Udupi, 05 August 2024: One of the spacious and artistic newly constructed Mount Rosary Church was blessed and inaugurated in 2014 and this year its decennial year, completion of 10 years and to commemorate this historical and joyous event various programmes are planned by the parish.
The youth led by vibrant ICYM of the parish at the forefront and the Ward Level Singing, Dance and Skits Competitions was a appropriate concept visualised by them to foster unity, involvement and participation of 18 wards in the day long presentation in the Millennium Hall just echoed the same loudly, as the Auditorium was literally full to its capacity throughout the day on Sunday, 4th Sunday, 2024.
All preparations were in place on the previous day as the ICYM organisers expecting a close fight for supremacy, roped in best and expert judges, in the respective fields, attractive backdrop and exhaustive seating arrangements and provisions for morning breakfast, lunch and evening snacks and coffee.
Immediately after the 8.00 am Holy Mass celebrated by Asst Vicar Rev Fr Oliver Nazareth, the parish community gathered in the Hall for the brief but impressive inaugural ceremony. The Parish Priest Rev. Dr Roque DSouza in his opening address appreciated the initiative of the youth of the parish in planning and executing such a huge event, probably the greatest after the renovation of the Air Conditioned Millennium Hall and wished every success to both organisers and all the participating teams representing 18 wards of the parish.
Wasting no time by 10.00 am, actual competitions started as the Group singing was a real treat for the audience, which continued till 12.00 noon. Then the ward teams warmed up for ‘Dance Show’ nothing less to any professional competition. Each team had great themes, colourful dress, articles and everything to showcase, not only the best talents in children, youth and elders but also an opportunity to unfold rich and diversified Konkani and local Culture and folklore. Almost 14 teams gave their startling performances set the stage on fire in the morning session as at sharp 1.00 pm lunch break declared till 2.00 pm and delicious food served to one and all.
Exactly at 2.00 pm the second session was set to roll on and balance 4 teams gave their dance performances by 2.40 pm. The last category in waiting was ‘Short plays or Skits’.
It was astonishing to see dozens of actors and actresses of the parish trying to enthral the spectators. Interestingly there were very meaningful messages to convey, lessons to learn and here and there some laughter bombs to entertain the audience. At about 5.15 pm the competitions come to an end and the curiosity to know the results. We are sure the judges entrusted with the tedious job had a real tough time. Since it is a competition some teams to be picked to declare as champions, however the general feeling was ‘All teams gave their best possible’ and all were Winners.
Hats off and big thank you to the ICYM Unit of the Mount Rosary Church and Congratulations to all participants and Winners.