Udupi/M’Belle: Altar Servers Day celebrated with Holy Mass, Cultural Programme and Prize Distr
By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi/M’Belle, 19 Apr 2015: The Altar servers’ Day was celebrated in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on Sunday, 19 April 2015 with Holy Mass in the morning at 7.30 am and cultural programme and prize distribution followed by dinner for the Altar Servers and their parents in the evening.
The Holy Mass was offered by Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, the Spiritual Director of the Altar Servers Sodality. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes highlighted the importance of Altar Servers during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and other religious services in the church. He also narrated in brief the life and saintliness of St. John Berchamans, the Patron Saint of the Altar Servers.
The Altar Servers animated the Holy Mass and also brought different offerings which were later along with Rs. 3,700/- that the Altar servers had contributed through their sacrifice during the Lenten Season were handed over to Manasa Rehabilitation Centre at Pamboor.
The cultural programme of the Altar Servers commenced at 4.30 pm. Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino, Professor in St. Mary’s College, Shirva was the chief guest of the function. Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Rev. Fr. William D’Souza from Raignaj Diocese, West Bengal, Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest and Assistant Spiritual Director of the Altar Servers’ Sodality and Sr. Irene Viegas, Superior of the Loreto Convent were present.
The programme was inaugurated by the dignitaries by showering flower petals over the picture of St. John Berchmans. Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino, delivered a motivational speech to the Altar Servers and their parents. While praising the Altar Servers for their selfless service at the altar, he made an appeal to the parents to inculcate among their children a sense of discipline and devotion which would go a long way in their life and career. He further said that the children have lot of talents which could be developed through the Altar Servers Sodality.
On behalf of the parents of the Altar Servers, Mrs. Anita Mendonca expressed her feelings and said that the Altar Servers Sodality has been providing good guidance to their children.
The Altar Servers presented a number of cultural programmes such as group dances, group songs and skits. The short play on the conversion and martyrdom of St. Paul was well presented.
Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza narrated the various activities of the Altar Servers Sodality through the Power Point presentation.
Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes in his message to the Altar Servers appreciated their service in the church especially assisting the priests during the mass and voluntarily carrying out other activities. He said that the Altar Servers have been active in many ways. He also appreciated the efforts of their parents in sending their children regularly to the church.
Prizes to the winners in various competitions conducted throughout the year were given to the Altar Servers by Sr. Irne Viegas, Rev. Fr. Anil Castelino and Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes. The competitions included quiz, drawing, Crib and sports including cricket. Prizes were also given to those Altar Servers who attended maximum number of meetings, served in maximum number of masses and attended maximum number of masses. Mementos were given to those Altar Servers who have completed 10th standard who would no longer be in Altar Servers Sodality.
As a token of appreciation mementos were given to the youth who had trained the Altar servers in cultural programmes and helped in organizing the function.
Joswin D’Mello. President of Altar Servers Sodality welcomed the gathering, Henson Mendonca and Royal Martis anchored the programme and Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
Along with the Altar Servers and their parents dinner was served to those who were present for the programme.
The Altar Servers manifested their talents through the cultural programmes that they presented on the occasion of the Altar Servers Day. They were quite articulate in their dialogues and did not manifest any stage fear. They had practiced well under the able guidance of Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza and the youths who trained them.
Comments on this Article | |
Joy Lobo, Moodubelle/Dubai | Mon, April-20-2015, 11:49 |
Congratulations dear Father Roshan and team for the initiative. Altar boys are shinning :) |