Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 13: It was a day of testimony for unity and teamwork, when the dual celebrations kept every parishioner joyful at Bajal Parish on Sunday, February 12.
Msgr Lawrence Maxim Noronha, vicar general of Mangalore Diocese, blessed the renovated sanctuary of God the Holy Spirit Church, Bajal during the holy mass that also commemorated the parish day. He concelebrated the festal mass with the parish priest Fr Andrew D’Souza, Fr Charles Menezes, Fr Ravi Kumar and Fr Lancy.
In his homily, Fr Noronha stressed on leading an exemplary life as true Christians that reflects true love, mercy and sacrifice in words and deeds. He gave a call to all to remain devoted always to the Holy Spirit and increase the faith in the mystery of birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as sculpted on the new altar. The ‘Candles of Gratitude’ were distributed to the donors and a daily prayer book written by Fr Andrew D’Souza was released at the end of the mass.
The mass was followed by diverse games conducted for the parishioners based on different age groups on the school ground. Everyone actively participated in all the games and prizes were distributed to the winners. Then the parishioners partook in the fellowship lunch that was cooked by the members of all the 13 wards by donating the required items.
In the evening, a felicitation and cultural programme was organized to celebrate the parish day. Walter Nandalike, MD, Daijiworld Media Private Ltd, was the chief guest of the programme. Addressing the parishioners, he said. “Personal communication is very important in maintaining networking in a parish. Comparing ourselves with our neighbors and trying to imitate them leads to destructive life.” Fr Anil Crasta, the guest of honour from Bidar Diocese, who hails from Bajal, gave a call to all the people to remain united and give back to the society that moulds them into individuals with humane qualities.
Fr Andrew D’Souza, the president of the programme, thanked all the people for their whole hearted cooperation in helping him fulfill all his dreams and desires for the growth of the parish. He gave a call to continue this unity with complete trust in the Holy Spirit and a strong feeling of belongingness to the parish. Fr Charles Menezes, Deacon Joywin Dias and Brother Clifford were also present on the stage.
All the past Gurkars, vice- president, secretary, the achievers in the field of education, award winners in various state and national events, the engineer, contractor and workers of the church were felicitated by the dignitaries during the programme. Mourice D’Souza, the vice-president of the Pastoral Committee welcomed the gathering. Lydia Lobo, the secretary, proposed a vote of thanks. This was followed by various cultural events such as group songs, skit and dance by the members of all the 13 wards. The whole programme was compered by Derril Lasrado and Mareena Seema Sequeira.