St Aloysius (Deemed to be University): Eucharist offered as a thanksgiving

On : 2024-02-29

A thanksgiving mass was offered on the occasion of the establishment of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangalore on Wednesday, February 28. The holy mass was officiated by Bishop of Mangalore Peter Paul Saldanha in the university premises.

In his homily, Bishop of Shivamogga Francis Serrao SJ said that it was a unique blessing showered upon the institution. Now it needs even more blessings from the Lord to embark on a new journey.

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Bishop of Udupi diocese Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Gulbarga Robert Miranda and Bishop emeritus Aloysius Paul D’Souza too joined the celebrations.

The felicitation programme that followed after the mass saw Nalin Kumar Kateel, member of parliament from Mangalore, joining the programme. He was felicitated for his support and help in the long-hauled process of becoming a deemed to be university.

Mr Kateel in his address recalled the relentless and patient efforts of Fr Gomes, a friend of the College, and Dr (Fr) Praveen Matis SJ, Principal, who did not give up the hope of becoming a university. “Mangalore is an education hub. There are already five universities in the constituency. And St Aloysius becomes the sixth such university and I must say it is the crown jewel of Mangalore,” he said.

Provincial of Karnataka province, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ thanked all those who were responsible in realising the dream. “I consider this as a great blessing from God. It has been a very long and arduous journey. Come March, we would have given up the efforts for good. But, God heard our prayers and we have this gift from God. Now, it is a challenge for us to make a shift from a college to a university,” Fr Vaz added.

All those who had played a key role in the process of becoming a deemed to be university were honoured during the event. Many Jesuits, priests, sisters, alumni/ae, benefactors, parents and students joined the programme.