Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 4: Lourdes Central School has stepped into its twenty sixth year and twenty-six years ago, a foundation was laid in line with the quality education by late Fr Bernard L D’Souza, the founder who persists even till date. To remember and honour the contributions of the founder, the Founder’s Day was celebrated at Lourdes Central School on January 4.

The programme commenced, as the MC Lisa Peris and the choir members guided by the Roshan Corderio led the audience in a contemplative mood by reciting the universal prayer followed by prayer song. Intentions were read by Lizzy Fernandes.

Fr Johnson L Sequeira, the principal, welcomed the dignitaries wholeheartedly, highlighting the importance of the day.

Fr Harold D’Souza, the brother of late Fr Bernard L D’Souza, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Other esteemed dignitaries present were Dr John Baptist Saldanha, the manager of Lourdes Central School, the principal, vice principals, Belita Mascarenhas and Anita Thomas, Fr Norman Mathias, assistant parish priest, Ashok Pinto vice president of the Bejai Pastoral Parishad.

As a tribute to the founder, Lydia D’Souza, a member of the teaching staff shared her experience and highlighted the qualities of the founder such as perfect administrator, crusador for truth and justice, good pastor and hard working. She also stressed that the founder encouraged everyone to work wonder from the available resources and take Lourdes Central School to greater heights.

The manager Dr John Baptist Saldanha, the principal, the vice-principals and the guests of the programme offered a floral tribute in memory of the founder.

The students of classes 4 and 8 presented the founder’s vision and mission through a dance drama scripted by Belita Mascarnhas and trained by Shanthi D’Souza.

‘Lourdes Olympiad’ a tradition started by the founder to help students to increase their knowledge and motivate them to answer competitive examinations was conducted on January 28 and the winners were awarded during the function.

The chief guest Fr Harold D’Souza emphasised in his address that late Fr Bernard L D’Souza wanted each child to have basic skills to face the competitive exams and to dream big in order to be good citizens of the society.

The manager Dr. John Baptist Saldanha addressed the students that late Fr Bernard L D’Souza is the foundation for the modern Bejai Parish and a person of hard work who involved himself in the foundation of the school. Further, he advised the students to be more responsible citizens of the society.

The dignitaries and the students of grade 3 prayed at the tomb of late Fr Bernard.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dilla Colaco. The programme was concluded by singing the school anthem.