The 7th of April, 2019 was a memorable day for the laity, religious, youth and the commoners of Shirva as they had gathered together at Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva to celebrate the ‘Taizè’ Prayer Service. Members of ICYM and the YCS had a major role in the partaking of the event. The chief guest was welcomed by the ICYM president, Mr. Godwin Monis. V. Rev. Fr. Denis D’sa gave a heartwarming speech on the success and struggles behind the Taizè. The chief guest of the event, Mr. Derrick Mascarenhas lead the Taizè which indeed brought in the divine presence among the people gathered . Mr. Aaron D’souza , President of the YCS formally presented the vote of thanks for their support and participation. The Taizè had reignited the power of the holy trinity within each one’s heart. The highlight of the event was the unity and the enthusiasm born within the youth who had worked hard for the proper functioning of this years Taizè.

Report by Jerusha Fernandes

Pics by Awesome Creation

 

March 10, 2019: Catechism Day was celebrated at Our Lady of Health Church Shirva at 9:00 AM. The celebration started with mass followed by Cultural Programe at Saudh Sabha Bhavan. There were presentation of Bible stories in the form of skits acted by students from 1st to 10th Standard. V. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa had presided over the function, Fr. Ashwin Aranha, Fr. Mahesh D’Souza, Deacon Noel Macarenhas, Christian Education Animator Mrs. Zanina Lasrado, Members of Parish Council – Mr. Wilson D’Souza, Mrs Leena Machado, Mr. Melwyn Aranha were present. Prizes were distributed to the students for scoring highest marks in catechism exam, maintaining the note book and to those who had 100% attendance. Superiors of the convent were also present during this program. Catechism teachers were also felicitated during this program for their selfless service on Sundays for teaching students. The whole program was coordinated by Fr. Ashwin Aranha and Mrs. Zarina Lasrado. Snacks were distribute to all. Parents of the students also witnessed the program. Ms. Avni Ferrao and Mr. Melwyn D’Souza compered the program and Ms. Rianna D’Souza proposed the formal vote of thanks.

Report by Mrs. Zarina Lasrado & Fr. Ashwin Aranha

Photos: Awesome Creations

March 3, 2019: Our Lady of Health Church organised a youth meet ‘YUVA MILAN’ to all the youth of the parish. The celebration began during 7:15 AM mass where the liturgy was conducted by the youth followed by oath taking ceremony as this year is dedicated to the youth. After mass, there was a get together to all the youths at Saudh Sabha Bhavan. Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes, Assistant Parish Priest, Pangla Parish was the resource person. The programme began with lighting of the lamp. V. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Rev. Fr. Mahesh D’Souza, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Aranha, Deacon Noel Mascarenhas, Mr. Wilson D’Souza (Vice Preseident, PPC and Animator, ICYM), Mr. Melwyn Aranha, Sr. Hilda (Superior of Auxillium Convent) Yuva Ayog Coordinator Ms. Jane Mendonca and members of Yuva Ayog Commission, Mr. Aldon (President, ICYM), Mr. Aaron (President, YCS) and all the members of ICYM and YCS were present during this programme. Around 100 youth of the parish participated in this programme.

  

 

February 11: Shirva parishioners celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes with great devotion. The celebration started with Rosary at IRMIZ Church (Our Lady of Dolours) followed by mass. Rev. Dr. Praveen Leo Lasrado (Professor, St. Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru) was the chief celebrant. Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Lewis (Parish Priest, Mudarangadi), Rev. Fr. Anand Noronha (Rector, St. Don Bosco, Kelmbet), V. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa (Parish Priest, Shirva), Rev. Fr. Mahesh D’Souza (Asst. Parish, Shirva), Rev. Fr. Ashwin Aranha (Asst. Parish, Shirva) and Deacon Noel Mascarenhas were present during the celebration.

After mass, the candle light procession was held from IRMIZ Church to Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva through the Shirva main town. Around 1500 people participated in this procession with devotion. There was a tableau depicting the scene from the apparition of Mother Mary to Bernadette. The whole proceedings were organised in front of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Fr. Praveen Leo Lasrado in his sermon highlighted the importance of Mother Mary in our family and why do we worship her. The celebration was concluded with the words of gratitude by V. Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa.

Pics by Grynal Shirva & Awesome Creations