Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje / Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Mangaluru, Dec 1: The two-day 'Christmas Food Fiesta-2014' organized by Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh episcopal city deanery to raise funds for building houses for the needy came to a colourful end at Milagres parish grounds here on Sunday November 30.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, NRI entrepreneur Frank Fernandes, entrepreneur Elias Sanctis, Flavy D'Souza, president of Catholic Sabha, Fr James D'Souza, Valencia parish priest, Fr J B Crasta, spiritual director, Anil Lobo, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh episcopal city deanery president, Fr Valerian D'Souza, parish priest of Milagres Church, Flora Castelino, secretary and Lynette D'Souza, president of Catholic Sabha, Milagres were present on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Frank Fernandes said, "When on gives shelter to needy, it is like giving shelter to Jesus. Giving food to the poor is easy, but building shelter for them is difficult. From my part too, I will contribute to this good work."
He further advised, "Once you decide to give to the poor, do not delay or hesitate in carrying out your deed. Whatever small amount you can afford, just give it away without a second thought. Only the good works done during one's life will be remembered after death. How a man died is not important, what is important is how he lived. We all are bound to die one day, so help the needy when you can."
He also gave the example of Manmohan Malli who gave away his land for the construction of St John Paul II Shrine at Bajpe at the request of the Mangaluru bishop. "Malli wanted that land to be used for something good, and now it has been utilized for the right purpose," he added.
"If god's blessing is there on us, we can achieve anything in the world," he declared.
The housing project for the needy was inaugurated by Bishop Dr Aloysius D'Souza. As per the project, 24 houses will be ready by May 2015.
In his address, the bishop said, "This is a mega project, blessed by god. Children always ask where Jesus was born - he was born in a shed. Many people are homeless even today. I congratulate Catholic Sabha for giving shelter to the poor."
"We have received 125 applications for the 24 houses that are being built. The houses will be given away in May 2015 only to the deserving who are in utmost poverty. Undertaking this work is like welcoming Jesus in our midst," he added.
Elias Sanctis in his address lauded Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh president Anil Lobo and said, "Anil Lobo has contributed a lot to this event, along with support of Fr J B Crasta and the bishop. I was moved by their intention of giving the proceedings of the programme for building houses for the poor. It is a social service, and god will reward them in various forms. When you help someone in need, god will help you in your time of need."
Frank Fernandes presented mementoes to sponsors and donors of the event.
Fr J B Crasta welcomed the gathering. Dolphy Saldanha compered the programme.
As many as 16 parishes participated in the cooking competition. The results are as follows:
First prize - St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai
Runner-up - Nityadarnagar parish
Best stall decoration - Nityadarnagar parish
Earlier in the day, a baby show was also organized, in which 22 girls and 7 boys aged between 3 and 5 years contested for the Prince and Princess titles. Fayon Rodrigues was adjudged Prince, while Anvi B Poojary was crowned Princess.
Prior to the formal stage programme, Mass was offered between 5 and 6 pm.
Entertainment programmes comprising comedy, music and dance were performed by groups like Me-Mo-Ri, Mandd Sobhann, Balmatta Musical Association, and Boyzone dance crew. There was also DJ music. Roshan Madtha compered the session.