Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 8: On Sunday, April 7, the Society of St Vincent de Paul at St Lawrence Church Bondel marked Senior Citizens' Day. The celebrations began with confessions’ in the church followed by Mass.
Fr Antony Serrao was the main celebrant, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza parish priest, Fr Leo Veigas, Fr Theodore Rosario Pinto concelebrated the Mass. The liturgy and choir was led by the SVP members.
Fr Antony Serrao presided over the Eucharistic celebration and delivered the homily.
"Just as Jesus greeted his disciples with peace, we are called to be instruments of peace in our families, communities, and the world. May we have the courage to echo Thomas's proclamation, 'My Lord and my God', and may our faith be strengthened as we continue to journey in discipleship with Christ. May these reflections on peace, forgiveness, and faith inspire you to embrace the fullness of God's love and grace, and to share that love with others," he said.
After the final blessings, the celebrant invoked a special prayer on all these elderly persons and then anointed them individually.
The cultural programme began with a prayer by SVP members right after the Mass.
Stany Alvares welcomed the guest with 'Panpod Udak'. Neris Dias president SVP welcomed the gathering.
Dignitaries graced the dais to the warm embrace of the audience's admiration and respect. As each distinguished guest took their place, they were welcomed with a flourish of elegance—a beautiful bouquet of flowers presented by members of SVP.
Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Fr Theodore Pinto, Fr Leo Veigas, the vice president and secretary, John D'Silva and Santhosh Misquith, honoured the senior members of the SVP organization for their devoted service to the SVP.
Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, Fr Lancy D’Souza- assistant parish priest, Fr Leo Veigas, Fr Theodore Pinto, John D’Silva-vice president, Santhosh Misquith-secretary parish pastoral council, Neris Dias-president, and Naveen Correa SVP were present on the dais.
The members were introduced by Shainy Monteiro. Senior members that received honours are Juze Francis D'Souza, Robert Menezes, Julian Dias, Joachim Albuquerque, Denis Neri D'Souza, Lawrence Noronha, Ronald Lasrado, Leena Pinto, Fredrick Lewis, Joachim D'Souza, and Neris Dias.
Antony Lobo, a 90-year-old from St Joseph ward, was the most elderly of all the senior citizen men. Mildred, 89, from the Holy Cross Ward, and Florine Monteiro, 89, from the St Thomas ward were the oldest women. The oldest married couple, Antony, Lucy Lobo, from St Joseph Ward who were married for 58 years, were honoured by SVP members with flower bouquet and gifts.
The members, felicitated were introduced by Denis Neri who were Fr Theodore Rosario Pinto, retired priest, who has served as a beacon of faith, compassion, and solidarity, inspiring others to join in the mission of building a more just and compassionate world, Stany Alvares; SVP member of Bondel unit, former president of Maand Sobhaan for being appointed as president Konkani Sahitya Academy, government of Karnataka, and Meena Serrao Barboza for dedicated service-social communication, media publicity and convener for media commission.
Spiritual director Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza in his address, daid, "St Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of charitable works, exemplified the virtues of compassion and service, particularly towards the marginalized and vulnerable members of society. On this day, we are reminded of his legacy and inspired to follow in his footsteps by extending love and support to our senior citizens. congratulations to all the members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul for your outstanding service and dedication."
Before the meal, Fr Leo Veigas led the prayers.
A fantastic compere of the programme was Ronald Lasrado. The vote of thanks was extended by Naveen Correa.