Church News

Photos : Stanly Bantwal

The Centenary Jubilee Celebration of St Thomas Aided Higher Primary School Alangar Moodabidri was celebrated on 19th February 2022.

The Celebration began with the Holy Eucharist praising and thanking God for the precocious 100 years and for all the blessings received, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Mangalore. Alumni of this school Rt Rev Dr Francis Serrao , Bishop of Shimoga gave a beautiful homily explaining the need and importance of the Celebration.

The Holy Mass was followed by flag hoisting and the stage programme, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Old student of the school and presently the Bishop of Shimoga Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, SJ participated as Chief Guest. MLA Umanath Kotian, former minister K. Abhayachandra Jain, Municipal Chairman Prasad Kumar, Secretary of Catholic Board of Education Rev. Fr. Antony Shera, Chief Catholic Parish Priest of Moodabidri circle Rev Fr. Paul Sequeira, Eshwar Bhat the head priest of Alangar Badaga Mahalingeshwar Temple, Education Officer of Moodabidri region Devaraju, Vice President of Adani Group Mr Kishore Alva, Mr Chandra Shekar - Alumni and GM of Karnataka Bank, Rev Sr Pricilla D’Mello - Mother General of Helpers of Mount Rosary, Entrepreneur Abdul Rawoof participated as the guests of honour.

The programme began with Prayer song by school children. Welcome address was delivered by Correspondent Fr Walter DSouza, School report was presented by Headmistress Sr Helen Goveas.

MLA Mr Umanath Kotiyan, Ex Minister and MLA Mr Abhaya Chadra Jain, Moodbdri Corporation president Mr Prasad Kumar, Adani Foundation Vice President Mr Kishore Alva, Old Students Rt Rev Dr Francis Serrao, Mr Eshwar Bhat, Mr Chandra Shekar, Ex Correspondents Rev Fr Vincet DSouza, Rev Fr Basil Vas, All the ex-headmistresses, teachers and donors above 25 thousand were felicitated by the dignitaries.

All the Speakers in their address highlighted the contribution to the field of education, health and discipline. The Alumni highlighted the quality education, the human and motherly approach of the Rev Sisters, the discipline and the values they taught. They said that the strong foundation they received from this school helped them to reach the heights.

A Centenary Jubilee Fund of Rs 10 lakh was inaugurated handing over the cheque to the correspondent by the centenary convener Mr P. K Thomas. The returns of the fund will be utilized for providing basic facilities to the poor students, for their higher education, to pay the salary of honorary teachers. All the savings and future donations will be utilized to build up this fund and pursue the goals.

One of the Centenary projects Children Play Park will be constructed once required funds are available. They seek generous donations from the old students for this purpose.

Projects like construction of a Centenary Memorial Open Air, Installation of interlock paving on the school’s approach road, renovation and painting of school building, are some of the projects being implemented with the generous support provided by donors and well-wishers.

The stage programme was followed by a Cultural programme by Kannada and English medium School Students. The celebration was concluded by a grand lunch.

Mr PK Thomas the convener of the Centenary Committee proposed vote of thanks, school teachers Mr Santhosh Rodrigues and Lilly DSouza compered the programme.

100 Worthy Years

St. Thomas School was established in 1921 as a result of the persistent efforts of Rev. Fr. Faustin Courti. In 1929 Rev. Fr. Elias D’souza became the correspondent of the school and spearheaded the institution on to the path of progress. In 1952 the school was elevated to St. Thomas Higher Primary School.

The school has been undertaking the noble task of providing education and shaping the future of the young children of Alangar and neighboring areas for the past 100 years. Children who have studied in this school have reached great heights and become an asset to society by serving in prestigious positions like Supreme Court judge, religious and community leaders, Bishop, successful entrepreneurs, advocates, doctors and agriculturists. They have brought glory to the school by being recognized at the state, national and international levels. Thus the St. Thomas Kannada Medium Aided Higher Primary School has completed 100 worthy years by fulfilling the thirst for knowledge of the aspiring students.

The school presently has 143 students on its rolls. The school managing committee, students, staff and old students are striving day and night to make this centenary celebration an unforgettable occasion.

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