Silver Jubilee Celebration of
Manasa
The Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre that was
established way back in 1997 under the patronage of the Catholic Sabha of the
undivided Mangalore Diocese celebrated its Silver Jubilee with multifarious
programmes on Friday, 25 November 2022. The programmes commenced with the
Thanksgiving Mass in the Holy Cross Church, Pamboor offered by Fr. Ferdinand
Gonsalves-Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh at 8.30 am. The
Holy Mass was followed by Flag Hoisting, breakfast, competition for children in
fancy dress, singing and drawing, competition for parents followed by
lunch.
The after noon programme at 2.30 pm included the inauguration of
the new Vocational Training Unit donated by Noel Rasquinha, Managing Director
of Mercury Pneumatics, Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai in memory of his late parents-Francis
and Getrude Rasquinha. While Noel Rasquinha inaugurated the Vocational Training
Unit, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo conducted a brief prayer service and blessed the
unit. The Vocational Unit comprises of machinery worth Rs. 10 lakhs to
prepare host for communion in churches. There are two machines to bake the host
and one machine to cut the larger host into particles. The facility can produce
as much as one lakh particles in a week. This would provide considerable amount
of revenue to the Manasas institution.
Thereafter, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the exhibition
of photographs and trophies manifesting the achievements of Manasa during the
last 25 years both in training and sports.
The stage programme commenced at 3 pm with prayer dance by the
students of Manasa. Henry Menezes- President and Managing Trustee of
Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre(MRTC) presided over the
programme. Other dignitaries on the dais included Bishop Gerald Isaac
Lobo who inaugurated the Silver Jubilee Porgamme; Chief Guests Lalaji R,
Mendon-MLA of the Kaup Constituency and Vinaya Kumar Sorake-former Minister of
Karnataka; Guests of honour: Rev. Fr. Jephrin Monis-Parish Priest of the
Most Holy Trinity Church, Rudersberg (Retd.) Germany, Noel Rasquinha, Harish
Shetty representing Seetharam Shetty-Managing Director of Onshore Construction
Company, Mumbai; Horst Schneider-Lord City Mayor (Retd.), Rudersberg,
Germany; Mrs. Margit Schneider, L.J. Fernandes-Ex-President, Catholic Sabha,
Mangalore Pradesh; Sr. Ida Lobo, SSps-Provincial Leader INS, Congregation
of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of Holy Spirit; Rev. Fr. Henry
Mascarenhas-Parish Priest of the Holy cross Church, Pamboor,; Dr. Edward Lobo-
Founder President and Managing Trustee, MRTC; Ms. Remedia D’Souza-Ex President
and Managing Trustee of MRTC; Joseph Noronha-Secretary, MRTC; Valerian
Fernandes-Treasurer-MRTC; Sr. Ancilla Fernandes-Principal, Manasa Special
School, Stany Lobo-President, Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh; Mrs. Mary
D’Souza-President, Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh; Mrs. Vanitha
Shettigar-President PTA; and Elroy Kiran Crasta-Convener, Silver Jubilee
Celebration Committee.
Following the welcome address by Elroy Kiran Crasta, Bishop
Gerald Isaac Lobo along with other dignitaries on the dais formally inaugurated
the Manasa Silver Jubilee programme by lighting the lamp.
Sr. Ancilla Fernandes presented the report of the achievements
of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre during the last 25 years. So
far 750 students have passed out from the institution. Presently there are 115
students and 38 staff members. 21 students are trained in the Autism
center. So far 7 students of the Manasa institution have won medals
in International Special Olympics out of which four Gold, two Silver and one
Bronze.
In his message, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said that happiness
among the human beings depend on sharing with the less fortunate. The human
beings created by God are not the same and they are not endowed with similar
abilities and talents. There are human beings who are physically or mentally
challenged. However, God does not forsake such beings. He chooses kind hearted
donors and dedicated institutions to take care of such disadvantaged
children. Jesus Christ and St. Mother Teresa have been great inspirers of
institutions like Manasa. Love of humanity through service has been the message
of Mother Teresa. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo complimented Dr. Edward Lobo,
Rev. Fr. Jephrin Monis and others who were responsible for the establishment of
Manasa.
On this occasion the founding Trustees including Dr. Gerald
Pinto were felicitated. Besides, the Presidents of the Catholic Sabha of the
Undivided Mangalore Pradesh, Udupi Prant, Udupi Pradesh, Shirva Deanery and
Pamboor Parish were honoured. Later, Principals and wardens of
Hostels belonging to the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of
Holy Spirit and those staff members who had been in service in Mansa for the
last 25 years were also felicitated.
Rev Fr. Jephrin Monis inaugurated the documentary on the Manasa
institution titled “Silver Manasa’.
In his message, Rev. Fr. Jephrin Monis said that mentally challenged
children are like butterflies with broken wings and they require careful and
loving handling to put them on the self-reliant path. He thanked all the
benefactors from Germany who had contributed generously in establishing the
Manasa Institution.
Horst
Schneider and Mrs. Margit Schneider jointly released the Manasa Silver Jubilee
Souvenir presented by Editor Dr. Gerald Pinto
Speaking on this occasion Horst Schneider said that he and his
wife were quite happy to participate in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of
Manasa. It was way back in 2002 he had paid an official visit to Manasa. He
also handed over a donation cheque to Henry Menezes, the President of Manasa.
Sr. Ida Lobo, Lalaji R. Mendon and Vinaya Kumar Sorake also
addressed the gathering. Lalaji R. Mendon said that he has been attending at
least one or two functions organized by Manasa every year and assured his
support to the various activities of Manasa.
Vinay Kumar Sorake in his address said that though he had to go
to Bangalore to attend a meeting, he chose to
attend the Silver Jubilee function of Manasa as the institution has been very
close to his heart. He has been celebrating his birthday for many years in the
Manasa institution. He further said that in the atmosphere of hatred, it is the
spirit of love and service to humanity that keeps the society on the right
path.
n his presidential address, Henry Menezes expressed gratitude to
all those who have been helping in running the Manasa Institute and hoped that
they will continue supporting the good work tha tis being sone by the Manasa
Rehabilitation and Training Centre.
Joseph Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs. Reena D’Souza,
Mrs. Sashikala Manjunath and Mrs. K. Prabha compered the programme.
Cultural programme was presented by the students of
Manasa and the group led by Anil D’Sa.