Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR/EP)

Udupi, Jul 27: Catholic Sabha of St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, women’s sodality and youth and health commission observed Grandparents' Day.

Udupi diocese chancellor and Udyavar church chief priest Fr Stany B Lobo and Fr Xavier Pinto led felicitation to senior couples that celebrated more than 50 years of married life.

MAHE Manipal student’s counselor Dr Rayan Menezes who had arrived as resource person said that elders are facing more problems than youth in the current age. “Houses used to be full with people in the past. But the situation has changed now. People spending solitary lives are more in most of the houses now. It causes problems of mental imbalance, pressure, lack of concentration etc. Children working abroad give a good mobile to their parents in their hometown. But the parents who do not know how to use big mobiles become victims of cybercrimes. It is painful. The elders lose their mental balance because of that. Orphanages are increasing in the district and those that exist, fill with elderly people. We should give serious thought to the problems,” he said.

Fr Stany B Lobo who presided over the programme gave the message of elder’s day. Fr Xavier Pinto, parish pastoral council vice president Melwin Noronha, secretary Michael D’ Souza, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh central committee vice president Ronald Almeida, senior citizen’s couple Joseph and Gracy Cardoza, Catholic Sabha president Alwyn Andrade, women’s sodality secretary Irene Pereira, Youth commission’s Royce Fernandes and Catholic Sabha former president Lawrence D’ Sa were present.

Wilfred Crasto welcomed. Catholic Sabha secretary Terrence Pereira thanked. Steven Colaco Udyavar compered the programme. Meals were arranged for senior citizens after the programme.