Golden Jubilee Celebration Of The Parish Pastoral Parishad

As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, Derebail Parish celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its Parish Pastoral Parishad on Saturday 3rd December 2022 with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at 5 pm. This was followed by a celebratory function in the Banquet hall for which all the past Vice- Presidents and Secretaries of the Parish Council and past Gurkars, together with the members of the present Parish Council were invited. Mr John D’Silva, Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Council was the Guest of Honour.

Members of the Children’s Choir recited the opening prayer song. The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis then welcomed the guests and thanked everyone for their dedicated service in various capacities over the last fifty years.

PPP Vice-presidents and Secretaries of the past 50 years, and all ex-gurkars were then felicitated, culminating with the honouring of all the present parish council members.

On behalf of past Vice-Presidents and Gurkars, Mr Vincent Castelino expressed his sentiments about the varied experiences of serving the parish.
Mr John D’Silva expressed his desire that the new Parish Council should focus on listening to the voice of parishioners, encourage and appreciate the women of the parish, especially those who are actively serving, and also to encourage the youth to come forward in taking leadership and participating actively in the parish and parish council.

On a lighter note, the YCS youth presented a vibrating dance number. Mrs Sheela D’Souza thanked everyone present and wished them good health and happiness in days to come.

Mrs Felcy Lobo compered the programme. Fr Gerald Pinto prayed over the food and all present partook in the fellowship meal.

Report by: Gaulbert Pais
Pictures: Simon Pereira