February 1, 2026: Confraternity Sunday was celebrated with deep devotion and solemnity at Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Jason Lobo, SJ, former Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church. He was ably supported by V. Rev. Fr. Leslie D’Souza, Fr. Rolwyn Joy Aranha, Fr. Anil Rodrigues, Fr. Roshan D’Souza, SDB, Fr. Kiran Nazareth, Rector, Don Bosco Youth Centre, Fr. Royal Fernandes, SDB, Fr. Arvind Sevares, SDB, Parish Priest of Kelmbet, and Fr. Vincent Lobo adding to the spiritual significance of the occasion.

Following the Holy Mass, a reverent procession was held, carrying the Blessed Sacrament from the church premises up to the Shirva Indian Oil petrol bunk and back to the church. The faithful participated prayerfully, witnessing to their devotion and unity. Upon returning to the church, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was solemnly imparted, bringing the liturgical celebrations to a grace-filled conclusion.

After the religious observances, dinner was served to all those who participated in the celebration, fostering fellowship and community spirit. The parish gratefully acknowledges Mr. Godwin Aranha, who generously sponsored the dinner, contributing meaningfully to the joy of the occasion.

The celebration of Confraternity Sunday thus stood as a beautiful expression of faith, devotion, and communal harmony among the parishioners of Shirva.

December 31, 2025: The New Year Eve 2026 was celebrated with deep faith, devotion, and gratitude at Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, as parishioners gathered in large numbers to thank God for the blessings of the past year and seek His guidance for the year ahead.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was led by Rev. Fr. Pius James D’Souza of the Carmelite Order, who served as the Main Celebrant for the occasion. He was joined by Rev. Fr. Vinod Lobo and Rev. Fr. Sunil Monis. The celebration was further enriched by the presence and support of V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, Rev. Fr. Anil Rodrigues, and Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza, SDB, who concelebrated the Mass.

In his homily, the main celebrant reflected on the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, and renewed commitment to Christian values as the parish stepped into the New Year. The liturgy was prayerful and meaningful, creating an atmosphere of unity and hope among the faithful.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, a solemn oath-taking ceremony was held for the newly elected members of the Parish Pastoral Council for the term 2026–2029. The office bearers who took the oath included Vice President Mr. Julian Rodrigues, Secretary Mr. Gilbert Pinto, and Commission Coordinator Mrs. Shalini Corda, along with other council members.

Addressing the gathering, V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Parish Pastoral Council members for their dedicated service, cooperation, and valuable contributions to the growth of the parish during their tenure.

On behalf of the previous council, Past Vice President Mr. Melwyn Aranha addressed the parishioners and conveyed his sincere gratitude to all the faithful of Shirva for their constant support, encouragement, and collaboration throughout his term of service.

The New Year Eve celebration concluded on a note of thanksgiving, unity, and renewed commitment, as the parish entrusted the New Year 2026 and the newly elected council to the loving care of Our Lady of Health.

Pics by Sherwin Rego

 

December 24, 2025: The parish celebrated Christmas Eve with great devotion and festive spirit on December 24. The celebration commenced with melodious Christmas carols at 6:30 p.m., creating a prayerful atmosphere and preparing the faithful for the Holy Eucharist, which began at 7:00 p.m.

The solemn Christmas Eve Mass was the central event of the evening, with Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Cunha, YCS Director, Mangalore Diocese as the main celebrant. He was concelebrated by V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, Rev. Fr. Anil Rodrigues, Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza SDB and Fr. Royal Fernandes SDB. The liturgy was marked by reverence and active participation from the large gathering of parishioners.

Following the Mass, the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) led the congregation in joyful Christmas carol singing. On this occasion, the parish felicitated several individuals in recognition of their dedicated service and leadership: Mr. Anson Nazareth, who served as the National President of YCS/YSM India (2025); Mrs. Maria Jacintha D’Souza, for her selfless voluntary service in various Shirva Deanery activities for over 14 years; Mr. Loyd Noronha, who served as the ICYM Vice President of the Udupi Diocese (2025); Ms. Josita Mendonca, President of ICYM Shirva Deanery (2025); Mr. Shawn Rodrigues, PRO (2025); Mr. Evan Jude D’Souza, Deanery President (2024); and Mr. Delson Furtado, currently elected as the President of ICYM Shirva Deanery (2026).

A Christmas cake auction was conducted by Mr. Loyd Noronha and Mr. Glen Fernandes, ICYM President. The American auction witnessed enthusiastic participation from numerous parishioners, with the final bid reaching ₹35,000, placed by RonLyn Menezes. In addition, ICYM organized a Lucky Coupon draw, offering attractive prizes sponsored by JMJ Electronics and RonLyn Menezes.

The Christmas Eve celebrations saw an overwhelming gathering of over 2,000 faithful, making the occasion a truly memorable and joyous celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The annual feast of Our Lady of Dolours Irmiz Chapel was celebrated with great devotion and solemnity on 22nd and 23rd April 2025.

On 22nd April, the Vespers were held in preparation for the feast. The main celebrant for the Vespers was Fr. Nelson Peris from St Anthony Ashram, who led the prayer service and delivered a reflection on the intercession of Mother Mary and the importance of deepening one’s faith.

The festive Eucharistic celebration was held on 23rd April. The main celebrant for the feast Mass was Fr. Kiran Nazareth, Rector of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva. He was joined by V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, Rev. Fr. Ronson Pinto, and Rev. Fr. Anil Rodrigues.

A large number of faithful gathered for both days to honor Our Lady of Dolours and to seek her blessings. The celebrations concluded soft drink for all the devotees. The ICYM members set up a games stall for fun and entertainment.

The Holy Saturday Easter Vigil was celebrated with great solemnity and joy, marking the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of light over darkness.

The main celebrant for the liturgy was Rev. Fr. Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore. He was joined by V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Rolwyn Aranha, Rev. Fr. Ronson Pinto, and Rev. Fr. Anil Rodrigues.

The celebration began with the blessing of the new fire and the Paschal Candle, followed by the proclamation of the Exsultet. The Liturgy of the Word recalled the history of salvation, culminating in the joyous announcement of the Resurrection.

Rev. Fr. Ronald Serrao delivered a meaningful homily, inviting the faithful to embrace the hope and new life that Easter brings. The celebration continued with the blessing of baptismal water, renewal of baptismal promises, and the solemn Eucharistic celebration.

A large number of parishioners participated in the vigil with devotion, rejoicing in the Risen Lord.