Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 24: St Aloysius Pre-University College celebrated Christmas with great joy and spiritual fervour, reaffirming the belief that Christmas is not merely a season, but a feeling deeply rooted in love, peace and goodwill. The campus was beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
The celebration began with a spiritually uplifting prayer dance that beautifully conveyed the message of love, friendship and peace-the very essence of Christmas. In his welcome address and Christmas message, the principal, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, emphasized that Christmas is not just a festival, but a feeling. Reflecting on the increasing commercialisation of the occasion, he observed that for Christians, Christmas remains a profoundly personal and spiritual experience. Quoting the angels’ proclamation, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to people of goodwill,” he explained that peace is not merely the absence of war or conflict, but a way of life founded on understanding, compassion and mutual respect. He further explained that Emmanuel means 'God with us', affirming that God journeys alongside humanity and walks with people through their struggles and challenges.
The chief guest, Fr Henry Saldanha SJ, a distinguished educationist, former headmaster and principal of several institutions, a gifted administrator and an inspiring resource person in the field of education, who has also served as the coordinator of the Secondary Education Commission and is presently the Superior of Asha Kiran, the Jesuit study house, in his Christmas message reminisced about his student days at Aloysius and reflected on the deeper meaning of Christmas through a moving story of sacrifice, emphasising that Christmas is about giving the most precious gift one possesses. He spoke of God’s unconditional love, revealed through the sacrifice of His only Son and cautioned against reducing Christmas merely to decorations and Santa Claus, reminding the gathering that Christmas is the feast of Jesus and a celebration of inclusivity. Stressing that God excludes no one, he urged students to build communities rooted in peace, understanding and friendship and concluded by wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and a blessed New Year.
A variety of cultural performances added colour and vibrancy to the celebration. These included hip-hop and contemporary dances, ballroom dance, a hula-hoop performance and a lively band performance. Christmas carols echoed the true message of the season, while a song-drama portraying the life of Christ depicted how love was restored to the world through Christ’s birth. The programme was compered by Adleen Sequeira and Liston Carl.
Prizes were distributed to sport team who had represented the institution at the national, state and inter-class levels.
During the staff Christmas celebration, Fr Antony Derick, the campus minister, reflected on the deeper meaning of Christmas, highlighting that joy follows hard work and gratitude follows sacrifice. Through a simple yet touching anecdote, he reminded the staff that Christmas signifies God coming down to be with humanity, filling lives with hope and joy.
In her address, Rose Mary, a benefactor from London, reflected on the symbolism of the Christmas star, the crib and the Christmas tree. She reminded the gathering that without love and kindness, light cannot truly shine and encouraged everyone to become a source of light in the lives of those in need. She wished all a happy, healthy and successful year ahead.
Games organised by Pramila Patrao, along with a meaningful drama performed by the support staff, added warmth and cheer to the celebration. Christmas sweets were distributed to all staff after lunch. The staff celebration was compered by Sweedal Pais, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Meural Andrade.