Mangaluru: The Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) resonated with faith and family spirit on 26 July 2025 as it observed the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne—patron saints of FMCI—while inaugurating new healthcare spaces. This annual festal day, dedicated to compassion, unity, and service, reinforced FMCI’s core commitment to holistic healing and charitable care.

A solemn feast of faith and tradition

FMCI commemorated the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne with a deeply reflective Eucharistic Mass. Very Rev. Dr Rajesh Melwin Rosario, Rector of St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, led the Mass with his celebratory homily drawing parallels between the wisdom of grandparents and the nurturing ethos that has been passed down through generations at FMCI. His reflections underscored the institution’s mission to alleviate suffering under the mercy of Christ.

The ceremonial proceedings began with a prayer service and the lighting of the lamp—symbols of hope and guidance—setting a reverent tone for the day’s celebrations.

Inauguration of state-of-the-art healthcare facilities

A landmark moment of the day was the blessing and inauguration of new departmental spaces on the second floor of the Oncology Block. These new facilities include dedicated Medical and Surgical Oncology units, a specialized Ophthalmology Operation Theatre, and an additional patient ward. His Lordship Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore and President of FMCI, led the solemn blessing alongside Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of FMCI, with support from the Governing Board and Management Committee members. Bishop Saldanha invoked divine blessings with holy water, marking a new milestone in FMCI’s enduring journey of healing and hope.

Reflections on legacy and leadership

In his welcome address, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo dedicated the new facilities to the care of the poor and suffering, crediting the visionary leadership of former Director Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho and outgoing Administrator Fr Ajith B Menezes. Quoting St. John Paul II, Fr Lobo compared the generosity of Saints Joachim and Anne to the selfless service that FMCI upholds. The event also included a brief thanksgiving ceremony during which contractors and dedicated workers were felicitated, notably Mr Michael Pereira and Mr Ronald Crasta from the FMCI Maintenance Department for their tireless commitment.

Voices of gratitude and visionary achievements

Dr Rohan Gatty, Professor and Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology, delivered the vote of thanks, lauding the FMCI administration for exceeding expectations with the new facility—describing it as a “minimalistic architectural marvel” that blends modern luxury with the historic values of the institution. Dr Saritha Lobo, Professor and Head of Ophthalmology, efficiently compered the event, while the practical logistics were adeptly managed by Fr Rohan Dias and Dr Kelvin Pais, Liaison Officer, FMCI.

In continuation of FMCI’s festive tradition, a grand breakfast was served to over 11,000 staff, faculty, students, and nurses across the Kankanady, Thumbay, and Derelakatte campuses, featuring a spread of idli, vada, plantain, sheera, complemented by coffee and tea. A luncheon for the FMCI Governing Board, Management Committee, Advisory Council, and department heads further fostered fellowship and gratitude among the institution’s key stakeholders.

A celebration of shared values

This annual festal day at FMCI is more than a mere celebration—it reaffirms the institution’s core values of fraternity, unity, and service. Embracing people across castes, creeds, and hierarchies, FMCI stands as a beacon of compassionate care, dedicated to serving humanity through faith and state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure. With its comprehensive facilities, including one of the region’s largest ICUs, FMCI continues to set benchmarks in providing care to the marginalized and the needy.