Udupi, 20 Apr 2014: The Moodubelle Unit of the Catholic Sabha celebrated its Silver Jubilee on Easter Sunday, 20 April 2014 with thanksgiving Mass in the morning and stage and cultural programme in the evening in the Parish Hall.
The thanksgiving Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, YCS National Director as the chief celebrant along with Rev. Joswey Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira, Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto and Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado (OFM Cap).
Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto in his homily highlighted the presence of the Risen Christ in community. He pointed out that the Apostles could experience Christ while they were in group and not alone. Fr. Reginald further said that Catholic Sabha is the community of the parishioners whose primary aim is service to the society and community.
The members of the Catholic Sabha animated the day’s liturgy and served as choir during the Mass.
The stage programme began in the Parish Hall at 4.45 pm. Following the prayer and welcome address by the President of the Moodubelle Unit of the Catholic Sabha, Mrs. Helen D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, parish priest and Spiritual Director of the Catholic Sabha formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries on the stage.
Mrs. Emilia Noronha, Secretary of the Catholic Sabha read brief report of the achievements of the Moodubelle Unit of the Catholic Sabha during the last 25 years.
The Catholic Sabha Silver Jubilee Suvaad Souvenir was released by Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes in the presence of the editor of Suvaad, Mrs. Meera Lobo and other dignitaries on the dais.
Prizes were distributed to students who were victorious in the paris, Varado and central level Elocution Competitions. Students who had secured distinction marks in the SSLC and PUC examinations held in March 2013 were honoured. Those who had sold highest number of Lucky-tip tickets and donors were also honoured during this occasion.
Ignatius Monis and Charles Quadros who have been rendering exemplary service in various capacities since the last 25 years as members and office bearers of the Moodubelle Unit of the Catholic Sabha were felicitated by Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, the Dean and Spiritual Director of the Udupi Varado Catholic Sabha. The former Presidents and Secretaries were also honoured during the programme.
The guests of honour-Louis D’Almeida-President of the Udupi Varado Catholic Sabha, Walter Cyril Pinto-former President of the Central Committee of the Catholic Sabha and Elroy Kiran Crasto-present President of the Central Committee of the Catholic Sabha appreciated the contribution of Moodubelle Unit of the Catholic Sabha and wished well in the future.
Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes in his message congratulated Moodubelle Unit of the Catholic Sabha for completing 25 years and appreciated the service rendered by it to the community.
Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas said that the hands that serve are more important that the lips that pray and said that the Catholic Sabha has been serving the community in various ways. He further said that while prayer is important in daily life, prayer with service would be much nobler. He made an appeal to make Christ as the centre of their service.
Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira, Rev. Fr. Robert Lasrado, Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto, Sr. Irene, Alphonse K. Alva-Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Wilma Rodrigues and Mrs. Gladys Rebello the next Secretary and President of the Catholic Sabha were also on the dais.
Following the distribution of mementos to the guests on the dais, Ignatius Monis proposed the vote of thanks.
The entire programme was compeered by Maxim D’Sa and Miss Rinol Rodrigues.
The stage programme was followed by cultural programme. Jovita Mendonca and group presented welcome dance; Sara and her friends presented group dance; members of the Catholic Sabah presented a group song; Felina D’Souza and friends presented ‘Mando’; Jovita Mendonca sang a Hindi film song and members of the Stree Sanghattan presented a hilarious skit.