Bantwal: Bishop Inaugurates Loretto School Building, Centenary Celebrations
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SP)
Bantwal, Dec 21: "The country in general and this region in particular, has benefitted from Catholic educational institutions. Because of the schools and colleges set up by Catholic institutions since long, the west coast of Karnataka could flourish and get credit for being highly educated," said Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza.
He was speaking after initiating the centenary celebrations of Loretto Aided Higher Primary School, inaugurating the new building of English medium high school here, and presiding over the centenary celebrations function on Tuesday December 20. He also felicitated the school convener and donors.
"It is said that a person with a plan to reap fruits of labour in one year has to sow seeds. If his plan is for ten years, then he can plant a tree. If the plan is quite long, say 100 years, he has to start schools. Neil Armstrong, an astronaut from USA, set foot on the moon in 1966. For him, it was a small step forward, but for the mankind as a whole, it was a quantum leap. Education paves way for prosperity in the society," he added.
Dolphy D’Souza, social worker from the region, participated as one of the chief guests, and felicitated those who executed the building works. He noted that organizations and institutions set up by Christians in educational and other sectors have served the society and nation tremendously. He mentioned about how the meritorious services rendered by Fr Cyprian Pinto in the region have contributed to the progress of Loretto into a big and famous area.
MLA, Ramanath Rai, who handed over mementoes to the donors, also hailed Christian educational institutions for their selfless services towards imparting education coupled with discipline to the people.
Fr Wilson V D’Souza, secretary, Catholic Board of Education, thanked everyone for contributing to the progress of Loretto School, and hailed the present convener of the school, Fr Cyprian Pinto, for his illustrious contributions. He noted that the people of the town have accepted the school as their own, and showered affection on it, and hoped that they will continue to do so hereafter too.
Sr Agatha Mary, superior general of Apostolic Carmel, speaking after honouring past and present headmasters and headmistresses of the school on the occasion, felt that devotion to the cause alone can improve the quality of education. She wished that the educational institutions will grow on moral and value-based ideals.
Sr Lenita D’Souza, provincial head of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, who honoured present and past teachers of the institution, mentioned about the sprawling great banyan tree near Bangalore that has covered several acres of land. She wished that this institution will grow likewise by adding PU college and college to it. She wished that this institution will lead the students towards achieving the impossible, encouraging them to march towards success, respect the values, and become leading lights for the society, and help it to move towards general well-being.
Block education officer, Sudhakar K, distributed prizes. Speaking on the occasion, he said words fail to describe the path the school has covered during the last 100 years. He appreciated the authorities of the school for leading the school on the path of immense progress even during adverse times.
Fr Wilson D’Souza, secretary of Catholic Education Board, released the souvenir, ‘Sadi Rashmi’, brought out on the occasion.
Fr Cyprian Pinto welcomed. Headmistress, Sr Leena Pereira, presented the centenary report.
Talented sportsperson, Vivian Tauro, was felicitated by Sr Elina Rodrgues, provincial head of Hand Maids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Gram panchayat president, Bharati S Chowta, honoured the peson who suggested name for the souvenir. Irene Menezes, old student of the school, who is presently settled in Pune, also addressed the gathering.
In the morning, the school flag was hoisted by Rocky D’Souza, chief priest of Bantwal Varado, along with former parish priest, Fr Victor D’Souza, Denis and Irene Menezes from Pune, and Irene Menezes from Belgium. Holy Mass was celebrated to thank the Almighty for the blessings showered on the institution during the last 100 years.
Headmistress of the high school, Sr Benedicta, convener of the centenary committee, Walter Noronha, parish council vice president, Hubert Lobo, president of teachers-parents association, Pius Rodrigues, Swati Carlo, Mary Pinto, and many other dignitaries were present.
After the meeting programme, students and old students of the institution presented cultural programmes.