Moodubelle: On a rain-free evening, St. Thomas II Ward celebrates the feast of their patron saint

Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 04 Jul 2012: Following the heavy rains and floods on Monday, July 2, 2012, Tuesday, July 3, the feast day of St. Thomas was quite bright, rain-free and pleasant. Taking advantage of the rainless evening most of the members of St. Thomas II Ward made their way to the residence of Commodore Jerome Castelino  where the feast Mass and social gathering were arranged. In anticipation of rains, Commodore Jerome Castelino and his wife Rose had made arrangements by putting up the metal sheet covered pandal.

 

The feast mass was concelebrated at 5.30 pm by Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, parish priest of Belle, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Souza, former Vicar General of Allahabad and Rev. Fr. Denis Castelino who belongs to the same ward.

 

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes narrated the references to St. Thomas in the Gospels and said that St. thomas was a man of courage and faith. As he was courageous, St. Thomas came to India in spite of all difficulties and spread the Gospel in South India especially in Kerala and eventually became a martyr in Maylapur near Chennai. As a man of faith, after the resurrection of Jesus when he appeared to his disciples, St. Thomas placing his fingers in the wounds of Jesus’ hands and side had said, "My Lord and my God" and thus professed his faith in Jesus.

 

Following the end of the mass, a short stage programme was organized. Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira, Sr. Irene, newly arrived Superior of the Loreto Convent, Alphonse K. Alva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council and Mrs. Teresa Alva, the Gurkarn of the Ward were on the dais.

 

Commodore Jerome Castelino compeered the programme as well as welcomed the priests, sisters, guests including Commodore Valerian Sequeira and ward members.  Mrs. Jannet Castelino, the Secretary of the Ward read the report of the various activities conducted during the last year.

 

 

On this occasion two members of the ward who have been closely associated with the newly established St. Lawrence Degree College, Dr. Eugene D’Souza, the Principal and Commodore Jerome Castelino, the Dean were honoured by presenting them shawl, flower bouquet and memento. Ignatius Monis recalled the contribution of Commodore Jerome Castelino in starting the degree college in Moodubelle. Mrs. Teresa Alva, the Gurkarn of the Ward was also felicitated for her selfless service to the Ward.

 

In their message, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira and Vice President Alphonse K. Alva conveyed their best wishes to the Ward members on the day of the feast of their patron saint-St. Thomas. They also highlighted the importance of the Ward feasts in fostering unity and cooperation and building the Small Christian Community. Commodore Valerian Sequeira, a close family friend of Commodore Jerome Castelino was also present for the Ward feast.

 

Students of the Ward who had achieved success in their examinations held in March-April 2012 were felicitated by ofering them flowers.

 

The documentary on the function held on December 16, 2011 in the premises of Commodore Jerome Castelino’s residence to inaugurate the War Memorial in honour of the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives during the Goa Liberation War (1961) and Bangladesh liberation War (1971) was viewd by the ward memebrs and guests.

 

Few games were organized for the children and adults. Ignatius Monis proposed the vote of thanks and all the members participated in the community meal. The programme ended by 8.45 pm without the sign of rain or clouds as the bright moon could be sighted in a clear sky.