Udupi: Dr. Edward Lobo Honored on 4th International Nurses Day at Anugraha Pastoral Center

By Alphonse Mendonca
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi:  18-May-2025:  In commemoration of International Nurses Day a well curated program titled ‘4th International Nurses Day’ was organized by the Health Commission of Udupi Diocese on Sunday the 18th May 2025, at the Anugraha, Pastoral Center.

 

The main purpose of the event was to recognize selfless service of the Nursing community of Udupi Diocese.  Dr. Edward Lobo being the director of Health Commission of Udupi Diocese organizing several health-related programs at many parishes of the diocese.  

 

Today’s event began with a welcome prayer followed by a brief annual report on various activities organized by Health Commission throughout the year was read out by Ms. Precilla Noronha, Secretary Health Commission) and a presentation of these activities on a screen highlighting main events such as Free Eye Test Camp, Bone Density, Cancer Awareness and Dental Care camps which was beneficial for the many parishioners of our diocese.

 

On this auspicious occasion, in commemoration of the selfless service to the wounded soldiers during the world war by Florence Nightingale, a floral tribute to the portrait of was done by the dignitaries present on the occasion namely Most Rev. Dr, Gerald Isaac Lobo (Bishop, Udupi Diocese), V. Rev. Fr. Stephen D’Souza,(Chancelor & Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral commissions), Rev. Fr. Charles Saldanha, OFM Cap (Spiritual Director), Dr. Judith Noronha (Dean, MCON, Manipal), Dr. Edward Lobo, (Director, Health commission), Ms. Precilla Noronha (Secretary, Health Commission) and Ms. Hilda Cornelio (Program Convener & Member, Health Commission)

All the dignitaries thereafter were invited to the dais by the emcee of the day Ms, Pramila D’Souza and Dr. Edward Lobo accorded warm welcome to all the dignitaries on dais, health coordinators and nurses and said he was practically behind all the members especially to the secretary and coordinator of today’s event to make sure the program was conducted efficiently and as planned everything was done perfectly and he appreciated their dedication, time and sacrifice for the success of the event.

 

Three Professional acheivers for their excellent service in the field of Nursing were felicitated on the occasion namely Ms. Anitha Precilla Castelino (Dedicated Service in the field), Ms. Saritha Mendonca (1st Rank in Nursing, State Level,2023-24) and Dr. Elsa S. Devi (Long Dedicated service), they were introduced by Ms. Joyce Pinto, and Ms. Pratiba Brags.  They were felicitated by Fr. Stephen D’Souza with a Shawl and Memento). 

 

A special felicitation was arranged on this auspicious occasion that was for the man who dedicated his entire life for the service of the patients and downtrodden was Dr. Edward Lobo (Director, Health commission and Parishioner of Pangla Parish) for his long and dedicated service as a Doctor, Social Worker and one who instrumental in establishing Manasa , Rehabilitation & Training Centre Pamboor and member of Rotary club, Shankerpura who dedicates his service to the medical monthly psychiatric camp organized every month at the Rotary club Shankerpura from the beginning.

 

Prior to felicitation Dr. Rayan Mathias (Member, Health Commission) introduced Dr. Lobo to the audience and highlighted a few of his achievements and the awards he has received for his dedicated services throughout his medical career. He began his intro as Dr. Edward Lobo — A Life Etched in Gold, Guided by Grace. ‘Lives of great men all remind us, We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us. Footprints on the sands of time’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

While highlighting his various achievements he also said that Dr Lobo has published over 90 medical articles in Konkani, delivered seminars across dioceses, and has received national and international honors, the Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award, Mother Teresa Excellence Award, Presidential Rotary citation, and many more including a State Award.  

 

Speaking the occasion Bishop Gerald Lobo appreciated various medical camps conducted by Health commission under the guidance of Dr. Lobo throughout the diocese.  He said that nurses are true representatives of Jesus as Jesus cured many patience during his mission such as he gave sight to blind people, he cured people suffering from leprosy who were outcasted those days. Today what nurses and medical professional are doing the same job with dedication and compassion he said.

 

The chief guest of the day Dr. Judith Noronha was introduced by Dr. Leen Sequeira.  Dr. Judith while speaking said that we nurses must upgrade, upskill ourselves, we must read as much as possible to get most modern knowledge which will help in our mission to take care of patients.  Today’s younger generation join nursing field to make big money.  Money, yes needed but our main objective to join nursing is to cure people.  She said nurse is the only person present during birth of the person and death of the person.  Nurses must have empathy towards their patients and three important lessons you must keep in mind is Curing, Compassion and Quality.  This is the best way to serve the patients.

 

Ms. Hilda Cornelio proposed the vote of thanks.  A few spot games were conducted after the stage program.  Earlier Holy Eucharistic Mass was celebrated and a group photo of all the nurses attended the event was organized.