Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MK)
Mangaluru, Jan 20: As part of the centenary celebration of St Sebastian Church, Permannur Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shivamogga diocese, inaugurated the 'Institution Day' at St Sebastian Church grounds on Friday, January 19.
Addressing the gathering the bishop said, "Students who have studied in this institution are the pillars of this organization. The role of old students is of utmost importance in the development of any educational institution.
"Any organization takes lasting strides towards development after completing 60 years of its inception. Accordingly, St Sebastian Church and affiliated educational institutions, which are celebrating the centenary, are not limited to one religion. These institutions are doing an admirable job of forming people for the benefit of the society in general," he opined.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr J B Saldanha, parish priest of St Sebastian Church, said, "Not everyone is fortunate to celebrate centenary. This is a divine blessing. Thousands of students and hundreds of teachers are living like a family in these educational institutions run by the church, which has helped us to provide value-based education. This is possible only because of the support of students, teachers and parents."
Fr Gerald D'Souza, secretary, Catholic board of education, Y Shivaramaiah, deputy director of public instruction, M P Jnanesh, block education officer, Vani V Alva, civic commissioner of Ullal municipality, Sr Cecilia Mendonca, provincial superior, Bethany sisters, Sr Rita Vaz of Ursuline sisters, Pramod Kumar P, crime record bureau of Chamarajnagar district, Gangadhar Ullal, lawyer, Dinakar Ullal, ex-president, Ullal town municipality and Maurice Monteiro, member of school administrative board participated in the programme.
Melvin D'Souza, vice-president, church administrative council, Ronald Fernandes, secretary, Fr Edwin Mascarenhas, principal, Joslin D'Souza, secretary, assistant priests Fr Stany Pinto, Fr Lizil D'Souza and Fr Felix Noronha, office bearers of the parent-teacher association, retired and present headmasters and teachers were present on the occasion.
Retired headmasters of the educational institutions managed by St Sebastian church were felicitated during the event.
Demetrius D'Souza, organizer of centenary committee welcomed the gathering. Ronald Fernandes, vice-president, church administrative council proposed the vote of thanks. Lecturers of the institution, Arun Ullal and Chaithra Shetty compered the programme.