Milagres Cathedral and High School Celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day with Devotion and Pride

Report by: Dale Dsouza
Photos by: Raynel Lewis

The Parish of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, in collaboration with Milagres High School, celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India on 15th August 2025 with devotion and patriotic fervour. The day began with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at 8:00 AM in the Cathedral, celebrated by Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Parish Priest and Vicar General of the Diocese of Udupi, along with Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest. Following the Mass, the congregation and students assembled for the flag hoisting ceremony, led with enthusiasm by the students of Milagres High School. Dignitaries present included Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Mr Melwyn Sequeira (Vice President, PPC), Mrs Eugine Rebello (Secretary, PPC), Mrs Prema Lewis (Coordinator, 20 Pastoral Commissions), and Sr Anitha D’Souza (Headmistress, Milagres High School). The programme began with the National Song, after which Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves hoisted the national flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and floral tributes to the freedom fighters. A student representative delivered a patriotic speech highlighting the value of freedom and the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes, after which Msgr Ferdinand addressed the gathering, urging unity, moral responsibility, and dedication to nation-building. The celebration concluded with a shared sense of gratitude, pride, and renewed commitment to the ideals of independence.