Visit of Jesuit Superior General Rev Fr Arturo Sosa SJ to XISS, Ranchi

The Jesuit Alumni Associations of the Ranchi Jesuit Province including AAXISS, DOX, AROX, SWEA, and AAPT jointly hosted a special gathering to welcome Rev Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, at the campus of Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi on 7 March 2026. The event brought together Jesuits, members of alumni associations, students and collaborators to celebrate the mission of service and faith that the Jesuit institutions continue to uphold.

Fr Sosa arrived at the XISS campus accompanied by several senior Jesuit dignitaries including Fr Vernon D’Cunha SJ (Bombay Province – Assistant ad Providentiam & Regional Assistant for South Asia), Fr Claudio Paul SJ (Brazilian Province – Regional Assistant for Latin America South), Fr George Mutholil SJ (Kerala Province – Regional Assistant for South Asia), and Fr Vivian Richard SJ (Karnataka Province – Member of the General Curia Media Team).

Addressing the vibrant gathering, Fr Sosa encouraged Jesuits and alumni to continue their commitment to service. He stated that our mission calls us to be witnesses of hope in the world, especially among those who are marginalised. Through education, collaboration and faith-inspired service, we are invited to promote justice and nurture hope in society.

Fr Sosa was in India for meetings of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia and for visits to mission centres across the region. During the event, he met Jesuits, alumni leaders and students of XISS, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their mission of faith and service.

Earlier, they were received by the Jesuit leadership of the Ranchi Province including Fr Ajit Kumar Xess SJ (Ranchi Provincial Superior), Fr Ignatius Lakra SJ (PCA), Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ (Director, XISS, Ranchi), and Fr Robert Pradeep Kujur SJ (Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi). Also present were several alumni representatives and collaborators including Mr Jasbir Khurana (Vice-Chairman, AAXISS), Dr Devendra Singh (South Asia Representative, World Union of Jesuit Alumni Global Council), Mr Neelmani Rangesh (IPP–Jesuit Alumni Associations of India), Mr Nitesh Priya (President–JARP), Mr Ashish Budhia (President–DOX), Mr G.V. Shashri (SWEA), along with other members of the Jesuit alumni community.

The programme began at the XISS gate where students and senior alumni members escorted the Superior General and dignitaries to the auditorium. The formal proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a multi-religious prayer service. This was followed by the ceremonial welcoming of the Superior General and dignitaries with traditional shawls and fruit saplings. Fr Ajit Kumar Xess SJ delivered the welcome address, after which Mr Himalaya and Dr Nitesh Priya presented a report on alumni activities. A profile of the Superior General was then read before Fr Sosa addressed the gathering. The programme also included an interaction session with the Superior General, a vote of thanks by Mr Utsav Parasar, the National Anthem, and concluded with a fellowship dinner.

The programme was compered by Mrs Aayurshi Sahay and Dr Achal Sinha, who guided the proceedings of the memorable gathering.