Media Release
Mangaluru, May 28: The parishioners of Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi held a farewell programme in honour of parish priest Fr Ivan D'Souza and Asst parish priest Fr Patrick Lobo on Sunday, May 28.
The 8 am mass was celebrated by the parish priest Fr Ivan D'Souza and concelebrated by Fr Patrick Lobo and Fr Rayan Pinto. After the mass a formal felicitation and farewell ceremony was held in the parish hall. The programme began with a prayer song by altar servers and youth followed by a short stage programme. St Joseph Monastery superior Fr Charles Serrao, Fr Ivan D'Souza, Fr Patrick Lobo, vice president Prakash Saldanha, secretary Elizabeth Pereira were present on the dais.
Secretary Elizabeth Pereira welcomed the gathering. Asst priest Fr Patrick Lobo was honoured, following the felicitation message read by Stella D'Souza. He was felicitated with a shawl, garland, fruits, flower bouquet, man patr and cash. Fr Patrick Lobo in his message thanked everyone for the love and affection he had received from the people in the parish and assured them of his prayers. Fr Rayan Pinto shared his experience and feelings about Fr Ivan and Fr Patrick, having lived with them in the parish. Farewell song was sung by the parish choir team that was so apt to the personalities of both the priests and their good work. Irine Pinto read the felicitation message to parish priest Fr Ivan D'Souza. He was felicitated with a shawl, garland, fruits, flower bouquet, man patr and cash.
Philomena Rasquinha, Lidwin Martis, Meena Pinto, Sharlet Rasquinha and John Fernandes spoke on behalf of catechism teachers, SVP, women's association, the Legion of Mary and gurkars respectively and expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Fr Ivan D'Souza and Fr Patrick Lobo for their selfless service in our parish. Parish priest Fr Ivan D'Souza thanked all the parishioners for their whole hearted cooperation in all the parish activities and assured them of his prayers. St Joseph’s Monastery superior Fr Charles Serrao expressed his word of thanks. He was felicitated with a shawl, flower bouquet and memento. Joseph Mascarenhas compered the programme. Irine Pinto proposed the vote of thanks. Parishioners wished both the outgoing priests. Refreshments were served to all the parishioners present.