Mangalore: Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi, came alive with laughter and gratitude as they hosted a grand Elders day celebration in honour of all the Elders of the parish.
The program began with the Holy Mass in the morning. Fr. Michael Morris was the main celebrant who emphasized the Virtues of Joy, vibrancy and activity in the Elders. At the end of the mass all the Elders were anointed with the Holy oil to bring them grace and healing.
It followed with a short cultural program to entertain the Elders in the Church hall. In the beginning the Altar servers performed a prayer dance and invoked the blessings of God. The Assuntha Mendonsa welcomed everyone with her warm and gracious words. Then Fr. Dominic vas, the parish priest, addressed the Elders giving them some guidelines to be happy and healthy. He told them to be self dependent, doing daily exercise and to cultivate the positive attitude in life.
It was followed by a beautiful dance by the Altar servers. Irene pinto and troupe staged a meaningful skit titled “Kutmanth Gotalo “ which brought lot of humour and creativity and at the same time reminding everyone of the joys and sorrows of family life.
Stella D’souza shared her life experiences as an Elder in the group which reminded everyone of their struggles in life as they are growing old.
The benefactors who contributed to the Elders day celebration were thanked and honoured especially Mary Veigas and family, Santosh caterers who sponsored the lunch and snacks in memory of late Augustine veigas. The other benefactors who sponsored the gift were also thanked.
Finally Elizabeth pereira thanked everyone with words of appreciation and gratitude. Fr Dominic vas distributed the gifts as the token of remembrance to all the Elders. Around 150 Elders participated in the celebration. The program concluded with a sumptuous lunch by Santosh caterers. The program was compèred by Gulobi Tauro.
The Elders day celebration was indeed a heartwarming reminder that the Elders are the treasures to be Cherished.