Pics: Clanute Lobo

Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 14: It has been a custom for Bajjodi parish to come together as a parish to celebrate their oneness on the Sunday following Monthi fest. This year too Bajjodians witnessed a great day of unity on Sunday September 13.

The holy mass was offered for all the families at 8.30 am; ‘Bajjodicho shilpi’ Fr Melwin D’Cunha was the main celebrant. Fr Richard Saldanha, at present serving in Mysuru, had been the preacher for the day. His message to all families was, “Remember, if you have a family you are rich enough in this world.” He also exhorted the families to live in the light of scripture. Frs Shabas Crasta (parish pastor), Jocy D’Souza (asst pastor), Deep Fernandes, Barnabas Monis (vice rector of St Joseph’s Monastery, Carmel Hill), Elias D’Souza (Infant Jesus Shrine director), Roshan OCD, Rohan OCD, Vinod OCD were also present for the mass.

The second part of the celebration was the cultural event. Various programmes were performed on stage by different ward members and by various institutions of the church. Mayor Jacinta Alfred was the chief guest. Corporater Keshava also visited the venue.

All the parishioners enjoyed every minute of the cultural event. Third part of the celebration was the common meal, where all Christian brothers and sisters renewed the spirit of family and unity. A lot of Hindu neighbors also participated in the common meal and gave witness to oneness. Fr Deep blessed the new corn and mixed it in the payasam and also prayed grace over the meal. Fr Jocy D’Souza thanked one and all. Awin and Jennifer compered the whole programme.