Feast of St Gerard Majella celebrated at FMMCH
The Obstetrics and
Gynecology Department and Nursing Service Department of Father Muller Medical
College Hospital celebrated the feast of St Gerard Majella, the patron saint of
pregnant women and postnatal mothers on 16 October 2018 at the Hospital
Conference Hall.
The celebration
commenced with a solemn Mass at 5.45am in the Hospital Chapel, followed by a
programme at 9.30 am.
The programme began by
invoking the Almighty through a prayer dance. This was followed by lamp
lighting by the dignitaries which marked the beginning of the ceremony.
Dr Nagarathna G, Head
of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department extended a cordial welcome to the
gathering.
Presiding over the
ceremony, Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho Director of FMCI, said,†St Gerard is a
great blessing from God. This feast has increased our faith in the Almighty. We
honour St Gerard, as a saint who intercedes for everyone especially the
expectant mothers who pray to him for a safe deliveryâ€.
Dr Gayathri Ramani,
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Mangaluru was the Chief Guest for the
programme. Speaking on this occasion she said, ’Today we are celebrating a
family feast, a feast of our own saint. Saint Gerard had a divine experience,
by virtue of which he saves the mother and child. I enormously thank St Gerard
for all the favours he has bestowed on us.’
As a part of
celebrating the feast, the department had organized various activities for the
antenatal and postnatal mothers of the OBG ward and prizes were distributed to
the winners.
Fr Rudolph Ravi D’ Sa,
Administrator, FMMC and Dr Suresh, Professor and Head of Radio Diagnosis
unveiled the educational materials which provide information on the diet regimen
during pregnancy.
This was followed by a
short role play by the IV Year B.Sc Nursing students which depicted the life
history of St Gerard Majella.
All the antenatal and
postnatal mothers admitted in the OBG wards of FMMCH participated in the
programme.
A special attraction of
the celebration of the feast this year was a child who was born 12 years ago
through the intercession of St Gerard. The family has named him Winston Gerard
D’Cunha.
Fr George Sequiera, Fr
Felix Monteiro, Chaplain's of FMCI, Sr Janet, Chief Nursing Officer, Dr B.
Sanjeev Rai, Chief of Medical Services, Sr Jacintha D’Souza, Principal, FMCON
were present on the occasion.
Ms Prescilla D’Silva
rendered the vote of thanks. Henita Joshna Menezes and Melissa Monteiro
compered the programme.
