Udupi: Elders’ Day Observed in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 23 Jun: Family Commission as well as Catholic Sabha Units of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle jointly observed Elders’ Day on Sunday, 23 June 2019 with thanksgiving mass and a short function in St. Lawrence Community Hall.

 

The thanksgiving mass was concelebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza, former Bishop of Mangalore along with Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest, Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Assistant Parish priest and Fr. John Baptist Menezes, Rector of Diocesan Minor Seminary.

 

Preaching the homily, Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza highlighted the significance of the Feast of Corpus Christi and also the place and role of elders in family, society and church.

 

The elders animated the liturgy of the holy mass.

 

 

Soon after the holy mass, a short function was held in the Community Hall. Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza presided over the function. Other dignitaries on the dais included: Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Fr. John Baptist Menezes, Vincent Fernandes-Vice President of Parish Pastoeal Council, Mrs.Latha D’ Mello-Secretary, Mrs. Monica D’Souza-Convener of 18 Commissions, Charles Quadros-Convener of Family Commission, Anil D’Souza-President of Catholic Sabha and Bernard and Regina D’Souza-representatives of the elders of the parish.

 

Following the welcome address by Charles Quadros, Ignatius Monis read the names of all those parishioners who had passed away during the last year and paid tribute to the departed souls of the parishioners.

 

Fr. Clement Mascarenhas complimented all the elders of the parish for participating in the Elders’ Day and appreciated the efforts of Family Commission, Catholic Sabha and the sponsors for organizing such a significant event. He also thanked Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza for gracing the function.

 

On this occasion, Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza was honoured with shawl and garland. Henry Fernandes  introduced the Bishop.

 

In his message, Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza thanked Fr. Clement Mascarenhas for inviting him to participate in the celebration of the Elders’ Day in the parish. He appreciated the magnificent Community hall in which the function was held. Emphasizing on the importance of the elders, the Bishop said that the value of money and elders is known only when they are missed. He wished well to the elders and encouraged them to keep good health and peace of mind.

 

 

Anil D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Sr. Irene Viegas compeered the programme. 

 

The ICYM youths presented a dance item to entertain the elders. Joy Fernandes and Edna Menezes conducted few spot games for the elders and Vincent Fernandes gave away the prizes to the winners. 

 

The Elders’ day concluded with lunch.