Foundation Stone Laid for New School Block at St. Joseph’s English Medium High School in Kurnool

Kurnool, March 14, 2026: The foundation stone for a new building block at St. Joseph’s English Medium High School was laid on March 12 at the Bishop’s House Campus in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The new block will bear the name of Cardinal Anthony Poola, honouring his service to the diocese of Kurnool.

The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Johannes Gorantla of Kurnool in the presence of clergy, school authorities, staff members, students, and members of the local Catholic community.

Among those present were Vicar General David Arulappa, Director of the Diocesan Educational Society of Kurnool (DESK) M. Bhaskar, and Chancellor O. Joji Reddy. The gathering also included the Principal, Deep Vandana, SAB, along with diocesan clergy, laity, school staff, domestic staff, students, and the architect and engineer Ismail.

The programme began with prayer, a song, and a reading from the Bible.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Johannes Gorantla of Kurnool said that the diocese is committed to developing the school by providing improved academic facilities. He stated that the institution would be equipped with a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, a library, and six digital classrooms. He also noted that the diocese had begun the work of upgrading the school in the previous year and that the work had now reached completion.

The new building block will include administrative rooms, classrooms, and an auditorium, adding to the infrastructure of the school and supporting its educational activities.

During his address, the Bishop said that he wished to honour the previous bishops who served the diocese of Kurnool. He mentioned that the present school building bears the name of Joseph Rajappa. He also stated that the building block on the left side of the existing school building will bear the name of Johannes Gorantla Sr.

He further announced that the new block for which the foundation stone was laid will bear the name of Anthony Poola, who served the diocese of Kurnool from 2008 to 2020.

Following the address, Bishop Johannes Gorantla of Kurnool blessed the foundation stone and the navadanyas and placed the stone in the foundation pit prepared by the contractor and engineer Ismail. Clergy, school staff, and others present joined in prayer for the successful completion of the school building.

The school staff later felicitated the Bishop with a shawl and a bouquet.

The initiative reflects the continuing efforts of the diocese of Kurnool to strengthen educational institutions and expand opportunities for students through improved infrastructure and facilities.

By Catholic Connect Reporter