The staff of all the units of St. Joseph's Indian Institution (SJII) came together on 04 Aug 2023 to greet and celebrate Rector Fr. Joseph D'Souza SJ on his birthday at the SJIPS auditorium . The celebration began with a sumptuous lunch. The afternoon itself was a colorful medley of prayers, cake, poetry, music and dance. The MC's for the afternoon Steffi & Neha, welcomed the gathering while Ms. Cynthia of SJIPS, prayed for blessings on the birthday celebrant Fr.Joseph D'souza SJ. The prayer was profound and included symbolic offerings of salt, plants and pearls symbolising his deep impactful presence in the ensure SJII fraternity as the gathering prayed for the Lord's guidance on dear Rector followed by a hymn.
Mr. Harish from SJIPUC welcomed Rector Fr. Joseph D'souza who was accompanied by Fr. Rohan D'almeida SJ, Fr. John Baptist SJ, Fr. Cyril Menezes SJ, and Mr. Vinod Amritraj and the heads of all the SJII units and the gathering. The toast raised by Ms. Jennifer Bernard was resonant of our dear Rector's simple yet impactful personality. The cake cutting and birthday song were animated by the team from SJCC. Rector Fr. Joseph D'souza SJ was felicitated by the heads of all the units of St. Joseph Indian Institution. The dance performance by the SJIHS team was mesmerizing. Birthday wishes compiled into a video from staff and students of the SJII units and institution from different parts of Karnataka where Rector Fr Joseph had previously worked spoke volumes of the deep impact Fr Joseph D'Souza has left wherever he has been.
The message from Rector Fr. Joseph D'souza, spoke of his love for teaching , the source of his energetic demeanour - being with and working with children and his simplicity in life. His hear?elt words and humour were inspirational and filled with zest for life.
The vote of thanks was rendered by Ms. Adele from SJIPUC.