Media Release
Moodbidri, Nov 19: Carmel School celebrated the quadruple events on November 17, which are the bicentennial birth anniversary of Mother Veronica, the foundress of Apostolic Carmel, 154th establishment of apostolic carmel in India, 50 golden years of existence of province of Karnataka and the decennial jubilee of Carmel School.
The first Carmelite order was founded in Bayonne, France in July 16, 1868, for the mission of education in India that took momentous steps just two years later with three pioneering sisters landing on the shores of Mangaluru, at Bunder on November 19, 1870. Venerable Mother Veronica dedicated her life to the education of girls fulfilling God’s mission in her life.
The day started with a thanksgiving mass by Fr Arun Fernandes OFM. In his homily Fr Arun highlighted three virtues, humility mother of all virtues, obedience is better than sacrifice and charity is most excellent than all virtues.
On the occasion of the trio celebration, Fr Fernandes also briefed about Mother Veronica and the Carmel congregation and the mission all around the world.
The guests were escorted to the beautifully decorated school auditorium by the school band students, it was indeed a proud moment to witness for all the Carmel family.
The glorious celebration started involving God’s blessing on everyone present, which drew inspiration from Mother Veronica’s life. The students welcomed everyone through their rhythmic steps and melodious voice. It was a marvellous performance.
Sophie Leeves and her other family members came all the way from England to extend a heartfelt welcome. Sr Gracilda A C, the principal welcomed the chief guest of the day. Fr Onil D’Souza, parish priest, Corpus Church, Moodbidri with a floral and Sr Rosy, the coordinator welcomed Sr Kiran AC, director of AC spirituality centre, Maryhill with a floral bouquet.
Sr Elena A C the administrator, Sr Preena A C the vice-principal, Sr Ranitha coordinator, Sr Sunitha Monteiro, the joint secretary graced the occasion with their blissful presence. Then the little blossoms of Carmel School enumerated the importance of the day through a dance drama that was mesmerising and informative too.
The chief guest Sr Kiran A C, in her speech, expressed the joyous moment of all the quartet celebration. She highlighted that how all the good qualities were imparted to Mother Veronica through her parents. She also gave a message to the students to spread the good qualities learnt in the school to world outside to bring happiness wherever they go.
She congratulated the students and the teachers for showcasing a creative programme based on the life of venerable Mother Veronica. She also prayed and wished that all the children imbibe the qualities of foundress of Apostolic Carmel.
Fr Onil D’Souza addressed the gathering through his motivational speech. He shared his admiration and requested everyone to be obedient to their parents and teachers. He too congratulated teachers and students who performed in the event. He applauded and appreciated everyone for the captivating performance. Further, the exceptional talents like authors, artists, quizzers and many more were felicitated by all the dignitaries’ present there.
Sr Gracilda A C, the principal also shared her gratitude and happiness to witness the celebration. She said, “Carmel is like a garden and we are like the flowers which nuture, grow, and inculcate all the virtues and thoughts learned here."
She proudly saluted the courage of Mother Veronica for spreading the mission of education all over the world. She too congratulated and wholeheartedly appreciated Sr Preena A C and Sr Ranitha A C for the beautiful programme. She also applauded teacher Chethana for arrangements of trophies and certificates.
Later on she felicitated Fr Onil D’Souza with a token of respect. Sr Sunitha Monteiro felicitated Sr Kiran A C with a memento. Rowan Rodrigues and Angel Rodrigues compered the programme confidently and the vote of thanks was delivered by Lezwita D’Mello.
In preparation for this great event ‘Mother Veronica week’ during which a lot of celebration, activities and competitions were organised in order to instill the spirit of Mother Veronica among them.
A session for parents was also organised for both the staff and students, which was appreciated by all of them.
Winners:
