News: Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Mangaluru, May 10: “Mothers are a symbol of love and sacrifice,” said bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo at an occasion of 'Avyancho Devas', an event organized by 'Jivith' family commission of diocese of Udupi on Mothers Day May 9 at St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady, here. Around 950 mothers from 45 parishes of the diocese participated in the programme arranged for them.
The event commenced by celebrating the Holy Eucharistic mass. Bishop Gerald Lobo presided over the mass along with Fr Fred Mascarenhas, dean, Udupi deanery, Fr Fredrick D’Souza, parish priest, St Ann’s Church Thottam, Fr Chetan Lobo, spiritual director, Jivith and editor, Uzwaad Fortnightly, Fr Lawrence D’Souza, secretary, Catholic Education Society, diocese of Udupi.
Delivering the homily, Fr Chetan said, "There should not be a specific day to celebrate Mothers Day. Mother is not just a word, it is an attachment of emotions, love and traditions. A mother does not need words or explanations to understand her child. God created mother as his instrument to love his people. She teaches her child and plays a role of forming a better generation for a nation.”
Bishop Gerald Lobo also presided over the stage programme. Msgr Baptist Menezes, diocese of Udupi, Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO, diocese of Udupi, Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Fr Chetan Lobo, Fr Lawrence D’Souza and Alban Rodrigues (Alban Meistry, Shirva) were present on the occasion.
The bishop and 4 women, namely Marina Mathais (84), Margaret Pinto (86), Lenny Saldanha (82) and Smeetha Ranger, president, Stree Sangattan, diocese of Udupi lit the lamps symbolically inaugurating the event.
Dr Judy Pinto, a mother and retired vice principal, St Louis College, here was the resource person of the day. She highlighted some important points, “God cannot be everywhere and therefore he created a mother as his instrument of love. A mother has more responsibility in building and bridging her family. She is always available for her children. She is a bundle of virtues. She maintains different levels of love with her children compared to the rest of the family. And she loves her children unconditionally.”
But with changing times, the definition of motherhood has kept on changing. As a Christian mother she needs to focus more on her children with growing technology, protect her child when it is in her womb. Planning and taking steps towards abortion should be prevented totally. She should be a role model, inspirer and a guide. She should not compare her children with others. She should teach her children to live a life of modesty and full of virtues."
Msgr Baptist Menezes saluting every mother in the world said, "The church gives more importance to a mother because it is she who binds a family together while bringing it up. She is a friend, a philosopher, a teacher and a guide.
A mother should neither be seen as maid who does all the work, nor as a social worker. She should not create a space for doubt. She should be a model of love.”
Bishop Gerald Lobo asking the gathered said, "Leave good mothers for the service of the diocese or the Mother Church and in return it will provide a better Mother Church.”
“I congratulate Leslie Aroza on behalf of Udupi diocese for organizing such a programme.”
Mothers with more than 4 children were felicitated. Trophies were handed over to the three parishes with the highest number of mothers who attended the event with an average of the total families in their respective parishes. Kuntalnagar, Thottam and Kolalgiri were the three parishes. Ronan Lewis and his mother were felicitated for his unusual feat at a tender age and for the support he got from his mother on the occasion.
Leslie Aroza, director, 'Jivith' family commission of Udupi Diocese compered, welcomed and proposed the vote of thanks.