MESSAGE
FROM BR THEO
Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice started the Congregation of
Christian Brothers in Ireland keeping in mind the challenges and hurdles in the
lives of youth of his time. The situation has not changed much in many parts of
the world and thus we his followers have been in education ministry to empower
the youth to face life’s challenges and to attain a worthwhile quality of life.
Presently the Christian Brothers are at the crossroads in ministry, evaluating
our ministry to see how best we can serve the needy in the footsteps of our
Founder Blessed Edmund, the way he would have wanted it.
The Brothers complete 40 years of service to the youth in St.
Joseph’s P.U. College, Bajpe and this institution has been most memorable not
only to the Brothers but to all the dedicated teachers and whole-hearted students
over the years who were very much part and parcel of this institution
contributing to the wonderful spirit of friendliness there. We Brothers have much to be thankful for
especially for the cordial support received from all quarters, from the Bishop
and his clergy, and the people who have
been so supportive in our developmental ventures benefiting students. As we
hand over the management of this institution we will thank everyone for this opportunity
to be close to all who have been part of this long, steady journey.
The Brothers, when they arrived in Bajpe, started inviting
youth to listen to a call they might have to be a Brother. In the beginning
many couldn’t understand the life and mission of a Brother. Their efforts were blessed when Br. William
D’Souza said yes to join this way of life. He was brilliant at studies and very
active in sports. It was not long after when Br. Charles D’Souza responded to a
similar call. Needless to say Br. Charles was meticulous in his study
preparation and great interest in enlivening lives of others in class through
his calm and cheerful nature. When these new recruits found meaning in this
new-found life they in turn started spreading the message side by side with Br.
Wilfred - and that is how they found
both Br. Hector and me in our school in Bondel. There were many others who
followed later and presently are serving in different ministries touching the
lives of the poor and the marginalized of the society. Br. Steve Fernandes who
followed later in joining is now the elected Province Leader of the Indian
Province of the Christian Brothers.
I come from Bondel which is hardly 8 kms from Bajpe, the Brothers found both Br. Hector Pinto (the out-going Principal
of Bajpe) and also me (presently working in the Philippines) during a vocation
drive, in MGC High school, in Bondel. We
are childhood friends and when we joined the Brothers both of us had our
initial training in the Juvenate (a place for training the student Brothers)
where we met wonderful teachers and trainers in Brs. Wilfred, Harrison and
Elphege. They were all hard working and gave their best to the students, when
they received the school from Fr. Bernard who was then the manager of the
school. In forty years the school has experienced some evolutionary changes
amidst many challenges.
Brothers who had an opportunity to come to Bajpe on the whole
had a heartening experience interacting with students and also the parishioner.
I was lucky to have had three postings in this institution and out of these twice
as the correspondent. I recall some events
that have stayed in my mind. One such is the football game in the afternoons
that were joined by both Brothers and others. Soon after school the Brothers and
the candidates would play a game of football and they would be joined by some
staff members and as well as students who brought so much energy to the
game. Slowly this game continued until
the students of Bajpe took to this game and started winning many matches not
only in the city but also in the whole state. Br. Hector has been responsible
for encouraging volley ball and, later, football for the girls, winning not
only state level matches but they also had the proud moment of reaching the
National level games too. The boys have participated in many games also and
were able to tackle the Independence cup in Mangalore.
Another one of my memories is the Founders’ Cup celebrated on
29th of August to mark the death anniversary of our founder Blessed
Edmund Rice. The students would eagerly wait for this day mainly because of the
activities and the related fun. The highlight would be the football match;
students versus the staff would be the most awaited event. There would be
cheers and screaming even if one of the staff would make an awkward touch of
the ball, it would bring maximum cheer and excitement. Of course, invariably
the staff would win the trophy with much assistance.
During my teaching career I noticed that the students of St.
Joseph’s were extremely talented in singing and this motivated me to give these
students an opportunity to put their talent to good use. I remember with
pleasure and gratitude the encouragement rendered to me both by Br. Charles
D’Souza and all the staff. Everyone contributed toward this mini operetta “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The students had practiced
their lines so well and matched the music that was played by Mr. Alwyn Noronha
(an experienced musician of Mangalore) along with his companion musician. It
was a great achievement that so many students could take part in this concert
in different capacities and thus creating bonding between staff and students.
Some of the students who were part of this event are still grateful for the opportunity
and for the confidence they gained in life.
As I gaze back into these four decades of our
journey in St. Joseph’s, I have seen students coming with immense enthusiasm to
imbibe the spirit of this institution and when leaving, carrying with them the
thrilling experiences etched in their memories and importantly, in their
hearts. . Once a student of St. Joseph’s Bajpe, then forever, a Josephite! There are now those Josephites everywhere,
pursuing life in different capacities, carrying the spirit of Edmund, sharing
it with others wherever they are, in
ever new and fresh expressions.
I wish the management all success and God’s
blessings.
BR THEO ALVARES,
PHILLIPINE
No comments:
Post a Comment