Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru,  Aug 17 : Traditional food festival jointly organised by Women’s Association and Commission for Women of St Joseph the Worker Parish, Neermarga on 15th August, 2023 was held at Sambhram Church Hall, Neermarga. The program commenced with a traditional welcome with Betel leaf and water, followed by a song depicting the objective of women's association.

Parish Priest Rev Fr. Paul Pinto inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp along with the guests of honour.

While Parish Priest Fr Paul Pinto presided over the function, following guests of honor were on the dais: Secretary Diocesan Commission for Women Mrs Anita D'Sa, City Varado Women's Association President Mrs Ida Sequeira and Secretary Mrs Clara Pinto, Coordinator of 21 Commissions Mr Maurice Renjal, Parish Pastoral Committee Secretary and Women's Association President Mrs.Zita Usha Fernandes and Parish Women’s Association Secretary Mrs Reshma Periera.

Mrs Gretta Vas, resource person of the event elaborated on the hardships one had to encounter during monsoon season, especially in the month of ‘Aati’ during the good old days and how our elders used to manage the situation by their exquisite culinary skills using season specific, naturally available food raw materials.

Fr Paul Pinto in his address mentioned that a program of this sort enables us to relive the memories of good old days. He added 'Companionship promotes unity and creative synergy and may this give rise to renewed positivity among the parishioners'.

Association members melodiously sang a song on womanhood written by late Wilfy Rebimbus. Some party games were conducted as part of the entertainment by the members of Commission for Women followed by Fr Pinto giving away the prizes to the winners.

The main part of the program was to familiarize everyone with twenty mouth-watering, home cooked varieties of delicacies by our members. After Fr Pinto invoked blessing on these items, Mrs Usha Fernandes announced dinner.

Mrs Zita Saldanha compered the program, Mrs Juliet Fernandes welcomed the gathering and Mrs Anusha Reema proposed vote of thanks.