Parish Day Celebrations at Most Holy Redeemer Church, 2024

Parish Day Celebrations at Most Holy Redeemer Church, 2024 Back

Parish Day Celebrations at Most Holy Redeemer Church, 2024

On the joyous occasion of Parish Day, the parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail gathered together as one big family on 27 January, 2024. The parishioners waited for the 'Phirgaziso Dees' with great anticipation and began preparations accordingly.

The celebration began with the Holy Mass at 4.30 pm in the Church grounds. The grand entry procession was led by the brass band followed by the Gurkars who placed a flower at the altar symbolising the ward and its petals representing the families in the ward. Thereafter, the procession continued with the members of Extra-Ordinary Ministry, the Altar boys and the Priests. The main celebrant for the occasion was Rev. Fr. Prakash Dsouza, Director of St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor. The Parish Priest Rev. Fr.Joseph Martis and Associate Parish Priest Fr Kevin Dsouza concelebrated the mass.

Fr. Prakash began the Holy Mass reminding the clergy - that this day is to renew the mission entrusted to each one. Further, in the homily, Fr. Prakash emphasized that although a parish comprises of people from diverse backgrounds and mindset, all are a part of the same family. He recalled how the initial Catholic community came together to pray, share, praise God and sacrifice. He added how the numbers increased, and faith strengthened.
He said, "We are one body with many members – as like the parts. We have different responsibilities and need to be responsible about it. We cannot live separately, and a part cannot consider itself as independent of the body."
In conclusion, he prompted that whatever we do – we Praise God. He stressed the need to always be happy and grateful.

The church choir beautifully sang the hymns and aided the people pray.
Fr.Joseph made the announcements and Fr. Kevin read out the names of Ward Gurkars and representatives to come forward and collect the ‘Manachi Vaath’ from the Parish priest on behalf of their wards. Similarly, the Association Presidents were handed the ‘Manachi Vaath’.
Platinum, Gold & Silver certificates were handed to the individuals for the support extended by purchasing 100, 50 and 30 lucky draw coupons.
In the meantime, volunteers served refreshments to the people at their seats.
The recessional hymn of the Eucharistic celebration – the church patron’s hymn ‘Saiba Salvadora’ was sung by the choir.
A memorable picture was clicked with the Main celebrant, Parish priests, Parish pastoral council Vice President and Secretary, 21 commissions co-ordinator and Ward gurkars.

The stage programme began after a short break. Mr. Avinash Dsouza as the compere welcomed everyone.
Jessica, Evangel and Tianna symbolically welcomed the gathering with a classical dance.

The Dignitaries, Fr.Prakash Dsouza, Fr.Joseph Martis and Fr.Kevin Dsouza along with Parish Pastoral Council Vice President Mrs Shella Dsouza, Secretary Mr Denzil Pinto and 21 Commissions co-ordinator Mr Anil Patrao were escorted to the dias. Fr.Joseph Martis welcomed the gathering and gave his keynote address. He spoke on his experiences as the parish priest of Derebail Parish. On a jubilant note, he reminded the parishioners that parish has completed 85 years. He exclaimed how Fr Prakash on meeting him remarked that he was the ‘Praish priest of the richest parish in Mangalore Diocese’ and in response Fr Joseph acknowledged the same stating Derebail parish is rich not in terms of money but also in terms of brotherhood and all the good work that is happening through the service of the people of this church. Fr. Joseph congratulated and blessed the parishioners towards the end of his speech.

Fr. Prakash, the Chief Guest of the programme said he was happy to call himself a friend of the senior priest and dynamic person - Fr Jospeh Martis. In his message he stated that the day was of joy and evaluation. He asked the people of the parish to stay united and continue the good work.

The lucky draw of the coupons was then drawn and the coupon numbers of the winners of Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and two consolation prizes of Rs 5,000 were announced. This was followed by the prize distribution of the recently conducted Devotional Hymns Competition organised by the Church Choir. The overall champions trophy was awarded at the end.

The stage programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Mrs. Sheela Dsouza.
Soon afterwards, the cultural programme began with a dance from Altar boys and Marian Sodality which was a great start. A melodious traditional Konkani Mando singing by the youth followed. Royson and team performed a dance on contemporary music. A dance by young and energetic ladies on a Konkani song on Mog (love) with three comedy items in between these, performances by Mellu and team made the crowd laugh till their stomach hurt.

This wonderful occasion concluded with a sumptuous meal prepared by the parishioners with help of Family caterers. The tasty meal was served at multiple counters managed by the volunteers. The brass band played joyful Konkani numbers. A few singers came forward and sang songs to the beat of the band. Dancers, young and old supported them.
Indeed, it was a joyful and uniting day for Derebail parishioners.

Report by: Kevin Suares
Pictures: Simon Pereira