The Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation visits St. Agnes Institutions, Mangaluru
Mangaluru: In this season of festivity wherein Christmas is round the corner, adding to the charm, there was another solemn occasion held at St Agnes Institutions on December 14. The staff of this mighty tree, representing its branches spread across the campus from KG to PG were privileged to have been visited by a Global leader and a passionate educationist, Sr Maria Nirmalini AC, The Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation
The staff of the campus assembled at St Agnes PU College Auditorium and warmly welcomed Sr Maria Nirmalini through a ceremonial guard of honour lead by the NCC cadets marching to the beats of the college band. The Programme began by invoking blessings of the Almighty through a wonderful rendition by the staff of St Agnes High School and PU College. Sr Dr Lydia AC, The Superior and Joint Secretary of St Agnes Convent and Institutions, introduced the guest of honour and welcomed the august gathering. On behalf of the teaching fraternity Dr R Nagesh welcomed Sr Nirmalini florally while Mr Francis Ferrao represented the non-teaching faculty and welcomed her with a flower pot. The members of the Agnesian family were introduced by their respective heads.
Sr Nirmalini addressed the educators and said that St Agnes campus is a power house of Carmelite Education, comprising of vibrant, enthusiastic staff and appreciated the presence of all the members of this great family who are instrumental in carrying on the legacy of the Institution. She then thanked them for their dedicated service in the biggest campus of the Apostolic Carmel Education Society. Sr Nirmalini asked the educators to nurture, mentor and walk with the young by transforming them into responsible women and men for others in the society. The audience were asked to adapt to the signs of times by constantly updating and upgrading themselves in this hasty technological era. She emphasized on developing the habit of reading and reflecting as it is the key for critical thinking. She urged the faculty to think out of the box. She made the gathering recall the non-negotiable spirit, vision and mission of the Carmelite Education by quoting the motto – God alone suffices. Sr Nirmalini concluded her message by requesting the fraternity to uphold the values enshrined in the Indian constitution by imparting value based education to all who enter into the portals of this temple of learning by promoting inclusive education in the campus as well as by hosting outreach programmes.
The staff of St Agnes PU College revived the spirit of Christmas in the audience through their melodious and enchanting Christmas carols.
This solemn occasion was witnessed by the heads of various institutions in the campus. Sr Jyothsna, Headmistress of St Agnes Kannada Higher Primary School, Sr Gracilda, Principal of St Agnes CBSE School, Sr Gloria, Headmistress of St Agnes High School, Sr Norine DSouza, Principal of St Agnes PU College, Sr Carmel Rita, Administrator and Dr Sr Venessa, Principal of St Agnes College (Autonomous), Dr Sr Vinora, Co-ordinator, Centre for Post-Graduation Studies and 310 staff of the campus.
The programme was efficiently compered by Mrs Sabina Lobo, Asst Professor, St Agnes College, Ms Janet Antony, Teacher, St Agnes CBSE proposed the vote of thanks in an innovative way. The campus get together ended with high Tea and the Staff of St Agnes Institutions carried wonderful memories of the day by capturing group photos of their respective Institutions.