Mangalore: The feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of Aloysius Institutions was celebrated with a Eucharistic Celebration on 21 June 2023, in the Loyola Hall with the theme- Awakening Young Souls to Forge a Better Tomorrow.
The main celebrant, Msgr. Lawrence Maxim Noronha, Vicar General, Diocese of Mangalore in his homily gave a glimpse of the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga and elucidated the readings of the liturgy that reflect the theme of love. He emphasized that everyone, from an infant to a senior citizen, craves for love and acceptance, and we seek people who understand us and accept us as we are, and are there at our side both in times of happiness and sorrows. He further added that it is these relationships that give us strength and inspiration to fight lifes battles.
The Chief Guest, Msgr. Maxim Noronha, urged the students to remember the motto of St Aloysius Gonzaga - I was born for greater things, and encouraged the students to take this as their life motto to reach greater heights. He motivated the students to draw inspiration from their patron saint, St Aloysius of Gonzaga and emulate him by standing up for values, truth, rights, duties and responsibilities.
The mass was con-celebrated by the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Principal of St Aloysius PU College, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, Principal of St Aloysius Gonzaga School, Fr Melwyn Lobo SJ and Fr John D’Souza SJ, Director of St Aloysius ITI.
The highlights of the celebration were, a video presentation showcasing the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the ceremonial offertory, participated by students dressed in traditional attire and presenting symbolic gifts and the melodious rendition of the choir, bringing a fresh spirit to the celebration and filling everyone’s hearts with joy.
At the end of the Mass, Fr Melwin Pinto SJ conveyed the feast greetings and addressed the students. on the life of the patron saint and stated that, the happiness St Aloysius derived was because of being a child of God than the king of the world and that he chose a life of love and service rather than living in a kingly fashion. He urged the students to follow the footsteps of St Aloysius Gonzaga, to bring out the best in them and to enjoy their studies, play and co- curricular activities, and strive to make others happy. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ proposed the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to make the Eucharistic celebration a special one. The programme was well compered by Dianne of II PU.
The Campus Ministry of St Aloysius PU College organized a series of competitions as a part of the feast. A variety of competitions were held, including painting, short story writing, photography, notice board competition, and elocution. Three days of triduum prayer were led by teachers, nonteaching staff, and students during the college assembly.
A nine-day campaign highlighting St Aloysius Gonzaga words and works was also promoted among staff and students through posters and videos. Rangoli portraits of St Aloysius adorned college entrances.
A photo booth, to remember St Aloysius Gonzaga and to promote his values of service, humility, and devotion was designed which served as a reminder to young people to emulate his example and lead a life of faith and service. The students also composed a rap song on St. Aloysius Gonzaga on the occasion. It was well received and appreciated on the social media for its creativity and the message it conveyed.
The Feast of St Aloysius of Gonzaga provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose among students and faculty alike and an enhanced commitment to embodying his teachings throughout the year.