Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 14: As the sun rose gently over the Pastoral Institute (Shanthi Kiran), Bajjodi, Mangaluru, on Sunday, December 7, the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC), Mangaluru gathered joyfully to celebrate its 22nd Family Day.
Around 170 active members and their families — including couples, children, youth, singles, and handmaids — filled the hall with prayerful anticipation and vibrant joy. The gathering stood as a living testimony to the power of faith, family, and fellowship that defines the MFC community in Mangaluru.
The day began on a reverent note with the celebration of the holy Eucharist concelebrated by Fr Stifan Pereira, OCD, Shrine director, Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Mangaluru, and Fr Alwyn Richard D’Souza, director of the Family Life Service Centre and spiritual director of MFC Mangalore diocese.
In his homily, Fr Alwyn reflected on advent as a sacred time of preparation, urging the faithful to welcome Christ into their hearts with peace and openness. He reminded the congregation that the same Jesus born in the humility of a manger longs to be born anew in every heart today. His message set a deeply spiritual and reflective tone for the celebrations that followed.
The formal inauguration of the programme saw event heads Rohan and Rashmi Pinto extend a warm welcome to all present.
A major highlight of the day was the gracious presence of Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, along with Fr Arun Wilson Lobo, principal of Padua College of Commerce and Management, Fr Alwyn Richard D’Souza, and Fr Stifan Pereira.
In his presidential address, bishop Saldanha commended the dedicated work carried out by MFC Mangaluru and encouraged the families to continue carrying the light of Christ through family-based missionary outreach across parishes and neighboring dioceses. His words inspired renewed zeal and strengthened the community’s commitment to faith-filled service.
Dr Amith D’Souza, South Chapter Servant of MFC, presented the Annual Report for the year 2024–2025, highlighting various community-building initiatives and evangelization efforts undertaken throughout the year. The vote of thanks was delivered by Oswald D’Souza.
The atmosphere was further uplifted by praise and worship, led by Carlton D’Souza from MFC Singles, along with the Music Ministry, setting a joyful tone for the celebrations ahead.
The cultural extravaganza that followed showcased the god-given talents of MFC members across all age groups. Children began with lively action songs and a Christmas-themed act, followed by performances from youth, singles, couples, and handmaids. The hall echoed with applause as the performances reflected creativity, unity, and faith expressed through art and movement.
As the programme drew to a close, the community came together for a spirit-filled praise Fest, lifting their voices in worship and thanksgiving. This powerful moment provided a fitting and prayerful conclusion, allowing participants to reflect on god’s blessings and the mission ahead.
Also present on the occasion were area servant of MFC Mangaluru, Melvin Fernandes and his wife Neetha Fernandes, north chapter servant Dr Priyatham Kamath and his wife Dr Lovely Kamath, and south chapter servant Dr Amith D’Souza with his wife Dr Teena D’Souza. Couples from Udupi, Karkala, and Moodbidri, where MFC Mangaluru has begun evangelization efforts, also joined the celebration.
The smiles, laughter, and heartfelt joy witnessed throughout the day bore testimony to the strong bonds of faith and family nurtured within the MFC community. The 22nd Family Day was not merely a celebration of achievements, but a declaration of faith lived through family life, of mission carried forward with joy, and of fellowship rooted in Christ.
As MFC Mangaluru looks ahead, it does so with renewed zeal and commitment to evangelization and service, guided by a shared vision of building Christ-centred families.
Indeed, it was a day to cherish — and a promise of many more grace-filled years to come.