Bangalore Archdiocese

Report by Director, Sanjeevana

Sannidhi - Shivamogga , May 30 : Sanjeevana- Diocesan Family Commission of Diocese of Shimoga organised Silver Jubilee couples' get together and honouring ceremony at Sannidhi, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Shivamogga on May 27, 2023.

Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga diocese, during the Eucharist said in his homily, "The couples who are celebrating 25 years of marriage must find the yester years' glow and sheen in their sons and daughters - those beautiful faces, the dreams, aspirations,  etc. Now all these have got transferred to their sons and daughters". He was addressing the 19 couples from the diocese on the occasion of the celebration of their Silver Jubilee.  The celebration was held as part of the Marriage Enrichment Program in order to instill in young minds the sacramentality of marriage and its survival.

The day began with the celebration of Holy Eucharist by Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, which was followed by ice breakers and an input session for the couples. Thereafter, during the stage program, all the couples were felicitated with garlands, shawl, fruit basket and gifts. On the stage were present Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Fr Stany Dsouza, the Parish Priest of the Cathedral as well as the Dean of the Vianney Deanery and Fr Duming Dias, Director of Sanjeevana.

There were 19 couples from 12 parishes and mission centres, namely,  Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sorab, Ragigudda, Jog Falls,  Hiriyur, Davanagere, Thirthahalli, Nagar, Malur, Sagar, Gopala and Harihar. The couples noted with gratitude the efforts of the diocese, especially Sanjeevana - Diocesan Family Commission and the Bishop in organising such a programme and felicitating them on the occasion. They also observed that the program was meticulously planned and organised. Mr Joseph Shyam from the Parish of St Anthony's,  Ragigudda had a word of praise for having conducted this event.

The program, besides the couples and their children, was well attended by MFC -Bangalore and MFC - Shimoga, priests of the Episcopal City, resource persons of the Commission. The program was ably compered by Mrs Nancy Gham. Mrs Prescilla Pinto from Thirthahalli, the resource person of the Commission welcomed the gathering while Mrs. Veronica of Sharavathinagar Parish proposed vote of thanks. Sanjeevana - Family Commission is grateful to all the Parish Priests and Mission Centre Directors for encouraging the couples to attend the event, MFC members, donors, resource persons for their interest and zeal in the Family apostolate in the diocese.