Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 9: The Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary was celebrated in Lourdes Central School with great joy, devotion and gratitude. The celebration reflected the values of humility, grace, compassion, gratitude and togetherness. The programme also highlighted the importance of cherishing and empowering every girl child.
The programme began with a warm introduction, welcoming the manager, Fr Stany Pereira, principal Fr Johnson L Sequeira, vice principal Anitha Thomas, academic coordinator Suneetha K, along with the distinguished dignitaries, teachers and students. The dignitaries were then invited to the dais and welcomed with a warm round of applause.
The significance of the feast was explained by highlighting Mother Mary’s life of humility, grace, faith and compassion. The celebration also connected with the Mangalorean tradition of the Nativity as a harvest festival, symbolising gratitude for the first fruits of the earth. The traditional spirit of Novem Jevan was recalled as a beautiful expression of sharing and togetherness. The occasion also emphasised the dignity, education, dreams and opportunities of every girl child.
The prayer service was led by the students of grade VI C and D. Following the prayer, the dignitaries offered flowers to Mamma Mary as a gesture of reverence and gratitude. The flowers symbolised the virtues of humility, grace, gratitude and compassion that the students and the entire school community aspire to nurture.
The welcome address, Introduction of the chief guest and felicitation were conducted by the principal, Fr Johnson L Sequeira. The chief guest, Fr Jeevan D’Souza, was warmly welcomed and introduced to the gathering.
Adding colour and enthusiasm to the celebration, the students of grade VI C and D presented a meaningful song on women empowerment. The performance highlighted the important roles played by women as daughters, sisters, mothers, teachers and leaders, while celebrating the dreams and potential of every girl.
The highlight of the celebration was the message delivered by the chief guest, Fr Jeevan D’Souza. His inspiring address added meaning and depth to the celebration, encouraging the gathering to reflect on the values and message of the feast.
The celebration continued with birthday wishes for the students and staff members celebrating their birthdays. They were blessed with wishes for happiness, good health, wisdom and abundant grace, followed by a joyful birthday song.
As the programme drew to a close, Darren, Shanya, Pavana and Nadal proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful celebration.
The closing note beautifully brought together the central messages of the celebration—humility, grace, gratitude, family, compassion and the empowerment of every girl child. The gathering was encouraged to carry the spirit of the celebration into their homes, classrooms and community by continuing to sow kindness and nurture compassion.
The celebration concluded on a joyful note with the showering of flowers by the students. The flowers served as a symbolic expression of joy and reminded everyone that humility makes us gentle, grace makes us grateful, and compassion makes us human.
The feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary – 2026 was a meaningful celebration of faith, gratitude, tradition and compassion. Through prayer, music, reflection and participation, the programme successfully conveyed the message of living with humility and grace while encouraging kindness, gratitude and respect for every individual. It was a beautiful occasion that brought the Lourdes family together in faith, joy and fellowship.