Pics: Kevin Rodrigues/Sany Digitals, Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 30: The grand centenary celebrations of St Cecily’s institutions in city began with the thanksgiving mass offered by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, Diocese of Mangaluru along with Fr Valerian Mendonca, Parish priest Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and other priests of Udupi Diocese on Thursday, November 29.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, in his homily said, “As I went through the history of St Cecily’s Convent, I was surprised to know that the old students had requested to establish a institute here, and later the institute had begun, and today this little seed has grown into a huge tree and so many birds have come to take shelter in it and we all are the witnesses here today celebrating centenary of the institution and giving thanks to God. What surprises me is that only two or three sisters had come here with a new hope and we understand here in this place God has been working wonders and we witness his presence.”
“The word Jubilee tells us it is a time of liberation; it is a time of returning, a time of friendship, time of forgiveness and thanksgiving. It is a joyful occasion. Holy Spirit is the giver of gifts. These are the gifts from which we invoke God as our Father. We must remember God is working in, through Christ and in spirit and that’s the reason growth is inevitable and it does show its fruits. Above all, the greatest gift is love and this is shown through various deeds of kindness, tenderness and mercy.” the bishop concluded.
Soon after the Eucharistic celebration, the felicitation programme began with a prayer dance by students of St Cecily’s English medium and St Cecily’s Kannada medium schools.
Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Dr Saldanha said, “This is my second visit to St Cecily’s. This institution has grown and has been a kind of milestone. It is a landmark in Udupi Diocese. The children who have grown up here have carried the sweet memories and have promoted the education here. The service of the sisters is well appreciated and we see it in this celebration. Let us promote this institute and show the love and gratitude towards this institution.”
A brief history of the Institution was presented to the gathering. Later some former superiors of St Cecily’s like Sr Nirmala Francis, Sr Aquinita, Sr Ida Barboza, Sr Vincenta, Sr Rosetta, Sr Shaila and Sr Pushpa Pinto were felicitated on the occasion.
Sharing the experience on behalf of all superior sisters, Sr Ida Barboza said, “Today is the day to praise the Lord for his constant comforting presence and guidance in moments of joy and sorrow. We remember the generosity of superiors and sisters, who toiled on this soil and all the priests, bishops and parents who have extended their service to this Institute. Celebration of centenary calls for introspection. It is a time to pause and rejuvenate ourselves. May God, whose faithfulness we have experienced in the past, lead our steps to future too.”
Addressing the gathering, Fr Valerian Mendonca, parish priest, Mother of Sorrows church, Udupi, said, “ Rome was not built in a day and here is St Cecily’s with 100 glorious years and the regiment still continues. It has become a brand name in the field of education. This institute, the walls of which are sacred and have produced excellent citizens in the society. I congratulate the staff, sisters and students for what this institution is today. It stands as an inspiration to this society. This school has gone beyond the social and religious barrier; it also gives good quality education with social values.”
Sharing her thoughts Sr Carmel Rita A C, provincial superior said that she is indeed very happy and proud to be a member to be participating in this centenary celebration and congratulated all the sisters, staff and students on the occasion.
A wishing song was sung by the Apostolic Carmel Associates on the occasion of centenary celebration.
Fr William Martis blessed the fellowship meal that was arranged on the occasion.
Sr Susheela, superior general, AC, Sr Rose Agnes, Fr Vijay D'Souza, assistant parish priest, Mother of sorrows church, Udupi and priests and nuns from Udupi Diocese were present on the occasion.
Sr Maisie, AC, superior and joint secretary, St Cecily’s Institutions welcomed the gathering. Sr Gracy , principal, St Cecily’s PUC, compered the programme and rendered the vote of thanks.
Formal Centenary Celebration
The formal and entertainment programme of centenary celebrations were held in the evening at the institution grounds. Sister M Susheela A C, superior general, Apostolic Carmel inaugurated the newly built centenary memorial block. Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of Udupi Diocese blessed the new building.
In her address Sister M Susheela A C, chief guest of the occasion, said, “St Cecily’s is the first institution which was established by our congregation outside Mangaluru. In 1870, the congregation was established in Mangaluru. This institution is a model for inter-religious dialogue. The institution was started at the request of lay persons. Students of all religions came to study in this institution. The institution was started in an outhouse of a Muslim family in Kadabettu. The institution is a joint venture of Christians, Hindus and Muslims.”
“St. Cecily’s is following the dreams of Sister Veronica. An all round formation was aimed at to head the students to be empowered citizens of this world and value based persons. St Cecily’s is doing this for the past 100 years. The students of the institution have brought many laurels in the past years. To provide education for girls of outside Udupi, boarding facility was started. This helped many of the girls who were of faraway places. Girls have fulfilled their dreams through this institution. St Cecily’s will provide the light of knowledge to generations of generations,” added sister Susheela.
Oscar Fernandes, MP Rajyasabha, in his address, said, “I agreed to attend the occasion as I am also an ex-Cecilian. We were present for the first Independence Day of Cecily. All of us had our foundation in this institution. I feel nostalgic today. Some of the mango trees are missing today. We were molded in such a way that we will not do anything wrong in our life. These sisters are doing a great job by teaching the students. This institution is a unique one, where 100 years ago, the founders thought to educate the girl child. This school has brought laurels to the Dakshina Kannada district in education.”
Addressing the gathering, Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MLA, said, “Today the institution has grown into a shelter. It is spreading the light of education. This is a moment to thank all the people who have served in this great institution. The institution is providing education and has contributed a lot for the success of education in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. This institution should grow to greater heights. Let this institution celebrate many more successful years.”
Pramod Madhwaraj, former minister and an alumni of St Cecily, said, “I studied here for seven years. I had a memorable time. I and all my sisters studied here. More than studies, I have learnt life skills in this institution. We used to stock our mangoes in the office room to take them home in the evening. I used to chase the cows out which came inside the school compound. My father was instrumental in granting the recognition to the institution.”
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese and president of the function, in his presidential address, said, “Every nation has its unique qualities. Education provides an opportunity to become a good citizen based on the nation’s qualities. Education is not reading and writing. Education is development of humanity. Education brings out the hidden talents of children. According to the researches, a child starts to get education when it is in its mother’s womb. Today education has become a business. Education is for life.”
“Today this institution provides education to 2,374 students under its shelter. The students who studied here are very fortunate. Education tries to bring a change in the thinking of mankind. If the education fails in providing support for mental, physical and spiritual development, then it fails in its motive. From womb to tomb we need to get education. ” added Bishop.
Oscar Fernandes, MP, Rajyasabha and Pramod Madhwaraj, former minister, who are also Ex-Cecilians were felicitated for their commendable achievement in the field of politics.
EX-Cecilians Anitha B Tantry, Shailaja Kamath, Vani K, Sandra Ancilla D’Souza and Sneha N were also felicitated for their achievements during their time in the institution.
Nevil D’Souza, Prasanna Kedlaya and Rajesh Shenoy were felicitated for their service in building the centenary memorial building.
The programme began with a beautiful prayer song presented by the students of the institutes with the soulful music arranged by Fr Valerian Mendonca and written by Vasanthi Ambalpadi, lecturer in Kannada, PUC section.
‘Down the centenary lane’, a narrative act, which narrated the past 100 years of the institution. It was presented by the former students, former teachers, students of the institution and former headmistress. The beautifully presented history gave an in depth view of the institution’s growth and present status.
Sr M Susheela A C released the centenary souvenir on the occasion.
The formal function was followed by the cultural programme performed by the students of the institution. ‘St Cecilia’, the anthem song of the institution, was sang by the students. The patriotic and other theme based performances enthralled the audience. A play about spreading love, peace and service was performed by the students.
Blossom Fernandes, Nalini Pradeep Rao, president taluk panchayat, Subrahmanya Joshi, DDPU Udupi, Sheshashayana K, DDPI Udupi, Uma, acting BEO, sister Carmel Rita A C, principal superior, Rashmi C Bhat, councilor of Ajjarkad ward and former headmistress of the institution, superiors and ex-Cecilians were present during the celebration.
Sr Vibha, headmistress Kannada primary, Sr Alicia, headmistress, preparatory, Sr Preethi, headmistress, high school, Sr Gracy, principal, PUC, staff and PTA Members were present during the function.
Sr Maisie A C, superior and joint secretary, St Cecily’s institution welcomed the gathering. Daisy Pinto, assistant teacher of Kannada medium primary rendered the vote of thanks. Annette Fernandes, Vasanthi Ambalpady and Usha Rajesh compered the formal programmme. Cultural programme was compered by Pratham, Suha, Amith and Rachana.