Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 30: St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai celebrated Parish Day on Sunday, January 29, with the Eucharistic celebration. Fr Vishwas Joy Misquith SJ was the main celebrant.
A programme was held in the parish main hall with many colourful performances. Rachana awardee for NRI Entrepreneur of this year, Michael D'Souza was the chief guest. Vice president Ashok Pinto welcomed the gathering, secretary Avitha Pinto read the yearly activity report. Nearly 40 students were honoured for excelling in the academic and sports field, while 18 parish government officials were honoured. Michael D'Souza and Andrew D'Cunha, Sandesha awardee for Konkani Literature were honoured.
Parish priest Fr Dr J B Saldanha delivered his presidential speech, Eric Coelho, Melwyl Pínto and Aaron Nazareth were thanked for their services. As many as 52 outgoing Parish Pastrol Parishad members were honoured. Parish 21 Commission's coordinator Godwin Pinto thanked the gathering while Sohan, Lavina and Jane Fernandes compered.
Fr J B Saldanha, Fr Vishwas Misquith, Michael D'Souza, Andrew D'Cunha, assistant parish priest Fr Suraj Lobo, Lourdes Central School principal Fr Robert D'Souza, Fr Vincent Sequeira, Fr Jaison Pais SJ, Fr Anush D'Cunha, Fr Jerald Lobo, St Angela Convent superior Sr Sevreine Crasta, Ashok Pinto, Cynthia Pínto and Godwin Pinto were present on the dais.
In the cultural programme that was organized, the church choir sang a theme song, ward members of Divine Mercy Ward, Nodu, Kadri performed a dance, ward members of Christ the King Ward, Nodu performed a Comedy Skit. Fr Robert D'Souza prayed over the meals and there was a fellowship dinner. Simultaneously they watched live Konkani songs and Baila by Ronald D'Souza, Rony Lobo, Hubert D'Silva, Saritha D'Souza, Janet D'Souza, Jasmine D'Souza and Patrick D'Souza.
Around 2000 parishioners joined the fellowship dinner.