Report: Sr Dr Mable D’Mello B S
Mangaluru, Feb 19: The feast of Presentation of the Lord and the concluding day of the year of consecrated life, February 2 was a red letter day in the annals of the diocese of the city, as the Morning Star family Apostalate Center, Attavar was blessed and inaugurated by Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru.
God in His goodness and mercy gave a second calling to Sr Celestine D’Mello while she lived her consecrated life, to accompany couples and individuals to form Christ centered families and to bind, heal and rebuild the sacredness of Christian marriages and family life (including people of other faiths). The fruit of her constant prayer, discernment and zeal for the mission led her to start the new secular association 'Morning Star Secular Association' (MSSA). This association paved a way for God’s mercy to enter into the brokenness of marriage and families through Morning Star Family Apostolate Center, Attavar.
On February 2 at 3.30 pm, the center was inaugurated and blessed by bishop of Mangaluru who appreciated and supported the new and challenging mission started by Sr Celestine, in rebuilding the families which is apt in today's context. This great and unique event was celebrated meaningfully through the solemn Eucharist concelebrated by Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru, along with Fr Valerian Sequeira, judicial vicar of Karwar diocese, Fr William Menezes PRO, parish priest of Milagres Church, Fr Trevor OFM Mysuru, Fr Terence Farias S J the spiritual director, and other religious and diocesan priests. Fr Valerian Sequeira delivered a meaningful homily highlighting the role of family.
After the Eucharistic sacrifice a short felicitation programme was held which was presided over by the bishop. The programme commenced with a welcome song by Laveena Monteiro and Jyothi Dumala, pioneer candidates followed by a dance by children in praise of God. Fr Deep Fernandes OCD gave the significance of the day and compered the whole programme. Fr Anil Fernandes SVD appreciated Sr Celestine for her initiative in reaching out to families through works of mercy and starting the Morning Star Secular Association. He also explained the various steps that were taken during this process and promised support. Fr Terence Farias S J wished them well and congratulated Sr Celestine for responding to the sign of times where Pope Francis called for synod in families.
Sr Celestine spoke of her inspiration and her response to the call of God and the objectives of the center. She thanked the bishop and honoured him for his great contribution of providing a place, financial assistance towards the center and continual guidance and support towards this mission. She also thanked and honoured all those who contributed and supported the mission with a generous heart, her parents Pascal and Cecilia D’Mello Padu Fermai, siblings and Vellankani Constructions - the contractor Richard Rodrigues, Neermarga, the engineer and his team. At the end a sumptuous meal was served to all.
It was indeed a unique and memorable day in the hearts of all those who witnessed this programme.
Ministries at the new centre:
1. Counselling facilities
a. One hour session
b. 2 days residential accompanied counselling
c. Inner healing process
d. Group discussions / dialogue
e. Family reconciliations – workshop
f. Family visits
g. Recollection for couples
h. One day formative programme for pregnant and would be mothers
All services are available on appointment.
Residential telephone no: 0824/4269223
Mobile no: 9448869223
Email: morningstarfac@gmail.com