Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Apr 6: The Senior Citizens' Day was celebrated at St Lawrence Church, Bondel along with the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, April 3.
The mass was led by parish priest Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza along with Fr Denis D'Souza, senior and former parish priest of Bondel.
Soon after the Mass, a felicitation programme was held. St Vincent Paul Society (SVP) members honored former parish priest of Bondel, Fr Denis D'Souza who completed 60 years in priesthood with a shawl and flower bouquets. Remembering his tenure in Bondel, Fr Denis said, "I served in Bondel for a period of 10 years and 10 days. Still I remember the olden days of each family. Due to old age, I may forget names of many parishioners but I can recognize them by face. The new church of Bondel was blessed in 1986 and it was a big celebration for around 450 families. We completed the construction work at a cost of Rs 15.5 lac. The parishioners themselves contributed Rs 12.5 lac for the new church. The youngsters worked day and night for it. Many of them have left us today. It is the right time to remember them. I thank the Bondel parishioners for inviting me on this auspicious day."
Soon after the Mass, a felicitation programme was held. St Vincent Paul Society (SVP) members honored former parish priest of Bondel, Fr Denis D'Souza who completed 60 years in priesthood with a shawl and flower bouquets. Remembering his tenure in Bondel, Fr Denis said, "I served in Bondel for a period of 10 years and 10 days. Still I remember the olden days of each family. Due to old age, I may forget names of many parishioners but I can recognize them by face. The new church of Bondel was blessed in 1986 and it was a big celebration for around 450 families. We completed the construction work at a cost of Rs 15.5 lac. The parishioners themselves contributed Rs 12.5 lac for the new church. The youngsters worked day and night for it. Many of them have left us today. It is the right time to remember them. I thank the Bondel parishioners for inviting me on this auspicious day."
Speaking on the occasion, parish priest Fr Andrew said, “I congratulate SVP for organizing this meaningful and blessed day. The senior citizens and children are the main source of happiness in every family. They are pure in heart and clean in minds. At the same time we can count the blessings on our families. We are lucky to have Fr Denis D'Souza, the 'sculptor' of Bondel parish. He served in seven parishes and gained a huge popularity for his service. He is an inspiration to us all. I applaud SVP members for honoring such a great personality.”
Fr Rupesh Tauro, assistant priest, Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal, St Lawrence English Medium School were present. Reginald D'Souza, vice president, Parish Council, Nerris D'Souza, president, SVP welcomed the dignitaries.
Stany Alvares compered the programme The programme culminated with a luncheon.