‘Touched by Angels’: A Glorious Chronicle of FMCI’s Healing Legacy Launched

Mangaluru, June 3: The evening of June 3 witnessed a grand gathering of faculty, staff, students, and well-wishers at Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), as they came together for the much-awaited launch of a landmark publication — Touched by Angels: A Portrait of Father Muller Charitable Institutions.

The coffee table book, capturing 145 years of FMCI’s transformative journey, was launched in a glittering ceremony presided over by His Lordship Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Diocese. Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Awardee Shri Jayanth Kaikini graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI, and Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director Designate, were the patrons of the event.

Mr. William Pais, the author and designer of the book, delivered a detailed and reflective presentation, outlining the creative process behind the publication. He expressed gratitude to Fr Richard Coelho for his unwavering support and to Fr Ajith Menezes for his artistic inputs that shaped the book’s global appeal. “It feels like 150 years of service have found their way into pages,” he remarked.

The unveiling of Touched by Angels was marked by a dramatic display of cold fireworks and a specially designed podium featuring angel wings and celestial sculptures, symbolizing the divine inspiration behind FMCI’s mission. The dignitaries holding the first copies reflected the book’s golden legacy and timeless message.

To honour the contributors behind the publication, Fr Ajith Menezes (Administrator, FMMC) was recognized for his conceptual vision, Mr. William Pais for his authorship and design, and the Father Muller Medical College Alumni Association — under the leadership of Past President Dr. Archana Bhat and current President Dr. Reshma Kini — for their financial support.

Dr. (Hon.) Jayanth Kaikini delivered an inspiring and poetic address. He described FMCI as a sacred space transcending caste, creed, and religion — a place where healing is not only of the body but of the soul. Drawing a powerful metaphor, he said the workforce resembled “white pigeons — symbols of life and peace.” Having read the book prior to its release, he shared his admiration for the journey of Fr Augustus Muller from Germany to Mangalore, praising his transformation from educator to healer. Comparing FMCI’s evolution to a test cricket match and a banyan tree, he called it a shelter and a symbol of resilience.

Bishop Emeritus Dr. D’Souza reflected on FMCI’s spiritual and humanitarian legacy — from its foundation by Fr Augustus Muller to the dedicated service of the Sisters of Charity. He recounted the challenges of establishing new colleges and gaining affiliations, affirming that every trial was a step towards a higher mission: to be a beacon of compassion and healing.

The Father Muller Medical College Alumni Association also handed over a cheque in support of the book.

Dr. Reshma Kini, Professor of Pathology and President of the FMMC Alumni Association, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, while Mrs. Jyothi Pinto, HR Manager at FMCI, gracefully compered the event.

The day marked a historic milestone for FMCI — a story of 145 years of healing, serving, and transforming lives in the vineyard of the Lord. A tree that shelters over 3,000 staff and faculty, 6,000 students, and countless patients and well-wishers, FMCI stands as a living testament to compassion in action.

Collector’s copies of Touched by Angels are available for ₹5,000 at the Director’s Secretariat or can be ordered via email at muller@fathermuller.in.

A part of Mangalore’s history is now enshrined in print — a sea of healing and compassion titled Touched by Angels.