Principal highlights the need to protect sanctity, restore lost glory of St Thomas HSS

Team Herald

MAPUSA: The Principal of St Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona issued a circular on Monday as a clarification to the expressed doubts and anxiety by students and parents by means of a peaceful candle light procession held two weeks back from Calvim Bridge to the Tercena ground, Aldona and also in the context of perceived threats and interference of the external forces in the internal management of the school. 

The circular stated that St Thomas High School and Higher Secondary School are Christian minority institutions governed and managed by MSFS Pune Province through Fransalian Education Society. The religious members, including Fr Valerian Carvalho and Fr Diago Fernandes, were appointed in trust and confidence to head and work in the secular institutions on behalf of our governing society depending on the need of a situation and on the wisdom and discretion of the Provincial who is the Chairman of the Governing Council.    

During the last 14 months, there were a few cases of allegations and counter allegations in the school that were notified to the chairman/Provincial by/through the Statutory Bodies such as Goa State Human Rights Commission, Goa Women Commission and from the Directorate of Education, the circular stated. 

“Since we never wanted the school to become a reference point for police investigations, political interferences and legal battles, several attempts were made to resolve those issues in truth and justice within the established norms. In the process, certain discernments and decisions of the chairman and his governing council were not followed up by the appointed members while launching a police complaint, sending legal notices to people and filing a defamation case against the complainant asking for a sum of about Rs one crore and this case is under the consideration of the honourable court. In such serious matters, the appointed religious members cannot function independently in the school as ultimately the provincial is responsible for all the acts and actions of the religious members,” the circular says.      

However, the internal management decisions of relieving Fr Valerian Carvalho and Fr Diago Fernandes, primarily from the delegated responsibilities of the chairman, were taken after periodic directions and discernments for over a period of 14 months. 

Hence, it is not justifiable to demand by force or threat to restore the delegated responsibilities of the chairman through public protests.  

The circular further mentioned, “We also reaffirm that both the priests in question are not suspended. As per our present personnel plan, Fr Valerian Carvalho still functions as the Headmaster of St Thomas Boys High School and Fr Diago Fernandes has already requested and accepted another appointment to serve the people elsewhere.” 

“The investigation was ordered by the chairman as he promised, within 15 days of his press report, on October 03, 2019. The enquiry officer and his team should be given sufficient time to go through the documents of over 400 pages of allegations, counter allegations and accusations during the period of 14 months and several other issues that were raised through social media trials without any formal intimation or complaints to the respective authorities for follow up.” 

The Principal also condemned the acts of the groups that disturbed the learning environment of the school and for disrespecting members as “ghaty priests” and outsiders, thus forgetting the fact that so many, including outside priests starting from Fr Francis Moget, who purchased the land, had worked untiringly to build up the mission, at Aldona. 

“It will certainly go against our religious spirit, if any of our members have exceeded the limit of their religious spirit and have involved themselves in any act of malicious campaigns or public protests detrimental to the good name of the school, the staff and the students and the management of the school,” the Principal stated.  

The Principal concluded saying, “We request parents, staff, well-wishers, ex-students and the protesting members to avoid any further damage to our school. Kindly do not encourage us the religious to clamour for post or positions and kindly allow us to administer our religious family affairs as per our established norms. Let us help one another to protect the sanctity and unity of the school and march ahead with renewed hope to restore the lost glory of our institution.”