Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 16: The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG), in collaboration with the Nursing Service department and Father Muller College of Nursing, celebrated the Feast of St Gerard Majella, the patron saint of expectant mothers and childbirth, on October 16 at the Hospital Conference Hall, Father Muller Medical College Hospital. Regina Lasrado, former In-charge of the maternity ward (Sabina Lobo Memorial Ward) at Father Muller Hospital, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), presided over the celebration.
The day commenced with a solemn Holy Mass in the hospital’s main chapel, celebrated by the priests of the management. This was followed by a special gathering, which began with a prayer service led by the III-Year BSc nursing students. A devotional reflection conducted by the nursing staff further set the tone for the celebration, highlighting the enduring significance of faith, compassion and service in maternal care.
Dr Mahesh Navada, head of the department of OBG, welcomed the gathering and highlighted that the annual celebration is an expression of thanksgiving by the OBG team for safe deliveries and God’s guidance during challenging situations. He acknowledged the contribution of Dr Gayathri Ramani, former head of the maternity ward, who, in gratitude for the blessings received through the intercession of St Gerard Majella during her daughter’s difficult labour, helped sustain this meaningful tradition.
In her address, Regina Lasrado reflected on the life of St Gerard Majella, his journey to sainthood and the many miracles attributed to his intercession, which have made him a source of hope and comfort for mothers and families facing difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth. She emphasised that nurses, particularly those serving in the labour room, must embody the true spirit of service through empathy, patience and kindness. A mother experiencing pain, anxiety or fear, she noted, often needs nothing more than a compassionate word and reassuring presence. Even when their service goes unrecognised, nurses must remain courteous and exemplify kindness in every interaction.
In his presidential address, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo emphasised the importance of faith and divine intercession in the lives of expectant mothers, encouraging them to place their trust in God and seek the intercession of St Gerard for safe deliveries. Referring to Rabindranath Tagore’s celebrated thought that every child born brings a message of the divine, he reminded the gathering that each child is a gift from God, entrusted with a purpose and a mission.
Drawing attention to the formative years of childhood, he spoke about the profound influence of a mother on a child’s development, particularly from conception through the early years of life. He stressed that a mother’s emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postnatal period deserves special care and attention, as her love, guidance and values lay the foundation for the child’s future. Speaking compassionately about the physical pain, anxiety and emotional challenges associated with pregnancy, he highlighted the deep bond between a mother and her unborn child, noting that a mother’s love is a reflection of divine compassion. He urged healthcare professionals and families to support expectant and new mothers with understanding, reassurance and tenderness.
The celebration also featured an engaging skit on the life of St Gerard Majella, enacted by the IV-Year BSc nursing students, offering the audience an inspiring glimpse into the saint’s life of faith and compassion. Fun games for expectant mothers added a joyful dimension to the programme, with prizes distributed to the winners.
The occasion was graced by several dignitaries, including Dr Michael Santhumayor, administrator, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC); Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH); Fr Ashwin Crasta, assistant administrator, FMMCH; Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean, FMMC; Sr Dr Dhanya Devasia, principal, Father Muller College of Nursing; and Sr Nancy Mathias, chief nursing officer, FMMCH.
The programme was compered by Vaishnavi and Divya and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Merlin Fernandes, assistant professor OBG nursing, Father Muller College of Nursing, who expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful celebration.
The observance reaffirmed the commitment of the Father Muller healthcare community to uphold the values of faith, gratitude and compassionate service, while recognising the invaluable role of healthcare professionals in supporting mothers through the precious journey of pregnancy and childbirth.