St Aloysius College bids ‘Adieu’ to a Humble & Witty ‘Finance Officer’ Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ
Mangaluru: Time really files. And today, Tuesday 30 October 2018, was a day of mixed feelings for the management and staff of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru when they had bid goodbye to a most Humble, Charismatic, Experienced, Knowledgeable, and Witty “Finance Officer” Rev Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, who after two and a half years dedicated service has to leave on a new assignment at yet another Jesuit Institution in Harihara. And everyone had one thing to say was a BIG Thank You to Fr Sequeira for being the most friendly and jovial priest around at St Aloysius College.
It means so much for many at St Aloysius that Fr Pradeep had dedicated his time listening to them and had poured out so much love through his interaction, participation in various activities/meetings, etc and just by being present in the many occasions at St Aloysius Institutions. He has touched so many hearts, and as just one man with only one life to live, but because of God’s love he had chosen to open his huge heart and live that life as shepherd of Aloysians; as both a servant and a leader. He had helped them to be better people- and they all deeply appreciated all that Fr Pradeep had done for them. And that is the reason that all them miss him very dearly after a short span of tenure at St Aloysius as Finance Officer.
A Farewell and Welcome function for Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ-the Out-going Finance Officer, and Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ-the in-coming Finance Officer at St Aloysius College, respectively was held on Tuesday 30 October at the Sanidhya Hall. The function began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer rendered by Fr Pradeep Anthony SJ- Director, Arrupe Block. Inn his welcome address, Fr Praveen Martis SJ, the Principal of St Aloysius College said, “Today we are in a mixed feelings, because one finance officer is leaving, and another Finance Officer is joining us. In the last 2 1/2 years under the tenure of Fr Pradeep we have seen dramatic changes. Even at the age of 78, Fr Pradeep has been a Wisdom figure, and while we welcome Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ as our new Finance Officer, we have a young Wise man”.
“Fr Pradeep was a man of Finesse, where he wanted things to be perfect and in order, and no doubt he has given his office a new look. He was a man of order, where he puts his heart and soul in his work. He is fun to be around, having full humor in him. He was like a fire, very quick in his work. Even though he was with us for a short time, we will all cherish and remember Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ for ever. I on behalf of everyone in the Aloysian family wish Him all success in his new post in Harihar. We should be also happy to welcome Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ, who is also a mature man, having lots of experience in the financial field, and I am confident that Fr Melwyn will follow in the footsteps of Fr Pradeep in taking St Aloysius to greater heights” added Fr Praveen SJ.
Two persons came forward to express their thoughts and appreciation on Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ- Miss Ashwitha Monteiro, a staff from the finance department, in a very emotion and tears in her eyes expressed her feelings saying, “Words can neither qualify nor quantify how helpful your guidance and advice has been. Father, your motivational talks have inspired so many in this institution. Thank you for giving us some words of encouragement and full support even if it is not related to our work. Your consistent guidance has helped me to increase my potential at work. Thank you for teaching me that every mistake is just a learning Experience. I have learnt so much from you. Ever since I have been working for you, I found myself evolving both with respect to my career as well as a person. Thank you for the opportunity to work for and learn from you”.
“Thanks for being the Brains of boardroom meetings, the hands of workplace policies, the legs that take the team forward and the life of the college finance. Other bosses give orders, you gave us direction. Other bosses give targets, you gave us a vision. Other bosses lead by authority; you have always led us by respect. Farewell to a boss, like no other. Father, I wish you all success, good health and fruitfulness in all your efforts and work “concluded Ashwitha.
Fr Alwyn D’sa-Vice Principal, St Aloysius College also expressing his thoughts said, ” Rev. Fr Pradeep Sequiera has been described by all the staff members as a man of humor, wit, scholarship, experience, concern and wisdom. He is always composed and relaxed, brings smiles on the faces of people, always willing to learn. His motivational talks and training are very lively and dynamic. It was Heraclitus, the Greek Philosopher, who said that the universe in a state of flux and you never step into the same river twice. Change and novelty are the only constant things in life. As there is an art of living, all of us also need to learn the art of leaving. As a Finance of Officer, Fr Pradeep insisted on maintaining high caliber and professionalism in the finance section. He consistently advised students and teachers to follow a system of budgeting in advance and follow the budget strictly. He gave high priority to transparency and accountability in all transactions.
He further said, “As a mentor, he shared his ideas on the Jesuit Higher Education Paradigm as well as the core values of Jesuit Education. He added value to the Deemed-to-be-University Proposal by facilitating the understanding of the context of the college in the contemporary situation and how to evolve the perspective plans for the Deemed – to –be- University. He not only guided us in maintaining high ethical standards in Finances but also touched the lives of many staff and students personally and made a difference in their lives”.
In his presidential address, Fr Dionysius Vas- Rector of St Aloysius Institutions said, “Whenever I get a call from our provincial from Bengaluru, it is about someone getting transferred or someone assigned a new post- but this call was about transferring Fr Eric Mathias SJ and Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ to Harihar on two different posts. I was okay with Fr Eric getting transferred, but was reluctant on moving Fr Pradeep to Harihar due to his old-age and health. But when Provincial approached Fr Pradeep, he readily agreed, because He is a man who says for everything. Even though Fr Pradeep looks old, but he young at heart with young talents. He was a great gift to our institution-he was a role model, a example, a master figure, a philosopher and a guide. He will be great asset at Harihar Jesuit institution because of his vast experiences and knowledge. Even though he is leaving us, Fr Pradeep still belongs to our Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society. About Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ, having also vast experience in handling Finance, this college needs a person like him- and we are happy to have him here”.
Expressing his gratefulness and appreciations, Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, as always in his witty punchlines said, “Whatever Fr Rector spoke on me, I am bit confused whether he was describing me or someone else, because some facts are not TRUE? ( laughs). When I was requested to take up the post at Harihar, I said Yes, because I never say No for any requests made. I always change my directions in my life, when my schedule changes. When I took up the Finance Officer post here, I was nervous in the beginning, but with all the support from the staff, I think I have done a great job, if not pardon me. My three dedicated and bubbly department staff- Ashwitha, Melita and Divya were of great help in getting my work done smoothly- I appreciate their support”.
“Fr Praveen Martis SJ is a man of Zest, having done lots of progress in this institution. Fr Rector even though he had mentioned that I can go Far, but walk slow, but in his case, he can walk fast and far and get things done, because he is a visionary. Although he is in the air always, but his feet are firm on the ground. Under Fr Dionysius Vas tenure, St Aloysius College has scaled newer heights and earned name and fame. Finally, my heartfelt thanks also to non-teaching staff-Alwyn Sequeira for his help all the time, when I needed. I feel that I am the Best Beneficiary among you all. Thanks a million for your love and support during my tenure at St Aloysius College” added Fr Pradeep.
Also speaking Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ, the new Finance Officer said, “I am thankful to Fr Pradeep, because he has put lots of things in order, and he has also given tips on how to handle the work systematically. Even though I have gained lots of experience in handling accounts, but Fr Pradeep is a genius I can say at his ripe age. I will surely try to follow in his footsteps and see that everything is done accordingly, and to the satisfaction of the Institution. I also seek your support and encouragement when I assume my office from today”.
It was a double celebration for Fr Pradeep-since his birthday ( which was on 24 Oct) was celebrated today by cutting a delicious frosty cake, with everyone joining in singing the Happy Birthday song. Fr Pradeep was also felicitated on the occasion, and flower bouquets were exchanged between Fr Pradeep and Fr Melwyn as they switch posts.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by AM Narahari, the Registrar of the College. The programme was compered by Dr Lavina Lobo-Director, IT Block, and was arranged by PRO Ms Chandrakala. I end this report with a joke from Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, because he always has a joke when he addresses an audience- here is the joke: A man having two pet dogs at home, walks into a medical shop and asks for dog biscuits. The shop clerk asks him, “Do you want your biscuits packed or do you want them to eat here?”
A small message from Yours Truly on behalf of Team Mangalorean to Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ- “Dear Fr Pradeep, You bravely and self-sacrificially answered God’s call to be a shepherd to the flock. May you be very blessed for responding to the Almighty’s call to serve him with all your heart, soul and might. Your work has been appreciated by all, and may you continue to do your work in the same manner till you can. May you continue to have good health; May your days be spirit-filled with meaningful engagements and joy; May you be surrounded by peace and love; May you feel God’s loving embrace whenever you’re down; May the Holy Spirit guide you. If I get a chance I will surely come and meet YOU and my Dear Friend, Fr ERIC sj at Harihar. Amen”.
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