Elders’ Day observed with grandeur in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, Moodubelle, 01 Dec 2023: The long awaited Elders’ Day was observed with grandeur  in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle on Friday, 01 December 2023 with Thanksgiving Mass and get-together during which the Senior Citizen Club, Moodubelle was inaugurated. Nearly 200 senior citizens above the age of 70 years participated in the programme. The Catholic Sabha Unit of Moodubelle and the Family Commission Unit of Moodubelle jointly organized the programme.

 

The Elders’ Day commenced at 11 am with the Thanksgiving Mass concelebrated by Fr. George D’Souza-Parish Priest of Moodubelle and Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest. The Liturgy and the choir were animated by senior citizens.

 

In his homily, Fr. Pradeep Cardoza said that life is the blessing from God. As  we grow, we gain experience and wisdom which we pass to the next generation. As we become old, uncertainties plague our mind, but faith and hope do not allow us to be disappointed. He further said that St. Anne and St. Joachim, parents of Mother Mary are our role models. Similarly, St. Joseph and Mother Mary are the best examples of parenthood. Elders have been the strong pillars of faith in our parish and they deserve love and respect from their family members.

 

 

Following the Thanksgiving Mass, a short stage programme was held in the Parish Hall which was presided over by Fr. George D’Souza. The other dignitaries on the dais included: Fr. Pradeep cardoza, Commodore Jerome Castelino (VSM) and Leslie Auroza - Director of Udupi Diocesan Family Commission as Chief Guests, Sr. Bertin-Superior of the Loreto Convent, Pritish D’Sa-Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Charles Quadros - Secretary and Convener of the Family Commission, Mrs. Ancilla D’Souza-President of the Catholic Sabha, Mrs. Gracy Rebello - Coordinator of the 20 Commissions, Robert D’Souza - President of the newly formed Senior Citizens’ Club, Mrs. Precilla Lobo -Secretary. 

 

Following the welcome address by Charles Quadros, the dignitaries on the dais inaugurated the Senior Citizens’ Club by lighting the lamp and unveiling the banner.

 

In his speech, Robert D’Souza narrated the reasons behind the constitution of the Senior Citizens’ Club in Moodubelle and outlines its aims and objectives as well as the plan of action.

 

Leslie Auroza in his message expressed his happiness to be part of the Elders’ day celebration in Moodubelle. He said that the elders have made a lot of sacrifice to bring up the children and educate them. He further said that Old Age Homes are not the last resort for the elderly parents. It is important for the children to look after their aged parents. Meanwhile, he advised the elderly to adjust with their children and grandchildren giving them proper guidance  and not to criticize excessively for their likes and dislikes.  

 

Another Chief Guest, Commodore Jerome Castelino narrated the circumstances under which the older generation grew up with many problems. Living in thatched roofed houses, cultivating the fields rented from the landlords paying heavy rent, sometimes more than half of the produce, lack of education and other facilities. He traced the gradual progress in socio-economic sphere with the Land Reform Laws during the Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s Government, progress in education with the establishment of the high school in Moodubelle since 1959 and movement of the educated youth to foreign countries and other material developments. Though the village witnessed all these developments the elderly found themselves being left behind to live their own lives in their ancestral homes. Commodore Jerome Castelino stressed on the fact that the elderly should take care of their health and live in harmony with their children and grandchildren. He also narrated his own career in the Indian Navy and how he and his wife decided to come and live in Moodubelle, their native village. He appreciated the service rendered by all the Parish Priests and Assistant Parish Priests in the spiritual, moral and social development of the Parish.

 

 

In his presidential message, Fr. George D’Souza endorsed the main points covered by Leslie Auroza and Commodore Jerome Castelino and wished good health and happiness to all the elders in the Parish.

 

On this occasion, Vincent Fernandes and Henry Fernandes, both former Vice Presidents of the PPC were honoured by Fr. George D’Souza for coordinating the celebration of the Elders Day in a grand manner.

 

Mrs. Ancilla D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Mrs. Nancy Aranha compered the programme.

 

Fr. Pradeep Cardoza recited the Grace Before Meal.

 

The Elders’ Day concluded with fellowship meal prepared by the Best Caterers of Moodubelle.