Udupi: First ever Married Couples’ Day observed in St. Lawrence Parish, M’Belle

By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 27 Oct 2015: For the first time in the century long history of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle married couples’ day was observed under the guidance of the Family Commission, Diocese of Udupi on Tuesday, 27 October 2015 with a solemn thanksgiving mass at 10 am followed by a get-together and lunch in the parish hall. Around 80 married couples of the parish participated in the event. The couples were seen in best of their dresses many men wearing suits and women wearing their ‘sados’ and jewellery.

 

Prior to the holy mass, the couples got themselves registered and assembled in the parish hall. Following the breakfast, the couples lined up. Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Varado who was the chief celebrant of the thanksgiving mass along with Rev. Fr. Chetan Lobo(OFM Cap), Spiritual Director of the Family Commission and Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas blessed the couples. Thereafter, the couples went in procession to the church accompanied by the brass band.

 

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Chetan Lobo explained the significance of the married life and responsibilities of the married couples in the family as parents. He also stressed on the role of husband and wife in making maried life happy and contented.

 

The important part of the mass was the renewal of the marriage vows by the couples. The spouses stood face to face holding each others hands and looking into each others’ eyes they renewed the marraige vows under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Chetan Lobo. Thereafter, Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas sprinked holy water on each and every couple.

 

Soon after the mass, once again the couples marched back to the parish hall accompanied by the band for the stage programme and get-together function.  Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas presided over the function. Rev. Fr. Chetan Lobo, Leslie Aroza, Director of Family Commission, Diocese of Udupi, Alphonse K. Alva, Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, Henry Fernandes, President of Family Commission, Moodubelle Unit and one eldest couple-George and Florin Martis(Married for 64 years) and the youngest couple-Avil and Flavia Sequeira(married for one and half years) were on the dais.

 

Mrs. Anita Alva and group welcomed the couples by singing the voyvo-“Baylyan ailo vor and nenna zalyaum vell....”

 

Following the welcome address by Henry Fernandes, Sherlin and Flency presented welcome dance.  Thereafter, the eldest and youngest couples on the dais jointly cut the cake. 

 

Rev. Fr. Chetan Lobo raised the toast in honour of all the couples  and said that it is important to fall in love again and again, but with one’s own spouse. He also gave a number of examples and narrated anecdotes highlighting the importance of happy and contented married life.

 

Leslie Aroza, as the chief speaker of the day said that the day happens to be an historic day for Moodubelle parishioners. He gave a number of examples to explain how the couples can make their married life more meaningful and relevant.  He also emphasized on the role of parents in bringing up their children and preventing them from falling in bad habits and company.

 

Alphonse Alva appreciated the way the married couples day was observed by the parish and thanked Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas for his support and the Family Commission Moodubelle Unit for their efforts.

 

 

Spot games  were conducted by J.B. Miranda, member of the Family Commission. The winners of the spot games were given prizes by Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenahs.

 

Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenahs in his presidential message expressed  happiness over the celebration of the married couples day and congratulated the members of the Family Commission and the couples for their organizational ability and participation.

 

Mrs. Jacintha D’Souza, member of the Family Commission proposed the vote of thanks, Sr. Irene Viegas, Superior of  Loreto Convent  recited grace before the meal and Johnson Miranda compeered the programme.