Udupi: Catholic Sabha, Moodubelle Unit observes Elders’ Day on the occasion of the Feast of St

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, Mar 19, 2014 : It was an unusual sight to see a large number of elders of the Moodubelle Parish making their way to St. Lawrence Church at 10 am onWednesday, 19 March 2014 to participate in the holy Mass on the occasion of the feast of St. Joseph and thereafter for a get-together in the parish hall followed by lunch.
 
As in the past years, the Moodubelle  Unit of the Catholic Sabha which is celebrating the Silver Jubilee this year had arranged the Elders’ Day which had an overwhelming response. Many elders who would otherwise find it difficult to come to the church, with the help of their family members and Catholic Sabha members made it a point to be part of the celebration.
 
The feast mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado (OFM Cap), Superior of Assisi Nilaya, Kattingeri and Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, parish priest. The liturgy of the mass was animated by the elders themselves. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado explained the role of St. Joseph in the Holy Family and also highlighted the importance of the elders in the family life. He said that the elders have worked hard and sacrificed much to build the families and to maintain the faith and the modern generation should look after their elders with respect, love and care as they are the wealth of the family.

 

 

Following the mass, the elders assembled in the parish hall. The brief stage programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes. Elroy Kiran Crasto-President of the Central Committee of Udupi Diocese Catholic Sabha, Louis D’Almeida-President of the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Varado, Mrs.Benny Quadros-Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Belle Grama Panchyat were the guests of honour.
Fr. Robert Lasrado, Fr. Paul Sequeira, Fr. P. Raj, Sr. Irene, Mrs. Helen D’Souza-President of the Moodubelle Unit Catholic Sabha, Alphonse K. Alva-Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Jacintha D’Souza and Mrs. Emilia Noronha-former and present Secretaries of the PPC and Mrs. Gladys Rebello-newly elected President of the Catholic Sabha Moodubelle Unit were on the dais.
 
Following the welcome address by Mrs. Helen D’Souza, Henry Fernandes narrated in brief the background of the celebration of the Elders’ Day by the Catholic Sabha in Moodubelle.
 
Mrs. Lucy Fernandes and Bernard D’Souza speaking on behalf of the elders thanked the Catholic Sabha for observing the elders’ day and bringing the elders together once in a year and entertaining them in the best possible way. Elroy Kiran Crasto, Sr. Irene, Mrs. Benny Quadros, Fr. P. Raj, Alphonse K. Alva and  Louis D’Almeida appreciated the efforts taken by the Catholic Sabha Unit of Moodubelle in organizing the Elders’ Day in a befitting manner.
 
In his presidential message, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes said that organizing the Elders’ Day in such a grand manner in the Silver Jubilee year was indeed a great honour to the office bearers and members of the Catholic Sabha Unit of Moodubelle.
 
Fr. Paul Sequeira in his unique way cracked few jokes and sang ‘mando’ with action to entertain the elders.
 
Mrs. Emilia Noronha proposed the vote of thanks whereas Charles Quadros compeered the programme.
 
Food was served to the elders in traditional way-on plantain leaves on table which all of them appreciated.  

During the free time, the elders met each other, renewed their acquaintances and exchanged pleasantries. It was indeed a great day out for the elders of Moodubelle parish and one could see the sense of contentment and satisfaction on their faces.