Mangalore Diocese News

News : Godwin Pinto, Bejai
Photos : Clanute C.J. Lobo, Bajjodi

Mangaluru, Aug. 15 : Indian Catholic Youth Movement, St Francis Xavier Church Bejai unit here, organised 74th Independence day at the Church Premises on Aug 15, 2020.

Parish Priest, Rev Dr J. B. Saldanha was the President of the function. He said in his presidential message, “We must work together to make India smart. For this struggle , we all should take the inspiration from the freedom fighters of this country, because of them, we are enjoying the Independence Day.”

The Chief Guest of the programme, Mr P. Sridhar, Range Forest Officer said, “In the name of development , we are losing a huge amount of forests which is a matter of concern. We need scientifically managed development.”

Saplings were distributed to the parishioners.

Today being the festivity of Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mass was offered in the church, and special prayers were conducted for Mother India.

To mark this occasion, ICYM conducted a Online Collage Competition on the theme “Indian Independence and Blessings of Mother Mary”. Prizes were distributed to the following:

Age group - 9 - 12 yrs:
1st Place- Adline Fiona Lobo
2nd Place- Payton Leon Monteiro

Age Group – 13-16 yrs
1st Place- Neha Rodrigues
2nd Place- Brinelle Fernandes

Age Group – 17-28 yrs
1st Place- Leesha Rodrigues
2nd Place- Nilisha D'sa

Rev. Robert DSouza - Principal Lourdes Central School, Rev. Pramod Crasta - Asst PP, Deacon Vishwas Misquith SJ, Mr Ashok Pinto - Vice-President, PPC, Mrs Preethi Gomes - Secretary, PPC, Ms Shiny Lewis - President, ICYM were among the dignitaries present.

ICYM members performed patriotic songs to the gathering.

Ms Shiny Lewis welcomed the gathering, Ms Wilma Martis proposed the Vote of Thanks, Ms Beverly DSouza compered the programme.