By Louis Rodrigues –
Belgaum: Catholics of Belgundi, a small village in the Diocese of Belgaum, about 12 kms from here, were delighted and privileged as the first Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) batch of St Paul’s Jubilee High School here passed out from the school.
At a magnificent farewell function that was held late Saturday evening, 28 students of the first batch were given a memorable farewell at a dazzling farewell ceremony, that went in the annals of the history of the village.
Belgundi village, known as an agrarian village has about 40 Konkani speaking Catholic families of Goan origin living here for over 200 years. Our Lady of Piety whom they affectionately identify as ‘Piedade Saibinn’ is the patron of the parish.
All these years the students from the village had to travel to Belagavi city every day for their school education, however, in 2009, on the occasion of Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Belgaum and with the special initiative of the former bishop of Belgaum Rev Dr Peter Machado, an English medium school was started in the premises of the church.
Since then, the school has come as a God-given opportunity to the poor, marginalised and deprived children of the farmers from the region to pursue education in English medium. Truly, its a yeoman service to the society rendered by the Diocese of Belgaum, which has commenced several English medium schools in the rural places to empower the underprivileged and downtrodden.
Son of the soil and renowned MSFS priest Rev Fr Santan Gama who is in charge of the well-known Fransalian Ashram near Belagavi was the chief guest of the function. In his speech, Fr Gama said that education transforms lives of students making them ideal human beings. “Education educates the hearts, rather than minds and enlightens the students,” he said lauding the role of the priests and nuns who are rendering yeoman services by rendering education for the benefit and welfare of the localities.
Principal of the high school Fr Thomas Lobo briefed about the progress of the school. Manager Fr John Fernandes, founding manager Fr Cajetan D’souza, and a large number of villagers and dignitaries were present for the farewell function.
Picture caption: Students presenting a cultural program.