Mangaluru: It was a joyous day at Lourdes Central School (LSC), Bejai, Mangaluru city’s first CBSE school, as it completed 19 fruitful years of delivering quality education and stepped into the 20th year. To mark this milestone, the school’s management has planned an eventful Vicennial Year celebration, the inauguration of which was done by Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese and the President of Catholic Board of Education. At the inauguration, the Vicennial Year celebration logo was released and a sapling was planted by the Bishop to mark the occasion.
The event was kicked off with a welcome dance by the school’s students and a prayer song by the school’s choir. Fr. Wilson Vitus D’Souza then welcomed the gathering to the celebrations and Fr. Robert D’Souza presented to the audience, the growth and achievements of the school over the past two decades. The district toppers of Class X, Class XII and achievers in the recently held CBSE exams were felicitated by the Bishop along with the guests.
The Bishop, who was the guiding force for the starting of LCS and a support in its growth, was also felicitated on the occasion on behalf of the school’s management, staff, students and parents.
In his presidential address, the Bishop expressed his happiness about the growth of the school and its achievements. “A school which was inaugurated by him 19 years ago, with just 200 students and 12 staff members has now become a big institution which gives quality education and is one of the best central schools in India. 19 years ago, when late Fr. Bernard L. D’Souza’s visionary plans were taking wing, he had to face a lot of challenges. But, due to his dynamic leadership and tireless efforts, this school became a reality. I remember him and all those who have put their efforts to bring this school to this level on this special day.”
“It’s a triple celebration of joy today. A celebration for the students who have achieved something in life, joy for the parents who have continuously supported them and joy for the teachers who have constantly encouraged these students. There is a special blessing of the almighty God on this institution. Irrespective of faith, we all believe in God. We all depend on his blessings,” he said.
The Bishop then congratulated the students who brought laurels and accolades to the institution. He advised the students not to be satisfied as just a performer but as achievers in life. Quoting India’s former president APJ Abdul Kalam, he said, “Dream, dream, dream. The dreams need to be precise, attempted and achieved. And that makes the parents happy, and the efforts of teachers who have been encouraging you will be fruitful.”
Bejai Parish Priest and Manager of the school Fr. Wilson Vitus D’Souza, Lourdes Central School Principal Fr. Robert D’Souza, Vice Principal Belita Mascarenhas, Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad Vice President Stany Vas, Secretary Cony Saldanha, School Parent Teachers’ Council President Veena Amrith and Bejai Parish Assistant Priest Fr. Roshan Lobo were among those present.
