Mangalore: Festal Celebrations Conclude at Valencia Church
Pics: Nikhil Studio
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD/VA)
Mangalore, May 13: St Vincent Ferrer parish, Valencia, here was full on festive mood with the celebration of successive events.
At a time when the importance of parish feasts are slightly dwindling in the towns, the Valencia parish has made an attempt to regain its significance by celebrating confraternity Sunday, vespers and the Parish Feast in a row.
Confraternity Sunday was celebrated on May 9 at 4.00 pm with Eucharistic Celebration followed by a procession.
Fr Ivan Michael Rodrigues, principal of St Philomena Pre- University College presided over the Eucharist. The Eucharistic procession from Valencia Church grounds had its finale at St Gerosa School grounds and concluded with the benediction.
Vespers - the evening prayer was conducted on Tuesday May 11 at 6.00 pm. Fr Rony Serrao, professor of St Joseph Seminary led the whole service. It was a unique experience for the parishioners of Valencia. There was chanting of psalms followed by a brief homily. Later, a short-skit was staged in the parish ground, which was directed by the famous Mandd Sobhann’ troupe followed by housie-housie and variety of fun-filled games.
The festal celebration began on Wednesday May 12 with full gusto. Despite being a weekday there was a large gathering of devotees. Mother Theresa Band from Honnavar added a special flavour to the whole celebration.
The founder members of the church, members of the parish council and sponsors were honoured by Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, parish priest by offering special candles. Fr Maxim Rosario presided over the Eucharist and Fr V V Menezes preached the homily. Several priests from in and around the town took part in the celebration.
The festal evening celebration commenced with a variety entertainment programme called ‘Valencia Nite.’ Fr Swebert D’Silva, principal of St Aloysius College was the chief guest. Flavy Sequeira, secretary of the parish council presented a brief report of the activities done in the previous year.
Fr Swebert D’Silva said that Valencia parish is very dynamic and charismatic in organizing programmes. Varieties of talents are found here. Every family has spring of talents’, he added.
On the occasion, Fr Maxim Rosario was honoured for the decennial celebration of his priesthood. Arun Raj Rodrigues, vice president of the parish council felicitated Fr maxim on behalf of the parishioners.
The three- hour programme, comprised songs, dances and other forms of entertainment. ‘Strings’ musical group under the leadership of Robin Sequeira enthralled the audience. ‘Me-mo-ry’, a group of comedians entertained the gathering.
Fr Bonaventure Nazareth welcomed the gathering and gave an introductory speech. Dolphy Saldhana compered the programme.