Elder’s Day celebration evokes enthusiastic response from super senior parishioners

By Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 31 May 2016: Elders’ Day observed in St. Lawrence Parish Moodubelle that evoked enthusiastic response from super senior parishioners over 70 years of age on Tuesday, 31 May 2016. The Elders’ Day was observed as a programme of Family Commission, Moodubelle unit along with Catholic Sabha and Stree Sanghattan.

 

The programme associated with the Elders’ Day began with thanksgiving mass at 11 am concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi and Dean of Udupi Varado along with Fr. Clement Mascarenhas-Parish priest of Moodubelle, Fr. Denis D’Sa-Parish Priest of Kuntralnagar and PRO of Udupi Diocese, Fr. Lawrence Cutinha-Assistant Parish Priest of Moodubelle, Fr. William Andrade (OFM Cap)-Superior of Assisi Nilaya, Fr. Baptist  Menonca-Principal of  St. Theresa School, Bareilly (UP) and Fr. Denis Naresh Lobo-Principal of Sacred heart Inter College, Sitapur (UP).

 

In  his homily, Fr. Fred Mascarenhas said that the elders are the treasure of the parish who have been responsible in preserving and passing on the faith to next generations. Further he said that those who walk with Christ and follow his path never age. Some consider old age as a curse because of various physical and psychological problems that they face. However, Fr. Fred said that those who keep on smiling and laughing would never feel old.

 

Soon after the thanksgiving mass, stage programme was held in the parish hall. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Fr. Denis D’Sa, Fr. Denis Naresh Lobo, Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Alphonse Alva-Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Latha D’Mello-Secretary and Henry Fernandes-President of Catholic Sabha, Moodubelle Unit and Convener of Family Commission, Moodubelle Unit were on the dais.

 

 

Following the welcome address by Henry Fernandes, the dignitaries on the dais lighted the lamp formally inaugurating the Elders’ Day programme.

 

Alphonse Alva, Fr. Fred Mascarenhas and Fr. Clement Mascarenhas  in their messages complimented the elders for being present in large numbers for the function. They wished them good health and peace of mind.

 

The key speaker of the day, Fr. Denis D’Sa captivated the attention of the elders by his speech mixed with anecdotes and jokes.  He urged the elders to have positive attitude and not to have psychological shock because of advancing age. He further said that laughter is the best medicine for old age. The elders are the treasures of the society and they are also strong pillars of the  family. Continuing his speech, Fr. Denis gave few points of advice to the elders: to be grateful to those who take their care and look after them; spend time in prayers; not to complain about anything as far as possible; win over the hearts and minds of the young and children in the family and community; not to be adamant; and to accept the things as they come in life.  Fr. Denis D’Sa not only made his speech hilarious by various anecdotes but also sang two songs-one by Wilfy Rebimbus- “Vodli Mai”.

 

One of the important part of the programme was felicitation of  15 couples who have completed 58 years and more of the married life.

 

Mrs. Justine Mendonca-Secretary of Catholic Sabha compeered the programme and Mrs. Jacintha D’Souza-Secretary of Family Commission, Moodubelle Unit proposed the vote of thanks.

 

After the stage programme lunch was served to all the elders and those who have accompanied them. The food was prepared by the volunteers of Catholic Sabha, Family Commission and Stree Sanghattan in association with Henry Monis and Roshan Castelino. The volunteers also helped in serving the lunch.