Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 3: Kelarai Church celebrated Seniors’ Day on Sunday December 1 for all elders above 65 years of age. After the Holy Eucharistic Mass all the seniors gathered in the church hall. The parish priest, Fr Sylvester D’Costa, presided over the programme. The chief guests on the dais included Arun D’Souza, president of the Catholic sabha city unit; Wilfred Alvares; Santosh D’Costa, vice president of the parish council; Celine D’Mello, secretary; Br Blisson; Lucy Rodrigues, commission coordinator; Dorothy Braggs, Catholic sabha president; Prema D’Souza, secretary; Dr Gladys Colaco; Vinod D’Souza, youth commission coordinator; and Rupesh D’Souza, ICYM president.

The programme commenced with a prayer dance by Catholic sabha members, followed by the lighting of the lamp to mark the inauguration.

Arun D’Souza addressed the gathering, appreciating the presence of over 150 seniors and reflecting on the changes in family life over time. He spoke about the importance of spending quality time with grandparents, the modern lifestyle, and how media influences seniors to seek solace in ashrams. He encouraged the elderly to embrace an active lifestyle, interact with neighbours, change their thinking, go on trips, and focus on their health. He emphasized avoiding mobile addiction and engaging in meditation, exercise, and prayer.

The ICYM youth conducted entertainment activities for the seniors. Contributors to the programme were honoured with floral tributes. Santosh D’Costa organized various games for the seniors, and winners were awarded prizes.

Arline D’Souza hosted the programme, Dr Gladys Colaco welcomed the gathering, and Dorothy Braggs delivered the vote of thanks. All seniors were presented with mementos as a token of remembrance. The program, organized under the guidance of the Catholic sabha Kelarai unit in collaboration with the family and youth commissions, concluded with a meal.