May 2, 2024
In commemoration of International Workers Day,
Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) organized a festal Mass honoring
St Joseph the Worker, the Patron Saint of all Labourers / Workers. The Mass, held
at 7.30 am in the St Joseph Chapel on 1st May 2024, was attended by a large
gathering of faithful, faculty, workers from various sectors and students.
The main celebrant for the Mass was Very Rev. Fr
Antony Shera, Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education, Mangalore. The Mass
was concelebrated by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho Director FMCI, and all the
priests of the management.
In his homily, Fr Shera emphasized the
importance of dignity in labour, drawing parallels to Jesus, who was known as
the son of a carpenter. He highlighted the three desires of a working person:
the need for sustenance, self-satisfaction, and fulfilment with the satisfaction
of others. Fr Shera stressed the significance of working honestly for the
benefit of others, resonating with the ethos of patient and people satisfaction
in a hospital environment.
Following the Mass, a blessing ceremony was held
for the newly renovated Silver Jubilee Hall. The project, managed by Rev. Fr
Ajith B Menezes Administrator FMMC, under the guidance of Fr Richard Director
FMCI, has transformed the hall into a modern space for student activities
and other events.
Fr Ajith B Menezes spoke about the history of
the Nursing School, dating back to 1959, and its silver jubilee in 1984. He
highlighted the inauguration of the building in 1984, which was originally the
nurses' living quarters and has now been renovated with an upper additional
floor.
Director Fr Richard congratulated Fr Ajith and
expressed his gratitude to all the Fathers working with him, acknowledging them
as his strength. He emphasized the importance of building interpersonal
relationships and working together for the greater glory of God.
The event concluded with a lively dance
performance by nursing students, adding a touch of joy and celebration to the
occasion. Sr Nancy Priya Mathias served as the emcee, guiding the audience
through the program with grace and warmth.