By Alphonse Mendonsa
Udupi, Jul 28: The senior citizens of Pangla Parish (Shankerpura) enjoyed thoroughly “Malghadyancho Dees’ organized by Senior citizens Association in collaboration with Pastoral Council and Family Welfare Commission on July 27.
Prior to the social programme, the senior citizens participated in the Holy Mass concelebrated by parish priest Fr Prakash Anil Castelino and assistant parish priest Fr Rolwyn Fernandes . Fr Rolwyn, in his brief homily, narrated the good olden days when the family faced all the struggles of life especially grand parents despite their poverty and hardships, they didn’t loose hope and through their strong will and prayers they took care of their families. "There was a great bond between grandchildren and grandfather. They are our inspiration and hope to live a life of worthy and happiness," he added.
The social gathering commenced with a welcome by parish priest Fr Prakash Anil Castelino welcomed the gathering and congratulated all the senior citizens for attending in large numbers. He said that they are treasure of our parish. One of the key information or advise he gave was to not to part away with their property while they are alive. Enjoy life fully, do not worry too much about the children as they are capable of taking care of themselves. One of the best advise he gave was to constantly communicate with the neighbours as they are the way to heaven, means when the old people need any emergency only people they can rely on is their neighbours as their children will be far off working and rest busy in their own world, so remember to greet the neighbours every day so that the communication is going on which will helps in emergencies.
Vice president of the Pastoral Council John Martis said that the parents with their all-available resources see that their children are well fed and educated. Though they didn’t had the opportunity to go for higher education, they want their children to excel academically and obtain the best jobs and well settled in life. Secondly, he further said that earlier only for mother children used to call Mai because it has an emotional bond and very special significance. However, for the current generation all grand mothers are generally called as Mai which is very unfortunate.
On behalf of senior citizen association, president Mark Vaz spoke and thanked all the people involed in organizing the Senior Citizens Day successfully. He was especially thankful for the family welfare commission, Pastoral Council and Parish Priest. Also, he recognized the help put in by all the senior citizen association members to make this gathering very fruitful. He also especially thanked the main sponsor of the event owner of Jasmine Caterers Robert Fernandes who provided free lunch for the senior citizens and not only that he has promised to provide free of food for the rest of his life every year. He also thanked Francis D’Souza who donated stainless steel plates for the people gathered on the occasion.
To keep occupied Fr Prakash conducted a few games such as naming the parishes dedicated to a particular saint and a few questions from the Bible for which the senior citizens participated enthusiastically. Assistant priests Fr Rolwyn Fernandes and Fr Jessel Cutinho conducted a few entertaining games and finally prizes were distributed to the winners.
To entertain the gathering a few dance performances were presented by girls and Catholic Sabha Members which were thoroughly enjoyed by the senior citizens
A sumptuous lunch was served at the conclusion of the gathering.