Daijiworld Media Network, Udupi – (WD/JD)

Pics: Kevin Rodrigues

Udupi, Oct 5: Alumni association of St Mary’s College Shirva presented a memorable gift to their alma mater in the memory of late Fr Henry Castelino, who is the architect of the college.

Fr Henry Castelino Memorial Auditorium, renovated and named after the founder of the college, was blessed and inaugurated on Saturday, October 5.

Dr Vinay Hedge, chancellor, Nitte University, inaugurated the auditorium while Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi, blessed the new auditorium.

Dr N Vinay Hedge, addressing the gathering said, “I have a close relationship with Shirva since 50 years. As per my knowledge, in 1981 late Fr Henry Castelino had taken the responsibility of this college. I have seen this institution developing. The greatness of this institution has given a message to the society. This makes me feel happy. Our institutions have not only limited themselves to provide education to students, but have made them face the society in large. I have been in touch with many Christian institutions in and around the district as I too was a part of Christian institutions. They have made me develop myself and what I am today.

“I have seen Fr Henry Castelino’s works and he was a great personality. He has taught me many things. His works were to please God Almighty. He has taught students not only to develop themselves but also to do their duties towards the society. Many of them here mentioned the characteristics of Fr Castelino. They said he is the monument of affection, love and respect to everybody. His service will obviously remain in all of us,” he said.

Bishop Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, in his address, shared his days spent at Shirva parish including nearly three years along with late Fr Henry Castelino. “When we started this institution, we were in need of a right person to run it and the person we chose was Fr Henry Castelino. He was the principal of Puttur college then. There was nothing here, not even a proper house to stay. But he faced all odds and here we see the results today. He was loved by all and also many students loved him. He used to visit students’ home every Sunday. He had a strong bond towards his students and today’s programme is a witness to this. Today, these students have reached top heights and they remember late Fr Henry Castelino. On behalf of Udupi diocese, I thank all his well-wishers for their gratefulness. May God bless you all.”

Fr Denis D'sa, correspondent said, "Each speech is a lesson for your life. This is a day of gratitude, this is a day of generosity. This is a day of Guru Namana. Cristiano Ronaldo is a top soccer player as well as number one human being. A Chinese proverb says 'If you want to have one hour of happiness, go and sleep for one hour, if you want one day’s happiness go for fishing, if you want one year’s happiness go for cultivation, but if you want lifetime happiness learn to give, learn to share and learn to help the others'. Fr Henry Castelino was a happy person because he was a generous giver. Do not think money is the only thing to give. Our kind words can motivate others. Fr Henry Castelino shared time, knowledge, kind words, along with financial support to many for their marriage, illness etc. He was happily accepting Rs 100 and Rs 50 and sometime even a coconut. He has worked so much to build this institution. Every old student has a word of appreciation towards Fr Henry Castelino. This auditorium is hard work of our old students. This auditorium was in very bad condition. When Vishwanath, the alumni president, eagerly wanted to do something in the name of Fr Henry Castelino, I suggested them to renovate this auditorium in name of their professor. They started working towards it. Prof Ronald Moras also worked hard for renovating this auditorium. Vishwanath has worked as if it was his home. He knows the value of money and has struggled to save it. Today all of you are saying if at all we have done something that is because of Fr Henry Castelino.

Prof Ronald J Moras, chief advisor, St Mary’s College Alumni Association, shared his experience with late Fr Henry Castelino.

K Vishwanath, president, St Mary’s College Alumni Association, was felicitated by the college committee on the occasion.

Fr Denis D’sa, correspondent, St Mary’s College, Shirva, Prof Rajan V N, principal, St Mary’s College, Shirva, and Fr Mahesh D'Souza, principal, Don Bosco School, Shirva, were present on the occasion.

K Vishwanath welcomed the gathering, Neelanand Nayak compered the programme, and Jagdish rendered the vote of thanks.

Members of the alumni association from Mumbai, Middle East, students of the college, and parish council members were present on the occasion.