To Comfort & Heal 175 ‘Angels of Mercy’ Graduate from Fr Muller School of Nursing & College of Nursing
“No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this – ‘devoted and obedient’. I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse. I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results. The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm. To understand God’s thoughts one must study statistics… the measure of his purpose. There is no part of my life, upon which I can look back without pain.”- Florence Nightingale
Mangaluru: “We come to comfort and to heal, to love and serve in woe and weal; We come to comfort and to heal, to love and serve in woe and weal”- these are part of the lyrics from the Fr Muller’s Institution Anthem- and these words fit for these 175 nursing students comprising of 102 B Sc Nursing, 24 Post Basic B Sc Nursing, 9 M Sc Nursing, and 40 General Nursing, of Fr Muller’s School of Nursing (FMSoN); and Fr Muller’s College of Nursing (FMCoN) who graduated today to lead the community as responsible and dedicated Nurses, to care for the patients who depend on them.
The Graduation Day ceremony of Fr Muller School of Nursing and Fr Muller College of Nursing was held on 23 March 2019 at Fr Muller Convention Centre- A graduation ceremony is a pageant celebrating the transition from student to graduate and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their life. 175 graduates all dressed to thrill in their graduation gowns, and who were about to receive their certificate and medal were all beaming with smile and pride as they were ready to enter the hall for the big celebrations, amidst their teachers, parents and college-mates. They were all happy that their dreams came true in becoming the “Angels of Mercy” referred to as “Nurses”!
The day began with a Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration at 8.00 am in St Joseph Chapel where Rev Msgr Maxim Lawrence Noronha, Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese was the main celebrant. He also preached a meaningful homily highlighting the role of nurses in the healing ministry. A very meaningful liturgy was organised. Later in the afternoon, at 2.30 pm, the function commenced with the entry of graduates to the tunes of Fr Muller Nursing Band in a beautiful “Graduation March” by the way of traditional pattern with flowers and balloons all around followed by the dignitaries of the occasion. The dignitaries were given a symbolic welcome in the traditional Indian style, the Poornakumbha Swagatha followed by the Prayer dance performed by the students of Father Muller School and College of Nursing. And now as these Nursing graduates of Fr Muller’s emerge out of the campus and look forward to serve the community, they will be a great asset to the needy patients who are anticipating their dedicated and professional services.
The programme commenced with an invocation prayer and dance by the students of Nursing, followed by a heart welcoming speech delivered by Rev Fr Richard Coelho- the Director of Fr Muller Charitable institutions. Rev Sr Dr Matilda Monteiro, Provincial Superior, Sisters of charity was the chief guest. Rt Rev Msgr Maxim Lawrence Noronha, Vicar general of Mangalore diocese and also the vice president of Father Muller charitable Institutions presided over the function. Rev Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of the Institutions, Rev Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, Administrator of Father Muller medical college hospital, Rev Fr Ajith Menezes, Administrator, Father Muller medical college, Rev Sr Jacintha DSouza, Principal, Father Muller College of Nursing, Mrs Jasmine Saritha Vas, Principal, Father Muller school of Nursing, Prof Victoria D’Almeida, Vice Principal, Father Muller College of Nursing, Rev Sr Janet DSouza, Chief Nursing officer of Father Muller Medical college hospital were present on the dais.
The Annual Report of Fr Muller College of Nursing was read by Rev Sr Jacintha D’Souza, followed by School of Nursing report read by Jasmine Saritha Vas. The graduation and oath taking ceremony commenced next, where the 175 graduating students received their badges and certificates, to the loud applaud from the audience. Delivering the graduation address, Rev Sr Dr Matilda Monteiro said that the nurses are the backbone of the health care. She asked all the graduates to carry on the Legacy of Fr Muller forward by serving the needy with love and care. She enlightened the graduates saying that they are the true ambassadors of this institution to alleviate suffering, inspire and innovate their service through integrity, compassion and loyalty.
Ms Shalu Sebastian The Best Out Going Student of Bsc Nursing, having bagged several Ranks
She further said ” All of you full-fledged nurses who have now stepped into this fertile and promising field of nursing, as full-fledged professionals would be competent to provide professional care to the sick and needy. You are willingly embracing this dedicated profession which has its branches rooted in service to humanity from time immemorial. To all you graduates I say you need to have Integrity, Loyalty and Compassion’. You have entered into this dynamic profession, ready to face the challenges of today. This profession of caring is passed from generation to generation. Make sure that you are vibrant, vigilant and more knowledgeable. You should be proud of yourselves to be graduated from Fr Muller Institution, where you have learned the values, discipline and respect.”.
In his presidential address, Rev Msgr Maxim Lawrence Noronha, called upon the graduates to uphold the motto of Fr Muller Institution “To Heal & Comfort” by rendering the quality and dedicated service. He further said, “You should be all grateful that you all belonged to a respectful institution. You all are just like a family belonging to the Fr Muller community. Many students of different faith and religion have passed through this institution and have become great assets to the nation and the world. Ranks don’t matter much, but your service and commitment to your duties count a lot. Now that you are moving out of the college and will be serving those patients in needs, you should be an asset to the community through your dedicated services. Utilize your talents and knowledge that you gained from this prestigious institution.. Be ready to help someone who is in need of medical assistance. Make sure you don’t forget your Alma mater, which has done so much for your career in this nursing field. Wish you all best of luck and success in your future endeavours”. He also wished them success in their future endeavours.
During this occasion, all the achievers in various fields were awarded. Meritorious graduates and students were presented with awards and prizes for their achievements in academics. The Best outgoing graduate for the year 2018 was awarded to Ms Shalu Sebastian from Basic B Sc Nursing. Ms Shalu Sebastian delivered the response on behalf of all the Graduates expressing her joy and gratitude. Mementos were presented to the chief guest and guest of honour. Vice-principal of Father Muller college of nursing Prof Victoria Almeida delivered the vote of thanks, while the entire ceremony was professionally compered by Ms Sonia Sequeira and Ms Viola Felicita D’Souza, both faculty at Fr Muller College of Nursing.
After the recession of the graduates, cultural events were organised for the gathering. Around 1000 plus people consisting of graduates, postgraduates, parents, alumni, guests, invitees, staff and students witnessed this solemn celebration. The mesmerizing cultural session comprised of Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, group song and Freestyle Dances performed by the students of Fr Muller school and college of Nursing. The cultural session was compered by Miss Diloy D’Souza and Miss Eami Joseph, both students of III B Sc nursing.
In conclusion, Nursing, as Florence Nightingale would tell you, is a noble profession. It’s all about caring, self-sacrifice, and a whole lot of patience. Yes. Nursing is a freaking hard job. But if you forget about how big (or small) your salary is and focus more on what you can offer to the suffering patients, you will always enjoy coming to work every day. You are the hospitality of the hospital. You are the heart of the hospital. Nurses lead very demanding lives. Working with doctors, healing patients and educating the communities are just a few of the responsibilities nurses perform on a daily basis.
In fact, you could say that nurses are the backbone of our healthcare care system, providing us with the attention and medical care that we need to live healthy long-lasting lives. Sometimes being a nurse can be exhausting, but the knowledge and power to help heal others is what keeps them going in challenging times. They come to comfort and to heal, to love and serve in woe and weal. You have all taken up a very professional career to love and serve the sick. Keep up the good work that you all entrusted with, and God will surely bless you. Have a successful nursing profession. To all the nurses a big thank you for caring and healing those in the hour of medical attention.
I end this report with thought-provoking words by Jonathan Lockwood Huie- “Grant that I may radiate Thy Light, Thy Love, Thy Healing, Thy Joy, and Thy Peace to all those around me and all those in my thoughts this day and evermore.” Long live the Nurses – the Angels of Mercy to the patients!
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