Media Release
Shivamogga, Jul 28: The diocese of Shimoga celebrated Grandparents Day on July 27 with great enthusiasm and devotion in various parishes. The day was marked with special Holy Eucharist celebrations and programs to honor the elderly and promote intergenerational bonding.
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga
At Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, Fr Franklin D'Souza, diocesan youth director, celebrated Holy Eucharist at 9 am and delivered a meaningful homily on the importance of grandparents and the need to care for them. The 'Hongirana' association for the elderly, which has been active for fifteen years, organized a program after the mass. Parish priest Msgr Stany D’Souza, director of the association, Sr Dorothy, animator, and Victor D'Souza, president, played key roles in the celebration.
Carmel deanery program:
The women commission, led by directoress Sr Elize, organized a special program for grandparents and the elderly at Infant Jesus Shrine, Sharavathinagar, Shivamogga. Resource persons Fr Simon Pinto, coordinator of Diocesan Pastoral Commissions, T V Davis, and Fr Biju Thomas shared valuable insights. The program concluded with a Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Simon Pinto at 12:15 pm.
Other parishes:
Grandparents Day was also celebrated in the following parishes:
1. Monti Mary Church, Talaguppa: Mission director Fr Regan Furtado (link unavailable) offered Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
2. Christ the King Church, Jogfalls: Parish priest Fr Salvador Fernandes celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
3. St. Thomas Church, Davanagere: Parish priest Fr Anthony Nazareth celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
4. Good Shepherd Church, Gopala: Parish priest Fr Stephen Maxi Albuquerque celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
5. Church of Our Lady of Vailankanni, Old Town, Bhadravati: Parish priest Fr Steevan D'Sa celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
6. Mary Immaculate Church, New Town, Bhadravati: Parish priest Fr Lancy Barthalomeo D'Souza celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
7. Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Kargal: Parish priest Fr Lawrence D'Souza celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
8. St Anthony's Church, Karehalli: Fr Alvin Stanislaus and parish priest Fr Santhosh Almeida celebrated Holy Eucharist and blessed the grandparents and elderly.
The celebrations brought together families and communities to honor the wisdom, experience, and love of grandparents, promoting a sense of gratitude and respect for the elderly.