Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 4: Msgr Leslie Shenoy boys’ hostel donated by Msgr Leslie Shenoy of Mangaluru was blessed and inaugurated by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the bishop of Mangaluru, along with the donor on Wednesday, July 4 at pastoral institute, Bajjodi.
The bishop, after the inauguration, led the prayer service and blessed the building. This was followed by stage programme presided over by the bishop with the guests Msgr Leslie Shenoy, donor, Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar general, Fr Peter D’Souza, director of pastoral institute, and Roy Castelino, contractor on the dais.
Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu introduced the donor and appreciated his love for the students especially for the poor and needy. He explained how Msgr Leslie has been a great donor towards the projects of the diocese.
Msgr Leslie Shenoy in his address said that it is his responsibility to give to the society in gratitude for all that he received from God.
The bishop in his presidential address congratulated and thanked Msgr Leslie for his generosity towards the diocese in sponsoring a hostel for boys at pastoral Institute.
Fr Vijay Machado, director of Mangala Jyothi led the prayer service, Fr Peter D Souza, director of pastoral institute welcomed the gathering, and Fr Anil Avid Lobo, rector of undergraduate seminarians compered the programme.
Many priests, relatives and friends of Msgr Leslie and other guests were present on the occasion.
The building was a dream of Msgr Leslie. When Monsignor returned from USA, after years of service, he wanted to make one of the floors at Deo Gratias (where he lives) a place for the needy boys for their college education. At the advice of few experienced priests, he changed his mind as he was advised to enjoy his retirement and not to take any stress in raising these boys. Ever since then, he was looking for an opportunity to make his dream come true. When an opportunity came, and he did say immediately a big yes. It took over long six year to make this as a reality, going through few obstacles.
The boys’ hostel, constructed in three floors at the cost of Rs 1.98 crore, can accommodate 80 students with all facilities. The pastoral institute also runs a ladies hostel for students in another campus which can accommodate 40 students. Poor and needy students have been given special concessions.