Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 3: The parish religious jubilee celebration was held with great devotion and enthusiasm at St Sebastian Church, Bendur, on the March 1 in Platinum Jubilee Hall. The event brought together priests and religious sisters from various congregations in a spirit of gratitude and appreciation for the selfless service rendered by the religious community.
The celebration commenced with a solemn prayer service led by sisters from Yesu Prema Niketan Convent. This spiritual beginning set the tone for the day, invoking God’s blessings upon all religious men and women who dedicate their lives to the service of the Church and the community.
Vinod D’Souza, the vice president of the parish pastoral council extended a warm welcome to all the priests and sisters from different congregations, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the parish and society at large.
To add a touch of joy a series of interactive games were organized for the sisters, conducted by Sr Janet, Fr Vivek Pinto, and Br Sten George. The games brought out laughter and a sense of togetherness among the attendees, making the event more engaging and memorable.
The highlight of the celebration was an insightful talk delivered by the chief guest, Fr Joseph Martis, vicar of Derebail parish who spoke on the significant role of religious in the parish pastoral ministry. He emphasized the dedication and spiritual guidance they provide, which greatly enriches the faith and moral values of the community.
A cultural program was presented by the sisters from Bethany Convent, Nanthoor, and Bethany Mother House. Adding a personal touch to the event, Sr Reena D’Souza, and Sr Meena Fernandes shared their experiences as religious sisters. Their testimonies were deeply inspiring, offering insight into their journey of faith and service.
Fr Walter D’Souza, the vicar, delivered a heartfelt message, expressing his appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the sisters towards the parish. He extended his gratitude to all those who contributed to organizing the event, ensuring its success.
As a token of appreciation and gratitude, gifts were presented to all the sisters, acknowledging their unwavering support and service to the Church and community. Patsy Britto, the Secretary of the PPC, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating everyone involved in making the event a memorable one.
The programme concluded with a blessing over the meal by Fr Arun Lobo. Sr Sonia and Sr Reshma from Bethany Convent, Nanthoor, skilfully compared the event, ensuring a smooth flow of proceedings.
A delicious meal, prepared by the parishioners, was served to all attendees, further fostering a spirit of fellowship and unity. The celebration was a beautiful expression of gratitude and respect for the religious community, leaving everyone with hearts filled with joy and appreciation.