BELLARY, JUL 16: “People have great trust in the Catholic education. They see quality, inclusiveness and value formation in Catholic education. That’s why there is so much demand for Catholic education,” declared Bishop of Bellary, Henry D’Souza.
“Do not be afraid to retain and promote the Catholic identity of education, which has brought dignity and quality of life to our people”, he added.
Bishop D’Souza was speaking at the blessing and inauguration of the newly built Kroot Memorial Auditorium by the Fatima Sisters on July 16 at Bellary.
“In a country where more that 50 percent of children drop out of schools before the end of primary education, education is not only one of the basic needs of children, but it is the right of all children”, affirmed the Bishop.
“The Catholic education apostolate has contributed a lion’s share to educate the masses of India. That contribution is appreciated and acknowledged by many. However, we need to as the CBCI Education Policy urges “to give serious attention to and deepen the authentic spiritual formation of all our students and nurture the faith culture” of all students.”
“This makes it imperative for us to bring about several significant changes, so that our education retains its Catholic identity and promotes genuine personal development and excellence”, he added.
“Social and societal transformation” is a major goal and mission of education. It is a summons to form communities of solidarity, and of justice and equality, at the service of all people, especially the poor and the marginalized; thus fostering “a new society built on justice, peace, love and harmony: a civilization of love”, Bishop Henry D’Souza declared.
Bishop D’Souza saluted the pioneers and teachers who shaped the destiny of the St. Joseph’s Girls’ School to which the Auditorium belongs, for promoting education of women in one of the most backward area such as Bellary.
Earlier, the Superior General of the Fatima Sister, Sister Santan Nago declared the auditorium open.
The Shrine of Bellary Arogya Mathe was blessed and dedicated on 8th September 2000 on the feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother Mary in memory of the great jubilee 2000 and the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Bellary