Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions observed Founder’s Day in honour of Rev. Fr Augustus Muller with a solemn Eucharistic celebration followed by the blessing and inauguration of newly renovated and advanced medical facilities aimed at strengthening patient care and medical education.
The celebrations began with a Holy Eucharistic Mass at 8:00 a.m., with Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, former Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions and Parish Priest of St Theresa of Kolkata Church, Paldane, serving as the main celebrant. The Mass was concelebrated by priests from the management and other guest clergy.
Message of love and unity during Eucharistic celebration
In his homily, Fr Richard reflected on the Gospel message of love, emphasising that genuine love for fellow human beings fosters peace and harmony in society.
Referring to the teaching of Jesus to “love thy neighbour as thyself,” he said that such compassion is essential in a world seeking unity and healing.
During the announcements, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, thanked the large gathering of faithful, staff members, and students who attended the Founder’s Day Eucharist. He also expressed gratitude to Fr Richard Coelho for his homily and presence during the subsequent blessing ceremonies.
Paediatric ward upgraded with specialised facilities
Following the Mass, the renovated K Ward – Paediatric Unit was blessed by Fr Richard Coelho in the presence of Fr Faustine Lobo, members of the management, faculty, and staff.
The upgraded facility includes a High Dependency Unit and a dedicated Paediatric Hemato-Oncology section, designed to cater to children requiring specialised and intensive medical care.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Anil Shetty, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, expressed gratitude to the management for supporting the renovation and expansion of paediatric services.
He noted that the enhanced facility would significantly strengthen the department’s ability to provide advanced medical care to children while continuing the institution’s mission of nurturing healthier young lives.
Advanced anaesthesia workstation introduced
The Department of Anaesthesia also marked the occasion with the blessing of its newly acquired AISYS CS2 Anaesthesia Workstation with EcoFlow, an advanced digital system capable of supporting both adult and paediatric cases.
Addressing the gathering at the Main Operation Theatre complex, Dr Kishan Shetty, Head of the Department of Anaesthesia, thanked the management for procuring the sophisticated equipment within a short period.
He explained that the workstation enhances patient safety, precision monitoring, and operational efficiency, making it one of the most advanced anaesthesia systems available in Mangaluru.
Virtual dissection technology for medical education
Another highlight of the Founder’s Day celebrations was the inauguration of the Pirogov Model 2 Virtual Dissection Table and the establishment of a Virtual Student Anatomy Laboratory.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Varsha Shenoy explained that the virtual anatomy table is the first of its kind among medical colleges in Karnataka and the fourth in India.
Manufactured in Russia, the system features aircraft-grade materials and Gorilla Glass technology, enabling highly detailed digital dissection and advanced anatomical visualisation for medical students.
Dr Pallavi, Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy, demonstrated the system by conducting a virtual dissection of the human hand for the audience.
Joining the event virtually from Russia, Mr Evgeniy Abashin shared insights into the technology’s global applications and latest features. The programme was compered by Dr Daron Mascarenhas, Assistant Professor.
Institution committed to innovation and service
Addressing the gathering, Fr Richard Coelho expressed happiness at witnessing the institution’s continued development and technological advancement.
He observed that each new facility or equipment is carefully chosen with the ultimate goal of benefiting patients and improving the learning environment for medical students.
Delivering the presidential address, Fr Faustine Lobo emphasised that change and growth are essential for institutions committed to service.
He noted that while inanimate objects remain unchanged, living beings continuously evolve by learning and adapting. Similarly, he said, institutions must grow with time while remaining faithful to their founding mission of healing and compassion.
Members of the Governing Board, Management Committee, and the Charitable Society were present for the ceremonies.
The Founder’s Day celebration commemorated the birth anniversary of Fr Augustus Muller SJ, acknowledging the visionary foundation he laid while reaffirming the institution’s commitment to providing compassionate healthcare and advancing medical education.
A cultural programme is scheduled to be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Father Muller Convention Centre, where faculty and staff will showcase their talents for students of the institution, followed by a fellowship dinner for the Father Muller family.
The Live events of the Cultural event link is as follows:
https://youtube.com/live/3Mw8rFG2VrA?feature=share
