The 5th Annual Feast of Infant Mary Parish, Bajjodi was celebrated with great pomp and fervor on Sunday the 26th of January 2020. 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.
This was followed by The Solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10am., wherein Rev. Fr. Maxim Noronha (Vicar General - Mangalore Diocese), was the main celebrant. Six other priests con celebrated the Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Victor Machado in his message in his message spoke on how to respect Human life and build a united parish family.
The Holy Mass was followed by a Fancy Fete organised by the ICYM members from 11.30 am to 2 pm. There was a very good response from people 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 the end. Their efforts paid off with the Fancy Fete being a grand success.
The parish day celebration at Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi cannot be imagined without a cultural evening to make it eventful and memorable. The Cultural programme began at 6 pm with a prayer song by the choir group followed by a stage programme. Vice President, Mr. Prakash Saldanha extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and all those gathered. Secretary of the Parish Council, Mrs. Irene Pinto presented the Parish Annual Report for the year 2019. The Chief Guest of the evening was Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Rev. Fr. Pius James D’souza. Rev Fr. Patrick Lobo, Vice President of the Parish Council Mr. Prakash Saldanha, Secretary Mrs Irene Pinto, President of the Cultural Committee Mrs. Ashrita Dsouza 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 that belongingness to the parish. He said that he was pleased to be a part of a parish which in just five years has etched an appreciable place in the diocese with its active participation and success in various activities. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions held during the year and the Rolling Shield was awarded to Vailankanni ward for their outstanding performance throughout the year. The 6th Year was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Pius D'souza followed by felicitation to Mr. Joseph Mascarenhas, Ms. Jyotsna Periera, Ms. Angela Moras and Ms. Charishma Rasquinha. The Festive Bonanza lucky draw was held and the names of winners were announced.
Parish Priest Fr. Ivan D’souza thanked the parishioners for their constant support. The stage programme was compered by Mrs. Juliet Fernandes. Rev. Fr. Patrick Lobo proposed the vote of thanks. The cultural programme that followed consisted of Dances by small Children, YCS and ICYM members, and ladies. Santosh, Kiran and team brought in the cheer with a show of jokes. The famous song 'Paulina' was presented by Mr. Lancy Moras & Team. The cultural programme came to an end with a game of Housie Housie and a Baila session. Rikitha Pais compeered the programme.
The “Parish day” celebration was truly a wonderful one that brought all the parishioners together as one family and was much enjoyed and appreciated by all those present.