Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 2: St Theresa’s School, Bendur, Mangaluru, celebrated its Patron’s Day and Institution Day with a solemn and prayerful celebration in honour of its beloved patroness, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, at St Sebastian Church, Bendur.

Nine-Day Novena in Honour of St Thérèse

As part of the Patron’s Day celebrations, St Theresa’s School conducted a nine-day novena to honour St Thérèse of Lisieux and seek her intercession and blessings. The students of grade 7 led the nine-day novena, preparing and conducting each day’s prayer meaningfully. The novena provided an opportunity for the students and the entire school community to reflect on the life, virtues and 'Little Way' of St Thérèse.

As a special expression of love and devotion, students from Pre-KG to Grade 10 offered roses to St Thérèse of the Child Jesus. The roses symbolised their love for their beloved patroness and recalled her promise to 'spend my heaven doing good on earth' and to shower roses of blessings upon those who seek her intercession.

Eucharistic Celebration – A Tribute to Our Patroness

The Patron’s Day Holy Mass was celebrated at St Sebastian Church, Bendur, and was concelebrated by Fr Wilson Tauro and Fr Stany Pinto. The Theresian family gathered in an atmosphere of faith and gratitude to thank God for His abundant blessings upon the institution and to seek His continued guidance and protection.

In his homily, Fr Stany Pinto highlighted the inspiring values and virtues of St Thérèse of Lisieux. He spoke about her simple and beautiful way of expressing love through small, everyday acts. He encouraged the students to follow St Thérèse’s 'Little Way' by showing love, kindness and care through even the smallest deeds.

Fr Stany also reminded the students of the importance of valuing their parents throughout their lives. He encouraged them to respect, listen to and care for their parents even as they grow older, recognising the love and sacrifices of their parents. He urged the students to make their everyday actions meaningful by following the example of St Thérèse and making small acts of love a part of their daily lives.

The Eucharistic celebration was an occasion to express gratitude for the many blessings God has showered upon St Theresa’s School over the years and to remember with appreciation all those who have built, nurtured and strengthened the institution through their dedication, sacrifice, prayer and service.

The celebration concluded with hearts filled with gratitude and a renewed commitment to live the spirit of St Thérèse through love, humility, faith and service. Inspired by their patroness, the Theresian family resolved to make every little act an expression of love and to become instruments of God’s love and hope to those around them.