Photography & Report MSB??
Mangaluru, Mar 19: Women's Day was celebrated on March 19 at St Lawrence Church, Bondel in a unique way on the occasion of 'International Women's Day'.
The celebration began with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by principal of St Lawrence English Medium School Fr Peter Gonsalves.
There was a get together at 9 am in the St Lawrence English Medium Hall. A seminar on 'My Health Is in My Hands-Related Health Issues' was organised as part of the programme. The programme began with a prayer song led by the members of Women's Association.
Avitha Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering. Members offered flower bouquets to the guests on the dais. Irene Dias secretary presented the annual report of the association.
Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza-parish priest presided over the inaugural programme. The inauguration was done in a creative way. The dignitaries on dais placed the icons of the virtues of a woman around a stand upon which the lamp was placed.
Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza-parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Fr Lancy D’Souza-assistant parish priest, Sr Lavina UMI, Reshell R Fernandes, John D’Silva-vice president, parish pastrol council, Santhosh Misquith–secretary, parish pastoral council, and Avitha Mascarenhas, president, Irene Dias, secretary, Ladies Association were on the dais.
In his presidential address, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza highlighted the role of women as pillars of both the family and society. In modern times along with the family responsibility women have ben registering their presence in various fields of social and economic activities. Hence, their responsibilities have doubled and they have proved themselves by their dedication and hard work. God has given a big heart to women. It would be better if men also join in the celebration of the International Women’s Day so that they can understand the problems faced by women and share the burden of the women in their families in a meaningful way. He further said that women should take Mother Mary as their model and work for the betterment of their families, society and nation.
Rina Maria D’Souza, Irene D’Cunha, Mildred D’Souza, and Lynette D’Sa were honoured and felicitated for sacrificing their career for their family.
As a gesture from the women's association, five school children of St Lawrence English Medium School were given Rs 5,000 each, a school bag, and books. Medical help was given to Sweedle Lobo, a special child who is not able to walk and needs the support of a walker. She was given Rs 25000 as her medical help.
Veronica Pais introduced Rishell R Fernandez, the resource person of the day. On this special occasion, Rishell Fernandez addressed the gathering on the importance of ‘Health’. She said that Health is Wealth and therefore if one is healthy then one can do anything and even achieve one’s goal in life. Further she said highlighting the important role of women in today’s society, that women are the ones who build the families by sacrificing their self for the others in the family. Presentation Slides on Healthy Eating Motivating healthy eating was presented by her.
The formal function was followed by a variety entertainment programme presented by members like songs & Dance. Prizes were distributed to the winners. Mohiuddin Bava gave a flying visit to the programme escorted by his team members. In his address, he said, "International Women's Day has put the spotlight on issues affecting women all over the world. Today, International Women's Day belongs to anyone who believes that women's rights are human rights that must be respected in all aspects of life.
Cecilia D’Cunha proposed a vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Anitha Concesso.