Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 21: The Commission for Women and Mother Mary Women’s Sangatan, under the joint patronage of St Joseph the Worker Church, Neermarga, celebrated a vibrant Traditional Food Festival recently.
Philomina Saji welcomed the esteemed guests with betel leaves, areca nuts, and water. The event was presided over by Fr Paul Pinto, the parish priest.
The chief guests included Anita Frank (secretary, Mangalore Diocesan Women’s Commission), Ida Sequeira (president, City Varado Women’s Organization), Clara Pinto (secretary, City Varado), Sandeep Misquith (vice-president, Parish Pastoral Council), Usha Fernandes (secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, and president of the Women’s Commission and Women’s Sangatan), Maurice Renjal (convenor of all Commissions), Sr Sujatha D’Sa (superior, Holy Cross Convent), Sr Doris AC (Carmel Ashram), and Reshma Pereira (secretary, Women’s Sangatan). Sisters from both convents, members of the Women’s Commission and Sangatan, and their families attended the event.
The programme began with a prayer hymn sung by Lavina Peris and her team. Sylvia Pereira welcomed the dignitaries, and the members of Sangatan honoured them with roses. Chief guest Anita Frank addressed the women, urging them to be strong and live meaningfully in society. Fr Paul Pinto emphasized unity and encouraged active participation in families, communities, and parish activities.
The event featured a ‘Housie Housie’ game organized by Priscilla D’Souza, a traditional Suggi harvest dance performed by Josephine D’Souza and her team, and a humorous skit titled 'Insurance Jerry' presented by Reshma Pereira and Lavina Tauro. Additionally, under the leadership of Usha Fernandes, the Women’s Organization collected financial assistance and handed over a cheque to Allen D’Souza from Lourdes Ward, who had fractured both legs in an accident.
The stage was beautifully decorated by Sunil Pereira of M/s Maria Decorators. The event concluded with a joyful feast of traditional monsoon special food, blessed by the parish priest. Molly Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks, and Namita Rebello compered the event. The evening brought together 80 attendees, fostering community spirit and solidarity.