Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 20: The parishioners of Neermarga celebrated the feast of the Assumption of Mary and the 80th Independence Day of the nation with great fervour on August 15.

The celebrations began at 7:30 am with a solemn holy mass offered by parish priest Fr Paul Pinto. In his homily, he reflected on the dual significance of the day, drawing a parallel between the patriotic song 'Vande Mataram', which expresses deep love for the motherland, and the devotion to the Heavenly Mother.

He emphasised that just as the nation celebrates its freedom, believers celebrate Mary, who lived free from all earthly bondage and was assumed body and soul into heaven. He urged the congregation to live like Mary so that they too could one day share in God’s glory.

Following the mass, a formal flag-hoisting ceremony was organised under the leadership of the ICYM Neermarga unit. The event commenced with the singing of 'Vande Mataram'. ICYM president Freyan Vaz welcomed the gathering and initiated the proceedings.

Parish priest Fr Paul Pinto hoisted the tricolour and delivered the presidential address. In his message, he commemorated the great leaders and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and offered prayers for them.

Parish pastoral council vice president Usha Fernandes, parish pastoral council secretary Sunil Pereira, ICYM animator Sujith Sequeira, and a large number of parishioners were present for the occasion.

Crishel D'Souza compered the programme. The event concluded with the singing of the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', followed by the distribution of sweets to all the attendees.