Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 1: The Legion of Mary, Bondel organized a Marian singing competition on Sunday August 31 in the St Lawrence English Medium School Auditorium.

The programme commenced with a prayer song by the members of the Legion of Mary Association. Cynthia Fernandes extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and parishioners gathered for the event. Lots were drawn, and the rules of the competition were announced to the participants.

The distinguished panel of judges included: Julian Alwyn D’Cunha, renowned musician from Derebail, Sr Reena Juliet BS, Santa Cruz Convent, Kulshekar, Shalon Joanne Pais, Bajjodi, they were warmly welcomed with a rose by the Legion members. Winifred Machado introduced the judges.

On the dais were: Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant priest, Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal, St Lawrence English Medium School, Julian Alwyn D’Cunha, Sr Reena Juliet BS, Shalon Joanne Pais, John D’Silva, vice president, Parish Pastoral Council, Santhosh Misquith, secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Dulcine D’Souza, president, Legion of Mary

A total of 15 groups from the parish enthusiastically participated in the competition.

Tokens of appreciation in the form of mementos were offered to the judges. On behalf of the panel, Julian Alwyn D’Cunha shared valuable tips with the participants, first highlighting the potentiality of their hidden talents. He encouraged them to focus on voice clarity, confidence, facial expressions, accuracy in notes, and consistent practice to nurture and showcase their God-given gifts.

Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza congratulated the Legion of Mary Association for successfully organizing the event and extended his appreciation to all those who supported them in making it a success. He also lauded the parishioners for their active involvement and wholehearted preparation for the Nativity of Mother Mary, noting that through these hymns the light of faith is spread and the spirit of devotion deepens within the parish community. He further expressed his gratitude to the judges for their valuable contribution.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dulcine D’Souza, while the event was compered by Wilfred Alvares. Heartfelt gratitude to Fr Peter Gonsalves for making the school auditorium available for this competition. The programme concluded with a thanksgiving hymn.

Winners were awarded cash prizes and trophies:

First prize – Holy Cross Ward
Second prize – St Sebastian Ward
Third prize – St Peter Ward

Congratulations to all the winners and heartfelt appreciation to every participant who made the competition a joyful and devotional celebration in honor of Mother Mary.