St Aloysius HPS Bids Adieu to Fr Eric Mathias SJ- the Priest Who Cared & Loved Kids
St Aloysius College Higher Primary school-Mangaluru Bids Adieu to Fr Eric Mathias SJ (Director of the School) – the Priest Who Cared & Loved Kids
Mangaluru: “Bell has no sound till someone rings it, Song has no tune till someone sings it, Feelings has no value till someone feels it”- that’s exactly was the feelings and emotions among the teachers, staff and students of St Aloysius College Higher Primary school, Kodialbail, Mangaluru, when they all joined together bid farewell to their beloved correspondent/Director Rev. Fr. Eric Mathias SJ on 27th October at the school auditorium.
Saturday, 27 October was a day that filled every ones hearts with mixed feelings for the teachers, staff and students of SACHPS. The correspondent was brought to the farewell venue with the school band. On behalf of the student body Ashlin D’Souza spoke words of appreciation about Fr. Eric Mathias S.J.
The only way to do great work, is to love what you do, It is quite apt for Fr. Eric because he proved this, by his dedicated service and his contribution to the growth of our school. A few activities/works worth mentioning are- -An inter school competition held on the eve of sainthood of Mother Theresa; The State level Chess Tournament conducted in our school; A team of students are trained for the school band; Students had an enriched educational journey by their annual visits to Mundgod; Students learnt the great virtue of sharing and creating happiness for the less fortunate; Christmas celebration with the needy, visits to Old Age Homes, have helped to instill good values in our students; Any happy occasion would be grandly celebrated with good food ie. “Ruchi Oota”; With a generous heart he would distribute sugarcane to all on the occasion of the Nativity.
In his message Fr Eric addressing the gathering said, “With mixed emotions I am here with you to share my joy and sorrows. It has been great couple of years sharing my life with you all, and you all were like my family members, and I will cherish those moments that I spent with you all for the rest of my life. When you grow up children, Give love and care to those children around you. Bring change in the society through your service. You are all invited to Harihar, because the City has much top be seen like Temples, Mosques and Churches. Be my guest. Thanks for all your love, support and encouragement shown towards me during my tenure here”.
The outgoing correspondent was felicitated by the students, staff and members of the PTA. In his message the correspondent thanked the Almighty for being with him. He said he will miss the students and that he will always pray to God to bless them abundantly. He appreciated the students for learning how to live with others in the school. He thanked all the students, staff and PTA members for being very cooperative during his tenure.
No doubt the school will dearly miss Rev.Fr. Eric Mathias, a person full of compassion and touched the hearts of many. The students, staff and the PTA will surely remain ever grateful for all the services and assure their prayers to Fr. Eric Mathias in his future mission. The Headmistress Mrs. Philomena Lewis, the Asst Headmaster, Mr.Liya D’Souza and the vice president of the PTA Mrs. Rekha Fernandes were present for the programme. The entire programme was conducted by the students.