Udupi/M’belle, 08 Dec 2013: The members of Jesu Rai Ward celebrated the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday, 8 December 2013 at 12.30 pm at the residence of Elias Lobo. Along with the Ward Feast the sixty-first birthday of Mrs. Lilly Lobo (Lilly Teacher) and nineteenth birthday of Miss Melinda Lobo (daughter of Elias and Lilly Lobo) was also celebrated.
Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes-Parish Priest of Moodubelle, Fr. Paul Sequeira-Principal of St. Lawrence PU College, Alphonse K. Alva-Vice Presient of the Partish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Ida Gibba D’Souza-memebr of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat and A.G. D’Souza-member of the Belle Grama Panchayat and two sisters from the Loreto Convent were present as the guests of honour.
Following the prayer service conducted by Mrs. Jacintha Lobo-Gurkarn of the Jesu Rai Ward, John Baptist Miranda, former Principal of St. Mary’s PU College, Shirva and member of the ward recalled the service of Mrs. Lilly Lobo as a teacher in different schools. Thereafter, Mrs. Lilly Lobo and Miss Melinda Lobo cut their birthday cakes in anticipation of their birthdays on 15 December and 18 December respectively.
On behalf of the ward, Mrs. Jacintha Lobo-Gurkarn of the ward felicitated Mrs. Lilly Lobo by offering her shawl, garland and fruit bowl. Miss Melinda Lobo was felicitated by Mrs. Ida Gibba D’Souza by offering her a bouquet of flowers.
Fr. Paul Sequeira in his felicitation address said that Mrs. Lilly Lobo has been a conscientious and dedicated teacher who served the cause of educating the students for the past 43 years. He further said that Lilly Teacher has many talents and could serve the community in future as well. He wished Lilly Teacher and Miss Melinda good health and happiness.
Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes who presided over the Ward Feast in his message highlighted the importance of the Feast of Christ the King and said that by following the teachings of Jesus one can become his true subject. He appreciated the contribution of Mrs. Lilly Lobo as a teacher in Belle Church Aided Higher Primary School which will be celebrating its centenary on 29 and 30 December. Incidentally, Mrs. Lilly Lobo will be retiring after attaining superannuation from 31 December 2013. Rev. Fr. Joswey wished both Mrs. Lilly Lobo and Miss Melinda well in their life.
With emotion filled voice, Mrs. Lilly Lobo thanked all the members of the ward for attending the Ward Feast cum her and her daughter’s birthday celebrations and said that she feels both happy and sad on the thought of retirement by the end of this month. She assured the ward members that after her retirement from teaching profession, she would devote her time and energy to do community and social work.
The entire programme was compeered by Johnson Miranda who also conducted few spot games. The gathering was welcomed by the host, Elias Lobo and the vote of thanks was proposed by A.G. D’Souza.