Media Release
Udupi, Jul 7: The Udupi diocese celebrated Doctors’ Day 2025 with great reverence, warmth, and gratitude, under the inspiring theme ‘Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healer?’ with a special focus on ‘Silent Sufferings: Mental Health Challenges Among Doctors.’
The event was held on July 6, bringing together doctors, clergy, and community leaders to honour the medical fraternity for their selfless service. The formal program, anchored gracefully by Dr Ryan Mathias from the Health Commission, commenced with a soulful prayer song presented by the Mount Rosary Choir Group, immediately followed by a graceful welcome dance by Reyona and Reyora that added a celebratory vibrance to the atmosphere. The audience was then offered an insightful overview of the Health Commission’s achievements and activities for the year 2024–2025, presented in audio-visual format.
The gathering was honoured by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including the Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, who also served as the president of the event; Fr Stephen D’Souza, chancellor and diocesan coordinator of Pastoral Commissions; Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, rector of Milagres Cathedral; Fr Charles Saldanha, OFM Cap; and the chief guest, Fr Denis D'Sa, PRO of the diocese and member of the CCBI Commission for Ecumenism. Other dignitaries included Fr Stephen Rodrigues and Fr John Pereira, deanery directors from Udupi and Karkala deanery respectively, alongside academic and medical leaders such as Dr Leslie Edward Lewis, head of the department of Paediatrics at KMC Manipal, and Dr Edward Lobo, director of the Health Commission. Hilda Cornelio, the event’s programme convener, also played a pivotal role throughout the day.
A significant highlight of the event was the felicitation of four distinguished doctors Dr Francis Everic Arthur Rodrigues, Dr Manoj Maxim D’Lima, Dr Juliet Elizabeth Castelino, and Dr Melita Alva whose dedicated service was recognised through the ceremonial presentation of shawls and mementoes. Each honouree was warmly introduced by Jeevan Lewis. In a symbolic and futuristic move, the diocesan health initiative took a leap forward with the official release of ‘SAUDE’, the diocesan Directory of Doctors 2025, by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, marking an important milestone in creating a well-connected and accessible health network within the diocese. The celebration also featured a joyful cultural performance by students from Mount Rosary English Medium School, adding youthful energy and colour to the event.
The audience was then addressed by Fr Stephen D’Souza, followed by an insightful and thought-provoking message by chief guest Fr Denis D’Sa, who reflected on the spiritual and emotional dimensions of healing. A notable moment of the day was the generous donation of an ECG machine to the Udupi diocese by Dr Padmanabha Kamath, head of Cardiology at KMC Mangaluru and founder of the CAD Foundation a gesture that underscored the importance of collaboration between faith and science in saving lives.
This was followed by the presidential address by bishop Gerald Lobo, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of medical professionals, encouraging them to find strength in their vocation. The vote of thanks was delivered by Hilda Cornelio, who extended gratitude to all the contributors, supporters, and attendees of the event. The programme concluded with a moving tribute to all doctors through melodious songs by Ciona and Dion D’Souza, after which all dignitaries and guests gathered for a group photograph to commemorate the event.
The second part of the programme featured a powerful and deeply relevant panel discussion on the psychological and emotional challenges faced by doctors, especially in the post-pandemic world. Titled ‘Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healer?’, and moderated by Dr Leslie Edward Lewis of KMC Manipal, the session explored the silent burdens borne by doctors who are often expected to remain strong despite personal struggles. Experts from multiple medical systems allopathy, ayurveda, dental, and homeopathy contributed to the conversation, reflecting on the pressures, burnout, and mental health issues commonly faced by healthcare professionals. The discussion was heartfelt and enlightening, prompting meaningful introspection and solidarity among attendees.
Altogether, the Doctors’ Day 2025 event organised by the Udupi diocese was not only a celebration of medical excellence but also a profound act of pastoral care. It recognised the human side of those who dedicate their lives to healing others and opened an important dialogue on the need to care for caregivers. The event successfully blended cultural expression, spiritual grounding, and intellectual engagement, making it a memorable and meaningful tribute to the noble profession of medicine.