M’belle: Elders’ Day celebrated with enthusiastic participation of above 70 years parishioner

By Charles Quadros
Pics by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 19 Mar 2013: It was a wonderful day out for the above 70 years parishioners as 173 of them, men and women made their way to the church for the Mass and thereafter for a lively get-together in the parish hall on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, the day of the feast of St. Joseph.  The entire programme was organized by the members of the Catholic Sabha under the presidentship of Mrs. Helen D’Souza.

 

The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Maxim Pinto (OFM-Cap) and Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes at 10.30 am. The elderly persons  themselves took the lead in reading the scriptures.

 

The programme in the parish hall began with the prayer hymn sung by Mrs. Matilda Quadros and Mrs. Theresa Alva. Mrs. Helen D’Souza, president of the Catholic Sabha, Moodubelle Unit welcomed the guests and the senior citizens.

 

Fr. Paul Sequeira entertained the gathering with folk song which he made all the elders to sing collectively. Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes in his message said that the elders in the parish are the source of faith and they are treasures of the parish. He wished them  good health and peace of mind.

 

 

Mr. Augustine Lobo and group presented song to the accompaniment  of the ‘Gumat’. A number of elderly persons spoke about their feelings on this occasion. These elderly persons included: Bernanrd D’Souza, Paul Fernandes, Isaac Alva, Xavier Lobo, Mrs. Lilly Castelino, Mrs. Alice Rebello and Mrs. Theresa D’Sa.

 

There were certain spot games conducted by MC, Charles Quadros. Ignatius Monis read out the names of the parishioners who passed away during the year that spread from last year’s celebration of the Elders’ Day to this year.

 

Mrs. Emilia Noronha, Secretary of the Catholic Sabha of Moodubelle Unit proposed the vote of thanks.

 

One of the important features of this year’s Elders’ Day celebration was that the elders were  provided the facility of eating from the banana leaves spread over the tables which everyone appreciated.