Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jun 24: "The growth and development of an institution takes place when you nurture it. The institution, which started with a small group of students, now has over 2,500 students, 75 teachers, and 30 non-teaching staff. Now, Lourdes is marching towards its 25th year," said secretary of Catholic Board of Education, Fr Antony Michael Shera.
He was speaking during the inauguration and blessings of LCS Silver Jubilee Block on the premises of Lourdes Central School in Bejai here on Friday June 24.
“When you sow the seed and someone waters and manures it, the seed will grow as a sapling. In the same way, the institution will grow and you can find progress and development when you nurture it with dedication,” he said.
He also thanked the well-wishers, donors, and parents for coming forward and supporting the institution.
He also called upon the students to build a life by inculcating the values along with acquiring knowledge from the institution. “One should lead a life in the society by opening one's mind and heart,” he said.
On the occasion, the bishop and president of Catholic Board of Education, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha along with other dignitaries, felicitated the donors, Michael D'Souza and Flavy D'Souza.
After receiving felicitation, Michael D'Souza said, "Today, we come here to show our gratitude, and appreciation and to encourage heroes of the future."
He also lauded the contribution of Fr Bernard D'Souza and his efforts in shaping the Lourdes institution as one of the prestigious institutions and Fr Wilson forstrengthening the community.
"We have done a little service to this institution. Not only this institution, but irrespective of caste, creed, and race, we have served other institutions too. Always do good for the society,” he said.
In his presidential address, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha said, "After constructing any building, it should be warmed up. Else, it will become an abode of animals and reptiles. This institution will be warmed up by the students, parents, and teachers."
"Knowledge and wisdom are different things. When there is love in the knowledge, it turns into wisdom which helps in the transformation of human beings. When there is no love in the knowledge, the knowledge remains only as information,” he said.
He also said that human beings are born with capacities. “God has given a great capacity to the brain. But, human beings are utilizing only 10 to 15% of its capacity. The parents and teachers should feed the right things to the minds of children and this will help them become great personalities,” he said.
Stating that the IQ level of students may vary but every student has a capacity, the bishop said, "Students should inculcate good and spiritual values in life. Teachers should make their students to be the voice. Let this Lourdes institution be the temple of knowledge and wisdom."
Fr Valerian D'Souza, Fr Robert D'Souza, Ashok Pinto, vice president and secretary Preethi Gomes of parish pastoral council were present.
Fr Dr John Baptist Saldanha, manager of Lourdes Central School welcome while principal Fr Robert D'Souza thanked.
Teachers Deepa and Shaila compered the grand event.
About Lourdes Central School
Lourdes Central School, Bejai, is under the umbrella of the Catholic Board of Education, of the diocese of Mangalore, a religious and linguistic minority institution which is a registered body.
Lourdes Central School was founded in 1999 by the late Fr Bernard D’Souza, who was an educationist with an experience of more than three decades in this field. His vision was to establish a school, with a difference and provide high-quality and value-based education to prepare our students to be upright citizens, honest and able administrators and politicians of tomorrow.