On 26th Nov. was the 40th death anniversary of our Founder Bl. James Alberione and the Daughters of St.Paul had the inauguration of the 3rd Pauline Festival of Books in the Milagres Church premises. Rev. Fr.Joseph Martis , Rector of the inter-diocesan seminary Jeppu was the chief guest. Sr.Mariette , provincial superior of the Bethany sisters Vamanjoor and Stephen Mendes director of the Western Institute of technology Kadri were the guest of honours. Mrs.Winniefred Rego one of the co-operators welcome the guests and Sr.Marie introduced the guests to the gathering and honored them with a bouquet of flowers followed by a prayer led by Sr.Josephine . As an expression of gratitude to God and our beloved Founder Bl. James Alberione Vinitha (postulant) performed a dance which was appreciated by one and all. We had the lighting of the lamp by the distinguished guests symbolizing light dispels darkness and enhances knowledge.
Fr.Joseph Martis, appreciating the media apostolate carried out by the Pauline sisters and encouraging the gathering, he placed three quotations about the reading.
- Today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader.
- A house without books is house without windows.
- Reading is a discount ticket for everything.
Books help to read, discover and find out new things. If we want to go to any corner in the world, books are the cheapest way as they explain everything about the city for a very little price. Books diffuse knowledge in all walks of life. Buying books is definitely not a loss as they are our companions everywhere. They give fresh ideas, wisdom, humour and recreation,” said Fr.Martis in his presidential address.
“Reading is nothing spectacular but infuses the reader with knowledge and wisdom. Books have not lost its value despite the rapid growth of the electronic media, said Sr. mariette. Mr. Stephen Mendes lauded the efforts by the sisters in contributing knowledge to the society. Fr. Gomes, principal of the Milagres College was present at the inaugural. Fr. Martis, inaugurated the book fair by cutting of the ribbon. There were about 60 people present for the inauguration. After the inauguration we served them some light refreshments. Prior to the exhibition lot of preparation has been done by us along with the co-operators. Lot of publicity had been made in the Rakhno, udayavani and Varthabharati as well as in Daivik sakat channel. Through the help of Mr.Vivian we got many sponsors to print the publicty handbills, banners also to meet the book fair expenses. We are also grateful to the other co-operators who have spent their precious time with us in setting the book fair and other help.
This year the exihibition was visited by a lot of lay people (Hindu. Muslims and Christians.) from all around Mangalore. We had a wide range of books catering to all catagories of people.Everyone was appreciative and grateful for the effort we have put in. Our sincere thanks to you sisters for supporting us through your prayers. By the grace of God everything went on well.
Sr. Nancy FSP/ Mrs. Winnifred Rego |
