Xavier's Anthem (St. Xavier's College, Mumbai) Composed by Fr Terence Quadrus SJ n Fr Roy Pereira SJ

The Xavier's Anthem is a musical expression of the Xavier's motto, "Provocans ad volandum" meaning "Provoking to fly" or "Inciting to fly" or "Encouraging to fly". It is based on a passage in the Bible wherein the mother eagle at the top of the precipice is gently prodding her young eaglets to jump out the nest when she knows they are ready to take that leap. They are but naturally hesitant and need a little hand holding and encouragement. The mother eagle's role has been taken over by scores of teachers and staff of Xavier's led by the Jesuit Fathers on campus since 1869. The Jesuits have given us the freedom that enabled us to find our own individual wings as the lyrics voice: Xavier's you helped me become more me. At the same time they enabled us to be rooted and grounded in the values of Xavier's which seeks to produce men and women for others; to share the blessings received with those less fortunate and those marginalized. This is expressed in the third verse. The full lyrics are given below.

Chorus: Xavier's You gave me roots and wings
Xavier's opened my eyes to things
Xavier's somewhere along the way
You taught me how to fly and how to stay
In a world outside so differently
Xavier's you helped me become more me

1. To fly like an eagle discover new skies
With wings we've been given to soar every high
Over mountain and ocean beach
Learning from what they teach
Believing that we can reach
Way beyond.

Chorus

2. To walk over rough roads, to open our minds
To ask the right questions and answers to find
Even though we stand alone we know that we have grown
All because you've shown
Skies beyond

Chorus

3. To reach out believing, to love is to share
In giving receiving, learning to care
In a world that's one big surprise
We live and we learn to rise
From valley's to lofty skies
Up Up above

Chorus

The videography has been done by Prof Kevin D'Cruz.
Lead vocals Fr Terry and Fr Roy
Chorus Vanessa, Noella, Michelle, Cheryl
Musical Orchestration Fr Roy
Recording by Dharmesh at XIC Studios
Copyright: Fr Terence Quadrus SJ and Fr Roy Pereira, SJ