Seminar: Euthanasia and Homosexual Relationship

On 5th Dec. 2009, the Chair conducted a seminar on Euthanasia (Mercy-Killing) and Homosexual relationships, at the University Seminar Complex. Dr. Hormis Mynatty (Pont. Institute. Aluva) and Dr. K.M. Francis (St Thomas College, Thrissur) dealt with the ethical and social aspects of the topics. Vice Chancellor Prof. Prof. Anwar Jehan Zuberi inaugurated the function. She also launched the Value education programme, initiated by the Chair for the college going students. Chair director Dr Paul Pulikkan made the introductory talk. Fr Thomas Parakulangara, T.J. Martin, Philip Parackal, Dr. K.J. Kasper, Dr. Molly Kuruvila spoke on the occasion.
 
Seminar: Caritas in Veritate
The Chair, in collaboration with the Institute of Theology, conducted a one day seminar on the papal social encyclical “Caritas in Veritatis” at DBCLC Trichur on 27th November 2009. Dr. Shaji German (Pont. Institute. Aluva), Dr. K.M. Francis (St Thomas College, Thrissur) and Dr. Annie Kunnath led the lectures. Msgr. Raphael Thattil, the Vicar General inaugurated the function. Dr Paul Pulikkan (Director CCSR), Dr. Jiphy Mekkattukulam (Director, Institute of Theology) spoke on the occasion. Rajan Kidangan, Jancy Paul, Francis K. Chandy and Piousy Pius presented short papers.
 
Lecture: What Catholic Women Theologians are Saying Today?
An extension lecture was given by Prof. Dr. Susan Roll, Professor of Theology, at the University of St. Paul, Ottawa, Canada on 1st August 2009, 5.00 pm at DBCLC, Trichur. The lecture was jointly hosted by the Institute of Theology and the Chair for Christian Studies and Research at the University of Calicut. The topic of the lecture: What Catholic Women Theologians Are Saying Today. Sub-topics: Scripture texts and persons, Mary and Marian dogma, Ethics and ecofeminism, Liturgy and sacraments.
 
Seminar: 'Towards a More Harmonious Society':
A half day seminar was organized by the Chair at the Seminar Complex, University of Calicut, on 4.2.2009, Wednesday. The Seminar was inaugurated by Prof. .ANWAR JAHAN SUBERI, Hon.Vice Chancellor. The Speakers were: Swami Chithanandhapuri (Head, Sanatana Chair, University of Calicut);  Prof. A.I.Rahmathullah (Professor, Department of Arabic, University of Calicut); Dr. M.D. Thomas (National Director, Commission for Religious Harmony, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, New Delhi).
 
Seminar: Christian Contribution to Kerala Culture and History
The Chair conducted a 2 day seminar on Christian Contribution to Kerala Culture and Society on 20th and 30th September, 2008 respectively at the Providence College, Calicut and the University Seminar Complex, University of Calicut. The session at Providence College was inaugurated by Most. Rev. Joseph Kalathiparambil, Bishop of Calicut. Prof. Kurias Kumbalakuzhy (Christian Contribution to Education in Kerala), Prof. K.S. Mathew (Christian Contribution in Trade and Commerce), Mr. George Alex (Christian Contribution in Social Awakening) presented papers. On 30th September 2008, the session at Seminar Complex of the University, was inaugurated by Hon. Vice Chancellor Prof. Anwar Jehan Zuberi. Mr. P.C. Cyriac (Christian Contribution to the Agriculture and Plantation in Kerala), Prof. Scaria Zacharia, (Christian Contribution to Malayalam Literature), Mr. Ignatius Gonzalves (Christian Contribution to Health Care) presented various topics. The papers have been published in the second issue of Eastern Journal of Dialogue and Culture.
 
Lecture in Sacramentology
On Feb. 1st 2008, Prof. L. Leijjssen from the Catholic University of Leuven lectured on the theme “New Trends in Sacramentology”. The lecture was held in collaboration with the Institute of Theology, Trichur at DBCLC, Trichur.
 

The Chair conducted five International Lectures in 2006-2007. The first one was given on 3.4. 2006 by Prof. Dr. Paul M. Collins of the University of Chichester on the Inculturation Models for the Church in India. He spoke on the inculturation methods of Roberto De Nobili. The second lecture was given by Prof. Johan De Tavernier, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium on The Impact of Recent Terrorist Attacks on Western Society and the Response of Christian Ethics, on 30.8.2006. Prof. Dr. Peter Schallenburg, from the Faculty of Theology, Fulda, Germany gave a lecture on the Suicidal Tendencies and Christian Ethical Perspectives on 26.2.2007. On 13.7.2007 Prof. Dr. Paul M. Collins of the University of Chichester lectured on Religious Pluralism and the Response of the Churches in UK. On 29.8.2007, Prof. Dr. Peter De Mey, Catholic University of Leuven lectured on “Recent Reflections on Catholicity and Globalization”.

The Chair also assists in the pastoral care of the campus. It also acts as a centre of guidance for many people who come to the university institutions seeking help with regard to their study, registration etc.

Major Seminars in the Past: A National Seminar on “Peace & Harmony”, jointly conducted by the Chair and Xavier Board of Higher Education from 25th to 27th October 2002. In March 2004, the Chair organized an Open Forum, an Inter-Faith-Dialogue for Peace. In February 2005, there was a Bishops’ Meet at the Chair in order to give a new vigour to the activities of the Chair.