Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Media Release
Mangalore, Nov 8: Father Muller Altar Servers' Association feast was celebrated on Sunday November 7.
Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director, Fr Muller Institute presided over the mass and Fr Richard Coelho, the administrator, Fr Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH), preached an inspiring and meaningful homily.
The altar servers themselves conducted liturgy and melodious choir. In the evening, a get together was arranged, where yet again director presided over and said that the altar servers are leaven in the campus, who make a difference in the healing ministry.
Fr Denis D'Sa, administrator of all the FMCI colleges gave the apt message along with interesting quiz.
The skit on the life of St John Berchmans inspired each one.
Jerin, a medical student while sharing his experience said that 'during the liturgical services I serve God which inspires me to
serve patients in the ward with love". Janet from BASLP course said "After joining altar servers' association and serving on the altar my fear and timidity totally vanished and also I experience peace and inner joy. Today, I am a happy person and enjoy my life as a student."
Fr Felix Monteiro, the spiritual director of the association expressed his joy having heard the testimony of these students also the zeal that these youngsters show while serving at the altar.
Fr Vincent Saldanha, the assistant administrator honoured the outgoing office -earers by presenting mementos and Fr director welcomed the new office-bearers by offering roses.
Joslyn Menezes, BSc, the prefect welcomed the gathering and Ruhita (GNM) the vice prefect proposed the vote of thanks. Regina Correa (BPT) was the master of the ceremonies.
About Altar Servers' Association
St John Berchmans is the patron of altar servers. We will not find a parish without the altar servers' association. Most of the priests and leaders emerged from this pious association. Earlier, it was reserved only for boys, but, now, the church has given an opportunity for girls to be a part of altar servers' association to serve during the liturgical and para-liturgical services.
Here at Fr Mullers Altar servers association was started in November 1st 2004, when Rev. Dr Baptist Menezes was the director and Fr Frank Rodrigues was the spiritual director. This was the powerful effect of the annual retreat and the idea came from the students themselves.
There were 60 active members then and today we have 307 young and inspiring students hailing from the course of Nursing, medical and allied health sciences.
"To serve with love" is the motto of altar servers association. This motto is attained by 'doing ordinary things in an extra ordinary way' like their Patron St john Berchmans.
Once in three months under the guidance of spiritual directors the altar servers come together for prayer and instructions. Each year the freshers are given some trainings before they are inducted into service. Every year, according to the conveniences of the students, the management gives them an opportunity to celebrate their feast.