Exodus 2009

“Jesus brought a revolution of faith that impacted society,” said Fr Ambrose Pinto, Principal, during his inaugural address at Exodus 2009 – St Joseph’s College’s annual Christian fest. Elaborating on this year’s theme, ‘Jesus and His revolutionary message,’ he added that with grace from above, all Christians were called to be revolutionaries.

With around seventeen events, Exodus 2009 saw participation from over twenty different colleges in the city. The members of the Christian Students Association (CSA) under the guidance of their coordinators, Mr Alwin Doss and Mr Xavier Prasad, worked as a team to ensure its success.

Fr Pinto described Jesus as an ordinary person coming from an ordinary background. “In fact, people asked what good can come from that village. Accordingly, all students can take inspiration from him who was ordinary and did extra-ordinary things. This fest should energise us to go through the journey of life so that in some way we may live more like Jesus.”

The fest, running in its 20^th year, began with an ice breaker replete with song, dance and music. This served as a warm up for the action packed two days. Events such as street play, choreography, dumb charades and bible quiz, among others, drew large numbers.

The second day commenced with the celebration of the Holy Mass of which, Fr Thomas Varkey, Vice Principal, St Claret College, was the main celebrant. In his sermon, Fr Varkey called Jesus ‘a revolutionary of a different kind’ who was ready to shed His blood for others. He said, “Jesus’ message of love remains relevant yesterday, today and always.”

The eagerly anticipated music events followed the Mass, together with costume presentation, 20 questions and painting. Music was never lacking at this year’s function. The fest both began and ended with sessions of singing and dancing. Members from the CSA, John Jeban and Godwin Stephen, took the stage with their guitars and melodious voices at every turn.

The programme concluded with Prize Distribution ceremony. The CSA screened a documentary of the fest during the ceremony. Created by Mr Xavier and Allan Moses, Core Team Advisor, CSA, this was an account of all the happenings and the preparation that went into the two days of the programme, through photographs.

Paul Victor, from Capstone Ministries, was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. Presenting a modern take on the parable of the prodigal son, he stressed, “You may be the only Jesus your friends and those around you may see on this earth,” urging those present to live as Jesus did.

‘Fun-filled, energetic and musical’ seems to be a fitting description of the fest, held on August 22 and 23. Aditi D’Souza, from Jyothi Nivas College who participated in Exodus 2008 expected a larger turnout this year. “There were more participants last year. We thought the crowd would be more this time round. Still, the energy was the same. It was excitement and fun all the way.”

Students from Cathedral College were happy with the quality of participation at the programme. “We saw some really good performances from all the colleges,” said Lawrence John, one of the participants. He suggested separating the western acoustic and electric music into two different events in the following year.

St Joseph’s Pre-University College walked away with the overall trophy. Tijo Varghese and Kevin Samuel, from the winning team, were all praises for the hosts. “It is a big deal to organise a fest as popular as this one. The way the CSA here has managed it has been amazing. Also, these programmes unite Christian students across the city. We are really happy to have been a part of it,” they said.

- Terrina Jairaj, II MS Communication

- Pics by Allan Moses, II MS Communication