Udupi, 29 July: It was truly a bright Sunday, 28th July, 2024, as the usual rain too gave us a break; the day was so unique and special for everyone.  Grandparents, numbering a total around 230, in this large parish, of them almost 110, above 70 years of age, made their mind to be in the church to celebrate the Special Holy Mass at 8.00 am. Especially children and youth took extra care and interest to prepare their respective Grandparents, get ready to bring them to the Church, both to pray with and for them…… Yes, today is ‘Grandparents & Elders Day’ in Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, Kallianpur.

The 8.00 am Holy Grand Mass was celebrated by our Vicar Rev Dr Roque DSouza and in his opening address, beautifully narrated the importance of elders in our life, in the society and at our individual homes, and ‘we Rosarian Family, well aware of your contribution and sacrifices both to Church and society…’ he told.  

In the followed homily, which was really inspiring and touching, emphasized on elders role in our families, by referring the Ruth and her life, as Pope Francis officially declared this year 2021 dedicated to Family in Amoris Leticia and the Church was requested to honour our respective grandparents, every year and this is consecutive 4th year in our parish, as they are an integral part of a happy family, on 28th July, 2024… (There was a custom in many churches in Coastal Karnataka to have this on the Feast of Jesus Grandparents Sts Anna & Joachim on 26th July, every year. However, globally we celebrate Senior Citizens Day on 21st August every year)

Under the energetic, spirited initiative and leadership of the Family Commission of the Parish the liturgy was meticulously shared by the elders and the choir too made it a point to have very meaningful hymns for the occasion.

After the Holy Mass the elders posed for a Group Photograph in the Portico and moved to the adjacent Mini Hall for the Get Together.

After the Breakfast  and traditional welcome address and few spot games, Rev Dr Roque DSouza the Parish priest addressed the elders, ‘all of you are yourselves a valuable treasure, a divine Blessing to the society and an ideal and model to imitate great Christian values to the youngsters’. To start with Vicar paid rich tributes to our forefathers ‘who laid sound foundation to our faith, future and wellbeing in mind, as we cherish the fruit of their sacrifices. We are not afforded to forget our roots’ he stressed….. 

He specially thanked Convenor and all the Members of the Family Commission of the parish who took initiative to have these small but very meaningful celebrations.  Main sponsors of the event and others in different ways and means too were recognised and the Chief Guest couple, Mrs Rosy and Mr Joseph Fernandes were honoured by draping the traditional shawl and memento.  Vice President of PPC and Coordinator of 20 Ayogs, Mr Luke DSouza and Mrs Daisy Mendonca, too were present and extended their greetings to the elders of the parish.

The Gurkars of 18 wards and the office bearers and few elderly members of Pastoral Council, Family Commission of the parish Church led by Mr Vijay Sequeira, Mrs Prathiba DSouza along with others organised and witnessed a festive look and the gathering of faithful in the Mini Hall, to its near capacity, as the ‘World Day for Grand Parents & Elderly’ was celebrated in a simple but meaningful manner as the whole parish family congratulated the Senior Citizens who took part in the whole proceedings with keen interest and excitement.