On 30th December 2015, at 4:00 pm, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul Dsouza, Bishop of Mangalore arrived at Paladka and concelebrated the thanksgiving mass along with 13 priests.
At 5:30 pm the newly built Centenary memorial school building block was inaugurated by Mr. Abhaya Chandra Jain, Minister of youth & fisheries and Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul Dsouza, Bishop of Mangalore blessed it with the help of Rev. Fr. Jerald Dsouza, the secretary of the Catholic Education Board.

Rev. Fr. Ivan Michael Rodrigues, the correspondent and the parish priest welcomed the gathering and followed by prayer song by the students. Lamp was lit by the Bishop, Abhaya Chandra Jain, Fr. Jerald Dsouza, Henry Dsouza, Alfred Sequeira, Sr. Kusum, Melwyn Dsouza & Mrs Savitha.

There was a small payer session by the bishop. The inaugural function winded up by a light refreshment.

There was a grand function at 6:00 pm. Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul Dsouza. , Bishop of Mangalore presided over the function. Mr. Abhaya Chandra Jain was the chief guest. Other dignitaries such as Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peres- Vicar Vara, Rev. Fr. Jerald Dsouza, Mr.Ivan Dsouza-MLC, Sr. Kusum-Provincial of UMI, Smt. Savitha-Paladka Panchayat President, Sr. Josina-H.M, Mr. Denis D’Mello– Vice President of PPC & Vincent Pinto – Secretary of PPC were present on the dias.

Sr. Josina H.M. read the report explaining the history of the school and reminded us of all the sixteen correspondents. Mr. Abhaya Chandra Jain & Mr. Ivan Dsouza spoke on the occasion telling the importance of education, especially in Kannada medium.

Ex corespondent Rev. Fr. Norbert Lobo was honoured by the Bishop. Alfred Rita Sequeira, Henry Benedicta Dsouza, Walter Effie Dsouza and Melwyn Anitha Dsouza were honoured by the Bishop as major donors. John Ida Pinto who were absent were also remembered. All donors who have donated more than Rs. 50,000/- were also honoured.
The souvenier named “Shatha Patha” was released on the occasion and Miss Vinitha Maria was honored for christening it.

Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peris, Sr. Kusum and Fr. Jerald spoke on the occasion. All the leaders of various committees, Mr. Mahadev Bhatt & Mr. Kukkunje Vasudev Bhatt-the donors of the land, all the teachers and Hesdmistress Sr. Josina were honoured for their relentless & selfless service.

Melwyn & Anitha Dsouza were specially honoured for their valuable service, who had taken over the full responsibility of the building construction.

In the Presidential speech, the Bishop spoke about the service of Christian missionaries who were responsible for the spread of education, especially in Udupi and South Kannara. The Bishop & the Parish Priest both were honoured in a special way.

After the function, sumptuous vegetarian food prepared by Vasudeva Bhatt, Faustine Sequeira and their team was served to all the gathering.

Victoria Cardoza extended the vote of thanks. Mr. Andrew Dsouza & Mrs. Metilda Cardoza compered the function.

Finally there were dances by school children followed by a Tulu Drama named “Paniare Avandina” written & directed by Devdas Kapikad.

Report by: Victor D’Souza, Paladka| Pictures by: Felix DSouza