St. Lawrence EM School Moodubelle celebrates Silver Jubilee with great Fervour and gaiety
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi/M’Belle, 11 Dec 2024: Having completed 25 years of its service to the society by providing quality and value based education, St. Lawrence English Medium School Moodubelle celebrated the Silver Jubilee with great fervour and gaiety on Tuesday, 10 December 2024. The dignitaries, teachers and Students Council members went in a procession to the venue of the celebration, St. Lawrence PU College Quadrangle accompanied by the ‘Chende’ beats. A huge stage was erected for the felicitation function and variety entertainment cultural programme to be presented by the students.
The Silver Jubilee programme commenced with prayer song and welcome dance presented by the students of the Institution. This was followed by the dignitaries occupying their respective chairs on the dais. Bishop of Udupi Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the programme. Rev. Fr. Vincent Crasta-Secretary of Catholic Education Society of Udupi (CESU) was the chief guest. Other dignitaries on the dais included Rev. Fr. Charles Lewis-founder Correspondent of St. Lawrence English Medium School, Br. Philip Noronha-Principal of the school, Mrs. Divya Achaarya-President of Belle Grama Panchyat, Stephen Mendonca-President PTA and Sumath Acharya-Leader of the Students Council.
Following the welcome address by Rev. Fr. George D’Souza-Present Correspondent of St. Lawrence Educational Institutions, the former Correspondents, Rev. Fr. Charles Lewis (1999-2003) and Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza (2003-2008) were honoured by the Bishop and other dignitaries on the dais. Other two former Correspondents-Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes (2008-2015) and Rev. Fr. Clement Masccarenhas (2015-2021) could not attend the programme due to unavoidable circumstance. Mrs. Anita Salian introduced Rev. Fr. Charles Lewis and Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza.
In his reply to the honour, Rev. Fr. Charles Lewis narrated the circumstances that led to the starting of the St. Lawrence English Medium School with just 20 students in the Loreto Convent building which gradually grew to the strength of 500 during the last 25 years.
The former Principals who had rendered service in the growth of the institution were next felicitated. Mrs. Sumalatha Nayak introduced these former Principals starting with Sr. Jones and followed by John Baptist Miranda, Mrs. Lavina Baroza, Rev. Fr. Lancy Saldanha and Mrs. Veera Fernandes. They were felicitated by two alumni each who had been students during their principalship. Rev. Fr. Lancy Saldanha responded to the felicitation by narrating his experience as the Principal of the Institution expressing his sentiments of gratitude for the felicitation.
Two senior teachers-Mrs. Malathi A. who had been with the school since its inception and retired few years back and Sashidhar Acharya were honoured by Rev. Fr. Vincent Crasta as they were introduced by Mrs. Joyce D’Sa. Mrs. Malathi A. responded to the honour.
Three prominent donors to the institution right from its foundation-Commodore Jerome Castelino, Mrs. Juliana Noronha(Wife of Late Simon Noronha) and Valerian Alva were felicitated by Rev. Fr. George D’Souza as they were introduced by Mrs. Maria Barboza. In his reply to the felicitation Commodore Jerome Castelino pointed out the background of the starting the school by Rev. Fr. Charles Lewis and its progress under successive Correspondents. He hoped that under the challenging present circumstances it would be better to switch the school from State Board syllabus to CBSE syllabus so that the students can get better education and can face any competitive examinations to brighten their future.
In his address as the chief guest, Rev. Fr. Vincent Crasta said that education is the golden key to open the treasure of knowledge. He said that celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the institution is the day of celebration of the vision and perseverance and a day to manifest gratitude to the various pioneers who were behind the progress of the school. He further said that making the students intelligent and building their character are the chief aims of the institution. He appreciated the view of Commodore Jerome Castelino that the school should switch over to CBSE syllabus in the near future. He asked the parents to instil a sense of facing any challenge in their children and allow them to pursue the type of education that they would like to take up rather than imposing their own ambitions on them.
Mrs. Sandra Lobo introduced three alumni of the school-Adv. Clive Quadros, Dr. Divita Lobo and Glen Rebello who have achieved great height in the field of their specialization. Adv. Clive Quadros is a successful Lawyer in Bangalore High Court, Dr. Divita Lobo is a successful Homeopathy Doctor practicing in Bangalore and Glen Rebello is an expert in Drone related technology in Mumbai. They were felicitated by three former Principals. John Baptist Miranda felicitated Adv. Clive Quadros, Mrs. Lavina Barboza felicitated Dr. Divita Lobo and Mrs. Veera Fernandes felicitated Glen Rebello. Dr. Divita Lobo responded to the felicitation by sharing her experience as a student of the institution.
In his presidential speech, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “We gather with immense joy and gratitude to celebrate a significant milestone-the Silver Jubilee of St. Lawrence English Medium High School, Moodubelle. This occasion fills our hearts with pride as we reflect on 25 glorious years of excellence in education, rooted in the values of faith, knowledge and service”.
The Bishop further said that the journey of the institution, from its humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of academic and moral formation in Moodubelle is a testament of God’s blessings and the collective dedication of many visionaries. The mission of education is not merely to impart knowledge but to transform lives, and this institution has excelled in shaping young minds and nurturing responsible citizens for our society.
Continuing his speech, the Bishop said that the pioneers who laid the foundation of this school should be remembered. He expressed his gratitude to the founders, principals, and teaching staff, both past and present had spared their time, talents and energy into building this institution. He also acknowledge the sacrifices and unwavering support of parents and benefactors who had stood by the school through the years.
Addressing the students, the Bishop said that they are legacy of the institution. Their academic and extra-curricular achievements have been a source of pride for the institution. He further said that education is not merely a pathway to success but a responsibility to use their talents for the betterment of the society. Speaking to the alumni, he said that their success stories reflect the quality of education imparted by the institution. He urged them to stay connected with their alma mater and contribute towards its continued growth and development.
Br. Philip Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. The stage programme was anchored by two alumni-Ms. Melissa D’Souza and Glen Rebello.
The stage programme was followed by variety entertainment programme presented by students right from the LKG to tenth standard. It comprised of dances, skits, Yakshagana, etc.




