M’belle: Catholic Sabha celebrates Annual Parish Elder’s Day

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 27 March 2011: The Moodubelle Unit of the Catholic Sabha celebrated the Annual Parish Elders’ Day on Sunday, 27 March 2011 with a solemn Mass at 10 am offered by the former parish priest, Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza along with the present parish priest, Fr. Joswey Fernandes and assistant parish priest, Fr.Lancy Saldanha followed by a programme in the parish hall.

 

The elderly members of the parish, especially above seventy years made their way to the church, some just walking after alighting from buses, others through rickshaws or  private vehicles and  occupied  front pews in the church. The scripture readings were taken up by the elders themselves. Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza in his homily explained the meaning of the scriptures of the day. While identifying himself with the elderly members of the parish, Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza  thanked God for the gift of the old age and urged the elders to live a happy and contented life. At the end of the Mass, a special blessing was conferred on the elder and sick members of the parish.

 

Following the Mass, the elders proceeded to the parish hall in groups and renewed their acquaintances as many of them met after a long period of time. The programme in the hall was anchored by Ignatius Monis, former president of the Catholic Sabha.  Monthus Castelino, the outgoing president welcomed the dignitaries on the dais and Lancy Martis, the newly elected president of the Catholic Sabha, Moodubelle Unit offered roses to the dignitaries. Besides Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza, Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Fr. Paul Sequeira, Fr. Lancy Saldanha, Sr. Veneetha, Superior of the Loreto Convent, Alphonse K. Alva and Jacintha D’Souza, vice president and secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council respectively and Mrs. Wilma Rodrigues were on the dais.

 

In his message, Fr. Joswey Fernandes appreciated the good work done by the Catholic Sabha especially in organising the Annul Parish Elders’ Day year after year where the elderly members of the parish get an opportunity to meet and interact with each other.  Speaking to the elders, Rev. Dr. Valerian D’Souza narrated his own experience of living with 12 elderly priests at the Home for the Retired priests in Mangalore and pointed out that all of them, some of them being  elder to him,  live happy and contented retired life keeping themselves busy with prayers, reading and maintaining their health.  He made an appeal to the elders  to have positive outlook in the remaining part of their life and thank God for all the blessings. He also asked them to appreciate the care and love that they are receiving from their family members.

 

 

Fr. Paul Sequeira in his own inimitable way made the elders to sing along with him the popular ‘mando’, “Kakamai ghara naa...” that brought broad smiles on the faces of the elders who clapped as they joined Fr. Paul in singing  the ‘mando’.

 

The choir entertained the elders by singing a group song especially composed for the occasion by Charles Quadros. Renol Rodrigues, Fiona D’Souza and Vinitha Menezes  presented a beautiful dance that was appreciated by the elders. Some of the elder  ladies in the gathering sang ‘vovyos’ starting with the word ‘Rosalin...’

 

Following the grace  before the meal recited by Fr. Lancy Saldanha, the elders were served with lunch.

 

According to Charles Quadros, the Annual Parish Elders’  Day has been celebrated in the parish since 1982 by the Moodubelle Unit of the Catholic Sabha when Fr. Harold Menezes was the parish priest and Raphael Aranha was the president of the Moodubelle Unit of the catholic Sabha.