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The Secular Carmelite Community of Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi celebrated its Annual Day on Saturday Nov. 3rd, 2018 with a solemn Mass at 5.30 pm.

Rev. Fr. Rayan Pais was the main celebrant, who in his Homily gave a beautiful message of Love being the solution to all the worldly confusion we face and thus gave a call to Love God, fellow human beings and ourselves. It does not suffice to just love the Church but we need to commit ourselves to the church by actively taking part and offering ourselves fully in the service of the church through our talents. Vicar Rev. Fr. Ivan D'souza, Rev Fr. Roshan Pinto and Rev. Fr. Patrick Lobo co - celebrated the mass.

Mass was followed by a cultural programme in the church hall to which Rev. Fr. Rayan Pais was the Chief guest . Rev. Fr. Roshan Pinto , Vicar and Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Ivan D'souza, Rev Fr. Patrick Lobo - Provincial of Secular Carmelite Karnataka - Goa province, Mrs Jane Sequeira, Vice President of the Parish Council Mr. Joseph Mascarenhas, Secretary Mrs. Irene Pinto were other guests on the dias . Ward Gurkars and parishioners were among others present.

The programme started at 7 pm with a prayer song. Rev. Fr. Ivan D'souza welcomed the guests and the gathering after which OCDS Secretary Mrs. Gretta Lobo read the Annual Report. This was followed by prize distribution to all the winners of the annual sports day that was conducted on the 07th of October, 2018 and games conducted at the picnic on 14th October, 2018 respectively. Mrs. Sylvia Mascarenhas read out the names of the winners.

Chief guest, Rev. Fr. Rayan Pais in his speech, gave a message through the life of St. Francis of Assisi that we should proclaim the Word of God not merely by words but more through our actions. Our life should set a good example for others to follow. In today's world where numbers in priestly and religious vocations are decreasing, a lay person has a greater responsibility of working towards proclaiming the word of God. The Secular Carmelite Order for lay people was thus started and this order helps in carrying out this mission. He also expressed contentment on the commitment of the members of the Secular Carmelite Order in carrying out the work of proclaiming God's word through the love of God and others by living in a family and society and that they are fully involving themselves in the work of the Holy Church. He gave a call again in his message to stay committed to the mission of the Holy Church.

Rev. Fr. Ivan D'souza in his message explained that celebrating Annual Day is an opportunity for all the members to come together and work together. The sacrifice and co - operation of all the members only can lead to the success of the programme. On this context, he congratulated all the members of the Secular Carmel for their unity and co- operation and called to partake in the work of the Holy Church through prayer and service and their commitment to the vocation.
The OCDS members exhibited their talents through songs, jokes, dance and skit which received the appreciation of all the guests and audience. The skit "ಹೊ ಕಸಲೊ ಬಾವಾರ್ಥ್!!! " produced and directed by Mrs Stella D'souza impressed the crowd and the outstanding performance of the actors spread humour in the audience.

President of OCDS unit, Bajjodi Mrs. Gracy Fernandes delivered the Vote of Thanks. Mrs. Joyce D'souza compered the programme beautifully. The programme came to an end at around 8.45 pm by singing Marian hymn.