Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 25: The annual Catechism Day of St Joseph the Worker Church, Neermarga was celebrated on Sunday February 23.
Fr Rohan Lobo, secretary to the Bishop of Mangaluru initiated the Eucharistic celebration while Fr Anil D Mello, parish priest concelebrated the mass.
The liturgy was led by the children, teachers and parents. The students harmonious choir was conducted by Sr Mary who was applauded by the parish priest and the parishioners.
Fr Rohan in his homily stressed the importance of patience and expounded on the four ways to become holy through concrete facts and narration of stories. After the mass, refreshments were served to all. The cultural programme was held at the church hall and presided over by Fr Anil D Mello, parish priest, attended by Fr Rohan Lobo as the chief guest, while Ravi Saldanh, vice-president of the Parish Pastoral Council, Prakash Pereira, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Br Ivan were present as guests of honour.
After invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song by the students of class VI, the tiny tots of grade I and II emphasised the truth that Jesus has been and continues to be our Shepherd and the presence of God in every walk of life through action songs that enthralled the audience.
The item that was presented by class VII ‘The Sin Chair’ appealingly exemplified that temptation can get one stuck in sin. The only way to get ‘unstuck’ is through the Word and by living the teachings of Jesus Christ.
‘Kinkule’ and ‘Mangaluru Amche‘ dances by the dancers of class III and IX portraying the fact that children are the future of the world and cultural heritage of Mangaluru left the crowd foot-tapping and enchanted. Skits on ‘The Need to Forgive’, ‘Mary Immaculate-Her Greatness', ‘Rich Man and Lazarus’ and ‘Prodigal Son’ by the budding artistes of grade V, VIII, IX and X created in every person present an inner world built on the spicy ingredients of humane and divine qualities. Fr Anil D Mello in his presidential address gave a clarion call to the students to put into action the values that mould a meaningful life inculcated in them in catechism classes and elucidated the ways to manifest optimism in celebration of life. He further expressed his sincere thanks to the coordinator and the Sunday catechism faculty for assuming an invaluable role in moulding the students, orienting them towards good values and right attitudes and felicitated them with mementos. Prizes were distributed to 250 students who secured highest marks in catechism examination, catechism workbook and who attended the classes with 100 per cent attendance. Celestine, parish catechism coordinator, Vinod and Daisy Crasta shared their experiences. Newly married couples were honoured with gifts by the parish priest. The teachers, students and parents articulated sentiments of thankfulness to Fr Anil for his persistent efforts in imparting teachings about the essential truths of our faith and ways to participate in the holy eucharist actively in a creative and consequential manner throughout the year.
YCS compered the entire programme flawlessly. Gretta Vas welcomed the gathering and Anita Lobo issued the message of thanks.