Pics: Anush Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Aug 20: St Aloysius Institutions celebrated the 450th birth anniversary of its patron, St Aloysius Gonzaga on Sunday, August 19. Fr Dr Peter Machado, archbishop of Bengaluru presided over the programme. Bishop designate, Msgr Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Dr M R Ravi, chief executive officer, D K zilla panchayat, attended as chief guests.
In his presidential address Archbishop Dr Peter Machado said, “St Aloysius Gonzaga joined Society of Jesus at a very young age. He died as a result of caring for the victims of serious epidemic. His extreme wish to help the needy made him very popular and Catholic Church proclaimed him as a saint. Soon, Jesuits started to render service in his name also. Several educational institutions were started in his name.
“St Aloysius Educational Institutions is one of the greatest examples of providing education to the society. The Jesuit fathers of Mangaluru are one of the pioneers of education in coastal Karnataka. They are following the path of St Aloysius Gonzaga by giving the good education to the needy. Today, they are celebrating their patron’s day. I wish them and all who are associated with them a happy feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga,” he said.
Dr M R Ravi said, “St Aloysius Educational Institutions is the pride of our city and the district. The institution is known for its quality and discipline. Today, thousands of people who studied at St Aloysius are spread all over the world and have tasted success. We are lucky to have such an institution in our city. I appreciate the dedication and social concern of Jesuit Fathers. They have played a vital role in making our society educated.”
Fr Dionysius Vaz, rector, St Aloysius Educational Institutions made the introductory speech and welcomed the dignitaries and gathering.
Clarence Pais, notary and alumnus, Dr Celine Lobo (Wife of late Dr Lawrence Lobo, a famous Alumnus), and Michael D’Souza, proprietor, Souza Electronics were among the guests. They were honoured for their meritorious service rendered to the society as well as to the college.
The celebration began with a Eucharistic Mass at the college chapel followed by a formal programme. The students of St Aloysius Institutions performed dance and skit depicting the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga. After the stage programme, various cultural performances were held by the students and staff.