Selfless In Service! 450th Birth Anniversary of St Aloysius Gonzaga Celebrated in Glamour & Fervor
- “There is no more evident sign that anyone is a saint and of the number of the elect, than to see him leading a good life and at the same time a prey to desolation, suffering, and trials. He who wishes to love God does not truly love Him if he has not an ardent and constant desire to suffer for His sake.”-Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
Mangaluru: The audience of predominately mixed comprising of Benefactors, Patrons, Well-Wishers, Priests, Nuns, Students and all those invited guests who were close and dear to the Jesuit Priests attended the glamorous 450th Birth Anniversary Celebration of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the Patron of St Aloysius Institutions-Mangaluru on Sunday, 19 August 2018, at St Aloysius High School Hall at 6.30 pm- and prior to that St Aloysius Chapel saw a houseful audience who attended the Eucharistic Mass at 5 pm, celebrated by Archbishop of Bengaluru Rev Fr Peter Machado, along with other clergy namely- Mangaluru Diocese Bishop-Elect Rev Fr Peter Paul Saldanha; Fr Dionysius Vas SJ -Rector, St Aloysius Institutions; Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu- Vicar General, Mangaluru Diocese; Fr Denzil Lobo SJ and Fr Leo D’souza SJ- both former Rectors of St Aloysius Institutions; Fr Denzil Lobo SJ- Secretary of Mangalore Jesuit Education Society; among many others.
Before going further into details of the report on this prestigious and memorable celebration, on the outset as a Alumni of my Alma mater, St Aloysius Institution, where I studied from 5th std until B Sc graduation, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the Jesuit priests for their support, encouragement, and inculcating discipline and characters in me to be a better human being/person, what I am now. When it comes to discipline, morals, character, devotion, dedication other than education, there is no other educational institution in the City who have such qualities- And like they say “An Aloysian, Always an Aloysian”- and I feel proud to One! Thanks in million to all the Jesuit Priests for all my accomplishments in life.
With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that one cannot achieve. And for that matter, the large crowd that had converged at the Chapel and then at the Hall, to celebrate the 450th birth anniversary of one such selfless individual who has inspired thousands of youth around the world, the Patron of St Aloysius Institutions, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga- it was a happy moment to be part of the celebration and also to be part of the Jesuit Family.
St Aloysius Gonzaga born as a son of a princely family, he grew up in royal courts and army camps. At age seven, He experienced a profound spiritual quickening. When he was thirteen years old, He acted as a page in the court of Philip II. The more Aloysius saw of court life, the more disillusioned He became, seeking relief in learning about the lives of saints. A book about the experience of Jesuit missionaries in India suggested to Him the idea of entering the Society of Jesus. He renounced his right to succession and was received into the Jesuit novitiate. In 1591, a plague struck Rome. Aloysius nursed patients, washing them and making their beds, Aloysius also caught the disease. He died at a young age of 23. The voluntary service offered by the young man, considering the health risks and the discrimination coming from it, is a saintly model for us all.
Pope Benedict XIII declared Aloysius Gonzaga patron of the youth; Pope Pius XI proclaimed him patron of students, and Pope John Paul II named him patron of those suffering from AIDS. Let us bring the light and the courage of St Aloysius Gonzaga into our communities, spreading the message of faith and hope he embraced 450 years ago. The things that Aloysius did were done because of his belief in the reality and dynamics of the love of God. Aloysius Gonzaga loved God by loving others, especially the sick! We are called to love God by loving others as well – all those who need God’s comfort and care and assurance. If we do this in a particularly single-minded way we can even develop our own experience of perfection to a greater degree than what might be ordinary, and we will know a greater fullness of joy in God’s presence and delights at his right hand! Love one another as I have loved you like Jesus said! Even Pope Francis has advised the youth to take courage and serve the needy. Likewise, adults and youth need to follow in the footsteps of St Aloysius Gonzaga, to share some of your wealth with others who are in need and the destitute. You will be truly blessed.
During the Eucharistic Mass held at St Aloysius Chapel, the main celebrant Fev Fr Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bengaluru in His homily said, “Even though I am not a Jesuit, but I have developed close relationship with the Jesuits, and do admire their service in preaching the message of God, and also serving the communities through their dedicated and committed educational work. St Aloysius Institution is indeed a landmark in Mangaluru, and we all should be proud of it. Through this institution, thousands of students have exited and are in good posts around the world. And St Aloysius Gonzaga as their patron Saint of this Institution, there is nothing better we could ask for. His teachings and lifestyle have made a big difference in many of us, and we should all follow in the footsteps of St Aloysius Gonzaga. St Aloysius Institution is not just an Institution, but an inspiration for all”
“Today, Sunday 19 August, the Catholic Church observes ‘Justice Sunday’, and there is no dearth of ‘justice issues’ matters that need to be reflected upon prayed for and acted upon. The Catholic Church needs to do some serious soul-searching and substantial visible action to address internal injustices (be they allegations or real) that plague the Church in India today. All these merit an immediate response for as the axiom goes, ‘justice delayed, is justice denied.’ On ‘Justice Sunday’, the Church in India must reiterate her unflinching commitment, visibly, vocally and through meaningful action, to stand with the victims of injustice all over the country. Where ‘injustice’ is concerned, one cannot be selective; or take a stand ‘only’ when one feels confident that one’s material interests/privileges are not hurt,” added Archbishop Machado.
Following the mass, and after a couple of group photos, it was all celebration time at the St Aloysius High School Hall. As Charles Spurgeon said, “True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is the spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” – the programme began with a prayer dance by the students of St Aloysius High school, followed by yet another welcome dance by students of St Aloysius College Higher Primary School, since dance is a communication between body and soul, to express what is too deep to find for words.
Following the dances, the dignitaries for the occasion namely-Most Reverend Peter Machado, Arch Bishop of Bangalore; Most Reverend Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop-designate Mangaluru; Guest of honour Dr. M.R Ravi, Chief Executive Officer Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat; Rev Fr Dionysius vas SJ.- Rector and also the Honorary dignitaries/Benefactors- Clarence Pius, Dr Celine Lobo and Michael D’Souza were escorted to the dais. The welcome address was delivered by Rector- Fr Dionysius Vas SJ., as he always extends his full support for the progress and welfare of everyone. His true dedication, missionary zeal and human touch are commendable, and His words of inspiration keep everyone’s morale high. He is a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every member of this institution. Fr Rector’s words of wisdom were highly applauded by the audience.
Now it was time to honour the dignitaries on the dais, namely- Most Reverend Peter Machado, Arch Bishop of Bengaluru. Most Reverend Archbishop Peter Machado was born on May 26, 1954, in Honnavar. He was ordained a priest on December 8, 1978, for the Diocese of Karwar. He was appointed Bishop of Belgaum on Feb. 2, 2006, and was ordained bishop on March 30 that year. His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Most Rev. Bishop Peter Machado, as the Archbishop of Bangalore on 19th March 2018. His aptitude to mingle with people combined with his modesty made him the “Common Man’s Bishop”. Most Reverend Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop-designate Mangaluru was also honored. Fr Saldanha was born in Kinnigoli, Diocese of Mangalore, on 27 April 1964. He was ordained Priest on 6 May 1991, for the Diocese of Mangaluru. His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Rev. Fr. Peter Paul Saldanha, until now Professor at the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome, as the new Bishop of Mangaluru.
Guest of honour Dr. M.R Ravi, Chief Executive Officer Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat was also honored. An IAS officer of great caliber Dr Ravi pursues his duty with a missionary zeal. That the DK ZP won the Swachhata Darpan Award for cleanliness given by the Union Government, amply speaks about the efficiency of this officer who is also a talented writer. Dr M. R. Ravi of a rare genre who finds time to pen down his thoughts, his ideas and his experiences despite his hectic schedule. One of his articles “Ellaru Doctor, Engineer Adre Bere Vrithigala Paadenu” has found its way into the textbook for first-year BBA students of Mangalore University. It was a great honour for St Aloysius Institution to honor such a great man. Following which the three eminent personalities who have provided their selfless services to the society, namely Clarence Pius, Dr Celine Lobo and Michael D’Souza were felicitated.
Fr Praveen Martis SJ Principal St Aloysius Degree College; Rev Fr Pradeep Sequeira S J Finance Officer St Aloysius Degree College; and Rev Fr Denzil Lobo SJ Director AIMIT Beeri who read out the citations of the three persons Clarence Pais, Dr Celine Lobo about her beloved husband late Dr. Lawrence Lobo as he receives the honours posthumous; and Michael D’souza respectively. Leadership is something one earns, something one is chosen for, it is the mark of respect received from others around. It is now time to listen from the chief guest of honour of today’s program who is most fondly addressed as the common man’s Bishop, Archbishop of Bangalore most Reverend Peter Machado.
In his speech complimenting and praising the Jesuits, Archbishop Fr Machado said, ” I want to quote three D’s for the Jesuits, namely Devotion, Dedication, and Discipline. Students of St Aloysius Institution should be proud to be trained and received education from this great institution”. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop-designate of Mangaluru Diocese in his speech said, “It’s okay for youth to have St Aloysius Gonzaga as their patron and follow in his footsteps, but in the present world where most of the things are dominated by youth, we should listen to the youth more than we tell them. We need to value the present youth. Youth are the pillars of the present world. This institution has shown light and path to many students. The direction is very important in education. St Aloysius had the vision to serve others, therefore the youth need to follow His footsteps in serving others.”
Efficiency is doing the thing right. Effectiveness is doing the right thing. It was time to hear guest of honour Dr M.R Ravi whose work calls out loud and clear, the efficient and effective leader he has been. In his thought-provoking message, Dr Ravi said, “My association with Christian institutions has been since my school and college days. And I can say that the education, discipline and morals that you get from Christian institutions, no other Institutions can beat them. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, “A shoemaker who can turn out a strong, nice pair of shoes in the shortest possible time is a better man, according to his profession and his work than a professor who talks nonsense every day of his life”. Education is not all that is needed, we need better character, moral, discipline and service. We had nice homes earlier taking care of elders, now we have old-age homes? Youth are neglecting elders, and it is sad to note Mangaluru is leading in elderly abuse. Let’s be more caring, loving and respectful towards seniors. If we try hard, we all can make a difference”.
Next in line was the Book Release Ceremony, books namely “In Harmony With Life- Reflecting Care and Concern Volume II {one-Student Manual, and the other Teacher’s Manual} authored by Ms Rose Veera D’Souza- Associate Professor, St Aloysius College, done by Fr Peter Saldanha. The vote of thanks was delivered by Fr Gerald Furtado SJ-Principal of St Aloysius High School. The formal function ended with the cultural programme- and for all those who have been associated with St Aloysius Institutions, the story of our Patron has been an inspiration- Students and Staff of St Aloysius Degree College recreated the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga in the form a skit. Selfless in service was the main theme of today’s program, therefore students and staff of St Aloysius PU College presented a mesmerizing thematic dance capturing the essence of this message. The entire programme was professionally compered my Ms Ashwini N-Professor of Biology, St Aloysius College, who did a marvelous job through her quotes and punchlines.
Every celebration is an experience, the external fades away and the internal lingers and echoes in the most depth of our heart. As we gathered today celebrating the 450th birth anniversary of St Aloysius Gonzaga, let us promise to ourselves to be kind, generous and indulge in selfless service. Fr Felix, Professor at St Aloysius College said the grace for the sumptuous dinner, and everyone returned home with happy memories of a great celebration of their lifetime. Long Live St Aloysius Institutions!
