Udupi: Catechism Day Observed in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 01 Mar: Catechism Day was observed in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on Saturday, 29 February 2020 with Holy Mass, stage function and entertainment programme. Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and Dean of Udupi Deanery concelebrated the Holy Mass as the chief celebrant along with Fr. Clement Mascarenhas and Fr. Jithesh Castelino.

 

In his homily, Fr. Valerian Mendonca reflected on the Gospel of the day regarding the temptations of Christ following forty days of fast and penance. He also highlighted the significance of Catechism in the life of a Christian.

 

The liturgy of the Holy Mass and the choir was animated by the students of the catechism classes. 

 

The stage function commenced at 5.30 pm in St. Lawrence Community Hall. Fr. Clement Mascarenahs presided over the function. Fr. Valerian Mendonca was the chief guest. Other dignitaries on the dais included Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Mrs. Monica D’Souza-Convner of 18 Commissions and Mrs. Shanthi Alva-Convener of Sunday School Teachers.

 

Following the prayer song and welcome address by Florence D’Almeida, Mrs. Shanthi Alva read the report of the various activities of the Sunday School. 

 

On behalf of the parents, Mrs. Winnifred Fernandes and on behalf of the students Jenishal D’Mello shared their experiences. 

 

Fr. Valerian Mendonca in his message complimented the students of the Sunday School for their excellent animation of liturgy and choir and said that St. Lawrence Parish Moodubelle has many talented students. He also highlighted the importance of the Catechism in enriching the spiritual and community life of Christians.

 

The first three top scorers from each class from first to tenth standard in the Catechism examination were felicitated by Fr. Valerian Mendonca by giving away prizes. Mrs. Nancy Aranha read the names of the top scorers.

 

Students who had full attendance in the Sunday School were given prizes. Mrs. Monica D’Souza gave away prizes to students from first to sixth standard while Mrs. Babitha Noronha read the names; Fr. Jithesh castelino gave away prizes to students from seventh to tenth standard while Mrs. Emilia Noronha read the names.

 

 

In his presidential message, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas thanked the parents for regularly sending their children to Sunday Classes and teachers for taking these classes. He had special appreciation to Mrs. Shanthi Alva who had been associated with the Sunday classes since the last 24 years as teacher and convener.

 

On this occasion, Lizvita D’Souza, student of St. Lawrence English medium High School who had secured second place in the State level Elocution Competition was felicitated along with her grandmother, parents and Br. Philip Noronha, Principal of the school.

 

Mrs. Shanthi Alva was honoured for her long standing service to the Sunday School.

 

Those students who used to attend daily mass without a break were also felicitated on this occasion.

 

Top scorers and distinction holders of the seventh and tenth standard students in the recently held diocesan level Catechism examinations were given away prizes for their achievements.

 

Fr. Clement Mascarenhas gave away gifts to all Sunday School teachers as a token of gratitude for their selfless service.

 

Larissa D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Glanisha Lobo compeered the stage programme.

 

The stage function was followed by variety entertainment programme presented by the students of the Sunday School. The entertainment programme was anchored by Adolf Fernandes, Riyan Mascarenhas, Ishal Alva and Elvisha Noronha. 

 

The variety entertainment programme included welcome dance, three skits, dances and tableaus.