Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release
Photos : Clanute Cj

Mangaluru, Jan 30 :  St Francis Xavier Church Bejai here celebrated Parish Day 2023 on Sunday 29th January 2023, with the Eucharistic celebration at 4:30 pm. Rev. Fr Vishwas Joy Misquith SJ was the main celebrant.

At 6:00pm , there was the Stage programme in Parish Main Hall. The Prayer Song was sung by the Sisters of St Angela Convent. Welcome dance was performed by the children of the Lourdes Kannada Medium High School. The Rachana awardee for NRI Entrepreneur of the year 2023, Mr Michael Dsouza was the chief guest. Vice President Mr Ashok Pinto welcomed the gathering. Secretary Ms Avitha Pinto read the yearly activity report. Nearly 40 students were honoured for excelling in the academic and sports field. 18 Parish Government officials were honoured. Mr Michael Dsouza and Mr Andrew D'Cunha, Sandesha awardee for Konkani Literature, 2023 were honoured.

Parish Priest Rev Fr Dr J. B. Saldanha delivered his Presidential speech. Mr Eric Coelho, Mr Melwyl Pínto & Mr Aaron Nazareth were thanked for their services. 52 outgoing Parish Pastoral Parishad members were honoured. Parish 21 Commission's Coordinator Mr Godwin Pinto thanked the gathering. Mr Sohan, Ms Lavina & Ms Jane Fernandes did the MCing.

Parish Priest Rev. Fr J. B. Saldanha, Rev. Fr Vishwas Misquith, Mr Michael Dsouza, Mr Andrew D'Cunha, Asst. Parish Priest Rev. Fr Suraj Lobo, Lourdes Central School Principal Rev. Fr Robert D'Souza, Rev Fr Vincent Sequeira, Rev Fr Jaison Pais SJ, Rev Fr Anush D'Cunha, Rev. Fr Jerald Lobo, St Angela Convent Superior Sr Sevreine Crasta, Mr Ashok Pinto, Ms Cynthia Pínto, Mr Godwin Pinto were present on the dais.

Cultural programme began at 7:30pm. The Church Choir sang a theme song. Ward members of Divine Mercy Ward, Nod Kadri performed a dance and ward members of Christ the King Ward, Nodu performed a Comedy Skit.

At 8:30 pm Rev.Fr Robert D'Souza said the Grace over Meals and there was a Fellowship Dinner after that in the Lourdes Central School Grounds. During the dinner Live Konkani songs and Baila were sung by Mr Ronald D'Souza, Mr Rony Lobo, Mr Hubert D'Silva, Ms Saritha D'Souza, Ms Janet D'Souza, Ms Jasmine D'Souza, Mr Patrick D'Souza. Youth had a nice time on the dance floor. Around 2000 Parishioners joined the fellowship dinner.