Moodubelle, 31 October 2010: In an enthusiastic and purpose-filled auction spree to collect funds for the Mission Sunday, the parishioners of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle gave full hearted support which resulted in the collection of rupees seventy four thousand on Sunday, 31st October 2010 between 9.30 and 10.30 am.
The auction of the various items which were donated by the generous parishioners was conducted by the Indian catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) led by Bradley Martis, president and the members ably supported by Fr. Paul Sequeira whose persuasive voice worked as a magic. He was assisted by Maxim D’Sa. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, the parish priest and Fr. Lancy Saldanaha, the assistant parish priest were also present throughout the auction.
There was an assortment of various items for the auction. There were four roosters and a hen, three bottles of foreign liquor, wine, clothes, cooked meat, Goa sausages, idlis, packets of paper dosas (bakri), saris, vegetables of various types, bananas, snacks, perfumes, creams, etc.
The auction was carried out in the portico of the church. A large number of people gathered to respond favourably to the auctioning many parishioners trying to outbid the others. The entire exercise went on for nearly an hour with excitement and enthusiasm running through the entire exercise.
This is the third year since the arrival of Fr. Joswey Fernandes as the parish priest of Belle that the auctioning of items donated by the parishioners to raise funds for the Mission Sunday has been held. According to Fr. Joswey last year (2009) Rs.41,000/- were collected during the auction and total contribution from the parish through Sunday collection and the Mission Boxes collection from homes amounted to Rs.1,11,111/- and Belle parish had secured 8th position among the parishes of the Mangalore Diocese contributing maximum amount to the Mission Sunday.
Fr. Joswey has expressed his happiness that compared to last year, this year’s collection of Rs.74,000/-by auctioning items donated by the parishioners is quite appreciable and the total contribution would be much more than last years. He feels that the parishioners of Belle have shown their solidarity and generosity during the centnary year of the foundation of the parish.