St Xavier’s School, Shewlidanga (Kotalpokhar) Blessed and Inaugurated

A long awaited desire to have a reputed English medium school within the vicinity of Kotalpokhar by the residents was fulfilled on March 27, 2022 as the Jesuit residence and newly constructed new school building was blessed by Rev Bishop Julius Marandi DD, Bishop of Dumka Diocese. The Holy Eucharist began at 6:00 pm. The Bishop was the main celebrant, flanked by Fr Varghese Palli, new Principal of the school, Fr Sonatan VG and Fr Stany Pinto who represented Fr Provincial. There were about 30 priests who concelebrated and religious sisters from nearby communities participated in the liturgy. The singing was led by Fr Chandran who had especially chosen the hymns for the occasion. The Bishop commended the Jesuits for imparting quality education especially for the underprivileged section of the society in remote areas. In his homily the Bishop highlighted the importance of repentance and forgiveness especially during the Lenten season. He reiterated the unconditional love of the Heavenly Father who is ever ready to forgive the erring children and eagerly awaits their return. At the end of the Holy Mass new school building was blessed. The bishop blessed the ground floor whereas first and second floors were blessed by Frs Sonatan and Varghese respectively.

It will be a red letter day in the annals of St Xavier’s School, Kotalpokhar, as the newly constructed school building was inaugurated on March 28, 2022, ushering the beginning of the new academic year 2022-23. The Chief Guest Honorable Rural Development Minister Shri Alamgir Alam, Guest of Honor Honorable Member of Parliament Shri Vijay Hnasdak’, Provincial’s Representative Fr Stany Pinto, Province Director of Development Fr C.M. John were ushered on the dais and welcomed by the MCs Fr Alban and Ms Joseline. The distinguished guests were felicitated with bouquet and honoured with shawls. The inauguration ceremony commenced with lighting of lamps. Students of St Xavier’s School, Sahibganj performed the prayer dance.  Students of Loyola School, Jibonpur enthralled the audience with their Cultural dances titled sohrae, bahaa, dong, lagre and durum jak’. Fr Chrystostom Hembrom directed a innovative dasai dance comprising of students of Holy Family School, Barharwa. The chief guest was full of praises for the contribution Jesuits have made in the field of education. In his speech he acknowledged the fact the he can now boast that his constituency also has a premium institution.