Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Mar 12: The state-of-the-art, fully equipped Father Muller Convention Centre at Pumpwell here was inaugurated on Sunday March 12 by Archbishop of Bengaluru diocese Dr Bernard Moras.
Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza led the prayer service and blessed the convention centre.
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras said, "Father Muller has grown into a large institution and sheltered a large number of students and patients. I have had close bonding with this institutions from 1991 when I was the assistant director of the institution. Having served here for 14 long years, I am grateful to the institution for what I am today.
"Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul and Father Muller director Fr Patrick Rodrigues have dedicated one of the biggest convention centres of Mangaluru with 1,,750 seating capacity to the public. This is also one of the best convention centres of Karanataka till date. This convention centre will give a big boost to the institution as it is available not only for socio-cultural programmes but also for academic events. It has a well-arranged parking facility which can accommodate over 700 cars. The institution has followed its motto of 'heel and comfort' in all aspects till today, as it has heeled individuals spiritually, physically and mentally," he said.
Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, "I am jubiliant to see such a great monument and credit goes to Fr Patrick Rodrigues. I remember, during the year 2012 the foundation stone was laid for this convention centre. Fr Patrick Rodrigues is the brainchild behind this masterpiece Father Muller Convention Centre. People come to Father Muller with great hopes and they are treated well and cured, and everything works out for them when they return from Father Muller. God has blessed this institution and has enabled it grow to a great level."
Chief whip of Legislative Council Ivan D'Souza said, "Father Muller institution has been serving the society from the past 137 years in the field of education and health. Lots of patients have come to Father Muller and been cured of their diseases. After Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza become the bishop of Mangalur, he gave us Father Muller College, St Joseph Engineering College and has reddressed all the demands of the people. He has been constantly working for the people. Father Muller Charitable Institutions has added yet another feather to its cap with this centre."
MLA J R Lobo said, "I congragulate Fr Patrick Rodgiues and Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza on constructing such a huge convention centre and on the contribution towards development of Mangaluru. Ihis day will be marked in the history of Mangaluru. This type was infrastructure was required for a developing city like Manglauru. This institutions was started when Fr Augustus Muller, a German Jesuit priest dispensed homeopathic medicines under a banyan tree. Today, this institution has a vast history of 137 years as the different missionaries from different corners have served and contributed for the growth of the institutions; due to their sincerity and dedication they have earned name. I once again congragulate the present administration of Father Muller Charitable Institutions on dedicating this convention centre to Mangaluru."
Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza and other dignitaries felicitated director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions Fr Patrick Rodrigues on the occasion.
Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras felicitated the contractors who were instrumental in the contruction of the convention centre and also the architect Christopher Noronha and engineer Diwakar.
Nicol Periera and Preethi Jain compered the programme, while administrator Fr Richard Coelho proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Patrick Rodrigues welcomed the gathering.
Vicar general Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Blossom Fernandes, wife of MP Oscar Fernandes and others were present.
Earlier, the event began with a Eucharistic celebration at St Joseph Chapel in Father Muller campus which was presided over by Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras. Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, director of FMCI Fr Patrick Rodrigues, administrator Fr Richard Coelho, Fr Vincent Saldanha, assistant administrator Fr Ajith Menezes, Fr Rudolph Ravi, Fr Roshan Crasta, Fr Sylvester Lobo and others were the concelebrants.
About Father Muller Convention Centre
From a high end audio visual system to a sprawling 3,500 sq ft stage, the beautiful manicured landscaping, spacious auditorium, dining hall and mini hall that can host events, parties, functions, ceremonies, meetings, conferences, conventions and programmes, every feature has been thoughtfully conceptualized and designed to make any event that would be held a grand success in every way. Ideally located in the heart of the city, it can be easily located and accessed by road, rail
or air and is convenient for people travelling from any point in an around Dakshina Kannada or even Kerala.
The Father Muller Convention Centre has 3 skillfully designed halls under one roof namely the Muller Auditorium, Muller Dine and Muller Mini Hall. The Muller Auditorium consists 38,750 sq ft space with an artistically designed stage of 3500 sq ft. Apart from its other regular features like green room, wash room facilities etc. It has state-of-the-art synchronized illumination systems and the best sound system by Bose. It can accommodate over 1750 people at a time. The Muller Mini Hall has a capacity of 5,600 sq ft area and can accommodate over 500 people at a time. The Muller Dine which has access both to the Muller Auditorium as well as the Muller Mini Hall is 25,700 sq ft in area and can accommodate over a 1000 people at a time. This hall can be used as a dining area along with the other halls or separately to host any event with enough space to serve food.
The unique features which event organizers are going to find exceptional is the exquisite landscaping for photography and videography. The Centre also can boast of high capacity lifts and escalators for easy access, fully integrated audio visual and IT equipments, WiFi connectivity, emergency exits as per the best standards in the industry, smoke detectors, fire alarm system and the well arranged parking facility which can accommodate over 700 cars. The entry and exit to the Convention Centre is from the Pumpwell gate, that is NH 66.
This is the biggest and most unique project that Father Muller has taken up so far. It can be even said that this is the biggest project of the diocese of Mangaluru. The Convention Centre is in the heart of the city and this is an added boon to the citizens of Dakshina Kannada and people of Mangaluru which is listed in the Smart City project. The Convention Centre is available not only for socio-cultural programmes but also for academic events.