International Women’s Day Celebrated at St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 09 March 2025: The Nisarga Self-help Group of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle celebrated International Women’s Day on Sunday, 09 March 2025 at 3.30 pm in the Souharda Sabha Bahavan Parish Hall  with   a brief stage programme, lecture by the Resource Person, Mrs. Pratibha Lydia Braggs, lecturer at  Manipal College of Nursing in the Department of Psychiatric  Nursing and entertainment programme presented by the women of the Self-help Group.

 

The stage Programme commenced with prayer hymn. The dignitaries on the dais included: Fr. George D’Souza-Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, Fr. Rickson Monteiro-Assistant Parish Priest, Mrs. Pratibha Lydia Braggs, Pritish D’Sa-Vice President of the PPC, Charles Quadros-Secretary, Mrs. Gracy Rebello-Convener of 20 Commissions, Ms. Priya Quadros-Animator of Self-help Groups(Sampada), Sr. Bertina-Superior of the Loreto Convent and Mrs. Precilla Monis-President of the Nisarga Self-help Group.

 

Following the welcome by the Joint Secretary of the Nisarga Self-help Group Mrs. Lavina Mathias, the Office Bearers of the Nisarga SHG inaugurated the programme by affixing the paper-slips written with the various qualities of women on the petals of the Sunflower. 

 

In his message, Pritish D’Sa said that the Women’s Organization of the Parish has been very active and the members have been prompt in providing whatever service required during the various celebrations in the church. He conveyed the greetings of the International Women’s Day to all the women of the Parish on behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council. 

 

Fr. Rickson Monteiro in his address said that women have been the back-bone of the family and the parish. They are instrumental in preserving and promoting faith in the family. Giving his own example, Fr. Rickson said that it was chiefly due to the constant prayers by his mother that his vocation to the priesthood was strengthened.

 

The Resource Person of the Programme, Mrs. Pratibha Lydia Braggs spoke on “The Role of Mothers in Bringing-up Children”. She pointed out the challenges of dealing and bringing-up children in modern times and how the parents, especially mothers have to deal with the issues involved in nurturing and educating the children. She stressed on teaching the children to respect their elders, have reasonably strict discipline and maintain the solidarity of the family. She said that proper communication with the children is the key to solve many problems arising out of the changing behavioural pattern of the modern generation. She said that everything begins from home and with changing times, it is important that the parents should adjust to the changing circumstances.    

Fr. Rickson Monteiro and Sr. Bertina offered memento in the form of sapling to Mrs. Pratibha Lydia Braggs.

 

Mrs. Precilla Monis proposed the vote of thanks, Mrs. Ines D’Souza-Secretary of the Nisarga SHG read the report of the various activities of the HSG, Mrs. Monica D’Souza introduced the Resource Person and Mrs. Reshma D’Souza compered the programme. 

 

Following the lecture by Mrs. Pratibha Lydia Braggs which was appreciated by all the women, the members of the Nisarga SHG presented variety entertainment programme comprising of group dances and hilarious skits which were appreciated by the audience. The women manifested their team spirit as well as exhibited their talents for dancing and acting.