Catholic Sabha Mount Rosary Church Unit celebrates ‘Laity Day’
By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Pics: Praveen Cutinho
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 23 June 2024: Diocese of Udupi having 51 parishes established and nurtured independent Catholic Sabha Units, and today it is one of the largest organisation or net work of laity Catholics, which enjoys deep and strong roots in most of the parishes, came into existence in 1979, much earlier than the present 20 Commissions, shouldering various responsibilities, services over the years continued till today. It is working closely in union within the parish, in association with these units and outside the church framing and executing various public utility services earned a name of reputation and goodwill……
One in line with the joint efforts is the celebration of ‘Laity Sunday on 23rd June, 2024’. To begin with the day, the ‘Holy Thanksgiving Mass’ was offered at 8.00 am by leading all parts of the service, with the main celebrant Rev Dr Roque DSouza, the Parish Priest, providing an excellent opportunity to infuse a fresh voice into worship, develop leadership potential, and highlight vital ministries within the church. In his exhaustive homily reminded the sacrifice of Thomas Moore and called laity to imbibe this great Saint’s values in life.
Immediately after the Holy Mass at 9.15 am the ‘Church Laity Commission’ and ‘Catholic Sabha’ organised a Get Together in the adjacent Mini Hall.
Once the breakfast is served, the celebration unfolded with Prayer hymn by the Church Choir led by Mrs Jovita Fernandes. The guests and distinguished dignitaries were escorted to the stage and the President of Catholic Sabha, Mr Elias DSouza extended a warm and homely welcome. He gave a brief of days programme - understanding the ‘new role of laity which is leadership with responsibility’, which was divided into five major parts – Liturgy, Inauguration, Seminar on Laity role, Prathiba Puroskar and monthly meeting. As a mark of respect all on the dais were offered floral welcome with fresh roses…
Symbolic inauguration was held by lighting the traditional lamp led by the Vicar Rev. Dr Roque DSouza, Chief Guest Rev Fr C. Henry DSouza, SFX and all on the dais paid rich tributes to Sir Thomas Moore whose decorated portrait showered with petals of fresh flowers.
The Vicar in his message extended days compliments to all gathered and such programmes must inspire, inform and equip laity and clergy alike, in the everyday ministries all can and called to offer to God. ‘The intentions are common and all must be complimentary to each other than competitors’ he opined. He also lauded the intentions of CS to notice and encourage young talents in the parish.
Most significant part of the day was the ‘Seminar of Laity involvement and participation’. Rev Fr Cyprian Henry DSouza, SFX the resource person, an eminent authority with both knowledge and rich experience was introduced by Mr Archibald Furtado, President designate CS MRC. Fr DSouza currently serving as Parish Priest of Mirjan Church, MA in English, LLB and MSW, who was a familiar face for elders – served in this parish for almost one year in 1994, as socious to Rev Fr Jacob B Crasta, took the audience to a different world in those time bound 30 minutes lively session - at times with his witty observations, real life narratives and examples. It served as an opportunity to help, redefine the well attended participants to understand the Church hierarchy, their role in the parish in the today’s context and changed circumstances, with slides and power point presentation…..
There held a short questions/answer session to clarify certain points and provision was there to discuss in person after the session too.
As a part of its mission to Catholic Sabha organised to identify youth of our parish who excelled and registered best results in Public Examination in SSLC, PU and Catechism in 2023-24. And recognised their outstanding results by honouring these students with Certificates, cash prizes along with their respective parents. Mrs Anita DSouza read out the names while the guests on the dais presented the prizes. Five special and distinct achievers and rank holders too were recognised viz Dayana Martis, Liora Rosvin DSilva, Dr Lara Dias, Margaret DSouza, and Branhard A Menezes with draping of traditional shawl, mementos on this unique occasion. Mrs Pramila DSouza joint Secretary CS- MRC, gave a brief of the these achievers.
It was truly a great moment, as on this special Laity Day, FOUR distinguished persons and their outstanding achievements and social service was rightfully noticed in the church and society. A brief narrative was presented by Vice President Mr Reuben Rebello and Mr Archibald Furtado, President Designate.
Mr Thomas Carnelio, an illustrious Banker who served in Vijaya Bank for 3 decades and Catholic Sabha as President of MRC unit, Kallianpur deanery etc.
Mr Clarence DSouza, a man sought after by hundreds in emergencies and social worker to the core.
Sr Melanie SRA, an Advocate, social reformer and activist known as Mother Teresa of Nejar.
Mr Glen Dias – businessman and young entrepreneur, winner of various trophies at district, State level in body building
The day also acknowledged with gratitude the social concern of businessman Mr Wilson Fernandes who was one of the main sponsors of the colourful event with draping of traditional shawl and a memento, by the President MRC Mr Elias DSouza, as a symbolic respect to all donors and well wishers.
Among others, Mr Luke DSouza, Mrs Priya Furtado, Mrs Daisy Mendonca, Vice President, Secretary and 20 Ayog Coordinatior OF Parish Pastoral Council, respectively, Mr Santhosh Carnelio, President Catholic Sabha Diocese of Udupi, Mrs Rosy Quadrus, CS President Kallianpur Deanery, Heads of various pious organisations of the parish, the Choir team, Gurkars of various wards, parents of prize winning children etc counted above 100 parishioners participated in the eventful celebration.
To conclude the well organised event, Secretary, Catholic Sabha Mrs Maria Wilma Rego proposed vote of thanks.
It’s truly a day of remembrance which was made great by Catholic Sabha and Laity Commission with the active participation, involvement and meticulous execution as MC by Mrs Pramila DSouza, the joint Secretary of the Catholic Sabha Mount Rosary Church.