“After the pleasure that was mine, when in October of 1960 the new buildings of the Seminary at Goregoan were inaugurated, the joy in seeing the Holy Name School buildings completed, comes next”, declared His Eminence Cardinal Gracias at the Inauguration ceremony of the new Holy Name School buildings, which was performed by the Hon. Shri H. J. H. Taleyarkhan, Minister for Civil Supplies, Housing, Printing Presses, Fisheries, Small Savings and Tourism. The joy was not entirely the Cardinal’s; and it did not need the beautiful Pantomime show of the Primary school children to give to the setting that touch of fairyland it certainly possessed! As the Minister pressed a button, floodlights came on, and soft, coloured lights blended harmoniously to bring out the majesty of the long corridors and throw into relief the massive columns and stately lines of this architectural dream, designed by Mr. J. B. Fernandes.
The choir of the Holy Name High School, conducted by Fr. Athanasius D’Cruz, welcomed the many guests assembled in the large quadrangle, with the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers”, executed with confidence, and setting the tone for what followed. After the Minister had performed the Inauguration, His Eminence blessed the buildings. In his Principal’s Report, Fr. Richard Mathias showed how the school, from humble beginnings, today occupied an important place in the educational set-up of our city, with a proud record-academic, cultural and sporting! In his speech, the Cardinal assured all present that Holy Name High School will continue to play its part in providing the very best education for our youth, particularly those not blessed with favourable material circumstances. He thanked all those who had helped to make this lovely building a reality and paid tribute to the pioneer work done by successive Principals of the school. The Guest of Honour, Shri Taleyarkhan, welcomed the new “educational oasis” in the city.
After briefly outlining the phenomenal progress in education made in India, he ended on a personal note, affirming his gratitude and dependence on Almighty God, the Giver of all good things. Then followed the cultural side of the programme: first a Konkani Folk-Song-cum-Dance much appreciated and warmly applauded. Then, a Pantomime Show, The Sleeping Beauty, all complete with handsome prince and beautiful princess, and fluttering fairies and wicked witch, literally holding the audience spell-bound. Another song, “My Little Nest of Heavenly Blue” by the choir, served to round up the enjoyable programme. Fr. Pimenta, in his vote of thanks, expressed his gratitude to the entire corps of organisers – Fr. Martins, and his helpers, the ushers, for their collaboration in making the function such an outstanding success. To conclude, the Naval Central Band which, under the direction of Sub-Lt. Gomes, had played select music during the course of the evening’s programme, gave a masterly rendering of Handel’s “Alleluja” chorus…
The story is told, that when Cardinal Borromeo built the beautiful seminary of Milan, people complained about the magnificence of the edifice! To which the saintly Cardinal replied: “Let it be. For the magnificence of the structure will speak to those who stay in it of the greatness of their vocation and what is expected of them.” Well might the Cardinal Archbishop of Bombay address like words to the staff and students of Holy Name today. For, in their magnificent new premises, they surely have the necessary incentive to push forward to greater and greater heights.