Media Release
Moodbidri, Sep 24: The Women’s Commission of St Matthew deanery organized a special Nativity Feast get-together at Corpus Christi Church Hall, Moodbidri, on Sunday, September 21. The event brought together women cell members from across the deanery with the aim of fostering unity, joy, and family spirit.
The programme commenced with a prayer led by the women of Saverapura unit, invoking God’s blessings and setting a spiritual atmosphere. Fun games followed, creating a lively and relaxed environment that encouraged bonding and fellowship.
The formal stage programme began with Ida Menezes, president of the Moodbidri deanery Women’s Commission, escorting the dignitaries to the dais. The chief guest for the occasion was Fr Onil D’Souza, vicar forane of Moodbidri deanery. He was joined by Fr Elias D’Souza, spiritual director of the Women’s Commission, Wilma Crasta, secretary, and Leena Pinto, former president.
The dignitaries were welcomed with roses, after which rice grains were ceremoniously poured into the traditional granary, symbolizing the spirit of the Nativity celebration. The highlight of the event was the felicitation of Rajesh D’Souza, Kadalakere, who was recently nominated as a member of the Kannada Jagrathi Committee by the Government of Karnataka. He was felicitated by the Pastoral Council of St Matthew deanery and honoured by dignitaries including Manohar, secretary of the deanery pastoral council.
The winners of the morning games were awarded prizes, and Neetha from Belvai parish added a literary touch by reciting her self-composed poem on women. Dignitaries, including Fr Onil D’Souza and Fr Elias D’Souza, addressed the gathering and lauded the women for their contributions to family, parish, and community life. Other priests present included Fr Ronald D’Souza (Gantalkatte), Fr Gregory D’Souza (Hospet), and Fr Daniel D’Souza (Siddakatte).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Wilma Crasta. Mabel D’Costa compered the event. A traditional vegetarian meal, lovingly prepared by the 14 units of the Women’s Association and served to 300 participants on plantain leaves, marked the finale.