Provincial Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ & Rector Fr Melwin Pinto SJ -both Classmates & Friends Felicitated by SAC
- Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ & Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru Fr Melwin Pinto SJ -both Classmates and Friends Felicitated by St Aloysius College Staff and Non-Teaching staff, during a programme held at NCRI Hall, St Aloysius College, on Friday, 9 October 2020.
Mangaluru: They were classmates at St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru and later became good friends- and few years after joined the Society of Jesus Congregation to become Jesuit Priests- and now one of them has become the Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province, and the other the Rector of the prestigious St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru -Meet Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, the recently appointed Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province and Fr Melwin Pinto SJ- the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru. And in this joyous moment, they both were felicitated by the teaching and non-teaching staff of St Aloysius College, B Ed College, and Evening College, on Friday, 9 October 2020 at LCRI Hall, St Aloysius College.
L-R : Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ (Provincial) and Fr Melwin Pinto SJ (Rector)
Rev Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, who has been serving as the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru since 2 May 2016, was on 25 August 2020, appointed as the new PROVINCIAL OF THE KARNATAKA JESUIT PROVINCE- and He took over charge from Fr Jerome Stanislaus D’Souza SJ. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ is an alumnus of the prestigious and illustrious 149 years old Jesuit institution, St Aloysius Institutions from 1969 to 1981 and again from 1994-97. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ hailing from Highlands/Falnir, Mangaluru. With his vast experience in different fields, he brings with him spiritual depth, psychological wisdom, socio-economic analytical ability to face the challenges of our times. People approach him for counselling and guidance. Having begun with the legacy of Fr Joseph Antony Willy SJ who was the first Rector (1880-1885) of the St. Aloysius Institutions, Fr Dionysius Vaz who took over as the Rector in May 2016, the Institutions received the impetus of Fr Vaz’s experience for its tremendous growth.
Fr Dionysius Vaz, SJ rendered his selfless service for around four and a half years. He left no stone unrolled to keep up the reputation of the institutions. His love for the poor, it was under his leadership tremendous relief work was done in and around Mangaluru city during the early months of the pandemic. The way he addressed the needs of the economically backward students is noteworthy. His oratory and counselling skills were of par-excellence. No doubt at all, that the Karnataka Jesuit Province has got Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, the right person to lead as its Provincial, to make it reach to much greater heights. For more details on Fr Dionysius Vaz click on this link : (Ref: Rector of St Aloysius Institutions Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ is Now Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province)
After a very short period of the announcement of Fr Dionysius Vaz, SJ as the new Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province, another good news gushed in with the appointment of Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ as the new Rector of the St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru. It is indeed a blessing to have Fr. Melwin Pinto, SJ as the new Rector. He is a man with intellectual depth, extensive public relation skills, experience of working internationally and above all a humane, jovial, approachable and a compassionate person. On 22 September 2020 during the Annual Governing Body Meeting of Mangalore Jesuit Education Society, Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ took charge as the new Rector. Even though the prestigious, St. Aloysius College felt it hard to part away with Fr. Dionysius Vaz, SJ, the arrival of Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ has filled us all with lots of hope and assurance.
Although Fr Melwin wasn’t my teacher at St Aloysius, I was very much associated with him during the programmes that were held at Fatima Retreat House, and when Fr Melwin was the Director there from May 2017 till May 2019. A few years later, as he is back at St Aloysius Institution as Rector, I still feel proud, blessed and honoured to be the friend of this great educator and mentor, who is now the RECTOR of my Alma Mater! And it was a great moment for me to grace the felicitations of the two Jesuit priests whom I have been associated with for quite some time. For more details on Fr Melwin Pinto Sj, click on this article link: (Ref: Exit Fr Vaz, Enter Fr Pinto! Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ Takes Charge as Rector of St Aloysius Institutions)
The programme began with a prayer by Fr Felix Victor SJ, the Campus Minister, followed by a video clipping of reminiscences of Fr Dionysius Vaz’s contribution to St Aloysius Institutions, and a brief introduction of Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, by Dr Ronald Nazareth- HoD of Chemistry. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Richard Gonsalves- Director of LCRI Block, SAC, followed by sharing of felicitation messages by Mrs Rita DÇosta-Office Superintendent (representing on behalf of Non-teaching staff), and by Dr Shalini Aiyappa- Hod of Psychology (representing teaching staff).
Fr Praveen Martis SJ, the Principal of St Aloysius College in his speech said, “True leaders always practice the three R’s- Respect for Self, Respect for Others, and Responsibility for all their actions. And Fr Dionysius Vaz and Fr Melwin Pinto, have these three qualities. Leadership is not about titles-it is not about seniority-it is not about status and it is not about management. Leadership is about power and ability to know when and how to use it to influence the people around you to do and become more. Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders. We should be proud to have these two leaders-Fr Dion who is going to govern Karnataka Jesuit Province, and Fr Melwin who will govern St Aloysius Institutions”.
The felicitation citation to Provincial Fr Dionysius Vaz was read by Dr Alwyn D’sa- Registrar in charge at SAC, where he mentioned “We had the privilege of working with your leadership and mentorship during the past four and a half years. You have been a leader with a difference. You had the clarity of thought on the vision and mission of the institution and did not leave any opportunity to share with us the shared vision that all of us need to imbibe. These articulations of yours during every occasion have made a great impact on our approach to the institution and our students. We can definitely say that we looked up to you for inspiration and example.
It is your proactive role in motivating all of us as we prepared for the proposal for the status of the Deemed to be University and subsequently the visit of the Expert Committee that propelled us to demonstrate the high calibre of teamwork and collaboration. It is also your keen and close follow-up of the process thereon has brought us almost on the threshold of becoming a University. We would like to place on record your contribution towards this initiative as you move on to lead the Province. We seek your guidance and blessings in all our endeavours related to our pursuit of this project.
Your inspirational leadership during the onslaught of the pandemic has been commendable. The initiatives to quickly respond to the issues and concerns of the students, administrative staff and the severely affected people in the society, especially the migrant labourers in Mangaluru and its surroundings have been worthy of emulation. Such path-breaking and proactive initiatives will be remembered for a long time to come. We feel that you have led Team Aloysius by your example.
We are extremely pleased to know that you have been elevated to the onerous task of leading the Karnataka Jesuit Province. It is our firm belief that you would be able to take the Province and fellow Jesuits to greater heights of accomplishments and depth of spirituality. As we express our deep sense of gratitude for all that you have done and what you have been to each one of us, we seek blessings of the Almighty on you and your work, and also seek your blessings and continued goodwill in fulfilling our dreams for the College”.
Following the felicitation, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ addressing the audience said, “Today’s corporate world speaks of IQ, EQ, and SQ. But what is most important today is GQ= Gratitude Quotient. GQ is a melodious song. You hum the melody as long as you live. Prestige comes when you feel you have done something well but Honour comes when others feel you have done something well. Working in an institution like our’s we share at least two of God’s precious prerogatives: We have the power to know, and we have the freedom to love. What do I take away with me? More than a mere citation, a plaque or a plant, I take with me an experience-An experience in living, in forming relationships, in learning to be creative and competent, in learning to work in teams, in learning to be autonomous and an ongoing learner and learning to become a person of character. A long road lies ahead of me. I will have to approach it with generosity and humility, the two most important badges I can wear on the road through life”.
“St Aloysius College is one of the great colleges, not only of the nation but of the world. My dear friends, it is our duty to make these words ring true for generations to come. I end my speech with a message-“May you use responsibly and wisely the gifts God has given you, May you appreciate the love and concern the management and students have for you. May you live up to the ideals and expectations that have been set before you by the Jesuit vision of education. God bless you and May God be with you wherever you may go”.
In his felicitation and welcome message to the New Rector Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Dr Denis Fernandes-Director of Aruppe Block, SAC said, “When Fr Dion Vaz was appointed as Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province, laypeople of St Aloysius institutions began to speculate that who would step into the shoes of Fr Dion as Rector. Each one had his/her own reason to name their own favourite Jesuit priest, including Fr Melwin. When he was appointed as the Rector, the electronic media (Mangalorean. Com) commented, “He is a man with intellectual depth, extensive public relation skills, experience of working internationally and above all a humane, jovial, approachable and a compassionate person.” It is very true that he made his impact wherever he has been appointed at various capacities at different places.
He was the Headmaster of St Aloysius High School between 2007and 2011. During this period he had brought several changes in the structure and approach to High School Education in St Aloysius. Some teachers even remember his tenure in St Aloysius High School as ‘Golden years’. After his transfer from the High School, down memory lane, Ms Sheryl Prabhu, a teacher, wrote a poem- ‘An Ode to Melwin Pinto’ in the High School Magazine, Littleman, 2012 where she has acclaimed Fr Melwin that his teaching was meticulous and explanation was wholesome. He had in-depth knowledge of the topic which had been explained in simple language. She further states that he was the man to approach at any time whenever they were in trouble. He was a great friend and Counsellor. However, she further states that he always reminded the teachers to abreast with knowledge and technology and not to remain static but always ready for any situation and dynamic. We on behalf of all the collaborators of St Aloysius College, welcome Fr. Melwin Pinto and hope that his tenure as Rector will bring all good things to the campus and St Aloysius Institutions will enjoy the golden days of his regime.
In the popular Hindi language, there is an idiom which goes like ‘unnees bees ka farak’ which means very little and insignificant difference between two items of details. It does not affect or alter the outcome. However, today the same idiom is understood differently. In Unnees (19), when someone was tested positive, people used to congratulate the person. But today ( in bees -20) the same positive has been taken in a negative meaning. If someone sneezed in Unnees people used to say ’God Bless you’ but in bees, they run away from them. What was ‘normal’ in 2019 has become ‘abnormal’ in 2020. Rev. Fr Melwin and Rev Fr Dion have taken up the new responsibility in challenging times. Due to Pandemic, people have not only affected economically but also spiritually, sociologically and Psychologically. There is an urgency to cater to the needs of such people. We assure Fr Rector and Fr Provincial our prayers so that the Lord may keep them spiritually strong and give them the courage to face the pandemic situation,” added Dr Fernandes.
After felicitation, Fr Melwin Pinto SJ said, “I and Fr Dion have been classmates in this institution, and later became great friends, but now for the FIRST time he has become my BOSS? (laughter). No doubt St Aloysius Institution has become a brand name, and all the credit should go to the teaching staff and students. At St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru, the prime educational objective is to form men-and-women-for-others; men and women who will live not only for themselves but for others also – for the God-man who lived and died for all the world; men and women who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbours; men and women completely convinced that love of God which does not issue in justice for others is a farce. This kind of education goes directly counter to the prevailing educational trend practically everywhere in the world. The Jesuits have always been heavily committed to the educational apostolate- and still are. I want to work with you all to take SAC to greater heights, and let’s do it”(Ref: St Aloysius College- 140 year Saga of Forming Men and Women For and With Others…….)
The vote of thanks was delivered by Convener of the programme-Dr Loveena Lobo, the HoD of MSW at SAC, and the programme was meticulously and professionally compered by the man, all dressed to thrill in his 3-piece-suit Dr Senek D’Souza- HR Head at SAC. Fr Vincent Pinto SJ- Finance Officer -SAC; Dr Farita Viegas- Principal, St Aloysius B Ed College; Fr Melwyn Pinto- Dean, AIMIT-Beeri; and Dr Manohar Serrao- Principal, St Aloysius Evening College were also seated on the dais.
In conclusion, in my perspective, now that Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ is at the helm of a prestigious post to lead the Karnataka Jesuit Province, and Fr Melwin Pinto SJ at the helm as Rector of the prestigious St Aloysius Institutions, I join you all and pray that they will with new energy and deeper joy, celebrate ‘the breadth and the length, the height and the depth’ of Christ in his life. This is a Holy time, a time to ‘listen thickly’ and be fully present to the mystery that holds them. Who can tell the treasures the Lord has in store for them, the gifts still hidden in his heart? Who can know the wonders that the love of Christ, ‘which is beyond all knowledge’ will open for them? May they both journey well and lightly and, as they embrace the whole of their lives, the weave of youth and maturity. May God grant them good health so that they continue to serve the Lord till their last breath, May Fr Dion and Fr Melwin be an inspiration and role model for all of us!
