Bejai parish centenary celebrations come to an end

Bejai parish centenary celebrations come to an end

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 15, 2012 : A grand valedictory ceremony marked the end of the centenary celebrations of St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Bejai on Oct 14, Sunday.

A thanksgiving mass was first held with Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangalore Diocese, as the chief celebrant. The bishop then inaugurated the new Adoration Chapel and blessed the brand new grotto of Mary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A formal stage ceremony was held after the mass with Charles Lobo, former parishioner of Bejai and postmaster general of Goa, as the chief guest.

In his address, Charles Lobo said that he was the first parishioner of Bejai to get into the civil services 22 years back. He advised parishioners to get into government jobs and work for the development of the country.

Recalling his early days in the parish, he said that prominent parishioners such as Mick Max and others had inspired him a great deal. Remembering Fr. Bernard D’Souza, the former parish priest, he said that Fr. D’Souza had worked hard for the development of the parish.

Fr. Victor Machado, parish priest of Bejai, presided over the event. Addressing the gathering, he thanked all involved and said that this grand event could be held because of the generosity of sponsors.

Among the dignitaries on the dais were Fr. Anil Roshan Lobo, Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Charlotte Patrao, and Fr. Richard D’Souza.

A PowerPoint on the achievements of Bejai Parish over the past 100 years was shown. Later, a musical play on the life of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of the Church, was also presented. A choir of 100 singers sang a special jubilee song.

Former parish priests, assistant priests, ward gurkars, vice presidents, and church association presidents were also honored on this occasion. Donors and individual achievers were also honored.

On Oct 13, Saturday, tableaux depicting stories from Christian culture, the Bible, the Bejai church, and Christmas was taken from Circuit House to the premises of the church. More than 1000 people took part in it.