Senior Citizens Day celebration at Bajjodi Parish
Mangaluru: Senior Citizens (Elders) Day was celebrated at Bajjodi Parish on Sunday, October 15th, in the morning. Around 130 senior citizens from the parish participated in the celebration.
In the morning, at 10.30 a.m., was the concelebrated mass in the church. During the homily, Fr. Dominic Vas, the Parish Priest, shared how the Elders have to take advantage of the retirement years. He gave some useful points about how senior citizens have to keep themselves vibrant, positive, and happy. As the famous writer Mark Twain said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”.
Our destiny is in our hands. No one can make us happy. It depends on me to keep myself happy and vibrant. Hence, no one should think that I am old or sick; occupy your time with reading, TV, mobile, hobbies, cooking, gardening, and travelling to new places. Join some parish associations and involve yourself in a few charitable and beneficial works. Have good friends and neighbours to share yourself. Smile and be happy and positive. Have a regular daily walk and watch over your diet and health.
After the Holy Eucharist, all the senior citizens gathered in the church hall for a short cultural programme. After the prayer song sung by Cliyon D’silva, Mrs. Hilda D’cunha welcomed the guests and all senior citizens. Together with the parish priest, Fr. Ivan Dsouza, the former parish priest, Fr. Cyril Menezes, Fr. Rayan Pinto, Sr.Lidwin,OSS , Prakash Saldhanha, the PPC vice president, Elizabeth Pereira secretary, Ronald Goveas, and Ayog Sanchalak, they lit the lamp and inaugurated the programme.
A few children entertained the audience with a colourful dance, and Fr. Dominic Vas, at the end of his message, sang a beautiful song recounting childhood memories, which was composed by Wilfy Rebimbus. The women’s commission members staged a beautiful dance and entertained the audience, followed by a comedy skit performed by Sachin Menezes and Santhosh Veigas. A few games for the elders were conducted by Ms. Jewel Fernandes.
All the senior citizens were presented with a gift. At the end, Mr. Prakash Saldhana thanked everyone. Finally, all were served a sumptuous meal sponsored by Santhosh Caterers in memory of the late Augustine Veigas. The whole programme was compered by Sharel Noronha.
