Photo & Report : Fr Anil Fernandes, Canara Communication Centre

Mangaluru, May 4: St Anthony’s Charitable Institutes, Jeppu, Mangaluru, observed its annual Thanksgiving Day with great devotion and gratitude on Sunday, May 4, at St Anthony’s Chapel, Jeppu.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Mangalore. Celebrating with him were Fr J B Crasta, director of the Institutes, Fr Gilbert D’Souza, chaplain of the Ashram, and Fr Anil Fernandes, director of Canara Communication Centre.

Following the Mass, a felicitation programme was held at Sambhram Hall where Bishop D’Souza honoured and felicitated the benefactors, donors, and well-wishers whose generous support sustains the mission and outreach of the Institute.

During the event, meritorious student residents of the Ashram were also felicitated for their academic achievements. Ishal Birdia Crasta, who secured second rank in BCom (ACCA) at Srinivas University; Vinitha Sweedal Crasta, who earned second rank in BSc Nursing at A J Hospital (affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences); and Manisha Goretti Pinto, who excelled in nursing studies, were recognised and lauded.

Expressing her gratitude, Ishal Birdia Crasta said, “The Ashram life gave me the foundation to shape my life. The unique experience here, guided by the directors and superiors and the intercession of St Anthony of Padua, helped me excel in my studies and career. I am deeply grateful to St Anthony Ashram.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Vinitha Sweedal Crasta shared, “The seven years of student life at St Anthony Ashram was a blessing. The formation I received here, both academically and spiritually, shaped who I am today. It instilled discipline, compassion, and the importance of prayer in me.”

In his presidential address, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza remarked, “St Anthony Ashram is a mission of love and care for the little ones of Jesus. It is a mission of infusing hope into the lives of the helpless and hopeless. Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we thank the lord for the generosity shown towards this institute. Those who contribute willingly and generously to this mission will surely find their reward, and God will bless them abundantly.”

Fr J B Crasta welcomed the gathering, while Fr Nelson Peria proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Gilbert D’Souza, chaplain of the Ashram, narrated the history, growth, and daily activities of St Anthony’s Charitable Institutes. Felicitation words to students were delivered by Fr Nelson Olivera.

The programme was graced by many benefactors, donors, well-wishers, students, their parents, and Ashram staff. Prominent among them were Marcel Monteiro and John D’Silva, trustees of the ashram M P Noronha, advocate, Roy Castelino, PRO of the Diocese of Mangalore, and Fr Anil Fernandes, director of Canara Communication Centre.

The students presented a brief cultural programme to mark the occasion.