Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 31: The Faith Formation Commission of St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, organised the children’s Marian and saints dress competition on Sunday, August 30, at the St Lawrence English Medium School Auditorium. A total of 48 children participated in the competition, held in five categories.

The programme began with a prayer song by the 9th grade students, followed by a welcome address by coordinator teacher Lilia Pinto. Teacher Meena Barboza introduced the judges, Fr Joel Monteiro, assistant parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Bendur, and Sr Cecilia Mendonca of Bethany, Vamanjoor Convent.

The programme was graced by Fr Basil Vas, parish priest; Fr Lawrence Coutinho, assistant parish priest and director of Sunday Catechism; Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; John D’Silva, vice-president of the Parish Pastoral Council; Alwyn Saldanha, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Avitha Mascarenhas, commission coordinator. The dignitaries were welcomed by the teachers with roses.

Fr Basil Vas, parish priest, encouraged the children to grow in faith and follow the example of Mary and the saints. He appreciated the parents for their support and urged them to lead their children by example.

Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School, congratulated the children and parents and highlighted the lives of Mary and the saints as inspirations for Christian living. He reminded the children that prizes are not everything, but the saints and holy figures they portrayed are precious inspirations from God.

The judges appreciated the enthusiasm and talents of the children and encouraged them to practise the virtues of Mary and the saints. The first- and second-place winners in each category were honoured with trophies and cash prizes. The judges were also presented with mementos as a token of appreciation.

The programme was compered by Dr Roshan D’Souza, while teacher Gloria Lobo proposed the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a Thanksgiving Hymn, followed by refreshments.

The joyful and faith-filled competition provided an opportunity for children to learn about Mary and the saints and express their faith through creativity and talent.