Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 24: The Catechism Year 2025–2026, centred on the inspiring theme ‘Faith Formed – Hope Filled,’ came to a joyful conclusion with the Catechism Day celebration held on Sunday, February 22 at St Lawrence Church & Shrine.
The thanksgiving holy Mass at 8:30 am was solemnly celebrated by Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, and concelebrated by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, director of Sunday Catechism.
In his homily on Matthew 4:1–11, Fr Peter reflected on the three temptations of Jesus and reminded the faithful that temptations can be overcome through prayer, trust in god’s word, and faithfulness to the father’s will. The liturgy was prayerfully animated by the catechism students from class 5 to YCS, creating a sacred and uplifting atmosphere. The children’s choir enhanced the Eucharistic celebration with soulful hymns, filling the church with reverence, joy, and spiritual grace.
Prize distribution programme
Following the holy Mass, a short prize distribution programme was held in the auditorium of St Lawrence English Medium School.
The programme began with a prayer song reverently led by the teachers, invoking god’s blessings upon the gathering. Meena Barboza warmly welcomed the dignitaries and the assembly, expressing gratitude for the support and cooperation extended throughout the catechism year. The dignitaries on the dais were respectfully welcomed with a rose as a gesture of love and appreciation.
The dignitaries included:
• Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest
• Fr Lawrence Cutinha, director of Sunday Catechism
• Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal
• John D’Silva, vice president, Parish Pastoral Council
• Alwyn Saldanha, secretary, Parish Pastoral Council
• Avitha Mascarenhas, commission head
• Bro Joel
• Lavina Menezes, Sunday Catechism coordinator
• Elizabeth Pinto, secretary, Sunday Catechism
Elizabeth Pinto presented the annual report, highlighting the various spiritual, academic, and formative activities conducted during the catechism year.
The guest of honour, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, reminded everyone that although Catechism Day marks the conclusion of the academic year, catechism continues in daily life through living and witnessing one’s faith. He expressed sincere appreciation to the teachers for their selfless dedication and thanked Fr Lawrence for his guidance and leadership. He encouraged all to remain rooted in prayer, nourished by god’s word and the sacraments, and to live as true disciples of Christ with love, forgiveness, and compassion.
Prizes were distributed to students who achieved perfect attendance and those who scored above 90% in their examinations. Students who excelled in various Bible-based competitions were also honoured. Their dedication and perseverance were warmly applauded by all.
Jyothi Pais, representing the parents, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the catechism teachers. She acknowledged the positive spiritual growth witnessed in the children and appreciated the priests and teachers for nurturing their faith.
Denith Rodrigues of class 10 shared his experience as a catechism student. He gratefully acknowledged the guidance of the parish priest, assistant priest, and teachers, stating that catechism helped him understand god’s word more deeply, strengthen his prayer life, and shape his values and character.
The catechism teachers were felicitated with gifts in appreciation of their dedicated and selfless service throughout the year.
The programme was compered by Viola, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Sr Sangeetha UMI.
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt thanksgiving hymn, praising god for his abundant blessings throughout the catechism year. As a joyful gesture of fellowship, snacks were distributed to all the children, bringing the day to a grace-filled and happy conclusion.