Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 7: First time in the history of diocese of Mangalore, YCS unit of St Francis Xavier Church Bejai, organised a unique competition called ‘Grotto Making Competition’ on the occasion of Nativity of Mother Mary. Fr Rohan Lobo, assistant parish priest and the assistant director of YCS parish unit took the initiative to organize the competition along with the YCS members of Bejai parish.

Every year children bring flowers to honour Mother Mary during the nine days of novena in preparation for the feast. Along with these flowers, YCS Bejai unit members wanted to honour Mother Mary in a different way. So they planned to have a competition for all the parishioners of preparing grotto of Mother Mary. There was a very good response from the parishioners to the competition. As many as 20 grottos were made. Several people, school children and adults came to see the beautiful grottos.

Among the spectators, the students of Lourdes Central School Bejai, had come to see along Fr Robert D’Souza the principal of the school. These grottos are made up of bean seeds, potatoes, stones, paper, cement, and other materials. Fr Wilson W L D’Souza, parish priest gave whole hearted support to the participants.

The first prize was bagged by Neil Crasta, second prize by Alrisha Monteiro, and the third prize was divided between J G Family and Adline Fiona Lobo. They will be honoured on September 8 during the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary.