With Motto ‘In Love We Grow’ the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of St Agnes Special School Launched
With Motto ‘In Love We Grow’ the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of St Agnes Special School, Bendore-Mangaluru Launched on 6 August 2019
Mangaluru : With a Motto “In Love We Grow”, and with the Vision of Apostolic Carmel Congregation which says- “Inspired by Jesus Christ we reach out with a compassionate heart to all through education and other apostolic ministries”, and their Mission which is -“Inspired by the life and example of Mother Veronica, the Apostolic Carmel Sisters reach out to the people, particularly the youth through education and faith formation in schools, colleges, welfare centres etc. by employing formal and non-formal techniques; and with their Charism, which says-” “Experiencing God’s love as ALL-SUFFICING in contemplative prayer lived in a simple, joyful and life-giving community and shared with all especially the poor through education and other apostolic ministries”, St Agnes Special School, Bendore-Mangaluru, which was opened on 4 August 1970, is ushering in their Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 2019-2020
The year 1970 was a landmark in the history of the Apostolic Carmel. It was the centenary of the establishment of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation in India. When the Congregation celebrated with great joy and jubilation the centenary of its ministry in the field of education in India, Mother M. Theodosia A.C., the then Superior General and Sr. Fidelis A.C., the Secretary, Apostolic Carmel Educational Society of Karnataka found a void in the scheme of education – the education of the Mentally Challenged Children. So, it was decided to start a school for these children, as a centenary Memorial of the Apostolic Carmel.
The St Agnes Special School which began in 1970, with FIVE children under the efficient leadership of Sr. Maria Jyothi. A.C as the service project of the Psychology Department of St. Agnes College, on St. Agnes Convent premises in “The Rest” a cozy house, has today reached greater heights with nearly 300 Children and adults, being nurtured by the AC nuns and 28 teachers, so that the differently -abled intellectual children and adults could have a better lifestyle, just like everyone else. It was the first school for the Mentally Challenged Children in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District, and the motto chosen for the school ,“IN LOVE WE GROW”, helped in drawing out the children with special needs from cold isolation and neglect, to the warmer atmosphere of love and understanding and provided them with the training necessary for their growth and development. To know more about St Agnes Special School click on this article link, St. Agnes Special School- A Haven of Love & Hope for Intellectually Disabled Children & Adults , which was published on 6 August 2019 in Mangalorean.com
The inaugural programme of the St Agnes Special School ‘Golden Jubilee Celebrations” began with a welcome prayer dance, followed by the welcome address by Sr Maria Shruthi AC, the Principal of the School. A brief history of the School down the memory lane, was delivered by school teacher Ms Philomena D’Mello. The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the traditional lamp,and the unveiling of the “Golden Jubilee” logo was done by Sr Maria Shamita AC-the Provincial Superior AC Karnataka Province, along with Sr Maria Jyothi AC- the Founder Principal of the School; Sr Maria Shruthi AC; Sr Maria Anita AC-the Joint secretary of the school; Fr Vincent Monteiro-Parish Priest of St Sebastian Church-Bendore; Ms Irene Pintoa nd Ms Joyce D’souza- President and Secretary respectively of the School PTA.
Sr Maria Jyothi AC was felicitated on the occasion for her service rendered to the school foe decades as the Founder principal of the School. In her acceptance speech, Sr Maria Jyothi AC said, ” The tiny seed sown on that day of 4 August 1970 in a small house at St. Agnes campus, as a service project of St. Agnes College has grown into a mighty tree, spreading its branches to Bailhongal, Belagavi, Bellary and Mary Hill, Mangaluru. The journey of Love begun as a single programme has assumed multiple proportions such as Early Intervention. Academic, Pre-Vocational, Vocational, Production unit, Computer Training, Teacher Training in Special Education and Residential Care for adult Mentally challenged persons. With a heart overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to God, I say “My soul magnifies the Lord and my heart rejoices in God my Saviour”. I rejoice with all the past and present staff both teaching and support staff, P.T.A. members, Students and all who helped from day one to date. As St. Agnes Special School ushers in the Golden year, I pray that the management, Principal, and Staff continue the humanitarian work and have the joy of seeing the Golden Year turned into Diamond and also have the joy of listening to the words of Jesus: “What- so-ever you do to the least of my brothers/sisters, that you do unto me”.
Addressing the audience Chief Guest Sr Maria Shamita AC said, “This is a momentous occasion to thank God for His bountiful graces and blessings bestowed in this School of Love in the past 50 years. Quoting Robin Sharma who said, “Make your life matter. Be of use. Serve as many people as possible. This is how each of us can shift from the ordinary into the extraordinary and walk amongst the best who ever lived”- and that’s exactly what the AC Sisters and teachers did, by working hard with determination, commitment and sacrifice for the success of this school- and they all need to be praised and complimented on this day. Their initiative to begin this type of school and the service rendered thereafter by this school can be described as an extraordinary achievement”.
She further said, “Sr Maria Jyothi AC who worked selflessly for this institution right from its inception deserves our deep appreciation for the great humanitarian work done through this institution, and presently followed by Sr Maria Shruthi AC, who is carrying on with the service with similar charism for these children. The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious, and the desire to reach hearts is wise. If we see around us we witness cut throat competition in every aspect, even in the field of education. But our Sisters and many who worked with these disabled folks desired only service, the welfare of these folks and hence they have reached the hearts of these angelic, innocent children and their parents. While this institution enters into its golden year of service to humanity, I pray for God’s special blessings to continue to give enough strength and grace to all those who carry on with the good work towards this school”.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Sr Maria Laveena AC , and the programme was compered by school teacher Ms Maceline Fernandes. And now it was time for entertainment- Special Children aka Different-abled Children got talents-That’s True!. The students unleashed their hidden dance talents-proving to the august gathering that they too can “Dance”, even though they were mentally challenged/differently-abled. And for the fact, I too was astonished at their dance performances. These children simply enthralled the audience, and all those who were glued to their seats watching these “Special Children” perform so good just like “Normal Children” were amazed and went “Wow”, applauding them after each performance.
As the Golden Jubilee celebrations were launched, over 50 activities have been planned to celebrate this event through the year. Some of the major activities are, Sports meet, Cultural competitions, Camps. PTA meet, old students reunion and the fundraising programme – which is a Comedy Drama “Pushpakkana Imana” by Tulu Actor/Director Devadas Kapikad. The Centenary celebrations will culminate with its finale at the end of the year 2020
In conclusion, the joy of being able to bless and give someone you love and care, and to make them smile, is priceless. The satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others cannot be overstated. Knowing that you have helped make someone else’s life a little brighter and better is a special feeling, and one that will last with you for a long time. And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy. So if you are looking for a way to enhance your act of sharing and giving experience, try giving back now. Let’s give to the less fortunate, ashrams, non-profit organizations, needy families and children, and others a feeling of hope, and make a difference in their lives. And one place you can donate some of your wealth is ST AGNES SPECIAL SCHOOL, MANGALURU, where the management is inviting well-wishers and friends to be partners in their endeavors to help the children and adults with disability to live a life of dignity. For more details call the Principal at 9741150669 or 0824-2443376
