Message from Br Hector Pinto, Out-going Principal

Dear Staff, Parents, students and well-wishers of Joseph’s family - my prayerful greetings to all of you.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

     First and foremost I would like to express my deep sentiments of gratitude to every one of you for your constant support, love and concern towards the college and the Christian Brothers for last 40 years. This has enabled and encouraged us to strive hard to carry forward our common mission. Our vision was not just to impart knowledge to the children, but to help them cultivate authentic values, to empower every student admitted to this great institution.

     Education is the vehicle of knowledge, self-preservation and success. Education not only gives us a platform to succeed, but also the pathway to social conduct, strength, character and self respect. The greatest gift education gives us is the knowledge of unconditional love and a set of values. A good education makes us complete :   it makes us people of justice, and it enables us to be decision makers for the common good of all. In the competitive world of today, education ranks only just below  food, clothing and shelter  as a basic necessity for human life.

With this in mind, the Christian Brothers have worked hard with the other members of our staff to enhance the life of every student  at St. Joseph’s P U College, to transform the quality of our education, to make it an education that develops personality, an education that generates recognition and respect in the family and society  -  and in oneself. It has been our privilege to watch this process of growth in the students  whom you have entrusted to us.

     The Christian Brothers are proud that St. Joseph’s has stood as firm as a rock, an impenetrable fortress to carry forward its mission of bringing enlightenment to many.  It has played a stellar role in giving the nation each year a crop of brilliant young men and women who have brought laurels to our district, our state and the country, at home and abroad. It holds high the banner of integrity, secularism and unity,  setting an example of selfless service.

     It was in the year 1977  that the Christian Brothers came to Bajpe.  For forty years many Christian Brothers have given their service to this institution, and indeed given themselves. Now it’s time for all the Christian Brothers to say  ‘goodbye and thank you’  to the St Joseph’s family, for family is what we have been.

It’s definitely a very emotional moment for me to say good bye to my beloved students, staff and parents. Who I  am today is because of St Joseph’s P U College. I joined the Christian Brothers in the year 1980.  I did my PUC in St Joseph’s.  I have been a student, a teacher, High School in-charge and then the Principal. It has been a jouney of growth, challenge and nourishment for me.  It is impossible to forget the Bishop of the time, Rt. Rev. Basil D’Souza, who appointed me as the Principal of this college when I was raw, inexperienced and lacked the confidence that he obviously had in me. .  If I have been able to carry forward the vision of our school founder Fr. Leo Carvalho till now, it is because I enjoyed his support and guidance, and that of his successor, our beloved Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, all the secretaries of Catholic Board of Education, the Christian Brothers, the parish priests and their assistants, the staff, students and parents. The Christian Brothers have been fortunate to be surrounded by committed staff members who shared our vision and dreams. It is due to their support, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice that we have been able to achieve so much. It has been our aim to admit all students irrespective of their caste, religion, marks or geographical area ;  and to give priority to the poor students who could not afford high fees.

     Leaving a school and community I cared a lot about, and saying my final goodbyes to my beloved students, staff and parents, is going to be difficult.  Every year, the experience of staff and students leaving has been heart-wrenching ;  I am not sure if it will be easier for me, now that it is my turn to say goodbye. I will be forever grateful for every moment.  In the end, I would like to conclude with St Paul’s quote:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

BR.  HECTOR  PINTO,

PRINCIPAL,

ST.  JOSEPH’S  P U COLLEGE,  BAJPE

FOOT PRINTS OF BR.CONRAD D'SOUZA AT BAJPE by Olwin Menezes

FOOT PRINTS OF BR.CONRAD D'SOUZA AT BAJPE

Br.Conrad D'Souza was born in Borivali, Mumbai, in Feb 1954.  The bulk of his school life was in St Mary’s, Mt Abu, from 1962-70.  Then he did two years of college in HR College, Mumbai, before joining the Christian Brothers in June 1973.

As a Brother, to practice the motto "to do-to teach" he joined Goethals School, Kurseong, in 1975, before fine-tuning his teaching skills in Salvation School, Dadar, from 1978-83. Then three years in St Augustine’s, Vasai, after which he was transferred to St Joseph’s, Bajpe in 1986.

There onwards he worked in various capacities for nine years until 1995. In 1986 Sept. he joined as a history lecturer. Then in 1987 as incharge  principal and then from 1988 to 1995 as the principal. During this time he worked for the all round progress of the college. His contribution in constructing golden jubilee memorial building of the college is outstanding. He was also instrumental in starting a technical course (JOC) in the institution during 1992.

Being a friendly person he used to mingle with the students and staff. As a hard task master whenever things went wrong he used to hit the nail on the head. He was a connoisseur of physical exercise and a lover of nature, he used to go on long hiking’s with the students. 

The institution always remembers him as a true brother who always upheld humanitarian values in his words and actions. May god give him good health so that he can contribute more towards the field of education.

Olwin menezes,

(Lecturer in computer science).

A Tribute of Love to the Christian Brothers

A Tribute of Love to the Christian Brothers

05-06-2017

 The Christian Brothers have successfully given 40 years of dedicated, fruitful service to society in Bajpe area in the field of education, social development and sports  and took the institution of St. Joseph’s P.U. College   to greater heights.  Now you are moving to places where your contribution to educational, moral and spiritual development is needed in greater measure.  On this occasion, we are presenting this Tribute of Love to You.

Honourable Provincial, we address you in the name of all the Christian Brothers.  Your arrival in Mangalore in 1977 was inspired by Jesus Christ, and in accordance with the motto  To Do  -  To Teach, inherited from your Founder, (now Blessed) Edmund Rice.

Initially the Brothers served the institution with the Principal of St. Joseph’s Junior College, Fr. Bernard D’Souza and then the Australian born Brother   C J Harrison took charge as the first Christian Brother to be  the Principal in 1979 and he worked day and night for the all round progress of the institution.  His special contribution to the field of education will always be remembered by the people of Bajpe, and we pray for the repose of his soul.

His successor, Br. Wilfred D’Souza gave a unique contribution to this institution.  We did not have English medium education:  he solved that problem by starting an Aided English medium section in the High School.  His special gift was a thorough knowledge of the rules of the Department of Education.  It was his unstinting efforts, within the limit of the constitution, that got us so many benefits which were the right of minority people.

Next, Br. Conrad  D’Souza was appointed as Principal as his successor. He wholeheartedly worked for the all round development of the institution.  He initiated the process of getting the Golden Jubilee building constructed and saw the foundation stone laid.  It was for the benefit of the rural people that he introduced computer education by starting job-oriented course.  He not only ran the institution successfully but also won the hearts of the people of Bajpe.  We know him as a lover of education.

Running the institution for the longest period of time, Br. Hector Pinto changed the whole picture of the institution. He executed the projects begun by his predecessors- the construction of the Golden Jubilee building, the introduction of the  Science section in   P U College  and other initiatives of his own, the spacious Edmund Rice multi-purpose auditorium,  the transformation of the playground into a facility that is ready for any sporting activity.  The different ways in which he encouraged different sporting activities proved his ability and interest.

During this period the institution saw the teams reaching not just taluk level or district level but state level and even national level. The flag of St. Joseph’s was planted on heights never imagined.  He gave us reasons to be proud of our achievements.

Br. Charles D’Souza served as in-charge Principal for period of five years.  It was under his leadership that the new P.U. College block was conceptualized and built.  A simple gentleman, polite and humble, he showed his ability as a counsellor.  His relationships with parents, students, staff and society is exemplary.  He always responded to problems in a positive way.  St Joseph’s grew into a family under this great person.

We have been blessed, too, with the invaluable contribution of many Brothers, especially as Correspondents, Br. C. J. Harrison, Br. W. A. D’Souza, Br. Thomas S. Pinto, Br. E. Bosco Aykaramattam, Br. Theo Alvarez, Br. Vinod Gabriel Thomas,

Br. Miles Allams and Br. A. Leonard Noronha.

We will remain ever grateful for their untiring service, and we are thankful for their guidance.  So many Brothers have left their mark on us as teachers, as mentors, friends and guides. We remember especially Br. Joachim Almeida who gave thirty years of service to this institution.

Dear Christian Brothers,

Life is not a pool of stagnant water:

It is a flowing river

Accordingly we appreciate that you are going to work for our brothers and sisters

who had been less fortunate in basic educational facilities.

We wish you good luck in these and other endeavours, that your future journey of service may be happy and fruitful.  May the Almighty God bless you with good health and peace.

President and Managing Committee Members,

Staff and Students, 
St Joseph’s P. U. College, Bajpe

Adieu from the Province Leadership Team

Adieu from the Province Leadership Team

 Bajpe has come to be a special place for the Christian Brothers with many wonderful memories to cherish. When the Brothers were first invited to take over the management of St Joseph’s Junior College by the Archdiocese of Mangalore, Br C J Harrison became the first Principal of this small parish-run institution of about 700 pupils in a laid back town along the outskirts of Mangalore city. Today, nearly 40 years later, St Joseph’s College is an institute of considerable repute within the state and beyond, and one that excels in a variety of fields. Bajpe is now more of a bubbling township which along with its environs has provided a significant number of young men to the Christian Brotherhood, including the present Province Leader.

     On behalf of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, we would like to acknowledge and thank God for all those people who have supported the Brothers over the years and contributed towards making St Joseph’s what it has come to become. The Catholic Board of Education, Mangalore Archdiocese, along with the various Parish Priests of Bajpe, have been instrumental in trusting the Christian Brothers and giving them the freedom to run the institution as they deemed fit. Equally important were the staff who have grown to be the absolute backbone of the institution and ones we believe have greatly imbibed our spirit and character. Many of the seniors, of whom we tell many fond stories, have retired and some gone to their heavenly reward. Among the present staff are a few with great leadership and deep love for St Jospeph’s, who we trust will not only maintain but further enhance the quality and scope of the institute.

    The Christian Brothers leave St Joseph’s College with a very heavy heart and not for any reason but with the certainty that it lies in good hands. Our own Congregation invites us Brothers to keep seeking people that are on the fringes of our society and conscience and to engage with them. We will go and do our part but we also count greatly on the thousands of alumni that have been through the hallowed portals of this great institution: to be brother and sister in small but significant ways, to those who by fate came to be born in circumstances of oppression and depravity. We trust in the words of our Founder Edmund Rice, “the good seed will grow in the children’s hearts later on”. If all of us did our little bits, the glory of St Joseph’s will shine even brighter than it has ever been. Even as the Brothers leave this revered institution, we wish to continue being bonded with the parish and people of Bajpe. We trust our house for the training of our young brothers will nurture the bonds of love that have developed over the years. We also pray that St Joseph’s College Bajpe will continue to shine far beyond its shores, in ever greater ways!

God bless the St Joseph’s School Family!

Brothers Augustine, Joaquim, Leonard, Ralph & Stephen

Province Leadership Team,

Congregation of Christian Brothers in India

Message from Fr R. C. M. Aranha, Parish Priest and Vicar Vara

Dear Rev. Brother

It is really very sad to hear that you are winding up your mission at Bajpe St. Joseph’s College from this year in order to hand it over to the Diocese of Mangalore.  Ever since you took up your teaching ministry in  1977  at Bajpe, the College has made tremendous progress specially in the field of quality educaiton and discipline.  The College has not at all lagged behind either in co-curricular  or extra-curricular activities.  By and large, it has focussed on total growth of students.  It is an indication that the College been scaling greater heights under your able leadership and your selfless service.  It is not only the academic excellence, but all-round development in the formation is needed indeed, and you have been successful in achieving this goal.  What your students have learned in your College will form them into responsible citizens.

While you are handing over the College to the Diocese, I sincerely congratulate you on your great success in taking this College to great heights and your dedication and hard work will always be remembered :  the students who have studied in your College will certainly be indebted to you for the value based education they have received.

I wish you all the best and every success in your future mission.  Your service in the rural areas will certainly be appreciated and will benefit many more people.  I have been really very fortunate to have been closely associated with you as a Vicar vara.  I sincerely thank you for your co-operation and good will during our varado activities.   We really miss you and thank you once again.

Sincerely yours,   

V. Rev. Fr. R. C. M. Aranha

Parish Priest and Vicar Vara

ST.  JOSEPH’S CHURCH

Pezar,  Kalavar P.O.,  via Bajpe, D.K.  574 142

BR. CHARLES D’SOUZA - MY PRINCIPAL by Lolita

BR.  CHARLES  D’SOUZA  -  MY  PRINCIPAL

“Good teachers are the reason why

ordinary students

dream

to do extraordinary things”

Br. Charles D’Souza was born to the late Roman and Florine D’Souza on the  8^th of December 1962.  He had his early education in Bajpe.   He was sufficiently impressed by what he saw in the Christian Brothers that he joined them on the  1^st of June  1979.   After completing his higher studies in Shillong, he took his first vows as a Brother on Christmas Day 1981, and made his perpetual profession on the 31^st of December 1987. 

Among his other assignments, he served as Superior in the House of Formation, Bajpe (what is now Edmund Rice House of Studies) from  1995  to  2001.  Later, he pursued a Diploma for Counselling Psychology and Pastoral Counselling, an M.Sc. in Psychology and an M.A. in Christian Studies.  He was back in St. Joseph’s Bajpe as Principal during the years 2005 to 2010.  Then he was sent to Ireland to do higher studies in Counselling and Spirituality for a year.

On his return to India he served as campus minister of St. Edmund’s College, Shillong.  For the past four years he has been serving as the Superior of the Brothers’  house in Goa and also as Chairman of the Christian Brothers Educational Society  in Regina Mundi School.

As my Principal, I have seen him as a person of simple living, but higher thinking ;  with a vision to render quality education to all ;  and a special concern for those who are poor.  He used to conduct extra classes for slow learners after class hours, and also Spoken English classes.  He provided them with food free of charge.  He recognized each student by name.  In spite of his busy schedule he would spend time with people who came to seek him.

He maintained very good relationships with the public, guardians and parents of the students.  This was quite an asset  when the new college block was to be constructed, and funds had to be found, ..  somehow.  Though he had major responsibilities, he was always cool, as he was well-prepared with his wonderful ideas for the completion of the project.

Even when he was transferred to different places, he would make it a point to meet the people of Bajpe whenever he found himself in his home town.

In summation I would describe Br. Charles as a simple, affectionate, dynamic, caring, sincere, thoughtful, friendly counsellor, rather than the dictator or commander that other administrators often turn out to be.

I wish him good health and a long life  ..  all the best, Brother !

LOLITA J PAIS

Lecturer in Chemistry

Message from Br Wilfred D'Souza

Message from Br  Wilfred D’Souza

My initial ten years  in mission in Bajpe  were years of great enrichment and exposure to a new way of life . A city boy who lived always in big cities now finds himself in a small village .... no knowledge of the language ... no friends .. a senior Brother as companion ... sharing life in common with a Priest ... teaching in a Kannada Medium section ...  Looking back I can honestly say that it isin Bajpe that I first came to realise what it meant to BE Brother ; and Parents and I really grew. It turned out to be my happiest years as a young Brother.

   Encouragement and support came from all sides :  the Clergy, Religious, Staff and Parents. Looking after the candidates(those who had chosen to see if they were called to our way of life) was another great challenge ... monitoring their studies .. playing football in the heaviest rain .. out for walks .. and teaching them household chores. What a wonderful opportunity to learn that life can be different and fascinating.

  When I returned to the community in Bajpe many years later, older and wiser, more in the role of a mentor, I found that my students had grown too. Some were married and a couple of them had their children enrolled in St Joseph's.The affection and appreciation were still so strong.

I did dream that St Joseph's would some day make a long standing mark and it has, in academics (we have had rank holders in the PUC), games  (we are champions at various levels) and in some extra curriculars we shine.

   We must continue to dream and dream big ... dream the impossible ....  remembering that the world always belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Br. Wilfred D’Souza

Former Principal, Correspondent and Superior of St Joseph’s