Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 2: A Marriage Enrichment seminar was organized by the Commission for Family in collaboration with the Commission for Migrants and Commission for Differently Abled on July 31.

The propitious occasion commenced with the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Fr Anil Canute D'Mello extended an amiable welcome to Fr Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata and Fr Anil Alfred D'Souza,-coordinator, Commission for Family, Mangalore Diocese and invited them to offer the Holy Mass.

Fr Anil Alfred D’Souza, in his inspiring Homily explained the Three Readings of the Day through sharing of Human Experience - How Much Land Does a Man Require? (Short story by Leo Tolstoy) thereby deriving the golden message that money can never bring lasting peace and security. True peace and security will depend on caring and sharing with one another and delineated the ingredients in caring. He further helped the parents to reflect on the reasons of God creating people – to know Him, to serve Him and to love Him through concrete examples.

The Eucharistic Celebration was followed by a short programme in the Parish Auditorium. It initiated with an Invocation seeking the Divine Benevolence and the benefits one needs both for temporal and spiritual life. The programme was inaugurated with Lighting of the Lamp by Most Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Calcutta, Fr Anil Canute D'Mello, parish priest, Fr Anil Alfred D'Souza-Coordinator, Commission for Family, Mangalore Diocese, Leslie Arouza- a well-known Family Counsellor and compere, Associate Director of Family Commission, Udupi Diocese, Valerian and Severine, Hancel and Preethi, Ravi Saldanha- vice president, Parish Pastoral Council and Coordinator of Commission for Migrants, Anita Lobo- Coordinator of Commission for Differently Abled, Lancy Pereira- Coordinator of Commission for Family and Maurice Renjal- Coordinator of 21 commissions.

Fr Anil D'Mello, in his introductory talk on the occasion emphasised on Parents: Executive Agents for Positive Development. He further highlighted on the Reasons and Grounds for Divorce and gave tips on resolving conflicts.

Most rev Thomas D'Souza, accentuated on the importance of Prayer, Faith, Tenderness and Love in Families.

Tresa Rebello introduced Leslie Arouza the key note speaker of the day. The programme Conducted by Leslie covered several key areas including “My Family My Responsibility”, “Oneness in Love”, Importance of Parental Monitoring and Strategies to help and guide children successfully through their teen years to reduce adolescent substance abuse and youth problematic behaviour. He also reiterated Pope Francis 3 key words for a marriage: “Please, thanks, sorry “and also the four keys to a joy filled marriage: forgive faithfully, trust freely, live fruitfully and love totally. The lecture demonstration was interspersed with sharing of many life experiences, anecdotes and stories to inspire and motivate the participants.

George and Nora Lobo presented a remarkable blend of melody and synchronisation which kept the audience hooked on to their seats followed by spot games.

Merlyn Pereira compered the programme. Ravi Saldanha welcomed the gathering and Anita Lobo proposed a vote of thanks.