6th Anniversary celebrations at Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi – KONKANCATHOLIC.COM

6th Anniversary celebrations at Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi

February 1, 2021

Mangaluru: Infant Mary Parish on completing 6 years  celebrated its Annual Feast with great fervor on Sunday the 31st  of January  2021.

The celebrations began with the Felicitation to the sponsors. The benefactors and sponsors of the feast were honoured with blessed candles by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ivan D’souza at 9.45 am, followed by the Solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10am.  Rev. Fr. Paul Melwyn Dsouza, OFM Cap. (Episcopal Vicar for Religious), was the main celebrant. Seven other priests con celebrated the Eucharist. The Holy Mass was followed by few games organised by the ICYM & PPC members that brought in a fun filled atmosphere.

The parish community got together for the cultural programme that made the anniversary celebration eventful and memorable. The cultural programme began at 6 pm with a prayer song by the choir group followed by a stage programme. Vice President Mr. Prakash Saldanha extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and all those gathered.  Secretary of the Parish Council Mrs. Irene Pinto presented the Parish Annual Report for the year 2020.  The Chief Guest of the evening was Superior, St. Joseph’s Monastery, Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao.  Rev Fr. Patrick Lobo, Fr. Rayan Pinto, Corporator Keshav, Vice President of the Parish Council Mr. Prakash Saldanha, Secretary Mrs. Irene Pinto, President of the Cultural Committee Mrs. Ashritha D’souza were the others on the dais.

Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao in his message said that he was pleased to be a part of a parish which in just five years but has etched an appreciable  place in the diocese with its active participation and success in various activities. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various online and games competitions held during the year. Fr. Patrick gave a beautiful message to the parishioners based on the theme ‘To build a parish community by the inspiration of St. Joseph and Mary. Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, Fr. Ivan D’souza, Fr. Patrick Lobo, Vice President and Secretary of the Parish Council honoured Mr. Francis Maxim Moras  who received the ‘Rajyotsava Award’ for his selfless service as a Deputy Chief Warden.

A lucky draw of the games coupons was held and the lucky   winner was awarded a cash prize of Rs.2000/-. Parish Priest Fr. Ivan D’souza thanked the parishioners for their constant support and requested the same in the future. The stage programme was compered by Mrs. Roopa Cutinho. Rev. Fr. Rayan Pinto proposed the vote of thanks. The cultural programme that followed consisted of Dances by Children, ICYM members and Ladies. Santosh and team brought in the cheer with a small comedy skit. Mr. Prabhas Pinto compered the programme. The “Parish day” celebration was truly a wonderful one that brought all the parishioners together as one family and was much enjoyed and appreciated by all those present.

Photos by: Stanley Bantwal