Moodubelle: Secular Franciscan Order celebrates the feast of their patron saint-St Francis of Assisi

By Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 10 October 2010: The Secular Franciscan Order also known as the Third Order members of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle celebrated the feast of their patron saint-St. Francis of Assisi on Saturday, 9th October 2010 with the Holy Mass at 4pm and thereafter a get-together of the members in the parish hall at 5pm.

 

During the Mass, in his homily, Fr. Maxim Pinto (OFM Cap), Superior and Director of the Assisi Nilaya at Kattingeri examined the life and virtues of St. Francis of Assisi and urged the members of the Secular Franciscan Order to support the church through their own virtuous life by walking on the path as shown by St. Francis of Assisi.

 

The programme in the parish hall was presided over by Fr. Joswey Fernandes, the Parish Priest of Moodubelle. The other guests included Fr. Paul Sequeira, Fr. Lancy Saldanaha, Fr. Maxim Pinto and Mrs. Meera Lobo, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council.

 

The President of the Secular Franciscan Order-Mrs. Reetha Mathais welcomed the guests and each of them was offered flowers by the members of the Order. Mrs. Jacintha Lobo-Secretary of the Secular Franciscan Order read the annual report highlighting the important activities of the Order.

 

 

Presently there are 31 members in the Secular Franciscan Order. They hold meetings on the first Saturday of every month after the evening Mass. Besides enriching themselves spiritually through prayers, these members make it a point to visit the sick and elderly persons in the parish. They also occasionally visit hospitals and interact with the patients. The Secular Franciscan Order of Moodubelle has been regularly giving donation to Karunalaya at Brahmavar. At the parish level the Order has been sponsoring the books of a student studying in the 10th Standard. The President of the Secular Order-Mrs. Reetha Mathais has been the member of the Udupi Taluk Panchayat.

 

In his message to the members of the Secular Franciscan Order, Fr. Joswey Fernandes said that St. Francis of Assisi became poor for the sake of Christ and he has taught us how to live Christian life by imbibing the teachings of Jesus Christ in our own lives. He expressed a hope that through such associations as Secular Franciscan Order there would be unity, love and cooperation within the families, wards and the entire parish.

 

Ms. Theresa Lobo compeered the programme and Mrs. Helen D’Souza-Vice President of the Secular Franciscan Order proposed the vote of thanks.