Mangalore: Married Couples of All Ages Celebrate V-Day at Milagres
by Edmond Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Feb 14: Married couples' valentine Day was organized by Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres in regard with the church centenary celebrations 2010-2011.
According to the number registered around 140 couples had actively participated in the gathering. They were welcomed with Red roses, a symbol of love, Cakes and juice.
YOU BY MY SIDE, was the inaugural song which ignited the spark for the evening.
The MC for the evening, Celestine D’souza delivered the welcome address. She said, 'Prayer is the essence of married life. A family which prays together, stays together. When we pray God listens more than we ask, gives more than we need and we think! Today is a time for rejuvenating our love for each other. She gave a nice message to all around, she said yesterday is waste paper, today is a newspaper, tomorrow is question paper and our life is answer paper. Its how we live our life with each other that matters'
Later, after the welcome address by Celestine, Fr Thomas Roshan said a small prayer on the occasion accompanied with hymns,then the married couples renewed their vows again. He then went around and sprinkled Holy water around those gathered and then sang the hymn Showers of Blessing was sung.
To make the evening more merrier, a marvelous choir group sang sukanth Dukanth- a famous Konkani number. The Chief guest for the day Mr & Mrs Joe and Irene Gonsalves, the old and yet not so old couple were escorted to the stage.
They were selected as the chief guest, keeping in mind , the couples are probably the eldest and oldest in Milagres Parish. Lily Pereira introduced the couple to the gathering. Firstly she thanked everyone for making the day a big success. She said, very few are as lucky as Joe and Irene to ascend this frontier. The chief guest couple celebrated their 60th anniversary on 6th Jan, 2010.
The evening progressed as Joe and Irene cut the cake which was designed in heart shape fashion with a message written saying “TO MY SOUL MATE.” Further all the gathered couples were led to the Grand March- which is a symbolic part of Christian wedding, especially mangaloreans, this march gave way to the dance floor.
Joe spoke on the occasion sayin love is patient, kind, does not envy, boast, not proud or rude. Keeps no record of wrongs but rejoices with a truth. It protects, trusts, hopes, preserves. These were versus taken from the Holy Bilble Corinthians 13 : 4-7. Love is etched in the heart of every married couple. It takes dedication & skill to maintain good marriage. We are indeed honoured and humbled to stand before you. As Homer, the greek philosopher said, there is nothing more admirable than two people keeping house, confronting challenges and entertaining friends. We braved many storms and crisis.
Three couples among the audience shared their married experience . Dr Derrick and Patsy told how they passed through pain and circumstances of hurt , and how they overcame those hindrances. He mentioned that 4cs- commitment, cooperation, care communication is a must and 3Ls- Love, Loyalty and Lies !
Games and a small skit was organized for little purpose of entertainment.then the unity lamp was lighted by Shamy and Savita, ST Peter’s Ward- who were the youngest couple at the gathering.
The evening conclude with the vote of thanks by Marcel monteiro- Chairperson for the committee, followed by dinner.
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