Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Jun 23: Bishop of the diocese, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza on Saturday June 23 inaugurated the vicennial year of Lourdes Central School by unveiling its logo and honouring the school toppers at Bejai Church Hall here.
The event commenced with a resplendent welcome dance followed by a befitting and harmonic prayer song.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza was felicitated on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Aloysius D’Souza said, "I express my heartfelt gratitude to the management for felicitating me. Today is a triple celebration of joy namely, joy to the students on achieving something great, joy to the parents for their encouragement to their children and joy to the school management and staff for their encouragement to their students,”
"Look back and thank God, look around and believe in God, look ahead and trust in God. We are here because of the blessings of God the Almighty. I congratulate the students who performed extremely well, earning laurels to this institute and making their parents proud. Parents will be proud of their achievements as they will excel in the future too,” he added.
"19 years ago, we took on a bold step to open a central school. This was not an easy task as we faced a lot of challenges. I inaugurated this school and I am grateful to all. We began the school with just 12 hard working, committed management, teaching and non-teaching staff and 200 students,” he informed.
"Today, students have achieved and become performers. In life they have achieved something better and greater than others and stand tall. Dream big, find the meaning of that dream and try to achieve it,” Bishop concluded.
Principal of Lourdes Central School Fr Robert D’Souza delivered the introductory address. He spoke about the history, development and achievements of the school.
Significance of the commencement of the vicennial year was brought out through an inauguration which consisted of unveiling the vicennial school logo having 20 stars on it, representing the 20 events to be conducted by the school. This was followed by planting a sapling to represent the growth of the school and to signify the nurturing of its students.
The honouring ceremony commenced with felicitation of the district toppers of classes X and XII. Reena Kishore (PCMB), Abel Shibu (PCMC), Gavin Abner Pinto (Commerce), and S Nirupama (class X) were felicitated by the bishop. The bishop was then felicitated with a plaque for being part of the establishment of the school 20 years ago and for being a support system throughout. He delivered the presidential address, congratulated the students and encouraged them to achieve great heights, after which the other school toppers were felicitated.
The Lourdes Central School vicennial year documentary created by a team of students and staff members showcasing the 20 year journey of the school was screened.
The school correspondent Fr Wilson Vitus D’Souza welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering, Lydia D'Souza rendered the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Dilla Colaco and Vidya Joseph. It was organised by Deepa D’Souza, Srilatha, Gretta Menezes, Chandini Chithraveer and Meghana Saldanha.
Vice principal Belita Mascarenhas, PTEC vice president Veena Amrith, vice president and secretary of the Bejai parish pastoral parishad Stany Vas and Cony Saldanha, assistant parish priest of Bejai Church, Fr Rohan Lobo and member of the school management committee Roman D’Souza were present.