Media Release

Bantwal, Apr 2: “Enjoy what God has given you.  Never crave for what you don’t have, but somebody else has.  In fact, if you overcome that craving, you will certainly lead a happy, healthy and contented life,”  said Fr John Fernandes, the erstwhile head of the chair of Christianity of the Mangalore University.

He was speaking to the senior citizens present during the Elders’ day celebrated by St Vincent De Paul Society, Loreto on Sunday March 30.

A special mass was celebrated at the Loreto church at 10:30am.  Later a get-together was organized at the Loreto English Medium High School. 

Around 150 senior citizens of Loreto and the neighboring parishes were present.  A number of special games were conducted for these elders and prizes were given away.  The local ICYM members presented a short entertainment programme.  Some of the elders were so enthused that they themselves came forward to enthrall the audience with a few Konkani songs. 

Fr John Fernandes was again the chief guest at this get-together. It was a happy coincidence that it was also the 51st anniversary of his priestly Ordination.  He said he was delighted to spend the day with the senior citizens.

Barbara Röber, a social worker from Germany was also present as a special guest. She gave a message in Konkani to the delight of the audience.  Fr Oswald Lasrado, Parish priest and director of the SVP society was also present.  

Br Joe Coelho the president of SVP welcomed all the guests and at the end Asha Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks, Br Richard D’Souza, the secretary of the SVP and Richard Menezes, the vice president of the Parish council were also present.