Moodubelle: A unique celebration of the Golden Wedding of Commodore Jerome and Rose Castelino

By Dr. Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Pictures by Eugene Moodubelle and Victor DSouza, Doha-Qatar
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 27 December 2010: Commodore Jerome and Rose Castelino celebrated their Golden Wedding in a unique way that was quite a novel in Moodubelle on Sunday, 26th December 2010. In the morning, at 9 am, the Commodore hoisted the national flag at his residence while the ‘Sound of Music’ Band from Malpe played the National Anthem. Thereafter, Commodore Jerome in his naval uniform and the ceremonial sword by his side and his beloved wife Rose left for the church to offer the thanksgiving mass in a 1942 vintage car provided by one of the friends. From the petrol pump, they came in procession, band in front and the Golden couple riding in the vintage car.

 

At 9.55 am, Fr. Joswey Fernandes along with nine other priests received Commodore Jerome and Rose at the entrance of the church and proceeded in procession towards the altar. The thanksgiving mass was concelebrated by ten priests, Fr. Joswey Fernandes being the chief celebrant.

 

 

Fr. Paul Sequeira delivered a highly appreciated homily in which he highlighted the career of Commodore Jerome in the Indian Navy and his contribution as the Charter President of the Lions Club of Moodubelle after his retirement and settling down in Moodubelle. Following the homily, Commodore Jerome and Rose exchanged golden rings as a mark of their Golden Wedding.

 

The felicitation programme was organised in the premises of the residence of Commodore Jerome “Vanasowrabha” at 12.15 pm in the natural setting with the pandal covering with the traditional woven coconut palms. In the sit-out some of the antique household articles were on display. Towards the western side of the pandal posters depicting the various ships in which Cmmodore Jerome had served were put up to give a glimpse of the Indian Navy to the guests.

 

The function of felicitating Commodore Jerome and Rose on the occasion of their Golden Wedding began with a prayer song by five of their grandchildren. Kum. Josvita Mathias presented the welcome dance and the eldest son of Commodore Jerome and Rose, Elvis welcomed the guests. Thereafter Commodore Jerome and Rose cut the Golden Wedding cake by the Ceremonial Sword that Commodore Jerome had used for 35 years during his service in the Indian Navy. Incidentally, it was the same sword he and Rose had used to cut their wedding cake fifty years ago.

 

To mark the fifty years of the wedding of their grandparents, the grand children of Commodore Jerome and Rose lighted fifty lamps kept on stands on both sides of the stage.

 

MJF Lion Devdas Hebbar, the Charter Secretary of the Lions Club of Moodubelle introduced Commodore Valentine Sequeira who was to raise the toast to the Golden Couple. In his toast, Commodore Valentine Sequeira traced the distinguished career of Commodore Jerome from that of a sailor to a commissioned officer reaching up to the rank of Commodore.

 

Fr. Paul Sequeira and his team sang the felicitation song following which Commodore Jerome expressed his feelings recalling the last fifty years since his wedding to Rose and said that he was lucky to have been married to Rose who stood like a strong rock behind him during his service in the Indian Navy and brought up their three children, Elvis, Eric and Elain when he was away on his duty in the navy. He thanked his family, children and grandchildren for arranging and participating in the Golden Wedding celebration. However, he became emotional when he said that his second son Eric could not remain present for this unique day as he could not get leave and was sailing off the coast of Africa.

 

MJF Lion Wilfred D’Souza, the first Catholic District Governor, released the autobiographical book written by Commodore Jerome titled “ Journey of a Sailor”. Speaking on this occasion, MJF Lion Wilfred D’Souza highly appreciated the work that the Commodore has been doing in Belle through the Lions Club.

 

Half an hour documentary on the career and achievements of Commodore Jerome and his work in the Lions Club was presented through the close circuit TV. There were also posters on display showing the various ships in which Commodore Jerome had served in the Indian Navy.

 

During the second half of the programme, Rose wore the wedding sari (sado) which she had worn fifty years ago which was preserved with great care by her. This ’sado’ has great sentimental value to both Commodore Jerome and Rose.

 

On this occasion, Commodore Jerome along with his wife Rose and children offered a considerable amount in donation to Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Correspondent of the parish educational institutions for a school bus. Fr. Joswey profusely thanked the Commodore for his generosity. The Commodore also offered a gift to Josvita Mathias who had presented the welcome dance.

 

Besides relatives, family members, friends, well-wishers, neighbours, priests and sisters, the felicitation programme was attended by Lalaji R. Mendon, MLA from Kaup, Jerry Dias, President of Builders’ association, Udupi and Dr. Krishna Prasad of Prasad Netralaya, Udupi.

 

Trusha, the granddaughter of the Commodore and Rose and daughter of their second son-Eric proposed the vote of thanks following which Fr. Eddie Sequeira who had come all the way from Orissa to attend this unique function offered prayers before lunch. The programme was compeered by Mrs. Lilly Lobo, teacher in the Church Aided Higher primary School and Dr. Eugene D’Souza.

 

On the whole, the entire programme of the Golden wedding of Commodore Jerome and Rose right from the thanksgiving mass to the felicitation function at their residence “Vanasowrabha” was organised in a meticulous way. It was indeed a unique function that reminded me of the wedding of the Commodore Jerome and Rose that i had attended fifty years ago as a young boy of 14 years. The memories are still vivid in my mind seeing the young couple, Jerome in white uniform and slicing the wedding cake by his sword, the similar scene that was enacted today.

 

Bellevision congratulates Commodore Jerome and rose on the occasion of their Golden Wedding and wish them good health and happiness in future as well.