By Fr Stephen Dsouza
Mangaluru, Apr 5: St Anne’s Friary Capuchin Friars presented ‘Magnificat - Moryal Sanz‘, an evening of Marian songs, on April 3, at Don Bosco Hall.
The programe began with the arrival of Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore Diocese.
Rupal D’Souza anchored the event. Fr John Fernandes welcomed the dignitaries namely Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, planner of the event, Fr Prem vicar of St Anne’s Friary, Fr Chetan PRO of Udupi diocese, Fr Rupert Barboza, the religious men and women and the laity.
Fr Chetan speaking of the event 'Magnificat' explained the role of Mother Mary in the salvation history. He said, “Mary was standing beneath the cross. She was a courageous woman and not a sorrowful mother or a woman who cried on the way of the cross. She stood under the cross when all others had deserted Jesus. She accompanied Jesus in his suffering.”
Fr Melwyn addressing the gathering thanked all the sponsors, benefactors and well-wishers who supported his plan and helped financially. Fr Lancy Rebello, Fr Prakash Colaco and Fr Stephen D’Souza read the names of the sponsors and event organizers of the Moryal Sanz. They were felicitated with a bouquet of flowers and memento by the Bishop, Fr Rupert and Fr Prem.
'Moryal Sanz' began with the prayer dance by Suzan Pinto. There afterthe following events were presented: Dialogue between Joseph and Mary, dialogue between children and Jesus, Wedding at Cana, Mary’s participation in the Passion of Christ with the visual effects. Choreography for the event was done by Prashanth and Deepika. Joshal D’Souza played the role of Mary in Mary’s participation in the Passion of Christ.
At the end of the event the gathered assembly wished Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza a very happy birthday. The bishop, Friars of St Anne’s Friary and the family members joined Fr Melwyn in slicing the birthday cake.
Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha in his address highly appreciated the wonderful presentation the 'Magnificat'. He said that during this season of Lent it has helped us to see Mary as a model for our following of Christ. He spoke of Mary as ‘full of grace’ and the beauty of the Cross never fades away. He thanked Fr Paul Melwyn the master mind of the event and all the Capuchin friars for the Moryal Sanz.