Day 3 – Jubilee Year Programme of the Episcopal City Deanery
Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope – Weapons of the Gospel”
Day 3 – Jubilee Year Programme of the Episcopal City Deanery
Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope – Weapons of the Gospel”
Mangaluru: The third day of the Jubilee Year celebrations of the Episcopal City Deanery unfolded in a vibrant and spiritually enriching atmosphere, filled with joy, creativity, and devotion. Centered on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope – Weapons of the Gospel,” the day featured a captivating blend of cultural, biblical, and prayerful presentations by various parishes of the deanery.
The day’s proceedings began with a graceful prayer dance by the Bethany Candidates from Bendur, invoking the Holy Spirit and setting a reverent tone for the rest of the event. This was followed by a well-executed skit on the life of Ruth, presented by the parishioners of Valencia. Their performance beautifully conveyed themes of loyalty, faith, and divine providence.
Adding to the sacred ambiance, the parishioners of Bejai offered melodious renditions of Psalms 61 and 62, drawing the audience into a meditative and reflective state.
The parishioners of Milagres then took the stage with a touching skit on the Holy Family, highlighting the virtues of love, obedience, and unity in family life. This was followed by the Urwa parishioners who rendered Psalms 52 and 55, delivering powerful messages of trust and God’s deliverance.
In the afternoon session, the Jeppu parishioners presented an emotionally stirring skit titled “Infancy of the Lord,” portraying the humble birth and early life of Jesus Christ. This was followed by Psalm renditions from the Ashok Nagar parishioners, who presented Psalms 56 and 59, invoking themes of divine mercy and protection in adversity.
A dynamic dramatization of the life of Moses was then performed by the parishioners of Cassia, depicting his journey of faith, leadership, and God’s guidance.
The entire day’s programme was seamlessly anchored by Brother Joyal Monteiro, while Mrs. Roshal Fernandes from Bejai served as the Master of Ceremonies during the final stage programme.
The formal welcome address was delivered by Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao, who warmly greeted the dignitaries:
- Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore
- Rev. Dr Victor George D’Souza, Chancellor of the Diocese
- Rev. Fr Daniel Veigas, Episcopal Vicar for the Religious
- Mr. John D’Silva, Secretary, Diocesan Pastoral Council
- Sr Shanthi Priya BS, Assistant General, Bethany Congregation
Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, Parish Priest of Kulur, took the opportunity to express gratitude and honor the generous donors who made the event possible.
Rev. Fr Maxim D’Souza, Parish Priest of Jeppu, acknowledged all contributors to the event’s success, while Rev. Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, Vicar Vara of the Deanery, offered heartfelt thanks and felicitated the organizing teams. In a meaningful gesture, Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza presented mementos to all those involved in planning and executing the day’s events.
In his address to the gathering, Bishop Aloysius commended the depth, creativity, and spiritual richness of the presentations. He expressed gratitude for the dedication and enthusiasm shown by all participants and urged everyone to continue their journey as “Pilgrims of Hope,” living out the values of the Gospel and spreading its light as true disciples of Christ.
A highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated announcement of prizes, declared by Rev. Fr Arun Wilson Lobo, Principal of Padua College and Secretary of the Organizing Committee. He announced that the top five parishes would receive a cash prize of ₹30,000 each, and the next five parishes would receive ₹25,000 each.
Best Five Presentations:
- St Sebastian Church, Bendur
- St Dominic Church, Ashok Nagar
- St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai
- Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres
- St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia
Second Best Five Presentations:
- St Antony Church, Kulur
- Our Lady of Fatima Church, Tannirbavi
- Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Urwa
- St Joseph Church, Jeppu
- St Rita Church, Cassia
The grand celebration concluded with a heartfelt hymn to St Joseph, sung by the Jeppu Parish Choir, bringing the day to a prayerful and memorable close.
The third day of the Jubilee Year Programme truly embodied its theme, as participants and attendees left inspired to continue their faith journey as Pilgrims of Hope, strengthened and guided by the transformative power of the Gospel.
