The Kristu Jyoti Province of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (SSS) held its Ongoing Formation Program for young religious (priests and brothers with five or fewer years in ministry) from March 10 to 13, 2025, at Alto Santacruz, Goa. Priests serving outside the country joined the program through the Zoom platform. The serene natural surroundings provided a peaceful and prayerful atmosphere, fostering reflection, renewal, and fraternity.

Guidance and Coordination

The program was accompanied and coordinated by Fr. Peter Jayakanthan, SSS, Provincial and Coordinator of Ongoing Formation, who guided the sessions and animated the spirit of the gathering. Religious from various communities within the Province came together for this enriching experience of learning, spiritual growth, and Eucharistic fraternity.

Special Presence and Key Themes

A significant highlight of the program was the virtual presence of Rev. Fr. Philip Benzy, SSS, the Superior General, Fr. Tony McSweeney, SSS, Fr. Hans Van Schijndel, SSS, and several Lay Aggregates, who addressed the participants on various crucial topics, including: SSS roots, SSS Charism – A Passion and to do a Creative Eucharistic mission in the present-day context of religious life.

In his inspiring address, Fr. General, offered a profound reflection through ten key guiding steps for today’s SSS religious.

1. He began by reigniting the challenge of enthusiasm, calling every religious to boldly own their identity and deepen their knowledge of the Founder and the Rule of Life.
2. He made us aware of our pre-Vatican practices in liturgy and he alerted to follow the guidelines from the Missal for the meaningful celebration.
3. He spoke passionately about prayer and liturgy, urging a meaningful celebration of the liturgy and a disciplined rhythm of personal prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, and adoration. Prayer, he reminded us, is not optional, but an obligation for a religious who is above all a seeker of God.
4. On community life, he emphasized that our communities should be more than places of residence—they must be homes marked by shared prayer, reconciliation, and celebration.
5. He also warned of the dual impact of social media, especially the growing influence of artificial intelligence on human preferences, and encouraged discernment in its use.
6. Further, he emphasized the need for pastoral ministry shaped by synodality, where everyone has a voice and no one wears a name tag of superiority.
7. In terms of apostolic life, he challenged the participants to be truly productive, not just busy—avoiding the “rocking chair syndrome” of activity without direction.
8. He encouraged stronger connection with the Congregation by reading official materials, following SSS media, and contributing creatively.
9. He stressed the importance of staying theologically updated in the wider life of the Church, particularly in areas such as gender theology, while remaining faithful to Church tradition.
10. In closing, he offered a moving appeal to “sharpen the saw,” reminding everyone to care for their body, mind, and spirit - to live fully and serve faithfully until the final call home. His words were both a challenge and an encouragement, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

The entire four-day formation was marked by thoughtful inputs, engaging and encouraging discussions, personal reflection, liturgical celebrations, and informal moments of sharing.

Each day fostered a deeper sense of communion and mission, drawing the priests into a renewed encounter with SSS identity.

In essence, this ongoing formation programme was a moment of revival - a rekindling of purpose, fraternity, and Eucharistic zeal.

Father Infantraj Lawrence, sss
Media Incharge