The contribution of the Diocese of Allahabad in the nation building was seen yet again in Pratapgarh when they ventured into an English-medium institution, St. Joseph’s School, in the campus of Holy Rosary Church. Most Rev. Raphy Manjaly, the Bishop of Allahabad and Chairman of the Education Society inaugurated the School by cutting the ribbon in presence of Rev. Fr. Louis Mascarenhas, the Vicar General and the Guest of Honour, Mr. Haripratap singh, the Mayor of Pratapgarh, Rev. Fr. Fredrick D’Souza the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Prem Prakash the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Sr. Maxie Monteiro the superior of St. Francis Convent, Pratapgarh and eminent guest priests and nuns, parents and students, the parishioners of Holy Rosary Church and the citizens of Pratpargh at 6 pm on 30th March, 2014.
Speaking on the occasion Bishop Raphy, the chief guest, praised the hardwork of Fr. Fredrick D’Souza, who not only dreamt but also realized the dream by constructing this school in a short period of time. He said that this premiere institute would excel not only in imparting education but in forming the young minds with social and moral values.
Mr. Haripratap Singh, the Mayor, too applauded the venture of the Missionaries in the educational arena which will give the best education to the children of Pratapgarh. He said that there is no doubt that this institute will mould the children in ‘Bharatiya Sanskriti’
Rev. Fr. Louis Mascarenhas, the newly appointed Vicar General of the Diocese and the Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Allahabad said that this School being a branch of St. Joseph’s College in Allahabad give the best formation to the children by teaching them ‘sanskaar’. The children who would come out of the portals of this institution will excel in discipline, education and moral values.
Finally, Fr. Frederick D’Souza, the dreamer and builder, thanked all who contributed with their mite to construct the mighty building. He said that this school is a gift for the city of Pratapgarh from the Diocese of Allahabad.
Earlier, the program began with a prayer dance by Ms. Sunidhi and Ms. Priya. Fr. Prem Prakash welcomed the gathering after which the ribbon cutting, coconut-breaking, lighting of the lamp and blessing of the building and the new busses were done.
The Brothers from St. Xavier’s Minor Seminary presented an English item with the title – “We have a vision for tomorrow.” Dance from the kids of Holy Rosary Church and the Nurses from Canossa Hospital Pratapgarh, and a group song the Newly Appointed Staff were appreciated by all.
The School will begin on the 1st of April 2014, with three sections in LKG, two sections each in UKG, 1 and 2. The classes are equipped with Smart Class facility.