Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 9: The Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh, Bondel Unit, honoured teachers with a special celebration on Sunday, September 7.

The celebration began with the Eucharistic Mass, offered by Dr Alwyn Serrao, principal of Milagres College, Mangaluru concelebrated by Fr Peter Gonsalves principal St Lawrence English Medium School.

In his homily, Dr Alwyn Serrao, on the occasion of the World Day for the care of creation, also shared an apt message for teachers, reflecting on the qualities every teacher should nurture within herself. The liturgy was meaningfully led by the members of the Catholic Sabha. After the mass, Dr Alwyn Serrao was felicitated with a flowers, gift and a memento as a token of gratitude and appreciation.

A formal celebration was held in the church mini hall. The programme began with a hymn invoking God’s presence, followed by a beautiful and meaningful song dedicated to the teachers by the Children’s Choir. Sujay D’Silva, president of the Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit, extended a warm welcome and greeted the dignitaries. The dignitaries on the dais were honoured with flower bouquets by the Catholic Sabha members, and they then cut a cake to mark the occasion of Teacher’s Day.

The dignitaries on the dais included Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza -spiritual director, Prof Matthew C Ninan, Fr Peter Gonsalves principal St Lawrence English Medium School. Fr Lawrence Cutinha Asst priest, John D’Silva-vice president, Santosh Misquith -secretary of the parish pastoral council, Sujay D’Silva president of the Catholic Sabha, and Olivia D’Sa -secretary of the Catholic Sabha, Wilfred Alvares & Stephan D’Silva programme conveners.

Spiritual director Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza shared an encouraging message on the significance of Teacher’s Day. He highlighted three important virtues that every teacher should possess: a humble nature, patience, and impartial love. He also reminded that teaching should be embraced as a mission. Fr Andrew congratulated the Catholic Sabha Bondel Unit for organizing such a wonderful programme.

Olivia D’Sa introduced the chief guest, Prof Matthew C Ninan.

In his address, he emphasized the four key roles a teacher should embody: being clear-headed, warm-hearted, even-handed, and sure-footed. He also highlighted ten essential qualities of a good teacher: patience, empathy and compassion, flexibility and adaptability, passion, kindness, collaboration, professionalism, a sense of humour, open-mindedness, and resilience. His PowerPoint presentation was truly inspiring for all the teachers present.

As part of the programme, snacks were served to all. In recognition of their selfless service and dedication, the Catholic Sabha honoured all the teachers present with gifts.

The celebration concluded with ice cream being served to everyone. 

The event was gracefully compered by Veronica Pais. The programme convener, Wilfred Alvares, graciously offered the vote of thanks.

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt thanksgiving hymn, marking the event as a memorable tribute to all teachers.