Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 1 : ‘O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness’ - These words of William Shakespeare flowed from the hearts of the Shepherd and the Faithful of St. Joseph the Church, Neermarga as they celebrated the Small Christian Community Day on 29th January, 2023 at 3.30 pm with the Theme “One Body - Many Parts, Many Families - One Community”.

The celebration began with The Thanksgiving Eucharist solemnized by Rev. Dr Joseph Martis – Director of SCC, St Peter Deanery and Rev Fr Anil D Mello -Parish Priest. The liturgy was well prepared by the Small Christian Community Team under the able guidance of the Parish Priest that added joy and colour to the celebration. ‘Year of Family ‘under the theme; “Humane Family: Hope of the Future” was inaugurated by Mr Preetham and Mrs. Jacintha and their 4 children, Rev. Dr Joseph Martis , Rev Fr Anil D Mello, Mr. Francis Gonsalves- Vice President of Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Usha Fernandes- Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Maurice Renjal- coordinator of 21 Parish Commissions, Sister Sujatha and Sr. Mavis Superiors of Holy Cross Convent and Carmel Ashram . Meaning of the Logo was explained beautifully by Rev Fr Anil D Mello.

In his meaningful homily, Rev. Dr Joseph Martis with the narration of the stories ‘Among the Parts of the Body’ and ‘the Village Wine’ helped the congregation to realize the importance of unity, teamwork and collaboration in knitting a community of Forgiveness involving Sacrifices and Reconciliation. Further he shed light on the stories of Babel and Pentecost and stated the reasons of how Pentecost is a reversal of Babel and gave a clarion call to serve God who calls people to be agents of love and justice and to create a community that is strong and powerful: Strong in unity, Strong in spiritual power, Strong in love , Filled with joy .

The choir helped all gathered to celebrate the Eucharist in a meaningful way.