Mangaluru: MDS Charities will organise the Educare 2026–27 Agreement Signing and Orientation Programme for students of the Diocese of Mangalore on Sunday, August 16, at Bejai Church Hall, Mangaluru.

The programme, organised by Mr. Michael D’Souza and Family, in association with the Advisors and Educare Team, aims to guide students selected under the Educare initiative while facilitating the agreement-signing process for the academic year 2026–27.

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha to preside

The programme will be presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore.

Rev. Fr. Stany Pereira, Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Bejai, will lead the opening prayer, while Rev. Fr. Faustine L. Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, will attend as the Chief Guest.

The Guests of Honour include:

  • Mr. Nirmal D’Souza, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Bejai
  • Very Rev. Rajesh Rosario, Rector, St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary
  • Rev. Fr. Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, Director, St. Joseph’s Engineering College

Orientation and agreement signing

The programme will begin at 9.00 a.m. with breakfast and registration, followed by the signing of agreements.

An orientation session will be conducted by Mr. Richard Alvares, Cordel, providing guidance to students before the formal stage programme.

The event will be compered by Mr. H. M. Pernal, Konkani author and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient (2025).

Student interaction and Eucharistic celebration

The stage programme will include a welcome address by Mr. Stephen Pinto, Advisor, MDS Charities, followed by experience-sharing by students and an address by Prof. CA Lionel Aranha, Advisor, MDS Charities.

The Chief Guest and the Bishop of Mangalore will also address the gathering.

The programme will conclude with a vote of thanks by Mr. Oswald Rodrigues, Advisor, MDS Charities, followed by a group photograph.

Participants will then proceed to St. Francis Xavier Church, Bejai, for the Holy Mass at 12 noon, after which lunch will be served at the church hall. Collection of signed documents will take place from 1.30 p.m. onwards.

The Educare programme is aimed at supporting students through educational assistance while encouraging academic excellence and holistic development.