Inauguration of Senior Citizens Back

Inauguration of Senior Citizens' Club, Derebail Church, Mangalore 

With the initiative of Rev. Fr. Austin Peris, Parish Priest of Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail, Mangalore, Mr.Edward Coelho, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Parishad, Derebail, organized an inaugural meeting of the Senior Citizens' Club on 19.11.2019 at 4.30PM at Derebail Church Residence Hall.Parishioners of 60 years and above were invited. 

Dr. Austin D’ Souza Prabhu, Indian, Citizen of USA, First Indian District Lion Governor at  Chicago, USA, a Poet, Orator and Editor of Veez Konkani, illustrated Weekly Magaine &  State Illinois, Lions and Leos Monthly Magazine and District 1A Governors Newsletter in Chicago    and  Dr.Devaraj K, Fellow Member of All India Management Association, New Delhi and Director of SDM PG Centre for Management Studies and Research, Mangalore were the Chief Guests. Rev. Fr. Austin Peres,  Dr. Austin D Souza Prabhu, Dr Devaraj K,  Mr. Edward Coelho and Mrs.Lizzie Fernandes, Secretary of Derebail Parish Pastoral Parishad were on the dias.  Mr.Victor Miranda conducted the prayer. Mr. Edward Coelho gave introduction and welcome speech.  Fr. Austin Peter Peres gave the floral welcome to the chief guests. Mr. Edward Coelho introduced Dr.Devaraj K  and Mr.Jerald Castelino introduced Dr.Austin D Souza Prabhu to the august gathering.

Dr.Devaraj while addressing the audience explained Government facilities and various schemes available to Senior Citizens as well Income Tax benefits. He explained how to live happily in elderly days without wasting the time,money and how to keep the relationship alive in the society.  He also said that involving with physical activity, exercise, yoga and maximum participation in the public function makes a Senior Citizen active and young. By addressing the audience Dr. Austin D Souza Prabhu shared his experience in India as well as in USA. He said that senior citizens should be busy with writing, reading, spending time with grand children and social meetings. He also said that living style and eating style should be changed. Regular exercise at least in the form of walks or engaging in work at home should be practiced. Elders should not to depend on children. He also explained the role of Care takers and life security of Senior Citizens. 

At the Presidential address Fr.Austin Peres balanced the information given by the speakers along with  his experience.  He advised the senior citizens not to interfere too much in the life style of children in the family. Just follow the discipline and balance by involving in various good habits, food habits and be prayerful always.

In the open house discussion participants gained more knowledge by  asking questions and clarifications and sharing experience.

Rev. Fr. Austin Peres formed an Ad -hoc Committee of  Seven Members  in which Mr. Edward Coelho elected as Co-ordinator. Mrs. Lizzie Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. The  programme concluded at 7 PM by invoking God's blessings by Fr. Austin Peres. Mr. Victor Correa compered the programme.  

High tea was arranged. Participants were happy and requested to organise such meeting monthly to keep them busy and informative.

Report  & Photo: Edward Coelho J.