Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 5: Lourdes Central School celebrated the Founder’s Day to express love, gratitude and reverence to the founder late Fr Bernard D’Souza. The programme commenced with a soulful prayer song, sung by the Lourdites invoking God’s blessings and setting a reverent tone for the day. The students of class VII thoughtfully read the Intentions, highlighting the purpose of the gathering.
Amora and Shannon from class 7B presented the welcome address which extended a warm greeting to the Dr John Baptist Saldanha, the manager; Dr Joseph Martis, our honoured chief guest; Fr Johnson Sequeira, the principal; Anita Thomas, the vice principal; Fr Norman Mathias, Fr Roydon Misquith; Fr Arul Joseph, Nirmal D’Souza vice president, and Cynthia Avitha Pinto secretary, Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad, Ivan Mascarenhas, member the management committee, teachers, students, and all present, making everyone feel valued.
Apoline Lobo highlighted the significance of this momentous day, helping the audience to know the efforts of Founder and the members who supported in building this esteemed institution.
A moment of deep respect was observed as the school community gathered to pay homage, remembering and honouring late Fr Bernard D’Souza, whose vision was to make this institution one of the finest in the district and whose invaluable contributions shaped its values and growth.
The programme was enriched by a meaningful skit and dance performance, through which students creatively conveyed strong messages and showcased their talents.
The prize distribution ceremony was conducted next, applauding the achievements of students who participated and excelled in Olympiad which was conducted on the occasion of the Founder’s Day.
The principal Fr Johnson L Sequeira introduced the chief guest Dr Joseph Martis, a distinguished scholar, guide, and spiritual leader to the gathering followed by the felicitation as a token of appreciation and gratitude.
The chief guest Dr Joseph Martis, in his address, highlighted the significance of Founder’s Day as an occasion to remember and express gratitude to those who laid the foundation of the institution. He emphasized that initiating such an endeavour requires sacrifice, like a candle that burns to give light to others. He concluded with an inspiring message, encouraging students to uphold the founders’ values of love, sacrifice, commitment, and responsibility, and expressed his hope that the founder’s dream may continue to be realized.
Dr John Baptist Saldanha, manager in his presidential address expressed his deep appreciation to the founder faculty of the school for their dedicated and continuous service. He paid special tribute to the founder, a visionary leader who began this noble institution with unwavering faith and determination. Through relentless effort, sacrifice, and perseverance, he transformed his vision into reality and laid the strong foundation upon which the school proudly stands today.
Special birthday wishes were extended to students and staff celebrating their birthdays, adding a personal and joyful touch to the programme. The vote of thanks expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, organizers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event.
The programme concluded with the proud singing of the School Anthem. Finally, the staff and students proceeded to pay homage at the Founder’s Tomb, offering prayers and floral tributes in remembrance and gratitude, thus bringing the programme to a meaningful and respectful close.
The programme was compered by the students class VII under the guidance of Vivita D’Souza and Noeleen Pais, the convener of the programme.