News

The Annual Feast of Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi was celebrated with great pomp and fervor on Sunday the 27th of January 2019. The celebration began with the Felicitation to the sponsors in the church grounds after which a procession was held to the church at 9.30am. The benefactors and sponsors of the feast were honoured with blessed candles by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ivan D'souza at 9.45 am followed by The Solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10am. Rev. Fr. Victor Machado, (Dean - City Deanery) was the main celebrant. Twelve priests con-celebrated the Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Victor Machado in his message requested the youth to focus on Jesus and invited them to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ. As this year has been declared as the 'Year of The Youth', the ICYM members of the parish took the opportunity to conduct the liturgy.

After the Holy Eucharistic Celebration, a Fancy Fete was organised by the ICYM from 11.30 am to 2 pm. There was a big crowd at the fete - relishing the delicacies at the food counters and enthusiastically participating at the games counters. The parish youth exhibited their unity and energy from the beginning to end and indeed their efforts paid off with the fancy fete being a grand success.

The parish day celebration at church cannot be imagined without a cultural evening to make it eventful and memorable. The Cultural programme began with a prayer song by the choir group followed by a stage programme. The President of the Cultural Committee, Mrs. Meena Pinto extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and the audience after which Secretary of the Parish Council, Mrs. Irene Pinto presented the Parish Annual Report for the year 2018. The Chief Guest of the evening was Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Rev. Fr. Pius James D’souza. Superior, St. Joseph’s Monastery Rev. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues & former Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Shabas Crasta, Rev Fr. Patrick Lobo, Vice President of the Parish Council Mr. Joseph Mascarenhas, Secretary Mrs Irene Pinto, President of the Cultural Committee Mrs. Meena Pinto were the others on the dais.

Rev. Fr. Pius Dsouza in his message said that he is proud to say that he belongs to Infant Mary Parish and similarly all need to have belongingness to the parish. He also said that he was pleased to be a part of a parish which is just four years old but has etched an appreciable place in the diocese with its active participation and success in various activities. Rev. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues stressed the need for unity among the parishioners & requested all to render their full support in the church activities. Winners of various competitions were awarded prizes on the occasion. Parish Priest Fr. Ivan D’souza thanked the parishioners for their constant support. The stage programme was compered by Ms. Jonita Rasquinha. Rev. Fr. Patrick Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme concluded with a Tulu Drama ‘Banjig Haakodchi’. The church ground was packed with people of different religions and thus served the purpose of our community in bringing togetherness among all religions. The crowd enjoyed the drama immensely and unremittingly bursted with gales of laughter. Excellent performance, clean comedy and powerful message captured the hearts of audience. It was indeed a great “Parish day” celebration.