“Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years.”
Dedicating one’s entire life to the service of humanity is a calling, a vacation that only the truly blessed can. On 21st February 2019, the entire staff of St.Joseph’s College, Prayagraj congregated to wish their Principal, Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza Happy Birthday and to invoke God’s choicest blessings upon him.
The programme commenced with Ms.P.Simon reading select portion from the Holy Bible and offering a special prayer. Following a floral welcome by the Vice Principal Rev. Father Joseph Sagayanathan, the Administrator Mr. A.McGowan and the Chief Coordinator Mr.Jyoti Dube’ , the College Principal Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza was greeted with lovely bouquets by representatives from the teaching as well as the office staff.
A mesmerizing Kannada song by Mr.Saiju Daniel, next delighted the audience as much as the preceding cake cutting ceremony Mrs.Sonia Hanvey in her subsequent speech, divelt on the sterling qualities possessed by Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza, praising him for his strength of character. Following a soulful rendition by the K.G Section choir, Mrs.K.Dutta prayed to God to strengthen the Principal in the execution of all his duties towards God and humanity. Ms.F. D’Souza next dedicated a special poem to Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza.
The audience was then treated to a melodious performance by the Junior Section choir. Mrs.Tanya Agarwal, a Junior section was next awarded for 100% attendance. Thereafter, Mr.A Arora presented a medley of songs, much to the joy of the assembled gathering.
Mr.A.Simon expressed his warm appreciation of the visionary and the mentor that Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza is, while simultaneously drawing laughs at his witty way of delivering speeches. An euphonious performance by the Senior Section choir preceded the presentation of Letter of Appreciation by SOF Olympiad to the Principal Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza by Mr.R.Sharma, a senior teacher.
True humanity lies in serving the needs of those who look up to us for our assistance. A sum of 49200 was handed over to Vishal, nephew of Ms.Renu, a long serving staff member and presently down with cancer. This humanitarian gesture was made possible only by the concerted efforts of students.
The College Administrator Mr.A.McGowan felicitated Father Rolfie D’Souza on his birthday, highlighting the inspiring role he has always played in the life of others, be it a parish priest or as a Principal. Mr.J.Martin next presented a fascinating glimpse into the various ways Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza has been a guiding light.
In his speech Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza appreciated all the teachers for their integrity, expressed his gratitude to all the woes who have brought joy and meaning to his life and highlighted the need to celebrate each and every moment of life.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a clarinet and a dhola performance by the Capt.A.B.Singh and Mr.A.Yadav.
The students’ section of the programme commenced with Chaitanya Gopesh, Master of the Ceremony cordially welcoming the College Principal Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza, Vice Principal Rev. Father Joseph Sagayanathan, the Administrator Mr. A.McGowan and the Chief Coordinator Mr.Jyoti Dube’. Ms.Gloria French offered a special prayer after a Reading from the Holy Bible. Following the rendition of the College Anthem by the entire school and a floral welcome by the Vice Principal Rev. Father Joseph Sagayanathan, the Administrator Mr. A.McGowan and the Chief Coordinator Mr.Jyoti Dube’ as well as student representatives, it was the turn of March Past.
Is there is a better way of showing love than through flowers? Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza was presented lovely bouquets by K.G Section students. They captivated the audience with their subsequent song and dance performance.Srish Moses in his speech complimented Father Rolfie D’Souza on his various qualities of head and heart specially his dedication towards the bright future of the institution.
Following a floral welcome by the Junior section students and a musical performance by the Junior section students in which Atiksh Singh enthralled the audience with a solo flute performance , Mohd. Tabish Ansari emphasised on how Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza is not only the head but also the heart of the institution, and has been the torch bearer of many constructive changes.
A foot tapping number by the Senior section students gave way to first the presentation of bouquets by them and then the speech of the Vice-Principal Rev.Father Joseph Sagayanathan in which he remarked on how big a blessing Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza has been to the institution. Rev. Father Rolfie D’Souza thanked the children for being so exemplary in their behaviour, blessing them all for the warmth with which they showered their love on him. The programme came to an end with the Vote of Thanks by Shashwat Vyas, a minute’s silence in honour of the brave CRPF personnel martyred in Pulwama and the National Anthem.