History of the House
The Rogationist fathers in India began their novitiate house in India on July 3, 2007 the remarkable day of the feast of St. Thomas, the apostles of India. Fr. Luigi Toffanin, the first Major superior of India entrusted three novices to the care of Fr. Shajan Pazhayil RCJ the first Novice master from India. The novitiate was temporarily situated in the property of the Stigmatan Fathers, Poikattusery, Chegnamanadu nearby Aluva. On May 13, 2009 Rev. Fr. Giorgio Nalin, Superior General of the Congregation of the Rogationists, officially constituted the Novitiate House, ‘GURUDHARSAN’ in Meenangaday. It was a great moment to experience the blessings and the Providence of the Lord. The Novitiate community services in the diocese of Mananthavdy. Fr.Shajan continued to be the novice master to 2014 and he was elected as major Superior . Fr. Thomas Kannampuzha (2014) was in charge for a short time. Thereafter Fr. Shibu Kavungal (2014-2017) was appointed and then Fr. Saji Kappikuzhy (2017-2019)followed by Fr. Babu Muringayil (2019-)There are many who rendered their service for the growth of the community, especially Fr. Joseph Mailapparambil, Fr. Shaju Koonathan, Ex.Bitto Pottokkaran, Fr. Shinto Panachikattu, Fr. Saji Puthuparambil, Fr. Lixon Puthanangady, Fr. Vimal Kooranmannelikudy, Fr. Robin Arackaparambil, Fr. Manu Kulapurath and most of them were vice – superior and treasurer of the novitiate house.
The Rogationist novitiate community is constituted of eight members: three religious priests, four novices and one postulant. Since it is the Novitiate house, we pay more importance and attention to the formation of the novices and we the religious of the community try to be models in all the activities of this house. As another part of our apostolate, we also run a religious article shop (Marian) that in no way disturbs the formation of candidates but rather becomes a source of support in our formative journey.
In the community, we try to pay special attention to spiritual activities. For monthly recollection normally we join with parish priests in Forane church. The monthly recollection for the novices is usually guided by one of our fathers. We strictly follow the community observance of asceticism as it is taught by the teaching of the church and of our tradition. Moreover, there are two times in a year dedicated as a contemplation month (November, April-May). Since we have different duties there are few difficulties in observing the daily schedules yet we try our best to do so. We try to keep our fraternal support and friendship and concern for each other.
For the vocational animation, we are collaborating with Fr. Steny Kundaparambath in different activities like a follow-up of the boys, house visits etc. In the novitiate, we all are well aware of promoting the unity among us and it helps each one to experience the fraternal joy and happiness. For the formation of the novices, all of them help the master. In the curriculum of the novitiate formation, we concentrate more on the teachings of the church and the congregation with the help of Rogationist priests and religious.
Concerns
- Make them aware to be deeply rooted in the spirituality of our beloved founder
- Belongness to our congregation
- More disciplined in personality
- Hard work
