Media Release
Mangaluru, May 2: Community Day was celebrated at St Joseph the Worker Church, Neermarga on May 1 with great pomp and splendor. The celebration began with a High Mass at 4:30 PM. Fr Clifford Fernandes, parish priest, Cordel church, served as the main celebrant. In his inspiring homily, he emphasized that maintaining good relationships with one another is a form of prayer itself. He identified good communication, generosity, and leadership as the cornerstones of a strong community.
Following the Mass, the stage programme commenced with a procession of children carrying the Holy Bible. Children performed a welcome dance offering glory to God. The Small Christian Community convenor, Shabitha Saldanha, ushered the guests of honor to the stage: Vicar Fr Paul Pinto, Fr Clifford Fernandes, PPC vice president Sandeep Misquith, secretary Zita Usha Fernandes, and 21 Commissions coordinator Maurice Renjal.
Fr Clifford Fernandes, in his address, spoke about the importance of parents' hard work in providing good education to their children, which results in happy and prosperous lives. He stressed that a strong community can only be built when both economic well-being and spirituality grow in tandem. He concluded by invoking God's blessings and extending his best wishes to all.
The guests of honor then felicitated Paul D’Souza, Kenneth Lobo, Roshni Periera for their doctoral achievements in various fields, and Victor Edward D’Souza for his outstanding professional accomplishments. Gretta Vas, an SCC member, introduced the honorees.
Fr Paul Pinto, in his message, emphasized that while maintaining a good relationship with God, this celebration should also enhance connections with one another, fostering enthusiasm for the community's overall growth and development.
PPC VP Sandeep Misquith welcomed the gathering, while secretary Usha Fernandes read out the names of the donors. Shabitha Saldanha proposed a vote of thanks, and Aston D’Souza served as the compere for the event.
A cultural programme featuring performances by different ward members was held, with Greeshma Saldanha as the MC. After the parish priest invoked God's blessings, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by the parishioners themselves.