Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 21: St Agnes School illuminated a glorious milestone with the grand celebration of its diamond jubilee, "Luminage", held on December 18, at the St Agnes Special School Ground. The festivities of the day began with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at St Sebastian Church, Bendore, Mangaluru, setting a tone of gratitude and reverence for the day.
The day commenced with a dignified entrance procession, wherein six emblematic offerings were ceremoniously presented at the altar. These included lamps, a plant, a globe, a basket of fruits, the Jubilee insignia, and a representation of healing, each embodying profound significance and collectively commemorating six transformative decades of educational excellence. This was further accentuated by an illuminated frame in the church bearing the number 60, adorned with sixty candles, serving as a radiant tribute to this milestone.
The Eucharistic Mass was led by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, joined by Fr Walter D’Souza, Fr Vivek Deepak Pinto, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Fr Rupesh Madtha, Fr Jagadeesh Pinto, and Fr Melwin D’Cunha OCD. This sacred moment seamlessly segued into the grand Luminage celebration, a historic event that honoured 60 years of relentless pursuit of excellence in education, cultural vibrancy, and holistic development. It exalted the enduring legacy of the past, honoured the vitality of the present, and envisioned a future resplendent with promise and potential.
The evening commenced with a grand guard of honour, where the distinguished dignitaries were ushered in amidst the majestic strains of the school band and warmly greeted with floral bouquets upon their arrival at the venue.
The procession featured Sr Dr Maria Roopa, joint secretary of St Agnes Institution and the esteemed president of the event; Mathew C Ninan, director of Little Rock Indian School and the illustrious chief guest; accompanied by an august assembly of guests of honour, including Fr Walter D’Souza, parish priest, St Sebastian Church, Bendore ; Naveen D’Souza, corporator, Bendore Ward, Mangaluru City Corporation; HR Eshwar, block education officer, Mangaluru South; and the revered principal, Sr Maria Sarika; Sr Meena Fernandes, vice principal; Liston Derric D’Souza, vice-president of the Parent-Teacher Association. Their dignified presence lent unparalleled grace to the proceedings, imbuing the occasion with profound significance.
The formal commencement was marked by the opening chorus, invoking blessings with a melodious harmony that set the tone for the evening. This was followed by a welcome dance, a fusion of classical and contemporary styles, symbolizing unity and inclusivity.
A series of captivating performances showcased the talents and creativity of students across all grades. The younger stars delighted the audience with an action song, family bond in motion, celebrating familial love and school life. The adventurous spirit of grade 2 students shone in journey through the wild, an energetic depiction of a safari through dance and drama.
Grade 1 students raised awareness about an urgent global issue with groove to the plastic beat, a poignant performance addressing plastic pollution. Meanwhile, grade 4 students revived nostalgia with reviving the indigenous spirit, highlighting traditional games that emphasize teamwork and joy.
In United in rhythm, diverse in harmony, grade 3 students beautifully illustrated the strength of unity in diversity through a vibrant display of cultures and traditions. The highlight of the event was the jubilee song by grade 6, a melodious tribute to six decades of achievements and aspirations.
The occasion further unfolded with a heartfelt welcome address by the principal, Sr Maria Sarika, whose words infused the gathering with enthusiasm and a sense of pride. She painted a vivid tapestry of the day’s significance, eloquently connecting the milestone of the diamond jubilee with the timeless values of brilliance, resilience, and unity symbolised by the diamond. Her reflections emphasised how, much like a diamond, the legacy of the institution shines with excellence, forged through dedication and polished over time.
The stage programme, a pivotal segment of the celebration, began with the recognition of exemplary principals, teachers, and outstanding students. The event highlighted St Agnes School's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent across diverse fields, with a particular focus on academics and sports. Krithi (grade III) and Adwika KP (grade VII) were recognized for their national-level achievements in roller skating and athletics, while Reishan Maria Fernandes (grade VII), who advanced to an international spelling championship, was also honoured.
The president, Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC, and the chief guest, Mathew C Ninan, presented mementos to these stars and their parents, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
The retired principals were lauded for their exemplary leadership, which has greatly shaped the school’s legacy. The invaluable contributions of Sr Virgilia, Sr Mary Emmanuel, Sr Mary Jacqueline, Sr M Paulina, Sr Maria Sheila, Sr Nunciata, Sr Roshan AC, Sr Julian Mary, Sr Marie Alice, Sr Hilda Mathias, Sr Jyothi Saldanha, and Sr Maria Gracilda were acknowledged with deep reverence, particularly their roles in advancing the school’s academic standards, including the establishment of the CBSE curriculum and the securing of CBSE affiliation.
Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC bestowed shawls upon the esteemed sisters, while Dr Mathew C Ninan offered a fruit basket, and Fr Walter D'Souza presented mementos and principal Sr Maria Sarika AC honoured them with garlands, a symbol of deep reverence for their visionary contributions.
The occasion also served to recognise the invaluable contributions of the retired teaching and non-teaching staff. Esteemed educators including Florine Sequeira, Esperance Letitia Fernandes, Shantha Kumari, Mary Lobo, Stella D’Souza, Saguna R Prabhu, Annitta Patrao, Selma Mathias, Mercedes Nazareth, Gracilla Pereira, and Nayan Dias, who nurtured young minds, were applauded for their dedication.
Non-teaching staff members including Louisa Rodrigues, Irene D’Souza, and Lily Fernandes, known for their nurturing care and efficient work, were also celebrated. The principal, Sr Maria Sarika AC, honoured them with shawls, Teacher Nisha offered a garland, Sr Dr Maria Roopa A.C offered a fruit basket, and PTA vice-president Liston Derrick D’Souza bestowed a memento upon the non-teaching staff.
A moment of profound admiration graced the evening as Sr Maria Sarika AC, the esteemed principal of St Agnes School a luminary of vision and resilience, was honoured for her unwavering commitment to excellence.
In a gesture of deep respect, Sr Dr Maria Roopa AC bestowed shawl upon her, Sr Meena adorned her with a garland, Mathew C Ninan and Fr Walter presented a fruit basket and memento, and Sr Maria Sarika was further recognised for her steadfast dedication to nurturing St Agnes School as a sanctuary of learning and values. The tribute stood as a testament to her extraordinary leadership and enduring legacy.
As the evening continued, the audience was further enlightened by the thoughtful addresses from the distinguished dignitaries. HR Eshwar, in his address, lauded the school as a premier institution, emphasizing its commitment to holistic development. He commended the faculty, teachers, and the principal for their exemplary dedication and efficiency. He further urged parents to actively collaborate with the school and their children to foster educational excellence.
Naveen D’Souza acknowledged the profound contributions of the Apostolic Carmel sisters across various educational domains, lauding them as beacons of inspiration and selfless service. He extolled Mother Aloysia as a visionary leader and fondly recalled his encounter with sister Olivia 25 years ago, whose guidance was instrumental at the inception of his political journey.
Fr Walter D’Souza emphasised education’s transformative power and hailed St Agnes School as a beacon of excellence. He commended the principal and teachers’ dedication, the alumni’s achievements, and stressed staying connected with one’s alma mater. He further highlighted the necessity of imparting values aligned with the evolving needs of students, nurturing both minds and hearts.
Mathew C Ninan, a luminary in education, addressed the gathering with a compelling vision for transforming the learning landscape. He extolled the AC Institute for its commendable service to society, particularly the invaluable contributions of the sisters, and highlighted the school’s ethos of inclusivity, ensuring no one is marginalised. He also urged parents to instil in their children the virtues of good speech, good manners, and empathy, essential for shaping character. Concluding with reflections on Christmas, he emphasized its true message—beyond giving—lies in fostering unity, love, and mutual appreciation, reminding all that the world is one.
Sr Dr Maria Roopa, a visionary leader, emphasised the paramount importance of holistic education, blending academic excellence with moral and spiritual growth. She underscored the indispensability of cultural harmony in fostering a cohesive society and reaffirmed the institution's mission to nurture integrity, compassion, and leadership in students.
During the vote of thanks, Sr Meena Fernandes AC, vice-principal, articulated profound gratitude to the dignitaries, parents, teachers, and sisters for their unwavering support and contributions. She underscored the pivotal role of appreciation in fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect. As a mark of esteem, mementoes were conferred upon the distinguished dignitaries, lending a ceremonious conclusion to the event.
The atmosphere of reflection and celebration was further enriched by a documentary that chronicled the milestones and legacy of the school, followed by a succinct annual report that highlighted the achievements of the past year. The sense of reflection and celebration deepened as the stage was set for the cultural programme, beginning with a mesmerising tableau performance, chronicles of a legacy. This evocative presentation transported the audience through the illustrious history, vibrant present, and promising future of the institution. grade 7 students enthralled the gathering with nature’s symphony, a dance drama celebrating the harmony of the five elements of nature.
The audience was captivated by a theatrical rendition of the two gentlemen of Verona, showcasing the dramatic flair and expressive storytelling skills of the students. This was followed by cultural kaleidoscope by grade 8, a unique portrayal of the integration of Karnataka and Ladakh’s cultural heritage, echoing CBSE’s art-integrated pedagogy.
The evening culminated in empowering minds, expressing hands, where grades 9 and 10 students presented an awe-inspiring dance drama on the transformative power of education, seamlessly transitioning into a rhythmic tutting dance, displaying creative hand movements that symbolised innovation and progress.
The grand celebration concluded on a high note with the entire assembly joining in the school Anthem, reaffirming their collective commitment to the school’s values and aspirations. The ceremony was adeptly orchestrated by the masters of ceremony: Tr Josephine, Tr Neesha, Tr Shweta, alongside students from across all grades.
The Luminage celebration was a magnificent tribute to six decades of brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on all present. It celebrated the past, rejoiced in the present, and envisioned a future brimming with opportunities and achievements. With every note, performance, and gesture, the event reinforced the legacy of St Agnes School, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, emerging as a luminous guide to boundless aspirations and profound achievements.