Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor Celebrates Silver Jubilee

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 25 Nov 2022: The Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre that was established way back in 1997 under the patronage of the Catholic Sabha of the undivided Mangalore Diocese celebrated its Silver Jubilee with multifarious programmes  on Friday, 25 November 2022. The programmes commenced with the Thanksgiving Mass in the Holy Cross Church, Pamboor offered by Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves-Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh at 8.30 am. The Holy Mass was followed by Flag Hoisting, breakfast, competition for children in fancy dress, singing and drawing, competition for parents followed by lunch.

 

The after noon programme at 2.30 pm included the inauguration of the new Vocational Training Unit donated by Noel Rasquinha, Managing Director of Mercury Pneumatics, Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai in memory of his late parents-Francis and Getrude Rasquinha. While Noel Rasquinha inaugurated the Vocational Training Unit, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo conducted a brief prayer service and blessed the unit. The Vocational Unit comprises of machinery worth Rs. 10 lakhs to prepare host for communion in churches. There are two machines to bake the host and one machine to cut the larger host into particles. The facility can produce as much as one lakh particles in a week. This would provide considerable amount of revenue to the Manasas institution.

 

Thereafter, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the exhibition of photographs and trophies manifesting the achievements of Manasa during the last 25 years both in training and sports.

 

 

The stage programme commenced at 3 pm with prayer dance by the students of Manasa. Henry Menezes-President and Managing Trustee of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre (MRTC) presided over the programme. Other dignitaries on the dais included Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo who inaugurated the Silver Jubilee Porgamme; Chief Guests Lalaji R, Mendon-MLA of the Kaup Constituency and Vinaya Kumar Sorake-former Minister of Karnataka; Guests of honour: Rev. Fr. Jephrin Monis-Parish Priest of the Most Holy Trinity Church, Rudersberg (Retd.) Germany, Noel Rasquinha, Harish Shetty representing Seetharam Shetty-Managing Director of Onshore Construction Company, Mumbai;  Horst Schneider-Lord City Mayor (Retd.), Rudersberg, Germany; Mrs. Margit Schneider, L.J. Fernandes-Ex-President, Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh; Sr. Ida Lobo, SSps-Provincial Leader INS, Congregation of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of Holy Spirit; Rev. Fr. Henry Mascarenhas-Parish Priest of the Holy cross Church, Pamboor,; Dr. Edward Lobo-Founder President and Managing Trustee, MRTC; Ms. Remedia D’Souza-Ex President and Managing Trustee of MRTC; Joseph Noronha-Secretary, MRTC; Valerian Fernandes-Treasurer-MRTC; Sr. Ancilla Fernandes-Principal, Manasa Special School, Stany Lobo-President, Catholic Sabha, Mangalore Pradesh; Mrs. Mary D’Souza-President, Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh; Mrs. Vanitha Shettigar-President PTA; and Elroy Kiran Crasta-Convener, Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee.

 

Following the welcome address by Elroy Kiran Crasta, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo along with other dignitaries on the dais formally inaugurated the Manasa Silver Jubilee programme by lighting the lamp.

 

Sr. Ancilla Fernandes presented the report of the achievements of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre during the last 25 years. So far 750 students have passed out from the institution. Presently there are 115 students and 38 staff members. 21 students are trained in the Autism center. So far 7 students of the Manasa institution have won medals in International Special Olympics out of which four Gold, two Silver and one Bronze.

 

 

In his message, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said that happiness among the human beings depend on sharing with the less fortunate. The human beings created by God are not the same and they are not endowed with similar abilities and talents. There are human beings who are physically or mentally challenged. However, God does not forsake such beings. He chooses kind hearted donors and dedicated institutions to take care of such disadvantaged children. Jesus Christ and St. Mother Teresa have been great inspirers of institutions like Manasa. Love of humanity through service has been the message of Mother Teresa. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo complimented Dr. Edward Lobo, Rev. Fr. Jephrin Monis and others who were responsible for the establishment of Manasa.

 

On this occasion the founding Trustees including Dr. Gerald Pinto were felicitated. Besides, the Presidents of the Catholic Sabha of the Undivided Mangalore Pradesh, Udupi Prant, Udupi Pradesh, Shirva Deanery and Pamboor Parish were honoured. Later, Principals and wardens of Hostels belonging to the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of Holy Spirit and those staff members who had been in service in Mansa for the last 25 years were also felicitated.

 

Rev Fr. Jephrin Monis inaugurated the documentary on the Manasa institution titled “Silver Manasa’.

 

In his message, Rev. Fr. Jephrin Monis said that mentally challenged children are like butterflies with broken wings and they require careful and loving handling to put them on the self-reliant path. He thanked all the benefactors from Germany who had contributed generously in establishing the Manasa Institution.

 

Horst Schneider and Mrs. Margit Schneider jointly released the Manasa Silver Jubilee Souvenir presented by Editor Dr. Gerald Pinto.

 

 

Speaking on this occasion Horst Schneider said that he and his wife were quite happy to participate in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Manasa. It was way back in 2002 he had paid an official visit to Manasa. He also handed over a donation cheque to Henry Menezes, the President of Manasa.

 

Sr. Ida Lobo, Lalaji R. Mendon and Vinaya Kumar Sorake also addressed the gathering. Lalaji R. Mendon said that he has been attending at least one or two functions organized by Manasa every year and assured his support to the various activities of Manasa.

 

Vinay Kumar Sorake in his address said that though he had to go to Bangalore to attend a meeting, he chose to attend the Silver Jubilee function of Manasa as the institution has been very close to his heart. He has been celebrating his birthday for many years in the Manasa institution. He further said that in the atmosphere of hatred, it is the spirit of love and service to humanity that keeps the society on the right path.

 

 

In his presidential address, Henry Menezes expressed gratitude to all those who have been helping in running the Manasa Institute and hoped that they will continue supporting the good work tha tis being sone by the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre.

 

Joseph Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs. Reena D’Souza, Mrs. Sashikala Manjunath and Mrs. K. Prabha compered the programme.

 

Cultural programme was  presented  by the students of Manasa and the group led by Anil D’Sa.