Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 7: The Commission for Women and the Mother Mary Women's Association of St Joseph the Worker Church, Neermarga, jointly organized a traditional food festival on Wednesday, August 5 at the Sambhram Hall.
The programme commenced with a prayer song rendered by the members of the Women's Association. Anita Craste welcomed the honourable guests in a traditional manner with betel leaves, areca nuts, and water. Flavia D'Souza, along with association members, formally welcomed the gathered guests with roses.
The event was symbolically and traditionally inaugurated by the dignitaries by grating a coconut. Parish priest Fr Paul Pinto presided over the programme, while Rev Fr Sylvester D'Souza, director of the Women's Association, City Deanery, was the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Fr Sylvester D'Souza conveyed his best wishes, noting that the event offered a wonderful opportunity for the community to relish traditional food together.
During the event, parish priest Fr Paul Pinto felicitated Usha Fernandes with a plant to honour her recent election as the secretary of the Mangalore Diocese Pastoral Council, wishing her success in her new role.
Following this, secretary Reshma Pereira read out the names of the winners of the Bible Quiz competition held during a previous Women's Association meeting, and Fr Sylvester D'Souza distributed the prizes.
In his presidential address, Rev Fr Paul Pinto remarked that this celebration is not just a routine event, but an occasion to reflect on the joy of relishing rare childhood foods, remember the hard work behind preparing them in earlier days, and express gratitude to God for His current blessings. He also called upon the association to initiate impactful outreach programmes aimed at serving the needy within the parish.
The stage was graced by Usha Fernandes, vice president of the parish pastoral council and president of the Women's Association; Sunil Pereira, secretary of the parish pastoral council; Sujith Sequeira, convener of all commissions; Flavia D'Souza, convener of the Women's Commission; and Reshma Pereira, secretary of the Women's Association. Sr Sujata D’Sa, superior of Holy Cross Convent, Sr Marie Jane AC of Carmel Ashram, along with sisters from both convents, and members of the Women's Association and Women's Commission attended the event with their families.
A cultural programme followed the formal stage event. Lavina Saldanha and her team presented a dance performance, while Treza Rebello and her team entertained the audience with a comedy skit. Prescilla D'Souza and Namitha Rebello conducted various games for the audience, with prizes distributed by Sunil Pereira.
Moly Pereira proposed the vote of thanks, and Josephine D'Souza compered the event.
The stage decoration was beautifully arranged by Sunil Pereira of Maria Decorators. The sound system and photography were handled by Heric Saldanha of Sumrum Decorators & Event Management, while association member Saritha Crasta also captured moments of the day. Dining arrangements and utensils were provided by Vincent Saldanha of Unique Caterers.
The programme, attended by around 60 people, concluded with a grand traditional feast.