Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 26: The Day for the Elderly was celebrated at St Joseph the Worker Church, Neermarga on Mission Sunday, October 23 by the Secular Franciscan Order in appreciation of their dedication, accomplishments and services they give throughout their lives.
The celebration commenced with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Dancy Martis, assistant director, Assisi Press and Fr Anil D'Mello, parish priest. Fr Dancy gave a homily in which he highlighted three ways in which one could continue the Mission of Jesus -a) Leading an exemplary life by bearing witness to Christ b) Prayer c) serving and loving one’s neighbour. Further, he helped the congregation to ponder on the day’s readings thereby deriving the life lessons of 1. Trusting in God who listens to the prayers of the one who is wronged and does not ignore the supplications of the needy 2. Keeping the fire of faith burning 3. God hears the prayers of the lowly and sinners and raises them to Himself by giving His grace to them but leaves the proud and arrogant to their pretensions.
The Eucharistic Celebration was followed by a brief programme held in honour of the Seniors. It began with a prayer song in thanksgiving to God the Almighty for the invaluable and integral treasures of the parish i.e., the Seniors.
Fr Anil D Mello, parish priest, Fr Dancy Martis, Alwyn Monteiro, president, SFO, Mangalore Region, Cynthia Rosario, Ravi Saldanha and Prakash Pereira, vice- president and secretary of Parish Pastoral Council, Walty Saldanha, president of SFO, Neermarga Unit, Maurice Renjal, coordinator of 21 Commissions and Sister Sujatha, superior, Holy Cross Convent graced the occasion.
The annual report was presented by Janet Saldanha. Baptist D'Souza was felicitated for his long service in the association and Dulcine Pinto was honoured as the oldest person in the gathering. The children of St Joseph English Medium School delighted the audience with their colourful dance. Alwyn Tauro, Laveena Saldanha and Walter Saldanha ripped open the floodgates of laughter through a comedy skit.
Fr Anil D'Mello, in his presidential address, recalled the responsibilities shouldered and the sacrifices made by the elders in keeping their families united and acknowledged that the seniors are the living memory of history and possessed great wisdom through life experiences. The assembled elders were given gifts by SFO members in appreciation of their selfless spirit and wished them a healthy and joyful life.
Reshma compered the programme. Walter Saldanha and Rita Mascarenhas welcomed and thanked the gathering.