77th Independence Day celebrated at Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi
Mangaluru: Parishioners of Infant Mary Parish came together at 6.30 am for a Thanksgiving Mass on August 15, 2023, on the Occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady and the 77th Independence Day. The parishioners thereafter gathered in the Church Grounds for a Flag Hoisting Ceremony organized by the ICYM members of Bajjodi Unit.
The program began at 7.30 am with a Short introduction followed by a Prayer Song by the ICYM members. Mr. Annan D’Souza welcomed the Chief Guest and the gathering. Mr. Lawrence Dsouza, Vamanjoor, President, Dakshina Kannada Jilla Congress Labourer’s Unit, was the Chief Guest. Parish Priest Fr. Dominic Vas, Fr. Cyril Menezes, Fr. Rayan Pinto, PPC Vice President Mr. Prakash Saldanha, PPC Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Pereira, Co – Ordinator of the 21 Ayogs Mr. Ronald Goveas, ICYM Co-Ordinator Mr. Sachin Menezes were among others present. Ms. Rishel Suvarna introduced the Chief guest to the gathering. Cadet Ms. Riyana Pinto escorted the Chief Guest for the hoisting of the National Flag, which was followed by the National Anthem that was sung with great respect to the Nation.
The Chief Guest delivered the Independence Day message and said that there is a brain drain in India. Most of our youth are going abroad and settling there. We should love our country and look at what we can do for it. Fr Dominic Vas said in his message that India is an ancient civilization, with the Vedas and Upanishads dating back to 4000 years ; Mohenjodaro Harappa civilisation dating back to 3600 years. Today, our human, economic, and religious freedoms are questioned. We should promote them and practice not Fanaticism but Patriotism in our Religion, culture, and Language.
ICYM members sang the Patriotic song Vande Mataram and lifted the Spirit of Unity and Patriotism among those present. Ms. Rincia D’Cunha proposed the Vote of Thanks. The program was compered by Ms. Neha Mendonca.
The presenters dispersed after the program ended at 8 a.m.Sweets were distributed to all those present.
