St. Joseph's Interdiocesan Seminary, Mangalore, organized an orientation programme on “Counselling and Its Impact on Holistic Formation” to help seminarians appreciate the value of counselling in their personal, emotional, and spiritual growth.

The resource person for the session was Rev. Fr Victor D'Souza, Assistant Director of Shanthikiran Counselling Centre, Mangalore, and a priest of the Diocese of Mangalore. In his engaging presentation, Fr Victor addressed several common myths surrounding counselling and offered a deeper understanding of its nature and purpose. He explained the various benefits of counselling and emphasized its vital role in promoting emotional well-being, healthy relationships, self-awareness, and holistic human formation. Highlighting its relevance in seminary life, he encouraged the seminarians to view counselling as a positive means of growth that complements their spiritual and pastoral formation.

The session commenced with a warm welcome and introduction of the resource person by Rev. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Rector, who underlined the importance of integral formation in preparing candidates for the priesthood. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Br Joseph, expressing sincere gratitude to the resource person for his insightful and inspiring session.