Mangaluru: Bishop and president of the city's Catholic board of education, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza visited Lourdes Central School, here on February 27 at 8 am.

The bishop was escorted by manager Fr Wilson Vitus L D’souza, principal Fr Robert D’Souza, vice principal Belita Mascarenhas, Nirmal D’Souza vice president of Bejai parish parishad, Charlotte Patrao, secretary of Bejai parish parishad and its members Augustine Rodrigues and Adeliade D’Sa.

The bishop was welcomed with arati by the students of LCS, followed by a procession with the school's band and placards displaying different values. The welcome dance in the form of a skit depicting rich values like injustice, peace etc was performed. A welcome song was sung along with a floral welcome by class representatives. Fr Wilson Vitus L D’Souza in his welcome address said that the visit of any person is a sign of expressing one's love and care. The principal briefed the bishop on the development of the school and gave a brief snapshot of the school events of 2015-2016. Felicitation of teachers and students for their dedicated and selfless service was done by the bishop. A citation was conferred on him by Fr Robert D’Souza and read by Deepa D’Souza.

The bishop thanked the gathering for the honour received and was also happy to honour teachers and students for their special contribution to the school. He was happy to address the future doctors, engineers and scientists. He said that this school has made a difference among other schools in the city and in the global world. He announced that Lourdes Central School stands first among 250 CBE schools and was proud to announce the opening of a science institution in Tanzania. In his address he advised the students to realize the dream which their parents have for them and to make the best use of every opportunity given to them. He told the students that their future is in their hands and it is their duty to fulfill them. Quoting Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's words 'Dream big and aim higher to achieve great things'. He wants our students to take executive posts, be great leaders and contribute to the society at large. He ended by stressing upon the rich values based on unity, brotherhood, justice, peace and joy. Through these values we can influence others lives in transforming the society.

The programme ended on a note of gratitude by Belita Mascarenhas. The programme was compered by Vidya Joseph and students Niharika Shetty and Anjali Sequeira. The bishop met the staff of Lourdes Central School and boosted their morale by his advice and inspired them with words of appreciation.