In preparation for the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, celebrated on 31 July, St. Mary’s ICSE, ISC & International School organised a heartfelt visit to the sick and elderly Jesuit priests residing at Arrupe Niwas, the Jesuit residential community on our school campus.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, dedicated his life to finding God in all things and to serving God and humanity with love, humility, compassion and generosity. His life reminds us that true service is not always found in grand gestures, but often in the simple acts of kindness we extend to those around us. Inspired by his example, this visit was a meaningful expression of gratitude, respect and care for the priests who have devoted their lives to God’s service and to the education and formation of countless young people.
The visit was led by the Principal, Mr. Elias Coelho, accompanied by the Supervisors, Ms. Mary Dias , Ms. Nisha Mendes, and Ms. Sandra Fernandes; the Coordinators, Ms. Cheryl Colaco, Ms Nandini Basu and Ms. Joan Dias; teachers from their respective sections; and a few pupils representing the Pre Primary, Primary, Secondary and International School.
The pupils warmly greeted the priests with cheerful smiles and heartfelt affection. They sang songs, rendered the School Anthem and presented the priests with handmade greeting cards carrying thoughtful messages of love, gratitude and appreciation. The priests happily joined the children in singing, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, warmth and fellowship.
The pupils spent precious time interacting with the priests, exchanging greetings, listening to them, receiving their blessings and simply being present with them. Their innocent smiles and thoughtful gestures brought immense joy to the elderly priests. The happiness reflected on their faces was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest gift we can give another person is our time, our attention and the assurance that they are remembered and loved.
The visit was also an opportunity for our children to experience, in a very tangible way, the values at the heart of the Ignatian tradition. Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person, invites us to recognise the dignity and uniqueness of every individual and to respond to their needs with genuine concern. Magis, the desire to do more and to do better for the greater good, encourages us to go beyond ourselves and look for ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The Ignatian call to love and service reminds us that faith must find expression in our everyday actions.
These values can be lived each day in simple and meaningful ways—by showing kindness to a classmate, helping someone who is struggling, listening patiently to an elderly person, including someone who feels lonely, expressing gratitude, caring for our family members, respecting those who serve us and reaching out to those in need. In choosing to be compassionate, thoughtful and generous in our daily lives, we learn to recognise God’s presence in every person and, as St. Ignatius taught us, to find God in all things.
The warmth, love and happiness shared during the visit made it a truly memorable experience for everyone present. Before the students departed, the priests warmly invited them to visit again, expressing how much they had enjoyed their presence. Their invitation was perhaps the most beautiful affirmation of the bond that had been created through this simple encounter.
As a school community, we are grateful for the opportunity to have shared this special time with our Jesuit fathers. May the example of St. Ignatius inspire our children to grow into young people who are men and women for and with others—individuals who live with gratitude, compassion, humility and courage, and who recognise that even the smallest act of love and service can bring light and joy into another person’s life.
We continue to keep our beloved Jesuit fathers in our prayers and look forward to meeting them again, cherishing the precious memories of this special visit.
