News: Jerome D’Souza
Pics: Fr Jason Monis

 Mangaluru, Jun 20: St Aloysius College Institutions celebrated the feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga on Wednesday, June 21 at the St Aloysius College Primary School Auditorium. The St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute, the Primary School and the B Ed College under the directorship of Fr Eric Mathias SJ together celebrated the feast of the patron saint of St Aloysius College Institutions.

The programme began with a Eucharistic celebration. Fr Aquin Noronha OP, parish priest of Dominic Church, Ashoknagar, Mangaluru, was the lead celebrant with concelebrants Fr Eric Mathias SJ, Fr Clifford Pinto, Fr Johnson Sequeira, Fr Jason Monis, Fr Amith D’Souza and Fr Britto.

In his sermon he inspired the student body with his message on humility, service and love as the cornerstone as the pathway to the Almighty. This was followed by a cultural programme. The cultural programme was based on the theme of compassion and the spirit of service and sacrifice that was epitomized by the life of St Aloysius. The students of the three institutions gave an enthralling programme. The enthusiasm of the tiny tots, the grace of the B Ed students and the energy of the ITI students captivated the audience.

N G Mohan, district commissioner for Bharath Scouts and Guides, Mangaluru, was the chief guest. He expressed gratitude to his Alma Mater St Aloysius College. He attributed his attitude of love for service to his college. He recalled the service of the patron saint of the college towards the leprosy patients. He also told the students that service should be above self. He told the students to learn to respect the teachers and their institute. He appreciated the performance of the students and invited them to imbibe the values of St Aloysius Gonzaga and being a positive part of nation building.

In the presidential address, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, rector, St Aloysius College Institutions, spoke about rowing against the currents and how St Aloysius rowed against the currents and from his princely background became a warrior of service and became the picture of compassion of Jesus Christ.

Fr Eric Mathias SJ, director of the Institutions spoke about the vision of Jesuit education. He also invited the students to inculcate the spirit of compassion along the side of education.

As a part of the feast a fellowship meal was organized for both the staff and the students.