Senior Citizen’s Day celebrated at Bondel Church

Mangaluru, April 7, 2024: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Lawrence Church Bondel marked Senior Citizens’ Day. The celebrations began with confessions’ in the church at 10.30 a.m., followed by mass at 11 a.m. 

Rev. Fr Antony Serrao was the main celebrant; Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Leo Veigas; and Fr Theodore Rosario Pinto concelebrated the mass. The liturgy and choir were led by the SVP members.

Rev. Fr  Antony Serrao presided over the Eucharistic celebration and delivered the homily. 

Rev. Fr Serrao focused on the following reflections for contemplation based on the themes of “Peace be with you,” forgiveness, and faith: Reflect on the profound peace that Jesus offers to each of us. For in sharing the peace of Christ with others, we become instruments of God’s grace and agents of transformation in the world.

 Just as Jesus greeted his disciples with peace, we are called to be instruments of peace in our families, communities, and the world.  May we have the courage to echo Thomas’s proclamation, “My Lord and my God,” and may our faith be strengthened as we continue to journey in discipleship with Christ. May these reflections on peace, forgiveness, and faith inspire you to embrace the fullness of God’s love and grace and to share that love with others.

After the final blessings, the celebrant invoked a special prayer for all these elderly people and then anointed them individually.

The cultural program began with a prayer by SVP members right after the Mass.

Mr Stany Alvares welcomed the guest, Panpod Udak. Mr Neris Dias, President, SVP, welcomed the gathering.

Dignitaries graced the dais with the warm embrace of the audience’s admiration and respect. As each distinguished guest took their place, they were welcomed with a flourish of elegance—a beautiful bouquet of flowers presented by members of SVP.

Rev.Fr  Andrew Leo D’Souza, Rev. Fr Theodore Pinto, Rev. Fr Leo Veigas, the Vice President and Secretary, Mr. John D’Silva, and Mr. Santhosh Misquith honoured the senior members of the SVP organization for their devoted service to the SVP.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo Dsouza, parish priest; Rev. Fr Lancy D’Souza, assistant pp; Rev. Fr Leo Veigas; Rev. Fr  Theodore Pinto; Mr John D’Silva, vice president; Mr. Santhosh Misquith, secretary of the parish pastoral council; Mr. Neris Dias, president; and Mr. Naveen Correa, SVP, were present on the dais.

The members were introduced by Mrs. Shainy Monteiro. Senior members that received honours are

1. Juze Francis Souza
2. Robert Menezes
3. Julian Dias
4. Joachim Albuquerque
5. Denis Neri D’Souza
6. Lawrence Noronha
7. Ronald Lasrado
8. Leena Pinto
9. Fredrick Lewis
10. Joachim D’Souza
11. Neris Dias

Mr. Antony Lobo, a 90-year-old man from St. Joseph ward, is the most elderly of all the senior citizen men. Women: Mrs. Mildred, 89, from the Holy Cross Ward, and Mrs. Florine Monteiro, 89, from the St. Thomas ward. The oldest married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Antony and Lucy Lobo, from St Joseph Ward, who were married for 58 years, were honoured by SVP members with a flower bouquet and gifts.

The members that were felicitated were introduced by Mr. Denis Neri as follows:

Fr Theodore Rosario Pinto, a retired priest 

He served as a beacon of faith, compassion, and solidarity, inspiring others to join in the mission of building a more just and compassionate world.

Mr Stany Alvares, SVP Member of Bondel Unit, former president of Maand Sobhaan, for being appointed as President of Konkani Sahitya Academy, Government of Karnataka.

Meena Serrao Barboza: For dedicated service: social communication, media publicity, and convener for the Media Commission. 

Spiritual Director Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza said in his address that St. Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of charitable works, exemplified the virtues of compassion and service, particularly towards the marginalized and vulnerable members of society. On this day, we are reminded of his legacy and inspired to follow in his footsteps by extending love and support to our senior citizens. Congratulations to all the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for their outstanding service and dedication. 

Before the meal, Rev. Fr. Leo Veigas led the prayers.

A fantastic compere of the program was Mr. Ronald Lasrado. The vote of thanks was extended by Mr. Naveen Correa. Mr. Ronald Lasrado impressed people with his melodious voice.

Photography by: Mr Rony
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza