Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 3: Decennial Celebration of Ursuline Franciscan Lay Association(UFLA) was held on August 31 was a memorable day in the history of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of Mangalore province at Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru. There were 450 participants.
The assembly began with the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr Melvin D’Souza OFM Cap, vicar provincial of Karnataka Province and the parish priest and rector Fr Alfred J Pinto of Rosario Cathedral. Fr Melvin in his preaching highlighted the 'Importance of the Word of God in the family life'. Word of God creates life, gives life, nourishes life and sustains life. We are created by God in a unique way to spread the mission of Christ. Word of God plays an important role which empowers and spiritually energizes the individual to spread the message of Christ. During the mass 17 members of UFLA had their permanent affiliation. Sr Milly Fernandes, superior general received their promise.
UFLA Decennial programme was held in Rosario Hall with the opening chorus which was sung by the UFLA animators, the students of Assisi Central School performed welcome dance and symbolically the programme was inaugurated by releasing 22 baloons symbolizing 22 UFLA units of Mangalore Province. All were warmly welcomed by the province coordinator for UFLA of Mangalore Province.
Sr Milly Fernandes presided over the programme, Sr Rita Vas the councillors general and UFLA coordinator was the chief guest, Sr Clara Menezes the provincial superior of Mangalore province, Sr Leena D Souza province coordinator for UFLA, Fr Alfred J Pinto, former superior generals Sr Doreen D Souza, Sr Susheela Sequeira, former provincial of Mangalore Province Sr Lenita D Souza, Sr Lydia Serrao councillor general and Sr Lilly Pinto former province coordinator for UFLA were the honourable guests on the stage.
Fr Melvin D’Souza OFM Cap, provincial superior Sr Benny Tellis of north province, Sr Gretta Sanjeevini provincial superior of Hubli Province and Sr Stella Saldanha the province UFLA coordinator, Sr Annie M A vice provincial and UFLA coordinator and Sr Sandra Pinto provincial councillor of Mysore Province, councillor of central delegation Sr Sumana Pinto. Superiors, animators of UFLA and the all the sisters of Mangalore province, UFLA Members of 22 units of Mangalore province, one unit of central delegation and the Madanthyar unit were present for the celebration.
Annual periodical of Ursuline Franciscan Lay Association ‘Nadar’ was released by the president on this great occasion. Sr Milly Fernandes president and honourable guests on the dais were honoured for their meritorious service. Also superiors, UFLA animators and the members were acknowledged with the memento.
In her presidential address Sr Milly Fernandes appreciated and congratulated the UFLA members for the fruitful ten years in the mission of the Lord and the service of the people by joining hands with the Ursuline Franciscan sisters. Focusing on the theme - Word of God is the light to family life, she stressed the importance of the Word of God in the life of the family specially by explaining the seven formulas: Family coming together to read the word of God, praying together and short reflection on the Word of God, In the storms of life drawing strength from the Word of God, reading the Word of God and teaching children to derive the values of Christ, nourished by the Word of God sow the seed of love, spend the time in the company of one another and learning the wisdom and experience from the elders.
To mark this Decennial Celebration and to have solidarity with the needy of the society all the UFLA units collected and shared essentials (grocery kit) to the children’s home on humanitarian basis. A value based entertainment programme was performed by Bejai and Bolar UFLA Units in the form of skit and Yakshagana giving a message to love and accept the elderly in the family, responsibility of parents in upbringing the children, to make the family more humane and united. The event came to an end performing tableau by the novices of Somarpann, Derlakatte. Vote of Thanks was proposed by Saritha D’Souza of Panir unit, Sr Reena Serrao and Vincent D’Souza of Kayyar Ufla unit compered the days programme.