Wilson Shirva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jul 7: As part of the centenary celebration of Our Lady of Health Church Shirva, Catholic Sabha, Shirva unit of Udupi diocese celebrated a unique 'Men's Day' for the first time in the history of the Church. It was celebrated on Sunday July 6 in a grand manner.
Nearly 450 men were present in the function. There was a mass at 9.30 am in which the men of Shirva parish participated. The choir, offetry, liturgy were also organized solely by men.
After the mass the men who were present in the church marched in a procession with the band set under the leadership of parish priest Fr Stany Tauro, chief guest J R Lobo, MLA of Mangalore north and M P Noronha, advocate and the secreatry of pastoral council of Manglore diocese.
The music band gave a new, dynamic look to the procession and the function. It was followed by the stage programme.
Spiritual director of the Catholic Sabha Shirva unit, Fr Stany Tauro, two chief guests J R Lobo and M P Noronha, president of Shirva unit Melwyn Aranha, joint secretary Alphonso Fernandes, treasurer Stany Pinto, vice-president Shirva church pastoral council Vilson Dsouza, secreatry William Machado, president elect Leena Machado, co-ordinator Gilbert Pinto were present on the stage.
The function began with a prayer by Sunil Cabral and group. The president of the Catholic Sabha Shirva unit welcomed the gathering. MLA J R Lobo was honoured and the newly elected Catholic male members were felicitated. The outstanding students were awarded with prizes. The senior most Catholic male Felix Nazareth who was present in the function was also honoured.
The chief guest was introduced to the function by Melwyn D'Souza and William Machado. The chief guest spoke a few words regarding the existence and importance of men at home, in the society and also in the church by giving suitable examples. He also said that the celebration of Men's Day was the first in the history of undivided diocese.
The chief guests wished every success to men in their endeavours. Joint secretary Alphonso Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
The stage progamme was followed by entertainment programme in which Sunil Cabral, Wilson Dsouza and Lancy Corda took part.
The programme ended with a tasty non-veg lunch. All the men who were gathered felt very happy and enjoyed the programme.