Fr. Mangal Das SJ was appointed to explore the possibility of starting a centre in Bankura district in February 1980. He started the evangelical work through non- formal education. On June 17, 1980 Fr. A. Carvalho SJ joined him and both stayed in Mirga village in a hut rented to them by a Santali. In February 1985, Fr. Carvalho SJ bought eleven bighas of land at Mira for the nonformal school and mass centre. In September 1985 a hostel was started by Fr. Mangal Das SJ and he started to reside there. Now we have two separate hostel buildings for boys and girls. The children go to neighbouring school for formal education.
Archives: Ministries
Mirga
St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan
St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan was established in the year 2014 as a part of the golden jubilee project of St. Xavier’s School, Burdwan. It is the second college launched by the Jesuits of Calcutta Province, making it the 50th Jesuit Institution of Higher Education in India and the fourth in Bengal. The institution was inaugurated on 11th July, 2014 by Bishop Cyprian Monis of Asansol in the presence of Rev. Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy, S J Provincial superior of Calcutta Jesuits and has since then been steered by the leadership of the Principal, Rev Dr. Fr. G. Paul Arockiam, S.J. The College has been affiliated with the University of Burdwan.
Presently, the college offers Honours Courses both in Arts, Science, and Commerce streams. Faculties of all eight departments (Honours) put strenuous efforts to provide quality academic guidance to all students and work towards their overall development. Our student population is composed of various social, ethnic and linguistic groups of South Bengal and other states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Delhi. Students also come from the neighboring country, Bangladesh.
LTS
LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERVICE (LTS)
For God and the World
The Leadership Training Service (LTS) is a student movement rooted in the Jesuit tradition and open to students of all faiths. Founded in 1959 at Goethals’ Memorial School, Kurseong, LTS began as a small student initiative during the early years of independent India. What started in the hills of Darjeeling has since grown into a nationwide movement shaping generations of young leaders.
LTS was born from a simple but powerful vision that India needs leaders of character. Inspired by Jesuit ideals of holistic education, LTS focuses not only on skills, but also on the formation of conscience. It seeks to develop young men and women who live with integrity, serve selflessly, and take responsibility for society. Its guiding motto is “For God and the world”.
In 1961, LTS expanded to St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, giving the movement a strong presence at the college level. Leadership formation now continues beyond school years, accompanying students as they entered higher education and professional life, forming “men and women for others.”
A major turning point came with the leadership of Fr. Robert Wirth, S.J., who guided LTS from the 1960s through the early 1990s. His vision helped unify school, college, and alumni units across North India. Under his guidance, leadership camps, retreats, orientation programs, and the annual December Get-Together became hallmarks of the LTS journey, strengthening community and lifelong commitment.
Over the years, LTS grew into a structured national movement with units in Jesuit schools and colleges, supported by regional leadership teams, alumni networks, and formation resources. LTS has always emphasized that leadership is a lifelong vocation, welcoming former members to continue growing through reflection, service, and spiritual accompaniment. Its alumni serve in diverse fields such as education, public service, business, social work, and the Church – living out the LTS ideal of leadership as service.
LTS remains a living testimony to the power of trusting young people, forming character, and leading with faith, courage, and commitment – for God and the world.
Kalahrdaya
asdfasdfsdf
EMRC
Chitrabani
Dhyan Ashram (Juniorate)
Dhyan Ashram (Novitiate)
Arunoday (Pre-Novitiate)
Arunoday, the Rising Sun – gloriously represented by a life-size Rising Christ in the sanctuary of the chapel – is the baptismal name of the Pre-Novitiate two-storey building at Barasat. It was solemnly inaugurated on Sunday, 29th July 2001 at 3.30 p.m. Archbishop Henry D’Souza gave the blessing in the presence of Bishop Salvadore Lobo.
Fr. Aelred Gomes was the initiator of the whole planning for the Pre-Novitiate. Fr. Peter Samikannu was the first Director of this Pre-Novitiate. Sch. Joseph Kulandai was the first Regent of Arunoday.
Those men discerning a vocation to the Society of Jesus, after completing their class 12 studies are called Pre-Novices. The Pre-Novitiate is a formative stage designed to help candidates discern their vocation while preparing for entry into the Novitiate. It places a strong emphasis on English language learning, enabling pre-novices to communicate effectively in their future studies and ministries. Alongside language development, the program fosters spiritual preparation through prayer, Ignatian spirituality, personality development and community living. Pre-novices engage in studies, apostolic activities, and personal reflection, equipping them with the necessary skills and spiritual foundation for their Jesuit journey.