Report and Pics - Stanley Bantwal (GA)

Mangalore, Oct 24: St Vincent De Paul (SVP) Society of St Jude Thaddaeus Church at Pakshikere organized mass marriage in the church on Tuesday October 24 morning.  A total of 7 couples exchanged vows on the occasion.

The Holy Eucharistic was celebrated by Fr Vincent Monteiro, spiritual director of Catholic Sabha was the main celebrant.  Mangalore North varado vicar vara Fr Patrick Rodrigues, guest priest Fr Donald from Alahabad, Fr Ronald Cutinho of Samanvaya, Fr John, Fr J J Martis and Pakshikere parish priest Fr Alban D'Souza were the concelebrants on the occasion.

After the mass, a felicitation programme coupled with usual traditional Catholic marriages ceremonies was held.  Fr Ronald Cutinho, who presided over the felicitation programme, inaugurated the stage programme while Fr Patrick Rodrigues raised the toast.  Other than the priests, parish council vice-president Louis D'Souza, Pakshikere SVP president Charles Cutinho were also present on the dais.

Among the newly-married couples, Reshma and Naveen expressed their feelings on behalf of all.  More than 3,500 people from all religions were present on the occasion.  Fr Alban welcomed the gathering while Lucy D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks.  Robert D'Souza compered.

The organizers presented kariamni, saddo (special marriage saree), shirt and trouser and garlands to the couples.  The entire programme was organized by Pakshikere SVP which has only 10 members.  Local organizations such as Yuvaka Mandala, Pakshikere, Ganeshotsava Samiti, parish council, YCS, ICYM, Catholic Sabha and Nagarika Samiti also contributed towards the success of the programme.