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Moodubelle: Golden Moments of Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary of Bernard and Regina D’Souza

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 03 January 2012: It was the day that the five sons and their families had been waiting to give a befitting gift to their beloved parents-Bernard D’Souza(son of late Immanuel-Monnu Master) and Regina Danti. Their dream and planning bore fruit on January 2, 2012, by celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of their parents (married on January 1, 1962) by a solemn thanksgiving mass in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle at 5 pm and thereafter a grand reception at their residence near Naalku-beedhi in Kattingeri on the same evening at 7.30 pm.

At around 4.50 pm, Ronnie, the second son of Bernard and Regina (former president of Bellevision-UAE) drove his parents to the church in a vintage car-Wolseley-1947. At the entrance of the church, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, Parish Priest of Belle welcomed the couple celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their wedding. Bernard and Regina accompanied by their sons and their families entered the church for the thanksgiving mass. Twenty eight priests led by Archbishop of Agra, Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza, younger brother of Bernard concelebrated the thanksgiving mass.

In his homily, Fr. Paul Sequeira, who has known the family of Bernard and Regina since his arrival in Belle, greatly appreciated the contribution of Bernard and Regina towards the family, church and society. He said that the dreams and hopes that they had when they married fifty years ago have been fulfilled and they can look back with great satisfaction that they had been faithful to the promises that they had made to each other on the day of their wedding fifty years ago.

At the end of the Mass, Bernard and Regina exchanged golden rings in commemoration the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding.

Following the thanksgiving mass, the family members, relatives, guests and invitees proceeded to the residence of Bernard which was readied for the reception aesthetically. The natural green setting with decorative lights, balloons and beautifully designed stage enhanced the grandeur of the occasion. While the Glorious Music Group presented melodious songs, the CCTV enabled the assembled guests to view the programme from different angles and the compeer Uttam, an eminent anchor of various programmes in Dubai, excellently conducted the evening function.

At the outset of the reception, before the ’golden couple’ ceremonially sliced the cake, Johnnie, the eldest son of Bernard and Regina, welcomed the guests and said that it was the faith, hope and simplicity of his parents that had been the greatest strength of the family.

After slicing the Golden Jubilee cake, another cake was cut to celebrate the 75th birthday of Fr. Edwin D’Souza (January 1, 1937) brother of Bernard who is presently in Canada.

The toast for the ’golden couple’ was raised by Prof. Vincent Alva (Vincy Pamboor) in a unique way by reciting a poem especially composed by him for this occasion. He brought out the family background of Bernard and Regina including how they first met, and expressed the fine qualities of their mind and heart through verses which was appreciated by one and all. Mrs. Regina replied to the toast and thanked everyone who was instrumental in celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

The church choir led by Fr. Paul Sequeira presented the felicitation song. Fr. Maxim Pinto (OFM-Cap), Director of Assisi Nilaya along with Fr. Cyprian honoured both Bernard and Regina by offering them garlands and shawls.

Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza, Archbishop of Agra, on behalf of the family spoke highly about his elder brother, Bernard and sister-in-law-Regina. He said that they were chiefly responsible in keeping the family united because of their care and sacrifices. Further he said that it is important to maintain family bond through communication.

Ronnie anchored the power point presentation, ‘Down the Memory Lane’ comprising of the old photographs of the family and its evolution from humble beginning to the present state. He also propsed the voote of thanks soon after the end of the thanksgiving mass in the church as well as at the end of the reception function.

It was indeed a matter of great pride to Bernard and Regina that all their five sons and their families were present for their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Johnnie-Lavina (Canada) and their children-Luciana and Jennifer; Ronnie-Diana (Dubai) and their children-Jessica and Jason; Donnie-Reema (Dubai) and their children-Ryan and Reeve; Connie-Rodica (Canada) and their children Gabriella and Isabella; and Alphose and Michelle (Dubai) and their child.

Besides their sons and their families, younger brothers and sister of Bernard-Archbishop Albert, Maurice, Sr. Eugene (Superior General of the Sisters of the Holy Cross of Chavanod) and youngest brother Andrew and his family were present for the programme and also many members of the extended family. Bernard’s elder brother, Most Rev. Dr. Alphonse D’Souza, Bishop of Raignaj, Fr. Edwin (Canada) and Fr. Mathew (USA) could not attend the programme, but have sent their congratulatory messages to Bernard and Regina.

There’s nothing like a 50th Wedding Anniversary! The 50th wedding anniversary is indeed golden-half a century together, the 50th wedding anniversary is special to the married couple, to their children and their grandchildren.