It is with thankfulness and gratitude the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society (UFES) was held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Assisi Central School Auditorium in Bagambila, Deralakatte. The event commenced with a thanksgiving Eucharist at 9:00 AM, serving as a poignant moment to commemorate and express gratitude for God's countless blessings over the years.
It is with thankfulness and gratitude the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society (UFES) was held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Assisi Central School Auditorium in Bagambila, Deralakatte. The event commenced with a thanksgiving Eucharist at 9:00 AM, serving as a poignant moment to commemorate and express gratitude for God's countless blessings over the years.
At the Thanksgiving Eucharistic, Rev. Fr Anthony Shera emphasized Jesus' call to be the "salt" and "light" in the society. He urged everyone to infuse joy like salt and guide others with light. He highlighted the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities with love and honesty, reminding us that true satisfaction comes from selfless service.
Thereafter felicitation programme was held mainly to thank and honour the teaching and non teaching staff who rendered commendable service from number of years in different schools and the alumni who partnered with the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in achieving this significant milestone.
The program commenced with the opening chorus from the Sisters of Mangalore Province. Students from Anand Ashram Institutions, Bhatkal, greeted the gathering with their rhythmic dance movements.
The Programme was presided over by Rev Sr Milly Fernandes the President of UFES. Mr Walter D'Souza Nandalike, Founder of Daijiworld Media, Mangalore was the chief guest, Dr Gayathri Devaraj, Alumni of St Joseph's High School, Koppa, the former registrar of Dharward University, Ms Gangu Kadam, Senior Staff of St Michael High School, Hubli; Mrs Leena Lasrado, non Teaching staff of St Therese High School, Belthangady; were the guests of honour.
Sr Philomena Noronha, the Secretary of UFES, presented the remarkable history and success of the Educational Society through video clip by a Jubilee song composed and directed by Sr. Anitha D’Souza.
As part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Deputy Secretaries of three provinces presented a cheque of Rs. 10,00,000/- to the President & Secretary of UFES for the welfare of teaching and non-teaching staff, marking the birth of a noble initiative aimed at ensuring access to quality education for every child and transforming lives.
Acknowledging the immense service the former Presidents of the Society, Rev. Edilburga Monteiro, Rev. Sr Doreen D Souza, and Rev. Sr Susheela Sequera and the former Secretaries Sr Lily Fernandes and Sr Lilly Pinto, were honored by the dignitaries during the event and Sr Irene Brian D Souza was remembered in her absence.
A total number 27 teaching and non teaching staffs from Mangalore, Mysore, Province, Hubli, North, North and East Provinces and African Region were honored for their long years of dedicated and tireless service. Honored guests Mrs Leena Lasrado the non-teaching staff of St Therese High School, Belthangady, expressed, "I have benefited greatly from UFES Educational Institutions. The support I received from my colleagues in UFES institutions made me self-reliant and independent. I have developed the skills to handle various office tasks confidently."
Dr Gayathri Devaraj expressed her gratitude towards her alma mater for instilling strong moral values of honesty and truthfulness. She credited the school's moral education classes and practical experiences for equipping her with invaluable life skills, emphasizing the profound impact on her ethical foundation, holistic approach to education that nurtured her personality and fueled her drive to make positive contributions to society.
Ms. Gangu Kadam a senior staff member from St Michael Higher Primary School Hubli, stated, "UFES schools have produced excellent students who have ascended to high government positions, earning accolades through their merit and societal contributions as government bureaucrats and leaders."
Mr Walter Nandalike spoke of his joy of meeting a large religious group for the first time and appreciated the religious service their self sacrifice in the wellbeing of the society. He also highlighted the necessity of advancing in technology and parental attitudes on education, cautioning against shifting blame onto teachers. He stressed the need for collaborative solutions by the parents, teachers and administration to ensure the well-being of youth.
Rev. Sr Milly Fernandez accredited, "UFES schools have made significant inroads into remote villages, emerging as bastions of comprehensive education. These institutions have not only imparted quality education but have also fostered awareness about civil rights leadership among women, leading to success in various fields including priesthood and religious roles. Moreover, initiatives such as the Raphael (medical) fund, St Josephs fund Nymph Nidhi and Tobia Payana funds have assisted economically disadvantaged students. Achieving holistic development amidst challenges such as eroding values, family decay, and evolving political landscapes requires collective effort and unwavering determination to uplift the marginalized segments of society."
Sr Pramila D’cunha the treasurer of the UFES expressed the sentiments of gratitude.
Students from Assisi Central School, Bagambila, Derlakatte out across a theme filled entertaining dance. Sisters Anitha Menezes and Flavia Fernandes compered the program.
The celebration concluded with National Anthem and sumptuous Jubilee Meal.