Report by Chandini Chitraveer
Mangaluru, Sep 8: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with devotion at Lourdes Central School on 6th September 2025. The dignitaries on the dais included manager, rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha; principal, rev Fr Johnson L. Sequeira; vice principal, Anitha Thomas; chief guest, Fr Arun D’Souza, principal of St. Dominic’s School, Bantwal; Fr Arul Joseph; deacon Roydon Misquith; head Boy, Aryan Pai; and deputy head girl, Eva Lisa Lobo.
As the celebration began, everyone’s hearts were filled with the theme:
Family Bonding – Rooted in Love, Blessed in Togetherness.
The programme commenced with the Universal Prayer, followed by a melodious prayer song rendered by the students of Class VIII. A prayer service was held, seeking blessings from the Almighty to guide and protect everyone. The principal extended a warm welcome to the gathering and introduced the chief guest. The significance of the day was shared by the students of Class VIII, highlighting the Mangalorean faith, culture, community, and family bonding.
A mesmerizing action song was presented by the students of Classes I and II, celebrating family and the blessings of Mother Mary. The Chief Guest was felicitated by the dignitaries on the dais.
In his address, the Chief Guest said that on Nativity, families come together in unity. To the students, he shared the importance of the three C’s:
• Curious – like Mother Mary. Ask questions, seek knowledge, and grow in wisdom without fear.
• Courageous – like Mother Mary. Show bravery, accept challenges in studies, help the needy, and uphold justice.
• Compassionate – like Mother Mary. Show kindness and care for one another.
To the staff, he encouraged being role models like Mother Mary—teaching with patience, humility, and steady support, and treating teaching as a true vocation and mission.
Rev Dr John Baptist Saldanha, manager, addressed the gathering with a message on the Mangalorean tradition of showering flowers for nine days, and on the feast day, families gathering together to eat, pray for the deceased, and thank God for the new corn. He also emphasized that the day is a reminder to show respect for women and the girl child. He expressed concern about the declining birth rate of girls due to female foeticide and urged teachers to educate female teenagers about its impact, encouraging respect and equality between boys and girls.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Melron, Adithi, Soha, and Rayaan of Class VIII. The programme was compered by Saathvi, Vivaan, Raania, Jayden, Shresta, Ewaan, and Ethan, also from Class VIII. The programme concluded with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration.
“Mother Mary’s birth is the dawn of our salvation, for through her came the Light of the World.”