Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 10: A morning of grace and gratitude dawned at St Theresa’s School, Bendur, as the school community joyfully welcomed the school management for an official inspection visit.
The dignitaries present were Sr Rose Celine, superior general of the Bethany congregation and president of the Bethany Educational Society, Sr Santhosh Maria, general councillor, and Sr Shubha, superior of Bethany Mother House.
The distinguished guests were accorded a grand welcome with a guard of honour by the school band, followed by a traditional Mangalurean welcome featuring aarathi, kalasha, garlands, beetel leaves, rose petals, and rose water — symbols of love, reverence, and cultural richness. They were escorted to the dais by principal Sr Lourdes, vice principal Sr Vidya, and the school leaders.
The formal programme began with a prayer service led by class X students, invoking divine blessings for the day. Sr Lourdes, the principal, extended a heartfelt welcome and introduced the dignitaries, setting a reflective and joyous tone. A graceful welcome dance by the students added vibrancy to the morning.
A moment of reverence followed as the dignitaries garlanded the portraits of St Therese of Lisieux, the heavenly patroness of the school, and the father founder, Servant of God RFC Mascarenhas. Students then offered flower petals at the feet of the patroness, expressing their devotion and gratitude.
The younger students delighted the gathering with a lively action song by the Kindergarten section, while class VI presented ‘Gratitude to My School’ and class VII staged ‘St Therese – An Inspirer’, beautifully depicting the saint’s virtues of simplicity, love, and service.
The highlight of the day was the inspiring address by Sr Rose Celine, who captivated both staff and students with her words of wisdom. She spoke on the theory of multiple intelligences, encouraging every learner to identify and nurture their unique talents — linguistic, logical, spatial, bodily, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, or naturalistic. She reminded all that each child is gifted in their own way and that education should enable every student to bloom to their fullest potential.
The inspection programme concluded with a faculty meeting attended by the principal and the entire teaching staff. The session began with prayer and reflection. In her address to the faculty, Sr Rose Celine emphasised the importance of collaboration among staff, holistic student development, and the mission of transformative education. She encouraged all teachers to introduce themselves, strengthening collegiality and mutual respect.
Reflecting on the strengths and challenges of Theresian students, she spoke compassionately about the growing impact of social media, limited parental involvement, and the particular struggles of children from single-parent families. She invited the teachers to show deeper empathy, gratitude, and understanding in shaping young lives.
Linking her message to the platinum jubilee theme — ‘Transformative Education for the Fullness of Life towards Human Fraternity’, she called upon the staff to continue the legacy of excellence built through decades of commitment. She also shared a thought-provoking story illustrating humility and fraternity, asking, “How do you know that night has gone and the light has dawned?” — and answering, “When you can look into the eyes of everyone and say, this is my sibling.”
In conclusion, Sr Rose Celine urged the staff to foster social awareness, forgiveness, and unity, echoing the Bethany Educational Society’s mission to educate for life and love. The day ended with a vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the guidance and inspiration received.
The entire visit was a celebration of faith, culture, and learning, reaffirming the Theresian community’s commitment to walk together in the path of transformative education for the fullness of life.