JAAI Ho! Jesuit Alumni Network Gathers in Goa for Landmark Congress

The Federation of Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI), – representing a vibrant national network of alumni from over 149 High Schools, 58 University Colleges, 22 Technical Institutes and 16 Business Administrations Institutes run by the Jesuits across India; – held its 11th National Congress from February 6–8, 2026 at V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIHE) in Raia, Goa.

Hosted in Goa for the first time by the Jesuit Alumni Association of Goa, the summit drew 350 delegates from across the country.

The Jesuit Alumni Association of Goa — comprising the Loyola Ex-Students Association (LESA), Britto’s Old Boys Association (OBA), and Paulites Belgaum Worldwide (PBW) — organised the three-day gathering centred on the theme Mindful Living. The summit brought together alumni, educators, spiritual leaders, and delegates in a spirit of reflection, fellowship, and shared Jesuit values.

Day 1 — Inauguration and Opening Sessions

The summit opened with a symbolic inauguration marked by the watering of a plant on the dais, representing growth, renewal, and mindful stewardship. The ceremony was led by chief guest Alexio Reginaldo Lourenço (Four term member of the Goa Legislative Assembly for Curtorim), joined by Fr. Pedro Rodrigues, SJ, Provincial of the Goa Jesuit Province; Fr. John Ravi, SJ, National Advisor of JAAI; J Fr. immy Mendes, SJ, PCA Goa Province; Mr. Armindo Gonsalves, Organising Secretary of the JAAI Summit; Neel Mani Rangesh, President of JAAI; Emanuel Furtado, Secretary of JAAI and Raul Vas along with other dignitaries.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Lenny Da Costa, Chairman of the Organising Committee, who warmly greeted delegates and set the tone for three days of reflection, dialogue, and mindful engagement.

The gathering was addressed by Fr. Pedro Rodrigues, SJ, who reflected on the summit theme and invited participants to rediscover intentional living rooted in Jesuit formation. The chief guest Mr. Lourenço, Fr. John Ravi, SJ, and Fr. Jimmy Mendes, SJ, also spoke, encouraging alumni to embody Jesuit ideals through service, solidarity, and compassionate leadership.

The opening keynote was delivered by Aloysius Prakash Fernandez, Padma Shri awardee, pioneer of India’s Self-Help Group (SHG) movement, and champion of microfinance for the underserved. Drawing from decades of grassroots experience, he explored the question: “Mindful Living — Is It Even Possible?” His reflections grounded the summit in real-world social engagement and purposeful living.

Day 1 concluded with fellowship and dinner featuring traditional Goan delicacies, including a live ros omelette counter — a beloved Goan street favorite — accompanied by lively music from Band Archies, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration.

Day 2 — Reflection, Dialogue, and Fellowship

Day 2 began with the inaugural JAAI Inter-Zone Football Tournament and a fellowship breakfast, energizing delegates for a full day of engagement.

Roy Pereira SJ, of the Bombay Jesuit Province, currently teaching at Loyola Marymount University, delivered an interactive keynote titled “Are You and Your Cell Phone Inseparable?” Through music, humour, and audience participation, he addressed emerging addictive digital behaviours. His latest book “Hacking Aging for a Lifetime of Vitality” was released during the session.

Fr. (Dr.) Victor Ferrao SJ then explored “Artificial Intelligence and Its Ethical Implications” guiding delegates through the philosophical and ethical challenges posed by rapidly evolving Artificial Intelligence  technology.

The day concluded with Dr. Amit Dias presenting “Digital Overload: Building Emotional Strength in a Hyperconnected World.”

The evening closed with a warm fellowship dinner celebrating Goan hospitality. Delegates enjoyed traditional Goan delicacies, including a live cutlet pao counter — another beloved local street food — accompanied by live music from Band Pure Magic, creating an atmosphere of joy, nostalgia, and camaraderie.

The delegates attending the summit were then broken into groups based on the four topics Mindful Living — Is It Even Possible?,  Are You and Your Cell Phone Inseparable, Artificial Intelligence and Its Ethical Implications, Digital Overload: Building Emotional Strength in a Hyperconnected World. This session was coordinated by Mr. Ronald D’costa past President of JAAI. Each group leader then highlighted the key takeaways and learnings for the future.

Day 3 — Eucharistic Celebration and Closing Keynote

Sunday opened with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Our Lady of Monserrate Chapel, led by Fr. John Ravi, SJ. The homily was delivered by Fr. Jimmy Mendes, SJ, who reflected on gratitude, mindfulness, and Jesuit mission in everyday life. The choir, led by Mrs. Yshana Gonsalves, enriched the liturgy with sacred hymns. The concluding hymn, Noble Knight — the Jesuit hymn of Ignatius of Loyola — brought a deeply spiritual close to the celebration.

The final keynote session was delivered by Hector and Kavitha Andrade, who spoke on “Healing the Planer & Ourselves Mindfully” weaving together themes of ecology, spirituality, and personal responsibility. Their message resonated strongly with the spirit of the summit and inspired delegates to carry forward a renewed commitment to mindful living.

XI WUJA World Congress 2026

Francisco Guarner, President of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA), attended from Barcelona and invited members to the upcoming WUJA Congress in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in July 2026.

The global Jesuit alumni community will gather later this year for its landmark 70th-anniversary event. 

World Union of Jesuit Alumni

• Dates: July 29 – August 2, 2026.
• Location: Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
• Theme: “United in Spirit, Leading with Purpose”.
• Key Highlights:
  • Cultural Immersion: Opening Mass at the Javanese-style Ganjuran Church and a gala dinner at the Prambanan Temple.
  • Focus Areas: Global sessions on the climate crisis (Laudato si’), sustainable business, and interreligious dialogue.
  • Registration: Live now via the Official WUJA Yogyakarta 2026 Website. Early bird rates have been extended to February 28, 2026. 

JAAI Inter-Zone Football Finals

The JAAI Inter-Zone Football Finals was held on 8th Feburary 2026 at Don Bosco Football Ground, Fatorda. In an exciting match between JAAI North Zone and West Zone that was keenly contested, the JAAI North-Zone team edged out the JAAI West Zone team by 1-0. Even though the match was fiercely contested it was played in the true Jesuit spirit. JAAI is grateful to BOXA Trust and alumnus Arvind Chopra for sponsoring the football event.

JAAI Awards

The JAAI Award 2026 hosted by the Jesuit Alumni Associations of India, will be presented during the 11th National Congress in Goa. Recognizing exceptional work in strengthening the Jesuit Alumni network and community service. The awards cover various areas, including individual achievements, association initiatives, and collaborative projects.

New JAAI National Committee

Following the 11th National Congress in Goa, the Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI) transitioned to its new leadership for the 2026–2029 term https://jaaindia.com/governing-council/

The summit closed with expressions of gratitude, recognition of contributors, and renewed commitment to alumni collaboration and service. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Armindo Gonsalves, Organising Committee Secretary of the JAAI Summit, who thanked and acknowledged the speakers, delegates, volunteers, and partners whose dedication made the Congress a memorable success