Research Centre is re-named as "Centre of Bio-diversity and Bio-technology"
1996
August
In Loyola College the newly started Loyola Institute of Vocational Education (LIVE) offers one-year Post-Graduate Diploma courses.
1996
October
A Grihini School is inaugurated by the KARISAL team for 20 young Arundhathiyar girls
1996
Nov. 23-24
St. Joseph 's College's Tamil department organize s a Seminar, attended by many religious and seminarians, on the new Inter-Confessional Tamil Bible.
1996
Dec. 22
The entrance of Brothers into the Society 450 years ago is celebrated at the Province-level in Loyola College . Many Brothers from several Provinces participated.
1996
Dec. 29
During a Conference of the 'All-India Association of Christian Higher Education' for Principals from all over India, Fr. Xavier Alphonse's book, "Changing Tracks: Community Colleges in India" is released. --. The first study on this topic in India .
1996
December
Fr. X. Irudayaraj is nominated Secretary of the TNBC Dialogue and Ecumenism Commission.
1995
Jan. 5-Mar. 22
General Congregation 34. Besides voting 'new' decrees on Pastrol Ministry, Lay Cooperation and Women, CG 34 desires that 'Complementary Notes' to the Constitutions be composed.
Feb.13 to 16
Feb.13 to 16
Arul Anandar College celebrates its Silver Jubilee. During the valedictory function, the endowment for the physically handicapped students is instituted.
1995
February
In the Chengai Mission, blessing and opening of a multipurpose hall in J P Nagar and of a reading room in Puliyur. The St. Joseph 's SHEPHERD Department organizes an exhibition on "Appropriate Technology and its Applications" for 8 days each in different villages around Tiruchirapalli.
1995
March 17-19
St. Xavier's STAND organizes an awareness for 80 women from 10 villages.
1995
March 25-26
General Body Meeting of the Spirituality & Dialogue Commission on the theme, "The environment is a concern of the Jesuit Life and Mission ".
1995
April 8-9
Concluding ceremonies of the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph 's College.
1995
April
To look after the refugee camps in Nepal, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, Fr. C. Amalraj chooses the Bangalore Indian Social Institute as the headquarters of the JRS South India.
1995
Oct. 13-15
In Loyola College, Congress of Jesuit Alumni, with 450 members. Fr. General Kolvenbach asks them to commit themselves to the establishment of a more just world. They pledge to cooperate in the Jesuit policy of preferential option for the poor and to play a critical role in society at large.
1995
October 14
Fr. General presides over the centenary celebration, in Satya Nilayam, of the Sacred Heart College of Philosophy that began its existence in Shembaganur in 1895 and came down to Chennai in 1981.
1995
November 26
" Thiru Vivilyam ", the first Inter-confessional Tamil Bible translation, is solemnly released at Madurai . Fr. Michael Irudayam is the coordinator of the Translation Team.
1994
February 4
The tercentemary celebrations of St. John de Britto's martydom conclude in Oriyur, with Cardinal Lourdusamy, all the Tamil Nadu bishops and some 50,000 pilgrims coming even from Portugal .
1994
February
Golden Jubilee celebrations of De Britto HS School, Devakottai.
1994
June 12-24
In Loyola , Spain , Symposium on the Vocation and Mission of the Jesuit Brother. Br. Antony Sinnamuthu is member of its Planning Group, and Brother Ignacy Augustine too attends it.
1994
June
The University Grants Commission recognizes and approves two integral courses in Loyola College : Bio-technology, and Office Management - In Dhyana Ashram, the Madurai Province collaborates with the Madras-Mylapore Archdiocese to start a Centre for the Spirituality of the Laity.
1994
Aug. 2-16
National AICUF Consultation on "Towards a Jusst Society, . in solidarity we struggle".
1994
Sep. 15
Official Celebration of the 150 years of St Joseph's College, presided by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, who gives a clarion call to revamp the educational system.
1994
Sep. 24
The 1st General Body Meeting of the Dalit Commission is held in Kuppayanallur, and Frs. Provincial, Vice-Provincial and the other Commissions' coordinators are present.
1994
Dec. 7
In St. Xavier's, Palayamkottai, Fr. Provincial blesses the new Platinum Jubilee Building .
1993
January 6
Fr. Xavier Vedam's services are lent to the bishop of Kumbakonam, to organize and foster the Youth Services in the diocese. He resides in the Kumbakonam Diocesan Poastoral Centre.
1993
January 28
Fr. Raper, the International JRS Secretary and his South Asia representative urge the Southern Region Provincials to " move out for Refugeee work ". Fr. C. Amal is appointed. JRS National Secretaty.
1993
February 4
Fr. General writes a special letter to the Madurai Province members for the 3 rd centenary of St John de Britto's martyrdom.
1993
Feb. 23-Mar. 2
The Assistancy Major Superiors meet, till February 28 with Fr. General, and focus their discussions on the "Orientations for the Forthcoming GC 34".
February The Loyola College department of Social Work is recognized by the University of Madras as a Research Department, entitled to conduct researches leading to Ph. D. in Social Work.
1993
March 1
Silent peace-marches for communal harmony and national unity are organized by most of the educational institutions of our Province.
1993
March 6
The 450th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier landing in India (in Goa ) is remembered in all our institutions, especially in St. Xavier's, Palayamkottai.
1993
March 13-14
76 Alumni from the 4 Southern provinces meet in Loyola, Chennai, and Fr. Louis Xavier invites them to reflect on their role as "leaders in service".
1993
May 4
Fr. General approves of Fr. Provincial's decision to allow Fr. Antoniraj to accept his election as President of the Scheduled Castes Integration Federation (SCIF) for a term of three years.
1993
May 6 to 9
For the first time 140 Jesuit Pastors of South Asia gather for a meeting called by their coordinator Fr. Jerry Rosario to reflect on the focal theme, "Creativity is the need of our times".
1993
May 23
The Secretary of the Society writes that Fr. General has decreed the canonical establishment of the Jesuit community in Kuppayanallur, the first in the Chengai Region.
1993
May 26
Fr. C. Valiaveethil goes to work for inter-religious dialogue in Maitri Bhavan, Varanasi .
1993
June 18
Fr. Donatus Jeyaraj succeeds Fr. Aloysius Irudayam as Provincial of the Madurai Province , and Fr. Sebastian Soosai succeeds Fr. M. Devadhas as Vice Provincial for Formation
1993
June 24
The South Indian Common Juniorate is inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram.
1993
July 5
Claver House, the Jesuit residence in the Chengai Mission, is officially occupied, and two days later the Remedial School starts functioning.
1993
July 15
The karisal Team (Kamaraj Dt. Rural Institute for Social Action and Liberation) starts working in the sivakasi region among the child-labourers' families of the Arundhathiyar Dalits.
1993
August 13
In St Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, inaguration of STAND (Student's Training and Action for Neighbourhood Development), an attempt to link the college with the rural masses.
1993
Aug. 13-15
The National Council of the AICUF identifies the communalism and globalization of economy as the two greatest dangers threatening the very foundation of democracy and the secular nature of India .
1993
Aug. 25-26
The Jesuit Pastors of the Province reflect on the Basic Christian Communities and on the Basic Human Communities; and remind all that our pastrol action is to be concerned with all
1993
August 31
The 75 years Jubilee of the Apostolic School is celebrated in Madurai with Archbishop Casimir, S. J. as President.
1993
Sep. 7
Fr. M. Devadoss flies to Rome , then Somalia where he will be involved in the JRS activities.
Sep. 8
Fr. General decrees that the General Congregation 34 is to open on the feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, January 5, 1995, and insists on its serious preparation by all the Provinces.
1993
Sept. 21-27
Fr. M. devadoss discusses with the UNESCO officials in Paris the collaboration between them and the JRS in Somalia . He will work with the UNESCO Educational Adviser to Somalia .
1993
September
The SHEPHERD department of St. Joseph 's College launches a total literacy compaign in 9 panchayats of the Manikandam block.
1993
October 14
Students from several Colleges attend a Seminar on Rural Poverty in India , organized by the department of Economics in
Arul Anandar College
1993
Nov. 1 to 3
Invited by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Fr. M. Elias attends a meeting in Nepal convened to enhance and improve the collaboration between the UNHCR and the NGOS.
1993
Dec. 4
Fr. Britto Bonaventure, Principal of St. Joseph's College, is elected to the Syndicate of the (Tiruchirapalli) Bharathidasan University, -- the first Jesuit elected to this post after a span of 30 years.
1992
Jan. 27-30
Jan. 27-30 Fr. Louis Xavier attends in Bangkok a colloquim on Education organized by FABC (Federation of Asioan Bishops' Conferences).
1992
Feb. 21-23
St. Mary's parish, Madurai , celebrates the centuary of its Primary School.
1992
February
In Loyola College, the new Physics Block is opened - LIBA opens an Informatics Centre, which offers various modules of administration-oriented computer courses.
1992
March
In St Joseph's, SHEPHERD brings to the villages a Science Exhibition on the theme of "Water and Human Life".
1992
April 13
Fr. Provincial blesses the Documentation and Research wing of the Folklore centre in St Xavier's, Palayamkottai.
1992
April28-May 16
600 students of rural background improve their intellectual and leadership qualities during Summer Camps run by scholastics in Devakkotai, Keampanni and around Shembaganur.
1992
May 21-June 8
Seven Brothers undertake an agricultural tour to Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra, visiting various Universities of Agriculture, Government Farms, Factories, Gardens and Research Centres.
1992
June 1-6
Fr. K. M. Matthew is appointed by Fr. General one of the four Jesuit observes to the UN Conference on Environment & Development, in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil .
1992
August 1-31
The Culture & Communication Centre is involved in giving street-theatre courses and creating street-plays, later 'staged' in 300 villages, covering all the districts of Tamil Nadu.
1992
August 22-23
Our Jesuit schoolmen reflect on "Understanding slow learners and Remedial Work".
1992
August
Fr. Inchackal is member of the UGC committee to draft the theme paper for the All India level Vice-Chancellors' Conference.
1992
Oct. 12-23
Fr. Y. A. Lourdes as liturgist and Fr. V. M. Gnanapragasam as Tamil scholar take an important part in the revision of the Tamil Missal, under the leadership pf the archbishop of Madurai .
1992
Nov. 9 to 14
Fr. C. Amalraj represents the Assistancy at the Jesuit refugee Service annual meeting in Hbua Hin, Bangkok .
1992
November 27
Fr. General writes a letter approving the final Report of the Formation Reform Committee
1992
November
The Varasanadu area is one of the worst affected by the recent cyclone, with many deaths, 450 houses destroyed and some 1,500 damaged.
1992
December 21
In Palayamkottai, our institutions are in the vanguard in preparing a Peace March of students to proclaim peace and amity among various religions, in response to Ayodhya development.
1991
February 5
The former General Fr. Arrupe dies, almost 10 years after his paralytic attack. His successor Fr. Kolvenbach describes him as a man of three loves: for Christ, the Son of the Father; for the Lord's Church; and for the Society of Jesus.
1991
March 10
The 1st State-level convention of the Alumni of Jesuit Colleges and Schools is held in St Joseph 's College, with 600 delegates from 14 alumni associations.
1991
April 22
In Madras , public function to celebrate the Ignation Centenary.
1991
April
The CBCI appoints Fr. M. A. James as the Director of the pune National Vocations Service Centre.
1991
May 20-21
The province Days in this Ignation Year are an occasion for former and present Superiors and other Madurai Jesuits to share and relive the rich memory of the province in recent year.
1991
May
Fr. Mathew Moolel will become in August the first Jesuit Principal in the only College of sikkim . --- Fr. C. Amal assumes full-time responsibility of the Madurai Jesuit Refugee Service.
1991
July 17-21
Five former students from our Madurai Jesuit Colleges and Schools accompanied by Fr. Joe Lawrence attend the World Jesuit Alumni Congress in Bibao , Spain .
1991
August 21-23
Indian Jesuits in Social Action meet on the theme "Taking Sides with the Oppressed", explained as " to be one with the oppressed, specially the Dalits and Tribals, in their struggles".
1991
Oct 4-6
The Botany department of St. Xavier's College organizes, for the first time in South India , a National Symposium on pteridology, the science of Ferns.
1991
Dec 1
Fr. Sebasti L. Raj takes charge as Director of the Indian Social Institute (ISI) in New Delhi .
1990
January 17
Scholastic Dominic Royce is the first Jesuit to become an approved Bharathanatyam dancer when he gives his arangetram (approbation-performance) in the Bharathya Vidya Bhavan, Madras .
1990
January
JEPASA (Jesuit Pastors in South Asia ) is a new structure of our Assistancy; Fr. Jerry Rosario is its first Assistancy coordinator.
1990
Feb 11
With the approval of Fr. General, the La Salette shrine in Kodaikanal is gifted to the Madurai archdiocese.
1990
17
Provincial Congregation. A postulate asks Fr. General to immediately initiate the process for the formation of a dependent region-Chennai region.
1990
March 28
The newly formed Dalit Commission meets for the first time.
1989
March
The meeting of the Tamilnadu conference of Religious, decides never to Accept donations for admissions and never to open a new unaided English Medium school.
1990
June 12
A programmee for the development of the 23 villages of Varsanadu is planned during a meeting in the Madurai Archbishop's House.
1990
June 21
The Jesuit Chengai team starts in Palliagaram a "Remedial School for the Drop-outs", inaugurated by Fr. James Rodrigues, Rector of Loyola College.
1990
June
Fr. Muthupackiam's services are lent to the seminary of the Jalandhar diocese ( Delhi region).
1990
June 14-15
Fr. Provincial inaugurates 157 houses built for the families of the freed 'bonded labourers', in three villages of the Kodiakanal hills.
1990
August 6
The flow of refugees from Sri Lanka having greatly increases? Fr. C. Amal is entrusted to coordinate the efforts to help them.
1990
Sep 27
On this 450th anniversary of the confirmation of the Society of Jesus by Pope Paul III, the Jesuits all over the world begin an Ignation Jubilee Year.
1990
September
Fr. S. Arokiasamy is appointed Secretary of the CBCI commission for Clergy and Religious.
1990
December
After 5 years of experimental period, the Madurai Province makes a commitment to send Brothers, Scholastics and Fathers to the mission in Zambai, either on a short-term or a long-term basis.
1989
Jan 10-15
The operation MAGIS' (More Authentic Goals In Schools) training programme is conducted for the first time for 46 participating teachers.
1989
Jan 17-19
The Jesuit pastors reflect on the theme "Social - political situation in Tamilnadu" and make proposals with focus on the lay formation and the organization into 'Basic communities'.
1989
Feb 28
Launching of the massive survey work for the Province Dalit Research, covering 14 Catholic and 6 protestant dioceses.
1989
March 31
In Shembaganur, the team working Kodaikanal hill moves from the Sacred Heart college to Xaviers House in a field. PEAK (Peoples Education and Actiuon Kodaikanal) is thus founded.
1989
June 14-17
The 3rd AICUF National Convention, attended by some 300 delegates, adopts a new constitution that lays stress on the mass movement aspect of AICUF and Some consequent effects.
1989
June 18
A preliminary consultation is held on our planned future involvement in the Chengai-Anna district.
1989
July 16-Aug 1
Fr. Gellard, the French Provincial, visits the Madurai Province on the occasion of our 150 th anniversary. (Hence his name appears in some of the following items)
1989
July 19
The Devakottai school campus is expanded by the addition of a new block blessed by Fr. Gellard.
1989
July 21-22
Father Gellard visits Oriyur, where he gives to the shrine the crucifix used by St John de Britto, blesses and inaugurations the new school and hostel buildings as well as the resting hall for the pilgrims..
1989
July 22
Fr. Gellard declares open, in Arul Anandar College , the Toulouse Block, a gift of the French Province for the Jubilee of our Mission , and then blesses the RADAR Training Centre
1989
October
The services of Fr. Joe Antony are lent to the archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore to be the editor of The New Leader for two years (Note: In 2002 he still is the Editor of NL).
1988
January 17
Our High School hostel wardens decide that Catholics and others should not be separated in the hostels that these should admit only Std IX students, and that a Day Scholars Centre should be opened in all our schools for poor students.
1988
Feb 22
Fr. V.M. Gnanapragasam, appointed professor of Christian Literature in the Madurai M.K. University , join duty on this day.
1988
February
Fr. Provincial appoints a team to study the objectives, nature, scope, programmes, etc., of the recently inaugurated Jesuit Educational Research Institute (JERI).
1988
April 10
Social Scientist and Activists meet to discus the plan, prepared by Fr. Antoniraj, for a research project on the ordained priests.
1988
April 24
The Madurai Province 150 years jubilee celebrations conclude with a pilgrimage to Kalugumadai, where we see the grave of Fr. Capelli, an 18 th century Jesuit. Seven scholarstics are ordained priests.
1988
May
Fr. A. Lourduraj is re-elected to the Council and Board of Management of the (Protestant) Henry Martin Institute of Islamic Studies, Hyderabad .
1988
June 1
The new premises of St Joseph 's College Higher Secondary School are blessed.
1988
June 10
Inauguration of the provinces of Andhra, with Fr. John Bosco as its First provincial.
1988
June
The Archibishop of Madurai makes the Varasanadu region (one of the most backward in the diocese) a Mission of its own rights and entrusts it to the society of Jesus, that is already working there
1988
Sep 24-25
Ten thousand Christians cross the city of Tiruchirapalli to urge the Government to treat the scheduled caste Christians like their Hindu counterparts as regards the grant of concessions.
1988
October 25
The Fr. Jerome D Souza's block in Loyola College , is formally inaugurated.
1988
November
The Folklore Centre of St Xavier's College Palayamkottai, is inaugurated.
1987
January 28
The bishop of Palayamkottai blesses the Xavier Institute of computer Science, which is immediately put ton use by the students of the already accredited B.Sc Computer Science.
1987
February 25
The new Zen ignation centre in Dhyana Ashram is opened. The director will be fr. AMA, the first Zen master in India .
1987
March 1
The jubilee for the 150 years of the New Madurai Mission beings with a pilgrimage of the province to oriyur.
1987
March 23-25
The provincial congregation sends two postulates to Fr. General the immediate formation of the province of Andhra and the need for the Province to join hands with the Dalit Christian movements at the regional and national levels and support their struggles.
1987
March 25
Archbishop Casimir, S.J. of Madurai is transferred to the see of Madras-Mylapore.
1987
July 3
Fr. Aloysius Irudayam becomes provincial of Madurai, in succession to Michael Jeyaraj.
1987
July 27-30
A Symposium on "the Jesuit Presence in Indian History'. Part of the 15 th year celebrations, is convened by Fr. A. Amaladass. Twenty-two historians give their construction.
187
July 31
By a decree of Fr. General signed on July 24, the Mauritius Mission no longer depends on the Madurai Province after 29 years-and goes back to its dependence on the French Province.
1987
July
Fr. C. Amal takes full charges of MAITRI, both in Kodaikanal hills and in Mandapam, just as the work, at last in Mandapam becomes "one of educating, organizing and guiding" the repatriates. As a by-product of the bonded labour struggle, a Grihini school begins in Shembaganur to give an over-al though basic formation to illiterate young women.
1987
October 18
Fr. General Kolvenbach visits the colleges of our province, plus the Jesuit houses in Madras , Madurai and Dindigul. Besides releasing several books, he inaugurates some new ventures and finally attends the 'sound and light' show on The New Madurai Mission in St Joseph 's College.
1986
Dec 12-15
The National C.R.I Assembly held in Andhra Loyola College , on the theme "the emergency of the Theology of Liberation in India " as its main topic elects Fr. J. Kuriakose as its new President.
1986
February 4
Frs. D. Jeyaraj and Roche visit the houses to review the implementation of our domestic servant's employment rules.
1986
February 5
Pope John II visits Madras .
April sec week Fr. Jerry Rosario is a member of a task-force called by Fr.General to Rome to study the problems of "our pastoral ministries today". He reads a paper entitled "afresh phase of freedom".
1986
June
First news in MNL about the SHEPHERD (science and humanities for peoples development) extension service in St Joseph 's college ten -day camps are held in 3 village, where St Joseph 's students do some hard construction work for the people.
1986
July 21
A computer Centre is opened in Loyola College. A three-credits course in computers is made compulsory for all students of statistics, mathematics, physics, chemistry, economics and commerce.
1986
October 11
Diamond jubilee of Loyola College. Two foundation stones are blessed and laid for the Loyola Institute for development services and for the Jerome D'Souza Administrative Block.
1986
Dec 5
The Satya Nilayam Research Institute is inaugurated.
1985
April 20
Fr. G. Casimir is chosen by the pope to be new Archbishop of Madurai. He is ordained to the episcopate on June16
1985
July 1
in Beschi College , inauguration of the South Indian Common Juniorate.
1985
July 5
In Shembaganur, a seminar is organized by MAITRI for the Ssi lanka repatriates in the Kodaikanal hills, who declare that they are treated like bonded labourers, and that MAITRI is their only source of consolation and contact with the outside world.
1985
Sep 24-26
Frs. Ignatius Hirudayam and Varaprasadam take active part in a seminar of the International Federation of catholic University in Tantur, Jersalem.
1985
Nov 1
Fr, Maria Louis is appointed the Holy See's Delegate to the Sacred Heart Brothers.
1985
Nov
By decision of Father General, the Indian Assistancy is to be henceforth known as the South Asian Assistancy.
1985
Dec 19
The Madras Television broadcasts in Tamil "Jesus is born even today" created and acted by Arul Kadal students as a relevant Christmas Message in today's context.
1984
Jan 27-28
The Platinum jubilee of St Mary's High School Dindigul celebrates its Diamond Jubilee.
1984
Feb 22-26
Centenary of the transfer of St Joseph's college from Nagapatnam to Tiruchirapalli. A sound and light spectacle brings out the history of the college and the Jesuit ideals of education.
1984
Feb
Fr. Maria Louis is appointed by the congregation of the Evangelization of he peoples as visitor of the Brothers of the sacred heart.
1984
April 3
The province's social centre IDEAS (Institute of development education, action and studies), built on the grounds of St. Mary's Madurai begins its first training session.
1984
July 3-10
The conference of India gives a statement on communalism the maner of facing it can become an expression of the Indian Jesuits commitment to justice and peace.
1984
August
The government of India sanctions R. 12 lakhs for a 3 years project of the anglade Institute of shembaganur for the "mass exposure of school students and teachers to the disaster of environmental destruction overtaking the country and to the need to develop programmes for eco-development".
1984
Sep 20
Archbishop Diraviam of Madurai blesses the IDEAS (Institute of development, education, Action & Studies) - AICUF building and encourages our work chiefly among the youth.
1984
Sep 21-23
Centenary celebration of St. Francis Xavier's Higher Secondary School in Tuticorin.
1984
October 6
In Dhyana Ashram the archbishop of Madras presides over the inauguration of the province's publishing house Vaigarai pathipakkam whose chairman is C.K. Swamy and releases its first book.
1984
Oct 27-28
Catholic Lutheran and church of south India leaders discuss together the problem of the Sri Lanka repatriates and refugees, and formulate a coordinated programme to help them.
1984
Nov 15
Fr. Vazhapilly is lent to the Karnataka province to work in the Nagaland college as principal for some years. He is the first Madurai Jesuit sent on a mission to the North East corner of India .
1984
Dec 27-30
Province Assembly with the motto, "towards liberation together with the poor'.
1984
Dec
Fr,. Rex pai is elected provincial of India .
1983
January 26
Br. K.V. peter, ex-post-master in shembaganur receives the padma shri medal and title.
1983
April 6-8
Provincial congregation. Frs M. Amaladossand J. Kurikose accompany Fr. Provincial as Electors to the 33 rd General Congregation.
1983
April 24
Fr. J. Kurikose takes charge as superior of the Andhra Region.
1983
May
Fr. Britto Joseph, our specialist in Naturopathy, signs a contract with the Holy Family Hospital , patna , to establish there a department of Indigenous Medicine and train the personnel for it.
1983
Sep 13
Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach is elected the new general of the Society of Jesus.
1983
Sep 13
From this day to October 10, 2734 repatriates and 720 refugees from Sri Lanka reach the Mandapam camp by sea. Helped by many religious sisters, the Maitri team, led by Fr. A. Augustine takes care of them as also of about 6000 reparties, resettled in the kodaikanal hills.
1983
Sep 23
Fr. M.Amaladoss, one of our delegates to the general congregation, is elected one of the four general participates in an International symposium on "Chinese-western cultural interchange" in honour of the 4 th centenary of Matteo Ricci's arrival in china.
1983
Dec 1-3
St Mary's High School Dindigul celebrates its diamond jubilee.
1982
January
Fr. Machado is appointed member of a state government committee to frame a Moral and social education syllabus for High Schools.
1982
Feb 27
The shembaganur 'extra-departmental" post office is handed over to the government.
1982
February
Our way of life, the Jesuit Madurai province Guidelines book, is sent to the houses.
1982
August
The provincials of India discuss the means to foster greater inter-provincial cooperation in the assistancy, and also to respond to the cal for workers coming from the regions of the world.
1982
October
Fr. P.T. chelladurai becomes principal of the government's evening college of music in Madras .
1982
December 8
The papal delegate, Fr. Dezza, convokes the general congregation to elect the new general.
1981
1981
February 7
The Research Institution of entomology in Loyola organizes a National Seminar on "Research Advances in Entomology in India ". The world -famous Dr.M.S. Swaminathan, gives the final address.
1981
April 5
Fr. Michael Jeyaraj becomes Provincial of Madurai, succeeding Fr. Rex A. Pai.
1981
May
The Tamil department of St Xavier's College in Palayamkottai is recognized as a research centre.
1981
June 1
Frs S David and V. Diaz leaves the province for sunder nagar, and are our first Himalayan missionaries, at the services of the bidshop of chandigarh .
1981
July
Fr. A. Machado is appointed secretary-treasurer of the catholic educational council of Tamil Nadu.
1981
August 6
In a talk to Jesuits working among the refugees in Bangkok , Fr. General Arrupe states: "these (refugee) problems are not solved by human efforts (.); we do not pray enough ". The following morning, landing in rome , Fr. General is struck by a strong attack of paralysis.
1981
October
Our provincial Fr. M. Jeyaraj is elected to the executive committee of the National advisory council of the catholic Bishop conference of India .
1980
Feb 2-4
Celebration of the Silver Jubilee of Andhra Loyola College
1980
March 18
The Scholasticate of philosophy begins its transfer to Madras from Shembaganur, which becomes again a house of the Madurai Province . The Anglade Institute of Natural History begins there.
1980
May 18
Twenty of our media men demand the evaluation of the various periodicals published by the Madurai Jesuits, and the formation of an Editorial Board for each periodical.
1980
Jul 11-12
Fr. General Arrup's very active to Madras. He comes mainly to officially inaugurate Satya Nilayam.
1980
August
'Caritas India' asks Fr. Ceyrac to coordinate the work of 15 volunteers (including 4 Jesuits) sent from India to help the Kampuchean refugees in Thailand .
1980
October
On the appeal of Bishop of Kumbakonam, Fr. Pushpanather becomes Correspondent and Headmaster of the Higher School in Viragalur.
1980
October
Fr. Dhavamony represented the Holy See at the First General Assembly of Ecumenical Associations of African Theologians, at Taounde, Cameron.
1980
November 8
Three programmes mark in Madras the third centenary of the birth of Fr. Beschi, Veeramamuniva; a seminar; a public function; and a special feature on the Madras Television.
1980
Nov 14
Fr. General Arrupe writes to the entire Society about the urgent problem of the refugees and announces the formation of the Jesuit Refugee service (JRS), with non-Jesuit collaborators
1980
Nov 30- Dec 2
Centenary celebrations of St Xavier's Higher School, Palayamkottai.
1979
Jan 6-10
The Indian Major Superiors reflect on the decline in personal prayer, and the need of the "integration of our prayer with the apostolate, resulting on apostolic mobility".
1979
February 26
The Madurai Apostolic School celebrates its Diamond Jubilee.
1979
February 23
Fr. Gualbert begins teaching in a Government School Managed by the Jesuits in Bhutan .
1979
March 19
The schoolmen discuss self-evaluation of English medium in our schools.
1979
March 25
Loyola organizes a march of Madras Christians to the Governor's House to protest the anti-church atrocities in Arunachal Pradesh and other North Indians regions, and express serious concern about the Arunachal Pradesh Bill and the Freedom of Religion Bill.
1979
March
Fr Provincial appoints a commission to study the future of our properties in the Kodaikanal hills, in keeping with the decree of CG 32 and the new Statutes on Poverty.
1979
May 22-25
Four of our Brothers attend the First National Convention of Religious Brothers of India (NARBI) meant to encourage all Brothers in the process of renewal and adaptation
1979
June 10
The Auxiliary Bishop of Madras inaugurates the Regional Tamil Theologate, called Arul Kadal (the Ocean of Grace ), a phrase very dear to Veeramamunivar (Fr.Beschi).
1979
June 24
Inauguration of "Valarmathi", the new Juniorate in Cilve's, St Joseph's College.
1979
July
On retiring from University teaching, Fr. G. Thottungal goes to serve in East Africa .
1979
August
Beginning of LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration), an evening course for people already employed. St Joseph 's its JIBA as a one-year post-graduate diploma course.
1979
Nov 25
Fr. General reminds all Jesuits of their commitment to fight atheism: "To meet this challenge facing the Church, we must adequately revise our manner of life and work".
1979
Dec 23
Fr. A.J Lawrence researches the island of Trinidad in he West Indies , his new mission post.
1979
Dec 26-29
Province Meeting on "Together toward Tomorrow". The assembly itself in favour of a preferential option for the poor and downtrodden in every sphere of our apostolate.
1978
Jan 2-6
Eight Madureans attend in Bombay the All India Jesuit Meeting on Formation.
1978
Jan 13-15
Provincial Congregation. A postulate on the need of a Regional Project of Theology, and another on the work among the exploited and humiliated Harijans and Tribals are sent to Fr. General.
1978
April 30-May
1 Local Superiors, Principals and Headmasters share on how ton make our institutions progress in the service of the Faith and the promotion of Justice. They decide to have only Tamil medium in the Higher Secondary Schools.
1978
May
The Syndicate of the Madras University gives the Autonomous status to Loyola and St Joseph 's Colleges. (Ultimately, all our five Colleges will become Autonomous).
1978
May
The Provincial of India decides that the scholasticate for the study of philosophy, now in shembaganur, will be transferred to Madras 9Lattice Bridge and will be called Satya Nilayam.
June 8 A new retreat centre, "Inigo Dhyana Illam" is inaugratuted in a wing of Beshi college.
1978
June 14
The administration of St Paul 's Seminary is transferred from the Jesuits to the Ecclesiastical Province of Madurai. The Jesuits still serving in the Seminary from a separate community.
1978
July
AugustAugustThe tirunelveli Social service Society, directed by Fr T. Malayampuram, opens a Grihini school in Kuruvikulam for training illiterate girls of marriageable age in domestic sciences and family life.
1978
August
The PALMERA team (People's Action and Liberation Movement in East Ramnad0 selects the Kannankudi panchayat to launch non-formal education: 68.62 % of its people are illiterate.
1978
Sep 12-13
The demand to Fr. General for the proposed Regional Theology Project is finalized.
1978
Dec 30-31
In Madras , 1 st Regional Congregation of Tamil Religious Brothers-some 80 of them 9 congregations. Brother Paranjothi is to represent the Jesuit Brothers in the follow-up of the meeting.
1978
December
Fr. A. Pappuraj is appointed to coordinate the work of rehabilitation of the repatriates from Sri Lanka , divided into camps in Mandapam, Kottupatti near Tiruchirapalli and the Kodaikanal hills.
1977
June
In Shembaganur, Fr. G. Ignacy launches a 'Mini Project' in which he teaches certain subjects to First Year philosophers with an Indian approach in tune with Inculturation.
1977
July 23
The finance Commission publishes guidelines towards a better application of the vow of Poverty
1977
Aug. 30-Sep.3
Fifty Jesuits, diocesan priests, Sisters, Brothers and Lay people discuss "the Church and Society in East Ramnad " and inside on the defence and promotion of the Harijians as the primary task of the Church there.
1977
September 2
The Province has now a Vive-Provincial for Formation, no longer for Education.
1977
September 8
The Institute of Inculturation is dedicated in Aikya alayam, to commemorate the fourth centenary of the birth of Robert de Nobili, the founder of the First Madurai Mission.
Sep 10-11 The Superiors reflect on Fr. Arrupe's letter on "Inculturation of the Spiritual life and the Apostolate" and takes up the report of the Inculturation Commission on our Province.
1977
October 22
The new Ministers Commission discusses the development of East Ramnad , the formation of a new Centre for Rural Studies, the Press Apostolate, etc..
1977
October 30
Madurai Jesuits reflect for two days on the caste factor as fostering an unjust structure in the parish milieu; and on the question of lay leadership for the task of liberation of the oppressed.
1977
Nov 13-17
A terrible cyclone causes untold damages first in Tamilnadu, then in Andhra Pradesh, chiefly in the districts of Vijayawada and Guntur . St Joseph 's college suffers most from the havoc
1977
Dec 11
The Headmasters and Superiors reflect about introduction of the Higher Secondary section in our High Schools.
1976
January
Fr. Loze, of our Province, becomes Secretary of the Jesuit Mission Secretariat in Rome .
1976
Jan 14-16
Golden Jubilee of Loyola College, marked by a Sciences & Arts Exhibition, an academic conference for Teachers & Students, another on Youth & Faith, and an Old Boys' Day.
1976
January
Fr. Lawrene Sundaram is appointed National Chaplain of the Newman Association in India
1976
March 19
The Postolic and Caritative Fund of the Society (FACSI) is inaugurated in Rome by Fr. General, as an expression of inter-provincial concrete in our apostolate.
1976
May 6-13
Many Brothers attend a Seminar on the documents of Vatican II and of our CG 32.
1976
June 10
Fr. General promulgates the Statutes of the Jesuit Conference of India and the office office of the Provincial of India. Fr. Ambrose, of the Karnataka Province , is the first Provincial of India.
1976
September
Fr. T.A. Mathias represents India for the second time at the General Assembly of he UNO, to work in the Committee on Humanitarian, Social and Cultural Concerns.
1976
December 5
Meeting of the Commission for Education, which expresses the need to prepare ourselves for the work of Non-Formal Education, mainly for adults and drop-outs.
1976
December 19
The 'Pay Commission' submits its final revision of wages to Fr. Provincial for his approval.
1975
January 26
The meeting of Superior decides that the Province will join in the operation "Ten Thousand Wells" started by the archdiocese for the help of the Ramnad district.
1975
May 10
The Provincial of Madurai, Fr. Casimir, is Appointed Regional Assistant in Rome.
1975
April 3
Before 14 Protestant and Catholic bishops, the book of Ruth is released, first fruit of the Ecumenical Bible Translation team.
1975
April 26-May
1 Our Brothers attend a seminar on Community Life, Holy Scripture and Social Justice.
1975
May 12
After studying the reports from the Province, Fr. General discontinues the office of Vice-Provincial for Pastoral Apostolate, whilst maintaining the post of Vice-Provincial for Education
1975
May
Fr. Dhavamony is elected Dean of the Faculty of Missiology in the Gregorian University.
1975
June 6
Fr.Rex A. Pai becomes Provincial of Madurai in succession to the new assistant Fr. Casimir
1975
June 17
In karumathur, the bishop of Tuticorin blesses "Christ Hall", the new Tamilnadu Region major Seminary for philosophers who will get a degree in Philosophy through Arul Anandar Colege.
1975
June
On the feast of the Sacred Heart, the foundation stone of UGARTE NAGAR is laid, a scheme to build 130 houses, out of which 25 for servants of the Sacred Heart College , on 8 acres of land donated by the sacred Heart College.
1975
July 10
A Survey of he East Ramnad is launched, guided by Fr. Houtart, who will process the data in Louvain Universality, Belgium.
1975
August 4-8
Fr. J. Kuriakose attends in Rome a Conference on "the role of the Jesuit-sponsored institutions of Higher Education in the service of the Faith and the promotion of Justice".
1975
October 5-6
All Rectors and Principals accept on principle to run Autonomous Colleges, in case this is granted to us by the U.G.C. and the Government
1975
October
In Rome , Fr. General Founds the "Jesuit Socio- Economic Development Secretariat (JESEDES) with Fr, Michael Campbell-Johnston of British Guyana as its 1 st Director.
1975
November 2
The Major Superiors of India appoint a committee to work out a programme of formation and study in the context of Inculturation. On January 10, 1976, Fr. Varaprasadam is appointed a member.
1974
1974
April 16
Province Meeting on "Inter-personal Relationships" where it is found that the vision presented by St. Ignatius in the Spiritual Exercise is the best help for such genuine relationships. --- The Provincial Congregation elects Fr. Varaprasadam and Gordon to accompany Fr. Casimir to the CG 32.
1974
May 4
Arivayala, a cultural troupe consisting of twenty scholastics gives its first performance at St Mary's Madurai .
1974
May 10-30
Fr. P.T. Chelladurai directs the first Carnatic Music Summer School, a yearly event till today.
1974
May 25-27
Some concrete guidelines on Poverty are decided upon, and the educational institutions are asked to educate "men for others" and to be instruments of Social Justice.
1974
Sep 8
Blessing and opening of the new premises of Aikiya Alayam, the Dialogue Centre.
1973
April 22
Fr. G. Casimir becomes Provincial of Madurai, succeeding Fr. D. Gordon.
1973
April
De La Salle College becomes Arul Anandar College (St John de Britto's Tamil names), and starts a new courseon Rural Development, Sciences and Services (RDSS).
1973
May 15
The Andhra Region officially takes charge of St. Patrick's Boys High School in Secunderabad.
1973
May 15-21
JEA seminiar on "Transforming our educational institution into agentsof social change".
June 27 to 29 On the request of the C.B.C.I. Commision for Dialogue, Fr. Ignatius Hirudayam organizes a Tamilnadu Reginoal Get-Together on 'Preparing the Local Church for Dialogue'.
1973
August
The new Central Committee of AICUF defines it as a "a students' movement inspired by Christ's ideals of truth, love and justice embodying themselves through history".
1973
September 22
In Arul Anandar College, Karumathur, the foundation stone for the proposed Tamil Nadu Regional Seminary is laid by the Internuncio.
1973
October
Scholastic Francis Britto goes to serve in the Japanses Province .
1973
November 21
The Botany Department in St Joseph 's College is recognized as a Research Centre.
1972
January 15
The Jesuit theologate of Kurseong, is transferred to Delhi and called Vidyajyothi.
1972
February
The plan submitted by Fr. Michael Raj to the Tamilnadu Bishops and to our Provincial for restructuring the Mass Media Apostolate is approved.
1972
June 11
Fr. Chelladurai gives his public 'Arangetram' (First concert) in Carnatic music, -- the first catholic priest ever to do so.
1972
November 7
The director General of the Posts & Telegraphs in Delhi visiting the post-office managed for 60 years in shembaganur by Bro. Peter, writes in the visitors' book: "I f work is worship, this is its temple and Br. Peter is the High Priest".
1972
November 5
Inauguration of the Andhra Region, with Fr. J. Baliah as Regional superior.
November The management of Campion School in Tiruchirapalli is givn back to the diocese.
1972
December 12
The Madurai Province takes charge of the 'de la Salle college' Karumathur on the request of the archbishop of Madurai . Its first Jesuit principal is Fr, V. Rajanayagam.
1971
January 6
Fr. General promulgates the statutes of the delegation for common works of the Indian Assistancy and appoints Fr. Parmananda Divarkar as the First Delegate.
1971
May 15-22
A JEA National Seminar is held in Shembaganur, with 100 participants, on "the aims and objectives of the Jesuits Education in India ".
1971
May 24
Fr. Rodney Hart leaves for the Philippines as a missionary, to work among the lepers.
1971
May 31 to June
7 Fr. T.A. Mathias represents the Holy see at a conference of Asian Ministers of Education and Ministers of Economic Planning, organized by the UNESCO in Singapore .
1971
September
Fr. Provincial promulgates the statutes for the administration of the Madurai Province and appoints two Vice-Provincials, --for Pastoral Apostolate and for education.
1970
January
A Centre of Ignatian Spirituality is set up in the Roman Curia of the Society to provide information and to encourage studies of the Jesuit spirituality.
1970
February 11
The Chief Minister of Tamilnadu opens the new Community Centres as he inaugurates the 125 th anniversary celebrations in St. Joseph 's College, Tiruchirapalli.
1970
February 15
Fr. T. Mathias goes to represent the Indian Jesuits at an East Asia education Conference in Taiwan , and then at a conferences on "Global Dimensions of Education" in California.
1970
May 11-17
The first "Assistancy Jesuit Conference" on the theme 'Jesuits in India Today' proposes the formation of a "Province for Common Works of the Assistancy" and of four 'Assistancy Secretaries'.
1970
June
Introduction, in Shembaganur, of an integrated course of philosophy and theology, over three years.
1970
Sep 5 to 10
Fr. T. Mathias is the official representative of the Holy see at the UNESCO conference on Higher Education held in Teheran.
1969
January 24
Golden Jubilee of the Apostolic School in Madurai.
1969
Jan 31-Feb 2
Diamond Jubilee of St Mary's High School, Madurai.
1969
April
Fr. Michael Raj becomes the Director of the Tamilnadu Catholic Audio-Visual Education Service, Tindivanam.
1969
May 1
Fr. D. Gordon becomes the Provincial of Madurai for the second time, succeeding Fr. Varaprasadam.
1969
July 18
The M.Ed course in St Xavier's teachers' College is formally inaugurated.
1969
December
The "Jesuit Survey Report on the Indian Asistancy" is printed.
1969
Dec 17-18
Conference of the Brothers of Madurai Province, during which important conclusions are adopted regarding the vocation, work and formation of the Jesuit Brothers.
1968
January
On the Madras Beach, the statue of Father Beschi, S.J., Veeramamunivar in Tamil (1680-1746), is installed among those of important Tamil writers.
1968
March
A Commission for Brothers is constituted to discuss the decree 7 (on Jesuit Brothers) of the GC31 and accordingly advise our Provincial.
1968
July
The Prime Minister of India appoints Fr. Jerome D' Souza to the National Integration Council
1968
August
The Madurai Report on the Survey demanded by Fr. General is finalized.
1968
October 31
A 3-day celebration of the Centenary of Mahatma Gandhi is held in Loyola College for all the University students of Madras city.
1967
January
A six-month Pre-Novitiate is started, even for candidates who have finished their P.U.C
1967
January 8
All Rectors and Principals, Superiors and Headmasters meet in Tiruchirapalli to reflect on the decrees of GC 31 propose practical suggestions to implement them in our Province.
1967
Jan 17-18
Fr. General Arrupe visits, in the Province, Madurai, Shembaganur, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli and Madras, and makes twenty speeches.
1967
April 5
Fr. Dhavamony is appointed Consultor to the Secretariat for Non-Christian Religions in Rome.
1967
June 29
Archbishop John Peter Leonard, S.J. of Madurai resigns his see and transfers his powers to the archbishop-elect Rev. Fr. Justin Diraviam, of the diocesan clergy of Trichinopoly.
1967
July 31
By a decree of Rev. Fr. General, the Mauritius Tamil Mission becomes a Mission of the Madurai Province, -- the first foreign mission of our Province. Fr.J de Roton is the Superior of the Mission.
1967
December 3
Dr. Kothari, Chairman of the University grants commission discusses, in St.Joseph's Trichinopoly, with 9 College principals about Finances, Teaching Medium and Autonomous Colleges .
1966
April
The Indian Major Superiors appointed Fr. E. Ugarte chairman of a committee preparing a Plan of Jesuit Studies for Indian, applying the recommendations of the Vatican Council II and the CG 31.
1966
May
Fr. General orders a General Survey of the Society about the relevance of the Church and the Society to today's problems. In India, the Indian Social Institute is in charge, and Fr. Ugarte in the Madurai Province.
1966
June 10
Scholastic I.S.S. James joins the Hong Kong Mission and starts for Petaling Jaya (Malaysia) to learn the language. (He is now applied to the Indonesian Province)
1966
July 31
Fr. General reminds all Provinces of the task entrusted by Pope Paul VI to the Society regarding atheism. In the Madurai Province, FF. G. Ignatius and Louis Xavier are asked to look after this mission.
1966
Oct 16 to 20
Invited by both the Papal Secretariat for Christian Unity and the "Faith and Order"
Commission of the World Council of Churches, Fr. Muthumalai attends ecumenical meetings in Geneva
1966
November
Fr. Ceyrac is invited by the Secretary General of Pax Romana to visit Africa for three months to share his experiences with the chaplains and students of that continent.
1965
February 11
Foundation of Vinukonda, the first Jesuit mission-station in Andhra after those established in the 18th century by the French Jesuits of the Carnatic Mission.
1965
February
Fr. Theo Mathias is asked by the University Grants Commission to be a member of an All-India Committee to advise on student integration in university life.
1965
March
Fr. TN, Sequeira is co-opted as a member of he Government's Kothari Education Commission.
1965
May 22
The General congregation 31 elects Rev. Fr. Pedro Arrupe as General of the Society of Jesus.
1965
August 25
In a letter to a meeting in France, Fr. Arrupe declares that "adaptation to the modern world" is to be a characteristics of his generalate
1965
November 17
Fr. Yedanapally leaves to spend six months in Bangkok to prepare with an international group of chemists a pilot project for teaching Chemistry in South Asia.
1964
1964
Jan. 7 to 9
Fr. S. Rajamanickam reads at an International Congress of Orientalists a paper on Fr. Robert de Nobili, whom Dr. Humayun Kabir acclaims as "the first Orientalist".
1964
Jan. 31-Feb. 2
The 1st Annual Study Conference on Social Action is held in Loyola College, with representatives from outside Madras .
1964
April 22
Fr. Arul Maria Varaprasadam becomes Provincial of Madurai, succeeding Fr. L. Fernandez.
1964
July 13
Bishop Mummadi blesses in Guntur the Loyola Public Academy, our second foundation in Andhra.
1964
August
Fr. M. Dhavamony speaks on "Christian approach to the Hindus" the 'Misology week' in Louvain , Belgium .
1964
October 5
Rev Fr. John Baptist Janssens, General of the Society of Jesus, dies.
1963
July 7
The Silver Jubilee of the Madurai archdiocese is celebrated. On this occasion a Catholic Social Welfare Bureau is opened.
1963
July
Loyola College, Madras, begins an M.A. course in Social Work with three fields of specialization: Industrial Relations, Medical Social Work and Rural & Community Development.
1963
August
The copies of he revised Custom Book of the Madurai province are sent to all the houses.
1963
october
Golden Jubilee of the Catholic Truth Society (C.T.S.), Tiruchirapalli.
1962
March 19
In Loyola College, inauguration of the Berchmans Hall, for the Jesuits undergraduate students.
1962
April
The district of sarugani in the Madurai archdiocese is entrusted to the diocesan clergy.
1962
May 31
By a decree of Fr. General, the Assistancy of India and East Asia is divided into Indian (plus Sri Lanka) and East Asia Assistancies. Fr. Jerome D' Souza remains Assistant of the former.
1962
October 2
Solemn Opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, which proved to be a turning point in the life of the Church and of the Society.
1962
November 14
Fr. M. Dorairaj, the first madurean missionary in Africa, starts for Mwanza, Tanganyka
1961
May
The JEA, -- the Jesuit Educational association of India is founded.
1961
September 20
The "Jesuit Board of Tamil writers" decides to become "Beschi Writers' Association", and to bring out quarterly religious books from the 'Beschi Publishing House'.
1961
December 3
First Centenary of the Jesuit Mission to the Indians in Mauritius island. Many of those missionaries were coming from the then Madurai Mission.
1960
June 20
The new church of St John de Britto in Oriyur blessed.
1960
June
Father Shouriah, the first Madurean going abroad as a missionary, leaves for the British Guyana Mission . --- The Beschi College Juniorate in Shembaganur is closed and the Juniors go to Loyola College for their undergraduate studies.
1960
July 30 Aug 1
Silver Jubilee of Campion High School, Trichinopoly., The school chapel is blessed.
1960
August 13 - 14
Fr. Provincial attends in Delhi the 1st meeting of the Conference of the (Men) Religious of India (C.R.I).
1960
September 27
On the anniversary of the approbation of the society of Jesus, the Malabar Region becomes the Independent Kerala Vice-Province; Fr. de Roton is the interim Vice-Provincial. On December 20, Fr. Edamaram is appointed its first Vice-Provincial.
1960
December 23
Rev. Fr. General appoints Fr. Mann, the Patna Vice-Provincial, Visitor of the Madurai Province. He comes to the Province, however, only on 23rd February 1961.
1959
June 1
On the repeated requests of Bishop Agnisamy S.J, of Kottar, the Province takes up the management of the Carmel High School in Nagercoil.
1959
August 15
In St. Francis Xavier's College, Palamcottah, the new church, in Indo- Saracene style, is blessed.
1959
October 22
Dr. Humayun Kabir, Minister of Scientific Research in the government of India, declares open the Post-Graduate Science Building in St Joseph 's College.
1958
January 4 to 6
In St Joseph's, Trichinopoly, 1st Tami Nadu Regional Conference of the AICUF. About 600 students attend. The study theme is "Religion and Culture".
1958
January 12
Archbishop Mathias of Madras, a Salesian, gives to the Jesuits the management of the retreat house (Dhyana Ashram) he has built. Fr. A. Muthumalai is its first director.
1958
May 28 to 30
St Xavier's College of Palamcottah hosts the 48th Madras State Educational conference, attended by 1500 teachers and presided by the Education Minister of the Government of India .
1958
July 31
Fr. Laurence Fernandes becomes Provincial of Madurai, succeeding Fr. Gordon.
1957
February 10
Five College of Trichinopoly gather together in St Joseph's for the Centenary of Madras university. Fr. Jerome D'Souza presides over the main function.
1957
March
Fr. Lourdu Yedanapalli presents a paper on high polymers at an International Symposium held at the National Chemical Laboratory, Poona.
1957
June to August
Several protests are organized against the threat of the Kerala government to nationalize the schools.-- chiefly after the contents of the Kerala Education Bill are known.
1957
October 1
The Jesuit General Congregation decrees the formation of an Assistancy of India and East Asia, and allows Fr. General to divide it, when it become opportune. Fr. Jerome D' Souza is its first Assistant.
1956
January 16
Today is the 3rd centenary the death of Robert de Nobili (Tattuva Podagar,) founder of the Old Madurai Mission. This is celebrated in our institutions at different times during the year.
1956
March 19
The latin archbishop of Verapoly blesses in Ernakulam the first Jesuit house in Kerala outside Calicut. Shortly later, another house is opened, this one in the Malankara archdiocese of Trivandrum.
1956
July 31
The feast of St Ignatius is this year celebrated with special solemnity and various types of celebrations in our institutions.
1956
October 10
The Kerala civil district becomes the Malabar Region, with Fr. de Roton as its first Superior.
1956
November
Fr. Jerome D' Souza represents India at a UNESCO meting in New Delhi.
1955
May 3
By decree of Fr. General, "the diocese of Calicut is united to the Madurai Province, in order that the Province of Madurai may develop the Malayalam speaking areas with works of the Society, so that a Province of Malabar may eventually be erected".
1955
July 1
Opening, in Shembaganur, of the Beschi College, affiliated to the Madras University, for the Juniors to prepare for University degrees.
1955
August 18
The Malabar District, with Fr. Zucol as Superior, is added to those of Madurai and Palamcottah.
1955
September
Pandit Nehru, the first Prime Minister of free India, meets the Trichinopoly people on the grounds of St Joseph's College. The Fathers have a short conversation with him.
1955
Dec. 1-3
After ten years of drought, a terrible cyclone causes awful ravages on the Eastern Coast of Tamil Nadu and inland up to Madurai.
1954
January 1
The first stone of the building of Beschi College, Dindigul, is blessed and laid. The first issue of the Tamil periodical Narkarunnai Veeran is published by
Fr. Paul Wenisch.
1954
June 10
The novice-master Fr. I. Thomas and his novices occupy Beschi College.
1954
July 12
The Andhra Loyola College is inaugurated and opened in Vijayawada.
1954
Dec 29 - Jan 2
In Loyola College, Madras, a Pan Asian Catholic Students Congress is held with representatives from 9 Asian countries, plus Australia and New Zealand. The final Mass is celebrated by Cardinal Gracias, archbishop of Bombay.
1953
February 4
Father Douglas Gordon is appointed the first Provincial of the Madurai Province.
1953
June 13-16
Fathers Sauliere and G. Ignatius represent the Madurai Province at the Centenary celebrations of our Mother-Province, Toulouse in Vals, where many of our pioneers studied Philosophy.
1953
September 19
September 19 The diocese of Madurai becomes an Archdiocese with the suffragan diocese of Tuticorin and Trichinopoly.
1953
October
The decision is taken to transfer the Noviciate and the Juniorate from Shembaganur to Kattumadam, (Beschi College) near Dindigul
1953
December 9
The foundation stone of the Andhra Loyola College is laid by Governor Trivedi of Andhra.
1952
July 31
On the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, its General, Rev. Fr. John-Baptist Janssens, signs the decree that raises the Vice- Province of Madurai into a Province.
1952
August 15
On the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady and the 5th anniversary of the Independence of India, the above mentioned decree is proclaimed both in the Toulouse Province and in the Vice-Province of Madurai, The Madurai Vice- Provincial, Rev. Fr. Humbert Pinto, is appointed Acting Provincial.
1952
September 1
Centenary of our Mother Province, Toulouse: the new Madurai Mission was founded in 1837 by the Lyons Province. At its division in 1852, the Madurai Mission was entrusted to the Toulouse Province.
1952
December 3
All our institutions celebrate in various ways the 400th anniversary of the Death of St Francis Xavier.
1952
Dec 20-23
First National Congress of AICUF ( All India Catholic University Federation) in Madras .
As the Madurai province celebrates its Golden Jubilee, many of its members live their mission of outside the Province not counting those who are making higher studies abroad and the 17 Madureans now transferred to other provinces.
Within India : At the service of the CBCI: in the Tertianships, Scholasticates and social Institutes of the South Asian Assistancy and the territories of Andhra, Darjeeling , Delhi , Karnatakla and Jamshedpur .
Outside India : In the UNESCO programme for Somalia in the Jesuit Roman houses (Curia and Gregorian University) and in Australia, brazil East Africa, England, France, Germany, Guyana, Indonesia, Kampuchea (Cambodia), Seychelles islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.