On August 3, 2024, Navachethana Girls’ Hostel joyously celebrated the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The event was honoured by the presence of Mr. Chidananda Biradar, the Assistant Headmaster of Loyola English Medium School, Vijayapura, who served as the chief guest. Alongside him, we welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including Fr. Daniel Fernades SJ, Rector of Jesuits Nivas, Bangalore; Fr. Manoj D’Souza SJ, Director of St. Joseph’s Institute of Management; Fr. Jason Furtado SJ, Treasurer and Secretary of the Karnataka Jesuit Educational Society; Fr. Balraj, Treasurer and Secretary of the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society; Fr. Francis Menezes SJ, Mission Superior of Bijapur; Fr. Teyol Machado SJ, Director of CNFE; Fr. Ronald Serrao SJ, Director of Loyola PU College, Vijayapura; Fr. Suman Balu, Assistant Director of CNFE; Sr. Jaya Mary, Coordinator of CNFE; and Sr. Shibi, the Warden of Navachetana Hostel. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Ms. Archana, a lecturer at Loyola PU College and Warden of Navachetana Hostel.
The celebration commenced with a prayer service, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the symbolic watering of a plant. The chief guest, Mr. Chidananda Biradar, delivered an inspiring speech, motivating the students. Following this, the students performed a skit depicting the life journey of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Lakshmi, II PUC student, gave a heartfelt speech about the saint, and the event featured four dance performances by the students.
Fr. Daniel Fernandes SJ and Fr. Francis Menezes SJ shared inspirational messages with the attendees. The celebration also included the distribution of prizes for various competitions held in honor of the feast, including drawing, essay writing, dance, singing, and a quiz.
The program, hosted by the students, concluded with a vote of thanks, and everyone enjoyed a delicious meal to end the festivities.