The 102nd birthday of Servant of God Father Marian Zelazek – the Founder of Beatrix School, Karunalaya Leprosy Care Centre and Ishopanthi Ashram, Puri was celebrated with great love and nostalgia at Beatrix School on Thursday, 30th January, 2020.
The day began with a solemn Holy Mass at Ishopanthi Ashram thanking the Lord for the blessings received through Father Marian in the institutions established by him at Puri. The Holy Mass was officiated by Fr. Baptist D’ Souza, SVD, Director of Ishopanthi Ashram & Karunalaya. Floral tributes were offered at Father Marian Memorial at Karunalaya Office.
The day was celebrated as Sadbhavana (Good Will) Day. The main function began in the School Auditorium at 9.30 AM with the lighting of the lamp and offering homage to the departed soul by the dignitaries present on the occasion. Prof. Nilakantha Pati, (Rt.) Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University, Puri was the Guest of Honour and addressed the gathering on the need of the promotion of Brotherhood in today’s divided society. Smt. Sanjukta Kumari Mahapatra, Senior teacher of the School, spoke on Father Marian’s contribution to the promotion of Brotherhood through "the Satsangh and Inter Religious Meet" that he initiated in Puri. Senior Advocate Satyabrath Rath was the Guest of honour. Purnachandra Das, Maharaj of Giriraj Monastry, blessed with a reading from Bhagawad Gita and elucidated the virtues of Goddess Saraswati on the occasion of the Saraswati Puja in the School.
Fr. Baptist D’ Souza read from the Bible passages on love and tolerance as means for promotion of Brotherhood. The children of the School sang very emotional and sentimental songs on their BAPA MARIAN. The song PHERI ASO BAPA (COME BACK TO US FATHER) brought tears in the eyes of everyone present. The function ended with floral tributes being offered by the dignitaries, teachers and children of the School at the statue of Father at the entrance of the School.
The feast of Goddess SARASAWATI – Goddess of Wisdom was celebrated on the day with great devotion in the School. The festive mood of the day was enhanced by children of the School dressed in their best for the occasion.
Baptist D’ Souza SVD
