Week-Long Nurses Day Celebration Begins with Grandeur at Father Muller
Mangaluru, May 6, 2025: “Nurses are the heart of healthcare”—these words echoed the spirit of the morning as the week-long Nurses Day celebrations commenced with grandeur at Father Muller Charitable Institutions on May 6, 2025.
With elegance and pride, nurses of all ranks assembled at 7:00 a.m. on the grounds in front of Asha Kiran, dressed in their uniforms, to mark the beginning of a special tribute to the nursing profession—an enduring pillar of compassionate healthcare. The event, organized by the Nursing Services and the College of Nursing, set the tone for a week dedicated to honoring the dedication, resilience, and service of nurses.
The inaugural ceremony was gracefully compered by Ms Shilpa S, Assistant Nursing Supervisor. The programme began with a soulful prayer song by the nursing students, invoking divine blessings on the profession and the celebrations ahead.
Sr Nancy Priya Mathias, Chief Nursing Officer, FMMCH, welcomed the gathering with heartfelt words, reflecting the unwavering commitment of the nursing community. The Chief Guest for the day, Dr Kiran, Additional Medical Superintendent, FMMCH, was warmly welcomed with a symbolic sapling presented by Sr Dhaniya Devasiya, Principal of the Father Muller School and College of Nursing.
The formal inauguration featured the lighting of the Nightingale lamp by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI, symbolizing the enduring legacy and guiding spirit of Florence Nightingale. Dr Kiran then unveiled the International Nurses Day Theme, delivering a moving address.
“You are the anchors of the healthcare system,” he said, acknowledging the nurses’ tireless efforts and indispensable roles.
“Do not be discouraged by burdens or harsh words; let your faith carry you through, for through your hands, God heals,” he added, inspiring the audience with words of encouragement and faith.
The ceremonial release of the official Nurses Week sash by the Director and Chief Guest added a special charm to the event. A memento was presented to the Chief Guest by Fr Jeevan Joseph, Administrator of FMMCH, as a token of appreciation.
In his Presidential Address, Rev. Fr Richard shared joyful news: the BSc Nursing intake at FMCON has been increased to 250 seats, as approved by the Indian Nursing Council. He also spoke of the hopeful expansion at the Thumbay campus, with 100 proposed additional seats. He praised the nursing staff for their relentless commitment—caring for patients, empathizing with anxious families, and delivering service with compassion.
“Nurses form the largest community at FMCI, over 700 strong, leaving their mark on every chapter of our institution’s history,” he proudly stated.
Dr Agnes E.J., Vice Principal of FMCON, proposed the vote of thanks, extending gratitude to all contributors and to the larger nursing fraternity.
The institutional anthem, “We come to comfort and to heal,” resonated deeply, uniting voices in a shared spirit of care and service. The event concluded with a sweet gesture—the distribution of sweets, symbolizing the warmth and sweetness nurses bring into the lives of their patients.
Nurses are often called the invisible heroes—silently mending lives and holding hands through life’s darkest hours. At Father Muller, a name synonymous with exceptional nursing care, this celebration stands as a heartfelt tribute to their selfless service. It reaffirms their role as the backbone of healthcare, and reminds us all that their presence brings healing that goes beyond medicine.
