Farewell to Mr.Paul Horo

"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other’s worth.” ― Robert Southey

What can inspire a gamut of emotions than bidding farewell to a place one has treated as his second home?What can be more rewarding than the love, gratitude and goodwill one has earned through years of selflessness and dedication? 

3rd April, 2025 was a momentous occasion for the staff and students of St.Joseph's College, Prayagraj as they bid farewell to Mr.Paul Horo, the longest serving Office Staff. The entire assembly rose as one to show their respect to the Guest of Honour as they were escorted by the College Band under the able leadership of Capt.A.B.Singh, the College Principal, Rev.Fr.Walter D'Silva, the Headmaster Rev.Fr.Melwin Pais, the Middle School Administrator, Rev. Fr. Gladwin Fernandes and the Additional Administrator, Mr.A.Mc Gowan. 

Every event comes to fruition only with blessings from God. The Mistress of Ceremony, Mrs.Jennifer Cutting, then invited Mrs.Srijita Chattree to lead the assembled staff and students in a prayerful ambience with a Reading from the Holy Bible and a special prayer. Following a prayer song by the College Choir, it was time for a fragrant welcome. He was then florally welcomed by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, the Headmaster, Rev.Fr.Melwin Pais, and the Middle School Administrator, Rev.Fr.Gladwin Fernandes. A solemn note was then ushered in by the ceremonial March past by the students. Needless to say, the joy and pride reflected on the countenance of Mr.P.Horo as he took the salute from the contingents marching away in sync with the College Band, spoke volumes of his attachment to his Alma Mater.

In his subsequent speech, Mr. A. McGowan, the Additional Administrator, threw light on the importance and role of the Office Staff in the proper and smooth working of the institution, calling them the "unsung heroes" of the college. He congratulated Mr. Paul Horo and commended his role in the effective functioning of the school administration, hailing him as the backbone of the college. Not many people know that Mr. Paul Horo is a keen badminton enthusiast, an ardent animal lover who is also blessed with a great sense of humour. Mr.A.Mc Gowan thanked Mr. P. Horo for his kind-hearted approach towards the institution for the past 32 years, saying that he will always be remembered by the entire College for his distinctive style of working. 

Post a beautiful rendition by the KG Section Staff Choir, it was time for the Guest of Honour, Mr. Paul Horo to address the gathering. In his speech, he remembered his time with the institution, getting emotional with the flush of the countless memories, mentioning how hard it is to for him to put his emotions into words. Finally, he thanked all the teachers and students for making his journey meaningful and memorable and how they have always been a source of inspiration for him in his time with the school.

The Principal, Rev.Fr.Walter D'Silva then took the podium to bid his wishes to Mr. Paul Horo. He said how there is always time for everything but the time to part is the saddest of them all. He expressed how Mr. Paul Horo has been a person of few words, but thoroughly organised in his work, systematic and punctual. He congratulated him for his tireless efforts towards the school. Ultimately, he wished Mr. Paul Horo the best for his future and asked God to shine his blessings upon him.

The student segment of the programme concluded with the singing of the College Anthem led by the College Choir. 

The Staff segment of the programme in the Hogan Hall, commenced with the Mistress of Ceremony, Mrs.Madhulika D'Souza according a warm welcome to the Guest of Honour, Mr.Paul Horo as he was accompanied by the Principal Rev.Fr.Walter D'Silva, the Headmaster Rev.Fr.Melwin Pais,  the Middle School Administrator, Rev.Fr.Gladwin Fernandes and the Additional Administrator, Mr.A.Mc Gowan. Mrs.Daisy Daniel rang in a reverential feel with her Reading from the Scriptures and a special prayer. A floral wel