The Udupi Diocesan Health Commission celebrated Doctors’ Day on July 6, 2025, at “Anugraha,” the Udupi Diocesan Pastoral Centre. The event honored doctors serving in various hospitals throughout the Udupi Diocese. The program opened with an inspiring prayer song performed by the choir team from Mount Rosary Parish, followed by a vibrant welcome dance by the students of Mount Rosary English Medium School, Santhekatte. A video presentation highlighted the achievements and activities of the Health Commission over the past year.
Honored guests on the dais included Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese; Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General; V. Rev. Fr. Stephen D’Souza, Chancellor; Dr. Edward Lobo, Director of the Diocesan Health Commission; Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO; Rev. Fr. Charles Saldanha, Director of the Kallianpur Deanery Health Commission; Rev. Fr. John Prakash Pereira, Director of the Karkal Deanery Health Commission; Rev. Fr. Stephen Rodrigues, Director of the Udupi Deanery Health Commission; Dr. Leslie Lewis, pediatrician and resource person from KMC Manipal Hospital; and Mrs. Hilda Cornelio, the program convener. They were all present to support the celebration.
Dr. Edward Lobo welcomed the gathering. The highlight of the event was the digital inauguration carried out by Most Rev. Gerald Lobo, who pressed the remote control to launch the program on screen. Doctors Francis Arthur Rodrigues, Julet Elizabeth Castelino, Monoj Maxim D’Lima, and Melita Alva were felicitated by the dignitaries in recognition of their individual achievements. Bishop Lobo also inaugurated the Directory of Doctors called “SAUDE.”
In a generous gesture, the CAD Foundation from Mangaluru donated an ECG machine to the Udupi Diocese, which was officially handed over to Dr. Edward Lobo during the ceremony. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, V. Rev. Fr. Stephen D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, and Bishop Gerald Lobo each addressed the gathering, extending their heartfelt wishes to all attending doctors and acknowledging their tireless dedication to the community’s health.
Dr. Leslie Lewis then led a deeply insightful panel discussion titled “Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healer? A Special Focus on Silent Suffering and Mental Health Challenges among Doctors.” All the doctors participated actively, sharing experiences and contributing to the dialogue, which underscored the importance of emotional well-being among healthcare professionals.
The event concluded with Mrs. Hilda Cornelio proposing the vote of thanks, and Dr. Rayan Mathias ably compering the proceedings. The celebration not only honored the doctors but also emphasized the vital importance of supporting their mental and emotional health.
