Bantwal, 30 Jan: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Madanthyar celebrated Parish Community Day (Samudhai Divas) on Sunday, 27 January with great pleasure and joy. It was a great gathering of entire Madanthyar Parish community to come together as one family.
The celebration began with the Holy Eucharistic celebration which was celebrated by Rev Fr Rohith D’Costa - Assistant Director, St. Joseph’s Engineering College Vamanjoor. Rev Fr Rohith in his homily stressed the importance of community life, church leadership for the service (servant leadership) and the importance of working together as Christian community. Rev Fr Basil Vas, Rev Fr Jerome Dsouza, Rev Fr Alwyn Richard Dsouza, Rev Fr Alwyn Dsouza SJ, Rev Fr Lancy Lewis OCD and Rev Fr Albert concelebrated the mass.
After the mass, breakfast was served to all. A short stage programme was held. Msgr. Rev Fr Maxim Noronha - Vicar General, Mangalore Diocese was the Chief Guest of the programme. In his address, he spoke about the importance of community life in the parish, working together as one family and appreciated Madanthyar Parish community for their active participation in the various events of the Diocese. Rev Fr Basil Vas along with all the other priests felicitated and honoured Msgr. Rev Fr Maxim Noronha.
Variety of cultural presentation was performed by different ward members. A humorous theme song composed by Rev Fr Alwyn Richard Dsouza, was sung by all the priests and fellow workers of the parish which grabbed the attention of the programme. Rev. Fr Basil Vas honoured all the 22 ward leaders (Gurkars) for their selfless service in their respective wards and in the parish. Prizes were distributed to those who won in different competitions held in the parish thought out the year. Top three highest scored teams were selected and awarded championship for their outstanding performance. The entire community day celebration was concluded with the fellowship meal.