Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru , Oct 17, 2023 : Senior Citizens' (Elders') Day was celebrated at Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi on Sunday, October 15th in the morning. Around 130 senior citizens from the parish participated in the celebration.

In the morning at 10.30 am was the concelebrated mass in the church. During the homily Fr. Dominic Vas, the Parish Priest, Shared how the Elders have to take positively the retirement years. He gave some useful points on how the senior citizens have to keep themselves vibrant, positive and happy, as the famous writer Mark Twain said , “ Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”.

Our destiny is in our hands. No one can make us happy. It depends on me to keep myself happy and vibrant. Hence, no one should think that I am aged or sick; occupy your time in reading , T.V., mobile , hobbies, cooking , gardening and travelling to new places. Join some parish associations and involve yourself in a few charitable and beneficial works. Have good friends and neighbours to share yourself with. Smile and be happy and positive. Have a regular daily walk and watch over your diet and health, advised Fr Dominic.

After the Holy Eucharist, all the senior citizens gathered in the church hall for a short cultural programme. After the prayer song sung by Cliyon D’silva, Mrs. Hilda D’cunha welcomed the guests and all senior citizens. Together with the Parish priest, Fr. Ivan Dsouza the former Parish Priest , Fr. Cyril Menezes, Fr. Rayan Pinto, Sr.Lidwin OSS , Prakash Saldhanha the PPC Vice president , Elizabeth Pereira secretary, Ronald Goveas Ayog Sanchalak lighted the lamp and Inaugurated the programme.

A few children entertained the audience with a colourful dance, and Fr. Dominic Vas at the end of his message sang a beautiful song recounting the childhood memories which was composed by Wilfy Rebimbus . The women’s commission members staged a beautiful dance and entertained the audience followed by a comedy skit performed by Sachin Menezes and Santhosh Veigas. A few games for the elders were conducted by Ms. Jewel Fernandes.

All the senior citizens were presented with a gift. At the end Mr. Prakash Saldhana thanked everyone. Finally, all were served with a sumptuous meal sponsored by Santhosh Caterers in memory of Late Augustine Veigas. The whole programme was compered by Sharel Noronha.