Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 21: The feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of Aloysius Institutions was commemorated with the Eucharistic celebration on June 21, in Loyola Hall with the theme ‘Pilgrim of hope’.

The main celebrant, Dr Duming Dias, bishop of Karwar, in his homily gave a glimpse of the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga and elucidated the readings of the liturgy that reflect the theme of 'pilgrim of hope'. He illustrated the life of St Theresa of Kolkata who saw the face of the Lord in the eyes of the leper. He called the students to be bearers of ‘faith in action’. Taking inspiration from the life of St Aloysius, one should live their life serving others and spreading hope, love and joy.

The mass was con-celebrated by the rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Melwin Pinto, vice chancellor of St Aloysius Deemed to be University, Fr Praveen Martis, principal of St Aloysius Gonzaga School, Fr Rohan D’Almeida along with the unit heads of the Institutions, principals, directors and campus ministers.

The highlights of the celebration were, a video presentation showcasing the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the ceremonial offertory by students, melodious rendition of the choir, bringing a fresh spirit to the celebration and filling everyone’s hearts with joy.

At the end of the Mass, the bishop was felicitated by the rector of St Aloysius Institutions. In his address, the bishop shared an insightful anecdote and offered four key principles to the students to cultivate: always smile, have a dream in life, live in service of others and strive not merely to grow but to truly develop.

The rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Melwin Pinto SJ conveyed the feast greetings and addressed the students on the life of the patron saint. The students of Aloysius Institutions take inspiration from the life of St Aloysius by living their life for others through social outreach programmes. If everyone in this world were only to think about themselves, this world wouldn’t go on. Although, there are terrible signs in the world of war, hatred, anger and discrimination, there are also signs of hope which we do not see like a small flame on a candle. If these flames are to be developed, it would become ‘blazing fires of love’.The programme was compered by Aishel Fernandes of II PU.

The campus ministry of St Aloysius PU College organised a series of competitions as a part of the feast. A variety of competitions were held, including collage making, pose-in-frame, reel making, bookmark competition and quiz bee competition.

The feast of St Aloysius of Gonzaga provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose among students and faculty alike and an enhanced commitment to embodying his teachings throughout the year.