Photos: Fr. Richard Coelho, Administrator, FMMCH
Post – centenary Silver Jubilee celebrations of St. Joseph Leprosy Hospital and Golden Jubilee celebrations of Rehabilitation Unit of the Father Muller Charitable Institution was celebrated on 11th April 2015 in the academy hall. The programme started with a prayer dance by invoking god’s blessing. Rev, Fr. Patrick Rodrigues, director welcomed the gathering. A documentary on St. Joseph Leprosy hospital was screened on the occasion. The chief guest of the programme Mr. U.T Khader, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, hailed the services of the St. Joseph Leprosy Hospital in controlling leprosy in the district is unforgettable and is a model to the nation. To control leprosy, a vision committee will be formed in the state soon, he said.
State leprosy joint director, Government of Karnataka, Mrs. Vimala Patel vowed to highlight the achievements of St. Joseph Leprosy Hospital and recommend the hospital for president’s honour at the national conference which will be held in New Delhi on April 16th. To mark the occasion a souvenir was released by the Mangalore Bishop Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’souza. Presiding over the programme FMCI president and Mangalore bishop Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza recalled the days of St. Joseph Leprosy Hospital when he was in the seminary and hailed the services of the sisters of charity and the doctors in treating leprosy patients.
Guest of honour, Mangalore provincial superior of sisters of charity Rev. Sr. Matilda Monteiro said sisters were motivated to treat leprosy patients who are now leading a dignified life in society. The doctors, incharges and those who have served more than 10 years in the St. Joseph Leprosy Hospital and Rehabilitation unit were felicitated on the occasion. Hospital Administrator Rev. Fr. Richard Coelho proposed the vote of thanks. The programme ended with a cultural programme.
