John B. Monteiro
Mangalore : The Sylvester Frank Centenary Foundation was launched at the Bendore Church Hall on August 3, 2013 with the Bishop o Mangalore presiding. The foundation, sponsored by Mrs Tressy Frank, widow of the late Mr. Sylvester C. Frank, and family, has three-pronged objectives – academic wing sponsoring education from KG to PG, Medicare wing to finance medical treatment for poor patients.
The foundation is named after the recently expired Noel Frank, son of the late Sylvester and Tressy Frank, for those who cannot afford such treatment, especially cancer patients, and Apostolic wing to take care of rehabilitation of drug addicts and alcoholics, by tying up with institutions working in the field.
Prof Edmund Frank, eldest son of the Frank couple, said that some of these activities were already on and would be developed further. He emphasised that the Foundation will not ask for donations and would not involve in fund collection . He said that the focus of the foundation’s activities would be rural areas beyond the Mangalore city limits.
It was recalled that Mr. Sylvester Frank had his roots in Loretto, near Bantwal, and after earning his higher degrees from Madras University, was the Pillar of sports development at St. Aloysyius College, as Director of Physical Instruction as also teaching English in the college. He was also warden of hostel for Hindu students, located in what was then called Chettur’s Bungalow and now converted into a hall at the main entrance to the new college building complex. He was in the forefront of district sports events as also Police sports.
Presiding over the function, Bishop of Mangalore , Dr Aloysius Paul D’souza, said that it was a special, unique and novel foundation which was totally for others with no personal interest of sponsors. He expressed joy and appreciation over the motives underlying the foundation – give, give, and give and not take for oneself. He said that the Frank foundation model needs to be appreciated, encouraged and emulated.
Earlier, Prof Edmund Frank welcomed the responding invitees and introduced the VIPs on the dais. Sr. Ines led the opening prayers. Sr. Doreen, Superior general, Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, noted that the late Sylvester Frank was a strong and courageous man with a tender heart, compassionate and congratulated his family on opening the window to make a difference by bringing hope for the hopeless.
Other dignitaries on the dais, including Mr. Antony Rasquinha, Chairman & MD, Elctro Pneumatics and Hydraulics Pvt. Ltd, Pune, a close relative of the Frank family, Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, recalled his early days under the shadow of the late Sylvester Frank and while congratulating Prof Edmund Frank on spearheading the foundation, cautioned him against the pitfalls involved in running it.
Fr. Denzil Lobo, S. J., Rector. St. Aloysius College Institutions recalled his long association with the Frank family and lauded the launching of the foundation with its altruistic objectives.
Fr. Antony Serrao, Parish Priest, Bendore, Guest of Honour, complimented the Frank family for setting up the foundation and wished it success.
Mrs. Tressy Frank, main host of the function, now lacking mobility, graced the dais and gave away flower tokens to old family friends, well-wishers and relatives.
Dr. Anand Pereira, a close relative of the family, proposed the vote of thanks while Miss Rowena Pereira briskly and efficiently progressed the proceedings.