Mangalore Diocese News

Photography & Report : Meena Serrao Barboza

Bondel, Feb 25, 2024 : On Sunday, February 25, the annual catechism day was celebrated in a meaningful manner at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel. Fr. Rupesh Madtha, Editor of Raknno Weekly, presided over the Eucharistic celebration at 8.30 a.m., The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves and Rev Fr Lancy D'Souza. The parish children conducted the liturgy. The children's choir enhanced the ceremony's intensity and severity.

Rev Fr Rupesh Madtha in his homily, highlighted the importance of the Catechism to children. The Catechism helps to build up and strengthen faith in one’s life. He cited Abraham's life as an inspiring story of a man who walked with full confidence in the promises of God. He believed God and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. Furthermore, he said through catechism and Sunday classes, the Christian Faith has to be nurtured. He also explained the responsibilities of parents towards their children.

Subsequently, the second part of the event took place in St. Lawrence English-medium School auditorium. The kids recited a prayer at the beginning of the programme.

The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries on the dais.

The programme was emceed by Marita Lobo, Glanvia Pinto , Chrisyl Braggs, Lawrence Lobo, Iden Vas & Christen . Alisha welcomed the dignitaries and guests that were present at the function.. Alvern Menezes , the 10th Std Student shared about his own catechism learning experience. A brief yearly report of the Sunday Catechism classes was presented by Mrs. Elizabeth Rodrigues the secretary for Sunday Catechism.

Rev Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza ,Rev. Rupesh Madtha, , Rev Fr Peter Gonsalves, Rev Fr Lancy D’Souza , Mr. John D’Silva – Vice President Parish Pastoral Council ,Mr. Santhosh Misquith- Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council , Mrs. Lavina Menezes - Catechism Coordinator, Mrs. Elizabeth Rodrigues –Secretary were present on the dais.

Rev Fr Rupesh Madtha , Director CODP- the chief guest delivered the message to the parents and the gathering regarding the importance of faith and the Gospel values that need to be instilled in children. He congratulated all the catechism teachers for their selfless service to the church and the guidance given by the parish clergy.

The teachers were also honoured for their selfless service on Sundays in imparting knowledge of scripture and the teachings of the Church to the little minds.

Students performed a variety of brief cultural programmes. Children from Grade one to 9th entertained the audience with a range of value-based performances.

Rev Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza –Parish Priest extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the catechism day and classes, especially to Rev. Fr. Lancy, Mrs. Lavina Menezes, and Mrs. Elizabeth Rodrigues and the teachers .

Students who had won the Altar Servers Competition and showed outstanding achievement in the Catechism exam were awarded with prizes.

The Sunday Catechism Director, Rev. Fr. Lancy D'Souza, extended gratefulness to the parents, teachers, Ladies Association members, and ICYM members for their support and services in making this catechism day a success.

Parents, Teachers, Children were present in large numbers for this programme.

Denith Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks. Towards the end, lunch , ice cream and fruit salad were served to the children and parents who were present.