Patron St Sebastian’s feast was celebrated in Bendur parish on January 22. The parish priest Fr Antony Serrao distributed candles to the sponsors, well-wishers, parish council members, ward heads and ward representatives.
Former parish priest Fr Peter Noronha concelebrated the mass with 14 priests. Fr Vincent Monteiro in his homily said, ” A family is not a building nor any commodity but it is the strong relationship between human beings. The family will not stay because of wife and husband or daughter and mother or father and son but it is based on the strong bond of love and care for one another. We cannot be in a family only to fulfil our desire or to get financial help but we build a family to stay in unity, love, care and forgiveness. When a family have all these qualities it will help to lead a happy life.”
He compared the love and affection to the fresh food because “when we have fresh food we get pleasure and if the food is rotten then it will not be fit to be served. To strengthen the bond in the family and to live happily by accepting the mistakes and forgiving others. St Sebastian is the patron of Bendur parish and he taught us to live as one family. Today, when we are celebrating his feast, we show that we are one family, one community and one parish. He encouraged us to live as one family,” he added. Fr Antony Serrao delivered the vote of thanks.
A cultural programme held in the evening in St Sebastian platinum jubilee hall. The programme began with an invocation by the Bethany sisters. Parish council vice president Ronald Walder welcomed the gathering. Secretary Laveena John presented the annual report of the parish.
Rector of Jeppu Seminary Fr Joseph Martis addressing the gathering said that Bendur parishioners have unity and they have built one community in the parish. Bendur parish has many talents and they have brought laurels. Further he said that parish means a Christian community and the parishioners are the members of the community and Bendur parishioners have shown strong unity and solidarity.
Following eight parishioners were felicitated on the occasion for their achievements in various fields with shawl, garland and fruits by Fr Antony Serrao.
Stanley D’Costa – Literature
Vincent Prakash Carlo – Sports
Philomena Lobo – Education
Violet Pereira – Media – www.mangalorean.com
Richard Rodrigues – Enterpreneur
Floric Lobo – Education
C T J Gonsalves – Professional
Prof Patrick Tauro – Education
All the ward heads who rendered their service for more than 10 years were felicitated on the occasion. Prizes were distributed to the winners in various sports held by the parish. Fr Antony Serrao released the book “From the Heart” authored by Oric Pinto on the occasion.
Jugul Saldanha compered the programme. Fr Anil delivered the vote of thanks.