Media release
Mangaluru, Oct 30: Annual memorial service to remember the deceased patients and donor, volunteer appreciation function was held on October 18on Ave Maria premises.
The loved ones of the dearly departed patients paid their respects to the deceased with a candle light vigil. Families of eye and body donors were also honoured on the occasion. In his presidential address, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru diocese said, “In humanity there are no differences of caste or religion. Pain is a universal phenomenon and only when we join hands as members of one family to respond to the pain and sufferings of others, our life’s purpose is fulfilled. Instilling hope and strength is what we have to do.”
Donors, well-wishers and volunteers of Ave Maria were honoured with fruit saplings as a token of appreciation. Dr Wilfred Rodrigues, OCD, superior of Infant Jesus Shrine welcomed the gathering.
Dr Lavina Noronha, director of Ave Maria Palliative Care proposed a vote of thanks. A folk dance and a short skit were enacted by Ave Maria staff.
FM Lobo and team serenaded the gathering. The programme was compeered by Bharathi Shevgoor and ended with a fellowship meal.