31. YERCAUD

Sacred Heart of Jesus; (1950) 1950: Salem

VISION

The aim of this stage of formation is “the human maturing of the young confrere, his intellectual preparation and the deepening of his consecrated life, as he is gradually introduced into educational and pastoral work” (Constitutions of the Society of St. Francis de Sales 102). “The deepening of the life of faith and of the spirit of Don Bosco, together with an adequate philosophical, pedagogical and catechetical preparation that interacts with the prevailing culture disposes the young confrere to a progressive integration of faith, culture and life” (Ibid., 114).

MOTTO

Jnanodaya Salesian College has the Motto: Let Him Illumine Our Mind! It is taken from Rig Veda 3-62-10. It is part of the famous Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred prayers of the Hindus. This prayer has been adopted as the motto because for us Christian students of Philosophy, Christ is the Supreme Luminary who enlightens everyone born into the world (Cf. Jn 1:9).

HISTORY

Jnanodaya Salesian College is a house of immediate post-novitiate training for the Salesian Provinces of India. Founded in 1950, The Retreat was a Studentate of Theology from 1950-52. Since 1953, it has functioned as a Novitiate and from 1958, also as a Studentate of Philosophy. In June 1978, the Novitiate was shifted to Kotagiri and then to Vellakinar, Coimbatore. Since then it has been a Studentate of Philosophy. The college had been offering a two-year Certificate Course in Philosophy. From June 2013 onwards, as suggested by Universita Pontificia Salesiana, Rome, the college is offering a two-year Diploma Course in Philosophy.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

JNANODAYA SALESIAN COLLEGE: The Retreat Yercaud is a formation house of immediate post novitiate training. The aim of this stage of formation is ‘the human maturing of the young Salesians, the intellectual preparation and the deepening of the individual’s consecrated life. There are 23 second year students and 19 first year students. Students are admitted from various provinces: ING 1, INH 6, INK 2, INM 15 and INT 17. This year there is one student from Schoenstatt Congregation residing in the community and doing his studies.

SOTCHO (Sola Tribal children’s Home): SOTCHO accommodates poor and deserving students from neighbouring villages. There are 52 students this year admitted in the children’s home. There are two Salesians full time present with the students to take care of them. One lay volunteer is appointed to assist the boys.

HOSPITIUM: As suggested by Provincial chapter 2015, last year guest rooms in the first and second floors were modified to set up an animation cum retreat centre with the name Hospitium. This year the community has also started animation programmes for the outsiders with the name STAY: Spirituality, Team Building and Animation in Yercaud.

REACH OUT PROGRAMME – Oratories and Evening study centre: The community is reaching out to the neighbouring villages through Oratories and Evening study centres. Brothersvisit the youngsters on Sundays and conduct oratories. There are 16 oratories with 420 youngsters. There are 5 evening study centres with 90 children. There are 5 eco clubs with 100 members. On Sundays Brothers visit the inmates at the Remand home in Salem and the street children at Mulluvadigate and Adivaram Salem, and offer their accompaniment and assistance.

CONTACT DETAILS