Media Release
Bantwal, Nov 7: Confraternity Sunday and Community day was celebrated with great joy and fellowship at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Nirkan on Sunday, November 6. It truly showcased the unity and fraternity among the parishioners and built a platform for future collaboration. The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist.
Fr Naveen Pinto, administrator and professor at St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Mangaluru presided over the celebration and Fr Leo William Lobo, the parish priest concelebrated. “Through our fraternal participation in the Eucharist, let us build a strong parish community,” preached Fr Naveen. A solemn procession of the Eucharist was held on the streets of Nirkan honouring the Lord. People devoutly walked singing praises through hymns accompanied with the band. The streets were decorated with flags and banners to enrich the meaning of the procession. A short adoration was held after the procession. Benefactors were honoured with candles at the end for their generous contribution.
A formal programme was held after the mass in the parish school hall to mark two celebrations namely Parish Community Day and Golden Jubilee of the establishment of the Parish Pastoral Council in the diocese of Mangalore. ICYM members invoked God’s blessings on the occasion through a prayer song. Children of Marian Sodality cordially welcomed everyone through their beautiful dance.
The occasion was honoured by the presence of Fr Leo Lobo as its president and Fr Naveen as the chief guest. Sr Celine Vas, superior of the convent; Vincent Bennis, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council; Vinutha Crasta, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Alphonse Fernandes, coordinator of the Parish Commissions; Stany Lasrado, coordinator of the Parish Small Christian Community and Stany Lobo, president of Catholic Sabha Central Committee were the dignitaries on the dais. Lamp was lit by the dignitaries to inaugurate the program. Mr Vincent Bennis offered a floral welcome to the dignitaries. Mr Jossy Pinto briefed about the establishment and development of the parish pastoral council in the parish. The celebration witnessed a special event of honouring all the vice presidents and secretaries of the parish pastoral council and the ward gurkars of seven wards right from the establishment of the parish pastoral council.
Adding to it, six selected members were honoured for their exemplary services in the church and the society. Even the achievers in the field of academics in SSLC, PUC and higher studies were honoured by Parish Catholic Sabha. Finally, the whole parish community wholeheartedly honoured the parish priest Fr Leo Lobo and the chief guest Fr Naveen Pinto. Neslin Priya D'Souza, Melvita Crasta, Sweedel Rodrigues, Henvil Walder, Alphonse Fernandes and Vincent Bennis introduced the persons receiving the honour. Austin Lobo and Glean Shail D’Souza excellently compered the programme. The Community Day ended with having the fellowship meal prepared by the parishioners. Overall, the day witnessed a true spirit of fraternity and fellowship with the celebration.